Role of nitric oxide in the biology, physiology and pathophysiology of reproduction

ASP9853, an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase dimerization, in combination with docetaxel: preclinical investigation and a Phase I study in advanced solid tumors

PURPOSE

ASP9853 is an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) dimerization, which results in decreased NO production. Here, we report preclinical pharmacology of ASP9853 and the impact of ASP9853 in combination with a taxane on tumor volume in vivo. In addition, a Phase I open-label study of ASP9853 plus docetaxel was conducted to assess this combination in patients with advanced solid tumors.

METHODS

The preclinical efficacy of ASP9853 in combination with a taxane was studied in tumor-bearing mice. In the clinic, patients with solid tumors that had progressed or failed to respond to previous therapies were treated with once-daily ASP9853 in combination with docetaxel once every 3 weeks to assess safety and tolerability and to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) of the combination.

RESULTS

ASP9853 in combination with docetaxel showed greater tumor growth inhibition than docetaxel alone against non-small lung cancer xenografts. Twenty patients were treated with ASP9853 and docetaxel. Five patients experienced neutropenic dose-limiting toxicities. Owing to overall toxicity that limited further dose escalation, the ASP9853 concentrations predicted for efficacy, based on the preclinical data, were not achieved. Due to toxicity and lack of clear efficacy, the study was terminated without determination of MTD or RP2D.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of iNOS by ASP9853 in combination with docetaxel was not tolerable and resulted in the possible potentiation of neutropenia. Manipulation of the iNOS pathway, with or without chemotherapy, appears to be more complicated than initially expected.

Heterotheca inuloides (Mexican arnica) metabolites protect Caenorhabditis elegans from oxidative damage and inhibit nitric oxide production

We tested a series of compounds derived from Heterotheca inuloides for their ability to protect Caenorhabditis elegans under stressful conditions.

Endometriosis as a detrimental condition for granulosa cell steroidogenesis and development: From molecular alterations to clinical impact

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition that affects women in their reproductive period. Alterations in ovarian follicle morphology and function have been documented in affected women. The local intrafollicular environment has been as well examined by various groups. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the molecular evidence supporting the idea that endometriosis can negatively influence growth, steroidogenesis and the function of the granulosa cells (GCs). Reduced P450 aromatase expression, increased intracellular ROS generation and altered WNT signaling characterize the GCs of women with endometriosis. Clear evidence for an increased level of GC apoptosis has been provided in association with the downregulation of pro-survival factors. Other potentially negative effects include decreased progesterone production, locally decreased AMH production and lower inflammatory cytokine expression, although these have been only partially clarified. The possibility that endometriosis per se may influence IVF clinical results as a consequence of the detrimental impact on the local intrafollicular environment is also discussed.

Oxidative Stress during Ovarian Torsion in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: Changing The Perspective of The Disease

Among the different causes of gynecological acute pelvic pain, ovarian torsion represents a surgical emergency. It is a rare case in the pediatric/adolescent aged group that must be included in the differential diagnosis of any girl with abdominal pain or pelvic/abdominal mass. Current recommendations suggest that laparoscopic detorsion should be performed in order to preserve the integrity of the ovaries and fertility, although oophoropexy may be considered in case of severe necrosis. Nevertheless, maintaining the circulation of the ovary after detorsion deteriorates the tissue injury and leads to a pathologic process called ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which is characterized by oxidative stress. During the detorsion process, an excess amount of molecular oxygen is supplied to the tissues, and reactive species of oxygen (ROS) such as superoxide radical (O₂^-), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl radical (OH•), as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are produced in excess. ROS, RNS and their toxic products cause DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in the cellular and mitochondrial membranes, leading to cell death. In spite of attention on this topic, currently there is no shared and clear evidence about the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents to prevent I/R damage after laparoscopic ovarian detorsion. Considering this element, future research should aim to develop shared protocols for the clinical use (route of application, dosage and time of application) of antioxidants after laparoscopic management of this condition.

