Decoding the nexus:branched-chain amino acids and their connection with sleep,circadian rhythms,and cardiometabolic health

The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

Increased excitatory amino acid transporter 2 levels in basolateral amygdala astrocytes mediate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behavior

The conventional perception of astrocytes as mere supportive cells within the brain has recently been called into question by empirical evidence, which has revealed their active involvement in regulating brain function and encoding behaviors associated with emotions.Specifically, astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala have been found to play a role in the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors triggered by chronic stress. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms by which basolateral amygdala astrocytes regulate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behaviors remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that in a mouse model of anxiety triggered by unpredictable chronic mild stress, the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 was upregulated in the basolateral amygdala. Interestingly, our findings indicate that the targeted knockdown of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically within the basolateral amygdala astrocytes was able to rescue the anxiety-like behavior in mice subjected to stress. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, whether achieved through intracranial administration of excitatory amino acid transporter 2agonists or through injection of excitatory amino acid transporter 2-overexpressing viruses with GfaABC1D promoters, evoked anxiety-like behavior in mice. Our single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis further confirmed that chronic stress induced an upregulation of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically in astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala. Moreover, through in vivo calcium signal recordings, we found that the frequency of calcium activity in the basolateral amygdala of mice subjected to chronic stress was higher compared with normal mice.After knocking down the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, the frequency of calcium activity was not significantly increased, and anxiety-like behavior was obviously mitigated. Additionally, administration of an excitatory amino acid transporter 2 inhibitor in the basolateral amygdala yielded a notable reduction in anxiety level among mice subjected to stress. These results suggest that basolateral amygdala astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporter 2 plays a role in in the regulation of unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced anxiety-like behavior by impacting the activity of local glutamatergic neurons, and targeting excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala holds therapeutic promise for addressing anxiety disorders.

Targeting harmful effects of non-excitatory amino acids as an alternative therapeutic strategy to reduce ischemic damage

The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in ce rebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented.Nevertheless,the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke or brain trauma remains largely understudied.The release of amino acids by necrotic cells in the ischemic core may contribute to the expansion of the penumbra.Our findings indicated that the reversible loss of field excitato ry postsynaptic potentials caused by transient hypoxia became irreversible when exposed to a mixture of just four non-excitatory amino acids(L-alanine,glycine,L-glutamine,and L-serine)at their plasma concentrations.These amino acids induce swelling in the somas of neurons and astrocytes during hypoxia,along with permanent dendritic damage mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevented neuronal damage in the presence of these amino acids during hypoxia.It is likely that astroglial swelling caused by the accumulation of these amino acids via the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 exchanger and system N transporters activates volume-regulated anion channels,leading to the release of excitotoxins and subsequent neuronal damage through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation.Thus,previously unrecognized mechanisms involving non-excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progression and expansion of brain injury in neurological emergencies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.Understanding these pathways co uld highlight new therapeutic targets to mitigate brain injury.

Preparation of Low Ratio Magnesium Ccement by Acid Leaching Treatment of Boron Mud

The effects of liquid-solid ratio and reaction time on the leaching rate of magnesium at room temperature were investigated,as well as the effects of the molar ratio of MgO/MgCl_(2),the amount of water added,and the amount of acid-impregnated slag dosed on the compressive strength and water resistance of LR-MOC.The results showed that the magnesium element in the boron mud could be maximally leached under the conditions of 1:1 concentration of hydrochloric acid at room temperature,liquid-solid ratio of 2.5 mL·g^(-1),and reaction time of 5 h,and the main products were amorphous SiO_(2) as well as a small amount of magnesium olivine which had not been completely reacted.The LR-MOC prepared using the acid-soaked mixture could reach a softening coefficient of 0.85 for 28 d of water immersion when the molar ratio of MgO/MgCl_(2) was 2.2,the amount of water added was 0 g,and the acid-soaked slag dosing was 40 wt%,which also led to an appreciable late-strength,with an increase of 19.4%in compressive strength at 28 d compared to that at 7 d.Unlike previous studies,LR-MOC prepared in this way has a final strength phase that is not the more easily hydrolysed 3-phase but the lath-like 5-phase.For this phenomenon,we analyzed the mechanism and found that,during the acid leaching process,a part of amorphous SiO_(2) dissolved in the acid leaching solution formed a silica sol,in which Mg^(2+)played a bridging role to make the silica sol more stable.With the addition and hydrolysis of MgO,the silica sol gel coagulation slows down,providing a capping layer to inhibit the hydrolysis of the 5-phase crystals and providing some strength after coagulation.The amorphous SiO_(2) in the other part of the acid-impregnated slag generated M-S-H gel with Mg^(2+)and OH-,which synergised with the dense structure composed of interlocking crystals to improve the water resistance of LR-MOC.

