Protective Effect of Electroacupuncture and Ischemic Preconditioning on the Circulatory Function in Pigs with Ischemia/Reperfusion Myocardial Injury

Objective: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture and ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on circulatory function in pigs with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Method: Eighteen pigs with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury were randomly allocated into three groups, 6 in each. Group I was the control group, group II was the group that received IPC, and group III was that received both electroacupuncture and IPC. Blood malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatine phos-phokinase (CPK) and its isoenzyme (CK-MB), coronary artery flow and myocardial heat-shock protein (HSP) mRNA expression were detected for evaluation. Results: After treatment, the MDA content was decreased and SOD activities increased significantly in the acupuncture and IPC group compared with the control group (P<0. 05 respectively). The levels of CPK, CK-MB at 20, 60 min after reperfusion were significantly higher than those before treatment, but the levels in group III and group n were remarkably lower than those in group I . HSP70 mRNA expression was found to be increased in group II and group III at 60 min after ischemia/reperfusion compared with those in group I . Conclusion: Electroacupuncture can enhance the myocardial protection of IPC against ischemia/reperfusion injury. The.protective mechanism may be related to the improvement of antioxidation and the increased expression of HSP70 gene.

Electroacupuncture preconditioning protects against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via suppression of dynamin-related protein 1

Electroacupuncture preconditioning at acupoint Baihui （GV20） can reduce focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the precise protective mechanism remains unknown. Mitochondrial fission mediated by dynamin-related protein 1 （Drp1） can trigger neuronal apoptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Herein, we examined the hypothesis that electroacupuncture pretreatment can regulate Drp1, and thus inhibit mitochondrial fission to provide cerebral protection. Rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion at 24 hours after 5 consecutive days of preconditioning with electroacupuncture at GV20 （depth 2 mm, intensity 1 mA, frequency 2/15 Hz, for 30 minutes, once a day）. Neurological function was assessed using the Longa neurological deficit score. Pathological changes in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Cellular apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side was assessed by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling staining. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Drp1 and cytochrome c expression in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side were assessed by western blot assay. Results showed that electroacupuncture preconditioning decreased expression of total and mitochondrial Drp1, decreased expression of total and cytosolic cytochrome c, maintained mitochondrial morphology and reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side, with associated improvements in neurological function. These data suggest that electroacupuncture preconditioning-induced neuronal protection involves inhibition of the expression and translocation of Drp1.

Flow cytometric analysis of circulating microvesicles derived from myocardial ischemic preconditioning and cardioprotection of ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Objective: To establish a flow cytometric method to detect the alteration of phenotypes and concentration of circulating microvesicles(MVs) from myocardial ischemic preconditioning(IPC) treated rats(IPC-MVs), and to investigate the effects of IPC-MVs on ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury in rats. Methods: Myocardial IPC was elicited by three cycles of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion of the left anterior descending(LAD) coronary artery. Platelet-free plasma(PFP) was isolated through two steps of centrifugation at room temperature from the peripheral blood, and IPC-MVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation from PFP. PFP was incubated with anti-CD61, anti-CD144, anti-CD45 and anti-Erythroid Cells, and added 1, 2 μm latex beads to calibrate and absolutely count by flow cytometry. For functional research, I/R injury was induced by 30-min ischemia and 120-min reperfusion of LAD. IPC-MVs 7 mg/kg were infused via the femoral vein in myocardial I/R injured rats. Mean arterial blood pressure(MAP), heart rate(HR) and ST-segment of electrocardiogram(ECG) were monitored throughout the experiment. Changes of myocardial morphology were observed after hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The activity of plasma lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) was tested by Microplate Reader. Myocardial infarct size was measured by TTC staining. Results: Total IPC-MVs and different phenotypes, including platelet-derived MVs(PMVs), endothelial cell-derived MVs(EMVs), leucocyte-derived MVs(LMVs) and erythrocyte-derived MVs(RMVs) were all isolated which were identified membrane vesicles(<1 μm) with corresponding antibody positive. The numbers of PMVs, EMVs and RMVs were significantly increased in circulation of IPC treated rats(P<0.05, respectively). In addition, at the end of 120-min reperfusion in I/R injured rats, IPC-MVs markedly increased HR(P<0.01), decreased ST-segment and LDH activity(P<0.05, P<0.01). The damage of myocardium was obviously alleviated and myocardial infarct size was significantly lowered after IPC-MVs treatment(P<0.01). Conclusion: The method of flow cytometry was successfully established to detect the phenotypes and concentration alteration of IPC-MVs, including PMVs, EMVs, LMVs and RMVs. Furthermore, circulating IPC-MVs protected myocardium against I/R injury in rats.

