Effects of propofol on early and late cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic shock in rats

Objective

It has been reported that the intravenous anesthetic propofol (PPF) has anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PPF has anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock by inhibiting the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in rats.

Methods

Thirty six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups (control group, PPF + LPS group and LPS group; n = 12 per group). Control group rats received a 0.9% NaCl solution (NS) by the tail vein. The PPF + LPS group rats received PPF (10 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion at 10 mg/(kg·h) through a femoral vein catheter) 1 h before LPS (7.5 mg/kg) administration via the tail vein. The LPS group rats received injection of LPS (7.5 mg/kg) via the tail vein. Hemodynamic effects were recorded as well as mortality rates, and plasma cytokine con-centrations (TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1) were measured for the 24-h observation period.

Results

The mean arterial pressure and heart rate of the PPF + LPS group were more stable than those of the LPS group. The mortality at 24 h after the administration of the LPS injection was much higher in the LPS group (58.3%) compared to the PPF + LPS group (25.0%). Plasma concentrations of cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and HMGB1 were significantly reduced in the PPF + LPS group compared to the LPS group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pretreatment with PPF reduced the mortality rate of rats and attenuated the pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in an endotoxin shock model through an anti-inflammatory action inhibiting induction of HMGB1.     

高迁移率族蛋白B1在肾脏冷缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

背景：缺血再灌注损伤是临床器官移植不可避免的病理生理过程,冷缺血再灌注损伤具有研究肾移植更强的针对性。 目的：观察高迁移率族蛋白B1在大鼠肾脏冷缺血再灌注损伤中的作用。 方法：将SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、冷缺血再灌注组、丙酮酸乙酯(可显著抑制高迁移率族蛋白B1的合成与释放)治疗组。冷缺血再灌注组和丙酮酸乙酯治疗组制冷缺血再灌注模型前分别经阴茎背静脉注射林格液与丙酮酸乙酯,假手术组将腹腔打开后经阴茎背静脉注射林格液,45 min后关闭腹腔。 结果与结论：冷缺血再灌注组和丙酮酸乙酯治疗组各时间点肌酐、高迁移率族蛋白B1、肿瘤坏死因子α、核因子κB水平均显著高于假手术组(P < 0.01),其中冷缺血再灌注组上述指标高于丙酮酸乙酯治疗组(P < 0.01)。表明高迁移率族蛋白参与了肾移植冷缺血再灌注的病理过程,丙酮酸乙酯能够减轻肾脏冷缺血再灌注损伤。     

The plasma level of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products is decreased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

In recent years, the role of high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) protein and its receptors in autoimmune diseases has received increasing attention. It has been documented that HMGB1 is associated with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was undertaken to determine the potential role of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), one receptor for HMGB1, in the pathogenesis of SLE. Plasma levels of soluble RAGE (sRAGE) from 105 patients with clinical diagnosis of SLE and 43 healthy controls were determined by ELISA. Associations between sRAGE levels and clinical, laboratory characteristics were assessed. The data showed that plasma levels of sRAGE in patients with SLE were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (HC) (P = 0.003). Plasma sRAGE in patients receiving short‐period treatment showed an immediate decrease compared with the untreated patients (P = 0.023). In contrast, plasma sRAGE in patients receiving long‐period treatment were significantly increased compared to those with short‐period treatment (P = 0.000) and comparable with those in HC (P = 0.305). The significant decreased levels of sRAGE in patients with SLE suggest the potential association of RAGE signalling and SLE clinical pathology, whereas, long‐period antilupus treatment may counteract the decreased sRAGE levels in patients with SLE.     

