ABSTRACT
Aim: This research work was aimed at investigating the acute toxicity and in vivo antidiarrhoeal activity of the extracts and fractions of Ipomoea triloba, a plant used locally for the treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea in order to investigate its safety profile. Study Design: 20 diarrhoeaic Clinical stool samples were collected and implicating organisms were isolated. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Uyo AkwaIbom State, South-South Nigeria between May 2021-December, 2022. Methodology: Antibiogram, Plasmid curing and Intraperitoneal assay of acute toxicity and mouse protection test of the ethanol extract of plant were carried out on the bacterial-diarrhoeaic isolates. Results: Antibiogram by the agar-diffusion technique indicated a predominant resistance by the isolates. Plasmid curing assessment for antidiarrhoeal activity indicated a predominantly plasmid-borne resistance. Combined antidiarrhoeal activity of the ethanol extract and fractions of Ipomoea triloba with standard antibiotic (tetracycline), assessed by the activity index profile (AIP), showed a reduction in the in antagonistic activity and an increase in protective efficacy after plasmid curing. Acute toxicity (LD50) assay in albino mice (15.0-18-0 g body weight) indicated that the ethanol extract of Ipomoea triloba showed relative non-toxicity with an estimated value of 946.68 mg/kg body weight. In vivo antidiarrhoeal activity and protection efficacy of the ethanol extract assayed by mouse protection test (MPT) infection model offered appreciable (50.0 - 83.3%) protection to the bacterial-diarrhoeaic isolates challenged mice, compared with the relatively moderate (33.3 - 50.0%) protection by the control. Conclusion: There is need for further studies to elucidate the active principles responsible for the antidiarrhoeal activity of Ipomoea triloba in order to establish its structure activity relationship, this then can be introduced into the treatment regimen as a plausible remedy against acute hypersecretory infectious diarrhoea because of its safety profile which has been established in this work.
ABSTRACT
RESUMEN Introduccion: Myrciaria dubia conocido como "camu camu" es una fruta que crece en la Amazonía y tiene como principal característica su alto contenido de vitamina C o ácido ascórbico, el cual tiene el rol de protección en la espermatogénesis por ser un compuesto con excelente acción reductora. El proposito de esta investigacion fue evaluar la capacidad citoprotectora in vivo del extracto acuoso del fruto de Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh "camu-camu" frente al daño mutagénico producido por el antineoplásico ciclofosfamida (CP) sobre la línea germinal masculina. Metodología: Se utilizaron ratones (n= 60) divididos en cinco grupos tratamiento: T1= control negativo (sin tratamientos); T2 ingirió el extracto acuoso (10mgkg-1), T3 ingirió el extracto acuoso (50mgkg-1), T4 ingirió el extracto acuoso (100mgkg-1); T5 es el control positivo (se le administró solamente CP). A todos se inyectaron una dosis única de CP (50 mgkg-1) vía intraperitoneal., El tratamiento con camu-camu continúo por 45 días, luego los ratones fueron eutanizados para determinar la calidad espermática y la frecuencia del daño al ADN mediante el protocolo de índice de fragmentación de ADN espermático - protocolo Halomax. Resultados: Se observó en todos los ensayos el efecto del extracto de camu-camu (p< 0,05) respecto al control. El grupo T4, el cual se administró la mayor concentración del extracto acuoso del fruto (100 mgkg-1), evidenció el mayor efecto citoprotector del camu-camu (p< 0,05). Conclusión: El efecto dañino al ADN por la acción oxidativa del CP podría estar siendo inhibido o modulado por el extracto acuoso del fruto de "camu camu".
