Acute and Subacute Toxicity and Cytotoxicity of Opuntia Dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw. Seed Oil and Its Impact on the Isolated Rat Diaphragm Glucose Absorption.

This study aims to assess the safety of the Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) haw. seed oil (ODSO) and its effect on the glucose absorption activity of the isolated rat hemidiaphragm. This oil's safety was studied by exploring its acute (doses 1, 3, 5, and 7 mL/kg) and subacute (doses 1 and 2 mL/kg) toxicities in albino mice and Wistar rats, respectively. The safety of the ODSO was also assessed by studying its effect on the HepG2 cell viability in vitro. The effect of ODSO, or combined with the insulin, on the glucose absorption activity of isolated rat hemidiaphragm was evaluated at the dose 1 g/L in vitro. The results demonstrated the safety of ODSO. Indeed, this study showed that this oil does not produce any mortality or signs of toxicity after the single-dose administration in mice. Additionally, the daily intake of the ODSO during four weeks does not induce a significant variation in the biochemical parameters and body weight of rats compared with the control group. Besides, the cell viability of HepG2 did not change in the presence of ODSO. On the other hand, the ODSO increased the glucose absorption activity of the isolated rat hemidiaphragm, and this activity was significantly enhanced when combined with insulin. This study confirms, on one side, the safety of this oil and its efficacy and, on the other side, encourages its potential use as a complement to treat diabetes.

Comparative Efficacy of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers Against Ventilator-Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction in Rats.

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-saving intervention for many critically ill patients. Unfortunately, prolonged MV results in the rapid development of inspiratory muscle weakness due to diaphragmatic atrophy and contractile dysfunction (termed ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD)). Although VIDD is a major risk factor for problems in weaning patients from MV, a standard therapy to prevent VIDD does not exist. However, emerging evidence suggests that pharmacological blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1Rs) protects against VIDD. Nonetheless, the essential characteristics of AT1R blockers (ARBs) required to protect against VIDD remain unclear. To determine the traits of ARBs that are vital for protection against VIDD, we compared the efficacy of two clinically relevant ARBs, irbesartan and olmesartan; these ARBs differ in molecular structure and effects on AT1Rs. Specifically, olmesartan blocks both angiotensin II (AngII) binding and mechanical activation of AT1Rs, whereas irbesartan prevents only AngII binding to AT1Rs. Using a well-established preclinical model of prolonged MV, we tested the hypothesis that compared with irbesartan, olmesartan provides greater protection against VIDD. Our results reveal that irbesartan does not protect against VIDD whereas olmesartan defends against both MV-induced diaphragmatic atrophy and contractile dysfunction. These findings support the hypothesis that olmesartan is superior to irbesartan in protecting against VIDD and are consistent with the concept that blockade of mechanical activation of AT1Rs is a required property of ARBs to shield against VIDD. These important findings provide a foundation for future clinical trials to evaluate ARBs as a therapy to protect against VIDD.

Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical cocktails did not preserve diaphragm muscle function or reduce muscle damage in D2-mdx mice.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? We previously demonstrated that quercetin transiently preserved respiratory function in dystrophin-deficient mice. To gain lasting therapeutic benefits, we tested quercetin in combination with nicotinamide riboside, lisinopril and prednisolone in the D2-mdx model. What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrated that these quercetin-based cocktails did not preserve respiratory or diaphragmatic function or reduce histological damage after 7 months of treatment starting at 4 months of age. ABSTRACT: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by the absence of dystrophin protein and causes muscle weakness and muscle injury, culminating in respiratory failure and cardiomyopathy. Quercetin transiently improved respiratory function but failed to maintain long-term therapeutic benefits in mdx mice. In this study, we combined quercetin with nicotinamide riboside (NR), lisinopril and prednisolone to assess the efficacy of quercetin-based cocktails. We hypothesized that quercetin, NR and lisinopril independently would improve respiratory function and decrease diaphragmatic injury and when combined would have additive effects. To address this hypothesis, in vivo respiratory function, in vitro diaphragmatic function and histological injury were assessed in DBA (healthy), D2-mdx (dystrophic) and D2-mdx mice treated with combinations of quercetin, NR and lisinopril from 4 to 11 months of age. Respiratory function, assessed using whole-body plethysmography, was largely similar between healthy and dystrophin-deficient mice. Diaphragm specific tension was decreased by ∼50% in dystrophic mice compared with healthy mice (P < 0.05), but fatigue resistance was similar between groups. Contractile area was decreased by ∼10% (P < 0.05) and fibrotic area increased from 3.5% in healthy diaphragms to 27% (P < 0.05) in dystrophic diaphragms. Contrary to expectations, these functional and histological parameters of disease were not offset by any intervention. These data suggest that quercetin, NR and lisinopril, independently and in combination, did not prevent diaphragmatic injury or preserve respiratory function.

