Valproic acid inhibits human hepatocellular cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Valproic acid (VPA) a histone deacetylase inhibitor has been shown to inhibit the growth of a variety of cancer cells. We examined the effect of VPA in human hepatocellular cancer cells (HuH7) in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that VPA may be able to modulate Notch-1 signaling in hepatic carcinoma cells, with antitumor effects. METHODS: HuH7 cells were used in this study. The inhibition of cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. A caspase assay was used to determine the enzymatic activity of caspase-3. The impact of the activation or inhibition on HuH7 cell cycling was examined by FACS. analysis. HuH7 cells were injected subcutaneously in athymic male BALB/c mice. Animals were divided into two groups of 14 animals each (Group I non-treated and Group II treated). Group II received 16 mg daily of VPA orally for 30 days. Tumor size and volumes were measured and calculated until the end of the experiment. Notch-1 mRNA levels in HuH7 cells and tumor samples were assessed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: VPA suppressed tumor cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. A significant statistical difference regarding DNA degradation and an increased activity of caspase-3 were observed in treated cells in comparison to non-treated cells. We observed a significant reduction of tumor xenografted growth and a significant down-regulation of Notch-1 mRNA levels in Group II. CONCLUSION: VPA inhibits the growth of HOC in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that it could be used in the treatment of HCC alone or in combination with other drugs.

Beneficial effects of N-acetyl cysteine on pancreas and kidney following experimental pancreatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine on the pancreas and kidney after pancreatic ischemia reperfusion injury in a rat model. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Pancreatic ischemia reperfusion was performed in Wistar rats for 1 hour. Revascularization was achieved followed by 4 h of reperfusion. A total of 24 animals were divided into four groups: Group 1: sham; Group 2: pancreatic ischemia reperfusion without treatment; Group 3: pancreatic ischemia reperfusion plus N-acetyl cysteine intravenously; and Group 4: pancreatic ischemia reperfusion plus N-acetyl cysteine per os. Blood and tissue samples were collected after reperfusion. RESULTS: There were significant differences in amylase levels between Group 1 (6.11+/-0.55) and Group 2 (10.30+/-0.50) [p=0.0002] as well as between Group 2 (10.30+/-0.50) and Group 4 (7.82+/-0.38) [p=0.003]; creatinine levels between Group 1 (0.52 +/- 0.07) and Group 2 (0.77+/-0.18) [p=0.035] as well as between Group 2 (0.77+/-0.18) and Group 3 (0.48+/-0.13) [p=0.012]; and pancreatic tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels between Group 1 (1.27+/-0.96) and Group 2 (2.60+/-3.01) [p=0.026] as well as between Group 2 (2.60+/-3.01) and Group 4 (0.52+/-0.56) [p=0.002]. A decrease in pancreatic tissue GST-alpha3 gene expression was observed in Group 2 in comparison to Group 1 (p =0.006), and an increase was observed in Groups 3 and 4 when compared to Group 2 (p= 0.025 and p=0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that N-acetyl cysteine has a beneficial effect on pancreatic ischemia reperfusion injury and renal function in a rat model.

Timing-dependent protection of hypertonic saline solution administration in experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: During liver ischemia, the decrease in mitochondrial energy causes cellular damage that is aggravated after reperfusion. This injury can trigger a systemic inflammatory syndrome, also producing remote organ damage. Several substances have been employed to decrease this inflammatory response during liver transplantation, liver resections, and hypovolemic shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hypertonic saline solution and the best timing of administration to prevent organ injury during experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS: Rats underwent 1 hr of warm liver ischemia followed by reperfusion. Eighty-four rats were allocated into 6 groups: sham group, control of ischemia group (C), pre-ischemia treated NaCl 0.9% (ISS) and NaCl 7.5% (HTS) groups, pre-reperfusion ISS, and HTS groups. Blood and tissue samples were collected 4 hr after reperfusion. RESULTS: HTS showed beneficial effects in prevention of liver ischemia/reperfusion injury. HTS groups developed increases in AST and ALT levels that were significantly less than ISS groups; however, the HTS pre-reperfusion group showed levels significantly less than the HTS pre-ischemia group. No differences in IL-6 and IL-10 levels were observed. A significant decrease in mitochondrial dysfunction as well as hepatic edema was observed in the HTS pre-reperfusion group. Pulmonary vascular permeability was significantly less in the pre-reperfusion HTS group compared to the ISS group. No differences in myeloperoxidase activity were observed. The liver histologic score was significantly less in the pre-reperfusion HTS group compared to the pre-ischemia HTS group. CONCLUSION: HTS ameliorated local and systemic injuries in experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion. Infusion of HTS in the pre-reperfusion period may be an important adjunct to accomplish the best results.

