Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist abrogates lipopolysaccharide-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rat liver

Endotoxemia-induced hepatotoxicity is characterized by disturbed intracellular redox balance, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation inducing DNA, proteins and membrane lipid damages. In the present study, the protective effects of montelukast (MNT) against Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced oxidative stress were investigated in rat liver. LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected and the animals were sacrificed 6 h after LPS challenge. MNT (10 mg/kg) was administered orally for seven successive days before endotoxemia induction. Blood samples were withdrawn for assessing the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and levels of serum total bilirubin, total protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Livers were dissected out and used for histological examination or stored for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Sepsis significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, total bilirubin, TNF-α and IL-1β, MPO, MDA and PCC levels and decreased total protein, GSH and enzymatic antioxidants (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px). MNT decreased the markers of liver injury (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and total bilirubin), inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-alpha, IL-1β), MDA, PCC and MPO after LPS challenge. In conclusion, MNT abrogates LPS-induced markers of liver injury and suppresses the release of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers via its antioxidant properties and enhancement enzymatic antioxidant activities.     

Protective Effect of Infliximab,a Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alfa Inhibitor,on Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Rats

We aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Infliximab (IFX), a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor, on bleomycin (BLC)-induced lung fibrosis in rats. Rats were assigned into four groups as follows: I—BLC group, a single intra-tracheal BLC (2.5 mg/kg) was installed; II—control group, a single intra-tracheal saline was installed; III—IFX?+?BLC group, a single-dose IFX (7 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), 72 h before the intra-tracheal BLC installation; IV—IFX group, IFX (7 mg/kg) was administered alone i.p. on the same day with IFX?+?BLC group. All animals were sacrificed on the 14th day of BLC installation. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interleukin (IL)-6, periostin, YKL-40, nitric oxide (NO) in rat serum were measured, as well as, myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH), hydroxyproline, malondialdehyde (MDA) content in lung homogenates. Lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for quantitative histological evaluation. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and cell apoptosis in the lung tissues were determined quantitatively by immunohistochemical staining (INOS) and by TUNNEL staining, respectively. BLC installation worsened antioxidant status (such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MPO), while it increased the serum TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, periostin, YKL-40, and lipid peroxidation, and collagen deposition, measured by MDA and hydroxyproline, respectively. IFX pretreatment improved antioxidant status as well as BLC-induced lung pathological changes, while it decreased the TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, periostin, YKL-40, lipid peroxidation and collagen deposition. Finally, histological, immunohistochemical, and TUNNEL evidence also supported the ability of IFX to prevent BLC-induced lung fibrosis. The results of the present study indicate that IFX pretreatment can attenuate BLC-induced pulmonary fibrosis.     

Study of the effect of Cannabis sativa on liver and brain damage caused by thioacetamide

Cannabis sativa preparations are the most widely used illicit drugs worldwide. The present study aimed to examine the effect of C. sativa extract on liver injury caused by thioacetamide in the rat. Thioacetamide was administered at 50 mg/kg twice weekly via subcutaneous route (s.c.) for 2 weeks. Starting from the first dose of thioacetamide, rats were treated with either C. sativa at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg (expressed as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol), silymarin (25 mg/kg) or saline, once daily s.c., for 2 weeks. Reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) and nitric oxide concentrations were measured in the liver and brain. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), paraoxonase 1 activities (PON1) and total proteins were determined in serum. Hepatic injury was also determined via histological examination of liver sections. The administration of only cannabis to saline-treated rats had no significant effect on serum liver enzymes or on the hepatic levels of GSH, MDA or nitric oxide. Serum PON1 decreased by 21.9 % by 20 mg/kg cannabis. The level of MDA and nitric oxide in brain decreased by only cannabis administration. In thioacetamide-treated rats, the administration of cannabis extract (10 or 20 mg/kg) did not alter the level of MDA, GSH or nitric oxide in hepatic tissue. Serum ALT or AST were not significantly altered, but ALP increased significantly by 38.9 % after treatment with 20 mg/kg cannabis. Serum PON1 activity which showed marked decrease in thioacetamide-treated rats, increased by 18.9 and 151 % after C. sativa treatment. Serum proteins increased after the administration of cannabis (by 20.4 and 21.3 %, respectively). In brain tissue, both MDA and nitric oxide were significantly decreased by cannabis. Meanwhile, treatment with silymarin resulted in significant decrease in MDA and increased GSH in the liver tissue. Serum AST, ALT and ALP were significantly decreased, while PON1 activity was increased after silymarin. In brain, MDA decreased by 27.9 % after silymarin. Cannabis alone caused histological liver damage and fibrosis and neuronal degeneration. The liver tissue damage and brain degeneration caused by thioacetamide were enhanced by cannabis but almost prevented by silymarin treatment. It is concluded that the administration of C. sativa exacerbates the thioacetamide-induced liver and brain injury.     

