姜黄素通过抑制NF-κB信号活化减少类风湿关节炎破骨细胞生成

目的研究姜黄素(curcumin,Cur)对类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)患者破骨细胞生成的影响及可能机制。方法分离RA患者外周血单个核细胞(peripheral blood mononuclear cells,PBMCs)诱导培养为破骨细胞,不同浓度Cur(0、2.5、5和10μmol/L)进行干预。培养14 d后行抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase,TRAP)染色标记成熟破骨细胞并计数;Western blot法检测各组细胞中核因子-κB抑制蛋白α(inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B,IκBα)、磷酸化IκBα(p-IκBα)蛋白的表达;Western blot法检测细胞质和细胞核中核因子-κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)p65的表达。结果 Cur2.5、5和Cur 10μmol/L组TRAP阳性细胞数(个/10个视野)分别为103.00±4.36、89.33±4.93和67.33±4.16,与Control组146.67±6.11相比均明显减少(P0.05);IκBα蛋白表达水平明显升高,p-IκBα的表达水平明显下降(P0.05);细胞质中NF-κB p65表达水平明显升高,细胞核中NF-κB p65表达水平明显下降(P0.05)。结论姜黄素通过抑制NF-κB信号活化减少RA破骨细胞生成。     

右美托咪定联合Tol样受体4抑制剂对缺氧复氧心肌细胞凋亡和炎症反应的影响及其机制

目的探讨右美托咪定(DEX)联合Toll样受体4(TLR4)抑制剂TAK-242对缺氧复氧(H/R)心肌细胞凋亡和炎症反应的影响及其机制。方法心肌细胞H9C2分为对照(Con)组、H/R组(H/R损伤)、DEX组(1.0μmol/L DEX,再行H/R损伤)、TAK-242组(30μmol/L TAK-242,再行H/R损伤)和DEX+TAK-242组(30μmol/L TAK-242及1.0μmol/L DEX,再行H/R损伤处理)。各组细胞复氧培养6 h后,采用MTT法、流式细胞仪、试剂盒、酶联免疫吸附法检测细胞增殖、凋亡、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)释放率、白介素1β(IL-1β)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量,Western blot检测B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、裂解的caspase-3(cleaved caspase-3)、TLR4和核因子B p65(NF-κB p65)蛋白表达。结果五组细胞凋亡率、LDH释放率、Bax、Bcl-2、cleaved caspase-3、TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平、IL-1β、TNF-α含量比较差异均有统计学意义(F=316.938、330.004、839.933、169.750、378.365、476.535、298.527、99.219、293.498,P<0.05)。与Con组相比,H/R组细胞的凋亡率、LDH释放率、Bax、cleaved caspase-3、TLR4和NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平、细胞上清液中IL-1β和TNF-α含量均明显升高(均P<0.05),Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显降低(均P<0.05)。与H/R组相比,DEX组、TAK-242组和DEX+TAK-242组的细胞凋亡率、LDH释放率、Bax蛋白、cleaved caspase-3、TLR4和NF-κB p65蛋白、IL-1β、TNF-α的表达水平均明显降低,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显升高(均P<0.05)。与DEX组、TAK-242组相比,DEX+TAK-242组的细胞凋亡率、LDH释放率、Bax、cleaved caspase-3、TLR4和NF-κB p65蛋白表达、IL-1β、TNF-α表达水平更低,Bcl-2蛋白的表达更高(均P<0.05)。结论DEX和TAK-242联合可协同抑制H/R引起的心肌细胞凋亡和炎症反应,其作用机制可能与协同抑制TLR4/NF-κB通路有关。     

