Normal Untreated Mice Research Articles

A mixed antioxidant supplement improves cognitive function, and coordination in aged mice.

Accumulation of oxidative damage increases the risk of several disorders. To prevent these diseases, people consume supplements. However, there is little evidence of the impact of supplement intake on cognitive function. Recently, frailty and sarcopenia have become serious issues, and these phenomena include a risk of mild cognitive impairment. In this study, aged mice were fed the combination supplement and cognitive and motor functions were measured. Following 1 month of treatment with the supplement, significant improvements in cognitive function and neuromuscular coordination were observed. Following 2 weeks of treadmill training, treatment with the supplement dramatically increased running distance compared to that in untreated normal aged mice. Serum indices such as triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly decreased in the supplement-treated aged mice compared to untreated aged mice. These results indicate that the combination supplement may play a role in maintaining cognitive function, coordination ability and improving lipid metabolism.

Neuroprotective Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in a Rotenone-Induced Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Goals of the investigation: This work aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in an experimental mouse model of rotenone-induced PD and investigate the therapeutic effects of ZnO, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, and their combination. Methods: The levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin were assessed using ELISA in the control and experimental model of PD mice. The dopa-decarboxylase expression level was assayed by real-time PCR. The expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was assessed by western blot analysis. Results: Our data showed that levels of dopamine decreased in PD mice compared to normal. ZnO NP increased dopamine levels in normal and PD mice (37.5% and 29.5%; respectively, compared to untreated mice). However, ZnO NP did not cause any change in norepinephrine and epinephrine levels either in normal or in PD mice. Levels of serotonin decreased by 64.0%, and 51.1% in PD mice treated with cobalt ferrite and dual ZnO- cobalt ferrite NPs; respectively, when compared to PD untreated mice. The mRNA levels of dopa-decarboxylase increased in both normal and PD mice treated with ZnO NP. Its level decreased when using cobalt ferrite NP and the dual ZnO-cobalt ferrite NP when compared to untreated PD mice. A significant decrease in TH expression by 0.25, 0.68, and 0.62 folds was observed in normal mice treated with ZnO, cobalt ferrite, and the dual ZnO-cobalt ferrite NP as compared to normal untreated mice. In PD mice, ZnO administration caused a non-significant 0.15-fold decrease in TH levels while both cobalt ferrite and the dual ZnO-cobalt ferrite NP administration caused a significant 0.3 and 0.4-fold decrease respectively when compared to untreated PD mice. Principal conclusion: This study reveals that ZnO NPs may be utilized as a potential intervention to elevate dopamine levels to aid in PD treatment.

Transplantation of insulin-producing cells derived from human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells into diabetic humanized mice

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate allogenic immune responses following the transplantation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) differentiated from human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hAT-MSCs) into humanized mice.MethodshAT-MSCs were isolated from liposuction aspirates obtained from HLA-A2-negative healthy donors. These cells were expanded and differentiated into IPCs. HLA-A2-positive humanized mice (NOG-EXL) were divided into 4 groups: diabetic mice transplanted with IPCs, diabetic but nontransplanted mice, nondiabetic mice transplanted with IPCs and normal untreated mice. Three million differentiated cells were transplanted under the renal capsule. Animals were followed-up to determine their weight, glucose levels (2-h postprandial), and human and mouse insulin levels. The mice were euthanized 6–8 weeks posttransplant. The kidneys were explanted for immunohistochemical studies. Blood, spleen and bone marrow samples were obtained to determine the proportion of immune cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD19+ and CD69+), and the expression levels of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR.ResultsFollowing STZ induction, blood glucose levels increased sharply and were then normalized within 2 weeks after cell transplantation. In these animals, human insulin levels were measurable while mouse insulin levels were negligible throughout the observation period. Immunostaining of cell-bearing kidneys revealed sparse CD45+ cells. Immunolabeling and flow cytometry of blood, bone marrow and splenic samples obtained from the 3 groups of animals did not reveal a significant difference in the proportions of immune cell subsets or in the expression levels of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR.ConclusionTransplantation of IPCs derived from allogenic hAT-MSCs into humanized mice was followed by a muted allogenic immune response that did not interfere with the functionality of the engrafted cells. Our findings suggest that such allogenic cells could offer an opportunity for cell therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes without immunosuppression, encapsulation or gene manipulations.Graphical

