Injection Of Physiological Saline Research Articles

Activation of Age-Related Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Pathway Leads to Chronic Inflammation and Pituitary Fibrosis

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of pituitary fibrosis in elderly people. First, 20 pituitary glands obtained from 11 elderly people and 9 young people were studied using Masson's trichrome staining for fibrosis detection. Second, pituitary glands from 12 male rats, including 6 aged rats (OM group) and 6 young rats (YM group), were also studied. Western blotting was performed to detect collagen 1 and phosphorylation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB subunit p65 in the OM and YM groups. The levels of 8 proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the rat pituitary glands were detected using liquid suspension chip technology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to detect the growth hormone (GH) levels in the venous blood samples from the rats. Next, 12 aged rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: the QNZ (Q)+OM and normal physiological saline (N)+OM groups. The Q+OM and N+OM groups had undergone intervention by intraperitoneally injection of QNZ and physiological saline (1 mg/kg) for 28 days, respectively. Finally, biochemical and histological examinations were performed, including Masson's trichrome staining for fibrosis, Western blotting for phosphorylation of p65, Millipore multiplex bead arrays (Millipore, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA) for proinflammatory cytokine levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for GH secretion. Fibrosis was detected in the elderly patient group. Collagen 1, phosphorylation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and the proinflammatory cytokine levels showed a significant increase in the OM group. Compared with the N+OM group, pituitary fibrosis was alleviated in the Q+OM group, with an increase in GH secretion and decreased proinflammatory cytokine levels and NF-κB. Pituitary fibrosis was found in the elderly group, and the pathological change was antagonized by decreasing the proinflammatory cytokine levels using QNZ and further increasing GH secretion.

L. reuteri ZJ617 inhibits inflammatory and autophagy signaling pathways in gut-liver axis in piglet induced by lipopolysaccharide

BackgroundThis study investigated the protective effects of L. reuteri ZJ617 on intestinal and liver injury and the underlying mechanisms in modulating inflammatory, autophagy, and apoptosis signaling pathways in a piglet challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).MethodsDuroc × Landrace × Large White piglets were assigned to 3 groups (n = 6/group): control (CON) and LPS groups received oral phosphate-buffered saline for 2 weeks before intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of physiological saline or LPS (25 μg/kg body weight), respectively, while the ZJ617 + LPS group was orally inoculated with ZJ617 for 2 weeks before i.p. of LPS. Piglets were sacrificed 4 h after LPS injection to determine intestinal integrity, serum biochemical parameters, inflammatory signaling involved in molecular and liver injury pathways.ResultsCompared with controls, LPS stimulation significantly increased intestinal phosphorylated-p38 MAPK, phosphorylated-ERK and JNK protein levels and decreased IκBα protein expression, while serum LPS, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations (P < 0.05) increased. ZJ617 pretreatment significantly countered the effects induced by LPS alone, with the exception of p-JNK protein levels. Compared with controls, LPS stimulation significantly increased LC3, Atg5, and Beclin-1 protein expression (P < 0.05) but decreased ZO-1, claudin-3, and occludin protein expression (P < 0.05) and increased serum DAO and D-xylose levels, effects that were all countered by ZJ617 pretreatment. LPS induced significantly higher hepatic LC3, Atg5, Beclin-1, SOD-2, and Bax protein expression (P < 0.05) and lower hepatic total bile acid (TBA) levels (P < 0.05) compared with controls. ZJ617 pretreatment significantly decreased hepatic Beclin-1, SOD2, and Bax protein expression (P < 0.05) and showed a tendency to decrease hepatic TBA (P = 0.0743) induced by LPS treatment. Pretreatment of ZJ617 before LPS injection induced the production of 5 significant metabolites in the intestinal contents: capric acid, isoleucine 1TMS, glycerol-1-phosphate byproduct, linoleic acid, alanine-alanine (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that ZJ617 pretreatment alleviated LPS-induced intestinal tight junction protein destruction, and intestinal and hepatic inflammatory and autophagy signal activation in the piglets.

