E Group Research Articles

EFFICACY, SAFETY, AND COST-EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS OF LOW-DOSE ETORICOXIB AND ADD-ON PARACETAMOL VERSUS THERAPEUTIC DOSE ETORICOXIB FOR PAIN IN PATIENTS AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION: A RANDOMIZED INTERVENTIONAL DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the efficacy, safety, and cost-effective analysis of low-dose etoricoxib and add-on paracetamol versus therapeutic dose etoricoxib in patients who experienced pain after tooth extraction. Methods: Patients were recruited and randomized to two study groups E1P and E2 on etoricoxib 30 mg and add-on paracetamol 500 mg 8 hourly and etoricoxib 60 mg once respectively for 3 days. The efficacy was assessed by visual analog scale, pain relief score, and global evaluation score. Patients were assessed at 0, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h. Safety was assessed by adverse drug reactions reported by the patients after 72 h. Cost-effective analysis was done by calculating the cost of treatment and the cost-effective ratio in both groups. Results: Eighty patients completed the study having 40 patients in each group. Mean pain intensity reduction, mean pain relief score, and global evaluation score all showed significantly better results (p<0.05) in Group E1P as compared to Group E2 at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. No patient had reported any serious adverse drug reaction in both the groups; however, incidence of headache and fatigue was twice in the etoricoxib only treated group (n=4) than low-dose etoricoxib-treated group (n=2). The treatment cost of Group E1P was lesser than Group E2 and was also cost effective. Conclusion: Low-dose etoricoxib with add-on paracetamol is a better analgesic than therapeutic dose etoricoxib and is also found to be safer and cost effective.

Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Flowable Resin Composite.

This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength of self-adhesive flowable resin composite on both enamel and dentin and investigate whether surface pretreatment with a phosphoric acid etch affects the bond strength. In this in vitro study, 80 sound human premolars were flattened to create (40) uniform enamel (E) and (40) dentin (D) surfaces. Groups were divided according to surface pretreatment: E1 : Scotchbond™ Universal Etchant + Single Bond Universal Adhesive + Filtek™ Z350 XT flowable composite; E2: Single Bond Universal self-etch adhesive + Filtek Z350 XT flowable composite; E3 : Scotchbond Universal Etchant + Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite; E4: Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite; D1 : Scotchbond Universal Etchant + Single Bond Universal Adhesive + Filtek Z350 XT flowable composite; D2: Single Bond Universal self-etch adhesive + Filtek Z350 XT flowable composite; D3: Scotchbond Universal Etchant + Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite; D4: Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite. After 2500 thermal cycles, the SBS was measured with a universal testing machine. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons were used to compare results. Two-way ANOVA was done to observe the significance of interaction between the type of surface and treatment. The maximum (49.38 ± 1.23 MPa) and minimum (21.41 ± 5.27 MPa) SBS values were noted in groups D1 and E2, respectively. Shear bond test results showed that self-adhesive flowable composite exhibited similar shear bond strengths on enamel and dentin and the bond strength improved with selective acid etching.

Effects of Different Energy Levels on the Milk Performance and Blood Chemistry in Jersey Cows in Tibet

Background: Owing to the extreme cold and hight elevation, demand for fat by people in the plateau is great than those on the plains Butter were used to supply of fat to the herders in areas as remote as rural Tibet and as one of the traditional food, it occupied an importan place in the diet. Therefore, there is a significance in improving butter production in Tibet. Methods: To explore the effects of energy levels on milk performance, blood chemstryand milk hydrolysis amino acid in Jersey cows in Tibet. Forty late-lactation Jersey cows were randomly assigned into 4 groups equally according to the level of energy: E1 (11.50 MJ/kg); E2 (12.0 MJ/kg); E3 (12.5 MJ/kg) and E4 (13.0 MJ/kg). Result: The results indicated milk yield, milk fat content, total soilds content, lactose contentand soilds-not-fat content increased in response to higher levels of dietary energy, whereas the greater (P less than 0.0001) value of milk protein content was observed at the lower levels of dietary energy. The greater plasma GPT content was obtained in group E4 (P less than 0.0001), whereas, the greater plasma TG and GLU were observed in group E3 (P less than 0.01). Plasma TG and LDH of group E2 were greater than those of another treatments (P less than 0.0001) and the plasma UN of group E1 was significant higher among treatments (P less than 0.0001). The greater values of most hydrolysis amino acid and total AA in milk were observed at the lower level of group E1.

