Significant Decrease In Levels Research Articles

Relationship between Smoking and Concentrations of Some Biochemical Parameters in Blood of Young Smokers

Cigarette smoking is main cause of lung cancer and one of the major causes for cardiovascular problems. Smoking causes changes to some blood contents. The study aimed to identifying the influence of cigarette smoking on concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), glucose, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and bilirubin in blood of young smokers. The study conducted among 30 subjects of young smokers and compared with 20 non-smoker volunteers as control group. The biochemical parameters of blood among all subjects have been determined by using available commercial kits. The results have been showed that the mean of the total serum bilirubin levels were lower in smokers when compared with controls but with significant (P > 0.05). Serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were found to be higher in smokers as compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). The comparison between the estimated levels of triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein-c (LDL-C) in smokers and healthy controls subjects showed no significant increased (P > 0.05). Also there are no significant decrease in levels of HDL-C in smoking subjects as compared to controls Conclusion: The conclusion from results, that smoke of cigarette can influence on biochemical parameters such as glucose, total cholesterol and bilirubin in early stages of smoking and produce a problems to cardiovascular system in early ages.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperplastic effect of Bazhengsan in a male rat model of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis

ObjectivesThe therapeutic potentiality of Bazhengsan on the chronic nonbacterial prostatitis was investigated. MethodsProstatitis was induced by subcutaneous injection of the 17-beta-estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone in male rat, and treated with Bazhengsan. After 8 weeks, prostatic fluid was collected for counting lecithin corpuscle density (LCD) and the organs were removed from animals and used for measuring prostate viscera coefficient (PVC). Then, prostate histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and masson staining, and expression levels of cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators were detected by the technologies of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or western blot. ResultsBazhengsan significantly improved inflammatory responses and reduced collagen deposition in prostate tissues relative to model group. The treatment of Bazhengsan also showed a significant decrease in levels of PVC, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17 and increase in the levels of LCD and secretory immunoglobulin (SIg)-A relative to model group. In addition, the mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, and the protein content of very late antigen (VLA)-4, CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-1 in prostate tissue were significantly decreased in Bazhengsan-treated rats compared to untreated control. ConclusionsBazhengsan can significantly suppress inflammation and hyperplasia in rats with nonbacterial prostatitis, showing great therapeutic potential to the chronic prostatitis.

Sexual motivation in male rats is modulated by tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB).

The expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) are regulated by gonadal hormone signaling and are expressed in brain areas that are important for sexual behaviors. Accordingly, BDNF and TrkB signaling have been shown to be important for the expression of consummatory sexual behaviors. However, the role of TrkB in sexually motivated behaviors remains to be fully elucidated. To this end, male rats were administered either the TrkB antagonist, ANA-12, or a vehicle control prior to sexual motivation testing, which took place on a noncontact version of a partner preference task. Vehicle treated rats, but not rats treated with ANA-12, exhibited a preference for the sexually receptive stimulus female rat relative to the sexually active stimulus male rat, as indicated by the percentage of time and entries in the vicinity of the female throughout the entire 20-min test. In addition, when compared directly with vehicle treated rats, rats treated with ANA-12 exhibited a significant decrease in levels of sexual motivation as indicated by the magnitude of each group's preference for the female during the early stages of testing. Collectively, these results suggest that TrkB plays a role in the sexual preferences and corresponding initial levels of sexual motivation in male rats. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY OF ECLIPTA ALBA IN HIGH FAT DIET-INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIC ALBINO RATS

Objective: The objective is to study the antihyperlipidemic activity of Eclipta alba in hyperlipidemic albino rats and the use of herbal plants and their parts such as seeds, berries, leaves, roots, barks, or flowers for the development of drugs for therapeutic purposes which have an effective role in recent years.
 Methods: A total of 30 adult albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 165–215 g were utilized. Animals were treated with high fat diet for 8 weeks followed by post-treatment of E. alba for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks, respectively. After 12 h of fasting on the last day of experiment, serum blood samples were collected in EDTA vials and processed for biochemical analysis.
 Results: A significant decrease in levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides was noted on animals treated with E. alba compared to high fat diet animals. Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with E. alba showed a marked decrease of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very LDL-cholesterol concentrations compared to the hypercholesterolemic rats. High fat diet feeding worsened the levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes, whereas the same markers were significantly improved by supplementation with E. alba compared to normal group.
 Conclusion: E. alba acts as antihyperlipidemic agent in hyperlipidemic conditions and helps for better health.

