Changes in the metabolic composition of storage solution with prolonged cold ischemia of the uterus.

INTRODUCTION: The development of uterine transplantation (UTx) from deceased donors requires knowledge of the tolerance of the uterus to prolonged cold ischemia (CI). This can be evaluated through the use of biological parameters to assess degradation of the organ between its procurement and transplantation. The objective of this study was to analyze changes in the metabolic composition of the storage solution in cases of prolonged CI in uteri from ewes. METHODS: Eighteen uterine auto-transplantations were performed in ewes. CI time was 1 h (T1) or 24 h (T24). Samples of Celsior® were taken when the explanted uterus was flushed (T0) and at the end of CI. A dual approach to metabolic analyses was followed: targeted biochemical analyses targeting several predefined metabolites and non-targeted metabolomics analyses based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). RESULTS: Metabolic analyses were performed on 16 explanted uteri. Metabolomic profiles differed significantly between T1 and T24 (p = 0.003). Hypoxia-associated degradation of the organ was demonstrated by the significantly higher lactate levels at T24 than at T1 (p < 0.05), accompanied by cell lysis, and significantly higher levels of creatine kinase activity in T24 than in T1 uteri (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress increased over time, with a significantly higher oxidized glutathione/glutathione ratio for T24 than for T1 uteri (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The metabolic results indicate a significant degradation of the uterus during 24 h of CI. Metabolic analysis of the storage solution could be used as a non-invasive tool for evaluating uterine degradation during CI before transplantation.

Contribution of large pig for renal ischemia-reperfusion and transplantation studies: the preclinical model.

Animal experimentation is necessary to characterize human diseases and design adequate therapeutic interventions. In renal transplantation research, the limited number of in vitro models involves a crucial role for in vivo models and particularly for the porcine model. Pig and human kidneys are anatomically similar (characterized by multilobular structure in contrast to rodent and dog kidneys unilobular). The human proximity of porcine physiology and immune systems provides a basic knowledge of graft recovery and inflammatory physiopathology through in vivo studies. In addition, pig large body size allows surgical procedures similar to humans, repeated collections of peripheral blood or renal biopsies making pigs ideal for medical training and for the assessment of preclinical technologies. However, its size is also its main drawback implying expensive housing. Nevertheless, pig models are relevant alternatives to primate models, offering promising perspectives with developments of transgenic modulation and marginal donor models facilitating data extrapolation to human conditions.

Anti-thrombin therapy during warm ischemia and cold preservation prevents chronic kidney graft fibrosis in a DCD model.

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is pivotal for renal fibrosis development via peritubular capillaries injury. Coagulation represents a key mechanism involved in this process. Melagatran (M), a thrombin inhibitor, was evaluated in an autotransplanted kidney model, using Large White pigs. To mimic deceased after cardiac death donor conditions, kidneys underwent warm ischemia (WI) for 60 min before cold preservation for 24 h in University of Wisconsin solution. Treatment with M before WI and/or in the preservation solution drastically improved survival at 3 months, reduced renal dysfunction related to a critical reduction in interstitial fibrosis, measured by Sirius Red staining. Tissue analysis revealed reduced expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and activation level of its effectors phospho-Smad3, Smad4 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) after M treatment. Fibrinolysis activation was also observed, evidenced by downregulation of PAI-1 protein and gene expression. In addition, M reduced S100A4 expression and vimentin staining, which are markers for epithelial mesenchymal transition, a major pathway to chronic kidney fibrosis. Finally, expression of oxidative stress markers Nox2 and iNOS was reduced. We conclude that inhibition of thrombin is an effective therapy against IRI that reduces chronic graft fibrosis, with a significantly positive effect on survival.

6E11, a highly selective inhibitor of Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase 1, protects cells against cold hypoxia-reoxygenation injury.

Necroptosis is a programmed cell death pathway that has been shown to be of central pathophysiological relevance in multiple disorders (hepatitis, brain and cardiac ischemia, pancreatitis, viral infection and inflammatory diseases). Necroptosis is driven by two serine threonine kinases, RIPK1 (Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase 1) and RIPK3, and a pseudo-kinase MLKL (Mixed Lineage Kinase domain-Like) associated in a multi-protein complex called necrosome. In order to find new inhibitors for use in human therapy, a chemical library containing highly diverse chemical structures was screened using a cell-based assay. The compound 6E11, a natural product derivative, was characterized as a positive hit. Interestingly, this flavanone compound: inhibits necroptosis induced by death receptors ligands TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor) or TRAIL (TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand); is an extremely selective inhibitor, among kinases, of human RIPK1 enzymatic activity with a nM Kd; has a non-ATP competitive mode of action and a novel putative binding site; is weakly cytotoxic towards human primary blood leukocytes or retinal pigment epithelial cells at effective concentrations; protects human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) from cold hypoxia/reoxygenation injury more effectively than necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) and Nec-1s. Altogether, these data demonstrate that 6E11 is a novel potent small molecular inhibitor of RIPK1-driven necroptosis.

[Cannabis and road crashes: a survey of recent French studies]. / Cannabis et accidents de la voie publique: résultats des dernières études françaises.

