ME Group Research Articles

Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Signaling for Brain Recovery and Exercise Ability in Brain Ischemic Rats

Exercise increases neuron survival and plasticity in the adult brain by enhancing the uptake of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Exercise also reduces the infarct volume in the ischemic brain and improves motor function after such a brain insult. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of IGF-I signaling in neuroprotection after exercise. Rats were assigned to one of four groups: middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) without exercise training (MC), MCAO with exercise training (ME), MCAO with IGF-I receptor inhibitor and without exercise training (MAg), and MCAO with IGF-I receptor inhibitor and exercise training (MEAg). Rats in the ME and MEAg groups underwent treadmill training for 14 d, and rats in the MC and MAg groups served as controls. After the final intervention, rats were sacrificed under anesthesia, and samples were collected from the affected motor cortex, striatum, and plasma. IGF-I and p-Akt levels in the affected motor cortex and the striatum of the ME group were significantly higher than those in the MC group, with significant decreases in infarct volume and improvements in motor function. However, IGF-I receptor inhibitor eliminated these effects and decreased the exercise ability. The brain IGF-I signaling strongly correlated with exercise ability. Exercise-enhanced IGF-I entrance into ischemic brain and IGF-I signaling was related to exercise-mediated neuroprotection. IGF-1 signaling also affected the ability to exercise after brain ischemia.

Effect of varying dietary energy levels during the last trimester of pregnancy on subsequent first lactation performance in Sahiwal heifers

The aim of the study was to determine optimum dietary energy level during the last trimester of pregnancy for Sahiwal heifers in subtropical Pakistan. Sixteen Sahiwal heifers, 5-6 months pregnant, were assigned to four dietary treatments with four heifers on each treatment. Isonitrogenous (CP = 14.1%) diets having varying energy, namely, ME 88%, ME 100% (Control), ME 112% and ME 124% of NRC recommended level for pregnant heifers, were fed until calving. All were fed a similar diet after calving. Precalving weight gain was highest (P < 0.05) in heifers fed ME 112 and 124% (486 ± 13 and 497 ± 5 g/day, respectively) followed by ME 100% (444 ± 7 g/day), and the lowest weight gain was recorded for ME 88% (397 ± 8 g/day). A similar trend was observed for feed efficiency. Body condition score at calving in groups ME 124% and ME 112% was higher than ME 88% and ME 100%. Nutrient digestibility, birth weight of calves and milk composition except fat content were not influenced by energy levels. The highest daily milk yield was observed in heifers fed ME 100% followed by ME 112, 124, and 88%. We conclude that the NRC recommendation is applicable to the subtropical region.

Subjective Disturbance of Perception Is Related to Facial Affect Recognition in Schizophrenia

To examine the relationship between facial affect recognition (FAR) and subjective perceptual disturbances (SPDs), we assessed SPDs in 82 patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia (44 with first-episode psychosis [FEP] and 38 with multiple episodes [ME]) using two subscales of the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ), WAS (simple perception) and WAK (complex perception). Emotional judgment ability was assessed using Ekman and Friesen's FAR task. Impaired recognition of emotion correlated with scores on the WAS but not on the WAK. The association was significant in the entire group and in the ME group. FAR was more impaired in the ME than in the FEP group. Our findings suggest that there is a relationship between SPDs and FAR impairment in schizophrenia, particularly in multiple-episode patients.

A Lipoxin A4 Analog Ameliorates Blood–Brain Barrier Dysfunction and Reduces MMP-9 Expression in a Rat Model of Focal Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

LXA(4) methyl ester (LXA(4)ME), a lipoxin A(4) analog, reduces ischemic insult in the rat models of transient or permanent cerebral ischemic injury. We investigated whether LXA(4)ME could ameliorate blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction after stroke by reducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. Adult male rats were subjected to 2-h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24-h reperfusion. Brain infarctions were detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. BBB dysfunction was determined by examining brain edema and Evans Blue extravasation. Temporal expression of MMP-9 was determined by zymography and Western blot. The presence of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was also determined by Western blot in tissue protein sample. Brain edema and Evans Blue leakage were significantly reduced after stroke in the LXA(4)ME group and were associated with reduced brain infarct volumes. MMP-9 activity and expression were inhibited by LXA(4)ME after stroke. In addition, LXA(4)ME significantly increased TIMP-1 protein levels. Our results indicate that LXA(4)ME reduces brain injury by improving BBB function in a rat model of MCAO, and that a relationship exists between BBB permeability and MMP-9 expression following ischemic insult. Furthermore, these results suggest that LXA(4)ME-mediated reduction of MMP-9 following stroke are attributed to increased TIMP-1 expression.

