Metformin promotes angiogenesis and functional recovery in aged mice after spinal cord injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway

Treatment with metformin can lead to the recovery of pleiotropic biological activities after spinal cord injury.However,its effect on spinal cord injury in aged mice remains unclear.Considering the essential role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process,we hypothesized that metformin activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in endothelial cells,thereby promoting microvascular regeneration in aged mice after spinal cord injury.In this study,we established young and aged mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury using a modified Allen method.We found that aging hindered the recovery of neurological function and the formation of blood vessels in the spinal cord.Treatment with metformin promoted spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell migration and blood vessel formation in vitro.Furthermore,intraperitoneal injection of metformin in an in vivo model promoted endothelial cell proliferation and increased the density of new blood vessels in the spinal cord,thereby improving neurological function.The role of metformin was reversed by compound C,an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor,both in vivo and in vitro,suggesting that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway likely regulates metformin-mediated angiogenesis after spinal cord injury.These findings suggest that metformin promotes vascular regeneration in the injured spinal cord by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway,thereby improving the neurological function of aged mice after spinal cord injury.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase/reactive oxygen species pathway is involved in apoptosis and pyroptosis in epilepsy

Dysfunction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase contributes to neurotoxicity,which triggers cell death in various neuropathological diseases,including epilepsy.Studies have shown that inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity increases the epilepsy threshold,that is,has an anticonvulsant effect.However,the exact role and potential mechanism of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in seizures are still unclear.In this study,we performed RNA sequencing,functional enrichment analysis,and weighted gene coexpression network analysis of the hippocampus of tremor rats,a rat model of genetic epilepsy.We found damaged hippocampal mitochondria and abnormal succinate dehydrogenase level and Na+-K+-ATPase activity.In addition,we used a pilocarpine-induced N2a cell model to mimic epileptic injury.After application of neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole,changes in malondialdehyde,lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase,which are associated with oxidative stress,were reversed,and the increase in reactive oxygen species level was reversed by 7-nitroindazole or reactive oxygen species inhibitor N-acetylcysteine.Application of 7-nitroindazole or N-acetylcysteine downregulated the expression of caspase-3 and cytochrome c and reversed the apoptosis of epileptic cells.Furthermore,7-nitroindazole or N-acetylcysteine downregulated the abnormally high expression of NLRP3,gasdermin-D,interleukin-1βand interleukin-18.This indicated that 7-nitroindazole and N-acetylcysteine each reversed epileptic cell death.Taken together,our findings suggest that the neuronal nitric oxide synthase/reactive oxygen species pathway is involved in pyroptosis of epileptic cells,and inhibiting neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity or its induced oxidative stress may play a neuroprotective role in epilepsy.

Identification and Pathogen Stimulation Patterns of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase(nNOS)in Black Rockfish(Sebastes schlegelii)

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS)was the producer of nitric oxide(NO)which played important gas messenger molecules in biological process.It also can take effect as immune regulation molecule in organism.Black rockfish(Sebastes schlegelii)is an important economic fish which were widely farmed in East Asia countries.Meanwhile,the pathogenic bacteria such as the Edwardsiella tarda and Vibrio anguillarum in seawater always brought serious obstacles to their healthy growth.In order to explore the expression pattern of n NOS gene under the pathogen stimulation and predict its immune function,the n NOS gene in black rockfish named Ssn NOS was identified.It was 3780 bp in length,located on chromosome 6,and contained 27 coding domain sequence(CDs).According to the phylogenetic analysis,the Ssn NOS showed closest relative to the counterpart gene of swamp eel(Monopterus albus).Meanwhile,analysis of Ssn NOS expression in various healthy tissues showed that Ssn NOS expression level was highest in healthy brain tissues,followed by intestinal tissues.In addition,Ssn NOS showed significant expression changes in response to stimulation by two pathogens.Particular in gill,the expression of Ssn NOS after pathogenic stimulation increased significantly.The Elisa analysis showed the Ssn NOS content in gills was much higher than that in other tissues at all time points.Moreover,the expression patterns of Ssn NOS in brain,intestine and kidney after stimulation by pathogens showed a distinct expression pattern which first down-regulated and then up-regulated.Therefore,the Ssn NOS may be an important signaling molecule for fish to respond rapidly in immune stimulation.

