Detection of significant SNP associated with production and oil quality traits in interspecific oil palm hybrids using RARSeq.

A RARSeq based Association mapping study was performed in a population of 104 Elaeis oleifera x E. guineensis hybrids of five origins with the aim of finding functional markers associated to six productive and 19 oil quality traits. For this purpose mRNA of each genotype was isolated and double stranded cDNA was synthesized. Following digestion with two restriction enzymes and adapter ligation, a size selected pool of barcoded amplicons was produced and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. The obtained sequences were processed with a "snakemake" pipeline, filtered and missing values were imputed. For all traits except two significant effects of the origin was observed. Genetic diversity analyses revealed high variability within origins and an excess of heterozygosity in the population. Two GLM models with Q matrix or PCA matrix as covariates and two MLM models incorporating in addition a Kinship matrix were tested for genotype-phenotype associations using GAPIT software. Using unadjusted p values (< 0.01) 78 potential associations were detected involving 25 SNP and 20 traits. When applying FDR multiple testing with p < 0.05, 25 significant associations remained involving eight SNP and six quality traits. Four SNP were located in genes with a potential relevant biological meaning.

Association Mapping Between Candidate Gene SNP and Production and Oil Quality Traits in Interspecific Oil Palm Hybrids.

Oil palm production is gaining importance in Central and South America. However, the main species Elaeis guineensis (Eg) is suffering severely from bud rod disease, restricting the potential cultivation areas. Therefore, breeding companies have started to work with interspecific Elaeis oleifera × Eg (Eo × Eg) hybrids which are tolerant to this disease. We performed association studies between candidate gene (CG) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and six production and 19 oil quality traits in 198 accessions of interspecific oil palm hybrids from five different origins. For this purpose, barcoded amplicons of initially 167 CG were produced from each genotype and sequenced with Ion Torrent. After sequence cleaning 115 SNP remained targeting 62 CG. The influence of the origins on the different traits was analyzed and a genetic diversity study was performed. Two generalized linear models (GLM) with principle component analysis (PCA) or structure (Q) matrixes as covariates and two mixed linear models (MLM) which included in addition a Kinship (K) matrix were applied for association mapping using GAPIT. False discovery rate (FDR) multiple testing corrections were applied in order to avoid Type I errors. However, with FDR adjusted p values no significant associations between SNP and traits were detected. If using unadjusted p values below 0.05, seven of the studied CG showed potential associations with production traits, while 23 CG may influence different quality traits. Under these conditions the current approach and the detected candidate genes could be exploited for selecting genotypes with superior CG alleles in Marker Assisted Selection systems.

Ozone therapy: clinical and basic evidence of its therapeutic potential.

Ozone has recently been subjected to criticism and emphasis in relation to clinical efficacy and toxicity, respectively. Without a doubt, ozone, in common with oxygen itself, is one of the most potent oxidants. Ozone is considered one of the major pollutants in urban areas. Nevertheless, increasingly widespread use lately has highlighted the potential benefits as a therapeutic agent when used according to well-defined and safe protocols. Basic studies conducted following rigorous scientific and ethical criteria have been proposed for scientific discussion. This paper concerns original data on an in vivo model of Parkinson's disease and published data on the effect of low ozone doses with any risk of toxicity excluded with the concentrations commonly used in medical applications.

Effects of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nimesulide on cerebral infarction and neurological deficits induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor nimesulide has a remarkable protective effect against different types of brain injury including ischemia. Since there are no reports on the effects of nimesulide on permanent ischemic stroke and because most cases of human stroke are caused by permanent occlusion of cerebral arteries, the present study was conducted to assess the neuroprotective efficacy of nimesulide on the cerebral infarction and neurological deficits induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in the rat. METHODS: Ischemia was induced by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats, via surgical insertion of a nylon filament into the internal carotid artery. Infarct volumes (cortical, subcortical and total) and functional recovery, assessed by neurological score evaluation and rotarod performance test, were performed 24 h after pMCAO. In initial experiments, different doses of nimesulide (3, 6 and 12 mg/kg; i.p) or vehicle were administered 30 min before pMCAO and again at 6, 12 and 18 h after stroke. In later experiments we investigated the therapeutic time window of protection of nimesulide by delaying its first administration 0.5-4 h after the ischemic insult. RESULTS: Repeated treatments with nimesulide dose-dependently reduced cortical, subcortical and total infarct volumes as well as the neurological deficits and motor impairment resulting from permanent ischemic stroke, but only the administration of the highest dose (12 mg/kg) was able to significantly (P < 0.01) diminish infarct volume. The lower doses failed to significantly reduce infarction but showed a beneficial effect on neurological function. Nimesulide (12 mg/kg) not only reduced infarct volume but also enhanced functional recovery when the first treatment was given up to 2 h after stroke. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that nimesulide protects against permanent focal cerebral ischemia, even with a 2 h post-treatment delay. These findings have important implications for the therapeutic potential of using COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of stroke.

