Four Weeks of Aerobic Training Affects Cardiac Tissue Matrix Metalloproteinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Malate Dehydrogenase Enzymes Activities, and Hepatorenal Biomarkers in Experimental Hyperhomocysteinemia in Rats

Effects of four-week lasting aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, metabolic enzymes activities and histological characteristics in liver tissue of hyperhomocysteinemic rats

Disruptions in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism may increase the liver's susceptibility to developing conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine effects of aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers in sera, oxidative stress parameters, the activity of metabolic enzymes, and histological characteristics in the liver tissue of rats with experimentally induced hyperhomocysteinemia. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (N = 10, per group): C-saline 0.2 mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14 days + saline 0.5 mL ip.1×/day for 28 days; H-homocysteine 0.45 µmol/g b.w. 2×/day for 14 days + saline 0.5 mL ip.1×/day for 28 days; CPA-saline 0.2 mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14 days + aerobic treadmill training for 28 days; and HPA-homocysteine 0.45 µmol/g b.w. 2×/day for 14 days + aerobic treadmill training for 28 days. The serum albumin concentration was decreased in both physically active (PA) groups compared to sedentary groups. Concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue homogenates was lower in both PA groups compared to the H group. The total lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly elevated in the HPA group compared to the C and H groups. Activities of aminotransferases in sera samples, and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in liver tissue did not significantly differ between groups. No significant histological changes were found in liver tissue in groups. This study demonstrated that aerobic treadmill training can reduce lipid peroxidation in liver tissue under hyperhomocysteinemic conditions, providing a protective effect. However, hyperhomocysteinemia can alter energy metabolism during aerobic exercise, shifting it toward anaerobic pathways and leading to elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity in the liver. Given that conditions like hyperhomocysteinemia are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and liver damage, understanding how exercise influences these dynamics could guide therapeutic approaches.

Exploring the neuroprotective role of physical activity in cerebral small vessel disease

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a common neurological finding characterized by abnormalities of the small blood vessels in the brain. Previous research has established a strong connection between cSVD and stroke, as well as neurodegenerative disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. As the search for effective interventions continues, physical activity (PA) has emerged as a potential preventative and therapeutic avenue. This review synthesizes the human and animal literature on the influence of PA on cSVD, highlighting the importance of determining optimal exercise protocols, considering aspects such as intensity, duration, timing, and exercise type. Furthermore, the necessity of widening the age bracket in research samples is discussed, ensuring a holistic understanding of the interventions across varying pathological stages of the disease. The review also suggests the potential of exploring diverse biomarkers and risk profiles associated with clinically significant outcomes. Moreover, we review findings demonstrating the beneficial effects of PA in various rodent models of cSVD, which have uncovered numerous mechanisms of neuroprotection, including increases in neuroplasticity and integrity of the vasculature and white matter; decreases in inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction; and alterations in amyloid processing and neurotransmitter signaling. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of physical activity as a preventive strategy for addressing cSVD, offering insights into the need for refining exercise parameters, diversifying research populations, and exploring novel biomarkers, while shedding light on the intricate mechanisms through which exercise confers neuroprotection in both humans and animal models.

Cardioprotective effects of losartan and diminazene against the ischemia/reperfusion injury in hyperthyroidism rats

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces high levels of thyroid hormone. Heart diseases are one of the main complications of hyperthyroidism. Several studies have shown that losartan (LOS) and diminazene aceturate (DIZE) possess cardioprotection effects against cardiac hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure. The research aimed to investigate the cardioprotection of LOS, DIZE, and their combination in the case of levothyroxine (LT4)-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by LT4 in drinking water (12 mg/L) for 28 days. LOS (10 mg/kg, orally) and/or DIZE (15 mg/kg, subcutaneously) were administrated in rats with hyperthyroidism for 28 days. Decreased serum creatine kinase myoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase levels and cardiac hypertrophy by DIZE and combination therapy in hyperthyroidism rats have been reported. Cardiac hemodynamic findings showed that DIZE and its combination with LOS decreased the LT4-mediated left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), rate pressure product (RPP), and RPP recovery percentage. Elevated cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation were confirmed by decreasing cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increasing the total oxidative stress and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. SOD activity and TNF-α level were reversed by LOS and DIZE administration, respectively. Generally, DIZE and combination therapy with LOS improved cardiac dysfunction caused by hyperthyroidism in rats, whereas LOS alone has not been able to effectively respond to this dysfunction.

