In vitro evaluation of anti-acetylcholinesterase and free radical scavenging potential of leaf extracts of some selected medicinal plants

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical present in various solvent extracts from leaves of Ocimum sanctum(L.), Swertia chirayita(L.), Butea monosperma(Lam.) and Stevia rebaudiana(Bert.) as well as antioxidant and anticholinergic activities employing different in vitro models. Methods: Total phenol content of diethyl ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts obtained from leaves of different medicinal plants was determined by Folin-Ciocalteau's spectrophotometric method. Moreover, antioxidant and anticholinergic studies were conducted by four different in vitro methods which included diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbezoline-6-sulphonic acid), reducing activity by ferrous reduced antioxidant power and anti-acetylcholinesterase assay, in order to ensure pharmacological potential of the plants. Results: The methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum showed the highest total phenol content which was(21.13±1.04) GAE/g DW and antioxidant activities compared to other plants with the IC50 value of 40.43 μg/mL in diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and 53.5 μg/mL in 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbezoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay as well as metal ion reduced by(78.22±0.38) TE/g DW in ferrous reduced antioxidant power assay. The inhibition percentage of the anti-acetylcholinesterase assay was(94.22±0.26)%. Conclusions: The results of our current study show that Ocimum sanctum leaf is the most significant source of phytochemicals that possesses antioxidant and anticholinergic properties. However, further investigation on isolation and characterization of active compound which is responsible for the pharmacological potential is needed.

Characteristics and fate behavior of environmentally persistent free radicals in atmospheric particulate matter

Background,aim,and scope Environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs)have received significant attention due to their longer lifetime and stable existence in various environments.The strong environmental migration ability of particulate matter allows EPFRs to migrate over long-distance transport,thereby impacting the quality of the local atmospheric environment.Additionally,EPFRs can also adhere to atmospheric particles and interact with typical gaseous pollutants to affect atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs can produce some reactive organic species,promoting oxidative stress in the human body,damaging biological macromolecules and ultimately affecting the organism health.EPFRs are considered as a novel type of pollutant that affects human health.Despite their significance,there are few literatures available on the characteristics and fate behaviors of EPFRs up to date.Therefore,supplemental reviews are crucial for providing comprehensive understanding of EPFRs.Materials and methods This review summarizes the characteristics of EPFRs in particulate matter,outlines the generation mechanism and influencing factors of EPFRs,and the impacts of EPFRs on environmental quality and organism health.Results The content of EPFRs in particulate matter ranges from 1017 to 1020 spins∙g−1.Due to the strong mobility of atmospheric particulate matter,the long-term exposure to high levels of EPFRs may aggravate the impact of particulate matter on human health.The interaction between EPFRs and typical gaseous pollutants can alter their fate and influence atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs are mainly produced by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons through electron transfer.Additionally,the chemical bond rupture of organic substances through heat treatment or ultraviolet radiation can also produce EPFRs,and heterogeneous reactions are capable producing them as well.The production of EPFRs is not only influenced by transition metal elements and precursors,but also by various environmental factors such as oxygen,temperature,light radiation,and relative humidity.Discussion EPFRs in atmospheric particulates matters are usually rich in fine particulates with obvious seasonal and regional variations.They can easily enter the human respiratory tract and lungs with inhalable particulates,thereby increasing the risk of exposure.Additionally,EPFRs in atmospheric particulates can interact with some typical gaseous pollutants,impacting the life and fate of EPFRs in the atmosphere,and alter atmospheric chemical reactions.Traditionally,EPFRs are generated by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons undergoing electron transfer in the post-flame and cool-zone regions of combustion systems and other thermal processes to remove HCl,H_(2)O or CO groups,ultimately produce semiquinones,phenoxyls,and cyclopentadienyls.Recent studies have indicated that EPFRs can also be generated under the conditions of without transition metal elemental.Organics can also produce EPFRs through chemical bond rupture during heat treatment or light radiation conditions,as well as through some heterogeneous reactions and photochemical secondary generation of EPFRs.The presence or absence of oxygen has different effects on the type and yield of EPFRs.The concentration,type,and crystal type of transition metal elements will affect the type,content,and atmospheric lifetime of EPFRs.It is generally believed that the impact of transition metal element types on EPFRs is related to the oxidation-reduction potential.The combustion temperature or heat treatment process significantly affects the type and amount of EPFRs.Factors such as precursor loading content,pH conditions,light radiation and relative humidity also influence the generation of EPFRs.EPFRs can interact with pollutants in the environment during their migration and transformation process in environmental medium.This process accelerates the degradation of pollutants and plays a crucial role in the migration and transformation of organic pollutants in environmental media.The reaction process of EPFRs may lead to the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)such as∙OH,which can induce oxidative stress,inflammation and immune response to biological lung cells and tissues,leading to chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction,cardiovascular damage and neurotoxic effects,ultimately impacting the health of organisms.Conclusions The interaction mechanism between EPFRs in particulate matter and gaseous pollutants remains unclear.Furthermore,research on the generation mechanism of EPFRs without the participation of transition metals is not comprehensive,and the detection of EPFRs is limited to simple qualitative categories and lack accurate qualitative analysis.Recommendations and perspectives Further research should be conducted on the generation mechanism,measurement techniques,migration pathways,and transformation process of EPFRs.It is also important to explore the interaction between EPFRs in atmospheric particulate matter and typical gaseous pollutants.

