Cholinesterase Concentration Research Articles

Risk Prediction of Postoperative Pneumonia After Subtotal Esophagectomy Based on Preoperative Serum Cholinesterase Concentrations

Patients undergoing subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer frequently experience postoperative pneumonia. Development of preoperatively determined predictors for postoperative pneumonia will facilitate identifying high-risk patients and will assist with informing patients about their risk of postoperative pneumonia, enabling physicians to estimate with greater accuracy, will result in tailoring perioperative management. Postoperative pneumonia was defined according to the revised Uniform Pneumonia Score. We analyzed the data for 355 patients to compare 32 potential predictive variables associated with postoperative pneumonia after subtotal esophagectomy. Forty-one patients (11.5%) had postoperative pneumonia. Preoperative cholinesterase (ChE) concentrations demonstrated the greatest area under the curve value (0.662) to predict postoperative pneumonia (optimal cutoff value = 217IU/l). Univariate analysis identified a continuous value of preoperative ChE concentration as a significant risk factor for postoperative pneumonia (P = 0.0014). Multivariable analysis using factors potentially relevant to pneumonia revealed that preoperative ChE concentration was one of independent risk factors for pneumonia after esophagectomy (P = 0.008). Patients with low ChE concentrations were at increased risk of postoperative pneumonia in most patient subgroups. Moreover, the odds ratios of low ChE concentrations were highest in patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment. A combination of preoperative serum ChE concentrations and Brinkman index stratified patients into low, intermediate, and high risk of postoperative pneumonia. Our findings indicate that preoperative ChE concentrations, particularly in combination with Brinkman index, may serve simply as a determined predictor of pneumonia after subtotal esophagectomy and may facilitate physicians' efforts to reduce the incidence of postoperative pneumonia.

CONSISTENT PATTERNS OF POSTMORTAL STRUCTURAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN DIAPHRAGM MUSCULAR TISSUE: IMPORTANCE FOR FORENSIC MEDICAL ESTIMATION OF TIME OF DEATH COMING

The issue on estimating the time of death coming still remains a challenge that requires a lot of questions to be answered, therefore, the development of new scientific methods aimed at overcoming these difficulties is a top priority in solving the problem of estimating the time of death coming.
 The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural and biochemical changes in the muscle tissue of the diaphragm in the early post-mortem period.
 The muscular tissue samples of the diaphragm just below the lungs taken from 30 human corpses in the early post-mortem period (in time intervals of 3-13 hours from the onset of death) were investigated. We studied structural and biochemical markers in the homogenates of the muscles of the diaphragm: the content of glycogen, acid phosphatase, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, lipofuscin, and cholinesterase. It was found out that in the early post-mortem period structural and biochemical changes in the muscle tissue of the diaphragm are characterized by regular morphological biochemical and biophysical changes. In particular, the post-mortem dynamic changes in glycogen, acid phosphatase and lipofuscin levels is most significant; i.e. within the time interval of 3–9 hours from the time of death coming, the assessment of the “cholinesterase / glycogen or acidic phosphatase / glycogen” ratio is the most diagnostically valuable, then after 9 hours the only “cholinesterase / glycogen” ratio is meaningful.
 The content of glycogen in the homogenates of the diaphragm muscle tissue depending on the time of death coming ranged from (4.765 ± 0.058) mg / g in 3 hours, to (1.883 ± 0.027) mg / g in 13 hours after the death coming, reliably ( p <0.001) differing in time intervals. The inverse pattern was characterized by the acid phosphatase content: (2.748 ± 0.019) u / g in 3 hours and (4.49 ± 0.032) u / g in 13 hours. These markers are the most significant to demonstrate the patterns and can be used as critically important signs in forensic diagnosis.

Combination of Serum Albumin and Cholinesterase Levels as Prognostic Indicator in Patients ith Colorectal Cancer.

