Changes in the concentration of tissue inhibitor of type 1 metalloproteinases in blood serum and liver of mice with CCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>-induced hepatitis

The concentration of tissue inhibitor of type 1 metalloproteinases in blood serum from intact CBA mice measured by enzyme immunoassay is similar to that in healthy humans. The concentration of tissue inhibitor of type 1 metalloproteinases in mouse bile was higher than in blood serum, while its concentration in liver homogenate more than 1000-fold exceeded that in the serum, which attests to its primarily intracellular localization in the liver. Loading of liver cell lysosomes with Triton WR-1339 and development of intrahepatic cholestasis did not affect the concentration of tissue inhibitor of type 1 metalloproteinases in liver homogenate and bile. Administration of CCl₄ to mice for 4.5 weeks was accompanied by an increase in the concentration of tissue inhibitor of type 1 metalloproteinases in blood serum, but not in liver homogenate. These changes reflect dysregulation of metalloproteinases, development of inflammation, and progression of the initial stage of connective tissue formation in mouse liver. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 143, No. 3, pp. 280–283, March, 2007     

Activation of constitutive androstane receptor under the effect of hepatocarcinogenic aminoazo dyes in mouse and rat liver

Selective increase of DNA-binding activity of constitutive androstane receptor was detected in rat and mouse liver in response to aminoazo dyes exhibiting hepatocarcinogenic activity for these species (ortho-aminoazotoluene for mice and 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminobenzene for rats). Competition of azo dyes with ³H-5α-androst-16-ene-3α-ol (a well-known ligand of constitutive androstane receptor) for binding to liver cell cytosol proteins was studied. Ortho-aminoazotoluene and 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminobenzene were better competitors for cytosol proteins from mouse and rat liver, respectively. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 9, pp. 316–319, September, 2007     

Activity of nucleolar organizers in hepatocytes of rats with cirrhosis of the liver after treatment with bioactive preparations

The therapeutic efficiency of bioactive preparations of the liver and spleen in the treatment of experimental toxic cirrhosis of the liver is shown. Evaluation of the nucleolar organizer activity showed the highest efficiency of treatment with human fetal liver extract. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 7, pp. 114–117, July, 2006     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis> Effect of Selective Macrophage Suppression on the Development of Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Mice

We studied the role of selective suppression of liver Kupffer cells (gadolinium chloride, 14 mg/kg intravenously) in the development of intrahepatic cholestasis in CBA/C57Bl/6 mice after intraperitoneal injection of α-naphthylisothiocyanate in a single dose of 200 mg/kg. Pretreatment with gadolinium chloride increased the severity of cholestasis and signs of liver damage. Gadolinium accumulation in the liver peaked after 24 h and was accompanied by a decrease in activities of cathepsin D and cathepsin B and concentration of matrix metalloprotease-2. Our results confirm the hypothesis that normal function of Kupffer cells and extracellular matrix plays an important role in cholestasis. Administration of gadolinium chloride serves as a convenient model to study the side effects, toxicity, and safety of lanthanides as nanoparticles. Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 146, No. 10, pp. 376–380, October, 2008     

Regression analysis of relationship between liver weight and body weight after partial hepatectomy in rats

A method for evaluation of the initial weight of the liver is developed for calculating the regeneration coefficient after partial hepatectomy on the basis of linear regression analysis. Experiments on rats showed that the model reflecting the relationship between liver weight and body weight for calculation of regeneration coefficient after partial resection of the liver expressed by the equation P ₀=0.033×M can be used for screening of potential hepatoprotectors for quantitative evaluation of the regeneration processes. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 2, pp. 234–236, February, 2006     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> effects of thyroliberin on structural state of plasma membranes in mouse brain and liver

The spin probe method was employed to study in vitro the effect of regulatory peptide thyroliberin on structural state of surface (0.8 nm) and deep (2 nm) lipid layers of the plasma membranes in mouse liver and brain. Thyroliberin in a concentration range of 10⁻³–10⁻¹⁸ M enhanced structural order of surface lipids, the maximum effect was observed at 10⁻⁹–10⁻¹⁰ M. The dose-effect dependencies for microviscosity of deep lipids were nonlinear and had 3 extrema at 10⁻⁴–10⁻⁷ M, 10⁻⁹ M, and 10⁻¹⁴–10⁻¹⁶ M. The greatest changes in lipid microviscosity produced by 10⁻⁹ M thyroliberin are explained by lipid-receptor interaction. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 8, pp. 151–154, August, 2007     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vivo</Emphasis> study of dihydroquercetin genotoxicity