Effect of thermodilution injectate volume and temperature on the accuracy and precision of cardiac output measurements for healthy anesthetized horses.

To compare the accuracy and precision of cardiac output (CO) measurements derived from 4 thermodilution protocols that used different injectate temperatures and volumes in healthy adult horses. 8 healthy adult horses. Horses were anesthetized and instrumented with Swan-Ganz catheters. The CO was derived from each of 4 thermodilution protocols (IV injection of physiologic saline [0.9% NaCl] solution chilled to < 5 °C at volumes of 1 mL/15 kg of body weight [protocol A; control], 1 mL/25 kg [protocol B], and 1 mL/35 kg [protocol C] or maintained at 17 °C at a volume of 1 mL/15 kg [protocol D]) 3 times during each of 5 measurement cycles, with a 30-minute interval between cycles. During each measurement cycle, protocol A was performed first, and protocols B, C, and D were performed in a randomized order. Mean CO and within-subject variance in CO were compared among the 4 protocols. Mean CO did not differ significantly among the 4 protocols. The within-subject variance for CO measurements derived from protocols C and D, but not protocol B, was significantly greater than that for protocol A (control). Results suggested that, in healthy adult horses, decreasing the thermodilution injectate volume to 1 mL/25 kg from the recommended volume of 1 mL/15 kg did not adversely affect the accuracy or precision of CO measurements. However, use of smaller injectate volumes or use of injectate at approximately room temperature is not recommended owing to a clinically unacceptable increase in CO measurement variability.

Dual-site recognition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using polymyxin B and bacteriophage tail fiber protein

As one of the top three opportunistic pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) has long accounted for hospital-acquired infections with high risk of death. In this work, a fluorescent method based on a dual-site recognition mode was developed for rapid assay of P. aeruginosa. Employing its strong binding capability towards lipid A on the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, polymyxin B acted as one recognition element for P. aeruginosa. To overcome the poor binding specificity of polymyxin B, a recombinant bacteriophage tail fiber protein was expressed and employed as a species-specific recognition element for the target pathogen. Thus a dual-site recognition mode was developed for specific assay of P. aeruginosa species by using fluorescein isothiocyanate as a fluorescent probe. The target pathogen can be assayed within a broad dynamic range from 2.0 × 103 CFU mL−1 to 2.0 × 107 CFU mL−1. Due to the ideal specificity of tail fiber protein, the method is capable of excluding the interference from other Gram-negative bacteria and all Gram-positive bacteria. It has been employed for assaying P. aeruginosa in various types of sample matrixes inclusive of lake water, physiological saline injection, human urine and milk. The acceptable assay results demonstrate its promising prospect for practical application in various areas such as environmental hygiene, medical diagnosis, as well as drug and food safety.

The Effects of In Ovo Injection of Synbiotics on the Early Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Chicks.

In this study, the effects of synbiotic inclusion at the intra-amniotic stage in layer chicks were evaluated with different parameters, such as performance, immunological function, intestinal development, and cecal microflora content. A total of 1,200 eggs with fertile embryos were allocated into four treatment groups. For every treatment, five replicates were used, and 60 eggs were included in each replicate. The following four treatment groups were established: the non-injected group, 0.9% physiological saline injection (saline) group, 1 × 106 CFU/egg Lactobacillus plantarum injection (probiotic) group, and 1 × 106 CFU/egg L. plantarum + 2 mg/egg Astragalus polysaccharide injection (synbiotic) group. In ovo injection was carried out at 18.5 days of incubation. The results showed that in ovo injection of probiotics or synbiotics did not affect the hatching or growth performance of the chicks but significantly increased their feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Additionally, in ovo injection of synbiotics enhanced the levels of serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in intestinal lavage fluid and the histomorphological development of the small intestine. Our results also indicated that intra-amniotic synbiotic injection significantly increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium colonization while decreasing the relative abundance of Escherichia coli in the chicken cecum (P < 0.05). In summary, in ovo injection of synbiotics had positive impacts on the performance, immunological function, gut development, and microbiota of growing chicks.