Acupuncture preconditioning protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury mediated apoptosis through miR-214/NCX1 activation: a hypothesis

Early reperfusion of ischemic cardiac tissue is usually the best option to improve clinical outcome of angina pectoris, especially of acute myocardial infarction. However, myocardial reperfusion may cause an abnormal increase of intracellular Ca^2+-mediated cardiomyocyte death and consequent loss of cardiac function, which is referred to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Recently, the microRNA-214 (miR-214)/Na^+/Ca^2+ exchanger (NCX) 1 co-expression is a key factor in cellular protection against myocardial apoptosis for myocardial I/R injury. Once activated, miR-214/NCX1 axis can inhibit several Ca^2+ downstream signaling effectors that mediate cell death simultaneously. Studies have shown that acupuncture preconditioning has a protective effect on myocardial I/R injury, but its mechanism deserves further research. It has been proved that acupuncture preconditioning for ischemic myocardium successfully inhibit multiple Ca2+ handling related microRNAs that mediate cell death pathways, and miR-214 is one of its targets. In terms of clinical practice, coronary heart disease (CHD) patients benefit a lot from this intervention. However, there is barely no study correlating acupuncture preconditioning to the miR-214/NCX1 co-expression in patients with CHD. This review aims to discuss whether there is some evidence to justify a recommendation of acupuncture preconditioning in CHD patients as a non-pharmacological therapeutic method to activate the miR-214/NCX1 co-expression network model.

Protective Effects of Zingiberis and Acniti Praeparatae Decoction on Myocardial IschemiaReperfusion Injury in Rats

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of zin-giberis and acniti praeparatae decoction on oxidative stress injury induced by my-ocardial ischemia reperfusion in rats. [Method] Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion was performed by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min, fol-lowed by reperfusion for 60 min. The effects of zingiberis and acniti praeparatae decoction on ECG ST segment, myocardial infarction percentage, malondialdehyde （MDA） content in the serum, superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and other indica-tors were observed. [Result] Zingiberis and acniti praeparatae decoction could effec-tively inhibit ECG ST segment elevation caused by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuries, reduce the percentage of myocardial infarction, decline the content of MDA in the serum, and increase the activity of SOD. [Conclusion] Zingiberis and acniti praeparatae decoction exhibits protective effects on oxidative injuries caused by my-ocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuries in rats, which may be involved in reducing the formation of myocardial free radicals and enhancing antioxidant capacity of my-ocardium.

Autophagy: novel insights into therapeutic target of electroacupuncture against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Electroacupuncture is known as an effective adjuvant therapy in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Studies suggest that autophagy, which is essential for cell survival and cell death, is involved in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and might be modulate by electroacupuncture therapy in key ways. This paper aims to provide novel insights into a therapeutic target of electroacupuncture against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury from the perspective of autophagy. Here we review recent studies on electroacupuncture regulation of autophagy-related markers such as UNC-51-like kinase-1 complex, Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3, p62, and autophagosomes for treating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The results of these studies show that electroacupuncture may affect the initiation of autophagy, vesicle nucleation, expansion and maturation of autophagosomes, as well as fusion and degradation of autophagolysosomes. Moreover, studies indicate that electroacupuncture probably modulates autophagy by activating the mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway.This review thus indicates that autophagy is a therapeutic target of electroacupuncture treatment against ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.