Chemopreventive effect of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on the N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)‐induced gastrointestinal cancer in rat model

To investigate the chemopreventive effect and mechanisms of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastrointestinal cancer in rats, and to investigate and compare the combinatorial effects of EGCG and folic acid on the chemoprevention of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. A total of 159 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups to have the MNNG in drink (group M), MNNG in drink and EGCG in the feed (group ME), MNNG in drink and folic acid in the feed (group MF), MNNG in drink and EGCG+folic acid in the feed (group MEF), EGCG in the feed (group E), folic acid in the feed (group F) or normal feed (group C), respectively. At 44 weeks, all the rats were killed and assessed for the presence of gastrointestinal tumor. The occurrence of cancer was evaluated by histology. Ki-67 in cancerous tissues and in situ apoptosis were determined by immunohistochemical staining or terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. The experiment was completed in 157 rats (98.74%). As compared with group M, the tumor incidence of group MEF decreased significantly (P=0.011). Ki-67 expression in cancerous tissues of group ME and MEF also decreased significantly (P=0.038, P=0.009), while apoptosis of group ME, MF and MEF increased significantly (P=0.000, P=0.003, P=0.000). EGCG combined with folic acid has an obvious chemopreventive effect on gastrointestinal carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in rats.

Mitoxantrone and Etoposide with or without Intermediate-Dose Cytarabine for the Treatment of Patients with Primary Induction Failure or Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia

AbstractAbstract 2174 Introduction:The prognosis for patients with primary induction failure (PIF) or relapsed acute myeloid (Rel-AML) is poor. Mitoxantrone (M) plus etoposide (E)- based salvage regimens (ME), in particular, either alone or with intermediate dose cytarabine (MEC) are effective in these high risk patients; However, these regimens have not been directly compared. Heterogeneity in chemotherapy dose, dose escalation and age have been important limitations in the evaluation of previous studies. Also problematic, historically patients were classified according to FAB criteria. Since then, karyotype has been shown to be a main determinant of prognosis. The influence of karyotype on response to ME or MEC is currently unknown. Herein, we report the response to treatment with a fixed dosing schedule of ME or MEC in 66 patients treated for PIF or Rel-AML with intermediate(intermed-) or unfavorable(unfav-) risk cytogenetics. Differences in CR between ME and MEC subsets were analyzed to determine the effect of adding of C to ME. Methods:66 consecutive patients with PIF or Rel-AML treated with either ME(n=37)or MEC(n=29) between 10/2004-12/2008 were evaluated. All patients had received initial induction therapy with daunorubicin 45–60mg/m2 IV bolus d1-3 and cytarabine 100mg/m2 CI d1-7(7+3), and consolidation with HIDAC if CR was achieved. ME and MEC were dosed according to previously published studies. The decision to use a given salvage was left to the discretion of the treating physician. Chi-Square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:Table1 shows there was no difference between the ME and MEC groups with regards to age, sex, % blasts at initial diagnosis, and %CR after initial induction with 7+3, or % patients who received inter- to high dose C prior to ME or MEC. Length of CR (after 7+ 3 and consolidation) was significantly longer in the MEC group. A significantly higher number of CR's was observed in the MEC group compared to ME(p=0.05). Within the MEC group, no difference in CR was observed between patients with intermed- and unfav-risk cytogenetics(p=0.96). The same was true within the ME group(p=0.13). When MEC was compared to ME, a significant difference in CR was observed in patients with unfav-risk cytogenetics(p=0.044) and patients <60years old. Prior to therapy, MEC patients had higher number of blasts. MEC patients had a significantly longer duration of remission. One patient in both the ME and MEC group died before hematopoetic reconstitution. Conclusion:In clinical practice, as observed in the present study, we observed a greater overall CR rate in patients who received MEC compared to those treated with ME, particularly in younger patients with unfav-risk cytogenetics. For those who achieved CR after MEC or ME, a longer duration of CR was observed in the MEC group compared to ME. These results could be particularly beneficial for those patients receiving salvage therapy as a temporizing measure prior to allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplant ion, and encourages confirmation from a prospective trial.Table 12937Male:Female13/1623/13NSAge(yr/range)54 (21–77)58 (24–79)NS>60yr10/2914/370.8Complete Remission after 1st induction(%)20 (69)27 (75)0.78Number of Chemotx regimens prior to ME/MECn=28150.2n=3280.16n=4140.36Prior treatment with intermediate or high dose Cytarabine24/2934/370.285TreatmentCytogenetics (n=MEC=28:ME=34)*Favorable(respnse,%)1/1 (100)1/1 (100)1Intermediate9/16 (56)7/22 (32)0.13Unfavorable7/11 (64)2/10 (20)0.044Age<6012/19 (63)6/21 (29)0.028Intermediate cytogenetics5/10 (50)3/16 (19)0.19Unfavorable cytogenetics6/8 (75)1/2 (33)0.49Age>605/10 (50)3/16 (19)0.99Intermediate cytogenetics4/6 (66)4/6 (66)1Unfavorable cytogenetics1/2 (50)1/7 (14)0.99Complete remission(%)17 (58)12 (33)0.049Time to relapse(months)2.5 (1–14)1.5 (1–33)0.049Table 2Kaplan-Meier survival percentages from diagnosis to last follow-upKaplan-Meier survival percentages from MEC/ME to last follow-up6m94%55%1 year71%31%2 years42%22%3 years19%18%5 years12%no follow-up beyond 5 years from MEC/ME7 years8%no follow-up beyond 5 years from MEC/ME Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Anti-Sports Anaemia Effects of Verbascoside and Martynoside in Mice

