Protein Levels In Group Research Articles

The Influence of Giving Biscuits of Yellow Pumpkin Seed and Capsule of Moringa Leaves on the Level of C-Reactive Protein on Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are likely to have the option of receiving supplementary nourishment in the form of pumpkin seed biscuits and Moringa leaves. The purpose of this study is to see how Pumpkin Seed Biscuits and Moringa Leaf Capsules affect C-Reactive Protein (C-RP) levels in pregnant women at the Stunting Locus, Bone Regency. A Quasi-Experimental method, also known as a field trial. The Non-Randomized Pre-Test - Post Test Group Design was adopted for the research design. Participants in this study were separated into two groups: group I was given pumpkin seed biscuits and a blood-added tablet, and group II was given Moringa leaf extract capsule supplements and a blood-added tablet, with a total of 30 persons in each group. The intervention lasted 90 days and included both a pre-test and a post-test. The levels of C-Reactive Protein in group I (Pumpkin Seed Biscuits) decreased by -0.11±0.04 g/mL. The decrease in C-Reactive Protein levels in group II (Moringa Leaf Extract) was -0.09±0.04 g/mL. Moringa capsules (p=0.001) and pumpkin seed biscuits (p=0.001) had an impact on reducing C-RP levels in pregnant women. Supplemental feeding of pumpkin seed biscuits and Moringa leaf extract capsules can enhance and improve the health condition of pregnant women by lowering C-Reactive Protein levels.

Study of the Effect of Ademol on the Dynamics of S 100 Protein in Rats with Traumatic Brain Injury

Currently: the problem of choosing an effective drug approach for cerebroprotection, in case of traumatic brain injury (TBI), remains to be poorly understood. Clinical studies of cerebroprotectors - antagonists of NMDA-receptors indicate the feasibility of their use in practice. In our opinion, for further research, it would be correct to choose a compound that has neuroprotective properties and synthesized under the guidance of Academician M.O. Lozynsky at the Institute of Organic Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a derivative of 1-adamantylethyloxy-3-morpholoin-2-propanol hydroxide (Ademol).
 Materials and Methods: The pharmacological action of Ademol was investigated on the example of a simulated TBI at a dose of 2 mg/kg intravenously every 12 hours for 8 days. The control group and pseudooperated animals received NaCl 0,9% at a dose of 2 mg/kg intravenously (i/v), the comparison group received Amantadine sulfate 5 mg/kg. To determine the efficiency and activity of these molecules the activity of the protein S 100 was used.
 Results: The dynamics of S 100 protein levels in groups of rats with Ademol and Amantadine sulfate with traumatic brain injury on the 8th day of observation indicates that on the background of the above therapy, the content of the studied marker decreased by an average of 50,8 and 39.9%. Treatment of rats with severe traumatic brain injury with Ademol at a dose of 2 mg/kg (i/v), was probably better than treatment of rats in the control group with saline and amantadine sulfate and better helped to reduce the growth of protein S 100 level, while Ademol exceeded the reference drug at 18,2% (p <0.05).

Diagnostic value of ROC curve evaluation of serum markers in acute cholecystitis with bacterial infection.

To explore correlation of serum markers human neutrophil lipocalin and C-reactive protein with acute cholecystitis associated with bacterial infection, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of the markers. The cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to April 2020 at the Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, and comprised acute cholecystitis patients who were divided into bacterial infection group A and non-bacterial infection group B. Serum human neutrophil lipocalin and C-reactive protein were measured for both the groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the two markers in acute cholecystitis associated with bacterial infection. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 145 patients, 65(45%) were in group A; 36(55.38%) males and 29(44.62%) females with a mean age of 45.79±2.50 years. In group B there were 80(55%) subjects; 45(56.25%) males and 35(43.75%) females with a mean age of 46.16±2.52 years (p>0.05). In group A, there were 60(92.31%) cases of acute calculous cholecystitis, and 5(7.69%) had acute acalculous cholecystitis compared to 73(91.25%) and 7(8.75%), respectively, in group B (p>0.05). Serum human neutrophil lipocalin and C-reactive protein levels in group A were higher than group B (p<0.001). Serum human neutrophil lipocalin showed a high positive correlation with C-reactive protein in group A (r=0.800, p<0.001), and a moderate positive correlation in group B (r=0.683, p<0.001). Area under the curve of serum human neutrophil lipocalin associated with C-reactive protein was 0.901 (95% confidence interval: 0.850-0.953), which was higher than that of serum human neutrophil lipocalin and C-reactive protein alone, with sensitivity 95.40% and specificity 80%. The combined use of serum human neutrophil lipocalin and C-reactive protein may be used as an effective indicator for early diagnosis, identification and monitoring of acute cholecystitis with bacterial infection.

