Vena Caudalis Research Articles

Ligustrazine Attenuates Hyperhomocysteinemia-induced Alzheimer-like Pathologies in Rats.

Ligustrazine, an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Ligusticum Chuanxiong Hort, has been clinically applied to treat the cerebrovascular diseases. Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Memory deficits can be caused by Hhcy via pathologies of AD-like tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) in the hippocampus. Here, we investigated whether homocysteine (Hcy) can induce AD-like pathologies and the effects of ligustrazine on these pathologies. The Hcy rat model was constructed by 14-day Hcy injection via vena caudalis, and rats were treated with daily intragastric administration of ligustrazine at the same time. We found that the pathologies of tau and Aβ were induced by Hcy in the hippocampus, while the Hcy-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ accumulation could be markedly attenuated by simultaneous ligustrazine treatment. Our data demonstrate that ligustrazine may be used as a promising neuroprotective agent to treat the Hcy-induced AD-like pathologies.

Increases in miR-124-3p in Microglial Exosomes Confer Neuroprotective Effects by Targeting FIP200-Mediated Neuronal Autophagy Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

In our recent study, we observed consistent increases in miR-124-3p levels in exosomes derived from cultured BV2 microglia which was treated with repetitive traumatic brain injury (rTBI) mouse model brain extracts. To clarify the mechanisms underlying increases in microglia-derived exosomal miR-124-3p and their role in regulating neuronal autophagy after TBI, we investigated the impact of exosomal miR-124-3p on neuronal autophagy in scratch-injured HT22 neurons and rTBI mice. We harvested injured brain extracts from rTBI mice at 3 to 21days post injury (DPI) for the treatment of cultured BV2 microglia in vitro. We observed significant induction of autophagy following TBI in vitro, and that inhibition of activated neuronal autophagy could protect against trauma-induced injury. Our results indicated that co-culture of injured HT22 neurons with miR-124-3p overexpressing BV2 microglia exerted a protective effect by inhibiting neuronal autophagy in scratch-injured neurons. Further research revealed that these effects were achieved mainly via upregulation of exosomal miR-124-3p, and that Focal adhesion kinase family-interacting protein of 200kDa (FIP200) plays a key role in trauma-induced autophagy. Injection of exosomes into the vena caudalis in in vivo experiments revealed that exosomal miR-124-3p was associated with decreases in the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and improvements in Morris water maze (MWM) test results in rTBI mice. Altogether, our results indicate that increased miR-124-3p in microglial exosomes following TBI may inhibit neuronal autophagy and protect against nerve injury via their transfer into neurons. Thus, treatment with microglial exosomes enriched with miR-124-3p may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of nerve injury after TBI.

Elevation of pS262-Tau and Demethylated PP2A in Retina Occurs Earlier than in Hippocampus During Hyperhomocysteinemia.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is not diagnosed for many years before onset due to lack of peripherally detectable early biomarkers. Visual dysfunction is prevalent in AD patients and correlates with the severity of cognitive defects. Importantly, alterations in eyes can be non-invasively detected. To search for early biomarkers in eyes from high risk factors of AD, we injected homocysteine (Hcy) into the rats via vena caudalis for 3, 7, and 14 days, respectively, and characterized the chronological order of the AD-like pathologies appearing in retina and the hippocampus during the progression of hyperhomocysteinemia, and their correlations with cognitive impairment. We found that administration of Hcy for 14 days, but not 3 or 7 days, induced hyperhomocysteinemia, although a gradually increased blood Hcy level was detected. In retina and/or the hippocampus, significant loss of retinal ganglion cells and stenosis of retinal arteries with the AD-like tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) pathologies and memory deficit were shown only in the 14-day Hcy group. Interestingly, accumulation of Ser262 hyperphosphorylated tau (pS262-tau) but not Aβ with decreased methylation of protein phosphatase-2A catalytic subunit (M-PP2Ac) and increased de-methylated PP2Ac (DM-PP2Ac) was detected in retina of the 3-day Hcy group, in which the retinal pathologies were preceded by those of the hippocampus. These findings suggest that elevated pS262-tau and DM-PP2Ac and reduced M-PP2Ac in retina may serve as surveillance biomarkers for diagnosis of the hyperhomocysteinemia-induced AD in the early stage.