Decontamination of Cr(Ⅵ) from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar: Role of environmentally persistent free radicals

Biochar is a well-known material for pollutant removal owing to its low cost and rich surface functionality. A kind of highly active substance, called environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs), can be produced in the preparation process of biochar, playing an important role in the removal of pollutants.In this study, sludge-derived biochars(SBC_(120) and SBC_(270)) were prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization under two temperatures(120℃ and 270℃) to investigate their removal abilities of Cr(Ⅵ). The maximum removal amounts of Cr(Ⅵ) by SBC_(120) and SBC_(270) were 16.58 and 22.93 mg·g^(-1), respectively. It was further revealed that the appearance of Cr(Ⅲ), as a result of EPFRs on sludge-derived biochar(SBC) transferred electrons to Cr(Ⅵ) in neutral solutions. That is to say, oxygen-centered(O-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(120) and carbon-centered(C-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(270) all could be used as electron donors to Cr(Ⅵ) to make it become Cr(Ⅲ). This study not only provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism of pollutants removal by sludge-derived biochar but also offers a new perspective on the direct effect of EPFRs on pollutants.

Correlation of free radical level and apoptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Objective To investigate the correlation of perihematomal free radical level and neuronal apoptosis following the intracerebral hemorrhage （ICH）. Methods Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups： sham operation group, model group, 1 mg/kg edaravone group, and 3 mg/kg edaravone group. Each group was then divided into seven subgroups, in which the rats were correspondingly killed at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 d or 14 d （n = 1 in each subgroup of the sham group, and n = 6 in each subgroup of the other 3 groups）. By Horseley-Clarke technique, autoblood （80 μL） were administered into the left caudate putamen of SD rats in a double administration-withdrawal way. Rats in the sham group were needled in but not administered with autoblood. The ICH model was then evaluated by Bederson＇s scale. Around the hematoma, the levels of malonaldehyde （MDA） and hydroxyl radical were tested by spectrophotometer, and the process of apoptosis was tested by terminal deoxynucleofidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL） method. Results （1） ICH significantly increased the levels of MDA and hydroxyl radicals. Significant differences in MDA and hydroxyl radical contents were observed among the four groups. （2） In the sham group, a small number of TUNEL-positive cells were found. In the other three groups, the TUNEL-positive cells were observed at 6 h, increased significantly at 24 h, and reached peak level at 3 d, then fell profoundly at 7 d, but remained detectable at 14 d. （3） The positive correlation existed between apoptosis and free radical level （r = 0.2003）, and existed between apoptosis and MDA content （r = 0.6563） in the brain. Conclusion Post-hemorrhagic apoptosis was related to the production of free radicals, indicating that the elevated free radicals following the ICH could induce neuron and glial cell apoptosis.