Water extract of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) leaf improves production parameters, tissue antioxidant status and intestinal microbiota activity in turkeys

This study aimed to analyze the effect of water extract of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) leaf (WEYL) on tissue oxidative properties, histological indices, gut microbiota composition and activity, and production parameters in turkeys. A total of 360 (1-day-old) female poults were randomly assigned to one of three treatments (8 replications × 15 poults each). The turkeys were fed in a four-phase system for 15 weeks: group C (control)—diet that did not contain WEYL; group E1—diet supplemented with 0.05, 0.1, 0.1, and 0.2 g/kg WEYL; and group E2—diet supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.2, and 0.3 g/kg WEYL. The results of the analyses of body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion indicated that WEYL did not have any effect on these parameters (P > 0.05). However, WEYL increased the proportion of skin with subcutaneous fat (P = 0.006), and when supplemented at higher ratios, it reduced the proportion of liver (P = 0.010) and improved slaughter performance (P = 0.044). Furthermore, consumption of WEYL-supplemented diet led to an improvement in the antioxidative status and glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood and breast muscles, and also increased the superoxide dismutase activity in the blood and liver (P < 0.05). Supplementation with WEYL at a lower dose (E1) resulted in reduced malondialdehyde concentration in the blood, while supplementation at a higher dose (E2) caused a reduction in ascorbic acid concentration in the liver (P < 0.05). Turkeys that were fed with WEYL-containing diet had a higher amount of cholinesterase in the blood (P = 0.045), and those fed with the diet containing a higher dose of WEYL (E2) had a higher level of albumins and total protein (P < 0.05). Turkeys from E2 group had the longest villi and shallowest crypts, but the percentage of proliferating nuclei was found to be the highest in the group that received a diet with a lower dose of WEYL (E1) (P < 0.05). Turkeys from E2 group showed a decreased relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the cecal content as well as reduced β-glucosidase activity, while those from the E1 group showed reduced β-galactosidase activity (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with WEYL can help improve tissue antioxidative status and modify the enzymatic activity of the cecal microflora in turkeys, with no negative influence on the production outcomes of these birds.

A dichotomy for integral group rings via higher modular groups as amalgamated products

We show that U(ZG), the unit group of the integral group ring ZG, either satisfies Kazhdan's property (T) or is, up to commensurability, a non-trivial amalgamated product, in case G is a finite group satisfying some mild conditions. A key step in the proof is the construction of amalgamated decompositions of the elementary group E2(O), where O is an order in rational division algebra, and of certain arithmetic groups Γ. The methods for the latter turn out to work in much greater generality and most notably are carried out to obtain amalgam decompositions for the higher modular groups SL+(Γn(Z)), with n≤4, which can be seen as higher dimensional versions of modular and Bianchi groups. For this we introduce a subgroup mimicking the elementary linear group, denoted E2(Γn(Z)). We prove that E2(Γn(Z)) has always a non-trivial decomposition as a free product with amalgamated subgroup E2(Γn−1(Z)).

Creeping Wood Sorrel and Chromium Picolinate Effect on the Nutritional Composition and Lipid Oxidative Stability of Broiler Meat.

The study investigates the efficacy of Cr in broilers, aiming to evaluate the effects of Chromium picolinate (CrPic) in association with creeping wood sorrel powder (CWS) on the proximate composition, fatty acids profile, bioactive nutrients and lipid oxidative stability of broiler meat. A total of 120 Cobb 500 chickens were assigned into three treatments: a control diet (C) and two test diets, including 200 µg/kg diet CrPic (E1), and 200 µg/kg diet CrPic +10 g CWS/kg diet (E2). Dietary supplementation with Cr + CWS significantly improved the concentration of n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while its n − 6/n − 3 ratio decreased in comparison to the group receiving Cr and the conventional diet. The concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly increased in the breast meat collected from the E2 group than that from the C group. Dietary administration of Cr and CWS improved lutein and zeaxanthin content, decreased Fe and Zn levels of the breast, and increased Zn deposition in the thigh samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased more in the thigh meat of the supplemental groups (E1, E2) than in that from the C group. In conclusion, the current study suggests that Cr together with CWS can be a viable option as antioxidant sources for broiler diets, promoting the nutritional quality of meat.