Pim-3基因抑制暴发性肝细胞凋亡的机制

目的 探讨Pim-3基因对暴发性肝细胞凋亡的抑制机制. 方法 32只大鼠随机分成4组(8只/组).A组为正常对照组,B、C组和D组采用流体力学注射方法,分别以林格氏液、空载体质粒pEGFP-N2和重组质粒pEGFP-N2/Pim-3溶液预处理大鼠;1 d后,予脂多糖(LPS) /D-半乳糖胺(D-GalN)腹腔注射诱导暴发性肝细胞凋亡.8h后处死大鼠,采集肝组织标本.用Caspase-3活性测定法检测细胞凋亡情况;RT-PCR检测肝组织诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、p53基因表达水平;Western blot检测肝组织Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达水平.组间数据比较采用非参数Kruskal-Wallis检验.结果 LPS/D-GalN联合攻击造成了大鼠肝内Caspase-3活性显著增高,而D组Caspase-3活性较B组和C组均显著降低[(141.7±13.7)RFU比(508.1±32.0)、(493.5±33.1)RFU,P值均＜0.01].LPS/D-GalN的应用也诱导了肝组织iNOS mRNA、p53 mRNA、Bax蛋白表达,与B组和C组相比,D组iNOS mRNA和p53 mRNA的表达水平显著降低(0.06±0.01比0.42±0.08、0.35±0.06;0.73±0.11比1.17±0.25、1.23±0.31,P值均＜0.01),而Bax蛋白表达水平差异无统计学意义(1.19±0.09比1.13±0.08、1.25±0.11,P＞0.05);另外,D组肝内Bcl-2蛋白表达水平较A、B组和C组均显著升高(3.05±0.29比1.03±0.05、0.98±0.06、1.10±0.08,P值均＜0.01).结论 Pim-3基因通过对损伤基因和凋亡相关基因的影向抑制了暴发性肝细胞凋亡的发生.     

吡格列酮对高脂血症大鼠核转录因子kB活性和主动脉凋亡蛋白表达的影响

目的 观察吡格列酮对高脂血症大鼠NF-κB活性和主动脉凋亡蛋白Bax、Bcl-2表达的影响.方法 SD大鼠26只,随机分为对照组9只、高脂饮食组17只.高脂饮食组喂养12周后再随机分为模型组8只和吡格列酮组9只,干预4周后,检测各组血脂;HE染色观察主动脉组织形态学改变;免疫组织化学法检测NF-κB p65、Bax、Bcl-2 表达.结果 与对照组比较,高脂饮食组12周后,TG、TC、LDL-C明显升高(P＜0.01);与模型组比较,16周后,吡格列酮组TG、TC明显降低(P＜0.01);与对照组比较,模型组NF κB p65、Bax明显升高,Bcl-2和Bcl-2/Bax比值明显降低(P＜0.01);与模型组比较,吡格列酮组NF-κB p65、Bax明显降低,Bcl-2和Bcl-2/Bax比值明显升高(P＜0.01).结论 高脂饮食可引起主动脉凋亡蛋白Bax、Bcl-2及Bcl-2/Bax比值的改变,可能与NF-κB活性增加相关.吡格列酮可减少NF-κB p65表达,调节Bax、Bcl-2表达,从而改善内皮细胞功能和动脉粥样硬化病理进程.     