Therapeutic efficacy of ozone in patients with diabetic foot.

Oxidative stress is suggested to have an important role in the development of complications in diabetes. Because ozone therapy can activate the antioxidant system, influencing the level of glycemia and some markers of endothelial cell damage, the aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ozone in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic feet and to compare ozone with antibiotic therapy. A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed with 101 patients divided into two groups: one (n = 52) treated with ozone (local and rectal insufflation of the gas) and the other (n = 49) treated with topical and systemic antibiotics. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by comparing the glycemic index, the area and perimeter of the lesions and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and endothelial damage in both groups after 20 days of treatment. Ozone treatment improved glycemic control, prevented oxidative stress, normalized levels of organic peroxides, and activated superoxide dismutase. The pharmacodynamic effect of ozone in the treatment of patients with neuroinfectious diabetic foot can be ascribed to the possibility of it being a superoxide scavenger. Superoxide is considered a link between the four metabolic routes associated with diabetes pathology and its complications. Furthermore, the healing of the lesions improved, resulting in fewer amputations than in control group. There were no side effects. These results show that medical ozone treatment could be an alternative therapy in the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Effect of increase of dietary micronutrient intake on oxidative stress indicators in HIV/AIDS patients.

Several recent studies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients have identified micronutrient deficiencies as affecting progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and death. Although the mechanisms are not known, micronutrient deficiencies may exacerbate the oxidative stress induced by HIV. In addition, infection and its evolution likely lead to an increased requirement for nutritional micronutrients, especially antioxidants. To evaluate this, 40 relatively healthy, institutionalized HIV-infected individuals were recruited for assessment before or three months after fresh fruit and vegetable supply were increased due to seasonal supply. Seven-day dietary records were recorded at the beginning (December) and end of the three-month study period (March). Oxidative stress indices and CD4+, CD38+/CD8+, and CD95+ T-lymphocyte subsets were also measured at these times. No significant differences were found in calorie or protein intake across the study period, but vitamin A, C, and E intakes all increased. A number of redox indicators were modified (increase: total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione; and decrease: superoxide dismutase) during the study period. However, no change in malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides, or DNA damage was noted but a significant reduction in CD38+/CD8+ relative count was seen. Within the context and limitations of this study, the increase of dietary fruits and vegetables intake for three months had some beneficial effects on nutrition, systemic redox balance, and immune parameters in HIV-infected persons.

Arresting progressive atherosclerosis by immunization with an anti-glycosaminoglycan monoclonal antibody in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Atherogenesis is associated with the early retention of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the arterial intima by interaction with glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-side chains of proteoglycans. Retained LDL undergo reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidation. Oxidized LDL trigger oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, contributing to atherosclerosis development. Recently, we reported the preventive anti-atherogenic properties of the chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody (mAb) chP3R99-LALA, which were related to the induction of anti-chondroitin sulfate antibody response able to inhibit chondroitin sulfate dependent LDL-enhanced oxidation. In the present work, we aimed at further investigating the impact of chP3R99-LALA mAb vaccination on progressive atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (apoE(-/-)) fed with a high-fat high-cholesterol diet receiving 5 doses (50 µg) of the antibody subcutaneously, when ~5% of the aortic area was covered by lesions. Therapeutic immunization with chP3R99-LALA mAb halted atherosclerotic lesions progression. In addition, aortic OS was modulated, as shown by a significant (p<0.05) reduction of lipid and protein oxidation, preservation of antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced glutathione, together with a decrease of nitric oxide levels. chP3R99-LALA mAb immunization also regulated aortic NF-κB activation, diminishing the proinflammatory IL1-ß and TNF-α gene expression as well as the infiltration of macrophages into the arterial wall. The therapeutic immunization of apoE(-/-) with progressive atheromas and persistent hypercholesterolemia using chP3R99-LALA mAb arrested further development of lesions, accompanied by a decrease of aortic OS and NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression. These results contribute to broaden the potential use of this anti-GAG antibody-based immunotherapy as a novel approach to target atherosclerosis at different phases of progression.

