Exendin-4 and sitagliptin protect kidney from ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction.

BACKGROUND: This study tested the hypothesis that exendin-4 and sitagliptin can effectively protect kidney from acute ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS: Adult SD-rats (n = 48) equally divided into group 1 (sham control), group 2 (IR injury), group 3 [IR + sitagliptin 600 mg/kg at post-IR 1, 24, 48 hr)], and group 4 [IR + exendin-4 10 µm/kg at 1 hr after procedure] were sacrificed after 24 and 72 hrs (n = 6 at each time from each group) following clamping of bilateral renal pedicles for 60 minutes (groups 2-4). RESULTS: Serum creatinine level and urine protein to creatinine ratio were highest in group 2 and lowest in group 1 (all p < 0.001) without notable differences between groups 3 and 4. Kidney injury score, expressions of inflammatory biomarkers at mRNA (MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1ß, PAI-1), protein (TNF-α, NF-κB and VCAM-1), and cellular (CD68+) levels in injured kidneys at 24 and 72 hr showed an identical pattern compared to that of creatinine level in all groups (all p < 0.0001). Expressions of oxidized protein, reactive oxygen species (NOX-1, NOX-2), apoptosis (Bax, caspase-3 and PARP), and DNA damage marker (γH2AX+) of IR kidney at 24 and 72 hrs exhibited a pattern similar to that of inflammatory mediators among all groups (all p < 0.01). Renal expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, and anti-oxidant biomarkers at cellular (GPx, GR) and protein (NQO-1, HO-1, GPx) levels at 24 and 72 hr were lowest in group 1, significantly lower in group 2 than in groups 3 and 4 (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Exendin-4 and sitagliptin provided significant protection for the kidneys against acute IR injury.

Simvastatin attenuates the additive effects of TNF-α and IL-18 on the connexin 43 up-regulation and over-proliferation of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells.

Statin therapy is known to down-regulate inflammatory activities in atheromatous tissues of animals. The aims of this study were to examine the regulatory role of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the connexin 43 (Cx43) and the proliferation of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as well as to elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanism of simvastatin. Vytorin therapy significantly alleviated high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, suppressed neointimal hyperplasia, macrophage infiltration, and Cx43 and IL-18 expression in rabbit aortic walls. In vitro study using an aortic SMC line showed that IL-18 up-regulated constitutive Cx43 expression and potentiated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-triggered Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Simvastatin treatment alone reduced constitutive Cx43 levels and prevented the TNF-α-induced IL-18 up-regulation. Mechanistic investigation using kinase-specific inhibitors showed that simvastatin pretreatment attenuated TNF-α-elicited Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas PI3K and all MAPK activities were also implied in the additive effect of TNF-α and IL-18 on Cx43 up-regulation. Proliferation assay indicated that IL-18 stimulated SMC proliferation and synergized the TNF-α-stimulated cell proliferation. Likewise, simvastatin treatment suppressed the SMC over-proliferation induced not only by TNF-α alone, but also by simultaneous treatment with TNF-α and IL-18. The suppression of simvastatin in SMC proliferation was not mediated through mitochondrial related pro-apoptogenesis under both scenarios. In conclusion, simvastatin attenuates the additive effects of TNF-α and IL-18 on Cx43 up-regulation and over-proliferation of aortic SMCs, mainly through the blockade of Akt signaling pathway. These findings may fortify the rationale underlying the atheroprotective mechanism of statin therapy.

Sitagliptin therapy enhances the number of circulating angiogenic cells and angiogenesis-evaluations in vitro and in the rat critical limb ischemia model.