同种异体骨髓间充质干细胞移植治疗急性肝功能衰竭

背景：对于急性肝功能衰竭的临床治疗,目前尚缺乏特效手段。骨髓间充质干细胞在特定环境下可分化为具有部分肝功能的类肝样细胞,从而参与肝功能的修复和重构,为急性肝功能衰竭的治疗提供了新的手段。 目的：评价同种异体骨髓间充质干细胞移植治疗大鼠急性肝功能衰竭的疗效,为其临床应用提供理论依据。 方法：采用全骨髓培养法培养并纯化其骨髓间充质干细胞。30只健康SD大鼠随机均分为3组：正常对照组：不予任何处理;肝衰竭组和移植组：用腹腔注射四氯化碳石蜡油溶液的方法复制鼠急性肝功能衰竭模型后24 h分别经其尾静脉注射生理盐水和等量骨髓间充质干细胞。在移植后第1,2,3,7天抽血检测其肝功能,并取肝脏行病理学检查。 结果与结论：急性肝功能衰竭鼠经骨髓间充质干细胞移植治疗后生存率为70%,与肝衰竭组大鼠存活率20%相比差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05);肝功能指标中谷丙转氨酶和谷草转氨酶相比,移植组明显低于肝衰竭组,差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05)。肝脏组织病理学结果显示移植组肝细胞变性及坏死程度以及炎症浸润程度轻于肝衰竭组。因此,经尾静脉移植骨髓间充质干细胞能提高急性肝功能衰竭大鼠的生存率、改善肝功能及减轻肝脏坏死程度,对大鼠急性肝功能衰竭有一定的治疗作用。     

经肝动脉及经门静脉异种胰岛移植治疗1型糖尿病恒河猴

背景：经门静脉及经肝动脉是胰岛移植治疗1型糖尿病的2种途径,经门静脉途径并发症较多,经肝动脉移植创伤小,并发症少,但缺乏深入研究。 目的：对经肝动脉及经门静脉异种胰岛移植治疗糖尿病恒河猴模型的疗效进行比较。 方法：将18只恒河猴糖尿病模型分成经肝动脉组(n=6)、经门静脉组(n=9)及对照组(n=3)。经肝动脉组采用Seidinger技术肝动脉插管经导管植入处理好的新生猪胰岛(50 000胰岛当量/kg);经门静脉组在超声引导下门静脉穿刺经导管植入处理好的新生猪胰岛(50 000胰岛当量/kg);对照组2只经门静脉穿刺注入门静脉组等量生理盐水,1只经肝动脉注入肝动脉组等量生理盐水。各组均使用相同免疫抑制方案。 结果与结论：肝动脉组及门静脉组外源性胰岛素的用量较移植前分别平均减少约59.53%,48.39%,2组间外源性胰岛素减少的百分比差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05);肝动脉组及门静脉组血清猴C-肽一直保持在较低的水平,而血清猪C-肽的水平逐渐升高,2组之间血清猪C-肽浓度差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05),但门静脉组因移植后不同并发症出现4/9只糖尿病猴死亡,而肝动脉组仅因穿刺点渗血死亡1只,提示经肝动脉肝内移植途径操作较经门静脉途径更安全、简便,并发症及不良反应小,移植物均能长期成活并发挥生理功能。      

Local immunosuppressive therapy with monoclonal anti-T cell antibody on renal allograft survival in the rat.

Considerable interest in the experimental and clinical use of MoAbs as potential therapeutic agents in allograft rejection has been generated by the recent reports of striking prolongation. In this study we investigated the efficacy of the local administration of MoAb OX-19 which is directed to the rat CD5 equivalent, through the renal artery using a rat kidney transplant model, in order to develop a potent method for modifying rejection while minimizing the systemic side effects. Untreated Lewis rats (LEW, RT-1(1)) rejected Brown-Norway rat (BN, RT-1n) kidney at 7.8 +/- 0.2 days (n = 10). Mean survival time (MST) of recipients treated with OX-19 (75 micrograms/kg per day) as single bolus injections via the dorsal penile vein for 7 days was 7.0 +/- 0.2 days (n = 5, NS). LEW hosts receiving OX-19 (75 micrograms/kg per day) continuously for 7 days via a femoral vein by using an osmotic minipump (IV-treated group) showed a slight prolongation of graft survival (MST = 8.8 +/- 0.9 days, n = 5), but this was not statistically significant. On the other hand, local continuous intrarenal arterial infusion of OX-19 (75 micrograms/kg per day) for 7 days (RA-treated group) significantly prolonged the graft survivals (MST = 16.8 +/- 1.3 days, n = 8, P < 0.01). Histological examination of MoAb-treated LEW hosts on day 6 post-grafting revealed that kidney grafts from RA-treated hosts showed a slight tubular necrosis, but reduced mononuclear cell infiltration, whereas kidney grafts from IV-treated hosts displayed a severe mononuclear cell infiltration around the artery with interstitial oedema. Moreover, the local intrarenal administration of OX-19, even when the dose is delayed until day 4 after renal grafting, has a therapeutic effect for on-going acute allograft rejection (MST = 11.4 +/- 0.8 days, n = 8) compared with administration of OX-19 intravenously from day 4 after grafting (MST = 7.6 +/- 0.2 days, n = 5, P < 0.01) or with no treatment (MST = 7.8 +/- 0.2 days, P < 0.01). The phenotype of graft infiltrating cells (GIC) was investigated on day 6 post-grafting. There was a significantly lower percentage of cells positive for OX-19, OX-8, OX-26 (transferrin receptor), and OX-39 (IL-2 receptor) in the RA group than in the IV group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Effect of epigallocatechin gallate on uncoupling protein 2 in acute liver injury

