Lack of a Protective Effect of Insulin on Three Reperfusion-Liver Injury Models in Rats and Mice

Our objective was to investigate the potential protective effects of insulin on the liver injury induced in three ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) models.

METHODS

Three I/R models were used: (1) I/R of the liver was produced in isolated, perfused rat livers; (2) in in situ I/R of the liver in rats, ischemia was induced by clamping off the hepatic artery and portal vein for 40 minutes, the flow then restored, and the liver reperfused for 90 minutes; (3) in in situ I/R of the liver in mice, ischemia was induced by clamping off the hepatic artery for 15 minutes, the flow then restored, and the liver reperfused for 45 minutes. In all three cases, blood samples collected before ischemia and after reperfusion were analyzed for sGOT. Plasma nitrate/nitrite, hydroxyl radicals, and tumor necrosis factor were also measured. In each model, a dose of insulin sufficient to induce euglycemia was administered to assess its protective effect on liver injury and inflammation.

RESULTS

These I/R protocols resulted in a significant increase in sGOT and in three inflammatory parameters; nitric oxide, hydroxyl radicals, and tumor necrosis factor. Pretreatment with insulin did not attenuate the liver injury in any of the three I/R models.

CONCLUSIONS

Although insulin has been reported to provide anti-inflammatory benefits by reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress and cytokine release, none of these protective effects was seen in the three I/R-induced liver injury models we tested.

Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Low Reactivity of the Rat Superior Mesenteric Vascular Bed is Associated With Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthases

Our objective was to investigate the mRNA and protein expressions of eNOS and iNOS in the mesenteric vascular bed after ischemia and reperfusion of the rat superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the response of the vascular bed to vasoconstrictors following reperfusion of the SMA.

METHODS

Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to monitor the mRNA and protein expression of eNOS and iNOS after I/R challenge to the rat SMA. Ischemia was induced by clamping the SMA for 40 minutes, after which the flow was restored and the vessels were reperfused for 300 minutes. Blood samples were collected for assays of lactic dehydrogenase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), hydroxyl radical, and NO. After ischemia/reperfusion, the vascular beds were separated for analysis of the expression of eNOS and iNOS. The SMA with its associated intestinal tissue was isolated and perfused in vitro with Tyrode's solution (N = 8) then challenged with phenylephrine.

RESULTS

Reperfusion of the SMA induced an increase in blood concentrations of lactic dehydrogenase (P < .001; N = 8), hydroxyl radical (P < .05), TNF (P < .001), and NO (P < .05). ENOS and iNOS mRNA expression increased 1.3 +/- 0.1-fold and 19.6 +/- 3.5-fold, respectively when compared to the sham-operated group. Protein expression increased 1.9 +/- 0.4-fold and 12.6 +/- 3.1-fold, respectively, after reperfusion (N = 3) when compared with sham-treated rats. In vitro challenge showed that administration of phenylephrine (10(-8) approximately 10(-4) nmol) produced vasoconstriction in a dose-related manner. Maximum contractile responses to phenylephrine were attenuated in reperfused SMA. Addition of the NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 10(-4) M) resulted in full recovery of the response to phenylephrine.

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemia/reperfusion of the SMA results in a decrease in vascular reactivity of the mesenteric vessels that is dependent on NOS expression by the intestinal vascular bed.

Effects of D-galactose on the expression of hippocampal peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor and spatial memory performances in rats

The changes in spatial memory performances and the binding of hippocampal peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) induced by D-galactose (D-gal) were investigated in rats. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: saline-treated group and D-gal-induced aging group. All rats received 56 days of injection followed by 5 days of behavioral tests. The D-gal-induced aging rats presented significant impairment in water maze performance, compared with that in the saline-treated rats. A significant decrease in [3H]PK11195 binding in the synaptosomes from hippocampus in the D-gal-induced aging rats was observed, compared to that in the saline-treated rats. Meanwhile, the Scatchard analysis revealed that there was a decrease in Bmax, with no significant change in KD. Further analysis demonstrated that water maze performance was closely related to the PK11195 binding in all rats. These results suggest that D-gal decreased the density of PBR in hippocampal synaptosomes, which may be attributable to the progressive pathogenesis of aging in rats.