This paper aims to investigate the effects of verbascoside and martynoside isolated from PEDICULARIS DOLICHOCYMBA on sports anaemia. Forty mice were divided into four groups: Group R (control group, nonsupplemented and maintained at rest), Group E (nonsupplemented and undergoing exercise), Group VE (supplemented with verbascoside 10 mg/kg per day and undergoing exercise), and Group ME (supplemented with martynoside 10 mg/kg per day and undergoing exercise). After 5 weeks intensive swimming exercises, we measured the RBC count, the hemoglobin concentration, the hematocrit (Hct), the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). We studied the shapes of RBC and measured the plasma malonyldialdehyde (MDA). We found Group E showed lower RBC, hemoglobin and Hct levels, higher MCHC, MCH, plasma MDA levels and the abnormally shaped RBCs percentage than Groups R, VE and ME. Group ME showed lower RBC and Hct levels, higher MCH, plasma MDA levels and the abnormally shaped RBCs percentage than Group VE. The results indicated that verbascoside and martynoside have the potential of antagonizing sports anaemia, the mechanism of this effect might be related to preventing RBC from free radical damage. Moreover, verbascoside was found to be more active than martynoside.

Isokinetic strength benefits after 24 weeks of multicomponent exercise training and combined exercise training in older adults

Studies that have attempted to address the influence of exercise programs on muscle strength have usually analyzed single exercise training types. They have not often addressed multicomponent exercise interventions that combine strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic training. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare improvements in muscle strength induced by 24 weeks of two training regimens in elderly adults aged 65-82 years. Participants underwent a multicomponent exercise program (ME, n=25, 69.4+/-4.1 yrs) or combined ME plus resistance training (CE, n=24, 68.7+/-4.2 yrs). Maximum strength of knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) was measured at 60 masculine/s and 180 masculine/s with an isokinetic dynamometer before and 12 and 24 weeks after the training programs. The CE group showed a significant increase in maximum voluntary knee extensors (22.3%, p<0.001) and knee flexors (29.6%, p<0.001) at 180 masculine/s in the non-dominant leg, in knee extensor torque at 60 masculine/s in the dominant (6.7%, p=0.023) and non-dominant leg (17.3%, p<0.001) and in knee flexor torque at 60 masculine/s in dominant (16.4%, p=0.020) and non-dominant leg (24.2%, p<0.001). No significant changes were observed in the ME group after 24 weeks of training. The present study indicates that twice-weekly ME has a limited effect on isokinetic muscle strength. Our results also emphasize that adding moderate intensity resistance exercise twice a week to a ME protocol is sufficient to induce higher and significant strength improvements in healthy older subjects.

