Functional Mechanisms of Dietary Crocin Protection in Cardiovascular Models under Oxidative Stress.

It was previously reported that crocin, a water-soluble carotenoid isolated from the Crocus sativus L. (saffron), has protective effects on cardiac cells and may neutralize and even prevent the formation of excess number of free radicals; however, functional mechanisms of crocin activity have been poorly understood. In the present research, we aimed to study the functional mechanism of crocin in the heart exposed to oxidative stress. Accordingly, oxidative stress was modeled in vitro on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in vivo in mice using cellular stressors. The beneficial effects of crocin were investigated at cellular and molecular levels in HUVECs and mice hearts. Results indicated that oral administration of crocin could have protective effects on HUVECs. In addition, it protects cardiac cells and significantly inhibits inflammation via modulating molecular signaling pathways TLR4/PTEN/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB and microRNA (miR-21). Here we show that crocin not only acts as a direct free radical scavenger but also modifies the gene expression profiles of HUVECs and protects mice hearts with anti-inflammatory action under oxidative stress.

Phrenic nerve stimulation in an ovine model with temporary removable pacing leads.

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a novel, removable, surgically implanted, temporary neurostimulation approach involving the distal portion of the phrenic nerve. Methods: Temporary phrenic nerve pacing electrodes were implanted surgically using an ovine model (4 animals). The primary endpoint was the ability to successfully match the animal's minute-ventilation upon implantation of both phrenic nerve pacers on day 1. Secondary endpoints were successful phrenic neurostimulation by both electrodes 15 and 30 days after initial implantation. We also assessed safe removal of the electrodes at 15 and 30 days after implementation. Results: In 3 of 4 animals, electrodes were successfully implanted in both right and left phrenic nerves. On day 1, median ventilation-minute induced by neurostimulation was not significantly different from baseline ventilation-minute [4.9 L·min-1 (4.4-5.5) vs. 4.4 L·min-1 (4.3-5.2); P=0.4] after 15 minutes. Neurostimulation was still possible 15 and 30 days after implementation in all left side phrenic nerves. On the right side, stimulation was possible at all times in 1 animal but not in the remaining 3 animals for at least one time point, possibly due to lead displacement. Analysis of pathology after percutaneous electrode removal showed integrity of the distal portion of all phrenic nerves. Conclusions: Efficient temporary neurostimulation through the distal portion of the phrenic nerve was possible at baseline. The main complication was the displacement of electrodes on the right phrenic nerve on two occasions, which was due to the anatomy of the ovine model. It compromised diaphragm pacing on day 15 and day 30. The electrodes could be safely removed percutaneously without damage to the phrenic nerves.

The terminal segment of the human phrenic nerve as a novel implantation site for diaphragm pacing electrodes: Anatomical and clinical description.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragm pacing allows certain ventilator-dependent patients to achieve weaning from mechanical ventilation. The reference method consists in implanting intrathoracic contact electrodes around the phrenic nerve during video-assisted thoracic surgery, which involves time-consuming phrenic nerve dissection with a risk of nerve damage. Identifying a phrenic segment suitable for dissection-free implantation of electrodes would constitute progress. STUDY DESIGN: This study characterizes a free terminal phrenic segment never fully described before. We conducted a cadaver study (n = 14) and a clinical observational study during thoracic procedures (n = 54). RESULTS: A free terminal phrenic segment was observed on both sides in 100% of cases, "jumping" from the pericardium to the diaphragm and measuring 60 mm [95% confidence interval; 48-63] and 72.5 mm [65-82] (right left, respectively; p = 0.0038; cadaver study). This segment rolled up on itself at end-expiration and became unravelled and elongated with diaphragm descent (clinical study). Three categories of fat pads were defined (type 1: pericardiophrenic bundle free of surrounding fat; type 2: single fatty fringe leaving the phrenic nerve visible until diaphragmatic entry; type 3: multiple fatty fringes masking the site of penetration of the phrenic nerve) that depended on body mass index (p = 0.001, clinical study). Hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue staining (cadaver study) showed that all of the phrenic fibers in the distal, pre-branching part of the terminal segment were contained within a single epineurium containing a variable number of fascicles (right: 1 [95%CI 0.65-4.01]; left 5 [3.37-7.63]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Diaphragm pacing through periphrenic electrodes positioned on the terminal phrenic segment should be tested.