Effects of dietary omega-3 on dystrophic cardiac and diaphragm muscles as evaluated by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Metabolic profile and calcium-related proteins.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by the absence of dystrophin and muscle degeneration. Calcium dysregulation and oxidative stress also contribute to the disease progression. We evaluated the potential therapeutic benefits of supplementation with omega-3 on the metabolic profile, calcium-related proteins and oxidative stress response in the heart and diaphragm (DIA) of the mdx mouse model of DMD at later stages of the disease (13 months). METHODS: Mdx mice (8 months old) received omega-3 via a dietary supplement for 5 months. Metabolites were analyzed by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Muscle total calcium was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Calsequestrin, TRPC1 and 4-HNE were determined via Western blot. RESULTS: Omega-3 decreased the metabolites taurine (related to calcium regulation and oxidative stress), aspartate (related to inflammation) and oxypurinol (related to oxidative stress) in the heart (aspartate) and DIA (taurine, aspartate and oxypurinol). Omega-3 also significantly decreased total calcium and TRPC1 levels in cardiac and DIA muscles and increased the levels of calsequestrin (cardiac and skeletal) and decreased the oxidative stress marker 4-HNE. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that supplementation with omega-3 may generate therapeutic benefits on dystrophy progression, at later stages of the disease, with changes in the metabolic profile that may be correlated to omega-3 therapy.

Neutralising ability of Terminalia fagifolia extract (Combretaceae) against the in vitro neuromuscular effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom.

The ability of Terminalia fagifolia hydroalcoholic extract (Tf-HE) to neutralise the paralysis and myotoxicity induced by Bothrops jararacussu venom was assayed using mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparation and two varieties of chick biventer cervicis (BC) preparations. Tf-HE 100 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL were tested against 40 and 200 µg of venom/mL in PND and BC preparations, respectively, using pre- and post-venom incubation treatments. The effects of Tf-HE against the myotoxicity caused by venom were evaluated via histological analysis (PND) and creatine kinase (CK) release (BC). Tf-HE was able to reverse the venom paralysis in both preparation types. The contractures to exogenous ACh in BC preparations showed that Tf-HE may act on extrinsic, preserving those intrinsic postsynaptic receptors. There was a positive correlation between CK and morphological changes. The high non-hemolytic saponin content can explain the Tf-HE efficacy against the toxic effects of B. jararacussu venom in vertebrate neuromuscular preparations.

[Progressive paralysis of the diaphragm following intra-abdominal chemotherapy]. / Paralysie diaphragmatique progressive consécutive à une chimiothérapie intra-abdominale.

INTRODUCTION: In patients presenting with intra-abdominal tumor and peritoneal carcinomatosis, cytoreductive surgery associated with hyperthermic chemotherapy may offer improved survival. We describe a case of diaphragmatic paralysis following that kind of procedure. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old woman presented with respiratory insufficiency following cytoreductive surgery and intra-abdominal hyperthermic chemotherapy performed for pseudomyxoma intraperitonei. Pulmonary function assessment demonstrated a restrictive pattern. Three successive chest CT-scans demonstrated a thinning diaphragm muscle. Respiratory insufficiency eventually led to the death of our patient. CONCLUSION: We conclude in favor of a muscular degeneration of the diaphragm consecutive to the combined effect of cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Owing to the unusual nature of this complication, we did not consider it as a hypothesis at an early point in this patient's management. We think physicians should be aware of such a complication in order to consider it in a timely way. We recommend performing a biopsy of the diaphragm for pathology examination to assess muscular degeneration.

