Significant Decrease In Levels Research Articles

Effects of sub-chronic Cd exposure on levels of copper, selenium, zinc, iron and other essential metals in rat renal cortex.

Cd (Cd) is a nephrotoxic environmental pollutant that causes generalized proximal tubule dysfunction. Even though the specific mechanisms by which Cd damages the kidney have yet to be fully elucidated, there is evidence to suggest that some of these nephrotoxic effects may result from the ability of Cd to alter the levels and function of metals such as Cu, Se, Zn and Fe within the kidney. In order to further explore this issue, we examined the effects of subchronic Cd exposure on tissue levels of a panel of metals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Se and Zn) in the rat renal cortex. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with CdCl2 (0.6 mg Cd/kg body weight in isotonic saline by subcutaneous injection, 5 days per week for 6, 9 or 12 weeks). At each time point, 24 h urine samples were collected and assayed for levels of protein, creatinine, β2 microglobulin and cystatin C. Samples of renal cortex were removed and assayed for levels of the metals of interest by inductively-coupled mass spectrometry at Michigan State University. Results showed that at 9 and 12 weeks, Cd caused significant increases in urine volume and urinary protein with no change in creatinine excretion. Increases in the excretion of the urinary biomarkers β2 microglobulin and cystatin C were evident after 6 weeks of Cd exposure. Results of the metal analyses showed that Cd caused significant increases in tissue levels of Cu and Se at all of the time points examined. Tissue levels of Zn were transiently elevated at 6 weeks but declined to control levels at 9 and 12 weeks. Cd caused a significant decrease in levels of Fe at 9 and 12 weeks. Cd had no effects on any of the other metals. Tissue levels of Cd were 530 ± 52, 863 ± 23, 837 ± 23 ppm dry weight at 6, 9 and 12 weeks, respectively. These results indicate that the early stages of Cd nephrotoxicity are associated with alterations in renal tissue levels of Cu, Se, Zn and Fe. The fact that the changes in levels of the metals occurred during the early stages of Cd toxicity raises the possibility that the alterations in renal cortical metal content may play some role in the pathophysiology or Cd-induced injury.

Interlinking Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Assessment of Crevicular Visfatin Levels in Health and in Disease Before and After Initial Periodontal Therapy.

Visfatin is a new adipocytokine associated with both chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus independently. We aimed to estimate and compare the changes in the levels of visfatin in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) of healthy subjects and in subjects with periodontitis with or without controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) after administration of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Forty two subjects were equally divided into Group 1 (healthy), Group 2 (systemically healthy with chronic periodontitis), Group 3 (subjects with chronic periodontitis having controlled T2DM). Defined clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at one month follow-up period. Visfatin was assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. One way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures were used. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for correlation. Significant increase in the visfatin levels was seen with the highest values observed in diabetes with periodontal disease. Visfatin responded to non-surgical periodontal therapy as observed by significant decrease in levels after one month but even at this period diabetics showed the highest levels. Visfatin levels are highest in individuals with both periodontal disease and diabetes even after periodontal therapy. Individuals with T2DM may be at higher risk of developing periodontal disease.

Effects of a Multispecies Probiotic Mixture on Glycemic Control and Inflammatory Status in Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective. This trial aims to examine the effects of a Probiotic Mixture (VSL#3) on glycemic status and inflammatory markers, in women with GDM. Materials and Methods. Over a period of 8 weeks, 82 women with gestational diabetes were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 41) which were given VSL#3 capsule or to a control group which were given placebo capsule (n = 41). Fasting plasma glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, glycosylated hemoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, Interferon gamma, and interleukin-10 were measured before and after the intervention. Results. After 8 wk of supplementation FPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and insulin levels remained unchanged in the probiotic and placebo groups. The comparison between the two groups showed no significant differences with FPG and HbA1c, but there were significant differences in insulin levels and HOMA-IR (16.6 ± 5.9; 3.7 ± 1.5, resp.). Unlike the levels of IFN-g (19.21 ± 16.6), there was a significant decrease in levels of IL-6 (3.81 ± 0.7), TNF-α (3.10 ± 1.1), and hs-CRP (4927.4 ± 924.6). No significant increase was observed in IL-10 (3.11 ± 5.7) in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Conclusions. In women with GDM, supplementation with probiotics (VSL#3) may help to modulate some inflammatory markers and may have benefits on glycemic control.