Extraction Storage and Qualitative Analysis of Free Radicals Scavenging Substances from Sweet Potato Leaves

[ Objective ] The research aimed to provide reference for the application of extracts from sweet potato leaves in anti-aging cosmetics. [ Method ] The extraction and storage conditions for free radicals scavenging substances from sweet potato leaves were optimized by orthogonal test and the bioactive components in extracts were investigated by correlation analysis. [ Result] Sweet potato leaves contain the bioactive substances scavenging DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. Extracting solvent species is the most important factor that influencing extraction yield. The optimal extraction and storage conditions are as following： water as solvent, pH 8.0 of extracting liquid, storage at 25 ℃. There is a good positive linear relationship between the content of total phenols in sweet potato leaves and corresponding scavenging rates against both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. For the content of total flavones in sweet potato leaves, just a correlation with scavenging rate against hydroxyl free radical shown in test. [ Conclusion] The phenols in ex- tracts could effectively scavenge both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical, whereas the flavones in extracts can only function on the hydroxyl free radical.

Oxidative Stress and Free Radical Damage in Patients With Acute Dipterex Poisoning

Objective To investigate whether acute dipterex poisoning (ADP) may cause oxidative stress and free radical damage in the bodies of acute dipterex poisoning patients (ADPPs), and to explore the mechanisms by which ADP may cause oxidative stress and free radical damage. Methods Fifty ADPPs and fifty healthy adult volunteers (HAVs) whose ages, gender and others were matched with the ADPPs were enrolled in a randomized controlled study, in which concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and P-carotene (P-CAR) in plasma as well as concentration of lipoperoxide (LPO), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometric analytical methods. Results Compared with the average values of experimental parameters in the HAVs group, the average values of plasma NO and erythrocyte LPO in the ADPPs group were significantly increased (P<0.0001), while those of plasma VC, VE and P-CAR as well as erythrocyte SOD, CAT, GPX and AChE in the ADPPs group were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Bivariate correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis suggested that when NO and LPO values were increased, and VC, VE, β-CAR, SOD, CAT and GPX values were decreased in the ADPPs, AChE value was decreased gradually in the ADPPs (P<0.001-0.0001). Reliability analysis of experimental parameters reflecting oxidative stress and free radical damage in the ADPPs showed that the reliability coefficient (8 items) alpha=0.6909, and the standardized item alpha=0.8574. Conclusion The findings in the present study suggest that ADP can cause oxidative stress and free radical damage, and inhibit markedly erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity in ADPPs.

Effects of Water─soluble Components Isolated from Salviamilltiorrhiza on Oxygen Free Radical Generation and LipidPeroxidation

The effects of water─soluble components isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza on oxygen free radical prodction and lipid peroxidation were estimated. Five components(10 μmol/L)were shown to inhibit superoxide anion generation by xanthine─xanthine oxidase system. It was also demonstrated that six components( 100 μmol/L) prevented H_2O_2─induced hemolysis and MDA fonnation in mouse erythrocytes.The effects of Sal A, Sal B, Sal C and Ros A were dose dependent. In Langendorff rat heart, pretreatment with Sal A 20μmol/L significantly prevented MDA production induced by 30 min reoxygenation after 45 min anoxia.The results indicated that there were also other potent antioxidant componentts in Salvia milliorrhiza besides Dphl and Pal. The protection of Sal A against myocardial anoxiareoxygenation inury may be mainly ascribed to its oxygen free radical scavenging activity.