Maternal Creatine Supplementation during Pregnancy Prevents Long-Term Changes in Diaphragm Muscle Structure and Function after Birth Asphyxia.

Using a model of birth asphyxia, we previously reported significant structural and functional deficits in the diaphragm muscle in spiny mice, deficits that are prevented by supplementing the maternal diet with 5% creatine from mid-pregnancy. The long-term effects of this exposure are unknown. Pregnant spiny mice were fed control or 5% creatine-supplemented diet for the second half of pregnancy, and fetuses were delivered by caesarean section with or without 7.5 min of in-utero asphyxia. Surviving pups were raised by a cross-foster dam until 33±2 days of age when they were euthanized to obtain the diaphragm muscle for ex-vivo study of twitch tension and muscle fatigue, and for structural and enzymatic analyses. Functional analysis of the diaphragm revealed no differences in single twitch contractile parameters between any groups. However, muscle fatigue, induced by stimulation of diaphragm strips with a train of pulses (330 ms train/sec, 40 Hz) for 300 sec, was significantly greater for asphyxia pups compared with controls (p<0.05), and this did not occur in diaphragms of creatine + asphyxia pups. Birth asphyxia resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of glycolytic, fast-twitch fibres and a reduction in oxidative capacity of Type I and IIb fibres in male offspring, as well as reduced cross-sectional area of all muscle fibre types (Type I, IIa, IIb/d) in both males and females at 33 days of age. None of these changes were observed in creatine + asphyxia animals. Thus, the changes in diaphragm fatigue and structure induced by birth asphyxia persist long-term but are prevented by maternal creatine supplementation.

The facilitatory effect of Casearia sylvestris Sw. (guaçatonga) fractions on the contractile activity of mammalian and avian neuromuscular apparatus.

Many natural products influence neurotransmission and are used clinically. In particular, facilitatory agents can enhance neurotransmission and are potentially useful for treating neuromuscular diseases in which muscular weakness is the major symptom. In this work, we investigated the facilitatory effect of apolar to polar fractions of Casearia sylvestris Sw. (guaçatonga) on contractility in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) and chick biventer cervicis (BC) neuromuscular preparations exposed to indirect (via the nerve; 3 V stimuli) and direct (30 V stimuli) muscle stimulation in the absence and presence of pharmacological antagonists. Methanolic and ethyl acetate fractions, but not hexane or dichloromethane fractions, exerted a facilitatory effect on PND (indirect stimulation). The methanolic fraction was chosen for further assays to assess the involvement of: 1) presynaptic sites (axons or nerve terminals), 2) postsynaptic sites (cholinergic receptors, sarcolemma or T-tubules), and 3) the synaptic cleft (acetylcholinesterase enzyme). In preparations treated with d-tubocurarine, the methanolic fraction did not cause facilitation in response to direct stimuli; this fraction was also unable to reverse dantrolene-induced blockade (indirect stimulation). In curarized preparations, the methanolic fraction either restored neuromuscular transmission (mimicking the effect of neostigmine) or failed to cause any recovery of neurotransmission. In the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP), the methanolic fraction decreased twitch amplitude, whereas at a high frequency of stimulation (40 Hz) there was an increase in tetanic tension. In BC preparations, the methanolic fraction did not affect contractures to exogenous acetylcholine or potassium chloride. Incubation with atropine showed there was certain modulation by prejunctional nicotinic receptors, whereas treatment with nifedipine showed that the neurofacilitation required the entry of extracellular calcium. Tetrodotoxin did not prevent the facilitatory effect of 3,4-DAP or neostigmine, but antagonized the response to the methanolic fraction. These findings indicate that neuronal sodium channels have an important role in the facilitatory response to the methanolic fraction, with extracellular calcium entry via calcium channels modulating this neurofacilitation. Possible modulation of prejunctional cholinoceptors was not excluded, particularly in view of certain antagonism by the methanolic fraction at muscarinic receptors. Since facilitation by the methanolic fraction involved enhanced acetylcholine release, use of this fraction could be potentially beneficial in neuromuscular diseases and in the reversal of residual paralysis in the post-operative period or after local anaesthesia.

