Significant Decrease In Concentration Research Articles

ALTERATION IN UTERINE HISTOARCHITECTURE AND UTERINE PROTEIN FOLLOWING BUTYLPARABEN EXPOSURE IN ADULT MICE

Environmental chemicals with estrogenic properties are widely found in products widely used by human . Butylparaben ( BuPben ) , a chemical with estrogenic activities is found to have adverse effects on the female reproductive tract . Adult mice were expo sed to 10 mg, 50 mg and 100mg dose of BuPben for 7 and 21 days . In the study 0 . 001 mg / Kg body weight 17 β estradiol was used as positive control and Olive oil and olive oil + ethanol ( 1 : 10 ) was used as control and vehicle control respectively . Subcutaneous exposure to 50 mg / kg body weight ( bw ) and 100 mg / kg bw of BuPben is found to cause significant increase in uterine weight when compared to control and vehicle control group in adult mice . In this study 50mg and 100 mg dose of BuPben , similar to 17 β estradiol ( E2 ) ( used as positive control ) showed increase in thickness of myometrium and endometrium with adv erse effects on uterine histology . Increase in number of uterine glands in also reported by all the doses of BuPben including 10 mg, 50 mg and 100mg when compared to co ntrol group s, along with significant decrease in concentration of serum estradiol and se rum progesterone . Increase in uterine protein was also found in the study following BuPben exposure . Thus BuPben exposure adversely affects uterus in mice . This adverse effect of the chemical describes estrogenic activity of the chemical which may lead to reproductive failure in human and animals which gets exposed to the chemical .

Do symbiotic and Vitamin E supplementation have favorite effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Oral administration of symbiotic and Vitamin E has been proposed as an effective treatment in NAFLD patients. This study was carried out to assess the effects of symbiotic and/or Vitamin E supplementation on liver enzymes, leptin, lipid profile, and some parameters of insulin resistance (IR) in NAFLD patients.Materials and Methods:We randomly assigned sixty NAFLD adult patients to receive (1) symbiotic twice daily + Vitamin E-like placebo capsule; (2) 400 IU/d Vitamin E + symbiotic-like placebo; (3) symbiotic twice daily + 400 IU/d Vitamin E; and (4) symbiotic-like placebo + Vitamin E-like placebo for 8 weeks.Results:Symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplementation led to a significant decrease in concentrations of liver transaminase (P ≤ 0.05). Mean difference of apolipoprotein A-1 was more significant in symbiotic group compared to control. However, mean difference of apolipoprotein B100/A-1 was only significant in symbiotic group compared to control. At the end of the study, significant differences in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were seen between the symbiotic plus Vitamin E and control groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, intake of symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplements led to a significant decrease in concentrations of triglycerides (TG) after the intervention. Significant differences in leptin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and insulin levels were seen between the symbiotic plus Vitamin E and control groups at the end of the study (P < 0.001). In contrast, symbiotic and/or Vitamin E supplementation did not affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and homeostasis model assessment for IR levels.Conclusion:In our study, symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplementation was the most effective treatment in lowering liver enzymes, leptin, FBS, insulin, TG, TC, and LDL-C among NAFLD patients.

대구 안심연료단지 환경오염물질 노출 평가(I) - 환경성 진폐증 및 비산먼지 영향권역 -

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess airborne particulate matter(PM) pollution and its effect on health of residents living near Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu metropolitan region. Methods: The California Puff(CALPUFF) dispersion model, version 5.8, which can estimate the dispersion direction and range of airborn PM10 was used to determine the possible areas affected by PM10 pollutants emitted from Ansim briquette fuel complex. The CALPUFF modeling with 200 m grid-cell resolution was performed based on PM10 emissions estimated from the amount of coal consumption in the fuel complex for four months in 2012. The Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) fields were processed using CALMET to produce CALPUFF-ready meteorological inputs. Also, the distance from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex to the residence of each environmental pneumoconiosis patient was analyzed. In addition, the affecting region of the pollutants emitted from briquette factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was determined. Results: CALPUFF modeling results showed that the highest concentrations of PM10 were found near around the fuel complex. The modeled PM10 distributions were characterized by significant decreases in concentration with distance from the complex. Seasonally, the highest concentration of 45 μg/m³ was calculated in October which was mostly due to the distinct

