Effects of triptolide on ovarian oxidative stress and mitophagy of granulosa cells in rats / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To observe the effects of different concentration and intervention time of triptolide(TP)on ovarian oxidative stress and mitophagy in rats.Methods Fifty 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were observed for 2 consecutive estrus cycles,and 25 rats with normal estrus cycles were selected and divided into the blank control group,experiment group 1,experiment group 2,experiment group 3 and experiment group 4 according to random number table method,with 5 rats in each group.Rats in experiment group 1 were administered intragastrically 400 μg·kg-1 TP once a day for 30 d.Rats in experiment group 2 were given 400 μg·kg-1 TP once a day for 40 d.Rats in experiment group 3 were given 500 μg·kg-1 TP once a day for 30 d.Rats in the experiment group 4 were given 500 μg·kg-1 TP once a day for 40d.Rats in the blank control group were given 10 mL·kg-1 distilled water once a day for 40 d.Serum anti-mullerian hormone(AMH),estradiol(E2)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of ovarian tissue;malondialdehyde(MDA)level and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in ovarian tissue were detected by microplate reader.The morphological and structural changes of mitochondria in ovarian granulosa cells of rats in each group were observed by transmission electron microscope,and the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells was detected by flow cytometer.Results Compared with the blank control group,the levels of AMH and E2 in serum and SOD activity in ovarian tissue of rats in the experiment groups 1,2,3 and 4 significantly decreased,while the levels of FSH in serum and MDA in ovarian tissue significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the experiment group 1,the levels of AMH and E2 in serum and SOD activity in ovarian tissue of rats in experiment groups 2,3 and 4 significantly decreased,while the levels of FSH in serum and MDA in ovarian tissue significantly increased(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the levels of AMH,E2 and FSH in serum,SOD activity and MDA level in ovarian tissue of rats among experiment groups 2,3 and 4(P＞0.05).The apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in experiment groups 1,2,3 and 4 was significantly higher than that in the blank control group(P＜0.05);the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in experiment groups 2,3 and 4 was significantly higher than that in experiment group 1(P＜0.05);the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in experiment groups 3 and 4 was significantly higher than that in experiment group 2(P＜0.05);the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in experiment group 4 was significantly higher than that in experiment group 3(P＜0.05).In the blank control group,the ovarian tissue capsule was intact,and the number and development of primordial,primary and secondary follicles in the cortex were normal,with rare atretic follicles and less corpus luteum.The fibrous connective tissue in the medullary area was closely arranged,and no obvious edema or necrosis was observed.In experiment groups 1,2,3 and 4,the number of follicles in ovarian tissue decreased,the number of atretic follicles increased,and necrosis and shedding of follicles in the granular layer and cystic dilatation of follicles were observed.The pathological changes of ovarian tissue in experiment group 1 were relatively light,with fewer atretic follicles and less cell necrosis in the granulosa cell layer.The degree of ovarian tissue lesions in experiment group 4 was the most severe,with more atretic follicles and cell necrosis and shedding in the granulosa cell layer.The degree of ovarian tissue lesions in experiment groups 2 and 3 was less than that in experiment group 4,with fewer atretic follicles,necrosis of granulosa cell layer and follicle cystic dilatation.In the blank control group,the ovarian granulosa cells were normal in morphology and structure,with irregular polygon nuclei,uniform distribution of chromatin,mainly euchromatin,clear and complete nuclear membrane,mitochondria and other organelles with complete and clear structure visible in the cytoplasm.Different degrees of mitophagy were observed in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells of rats in experiment groups 1,2,3 and 4;the mitophagy of rats in experiment groups 2,3 and 4 was more severe than that in experiment group 1;that in experiment groups 3 and 4 was more severe than experiment group 2;the mitophagy of rats in experiment group 3 was similar to that in experiment group 4.Under electron microscopy,more mitochondrial autophagosomes were found in the cytoplasm of ovarian granulosa cells in experiment groups 3 and 4.Most mitochondria were mildly swollen,some mitochondrial crista structures disappeared,and the rough endoplasmic reticulum showed cystic dilatation.Conclusion The ovarian dysfunc-tion model in rats can be successfully established by TP intragastric administration.The ovarian injury of rats is related to TP dose and intervention time.TP-induced ovarian oxidative stress may be an important factor triggering ovarian hypofunction,and it may work through oxidative stress affecting ovarian endocrine function and inducing granulosa cell apoptosis and other patho-physiological processes.With the aggravation of oxidative stress damage,the mitophagy increases.After reaching a certain de-gree,mitophagy will not continue to increase with the increase of TP intervention time.

Coil design and simulation analysis of magnetic induction hyperthermia in rats / 中国医学物理学杂志

A Helmholtz coil is selected to generate the alternating magnetic field,and the relevant model is established with a rat brain tumor as the research object.Based on the Pennes bioheat transfer equation,the electromagnetic field distribution and temperature field distribution are calculated in COMSOL simulation software,and the factors affecting the outcome of magnetic induction hyperthermia are analyzed.The results show that both magnetic field distribution and temperature field distribution meet the requirements for magnetic induction hyperthermia.The magnetic field distribution in the tumor treatment area is uniform,and the central magnetic induction strength is 12.847 mT.The temperature rise in the tumor area is significant,and the temperature at the tumor center is 46℃or above,basically reaching the treatment temperature.The therapeutic efficacy of magnetic induction hyperthermia is affected by the number of turns,current,radius and spacing,magnetic field frequency and other parameters.The study provides reference for the clinical application of magnetic induction hyperthermia and the coil design.

