Erythropoietin attenuates experimental haemorrhagic shock-induced renal damage through an iNOS- dependent mechanism in male Wistar rats

AimErythropoietin (EPO) is shown to exert protective effects on different tissues in haemorrhagic shock (HS) states. Nitric oxide (NO), as a multifunctional signaling molecule, is implicated in diverse physiologic and pathologic processes. In order to understand the exact mechanism of EPO protection, in this study we evaluated the role of different NOS enzymes in the EPO signaling pathway in male rats.MethodsRats were randomized to five groups: 1) Sham, 2) HS 3) EPO 4) L-NAME, a non-specific NOS inhibitor 5) 1400 W, a specific iNOS inhibitor. HS was induced by withdrawal of 50% of total blood volume. After 2 h, resuscitation was performed with the shed blood and Ringer’s lactate. In group 3, rats were treated with EPO (300 IU/kg, i.v.) over 10 min before HS induction. In the L-NAME and 1400 W groups, L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and 1400 W (2 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 30 min before EPO injection. Blood and kidney tissue samples were obtained 3 h after resuscitation.ResultsEPO increased the survival rate and significantly improved kidney function and histology compared to the HS group. There were less renal oxidative stress, apoptosis and systemic inflammatory responses in the EPO group. EPO increased eNOS and more abundantly iNOS mRNA expressions. L-NAME and 1400 W significantly abolished all beneficial effects of EPO.ConclusionIn this in vivo animal model, we showed that EPO administration prior to HS attenuates renal injury and dysfunction in rats. The protective effects of EPO may be mediated by nitric oxide and the expression of different NOS enzymes, especially iNOS isoform.     

Ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat steatotic liver is dependent on NFκB P65 activation

BackgroundSteatotic liver grafts tolerate ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury poorly, contributing to increased primary graft nonfunction following transplantation. Activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) following I/R injury plays a crucial role in activation of pro-inflammatory responses leading to injury.MethodsWe evaluated the role of NFκB in steatotic liver injury by using an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) model in Zucker rats (lean to lean or obese to lean) to define the mechanisms of steatotic liver injury. Obese donors were treated with bortezomib to assess the role of NF-κB in steatotic liver I/R injury. Hepatic levels of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. Serum transaminase levels and histopathological analysis were performed to assess associated graft injury.ResultsI/R injury in steatotic liver results in significant increases in activation of NF-κB (40%, p < 0.003), specifically the p65 subunit following transplantation. Steatotic donor pretreatment with proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (0.1 mg/kg) resulted in significant reduction in levels of activated NF-κB (0.58 ± 0.18 vs. 1.37 ± 0.06 O.D./min/10 μg protein, p < 0.003). Bortezomib treatment also reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines MIP-2 compared with control treated steatotic and lean liver transplants respectively (106 ± 17.5 vs. 443.3 ± 49.9 vs. 176 ± 10.6 pg/mL, p = 0.02), TNF-α (223.8 ± 29.9 vs. 518.5 ± 66.5 vs. 264.5 ± 30.1 pg/2 μg protein, p = 0.003) and IL-1β (6.0 ± 0.91 vs. 19.8 ± 5.2 vs. 5 ± 1.7 pg/10 μg protein, p = 0.02) along with a significant reduction in ALT levels (715 ± 71 vs. 3712.5 ± 437.5 vs. 606 ± 286 U/L, p = 0.01).ConclusionThese results suggest that I/R injury in steatotic liver transplantation are associated with exaggerated activation of NFκB subunit p65, leading to an inflammatory mechanism of reperfusion injury and necrosis. Proteasome inhibition in steatotic liver donor reduces NFκB p65 activation and inflammatory I/R injury, improving transplant outcomes of steatotic grafts in a rat model.     

Erythropoietin protects severe haemorrhagic shock-induced organ damage in conscious rats

Objective

Erythropoietin (EPO) has pleiotropic cytoprotective actions. We investigated the effects of EPO on the physiopathology and cytokine levels after haemorrhagic shock (HS) in conscious rats.

