Rat Whole Blood Research Articles

Mechanical and structural properties of rat and human lymphocytes after the exposure of the whole blood to X-rays in vitro

Objective. By the means of atomic force microscopy to determine the changes in the parameters of the structural and mechanical properties of peripheral blood lymphocytes induced by the irradiation of whole blood by X-rays and identifying the possibility of assessing a state and radiation-induced lymphocyte death programs by analyzing a set of such parameters.Materials and methods. Whole blood of rats and humans was irradiated with X-rays (1–100 Gy) in vitro. Lymphocytes were isolated from the blood after a day of storage, placed on glass slides, fixed with glutaraldehyde and dried. The study of structural and mechanical properties was carried out with the help of atomic force microscope Bruker Bioscope Resolve in Peak Force QNM mode in air. For the sets of AFM parameters, which included elastic modulus, adhesion force, cell surface roughness and cell sizes, a k-mean clustering of data was carried out for the studied experimental groups.Results. The X-ray irradiation of the blood caused changes in the structural and mechanical properties of lymphocytes measured by AFM at the nanoscale. Clustering analysis of the sets of AFM parameters revealed clusters with similar structure in each experimental group (humans, 6and 16-month rats). The studied four clusters were associated with cell states and cell death programs: non-activated cells, activated cells with increased stiffness, apoptotic cells with reduced stiffness, and cells dying via programs other than apoptotic ones with increased stiffness. Each cluster (cell type) with a specific set of AFM parameters was represented differently in the blood lymphocyte population, depending on the dose of X-rays.Conclusion. The set of ACM parameters of lymphocytes including elastic modulus, adhesion force, roughness, and cell sizes, can be helpful for automatically determining the state and death program of lymphocytes after the local irradiation of humans with the involvement of peripheral blood (for example, after radio-therapeutic causes).

Characteristics of radiosensitivity of organisms using parameters of redox properties of blood plasma

The dependences of the parameters of the kinetic curve of chemiluminescence of the ABAP+luminol system in the presence of blood plasma after irradiation of whole blood of Wistar rats (10 and 16 months) and mice (4 months) of the BALB/c line with in vitro X-ray radiation at a dose of 0,5-200 Gy were analyzed. The differences in the nature of the dependences of the studied parameters associated with the redox properties of blood plasma on the type of organism and its age are established. The results of the analysis of the data obtained indicate a higher radiosensitivity of mouse blood compared to rat blood, which can serve as confirmation of the radiosensitivity of the BALB/c mouse line.

Зміна окремих показників еритроцитів крові щурів за впливу гістаміну і кверцетину

Зміна окремих показників еритроцитів крові щурів за впливу гістаміну і кверцетину

Determination of the free radical reactions in whole blood of Wistar rats under stress-induced physical exercise

Determination of the free radical reactions in whole blood of Wistar rats under stress-induced physical exercise

Yanning Syrup ameliorates the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation: Adjusting the gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, and the CD4+ T cell balance

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs a commercial Chinese patent medicine, Yanning Syrup (YN) is used to treat acute upper respiratory tract infections and acute enteritis effectively in clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Aims of the studyTo reveal the effect of YN on gut microbiota dysbiosis, and explore the potential role of the gut microecosystem and CD4+ T cell immune homeostasis in YN-treated respiratory and intestinal diseases in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory rats. MethodsInflammation in rat models was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (8 mg/kg). Histological changes were observed by H & E staining. Changes in gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics. A Luminex cytokine microarray and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted to evaluate the serum and colon cytokine profiles. The frequencies of immune cells, including Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and whole blood were phenotyped using flow cytometry. ResultsThe YN-treated rats showed less colon inflammation, as evidenced by the reduction in mortality rate and histology score. Notably, YN was found to improve the immunosuppressed state induced by LPS in rats, which not only upregulated the levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A and the immunosuppressive cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in colon tissue but also increased the levels of IL-1α, IL-5, IL-7, IL-12 (p70), GM-CSF and VEGF in serum. The numbers of Th17 cells and Treg cells in the MLNs, blood, and BALF of model rats were regulated by YN, with the restoration of the Th17/Treg balance. Additionally, the Th1/Th2 balance in MLNs and whole blood of model rats was restored after YN administration. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene indicated that YN-treated rats exhibited greater gut microbial diversity and flora composition, specifically inhibiting some harmful bacteria such as Enterobacter and Blautia and increasing Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. Targeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated an increase of SCFA (acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid) production in YN-treated rats. Most of the dominant bacterial genera regulated by YN administration were correlated with the concentrations of SCFA and inflammatory cytokines. ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that YN could ameliorate LPS-induced inflammation in rats by modifying gut microbiota, increasing microbiota-derived SCFA production and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 cells.