Stability of phenolic acids and the effect on weed control activity

Phenolic acid is a very important class of allelochemicals with allelopathic weed control activity. In this study, three benzoic acid derivatives (syringic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, and vanillic acids), three cinnamic acid derivatives (cinnamic, 4-hydroxycinnamic, and ferulic acids) were tested, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used to conduct a dynamic analysis on the changes in the concentration of phenolic acids in a bioassay based on the initial concentration and test time. The results showed that the concentration of individual phenolic acids and a solution of mixed phenolic acids decreased to a certain extent irrespective of environment, i.e., bioassay (4–7 days) or a rice-growing environment, and a significant decrease in concentration was measured after 48 h. Based on the above results, the laboratory bioassay was conducted using a fresh solution of phenolic acids every 48 h. The results showed that the instability of phenolic acid could affect its weed control activity, and this effect was more significant for high concentrations of phenolic acids. On the other hand, changing the solution did not have a significant impact on the weed control activity of phenolic acids in the natural environment (pH 6.50), in which allelopathic rice release phenolic acids. These results reveal the instability of phenolic acids could significantly reduce the inhibition rate on the growth index for receptor plants in an indoor bioassay.

Leucoreduction helps to preserve activity of antioxidant barrier enzymes in stored red blood cell concentrates.

Oxidoreductive imbalance is a major cause of excessive haemolysis in in vitro conditions. Leucocytes and blood platelets present in red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) are one of the sources of free radicals, which have a significant effect on the status of stored erythrocytes. The study objective was to assess the effect of leucoreduction on the intensity of lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant barrier enzymes in RBC. Red blood cell concentrates units obtained from 10 whole-blood units were split into two equal units, one of which was leucoreduced on the day of donation. Both units were stored for 35 days. The following markers of oxidoreductive balance were measured on day 0 (donation day) and on storage days 7, 14, 21 and 35: concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of antioxidant barrier components, that is superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Lipid peroxidation in leucodepleted units (LRBC) was slower than that in non-leucodepleted ones. The analysis of LRBC revealed statistically significant decrease in concentrations of MDA. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were higher throughout the storage period as compared to non-leucoreduced RBC. Statistically significant differences between RBC and LRBC units were noted throughout the storage in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, and concentrations of K(+) ions and free haemoglobin. Leucoreduction of RBC before storage helps to preserve the activity of antioxidant barrier enzymes in stored RBCs and significantly improves the quality of stored red blood cell components.

The efficiency of Pontederia Cordata in nitrogen removal from landscape water under varying flow rates

The Green Origio biological system, a two-stage, solar-powered constructed wetland mesocosm situated in Shanghai Jiao Tong University's plant park was used for nitrogen removal in the institution's landscape water. Whereas the first tank was anaerobic, the second tank containing fully grown Pontederia cordata was operated under aerobic conditions. The system was designed with an overflow by-pass pipe to prevent hydraulic overloading. Pump discharge values of 53, 74, 112, 120, 205 and 270 m3/day were recorded during the study. However, the corresponding flow rate values into the tanks were 16.25 m3/day, 29.47 m3/day, 36.79 m3/day, 50.57 m3/day, 71.38 m3/day and 80.52 m3/day, respectively. Experiments conducted between August and October, 2013 revealed a significant concentration decrease for total nitrogen (TN), ammonia (NH3-N), nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N) and total organic carbon (TOC). Whereas the Multi N/C 3100 Analyzer was used for simultaneous analysis of TN and TOC, the nitrogen fractions were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods. The TN, NO3-N, NH3-N, NO2-N and TOC removal rates under a flow rate of 16.25 m3/day were 55.65%, 75.19%, 74.03%, 95.43% and 29.87%, respectively. TN and NO2-N removal efficiencies of 4.92% and 83.64%, respectively, were observed under a flow rate of 80.52 m3/day. Concentration increase in the effluent caused by washout of accumulated concentrations was noted for NO3-N, NH3-N and TOC.