Calpain system and its involvement in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury

Calpains are ubiquitous non-lysosomal Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases also present in myocardial cytosol and mitochondria.Numerous experimental studies reveal an essential role of the calpain system in myocardial injury during ischemia,reperfusion and postischemic structural remodelling.The increasing Ca2+-content and Ca2+-overload in myocardial cytosol and mitochondria during ischemia and reperfusion causes an activation of calpains.Upon activation they are able to injure the contractile apparatus and impair the energy production by cleaving structural and functional proteins of myocytes and mitochondria.Besides their causal involvement in acute myocardial dysfunction they are also involved in structural remodelling after myocardial infarction by the generation and release of proapoptotic factors from mitochondria.Calpain inhibition can prevent or attenuate myocardial injury during ischemia,reperfusion,and in later stages of myocardial infarction.

Electroacupuncture reduces apoptotic index and inhibits p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in the hippocampus of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Electroacupuncture attenuates cerebral hypoxia and neuronal apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.To further identify the involved mechanisms,we assumed that electroacupuncture used to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was associated with the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase（MAPK） signaling pathway.We established rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury using the modified Zea-Longa＇s method.At 30 minutes before model establishment,p38 MAPK blocker SB20358 was injected into the left lateral ventricles.At 1.5 hours after model establishment,electroacupuncture was administered at acupoints of Chize（LU5）,Hegu（LI4）,Zusanli（ST36）,and Sanyinjiao（SP6） for 20 minutes in the affected side.Results showed that the combination of EA and SB20358 injection significantly decreased neurologic impairment scores,but no significant differences were determined among different interventional groups.Hematoxylin-eosin staining also showed reduced brain tissue injuries.Compared with the SB20358 group,the cells were regularly arranged,the structures were complete,and the number of viable neurons was higher in the SB20358 ＋ electroacupuncture group.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase（Td T）-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling assay showed a decreased apoptotic index in each group,with a significant decrease in the SB20358 ＋ electroacupuncture group.Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced phosphorylated p38 expression at 3 days in the electroacupuncture group and SB20358 ＋ electroacupuncture group compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group.There was no significant difference in phosphorylated p38 expression between the ischemia/reperfusion group and SB20358 group.These findings confirmed that the electroacupuncture effects on mitigating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury are possibly associated with the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.A time period of 3 days could promote the repair of ischemic cerebral nerves.

Comparative analysis of different cyclosporine A doses on protection after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of different cyclosporin A(CsA)doses on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat models.Methods:A rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was established in vivo and the rats were randomly divided into four groups:placebo(PBS;T1),low-dose(CsA dose:1.0 mg/kg:T2),medium-dose(CsA dose:2.5 mg/kg:T3),and high-dose(CsA dose:5.0 mg/kg;T4)groups.Heart function indexes were monitored at different time points,the extent of myocardial infarction was assessed by Evans Blue-TTC staining,and creatine kinase MB mass and cardiac troponin 1 values were measured by biochemical assays.Results:Compared with the T1 and T2 groups,both the creatine kinase MB mass and cardiac troponin 1 were significantly lower in the T3 and T4 groups(P<0.05).The mean arterial pressure(MAP)and left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP)decreased sequentially in each group,with the extending reperfusion time.Significant decreases in LVSP and MAP were observed in the T3 and T4 groups as compared to the T1 and T2 group(P<0.05)and the T2 group showed a significantly lower LVSP and MAP decline than the T1 group(P<0.05).Compared with the Tl group,the rats from the T2.T3,and T4 groups suffered from a significantly lower extent of myocardial infarction(P<0.05).Also,the a animals in the T3 and T4 groups had a significantly smaller extent of myocardial infarction than those in the T2 group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Various CsA doses exert different degrees of protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury,and this protective effect peaks at approximately 2.5 mg/kg in rat models.