Uterine blood flow evaluation in bitches suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and CEH-pyometra complex

Doppler ultrasound is a useful diagnosis tool to evaluate uterine blood flow in different canine reproductive states. The aim of this study was to describe and compare uterine blood flow in bitches suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and CEH-pyometra complex (CEH-P). Ninety diestrous bitches were clinically, hematologically, and ultrasonographically classified into four groups: (1) clinical signs, leukocytosis, CEH, and uterine luminal contents (CEH-P, n = 31); (2) asymptomatic bitches with CEH and uterine contents (CEH-C, n = 15); (3) asymptomatic bitches with CEH without uterine contents (CEH, n = 16); and (4) normal diestrous bitches (ND, n = 28). The widest cross-sectional diameter and uterine wall thickness (W) of uterine horns were measured using two-dimensional ultrasound. Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity of uterine arteries were measured by Doppler ultrasound in all the bitches. Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity were higher in CEH-P than in CEH-C, CEH, and ND (P < 0.01); although both parameters did not show differences among the latter three groups (P > 0.1). Conversely, resistance index (RI) reported lower values in CEH-P than that in the other three groups (P < 0.01), being ND higher (P < 0.01) than both CEH-C and CEH which did not differ between themselves (P > 0.1). When all the bitches were considered, correlation between RI and cross-sectional diameter was r = -0.69 (P < 0.01) and between RI and uterine wall thickness was r = -0.02 (P > 0.1). It is concluded that the uterine artery blood flow velocity of bitches suffering from pyometra was higher, not only from normal bitches, but also from females with endometrial hyperplasia. Furthermore, endometrial hyperplasia, accompanied or not by luminal contents, had a higher blood flow velocity than normal uterus. Hemodynamic parameters appear as useful markers to differentiate uterine pathologic conditions.

Nitroxyl (HNO): A Reduced Form of Nitric Oxide with Distinct Chemical, Pharmacological, and Therapeutic Properties

Nitroxyl (HNO), the one-electron reduced form of nitric oxide (NO), shows a distinct chemical and biological profile from that of NO. HNO is currently being viewed as a vasodilator and positive inotropic agent that can be used as a potential treatment for heart failure. The ability of HNO to react with thiols and thiol containing proteins is largely used to explain the possible biological actions of HNO. Herein, we summarize different aspects related to HNO including HNO donors, chemistry, biology, and methods used for its detection.

Nitric oxide synthesis by nitrate reductase is regulated during development in Aspergillus

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signalling molecule involved in many biological processes in bacteria, plants and mammals. However, little is known about the role and biosynthesis of NO in fungi. Here we show that NO production is increased at the early stages of the transition from vegetative growth to development in Aspergillus nidulans. Full NO production requires a functional nitrate reductase (NR) gene (niaD) that is upregulated upon induction of conidiation, even under N‐repressing conditions in the presence of ammonium. At this stage, NO homeostasis is achieved by balancing biosynthesis (NR) and catabolism (flavohaemoglobins). niaD and flavohaemoglobin fhbA are transiently upregulated upon induction of conidiation, and both regulators AreA and NirA are necessary for this transcriptional response. The second flavohaemoglobin gene fhbB shows a different expression profile being moderately expressed during the early stages of the transition phase from vegetative growth to conidiation, but it is strongly induced 24 h later. NO levels influence the balance between conidiation and sexual reproduction because artificial strong elevation of NO levels reduced conidiation and induced the formation of cleistothecia. The nitrate‐independent and nitrogen metabolite repression‐insensitive transcriptional upregulation of niaD during conidiation suggests a novel role for NR in linking metabolism and development.

Comparison of Before and After Varicocelectomy Levels of Trace Elements, Nitric Oxide, Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Malondialdehyde in the Seminal Plasma and Peripheral and Spermatic Veins

Increased oxidative damage has been suggested to play an important role in the spermatogenesis and sperm function changes in patients with varicocele. However, changes in levels of nitric oxide (NO), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in blood and seminal plasma, and semen quality, are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the NO, ADMA, Fe, Cu, Zn and MDA levels from seminal plasma and peripheral and spermatic vein blood samples of patients with varicocele before and after varicocelectomy. In this before and after comparative study, 29 consecutive patients attending a training hospital in Tekirdag, Turkey, were recruited. MDA and NO levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The levels of ADMA were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Trace element level was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The levels of MDA in the seminal plasma and peripheral and spermatic vein samples were observed to decrease significantly in the comparison of before and after phases of the study group (p = 0.022, p = 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively). Also, the levels of NO in the seminal plasma and spermatic vein samples decreased significantly in the comparison of before and after phases of the study group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.001, respectively), while the levels of ADMA in seminal plasma and spermatic vein samples increased significantly in the comparison of before and after phases of the study group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in the levels of trace elements and sperm count (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress is significantly higher in the spermatic vein and seminal plasma samples of patients with varicocele before varicocelectomy. In conclusion, these events may be evaluated accordingly for the potentially beneficial treatment methods.

