Chemokine platelet factor 4 accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon elongation

Schwann cells in peripheral nerves react to traumatic nerve injury by attempting to grow and regenerate.Howeve r,it is unclear what factors play a role in this process.In this study,we searched a GEO database and found that expression of platelet factor 4 was markedly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury.Platelet factor is an important molecule in cell apoptosis,diffe rentiation,survival,and proliferation.Further,polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the change in platelet factor 4 in the sciatic nerve at different time points after injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that platelet factor 4 was secreted by Schwann cells.We also found that silencing platelet factor 4 decreased the proliferation and migration of primary cultured Schwann cells,while exogenously applied platelet factor 4 stimulated Schwann cell prolife ration and migration and neuronal axon growth.Furthermore,knocking out platelet factor 4 inhibited the prolife ration of Schwann cells in injured rat sciatic nerve.These findings suggest that Schwann cell-secreted platelet factor 4 may facilitate peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon growth.Thus,platelet factor 4 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic peripheral nerve injury.

Probiotic microorganisms affect the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide

Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage(control),acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight,acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms(Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium infantis,Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides,all mixed in sachets)20 or 200 mg/kg body weight,respectively.After 30 days,the testis,prostate,seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed,fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H&E).The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis.Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume(in mm3)of the testes.The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques.Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number.Results:The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide-treated group compared to the other groups(P<0.001).The number of spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids and Leydig cells in the acrylamide-treated group were significantly less compared to the control group(P<0.05),while they were increased significantly in the acrylamide+200 mg/kg probiotic group(P<0.05;P<0.01).The mean Johnsen score in the acrylamide-treated group was lower than in the control group(P<0.001).Acrylamide-induced changes including congestion,vacuolization in the secretory epithelial cells,and epithelial rupture were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicle.The volumes of cerebellar layers were decreased in the acrylamide group compared to the control group while recovered in both probiotic treated groups.Conclusions:Probiotic microorganisms alleviate acrylamide-induced toxicities against the reproductive and cerebellar tissues in rats.

Effects of heat stress and long photoperiod on the prostate of rats

Objective:To examine light and heat effects on the morphological,histological,and micrometric structure of the prostate of rats.Methods:Thirty adult male rats were divided into three groups.The control group was kept under 20℃-22℃ and an artificial 12 h/12 h day/night cycle;the temperature group was under normal light and at(42±1)℃ heat for 4 to 5 h daily,and the light group was exposed to 8 h/16 h day/night cycle with 20℃-22℃.Rats were weighed five times(at the beginning of the study and every seven days).Five milliliters(mL)of their peripheral blood were taken.The tissue staining was performed using the hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)stain and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS).In the following,tissue and cellular reactions to the PAS were examined.Results:Folds were located entirely on the surface of the anterior lobe and periphery of the other lobes.The secretory units in the anterior lobe were more than the lateral lobe.A strong reaction of the secretory cells to the PAS was observed.Testosterone serum levels of the light group also significantly increased compared to the control group(P<0.05).The most histometric changes of the lobes were established in the lateral lobes.Heat stress resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone levels and transformed prostate tissue.The epithelium and parenchyma to scaffold ratio in the temperature group decreased.Conclusions:Maximum and minimum changes in the ventral lobe happened under the ascent of temperature and light,respectively.The ventral lobe in the study of prostatic hyperplasia should be more considered.

Xuebijing improves intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats by regulating the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND:This study aims to explore whether Xuebijing(XBJ) can improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in sepsis and its mechanism.METHODS:A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).A total of 30 male SD rats were divided into four groups:sham group,CLP group,XBJ + axitinib group,and XBJ group.XBJ was intraperitoneally injected 2 h before CLP.Hemodynamic data(blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded.The intestinal microcirculation data of the rats were analyzed via microcirculation imaging.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits were used to detect the serum levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the rats.Histological analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa in rats.The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A),phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt),and phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt) in the small intestine was analyzed via Western blotting.RESULTS:XBJ improved intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats,alleviated the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa,and reduced the systemic inflammatory response.Moreover,XBJ upregulated the expression of VEGF-A,p-PI3K/total PI3K,and p-Akt/total Akt in the rat small intestine.CONCLUSION:XBJ may improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats possibly through the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Hydrogel dressings on neurotrophic keratitis in an experimental animal model

