Cocaine exposure in vitro induces apoptosis in fetal locus coeruleus neurons by altering the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and through caspase-3 apoptotic signaling

Cocaine inhibits survival and growth of rat locus coeruleus (LC) neurons, which may mediate alterations in attention, following in utero exposure to cocaine. These effects are most severe in early gestation during peak neuritogenesis. Prenatal cocaine exposure may specifically decrease LC survival through an apoptotic pathway involving caspases. Dissociated fetal LC neurons or substantia nigra (SN) neurons (control) were exposed in vitro to a pharmacologically active dose of cocaine hydrochloride (500 ng/ml) and assayed for apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated DNA nick end labeling and Hoechst methodologies. Cocaine exposure decreased survival and induced apoptosis in LC neurons, with no changes in survival of SN neurons. Activation of apoptotic signal transduction proteins was determined using enzyme assays and immunoblotting at 30 min, 1 h, 4 h and 24 h. In LC neurons, Bax levels were induced at 30 min and 1 h, following cocaine treatment, and Bcl-2 levels remained unchanged at all time points, altering the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The ratio was reversed for SN neurons (elevated Bcl-2 levels and transient reduction of Bax levels). Further, cocaine exposure significantly increased caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities at all time points, without changes in caspase-8 activity in LC neurons. In addition, cleavage of caspase-3 target proteins, alpha-fodrin and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were observed following cocaine treatment. In contrast, SN neurons showed either significant reductions, or no significant changes, in caspase-3, -8 or -9 activities or caspase-3 target proteins, alpha-fodrin and PARP. Thus, cocaine exposure in vitro may preferentially induce apoptosis in fetal LC neurons putatively regulated by Bax, via activation of caspases and their downstream target proteins.     

Effect of curcumin on Bcl-2 and Bax expression in nude mice prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor in urinary system. Curcumin has curative effect on many kinds of cancers and can inhibit prostate cancer (PC)-3 cells proliferation. This study aimed to explore the curcumin induced prostate cancer cell apoptosis and apoptosis related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax expression. PC-3 cells were injected subcutaneously to the nude mice to establish the tumor model. The nude mice were randomly divided into group C (normal saline), group B (6% polyethylene glycol and 6% anhydrous ethanol), group H, M, L (100 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg curcumin). The tumor volume was measured every 6 days to draw the tumor growth curve. The mice were killed at the 30^th day after injection to weight the tumor. TUNEL assay was applied to determine cell apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Bcl-2 and Bax expression. The tumor volume and weight in group H, M, L were significantly lower than the control group (C, B) (P<0.05), and the inhibitory rate increased following the curcumin dose increase. Compared with the control group, Bcl-2 expression in group H, M, L gradually decreased, while Bax protein expression increased (P<0.05). The cell apoptosis rate showed no statistical difference between group B and C, while it increased in curcumin group H, M, and L (P<0.05). Curcumin could inhibit PC-3 growth, decrease tumor volume, reduce tumor weight, and induce cell apoptosis under the skin of nude mice by up-regulating Bax and down-regulating Bcl-2.     

Matrine inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells via upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of matrine on proliferation and apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and its relevant molecular mechanisms. Methods: Breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 was cultured with series concentrations of Matrine in vitro. The proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 cells were investigated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) measurements. The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide coupled staining. The morphological changes of MCF-7 cell were examined. Results: The inhibition rates of MCF-7 cells were 6.01%-37.01%, 7.56%-53.92%, and 10.86%-70.23% for 24, 48, and 72 hours after Matrine treatment, respectively. The proliferation of MCF-7 cells was significantly inhibited by Matrine administration, with a time and dose dependent manner. The rates apoptotic cells was between 4.17±0.25% and 19.63±0.17% in 0.25-2.0 mg/ml Matrine groups, which had significant increased compare with the control groups (1.10±0.08%, P<0.05). Meanwhile, increased Bax expression, but decreased Bcl-2 expression was observed in MCF-7 cell line. MMP were significantly decreased by Matrine treatment. Conclusions: Matrine significantly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis in breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells, which is related to Bax, Bcl-2 signaling and MMP.     