Immunolocalization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in ovarian follicles of the catfish, Clarias batrachus and its relation with ovarian activity

Nitric oxide, a gaseous molecule, is produced during the conversion of arginine to citrulline by the action of NOS isoforms (eNOS, iNOS or nNOS). Role of NO in regulation of mammalian reproduction is well established; however, practically no report is available on fishes. Hence, in the present study, expression of all three isoforms of NOS was worked out in the ovary of Clarias batrachus immunohistochemically during different phases of its reproductive cycle and its relation with ovarian activities. No immunoreactivity of eNOS was observed in the ovary of C. batrachus during the late-quiescence and early-recrudescence phases. While during the recrudescence phase (April and May) it expressed intensely in thecal and granulosa cells of the oocyte-II and III, but immune-intensity decreased in the late-recrudescence and spawning phases (June and July). Similar pattern of immunoprecipitation was also observed in case of iNOS. However, the immunoreactivity pattern of nNOS was quite varied, it expressed moderately only in the nucleus and cytoplasm of perinuclear and oocyte-I stages during late-quiescence phase. While during the early recrudescence phase, the expression of nNOS disappeared completely from the nucleus and cytoplasm, rather it expressed intensely in the thecal and granulosa cells, which declined in the late-recrudescence and spawning phases. Moderate immunoreactivity of iNOS could also be localized in the zona radiata of ovulated oocyte. The intense NOS immunoreactivity in the thecal and granulosa cells coincided with increased levels of ovarian NO and 17β-estradiol content. They exhibited statistically significant positive correlation amongst themselves, suggesting the involvement of ovarian NOS/NO system in oogenesis and steroidogenesis in the catfish.

Progesterone secretion by ovine granulosa cells: effects of nitric oxide and plane of nutrition

The aim was to evaluate the effects of nutritional plane on in vitro progesterone (P4) secretion by granulosa (G) cells cultured in the presence or absence of effectors of the nitric oxide (NO) system. Ewes were randomly assigned into three nutritional groups: control (C), overfed (O; 2 × C), or underfed (U; 0.6 × C). Follicular development was induced by FSH injections. On day 15 of the estrous cycle, G cells were isolated and cultured with or without DETA-NONOate (NO donor), L-NAME (NO synthase [S] inhibitor), Arg and (or) LH for 8 h. DETA-NONOate decreased basal and LH-stimulated P4 secretion, and L-NAME increased basal P4 secretion in all groups. In U, Arg decreased LH-stimulated P4 secretion. These data demonstrate that (i) plane of nutrition affects basal P4 secretion by G cells, (ii) the NO donor decreases, NOS inhibitor increases but Arg does not affect basal P4 secretion, and (iii) effects of Arg on LH-stimulated P4 secretion are affected by plane of nutrition in FSH-treated sheep. Thus, plane of nutrition affects G cell function, and the NO system is involved in the regulation of basal and LH-stimulated P4 secretion. The mechanism of the NO system effects on secretory activity of G cells remains to be elucidated.

Encapsulation of N-Diazeniumdiolates within Liposomes for Enhanced Nitric Oxide Donor Stability and Delivery