The influence of family unions and parenthood transitions on self-development.

The present study discusses the impact of union and parenthood transitions on individuals' self-esteem and sense of mastery development from midadolescence to young adulthood by using multilevel analyses with longitudinal data of 7,339 individuals between ages 15 and 38. The results show that, first, individuals in marital unions show significantly greater rates of growth in self-esteem and sense of mastery, compared with singles. Therefore, entering into marriage provides greater protections to individuals' self-esteem and sense of mastery. Second, the transition to parenthood brings significant decreases in levels and increases in rates of change in self-esteem and sense of mastery among new parents. The degree of the aforementioned changes differs by new parents' gender, union status, and living arrangement with the child at childbirth. Women are influenced more negatively than men. Living with the child at childbirth reduces the degree of decreases in self-esteem and sense of mastery, especially for mothers. In sum, from midadolescence to young adulthood, the development of individuals' self-esteem and sense of mastery is shaped by their union and parenthood transitions. Moreover, the context where these transitions take place, including the type of union and the living arrangement, moderates the degree of the impact. Our findings have important implications for research and practice in promoting the family transition experience.

Influence of weight reduction on blood levels of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and oxylipins in obese subjects

IntroductionObesity is associated with inflammation and weight reduction has been shown to influence the inflammatory process. Besides classic inflammatory markers, oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolites (oxylipins) are potent mediators of inflammation. Little is known about endogenous levels of oxylipins, e.g. hydroxy, epoxy and dihydroxy FA in obese subjects with persistent low-grade inflammation. We aimed to evaluate levels of inflammatory markers and blood oxylipins in obese subjects before and after weight reduction. Subjects and methodsIn the present study, 42 obese (BMI 32.7±0.22kg/m2) men and women were classified in groups according to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels (no inflammation<1mg/L; low-grade inflammation≥3mg/L). Subjects underwent an intervention for eight weeks, which consisted of two phases: (1) week 1 and 2: total replacement of three meals by a formula diet and (2) six week partial formula diet (replacement of 1–2 meals). Blood samples were taken prior and post intervention for analysis of plasma protein levels of hsCRP, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Plasma Levels of free (unesterified) hydroxy, epoxy, and dihydroxy FAs as well as several prostanoids were analyzed in plasma by means of LC-MS-based targeted metabolomics. ResultsAt baseline subjects with low-grade inflammation (hsCRP 8.95±1.39mg/L) showed significant higher levels of IL-6 (22.7±1.15ng/L) and TNF-α (17.4±0.75ng/L) compared to subjects with no inflammation (hsCRP: 0.69±0.05mg/L; IL-6: 15.9±1.18ng/L; TNF-α: 14.6±0.80ng/L). In both group’s body weight was significantly reduced (p<0.001) after intervention (no inflammation group: −7.19±0.86kg, −7.3±0.89%, p<0.001; low-grade inflammation group: −6.78±0.87kg, −6.7±0.81%, p<0.001). Moreover, we observed significant decreases in levels of hsCRP (4.66±0.64mg/L; p=0.006), IL-6 (6.81±1.15ng/L; p<0.001) and TNF-α (6.09±0.47ng/L; p<0.001) in subjects with low-grade inflammation. Of 60 quantified oxylipins, 11 linoleic acid (LA)-, 1 dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA)-, 7 alpha linolenic acid (ALA)-, 15 arachidonic acid (AA)-, 8 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)- and 18 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-metabolites could be detected in plasma. For most oxylipins no differences were found between the low and high hsCRP groups before and after weight reduction. Interestingly, in subjects with low- grade inflammation several AA-derived oxylipins (5-, 8-, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE)) were significantly higher compared to subjects with no inflammation before weight reduction and significantly reduced after weight reduction. ConclusionEven moderate weight loss in obese subjects correlates to a significant improvement in the inflammatory state, by reducing hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-α and few oxylipins. The biological consequences of these changes remain to be further investigated.