The clarification of the mechanisms of action of cannabis and its effects on motor and cognitive functions, the results of previous studies performed on driving simulators and closed or open-road driving trials, are important criteria for highlighting the increased risk of road crashes for drivers after a recent use of cannabis. In addition epidemiological studies allow to measure the magnitude of the problem. A survey of French epidemiological studies performed from 1999 to 2004, as well as the data of THC distribution in tissues studies performed on man and animal allowed us to draw a number of conclusions. The risk of road crash after a recent use of cannabis is increased by more than 2.4 in all studies. The prevalence of cannabis use in drivers involved in a road crash has dramatically increased during the last years. For methodological reasons (a too high threshold for THC positivity, a too long time delay between accident and blood sampling), the annual number of fatal cases induced by a cannabis use was likely underestimated. This assessment is consistent with recent data which indicate that THC could be still present in brain while absent in blood. A positivity threshold for THC in blood of 0.5 ng/mL would be more appropriated. So, all recent French studies highlighted that a recent use of cannabis impairs driving ability and that it would be advisable to intensify roadside testing for drugs of abuse.

Feed allowance-genotype interactions in broiler breeder hens.

Ad libitum feeding reduces livability and reproductive fitness in broiler breeder hens. Two genotypes, a standard (S) and an experimental dwarf broiler breeder (E), were fed ad libitum (SA and EA, respectively), restricted at 55% of ad libitum feed intake (intermediate restriction) from 6 to 15 wk of age (SI and EI, respectively), or restricted (SR and ER, respectively) to match a standard growth curve with a diluted mash feed (2,400 kcal/kg). The experiment was repeated at 2 locations (experiment 1 = 672 hens in pens from 0 to 40 wk; experiment 2 = 420 hens in pens and cages from 0 to 53 wk). Feed restriction reduced adult BW by 20% compared with ad libitum feeding, delayed sexual maturity by 2 to 4 wk, and improved livability. Hens fed the intermediate diet immediately compensated after 15 wk of age to reach BW, sexual maturity, and livability close to those of ad libitum-fed hens. The E genotype exhibited better tolerance to ad libitum feeding than the S genotype in all measured aspects. Average laying rate during the first 24 wk of lay was 66.4, 77.4, 69.9, 47.2, 57.9, and 72.4% for EA, EI, ER, SA, SI, and SR respectively in experiment 2. Egg abnormalities (double yolk, shell problems) decreased after the peak of lay but remained consistently higher for S compared with E, and for ad libitum and intermediate diets compared with the restricted diet. Yolk deposition rate was measured by a double dye technique. Duration of yolk rapid growth was 8.8 d in E and 9.3 d in S hens (P < 0.001), but this difference did not explain the observed variations in laying rate. The potential to increase feed allowances even with a diluted diet in broiler breeder hens requires adapted genotypes.

Evaluation of early regenerative processes in a preclinical pig model of acute kidney injury.

Renal failure due to ischemic injury is a common denominator of various clinical situations in critically ill patients. This study was designed to characterize the TPSO/Cholesterol synthesis and cell division pathways in response to different levels of ischemia. Porcine kidneys were subjected to either 60 min-warm ischemia (WI) or auto-transplanted after cold storage for 24 h at 4°C (CS), or both conditions (WI+CS), pathway activation and function were evaluated at 3 h, 3 and 7 days after reperfusion. CS combined to WI affects renal functions indicating a high degree of injury. During the first week of reperfusion, renal levels of free and esterified cholesterol, major cellular components, increased in CS group with an attenuated production when WI was associated. CS and WI+CS groups exhibited an elevated expression of cell cycle induction markers such as PCNA and stathmin. TSPO expression was highest in groups with the lowest injury, and correlated with kidney outcome, revealing its potential for diagnosis.

Protective role of selectin ligand inhibition in a large animal model of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Experiments in rodents have demonstrated an important role for selectins in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). However, the relevance of this in larger mammals, as well as the impact on long-term structure and function is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that small molecule selectin ligand inhibition attenuates IRI, cellular inflammation, and long-term effects on renal interstitial fibrosis. We used a porcine model of kidney IRI and used Texas Biotechnology Corporation (TBC)-1269, a selectin ligand inhibitor. Renal function, tissue inflammation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis development were evaluated up to 16 weeks. Both warm and cold ischemia models were studied for relevance to native and transplant kidney injury. Pigs treated with TBC-1269 during 45 min of warm ischemia (WI) showed significantly increased glomerular filtration rate compared to control animals. In pigs with severe IRI (WI for 60 min), TBC-1269 treatment during IRI significantly increased renal recovery. Cellular inflammation was strongly reduced, particularly influx of CD4 cells. Quantitative measurement of fibrosis by picrosirius red staining showed strong reduction in TBC-1269-treated groups. TBC-1269 also reduced cold IRI, inflammation, and fibrosis in kidneys preserved for 24 h at 4 degrees C and autotransplanted. The selectin ligand inhibitor TBC-1269 provides a novel and effective approach to attenuate IRI in both warm and cold ischemia in large mammals, in both short and long terms. Selectin ligand inhibition is an attractive strategy for evaluation in human kidney IRI.