Cyclic estrogen and progesterone during instrumental acquisition contributes to habit formation in female rats

Habit formation is thought to involve two parallel processes that are mediated by distinct neural substates: one that suppresses goal-directed behavior, and one that facilitates stimulus-response (S-R) learning, which underscores habitual behavior. In previous studies we showed that habitual responding emerges early during instrumental training in gonadally-intact female, compared to male, rats. The present study aimed to determine the role of ovarian hormones during instrumental acquisition in the transition from goal-directed to habitual behavior in female rats. Ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were given subcutaneous silastic capsules that released low levels of 17-β estradiol (E2) to maintain estrogen receptor availability. Rats were assigned to one of three hormone treatment conditions: no additional hormone replacement (Control group), replacement with high E2 (High E2 group), or replacement with high E2 followed by progesterone (High E2 + P4 group). Hormone replacement occurred twice during acquisition to mimic natural hormone fluctuations. At test, the Control and High E2 groups demonstrated responding that was sensitive to devaluation by lithium chloride-induced illness, indicating goal-directed behavior. In contrast, the High E2 + P4 group exhibited a pattern of devaluation-insensitive, habitual responding, that suggested the suppression of goal-directed processes. In a follow-up experiment, similar procedures were conducted, however during acquisition, OVX rats were given cyclic high E2 plus medroxy-progesterone (MPA), a form of progesterone that does not metabolize to neuroactive metabolites. In this group, goal-directed behavior was observed. These data indicate that habit formation is not facilitated in low estrogen states, nor in the presence of cyclic high E2. However, cyclic high E2, together with progesterone during acquisition, appears to facilitate the early emergence of habitual responding. Furthermore, these data suggest that a neuroactive progesterone metabolite, like allopregnanolone, in combination with high cyclic E2, supports this phenomenon.

Estradiol (E 2) Reduction Adversely Affect the Embryo Quality and Clinical Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of decreased serum estradiol (E2) levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF). Methods The clinical data of 300 IVF-ET cycles with patients were analyzed retrospectively. According to the presence of falling E2 level during the COH, we divided all subjects into two groups: the E2 levels fall group (n = 120, group A) and the control group (n = 180, group B). In group A, there were 57 patients with falling E2 with drug dosage reduction. The other 63 patients experienced the decreased E2 level spontaneously. The clinical and laboratory variables in the groups were compared. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were carried out in order to evaluate the predict value of E2 level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on IVF outcomes. Results Duration and total dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used were statistically more in group A than in group B (P < 0.001). The high-quality embryo rate was significantly lower in group A (P = 0.048). Women in group A had lower clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.029), live birth rate (P < 0.001), ongoing pregnancy rate (P = 0.001), and higher early abortion rates (P = 0.008) than group B. Women with spontaneously falling E2 group had a higher BMI index than those in the drug dosage reduction group (P = 0.001). More dosage and longer duration of Gn in spontaneously falling E2 group than in the drug dosage reduction group (P < 0.01). There were no differences in clinical outcomes between the two types of E2 decreased groups. Results from ROC showed an E2 level <1987.5 pg/ml on the hCG day might predict early abortion in this study. The sensitivity was 58.4% and the specificity was 78.9%. In addition, an E2 level >2020 pg/ml on the hCG day might be an index to predict live birth. The sensitivity was 57.0% and the specificity was 61.7%. Conclusions Reduction of E2 during COH might adversely affect the clinical pregnancy, early abortion, and ongoing pregnancy of IVF-ET.

The Effect of Lithium Salt with Ascorbic Acid on the Antioxidant Status and Productivity of Gestating Sows.