Methods

Rats received an intravenous injection of 300 U/kg EPO over 10 min followed by HS via withdrawal of 60% of total blood volume from a femoral arterial catheter (6 ml/100 g body weight) over 30 min. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored continuously for 18 h after the start of blood withdrawal. Levels of biochemical parameters, including haemoglobin, GOT, GPT, BUN, creatinine (Cr), LDH, CPK, and lactate were measured at 30 min before the induction of HS and 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 h after HS. Cytokine levels, including TNF-α and IL-6, in serum were measured at 1, 9, and 18 h after HS. The kidneys, liver, lungs, and small intestine were removed for pathology assessment at 48 h after HS.

Results

HS significantly increased HR, blood GOT, GPT, BUN, Cr, LDH, CPK, lactate, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and decreased haemoglobin and MAP in rats. Pre-treatment with EPO improved survival rate, preserved the MAP, decreased the tachycardia and markers of organ injury, suppressed the release of TNF-α and IL-6 after HS in rats.

Conclusion

Pre-treatment with EPO suppresses the release of serum TNF-α and IL-6, along with decreasing the levels of markers of organ injury associated with HS, with such actions ameliorating HS-induced organ damage in rats.     

Effect of glycyrrhizin on traumatic brain injury in rats and its mechanism

Objective： To investigate the neuropro- tective effects of glycyrrhizin （Gly） as well as its effect on expression of high-mobility group box 1 （HMGB1） in rats after traumatic brain injury （TBI）. Methods： Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups： sham group, TBI group, and TBI＋Gly group （n=36 per group）. Rat TBI model was made by using the modified Feeney＇s method. In TBI＋Gly group, Gly was administered intravenously at a dosage of l0 mg/kg 30 min after TBI. At 24 h after TBI, motor function and brain water content were evaluated. Meanwhile, HMGB 1/HMGB 1 receptors including toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） and receptor for advanced glycation end products （RAGE）/nuclear fac- tor-κ B（NF- κ B） signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines in the injured brain tissues were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, HMGB l, RAGE and TLR4 immunohistochemistry and apoptosis were analyzed. Results： Beam walking performance impairment and brain edema were significantly reduced in TBI＋Gly group compared with TBI group; meanwhile, the over-expressions of HMGB 1PHMGB 1 receptors （TLR4 and RAGE）/NF- κB DNA-binding activity and inflammatory cytokines were inhibited. The percentages of HMGB 1, RAGE and TLR4- positive cells and apoptotic cells were respectively 58.37%±5.06%, 54.15%±4.65%, 65.50%± 4.83%, 52.02%±4.63% in TBI group and 39.99%±4.99%, 34.87%±5.02%, 43.33%±4.54%, 37.84%±5.16% in TBI＋Gly group （all P〈0.01 compared with TBI group）. Conclusion： Gly can reduce secondary brain injury and improve outcomes in rat following TBI by down-regula- tion of HMGB 1/HMGB 1 receptors （TLR4 and RAGE）/NF- κB - mediated inflammatory responses in the injured rat brain.     

Reliability of physical examination to assess asymmetry of anatomical landmarks indicative of pelvic somatic dysfunction in subjects with and without low back pain