BACKGROUND AIMS: We tested the hypothesis that sitagliptin is capable of increasing blood flow in the rat critical limb ischemia (CLI) model by enhancement of angiogenesis. METHODS: Adipose tissue from adult-male Fischer 344 rats (n = 6) were cultured in endothelial progenitor cell culture medium for 14 d with (25 µmol/L) or without sitagliptin. CLI was induced by ligation of the left femoral artery. Rats (n = 32) were equally separated into four groups: untreated controls (group 1), sitagliptin (4 mg/kg per day; group 2), CLI (group 3) and CLI with sitagliptin (group 4). RESULTS: In vitro, 7 and 14 d after cell culture, endothelial progenitor cell biomarkers assessed by flow cytometry (Sca-1/CD31+, CXCR4+, c-kit+ and CD34+ cells) and Western blot (vascular endothelial growth factor, CXCR4 and stromal-derived factor [SDF]-1α) were remarkably higher in group 4 than in the other groups (all P < 0.01). In vivo, 2 and 14 d after the CLI procedure, circulating angiogenic cell (Sca-1/CD31+, Sca-1+ and CD31+) numbers were significantly higher in group 4 than in the other groups (all P < 0.001). Additionally, the messenger RNA and protein expression of angiogenic biomarkers (CXCR4, SDF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor), immunofluorescent staining of angiogenic cells (CXCR4+, SDF-1α+, CD31+, von Willebrand factor + cells) and immunohistochemical staining of small vessel numbers in the ischemic area were significantly higher in group 4 than in the other groups (all P < 0.01). Furthermore, laser Doppler showed that the ratio of ischemic/normal blood flow was remarkably higher group 4 than in group 3 by days 14 and 28 after the CLI procedure (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sitagliptin therapy enhances circulating angiogenic cell numbers, angiogenesis and blood flow in the CLI area.

Sildenafil improves long-term effect of endothelial progenitor cell-based treatment for monocrotaline-induced rat pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND AIMS: We hypothesized that the long-term therapeutic effect of combined sildenafil and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMDEPCs) on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is superior to either treatment alone. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were equally divided into normal controls, MCT (65 mg/kg, subcutaneously) only, MCT + sildenafil (25 mg/kg/day, orally), MCT + BMDEPCs (2.0 × 10(6) autologous cells, intravenously) and MCT + sildenafil+ BMDEPCs. BMDEPCs and sildenafil were given on day 21 after MCT administration. Animals were sacrificed by day 90 after MCT administration. RESULTS: The apoptotic (caspase 3, Bax) and inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9) biomarkers in right ventricle and lung and pulmonary expressions of fibrotic biomarkers (transforming growth factor-ß, p-Smad3) and connexin 43 protein were lower in monotherapy groups (i.e., MCT + sildenafil and MCT + BMDEPCs) and further decreased in normal controls and combined treatment groups (i.e., MCT + sildenafil + BMDEPCs) compared with untreated animals (i.e., MCT only) (all P < 0.01). Expressions of anti-fibrotic biomarkers (bone morphogenetic protein-2, p-Smad1/5) and numbers of alveolar sacs and arterioles in lung were higher in monotherapy groups and further increased in normal controls and combined treatment groups compared with untreated animals (all P < 0.005). In right ventricle, connexin 43 and α-myosin heavy chain (MHC) expressions were higher in the monotherapy groups and further elevated in normal controls and combined treatment groups compared with untreated animals, whereas ß-MHC exhibited the opposite pattern (all P < 0.01). Right ventricular systolic pressure and weight were lower in the monotherapy animals and further reduced in normal controls and combined treatment groups compared with untreated animals (all P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy with BMDEPCs and sildenafil was superior to either treatment alone in attenuating rodent MCT-induced PAH.

Melatonin treatment improves adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for acute lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.

This study investigated whether melatonin-treated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) offered superior protection against acute lung ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) were randomized equally into five groups: sham controls, lung IR-saline, lung IR-melatonin, lung IR-melatonin-normal ADMSC, and lung IR-melatonin-apoptotic ADMSC. Arterial oxygen saturation was lowest in lung IR-saline; lower in lung IR-melatonin than sham controls, lung IR-melatonin-normal ADMSC, and lung IR-melatonin-apoptotic ADMSC; lower in lung IR-melatonin-normal ADMSC than sham controls and lung IR-melatonin-apoptotic ADMSC; lower in lung IR-melatonin-apoptotic ADMSC than sham controls (P < 0.0001 in each case). Right ventricular systolic blood pressure (RVSBP) showed a reversed pattern among all groups (all P < 0.0001). Changes in histological scoring of lung parenchymal damage and CD68+ cells showed a similar pattern compared with RVSBP in all groups (all P < 0.001). Changes in inflammatory protein expressions such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1, oxidative stress, TNF-α, NF-κB, PDGF, and angiotensin II receptor, and changes in apoptotic protein expressions of cleaved caspase 3 and PARP, and mitochondrial Bax, displayed identical patterns compared with RVSBP in all groups (all P < 0.001). Numbers of antioxidant (GR+, GPx+, NQO-1+) and endothelial cell biomarkers (CD31+ and vWF+) were lower in sham controls, lung IR-saline, and lung IR-melatonin than lung IR-melatonin-normal ADMSC and lung IR-melatonin-apoptotic ADMSC, and lower in lung IR-melatonin-normal ADMSC than lung IR-melatonin-apoptotic ADMSC (P < 0.001 in each case). In conclusion, when the animals were treated with melatonin, the apoptotic ADMSC were superior to normal ADMSC for protection of lung from acute IR injury.