Assessment of the correlation between liver stiffness and pathological changes in Thioacetamide-induced acute hepatitis rat models using virtual touch tissue imaging quantification technology / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between liver stiffness and histopathological changes in a rat model of acute hepatitis using virtual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) technology.Methods:A total of 100 SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control ( n=30), low-dose ( n=35), and high-dose ( n=35) groups. Acute hepatitis models were induced in the low-dose and high-dose groups using 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of Thioacetamide (TAA), respectively. Liver stiffness parameters of the right median lobe and right lobe were measured using VTIQ technology, Mean-H and Mean-L represent the liver lobes with higher and lower liver stiffness measurments, respectively, while Mean represent the average of the measurements from both liver lobes. Comparative analyses of liver stiffness parameters were performed across three groups and between the two lobes of the liver. The correlations between the Mean values of liver stiffness and semi-quantitative histopathological data were investigated. Ten rats were randomly selected from each of the 3 groups to test the repeatability of VTIQ values before and after euthanasia with intraperitoneal anesthesia. Subsequently, 10 rats after euthanasia from each 3 group were randomly chosen to assess the repeatability of VTIQ measurements for inter-observer and intra-observer variabilities. Results:VTIQ results showed statistically significant differences in Mean, Mean-H, and Mean-L among the 3 groups (all P<0.01). The high-dose group had higher measurements compared to the low-dose and control groups, with significant intergroup differences (all P<0.01). Significant differences in Mean-H and Mean-L were observed between the two liver lobes in both low and high-dose groups (all P<0.01). The Mean value showed significant positive correlations with semi-quantitative histopathological data of hepatocellular edema, periportal inflammatory cell infiltration, macrophage proliferation, and bile duct proliferation ( r=0.391, 0.648, 0.577, 0.542; all P<0.01). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that hepatocellular edema, eosinophilic change, and bile duct proliferation significantly and positively predicted the Mean value (β=-0.278, -0.196, -0.333; all P<0.05). There were no significant differences of VTIQ measurements befor and after euthanasia (all P>0.05), with repeatability coefficients of 0.166, 0.182, 0.185 for Mean, Mean-H, and Mean-L, respectively. Post-euthanasia, inter- and intra-observer VTIQ differences remained non-significant (all P>0.05), with Mean, Mean-H, Mean-L coefficients of 0.114, 0.194, 0.165 and 0.206, 0.322, 0.268, respectively. Conclusions:VTIQ technology demonstrates potential clinical value in assessing a rat model of acute hepatitis, offering a new perspective for non-invasive evaluation of acute hepatitis. However, its clinical application requires further validation.

Discussion on the relationship between the disposal time of hypobaric oxygen chamber and the establishment of rat cardiac arrest model at high altitude / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To establish the rat cardiac arrest model in high-altitude hypobaric hypoxia environment, and to explore the effect of the treatment time in the hypobaric oxygen chamber on the reproduction of high-altitude rat cardiac arrest model.Methods:SPF grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as observation subjects. The experiment was conducted in two different altitude areas. The rats from the Plateau Branch of Institute of Cardiopulmonary and Cerebral Resuscitation of Sun Yat-sen University (Xining, Qinghai) were weighed and numbered, and they were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber (simulated altitude of 3 000 meters, speed of ascent and descent of 15 m/min, temperature of 20 ℃, cabin pressure of 69.5 kPa, cabin oxygen pressure of 14.5 kPa). After 30 days of feeding, the rats were obtained according to random number table method, and the cardiac arrest model was established by asphyxia method as the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group. After 60 days of feeding, rats were randomly selected again, and the cardiac arrest model was established as the 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group. Thirty rats were randomly selected from the Institute of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation at Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, Guangdong) by the same method, and the cardiac arrest model was established as the plain control group. The differences in the body weight of rat modeling precursors and the induction time of asphyxia during the modeling process among different groups were compared.Results:Finally, cardiac arrest model was established in 16 rats in the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group and in 22 rats in the 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group. There was no significant difference in the body weight of rats before modeling among the plain control group, 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group and 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group [g: 429.00 (389.25, 440.75), 440.00 (415.50, 486.25), 440.00 (400.00, 452.50), all P > 0.05]. The asphyxia induction time of rats in the 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group was significantly longer than that in the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group (s: 294.59±75.39 vs. 234.31±93.86, P < 0.01), even about 1.4 times of the plain control group (s: 294.59±75.39 vs. 208.73±30.88, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the asphyxia induction time between the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group and the plain control group ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Rats treated in a hypobaric oxygen chamber for 60 days are more suitable for the preparation of high-altitude cardiac arrest model, and are also consistent with the oxygen reserve and hypoxia tolerance of high-altitude rats.

Mechanism of Bushen Gutai Mixture on Improving Uterine Decidual Tissue and Spiral Artery Blood Supply of Abortion Model Rats by Regulating PKA/CREB/AQP5 Pathway / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective To observe the effect of Bushen Gutai mixture on uterine blood supply of rat model of abortion induced by hydroxyurea tablets combined with mifepristone through PKA-CREB signal pathway and its mechanism of calming fetus.Methods 60 pregnant rats of SPF grade SD rats were prepared by closing cages at 2∶1.According to the order of pregnancy,60 pregnant rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 rats in each group:Bushen Gutai mixture group(low,middle and high dose),normal pregnancy group,model group and Di qu progesterone group.On the 1st to 9th day of pregnancy,except the normal group,the pregnant rats in each group were gavaged with hydroxyurea tablets at 5∶00 pm every day(450 mg·kg-1),and at 10∶00 am on the 10th day of pregnancy.Mifepristone tablets were given by intragastric administration(4.0 mg·kg-1).At 9∶00 am every day from the 1st to 9th day of pregnancy,Bushen Gutai mixture was given to the low,middle and high dose groups(0.5,1.0,2.0 g·kg-1),didrone group(3.02 mg·kg-1),model group and normal pregnancy group with 0.9%normal saline.24 hours after the last administration of pentobarbital sodium(50 mg kg-1),all pregnant rats were killed by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium,and the uterine decidual tissue of pregnant rats was bluntly isolated in sterile environment.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the lumen diameter and wall thickness of spiral artery in uterine decidual tissue.Immunohistochemical staining(IHC)was used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in decidual tissues.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase A,protein kinase A,phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein,Cyclic Adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and aquaporin 5 in the decidua of pregnant rats.The apoptosis of decidual cells was detected by in situ end labeling(TUNEL)of DNA fragmentation.Results Compared with the model group,the wall thickness of spiral artery was higher than that in other groups(P<0.05),the lumen diameter was lower than that in other groups(P<0.05)and the expression of VEGF protein was lower than that of other groups(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the apoptosis level of decidual cells in uterine decidua of abortive rats in high,middle and low dose groups of Bushen Gutai mixture and diqu progesterone group decreased in varying degrees.Bushen Gutai mixture can up-regulate the levels of p-PKA/PKA and p-CREB/CREB in uterine decidua(P<0.01)and promote the expression of AQP5 protein in uterine decidua of abortion rats(P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Gutai mixture can improve uterine blood supply of aborted rats by activating PKA and CREB phosphorylation,up-regulating AQP5 expression,promoting physiological recasting of spiral artery and high expression of Vascular endothelial growth factor.

