Markers of experimental acute inflammation in the Wistar Han rat with particular reference to haptoglobin and C-reactive protein

New biomarkers for liver involvement by dengue infection in adult Vietnamese patients: a case-control study

Liver injury with marked elevation of aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (AST) is commonly observed in dengue infection. To understand the pathogenesis of this liver damage, we compared the plasma levels of hepatic specific, centrilobular predominant enzymes (glutamate dehydrogenase, GLDH; glutathione S transferase-α, αGST), periportal enriched 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), periportal predominant arginase-1 (ARG-1), and other non-specific biomarkers (paraoxonase-1, PON-1) in patients with different outcomes of dengue infection. This hospital-based study enrolled 87 adult dengue patients, stratified into three groups based on plasma AST levels (< 80, 80-400, > 400 U/L) in a 1:1:1 ratio (n = 40, n = 40, n = 40, respectively. The new liver enzymes in the blood samples from the 4th to 6th days of their illness were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or colorimetric kits. Based on the diagnosis at discharge days, our patients were classified as 40 (46%) dengue without warning signs (D), 35 (40.2%) dengue with warning signs (DWS), and 11 (12.6%) severe dengue (SD) with either shock (two patients) or AST level over 1000 U/L (nine patients), using the 2009 WHO classification. The group of high AST (> 400 U/L) also had higher ALT, GLDH, ARG-1, and HPPD than the other groups, while the high (> 400 U/L) and moderate (80-400 U/L) AST groups had higher ALT, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD than the low AST group (< 80 U/L). There was a good correlation between AST, alanine aminotransferase enzyme (ALT), and the new liver biomarkers such as GLDH, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD. Our findings suggest that dengue-induced liver damage initiates predominantly in the centrilobular area toward the portal area during the dengue progression. Moreover, these new biomarkers should be investigated further to explain the pathogenesis of dengue and to validate their prognostic utility.

Enniatin B and beauvericin affect intestinal cell function and hematological processes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) after acute exposure

Unintentional use of mold-infested plant-based feed ingredients are sources of mycotoxins in fish feeds. The presence of the emerging mycotoxins ENNB and BEA in Norwegian commercial fish feeds and plant-based feed ingredients has raised concerns regarding the health effects on farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmon salar). Atlantic salmon pre-smolts were exposed to non-lethal doses of BEA and ENNB (ctrl, 50 and 500 μg/kg feed for 12 h), after which total RNA sequencing of the intestine and liver was carried out to evaluate gut health and identify possible hepatological changes after acute dietary exposure. ENNB and BEA did not trigger acute toxicity, however ENNB caused the onset of pathways linked to acute intestinal inflammation and BEA exposures caused the onset of hepatic hematological disruption. The prevalence and concentration of ENNB found in today's commercial feed could affect the fish health if consumed over a longer time-period.

Protein electrophoresis of non-traditional species: A review

EPH has been demonstrated to be a useful tool in companion animals while providing an opportunity to characterize globulinemias, including paraproteinemia. In EPH of non-traditional species, these same applications are important, but the primary use is to gauge the acute-phase and humoral immune responses. This includes the valid quantitation of albumin as well as the examination of fractions reflective of increases in acute-phase reactants and immunoglobulins. Agarose gel EPH and, more recently, capillary zone EPH have been applied to samples from these species. Performing these analyses provides special challenges in the placement of fraction delimits, generation of RIs, and interpretation of results. Recommended as part of routine bloodwork, EPH can also provide key results that are helpful in clinical and field-based health assessments as well as in prognostication.

A Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles Associated With Lipotoxicity

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging mediators of intercellular communication in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Palmitate, a lipotoxic saturated fatty acid, activates hepatocellular endoplasmic reticulum stress, which has been demonstrated to be important in NASH pathogenesis, including in the release of EVs. We have previously demonstrated that the release of palmitate-stimulated EVs is dependent on the de novo synthesis of ceramide, which is trafficked by the ceramide transport protein, STARD11. The trafficking of ceramide is a critical step in the release of lipotoxic EVs, as cells deficient in STARD11 do not release palmitate-stimulated EVs. Here, we examined the hypothesis that protein cargoes are trafficked to lipotoxic EVs in a ceramide-dependent manner. We performed quantitative proteomic analysis of palmitate-stimulated EVs in control and STARD11 knockout hepatocyte cell lines. Proteomics was performed on EVs isolated by size exclusion chromatography, ultracentrifugation, and density gradient separation, and EV proteins were measured by mass spectrometry. We also performed human EV proteomics from a control and a NASH plasma sample, for comparative analyses with hepatocyte-derived lipotoxic EVs. Size exclusion chromatography yielded most unique EV proteins. Ceramide-dependent lipotoxic EVs contain damage-associated molecular patterns and adhesion molecules. Haptoglobin, vascular non-inflammatory molecule-1, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein complex acid labile subunit were commonly detected in NASH and hepatocyte-derived ceramide-dependent EVs. Lipotoxic EV proteomics provides novel candidate proteins to investigate in NASH pathogenesis and as diagnostic biomarkers for hepatocyte-derived EVs in NASH patients.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of gentamicin sulphate-loaded PLGA nanoparticle-based film for the treatment of surgical site infection

The study focuses on the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the developed gentamicin sulphate (GS)-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticle (PNP)-based pullulan film (PNP-F). Sterilization being an essential pre-requisite for the dosage form was carried out using ethylene oxide. Post-sterilization, PNP-F was evaluated for mechanical properties, percentage drug loading, antimicrobial effectiveness study, test for sterility and in vitro dissolution study using Strat-M® membrane. In vitro dissolution study revealed that GS gradually released from PNP-F and the highest cumulative percentage drug release was found to be 86.76 ± 0.03% at 192 h. Wound healing assay was performed to study the effect of PNP-F over migratory potential of dermal fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3) in the presence of micro-organisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA). PNP-F inhibited the growth of PA and SA, allowing the growth of fibroblast cells indicating its suitability for application. In vivo study of surgical site was performed by superficial incision model in Wistar rats. Measurement of in vivo incision healing confirmed faster wound healing in the incision which received PNP-F compared to marketed cream containing GS. Graphical abstract.