Association of Glu298Asp Polymorphism of the En-dothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene with Essential Hypertension in Elderly People

Objective: To investigate the association of Glu298Asp polymorphism of theeNOS gene with essential hypertension in elderly people. Methods: Ninety-five cases of essentialhypertension were randomly chosen from outpatients and inpatients as the study group, and an equalnumber of sexes, age-matched healthy people as the control group. Their height, weight and bloodpressure were recorded and their fasting plasma lipid concentrations were measured. Glu298Asppolymorphism of the eNOS gene was measured using the methods of PCR and RFLP. Results: Theconstituent ratio of Genotype Glu/Asp in the study group (26.3%) was higher than that in the controlgroup (12.6%, x^2 = 5. 67, P<0.05), the allelic frequency of 298Asp in the study group (13.2%) wassignificantly higher than that in the control group (6.3%, x^2 = 5.06, P<0.05). Conclusion: Glu298Asp variant of the eNOS gene may be an independent predictor in essential hypertension.

The emerging role of nitric oxide in the synaptic dysfunction of vascular dementia

With an increase in global aging,the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing,and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate.However,few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients.Similarly in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders,synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline.Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system.Recently,nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia.This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia.Additionally,we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma:Correlation with microvessel density

AIM:Cydooxygenases (COX) are key enzymes for conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins.Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is the enzyme responsible for formation of nitric oxide. Both have constitutive and inducible isoforms.The inducible isoforms (iNOS and COX-2) are of great interest as regulators of tumor angiogenesis,tumorigenesis and inflammatory processes.This study was to clarify their role in pancreatic adenocarcinomas. METHODS:We investigated the immunohistochemical iNOS and COX-2 expression in 40 pancreatic ductal adenocardnomas of different grade and stage.The results were compared with microvessel density and dinicopathological data. RESULTS:Twenty-one (52.5%) of the cases showed iNOS expression,15 (37.5%) of the cases were positive for COX-2. The immunoreaction was heterogeneously distributed within the tumors.Staining intensity was different between the tumors.No correlation between iNOS and COX-2 expression was seen.There was no relationship with microvessel density. However,iNOS positive tumors developed more often distant metastases and the more malignant tumors showed a higher COX-2 expression.There was no correlation with other clinicopathological data. CONCLUSION:Approximately half of the cases expressed iNOS and COX-2.These two enzymes do not seem to be the key step in angiogenesis or carcinogenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinomas.Due to a low prevalence of COX-2 expression,chemoprevention of pancreatic carcinomas by COX-2 inhibitors can only achieve a limited success.

Expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and their effects on angiogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM： To determine the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） and to investigate the relationship between iNOS and MMP-9 expression and their effects on angiogenesis and progression of HCC.METHODS： In this study, we examined iNOS, MMP-9, and CD34 expression in specimens surgically removed from 32 HCC patients and 7 normal liver tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Meanwhile, microvessel density （MVD） was determined as a marker of angiogenesis by counting CD34-positive cells. RESULTS： The positive rates of iNOS and MMP-9 expression were 71.88% （23/32） and 78.13% （25/32） in HCC. MMP-9 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, capsule status, TNM stage, and risk of HCC recurrence （P = 0.032, P= 0.033, P= 0.007, and P= 0.001, respectively）. There was also a significant relationship between iNOS expression and capsule status and risk of HCC recurrence （P = 0.049 and P = 0.004, respectively）, but no correlation between iNOS expression and tumor size and TNM stage. There was a positive association between MVD and TNM stage and risk of HCC recurrence （P = 0.037 and P = 0.000, respectively）. The count of MVD was significantly different in different iNOS and MMP-9 immunoreactivity groups （F= 17.713 and 17.097, P= 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively）. The examination of Spearman＇s rank correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant positive correlation between MVD and iNOS, MMP-9 immunoreactivity （r = 0.754 and 0.751, P= 0.000 and P=-0.000, respectively）. There was also a significant association between MMP-9 and iNOS expression in HCC （P = 0.010）. CONCLUSION： Nitric oxide （NO） produced by iNOS could modulate MMP-9 production and therefore contribute totumor cell angiogenesis and invasion and metastasis in HCC. The strong expression of iNOS and MMP-9 in HCC may be helpful in evaluating the recurrence of HCC, predicting poor prognosis. For patients with strong expression of MMP-9 and iNOS, the optimal treatment scheme needs to be selected.

Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in stress-induced depression

BACKGROUND： Accumulated evidence indicates an important role for hippocampal dendrite atrophy in development of depression, while brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） participates in hippocampal dendrite growth. OBJECTIVE： To discuss the role of BDNF and neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） in chronic and unpredictable stress-induced depression and the pathogenesis of depression. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled animal experiment. The experiment was carded out from October 2006 to May 2007 at the Department of Animal Physiology, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University. MATERIALS： Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g at the beginning of the experiment were obtained from Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine （Xi＇an, China）. BDNF antibody and nNOS antibody were provided by Santa Cruz （USA）. K252a （BDNF inhibitor） and 7-NI （nNOS inhibitor） were provided by Sigma （USA）. METHODS： Animals were randomly divided into five groups： Control group, chronic unpredicted mild stress （CUMS） group, K252a group, K252a＋7-NI group and 7-NI＋CUMS group. While the Control, K252a and K252a＋7-NI groups of rats not subjected to stress had free access to food and water, other groups of rats were subjected to nine stressors randomly applied for 21 days, with each stressor applied 2-3 times. On days 1, 7, 14 and 21 during CUMS, rats received microinjection of 1 μL of physiological saline in the Control and CUMS groups, 1 ~ L of K252a in the K252a group, 1 μL of K252a and 7-NI in the K252a＋7-NI group, and 1 μL of 7-NI in the 7-NI＋CUMS group. We observed a variety of alterations in sucrose preference, body weight change, open field test and forced swimming test, and observed the expression of BDNF and nNOS in rat hippocampus by immunohistochemistry; MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ① A variety.of behavioral alterations of rats; ② The expression of BDNF and nNOS in rat hippocampus. RESULTS： Compared with the Control group, the behavior of the CUMS rats was significantly depressed, the expression of BDNF decreased （P 〈 0.01） but the expression of nNOS increased （P 〈 0.01）. The behavior of rats given intra-hippocampal injection of BDNF inhibitor was significantly depressed and the expression of nNOS was significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）. Intra-hippocampal injections of an nNOS inhibitor reversed the depression-like behavioral changes induced by CUMS or intra-hippocampal injection of BDNF inhibitor. CONCLUSION： CUMS induced a decrease in expression of BDNF and an increase in expression of NO in the hippocampus, which may lead to depression.

Effect of warm acupuncture on nitric oxide synthase and calcitonin gene-related peptide in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression

BACKGROUND： Varying degrees of inflammatory responses occur during lumbar nerve root compression. Studies have shown that nitric oxide synthase （NOS） and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） are involved in secondary disc inflammation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of warm acupuncture on the ultrastructure of inflammatory mediators in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression, including NOS and CGRP contents. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled study, with molecular biological analysis, was performed at the Experimental Center, Sixth People＇s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, between September 2006 and April 2007. MATERIALS： Acupuncture needles and refined Moxa grains were purchased from Shanghai Taicheng Technology Development Co., Ltd., China; Mobic tablets were purchased from Shanghai Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., China; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） kits for NOS and CGRP were purchased from ADL Biotechnology, Inc., USA. METHODS： A total of 50, healthy, adult Sprague-Dawley rats, were randomly divided into five groups normal, model, warm acupuncture, acupuncture, and drug, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the four groups, excluding the normal group, were used to establish models of lumbar nerve root compression. After 3 days, Jiaji points were set using reinforcing-reducing manipulation in the warm acupuncture group. Moxa grains were burned on each needle, with 2 grains each daily. The acupuncture group was the same as the warm acupuncture group, with the exception of non-moxibustion. Mobic suspension （3.75 mg/kg） was used in the oral drug group, once a day. Treatment of each group lasted for 14 consecutive days. Modeling and medication were not performed in the normal group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The ultrastructure of damaged nerve roots was observed with transmission electron microscopy; NOS and CGRP contents were measured using ELISA. RESULTS： The changes of the radicular ultramicrostructure were characterized by Wallerian degeneration; nerve fibers were clearly demyelinated; axons collapsed or degenerated; outer Schwann cell cytoplasm was swollen and its nucleus was compacted. Compared with the normal group, NOS and CGRP contents in the nerve root compression zone in the model group were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）. Nerve root edema was improved in the drug, acupuncture and the warm acupuncture groups over the model group. NOS and CGRP expressions were also decreased with the warm acupuncture group having the lowest concentration （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： In comparison to the known effects of Mobic drug and acupuncture treatments, the warm acupuncture significantly decreased NOS and CGRP expression which helped improve the ultrastructure of the compressed nerve root.

Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Susceptibility to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema in Chinese Railway Construction Workers at Qinghai-Tibet over 4500 Meters above Sea Level

Objective To examine whether the polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene are associated with the susceptibility to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) in Chinese railway construction workers at Qinghai-Tibet where the altitude is over 4 500 m above sea level. Methods A case-control study was conducted including 149 HAPE patients in the construction workers and 160 healthy controls randomly recruited from their co-workers, matching the patients in ethnicity, age, sex, lifestyle, and working conditions. Three polymorphisms of eNOS gene, T-786C in promoter, 894G/T in exon 7, and 27bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in intron 4, were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed with DNA sequencing. Results The frequencies of 894T allele and heterozygous G/T of the 894G/T variant were significantly higher in HAPE patients group than in the control group (P=0.0028 and P=0.0047, respectively). However, the frequencies of the T-786C in promoter and the 27bp VNTR in intron 4 were not significantly different between the two groups. Haplotypic analysis revealed that the frequencies of two haplotypes (H3,T-T-b, b indicates 5 repeats of 27 bp VNTR; H6, C-G-a, a indicates 4 repeats of 27 bp VNTR) were significantly higher in HAPE patients (both P<0.0001). On the contrary, the frequencies of H1 (T-G-b) and H2 (T-G-a) were lower in HAPE patients than in healthy controls (both P<0.001). Conclusions Two haplotypes (T-T-b and C-G-a) may be strongly associated with susceptibility to HAPE. Compared with the individual alleles of eNOS gene, the interaction of multiple genetic markers within a haplotype may be a major determinant for the susceptibility to HAPE.

Effect of Dexamethasone on Nitric Oxide Synthase and Caspase-3 Gene Expressions in Endotoxemia in Neonate Rat Brain

Objective To investigate the gene and protein expressions of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and gene expression of Caspase-3, and effect of dexamethasone on them in neonatal rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemic brain damage. Methods Expressions of the three isoforms of NOS and caspase-3 mRNA in the brain were investigated by RT-PCR in postnatal 7-day wistar rats with acute endotoxemia by intraperitoneal administration of LPS. Regional distributions of NOSs were examined by immunohistochemical technique. Results nNOS and Caspase-3 mRNA were obviously detected. eNOS mRNA was faintly expressed, but iNOS mRNA was undetectable in the control rat brain. The expressions of NOS mRNA of three isoforms were weak 2 h after LPS (5 mg/mg) delivery, peaked at 6 h, and thereafter, reduced gradually up to 24 h. The expression intensity was in the order of nNOS> iNOS> eNOS. Widespread nNOS, scattered eNOS distribution and negative iNOS were identified in the control rat brain and all isoforms of NOS could be induced by LPS which reached the apex at 24 h in the order of nNOS> iNOS> eNOS as detected by immunostaining. Although Caspase-3 mRNA could be found in all groups, DNA fragmentation was only seen at 6 h and 24 h. The expressions of NOS and Caspase-3 mRNA were inhibited in the rat brain when dexamethasone was administrated. Conclusion LPS-induced NO production induces apoptosis of neurons through mechanism involving the Caspase-3 activation, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of brain damage during endotoxemia, and neuro-protective effects of dexamethasone may be partially realized by inhibiting the expression of NOS mRNA.