Effects of Aerobic Treadmill Training on Oxidative Stress Parameters, Metabolic Enzymes, and Histomorphometric Changes in Colon of Rats with Experimentally Induced Hyperhomocysteinemia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic treadmill training regimen of four weeks duration on oxidative stress parameters, metabolic enzymes, and histomorphometric changes in the colon of hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 10, per group): C, 0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day subcutaneous injection (s.c.) 2x/day; H, homocysteine 0.45 µmol/g b.w./day s.c. 2x/day; CPA, saline (0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day s.c. 2x/day) and an aerobic treadmill training program; and HPA, homocysteine (0.45 µmol/g b.w./day s.c. 2x/day) and an aerobic treadmill training program. The HPA group had an increased level of malondialdehyde (5.568 ± 0.872 μmol/mg protein, p = 0.0128 vs. CPA (3.080 ± 0.887 μmol/mg protein)), catalase activity (3.195 ± 0.533 U/mg protein, p < 0.0001 vs. C (1.467 ± 0.501 U/mg protein), p = 0.0012 vs. H (1.955 ± 0.293 U/mg protein), and p = 0.0003 vs. CPA (1.789 ± 0.256 U/mg protein)), and total superoxide dismutase activity (9.857 ± 1.566 U/mg protein, p < 0.0001 vs. C (6.738 ± 0.339 U/mg protein), p < 0.0001 vs. H (6.015 ± 0.424 U/mg protein), and p < 0.0001 vs. CPA (5.172 ± 0.284 U/mg protein)) were detected in the rat colon. In the HPA group, higher activities of lactate dehydrogenase (2.675 ± 1.364 mU/mg protein) were detected in comparison to the CPA group (1.198 ± 0.217 mU/mg protein, p = 0.0234) and higher activities of malate dehydrogenase (9.962 (5.752-10.220) mU/mg protein) were detected in comparison to the CPA group (4.727 (4.562-5.299) mU/mg protein, p = 0.0385). Subchronic treadmill training in the rats with hyperhomocysteinemia triggers the colon tissue antioxidant response (by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase) and elicits an increase in metabolic enzyme activities (lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase). This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the effects of aerobic exercise on colonic tissues in a rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia, evaluating a range of biological indicators including antioxidant enzyme activity, metabolic enzyme activity, and morphometric parameters, which suggested that exercise may confer protective effects at both the physiological and morphological levels.

Anti-Obesity Effects of a Combination of Whole-Body Vibration Stimulus and Dietary D-Allulose on Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has gained attention as a light-resistance exercise and can increase energy metabolism. The rare sugar D-allulose has anti-obesity effects that are mediated by the suppression of hepatic lipogenesis. In this study, we examined the anti-obesity effects of a combination of WBV and dietary D-allulose in rats fed a high-fat diet. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (3-wk-old) were randomly assigned to four groups: sedentary control (C), WBV (V), D-allulose (A), and WBV+D-allulose (VA). Rats in Groups A and VA were fed a 5% D-allulose diet, and rats in Groups V and VA were subjected to WBV using a vibrating platform during the 8-wk experimental period. Total abdominal adipose tissue was significantly lower in Groups V, A, and VA than that in Group C, whereas no differences were observed between Groups V, A, and VA. Dietary D-allulose significantly decreased the weights and percentages of carcass and total body fats, whereas the WBV stimulus significant reduced only the total body fat mass. We observed that both long-term WBV stimulation and dietary D-allulose intake inhibited body fat accumulation in rats fed a high-fat diet, which led to obesity; however, no synergistic effect of this combination could be confirmed.

Association of serum homocysteine levels with intestinal flora and cognitive function in schizophrenia

Some studies have indicated that elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels and intestinal flora may be involved in schizophrenia (SZ) cognition pathophysiology. This study was the first to investigate the association among Hcy, intestinal flora and schizophrenia cognition. Here, 140 individuals were divided into two groups: SZ patients (N = 68) and healthy controls (HCs, N = 72). Participant data on serum Hcy levels, intestinal flora and cognitive function evaluation using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) were collected. Clinical symptoms of patients were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Serum Hcy levels and the incidence of hyperhomocysteinaemia were considerably increased in SZ patients compared with HCs. Hcy levels were significantly negatively associated with verbal learning index scores (r = -0.425, p < 0.001) but positively associated with Eubacterium (r = 0.32, p = 0.007), Lactobacillus (r = 0.32, p = 0.008), Corynebacterium (r = 0.26, p = 0.035), Mogibacterium (r = 0.31, p = 0.01), and Bulleidia (r = 0.31, p = 0.01) in SZ patients. Our findings suggest that serum Hcy levels are associated with cognitive function and intestinal flora in SZ patients. However, the mechanism of the interaction between Hcy and intestinal flora and its effects on cognitive function in SZ patients requires further investigation.