Systemic administration of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Mesenchymal stem cells have previously been shown to offer significant therapeutic benefit in ischemic organ injuries. This study aimed at investigating the therapeutic role of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and the underlying mechanisms. DESIGN: Adult male Fisher rats (n = 30) were equally divided into three groups (group 1: Sham-operated normal controls; group 2: Ischemia-reperfusion injury with intravenous fresh culture medium; group 3: Ischemia-reperfusion injury with intravenous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells). Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by occluding the vascular supplies of left lobe liver for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 72 hrs. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (1.2 × 106) were administered through tail vein immediately after reperfusion and at 6 hrs and 24 hrs after reperfusion in group 3. All animals were sacrificed 72 hrs after reperfusion. SETTING: Animal laboratory at a medical institute. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Histologic features, plasma aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic cytokine profile, oxidative stress, and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling were analyzed. Seventy-two hrs after reperfusion, plasma aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic oxidative stress, messenger RNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-a, transforming growth factor-b, interleukin-1b, interleukin-6, endothelin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, Bax and caspase-3, protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule as well as the number of apoptotic nuclei were significantly increased in group 2 compared with group 3, whereas messenger RNA expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Bcl-2, interleukin-10, protein expressions of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and heme oxygenase-1 were lower in group 2 than group 3. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that systemic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell administration significantly preserved hepatocyte integrity and suppressed inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in a rodent model of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Benefit of combined extracorporeal shock wave and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells in protection against critical limb ischemia in rats.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that combined treatment with extracorporeal shock wave and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells might exert enhanced protection against critical limb ischemia in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 9 for laser Doppler study and n = 6 for laboratory examinations in each group) were divided into group 1 (sham control), group 2 (critical limb ischemia treated with culture medium), group 3 (critical limb ischemia treated with intramuscular bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells [2.0 × 10 cells]), group 4 (critical limb ischemia treated with extracorporeal shock wave [280 impulses at 0.1 mJ/mm]), and group 5 (combined bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cell-extracorporeal shock wave) after critical limb ischemia induction. RESULTS: By day 21, laser Doppler showed substantially lower ratios of ischemic/normal blood flow in group 2 compared with other groups (p < .001). The protein expressions of mitochondrial cytochrome c, stromal cell-derived factor-1, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4, vascular endothelial growth factor, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were remarkably higher in group 5 than in groups 2 to 4, and notably higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 2 (all p < .01). The messenger RNA expressions of proinflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers and oxidative stress were reduced in group 5 compared with groups 2 to 4, and notably lower in groups 3 and 4 than in group 2 (all p < .01). The messenger RNA expressions of anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic biomarkers were lower in group 2 than in other groups (all p < .01). Immunofluorescent staining showed higher numbers of CD31+ stromal cell-derived factor-1+, chemokine receptor type 4+, and von Willebrand factor+ cells, and vessels in the ischemic area in group 5 than in groups 2 to 4, and in groups 3 and 4 than in group 2 (all p < .04). CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells and extracorporeal shock wave is superior to either bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells or extracorporeal shock wave alone in improving ischemia in rodent critical limb ischemia.

Continuing exposure to low-dose nonylphenol aggravates adenine-induced chronic renal dysfunction and role of rosuvastatin therapy.