The rapid decomposition of nitric oxide (NO) donors in aqueous environments remains a limitation for applications requiring extended NO release. Herein, we report the synthesis of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine-based liposomes capable of extended NO release using low molecular weight NO donors and a reverse-phase evaporation technique. The encapsulation of the NO donors within the liposomes enabled both prolonged NO release and enhanced storage compared to free NO donors alone. The NO-releasing liposomes also demonstrated enhanced efficacy against human pancreatic cancer cells. These NO-release vehicles represent attractive anticancer therapeutics due to their potential to store the majority of their NO payload until reaching cancerous tissue at which time the lower pH inherent to such environments will trigger an avalanche of NO.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide metabolite, and estradiol levels in serum and peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Increase in nitric oxide (NO) concentration accompanied by alteration in peritoneal immune defense reactions is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous competitive inhibitor of NO synthase. This study was designed to compare NO metabolite (nitrite), asymmetric dimethylarginine, and estradiol concentrations in serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) of patients with and without endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects were assigned to two groups based on their laparoscopic results. The groups consisted of women with and without endometriosis (90 and 89 participants, respectively). The serum and peritoneal levels of nitrite (stable NO metabolite), asymmetric dimethylarginine, and estradiol were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. These parameters were analyzed and compared between the groups statistically using SPSS software version 16.

RESULTS

Both nitrite and asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were significantly higher in the serum of the participants from both groups than those in the PF group (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in the asymmetric dimethylarginine level was detected between the two groups. In addition, the PF level of nitrite increased significantly in patients with endometriosis when compared with non-endometriosis subjects (P < 0.05). The PF levels of estradiol in both groups were significantly higher than the serum levels of estradiol (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The NO metabolite level of PF implies the possible role of NO in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Glyceryl trinitrate for the treatment of preterm labor

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to compare the tocolytic efficacy of glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) with that of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and to investigate serum nitric oxide metabolites before and after tocolysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total, 48 women between 27 and 34 weeks' gestation with threatened preterm labor and intact membranes were randomly allocated to receive either GTN or MgSO4 tocolysis. Main outcome measures included tocolytic efficacy and maternal side effect(s) of the tocolytic agent. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes as well as pretreatment and posttreatment nitric oxide (NO) metabolites were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were included into the final analysis. Uterine contraction cessation times were 3.66±1.28 and 6.83±3.47 hours for GTN and MgSO4 groups, respectively. Similarly, maternal side effects were significantly lower in the GTN group than in the MgSO4 group, and no serious maternal side effects were recorded. Serum NO metabolite levels before treatment were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the controls. Serum nitrite levels were significantly increased after tocolytic treatment both in MgSO4 and GTN groups.

CONCLUSION

GTN effectively delays preterm delivery and reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality with less maternal side effects and seems to be an effective and safe alternative to MgSO4.

Quercetin and Tryptanthrin: Two Broad Spectrum Anticancer Agents for Future Chemotherapeutic Interventions

The idea and practice of developing or identifying compounds capable of eliminating the transformed cells or cancer cells without being nontoxic to their normal counterparts deserves much importance. Since ages, plants have been considered and proven to be repertoires of chemicals possessing immense therapeutic potential. A proportion of these plant-derived compounds or phytochemicals were shown to be highly competent anticancer agents besides being effective against many other diseases. Representative compounds of different classes of phytochemicals are in clinical use against cancer. In this chapter, we discuss the anticancer potential of two compounds: quercetin, a flavonoid and tryptanthrin, an indoloquinazoline alkaloid, and the mechanisms behind their cytotoxic effects on cancers of different origin. The chapter also gives a brief mention of their properties that make them effective against cancer.

Nitric oxide in follicle development and oocyte competence

Apart from its well-known role in regulating endothelial function, in mammals, nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule involved in many processes, regulating different biological functions. It has been demonstrated that NO plays a role in the physiology of the reproductive system, where it acts in controlling the activity of reproductive organs in both sexes. In the female of several animal species, experimental data suggest the presence of an intraovarian NO-generating system, which could be involved in the control of follicular development. The role of NO in regulating follicular atresia by apoptosis is still controversial, as a dual action depending mostly on its concentration has been documented. NO also displays positive effects on follicle development and selection related to angiogenic events and it could also play a modulatory role in steroidogenesis in ovarian cells. Both in monovulatory and poliovulatory species, the increase in PGE2production induced by NO via a stimulatory effect on COX-2 activity appears to be a common ovulatory mechanism. Considerable evidence also exists to support an involvement of the NO/NO synthase system in the control of meiotic maturation of cumulus–oocyte complexes.

