21-Day dermal exposure to aircraft engine oils: effects on esterase activities in brain and liver tissues, blood, plasma, and clinical chemistry parameters for Sprague Dawley rats

This dermal study tested the potential toxicity of grade 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) organophosphate-containing aircraft engine oils in both new (G3-N, G4-N) and used states (G3-U, G4-U) to alter esterase activities in blood, brain and liver tissues, clinical chemistry parameters, and electrophysiology of hippocampal neurons. A 300 µl volume of undiluted oil was applied in Hill Top Chamber Systems®, then attached to fur-free test sites on backs of male and female Sprague Dawley rats for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 21 days. Recovery rats received similar treatments and kept for 14 days post-exposure to screen for reversibility, persistence, or delayed occurrence of toxicity. In brain, both versions of G3 and G4 significantly decreased (32-41%) female acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity while in males only G3-N and G4-N reduced (33%) AChE activity. Oils did not markedly affect AChE in liver, regardless of gender. In whole blood, G3-U decreased female AChE (29%) which persisted during recovery (32%). G4-N significantly lowered (29%) butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in male plasma, but this effect was resolved during recovery. For clinical chemistry indices, only globulin levels in female plasma significantly increased following G3-N or G4-N exposure. Preliminary electrophysiology data suggested that effects of both versions of G3 and G4 on hippocampal function may be gender dependent. Aircraft maintenance workers may be at risk if precautions are not taken to minimize long-term aircraft oil exposure.

Melatonin improves cognitive behavior, oxidative stress, and metabolism in tumor-prone lethal giant larvae mutant of Drosophila melanogaster

Mutant lethal giant larvae (lgl) flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are known to develop epithelial tumors with invasive characteristics. The present study has been conducted to investigate the influence of melatonin (0.025 mM) on behavioral responses of lgl mutant flies as well as on biochemical indices (redox homeostasis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, transaminases, and minerals) in hemolymph, and head and intestinal tissues. Behavioral abnormalities were quantitatively observed in lgl flies but were found normalized among melatonin-treated lgl flies. Significantly decreased levels of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidants involved in redox homeostasis were observed in hemolymph and tissues of lgl flies, but had restored close to normalcy in melatonin-treated flies. Carbohydrates including glucose, trehalose, and glycogen were decreased and increased in the hemolymph and tissues of lgl and melatonin-treated lgl flies, respectively. Key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism showed a significant increment in their levels in lgl mutants but had restored close to wild-type baseline levels in melatonin-treated flies. Variables of lipid metabolism showed significantly inverse levels in hemolymph and tissues of lgl flies, while normalization of most of these variables was observed in melatonin-treated mutants. Lipase, chitinase, transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase showed an increment in their activities and minerals exhibited decrement in lgl flies; reversal of changes was observed under melatonin treatment. The impairment of cognition, disturbance of redox homeostasis and metabolic reprogramming in lgl flies, and restoration of normalcy in all these cellular and behavioral processes indicate that melatonin could act as oncostatic and cytoprotective agents in Drosophila.

Quail (Coturnix japonica) egg attenuated 2-butoxyethanol-induced enzymatic dysregulation, disseminated thrombosis and hemolytic impairment in female wistar rats

Influence of quail egg on pathologies has increased research interests and series of investigations are currently being done on its influence against these pathologies. The influence of quail egg against 2-butoxyethanol induced hemolysis and disseminated thrombosis was investigated to determine the enzymatic regulations that ensue in the amelioration of deleterious hemolytic and disseminated thrombosis displayed in female Wistar rats. Quail egg was separated into three (3) components (extracts)-quail egg yolk water soluble (QYWS) and fat soluble (QYFS), and albumen extract (QA) and the inorganic and organic compositions were characterized. Depranocytotic assaults was achieved by 250 mg/kg of 2-Butoxyethanol administered for 4 days, the clinical observation revealed a dark purple-red discoloration on the distal tails of the rats and therapeutic applications followed with 1000 mg/kg BWT of QYWS, QYFS and QA, and 15 mg/kg BWT of hydroxyurea. Morphological evaluation, haematological estimations and biochemical evaluations of the influence on the activities of sphingosine kinase-1, RNase, red cell carbonic anhydrase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase and caspase-3, vis a vis the concentrations of sphingosine-1 phosphate, selenium and zinc (plasma and urine). In vitro anti-inflammatory influence of quail egg components were investigated against hemolysis and key enzymes of inflammation-cycloxygenase, lipoxygenase and β-glucuronidase. The in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of QYWS, QYFS and QA were concentration dependent from 200 to 800 μg/ml against hemolysis and the key enzymes of inflammation. The characterization of inorganic and organic bioactive composition of the yolk and albumen revealed the presence of folic acid, cobalamin, pyridine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid as well as vitamins D and E, selenium, zinc, iron and calcium. These had reflected in the attenuation of the induced hemolytic and disseminated thrombosis by regulations of enzymes linked to the infarction, apoptosis and oxidative stress characterized in sickle cell index.