Salidroside Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of salidroside (Sal) on lung injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemic in vitro and in vivo. SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, LPS group (15 mg kg^?1), LPS plus dexamethasone (2 mg kg^?1), and LPS plus Sal groups with different Sal doses (20 mg kg^?1, 40 mg kg^?1). Wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio was performed. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining of lung was performed. Lung level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured. Serum levels of the activities of the anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured. Caveolin-1 and TLR/NF-κB pathway proteins were detected by Western blot. In vitro, we evaluated the protective effect of Sal on A549 cell line induced by LPS. The activities of the antioxidant SOD, CAT, GSH and GPX, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in cellular supernatant were measured. Caveolin-1 and TLR/NF-κB pathway was examined by Western blot. As a result, Sal significantly attenuated the above indices. In addition, Sal exerts pronounced protective effects in rats subjected to LPS possibly through inhibiting the caveolin-1 and TLR/NF-κB pathway in vivo. Our results indicated that Sal could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of lung injury disease.     

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of green tea polyphenols against azathioprine-induced liver injury in rats

Green tea polyphenols (GTP) is considered to have protective effects against several diseases. The hepatotoxicity of azathioprine (AZA) has been reported and was found to be associated with oxidative damage. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of GTP to protect against AZA-induced liver injury in rats. AZA was administered i.p. in a single dose (50 mg kg⁻¹) to adult male rats. AZA-intoxicated rats were orally administered GTP (either 100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ or 300 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, for 21 consecutive days, started 7 days prior AZA injection).AZA administration to rats resulted in significant elevation of serum transaminases (sALT and sAST), alkaline phosphatase (sALP), depletion of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), accumulation of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), elevation of lipid peroxides (LPO) expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA), reduction of the hepatic total antioxidant activity (TAA), decrease serum total proteins and elevation of liver protein carbonyl content. Significant rises in liver tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 levels were noticed in AZA-intoxicated rats. Treatment of the AZA-intoxicated rats with GTP significantly prevented the elevations of sALT, sAST and sALP, inhibited depletion of hepatic GSH, GPx, CAT and GSSG and inhibited MDA accumulation. Furthermore, GTP had normalized serum total proteins and hepatic TAA, CAT, TNF-α and caspase-3 levels of AZA-intoxicated rats. In addition, GTP prevented the AZA-induced apoptosis and liver injury as indicated by the liver histopathological analysis. The linear regression analysis showed significant correlation in either AZA-GTP100 or AZA-GTP300 groups between TNF-α and each of serum ALT, AST, ALP and total proteins and liver TAA, GPX, CAT, GSH, GSSG, MDA and caspase-3 levels. However, liver TNF-α produced non-significant correlation with the serum total proteins in both AZA-GTP100 and AZA-GTP300 groups.In conclusion, our data indicate that GTP protects against AZA-induced liver injury in rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms. However, further merit investigations are needed to verify these results and to assess the efficacy of GTP therapy to counteract the liver injury and oxidative stress status.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone improves hepatic antioxidant systems after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits

This study evaluated the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the oxidant [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH)] systems in liver after renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rabbits. Thirty rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 10: group I (sham operation), group II (renal IR group), and group III (DHEA, 25 mg/kg, s.c., 15 min pre-ischemia). Renal IR injury in group II caused a decrease of SOD (25%), GPx (36%), and CAT (26%) activities and GSH levels (32%), and increases of MDA (30%) in liver and of ALT and AST activities in serum, compared to group I. DHEA administration decreased the hepatic MDA level (19%) and serum ALT activity (30%) (p <0.01 and p <0.05, respectively), and considerably increased hepatic GSH levels and GPx activities (p <0.01 for both) in group III, compared to group II. These results suggest that DHEA treatment has beneficial effects on antioxidant defenses against hepatic injury after renal IR in rabbits, possibly by augmenting GSH levels and lowering MDA production.     