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effects of hydrogel dressings on neurotrophic keratitis in rats.METHODS:Male Wistar rats,aged 42–56d,were randomly divided into control,experimental,and treatment groups,each consisting of five rats.The experimental and treatment groups underwent neurotrophic keratitis modeling in both eyes.After successful modeling,biomedical hydrogels formed with polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used in treatment group for 7d.Ocular irritation response and keratitis index scores,Schirmer’s test,tear film break-up time(BUT),sodium fluorescein staining,and hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.RESULTS:The neurotrophic keratitis model was successfully established in rats with severe ophthalmic nerve injury,characterized by keratitis,ocular irritation,reduced tear secretion measured by decreased BUT and Schirmer test values,corneal epithelial loss,and disorganized collagen fibers in the stromal layer.Following treatment with hydrogel dressings,significant improvements were observed in keratitis scores and ocular irritation symptoms in model eyes.Although the recovery of tear secretion,as measured by the Schirmer’s test,did not show statistical differences,BUT was significantly prolonged.Fluorescein staining confirmed a reduction in the extent of corneal epithelial loss after treatment.HE staining revealed the restoration of the structural disorder in both the epithelial and stromal layers to a certain extent.CONCLUSION:Hydrogel dressing reduces ocular surface irritation,improves tear film stability,and promotes the repair and restoration of damaged epithelial cells by maintaining a moist and clean environment on the ocular surface in the rat model.

Underlying anti-hypertensive mechanism of the Mizuhopecten yessoensis derived peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats via widely targeted kidney metabolomics

The angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory peptide NCW derived from Mizuhopecten yessoensis has been demonstrated to have significant in vivo anti-hypertensive effects,however,its anti-hypertensive mechanism is still not fully clarified.This study established a UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS-based widely targeted kidney metabolomics approach to explore the changes of kidney metabolic profiles and to clarify the antihypertensive mechanism of peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the kidney metabolic profiles were clearly separated between the SHR-NCW and SHRUntreated groups.A total of 85 metabolites were differentially regulated,and 16 metabolites were identified as potential kidney biomarkers,e.g.,3-hydroxybutyrate,malonic acid,deoxycytidine,and L-aspartic acid.The peptide NCW might regulate kidney metabolic disorder of SHRs to alleviate hypertension by suppressing inflammation and improving nitric oxide production under the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism,folate related pathways,synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies,pyrimidine metabolism,β-alanine metabolism,and retinal metabolism.

Dry environment on the expression of lacrimal gland S100A9,Anxa1,and Clu in rats via proteomics

●AIM:To investigate the underlying mechanism of dry environment(autumn dryness)affecting the lacrimal glands in rats.●METHODS:Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups.The rats were fed in specific pathogen free environment as the control group(n=10),and the rats fed in dry environment as the dryness group(n=10).After 24d,lacrimal glands were collected from the rats.The tissues morphology was observed by hematoxylineosin(HE)staining.Tandem mass tags(TMT)quantitative proteomics analysis technology was used to screen the differential expressed proteins of lacrimal glands between the two groups,then bioinformatics analysis was performed.Further,the immunohistochemical(IHC)method was used to verify the target proteins.●RESULTS:In dryness group,the lacrimal glands lobule atrophied,the glandular cavities enlarged,the sparse nuclear distribution and scattered inflammatory infiltration between the acinus were observed.The proteomics exhibited that a total of 195 up-regulated and 236 downregulated differential expressed proteins screened from the lacrimal glands of rats.It was indicated that the biological processes(BP)of differential expressed proteins mainly included cell processes and single BP.The cellular compositions of differential expressed proteins mainly located in cells,organelles.The molecular functions of differential expressed proteins mainly included binding,catalytic activity.Moreover,the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis showed that the differential expressed proteins mainly involved lysosome,complement and coagulation cascade,and ribosome pathway.The IHC result verified that the up-regulated expression proteins of Protein S100A9(S100A9),Annexin A1(Anxa1),and Clusterin(Clu)in lacrimal glands of rats in dryness group were higher than control group.●CONCLUSION:The up-regulated expression proteins of S100A9,Anxa1,and Clu may be the potential mechanisms of dry eye symptoms caused by dry environment.This study provides clues of dry environments causing eye-related diseases for further studies.