BACKGROUND: Nonylphenol (NP), an environmental organic compound, has been demonstrated to enhance reactive-oxygen species (ROS) synthesis. Chronic exposure to low-dose adenine (AD) has been reported to induce chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic exposure to NP will aggravate AD-induced CKD through increasing generations of inflammation, ROS, and apoptosis that could be attenuated by rosuvastatin. Fifty male Wistar rats were equally divided into group 1 (control), group 2 (AD in fodder at a concentration of 0.25%), group 3 (NP: 2 mg/kg/day), group 4 (combined AD & NP), and group 5 (AD-NP + rosuvastatin: 20 mg/kg/day). Treatment was continued for 24 weeks for all animals before being sacrificed. RESULTS: By the end of 24 weeks, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were increased in group 4 than in groups 1-3, but significantly reduced in group 5 as compared with group 4 (all p < 0.05). Histopathology scorings of renal-parenchymal and tubular damages were significantly higher in group 4 than in groups 1-3, but remarkably lower in group 5 compared with group 4 (all p < 0.01). Both gene and protein levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, ROS, and cellular apoptosis were remarkably higher in group 4 compared with groups 1-3, but lowered in group 5 than in group 4 (all p < 0.001). Conversely, both gene and protein levels of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis were markedly increased in group 5 compared with group 4 (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NP worsened AD-induced CKD that could be reversed by rosuvastatin therapy.

Levels and values of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, soluble angiogenic factors, and mononuclear cell apoptosis in liver cirrhosis patients.

BACKGROUND: The roles of circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and mononuclear cell apoptosis (MCA) in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients are unknown. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α are powerful endogenous substances enhancing EPC migration into circulation. We assessed the level and function of EPCs [CD31/CD34 (E(1)), KDR/CD34 (E(2)), CXCR4/CD34 (E(3))], levels of MCA, VEGF and SDF-1α in circulation of LC patients. METHODS: Blood sample was prospectively collected once for assessing EPC level and function, MCA, and plasma levels of VEGF and SDF-1α using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, in 78 LC patients and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Number of EPCs (E(1), E(2), E(3)) was lower (all p < 0.0001), whereas SDF-1α level and MCA were higher (p < 0.001) in study patients compared with healthy controls. Number of EPCs (E(2), E(3)) was higher but MCA was lower (all p < 0.05) in Child's class A compared with Child's class B and C patients, although no difference in VEGF and SDF-1α levels were noted among these patients. Chronic hepatitis B and esophageal varices bleeding were independently, whereas chronic hepatitis C, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and decompensated LC were inversely and independently correlated with circulating EPC level (all p < 0.03). Additionally, angiogenesis and transwell migratory ability of EPCs were reduced in LC patients than in controls (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that level, angiogenic capacity, and function of circulating EPCs were significantly reduced, whereas plasma levels of SDF-1α and circulating MCA were substantially enhanced in cirrhotic patients.

Outcome of patients with profound cardiogenic shock after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and prompt extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. A single-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: The in-hospital outcome of patients with profound cardiogenic shock (CS) undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and prognostic predictors were analyzed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2010, 134 patients with profound CS undergoing 10-15 min of cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) and ECMO were prospectively recruited, including 27.6% (37) with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 11.9% (16) with non-STEMI, 22.4% (30) with post-surgery pump failure, 10.5% (14) with refractory congestive heart failure, 19.4% (26) with fulminant acute myocarditis, 2.2% (3) with pediatric congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and 6.0% (8) with percutaneous coronary intervention-related complications. The mean systolic pressure was 49.8 mmHg and 91.8% of patients required ventilatory support prior to ECMO. The Post-ECMO Mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and peak creatine kinase level were 26.2 and 5,311 IU/L, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 57.5%. Sixty-eight patients (50.7%) were successfully weaned from ECMO and 57 (42.5%) were discharged alive. Univariate analysis identified the APACHE II score as the strongest predictor of in-hospital mortality (P<0.0001) with respiratory failure, smoking, and male gender also related (all P<0.03). Multivariate analysis identified an APACHE II score ≥22 and successful ECMO weaning as the only independent predictor for in-hospital mortality and a determinant of survival, respectively (P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Profound CS was associated with high mortality. Both successful weaning from ECMO and an APACHE II score might serve as outcome predictors for risk stratification.

