Improving bioscience research reporting: The ARRIVE guidelines for reporting animal research

Comparative evaluation of 3D-printed and conventional implants in vivo: a quantitative microcomputed tomographic and histomorphometric analysis

In recent years, 3D-printing technology to fabricate dental implants has garnered widespread attention due to its patient-specific customizability and cost-effectiveness. This preclinical animal study analyzed the radiographic and histomorphometric outcomes of 3D-printed implants (3DIs) placed immediately after extraction and compared them to conventional implants (CIs). 3DIs and CIs of the same dimensions placed immediately were analyzed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. The micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis revealed statistically significant differences at 2 weeks in favor of 3DIs over the CIs in terms of bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV), trabecular bone pattern factor (Tb.Pf), and structure model index (SMI). At 2 weeks, the mean bone-to-implant contact (BIC) of the 3DIs was greater than that of the CIs; the mean bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) and the number of Haversian canals of the 3DIs showed no statistically significant differences compared to CIs at 2 weeks. At 6 and 12 weeks, there were no statistically significant differences between the 3DIs and CIs in any parameters. Within limitations, in the early stage of extraction socket healing, the 3DIs demonstrated a higher BIC than the CIs, presenting that 3DIs may be a potential option for immediate placement to enhance osseointegration.

Genetic Discovery Enabled by A Large Language Model

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in many areas of medicine, and recently large language models (LLMs) have shown potential utility for clinical applications. However, since we do not know if the use of LLMs can accelerate the pace of genetic discovery, we used data generated from mouse genetic models to investigate this possibility. We examined whether a recently developed specialized LLM (Med-PaLM 2) could analyze sets of candidate genes generated from analysis of murine models of biomedical traits. In response to free-text input, Med-PaLM 2 correctly identified the murine genes that contained experimentally verified causative genetic factors for six biomedical traits, which included susceptibility to diabetes and cataracts. Med-PaLM 2 was also able to analyze a list of genes with high impact alleles, which were identified by comparative analysis of murine genomic sequence data, and it identified a causative murine genetic factor for spontaneous hearing loss. Based upon this Med-PaLM 2 finding, a novel bigenic model for susceptibility to spontaneous hearing loss was developed. These results demonstrate Med-PaLM 2 can analyze gene-phenotype relationships and generate novel hypotheses, which can facilitate genetic discovery.

Differential expressions of FASN, SCD, and FABP4 genes in the ribeye muscle of omega-3 oil-supplemented Tattykeel Australian White lambs

BACKGROUND

The concept of the functional nutritional value of health-beneficial omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) is becoming a phenomenon among red meat consumers globally. This study examined the expressions of three lipogenic genes (fatty acid binding protein 4, FABP4, fatty acid synthase, FASN; and stearoyl-CoA desaturase, SCD) in the ribeye (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) muscle of Tattykeel Australian White (TAW) lambs fed fortified omega-3 diets and correlations with fatty acids. To answer the research question, "are there differences in the expression of lipogenic genes between control, MSM whole grain and omega-3 supplemented lambs?", we tested the hypothesis that fortification of lamb diets with omega-3 will lead to a down-regulation of lipogenic genes. Seventy-five six-month old TAW lambs were randomly allocated to the (1) omega-3 oil-fortified grain pellets, (2) unfortified grain pellets (control) or (3) unfortified MSM whole grain pellets diet supplements to generate three treatments of 25 lambs each. The feeding trial lasted 47 days.

RESULTS

From the Kruskal-Wallis test, the results showed a striking disparity in lipogenic gene expression between the three dietary treatments in which the FABP4 gene was significantly up-regulated by 3-folds in the muscles of lambs fed MSM Milling (MSM) whole grain diet compared to the omega-3 and control diets. A negative correlation was observed between FASN gene expression and intramuscular fat (IMF), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The FABP4 gene expression was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, this study's results suggest that FABP4 and FASN genes perform an important role in the biosynthesis of fatty acids in the ribeye muscle of TAW lambs, and supplementary diet composition is an important factor influencing their expressions.

DNA Methylation Aberrations in Dimethylarsinic Acid-Induced Bladder Carcinogenesis

Arsenic is a known human urinary bladder carcinogen. While arsenic is known to cause aberrant DNA methylation, the mechanism of arsenic-triggered bladder carcinogenesis is not fully understood. The goal of this study was to identify aberrant DNA methylation in rat bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) induced by dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV), a major organic metabolite of arsenic. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation and microarray gene expression analyses of DMAV-induced rat UCs and the urothelium of rats treated for 4 weeks with DMAV. We identified 40 genes that were both hypermethylated and downregulated in DMAV-induced rat UCs. Notably, four genes (CPXM1, OPCML, TBX20, and KCND3) also showed reduced expression in the bladder urothelium after 4 weeks of exposure to DMAV. We also found that CPXM1 is aberrantly methylated and downregulated in human bladder cancers and human bladder cancer cells. Genes with aberrant DNA methylation and downregulated expression in DMAV-exposed bladder urothelium and in DMAV-induced UCs in rats, suggest that these alterations occurred in the early stages of arsenic-induced bladder carcinogenesis. Further study to evaluate the functions of these genes will advance our understanding of the role of aberrant DNA methylation in arsenic bladder carcinogenesis, and will also facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets for arsenic-related bladder cancers.

Pharmacological modulation of conditioned fear in the fear-potentiated startle test: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Fear conditioning is an important aspect in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. The fear-potentiated startle test is based on classical fear conditioning and over the years, a broad range of drugs have been tested in this test. Synthesis of the available data may further our understanding of the neurotransmitter systems that are involved in the expression of conditioned fear.

METHODS

Following a comprehensive search in Medline and Embase, we included 68 research articles that reported on 103 drugs, covering 56 different drug classes. The systematic review was limited to studies using acute, systemic drug administration in naive animals.

RESULTS

Qualitative data synthesis showed that most clinically active anxiolytics, but not serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, reduced cued fear. Anxiogenic drugs increased fear potentiation in 35% of the experiments, reduced fear potentiation in 29% of the experiments, and were without effect in 29% of the experiments. Meta-analyses could be performed for five drug classes and showed that benzodiazepines, buspirone, 5-HT1A agonists, 5-HT1A antagonists, and mGluR2,3 agonists reduced cued conditioned fear. The non-cued baseline startle response, which may reflect contextual anxiety, was only significantly reduced by benzodiazepines and 5-HT1A antagonists. No associations were found between drug effects and methodological characteristics, except for strain.

CONCLUSIONS

The fear-potentiated startle test appears to have moderate to high predictive validity and may serve as a valuable tool for the development of novel anxiolytics. Given the limited available data, the generally low study quality and high heterogeneity additional studies are warranted to corroborate the findings of this review.

Chronic oxytocin-driven alternative splicing of Crfr2α induces anxiety

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has generated considerable interest as potential treatment for psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and autism spectrum disorders. However, the behavioral and molecular consequences associated with chronic OXT treatment and chronic receptor (OXTR) activation have scarcely been studied, despite the potential therapeutic long-term use of intranasal OXT. Here, we reveal that chronic OXT treatment over two weeks increased anxiety-like behavior in rats, with higher sensitivity in females, contrasting the well-known anxiolytic effect of acute OXT. The increase in anxiety was transient and waned 5 days after the infusion has ended. The behavioral effects of chronic OXT were paralleled by activation of an intracellular signaling pathway, which ultimately led to alternative splicing of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2α (Crfr2α), an important modulator of anxiety. In detail, chronic OXT shifted the splicing ratio from the anxiolytic membrane-bound (mCRFR2α) form of CRFR2α towards the soluble CRFR2α (sCRFR2α) form. Experimental induction of alternative splicing mimicked the anxiogenic effects of chronic OXT, while sCRFR2α-knock down reduced anxiety-related behavior of male rats. Furthermore, chronic OXT treatment triggered the release of sCRFR2α into the cerebrospinal fluid with sCRFR2α levels positively correlating with anxiety-like behavior. In summary, we revealed that the shifted splicing ratio towards expression of the anxiogenic sCRFR2α underlies the adverse effects of chronic OXT treatment on anxiety.

