Serum LDH Activity Research Articles

Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced fibrotic rats: effect of Vernonia amygdalina on extracellular matrix and Hepatic/lysosomal integrity

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Hepatic fibrosis is the accumulation of extracellular matrix protein, or scar, in response to acute or chronic liver injury. This study investigated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of <em>Vernonia amygdalina</em> on extracellular matrix protein: hyaluronic acid (HA), liver synthetic molecules: total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB) as well as lysosomal membrane stability: acid phosphatase (ACP) in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced fibrotic rats.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Wistar albino male rats were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg DMN on first three days a week for two weeks. Ethanolic leaf extracts of <em>Vernonia amygdalina</em> (200 mg /kg) was administered simultaneously by oral gavage daily for two weeks. All rats were sacrificed after 24 hours of last administration by cardiac puncture, and blood collected from the ocular vein. Analysis of serum ACP and LDH activities with those of the concentrations of HA, ALB, TP and TB were carried out.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Administration of DMN to rats significantly increased HA and TB concentration and the activities of ACP and LDH (p<0.05) in the serum while it significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum TP and ALB concentrations when compared with controls. However, simultaneous administration of ethanolic leaf extracts of <em>Vernonia amygdalina</em> with DMN significantly (p<0.05) reversed these changes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study shows that <em>Vernonia amygdalina</em> possesses hepatoprotective, lysosomal membrane stabilizing and anti-fibrotic properties may be due to its antioxidant and phytochemical constituents.</p>

Summer-Long Grazing of High vs. Low Endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum)-Infected Tall Fescue by Growing Beef Steers Results in Distinct Temporal Blood Analyte Response Patterns, with Poor Correlation to Serum Prolactin Levels.

Previously, we reported the effects of fescue toxicosis on developing Angus-cross steer growth, carcass, hepatic mRNA, and protein expression profiles of selected serum proteins, and blood clinical and chemical profiles, after summer-long grazing (85 days) of high endophyte (HE)- vs. low endophyte (LE)-infected fescue pastures. We now report the temporal development of acute, intermediate, and chronic responses of biochemical and clinical blood analytes determined at specified time intervals (period 1, day 0–36; period 2, day 37–58; and period 3, day 59–85). Throughout the trial, the alkaloid concentrations of the HE forage was consistently 19–25 times greater (P ≤ 0.002) than the concentration in the LE forage, and HE vs. LE steers had continuously lower (P ≤ 0.049) serum prolactin (85%), cholesterol (27%), and albumin (5%), but greater red blood cells (7%). The HE steers had decreased (P = 0.003) ADG only during period 1 (−0.05 vs. 0.4 kg/day). For period 1, HE steers had reduced (P ≤ 0.090) numbers of eosinophils (55%) and lymphocytes (18%), serum triglyceride (27%), and an albumin/globulin ratio (9%), but an increased bilirubin concentration (20%). During period 2, serum LDH activities were 18% lower (P = 0.022) for HE vs. LE steers. During period 3, serum levels of ALP (32%), ALT (16%), AST (15%), creatine kinase (35%), glucose (10%), and LDH (23%) were lower (P ≤ 0.040) for HE steers. Correlation analysis of serum prolactin and other blood analytes revealed that triglycerides (P = 0.042) and creatinine (P = 0.021) were moderately correlated (r ≤ 0.433) with HE serum prolactin. In conclusion, three HE-induced blood analyte response patterns were identified: continually altered, initially altered, and subsequently “recovered,” or altered only after long-term exposure. Blood analytes affected by length of grazing HE vs. LE forages were either not or poorly correlated with serum prolactin. These data reveal important, temporal, data about how young cattle respond to the challenge of consuming HE pasture.