Protective and Therapeutic Effect of Molsidomine on Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Rats

We aimed to investigate the preventive and treatment effect of molsidomine (MOL) on bleomycin (BLC)-induced lung injury in rats. Rats were assigned into groups as follows: control group; MOL group, 10 mg/kg MOL was continued orally for 29 day; BLC group, a single intratracheal injection of BLC (2.5 mg/kg), MOL+BLC-preventive group, 10 mg/kg MOL was administered 1 day before the intratracheal BLC injection and continued for 14 days; BLC+MOL-treatment group 10 mg/kg MOL was given on 14th day after the intratracheal BLC injection and continued until sacrifice. All animals were sacrificed on 29th day after BLC administration. The semiquantitative histopathological assessment, tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured. BLC-provoked histological changes were significantly detected compared to the control group. MOL restored these histological damages in different quantity in the treatment and preventive groups. BLC administration significantly decreased levels of GSH and TAS when compared to controls and these reductions was significantly ameliorated by MOL given prophylactic setting. However, therapeutic MOL administration significantly increased the TAS level decreased by BLC. The levels of MDA, MPO, and TOS were significantly increased with BLM, and these augmentations of MDA and TOS were significantly reduced by MOL given prophylactic setting. Furthermore, the OSI was higher in the BLC group, and this increase was reversed by the MOL administration before and after BLC treatment. In this study, both protective and therapeutic effects of MOL against BLC-induced lung fibrosis were demonstrated for the first time.     

Anti-inflammatory Role of Pilose Antler Peptide in LPS-Induced Lung Injury

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of pilose antler peptide (PAP) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury. BalB/c mice intraperitoneally received PAP (10 and 20 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) 1 h prior to intratracheal instillation of LPS. PAP significantly decreased lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio and lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and restored LPS-induced lung histopathological changes. PAP also increased super oxide dismutase (SOD) level and inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) content and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in LPS-stimulated mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PAP inhibited Rho/NF-κB pathway in LPS-induced mice. Our experimental results indicated that the protective mechanism of PAP might be attributed partly to the inhibition of Rho/NF-κB pathway.     

Effect of Cannabis sativa on oxidative stress and organ damage after systemic endotoxin administration in mice

The effect of Cannabis sativa extract on oxidative stress and organ tissue damage during systemic inflammation was studied. For this purpose, Swiss mice were challenged with a single intraperitoneal dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 200 μg/kg) to mimic aspects of mild systemic infection. Cannabis resin extract (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) (expressed as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) was given via subcutaneous route for 2 days prior to and at the time of endotoxin administration. Mice were euthanized 4 h after LPS injection. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) in the brain, liver, kidney, lung, and heart as well as brain glucose were measured. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in liver homogenates. Histopathological examination of different organs was performed, and immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and caspase-3 in the brain and liver. The administration of only cannabis (20 mg/kg) decreased MDA, increased GSH, and decreased glucose level in the brain. No significant effects were observed for cannabis alone on MDA, GSH, or nitric oxide in other organs or on liver enzymes. The administration of LPS increased MDA and nitric oxide, while GSH decreased in different organs. Brain glucose increased by endotoxin. AST, ALT, and ALP were markedly increased in the liver tissue. In LPS-treated mice, cannabis (20 mg/kg) decreased MDA. GSH increased in the brain, kidney, and lung, nitric oxide decreased in the brain and lung while brain glucose decreased after the highest dose of cannabis. Cannabis failed to alter the level of liver enzymes. Histological damage in the brain, kidney, heart, lung, and liver due to endotoxin is increased by cannabis. Increased immunoreactivity of caspase-3 in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes was observed after LPS and cannabis cotreatment compared with the LPS only group. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity markedly increased in degenerating neurons of the cortex following cannabis and LPS cotreatment. iNOS inmmunoreactivity increased after LPS and more intense iNOS expression was detected in hepatocytes after cannabis and LPS cotreatment. iNOS expression increased after cannabis and LPS treatment especially in the cerebral cortex. Thus, the administration of cannabis decreased tissue oxidative stress but increased organ damage after endotoxin injection in mice.     