Physiological and biochemical analysis to reveal the molecular basis for black widow spiderling toxicity.

The early research found that the spiderlings of black widow spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) exhibited obvious toxicity to animals. The present work performed a systematical analysis of the aqueous extract of newborn black widow spiderlings. The extract was shown to contain 69.42% of proteins varying in molecular weights and isoelectric points. Abdominal injection of the extract into mice and cockroaches caused obvious poisoning symptoms as well as death, with LD50 being 5.30 mg/kg in mice and 16.74 µg/g in Periplaneta americana. Electrophysiological experiments indicated that the extract at a concentration of 10 µg/mL could completely block the neuromuscular transmission in isolated mouse nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations within 21 ± 1.5 min, and 100 µg/mL extract could inhibit a certain percentage of voltage-activated Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²âº channel currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. These results demonstrate that the spiderlings are rich in neurotoxic components, which play important roles in the spiderling toxicity.

Vellozia flavicans Mart. ex Schult. hydroalcoholic extract inhibits the neuromuscular blockade induced by Bothrops jararacussu venom.

BACKGROUND: Snakebite is a significant public health issue in tropical countries. In Brazil, some of the most common snake envenomations are from Bothrops. Bothrops bites trigger local and systemic effects including edema, pain, erythema, cyanosis, infections, and necrosis. Vellozia flavicans is a plant from the Brazilian "cerrado" (savanna) that is popularly used as an anti-inflammatory medicine. Since inflammation develops quickly after Bothrops bites, which can lead to infection, the aim of the present study was to observe possible anti-snake venom and antimicrobial activities of V. flavicans (Vf). METHODS: The chromatographic profile of the main constituents from the Vf leaf hydroalcoholic extract was obtained by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The anti-snake venom activity was measured by Vf's ability to neutralize the in vitro neuromuscular blockade caused by Bothrops jararacussu venom (Bjssu) in a mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm model (PND). After a 20 min incubation, preparations of PND were added to Tyrode's solution (control); Vf (0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL); 40 µg/mL Bjssu; pre-incubation for 30 min with Bjssu and 1 mg/mL Vf; and a Bjssu pretreated preparation (for 10 min) followed by 1 mg/mL Vf. Myographic recording was performed, and the contractile responses were recorded. The antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC]) was obtained for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis, using gentamicin and vancomycin as positive controls. RESULTS: TLC analysis yielded several compounds from Vf, such as flavonoids (quercetin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid). Bjssu completely blocked the contractile responses of PND preparations, while Vf preserved 97% (±10%) of the contractile responses when incubated with Bjssu. In the PND pretreated with Bjssu, Vf was able to inhibit the neuromuscular blockade progress. MIC and MBC of Vf ranged from 2.5 to 5.0 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, while no antimicrobial activity was observed for E. coli and E. faecalis. CONCLUSIONS: The hydroalcoholic extract from Vf leaves was able to neutralize and decrease the in vitro neuromuscular blockade caused by Bjssu. However, it did not show significant antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria.

