Plasma Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity Research Articles

Ecotoxicological Assessment of Ponds Contaminated by Wastewater of Livestock Enterprises by Fish Biomarkers

The morphometric characteristics of internal organs, the morphological composition of blood, and indicators of metabolic processes in the blood plasma and hepatopancreas of the two-year-old carp (<i>Cyprinus carpio</i> L.) from the conditionally clean pond and contaminated with sewage from a livestock enterprise pond were examined. It was established that the considered contamination caused increase of the spleen mass and its index respectively 1.63 and 1.65 times, but did not affect live weight, body length and height, body structure index, hepatopancreas mass and its index. The hemoglobin concentration, number of erythrocytes, thrombocytes and monocytes in blood of carps from the contaminated pond was lower than in control, whereas number of the segmented neutrophils and ESR were higher, and the number of leukocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes and rod-nucleated neutrophils did not differ. Wastewater from the livestock enterprise affected metabolic processes in carp, particularly caused increase of the glucose and total protein concentration, the lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activity in blood plasma and hepatopancreas. At the same time, there were no differences between specimens from the conditionally clean and contaminated pond in terms of content of triglycerols, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, AlAT and AsAt activity in blood plasma and hepatopancreas and total protein content and LHD activity in hepatopancreas, content of total protein, glucose, creatinine, urea, the glucose content in hepatopancreas. The established changes in internal organs, morphological composition of blood and metabolic parameters, particularly concentration of hemoglobin and the erythrocytes number in blood, glucose and total protein content, and activity of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in carp enabled to propose to use these parameters as supplementary over assessment of the ecotoxicological state of ponds contaminated by wastewater from livestock enterprises.

Influence of 19-Nortestosterone on the Content of Steroid Hormones, Hematological Indicators and Individual Links of Metabolism in Tissues of Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The influence of different concentrations of the synthetic steroid 19-nortestosterone on the body mass and indexes of internal organs, hematological parameters, testosterone, progesterone and cortisol content, certain links of metabolic processes and enzymatic activity in the tissues of carp (<i>Cyprinus carpio</i> L.) was studied. Under the short-term impact of 50 μg/dm<sup>3</sup>, 19-nortestosterone increased the total protein and albumins content, creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, decreased the inorganic phosphorus and iron content, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activity in the blood plasma and did not affect the respiratory rate, external body features, the mass of hepatopancreas and spleen and their indexes, hematological indicators, the steroid hormones concentration in blood plasma and hepatopancreas, content of glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorus in blood plasma. Under 200 μg/dm<sup>3</sup>, the respiratory rate and ESR increased, as well as the cortisol and testosterone content in blood plasma and hepatopancreas, whereas progesterone in blood plasma decreased and in hepatopancreas increased. High concentration of 19-nortestosterone caused elevated protein and albumin content, creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood plasma activity, whereas glucose, inorganic phosphorus, iron, alkaline phosphatase activity was lower. The 19-nortestosterone did not affect the mass and index of hepatopancreas and spleen, hemoglobin concentration, the erythrocytes, leukocytes and lymphocytes number and ratio of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, as well as triglycerides, creatinine, calcium content, lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase activity in blood plasma. The conclusion was made about the carp's ability to adapt to low concentrations of the synthetic steroid 19-nortestosterone under its short-term impact by modification of the certain links of metabolism and enzymatic activity. High concentration of 19-nortestosterone significantly affected the hormonal status and metabolism of carp.

Peculiarities of changes in the cardiovascular system in the course of sepsis in newborns

