Environmental exposure to low-doses of ionizing radiation. Effects on early nephrotoxicity in mice.

Nuclear accidents of tremendous magnitude, such as those of Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011), mean that individuals living in the contaminated areas are potentially exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). However, the dose-response relationship for effects of low doses of radiation is not still established. The present study was aimed at investigating in mice the early effects of low-dose internal radiation exposure on the kidney. Adult male (C57BL/6J) mice were divided into three groups. Two groups received a single subcutaneous (s.c.) doses of cesium (137Cs) with activities of 4000 and 8000Bq/kg bw. A third group (control group) received a single s.c. injection of 0.9% saline. To evaluate acute and subacute effects, mice (one-half of each group) were euthanized at 72h and 10 days post-exposure to 137Cs, respectively. Urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis, including the measurement of F2-isoprostane (F2-IsoP) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Moreover, the concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a sensitive marker of oxidative DNA damage, were measured in renal tissue. Urinary excretion of total protein significantly increased at 72h in mice exposed to Cs4000. Uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) decreased significantly at both times post-exposure in animals exposed to Cs8000. After 72h and 10d of exposure to Cs4000, a significant increase in the γ-glutamil transferase (GGT) and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities was observed. In turn, F2-IsoP levels increased -mainly in the Cs4000 group- at 72h post-exposure. Following irradiation (137Cs), the highest level of KIM-1 was corresponded to the Cs4000 group at 72h. Likewise, the main DNA damage was detected in mice exposed to Cs4000, mainly at 10d after irradiation. The alterations observed in several biomarkers suggest an immediate renal damage following exposure to low doses of IR (given as 137Cs). Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanisms involved in the internal IR-induced nephrotoxicity.

Roles of Toll-Like Receptor 4, IκB Kinase, and the Proteasome in the Intestinal Alterations Caused by Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide decreases intestinal contractility and induces the production of cytokines, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. AIM: The objective of the present study was to examine the role of Toll-like receptor 4, IκB kinase, and the proteasome in the intestinal alterations induced by lipopolysaccharide. METHODS: Sepsis was induced in rabbits by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide. Contractility studies of rabbit duodenum were performed in an organ bath. Expressions of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, IκB kinase-α, IκB kinase-ß, IκB kinase-γ, and the proteasome mRNA were determined by RT-PCR on rabbit duodenum. RESULTS: Neomycin and polymyxin B (Toll-like receptor 4 inhibitors), IKK NBD peptide (IκB kinase complex inhibitor), and MG-132 (proteasome inhibitor) blocked partially the effects of lipopolysaccharide on the acetylcholine-, prostaglandin E2-, substance P-, and KCl-induced contractions in the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle of rabbit duodenum. Lipopolysaccharide increased the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in duodenal tissue, and this effect was partly reversed by neomycin, polymyxin B, IKK NBD peptide, and MG-132. IκB kinase-α, IκB kinase-ß, IκB kinase-γ, and the proteasome mRNA expressions was not affected by lipopolysaccharide treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Toll-like receptor 4, the IκB kinase complex, and the proteasome could be therapeutic targets in the treatment of sepsis symptoms in the intestine.

Different mechanisms of actions of genistein, quercetin on spontaneous contractions of rabbit duodenum.

Flavonoids are known to relax precontracted intestinal smooth muscle and delay intestinal transit or intestinal peristalsis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genistein and quercetin on spontaneous contractions of rabbit duodenum in vitro in an organ bath. Genistein and quercetin (0.1-10µM) reduced the amplitude of spontaneous contractions in the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle of rabbit duodenum, but they did not modify the frequency. Bay K8644 (L-type Ca2+ channel activator), apamin, charybdotoxin, and tetraetylammonium (K+ channel blockers) reverted the inhibition of amplitude of spontaneous contractions induced by genistein in longitudinal and circular smooth muscle. H-89 (protein kinase A inhibitor) antagonized the reduction of the amplitude of spontaneous contractions induced by quercetin in longitudinal and circular smooth muscle of duodenum, while 2,5-dideoxiadenosine (adenylyl cyclase inhibitor) reverted only the reduction of the amplitude in circular smooth muscle. In conclusion, genistein and quercetin reduce the spontaneous contractions in the duodenum by different mechanisms of actions. The effect of genistein would be mediated by Ca2+ and K+ channels, while the effect of quercetin would be mediated by cAMP and protein kinase A.