Gender differences in hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury in rats are associated with endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase-derived nitric oxide

AIM: This study was designed to examine the hypothesis that gender differences in I/R injury are associated withendothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived nitric oxide (NO).METHODS: Wistar rats were randomized into seven experimental groups (12 animals per group). Except for the sham operated groups, all rats were subjected to total liver ischemia for 40 min followed by reperfusion. All experimental groups received different treatments 45 min before the laparotomy. For each group, half of the animals (six) were used to investigate the survival; blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in the remaining six animals after 3 h of reperfusion to assess serum NO, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and TNF-α levels, liver tissuemalondialdehyde (MDA) content, and severity of hepatic I/R injury.RESULTS: Basal serum NO levels in female sham operated (FS) group were nearly 1.5-fold of male sham operated (MS) group (66.7±11.0 μmol/L vs 45.3±10.1μmol/L, P＜0.01). Although serum NO levels decreased significantly after hepatic I/R (P＜0.01, vs sham operated groups), they were still significantly higher in female rat (F) group than in male rat (M) group (47.8±8.6 μmol/L vs 23.8±4.7 μmol/L, P＜0.01). Serum ALT and TNF-α levels, and liver tissue MDA content were significantly lower in F group than in M group (370.5±46.4 U/L, 0.99±0.11 μg/L and 0.57±0.10 μmol/g vs668.7±78.7 U/L, 1.71±0.18 μg/Land 0.86±0.11 μmol/g, respectively, P＜0.01). I/R induced significant injury to the liver both in M and F groups (P＜0.01 vs sham operated groups). But the degree of hepatocyte injury was significantly milder in F group than in M group (P＜0.05 and P＜0.01). The median survival time was six days in F group and one day in M group. The overall survival rate was significantly higher in F group than in M group (P＜0.05). When compared with male rats pretreated with saline (M group), pretreatment of male rats with 17-β- estradiol (E2) (M+E2 group) significantly increased serum NO levels and significantly decreased serum ALT and TNF-α levels, and liver tissue MDA content after I/R (P＜0.01).The degree of hepatocyte injury was significantly decreased and the overall survival rate was significantly improved in M+E2 group than in M group (P＜0.01 and P＜0.05). TheNOS inhibitor Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treatment could completely abolish the protective effects of estrogen in both male and female rats. CONCLUSION: The protective effects afforded to female rats subjected to hepatic I/R are associated with eNOSderived NO.

Effect of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on invasion of human colorectal cancer cell line SL-174T

AIML To investigate the effect and mechanism of action of the nitric oxide synthase （NOS） inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester （L-NAME） on invasion and metastasis of human colorectal cancer cell line SL-174T. METHODS： Human colorectal cancer cel4 line SL-174T was cultured and treated separately with four different dosages of L-NAME for 72 h, Nitric oxide （NO） production was measured with Griess reagent, The effect of L-NAME on invasion and migration of SL-174T cells were evaluated by using Transwell chambers attached with polycarbonate filters and reconstituted basement membrane （Matrigel）, RT-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 （TIMP-2）,RESULTS： L-NAME could significantly inhibit NO production of SL-174T in a dose-dependent manner. After being treated for 72 h with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.0 mmol/L L- NAME, respectively, the ability of the L-NAME treated SL- 174T cells to invade the reconstituted basement membrane decreased significantly （t = 8.056, P〈0.05; t= 14.467, P〈0.01; t= 27.785, P〈0.01; and t= 29.405, P〈0.01, respectively） and the inhibition rates were 10.29%, 19.62%, 34.08%, and 42.23%, respectively. Moreover, L-NAME could inhibit migration of SL-174T cells, and the inhibition rates were 20.76%, 24.95%, 39.43%, and 46. 85% for L-NAME at 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.0 mmol/L, respectively （t = 15.116, P〈0.01）. In addition, after treatment with L-NAME, expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly decreased （t = 71.238, P〈0.01） and that of TIMP-2 mRNA was markedly increased （t = -13.020, P〈0.01）. CONCLUSION： L-NAME exerts anti-invasive and anti- metastatic effects on SL-174T cell line via downregulating MNP-2 mRNA expression and upregulating TIMP-2 mRNA expression.