Effect of Shengmai injection () on diaphragmatic contractility in doxorubicin-treated rats.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diaphragmatic toxicity in doxorubicin (DOX)-treated rats and the related mechanisms, as well as the effects of Shengmai Injection (SMI, ) on the diaphragmatic dysfunction. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, DOX-treated and DOX+SMI treated groups. DOX was given to rats in DOX and DOX+SMI groups in 6 equal doses [2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection (i.p.)], on alternate days, over a period of 2 weeks for a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg. SMI was given to DOX+SMI rats in 12 doses (3 mL/kg, i.p.) for a period of 2 weeks before the administration of DOX and 2 weeks during the administration of DOX. The rats in the control group received equal volume of normal saline. Subsequently, the twitch and tetanic characteristics and force-frequency relationships, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as the mRNA content and proteins of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined. RESULTS: The DOX-treated rats had decreased the peak twitch tension (Pt), maximal tetanic tension (P0) and force-frequency relationship as compared with the control rats (P<0.01), while the diaphragm contractility in rats treated with SMI were significantly higher than that in DOX-treated rats (P<0.01). The DOX-treated rats had increased MAD levels and decreased SOD activities (P<0.05), and SMI decreased the MDA levels and increased the SOD activities in DOX-treated rats (P<0.05). Ultrastructure of diaphragm in the DOX-treated rats revealed typical alterations including fracture of diaphragm fibers, and edema and degeneration of mitochondria; these changes were relieved by SMI treatment. The mRNA content and protein of iNOS in DOX-treated rats were remarkably higher than those in control rats (P<0.01), while SMI decreased the mRNA expression level of iNOS in DOX-treated rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lipid peroxidation is responsible for DOX-induced diaphragm toxicity. SMI protects diaphragm muscles and their function from DOX impairment, and these beneficial effects may be somehow correlated with the decrease in expression of iNOS and lipid peroxidation.

Antidiabetic effects of Mukia maderaspatana and its phenolics: an in vitro study on gluconeogenesis and glucose uptake in rat tissues.

CONTEXT: Traditional medicine is used by over 60% of the world's population for health care. Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem. (Cucurbitaceae) (Mukia) is extensively used in folklore medicine as an antidiabetic plant. It is rich in phenolics that contribute to its medicinal properties. OBJECTIVE: Mukia extract and phenolics such as quercetin and phloroglucinol are investigated for their in vitro antidiabetic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quercetin, phloroglucinol, and methanol extract of the dried whole plant (0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml) were studied for the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in rat liver slices and glucose uptake in isolated rat hemi-diaphragm (50 and 100 µg/ml). Phenolics of Mukia were analyzed by HPLC. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Glucose (1.2 mg/g/h) was synthesized from pyruvate and the synthesis was completely inhibited by insulin (1 U/ml). Quercetin at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml caused 65% and 89% inhibition (0.42 mg/g/h and 0.13 mg/g/h glucose). Addition of insulin did not increase inhibition. Phloroglucinol inhibited 100% glucose production with or without insulin. Mukia (0.25 mg/ml) inhibited gluconeogenesis (0.65 mg/g/h) by 45%, and with insulin, inhibition increased to 50% (0.59 mg/g/h). At 0.5 mg/ml, glucose production was stimulated by1.2-fold, but with insulin it was inhibited by 89% (0.13 mg/g/h glucose). Mukia had no effect on glucose uptake, but potentiated the action of insulin mediated glucose uptake (152.82 ± 13.30 mg/dl/g/30 min) compared with insulin control (112.41 ± 9.14 mg/dl/g/30 min) (p < 0.05). HPLC analysis revealed the presence of phenolics. CONCLUSION: Results provide scientific rationale for the use of Mukia in folk medicine as an antidiabetic nutraceutical.

Dexamethasone antagonizes the in vivo myotoxic and inflammatory effects of Bothrops venoms.