ObjectiveTo investigate the intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of physical examination to identify asymmetry of selected anatomical landmarks indicative of pelvic somatic dysfunction in subjects with and without low back pain using experienced osteopaths and final year students of osteopathy.MethodsFour examiners (two students, two osteopaths) examined a sample of symptomatic (n = 5) and asymptomatic (n = 4) subjects for symmetry of anatomical landmarks indicative of pelvic somatic dysfunction. Two assessments of symmetry and alignment of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), sacral sulcus, sacral inferior lateral angle (ILA) in posterior–anterior (ILA-P) and inferior–superior (ILA-I) directions, anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), and medial malleoli were performed on every subject by all four examiners. Intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability was analysed with kappa (κ) and reported in conjunction with observed agreement (P_o).ResultsEstimates of intra-examiner reliability ranged from κ = −0.29 to 1.0 (PSIS κ = −0.29 to 0.39; sacral sulcus κ = −0.28 to 0.83; ILA-P κ = −0.29 to 0.44; ILA-I κ = −0.29 to 0.34; ASIS κ = 0.25–0.63; medial malleoli κ = 0.20–1.0) and were higher than estimates of inter-examiner reliability. Inter-examiner reliability estimates ranged from κ = −0.38 to 0.51 (PSIS κ = −0.38 to 0.35; sacral sulcus κ = −0.34 to 0.26; ILA-P κ = −0.18 to 0.51; ILA-I κ = −0.13 to 0.36; ASIS κ = −0.13 to 0.50; medial malleolus κ = −0.05 to 0.49). The median observed agreement between examiners for each anatomical landmark ranged from 33 to 50%. Osteopaths were more reliable on measures of the inferior lateral angle (ILA-P), while students were more reliable on measures of the sacral sulcus.ConclusionIn this study, the reliability of physical examination for anatomical landmarks indicative of pelvic somatic dysfunction was generally found to be low. Differences between the reliability of experienced osteopaths and final year osteopathy students were negligible. Examiners were most reliable in their assessment of the ASIS and medial malleolus; however, these estimates were not consistent and were too low to be considered clinically useful.     

Effects of ovariectomy on the changes in microarchitecture and material level properties in response to hind leg disuse in female rats

BackgroundOvariectomy (OVX) and immobilization are known to decrease bone mineral density and alter its microarchitecture. Their effects on the material level properties of bone, a determinant of bone strength, are still largely unknown. We investigated the effect of OVX and/or disuse achieved by sciatic neurectomy (NX) in 6-month-old Sprague Dawley female rats.MethodsAt baseline, animals underwent OVX or sham operation. At week 16, NX was performed on the left hindlimb while the right hindlimb was sham-operated. All animals were sacrificed at week 40. Proximal tibiae and vertebral bodies (L4) were evaluated by micro-computed tomographic morphometry (μCT). Material level properties (elastic modulus, hardness, and dissipated energy) were evaluated by a nanoindentation test.ResultsAt the proximal tibia, OVX and NX decreased relative bone volume, the former mainly through a reduction in trabecular number, and the latter through a decrease in trabecular thickness. NX decreased modulus (? 10%; p < 0.001) and dissipated energy (? 13.3%, p < 0.001) in cortical bone, and modulus (? 16.8%, p = 0.004), hardness (? 29.3%, p = 0.004), and dissipated energy (? 17.7%, p = 0.01) in trabecular bone, while OVX decreased cortical bone dissipated energy (? 14.6%, p < 0.001) and trabecular bone hardness (? 19.4%, p = 0.05). In the vertebral body, OVX altered mainly the trabecular microarchitecture and nanoindentation variables.ConclusionThese results show that NX with and without OVX markedly alter material level properties in addition to an alteration of bone microarchitecture, although not in the same manner.     

Inter-examiner reliability of palpation for tissue texture abnormality in the thoracic paraspinal region

BackgroundPalpation of soft tissue changes is claimed to be important for osteopathic diagnosis and treatment. Few studies, however, have examined the inter-examiner reliability for the detection of altered segmental paraspinal tissue texture.ObjectiveTo determine the inter-examiner reliability of the identification of abnormal tissue texture in the thoracic paraspinal region using palpation.MethodTen final-year osteopathic students examined the thoracic paravertebral gutter regions of ten subjects presenting with a recent history of thoracic symptoms. Each examiner palpated each subject to determine which of four predetermined areas exhibited the most obvious alteration or abnormality in tissue texture. One week prior to the study, all examiners received consensus training to standardise the method of palpation.ResultsThe inter-examiner agreement for the site with the most marked tissue texture change was fair (κ = 0.26; P_o = 0.46; P_e = 0.28; 95% CI 0.19–0.33). When only the first five assessments from each examiner were analysed, the agreement improved slightly, but remained fair (κ = 0.32; P_o = 0.52; P_e = 0.30; 95% CI 0.16–0.47).ConclusionsInter-examiner reliability of palpation for abnormal tissue texture in the deep thoracic paraspinal region was only fair. The influence of either examiner fatigue or tissue change due to repeated palpation appeared to be small. Although the practice of palpating for segmental tissue texture abnormalities without concurrent reports of tenderness from the patient is not typical of clinical practice, this study suggests that assessment of texture change is complex and not highly reproducible between examiners.     