Mitogen activated protein kinases blockade improves lipopolysaccharide-induced ileal motor disturbances.

BACKGROUND: several diseases such as sepsis can affect the ileum. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin present in the cell wall of gram negative bacteria, is a causative agent of sepsis. OBJECTIVES: the aims of this study were: a) to investigate the role of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the effect of LPS on the acetylcholine-induced contractions of rabbit ileum; and b) to study the localization of MAPKs in the ileum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: ileal contractility was studied in an organ bath and MAPKs were localized by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: acetylcholine-induced contractions decreased with LPS. SB203580, SP600125 and U0126 blocked the effect of LPS on the acetylcholine-induced contractions. Phosphorylated p38 and ERK were detected in neurons of myenteric plexus and Phosphorylated p38 and JNK in smooth muscle cells of ileum. CONCLUSION: we can suggest that p38, JNK, and ERK MAPKs are involved in the mechanism of action of LPS in the ileum.

Nuclear factor κB is a key transcription factor in the duodenal contractility alterations induced by lipopolysaccharide.

Alterations in intestinal motility are one of the features of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study investigated the role of the nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) in the LPS-induced duodenal contractility alterations, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and production of cytokines in rabbit duodenum. Rabbits were treated with saline, LPS, sulfasalazine + LPS, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) + LPS or RO 106-9920 + LPS. Contractility studies were performed in an organ bath. The formation of products of oxidative damage to proteins (carbonyls) and lipids (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals) was quantified in intestinal tissue and plasma. The protein expression of NF-κB was measured by Western blot. The DNA binding activity of NF-κB was evaluated by transcription factor activity assay. The expression of interleukin-1ß, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and interleukin-8 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. Sulfasalazine, PDTC and RO 106-9920 blocked the inhibitory effect of LPS on contractions induced by ACh in the longitudinal smooth muscle of rabbit duodenum. Sulfasalazine, PDTC and RO 106-9920 reduced the increased levels of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals and the carbonyls induced by LPS in plasma. Lipopolysaccharide induced the activation, translocation to the nucleus and DNA binding of NF-κB. Lipopolysaccharide increased the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and TNF-α in duodenal tissue, and this effect was partly reversed by PDTC, sulfasalazine and RO 106-9920. In conclusion, NF-κB mediates duodenal contractility disturbances, the generation of ROS and the increase in the expression of interleukin-6 and TNF-α induced by LPS. Sulfasalazine, PDTC and RO 106-9920 may be therapeutic drugs to reduce these effects.

Trolox reduces the effect of ethanol on acetylcholine-induced contractions and oxidative stress in the isolated rabbit duodenum.

Trolox is a hydrophilic analogue of vitamin E and a free radical scavenger. Ethanol diminishes the amplitude of spontaneous contractions and acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions in rabbit duodenum. The aim of this work was to study the effect of Trolox on the alterations induced by ethanol on contractility and lipid peroxidation in the duodenum. The duodenal contractility studies in vitro were carried out in an organ bath and the levels of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA+4-HAD) were measured by spectrophotometry. Trolox increased the reduction induced by ethanol on the amplitude of spontaneous contractions in longitudinal muscle but not in circular muscle. Trolox 4 mM decreased the effects of ethanol on ACh-induced contractions and on MDA+4-HDA concentrations. We conclude that Trolox might prevent oxidative stress induced by ethanol in the duodenum.

The role of sodium phosphate cotransporters in ectopic calcification.

Phosphate plays a critical role in many vital cellular processes. Deviations from normal serum phosphate levels, including alterations in the extracellular phosphate/pyrophosphate ratio, can cause severe consequences, such as ectopic calcification. Cellular phosphate levels are tightly controlled by sodium phosphate cotransporters, underscoring their importance in cellular physiology. The role of sodium phosphate cotransporters in ectopic calcification requires further elucidation, taking into account their important role in the control of intracellular phosphate levels and the synthesis of ATP, the main source of extracellular pyrophosphate (a potent endogenous inhibitor of calcification). In this review, we discuss the roles of phosphate and pyrophosphate homeostasis in ectopic calcification, with a specific focus on phosphate transporters. We concentrate on the five known sodium-dependent phosphate transporters and review their localisation and regulation by external factors, and the effects observed in knockout studies and in naturally occurring mutations.