Nerve growth factor and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the mesencephalon and diencephalon, as well as visual-and auditory-related nervous tissues, in a macaque model of type 2 diabetes

The present study detected distribution and expression of nerve growth factor and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the mesencephalon and diencephalon, as well as visual- and auditory-related nervous tissues, in a macaque model of type 2 diabetes using immunohistochemistry. Results showed that nerve growth factor expression decreased, but inducible nitric oxide synthase expression increased, in the mesencephalon and diencephalon, as well as visual- and auditory- related nervous tissues. These results suggested that nerve growth factor and inducible nitric oxide synthase play an important role in regulating the development of diabetic visual- and auditory-related diseases.

Growth hormone regulates intestinal ion transport through a modulation of the constitutive nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide-cAMP pathway

AIM： Growth hormone （GH） directly interacts with the enterocyte stimulating ion absorption and reducing ion secretion induced by agonists of cAMR Since nitric oxide （NO） is involved in the regulation of transepithelial ion transport and acts as a second messenger for GH hemodynamic effects, we tested the hypothesis that NO may be involved in the resulting effects of GH on intestinal ion transport. METHODS： Electrical parameters reflecting transepithelial ion transport were measured in Caco-2 cell monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers and exposed to GH and cholera toxin （CT） alone or in combination, in the presence or absence of the NO synthase （NOS） inhibitor, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester （L-NAME）. Similar experiments were conducted to determine cAMP and nitrite/nitrate concentrations. NOS expression was assayed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS： L-NAME causes total abrogation of absorptive and antisecretory effects by GH on intestinal ion transport, In addition, L-NAME was able to inhibit the GH-effects on intracellular cAMP concentration under basal conditions and in response to CT, GH induced a Ca^2＋ -dependent increase of nitrites/nitrates production, indicating the involvement of the constitutive rather than the inducible NOS isoform, which was directly confirmed by Western blot analysis. CONCLUSION： These results suggest that the GH effects on intestinal ion transport, either under basal conditions or in the presence of cAMP-stimulated ion secretion, are mediated at an intracellular level by the activity of cNOS.

Biliverdin Reductase-A correlates with inducible nitric oxide synthasein in atorvastatin treated aged canine brain

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and neuropathology. Recent preclinical and epidemiological studies proposed statins as a possible therapeutic drug for Alzheimer’s disease, but the exact mechanisms of action are still unknown. Biliverdin reductase-A is a pleiotropic enzyme involved in cellular stress responses. It not only transforms biliverdin-IX alpha into the antioxidant bilirubin-IX alpha but its serine/threonine/ tyrosine kinase activity is able to modulate cell signaling networks. We previously reported the beneficial effects of atorvastatin treatment on biliverdin reductase-A and heme oxygenase-1 in the brains of a well characterized pre-clinical model of Alzheimer’s disease, aged beagles, together with observed improvement in cognition. Here we extend our knowledge of the effects of atorvastatin on inducible nitric oxide synthase in parietal cortex, cerebellum and liver of the same animals. We demonstrated that atorvastatin treatment （80 mg/day for 14.5 months） to aged beagles selectively increased inducible nitric oxide synthase in the parietal cortex but not in the cerebellum. In contrast, inducible nitric oxide synthase protein levels were significantly decreased in the liver. Significant positive correlations were found between biliverdin reductase-A and inducible nitric oxide synthase as well as heme oxygenase-1 protein levels in the parietal cortex. The opposite was observed in the liver. Inducible nitric oxide synthase up-regulation in the parietal cortex was positively associated with improved biliverdin reductase-A functions, whereas the oxidative-induced impairment of biliverdin reductase-A in the liver negatively affected inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, thus suggesting a role for biliverdin reductase-A in atorvastatin-dependent inducible nitric oxide synthase changes. Interestingly, increased inducible nitric oxide synthase levels in the parietal cortex were not associated with higher oxidative/nitrosative stress levels. We hypothesize that biliverdin reductase-A-dependent inducible nitric oxide synthase regulation strongly contributes to the cognitive improvement observed following atorvastatin treatment.