Investigating brain alterations in the Dp1Tyb mouse model of Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common birth defects and the most prevalent genetic form of intellectual disability. DS arises from trisomy of chromosome 21, but its molecular and pathological consequences are not fully understood. In this study, we compared Dp1Tyb mice, a DS model, against their wild-type (WT) littermates of both sexes to investigate the impact of DS-related genetic abnormalities on the brain phenotype. We performed in vivo whole brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hippocampal 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) on the animals at 3 months of age. Subsequently, ex vivo MRI scans and histological analyses were conducted post-mortem. Our findings unveiled the following neuroanatomical and biochemical alterations in the Dp1Tyb brains: a smaller surface area and a rounder shape compared to WT brains, with DS males also presenting smaller global brain volume compared with the counterpart WT. Regional volumetric analysis revealed significant changes in 26 out of 72 examined brain regions, including the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus. These alterations were consistently observed in both in vivo and ex vivo imaging data. Additionally, high-resolution ex vivo imaging enabled us to investigate cerebellar layers and hippocampal sub-regions, revealing selective areas of decrease and remodelling in these structures. An analysis of hippocampal metabolites revealed an elevation in glutamine and the glutamine/glutamate ratio in the Dp1Tyb mice compared to controls, suggesting a possible imbalance in the excitation/inhibition ratio. This was accompanied by the decreased levels of taurine. Histological analysis revealed fewer neurons in the hippocampal CA3 and DG layers, along with an increase in astrocytes and microglia. These findings recapitulate multiple neuroanatomical and biochemical features associated with DS, enriching our understanding of the potential connection between chromosome 21 trisomy and the resultant phenotype.

Comparing the effect of tissue adhesive and suturing material on collagen I/III ratio in abdominal skin wounds: an experimental study

Background

The skin closure procedure should be technically simple, acceptable, quick, and cost-effective. Sutures remain the technique's mainstay, however tissue adhesive is becoming more used in clinical practice. Collagen ratios of types I and III play a significant role as postoperative wound healing parameters. Here, the authors aim to examine the collagen I/III ratio of tissue adhesive vs. non-absorbable sutures for abdominal skin closure in Wistar albino rats.

Material and methods

The authors allocated 20 rats into four experimental groups. Wounds in groups 1 and 3 were sealed with tissue adhesive (cyanoacrylate), while those in groups 2 and 4 were closed using suture material (monofilament non-absorbable nylon). Groups 1 and 2 were sacrificed on postoperative day (POD) 4, while those in groups 3 and 4 were euthanized on POD 7. Skin samples (1×0.5 cm) were collected for analysis, and the collagen I/III ratios were determined using immunohistochemistry staining techniques.

Results

The levels of collagen I and III expression did not exhibit statistically significant differences between tissue adhesive and nylon suture groups at either POD 4 (P=0.052, P=0.513) or POD 7 (P=0.125, P=0.80). Similarly, the collagen I/III ratio did not significantly differ between the two groups at POD 4 (1.23±2.26 vs. 0.70±0.24; P=0.47) or POD 7 (0.68±0.96 vs. 0.77±1.22; P=0.857).

Conclusions

There were no statistical significance difference in collagen I/III ratio between the tissue adhesive and suture material groups, suggesting that the choice of wound closure material may not influence the abdominal skin closure.

Preclinical effects of cannabidiol in an experimental model of migraine

ABSTRACT

Migraine is a disabling disorder characterized by recurrent headaches, accompanied by abnormal sensory sensitivity and anxiety. Despite extensive historical use of cannabis in headache disorders, there is limited research on the nonpsychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) for migraine and there is no scientific evidence to prove that CBD is an effective treatment. The effects of CBD are examined here using a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced migraine model that provides measures of cephalic allodynia, spontaneous pain, altered light sensitivity (photophobia), and anxiety-like behavior in C57BL/6J mice. A single administration of CGRP induced facial hypersensitivity in both female and male mice. Repeated CGRP treatment produced progressively decreased levels in basal thresholds of allodynia in females, but not in males. A single CBD administration protected both females and males from periorbital allodynia induced by a single CGRP injection. Repeated CBD administration prevented increased levels of basal allodynia induced by repeated CGRP treatment in female mice and did not lead to responses consistent with migraine headache as occurs with triptans. Cannabidiol, injected after CGRP, reversed CGRP-evoked allodynia. Cannabidiol also reduced spontaneous pain traits induced by CGRP administration in female mice. Finally, CBD blocked CGRP-induced anxiety in male mice, but failed in providing protection from CGRP-induced photophobia in females. These results demonstrate the efficacy of CBD in preventing episodic and chronic migraine-like states with reduced risk of causing medication overuse headache. Cannabidiol also shows potential as an abortive agent for treating migraine attacks and headache-related conditions such as spontaneous pain and anxiety.

The preventive effects of Centaurea maroccana Ball. extract against oxidative stress induced by cisplatin in mice brains: in vitro and in vivo studies

Since antiquity, Centaurea species have been used in folk medicine to treat several diseases owing to their potential biological activities that distinguish this genus such as antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effect. The current study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of the n-butanol extract of Centaurea maroccana (BECM) against cisplatin (CP) induced neurotoxicity in mice. BECM's potential neuroprotective properties were studied in vitro and in vivo models. Male Swiss albino mice were orally received BECM (200 mg/kg) for 10 days before a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (8 mg/kg). Vitamin E (100 mg/kg) was given daily by gavage as a positive control. In vitro results revealed that BECM inhibited lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In vivo findings showed that BECM pretreatment was able to regulate lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and to improve CP-induced cholinergic dysfunction by inhibiting AChE activity in mice brains. Moreover, BECM attenuated CP-provoked oxidative stress by suppressing LPO levels, increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)) in both brain cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions. The histological analysis exhibited neurotoprotective effect of BECM by protecting the cerebral cortex and reducing the histomorphological alterations resulted by cisplatin. Interestingly, our extract achieved neuroprotection comparable to vitamin E in most evaluated parameters. It appears that protective potency of BECM against CP-induced neurotoxicity could be related to its richness in polyphenols confirmed by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS).

Evaluation of the healing potential of Nile tilapia skin collagen in traumatic oral ulcers in male rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the healing potential of Nile tilapia skin collagen using a rat model with experimentally induced traumatic oral ulcers.

DESIGN

Male Wistar rats were segregated into three experimental groups (n = 8/group/euthanasia day). Ulcers were induced using a dermatological punch on the left buccal mucosa. The rats were then euthanized on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 (ntotal=120 rats). Each group received topical treatment, 2x/day, with 1 % Nile tilapia skin collagen orabase (experimental group), only orabase (negative control), or Oncilom-A® orabase (positive control). Ulcer area, closure percentage, and body mass variation were measured. Slides were prepared for histological analysis, which included Picrosirius red staining (collagen analysis), and immunohistochemistry (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-beta).

RESULTS

On day 15, the experimental and positive control groups displayed smaller ulcer areas, a higher percentage of closure, complete re-epithelialization, superior histological repair scores, and a reduced count of polymorphonuclear cells in comparison to the negative control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the experimental group exhibited an increased number of blood vessels, total collagen (types I and III) and expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-beta relative to the negative and positive control groups (p < 0.05). By day 20, the experimental group showed a more significant weight gain compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nile tilapia skin collagen orabase optimizes the healing of traumatic ulcers by stimulating re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagenesis. Transforming growth factor-beta plays a significant role in this process.

Oxygen enrichment protects against intestinal damage and gut microbiota disturbance in rats exposed to acute high-altitude hypoxia

Acute high-altitude hypoxia can lead to intestinal damage and changes in gut microbiota. Sustained and reliable oxygen enrichment can resist hypoxic damage at high altitude to a certain extent. However, it remains unclear whether oxygen enrichment can protect against gut damage and changes in intestinal flora caused by acute altitude hypoxia. For this study, eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, control (NN), hypobaric hypoxic (HH), and oxygen-enriched (HO). The NN group was raised under normobaric normoxia, whereas the HH group was placed in a hypobaric hypoxic chamber simulating 7,000 m for 3 days. The HO group was exposed to oxygen-enriched air in the same hypobaric hypoxic chamber as the HH group for 12 h daily. Our findings indicate that an acute HH environment caused a fracture of the crypt structure, loss of epithelial cells, and reduction in goblet cells. Additionally, the structure and diversity of bacteria decreased in richness and evenness. The species composition at Phylum and Genus level was characterized by a higher ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroides and an increased abundance of Lactobacillus with the abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group decreased in the HH group. Interestingly, after oxygen enrichment intervention, the intestinal injury was significantly restrained. This was confirmed by an increase in the crypt depth, intact epithelial cell morphology, increased relative density of goblet cells, and higher evenness and richness of the gut microbiota, Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae as the main microbiota in the HO group. Finally, functional analysis showed significant differences between the different groups with respect to different metabolic pathways, including Amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and metabolism. In conclusion, this study verifies, for the first time, the positive effects of oxygen enrichment on gut structure and microbiota in animals experiencing acute hypobaric hypoxia.

Effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide on early bone formation in lateral bone augmentation with immediate implant placement: an experimental in vivo study

This study investigated early bone formation using collagenated biphasic calcium phosphate (CBCP) with or without polynucleotide (PDRN). Third (P3) or fourth (P4) premolars of six male beagle dogs were extracted and 5-mm-high dehiscence defects were created, followed by 3D-printed implant placement. The buccal bone defects were grafted with (i) CBCP and collagen membrane or (ii) CBCP soaked in polydeoxyribonucleotide (CBCP/PDRN) and collagen membrane. Samples of the experimental sites were harvested at 2- and 6-weeks post-surgery. The specimens were evaluated with radiologic and histomorphometric analysis. No significant differences were found between the CBCP and CBCP/PDRN groups in the micro-CT analysis at 2 or 6 weeks. No significant differences were observed in bone-to-implant contact (BIC) or bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) in buccal augmented and lingual non-augmented areas. In the qualitative analysis, the new bone (NB) area and NB proportion in buccal augmented areas showed significantly higher values in the CBCP/PDRN group than in the CBCP group at 2 and 6 weeks. Peri-implant buccal dehiscence defects with immediate 3D-printed implant placement were corrected using a collagen membrane and CBCP or CBCP/PDRN. PDRN might have the potential to facilitate early bone formation with sufficient stability over time in dehiscence defects.

Gestational exposure to FireMaster® 550 (FM 550) disrupts the placenta-brain axis in a socially monogamous rodent species, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster)

Gestational flame retardant (FR) exposure has been linked to heightened risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Historically, toxicologists have relied on traditional, inbred rodent models, yet those do not always best model human vulnerability or biological systems, especially social systems. Here we used prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a monogamous and bi-parental rodent, leveraged for decades to decipher the underpinnings of social behaviors, to examine the impact of fetal FR exposure on gene targets in the mid-gestational placenta and fetal brain. We previously established gestational exposure to the commercial mixture Firemaster 550 (FM 550) impairs sociality, particularly in males. FM 550 exposure disrupted placental monoamine production, particularly serotonin, and genes required for axon guidance and cellular respiration in the fetal brains. Effects were dose and sex specific. These data provide insights on the mechanisms by which FRs impair neurodevelopment and later in life social behaviors.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase pathway inhibitor (Olaparib) upregulates SERCA2a expression and attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in mice

The cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin is dose-dependent. The present study tested the potential cardioprotective effect of Poly ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) pathway inhibitor "olaparib" in a mouse model of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DOX-CM). Seventy-two male BALB/c mice were randomized into six equal groups; control, DOX-CM, dexrazoxane-treated, and three olaparib-treated groups (5, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day). Cardiomyopathy was assessed by heart weight/Tibial length (HW/TL) ratio, cardiac fibrosis, oxidative stress, and electron microscope. Myocardial expression of SERCA2a mRNA and cleaved PARP-1 protein were also assessed. Similar to dexrazoxane, olaparib (10 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorated oxidative stress, and preserved cardiac structure. It also suppressed myocardial PARP-1 protein expression and boosted SERCA2a mRNA expression. Olaparib (5 or 50 mg/kg/day) failed to show comparable effects. The current study detected the cardioprotective effect of olaparib at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day. Also, the present study discovered a new cardioprotective mechanism of dexrazoxane by targeting PARP-1 in the heart.

Corticosterone rapidly reduces glutamatergic but not GABAergic transmission in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex of male mice

Rapid non-genomic effects of corticosteroid hormones, affecting glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission, have been described for many limbic structures in the rodent brain. These rapid effects appear to be region specific. It is not always clear which (or even whether) corticosteroid receptor -the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) or mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)- initiate these rapid effects. In the hippocampus and amygdala membrane-associated MR, but also membrane-associated GR (in amygdala), are involved. Other studies indicate that the rapid modulation may be induced by transactivation of kinases, or other receptors, like the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) which was recently found to bind the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. In the current study we explored, in young adult male C57Bl6 mice, possible rapid effects of corticosterone on layer 2/3 infralimbic-prefrontal cortex (IL-PFC) neurons. We show that corticosterone, via non-genomic MR activation, reduces the mEPSC -but does not affect mIPSC- frequency; we observed no effect on mEPSC or mIPSC amplitude. As a result, overall spontaneous activity in the IL-PFC is suppressed. A potential role of GPER cannot be excluded, since G-15, an antagonist of GPER, also prevented the rapid effects of corticosterone.

Impaired renal autoregulation and pressure-natriuresis: any role in the development of heart failure in normotensive and angiotensin II-dependent hypertensive rats?

The aim of the present study was to assess the autoregulatory capacity of renal blood flow (RBF) and of the pressure-natriuresis characteristics in the early phase of heart failure (HF) in rats, normotensive and with angiotensin II (ANG II)-dependent hypertension. Ren-2 transgenic rats (TGR) were employed as a model of ANG II-dependent hypertension. HF was induced by creating the aorto-caval fistula (ACF). One week after ACF creation or sham-operation, the animals were prepared for studies evaluating in vivo RBF autoregulatory capacity and the pressure-natriuresis characteristics after stepwise changes in renal arterial pressure (RAP) induced by aortic clamping. In ACF TGR the basal mean arterial pressure, RBF, urine flow (UF), and absolute sodium excretion (UNaV) were all significantly lower tha n in sham-operated TGR. In the latter, reductions in renal arterial pressure (RAP) significantly decreased RBF whereas in ACF TGR they did not change. Stepwise reductions in RAP resulted in marked decreases in UF and UNaV in sham-operated as well as in ACF TGR, however, these decreases were significantly greater in the former. Our data show that compared with sham-operated TGR, ACF TGR displayed well-maintained RBF autoregulatory capacity and improved slope of the pressure-natriuresis relationship. Thus, even though in the very early HF stage renal dysfunction was demonstrable, in the HF model of ANG II-dependent hypertensive rat such dysfunction and the subsequent HF decompensation cannot be simply ascribed to impaired renal autoregulation and pressure-natriuresis relationship.

Influence of Different Porosities of Titanium Meshes on Bone Neoformation: Pre-Clinical Animal Study with Microtomographic and Histomorphometric Evaluation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different types of porosity of titanium meshes on the bone neoformation process in critical defects surgically created in rat calvaria, by means of microtomographic and histomorphometric analyses. Defects of 5 mm in diameter were created in the calvaria of 36 rats, and the animals were randomly treated and divided into the following groups (6 animals per group): NCOG (negative control, only blood clot), TEMG (Polytetrafluoroethylene-PTFE-membrane), SPTMG (small pore titanium mesh), SPMMG (small pore mesh + PTFE), LPTMG (large pore titanium mesh), and LPMMG (large pore mesh + PTFE). After 60 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the bone tissue formed was evaluated with micro-CT and histomorphometry. The data were compared using an ANOVA followed by the Tukey post-test (p ≤ 0.05). The microtomographic results showed that the SPTMG group presented the highest numerical value for bone volume/total volume (22.24 ± 8.97), with statistically significant differences for all the other groups except LPTMG. Considering the histomorphometric evaluation, groups with only porous titanium meshes showed higher values compared to the groups that used the PTFE membrane and the negative control. The SPTMG group presented higher values in the parameters of area (0.44 mm2 ± 0.06), extension (1.19 mm2 ± 0.12), and percentage (7.56 ± 1.45%) of neoformed bone. It was concluded that titanium mesh with smaller pores showed better results and that the association of PTFE membranes with titanium meshes did not improve the outcomes, suggesting a correlation between mesh porosity and underlying bone repair.

Differential Susceptibility to Benzo[a]pyrene Exposure during Gestation and Lactation in Mice with Genetic Variations in the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Cyp1 Genes

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are ubiquitous air pollutants, with additional widespread exposure in the diet. PAH exposure has been linked to adverse birth outcomes and long-term neurological consequences. To understand genetic differences that could affect susceptibility following developmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, we exposed mice with variations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the three CYP1 enzymes from gestational day 10 (G10) to weaning at postnatal day 25 (P25). We found unexpectedly high neonatal lethality in high-affinity AhrbCyp1b1(-/-) knockout mice compared with all other genotypes. Over 60% of BaP-exposed pups died within their first 5 days of life. There was a significant effect of BaP on growth rates in surviving pups, with lower weights observed from P7 to P21. Again, AhrbCyp1b1(-/-) knockout mice were the most susceptible to growth retardation. Independent of treatment, this line of mice also had impaired development of the surface righting reflex. We used high-resolution mass spectrometry to measure BaP and metabolites in tissues from both dams and pups. We found the highest BaP levels in adipose from poor-affinity AhrdCyp1a2(-/-) dams and identified three major BaP metabolites (BaP-7-OH, BaP-9-OH, and BaP-4,5-diol), but our measurements were limited to a single time point. Future work is needed to understand BaP pharmacokinetics in the contexts of gestation and lactation and how differential metabolism leads to adverse developmental outcomes.