Effect and mechanism of icariin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury model in diabetes rats

To study the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of icariin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury ( MIRI) model in diabetes rats. The model of diabetic rats were induced by Streptozotocin (STZ), then the model of MIRI was established by ligating the reversible left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min, and then reperfusing for 120 min. totally 40 male SD were randomly divided into five groups: the control group (NS), the ischemia reperfusion group (NIR), the diabetes control group (MS), the diabetic ischemia reperfusion group (MIR) and the diabetic ischemia reperfusion with icariin group (MIRI). The changes in blood glucose, body weight and living status were observed; the enzyme activity of serum CK-MB, LDH, GSH-Px and myocardium SOD and the content MDA and NO in myocardium were detected; the myocardial pathological changes were observed by HE staining; the myocardial Caspase-3, the Bcl-2, Bax protein expressions were detected by Western blot. The result showed that the diabetes model was successfully replicated; myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was more serious in diabetes rats; icariin can increase NO, SOD, GSH-Px, Bcl-2 protein expression, decrease MDA formation, CK-MB and LDH activities and Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 protein expressions and myocardial damage. The result suggested that icariin may play a protective role against ischemia reperfusion myocardial injury in diabetes rats by resisting oxidative stress and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Hepatoprotective effects of polysaccharides extracted from Zizyphus jujube cv. Huanghetanzao

Jujube polysaccharides have been proved to have various bioactivities. This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition and hepatoprotective function of the polysaccharides extracted from Zizyphus jujube cv. Huanghetanzao (HJP). The composition of HJP was determined as heteropolysaccharides with galactose and arabinose being the main components. The pretreatment of mice with HJP significantly (p<0.01) reduced the activities of serum hepatic AST, ALT, and LDH induced by CCl4 or acetaminophen (APAP) while the commercial liver-injury treatment drug silybin did not show any prevention effects. Mechanistic study results indicate that the administration of the CCl4- or APAP-injured mice with HJP enhanced SOD and GSH-Px and decreased MDA, indicating that anti-oxidation and detoxification could be the pathways for the liver protection observed. In addition, the liver prevention and treatment effects of HJP on the liver damage induced by CCl4 or APAP obtained from the liver enzyme analyses were confirmed by the hepatic histopathology studies in mice. Therefore, HJP could be used as a prevention and treatment agent for liver injury induced by liver toxic chemicals and drugs.

Influence of intravenous injection of hydroxyapatite on mouse movement ability

Lactic acid is usually formed during strenuous exercise, and a large amount of lactic acid and slow anaerobic glycolysis in muscle lead to limitations of movement ability. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is an alkaline inorganic material with a good biocompatibility. It slowly degrades in vivo and releases trace amounts of calcium ions, reducing cell damage by reacting with polylactic acid and neutralizing local acid environment. Whether HAp can reduce the concentration of lactic acid in vivo and improve movement ability is not yet clear. Here, after eight days of training, 40 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, distilled water, sodium bicarbonate and HAp group. After one day of rest, the mice were intravenously injected via the lateral tail veins with 1 ml distilled water, sodium bicarbonate and HAp suspension (2.2 mg/ml), respectively, and subjected to a swimming exhaustive experiment (load 10%). The swimming time of mice in the water, under water and total time were recorded. The exhaustive exercise mice were immediately subject to abdominal cavity anaesthesia. The concentrations of blood, gastrocnemius and myocardial lactic acid as well as serum LDH activity were detected. We demonstrate that HAp can significantly prolong swimming time and improve serum LDH activity, but does not affect lactic acid concentration. In conclusion, intravenous injection of HAp nanoparticles can significantly improve the exhaustive swimming ability of mice mainly because of the elevated blood LDH activity induced by HAp.