Visual dysfunction in a mouse model of chemotherapy-related neurotoxicity.

e24059 Background: Chemotherapy-related neurotoxicity (CRNT) poses challenges to long-term outcomes of cancer survivors. Visual function remains relatively unexplored in CRNT. Preliminary clinical work from our group suggests contrast sensitivity may be impaired in patients receiving chemotherapy. Here, we sought to isolate effects of chemotherapy on visual dysfunction in a mouse model. Methods: 10-week old C57BL/6J mice received either 4, 7, or 10 weekly intraperitoneal injections of chemotherapy (CTX group; n=15) or physiologic saline (SAL group; n=12). CTX mice received cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) and doxorubicin (2 mg/kg). Contrast sensitivity was assessed using an optomotor response (OMR) chamber. Psychometric functions were fitted to OMR contrast response functions to derive measures of contrast sensitivity (K), stimulus responsivity (Rmax), and stimulus selectivity (n). Electroretinography (ERG) waveforms, which measure light-evoked retinal neural activity, were recorded under scotopic (rod-driven) conditions and decomposed to isolate photoreceptor (a-wave), bipolar cell (b-wave), and interneuron amacrine cell (oscillatory potentials [OP]) activity. OMR and ERG were measured prior to and following treatment. Dependent- and independent-sample t-tests assessed within- and between-group changes, respectively, in outcome measures. Results: Outcome measures are reported in Table 1. SAL relative to CTX mice showed greater weight gain (p=0.004). OMR revealed increases in Rmax (pCTX=0.002; pSAL=0.11) and K (pCTX=0.80; pSAL=0.06) parameters in SAL but not CTX mice. ERG results revealed significant declines in OP peak frequency in CTX relative to SAL mice (p=0.006). Other OMR and ERG measures showed no within- or between-group differences (p&gt;0.10). Decreases in weight were associated with decreases in Rmax (R2=0.25, p=.008) and OP peak frequency (R2=0.20, p=.02). Conclusions: Our animal model showed chemotherapy-related visual dysfunction. Mice receiving chemotherapy showed relative declines in contrast sensitivity, stimulus responsivity, and oscillatory neural activity, suggestive of disrupted neuronal circuits within the visual pathway. Future studies will focus on understanding neuronal mechanisms of visual pathway dysfunction and translating findings to clinical studies. [Table: see text]

Hyaluronic acid vs. physiological saline for enlarging deficient gingival papillae: a randomized controlled clinical trial and an in vitro study.

Backgroundloss of the interdental papillae leads to the formation of a black triangle, which compromises smile esthetics and contributes to food impaction and plaque accumulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) and compare it to that of physiological saline solution in the restoration of deficient gingival papillae in vivo and in vitro.MethodsTwenty-four patients with 68 deficient gingival papillae were recruited for this clinical trial with a split-mouth design. The deficient gingival papillae on one side of the anterior maxilla were injected with HA, and those on the other side were injected with physiological saline solution. The heights of the gingival papillae and the areas of the black triangles were measured from clinical photographs obtained before and 6 and 12 months after treatment. Additionally, the proliferation and migration of gingival fibroblasts were evaluated after HA and physiological saline treatment by an in vitro study.Resultsthe results revealed that the injection of HA yielded 0.198 and 0.28 mm gingival papilla increasement at 6 and 12 months, respectively, relative to the baseline (P<0.05). However, deficient gingival papillae also grew by 0.278 mm at 12 months in the group that received physiological saline solution (P<0.05). The injection of HA significantly improved deficient gingival papillae 6 months earlier than the injection of physiological saline solution. HA also significantly accelerated the proliferation and migration of gingival fibroblasts in vitro.ConclusionsThe present study confirms that the injection of HA could increase the height of gingival papillae for improving gingival papilla defects. However, the effect is not superior to that of physiological saline solution. This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-ONC-17011781) (28/06/2017). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=19931