MicroRNA-15a/b are up-regulated in response to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Objective Several studies have indicated that miR-15a,miR-15b and miR-16 may be the important regulators of apoptosis.Since attenuate apoptosis could protect myocardium and reduce infarction size,the present study was aimed to find out whether these miRNAs participate in regulating myocardial ischemia reperfusion （I/R） injury.Methods Apoptosis in mice hearts subjected to I/R was detected by TUNEL assay in vivo,while flow cytometry analysis followed by Annexin V/PI double stain in vitro was used to detect apoptosis in cultured cardiomyocytes which were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation （H/R）.Taqman real-time quantitative PCR was used to confirm whether miR-15a/15b/16 were involved in the regulation of cardiac I/R and H/R.Results Compared to those of the controls,I/R or H/R induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was significantly iucreased both in vivo （24.4％ ± 9.4％ vs.2.2％ ± 1.9％,P ＜ 0.01,n =5） and in vitro （14.12％ ±0.92％ vs.2.22％ ± 0.08％）.The expression of miR-15a and miR-15b,but not miR-16,was increased in the mice I/R model,and the results were consistent in the H/R model.Conclusions Our data indicate miR-15 and miR-15b are up-regulated in response to cardiac I/R injury,therefore,down-regulation of miR- 15a/b may be a promising strategy to reduce myocardial apoptosis induced by cardiac I/R injury.

Electroacupuncture reduces injury to the blood-brain barrier following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

This study used electroacupuncture at Renzhong （DU26） and Baihui （DU20） in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Neurological deficit scores, western blotting, and reverse transcription-PCR results demonstrated that electroacupuncture markedly reduced neurological deficits, decreased corpus striatum aquaporin-4 protein and mRNA expression, and relieved damage to the blood-brain barrier in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. These results suggest that electroacupuncture most likely protects the blood-brain barrier by regulating aquaporin-4 expression following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Effect of rosiglitazone on rabbit model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

To explore mechanism and protective effect of rosiglitazone on myocardial ischemia reperfusion(I/R) injury.Methods:A total of 48 male Japanese white big-ear rabbits were randomly divided into control group(A),I/R group(B),low dose of rosiglitazone group(C),high dose of rosiglitazone group(D).Plasma concentration of and also reduced the concentration of plasma serum creatine kinase(CK),CK-MB.high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP).ultrasuperoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MD.A).lactic acid glutathione skin peroxidase (C-SH-PX).nitric oxide(NO)and endothelin(ET) were measured 1 h later after I/R.Twenty-four hours after I/R the hearts were harvested for pathological and ultrastructural analysis.Area of myocardial infarction were tested.Results:Plasma concentration of CK,Ck-MB.hsCRP,NO. MDA and ET were decreased in C,D group compared with group B.Plasma concentration of T-SOD and GSH-Px were increased significantly in C.D group compared with group B.Compared with group B.pathological and ullraslructural changes in C and D group were slightly.There was significant difference in myocardial infarction area between group C.D and group B(P【0.05). Myocardial infarction area and arrhythmia rate were lower in group C,D compare with group B. Rosiglitazone may protect myocardium from I/R injury by enhancing T-SOD and GSH-Px concentration,inhibit inflammatory reaction,and improve endothelial function.

Hypoxic preconditioning reduces NLRP3 inflammasome expression and protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Hypoxic preconditioning can protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the underlying mechanisms that mediate this effect are not completely clear. In this study, mice were pretreated with continuous, intermittent hypoxic preconditioning;1 hour later, cerebral ischemia/reperfusion models were generated by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. Compared with control mice, mice with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury showed increased Bederson neurological function scores, significantly increased cerebral infarction volume, obvious pathological damage to the hippocampus, significantly increased apoptosis;upregulated interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 levels in brain tissue;and increased expression levels of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3), NLRP inflammasome-related protein caspase-1, and gasdermin D. However, hypoxic preconditioning significantly inhibited the above phenomena. Taken together, these data suggest that hypoxic preconditioning mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome expression. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Fourth Hospital of Baotou, China(approval No. DWLL2019001) in November 2019.