Protective effect of melatonin as an antioxidant in the intestine of rats with superior mesenteric arterial occlusion.

The superior mesenteric artery is a branch of the aortic artery that supplies blood to the small and some parts of the large intestine. Any obstruction in blood flow and reperfusion causes tissue damage in the intestine. This study aimed to determine the rate of fat peroxidation and tissue protein as an indicator of tissue degradation after ischemia and reperfusion following induction of superior mesenteric artery occlusion in the intestine and to evaluate the protective effect of melatonin as a free radical scavenger and antioxidants in rats. In this study, 36 male Wistar-Albino rats weighing between 80-120 g were equally divided into six groups and received different melatonin doses (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) intramuscularly. In this regard, Group 1 was the control group, Group 2 was the Sham group (underwent surgery to dissect the upper mesenteric artery and injected the same volume of solvent), Group 3 was Ischemia-reperfusion (IR), Group 4 was IR with melatonin at a dose of 10 mg/kg, Group 5 was IR with melatonin at a dose of 20 mg/kg, and Group 6 was IR with melatonin at a dose of 30 mg/kg. The results showed that the level of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly lower in groups 4, 5, and 6 than in group 3 (P <0.05). Tissue protein levels were significantly higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P <0.001). Tissue protein levels in groups 5 and 6 did not significantly differ from group 3 (P = 0.191). Overall, this study showed that melatonin at a dose of 10 mg/kg has an antioxidant effect preventing induced damage due to superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Inflammatory response and matrix metalloproteinases in chronic kidney failure: Modulation by adropin and spexin.

Chronic kidney disease is a major global public health problem. The peptide hormones adropin and spexin modulate many physiological functions such as energy balance and glucose, lipid and protein metabolism. However, it is unclear whether these peptides may exert effects on renal damage, tissue remodeling, and inflammatory conditions. In view of the limited information, we aimed to investigate the effect of adropin and spexin on matrix metalloproteinase and inflammatory response genes a rat model of adenine-induced chronic kidney failure. Chronic kidney failure was induced in rats by administering adenine hemisulfate. Renal function was determined in an autoanalyzer. Histopathological modifications were assessed by H&E staining. mRNA expression levels of ALOX 15, COX 1, COX 2, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-18 IL-21, IL-33, KIM-1, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-13, NGAL, TGFβ1, TIMP-1, and TNFα in kidney tissue were measured by qPCR. Our results showed an increase of 24-h urine volume, serum creatinine, BUN, and urine protein levels in group with adenine-induced CKF. Adropin and spexin treatments decreased urine protein and 24-h urine volume. Renal damage, TIMP-1, IL-33, and MMP-2 increased after CKF induction, while COX 1, MMP-9, and MMP-13 levels were significantly reduced. Furthermore, KIM-1, TIMP-1, IL-33, and MMP-2 were downregulated by spexin treatment. Renal damage, NGAL, TIMP-1 IL-17A, IL-33, MMP-2, and MMP-3 decreased after adropin treatment, while MMP-13 levels were upregulated. Treatment with adropin+spexin decreased KIM-1, NGAL, TIMP-1, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-33, ALOX 15, COX 1, COX 2, TGFβ1, TNFα, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-7, but increased MMP-13 levels. Our findings revealed that inflammatory response and MMP genes were modulated by adropin and spexin. These peptides may have protective effects on inflammation and chronic kidney damage progression.

Alterations in Rumen Bacterial Community and Metabolome Characteristics of Cashmere Goats in Response to Dietary Nutrient Density.