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on uncoupling protein 2 regulation in an acute liver injury-animal model. Methods: Twenty seven male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 9), TAA group (n = 9): acute liver injury was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) and EGCG/TAA (n = 9 rats): Epigallocatechin gallate was given two weeks prior to the induction of acute liver injury by thioacetamide. The levels of uncoupling protein 2, CRP, TNF-α and interleukins (IL) 6 and 18 were analyzed in the liver using PCR analysis. Results: Q-PCR analysis showed that the genetic expression of UCP2, TNF-α and CRP in the EGCG/TAA group was the least in comparison to other groups (P ≤ 0.005). The IL-6 and IL-18 were upregulated after induction of acute liver injury, but this upregulation was significantly less in the group that received epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG/TAA) compared to the TAA group. In addition, histological examination showed a reduction in hepatocyte injury in EGCG/TAA compared to the TAA group. Conclusion: Epigallocatechin gallate administration prior to induction of acute liver injury down-regulates uncoupling protein 2 expression and reduces IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α and CRP.     

Xiao-Chai-Hu Tang in Treating Model Mice With D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury

This study explored the effects of a classical Chinese medicine formula- Xiao-Chai-Hu Tang(XCHT) on the model mice with D-galactosamine -induced liver injury. Sixty male imprinting control region (ICR) mice were used in the present study, and they were separated randomly into 6 groups: a normal control group (Group A, n=10), a model control (Group B, n=10), a positive control (Group C, n=10), a low dose of XCHT group (Group D, n=10), a medium dose of XCHT group (Group E, n=10), and a high dose of XCHT group (Group F, n=10). ELISA was used to detect the IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum. Real-time PCR was performed to assess the expression of FasmRNA, Fas-LmRNA, Bcl-2mRNA of the liver tissues. Western blotting was used to detect the Bax protein expression of the liver tissues. The serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels of Group B were significantly higher than the other groups (P<0.05). The expression of Fas mRNA, Fas-LmRNA, and Bax protein of the liver tissues of Group B were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P<0.05). The expression of Bcl-2 mRNA of the liver tissues of Group B was significantly lower than other groups (P<0.05). Both of XCHT and biphenyl dicarboxylate significantly decreased the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels and FasmRNA, FasLmRNA, Bax protein expression and increased the Bcl-2 mRNA expression of the liver tissues of model mice (P<0.05). It may be through decreasing the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels and FasmRNA, FasLmRNA, Bax protein expression and increasing the Bcl-2 mRNA expression of the liver tissues that XCHT significantly relieved the D-galactosamine -induced liver injury.     

Continuous hemodiafiltration therapy reduces damage of multi-organs by ameliorating of HMGB1/TLR4/NFκB in a dog sepsis model