Oral acute toxicity study as well as tissues oxidative stress and histopathological disorders in edible camphor administered rats

In the South-western part of Nigeria, edible camphor (EC) infusions are used to treat pile, back pain, and erectile dysfunction, especially in preparation for sexual intercourse. We therefore carried out oral acute toxicity study, and then investigated the effects of various doses of EC on the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in wistar rats. Oral LD₅₀ of EC was estimated to be 9487 mg/kg body weight. Based on this, thirty animals were divided into six groups of five rats each, and were orally administered various doses of EC (1, 2, 4, and 6 g/kg body weight) for seven days. Comparing all results with control, EC significantly increased serum LDH activity (4 and 6 g/kg), liver (6 g/kg) and kidney (4 and 6 g/kg) MDA levels, as well testis GSH levels (1 g/kg). CAT activities were significantly decreased in liver, kidney, and testis, and also lung GSH level by all the tested doses. For SOD, activities were significantly increased in liver and lung, but significantly decreased in kidney (2, 4, and 6 g/kg). Various pathological disorders were also seen following the various doses of EC administered, especially in liver, kidney and lung. Therefore, from our findings, it is evident that incessant, misuse or overconsumption of EC could lead to oxidative tissue damage in rats.     

Hepatoprotective effect of chitosan-caffeic acid conjugate against ethanol-treated mice

The chitosan-caffeic acid (CCA) conjugate shows a hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress-induced hepatic damage in cultured hepatocytes. The objective of this study is the verification of the hepatoprotective effect of the CCA in vivo against ethanol-induced liver injury in mice. The administration of ethanol resulted in the increase of the serum-aminotransferase activities (AST and ALT), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation. The CCA co-administration, however, significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated these serum biomarkers. The antioxidant-enzyme activities in the liver tissue, including those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were significantly decreased by a chronic ethanol administration, whereas the hepatic lipid-peroxidation level was increased. Moreover, the chronic ethanol administration elevated the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the liver tissue. The CCA co-administration, however, significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of the SOD, CAT, and GPx and caused the down-regulation of the TNF-α- and IL-6-gene expressions in the liver tissue. An histopathologic evaluation also supported the hepatoprotective effect of the CCA against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in the mice.     

肠缺血再灌注时肠粘膜抗氧化系统及肝、肾功能改变的实验研究

目的：研究肠缺血再灌注损伤时肠粘膜抗氧化系统的改变及对肝、肾功能的影响。 方法： 复制大鼠肠缺血再灌注模型，采用分光光度计生化测定方法检测肠粘膜的还原型谷胱甘肽GSH、谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶GST、过氧化氢酶CAT、丙二醛MDA、超氧化物岐化酶SOD、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶GSH-Px及血清谷丙转氨酶ALT、谷草转氨酶AST、尿素氮BUN、肌酐Cr的改变。 结果： 肠粘膜MDA含量于再灌注2 h显著高于假手术组(P<0.05)，再灌注4 h较假手术组高116%(P<0.05)，24 h较前有所降低但仍高于假手术组(P<0.05)；GSH含量于再灌注2 h显著低于假手术组(P<0.05)，再灌注4 h低至假手术组的40%（P<0.01），12 h恢复；肠粘膜CAT、SOD和GSH-Px活性未见明显改变；GST活性于再灌注2 h较假手术组低39%，再灌注4 h达最低，较假手术组低43%(P<0.05)，12 h恢复至假手术组水平；血清ALT、AST、 BUN及Cr于再灌注2 h显著高于假手术组(P<0.05)，再灌注4 h分别较假手术组高208%、100%、103%、41%（P<0.01），24 h基本恢复。 结论： 肠缺血45 min再灌注使肠粘膜GSH含量和GST活性降低，MDA含量增加，并造成肝肾功能的可逆性损伤。     

Inhibition of Radiation-Induced Oxidative Damage in the Lung Tissue: May Acetylsalicylic Acid Have a Positive Role?

The lung is relatively sensitive to irradiation. It is shown that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) might reduce oxidative injury and that it has a place in protection from cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential radioprotective effects of ASA. Whole-body irradiation (6 Gy, single dose) was applied to the rats. Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the lung tissue were measured. Control (C), Radiation (R), Radiation?+?ASA (R?+?ASA; received irradiation and 25 mg/kg of ASA intraperitoneally (i.p.)), and Radiation?+?Amifostine (R?+?WR-2721; received irradiation and 200 mg/kg of WR-2721 i.p.) groups were used. The MPO levels decreased statistically significantly in the group administered ASA. Histopathologically, a radioprotective effect of ASA was more evident in the R?+?ASA group. ASA is an agent which has not been used as a radioprotector in the clinic yet, and it is worth supporting with more advanced studies.     

