Biomarkers In Rats Research Articles

Protective effects of polyphenol-rich blackcurrant preparation on biochemical and metabolic biomarkers of rats fed a diet high in fructose.

The purpose of the study was to compare in vivo effects of dietary supplementation with blackcurrant pomaces containing variable level of phenolic compounds on blood and internal organ parameters in rats. Forty-eight growing Wistar rats were allocated to six treatment groups in which they were fed ad libitum for 4 weeks the following diets: standard chow (group S), high-fructose diet (group F), standard chow supplemented with 7.7% of either rich in polyphenols unprocessed blackcurrant pomace (UB) or polyphenol-deprived processed pomace (PB) (groups SUB and SPB respectively), and high-fructose diet with 7.7% of either UB or PB (groups FUB and FPB respectively). Blackcurrant pomace, irrespective of its phenolic content, selectively modulated the enzymatic activity of the colon microflora, reducing the activity of enzymes with potentially harmful properties and promoting activities of enzymes that might increase the use of carbohydrates that escaped digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Although both pomaces increased antioxidant status of the liver and blood serum, the unprocessed pomace showed a greater ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in heart and kidney than the pomace that was less abundant in polyphenols. Both of the examined pomaces had a positive influence on serum lipid profile, but better hypocholesterolemic effect was observed after supplementation of the diet with unprocessed preparation. The biochemical action of unprocessed pomace in the normalization of fructose-induced disturbances was more distinct than those of pomace remaining after extraction.

Assessment of serum biomarkers in rats after exposure to pesticides of different chemical classes

There is increasing emphasis on the use of biomarkers of adverse outcomes in safety assessment and translational research. We evaluated serum biomarkers and targeted metabolite profiles after exposure to pesticides (permethrin, deltamethrin, imidacloprid, carbaryl, triadimefon, fipronil) with different neurotoxic actions. Adult male Long–Evans rats were evaluated after single exposure to vehicle or one of two doses of each pesticide at the time of peak effect. The doses were selected to produce similar magnitude of behavioral effects across chemicals. Serum or plasma was analyzed using commercial cytokine/protein panels and targeted metabolomics. Additional studies of fipronil used lower doses (lacking behavioral effects), singly or for 14days, and included additional markers of exposure and biological activity. Biomarker profiles varied in the number of altered analytes and patterns of change across pesticide classes, and discriminant analysis could separate treatment groups from control. Low doses of fipronil produced greater effects when given for 14days compared to a single dose. Changes in thyroid hormones and relative amounts of fipronil and its sulfone metabolite also differed between the dosing regimens. Most cytokine changes reflected alterations in inflammatory responses, hormone levels, and products of phospholipid, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism. These findings demonstrate distinct blood-based analyte profiles across pesticide classes, dose levels, and exposure duration. These results show promise for detailed analyses of these biomarkers and their linkages to biological pathways.

Plasma miR-208 as a useful biomarker for drug-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Cardiotoxicity is one of the major safety concerns in drug development. Therefore, detecting and monitoring cardiotoxicity throughout preclinical and clinical studies is important for pharmaceutical companies. The present study was conducted in order to explore a plasma miRNA biomarker for cardiotoxicity in rats. As organ specificity is an important factor for a biomarker, we analyzed the miRNA microarray dataset in 55 organs/tissues in normal male rats. Based on this analysis, 5 miRNAs consisting of miR-208 (heart-specific), miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b (heart and skeletal muscle-specific) and miR-206 (skeletal muscle-specific) were selected. Next, we evaluated the usefulness of those 5 miRNAs as circulating biomarkers in rats administered with single-dose isoproterenol or doxorubicin. Plasma miR-208 was consistently increased through 24 h after dosing in rats administered with isoproterenol, whereas plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin (cTn) showed transient elevation. In contrast, the plasma levels of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133a and miR-206 were elevated after treatment with doxorubicin, probably as a result of skeletal muscle toxicity. Additionally, the plasma miR-208 level was elevated even after repeat-dose administration (once daily for 7 days) of isoproterenol under which the pathological condition proceeded to the sub-chronic phase such as fibrosis. Thus, our data suggest that miR-208 is a promising plasma biomarker for cardiotoxicity in rats. Monitoring of plasma miR-208 levels in rats may lead to more accurate evaluation of cardiotoxicity in preclinical studies.