The immune activity of selective estrogen receptor modulators is gene and macrophage subtype-specific yet converges on Il1b downregulation

Raloxifene belongs to the family of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), which are drugs widely prescribed for Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα)-related pathologies. Recently, SERMs are being tested in repurposing strategies for ERα-independent clinical indications, including a wide range of microbial infections. Macrophages are central in the fight against pathogen invasion. Despite estrogens have been shown to regulate macrophage phenotype, SERMs activity in these cells is still poorly defined. We investigated the activity of Raloxifene in comparison with another widely used SERM, Tamoxifen, on immune gene expression in macrophages obtained from mouse and human tissues, including mouse peritoneal macrophages, bone marrow-derived macrophages, microglia or human blood-derived macrophages, assaying for the involvement of the ERα, PI3K and NRF2 pathways also under inflammatory conditions. Our data demonstrate that Raloxifene acts by a dual mechanism, which entails ERα antagonism and off-target mediators. Moreover, micromolar concentrations of Raloxifene increase the expression of immune metabolic genes, such as Vegfa and Hmox1, through PI3K and NRF2 activation selectively in peritoneal macrophages. Conversely, Il1b mRNA down-regulation by SERMs is consistently observed in all macrophage subtypes and unrelated to the PI3K/NRF2 system. Importantly, the production of the inflammatory cytokine TNFα induced by the bacterial endotoxin, LPS, is potentiated by SERMs and paralleled by the cell subtype-specific increase in IL1β secretion. This work extends our knowledge on the biological and molecular mechanisms of SERMs immune activity and indicate macrophages as a pharmacological target for the exploitation of the antimicrobial potential of these drugs.

The efficacy of hydrogel containing zinc oxide-loaded and minocycline serum albumin nanopartical in the treatment of peri-implantitis

BACKGROUND

We conducted this animal study to assess the efficacy of the novel hydrogel containing zinc oxide-loaded and minocycline serum albumin nanoparticals (Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs) on peri-implantitis in an experimental mouse model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs was prepared as previously reported. The peri-implantitis model was successfully established in rats, and the rats were divided into three groups randomly: Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs (Mino-ZnO) group, minocycline group, and untreated group. Four weeks later, clinical and radiographic assessments were performed to evaluate soft tissue inflammation and bone resorption level. Histologic analysis was performed to estimate the amount of remaining supporting bone tissue (SBT) around implants. ELISA tests were used to determine the concentration of inflammation factor interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) and anti-inflammation factor tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) around implants.

RESULTS

After one month, the Mino-ZnO group showed better results than the other two groups in regards to the results of bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, bleeding index and gingival index. X-ray showed that SBT at mesial and distal sites around implants in the other two groups was significantly lower compared with that of Mino-ZnO group. The quantity of osteoclasts in peri-implant tissues of the Mino-ZnO group was less than that in the minocycline and untreated groups. IL-1β in the Mino-ZnO group was lower than that in the other two groups. TNF-α level was the opposite.

CONCLUSIONS

Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs can effectively treat peri-implantitis and promote soft tissue healing, and may act as a promising product.

Inoculation of raccoons with a wild-type-based recombinant canine distemper virus results in viremia, lymphopenia, fever, and widespread histological lesions

Raccoons are naturally susceptible to canine distemper virus (CDV) infection and can be a potential source of spill-over events. CDV is a highly contagious morbillivirus that infects multiple species of carnivores and omnivores, resulting in severe and often fatal disease. Here, we used a recombinant CDV (rCDV) based on a full-genome sequence detected in a naturally infected raccoon to perform pathogenesis studies in raccoons. Five raccoons were inoculated intratracheally with a recombinant virus engineered to express a fluorescent reporter protein, and extensive virological, serological, histological, and immunohistochemical assessments were performed at different time points post inoculation. rCDV-infected white blood cells were detected as early as 4 days post inoculation (dpi). Raccoon necropsies at 6 and 8 dpi revealed replication in the lymphoid tissues, preceding spread into peripheral tissues observed during necropsies at 21 dpi. Whereas lymphocytes, and to a lesser extent myeloid cells, were the main target cells of CDV at early time points, CDV additionally targeted epithelia at 21 dpi. At this later time point, CDV-infected cells were observed throughout the host. We observed lymphopenia and lymphocyte depletion from lymphoid tissues after CDV infection, in the absence of detectable CDV neutralizing antibodies and an impaired ability to clear CDV, indicating that the animals were severely immunosuppressed. The use of a wild-type-based recombinant virus in a natural host species infection study allowed systematic and sensitive assessment of antigen detection by immunohistochemistry, enabling further comparative pathology studies of CDV infection in different species. IMPORTANCE Expansion of the human interface supports increased interactions between humans and peridomestic species like raccoons. Raccoons are highly susceptible to canine distemper virus (CDV) and are considered an important target species. Spill-over events are increasingly likely, potentially resulting in fatal CDV infections in domestic and free ranging carnivores. CDV also poses a threat for (non-human) primates, as massive outbreaks in macaque colonies were reported. CDV pathogenesis was studied by experimental inoculation of several species, but pathogenesis in raccoons was not properly studied. Recently, we generated a recombinant virus based on a full-genome sequence detected in a naturally infected raccoon. Here, we studied CDV pathogenesis in its natural host species and show that distemper completely overwhelms the immune system and spreads to virtually all tissues, including the central nervous system. Despite this, raccoons survived up to 21 d post inoculation with long-term shedding, supporting an important role of raccoons as host species for CDV.

Folic acid-conjugated dextran-coated Zn0.6Mn0.4Fe2O4 nanoparticles as systemically delivered nano heaters with self-regulating temperature for magnetic hyperthermia therapy of liver tumors

Successful cancer treatment using magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) strongly depends on biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). They can effectively accumulate in tumor tissues after systemic injection and generate heat in the therapeutic temperature range (42-48 °C) by exposure to an AC magnetic field (AMF). For this purpose, folic acid-conjugated dextran-coated Zn0.6Mn0.4Fe2O4 (FA-Dex-ZMF) NPs were synthesized as smart nano heaters with self-regulating temperatures for MHT of liver tumors. Animal studies on BALB/c mice showed that the prepared NPs did not cause acute toxicity upon administration up to 100 mg kg-1. Likewise, no significant changes in hematological and biochemical factors were observed. FA-Dex-ZMF NPs were studied by exposing them to different safe AC magnetic fields (f = 150 kHz, H = 6, 8, and 10 kA m-1). Calorimetric experiments revealed that the NPs reached the desired temperature range (42-48 °C), which was suitable for MHT. Moreover, the efficacy of FA-Dex-ZMF NPs in MHT of liver tumors was investigated in vivo in liver-tumor-bearing mice. The obtained results revealed that the average volume of tumors in the control group increased 2.2 times during the study period. In contrast, the tumor volume remained almost constant during treatment in the MHT group. The results indicated that folic acid-conjugated dextran-coated Zn0.6Mn0.4Fe2O4 NPs with self-regulating temperature could be a promising tool for systemically delivered MHT.

Pilot Translational Precision Biobehavioral Assays for Early Detection of Motor Impairments in a Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Cutting-edge neonatal programs diagnose cerebral palsy (CP) or "high risk of CP" using validated neurobehavioral exams in combination with risk history and neuroimaging. In rat models, digital gait analyses are the gold standard adult assessment, but tools in infant rats are limited. Refinement of infant rat neurobehavioral correlates of CP will establish translational behavioral biomarkers to delineate early mechanisms of CP in both humans and rodent models of CP.

OBJECTIVE

To facilitate precision medicine approaches of neurodevelopmental health and integrate basic and clinical research approaches for CP, we developed and piloted a new assay of neonatal rat neurobehavior to mimic human neonate exams.

METHODS

Our established rat model of CP secondary to chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) that induces bilateral motor impairment reminiscent of spastic CP was used. On postnatal day 10 (P10), 5 min videos were recorded of 26 (6 sham and 20 CHORIO) animals moving freely in a cage were reviewed by an evaluator trained in the human General Movements Assessment (GMA). Non-blinded observation revealed two behaviors that differed between rat pups in each group (time spent rearing; multi-dimensional nose sweeping; and sniffing). Each video was re-coded for these criteria by an evaluator blind to group status. Differences between sham and CP groups were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U-test or Student's t-test (p < 0.05 level of significance).