Simple SummaryDietary energy and protein play important roles in rumen fermentation. However, the impacts of dietary energy and protein on the relationships between rumen bacterial composition and ruminal metabolites were not extensively studied. In this study, we investigated the rumen fermentation status in response to different energy and protein levels, which was vital for the rumen health and resulted in the potential positive effects on the host health and production. Thereby, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterial richness was significantly reduced, and the rumen bacterial composition was significantly altered with the increasing levels of dietary energy and protein. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the dominant differential metabolites were amino acids, peptides, and analogs. Moreover, high-energy and high-protein diets could enhance the ruminal antioxidative capacity by increasing the concentration of some metabolites. Correlation analysis implied that high energy and protein levels could enhance the catechol concentration by Prevotella_1 and Ruminococcus_2. This study can help to improve the dietary energy and protein use efficiency in goats.This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of dietary energy and protein on rumen bacterial composition and ruminal metabolites. A total of 12 ruminal samples were collected from Shaanbei white cashmere goats which were divided into two groups, including high-energy and high-protein (Group H; crude protein, CP: 9.37% in dry matter; metabolic energy, ME: 9.24 MJ/kg) and control (Group C; CP: 8.73%; ME: 8.60 MJ/kg) groups. Thereby, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to identify the rumen bacterial community. Metabolomics analysis was done to investigate the rumen metabolites and the related metabolic pathways in Groups C and H. The high-energy and high-protein diets increased the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genera Prevotella_1 and Succiniclasticum, while decreasing the number of Proteobacteria (p < 0.05). The dominant differential metabolites were amino acids, peptides, and analogs. Tyrosine metabolism played an important role among the nine main metabolic pathways. Correlation analysis revealed that both Prevotella_1 (r = 0.608, p < 0.05) and Ruminococcus_2 (r = 0.613, p < 0.05) showed a positive correlation with catechol. Our findings revealed that the diets with high energy and protein levels in Group H significantly altered the composition of ruminal bacteria and metabolites, which can help to improve the dietary energy and protein use efficiency in goats.

The effect of neonatal maternal separation on short-chain fatty acids and airway inflammation in adult asthma mice

BackgroundTo investigate neonatal maternal separation (NMS) effects on airway inflammation of asthma and potential mechanism using a mouse model. Methods80 Balb/c neonatal male mice were randomly assigned to NMS and non-NMS groups. Feces were collected on PND21, 28, 35 and 42 to analyze microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Non-NMS group were then divided into control (group A) and asthma groups (group B), while NMS group was assigned to NMS+asthma (group C) and NMS+SCFAs+asthma groups (group D). Inflammatory cells and eosinophils (EOS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed. Pathological changes and cytokines in lung tissue were observed. Protein expression of Occludin and E-cadherin in airway epithelial was examined. ResultsThe number of S′, diversity index H′ and dominance index D′, as well as content butyric acid in NMS group C were significantly lower than non-NMS group B (p<0.05). Mice in group C had a higher level of inflammatory cells and EOS compared with group A, B and D. EOS moderate infiltration was found in mice of group B, C and D. Mice in group C had significantly higher levels of cytokines and showed slightly increased bronchial epithelium goblet cells and a small amount of visceral secretions. Occludin and E-cadherin expression in lung in B, C and D groups was depressed, and protein level in group C was significantly lower than group B and D. ConclusionsNMS is associated with exacerbated inflammation of adult asthma by changing intestinal microflora resulting in butanoic acid decline and airway epithelial barrier damage.