Inflammation-dependent ISG15 upregulation mediates MIA-induced dendrite damages and depression by disrupting NEDD4/Rap2A signaling

BackgroundMaternal immune activation (MIA) is an independent risk factor for psychiatric disorders including depression spectrum in the offsprings, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. Recent studies show that interferon-stimulated gene-15 (ISG15) is involved in inflammation and neuronal dendrite development; here we studied the role of ISG15 in MIA-induced depression and the underlying mechanisms. MethodsBy vena caudalis injecting polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) into the pregnant rats to mimic MIA, we used AAV or lentivirus to introduce or silence ISG15 expression. Synaptic plasticity was detected by confocal microscope and Golgi staining. Cognitive performances of the offspring were measured by Open field, Forced swimming and Sucrose preference test. ResultsWe found that MIA induced depression-like behaviors with dendrite impairments in the offspring with ISG15 level increased in the offsprings' brain. Overexpressing ISG15 in the prefrontal cortex of neonatal cubs (P0) could mimic dendritic pathology and depressive like behaviors, while downregulating ISG15 rescued these abnormalities in the offsprings. Further studies demonstrated that MIA-induced upregulation of inflammatory cytokines promoted ISG15 expression in the offspring’ brain which suppressed Rap2A ubiquitination via NEDD4 and thus induced Rap2A accumulation, while upregulating NEDD4 abolished ISG15-induced dendrite impairments. ConclusionsThese data reveal that MIA impedes offsprings' dendrite development and causes depressive like behaviors by upregulating ISG15 and suppressing NEDD4/Rap2A signaling. The current findings suggest that inhibiting ISG15 may be a promising intervention of MIA-induced psychiatric disorders in the offsprings.

The effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the expression of nerve growth factor and caspase-3 after cardiac arrest in the rats

Objective To investigate the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Caspase-3 in rat hippocampus after cardiac arrest (CA). Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham group (n=6), CA group (n=6), and BMSCs group (n=6). CPR was performed on the groups after the induction of asphyxial cardiac arrest. Animals in the BMSCs group or the CA group were respectively injected with a dose of 1×106 BMSCs in 0.5 mL phosphate buffer solution (PBS) or 0.5 mL PBS alone via the vena caudalis 1 h after successful resuscitation. The neurological status after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were assessed by modified neurological severity scores (mNSS); serum levels of S100B were assayed, and the expression of NGF and Caspase-3 in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the CA group, mNSS and S100B levels were lower in the BMSCs group on the 7th day after ROSC [(0.9±0.3) vs (4.5±0.6), (90.12±4.62) pg/mL vs (182.30±2.58) pg/mL, both P<0.05] with higher expression of NGF and lower expression of Caspase-3 [(11.391±1.297) vs (7.744±1.334), (6.256±1.036) vs (8.506±1.742), both P< 0.05]. Conclusions BMSCs transplantation might improve rat's neurological functions after cardiac arrest, which may be related to up-regulation of NGF expression and down-regulation of Caspase-3 expression. Key words: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; Cardiac arrest; Global cerebral ischemic injury; Cerebral resuscitation; Transplantation; Nerve growth factor; Caspase-3

Liraglutide Ameliorates Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Alzheimer-Like Pathology and Memory Deficits in Rats via Multi-molecular Targeting.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and insulin-resistance is commonly seen in patients with Hhcy. Liraglutide (Lir), a glucagon-like peptide that increases the secretion and sensitivity of insulin, has a neurotrophic or neuroprotective effect. However, it is not known whether Lir ameliorates the AD-like pathology and memory deficit induced by Hhcy. By vena caudalis injection of homocysteine to produce the Hhcy model in rats, we found here that simultaneous administration of Lir for 2weeks ameliorated the Hhcy-induced memory deficit, along with increased density of dendritic spines and up-regulation of synaptic proteins. Lir also attenuated the Hhcy-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ overproduction, and the molecular mechanisms involved the restoration of protein phosphatase-2A activity and inhibition of β- and γ-secretases. Phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 also decreased after treatment with Lir. Our data reveal that Lir improves the Hhcy-induced AD-like spatial memory deficit and the mechanisms involve the modulation of insulin-resistance and the pathways generating abnormal tau and Aβ.