NMDA Receptors Antagonist Prevents Memory Deficit Produced by Reconsolidation Impairment in Young Chicks

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Despite numerous studies of its pathogenesis, processes leading to memory decay in Alzheimer's disease and tactics for its prevention are still in infancy. Here we propose a new hypothesis of memory autodegradation process in the brain compromised by neurodegeneration. A retrieval of an old consolidated memory, especially under conditions of novelty can render it to a labile form. This requires subsequent repeated consolidation, or reconsolidation. We argue that when an old memory is retrieved in the brain where reconsolidation processes are impaired by neurodegeneration, the original memory does not stabilize and degrades. Thus, being activated in a pathologically altered brain, memory trace weakens itself. If this suggestion is correct, then autodegradation of old memory in the impaired brain can be prevented by inhibiting its labilization during the retrieval. We started testing this hypothesis by employing a behavioral model of memory deficit produced by pharmacological impairment of memory reconsolidation in a one-trial passive avoidance learning model in young chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus). In previous experiments we demonstrated that retrieval of the passive avoidance memory paired with administration of a protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin (ANI) or a glycosylation inhibitor 2-deoxygalactose (2DGal) resulted in the recall deficit. Here, we tested whether this memory impairment could be rescued by prevention of the memory labilization process. Two-days old chicks were trained in the passive avoidance learning model. Two hours after the training they were presented with a reminder paired with bilateral intraventricular administration of ANI (80 mkg) or 2DGal (3.28 mg) 5 min prior to the reminder. Additionally, 30 min before the reminder the animals received systemic administration of a non-competitive NMDA receptors antagonist MK801 (0.3 mg/kg) in order to access the possibility to prevent memory labilization and its effect. The control groups received physiological saline intraventricularly and intraperitoneally. The avoidance recall was tested 2 h after the reminder. The avoidance recall was significantly impaired in the animals which received ANI or 2DGal 5 min before the reminder as compared with control groups receiving no reminder or reminder coupled with physiological saline injection. Thus, inhibition of protein synthesis or glycoprotein fucosylation prevented reconsolidation of the reactivated memory producing amnesia. However, administration of NMDA antagonist MK801 prior to the inhibitor/reminder treatment prevented memory impairment resulting in high avoidance level that did not differ from the control groups recall. Thus, we have shown that memory deficit produced by memory retrieval under conditions of impaired protein synthesis can be protected by the preceding administration of NMDA receptor antagonist. We suggest that this effect might be due to prevention of reminder-induces memory trace destabilization which preserved the integrity of the original memory trace.

The Usefulness of a Simple Classification for Bronchoscopic Findings for Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Tumour

Normal bronchial epithelium has been described in terms of transparency and smoothness. No studies have compared bronchoscopic and pathological findings in the identification of bronchial epithelium. This study aimed to classify bronchoscopic findings for peripheral pulmonary tumour (PPT) for accurate bronchoscopic diagnosis accounting for the presences of bronchial epithelium and bronchial stenosis using an ultrathin bronchoscope. We performed endocytoscopy using narrow-band imaging (NBI) of specimens immediately after lobectomy to investigate the normal bronchial epithelium under the physiological saline injection technique (PSIT) prior to classification of PPT. A retrospective study to classify bronchoscopic findings included 46 patients diagnosed with malignancy by bronchoscopy for PPT. We recognized a "light blue line" (LBL) with NBI under PSIT, corresponding to strong reflection of short-wavelength light by cilia on the epithelial surface in an ex vivo endocytoscopic study. Bronchoscopic findings of PPT were classified morphologically into stenotic type (ST) and non-stenotic type (NonST). Tumours were also classified as exposed type (ET) and non-exposed type (NonET) based on the presence of epithelium. Most ST and NonET lesions (74%) were adenocarcinoma. Among squamous cell carcinoma, 55% were categorized as ST and ET. All NonST and NonET cases were adenocarcinoma. A significant difference in the presence of LBL was seen between ET and NonET. Our simple classification based on the appearance of stenosis and LBL in PPT may facilitate pathological diagnosis.