ABSTRACT Introduction: Myrciaria dubia known as "camu camu" is a fruit that grows in the Amazon and its main characteristic is its high content of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid has a protective role in spermatogenesis as it is a compound that has excellent reducing action. The purpose of this research was to evaluate in vivo the cytoprotective capacity of the aqueous extract of the fruit of Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh "camu-camu" against the mutagenic damage produced by the antineoplastic drug cyclophosphamide (CP) on the male germ line. Methodology: Mice (n= 60) were divided into five treatment groups: T1= negative control (without treatment); T2 ingested the aqueous extract (10mgkg-1), T3 ingested the aqueous extract (50mgkg-1), T4 ingested the aqueous extract (100mgkg-1); T5 is the positive control. All of them were injected with a single dose of CP (50 mgkg-1) intraperitoneally. Treatment with camu-camu continued for 45 days, then the mice were euthanized to determine sperm quality and the frequency of DNA damage using the Index protocol. Sperm DNA fragmentation - Halomax protocol. Results: The effect of camu-camu extract was observed in all trials (p< 0.05) compared to the negative control. Group T4, which was administered the highest concentration of the aqueous extract of the fruit, evidenced the cytoprotective effect of camu-camu (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The damaging effect on DNA due to the oxidative action of CP could be inhibited by the aqueous extract of the "camu camu" fruit.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Ficus capensis is a plant used in traditional medicine to stimulate lactation in women and animals in Africa. However, the effects of their extracts on the mammary gland are poorly documented. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of Ficus capensis leaves aqueous extracts on NMRI mice milk secretion. Methodology: This was an experimental animal study using virgin female NMRI mice aged eight to ten weeks. The mice were grouped into for groups of eight mice each. Each group received one of the following products: distilled water, Galactogil™, sulpiride, aqueous extracts (AE) of capensis leaves. Data were analysed and processed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and Stata MP 16 with P ? .05 as the significance threshold. Results: Arborescence of the galactophorous ducts was more developed in the sulpiride lot. Galactogil™, and capensis leaves extracts treated groups showed almost equivalent arborescence with a higher tendency than the distilled water. With histological haematin- eosin staining, the ratio of galactophorous ducts containing secretions to total ducts was higher in the groups of Ficus capensis AE treated group than distilled water (P = .0001). Galactogil™, sulpiride and the group of Ficus capensis extracts each had higher levels of beta-casein in mammary tissue and average prolactinemia than distilled water (P < .01). Mammary tissue stained by immunohistochemistry with anti-prolactin receptor antibodies showed more intensely labelled mammary glands in the sulpiride and Ficus capensis extracts groups. There was no statistically significant difference between average progesteronemia among the different groups. Conclusion: F. capensis leaves AE administered to virgin female NMRI mice showed lactogenic and mammogenic effects. The extracts were able to increase the nutritional quality of the milk produced, as evidenced by the increase in protein secretion.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND The impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection over the immune response and the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis are not yet completely understood. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the expression of innate immune receptors in three distinct mouse lineages (BALB/c, C57BL/6 and Swiss) during experimental S. mansoni infection with LE strain. METHODS The parasite burden, intestinal tissue oogram and presence of hepatic granulomas were evaluated at 7- and 12-weeks post infection (wpi). The mRNA expression for innate Toll-like receptors, Nod-like receptors, their adaptor molecules, and cytokines were determined at 2, 7 and 12 wpi in the hepatic tissue by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). FINDINGS Swiss mice showed 100% of survival, had lower parasite burden and intestinal eggs, while infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 presented 80% and 90% of survival, respectively, higher parasite burden and intestinal eggs. The three mouse lineages displayed distinct patterns in the expression of innate immune receptors, their adaptor molecules and cytokines, at 2 and 7 wpi. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the pathogenesis of S. mansoni infection is related to a dynamic early activation of innate immunity receptors and cytokines important for the control of developing worms.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Leishmaniases encompass a spectrum of neglected diseases caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, grouped in two forms: tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. OBJECTIVES In this study, we propose Friend Virus B NIH Jackson (FVB/NJ) mouse strain as a new experimental model of infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, the second most prevalent agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil. METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed in vitro infections of FVB/NJ macrophages and compared them with BALB/c macrophages, showing that BALB/c cells have higher infection percentages and a higher number of amastigotes/cell. Phagocytosis assays indicated that BALB/c and FVB/NJ macrophages have similar capacity to uptake parasites after 5 min incubations. We also investigated promastigotes' resistance to sera from FVB/NJ and BALB/c and observed no difference between the two sera, even though FVB/NJ has a deficiency in complement components. Finally, we subcutaneously infected FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice with 2 × 106 parasites expressing luciferase. Analysis of lesion development for 12 weeks showed that FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice have similar lesion profiles and parasite burdens. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This work characterises for the first time the FVB/NJ mouse as a new model for tegumentary leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.