Establishment of a novel composite rat model of chronic skeletal muscle injury / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish a novel rat model of chronic skeletal muscle composite injury in the lumbar region,to explore its mechanism and treatment method in depth.Methods Twenty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n = 10),Hitting injury model(HIM)group(n = 9),Composite damage model(CDM)group(n = 9)(vertical blow combined with forced prolonged sitting).Open field test,HE staining and PCR sequencing were performed 3 days after modeling.Results The open field distance of rats in HIM group was significantly shorter than that in the CDM group,and both groups had shorter distances than the control group.HE staining showed multiple muscle fiber breaks,significant widening of muscle gaps,uneven distribution of muscle nuclei,and visible congestion in the model group of simple blow injury;In the CDM group,muscle fibers were ruptured,the muscle gaps were slightly widened,and inflammatory cell infiltration was observed between the muscles,especially around the muscle fiber breakage,with muscle fiber nuclei gathering.A volcano plot of the sequencing result suggested significant differences in the Pf4 gene.GO analysis of muscle tissue in model group rats showed upregulation of oxygen binding and carrier activity pathways.Conclusions This study attempted to establish a composite skeletal muscle injury model to study the pathological changes of chronic skeletal muscle injury in the low back pain and evaluate the efficacy of treatment method.It has practical application value in animal experiments for chronic non-specific low back pain.

Comparison of unilateral medial forebrain bundle and unilateral striatum lesioned by 6-hydroxydopamine at early lesioned stage in rat model / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective@#To compare the functional changes of neurotransmitters in the dopamine ( DA) system of rats lesioned by 6-hydroxydopamine in unilateral medial forebrain bundle ( MFB) and unilateral striatum after 4 weeks of modeling．@*Methods @#Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 62) were divided randomly into four groups : single-site model ( one site striatal lesion model，n = 18) ，four-site model ( four sites striatal lesion model，n = 18) ，MFB model (MFB lesion model，n = 18) and a sham operated control group (n = 8) ．Immunohistochemical tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining was used to calculate the loss rate of positive DA neurons．The functional changes of dopamine transporters(DAT) and D2 receptors in rat models of four groups were detected by radioligand-receptor binding assay in vitro，behavioral test and small-animal PET. @*Results @# Immunohistochemical staining results of TH at 1-lesion，4-lesion and MFB model showed that the TH-positive cell loss rates of the lesion side in three models were 19. 1% ，84. 7% and 97. 1% ，respectively，indicating that the model was successfully constructed. The results of DAT / D2 receptor functions in the three models showed that，compared with the sham operated control group，the DAT binding ratio of radioactivity on the lesion side of 1-lesion，4-lesion and MFB model significantly decreased (P＜0. 05，P＜0. 05 and P＜0. 01) ．The DAT binding ratio of radioactivity on the lesion side was compared among 1，4 lesion and MFB model．It was found that the decrease degree of MFB model was significantly higher than that of the previous two models (P＜0. 01) ，and the decrease degree of 4-lesion model was significantly higher than that of 1-lesion model (P＜0. 05) ．Compared with the sham operated control group，the D2 receptor binding ratio of radioactivity on the lesion side of 1-lesion and 4-lesion model significantly decreased (P＜0. 05) ， and there was no significant difference in the degree of decrease between the two models，but the D2 receptor binding ratio of radioactivity on the lesion side of MFB model significantly increased (P＜0. 05) ．There was no difference in the distribution of DAT / D2 receptor on the lesion side and the normal side of the sham operated control group．Methamphetamine caused ipsilateral rotations to the lesion side in all models． There were no significant differences in methamphetamine-induced rotation among 1-lesion，4-lesion and MFB models．Bromocriptine caused ipsilateral rotations to the lesion side in 1-lesion and 4-lesion models but contralateral rotations in MFB model. There were no significant differences in bromocriptine-induced rotation between 1-lesion and 4-lesion models．The results of stepping test showed the motion initiation time of the lesion side was significantly longer than that of the normal side，the stepping length of the lesion side was significantly shorter than that of the normal side，and the adjusting steps of the lesion side was significantly less than that of the normal side (P＜0. 001) ，but there was no significant difference of the lesion side in the initiation time ，stepping length ，and adjusting steps among the three groups of models． @*Conclusion@#The striatal lesion and MFB lesion models showed different pathophysiological processes in terms of DA neurotransmitter functions and behavior．The MFB lesion model can mimic primary Parkinson's disease，while the striatal lesion model is similar to some Parkinson syndromes.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of betaine protect against sepsis-induced acute lung injury: CT and histological evidence

The aim of this research was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of betaine on sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in rats through histopathological examination, radiologic imaging, and biochemical analysis. Eight rats were included in the control group, and no procedure was performed. Feces intraperitoneal procedure (FIP) was performed on 24 rats to create a sepsis-induced ARDS model. These rats were separated into three groups as follows: FIP alone (sepsis group, n=8), FIP + saline (1 mL/kg, placebo group, n=8), and FIP + betaine (500 mg/kg, n=8). Computed tomography (CT) was performed after FIP, and the Hounsfield units (HU) value of the lungs was measured. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactic acid (LA) were determined, and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) and arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) were measured from an arterial blood sample. Histopathology was used to evaluate lung damage. This study completed all histopathological and biochemical evaluations in 3 months. All evaluated biomarkers were decreased in the FIP + betaine group compared to FIP + saline and FIP alone (all P<0.05). Also, the parenchymal density of the rat lung on CT and histopathological scores were increased in FIP + saline and FIP alone compared to control and these findings were reversed by betaine treatment (all P<0.05). Our study demonstrated that betaine suppressed the inflammation and ameliorated acute lung injury in a rat model of sepsis.

Metformin and resveratrol suppress type 2 diabetes mellitus-induced articular cartilage damage in rats associated with the inhibition of inflammation and augmentation of proteoglycans / La metformina y el resveratrol suprimen el daño del cartílago articular inducido por la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en ratas asociado con la inhibición de la inflamación y el aumento de proteoglicanos

SUMMARY: Induction of osteoarthritis (OA) following diabetes is characterized by a sever inflammation of the joints that can lead to disability. The cartilage content of proteoglycans can substantially be reduced, following the induction of diabetes mellitus associated with inflammation as well as knee joint injury, and the antidiabetic drug metformin combined with the anti-inflammatory agent resveratrol can prevent these deleterious effects. Therefore, insulin-independent diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced in Albino rats by streptozotocin (STZ) injection (50 mg/kg) after being fed on a high carbohydrate and fat diets for 2 weeks. The protective group of rats which also received a single injection of STZ was treated daily with metformin (Met; 200 mg/kg) and resveratrol (Res; 30 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Harvested knee joint tissues were prepared for basic histology stain and for proteoglycans staining using light microscopy. Histology images showed in diabetic rats (T2DM) OA development as demonstrated by profound injury to the knee joint and severe decrease of articular cartilage proteoglycans content, which were substantialy protected by Met+Res. Met+Res also significantly (p< 0.0001) decreased diabetes induced glycemia, dyslipidemia, and the inflammatory biomarkers, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). In addition, there was a significant correlation between OA and glycemia, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Collectively, we demonstrate an association between knee joint damage and biomarkers of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in diabetes-induced OA, with metformin plus resveratrol providing protective effects.