Efficiency of estrous synchronization in tropical sheep by combining short-interval cloprostenol-based protocols and “male effect”

This study assessed the efficacy of a protocol combining short-interval cloprostenol-based protocols and “male effect” for estrous synchronization in hair sheep. In Experiment 1, 24 ewes were randomly assigned to three groups ( n = 8) and treated with cloprostenol on Days 3, 5 and 7 after ovulation, respectively. Estradiol secretion during the follicular phase was similar among groups. Onset of estrus ( P < 0.001) and the timing of maximum LH concentration ( P < 0.01) were earlier in group D3 than in D5 and D7 groups. During the subsequent cycle, the number and size of corpora lutea were higher ( P < 0.05) in ewes of the groups D3 (1.9 ± 0.3 and 115.1 ± 14.3 mm 2) and D5 (1.8 ± 0.2 and 100.2 ± 11.2 mm 2) than in group D7 (1.3 ± 0.2 and 75.6 ± 6.4 mm 2) group. In Experiment 2, 24 ewes were treated with two cloprostenol injections (7 days apart). Twelve ewes were exposed to “male effect” previous to an isolation period (ME group), whereas the remaining ewes were controls without male exposure (CTR group). Male effect induced earlier preovulatory LH surge ( P < 0.05) and ovulation ( P < 0.001) than CTR group. In Experiment 3, the estrus was synchronized in 68 ewes. Nineteen of them (group FGA) were treated using intravaginal sponges impregnated with fluorogestone acetate for 12 days and inseminated at 55 h. Forty-nine females (group ME) were treated like ME group. Twenty-four (ME48 group) and 25 ewes (ME55 group) were inseminated at 48 and 55 h after treatment, respectively. The fertility rate was numerically higher in ME48 than ME55 and FGA groups (62.5, 44.0 and 47.4%, respectively). In conclusions, the combined use of short-interval cloprostenol treatment and “male effect” may be an adequate alternative for synchronizing estrus and applying artificial insemination in hair sheep throughout the entire year.

자외선 조사 무모쥐 피부조직에 도포한 애엽(Mugwort) 추출물의 주름개선 효과

This study was to investigate antiwrinkle effect of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) methanol extract in hairless mouse skin induced by UVB-irradiation. Hairless mouse were topically treated with the basic lotion alone (control), ascorbic acid (AA-0.5%, AA-1.0%, AA-2.0%, and AA-5.0%) and mugwort extract (ME-0.5%, ME-1.0%, ME-2.0%, and ME-5.0%) dissolved in a basic lotion. After topical treatment of 30 minutes, the animals were irradiated with increasing doses of UVB radiation () for 4 weeks. In our experimental condition, skin thickness of hairless mouse was significantly decreased () in all ME groups compared with control group. Ra value, that is surface roughness parameter induced by skin wrinkling, was significantly decreased () in ME-1.0%, 2.0% and 5.0% group compared with control group. Furthermore, Rq, Rz and Rt value were significantly decreased to , , and , respectively. Wrinkle formation of ascorbic acid treatment group as reference group was inhibited, but its effect was less than ME treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity was significantly inhibited () compared with control group and collagen content was significantly increased (about 10%) when compared with control group. These results indicate that ME could protect skin aging and wrinkle formation in hairless mouse from photo-irradiation.

Evaluation of Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Mimusops elengi L. in Triton WR- 1339 Induced Hyperlipidaemia in Rats

Objective: The present study was undertaken to explore antihyperlipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of Mimusops elengi L. (ME) in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Materials and methods: The wistar rats were divided in to Normal control (NC), Hyperlipidemic group (HG), Fenofibrate group (FG), Mimusops elengi L. (ME) treated groups (100, 300, 600 mg/kg, p.o.). Hyperlipidemia in all groups was induced by single i.p. injection of Triton WR-1339 at a dose of 200 mg/kg except normal control. Result: The groups treated with Mimusops elengi L. showed significant reduction (p<0.01) in levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol as compared t o HG after 7 and 24 h of induction. Even after 48 h the groups treated with Mimusops elengi L. showed significant decrease (p<0.01) in level of triglyceride in groups ME 300, ME 600 and significant decrease (p<0.05) in level of tota l cholesterol in groups ME 300, ME 600 respectively as compared to HG. Moreover HDL level was significantly elevated (p<0.01) in the groups ME 300, ME 600 after 7 and 24 h, however it was significantly elevated (p<0.0 1) only in ME 600 after 48 h of the treatment. Conclusion: Hence it can be concluded that Mimusops elengi L. has significant antihyperlipidemic effect owing to its ability to reduce the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceri de and increasing the level of HDL.