Three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (3D UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the normal and degenerative disco-vertebral complex at 4.7 T: a feasibility study with longitudinal evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess feasibility of a three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (3D-UTE)-sequence to evaluate normal and pathological disco-vertebral complex (DVC), with assessment of its different portions in a rat model of degenerative disk disease (DDD) with histological correlation. To assess whether this sequence, in comparison with long echo time T2-weighted sequence, is able to monitor DDD with differentiation of early from chronic DVC changes in pathological mechanical conditions. METHODS: Five rats were induced with DDD model by percutaneous disk trituration of the tail with an 18-G needle under US-guidance and imaged at 4.7 T. MRI protocol included fat-saturated-T2 (RARE) and 3D-UTE-sequences performed at baseline (day 0. n = 5 animals /10 DVC) and each week (W) from W1 to W10 postoperatively. Visual analysis and signal intensity measurements of SNR and CNR of all DVC portions were performed on RARE and UTE images. Following killing (baseline, n = 1/2 DVC; W2, n = 2/4 DVC; W10, n = 2/4 DVC), histological analysis was performed and compared with MRI. RESULTS: In normal DVC, unlike conventional RARE-sequences, 3D-UTE allowed complete identification of DVC zonal anatomy including on visual analysis and CNR measurements. In pathological conditions, SNR and CNR measurements of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus on 3D-UTE distinguished early discitis at W1 from chronic discopathy (P < 0.001 for SNR and P < 0.001 for CNR). Neither the normal complete anatomy of the DVC nor its pathological patterns could be assessed on conventional sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike conventional sequences, 3D-UTE enables visualization of the complete normal DVC anatomy and enables monitoring of DDD differentiating between early DVC changes from chronic ones. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Astaxanthin Complexes to Attenuate Muscle Damage after In Vivo Femoral Ischemia-Reperfusion.

(1) Background: Reperfusion injury refers to the cell and tissue damage induced, when blood flow is restored after an ischemic period. While reperfusion reestablishes oxygen supply, it generates a high concentration of radicals, resulting in tissue dysfunction and damage. Here, we aimed to challenge and achieve the potential of a delivery system based on astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, in attenuating the muscle damage in an animal model of femoral hind-limb ischemia and reperfusion. (2) Methods: The antioxidant capacity and non-toxicity of astaxanthin was validated before and after loading into a polysaccharide scaffold. The capacity of astaxanthin to compensate stress damages was also studied after ischemia induced by femoral artery clamping and followed by varied periods of reperfusion. (3) Results: Histological evaluation showed a positive labeling for CD68 and CD163 macrophage markers, indicating a remodeling process. In addition, higher levels of Nrf2 and NQO1 expression in the sham group compared to the antioxidant group could reflect a reduction of the oxidative damage after 15 days of reperfusion. Furthermore, non-significant differences were observed in non-heme iron deposition in both groups, reflecting a cell population susceptible to free radical damage. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that the in situ release of an antioxidant molecule could be effective in improving the antioxidant defenses of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-damaged muscles.

Iron- and Hepcidin-Independent Downregulation of the Iron Exporter Ferroportin in Macrophages during Salmonella Infection.

Retention of iron in tissue macrophages via upregulation of hepcidin (HAMP) and downregulation of the iron exporter ferroportin (FPN) is thought to participate in the establishment of anemia of inflammation after infection. However, an upregulation of FPN has been proposed to limit macrophages iron access to intracellular pathogens. Therefore, we studied the iron homeostasis and in particular the regulation of FPN after infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in mice presenting tissue macrophages with high iron (AcB61), basal iron (A/J and wild-type mice), or low iron (Hamp knock out, Hamp-/-) levels. The presence of iron in AcB61 macrophages due to extravascular hemolysis and strong erythrophagocytosis activity favored the proliferation of Salmonella in the spleen and liver with a concomitant decrease of FPN protein expression. Despite systemic iron overload, no or slight increase in Salmonella burden was observed in Hamp-/- mice compared to controls. Importantly, FPN expression at both mRNA and protein levels was strongly decreased during Salmonella infection in Hamp-/- mice. The repression of Fpn mRNA was also observed in Salmonella-infected cultured macrophages. In addition, the downregulation of FPN was associated with decreased iron stores in both the liver and spleen in infected mice. Our findings show that during Salmonella infection, FPN is repressed through an iron and hepcidin-independent mechanism. Such regulation likely provides the cellular iron indispensable for the growth of Salmonella inside the macrophages.

Hepcidin regulates intrarenal iron handling at the distal nephron.