RESUMEN: La inducción de osteoartritis (OA) después de la diabetes se caracteriza por una inflamación severa de las articulaciones que puede conducir a la discapacidad. El contenido de cartílago de proteoglicanos se puede reducir sustancialmente, luego de la inducción de diabetes mellitus asociada con inflamación y lesión en la articulación de la rodilla sin embargo, el fármaco antidiabético metformina combinado con el agente antiinflamatorio resveratrol puede prevenir estos efectos nocivos. Por lo tanto, se indujo diabetes insulino dependiente, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (T2DM) en ratas albinas mediante inyección de estreptozotocina (STZ) (50 mg/kg) después de haber sido alimentadas con dietas ricas en carbohidratos y grasas durante 2 semanas. El grupo protector de ratas que también recibió una inyección única de STZ fue tratado diariamente con metformina (Met; 200 mg/kg) y resveratrol (Res; 30 mg/kg) durante 12 semanas. Tejidos de la articulación de la rodilla fueon retirados y teñidos con histología básica y tinción de proteoglicanos usando microscopía óptica. Las imágenes histológicas en ratas diabéticas mostraban (T2DM) desarrollo de OA visualizadas por una lesión profunda en la articulación de la rodilla y una disminución severa del contenido de proteoglicanos del cartílago articular, los cuales estaban sustancialmente protegidos por Met+Res. Met+Res. También disminuyó significativamente (p< 0,0001) la glucemia inducida por la diabetes, la dislipidemia y los biomarcadores inflamatorios, el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), la interleucina-6 (IL-6) y la proteína C reactiva de alta sensibilidad (PCR-hs). Además, hubo una correlación significativa entre la OA y la glucemia, la dislipidemia y la inflamación. En conjunto, demostramos una asociación entre el daño de la articulación de la rodilla y los biomarcadores de glucemia, dislipidemia e inflamación en la OA inducida por diabetes, con metformina más resveratrol que brindan efectos protectores.

Suppression of nitrosative stress and inflammation of the knee joint synovium in collagen type ii-induced rheumatoid arthritis by the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß / Supresión del estrés nitrosativo e inflamación de la sinovial de la articulación de la rodilla en la artritis reumatoide inducida por colágeno tipo ii mediante la inhibición de la glucógeno sintasa quinasa-3 ß

SUMMARY: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes cartilage degradation and tissue destruction, can affect synovial joints such as the knee joint. The link between the nitrosative stress enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1β) in RA-induced knee joint synovial membrane damage with and without the incorporation of the GSK3β inhibitor TDZD-8 has never been studied. As a result, we used active immunization method with collagen type II (COII) for twenty one days to induce RA in rats. TDZD-8 (1 mg/kg; i.p.) was given daily into matched immunized rats for three weeks after day 21 (COII+TDZD-8). Blood and tissue samples were taken 42 days after immunization. A dramatic increase in rheumatoid factor (RF) blood levels, as well as considerable synovial tissue damage and inflammatory cell infiltration of the synovial membrane, were used to validate the onset of RA following COII immunization. COII immunization increased tissue levels of iNOS protein and IL- 1β mRNA and protein expression, which TDZD-8 suppressed considerably (p<0.0001). Furthermore, there was a significantly (p<0.001) positive correlation between iNOS, inflammatory biomarkers, and RF. We concluded that TDZD-8 reduced RA-induced IL-1β -iNOS axis-mediated arthritis in the rat knee joint synovium.

RESUMEN: La artritis reumatoide (AR), es una enfermedad autoinmune inflamatoria que causa la degradación del cartílago y la destrucción del tejido, pudiendo afectar las articulaciones sinoviales, como la articulación de la rodilla. No se ha estudiado el vínculo entre la óxido nítrico sintasa inducible por la enzima del estrés nitrosativo (iNOS) y la citocina interleucina-1 (IL-1β) en el daño de la membrana sinovial de la articulación de la rodilla provocado por AR con y sin la incorporación del inhibidor de GSK3β TDZD-8. Utilizamos el método de inmunización activa con colágeno tipo II (COII) durante veintiún días para inducir AR en ratas. Se administró TDZD-8 (1 mg/kg; i.p.) diariamente a ratas inmunizadas emparejadas durante tres semanas después del día 21 (COII+TDZD- 8). Se tomaron muestras de sangre y tejido 42 días después de la inmunización. Se observó un gran aumento de los niveles sanguíneos del factor reumatoideo (FR), así como un daño considerable del tejido sinovial e infiltración de células inflamatorias en la membrana sinovial, para validar la aparición de la AR después de la inmunización con COII. La inmunización con COII aumentó los niveles tisulares de la proteína iNOS y la expresión de proteína y ARNm de IL-1β, que TDZD-8 suprimió considerablemente (p<0,0001). Además, hubo una correlación positiva significativa (p<0,001) entre iNOS, biomarcadores inflamatorios y FR. Concluimos que TDZD- 8 redujo la artritis mediada por el eje IL-1β-iNOS inducida por la AR en la sinovial de la articulación de la rodilla de rata.

Research progress on deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in rat model / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) technology is the basic means of organ protection in complex aortic arch surgeries, congenital heart disease surgeries, pulmonary endarterectomy and other operations. The establishment of DHCA in rat model is helpful to explore the influence of DHCA and its pathophysiological pathways. However, there are some problems in this process, such as imperfect monitoring, inaccurate management and non-standard heparinization during the experimental period. It is necessary to review relevant literatures on DHCA rat model, in order to establish a DHCA rat model with standardized operation, clear standards and mature technology.

Suppression of diabetes-induced renal inflammatory cell infiltration by metformin associated with the amelioration of renal injury biomarkers / Supresión de la infiltración de células inflamatorias renales de diabetes-inducida, por metformina asociada con la mejora de los biomarcadores de lesión renal

SUMMARY: Diabetes and hypertension account for the majority of chronic kidney injury cases that can lead to renal failure. The link between the leukocytes common antigen (CD45) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) with and without metformin incorporation in an animal model has not been investigated before. Therefore, we sought to assess the extent of leukocytes infiltration into kidney tissues 10 weeks following the induction of diabetes in rats treated with metformin. In addition, we monitored blood and urine parameters associated with diabetes. The model group of rats received streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg) injection after being fed for 14 days on a high-fat diet (HFD) and continuously fed a HFD until they were culled, at week 12. The protective group was treated in the same way except that these animals were put from day 1 on metformin (200 mg/kg) until being culled, on week 12. Kidneys were immunostained with CD45 as a marker of leukocytes infiltration and examined by light microscopy. Urine samples were tested for urine albumin and collected blood was analyzed for sugar, urea, creatinine, and oxidative stress and antioxidants biomarkers. Kidney injury secondary to diabetes was developed as demonstrated by (i) increased blood glucose, urea, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation; and (ii) kidney tissue damage and marked increase in kidney tissues expressing CD45 positive cells. The above markers were inhibited (p0.0006) by metformin. Also, a significant correlation was observed between CD45 score and glycemia, urea, MDA, and the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD). Thus, our data demonstrate an association between the infiltration of CD45+ inflammatory cells into kidney tissues and biomarkers of kidney damage in a rat model of DKD, which was effectively protected by metformin.