Simple SummaryThis research is aimed at studying the effect of lithium ascorbate on increasing the antioxidant status of gestational sows and reducing the level of lipid peroxidation products. The studies were conducted on gestational sows of the Irish Landrace breed. Thirty days after successful insemination, the sows of the experimental groups, E10, E5 and E2, began to receive lithium ascorbate powder together with compound feed in doses of 10, 5, and 2 mg/kg of live weight, respectively. Weighing and biochemical examination were carried out before the introduction of the substance, as well as on the 60th and 110th days of gestation. In the blood plasma of sows, the following were determined: malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, SH/SS ratio, activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The use of lithium ascorbate b caused a significant increase in the level of SH (reduced glutathione) by 21% (p < 0.05), a decrease in the level of SS (oxidized glutathione) by 17% (p < 0.05) and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde by 60% (p < 0.05). The results obtained cause activation of the antioxidant defense system, reduce the risk of oxidative stress, and have a positive effect on the gestation process.This research is aimed at the influence of different doses of lithium ascorbate on pigs’ diet estimation, at farrowing sows’ antioxidant status increase, and at lipid peroxidation product level decrease. The research was conducted in farrowing sows of the Irish landrace breed during the second farrow. Three groups of animals were formed, with ten livestock units in each. Thirty days after successful insemination, the sows of the E10, E5 and E2 experimental groups started receiving lithium ascorbate powder together with feed stuff in dosages of 10, 5 and 2 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Their weighing and biochemical examinations were performed before the substance introduction as well as on the 60th and 110th days of pregnancy. The following were detected in sows’ blood plasma: malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, SH/SS ratio, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Lithium ascorbate usage during sows’ breeding cycle caused a significant increase in SH (reduced glutathione) level by 21% (p < 0.05), SS (oxidized glutathione) level decrease by 17% (p < 0.05), and malondialdehyde level decrease by 60% (p < 0.05). These data outline antioxidant defense system activization, reducing the risk of oxidative stress under the influence of feeding with lithium ascorbate. Lithium ascorbate in dosages of 10 mg/kg per body weight given together with feed stuff shows prominent adaptogene and stress protective features in the most effective way. The research conducted regarding lithium ascorbate usage for farrowing sows can reduce the negative consequences of oxidative stress, increase sows’ health preservation level, and contribute to fertility boost.

Influence of raw pea (Pisum sativum) or blue lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius) on the level of selected bioactive substances in pork meat

Abstract The study objective was to evaluate the impact of different contributions of pea (Pisum sativum) cultivar Hubal and blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) cultivar Regent on the level of selected bioactive substances in pork meat. One hundred three cross-breed piglets: ♀ (Landrace × Yorkshire) × ♂ Duroc were used. Two experiments were performed, in which pea seeds (experiment I: E1 – 5.0% pea seeds; E2 – 10.0% pea seeds; E3 – 15.0% pea seeds; E4 – 17.5% pea seeds) and blue lupin seeds (experiment II; D1 – 5.0% blue lupin seeds; D2 – 10.0% blue lupin seeds; D3 – 15.0% blue lupin seeds D4 – 17.5% blue lupin seeds) were used instead of genetically modified soybean meal (SBM-GM). In each of the experiments 50 animals were divided into 5 groups (control – C, and four experimentals), placed in group pens, each for 10 individuals (sex ratio barrows : gilts – 1:1). The animals were weighed and tagged before the experiments. The initial body weight of the pigs at experiment I and II commencement was: 26.7 and 33.5 kg, and at the end of the experiments: 122.0 and 124.0, respectively. In the first experiment (progressive pea “seeds” contribution) the concentration of carnosine was shown to be higher in E4 than E3 and C by 47.3% and 94.2%, respectively. In comparison with group C, the Q10 coenzyme content in groups E1, E2, E3 and E4 was lower by 40.9%, 56.8%, 40.9% and 65.9% respectively. In the experiment II (progressive lupin “seeds” contribution) increased content of all of the investigated bioactive substances was recorded in groups D1-D3 vs C. Significant differences between groups C, D2, D4 for taurine (P≤0.05; P≤0.01) and creatine (P≤0.05) have been recorded. The content of bioactive substances in the longissimus lumborum muscle was significantly influenced by legumes, which increased the level of bioactive components of protein fraction. Therefore, it can be concluded that pea (Pisum sativum) cultivar Hubal and blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) cultivar Regent are an alternative to SBM-GM, increasing the nutritional value of pork meat.