Beneficial effects of n-acetyl cysteine on pancreas and kidney following experimental pancreatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine on the pancreas and kidney after pancreatic ischemia reperfusion injury in a rat model. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Pancreatic ischemia reperfusion was performed in Wistar rats for 1 hour. Revascularization was achieved followed by 4 h of reperfusion. A total of 24 animals were divided into four groups: Group 1: sham; Group 2: pancreatic ischemia reperfusion without treatment; Group 3: pancreatic ischemia reperfusion plus N-acetyl cysteine intravenously; and Group 4: pancreatic ischemia reperfusion plus N-acetyl cysteine per os. Blood and tissue samples were collected after reperfusion. RESULTS: There were significant differences in amylase levels between Group 1 (6.11±0.55) and Group 2 (10.30±0.50) [p=0.0002] as well as between Group 2 (10.30±0.50) and Group 4 (7.82±0.38) [p=0.003]; creatinine levels between Group 1 (0.52 ± 0.07) and Group 2 (0.77±0.18) [p=0.035] as well as between Group 2 (0.77±0.18) and Group 3 (0.48±0.13) [p=0.012]; and pancreatic tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels between Group 1 (1.27±0.96) and Group 2 (2.60±3.01) [p=0.026] as well as between Group 2 (2.60±3.01) and Group 4 (0.52±0.56) [p=0.002]. A decrease in pancreatic tissue GST-á3 gene expression was observed in Group 2 in comparison to Group 1 (p =0.006), and an increase was observed in Groups 3 and 4 when compared to Group 2 (p= 0.025 and p=0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that N-acetyl cysteine has a beneficial effect on pancreatic ischemia reperfusion injury and renal function in a rat model.

Efeito do antioxidante N2-mercaptopropionilglicina (N2-MPG) na pancreatite aguda experimental / N2-Mercaptopropionylglycine (N2 MPG) in experimental acute pancreatitis

O N2-Mercaptopropionilglicina (MPG) e um potente antioxidante na inibicao da producao de xantina-oxidase. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar se este efeito antioxidante poderia propiciar menor agressao do tecido pancreatico na Pancreatite Aguda (PA) induzida por dois processos: dose supramaxima de ceruleina e injecao de taurocolato de sodio a 2,5 por cento no ducto biliopancreatico do rato. Trinta e seis ratos machos Wistar (220-270 g) foram divididos em 2 grupos (G): GI-animais previamente tratados com antioxidante (MPG: 100 mg/kg) 10 minutos antes da inducao da PA e GII-animais sem tratamento previo. Os animais destes dois grupos foram submetidos a PA com dose supramaxima de ceruleina (2 doses de 20ug/kg) e PA com taurocolato onde vinte e seis ratos foram divididos em dois grupos (G): GIII-ratos tratados com MPG 10 minutos antes da PA e GIV-animais sem tratamento previo...

Lesäo hepatica na pancreatite aguda experimental: influencia da reduçäo da reserva enzimatica do pancreas / Evaluation of hepatic lesion of experimental acute pancreatitis: influence of pancreatic enzyme reduction

A pancreatite aguda (PA) produz alteracoes morfologicas e funcionais no figado. A administraçäo de doses baixas de ceruleina diminui o conteudo enzimatico do pancreas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi estudar o efeito da reduçäo do conteudo enzimatico do pancreas na funçäo mitocondrial hepatica. Ratos machos Wistar foram submetidos a PA atraves de injeçäo retrograda intraductal de taurocolato de sodio a 5 por cento com e sem infusäo de ceruleina (0,133 ug/Kg/h) durante tres horas : Grupo I (GI): sem reducao enzimatica do pancreas, com induçäo de PA, GRUPO II (GII): com reduçäo enzimática do pancreas, com induçäo de PA, GRUPO III (GIII): com reduçäo enzimatica do pancreas, sem induçäo de PA, GRUPO IV (GIV): sem reduçäo enzimatica do pancreas, sem induçäo de PA (Controle). Após duas horas da inducao da PA os animais foram sacrificados e os figados retirados para avaliaçäo da funçäo mitocondrial hepatica, determinada polarograficamente com eletrodo de Clark, medindo-se o consumo de oxigenio na ausência de ADP (S4-Basal) e na presença de ADP (S-3 Ativado), utilizando-se succinato de potassio como substrato. Os conteudos de tripsina, amilase e proteinas totais no liquido ascitico foram determinados. Após duas horas da induçäo da PA observamos aumento significativo no estado 4 da respiraçäo (41 por cento) e diminuiçäo do RCR e da relaçäo ADP/O nos animais do GI (PA sem ceruleina) quando comparados com os animais do GII (PA com ceruleina) (p<0,05). O conteudo de amilase (A) e tripsina (T) no liquido ascitico mostraram-se diminuidos nos animais do GII (A=80 +- 10 U/ml, T= 9,75 +- 1,25 U/ml), quando comparados com os animais do GI que nao receberam ceruleina ( A= 231 +- 24 U/ml, T = 40,32 +- 5,19 U/ml) (p<0,001). Infusäo somente de ceruleina (GIII) näo alterou a funçäo mitocondrial hepatica. Estes achados sugerem que a reduçäo do conteudo enzimatico do pancreas através de infusäo de ceruleina atenua a disfunçäo mitocondrial hepatica na PA experimental evidenciada por desacoplamento da oxigenaçäo fosforilativa