In the present work we investigated the toxic activities of two Bothrops snake venoms using in vivo and in vitro experimental protocols in mice and tested the protective effect of dexamethasone (DEXA) in different conditions, comparing it with the polyvalent antivenom. We also expanded the investigations on the antiophidic effect of the Eclipta prostrata (EP) crude extract. The administration of Bothrops jararaca and Bothrops jararacussu snake venoms induced muscle damage demonstrated in vivo by the elevation on plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity in mice and by the decrease in CK content in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of these animals, and in vitro by the increase in the rate of CK release from the isolated EDL muscle. We also observed inflammatory response following perimuscular injection of B. jararacussu venom (1.0 mg/kg). Treatment with DEXA (1.0 mg/kg) preserved over 50% of the EDL muscle CK content in vivo when evaluated 24 and 72 h after the injection of B. jararacussu venom in mice, and likewise reduced about 20% of the edema induced by this venom. DEXA reduced in 50% the presence of inflammatory cells and their activity in EDL muscle. The EP extract (50 mg/kg) showed similar ability in preventing the induction of edema and the decrease in muscle CK content, and its association with DEXA showed additive effect. EP reduced over 77% of the plasma CK activity induced by the B. jararacussu venom. In the in vitro experiments, DEXA was not able to change the rate of CK release from EDL muscles exposed to 25 µg/mL of B. jararacussu venom, neither to prevent the fall in the amplitude of the indirectly evoked twitch at the phrenic-diaphragm preparation. EP extract showed otherwise a protective effect on these protocols, reaching up to 100% of protection when concentrations of 50.0 and 100.0 µg/mL were used. Altogether our results show that inflammation is at least in part responsible for the tissue damage induced by Bothrops snake venoms, once the steroidal anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone was able to decrease the myotoxic effects of these venoms, by reducing the inflammatory response to the venom injection.

In vitro antiophidian mechanisms of Hypericum brasiliense choisy standardized extract: quercetin-dependent neuroprotection.

The neuroprotection induced by Hypericum brasiliense Choisy extract (HBE) and its main active polyphenol compound quercetin, against Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) venom and crotoxin and crotamine, was enquired at both central and peripheral mammal nervous system. Cdt venom (10 µg/mL) or crotoxin (1 µg/mL) incubated at mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation (PND) induced an irreversible and complete neuromuscular blockade, respectively. Crotamine (1 µg/mL) only induced an increase of muscle strength at PND preparations. At mouse brain slices, Cdt venom (1, 5, and 10 µg/mL) decreased cell viability. HBE (100 µg/mL) inhibited significantly the facilitatory action of crotamine (1 µg/mL) and was partially active against the neuromuscular blockade of crotoxin (1 µg/mL) (data not shown). Quercetin (10 µg/mL) mimicked the neuromuscular protection of HBE (100 µg/mL), by inhibiting almost completely the neurotoxic effect induced by crotoxin (1 µg/mL) and crotamine (1 µg/mL). HBE (100 µg/mL) and quercetin (10 µg/mL) also increased cell viability in mice brain slices. Quercetin (10 µg/mL) was more effective than HBE (100 µg/mL) in counteracting the cell lysis induced by Cdt venom (1 and 10 µg/mL, resp.). These results and a further phytochemical and toxicological investigations could open new perspectives towards therapeutic use of Hypericum brasiliense standardized extract and quercetin, especially to counteract the neurotoxic effect induced by snake neurotoxic venoms.

Grape seed extract neutralizes the effects of Cerastes cerastes cerastes post-synaptic neurotoxin in mouse diaphragm.

This work was undertaken to investigate the toxic activity of the post-synaptic neurotoxic fraction isolated from the venom of the Egyptian sand viper (Cerastes cerastes cerastes), and the ability of grape seed extract to antagonize this effect produced in sublethally intoxicated mice, with an emphasis on ultrastructural features. Light and transmission electron microscopy of diaphragms of intoxicated mice showed myonecrosis, myofiber hypercontraction, sarcomere disorganization, and mitochondrial damage. Alterations in motor neurons and axon terminals were also observed. The toxic activities of C. cerastes cerastes neurotoxin were inhibited by administrating grape seed extract, either before or after intoxication, showing that grape seed extract has protective and therapeutic potential to be used as antivenom.