RESULTS

Neonatal rats with CP exhibited sensorimotor impairment and decreased spatial exploration. CP rats spent significantly less time rearing (17.85 ± 1.60 s vs. 34.8 ± 2.89 s, p = 0.007) and engaged in multi-dimensional nose sweeping and sniffing (2.2 ± 0.58 episodes vs. 5.5 ± 0.96 episodes, p = 0.03) than sham controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These pilot findings of harmonized translational and precision biobehavioral assays provide an opportunity for increased expediency of clinical trials at the earliest stages of brain development.

Analytical code sharing practices in biomedical research

Data-driven computational analysis is becoming increasingly important in biomedical research, as the amount of data being generated continues to grow. However, the lack of practices of sharing research outputs, such as data, source code and methods, affects transparency and reproducibility of studies, which are critical to the advancement of science. Many published studies are not reproducible due to insufficient documentation, code, and data being shared. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 453 manuscripts published between 2016-2021 and found that 50.1% of them fail to share the analytical code. Even among those that did disclose their code, a vast majority failed to offer additional research outputs, such as data. Furthermore, only one in ten papers organized their code in a structured and reproducible manner. We discovered a significant association between the presence of code availability statements and increased code availability (p=2.71×10-9). Additionally, a greater proportion of studies conducting secondary analyses were inclined to share their code compared to those conducting primary analyses (p=1.15*10-07). In light of our findings, we propose raising awareness of code sharing practices and taking immediate steps to enhance code availability to improve reproducibility in biomedical research. By increasing transparency and reproducibility, we can promote scientific rigor, encourage collaboration, and accelerate scientific discoveries. We must prioritize open science practices, including sharing code, data, and other research products, to ensure that biomedical research can be replicated and built upon by others in the scientific community.

In utero exposure to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor affects murine mandibular development

OBJECTIVES

Antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), that alter serotonin metabolism are currently the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression. There is some evidence to suggest these drugs contribute to birth defects. As jaw development is often altered in craniofacial birth defects, the purpose of this study was to interrogate the effects of in utero SSRI exposure in a preclinical model of mandible development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wild-type C57BL6 mice were used to produce litters that were exposed in utero to an SSRI, Citalopram (500 μg/day). Murine mandibles from P15 pups were analysed for a change in shape and composition.

RESULTS

Analysis indicated an overall shape change with total mandibular length and ramus height being shorter in exposed pups as compared to controls. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that first molar length was longer in exposed pups while third molar length was shorter in exposed as compared to control. Histological investigation of molars and surrounding periodontium revealed no change in collagen content of the molar in exposed pups, some alteration in collagen composition in the periodontium, increased alkaline phosphatase in molars and periodontium and decreased mesenchymal cell marker presence in exposed mandibles.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study reveal SSRI exposure may interrupt mandible growth as well as overall dental maturation in a model of development giving insight into the expectation that children exposed to SSRIs may require orthodontic intervention.

The effects of a comparatively higher dose of 1000 mg/kg/d of oral L- or D-arginine on the L-arginine metabolic pathways in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Oral L-arginine supplements are popular mainly for their nitric oxide mediated vasodilation, but their physiological impact is not fully known. L-arginine is a substrate of several enzymes including arginase, nitric oxide synthase, arginine decarboxylase, and arginine: glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT). We have published a study on the physiological impact of oral L- and D-arginine at 500 mg/kg/day for 4 wks in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We investigated the effects of oral L-arginine and D-arginine at a higher dose of 1000 mg/kg/d for a longer treatment duration of 16 wks in 9-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. We measured the expression and activity of L-arginine metabolizing enzymes, and levels of their metabolites in the plasma and various organs. L-arginine did not affect the levels of L-arginine and L-lysine in the plasma and various organs. L-arginine decreased arginase protein expression in the upper small intestine, and arginase activity in the plasma. It also decreased AGAT protein expression in the liver, and creatinine levels in the urine. L-arginine altered arginine decarboxylase protein expression in the upper small intestine and liver, with increased total polyamines plasma levels. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein was increased with D-arginine, the presumed metabolically inert isomer, but not L-arginine. In conclusion, oral L-arginine and D-arginine at a higher dose and longer treatment duration significantly altered various enzymes and metabolites in the arginine metabolic pathways, which differed from alterations produced by a lower dose shorter duration treatment published earlier. Further studies with differing doses and duration would allow for a better understanding of oral L-arginine uses, and evidence based safe and effective dose range and duration.

Skeletal effects following developmental flame-retardant exposure are specific to sex and chemical class in the adult Wistar rat

Introduction: Accumulating evidence reveals that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disrupt aspects of metabolic programming, suggesting that skeletal development may be at risk, a possibility that is rarely examined. The commercial flame retardant (FR) mixture, Firemaster 550 (FM 550), has repeatedly been shown to negatively influence metabolic programming, raising concerns that skeletal integrity may consequently be impaired. We have previously shown that gestational and lactational exposure to 1,000 µg FM 550 negatively affected sex-specific skeletal traits in male, but not female, rats assessed at 6 months of age. Whether this outcome is primarily driven by the brominated (BFR) or organophosphate ester (OPFR) portions of the mixture or the effects persist to older ages is unknown. Materials and methods: To address this, in the present study, dams were orally exposed throughout gestation and lactation to either 1,000 μg BFR, 1,000 µg OPFR, or 2,000 µg FM 550. Offspring (n = 8/sex/exposure) were weaned at PND 21 and assessed for femoral cortical and trabecular bone parameters at 8 months of age by high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Serum levels of serotonin, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and calcium were quantified. Results: FM 550 affected both sexes, but the females were more appreciably impacted by the OPFRs, while the males were more vulnerable to the BFRs. Conclusion: Although sex specificity was expected due to the sexual dimorphic nature of skeletal physiology, the mechanisms accounting for the male- and female-specific phenotypes remain to be determined. Future work aims to clarify these unresolved issues.

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) extract ameliorates insulin resistance by regulating mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a growing health problem worldwide, is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells. The skeletal muscle is a central organ that consumes most of the insulin-stimulated glucose in the body, and insulin resistance can damage muscles in T2DM. Based on a strong correlation between diabetes and muscles, we investigated the effects of stevia extract (SE) and stevioside (SV) on the skeletal muscle of diabetic db/db mice.

METHODS

The mice were administered saline, metformin  (200 mg/kg/day), SE (200 and 500 mg/kg/day), and SV (40 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. During administration, we checked the levels of fasting blood glucose twice a week and conducted the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). After administration, we analyzed serum biochemical parameters, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), insulin and antioxidant enzymes, and the cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle fibers of db/db mice. Western blots were conducted using the skeletal muscle of mice to examine the effect of SE and SV on protein expression of insulin signaling, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress.

RESULTS

SE and SV administration lowered the levels of fasting blood glucose, OGTT, and ITT in db/db mice. The administration also decreased serum levels of TG, TC, and insulin while increasing those of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Interestingly, muscle fiber size was significantly increased in db/db mice treated with SE500 and SV. In the skeletal muscle of db/db mice, SE and SV administration activated insulin signaling by increasing the protein expression of insulin receptor substrate, Akt, and glucose transporter type 4. Furthermore, SE500 administration markedly increased the protein expression of AMP-activated protein kinase-α, sirtuin-1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α. SV administration significantly reduced oxidative stress by down-regulating the protein expression of 4-hydroxynonenal, heme oxygenase-1, SOD, and GPx. In addition, SE500 and SV administration suppressed the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice.

CONCLUSION

SE and SV administration attenuated hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Moreover, the administration ameliorated insulin resistance by regulating mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, increasing muscle fiber size. Overall, this study suggests that SE and SV administration may serve as a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic muscles.

Perturbed neurochemical and microstructural organization in a mouse model of prenatal opioid exposure: A multi-modal magnetic resonance study

Methadone-based treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder is quite prevalent in the clinical environment. A number of clinical and animal model-based studies have reported cognitive deficits in infants prenatally exposed to methadone-based opioid treatments. However, the long-term impact of prenatal opioid exposure (POE) on pathophysiological mechanisms that govern neurodevelopmental impairment is not well understood. Using a translationally relevant mouse model of prenatal methadone exposure (PME), the aim of this study is to investigate the role of cerebral biochemistry and its possible association with regional microstructural organization in PME offspring. To understand these effects, 8-week-old male offspring with PME (n = 7) and prenatal saline exposure (PSE) (n = 7) were scanned in vivo on 9.4 Tesla small animal scanner. Single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was performed in the right dorsal striatum (RDS) region using a short echo time (TE) Stimulated Echo Acquisition Method (STEAM) sequence. Neurometabolite spectra from the RDS was first corrected for tissue T1 relaxation and then absolute quantification was performed using the unsuppressed water spectra. High-resolution in vivo diffusion MRI (dMRI) for region of interest (ROI) based microstructural quantification was also performed using a multi-shell dMRI sequence. Cerebral microstructure was characterized using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and Bingham-neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (Bingham-NODDI). MRS results in the RDS showed significant decrease in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), taurine (tau), glutathione (GSH), total creatine (tCr) and glutamate (Glu) concentration levels in PME, compared to PSE group. In the same RDS region, mean orientation dispersion index (ODI) and intracellular volume fraction (VFIC) demonstrated positive associations with tCr in PME group. ODI also exhibited significant positive association with Glu levels in PME offspring. Significant reduction in major neurotransmitter metabolites and energy metabolism along with strong association between the neurometabolites and perturbed regional microstructural complexity suggest a possible impaired neuroadaptation trajectory in PME offspring which could be persistent even into late adolescence and early adulthood.