Hepcidin, the key regulatory hormone of iron homeostasis, and iron carriers such as transferrin receptor1 (TFR1), divalent metal transporter1 (DMT1), and ferroportin (FPN) are expressed in kidney. Whether hepcidin plays an intrinsic role in the regulation of renal iron transport is unknown. Here, we analyzed the renal handling of iron in hemochromatosis Hepc(-/-) and Hjv(-/-) mouse models, as well as in phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-treated mice. We found a marked medullary iron deposition in the kidneys of Hepc(-/-) mice, and iron leak in the urine. The kidneys of Hepc(-/-) mice exhibited a concomitant decrease in TFR1 and increase in ferritin and FPN expression. Increased FPN abundance was restricted to the thick ascending limb (TAL). DMT1 protein remained unaffected despite a significant decrease of its mRNA level, suggesting that DMT1 protein is stabilized in the absence of hepcidin. Treatment of kidney sections from Hepc(-/-) mice with hepcidin decreased DMT1 protein, an effect confirmed in renal cell lines where hepcidin markedly decreased (55)Fe transport. In the kidneys of Hjv(-/-) mice exhibiting low hepcidin expression, the iron overload was similar to that in the kidneys of Hepc(-/-) mice. However, in PHZ mice, iron accumulation resulting from hemoglobin leak was detected in the proximal tubule. Thus, kidneys exhibit a tissue-specific handling of iron that depends on the extra iron source. Hepcidin may control the expression of iron transporters to prevent renal iron overload.

Benefits and risks of iron supplementation in anemic neonatal pigs.

Iron deficiency is a common health problem. The most severe consequence of this disorder is iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which is considered the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Newborn piglets are an ideal model to explore the multifaceted etiology of IDA in mammals, as IDA is the most prevalent deficiency disorder throughout the early postnatal period in this species and frequently develops into a critical illness. Here, we report the very low expression of duodenal iron transporters in pigs during the first days of life. We postulate that this low expression level is why the iron demands of the piglet body are not met by iron absorption during this period. Interestingly, we found that a low level of duodenal divalent metal transporter 1 and ferroportin, two iron transporters located on the apical and basolateral membrane of duodenal absorptive enterocytes, respectively, correlates with abnormally high expression of hepcidin, despite the poor hepatic and overall iron status of these animals. Parenteral iron supplementation by a unique intramuscular administration of large amounts of iron dextran is current practice for the treatment of IDA in piglets. However, the potential toxicity of such supplemental iron implies the necessity for caution when applying this treatment. Here we demonstrate that a modified strategy for iron supplementation of newborn piglets with iron dextran improves the piglets' hematological status, attenuates the induction of hepcidin expression, and minimizes the toxicity of the administered iron.

Erythropoietin stimulates spleen BMP4-dependent stress erythropoiesis and partially corrects anemia in a mouse model of generalized inflammation.

Mouse bone marrow erythropoiesis is homeostatic, whereas after acute anemia, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)-dependent stress erythropoiesis develops in the spleen. The aim of this work was to compare spleen stress erythropoiesis and bone marrow erythropoiesis in a mouse model of zymosan-induced generalized inflammation, which induces long-lasting anemia and to evaluate the ability of erythropoietin (Epo) injections to correct anemia in this setting. The effects of zymosan and/or Epo injections on erythroid precursor maturation and apoptosis, serum interferon-γ levels, hematologic parameters, and spleen BMP4 expression were analyzed, as well as the effect of zymosan on red blood cell half-life. We found that bone marrow erythropoiesis is suppressed by inflammation and does not respond to Epo administration, despite repression of erythroblast apoptosis. On the contrary, a robust erythropoietic response takes place in the spleen after Epo injections in both control and zymosan-induced generalized inflammation mice. This specific response implies Epo-mediated induction of BMP4 expression by F4/80(+) spleen macrophages, proliferation of stress burst-forming units-erythroid, and increased number of spleen erythroblasts. It allows only partial recovery of anemia, probably because of peripheral destruction of mature red cells. It is not clear whether similar BMP4-dependent stress erythropoiesis can occur in human bone marrow after Epo injections.

Expression of high-mobility group box 1 and of receptor for advanced glycation end products in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airway inflammation and remodeling. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nuclear protein that is released during inflammation and repair, interacts with proinflammatory cytokines and with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), which is highly expressed in the lung. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether HMGB1 is augmented in COPD and is associated with IL-1beta and RAGE. METHODS: HMGB1 was assessed in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 20 never-smokers, 20 smokers, and 30 smokers with COPD and it was correlated with inflammatory and clinical parameters. In parallel, HMGB1 and RAGE immunolocalization was determined in bronchial and lung tissues. Last, binding of HMGB1 to IL-1beta in human macrophages and in BAL fluid was examined. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: BAL levels of HMGB1 were higher in smokers with COPD than in smokers and never-smokers (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons), and similar differences were observed in epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. BAL HMGB1 correlated positively with IL-1beta (r(s) = 0.438; P = 0.0006) and negatively with FEV(1) (r(s) = -0.570; P < 0.0001) and transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (r(s) = -0.382; P = 0.0026). HMGB1-IL-1beta complexes were found in BAL supernatant and alveolar macrophages from smokers and patients with COPD, as well as in the human macrophage cell line, THP-1, where they enhanced the synthesis of tumor-necrosis factor-alpha. RAGE was overexpressed in the airway epithelium and smooth muscle of patients with COPD and it colocalized with HMGB1. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated HMGB1 expression in COPD airways may sustain inflammation and remodeling through its interaction with IL-1beta and RAGE.