ABSTRACT
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by death of dopaminergic neurons leading to dopamine deficiency, excessive α-synuclein facilitating Lewy body formation, etc. Latroeggtoxin-VI (LETX-VI), a proteinaceous neurotoxin discovered from the eggs of spider L. tredecimguttatus, was previously found to promote the synthesis and release of PC12 cells, showing a great potential as a drug candidate for PD. However, the relevant mechanisms have not been understood completely. The present study explored the mechanism underlying the effects of LETX-VI on dopamine and α-synuclein of PC12 cells and the implications for PD. Results After PC12 cells were treated with LETX-VI, the level of dopamine was significantly increased in a dose-dependent way within a certain range of concentrations. Further mechanism analysis showed that LETX-VI upregulated the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and L-dopa decarboxylase to enhance the biosynthesis of dopamine, and downregulated that of monoamine oxidase B to reduce the degradation of dopamine. At the same time, LETX-VI promoted the transport and release of dopamine through modulating the abundance and/or posttranslational modification of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and dopamine transporter (DAT). While the level of dopamine was increased by LETX-VI treatment, α-synuclein content was reduced by the spider toxin. α-Synuclein overexpression significantly decreased the dopamine level and LETX-VI efficiently alleviated the inhibitory action of excessive α-synuclein on dopamine. In the MPTP-induced mouse model of PD, application of LETX-VI ameliorated parkinsonian behaviors of the mice, and reduced the magnitude of MPTP-induced α-synuclein upregulation and TH downregulation. In addition, LETX-VI displayed neuroprotective effects by inhibiting MPTP-induced decrease in the numbers of TH-positive and Nissl-stained neurons in mouse brain tissues. Conclusions All the results demonstrate that LETX-VI promotes the synthesis and release of dopamine in PC12 cells via multiple mechanisms including preventing abnormal α-synuclein accumulation, showing implications in the prevention and treatment of PD.
ABSTRACT
Background Vitamin C (ascorbate) is a water-soluble antioxidant and an important cofactor for various biosynthetic and regulatory enzymes. Mice can synthesize vitamin C thanks to the key enzyme gulonolactone oxidase (Gulo) unlike humans. In the current investigation, we used Gulo-/- mice, which cannot synthesize their own ascorbate to determine the impact of this vitamin on both the transcriptomics and proteomics profiles in the whole liver. The study included Gulo-/- mouse groups treated with either sub-optimal or optimal ascorbate concentrations in drinking water. Liver tissues of females and males were collected at the age of four months and divided for transcriptomics and proteomics analysis. Immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and polysome profiling experiments were also conducted to complement our combined omics studies. Results Principal component analyses revealed distinctive differences in the mRNA and protein profiles as a function of sex between all the mouse cohorts. Despite such sexual dimorphism, Spearman analyses of transcriptomics data from females and males revealed correlations of hepatic ascorbate levels with transcripts encoding a wide array of biological processes involved in glucose and lipid metabolisms as well as in the acute-phase immune response. Moreover, integration of the proteomics data showed that ascorbate modulates the abundance of various enzymes involved in lipid, xenobiotic, organic acid, acetyl-CoA, and steroid metabolism mainly at the transcriptional level, especially in females. However, several proteins of the mitochondrial complex III significantly correlated with ascorbate concentrations in both males and females unlike their corresponding transcripts. Finally, poly(ribo)some profiling did not reveal significant enrichment difference for these mitochondrial complex III mRNAs between Gulo-/- mice treated with sub-optimal and optimal ascorbate levels. Conclusions Thus, the abundance of several subunits of the mitochondrial complex III are regulated by ascorbate at the post-transcriptional levels. Our extensive omics analyses provide a novel resource of altered gene expression patterns at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels under ascorbate deficiency.
ABSTRACT
O estudo investigou a melhoria da técnica de Desinfecção Solar de água (SODIS) pela adição de Azul de Metileno (AM), visando acelerar a descontaminação microbiológica de água, especialmente em regiões com baixa incidência solar. A água contaminada por microrganismos é uma das principais causas de doenças em países em desenvolvimento, e a desinfecção solar tem se mostrado eficaz, porém limitada em condições climáticas desfavoráveis. A inclusão do AM, um corante fotossensível, acelera o processo, gerando oxigênio reativo ao ser exposto à luz solar, o que inativa os microrganismos. O estudo foi dividido em três partes: in silico, in vitro e in vivo. No estudo in silico, foram realizadas simulações para prever a toxicidade aguda e a mutagenicidade do AM nas formas oxidada (azul) e reduzida (leuco). Ambas as formas apresentaram baixa toxicidade, com a forma leuco sendo ainda menos tóxica. A mutagenicidade foi observada na forma oxidada em alguns testes, mas a forma leuco se mostrou segura. Nos experimentos in vitro, foram analisadas amostras de água de poço artesiano, contaminadas com patógenos. A análise metagenômica identificou a presença de microbiota intestinal humana e animal, além de patógenos causadores de doenças graves. Após a aplicação do método AM/SODIS, houve uma redução significativa no número de microrganismos, comprovando a eficácia do tratamento na descontaminação da água. No estudo in vivo, camundongos foram expostos ao consumo de água tratada com AM/SODIS por 13 semanas. Após a análise de fígados e rins dos animais, não foram observadas alterações histopatológicas ou sinais de citotoxicidade, genotoxicidade ou mutagenicidade. A análise da expressão de proteínas relacionadas à morte celular também não indicou estresse celular, autofagia ou apoptose, sugerindo que o uso do AM na concentração de 100 ng/ml é seguro para consumo humano. Os resultados do estudo indicam que a combinação do SODIS com o AM melhora a eficiência do processo de desinfecção de água, tornando-o uma opção viável para uso em regiões com pouca insolação ou em situações de emergência. A técnica é simples, de baixo custo e pode ser aplicada em áreas carentes, contribuindo para a redução de doenças causadas por água contaminada. Além disso, o estudo não encontrou evidências de toxicidade significativa nas formas de AM utilizadas, tornando o método seguro para o consumo humano. A pesquisa contribui para o desenvolvimento de tecnologias de baixo custo para o tratamento de água, alinhando-se aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da ONU, especialmente em relação ao acesso à água potável e saneamento. A aplicação da técnica em larga escala pode ajudar a mitigar os efeitos da falta de saneamento em comunidades vulneráveis, prevenindo doenças como diarreia, especialmente em crianças.(AU)