Mesenchymal stem cells modified by FGF21 and GLP1 ameliorate lipid metabolism while reducing blood glucose in type 2 diabetic mice

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in order to identify a new method for treating diabetes that differs from traditional medicine and to provide a new means by which to fundamentally improve or treat diabetes.MethodsMSCs derived from adipose tissue were modified to overexpress FGF21 and GLP1, which was achieved through lentiviral particle transduction. The cells were transplanted into BKS.Cg-Dock7m+/+Leprdb/Nju mice (T2DM mouse model). Injections of physiological saline (0.1 mL) and liraglutide (0.5 mg/kg) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. ELISA or Western blotting was used for protein analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR was used for gene expression analysis.ResultsGenetic modification had no effects on the morphology, differentiation ability, or immunophenotype of MSCs. Moreover, MSC-FGF21+GLP1 cells exhibited significantly increased secretion of FGF21 and GLP1. In the T2DM mouse model, the transplantation of MSC-FGF21+GLP1 cells ameliorated the changes in blood glucose and weight, promoted the secretion of insulin, enhanced the recovery of liver structures, and improved the profiles of lipids. Moreover, FGF21 and GLP1 exerted synergistic effects in the regulation of glucolipid metabolism by controlling the expression of insulin, srebp1, and srebp2.ConclusionStem cell treatment based on MSCs modified to overexpress the FGF21 and GLP1 genes is an effective approach for the treatment of T2DM.

Therapeutic effects of Sheng Xue Fang in a cyclophosphamide-induced anaemia mouse model

Context Sheng Xue Fang (SXF) has been used to treat anaemia for decades with good efficacy. Objective To study the effect and possible mechanism of SXF to restore haematopoietic function. Materials and methods Balb/c mice (10 per/group, half male, half female) were treated with SXF (three dose groups, 8.5, 17, and 22.1 g/kg) by gavage for 14 days, and cyclophosphamide (80 mg/kg) was injected on days 10–12. Only injection of cyclophosphamide (negative control) or physiological saline (blank control) were included as controls. The spleen and femur were processed for histopathology. Active components and the target of SXF were screened. The target was used for gene enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Results Red blood cell relative changes in the SXF group (low: −5.50 ± 1.58%; medium: −11.11 ± 4.15%; high: −8.81 ± 2.67%) and relative negative control (26.21 ± 2.51%) significantly increased (all p < 0.01) in female mice. Haemoglobin and red blood cell-specific volume showed the same trend. However, SXF did not have significant effects on male mice. Splenic index in the medium group (4.44 ± 0.46%) relative negative control (3.38 ± 0.10%) significantly improved (p < 0.01) in female mice. Using network pharmacology, 77 active components and 337 targets were screened from SXF. These targets are closely related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Conclusions SXF has good clinical application potential. However, the mechanism requires in-depth research. Our findings are of great significance in anaemia treatment and provide a new perspective for Chinese medicine research.

Gly-Pro and Adaptive Reactions in Multicomponent Stress

We report here studies on the effects of the peptide glycylproline (Gly-Pro) on measures of reactivity and adaptive potential on stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system with carbachol in conditions of sequential exposure to the combined actions of three stress factors: immobilization, surgery, and an injection procedure. Sequential combination of surgery (application of a ligature to the pylorus of the stomach), immobilization, and the procedure of injecting physiological saline on the background of carbachol allowed four types of response in rats to be identified. These variants were characterized by different combinations of levels of corticosterone and different leukocyte subpopulations. All response variants were accompanied by development of stress, as indicated by the adaptation intensity index. The most profound stress reactions were seen in animals after immobilization and surgery and the combination of injection of physiological saline and carbachol. By modulating the parasympathetic compartment of the autonomic nervous system and, probably, a direct influence on the adrenals, Gly-Pro altered the corticosterone content and different leukocyte subpopulations and the adaptation intensity index in multicomponent stress. When peptide was given simultaneously with carbachol, it appeared to act via the resistance (counteraction) pathway of adaption, while when given in advance, before carbachol, it operated via the tolerance (stamina, endurance) pathway.