Outcomes of patients with Killip class III acute myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the outcomes of patients with Killip class III acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the reperfusion era. This study investigated the short- and long-term outcomes of these patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: Between January 2002 and November 2009, a total of 1,278 consecutive patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Of these patients, 230 (17.0%) with Killip III, 216 (16.9%) with Killip II, and 832 (65.1%) with Killip I upon presentation were prospectively recruited. RESULTS: Angiographic study showed significantly lower final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3 flow in patients with Killip III compared with those with Killip II and I (83.5% vs. 94.9% vs. 95.7%, p<.0001). The incidence of multiple vessel disease was also notably higher in Killip III than in Killip II and I (65.7% vs. 13.9% vs. 53.8%, p<.001). Besides, the incidence of advanced congestive heart failure (defined as greater than or equal to New York Heart Association functional class 3) during hospitalization was remarkably higher in Killip III compared to Killip II and I (71.3% vs. 13.9% vs. 6.6%, p<.001). Furthermore, the 30-day mortality and 1-yr cumulative mortality were notably higher in Killip III than in Killip II and I (20.0% vs. 4.2% vs. 1.7%, p<.001 and 31.7% vs. 7.9% vs. 4%, p<.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that Killip III was independently predictive of 30-day and 1-yr mortality (all p < .04). CONCLUSION: Killip III remains strongly and independently predictive of 30-day and 1-yr mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients even undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Autologous transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells markedly reduced acute ischemia-reperfusion lung injury in a rodent model.

BACKGROUND: This study tested the hypothesis that autologous transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) can effectively attenuate acute pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 24) were equally randomized into group 1 (sham control), group 2 (IR plus culture medium only), and group 3 (IR plus intravenous transplantation of 1.5 × 106 autologous ADMSCs at 1h, 6h, and 24h following IR injury). The duration of ischemia was 30 minutes, followed by 72 hours of reperfusion prior to sacrificing the animals. Blood samples were collected and lungs were harvested for analysis. RESULTS: Blood gas analysis showed that oxygen saturation (%) was remarkably lower, whereas right ventricular systolic pressure was notably higher in group 2 than in group 3 (all p < 0.03). Histological scoring of lung parenchymal damage was notably higher in group 2 than in group 3 (all p < 0.001). Real time-PCR demonstrated remarkably higher expressions of oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers in group 2 compared with group 3 (all p < 0.005). Western blot showed that vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-κB were remarkably higher, whereas NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 activities were lower in group 2 compared to those in group 3 (all p < 0.004). Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated notably higher number of CD68+ cells, but significantly fewer CD31+ and vWF+ cells in group 2 than in group 3. CONCLUSION: ADMSC therapy minimized lung damage after IR injury in a rodent model through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction.

Combination of cyclosporine and erythropoietin improves brain infarct size and neurological function in rats after ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: This study tested the superiority of combined cyclosporine A (CsA)-erythropoietin (EPO) therapy compared with either one in limiting brain infarction area (BIA) and preserving neurological function in rat after ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS: Fifty adult-male SD rats were equally divided into sham control (group 1), IS plus intra-peritoneal physiological saline (at 0.5/24/48 h after IS) (group 2), IS plus CsA (20.0 mg/kg at 0.5/24h, intra-peritoneal) (group 3), IS plus EPO (5,000IU/kg at 0.5/24/48h, subcutaneous) (group 4), combined CsA and EPO (same route and dosage as groups 3 and 4) treatment (group 5) after occlusion of distal left internal carotid artery. RESULTS: BIA on day 21 after acute IS was higher in group 2 than in other groups and lowest in group 5 (all p < 0.01). The sensorimotor functional test showed higher frequency of left turning in group 2 than in other groups and lowest in group 5 (all p < 0.05). mRNA and protein expressions of apoptotic markers and number of apoptotic nuclei on TUNEL were higher in group 2 than in other groups and lowest in group 1 and 5, whereas the anti-apoptotic markers exhibited an opposite trend (all p < 0.05). The expressions of inflammatory and oxidized protein were higher in group 2 than in other groups and lowest in group 1 and 5, whereas anti-inflammatory markers showed reversed changes in group 1 and other groups (all p < 0.05). The number of aquaporin-4+ and glial fibrillary acid protein+ stained cells were higher in group 2 as compared to other groups and lowest in groups 1 and 5 (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: combined treatment with CsA and EPO was superior to either one alone in protecting rat brain from ischemic damage after IS.