The issues of early diagnostics of cardiovascular disorders in neonates with sepsis using up-to-date methods of examination are relevant today and will remain so in the future. They can be used as screening methods with the purpose to verify the possible development of cardiovascular dysfunction. Aim of the study: The study aimed to investigate the peculiarities of possible changes in the cardiovascular system and physiological electrical heart activity in neonates with signs of generalised infectious-inflammatory process, and to assess possible diagnostic methods and use of electrocardiography to verify cardiovascular disorders in newborns with neonatal sepsis. Materials and methods: To achieve the study objective, we followed up a total of 69 neonates with signs of generalised infectious-inflammatory process. Group I (32 patients – 46.4%) included neonates with a term of gestation of 37–42 weeks, and group II included 37 preterm neonates (53.6%) with a term of gestation under 36 weeks inclusive. Results: Generalised infectious-inflammatory process during the neonatal period of term infants is accompanied by electrocardiographic signs of left ventricular overload associated with the female sex (r = 0.30), delivery by cesarean section (r = 0.27), and assessment of neonatal condition by a 5-minute Apgar score (r = −0.33). The study demonstrates that increased values of lactate dehydrogenase activity in the blood plasma both in the term and preterm neonates are associated with left ventricular overload among the former, and the right ventricular overload among the latter, that is, preterm neonates. Conclusions: Increased values of lactate dehydrogenase activity in the blood serum of both term and preterm neonates are associated with left ventricular overload in term neonates, while right ventricular overload in preterm infants thus can be considered as a marker of cardiovascular dysfunction caused by neonatal sepsis, especially in the subpopulation of term patients considering its diagnostic value. Changes found in electrophysiological heart activity promote the necessity of routine use of electrocardiography in neonates with signs of the septic process.

Plasma lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase activity changes with body mass and age across birds and mammals

Abstract Birds and mammals produce most adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, but when oxygen is not present in sufficient levels, ATP can be produced through anaerobic glycolysis. Pyruvate kinase (PK) catalyzes the final step of glycolysis by converting phosphoenolpyruvate and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into pyruvate and ATP. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is important for anaerobic glycolysis by catalyzing the conversion of pyruvate into lactate. In this study, we measured LDH and PK activities in plasma from birds and mammals in order to determine the relationship between LDH and PK with respect to body mass and age. Our results show that birds had a higher LDH and PK activity compared with mammals. There is a positive relationship between body mass and plasma LDH activity in birds only. However, this relationship disappears when the data are phylogenetically corrected. We did not observe a significant relationship between plasma LDH and age in birds or mammals. Plasma PK activity was negatively correlated with body mass in birds but not in mammals and positively associated with age in both birds and mammals. The relationship between LDH and PK with respect to body mass and age may be complex due to differences in metabolism in birds and mammals. Increases in LDH and PK activity with body mass in birds may be linked to anaerobic demands of flight, especially in larger birds. A decrease in LDH activity with age/MLSP (maximum lifespan) in mammals may reflect a differing metabolic shift as compared with birds. Increases in PK with age in both mammals and birds may help them cope with greater energetic needs as cells age.

Mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox dysfunction in nephrotoxicity induced by pyrethroid permethrin are ameliorated by flavonoid-rich fraction.

The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the potential anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective potential of ethyl acetate fraction extracted from Fumaria officinalis (EAF) against permethrin (PER). Male wistar rats were treated daily by gavage during 7days as follows: group C: negative control rats received 2mL/kg bw of corn oil, group EAF: positive control rats received EAF at a dose of 200mg/kg bw dissolved in water, group PER: rats received PER at a dose of 34.05mg/kg bw and group (PER + EAF): rats received PER (34.05mg/kg bw) and EAF (200mg/kg bw). In vitro study showed the ability of EAF to inhibit protein denaturation and heat-induced hemolysis confirming its anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo, PER treatment decreased calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma. It induced oxidative stress objectified by an increase in the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation and a perturbation of antioxidant system in kidney and mitochondria. The activities of NADH-ubiquinone reductase, ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase and cytochrome C oxidase activities were reduced. These alterations were confirmed by histopathological studies. Co-treatment with EAF improved the antioxidant status and mitochondrial bioenergetics. The nephroprotective effects of EAF could be attributed to its modulation of detoxification enzymes and/or free radical scavenging actions.

Antioxidant role of selenium against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.