Mo1673 HYDRAULIC INFUSION OF EPINEPHRINE-CONTAINING SALINE IS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING POSTOPERATIVE BLEEDING DURING ANTICOAGULANTS COLD SNARE POLYPECTOMY

Cold snare polypectomy has recently been reported to be useful in the treatment of colorectal polyps and has become widely used worldwide. For HSP using a radiofrequency generator, CSP is recognized to have a lower risk of post-polyp bleeding and fewer bleeding complications, one of the post-polyp syndrome, because it does not perform heat coagulation, although bleeding occurs immediately after polyp removal. However, recent advances in anticoagulants have led to the administration of antithrombotic agents such as NOAC and aspirin in a large number of cases for the purpose of preventing cardiovascular diseases, and antithrombotic agents have been increasingly administered in colorectal polypectomy. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention of bleeding after CSP. Generally, the injection of physiological saline using the water jet mechanism is used to prevent bleeding after CSP, and we examined whether the addition of a small amount of epinephrine to the saline can prevent postoperative bleeding. From January 2018 to March 2019, 200 patients who underwent CSP with an antithrombotic agent in our hospital were randomly assigned to receive either saline infusion after CSP (NS group) or epinephrine infusion (ES group) and prospectively enrolled to determine the presence of postoperative bleeding events. As the concentration of epinephrine, 0.1%-2 ml/1A dissolved in 200 ml physiological saline was used as a 100-fold dilution. NS group was injected with saline after CSP, and ES group was injected with epinephrine added saline after CSP. All procedures for CSP and equipment such as snares were the same. Post-CSP fluid infusion was terminated in both groups when the ablated surface bulged, and hemostasis was achieved using Olympus OFP -2 as a Water Jet device. Postoperative bleeding events were defined as the occurrence of anal bleeding from the day following polypectomy. In the CSP, all cases were examined, and only those diagnosed as adenoma by the diagnosis of JNET TYPE 2A by the magnifying observation of NBI or BLI were examined. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 2/100 of patients in the NS group. In the ES group, 0/100 patients had postoperative bleeding. There were no differences in polyp size, location, or histology between the two groups. There was no difference in antithrombotic therapy between the two counties. Hydraulic infusion of epinephrine in anticoagulated cold snare polypectomy is effective in preventing postoperative bleeding.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Barrier Dysfunction by Regulating MAPK/NF-ĸB Signaling and Modulating Metabolome in the Piglet Intestine

Probiotic Lactobacillius rhamnosus GG (LGG) shows beneficial immunomodulation on cultured cell lines in vitro and in mouse models. The aim was to investigate the effects of LGG on intestinal injury and the underlying mechanisms by elucidating inflammatory signaling pathways and metabolomic response to LPS stimulation in the piglet intestine. Piglets (Duroc×Landrace×Large White, including males and female; 8.6±1.1kg) aged 28 d were assigned to 3 groups (n=6/group): oral inoculation with PBS for 2 wk before intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline [control (CON)] or LPS (25μg/kg body weight; LPS) or oral inoculation with LGG for 2 wk before intraperitoneal injection of LPS (LGG+LPS). Piglets were killed 4 h after LPS injection. Systemic inflammation, intestinal integrity, inflammation signals, and metabolomic characteristics in the intestine were determined. Compared with CON, LPS stimulation significantly decreased ileal zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1; 44%), claudin-3 (44%), and occludin (41%) expression; increased serum diamineoxidase (73%), D-xylose (19%), TNF-α (43%), and IL-6 (55%) concentrations; induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK; 85%), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK; 96%), and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation (37%) (P <0.05). Compared with LPS stimulation alone, LGG pretreatment significantly enhanced the intestinal barrier by upregulating expressions of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, 73%; claudin-3, 55%; occludin, 67%), thereby decreasing serum diamineoxidase (26%) and D-xylose (28%) concentrations, and also reduced serum TNF-α expression (16%) and ileal p38 MAPK (79%), ERK (43%) and NF-κB p65 (37%) phosphorylation levels (P <0.05). Metabolomic analysis showed clear separation between each group. The concentrations of caprylic acid [fold-change (FC)=2.39], 1-mono-olein (FC=2.68), erythritol (FC=4.62), and ethanolamine (FC=4.47) significantly increased in the intestine of LGG+LPS piglets compared with the LPS group (P <0.05). These data suggest that LGG alleviates gut inflammation, improves intestinal barrier function, and modulates the metabolite profile of piglets challenged with LPS. This trial was registered at the Zhejiang University (http://www.lac.zju.edu.cn) as ZJU20170529.