Dysregulation of genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid transport in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is an aggressive lethal malignancy with limited options for treatment and a 5-year survival rate of 11%in the United States.As for other types of tumors,such as colorectal cancer,aberrant de novo lipid synthesis and reprogrammed lipid metabolism have been suggested to be associated with PDAC development and progression.AIM To identify the possible involvement of lipid metabolism in PDAC by analyzing in tumoral and non-tumoral tissues the expression level of the most relevant genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid(FA)import into cell.METHODS A gene expression analysis of FASN,CD36,SLC27A1,SLC27A2,SLC27A3,SLC27A4,SLC27A5,ACSL1,and ACSL3 was performed by qRT-PCR in 24 tumoral PDAC tissues and 11 samples from non-tumoral pancreatic tissues obtained via fine needle aspiration or via surgical resection.The genes were considered significantly dysregulated between the groups when the p value was<0.05 and the fold change(FC)was≤0.5 and≥2.RESULTS We found that three FA transporters and two long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases genes were significantly upregulated in the PDAC tissue compared to the non-tumoral tissue:SLC27A2(FC=5.66;P=0.033),SLC27A3(FC=2.68;P=0.040),SLC27A4(FC=3.13;P=0.033),ACSL1(FC=4.10;P<0.001),and ACSL3(FC=2.67;P=0.012).We further investigated any possible association between the levels of the analyzed mRNAs and the specific characteristics of the tumors,including the anatomic location,the lymph node involvement,and the presence of metastasis.A significant difference in the expression of SLC27A3(FC=3.28;P=0.040)was found comparing patients with and without lymph nodes involvement with an overexpression of this transcript in 17 patients presenting tumoral cells in the lymph nodes.CONCLUSION Despite the low number of patients analyzed,these preliminary results seem to be promising.Addressing lipid metabolism through a broad strategy could be a beneficial way to treat this malignancy.Future in vitro and in vivo studies on these genes may offer important insights into the mechanisms linking PDAC with the long-chain FA import pathway.

Additive neurorestorative effects of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid intake in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease after diagnosis.Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,and exercise in Parkinson’s disease,we investigated whether both could synergistically interact to induce recovery of the dopaminergic pathway.First,mice received a unilateral stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum to establish an animal model of nigrostriatal denervation.Four weeks after lesion,animals were fed a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched or a control diet for the next 8 weeks.During this period,the animals had access to a running wheel,which they could use or not.Docosahexaenoic acid treatment,voluntary exercise,or the combination of both had no effect on(i)distance traveled in the open field test,(ii)the percentage of contraversive rotations in the apomorphine-induction test or(iii)the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta.However,the docosahexaenoic acid diet increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive terminals and induced a rise in dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striatum.Compared to docosahexaenoic acid treatment or exercise alone,the combination of docosahexaenoic acid and exercise(i)improved forelimb balance in the stepping test,(ii)decreased the striatal DOPAC/dopamine ratio and(iii)led to increased dopamine transporter levels in the lesioned striatum.The present results suggest that the combination of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically in the striatum of mice with a unilateral lesion of the dopaminergic system and provide support for clinical trials combining nutrition and physical exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Maintaining moderate levels of hypochlorous acid promotes neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the recovery phase of stroke

It has been shown clinically that continuous removal of ischemia/reperfusion-induced reactive oxygen species is not conducive to the recovery of late stroke.Indeed,previous studies have shown that excessive increases in hypochlorous acid after stroke can cause severe damage to brain tissue.Our previous studies have found that a small amount of hypochlorous acid still exists in the later stage of stroke,but its specific role and mechanism are currently unclear.To simulate stroke in vivo,a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model was established,with an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model established in vitro to mimic stroke.We found that in the early stage(within 24 hours)of ischemic stroke,neutrophils produced a large amount of hypochlorous acid,while in the recovery phase(10 days after stroke),microglia were activated and produced a small amount of hypochlorous acid.Further,in acute stroke in rats,hypochlorous acid production was prevented using a hypochlorous acid scavenger,taurine,or myeloperoxidase inhibitor,4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide.Our results showed that high levels of hypochlorous acid(200μM)induced neuronal apoptosis after oxygen/glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.However,in the recovery phase of the middle cerebral artery occlusion model,a moderate level of hypochlorous acid promoted the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and astrocytes.This suggests that hypochlorous acid plays different roles at different phases of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Lower levels of hypochlorous acid(5 and 100μM)promoted nuclear translocation ofβ-catenin.By transfection of single-site mutation plasmids,we found that hypochlorous acid induced chlorination of theβ-catenin tyrosine 30 residue,which promoted nuclear translocation.Altogether,our study indicates that maintaining low levels of hypochlorous acid plays a key role in the recovery of neurological function.