The Impact of Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract on Fat Oxidation, Body Composition and Cardio-Metabolic Health in Overweight, Recreationally Active Individuals

This study investigated the effect of decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE), with or without antioxidant nutrients, on fat oxidation, body composition and cardio-metabolic health measures in overweight individuals engaged in regular exercise. Twenty-seven participants (20 females, 7 males; body mass: 77.5 ± 10.5 kg; body mass index: 27.4 ± 3.0 kg·m²; peak oxygen uptake (V.O_2peak): 30.2 ± 5.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) were randomly assigned, in a double-blinded manner, either: dGTE (400 mg·d⁻¹ (−)-epigallocatechin−3-gallate (EGCG), n = 9); a novel dGTE+ (400 mg·d⁻¹ EGCG, quercetin (50 mg·d⁻¹) and α-lipoic acid (LA, 150 mg·d⁻¹), n = 9); or placebo (PL, n = 9) for 8 weeks, whilst maintaining standardised, aerobic exercise. Fat oxidation (‘FAT_MAX’ and steady state exercise protocols), body composition, cardio-metabolic and blood measures (serum glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, glycerol, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, high [HDL-c] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], triglycerides, liver enzymes and bilirubin) were assessed at baseline, week 4 and 8. Following 8 weeks of dGTE+, maximal fat oxidation (MFO) significantly improved from 154.4 ± 20.6 to 224.6 ± 23.2 mg·min⁻¹ (p = 0.009), along with a 22.5% increase in the exercise intensity at which fat oxidation was deemed negligible (FAT_MIN; 67.6 ± 3.6% V.O_2peak, p = 0.003). Steady state exercise substrate utilisation also improved for dGTE+ only, with respiratory exchange ratio reducing from 0.94 ± 0.01 at week 4, to 0.89 ± 0.01 at week 8 (p = 0.004). This corresponded with a significant increase in the contribution of fat to energy expenditure for dGTE+ from 21.0 ± 4.1% at week 4, to 34.6 ± 4.7% at week 8 (p = 0.006). LDL-c was also lower (normalised fold change of −0.09 ± 0.06) for dGTE+ by week 8 (p = 0.038). No other significant effects were found in any group. Eight weeks of dGTE+ improved MFO and substrate utilisation during exercise, and lowered LDL-c. However, body composition and cardio-metabolic markers in healthy, overweight individuals who maintained regular physical activity were largely unaffected by dGTE.

Latifolin protects against myocardial infarction by alleviating myocardial inflammatory via the HIF-1α/NF-κB/IL-6 pathway

CONTEXT

The Traditional Chinese herb medicine Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (Fabaceae), exerted a protective effect on myocardial ischaemia. Latifolin is a neoflavonoid extracted from Dalbergia odorifera. It has been reported to have the effects of anti-inflammation and cardiomyocyte protection.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether latifolin can improve myocardial infarction (MI) through attenuating myocardial inflammatory and to explore its possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Left coronary artery was ligated to induce a rat model of MI, and the rats were treated with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) or different doses of latifolin (25, 50, 100 mg/kg/d) by oral gavage for 28 days. Serum contents of myocardial enzyme were measured at seven and fourteen days after treatment. Cardiac function, infarct size, histopathological changes and inflammatory cells infiltration was assessed at 28 days after treatment. Western blotting was used to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Latifolin treatment markedly decreased the contents of myocardial enzymes, and increased left ventricular ejection fraction (85.27% vs. 59.11%) and left ventricular fractional shortening (62.71% vs. 45.53%). Latifolin was found to significantly reduced infarction size (27.78% vs. 39.07%), myocardial fibrosis and the numbers of macrophage infiltration (436 cells/mm² vs. 690 cells/mm²). In addition, latifolin down-regulated the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (0.95-fold), phospho-nuclear factor-κB (0.2-fold) and interleukin-6 (1.11-fold).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Latifolin can protect against myocardial infarction by improving myocardial inflammation through the HIF-1α/NF-κB/IL-6 signalling pathway. Accordingly, latifolin may be a promising drug for pharmacological treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular disease.

