Level Of Calcium Concentration Research Articles

8]-Gingerol exerts anti-myocardial ischemic effects in rats via modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway and L-type Ca2+ channels.

Myocardial ischemia (MI) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is urgent to seek the treatment to protect the heart. [8]‐Gingerol (8‐Gin), one of the most active ingredients in ginger, has antioxidant, cardiotonic, and cardiovascular protective properties. The present study elucidated the cardioprotection effects and underlying mechanisms of 8‐Gin in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced MI. ISO (85 mg/kg/d) was subcutaneously injected for 2 consecutive days to induce acute MI model in rats. Electrocardiography, oxidative stress levels, calcium concentrations, and apoptosis degree were observed. The effects of 8‐Gin on L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa‐L), contraction, and Ca2+ transients were monitored in rat myocytes via patch‐clamp and IonOptix detection systems. 8‐Gin decreased J‐point elevation and heart rate and improved pathological heart damage. Moreover, 8‐Gin reduced the levels of CK, LDH, and MDA, ROS production, and calcium concentrations in myocardial tissue, while increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH. In addition, 8‐Gin down‐regulated Caspase‐3 and Bax expressions, while up‐regulated Bcl‐2 expression. 8‐Gin produced a marked decrease in the expression of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 proteins. 8‐Gin inhibited ICa‐L, cell contraction, and Ca2+ transients in isolated rat myocytes. The results indicate that 8‐Gin could exert anti‐myocardial ischemic effects, which may be associated with oxidative stress reduction, cardiomyocytes apoptosis inhibition through MAPK signaling pathway, and Ca2+ homeostasis regulation via ICa‐L modulation.

Risk factors for brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer: A protocol for observational study.

Brain metastasis is a common site of distant metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that greatly reduces the prognosis of patients. In this study, we explored the correlation between different clinical factors and secondary brain metastases in NSCLC in an attempt to identify NSCLC patient populations at high risk of metastasis to the central nervous system.We collected data for 350 NSCLC patients from the medical record system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from June 2015 to June 2019, and these patients had pathologically verified diagnoses. The correlations between age at the time of diagnosis, sex, histological type, calcium concentration, hemoglobin (HB), fibrinogen (Fbg), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA125, and CA199 levels and brain metastasis were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for NSCLC brain metastasis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the cutoff, sensitivity, and specificity of the independent related factors.Of the 350 patients, 57 were diagnosed with brain metastases. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lesion diameter, calcium concentration, and CEA level were independent risk factors correlated with brain metastasis (P < .05). There were no significant differences in age, sex, type of histopathology, presence or absence of mediastinal lymph node metastasis, HB, Fbg, APTT, ALP, cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), or cancer antigen 199 (CA-199) levels between patients with brain metastases and patients without brain metastases (P > .05, respectively). ROC curves demonstrated that these factors had comparable accuracy in predicting brain metastasis (area under the curve [AUCs] were 0.620, 0.661, and 0.729, respectively). The cutoff values for lesion diameter, calcium, and CEA were 5.050 cm, 2.295 mmol/L, and 11.160 ng/mL, respectively. The sensitivities for prediction brain metastasis were 59.6%, 64.9%, and 73.3%, with specificities of 63.1%, 59.2%, and 70.3%, respectively.According to our study, lesion diameter, calcium concentration, and CEA level are independent risk factors for brain metastases in NSCLC patients. Thus, we can strengthen the regular follow-up of NSCLC patients with tumor diameter > 5.050 cm, calcium > 2.295 mmol/L, CEA > 11.160 ng/mL, and use these factors as a reference for preventive treatments.

Mathematical Modeling of Calcium Oscillatory Patterns in a Neuron.