The effect of miR-155 on HBV replication and PTEN expression in vivo

Objective: To construct the mmu-miR-155 eukaryotic overexpression vector pmR-155 and to investigate its effect on HBV replication and expression of PTEN in vivo. Methods: The mmu-mir-146a precursor gene fragment pre-mmu-mir-146a was amplified by PCR, then connected to the pmR-mCherry plasmid vector after double enzyme digestion, the accuracy of recombinant vector was verified by colony PCR、double enzyme digestion and sequencing; then the recombinant vector was transfected HBV transgene mice(Experimental Group)with hydrodynamics-based injection via vena caudalis, and pmR-mCherry plasmid、PBS were respectively transfected into the mice as Empty plasmid Group、Blank Group. The concentration of IFN-γ in the serum was detected by ELISA. The expression of SOCS1、PTEN mRNA in the liver was detected by qPCR at 30d post-transfectioned. The Western blot was performed to detect the changes in SOCS1、PTEN、HBX in the liver tissue at 30 d post-transfectioned. The results were analyzed with Student's t-test, or one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference test. Results: the colony PCR、double enzyme digestion and sequencing verified that the gene was inserted into the pmR-mCherry vector. Compared with Blank Group, the expression of miR-155 in the Experimental Group was significantly increased(t = 8.90, P < 0.01); the concentration of IFN-γ in the Experimental Group was significantly increased(F = 26.58, P < 0.01); the mRNA(F(SOCS1 mRNA) = 19.72, P < 0.01; F(PTEN mRNA) = 7.38, P < 0.05) and protein(F(SOCS1) = 50.30, P < 0.01; F(PTEN) = 129.00, P < 0.01) expression of COCS1、PTEN was significantly decreased in the Experimental group and the protein of HBX was also significantly(F(HBX) = 77.97, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The pmR-155 eukaryotic overexpression vector is successfully constructed, this recombinant vector can express miR-155 stably; miR-155 can down-regulate cocs1、PTEN gene expression and up-regulate the expression of IFN-γ, it can inhibit the replication of HBV and a potential targets to treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effect of the oral iron chelator deferiprone in diabetic nephropathy rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the iron chelator deferiprone in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats and the mechanisms involved. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (180-220 g, 6 weeks old) were randomly divided into a control group, a DN group and two DN groups treated with either 50 or 100 mg/kg per day deferiprone. The DN group was established by feeding of a high-carbohydrate-fat diet and injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin into the vena caudalis. The duration of deferiprone treatment was 20 weeks. Histopathological changes were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining, as well as transmission electron microscopy. Levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue-specific inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, and nitrotyrosine were determined in kidney tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Histopathological observations showed that deferiprone treatment alleviated inflammation infiltrates and collagenous fibrosis in DN rats. Results from RT-PCR and western blotting indicated that deferiprone inhibited the expression of NF-κB, MCP-1, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine, which were overexpressed in DN rats. Immunohistochemistry showed that the mechanism of deferiprone action may involve regulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Decreased MMP-9 expression and increased TIMP-1 expression in DN rats were significantly promoted and inhibited by deferiprone, respectively. Iron chelation by oral deferiprone has a renoprotective effect in DN rats by relieving oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, which is related to the cytokines NF-κB, MCP-1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine.

The protective effect of exogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat

Objective To explore the protective effect and possible mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) on pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat (PQ) in rats. Methods A total of 54 male SD rats were randomly(random number) divided into 3 groups(n=18 in each). Group A(normal control group), group B[PQ+ phosphate buffer solution(PBS)], group C(PQ+ BMSCs group). Rats in group B and C were induced to get pulmonary fibrosis by intragastric administration of PQ in a dosage of 120 mg/kg.In addition, BMSCs was given to rats in group C by injection in a dose of 1×106/mL via the vena caudalis, whereas an equal volume of PBS(1 mL)was given to rats in group B by injection instead.The survival rats in each groups were sacrificed separately at 7 days, 14 days and 28 days after administration of PQ.The lower lobe of left lung were taken to observe histopathological changes with HE staining and Masson staining, and the pulmonary fibrosis was scored by using the Szapiel classification of alveolitis. At the same time, the lower lobe of right lung was harvested to detect the hydroxyproline (HYP), TGF-β1 and HGF in lung tissue by using immunohistochemistry. Results The pathological changes in lung tissue of rats were inflammatory change in alveoli space filled with massive amount of exudate obviously in group B at 7 days after exposure to PQ, but in group C, the inflammatory changes were much milder than those in group B. The exudation and edema in lunge alveoli were mitigated in group B at 14 days after exposure to PQ, but pulmonary interstitial fibers were increased. The degree of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in group C was milder than that in group B. In group B, there were obvious pathological changes including destroyed alveoli septum, enlarged alveoli, thickened alveoli septum and the deposition of collagen fibers, disarranged alveolar structure at 28 days after exposure to PQ. The deposition off collagen fiber was slighter with well observed basic alveolar structure in group C than that in group B. The levels of HYP in lung tissue at different intervals in B group were escalating with time after exposure to PQ, and reached a peak at 28 day, which were significantly higher than those in group A (P 0.05). The levels of HGF at different intervals in group B were little bit higher than those in group A, but there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). The levels of HGF at different intervals in group C increased with time with significant differences among different intervals (P<0.05). The levels of HGF at 3 intervals in group C were significantly different from those of group A and group B group (P<0.05). Conclusions BMSCs can alleviate pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ, and increase the survival rate, which may be attributed to decreasing the level of TGF-β1 and increasing the level of HGF. Key words: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; Paraquat; Pulmonary; Fibrosis; TGF-β1; Hepatocyte growth factor