Commercial Artificial Sweeteners Affect Mice Limb Development: A Morphology and Morphometric Study

Artificial sweeteners are food additives that provide a sweet taste like that of sugar while containing significantly fewer or no calories. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of commercial artificial sweeteners on mouse limb development. Adult female mice were divided into three groups: control group, vehicle control group and treated group. The treated group received orally 40 mg/kg body weight artificial sweetener solution, while the vehicle control group received distilled water. The groups were left to mate with normal untreated male mice. On confirmed conception, pregnant females were separated from males. The dose was orally given to the test group before mating, throughout the gestational period till three weeks after giving birth. Foetuses E14.5 and E19.5, were extracted, and newborn and 3 weeks old offspring were examined, and their growth parameters were measured. Congenital malformations were seen in the treated group, such as cerebellar hypertrophy, an increase in the number of forelimbs, atrophy in the lower limb. In some embryos, the amniotic membrane was adherent to the embryo with a very low amount of amniotic fluid. Bone malformation was clearly seen in 1-week offspring, as basic forelimb and hind limb bones were missing. The results of this study showed that there was significant growth retardation in E14.5 and newborns. While in E19.5- and week 3 offspring, there was a significant growth increase (increase in weight, body length tail length and tail length to body length ratio). It was concluded that commercial artificial sweeteners altered growth rate during embryonic development and produced bone and limb congenital malformations in mice.

Efektivitas Perlakuan Kombinatif Plasma Medis dan Ekstrak Daun Sirih untuk Mempercepat Penyembuhan Luka Fase Proliferasi pada Model Mencit Diabetik

The continued increase in the number of people with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Indonesia is a serious problem. One of the big problems for people with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the emergence of complications of diabetic wounds. To date the strategy for treatment of diabetic wounds has been limited to the use of wound dressing, cell therapy and oxygen therapy. The problem is that the strategy is not fully successful. Thus, it is very important to look for new strategies to improve the quality of diabetic wound healing, such as by applying a combination of plasma medicine and local natural product, like the extraction of Daun sirih (Piper betle) leaves. Plasma medicine is a relatively new and multidisciplinary study involving plasma science, biomedical, pharmaceutical and other health sciences aimed at applying plasma to therapeutic health. Plasma is the fourth phase of matter, after the solid, liquid and gas phase. The medical aspects of plasma are related to the ability of plasma to produce biological molecules Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS). If RONS is controlled in the right dosage it can be efficacious for health therapy. This study intends to examine the effects of combinative treatment of plasma medicine and Piper betel leaf extract for proliferation phase of wound healing in diabetic small animal model. This study used male Balb c mice with acute wounds which were divided into 5 groups, namely groups of untreated normal mice (ND-TP), groups of untreated diabetic mice (D-TP), groups of diabetic mice wounds with Piper betel leaf extract (DS ), the wound group of diabetic mice with plasma medicine (DP) and the wound group of diabetic mice with plasma medicine and Piper betel leaf (DPS). The plasma medicine was treated on wound with condition non-contact style (the plasma jet did not touch the wound) with a distance of plasma jet reactor nozzle to the surface of wound about 20 mm, for 2 minutes, every day. Macroscopic observation of wounds is carried out every day from day 0 to 7. On day 7 it was seen that the size of the wound area for D-P-S was smaller than the other groups. The results of this study indicated that Piper betel leaf extract can potentially be used to optimize the performance of plasma medicine in accelerating diabetic wound healing during the proliferation phase. Further investigation, however, is important to be conducted to study the effect for all phases of wound healing and its mechanism histo-pathologically.