Early and Delayed Effects of Naturally Occurring Asbestos on Serum Biomarkers of Inflammation and Metabolism

Studies recently showed that intratracheal (IT) instillation of Libby amphibole (LA) increases circulating acute-phase proteins (APP; α-2 macroglobulin, A2M; and α-1 acid glycoprotein, AGP) and inflammatory biomarkers (osteopontin and lipocalin) in rats. In this study, objectives were to (1) compare changes in biomarkers of rats after instillation of different naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) minerals including LA, Sumas Mountain chrysotile (SM), El Dorado Hills tremolite (ED), and Ontario ferroactinolite cleavage fragments (ON), and (2) examine biomarkers after subchronic LA or amosite inhalation exposure. Rat-respirable fractions (aerodynamic diameter approximately 2.5 μm) prepared by water elutriation were delivered via a single IT instillation at doses of 0, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/rat in male F344 rats. Nose-only inhalation exposures were performed at 0, 1, 3.3, and 10 mg/m3 for LA and at 3.3 mg /m3 for amosite, 6h/d, 5 d/wk for 13 wk. Inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and cancer biomarkers were analyzed in the serum for up to 18 mo. IT instillation of some asbestos materials significantly increased serum AGP and A2M but to a varying degree (SM = LA > ON = ED). Numerical increases in interleukin (IL)-6 and osteopontin occurred in rats instilled with SM. SM and ED also elevated leptin and insulin at 15 mo, suggesting potential metabolic effects. LA inhalation tended to raise A2M at d 1 but not cytokines. Serum mesothelin appeared to elevate after 18 mo of LA inhalation. These results suggest that the lung injury induced by high levels of asbestos materials may be associated with systemic inflammatory changes and predisposition to insulin resistance.

Impact of light/dark cycle patterns on oxidative stress in an adriamycin-induced nephropathy model in rats.

The principal goal of this study was to determine the effect of the photoperiod on oxidative damage biomarkers in rats submitted to different light/darkness patterns, in a hyperlipidemic nephropathy model (induced by adriamycin), as well as its possible relationship with melatonin and leptin secretion rhythms. To test this hypothesis, six different groups were used (N = 6 rats per group): control (12 h/12h light:dark); exposure to permanent illumination (24 h light); exposure to darkness (22 h dark); injected with adriamycin, 12h/12h light:dark; injected with adriamycin + exposure to permanent illumination and injected with adriamycin + exposure to darkness (22 h dark). The different photoperiods were begun two weeks prior to medication and were maintained up to the day of the animal's sacrifice, ten days after medication. The following parameters were analysed: i) weight evolution; ii) in plasma: urea, creatinine, uric acid, total proteins, albumen, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine-quinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and total cholesterol; iii) in urine: urea, creatinine, total proteins and microalbumen; iv) biomarkers of oxidative damage in kidneys, heart, liver and brain: lipoperoxides, total glutathione, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase; v) melatonin (pineal gland tissue and plasma) and leptin (plasma). From the results obtained it was concluded that the administration of adriamycin generated oxidative stress in renal, cerebral, hepatic and cardiac tissue. Additionally, in the healthy animal, but of a lesser relevance in the adriamycin animal, permanent light worsened the oxidative stress, whereas darkness improved it. This could be related to the circadian rhythm of the inverse release shown by melatonin and leptin, accentuating the release of melatonin in the darkness phase and that of leptin in the light phase. The correlation between melatonin and leptin in the healthy animal seemed to confirm the relationship between both variables and their influence on oxidative damage biomarkers.

Effects of silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) on oxidative stress biomarkers in rat

Objective(s): Nanotechnology and nanoparticles are increasingly recognized for their potential applications in aerospace engineering, nanoelectronics, and environmental remediation, medicine and consumer products. More importantly is the potential for the application of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the treatment of diseases that require maintenance of circulating drug concentration or targeting of specific cells or organs the aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of Ag NP antioxidative biomarkers in rats. Ag NPs are used to investigate the potential risks for the environment and health. Materials and Methods: Rats received Ag NP, 5, 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day IP. After two week of treatment, the activity of enzymatic scavengers such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of blood samples were measured. Results:Ag NP in 5, 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg reduced activities of CAT, SOD and increased TAC in plasma. Conclusion:In this study, Ag NP with 500mg/kg induced activities of CAT, SOD and decreased TAC. It is concluded that antioxidative properties of Ag NP is dose dependent.