Hormone Therapy: A Potential Risk Factor Affecting Survival and Functional Restoration of Transplanted Lymph Nodes.

Background: Transplantation of lymph nodes (LNs) is an increasingly popular option for treating lymphedema. Increasing evidence indicates an intrinsic correlation between estrogen signaling and the lymphatic system. We explored the effects of 17β estradiol and antiestrogen treatment (tamoxifen) on the survival and functional restoration of transplanted popliteal lymph nodes (PLNs). Methods: A total of forty-eight ovariectomized mice were divided into three groups of 16: OVX + E2 (treated with 17β-estradiol), OVX + TMX (treated with tamoxifen), and OVX (control; treated with olive oil as a solvent). After 2 weeks, PLNs were transplanted. Then, reconnections of lymphatic vessels were observed, and the morphology and survival of transplanted PLNs were evaluated 4 weeks after transplantation. T cells, B cells, lymphatic vessels, and high endothelial venules (HEVs) were subjected to immunofluorescence staining or immunohistochemical staining and quantified. Results: The percentage of lymphatic reconnections was 93.75% in the OVX + E2 group, 68.75% in the OVX + TMX group, and 75% in the OVX group. Surviving PLNs were observed in 16 of 16 in the OVX + E2 group, seven of 16 in the OVX + TMX group, and 13 of 16 in the OVX group. The mean size of PLNs in the largest cross section of the OVX + TMX group was significantly lower than that in the other groups. The distributions of B cells and T cells in surviving PLNs were similar to those in normal LNs. The ratio of dilated HEVs/total HEVs and density of lymphatic vessels in the OVX + E2 group were the highest among the three groups, whereas the lowest ratio and density were observed in the OVX + TMX group. Conclusion: Tamoxifen treatment might lead to cellular loss of transplanted LNs and interfere with the structural reconstruction and functional restoration, thereby inhibiting the survival of transplanted PLNs. Estrogen treatment facilitated the maintenance and regeneration of functional HEVs as well as lymphangiogenesis.

Waves of follicle development, growth and degeneration in adult ovary of zebrafish (Danio rerio) on chronic exposure to environmental estrogens in laboratory

Patterns of quantitative production of follicles, their growth, and degeneration in the adult ovary of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in response to long-term (80 days) exposure to environmental estrogens (EE) in the laboratory, were studied. Experimentally naive female D. rerio procured from fish farm were acclimated to the laboratory (natural temperature, 26 ± 1° C, photoperiod, 11.30 L:12.30 D) for two weeks and divided into 10 groups. Each group (n = 20) was housed in a separate glass aquarium containing 10 L of conditioned water (physico-chemical parameters maintained within the permissible range prescribed for zebrafish) along with either 5 ng or 10 ng/L of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) or bisphenol A (BPA) or estradiol 17-β (positive control) or water with no chemical (negative control). All experimental fish were fed twice daily on commercial pellets (ad libitum) supplemented with Artemia nauplius, the exposure was semi-static and chemical residues in media samples were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Exposure of fish to estrogens increased (p < 0.05) (i) body mass and gonadosomatic indices (GSI) in E2, EE2 and DES groups (ii) previtellogenic and vitellogenic follicles in E2 and EE2 groups (iii) atretic follicles (AF) in DES and BPA groups compared to controls and (iv) decrease in total oocyte volumes (V = 4/3. π. r3) compared to those of E2 group. These results suggest that the chronic exposure of fish to EE (at environmentally relevant concentrations) has a profound influence on ovarian follicular dynamics and the effects of individual EE are discrete on the ovary.

Chrysin attenuates estradiol-induced endometrial hyperplasia in rats via enhancing PPARα activity.