Effect of resveratrol on pancreatic oxygen free radicals in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM： To investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol （RESV） as a free radical scavenger on experimental severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. METHODS： Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into sham operation group, SAP group, and resveratrol-treated group. Pancreatitis was induced by intraductal administration of 0.1 mL/kg 4% sodium taurocholate. RESV was given intravenously at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. All animals were killed at 3, 6, 12 h after induction of the model. Serum amylase, pancreatic superoxide dismutase （SOD）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, and myeloperoxidase （MPO） were determined. Pathologic changes of the pancreas were observed under optical microscope. RESULTS： The serum amylase, pancreatic MPO and the score of pathologic damage increased after the induction of pancreatitis, early （3, 6 h） SAP samples were characterized by decreased pancreatic SOD and increased pancreatic MDA. Resveratrol exhibited a protective effect against lipid peroxidation in cell membrane caused by oxygen free radicals in the early stage of SAP. This attenuation of the redox state impairment reduced cellular oxidative damage, as reflected by lower serum amylase, less severe pancreatic lesions, normal pancreatic MDA levels, as well as diminished neutrophil infiltration in pancreas. CONCLUSION： RESV may exert its therapeutic effect on SAP by lowering pancreatic oxidative free radicals and reducing pancreatic tissue infiltration of neutrophils.

"LIVING" FREE RADICAL SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL RODCOIL DIBLOCK COPOLYMERS WITH POLYSTYRENE AND MESOGEN-JACKETED LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMER SEGMENTS

The synthesis of rod-coil diblock copolymers was achieved for the first time by TEMPO-mediated 'living' free radical polymerization of styrene and 2,5-bis [(4-methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl] styrene(MPCS). The block architecture of the two diblock copolymers thus prepared, MPCS-b-St(5400/2400) and MPCS-b-St(10800/8700), was confirmed by GPC, DSC studies and the formation of multimolecular micelles. (Author abstract) 10 Refs.

SYNTHESIS OF HETEROARM STAR-SHAPED POLYMER BY THE USE OF POLYFUNCTIONAL CHAIN-TRANSFER AGENT via CONVENTIONAL FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

Heteroarm star-shaped polymers were synthesized by conventional free radical polymerization in two steps by the use of polyfunctional chain transfer agent.In the first step,free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate was carried out in the presence of a polyfunctional chain transfer agent,pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropinate).At appropriate monomer conversions,two-arm PMMA having two residual thiol groups at the chain center or three-arm PMMA having one residual thiol group at the core were o...

AQUEOUS STABLE FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION PROCESSES

An overview of aqueous polymerizations, which include emulsion, miniemulsion and suspension polymerizations, under stable free radical polymerization (SFRP) conditions is presented. The success of miniemulsion and suspension SFRP polymerizations is contrasted with the difficulties associated with obtaining a stable emulsion polymerization. A recently developed unique microprecipitation technique is referenced as a means of making submicron sized particles that can be used to achieve a stable emulsion SFRP process.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor increases extracellular glutamic acid uptake and suppresses free radicals in an experimental model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Excitatory amino acid toxicity and free radical damage play important roles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor （G-CSF） protects nerve cells exposed to high-concentrations of glutamic acid, suggesting positive effects in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The present study induced in vitro motor neuron injury using glutamic acid excitotoxicity, and the biochemical effects of G-CSF on glutamic acid concentration were determined. In addition, the effects of G-CSF on superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity in motor neurons, and malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure neuronal survival. Results revealed that G-CSF significantly suppressed free radical activity, inhibited excitotoxicity, and reduced apoptosis and loss of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord.