RESUMEN: La diabetes y la hipertensión representan la mayoría de los casos de lesión renal crónica que pueden provocar insuficiencia renal. El vínculo entre el antígeno común de los leucocitos (CD45) y la enfermedad renal diabética (DKD) con y sin incorporación de metformina en un modelo animal no se había anteriormente investigado. El objetivo fue evaluar el grado de infiltración de leucocitos en los tejidos renales 10 semanas después de la inducción de diabetes en ratas tratadas con metformina. Además, monitoreamos los parámetros de sangre y orina asociados con la diabetes. El grupo modelo de ratas recibió una inyección de estreptozotocina (STZ; 50 mg/kg) después de ser alimentadas durante 14 días con una dieta alta en grasas (HFD) y continuamente alimentadas con un HFD hasta que fueron sacrificadas, en la semana 12. El grupo protector fue tratado de la misma manera excepto que estos animales fueron recibieron desde el día 1 metformina (200 mg/kg) hasta ser sacrificados, en la semana 12. Los riñones fueron inmunoteñidos con CD45 como marcador de infiltración de leucocitos y examinados por microscopía óptica. Las muestras de orina se analizaron en busca de albúmina y la sangre recolectada se analizó en busca de glucosa, urea, creatinina y biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo y antioxidantes. La lesión renal secundaria a la diabetes se desarrolló como lo demuestra (i) el aumento de la glucosa en sangre, la urea y el malondialdehído (MDA) como marcador de la peroxidación lipídica; y (ii) daño del tejido renal y marcado aumento en los tejidos renales que expresan células positivas para CD45. Los marcadores anteriores fueron inhibidos (p≤0.0006) por metformina. Además, se observó una correlación significativa entre la puntuación de CD45 y la glucemia, la urea, la MDA y la superóxido dismutasa antioxidante (SOD). Por lo tanto, nuestros datos demuestran una asociación entre la infiltración de células inflamatorias CD45+ en los tejidos renales y biomarcadores de daño renal en un modelo de rata con DKD, que fue protegido de manera efectiva por metformina.

Behavioral characterization of ayahuasca treatment on Wistar rats in the open field test

Abstract Ayahuasca (AYA) is a psychedelic beverage with therapeutic potential for many mood and anxiety disorders. Although there are some preclinical studies, no published reports have tested the behavioral effects of AYA gavage in animal models. This investigation aimed to characterize the behavior of Wistar rats after acute ingestion of AYA for 40 min in the open field test (OFT). The sample consisted of three experimental groups treated with different dosages of AYA (125, 250, or 500 mg kg-1) and a control group. Each group consisted of 10 participants. After gavage, the number of crossings of the OFT grid lines, latency to enter the central area of the device, grooming frequency, and time spent in the central perimeter of the device were immediately evaluated. Analyses were based on one-way ANOVA and a linear-regression mixture model for longitudinal data. AYA intake did not interfere with habituation. The 500 mg kg-1 group showed a decrease in the time spent in the center of the device and in the number of crossings compared to the control group in the last 10 min. These results suggest that gavage with AYA did not interfere with the results, and the behavioral effects were perceived only between 30 and 40 min after gavage. Taken together, the results indicate that three aspects should be considered in OFT studies of AYA acute effects: the moment when the observation starts, the observation period, and the AYA dosage.

Quercetin Inhibits ROS-p53-Bax-caspase-3 axis of apoptosis and augments gonadotropin and testicular hormones in chronic unpredictable stress-Induced testis injury / La quercetina inhibe el eje de apoptosis ROS-p53-Bax-caspasa-3 y aumenta la gonadotropina y las hormonas testiculares en la lesión testicular inducida por estrés crónico e impredecible

SUMMARY: A large body of evidence supports the protective role of the flavonol antioxidant compound quercetin in mammals. We tested the hypothesis that quercetin can protect against the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis defect like a reduction in gonadotropins and testicular hormones and abnormal semen analysis induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), possibly via the downregulation of oxidative stress (ROS) and p53-Bax-caspase-3 pathways. Rats were either exposed to a variety of unpredictable stressors daily before being sacrificed after 3 weeks (model group) or were treated with quercetin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) at the same time the CUS were induced (treated group). Harvested testicular tissues were stained with basic histological staining, and testis homogenates were assayed for the tumor suppressor p53, apoptosis regulator Bax, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, harvested epididymis tissues were used to assess semen analysis, and blood samples were assayed for the testicular hormone testosterone, the adrenal cortex hormone corticosterone, and the anterior pituitary gonadotropins, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). CUS induced profound testicular damage and significantly (p<0.05) induced p53, Bax, caspase-3, MDA, and corticosterone, which were significantly (p<0.05) inhibited by quercetin except corticosterone. Whereas, quercetin significantly (p<0.05) increased FSH, LH, testosterone, Bcl-2, GPx, and SOD levels that were inhibited by CUS. In addition, CUS induced oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia, which were significantly (p<0.05) protected by quercetin. Thus, Quercetin protects against CUS-induced HPG defects in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of ROS-p53-Bax-caspase-3 axis.

RESUMEN: El papel protector del compuesto antioxidante flavonol quercetina en los mamíferos ha sido ampliamente reportado. Probamos la hipótesis que la quercetina puede proteger contra el defecto del eje hipotálamo-hipofisiario- gonadal (HHG) como una reducción de gonadotropinas y hormonas testiculares y análisis de semen anormal inducido por estrés crónico impredecible (ECI), posiblemente a través de la regulación reducida del estrés oxidativo (REO) y las vías p53- Bax-caspasa-3. Las ratas fueron expuestas a una variedad de fac- tores estresantes impredecibles diariamente antes de ser sacrificadas después de 3 semanas (grupo modelo) o fueron tratadas con quercetina (50 mg / kg de peso corporal / día) al mismo tiempo que se indujo la ECI (grupo tratado). Los tejidos testiculares fueron teñidos con tinción histológica básica y los homogeneizados de testículo se analizaron para determinar el supresor de tumores p53, el regulador de apoptosis Bax, el linfoma de células B 2 (Bcl-2), la caspasa-3, el malondialdehído (MDA), la glutatión peroxidasa (GPx) y superóxido dismutasa (SOD). Además, se utilizaron tejidos del epidídimo recolectados para evaluar el análisis de semen y se analizaron muestras de sangre para determinar la hormona testicular testosterona, la hormona corticosterona de la corteza suprarrenal y las gonadotropinas de la hipófisis anterior, la hormona estimulante folicular (FSH) y la hormona luteinizante (LH). El ECI indujo daño testicular importante e indujo significativamente niveles de (p <0,05) p53, Bax, caspasa-3, MDA y corticosterona, que fueron inhibidos (p <0,05) por la quercetina. La quercetina aumentó significativamente (p <0,05) los niveles de FSH, LH, testosterona, Bcl-2, GPx y SOD que fueron inhibidos por ECI. Además, ECI indujo oligozoospermia, astenozoospermia y teratozoospermia, protegidos de manera significativa (p <0,05) por la quercetina. Por lo tanto, la quercetina protege contra los defectos de HHG inducidos por ECI en ratas, lo que está asociado con la inhibición del eje ROS-p53-Bax-caspasa-3.