The current study was conducted to assess the beneficial effect of selenium (Se) on maneb-induced cardiotoxicity and fatty acid alterations in adult mice. Swiss albino male mice were assigned into four experimental groups. The first group consisted of negative controls. The second group represented the positive controls where mice received daily, via the diet, sodium selenite at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. For the third group, mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of maneb (30 mg/kg BW). The fourth group (MB+Se) received daily the same dose of maneb as group 3 along with sodium selenite at the same dose as group 2. Mice exposure to maneb caused cardiotoxicity as indicated by an increase in malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and protein carbonyl levels, and an alteration of the antioxidant defense system (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and vitamin C). Plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity and total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased. Results showed also a decrease in the amount of n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids. However, an increase in the levels of MUFA, cis-vaccenic, and palmitoleic acids was observed. Co-administration of Se restored the parameters indicated above to near control values. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results. Selenium could be a useful and efficient agent against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity.

Changes in the blood lactate dehydrogenase measurements in canines and felines following the international standardization of the assay method.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood is measured using the Japanese Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) method in Japan and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) method in other countries. In human clinical practice, the IFCC method replaced the JSCC method due to international standardization. Moreover, veterinary LDH measurement will also eventually shift to the IFCC method. However, the relationship between the IFCC and JSCC methods for LDH in various animals and whether they can be equated or not have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to present the changes in measurements in canines and felines after switching to the IFCC method. The plasma LDH activity of canines (N=177) and felines (N=115), who visited a secondary care veterinary clinic, was measured using the JSCC and IFCC methods. The IFCC/JSCC ratio was <1.0 in 85% of canines and 88% of felines, indicating that the IFCC method tended to show lower values than the JSCC method, presumably because LDH5 is dominant among the LDH isozymes in canines and felines. The increase in the systematic errors of both assays was in the high value range, with some samples exceeding the error tolerance from near the upper end of the reference range. When switching to the IFCC method for LDH measurement in canines and felines, each institution should consider whether the reference range and clinical diagnostic values established by the JSCC method are appropriate for continued use.

Microlyse: a thrombolytic agent that targets VWF for clearance of microvascular thrombosis

AbstractThrombotic microangiopathies are hallmarked by attacks of disseminated microvascular thrombosis. In thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), this is caused by a rise in thrombogenic ultra-large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers because of ADAMTS13 deficiency. We previously reported that systemic plasminogen activation is therapeutic in a TTP mouse model. In contrast to its natural activators (ie, tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase plasminogen activator [uPA]), plasminogen can directly bind to VWF. For optimal efficacy and safety, we aimed to focus and accelerate plasminogen activation at sites of microvascular occlusion. We here describe the development and characterization of Microlyse, a fusion protein consisting of a high-affinity VHH targeting the CT/CK domain of VWF and the protease domain of uPA, for localized plasminogen activation on microthrombi. Microlyse triggers targeted destruction of platelet-VWF complexes by plasmin on activated endothelial cells and in agglutination studies. At equal molar concentrations, Microlyse degrades microthrombi sevenfold more rapidly than blockade of platelet-VWF interactions with a bivalent humanized VHH (caplacizumab*). Finally, Microlyse attenuates thrombocytopenia and tissue damage (reflected by increased plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity, as well as PAI-1 and fibrinogen levels) more efficiently than caplacizumab* in an ADAMTS13−/− mouse model of TTP, without affecting hemostasis in a tail-clip bleeding model. These findings show that targeted thrombolysis of VWF by Microlyse is an effective strategy for the treatment of TTP and might hold value for other forms of VWF-driven thrombotic disease.

Protective effects of active compounds from on heart and brain of mice at simulated high altitude.