Effects of Orlistat and Herbal Mixture Extract on Renal Function and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in a Rat Model of High Fat Diet

Aims: This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of herbal mixture extracts of pumpkin seed oil, peanuts shell and Orlistat on renal function and oxidative stress biomarkers in male albino rats administrated high fat diet ( HFD).

Sustained pain-related depression of behavior: effects of intraplantar formalin and complete freund's adjuvant on intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) and endogenous kappa opioid biomarkers in rats.

BackgroundIntraplantar administration of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and formalin are two noxious stimuli commonly used to produce sustained pain-related behaviors in rodents for research on neurobiology and treatment of pain. One clinically relevant manifestation of pain is depression of behavior and mood. This study compared effects of intraplantar CFA and formalin on depression of positively reinforced operant behavior in an assay of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in rats. Effects of CFA and formalin on other physiological and behavioral measures, and opioid effects on formalin-induced depression of ICSS, were also examined.ResultsThere were four main findings. First, consistent with previous studies, both CFA and formalin produced similar paw swelling and mechanical hypersensitivity. Second, CFA produced weak and transient depression of ICSS, whereas formalin produced a more robust and sustained depression of ICSS that lasted at least 14 days. Third, formalin-induced depression of ICSS was reversed by morphine doses that did not significantly alter ICSS in saline-treated rats, suggesting that formalin effects on ICSS can be interpreted as an example of pain-related and analgesic-reversible depression of behavior. Finally, formalin-induced depression of ICSS was not associated with changes in central biomarkers for activation of endogenous kappa opioid systems, which have been implicated in depressive-like states in rodents, nor was it blocked by the kappa antagonist norbinaltorphimine.ConclusionsThese results suggest differential efficacy of sustained pain stimuli to depress brain reward function in rats as assessed with ICSS. Formalin-induced depression of ICSS does not appear to engage brain kappa opioid systems.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1744-8069-10-62) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Calcium montmorillonite clay reduces AFB1 and FB1 biomarkers in rats exposed to single and co‐exposures of aflatoxin and fumonisin

Aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs) can co-contaminate foodstuffs and have been associated with hepatocellular and esophageal carcinomas in humans at high risk for exposure. One strategy to reduce exposure (and toxicity) from contaminated foodstuffs is the dietary inclusion of a montmorillonite clay (UPSN) that binds AFs and FBs in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, the binding capacity of UPSN was evaluated for AFB1, FB1 and a combination thereof in Fischer 344 rats. Rats were pre-treated with different dietary levels of UPSN (0.25% or 2%) for 1 week. Rats were gavaged with a single dose of either 0.125 mg AFB1 or 25 mg FB1 per kg body weight and a combination thereof in the presence and absence of an aqueous solution of UPSN. The kinetics of mycotoxin excretion were monitored by analyzing serum AFB1 -albumin, urinary AF (AFM1) and FB1 biomarkers over a period of 72 h. UPSN decreased AFM1 excretion by 88-97%, indicating highly effective binding. FB1 excretion was reduced, to a lesser extent, ranging from 45% to 85%. When in combination, both AFB1 and FB1 binding occurred, but capacity was decreased by almost half. In the absence of UPSN, the combined AFB1 and FB1 treatment decreased the urinary biomarkers by 67% and 45% respectively, but increased levels of AFB1 -albumin, presumably by modulating its cytochrome metabolism. UPSN significantly reduced bioavailability of both AFB1 and FB1 when in combination; suggesting that it can be utilized to reduce levels below their respective thresholds for affecting adverse biological effects.