Inhibition of diabetes mellitus-induced knee joint injury in rats by a combination of metformin and captopril / Inhibición de la lesión de la articulación de la rodilla inducida por diabetes mellitus en ratas mediante una combinación de metformina y captopril

SUMMARY: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease that damages the joints and affects millions of people worldwide. The potential inhibitory effects of the antidiabetic drug metformin combined with captopril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on diabetes-induced damage to the knee joint articular cartilage associated with the inhibition of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and inflammation has not been investigated before. Therefore, we induced diabetes in rats using high carbohydrate and fat diets and a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The protective group of rats was pre-treated with combined daily doses of metformin (Met; 200 mg/kg body weight) and captopril (Cap; 150 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days before diabetic induction and continued on metformin and resveratrol until the end of the experiment at week 12. Harvested tissues obtained from knee joints were prepared for basic histology staining with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and examined under light microscopy. Representative H&E images showed that OA was developed in the diabetic rats as demonstrated by a profound damage to the knee joints such as irregular eroded and a sharp decrease in the thickness of the articular cartilage surface and abnormal remodeling of the subchondral bone that were substantially ameliorated by Met+Cap. Met+Cap also significantly (p< 0.05) reduced blood levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), dyslipidemia, and the inflammatory biomarkers, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induced by diabetes. In addition, a significant (p≤ 0.0014) correlation between the articular cartilage thickness and the blood levels of glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), and hs-CRP were observed. Thus, we demonstrate that Met+Cap effectively protect the knee joint against injuries induced secondary to diabetes in rats, possibly due to the inhibition of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and biomarkers of inflammation.

RESUMEN: La osteoartritis (OA) es una enfermedad inflamatoria que daña las articulaciones y afecta a millones de per- sonas en todo el mundo. No se han investigado los posibles efectos inhibidores del fármaco antidiabético metformina combinado con captopril, el inhibidor de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina, sobre el daño inducido por la diabetes en el cartílago articular de la articulación de la rodilla asociado con la inhibición de la glucemia, dislipidemia e inflamación. En este estudio fue inducida la diabetes en ratas con dietas altas en carbohidratos y grasas y una sola inyección de estreptozotocina (50 mg / kg). El grupo protector de ratas se pretrató con dosis diarias combinadas de metformina (Met; 200 mg / kg de peso corporal) y captopril (Cap; 150 mg / kg de peso corporal) durante 14 días antes de la inducción diabética. El tratamiento se continuó con metformina y resveratrol hasta el final del experimento en la semana 12. Los tejidos obtenidos de las articulaciones de la rodilla se prepararon para la tinción de histología básica con hematoxilina y eosina (H&E) y se examinaron con microscopía óptica. Imágenes representativas de H&E mostraron que la OA se desarrolló en las ratas diabéticas, como lo evidencia un daño profundo en las articulaciones de la rodilla, como la erosión irregular y una fuerte disminución en el grosor de la superficie del cartílago articular y remodelación anor- mal del hueso subcondral que fueron mejorados sustancialmente por Met + Cap. Met + Cap. También redujo significativamente (p <0.05) los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa, hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c), dislipidemia y los biomarcadores inflamatorios, proteína C reactiva de alta sensibilidad (hs-CRP), interleucina-6 (IL-6), y factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α) inducido por diabetes. Además, una correlación significativa (p≤ 0,0014) entre el grosor del cartílago articular y los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa, HbA1c, triglicéridos (TG), lipoproteínas-colesterol de baja densidad (LDL- C), lipoproteínas de alta densidad-colesterol (HDL-C) ) y hs-CRP. Así, demostramos que Met + Cap protege eficazmente la articulación de la rodilla contra lesiones inducidas por diabetes en ratas, posiblemente debido a la inhibición de la glicemia, dislipidemia y biomarcadores de inflamación.

Suppression of L-arginine-induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats by metformin associated with the inhibition of myeloperoxidase and activation of interleukin-10 / Supresión de la pancreatitis necrotizante aguda inducida por L-arginina en ratas por metformina asociada con la inhibición de mieloperoxidasa y activación de interleucina-10

SUMMARY: Acute pancreatitis is a frequent life-threatening inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterized by severe abdominal pain that lasts for days to weeks. We sought to determine whether the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory drug, metformin can substantially protect against acute pancreatitis in an animal model of L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis, and whether this is associated with the augmentation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) and inhibition of the enzyme that promotes tissue damage, myeloperoxidase (MPO). Rats were either injected with two doses of the amino acid L-arginine (2.5 gm/kg; i.p., at one-hour intervals) before being sacrificed after 48 hours (model group) or were pretreated with metformin (50 mg/kg) daily for two weeks prior to L- arginine injections and continued receiving metformin until the end of the experiment (protective group). Using microscopic examination of the pancreas and blood chemistry, we observed that L-arginine induced acute pancreatic injury. This is demonstrated by an enlarged pancreas with patchy areas of haemorrhage, vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei in the acini, disorganized lobular architecture with infiltration of inflammatory cells within the interlobular connective tissue (CT) septa, and the presence of congested blood vessels that were substantially ameliorated by metformin. Metformin also significantly (p<0.05) inhibited L-arginine-induced MPO, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the inflammatory biomarker tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Whereas, metformin significantly (p<0.05) increased IL-10 levels that were inhibited by pancreatitis induction. We further demonstrated a significant (p<0.001) correlation between the scoring of the degree of pancreatic lobules damage tissue damage and the blood levels of TNF-α, IL-10, LDH, and MPO. Thus, metformin effectively protects against L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis, which is associated with the inhibition of MPO and augmentation of IL-10.