Liver Nuclear Activation of Carbon Tetrachloride or Bromotrichloromethane to Trichloromethyl and Trichloromethylperoxyl Free Radicals.Their Reactions With Lipids and Proteins

The formation of·CCl3 radicals in liver nuclei was suggested by spin trapping of them with N-t-butyl-α-phenylnitrone followed by GC/MS detection of the resulting adduct. Comparison of its formation in microsomal biotransformation of CCl4 was made. In aerobic nuclear activation mixtures containing NADPH and CCl4, significant decrease in the arachidonic acid content of nuclear lipids was observed (27. 8%, compared to control), the intensity of this decrease was lower than that occurring in the corresponding microsomal incubation mixtures (29.1%). Significant decreases in arachidonic acid content of nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum lipids were also observed in animals at 6 hours of poisoning with the haloalkane. During aerobic nuclear metabolism of CCl4 or CBrCl3, cholesterol oxidation products were detected: a ketocholesterol, an epoxide like structure and 7-ketocholesterol. Nuclear protein carbonyl formation was not promoted during nuclear CCl4 biotransformation. NADPH by itself may lead to protein carbonyl formation during prolonged periods of incubation. CBrCl3 in contrast, led to decreased protein carbonyl formation. No increase in nuclear protein carbonyl formation was observed in CCl4 intoxicated animals during periods of time between 1 to 6 hours after treatment. The results indicate that during nuclear biotransformation of CCl4 or CBrCl3 reactive free radicals, PUFA degradation, reactive aldehydes and cholesterol oxidation products are formed, nearby DNA and regulatory proteins.

Synthesis of thiadiazole-based Schiff base metal complexes and their inhibition rate to superoxide anion free radical

A new series of Schiff base ligands were synthesized by the condensation of 2-amino-5-mercaptan-l,3,4-thiadiazole and salicylaldehyde or 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and their derivatives with choroacetic acid, and further reaction with corresponding metal acetate to form metal complexes. The compositions and structures of the ligands and their complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivities, electronic absorption spectra and infra-red spectra. Their inhibition rates to free radical, such as O2, were also tested. The results show that all of the obtained complexes display significant activities, among which the copper（Ⅱ） complexes have the best inhibitive effects.

Effects of Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride on increasing the fluidity of brain cell membrane and scavenging free radicals in model rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: The fluidity of cell membrane can be affected by various factors. Many experiments have confirmed that the ischemia/reperfusion of organic tissue can increase the contents of free radicals, which lead to high rigidity and low fluidity of cell membrane, and the conditions can be changed by Chuanxiongqin. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect and mechanism of Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride on the fluidity of brain cell membrane in rat models of ischemia/reperfusion. DESIGN: A completely randomized controlled animal trial. SETTINGS: Institute of Brain Sciences; Department of Physiology, Medical College, Datong University. MATERIALS: Twenty male grade Ⅰ Wistar rats of 170-220 g were randomly divided into model group (n =10) and control group (n =10). Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride (molecular mass was 172.2) was purchased from the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products (batch number: 0817-9803); Spin labelers: 5-doxyl-stearlic acid methylester (5DS), 16-doxyl-stearlic acid methylester (16DS), xanthine, xanthine oxidase (XOD) and 5,5-dimeth-1-pyrroline- N-oxide (DMPO) from Sigma Company; Bruker ESP 300 electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer by Bruker Company (Germany). METHODS: The experiments were carried out in the State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University from June 2001 to July 2002. In the model group, rats were made into models of cerebral ischemia by 30-minute ligation and 2-hour reperfusion of common carotid arteries; The rats in the control group were not made into models. The order parameter (S) and rotational correlation time (τc) were detected with the ESR spectrometer by means of spin labeling. The greater the S and τc, the smaller the fluidity. Meanwhile, the clearance rate of free radicals was detected with ESR spin trapping. The measurement data were compared using the t test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The S, τc and clearance rates of O2 · and OH· free radicals were compared between the model group and control group. RESULTS: The S and τc in the model group [0.738 4±0.003 5; (8.472±0.027)×10-10 s/circle] were obviously different from those in the control group [0.683 9±0.008 3; (7.945±0.082)×10-10 s/circle, t =5.731, 5.918, P < 0.05], which suggested that ischemia/reperfusion injury decreased the fluidity of brain cell membrane. After adding Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride, there were no obvious differences between the model group [0.688 5±0.030 5; (7.886±0.341)×10-10 s/circle] and control group (P > 0.05), indicating that Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride could recover the fluidity of brain cell membrane after ischemia/reperfusion injury close to the level in the normal control group. Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride could directly scavenge the O2 · and OH· free radicals, and the maximal clearance rates were 83.92% and 44.99% respectively. CONCLUSION: Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride increases the fluidity of membrane of ischemia-injured brain cell by scavenging both O2 ·and OH· free radicals.