RNAi-mediated gene silencing of WsSGTL1 in W.somnifera affects growth and glycosylation pattern

Sterol glycosyltransferases (SGTs) belong to family 1 of glycosyltransferases (GTs) and are enzymes responsible for synthesis of sterol–glucosides (SGs) in many organisms. WsSGTL1 is a SGT of Withania somnifera that has been found associated with plasma membranes. However its biological function in W.somnifera is largely unknown. In the present study, we have demonstrated through RNAi silencing of WsSGTL1 gene that it performs glycosylation of withanolides and sterols resulting in glycowithanolides and glycosylated sterols respectively, and affects the growth and development of transgenic W.somnifera. For this, RNAi construct (pFGC1008-WsSGTL1) was made and genetic transformation was done by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. HPLC analysis depicts the reduction of withanoside V (the glycowithanolide of W.somnifera) and a large increase of withanolides (majorly withaferin A) content. Also, a significant decrease in level of glycosylated sterols has been observed. Hence, the obtained data provides an insight into the biological function of WsSGTL1 gene in W.somnifera.

Sevelamer hydrochloride and coronary artery calcification in chronic hemodialysis patients: a new mechanism of action

The non-calcium-based phosphate binder sevelamer hydrochloride was developed to provide chronic kidney disease patients with a polymer capable of managing hyperphosphatemia without an increase in the calcium load. These beneficial effects were postulated as the mechanism of decreased progression of vascular calcification observed with such compounds. Our objective was to investigate the effect of low-dose sevelamer hydrochloride against calcium carbonate as phosphate binders on the coronary artery calcification score ( CCS) and the fibroblast growth factor 23 ( FGF23) level in patients receiving regular hemodialysis for more than 1 year, in a trial to find out a novel mechanism for the decreased vascular calcification observed during sevelamer use. A total of 80 hemodialysis patients were allocated into two groups each of 40 patients. The first group received sevelamer hydrochloride 2400 mg/day (group 1), whereas the second continued on calcium carbonate 1500 mg/day (group 2). For each patient, coronary artery calcification was estimated twice, once before admission to the study and again at the end of the study period using noncontrast computed tomography. Serum calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone ( PTH), lipids, and FGF23 were also assessed in these two situations. Beside the significant decrease in serum calcium and phosphorus levels after the use of sevelamer for 6 months, there was a significant decrease in levels of FGF23 and the rate of CCS progress in group 1. Serum levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in group 1. The serum PTH level did not show a significant change in either group. CCS showed a significant positive correlation with FGF23, but there was no significant correlation with serum calcium, serum phosphorus, or serum PTH in both groups. Sevelamer hydrochloride suppressed the progression of coronary artery calcification, and decreased the FGF23 level significantly. The significant correlation between the serum FGF23 level and the CCS in the absence of any significant correlation between the latter on the one hand and the serum calcium, the serum phosphorus, or the serum PTH on the other might highlight a novel mechanism of action of sevelamer on the CCS.

Adverse effects of pesticide on weanling female rats: protective role of a grape seed extract

The protective effects of a grape seed extract against cyhalethrin-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and liver and kidney damage in weanling female rats was studied. Weanling female rats were orally administered cyhalethrin (Cyh) at a dose equal 1/10 LD50 for 28 consecutive days. Two Cyh groups (6 rats each) received extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg kg-1 body weight throughout the duration of the study. Three additional groups served as extract-treated and as control groups. Administration of Cyh resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and alterations in antioxidant enzymes, e.g. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), glutathion-s-transferase (GST). Also, significant increase was recorded in serum marker enzymes, e.g. aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and increase the levels of urea and creatinine. On the other hand, Cyh caused significant decrease in levels of total protein and albumin, and caused histopathological alterations in liver and kidneys. Co-administration of grape seed extract to Cyh-intoxicated rats, restored most of these biochemical parameters to within normal levels, especially at the hig dose of extract. Administration of grape seed extract to Cyh-treated rats resulted in overall improvement of liver and kidney function in weanling female rats.

The Effects of Different Sources of Organic and Inorganic Chromium on Blood Parameters of Broiler Chickens

This work has been carried out in order to study the effects of using different resources of organic and inorganic Chrome on production performance of broilers. 200 broilers, in a completely random plan, were allocated with five treatments and four repetitions with ten chickens per repetition within a period of six weeks. The respective supplements were used in treatments for Zero levels (control) (T1, 200 micrograms of Chloride Chrome per kg of feed (T2) and 200 micrograms of (Chrome Yeast) per kg as feed (T5). The blood parameters were measured on the 21st and 42nd days respectively. Use of Chrome supplement has caused a significant increase of level of blood VLDL (p<0.01). Chrome supplement in the 21st and 42nd days has had a significant increase of level of triglyceride (p<0.05). Organic Chrome supplement in the 21st and 42nd days has caused a significant increase of level of total cholesterol and Chrome resources has caused a significant decrease of level of total cholesterol (p<0.01). Chrome supplement has caused a significant increase in level of HDL (p<0.01). Using organic Chrome supplement in the 21st and 42nd days has caused a significant increase of level of serum LDL and organic Chrome has caused a significant decrease in serum LDL (p<0.01).