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a complex condition that commonly affects women after menopause. Since the current available treatments for EH are mainly invasive, there is a need for developing new treatment modalities. Chrysin (Ch) is a dihydroxyflavone with numerous promising therapeutic potentials. In this study, Ch's protective effects on estradiol (E2)-induced EH were studied in rats. Animals were allocated randomly to five groups and were treated for 4weeks as follows: Group 1, control: received the vehicle; group 2, Ch: received Ch 25mg/kg; group 3, estradiol (E2): received E2 (3mg/kg) 3 × weekly subcutaneously and the vehicle. Group 4, E2 + Ch 10mg/kg and group 5, E2 + Ch 25mg/kg: Ch was given once daily at 10mg/kg or 25mg/kg, respectively. In addition, E2 was administered 3 × weekly (3mg/kg) in groups 4 and 5. Ch inhibited the E2-induced increase in uterine weights and histopathological changes. Ch lowered the cyclin D1 expression. Ch raised the caspase-3 content and Bax mRNA expression. Furthermore, it corrected the raised Bcl2 mRNA expression due to E2. Ch inhibited MDA accumulation and GSH depletion. It also prevents E2-induced SOD and GPx exhaustion. It also ameliorated the rise in NFκB, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression. These effects were correlated with an enhanced PPARα activity ratio relative to the E2 group. This suggests that Ch attenuates EH in this model by exerting anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects partially through increasing PPARα activity.

Soy Formula Is Not Estrogenic and Does Not Result in Reproductive Toxicity in Male Piglets: Results from a Controlled Feeding Study.

Soy infant formula which is fed to over half a million infants per year contains isoflavones such as genistein, which have been shown to be estrogenic at high concentrations. The developing testis is sensitive to estrogens, raising concern that the use of soy formulas may result in male reproductive toxicity. In the current study, male White-Dutch Landrace piglets received either sow milk (Sow), or were provided milk formula (Milk), soy formula (Soy), milk formula supplemented with 17-beta-estradiol (2 mg/kg/d) (M + E2) or supplemented with genistein (84 mg/L of diet; (M + G) from postnatal day 2 until day 21. E2 treatment reduced testis weight (p < 0.05) as percentage of body weight, significantly suppressed serum androgen concentrations, increased tubule area, Germ cell and Sertoli cell numbers (p < 0.05) relative to those of Sow or Milk groups. Soy formula had no such effects relative to Sow or Milk groups. mRNAseq revealed 103 differentially expressed genes in the M + E2 group compared to the Milk group related to endocrine/metabolic disorders. However, little overlap was observed between the other treatment groups. These data suggest soy formula is not estrogenic in the male neonatal piglet and that soy formula does not significantly alter male reproductive development.

Therapeutic effects of asperosaponin VI in rabbit tendon disease

AbstarctIntroductionThis study explored the effects and molecular mechanisms of asperosaponin VI in tendon disease.MethodsForty-eight purebred adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the normal group (normal, n = 8); saline group (saline, n = 8) and prostaglandin E2 group (n = 32), which was further divided into four subgroups that were treated with asperosaponin VI doses of 0 mg/kg (model, n = 8), 10 mg/kg (10, n = 8), 20 mg/kg (20, n = 8) and 40 mg/kg (40, n = 8). The expression levels of matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1), collagen Ⅰ (COL1), collagen Ⅲ (COL3) and tenomodulin (TNMD) in Achilles tendon tissue were determined through Western blot analysis. The histopathological changes in tendon tissue were observed by using Masson staining and haematoxylin–eosin staining.ResultsThe expression levels of MMP1, TIMP1 and COL3 were higher and those of TGFB1, SERPINE1, COL1 and TNMD were lower in the 0 mg/kg group than in the normal group (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the 0 mg/kg group, the levels of MMP1 were lower in the 20 and 40 mg/kg groups. Compared with those in the 0 mg/kg group, the levels of TIMP1 were lower and the levels of TGFB1, COL1 and TNMD were higher in the 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg groups. In addition, compared with those in other groups, the levels of SERPINE1 in the 40 mg/kg group were significantly higher and the levels of COL3 in the 10 and 20 mg/kg groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Fibrous tissue arrangements and structures in the 40 mg/kg group were similar to those in the control group.ConclusionThe effects of asperosaponin VI on injured tendons mainly involve eliminating inflammation, restoring balance to extracellular matrix collagen metabolism and inducing tendon cell proliferation. Asperosaponin VI is likely to be an ideal drug for the prevention and treatment of tendon disease.