Allopurinol potentiates the hepatoprotective effect of metformin and vitamin E in fructose-induced fatty liver in rats.

Aim of the studyNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a challenging health problem. Hyperuricemia is a key player in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. This study investigated the effect of allopurinol (uric acid synthesis inhibitor) in combination with metformin and vitamin E in prevention of fructose induced-fatty liver in rats.Material and methodsRats were divided into 7 groups: control group, fructose group (model group of NAFLD), allopurinol-treated group, metformin-treated group, vitamin E-treated group, metformin plus vitamin E-treated group and a combination group (received allopurinol plus metformin plus vitamin E). Development of NAFLD was assessed biochemically by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as by histopathological examination. Oxidative stress parameters [reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)], and the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were assessed, along with serum levels of uric acid and triglyceride (TG).ResultsCombination of allopurinol plus metformin plus vitamin E significantly attenuated fatty changes compared to their respective monotherapy. Interestingly, though all treated groups showed significant attenuation in the oxidative stress markers, TNF-α level and iNOS immunostaining in hepatic tissue, along with a significant decrease in the levels of uric acid and TG, the combination group showed a further significant decrease in the serum level of uric acid and iNOS immunostaining compared to other treated regimens.ConclusionsAllopurinol synergistically increases the protective effect of metformin and vitamin E in treatment of NAFLD, namely via reduction of uric acid synthesis and iNOS expression.

Impact of yoga on psychological status of postmenopausal women

Background: Researchers have studied the effect of yoga on psychological and physiological parameters. However, the insight into its impact on psychological status of postmenopausal women is not much studied. Objective: This study is done to evaluate the impact of yoga in anxiety, stress, and depression of postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: To collect the data, depression anxiety stress scale-21 questionnaire was used for this study. Sixty postmenopausal women in the age group of 45–55 years were trained with yoga for a period of 12 weeks (6 times/week; 30–40 min) by a yoga trainer. The data were collected before and after yoga intervention. Results: Mean anxiety score before yoga was 5.95. This decreased to 4.36 after yoga intervention. Mean stress score before yoga was 9.92 which decreased to 7.38 after yoga intervention. Mean depression score before yoga was 7.98 which decreased to 6.32 after yoga intervention. There is a significant decrease in level of anxiety, stress, and depression of postmenopausal women after the intervention of yoga where P < 0.001. Conclusions: The results suggest significant differences among the scores of the factors for anxiety, stress, and depression level with yoga practice.

Forskolin Modulate Silent Information Regulator 1 (SIRT1) gene Expression and Halts Experimentally-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury is a very serious medical condition; change of the normal physiological oxidant-antioxidant balance has been reported as a major cause for renal injury. Silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide- (NAD+-) dependent deacetylase that has nephro-protective effect against ischemia or injury by toxic substances by increasing cell resistance to oxidative stress. Forskolin is derived from plant Coleus forskohlii and has been used to treat the heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and asthma. This study was done to investigate the possible protective role of forskolin against glycerol- induced acute nephrotoxicity and also to study the possible mechanisms underlying this action. In the present study rats were randomly divided into four groups. Rats in the control group received distilled water orally for 15 days, four days before scarification they received half the dose of saline (10 ml/kg) in each hind limb muscle; rats in the FSK group received 500 mg/kg per day, orally for 15 days; those in the glycerol group (AKI) received half the dose of glycerol (10 ml/kg, 50% v/v in sterile saline) in each hind limb muscle; rats in the FSK + glycerol (AKI) group received FSK 500 mg/kg per day, orally 12 days before glycerol injection and continued for three days after glycerol administration with a total period of 15 days, all rats were deprived of water for 24 h before glycerol injection. Parameters tested in this study were kidney function tests (urea, creatinine), oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GST), anti-inflammatory marker (TNF-α), anti-apoptotic marker (caspase-3), SIRT gene expression detected by RT-PCR and histopathlogical study. Results: Glycerol administration caused significant increase in all tested parameters except SIRT gene expression which decreased with glycerol administration. Pretreatment with forskolin caused significant decrease of levels of urea, creatinine, MDA, TNF-α and also decreased activity of caspase-3 and GST, with significant improvement of SIRT expression. Histopathological examination revealed that the glycerol caused severe kidney damage in the form of hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration and intra-tubular cast formation compared to normal renal histology and architecture of the control and forskolin groups. Forskolin pretreatment of glycerol induced AKI caused marked improvement of histological picture which exhibited mild edema and tubular vacuolization compared to the control group. In conclusion the possible beneficial effect of forskolin in protection against nephrotoxicity is due to its ability to modulate the disrupted expression of SIRT gene as well as its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This may open a new therapeutic window for renal patient.