Effect of X-ray radiation on the nanomechanical properties of the erythrocyte surface of rats on a high-cholesterol diet

Objective. To reveal changes in the structural and nanomechanical properties of the erythrocyte surface caused by the action of X-ray radiation in vitro on the whole blood of rats on a high-cholesterol diet using the method of atomic-force microscopy.Materials and methods. The blood of male Wistar rats being on a high-cholesterol diet for two months was exposed to X-ray radiation (320 kV) at doses of 1 and 100 Gy. The structural, elastic and adhesive properties of the surface of isolated and glutaraldehyde-fxed erythrocytes at the nanoscale were studied using the atomic- force microscope BioScope Resolve in PeakForce QNM mode in air.Results. The study has identifed an increase in the stiffness of the erythrocyte surface at a dose of 1 Gy and its decrease to almost control values at a dose of 100 Gy, which was accompanied by an increase in the size of the average cell of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton. At the same time, no signifcant changes in the morphology, adhesive properties and roughness of the relief of erythrocytes have been found.Conclusion. The obtained data indicate that X-ray radiation (1–100 Gy) induces the dose-depending reorganization of the structure and changes in the stiffness of the erythrocyte surface layer at the nanoscale without changing the cell morphology for rats on a high-cholesterol diet.

Protective Effects of Luteolin and Gallic Acid Against Storage-Induced Oxidative Damage in Whole Blood of Female Wistar Rats

Introduction: Whole blood undergoes oxidative stress that precipitates biochemical changes that can lead to lesions during storage. This study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of gallic acid and luteolin separately and in their combined state against oxidative damage during blood storage. Materials and Methods: Rats were grouped into control and experimental. Blood collected was stored for 28 days at 4°C. On day 0, 14, and 28, blood was withdrawn to study oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and protein oxidation products. Results: Catalase activity reduced in all groups. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level increased in control without antioxidants (p < 0.05). Combined antioxidants or when separately added at lower concentrations, significantly reduced the TBARS level. Individual antioxidants at higher concentrations increased TBARS as compared with control (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). Decrease in superoxide dismutase activity observed in control was prevented by the antioxidants. Protein sulfhydryl level was restored and sustained until the last day of storage in groups that received individual antioxidants at both concentrations and the combined form at a lower concentration. Addition of either luteolin or gallic acid and their combined form reduced advanced oxidation protein products formation noticed in the control during storage. Conclusions: Luteolin and gallic acid were beneficial in the area of increased antioxidant capacity, prevention of protein product formation, and maintenance of sulfhydryl level. Their combination also showed a synergistic effect that offered a potential to improve long-term storage of whole blood. The antioxidants could possibly collaborate to be excellent potential blood storage additives providing protection against oxidative damage through their antiradical properties.

Lymphocyte cytoskeleton reorganization caused by a short-term action of an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (50 Hz) on the blood in vitro

Objective: to detect changes in the parameters of the structure and mechanical properties of the surface layer of lymphocytes in the blood of a rat after a single action (30 min and 2 h) of an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) on the rat`s whole blood in vitro.Material and methods. We exposed the whole blood of a Wistar rat (4.5 months) to the effect of ELF EMF (50 Hz, B = 0.79 mT), generated by an experimental setup based on a Helmholtz coil. Lymphocytes were isolated from the blood using the Histopaque-1077 density gradient sedimentation method, then were placed on the surface of glass slides and fixed with glutaraldehyde, and finally were dried. We performed atomic force microscopy (AFM) using the atomic force microscope Bioscope Resolve in the PeakForce QMN mode in air.Results. On the basis of the results of the analysis of the AFM images, we classified the lymphocytes into several morphological types depending on the size of the lamellopodium. We analyzed the mechanical properties of the surface areas sized 250 nm × 250 nm for lymphocytes with the lamellopodium sized 400–1100 nm. The analysis found an rise in the elastic modulus of the lymphocyte surface after a short-term action (30 min) of ELF EMF. When the time of the ELF EMF exposure was increased up to 2 hours, the elastic (elastic modulus) and adhesive properties (the adhesion force between the AFM probe tip and cell surface) of the lymphocytes were significantly weakened.Conclusion. For the first time using the AFM method we have detected nanoscale changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the surface of the rat`s lymphocytes after a short-term action of ELF EMF (50 Hz, 0.79 mT, 30 min), which are indicative of the activation of the functions of lymphocytes as an immune system component in response to the short-term exposure of ELF EMF.