Effect of polyclonal antisera to recombinant tNOX protein on the growth of transformed cells

Previous reports have described a tumor-associated NADH oxidase (tNOX) and its continuous activation in transformed culture cells. Certain anticancer drugs have been shown to inhibit preferentially both the tNOX activity and the growth of transformed culture cells and the cytotoxicity is associated with the induction of apoptosis. To investigate the biological function of tNOX protein, we have raised polyclonal antisera against bacterial expressed tNOX protein and the antisera are able to recognize protein bands in transformed cells but not the non-transformed cells tested. With tNOX antisera treatment, the survival in transformed cell lines is decreased but not the non-transformed cells. In addition, tNOX antisera-induced cytotoxicity is accompanied by the induction of apoptosis. However, slightly higher amount of PARP cleavage and activation of caspase-9 are observed in tNOX antisera treated HCT116 cells. Further experiments have demonstrated the activation of JNK and phosphorylation of p53 by treatment. In addition, tNOX antisera treatment leads to an impressive increase in reactive oxygen species in COS cells but not the control sera. Our data suggest that (a) tNOX antisera treatment may inhibit the growth of transformed cells by inducing apoptosis and (b) the apoptotic mechanism might be through modulating ROS production and JNK pathway.

Design of a stability-detecting device for dental implants

Resonance frequency (RF) analysis technology was used to design a dental implant stability detector. The device uses a miniature-sized electromagnetic triggering rod to elicit vibration in a dental implant. Vibrational signals were recorded via an acoustic receiver. To assess the in vivo performance of the test apparatus, animal models were used. Implants were placed in the left tibia of 12 rabbits using a conventional surgical procedure. Standard 3.2 mm × 8 mm implants were placed in each test tibia with pre-tapping cavities of 3.2 mm and 3.7 mm diameters to simulate either a ‘well-fitting’ or a ‘loosely fitting’ situation. The RF values of the test implants were detected by the newly developed device which was directly mounted on the healing abutments of the implants. The results showed that the RF values of the implants under well-fitting conditions significantly increased (p<0.01) 3 weeks after surgery and reached a plateau at around 6-7 weeks. Meanwhile implants with higher initial RF values had shorter healing times and higher final RF values at the plateau. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the idea of using the current designed device for detecting the degree of bone healing during the osseointegration process seems feasible.

Hypoxic preconditioning attenuated in kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampus

The neuroprotective effect of hypoxic preconditioning on kainate (KA)-induced neurotoxicity, including apoptosis and necrosis, was investigated in rat hippocampus. Female Wistar-Kyoto rats were subjected to 380 mm Hg in an altitude chamber for 15 h/day for 28 days. Intrahippocampal infusion of KA was performed in chloral hydrate anesthetized rats, which acutely elevated 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid levels in normoxic rats. Seven days after the infusion, KA increased lipid peroxidation in the infused hippocampus and resulted in hippocampal CA3 neuronal loss. A 4-week hypoxic preconditioning attenuated KA-induced elevation in hydroxyl radical formation and lipid peroxidation as well as KA-induced neuronal loss. The effects of hypoxic preconditioning on KA-induced apoptosis and necrosis were investigated further. Two hours after KA infusion, cytosolic cytochrome c content was increased in the infused hippocampus. Twenty-four hours after KA infusion, pyknotic nuclei, cellular shrinkage, and cytoplasmic disintegration, but not TUNEL-positive staining, were observed in the CA3 region of hippocampus. Forty-eight hours after KA infusion, both DNA smear and DNA fragmentation were demonstrated in the infused hippocampus. Furthermore, TUNEL-positive cells, indicative of apoptosis, in the infused hippocampus were detected 72 h after KA infusion. Hypoxic pretreatment significantly reduced necrotic-like events in the KA-infused hippocampus. Moreover, hypoxic preconditioning attenuated apoptosis induced by KA infusion, including elevation in cytosolic cytochrome c content, TUNEL-positive cells, and DNA fragmentation. Our data suggest that hypoxic preconditioning may exert its neuroprotection of KA-induced oxidative injuries via attenuating both apoptosis and necrosis in rat hippocampus.