Nutritional status is strongly associated with cancer prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify the most useful combination of nutrition-related serum markers for predicting prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 523 patients who underwent proctocolectomies for CRC at our hospital were enrolled in this study. Serum concentrations of albumin, cholinesterase and total cholesterol, and total peripheral lymphocyte count (TLC) were used as nutrition-related markers. In multivariate analysis of nutrition-related markers, serum albumin and cholinesterase levels were found to be independent prognostic indicators. Cut-off values from receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to sort patients as ChEHigh or ChELow (serum cholinesterase level ≥ or <221.5), and as AlbHigh or AlbLow (serum albumin level ≥ or <3.85). We then sorted them into three groups: ChEHigh/AlbHigh (Group A); ChEHigh/AlbLow or ChELow/AlbHigh (Group B); and ChELow/AlbLow (Group C). Their 5-year overall survival rates differed significantly (Group A: 81.6%, Group B: 62.1%, Group C: 42.7%, p<0.0001); as did their 5-year disease-specific survival rates (Group A: 90.1%, Group B: 73.8%, Group C: 62.2%, p<0.0001). The combination of serum cholinesterase and albumin levels is useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with CRC.

Evaluation of preoperative nutritional variables to predict postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy

ObjectivesPerioperative malnutrition reportedly increases postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after abdominal surgery, including pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, few studies have focused on the association between preoperative nutritional variables and the incidence of postoperative complications. The present study aimed to evaluate preoperative nutritional parameters to predict the incidence of postoperative complications after PD. MethodsA total of 140 consecutive patients underwent PD between May 2012 and April 2015. Preoperative nutritional variables included body mass index, total lymphocyte count, albumin, total cholesterol, cholinesterase, and transthyretin. The rates of Clavien–Dindo (C–D) grade ≥II complications were evaluated for each nutritional variable. Predictive factors for the incidence of C–D grade ≥II complications were evaluated by assessing pre- and intraoperative factors. ResultsOf the 140 patients, 108 were included in the study after excluding 32 patients with missing data on preoperative nutritional variables. A cholinesterase concentration of <250 IU/L (odds ratio: 2.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–7.80; P = 0.028) was the only independent predictive factor for the incidence of C–D grade ≥II postoperative complications. ConclusionsLow cholinesterase concentrations were significantly associated with a higher incidence of postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing PD. Preoperative nutritional variables can be used as predictors of postoperative complications after PD.

Insecticide toxic effects and blood biochemical alterations in occupationally exposed individuals in Punjab, Pakistan

Biomonitoring of people exposed to hazardous materials provides opportunities for early identification of several diseases, particularly in those individuals who are constantly exposed to pesticides, such as pesticide operators and workers in pesticide manufacturing industry. However, data on this hot topic are limited in Pakistan. In this study, insecticide toxic effects and biochemical alterations (i.e., damage in DNA and enzyme activity) were studied in blood samples of occupationally exposed individuals from Punjab, Pakistan. Eight out of twenty-seven blood samples (29.6%) of the pesticide operators were found positive in five insecticides, with the maximum concentration found for chlorpyrifos-methyl (0.039 μg/mL). Eleven out of twenty-seven blood samples (40.7%) of the pesticide industry workers were found positive in eight insecticides, with the maximum concentration found for endosulfan (0.051 μg/mL). Comet tail length was 16.88 ± 4.57 μm in pesticide industry workers and 16.33 ± 3.78 μm in pesticide operators, which were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that recorded in the control group (4.84 ± 2.21 μm). Values of serum cholinesterase (SChE) concentration were slightly lower (P > 0.05) in exposed individuals, whereas values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in exposed individuals compared with control group. Exposure duration and total insecticide concentration in blood samples were positively associated with comet tail length, ALT activity, AST activity, and ALP activity, but negatively with SChE. DNA damage was higher in smokers vs. non-smokers. Also, a positive association was found between comet tail length and number of cigarettes per day. Overall, occupational exposure to insecticides can pose serious health risks to pesticide operators and workers in pesticide manufacturing industry, highlighting the necessity of personal protection in those groups for preventing exposure and resultant health disorders.