Beneficial effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on an endotoxin-induced rat model of preeclampsia.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which exhibit the property of immune-modulation, have been shown to treat various diseases, including pulmonary hypertension. There is a functional similarity between the pulmonary circulation and the placenta, but it remains to be elucidated whether MSCs can be applied to treat endotoxin-induced hypertension during pregnancy; therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of a human umbilical cord-derived MSC infusion on endotoxin-induced hypertension during pregnancy. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=7 per group): Control, endotoxin-treated and endotoxin + MSCs. The model of preeclampsia (PE) was established via the intravenous injection of endotoxin. In the endotoxin + MSCs group, MSCs at 2×106 cells/rat were injected via the vena caudalis. The blood pressure, urine protein and number of white blood cells were measured. In addition, the protein expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were examined by ELISA. The blood pressure, levels of urine protein and number of white blood cells in the endotoxin-treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05); however, this increase was significantly attenuated in the endotoxin + MSCs group (P<0.05). In addition, the application of MSCs significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the endotoxin-treated rats. In conclusion, umbilical cord-derived MSCs have a protective effect in an endotoxin-induced model of PE, and this effect is likely elicited through the suppression of inflammatory factors. Umbilical cord-derived MSC-based therapy may provide a potential therapeutic method for endotoxin-induced hypertension during pregnancy.

The Antitumor Activity of the Novel Compound Jesridonin on Human Esophageal Carcinoma Cells.

Jesridonin, a small molecule obtained through the structural modification of Oridonin, has extensive antitumor activity. In this study, we evaluated both its in vitro activity in the cancer cell line EC109 and its in vivo effect on tumor xenografts in nude mice. Apoptosis induced by Jesridonin was determined using an MTT assay, Annexin-V FITC assay and Hoechest 33258 staining. Apoptosis via mitochondrial and death receptor pathways were confirmed by detecting the regulation of MDM2, p53, and Bcl-2 family members and by activation of caspase-3/-8/-9. In addition, vena caudalis injection of Jesridonin showed significant inhibition of tumor growth in the xenograft model, and Jesridonin-induced cell apoptosis in tumor tissues was determined using TUNEL. Biochemical serum analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) indicated no obvious effects on liver function. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, lung, heart and spleen revealed no signs of JD-induced toxicity. Taken together, these results demonstrated that Jesridonin exhibits antitumor activity in human esophageal carcinomas EC109 cells both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated no adverse effects on major organs in nude mice. These studies provide support for new drug development.

Bifidobacteria Expressing Tumstatin Protein for Antitumor Therapy in Tumor-Bearing Mice.