Effects of estradiol and ethinylestradiol on sperm quality, fertilization, and embryo–larval survival of pejerrey fish (Odontesthes bonariensis)

17β-Estradiol (E2) and synthetic 17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) are estrogenic compounds present in surface waters as a consequence of municipal sewage discharges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of E2, EE2 and its mixtures on different reproductive parameters and embryo–larval survival in pejerrey fish (Odontesthes bonariensis). In order to analyze the effect of these compounds on sperm quality, fertilization%, embryo–larval survival (%), and the point of no return (PNR), different assays were performed using concentrations 175, 350, 700 and 1400ng/L of E2; 22.5, 45, 90 and 180ng/L of EE2 and mixtures M1 (175 E2+22.5 EE2, ng/L), M2 (350 E2+45 EE2, ng/L), M3 (700 E2+90 EE2, ng/L) and M4 (1400 E2+180 EE2 ng/L). No significant differences in motility parameters were observed between E2 and EE2 treatments and the control group. However, a significant decrease in motility% was recorded for all mixtures tested compared with the control samples. For fertilization%, only sperm activated with M4 showed a significant decrease compared with the control group. In the case of embryo survival, there was only a significant decrease in the highest concentration of EE2 compared with the control group. For the mixtures, M3 is the one that had the most adverse effect on embryo survival. In larval survival, there was a significant decrease in concentration 175 and 700ng/L of E2 compared with the control group. In EE2 treatments, the ones with a significant reduction in larval survival were concentration 45 and 90ng/L. And for the mixture treatments, M1, M3 and M4 had a significantly lower larval survival than the control group. In comparison to other treatments, M1 demonstrated a significant difference in PNR when compared with the control group. The results obtained demonstrated that the exposure to mixtures of E2 and EE2 affected fish sperm motility, fertilization% and, embryo and larval survival even at relevant environmental concentrations highlighting the necessity of considering the effects of pollutants mixtures in ecotoxicological studies.

Effect of Oxydemeton Methyl Toxin on Changes of Testis Histopathology and body Weight in Male Rats

Every year lots of different pesticides through various ways go to the environment . These pesticides are distributed to the environment and transported to the remote areas . To predict the effects of these substances on the ecosystem, in addition to information on their toxicity, how to enter, play and behavior of these compounds in nature should be well known . The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oxydemeton methyl toxin on hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in rats.For this purpose, 40 adult male Wistar rats, weighing approximately 19010 gr were divided into 5 groups of 8 . The groups include : Control group , sham and treatment with doses 2ppm , 5ppm , 10 ppm . Poison was fed to the animals orally daily for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, animals were weighed, blood sampling was performed , and Blood samples were centrifuged to obtain serum and until hormone measurements was performed, it was frozen at the temperature of - 20 ° C . Concentration of hormone testosterone by RIA method and dihydrotestosterone by ELISA method were measured. The results of this study showed that use of oxydemeton methyl toxin in maximum for 14 days , causes significant decrease in concentration of hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone P<0/05. Probably , this toxin with effect on thyroid hormones causes secretion decrease of hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone .So it causes reduction in male fertility . Thus the use of this toxin must be done in accordance with Safety Tips .