The expression of oxidative stress genes related to myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:We aimed to investigate the gene expression of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MIRI)in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)using stress and toxicity pathway gene chip technology and try to determine the underlying mechanism.METHODS:The mononuclear cells were separated by ficoll centrifugation,and plasma total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)was determined by the ferric reducing ability of plasma(FRAP)assay.The expression of toxic oxidative stress genes was determined and verified by oligo gene chip and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Additionally,gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis was performed on DAVID website to analyze the potential mechanism further.RESULTS:The total numbers of white blood cells(WBC)and neutrophils(N)in the peripheral blood of STEMI patients(the AMI group)were significantly higher than those in the control group(WBC:11.67±4.85×10^(9)/L vs.6.41±0.72×10^(9)/L,P<0.05;N:9.27±4.75×10^(9)/L vs.3.89±0.81×10^(9)/L,P<0.05),and WBCs were significantly associated with creatine kinase-myocardial band(CK-MB)on the first day(Y=8.945+0.018X,P<0.05).In addition,the T-AOC was significantly lower in the AMI group comparing to the control group(12.80±1.79 U/mL vs.20.48±2.55 U/mL,P<0.05).According to the gene analysis,eight up-regulated differentially expressed genes(DEGs)included GADD45A,PRDX2,HSPD1,DNAJB1,DNAJB2,RAD50,TNFSF6,and TRADD.Four down-regulated DEGs contained CCNG1,CAT,CYP1A1,and ATM.TNFSF6 and CYP1A1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)to verify the expression at different time points,and the results showed that TNFSF6 was up-regulated and CYP1A1 was down-regulated as the total expression.GO and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis suggested that the oxidative stress genes mediate MIRI via various ways such as unfolded protein response(UPR)and apoptosis.CONCLUSIONS:WBCs,especially neutrophils,were the critical cells that mediating reperfusion injury.MIRI was regulated by various genes,including oxidative metabolic stress,heat shock,DNA damage and repair,and apoptosis-related genes.The underlying pathway may be associated with UPR and apoptosis,which may be the novel therapeutic target.

Effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B on the myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury in rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B on rats with myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury.Methods:SD rats were randomly divided into five groups(n=10 in each group):A sham operation group,B ischemic reperfusion group model group,C low dose salvianolic acid B group,D median dose salvianolic acid B group,E high dose salvianolic acid B group.One hour after establishment of the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model,the concentration and the apoptotic index of the plasma level of myocardial enzymes(CTnⅠ,CKMB),SOD,MDA,NO,ET were,measured.Heart tissues were obtained and micro-structural changes were observed.Results:Compared the model group,the plasma CTnⅠ,CK-MB,MDA and ET contents were significantly increased,NO,T-SOD contents were decreased in the treatment group(group C,D,and E)(P<0.05);compared with group E,the plasma CTnⅠ,CKMB,MDA and ET levels were increased,the NO,T-SOD levels were decreased in groups C and D(P<0.05).Infarct size was significantly reduced,and the myocardial ultrastructural changes were improved significantly in treatment group.Conclusions:Salvianolic acid B has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.It can alleviate oxidative stress,reduce calcium overload,improve endothelial function and so on.

Preconditioning and postconditioning reduce hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury occurs when ischemic tissues or organs suffer from further functional and structural damage when their blood supply recovers. This study aimed to contrast the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated (SO), ischemia-reperfusion (IR), ischemic preconditioning (I-pre), and ischemic postconditioning (I-post). Blood samples and hepatic tissue were taken from all groups after the experiments. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the IR, I-pre and I-post groups in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, NF-kappa B p65 expression, apoptosis index and superoxide dismutase activity in hepatic tissue. There were no significant differences between the I-pre and I-post groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic postconditioning and ischemic preconditioning reduce hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, but in clinical practice the former is a more appropriate choice.

Effects of Lipoteichoic Acid induced Delayed Preconditioning on Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Isolated Rat Hearts

To explore the potential of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) induced cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated rat hearts and whether endogenous nitric oxide (NO) participates in the protection, the rats were pretreated with LTA (1 mg/kg, i p ) 24 h before the experiment, and the isolated hearts were subjected to 30 min no-flow normothermic global ischemia and 60 min reperfusion after a 20-min stabilization period by the langendorff method Cardiac functions were evaluated at the end of stabilization, and at 30 min, 60 min of reperfusion The amounts of MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and total NO oxidation products in the coronary effluent were measured spectrophotometrically at the end of reperfusion It was revealed that pretreatment with LTA could significantly improve the recovery of cardiac function, reduce the release of CK-MB and LDH, and increase the concentrations of NO in coronary effluent The protective effects were abrogated by pretreatment of the rats with L-NAME It was concluded that LTA could induce the delayed cardioprotection against I/R injury, and endogenous NO may be involved in the mechanisms