Delayed treatment with nimesulide reduces measures of oxidative stress following global ischemic brain injury in gerbils.

Metabolism of arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase is one of the primary sources of reactive oxygen species in the ischemic brain. Neuronal overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 has recently been shown to contribute to neurodegeneration following ischemic injury. In the present study, we examined the possibility that the neuroprotective effects of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nimesulide would depend upon reduction of oxidative stress following cerebral ischemia. Gerbils were subjected to 5 min of transient global cerebral ischemia followed by 48 h of reperfusion and markers of oxidative stress were measured in hippocampus of gerbils receiving vehicle or nimesulide treatment at three different clinically relevant doses (3, 6 or 12 mg/kg). Compared with vehicle, nimesulide significantly (P<0.05) reduced hippocampal glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation, as assessed by the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-alkenals (4-HDA) and lipid hydroperoxides levels, even when the treatment was delayed until 6 h after ischemia. Biochemical evidences of nimesulide neuroprotection were supported by histofluorescence findings using the novel marker of neuronal degeneration Fluoro-Jade B. Few Fluoro-Jade B positive cells were seen in CA1 region of hippocampus in ischemic animals treated with nimesulide compared with vehicle. These results suggest that nimesulide may protect neurons by attenuating oxidative stress and reperfusion injury following the ischemic insult with a wide therapeutic window of protection.

Wide therapeutic time window for nimesulide neuroprotection in a model of transient focal cerebral ischemia in the rat.

Results from several studies indicate that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in ischemic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of the selective COX-2 inhibitor nimesulide on cerebral infarction and neurological deficits in a standardized model of transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Three doses of nimesulide (3, 6 and 12 mg/kg; i.p.) or vehicle were administered immediately after stroke and additional doses were given at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after ischemia. In other set of experiments, the effect of nimesulide was studied in a situation in which its first administration was delayed for 3-24 h after ischemia. Total, cortical and subcortical infarct volumes and functional outcome (assessed by neurological deficit score and rotarod performance) were determined 3 days after ischemia. The effect of nimesulide on prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels in the injured brain was also investigated. Nimesulide dose-dependently reduced infarct volume and improved functional recovery when compared to vehicle. Of interest is the finding that neuroprotection conferred by nimesulide (reduction of infarct size and neurological deficits and improvement of rotarod performance) was also observed when treatment was delayed until 24 h after ischemia. Further, administration of nimesulide in a delayed treatment paradigm completely abolished PGE(2) accumulation in the postischemic brain, suggesting that COX-2 inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia to target the late-occurring inflammatory events which amplify initial damage.

Effects of pyruvate administration on infarct volume and neurological deficits following permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

Recent experimental evidences indicate that pyruvate, the final metabolite of glycolysis, has a remarkable protective effect against different types of brain injury. The purpose of this study was to assess the neuroprotective effect and the neurological outcome after pyruvate administration in a model of ischemic stroke induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in rats. Three doses of pyruvate (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle were administered intraperitoneally 30 min after pMCAO. In other set of experiments, pyruvate was given either before, immediately after ischemia or in a long-term administration paradigm. Functional outcome, mortality and infarct volume were determined 24 h after stroke. Even when the lowest doses of pyruvate reduced mortality and neurological deficits, no concomitant reduction in infarct volume was observed. The highest dose of pyruvate increased cortical infarction by 27% when administered 30 min after pMCAO. In addition, when pyruvate was given before pMCAO, a significant increase in neurological deficits was noticed. Surprisingly, on the contrary of what was found in the case of transient global ischemia, present findings do not support a great neuroprotective role for pyruvate in permanent focal cerebral ischemia, suggesting two distinct mechanisms involved in the effects of this glycolytic metabolite in the ischemic brain.

The highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor DFU is neuroprotective when given several hours after transient cerebral ischemia in gerbils.

Several studies suggest that cyclooxygenase-2 contributes to the delayed progression of ischemic brain damage. In this study we examined whether the highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor DFU reduces neuronal damage when administered several hours after 5 min of transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils. The extent of ischemic injury was assessed behaviorally by measuring the increases in locomotor activity and by histopathological evaluation of the extent of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cell injury 7 days after ischemia. DFU treatment (10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced hippocampal neuronal damage even if the treatment is delayed until 12 h after ischemia. These results suggest that selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for ischemic brain injury.

Neuroprotective efficacy of nimesulide against hippocampal neuronal damage following transient forebrain ischemia.

Cyclooxygenase-2 is involved in the inflammatory component of the ischemic cascade, playing an important role in the delayed progression of the brain damage. The present study evaluated the pharmacological effects of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nimesulide on delayed neuronal death of hippocampal CA1 neurons following transient global cerebral ischemia in gerbils. Administration of therapeutically relevant doses of nimesulide (3, 6 and 12 mg/kg; i.p.) 30 min before ischemia and at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after ischemia significantly (P<0.01) reduced hippocampal neuronal damage. Treatment with a single dose of nimesulide given 30 min before ischemia also resulted in a significant increase in the number of healthy neurons in the hippocampal CA1 sector 7 days after ischemia. Of interest is the finding that nimesulide rescued CA1 pyramidal neurons from ischemic death even when treatment was delayed until 24 h after ischemia (34+/-9% protection). Neuroprotective effect of nimesulide is still evident 30 days after the ischemic episode, providing the first experimental evidence that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors confer a long-lasting neuroprotection. Oral administration of nimesulide was also able to significantly reduce brain damage, suggesting that protective effects are independent of the route of administration. The present study confirms the ability of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors to reduce brain damage induced by cerebral ischemia and indicates that nimesulide can provide protection when administered for up to 24 h post-ischemia.

Effects of nimesulide on kainate-induced in vitro oxidative damage in rat brain homogenates.

BACKGROUND: The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nimesulide is able to reduce kainate-induced oxidative stress in vivo. Here we investigate if this effect is mediated by the direct antioxidant properties of nimesulide using a well-characterized in vitro model of kainate toxicity. RESULTS: Exposure of rat brain homogenates to kainate (12 mM) caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the concentrations of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-alkenals and a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in sulfhydryl levels. High concentrations of nimesulide (0.6-1.6 mM) reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation and the decline in both total and non-protein sulfhydryl levels induced by kainate in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the neuroprotective effects of nimesulide against kainate-induced oxidative stress in vivo are not mediated through its direct free radical scavenging ability because the concentrations at which nimesulide is able to reduce in vitro kainate excitotoxicity are excessively higher than those attained in plasma after therapeutic doses.

[Clinical and laboratory features of pheochromocytoma in a 52-year-old female patient]. / Descripción de manifestaciones clínico-humorales de feocromocitoma en paciente femenina de 52 años.

The article aims to describe the clinical and laboratory features of a female patient suffering from pheochromocytoma. The case is a 52-year-old female patient who presents to our healthcare center with high blood pressure, cold limbs, sweating, jitteriness, and episodes of oppressive chest pain that appear several times per day. She also reports fatigue and a 13-kilogram weight loss. The sonogram revealed a nodular image in the right adrenal gland that had low echogenicity and regular margins measuring 5 mm. The image was confirmed with a contrast-enhanced adrenal CAT scan. Urine vanillylmandelic acid levels were high and an adrenal biopsy confirmed a pheochromocytoma measuring 4.5 x 3.5 x 3 cm.