Preliminary exploration of animal models of congenital choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND Various animal models have been used to explore the pathogenesis of choledochal cysts(CCs),but with little convincing results.Current surgical techniques can achieve satisfactory outcomes for treatment of CCs.Consequently,recent studies have focused more on clinical issues rather than basic research.Therefore,we need appropriate animal models to further basic research.AIM To establish an appropriate animal model that may contribute to the investigation of the pathogenesis of CCs.METHODS Eighty-four specific pathogen-free female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to a surgical group,sham surgical group,or control group.A rat model of CC was established by partial ligation of the bile duct.The reliability of the model was confirmed by measurements of serum biochemical indices,morpho-logy of common bile ducts of the rats as well as molecular biology experiments in rat and human tissues.RESULTS Dilation classified as mild(diameter,≥1 mm to<3 mm),moderate(≥3 mm to<10 mm),and severe(≥10 mm)was observed in 17,17,and 2 rats in the surgical group,respectively,while no dilation was observed in the control and sham surgical groups.Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotrans-ferase,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,and total bile acids were significantly elevated in the surgical group as compared to the control group 7 d after surgery,while direct bilirubin,total bilirubin,and gamma-glutamyltransferase were further increased 14 d after surgery.Most of the biochemical indices gradually decreased to normal ranges 28 d after surgery.The protein expression trend of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in rat model was consistent with the human CC tissues.CONCLUSION The model of partial ligation of the bile duct of juvenile rats could morphologically simulate the cystic or fusiform CC,which may contribute to investigating the pathogenesis of CC.

Emerging role of liquid biopsy in rat sarcoma virus mutated metastatic colorectal cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC),the treatment options are limited and have been proved to be affected by rat sarcoma virus(RAS)mutational status.In RAS wild-type(wt)patients,the combination of antiepidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)monoclonal antibodies with chemotherapy(CT)is more effective than CT alone.On the other hand,RAS-mutated patients are not eligible for treatment with anti-EGFR antibodies.CASE SUMMARY Eleven patients with initially RAS-mutated mCRC were followed from diagnosis to May 2022.At the time of cell-free DNA determination,five patients had undergone one CT line,five patients had undergone two CT lines,and one patient had undergone three CT lines(all in combination with bevacizumab).At the second and third treatment lines[second line(2L),third line(3L)],patients with neo-RAS wt received a combination of CT and cetuximab.In neo-RAS wt patients treated with anti-EGFR,our findings indicated an increase in progression-free survival for both 2L and 3L(14.5 mo,P=0.119 and 3.9 mo,P=0.882,respectively).Regarding 2L overall survival,we registered a slight increase in neo-RAS wt patients treated with anti-EGFR(33.6 mo vs 32.4 mo,P=0.385).At data cut-off,two patients were still alive:A RAS-mutated patient undergoing 3L treatment and a neo-RAS wt patient who received 2L treatment with anti-EGFR(ongoing).CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrated that monitoring RAS mutations in mCRC by liquid biopsy may provide an additional treatment line for neo-RAS wt patients.

The bio-active components of the Mongolian medicine Horcha-6 and therapeutic mechanism in the rat migraine model

Background:The active components of Horcha-6 were identified using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.Also,we investigated the potential mechanisms that explain why Horcha-6 may be effective in treating migraines through the use of network pharmacology and a rat migraine model.Methods:After identifying the active components of Horcha-6,the corresponding genes of the active components’target were obtained from the Universal Protein database,and a“compound-target-disease”network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 software.For the in vivo experiments,nitroglycerin was injected intraperitoneally into rats to create a migraine model.Pre-treatment with Horcha-6 was administered orally for 14 days,and rats were subjected to migraine-related behavior tests.RNA sequencing was performed to identify the gene expression regulated by Horcha-6 in the trigeminal nerve.Results:A total of 903 chemical components of Horcha-6 have been collected in the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.We discovered 55 of the Horcha-6 bio-active components that were evaluated based on their Percent Human Oral Absorption(≥30%)and DL values(≥0.185)on the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database.The“compound-target-disease”network contained 163 intersection targets with the migraine state.Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these components significantly regulated the immune response,vascular function,oxidative stress,etc.When Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis was performed,we observed that most of the target genes were significantly enriched in the inflammation and neuro-related signaling pathway,toll-like receptor signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,etc.These predictions were further demonstrated via in vivo animal model experiments.The RNA sequencing results showed that 41 genes were down-regulated(P<0.05)and 86 genes were up-regulated(P<0.05)in the Horcha-6 treated group compared with the untreated group.Those genes were mainly involved in neuromodulation,vascular function,and hormone metabolism.Conclusion:The 55 bio-active components in Horcha-6 regulate inflammation,hormone metabolism,and neurotransmitters and have potential as a therapy to treat migraines.