Genotoxic properties of dihydroquercetin were in vivo studied by the method of chromosome aberrations counting and DNA-comet assay. Dihydroquercetin administered repeatedly (5 times, 0.15 and 1.5 mg/kg) or once in doses of 15, 150, and 2000 mg/kg induced no DNA damages in mouse bone marrow, blood, liver, and rectal cells. Single administration of this preparation in doses of 1.5 and 150 mg/kg and 5-fold administration in a dose of 1.5 mg/kg had no effect on the level of chromosome aberrations in mouse bone marrow cells. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 3, pp. 309–312, March, 2008     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> study of the role of lenticular epithelial calcium channels and aquaporins in the development of cataract

The role of calcium and water channels (aquaporins) in the pathogenesis of cataract was studied in vitro. Aquaporin blockade caused opacity of the lens sooner than changes in calcium ion concentration in culture medium. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 2, pp. 144–147, February, 2008     

Morphological changes in the liver during experimental modeling of acute ischemia and reperfusion of the limb

The development of 4-h ischemia of the limb in dogs was paralleled by disorders in liver microcirculation manifesting in increased vascular permeability, capillary plethora, hemorrhages, and degenerative changes in hepatocytes, which progressed during the reperfusion period. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 7, pp. 108–111, July, 2007     

Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of hepatic stellate cells over the course of infectious viral fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver

The dynamics of structural and functional changes in stellate cells in liver biopsy specimens (from lipid-containing to fibrogenous phenotype) was studied during the development of infectious viral fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver using ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and morphometric methods. The priority role of stellate cells in the synthesis of extracellular matrix components is emphasized. Resorption of perihepatocellular collagen fibrils is associated with parenchymatous liver cells. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 12, pp. 681–686, December, 2006     

Efficiency of low-esterified pectin in toxic damage to the liver inflicted by lead treatment

Study of the effects of low-esterified pectin in toxic damage to the liver caused by enteral treatment with lead acetate showed that pectin treatment promoted the decrease in lead content in the liver, reduction of LPO activity, and recovery of parameters of lipid metabolism. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 7, pp. 65–67, July, 2007     

Effect of prenatal lead exposure on superoxide dismutase activity in the brain and liver of rat fetuses

Prenatal lead exposure had a damaging effect on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity in the brain and liver of rat fetuses (20 days of gestation). The decrease in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity in the brain and liver of treated fetuses reflects activation of free radical processes and impairment of the antioxidant defense system during prenatal lead exposure. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 12, pp. 632–634, December, 2007     

Structural Changes in the Liver and Content of Steroid Hormones in the Blood and Adrenal Glands of Mice with Systemic Candidiasis Treated with A Composition of Amphotericin B and Dialdehyde Dextran

In CBA mice infected with C. albicans, phasic pattern of granulomatosis development was observed. In all groups, the number of granulomas in the liver was minimum on day 56 after infection. Treatment with free amphotericin B and its composition with dialdehyde dextran (CA) reduced the number of infiltrations and granulomas in the liver, the changes were more pronounced in animals receiving CA. A different pattern of cyclic fluctuations of cortisol content in the blood and adrenal glands and progesterone content in the adrenal gland was observed. By the end of observation (day 84), cortisol content in the blood and adrenals of mice treated with CA was considerably lower than in untreated mice and animals receiving amphotericin B. Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Suppl. 1, pp. 16–19, 2008     

Key Enzymes of the Extracellular Matrix in Colorectal Cancer

The role of extracellular matrix enzymes in the development of distant metastases of colorectal cancer was studied. The expression of types 2 and 9 matrix metalloproteinases was evaluated in primary colorectal adenocarcinomas (264 patients) and their metastases in the lymph nodes (127 patients) and liver (109 patients). Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was associated with the probable progress of tumor process and with a low level of histological differentiation of the tumor (p=0.048), deeper invasion of the tumor in the intestinal wall (p=0.012), unfavorable outcome (p=0.037), high risk of metastases in the liver, and worse overall and uneventful survival of patients with colorectal cancer (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). High expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 was less significant for the invasive potential and prognosis of colorectal tumors. It is suggested that matrix metalloproteinase-9 is an important marker for analysis of the postoperative prognosis and risk of metastases in the liver in patients with colorectal cancer. Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 147, No. 3, pp. 327–330, March, 2009     