Enhanced autophagic clearance of amyloid-βvia histone deacetylase 6-mediated V-ATPase assembly and lysosomal acidification protects against Alzheimer's disease in vitro and in vivo

Recent studies have suggested that abnormal acidification of lysosomes induces autophagic accumulation of amyloid-βin neurons,which is a key step in senile plaque formation.Therefore,resto ring normal lysosomal function and rebalancing lysosomal acidification in neurons in the brain may be a new treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.Microtubule acetylation/deacetylation plays a central role in lysosomal acidification.Here,we show that inhibiting the classic microtubule deacetylase histone deacetylase 6 with an histone deacetylase 6 shRNA or thehistone deacetylase 6 inhibitor valproic acid promoted lysosomal reacidification by modulating V-ATPase assembly in Alzheimer's disease.Fu rthermore,we found that treatment with valproic acid markedly enhanced autophagy.promoted clearance of amyloid-βaggregates,and ameliorated cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.Our findings demonstrate a previously unknown neuroprotective mechanism in Alzheimer's disease,in which histone deacetylase 6 inhibition by valproic acid increases V-ATPase assembly and lysosomal acidification.

Activation of adult endogenous neurogenesis by a hyaluronic acid collagen gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor promotes remodeling and functional recovery of the injured cerebral cortex

The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.

Alpha lipoic acid protects lens from H_2O_2-induced cataract by inhibiting apoptosis of lens epithelial cells and inducing activation of anti-oxidative enzymes

Objective:To determine whether alpha lipoic acid（LA）can effectively protect lenses from hydrogen peroxide（H2O2）-induced cataract.Methods:Lens from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in 24-well plates and treated without or with 0.2 mM of H2O2,0.2 mM of H2O2 plus 0.5 mM.1.0 mM.or 2.0 mM of LA for 24 h.Cataract was assessed using cross line grey scale measurement.Superoxide dismutase（SOD）.glutathione（GSH-Px）.lactate dehydrogenase（LDH）. and maloudialdehyde（MDA）activity or level in lens homogenates was measured.Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in each group were detected by Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling（TUNEL） Assay.Results:A total of 0.2 mM of H2O2 induced obvious cataract formation and apoptosis in lens’ epithelial cells,but 0.5-2.0 mM of LA could block the effect of 0.2 mM H2O2 in inducing cataract and apoptosis.Furthermore.0.2 mM ol H2O2 significantly decreased SOD.GSH-Px,and LDH activity and significant increased MDA level in the lens,but 0.5-2.0 mM of LA blocked the effect of 0.2 mM H2O2.One mM of LA was found to be the most effective. Conclusions:LA can protect lens from H2O2-induced cataract.LA exerts protective effects through inhibition of lens’ epithelial cell apoptosis and activation of anti-oxidative enzymes.

Lipoic acid suppresses portal endotoxemia-induced steatohepatitis and pancreatic inflammation in rats