Blood Cytokine Concentration in Rats during Antigenic Treatment after a Single Long-Term Stress Exposure.

We studied changes in the blood cytokine profile of rats 3 h, 1 day, and 8 days after acute stress on the model of 24-h immobilization followed by LPS administration (100 μg/kg intraperitoneally). The concentration of proinflammatory cytokines (particularly of IL-1β and TNFα) significantly decreased at the early stage after stress exposure and physiological saline injection, but increased in the follow-up period and practically did not differ or even surpassed the control level by the end of observations. Under these conditions, the blood content of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased most significantly on day 1 of the post-stress period. Restraint stress followed by LPS administration was accompanied by a decrease in the level of proinflammatory cytokines at the early (IFNγ and TNFα) and late stages (IL-1β) of the experiment. Directed modulation of the immune status in animals after acute stress was followed by a significant increase in the content of IL-10 on days 1 and 8, as well as by a tendency toward elevation of IL-4 concentration by the end of the study. The directionality and degree of changes in the cytokine profile of mammalian tissues depend on the type of extreme exposure, duration of the post-stress period, and specific effects of exogenous pathogenic factors in the whole body.

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. methanolic extract on lead-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage and inflammation in rats.

This experiment explored the potential hepatic protective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. methanolic extract (MOE) against lead-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two adult Wistar albino rats were allocated randomly equally into four groups, seven rats each. The control group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of physiological saline (0.9% NaCl); the lead acetate (Pb) group was i.p. injected with 20mg/kg of Pb; the MOE group was orally administered with 250mg/kg of MOE; and the MOE+ Pb group was orally treated with 250mg/kg of MOE 3h before receiving i.p. injections of 20mg/kg Pb. All rats received their treatment for 14days. Results revealed that Pb(II) intoxication induced liver injury accompanied by elevated levels of liver function markers (ALT and AST), oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO), and proinflammatory cytokines (NF-κB p65, TNFα, and IL-1β as well iNOS expression) in addition to the pro-apoptotic-related proteins such as Bax and caspase-3. Meanwhile, significantly depleted GSH content, suppressed activity of antioxidant enzyme activity, and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were also manifested in the liver tissue. Interestingly, concurrent treatment of rats with MOE ameliorated liver markers, prevented tissue injury, and inhibited oxidative stress, apoptosis, and NF-κB. In addition, MOE activated the detoxifying enzyme system in Pb(II)-intoxicated rats. Therefore, the obtained results in the present experiment provide evidence that MOE concurrent administration has the potential to protect the liver tissues in Pb(II)-intoxicated rats by preventing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, via attenuation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

A Brain Phantom Study of a Noncontact Single Inductive Coil Device and the Attendant Algorithm for First Stage Diagnosis of Internal Bleeding in the Head

Abstract Hemorrhagic stroke is one of the leading causes of premature death among economically disadvantaged populations. Treatments of these conditions require an early diagnosis. While computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the medical gold standard for early diagnosis, these imaging modalities are rarely available in low- and middle-income countries. We present an unsophisticated noncontact single coil inductive device and a simple algorithm for detection of changes in fluid/tissue ratio in the head which simulates blood vessel bursting in the brain. Experiments were performed on a typical phantom model of the head and internal bleeding was simulated by injection of physiological saline at two locations in the head phantom. The primary motivation for this work is the need for a simple and robust detection device and algorithm for diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke in low- and middle-income countries. This phantom-based study shows that the technology and in particular the algorithm introduced here are robust and could replace conventional imaging for first stage diagnosis of internal bleeding in the head, and thereby save millions of lives every year. Clinical studies are required to further examine the technology and the algorithm.