Calcium oscillations are an imperative mode of signaling phenomenon. These oscillations are due to the active interactions taking place between some of the parameters like voltage gated calcium channels (VGCC), sodium calcium exchanger (NCX), calcium binding buffers, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. The present paper focuses on the problem of higher level of calcium concentration in neurons which may further result into Alzheimer's Disease (AD). For this, a three-dimensional mathematical model having a system of differential equations depicting the changes in cytosolic calcium (in presence of buffers, VGCC and NCX), ER calcium and mitochondrial calcium, is formulated. A three-dimensional neuronal structure is targeted as the domain which is further discussed and solved using finite element technique in Comsol Multiphysics 5.4. Apposite boundary conditions matching well with the in-situ conditions are assumed. The obtained results clearly show the significance of the lower amount of the buffer and higher calcium mediated activities of VGCC, NCX, ER and mitochondria on calcium profile. These changes may lead to AD. To transit from AD condition to normal, exogenous buffers are added to check their significance. The results thus show that the replenishment of buffer may balance the amount of cell calcium and hence can affect positively on Alzheimer's affected cells.

Evaluation of hemolymph biochemical properties, clearance rate, bacterial microbiota and expression of HSP genes of gulf pearl oyster Pinctada radiata in response to salinity changes

Hypo-salinity exposure is a serious concern for bivalve aquaculture, with profound effects on the animals’ physiological condition. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of low-salinity exposure on the clearance rate, total heterotrophic marine bacteria and total Vibrio count in flesh, as well as the biochemical parameters of hemolymph and heat shock protein (HSP) gene expression, in Pinctada radiata. To this end, the oysters were reared for 14 days at salinities of 40 (control group), 35, 30, 25 and 20 PSU. Results indicated that low salinity led to a significantly lower clearance rate, with the lowest clearance rate observed at 20 PSU. However, no significant differences were found among the groups in the total heterotrophic marine bacteria, calcium concentration, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. In addition, the results demonstrated that the total Vibrio count increased significantly in oysters exposed to the hypoosmotic condition. A reduction in glucose concentration was observed in the 25 and 20 PSU groups compared to the other experimental groups. In addition, the highest survival rate was found in the 40 and 35 PSU groups. Based on q-RT-PCR results, HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels were significantly up-regulated by low-salinity exposure, while the expression of HSP20 mRNA was remarkably down-regulated in the 35 and 30 PSU salinity groups. The present study shows that pearl oysters tolerate a wide range of salinities (40–20 PSU), whereas optimal salinity for oyster culture ranges from 30 to 40 PSU. These results also provide a better understanding of the feeding behavior and physiological changes of P. radiata in response to salinity changes.

Responses of Corpuscles of Stannius to intra-peritoneal vitamin-D3 administration in teleost Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) reared in water with two different levels of calcium concentration.

This study assessed the responses of vitamin-D3 intraperitoneally injected to Rohu, Labeo rohita @ of 0 IU/kg bw (only solvent), 100 IU/kg bw and 500 IU/kg bw reared in 20 and 40 ppm of calcium (Ca) enriched water. The cellular changes in Corpuscles of Stannius (CS) gland, serum Ca, and inorganic phosphate (Pi) level were analysed up to the 60th day. Rohu administered with 100 IU/kg bw D3 and exposed to 40 ppm Ca-rich water exhibited notable hyperplasia of CS compared with their control groups. Notable changes with high serum Ca level (13.87 ± 0.3 mg/dl) was detected on the 5th day in fish exposed to 40 ppm Ca-rich water, while related values attained (13.74 ± 0.1 mg/dl) only after 7 days in 20 ppm Ca-rich water of 500 IU/kg bw vitamin D3 injection. Similarly, high serum Pi level (7.66 ± 0.2 mg/dl) in 40 ppm Ca injected with D3 at 500 IU/kg bw. The results demonstrated that the Ca homeostasis of Labeo rohita is influenced by intra-peritoneal vitamin D3. Progressive studies should be conducted by increasing the dose of vitamin D3 to investigate optimum dose/supplement in feed for commercially important aquaculture teleost Labeo rohita for maximum and sustainable absorption of Ca from the variable water Calcium levels to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis.

