Blood Cells Of Rats Research Articles

Effects of Repeated Lipopolysaccharide Treatment on Growth Performance, Immune Organ Index, and Blood Parameters of Sprague-Dawley Rats.

IntroductionThe study was designed to investigate the effects of repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment on growth performance, lymphoid organ indexes, and blood cells in Sprague-Dawley rats.Material and MethodsForty healthy weaned Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly equally divided into LPS and control groups. Each rat in the LPS group was injected via the caudal vein with LPS (100 μg/kg b.w.) for 10 days, and the control group was treated with an equal volume of normal saline. On the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th days, growth performance, lymphoid organ indexes, and blood cells were evaluated in five necropsied rats.ResultsWhen rats were treated 3–10 times with LPS, their body weight and average daily gains increased more slowly than in the control group (P < 0.05). Repeated LPS treatment significantly increased spleen weight and the ratio of spleen to body weight (P < 0.05). White blood cells, neutrophils, and neutrophil percentage increased (P < 0.05) remarkably, but lymphocyte percentage, haemoglobin, and blood platelet counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05).ConclusionLPS treatment obviously suppresses growth and promotes peripheral immune organ proliferation. It is indicated that host protective mechanism can be activated by multiple small doses of LPS and prevents organs from further damage during stress status.

Extension of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment Window by Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor in a Thromboembolic Rat Model of Stroke.

When given beyond 4.5 h of stroke onset, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) induces deleterious side effects in the ischemic brain, notably, hemorrhagic transformation (HT). We examined the efficacy of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in reducing delayed tPA-induced HT, cerebral infarction, and neurological deficits in a thromboembolic (TE) stroke model, and whether the effects of G-CSF were sustained for longer periods of recovery. After stroke induction, rats were given intravenous saline (control), tPA (10 mg/kg), or G-CSF (300 μg/kg) + tPA 6 h after stroke. We found that G-CSF reduced delayed tPA-associated HT by 47%, decreased infarct volumes by 33%, and improved motor and neurological deficits by 15% and 25%, respectively. It also prevented delayed tPA treatment-induced mortality by 46%. Immunohistochemistry showed 1.5- and 1.8-fold enrichment of the endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) markers CD34+ and VEGFR2 in the ischemic cortex and striatum, respectively, and 1.7- and 2.8-fold increases in the expression of the vasculogenesis marker von Willebrand factor (vWF) in the ischemic cortex and striatum, respectively, in G-CSF-treated rats compared with tPA-treated animals. Flow cytometry revealed increased mobilization of CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood of rats given G-CSF. These results corroborate the efficacy of G-CSF in enhancing the therapeutic time window of tPA for stroke treatment via EPC mobilization and enhancement of vasculogenesis.

Hemolysis and ATP Release from Human and Rat Erythrocytes under Conditions of Hypoxia: A Comparative Study

Red blood cells are involved not only in transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide but also in autoregulation of vascular tone by ATP release in hypoxic conditions. Molecular mechanisms of the ATP release from red blood cells in response to a decrease in partial oxygen pressure still remain to be elucidated. In this work we have studied effects of hypoxia on red blood cell hemolysis in humans and rats and compared the effects of inhibitors of ecto-ATPase and pannexin on the release of ATP and hemoglobin from rat erythrocytes. The 20-min hypoxia at 37°C increased hemolysis of red blood cells in humans and rats 1.5- and 2.5-fold, respectively. In rat erythrocytes a significant increase in hypoxia-induced extracellular ATP level was found only in the presence of ecto-ATPase inhibitor ARL 67156. In these conditions we observed a positive correlation (R2 = 0.5003) between the increase in free hemoglobin concentration and the ATP release. Neither carbenoxolon nor probenecid, the inhibitors of low-selectivity pannexin channels, altered the hypoxia-induced ATP release from rat erythrocytes. The obtained results indicate a key role of hemolysis in the ATP release from red blood cells.

Can ursolic acid be beneficial against diabetes in rats?