Sick bats stay home alone: fruit bats practice social distancing when faced with an immunological challenge

Along with its many advantages, social roosting imposes a major risk of pathogen transmission. How social animals reduce this risk is poorly documented. We used lipopolysaccharide challenge to imitate bacterial infection in both a captive and a free‐living colony of an extremely social, long‐lived mammal—the Egyptian fruit bat. We monitored behavioral and physiological responses using an arsenal of methods, including onboard GPS to track foraging, acceleration sensors to monitor movement, infrared video to record social behavior, and blood samples to measure immune markers. Sick‐like (immune‐challenged) bats exhibited an increased immune response, as well as classic illness symptoms, including fever, weight loss, anorexia, and lethargy. Notably, the bats also exhibited behaviors that would reduce pathogen transfer. They perched alone and appeared to voluntarily isolate themselves from the group by leaving the social cluster, which is extremely atypical for this species. The sick‐like individuals in the open colony ceased foraging outdoors for at least two nights, thus reducing transmission to neighboring colonies. Together, these sickness behaviors demonstrate a strong, integrative immune response that promotes recovery of infected individuals while reducing pathogen transmission inside and outside the roost, including spillover events to other species, such as humans.

Dermatotoxicity of oral cadmium is strain-dependent and related to differences in skin stress response and inflammatory/immune activity

Adverse effects of non-occupational exposure to cadmium (Cd) are increasingly acknowledged. Since our previous study has showed that orally acquired Cd affects skin, the contribution of genetic background to dermatotoxicity of oral cadmium was examined in two rat strains, Albino Oxford (AO) and Dark Agouti (DA), which differed in response to chemicals. While similar accumulation of Cd in the skin of both strains was noted, the skin response to the metal differed. DA rat individuals mounted antioxidant enzyme defense in the skin already at lower Cd dose, in contrast to AO rats which reacted to higher metal dose solely (and less pronounced), implying higher susceptibility of DA strain to Cd dermatotoxicity. Epidermal cells from both strains developed stress response, but higher intensity of antioxidant response in AO rats implied this strain`s better ability to defend against Cd insult. Cd induced epidermal cells' proinflammatory cytokine response only in DA rats. Increased IL-10 seems responsible for the lack of response in AO rats. Differences in the pattern of skin/epidermal cell responsiveness to cadmium give a new insight into repercussion of genetic variability to dermatotoxicity of orally acquired cadmium, bearing relevance for variations in the link between dietary cadmium and inflammation-based skin pathologies.

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin and Albumin are Useful Serum Proteins to Detect Subclinical Peritonitis in the Rat

Background

In experimental peritoneal dialysis (PD) studies, the occurrence of peritonitis is a confounder in the interpretation of effects of chronic peritoneal exposure to dialysis solutions. Since fluid cannot be drained in most experimental PD models in the rat, it is impossible to diagnose peritonitis based on dialysate white blood cell counts. To study the value of serum markers for the presence of peritonitis, alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) and albumin were measured in rats with and without peritonitis after chronic exposure to dialysis solutions. To further investigate the time course of these markers in relation to the severity of peritonitis, nondialyzed rats were challenged with increasing numbers of bacteria and followed for 28 days.

Methods

In the first study, α2M and albumin were measured in rats exposed to glucose/lactate-based dialysis fluid before sacrifice. A comparison was made between animals with peritonitis, as judged from the presence of extensive infiltrates after sacrifice (gold standard) and/or clinical signs of peritonitis, or absence of peritonitis and infiltrates. In the second study, rats were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with 3 different concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus, and serum α2M and albumin were measured at various time points.

Results

In the first study, serum α2M was higher and serum albumin was lower in animals with peritonitis compared to animals without peritonitis (both p < 0.05). In the second study, induction of α2M was clearly dependent on the inoculum concentration. Peak values of α2M were found at days 1 and 3. At all time points after inoculation, α2M was higher in all injected groups compared to the control group. Serum albumin values decreased in the highest inoculum group and remained decreased until 28 days after IP injection. Despite a low sensitivity, serum α2M >40 mg/L and albumin <32 g/L had a specificity of 100% for peritonitis.

Conclusions

Measurement of α2M and albumin once per month is an additional tool in the diagnosis of silent peritonitis in the chronic peritoneal exposure model in the rat. Levels of α2M >40 mg/L and albumin <32 g/L are strong indicators for peritonitis. However, normal values do not exclude infectious peritonitis.

Repeat-Dose Toxicity Study of a Lyophilized Recombinant Protective Antigen-Based Anthrax Vaccine Adjuvanted With CpG 7909

A recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine candidate (rPA7909) was developed as a next-generation vaccine indicated for postexposure prophylaxis of disease resulting from suspected or confirmed Bacillus anthracis exposure. The lyophilized form of rPA7909-vaccinated candidate contains 75 µg purified rPA, 750 µg aluminum (as Alhydrogel adjuvant), and 250 µg of an immunostimulatory Toll-like receptor 9 agonist oligodeoxynucleotide CpG 7909 in a 0.5 mL phosphate-buffered suspension. General toxicity and local reactogenicity were evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats vaccinated with the full human dose of rPA7909 by intramuscular injection. Animals were immunized on study days 1, 15, and 29. Control groups were administered diluent only or adjuvant control (excipients, CpG 7909, and Alhydrogel adjuvant in diluent) intramuscularly at the same dose volume and according to the same schedule used for rPA7909. Toxicity was assessed based on the results of clinical observations, physical examinations, body weights, injection site reactogenicity, ophthalmology, clinical pathology (hematology, coagulation, and serum chemistry), organ weights, and macroscopic and microscopic pathology evaluation. The immune response to rPA7909 vaccination was confirmed by measuring serum anti-PA immunoglobulin G levels. The rPA7909 vaccine produced no apparent systemic toxicity and only transient reactogenicity at the injection site. The injection site reaction from animals receiving the adjuvant control was very similar to those receiving rPA7909 with respect to the inflammation. The inflammatory response observed in the injection site and the draining lymph nodes was consistent with expected immune stimulation. The overall results indicated a favorable safety profile for rPA7909.

Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Operate by Different Mechanisms to Modulate Hepatic Steatosis and Hyperinsulemia in fa/fa Zucker Rats

Hepatic steatosis, an early stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is commonly present in obesity and type 2 diabetes, and is associated with reduced hepatic omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n3-PUFA) status that impacts on the anti-inflammatory and insulin sensitizing functions of n3-PUFA. Our objective was to directly compare plant- and marine-based n3-PUFA (α-linoleic acid (ALA)), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) for their effects on hepatic steatosis, markers of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and insulinemia in obese rats. Fa/fa Zucker rats were provided diets containing ALA, EPA, DHA, or linoleic acid (LA, n6-PUFA) for eight weeks and compared to baseline fa/fa rats and lean Zucker rats fed LA-rich diet for eight weeks. Both DHA and EPA groups had liver lipid similar to baseline, however, DHA was more effective than EPA for reducing hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS), increasing the proportion of smaller lipid droplets, reversing early fibrotic damage, and reducing fasting hyperinsulinemia. EPA was more effective for reducing FoxO1. Dietary ALA did not attenuate hepatic steatosis, most inflammatory markers or FAS. In summary, amongst the n3-PUFA, DHA was the most effective for elevating hepatic DHA levels, and preventing progression of hepatic steatosis via reductions in FAS and a marker of fibrosis.

Oral cadmium exposure affects skin immune reactivity in rats

Skin can acquire cadmium (Cd) by oral route, but there is paucity of data concerning cutaneous effects of this metal. Cd acquired by oral route can affect skin wound healing, but the effect of Cd on other activities involved in skin homeostasis, including skin immunity, are not explored. Using the rat model of 30-day oral administration of Cd (5 ppm and 50 ppm) in drinking water, basic aspects of immune-relevant activity of epidermal cells were examined. Dose-dependent Cd deposition in the the skin was observed (0.035 ± 0.02 µg/g and 0.127 ± 0.04 µg/g at 5 ppm and 50 ppm, respectively, compared to 0.012 ± 0.009 µg/g at 0 ppm of Cd). This resulted in skin inflammation (oxidative stress at both Cd doses and dose-dependent structural changes in the skin and the presence/activation of innate immunity cells). At low Cd dose inflammatory response (nitric oxide and IL-1β) was observed. Other inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF) response occurred at 50 ppm, which was increased further following skin sensitization with contact allergen dinitro-chlorobenzene (DNCB). Epidermal cells exposed to both Cd doses enhanced concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated lymphocyte production of IL-17. This study showed for the first time the effect of the metal which gained access to the skin via gut on immune reactivity of epidermal cells. Presented data might be relevant for the link between dietary Cd and the risk of skin pathologies.

Licochalcone E protects against carbon tetrachloride‑induced liver toxicity by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective role of Licochalcone E (LCE) and its mechanism of action in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver toxicity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Kunming mice via an intraperitoneal injection (IP) of CCl₄, 10 ml/kg body weight, diluted with corn oil at a 1:500 ratio. LCE was administered once a day for 7 days (IP) as pretreatment at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were analyzed to determine the inflammation status. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed using ELISA assays. Liver ultrastructure was observed via optical microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were assayed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Pretreatment with LCE decreased levels of ALT, AST, CRP and TNF-α, and NF-κB expression in the experimental hepatotoxicity mice model induced by CCl₄. In addition, LCE increased the expression of PPARγ and normalized the hepatic histoarchitecture. However, the effects of LCE were reversed by cotreatment with the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662. The present study suggests that LCE may be used for the treatment of hepatotoxicity, and primarily exhibits its protective role through a PPARγ/NF-κB-mediated pathway.

Ischemic colitis of the colon in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study focuses on two inflammatory diseases, viz., "diabetes mellitus (DM)" that causes serious complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, and "ischemic colitis" which is evoked by DM. Ischemic colitis originates from the reduction in mesenteric blood flow to the colon with existence of the occlusive or non-occlusive reasons. Our study objective was to provide early diagnostic approach for ischemic colitis in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (i) control use of 0.1 M citrate buffer, the solvent of streptozotocin (C), (ii). induced ischemia (I), (iii) rats subjected to 60 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally to induce type 1 diabetes (D) (48 h after STZ injection, blood glucose levels >200 mg/dl were considered as diabetic), and (iv) diabetic rats subjected to intestinal ischemia (D+I). The third diabetic group (D) was not operated. At the end of the experimental period, rats were sacrificed, C-reactive protein (CRP) and calprotectin levels were measured in the serum and colon tissue specimens. Tissue specimens were also analyzed histologically. We found that serum and colon calprotectin levels were elevated in the D+I group compared to the D and/or I group alone, but relatively calprotectin levels increased in I as compared to C group in colon tissues. CRP levels were significantly increased with ischemic colitis in diabetes, while colon CRP levels were decreased. These results provide evidence for the existence of inflammation in the STZ-induced diabetic rats with ischemic colitis. In conclusion, our measurements of serum calprotectin levels of STZ-induced diabetic rats with ischemic colitis provide a practical approach for an early diagnosis of ischemic colitis. Furthermore, these biochemical analyses correlate well with the histopathologic findings of STZ-induced diabetic rats with ischemic colitis. Future studies would be desirable to further strengthen the role of calprotectin in the early diagnosis of ischemic colitis in diabetics clinical settings.

Ras Signaling Inhibitors Attenuate Disease in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis via Targeting Pathogenic Antigen-Specific Th17-Type Cells

The Ras family of GTPases plays an important role in signaling nodes downstream to T cell receptor and CD28 activation, potentially lowering the threshold for T-cell receptor activation by autoantigens. Somatic mutation in NRAS or KRAS may cause a rare autoimmune disorder coupled with abnormal expansion of lymphocytes. T cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients show excessive activation of Ras/MEK/ERK pathway. The small molecule farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) interferes with the interaction between Ras GTPases and their prenyl-binding chaperones to inhibit proper plasma membrane localization. In the present study, we tested the therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects of FTS and its derivative 5-fluoro-FTS (F-FTS) in the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model (AIA). We show that AIA severity was significantly reduced by oral FTS and F-FTS treatment compared to vehicle control treatment. FTS was as effective as the mainstay anti-rheumatic drug methotrexate, and combining the two drugs significantly increased efficacy compared to each drug alone. We also discovered that FTS therapy inhibited both the CFA-driven in vivo induction of Th17 and IL-17/IFN-γ producing “double positive” as well as the upregulation of serum levels of the Th17-associated cytokines IL-17A and IL-22. By gene microarray analysis of effector CD4⁺ T cells from CFA-immunized rats, re-stimulated in vitro with the mycobacterium tuberculosis heat-shock protein 65 (Bhsp65), we determined that FTS abrogated the Bhsp65-induced transcription of a large list of genes (e.g., Il17a/f, Il22, Ifng, Csf2, Lta, and Il1a). The functional enrichment bioinformatics analysis showed significant overlap with predefined gene sets related to inflammation, immune system processes and autoimmunity. In conclusion, FTS and F-FTS display broad immunomodulatory effects in AIA with inhibition of the Th17-type response to a dominant arthritogenic antigen. Hence, targeting Ras signal-transduction cascade is a potential novel therapeutic approach for RA.