Oxidative stress and cardiovascular complications in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine condition which is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular complications. It is elevated to a metabolic disorder with significant long term health ramification due to the high prevalence of insulin resistance (IR), impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia and numerous cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS women. This article concentrates on the recent developments in the regulation of oxidative stress (OS) in PCOS and on the association between PCOS and CVD outcomes. The prognostic events that define the severity of PCOS and involvement of cardiovascular risk in PCOS include endothelial dysfunction (ED) and impaired cardiac structure. Fact is that, in PCOS women, the circulating biomarkers of OS are in abnormal levels that are independent of overweight, which depicts the participation of OS in the pathophysiology of this common derangement. In addition, hyperglycemia (HG) per se, promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in PCOS. When the destructive ROS outbalances the concentration of physiological antioxidants, OS occurs. The resultant OS, directly stimulates hyperandrogenism and causes extensive cellular injury, DNA damage and/or cell apoptosis. To further the burden, the total serum antioxidant level in PCOS women is compromised, which diminishes the body's defense against an oxidative milieu. Thus, it is evident that OS regulates several cellular mechanisms in PCOS. Improving our understanding about the regulation of OS, critical role of ROS and protein biomarkers in PCOS should lead to novel therapeutic strategies in addressing PCOS-induced CVD. Besides, it is possible that the beneficial effects of dietary or therapeutic antioxidants have significant clinical relevance in PCOS.

N (G)-nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester Protects Against Hormonal Imbalances Associated with Nicotine Administration in Male Rats

Background:

The administration of nicotine is associated with altered hormonal imbalances and increased serum and testicular nitric oxide (NO) level.

Aim:

This study sought to investigate the effects of NO inhibition with N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on altered hormonal imbalance in adult male albinorats.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were administered with 0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 1.0 mg/kg BW nicotine and were treated with L-NAME in the drinking water or drinking water alone for 30 days. Serum was analyzed for testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin using radioimmunoassay.

Results:

Nicotine administration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) testosterone in the low and high dose treated groups and FSH in the high dose treated group when compared with the control group. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in mean LH and prolactin level in the high dose treated group when compared with the control. Concomitant treatment with nicotine and L-NAME produced significant increases in testosterone and FSH, and a decrease in prolactin in 1.0 mg/kg BW. L-NAME alone did not lead to a significant increase in testosterone when compared with control.

Conclusion:

These data demonstrate that the suppressive effects of nicotine on testosterone level of the adult male rat can be prevented by NOS blockade with L-NAME. It appears that these beneficial effects are mediated primarily within the gonad; however, the involvement of the pituitary cannot be totally ruled out.

Circulating nitric oxide metabolites during luteolysis and the effect of luteinizing hormone on circulating nitric oxide metabolites in heifers

Temporal relationships among circulating concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites (NOM), progesterone (P4), and luteinizing hormone (LH) within the hours of a PGFM pulse were studied during luteolysis in heifers. The peak of a PGFM pulse was designated Hour 0. All of the following increases and decreases were significant. Within a spontaneous PGFM pulse (experiment 1; n = 7), concentrations of P4 and LH decreased between Hours -1 and 0 and increased between Hours 0 and 1; NOM increased between Hours -1 and 2. In experiment 2, PGFM pulses were simulated by intrauterine infusion of PGF2α (PGF group, n = 6), and another group was also treated with acyline to inhibit LH secretion (acyline-PGF group, n = 6). Averaged over the two groups, concentration of P4 decreased between Hours -2 and 0, increased (rebounded) between Hours 0 and 1, and decreased after Hour 2. In the PGF group, concentration of LH decreased between Hours -2 and -0.5 and increased between Hour 0 and Hour 1.5 to a maximum at Hour 1.5; NOM decreased between Hours -2 and -1.5 and increased between Hours 0 and 1.5. In the acyline-PGF group, the effect of hour was not significant for concentrations of LH and NOM. The absence of an increase in NOM concentration when LH was inhibited is a novel finding. The hypotheses were supported that concentrations of LH and NOM are temporally related, and LH has a role in the increase in NOM within the hours of a PGFM pulse.