Tiron protects against nicotine-induced lung and liver injury through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in rats in vivo

AIMS

Tobacco smoking is a major health problem associated with lung and liver damage. Lung and liver damage secondary to tobacco smoking is mediated through nicotine-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that antioxidant treatment with tiron may improve nicotine-induced lung and liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into six groups, a control, nicotine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.; for 8 weeks) and tiron (100 or 200 mg/kg/day, i.p.; for 8 weeks) with or without nicotine administration.

KEY FINDINGS

Tiron improved survival rate and attenuated lung and liver damage as reflected by decreased total and differential cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum; also histopathological examination confirmed the protective effect of tiron in lung and liver tissues of nicotine treated rats. Tiron attenuated dyslipidemia, which is associated with nicotine. These ameliorative effects of tiron may be mainly due to its antioxidant effect as proved by a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels, and increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) level, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. This is likely related to suppression of protein levels of NADPH oxidase enzyme (NOX1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); and up-regulation of protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2).

SIGNIFICANCE

This makes tiron (synthetic analogue of vitamin E) good candidate for future use to minimize nicotine's hazards among smokers.

Hepatoprotective effect of Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxic rat model

Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew (Z. oxyphylla) is a small shrub to a medium sized tree. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Z. oxyphylla in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxic rat model. Silymarin was used as a standard drug. Methanol extract was found to be the most potent in in-vitro antioxidant studies. The methanol extract of Z. oxyphylla was administered to experimental animals. The hepatoprotective effect of extract was evaluated by measuring liver biochemical markers, anti-oxidant enzymes and blood lipid profile. Treatment with the paracetamol increased the level of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes. Pre-treatment with Z. oxyphylla caused restoration of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes levels. It is concluded that the methanol extract of Z. oxyphylla possesses hepatoprotective activity that might be due to quercetin and kaempferol glycosides present in the plant extract. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of these isolated flavonoid glycosides.

Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharide on Plasma and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Liver Histomorphology in Normal Sprague-Dawley Rats

Chitosan oligosaccharide is known to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. However, some studies found that chitosan oligosaccharide might induce mild to moderate hepatic damage in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese rats or diabetic rats. Chitosan oligosaccharide can be as a dietary supplement, functional food, or drug. Its possible toxic effects to normal subjects need to be clarified. This study is designed to investigate the effects of chitosan oligosaccharide on plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism and liver histomorphology in normal Sprague-Dawley rats. Diets supplemented with 5% chitosan oligosaccharide have been found to induce liver damage in HF diet-fed rats. We therefore selected 5% chitosan oligosaccharide as an experimental object. Rats were divided into: a normal control diet group and a normal control diet +5% chitosan oligosaccharide group. The experimental period was 12 weeks. The results showed that supplementation of 5% chitosan oligosaccharide did not significantly change the body weight, food intake, liver/adipose tissue weights, plasma lipids, hepatic lipids, plasma levels of AST, ALT, and TNF-α/IL-6, hepatic lipid peroxidation and anti-oxidative enzyme activities, fecal lipids, and liver histomorphology in normal rats. These findings suggest that supplementation of 5% chitosan oligosaccharide for 12 weeks may not induce lipid metabolism disorder and liver toxicity in normal rats.

Clinical Features of COVID-19-Related Liver Functional Abnormality

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Some patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have abnormal liver function. We aimed to clarify the features of COVID-19-related liver damage to provide references for clinical treatment.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single-center study of 148 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 (73 female, 75 male; mean age, 50 years) at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from January 20 through January 31, 2020. Patient outcomes were followed until February 19, 2020. Patients were analyzed for clinical features, laboratory parameters (including liver function tests), medications, and length of hospital stay. Abnormal liver function was defined as increased levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (37.2%) had abnormal liver function at hospital admission; 14.5% of these patients had high fever (14.5%), compared with 4.3% of patients with normal liver function (P = .027). Patients with abnormal liver function were more likely to be male, and had higher levels of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein. There was no statistical difference between groups in medications taken before hospitalization; a significantly higher proportion of patients with abnormal liver function (57.8%) had received lopinavir/ritonavir after admission compared to patients with normal liver function (31.3%). Patients with abnormal liver function had longer mean hospital stays (15.09 ± 4.79 days) than patients with normal liver function (12.76 ± 4.14 days) (P = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

More than one third of patients admitted to the hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection have abnormal liver function, and this is associated with longer hospital stay. A significantly higher proportion of patients with abnormal liver function had received lopinavir/ritonavir after admission; these drugs should be given with caution.