NITROXIDE-MEDIATED FREE RADICAL SYNTHESIS OF MESOGEN-JACKETED LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMERS

The first TEMPO-mediated 'living' free radical polymerization of liquid crystalline monomer, 2, 5-bis[(4-methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl]styrene (MPCS), was carried out at 130 degrees C with BPO as an initiator. The molecular weight of the polymer can be varied from rather low values to high values while maintaining narrow polydispersity. It was observed that the polymerization of MPCS proceeded much faster than that of styrene. A tentative explanation for this fast polymerization was suggested.

Effect of Selenium Poisoning on Immune Function and Oxygen Free Radicals in Erythrocyte of Pig

[ Objective] This study was to investigate the effect of selenium（Se） on immune function and oxygen free radicals in erythrocyte of pig. [ Method] Fifteen weanling Landrace piglets as experimental animals were divided into three groups, two testing groups and one control group. For each group, Se content in whole blood, immune function of erythrocytes, activity of whole blood glutathione peroxidase（GSH-Px）, activity of blood plasma superoxide dismutase（SOD）, and blood plasma malondialdehyde（MDA） content were determined. [ Result] Compared with the control group, Se content in whole blood and blood plasma MDA content increased remarkably, while whole blood GSH-Px activity and blood plasma SOD activity decreased; RBC-C1 RR assumed a rise-fall trend, and RBC-ICR showed no obvious change. [Condusion] Se poisoning can reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes, disturb the balance of oxygen free radicals metabolism, thereby inducing erythrooyte immune function in piglets.

THE ACTION OF CAPTOPRIL ON SCAVENGING OXYGEN FREE RADICALS

The protective effect of captopril on ischemic myocardium was studied in 40 patients with congenital heart disease accompanied with pulmonary hypertention.Twenty of these patients received captopril 50 mg b.i.d.for three months preoperatively (Group A).The other 20 patients without pretreatment with captopril were used as controls (Group B).In Group A,the cardiac output increased and the pulmonary pressure decreased significantly in the first 24 hours postoperatively,indicating a high cardiac output with a low vascular resistance.The differences or CPK,CPKMB,LDH release between Group A and Group B were highly significant or siguificant from the end of operation to 24 hours postoperatively. Myocardial protection in the reduction of the release of CPK, CPK-MB, LDH might be attributed to action on scavenging oxygen free radicals.