Pathological study on urea utilization by poultry

The present work aimed to investigate the histopathological aspects, growth performance, urea residue in muscle and liver of broilerbirds and chemical composition of the breast muscles in birds fed graded levels of urea –treated ration. 80, day old chicks werereared for 6 weeks. After one week of age, chicks were randomly divided into 4 equal groups fed on 1.25%, 2.5%, 5% and 0% ureain their ration. Five birds from each group were sacrificed at the day 7, 14, 28 and 35 from adding urea. The most clinical signswere respiratory symptoms, watery diarrhea and staggering gait. Body weight and feed consumption were increased in group I &II, while the group III showed mild decrease. Urea residue in muscle and liver increased significantly in group III when comparingwith other groups. The chemical composition of the muscle showed that the moisture content in group III was high thangroup IV. There was non-significant increase in the crude protein level in group II. There was significant increase in ashpercent in group II. The fat content in the muscle of all urea treated groups was significant decrease than IV group. Grossly,kidneys and the liver were severe enlarged with pale anemic and mottled coloration. Lungs and the muscles were severe congestedand dark brownish color with petechial and linear hemorrhage in muscle. The brain showed mild hyperemia. Histopathologicalexamination in the kidneys showed degenerative changes in the epithelial cell lining of the renal tubules. The glomeruli showedshrinkages of their glomerular tuft and hyalinization of the Bowman's capsules. Liver showed focal areas of necrosis in the hepaticparenchyma. There was severe thickening of the hepatic capsule. The bile duct showed hyperplasia of their epithelial cell liningwith the presence of desquamated epithelia in the ductile lumen with newly formed bile ductile. Most of hepatic and pulmonaryblood vessels showed thrombosis. Lungs and muscle and brain showed congestion of the blood vessels. The bronchioles showedcatarrhal bronchopneumonia. There was osseous metaplasia among the pulmonary tissue. The neuron was suffering fromTygrloysis with presence of satellotosis and neurophagia. The intestine showed degenerative changes. Myomalecia of some musclecell and suffering from mild degree of hyaline degeneration. It is recommended that lower inclusion levels of urea diets (1.25%)rather than the 2.5% and 5% used in this study be employed for a short period of time.

Effect of β-defensin 2 gene silencing on the inflammatory response induced by Haemophilus influenzae type B combined vaccine immunization in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of β-defensin 2 (rBD-2) silencing on the inflammatory response induced by Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine immunization in rats. Methods A total of 144 SPF Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 were immunized with Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine. Group 2 were immunized with Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine and administered with lentivirus Lv-shRNA-rBD-2 by intratracheal instillation. Group 3 were administered with the lentivirus Lv-shRNA-rBD-2 by intratracheal instillation. Group 4 were blank controls. Each group was set with 12 rats. The serum was collected at 12, 24 and 72 hours after immunization, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukine (IL)-1β and IL-10 were assessed by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Expression levels of rBD-2 in lung tissues of rats were measured by western blotting. Results The recombinant virus was successfully produced by a lipofectmaine transfection method. At 12, 24, and 72 h of immunization, serum levels of TNF-α of rats in group 1 were (82.0±8.0), (155.0±18.2), and (272.0±32.5) pg/mL, respectively, which were all higher than those in group 4 ([55.0±6.2], [52.0±5.8], and [56.0±4.8] pg/mL, respectively; t=16.034, P=0.043; t=12.411, P=0.035; t=10.530, P=0.018, respectively). Serum levels of TNF-α at 12, 24, and 72 h of immunization in group 2 were (66.0±8.2), (90.0±12.6), and (108.0±13.6) pg/mL, respectively, which were all significantly lower than group 1 (t=12.115, P=0.039; t=12.830, P=0.033; t=15.522, P=0.012, respectively). At each time point, serum levels of IL-1β and IL-10 in group 1 were all significantly higher than those in group 4 (IL-1β: t=18.032, P=0.048; t=15.824, P=0.039; t=13.518, P=0.021, respectively; IL-10: t=15.410, P=0.045; t=14.294, P=0.032; t=13.375, P=0.013, respectively). Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-10 at each time points in group 2 were all significantly lower than those in group 1 (IL-1β: t=19.012, P=0.043; t=16.991, P=0.034; t=14.862, P=0.027, respectively; IL-10: t=15.134, P=0.048; t=15.264, P=0.036; t=11.408, P=0.024, respectively). Seventy-two hours after immunization of SD rats, the relative content of rBD-2 protein in lung tissue of rats significantly increased. Protein level in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 4 (t=10.582, P=0.035), while protein level in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (t=13.250, P=0.027). Conclusions rBD-2 gene silencing can improve the inflammatory response induced by Haemophilus influenzae type B combined vaccine in rats Key words: Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine; β-defensin 2; Inflammatory factor; Immunization; Gene silencing