红景天苷对急性心肌缺血大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的作用及机制研究

目的：观察红景天苷对急性心肌缺血大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的影响,探讨其可能的分子机制。方法：制备Sprague Dawley大鼠急性心肌缺血模型,随机分为红景天苷高、低剂量组(40 mg/kg、10 mg/kg)、急性心肌缺血组和对照组。原位末端转移酶标记染色法检测心肌组织凋亡情况,免疫印迹法检测心肌组织Bcl-2、Bax、Cytochrome c (Cyt-c)、cleaved caspase-3以及cleaved caspase-9蛋白的表达水平。结果：原位末端转移酶标记染色法显示红景天苷浓度依赖性抑制急性心肌缺血所引起心肌细胞的凋亡;免疫印迹法结果显示,与急性心肌缺血组相比,红景天苷干预后心肌组织中Bcl-2的蛋白表达显著增加,Bax的蛋白表达显著减少,胞浆(cyto)中Cyt-c的蛋白表达水平显著下降,cleaved caspase-3和cleaved caspase-9表达均显著降低。结论：红景天苷具有抗心肌细胞凋亡的作用,其作用机制可能是通过抑制线粒体通路减少细胞的凋亡。本实验为红景天苷可作为临床上治疗缺血性心脏病提供实验依据。     

Cocaine place conditioning increases pro-opiomelanocortin gene expression in rat hypothalamus

Recent research suggests an involvement of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene products in modulating cocaine reward and addiction-like behaviors in rodents. In this study, we investigated whether cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) alters POMC gene expression in the brain or pituitary of rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were conditioned with 4 injections of 0, 10 or 30 mg/kg cocaine (i.p.) over 8 days and tested 4 days after the last conditioning session. Another group received the same pattern of cocaine injections without conditioning. POMC mRNA levels in the hypothalamus (including arcuate nucleus), amygdala and anterior pituitary, as well as plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels were measured. Cocaine place conditioning at 10 and 30 mg/kg doses increased POMC mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner in the hypothalamus, with no effect in the amygdala. Cocaine CPP had no effect on POMC mRNA levels in the anterior pituitary or on plasma ACTH or corticosterone levels. In rats that received cocaine at 30 mg/kg without conditioning, there was no such effect on hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels. Alteration of POMC gene expression in the hypothalamus is region-specific after cocaine place conditioning, and dose-dependent. The increased POMC gene expression in the hypothalamus suggests that it is involved in the reward/learning process of cocaine-induced conditioning.     

Mechanism of the promotion of steatotic HepG2 cell apoptosis by cholesterol

The role of cholesterol in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unclear. It is known that apoptosis of hepatocytes is an important characteristics of NASH. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cholesterol on steatotic HepG2 cell apoptosis and the possible mechanism in vitro. In this study, HepG2 cells were divided into three groups: (1) normal group, (2) steatosis group and (3) cholesterol group. HepG2 cells were treated with oleic acid to establish a steatosis study model. Steatosis was assessed by Oil Red O staining and triglyceride content assay. Cell apoptosis was measured using an apoptosis kit. The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (P53, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, cyclin A, cyclin B1 and cyclin E) were determined by western blot analyses. We found that a hepatocyte steatosis model was successfully established by oleic acid (200 μmol/L) induction. The cholesterol (50 mg/L) group had similar amount of lipid droplets and triglyceride content as steatosis group (P > 0.5). However, the apoptosis rate (P < 0.01) of the cholesterol group was significantly higher than that of the normal group or the steatosis group, and the protein expressions of Bax and caspase-3, but not P53, Bcl-2, cyclin A, cyclin B1 and cyclin E, were also increased in the cholesterol group. Those results suggested that cholesterol markedly promoted apoptosis of steatosis HepG2 cells in vitro, likely through the up-regulation of Bax and caspase-3 expression. This study contributes to explain the effect of cholesterol on NASH pathogenesis.     