Influence of rotating magnetic field on cerebral infarction volume, cerebral edema and free radicals metabolism after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND: It has shown that magnetic field can improve blood circulation, decrease blood viscosity, inhibit free radicals, affect Ca2+ flow in nerve cells, control inflammatory and immunological reaction, and accelerate nerve cell regeneration. In addition, protective effect of magnetic field, which acts as an iatrophysics, on ischemic brain tissues has been understood gradually. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of rotating magnetic field (RMF) on volume of cerebral infarction, cerebral edema and metabolism of free radicals in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Rehabilitation Center of disabled children, Liaoniang; Department of Rehabilitation, the Second Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University; Department of Rehabilitation Physiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University. MATERIALS: A total of 70 healthy Wistar rats aged 18-20 weeks of both genders were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group with 12 rats, control group with 20 rats and treatment group with 38 rats. The treatment group included 4 time points: immediate reperfusion with 6 ones, 6-hour reperfusion with 20 ones, 12-hour reperfusion with 6 ones and 18-hour reperfusion with 6 rats. Main instruments were detailed as follows: magnetic head of rotating magnetic device was 6 cm in diameter; magnetic induction intensity at the surface of magnetic head was 0.25 T in silence; the maximal magnetic induction intensity was 0.09 T at the phase of rotation; the average rotating speed was 2500 r per minute. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the China Medical University in March 2003. Focal cerebral ischemic animal models were established with modified Longa’s method. Operation was the same in the sham operation, but the thread was inserted as 10 mm. Neurologic impairment was assessed with 5-rating method to screen out cases. Those survivals with grade 1 and grade 2 after ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 24 hours were included in the control group and treatment group. Those in the sham operation group and control group were not treated with RMF. Magnetic head was directed towards the head of rats of the treatment group, and the magnetic head was about 7 mm from skin, treated for 15 minutes. The rats were decapitated to take out brains at 24 hours after reperfusion in each group. Water content of brain and volume of cerebral infarction were assessed with wet-dry weight method and TTC staining, respectively. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and change of brain histomorphology in brain tissue of ischemic side were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Volume of cerebral infarction and changes of water content in brain; ② measurements of SOD and MDA contents in brain tissue of rats in all groups. RESULTS: A total of 70 qualified animals were involved in the final analysis after rejecting the death and unqualified animal models. ① Water content of brain: Water content of brain in the treatment was less than that in the control group at any time point except the immediate time point, and cerebral edema was relieved [(2.48±0.22)%, (2.32±0.19)%, (2.23±0.36)%, (2.91±0.44)%, P < 0.05]. In addition, there were no significant differences among 6-hour, 12-hour and 18-hour reperfusion groups (P > 0.05). ② Volume of cerebral infarction: The absolute volume of cerebral infarction in the treatment group was smaller than that in the control group [(128.21±15.05), (171.22±40.50) mm3, t =2.438, P < 0.05], and the relative volume of cerebral infarction was smaller than that in the control group [(20.22±1.44)%, (25.17±3.85)%, t =2.95, P < 0.05]. ③ Contents of SOD and MDA in brain tissues: Compared with the control group, the SOD content in the brain tissue in the treatment group increased [(54.54±3.85), (69.52±5.88) kNU/g, t =5.568, P < 0.05], while the MDA content decreased [(0.85±0.06), (1.03±0.09) μmol/g, t =4.076, P < 0.05]. ④ General morphological observation: General morphology manifested that the edema was distinct in the right cerebral hemisphere in the control group, showing fat-like white, shallow anfractuosity, flat gyria, brittle tissue and easy to break up. The edema of right cerebral hemisphere was light and surface was hyperaemia in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: RMF may improve anti-oxidative ability of brain tissue of rats with acute focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and reduce volume of cerebral infarction and degrees of cerebral edema.

The influence of ultraviolet blood irradiation and oxygenation on oxygen free radicals metabolism in rabbits with soman intoxication

Objective: To investigate the effect of ultraviolet blood irradiation and oxygenation (UBIO) on the metabolism of oxygen free radicals in rabbits with acute soman intoxication. Methods: One hundred rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, intoxication group, routine therapy group. UBIO therapy group and combined therapy group. After 14 d, the concentration of malondiadehyde(MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathionperoxidase(GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) in serum were determined respectively. Results: Compared with the normal control group, the concentration of MDA and activity of CAT in the intoxication group were significantly higher (P < 0. 05). but SOD. GSH-Px activity and T-AOC were significantly lower (P<0. 05). After UBIO or combined therapy, serum MDA level was significantly lower in comparison with intoxication group (P<0. 05). but the activity of SOD. GSH-Px, CAT and T-AOC were higher than intoxication group(P<0. 05). Conclusion: There is an obvious oxygen free radical injury in rabbits with a-cute soman intoxication. UBIO can improve the antioxidation ability of rabbits and may be applied to treat acute soman intoxication as adjunctive therapy.