Identifying the stability of housekeeping genes to be used for the quantitative real-time PCR normalization in retinal tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM:To investigate the stability of the seven housekeeping genes:beta-actin(ActB),glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH),18s ribosomal unit 5(18s),cyclophilin A(CycA),hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase(HPRT),ribosomal protein large P0(36B4)and terminal uridylyl transferase 1(U6)in the diabetic retinal tissue of rat model.METHODS:The expression of these seven genes in rat retinal tissues was determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)in two groups;normal control rats and streptozotocininduced diabetic rats.The stability analysis of gene expression was investigated using geNorm,NormFinder,BestKeeper,and comparative delta-Ct(ΔCt)algorithms.RESULTS:The 36B4 gene was stably expressed in the retinal tissues of normal control animals;however,it was less stable in diabetic retinas.The 18s gene was expressed consistently in both normal control and diabetic rats’retinal tissue.That this gene was the best reference for data normalisation in RT-qPCR studies that used the retinal tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Furthermore,there was no ideal gene stably expressed for use in all experimental settings.CONCLUSION:Identifying relevant genes is a need for achieving RT-qPCR validity and reliability and must be appropriately achieved based on a specific experimental setting.

Therapeutic strategies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway in metastatic colorectal cancer

More than 1.9 million new colorectal cancer(CRC)cases and 935000 deaths were estimated to occur worldwide in 2020,representing about one in ten cancer cases and deaths.Overall,colorectal ranks third in incidence,but second in mortality.More than half of the patients are in advanced stages at diagnosis.Treatment options are complex because of the heterogeneity of the patient population,including different molecular subtypes.Treatments have included conventional fluorouracil-based chemotherapy,targeted therapy,immunotherapy,etc.In recent years,with the development of genetic testing technology,more and more targeted drugs have been applied to the treatment of CRC,which has further prolonged the survival of metastatic CRC patients.

Effect of Mushroom Extract Hericium erinaceus on Spatial Memory and Morphology of Neurons in the CA1 and CA3 Regions of the Hippocampus in Ovariectomized Rats

Various studies indicate that low levels of estradiol negatively impact cognitive abilities. Extracts from the fungus Hericium erinaceus (HE) contain bioactive components that promote the proper functioning of the nervous system and potential effects on protection against neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor dysfunctions. The objective was to evaluate the effects of the administration of the HE mushroom extract on visuospatial memory and morphology of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. 40 young Wistar rats weighing 90 ± 10 g BW were used, which were distributed into four groups of 10 animals;Control Group, non-ovariectomized and untreated rats;Group E2, ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol (2 μg/kg/body weight);Group HE, ovariectomized rats treated with the extract of the fungus Hericium erinaceus (0.5 mg/kg body weight) and Group Ovx/ST, ovariectomized rats, without treatment. The animals were tested in the Barnes and Open Field maze, then they were sacrificed, and their brains were obtained to perform a histological analysis of neuronal morphology in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus. The most outstanding results showed that the Ovx/ST group recorded the longest time to arrive at the escape box and stay in the Barnes maze. A correlation was observed between neuronal damage and function;in the groups that did not present satisfactory performance in the maze tests, morphological alterations were identified such as the presence of some neuronal somata with degeneration characteristics such as pyknosis, nuclear basophilia and shrinkage of the cells. Its soma, as well as a decrease in the nuclear area of CA1 and CA3 neurons. It is concluded that the fungus Hericium erinaceus exerted a neuroprotective effect on the neuronal bodies of the hippocampus, associated with better performance in the visuospatial recognition memory test.

Influence of different magnetic forces on the effect of colonic anastomosis in rats