Abstract Objective Diabetes mellitus, a heteregenous metabolic and chronic disease, is a growing health problem especially in developing countries. It is claimed that diabetes associated with increased formation of free radicals and decrease in antioxidant potential and also alterations in lipid profile and enzyme levels. Ursolic acid is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ursolic acid on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats. Methods DNA damage was evaluated in the blood and liver cells of rats by alkaline comet assay. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme levels and lipid profile parameters were also evaluated. Results The results of this study demonstrate that diabetes caused genotoxic damage, changes in hepatic enzyme and lipid profile, biochemical and antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress parameters in rats. Ursolic acid was found to be protective against diabetes induced effects in blood and liver samples of rats. Conclusions According to our results, it seems that ursolic acid may be beneficial against diabetes and its adverse effects in rats.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ОБЩЕГО ОХЛАЖДЕНИЯ ГОМОЙОТЕРМНОГО ОРГАНИЗМА НА ЭРИТРО- И ЛЕЙКОЦИТАРНЫЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ КРОВИ

The objectives of the study were the investigation of reactions of the erythrocyte and leukocyte links of rat’s blood under general immersion hypothermia (IH). Methods. The IH was simulated by “forced swimming” test in cold water (0°C, 5 min, down to 27°C). The dynamics of erythrocyte transformation and distribution of their shapes were studied by a small-angle light scattering method. The types and number of leukocytes were determined in blood smears. The transformation indices of erythrocytes (ITE) and integral leukocyte indices (ILI) were calculated. Results. Under IH a decrease in the number of discocytes and an increase in erythrocytes altered forms were observed; the values of transformation indices, reversible and irreversible transformations were increased. The development of IH was accompanied by leukocytosis and a decrease in the number of segmented neutrophils on the background of the stab cells increase. The young, plasmatic and polychromatophilic cells as well as cytoplasm plasmatization in single leukocytes were noted. Calculation of ILI revealed activation in tissue destruction processes, immediate type of hypersensitivity and an increase in the Garkavi adaptation index. On the contrary, 24 hrs after the IH, the proportion of the discocytes increased on the expense of highly resistant flattened discocytes appearance, and the proportion of altered cells decreased due to their elimination from the blood. The values of the indices of transformation, reversibility and reversible transformation were decreased, but the index of irreversible transformation has increased by an order of magnitude. Twenty four hrs after the IH, the leukocytosis and the increase in the stab neutrophils against the background of lymphopenia as well as the appearance of young cell forms, polychromatophils and plasmatic cells were noted. Changes in ILI indicated the activation of the cellular link of the immune system, specific defense cells, delayed type hypersensitivity processes and macrophage system components, tissue decay processes, intoxication and allergisation. Conclusions. General immersion hypothermia significantly altered the quantitative and qualitative ratios of the shapes and types of blood cells in rats, affected the processes of erythrocyte transformation and the activation of distinct immunity links (according to the calculation of ITE and ILI, respectively). The direction and intensity of these changes depend on the terms of observation (immediately and 24 hrs after cooling).

The impact of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on neovascularisation in rats with brain injury

The impact of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on neovascularisation in rats with craniocerebral injury (CI) was investigated. The rate CI model was established by the free-fall method, and then rats were randomly divided into atransplanted group (EG) and acontrol group (CG). Rats in the transplanted group were injected with BM-MSCs in the lateral ventricle, while those in the control group were injected with normal saline. Modified neuro-logical severity scores (mNSSs) were compared. Furthermore, CD34+CD133 double-labelled cells (CD34+CD133+ cells) in the peripheral blood and expression of CD31 and neuron-specific enolase in injured tissues were detected. There were significant intra- and intergroup differences in modified neurological severity scores at different time points. The number of CD34+CD133+ cells in the peripheral blood of CG initially decreased, but it increased later and peaked 6 h after injury, then gradually decreased and returned to normal 24 h after injury. Cells in the periphe-ral blood of EG continued to increase until 24 h after injury, reaching anumber higher than that in CG (p < 0.05). The postoperative expression of neuron-specific enolase in EG was higher than that in CG (p < 0.05). The positive expression of CD31 was lower in the two groups before surgery, but the expression in EG was higher than that in CG after surgery (p < 0.05). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation can increase the number of endothelial progenitor cells in the peripheral blood of rats with traumatic brain injury and increase the expression of peripheral angiogenetic markers and neuronal markers. The neurological function in EG improved significantly compared to that of CG.