氟、砷及其联合染毒对大鼠海马和大脑皮质组织Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达的影响

目的 探讨氟、砷及其联合染毒对大鼠海马和大脑皮质组织Bcl-2和Bax凋亡蛋白表达的影响.方法 将初断乳SPF级雄性SD大鼠按体质量随机分为对照组、氟处理组、砷处理组和氟砷联合组,每组10只.氟处理组大鼠饮用120 mg/L氟化钠(NaF)水溶液,砷处理组大鼠饮用70 mg/L亚砷酸钠(NaAsO2)水溶液,氟砷联合组大鼠饮用含120mg/L NaF和70 mg/L NaAsO2的水溶液,对照组大鼠饮用蒸馏水.3个月后采用免疫组织化学和Western blot法检测大鼠海马和大脑皮质组织Bcl-2和Bax凋亡蛋白的表达.结果 ①免疫组织化学法检测结果:大鼠海马和大脑皮质组织细胞质中Bcl-2和Bax凋亡蛋白呈现为棕黄色颗粒物;与对照组和氟、砷处理组比较,氟砷联合组大鼠海马和大脑皮质Bcl-2阳性神经元细胞数较少;与对照组比较,氟、砷处理组和氟砷联合组大鼠海马和大脑皮质Bax阳性神经元细胞数较多,尤其以氟砷联合组的阳性细胞数最多.②Western blot法检测结果:对照组、氟处理组、砷处理组、氟砷联合组大鼠海马组织Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达分别为0.84±0.22、0.76±0.10、0.75±0.24、0.28±0.05和0.44±0.19、0.81±0.14、1.22±0.45、1.45±0.26,其中氟砷联合组Bcl-2表达明显低于其他3组(P均＜0.05),而氟、砷处理组和氟砷联合组Bax表达均明显高于对照组(P均＜ 0.05),且砷处理组和氟砷联合组Bax表达高于氟处理组;上述4组大鼠大脑皮质Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达分别为0.51±0.18、0.50±0.12、0.49±0.19、0.33±0.19和0.39±0.18、0.79±0.30、0.79±0.35、0.80±0.18,其中氟、砷处理组和氟砷联合组大鼠Bax蛋白表达明显高于对照组(P均＜0.05).氟、砷处理组和氟砷联合组大鼠海马和大脑皮质组织Bcl-2/Bax表达比值(0.96±0.28、0.72±0.45、0.33±0.05和0.69±0.37、0.57±0.10、0.37±0.18)均明显低于对照组(1.91±1.32、1.44±0.29,P均＜0.05),尤以氟砷联合组最明显.结论 在一定染毒剂量下,氟和砷均促进大鼠海马及大脑皮质组织Bax蛋白的表达,降低海马及大脑皮质组织的Bcl-2/Bax表达比值.氟和砷对大鼠海马组织Bcl-2蛋白表达和大脑皮质组织Bcl-2/Bax蛋白表达比值的影响存在协同作用.     

神经节苷脂对过氧化氢诱导PC12细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨神经节苷脂对过氧化氢(H_2O_2)诱导PC12细胞凋亡的影响。方法将200μmol/L H_2O_2诱导的PC12细胞分为模型组,神经节苷脂低、中、高浓度组(12.5、25.0、50.0μmol/L),同时设立空白对照为正常组。噻唑蓝(MTT)法检测细胞活力,Annexin V/PI流式双染检测细胞凋亡,探针法检测活性氧簇(ROS)荧光强度,比色法检测天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶(Caspase)3、Caspase9活性,Western印迹法检测核因子(NF)-κB信号通路激活情况及B淋巴细胞瘤(Bcl)-2、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)表达。结果与正常组比较,模型组细胞活力降低,细胞凋亡率、ROS荧光强度及Caspase3、9活性提高,Bax、p-NF-κB p65及p-IκBα表达量上调,Bcl-2表达量下调,差异均有统计学意义(P0.01)。与模型组比较,神经节苷脂低、中、高浓度组细胞活力提高,细胞凋亡率、ROS荧光强度及Caspase3、9活性降低,Bax、p-NF-κB p65及p-IκBα表达量下调,神经节苷脂中、高浓度组Bcl-2表达量上调,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.01)。结论神经节苷脂通过抑制NF-κB信号通路进而抵抗H_2O_2诱导的PC12细胞凋亡。     