Silicon microlens structures fabricated by scanning-probe gray-scale oxidation

We report on the micromachining of silicon microlens structures by use of scanning-probe gray-scale anodic oxidation along with dry anisotropic etching. Convex, concave, and arbitrarily shaped silicon microlenses with diameters as small as 2 microm are demonstrated. We also confirm the high fidelity of pattern transfer between the probe-induced oxides and the etched silicon microlens structures. Besides the flexibility, the important features of scanning-probe gray-scale anodic oxidation are small pixel size and pitch (of the order of tens of nanometers), an unlimited number of gray-scale levels, and the possibility of creating arbitrarily designed microlens structures with exquisite precision and resolution. With this approach, refractive, diffractive, and hybrid microlens arrays can be developed to create innovative optical components.

Posterior pericallosal lipoma extending through the interhemispheric fissure into the scalp via the anterior fontanelle

We report an unusual pericallosal lipoma presenting as scalp mass at birth. The patient had no obvious neurological deficit, but CT and MRI revealed a striking lipoma extending extracranially into the scalp from the interhemispheric fissure via the anterior fontanelle. The corpus callosum was distorted but not dysplastic.

Effect of high ambient temperature and naked neck genotype on performance of dwarf brown-egg layers selected for improved clutch length

1. Two experimental lines of dwarf brown-egg layers selected on clutch length were reciprocally crossed. In total, 288 hens, from three genotypes: L1, purebred normally feathered (121 hens), F1, crossbred and heterozygous for the NA mutation (99 hens) or L2, purebred homozygous for NA (68 hens) were housed in three climatic rooms at 22 degrees C and three climatic rooms at 32 degrees C. 2. Body weight, daily egg production records, feed intake and some anatomical and physiological traits were recorded. Canonical discriminant analysis was used to examine the relationships among all measured traits and to compare the experimental groups as defined by genotype and temperature. 3. Heterosis effects were observed on body weight, feed intake, egg mass and some anatomical traits at 22 degrees C, but were negligible for most of the traits measured at 32 degrees C except for body weight at 34 weeks, clutch length and some anatomical traits. 4. Genotype by temperature interactions were observed for egg production, egg mass and feed intake. The temperature stress was severe, with a marked decrease in egg production. The naked neck gene could limit the negative effect of long-term heat stress. Egg weight was increased by the NA gene, as usually observed in layers. 5. The first three canonical variates explained altogether 97.4% of the variance. The first canonical variate was associated almost exclusively with ambient temperature. The second was associated with genotype. The third was associated with heterozygous genotype for NA mutation and genotype by temperature interaction. Stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that 12 traits out of 20 were effective at detecting the differences among the genotype and temperature combinations.

Patient mortality of active pulmonary tuberculosis requiring mechanical ventilation

Mortality remains high among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis requiring mechanical ventilation (TBMV). This study was carried out to establish the mortality rates of TBMV and to identify factors that contribute to in-hospital mortality. From January 1996-April 2001, there were 825 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis at the National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Of these, 41 suffered acute respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Of these 41 patients, 38 were followed up for 180 days. In-hospital deaths were documented in the medical records and all possible parameters contributing to mortality were collected. Of the 41 patients, 27 died in the hospital and 14 were discharged alive (in-hospital mortality rate 65.9%), with (mean +/- SD) 40.7 +/- 35.4 admission days before death. Of the 27 that died, 25 died during ICU admission and two died after being transferred to the ward. The mortality rate for the 180-day monitoring period was 79%. Factors contributing to in-hospital mortality included consolidations on chest radiographs and multiple organ failure. The mortality rate in the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis requiring mechanical ventilation is very high, with two factors affecting in-hospital mortality. These factors were multiple organ failure and consolidation on chest radiographs.