RETRACTED: Genotoxicity assessment of cerium oxide nanoparticles in female Wistar rats after acute oral exposure

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs; nanoceria) have demonstrated excellent potential for commercial use in various arenas, such as in biomedical industry in cosmetics and as a fuel additive. However, limited knowledge exists regarding their potential toxicity. In this study, acute oral toxicity of CeO2 NPs and their microparticles (MPs; bulk) was carried out in female albino Wistar rats. The CeO2 NPs and CeO2 MPs were characterized utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) for the size, distribution and surface charge respectively. The genotoxicity studies were conducted using micronucleus test (MNT), comet and chromosomal aberration (CA) assays. Results revealed that at high dose (1000mg/kg bw) CeO2 NPs induced significant DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and liver cells, micronucleus formation in bone marrow and blood cells and total cytogenetic changes in bone marrow. However, significant genotoxicity was not observed at 500 and 100mg/kg bw of CeO2 NPs. The findings from biochemical assays depicted significant alterations in ALP and LDH activity in serum and GSH content in liver, kidneys and brain only at the high dose of CeO2 NPs. Tissue biodistribution of both particles was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Bioaccumulation of nanoceria in all tissues was significant and dose-, time- and organ-dependent. Moreover, CeO2 NPs exhibited higher tissue distribution along with greater clearance in large fractions through urine and feces than CeO2 bulk, whereas, maximum amount of micro-sized CeO2 got excreted in feces. The histopathological examination documented alterations in the liver due to exposure with CeO2 NPs only. Hence, the results suggest that bioaccumulation of CeO2 NPs may induce genotoxic effects. However, further research on long term fate and adverse effects of CeO2 NPs is warranted.

Study of the protective mechanisms of Compound Danshen Tablet (Fufang Danshen Pian) against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via the Akt-eNOS signaling pathway in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCompound Danshen Tablet (CDT), an herbal preparation consisting of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Radix and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), Notoginseng (Radix and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen) and Borneolum Syntheticum, is widely used to improve coronary heart disease, cardiac angina and atherosclerosis in clinic in Asia and Pacific Ocean area, especially in China. AimThe study is to research the protective mechanisms of Compound Danshen Tablet (CDT) against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury via the Akt-eNOS signaling Pathway in rats. Materials and methodsRats were randomized into 7 groups: Sham group; Model group; Low-Dose CDT group (0.315g/kg/d, i.g); Middle-Dose CDT group (0.63g/kg/d, i.g); High-Dose CDT group (1.26g/kg/d, i.g); Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP) group (0.0945g/kg/d, i.g); Sulfotanshinone Sodium Injection (Tan II A) group (5mg/kg/d, i.m). After the administration, the hearts of the rats were subjected to 30min of coronary artery occlusion and 2h of reperfusion except the Sham group rats. ResultsCDT significantly decreased infarct size, apoptosis, caspase-3 protein expression, MDA level in myocardial tissues, the activities of serum CK, LDH and cTnI; on the contrary, it increased p-Akt, p-eNOS, bcl-2 protein expression, the activities of SOD and tissue LDH, and the level of NO. ConclusionsCDT can protect cardiomyocytes against MI/R injury and inhibits apoptosis in rats by activating Akt-eNOS signaling pathway.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Crataegus songarica methanol extract.

The protective activity of the methanolic extract of the Crataegus songarica leaves was investigated against CCl4- and paracetamol-induced liver damage. On folklore levels, this plant is popularly used to treat various toxicological diseases. We evaluated both in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity of C. songarica. At higher concentration of plant extract (700 µg/ml), 88.106% inhibition on DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed and reducing power of extract was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. We also observed its inhibition on Fe2+/ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation on rat liver microsomes in vitro. In addition, C. songarica extract exhibited antioxidant effects on calf thymus DNA damage induced by Fenton reaction. Hepatotoxicity was induced by challenging the animals with CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight, i.p.) and paracetamol (500 mg/kg body weight) and the extract was administered at three concentrations (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight). Hepatoprotection was evaluated by determining the activities of liver function marker enzymes and antioxidant status of liver. Administration of CCl4 elevated the levels of liver function enzymes, SGOT, SGPT, and LDH. We also observed a dramatic increase in ALT, AST, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels in rats administered 500 mg/kg body weight of paracetamol. Decreased antioxidant defense system as glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed in rats treated with CCl4 and paracetamol. Pretreatment with the extract decreased the elevated serum GOT, GPT, LDH, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase activities and increased the antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, C. songarica methanol extract may be an effective hepatic protective agent and viable candidate for treating hepatic disorders and other oxidative stress-related diseases.