Predictors of effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Diabetes type 2 (CD2), which develops mainly against visceral obesity, is socially significant disease, reduction of losses from which is priority in development of modern medicine. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (aGPP-1) is one of few groups of antidiabetic drugs that allows to reduce not only glycemia, but also weight with CD2. Taking into account predictors of response to therapy will allow highest probability to reach targets while maintaining safety of treatment, optimize recommendations for appointment of aGPP-1 as much as possible. Aims: to assess dynamics of metabolic parameters, to determine predictors of reduction in blood glucose, body weight and other metabolic parameters in AGPP-1 therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes with body mass index (BMI) &gt;35 kg/m. Material and methods. Study involved 33 patients (10 men, 23 women) who had been treated with aGPP-1, planned period of observation for 24 weeks. Early termination ofparticipation of 3 patients (1 - due to development ofpancreatitis, 2 - due to lack of financial opportunity to purchase the drug). Accordingly, 30 patients (10 men, 20 women) were included in final analysis. Examination consisted of survey, physical examination with measurement of anthropometric, clinical parameters, filling questionnaires. Data were evaluated initially and after 24 weeks of treatment. Results. Study found that patients who achieved weight loss &gt; 5% initially had higher BMI (p = 0.028), lower GLP-1 (p = 0.036), had lower level of ghrelin after sample with standard breakfast (p = 0.022). There was trend (p = 0.071) to greater decrease in BMI in patients with restrictive type of eating behavior compared to patients who had mixed type. More pronounced decrease in glycemia was noted in patients who had higher fasting plasma glucose level at inclusion (p = 0.001). Dynamics of HbA1C was better in patients with initially higher GLP-1 (p = 0.016) and higher levels of glycemia (p = 0.001). Also, in examined patients, there was statistically significant decrease in level of triglycerides, blood pressure by end of treatment period. Conclusions. Results indicate that there are different predictors for weight loss, glycemia and blood pressure in aGPP-1 therapy. In addition to metabolic parameters, level of orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones and psycho-social characteristics ofpatients help to estimate expected effect of therapy for ARP1. When predictors are identified, predictors of weight loss and carbohydrate metabolism compensation should be studied separately. Identification of response predictors is necessary to optimize indications for prescribing this group of drugs with CD2.

Protective effect of phenolic extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes on myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in female rats

Objective: To asses the protective effect of phenolic extract of cyperus rotundus rhizomes on biochemical in isoproterenol induced myocardial infraction. Methods: Myocardial infarction was induced in rats by intraperitoneally injection of isoproterenol (85mg/kg) for two consecutive days at an interval of 24 h. Rats were treated with phenolic extract of cyperus rotundus rhizomes at two doses (15mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) for period 21 days and isoproterenol was injected on the 21th and 22th day. At the end of experiment i.e. on the 23th day biochemical changes were monitored from control and experimental groups. Results: ISO injected rats showed a significant increase in d-dimer levels. In addition, it also exhibited alteration in the levels of electrolytes (Na+ and Cl−). It also showed significant decrease in level of K+. Pretreatment with phenolic extract of cyperus rotundus rhizomes significantly prevented the ISO induced alteration in biochemical changes. Conclusions: The present result shows that treatment with phenolic extract of cyperus rotundus rhizomes in ISO injected rats significantly attenuates induced myocardial infarction.

Polyphenolic profile, macro- and microelements in bioaccessible fractions of grape juice sediment using in vitro gastrointestinal simulation

Grape and grape constituents have high amounts of essential minerals and polyphenols. Health benefits of these nutrients and other bioactive substances depend on their level of intake and bioaccessibility. The behavior and levels of individual phenolic compounds, macro- and microelements of the grape juice sediment that was removed from red grape juices of Bordo and Isabel varieties were investigated using an in vitro digestion and determined using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. During digestion, important changes were observed in concentrations of polyphenols and minerals upon passage through the gastric and enteric phases. Bioactive compounds such as trans-resveratrol, catechin and epicatechin were highly bioaccessible from the Bordo sample. A significant decrease in levels of polyphenolics and minerals was observed at the end of the intestinal phase. The grape juice sediment of both varieties showed higher antioxidant capacity in the gastric phase, which was related to the high concentration of polyphenols. The anthocyanins identified at higher concentrations in samples included malvidin-3-O-glucoside and malvidin-3,5-diglucoside that were 7% and 60% bioaccessible, respectively. The elements Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Sr, Mn, Zn, Al, Ni and Pb were not detected at the last phase of digestion, being poorly bioaccessible. The bioaccessibility indexes found for this grape juice sediment are consistent with the bioactive properties of grape products.

Prescribing Variation in General Practices in England Following a Direct Healthcare Professional Communication on Mirabegron.

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance may detect safety issues after marketing of medications, and this can result in regulatory action such as direct healthcare professional communications (DHPC). DHPC can be effective in changing prescribing behaviour, however the extent to which prescribers vary in their response to DHPC is unknown. This study aims to explore changes in prescribing and prescribing variation among general practitioner (GP) practices following a DHPC on the safety of mirabegron, a medication to treat overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: This is an interrupted time series study of English GP practices from 2014–2017. National Health Service (NHS) Digital provided monthly statistics on aggregate practice-level prescribing and practice characteristics (practice staff and registered patient profiles, Quality and Outcomes Framework indicators, and deprivation of the practice area). The primary outcome was monthly mirabegron prescriptions as a percentage of all OAB drug prescriptions and we assessed the change following a DHPC issued by the European Medicines Agency in September 2015. The DHPC stated mirabegron use was contraindicated with severe uncontrolled hypertension and cautioned with hypertension. Variation between practices in mirabegron prescribing before and after the DHPC was assessed using the systematic component of variation (SCV). Multilevel segmented regression with random effects quantified the change in level and trend of prescribing after the DHPC. Practice characteristics were assessed for their association with a reduction in prescribing following the DHPC. Results: This study included 7408 practices. During September 2015, 88.9% of practices prescribed mirabegron and mirabegron comprised a mean of 8.2% (SD 6.8) of OAB prescriptions. Variation between practices was classified as very high and the median SCV did not change significantly (p = 0.11) in the six months after the September 2015 DHPC (12.4) compared to before (11.6). Before the DHPC, the share of mirabegron over all OAB drug prescriptions increased by 0.294 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.287, 0.301) percentage points per month. There was no significant change in the month immediately after the DHPC (−0.023, 95% CI −0.105 to 0.058), however there was a significant reduction in trend (−0.036, 95% CI −0.049 to −0.023). Higher numbers of registered patients, patients aged ≥65 years, and practice area deprivation were associated with having a significant decrease in level and slope of mirabegron prescribing post-DHPC. Conclusion: Variation in mirabegron prescribing was high over the study period and did not change substantively following the DHPC. There was no immediate prescribing change post-DHPC, although the monthly growth did slow. Knowledge of the degree of variation in and determinants of response to safety communications may allow those that do not change prescribing habits to be provided with additional support.

Protective effect of naringin against BPA-induced cardiotoxicity through prevention of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Bisphenol A (BPA), which is an applied endocrine disrupting chemical in industry for producing epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics and naringin, is an active flavanone glycoside of grapefruit and many citrus fruits. The present study evaluated the protective effect of naringin against cardiotoxicity induced by BPA. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Control group received oral olive oil; and BPA group orally were administrated 50 mg/kg of BPA for 30 d consecutively to induce toxicity. 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg of naringin were orally administered for 30 consecutive, along with BPA. Naringin group orally received 160 mg/kg of naringin for 30 d consecutively. Animals were sacrificed and their biochemical, histological, and oxidative stress parameters were measured 24 h after the last treatment. Heart injury was induced by BPA as an evidence with a significant increase in levels of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase–MB, triglyceride, lipid peroxidation, and a significant decrease in levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and triggered myocardial disorganization, myofibrillar loss, congestion of red blood cells, and the inflammation. However, there were not any changes in the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and alanine aminotransferase. Moreover, our results indicated that administering 80 and 160 mg/kg of naringin significantly altered all examined endpoints that were induced by BPA. Both concentrations of 80 and 160 mg/kg of naringin were more effective than 40 mg/kg. These findings indicated that naringin had a protective effect against cardiotoxicity induced by BPA through lipid-lowering properties, antioxidant activity, and suppressed lipid peroxidation.

Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Reduces Immune Activation, Microbial Translocation, and the HIV DNA Level in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients.

There are contradictory data about the influence that hepatitis C virus (HCV) has on immune activation and inflammation in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV. HIV/HCV-coinfected patients receiving antiretroviral treatment who achieved a sustained virological response with interferon-free regimens were consecutively enrolled in a prospective study. The following factors were assessed before, immediately after the end of, and 1 month after the end of therapy: expression of HLA-DR/CD38, PD-1, and CD57 on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells; measurement of the total HIV DNA load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells; and determination of plasma levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), D-dimers, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Ninety-seven patients were consecutively included. At the end of therapy and 1 month later, there were significant reductions in the expression of HLA-DR and CD38 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as levels of proviral HIV DNA, sCD14, LPS, 16S rDNA, and D-dimer (P < .001). By contrast, the expression of PD-1 and CD57 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and levels of IL-6 and hsCRP did not change. The improvement in levels of immune activation markers, proviral HIV DNA, and microbial translocation markers did not translate into an increased CD4+ T-cell count or increased ratio of the CD4+ T-cell count to the CD8+ T-cell count. HCV eradication in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients results in significant decreases in levels of immune activation markers, proviral HIV DNA load, microbial translocation markers, and D-dimers. These findings support the use of HCV treatment for all HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, even those with low-grade fibrosis.

Gum Arabic Fibers Decreased Inflammatory Markers and Disease Severity Score among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Phase II Trial.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is autoimmune inflammatory disease that attacks the synovium of the joints. Both TNFa and interleukin-1 play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of RA. Gum Arabic (GA) is gummy exudates from Acacia senegal tree. Gum Arabic fermentation by colonic bacteria increases serum butyrate concentrations, so it is considered as prebiotic agent. Gum Arabic (GA) has anti-inflammatory activity through its derivative butyrate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted to investigate GA intake on inflammatory markers among RA patients. Patients and Methods This is clinical trial phase II in which 40 patients were enrolled aged 18 to 70 years. Patients received 30g/day GA for 12 weeks. TNF α, ESR, and complete blood count were measured and DAS-28 was calculated before and after regular GA consumption. Study was approved by the Ethical committee of National Medicines and Poisons Board. Results This study showed significant decrease in level of serum TNF α (p value 0.05) [95% CI, 0.65 -16.5], ESR (p value 0.011) [95% CI, 2.6 -18.89], and number of swollen and tender joints in RA patients after 12 weeks of GA intake which reflected as significant decrease in disease severity score DAS 28 P.V:0.00 [95% CI, 1.25 -1.99]. On the other hand, GA had trivial change in blood indices. Conclusion Gum Arabic has favorable immune modulator effect on rheumatoid arthritis. It can be utilized in clinical practice as adjuvant therapy. Trial Registration This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02804581 Registered at 19 June 2016, prospective registration.

Zinc, Copper, and Iron in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Meta-Analysis.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant disorder which causes fibrosis and inflammation of the oral mucosa. Studies have reported altered levels of trace elements in oral submucous fibrosis subjects, but findings have been inconsistent. The objective of this research is to perform a meta-analysis to summarize studies that report zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in patients, with and without OSF. A literature search of Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science electronic databases was conducted for studies up to January 2017. A total of 34 reports met the inclusion criteria. The standardized mean difference was utilized as the effect size. The robust variance estimation method was chosen to handle dependency of multiple related outcomes in meta-analysis. There was a significant increase in the levels of Cu (effect size = 1.17, p value < 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.164–2.171) and a significant decrease in levels of Zn (effect size = −1.95, p value < 0.05, 95% CI: −3.524 to −0.367) and Fe (effect size = −2.77, p value < 0.01, 95% CI: −4.126 to −1.406) in OSF patients. The estimation of Zn, Cu, and Fe levels may serve as additional biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of OSF along with the clinical features.

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Antibody Ameliorates Cartilage Degradation in a Rat Model of Chronic Sports Arthritic Injury

BackgroundAlthough a relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and articular cartilage degeneration has been reported, little is known regarding its role in articular cartilage injury induced by sports activities. In this study, we evaluated the role of VEGF in a rat model of chronic sports arthritic injury.Material/MethodsAnimals were divided into 3 groups: Control (n=10), Vehicle (chronic sports arthritic injury, n=10), and Bevacizumab (chronic sports arthritic injury treated with anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody Bevacizumab, n=10).ResultsNo significant difference in body weight was observed following the establishment of chronic sports arthritic injury among these 3 groups. Compared with the Vehicle group, Bevacizumab exhibited improved structure of articular cartilage (revealed by HE staining), as well as elevated cartilage content (revealed by Safranin O staining). Moreover, altered cytokines were observed after Bevacizumab treatment, indicating the significant decrease in levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3, and a clear increase in levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1.ConclusionsAll these findings demonstrate that Bevacizumab treatment ameliorated cartilage degradation in rats subjected to chronic sports arthritic injury. Our results provide evidence supporting use of targeted therapy for VEGF in the clinical treatment of chronic sports arthritic injury.

EFFECT OF COMMON CARP AND AFRICAN CATFISH OILS ON RATS FED ON HIGH-FAT DIET

Objective: The present study was designed to study the effect of common carp and African catfish oils on the lipid profiles and liver functions in rats fed on high-fat diets, also fatty acids were assessed in both oils by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC).Methods: A biological experiment on rats was designed to raise fat in the diet and to study the effect of treatment with common carp and African catfish oils for 6 w (by the stomach tube) and then evaluate their impact on blood lipid profile and liver functions (Alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST] total protein and albumin).Results: GLC analysis of fatty acids (FAs) revealed the presence of oleic, palmitic, palmitolic, and linoleic acids more than 70% from total fatty acids in two oils. High-fat diet resulted in a significant increase in plasma lipid profile as well as liver functions. The treatment of rats fed high fat diets with common carp and African catfish oils resulted in a significant decrease in levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low-denisty lipioprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC)/high-denisty lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and TGs/HDL-c ratios compared with positive control group, while the same treatment with these oils resulted in a significant increase in HDL-c levels compared with positive control group. The intake of common carp and African catfish oils also significantly reduced ALT and AST activities compared with positive control group. Common carp and African catfish oils showed an anti-hyperlipidemic effect in rats feeding on hypercholesterolemic diets.Conclusion: It could be concluded that these fish oils have a promising role in reducing the harmful effects of high-fat diets.