In the present study, we investigated whether CVVH can reduce HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB and other serum cytokine levels, preventing organ injury in a dog sepsis model. A total of 10 dogs were injected with LPS and treated with either CVVH group (n = 5) or nothing (Control, n = 5) for 24 h. EILSA was used for examining the concentration of TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB 1 and TLR4. The histological change of lung, liver and kidney tissues was determined. The mRNA expression of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB was examined by RT-PCR. The protein of HMGB1 and phosphated NF-κB was examined by Western-blot. The levels of serum HMGB1 came to the peak at 8 h, 16 h and then declined. The LPS-induced increase in HMGB1 level was suppressed by CVVH compared with Control. Likewise, serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels decreased with CVVH along with a significant improvement in the function of main organs. Histologic examination revealed significant reduction in inflammation in lung; liver and kidney tissues harvested 24 h after CVVH compared with Control. The mRNA of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB in the kidney was expressed at high level after LPS administration, which was significantly decreased by CVVH. The increased protein expression of HMGB1 and phosphated NF-κB was reduced after CVVH compared with control. CVVH by reducing the level of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB and other cytokines could weaken the cascade of cytokines and restore the immune system, and reduce the damage of important organs in sepsis.     

Influence of Kupffer cell phagocytosis blockade on the production of ovalbumin-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies in an experimental model

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of Kupffer cell phagocytosis blockade (KCPB) on the production of reaginic (IgE) and non-reaginic (IgGl) ovalbumin antibodies in an experimental animal model. Forty-two female heterozygous Gunn rats were injected with two 100 μg doses of ovalbumin separated by 13 days, into jugular vein (Group I, n= 10), portal vein (Group II, n= 10), jugular vein with prior KCPB (Group III, n= 10) and portal vein with prior KCPB (Group IV, n= 12). KCPB was induced with gadolinium chloride (5 mg/kg body weight, 24 hr before each ovalbumin administration). Antibodies were determined by passive cutaneous anaphy-laxis in sera obtained 12 days after the first dose of ovalbumin and 8 days after the second one. No antibodies were detected at any time in Group II. The maximum response was observed in Group IV in which, after two doses of ovalbumin, 100% of the animals presented IgGl and 58% presented detectable IgE antibodies. Differences between group IV and the other groups were statistically significant. This phenomenon does not seem to be due to a systemic effect of gadolinium chloride since humoral response was not increased in Group III with respect to Group I. It is concluded that the liver represents a barrier to IgE and IgG1 sensitization. KCPB not only eliminates this barrier, but also clearly increases antibody production to a protein antigen (ovalbumin) arriving at the liver through the portal vein.     

姜黄素减轻氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导的人主动脉内皮细胞损伤

目的:观察姜黄素对氧化型低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)诱导的人主动脉内皮细胞(HAECs)损伤的作用及分子机制。方法:以不同浓度姜黄素预处理体外培养的HAECs,再以ox-LDL对细胞进行干预。MTT法和Ed U法评估细胞增殖能力;ELISA法对培养液中白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、转化生长因子β1(TGFβ1)、高迁移率族蛋白1(HMGB1)以及分泌型晚期糖基化终产物受体(sRAGE)浓度进行检测;凝胶电泳迁移率实验(EMSA)评估过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(PPARγ)的结合活性;Western blot法检测HAECs中磷酸化PPARγ、血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)、HMGB1、IL-6、TGFβ1和RAGE的表达水平。结果:ox-LDL处理的HAECs细胞活力和增殖能力下降,细胞内PPARγ/HO-1信号被抑制,其下游HMGB1/RAGE炎症通路被激活,细胞分泌的IL-6、TGFβ1、HMGB1以及sRAGE浓度显著增加。不同浓度姜黄素预处理可激活ox-LDL诱导的HAECs内PPARγ/HO-1信号通路,从而抑制下游HMGB1/RAGE炎症通路,降低IL-6、TGFβ1、HMGB1以及sRAGE炎症因子水平。结论:ox-LDL能够通过抑制PPARγ/HO-1而激活HMGB1/RAGE炎症通路造成HAECs损伤。姜黄素则能够通过活化PPARγ/HO-1通路抑制炎症反应,减轻ox-LDL对HAECs的损伤。     

