Prooxidant-antioxidant state of the organism during oxidative stress and correction of the L-arginine-NO system

The prooxidant-antioxidant balance in rats with oxidative stress was studied during correction of the L-arginine-NO system. Oxidative stress was induced by intravenous injection of E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Under conditions of oxidative stress the prooxidant-antioxidant imbalance was least pronounced during selective correction of the L-arginine-NO system. L-Arginine and nonselective NO synthase inhibitor had little protective effect. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 4, pp. 368–370, April, 2006     

Antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of N-docosahexaenoyl dopamine

N-Docosahexaenoyl dopamine exhibited antioxidant activity in the test with a stable oxygen radical galvinoxyl. This compound produced a dose-dependent protective effect on cultured granular cells from rat cerebellum under conditions of oxidative stress. N-Docosahexaenoyl dopamine decelerated the development of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in mice receiving neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 10, pp. 406–408, October, 2006     

Effect of Oxidixed Dextrans on Oxidative and Metabolic Function of Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis>

We compared the effects of dextrans with a molecular weight of 35 kDa oxidized by chemical (OD_ch) and radiochemical (OD_r) methods on oxidative and metabolic functions of peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice in vitro and in vivo. It was found that none type of dextrans exhibits chemiluminescent properties. In vitro study showed that OD_ch had a priming effect on mouse peritoneal macrophages, while OD_r did not potentiate the oxidative and metabolic response of cells to zymosan. Being injected intraperitoneally, OD_r more markedly enhanced chemiluminescent response of mouse peritoneal macrophages and reduced their viability than OD_ch. Thus, both dextrans are biocompatible, but in OD_ch this parameter is higher. Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Suppl. 1, pp. 39–41, 2008     

Damage and activation of endothelial cells during in vitro hypoxia

We studied the effect of hypoxia on activation and stimulation of apoptosis in cultured endothelial cells. The effect of hypoxia was compared to that of apoptosis-inducing agents (tumor necrosis factor and bacterial lipopolysaccharide). Incubation of endothelial cells for 24 h under hypoxic conditions (2% O₂, 5% CO₂, and 93% N₂) increased secretion of von Willebrand factor, but had no effect on the expression of cell adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Tumor necrosis factor and lipopolysaccharide did not stimulate secretion of von Willebrand factor, but significantly increased the expression of ICAM-1. These data attest to significant differences in the mechanisms of endothelium activation under hypoxic conditions and during treatment with tumor necrosis factor or lipopolysaccharide. Hypoxia stimulated apoptosis in endothelial cells, which was seen from the increase in the number of annexin V-binding cells and activation of caspase-3. Similar changes were revealed in the presence of tumor necrosis factor and lipopolysaccharide. Hence, damage to endothelial cells caused by hypoxia and these compounds is mediated by similar mechanisms. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 10, pp. 384–386, October, 2007     

Effect of endotoxemia on skin antioxidant enzymes under experimental conditions

Intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide in a dose of 1 mg/kg was followed by prestimulation of whole blood leukocytes in rats. Activities of peroxide-and lipoperoxide-utilizing antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase increased 1 day after lipopolysaccharide administration, while the content of malonic dialdehyde in the skin remained unchanged. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 10, pp. 393–395, October, 2006     

Effect of transplantation of immunocompetent cell on orientation and exploratory behavior and cytokine gene expression in the brain of experimental animals

Intravenous injection of adherent splenocyte fraction from donor (CBA×C57Bl/6)F₁ mice characterized by specific open-field behavior modified this behavior in syngeneic recipient mice. This was paralleled by appropriate changes in the levels of IL-1β and type 1 IL-1 receptor mRNA in the brain cells of recipient mice. Hence, we demonstrated the possibility of directed regulation of orientation and exploratory behavior in mice by transplantation of immunocompetent cells. Mononuclear phagocytes play an important role in this phenomenon. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 9, pp. 309–312, September, 2006     

Morphological manifestations for the protective effect of miliacin in organs of immunogenesis after treatment with methotrexate

Morphological changes in lymphoid organs induced by antitumor drug methotrexate were studied in 219 male (CBA×C57Bl/6)F₁ mice. Plant triterpenoid miliacin attenuated the lymphotoxic effect of this drug. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 10, pp. 458–463, October, 2007     