银杏叶提取物对1型糖尿病大鼠认知功能及海马神经细胞凋亡的影响

目的： 探讨银杏叶提取物(EGB)对1型糖尿病脑病大鼠海马神经细胞的保护机制。方法: 36只SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常对照组（C组）、糖尿病模型组(DM组)、银杏叶提取物治疗组（EGB组）。用链脲佐菌素（STZ）腹腔注射建立糖尿病动物模型,EGB组腹腔注射银杏叶提取物注射液,其余2组给予同等体积的生理盐水。于12周末通过Morris水迷宫法评价各组大鼠学习记忆能力并测定血清中的血糖和胰岛素浓度;用Image-Pro Plus 6.0图像分析技术检测大鼠海马组织神经细胞密度;Western blotting和免疫组织化学法检测其Bax、Bcl-2和caspase-3蛋白的表达。结果: DM组大鼠血糖浓度(P<0.01)、海马神经细胞中Bax(P<0.01)、caspase-3(P<0.01)蛋白的表达、Bax/ Bcl-2比例 (P<0.01)及Morris水迷宫潜伏期(P<0.01)均高于C组,而胰岛素水平(P<0.01)、海马CA1和CA2区域的神经细胞密度(P<0.05) 及Morris水迷宫搜索策略能力(P<0.01)均低于C组。EGB干预治疗后大鼠胰岛素水平(P<0.05)、海马CA1和CA2区域的神经细胞密度(P<0.05) 及Morris水迷宫搜索策略能力(P<0.01)均高于DM组,而血糖浓度(P<0.01)、海马组织中Bax(P<0.05)、caspase-3(P<0.05)蛋白的表达、Bax/ Bcl-2比例 (P<0.01) 及Morris水迷宫潜伏期(P<0.05)均低于DM组。各实验组大鼠Bcl-2蛋白的表达没有明显变化。结论: 银杏叶提取物提高糖尿病大鼠的空间学习记忆能力,可能通过减少Bax、caspase-3蛋白表达、降低Bax/ Bcl-2比例,从而减少神经细胞的凋亡,提高神经细胞密度而发挥作用。提示通过有效调节神经元凋亡相关基因是EGB治疗糖尿病脑病的的重要作用机制之一。     

Rat visceral yolk sac cells: viability and expression of cell markers during maternal diabetes

The function of the visceral yolk sac (VYS) is critical for embryo organogenesis until final fetal development in rats, and can be affected by conditions such as diabetes. In view of the importance of diabetes during pregnancy for maternal and neonatal health, the objective of this study was to assess fetal weight, VYS cell markers, and viability in female Wistar rats (200-250 g) with induced diabetes (alloxan, 37 mg/kg) on the 8th gestational day (gd 8). At gd 15, rats from control (n=5) and diabetic (n=5) groups were anesthetized and laparotomized to remove the uterine horns for weighing of fetuses and collecting the VYS. Flow cytometry was used for characterizing VYS cells, and for determining mitochondrial activity, cell proliferation, DNA ploidy, cell cycle phases, and caspase-3 activity. Fetal weight was reduced in the diabetic group. Expression of the cell markers CD34, VEGFR1, CD115, CD117, CD14, CCR2, CD90, CD44, STRO-1, OCT3/4, and Nanog was detected in VYS cells in both groups. In the diabetic group, significantly decreased expression of CD34 (P<0.05), CCR2 (P<0.001), and OCT3/4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of CD90 (P<0.05), CD117 (P<0.01), and CD14 (P<0.05) were observed. VYS cells with inactive mitochondria, activated caspase-3, and low proliferation were present in the rats with diabetes. Severe hyperglycemia caused by maternal diabetes had negative effects on pregnancy, VYS cell viability, and the expression of cell markers.     

山莨菪碱缓解幼龄鼠缺氧缺血性脑组织形态和功能损伤

目的　探讨山茛菪碱在缺氧缺血性脑损伤幼龄鼠脑组织形态和功能损伤中的调控作用。 方法　50只幼龄大鼠均分为健康对照组、模型组、模型加药组（尾静脉注射山莨菪碱2.5、5、10 mg/kg）共5组。脑组织干湿重法检测脑指数和脑含水率,HE染色观察脑组织病理损伤,TUNEL染色观察脑海马神经元周围组织细胞凋亡情况,Western blot检测脑组织中Bax/Bcl-2、caspase-9、caspase-3、BDNF和NGF蛋白表达水平,RT-PCR检测BDNF和NGF mRNA表达水平,试剂盒检测SOD、MDA和GSH-Px含量。 结果　与健康对照组比较,模型组幼龄鼠脑组织形态和神经功能损伤严重（P<0.05）。与模型组比较,5 mg/kg和10 mg/kg山茛菪碱组脑指数和脑含水率降低（P<0.05）,脑组织病理损伤好转,脑海马神经元周围组织细胞凋亡减少,Bax/Bcl-2、caspase-9、caspase-3表达水平降低（P<0.05）,BDNF和NGF表达水平增高（P<0.05）,MDA含量降低,SOD和GSH-Px含量增高（P<0.05）。 结论　山茛菪碱能够缓解缺氧缺血性脑损伤幼龄鼠脑组织形态和功能损伤。     