Chitosan-coated halloysite nanotube magnetic microspheres for carcinogenic colorectal hemorrhage and liver laceration in albino rats

Carcinogenic colorectal hemorrhage can cause severe blood loss and longitudinal ulcer, which ultimately become fatal if left untreated. The present study was aimed to formulate targeted release gemcitabine (GC)-containing magnetic microspheres (MM) of halloysite nanotubes (MHMG), chitosan (MCMG), and their combination (MHCMG). The preparation of MM by magnetism was confirmed by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), the molecular arrangement of NH₂, alumina, and silica groups was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the hollow spherical nature of the proposed MM was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), functional groups were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermochemical modification was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In vitro thrombus formation showed a decreasing trend of hemostatic time for MMs in the order of MHMG3 < MCMG3 < MHCMG7, which was confirmed by whole blood clotting kinetics. Interestingly, rat tail amputation and liver laceration showed 3 folds increased clotting efficiency of optimized MHCMG7 compared to that of control. In vivo histopathological studies and cell viability assays confirmed the regeneration of epithelial cells. The negligible systemic toxicity of MHCMG7, more than 90% entrapment of GC and high % release in alkaline medium made the proposed MM an excellent candidate for the control of hemorrhage in colorectal cancer. Conclusively, the healing of muscularis and improved recovery of the colon from granulomas ultimately improved the therapeutic effects of GC-containing MMs. The combination of both HNT and CTS microspheres made them more targeted.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor blockage microglial cell activation in subnucleus caudalis in a persistent model of arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition characterized by pain and infiltration of immune cells into the joint. Immune cells can be activated, producing inflammatory cytokines, leading to continuously degenerative and inflammatory reactions and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be affected by RA. In this scenario, novel targets are needed to increase treatment efficacy with minimized side effects. The epoxy-eicosatrienoic acids (EETs), are endogenous signaling molecules, playing important roles in diminishing inflammation and pain but are promptly metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), generating less-bioactive acids.Therefore, sEH inhibitors is an interest therapeutic target to enhance the beneficial effect of natural EETs. TPPU is a potent sEH inhibitor that is capable of dampening EETs hydrolysis. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of pharmacological sEH inhibition on a persistent model of albumin-induced arthritis in the TMJ, in two scenarios: first, as post-treatment, in an installed arthritic condition, and second, the protective role, in preventing the development of an arthritic condition. In addition, we investigate the influence of sEH inhibition on microglia cell activation in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (TSC) and in vitro experiments. Finally, we examined the astrocyte phenotype. Oral administration of TPPU, acts in multiple pathways, in a protective and reparative post-treatment, ameliorating the preservation of the TMJ morphology, reducing the hypernociception, with an immunosuppressive action reducing neutrophil and lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the TMJ of rats. In TSC, TPPU reduces the cytokine storm and attenuates the microglia activated P2X7/Cathepsin S/Fractalkine pathway and reduces the astrocyte activation and glutamate levels. Collectively, our findings revealed that sEH inhibition mitigates hypersensitive nociception through the regulation of microglia activation and astrocyte modulation, demonstrating the potential use of sEH inhibitors as immunoresolvents in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Wfs1E864K knock-in mice illuminate the fundamental role of Wfs1 in endocochlear potential production

Wolfram syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder encompassing diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, optic atrophy, hearing loss (HL) as well as neurological disorders. None of the animal models of the pathology are presenting with an early onset HL, impeding the understanding of the role of Wolframin (WFS1), the protein responsible for WS, in the auditory pathway. We generated a knock-in mouse, the Wfs1E864K line, presenting a human mutation leading to severe deafness in affected individuals. The homozygous mice showed a profound post-natal HL and vestibular syndrome, a collapse of the endocochlear potential (EP) and a devastating alteration of the stria vascularis and neurosensory epithelium. The mutant protein prevented the localization to the cell surface of the Na+/K+ATPase β1 subunit, a key protein for the maintenance of the EP. Overall, our data support a key role of WFS1 in the maintenance of the EP and the stria vascularis, via its binding partner, the Na+/K+ATPase β1 subunit.

Prenatal alcohol exposure alters mRNA expression for stress peptides, glucocorticoid receptor function and immune factors in acutely stressed neonatal brain

Background

The amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus are critical stress regulatory areas that undergo functional maturation for stress responding initially established during gestational and early postnatal brain development. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), results in cognitive, mood and behavioral disorders. Prenatal alcohol exposure negatively impacts components of the brain stress response system, including stress-associated brain neuropeptides and glucocorticoid receptors in the amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus. While PAE generates a unique brain cytokine expression pattern, little is known about the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and related proinflammatory signaling factors, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines in PAE brain stress-responsive regions. We hypothesized that PAE sensitizes the early brain stress response system resulting in dysregulated neuroendocrine and neuroimmune activation.

Methods

A single, 4-h exposure of maternal separation stress in male and female postnatal day 10 (PND10) C57Bl/6 offspring was utilized. Offspring were from either prenatal control exposure (saccharin) or a limited access (4 h) drinking-in-the-dark model of PAE. Immediately after stress on PND10, the hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus were collected, and mRNA expression was analyzed for stress-associated factors (CRH and AVP), glucocorticoid receptor signaling regulators (GAS5, FKBP51 and FKBP52), astrocyte and microglial activation, and factors associated with TLR4 activation including proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL-1β), along with additional pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Select protein expression analysis of CRH, FKBP and factors associated with the TLR4 signaling cascade from male and female amygdala was conducted.

Results

The female amygdala revealed increased mRNA expression in stress-associated factors, glucocorticoid receptor signaling regulators and all of the factors critical in the TLR4 activation cascade, while the hypothalamus revealed blunted mRNA expression of all of these factors in PAE following stress. Conversely, far fewer mRNA changes were observed in males, notably in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, but not the amygdala. Statistically significant increases in CRH protein, and a strong trend in increased IL-1β were observed in male offspring with PAE independent of stressor exposure.

Conclusion

Prenatal alcohol exposure creates stress-related factors and TLR-4 neuroimmune pathway sensitization observed predominantly in females, that is unmasked in early postnatal life by a stress challenge.

An Investigation into the Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Extracts of Cassipourea flanaganii Stem Bark In Vivo

The conventional use of medicinal plants is in part based on the widespread belief that plant crude extracts are non-toxic. In South Africa, traditional preparations of Cassipourea flanaganii used to treat hypermelanosis have accordingly been regarded by many as non-toxic. Whether that is so impacts on the potential of bark extracts to be developed as a commercial drug to treathypermelanosis, given their documented capacity to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Our study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of the methanol extract of C. flanaganii bark in rats. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into different treatment groups. The rats received a daily oral gavage of crude extract for acute and subacute toxicity tests. Haematological, biomechanical, clinical and histopathology examinations were carried out to evaluate the possible toxicity of C. flanaganii. The results were subjected to the Student's t-test and ANOVA. For both acute and subacute toxicity, there was no statistical difference between the groups. There were no clinical or behavioral signs of toxicity observed in the rats. No treatment-related gross pathology lesions and no histopathology were observed. The findings of this study demonstrate the absence of acute or subacute toxicity after oral treatment with C. flanaganii stem bark extracts in Wistar rats at the levels administered. Chemical profiling of the total extract using LC-MS tentatively identified eleven (11) compounds as the major chemical constituents.