The regulation of nitric oxide synthase isoform expression in mouse and human fallopian tubes: potential insights for ectopic pregnancy

Nitric oxide (NO) is highly unstable and has a half-life of seconds in buffer solutions. It is synthesized by NO-synthase (NOS), which has been found to exist in the following three isoforms: neuro nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). NOS activity is localized in the reproductive tracts of many species, although direct evidence for NOS isoforms in the Fallopian tubes of mice is still lacking. In the present study, we investigated the expression and regulation of NOS isoforms in the mouse and human Fallopian tubes during the estrous and menstrual cycles, respectively. We also measured isoform expression in humans with ectopic pregnancy and in mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our results confirmed the presence of different NOS isoforms in the mouse and human Fallopian tubes during different stages of the estrous and menstrual cycles and showed that iNOS expression increased in the Fallopian tubes of women with ectopic pregnancy and in LPS-treated mice. Elevated iNOS activity might influence ovulation, cilia beats, contractility, and embryo transportation in such a manner as to increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. This study has provided morphological and molecular evidence that NOS isoforms are present and active in the human and mouse Fallopian tubes and suggests that iNOS might play an important role in both the reproductive cycle and infection-induced ectopic pregnancies.

Selenium deficiency influences the gene expressions of heat shock proteins and nitric oxide levels in neutrophils of broilers

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of selenium (Se) deficiency on the expressions of heat shock proteins (Hsp90, 70, 60, 40, and 27) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in neutrophils of broilers. One hundred eighty 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into two groups and were fed on a low-Se diet (0.008 mg/kg Se) or a control diet (0.2 mg/kg Se), respectively. Then, the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Hsp90, 70, 60, 40, and 27, induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and NO levels were examined. The results showed that Se deficiency increased the mRNA levels of Hsps and iNOS and induced higher level of NO in chicken neutrophils (P < 0.05). It showed that the expression of Hsp40 increased higher than other Hsps in neutrophils, which indicated that it might play the crucial protective role in neutrophils. In addition, correlation analysis showed that iNOS had the biggest correlation with Hsp60, which indicated that Hsp60 might play an important function in inhibiting the production of NO, and the correlation coefficient between Hsp60 and Hsp70 was over 0.9, which indicated that they might have a synergistic effect. These results suggested that the level of NO and Hsp expression levels in neutrophils can be influenced by Se deficiency. And Hsp40 might play the crucial protective role in neutrophils induced by Se deficiency.

The effects of diet and arginine treatment on serum metabolites and selected hormones during the estrous cycle in sheep

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of diet and arginine (Arg) treatment on serum concentrations of selected metabolites and metabolic and reproductive hormones in nonpregnant ewes. Sixty days before the onset of estrus (Day 0), Rambouillet ewes were randomly assigned to one of three dietary groups: maintenance control (C; N = 16; 100% National Research Council requirements), overfed (O; N = 16; 2 × C), or underfed (U; N = 16, 0.6 × C) to achieve and maintain three different body conditions during their estrous cycle(s). At Day 0, ewes from each nutritional group were randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments: saline (Sal) or Arg (L-Arg-HCl; 155 μmol Arg per kg of body weight [BW]; intravenous), which was administered three times per day for 21 or 26 days. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 6, 10, 12, 16, 21, and 26 of Sal or Arg treatment for evaluation of Arg, nitric oxide metabolite, cholesterol, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, leptin, and progesterone. For a time-response trial, blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7 hours after Sal or Arg treatment at the mid-luteal phase to determine serum Arg concentrations. During the 11-week study, C maintained body weight, O gained 9.6 ± 0.7 kg, and U lost 13.9 ± 0.1 kg. Overall, serum concentrations of Arg, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, leptin, and progesterone were greater (P < 0.05) in O ewes than C and/or U ewes and were not affected by Arg treatment. Serum Arg concentration increased at 1 and 2 hours and decreased to basal level at 4 and 7 hours after Arg treatment. These data reinforce the importance of diet in regulation of metabolic and endocrine functions, and demonstrated that the dose and duration of Arg treatment used in this study does not alter serum metabolites or hormones in nonpregnant ewes of various nutritional planes.

Effect of exogenous nitric oxide on sperm motility in vitro

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be important in sperm function, and the concentration of NO appears to determine these effects. Studies have demonstrated both positive and negative effects of NO on sperm function, but have not been able to provide a clear link between NO concentration and the extent of exposure to NO. To study the relationship between nitric oxide and sperm capacitation in vitro, and to provide a theoretical basis for the use of NO-related preparations in improving sperm motility for in vitro fertilization, we investigated the effects of NO concentration and time duration at these concentrations on in vitro sperm capacitation in both normal and abnormal sperm groups. We manipulated NO concentrations and the time duration of these concentrations using sodium nitroprusside (an NO donor) and NG-monomethyl-L-argenine (an NO synthase inhibitor).