胡椒碱预防实验性家兔SAH后迟发性脑血管痉挛

目的观察胡椒碱对蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)后迟发性脑血管痉挛是否具有预防作用,并对其可能的作用机制进行初步探讨。方法将新西兰大白兔32只随机分为4组(n=8),A组(假注血组):只接受枕大池穿刺而不注血;B组(SAH组):经枕大池穿刺2次注血的方法,制作脑血管痉挛模型;C组(SAH 胡椒碱组):自第1次穿刺日始,静脉给予胡椒碱(20 mg/kg,溶媒0.5 mL/kg),每日1次;D组(SAH 溶媒组):静脉注射给予胡椒碱溶媒(0.5 mL/kg)。在第1次穿刺后的第7天处死,测定基底动脉内径、内径与血管壁厚度之比(D/T);用免疫组化法检测血管壁ET-1、eNOS表达。结果与A组比较,B组血管痉挛明显、血管壁ET-1表达增多e、NOS表达减少。C组分别与B组、D组比较,血管痉挛明显缓解(P<0.01),其血管壁上ET-1表达明显减少(P<0.05),eNOS在内皮细胞表达相对增多(P<0.05)。D组血管痉挛无明显缓解,血管壁ET-1、eNOS表达与SAH组无显著差异。结论胡椒碱(20 mg/kg)对蛛网膜下腔出血后迟发性脑血管痉挛有预防作用,其抗血管痉挛作用可能与胡椒碱抑制ET-1、促进eNOS活性有关。     

脊髓内高迁移率蛋白-1参与背根节慢性压迫大鼠机械性痛敏的机制

目的:观察背根节慢性压迫(chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion,CCD)大鼠脊髓内高迁移率蛋白-1(high mobility group box-1,HMGB1)的变化,探讨其参与痛觉信息传递的机制,为慢性痛的治疗提供新的思路和靶点。方法:(1)24只SD大鼠随机分成4组,为正常大鼠组、假手术组、CCD 3 d组、7 d组。检测大鼠脊髓HMGB1 mRNA的表达情况。(2)24只SD大鼠分成4组,行CCD手术。术后7 d鞘内给予生理盐水、HMGB1的中和抗体10、30、100μg,检测大鼠各时间点机械性缩足阈值。(3)24只SD大鼠分成4组(n=6),鞘内给予生理盐水、HMGB1的中和抗体10、30、100μg,检测大鼠的运动功能。(4)30只SD大鼠分成5组(n=6)。在CCD术后7 d鞘内给予saline、HMGB1的中和抗体10、30、100μg,检测大鼠脊髓TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA的表达。结果:(1)CCD术后3 d和7 d,脊髓内HMGB1 mRNA的表达明显上调(P<0.05)。(2)鞘内给予HMGB1的中和抗体30、100μg后可以明显逆转CCD大鼠术后7 d的机械性痛敏,且其作用可以持续24 h(P<0.05)。(3)鞘内给予HMGB1的中和抗体没有引起大鼠的运动功能损伤(P>0.05)。(4)鞘内给予HMGB1的中和抗体30、100μg可以显著抑制CCD大鼠术后7 d组脊髓内的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6 mRNA的表达(P<0.05)。结论:脊髓内HMGB1的上调可能参与了CCD大鼠痛敏状态的形成。     

Prevention of propofol injection pain in children: a comparison of pretreatment with tramadol and propofol-lidocaine mixture

Background: The pain on propofol injection is considered to be a common and difficult to eliminate problem in children. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of pretreatment with tramadol 1 mg.kg(-1)and propofol-lidocaine 20 mg mixture for prevention of propofol induced pain in children.Methods: One hundred and twenty ASA I-II patients undergoing orthopedic and otolaryngological surgery were included in this study and were divided into three groups with random table numbers. Group C (n=39) received normal saline placebo and Group T (n=40) received 1 mg.kg(-1) tramadol 60 sec before propofol (180 mg 1% propofol with 2 ml normal saline) whereas Group L (n=40) received normal saline placebo before propofol-lidocaine mixture (180 mg 1% propofol with 2 ml %1 lidocaine). One patient in Group C was dropped out from the study because of difficulty in inserting an iv cannula. Thus, one hundred and nineteen patients were analyzed for the study. After given the calculated dose of propofol, a blinded observer assessed the pain with a four-point behavioral scale.Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics and intraoperative variables (p>0.05) except intraoperative fentanyl consumption and analgesic requirement one hr after surgery among the groups (p<0.05). Both tramadol 1 mg.kg(-1) and lidocaine 20 mg mixture significantly reduced propofol pain when compared with control group. Moderate and severe pain were found higher in control group (p<0.05). The incidence of overall pain was 79.4% in the control group, 35% in tramadol group, 25% in lidocaine group respectively (p<0.001).Conclusions: Pretreatment with tramadol 60 sec before propofol injection and propofol-lidocaine mixture were significantly reduced propofol injection pain when compared to placebo in children.     