Probiotics in early life: a preventative and treatment approach

Microbial colonization of the infant gut plays a key role in immunological and metabolic pathways impacting human health. Since the maturation of the gut microbiota coincides with early life development, failure to develop a health compatible microbiota composition may result in pathology and disease in later life. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Maternal transfer of microorganisms is possible during pregnancy and lactation, and the mother's diet and microbiota can influence that of her offspring. Furthermore, pre-term birth, Caesarean section birth, formula feeding, antibiotic use, and malnutrition have been linked to dysbiosis, which in turn is associated with several pathologies such as necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, antibiotic associated diarrhea, colic, and allergies. Thus, early life should represent a preferred stage of life for probiotic interventions. In this context, they could be regarded as a means to 'program' the individual for health maintenance, in order to prevent pathologies associated with dysbiosis. In order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the benefits of probiotic administration, pre-clinical studies have been conducted and found an array of positive results such as improved microbial composition, intestinal maturation, decreased pathogenic load and infections, and improved immune response. Moreover, specific probiotic strains administered during the perinatal period have shown promise in attenuating severity of necrotizing enterocolitis. The mechanisms elucidated suggest that probiotic interventions in early life can be envisaged for disease prevention in both healthy offspring and offspring at risk of chronic disease.

A Metabolomic Approach (1H HRMAS NMR Spectroscopy) Supported by Histology to Study Early Post-transplantation Responses in Islet-transplanted Livers

Intrahepatic transplantation of islets requires a lot of islets because more than 50% of the graft is lost during the 24 hours following transplantation. We analyzed, in a rat model, early post-transplantation inflammation using systemic inflammatory markers, or directly in islet-transplanted livers by immunohistochemistry. 1H HRMAS NMR was employed to investigate metabolic responses associated with the transplantation. Inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6, α2-macroglobulin) are not suitable to follow islet reactions as they are not islet specific. To study islet specific inflammatory events, immunohistochemistry was performed on sections of islet transplanted livers for thrombin (indicator of the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR)) and granulocytes and macrophages. We observed a specific correlation between IBMIR and granulocyte and macrophage infiltration after 12 h. In parallel, we identified a metabolic response associated with transplantation: after 12 h, glucose, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and glutathione were significantly increased. An increase of glucose is a marker of tissue degradation, and could be explained by immune cell infiltration. Alanine, aspartate and glutamate are inter-connected in a common metabolic pathway known to be activated during hypoxia. An increase of glutathione revealed the presence of antioxidant protection. In this study, IBMIR visualization combined with 1H HRMAS NMR facilitated the characterization of cellular and molecular pathways recruited following islet transplantation.

Systemic antibiotic therapy does not significantly improve outcome in a rat model of implant-associated osteomyelitis induced by Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of implant-associated osteomyelitis regularly involves the use of systemic antibiotics in addition to surgical intervention. However, it remains unclear if perioperative systemic application of bactericide substances can improve overall outcome in models of severe intramedullary infection. The present study investigated the use of systemic gentamicin in addition to a controlled local release from a highly lipophilic gentamicinpalmitate compound while the previous study showed efficacy of sole antibiotic implant-coating.

METHODS

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups receiving an intramedullary femoral injection of 10(2) CFU of a common methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain (MSSA Rosenbach). Group I received an uncoated implant whereas group II received a coated implant. All animals received a single shot intraperitoneal application of gentamicinsulfate directly after wound closure while the historical control group III (n = 20) had no antibiotic treatment at all. Animals were observed for 28 and 42 days. Serum haptoglobin and relative weight gain were assessed as well as roll over cultures of explanted femur nails and histological scores of periprosthetic infection in dissected femora.

RESULTS

Systemic application of gentamicin combined with antibiotic-coated implant did not further reduce bacterial growth significantly compared with systemic or local antibiotic application alone. Combined local and systemic therapy reduced serum haptoglobin significantly after day 7, 28 and 42 whereas systemic application alone did not compare to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic perioperative and implant-associated application of antibiotics were both comparably effective to treat implant-associated infections whereas the combined antibiotic therapy further reduced systemic signs of infection time dependent.

Transdermal toxicity of topically applied anticoagulant rodenticide warfarin in rats

Occupational/accidental exposure data have showed hemorrhage as a result of transdermal exposure to warfarin, however, other effects are not known. In the present study, the impact of epicutaneous application of 10 μg or 100 μg of warfarin (three times, once a day) on peripheral blood polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear cells (PBMC) was examined in rats. Both doses resulted in prolongation of prothrombin time and changes in hematologic parameters. Increases in PMN intracellular myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were seen at higher warfarin dose and both doses resulted in higher percentages of granular CD11b(+) cells. In contrast, a decrease in PMN TNF and IL-6 production (ELISA) and gene expression (RT-PCR) was observed. Epicutaneous application of warfarin resulted in decreased numbers of PBMC, higher numbers of mononuclear CD11b(+) cells, but without effect on PMBC cytokine production. The data obtained showed differential effects of transdermal exposure to warfarin depending on leukocyte type and activity.