Tumstatin (Tum) is a powerful angiostatin that inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of tumorous vascular endothelial cells. A nonpathogenic and anaerobic bacterium, Bifidobacterium longum (BL), selectively localizes to and proliferates in the hypoxia location within solid tumor. The aims of this study were to develop a novel delivery system for Tum using engineered Bifidobacterium and to investigate the inhibitory effect of Tum on tumor in mice. A vector that enabled the expression of Tum under the control of the pBBADs promoter of BL was constructed and transformed into BL NCC2705 by electroporation. The mouse colon carcinoma cells CT26 (1 × 10(7)/mL) were subcutaneously inserted in the left armpit of BALB/c mice. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with Tum-transformed BL, and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transformed BL was used as a negative control. The microvessel density (MVD) in the transplanted tumor was determined, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nick end labeling was used to detect apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells in transplanted tumor. The in vitro expression of Tum was examined in BL after l-arabinose induction. Bifidobacterium longum with pBBAD-Tum (BL-Tum) showed significant antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice. The weight, volume, growth, and MVD, as well as the percentage of apoptotic vascular endothelial cells of transplanted tumors in the tumor-bearing mice treated with Tum-transformed BL were all significantly lower than those in the GFP negative control group. Intragastric administration, injection in tumor and vena caudalis injection of Tum-transformed BL exerted marked antitumor effects in tumor-bearing mice. This is the first demonstration of the utilization of Tum-transformed BL as a specific gene delivery system for treating tumor.

Flurbiprofen axetil preconditioning allivates inhalation lung injury in rats

Objective To investigate the protective effects of flurbiprofen axetil(FA)on inhalation lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharides(LPS)inhalation in rats,so as to provide evidence for applying FA in treating inhalation lung injury in clinic.Methods A total of 96 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were evenly randomized into four groups(n=24):saline negative control group(NS group),model group(LPS group),lipid emulsion preconditioning control group(Lip+LPS group),and FA preconditioning group(FA+LPS group).The model of inhalation lung injury was established with endotracheal instillation of LPS(1mL/kg)in all experimental groups.NS group was identical to the other three groups except that saline(1mL/kg)was administered instead of LPS.Lipid emulsion(20%,1mL/kg)or FA injection(1mL/kg,10mg/mL)was intravenously injected via vena caudalis 1hour before LPS in Lip+LPS and FA+LPS groups,respectively.Rats were sacrificed at 1h,6h,12hand24 hafter LPS injection and assigned to 1h,6h,12 hand 24hsubgroups(n=6).The arterial blood gas was analyzed and the lungs were removed for determination of the wet/dry mass(W/D)ratio and evaluation of histological injury in all groups.Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of PPAR-αand PPAR-γin rats lung homogenates.The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)in rat serum was determined by ELISA.Results The rats in LPS and Lip+LPS groups showed damaged structure of lung tissue and inflammation.The mRNA levels of PPAR-αand PPAR-γin the lung tissues of LPS group were significantly lower than those of NS group(P0.05).The serum concentration of TNF-αof LPS group was significantly higher than that of NS group(P0.05).The pulmonary lesions in FA+LPS group were ameliorated compared with those in LPS and Lip+LPS groups.Pressure of oxygen in arterial blood(PaO2)was signficantly higher and semiquantitative pathological score of lung was signficanlty lower in FA+LPS group than those in LPS and Lip+LPS group at 6h,12 hand 24hafter injection(P0.05).The mRNA levels of PPAR-αand PPAR-γin rat lung tissues of FA+LPS group were signficanlty higher than those of LPS and Lip+LPS groups at all times,especially,at 6hafter the intravenous injection of LPS(P0.05).The serum concentration of TNF-αof FA+LPS group was significantly lower than that of LPS and Lip+LPS groups at all times,expecially,at 1hafter the intravenous injection of LPS(P0.05).Conclusion FA preconditioning can alleviate the inflammation and protect inhalation injury to lung tissues induced by LPS in rats,which may involve the upregulation of PPAR-αand PPAR-γ mRNA levels in rat lung tissues and the down-regulation of serum TNF-α.

Rapid analysis of hypolipidemic drugs in a live zebrafish assay.

Hyperlipidemia is the most common form of dyslipidemia, which is the key risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The development of effective and safe drug treatments for hyperlipidemia has been proven challenging. In this study, taking advantage of the transparency of larval zebrafish, we developed a zebrafish hyperlipidemia model for drug screening and efficacy assessment. Zebrafish at 5 d.p.f (days post fertilization) were fed with 0.1% egg yolk for 48 h (hours), followed by drug treatment for 24h or 48 h. Tested drugs were administered into the zebrafish by direct soaking. Drug effect was evaluated based on quantitative analysis of Oil Red O (ORO) in zebrafish vena caudalis. All 5 human hypolipidemic drugs (simvastatin, lovastatin, ezetimibe, bezafibrate and hyodesoxycholic acid) showed significant hypolipidemic effects (p<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner in the zebrafish hyperlipidemia model. 'We also found a well-known Chinese tea Pu-erh tea significantly reduced lipids in this model (p<0.001 and p<0.01). Our results demonstrate that the zebrafish hyperlipidemia model developed and validated in this study could be used for in vivo hyperlipidemia studies and drug screening and for assessing hypolipidemic drugs with different mechanisms.

Bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation via four routes for the treatment of acute liver failure in rats

In the present study, we assessed the efficiency of four BMSC transplantation methods as a therapy for liver failure. A rat model (80 Sprague-Dawley rats) of D-galactosamine (D-gal)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) was established and the rats were divided into 5 groups: a hepatic artery injection group, a portal vein injection group, a vena caudalis injection group, an intraperitoneal injection group and a control group (16 per group). Following transplantation, the liver tissue and blood samples were collected on days 1, 3 and 7, we detected the EdU (5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine)-labeled cells homing to the liver tissue and assessed the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cysteine-containing aspartate-specific protease (caspase)-3 expression in the liver tissue and detected the levels of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the liver tissues. Compared with the control group, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and damage to the liver tissue in the hepatic artery group, the portal vein group and the vena caudalis group improved in vivo. The expression of PCNA and HGF in the liver was higher and caspase-3 expression was lower in the hepatic artery injection group, the portal vein injection group and the vena caudalis injection group than that in the intraperitoneal injection and control groups. The EdU-labeled BMSCs were only observed homing to the liver tissue in these three groups. However, no significant differences were observed between these three groups. Liver function in the rats with ALF was improved following BMSC transplantation via 3 endovascular implantation methods (through the hepatic artery, portal vein and vena caudalis). These 3 methods were effective in transplanting BMSCs for the treatment of ALF. However, the selection of blood vessel in the implantation pathway does not affect the transplantation outcome. Transplantation via intraperitoneal injection showed no therapeutic effect in our animal experiments.

The effects of intramuscular or intravenous injections of gonadotropin releasing hormone at fixed-time artificial insemination on pregnancy rates of Bos indicus beef cows

The effect of an intramuscular versus intravenous administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) at fixed-time AI (FTAI) on the pregnancy rates of crossbred Bos indicus beef cows was evaluated. Pluriparous nursing calv cows (n=120) were synchronized as follows: d 0 cows received a 2.0 mg injection of estradiol benzoate (EB) and insertion of a controlled intravaginal progesterone releasing device containing 0.558 g of progesterone, d 8 removal of the progesterone device , a 0.15 mg injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF), a 1.0 mg injection of EB, and 400 IU injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin. Fifty-four hr after PGF, all cows were exposed to FTAI and a 0.084 mg injection of GnRH was administered either via Vena caudalis (n=60), or via Longissimus dorsi (n=60). Cows were inseminated with the same sire and by a single AI technician. Pregnancy was determined by the transrectal ultrasonography on d 40 after AI. Cows receiving the intravenous administration of GnRH had higher (P = 0.04) pregnancy rates than the cows receiving the intramuscular injection of GnRH (65 vs 46.6%, respectively). It was concluded that the intravenous administration of GnRH at the time of AI improved the pregnancy rates of crossbred Bos indicus beef cows submitted to FTAI.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Ameliorates Homocysteine-Induced Alzheimer-Like Pathologic Dysfunction and Memory/Synaptic Disorder

Homocysteine (Hcy) could induce amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation, synaptic dysfunction, and memory impairment as seen in Alzheimer disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, which affects more than 25 million people worldwide. Here we investigated the protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on Hcy-induced Aβ accumulation, synaptic dysfunction, and learning and memory deficits. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, which received normal saline (NS); Hcy group, which received a daily vena caudalis injection of Hcy (400 μg/kg per day); Hcy+HSYA group, which received the same amount of Hcy plus 6 mg/kg per day HSYA intraperitoneally; and HSYA group, which received 6 mg/kg per day HSYA intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. Results showed that simultaneous supplementation of HSYA significantly attenuated Aβ accumulation, improved synaptic function, and reversed Hcy-induced cognitive impairment. Our data suggest that HSYA might be a promising therapeutic candidate for attenuating Hcy-induced AD-like pathological and behavioral deficits.