Effects of Carboxylic Acids on Osmotic Resistance in Rat and Guinea Pig Red Blood Cells in vitro: The Relationship between Partition Coefficient and Changes in Osmotic Fragility

The osmotic fragility (OF) of isolated Red Blood cells (RBCs) in guinea pigs and rats was examined by monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic and their partition coefficients. A phosphate–NaCl buffer solution that comprises each carboxylic acid at the concentration ranging from 0 to 100 mM was used to incubate dense-packed RBCs at 37°C for 60 minutes. The RBC suspensions were moved into OF test tubes containing NaCl from 0.1 to 0.8%. The hemoglobin concentration was determined and was observed that NaCl concentration induced 50% hemolysis as the OF value. The OF was was increased by dose dependently the exposure to some monocarboxylic acids that possessed hydrocarbon chains of more than 4 carbons in length in case of rats but no increase was observed in guinea pig RBCs. A positive correlation was obtained between the partition coefficients and the degree of change in OF for monocarboxylic acids in the rat, but not in guinea pig RBCs. On the other hand, dicarboxylic acids are corresponding to the monocarboxylic acids had either no effect or decreased OF in rat and guinea pig RBCs. There was no correlation between the partition coefficients and change in OF for monocarboxylic acids in only guinea pig RBCs but for dicarboxylic acids in both rat and guinea pig RBCs. The partition coefficients of the monocarboxylic acids were higher comparatively the corresponding dicarboxylic acids. Whereas monocarboxylic acids are thought to act on the hydrophobic acyl-chain of phospholipids in the deeper regions of the RBC membrane, dicarboxylic acids act on the hydrophilic interface and shallower areas of the RBC membrane. The fluidity index based on fatty acid composition was observed higher in the rat than the guinea pig RBC membrane. The difference in fatty acid composition was speculated to be one of the causes of different OF response to monocarboxylic acids between rat and guinea pig RBCs.

Effects of cinnamic acid on complications of diabetes

Background/aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem worldwide. Cinnamic acid (CA) and its derivatives are synthesized in plants and increasing attention has been given to them in recent years due to the high number of beneficial health properties attributed to their consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CA on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: DNA damage was evaluated in the blood, liver, and kidney cells of rats by the alkaline comet assay. Oxidative stress parameters such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, total glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels; biochemical parameters including insulin, total bilirubin, and BCA protein levels; hepatic enzyme levels such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase; and lipid profile parameters including high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were also evaluated. Results: DM caused genotoxic damage and alterations in lipid profiles, oxidative stress parameters, and hepatic enzymes levels. CA treatment ameliorated these effects. Conclusion: It seems that CA might have a role in the prevention of the complications of diabetes.

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Chemopreventive Action of Mauritia flexuosa Products.

Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae), known as “Buriti,” is a Brazilian palm tree with high economic potential for local communities. Herein, we investigated the phytochemistry profile and antioxidant potential of M. flexuosa fruits and determined the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. Peels revealed upper values for phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid when compared to the pulps and endocarps. All samples showed capacity to scavenger free radicals (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/mL) but peels presented higher scavenger action in all methods explored. Phenolic compounds identified by HPLC displayed reduced bioaccessibility after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion for pulp (38.7%), peel (18.7%), and endocarp (22.3%) extracts (P < 0.05). Buriti fruits also protected rat blood cells against lysis induced by peroxyl radicals. We demonstrated the promising chemopreventive potentialities of M. flexuosa fruits and their by-products and peels with higher quantities of bioactive compounds and phenolic substances before and after in vitro bioaccessibility investigation. In Brazil, these parts are discarded or underused, mainly as feed for ruminant animals. Consequently, it is extremely important to explore nutritional characteristics of these by-products for human/livestock foods and to install biofriendly techniques and sustainable biotechnology handling of natural resources.

The effects of strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin and hydroquinone on haematological parameters and levels of primary DNA damage in white blood cells of rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceStrawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L., Ericaceae) leaves represent a potent source of biologically active compounds and have been used for a long to relieve symptoms of various health impairments and diseases. Two major compounds related to their beneficial activities in animals and humans are arbutin and hydroquinone. Aim of the studyTo establish potential benefit/risk ratio associated with daily oral administration of strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin and hydroquinone in doses expected to be non-toxic. Materials and MethodsWe performed a 14-day and a 28-day study on male and female Lewis rats and evaluated main haematological parameters and the effects of treatments on the levels of primary DNA damage in white blood cells (WBC) using the alkaline comet assay. ResultsOur findings suggest no significant changes in the haematological parameters following prolonged exposure to strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin, and hydroquinone. However, hydroquinone causes increased, and extract as well as arbutin decreased WBC count in male rats compared to control after 14 days of treatment. DNA damage measured in WBC of rats treated with all compounds was below 10% of the DNA in the comet tail, which indicates low genotoxicity. The genotoxic potential of strawberry water leaf extract was within acceptable limits and reflected effects of a complex chemical composition upon DNA. We also observed slight gender- and exposure time- related differences in primary DNA damage in the leucocytes of control and treated rats. ConclusionsFuture studies should investigate which doses of strawberry tree water leaf extract would be most promising for the potential use as a substitute for bearberry leaves for treatment of urinary infection.