Different effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on intrahepatic cholestasis in acute and recovery stages induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate in mice

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on the alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced acute and recovery stage of cholestasis model mice. In the acute stage of model mice, pretreatment with UDCA (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg−1, ig) for 12 days prior to ANIT administration (50 mg·kg−1, ig) resulted in the dramatic increase in serum biochemistry, with aggrevation of bile infarcts and hepatocyte necrosis. The elevation of beta-muricholic acid (β-MCA), cholic acid (CA), and taurocholic acid (TCA) in serum and liver, and reduction of these bile acids (BAs) in bile was observed. In contrast, in the recovery stage of model mice, treatment with UDCA (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg−1, ig) for 7 days after ANIT administration (50 mg·kg−1, ig) resulted in the significant decrease in levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bile acid (TBA). Liver injury was attenuated, and the levels of TBA, CA, TCA, and β-MCA in the liver were significantly decreased. Additionally, UDCA can upregulate expression of BSEP, but it cannot upregulate expression of AE2. UDCA, which induced BSEP to increase bile acid-dependent bile flow, aggravated cholestasis and liver injury when the bile duct was obstructed in the acute stage of injury in model mice. In contrast, UDCA alleviated cholestasis and liver injury induced by ANIT when the obstruction was improved in the recovery stage.

Disruption to the 5-HT7 Receptor Following Hypoxia-Ischemia in the Immature Rodent Brain.

It has become increasingly evident the serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system is an important central neuronal network disrupted following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) insults. Serotonin acts via a variety of receptor subtypes that are differentially associated with behavioural and cognitive mechanisms. The 5-HT7 receptor is purported to play a key role in epilepsy, anxiety, learning and memory and neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, the 5-HT7 receptor is highly localized in brain regions damaged following neonatal HI insults. Utilising our well-established neonatal HI model in the postnatal day 3 (P3) rat pup we demonstrated a significant decrease in levels of the 5-HT7 protein in the frontal cortex, thalamus and brainstem one week after insult. We also observed a relative decrease in both the cytosolic and membrane fractions of 5-HT7. The 5-HT7 receptor was detected on neurons throughout the cortex and thalamus, and 5-HT cell bodies in the brainstem. However we found no evidence of 5-HT7 co-localisation on microglia or astrocytes. Moreover, minocycline treatment did not significantly prevent the HI-induced reductions in 5-HT7. In conclusion, neonatal HI injury caused significant disruption to 5-HT7 receptors in the forebrain and brainstem. Yet the use of minocycline to inhibit activated microglia, did not prevent the HI-induced changes in 5-HT7 expression.

Effects of Pioglitazone and Irbesartan on Endothelial Dysfunction on Experimentally Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Background and Aim. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an induction of vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) that leads to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a main cause of end stage renal disease. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of irbesartan (IRB) and its combination with pioglitazone (PIO) on impaired endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation beyond blood glucose control in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. Materials and Methods. Forty-eight male albino rats were divided equally and randomly into six groups: A (control non- diabetic non-treated) and B (diabetic non-treated) injected intraperitoneally by streptozotocin (65mg/kg) and nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) to induce diabetic nephropathy; C (diabetic treated with IRB (30mg/kg/daily) orally), D (diabetic treated with PIO (30mg/kg/daily) orally), E (diabetic treated with IRB and PIO in doses (30 mg/kg/day and 30 mg/kg/day) orally), and F (diabetic treated with IRB and PIO in doses (5mg/kg/day and 15mg/kg/day, resp.) orally for 12 weeks). Fasting blood glucose, urea, creatinine, albumin in urine levels, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO), and Malondialdehyde peroxidase (MDA) were determined in serum of the different groups at the end of the experiment; renal blood flow and aortic and renal histopathological changes were also evaluated. Results. Administration of irbesartan and pioglitazone to diabetic rats caused significant decrease in levels of urea, creatinine, albumin, serum inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and NO), and oxidative stress markers. The effects of irbesartan and/or pioglitazone were associated with improvement of renal blood flow, and they markedly reduced vascular and renal damage induced by diabetes. Conclusion. The results of the present study support the fact that the combination between irbesartan and pioglitazone was better than monotherapy on endothelial dysfunction and diabetic nephropathy through inhibition of the pro-inflammatory mediators, NO bioavailability, and oxidative stress, which are independent of their glucose-lowering properties. And there was no significant difference between the combination of pioglitazone and irbesartan in large doses and in low doses.