Anti-diabetic and anti-cataract effects of Chromolaena odorata Linn., in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chromolaena odorata Linn., is used in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of diabetes and eye problems. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract Chromolaena odorata leaves (ACO) in streptozotocin (STZ; 45 mg/kg, i.v) induced diabetes and cataract in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different doses of ACO (200 and 400mg/kg) was administered once daily for eight weeks to STZ-induced diabetic rats. To know the mechanism of action of title plant, AUC(glucose), AUC(insulin), Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA), insulin tolerance test (ITT) and glucose uptake by rat hemi-diaphragms were carried out. Further, cataract score was taken once in a week upto eight weeks and opacity index was measured. HPLC fingerprinting profiling of ACO was also carried out. RESULTS: Administration of ACO exhibited significant reduction in glucose, HOMA, lipid profiles and significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance, glycogen content, glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, serum insulin and HDL-c levels. In addition, ACO also decreased oxidative stress by improving endogenous antioxidants. Further, treatment of ACO showed significantly reduced onset and extent of cataract. CONCLUSION: The present data suggested that the treatment of ACO reversed the STZ-induced diabetes and cataract in rats. The observed beneficial effects may be mediated by interacting with multiple targets operating in diabetes mellitus and its complication. Taken together, this study provided the scientific evidence for the traditional use of Chromolaena odorata.

N-acetylcysteine treatment reduces TNF-α levels and myonecrosis in diaphragm muscle of mdx mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disease caused by the absence of dystrophin. An established animal model of DMD is the mdx mouse, which is unable to express dystrophin. Inflammation, particularly the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), strongly contributes to necrosis in the dystrophin-deficient fibers of the mdx mice and in DMD. In this study we investigated whether the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) decreases TNF-α levels and protects the diaphragm muscle of mdx mice against necrosis. METHODS: Mdx mice (14 days old) received daily intraperitoneal injections of NAC for 14 days, followed by removal of the diaphragm muscle. Control mdx mice were injected with saline. RESULTS: NAC reduced TNF-α and 4-HNE-protein adducts levels, inflammation, creatine kinase levels, and myonecrosis in diaphragm muscle. CONCLUSIONS: NAC may be used as a complementary treatment for dystrophinopathies. However, clinical trials are needed to determine the appropriate dose for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

[Effects of Bufei Jianpi Recipe on the diaphragmatic neural discharge and the diaphragmatic muscle function in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Bufei Jianpi Recipe (BJR) on the diaphragmatic neural discharge and the diaphragmatic muscle function in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the model group, the high dose BJR group (9.68 g/kg x d(-1)), the medium dose BJR group (4.84 g/kg x d(-1)), the low dose BJR group (2.42 g/kg x d(-1)), and the aminophylline group (2.3 mg/kg x d(-1)). The stable phase COPD rat model was prepared using repeated smoke inhalations and bacterial infections. The high, medium, and low dose BJR and aminophylline was respectively administered to rats from the ninth week to the twentieth week. The sampling was taken. The lung function, diaphragmatic neural discharge time (Td), and diaphragmatic neural discharge interval (Tdi), diaphragmatic neural discharge range (Rd), diaphragmatic neural discharge area (Ad), expiratory time (Tex), inspiratory time (Tin), respiratory rate (RR), respiratory excursion (RE), respiratory area (RA), and diaphragmatic muscular tension and endurance were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the tidal volume (TV), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and 50% tidal volume expiratory flow (EF50) significantly decreased in the model group (P < 0.01). Td, Tdi, Tex, and Tin were significantly prolonged (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01). Ad, Rd, RR, RE, RA, diaphragmatic muscular tension and endurance significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The ratio of type I and IIA diaphragmatic fibers significantly increased and type IIB significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The activity of ATP decreased and the activity of SDH increased (P < 0.01). The aforesaid indices were improved to different degrees in BJR groups, especially in the high dose BJR group and the medium dose BJR group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BJR could significantly improve the diaphragmatic neural discharge and the diaphragmatic muscle function. Its efficacy was better than that of aminophylline.