RESULTS

Compared to the normal sperm group, the abnormal sperm group had a longer basal time to reach the appropriate concentration of NO (p < 0.001), and the duration of time at this concentration was longer for the abnormal sperm group (p < 0.001). Both the basal time and the duration of time were significantly correlated with sperm viability and percentage of progressive sperm (p < 0.001). The experimental group had a significantly higher percentage of progressive sperm than the control group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We hypothesize that there is a certain regularity to both NO concentration and its duration of time in regards to sperm capacitation, and that an adequate duration of time at the appropriate NO concentration is beneficial to sperm motility.

Site-directed delivery of nitric oxide to cancers

Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive gaseous free radical which mediates numerous biological processes. At elevated levels, NO is found to be toxic to cancers and hence, a number of strategies for site-directed delivery of NO to cancers are in development during the past two decades. More recently, the focus of research has been to, in conjunction with other cancer drugs deliver NO to cancers for its secondary effects including inhibition of cellular drug efflux pumps. Among the various approaches toward site-selective delivery of exogenous NO sources, enzyme activated nitric oxide donors belonging to the diazeniumdiolate category afford unique advantages including exquisite control of rates of NO generation and selectivity of NO production. For this prodrug approach, enzymes including esterase, glutathione/glutathione S-transferase, DT-diaphorase, and nitroreductase are utilized. Here, we review the design and development of various approaches to enzymatic site-directed delivery of NO to cancers and their potential.

Interrelationship between NO and androgenic activity in mice, Mus musculus, following temporal phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neural oscillations

The present study was designed to monitor the correlation of gonadal steroidogenic activity and nitric oxide (NO) of plasma and testis of male laboratory mouse, Mus musculus, under (1) control/basal and (2) experimental conditions. In the first study, male mice (n = 6) of three age groups (3-week-old sexually immature, 9-week-old sexually mature and 1.5-year-old) were assayed for plasma testosterone and level of NO in the plasma and testis. The immunoreactivity of 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-β-HSD) and androgen receptors (ARs) was also detected in testis and epididymis, respectively. In the second study, the reproductive state of mice was altered by injecting precursors of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and dopamine L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) daily for 13 days. In one subgroup, mice received their daily injections 8 h apart and in another subgroup 12 h apart. A third subgroup of control mice received two daily injections of normal saline. After the completion of the experiment, the mentioned parameters were measured. The results showed a significant increase in levels of NO and a lowering of the immune reactivity of 3-β-HSD and AR, in both leydig cells and the epididymis in the sexually immature, old-age mice as well as in the mice that received 5-HTP and L-DOPA in the 8-h temporal relation, whereas opposite effects were observed in the sexually mature mice as well as in the mice that received 5-HTP and L-DOPA in the 12-h temporal relation. These findings led us to conclude that an inverse correlation exists between testicular steroidogenic activity and NO activity of laboratory mice under control and experimentally modulated gonadal conditions.

Roles of thyroid hormones in follicular development in the ovary of neonatal and immature rats

Thyroid hormones (TH) play a critical role in ovarian follicular development, maturation and the maintenance of various endocrine functions. However, whether TH can affect ovarian follicular development in neonatal and immature rats remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of TH on ovarian follicular development in neonatal and immature rats. Thirty female post-lactation mothers of Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly divided into three groups: control, hyperthyroid (hyper), and hypothyroid (hypo). On postnatal days (PND) 10 and 21, body weights, serum hormones, ovarian histologic changes, and immunohistochemistry of thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 (TRα1) and nitric oxide synthase types (NOS), and NOS activities, were determined. The data showed that body weights significantly decreased in both hyper and hypo groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the hyper group had increased serum concentrations of T3, T4, and E2; whereas the hypo group manifested reduced serum concentrations of T3, T4, and E2 on PND 10 and 21. The hyper and hypo groups showed significantly reduced total number of primordial, primary and secondary follicles on PND 10 and 21 compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, antral follicle numbers in the hyper and hypo groups were significantly decreased on PND 21 compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Immunostaining indicated that TRα1 and NOS were expressed in ovarian surface epithelium and oocytes of growing and antral follicles, with strong staining of the granulosa and theca cells of follicles. NOS activities were significantly augmented in the hyper, but diminished in the hypo groups on PND 10 and 21. In summary, our findings suggest that TH play important roles in ovarian functions and in the regulation of NOS activity. Our results also indicate that a relationship exists between the TH and NO signaling pathways during the process of ovarian follicular development in neonatal and immature rats.

