Anti-nephrolithic potential of catechin in melamine-related urolithiasis via the inhibition of ROS, apoptosis, phospho-p38, and osteopontin in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

The addition of melamine to infant formula may cause urolithiasis in humans and animals. This study examined the effects of catechin, an antioxidant, on melamine-cyanuric acid mixture (MCM)-induced crystallization in vitro and in vivo. In an in vitro study, crystal formation induced by an MCM was evaluated in media under various pH conditions and with catechin co-treatment. In an in vivo study, rats were administered an MCM (400 mg/kg, 1:1, via oral feeding tube) for four weeks and co-treated with catechin, after which crystal formation was observed. Oxidative stress biomarkers and nephrotoxicity were measured. Apoptotic cells were examined using the TUNEL assay. Phospho-p38 and osteopontin were evaluated via immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. MCM-induced crystal formation was pH-dependent in conditioned media, and catechin reduced the overall number of crystals. In the in vivo study, catechin suppressed MCM-induced protein expression and apoptosis in rats. Catechin consistently reduced the MCM-mediated production of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary 8-isoprostane (8-IP) in MCM-treated rats. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) were enhanced by catechin. Catechin consistently and significantly reduced levels of renal crystals and nephrotoxicity. Our findings suggest that catechin exhibits anti-nephrolithic potential by chemically inhibiting the formation of crystals and by inhibiting reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, phospho-P38, and osteopontin signaling in rats.

Deletion of the N-terminus of murine map2 by gene targeting disrupts hippocampal ca1 neuron architecture and alters contextual memory.

Microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2) is a brain specific A-kinase anchoring protein that targets the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme (PKA) to microtubules. Phosphorylation of MAP2 by different protein kinases is crucial for neuronal growth. The N-terminus of MAP2 contains the binding site for regulatory subunit II of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-RIIbeta). Using homologous recombination, we created a mutant line of mice (delta1-158) that express truncated MAP2 lacking the N-terminal peptide and the PKA binding site. Deletion of the PKA binding site from the MAP2 gene resulted in decreased efficiency of MAP2 phosphorylation. Biochemical and immunohistochemical studies demonstrate major changes in the morphology of hippocampal neurons in delta1-158 mice. Behavioral tests indicate that delta1-158 mice were impaired (exhibited less conditioned freezing) relative to Wild-Type (WT) controls during a test of contextual, but not during auditory cue, fear conditioning when tested at 8 weeks or 8 months of age. The delta1-158 mice displayed a heightened sensitivity to shock at 8 weeks, but not at 8 months of age. We conclude that PKA binding to MAP2 and MAP2 phosphorylation is essential for the selective development of contextual memory.

Chu Cheng and Chu's bequeathed book.

Chu Cheng, a native of Yangzhai county in Henan Province, was born in the Nanqi Dynasty. His "Chu's Bequeathed Book" has more than 2200 Chinese characters, was divided into ten verses, reflecting the secrets of Qi-Blood-Yin-Yang. This author tries to introduce and study Chu Cheng's life, his story and his academic views, not only on embryogensis, pulse taking and Five Ti, but also on Yin-Ying-Jing-Xue, obstetrical hygiene and infectious disease and the usage of medicine, etc.

Physiological basis for long life span.

A collection of clinical data is reported on nonagenarians in comparison to an 'average' population of younger age. The results of these clinical data indicated that a vital physiological basis for long life span probably existed. The basis include a better micro-blood-flow state, a better cardiac, immune (nature killer cell activity), adrenocortical, hepatic and renal function, and a higher level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is suggested that the method, including Chinese traditional medicine, to improve the micro-blood-flow, nature killer cell activity, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and vital organ function may be beneficial for life preservation and aging retarding.