Calcium and α-tocopherol suppress cured-meat promotion of chemically induced colon carcinogenesis in rats and reduce associated biomarkers in human volunteers

Processed meat intake has been associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. We have shown that cured meat promotes carcinogen-induced preneoplastic lesions and increases specific biomarkers in the colon of rats. We investigated whether cured meat modulates biomarkers of cancer risk in human volunteers and whether specific agents can suppress cured meat-induced preneoplastic lesions in rats and associated biomarkers in rats and humans. Six additives (calcium carbonate, inulin, rutin, carnosol, α-tocopherol, and trisodium pyrophosphate) were added to cured meat given to groups of rats for 14 d, and fecal biomarkers were measured. On the basis of these results, calcium and tocopherol were kept for the following additional experiments: cured meat, with or without calcium or tocopherol, was given to dimethylhydrazine-initiated rats (47% meat diet for 100 d) and to human volunteers in a crossover study (180 g/d for 4 d). Rat colons were scored for mucin-depleted foci, putative precancer lesions. Biomarkers of nitrosation, lipoperoxidation, and cytotoxicity were measured in the urine and feces of rats and volunteers. Cured meat increased nitroso compounds and lipoperoxidation in human stools (both P < 0.05). Calcium normalized both biomarkers in rats and human feces, whereas tocopherol only decreased nitro compounds in rats and lipoperoxidation in feces of volunteers (all P < 0.05). Last, calcium and tocopherol reduced the number of mucin-depleted foci per colon in rats compared with nonsupplemented cured meat (P = 0.01). Data suggest that the addition of calcium carbonate to the diet or α-tocopherol to cured meat may reduce colorectal cancer risk associated with cured-meat intake. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00994526.

Plantago maxima leaves extract inhibits adipogenic action of a high-fat diet in female Wistar rats

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the content of biologically active compounds producing an antioxidant effect in Plantago maxima and their influence on main mechanisms of dietary obesity development. Biologically active compounds in P. maxima were tested using paper chromatography. In in vivo experiment, high-fat-fed Wistar rats obtained P. maxima water extract for 3 months. Morphometric parameters, weight gain, serum adipokines, and cytokines, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers in rats’ tissues were evaluated. Gut microflora was also examined. Plantago maxima leaves used in the experiment contained significant amount of flavonoids, iridoids, phenol carboxylic acids, and tannins and ascorbic acid. Our in vivo experiment data demonstrate that P. maxima water extract prevents excessive adiposity in a diet-induced model. P. maxima consumption reduced serum leptin (twofold), macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (sevenfold), tumornecrosis factor-α (25%), and interleukine-6 (26%) levels. P. maxima water extract decreased adipose tissue oxidative stress biomarkers in rats fed a high-fat diet. In addition, increased bacterial growth in the diet-induced obesity model was reversed by the P. maxima extract treatment. Plantago maxima water extract possessed antiadipogenic, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant activity, and normalized gut microflora in a rat model of diet-induced excessive adiposity due to a high content of biologically active compounds.

Simple steatosis is a more relevant source of serum inflammatory markers than omental adipose tissue

Serum inflammatory biomarkers are closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the major source of these biomarkers is not yet determined. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether simple steatosis or visceral adiposity was a more relevant predictor for serum inflammatory biomarkers. A double approach was used: i) clinical: 50 patients with biopsy-proven simple steatosis, 50 non-simple steatosis overweight patients, and 50 controls were explored for their serum biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity, tumor necrosis factor α, and fibrinogen levels) and for visceral adiposity (measured by computed tomography); ii) experimental: using a rat simple steatosis model the effect of omentectomy on inflammatory biomarkers was investigated. Serum inflammatory biomarkers were significantly higher in the simple steatosis group than in the overweight group. Using multivariate analysis, simple steatosis, visceral adiposity index and visceral adiposity were independently associated with inflammatory biomarkers. In particular, serum inflammatory biomarkers increased with the severity of liver histology (p<0.05), but no with visceral adipose tissue increase. In rats with simple steatosis, the omentectomy treatment was not associated with a decrease of serum inflammatory biomarkers in rats with simple steatosis. Clinical and experimental data both indicate that simple steatosis may be more associated with inflammatory biomarkers than omental adipose tissue.

Impact of coexposure on toluene biomarkers in rats

1. Toluene (TOL) is widely used in industry. Occupational exposure to TOL is commonly assessed using TOL in blood, hippuric acid and ortho-cresol. Levels of these biomarkers may depend on factors potentially interfering with TOL biotransformation, such as the presence of other solvents in the workplace. Mercapturic acids (MAs) could be an alternative to the “traditional” TOL biomarkers.2. This study aims (1) to investigate in rat the effects of an exposure to vapours mixtures on the TOL metabolism, and (2) to assess how well MAs performed in these contexts compared to the traditional TOL biomarkers.3. Rats were exposed by inhalation to binary mixtures of TOL with n-butanol (BuOH), ethyl acetate (EtAc), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or xylenes (XYLs); biological exposure indicators were then measured.4. Depending on the compounds in the mixture and their concentrations, TOL metabolism was accelerated (with BuOH), unchanged (with EtAc) or inhibited (with XYLs and MEK). Inhibition leads to an increase in blood TOL concentrations, even at authorized atmospheric concentrations, which may potentiate the effect of TOL.5. MAs excretions are little affected by coexposure scenarios, their levels correlating well with atmospheric TOL levels. They could thus be suitable bioindicators of atmospheric TOL exposure.