The role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta in brain injury induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of diabetes mellitus

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury can lead to severe brain injury.Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta is known to be involved in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and diabetes mellitus.However,the precise role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced brain injury is unclear.In this study,we observed the effects of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta on brain injury induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic rats.Rat models of diabetes mellitus were generated via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.Models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury were generated by occluding the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery.Post-conditioning comprised three cycles of ischemia/reperfusion.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assays demonstrated that after 48 hours of reperfusion,the structure of the brain was seriously damaged in the experimental rats compared with normal controls.Expression of Bax,interleukin-6,interleukin-8,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d UTP nick end labeling,and cleaved caspase-3 in the brain was significantly increased,while expression of Bcl-2,interleukin-10,and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta was decreased.Diabetes mellitus can aggravate inflammatory reactions and apoptosis.Ischemic post-conditioning with glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitor lithium chloride can effectively reverse these changes.Our results showed that myocardial ischemic post-conditioning attenuated myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced brain injury by activating glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta.According to these results,glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta appears to be an important factor in brain injury induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury:Possible role of melatonin

Our knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary atherosclerosis has increased enormously over the last 20 years.Reperfusion through thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary angioplasty is the standard treatment for preventing acute myocardial infarction.Early reperfusion is an absolute prerequisite for survival of the ischemic myocardium,but reperfusion itself may lead to accelerated and additional myocardial injury beyond that generated by ischemia alone.These outcomes,in a range of reperfusion-associated pathologies,are collectively termed "reperfusion injuries".Reactive oxygen species are known to be produced in large quantities in the first few minutes of the post-ischemia reperfusion process.Similarly,scientific evidence from the last 15 years has suggested that melatonin has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.The presence of vascular melatoninergic receptor binding sites has been demonstrated;these receptors are functionally linked to vasoconstrictor or vasodilatory effects of melatonin.It has been shown that patients with coronary heart disease have a low melatonin production rate,especially those with higher risk of cardiac infarction and/or sudden death.Melatonin attenuates molecular and cellular damage resulting from cardiac ischemia-reperfusion in which destructive free radicals are involved.

Protective effect of ischemic preconditioning on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by advancing the expressive phase of survivin in rats

BACKGROUND: Survivin is a new and important gene in the regulation of apoptosis. It is very important to explore the effect of the expression of survivin protein caused by ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The effect of IR injury caused by ischemic preconditioning (IP) on the liver in rats and the relation between the protective effect of IP and the expression of survivin are unclear. METHODS: One hundred and fifty male Wistar rats (weighing 190-210 g, aged 6-7 weeks) were divided into three groups at random: ischemic preconditioning (IP), ischemia-reperfusion (IR) and sham-operation (SO). Sample specimens were collected from each group at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after reperfusion. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue was measured. Pathological changes in the liver and immunohistochemical staining for survivin were determined with an optical microscope. RESULTS: The ALT levels in the IP and IR groups after reperfusion at each time were higher than those in the SO group (P<0.05), whereas after reperfusion for 6 and 12 hours, the ALT levels in the IP group were lower than those in the IR group (P<0.05). The AST levels in all IP and IR groups were higher than those in the SO group (P<0.05), whereas after reperfusion for 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours, the AST levels in the IP group were lower than those in the IR group (P<0.05). The MDA concentrations after reperfusion in the IP group were lower than those in the IR group (P<0.05), though the MDA concentrations in the IP and IR groups increased in contrast to those in the SO group after reperfusion at each time (P<0.05). After reperfusion for 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours, the number of survivin-positive cells was larger in the IP and IR groups than in the SO group (P<0.05). After reperfusion for 12, 24, and 48 hours the number of survivin-positive cells in the IP group increased compared with that in the IR group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IR increases the protein expression of survivin in liver tissue. IP inhibits the accumulation of MDA, advances the expressive phase of survivin protein in hepatic tissue, and improves liver function.