Therapeutic effects of conditioned – DPBS from amniotic stem cells on lactating cow mastitis

ObjectiveBovine mastitis results in economic loss due to decrease in milk production. Antibiotic ointments are commonly used for treating. However, residue and anti-microbial resistance warranted attention progressively. Fortunately, stem cell anti-inflammatory properties and paracrine expression of cytokines accelerates wound healing and suppresses inflammatory reactions in mastitis. The objective of this study is to use the conditioned-Dulbecco's pluripotent stem cells (DPBS) from amniotic membrane stem cells (AMSCs) in treating bovine mastitis. Materials and methodsThe cows with mastitis were divided into two groups. In antibiotic control group, the cows were given tetraneomycin ointment. In conditioned-DPBS of AMSCs treatment group, amniotic membrane was collected for AMSCs after delivery. With expression of surface antigen and potential of tri-linage differentiation, AMSCs were injected into mammary glands. Then, milk was sampled every three days to monitor the effect of both treatments. The quality of milk was measured with pH, titratable acidity, free calcium ions and somatic cell count. ResultsOur results demonstrated the Bovine AMSCs expressed CD44, low levels of CD4 and no CD105. Bovine AMSCs demonstrated the differentiation capability in the tri-cell lineages. Mastitis treatment with conditioned-DPBS from AMSCs (experimental group) and conventional antibiotics (control group) showed insignificant difference in pH value and titratable acidity. The level of ionic calcium concentration in the conditioned-DPBS group decreased from 3rd day to 12th day, while the level in the antibiotic group decreased from 0 day to 12th day. The somatic cell number was similar in both groups, which meet the standard of Taiwan milk collection. ConclusionIn conclusion, conditioned-DPBS from bovine AMSCs has the therapeutic potential to treat bovine mastitis and may replace antibiotics therapy in the future.

The relationship between intestinal flora changes and osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease and the improvement effect of probiotics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the changes in intestinal flora and the occurrence of osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease and the improvement effect of probiotics. A total of 100 Sprague Dawley (SD) model rats with colitis were selected as research objects. All rats were randomly divided into two groups, including: bowel disease group and osteoporosis group, with 50 rats in each group. Stool samples were collected from all rats, and Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli and Bifidobacteria were cultured and counted. The relationship between the occurrence of related osteoporosis and intestinal flora was analyzed as well. Thereafter, the rats in osteoporosis group were randomly divided into two subgroups, namely, control group (n=25) and observation group (n=25). Observation group was treated with probiotics by gastrogavage, while the control group was treated with the same volume of physiological saline. Next, the changes in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteoprotegerin ligand [receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)], procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), bone mineral density (BMD), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), calcium concentration (Ca), and inflammatory cytokine levels were compared between the two groups after intervention. Osteoporosis group had significantly more Escherichia coli and notably fewer Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria than bowel disease group (p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the occurrence of osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease was negatively correlated with the count of Escherichia coli, whereas was positively related to the counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria (p<0.05). Moreover, the levels of serum OPG, PICP, TRACP, and Ca in observation group were remarkably higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). However, the levels of serum RANKL, BALP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) were markedly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). Osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease has a negative association with the count of Escherichia coli, and a positive correlation with the counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. In addition, treatment with probiotics can effectively alleviate osteoporosis symptoms in rats with inflammatory bowel disease by influencing the level of corresponding cytokines.

Modeling of Modulated Exosome Release From Differentiated Induced Neural Stem Cells for Targeted Drug Delivery.

A novel implantable and externally controllable stem-cell-based platform for the treatment of Glioblastoma brain cancer has been proposed to bring hope to patients who suffer from this devastating cancer type. Induced Neural Stem Cells (iNSCs), known to have potent therapeutic effects through exosomes-based molecular communication, play a pivotal role in this platform. Transplanted iNSCs demonstrate long-term survival and differentiation into neurons and glia which then fully functionally integrate with the existing neural network. Recent studies have shown that specific types of calcium channels in differentiated neurons and astrocytes are inhibited or activated upon cell depolarization leading to the increased intracellular calcium concentration levels which, in turn, interact with mobilization of multivesicular bodies and exosomal release. In order to provide a platform towards treating brain cancer with the optimum therapy dosage, we propose mathematical models to compute the therapeutic exosomal release rate that is modulated by cell stimulation patterns applied from the external wearable device. This study serves as an initial and required step in the evaluation of controlled exosomal secretion and release via induced stimulation with electromagnetic, optical and/or ultrasonic waves.

Effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction (, BYHWD) on X-ray evaluation of early callus and level of serum alkaline phosphatase in elderly patients with Colles fracture after manual reduction and splint external fixation

To explore effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (, BYHWD) on early callus X-ray evaluation and level of serum alkaline phosphatase in elderly patients with Colles fracture after manual reduction and splint external fixation. From October 2016 to October 2018, 60 elderly patients with Colles fractures were treated with manual reduction and splint external fixation and were divided into experimental group and control group. There were 30 patients in control group, including 15 males and 15 females; aged from 56 to 75 years old with an average of (67.81±5.41) years old; bone mineral density was (0.82±0.24) g/cm 2; patients were performed lift shoulders, bend and extend elbow joint, stretch five fingers and make a fist at 3 days after operation, 3 times daily for 1 month, 30 min once a time. There were 30 patients in experimental group, including 13 males and 17 females; aged from 57 to 77 years old with an average of (66.02±5.16) years old; bone mineral density was (0.76±0.23) g/cm2; patients performed rehabilitation exercise as control group and combined with BYHWD, 400 ml per dose, 2 times daily, 7 days as one course, totally 4 courses. RUSS scores at 14 and 28 days after reduction between two groups were compared, serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum calcium concentration were observed at immediately, 14 and 28 days after reduction. The patients between two groups were successfully fixed without re fractures and complications occurred. The patients were followed up for 30 to 35 days with an average of (31.60±1.03) days. RUSS score in experimental group at 14 and 28 days after reduction were 4.58±0.31 and 7.07±0.36, respectively; while in control group were 3.98±0.30 and 6.15±0.35, respectively; RUSS score in experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group. Serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations in experimental group at immediately, 14 and 28 days after reduction were (90.62±12.19) mmol/L ,(105.40±11.63) mmol/L, and (160.86±35.77) mmol/L respectively; while in controlgroup were (91.27±13.52) mmol/L ,(94.60±11.10) mmol/L ,(144.17±26.27) mmol/L respectively; there was no statistically difference between two groups at immediately; and had statistically differences between two groups at 14 and 28 days after reduction. There was no significant difference in serum calcium concentration between two groups at immediately, 14 and 28 days after reduction. BYHWD for elderly patients with Colles fracture could promote early formation of callus, effectively increase concentration of serum alkaline phosphatase and promote fracture healing.

Li-Dan-He-Ji Improves Infantile Cholestasis Hepatopathy Through Inhibiting Calcium-Sensing Receptor-Mediated Hepatocyte Apoptosis.