BACKGROUND Despite much work having been conducted on magnetic compression anastomo-sis(MCA)in the digestive tract,there are no reports on the influence of magnetic force on the anastomosis.AIM To investigate the effect of different magnetic force magnets on the MCA of the digestive tract.METHODS Two groups of magnets of the same sizes but different magnetic forces were designed and produced.A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two groups(powerful magnet group and common magnet group),with 12 rats in each group.Two types of magnets were used to complete the colonic side-to-side anastomosis of the rats.The operation time and magnet discharge time were recorded.The anastomotic specimens were obtained 4 wk after the operation and then the burst pressure and diameter of the anastomosis were measured,and the anastomosis was observed via the naked eye and subjected to histological examination.RESULTS The magnetic forces of the powerful and common magnet groups at zero distance were 8.26 N and 4.10 N,respectively.The colonic side-to-side anastomosis was completed in all 24 rats,and the operation success rate and postoperative survival rate were 100%.No significant difference was noted in the operation time between the two groups.The magnet discharge time of the powerful magnet group was slightly longer than that of the common magnet group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.513).Furthermore,there was no statistical difference in the burst pressure(P=0.266)or diameter of magnetic anastomosis(P=0.095)between the two groups.The gross specimens of the two groups showed good anastomotic healing,and histological observation indicated good mucosal continuity without differences on healing.CONCLUSION In the rat colonic side-to-side MCA model,both the powerful magnet with 8.26 N and the common magnet with 4.10 N showed no significant impact on the anastomosis establishment process or its effect.

N-acetylserotonin alleviates retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury via HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway in rats

AIM:To observe the effects of N-acetylserotonin(NAS)administration on retinal ischemia-reperfusion(RIR)injury in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms involving the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/receptor for advanced glycation end-products(RAGE)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.METHODS:A rat model of RIR was developed by increasing the pressure of the anterior chamber of the eye.Eighty male Sprague Dawley were randomly divided into five groups:sham group(n=8),RIR group(n=28),RIR+NAS group(n=28),RIR+FPS-ZM1 group(n=8)and RIR+NAS+FPS-ZM1 group(n=8).The therapeutic effects of NAS were examined by hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining,and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)counting.The expression of interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),HMGB1,RAGE,and nod-like receptor 3(NLRP3)proteins and the phosphorylation of nuclear factorkappa B(p-NF-κB)were analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot analysis.The expression of HMGB1 protein was also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:H&E staining results showed that NAS significantly reduced retinal edema and increased the number of RGCs in RIR rats.With NAS therapy,the HMGB1 and RAGE expression decreased significantly,and the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway was antagonized along with the inhibition of p-NF-κB and NLRP3 protein expression.Additionally,NAS exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-1βexpression.The inhibitory of RAGE binding to HMGB1 by RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1 led to a significant decrease of p-NF-κB and NLRP3 expression,so as to the IL-1βexpression and retinal edema,accompanied by an increase of RGCs in RIR rats.CONCLUSION:NAS may exhibit a neuroprotective effect against RIR via the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway,which may be a useful therapeutic target for retinal disease.

Protective Effect of Naringenin on Acute Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats

[Objectives]To investigate the protective mechanism of naringenin on acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(AMI-RI)in Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats.[Methods]A total of 32 SD rats with AMI-RI model construction were randomly divided into AMI-RI model control group and citrus pigment A/B/C groups(n=8).The naringenin A,B,and C groups were administrated 20,40 and 80 mg/(kg•d)for 10 d.The AMI group served as the negative control and was not treated.At the conclusion of the treatment regimen,a sample of intraventricular blood was collected for the purpose of measuring lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),glutathione peroxidase(GLH-PX),nitric oxide(NO),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels.Additionally,myocardial tissue was identified within the ischemic region.The content of malondialdehyde(MDA)was determined by inducing nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and endodermal nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)positive cells in the left anterior descending coronary artery.[Results]Following citrus treatment,the contents of GLH-PX and SOD in ventricular blood of the citrus B group were found to be significantly elevated,while the contents of NO and LDH in myocardial MDA and ventricle were observed to be significantly reduced.The number of eNOS-positive cells was significantly increased,while the number of iNOS-positive cells was significantly decreased.The difference was statistically significant when compared with the AMI-RI group(P<0.05).The changes observed in the above indicators in the citrus C group were more pronounced than those observed in the citrus B group.The difference between the citrus C and the B group was statistically significant(P<0.05),indicating that this effect is concentration dependent.[Conclusions]In addition to its ability to inhibit myocardial lipid peroxidation during AMI-RI by increasing SOD activity,naringenin may also affect the synthesis and release of NO by regulating eNOS and iNOS,thereby achieving protection against AMI-RI.One effect is enhanced as the dose of the drug increases.