Myrtol ameliorates cartilage lesions in an osteoarthritis rat model

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of myrtol standardized on cartilage lesions in osteoarthritis (OA) rats. Methods: Fifty-six healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (13 rats) and OA model group (43 rats) with interior meniscus excision. Then serum estradiol (E₂) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in cartilage tissue were measured by radioimmunoassay and toluidine blue staining, respectively. After that, the model rats were randomly divided into low dose myrtol (LDM) group, middle dose myrtol (MDM) group and high dose myrtol (HDM) group (10 rats in each group) with treatment of 450 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg myrtol, respectively. Then, Mankin scores were used to evaluate lesion extent of knee joint cartilage. Expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin (IL)-6, Bax and Bcl-2 were investigated using PCR gel electrophoresis method. Results: Mankin cores were lower in sham group and myrtol group than in model group. There were statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between sham group and model group in expression of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-6, Bax and Bcl-2 in the cartilage tissue. Myrtol significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and Bax, and increased the expression of TGF-β1 and Bcl-2 in myrtol group, comparing with those in model group (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Myrtol could down-regulate the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and Bax, and up-regulate the expression of TGF-β1 and Bcl-2. Myrtol standardized is a promising drug to ameliorate knee cartilage lesions in the OA rat model.     

Propofol inhibits burn injury-induced hyperpermeability through an apoptotic signal pathway in microvascular endothelial cells

Recent studies have revealed that an intrinsic apoptotic signaling cascade is involved in vascular hyperpermeability and endothelial barrier dysfunction. Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) has also been reported to inhibit apoptotic signaling by regulating mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and caspase-3 activation. Here, we investigated whether propofol could alleviate burn serum-induced endothelial hyperpermeability through the inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic signaling cascade. Rat lung microvascular endothelial cells (RLMVECs) were pretreated with propofol at various concentrations, followed by stimulation with burn serum, obtained from burn-injury rats. Monolayer permeability was determined by transendothelial electrical resistance. Mitochondrial release of cytochrome C was measured by ELISA. Bax and Bcl-2 expression and mitochondrial release of second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases (smac) were detected by Western blotting. Caspase-3 activity was assessed by fluorometric assay; mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m) was determined with JC-1 (a potential-sensitive fluorescent dye). Intracellular ATP content was assayed using a commercial kit, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Burn serum significantly increased monolayer permeability (P<0.05), and this effect could be inhibited by propofol (P<0.05). Compared with a sham treatment group, intrinsic apoptotic signaling activation - indicated by Bax overexpression, Bcl-2 downregulation, Δψ_m reduction, decreased intracellular ATP level, increased cytosolic cytochrome C and smac, and caspase-3 activation - was observed in the vehicle group. Propofol not only attenuated these alterations (P<0.05 for all), but also significantly decreased burn-induced ROS production (P<0.05). Propofol attenuated burn-induced RLMVEC monolayer hyperpermeability by regulating the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway.     