Alcohol use initiation is associated with changes in personality trait trajectories from early adolescence to young adulthood.

Recent work has demonstrated the codevelopment of personality traits and alcohol use characteristics from early adolescence to young adulthood. Few studies, however, have tested whether alcohol use initiation impacts trajectories of personality over this time period. We examined the effect of alcohol use initiation on personality development from early adolescence to young adulthood. Participants were male (nmen = 2,350) and female (nwomen = 2,618) twins and adoptees from 3 community-based longitudinal studies conducted at the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research. Data on personality traits of Positive Emotionality (PEM; Well-being), Negative Emotionality (NEM; Stress Reaction, Alienation, and Aggression), and Constraint (CON; Control and Harm Avoidance)-assessed via the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ)-and age of first drink were collected for up to 4 waves spanning ages 10 to 32. Alcohol use initiation was associated with significant decreases in levels of Well-being and CON traits, most notably Control; and significant increases in levels of all NEM traits, particularly Aggression. In general, the effects of alcohol use initiation on personality traits were moderated by gender and enhanced among those with earlier age of first drink. From early adolescence to young adulthood, alcohol use initiation predicts deviations from normative patterns of personality maturation. Such findings offer a potential mechanism underlying the codevelopment of personality traits and alcohol use characteristics during this formative period of development.

Pseudocholinesterase as a prognostic marker for liver disorder

Background: Liver is the main source of pseudo cholinesterase. It is a non-specific cholinesterase found in the blood plasma and may be reduced in patients with advanced liver diseases. Measurement of serum pseudo cholinesterase activity serves as a sensitive indicator of synthetic capacity of the liver and can be used as a prognostic marker for carcinoma.Objective: To study pseudo cholinesterase activities in liver diseases.Method: A prospective study was conducted at College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (CMS-TH), from May 2011 to May 2013 with 25 controls and 25 diagnosed cases each of carcinoma of liver, cirrhosis of liver, infective hepatitis and obstructive jaundice among both sexes of same age group attending medical outpatient and inpatient departments. Serum pseudo cholinesterase and other liver function tests were performed with semi-auto analyzer and Roche Hitachi 902 respectively.Results: Pseudo cholinesterase level was markedly decreased in carcinoma of liver (mean ± SD = 1369.48 ± 276.64 IU/L) followed by cirrhosis of liver (mean ± SD = 1735.16 ± 433.82 IU/L), infective hepatitis (mean ± SD = 3800.69 ± 764.17 IU/L), obstructive jaundice (mean ± SD = 5539 ± 791.05 IU/L) when compared with controls (mean ± SD = 6865.12 ± 928.41 IU/L). The difference in the means was statistically significant (p &lt;0.001).Conclusion: There was significant decrease in pseudo holing esterase level in carcinoma of liver followed by cirrhosis of liver while less so in infective hepatitis. In obstructive jaundice the enzyme level was found to be decreased but higher than other liver diseases. The results indicated that with more severe liver cell destruction or cell degeneration, there was corresponding significant decrease in the level of pseudo cholinesterase, which could be used as diagnostic marker of liver disease.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 3, No. 4, Issue 10, Oct.-Dec., 2014Page: 131-135

Oral supplementation of diabetic mice with propolis restores the proliferation capacity and chemotaxis of B and T lymphocytes towards CCL21 and CXCL12 by modulating the lipid profile, the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress.

BackgroundType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by the selective destruction of pancreatic β cells, followed by hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and the subsequent extensive impairment of immune cell functions, a phenomenon responsible for the development of chronic diabetic complications. Propolis, a natural bee product that is extensively used in foods and beverages, significantly benefits human health. Specifically, propolis exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that may improve diabetic complications. To further elucidate the potential benefits of propolis, the present study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with propolis on the plasma cytokine profiles, free radical levels, lipid profile and lymphocyte proliferation and chemotaxis in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetic mouse model.MethodsThirty male mice were equally distributed into 3 experimental groups: group 1, non-diabetic control mice; group 2, diabetic mice; and group 3, diabetic mice supplemented daily with an ethanol-soluble derivative of propolis (100 mg/kg body weight) for 1 month.ResultsFirst, the induction of diabetes in mice was associated with hyperglycemia and significant decreases in the insulin level and the lymphocyte count. In this context, diabetic mice exhibited severe diabetic complications, as demonstrated by a significant decrease in the levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-7, prolonged elevation of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altered lipid profiles compared with control non-diabetic mice. Moreover, antigen stimulation of B and T lymphocytes markedly reduced the proliferative capacity and chemotaxis of these cells towards CCL21 and CXCL12 in diabetic mice compared with control mice. Interestingly, compared with diabetes induction alone, treatment of diabetic mice with propolis significantly restored the plasma cytokine and ROS levels and the lipid profile to nearly normal levels. Most importantly, compared with untreated diabetic mice, diabetic mice treated with propolis exhibited significantly enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and chemotaxis towards CCL21 and CXCL12.ConclusionOur findings reveal the potential immuno-modulatory effects of propolis, which acts as a natural antioxidant to enhance the function of immune cells during diabetes.

Effects of amlodipine on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in the rat testis.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of amlodipine (AML) in rat testicular torsion/detorsion damage. In this study, rats were divided into eight groups: (i) sham; (ii) testicular ischaemia, 2 h of ischaemia; (iii) testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), 2 h of ischaemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion; (iv) ischaemia + AML (5 mg kg(-1)) administered 30 min before ischaemia; (v) ischaemia + AML (10 mg kg(-1)) administered 30 min before ischaemia; (vi) and (vii) I/R + AML (5 mg kg(-1)) and I/R + AML (10 mg kg(-1)) administered 1.5 h after the induction of ischaemia, respectively, and at the end of a 2-h ischaemia period and a 2-h reperfusion period applied; and (viii) sham + AML (10 mg kg(-1)). Significant decreases in levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione were observed in ischaemia and reperfusion groups when compared with healthy controls. These antioxidant levels increased in AML groups while malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased. While increases in tumour necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta levels were found in the torsion and detorsion groups, significant decreases in the levels of these inflammatory cytokines were observed in the treatment groups. These results demonstrate that AML significantly produced protective effects on testis tissue damage that occurs in the torsion/detorsion model via biochemical, histopathological and molecular pathways.

Effect of pioglitazone, quercetin and hydroxy citric acid on extracellular matrix components in experimentally induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is an important component of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum, which progresses to the end stage liver disease, if not diagnosed and treated properly. The disproportionate production of pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines secreted from fat contributes to the pathogenesis of NASH. In this study, the comparative effect of pioglitazone, quercetin and hydroxy citric acid on extracellular matrix (ECM) component levels were studied in experimentally induced NASH. The experimental protocol consists of using 48 male Wister rats, which were divided into 8 groups. The levels of hyaluronic acid, leptin and adiponectin were monitored in experimental NASH. The experimental NASH rats treated with pioglitazone showed significant decrease in the levels of hyaluronic acid and significant increase in adiponectin levels when compared to experimentally induced NASH group, but did not show any effect on the levels of leptin. Contrary to these two drugs, viz. pioglitazone and hydroxy citric acid, the group treated with quercetin showed significant decrease in the levels of hyaluronic acid and leptin and significant decrease in adiponectin levels compared with that of experimentally induced NASH NASH group, offering maximum protection against NASH. Considering our findings, it could be concluded that quercetin may offer maximum protection against NASH by significantly increasing the levels of adiponectin, when compared to pioglitazone and hydroxy citric acid.

Lycaenid Caterpillar Secretions Manipulate Attendant Ant Behavior

Mutualistic interactions typically involve the exchange of different commodities between species. Nutritious secretions are produced by a number of insects and plants in exchange for services such as defense. These rewards are valuable metabolically and can be used to reinforce the behavior of symbiotic partners that can learn and remember them effectively. We show here novel effects of insect exocrine secretions produced by caterpillars in modulating the behavior of attendant ants in the food-for-defense interaction between lycaenid butterflies and ants. Reward secretions from the dorsal nectary organ (DNO) of Narathura japonica caterpillars function to reduce the locomotory activities of their attendant ants, Pristomyrmex punctatus workers. Moreover, workers that feed from caterpillar secretions are significantly more likely to show aggressive responses to eversion of the tentacle organs of the caterpillars. Analysis of the neurogenic amines in the brains of workers that consumed caterpillar secretions showed a significant decrease in levels of dopamine compared with controls. Experimental treatments in which reserpine, a known inhibitor of dopamine in Drosophila, was fed to workers similarly reduced their locomotory activity. We conclude that DNO secretions of lycaenid caterpillars can manipulate attendant ant behavior by altering dopaminergic regulation and increasing partner fidelity. Unless manipulated ants also receive a net nutritional benefit from DNO secretions, this suggests that similar reward-for-defense interactions that have been traditionally considered to be mutualisms may in fact be parasitic in nature.