El presente artículo busca describir las manifestaciones clínico–humorales ante una paciente con feocromocitoma. Es por ello que se presenta el caso de una paciente de 52 años que acude a la institución por presentar aumento de sus indicadores tensionales acompañado de frialdad de la piel, sudoraciones, nerviosismo, dolor torácico opresivo que aparece varias veces en el día, pérdida de peso en torno a los 13 kilos y decaimiento. Lo más significativo en los estudios realizados fue el ultrasonido abdominal que definió una imagen nodular en la suprarrenal derecha de baja ecogenicidad y contornos regulares que miden 5 mm, confirmada con tomografía axial computarizada contrastada de suprarrenales. Se determinó ácido vanilmandélico hallándose valores aumentados. Asimismo, la biopsia de glándula suprarrenal derecha confirmó la presencia de feocromocitoma de 4,5 x 3,5 x 3 cm.

Post-ischaemic treatment with the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nimesulide reduces blood-brain barrier disruption and leukocyte infiltration following transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats.

Several studies suggest that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 plays a pivotal role in the progression of ischaemic brain damage. In the present study, we investigated the effects of selective inhibition of COX-2 with nimesulide (12 mg/kg) and selective inhibition of COX-1 with valeryl salicylate (VAS, 12-120 mg/kg) on prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, Evans blue (EB) extravasation and infarct volume in a standardized model of transient focal cerebral ischaemia in the rat. Post-ischaemic treatment with nimesulide markedly reduced the increase in PGE(2) levels in the ischaemic cerebral cortex 24 h after stroke and diminished infarct size by 48% with respect to vehicle-treated animals after 3 days of reperfusion. Furthermore, nimesulide significantly attenuated the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and leukocyte infiltration (as measured by EB leakage and MPO activity, respectively) seen at 48 h after the initial ischaemic episode. These studies provide the first experimental evidence that COX-2 inhibition with nimesulide is able to limit BBB disruption and leukocyte infiltration following transient focal cerebral ischaemia. Neuroprotection afforded by nimesulide is observed even when the treatment is delayed until 6 h after the onset of ischaemia, confirming a wide therapeutic window of COX-2 inhibitors in experimental stroke. On the contrary, selective inhibition of COX-1 with VAS had no significant effect on the evaluated parameters. These data suggest that COX-2 activity, but not COX-1 activity, contributes to the progression of focal ischaemic brain injury, and that the beneficial effects observed with non-selective COX inhibitors are probably associated to COX-2 rather than to COX-1 inhibition.

El preocupante estado de Centronia mutisii (Melastomataceae) / Centronia mutisii (Melastomataceae) uma espécie em perigo crítico / The worrying situation of Centronia mutisii (Melastomataceae)

Objetivo. La presente investigación buscó detallar aspectos del Tuno roso (Centronia mutisii) como su distribución, estado poblacional y propagación debido a la presión que sufre su hábitat, restringido a un sector de Cundinamarca y del Distrito Capital, y por encontrarse catalogada como una especie vulnerable (VU) según la IUCN. Materiales y métodos. Se identificó la distribución potencial de C. mutisii (modelación de nicho), fue evaluado el estado de conservación de la población y se realizaron tratamientos de propagación y manejo ex situ. Resultados. Los resultados señalan que su distribución geográfica potencial es restringida y a la fecha solo se registra en una población en una localidad; hay un marcado efecto de borde sobre la estructura poblacional y dificultades para su propagación. Conclusiones. Se propone a esta especie como prioritaria para la conservación por su distribución extremadamente localizada, la estructura poblacional afectada por procesos que están afectando su hábitat e iniciar el debate sobre la recategorizacón del nivel de amenaza actual. Es necesario que tomadores de decisiones introduzcan a C. mutisii en las agendas de investigación e inversión para adelantar estrategias de conservación ex situ e in situ...