Orally administered sodium 4-phenylbutyrate suppresses the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) exerts therapeutic effects in a wide range of pathologies. A previous study by the present authors revealed that intraperitoneal administration of PBA suppresses the onset of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In the present study, the effects of orally administered PBA are investigated, as this route of administration is more clinically relevant. The therapeutic efficacy of PBA (10 mg/12 h) in mice with experimental colitis was assessed based on the disease activity index, production of inflammatory cytokines, colon length and histopathological investigations. The results of the present study demonstrated a significantly higher survival rate in the PBA-treated group compared with the PBA-untreated (DSS control) group (P=0.0156). PBA treatment improved pathological indices of experimental colitis (P<0.05). Furthermore, the oral administration of PBA significantly inhibited the DSS-induced shortening of the colon (P<0.05) and overproduction of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 (both P<0.05) as measured in colonic lavage fluids. A marked attenuation of the DSS-induced overproduction of tumor necrosis factor was also observed. For histopathological analysis, a marked decrease in mature goblet cells and increase in enlarged nuclei of the absorptive cells was observed in colon lesions of DSS control mice as compared with normal untreated mice. However, in the PBA-treated mice, no such lesions were observed and the mucosa resembled that of DSS-untreated mice. The results of the present study, combined with those results of a previous study, suggest that oral and intraperitoneal administration of PBA have similar preventative effects on DSS-induced colitis, achieved by suppressing its pathogenesis.

Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Catathelasma ventricosum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

It is the first time to extract polysaccharides (CVPs) from Catathelasma ventricosum. The antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity of CVPs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were examined. Compared with untreated diabetic mice, the administration of CVPs for 30 days caused a significant decrease in the concentrations of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and maleic dialdehyde (MDA), and a significant increase in the concentrations of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Specially, when normal mice were treated with CVPs, all detection indexes and pathologic morphologies of liver, kidney and pancreas are similar to untreated normal mice, which indicated CVPs are safe for normal mice. In addition, the average molecular weight of CVPs was estimated to be from 3.7 × 10(3) to 1.7 × 10(7)Da and they were mainly composed of glucose (93.5%) with the conformation of α-d-Glucopyranose.

An Immunohistochemistry-Based Study on Aquaporin (AQP)-1, 3, 4, 5 and 8 in the Parotid Glands, Submandibular Glands and Sublingual Glands of Sj^|^ouml;gren^|^rsquo;s Syndrome Mouse Models Chronically Administered Cevimeline

Cevimeline is a muscarinic agonist that promotes saliva secretion and is used to treat Sjögren's syndrome (SS), an autoimmune disorder in which the exocrine glands that produce saliva are destroyed. Cevimeline is thought to affect the composition of saliva in part by regulating the localization of aquaporins (AQPs). In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic Cevimeline administration in the salivary glands of SS mice on the immunohistochemical localization of aquaporin (AQP)-1, 3, 4, 5 and 8. We used Cevimeline-untreated SS mice, treated SS mice, discontinued SS mice and untreated normal mice. AQP-5 was found in the apical and lateral membranes of acinar cells in the parotid and submandibular glands of cevimeline-treated SS mice and untreated normal mice. Saliva secretion and AQP-5 localization were sustained in SS mice who were chronically administered Cevimeline and at four weeks after discontinuation. Unlike AQP-5, the localization of AQP-1, 3, 4 and 8 were not affected by Cevimeline administration. Our findings demonstrated that administration of Cevimeline maintains the proper localization of AQP-5 in the acinar cells of the salivary gland, which may promote salivation in chronically treated SS mice. Clinically, this suggests that chronic Cevimeline administration may be useful therapeutically for SS patients suffering from a decrease in saliva secretion by improving the disordered AQP-5 localization.