Hepatoprotective effects of fermented Curcuma longa L. on carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats

The hepatoprotective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. (FC) was investigated in rats under CCl4-induced oxidative stress. FC at a dose of 30 or 300mg/kg body weight (b.w.) was orally administered for 14days followed by a single dose of CCl4 (1.25mL/kg b.w. in 20% corn oil) on day 14. Pretreatment with FC drastically prevented the elevated activities of serum AST, ALT, LDH, and ALP caused by CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Histopathologically evident hepatic necrosis was significantly ameliorated by FC pretreatment. When compared to the CCl4-alone treated group, rats pretreated with FC displayed the reduced level of malondialdehyde. Furthermore, FC enhanced antioxidant capacities with higher activities of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase, and level of reduced glutathione. These results suggest that FC could be a candidate used for the prevention against various liver diseases induced by oxidative stress via elevating antioxidative potentials and decreasing lipid peroxidation.

Effects of Pulse Current on Endurance Exercise and Its Anti-Fatigue Properties in the Hepatic Tissue of Trained Rats

Fatigue is synonymous with a wide spectrum of familiar physiological conditions, from pathology and general health, to sport and physical exercise. Strenuous, prolonged exercise training causes fatigue. Although several studies have investigated the effects of electrical stimulation frequency on muscle fatigue, the effects of percutaneous pulse current stimulation on fatigue in the hepatic tissue of trained rats is still unclear. In order to find an effective strategy to prevent fatigue or enhance recovery, the effects of pulse current on endurance exercise and its anti-fatigue properties in exercised rats were studied. Rats were subjected to one, three or five weeks of swimming exercise training. After exercise training, rats in the treated group received daily applications of pulse current. All rats were sacrificed after one, three or five weeks of swimming exercise, and the major biochemical indexes were measured in serum and liver. The results demonstrate that pulse current could prolong the exhaustion swimming time, as well as decrease serum ALT, AST and LD levels and liver MDA content. It also elevated serum LDH activity, liver SOD activity and glycogen content. Furthermore, pulse current increased the expression of Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of Bax. Taken together, these results show that pulse current can elevate endurance capacity and facilitate recovery from fatigue.

The Effect of Lupinus Albus ( Termis ) and Hyphaene Thebaica ( Doum ) on some Biochemical Parameters in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Several plants have been used as dietary adjuvant and in treating the number of diseases because of their perceived effectiveness, minimal side effects in clinical experience and relatively low costs.The present study focuses on evaluating the effect of Lupinus albus (termis) and Hyphaene thebaica (doum) on STZ-diabetic rats at the level of some biochemical parameters Material and methods: STZ was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 50 mg/kg to induce diabetes. Termis seeds suspension (75 mg/100 g b.wt.) was daily orally administered. Doum palm fruit suspension was daily orally administered (1g/kg b.wt.) and also gliclazide (reference drug) was administered of a dose equivalent to the therapeutic dose of rat. After four weeks of administration, blood samples were collected for biochemical measurement. Results: Blood glucose level was significantly increased. Diabetes increased serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL but serum HDL wasdecreased. Also activities of serum enzymes ASAT, ALAT, ALP, GGT and LDH were elevated. However, L. albus and H. thebaica improved the level of mostly all biochemical parameters. Conclusion: It is concluded that termis and doum may be dietary adjuvant in reducing the harmful of diabetes.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF PROLONGED INTAKE OF CASSAVA-BORNE ORGANIC CYANIDE AND INORGANIC CYANIDE IN SOME RABBIT TISSUES