Tissue Non-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase and Vascular Calcification: A Potential Therapeutic Target.

Vascular calcification is a pathologic phenomenon consisting of calcium phosphate crystal deposition in the vascular walls. Vascular calcification has been found to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, due to its correlation with cardiovascular events and mortality, and it has been associated with aging, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Studies of vascular calcification have focused on phosphate homeostasis, primarily on the important role of hyperphosphatemia. Moreover, vascular calcification has been associated with loss of plasma pyrophosphate, one of the main inhibitors of calcification, thus indicating the importance of the phosphate/pyrophosphate ratio. Extracellular pyrophosphate can be synthesized from extracellular ATP by ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/ phosphodiesterase, whereas pyrophosphate is hydrolyzed to phosphate by tissuenonspecific alkaline phosphatase, contributing to the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals. Over the last decade, vascular calcification has been the subject of numerous reviews and studies, which have revealed new agents and activities that may aid in explaining the complex physiology of this condition. This review summarizes current knowledge about alkaline phosphatase and its role in the process of vascular calcification as a key regulator of the phosphate/pyrophosphate ratio.

Role of pyrophosphate in vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease.

Vascular calcification is a pathology characterized by the deposition of calcium-phosphate in cardiovascular structures, mainly in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals, resulting in ectopic calcification. It is correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction in diabetic patients and in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vascular smooth muscle cells are sensitive to changes in inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels. They are able to adapt and modify some of their functions and promote changes which trigger calcification. Pi is regulated by parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Changes in the transport of Pi are the primary factor responsible for the regulation of Pi homeostasis and the calcification process. Synthesis of calcification inhibitors is the main mechanism by which cells are able to prevent vascular calcification. Extracellular pyrophosphate (PPi) is a potent endogenous inhibitor of calcium-phosphate deposition both in vivo and in vitro. Patients with CKD show lower levels of PPi and increased activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Numerous enzymes implicated in the metabolism of PPi have been associated with vascular calcifications. PPi is synthesized from extracellular ATP by nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase from extracellular ATP hydrolysis. PPi is hydrolyzed into Pi by tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. ATP can be hydrolyzed to Pi via the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family. All these enzymes must be in balance, thereby preventing calcifications. However, diseases like CKD or diabetes induce alterations in their levels. Administration of PPi could open up new treatment options for these patients.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) enhance KCl-, acetylcholine-, and serotonin-induced contractions and evoke oxidative stress on rabbit ileum.

We examined the effects of intravenous administration of purified arc-discharge single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on rabbit ileum to establish the possibility of using these SWCNTs as cell markers or drug carriers for the treatment of intestinal diseases. The SWCNT purification process eliminated carbonaceous impurities and decreased the amount of metals. SWCNTs increased the contractile responses induced by KCl, acetylcholine (ACh), and serotonin (5-HT) in rabbit ileum. Verapamil, apamin, glibenclamide, quinine and charybdotoxin reduced the contractile responses induced by ACh and 5-HT in ileum from rabbits treated with SWCNTs, indicating that voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and small, intermediate, and large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated, ATP-sensitive, and voltage-dependent K+ channels are involved in these effects. Atropine and hexamethonium reduced the ACh response, indicating that muscarinic and nicotinic receptors are involved in this effect. Ondansetron and GR 113808 reduced the 5-HT response, indicating that serotonin 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors are involved in this effect. SWCNTs increased the malondialdehyde plus 4-hydroxyalkenals and carbonyl levels in rabbit plasma and ileum, indicating that SWCNTs produce oxidative stress. SWCNTs did not produce relevant histological changes or modify the levels of the inflammatory mediators iNOS and COX-2 in the ileum. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the intravenous administration of SWCNTs can evoke oxidative stress and affect contractility in rabbit ileum. These effects could reduce the possibility of using the arc-discharge SWCNTs as cell markers or drug carriers to treat intestinal diseases.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal motility disturbances are mediated by c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a causative agent of sepsis. Many alterations, such as intestinal motility disturbances, have been attributed to LPS. AIMS: Here we investigated the role of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNK) in the effect of LPS on intestinal motility, the oxidative stress status and the cyclooxygenese-2 (COX-2) expression. METHODS: Rabbits were injected with either (1) saline, (2) LPS, (3) SP600125, a specific JNK inhibitor, or (4) SP600125+LPS. Duodenal contractility was studied in an organ bath. The formation of products of oxidative damage to proteins (carbonyls) and lipids [malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA)] was quantified by spectrophotometry in the intestine and plasma. The protein expression of p-JNK, total JNK, and COX-2 was measured by Western blot, and p-JNK was localized by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: LPS decreased the contractions evoked by acetylcholine and prostaglandin E(2) and KCl-induced contractions. LPS increased phospho-JNK and COX-2 expressions and the levels of carbonyls and MDA+4-HDA. SP600125 blocked the effect of LPS on the acetylcholine, prostaglandin E(2), and KCl-induced contractions, the levels of carbonyls and MDA+4-HDA, and the p-JNK and COX-2 expressions. p-JNK was detected in the smooth muscle cells of duodenum. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that JNK is involved in the mechanism of action of LPS in the intestine.