Tectochrysin from Alpinia Oxyphylla Miq. alleviates Aβ1–42 induced learning and memory impairments in mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, is diagnosed by impaired learning and memory in elderly individuals. Tectochrysin (TEC) is a flavonoid compound isolated from Alpinia Oxyphylla Miq., which has been traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, salivation, diuresis and dementia. In our study, model mice with AD induced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1–42 were used to determine the role of TEC on memory retrieval. The results revealed that AD mice received intracerebroventricular injection of TEC (140 µg/kg) showed improved spatial memory performance and down-regulated expressions of β-secretase and accumulation of Aβ1–42 in brain tissues. TEC also decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde and total cholinesterase, and increased activities of both antioxidant superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in hippocampal and cortex. In addition, Aβ1–42 induced injury of neurons in hippocampal CA1 layer was rehabilitated in TEC treated mice. These findings highlight the beneficial role of TEC in amnestic mice induced by Aβ1–42 through the down-regulation of Aβ1–42 accumulation, oxidative stress, and total cholinesterase. Our study indicated a therapeutic potential of TEC in the treatment of AD.

Effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver.

ObjectiveAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver.MethodsEighteen time-mated ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.18 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.33 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d), n = 6) and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6). The feed restriction period was from 90 days to 140 days of pregnancy.ResultsThe ewe’s body weight, liver weights, water, and protein content of liver in the restricted groups were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05), but the liver fat contents in the RG1 group were higher than those of the CG group (p<0.05). The increased hepatic collagen fibers and reticular fibers were observed in the restricted groups with the reduction of energy intake. The concentrations of nonesterified free fatty acids in the RG1 and RG2 groups were higher than those of the CG group with the reduction of energy intake (p<0.05), but there were decreased concentrations of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase in both restricted groups compared with the CG group (p<0.05). In addition, the increased concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and activities of superoxide dismutase activity and catalase were found in the RG1 group, and the concentrations of cholinesterase in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05). For the concentrations of acute phase proteins, the C-reactive protein (CRP) in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group, but there were no differences in haptoglobin relative to the controls (p>0.05).ConclusionThe fat accumulation, increased hepatic fibrosis, antioxidant imbalance and modified synthesis of acute phase proteins were induced in ewe’s liver by maternal malnutrition during late pregnancy, which were detrimental for liver function to accommodate pregnancy.

Expression of Ghrelin in the period of liver transplantation surgery and its influencing factors

Objective To investigate the expression of Ghrelin [Acyl Ghrelin (AG) and Desacyl Ghrelin (DG)] in the plasma of 30 patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) before and after surgery, and to analyze the influencing factors. Methods The expression levels of AG and DG in the plasma of 30 patients were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the expression of Ghrelin and hepatic-related enzyme. Results The expression of AG was significantly higher before LT than 3 days after LT and 1 month after LT [AG: (64.0±20.1), (47.1±11.5), (33.66±8.3) pg/ml, respectively, P 0.05]. Subgroup analysis showed that the expression of AG was significantly higher before LT than 3 days after LT and 1 month after LT in liver failure group and severe cirrhosis group. The expression of AG was lower in control group than in mild cirrhosis group, severe cirrhosis group and liver failure group [AG: control group versus mild cirrhosis group versus severe cirrhosis group versus liver failure group: (35.6±3.3) versus (49.2±3.7) versus (70.2±5.1) versus (81.0±7.2) pg/ml]. The expression of AG was negatively correlated with concentration of cholinesterase (mild cirrhosis group: r=-0.226, P>0.05; severe cirrhosis group: r=-0.432, P<0.01; liver failure group r=-0.602, P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of Ghrelin in plasma was significantly higher before LT than after LT. The expression of AG was negatively correlated with concentration of cholinesterase. Key words: Liver transplantation; Perioperative period; Ghrelin

Arctigenin Confers Neuroprotection Against Mechanical Trauma Injury in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells by Regulating miRNA-16 and miRNA-199a Expression to Alleviate Inflammation.