Infantile cholestatic hepatopathy (ICH) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the accumulation of cytotoxic bile acids in infancy, leading to serious liver cirrhosis or liver failure. The aetiology of ICH is complicated and some of them is unknown. Regardless of the aetiology, the finial pathology of ICH is hepatocyte apoptosis caused by severe and persistent cholestasis. It is already known that activation of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) could lead to the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. However, the mechanism by CaSR-mediated cholestasis-related hepatocyte apoptosis is not fully understood. Li-Dan-He-Ji (LDHJ), a Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription, was developed to treat ICH. Another aim of this study was to investigate the possible mechanisms of LDHJ in cholestasis-related hepatocyte apoptosis. Using the primary hepatocytes, we first investigated the molecular mechanism of CaSR-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis in cholestasis. Then we prepared LDHJ granules and used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography to identify the predominant drugs; confirmed the stability of the main substances; and for cell experiments screened forsythoside-A, emodin and chlorogenic acid as the three active substances of LDHJ granules. In the young rats with ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis and the primary hepatocytes with TCDC-induced cholestasis-related hepatocyte apoptosis, the levels of liver injury and cholestasis-related biomarkers, calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), hepatocyte apoptosis, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Cytochrome-C, caspase-3, phosphorylated-c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (p-JNK)/JNK, and p-P38/P38 were all increased, while the levels of p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK)/ERK were decreased. However, LDHJ granules and its three active substances effectively reversed these changes. Furthermore, the three active substances reduced the increases in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and ROS levels and attenuated the dissipation of the mitochondria membrane potential in the TCDC-induced primary hepatocytes. The opposite results were obtained from the TCDC-induced primary hepatocytes treated with an agonist of CaSR (GdCl3) plus forsythoside-A, emodin or chlorogenic acid. Based on the results from in vivo and in vitro studies, LDHJ functions as an antagonist of CaSR to regulate hepatocyte apoptosis in cholestasis through the mitochondrial pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Structural Changes of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase Induced by Rutin Arachidonate: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) maintains the level of calcium concentration in cells by pumping calcium ions from the cytoplasm to the lumen while undergoing substantial conformational changes, which can be stabilized or prevented by various compounds. Here we attempted to clarify the molecular mechanism of action of new inhibitor rutin arachidonate, one of the series of the acylated rutin derivatives. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of SERCA1a protein bound to rutin arachidonate positioned in a pure dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer membrane. Our study predicted the molecular basis for the binding of rutin arachidonate towards SERCA1a in the vicinity of the binding site of calcium ions and near the location of the well-known inhibitor thapsigargin. The stable hydrogen bond between Glu771 and rutin arachidonate plays a key role in the binding. SERCA1a is kept in the E2 conformation preventing the formation of important salt bridges between the side chains of several residues, primarily Glu90 and Lys297. All in all, the structural changes induced by the binding of rutin arachidonate to SERCA1a may shift proton balance near the titrable residues Glu771 and Glu309 into neutral species, hence preventing the binding of calcium ions to the transmembrane binding sites and thus affecting calcium homeostasis. Our results could lead towards the design of new types of inhibitors, potential drug candidates for cancer treatment, which could be anchored to the transmembrane region of SERCA1a by a lipophilic fatty acid group.

Effects of pH-modification on the rennet coagulation of concentrated casein micelles suspensions

The aggregation of a mixed suspension of native and pre-acidified casein micelles was observed using rheology. Pre-acidified micelles were prepared by addition of glucono-delta-lactone, once pH of 6 or 5.5 was reached, the suspension was concentrated and added to untreated skim milk. Gelation was followed by addition of chymosin, for mixes before or after re-equilibration to the original milk pH. When pre-concentrated micelles were acidified, an earlier gelation point was shown, as well as a higher elastic modulus, compared to control suspensions. When skim milk containing pre-acidified micelles was re-equilibrated to the original pH no gelation was observed after addition of chymosin, in spite of very similar levels of diffusible calcium and phosphate concentration to those of the original milk. It was concluded that it may be possible to fine tune the rheological properties of the final chymosin induced gel network, by pretreating only a portion of the casein micelles, and modifying their colloidal calcium phosphate and the ratio of soluble to micellar casein.

Noscapine Modulates Neuronal Response to Oxygen-glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion Injury Via Activation of Sigma-1 Receptor in Primary Cortical Cultures.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of noscapine (0.5-2 µM), an alkaloid from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), on primary murine cortical neurons exposed to 60 min oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) in the presence of 5 µM BD-1047, a selective sigma-1 receptor antagonist. The experiments were performed on cortical neurons after 11–16 days of culture. To initiate oxygen–glucose deprivation, the culture medium was transferred to glucose-free DMEM, and placed in a humidified incubation chamber containing a mixture of 95% N2 and 5% CO2 at 37 °C for 60 min. In order to explore the effect on neurons under oxygen–glucose deprivation in this condition, some cultures were pretreated with noscapine and BD1047 together, 24 h prior to OGD followed by 24 h recovery. Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) levels were evaluated by MTT assay, the modified Griess method, and Fura-2, respectively. Pretreatment of the cultures with noscapine in the presence of BD1047 significantly increased cell viability and decreased NO generation in a dose-dependent manner compared to BD1047 alone. Pretreatment with 2 μM noscapine and BD-1047 was shown to decrease the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by sodium azide (NaN3) and glucose deprivation. We concluded that noscapine in the presence of BD1047 could protect primary cortical neurons after oxygen–glucose deprivation-induced cell injury but this effect was not complete. Our results indicate that neuroprotective effects of noscapine could be mediated partially through activation of sigma-1 receptor and by decreasing NO production and [Ca2+]i levels.