Cannabis sativa exacerbates hepatic injury caused by acetaminophen or carbon tetrachloride in rats

The effect of Cannabis sativa extract on acute liver injury caused by acetaminophen or carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was studied in rats. Cannabis sativa was given at doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg (expressed as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) once daily intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 2 days and simultaneously with acetaminophen or CCl₄. Rats were killed 24 h after acetaminophen or CCl₄ administration. Reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) concentrations were measured in the liver. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined in serum. Hepatic injury was also determined via histological examination of liver sections. The administration of only cannabis for 2 days had no significant effect on serum liver enzymes or on the hepatic levels of GSH, MDA or nitric oxide. However, in rats intoxicated with acetaminophen, Cannabis sativa at 5 or 10 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in serum GOT by 17.6% and 19.5%, respectively, compared with the acetaminophen control group. In the CCl₄-induced acute liver injury, the levels of AST, ALT and ALP in serum were significantly elevated by Cannabis sativa extract in a dose-dependent manner by 23.7–29.1%, 14.4–21.3% and 17.6–22.1%, respectively. In both models of hepatic injury, Cannabis sativa resulted in a significant increase in the level of liver MDA and nitric oxide and a significant decrease in GSH compared with the corresponding acetaminophen or CCl₄ control group. These changes were dose dependent. Histological examination showed an increase in centrilobular necrotic areas in acetaminophen or CCl₄-treated rats administered with Cannabis sativa. Histochemical investigation revealed a decrease in intracellular protein contents caused by CCl₄ or acetaminophen, and these were further decreased by Cannabis sativa. It is concluded that short-term administration of Cannabis sativa enhances acute hepatic damage caused by CCl₄ or acetaminophen in rats.     

褪黑素对烟雾吸入所致大鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用

目的通过建立褪黑素干预大鼠烟雾吸入性损伤模型,探讨褪黑素对急性肺损伤的保护作用。方法成年清洁级雄性SD大鼠72只随机分为空白组、损伤组和褪黑素组。空白组不做任何处理,损伤组于吸入性损伤处理后腹腔注射1%乙醇生理盐水（10ml/kg）,褪黑素组于吸入性损伤处理后腹腔注射褪黑素（10mg/kg,1次/8h）。三组大鼠分别在3h、12h、24h三个时相腹主动脉取血2ml后处死,动脉血离心后检测肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）含量和白细胞介素10（IL-10）。肺组织匀浆测超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、髓过氧化物酶（MPO）的含量。取右下肺组织作病理切片,光镜下观察肺组织病理情况。结果光镜下见空白组大鼠肺泡腔结构完整,壁光滑;损伤组肺泡壁增厚,肺间质炎症细胞浸润;褪黑素组肺组织较损伤组病理表现有所减轻。褪黑素组各时相点血清TNF-α和IL-6含量高于空白组（P〈0.05）,低于损伤组（P〈0.05）。损伤组各时相点IL-10含量与空白组相比无统计学差异（P〉0.05）,而褪黑素组IL-10含量与空白组、损伤组相比均升高（P〈0.05）。褪黑素组各时相点肺组织SOD含量均高于损伤组（P〈0.05）,低于空白组（P〈0.05）。褪黑素组各时相肺组织MDA和MPO含量均高于空白组（P〈0.05）,低于损伤组（P〈0.05）。结论褪黑素可以减轻炎症及氧化应激,对烟雾吸入性损伤所致急性肺损伤发挥一定的保护作用。     

Burn-Induced Multiple Organ Injury and Protective Effect of Lutein in Rats

Thermal injury may lead to multiple organ dysfunction through release of proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen radicals. This study investigated the effects of thermal injury on remote organs of rats and the possible protective effect of lutein. Thermal trauma was induced in the back of rats by exposing them to 90 °C bath for 10 s. Rats were sacrificed 48 h after burn, and blood samples were collected to monitor liver and kidney functions. Tissue samples from liver, kidneys, and lungs were taken for studying oxidative stress parameters, gene expressions of TNF-α and Casp-3, besides histopathological examination. Skin scald injury caused significant elevations of liver and kidney function biomarkers in the serum. In tissue samples, increments of MDA, GPx, and 8-OHdG were recorded while GSH level and the activities of CAT and SOD were suppressed. The expressions of TNF-α and caspase-3 mRNA were increased, and histopathological results revealed remote organ injury. Oral administration of lutein (250 mg/kg) resulted in amelioration of the biochemical and molecular changes induced by burn as well as the histopathological alterations. According to the findings of the present study, lutein possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects that protect against burn-induced damage in remote organs.     

Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Attenuates Seawater Instillation-Induced Acute Lung Injury <Emphasis Type="Italic">via</Emphasis> the Nrf2 Pathway in Rabbits

Seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury involves oxidative stress and apoptosis. Although hydrogen gas inhalation is reportedly protective in multiple types of lung injury, the effect of hydrogen gas inhalation on seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury remains unknown. This study investigated the effect of hydrogen gas on seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury and explored the mechanisms involved. Rabbits were randomly assigned to control, hydrogen (2 % hydrogen gas inhalation), seawater (3 mL/kg seawater instillation), and seawater + hydrogen (3 mL/kg seawater instillation?+?2 % hydrogen gas inhalation) groups. Arterial partial oxygen pressure and lung wet/dry weight ratio were detected. Protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to monitor changes in lung specimens, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were assayed. In addition, NF-E2-related factor (Nrf) 2 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 mRNA and protein expression were measured, and apoptosis was assessed by measuring caspase-3 expression and using terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. Hydrogen gas inhalation markedly improved lung endothelial permeability and decreased both MDA content and MPO activity in lung tissue; these changes were associated with decreases in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in BALF. Hydrogen gas also alleviated histopathological changes and cell apoptosis. Moreover, Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were significantly activated and caspase-3 expression was inhibited. These results demonstrate that hydrogen gas inhalation attenuates seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury in rabbits and that the protective effects observed may be related to the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.     

The Effects of Ferulic Acid Against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Formaldehyde-Induced Hepatotoxicity

This study was designed to elucidate the protective effects of ferulic acid (FA) on formaldehyde-induced hepatotoxicity by measuring some routine biochemical parameters, cytokine levels, and oxidative stress-related parameters in addition to YKL-40 in male Wistar albino rats. Tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Also, serum YKL-40, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin concentrations, and AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH activities were measured. Histological specimens were examined in light microscopy. Formaldehyde significantly increased tissue MDA, and serum cytokine levels and also decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes. FA treatment decreased MDA and cytokine levels and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes. FA also alleviated degeneration due to formaldehyde toxicity. We suggested that FA can be used as a promising hepatoprotective agent against formaldehyde toxicity because of the obvious beneficial effects on oxidative stress parameters.     

Effect of Zingiber officinale on liver oxidative status and biochemical parameters in rats exposed to paraquat

Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species is one of the major pathogenesis of important diseases of animals and human. Paraquat is widely used as herbicide. The toxicity of paraquat is through induction of oxidative processes in biological systems. Biochemically, this herbicide interferes with intracellular electron transfer system leading to the formation of superoxide anion. Zingiber officinale (ginger) is widely used as a spice and medical treatment for various diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of ginger extract on antioxidant status and serum metabolites of rats. Sixty male albino Wistar rats were divided in six groups as follows: control (saline); ginger; paraquat; paraquat with 100, 200, and 400 ginger. After 30 days of treatment, the blood was collected by cardiac puncture. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation were estimated. In paraquat-treated group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were markedly raised. Administration of ginger extract with paraquat reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, and MDA. Hepatic SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH activities were significantly decreased in paraquat-treated group compared to those of control. However, concurrent administration of paraquat with all concentrations of ginger extract had the opposite effect, where it increased the hepatic SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH activities near to control. The present study demonstrates that administration of ginger extract to rats modulates the antioxidant enzymes and suggests a possible adaptive mechanism to counteract oxidative stress situation.     

西维来司钠减轻大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤

目的： 探讨中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶(NE)抑制剂-西维来司钠（ONO-5046）对大鼠全脑缺血/再灌注(CI/R)损伤的作用及其机制。方法: 采用夹闭双侧颈总动脉合并低血压法建立大鼠CI/R模型,缺血20 min,再灌注24 h。于再灌注时经股静脉输注不同剂量ONO-5046（3、10、30 mg·kg-1·d-1）。分光光度法测定丙二醛(MDA)含量及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性;免疫组化法测定大鼠核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)表达;Western blotting及ELlSA法分别测定脑组织NF-κB p65及TNF-α含量。结果: ONO-5046组脑组织MDA含量较模型组降低,SOD活性升高,MPO活性降低; 脑皮质NF-κB、TNF-α阳性表达细胞数及NF-κB p65、TNF-α含量都明显少于模型组。结论: ONO-5046可减轻大鼠CI/R后脂质过氧化和炎症反应,这可能是其发挥脑保护作用的机制。