To investigate the active compounds from on the heart and brain of mice at simulated high altitude.Fifty healthy male adult BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, hypoxic model group, acetazolamide group, petroleum ether extract of (PESI) group and octacosan group with 10 mice in each group. Acetazolamide group, PESI group and octacosan group were treated with acetazolamide PESI (200 mg/kg) or octacosan by single tail vein injection, respectively. Except normal control group, the mice were exposed to a simulated high altitude of for in an animal decompression chamber. After the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the heart and brain were histologically observed by HE staining; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total anti-oxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma, heart and brain tissues were detected by WST-1 method, ABTS method and TBA method, respectively; lactic acid and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma, heart and brain tissues were detected by colorimetric method and microwell plate method, respectively; ATP content and ATPase activity in heart and brain tissues were detected by colorimetric method. PESI and octacosane significantly attenuated the pathological damages of heart and brain tissue at simulated high altitude; increased SOD activity, T-AOC and LDH activity, and decreased the contents of MDA and lactic acid in plasma, heart and brain tissues; increased the content of ATP in heart and brain tissues; increased the activities of Na-K ATPase, Mg ATPase, Ca ATPase and Ca-Mg ATPase in myocardial tissue; and increased the activities of Mg ATPase, Ca-Mg ATPase in brain tissue. PESI and octacosan exert anti-hypoxic activity by improving the antioxidant capacity, reducing the free radical levels, promoting the anaerobic fermentation, and alleviating the energy deficiency and metabolic disorders caused by hypoxia in mice.

Cardioprotecive Properties of Known Agents in Rat Ischemia-Reperfusion Model Under Clinically Relevant Conditions: Only the NAD Precursor Nicotinamide Riboside Reduces Infarct Size in Presence of Fentanyl, Midazolam and Cangrelor, but Not Propofol.

Background: Cardioprotective strategies against ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) that remain effective in the clinical arena need to be developed. Therefore, maintained efficacy of cardioprotective strategies in the presence of drugs routinely used clinically (e.g., opiates, benzodiazepines, P2Y12 antagonist, propofol) need to be identified in preclinical models.Methods: Here, we examined the efficacy of promising cardioprotective compounds [fingolimod (Fingo), empagliflozin (Empa), melatonin (Mela) and nicotinamide riboside (NR)] administered i.v. as bolus before start ischemia. Infarct size as percentage of the area of risk (IS%) was determined following 25 min of left ascending coronary (LAD) ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion in a fentanyl-midazolam anesthetized IRI rat model. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity at 30 min reperfusion was determined as secondary outcome parameter. Following pilot dose-response experiments of each compound (3 dosages, n = 4–6 animals per dosage), potential cardioprotective drugs at the optimal observed dosage were subsequently tested alone or in combination (n = 6–8 animals per group). The effective treatment was subsequently tested in the presence of a P2Y12 antagonist (cangrelor; n = 6/7) or propofol aesthesia (n = 6 both groups).Results: Pilot studies suggested potential cardioprotective effects for 50 mg/kg NR (p = 0.005) and 500 μg/kg melatonin (p = 0.12), but not for Empa or Fingo. Protection was subsequently tested in a new series of experiments for solvents, NR, Mela and NR+Mela. Results demonstrated that only singular NR was able to reduce IS% (30 ± 14 vs. 60 ± 16%, P = 0.009 vs. control). Mela (63 ± 18%) and NR+Mela (47 ± 15%) were unable to significantly decrease IS%. NR still reduced IS in the presence of cangrelor (51 ± 18 vs. 71 ± 4%, P = 0.016 vs. control), but lost protection in the presence of propofol anesthesia (62 ± 16 vs. 60 ± 14%, P = 0.839 vs. control). LDH activity measurements supported all IS% results.Conclusion: This observational study suggests that NR is a promising cardioprotective agent to target cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in clinical conditions employing opioid agonists, benzodiazepines and platelet P2Y12 inhibitors, but not propofol.

Blood Plasma Quality Control by Plasma Glutathione Status.

Timely centrifugation of blood for plasma preparation is a key step to ensure high plasma quality for analytics. Delays during preparation can significantly influence readouts of key clinical parameters. However, in a routine clinical environment, a strictly controlled timeline is often not feasible. The next best approach is to control for sample preparation delays by a marker that provides a readout of the time-dependent degradation of the sample. In this study, we explored the usefulness of glutathione status as potential marker of plasma preparation delay. As the concentration of glutathione in erythrocytes is at least two orders of magnitude higher than in plasma, even the slightest leakage of glutathione from the cells can be readily observed. Over the 3 h observation period employed in this study, we observed a linear increase of plasma concentrations of both reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Artificial oxidation of GSH is prevented by rapid alkylation with N-ethylmaleimide directly in the blood sampling vessel as recently published. The observed relative leakage of GSH was significantly higher than that of GSSG. A direct comparison with plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity, a widely employed hemolysis marker, clearly demonstrated the superiority of our approach for quality control. Moreover, we show that the addition of the thiol alkylating reagent NEM directly to the blood tubes does not influence downstream analysis of other clinical parameters. In conclusion, we report that GSH gives an excellent readout of the duration of plasma preparation and the associated pre-analytical errors.