The study investigated the improvement of the Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) technique through the addition of Methylene Blue (MB), aiming to accelerate the microbiological decontamination of water, especially in regions with low sunlight exposure. Microbiologically contaminated water is one of the leading causes of diseases in developing countries, and solar disinfection has proven effective but limited under unfavorable weather conditions. The inclusion of MB, a photosensitive dye, accelerates the process by generating reactive oxygen when exposed to sunlight, which inactivates microorganisms. The study was divided into three parts: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. In the in silico study, simulations were conducted to predict the acute toxicity and mutagenicity of MB in its oxidized (blue) and reduced (leuco) forms. Both forms showed low toxicity, with the leuco form being even less toxic. Mutagenicity was observed in the oxidized form in some tests, but the leuco form was found to be safe. In the in vitro experiments, samples of artesian well water contaminated with pathogens were analyzed. Metagenomic analysis identified the presence of human and animal intestinal microbiota, as well as pathogens causing severe diseases. After applying the AM/SODIS method, there was a significant reduction in the number of microorganisms, demonstrating the efficacy of the treatment in water decontamination. In the in vivo study, mice were exposed to water treated with AM/SODIS for 13 weeks. After analyzing the liver and kidneys of the animals, no histopathological alterations or signs of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or mutagenicity were observed. The analysis of the expression of proteins related to cell death also indicated no cellular stress, autophagy, or apoptosis, suggesting that the use of MB at a concentration of 100 ng/ml is safe for human consumption. The study's results indicate that the combination of SODIS with MB improves the efficiency of the water disinfection process, making it a viable option for use in regions with low sunlight or emergency situations. The technique is simple, low-cost, and can be applied in underprivileged areas, helping to reduce waterborne diseases. Furthermore, the study found no significant toxicity in the MB forms used, making the method safe for human consumption. This research contributes to the development of low-cost technologies for water treatment, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly regarding access to clean water and sanitation. The large-scale application of the technique could help mitigate the effects of poor sanitation in vulnerable communities, preventing diseases like diarrhea, especially in children.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , In Vitro Techniques , Computer Simulation , Toxicity Tests , Water Disinfection , Solar Radiation , Metagenomics , Water Security , Methylene Blue , Mice, HairlessABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ （AS Ⅳ） on db/db mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. MethodA total of 24 db/db mice were randomly divided into four groups： model group， metformin group， and low-dose and high-dose AS Ⅳ groups. Six C57 mice were used as the blank group. The low-dose and high-dose AS Ⅳ groups were given AS Ⅳ of 0.015 and 0.030 g·kg-1 by gavage， and the metformin group was given 0.067 g·kg-1 by gavage. The blank and model groups were given equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. After intragastric administration， fasting blood glucose （FBG） was detected， and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Serum lipid level and liver histopathology were detected. The target and enrichment pathway of AS Ⅳ for treating T2DM and NAFLD were predicted by network pharmacology， and the main enrichment pathway was verified by molecular biology techniques. The protein expressions of AMPK， p-AMPK， sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 （SREBP-1）， and fatty acid synthetase （FAS） in liver tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the levels of body mass， liver weight coefficient， fasting blood glucose， serum total cholesterol， triglyceride， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in mice treated with AS Ⅳ were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The pathology of liver tissue showed significant improvement in lipid accumulation， and imaging results showed that the degree of fatty liver was reduced after AS Ⅳ therapy. Network pharmacological prediction results showed that vascular endothelial growth factor α （VEGFA）， galactoagglutinin 3 （LGALS3）， serine/threonine kinase B2 （Akt2）， RHO-associated coiled-coil protein kinase 1 （ROCK1）， serine/threonine kinase B1 （Akt1）， signaling and transcriptional activator protein （STAT3）， and messtimal epidermal transformation factor （MET） were key targets in "drug-disease" network. The results from the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） enrichment showed that the AMP-dependent protein kinase （AMPK） signaling pathway was strongly associated with T2DM and NAFLD. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group， the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK in the model group were significantly down-regulated， while those of SREBP-1 and FAS proteins were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK in the metformin group and high-dose AS Ⅳ group were significantly up-regulated， while those of SREBP-1 and FAS proteins were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAS Ⅳ regulates the expression of lipid proteins by activating the AMPK signaling pathway， thereby improving lipid metabolism.