Aβ1-6A2V(D) peptide, effective on Aβ aggregation, inhibits tau misfolding and protects the brain after traumatic brain injury

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia in older adults, is a double proteinopathy characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology. Despite enormous efforts that have been spent in the last decades to find effective therapies, late pharmacological interventions along the course of the disease, inaccurate clinical methodologies in the enrollment of patients, and inadequate biomarkers for evaluating drug efficacy have not allowed the development of an effective therapeutic strategy. The approaches followed so far for developing drugs or antibodies focused solely on targeting Aβ or tau protein. This paper explores the potential therapeutic capacity of an all-D-isomer synthetic peptide limited to the first six amino acids of the N-terminal sequence of the A2V-mutated Aβ, Aβ1-6A2V(D), that was developed following the observation of a clinical case that provided the background for its development. We first performed an in-depth biochemical characterization documenting the capacity of Aβ1-6A2V(D) to interfere with the aggregation and stability of tau protein. To tackle Aβ1-6A2V(D) in vivo effects against a neurological decline in genetically predisposed or acquired high AD risk mice, we tested its effects in triple transgenic animals harboring human PS1(M146 V), APP(SW), and MAPT(P301L) transgenes and aged wild-type mice exposed to experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), a recognized risk factor for AD. We found that Aβ1-6A2V(D) treatment in TBI mice improved neurological outcomes and reduced blood markers of axonal damage. Exploiting the C. elegans model as a biosensor of amyloidogenic proteins' toxicity, we observed a rescue of locomotor defects in nematodes exposed to the brain homogenates from TBI mice treated with Aβ1-6A2V(D) compared to TBI controls. By this integrated approach, we demonstrate that Aβ1-6A2V(D) not only impedes tau aggregation but also favors its degradation by tissue proteases, confirming that this peptide interferes with both Aβ and tau aggregation propensity and proteotoxicity.

Neuroanatomical characterization of the Nmu-Cre knock-in mice reveals an interconnected network of unique neuropeptidergic cells

Neuromedin U (NMU) is an evolutionary conserved neuropeptide that has been implicated in multiple processes, such as circadian regulation, energy homeostasis, reward processing and stress coping. Although the central expression of NMU has been addressed previously, the lack of specific and sensitive tools has prevented a comprehensive characterization of NMU-expressing neurons in the brain. We have generated a knock-in mouse model constitutively expressing Cre recombinase under the Nmu promoter. We have validated the model using a multi-level approach based on quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reactions, in situ hybridization, a reporter mouse line and an adenoviral vector driving Cre-dependent expression of a fluorescent protein. Using the Nmu-Cre mouse, we performed a complete characterization of NMU expression in adult mouse brain, unveiling a potential midline NMU modulatory circuit with the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) as a key node. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis suggested that NMU neurons in the VMH mainly constitute a unique population of hypothalamic cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Cre expression in the Nmu-Cre mouse model largely reflects NMU expression in the adult mouse brain, without altering endogenous NMU expression. Thus, the Nmu-Cre mouse model is a powerful and sensitive tool to explore the role of NMU neurons in mice.

Converting Nanotoxicity Data to Information Using Artificial Intelligence and Simulation

Decades of nanotoxicology research have generated extensive and diverse data sets. However, data is not equal to information. The question is how to extract critical information buried in vast data streams. Here we show that artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular simulation play key roles in transforming nanotoxicity data into critical information, i.e., constructing the quantitative nanostructure (physicochemical properties)-toxicity relationships, and elucidating the toxicity-related molecular mechanisms. For AI and molecular simulation to realize their full impacts in this mission, several obstacles must be overcome. These include the paucity of high-quality nanomaterials (NMs) and standardized nanotoxicity data, the lack of model-friendly databases, the scarcity of specific and universal nanodescriptors, and the inability to simulate NMs at realistic spatial and temporal scales. This review provides a comprehensive and representative, but not exhaustive, summary of the current capability gaps and tools required to fill these formidable gaps. Specifically, we discuss the applications of AI and molecular simulation, which can address the large-scale data challenge for nanotoxicology research. The need for model-friendly nanotoxicity databases, powerful nanodescriptors, new modeling approaches, molecular mechanism analysis, and design of the next-generation NMs are also critically discussed. Finally, we provide a perspective on future trends and challenges.

Proteomics and secreted lipidomics of mouse-derived bone marrow cells exposed to a lethal level of ionizing radiation

High doses of ionizing radiation (IR) exposure can lead to the development of severe acute radiation syndrome with bone marrow failure. Defining risk factors that predict adverse events is a critical mission to guide patient selection for personalized treatment protocols. Since non-hematopoietic stem cells act as feeder cells in the niche and their secreted lipids may regulate hematopoietic stem cells, we focused on non-hematopoietic stem cells and aimed to discover biomarkers that can assess radiation exposure from their secreted lipids. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and osteoblast differentiation-inducing cells (ODICs) isolated from mouse femurs were exposed to lethal doses of IR and the proteomic differences between BMSC and ODIC cell layers were compared. We observed an increased Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response and IL6 expression in ODICs and decreased expression of mitochondrial proteins in BMSCs. To elucidate secreted factors, lipidomics of the cultures were profiled; the relevant lipids distinguishing IR-exposed and control groups of BMSC were acyl-acyl phosphatidylcholine (PC aa C34:1 and PC aa C34:4), lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC a C18:0 and lyso PC a C17:0) and sphingomyelin (SM C20:2). These analyses suggest that certain lipids are candidate markers for the toxic effects of IR.

A combination of genetically engineered oncolytic virus and melittin-CpG for cancer viro-chemo-immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy has emerged as an efficient therapeutic approach for cancer management. However, stimulation of host immune system against cancer cells often fails to achieve promising clinical outcomes mainly owing to the immunosuppressive characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Combination therapeutics that can trigger sustained immunogenic cell death (ICD) have provided new opportunities for cancer treatment.

METHODS

In this study, we designed and applied an ICD inducer regimen, including a genetically engineered oncolytic virus (miRNA-modified coxsackieviruses B3, miR-CVB3), a pore-forming lytic peptide (melittin, found in bee venom), and a synthetic toll-like receptor 9 ligand (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides), for breast cancer and melanoma treatment. We compared the anti-tumor efficacy of miR-CVB3 and CpG-melittin (CpGMel) alone and in combination (miR-CVB3 + CpGMel) and investigated possible mechanisms involved.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that miR-CVB3 + CpGMel had no major impact on viral growth, while enhancing the cellular uptake of CpGMel in vitro. We further showed that combination therapy led to significant increases in tumor cell death and release of damage-associated molecular patterns compared with individual treatment. In vivo studies in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice revealed that both primary and distant tumors were significantly suppressed, and the survival rate was significantly prolonged after administration of miR-CVB3 + CpGMel compared with single treatment. This anti-tumor effect was accompanied by increased ICD and immune cell infiltration into the TME. Safety analysis showed no significant pathological abnormalities in Balb/c mice. Furthermore, the developed therapeutic regimen also demonstrated a great anti-tumor activity in B16F10 melanoma tumor-bearing C57BL/6 J mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings indicate that although single treatment using miR-CVB3 or CpGMel can efficiently delay tumor growth, combining oncolytic virus-based therapy can generate even stronger anti-tumor immunity, leading to a greater reduction in tumor size.

Therapeutic Potential of Microbiota Modulation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of Preclinical Studies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, yet it currently lacks effective treatment due to its complex etiology. The pathological changes in AD have been linked to the neurotoxic immune responses following aggregation of Aβ and phosphorylated tau. The gut microbiota (GM) is increasingly studied for modulating neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases and in vivo studies emerge for AD. This critical review selected 7 empirical preclinical studies from 2019 onwards assessing therapy approaches targeting GM modulating microglia neuroinflammation in AD mouse models. Results from probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drugs were compared and contrasted, including for cognition, neuroinflammation, and toxic aggregation of proteins. Studies consistently reported significant amelioration or prevention of cognitive deficits, decrease in microglial activation, and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, compared to AD mouse models. However, there were differences across papers for the brain regions affected, and changes in astrocytes were inconsistent. Aβ plaques deposition significantly decreased in all papers, apart from Byur dMar Nyer lNga Ril Bu (BdNlRB) treatment. Tau phosphorylation significantly declined in 5 studies. Effects in microbial diversity following treatment varied across studies. Findings are encouraging regarding the efficacy of study but information on the effect size is limited. Potentially, GM reverses GM derived abnormalities, decreasing neuroinflammation, which reduces AD toxic aggregations of proteins in the brain, resulting in cognitive improvements. Results support the hypothesis of AD being a multifactorial disease and the potential synergies through multi-target approaches. The use of AD mice models limits conclusions around effectiveness, as human translation is challenging.