Myocardium-derived conditioned medium improves left ventricular function in rodent acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether myocardium-derived conditioned medium (MDCM) is effective in preserving left ventricular (LV) function in a rat acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 36) randomized to receive either left coronary artery ligation (AMI induction) or thoracotomy only (sham procedure) were grouped as follows (n = 6 per group): Group I, II, and III were sham-controls treated by fresh medium, normal rat MDCM, and infarct-related MDCM, respectively. Group IV, V, and VI were AMI rats treated by fresh medium, normal MDCM, and infarct-related MDCM, respectively. Either 75 µL MDCM or fresh medium was administered into infarct myocardium, followed by intravenous injection (3 mL) at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 h. RESULTS: In vitro studies showed higher phosphorylated MMP-2 and MMP-9, but lower α-smooth muscle actin and collagen expressions in neonatal cardiac fibroblasts treated with MDCM compared with those in the cardiac fibroblasts treated with fresh medium (all p < 0.05). Sirius-red staining showed larger collagen deposition area in LV myocardium in Group IV than in other groups (all p < 0.05). Stromal cell-derived factor-1α and CXCR4 protein expressions were higher in Group VI than in other groups (all p < 0.05). The number of von Willebrand factor- and BrdU-positive cells and small vessels in LV myocardium as well as 90-day LV ejection fraction were higher, whereas oxidative stress was lower in Group VI than in Group IV and Group V (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MDCM therapy reduced cardiac fibrosis and oxidative stress, enhanced angiogenesis, and preserved 90-day LV function in a rat AMI model.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell protects kidneys against ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species are important mediators exerting toxic effects on various organs during ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. We hypothesized that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) protect the kidney against oxidative stress and inflammatory stimuli in rat during renal IR injury. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 24) were equally randomized into group 1 (sham control), group 2 (IR plus culture medium only), and group 3 (IR plus immediate intra-renal administration of 1.0 × 106 autologous ADMSCs, followed by intravenous ADMSCs at 6 h and 24 h after IR). The duration of ischemia was 1 h, followed by 72 hours of reperfusion before the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels and the degree of histological abnormalities were markedly lower in group 3 than in group 2 (all p < 0.03). The mRNA expressions of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic biomarkers were lower, whereas the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic biomarkers were higher in group 3 than in group 2 (all p < 0.03). Immunofluorescent staining showed a higher number of CD31+, von Willebrand Factor+, and heme oxygenase (HO)-1+ cells in group 3 than in group 2 (all p < 0.05). Western blot showed notably higher NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and HO-1 activities, two indicators of anti-oxidative capacity, in group 3 than those in group 2 (all p < 0.04). Immunohistochemical staining showed higher glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities in group 3 than in group 2 (all p < 0.02) CONCLUSION: ADMSC therapy minimized kidney damage after IR injury through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Value and level of plasma homocysteine in patients with angina pectoris undergoing coronary angiographic study.

This study tested whether the plasma level of total homocysteine (tHcy) was predictive of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and clinical outcome in patients undergoing coronary angiographic (CAG) study. From September 2002 to October 2004, 1,305 consecutive patients with angina pectoris undergoing CAG study were consecutively enrolled. Blood samples were prospectively collected to assess the plasma level of tHcy from each patient before catheterization. Of these 1305 patients, 676 (51.8%) had multivessel disease (group 1), 367 (28.1%) had single-vessel disease (group 2), and 262 (20.1%) had normal coronary artery or insignificant coronary artery disease (group 3). The plasma level of tHcy was notably higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (11.6 ± 4.4 versus 10.9 ± 4.0 versus 10.4 ± 3.8, P < 0.001). Univariate binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the plasma tHcy level was strongly associated with multiple-vessel disease (MVD) (defined as ≥ 2 vessel disease) (P < 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that tHcy level, fasting blood sugar, diabetes mellitus, and age were significantly and independently predictive of MVD (all P < 0.03). Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that tHcy level was predictive of long-term mortality (P = 0.042). However, the tHcy level was not an independent predictor of long-term mortality on multivariate Cox regression analysis (P > 0.05). The results of our study support the hypothesis that tHcy level is an independent predictor of MVD in patients with chest pain undergoing CAG study. Conversely, our study did not support the tHcy level as an independent predictor of long-term mortality in this clinical setting.