Oxidative stress in bilateral total knee replacement, under ischaemic tourniquet

Free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are released abruptly after deflation of an ischaemic tourniquet, cause reperfusion injuries. Ischaemic precondition (IPC), however, can reduce the injury. In clinical practice, the sequential application and release of tourniquets is often used in bilateral total knee replacement (TKR) to obtain a clearer operative field, but the effects on the production of free radicals and lipid peroxidation have not been studied. In this study, we have observed the production of free radicals and the subsequent lipid peroxidation in bilateral TKR with sequential application of a tourniquet to examine the effect of IPC. Patients undergoing elective TKR under intrathecal anaesthesia were studied. Blood samples were obtained after spinal anaesthesia, one minute before and five and 20 minutes after release of each tourniquet. We used the lucigenin chemiluminescence analysis and the phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) assay to measure the production of ROS and lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that production of ROS significantly increased at five and 20 minutes after release of the first tourniquet and at five minutes after release of the second tourniquet, but returned to normal at 20 minutes after the second reperfusion. The peak production of ROS was at 20 minutes after the first reperfusion; lipid peroxidation did not change significantly. We conclude that in spite of significant production of ROS after the release of tourniquet, the IPC phenomenon occurs during bilateral TKR with sequential application of a tourniquet.

Correlated responses to long-term selection for clutch length in dwarf brown-egg layers carrying or not carrying the naked neck gene

Two dwarf brown-egg layer lines, differing in their genotype for the naked neck gene (NA), line L2 (NA*NA/*NA) and line L1 (NA*N/*N), have been selected for 16 generations for increased average clutch length. A control line from the same base population, dwarf and segregating for the NA gene, was maintained by random mating. Genetic parameters were estimated by a multivariate derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood procedure, and the NA gene effect was estimated within the unselected control line. The studied traits included clutch traits, egg production traits, abnormal eggs, egg weight at 36 wk, and BW at 42 wk. The average clutch length, egg number, and maximum clutch length were normalized using the Box-Cox transformation. In response to 16 generations of direct selection for increased average clutch length, other egg production traits, such as laying rate and total egg number, have been indirectly improved in a dwarf layer genetic background. The estimated heritabilities were 0.406 to 0.424 for transformed average clutch length (TCL), 0.373 to 0.411 for transformed egg number (TEN), 0.529 to 0.559 for age at first egg (AFE), 0.275 to 0.282 for laying rate (LR), 0.455 for dutch number (CN), and 0.319 for the number of double-yolked eggs (DYEN). The TCL had high genetic correlations with TEN (0.777), LR (0.863), maximum clutch length (0.902), and CN (-0.845). Selection for increased average clutch length was an effective method for increasing egg production. Line L2 showed a higher egg weight than L1, which indicates that the combined effect of NA and DW genes was favorable to maintain egg weight when egg number could be improved. Line L1 showed a higher number of DYEN, suggesting that the regulation of follicular maturation was changed in this line.

The effects of the cyclosporin A, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics of baicalein in the rat: a microdialysis study

1. Baicalein is a bioactive flavonoid isolated from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a medicinal herb that has been used since ancient times to treat bacterial infections. As little is known concerning its pharmacokinetics, this study focussed on its pharmacokinetics as well as the possible roles of the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein on its distribution and disposition. 2. Three microdialysis probes were simultaneously inserted into the jugular vein, the hippocampus and the bile duct of male Sprague-Dawley rats for sampling in biological fluids following the administration of baicalein (10, 30 and 60 mg kg(-1)) through the femoral vein. The P-glycoprotein inhibitor cyclosporin A was used to help delineate its roles. 3. The study design consisted of two groups of six rats in parallel: control rats which received baicalein alone and the cyclosporin A treated-group in which the rats were injected cyclosporin A, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, 10 min prior to baicalein administration. 4. Cyclosporin A treatment resulted in a significant increase in elimination half-life, mean residence time and area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) of unbound baicalein in the brain. However, AUC in the bile was decreased. 5. The decline of baicalein in the hippocampus, blood and bile suggested that there was rapid exchange and equilibration between the peripheral compartment and the central nervous system. In addition, the results indicated that baicalein was able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier as well as undergoing hepatobiliary excretion. 6. Although no direct transport studies were undertaken and multiple factors may affect BBB penetration and hepatobiliary excretion, strong association of the involvement of P-glycoprotein in these processes is indicated.