A role for Bid in eosinophil apoptosis and in allergic airway reaction.

Bid, a proapoptotic member of Bcl-2 family, is involved in Fas receptor signaling. Fas activation promotes human eosinophil cell death and is believed to accelerate the resolution of pulmonary Th2-driven allergic reaction in mice. We hypothesized that Bid would regulate eosinophil apoptosis and Ag-induced airway inflammation, particularly eosinophilia. C57BL/6 Bid(-/-) and wild-type mice were immunized and repeatedly challenged with OVA, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, lung, and spleen were collected 4-240 h after the final challenge. Cultured BAL eosinophils from Bid-deficient mice showed resistance to Fas-mediated apoptotic DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondria depolarization, and caspase-3 activity. In addition, OVA-challenged Bid(-/-) mice had higher BAL eosinophilia and a lower proportion of BAL apoptotic eosinophils than Bid(+/+) mice. This was accompanied by augmented BAL levels of the eosinophilotactic cytokine, IL-5, and of the eosinophil-associated mediators, TGF-beta1 and fibronectin. Finally, cultured OVA-stimulated lung mononuclear cells and splenocytes from Bid-deficient mice showed increased release of the Th2-type cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, but no change in cell number. We conclude that Bid modulates BAL eosinophilia by regulating both eosinophil apoptosis and Th2-type cytokine production.

Phlebotomies or erythropoietin injections allow mobilization of iron stores in a mouse model mimicking intensive care anemia.

OBJECTIVE: Anemia in critically ill patients is frequent and consists of chronic disease associated with blood losses. These two mechanisms have opposite effects on iron homeostasis, especially on the expression of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. We developed a mouse model mimicking the intensive care anemia to explore iron homeostasis. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University-based research laboratory. SUBJECTS: C57BL/6 mice. INTERVENTIONS: Mice received either a single intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide followed 1 week later by zymosan, or were subjected to repeated phlebotomies by retro-orbital punctures, or both. Several subsets of mice were analyzed over a 14-day period to describe the mouse model of intensive care anemia. Additional mice received erythropoietin injections with or without the zymosan treatment and were killed at day 5, to perform a more detailed analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We observed anemia as soon as 5 days after zymosan injection, together with increased messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for interleukin-6 and hepcidin. Phlebotomies alone fully suppressed hepcidin mRNA expression. Interestingly, in mice treated with zymosan and phlebotomies, hepcidin expression was suppressed, despite the persistent increase in interleukin-6. Stimulation of erythropoiesis by erythropoietin injections also led to a decrease in hepcidin mRNA in zymosan-treated mice. In these situations combining inflammation and erythropoiesis stimulation, there was no change in ferroportin, the membrane iron exporter, at the mRNA level, whereas ferroportin protein increased. Macrophage iron stores (assessed by histology using diaminobenzidine staining, or by quantification of nonheme iron and ferritin concentrations) were depleted in the spleen. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the erythroid factor dominates over inflammation for hepcidin regulation, and that iron could be mobilized in these situations combining inflammation and erythropoiesis stimulation.

Luminal leptin activates mucin-secreting goblet cells in the large bowel.

Leptin has been suggested to be involved in tissue injury and/or mucosal defence mechanisms. Here, we studied the effects of leptin on colonic mucus secretion and rat mucin 2 (rMuc2) expression. Wistar rats and ob/ob mice were used. Secretion of mucus was followed in vivo in the rat perfused colon model. Mucus secretion was quantified by ELISA, and rMuc2 mRNA levels were quantified by real-time RT PCR. The effects of leptin alone or in association with protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors on mucin secreted by human mucus-secreting HT29-MTX cells were determined. Leptin was detected in the rat colonic lumen at substantial levels. Luminal perfusion of leptin stimulates mucus-secreting goblet cells in a dose-dependent manner in vivo in the rat. Leptin (10 nmol/l) increased mucus secretion by a factor of 3.5 and doubled rMuc2 mRNA levels in the colonic mucosa. There was no damage to mucosa 24 h after leptin, but the number of stained mucus cells significantly increased. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice have abnormally dense mucus-filled goblet cells. In human colonic goblet-like HT29-MTX cells expressing leptin receptors, leptin increased mucin secretion by activating PKC- and PI3K-dependent pathways. This is the first demonstration that leptin, acting from the luminal side, controls the function of mucus-secreting goblet cells. Because the gel layer formed by mucus at the surface of the intestinal epithelium has a barrier function, our data may be relevant physiologically in defence mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract.