Prenatal Exposure to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 Induces Autism-Like Behaviors in Male Neonatal Rats: Insights into WNT and BDNF Signaling Perturbations

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the swift development and distribution of mRNA vaccines, including BNT162b2, to address the disease. Concerns have arisen about the potential neurodevelopmental implications of these vaccines, especially in susceptible groups such as pregnant women and their offspring. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of WNT, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, specific cytokines, m-TOR expression, neuropathology, and autism-related neurobehavioral outcomes in a rat model. Pregnant rats received the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine during gestation. Subsequent evaluations on male and female offspring included autism-like behaviors, neuronal counts, and motor performance. Molecular techniques were applied to quantify WNT and m-TOR gene expressions, BDNF levels, and specific cytokines in brain tissue samples. The findings were then contextualized within the extant literature to identify potential mechanisms. Our findings reveal that the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine significantly alters WNT gene expression and BDNF levels in both male and female rats, suggesting a profound impact on key neurodevelopmental pathways. Notably, male rats exhibited pronounced autism-like behaviors, characterized by a marked reduction in social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior. Furthermore, there was a substantial decrease in neuronal counts in critical brain regions, indicating potential neurodegeneration or altered neurodevelopment. Male rats also demonstrated impaired motor performance, evidenced by reduced coordination and agility. Our research provides insights into the effects of the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine on WNT gene expression, BDNF levels, and certain neurodevelopmental markers in a rat model. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these observations in humans and to explore the exact mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the risks and rewards of COVID-19 vaccination, especially during pregnancy, remains essential.

Neuroprotective effect of dexpanthenol on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease model in rats

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common and progressive neurodegenerative disease. This experimental study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of dexpanthenol on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease model in rats. Twenty-one male rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. The rotenone group (n = 14) was administered rotenone by intrastriatal injection, and the vehicle group (n = 7) was administered DMSO with the same application route. All animals underwent rotational movement testing with apomorphine injection 10 days later. Those with Parkinson's disease model were randomly divided into 2 groups. While 1 ml/kg of saline was applied to the saline group (n = 7), 500 mg/kg was administered to the dexpanthenol group intraperitoneally for 28 days. After 28 days, all rats were euthanized and brain tissue was removed. While striatal areas were evaluated immunohistochemically, brain MDA, TNF-α, and HVA levels were measured to evaluate their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In the dexpanthenol group, the total count (p < 0.001) and intensity (p < 0.001) of dopaminergic neurons in the striatal areas increased compared to the saline group. It was revealed that MDA (nmol/g) (p < 0.001) and TNF-α (pg/g) (p < 0.001) levels decreased in the dexpanthenol group, while HVA (ng/mg) levels increased (p < 0.01). This study suggests that dexpanthenol may have a neuroprotective effect by reducing neuronal loss, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation in the striatum in rats.

Regulation of tight junction proteins and cell death by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist in brainstem of hypertensive rats

The decrease in tight junction proteins and their adapter proteins in the hypertensive brain is remarkable. Here, we aimed to investigate tight junction proteins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) activation as well as inflammation factors and cell death proteins in the brainstem of hypertension models, namely spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and borderline hypertensive rats (BHR). At first, SHR and BHR groups were treated with PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone. Then, occludin, claudin-1, claudin-2, claudin-12, ZO-1, and NF-κB p65 gene expression levels; pIKKβ, NF-κB p65, TNF, IL-1β, caspase-3, caspase-9 levels, and PARP-1 cleavage were evaluated. Significantly lower pIKKβ, NF-κB p65, TNF, and IL-1β levels were measured in pioglitazone-treated SHR. Results from this study confirm higher occludin (1.35-fold), claudin-2 (7.45-fold), claudin-12 (1.12-fold), and NF-κB p65 subunit (4.76-fold) expressions in the BHR group when compared to the SHR group. Pioglitazone was found effective in terms of regulating gene expression in SHR. Pioglitazone significantly increased occludin (8.17-fold), claudin-2 (2.41-fold), and claudin-12 (1.85-fold) mRNA levels, which were accompanied by decreased cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 levels, PARP-1 activation, and proinflammatory factor levels in SHR (p ˂ 0.05). Our work has led us to conclude that alterations in tight junction proteins, particularly occludin, and cell death parameters in the brainstem following PPARγ activation may contribute to neuroprotection in essential hypertension.

Predictive factors in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant causes in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for extrahepatic cholestasis

OBJECTIVE

Diagnosing benign vs. malignant extrahepatic cholestasis is challenging despite the currently available advanced imaging and endoscopic techniques. This study aims to determine the predictive accuracy of initial biochemical data and bile duct dilatation findings in transabdominal ultrasound (US) to differentiate between benign and malignant disease in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the case records of 814 patients who had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (in cases of unsuccessful ERCP) for extrahepatic cholestasis. The etiology of biliary obstruction was determined based on ERCP, endoscopic ultrasonography, radiology, cytology, biopsy, and/or clinical follow-up at one year. The patients were divided into benign and malignant groups according to the underlying etiology of biliary obstruction. A complete biochemical profile, transabdominal ultrasonography at presentation, and other demographic data were recorded.

RESULTS

Alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.002), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.038), and bilirubin levels were significantly higher in malignant patients. The mean age of patients with malignancy was 69.5 years, vs. 60.6 years in benign patients (p < 0.001). The likelihood of malignancy increased with the increased bilirubin levels (> 200 µmol/l: 30.0% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity). The total bilirubin level predicting malignancy as the best cut-off value was 111 mmol/L with optimum sensitivity and specificity (61.8% and 83.8%, respectively) and area under the curve = 0.756, (p < 0.001). Intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) dilatation was significantly higher in malignant patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A serum bilirubin level of 111 µmol/L or higher and the detection of IHBD dilatation on abdominal ultrasonography are important predictors in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant causes of extrahepatic cholestasis.

Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Exposure Induces Autism-Like Neurobehavioral Changes in Male Neonatal Rats

Recent research on placental, embryo, and brain organoids suggests that the COVID-19 virus may potentially affect embryonic organs, including the brain. Given the established link between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and neuroinflammation, we sought to investigate the effects of exposure to this protein during pregnancy. We divided pregnant rats into three groups: Group 1 received a 1 ml/kg saline solution, Group 2 received 150 μg/kg adjuvant aluminum hydroxide (AAH), and Group 3 received 40 μg/kg spike protein + 150 μg/kg AAH at 10 and 14 days of gestation. On postnatal day 21 (P21), we randomly separated 60 littermates (10 male-female) into control, AAH-exposed, and spike protein-exposed groups. At P50, we conducted behavioral analyses on these mature animals and performed MR spectroscopy. Subsequently, all animals were sacrificed, and their brains were subject to biochemical and histological analysis. Our findings indicate that male rats exposed to the spike protein displayed a higher rate of impaired performance on behavioral studies, including the three-chamber social test, passive avoidance learning analysis, open field test, rotarod test, and novelty-induced cultivation behavior, indicative of autistic symptoms. Exposure to the spike protein (male) induced gliosis and neuronal cell death in the CA1-CA3 regions of the hippocampus and cerebellum. The spike protein-exposed male rats exhibited significantly greater levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and lactate and lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) than the control group. Our study suggests a potential association between prenatal exposure to COVID-19 spike protein and neurodevelopmental problems, such as ASD. These findings highlight the importance of further research into the potential effects of the COVID-19 virus on embryonic and fetal development and the potential long-term consequences for neurodevelopment.

Rottlerin and genistein inhibit neuroblastoma cell proliferation and invasion through EF2K suppression and related protein pathways

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid tumors in children younger than 1 year of age, with poor prognosis and survival rates. Therefore, novel molecular targets and therapeutic strategies are needed to prolong patient survival. For this purpose, we investigated the effects of rottlerin and genistein separately and in combination on neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y, Kelly). First, the effects of rottlerin and genistein were investigated on cell proliferation. Different rottlerin (1-50 µM) and genistein (5-150 µM) doses were used as experimental groups compared to the control (DMSO/vehicle). The IC50 dose was found to be 5 µM for rottlerin and 30 µM for genistein (P < 0.0001). Other analyses, such as colony formation assays, annexin V/propidium iodide staining, matrigel invasion assays, and Western blot analysis, were performed with these doses and their combinations. To assess statistical significance, statistical analysis was conducted using the one-way ANOVA with the post hoc Tukey test. Our results showed that IC50 doses of rottlerin and genistein induced a significant reduction in cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion in neuroblastoma cells (P < 0.0001). The combination of these doses increased the levels of inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion while decreasing the level of apoptosis (P 0.0001). Furthermore, these agents caused G1-cell cycle arrest in these cells. Our western blot data showed that rottlerin and genistein treatments markedly inhibit elongation factor 2 kinase (EF2K) and other pro-tumorigenic, metastatic proteins in neuroblastoma cells. These agents probably showed their anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, and pro-apoptotic effects through EF2K downregulation. Our results suggested that rottlerin and genistein have inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle and induce apoptosis in both cell lines. Combined treatment with rottlerin and genistein may be a viable approach and beneficial to neuroblastoma patients as the combined effect significantly suppresses the above-mentioned pathways.

Evaluation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in the vein wall of males with varicocele

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate potential differences in the presence of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 (TGF-β1) between the vein walls of patients with varicocele and those of healthy individuals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised a total of 40 participants, divided into two groups. The control group (Group 1) consisted of 20 patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery, while the varicocele group (Group 2) included 20 patients scheduled for varicocelectomy. The cytoplasmic and nuclear staining patterns of TGF-β1 immunohistochemistry were assessed in tissue samples under light microscopy, identifying any differences in TGF-β1 presence between varicocele patient vein walls and normal (saphenous) veins.

RESULTS

The varicocele group demonstrated lower nuclear and cytoplasmic TGF-β1 staining rates compared to the control group. After controlling for the independent factor of age, significantly lower nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was still observed in the varicocele group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first of its kind to compare TGF-β1 staining in the vein walls of varicocele patients and healthy individuals. Previous studies focusing on varicose veins reported elevated TGF-β1 expression. Contrarily, our study observed lower TGF-β1 expression in varicocele patient veins, marking a unique contribution to the field.

Lacosamide exhibits neuroprotective effects in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor system. Although there are several treatments available to alleviate PD symptoms, there is currently no cure for the disease. Lacosamide, an anti-epileptic drug, has shown promising results in preclinical studies as a potential neuroprotective agent for PD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of lacosamide in a murine model of PD.

METHODS

Twenty-one adult male rats were randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 7): 1 group received stereotaxical infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle, group 1), and the others received stereotaxical infusion of rotenone (groups 2 and 3). The apomorphine-induced rotation test was applied to the rats after 10 days. Thereafter, group 2 was administered isotonic saline, whereas group 3 was administered lacosamide (20 mg/kg,i.p.) for 28 days. Apomorphine-induced rotation tests were performed to assess the effect of lacosamide on motor function. In addition, immunohistochemistry and biochemistry were used to assess the dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra and MDA, TNF-α and HVA levels, respectively.

RESULTS

In rats with Parkinson's disease induced by rotenone, levels of malondialdehyde and TNF-α significantly increased and HVA levels decreased, whereas in mice treated with lacosamide, levels of malondialdehyde and TNF-α significantly decreased and HVA levels increased. The apomorphine-induced rotation test scores of lacosamide-treated mice were lower compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, treatment with lacosamide significantly mitigated the degeneration of dopaminergic projections within the striatum originating from the substantia nigra and increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunofluorescence, indicative of preserved dopaminergic neuronal function.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study provides evidence that lacosamide has a neuroprotective effect on the rat model of PD. Further studies are required to investigate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the potential clinical use of lacosamide as a neuroprotective agent for PD.

The role of ion channels in the relationship between the immune system and cancer

The immune system is capable of identifying and eliminating cancer, a complicated illness marked by unchecked cellular proliferation. The significance of ion channels in the complex interaction between the immune system and cancer has been clarified by recent studies. Ion channels, which are proteins that control ion flow across cell membranes, have variety of physiological purposes, such as regulating immune cell activity and tumor development. Immune cell surfaces contain ion channels, which have been identified to control immune cell activation, motility, and effector activities. The regulation of immune responses against cancer cells has been linked to a number of ion channels, including potassium, calcium, and chloride channels. As an example, potassium channels are essential for regulating T cell activation and proliferation, which are vital for anti-tumor immunity. Calcium channels play a crucial role when immune cells produce cytotoxic chemicals in order to eliminate cancer cells. Chloride channels also affect immune cell infiltration and invasion into malignancies. Additionally, tumor cells' own expressed ion channels have an impact on their behavior and in the interaction with the immune system. The proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and immune evasion of cancer cells may all be impacted by changes in ion channel expression and function. Ion channels may also affect the tumor microenvironment by controlling angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, and immune cell infiltration. Ion channel function in the interaction between the immune system and cancer has important implications for cancer treatment. A possible method to improve anti-tumor immune responses and stop tumor development is to target certain ion channels. Small compounds and antibodies are among the ion channel modulators under investigation as possible immunotherapeutics. The complex interaction between ion channels, the immune system, and cancer highlights the significance of these channels for tumor immunity. The development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer will be made possible by unraveling the processes by which ion channels control immune responses and tumor activity. Hence, the main driving idea of the present chapter is trying to understand the possible function of ion channels in the complex crosstalk between cancer and immunoresponse. To this aim, after giving a brief journey of ion channels throughout the history, a classification of the main ion channels involved in cancer disease will be discussed. Finally, the last paragraph will focus on more recently advancements in the use of biomaterials as therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The hope is that future research will take advantage of the promising combination of ion channels, immunomodulation and biomaterials filed to provide better solutions in the treatment of cancer disease.

N-acetyl cysteine: A new look at its effect on PTZ-induced convulsions

INTRODUCTION/AIM

Epilepsy is widely investigated as a common neurological disease requiring pharmacologically effective agents. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), has become a remarkable molecule with its role in both antioxidant and glutaminergic modulation. There are many points and processes waiting to be revealed regarding the role of NAC in epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was administered to induce seizures in a total number of 48 Sprague-Dawley rats. 35 mg/kg PTZ dose as a sub-convulsive dose was administered to 24 animals to monitor EEG changes, while 70 mg/kg PTZ dose which was a convulsive dose was administered to 24 animals to determine seizure-related behavioral changes with the Racine's scale. 30 min before the seizure-induced procedure, NAC was administered at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg as pretreatment to investigate anti-seizure and anti-oxidative effects. The spike percentage, the stage of convulsion, and the onset time of the first myoclonic jerk were evaluated to determine the anti-seizure effect. Furthermore, its effect on oxidative stress was determined by measuring both malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity.

RESULTS

There was a dose-dependent reduction in the seizure stage and prolonged onset time of the first myoclonic jerk in rats with NAC pretreatment. EEG recordings resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in spike percentages. Moreover, the same dose-dependent changes were observed in oxidative stress biomarkers, both 300 mg/kg NAC and 600 mg/kg decreased MDA levels and ameliorated SOD activity.

CONCLUSION

We can report that 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg doses of NAC are promising with their reducing effect on convulsions and have a beneficial effect by preventing oxidative stress. In addition, NAC has been also determined that this effect is dose-dependent. Detailed and comparative studies are needed on the convulsion-reducing effect of NAC in epilepsy.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and resveratrol attenuate hydrogen peroxide induced damage in neuronal cells

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the antioxidants resveratrol and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) protect SH-SY5Y cells against damage caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

METHODS

SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with EGCG and resveratrol at concentrations of 0.1 μM, 1 μM, and 10 μM, individually and in various combinations. Cells were exposed to 250 μM H2O2 for 1-hour following a 24-hour pretreatment. The effects of EGCG and resveratrol on cellular survival against hydrogen peroxide toxicity were evaluated with the MTS. Caspase 3 levels were measured with caspase 3 ELISA test for evaluating survival. The clonogenic test was utilized to assess the colony forming capacity.

RESULTS

The MTS test revealed that pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells for 24 hours with EGCG and Resveratrol enhanced cellular survival against hydrogen peroxide damage at all dosages (p < 0.005). The caspase 3 ELISA test revealed that EGCG and resveratrol statistically substantially decreased caspase 3 levels and improved cellular survival via the caspase 3 pathway (p < 0.005). The clonogenic test findings show that resveratrol and EGCG statistically boost SH-SY5Y cells' potential to form colonies (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

By reducing caspase 3 levels in exposure to hydrogen peroxide damage, EGCG and resveratrol promote cellular viability (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 37). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, hydrogen peroxide, neurodegeneration.

Effects of prenatal testosterone exposure on the development of autism-like behaviours in offspring of Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

A neurodevelopmental disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurs in males three times more commonly than girls. Higher prenatal testosterone exposure may result in autistic-like behaviour in boys, according to earlier research. It is unclear how fetal testosterone affects the development of autism. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal testosterone exposure in an animal model may result in autistic behaviours by modifying serotonin, dopamine, IGF-1 and oxytocin levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Group 1 (control, n = 6) and Group 2 (testosterone undecanoate, n = 6) of female rats were randomly assigned. For 2-3 days during the oestrus cycle, female rats were housed with a reproductive male (three females/one male). On the 10th day of gestation, rats in Group 1 received 1 ml/kg% 0.9 NaCl saline, whereas rats in Group 2 received 250 mg/kg testosterone undecanoate. Until weaning on postnatal day 21 (P21), the mothers were permitted to care for their pups. On P21, 40 littermates-10 male and female for control and 10 male and female from mothers that exposed to testosterone-were arbitrarily split up and housed. On P50, these mature rats were tested for their behaviour. The rats were then sacrificed. The brain tissue was subjected to histological examinations as well as biochemical tests for homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), oxytocin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

RESULTS

The groups differed significantly in the behavioural examinations (three-chamber social test, passive avoidance learning analysis, open field test), with the testosterone-exposed groups exhibiting autistic symptoms to a higher extent. When compared with the control groups, testosterone exposure caused significant histological changes in the hippocampus CA1 and CA3 areas, including gliosis and cell death of neurons. In the testosterone-exposed groups, HVA, 5-HIAA and IGF-1 tissue expressions in the brain elevated, whereas oxytocin levels reduced. These findings point to a potential connection between neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and exposure to testosterone during gestation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we revealed that prenatal testosterone exposure led to autistic traits by elevating serotonin, dopamine and IGF-1 levels while lowering oxytocin levels.

The Healing Effect Of Digoxin On Peripheral Nerve Damage and Its Relation to IL-17/IL-10

AIM

Peripheral nerve damage mainly develops after mechanical trauma, and microenvironment impairment after damage delays the healing process. Additionally, digoxin is a glycoside with proven anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, this study aimed to demonstrate the curative effect of digoxin on peripheral nerve damage with its anti-inflammatory role on interleukin (IL)-17.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted with 30 male Sprague Dawley albino mature rats, of which 10 formed the control group, 10 were surgically treated and administered saline (group S), and another 10 were surgically treated and administered digoxin (group D). Motor functions and immunohistochemical and biochemical variables of the rats were assessed after therapy.

RESULTS

The amplitude of the inclined plane test scores and the compound muscle action potential levels were greater in group D than in group S. Likewise, there were higher nerve growth factor percentages, higher axon counts, and lower fibrosis score percentages in group D than is group S. Lastly, lower tissue malondialdehyde and plasma IL-17 levels were determined in group D, while the IL-10 level was higher.

CONCLUSION

Digoxin contributes to nerve healing and neuroprotective effect by demonstrating its anti-inflammatory effect on IL-17. It can be considered an adjunctive therapy for peripheral nerve injury.

Demonstration of Ameliorating Effect of Vardenafil Through Its Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Properties in Autism Spectrum Disorder Induced by Propionic Acid on Rat Model

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology. In this study, we aimed to determine the ameliorating effects of vardenafil in the ASD rat model induced by propionic acid (PPA) in terms of neurobehavioral changes and also support these effects with histopathological changes, brain biochemical analysis and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings.Materials and Methods: Twenty-one male rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 (control, 7 rats) did not receive treatment. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were given PPA at the dose of 250 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 5 days. After PPA administration, animals in group 2 (PPAS, 7 rats) were given saline and animals in group 3 (PPAV, 7 rats) were given vardenafil. Behavioral tests were performed between the 20th and 24th days of the study. The rats were taken for MRS on the 25^th day. At the end of the study, brain levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, nerve growth factor, cGMP and lactate levels were measured. In the cerebellum and the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, counts of neurons and Purkinje cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein (associated with gliosis) were evaluated histologically.Results: Three chamber sociability and passive avoiding test, histopathological results, lactate levels derived from MRS, and biochemical biomarkers revealed significant differences among the PPAV and PPAS groups.Conclusion: We concluded that vardenafil improves memory and social behaviors and prevent loss of neuronal and Purkinje cell through its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect.

Digoxin Exhibits Neuroprotective Properties in a Rat Model of Dementia

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is by far the most common cause of cognitive impairment in older adults. Current treatments are entirely focused on the symptoms of AD. A complex etiology for AD has been proposed recently, in which AD leads in elevated levels of inflammation. We previously studied digoxin's involvement in the sporadic-AD intracerebroventricular (ICV)-streptozotocin (STZ) animal model due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective characteristics. 18 adult sprague-dawley rats were split into three groups: control (n = 6), STZ + Saline (n = 6), and STZ + Digoxin (n = 6). Twelve AD-induced rats were split into two groups using stereotaxy five days after STZ injection (3 mg/kg) into both lateral ventricles: one group got digoxin (0.1 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for three weeks, while the other group received saline. Following treatment, each subject was subjected to a passive avoidance learning (PAL) test, followed by brain tissue harvesting. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) were measured in the brain, and neurons were counted using Cresyl violet staining in cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) and cornu ammonis-3 (CA3) cornu ammonis (CA3). ICV-STZ significantly shortened PAL latency, increased brain TNF-α levels, decreased brain ChAT activity, and decreased hippocampus neuron number. On the other hand, digoxin significantly reduced all of these STZ-induced deleterious effects. Digoxin significantly rescued rats from memory loss caused by ICV-STZ by decreasing hippocampal cell death, neuroinflammation, and cholinergic deficiency. These findings suggest that digoxin may be beneficial in treating cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

The Restorative Effect of Gallic Acid on the Experimental Sciatic Nerve Damage Model

Objective

Peripheral nerve injuries occur mostly as a result of mechanical trauma. Due to the microvascular deterioration in peripheral nerve damage, it becomes challenging to remove free oxygen radicals. Gallic acid is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects and a free radical scavenger. The purpose of the study is to show that gallic acid contributes to the restorative effect in mechanical nerve damage, considering its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods

Thirty male Sprague Dawley albino mature rats were included in the study. Ten of them constituted the control group, 10 out of 20 rats for which sciatic nerve damage was caused, constituted the saline group, and 10 formed the gallic acid group. Post-treatment motor functions, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical parameters of the rats were evaluated.

Results

Compared to the surgery+saline group, lower compound muscle action potential (CMAP) latency, higher CMAP amplitude, and higher inclined plane test values were found in the surgery+gallic acid group. Similarly, a higher nerve growth factor (NGF) percentage, a higher number of axons, and a lower percentage of fibrosis scores were observed in the surgery+gallic acid group. Finally, lower tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and higher heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) values were determined in the surgery+gallic acid group.

Conclusion

Gallic acid positively affects peripheral nerve injury healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It has been thought that gallic acid can be used as a supportive treatment in peripheral nerve damage.

Effects of the Calcium Channel Blocker Otilonium Bromide on Seizure Activity in Rats With Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Convulsions

Millions of people suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. New therapeutic approaches for removing this life-affecting disease are required. The activation of T-type calcium channels (TTCC) is one of the epileptogenesis mechanisms that cause epilepsy. So, we researched the effects of Otilonium bromide (OB), an antisposmolytic drug that inhibits TTCC, on seizure activity in rats with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced convulsion. Randomly, 48 rats were divided into two groups; for electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and for behavioral assesment. Rats were treated with either intraperitoneal (IP) OB at two separate doses (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) or placebo, and then pentylenetetrazole (IP), a potent seizure-inducing chemical administered to them. In our model we have measured rat seizure activity with EEG, the convulsion scala of Racine (RCS), the time of first myoclonic jerk (FMJ) and MDA levels to assess if OB has antiepileptic properties. The mean EEG spike wave percentage score reduced from 79.5% (placebo) to 59.2% (lower-dose) and 35.2% (higher-dose). FMJ had increased from a mean of 67.2 s (placebo), to 105.2 (lower-dose), 150.6 (higher-dose). RCS reduced from a mean of 5.12 (placebo) to 4.4 (lower-dose), 3.8 (higher-dose). MDA leves reduced from 84.5 nmol/gr to 51.09 nmol/gr (lower-dose), 33.2 nmol/gr (higher-dose). Compared to placebo, OB reduced significantly seizure activity at both doses, probably through blocking T-type calcium channels. All these results were statistically significant with < 0.0001 p-values. Otilonium bromide reduced seizure activity in rats with PTZ-induced convulsion. Therefore, the clinical role of OB and other TTCC inhibitors as potential anti-seizure drugs should be further investigated.

Neuroprotective effects of dexpanthenol on streptozotocin-induced neuronal damage in rats

AIM

Although the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease defined by memory loss is Alzheimer's disease (AD), only symptomatic therapies are present. A complex pathway for the AD pathogenesis that includes an increase in inflammation has recently been suggested. Since in previous animal experiments dexpanthenol has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, effects and role of dexpanthenol in an intracerebroventricular (ICV)-streptozotocin (STZ) induced sporadic-AD(memory impairment) animal model have been examined.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In total, 18 adult sprague-dawley rats were classified into 3 groups; control (n = 6), STZ + Saline (n = 6) and STZ + Dexpanthenol (n = 6). Twelve AD-induced rats through STZ-injection (3 mg/kg) into both lateral ventricles via stereotaxy were separated into two groups five days after STZ administration: one of these groups was treated with dexpanthenol (1000 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 3 weeks and the other with saline. A passive avoidance learning (PAL) test was used after treatment, followed by brain tissue extraction in all subjects. Brain levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) were measured and Cresyl violet staining was used to count neurons in cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) and cornu ammonis-3 (CA3).

RESULTS

It was observed that ICV-STZ significantly shortened PAL latency, increased levels of TNF-α in brain, decreased activity of ChAT in brain, and number of hippocampal neurons. However, dexpanthenol significantly reduced all of those STZ-induced harmful effects.

CONCLUSION

Dexpanthenol significantly prevented the memory deficit induced by ICV-STZ through mitigating neuronal loss in hippocampus, cholinergic deficiency and neuroinflammation in rats. These findings suggest that dexpanthenol may be beneficial for treating memory impairment.

Effect of fluid resuscitation on acute lung injury in a rat model of sepsis

AIM

Sepsis is a systemic infection reaction and intravascular volume therapy plays a crucial role in it's treatment. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs in the lungs, the most affected organ. This study aimed to investigate the different effects of fluid therapy on ARDS caused by sepsis.

METHOD

To form a sepsis model, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure were performed on 44 adult rats. Divided into six groups; normal, CLP group, those treated with 40 ml/kg 0.9 % NaCl, 3 % NaCl (hypertonic saline), Ringer Lactate and Hydroxyethyl starch. After 24 hours treatments, histopathological examination of the lungs were done, and the plasma levels of CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 and paO2 were measured.

RESULTS

The scores of all histological parameters of the group treated with hypertonic saline were significantly lower than of the other groups (p < 0.001). Likewise, according to the arterial blood gas results, paO2 was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the hypertonic saline group compared to the other groups, and paCO2 was significantly lower (p < 0.01). CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 levels of inflammatory markers were also significantly lower in hypertonic saline groups compared to other groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that treatment with hypertonic saline reduces the progression of ARDS in sepsis (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 49).

Dexpanthenol reduces fibrosis and aids repair following nerve laceration and neurorrhaphy

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dexpanthenol on nerve healing following neurorrhaphy in lacerated peripheral nerves. A total of 30 mature Sprague Dawley rats were used. Surgical sciatic nerve dissection and repair was performed on an experimental group of 20 rats. The remaining 10 rats were designated as the control group. The experimental group was divided into 2 subgroups. The surgery + saline group (SSLE; n=10) was given 1 ml/kg 0.9% sodium chloride saline intraperitoneally. The surgery + dexpanthenol group (SDPL; n=10) rats were given 500 mg/kg/day dexpanthenol intraperitoneally. Histological evaluation of the sciatic nerve tissue revealed that the fibrosis score was significantly lower in the SDPL group than in the SSLE group (P<0.001). Electrophysiological evaluation of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) indicated that the CMAP level in the SDPL group was significantly higher than that of the SSLE group (P<0.001), and the CMAP latency period was lower in the SDPL group compared with the SSLE group (P<0.001). In addition, the SDPL group malondialdehyde level was significantly lower than that of the SSLE group (P<0.001). Functional evaluation with an inclined plane test revealed a significant difference between the SSLE (39.6±5.5^˚) and SDPL (79.1±6.93^˚) groups (P<0.001). Dexpanthenol was observed to have a positive effect on nerve tissue repaired with neurorrhaphy in a rat sciatic model of laceration-type injuries similar to those frequently encountered in the clinic.

Effect of Lipid Emulsion on the Improvement of Renal Damage in Colistin- Induced Nephrotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Colistin utilization has gradually increased worldwide with the rising of multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacilli despite its nephrotoxicity. Lipid emulsion (LE) is widely used for the toxic overdose treatment of various drugs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of lipid emulsion on the improvement of renal damage in colistin-induced nephrotoxicity with an experimental Sprague Dawley rat model.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were initially assigned to 2 random groups. Sixteen rats were given a single dose of 20 mg/kg colistin, and eight rats received no medication (control group). Sixteen rats that were administered colistin were sub-divided into 2 groups. Group 1/LE rats (n = 8) were given 20 ml/kg solution of lipid emulsion, and group 2/S rats (n = 8) were given 20 ml/kg/day (i.p.) of 0.9% NaCl saline; both were administered for 10 days. Then tubular injury was evaluated histopathologically. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1), and creatinine were measured. Besides, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in tissue samples for the assessment of lipid peroxidation.

RESULTS

The mean percent of tubular epithelial cell injury and tubular dilatation was found significantly higher in group 2/S than in control and group 1/LE (p < 0.0001 and < 0.001; respectively). KIM-1 and MDA levels were also statistically higher in group 2/S than in control and group 1/LE. (p < 0.0001 and < 0.0001; respectively). Additionally, serum BUN and creatinine levels of group 2/S were significantly greater than control and group 1/LE (p < 0.0001 and < 0.0001; respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this present study, we determined that colistin-induced proximal tubular damage was decreased histopathologically and serologically by the effect of lipid emulsion. Thus, our findings may guide future studies on the clinical use of colistin, particularly in MDR positive intensive care infections.

Protective effect of benfotiamine on methotrexate induced gastric damage in rats

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used for treating cancers and inflammatory diseases; it is a potential anti-metabolite and folate antagonist. We investigated potential protective effects of benfotiamine on MTX damage. We used a rat model of MTX induced gastric injury to assess changes in gastric histopathology, oxidative stress and visfatin levels due to MTX treatment. Rats were divided into four groups: an untreated control group, an MTX group treated with a single dose of MTX, a benfotiamine group treated with benfotiamine daily for two weeks, and a benfotiamine + MTX group treated with a single dose of MTX followed by benfotiamine daily for two weeks. Total tissue antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and visfatin levels were measured at the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, we investigated both visfatin expression and the histopathology of gastric tissues. The mean visfatin level was lower in the MTX group than in the benfotiamine group. The mean tissue TOS levels were higher in MTX group than in the control, benfotiamine or benfotiamine + MTX groups. Significant gastric gland dilation, and erosion and loss of mucosa were found on the gastric surface in the MTX group compared to the control group. The dilation, erosion and mucosal loss were decreased significantly in the benfotiamine + MTX group compared to the MTX group. Compared to the control group, visfatin immunoreactivity was reduced significantly in the MTX group. Decreased visfatin levels appear to play a role in the mechanism of gastric damage. Benfotiamine may be useful for preventing MTX induced gastric injuries.

Evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of ozone in an experimental spine injury model

OBJECTIVE

The pathophysiology of spine injury consists of primary and secondary damage mechanisms. The vast majority of treatments aim to prevent or at least stop the progression of secondary neurotoxic events during the acute period. Ozone has been found to have potent antiinflammatory effects, to activate the immune system, and to have a substantial impact on the antioxidant system. In this study the authors aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of ozone and their possible roles in recovery from spine injury, assessed based on biochemical, histological, and neurological parameters using an experimental spine injury model in rats.

METHODS

The study included 31 female Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided randomly into 5 groups, with 7 rats in each group except the sham group, which contained 3 rats, as follows: group 1 (sham), laminectomy; group 2 (control), laminectomy and spinal trauma with no medical treatment (0.5 ml isotonic saline applied 1 hour postsurgery); group 3, single medical treatment with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma; group 4, single medical treatment with 60 μg/ml ozone at 0.7 mg/kg applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma; and group 5, double medical treatment with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone and 60 μg/ml ozone at 0.7 mg/kg applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma. After neurosurgery, neurobehavioral tests were performed in all groups. After 7 days of follow-up, all the rats were killed. Biopsy specimens obtained from trauma sites were examined using H & E, cresyl violet, immunohistochemical (anticonnexin-43), and TUNEL staining processes. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured in blood samples.

RESULTS

The level of neurobehavioral healing was the highest in the double-treatment group (group 5), and the difference between the groups was significant. The minimum IL-6 level was found in group 5, indicating that the antiinflammatory impact was the most significant in this group (p = 0.01). Additionally, ozone was found to reduce oxidant stress more effectively than methylprednisolone (p = 0.03). Although methylprednisolone was superior to ozone in terms of the antiinflammatory effect, this effect was greater in group 5. Nevertheless, the number of neurons in group 5 was close to that of the control group, and the number of apoptotic cells was the least in group 5 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In acute spinal injury, the combined application of methylprednisolone and ozone was found to have a greater antiinflammatory effect, hasten clinical recovery, and increase histological recovery compared with methylprednisolone therapy alone. This study showed that this combination therapy of methylprednisolone with the addition of ozone might have a more beneficial effect in the treatment of spinal injury than methylprednisolone therapy alone.

Effects of trimetazidine on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve injury model

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of trimetazidine(TMZ) after end-to-end repair in a peripheral nerve injury model.

METHOD

We performed end-to-end primary repair of sciatic nerves in rats and showed TMZ's regenerative effect. For this objective 30 male Sprague Dawley albino rats were used. Surgery+water group, rats were assigned to a placebo group and were given water by oral gavage. Surgery+TMZ group, rats were given trimetazidine by oral gavage. All medications were given for 12 weeks. Motor function test was performed. Afterwards, electromyography (EMG) recording was done. Finally, blood samples were taken, the animals were euthanized andsciatic nerve was removed.

RESULTS

The amplitudes of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) increased significantly in the Surgery+TMZ group when compared with the group that have been given Surgery+Water. Nerve growth factor (NGF) immunoexpression in the Schwann cell was significantly increased in the Surgery+TMZ group compared with the Surgery+Water group. Moreover, fibrosis score was reduced in the Surgery+TMZ group compared to the Surgery+Water group.CONCLUSİONS: In conclusion, we demonstrated the superiority of TMZ on nerve healing in our experimental study which was evaluated with comparative groups (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 31).

Relationship between nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 variants and severity of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Intestinal barrier dysfunction has been implicated in the development of infectious complications of acute pancreatitis. Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization DomainContaining Protein 2 (NOD2) plays an important role in the proper functioning of intestinal defense mechanisms. Here, we investigated the frequency of NOD2 variants in patients with mild and severe acute pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Groups 1, 2 and 3 comprised healthy participants and patients with mild and severe pancreatitis, respectively. Four NOD2 variants and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-a (TNF-a) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three patients (3/32, 9.4%) in the severe pancreatitis group were positive for the p.R702W variant. This variant was negative in other groups. One, three and three patients in the healthy (1/27, 3.7%), mild (3/36, 8.3%) and severe pancreatitis (3/32, 9.4%) groups tested positive for the 1007fs variant, respectively. No significant differences in the frequencies of NOD2 variants were evident among the groups. Serum IL-6, TNF-a and LBP levels were markedly higher in the severe pancreatitis than the healthy and mild pancreatitis groups (all p<0.001). We observed no significant correlation between cytokine levels and NOD2 variants.

CONCLUSION

Our results support an association between the presence of the p.R702W variant and severe pancreatitis.

Levodropropizine suppresses seizure activity in rats with pentylenetetrazol-induced epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from epilepsy, and up to 25% of patients have seizures that are resistant to currently available antiepileptic drugs. Hence, there continues to be a need for more seizure medications that are effective yet tolerable. Levodropropizine (LVDP) is an established antitussive drug that, based on preclinical data, may also have antiepileptic activity.

METHODS

We treated rats with either intraperitoneal (IP) LVDP at two different doses or placebo in randomized fashion and then exposed them to IP pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), a potent seizure-inducing compound. We measured the rats' subsequent seizure activity with electroencephalography (EEG), Racine's convulsion scale (RCS) and time to first myoclonic jerk (TFMJ) to determine whether LVDP has antiepileptic properties in our murine model for epilepsy.

RESULTS

When compared to placebo, LVDP at both doses significantly suppressed seizure activity. Mean EEG spike wave percentage score decreased from 76.8% (placebo) to 13.1% (lower dose) and 7.6% (higher dose, bothp <  0.0001). RCS decreased from a mean of 5.8 (placebo) to 1.83 (lower dose) and 1.16 (higher dose, both p <  0.05). TFMJ had increased from a mean of 65.1 s (placebo), to 247.3 s (lower dose) and 295.5 s (higher dose, both p <  0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Levodropropizine, a common antitussive drug, suppresses seizure activity in rats with PTZ-induced status epilepticus. Given the ongoing need to find effective therapies for refractory epilepsy, the possibility of using levodropropizine as an antiepilepticshould be further explored.

Abstract 1950: Targeted silencing of NaV1.5 channel suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in ovarian cancer cells through inhibition of PI3K/AKT and Integrinβ-1/FAK/Src axis

Ovarian cancer (OCa) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer related deaths. OCa is one of the most aggressive cancer and associated with poor prognosis and survival rates (5-year survival rates about 50%). OCa cells have highly invasive metastatic phenotype due to mutations, altered signaling pathways and deregulated of control mechanisms and patients with metastatic disease have poorer prognosis (5-year survival is 20%). The major reasons for patient death include significant intratumoral heterogeneity, early metastasis and development of resistance to currently used chemotherapeutics. Therefore, identification of novel molecular targets and therapeutics strategies are urgently needed to enhance the efficacy of current therapies and prolong patient survival. Ion channels are important signaling molecules expressed in a wide range of tissues where they have significant involvement in determining a variety of cellular functions: solute transport, volume control, enzyme activity, secretion, invasion, gene expression, excitation-contraction coupling and intercellular communication. Studies indicated that there are significant differences in the regulation and the function of ion channels between normal and cancer cells. Voltage gated sodium channels (VGSC) is a group of ion channels that has been correlated with OCa because of their higher expression in highly metastatic ovarian cancer cells. Importantly, VGSC activity contributes to many cellular behaviors integral to metastasis in breast and other cancers including OCA. In this study, we investigated the NaV1.5 as integral component of the metastatic process in human OCa. The aim of the current study was to reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of NaV1.5 down-regulation and investigate the effects on OCa in vitro. In this study, the ovarian cancer cell lines (HEYA8, SKOV3-IP1, SKOV3-TR (taxol resistant)) were used. NaV1.5 and Control non-silencing small interfering RNAs (siRNA) were employed for therapy. As in vitro experiments, cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, western blot analysis were performed. Our results showed that specific NaV1.5 siRNA treatments caused a significant reduction in cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion capacity in OCa cells (p&lt;0.0001). To reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of NaV1.5 down-regulation, we evaluated signaling pathways regulating cell proliferation and invasion/metastasis by western blot analysis and found that NaV1.5 expression promotes expression of PI3K/AKT, Integrinβ1/FAK/Src and P70S6K. In conclusion, our results suggest that Nav1.5 channels may contribute OCa tumorigenesis and metastasis through the upregulation of oncogenic pathways and serve as a potential therapeutic target in OCa.

Citation Format: Mumin Alper Erdogan, Bulent Ozpolat. Targeted silencing of NaV1.5 channel suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in ovarian cancer cells through inhibition of PI3K/AKT and Integrinβ-1/FAK/Src axis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1950.

Highly selective SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduces seizure activity in pentylenetetrazol-induced murine model of epilepsy

Background

Worldwide, over 10 million individuals suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. New therapeutic strategies are needed to address this debilitating disease. Inhibition of sodium-glucose linked transporters (SGLTs), which are variably expressed in the brain, has been demonstrated to reduce seizure activity in murine models of epilepsy. Here we investigated the effects of dapagliflozin, a highly competitive SGLT2 inhibitor currently used as a drug for diabetes mellitus, on seizure activity in rats with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced seizures.

Methods

Laboratory rats (n = 48) were evenly randomized into two experiments, each with four study arms: (1) a vehicle-treated (placebo) arm infused with saline; (2) a control arm infused with PTZ; (3) a treatment arm with PTZ and dapagliflozin at 75 mg/kg, and (4) another treatment arm with PTZ and dapagliflozin at 150 mg/kg. Study subjects were assessed for seizures either via EEG as measured by spike wave percentage (SWP), or clinically via Racine’s scales scores (RSS) and time to first myoclonic jerk (TFMJ).

Results

Rats treated with dapagliflozin had lower mean SWP on EEG (20.4% versus 75.3% for untreated rats). Behaviorally, treatment with dapagliflozin improved means RSS (2.33 versus 5.5) and mean TFMJ (68.3 versus 196.7 s). All of these findings were statistically significant with p-values of < 0.0001. There was a trend towards even better seizure control with the higher dose of dapagliflozin at 150 mg/kg, however this was not consistently statistically significant.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin decreased seizure activity in rats with PTZ–induced seizures. This may be explained by the anti-seizure effects of decreased glucose availability and a reduction in sodium transport across neuronal membranes which can confer a stabilizing effect against excitability and unwanted depolarization. The potential clinical role of dapagliflozin and other SGLT2 inhibitors as anti-seizure medications should be further explored.

Endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation in a high volume transplant center in Turkey; a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Biliary complications are an important cause of mortality and morbidity after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We present our endoscopic treatment results after LDLT as a single center with high volume.

METHODS

Patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after LDLT between 2005 and 2015 were included. Clinical data included patient demographics, ERCP indications (stricture or leak), and treatment outcomes, including need for percutaneous and surgical interventions.

RESULTS

ERCP was performed in 446 (39.2%) patients with duct-to-duct anastomosis of 1136 LDLT patients. The most common biliary complication was stricture ± stone (70.6%, 315/446). Stricture and leak occurred in 60 (13.4%) patients. Only biliary leak was found in 40 (8.9%) patients. Our endoscopic treatment success rate in patients with biliary stricture after LDLT was 65.1%. Overall endoscopic success rates in our patients were 55.0% in patients with both leak and stricture, and only leak. In all, our percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions (PTBI) and ERCP success rate was 90.6% in patients with biliary complications after LDLT.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatments are highly effective for biliary complications after LDLT. Effective use of percutaneous interventions in collaboration with endoscopic treatments significantly reduces the need for surgical treatment.

Abstract 1154: Targeted silencing of elongation factor 2 kinase (EF2K) suppresses invasion, cell proliferation and growth in an orthotopic model of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OCa) is one of the most aggressive and deadliest cancer and is currently incurable disease with the poorest prognosis and survival rates (4%, 5year survival rates). One of the hallmarks of OCa is its early invasion and metastasis, resistance to chemotherapeutics and radiotherapy and aggressive tumor progression. These features contribute to a poor prognosis of this highly complex malignancy with many molecular alterations and mutations involving multiple genes. The major reason for patient death is due to metastasis and resistance to current therapies that include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation. Therefore, novel molecular targets and therapeutics strategies are urgently needed to enhance the efficacy of current therapies and prolong patient survival. Recently, we discovered that Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EF2K), an atypical kinase, is dramatically up-regulated in cells and promotes cell survival and proliferation, its inhibition significantly reduces cell growth and colony formation. However, the role that EF2K in OCa and pathways regulating cell proliferation, colony formation, survival, invasion/metastasis and resistance remains is largely unknown. Here, we show that specific inhibition of EF2K by siRNA-mediated knockdown markedly inhibits OCa (HeyA8 and SKOV3ip1) cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion/migration in vitro. This targeting resulted in a substantial decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation in the tumors, and led to the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. Lack of function demonstrated that EF2K regulates Beta1-integrin, p-SRC, p-FAK, p-AKT, p-IF2alpha, p-ERK expression. Our western blot data suggested that EF2K may enhance tumorigenesis and metastasis through the upregulation of pro-tumorigenic, metastatic proteins and pathways in OCa. Furthermore, we found that therapeutic inhibition of EF2K by systemically administered (i.v) nanoliposomal EF2K siRNA inhibited growth SKOV3 tumor xenografts and intraperitoneal tumor nodules (intraperitoneal metastatic model) in nude mice (p&lt;0.05), demonstrating the role of EF2K in tumorigenesis and metastatic phenotype. We also found that treatment with EF2K siRNA resulted in significant decrease in mean tumor weight, induced apoptosis (as judged by a positive TUNEL assay) and the downregulation of the proliferative marker Ki-67. Collectively, our data suggest, for the first time, the pivotal role of eEF2K in OCa cell proliferation, invasion and tumor progression and establish eEF2K as a novel potential therapeutic target in highly aggressive and lethal ovarian cancer.