氟中毒大鼠骨组织细胞核转录因子-kB相关基因mRNA和蛋白表达改变

目的 探讨氟对骨组织中细胞核转录因子-kB(NF-kB)相关基因mRNA和蛋白表达的影响.方法 健康SD大鼠36只,体质量100 ～ 120 g,按体质量随机分为3组,每组12只.对照组饮用自来水(含氟量＜1 ag/L),低氟组和高氟组分别饮用含5、50 mg/L氟化钠的自来水.大鼠饲养8个月,建立慢性氟中毒模型,股动脉放血处死.取大鼠股骨干骺端,光镜观察骨组织形态学改变;采用灰化-氟离子选择电极法检测骨氟;采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b(TRACP 5b)水平;采用Real-time PCR和免疫组织化学方法检测骨组织中p50、p65、ⅠkBα mRNA和蛋白表达水平.结果 染氟大鼠股骨干骺端呈骨质硬化表现.低氟组、高氟组骨氟[(6.32±1.23)、(10.89±1.56)mg/kg]显著高于对照组[(3.06±1.01 )mg/kg,P均＜0.05],且高氟组显著高于低氟组(P＜0.05).低氟组血清TRACP 5b水平[(3.45±1.85)U/L]显著高于对照组[(1.26±0.23)U/L,P＜0.05],高氟组[(2.74±1.85)U/L]较低氟组降低(P＜0.05).低氟组p50、ⅠkBα mRNA表达水平(4.41±0.44、1.15±0.25)显著高于对照组(1.46±0.10、0.26±0.07,P均＜0.05),高氟组(0.69±0.09、0.14±0.03)较低氟组降低(P均＜0.05).低氟组p50、ⅠkBα蛋白表达水平(152.96±7.87、156.20±9.75)显著高于对照组(125.63±9.85、118.97±6.94,P均＜0.05),高氟组(120.56±9.57、114.50±7.61)较低氟组降低(P均＜ 0.05).结论 氟可致NF-kB通路相关基因表达改变,后者可能参与氟致骨骼损伤的发生机制.     

一氧乙酰旋覆花内酯对缺氧心肌细胞的作用研究

目的:探讨一氧乙酰旋覆花内酯(1-O-acetylbritannilactone,ABL)在心肌细胞缺氧损伤中的作用及其机制。方法:体外培养H9C2心肌细胞,构建缺氧损伤模型,分为对照组、缺氧组、1μmol/L ABL组和10μmol/L ABL组。采用CCK-8法检测心肌细胞活力,采用RT-PCR检测白细胞介素-1(IL-1)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)等炎症指标及还原型烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸(NADPH)氧化酶p67phox亚基、NADPH氧化酶gp91phox亚基、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)等氧化应激相关指标的mRNA表达水平,采用活性氧检测试剂盒进行活性氧(ROS)水平检测,用缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)检测细胞凋亡率,Western blot检测凋亡蛋白Bax、Bcl-2、细胞色素C(Cyt C)及核因子κB(NF-κB)p65、NF-κB抑制蛋白α(IKBα)的蛋白表达水平。结果:(1)不同浓度ABL对心肌细胞存活率的影响:1、2、5、10μmol/L的ABL均未影响心肌细胞存活率(P均0.05)。(2)各组心肌细胞缺氧损伤后炎症因子的表达:与对照组相比,缺氧组细胞内IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α等炎性因子的mRNA表达水平均明显升高(P均0.05),ABL预处理后上述促炎性因子表达水平呈浓度依赖性降低(P均0.05),但仍高于对照组(P均0.05),且1μmol/L和10μmol/L ABL组组间差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。(3)各组心肌细胞缺氧损伤后氧化应激的变化:与对照组相比,缺氧组细胞ROS水平明显升高,p67phox、gp91phox的mRNA表达水平均明显升高,ABL预处理后上述改变呈浓度依赖性降低(P均0.05);与对照组相比,缺氧组细胞SOD、GSH-Px的mRNA表达水平均明显降低(P均0.05),ABL预处理后上述抗氧化物的表达呈浓度依赖性升高(P均0.05)。(4)各组心肌细胞缺氧损伤后凋亡的变化:与对照组相比,缺氧组细胞凋亡率、Bax和Cyt C的蛋白表达水平均明显升高,Bcl-2的蛋白表达水平则明显降低(P均0.05),ABL预处理后逆转了上述细胞凋亡率及凋亡相关蛋白的改变(P均0.05),且作用呈浓度依赖性(P均0.05);(5)各组心肌细胞缺氧损伤后相关信号通路的变化:与对照组相比,缺氧组细胞的磷酸化p65、IKBα蛋白的表达水平均明显升高(P均0.05),ABL预处理后上述蛋白表达水平呈浓度依赖性降低(P均0.05)。结论:ABL可通过抑制NF-κB p65/IKBα信号通路对缺氧损伤的心肌细胞发挥保护性作用。     

