Effect of oxidized dextrans on NO synthase and arginase activities of mouse macrophages

Effects of Liposomal Compositions with Oxidized Dextrans on Functional Activity of U937 Macrophage-Like Cells In Vitro

We studied the effects of liposomal pharmaceutical compositions with oxidized dextrans on functional activity of U937 monocyte/macrophage-like cells. Liposomes in the emulsion contained oxidized dextran with a molecular weights of 40 kDa or 70 kDa or isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INAH) conjugated with oxidized dextran (40 kDa). Cell viability was evaluated by MTT test; mitochondrial transmembrane potential and production of superoxide anion and H2O2 were studied by fluorescent methods. The studied compositions exhibited no cytotoxic effect and even improved cell viability and mitochondrial respiration. Liposomes with oxidized 40 kDa dextran, including those with INAH-conjugated dextran, inhibited production of superoxide anion, but increased H2O2 generation.

Effects of preventive administration of oxidized dextran on liver injury and reparative regeneration in mice infected with influenza A/H5N1 virus

Intranasal infection of outbred male mice with influenza A/H5N1 A/goose/Krasnoozerskoye/627/05 virus led to high (85%) mortality of animals. Morphological studies of liver specimens showed destructive changes in the parenchyma (93.5% hepatocytes), caused by long persistence of the virus in the liver. The virus persistence was conjugated with activation of cellular immunity, manifesting by an increase in the counts of cells with high expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) and lysosomal enzymes (lysozyme, cathepsin D). Injections of oxidized dextran 3 and 1 days before infection reduced mortality and 2-fold attenuated destructive changes in the liver, presumably due to prevention of virus penetration into the target cells, modulation of immune reactions, and stimulation of reparative plastic processes.