Protection by Mikania laevigata (guaco) extract against the toxicity of Philodryas olfersii snake venom.

Philodryas olfersii is responsible for most colubrid snakebites in Brazil. In this work, we examined the ability of an ethanolic extract from Mikania laevigata (guaco) leaves to protect against the in vitro neuromuscular activity of P. olfersii venom in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) and chick biventer cervicis (BC) preparations. M. laevigata extract caused moderate twitch-tension facilitation at low concentrations (107.4 ± 6.2% with 20 µl/ml and 118.9 ± 9.3% with 40 µl/ml in PND, and 120.7 ± 7.7% with 40 µl/ml and 114.5 ± 4.4% with 50 µl/ml in BC after 120 min; n = 4-6, mean ± SEM). In PND, the ethanol alone (40 µl/ml, n = 4) did not change the twitch-tension when compared with control. However, in BC, the ethanol produced a higher facilitation when compared to control. At higher concentrations (>50 µl/ml) the extract caused total and reversible blockade in both preparations. Venom (50 µg/ml) caused partial blockade in PND (58.5 ± 12%, n = 4) and almost total blockade in BC (93.5 ± 2.2%, n = 4). Pretreatment of the preparations with extract (40 µl/ml) for 30 min before incubation with venom (50 µg/ml) completely protected PND from neuromuscular blockade and delayed the blockade in BC. The extract alone caused only mild morphological alterations (12.5 ± 0.5% and 10.9 ± 2.3% fiber damage in PND and BC, respectively, compared to 2.3 ± 0.3% and 3 ± 0 in controls; n = 3), with no increase in expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IFNγ. The ethanol alone also caused slight muscle damage: 4.3 ± 2.4% in PND and 6.7 ± 3.3% in BC (both n = 3) and little or no TNFα and IFNγ expression in both preparations as observed in control. Venom (50 µg/ml) caused 53.5 ± 8.5% and 55.8 ± 4.3% fiber damage in PND and BC, respectively; (n = 3, p < 0.05 vs. controls) and enhanced expression of TNFα and IFNγ. Pretreatment of the preparations with extract protected against venom-induced muscle damage by 80.3 and 60.4 in PND and BC, respectively, and prevented TNFα and IFNγ expression. These results indicate that the M. laevigata extract protected nerve-muscle preparations against the myotoxic, neurotoxic and inflammatory effects of P. olfersii venom.

Hsp72 preserves muscle function and slows progression of severe muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe and progressive muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene that result in the absence of the membrane-stabilizing protein dystrophin. Dystrophin-deficient muscle fibres are fragile and susceptible to an influx of Ca(2+), which activates inflammatory and muscle degenerative pathways. At present there is no cure for DMD, and existing therapies are ineffective. Here we show that increasing the expression of intramuscular heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) preserves muscle strength and ameliorates the dystrophic pathology in two mouse models of muscular dystrophy. Treatment with BGP-15 (a pharmacological inducer of Hsp72 currently in clinical trials for diabetes) improved muscle architecture, strength and contractile function in severely affected diaphragm muscles in mdx dystrophic mice. In dko mice, a phenocopy of DMD that results in severe spinal curvature (kyphosis), muscle weakness and premature death, BGP-15 decreased kyphosis, improved the dystrophic pathophysiology in limb and diaphragm muscles and extended lifespan. We found that the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA, the main protein responsible for the removal of intracellular Ca(2+)) is dysfunctional in severely affected muscles of mdx and dko mice, and that Hsp72 interacts with SERCA to preserve its function under conditions of stress, ultimately contributing to the decreased muscle degeneration seen with Hsp72 upregulation. Treatment with BGP-15 similarly increased SERCA activity in dystrophic skeletal muscles. Our results provide evidence that increasing the expression of Hsp72 in muscle (through the administration of BGP-15) has significant therapeutic potential for DMD and related conditions, either as a self-contained therapy or as an adjuvant with other potential treatments, including gene, cell and pharmacological therapies.