Role of TLR4 and MAPK in the local effect of LPS on intestinal contractility.

OBJECTIVES: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to alter intestinal contractility. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), K(+) channels and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been proposed to be involved in the mechanism of action of LPS. The aim of this study was to determine the role of TLR4, K(+) channels and MAPKs (p38, JNK and MEK1/2) in the local effect of LPS on the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions in rabbit small intestine in vitro. METHODS: Segments of rabbit duodenum were suspended in the direction of longitudinal or circular smooth muscle fibres in a thermostatically controlled organ bath. KEY FINDINGS: LPS (0.3 µg/ml) reduced the contractions induced by ACh (100 µm) in the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle of the duodenum after 90 min of incubation. Polymyxin (TLR4 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK1/2 inhibitor) and U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) antagonized the effects of the LPS on ACh-induced contractions in duodenal smooth muscle. Incubation with the blockers of K(+) channels, TEA, apamin, charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin, glibenclamide or quinine, did not reverse the effect of LPS on ACh-induced contractions. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the effect of LPS on ACh-induced contractions in the rabbit duodenum might be mediated by TLR4 and p38, JNK1/2 and MEK1/2 MAPKs.

Intestinal effects of lipopolysaccharide in rabbit are mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 through p38 mitogen activated protein kinase.

The mediators of the pathophysiological symptoms of septic shock are not completely understood. The intracellular signalling mechanisms of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced effects need further investigation. This study investigates (1) the role of COX-2 in the effect of LPS on (a) the KCl, acetylcholine and prostaglandin E2-induced contractions of rabbit duodenum and (b) the oxidative stress status in plasma and intestine and (2) the relationship between p38 MAPK and COX-2 expression in rabbit duodenum. Rabbits were injected i.v. with either (1) saline, (2) LPS, (3) SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, (4) SB203580+LPS, (5) NS-398, a COX-2 inhibitor or (6) NS-398+LPS. Contractility studies were performed by suspending pieces of duodenum in an organ bath in the direction of longitudinal and circular smooth muscle fibres. The formation of products of oxidative damage to proteins (carbonyls) and lipids [malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA)] was quantified in intestinal tissue and plasma. The protein expression of COX-2 was measured by western blot. The KCl, acetylcholine and prostaglandin E2-induced contractions decreased with LPS. In addition, LPS increased the levels of carbonyls and MDA+4-HDA in plasma and duodenum as well as COX-2 expression in duodenal tissue. All these effects were blocked by NS-398. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 blocked the effect of LPS on COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the effect of LPS on KCl, acetylcholine and prostaglandin E2-induced contractions in the rabbit duodenum and oxidative stress might be mediated by an increase in COX-2 expression through the p38 MAPK pathway.

Effects of thyroid hormone on mRNAs of phosphoglycerate mutase subunits in rat muscle during development.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that triiodothyronine (T3) stimulates muscle phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM) activity and isozyme transition in rat skeletal and cardiac muscles. METHODS: The effects of T3 on PGAM types B and M subunit expression in rat muscle during development are reported. RESULTS: T3 administration during the first 21 days of rat life more than doubles type M PGAM mRNA levels, but produces minor effects on type B PGAM mRNA levels. The antihormone propylthiouracil (PTU) slightly decreases both type B and M mRNA levels, but this decrease is not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Thyroid hormone influences PGAM mRNA isozyme levels differently and increases type M mRNA.