Serum UCH-L1 as a Novel Biomarker to Predict Neuronal Apoptosis Following Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Background: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) has been used in cardiac surgery involving infant complex congenital heart disease and aortic dissection. DHCA carries a risk of neuronal apoptotic death in brain. Serum ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) level is elevated in a number of neurological diseases involving neuron injury and death. We studied the hypothesis that UCH-L1 may be a potential biomarker for DHCA-induced ischemic neuronal apoptosis.Methods: Anesthetized piglets were used to perform cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DHCA was induced for 1 hour followed by CPB rewarming. Blood samples were collected and serum UCH-L1 levels were measured. Neuron apoptosis and Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in hippocampus were examined. The relationship between neuron apoptosis and UCH-L1 level was determined by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and correlation analysis.Results: DHCA resulted in marked neuronal apoptosis, significant increase in Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in hippocampus and UCH-L1 level elevations in serum (all P<0.05). Positive correlation was obtained between serum UCH-L1 level and the severity of neuron apoptosis (r= 0.78, P<0.01). By ROC, the area under the curve were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.74-0.99; P<0.01), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.81-0.96; P<0.05), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.47-0.92; P=0.11) for UCH-L1, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Bax, respectively. Using a cut-off point of 0.25, the UCH-L1 predicted neuronal apoptosis with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 57%.Conclusion: Serum UCH-L1, as an easy and quick measurable biomarker, can predict neural apoptosis induced by DHCA. The elevation in UCH-L1 concentration is consistent with the severity of neural apoptosis following DHCA.     

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.     

Chronic prenatal cocaine treatment down-regulates mu-opioid receptor mRNA expression in the brain of fetal Rhesus Macaque

Ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) were performed to quantify mu-opioid receptor mRNA expression in specific brain regions of day 70 Rhesus Macaque fetuses that were exposed to cocaine (3 mg/kg) or saline from days 22-70 of gestation. The content of mu-receptor mRNA was high in the diencephalon and moderate in the mesencephalon. In contrast, mu-receptor mRNA was lightly expressed in areas such as the frontal cortex, striatum and the temporal lobe. The content of mu-opioid receptor mRNA was significantly higher in the diencephalon than in other brain regions (P < 0.001; n = 4). Cocaine exposure significantly decreased the expression of mu-receptor mRNA in the fetal diencephalon (P < 0.05; n = 4 in each group). Our data would indicate that prolonged gestational cocaine exposure causes mu-opioid receptor mRNA down-regulation in specific brain regions of the fetus.     

Early adolescents show enhanced acute cocaine-induced locomotor activity in comparison to late adolescent and adult rats

Initiation of drug use during adolescence is associated with an increased probability to develop a drug addiction. The present study examined dose-response effects of cocaine (0, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) on locomotor activity in early adolescent (postnatal day (PND) 35), late adolescent (PND 45), and young adults (PND 60) by measuring total distance moved (TDM) and frequency of start-stops. In response to 20 mg/kg cocaine, early adolescents showed the greatest cocaine-induced increase in TDM in comparison to late adolescent and adult rats. At this same dose, early adolescents showed the greatest cocaine-induced attenuation of start-stops relative to older rats. Results suggest that early adolescents engage in more cocaine-induced locomotor activity and less stationary behavior indicating that early adolescents are more sensitive to locomotor activating effects of high dose cocaine than older rats.     

TFF3 knockout in human pituitary adenoma cell HP75 facilitates cell apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway

Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), a regulatory protein composed of 59 amino acids, has been suggested to be involved in pathogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration and apoptosis in multiple malignant tumors. This study thus investigated the effect of TFF3 knockout in human pituitary adenoma cell line HP75 on cell apoptosis and related pathways. RNA interference approach was used to knock down the expression of TFF3 protein. The gene silencing was validated by RNA denaturing gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The effect of TFF3 knockout on cell apoptosis was analyzed by Western blotting and flow cytometry. TFF3 protein level in pituitary adenoma was about 3.61 ± 0.48 folds of that in normal tissues (P < 0.01). After transfecting with small interference RNA (siRNA) against TFF3, the apoptotic ration was significantly elevated (P < 0.01). Apoptosis related protein Bcl-2 and caspase-3 levels were remarkably depressed after siRNA transfection, while Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels were elevated. TFF3 protein knockout can facilitate apoptosis of human pituitary adenoma HP75 cells via mitochondrial pathway.     