Plasma LDH: A specific biomarker for lung affectation in COVID-19?

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine whether the plasma profile of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes is altered in patients with COVID-19, and whether this is attributable to a specific release of LDH-3, the main LDH isoenzyme expressed in lungs. DesignWe collected fresh plasma aliquots from 17 patients (LDH range, 281–822 U/L) and seven controls (LDH ​< ​230 U/L). In-gel relative activity of the different LDH isoenzymes was determined by electrophoresis and densitometric analysis. ResultsDespite the expected higher total LDH activity levels in patients (p ​< ​0.001), the in-gel relative activities of LDH isoenzymes did not differ between patients and controls (all p ​> ​0.05). We found no correlation between total plasma LDH activity and the in-gel relative activities of the different LDH isoenzymes, including LDH-3. Likewise, there was no correlation between LDH-3 and various routine haematological and serum parameters that have been previously reported to be altered in COVID-19 (such as lymphocyte count, albumin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, C-reactive protein, or ferritin). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that elevation of plasma LDH activity in patients with COVID-19 is not associated to a specific release of LDH-3 into the bloodstream, and do not support the use of LDH as a specific biomarker for lung affectation in patients with COVID-19.

Characterization of Garden Cress Mucilage and its Prophylactic Effect Against Indomethacin-Induced Enter-Colitis in Rats

The utilization of industrial waste such as oil industry waste in the production of natural nutraceuticals is a very beneficial issue. So, the current study was established to assess the characteristics of the mucilage extracted from garden cress seeds meal and evaluate its efficacy in the protection against enter-colitis. A defatted powder meal of garden cress seeds was dissolved in distilled water to extract the mucilage either by heating at 80°C or by ultrasonication. Functional and chemical characteristics of the two types of mucilage were assessed. Rats received oral administration of the mucilage extracted by ultrasonication, which afforded the most promising antioxidant activity, for two weeks before and during the 7 days of oral administration by indomethacin (6 mg/kg/day). Compared with the rats injected with indomethacin without the pre-treatment with the mucilage, rats administrated with the mucilage showed a decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), intestinal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Also, rats administered with the mucilage recorded lower intestinal malodealdehyde (MDA) and higher intestinal reduced glutathione (GSH) compared to those of rats injected with indomethacin without the pre-treatment with the mucilage. It can be concluded that the mucilage extracted from garden cress seeds meal can be considered as a natural nutraceutical with potent antioxidant activity exhibiting protective effect against enter-colitis.

Does melamine exposure during infancy cause rhabdomyolysis?

ABSTRACT We investigated the possible toxic effects of melamine on muscle tissue in rats using biochemical, hematological and histopathological methods. We used three groups of female albino Wistar rats. The first group was given 0.1 ml saline. The second and third groups were given 50 and 75 mg/kg melamine dissolved in 0.1 ml saline, respectively, daily for 21 days. On day 45, all rats were sacrificed, and whole blood and plasma were analyzed for hematologic and biochemical characteristics. Muscle samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological investigation. Other sections were immunostained for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and type IV collagen. We found a significant increase in the lymphocytosis-compliant leukocyte number in the 75 mg/kg melamine group compared to the other groups. We also found significant decreases in the hemoglobin levels and hematocrit values in the 75 mg/kg compared to the other groups. We found that the 75 mg/kg melamine group exhibited a significant increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity compared to the other groups. Changes in plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were not statistically significant. Plasma AST activity and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels were correlated with the lymphocyte:neutrophil ratio. We found mononuclear cell infiltration at the periphery of muscle bundles and in the connective tissue bundles in the melamine treated group. We found MMP-9 expression in muscle cell membranes and type IV collagen expression in degenerative connective tissue fibers. Whole blood, plasma and muscle tissue analysis indicated that the 75 mg/kg melamine group exhibited rhabdomyolysis that was associated with lymphocytosis and anemia. The underlying mechanisms by which melamine causes rhabdomyolytic effects remain unclear.