Long-term Stability of Urinary Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury in Children

Recent meta-analyses support the utility of urinary biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute kidney injury. It is critical to establish optimal sample handling conditions for short-term processing and long-term urinary storage prior to widespread clinical deployment and meaningful use in prospective clinical trials. Prospective study. 80 children (median age, 1.1 [IQR, 0.5-4.2] years) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at our center. 50% of patients had acute kidney injury (defined as≥50% increase inserum creatinine from baseline). We tested the effect on biomarker concentrations of short-term urine storage in ambient, refrigerator, and freezer conditions. We also tested the effects of multiple freeze-thaw cycles, as well as prolonged storage for 5 years. Urine concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), and interleukin 18 (IL-18). All biomarkers were measured using commercially available kits. All 3 biomarkers were stable in urine stored at 4°C for 24 hours, but showed significant degradation (5.6%-10.1% from baseline) when stored at 25°C. All 3 biomarkers showed only a small although significant decrease in concentration (0.77%-2.9% from baseline) after 3 freeze-thaw cycles. Similarly, all 3 biomarkers displayed only a small but significant decrease in concentration (0.84%-3.2%) after storage for 5 years. Only the 3 most widely studied biomarkers were tested. Protease inhibitors were not evaluated. Short-term storage of urine samples for measurement of NGAL, KIM-1, and IL-18 may be performed at 4°C for up to 24 hours, but not at room temperature. These urinary biomarkers are stable at-80°C for up to 5 years of storage. Our results are reassuring for the deployment of these assays as biomarkers in clinical practice, as well as in prospective clinical studies requiring long-term urine storage.

Stability of hemostatic proteins in canine fresh-frozen plasma thawed with a modified commercial microwave warmer or warm water bath.

To compare stability of hemostatic proteins in canine fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) thawed with a modified commercial microwave warmer (MCM) or warm water bath (37°C; WWB) or at room temperature (22°C). Fresh-frozen plasma obtained from 8 canine donors of a commercial blood bank. A commercial microwave warmer was modified with a thermocouple to measure surface temperature of bags containing plasma. The MCM and a WWB were each used to concurrently thaw a 60-mL bag of plasma obtained from the same donor. Two 3-mL control aliquots of FFP from each donor were thawed to room temperature without use of a heating device. Concentrations of hemostatic proteins, albumin, and D-dimers; prothrombin time (PT); and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were determined for all samples. Significant decreases in concentrations of factors II, IX, X, XI, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, antithrombin, protein C, and albumin and significant increases in PT and aPTT were detected for plasma thawed with the MCM, compared with results for samples thawed with the WWB. Concentrations of factors VII, VIII, and XII were not significantly different between plasma thawed with the MCM and WWB. Concentrations of D-dimers were above the reference range for all thawed samples regardless of thawing method. No significant differences in factor concentrations were detected between control and WWB-thawed samples. Significant differences in hemostatic protein concentrations and coagulation times were detected for plasma thawed with an MCM but not between control and WWB-thawed samples. Clinical importance of these changes should be investigated.

The Application of Nano-Sized Zero-Valent Iron for In Situ Remediation of Chlorinated Ethylenes in Groundwater: A Field Case Study.

In this paper, the authors present the pilot in situ application of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) for effective remediation of groundwater in an industrial area contaminated by chlorinated ethylenes (CEs), which create a significant group of global environmental contaminants. This work covers the entire 1-year remediation process, including systematic laboratory tests and field application techniques for nZVI. The application was carried out in the area of a metal fabrication industrial facility in the Czech Republic. Contamination of CEs in this area is a consequence of old ecological loads. The entire remediation process contained the following steps: monitoring of the area, selection of the most relevant hot spot, selection of the most appropriate application borehole, systematic laboratory tests, application of nZVI, and postapplication monitoring. Ten kilograms of nZVI were applied as a water suspension into the selected borehole. Significant decreases in concentrations of selected contaminants were observed in the first month after application. The reaction in the borehole was completed within approximately 5 to 6 months after the application and during this period almost 50% elimination of contamination was achieved.

Baltic Sea sediment records: Unlikely near-future declines in PCBs and HCB

We present a comprehensive study on PCBs and HCB in dated sediment cores from the Baltic Sea covering the 20th century, and compare their spatiotemporal trends with those of PCDD/Fs from the same areas. PCB concentrations in coastal impacted sediment followed the temporal trend of estimated global emissions of PCBs and thus responded quickly to changes in global industrial use, whereas concentrations in offshore sediment needed 10–20years longer to respond. Differences in spatiotemporal trends of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were smaller than expected based on documented differences in key sources and source areas. Sediment concentrations of HCB varied little over time and space, but concentrations are increasing in recent years. The steep PCB concentration reduction over time observed for the late 20th century levelled off during the last 20years, and levels of PCBs appear to be at or near a steady-state condition. CapsulePCB concentrations in Baltic Sea sediments appear to be at or near steady-state, and no significant concentration decreases are to be expected in the near future.