MPTP-induced model of Parkinson's disease in heat shock protein 70.1 knockout mice

Heat shock proteins (HSPs), molecular chaperones that assist in protein folding, have become a research focus in Parkinson's disease (PD) since the pathogenesis of PD is characterized by intracellular protein misfolding and inclusion body formation. This study investigated the effect of the knockout (KO) of the Hsp70.1 (approved gene symbol Hspa1b) gene on the sensitivity of murine nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced toxicity. We confirmed changes in motor coordination and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra following MPTP treatment of C57BL/6 normal mice and Hspa1b KO mice. MPTP treatment led to motor control impairment and induced TH-positive dopaminergic neurodegeneration in normal mice. Compared to untreated normal mice, rotarod duration and the density of TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra were also significantly lower in untreated KO mice (p<0.01). MPTP-treated KO mice had markedly decreased rotarod duration and reduced density of TH-positive neurons, compared to MPTP-treated normal mice. These results indicate that Hspa1b KO mice are more vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of MPTP and are consistent with the hypothesis that HSPs represent an important molecular target for neuroprotective strategies in the treatment of PD.

Abstract 413: Involvement of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the changes of plasma amino acid profiles in cancer disease

Abstract Although maintained in healthy human, it is well known that plasma amino acid profiles are changed in various pathologic conditions, including liver disorder and cancer. We have previously reported the potential use of plasma amino acid profiling as diagnosis for several cancer disease. However, some questions remained for the mechanisms. The changes in plasma amino acid profiles in tumor disease were regulated by a lot of factors, including metabolic changes of tumors and immune cells. In this study, we focused on the role of immune cells, especially myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). MDSC are characterized as immature myeloid cells that are precursors of dendritic cells, macrophages, and/or granulocytes, they are considered to accumulate in the blood, lymph nods, and at tumor sites in most patients and experimental animals with cancer and inhibit anti-tumor inflammation. Therefore we hypothesized that MDSC were involved in the changes in plasma amino acid profiles in tumor disease. To test our hypothesis, we employed C57BL/6 mice tumor model in which Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) was injected subcutaneously. Using flow cytometry analysis, a significant percentage of MDSC were detected in spleens of tumor-bearing mice as compared to control normal mice. To assess the role of MDSC in the changes in plasma amino acid profile, we eliminated MDSC from the tumor-bearing mice by inducing apoptosis cell death on MDSC selectively in vivo. Flow cytometry results showed a significant decrease in the percentage of CD11b+ Gr1+ cells in splenocytes derived from MDSC deleted tumor-bearing mice as compared to tumor-bearing mice. To study the immunogenic effects of the MDSC deletion on the tumor-bearing mice, we performed histological analysis (H&amp;E staining) and extensive areas of inflammation within 3LL subcutaneous tumors were observed after the MDSC deletion. In addition, we investigated the effects of the MDSC deletion on the percentage of splenic T cell subpopulations by Flow cytometry. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were increased in spleens of MDSC deleted tumor-bearing mice compared to untreated tumor-bearing mice. To evaluate the effects of the MDSC depletion on the plasma amino acid profiles, plasma samples were collected from normal mice, tumor-bearing mice, and MDSC deleted tumor-bearing mice. Plasma amino acid concentration were measured by LC-MS. The MDSC deletion significantly changed the concentrations of some amino acids in plasma compared to the untreated tumor-bearing mice and normal mice. These changes in plasma amino acid concentrations were partially impeded by adoptive transfer of MDSC from tumor-bearing mice. Altogether, these results suggest that MDSC may be involved in the changes in plasma amino acid profiles in tumor disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 413. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-413

Antifibrotic Effect of MMP13-encoding Plasmid DNA Delivered Using Polyethylenimine Shielded With Hyaluronic Acid

The imbalanced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is associated with liver fibrosis, one of the most common chronic liver diseases. Enhanced expression of MMPs by gene therapy is emerging as a promising antifibrotic strategy, but the effectiveness of this approach depends on reliable systems for delivering MMP genes. Here, we evaluated a newly designed hyaluronic acid (HA)-shielded delivery system for systemic administration of plasmid DNA encoding MMP13 (pMMP13), and tested whether the enhanced expression of MMP13 ameliorates liver fibrosis in mice. In the CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis model, systemic administration of pMMP13 using HA and polyethylenimine (PEI) significantly increased the expression of MMP13 and reduced collagen deposition. Moreover, following delivery of pMMP13 in a HA-shielded PEI complex, the serum levels of aspartate transaminase were reduced to levels approaching those in untreated normal mice. These results indicate that the delivery of pMMP13 using HA-shielded PEI enhances the efficiency of MMP13 expression in the liver, and highlight the potential of pMMP13 gene therapy as an antifibrotic strategy.