Long Term Administration of Lannea acida Rich. (Anacardiaceae) Reverses the Imidacloprid-Induced Fertility Impairments in Adult Male Rat through Androgenic and Antioxidant Properties

Aim: The harmful effects of pesticides have been largely documented in recent times. But effective therapeutic solutions to pesticide related male infertility are yet to be established. This study investigated the curative effects of Lannea acida on imidacloprid (IMI)-induced hypofertility in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats of 150 – 200 g were administered IMI (22.5 mg/kg) for two weeks and partitioned into control (distilled water, vitamin E, clomiphene citrate) or test (aqueous (340 mg/kg), methanol (170 mg/kg) extract) groups for eight weeks treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment and samples were collected for sperm, antioxidant and hormonal analysis. Fertility tests were performed from treatment day 47 for fertility indices estimation. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM and one way ANOVA was applied using STATISTICA Software. Results: Exposition to IMI resulted in a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability and normality, testosterone and LH, coupled to an increase in oxidative stress markers. Moreover, IMI impaired male fertility evidenced by a significant drop in fertility index and litter size. Similar to clomiphene citrate and vitamin E, plant extracts significantly improved the sperm parameters, sexual hormones and decreased the oxidative stress markers. More importantly, the fertility index and litter size were restored, especially with the aqueous extract. Conclusion: Present results indicate that L. acida possesses curative potentials against IMI-induced hypofertility through its androgenic and antioxidant properties. However, the effects the extract on spermatozoa DNA structure and the fertility of offsprings from exposed parents are yet to be studied to conclude on total recovery from IMI toxicity.

Long-Term Impact of Acute Retinoic Acid Supplementation at the Young Age on Testicular Architecture of Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Inappropriate and excess vitamin supplementation, particularly for vitamin A, is increasingly recognized as a public health problem in developed countries. On the other hand, blind supplementation of vitamin A, for children in developing countries is a subject of controversy in the literature. The crucial role of vitamin A in the process of spermatogenesis in adult rodents is well established, but only a few publications are consecrated to the long-term effect of vitamin A intake at a young age on testicular development and differentiation. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of acute supplementation at an early age, in the post-natal period, on spermatogenesis and testicular trophicity at adult age. Material and Methods: Young Wistar Albinos rats of 22 days received an acute high dose of supplementation of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate). The control group, group 1, received only extra virgin olive oil, Group 2 a dose of 7000 IU/kg of retinyl palmitate, group 3, 14,000 IU/kg, and Group 4 a dose of 28,000 IU/kg. At 10 weeks of age, the testes’ testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. For histological assessment, sections were stained with Hematoxylin eosin, and the Johnsen score was used to evaluate spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. Results: The average testicular weights of rats were significantly lower in group 4 (p < 0.05), and so was the testosterone level in the testis compared to the control group (p .01). Most of the seminiferous tubules were concerned by an arrest of spermatogenesis and the Johnsen score was decreased with a mean score of 5.96 ± 1.60 (p .001) in that Group. In Group 3, Johnsen’s score was significantly better than the one obtained with the control. Conclusion: We observed a negative effect in the long term with a high acute dose of supplementation of retinyl palmitate at a young age, on testicular development and differentiation. Despite a return to normal diet after that supplementation, during childhood, impaired spermatogenesis was identified at the adult age with an arrest of spermatogenesis. The reversibility of that lack of differentiation by a return to a normal diet is questionable and would need more investigation.

Hyperacute experimental model of rat lung transplantation using a coronary shunt cannula