Early combined treatment with sildenafil and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells preserves heart function in rat dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether early combined autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) and sildenafil therapy offers an additive benefit in preserving heart function in rat dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: Adult Lewis rats (n = 8 per group) were divided into group 1 (normal control), group 2 (saline-treated DCM rats), group 3 [2.0 × 106 ADMSC implanted into left ventricular (LV) myocardium of DCM rats], group 4 (DCM rats with sildenafil 30 mg/kg/day, orally), and group 5 (DCM rats with combined ADMSC-sildenafil). Treatment was started 1 week after DCM induction and the rats were sacrificed on day 90. RESULTS: The results showed that mitochondrial protein expressions of connexin43 and cytochrome-C were lowest in group 2, and lower in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.002). Conversely, oxidative index was highest in group 2, and also higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.0003). The mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-10, Gro/IL-8, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and Bcl-2 were lowest in group 2, and lower in groups 3 and 4 compared with group 5 (p < 0.0001). The mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9, Bax, caspase 3, and stromal-cell derived factor-1α were highest in group 2, and higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.0004). Apoptosis and fibrosis in LV myocardium were most prominent in group 2 and higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5, whereas angiogenesis and LV ejection fraction were lowest in group 2 and lower in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.003). CONCLUSION: Early combined ADMSC/sildenafil is superior to either treatment alone in preserving LV function.

Sildenafil limits monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats through suppression of pulmonary vascular remodeling.

We hypothesize that sildenafil attenuates pulmonary hypertension through suppressing pulmonary vascular remodeling. Thirty male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive saline injection (Group 1), subcutaneous monocrotaline (MCT) (60 mg/kg) (Group 2), and MCT plus oral sildenafil (30 g/kg per day) (Group 3) 5 days after MCT administration. By Day 35, Western blot showed lower connexin43 and membranous protein kinase C epsilon expressions but higher oxidative stress in right ventricle in Group 2 compared with the other groups. Additionally, pulmonary Smad1/5 was lowest, whereas connexin43 and Smad3 were highest in Group 2. Pulmonary mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, caspase-3, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and transforming growth factor-beta were higher, whereas bone morphogenetic protein Type II receptor, Bcl-2, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were lower in Group 2 than in the other groups. Similarly, mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, caspase-3, and beta-myosin heavy chain were increased, whereas Bcl-2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and alpha-myosin heavy chain expressions in right ventricle were reduced in Group 2 compared with the other groups. Number of lung arterioles was lowest, whereas number of arterioles with muscularization of the medial layer was highest in Group 2. Right ventricle systolic pressure and weight were elevated in Group 2 compared with the other groups. In conclusion, sildenafil effectively alleviates MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension through suppressing pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Link between interleukin-10 level and outcome after ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The prognostic value of interleukin (IL)-10 in patients after acute ischemic stroke (IS) is not well understood. This study tested the hypothesis that serum levels of IL-10 are substantially increased after IS and predictive of IS outcome. METHODS: Serum IL-10 levels were examined 48 h after acute IS in 135 consecutive patients, and in 20 healthy and 30 at-risk controls. RESULTS: Mean serum IL-10 was significantly higher in IS patients than in both control groups (p < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, serum IL-10 was significantly higher in patients with severe neurological impairment [defined as a score >or=12 on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)] than in patients with less severe neurological impairment (NIHSS score <12) 48 h after IS (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, higher serum IL-10 was strongly and independently correlated with severe neurological impairment (NIHSS >or=12) 48 h after acute IS (p < 0.0001), and independently predictive of combined major adverse clinical outcomes (defined as recurrent IS, any cause of death or NIHSS >or=12) on day 90 following IS (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-10 is an independent prognosticator of IS outcome.

Shock wave therapy effectively attenuates inflammation in rat carotid artery following endothelial denudation by balloon catheter.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave (ECSW) in ameliorating inflammatory mediator expression and neointimal formation in a rat model of vascular injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats with left carotid artery (LCA) injury induced by balloon dilatation (BD; group 1) were compared with group 2 [LCA injury plus ECSW-181 (defined as 181 total shocks given in LCA at 0.011 mJ/mm(2)) on day 2 post-LCA injury], and group 3 (normal controls). The rats in each group were further divided into 3 subgroups (n = 6, each) that were sacrificed on postoperative day 3, 7 and 14, respectively. The results demonstrated that, compared to groups 2 and 3, group 1 had significantly increased cellular expression of CD40, interleukin-18, and connexin 43 at each analyzed time point (all p < 0.001). Additionally, LCCA macrophage (CD68) recruitment was substantially increased in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, LCA neointimal proliferation and media thickness were markedly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 on days 7 and 14 post-BD (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ECSW markedly attenuates inflammatory responses, proliferation of neointima and smooth muscle cells in a rat vascular injury model.