Effect of Low-Intensity Blue Light Emission on Physicochemical Properties of Blood Erythrocytes in Rats under Diabetes Mellitus Conditions

Abstract—The physicochemical characteristics of erythrocyte membranes from the peripheral whole blood of rats and the erythrocytes washed with physiological solution, using the method of acid hemolysis, under diabetes mellitus conditions and against the therapy based on low-intensity blue light emission in the visible light range have been studied. The use of low-intensity light therapy (LILT) led to a decrease in the resistance of erythrocyte membranes to the action of acid hemolytic in the control group animals. Under diabetes conditions, LILT prolonged total hemolysis and reduced the count of hemolysed erythrocytes relative to the indices in the group of animals with DM. No expressed hypoglycemic effect due to the LILT was observed in sick animals, and the content of glycolysed hemoglobin tended to decrease.

Toll-like receptor-2 mediates systemic inflammation in gentamicin-induced rat nephrotoxicity.

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly administrated to patients with Gram-negative infections. Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity by functional and structural impairment. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as key mediators in the innate and adaptive immune system response involved in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the gene expression of TLR2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the renal tissues and buffy coat of the whole blood in gentamicin-treated rats. Twenty adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-200 were randomly divided into gentamicin (100mg/kg, i.p) and control groups (n=10). After 10days, the serum creatinine (Cr) levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. The mRNA levels of TLR2, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant peptide (MCP)-1 were investigated in the renal tissue and buffy coat by qRT-PCR. Kidney histological analysis performed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Functional disturbance is characterized by a significant increase in the serum levels of Cr and BUN in the gentamicin group. Renal tissue slides of the gentamicin group indicated severe glomerular and tubular damage including lobulation of the glomerular tuft, Bowman's space enlargement, acute tubular necrosis, and proximal tubular destruction. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, and TLR2 increased in the buffy coat, but all of them except TLR2 decreased in the renal tissues in the gentamicin group compared with controls. Gentamicin administration induced relative systemic inflammation, which may be related to an increase in the mRNA levels of TLR2 results in gene expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in immune cells.

Anti-inflammatory mechanism of Crepis crocea based on NF-κB signaling pathway and ~1H-NMR metabonomics

Based on ~1H-NMR metabonomics technique and Western blot assay, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Crepis crocea was discussed. In this study, male SD rats were treated with water extract(2.5 g·kg~(-1)) and dexamethasone acetate(6.25×10~(-4) g·kg~(-1)) for one week, and the inflammation model was induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Then the counts of inflammatory cells white blood ceel(WBC), eosinophil(EO), lymphocyte(LY), basophils(BA) and neutrophils(NE) in whole blood of rats were observed. The levels of serum inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6 and the expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway p65 and p-IκBα proteins in lung tissues were detected, and the change rules of serum endogenous metabolites were analyzed by ~1H-NMR metabonomics technique. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NF-κB signaling pathway p65 and p-IκBα proteins were combined with ~1H-NMR metabonomics to study the anti-inflammatory mechanism of C. crocea. The results showed that the water extract of C. crocea significantly decreased the number of WBC, NE, EO, increased the number of BA and LY, decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and the expression of p65 and p-IκBα protein in NF-κB signaling pathway, and effectively alleviated the inflammatory symptoms. In the correlation analysis of differential metabolites regulated of C. crocea, four significant metabolites were obtained, including glycine, creatine, methionine and succinic acid. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of C. crocea may be related to the decrease of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels and the protein expression of NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the regulation of glycine, creatine, methionine and succinic acid metabolism.