Effect of Cordyceps sinensis and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosidium on podocytes in rats with diabetic nephropathy.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosidium (TWP) on podocytes in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). DN rat models were established and divided randomly into normal control (group A), DN (group B), CS (group C), TWP (group D) and CS and TWP groups (group E). After 12 weeks, levels of 24-h urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), white blood cells, blood glucose (GLU), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and kidney weight (KW)/body weight (BW) were determined. Renal pathological changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, whereas the structural changes in the podocytes were observed under a transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of nephrin and podocin were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. Compared with group A, the SCR and BUN levels in group B were higher (P<0.05) and the GLU, KW/BW and the 24-h urine protein were markedly higher (P<0.01). Moreover, incidences of glomerular disorders, chronic tubulointerstitial damage and glomerular podocyte lesions in groups B, C, D and E were observed, compared with group A. The high cortical expression of nephrin and podocin protein decreased. Compared with group B, the KW/BW and 24-h urinary protein level in groups C, D and E were lower (P<0.01). The glomeruli, tubules and podocytes exhibited pathomorphological improvements and the nephrin and podocin protein expression levels were higher in the nephridial tissue. A decrease in KW/BW and the 24-h urinary protein level, as well as improvements in glomerular disorder, chronic tubulointerstitial damage and glomerular podocyte lesions, were observed in groups C, D and E. Therefore, the results demonstrated that CS and TWP exhibited a protective effect on the podocytes of rats with DN. Moreover, CS combined with TWP increased this protective effect.

Influencing factors of whole blood colloid osmotic pressure in critically ill patients

To analyze the influencing factors of whole blood colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and predict reference range of plasma protein for safe COP to guide clinical infusion of protein in critically ill patients. Physical data and blood gas analysis of 405 patients were collected. The patients were divided into 2 groups by COP: group A (COP≤18 mmHg) and group B (COP>18 mmHg). The serum proteins including total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globumin (Glb) and fibrinogen (FIB) were detected. APACHE II of group B was significantly lower than that of group A (P<0.05). The survival rate, TP, Alb, Glb and FIB of group B were significantly higher than these of group A (P<0.05). Standardized regression coefficient of Alb, Glb and FIB was 0.518, 0.283 and 0.113 (P<0.05); the 95% reference range of 4 types of protein level in group B: Alb>23.3 g/L, Glb 12.6-37.6 g/L and FIB 1.3-8.7 g/L; 5 reformed equations were made. The main influencing factors of COP include Alb, Glb and FIB. We can use the reference range of 4 types of protein level to guide the clinical management of protein agents, and reformed equations can be used to preliminarily forecast COP in critically ill patients.

Clinical significance of TLR3 and TLR4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels and clinical significance of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 and 4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) nephritis. The randomized controlled trial was conducted between August 2011 and March 2013, and 105 children with a clinical diagnosis of HSP were enrolled in the study. According to the 24-h urinary protein measurements and the presence of renal damage, the 105 cases were divided into groups A, B and C as follows: Group A, children with HSP but without renal damage; group B, children with HSP nephritis but without proteinuria; group C, children with HSP nephritis and proteinuria. A total of 30 healthy children were enrolled in the normal control group (group N). The primary endpoints were the detection of TLR3 and 4 mRNA and protein expression levels in PBMCs by flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 in the PBMCs were significantly higher in groups A, B and C when compared with group N. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 in group C were much higher when compared with groups A and B. A positive correlation was identified between TLR4 protein expression and 24-h urinary protein levels in group C. The expression levels of TLR3 did not significantly differ among the groups. Protein and mRNA expression levels of TLR4 in PBMCs significantly increased and exhibited a positive correlation with urinary protein excretion. These results indicate that aberrant activation of TLR4 may be relevant to the development of HSP nephritis.

Differential expression of cardiac uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 in response to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats

AimsWe aimed to evaluate the transcription and translation of genes for uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) & uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) in rat heart mitochondria of both ventricles after myocardial ischemia followed by various periods of reperfusion. Main methodsSeven groups of 8 male Wistar rats were evaluated for the effects of ischemia and also reperfusion, using Western blot of isolated mitochondrial proteins in addition to RNA extraction followed by real-time RT-PCR analysis. Key findingsIn rats with 30min of reperfusion (R30) UCP2 protein was increased 213±33%, which is meaningfully more than the control group (P<0.001). Western blot showed increase in UCP2 protein level in groups receiving reperfusion for 60min (R60), 120min (R120) and 180min (R180) as much as 152±28% (P<0.001 vs. control), 123±19% (P<0.01 vs. control) and 131±30% (P<0.01 vs. control), respectively. There was no statistically important difference in UCP2 mRNA between either right or left ventricles of ischemic and ischemia-reperfusion (IR) groups vs. control group. In the groups R180 and R240, UCP3 protein levels showed 131±27% and 102±18% increase, respectively (both P<0.001 vs. control group). However, the change in UCP3 level in other groups was not significantly different from the control group. SignificanceUCP2 and UCP3 protein levels are considerably increased in the ischemic area early after acute myocardial IR. The right ventricular UCP2 protein expression does not change, that is, effect of IR on UCP2 protein is a local process. However, UCP3 protein level increased both in ischemic area of the left ventricle and in non-ischemic area of the right ventricle.