Cholinergic and cytoprotective signaling cascades mediate the mitigative effect of erythropoietin on acute radiation syndrome.

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the radiomitigative efficacy of the recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) against acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in a rat model. Rats were irradiated with a single sublethal dose of γ-radiation (7 Gy; total body irradiation; TBI) on the 1st day of experimental course, then received EPO (5000 IU/kg; i.p.) 24 h after irradiation, and rats were observed for 30 days of survival analysis. Administration of EPO improved 30-day survival, alleviated TBI-induced myelosuppression and pancytopenia, by augmenting lymphocytes and other white blood cells in the peripheral blood of rats, while bone marrow and spleen cellularity were restored. EPO post-exposure treatment alleviated hepatotoxicity biomarkers and restored splenic function. EPO abrogated radiation-induced oxidative stress through the upregulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α-7-nAChR) and the pro-survival Janus kinase-2 and signal transducers and activators of transcription JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling mediated via enhancing nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf-2) cytoprotective machinery in liver and spleen of irradiated rats. Moreover, EPO treatment prevented hepatic and splenic apoptosis. The present study establishes the implication of α-7-nAChR-JAK-2/STAT-3-Nrf-2 signaling cascade in the radiomitigative potential of EPO against ARS.

Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field from 915 MHz radiofrequency identification system on circulating blood cells in the healthy adult rat.

We investigated whether exposure to the 915 MHz radiofrequency identification (RFID) signal affected circulating blood cells in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to RFID at a whole-body specific absorption rate of 2 W/kg for 8 h per day, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks. Complete blood counts were performed after RFID exposure, and the CD4+ /CD8+ ratio was determined by flow cytometry. The number of red blood cells (RBCs) and the values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC indices were increased in the RFID-exposed group compared with those in the cage-control and sham-exposed groups (P < 0.05). However, the RBCs and platelet numbers were within normal physiologic response ranges. The number of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, was decreased in RFID-exposed rats. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the sham-exposed and RFID-exposed groups in terms of T-cell counts or CD4+ /CD8+ ratio (P > 0.05). Although the number of circulating blood cells was significantly altered by RFID exposure at a whole-body specific absorption rate of 2 W/kg for 2 weeks, these changes do not necessarily indicate that RFID exposure is harmful, as they were within the normal physiological response range. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:68-76, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Centaurium erythraea methanol extract protects red blood cells from oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCentaurium erythraea Rafn (CE) is a traditional medicinal herb in Serbia with antidiabetic, digestive, antipyretic and antiflatulent effects Aim of the studyTo investigate the potential protective effects of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of CE against glyco-oxidative stress in red blood cells (RBCs) in rats with experimentally induced diabetes. Material and methodsDiabetes was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) (40mg/kg, for five consecutive days), with the 1st day after the last STZ injection taken as the day of diabetes onset. The methanol extract of CE (100mg/kg) was administered orally and daily, two weeks before the first STZ injection, during the 5-day treatment with STZ, and for four weeks after the STZ injections (pre-treated group) or for four weeks after diabetes onset (post-treated group). The effect of CE extract administration on the redox status of RBCs was evaluated by assessing lipid peroxidation, the ratio of reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), the level of S-glutathionylated proteins (GSSP) and the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in RBCs four weeks after diabetes onset. The major biochemical parameters of diabetes, protein glycation/glycosylation of erythrocytes and parameters which correlate with their aggregation and deformability were also evaluated. ResultsDaily application of CE extract to STZ-induced diabetic rats provided important antidiabetic effects, observed in both pre-treated and post-treated groups of diabetic rats as elevated serum insulin concentration, reduction of blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin concentrations and an improved lipid profile. Antioxidant effects of CE extract were detected in RBCs of diabetic rats and observed as decreased lipid peroxidation and ameliorated oxidative damage as a result of increased SOD, CAT and GR activities, an improved GSH/GSSG ratio and reduced GSSP levels. Moreover, the CE extract protected RBC proteins from hyperglycemia-induced damage by reducing non-enzymatic glycation and enzymatic glycosylation processes. CE extract was more effective when applied before diabetes induction (pre-treated group). ConclusionsThe results of this study show that the Centaurium erythraea methanol extract protects RBCs in diabetic animals from oxidative damage. They provide additional support for the application of this traditionally used plant in diabetes management.