Effects of IGF-Ⅱ on promoting proliferation and regulating nitric oxide synthase gene expression in mouse osteoblast-like cell

Objective: To investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor Ⅱ (IGF-Ⅱ) on promoting cell proliferation, regulating levels of cellular nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA transcriptions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in mouse osteoblast-like cells. Methods: Mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 was selected as the effective cell of IGF-Ⅱ. After the cells were treated with IGF-Ⅱ at different concentrations for different time duration,3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay was used to examine cell proliferation,and nitrate reductase method was applied to detect NO concentrations in cell culture supernatants and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to determine transcription levels of cellular iNOS and eNOS mRNAs. Results: After the MC3T3-E 1 cells were treated with IGF-Ⅱ at concentration of 1 ng/ml for 72 h, 10 and 100 ng/ml for 24,48 and 72 h respectively, all the MTT values increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) with obvious dosage-time dependent pattern. NO levels of the MC3T3-E1 cells treated with 100 ng/ml IGF-Ⅱ for 48 h, and with 1, 10 and 100 ng/ml IGF-Ⅱ for 72 h were remarkably lower than that of the normal control, respectively (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After the cells were treated with 100 ng/ml IGF-Ⅱ for 48 h cellular iNOS mRNA levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). But the levels of eNOS mRNA in the cells treated with each of the used IGF-Ⅱ dosages for different time duration did not show any differences compared with the normal control (P>0.05).Conclusion: IGF-Ⅱ at different concentrations could promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cell. This cell proliferation promotion was associated with the low NO levels maintained by IGF-Ⅱ. Higher concentration of IGF-Ⅱ could down-regulate iNOS gene expression at the level of transcription but not affect transcription of eNOS mRNA, which might be one of the mechanisms for IGF-Ⅱ maintenance of the low NO levels in MC3T3-E 1 cells.

Rosuvastatin reduces rat intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with the preservation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein

AIM： To investigate the protective effect of rosuvastatin on ischemia-reperfusion （I-R）-induced small intestinal injury and inflammation in rats, and to determine the effect of this agent on the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） protein. METHODS： Intestinal damage was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by clamping both the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 60 min. Rosuvastatin dissolved in physiological saline was administered intraperitoneally 60 min before ischemia. The severity of the intestinal mucosal injury and inflammation were evaluated by several biochemical markers, as well as by histological findings. The protein levels of eNOS were determined by Western blot. RESULTS： The levels of both intraluminal hemoglobin and protein, as indices of mucosal damage, were significantly increased in the I-R group compared with those in the sham-operated group. These increases, however, were significantly inhibited by treatment with rosuvastatin in a dose-dependent manner. The protective effects of rosuvastatin were also confirmed by histological findings. Exposure of the small intestine to I-R resulted in mucosal inflammation characterized by significant increases in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, tissueassociated myeloperoxidase activity, and the mucosal contents of rat cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattracrant-1 （CINC-1） and tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）. These increases in inflammatory parameters after I-R were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with rosuvo astatin at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Furthermore, mRNA expression of CINC-1 and TNF-α was increased after I-R, and this increase was also inhibited by rosuvastatin. The mucosal protein levels of eNOS decreased during I-R, but were preserved in rats treated with rosuvastatin. CONCLUSION： Rosuvastatin inhibits rat intestinal injury and inflammation induced by I-R, and its protection is associated with the preservation of eNOS protein.