Surgical therapy of lithiasis in horseshoe kidney

ObjectiveTo present our centre‘s experience in the surgical treatment of lithiasis in patients with horseshoe kidney.Material and methodsFrom October 2007 to March 2011 we treated 10 patients with renal lithiasis in their horseshoe kidneys. Retrospectively, we reviewed the symptoms, medical and surgical history, the characteristics of the stones (size, location, composition) and treatments that were carried out. In all the cases, the study was carried out by CT, with volume reconstruction and with an angiographic study. A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or an endoscopic retrograde intrarrenal surgery (RIRS) was carried out, depending on the size and location of the stone.ResultsThree percutaneous nephrolithotomies were carried out (2 on staghorn lithiasis stones, 1 pseudocoraliform stone) with a combined rigid and flexible single-access nephroscopy. In one case there was haemorrhage that required treatment by selective embolization. In the rest, RIRS was carried out, all with stones < 30 mm in their greatest diameter without any complications. The mean surgical times were 120 (60-180) minutes for the percutaneous route and of 105 (65-160) minutes for the retrograde route. In all the cases the treatment achieved a complete elimination of the stones or remains of less than 5 mm.ConclusionsThe treatment of renal lithiasis in horseshoe kidneys is complex, given their peculiar anatomy. The usual surgical techniques can be reproduced in these cases with good results. We opt for PCNL in complete staghorn stone and pseudocoraiform stones, whereas RIRS is a valid option in cases with stones < 3 cm.     

The effect of diet induced obesity on testicular tissue and serum oxidative stress parameters

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet induced obesity on semen parameters and serum antioxidant enzyme levels.Material and methodsSix-week-old male rats were randomized into three groups are as follows: group 1 (n = 10) received a control diet, group 2 (n = 9) received a high-fat diet and group 3 (n = 11) received high-fat diet plus anastrozole. At the completion of a 10-week period, testicular tissues were obtained and spermatogenesis was evaluated with Johnsen Score System. The normal Johnsen Score was accepted as >9.39. In addition, serum antioxidant enzyme levels, triglyceride, cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimilating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels were measured in serum.ResultsBody weight were significantly increased in mice fed with a high-fat diet compared to normal diet (P < .05). The mean triglyceride levels was 64.00 ± 20.48 mg/dl, 98.89 ± 27.80 mg/dl and 95.27 ± 15.02 mg/dl in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively (P < .05). Male rats fed with a high-fat diet had significantly lower levels of testosterone compared with the control diet male rats (P = .005). Testicular pathology revealed that Johnsen Score System were 9.60 ± 0.15, 8.72 ± 1.81 and 9.29 in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively (P = .169). In addition serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher in group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1 (P < .05).ConclusionAs a result it may be concluded that obesity may induce oxidative stress and decrease testosterone levels. These changes may alter testicular functions and consequently it may be speculated that obesity can be important causative factor in the etiology of the male infertility.     

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide and bortezomib inhibit dendritic cell maturation and function and alter their IκB and NFκB

Impairing dendritic cell (DC) function to prevent graft versus host disease (GvHD) is an appealing concept. DC antigen presentation is NF-κB pathway-dependent and bortezomib might therefore play a role in preventing alloreactivity. We obtained DC from the blood of patients enrolled in a phase I study using post-transplant cyclophosphamide and bortezomib for prevention of GvHD. Control samples were obtained from patients receiving standard GvHD prevention regimen. Pre-treatment samples were also collected from enrolled patients. DC isolated on days + 1, + 4, and + 7 showed progressive decrease in the expression of maturation markers in comparison to control. In a DC–CD4 + mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) where DC isolated from the recipient blood before graft infusion were the stimulator cells, T cell proliferation measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) integration was decreased in samples obtained on days + 14 and + 21 in comparison to control group. Finally, measured by real-time PCR, the expression of IκB progressively increased while the expression of NF-κB decreased in DC on days + 1, + 4, and + 7, in comparison to pre-treatment paired controls. We conclude that our data further justify exploring the role of bortezomib in GvHD prevention and propose a novel mechanism of action of bortezomib in DC.     