Citation Format: Mumin Alper Erdogan, Bulent Ozpolat. Targeted silencing of elongation factor 2 kinase (EF2K) suppresses invasion, cell proliferation and growth in an orthotopic model of ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1154. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1154

Vinpocetine and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Attenuate Manganese-Induced Toxicity in NE-4C Cells

Increased concentration of manganese (Mn) in the brain is known to be associated with excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Vinpocetine, an alkaloid derived from the plant Vinca minor L., basically shows its effect via phosphodiesterase inhibition and voltage-dependent Na⁺ channels. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has gastrointestinal, vasomotor, muscular, and neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to examine the potential protective effects of vinpocetine and VIP against Mn toxicity in NE-4C neural stem cells (NSCs). VIP treatment at 1 μM and vinpocetine treatment at 2 μM concentrations were sufficient to yield maximum protection, and these concentrations were adopted in the following experiments. In this study, Mn treatment significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and triggered cell death in NE-4C cultures. However, significant reduction in LDH release was observed following vinpocetine or VIP treatments when compared with control. Similar to these findings, vinpocetine or VIP treatments significantly reduced membrane degradation induced by Mn (p < 0.001). Moreover, vinpocetine attenuated Mn-induced decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Similarly, proapoptotic protein bax and ROS production significantly decreased in cells after incubation with vinpocetine (p = 0.01) or VIP in the presence of Mn (p < 0.001). Our study provides the evidence that both vinpocetine and VIP may exert protective effects via modulating oxidative stress and apoptosis in Mn-induced neurodegeneration in NE-4C cells.

The Acute Effect of Humic Acid on Iron Accumulation in Rats

Free iron leads to the formation of pro-oxidant reactive oxygen species (ROS). Humic acids (HAs) enhance permeability of cellular wall and act as a chelator through electron transferring. This study was designed to test chelator effect of HA on iron as well as its anti-oxidant effect against the iron-induced hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. The rats used were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group): group I (the control group); group II (the HA group), humic acid (562 mg/kg) was given over 10 days by oral gavage; group III (the iron group), iron III hydroxide polymaltose (250 mg/kg) was given over 10 days by intraperitoneal route; and group IV (the HA plus iron group), received the iron (similar to group II) plus humic acid (similar to those in groups II and III) group. Blood and two tissue samples both from liver and heart were obtained for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Iron deposition, the iron-induced hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity were demonstrated by histopathological and biochemical manner. However, no significant differences were observed in the serum biochemical values and the histopathological results among the iron and the HA plus iron groups in the liver tissue but not in the heart tissue. The protective effects of humic acid against iron-induced cardiotoxicity were shown but not against hepatotoxicity in our study.

The protective effects of apocynin on ionizing radiation-induced intestinal damage in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Radiation colitis typically emerges during radiotherapy of intra-abdominal malignancies. While the underlying mechanism remains unclear, it is considered that free oxygen radicals act like cellular mediators to cause colonic damage. Apocynin (APO) prevents oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death by inhibiting NADPH oxidase, and preventing the formation of free oxygen radicals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of APO, a strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, on radiation induced colonic oxidative damage in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group). Group I (control group); Group II (Group RAD) received a single dose of 800 cGy ionizing radiation to the whole abdomen with a linear accelerator (LINAC); Group III (Group APO) received a single dose of 20 mg/kg of APO intraperitoneally for five days; Group IV (Group APO+RAD) received APO for five days before radiation exposure (similar to Group III), (similar to Group II).

RESULTS

APO treatment prior to radiation led to protection in the biochemical and histopathological parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that APO treatment before radiation improves radiation induced colonic injury in rats, by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Bisphosphonates inhibit stellate cell activity and enhance antitumor effects of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) have been recognized as the principal cells responsible for the production of fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recently, PSCs have been noted to share characteristics with cells of monocyte-macrophage lineage (MML cells). Thus, we tested whether PSCs could be targeted with the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBP; pamidronate or zoledronic acid), which are potent MML cell inhibitors. In addition, we tested NBPs treatment combination with nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) to enhance antitumor activity. In vitro, we observed that PSCs possess α-naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE) enzyme activity, a specific marker of MML cells. Moreover, NBPs inhibited PSCs proliferation, activation, release of macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and type I collagen expression. NBPs also induced PSCs apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in the G1 phase. In vivo, NBPs inactivated PSCs; reduced fibrosis; inhibited tumor volume, tumor weight, peritoneal dissemination, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation; and increased apoptosis in an orthotopic murine model of PDAC. These in vivo antitumor effects were enhanced when NBPs were combined with nab-paclitaxel but not gemcitabine. Our study suggests that targeting PSCs and tumor cells with NBPs in combination with nab-paclitaxel may be a novel therapeutic approach to PDAC.

Effects of preoperative iron deficiency on transfusion requirements in liver transplantation recipients: a prospective observational study

The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of preoperative iron deficiency in adult living donor liver transplantation patients and to investigate its relationship with the need for intraoperative transfusion. Between September 1, 2011, and June 1, 2012, 103 patients scheduled for liver transplantation were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to baseline iron status: an iron-deficient group and a non deficient (normal iron profile) group. Iron deficiency was assessed on the basis of several parameters, including transferrin saturation, levels of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, C-reactive protein, and peripheral blood smear. Preoperative iron deficiency was diagnosed in 62 patients. Preoperative iron deficiency was associated with low preoperative hemoglobin levels (P = .01) and a high rate of intraoperative transfusion (P < .0001). Preoperative iron deficiency is prognostic factor for predicting intraoperative transfusion requirements. These findings have important implications for transfusion practices for liver transplant recipients.

Airway management using the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in a child with Goldenhar syndrome

Children with congenital anomalies such as Goldenhar syndrome affecting the airway can be a problem for the anaesthesiologist. We present the case of an 18 month-old child with Goldenhar syndrome, in whom the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway was successfully used for inguinal hernia surgery.

Single intrathecal fentanyl for combined spinal epidural anesthesia confers no advantage over hemodynamic effects in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Neuroaxial blockade for ambulatory transurethral resection of the prostate is a well established technique. Patients in this group are often at high risk for perioperative complications from concurrent diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare the elderly patients who received intrathecal fentanyl alone or intrathecal fentanyl plus bupivacaine or epidural anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-nine patients were prospectively randomized to receive fentanyl 25 microg (Group F), fentanyl 25 microg plus hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5 mg (Group BF), or epidural anesthesia adding fentanyl 50 microg (Group E) by combined spinal epidural anesthesia technique.

RESULTS

The amount of local anesthetics used until when the sensorial block reached the level of T10 was significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p < 0.001). Maximum level of sensory block was significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p = 0.01). The time elapsed until the sensory block reached T10, the regression of sensory block to L5 level were significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to the basal values, mean arterial pressures were significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p < 0.05). The occurrence of hypotension was significantly lower in the Group BF (9.4%) than in the Group E (18.2%) and the Group F (24.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5 mg plus fentanyl 25 microg administration provides shorter motor block onset time, less local anesthetic usage and adequate hemodynamic stability in elderly patients.