Perinatal maternal probiotic intervention impacts immune responses and ileal mucin gene expression in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome

Alterations in immune responses and intestinal secretory state are among features commonly observed in the maternal separation (MS) rat model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This study examined whether perinatal maternal introduction of probiotics influences plasma immune markers and ileal mucin-2 (MUC2) gene expression in rat offspring exposed to neonatal maternal separation (MS, 3 h/day, postnatal days (PND) 2-14) and/or subsequently to acute restraint stress in adulthood (AS, 30 min/day, PND 83-85). Data analysis indicated that stress protocols did not affect plasma tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in young offspring (PND 24) born to the vehicle-treated dams. Maternal probiotic intervention was associated with significantly decreased IFN-γ levels in young offspring compared with non-probiotic offspring (P≤0.05). It also induced a significant increase in IL-6 levels in MS pups (P≤0.05). Exposure of both non-MS and MS offspring to AS induced a significant increase in haptoglobin levels compared to controls (P≤0.05), whereas all offspring born to the probiotic-treated dams, irrespective of stress treatment conditions, exhibited significantly decreased haptoglobin levels to well below the control levels (P≤0.05). MS and/or AS did not affect ileal expression of MUC2 in offspring born to the non-probiotic treated dams. While maternal probiotic intake significantly downregulated ileal gene expression of MUC2 in MS male young offspring, it was associated with significantly upregulated MUC2 mRNA expression in MS or AS adult male offspring. These findings suggest that maternal probiotic intervention may exert long-lasting anti-inflammatory effects and impact gut outcomes in offspring at increased risk of dysfunctional gut.

Dietary restriction in moderately obese rats improves body size and glucose handling without the renal and hepatic alterations observed with a high-protein diet

Obesity is increasing worldwide, and high-protein (HP) diets are widely used for weight loss. However, the overall safety of HP diets is not well established in obese individuals, who make up a significant proportion of the population. To evaluate the health effects of an HP diet in obesity, obesity-prone (OP) Sprague-Dawley rats were given high-fat diets for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Following this, for 8 more weeks, these rats were given either a normal-protein (NP) (15% of energy) or an HP (35% of energy) diet ad libitum, or the NP diet at a restricted level to achieve body weights similar to those of the HP group (pair-weighted (PW) group). Obesity-resistant (OR) control rats were also given the NP diet throughout the feeding period. The HP-OP group had higher food intake but lower body weight, improved glucose handling, and lowered serum haptoglobin compared with the NP-OP group. These benefits were also observed in PW-OP rats. In addition, PW-OP rats had less fat accumulation when compared with NP-OP rats, and an improved Lee index, lower liver size, and lower serum alanine aminotransferase when compared with HP-OP rats. On the other hand, kidney size, proteinuria, and serum homocysteine were increased in HP-OP rats compared with NP-OP rats, whereas PW-OP rats did not experience these effects. These results indicate that in obese rats, more benefits are obtained via dietary restriction with an NP diet and without some of the potentially detrimental effects of an HP diet.

Coating with a novel gentamicinpalmitate formulation prevents implant-associated osteomyelitis induced by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in a rat model

PURPOSE

Implant-associated osteomyelitis still represents a demanding challenge due to unfavourable biological conditions, bacterial properties and incremental resistance to antibiotic treatment. Therefore different bactericide or bacteriostatic implant coatings have been developed recently to control local intramedullary infections. Controlled local release of gentamicin base from a highly lipophilic gentamicin palmitate compound achieves extended intramedullary retention times and thus may improve its bactericide effect.

METHODS

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups receiving an intramedullary femoral injection of 10(2) colony-forming units (CFU) of a common methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain (MSSA Rosenbach) and either an uncoated femur nail (Group I) or a nail coated with gentamicin palmitate (Group II). Animals were observed for 28 and 42 days. Serum haptoglobin and relative weight gain were assessed as well as rollover cultures of explanted femur nails and histological scores of periprosthetic infection in dissected femurs.

RESULTS

Implants coated with gentamicin palmitate significantly reduced periprosthetic bacterial growth as well as signs of systemic inflammation compared with uncoated implants.

CONCLUSIONS

Gentamicin palmitate appears to be a viable coating for the prevention of implant-associated infections. These findings will have to be confirmed in larger animal models as well as in clinical trials.

Nonclinical Safety Biomarkers of Drug-induced Vascular Injury

Better biomarkers are needed to identify, characterize, and/or monitor drug-induced vascular injury (DIVI) in nonclinical species and patients. The Predictive Safety Testing Consortium (PSTC), a precompetitive collaboration of pharmaceutical companies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), formed the Vascular Injury Working Group (VIWG) to develop and qualify translatable biomarkers of DIVI. The VIWG focused its research on acute DIVI because early detection for clinical and nonclinical safety monitoring is desirable. The VIWG developed a strategy based on the premise that biomarkers of DIVI in rat would be translatable to humans due to the morphologic similarity of vascular injury between species regardless of mechanism. The histomorphologic lexicon for DIVI in rat defines degenerative and adaptive findings of the vascular endothelium and smooth muscles, and characterizes inflammatory components. We describe the mechanisms of these changes and their associations with candidate biomarkers for which advanced analytical method validation was completed. Further development is recommended for circulating microRNAs, endothelial microparticles, and imaging techniques. Recommendations for sample collection and processing, analytical methods, and confirmation of target localization using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization are described. The methods described are anticipated to aid in the identification and qualification of translational biomarkers for DIVI.

Differential effects of cadmium administration on peripheral blood granulocytes in rats

Infiltration of circulatory inflammatory cells is a common histopathological finding in target organs following cadmium administration, but there is paucity of data concerning their activity. In this study, the effects of sublethal (1 mg/kg) cadmium on peripheral blood polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells were examined 48 h following administration in rats, when tissue (liver and lung) infiltration of these cells was observed. Cadmium administration resulted in systemic inflammatory cytokine and acute phase response with an increase in circulatory neutrophil numbers and cells that express CD11b molecules. Rise in basic aspects of oxidative activity including intracellular myeloperoxidase (MPO), reactive oxygen (nitroblue tetrazolium/NBT cytochemical assay) and nitrogen (Griess assay) species production was observed in PMNs from cadmium-administered rats. A decrease in levels of mRNA for IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 was noted, but production of these cytokines was affected differentially. Described effects of cadmium on PMNs add further to the understanding of inflammatory potential of this environmental contaminant.