Role of hepatic opioid receptors in the regulation of bile excretion

Experiments on isolated rat liver perfused with Ringer-Krebs bicarbonate buffer showed that stimulation of δ-opiate receptors in this organ increases bile flow rate and taurocholate secretion. Stimulation of μ-opiate receptors decelerated bile production and inhibited taurocholate secretion. Acceleration of bile production and stimulation of taurocholate secretion under the influence of dalargin is probably related to its interaction with δ-opiate receptors in the liver. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 11, pp. 494–496, November, 2006     

Effects of Succinic and Glutamic Acid Combination on Energy Metabolism in the Liver of Mice under Conditions of Hypoxia

Treatment of mice by a combination of succinic and glutamic acids prevented the metabolic disorders in the liver under conditions of normobaric hypoxia. In addition, the activity of the mitochondrial fast metabolic cluster remained intact and lipid peroxidation was limited. Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 147, No. 3, pp. 307–310, March, 2009     

Regeneration of the liver in mice treated with a mixture of hepatotoxins in delayed periods after bone marrow transplantation

Possible effect of bone marrow cells on liver regeneration was studied in mice injected with a mixture of hepatotoxins (allyl alcohol and CCl₄) in a dose equal to LD₅₀. The mixture of hepatotoxins was used to minimize the restitution regeneration of the liver. The dose of allyl alcohol causing (in combination with CCl₄) maximum liver damage was selected beforehand. Increasing the dose of allyl alcohol in the two-component mixture resulted in more severe necrosis of the liver. The maximum dose of alcohol (50 mg/kg) in combination with CCl₄ caused irreversible injury to the liver leading to 100% mortality after 2–4 days. In radiation chimeras reconstituted by bone marrow cell transplantation, in which liver damage was induced by a mixture of hepatotoxins containing the maximum dose of allyl alcohol, we observed normalization of liver tissue structure and function. The mechanism of this effect is not clear. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 4, pp. 462–465, April, 2006     

Pro- and Antioxidants in the Central Lymph in Experimental Chronic Toxic Hepatitis

Using rat model of chronic toxic hepatitis we showed the involvement of the lymph system in the formation of the response to toxic liver damage consisting in deposition of LPO products in the central lymph and active involvement of antioxidants in their neutralization with redistribution of ceruloplasmin into lymph vessels against the background of reduced α-tocopherol content in the central lymph. Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 146, No. 11, pp. 499–502, November, 2008     

Identification,detection and transmission of a new vitivirus from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mentha</Emphasis>

Summary Mentha × gracilis ‘Variegata’ is an ornamental clone with a phenotype caused by virus infection. Several clones were ordered from mail-order nurseries in an attempt to identify a virus consistently associated with symptoms. One of these clones did not exhibit typical ‘Variegata’ symptoms, and steps were taken to identify any agents causing the ‘off-type’ symptoms. One of the viruses identified in the atypical ‘Variegata’ clone is a previously unknown virus, a member of the family Flexiviridae. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicate that the virus, designated as mint virus-2, is related to members of the species Grapevine virus A, Grapevine virus B and Heracleum latent virus, placing it in the genus Vitivirus. A detection protocol for the virus has been developed, and the mint aphid (Ovatus crataegarius) was able to transmit the virus in the presence of a helper virus but not from single infected plants.     

The study of immunological component in antitumor effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trypanosoma cruzi</Emphasis>

The experiments with passive transfer of splenocytes obtained from animals immunized with Trypanosoma cruzi lysate revealed the role of cell-mediated component of the immunity in the antitumor effect of T. cruzi. The common features of T. cruzi antigens and tumor-specific antigens of Ehrlich’s adenocarcinoma were demonstrated. These antigens were shown to have common epitopes with mammalian mucins. The oncoprotective effect was achieved by immunization with type II and III mucins and was reproduced after passive transfer of splenocytes from immunized animals. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 3, pp. 326–329, March, 2008