左旋卡尼汀联合CrkL降低缺氧复氧诱导的心肌细胞损伤

目的研究左旋卡尼汀联合CT10激酶调节子样蛋白(CrkL)降低缺氧复氧(H/R)诱导的心肌细胞损伤的作用。方法利用H/R损伤心肌细胞H9c2,使用左旋卡尼汀处理。细胞计数试剂盒8(CCK-8)、流式细胞术、Western blot分别检测细胞的增殖、凋亡和细胞核相关抗原Ki-67(Ki-67)、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、核因子κB(NF-κB)、CrkL水平。在细胞H9c2中转染pcDNA-CrkL,使用H/R处理或H/R+左旋卡尼汀处理。采用上述方法检测细胞增殖、凋亡等。结果与对照组比较,H/R组H9c2细胞的活力、Ki-67、PCNA、Bcl-2、CrkL蛋白表达量明显降低,细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白水平及炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β、NF-κB的蛋白水平显著升高(P0.05)。与H/R组比较,左旋卡尼汀明显增加H/R诱导的H9c2细胞活力及Ki-67、PCNA、Bcl-2、CrkL蛋白表达量,显著降低细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白水平及TNF-α、IL-1β、NF-κB蛋白水平(P0.05)。CrkL过表达明显提高H/R诱导的H9c2细胞活力和Ki-67、PCNA、Bcl-2蛋白表达量,显著降低细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白水平及TNF-α、IL-1β、NF-κB蛋白水平(P0.05)。与单独使用左旋卡尼汀或CrkL过表达比较,左旋卡尼汀联合CrkL过表达明显提高H9c2细胞的活力和Ki-67、PCNA、Bcl-2蛋白表达量,显著降低细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白水平及TNF-α、IL-1β、NF-κB蛋白水平(P0.05)。结论左旋卡尼汀联合CrkL可以促进缺氧复氧诱导的心肌细胞增殖,降低细胞凋亡和炎症反应,从而保护心肌细胞。     

α-硫辛酸对氧化损伤大鼠肝细胞凋亡的保护作用

目的 研究α-硫辛酸(α-LA)对氧化损伤大鼠肝细胞凋亡的保护作用.方法 将正常大鼠肝细胞(BRL)分为正常对照组,在含有5％胎牛血清(FBS)的DMEM培养基中培养24 h;H2O2损伤组,在含有5％ FBS的DMEM培养基中培养24 h后,以0.2 mmol/L H2O2作用1 h;α-LA低、中、高剂量组,分别用含有50、100、200 μmol/L α-LA的培养液培养细胞24 h后,以0.2 mmol/L H2O2作用1h.测定各组谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)含量、细胞凋亡率、凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Bax的表达.结果 与正常对照组比较,H2O2损伤组的GSH-Px和SOD活性均降低,MDA含量和细胞凋亡率升高(P＜0.05),Bcl-2蛋白表达量减少,Bax蛋白表达量增多(P＜0.05);与H2O2损伤组相比,α-LA各剂量组的GSH-Px和SOD活性均有所升高,MDA含量和细胞凋亡率下降(P＜0.05),Bcl-2蛋白表达量增加,Bax蛋白表达量降低(P＜0.05).结论 α-LA可以通过抗氧化,上调Bcl-2的蛋白表达水平,下调Bax的蛋白表达水平,对氧化损伤引起的肝细胞凋亡起到保护作用.     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.