Functional Rescue of Dystrophin-deficient mdx Mice by a Chimeric Peptide-PMO

Splice modulation using antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) has been shown to yield targeted exon exclusion to restore the open reading frame and generate truncated but partially functional dystrophin protein. This has been successfully demonstrated in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice and in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. However, DMD is a systemic disease; successful therapeutic exploitation of this approach will therefore depend on effective systemic delivery of AOs to all affected tissues. We have previously shown the potential of a muscle-specific/arginine-rich chimeric peptide-phosphorodiamidate morpholino (PMO) conjugate, but its long-term activity, optimized dosing regimen, capacity for functional correction and safety profile remain to be established. Here, we report the results of this chimeric peptide-PMO conjugate in the mdx mouse using low doses (3 and 6 mg/kg) administered via a 6 biweekly systemic intravenous injection protocol. We show 100% dystrophin-positive fibers and near complete correction of the dystrophin transcript defect in all peripheral muscle groups, with restoration of 50% dystrophin protein over 12 weeks, leading to correction of the DMD pathological phenotype and restoration of muscle function in the absence of detectable toxicity or immune response. Chimeric muscle-specific/cell-penetrating peptides therefore represent highly promising agents for systemic delivery of splice-correcting PMO oligomers for DMD therapy.

Natural Killer (NK) Cell Recovery After Bone Marrow Transplantation in Mice: Early Emergence of a Novel Ly49+ Stage in Differentiation Independent of MHC Haplotype.

Abstract 4477NK cells play critical roles in resistance to viral infections and in cancer. NK cells exist as subpopulations of cells that bear inhibitory and/or activating receptors to MHC. In mice, these are the Ly49+ subsets which have been shown to play a role in the rejection of bone marrow allografts as well as resistance to CMV. These Ly49 receptors also play a central role in the “education”, “arming” or “licensing” of NK cells. NK cell recovery after bone marrow transplantation is thought to proceed quickly but the acquisition of the Ly49 receptors has been incompletely characterized. NK cell differentiation has for the most part been characterized through in vitro models. We therefore examined the recovery of NK cells after syngeneic BMT in mice and assessed the effects of MHC on the recovery of the Ly49+ subsets using congenic recipients. NK cells were rapidly detected in mice as early as 14 days after BMT. Interestingly, the dominant population observed had a mature NK cell phenotype based on the expression of CD94, CD43, CD11b, etc. However, the majority of NK cells had a unique expression of Ly49G2 single positive NK cells with median fluorescence intensity (MFI) approximately twice as high as on NK cells from normal animals. This phenotype was not observed in untreated normal mice and occurred in B6 and B10 (H2b) as well as B10.D2 (H2d) strain mice showing independence from MHC. When these cells were sorted and assessed for cytotoxic activity, the cells had comparable killing efficiency as NK cells from untreated mice. Over time, NK cells with normal Ly49 subset distribution and phenotype were observed with the disappearance of this earlier subset. However, total splenic NK cell numbers remained significantly reduced in the BMT recipients as long as 120 days after BMT and despite normal recovery and numbers of T cells. These results demonstrate the existence of novel stage(s) in NK cell differentiation that occur independently of MHC and that can be characterized by sole expression of Ly49G2 at high levels. However, deficits in NK cell numbers persist in mice for extended periods of time. These findings suggest that NK cell recovery may occur in waves with some inhibitory receptors programmed to repopulate first and that surface expression intensity also needs to be assessed. Furthermore, the long-term deficits in total numbers suggest that overall activity may be compromised for extended periods clinically post-BMT. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Allergic Airway Hyperresponsiveness-Enhancing γδ T Cells Develop in Normal Untreated Mice and Fail to Produce IL-4/13, Unlike Th2 and NKT Cells