Consumption of a high-fat diet rapidly exacerbates the development of fatty liver disease that occurs with chronically elevated glucocorticoids

Chronically elevated glucocorticoids (GCs) and a high-fat diet (HFD) independently induce insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). GCs have been linked to increased food intake, particularly energy-dense "comfort" foods. Thus we examined the synergistic actions of GCs and HFD on hepatic disease development in a new rodent model of chronically elevated GCs. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats received exogenous GCs, via subcutaneous implantation of four 100-mg corticosterone (Cort) pellets, to elevate basal GC levels for 16 days (n = 8-10 per group). Another subset of animals received wax pellets (placebo) to serve as controls. Animals from each group were randomly assigned to receive a 60% HFD or a standard high-carbohydrate (13% fat and 60% carbohydrate) diet. Cort + HFD resulted in central obesity, despite a relative weight loss, a 4-fold increase in hepatic lipid content, hepatic fibrosis, and a 2.8-fold increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase levels compared with placebo + chow controls. Hepatic injury developed independent of inflammation, as plasma haptoglobin levels were reduced with Cort treatment. Insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis occurred with Cort alone; these outcomes were further exacerbated by the HFD in the presence of elevated Cort. In addition to fatty liver, the Cort + HFD group also developed severe insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, which were not evident with HFD or Cort alone. Thus a HFD dramatically exacerbates the development of NAFLD and characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in conditions of chronically elevated Cort.

Effects of subacute oral warfarin administration on peripheral blood granulocytes in rats

Warfarin affects mainly vitamin K dependent (VKD) processes, but the effects on some non-VKD-related activities such as tumor growth inhibition and mononuclear cell-mediated immune reactions were shown as well. In this study, the effect of subchronic (30 days) oral warfarin (0.35 mg/l and 3.5mg/l) intake on peripheral blood granulocytes in rats was investigated. Increase in prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time at high warfarin dose reflected its basic activity. Priming effect for respiratory burst was noted at both warfarin doses, while only high warfarin dose resulted in priming for adhesion, the rise in intracellular myeloperoxidase content/release and stimulation of nitric oxide production. Differential effects of high warfarin dose were noted on granulocyte cytokines IL-6 (lack of the effect), TNF-α (decreased release and mRNA expression) and IL-12 (increase in mRNA for IL-12 subunits p35 and p40). Changes in granulocytes seems not to rely on mitogen activated kinases p38 and ERK. Warfarin intake was associated with an increase in circulating IL-6, fibrinogen and haptoglobin and with changes in the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. The effects of oral warfarin intake on peripheral blood granulocytes demonstrated in this study might be relevant for oral anticoagulant therapy strategies in humans.

Differential expression and intrachromosomal evolution of the sghC1q genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The secreted globular head C1q (sghC1q) genes can be characterized as a family of genetic loci encoding signal peptides followed by single complement component 1q globular (gC1q) motifs. Members of this family have been referred to as precerebellin-like (Cblnl), C1q-like or ovary specific C1q-like factors, and are transcribed in response to infection and/or during early development. This study was primarily undertaken to identify the zebrafish sghC1q (or DrsghC1q) genes that increase their transcription in response to infection and to examine their transcriptional patterns during early development. Twenty sghC1q genes were found in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) genome (Zv9). Two of the examined twenty genes showed significant up-regulation within 24h of infection with the fish pathogen Streptococcus iniae, and eleven of the examined twenty were expressed during early development. Due to the clustered nature of these genes on chromosomes two and seven, intrachromosomal duplication events are hypothesized and explored.

Acute phase proteins in animals

Acute phase proteins (APP) were first identified in the early 1900s as early reactants to infectious disease. They are now understood to be an integral part of the acute phase response (APR) which is the cornerstone of innate immunity. APP have been shown to be valuable biomarkers as increases can occur with inflammation, infection, neoplasia, stress, and trauma. All animals--from fish to mammals--have demonstrable APP, but the type of major APP differs by species. While the primary application of these proteins in a clinical setting is prognostication, studies in animals have demonstrated relevance to diagnosis and detection and monitoring for subclinical disease. APP have been well documented in laboratory, companion, and large animals. With the advent of standardized and automated assays, these biomarkers are available for use in all fields of veterinary medicine as well as basic and clinical research.

In-depth identification of pathways related to cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity through an integrative method based on an informatics-assisted label-free protein quantitation and microarray gene expression approach

Cisplatin is used widely for treatment of a variety of cancer diseases. Recently, however, the use of cisplatin is restricted because of its adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity. There is no study with current proteomics technology to evaluate cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, even if some studies have reported on the hepatotoxicity. In this study, proteomic as well as genomic analyses have been used for identification of proteins and genes that respond to cisplatin treatment in rat primary hepatocytes. To investigate the hepatotoxic effects of cisplatin, rat primary hepatocytes were treated with an IC(20) concentration for 24 h. From proteomic analysis based on label-free quantitation strategy, cisplatin induced 76 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated proteins among 325 distinct proteins. In the mRNA level, genomic analysis revealed 72 up-regulated and 385 down-regulated genes in the cisplatin-treated group. Based on these two analyses, 19 pathways were commonly altered, whereas seven pathways were identified only by proteomic analysis, and 19 pathways were identified only by genomic analysis. Overall, this study explained the mechanism of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity with two points of view: well known pathways including drug metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and glycolysis/TCA cycle and little known pathways including urea cycle and inflammation metabolism, for hepatotoxicity of other toxic agents. Up-regulated proteins detected by proteomic analysis in the cisplatin-treated group: FBP1 (fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase 1), FASN (fatty acid synthase), CAT (catalase), PRDX1 (peroxiredoxin-1), HSPD1 (60-kDa heat shock protein), MDH2 (malate dehydrogenase 2), and ARG1 (arginase 1), and also down-regulated proteins in the cisplatin-treated group: TPM1 (tropomyosin 1), TPM3 (tropomyosin 3), and CTSB (cathepsin B), were confirmed by Western blot analysis. In addition, up-regulated mRNAs detected by microarray analysis in the cisplatin-treated group: GSTA2, GSTT2, YC2, TXNRD1, CYP2E1, CYP2C13, CYP2D1, ALDH17, ARG1, ARG2, and IL-6, and also down-regulated mRNAs: CYP2C12, CYP26B1, TPM1, and TPM3, were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. In case of PRDX1, FASN, and ARG1, they were further confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis. Through the integrated proteomic and genomic approaches, the present study provides the first pathway map related to cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, which may provide new insight into the mechanism of hepatotoxicity.