Functional role of caveolin-1 in airway smooth muscle cells proliferation and regulatory effect of roxithromycin

To explore the functional role of caveolin-1 in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) proliferation and examine the regulatory effect of roxithromycin. The rat model of bronchial asthma was established. Electron microscope was employed to observe the status of caveolae and light microscope for the histological changes in pulmonary tissues. The primarily cultured ASMCs were divided into 5 groups: control (group A), asthmatic ASMCs (group B), PD98059 (group C), roxithromycin (group D) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (group E). Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). And the expressions of caveolin-1, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The cell proliferation of asthmatic ASMCs (0.68 ± 0.15, 0.63 ± 0.13) in groups C and D were significantly less than those in group B (0.96 ± 0.14) (both P < 0.05) while group E was more than group B (1.26 ± 0.11 vs 0.96 ± 0.14, P < 0.05). The content of caveolin-1 (0.392 ± 0.064, 0.332 ± 0.057) in groups C and D were higher than those in group B (0.237 ± 0.032) (both P < 0.05) while ERK1/2 protein level in groups C and D (0.241 ± 0.017, 0.268 ± 0.007) were less than those in group B (0.346 ± 0.009) (both P < 0.01). And MCP-1 protein level in groups C and D (0.198 ± 0.015, 0.286 ± 0.019) were less than those in group B (0.482 ± 0.026) (both P < 0.01). The ERK mRNA level in groups C and D (0.277 ± 0.043, 0.338 ± 0.026) were less than those in group B (0.591 ± 0.022) (both P < 0.01). And also MCP-1 mRNA in groups C and D (0.212 ± 0.042, 0.249 ± 0.032) were less than those in group B (0.676 ± 0.053) (all P < 0.01) CONCLUSIONS: Caveolin-1 preventing the proliferation of asthmatic ASMCs is most likely mediated by ERK1/2 signal pathway and a down-regulation of MCP-1 expression. And roxithromycin reduces the proliferation of asthmatic ASMCs through up-regulating the expression of caveolin-1 and inhibiting the expression of MCP-1.

Impact of cytokines on diffuse splenic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake during positron emission tomography/computed tomography

Concurrent inflammation or anemia at the time of PET/computed tomography (CT) could be one of several causes of diffuse splenic (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) uptake. In this study, we focused on cytokines to investigate interactions during this phenomenon and clarify the significance of splenic (18)F-FDG uptake in PET/CT. We selected 40 patients (17 women and 23 men) with cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, or gallbladder cancer who had undergone PET/CT. These patients were subdivided into two groups (group A: patients showing splenic (18)F-FDG uptake exceeding hepatic uptake; group B: patients showing hepatic (18)F-FDG uptake exceeding splenic uptake). Blood sampling was performed for each patient on the same day as PET/CT, and 22 types of cytokines and hematologic indices were analyzed. Group A showed higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1β (P=0.0478), IL-1RA (P=0.0044), IL-4 (P=0.0118), IL-6 (P=0.0375), IL-7 (P=0.0478), and IL-13 (P=0.0081) compared with group B. However, interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10; P=0.1714), IL-9 (P=0.8022), IL-8 (P=0.1631), IL-5 (P=0.5273), IL-3 (P=0.3097), IL-23 (P=0.1194), IL-2 (P=0.1099), IL-1α (P=0.4439), IL-17α (P=0.8811), IL-16 (P=0.3201), IL-15 (P=0.0580), interferon-γ (IFN-γ; P=0.5308), growth-regulated oncogene (GRO; P=0.2847), granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; P=0.0913), granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; P=0.5244), and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L; P=0.1714) levels in group A were not statistically significantly different compared with those in the control group. In addition, the white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels in group A showed higher values compared with group B. IL-13 among the cytokines and C-reactive protein among the hematologic indices were significant predictors of splenic (18)F-FDG uptake exceeding hepatic (18)F-FDG uptake. This study showed that splenic F-FDG uptake is related to IL-1β, IL-1receptor antagonist, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, and IL-13. These cytokines may reflect the activation of humoral immunity of the spleen.