Neuroprotective effect of intermittent hypoxia on iron-induced oxidative injury in rat brain

The neuroprotective effect of intermittent hypoxia on ferrous citrate (iron)-induced oxidative stress was investigated in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system of rat brain. Female Wistar rats were subjected to 380 mm Hg in an altitude chamber for 15 h/day for 7, 14, or 28 days. Iron was locally infused in the substantia nigra of anesthetized rats. Seven days after infusion, lipid peroxidation was elevated in the infused substantia nigra and dopamine content and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive axons were decreased in the ipsilateral striatum in the normoxic rats. Intermittent hypoxic treatment prevented iron-induced oxidative injuries. Induction of the neuroprotection required 2 weeks. Intracerebroventricular infusion of L-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (L-BSO), which mimicked a reduced antioxidative condition, aggravated iron-induced oxidative injuries. Intermittent hypoxia ameliorated L-BSO-induced augmentation of iron-induced oxidative injuries. Basal GSH (glutathione) content, GSH/GSSG ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in intact substantia nigra were not altered by intermittent hypoxia. Furthermore, intermittent hypoxia attenuated iron-induced reductions in GSH content, GSH/GSSG ratio, and SOD, iron-induced increase in catalase but had no effect on glutathione peroxidase. Our data suggest that intermittent hypoxia may protect the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system from iron-induced oxidative injuries. Moreover, antioxidative defensive systems may partially contribute to the neuroprotection by intermittent hypoxia.

Determination and pharmacokinetic study of meropenem in rat bile using on-line microdialysis and liquid chromatography

Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic with a wide spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Because of its clinical efficacy, meropenem is an excellent choice for the treatment of serious infections in both adults and children. The knowledge of tissue concentrations of antibiotic in an infection site is valuable for the prediction of treatment outcome. To investigate the biliary disposition of meropenem, we utilized a minimally invasive sampling technique with a shunt linear microdialysis probe for continuous sampling in the biliary excretion studies. Analysis of meropenem in the dialysates was achieved using a LiChrosorb RP-18 column (Merck, 250 x 4.6 mm I.D.; particle size 5 microm) maintained at ambient temperature. The mobile phase was 50 mM monosodium phosphoric acid-methanol (80:20, v/v, pH 3.0). The UV detector wavelength was set at 298 nm. The area under the concentration-time curve and elimination half-lives of meropenem were about 6144 +/- 1494 min microg/ml and 61 +/- 17 min, respectively. This study represents a successful application of the microdialysis technique, which is an effective method for pharmacokinetic and biliary drug excretion studies.

Determination and pharmacokinetic profile of omeprazole in rat blood, brain and bile by microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography

The disposition and biliary excretion of omeprazole was investigated following i.v. administration to rats at 10 mg/kg. We used a microdialysis technique coupled to a validated microbore HPLC system to monitor the levels of protein-unbound omeprazole in rat blood, brain and bile, constructing the relationship of the time course of the presence of omeprazole. Microdialysis probes were simultaneously inserted into the jugular vein toward right atrium, the brain striatum and the bile duct of the male Sprague-Dawley rats for biological fluid sampling after the administration of omeprazole (10 mg/kg) through the femoral vein. The concentration-response relationship from the present method indicated linearity (r2>0.995) over a concentration range of 0.01-50 microg/ml for omeprazole. Intra-assay and inter-assay precision and accuracy of omeprazole fell well within the predefined limits of acceptability. Following omeprazole administration, the blood-to-brain coefficient of distribution was 0.15, which was calculated as the area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) in the brain divided by the AUC in blood (k=AUCbrain/AUCblood). The blood-to-bile coefficient of distribution (k=AUCbile/AUCblood) was 0.58. The decline of unbound omeprazole in the brain striatum, blood and bile fluid suggests that there was rapid exchange and equilibration between the compartments of the peripheral and central nervous systems. In addition, the results indicated that omeprazole was able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and undergo hepatobiliary excretion.

The protective effect of niacinamide on ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver injury

Reperfusion of ischemic liver results in the generation of oxygen radicals, nitric oxide (NO) and their reaction product peroxynitrite, all of which may cause strand breaks in DNA, which activate the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP ribose)synthase (PARS). This results in rapid depletion of intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and eventually induces irreversible cytotoxicity. In this study, we demonstrated that niacinamide, a PARS inhibitor, attenuated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced liver injury. Ischemia was induced by clamping the common hepatic artery and portal vein of rats for 40 min. Thereafter, flow was restored and the liver was reperfused for 90 min. Blood samples collected prior to I and after R were analyzed for methyl guanidine (MG), NO, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and ATP. Blood levels of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) which served as indexes of liver injury were measured. This protocol resulted in elevation of the blood NO level (p < 0.01). Inflammation was apparent, as TNF-alpha and MG levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). AST, ALT and LDH were elevated 4- to 5-fold (p < 0.001), while ATP was significantly diminished (p < 0.01). After administration of niacinamide (10 mM), liver injury was significantly attenuated, while blood ATP content was reversed. In addition, MG, TNF-alpha and NO release was attenuated. These results indicate that niacinamide, presumably by acting with multiple functions, exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects in I/R-induced liver injury.

Protective effects of baicalein and wogonin against benzo[a]pyrene- and aflatoxin B(1)-induced genotoxicities

To evaluate the protective effects of baicalein and wogonin against benzo[a]pyrene- and aflatoxin (AF) B(1)-induced toxicities, the effects of these flavonoids on the genotoxicities and oxidation of benzo[a]pyrene and AFB(1) were studied in C57BL/6J mice. Baicalein and wogonin reduced benzo[a]pyrene and AFB(1) genotoxicities as monitored by the umuC gene expression response in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002. Baicalein added in vitro decreased liver microsomal benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylation (AHH) activity with an ic(50) of 33.9 +/- 1.4 microM at 100 microM benzo[a]pyrene. Baicalein also inhibited AFQ(1) and AFB(1)-epoxide formation from AFB(1) (50 microM) oxidation (AFO) with ic(50) values of 22.8 +/- 1.4 and 5.3 +/- 0.8 microM, respectively. However, the in vitro inhibitory effects of wogonin on AHH and AFO activities in liver microsomes were less than those of baicalein as inhibition by 500 microM wogonin was only about 51-65%. Treatment of mice with liquid diets containing 5 mM baicalein and wogonin resulted in 22 and 49% decreases in hepatic AHH activities, respectively. Baicalein treatment resulted in 39 and 32% decreases in AFQ(1) and AFB(1)-epoxide formation from liver microsomal AFO, respectively. Wogonin treatment resulted in 39 and 47% decreases in AFQ(1) and AFB(1)-epoxide formation, respectively. A 1-week pretreatment with wogonin significantly decreased hepatic DNA adduct formation in mice treated with 200 mg/kg of benzo[a]pyrene via gastrogavage. These in vitro and in vivo effects suggested that baicalein and wogonin might have beneficial effects against benzo[a]pyrene- and AFB(1)-induced hepatic toxicities and that wogonin had a stronger protective effect in vivo.