Pharmacologic Suppression of Inflammation by a Diphenyldifluoroketone, EF24, in a Rat Model of Fixed-Volume Hemorrhage Improves Survival

An exaggerated release of proinflammatory cytokines and accompanying inflammation contributes to the development of multiple organ failure after hemorrhagic shock. Here, we tested the nuclear factor (NF) κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB)-mediated transcriptional control of inflammatory pathways as a target in the management of hemorrhage-induced inflammation. We performed a study in a rat model of fixed-volume hemorrhage to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the diphenyldifluoroketone EF24 [3,5-bis(2-fluorobenzylidene)piperidin-4-one], an NF-κB inhibitor, in lung tissue. EF24 treatment (0.4 mg/kg) significantly prevented the upregulation of inflammatory biomarkers in rats subjected to 50% hemorrhage and preserved the pulmonary histology in hemorrhaged rats. The lung tissue from treated rats showed marked suppression of the hemorrhage-mediated induction of Toll-like receptor 4, phospho-p65 NF-κB, inducible nitric-oxide synthase, heme oxygenase-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The hemorrhage-induced COX-2 activity was also significantly inhibited by the EF24 treatment. At the same time, EF24 induced nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2-mediated protective mechanisms against oxidative stress. EF24 also reduced hemorrhage-induced lung myeloperoxidase activity. The plasma levels of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1α, and IL-1β were lower in EF24-treated rats than in untreated rats. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the pulmonary expression of high-mobility group B1 protein. These biochemical effects were accompanied by a significant improvement in the survival of rats administered with EF24 as compared with the rats receiving vehicle control (P < 0.05). Overall, the results suggest that EF24 attenuates hemorrhage-induced inflammation and could serve as a salutary anti-inflammatory agent in resuscitation strategies.

Urinary metabonomics study on toxicity biomarker discovery in rats treated with Xanthii Fructus

Ethnopharmacological relevanceXanthii Fructus (XF) is commonly called “Cang-Erzi” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and widely used for the treatment of sinusitis, headache, rheumatism, and skin itching. However, the clinical utilization of XF is relatively restricted owing to its toxicity. Aim of the studyTo discover the characteristic potential biomarkers in rats treated with XF by urinary metabonomics. Materials and methodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was applied in the study. The total ion chromatograms obtained from control and different dosage groups were distinguishable by a multivariate statistical analysis method. ResultsThe greatest difference in metabolic profile was observed between high dosage group and control group, and the metabolic characters in rats treated with XF were perturbed in a dose-dependent manner. The metabolic changes in response for XF treatment were observed in urinary samples, which were revealed by orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA), and 10 metabolites could be served as the potential toxicity biomarkers. In addition, the mechanism associated with the damages of lipid per-oxidation and the metabolic disturbances of fatty acid oxidation were investigated. ConclusionsThese results indicate that metabonomics analysis in urinary samples may be useful for predicting the toxicity induced by XF.

Effects of resistance training associated with whey protein supplementation on liver and kidney biomarkers in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of whey protein (WP) supplementation and resistance training (RT) on liver and kidney biomarkers. The sedentary + WP group showed higher levels of plasma liver and kidney dysfunction markers compared with the other groups. In addition, WP supplementation associated with RT resulted in physiologic cardiac hypertrophy. WP supplementation without RT affected liver and kidney function.