3D mathematical modeling of calcium signaling in Alzheimer’s disease

The present paper focuses on the solution of the three-dimensional calcium advection–diffusion equation in the presence of calcium-binding buffers. As buffers play an important role in maintaining cytosolic calcium concentration level, decrease in buffers leads to increase in cytoplasmic calcium which may further lead to toxicity of Alzheimer’s disease. The governing three-dimensional differential equation has been further converted into one-dimensional equation using similarity transforms. The solution is obtained analytically using Laplace transforms and suitable boundary conditions. The obtained solution is simulated in MATLAB. The graphs clearly show the impact of buffers on calcium concentration level for normal and Alzheimeric cells.

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model to Study Calcium Distribution in Astrocytes in Presence of VGCC and Excess Buffer

The role of astrocytes in physiological processes is always a matter of interest for biologists, mathematicians and computer scientists. Similar to neurons, astrocytes propagate Ca2+ over long distances in response to stimulation and release gliotransmitters in a Ca2+-dependent manner to modulate various important brain functions. There are various processes and parameters that affect the cytoplasmic calcium concentration level of astrocytes like calcium buffering, influx via calcium channels, etc. Buffers bind with calcium ion (Ca2+) and makes calcium bound buffers. Thus, it decreases the calcium concentration [Ca2+] level. Ca2+ enters into the cytosol through voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) and thus it increases the concentration level. In view of above, a three-dimensional mathematical model is developed for combined study of the effect of buffer and VGCC on cytosolic calcium concentration in astrocytes. Finite element method is applied to find the solution using hexagonal elements. A computer programme is developed for entire problem to simulate the results. The obtained results show that high affinity buffer reveals the effect of VGCC and at low buffer concentration VGCC effects more significantly.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation acts as antioxidant on dystrophic muscle cells.

Increased oxidative stress is a frequent feature in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). High reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, associated with altered enzyme antioxidant activity, have been reported in dystrophic patients and mdx mice, an experimental model of DMD. In this study, we investigated the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on oxidative stress marker levels and calcium concentration in primary cultures of dystrophic muscle cells from mdx mice. Primary cultures of skeletal muscle cells from C57BL/10 and mdx mice were treated with coenzyme Q10 (5 μM) for 24 h. The untreated mdx and C57BL/10 muscle cells were used as controls. The MTT and live/dead cell assays showed that CoQ10 presented no cytotoxic effect on normal and dystrophic muscle cells. Intracellular calcium concentration, H2O2 production, 4-HNE, and SOD-2 levels were higher in mdx muscle cells. No significant difference in the catalase, GPx, and Gr levels was found between experimental groups. This study demonstrated that CoQ10 treatment was able to reduce levels of oxidative stress markers, such as H2O2, acting as an antioxidant, as well as decreasing abnormal intracellular calcium influx in dystrophic muscles cells. This study demonstrated that CoQ10 treatment was able to reduce levels of oxidative stress markers, such as H2O2, acting as an antioxidant, as well as decreasing abnormal intracellular calcium influx in dystrophic muscles cells. Our findings also suggest that the decrease of oxidative stress reduces the need for upregulation of antioxidant pathways, such as SOD and GSH.