Ketamine effect on HMGB1 and TLR4 expression in rats with acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common emergency and severe case in clinic. High mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) can be treated as a new anti-inflammatory treatment target. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important receptor of HMGB1. Ketamine is a widely used intravenous anesthetic with good anti-inflammatory and immune regulating function. Whether it can protect ALI through inhibiting HMGB1 and TLR4 expression in lung tissue still needs further investigation. Male SD rats were randomly divided into control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group and ketamine intervention group with 15 rats in each group. The rats were euthanatized at 24 h after modeling and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for HMGB1 and TLR4 level detection. Western Blot was applied to analyze HMGB1 and TLR4 protein expression in the lung tissue. HMGB1 and TLR4 concentration in BALF were 5.369 ± 1.564 ng/ml and 43.980 ± 7.524 pg/ml in the control, respectively. They were 12.358 ± 4.681 ng/ml and 102.538 ± 8.412 pg/ml in LPS group, and 7.399 ± 2.346 ng/ml and 87.208 ± 7.558 pg/ml in ketamine intervention group, respectively. Their levels increased significantly in LPS group and down-regulated after ketamine intervention. HMGB1 and TLR4 protein expression in lung tissue elevated obviously in LPS group, and decreased after ketamine treatment. HMGB1 and TLR4 protein level showed positive correlation in lung tissue (r = 0.921, P < 0.001). Ketamine can inhibit HMGB1 and TLR4 expression in ALI, and alleviate LPS induced rat lung injury.     

The Effect of Quince Leaf (Cydonia Oblonga Miller) Decoction on Testes in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits: A Pilot Study

Current medical literature lacks any evidence of the protective effects of quince leaf on testes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) leaf decoction on testicular injury and impaired spermatogenesis induced by hypercholesterolemia in rabbits. Eleven mature New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 (hypercholesterolemia, n=3), group 2 (hypercholesterolemia plus quince treatment, n=6), and group 3 (control, n=2). Groups 1 and 2 received a cholesterol-enriched diet for six weeks. Group 2 received C. oblonga leaf decoction as drinking supplement as well. After six weeks, a normal diet was substituted in groups 1 and 2 for another six weeks. Group 3 (control group) was maintained throughout the study on a regular diet. At the end of the 12^th week, the left testes of the animals were resected for light microscopic study with particular attention to the maturity of germ cells in seminiferous tubules using Johnsen''s score. Increase in intertubular connective tissue and diameter of vessels, abundant spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes along the reduced germinal epithelium were noted in all rabbits of the group 1. The remaining animals in groups 2 and 3 had no significant changes in their testicular sections. The mean Johnsen''s score of group 1 (4.20±1.92) was significantly lower than that of group 2 (7.33±0.52) and group 3 (7.05±0.07). (P=0.01). In conclusion, quince leaf decoction (C. oblonga Miller) protected rabbit testes and spermatogenesis from damage induced by hypercholesterolemia.     

丙酮酸乙酯对LPS致急性肺损伤大鼠肺组织NF-κB p65及TNF-α和IL-lβ的影响

目的:观察丙酮酸乙酯(EP)对内毒素性急性肺损伤(ALI)大鼠肺组织核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)p65表达及肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)含量的影响,探讨EP可能的肺保护机制。方法:雄性SD大鼠30只随机分为三组(n均=10):正常对照组,静脉注射与其它二组等量生理盐水;LPS组,静脉注射脂多糖(LPS)5mg/kg复制大鼠ALI模型;EP+LPS组,于静脉注射LPS前1h腹腔内注射EP(40mg/kg)。所有动物于注射LPS或生理盐水后4h颈动脉放血处死,取肺组织用Westernblot测定其NF-κBp65的表达,用ELISA测定其TNF-α和IL-1β的含量。结果:与对照组相比,LPS组、EP+LPS组肺组织NF-κBp65表达增加,肺组织TNF-α和IL-lβ含量升高(P0.05);与LPS组相比,EP+LPS组肺组织NF-κBp65表达降低,肺组织TNF-α和IL-lβ含量降低(P0.05)。结论:EP通过下调大鼠LPS诱导的肺组织NF-κBp65表达,降低了TNF-α和IL-lβ的释放。EP可减轻ALI大鼠肺的炎症反应。     