Mechanical trauma injury is a severe insult to neural cells. Subsequent secondary injury involves the release of inflammatory factors that have dramatic consequences for undamaged cells, leading to normal cell death after the initial injury. The present study investigated the capacity for arctigenin (ARC) to prevent secondary effects and evaluated the mechanism underlying the action of microRNA (miRNA)-199a and miRNA-16 in a mechanical trauma injury (MTI) model using SH-SY5Y cells in vitro. SH-SY5Y cells are often applied to in vitro models of neuronal function and differentiation. Recently, miRNAs have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in NF-κB and cholinergic signaling, which can regulate inflammation. The cell model was established by scratch-induced injury of human SH-SY5Y cells, which mimics the characteristics of MTI. A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and immunocytochemistry were used to measure cell viability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the inflammatory cytokine and cholinesterase (CHE) content. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content was measured to assess the degree of cell injury. The mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR to analyze ARC's mechanism of action. miRNA inhibitors and mimics were used to inhibit and strengthen the expression of miRNAs. Protein expression was detected by western blotting analysis. ARC treatment reduced the TNF-α and IL-6 levels as well as the number of TUNEL+ apoptotic SH-SY5Y cells surrounding the scratch and increased the IL-10 level compared to the controls. ARC attenuated the increase of the cell damage degree and LDH content induced by scratching, indicating increased cell survival. Mechanistic studies showed that ARC upregulated the miRNA-16 and miRNA-199a levels to reduce upstream protein (IKKα and IKKβ) expression and inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway activity; moreover, the increased miRNA-199a suppresses cholinesterases to increase cholinergic signaling, resulting in decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. ARC treatment confers protection for SH-SY5Y cells through positive regulation of miRNA expression, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. In turn, these effects accelerate injury repair in the scratch-induced injury model. These results might provide insights into the pharmacological role of ARC in anti-inflammation and neuroprotection in neural cells.

Cholinergic system and cell proliferation

The cholinergic system, comprising acetylcholine, the proteins responsible for acetylcholine synthesis and release, acetylcholine receptors and cholinesterases, is expressed by most human cell types. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, but also a local signalling molecule which regulates basic cell functions, and cholinergic responses are involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. So, activation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors has a proliferative and anti-apoptotic effect in many cells. The content of choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholine receptors and cholinesterases is altered in many tumours, and cholinesterase content correlates with patient survival in some cancers. During apoptosis, acetylcholinesterase is induced and appears in the nuclei. Acetylcholinesterase participates in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis through hydrolysis of acetylcholine and by other catalytic and non catalytic mechanisms, in a variant-specific manner. This review gathers information on the role of cholinergic system and specially acetylcholinesterase in cell proliferation and apoptosis.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of severe aldicarb toxicity after overdose

Objective. To describe the clinical effects, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of plasma and acetylcholinesterase in an aldicarb overdose. Case Report. A 57-year-old female was found unconscious and incontinent of urine after ingesting aldicarb. She was bradycardic, hypotensive, hypersalivating, clammy, had small pupils, and generalized weakness. She was intubated, ventilated, and treated with large atropine doses (50 mg and 20 mg/h infusion) and adrenaline. She improved hemodynamically over 24 h, but remained comatose for another 24 h, before recovering without sequela. Aldicarb concentration at admission was 2.18 μg/ml and concentration–time data best fitted a two compartmental model with first order absorption and a time of ingestion 4.5 h preadmission. The half-life of distribution was 0.4 h and half-life of elimination, 13 h. Plasma cholinesterase concentration at admission was 0.3 kU/L (Reference range[RR]:4.3–10.6 kU/L) and red cell cholinesterase was 10 U/gHb (RR:38–66 U/gHb). The IC50 was 0.15 μg/ml and 0.26 μg/ml for plasma and red cell cholinesterase, respectively. Discussion. Aldicarb poisoning causes rapid onset severe toxicity with muscarinic and nicotinic excess, seizures, and decreased consciousness. Cholinesterases rapidly recover once aldicarb concentrations decrease and precede clinical recovery.

Blood Cholinesterase Level and Learning Ability of Primary School Children in an Agricultural Village, Tanjung Karang, Malaysia