RESUMEN: La pancreatitis aguda es una enfermedad inflamatoria del páncreas que amenaza la vida y se caracteriza por un dolor abdominal intenso que dura de días a semanas. Buscamos determinar si la metformina, fármaco antidiabético y antiinflamatorio, puede proteger contra la pancreatitis aguda en un modelo animal de pancreatitis aguda inducida por L-arginina. Además se estudió la asociación con el aumento de la citocina antiinflamatoria interleucina-10. (IL-10) e inhibición de la enzima que promueve el daño tisular, mieloperoxidasa (MPO). Las ratas se inyectaron con dos dosis del aminoácido L-arginina (2,5 g / kg; ip, a intervalos de una hora) antes de ser sacrificadas des- pués de 48 horas (grupo modelo) o se pre trataron con metformina (50 mg / kg) durante dos semanas antes del tratamiento de L- arginina y continuaron recibiendo metformina hasta el final del experimento (grupo protector). Mediante el examen microscópico del páncreas y la química sanguínea, se observó que la L- arginina inducía una lesión pancreática aguda. Se observó un aumento significativo de tamaño del páncreas con áreas hemorrágicas, citoplasma vacuolado y núcleos picnóticos en los acinos, arquitectura desorganizada con infiltración de células inflamatorias dentro de los tabiques del tejido conjuntivo interlobulillar (TC) y la presencia de vasos sanguíneos congestionados mejorados por metformina. Se observó que la metformina inhibió significativamente (p <0,05) la MPO inducida por L- arginina, la lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH) y el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α). Además, demostramos una correlación significativa (p <0,001) entre la puntuación del grado de daño tisular de los lóbulos pancreáticos y los niveles sanguíneos de TNF-α, IL-10, LDH y MPO. Por tanto, la metformina protege eficazmente contra la pancreatitis aguda inducida por L-arginina, que se asocia con la inhibición de MPO y el aumento de IL-10.

TDZD-8 suppresses rheumatoid arthritis induced by collagen type II in rats: potential role of apoptosis and inflammation / TDZD-8 suprime la artritis reumatoide inducida por colágeno tipo II en ratas: papel potencial de la apoptosis y la inflamación

SUMMARY: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered an autoimmune disease distinguished by chronic synovial membrane inflammation, degraded cartilage, as well as bone destruction, which lead to joints pain and stiffness. The pathogenesis of RA involved at least two mechanisms: Cellular proliferation and activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) enzyme. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that the GSK3binhibitor, TDZD-8, can treat the synovial tissue toward collagen type II (COII)-mediated RA linked to apoptosis induction and biomarker suppression of inflammation. Wistar rats were immunized with COII (the model group) for 21 days. Matched immunized rats were daily injected with TDZD-8 (1 mg/kg; i.p) for three additional weeks (COII+TDZD- 8).After 42 days of post-immunization, blood and tissues were collected. Histology (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (CD45; leukocyte common antigen) images showed that COII induced RA was demonstrated by profound damage to the synovial tissue and infiltration of the inflammatory cells, which were substantially ameliorated with TDZD-8. In addition, COII immunization caused the induction of rheumatoid factor (RF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) that were substantially (p<0.05) suppressed by TDZD-8. Whereas, TDZD-8 augmented the apoptotic biomarker, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), which was significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated by RA. We also showed a substantial relationship (p<0.001) between the blood levels of RF and the synovial tissue levels of TNF-α (r = 0.759), IL-1b (r = 0.969), IL-6 (r = 0.749), and Bax (r = - 0.914). These results indicate effective treatment of the injured synovial tissue by TDZD-8 against COII-induced RA in rats, which also decreases inflammatory biomarkers and augmentation of apoptosis.

RESUMEN: La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad autoinmune que se distingue por la inflamación crónica de la membrana sinovial, el cartílago degradado y la destrucción de los huesos, lo que provoca dolor y rigidez en las articulaciones. La patogenia de la AR involucra al menos dos mecanismos: la proliferación celular y la activación de la enzima glucógeno sintasa quinasa-3b (GSK3β) Por lo tanto, probamos la hipótesis de que el inhibidor de GSK3β, TDZD-8, puede tratar el tejido sinovial hacia el colágeno tipo II (COII) - AR mediada por inducción de apoptosis y supresión de biomarcadores de inflamación. Se inmunizaron ratas Wistar con COII (el grupo modelo) durante 21 días. Se inyectaron diariamente ratas emparejadas inmunizadas con TDZD-8 (1 mg / kg; i.p) durante tres semanas adicionales (COII + TDZD-8). Después de 42 días de post-inmunización, se recolectó sangre y tejidos. Las imágenes de histología (H&E) e inmunohistoquímica (CD45; antígeno común de leucocitos) mostraron que la AR inducida por COII presentaba un daño profundo en el tejido sinovial e infiltración de las células inflamatorias, las que mejoraron con TDZD-8. Además, la inmunización con COII provocó la inducción de factor reumatoide (FR), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), interleucina-6 (IL-6) e interleucina 1 beta (IL-1β) que fueron suprimidos por TDZD-8 de manera significativa (p < 0.05). Considerando que TDZD-8 aumentó el biomarcador apoptótico, la proteína X asociada a Bcl-2 (Bax), que fue mejorado (p <0,05) por RA. También se observó una relación sustancial (p <0,001) entre los niveles sanguíneos de RF y los niveles de tejido sinovial de TNF-α (r = 0,759), IL-1β (r = 0,969), IL-6 (r = 0,749), y Bax (r = -0,914). Estos resultados indicaron un tratamiento eficaz del tejido sinovial lesionado por TDZD-8 contra la AR inducida por COII en ratas, que también disminuye los biomarcadores inflamatorios y el aumento de la apoptosis.

Rauwolfia vomitoria extract suppresses benign prostatic hyperplasia by reducing expression of androgen receptor and 5α-reductase in a rat model / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Herbal medicine is an important therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in older men that can seriously affect their quality of life. Currently, it is crucial to develop agents with strong efficacy and few side effects. Herein we investigated the effects of the extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria, a shrub grown in West Africa, on BPH.@*METHODS@#Rats with testosterone-induced BPH were treated with R. vomitoria. Prostates were histologically analyzed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Proliferation index and the expression levels of androgen receptor and its associated proteins were quantified through immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Androgen receptor target genes were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The sperm count and body weight of rats were also measured.@*RESULTS@#The oral administration of R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the prostate weight and prostate weight index in BPH rats, supported by the decreased thickness of the prostate epithelial layer and increased lumen size. Similar effects were observed in the BPH rats treated with the reference drug, finasteride. R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the testosterone-induced proliferation markers, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1, in the prostate glands of BPH rats; it also reduced levels of androgen receptor, its associated protein steroid 5α-reductase 1 and its downstream target genes (FK506-binding protein 5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2). Notably, compared with the finasteride group, R. vomitoria extract did not significantly reduce sperm count.@*CONCLUSION@#R. vomitoria suppresses testosterone-induced BPH development. Due to its milder side effects, R. vomitoria could be a promising therapeutic agent for BPH.