Allergic airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice, mediated by allergen-specific Th2 cells and Th2-like invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, develops under the influence of enhancing and inhibitory gammadelta T cells. The AHR-enhancing cells belong to the Vgamma1(+) gammadelta T cell subset, cells that are capable of increasing IL-5 and IL-13 levels in the airways in a manner like Th2 cells. They also synergize with iNKT cells in mediating AHR. However, unlike Th2 cells, the AHR enhancers arise in untreated mice, and we show here that they exhibit their functional bias already as thymocytes, at an HSA(high) maturational stage. In further contrast to Th2 cells and also unlike iNKT cells, they could not be stimulated to produce IL-4 and IL-13, consistent with their synergistic dependence on iNKT cells in mediating AHR. Mice deficient in IFN-gamma, TNFRp75, or IL-4 did not produce these AHR-enhancing gammadelta T cells, but in the absence of IFN-gamma, spontaneous development of these cells was restored by adoptive transfer of IFN-gamma-competent dendritic cells from untreated donors. The i.p. injection of OVA/aluminum hydroxide restored development of the AHR enhancers in all of the mutant strains, indicating that the enhancers still can be induced when they fail to develop spontaneously, and that they themselves need not express TNFRp75, IFN-gamma, or IL-4 to exert their function. We conclude that both the development and the cytokine potential of the AHR-enhancing gammadelta T cells differs critically from that of Th2 cells and NKT cells, despite similar influences of these cell populations on AHR.

Absence of the complement regulatory molecule CD59a leads to exacerbated neuropathology after traumatic brain injury in mice

BackgroundComplement represents a crucial mediator of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury. The role of the terminal complement activation pathway, leading to generation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), has not been thoroughly investigated. CD59 is the major regulator of MAC formation and represents an essential protector from homologous cell injury after complement activation in the injured brain.MethodsMice deleted in the Cd59a gene (CD59a-/-) and wild-type littermates (n = 60) were subjected to focal closed head injury. Sham-operated (n = 60) and normal untreated mice (n = 14) served as negative controls. The posttraumatic neurological impairment was assessed for up to one week after trauma, using a standardized Neurological Severity Score (NSS). The extent of neuronal cell death was determined by serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and by staining of brain tissue sections in TUNEL technique. The expression profiles of pro-apoptotic (Fas, FasL, Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) mediators were determined at the gene and protein level by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively.ResultsClinically, the brain-injured CD59a-/- mice showed a significantly impaired neurological outcome within 7 days, as determined by a higher NSS, compared to wild-type controls. The NSE serum levels, an indirect marker of neuronal cell death, were significantly elevated in CD59a-/- mice at 4 h and 24 h after trauma, compared to wild-type littermates. At the tissue level, increased neuronal cell death and brain tissue destruction was detected by TUNEL histochemistry in CD59a-/- mice within 24 hours to 7 days after head trauma. The analysis of brain homogenates for potential mediators and regulators of cell death other than the complement MAC (Fas, FasL, Bax, Bcl-2) revealed no difference in gene expression and protein levels between CD59a-/- and wild-type mice.ConclusionThese data emphasize an important role of CD59 in mediating protection from secondary neuronal cell death and further underscore the key role of the terminal complement pathway in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. The exact mechanisms of complement MAC-induced secondary neuronal cell death after head injury require further investigation.