Effects of esmolol continuous infusion on blood loss in patients undergoing posterior lumbar internal fixation surgery: A prospective randomized study.

ObjectiveTo determine the intravenous (i.v.) dose of esmolol needed to attenuate blood loss in patients undergoing posterior lumbar internal fixation (PLIF) surgery.MethodsThis study randomized patients to either the E5 or E10 group. Patients in the E5 group received a 0.25 mg/kg i.v. loading dose of esmolol before anaesthesia, followed by an infusion of 5 µg/kg/min throughout the operation. Patients in the E10 group received a 0.5 mg/kg i.v. loading dose of esmolol before anaesthesia, followed by an infusion of 10 µg/kg/min throughout the operation.ResultsThe study analysed 33 patients: 16 in the E5 group and 17 in the E10 group. The mean ± SD blood loss at the end of surgery was significantly greater in the E5 than E10 group (586.3 ± 160.1 versus 347.7 ± 138.0 ml, respectively). The total amount of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) used was significantly higher in the E5 than E10 group at 8 (26.1 ± 12.0 versus 17.5 ± 8.3 ml, respectively), 24 (58.4 ± 21.3 versus 44.1 ± 16.2 ml, respectively) and 48 h after surgery (90.0 ± 22.5 versus 69.3 ± 22.1 ml, respectively).ConclusionA continuous infusion of 10 µg/kg/min of esmolol can safely reduce blood loss during PLIF surgery. It was also shown to reduce postoperative PCA consumption.

Estradiol replacement improves high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in ovariectomized rats.

The role of 17β‐estradiol (E2) in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced alteration of the protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in ovariectomized (OVX) rats is unclear. Therefore, we examined whether chronic estrogen replacement restores HFD‐induced impairment in insulin sensitivity by its effects concomitant with alterations in the Akt isoform 2 (Akt2) and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) phosphorylation in muscles of OVX rats. Nine‐week‐old female Wistar rats underwent ovariectomy under anesthesia; after 4 weeks, subcutaneous implantation of either E2 or placebo (PL) pellets was performed, and HFD feeding was initiated. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess insulin sensitivity. Following insulin injection into rats’ portal vein, the liver and gastrocnemius muscle were dissected for insulin signaling analysis. We observed that HFD increased energy intake and body weight in the PL group; however, it was temporarily decreased in the E2 group. Adipose tissue accumulation was larger in HFD‐fed rats than in normal chow diet (NCD)‐fed rats in the PL group; however, this difference was not observed in the E2 group. HFD reduced insulin sensitivity in the PL group only. In vivo insulin stimulation increased Akt2 phosphorylation in the muscles of NCD‐fed rats in both groups. In contrast, HFD affected insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt2 and AS160 in the muscles of rats in the PL group but not in the E2 group. Our data suggest that E2 replacement improves HFD‐induced insulin resistance, and this effect is accompanied by the alterations in the Akt2 and AS160 phosphorylation in insulin‐stimulated muscles of OVX rats.

The potential protective effects of estradiol and 2-methoxyestradiol in ischemia reperfusion-induced kidney injury in ovariectomized female rats

AimsInvestigating the impact of 17β estradiol (E2) and its endogenous non-hormonal metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) induced kidney injury in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and the role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in their effects. Main methodsEighty female rats were allocated into eight groups. Control group, Sham group, OVX group, OVX and RIR group, OVX + RIR + E2 group, OVX + RIR + 2ME group, OVX + RIR + E2 + Entacapone group and OVX + RIR + 2ME + Entacapone group, respectively.Twenty-four hours post RIR, creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined in serum, while malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the expressions of COMT, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were assessed in the kidney tissues. Key findingsSerum Cr, BUN, MPO, as well as HIF-1α and TH expressions were significantly higher with concomitant decrease in COMT expression, SOD and CAT activities and GSH content observed in OVX and RIR group compared to sham group. E2 and 2ME treatment significantly ameliorated all parameters measured in OVX and RIR rats. On the other hand, Entacapone significantly decreased the effect of E2, with no effect on 2ME treatment. SignificanceE2 ameliorates RIR-induced kidney injury and this effect is mediated, at least in part, via its COMT-mediated conversion to 2ME. Thus, 2ME by the virtue of its pleiotropic pharmacological effects can be used as a safe and effective treatment of RIR injury.