Induction of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase in mouse liver and kidney by rutaecarpine, an alkaloid of the herbal drug Evodia rutaecarpa

Rutaecarpine is one of the main alkaloids of an herbal remedy, Evodia rutaecarpa, which has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorder and headache. Effects of rutaecarpine on hepatic and renal cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent monooxygenase were studied in C57BL/6J mice. Treatment of mice with rutaecarpine by gastrogavage at 50 mg/kg/day for three days resulted in 57%, 41%, 6-, and 6-fold increases of hepatic microsomal benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation, 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation, and 7-methoxyresorufin O-demethylation activities, respectively. However, the treatment had no effects on hepatic oxidation activities toward benzphetamine, N-nitrosodimethylamine, nifedipine, and erythromycin. In the kidney, rutaecarpine-treatment resulted in 2-fold and 42% increases of microsomal benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation activities, respectively. The treatment also increased renal 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation activity to a detectable level. Immunoblot analysis of microsomal proteins showed that rutaecarpine-treatment increased the protein levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 in the liver, whereas hepatic level of CYP3A-immunoreacted protein was not affected by rutaecarpine. These CYPs were not detectable in the immunoblot analyses of control and rutaecarpine-treated mouse kidney microsomes. These results indicated that rutaecarpine was a CYP1A inducer and showed potent inductive effects on both CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 in the liver.

The protective effect of niacinamide on ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver injury

Reperfusion of ischemic liver results in the generation of oxygen radicals, nitric oxide (NO) and their reaction product peroxynitrite, all of which may cause strand breaks in DNA, which activate the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP ribose)synthase (PARS). This results in rapid depletion of intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and eventually induces irreversible cytotoxicity. In this study, we demonstrated that niacinamide, a PARS inhibitor, attenuated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced liver injury. Ischemia was induced by clamping the common hepatic artery and portal vein of rats for 40 min. Thereafter, flow was restored and the liver was reperfused for 90 min. Blood samples collected prior to I and after R were analyzed for methyl guanidine (MG), NO, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and ATP. Blood levels of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) which served as indexes of liver injury were measured. This protocol resulted in elevation of the blood NO level (p < 0.01). Inflammation was apparent, as TNF-alpha and MG levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). AST, ALT and LDH were elevated 4- to 5-fold (p < 0.001), while ATP was significantly diminished (p < 0.01). After administration of niacinamide (10 mM), liver injury was significantly attenuated, while blood ATP content was reversed. In addition, MG, TNF-alpha and NO release was attenuated. These results indicate that niacinamide, presumably by acting with multiple functions, exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects in I/R-induced liver injury.

Spasmolytic effects of three harmala alkaloids on guinea-pig isolated trachea

The present study examined and compared the spasmolytic effects of 3 harmala alkaloids, harmine, harman, and harmaline, on carbachol-, histamine-, and KCl-induced contractions of guinea-pig isolated tracheal preparations. All 3 compounds relaxed the tracheal preparations contracted by these spasmogens with similar or different EC50 values, harmine being the most potent one. The cumulative concentration-response curves of all 3 compounds for carbachol-induced contraction were shifted to the right by propranolol (1 microM) pretreatment, indicating the involvement of the activation on the beta-adrenoceptors. All 3 compounds shifted the concentration-response curves of carbachol to the right in a parallel manner with the pA2 values comparable with their relaxation EC50 values, indicating a competitive antagonism at the muscarinic receptors. Receptor binding assays indicated that all 3 compounds interacted with lung muscarinic receptors (Ki = 11-13 microM), histamine H1 receptors (Ki = 27-107 microM), and beta2-adrenoceptors (Ki = 20-51 microM). Therefore, in addition to their actions on receptor-linked and voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels as reported in other types of smooth muscle, the present study suggests that the actions on muscarinic receptors, histamine H1 receptors, and beta2-adrenoceptors are also involved in their spasmolytic effects on airway smooth muscles.