The worrying situation of Centronia mutisii (Melastomataceae). Objective. Our study was intended to detail aspects of Centronia mutisii such as its distribution, population status and propagation, due to the anthropogenic pressure on its habitat which is restricted to a localized area in Cundinamarca and the District Capital, and because it is listed as a vulnerable species (VU) by the IUCN. Materials and methods. We identified the potential distribution of C. mutisii (niche modeling), assessed the conservation status of the population, and applied plant propagation ex situ management treatments. Results. The potential geographic distribution is restricted and until now a single population has been recorded in a locality. There is a marked edge effect on the population structure and propagation is difficult. Conclusions. We propose this species as a conservation priority due to its extremely localized distribution and population structure being affected by processes that affect its habitat, and also to begin a discussion on the reclassification of its current threat level. Decision makers should include C. mutisii in research and investment agendas to develop in situ and ex situ conservation strategies...

Centronia mutisii (Melastomataceae) uma espécie em perigo crítico. Objetivo. O presente estudo pesquisou aspectos do “Tuno Roso” (Centronia mutisii) tais como sua distribuição, estado populacional e propagação, devido à pressão em seu habitat, restrito num setor de Cundinamarca e do Distrito Capital, e por ser listada como uma espécie vulnerável (VU) de acordo com a IUCN. Materiais e métodos. Foi identificada a distribuição potencial de C. mutisii (modelagem de nicho), foi avaliado o estado de conservação da população e foram realizados tratamentos de propagação e gestão ex situ. Resultados. Os resultados indicam que sua distribuição geográfica potencial é restrita e na atualidade só registra-se uma população numa localidade; há um efeito de borda marcado na estrutura da população e dificuldades na sua propagação. Conclusões. Esta espécie é proposta com prioridade para a conservação por sua distribuição extremamente localizada, por ter a estrutura da população afetada devido aos processos que afetam seu habitat e iniciar o debate sobre recategorização do nível de ameaça atual. É necessário que os tomadores de decisões tenham presente a C. mutisii nas agendas de pesquisa e investimento para promover estratégias de conservação ex situ e in situ...

Use of growth-hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) for the prevention of multiple organ failure.

Novel therapies for the treatment of MOF (multiple organ failure) are required. In the present study, we examined the effect of synthetic GHRP-6 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-6) on cell migration and proliferation using rat intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) and human colonic cancer (HT29) cells as in vitro models of injury. In addition, we examined its efficacy when given alone and in combination with the potent protective factor EGF (epidermal growth factor) in an in vivo model of MOF (using two hepatic vessel ischaemia/reperfusion protocols; 45 min of ischaemia and 45 min of reperfusion or 90 min of ischaemia and 120 min of reperfusion). In vitro studies showed that GHRP-6 directly influenced gut epithelial function as its addition caused a 3-fold increase in the rate of cell migration of IEC-6 and HT29 cells (P<0.01), but did not increase proliferation ([3H]thymidine incorporation). In vivo studies showed that, compared with baseline values, ischaemia/reperfusion caused marked hepatic and intestinal damage (histological scoring), neutrophilic infiltration (myeloperoxidase assay; 5-fold increase) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde assay; 4-fold increase). Pre-treatment with GHRP-6 (120 microg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally) alone truncated these effects by 50-85% (all P<0.05) and an additional benefit was seen when GHRP-6 was used in combination with EGF (1 mg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally). Lung and renal injuries were also reduced by these pre-treatments. In conclusion, administration of GHRP-6, given alone or in combination with EGF to enhance its effects, may provide a novel simple approach for the prevention and treatment of MOF and other injuries of the gastrointestinal tract. In view of these findings, further studies appear justified.

Role of protein synthesis in the protection conferred by ozone-oxidative-preconditioning in hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion.

The liver is damaged by sustained ischaemia during liver transplantation, and the reperfusion after ischaemia results in further functional impairment. Ozone oxidative preconditioning (OzoneOP) protected the liver against ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury through different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the inhibition of protein synthesis on the protective actions conferred by OzoneOP in hepatic I/R. Rats were treated with cycloheximide (CHX) in order to promote protein synthesis inhibition after OzoneOP treatment. Plasma transaminases, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals and morphological characteristics were measured as an index of hepatocellular damage; Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, catalase, total hydroperoxides and glutathione levels as markers of endogenous antioxidant system. OzoneOP increased Mn-SOD isoform and ameliorated mitochondrial damage. CHX abrogated the protection conferred by OzonoOP and decreased Mn-SOD activity. Cellular redox balance disappeared when CHX was introduced. Protein synthesis is involved in the protective mechanisms mediated by OzoneOP. Ozone treatment preserved mitochondrial functions and cellular redox balance.