Histological and Biochemical Effects of Arteether? on the Liver of Wistar Rats

Arteether™ is among the recent drugs that are used to combat chloroquine-resistant malarial parasites. This study examined the effects of arteether™ on enzyme biomarkers of the liver, serum protein concentrations, and liver morphology. Twenty (20) adult albino Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each, and used in this study. Group A rats were given intramuscular (i. m.) arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group B rats received i. m. arteether™ (6 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group C rats were given i. m. arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. The same dose was repeated at two-weekly intervals for 4 further weeks, while group D rats which received normal saline (0.9 % w/ v, 3 ml/kg b.w.), served as controls. At the end of the experiment, the body weights of the animals were determined and recorded. Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (ASP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) and albumin were assayed, and histological studies were performed. Results obtained show no significant difference (P<0.05) in liver enzymes (ALT, ASP, ALP). TP and albumin were significantly reduced in group C rats. Histological studies revealed no cyto-architectural changes. It is concluded that at therapeutic doses, arteether™ is well tolerated in Wistar rats.     

Spatial and temporal differences of HMGB1 expression in the pancreas of rats with acute pancreatitis

We aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal differences in expression between HMGB1 and early-stage inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α) in pancreas tissue in rats with acute pancreatitis. SD rats (BW 350 ± 30 g, n = 48) were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 36) which were injected with 5% sodium taurocholate into the bilipancreatic duct retrogradely to produce acute necrotic pancreatitis (ANP) rat models, and the sham-operated (SO) group (n = 12) injected with equal dose of saline. The rats were sacrificed at different time points at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h post modeling, respectively. The peripheral blood amylase and different inflammatory factors in ANP rats at different time points were detected by ELISA, and the expression of HMGB1 in the pancreatic tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and Q-PCR methods. Results showed that the serum amylase in the ANP model rats was significantly higher than the sham-operated group (P < 0.05). The early inflammatory factors (IL-1, TNF-α and IL-6) increased quickly at 3 h after the model induction, reached the peak level at 6 h (higher than SO group, P < 0.05), then decreased at 12 h, and at 24 h the levels were lower than those at 12 h (P < 0.05). The HMGB1 level in the pancreatitis tissue did not change significantly at 3 h and 6 h (P > 0.05), however, it increased remarkably at 12 h, and maintained up to 24 h (P > 0.05). As a late inflammatory factor, the expression of HMGB1 in acute pancreatitis was obviously later than the early inflammatory factors IL-1, TNF-α and IL-6. HMGB1 may play a key role in maintaining the development of the acute pancreatitis.     

The effects of palm vitamin E on stress hormone levels and gastric lesions in stress-induced rats

Introduction

This study examines the effects of palm vitamin E (PVE) or α-tocopherol (α-TF) supplementation on adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), corticosterone and gastric lesions in rats exposed to water-immersion restraint stress (WIRS).

Material and methods

Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were divided into three groups. Group I: 20 rats as a control group were given a normal diet. Group II: 20 rats received oral supplementation of PVE at 60 mg/kg body weight. Group III: 20 rats received oral supplementation of α-TF at 60 mg/kg body weight. After the treatment period of 28 days, each group was further subdivided into two groups: 10 rats not exposed to stress, and the other 10 rats subjected to WIRS for 3.5 h. Blood samples were taken to measure the ACTH and corticosterone levels. The rats were then sacrificed and the stomach excised and opened along the greater curvature and examined for lesions.

Results

Rats exposed to WIRS had lesions in their stomach mucosa. Our findings showed that dietary supplementation of PVE or α-TF was able to reduce gastric lesions significantly in comparison to the stressed controls. The WIRS increased plasma ACTH and corticosterone significantly. Palm vitamin E and α-TF treatments reduced these parameters significantly compared to the stressed controls.

Conclusions

Supplementation with either PVE or α-TF reduces the formation of gastric lesions, probably by inhibiting the elevation of ACTH and corticosterone levels induced by stress.