ABSTRACT
@#Objective To isolate,purify and identify exosomes secreted by mouse primary peritoneal macrophages.Methods Five male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 3% mercaptoacetate broth respectively,and the primary peritoneal macrophages were obtained by lavage,and then the purity was analyzed by flow cytometry.The exosomes of mouse primary peritoneal macrophages were extracted by ExoQuick TC exosome kit,which were measured for the protein content with BCA kit,observed for the morphology by transmission electron microscopy,detected for the particle size and distribution with nanoparticle tracking analyzer,and determined for the expression of exosome-specific markers(CD9,CD63 and TSG101) by Western blot.Results About 5 × 10~6 peritoneal macrophages with the purity of(99.17±0.65)%were obtained from each mouse.Approximately 869 μg of exosomal protein was extracted from 5 mL of mouse primary peritoneal macrophage culture supernatant.The exosomes of mouse primary peritoneal macrophages were typical tea saucerlike vesicles with strong refraction under electron microscopy,and highly expressed the exosome-specific markers TSG101,CD63 and CD9.The particle size distribution was concentrated between 100 and 200 nm,with an average particle size of175.2 nm.Conclusion Intraperitoneal injection of mercaptoacetate broth can improve the yield of mouse primary peritoneal macrophages.ExoQuick TC.exosome kit can extract sufficient amount of exosomes with high purity from mouse primary peritoneal macrophages.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the repair mechanism of baicalin on gastric mucosa of chronic atrophic gastritis mice based on the network pharmacology and animal experiments.Methods(1)Applied network pharmacology to predict and analyze the potential key targets of baicalin in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis.(2)Animal experiment:40 C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Vitacoenzyme group and baicalin group,10 mice in each group.Except for the normal group,the other three groups of mice were treated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG)by gavage combined with hunger and satiety disorder method to construct a chronic atrophic gastritis model.At the end of drug administration,the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,the changes of gastrin(GAS)and prostaglandin E2(PGE2)levels in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Janus tyrosine kinase 1(JAK1),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)in the gastric mucosa were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and protein immunoblotting(Western Blot)methods,respectively.Results The results of network pharmacology showed that baicalin could spontaneously bind to the core targets JAK1 and STAT3.The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the normal group,the gastric mucosa of mice in the model group suffered from atrophy,disordered gland arrangement,the presence of a large number of lymphocytes,a significant increase in apoptotic index of the gastric mucosa(P＜0.05),a significant decrease in the levels of GAS and PGE2 in serum(P＜0.05),and a significant increase in the levels of mRNA and protein expressions of JAK1 and STAT3 in the gastric mucosa(P＜0.05);compared with the model group,the pathological changes of gastric mucosa in the Vitacoenzyme group and baicalin group were alleviated,the glands were arranged relatively neatly,the structure was more intact,the apoptosis index of gastric mucosal cells was significantly decreased(P＜0.05),the levels of GAS and PGE2 in serum were significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the mRNA and protein expression levels of JAK1 and STAT3 in gastric mucosa were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the above-mentioned indexes between the baicalin group and the Vitacoenzyme group(P＞0.05).Conclusion Baicalin can effectively repair gastric mucosal lesions in mice with chronic atrophic gastritis,and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of mRNA and protein expressions of JAK1 and STAT3.