Role of Nitric Oxide and Nitric Oxide Synthases in Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rat Organotypic Hippocampus Slice

To investigate the effects of ischemia-reperfusion on the levels of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthasc isoforms （nNOS and iNOS）, rat organotypic hippocampus slice were cultured in vitro and subjected to ischemia by oxygen glucose deprivation （OGD） for 30 min and then placed in the normal culture condition. The ischemia-reperfusion produced a time-dependent increase in nitrite levels in the culture medium. Reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction showed augmented levels of mRNA for both nNOS and iNOS when compared with control at 12 h and remained increase at 36 h after OGD （P〈0.05）. The protein levels of both nitric oxide synthase isoforms increased significantly as determined by Western Blot. OGD also caused neurotoxicity in this model as revealed by the elevated lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） efflux into the incubation solution. The resuits suggest that organotypic hippocampus slice is a useful model in studying ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. NO and NOS may play a critical role in the ischemia-reperfusion brain damage in vitro.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase, Bcl-2, and Bax expression in rat models of spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND：Ginkgo biloba leaf extract exhibits neuroprotective effects in spinal cord injury. However, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. OBJECTIVE： To investigate inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and Bcl-2/Bax expression in the injured spinal cord, and to explore the neuroprotective mechanisms of ginkgo biloba leaf extract in rats with spinal cord injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, cell molecular biology experiment was performed at Soochow University, China from March 2007 to March 2008. MATERIALS： A total of 120 healthy, adult Sprague Dawley rats were selected for this study. Rat models of moderate acute thoracic （T9） spinal cord injury were established using the modified Allen method. Shuxuening injection was obtained from Zhenbaodao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., China. Methylprednisolone was purchased from North China Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. METHODS： All rats were equally and randomly divided into four groups. Only the spinal cord was exposed in the sham operation group rats. In the trauma group, rats were not treated with drugs following spinal cord injury. Rats in the hormone group were intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone following spinal cord injury. Rats in the ginkgo biloba leaf extract group were intraperitoneally infused with a 1.0 mL/kg Shuxuening injection per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 1 hour, as well as 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after spinal cord injury, iNOS- and Bcl-2/Bax-positive cells were quantified with immunohistochemistry. Pathological changes were detected using hematoxylineosin staining under an optical microscope. RESULTS： Spinal cord injury in the ginkgo biloba leaf extract and hormone groups was milder compared with the trauma group. Demyelination was significantly ameliorated and the necrotic cavity was obviously reduced in the injured spinal cord of rats in the ginkgo biloba leaf extract and hormone groups at each time point. iNOS expression was increased in the injured spinal cord, and reached a peak at 5 days. The number of iNOS-positive cells was lower in the ginkgo biloba leaf extract and hormone groups compared with the trauma group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The number of iNOS-positive cells was lower in the ginkgo biloba leaf extract group compared with the hormone group at 7 and 14 days after spinal cord injury （P 〈 0.05）. Bcl-2 expression reached a peak at 3 days, and Bax expression reached a peak at 5 days following rat spinal cord injury. Bcl-2 expression was increased, but Bax expression was decreased in the ginkgo biloba leaf extract and hormone groups compared with the trauma group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Bcl-2 expression was greater, but Bax expression was reduced in the ginkgo biloba leaf extract group compared with the hormone group at 7 and 14 days after spinal cord injury （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Ginkgo biloba leaf extract exhibits neuroprotective effects by upregulating Bcl-2 expression, downregulating Bax expression, and significantly inhibiting high expressions of iNOS in the injured spinal cord. The neuroprotective effects of ginkgo biloba leaf extract are greater compared with methylprednisolone at 1 week after spinal cord injury.