Long-Term, Homologous Prolactin, Administered through Ectopic Pituitary Grafts, Induces Hypothalamic Dopamine Neuron Differentiation in Adult Snell Dwarf Mice

Pituitary prolactin (PRL) secretion is inhibited by dopamine (DA) released into the portal circulation from hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular DA (TIDA) neurons. Ames (df/df) and Snell (dw/dw) dwarf mice lack PRL, GH, and TSH, abrogating feedback and resulting in a reduced hypophysiotropic TIDA population. In Ames df/df, ovine PRL administration for 30 d during early postnatal development increases the TIDA neuron number to normal, but 30 d PRL treatment of adult df/df does not. The present study investigated the effects of homologous PRL, administered via renal capsule pituitary graft surgery for 4 or 6 months, on hypothalamic DA neurons in adult Snell dw/dw mice using catecholamine histofluorescence, tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry, and bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemistry. PRL treatment did not affect TIDA neuron number in normal mice, but 4- and 6-month PRL-treated dw/dw had significantly increased (P < or = 0.01) TIDA (area A12) neurons compared with untreated dw/dw. Snell dwarfs treated with PRL for 6 months had more (P < or = 0.01) TIDA neurons than 4-month PRL-treated dw/dw, but lower (P < or = 0.01) numbers than normal mice. Periventricular nucleus (area A14) neuron number was lower in dwarfs than in normal mice, regardless of treatment. Zona incerta (area A13) neuron number was unchanged among phenotypes and treatments. Prolactin was unable to induce differentiation of a normal-sized A14 neuron population in dw/dw. Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation was lower (P < or = 0.01) in 6-month PRL-treated normal mice than in 6-month PRL-treated dwarfs in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and in the dentate gyrus, and lower (P < or = 0.05) in 4-month untreated dwarfs than in 4-month untreated normal mice in the median eminence and the periventricular area surrounding the third ventricle. Thus, a PRL-sensitive TIDA neuron population exists in adult Snell dwarf mice when replacement uses homologous hormone and/or a longer duration. This finding indicates that there is potential for neuronal differentiation beyond early developmental periods and suggests plasticity within the mature hypothalamus.

Central Nervous System-directed AAV2/5-Mediated Gene Therapy Synergizes with Bone Marrow Transplantation in the Murine Model of Globoid-cell Leukodystrophy

Globoid-cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rapidly progressing inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a deficiency in galactosylceramidase activity. Previous studies in the murine model of GLD (Twitcher mouse) have shown that both bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and central nervous system (CNS)-directed gene therapy can be moderately effective at ameliorating certain aspects of GLD. As BMT and CNS-directed gene therapy target fundamentally different tissues, we tested the hypothesis that combining these disparate therapies would be more efficacious than either therapy alone. Mice receiving myeloreductive conditioning at birth followed by syngeneic BMT had approximately 25-35% donor chimerism. Untreated Twitcher mice, Twitcher mice treated with BMT alone, AAV2/5 alone, or a combination of BMT and AAV2/5 had mean lifespans of 39, 44, 49, and 104 days, respectively. Twitcher mice treated with a combination of BMT and AAV2/5 also had significantly improved performance in several behavioral tests and greater reduction in demyelination, astrocytosis, and macrophage infiltration compared to untreated Twitcher mice or mice that received either therapy alone. These data suggest that CNS-directed gene therapy synergizes with BMT. The combination of these disparate therapeutic approaches may form the basis for more effective treatment of this inherited neurodegenerative disorder.

Proteolytic Activation of the Chemokine CCL15 by Cathepsin G from Neutrophil Granulocytes Modulates Proliferation of Primitive Hematopoietic Precursor Cells.