Study on the Effect of Humic Acid on Growth Performance, Immunological, Some Blood Parameters and Control Intestinal Closterdium in Broiler Chickens

Sixty broiler chickens of one day old were used to evaluate the effects of humic acid on body performance, leukogram and some biochemical parameters as well as effect in clostridium preferences (C. perferenges). At 20 of age 30 chicks were experementally infected with C. perferenges .Boiler chickens were divided into 4 equal groups (15 chicks each), 1st group healthy broiler chickens kept as control group, 2nd group healthy broiler chickens supplemented with 20 mg/kgm Bwt humic acid in drinking water for 5 successive days, 3rd group broiler chickens experimentally infected with C. perferenges non treated and 4th group broiler chickens experimentally infected with C. perferenges supplemented with 20 mg/kgm Bwt humic acid in drinking water for 5 successive day. Five chicks from each group were sacrificed at 1st and 10thday post supplementation. Two blood samples were taken for hematological biochemical study. Broiler chicken infected with C. perferenges showed clinical signs as loss of appetite, drooping wings, ruffled feathers, depression, emaciation, diarrhea, mortality rate 33.33 %, significant decreases in weight gain, heterophile, phagocytosis, phagocytic index, Killing %, total protein, albumin, A/G ratio beside insignificant eosinophilia and basophilia coupled with significant elevation in feed conversion rate, leukocytic count, lymphocyte, monocyte, total, γ and α globulins, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphates, uric acid and creatinine. Healthy broiler chickens supplemented with humic acid showed significant increases in weight gains, leukocytic count, lymphocyte, phagocytosis, phagocytic index, killing %, total proteins, a , b and g globulin, coupled with significant decreases in concentration of C perfringes in intestinal content, feed conversion rate, heterophils, monocyte, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphates, A/G ratio beside insignificant decrease of serum total protein, albumin, uric acid, creatinine and insignificant in eosinophilia and basophilia. Diseased broiler chicken supplemented with humic acid showed disappear clinical signs and improved body performance as well as hemato-biochemical parameters. It could be concluded that humic acid induce reduction in concentration of C. perfringens in intestine beside improvement in weight gain, feed conversion rate, biochemical parameters and stimulate the immunity of broiler chickens.

Changes in macrophyte communities in Lake Swarzędzkie after the first year of restoration

Abstract Lake Swarzędzkie, near Poznań, was a hypertrophic lake because of its high nutrient content, cyanobacteria blooms, and disruptive recreational use, especially swimming, which was popular there. This is why protection measures have been in place since 1991, and a restoration program has been ongoing since fall 2011. The evaluation of the presence and distribution of macrophytes as an important element of lake ecosystem was conducted in August 2012. Nine plant communities were observed: Phragmitetum communis; Typhetum angustifoliae; Nupharo-Nymphaeetum albae; Hydrocharitetum morsus-ranae; Thelypteridi-Phragmitetum; Cicuto-Caricetum pseudocyperi; Acoretum calami; Ceratophylletum demersi; Potametum lucentis. The first three were dominating associations. The presence of submerged vegetation appears to verify the positive impact of the applied conservation and restoration measures. Improvement is confirmed by the significant decrease in concentrations of chlorophyll-a and total nitrogen, as well as the gradual decrease in total suspended solids and increased transparency.

Bovine milk proteome in the first 9 days: protein interactions in maturation of the immune and digestive system of the newborn.