Safety and Biosimilarity of ior®LeukoCIM Compared to Neupogen® Based on Toxicity, Pharmacodynamic, and Pharmacokinetic Studies in the Sprague-Dawley Rat

This study examined the safety, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic similarity of the human recombinant filgrastim products ior®LeukoCIM and Neupogen® following a 28-day repeated subcutaneous dose administration in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats with a 14-day recovery period. Safety profiling was based on clinical observations, clinical pathology, and pathology findings for control rats dosed with vehicle and rats dosed either with 15, 75, and 150 μg/kg of ior®LeukoCIM or with 150 μg/kg of Neupogen®. The major adverse treatment-related clinical finding was mild to severe swelling of the hock-joint (tarsal joint) and hind limb, alone or accompanied with lameness which was more prominent in males and which had a similar frequency of occurrence for both ior®LeukoCIM and Neupogen®. All adverse findings were fully reversible. As expected, ior®LeukoCIM and Neupogen® both increased white blood cell and neutrophil levels in rats and to a similar extent for high-dose ior®LeukoCIM and Neupogen®. The pharmacokinetics of filgrastim following dosing with ior®LeukoCIM were well behaved and comparable for high-dose ior®LeukoCIM and Neupogen®. The results of this study imply that ior®LeukoCIM and Neupogen® had similar safety profiles, pharmacodynamic responses, and pharmacokinetic profiles that suggest they are biosimilar.

Young and old rats have different strategies of metabolic adaptation to Cu-induced liver fibrosis

We investigated the role of pro- and antioxidant and immune systems in age-related adaptive reactions to chronic exposure to toxicants (copper ions). For this purpose, we administered multiple doses of copper sulfate to younger and older rats in order to induce liver fibrosis and then measured the parameters of proand antioxidant and immune systems and physiological indices. It was found that Cu-induced liver fibrosis was accompanied by oxidative stress and a significant reduction in cell-mediated immune activity. If oxidative stress was eliminated by the administration of exogenous antioxidants (mix factor), the physical capacity, body weight, and content of red blood cells in rats with fibrosis was recovered. The parameters of cell-mediated immune response recovered more effectively in older animals than in younger ones. The metabolic strategies of adaptation to toxic exposure were different in younger and older animals.

Study of the effect of cadmium, lead, zinc salts on the rat blood cells

Changes were detected in the blood of rats caused by heavy metal compounds. The results show that the salts of heavy metals poisoning demonstrates in damage in the blood cells in the animal body and making weaker their immunity. As a result, various changes occur in animals. In addition, material was collected on immune depressive exposure to heavy metals in the body of rats 25, 50, 75, 100 times more compounds of zinc ions, lead and cadmium. Animal disorders were observed in the nervous system, including tearing, inflammation conjunctive sac and certain groups even with bleeding. Leukogram, whichwas made by the blood of rats, showed that the poisoning caused by the impact of three types of heavy salts, has led to significant changes in the health and behavior of the animals. When increasing by 100 times more poisoning three compound salts in animal organisms have been found strong signs of poisoning,finally, all experimental rats died within 5-6 days. It is important to note, animals poisoned by 75-100 times the maximum permissible concentration of heavy metal salts of the three compound salts have died. Leukogram of experimental rats showed that, in the blood of rats, poisoned by three salts, duringneutrophilia and lymphopenia, leukopenia was found. Neutrophils are characterized by granulated toxicity and gipersigmatich core.