The Effect Of Swimming Training On Neurogenesis In The Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus And Functional Ability After Focal Ischemic Stroke In Rats

The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of swimming training on brain function after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. PURPOSE: This study was examined on neurogenesis in dentate gyrus of hippocampus using 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label proliferating cells and assessed the neurological response following focal cerebral ischemia in rats using neurological motor behavioral test. METHODS: In an observer-blinded fashion twenty male Sprague-Dawley (280~310g, 7 weeks old) rats were divided into four groups: MCAO plus swimming group (ME, n1 =5), MCAO plus control group (MC, n2 =5), SHAM plus swimming group (SE, n3 =5), SHAM plus control group (SC, n4 =5). RESULTS: The limb placing time before and after swimming in the ME group were significantly longer than he MC group (p<.05), the SE group were significantly longer than the SC group (p<.01). The balance beam scores before and after swimming in the ME group was higher than the SE group, the MC group was higher than the SC group but was not significantly difference. The foot fault index before and after swimming training in ME group was significantly lower (i.e., im proved) than the MC group (p<.001) and the SE group (p<.001), the SE group was significantly lower (i.e., improved) than the SC group (p<.001). The mean number of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus in the ME group was significantly higher than the MC group (p<.001) and the SE group (p<.01). The MC group and the SE group was sig nificantly higher than the SC group (p<.001). There was significantly correlation between limb placing time and number of BrdU-positive cells on swimming training, there is positive correlation (r=0.807, p=.000) and between foot fault index and BrdU-positive cells number, there is negative correlation (r=−0.503, p=.05). However, between balance beam scores and BrdU-positive cells number, there is no correlation. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that the role of swimming training improves behavioral motor function probably by enhancing cell proliferation in that hippocampus.

Up-regulation of multiple proteins and biological processes during maxillary expansion in rats

BackgroundMaxillary expansion (ME) is a common practice in orthodontics that aims to increase the constricted maxillary arch width. Relapse often occurs, however, and better treatment strategies are needed. In order to develop a more effective method, this study was designed to further examine the process of tissue remodeling during ME, to identify the changes in expression of several proteins of interest, and to clarify the molecular mechanism responsible for tissue remodeling.MethodsMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and ME groups. The rats were euthanized at various intervals over 11 days, and the dissected palates were prepared for histological examination. The structure of the midpalatal sutures changed little during the first three days. Proteins from samples in the ground midpalatal tissues obtained on the third day were subjected to two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. Validation of protein expression was performed by Western blot analyses.ResultsFrom day 5, chondrocytes in the inner layer of suture cartilage and osteoblasts at the end of the suture cartilage began to proliferate, and the skeletal matrix increased later adjacent to the cartilage in the ME group. Comparative proteomic analysis showed increases in 22 protein spots present in the ME group. The changes in three proteins closely related to osteogenesis (parathyroid hormone, osteoprotegerin and vimentin) were confirmed by Western blotting.ConclusionMany proteins are over-expressed during ME, and they may play an important role in the remodeling process.

자외선 조사 무모쥐 피부에 도포한 애엽(Mugwort) 추출물의 항산화 효과

Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, KoreaAbstractThis study investigated the antioxidative effect of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) extracts in hairless mouse skin from oxidative stress induced by UV-irradiation. After topical application on hairless mouse back with basic skin lotion group (control), ascorbic acid group (AA-0.5%, AA-1.0%, AA-2.0%, and AA-5.0%), and mugwort extract group (ME-0.5%, ME-1.0%, ME-2.0%, and ME-5.0%), the animals were irradiated to increasing doses of UVB (60 mJ～100 mJ) for 4 weeks. Hydrogen peroxide of hairless mouse skin homogenate significantly decreased in 2% (p<0.05) and 5% (p<0.05) of ME and AA groups. Hydroxyl radicals were decreased significantly in both of 2% and 5% ME groups as compared to AA groups (p<0.05). Oxidative stress levels deduced by oxidized protein contents were greatly decreased (14.6～18.5%) in all ME treatment groups, while only at 2% of AA treatment group. Lipid peroxide contents were greatly inhibited in all ME and AA treatment groups (p<0.01). Application of ME significantly increased catalase activity, over 25% in all mugwort and AA groups. Glutathione peroxidase activities were increased up to 20.5%～32.8% in 2.0% and 5% ME groups, whereas it increased in all AA groups. These results suggested that mugwort extract was more effective than that of ascorbic acid in protecting hairless mouse skin from photo-irradiation, and can be used as an potential anti-aging cosmetic ingredients.Key words: mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) extract, ascorbic acid, UVB, antioxidative effect, skin