Objective: The widespread use of organophosphate (OP) insecticides in paddy fields has led to human exposure. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood cholinesterase concentrations with the children’s learning ability in the agricultural village of Tanjung Karang, Selangor. Methods: Seventy-seven primary school children who live less than approximately 1km from paddy fields were selected as the exposed group, while another 62 primary schoolchildren who live more than 1 km away from the agriculture site served as the unexposed group. The questionnaires were completed by the parents. The children’s capillary blood was collected using the finger prick technique to determine the blood cholinesterase concentrations using a cholinesterase test kit (Lovibond, AF267, Tintometer Ltd., UK). The McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities (MSCA) were used to determine the learning ability of these children. Original Research Article Miswon et al.; BJMMR, 8(1): 52-60, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.426 53 Results: There were significant differences (p<0.05) in blood cholinesterase and all scales in the MSCA between the exposed and the unexposed group. There were significant associations between the blood cholinesterase concentrations and learning ability by all scales in the MSCA (p<0.05). The variable that significantly influenced the blood cholinesterase was gender (p=0.008). Blood cholinesterase was the most significant influencing factor on the learning ability, especially on the motor scale (p=0.002). Conclusion: Blood cholinesterase concentrations were significantly higher and had a significant relationship with the learning ability of the exposed group, especially the motor performance.

Evaluation of nootropic activity of Curcuma longa leaves in diazepam and scopolamine-induced amnesic mice and rats

Background: The present study was undertaken to assess the nootropic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma longa leaves (HAECL) in diazepam-induced amnesia in mice using Morris water maze method and scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats by using elevated plus maze behavioral paradigm and its effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and reduced glutathione (GSH) level were carried out. Methods: Amnesia was induced by administration of diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) and scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg i.p.) and treatment groups received HAECL (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) for 14 and 10 days in scopolamine and diazepam-induced amnesia model, respectively. The extent of improvement in memory was measured by behavioral paradigm. Finally, animals were sacrificed, and the whole brain was isolated for estimation of concentration of AChE and reduced GSH levels. Results: The oral treatment with HAECL with a dose 400 mg/kg has shown an enhancement in the memory function compared to 200 mg/kg. Conclusion: This could be by inhibiting the levels of cholinesterase concentration of enzyme and thereby increasing the concentration of acetylcholine level in brain and improving cognition-memory performance.

Curative effect observation of Depmas dual blood purification for severe acute organic phosphorus poisoning

Objective To observe the clinical curative effect of Depmas double blood purification system for acute severe organophosphorus pesticide poisoning.Methods Retrospectively study was carried out on 147 patients of acute severe organophosphorus pesticide poisoning.Patients were divided into four groups,the conventional treatment group treated with drug therapy,hemoperfusion group given HA230 hemoperfusion in addition to conventional treatment,plasma exchange combined with hemoperfusion group given HA230 hemoperfusion and plasma exchange therapy in addition to conventional treatment,and Depmas group treated with plasma separation by Baxter blood fiber and then given series HA230 and BS330 hemoperfusion treatment on the separated plasma in addition to conventional treatment.Survival rate,mean survival time of death patients,the concentration changes of cholinesterase and bilirubin in peripheral blood were observed.Results Compared to the conventional treatment group,survival rates of hemoperfusion group,hemoperfusion combined with plasma exchange group and Depmas group were higher,the mean survival time was longer,the cholinesterase concentration in peripheral blood was higher and the elevated bilirubin concentration was decreased with the differences statistically significant (P＜0.01).Compared to hemoperfusion group,the survival rates of hemoperfusion combined with plasma exchange group and Depmas group were higher,the mean survival time was longer,the cholinesterase concentration in peripheral blood were higher and the elevated bilirubin concentration was decreased with the differences statistically significant (P＜0.05).Besides,there were no significant differences between the survival rate,mean survival time,peripheral blood cholinesterase and bilirubin concentration of hemoperfusion combined with plasma exchange group and that of Depmas group (P＞0.05).Conclusions Depmas dual blood purification system has remarkable curative effect for the treatment of acute severe organophosphorus poisoning. Key words: Hemoperfusion; Plasma exchange; Depmas double blood purification; Severe organophosphorus pesticide poisoning

The effects of galangin on a mouse model of vitiligo induced by hydroquinone.