ЭКЗОГЕНДІ ФАКТОРЛАРДЫҢ ЕГЕУҚҰЙРЫҚТАР ЭРИТРОЦИТТЕРІНІҢ РЕЗИСТЕНТТІЛІГІНЕ ӘСЕРІ

ЭКЗОГЕНДІ ФАКТОРЛАРДЫҢ ЕГЕУҚҰЙРЫҚТАР ЭРИТРОЦИТТЕРІНІҢ РЕЗИСТЕНТТІЛІГІНЕ ӘСЕРІ

Relationship between Partition Coefficients of Carboxylic Acids and Changes in Osmotic Resistance in Rat Erythrocytes In vitro

We examined monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acids and their partition coefficients for osmotic fragility (OF) in isolated red blood cells (RBCs) in rats. The dense packed RBC was incubated in a phosphate–NaCl buffer solution containing each carboxylic acid at 0 to 100 mM at 37oC for 1 h. The RBC suspensions were transferred into the OF test tubes containing NaCl from 0.2 to 0.9%. The hemoglobin concentration was determined and NaCl concentration inducing 50% hemolysis was calculated as OF value. The OF in RBCs was dose-dependently increased by exposure to some of monocarboxylic acids possessing certain length of hydrocarbons with more than 4 carbons. A positive and statistically significant correlation was obtained between the partition coefficients and the degree of change in OF for monocarboxylic acids. Dicarboxylic acids corresponded with the monocarboxylic acids had either no effect or rather decreased OF, and there was no correlation between the partition coefficients and change in OF for these acids. The partition coefficients of the monocarboxylic acids were higher than those for the corresponding dicarboxylic acids. Whereas monocarboxylic acids are thought to act on the hydrophobic acyl-chain of phospholipids, which exists in a deeper region, dicarboxylic acids act on the interface region, which is hydrophilic and in a shallower area of the RBC membrane. Both carboxylic acids are speculated to cause physicochemical changes in the deep or swallow portion of phospholipid layer through different mechanisms and result in changes in the resistance to osmotic pressure in the rat RBC membrane.

Enzymatic System of Antioxidant Protection of Erythrocytes in Diabetic Rats Treated with Medicinal Mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis and Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes).

Excessive glucose concentrations in blood and cells promote the intensification of auto-oxidation. This is one of the mechanisms through which free radicals form in hyperglycemia. As a result of hyperglycemia, oxidative stress develops and lipid peroxidation (LPO) is enhanced. Erythrocytes are particularly susceptible to reactive oxygen species and LPO, which can violate cell functions. This article describes the analysis of the influence of mycelia from the medicinal mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis and Ganoderma lucidum on the enzymatic link of the antioxidant system in rat erythrocytes under streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress was strengthened in red blood cells of diabetic rats, as evidenced by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, and by increased amounts of thiobarbituric acid-positive products, which are markers of LPO. Administration of A. brasiliensis and G. lucidum submerged cultivated mycelial powder to animals with streptozotocin-induced diabetes restored superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity and reduced the amounts of thiobarbituric acid-positive products to control values, but did not affect the activity of glutathione reductase.

Effect of medicinal mushrooms on blood cells under conditions of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the third most common non-infectious disease leading to early disability and high mortality. Moreover, the number of patients is growing every year. The main symptom of DM is hyperglycemia. Increased levels of blood glucose activate polyol, hexosamine, and protein kinase metabolic pathways cause the intensification of non-enzymatic glycosylation and nitration of macromolecules. This, in turn, leads to the development of oxidative and nitrative stresses and secondary complications, such as different kinds of micro- and macroangiopathies. Metabolic disorders caused by insulin deficiency in diabetes significantly impede the functioning of a homeostasis system, which change the physical, biochemical, morphological, and functional properties of blood cells. As a result, the oxygen-transport function of red blood cells (RBCs), rheological properties of the blood, and functions of immunocompetent cells as well as the process of apoptosis are primarily affected. Modern pharmacotherapy focuses on the search for new preparations that aim to decrease blood glucose levels. Undesirable side effects and adverse reactions caused by synthetic medicines led to the search and investigation of new preparations of natural origin. Medicinal mushrooms play an important role among such new preparations. They are a source of a large number of high- and low-molecular compounds with pronounced biological effects. Our investigations show pronounced hypoglycemic and anti-anemic action of submerged cultivated mycelium powder of medicinal mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis) and Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) on streptozotocin-induced DM in rats. Also, we showed that mycelium powders have membrane protective properties as evidenced by the redistribution of RBC populations towards the growth of full functional cell numbers. Normalization of parameters of leukocyte formula and suppression of apoptosis of white blood cells in diabetic rats treated with A. brasiliensis and G. lucidum mycelia indicates pronounced positive effects of these strains of mushrooms. Thus, the use of medicinal mushrooms for treatment of DM and in prevention development of its secondary complications might be a new effective approach of this disease’s cure. This article is aimed at summarizing and analyzing the literature data and basic achievements concerning DM type 1 treatment using medicinal mushrooms and showing the results obtained in our research.