ABSTRACT
Objective To develop a suitable medium and optimize culture time for the primary osteoblast culture from suckling mouse,so to provide an improved experimental protocol for primary osteoblast culture in vitro.Meth-ods Primary osteoblasts were collected from skull of CD1 suckling mouse by interrupted enzyme digestion.The pu-rified osteoblasts were harvested by differential centrifugation.The incubation time,concentration of fetal bovine se-rum(FBS),β-glycerophosphate sodium and dexamethasone were tested and optimized.The change of osteoblast maturation marker was examined by Western blot(WB)and immunofluorescence staining(IF).The osteogenic ac-tivity was determined by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red staining and ultrastructure.Results Primary osteoblast were obtained from sucleling mouse skull bone by interrupted enzyme digestion for proliferation and trans-generational expansion.The expression of osteoblast maturation markers was parallel to the time of induction culture and the concentration of FBS.Mature osteoblasts were obtained by culturing the cells with 10％ FBS for 14 days.The differentiation of primary osteoblasts was induced by different concentrations of β-glycerophosphate and dexam-ethasone.The results showed that the expression of osteoblast maturation markers was higher under the culture con-ditions of 10 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate and 5 nmol/L dexamethasone(P<0.01),and the staining of alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red was obvious,and the osteogenic activity was better too.Conclusions Primary osteo-blasts isolated from the skull of suckling CD1 mice cultured in induction medium containing 10％fetal bovine ser-um,10 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate sodium and 5 nmol/L dexamethasone for 14 days show good osteogenic activity and are suitable for in vitro experimental studies.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the efeects of microRNA(miR)-103a-3p regulates tumor protein 53-regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1(TRIAP1)on osteoblast differentiation and bone mass in ovariectomized mice.Methods MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into normal group,miR-103a-3p-NC group,miR-103a-3p mimic group,miR-103a-3p mimic+TRIAP1-NC group,miR-103a-3p mimic+TRIAP1 mimic group.mRNA expression of miR-103a-3p,TRIAP1,P53 were detected by Real-time PCR;Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT test and flow cytometry;cytoskeleton and mineralization of cells were detected by F-actin immunofluorescence staining and alizarin staining;alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity was detected by ELISA.24 female mice were divided into sham group,osteoporosis(OP)group,miR-103a-3p antagonist-NC group,miR-103a-3p antagonist group(six in each group),extract bilateral ovaries to establish an OP model,sham group mice only isolated fat around ovarian tissue.mRNA expression of miR-103a-3p,TRIAP1,P53,ALP,osteocalcin(OCN),osteopontin(OPN)of bone tissue were detected;microCT detect bone mineral density(BMD),bone mineral content(BMC);haematoxylin eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes of bone tissue.Results After miR-103a-3p mimic was transfected into cells,the miR-103a-3p and P53 expression increased,TRIAP1 expression decreased,cell proliferation decreased,apoptosis increased,F-actin expression decreased,the number of calcium nodules decreased,and ALP enzyme activity decreased(P<0.01);however,after TRIAP1 mimic was additionally transfected into cells,the above result caused by miR-103a-3p mimics were significantly reversed(P<0.01).In OP group,the miR-103a-3p and P53 expression in bone tissue increased,the TRIAP1,ALP,OCN and OPN expression decreased,BMD and BMC were decreased,and bone tissue construct was damaged(P<0.05);in miR-103a-3p antagonist group,the miR-103a-3p and P53 expression in bone tissue decreased,TRIAP1,ALP,OCN,OPN expression increased,BMD and BMC increased,and bone tissue construct was improved(P<0.05).Conclusion MiRNA-103a-3p mediate TRIAP1/P53 to inhibit proliferation and mineralization of osteoblast,while miR-103a-3p antagonistic treatment reduce bone loss in OP mice.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of peimine(PME)on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in mice.Methods The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups(20 mice in each group),control group,PME group,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group and treatment group.Animal models of COPD were induced in mice by lipopolysaccharide combined with smoke.The effects of PME on COPD model mice was analyzed by HE staining,transmission electron microscopy and the ratio of wet/dry weight of mouse lung tissue.The effects of PME on COPD model mice were analyzed by HE staining,transmission electron microscopy and the ratio of wet/dry weight of mouse lung tissue.The effects of PME on inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-1β in lung tissue were analyzed by ELISA and Western blotting.The effects of PME on oxidative stress in lung tissue were analyzed by dihydroethidium(DHE)staining and Western blotting.The effects of PME on nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)pathway and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathway were analyzed by protein immunoblotting.Results Compared with the COPD group,PME treatment could significantly improve the lung tissue injury and the number of inflammatory cells in mice,and the wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue was significantly reduced.Compared with the control group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the alveolar lavage fluid of COPD mice significantly increased,and the level of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the alveolar lavage fluid of mice after PME treatment was significantly reduced.In addition,compared with the control group,the protein expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the lung tissue of COPD mice significantly increased,and the level of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the lung tissue of COPD mice after PME treatment were significantly reduced.