Relationship between the level of estrogen, calcium and phosphorus concentration in serum with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Objective:To investigate relationship between the level of estrogen, calcium and phosphorus concentration in serum with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV). Method:A total of 84 patients with idiopathic BPPV were enrolled in the experimental group, including 32 non-menopausal women, 24 menopausal women, and 28 males; 83 healthy people without vertigo and vestibular disease were selected as the control group consisted with 32 non-menopausal women, 24 menopausal women and 27 males. The levels of estradiol, serum calcium and serum inorganic phosphorus were measured in all participants. The difference of estrogen level, serum calcium and serum inorganic phosphorus concentration between the experimental group and the control group was analyzed by t test. Result:The total number, age distribution and gender composition of the experimental group and the control group were basically paired, and the age difference was not statistically significant (P=0.71). The overall estrogen level in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). Among them, the female group's estrogen level, menopausal female estrogen level and male estrogen level in the experimental group were lower than the control group (P<0.01); there was no significant difference in serum calcium and serum inorganic phosphorus concentration between the experimental group and the control group (P=0.55, 0.11, respectively). Conclusion:The decrease of estrogen level may be a risk factor for idiopathic BPPV. The relationship between serum calcium and serum inorganic phosphorus concentration and BPPV needs further study.

Parathyroid carcinoma: a case report

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an uncommon cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). The tumor is mostly functioning with following high serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Consideration of PC in differential diagnosis of pHPT is important because the mortality and the prognosis depend on early recognition and surgical approach. A case of PC in 51-year old female patient with persistent pHPT is reported. A patient, referred with anterior cervical hematoma, dysphagia, underwent neck ultrasound, barium X-ray swallow test and neck computed tomography. On the posterior surface of left thyroid lobe, close to the esophagus the heterogenic lesion with irregular margins was found. The preoperative calcemia was slightly elevated. The patient underwent cervical exploration with parathyroidectomy. Histological exam showed parathyroid lesion with immunohistochemical confirmation of PC. After 2months follow-up there are no signs of a residual-recurrent disease. Although laboratory tests revealed pHPT preoperatively, no clinical effects of elevated calcium and PTH concentration levels were presented. As histological features are not specific for the differential diagnosis between the parathyroid adenoma and PC, the immunohistochemistry remains the only useful tool for the definite diagnosis.

Effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate as a remineralizing agent - An In Vivo study.

Demineralization and remineralization have a crucial impact on the hardness and strength of teeth. Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) Trident white chewing gum has anticariogenic property and also stimulates saliva, which buffers the oral cavity and promotes remineralization. Trident sugar-free gum, therefore, is an excellent delivery vehicle for promoting enamel remineralization. The aim of this study is to show that CPP-ACP-containing chewing gum would increase the level of calcium concentration of saliva, thereby supplying calcium and phosphorus to whole dentition for a prolonged period and aid in remineralization of tooth surfaces. An in vivo nonrandomized clinical trial study was carried among 60 children. Unstimulated saliva from each 60 selected participants was collected. Then each participant was given two pellets of chewing gum containing CPP-ACP and asked to chew for a period of 20 min, after which saliva samples were again collected from each participant. The study was carried out for 15 days, and at three intervals, calcium and phosphorus levels were assessed using affiliated reagent kits and spectrophotometer. Significant difference was found in the calcium and phosphorus concentration of saliva before and after chewing CPP-ACP-containing chewing gum. When post calcium and phosphate levels were analyzed among different time intervals, a highly statistically significant difference was observed (P = 0.000). Clinical trial study shows that chewing sugar-free gum containing CPP-ACP can be regarded as an additional caries prevention tool.

Symmetry breaking and inter-clonal behavioural variability in a slime mould.

Cells are dynamic systems capable of switching from isotropic growth to polarized growth even in the absence of any pre-existing external asymmetry. Here, we study this process of symmetry breaking in the acellular slime mould Physarum polycephalum. In these experiments, slime moulds could grow on two identical opposed sources of calcium. We highlighted a positive correlation between growth dynamic, level of symmetry breaking and calcium concentration. We identified three populations of slime moulds within our clonal lineage with similar symmetry breaking behaviours but different motility characteristics. These behavioural differences between slime moulds emerged in the absence of any environmental differences. Such behavioural plasticity could generate cellular diversity, which can be critical for survival.