Effects of four weeks lasting aerobic physical activity on cardiovascular biomarkers, oxidative stress and histomorphometric changes of heart and aorta in rats with experimentally induced hyperhomocysteinemia

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia and aerobic physical activity on changes of cardiovascular biomarkers in sera, oxidative stress in cardiac tissue, and histomorphometric parameters of heart and aorta in rats. Experiments were conducted on male Wistar albino rats organized into four groups (n = 10, per group): C (control group): 0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day; H (homocysteine group): homocysteine 0.45 µmol/g b.w./day; CPA (control + physical activity group): 0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day and a program of physical activity on a treadmill; and HPA (homocysteine + physical activity group) homocysteine 0.45 µmol/g b.w./day and a program of physical activity on a treadmill. Substances were applied subcutaneously twice a day. Lipid peroxidation and relative activity of Mn-superoxide dismutase isoform were significantly higher in active hyperhomocysteinemic rats in comparison to sedentary animals. Atherosclerotic plaques were detected in aorta samples of active hyperhomocysteinemic rats and also, they had increased left ventricle wall and interventricular septum, and transverse diameter of cardiomyocytes compared to sedentary groups. Aerobic physical activity in the condition of hyperhomocysteinemia can lead to increased oxidative stress in cardiac tissue and changes in histomorphometric parameters of the heart and aorta, as well increased lipid parameters and cardiac damage biomarkers in sera of rats.

Analyzing the Clinical Efficacy of a Type 5 Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Combined With Ziyin Baihuo Granules in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

The study explored the clinical efficacy of a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5i) combined with Ziyin Baihuo granules in the treatment of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) with yin deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome. A total of 163 patients with erectile dysfunction were divided into observation and control groups. The observation group took tadalafil (Cialis) and Ziyin Baihuo granules orally, and the control group took only tadalafil orally, for 12 weeks. An additional 40 healthy people were selected as a normal group for comparison of the sex hormone levels before and after treatment of the participants in the erectile dysfunction group. After treatment, the symptoms of dry throat and tongue, tidal fever and night sweats, liking cold and avoiding heat, and waist pain showed significant improvement in the observation group (p < .05). Compared with before treatment, the clinical indexes of erectile function in the control group and the observation group were improved after treatment (p < .05). After treatment, Ziyin Baihuo granules combined with tadalafil restored the abnormal indexes of blood (p < .05) in the observation group. Our research shows that PDE5i combined with Ziyin Baihuo granules could effectively improve erectile function.

Rivastigmine Reverses the Decrease in Synapsin and Memory Caused by Homocysteine: Is There Relation to Inflammation?

Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in the blood, called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), is a prevalent risk factor for it has been shown that Hcy induces oxidative stress and increases microglial activation and neuroinflammation, as well as causes cognitive impairment, which have been linked to the neurodegenerative process. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mild hyperhomocysteinemia with or without ibuprofen and rivastigmine treatments on the behavior and neurochemical parameters in male rats. The chronic mild HHcy model was chemically induced in Wistar rats by subcutaneous administration of Hcy (4055 mg/kg body weight) twice daily for 30 days. Ibuprofen (40 mg/kg) and rivastigmine (0.5 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally once daily. Motor damage (open field, balance beam, rotarod, and vertical pole test), cognitive deficits (Y-maze), neurochemical parameters (oxidative status/antioxidant enzymatic defenses, presynaptic protein synapsin 1, inflammatory profile parameters, calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), iNOS gene expression), and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway were investigated. Results showed that mild HHcy caused cognitive deficits in working memory, and impaired motor coordination reduced the amount of synapsin 1 protein, altered the neuroinflammatory picture, and caused changes in the activity of catalase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes. Both rivastigmine and ibuprofen treatments were able to mitigate this damage caused by mild HHcy. Together, these neurochemical changes may be associated with the mechanisms by which Hcy has been linked to a risk factor for AD. Treatments with rivastigmine and ibuprofen can effectively reduce the damage caused by increased Hcy levels.

Homocysteine, Vitamins B6 and Folic Acid in Experimental Models of Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure—How Strong Is That Link?

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and the main cause of disability. In the last decade, homocysteine has been found to be a risk factor or a marker for cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure (HF). There are indications that vitamin B6 plays a significant role in the process of transsulfuration in homocysteine metabolism, specifically, in a part of the reaction in which homocysteine transfers a sulfhydryl group to serine to form α-ketobutyrate and cysteine. Therefore, an elevated homocysteine concentration (hyperhomocysteinemia) could be a consequence of vitamin B6 and/or folate deficiency. Hyperhomocysteinemia in turn could damage the endothelium and the blood vessel wall and induce worsening of atherosclerotic process, having a negative impact on the mechanisms underlying MI and HF, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered function of gasotransmitters. Given the importance of the vitamin B6 in homocysteine metabolism, in this paper, we review its role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, influencing the functions of gasotransmitters, and improving vasodilatation and coronary flow in animal models of MI and HF.