Kupffer Cells Suppress Hepatocarcinogenesis and Metastasis in Tumor Orthotopic Implanted Kunming Mice

In this research, we used GdCl3 (gadolinium chloride) to restrain the function of Kupffer cells and assessed effects on hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis in the Kunming mouse. A 0.25% GdCl3 solution (10 mg/kg b.w.) was infused via the vena caudalis of each mouse 1 week before inoculation of H22 cells and was continued once per three days. Then we observed the follow indexes 3 weeks after injection of H22 cells: tumor weight, histologic characteristics of tumor tissue by light microscopy, ultramicrostructure of Kupffer cells under the electron microscope, distribution and number of Kupffer cells by histochemical staining, and TNF-α and IFN-γ levels in blood-serum and liver tissue by ELISA and RT-PCR. MMP-2 protein expression was tested by immunohistochemistry. The GdCl3 pretreatment had no effect on the quantity of Kupffer cells, but clearly restrained their functions, with decrease of TNF-α and IFN-γ levels and elevation of MMP2. Tumor immunity functions were markedly suppressed and tumor growth was accelerated with appearance of metastasis. Furthermore, survival time of trial mice was shortened.

Effect of transplantation route on stem cell migration to fibrotic liver of rats via cellular magnetic resonance imaging

Background aimsAssessing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) after grafting is essential for understanding their migration and differentiation processes. The present study sought to evaluate via cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if transplantation route may have an effect on MSCs engrafting to fibrotic liver of rats. MethodsRat MSCs were prepared, labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide and scanned with MRI. Labeled MSCs were transplanted via the portal vein or vena caudalis to rats with hepatic fibrosis. MRI was performed in vitro before and after transplantation. Histologic examination was performed. MRI scan and imaging parameter optimization in vitro and migration under in vivo conditions were demonstrated. ResultsStrong MRI susceptibility effects could be found on gradient echo-weighted, or T2∗-weighted, imaging sequences from 24 h after labeling to passage 4 of labeled MSCs in vitro. In vivo, MRI findings of the portal vein group indicated lower signal in liver on single shot fast spin echo-weighted, or T2-weighted, imaging and T2∗-weighted imaging sequences. The low liver MRI signal increased gradually from 0–3 h and decreased gradually from 3 h to 14 days post-transplantation. The distribution pattern of labeled MSCs in liver histologic sections was identical to that of MRI signal. It was difficult to find MSCs in tissues near the portal area on day 14 after transplantation; labeled MSCs appeared in fibrous tuberculum at the edge of the liver. No MRI signal change and a positive histologic examination were observed in the vena caudalis group. ConclusionsThe portal vein route seemed to be more beneficial than the vena caudalis on MSC migration to fibrotic liver of rats via MRI.

An electrophysiologic study of stereotaxis and vena caudalis transplantations of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of spinal cord injury in rats

Objective To compare the effects of stereotaxis and vena caudalis transplantations of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods SD rat BMSCs were isolated,purified and proliferated in vitro.Forty-five adult female Wistar rats were used to establish SCI models with aneurysm clips before they were randomly divided into 3 even groups:a control group and stereotaxis and vena caudalis transplantation groups.The SCI was not treated in the control group.Seven days after the SCI,the suspension with BrdU-labeled BMSCs was injected into the SCI site in the stereotaxis transplantation group and into the body through the caudal vein in the vena caudalis transplantation group.Neural electrophysiologic tests were used to compare the effects of the 2 different ways of BMSCs transplantation on the neural recovery of the injured spinal cord in rats.Results There were no significant differences among the 3 groups before establishment of the SCI model and 7 days after the establishment of SCI model regarding the latency and amplitude of evoked potentials (P ＞ 0.05).Thirty days after the establishment of SCI model all the rats showed significantly reduced latency and significantly increased amplitude (P ＜ 0.05).The BMSCs transplantation groups showed significantly shorter motor evoked potential latency and shorter somatosensory evoked potential P1 wave latency than the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The recovery of motor evoked potentials was significantly slower in the vena caudalis transplantation group than in the stereotaxis transplantation group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Transplanted BMSCs can survive,migrate in the host spinal cord,leading to significant recovery of neurological function in SCI rats.With the same amount of BMSCs,stereotaxis transplantation may be more effective than vena caudalis transplantation in the SCI treatment in rats. Key words: Bone marrow cells; Spinal cord injury; Stem cell transplantation; Evoked potentials