Effects of a brassinosteroid analogue to mosquito larvae.

Many plant compounds are able to modulate herbivore growth and reproduction by directly interacting with steroid hormones systems. In insects, several classes of phytochemicals, including brassinosteroids and related substances, interfere with molting and reproduction. The effects of the molting-hormone antagonist pesticide DI-31, a brassinosteroid analogue, on Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae were tested in two different exposure scenarios. After static exposure of first-instar larvae, the calculated NOEC, LOEC, and LC(50) values referenced to 19 d were 0.03, 0.036, and 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Semistatic exposure of fourth-instar larvae revealed them to be slightly less susceptible than the younger larvae (NOEC 0.03 mg/mL, LOEC 0.036 mg/mL, LC(50) 0.049 mg/mL referenced to 19 days). In both cases mortality was immediate and larval development was retarded. This study suggests that A. aegypti could be a useful model for the detection of hormonally active substances such as DI-31.

Similar protective effect of ischaemic and ozone oxidative preconditionings in liver ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Many studies indicate that oxygen free-radical formation after reoxygenation of liver may initiate the cascade of hepatocellular injury. It has been demonstrated that controlled ozone administration may promote an oxidative preconditioning or adaptation to oxidative stress, preventing the damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting against liver ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. On the basis of those results we postulated that ozone treatment in our experimental conditions has biochemical parameters similar to the ischaemic preconditioning (IscheP) mechanism. Four groups of rats were classified as follows: (1) sham-operated animals subjected to anaesthesia and laparotomy, plus surgical manipulation; (2) I/R animals were subjected to 90 min of right-lobe hepatic ischaemia, followed by 90 min of reperfusion; (3) IscheP, previous to the I/R period (as in group 2): animals were subjected to 10 min of ischaemia and 10 min of reperfusion; (4) ozone oxidative preconditioning (OzoneOP), previous to the I/R period (as in group 2): animals were treated with ozone by rectal insufflation 1 mg kg (-1). The rats received 15 ozone treatments, one per day, of 5-5.5 ml at the ozone concentration of 50 microg ml (-1). The following parameters were measured: serum transaminases (AST, ALT) and 5'-nucleotidase (5 '-NT), with morphological determinations, as indicators or hepatocellular injury; total sulfhydryl groups, calcium levels and calpain activity as mediators which take part in xanthine deshydrogenase (XDH) conversion to xanthine oxidase (XO) (reversible and irreversible forms, respectively); XO activities and malondialdehyde + 4-hydroyalkenals as indicators of increased oxidative stress. AST, ALT levels were attenuated in the IscheP (130 +/- 11.4 and 75 +/- 5.7 U l (-1)) with regard to the I/R group (200 +/- 22 and 117 +/- 21.7 U l (-1)) while the OzoneOP maintained both of the enzyme activities ( 89.5 +/- 12.6 and 43.7 +/- 10 U l (-1)) without statistical differences (P< 0.05) in comparison with the sham-operated ( 63.95 +/- 11 and 19.48 +/- 3.2 U l (-1)). Protective effects of both the preconditioning settings on the preservation of total sylfhydryl groups (IscheP: 6.28 +/- 0.07, OzoneOP: 6.34 +/- 0.07 micromol mg prot (-1)), calcium concentrations (IscheP: 0.18 +/- 0.09, OzoneOP: 0.20 +/- 0.06 micromol mg prot (-1)), and calpain activity (IscheP: 1.04 +/- 0.58, OzoneOP: 1.41 +/- 0.79 U mg prot (-1)) were observed. Both of the preconditionings attenuated the increase of total XO associated to I/R injury. Generation of malondialdehyde + 4 hydroxyalkenals was prevented by IscheP and OzoneOP without statistical differences between the two protective procedures. These results provide evidence that both of the preconditioning settings share similar biochemical mechanisms of protection in the parameters which were measured. Although there were no differences from a biochemical point of view between Ischaemic and OzoneOPs, the histological results showed a more effective protection of OzoneOP than IscheP in our experimental conditions.