莫诺苷对血管性痴呆大鼠的治疗作用研究

目的　研究莫诺苷对血管性痴呆模型大鼠的作用及其机制。 方法　大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham组)、模型组(VD组)、VD+Mor(25、50和100 mg)组,灌胃给药1次/d,连续28 d。Morris水迷宫测试空间学习记忆能力;HE染色观察脑组织病理学改变;TUNEL法检测海马细胞凋亡;ELISA测定血清SOD、MDA和LDH水平;Western Blot法检测海马Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9,caspase-3和p53蛋白表达水平。 结果　莫诺苷改善血管痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力;抑制脑组织病理学改变;降低细胞凋亡;提高血清SOD,降低MDA、LDH含量;并抑制Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9、caspase-3及p53蛋白表达。 结论　莫诺苷改善血管性痴呆大鼠的记忆能力和病理改变,降低脑组织细胞凋亡率和自由基水平,抑制线粒体凋亡通路蛋白表达,对血管性痴呆大鼠起到治疗作用。     

莫诺苷对血管性痴呆大鼠的治疗作用研究

目的　研究莫诺苷对血管性痴呆模型大鼠的作用及其机制。 方法　大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham组)、模型组(VD组)、VD+Mor(25、50和100 mg)组,灌胃给药1次/d,连续28 d。Morris水迷宫测试空间学习记忆能力;HE染色观察脑组织病理学改变;TUNEL法检测海马细胞凋亡;ELISA测定血清SOD、MDA和LDH水平;Western Blot法检测海马Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9,caspase-3和p53蛋白表达水平。 结果　莫诺苷改善血管痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力;抑制脑组织病理学改变;降低细胞凋亡;提高血清SOD,降低MDA、LDH含量;并抑制Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9、caspase-3及p53蛋白表达。 结论　莫诺苷改善血管性痴呆大鼠的记忆能力和病理改变,降低脑组织细胞凋亡率和自由基水平,抑制线粒体凋亡通路蛋白表达,对血管性痴呆大鼠起到治疗作用。     

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of an extract,fractions, and compounds isolated from Gochnatia pulchra aerial parts

This paper reports on the in vitro antibacterial and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of a hydroethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Gochnatia pulchra (HEGP). It also describes the antibacterial activity of HEGP fractions and of the isolated compounds genkwanin, scutellarin, apigenin, and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, as evaluated by a broth microdilution method. While HEGP and its fractions did not provide promising results, the isolated compounds exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity. The most sensitive microorganism was Streptococcus pyogenes, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 100, 50 and 25 µg/mL for genkwanin and the flavonoids apigenin and scutellarin, respectively. Genkwanin produced an MIC value of 25 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis. A paw edema model in rats and a pleurisy inflammation model in mice aided investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects of HEGP. This study also evaluated the ability of HEGP to modulate carrageenan-induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production. Orally administered HEGP (250 and 500 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema. Regarding carrageenan-induced pleurisy, HEGP at 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg diminished leukocyte migration by 71.43%, 69.24%, and 73.34% (P<0.05), respectively. HEGP suppressed IL-1β and MCP-1 production by 55% and 50% at 50 mg/kg (P<0.05) and 60% and 25% at 100 mg/kg (P<0.05), respectively. HEGP abated TNF-α production by macrophages by 6.6%, 33.3%, and 53.3% at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg (P<0.05), respectively. HEGP probably exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1.     

Handling alters cocaine-induced activity in adolescent but not adult male rats

The developmental period of adolescence is one that is characterized by increased levels of stress and vulnerability to drugs. Pre-test handling is an experimental manipulation that is used to acclimate animals prior to behavioral testing and exposure to a novel environment. Therefore, the present study was conducted in order to address the issue of pre-test handling of adolescent and adult male rats on subsequent cocaine-induced locomotor activity upon presentation to a novel environment. On days one through four, postnatal day (PND) 41-44 or PND 56-59, respectively, animals were handled b.i.d. for three minutes. On the fifth day, PND 45 or PND 60, animals were administered 30 mg/kg/ip cocaine or saline and immediately placed in a novel environment where locomotor activity was measured for 30 minutes. Cocaine increased locomotor activity similarly in all non-handled animals, regardless of age. Interestingly, adolescent animals expressed a differential effect when handled prior to an acute cocaine administration. Specifically, handling increased cocaine-induced locomotor activity in adolescent but not adult animals. These findings indicate that adolescent males that have been acclimated to the handling procedure experience significantly more behavioral reactivity than do adults to a high dose of cocaine upon exposure to a novel environment.