Modulation of apoptosis of mononuclear cells under conditions of oxidative stress

We studied mitochondrial and type 1 tumor necrosis factor-α receptor (TNFR1)-mediated pathways triggering the apoptotic program in mononuclear cells under conditions of oxidative stress. Intensification of intracellular production of reactive oxygen forms is accompanied by an increase in the number of annexin-positive TNFR1-presenting cells and mononuclear cells with reduced mitochondrial transmembrane potential in case of induction of oxidative stress with 1 mM H₂O₂ in vitro and in patients with pneumonia. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 3, pp. 251–254, March, 2008     

Dynamics of LPO products and oxidative modification of proteins in human brain during postnatal development

Opposite changes in the content of LPO products and products of oxidative modification of proteins were detected in human brain structures in the course of postnatal development. A clear-cut ontogenetic reduction of LPO products was observed in field 17 of the cortex, archicortex structures, and in the hypothalamus. Age-specific increase in the levels of products of oxidative modification of proteins was recorded in all compartments of the brain; it peaked by the age of 12–21 years and was most pronounced (4–6-fold) in the visual cortex, hippocampus, diencephalic and pontobulbar compartments of the brain. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’oi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 8, pp. 159–166, August, 2007     

Myostatin knockout mice increase oxidative muscle phenotype as an adaptive response to exercise

Myostatin-deficient mice (MSTN ^−/−) display excessive muscle mass and this is associated with a profound loss of oxidative metabolic properties. In this study we analysed the effect of two endurance-based exercise regimes, either a forced high-impact swim training or moderate intensity voluntary wheel running on the adaptive properties of the tibialis anterior and plantaris muscle from MSTN ^−/− mice. MSTN ^−/− and wild type (MSTN ^+/+) animals had comparable performances in the wheel running regime in terms of distance, average speed and time, but MSTN ^−/− mice showed a reduced ability to sustain a high-impact activity via swimming. Swim training elicited muscle specific adaptations on fibre type distribution in MSTN ^−/−; the tibialis anterior displaying a partial transformation in contrast to the plantaris which showed no change. Conversely, wheel running induced similar changes in fibre type composition of both muscles, favouring transitions from IIB-to-IIA. Succinate dehydrogenase activity, an indicator of mitochondrial oxidative potential was increased in response to either exercise regime, with wheel running eliciting more robust changes in the MSTN ^−/− muscles. Examination of the cross sectional area of individual fibre types showed genotype-specific responses with MSTN ^−/− mice exhibiting an incapability of fibre enlargement following the wheel running regime, as opposed to MSTN ^+/+ mice and a greater susceptibility to muscle fibre area loss following swimming. In conclusion, the muscle fibre hypertrophy, oxidative capacity and glycolytic phenotype of myostatin deficient muscle can be altered with endurance exercise regimes.     

Morphological Changes in the Liver of Pregnant C57Bl/6 Mice with BCG Granulomatosis

Morphological changes in the liver of pregnant C57Bl/6 mice infected with BCG vaccine before pregnancy and on day 13 of gestation were studied by means of light microscopy and morphometry. The formation of BCG granulomas in mice of both groups was followed by a decrease in the numerical density and diameter of granulomas, increase in the volume density of hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, and rise in the numerical density of binucleate hepatocytes (compared to nonpregnant mice infected with BCG vaccine). Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Suppl. 1, pp. 83–85, 2008     

Metabolic activity of cells in brain cortex after alcohol intoxication and correction of changes with Dolivin

Metabolic processes in the brain cortex of albino rats with prenatal and postnatal alcohol intoxication were studied by the method of electron paramagnetic resonance. Accumulation of superoxide radical-generating agents, inactivation of superoxide dismutase, and increase in nitric oxide concentration were detected. Activation of free radical processes was associated with accumulation of Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺. The parameters of electron paramagnetic resonance returned to normal after Dolivin treatment. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of oxidative metabolism. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 9, pp. 252–254, September, 2006     

Protective effect of complex antioxidant preparation containing vitamins and amino acids in rats with burn trauma complicated by endotoxemia