Subchronic toxicity of aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei de wild. (apocynaceae) stem bark in normal rats

Methodology: Wistar rats were randomly assigned into eight groups of five animals each: four male groups and four female groups. Each sex group had a control group receiving distilled water and three test groups receiving 200, 500 and 1000mg/kg respectively. Animal’s body weights were recorded on the first day and once a week for the four experiment weeks. The hematological analysis included total WBC count, total RBC count, Hb, %HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC. Biochemical/serum profile studies include TG, TC, ALT, AST, urea and TP. Tissue specimens of the liver, kidney and lung were subjected to histological examination using standard hematoxylin-eosin staining.Results: In male rats, aqueous extract showed significant decreases in relative weight of liver with extreme significance P&lt;0.001 at a dose of 200mg/kg (vs. control group), P&lt;0.001 of lung at all the doses, P&lt;0.05 (200 and 500mg/kg) and P&lt;0.01 (1000mg/kg) in heart weight. In relative kidney weight, only the dose of 1000mg/kg showed a significant increase vs. normal control male rats. Unlike male rats, only relative kidney weight in female rats was significantly different from the control group in a dose-dependent manner. The aqueous extract treated male groups showed significant increases P&lt;0.001 (1000mg/kg) of total WBC count and MCHC, significant decreases of %HTC (dose response manner), P&lt;0.05 total RBC count (at doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg) and Hb P&lt;0.01 (500mg/kg) vs. normal male rats. In female rats, the haematological study showed significant increase P&lt;0.01 of total WBC count (at the doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg), significant decreases P&lt;0.05 and P&lt;0.01 of total RBC respectively at the doses of 200 and 1000mg/kg, significant decrease of Hb with extreme significance P&lt;0.001 at the dose 1000mg/kg, %HTC also decrease dose response manner vs. control female rats. Biochemical study showed in male rats significant decreases in level of TG P&lt;0.001 (at the doses of 200 and 500mg/kg) and urea, although it showed any dose-dependent effect vs. control male rats. AST also decreases (P&lt;0.05) in male rats at the dose of 200mg/kg but significantly increase P&lt;0.001 at the dose of 500mg/kg. In the female rats, biochemical study revealed significant increases in level of TG P&lt;0.001 and urea P&lt;0.01 at the dose of 200mg/kg and significant decreases in level of TG P&lt;0.01, AST P&lt;0.05 and urea P&lt;0.05 at the dose of 500mg/kg (vs. control female rats). Microscopically, there were mild hepatic and renal tissue injuries supporting the hematological analysis.Conclusion: The results indicated that aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei De Wild is toxic in high doses.

Analysis of different nutrient status of liquid bio-fertilizer of different combinations of buffalo dung with gram bran and water hyacinth through vermicomposting by Eisenia fetida

The animal, agro-wastes and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are a serious problem for the society and ecosystem. The present study carried out the management of water hyacinth and observation of nutritional status like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), C/N ratio, total phosphorus and total calcium (TCa) of liquid bio-fertilizer (vermiwash) before and after vermicomposting of feed materials of different combinations of buffalo dung (BD) with water hyacinth (WH) and gram bran (GB). After vermicomposting of different combinations of BD with WH and agro-wastes, significant decrease in level of pH, EC, TOC and C/N ratio was observed, whereas significant increase in TKN, TK, TAP and TCa level in vermiwash of final vermicompost with respect to initial feed material was observed. The pH of initial mixture in all combinations has tended to basic in nature, while in final vermicompost, it becomes neutral/basic. The significant increase was observed in the level of TKN, TK, TAP in BD + GB + WH (1:2:1) and TCa in BD + GB + WH (1:1:2) vermiwash of final vermicompost of combination, whereas decrease was observed in TOC, C/N ratio, pH and EC in BD + WH (1:1), BD + GB + WH (1:1:1), BD + GB + WH (1:2:1) and BD + GB (1:1), respectively.