The study was aimed at comparing the toxic effects of cassava - borne organic cyanide and equivalent level of inorganic cyanide (KCN) in New Zealand White rabbits. Three groups of 3 - month old, male weanling rabbits (4 per group) were used. One group received pure growers mash (control), while another was f ed isonitrogenous cassava peel flour, CPF containing 702 ppm organic cyanide. A third group was given mash with 702 ppm K CN (inorganic cyanide). Feed intake, body weight gain, and serum SCN were recorded. The animals were fed for 10 weeks prior to sacrifice and isolation of tissues for assays of rhodanese, LDH, ALT, AST and serum urea and c reatinine. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly lower in CPF group than in K CN group , but LDH activities in serum, liver, and lung were significantly highe r in the CPF group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the tissue and seru m levels of AST and ALT between both groups. In addition, serum urea and creatinine did not differ significantly between the CPF and KCN groups. However liver and kidney rhodanese activities and urinary thiocyanate were signi fi cantly higher in the KCN grou p (p < 0.05) . M o re pronounced pathological lesions (tubular and glomerular necrosis) were evident in the kidney from the CPF group , while liver lesions ( congestion, necrosis and inflammatory reactions ) were more severe in the KCN group . These results sugge st that although the metabolic effects of cassava - borne organic cyanide and inorganic cyanide resemble, the severity of their tissue toxicities may differ.

Studies on the use of BD Vacutainer® SST II™ and RST™ in general practice: investigation of artefactual hyperkalaemia

Current sampling and transport conditions of samples in general practice can result in pseudohyperkalaemia. This study was undertaken to determine, in a general practice setting, whether there is any difference in haemolysis obtained when using BD Vacutainer® Rapid Serum Tubes (BD RST) compared with using BD Vacutainer® SST™ II Advance Blood Collection Tubes (BD SSTII). Blood was collected from 353 patients requiring blood sampling who were attending 31 general practitioner practices in Belgium. For each patient, two BD SSTII tubes and two BD RST tubes were drawn in a randomized order. One of each pair of tubes was inverted five times, the other was not. Serum potassium concentration, serum LDH activity and haemolysis index were measured in each sample. There was no significant difference in measured potassium concentration according to tube type (P = 0.16). Measured LDH activities were 1.7% higher in serum collected into BD SSTII tubes compared to BD RST tubes (P = 0.02). When comparing serum from unmixed BD RST with BD SSTII tubes, there was a slight reduction in the haemolysis index but no significant difference in measured potassium concentration or LDH activity. Risk of hyperkalaemia was 4.8 times higher in serum from tubes that were incompletely filled compared to those that were filled with the correct amount of blood. Both types of blood tubes are suitable for the measurement of serum potassium and LDH in patients from general practice. Tube inversion does not improve the accuracy of either serum potassium or LDH measurement. Blood tubes should be filled to the level recommended by the manufacturer to avoid artefactual increases in measured serum potassium concentration and LDH activity.

Resveratrol Alleviates Endotoxin-Induced Myocardial Toxicity via the Nrf2 Transcription Factor

Background/AimsSeptic cardiomyopathy is a severe condition that remains a challenge for clinical management. This study investigated whether the natural polyphenolic compound resveratrol could be used as a prophylactic treatment to alleviate sepsis-related myocardial injury; the underlying molecular mechanisms were deciphered by both in vitro and in vivo experiments.MethodsA mouse model of endotoxin-induced cardiomyopathy was developed by intraperitoneal injection of LPS, and resveratrol was administered prophylatically to the animals. Serum LDH and CK activities were measured to detect myocardial injury, and echocardiography was performed to monitor cardiac structure and function. Various cytokines/chemokines and the Nrf2 antioxidant defense system were examined in the heart tissue. The effects of resveratrol on LPS-induced Nrf2 activation, ROS generation, and apoptotic cell death were further investigated in cultured primary human cardiomyocytes. An Nrf2 specific siRNA was used to define its role in resveratrol-mediated cardiomyocyte protective effect.ResultsResveratrol pretreatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced myocardial injury in mice, which was associated with suppressed proinflammatory cytokine production and enhanced Nrf2 activation in the heart. In cultured primary human cardiomyocytes, resveratrol activated Nrf2, inhibited LPS-induced ROS generation, and effectively protected the cells from LPS-induced apoptotic cell death. Knockdown of Nrf2 abrogated resveratrol-mediated protection of the cells from LPS-induced cell death.ConclusionResveratrol effectively alleviates endotoxin-induced cardiac toxicity through mechanisms that involve the Nrf2 antioxidant defense pathway. Our data suggest that resveratrol might be developed as a useful prophylactic management for septic cardiomyopathy.