Age-related decrease of the LAMP-2 gene expression in human leukocytes

ObjectiveAutophagy is a highly conserved degradation pathway in cells, which has been involved in many physiological processes and implicated in human age-related diseases. However, autophagy activities have not been systemically investigated with human tissues and cells. MethodsLysosomal associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2) protein is critical for autophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy. We examined LAMP-2 gene expression and protein levels in the peripheral leukocytes from healthy subjects over 40years old. ResultsCompared to those in group of 40–44years, the LAMP-2 transcript and protein levels in groups of 65–69 (P<0.01) and over 70years (P<0.001) were significantly decreased. No significant difference in LAMP-2 transcript and protein levels were observed between male and female groups. ConclusionsOur data revealed that there was a progressive and age-related decrease of the LAMP-2 gene expression in the peripheral leukocytes of healthy subjects, indicating a trend of decreasing autophagy activities with aging.

Effects of Tridocosahexaenoyl-Glycerol Emulsion on Proteinuria in Rats with Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and an important component of cell membrane phospholipids (PL). Nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis was a worldwide model of the Goodpasture syndrome. We investigated the effects of tridocosahexaenoyl-glycerol (DHA-TG) emulsion on proteinuria in rats with NTS nephritis. Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200 g were used. Twelve rats were treated with NTS via the tail vein and divided into 3 groups (groups A, B, and C). Another 4 rats treated with saline served as controls (group D). DHA-TG and soybean oil emulsions were intraperitoneally administered to the rats in groups A and B, respectively, 24 h prior to NTS injection, and 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after the injection. Saline was administered to the rats in groups C and D in the same manner. All rats were sacrificed on day 6 to obtain plasma and kidney samples. Analyses of urinary protein levels and fatty acid composition of plasma and kidney as well as histological examination of the kidneys were performed. Results: Urinary protein levels in group A were significantly lower than those in group C (35.0 ± 13.3 vs. 79.2 ± 11.8 mg/day on day 5, means ± SE, p < 0.05). DHA levels in the PL fraction of the kidneys in group A were significantly increased compared with those in groups B and C. Conclusions: These results suggest that the DHA-TG emulsion may have beneficial effects on NTS nephritis in the rat.

Influence of najanalgesin from Naja naja on GLT-1 in spinal cord of rat in neuropathic pain

To investigate the influence of najanalgesin on glutamate-glial transporter 1(GLT-1) in spinal cord of rats after L5 spinal nerve ligation and transection (SNL), and explore the spinal analgesic mechanism of najanalgesin. One hundred male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: sham(A), SNL(B), SNL + najanalgesin(C), SNL + saline (D), SNL + najanalgesin + liposome (E), SNL + najanalgesin + liposome + GLT-1 As-ODNs(F) and treated with intrathecal injections of 10 p.L saline (A and D), 40 ng X kg(-1) najanalgesin (C, E and F), qd, respectively. Besides intrathecal administration of najanalgesin the rats were intrathecally injected with 10 microL of GLT-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (As-ODNs) (F) and 10 micdroL of liposome(E) once daily on day 3. The L4-L6 segments of the spinal cord were isolated in 1, 4 and 7 d(A,B,C and D), 7 d(E and F) after surgery. The mRNA and protein of GLT-1 were determined. The SNL model has successfully been set up. Compared to sham group, the expression of GLT-1 mRNA and protein level in group B and D both increased firstly and decreased later, the expression of GLT-1 in group C was significantly increased and kept stable, which were also higher when compared to group D in day 7th. Compared to SNL + najanalgesin group, after intrathecal injection of GLT-1 As-ODNs the GLT-1, expression of GLT-1 in F group significantly decreased. While intrathecal administration of liposome had no significant effect on the spinal GLT-1 expression. Najanalgesin could increase the mRNA and protein expression of GLT-1 in spinal cord, which may be one of its spinal mechanisms of analgesia.