Promoting recovery from suicidal ideation through the development of protective factors

AbstractBackgroundThe important message of engendering hope in clients with suicidal ideation has frequently been obscured by the prevalence of a negative risk factors perspective and by a general lack of empirical support for intervention models based on developing protective factors.AimThis research aimed to explore recovery from suicidal ideation in the six months following engagement in a protective factors‐based therapeutic intervention.MethodRecovery was ascertained by the change in levels of positive and negative outlook, as measured by the PHQ‐9, the single‐item self‐esteem indicator, and the positive and negative suicide ideation inventory. This involved administering a questionnaire to clients pre‐therapy (n = 376) and again to the same clients one month (n = 147), three months (n = 130) and six months (n = 107) post‐therapy. All participants were over 18 years old and presented to a suicide intervention charity for therapy due to suicidal ideation.FindingsResults showed an overall significant effect for engaging in therapy. Comparisons revealed statistically significant decreases in levels of negative outlook and increases in positive outlook, with the largest differences observed in pre‐therapy and six‐month post‐therapy comparisons.ImplicationsResults provide support for the efficacy of intervention models that develop a client's protective factors and for the ability of a client to recover from suicidal ideation. Findings may also encourage therapists to reconsider reliance on the traditional negative model of suicide intervention and to explore intervention methods that enhance clients’ protective factors in line with the positive psychology perspective.

Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes-related alterations in brain mitochondria, autophagy and synaptic markers

We aimed to investigate mitochondrial function, biogenesis and autophagy in the brain of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. Isolated brain mitochondria and homogenates from cerebral cortex and hippocampus of wild-type (WT), triple transgenic AD (3xTg-AD) and T2D mice were used to evaluate mitochondrial functional parameters and protein levels of mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy and synaptic integrity markers, respectively. A significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential and energy levels was observed in T2D and 3xTg-AD mice. Also, a significant decrease in the levels of autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) and glycosylated lysosomal membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) was observed in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of T2D and 3xTg-AD mice. Moreover, both brain regions of 3xTg-AD mice present lower levels of nuclear respiratory factor (NRF) 1 while the levels of NRF2 are lower in both brain regions of T2D and 3xTg-AD mice. A decrease in mitochondrial encoded, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) was also observed in T2D and 3xTg-AD mice although only statistically significant in T2D cortex. Furthermore, a decrease in the levels of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the cerebral cortex of 3xTg-AD mice and in hippocampus of T2D and 3xTg-AD mice and a decrease in the levels of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP 25) in the hippocampus of T2D and 3xTg-AD mice were observed suggesting synaptic integrity loss. These results support the idea that alterations in mitochondrial function, biogenesis and autophagy cause synaptic damage in AD and T2D.

Reductions of docosahexaenoic acid-containing phosphatidylcholine levels in the anterior horn of an ALS mouse model

In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal alterations of phospholipid composition in the spinal cord of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse model (G93A-mutated human superoxide dismutase 1 transgenic mice [SOD1G93A mice]) using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), a powerful method to visualize spatial distributions of various types of molecules in situ. Using this technique, we deciphered the phospholipid distribution in the pre-symptomatic stage, early stage after disease onset, and terminal stages of disease in female SOD1G93A mouse spinal cords. These experiments revealed a significant decrease in levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing phosphatidylcholines (PCs), such as PC (diacyl-16:0/22:6), PC (diacyl-18:0/22:6), and PC (diacyl-18:1/22:6) in the L5 anterior horns of terminal stage (22-week-old) SOD1G93A mice. The reduction in PC (diacyl-16:0/22:6) level could be reflecting the loss of motor neurons themselves in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in ALS model mice. In contrast, other PCs, such as PC (diacyl-16:0/16:0), were observed specifically in the L5 dorsal horn gray matter, and their levels did not vary between ALS model mice and controls. Thus, our study showed a significant decrease in DHA-containing PCs, but not other PCs, in the terminal stage of ALS in model mice, which is likely to be a reflection of neuronal loss in the anterior horns of the spinal cords. Given its enrichment in dorsal sensory regions, the preservation of PC (diacyl-16:0/16:0) may be the result of spinal sensory neurons being unaffected in ALS. Taken together, these findings suggest that ALS spinal cords show significant alterations in PC metabolism only at the terminal stage of the disease, and that these changes are confined to specific anatomical regions and cell types.