Radioprotective profile of Urtica dioica L. seed extract on oxidative DNA-damage in liver tissue and whole blood of radiation-administered rats

It was aimed to investigate the radioprotective activity of Urtica dioica L. seed extract (UDSE) in the whole blood and liver of radiation-administered rats, both biochemically and immunohistochemically. 32 rats were divided into 4 groups (n:8). Control group (C): no administration for 10 days. Radiation group (IR): fed pellets for 10 days after exposure to radiation. Radiation + UDSE (IR+UDSE) group: exposed to radiation and fed UDSE for 10 days. UDSE group (UDSE): fed UDSE for 10 days. Radiation (5Gy) was given as a single fraction. 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and deoxyguanosine (dG) levels were analyzed by biochemical method and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) analyses were performed by immunohistochemical method in the liver and blood tissues of the rats. The increased 8-OHdG rates and decreased GPx-1 immunoreactivity was observed in the IR group. Those parameters were ameliorated in the IR+UDSE group when compared to the IR group. UDSE is likely to be a valuable radioprotector against the harmful effects of radiation.

Catalytic Cleavage of Disulfide Bonds in Small Molecules and Linkers of Antibody-Drug Conjugates.

In cells, catalytic disulfide cleavage is an essential mechanism in protein folding and synthesis. However, detailed enzymatic catalytic mechanism relating cleavage of disulfide bonds in xenobiotics is not well understood. This study reports an enzymatic mechanism of cleavage of disulfide bonds in xenobiotic small molecules and antibody conjugate (ADC) linkers. The chemically stable disulfide bonds in substituted disulfide-containing pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD, pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine) monomer prodrugs in presence of glutathione or cysteine were found to be unstable in incubations in whole blood of humans and rats. It was shown the enzymes involved were thioredoxin (TRX) and glutaredoxin (GRX). For a diverse set of drug-linker conjugates, we determined that TRX in the presence of TRX-reductase and NADPH generated the cleaved products that are consistent with catalytic disulfide cleavage and linker immolation. GRX was less rigorously studied; in the set of compounds studied, its role in the catalytic cleavage was also confirmed. Collectively, these in vitro experiments demonstrate that TRX as well as GRX can catalyze the cleavage of disulfide bonds in both small molecules and linkers of ADCs.

MicroRNA and their target mRNAs change expression in whole blood of patients after intracerebral hemorrhage

Previous studies showed changes in mRNA levels in whole blood of rats and humans, and in miRNA in whole blood of rats following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Thus, this study assessed miRNA and their putative mRNA targets in whole blood of humans following ICH. Whole transcriptome profiling identified altered miRNA and mRNA levels in ICH patients compared to matched controls. Target mRNAs of the differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, and functional analysis of the miRNA-mRNA targets was performed. Twenty-nine miRNAs (22 down, 7 up) and 250 target mRNAs (136 up, 114 down), and 7 small nucleolar RNA changed expression after ICH compared to controls (FDR < 0.05, and fold change ≥ |1.2|). These included Let7i, miR-146a-5p, miR210-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-221, miR-874, miR-17-3p, miR-378a-5p, miR-532-5p, mir-4707, miR-4450, mir-1183, Let-7d-3p, miR-3937, miR-4288, miR-4741, miR-92a-1-3p, miR-4514, mir-4658, mir-3689d-1, miR-4760-3p, and mir-3183. Pathway analysis showed regulated miRNAs/mRNAs were associated with toll-like receptor, natural killer cell, focal adhesion, TGF-β, phagosome, JAK-STAT, cytokine–cytokine receptor, chemokine, apoptosis, vascular smooth muscle, and RNA degradation signaling. Many of these pathways have been implicated in ICH. The differentially expressed miRNA and their putative mRNA targets and associated pathways may provide diagnostic biomarkers as well as point to therapeutic targets for ICH treatments in humans.

Ultrasound shear wave elastography effectively predicts integrity of ventral hernia repair using acellular dermal matrix augmented with platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Complications of ventral hernia repair (VHR) may be investigated by computed tomography or ultrasound (US) but neither modality gives a quantifiable metric of repair quality short of identifying hernia recurrence. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a growth factor-rich autologous blood product, has been shown to improve incorporation of native tissue with bioprosthetics. In this study, we investigate the effect of PRP on the incorporation and mechanical integrity of a non-crosslinked porcine acellular dermal matrix (pADM) in a rodent model of VHR and the correlative ability of ultrasound shear wave elastography (US-SWE) to assess repair quality. PRP was isolated from whole blood of Lewis rats. Twenty-eight Lewis rats underwent chronic VHR using either pADM alone or augmented with autologous PRP prior to non-invasive imaging assessment and specimen harvest at either 3 or 6months. US-SWE was performed to estimate the Young's modulus prior to histological assessment and data from PRP-treated rodents were compared to controls. Implanted pADM was easily distinguishable by US-SWE imaging in all cases analyzed in this study. The mean Young's modulus measured was 1.78 times and 2.54 times higher in PRP-treated samples versus control at 3-month and 6-month time points respectively (p < 0.05). At 3months, qualitative and quantitative histology revealed decreased inflammation and improved incorporation in PRP-treated samples along the implant/abdominal wall interface. At 6months, the PRP cohort had no hernia recurrence and preserved ADM integrity from immunologic degradation, while all control animals suffered hernia recurrence (4/6) or extreme ADM thinning (2/6). This study confirms both the efficacy of PRP in augmenting VHR using pADM, as well as the reliability of US-SWE to non-invasively predict the quality of VHR. Although further human studies are necessary, this work supports PRP use to improve VHR outcomes and US-SWE potential for bedside non-invasive hernia characterization.