BACKGROUND Lung transplantation is a well-established treatment of end-stage lung disease.A rodent model is an inexpensive way to collect biological data from a living model after lung transplantation.However,mastering the surgical technique takes time owing to the small organ size.AIM To conduct rat lung transplantation using a shunt cannula(SC)or modified cannula(MC)and assess their efficacy.METHODS Rat lung transplantation was performed in 11 animals in the SC group and 12 in the MC group.We devised a method of rat lung transplantation using a coronary SC for coronary artery bypass surgery as an anastomosis of pulmonary arteri-ovenous vessels and bronchioles.The same surgeon performed all surgical proce-dures in the donor and recipient rats without using a magnifying glass.The success rate of lung transplantation,operating time,and PaO2 values were com-pared after 2-h reperfusion after transplantation.RESULTS Ten and 12 lungs were successfully transplanted in the SC and MC groups,respectively.In the SC group,one animal had cardiac arrest within 1 h after reperfusion owing to bleeding during pulmonary vein anastomosis.The opera-ting time for the removal of the heart-lung block from the donor and preparation of the left lung graft was 26.8±2.3 and 25.7±1.3 min in the SC and MC groups,respectively(P=0.21).The time required for left lung transplantation in the recipients was 37.5±2.8 min and 35.9±1.4 min in the SC and MC groups,respectively(P=0.12).PaO2 values at 2 h after reperfusion were 456.2±25.5 and INTRODUCTION Lung transplantation is a well-established treatment of end-stage lung disease.Many immune and non-immune mech-anisms in lung transplantation are highly complex,and post-transplant complications such as infections and primary and chronic lung allograft dysfunction must be reduced to improve survival.Therefore,there is a need for immunological and pathophysiological analyses using animal lung transplantation models.The rat lung transplantation model was first reported in 1971[1],followed by the Mizuta Cuff model[2]in 1989.Since then,various improvements in surgical techniques,cuffs,and instruments have been reported[3-7].The advantage of using a rodent model is that it permits inexpensive collection of biological data from a living model after lung transplantation.Although trained surgeons can perform the transplantation procedure,mastering the surgical technique takes time due to the small size of the organs.The risks associated with this technique include damage to the vulnerable pulmonary artery(PA)and pulmonary vein(PV)vessel walls during anastomosis,as well as stenosis of the anastomotic site.We developed an anastomotic technique using a coronary shunt cannula(SC)for cardiac coronary artery bypass surgery as an alternative to the previously reported cuff method[2-6].This method enables anastomosis by inserting and ligating a cannula into the lumen of the PA,PV,and bronchus(Br),which is simpler and more reliable than conventional methods.This study aimed to determine problems with rat lung transplantation using the SC,develop an improved cannula,and investigate its utility.RESULTS After creating 11 lung transplantation model animals in the SC group and 12 in the MC group,all animals underwent reperfusion.One animal in the SC group had cardiac arrest 1 h after reperfusion due to hemorrhage caused by vessel wall injury during PV anastomosis.Two hours after reperfusion,we visually confirmed the maintenance of recipient hemody-namics and blood flow in the graft pulmonary cannula in 10 animals in the SC group and 12 in the MC group.The operating time for the removal of the heart-lung block from the donor and graft lung creation was 26.8±2.3 min in the SC group and 25.7±1.3 min in the MC group(P=0.21,Table 1).The duration for left lung transplantation into the recipient was 37.5±2.8 min in the SC group and 35.9±1.4 min(P=0.12,Table 1)in the MC group.Although no significant difference was found between the SC and MC groups,animals in the MC group experienced a slightly shorter operating time,smoother surgical technique,and less stressful procedure for the surgeons compared with those in the SC group.The graft lung coloration(Grade 1/2/3)after reperfusion was 0/2/8(SC group)and 0/2/10(MC group),and all grafts were reported to be successful,except in one animal in the SC group that had cardiac arrest(Table 2).The PaO2 values after 2 h of reperfusion were 456.2±25.5 mmHg in the SC group and 461.2±21.5 mmHg in the MC group(P=0.63,Table 3),showing no significant difference between the groups.

Influence of Angiotensin II on α1-Adrenergic Receptors Function in Rat Aorta and Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main mediator of the Renin-Angiotensin-System acting on AT1 and other AT receptors. It is regarded as a pleiotropic agent that induces many actions, including functioning as a growth factor, and as a contractile hormone, among others. The aim of this work was to examine the impact of Ang II on the expression and function of α1-adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs) in cultured rat aorta, and aorta-derived smooth muscle cells. Isolated Wistar rat aorta was incubated for 24 h in DMEM at 37˚C, then subjected to isometric tension and to the action of added norepinephrine, in concentration-response curves. Ang II was added (1 × 10−5 M), and in some experiments, 5-Methylurapidil (α1A-AR antagonist), AH11110A (α1B-AR antagonist), or BMY-7378 (α1D-AR antagonist), were used to identify the α1-AR involved in the response. Desensitization of the contractile response to norepinephrine was observed due to incubation time, and by the Ang II action. α1D-AR was protected from desensitization by BMY-7378;while RS-100329 and prazosin partially mitigated desensitization. In another set of experiments, isolated aorta-derived smooth muscle cells were exposed to Ang II and α1-ARs proteins were evaluated. α1D-AR increased at 30 and 60 min post Ang II exposure, the α1A-AR diminished from 1 to 4 h, while α1B-AR remained unchanged over 24 h of Ang II exposure. Ang II induced an increase of α1D-AR at short times, and BMY-7378 protected α1D-AR from desensitization.