AIM: To examine the effect of α-lipoic acid (LA) on mild portal endotoxemia-induced steatohepatitis and associated pancreatic abnormalities in fructose-fed rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned into two groups with a regular or 60% fructose-enriched diet for 8 wk. After fructose feeding for 4 wk, rats were further divided into four subgroups: with intraportal saline (F PV ), with intraportal saline plus administration of LA (F PV + LA ), with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion (F PLPS ), and with LPS infusion plus administration of LA (F PLPS + LA ). Rats were treated with LPS using intraportal infusion while LA was administered orally. Metabolite levels, superoxide levels, inflammatory markers, malondialdehyde content, glutathione content and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4 ) gene expression were all measured using standard biochemical techniques. Pancreatic insulin secretion was evaluated by a hyperglycemic clamp technique. Histology of liver and pancreas tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Fructose-induced elevation in plasma C-reactive protein, amylase, superoxide, white blood cell count as well as in hepatic and pancreatic contents of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 were increased in animals treated with LPS and reversed with LA administration. The augmented hepatic gene expression of TLR4 in fructose-fed rats was further increased in those with intraportal LPS infusion, which was partially reversed by LA administration. Pathological examination showed inflammatory changes and leukocyte infiltration in hepatic and pancreatic islets of animals treated with LPS but were rarely observed in those with LA treatment. In addition to affects on the liver, impaired pancreatic insulin secretion seen in fructose-fed rats was deteriorated in with LPS treatment and partially reversed with LA administration. CONCLUSION: These data suggest LA could significantly suppress mild portal-endotoxemia but not fructoseinduced liver and pancreatic abnormalities in a rodent model for metabolic syndrome.

Protective effects of lipoic acid-niacin dimers against blue light-induced oxidative damage to retinal pigment epithelium cells

AIM: To evaluate the protective effects of lipoic acid-niacin(N2 L) dimers against blue light(BL)-induced oxidative damage to human retinal pigment epithelium(hRPE) cells in vitro.METHODS: h RPE cells were divided into a control group(CG), a BL group, an N2 L plus BL irradiation group, an α-lipoic acid(ALA) plus BL group, an ALA-only group, and an N2 L-only group. hRPE cellular viability was detected by performing 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium(MTT) bromide assays, and apoptosis was evaluated by annexin-V-PE/7-AAD staining followed by flow cytometry. Ultrastructural changes in subcellular organelles were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Reactive oxygen species formation was assayed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of the apoptosis-related proteins BCL-2 associated X protein(BAX), B-cell leukmia/lymphoma 2(BCL-2), and caspase-3 were quantified by Western blot analysis.RESULTS: BL exposure with a light density of 4±0.5 mW/cm2 exceeding 6 h caused hRPE toxicity, whereas treatment with a high dose of N2 L(100 mol/L) or ALA(150 mol/L) maintained cell viability at control levels. BL exposure caused vacuole-like degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, and reduced microvillus formation;however, a high dose of N2 L or ALA maintained the ultrastructure of hRPE cells and their organelles. High doses of N2 L and ALA also protected hRPE cells from BL-induced apoptosis, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis: BCL-2 expression significantly increased, while BAX and caspase-3 expression slightly decreased compared to the CG.CONCLUSION: High-dose N2 L treatment(>100 mol/L) can reduce oxidative damage in degenerating hRPE cells exposed to BL with an efficacy similar to ALA.

Effect of SP-A/B in lipoic acid on acute paraquat poisoning

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to observe the concentration of SP-A/B and the pulmonary surfactant in the lung tissue of rats with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by paraquat poisoning after the treatment of metabolic antioxidant-lipoic acid and whether its influence was related to TNF-α.METHODS: Sixty-six male Sprage-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group(NS group), 6 rats; paraquat poisoning group(PQ group), 30 rats; and paraquat+lipoic acid treatment group(LA group), 30 rats. The rats in the PQ and LA groups were subdivided into 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-hour subgroups, with 6 rats in each group. After the rats were sacrificed, lung tissue from the same part was taken from the rats. After HE staining, histological changes were observed in the tissue under a light microscope. Lung tissue was also taken to test the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde(MDA). Whole blood(0.8 mL) without anticoagulant was drawn from the tail vein of rats for the determination of the TNF-α level. The total RNA of the lung tissue was collected, and the Rt-PCR method was used to measure the levels of SP-A and SP-B mRNA.RESULTS: HE staining showed that histopathological changes were milder in the LA group than in the PQ group. There were significant differences in MDA and SOD levels between different intervals both in intergroups and intragroups except the 3-hour subgroup(P<0.01). Likewise, the significant differences in the levels of TNF-α were also present between the three groups and between different intervals(P<0.01). The significant differences in SP-A mRNA and SP-B mRNA amplification ratio were seen between the three groups at the same intervals(P<0.01), but the differences between different intervals in the PQ group were statistically significant(P<0.05). The differences between different intervals in the LA group were statistically significant(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Lipoic acid in acute paraquat poisoning could diminish lung tissue damage by regulating directly tumor necrosis factor and indirectly the content of pulmonary surfactant so as to reduce pulmonary edema, improve lung compliance, and finally protect lung tissues.