The ‘ME Bandwagon’ and other labels: Constructing the genuine case in talk about a controversial illness

This paper examines the discourse of morality surrounding 'ME' as a contested illness, looking at how GPs and ME group members differentiate between the category of 'genuine ME sufferer' and the 'bandwagon'. 'Jumping on the bandwagon' is a metaphor commonly used to describe the activity of 'following the crowd' in order to gain an advantage. This discursive analysis shows how 'bandwagon' categories are constructed in contrast to the category of genuine sufferer. People who jump on the bandwagon are accused of matching their symptoms to media stereotypes, adopting trendy illnesses ('fads'), or using 'tickets' to avoid facing up to psychological illnesses. Both GPs and ME group members construct a differential moral ordering of physical and psychological illness categories, where the latter assumes a lesser status. The paper concludes that against a background of medical uncertainty and controversy, the 'bandwagon' and other derogatory labels function as contrast categories that work to establish the existence of 'ME' as a genuine illness.

Intraperitoneal Injection of Ginkgo biloba Extract Enhances Antioxidation Ability of Retina and Protects Photoreceptors After Light-Induced Retinal Damage in Rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, a free-radical scavenger, on the antioxidation capability of retina after light-induced retinal damage in rats in an attempt to understand the mechanism by which EGb 761 protects the photoreceptors after light-induced retinal damage. Methods: Seventy-two female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were evenly randomized into normal control group (NC group), light-induced retinal damage model group (M group), model + normal saline group (MN group), and model + EGb 761 group (ME group). Light-induced retinal damage model was induced via exposure to white light at 2740 ± 120 lux for 6 hr. Rats in MN group and ME group were intraperitoneally injected daily with normal saline and 0.35% EGb 761 (100 mg/kg), respectively, 1 week before and 2 weeks after light exposure. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in the retinal tissues were determined 24 hrs after light exposure; photoreceptor apoptosis was detected 4 days after light exposure. One and 2 weeks after light exposure, histopathologic examination was carried out, and the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness (number of nuclei) in the superior and inferior retina was counted. Results: Twenty-four hours after exposure, the MDA levels in the other three groups were significantly higher than that in the NC group (p < 0.05); those in the M and MN groups were similar to each other (p > 0.05); and that of the ME group was significantly lower than those in the M and MN group (p < 0.05). The activities of T-SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT were similar in the M and MN groups (p > 0.05); the activities in the M and MN groups were significantly lower than those in the NC and ME groups (p < 0.05); and the activities in the ME group were significantly higher than those in the M and MN groups (p < 0.05). Four days after exposure, the apoptotic photoreceptors within the ONL in the ME group were obviously fewer than those in the M and MN groups. One week and 2 weeks after exposure, the ONL thickness (number of nuclei) in the ME group was more than that in the M and MN groups but less than that in the NC group. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal injection of EGb 761 can enhance the antioxidation ability of retina and partially inhibit the apoptosis of photoreceptors, thus exert a protective effect on photoreceptors.

Modulatory effects of Mentha piperita on lung tumor incidence, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress in benzo[a]pyrene‐treated Swiss albino mice

Mentha piperita or peppermint is currently used for alleviating nausea, flatulence, and vomiting. In the present investigation, we evaluated the chemopreventive, antigenotoxic, and antioxidative effects of an aqueous extract of Mentha piperita leaves. One-day-old Swiss albino mice were treated with a single subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg benzo[a]pyrene (BP) and then given either water or a Mentha extract (ME; 1 g/kg body weight) by gavage starting at 3 weeks of age (weaning). The mice were killed at 9 weeks of age and tested for lung tumor incidence (chemoprevention); bone marrow micronucleus and chromosome aberration frequency (antigenotoxicity); and levels of liver and lung sulfhydral groups, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) (antioxidative properties). The ME treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the number of lung adenomas from an incidence of 67.92% in animals given only BP to 26.31%, an inhibition of 61.26%. Tumor multiplicity was 1.22 in the BP-alone group and 1.15 in the BP + ME group. In addition, compared with the animals in the BP-alone group, ME reduced the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in bone marrow cells and decreased the levels of LPO and increased reduced glutathione content, and SOD and CAT activities in liver as well as lung. The results of this study indicate that ME is chemopreventive and antigenotoxic when given subsequent to an initiating dose of BP in newborn Swiss albino mice. The chemopreventive action and antigenotoxic effects observed in the present study may be due to the antioxidative properties of ME.