A comparative study of the mortality rate of rats receiving a half lethal dose of fat intravenously: under general anaesthesia versus under spinal anaesthesia

BackgroundThere is no data that demonstrates what anaesthesia is suitable for patients who have a high risk of fat embolism syndrome (FES). We investigated the mortality rates of rats that received a half lethal dose (LD₅₀) of fat by intravenous injection after induction of general or spinal anaesthesia.MethodsAn LD₅₀ of fat for rats was determined by using a toxicological method. Three hundred and seventy five rats were randomly assigned to receive general anaesthesia (group GA, n = 125), or spinal block (group SA, n = 125), or no anaesthesia (group C, n = 125). The rats were injected with the LD₅₀ of fat at 20 min after anaesthesia induction. The mortality rates were recorded at 2, 8, 12, and 24 h after fat injection.ResultsThe LD₅₀ of fat was 0.706 ml/kg and its 95% CI was 0.622 ml/kg–0.801 ml/kg. The mortality rate was lower in the group GA than in the group SA (p < 0.01), whilst there was no statistical difference between the group SA and the group C (p = 0.442).ConclusionIt is feasible to assess the efficacy of various treatments for FES by comparing the mortality rates of animals after injection of an LD₅₀ of fat. The mortality rate of rats was lower when FES was induced under general anaesthesia than under spinal anaesthesia which implies that general anaesthesia is superior to spinal anaesthesia for patients who have a high risk of FES.     

An investigation into the side of joint cavitation associated with cervical spine manipulation

Background and objectivesCavitation sounds (‘cracks’, ‘clicks’ or ‘pops’) associated with spinal thrust manipulation are commonly observed in clinic. However, the literature is sparse regarding the location of cavitation sounds during thrust manipulation of the spine. The primary purpose of this study was to determine which side of the cervical spine cavitates during application of two different manipulative thrust techniques. A secondary purpose of the study was to compare the recorded cavitation sounds with the subjects' perceptions of the side of cavitation and their perceptions of the location of pre-thrust tension during all manipulations.MethodsTwenty asymptomatic subjects each received two mid cervical HVLA thrust manipulations. Skin mounted microphones were positioned overlying the articular pillars at the level of C2. Sound wave signals were recorded and analysed. Subject perceptions of the location of cavitation sounds and the side of pre-thrust tension during the manipulation were documented.ResultsFor rotation thrusts, cavitation was significantly more likely to occur on the contralateral side to the applicator (P = 0.02). For side bending thrusts, cavitation was no more likely to occur on the ipsilateral than the contralateral side to the applicator (P = 0.350). Kappa values for subjects' perception of the side of cavitation during side bending (κ = 0.30) and rotation manipulations (κ = 0.49) indicated fair to moderate agreement with the side of cavitation identified by sound recording. There was moderate agreement for combined perception of cavitation side for all subjects compared to recordings (κ = 0.40).ConclusionFor the practitioner in this study we observed that for HVLA thrusts with a primary leverage of rotation the resulting cavitation was most likely to occur on the contralateral side to the applicator. For side bending thrusts, the resulting cavitation was no more likely to occur on the contralateral or ipsilateral sides. Subjects' post-manipulation perceptions of the side that cavitated were in limited agreement with the actual side as measured by sound wave recordings. Subject perceptions of the side of pre-thrust tension were less than that expected by chance for agreement between perception and sound wave recordings.     