Clinicopathological Studies on Effect of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride on Heart of Rats

The present work was performed to study the anticancer effect of Doxorubicin HCl and Propolis and their combination in the treatment of mammary cancer induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea beside the ameliorating effect of Propolis against cardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin HCl using the clinicopathological changes. One hundred and twenty five female white rats (two months old and 100 gm body weight) were divided into 5 equal groups .Starting of experiment by induction of carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) into gps. 2-5 while rats kept as control in gp.1.After incidence of mammary tumor in gps. 2-5 begin the treatment which continue for 69 days. Rats were given carcinogen only, Doxorubicin HCl, Propolis and combination of therapeutic dose from Doxorubicin HCl and Propolis in gps. 2,3,4 and 5 ,respectively. Blood samples were collected after 120 days from carcinogen induction, thirty and seventy days post-treatment. Gp. 3, showed increasing serum CK and LDH activities and cardiac (MDA) assay in addition to decrease cardiac (CAT) and (SOD) activities thirty and seventy days post-treatment. Those changes were appeared in gp. 5 but to lesser degree. Gp. 4, showed improvement of the previous parameters. Gp. 2 , showed some changes in these parameters.CA 15.3 showed best value in gps. 3 and 5 especially seventy days post-treatment.

Volatile breath biomarkers for patient monitoring during haemodialysis

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at risk for a numerous complications. This study was intended to evaluate breath analysis for monitoring and therapy initiation under haemodialysis (HD). Exhaled alveolar air from 30 ESRD patients during 4 h thrice-weekly HD was analysed by means of HS-SPME-GC-MS. Venous blood samples were taken for determination of conventional serum parameters. Exhaled concentrations of isoprene (10–589 ppbV) were dropped at initiation of HD and increased at the end of HD. Isoprene concentration changes were similar to changes of serum LDH activities. Variation of exhaled acetone concentrations (59 to 8509 ppbV) was significantly lower in diabetic patients when compared to non-diabetics. Exhaled pentane (0.3 to 12 ppbV) increased at onset of HD and returned to baseline levels afterwards. Benzene concentrations showed typical washout characteristics. Ethanol and DMS concentrations remained constant during HD. Breath analysis can be used to recognize oxidative stress, metabolic conditions and haemolysis during HD. Hence, non-invasive breath testing could be used to monitor ESRD patients under HD and prevent them from being affected by well-known detrimental side effects of renal replacement therapy.

Elevated activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase in human immunodeficiency virus sero-positive patients in highly active antiretroviral therapy era

Background: Monitoring HIV disease progression and deciding the time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) requires evaluation of TCD4 + cell counts and HIV/RNA viral load at regular intervals. Considering the fact that it is the resource restrained developing countries that carry most of the burden of HIV, recently, studies have been carried out to evaluate the utility of low cost, easily performed alternate biomarkers that can be used for HIV disease management and in response to HAART. Unavailability of scientific technology and inadequate infrastructure makes it difficult for resource poor countries to manage HIV-infected individuals. Aim: Our study concentrated on evaluating LDH activities in HIV-infected individuals on HAART. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between June 2011 to December 2011, and 36 HIV seropositive and antiretroviral therapy naive individuals and 21 HIV seropositive patients presently on HAART since past 3-6 months attending Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) situated at Area hospital Siddipet were enrolled in the study. Results: Our study concentrated on evaluating LDH activities in HIV-infected individuals (220.42 ± 79.04 IU/L) on HAART and showed that higher serum LDH activities were found when compared to controls (160.13 ± 47.11 IU/L). After 3–6 months of HAART, the serum LDH showed statistically significant decrease (188.76 ± 42.91 IU/L) (P < 0.002).Conclusion: LDH assay is useful in monitoring HIV disease progression and treatment response.