Effect of oleuropein on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat kidney

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of oleuropein (OLE), the main phenolic compound present in olive leaves, on kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and to explore the underlying protective mechanism. Main methodsRat kidneys were subjected to 60 min of bilateral warm ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. OLE was administered orally 48 h, 24 h and 30 min prior to ischemia at doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. The creatinine, urea, uric acid concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma were evaluated. Oxidative stress and inflammation parameters were also assessed. Renal expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), inflammatory proteins and apoptotic proteins were evaluated using Western blot. Key findingsOur results showed that OLE at 50 mg/kg reduced kidney IRI as revealed by a significant decrease of plasmatic creatinine, urea, uric acid concentrations and LDH activity. In parallel, OLE up-regulated antioxidant capacities. Moreover, OLE diminished the level of CRP and the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Finally, OLE enhanced AMPK phosphorylation as well as eNOS expression whereas MAPK, and cleaved caspase-3 implicated in cellular apoptosis were attenuated in the ischemic kidneys. SignificanceIn conclusion, this study shows that OLE could be used as therapeutic agent to reduce IRI through its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.

Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Material Clothing on Recovery after Maximal Eccentric Exercise.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials worn as Bioceramic pants would improve neuromuscular performance, biochemical and perceptual markers in healthy individuals after maximal eccentric exercise. Twenty-two moderately active men were randomized into Bioceramic (n = 11) or Placebo (n = 11) groups. To induce muscle damage, three sets of 30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the quadriceps were performed at 60°·s-1. Participants wore the bioceramic or placebo pants for 2 hours immediately following the protocol, and then again for 2 hours prior to each subsequent testing session at 24, 48 and 72 hours post. Plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, delayed-onset muscle soreness, perceived recovery status, and maximal voluntary contraction were measured pre-exercise and 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Eccentric exercise induced muscle damage as evident in significant increases in delayed-onset muscle soreness at 24 - 72 hours (p < 0.05) and creatine kinase between Pre to 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours (p < 0.05). Despite the increased delayed-onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase values, no effect of Bioceramic was evident (p > 0.05). Furthermore, decreases in maximal voluntary contraction between Pre and immediately, 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours post (p < 0.05) were reported. However, the standardized difference was moderate lower for lactate dehydrogenase at 24 h (ES = 0.50), but higher at 48 h (ES = -0.58) in the Bioceramic compared to the Placebo group. Despite inducing muscle damage, the daily use of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials clothing over 72 hours did not facilitate recovery after maximal eccentric exercise.

Assay optimisation and age-related baseline variation in biochemical markers in Lesser Black-backed gulls

Free-ranging animals are often used as bioindicators of both short- and long-term changes in ecosystem health, mainly to detect the presence and effects of contaminants. Birds, and gulls in particular, have been used as bioindicators over a broad range of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we standardise the conditions for the use of a suite of biochemical markers in non-destructive matrices of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) to facilitate future biomonitoring of marine and terrestrial contaminants. We characterized cholinesterase (ChE) in plasma and optimized assay conditions for ChE activity as a marker of neurotoxic damage. Moreover, we quantified variation in activity of ChE, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) as well as variation ranges of lipid peroxidation (LPO), in free-ranging adults and captive chicks. The main ChE form present in plasma of both adults and chicks was butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) followed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), whose relative proportion in plasma tended to decrease with increased chick age. LPO levels and GST activity in blood cells (BCs) decreased significantly with increasing chick age, while BChE and LDH activity in plasma were not age-dependent. CAT in BCs tended to decline non-significantly in older chicks. Results of this study underscore the importance of standardising assay conditions and assessing intrinsic baseline variation in biochemical markers, before biochemical quantification. Data presented here provide a foundation for future use of BChE and LDH activity in plasma, as well as oxidative stress markers (LPO, CAT and GST) in BCs, to monitor environmental stress effects in Lesser Black-backed gulls.