Effect of cadmium-polluted water on plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and oxidative status biomarkers in rats: Protective effect of curcumin

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of CdCl₂-polluted drinking water (40 mg CdCl₂/L) on the level of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as oxidative status biomarkers in plasma of rats. The possible protective effect of oral administration of curcumin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) was assessed. Results illustrated that Cd exposure significantly elevated the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (p<0.001) as compared to normal rats. Also, Cd administration resulted in a significant elevation in the lipid peroxidation and markedly reduction in the activities of SOD and catalase as well as the level of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in plasma. The co-treatment of Cd with curcumin significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and ameliorated the alteration in oxidative status biomarkers induced by Cd. Negative correlation between IL-6 or TNF-α was and the plasma activities of catalase, SOD and the level of total antioxidant capacity were found in rats exposed to Cd. Cadmium toxicity induced the release of TNF-α and IL-6 which is associated with systemic oxidative stress. This may be involved in the mechanism of the Cd toxicity. On the other hand, the findings suggest the curative action of curcumin against Cd toxicity.

A proteomic view of isoproterenol induced cardiac hypertrophy: Prohibitin identified as a potential biomarker in rats

BackgroundThe present study aimed at using a proteomics based approach to: a) analyze and contrast the proteome of the healthy and isoproterenol induced hypertrophied hearts and b) identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis of cardiac hypertrophy.MethodsMale Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered isoproterenol (ISO, 5 mg/kg, sc, once daily) for 14 days to induce cardiac hypertrophy. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase (~ 55%) in the heart weight to tail length ratio after 14 days of treatment and cardiac hypertrophy was evidenced by significant increase of β-MHC and ANP, two indicative markers of cardiac hypertrophy, in the treated heart compared to that of control. Following confirmation of hypertrophy, 2DE of the tissue samples was done followed by MS/MS analysis of the protein spots to obtain a proteomic view for identification of novel biomarkers.ResultsSeveral important proteins were identified by proteomics analysis. They belong to the major functional categories such as cholesterol and protein metabolism, muscle contraction and development, transport, TCAcycle, ATP-biosynthesis, chaperone, signal transduction, DNA synthesis and ubiquitinisation. Careful examination of these protein spots by image analysis led to the successful identification of 7 differentially expressed proteins in the diseased sample. Further extension of this work for validation of differential expression of these proteins was also achieved by RTPCR and western blotting.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate characteristic protein expression profile in control and hypertrophy condition in SD rats and also expand the existing knowledge on differentially expressed proteins in hypertrophy. The study signifies the importance of reduced expression of a novel protein such as Prohibitin (PHB) which may be associated with the cardiomyocytes growth and cardiac hypertrophy. However, further work is necessary to confirm the role of PHB in human heart and its potential role in diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in the clinic.

Metabonomic studies on potential plasma biomarkers in rats exposed to ionizing radiation and the protective effects of Hong Shan Capsule

An ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry-based metabonomic approach, combined with pattern recognition methods including PCA, PLS-DA, RF and heatmap, has been developed to characterize the global serum metabolic profile associated with ionizing radiation (IR). As the VIP-value threshold cutoff of the metabolites was set to 2, metabolites above this threshold were filtered out as potential target biomarkers. Nineteen distinct potential biomarkers in rat plasma were identified. To further elucidate the pathophysiology of IR, related metabolic pathways have been studied. It was found that IR was closely related to disturbed fatty acid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, phospholipid catabolism, tryptophan metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and bile acid metabolism. With the presented metabonomic method, we systematically analyzed the protective effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hong Shan Capsule (HSC). The results demonstrated that HSC administration could provide satisfactory effects on IR through partially regulating the perturbed metabolic pathways.

Effect of Korean red ginseng extract on liver damage induced by shortterm and long-term ethanol treatment in rats

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is prepared by the process of steaming the roots of Panax ginseng. In this study, the feeding effects of KRG-water extract (KRGE) on ethanol-induced liver damage were elucidated by measuring serum biomarkers in rats. Serum γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT) activity and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased by short-term and long-term ethanol treatment in rats, whereas the activities of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) did not respond. Pretreatment with KRGE maintained the activity of serum GPT, and the MDA concentration induced by short-term ethanol ingestion remained within the normal range. However, co-feeding of KRGE to rats decreased the concentration of MDA but failed to modulate the serum γ-GT activity induced by long-term ethanol treatment. Our studies suggest that in rats, it appears that KRGE does not sufficiently reverse the physiological response evoked by long-term ethanol ingestion to maintain normal conditions, in view of the serum biomarker γ-GT, regardless of KRGE’s favorable antioxidant activity.