Determination of Six Sigma Metric in Control of Enzymes Determination in Human Serum

BACKGROUND

Clinical Chemistry is the backbone of medical treatment, diagnostics, and prevention. The laborato-ries are trying to improve the quality and to reduce diagnostic errors and processing time and safeguard trace-ability of all laboratory procedures to ensure patient safety. Six sigma belongs to statistical quality control and provides a new methodology for measuring and improving process performance in laboratory.

METHODS

Activities of AST, ALT, CK, LDH, Amy, and γ-GT were determined by standard kinetic methods on a Vitros 5600 biochemistry analyzer. Two daily quality controls (Verifier I and Verifier II) were run over 60 days. Total percent CV was calculated from routine daily QC. Between-instrument bias was also calculated from daily QC.

RESULTS

The calculated sigma metrics for AST were 6.9 and 3.8; for ALT 9.3 and 5.6; for CK 6.6 and 5.3; LDH 5.2 and 5.2; for γ-GT 4.9 and 2.7; and for amylase 8.7 and 7.1. Analytical performance for AST, ALT, CK, LDH, and Amylase is world class. On the other hand, γ-GT analytical performance is poor.

CONCLUSIONS

Six Sigma benefits from earlier quality management approaches that creates new challenges for medical laboratories.

Fatal case of West Nile encephalitis associated with acute anteroseptal ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): a case report

Cardiac involvement has rarely been reported in West Nile (WNV) infection. We report a fatal case of WNV encephalitis associated with an acute anteroseptal ST elevation myocardial infarction. The patient was hospitalized with a fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. The physical examination revealed positive meningeal signs and an altered level of consciousness. High levels of cardiac enzymes (creatine phosphokinase/MB fraction, lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin and cardiac troponin I) and ST elevation on electrocardiogram were found. Both CSF and urine samples were positive for WNV RNA. This case highlights the need of awareness of the possibility of a WNV-related myocardial infection, including myocardial infarction.

Benign pancreatic hyperenzymemia-Gullo's syndrome: focus on this clinical challenge. A monocentric retrospective study

BACKGROUND

An abnormal and chronic rise of pancreatic enzymes in the blood is most often due to pancreatic diseases, primarily inflammatory or neoplastic, or to numerous extra-pancreatic pathologies. Benign chronic pancreatic hyperenzymemia was described for the first time - as a separate nosological entity - in 1996 by Lucio Gullo et al. They demonstrated the existence of a benign chronic pancreatic hyperenzymemia in asymptomatic subjects and without clinical implications; however, a follow-up of at least 1-2 years is necessary during which no specific symptomatology or morpho-functional impairment of the pancreas should occur, also evaluated through the aid of instrumental diagnostic investigations such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance cholangio pancreatography (MRCP).

METHODS

This study was performed with the analysis of a group of 43 subjects arrived at the observation of the Gastroenterology Team of Policlinico Hospital G. Rodolico in Catania-Italy which presented a chronic pancreatic hyperenzymemia, in order to establish the actual benignity of this condition over time.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, pancreatic alterations and hyperenzymemia were found in 10 patients, while hyperenzymemia was not associated with pancreatic modification in 33 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of this enzymatic elevation - often conspicuous and lasting - the patient is often particularly anxious. For the same reason, the patient frequently undergoes very expensive laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods. Good knowledge of the syndrome makes it possible to manage the event more rationally, also to reduce management costs to a minimum.