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed that the level of superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2)protein in COPD group was significantly lower than that in control group,while PME treatment could improve the level of superoxide dismutase protein.The analysis of MDA content in lung tissue showed that compared with the COPD group,the production of MDA in lung tissue of COPD mice was significantly inhibited after PME treatment.Protein Western blotting showed that PME treatment could prevent the phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα)and the transfer of NF-κB p65 to the cell nucleus,and the expression of Nrf2 and its main downstream target heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in the lung tissue of mice treated with PME significantly increased.Conclusion PME is able to inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress and improve lung tissues damage in the COPD model in vivo and this protection effect might be both the Nrf2 pathway activation and NF-κB pathway inhibition.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1)receptor agonists exendin-4 on the secretion of cyclophilin A(CyPA)to inhibit atherosclerosis(AS)and vascular calcification in mice role of the process.Methods Twenty ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into model group and exendin-4 group,10 mice in each group,and were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS model,another 10 wild-type C57BL/6J mice were taken as the control group,and the exendin-4 group was intraperitoneally injected with the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4,1/d,for 8 weeks.After 8 weeks,the ELISA method was used to determine the level of triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and CyPA,serum calcium level was detected by methylthymol blue colorimetric method,oil red O staining to detect the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta,HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the aorta,Von Kossa staining was used to observe the calcium deposition in the aorta,immunohistochemical staining,Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of aortic RUNX2 and bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2),immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the positive expression of CyPA in aortic tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the serum levels of TG,TC,LDL-C,Ca and CyPA in the model group increased(P<0.05),the atherosclerotic plaque areas of the aorta increased(P<0.05),the aortic wall was thickened significantly and a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated,a large amount of calcium deposits were deposited in the aortic parietal membrane,the positive expression area ratio of RUNX2 and BMP-2,the relative mRNA expression of RUNX2 and BMP-2,the relative protein expression of RUNX2 and BMP-2 in aortic tissue all increased(P<0.05),and the red fluorescence of CyPA expression in aortic tissue was enhanced significantly.Compared with the model group,the serum levels of TG,TC,LDL-C,Ca and CyPA in the exendin-4 group decreased(P<0.05),the atherosclerotic plaque areas of the aorta decreased(P<0.05),the thickening of the aortic wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were alleviated significantly,the calcium deposition in the aortic wall was reduced,the positive expression area ratio of RUNX2 and BMP-2,the relative mRNA expression of RUNX2 and BMP-2,the relative protein expression of RUNX2 and BMP-2 in aortic tissue all decreased(P<0.05),and at the same time,the red fluorescence of CyPA expression in aortic tissue was weakened significantly.Conclusion GLP-1 receptor agonists exendin-4 can inhibit atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in mice,and the mechanism may be related to the reduction of CyPA secretion.
ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the antigen recognition sites of commercial and homemade antibodies against aquaporin(AQP)9,and to identify the application effect.Methods Western blotting was used to compare the efficacy of three commercial antibodies and self-made antibody in identifying AQP9 genotypes.The antigen recognition sites of four antibodies and their specificities in practical applications were analyzed.Results Western blotting showed that protein bands of three commercial antibodies were detected in both WT and Aqp9-/-mice.The keyhole limpet hemocyanin(KLH)conjugated synthetic peptides corresponding to the three commercial antibodies were derived from rat,human and human,respectively.And The sequences of these three synthetic peptides were different from those of mice.AQP3/7 and AQP9 have similar molecular weight and were expressed in the liver with high homology.An obvious band of self-made antibody was observed at the 27 kD position in WT mice,but no band was observed at the corresponding position in Aqp9-/-mice.Conclusion Commercial antibodies 1 and 3 can be used to assist in the identification of genotypes in Aqp9-/-mice.Homemade antibodies can accurately identify genotypes at the protein level.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish an inhalation infection pneumonia model of C57BL/6J mice with highly virulent and multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA)strain F291007,and to study the microbiological,pathological and immunological characteristics of this model.Methods The strain F291007 was isolated and identified before the bacterial suspension was administered to the mice via aerosolized intratracheal inoculation to establish the pneumonia infection model.In the course of infection,the conditions and survival of the mice were observed,and the bacterial loads,the histopathological states and the cytokine expression levels in the major organs were detected.Finally,three key cytokines were blocked to observe the survival of mice.Results The strain F291007 was isolated and identified.After lethal dose infection,all the mice died within 24 h.After sub-lethal dose infection,a large number of immune cells in the body were capable of phagocytosis and killing of invading pathogens,which was manifested as rapid clearance of bacteria in lungs and the exponential decrease of bacterial load with the passage of time.The pathological changes in lungs were most severe at 1 to 3 days but gradually recovered.After infection,interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in alveolar lavage fluid and serum were significantly increased at 1 to 3 days.After blocking of these three cytokines with specific antibodies,the survival rates of infected mice decreased significantly.Conclusion A mouse model of gradually-recovered pneumonia infection caused by PA inhalation has been established,suggesting that the first one to three days are critical to immune response after infection through multiple indicators.This mouse model can be used for research on the pathogenesis,immunoregulation and treatment evaluation of highly virulent and multi-drug resistant PA inhalation pneumonia infection.