Galangin, the main active component of Alpinia officinarum Hance, was tested in a mouse model of vitiligo induced in C57BL/6 mice by the topical application of 2 mL of 2.5% hydroquinone daily to shaved areas (2 × 2 cm) of dorsal skin for 60 days. Thirty days after the final application of hydroquinone, galangin (0.425, and 4.25 mg/kg) was administered orally for 30 days. The hair colour darkened when it grew back after treatment, and histological analysis showed that the number of melanin-containing hair follicles had increased after treatment with all doses of galangin groups and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP, the positive control) compared with the untreated vitiligo group (p < 0.05). The number of skin basal layer melanocytes and melanin-containing epidermal cells had also increased significantly with the application of 4.25 mg/kg of galangin. The concentration of tyrosinase (TYR) in serum was found to have increased, whereas the content of malondialdehyde and the activity of cholinesterase had decreased after treatment with all doses of galangin and 8-MOP, compared with control (p < 0.05). The expression of TYR protein in treated areas of skin also increased with the application of 4.25 mg/kg galangin and 8-MOP. In conclusion, the results showed that galangin was able to improve vitiligo induced by hydroquinone in mice, with the activity related to concentrations of TYR, expression of TYR protein, activity of malondialdehyde and content of cholinesterase. Galangin may therefore be a potential candidate for the treatment of vitiligo, subject to further investigation.

Assessment of selected parameters of biochemistry, hematology, immunology and production of pigs fattened in different seasons

Abstract. The present research objective was to asses the difference of some biochemical, hematological, immune and pork composition parameters in two groups of pigs fattened in winter and summer season. Pig performance was assessed in vivo (fattening and slaughter value) and post mortem studies which showed a season to be a significant factor influencing a level of some hematological and biochemical indices. In winter period, fatteners blood displayed increased leukocyte and immunoglobulin content with decreased red blood cell concentration. Whereas the animals finishing in the summer season had a higher growth rate. As compared to the winter period, the fatteners were found to have a higher content of crude protein, cholesterol and triglycerides as well as GGT, AST and cholinesterase concentration. In both seasons, the finishing pig carcasses had similar level of valuable cuts. A fattening season did not affect the technological value of the slaughter material obtained.

Neuronal activities of Portulaca oleracea in adult rats

Portulaca oleracea (purslane) belonging to the family “Portulacaceae” was considered to be an anti-magic herb used to protect against variety of diseases. Here, we investigated the neuronal activities of P. oleracea in adult rats. Animals were treated with 1.5 ml/kg of aqueous extract of purslane (leaves and stem) for 12 days. Cerebellum, pons and medulla, cerebral cortex, thalamus and hypothalamus, midbrain and spinal cord were isolated to estimate the concentration of calcium, acetyl cholinesterase, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in them. Purslane was able to induce a significant decrease in calcium concentration of the brain cortex. Dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin were significantly altered in the studied brain regions after treatment of rats with purslane. Acetyl cholinesterase was increased in all brain regions except in the cerebellum. Our results suggest the potential role of purslane mediated changes in the neuronal tissues. Key words: Portulaca oleracea, leaves and stem, neurotransmitters, acetylcholinesterase, calcium, brain, rats.

Altered quantities and in vivo activities of cholinesterase from Daphnia magna in sub-lethal exposure to organophosphorus insecticides

For investigating relationship between activity of cholinesterase (ChE) and ambient concentration of anticholinesterases, Daphnia magna had been exposed for 21 day to sub-lethal concentrations, i.e. 1/6 EC50, 1/36 EC50, and 1/216 EC50, of either triazophos or chlorpyrifos. Samples were taken at different points of time for measuring total activity and immunoreactive content of ChE and actual concentrations of the anticholinesterases. A type of antigen formerly developed by immunizing mice with purified ChE was utilized in this study to establish an indirect non-competitive ELISA for measuring immunoreactive content of ChE in Daphnia. Studies showed that for apparent activity, i.e. activity that was scaled with total protein, the insecticides caused 5.2–6.9 percent inhibition and 17.0–17.7 percent inductions during the 21d exposure, whereas for inherent activity, i.e. activity that was scaled with immunoreactive protein, no induction was detected during the exposure. Accompanied by up to 65.9 percent and 68.0 percent promotion in terms of the immunoreactive content, up to 42.8 percent and 44.6 percent inhibition in terms of the inherent activity was indicated, respectively, for triazophos and chlopyrifos. Judged by measured concentrations, the inherent activity recovered faster than the rate of dissipation of the anticholinesterases. Result of the study suggested that the inherent activity was more sensitive than the apparent one in predicting sub-lethal and/or long-term stress of anticholinesterases. It also suggested that apart from promotion in terms of content of the ChE, the Daphnia developed capacities to block bio-concentration of anticholinesterases, and these capacities would make it liable to underestimate ambient concentration of anticholinesterases along with the time of exposure.