Colorectal Oncogenesis and Inflammation in a Rat Model Based on Chronic Inflammation due to Cycling DSS Treatments

Inflammation is known to be linked with development of colorectal cancer, and the aim was to assess the malignant potential and degree of inflammation in a dextran-sulphate-sodium-(DSS-) induced cyclic colonic tumour model (CTM) in rats and to compare it with the azoxymethane-(AOM-) induced CTM model. Tumours developed in both groups, although, in the DSS group, the colonic mucosa appeared edematous and the number of haemorrhagic erosions and quantity of dysplastic lesions were higher as well as the mucosal concentration of myeloperoxidase and faecal viable count of Enterobacteriaceae. The livers were affected as evaluated by steatosis, parenchymal loss, haemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltrations, and higher proportions of acetate and lower proportions of butyrate in colonic content were found. The DSS model seems to mimic the clinical situation and may be valuable for investigation of inflammation-related dysplasia and colon cancer, as well as for altered liver function by endogenous inflammatory mediators.

Effects of a high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation are modulated by E. coli in rat offspring

OBJECTIVE

Microbial manipulations in early life can affect gut development and inflammatory status of the neonate. The maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation also influences the health of the offspring, but the impact of maternal high-fat (HF) feeding along with modulations of the gut microbiota on body weight, fat deposition and gut function in the offspring has been poorly studied.

METHODS

Rat dams were given access to either an HF or a standard low-fat diet during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy and during lactation and effects on body weight and gastrointestinal function were investigated in the 14-day-old offspring. To elucidate whether bacterial administration to the dam could modulate any effects of the diets in the rat pups, another group of dams were given Escherichia coli in their drinking water.

RESULTS

Maternal HF feeding resulted in increased body and fat pad weights in the offspring, along with increased levels of the acute-phase protein, haptoglobin and decreased protein content and disaccharidase activities in the small intestine. The addition of E. coli further accentuated these responses in the young rats, which, in addition to higher body weights and increased fat deposition, also showed an increased intestinal permeability and elevated levels of haptoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates for the first time how bacterial administration to the maternal diet during the neonatal period can affect body weight and fat deposition in the offspring. The results point to a mechanistic link between the gut microbiota, increased intestinal permeability and metabolic endotoxemia, which appear to have led to increased adiposity in the young rats.

The effects of immunosuppressive agents on inflammatory response in septic rats

Sepsis remains a serious clinical problems resulting in high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the inflammatory response in a septic rat model treated with immunomodulator agents. We used the cecal ligature and puncture model to establish septic peritonitis in rats. Male Wistar-Albino rats were randomized into groups of seven rats each and assigned different regimens: Tacrolimus 1 mg/kg/day, cyclosporin-A 5 mg/kg/day and methylprednisolone 15 mg/kg/day. These immunsuppressive agents were applied at the 6 and 48 hour intraperitoneally. The animals were euthanized after 6 and 48 hours and systemic parameters including, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-a, CRP, AST and creatinine were examined. Our study demonstrated that the experimental peritonitis model caused a meaningful rise in the values of systemic parameters. This was especially apparent for early-applied cyclosporin A; in addition, tacrolimus significantly decreased the levels both at the 6 and 48 hour. The excess immune response in complex sepsis treatment might be restrained using immunosuppressive agents administered early. Although additional supportive, comprehensive, experimental and clinical studies are still needed, this therapy model may prove to be an alternative for the future.

Accuracy of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in myocarditis: comparison of MR and histological findings in an animal model

BACKGROUND

Because endomyocardial biopsy has low sensitivity of about 20%, it can be performed near to myocardium that presented as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). However the important issue of comparing topography of CMR and histological findings has not yet been investigated. Thus the current study was performed using an animal model of myocarditis.

RESULTS

In 10 male Lewis rats experimental autoimmune myocarditis was induced, 10 rats served as control. On day 21 animals were examined by CMR to compare topographic distribution of LGE to histological inflammation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for LGE in diagnosing myocarditis were determined for each segment of myocardium. Latter diagnostic values varied widely depending on topographic distribution of LGE and inflammation as well as on the used CMR sequence. Sensitivity of LGE was up to 76% (left lateral myocardium) and positive predictive values were up to 85% (left lateral myocardium), whereas sensitivity and positive predictive value dropped to 0-33% (left inferior myocardium).

CONCLUSIONS

Topographic distribution of LGE and histological inflammation seem to influence sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Nevertheless, positive predictive value for LGE of up to 85% indicates that endomyocardial biopsy should be performed "MR-guided". LGE seems to have greater sensitivity than endomyocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of myocarditis.

Immune suppression by cyclosporin A inhibits phytohemagglutinin-induced precocious gut maturation in suckling rats

OBJECTIVES

Enteral exposure to the lectin phytohemagglutinin (PHA) provokes precocious gut maturation in suckling rats coinciding with an early expansion of intestinal mucosal T and B lymphocytes. Here, the role of the immune system in neonatal gut growth and maturation was further studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of immunosuppression by cyclosporine A (CyA), 7.5 microg/g of body weight, injected 12 hours before and then daily after the intragastric gavage of PHA, 100 microg/g body weight, to 14-day-old suckling rats were studied after 4 and 12 hours and later after 72 hours.

RESULTS

At 4 hours after PHA feeding, an early rapid increase in the intestinal levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor was obtained, and the CyA treatment did not prevent the temporary PHA-induced intestinal disturbance seen at 12 hours. Later, at 72 hours after PHA gavage the CyA treatment significantly counteracted the PHA-induced gut changes with a decrease in small intestinal growth, a delay in the appearance of adult-phenotype enterocytes in the distal small intestinal, and total inhibition of the PHA-induced pancreas development. Additionally, the increase in plasma level of the acute phase protein, haptoglobin, after PHA feeding was dampened by CyA.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the early recruitment of lymphocytes to the gut after PHA challenge, and that the ensuing precocious gut maturation is dependent on activation of the immune system, presumably T cells, in suckling rats.