Fisiopatologia da lesao pulmonar na pancreatite aguda / Physiopathology of pancreatitis lung injury

Sinais clinicos de lesao pulmonar desenvolvem-se em ate 50 a 70 por cento dos pacientes com pancreatite aguda. A despeito disto, a fisiopatologia da lesao pulmonar na pancreatite aguda nao esta totalmente compreendida ate o momento. O edema pulmonar e a principal complicacao respiratoria da pancreatite aguda. A permeabilidade aumentada das membranas endotelial pulmonar e epitelial alveolar sao as causas do edema pulmonar. Varios fatores tem sido apontados como causadores do edema pulmonar: liberacao de enzimas pancreaticas proteoliticas, radicais livres de oxigenio, fosfolipase A, acidos graxos livres, fator de necrose tumoral, fator ativador lactario, metabolitos do acido aracdonico e microembolizacao pulmonar. A compreensao da fisiopatologia da lesao pulmonar faculta ao medico uma melhor abordagem terapeutica dos pacientes com pancreatite aguda. O objetivo deste trabalho e expor as teorias que explicam a lesao pulmonar da pancreatite aguda

Lesão pulmonar na pancreatite aguda. Influência da redução do conteúdo enzimático do pâncreas / Lung injury in acute pancreatitis. Influence of pancreatic enzymes reduction

A previous report has show that cerulein in physiological doses reduces the rate mortality of pancreatitis by decreasing the enzyme content of the pancreas. Clinically detectable signs of lung injury develop in up to 50-70 percent of patients with acute pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of acute reduction of pancreatic enzyme content on the pancreatitis pulmonary injury. Experimental haemorrhagic pancreatitis was induced by intraductal injection of 5 per cent sodium taurocholate in two groups of Wistar rats: group I (pancreatitis) and group II (pancreatitis after decreasing pancreatic enzyme content). Dye Evans blue was used to evaluate the lung injury. The degree of histologically observed lesions were similar in both groups, but the pulmonary lesion was smaller in group II than group I (p < 0.05). In conclusion: 1) pancreatitis' pulmonary lesion may be related with pancreatic enzymes that reach the blood stream and 2) the reduction of the pancreatic enzyme content has a beneficial effect on acute pancreatitis and reduces its pulmonary injury.

Lesao pulmonar na pancreatite aguda / Lung injury in acute pancreatitis

Lesao pulmonar surge em ate 70 por cento dos pacientes com pancreatite aguda. O objetivo deste trabalho e de estudar a lesao pulmonar na pancreatite aguda experimental. Assim, pancreatite grave foi induzida em 63 ratos atraves da injecao de taurocolato de sodio a 5 por cento no ducto bilio-pancreatico. Apos 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas da inducao, foram realizadas as investigacoes. A lesao pulmonar foi maxima apos 12 horas de pancreatite, as enzimas pancreaticas (amilase e tripsina) no liquido ascitico estavam mais elevadas precocemente (2-4h) e os niveis sericos foram maiores no tempo de quatro horas. Conclue-se que na pancreatite aguda experimental ocorre lesao pulmonar com aumento da permeabilidade vascular pulmonar. Esta lesao e maxima no tempo de 12 h e tem relacao com os niveis das enzimas pancreaticas no liquido peritonial e no soro.

Modelo simplificado de inducao de pancreatite aguda experimental com uso de dose supramaxima de ceruleina / Simplified model of produced experimental acute pancreatitis with use of supra-maximal dosis of cerulein

A administracao de ceruleina tanto por via endovenosa como intraperitonial, tem sido extensivamente utilizada para inducao de pancreatite aguda experimental. Com objetivo de se testar uma nova metodologia de inducao de pancreatite aguda, que fosse de facil e rapida execucao, assim como de boa reprodutibilidade , 40 ratos Wistar foram distribuidos em quatro grupos: GRUPO I - animais que receberam infusao continua de ceruleina (15µ/Kg) GRUPO II - animais que receberam infusao continua e salina GRUPO III - animais submetidos a duas injecoes (SC+CV) de ceruleina (40µ/Kg) GRUPO IV - animais submetidos a duas injecoes (SC+CV) de salina. Apos a realizacao de dosagens bioquimicas, nao houve diferenca estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos I e II nas concentracoes teciduaias de tripsionogenio, quimiotripsinogenio, proelastase , catepsina e tambem amilase serica; ocorrendo diferenca somente entre os valores de porcentagem de agua no tecido pancreatico...