Simultaneous Pancreas–Kidney Transplantation in a Large Multicenter Study: Surgical Complications

Simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) transplantation has evolved as an effective treatment modality for patients with end-stage nephropathy owing to type 1 diabetes mellitus. This kidney–pancreas transplant procedure includes a number of risks, one of them being surgical complications, which were analyzed in this large prospective multicenter study. Patients and Methods The analysis included 205 patients randomly assigned to tacrolimus ( n = 103) or cyclosporine ME ( n = 102) in the Euro-SPK001 study. Surgical complications were defined as any intervention in the postoperative course related to the transplant procedure. Results The number of patients undergoing relaparotomy was significantly lower among the tacrolimus group (26.2%) as compared to the cyclosporine ME group (43.1%, P = .0109). Relaparotomy was performed earlier in the cyclosporine ME group (day 14 ± 17) compared to patients in the tacrolimus group (day 26 ± 26, P = .0506). Graft vessel thrombosis, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and enteric or ureteral leakage within the first 3 months occurred significantly more frequently in cyclosporine ME-treated patients. Donor age above 45 years showed a negative impact on surgical complications. Relaparotomy had no impact on patient survival but significantly affected pancreas and kidney graft survival in both groups. Conclusion This prospective, randomized, multicenter trial in patients undergoing primary SPK demonstrated a benefit of tacrolimus over cyclosporine ME with regard to the incidence of surgical complications and, consecutively, to kidney and pancreas graft survival.

Effects of long-term ethanol consumption on jejunal lipase and disaccharidase activities in male and female rats

To study the effect of long-term ethanol consumption on jejunal lipase and disaccharidase (sucrase, maltase, and lactase) activities in rats and its gender difference. Age-matched male and female Wistar rats were fed control or ethanol-containing liquid diets for 12 wk following the Lieber-DeCarli model. According to both the plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, 40 rats were divided into four groups as follows: male control group (MC), male ethanol group (ME), female control group (FC), and female ethanol group (FE). After ethanol feeding for 12 wk, the results revealed that plasma AST and ALT activities of group ME were significantly increased by 58% and 92%, respectively, than those of group MC (P<0.05). Similarly, plasma AST and ALT activities of group FE were also significantly increased by 61% and 188%, respectively, than those of group FC (P<0.05). Fat accumulation was observed in both ethanol-treated groups, while fatty changes were more severe in group FE than those in group ME. The induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) was obviously seen in group ME and group FE, but was not detected in group MC and group FC. Jejunal lipase activity of group ME was significantly increased by 1.25-fold than that of group MC (P<0.05). In contrast to, sucrase, maltase, and lactase activities of group ME were significantly decreased by 63%, 62% and 67%, respectively, than those of group MC (P<0.05). Similarly, activities of these three enzymes of group FE were also significantly decreased by 43%, 46% and 52%, respectively, than those of group FC (P<0.05). There were no significant epithelial changes of the duodenal mucosa in any group. Long-term ethanol consumption significantly can increase jejunal lipase and decrease jejunal disaccharidase activities in both male and female rats.

Effets de la pratique de l’électrostimulation sur les activités posturocinétiques chez des sujets âgés sains

Summary. – The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a programme of stair-climbing combined with electrostimulation onto posturokinetic capacities in healthy elderly. Methods. – Three groups of elderly women performed a programme: stair-climbing (ME), electrostimulation (ES), two activities simultaneously (ME + ES). The dynamic balance improved for the three groups, but the contribution of visual information in the control of oscillation amplitude was less in the ME group than in the ES and ME + ES groups. Conclusion. – In the case of superimposed technique, the electrical stimulation interferes in neurophysiologic afference integration in relationship to voluntary movement. The ME group was probably more efficient than the ES and SC + ES groups at changing balancing tactics.