Programming Mechanism of Adipose Tissue Expansion in the Rat Offspring of Obese Mothers Occurs in a Sex-Specific Manner

We investigated whether excessive retroperitoneal adipose tissue (AT) expansion programmed by maternal obesity (MO) affects adipocyte size distribution and gene expression in relation to adipocyte proliferation and differentiation in male and female offspring (F1) from control (F1C) and obese (F1MO) mothers. Female Wistar rats (F0) ate a control or high-fat diet from weaning through pregnancy and lactation. F1 were weaned onto a control diet and euthanized at 110 postnatal days. Fat depots were weighed to estimate the total AT. Serum glucose, triglyceride, leptin, insulin, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were determined. Adipocyte size and adipogenic gene expression were examined in retroperitoneal fat. Body weight, retroperitoneal AT and adipogenesis differed between male and female F1Cs. Retroperitoneal AT, glucose, triglyceride, insulin, HOMA-IR and leptin were higher in male and female F1MO vs. F1C. Small adipocytes were reduced in F1MO females and absent in F1MO males; large adipocytes were increased in F1MO males and females vs. F1C. Wnt, PI3K-Akt, and insulin signaling pathways in F1MO males and Egr2 in F1MO females were downregulated vs. F1C. MO induced metabolic dysfunction in F1 through different sex dimorphism mechanisms, including the decreased expression of pro-adipogenic genes and reduced insulin signaling in males and lipid mobilization-related genes in females.

The genome sequence of Molossusnigricans (Chiroptera, Molossidae; Miller, 1902)

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Molossus nigricans (Chordata; Mammalia; Chiroptera; Molossidae). The genome sequence is 2.41 gigabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into 24 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the X sex chromosome assembled.

Standardization of Animal Models and Techniques for Platelet-Rich Fibrin Production: A Narrative Review and Guideline

Experimental research is critical for advancing medical knowledge and enhancing patient outcomes, including in vitro and in vivo preclinical assessments. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a blood by-product that has garnered attention in the medical and dental fields due to its potential for tissue regeneration and wound healing. Animal models, such as rabbits and rats, have been used to produce PRF and examine its properties and applications. PRF has demonstrated potential in the dental and medical fields for reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and accelerating wound healing. This narrative review aims to compare existing evidence and provide guidelines for PRF animal research, emphasizing the importance of standardizing animal models, following ethical considerations, and maintaining transparency and accountability. The authors highlight the necessity to use the correct relative centrifugal force (RCF), standardize centrifugal calibration, and report detailed information about blood collection and centrifuge parameters for reproducible results. Standardizing animal models and techniques is crucial for narrowing the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications, ultimately enhancing the translation of findings from bench to bedside.

Magnetic resonance imaging to assess the brain response to fasting in glioblastoma-bearing rats as a model of cancer anorexia

BACKGROUND

Global energy balance is a vital process tightly regulated by the brain that frequently becomes dysregulated during the development of cancer. Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most investigated malignancies, but its appetite-related disorders, like anorexia/cachexia symptoms, remain poorly understood.

METHODS

We performed manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) and subsequent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), in adult male GBM-bearing (n = 13) or control Wistar rats (n = 12). A generalized linear model approach was used to assess the effects of fasting in different brain regions involved in the regulation of the global energy metabolism: cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and thalamus. The regions were selected on the contralateral side in tumor-bearing animals, and on the left hemisphere in control rats. An additional DTI-only experiment was completed in two additional GBM (n = 5) or healthy cohorts (n = 6) to assess the effects of manganese infusion on diffusion measurements.

RESULTS

MEMRI results showed lower T₁ values in the cortex (p-value < 0.001) and thalamus (p-value < 0.05) of the fed ad libitum GBM animals, as compared to the control cohort, consistent with increased Mn²⁺ accumulation. No MEMRI-detectable differences were reported between fed or fasting rats, either in control or in the GBM group. In the MnCl₂-infused cohorts, DTI studies showed no mean diffusivity (MD) variations from the fed to the fasted state in any animal cohort. However, the DTI-only set of acquisitions yielded remarkably decreased MD values after fasting only in the healthy control rats (p-value < 0.001), and in all regions, but thalamus, of GBM compared to control animals in the fed state (p-value < 0.01). Fractional anisotropy (FA) decreased in tumor-bearing rats due to the infiltrate nature of the tumor, which was detected in both diffusion sets, with (p-value < 0.01) and without Mn²⁺ administration (p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that an altered physiological brain response to fasting occurred in hunger related regions in GBM animals, detectable with DTI, but not with MEMRI acquisitions. Furthermore, the present results showed that Mn²⁺ induces neurotoxic inflammation, which interferes with diffusion MRI to detect appetite-induced responses through MD changes.

Protein-caloric restriction induced HPA axis activation and altered the milk composition imprint metabolism of weaned rat offspring

OBJECTIVES

Maternal protein-caloric restriction during lactation can malprogram offspring into having a lean phenotype associated with metabolic dysfunction in early life and adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between nutritional stress, maternal behavior and metabolism, milk composition, and offspring parameters. Additionally, we focused on the role of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivation during lactation.

METHODS

Dams were fed a low-protein diet (4% protein) during the first 2 wk of lactation or a normal-protein diet (20% protein) during all lactation. Analyses of dams, milk, and offspring were conducted on postnatal days (PD) 7, 14, and 21.

RESULTS

Body weight and food intake decreased in dams, which was associated with reduced fat pad stores and increased corticosterone levels at PD 14. The stressed low-protein diet dams demonstrated alterations in behavior and offspring care. Despite nutritional deprivation, dams adapted their metabolism to provide adequate energy supply through milk; however, we demonstrated elevated corticosterone and total fat levels in milk at PD 14. Male offspring also showed increased corticosterone at PD 7, associated with a lean phenotype and alterations in white and brown adipose tissue morphology at PD 21.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to protein-caloric restriction diet of dams during lactation increased the glucocorticoid levels in dams, milk, and offspring, which is associated with alterations in maternal behavior and milk composition. Thus, glucocorticoids and milk composition may play an important role in metabolic programming induced by maternal undernutrition.

Roadmap for precision preclinical x-ray radiation studies

This Roadmap paper covers the field of precision preclinical x-ray radiation studies in animal models. It is mostly focused on models for cancer and normal tissue response to radiation, but also discusses other disease models. The recent technological evolution in imaging, irradiation, dosimetry and monitoring that have empowered these kinds of studies is discussed, and many developments in the near future are outlined. Finally, clinical translation and reverse translation are discussed.

Uncovering Actions of Type 3 Deiodinase in the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has gained worldwide attention as a public health problem. Nonetheless, lack of enough mechanistic knowledge restrains effective treatments. It is known that thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) regulates hepatic lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Liver dysfunction of type 3 deiodinase (D3) contributes to MAFLD, but its role is not fully understood. Objective: To evaluate the role of D3 in the progression of MAFLD in an animal model. Methodology: Male/adult Sprague Dawley rats (n = 20) were allocated to a control group (2.93 kcal/g) and high-fat diet group (4.3 kcal/g). Euthanasia took place on the 28th week. D3 activity and expression, Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) and type 1 deiodinase (D1) expression, oxidative stress status, mitochondrial, Krebs cycle and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis in liver tissue were measured. Results: We observed an increase in D3 activity/expression (p < 0.001) related to increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and carbonyls and diminished reduced glutathione (GSH) in the MAFLD group (p < 0.05). There was a D3-dependent decrease in UCP2 expression (p = 0.01), mitochondrial capacity, respiratory activity with increased endoplasmic reticulum stress in the MAFLD group (p < 0.001). Surprisingly, in an environment with lower T3 levels due to high D3 activity, we observed an augmented alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzymes activity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Induced D3, triggered by changes in the REDOX state, decreases T3 availability and hepatic mitochondrial capacity. The Krebs cycle enzymes were altered as well as endoplasmic reticulum stress. Taken together, these results shed new light on the role of D3 metabolism in MAFLD.

Early DNase-I therapy delays secondary brain damage after traumatic brain injury in adult mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes the release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) from damaged or dead cells, which contribute to secondary brain damage after TBI. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a DAMP known to cause disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), promote procoagulant processes, brain edema, and neuroinflammation. This study tested the hypothesis that administration of deoxyribonuclease-I (DNase-I) has a beneficial effect after TBI. Mice (n = 84) were subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) and posttraumatic intraperitoneal injections of low dose (LD) or high dose (HD) of DNase-I or vehicle solution at 30 min and 12 h after CCI. LD was most effective to reduce lesion volume (p = 0.003), brain water content (p < 0.0001) and to stabilize BBB integrity (p = 0.019) 1 day post-injury (dpi). At 6 h post injury LD-treated animals showed less cleavage of fibrin (p = 0.0014), and enhanced perfusion as assessed by micro-computer-tomography (p = 0.027). At 5 dpi the number of Iba1-positive cells (p = 0.037) were reduced, but the number of CD45-positive cells, motoric function and brain lesion volume was not different. Posttraumatic-treatment with DNase-I therefore stabilizes the BBB, reduces the formation of brain edema, immune response, and delays secondary brain damage. DNase-I might be a new approach to extend the treatment window after TBI.