INTERNAL FATS OF ROSS 308 BROILER CHICKENS AFTER APPLICATION OF GRAPE, FLAX AND PUMPKIN POMACE INTO THEIR DIET

Poultry fat is interesting in terms of fatty acid composition, especially due to the higher content of unsaturated fatty acids compared to mammals. However, internal fats are considered as one of the wastes from poultry processing. In previous experiments, we observed the effect of grape, flax and pumpkin pomace on the meat performance and chemical composition of broiler chicken muscle. Therefore, the aim of this work was to examine the effect of these pomaces on the formation of internal fats in Ross 308 broiler chickens. The control group (C) was fed with a feed mixture (FM) without antibiotics and growth stimulators. In the experimental diets, wheat in FM was replaced by 1, 2 and 3% red grape pomace, variety Alibernet (groups E1, E2 and E3), 2 and 4% flax pomace (groups E4 and E5) and 2 and 4% pumpkin pomace (groups E6 and E7). The chickens were fed and watered ad libitum for 42 days. Amounts of internal fats are presented as % from carcass weight (CW). Of the internal fats in females, only heart fat was significantly affected (P≤0.05) (least in E5 and E7 – 0.20%). In males, on the other hand, we found significant differences (P≤0.001) in other fats: abdominal fat was highest in E2 and E3 (0.94 and 0.91%, respectively), gizzard fat was highest in E2 (0.59%) and internal fats together in E2 and E3 (1.67 and 1.48%, respectively). The results show that negatively higher internal fat content of the chicken carcass was caused mainly by the addition of 2 and 3% RGP in the diet of Ross 308 chickens.

Apigenin, a Single Active Component of Herbal Extract, Alleviates Xerostomia via ERα-Mediated Upregulation of AQP5 Activation.

Xerostomia is a common symptom in menopausal women, suggesting the role of sex steroids in disease development. Shreds of literature had reported the potential use of herbal extracts to relieve xerostomia. However, a cocktail of multiple components in herbal extract makes it difficult to understand the exact mechanism of action. Aquaporin5 (AQP5), the specific aquaporin expressed in salivary glands, plays an important role in salivary secretion as a downstream of estrogen signaling. In this study, we aimed to unravel a single active herbal component as a therapeutic for xerostomia and investigate its mechanism of action. The effects of apigenin (flavonoid), dauricine (alkaloids), protopine (alkaloids), and lentinan (polysaccharides) on AQP5 transcription were screened in vitro. Only apigenin robustly induced AQP5 transcription and expression, and this effect was even robust compared to the effect of estradiol (E2, a positive control). Overexpression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the human salivary gland cell line (HSG) upregulated the AQP5 transcription and expression and the knockdown ERα reversed this effect, suggesting the role of ERα signaling on AQP5 activation in HSG cells. Docking results showed apigenin-specific binding sites in ERα. We further analyzed the therapeutic effect of apigenin on ovariectomized mice as a xerostomia model. The saliva secretion in the xerostomia group was reduced to one-third of the sham group, whereas the apigenin or E2 treatment for 12 weeks reversed this effect. Meanwhile, the water consumption in the xerostomia group was augmented obviously compared to the sham group, whereas the water consumption in the apigenin and E2 group was declined to the level of the sham group. Immunohistochemistry of submandibular glands revealed the downregulation of AQP5 expression in xerostomia mice compared to control. Apigenin, or E2 treatment, upregulated AQP5 expression in xerostomia mice. In conclusion, apigenin, a single active component of herbal extract, upregulated AQP5 expression in HSG cells via activation of ERα signaling and restored saliva flow rates in OVX mice. These results revealed apigenin as a single active component of herbal extract with the potential to treat xerostomia.