Manganese attenuates the effects of arsenic on neurobehavioral and biochemical changes in mice co-exposed to arsenic and manganese

An unsafe level of manganese (Mn) was detected in the drinking water in some arsenic (As)-contaminated areas in Bangladesh. Mn is an essential trace element; however, the intake of a higher level of Mn through the drinking water is associated with the development of toxicity in humans. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of As and Mn co-exposure on neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in a mouse model. Sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg body weight) and manganese chloride tetrahydrate (10 mg/kg body weight) were given to mice individually and in combination with drinking water for 90 days. Results showed that individual As and Mn exposure as well as co-exposure of As and Mn significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the percent of time spent in the open arms when compared with that of control mice. In addition, percent of time spent in open arms significantly (p < 0.05) increased in co-exposed mice compared with As exposure in elevated plus maze (42.05 ± 1.10 versus 38.94 ± 0.66). In the Morris water maze test, the mean time latency to find the platform was longer in metal-treated mice in comparison to that of control mice (p < 0.05). Importantly, the co-exposed group had shorter time when compared with the As-exposed group during the training periods (p < 0.05). Moreover, co-exposed mice stayed significantly (p < 0.05) more time in the target quadrant in the probe trial in comparison with that of As-exposed mice (27.25 ± 1.21 versus 23.83 ± 0.87 s) but less time than control mice (27.25 ± 1.21 versus 43.17 ± 1.49 s). In addition, a significant (p < 0.05) alteration of biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, ALP, BChE, and SOD as well as urea and creatinine levels were noted in the As-exposed group compared with the control group and Mn significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the effects of As in co-exposed mice. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that As and Mn may have some antagonistic effect and Mn could attenuate the As-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in co-exposed mice.

Anthelmintic efficacy of trichlorfon and blood parameters of young lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus

In this study we evaluated the efficacy of trichlorfon against Haemonchus contortus, monitoring its influence on blood parameters and plasma enzymes of lambs with haemonchosis. A lamb group was orally treated with trichlorfon at 100 mg kg^-1 while the other group was untreated. Split-plot design analysis was performed with the lamb groups defined as plots while the subplots were the four periods (weeks) of collection. The trichlorfon treatment promoted a significant and effective reduction of fecal egg counts after one week, with efficacies > 99%. After 21 days of treatment, detected blood parameters and serum levels of plasma enzymes were normal. Additionally, serum albumin and urea concentrations increased to normal values, which were not observed in untreated lambs. The treatment with this organophosphate, using a correct oral administration, may represent an effective therapeutic alternative for sheep infected with multi resistant strain of H. contortus.

Chitosan and anisodamine improve the immune efficacy of inactivated infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus vaccine in Siniperca chuatsi

Siniperca chuatsi is an economically important fish in China, but infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) causes high mortality and significant economic losses. Currently, vaccination is the most promising strategy to prevent infectious diseases, while adjuvant can effectively enhance immune responses. In this study, inactivated ISKNV vaccine was prepared, then poly (I:C), chitosan, anisodamine and ims1312 were used as adjuvants to evaluate the effect on the immune responses and ISKNV replication. Chitosan could strongly boost the protection of liver and spleen tissues by pathological sections. In serum, poly (I:C) and chitosan group had protective effect on catalase, acid phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen. mRNA expressions showed these adjuvants induced the cytokines of early immune responses (TNF-α, Viperin) in both spleen and mesonephron by real time quantitative RT-PCR assays. Meanwhile, poly (I:C), chitosan and anisodamine were significantly improved the antiviral function and inhibited ISKNV replication. Chitosan and anisodamine played a significantly protective role in the immune protective rate test. The results indicated that all the four adjuvants are valid in the inactivated ISKNV vaccine, and chitosan is recommended preferentially. The present study provides reference for other animal vaccine adjuvants.

Effect of ticagrelor on brain natriuretic peptide, heart rate and myocardial enzymes in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease after stenting

The main aim of the current work was to investigate the application of ticagrelor in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAHD) and its effects on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), heart rate (HR) and myocardial enzymes. Seventy-four postoperative patients who underwent stenting for CAHD were selected as subjects, randomly divided into control group (n=37) and observation group (n=37). The control group was treated with clopidogrel after operation, while the observation group was given ticagrelor treatment. The plasma BNP, HR, myocardial zymogram and adverse cardiac events were compared between the two groups. SPSS18.0 software was used for statistical analysis and the count data was analyzed by χ2 test and the measurement data was detected by t-test The levels of BNP, HR, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and troponin (cTnI) in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group at 3 months after treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and arrhythmia between the two groups at 3 months after treatment (P>0.05). The utilization of ticagrelor in patients with postoperative stenting for CAHD improved the BNP, HR and myocardial enzyme level in patients, and also reduced the incidence of adverse cardiac events.

Systematic Glycolytic Enzyme Activity Analysis from Human Serum with PEP Technology

A functional proteomics technology was used to systematically monitor metabolic enzyme activities from resolved serum proteins produced by a modified 2-D gel separation and subsequent Protein Elution Plate, a method collectively called PEP. Both qualitative and quantitative differences in the metabolic enzyme activity could be detected between cancer patient and control group, providing excellent biomarker candidates for cancer diagnosis and drug development. This technology has a wide range of applications; it can be used for rapid functional protein purification and characterization as well as drug target identification and validation. The ability for the PEP technology to efficiently separate and recover functional proteins makes it useful for the analysis of any proteins and its variants; this is especially advantageous for enzyme families with large number of enzymes such as protein kinases, phosphatases, proteases, and metabolic enzymes.

Role of hydrotherapy in the amelioration of oxidant-antioxidant status in rheumatoid arthritis patients

AIM

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathophysiology of RA. Moderate intensity exercises have been reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrotherapy on oxidant-antioxidant status in RA patients.

METHODS

Forty RA patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. RA patients were subdivided into two groups: the first group (n = 20) received treatment with conventional RA drugs, while the second group (n = 20) received hydrotherapy along with the conventional drugs for a period of 12 weeks. Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS-28), ROS level, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

RA patients showed a significant change in the oxidative stress biomarkers (ROS, P < 0.01; ferric reducing antioxidant potential, P < 0.001; malondialdehyde, P < 0.01; protein carbonyl, P < 0.001; tail length, P < 0.05) and decrease in the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], P < 0.01; glutathione peroxidase [GPx], P < 0.001). Conventional drug treatment has not produced any significant change in these parameters. However, cotreatment of drugs with hydrotherapy has decreased protein, lipid and DNA oxidation by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that hydrotherapy along with drugs has reduced the severity of disease (DAS-28) by ameliorating the oxidant-antioxidant status in RA patients. Thus, in addition to conventional drugs, RA patients should be advised to have hydrotherapy (moderate intensity exercise) in their treatment regimen.

Plumbagin ameliorates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: Role of high mobility group box 1 in inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a pathological process which magnifies with the ensuing inflammatory response and endures with the increase of oxidants especially during reperfusion. The present study was conducted to assess the possible modulatory effects of plumbagin, the active constituent extracted from the roots of traditional medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica L., on the dire role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as well as the associated inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death following hepatic I/R. Four groups of rats were included: sham-operated, sham-operated treated with plumbagin, I/R (30 min ischemia and 1 h reperfusion) and I/R treated with plumbagin. Pretreatment with plumbagin markedly improved hepatic function and structural integrity compared to the I/R group, as manifested by depressed plasma transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities as well as alleviated tissue pathological lesions. Plumbagin prominently hampered HMGB1 expression and subsequently quelled inflammatory cascades, as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. It also interrupted reactive oxygen species (ROS)-HMGB1loop as evident by restored liver reduced glutathione (GSH), elevated glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, along with decreased liver lipid peroxidation. Simultaneously, plumbagin significantly ameliorated apoptosis by amending the mRNA expressions of both anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic (Bax). The present results revealed that plumbagin is endowed with hepatoprotective activity ascribed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties which are partially mediated through dampening of HMGB1 expression.

Stability of Values for the Activities of Critical Enzymes Assayed in Serum Frozen for Prolonged Time Periods

OBJECTIVES

Our medical center laboratory receives frozen clinical chemistry samples from outlying hospitals for which assays for critical enzyme activities are requested. Our objective is to determine the effects of freezing (-20°C) on these enzyme activities in samples over a one month period.

METHODS

Enzyme activities for ALP, AST, ALT, CK and LD for 30 patient's sera were stored at-20°C and were assayed on a Beckman-Coulter AU5800 analyzer at 0, 15 and 30 days after collection. Statistical tests were performed to determine if the values were statistically the same or different.

RESULTS

F-tests for all five enzyme levels showed no statistically significant differences (p>>0.05); linear regression analysis showed high correlation of results (r>0.99 for all correlations) with some bias for ALT.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the activities of these enzymes are stable, except possibly ALT, when stored frozen at -20°C over the 15- and 30-day storage periods.