Induction of brain injury and depression in rats by chronic unpredictable stress associated with the augmentation of nitrosative stress and apoptosis / Inducción de lesión cerebral y depresión en ratas por estrés crónico impredecible asociado con el aumento del estrés nitrosativo y la apoptosis

SUMMARY: Repeated stress is a risk factor for memory impairment and neurological abnormalities in both humans and animals. We sought to investigate the extent of (i) brain tissue injury; (ii) nitrosative and oxidative stress in brain tissue homogenates; (iii) apoptotic and survival biomarkers in brain tissue homogenates; and (iv) immobility and climbing abilities, induced over a period of three weeks by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Wistar rats were either left untreated (Control group) or exposed to a variety of unpredictable stressors daily before being sacrificed after 3 weeks (model group). Assessment of depression-like behavior was performed and animals were then culled and harvested brain tissues were stained with basic histological staining and examined under light microscopy. In addition, brain tissue homogenates were prepared and assayed for these parameters; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Histology images showed CUS induced profound damage to the cerebral cortex as demonstrated by severe neuronal damage with shrunken cells, disrupted atrophic nuclei, perineuronal vacuolation and swollen glial cells. CUS also significantly (p<0.05) induced iNOS, MDA, and caspase-3, whereas SOD and Bcl-2 brain tissue levels were inhibited by CUS. In addition, data from the depression-like behavior, forced swimming test showed significant (p<0.05) increase in animal immobility and decrease in climbing ability in the model group of rats. Thus, here we demonstrated a reliable rat model of chronic stress-induced brain injury, which can further be used to investigate beneficial drugs or agents used for a period of three weeks to protect against CUS-induced brain damage.

RESUMEN: El estrés crónico es un factor de riesgo para el deterioro de la memoria y las anomalías neurológicas tanto en humanos como en animales. Intentamos investigar el alcance de lesión del tejido cerebral; (ii) estrés nitrosativo y oxidativo en homogeneizados de tejido cerebral; (iii) biomarcadores apoptóticos y de supervivencia en homogeneizados de tejido cerebral; y (iv) inmovilidad y habilidades de escalada, inducidas durante un período de tres semanas por estrés crónico impredecible (ECI). Se dejaron sin tratamiento (grupo control) ratas Wistar, o se expusieron a una variedad de factores estresantes impredecibles diariamente antes de ser sacrificadas después de 3 semanas (grupo modelo). Se realizó una evaluación del comportamiento similar a la depresión y luego se sacrificaron los animales y se tiñeron los tejidos cerebrales con tinción histológica básica y se examinaron con microscopía óptica. Además, se prepararon homogeneizados de tejido cerebral y se analizaron los siguientes parámetros; óxido nítrico sintasa inducible (iNOS), malondialdehído (MDA), superóxido dismutasa (SOD), caspasa- 3 y linfoma de células B 2 (Bcl-2). Las imágenes histológicas mostraron que el CUS indujo un daño profundo en la corteza cerebral como lo demuestra el daño neuronal severo con células encogidas, núcleos atróficos alterados, vacuolación perineuronal y células gliales inflamadas. ECI también indujo significativamente (p <0,05) iNOS, MDA y caspase-3, mientras que los niveles de tejido cerebral SOD y Bcl-2 fueron inhibidos por ECI. Además, los datos del comportamiento similar a la de- presión, la prueba de natación forzada mostró un aumento significativo (p <0,05) en la inmovilidad animal y una disminución en la capacidad de escalada en el grupo modelo de ratas. Por lo tanto, aquí demostramos un modelo confiable de daño cerebral crónico en rata inducido por el estrés, que se puede utilizar para investigar medicamentos o agentes beneficiosos usados durante un período de tres semanas para proteger el daño cerebral inducido por ECI.

Quercetin protects against acetaminophen-induced acute nephrotoxicity associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of acute kidney injury in rats / La quercetina protege contra la nefrotoxicidad aguda inducida por acetaminofén asociada con la inhibición de biomarcadores de lesión renal aguda en ratas

Acetaminophen (also called paracetamol, or APAP) causes acute kidney injury after accidental or intentional ingestion of a toxic dose of the drug. We tested whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, quercetin (QUR) given alone can protect against acute nephrotoxicity induced by APAP overdose in a rat model of APAP-induced acute kidney injury. Rats were either given a single dose of APAP (2 g/kg) before being sacrificed after 24 hours or were pre-treated for 7 days with QUR (50 mg/kg) before being given a single dose of APAP and then sacrificed 24 hours post APAP ingestion. Kidneys were examined by light microscopy after staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and collected blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and kidney injury. H&E stained sections of kidney from the model group of rats (APAP) showed substantial damage to the kidney architecture as demonstrated by widening of Bowman's space, tubular dilatation, vacuolization of tubular epithelium, and congested dilated blood vessels, which were partially protected by QUR. In addition, APAP significantly (p<0.05) increased blood levels of urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by QUR. These results indicate that quercetin partially protects against APAP-induced acute kidney injury in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation and kidney injury.

El acetaminofeno (también llamado paracetamol o DCI) causa daño renal agudo después de la ingestión accidental o intencional de una dosis tóxica del medicamento. En el estudio analizamos si el agente antioxidante y antiinflamatorio, la quercetina (QUR) administrada sola, puede proteger contra la nefrotoxicidad aguda inducida por sobredosis de DCI en un modelo de rata. Las ratas recibieron una dosis única de DCI (2 g / kg) antes de ser sacrificadas después de 24 horas o fueron pretratadas durante 7 días con QUR (50 mg / kg) antes de recibir una dosis única de DCI y luego sacrificadas 24 horas post ingestión. Los riñones se examinaron mediante microscopía óptica después de la tinción con hematoxilina y eosina (H&E) y las muestras de sangre recolectadas se analizaron para detectar biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo, inflamación y daño renal. Las secciones de riñón teñidas con H&E del grupo modelo de ratas (DCI) mostraron un daño sustancial a la arquitectura del riñón, como lo demuestra la ampliación del espacio de Bowman, la dilatación tubular, la vacuolización del epitelio tubular y los vasos sanguíneos dilatados congestionados, que estaban parcialmente protegidos por QUR. Además, DCI aumentó significativamente (p <0,05) los niveles sanguíneos de la urea, creatinina, malondialdehído (MDA), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-a) e interleucina-6 (IL-6), los que fueron reducidos significativamente (p < 0,05) por QUR. Estos resultados indican que la quercetina protege parcialmente contra la lesión renal aguda inducida por DCI en ratas, asociada con la inhibición de biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo, inflamación y lesión renal.