Interference of Steroidogenesis by Gold Nanorod Core/Silver Shell Nanostructures: Implications for Reproductive Toxicity of Silver Nanomaterials.

As a widely used nanomaterial in daily life, silver nanomaterials may cause great concern to female reproductive system as they are found to penetrate the blood-placental barrier and gain access to the ovary. However, it is largely unknown about how silver nanomaterials influence ovarian physiology and functions such as hormone production. This study performs in vitro toxicology study of silver nanomaterials, focusing especially on cytotoxicity and steroidogenesis and explores their underlying mechanisms. This study exposes primary rat granulosa cells to gold nanorod core/silver shell nanostructures (Au@Ag NRs), and compares outcomes with cells exposed to gold nanorods. The Au@Ag NRs generate more reactive oxygen species and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential and less production of adenosine triphosphate. Au@Ag NRs promote steroidogenesis, including progesterone and estradiol, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Chemical reactivity and transformation of Au@Ag NRs are then studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near edge structure, which analyze the generation of free radical and intracellular silver species. Results suggest that both particle-specific activity and intracellular silver ion release of Au@Ag NR contribute to the toxic response of granulosa cells.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs for tonifying Qi and kidney, and replenishing spleen on intermittent asthma in children aged 2 to 5 years old.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs for tonifying Qi and kidney, and replenishing spleen on intermittent asthma in children aged 2 and 5 years. METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted. Children with intermittent asthma were enrolled and their baseline conditions were measured using a questionnaire. A total of 60 participants, aged 2 to 5, were randomized into either the treatment group (n = 40) or the placebo group (n = 20). The treatment group was treated with granules of TCM herbs for tonifying Qi and kidney, and replenishing spleen, and the placebo group was given placebo granules for 3 months. The number of asthma attacks was counted and TCM syndrome scores were measured at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The airway resistance and levels of eosinophil cationic protein for the two groups were observed before and after 3 months. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group, the number of asthma attacks significantly decreased in the treatment group (P < 0.05). For the treatment group, the TCM syndrome scores decreased after 1 and 2 months; there was also a significant difference in scores between the two groups (P < 0.05). The difference remained after the medicine was stopped for 9 months (P < 0.05). After the 3-month treatment, compared with the placebo group, the airway resistance decreased in the treatment group (P < 0.05). No adverse events were reported in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: The TCM herbs for tonifying Qi and kidney, and replenishing spleen reduced the number of intermittent asthma attacks, decreased the TCM syndrome scores, and reduced the airway resistance in the children aged 2 to 5.

[Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in brain tissue of hypoxic-ischemic neonatal rat and the cerebral protective effect of neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of nNOS and its selective inhibitor 7-NI in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). METHODS: The model of HIBD in neonatal rat was made and the expression of nNOS mRNA was measured at different time points and compared with the control group. The levels of NOS, NO, MDA, SOD were also assayed at different time points after aderministering 7-NI, and compared with the HIBD group and the control group. In addition, we observed the degree of apoptosis after 24 h of HIBD. RESULTS: Expression of nNOS mRNA was higher at 2 h and 6 h after hypoxia than those in the control group (P < 0.05) and reached more at 6 h (P < 0.05). Concentrations of NOS, NO, MDA increased after HIBD, but concentration of SOD decreased (P < 0.01); 7-NI reduced the levels of NOS, NO, MDA, and level of SOD was higher than those in the HIBD group (P < 0.05). There was no apoptosis in the control group, 7-NI could effectively inhibit the degree of apoptosis after HIBD (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: nNOS has an important role in the pathogenesis of neonatal rats with HIBD, its specific inhibitor 7-NI can protect brains from hypoxic-ischemic damage through anti-oxidation and prohibiting apoptosis.