Partial Protection by Lipoic Acid Against Carboplantin-induced Ototoxicity in Rats

Objective To investigate the alterations in auditory brainstem evoked responses (ABRs) and the changes of carboplatin-induced ototoxicity in the cochlear oxidant/antioxidant systems and otoprotection by an antioxidant lipoate. Methods Male wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated as follows: 1) vehicle (saline) control, 2) carboplatin (256 mg/kg, i.p.), 3) lipoate (100 mg/kg, i.p.), 4) lipoate + carboplatin. Post-treatment ABRs were performed after four days and rats were sacrificed with their cochleae harvested and analyzed. Results Carboplatin significantly elevated ABR threshold above the pretreatment thresholds. Lipoate+carboplatin treated rats showed decreased elevation of hearing threshold. Carboplatin significantly depleted cochlear reduced to oxizized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, whereas lipoate+carboplatin treatment increased GSH/GSSG ratio. Carboplatin significantly decreased cochlear copper zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and enzyme protein expressions and a significant increase in Mn-SOD activity, protein expression and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Cochlear antioxidant enzyme activities, enzyme protein expressions and MDA level were partially restored in lipoate+carboplatin treated rats, compared to carboplatin alone. Conclusion Carboplatin-induced ototoxicity is related to impairment of cochlear antioxidant system and otoprotection conferred by lipoate is associated with partial sparing of the cochlear antioxidant defense system.

Protective Roles of α-lipoic Acid in Rat Model of Mitochondrial DNA4834bp Deletion in Inner Ear

The protective roles of α-lipoic acid in the rat model of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 4834bp deletion in inner ear were investigated. Forty female Wistar rats at 4 weeks of age were divided into four groups: group A (D-galactose group, n=10), group B (D-galactose+α-lipoic acid group, n=10), group C (α-lipoic acid group, n=10), and group D (control group, n=10). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to detect the hearing threshold. Colorimetry was used to analyze activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). The percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion in inner ear was identified by real-time PCR. There was no significant difference in ABR threshold shift among all groups. The percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion in group A was higher than that in other groups, but there was no significant difference in percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion among groups B, C, and D. The activity of SOD in group A was lower than that in other groups. The concentration of MDA in group A was higher than that in other groups. It was concluded that there was no significant hearing loss when the percentage of mtDNA4834bp deletion was lower than 12.5%. α-Lipoic acid could prevent the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mtDNA4834bp deletion in inner ear of rats.

Post-Marketing Surveillance of Fixed Dose Combination of Methylcobalamin, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Folic Acid, Biotin, Benfotiamine &Vitamin B6-Nutripathy for the Management of Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a commonly encountered troublesome condition which is often disabling & worsens when left untreated. Traditional neuropathic pain medications primarily provide symptomatic relief;however, the pathogenesis of nerve damage remains unresolved. Extensive literature survey reveals that patients with peripheral neuropathy experience significant benefits with the use of B-vitamins like methylcobalamin (B12), folic acid (B9), biotin (B7), benfotiamine (B1) and pyridoxine (B6). The other well documented antineuropathic agents include alpha lipoic acid, glutathione, omega fatty acids, myoinositol, certain trace elements, etc. Materials and Methods: A multicentre, prospective, open-label, non-comparative clinical study was carried out in 497 patients with peripheral neuropathy. A fixed dose combination of methylcobalamin, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), folic acid, biotin, benfotiamine & vitamin B6 capsule was orally administered once daily for 12 weeks. Results: Treatment led to significant reduction from baseline score in various neuropathy symptoms from the 4th week itself. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean pain score declined by 78.0%, numbness by 92.1% and muscle weakness by 96.9%. Also, there was 96.0% & 99.2% reduction in tingling & burning sensation respectively. No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion: The current study confirms that fixed dose combination of methylcobalamin, ALA, folic acid, biotin, benfotiamine & vitamin B6 is effective & well tolerated in the management of peripheral neuropathy.

Self-Assembled Monolayer of Lipoic Acid on Gold and Its Application to Rapid Determination of 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin

Lipoic acid (LA) has received great attention in the area of gold surface functionalization. In this study, LA was employed as a linker for the attachment of antibody to the gold surface of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) chip. By using this chip in a homemade SPR immunosensor, low molecular weight compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) can be detected at a low level of 0.01 ng/mL. There is a good linear relationship(R2 =0.943 1) between the results of SPR biosensor and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).