In order to better understand the milk proteome and its changes from colostrum to mature milk, samples taken at seven time points in the first 9 days from 4 individual cows were analyzed using proteomic techniques. Both the similarity in changes from day 0 to day 9 in the quantitative milk proteome, and the differences in specific protein abundance, were observed among four cows. One third of the quantified proteins showed a significant decrease in concentration over the first 9 days after calving, especially in the immune proteins (as much as 40 fold). Three relative high abundant enzymes (XDH, LPL, and RNASE1) and cell division and proliferation protein (CREG1) may be involved in the maturation of the gastro-intestinal tract. In addition, high correlations between proteins involved in complement and blood coagulation cascades illustrates the complex nature of biological interrelationships between milk proteins. The linear decrease of protease inhibitors and proteins involved in innate and adaptive immune system implies a protective role for protease inhibitor against degradation. In conclusion, the results found in this study not only improve our understanding of the role of colostrum in both host defense and development of the newborn calf but also provides guidance for the improvement of infant formula through better understanding of the complex interactions between milk proteins.

Frequency of exogenous hormone therapy impacts spermiation in male Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri)

Amphibians are experiencing a global extinction crisis and captive assurance colonies, along with reintroduction programs, are necessary to prevent further losses. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as hormone-stimulated gamete collection and in vitro fertlisation (IVF), are conservation methods that can be used to increase reproductive output for breeding and reintroduction programs when animals fail to breed naturally. In order to maximise the production of offspring using ART, it is important to establish the physiological limitations on the frequency that hormone therapy can be used to collect gametes for IVF or assisted breeding. The present study examined the effects of the frequency of hormone-induced spermiation on sperm quantity and quality in Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri) by comparing four levels of hormone injection frequencies: twice a week, once a week, every other week, and every 3 weeks. Sperm release was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 300IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Spermatozoa were collected at three time points after injection (5, 7 and 9h) and sperm concentration, motility and quality of forward progressive movement were measured. A significant decrease in sperm concentration (P<0.01) was observed with the most frequent treatment (twice a week hormone injections). However, there was no negative effect of the treatments on sperm motility (P=0.06) or forward movement (P=0.06). We also observed a significant decrease in the concentration (P<0.01), motility (P=0.02) and quality of forward progressive movement (P=0.01) of spermatozoa at the 9h collection compared with earlier collection times. These results have clear implications for amphibian captive breeding programs, where more frequent hormone-induced spermiation could have a negative effect on male performance. We recommend that hormone injections be spaced a minimum of 2 weeks apart to optimise the health of the animals, assisted breeding, IVF or collection of gametes for genome resource banking.

Vitamin A deficiency induces structural and functional alterations in the molecular constituents of the rat hippocampus.

To date, no structural study has been carried out on the effects of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) on hippocampal macromolecules. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of dietary VAD on the structure, content and function of rat hippocampal molecules was investigated using Fourier transform IF spectroscopy. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: an experimental group maintained on a vitamin A-deficient liquid diet (VAD, n 7); a control group maintained on a vitamin A-supplemented liquid diet (CON, n 9); a pure control group maintained on standard solid laboratory chow (PC, n 7). The PC group was included in the study to ensure that the usage of liquid diet did not influence the outcomes of VAD. Both the CON and PC groups were successfully discriminated from the VAD group by principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The spectral analysis indicated a significant decrease in the contents of saturated and unsaturated lipids, cholesteryl esters, TAG and nucleic acids in the VAD group when compared with the CON group (P≤ 0·05). In addition, a significant decrease in membrane fluidity and a significant increase in lipid order (e.g. acyl chain flexibility) were observed in the VAD group (P≤ 0·001). The results of the artificial neural network analysis revealed a significant decrease in the α-helix structure content and a significant increase in the turn and random coil structure contents, indicating protein denaturation, in the VAD group when compared with the CON and PC groups (P≤ 0·05). Dietary exclusion of vitamin A for 3 months apparently had an adverse impact on compositional, structural and dynamical parameters. These changes can be due to increased oxidative stress, confirming the antioxidant protection provided by vitamin A when used as a dietary supplement at low-to-moderate doses.