Establishment of an animal model for delayed-onset muscle soreness after high-intensity eccentric exercise and its application for investigating the efficacy of low-load eccentric training

BackgroundDelayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs after unaccustomed exercise and is particularly associated with eccentric exercise. Previous studies have proposed the use of a single bout of eccentric exercise to prevent the muscle damage subsequent to a bout of eccentric exercise. This study aimed to establish a suitable animal model to evaluate the pain in DOMS and to assess whether low-load eccentric training confers a protective effect against a subsequent high-intensity eccentric exercise bout.MethodsThirty-six female Wistar rats were divided into five groups: rats that received muscular compression only (Comp); those that received high-intensity eccentric exercise only (HE); those that received muscular compression at 3, 24, 48, and 96 h after high-intensity eccentric exercise (HE + Comp/3, 24, 48, and 96 h); those that received muscular compression 48 h after a single low-load eccentric exercise (LE); and those that received a week of low-load eccentric training before high-intensity eccentric exercise, which was followed by muscular compression 48 h later (LET). Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate c-fos expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.ResultsFor the HE + Comp/48 h rats, the total number of c-fos-positive neurons at the L2–3 segments was significantly greater than that in the Comp and HE rats in the same segments. A week of low-load eccentric training resulted in a decreased number of c-fos-ir neurons relative to that in the HE + Comp/48 h rats.ConclusionsMuscle tenderness after high-intensity eccentric exercise was evaluated by c-fos expression in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord. Using this rat model, the present study clarified that the muscle tenderness following high-intensity eccentric exercise is inhibited by prior low-load eccentric training.     

Prevention of GVHD and graft rejection by a new S1P receptor agonist, W-061, in rat small bowel transplantation

BackgroundIn small bowel transplantation (SBTx), inhibition of both graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and allograft rejection is necessary.MethodsWe investigated the potency of a new sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist, W-061, for these two immune responses in SBTx. W-061 has a completely different molecular structure from FTY720. Heterotopic SBTx was performed from Wistar-Furth (WF) into (WF × ACI) F1 rats as a GVHD model or F1 to WF rats as a rejection model. Recipients were orally given 3 mg/kg/day W-061 for 14 days after SBTx. Recipient survival, body weight, histopathology, lymphocyte subpopulations, and the cytokine profile were evaluated.ResultsW-061 treatment significantly prolonged graft survival over 100 days in four out of six recipients in the GVHD group and over 60 days in three out of six recipients in the rejection group. W-061 strongly inhibited GVHD and rejection as seen histopathologically in comparison with untreated control rats. W-061 caused a significant reduction in donor-derived T cells in target organs and infiltrating T cells in allografts by promoting these cells to home into the secondary lymphoid tissues and sequestrating those cells there. W-061 significantly decreased production of interferon-γ in target organs and allografts.ConclusionTherefore, these data suggest that W-061 has considerable potential as a new therapeutic immunosuppressant in patients with SBTx.     

Neuroprotective effects of racemic ketamine and (S)-ketamine on spinal cord injury in rat

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate and to compare the potential neuroprotective effects of racemic ketamine, (S)-ketamine and methylprednisolone after an experimental spinal cord injury model in rats.MethodsFifty-nine Wistar albino rats were divided into three main groups as acute stage (A), subacute stage (SA) and sham groups and then acute and subacute stage groups were divided into four groups regarding the used drug as control (CONT), racemic ketamine (RK), (S)-ketamine (SK) and methylprednisolone (MP) groups. A dorsal laminectomy was performed; and spinal cord injury was induced by using a temporary aneurysm clip. Four hours later from the clip compression, except those of the sham and control groups, the drugs (60 mg/kg racemic ketamine, 60 mg/kg (S)-ketamine or 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone) were administered intraperitoneally. At 72th h and 7th days of the study, the spinal cords of rats were removed from T8 level to the conus medullaris level. The specimens were and evaluated histopathologically, tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) and myeloperoxidation (MPO) levels were measured and biochemically.ResultsThe histopathological results were similar both in the acute and in the subacute stage groups. There was a statistically significant difference among all groups regarding the tissue LPO levels (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the CONT-A group and the MP-A, RK-A and SK-A groups (p = 0.004, p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) in acute stage and between the CONT-SA group and SK-SA group (p = 0.002) in subacute stage. There was a statistically significant difference among all groups regarding the tissue MPO levels (p = 0.001). The median MPO levels were similar among acute stage groups (p = 0.057), but there was a statistical difference among subacute stage groups (p = 0.046).Conclusion(S)-ketamine is more effective than methylprednisolone and racemic ketamine to reduce the LPO levels in subacute stage of spinal cord injury in rats. And, it is as effective as methylprednisolone in preventing secondary spinal cord injury histopathologically.     