Exercise maintains euglycemia in association with decreased activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in the liver of ZDF rats

Stress-activated systems and oxidative stress are involved in insulin resistance, which, along with beta-cell failure, contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Exercise improves insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, and these adaptations may, in part, be related to reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress. We investigated circulating and tissue-specific markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and insulin-signaling pathways in a rodent model of T2DM, the Zucker diabetic fatty rat, with and without voluntary exercise. At 5 wk of age, Zucker diabetic fatty rats (n = 8-9/group) were divided into basal (B), voluntary exercise (E), and sedentary control (S) groups. B rats were euthanized at 6 wk of age, and S and E rats were euthanized 10 wk later. E rats ran approximately 5 km/day, which improved insulin sensitivity and maintained fed and fasted glucose levels and glucose tolerance. Ten weeks of exercise also decreased whole body markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in plasma and liver, including lowered circulating IL-6, haptoglobin, and malondialdehyde levels, hepatic protein oxidation, and phosphorylated JNK, the latter indicating decreased JNK activity. Hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase levels and Ser(307)-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 were also reduced in E compared with S rats. In summary, we show that, in a rodent model of T2DM, voluntary exercise decreases circulating markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and lowers hepatic JNK activation and Ser(307)-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1. These changes in oxidative stress markers and inflammation are associated with decreased hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and reduced expression of the main gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase.

Dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFA reduces weight gain and improves postprandial lipaemia and the associated inflammatory response in the obese JCR:LA-cp rat

BACKGROUND

Postprandial dyslipidaemia occurs in obesity and insulin resistance (IR), and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. We have recently established that the JCR:LA-cp rodent model develops postprandial dyslipidaemia concomitant with complications of the metabolic syndrome. Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are proposed to modulate plasma lipids, serum hormone levels, lipoprotein metabolism and the inflammatory state; however, results remain inconsistent during conditions of IR.

AIM

To assess the acute metabolic and inflammatory effects of dietary fish oil supplementation on existing postprandial dyslipidaemia in the JCR:LA-cp model.

METHODS

JCR:LA-cp rats (14 weeks of age) were fed either a control, isocaloric, lipid balanced diet (15% w/w total fat, 1.0% cholesterol, P:S ratio 0.4), a lipid balanced diet with 5% n-3 PUFA [fish oil derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] or a lipid balanced diet with 10% n-3 PUFA for 3 weeks. Fasting plasma lipid, cytokine levels, postprandial chylomicron (apoB48) metabolism and the postprandial inflammatory response [haptoglobin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP)] were assessed following a standardized 'oral fat challenge'.

RESULTS

n-3 PUFA treatment resulted in a significant improvement (i.e. decrease) in the postprandial response for triglyceride (45%) (p < 0.05), apoB48 (45%) (p < 0.03) and LBP (33%) (p < 0.05) compared to controls (measured as area under the clearance curve). In contrast, we observed a significant elevation in postprandial haptoglobin (165%) (p < 0.001) in obese rats supplemented with 10% n-3 PUFA. Treatment with 5% n-3 PUFA in the JCR:LA-cp obese animals resulted in a complementary decrease in total body weight gain (6%) (p < 0.001) and an increase (i.e. improvement) in adiponectin (33%) (p < 0.05) compared to controls, without a concomitant reduction in food intake.

CONCLUSION

Acute dietary n-3 PUFA dietary supplementation can improve fasting as well as postprandial lipid metabolism and components of the associated inflammatory response in the JCR:LA-cp rat. Further, moderate dose n-3 PUFA supplementation may reduce corresponding body weight during conditions of hypercholesterolaemia and/or modulate inflammation associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

Permanent catheterization of the carotid artery induces kidney infection and inflammation in the rat

Catheterization of the carotid artery and the jugular vein is one of the most commonly applied techniques used to gain intravascular access in pharmacology studies on rodents. We catheterized 10 rats by conventional clean techniques, 10 rats by aseptic techniques and 10 rats by conventional clean techniques using a heparin-coated catheter rather than an ordinary non-coated polyvinyl chloride catheter. In all groups, approximately 80% of the rats developed kidney infection and 10-30% of the rats were septicaemic. Clinical chemistry did not indicate severe kidney damage, but serum haptoglobin and body temperature rises indicated an inflammatory response in rats independent of the surgical method. Heparin coating did not seem to improve the usability of the catheter. It is concluded that this commonly used method for catheterization has an impact on animals that may very well render them unsuitable for the purpose, e.g. pharmacological research, and therefore an alternative method would be preferable.

Quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (MALDI-FT-ICR) peptide profiling and identification of multiple-sclerosis-related proteins

We introduce a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (MALDI-FT-ICR) method for quantitative peptide profiling, using peak height as a measure for abundance. Relative standard deviations in peak height of peptides spiked over 3 orders of magnitude in concentration were below 10% and allowed for accurate comparisons between multiple sclerosis and controls. Application on a set of 163 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples showed significantly differential abundant peptides, which were subsequently identified into proteins (e.g., chromogranin A, clusterin, and complement C3).

Effect of 5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles on chronic inflammatory pain model in rats

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for treatment of arthritis. However, their long-term use has been associated with considerable morbidity, limiting their application. Thus, there remains a need to develop new drugs for the effective and safe relief of chronic inflammatory pain. In this context, the present study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effects of the 5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives EPFCA3 and MPFCA4 after acute (1-1000 micromol/kg) and chronic (100 micromol/kg for 15 days) administration in rats submitted to a model of adjuvant-induced arthritis. We also analyzed some biochemical indicators of toxicity (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine levels) after prolonged administration of these compounds. We found that acute and chronic subcutaneuous administration of EPFCA3 and MPFCA4 produces an antinociceptive, but not antiedematogenic, effect on the arthritis animal model induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). No signs of toxicity were observed in the animals chronically treated with EPFCA3 or MPFCA4. Dipyrone (1-1000 micromol/kg) was used as the positive control and its effect was similar to that of the novel pyrazoles. The activity of tissue myeloperoxidase, the tissue TNF-alpha level and the serum haptoglobin level was increased by intraplantar CFA injection. However, chronic administration of EPFCA3, MPFCA4 or dipyrone was not able to alter the relation between these parameters and inflammation. Our results suggest that EPFCA3 and MPFCA4 are good candidates for the development of new drugs for pain treatment.