Expression changes of CD177 and MPO as novel biomarkers in lung tissue of CLP model rats

Sepsis is an unregulated systemic response to microbial invasion that can lead to multiple organ failure. This study aims at investigating the relationships among myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD177 in major organ systems including whole blood, liver, and lung tissues in septic rats. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in female Wistar rats. Whole blood, liver, and lung samples were obtained from rats of 3 groups (n = 10 for each group, n total = 30: control as a wild-type group, laparotomy group (LAP), and CLP). Gene expression of MPO and CD177 in targeted tissues was determined by real-time PCR after CLP. MPO activity was also determined by ELISA method for the result validation of the real-time PCR. Expression levels of MPO increased significantly in all targeted organs in the CLP group, while CD177 expression was upregulated only in lung tissue in response to sepsis (P < 0.05). The results obtained with ELISA analysis also show that MPO level was significantly increased in all the targeted tissues in the CLP group (P < 0.05). A high level of MPO as an inflammatory enzyme can be a potentially novel biomarker for sepsis in all organs. On the other hand, CD177 may be a marker in lung tissue.

Efficacy of antidotes and their combinations in the treatment of acute carbamate poisoning in rats

BackgroundPhysostigmine and its analogues neostigmine, pyridostigmine and rivastigmine are carbamates nowadays used in many indications, including antidotal effects against antimuscarinic poisonings, reversal of competitive neuromuscular block, myasthenia gravis, Alzheimer’s disease and prophylaxis against nerve agent intoxications. Use of these medicinal carbamates, but also of carbamate insecticides, created need for research into the potential and mechanisms of action of several antidotes against carbamate poisonings, including anticholinergics and oximes. AimThe goal of this experimental study was to ascertain the life-preserving potential of anticholinergics atropine, hexamethonium and d-tubocurarine, oxime HI-6 and their combinations in rats poisoned with physostigmine or pyridostigmine. Materials and methodsExperiments were performed in Wistar rats. Carbamates were injected subcutaneously (sc) and antidotes intramuscularly (im). Median lethal dose (LD50) in animals treated with antidotes were compared to the ones in saline-treated rats and protective ratios (PRs) were calculated. Atropine (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), hexamethonium (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), d-tubocurarine (0.005, 0.010 and 0.020 mg/kg) and oxime HI-6 (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were used as monotherapies and in dual combinations, where atropine was the obligatory antidote. Biochemical experiments consisted in measuring of the cholinesterase activities in brain, whole blood and diaphragm in rats 5, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after poisoning with 0.8 LD50 of physostigmine or pyridostigmine. ResultsAll the tested antidotes assured some degree of protection against the two carbamates. Atropine and hexamethonium produced better protection in physostigmine-poisoned rats, while d-tubocurarine and HI-6 were more efficacious in pyridostigmine-intoxicated animals. Oxime HI-6 50 mg/kg reactivated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain inhibited by physostigmine and in diaphragm inhibited by pyridostigmine. ConclusionsMechanism of physostigmine-induced lethal effect is predominantly central and it involves inhibition of brain AChE, while pyridostigmine produces the same effect exclusively outside the central nervous system, by inhibiting AChE in the respiratory muscles. As a consequence, increasing doses of atropine and their combination with hexamethonium assure excellent protection against physostigmine toxicity, while the best protection against pyridostigmine is provided by a strictly peripherally acting antinicotinic d-tubocurarine and bispyridinium oxime HI-6. The oxime acts as antidote against physostigmine and pyridostigmine poisoning by reactivating AChE in the brain and diaphragm, respectively.