Burn trauma increased blood chemiluminescence, while lipopolysaccharide in a dose of 1 mg/kg potentiated this effect, activated LPO, and decreased plasma antioxidant activity. In erythrocytes, superoxide dismutase activity increased, while activity of peroxide-utilizing enzymes decreased. Myeloperoxidase content increased in the lungs and epidermis. The preparation of α-tocopherol, selenium aspartate, and ubiquinone abolished the effect of lipopolysaccharide, but did not modulate the increase in chemiluminescence under the influence of this agent. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 6, pp. 636–638, June, 2006     

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     

Ultrastructural changes in the small intestine of suckling mice,caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vibrio cholerae</Emphasis> hemagglutinin/protease

Suckling mice aged 4–5 days were injected with Vibrio cholerae hemagglutinin/protease and ultrastructural changes in their small intestine were studied after 5 h. The preparation caused a statistically significant accumulation of fluid in the intestine, appearance of large gaps along cell-cell spaces in the villi and crypts, intense production and secretion of the mucus by goblet cells. The formation of interepithelial cavities was paralleled by vascular changes, supplemented by extravasal disorders caused by mast cell reaction. The role of enterochromaffin cells and lipofibroblasts, modulating the secretion in the intestine, is confirmed. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 4, pp. 475–480, April, 2008     

Suppression of hemopoiesis during CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis: Role of systemic endotoxemia

CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice was accompanied by insufficiency of bone marrow myelo- and erythropoiesis. Polymyxin B completely abolished these changes. This phenomenon can be explained by the development of macrophage endotoxin tolerance during hepatic fibrosis. Translated fromByulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 8, pp. 172–175, August, 2000     

Experimental study of reproduction in C57Bl/6 and random-bred mice exposed to nonionizing high-frequency radiation

Experimental study of changes in the reproductive function in 10 generations descending from C57Bl/6 and random-bred mice exposed to nonionizing radiation showed a trend to deviation of this function from the normal: the number of newborns in the litter of generations 3–5 was below the normal, which starting from generations 5–6 it gradually increased, approaching the normal. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 4, pp. 429–432, April, 2006     

Mutant C57Bl/KsLepr<Superscript>db/+</Superscript> mice as a genetic model of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The genetic model of diabetes mellitus was studied on mutant C57Bl/KsLepr^db/+ mice. These mice were characterized by high concentrations of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood, polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia, progressive obesity, biphasic morphological changes in insular islets of the pancreas (hyperplasia and atrophy), fatty degeneration of the liver, and hypoplasia of the spleen tissue and lymph nodes. Our results indicate that C57Bl/KsLepr^db/+ mice serve as an adequate model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This model is suitable for testing of therapeutic methods for type 2 diabetes mellitus. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 12, pp. 664–667, December, 2007     

Lipid Peroxidation in the Liver of Mice during Development of Granulomatous Inflammation after Combined Infection with <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. albicans</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. tuberculosis</Emphasis>

Programmed death of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors was studied during culturing with various concentrations of H₂O₂ and selective inhibitors of JNK (SP600125) and p38 MAPK (ML3403). In vitro incubation of mononuclear leukocytes with 1 mM H₂O₂ stimulated apoptotic cell death. Treatment with inhibitors (SP600125 and ML3403) during in vitro oxidative stress prevented the increase in the number of annexin-positive mononuclear cells. Our results indicate that MAP kinases JNK and p38 are involved in the mechanisms of oxidative dysregulation of apoptosis. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 5, pp. 505–508, May, 2008     

Role of heat shock proteins HSP70 and HSP32 in the protective effect of adaptation of cultured HT22 hippocampal cells to oxidative stress

Preadaptation of cultured HT22 mouse hippocampal neurons to oxidative stress prevented cell damage induced by severe oxidative stress. This protection manifested in a decrease in metabolic disturbances in neurons. Adaptation of neurons to oxidative stress was accompanied by accumulation of HSP32 and HSP70. HSP synthesis inhibitor quercetin abolished the protective effect of adaptation under conditions of oxidative stress. Activation of HSP70 synthesis in neurons is an important mechanism for adaptive protection of cells. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 8, pp. 138–142, August, 2007