Quinestrol induces spermatogenic apoptosis in vivo via increasing pro-apoptotic proteins in adult male mice

The effects of quinestrol on spermatogenesis were investigated in adult male mice by daily intragastric administration of quinestrol with various doses of 5, 10, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight for 10 days. The sperm counts declined while the number of abnormal spermatozoa went up in mice treated with quinestrol. The testicular weight and seminiferous tubular area gradually declined with increasing dosages of quinestrol to 50 and 100mg/kg. Rarefied germ cells showed irregular distributions in the seminiferous tubules of mice treated with 50 and 100mg/kg quinestrol. Apoptosis was highly pronounced in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and Leydig cells. Antioxidant enzyme activities - superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase - as well as total antioxidant capacity significantly reduced, while malondialdehyde contents increased. The number of germ cells expressing caspase-3, p53, Bax and FasL significantly increased whereas cells expressing Bcl-2 significantly decreased in groups treated with 50 and 100mg/kg quinestrol compared with the control. The concentration of nitrogen monoxidum also increased significantly under these dosages. The results suggest that quinestrol stimulates oxidative stress to induce apoptosis in spermatogenic cells through the mitochondrial and death receptor pathways in adult male mice.

Quantitative changes of nitrergic neurons during postnatal development of chicken myenteric plexus

OBJECTIVE

Information regarding the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is important for understanding the functional abnormalities of the gut. Because fertilized chicken eggs provide easy access to embryos, chicken models have been widely used to study embryonic development of myenteric plexus; however, no study has been focused on the postnatal period. The aim of this study was to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the nitrergic neurons in the myenteric plexus of developing chickens in the postnatal period.

METHODS

Whole-mount preparations of the myenteric plexus were made in 7-d, 15-d, and 40-d old (adult) chickens of either sex (n=15). The myenteric plexus was studied after nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry using light microscopy, digital photography, and Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software. The numbers of positively stained neurons and ganglia were counted in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon in the different age groups. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation (SD), and statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

RESULTS

The positively stained neurons showed various morphologies and staining intensities, and formed bead-shaped and U-shaped arrangements in the myenteric plexus. The densities of neurons and ganglia increased with age. However, the number of positive neurons per ganglion increased. The number of NADPH-d-positive neurons was highest in the colon, followed by the ileum, the jejunum, the duodenum, and the caeca in all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Developmental changes in the myenteric plexus of chickens continue in the postnatal period, indicating that the maturation process of the gastrointestinal function is gradual. In addition, no significant difference is happening among different intestinal segments during postnatal development, suggesting that the function of different intestinal segments had been determined after birth.

Cell-specific expression and immunolocalization of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and soluble guanylyl cyclase α and β subunits in postnatal porcine uteri

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cellular expression and immunolocalization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) subunits in postnatal porcine uteri. Immunohistochemical experiments showed that three isoforms of NOS were mainly localized in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium and myometrium, and the intensity of immunostaining for iNOS and eNOS was increased gradually with temporal development of the postnatal uterus. In addition, sGC subunits, sGCα1 and β, were present in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium, myometrium and stromal cells. The uterine NOS activity data showed that the total NOS and iNOS activities were significantly increased at postnatal days 21 and 35. Although constitutive NOS activity was increased at postnatal day 21, it decreased subsequently at postnatal day 35. Immunoblot analysis revealed that iNOS protein expression was significantly increased at postnatal days 21 and 35. Furthermore, sGCα1 protein expression was not significantly changed throughout days 7 to 35. Collectively, our findings suggest that NO/cGMP signaling is involved in the process of postnatal porcine uterine development.