The human chemokine HCC-2 (MIP-1δ, small inducible cytokine subfamily A [Cys-Cys], member 15, hmrp-2b, MIP-5, NCC-3) is a potent chemoattractant for monocytes, lymphocytes and endothelial cells, and has been shown to inhibit proliferation of primitive hematopoietic precursor cells (HPC). CCL15 is constitutively expressed in gut and liver, and was identified to circulate in human plasma. The length of the N-terminus of CCL15 was found to control biological activity. We therefore aimed to investigate the processing of CCL15 in the hematopoietic system, and the effect of processed isoforms on HPC proliferation. Incubation of full-length CCL15 with cell-free bone marrow supernatant prepared from normal untreated mice revealed a decrease in molecular weight by approximately 3 kD. In contrast, the molecular weight of CCL15 remained unchanged when cell-free bone marrow supernatant of mice with regenerating hematopoiesis after 5 Gy gamma irradiation was analyzed. Incubation of full-length CCL15 with isolated neutrophils, but not monocytes, lymphocytes or thrombocytes revealed N-terminal deletions of 21 (Δ21), 23 (Δ23) and 26 (Δ26) amino acids, as assessed by Edman sequencing/mass spectrometry. Both (1) inhibition of the neutrophil-derived CCL15 proteolytic activity by protease inhibitors Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNA, secretory leucoprotease inhibitor or elastatinal, and (2) addition of the recombinant serine proteases cathepsin G or elastase to full-length CCL15 revealed that the Δ23 and Δ26 isoforms are produced by cathepsin G, whereas formation of the Δ21isoform is dependent on elastase. In addition, the Δ23 and Δ26 isoforms of CCL15 was also directly isolated and sequenced from blood filtrate (hemofiltrate) collected from renal insufficiency patients. The Δ26 isoform was synthesized and analyzed in HPC proliferation assays. Compared to full length CCL15, the Δ26 isoform displayed a mean 2.5 fold increased potency to inhibit CFU-A colony formation from post 5-fluorouracil murine bone marrow. In addition, the Δ26 isoform efficiently abrogated cytosine arabinoside-induced suicide of murine spleen colony forming unit (CFU-S) in post 5-fluorouracil murine bone marrow, and inhibited growth of human cord blood CD34+ single cell clones induced by hematopoietic growth factors SCF, IL-3, GM-CSF and EPO after flow-cytometric cell sorting (mean 2.3 fold inhibition). Our findings indicate a role for neutrophil-derived cathepsin G in growth control of colony of primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells through the proteolytic processing of CCL15.

Intraperitoneal leptin regulates lipid metabolism in ethanol supplemented Mus musculas heart

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are a major cause of illness and disability worldwide. The relationship between ethanol consumption and cardiovascular disease are both complex and interconnected. Our aim of this study was to explore the effect of leptin on lipid metabolism in ethanol supplemented mice. Male Swiss mice ( Mus musculas) weighing 25 ± 2 g were administered ethanol (6.32g kg − 1 body weight) for the first 30 days. Subsequently, ethanol fed mice were given intraperitoneal injections of exogenous mouse recombinant leptin (230 μg kg − 1 body weight) every alternate day for 15 days. Food and water intake and total body weight were measured every day and at the end of the experimental period of 45 days, plasma and cardiac lipids were analyzed. Exogenous leptin injections to ethanol fed mice significantly ( P < 0.05) prevented the accumulation of total cholesterol, phospholipids (PL), triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) in the mouse heart and blood as compared to the untreated ethanol fed mice whereas, the plasma concentration of free cholesterol was significantly increased on leptin administration as compared to normal untreated mice. Moreover leptin administration significantly elevated the activities of cardiac lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and significantly reduced the activities of cardiac HMG CoA reductase and cholesterol ester synthase (CES) on leptin administration to ethanol fed mice. Thus we could postulate that an increase in systemic leptin level prevents the accumulation of lipids in the plasma and heart of ethanol treated mice.

A Complex Dietary Supplement Extends Longevity of Mice

Key factors implicated in aging include reactive oxygen species, inflammatory processes, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction. All are exaggerated in transgenic growth hormone mice (TGM), which display a syndrome resembling accelerated aging. We formulated a complex dietary supplement containing 31 ingredients known to ameliorate all of the above features. We previously showed that this supplement completely abolished the severe age-related cognitive decline expressed by untreated TGM. Here we report that longevity of both TGM and normal mice is extended by this supplement. Treated TGM showed a 28% increase (p < .00008) in mean longevity. An 11% increase in mean longevity was also significant (p < .002093) for treated normal mice, compared to untreated normal mice. These data support the hypothesis that TGM are a model of accelerated aging, and demonstrate that complex dietary supplements may be effective in ameliorating aging or age-related pathologies where simpler formulations have generally failed.