Oxidative stress, cholinesterase activity, and DNA damage in the liver, whole blood, and plasma of Wistar rats following a 28-day exposure to glyphosate.

In this 28 day-study, we evaluated the effects of herbicide glyphosate administered by gavage to Wistar rats at daily doses equivalent to 0.1 of the acceptable operator exposure level (AOEL), 0.5 of the consumer acceptable daily intake (ADI), 1.75 (corresponding to the chronic population-adjusted dose, cPAD), and 10 mg kg-1 body weight (bw) (corresponding to 100 times the AOEL). At the end of each treatment, the body and liver weights were measured and compared with their baseline values. DNA damage in leukocytes and liver tissue was estimated with the alkaline comet assay. Oxidative stress was evaluated using a battery of endpoints to establish lipid peroxidation via thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) level, level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) level, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Total cholinesterase activity and the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were also measured. The exposed animals gained less weight than control. Treatment resulted in significantly higher primary DNA damage in the liver cells and leukocytes. Glyphosate exposure significantly lowered TBARS in the liver of the AOEL, ADI, and cPAD groups, and in plasma in the AOEL and cPAD group. AChE was inhibited with all treatments, but the AOEL and ADI groups significantly differed from control. Total ChE and plasma/liver ROS/GSH levels did not significantly differ from control, except for the 35 % decrease in ChE in the AOEL and ADI groups and a significant drop in liver GSH in the cPAD and 100xAOEL groups. AOEL and ADI blood GSH-Px activity dropped significantly, but in the liver it significantly increased in the ADI, cPAD, and 100xAOEL groups vs. control. All these findings show that even exposure to low glyphosate levels can have serious adverse effects and points to a need to change the approach to risk assessment of low-level chronic/sub-chronic glyphosate exposure, where oxidative stress is not necessarily related to the genetic damage and AChE inhibition.

Expression of adhesion molecules on granulocytes and monocytes following myocardial infarction in rats drinking white wine.

Neutrophils and monocytes through their CD15s, CD11b and CD44 adhesion molecules are implicated in the initiation and resolution of cardiac inflammation as well as in healing processes after the myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of white wine consumption on granulocyte and monocyte CD15s, CD11b, and CD44 expression 24h after the surgically inflicted MI. Granulocytes and monocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry, using whole blood of male Sprague–Dawley rats that consumed white wine for 4 weeks. This group was compared with water only drinking controls, sham animals (subject to surgery without myocardial infarction) and baseline group (intact animals that received no intervention prior to being sacrificed). Sham animals did not differ from baseline animals in CD11b+CD44+ percentage and CD44+ median fluorescence intensity. Wine drinking was associated with striking increase in CD44 expression on monocyte subpopulations. Its expression was three and fourfold increased on monocytes and large monocytes, respectively, relative to the water only drinking controls. Because of known role of CD44 on suppression of post-infarction inflammation, its upregulation on granulocytes and monocytes may significantly contribute to the microenvironment favourable for the cardiac regeneration.

SR-TXRF analysis of trace elements in whole blood and heart of rats: effects of irradiation with low and high doses

In the last decades, studies showed that the exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation of the body could sense and activate the cell signaling pathways needed to respond to any induced cellular damage. This procedure reduces cell killing compared with a single dose of high radiation dose. Damage to the vasculature can affect the function of most body organs by restricting blood flow and oxygen to tissues; however, the heart and brain are of main concern. The precise relationship between long-term health effects and low-dose exposures remain poorly understood. Biological markers are powerful tools that can be used to determine dose- response relationships and to estimate risk, especially when dealing with, the effects of low dose exposures in humans. These markers should be specific, sensitive, as well as easy and fast to quantify. Various types of biologic specimens are potential candidates for identifying biomarkers but blood has the advantage of being minimally invasive to obtain. In this study, we propose to apply total reflection X-ray fluorescence to quantify possible chemical elemental concentration (sulfer, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium) changes in blood and heart tissues of Wistar rats after total body irradiation with low (0.1 Gy) and high (2.5 Gy) doses. The fluorescence measurements were carried out at the X-ray Fluorescence beamline in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory. The results showed that the irradiated animals with low doses have significant alterations in blood and cardiac tissue when compared with animals that received high doses of radiation. Taken together the analysis of all the elements, we can observe that the radiation induced oxidative stress may be the leading cause for alteration of the elemental level in the studied samples.