A correlation study of the expression of resistin and glycometabolism in muscle tissue after traumatic brain injury in rats

Objective： To investigate the expression pattern of resistin （RSTN） in skeletal muscle tissue and its influence on glycometabolism in rats with traumatic brain injury （TBI）. Methods： Seventy-eight SD rats were randomly divided into traumatic group （n=36）, RSTN group （n=36） and sham operation group （n=6）. Fluid percussion TBI model was developed in traumatic and RSTN groups and the latter received additional 1 mg RSTN antibody treatment for each rat. At respectively 12 h, 24 h, 72 h, 1 w, 2 w, and 4 w after operation, venous blood was collected and the right hind leg skeletal muscle tissue was sampled. We used real-time PCR to determine mRNA expression of RSTN in skeletal muscles, western blot to determine RSTN protein expression and ELISA to assess serum insulin as well as fasting blood glucose （FBG） levels. Calculation of the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index （Q value） was also conducted. The above mentioned indicators and their correction were statistically analyzed. Results： Compared with sham operation group, the RSTN expression in the skeletal muscle as well as serum insulin and FBG levels revealed significant elevation （P〈0.05）, and reduced Q value （P〈0.05） in traumatic group. Single factor linear correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between RSTN expression and Q values （P〈0.001） in traumatic group. Conclusion： The expression of RSTN has been greatly increased in the muscular tissue of TBI rats and it was closely related to the index of glycometabolism. RSTN may play an important role in the process of insulin resistance after TBI.     

Protective effect of immunosuppressive treatment before orthotopic kidney autotransplantation

BackgroundIschemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the risk factors for delayed graft function, acute rejection and long term allograft survival after kidney transplantation. IRI is an independent antigen inflammatory process that produces tissue damage. Our objective was to study the impact of immunosuppressive treatment (IS) on IRI applying only one dose of IS before orthotopic kidney autotransplantation.MethodsTwenty-four rats allocated in four groups were studied. One group served as control (G1: autotransplanted rats without IS) and the rest received IS 12 h before kidney autotransplantation (G2: Rapamycin, G3: Mycophenolate mofetil and G4: Tacrolimus).ResultsImproved renal function and systemic inflammatory response were found among IS groups compared to the control group (Delta Urea p < 0.0001; Delta Creatinine p < 0.0001; Delta C3 p < 0.001). The number of apoptotic nuclei in renal medulla in G1 was higher than in IS groups (p < 0.0001). Tubular damage was less severe in IS groups respecting G1 (p < 0.001). C3, TNF-α and IL-6 expression in kidney samples was reduced when IS was used compared to the control group. No differences were observed among the different immunosuppressive drugs tested. However, Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) was increased only in Rapamycin treatment.ConclusionsThese data suggest that the use of IS administered before transplant attenuates the IRI process after kidney transplantation in an animal model.     

Diagnostic value of ischaemia-modified albumin in pulmonary contusion in rats

BackgroundPatients with pulmonary contusion (PC) are at increased risk of development of complications and death after trauma. The early diagnosis and determination of severity of PC could improve clinical outcomes. The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) in a PC model in rats.MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups; the uninjured control Group I (n = 7) and the uninjured control Group II (n = 7) were euthanised at 2 and 6 h, respectively, and PC groups III (n = 9) and IV (n = 9) were euthanised at 2 and 6 h after trauma, respectively. The serum level of IMA, tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and histopathological damage scores of the lung tissue were determined.ResultsSerum IMA and lung tissue MDA levels in the PC groups were not significantly different to those of the control groups (p = 0.555; p = 0.086, respectively). Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in the PC groups than in the control groups (p = 0.011). When histopathological changes in lung parenchyma were evaluated, there was a statistical difference between the injured and uninjured groups for inflammation and lung injury (p = 0.017; p = 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant correlation between the histopathological score and biochemical parameters.ConclusionOur preliminary findings suggest that there is no significant change of serum IMA levels in the acute phase of PC induced by blunt chest trauma.