The effectiveness of prestorage leukocyte-reduced red blood cell transfusion on perioperative inflammatory response with a miniaturized biocompatible bypass system

Since 2007, the Japanese Red Cross Blood Center has provided prestorage leukocyte-reduced red blood cell concentrates in which the leukocytes were reduced soon after collection. We have established a miniaturized bypass system (140 mL) to reduce the perioperative inflammatory responses. This study was designed to reveal the effectiveness of leukocyte-reduced red blood cell concentrate transfusion on perioperative inflammatory responses in pediatric cardiac surgery. Between May 2006 and June 2008, 50 consecutive patients weighing less than 5 kg who underwent a surgical procedure with red blood cell concentrate transfusion using a miniaturized bypass system were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-five patients before 2007 received stored red blood cell concentrate in which leukocytes were reduced with a filter just before transfusion (group A). After 2007, 25 patients received the prestorage leukocyte-reduced red blood cell concentrate transfusion (group B). The postoperative peak C-reactive protein level, peak white blood cell count, peak neutrophil count, percentage body weight gain, inotrope score, plasma lactate concentration, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, and length of intensive care unit stay were compared as the perioperative inflammatory response and morbidity for both groups. There were no significant differences in peak white blood cell count, peak neutrophil count, percentage body weight gain, and inotrope score between the groups. The peak C-reactive protein level in group A was significantly greater than that in group B (6.7 +/- 4.7 vs 4.2 +/- 3.6 mg/dL, P < .05). The lactate concentration at 12 and 24 hours after surgical intervention in group A was significantly greater than that in group B (3.1 +/- 2.5 vs 1.9 +/- 1.1 mmol/L [P < .05] and 2.2 +/- 0.2 vs 1.4 +/- 0.2 mmol/L [P < .05], respectively). The postoperative mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stay in group A were significantly greater than those in group B (5.9 +/- 7.4 vs 2.1 +/- 2.0 days [P < .05] and 9.8 +/- 7.9 vs 5.0 +/- 2.1 days [P < 0.05], respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that the leukocyte-reduced red blood cell concentrate transfusion reduced the peak C-reactive protein level (in milligrams per deciliter; coefficient, -2.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.66 to -0.93; P = .003), postoperative mechanical ventilation time (in days; coefficient, -3.41; 95% CI, -6.07 to -0.74; P = .013), and intensive care unit stay (in days; coefficient, -4.51; 95% CI, -7.37 to -1.64; P = .003). Our study revealed that in neonates and small infants, compared with transfusions with stored red blood cell concentrate, transfusion of leukocyte-reduced red blood cell concentrates was associated with reduced perioperative inflammatory responses and improved clinical outcomes.

The C-Reactive Protein Levels in Left Ventricular Dysfunction of Different Etiology

We have investigated variations in the C-reactive protein levels in groups of patients with left ventricular dysfunction of various causes. We have studied 59 patients (ranging from 40 to 80 years, mean age of 64, SD 9) with left ventricular dysfunction caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. These patients have been compared to 30 healthy subjects and to 15 others with acute myocardial infarction. The C-reactive protein levels have been analyzed and correlated to echocardiographic index of the left ventricular function as well as to the clinical parameters. The levels of C-reactive protein show a statistically significant difference between healthy controls and patients with chronic left ventricular dysfunction (0.95mg/l +-0.9 vs 10.17+-13.77; p <0.0001); a statistically significant difference between patients with chronic left ventricular dysfunction and patients with acute myocardial infarction (10.17mg/l+-13.7 vs 30.78+-22.53, p<0.0001), and a statistically significant difference between the group of patients with chronic left ventricular dysfunction of both ischemic and non ischemic origin (15.39mg/l +-18.19 vs 6.83+-8.77, p = 0.0095). When all chronic patients were analyzed together, the levels of C-reactive protein correlated with the New York Heart Association class (r = 0.282, p = 0.015), age (r = 0.231, p = 0.039) and with the end diastolic volume of left ventricle (r = -0.230, p = 0.040). As shown by increment of C-reactive protein values, the immune system is activated in patients with the chronic left ventricular dysfunction. The patients with the chronic left ventricular dysfunction of an ishemic origin have higher levels of C-reactive protein than those of a non-ischemic origin. This difference could depend on the atherosclerotic process present presumably only in the first group.