Role of GABAA Receptors in the Mechanism of In Vivo Psychotropic Activity of Amitriptyline in Rats.

Standard water-reinforced drug discrimination model was employed to train Wistar rats to discriminate the intraperitoneal injections of tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline (5.4 mg/kg) and physiological saline. To examine the role of GABAA receptors in psychotropic action of amitriptyline, the substitution tests were performed with muscimol (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) and pregnenolone (30-50 mg/kg). Similar tests were carried out with amitriptyline interoceptive antagonists bicuculline (1 mg/kg), flumazenil (15 mg/kg), finasteride (5 mg/kg), and indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg). The study showed that interoceptive effects of amitriptyline depend on functional activity of GABAA receptors but not on the neurosteroid site of GABAA receptor complex.

Assessment of Wakefulness by Measuring Eye Movements after Injection of Flumazenil during Intravenous Sedation with Midazolam

Objectives: Over-sedation and lingering sedation have been reported as problems associated with intravenous sedation (IVS). Saccadic eye movements can be used as parameters for the objective and quantitative evaluation of sedative effects. Study design: Measurement of saccadic eye movements using a wearable Talk Eye Lite® (TEL) tracking device is useful for evaluating recovery following IVS. However, the assessment of awakening by measuring saccadic eye movements in subjects treated with flumazenil following midazolam sedation has not yet been reported. In the present study, the effect of flumazenil on eye movements was assessed during the recovery process. Results: A relatively long period of time was required for the recovery of saccadic eye movements even following the injection of physiological saline. Conversely, the recovery of saccadic eye movements occurred immediately following the injection of flumazenil. Saccadic eye movement parameters reflected the recovery from induced sedation with midazolam even in cases where flumazenil was utilized. The saccadic peak velocity was delayed again 50 min after the injection of flumazenil during IVS. Conclusion: These results suggest the usefulness of measuring saccadic eye movements using TEL for assessing the recovery of equilibrium following IVS, even in patients treated with flumazenil.

Ultrasound-Guided Physiological Saline Injection for Patients with Myofascial Pain.

Background:Based on the histological confirmation of the presence of nerve structure in the fascia, hence, myofascial pain was treated by the mechanism referred to as interfascial block. To date, the studies of physiological saline for treating patients with myofascial pain has been limited. Ultrasound (US) guided with physiological saline injection (PSI) technique has been routinely practiced among patients with myofascial pain in outpatient service at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. The main objective of this present study is to find the overview data including the percentage of patients responding, acceptable pain period, and adverse events.Materials and Methods:Electronic medical reports among 142 patients receiving US-guided PSI from August 1, 2016, to November 20, 2017, at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed by the first author. Procedures were performed by the last author. The analysis was independently performed by the first author.Results:One hundred and forty-two patients with complete medical records were compatible with analysis. The average age of patients was 55 years. Most of the patients were female (68.3%). Most of the patients (76.8%) had chronic suffering from myofascial pain. Approximately half of the patients (56.4%) are currently received pain-relieving medications. Upper trapezius muscle (19.5%) was the most common muscle receiving the procedure, followed by multifidus (10.0%) and quadratus lumborum (9.5%). Most of the patients (86.8%) received the procedure one muscle. Approximately 30% of the patients were able to stop pain-relieving medications after the procedure. The median of acceptable pain period was 63 days. The percentage of patients having an acceptable pain period >3 months was 43.9%. No major adverse events were demonstrated.Conclusion:US-guided PSI technique demonstrated pain reduction in 72.8% of the analyzed patients, with an acceptable pain period of 63 days. No major adverse events were demonstrated among all the patients. This technique should be considered as another invasive procedure for eradication myofascial trigger point.