Curcumin protects against the oxidative damage induced by the pesticide parathion in the hippocampus of the rat brain

One of the main concerns regarding organophosphate pesticides (OP) is their possible toxic effects. Doses that do not produce acute toxicity are capable of altering the structure and biochemistry of different tissues and organs by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Curcumin (CUR) is the main substance in Curcuma longa (Zingiberacea) rhizome that has strong antioxidant activity. However, the neuroprotective properties of curcumin against oxidative stress induced by prolonged exposure to parathion (PAR) is not clear.ObjectiveThe present work evaluated the protective effect of curcumin against the oxidative damage induced in the rat hippocampus by the OP PAR.MethodsForty female Wistar rats were distributed in four groups as follows: exposed to PAR by inhalation (PAR group); pre-treated with CUR and then exposed to PAR by inhalation, (CUR + PAR group); exposed to environmental air and treated with CUR in the food (CUR group); and exposed to environmental air (the control group). At the end of the handling process, the concentration of erythrocyte cholinesterase was monitored, as indicator of PAR intoxication and lipoperoxidation, immunohistochemistry for astrocytes, and activated microglia and apoptosis was determined in the hippocampus.ResultsIn the present study, we show that the administration of CUR (200 mg/kg body weight) significantly diminished the oxidative damage in the hippocampus of rats exposed to the OP PAR.DiscussionThese data suggest that CUR may be an alternative to prevent neurodegenerative damage after pesticide exposure.

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Reply: The results of our research demonstrate a positive effect of physostigmine on microcirculatory alterations during experimental endotoxemia. We applied an inhibitor of the cholinesterase in a pretreatment and in a posttreatment setting in a well-established animal experimental model of intravital microscopy. In both settings, physostigmine showed a significant reduction of the plasma extravasation and the leukocyte-endothelial interaction (1). We attribute these results to the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Efferent activity in the vagus nerve leads to acetylcholine (ACh) release in organs of the reticuloendothelial system, including the liver, heart, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract. Acetylcholine interacts with α-bungarotoxin-sensitive nicotinic receptors (ACh receptor) on tissue macrophages, which inhibit the release of TNF, IL-1, HMGB1, and other cytokines (2). Acetylcholine has also a central effect in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Pavlov et al. (3) showed a reduced level of cytokine by the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase in the brain. It seems that the cytokine production by splenic macrophages is directly attenuated by cholinergic signaling (4). This shows that ACh plays a pivotal role at different sites of the pathway. Patients with bacteremia have a reduced concentration of the serum cholinesterase. This effect could be the result of a reduced liver function or a reaction to the stimulus endotoxin (5). It also seems that there is a significant correlation between the concentration of serum cholinesterase and the severity of the sepsis syndrome, but no causal mechanistic link between the serum cholinesterase and the pathogenesis of the sepsis syndrome has been proven yet. So it might be possible that a reduced plasma level of the cholinesterase is just a counterreaction to a severe sepsis. In conclusion, our findings (1) as well as experimental results by al-Kassab and Vijayakumar (5), Tracey (6), and Ofek et al. (7) seem not to be contradictory to the results obtained in clinical studies of patients with bacteremia and/or sepsis. Acetylcholine is a major transmitter in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, but it is still unknown at which site the pathway is activated by the application of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Also, we did not point out that the pivotal role of ACh for the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is the serum, so it could also be the brain, the celiac ganglion, or neuronal synapses. We agree with Ofek et al. (7), who have established cholinergic status modulations as early predictors of individual variabilities in response to systemic inflammation. Considering the inflammatory suppressive effect of ACh, it is conceivable that acetylcholinesterase activity is an intrinsic regulator of inflammation. Christoph Peter, MD Karsten Schmidt, MD Stefan Hofer, MD Eike Martin, FANZCA, MD Department of Anesthesiology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany Markus A. Weigand, MD Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine University of Gießen Gießen, Germany Andreas Walther, MD Klinikum Stuttgart Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Germany