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a mouse model of type Ⅰ tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome(THES)induced by Ttc37 deficiency.Methods Ttc37 flox strain was established by site-specifically inserted loxP sites into Ttc37 gene via CRISPR/CAS9 technology.Ubiquitously expressed CAG-Cre was introduced for all-tissue removal of Ttc37 in Ttc37flox/flox;CAG-Cre mice.The knock-out effect was confirmed by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot.Phenotypic evaluations were conducted in 8-week-old mice including hematoxylin-eosin staining of skin,spleen,liver,bladder,and gastrointestinal tract(GI),serum enzyme activity assay of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),measurement of serum hemoglobin level,and ELISA for IgG and IgM level upon antigen immunization.Results Similar to type Ⅰ THES patients,Ttc37flox/flox;CAG-Cre mice exhibited impaired development of hair shaft,epidermis,B cell and eyes,while liver,GI,bladder and serum hemoglobin level seemed normal under unstressed condition.Conclusion A novel mouse model of typeⅠ THES was constructed successfully,which was applicable for pathological study.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To detect itching,anxiety,depression behaviors in chronic itch models of mice and observe the activation of γ-aminobutiric acid(GABA)neurons in the ventral sector of the zona incerta(ZIv),and provide mor-phological evidence for their involvement in the modulation of itch information.Methods:Diphenylcyclopropenone(DCP)was used in glutamic acid decarboxylase 67-green fluorescent protein(GAD67-GFP)knock-in mice to establish chronic itch model.Itch behaviors were detected by video tracking system to verify whether the models were successfully established.The anxiety,depression behaviors of chronic itch model mice were detected by using elevated plus maze test(EPM)and tail suspention test(TST).By using GAD67-GFP mice,the distribution of GABAergic neurons in va-rious sectors of the zona incerta(ZI)was observed.And combined with immunofluorescence staining method,double labeling of GABAergic neurons with FOS in ZIv were observed respectively in control and DCP group mice.Results:In brain slices of GAD67-GFP mice,GABAergic neurons can be observed within all sectors of ZI and are more concentrat-ed in ZIv.Compared with control group mice,DCP group mice showed a significant increase in the bouts of scratching(P＜0.001).The time of immobility in TST was significantly higher in DCP group mice than in control group mice,which displayed depression-like behavior.The EPM test showed that the numbers of entries and proportion of time in the cross region in DCP group mice were less than in control group mice.EPM test revealed that DCP group mice exhibited anxiety-like behavior.The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of FOS-positive cells in ZIv was significantly higher in DCP group mice than in control group mice,and abundant co-labeled neurons of FOS and GABAergic neurons were observed in ZIv.Conclusion:GABAergic neurons were predominantly distributed in ZI,and were more concentrated in ZIv.The activation of GABAergic neurons in ZIv of DCP group mice provides morphological evidence on the involvement of GABAergic neurons in chronic itch and associated negative emotions.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of mitochondrial division of GABAergic neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata(SNr)on motor dysfunction in mice with acute hepatic encephalopathy(AHE).Methods:AHE mice model was established by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide(TAA).The changes of liver lobules in AHE mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The changes of serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and blood ammonia in AHE mice were detected by biochemical detection kit.Then,the motor function of AHE mice was observed by rod fatigue test,elevated cross maze test and open field test.Furthermore,the changes of mitochondrial area,perimeter,roundness and other morphological indicators in SNr of AHE mice were ob-served and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy.The expression of mitochondrial division and fusion related molecules in SNr of AHE mice was observed by Western Blot.Then,the expression of mitochondrial dynamic related protein 1(DRP1)in SNr of AHE mice was targeted by AAV virus.The mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),ATP and reactive oxygen species(ROS)in SNr were detected by fluorescence enzyme marker,and the changes of motor function of mice were observed.Results:Compared with the control group,the motor function of AHE mice was signifi-cantly decreased,the mitochondrial division of SNr was significantly enhanced,and the expression of mitochondrial divi-sion related proteins was significantly increased.The MMP in SNr of AHE mice was significantly decreased,the ATP of cells was decreased,and the ROS was increased.After targeted inhibition of DRP1 expression in SNr of AHE mice,the movement was improved;further observation found that after the mitochondrial division in SNr of AHE mice was inhibi-ted,the MMP was significantly increased,the ATP of cells was increased,and the ROS was decreased,which demon-strated that the mitochondrial function was significantly improved.Conclusion:Targeted inhibition of mitochondrial di-vision of GABAergic neurons in SNr of AHE mice can improve mitochondrial morphology and function,thus alleviating their movement disorders.