Measuring Apoptosis and Necrosis in Cholestatic Liver Injury.

Cholestasis can be induced by obstruction of bile ducts or intrahepatic toxicity of drugs and chemicals. However, the mode of cell death during cholestasis, i.e., apoptosis or necrosis, has been controversial. There are fundamental reasons for the controversies, both of which are discussed here, namely the design of experiments and the use of parameters with limited specificity for a certain mode of cell death. Based on the assumption that cholestatic liver injury is caused by accumulation of bile acids, rodent (mainly rat) hepatocytes have been exposed to hydrophobic, glycine-conjugated bile acids, which resulted in apoptotic cell death. The problems with this experimental design are that in rodents bile acids are predominantly taurine conjugated and rodent hepatocytes are never exposed to these levels of glycine-conjugated bile acids. In contrast, taurine-conjugated bile acids trigger inflammatory gene activation in rodent hepatocytes and a necro-inflammatory injury in vivo. On the other hand, human hepatocytes are more resistant to glycine-conjugated bile acids and die by necrosis when exposed to high biliary levels of these bile acids. In this chapter, we describe multiple assays including the caspase activity assay, which is specific for apoptosis, and the general cell death assays alanine aminotransferase or lactate dehydrogenase activities in cell culture medium or plasma. An increase in these enzyme activities without caspase activity indicates necrotic cell death. Thus, both the experimental design and the selection of cell death parameters are critical for the relevance of the experiments for the human pathophysiology.

Cardiometabolic efficacy and toxicological evaluation of a pharmacological galanin receptor agonist

The goal of this study was to examine effects of a novel galanin receptor agonist GalR1-3 [bAla14, His15]-galanine 2-15 (G), obtained by automatic solid-phase synthesis, on the metabolic state of the area at risk and the size of acute myocardial infarction (MI) in rats in vivo and evaluate its toxicity in BALB /c mice. In anesthetized rats, regional ischemia was simulated by coronary artery occlusion and then coronary blood flow was restored. The peptide G was administered intravenously (i.v.) with a bolus after a period of regional ischemia in the dose range of 0.25-3.0 mg/kg. The sizes of MI and the activities of creatine kinase-MB (СK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood plasma were estimated. The effect of administration of the optimal dose of G (1.0 mg/kg) on myocardial content of adenine nucleotides (AN), phosphocreatine (PCr), creatine (Cr) and lactate was studied. I.v. administration of G to rats at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg slightly affected hemodynamic parameters, but reduced MI size by 40% and decreased plasma LDH and CK-MB activity by the end of reperfusion compared to control. These effects were accompanied by a significant improvement in energy state of area at risk (AAR) - an increase in myocardial content of ATP, åAN, PCr and åCr, and combined with a decrease in myocardial lactate level compared with the control. Toxicity of peptide G was studied with a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.5-3.0% solution of the peptide substance to mice. The absence of signs of intoxication and death of animals after G injection in the maximum possible dose did not allow determining the value of the average lethal dose. The results indicate therapeutic potential of the peptide G for preventing myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury and feasibility for further study of its pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action.

The correlation between Lactate dehydrogenase activity and sperm concentration in the seminal plasma of infertile men.

This study included 43 semen samples collected from sub-fertile and 10 samples of fertile men, after the abstinence period (3 to 5 days); it was conducted in the laboratory of Babylon Maternity and children, and private laboratories during the period from October 2016 to March 2017. The study was aimed to expose for reasons of unexplained infertility in most cases, through valued the correlation between LDH activity and sperm concentration in the seminal plasma of infertile men and in comparison it with fertile men. The results revealed significant differences (P˂0.05) in an average of the activity level of Lactate dehydrogenase enzyme between the different groups, the highest level was shown in the groups of fertile and normospermia and the lowest level in the oligospermia and oligo-asthenospermia, also revealed a significant negative correlation (P˂0.05) between LDH activity and sperm concentration in the seminal plasma of oligo-asthenospermia, the negative correlation observed in the group of normospermia and oligospermia while fertile men has positive correlation.