Cardioprotective effect of grape-seed proanthocyanidins on doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in rats

Context: Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline antibiotic used as anticancer agent. However, its use is limited due to its cardiotoxicity which is mainly attributed to accumulation of reactive oxygen species.Objective: This study was conducted to assess whether the antioxidant, proanthocyanidins (Pro) can ameliorate Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.Materials and methods: Male Sprague–Dawely rats were divided into four groups. Group I was control. Group II received Pro (70 mg/kg, orally) once daily for 10 days. Group III received doxorubicin 15 mg/kg i.p. as a single dose on the 7th day and Group IV animals were treated with Pro once daily for 10 days and Dox on the 7th day. The parameters of study were serum biomarkers, cardiac tissue antioxidant status, ECG, and effect on aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity.Results: Cardiac toxicity of doxorubicin was manifested as a significant increase in heart rate, elevation of the ST segment, prolongation of the QT interval and an increase in T wave amplitude. In addition, Dox enhanced aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity by a significant decrease in the aconitine dose producing ventricular tachycardia (VT). Administration of Pro significantly suppressed Dox-induced ECG changes and normalized the aconitine dose producing VT. The toxicity of Dox was also confirmed biochemically by significant elevation of serum CK-MB and LDH activities as well as myocardial MDA and GSH contents and decrease in serum catalase and myocardial SOD activities. Administration of Pro significantly suppressed these biochemical changes.Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that proanthocyanidins might be a potential cardioprotective agent against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity due to its antioxidant properties.

Antisense Oligonucleotide against hTERT (Cantide) Inhibits Tumor Growth in an Orthotopic Primary Hepatic Lymphoma Mouse Model

BackgroundHuman xenograft models, resulting from orthotopic transplantation (implantation into the anatomically correct site) of histologically intact tissue into animals, are important for investigating local tumor growth, vascular and lymphatic invasion at the primary tumor site and metastasis.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe used surgical orthotopic transplantation to establish a nude mouse model of primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL), HLBL-0102. We performed orthotopic transfer of the HLBL-0102 tumor for 42 generations and characterized the tumor cells. The maintenance of PHL characteristics were supported by immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analysis. We also report the antitumor effect of Cantide, an antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide against hTERT, on the growth of HLBL-0102 tumors. We showed a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of tumor weight and serum LDH activity in the orthotopically transplanted animals by Cantide. Importantly, survival was prolonged in Cantide-treated HLBL-0102 tumor-bearing mice when compared to mock-treated mice.Conclusions/SignificanceOur study provided the basis for the development of a clinical trial protocol to treat PHL.

Lygodium flexuosum extract down regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CCl4–induced hepatotoxicity

ObjectiveTo examine the downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in a time dependant manner on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in experimental animals. MethodsCCl4 (150 μL/100 g) was dissolved in corn oil (1:1 v/v %) and administered orally. Group I was treated as normal control and received corn oil on 8th day. Group II was toxic control and was given a single dose of CCl4 on 8th days. Group III was treated with Lygodium flexuosum (L. flexuosum) n-hexane extract (200 mg/kg) for 8 days and on 8th day a single dose of CCl4 was received. Group IV (negative control) received L. flexuosum n-hexane extract (200 mg/kg) alone for 8 days. ResultsTreatment with n-hexane extract prior to the administration of CCl4 significantly prevented an increase in serum AST, ALT, LDH activity and lipid peroxidation and prevented the depletion of glutathione (GSH). Rats treated with L. flexuosum had reduced mRNA levels of TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-1β genes in liver of CCl4 intoxicated rats when compared to CCl4 control as evidenced by RT-PCR. ConclusionsThe data suggest that L. flexuosum, a widely available fern, significantly reduces CCl4 induced acute hepatotoxicity by down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.