Isolation and characterization of an active compound from black soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and its effect on proliferation and differentiation of human leukemic U937 cells

Black soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has been used as a health food and herb in China for hundreds of years. In the present study, we purified a unique polysaccharide component from black soybean (PSBS) and found that it indirectly inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation of human leukemic U937 cells via activation of mononuclear cells (MNCs). We prepared conditioned media (MNC-CM) by incubating MNCs from human peripheral blood with or without PSBS (PSBS-MNC-CM and normal MNC-CM, respectively). Treatment of human leukemic U937 cells with PSBS-MNC-CM significantly inhibited proliferation of U937 cells, reducing their growth by 98.5%. Furthermore, PSBS-MNC-CM induced U937 cells to differentiate into mature monocytes/macrophages (83% by morphological examination and 90% by the nitroblue tetrazolium test). Neither PSBS alone nor normal MNC-CM had such effects. The molecular weight of PSBS was about 480 000 by gel filtration. Structural analysis of PSBS revealed that (1,6)-alpha-D-glucan might be its major active component. Our results suggest that the PSBS may inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation in human leukemic U937 cells by activating the immune response of MNCs.

Anti-inflammatory effects of the partially purified extract of radix Stephaniae tetrandrae: comparative studies of its active principles tetrandrine and fangchinoline on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions

We hypothesized that prevention of neutrophil from activation may underlie the myocardial protective effect of the specially processed extract of radix Stephaniae tetrandrae (SPRST). Inflammatory responses in isolated peripheral human neutrophils were studied in the presence or absence of SPRST. SPRST (1-10 microg/ml) concentration-dependently prevented N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)- or leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4))-induced neutrophil adhesion and transmigration. Comparable results were also observed in neutrophils pretreated with fangchinoline (Fan) or tetrandrine (Tet), two active components in SPRST. It has been reported that neutrophil adhesion/transmigration is mainly Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18)-dependent and could be modulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. SPRST, Tet, and Fan diminished fMLP- or LTB4-induced Mac-1 up-regulation and ROS production. SPRST, Fan, Tet, and verapamil impaired fMLP-induced rapid intracellular alkalization, an essential mechanism for neutrophil ROS production, and [Ca(2+)](i) increment, suggesting that a calcium dependent pathway might be involved. Direct G protein activation by AlF(4)(-) also triggered [Ca(2+)](i) increment and adhesion that could be abolished by pertussis toxin and were partially reversed by SPRST, Fan, and Tet. These results reveal that inhibition of neutrophil adhesion and transmigration may account for SPRST's myocardial protective effect. This effect of SPRST may be mediated by component(s) in addition to Tet and Fan because combination of 0.1 microg/ml of Tet and Fan did not mimic the effect of SPRST. We conclude that SPRST exerts anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with ROS production and Ca(2+) influx through G protein modulation to prevent Mac-1 up-regulation in neutrophil activation.

Effect of ginseng saponins on beta-amyloid-suppressed acetylcholine release from rat hippocampal slices

In view of the facts that ginseng has been shown to improve age-related memory deficits and beta-amyloid-related peptides have been suggested to play a significant role in memory degeneration in the elderly, the present study was carried out to examine the effect of various ginsenosides on beta-amyloid peptides-modulated acetylcholine (ACh) release, a key neurotransmitter in memory processing, from the hippocampal slices. Addition of beta-amyloid fragment(25 - 35) (0.01 - 1 microM) in the superfusion medium suppressed the K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-ACh release from the rat hippocampal slices in a concentration-related manner and about 40 % reduction in ACh outflow was observed when incubating with the highest concentration of an amyloid fragment (1 microM). Inclusion of the ginsenoside components Rb(1) (0.1 microM), but not Rg(1), caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve of beta-amyloid. The reversal of the beta-amyloid-inhibited ACh release by Rb(1) was not blocked by tetrodotoxin (1 microM) indicating that an interaction occurs at the cholinergic synapse. These results suggest that Rb(1) may elicit its anti-amnesic effect by minimizing the inhibitory effect of beta-amyloid peptides.