The exposure to nicotine affects expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in neonate rats.

In the current study effect of nicotine on expression of neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) has been studied in hippocampus and frontal cortex during development of brain in rats. Neurotrophins are factors that help in development of brain among which BDNF and NGF are very important, expressed at different stages during the developmental process. Different sedatives are reported to alter the expression of these factors. In this study, three groups of neonate rats (1-5, 5-10 and 10-15 days age) were used each having 20 rats. Ten were subjected to a dose of 66 μg of nicotine while other ten received the same amount of saline at the same time interval. Then expression of the BDNF and NGF was observed in hippocampus and frontal cortex tissue using immunoassay. Western blotting was used to observe the presence of BDNF in hippocampus as well as frontal cortex. In all groups there was a significant decrease in concentration of neurotrophic factors where nicotine was applied as compared to control. The highest expression of BDNF and NGF in hippocampus and frontal cortex was observed in 10-15 days group (G3) and in 5-10 group (G2) as compared to the control, P < 0.01. It was concluded that exposure of neonate rats to nicotine causes a decrease in the expression of NGF and BDNF and it effects the development of brain in neonates that can further impair brain functions.

Endothelial dysfunction expressed as endothelial microparticles in patients with end-stage heart failure.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), currently used in treatment of terminal heart failure, are working on principle of rotary pump, which generates continuous blood flow. Non-pulsatile flow is supposed to expose endothelial cells to high stress and potential damage. Therefore, we investigated longitudinal changes in concentration of circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP) as a possible marker of endothelial damage before and after implantation of LVAD. Study population comprised 30 patients with end-stage heart failure indicated for implantation of the Heart Mate II LVAD. Concentrations of microparticles were measured as nanomoles per liter relative to phosphatidylserine before and 3 months after implantation. At 3 months after implantation we observed significant decrease in concentration of EMP [5.89 (95 % CI 4.31-8.03) vs. 3.69 (95 % CI 2.70-5.03), p=0.03] in the whole group; there was no difference observed between patients with ischemic etiology of heart failure (n=18) and with heart failure of non-ischemic etiology (n=12). In addition, heart failure etiology had no effect on the rate of EMP concentration decrease with time. These results indicate possibility that LVAD do not cause vascular damage 3 months after implantation. Whether these results suggest improvement of vascular wall function and of endothelium is to be proved in long-term studies.

Infl uence of selenium deficiency on neural tube defects

Objective: As for the role of selenium on human fetal development, a little data is available in literature. The purpose of this manuscript was to study the influence of selenium on neural tube defects. This study will be helpful in planning strategies for prevention of neural tube defects.Methodology: After collection of the venous blood the same was immediately centrifuged and after immediate centrifugation, the clear serum was transferred to deionized plastic vials, stored and frozen at –20º C until determination of the analysis was carried out. The selenium levels as ng/ml were determined on GBC 932 spectrophotometer by fluorometery.Results: The mean maternal blood serum and cell mass concentrations in NTD group (306.4 ± 10.95 ng/ml, 192.44 ± 6.12 ng/ml, 165.8 ± 16.99 ng/g respectively) were significantly lower than those of control mothers (363.75 ± 17.1 ng/ml, 242.34 ± 15.7 ng/ml, 260.0 ± 20.57 respectively). A significant decrease in concentration of selenium in newborns with NTD (298.4 ± 12.3 ng/ml, 96.3 ± 7.15 ng/ml, 139.8 ± 27.5 ng/g respectively) as compared with healthy babies (358.1 ± 16.11 ng/ml, 122.44 ± 6.03 ng/ml, 268.6 ± 31.37 ng/g respectively).Conclusion: Selenium deficiency in mothers during pregnancy thought to be one of the factors responsible for NTDs. However, the lowered selenium concentrations in blood, serum and cell mass can be secondary cause of an abnormal pregnancy and didn’t contribute to its production. More investigations on selenium status in mothers during antenatal period, especially in prenatal development and antenatal selenium status including normal babies and NTD babies are required.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.11151Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 62-65