Mechanism of alpha-lipoic acid in attenuating kanamycin-induced ototoxicity

In view of the theory that alpha-lipoic acid effectively prevents cochlear cells from injury caused by various factors such as cisplatin and noise, this study examined whether alpha-lipoic acid can prevent kanamycin-induced ototoxicity. To this end, healthy BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously with alpha-lipoic acid and kanamycin for 14 days. Auditory brainstem response test showed that increased auditory brainstem response threshold shifts caused by kanamycin were significantly inhibited. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis showed that the expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase in mouse cochlea was significantly decreased. The experimental findings suggest that phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase mediated kanamycin-induced ototoxic injury in BALB/c mice. AIpha-lipoic acid effectively attenuated kanamycin ototoxicity by inhibiting the kanamycin-induced high expression of phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

Effects of dietary CoQ₁₀and α-lipoic acid on CoQ₁₀levels in plasma and tissues of eggs laying hens

In this paper we described the effect of administrated CoQ10, and alfa-lipoic acid on the concentration of total CoQ10 inplasma end body tissues of eggs laying hens. Organisms raise a complex network of enzymes, metabolites and molecules with antioxidant activities in order to prevent oxidative damage of theirs bodies. Adequate blood concentrations of small weight molecules ingested with food and food additives are important for the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense. To test this hypothesis we prepared following experiment. Forty weeks old hens were selected from two genotypes;Ross 308 broiler mothers and Lohmann breed hens. Animals were fed for a period of 84 days. Concentrations of supplemented CoQ10 and ALAwere calculated from feed instruction tables so each hen received an average of approximately 5 mg of CoQ10 and 50 mg ofALAper kg of animal weight per day. During the experiment blood samples were taken and at the end of the experiment different body tissues (heart, liver, breast, legs) were collected and analyzed with originally developed HPLC-MS/MS method based selective ionization with LiCl on MRM scanning. We found a number of interesting and unexpected results. Supplemented CoQ10 increased concentrations of coenzyme CoQ10 inplasma and different hen’s tissues. Increased concentration of CoQ10 is the result of its transfer with chylomicrons from the digestive tract to various organs of the body and to the liver where exogenous and endogenous CoQ10 has been re-redistributed through lipoproteins. Supplemented ALA caused much greater concentration of CoQ10 indifferent tissues and plasma then CoQ10. Plausible explanation of our results is such that ALA may regenerates the antioxidants and accelerate the formation of endogenous CoQ10 which is distributed with lipoprotein carriers and increases overall concentration of CoQ10. Our experiments definitely show that Lipoic acid beside glutathione promotes also a synthesis of CoQ10 and increases the total concentration especially in liver and heart tissues.

Effects of alprostadil combined with lipoic acid on clinical efficacy, hemodynamics, fibronectin and plasma D-dimer in elderly patients with type 2 diabetic foot

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of alprostadil combined with lipoic acid on clinical efficacy,hemodynamics,fibronectin and plasma D-dimer in elderly patients with type 2 diabetic foot.Methods Ninety-six elderly patients with type 2 diabetic foot hospitalized in Department of Endocrinology,Xining First People's Hospital from January 2017 to June 2019 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into control group(48 cases)and case group(48 cases)by random number table method.The control group was treated with lipoic acid,and the case group was treated with Alprostadil for injection on the basis of the control group.The clinical efficacy,clinical symptom score,ulcer healing,hemodynamics of dorsal artery of foot,fibronectin and plasma D-two dimer in two groups were observed.Results The total effective rate of the case group was 95.83%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(83.33%).The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the pain,swelling,claudication,numbness score,ulcer area,wound PH value,plasma D-dimer level of the two groups were lower than those before treatment,and the oxygen partial pressure,blood flow velocity,vascular diameter,Resistance index(RI),pulsation index(PI)and fibronectin levels of the two groups were higher than those before treatment,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The improvement of clinical efficacy,ulcer healing,dorsal pedal artery hemodynamics,fibronectin and plasma D-dimer levels in the case group were significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).ConclusionsAlprostadil combined with lipoic acid has significant clinical effect on elderly patients with type 2 diabetic foot.It can correct the abnormal hemodynamics of dorsal pedal artery,promote the healing of foot ulcer,increase the content of fibronectin ulcer tissue,reduce the level of plasma D-dimer and improve the high coagulation state.It has high efficiency and safety.It is worthy of clinical application.Further promotion.