Oxidative stress biomarkers and organochlorine pesticides in nesting female hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata from Mexican coast (Punta Xen, Mexico)

Because of their vulnerable population status, assessing exposure levels and impacts of toxicants on the health status of Gulf of Mexico marine turtle populations is essential, and this study was aimed to obtain baseline information on oxidative stress indicators in hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). In order to evaluate the health status of sea turtles and the effect of organochlorine compounds (OC) in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico, we searched for relationships between carapace size and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood of the hawksbill sea turtle. The level of oxidative stress biomarkers such as the enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (Ache) in the hawksbill sea turtle was analysed during nesting season in the years 2014-2015 at Punta Xen (Campeche, Mexico). The results of this study provide insight into data of antioxidant enzyme activities in relation to contaminant OCPs in hawksbill sea turtles and the possible health impacts of contaminant in sea turtles.

The effects of colostrum on some biochemical parameters in the experimental intoxication of rats with paracetamol

In the current study, the possible prophylactic and therapeutic effects of colostrum (COL) on acute organ injury caused by paracetamol (PAR) in rats were evaluated. Within the scope of this study, a 2-month-old male (150-200 g) 70 Wistar Albino rat was used and a total of seven groups were designed. The first group (CNT) was maintained for control purposes. The second group (COL-1) was given COL for 1 day, at a dose of 500 mg/kg at 6-h intervals, and blood and tissue sampling was performed at 24 h. The third group (COL-7) received COL for 7 days, at a dose of 500 mg/kg at 6-h intervals on day 1 and at a daily dose of 500 mg/kg on the following days, and blood and tissue samples were taken at the end of seventh day. The fourth group (PAR-1) was administered with PAR at a dose of 1.0 g/kg bw and was blood and tissue sampled at 24 h. The fifth group (PAR-7) received PAR at a dose of 1.0 g/kg bw on day 1 and was blood and tissue was removed at the end of day 7. The sixth group (PAR+COL-1) was administered with a combination of PAR (1 g/kg bw) and COL (500 mg/kg at 6-h intervals), and blood and tissue samples were collected at 24 h. The seventh group (PAR+COL-7) received 1.0 g/kg bw of PAR on day 1 and was given COL throughout the 7-day study period (at a dose of 500 mg/kg at 6-h intervals on day 1 and at a daily dose of 500 mg/kg on the following days). In the seventh group, blood and tissue samples were taken at the end of seventh day. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, creatinine, triglyceride, total bilirubin, total protein and albumin levels/activities were analysed in the serum samples. The malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels/activities, known as oxidative stress parameters, were assayed for tissue homogenates and blood (erythrocytes/plasma); in addition, enzyme activities of GSH S-transferase (GST), cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase (CYTB5), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), NADPH-cytochrome P450 C reductase (CYTC) and glutathione (GSH) levels/activities defined as drug metabolising parameters were measured in liver homogenates. In result, it was determined that PAR caused significant alterations in some biochemical and lipid peroxidation parameters and the activities/levels of drug metabolising parameters in the liver and that COL normalised some of these parameters and reduced PAR-induced tissue damage.

Dietary Selenomethionine Administration and Its Effects on the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis): Oxidative Status and Corticosterone Levels

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient which in excess causes toxicity. The disposal of incompletely combusted coal, which often is rich in Se, into aquatic settling basins is increasing the risk of Se exposure worldwide. However, very few studies have looked at the physiological effects of Se exposure on long-lived, top trophic vertebrates, such as the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). During a 7-week period, alligators were fed one of three dietary treatments: mice injected with deionized water or mice injected with water containing 1000 or 2000 ppm selenomethionine (SeMet). One week after the last feeding alligators were bled within 3 min of capture for plasma corticosterone (CORT). A few days later, all alligators were euthanized and whole blood and tail tissue were harvested to measure oxidative damage, an antioxidant-associated transcription factor, and antioxidant enzymes [glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), and SOD2] by Western blotting. There was a dose-dependent increase in baseline CORT levels in alligators administered SeMet. Except for blood SOD2 levels, SeMet treatment had no effect (p > 0.05 for all) on oxidative status: oxidative damage, GPX1, SOD1, and muscle SOD2 levels were similar among treatments. Our results illustrate that high levels of Se may act as a stressor to crocodilians. Future studies should investigate further the physiological effects of Se accumulation in long-lived, top-trophic vertebrates.

Antioxidant defense system, immune response and erythron profile modulation in gold fish, Carassius auratus, after acute manganese treatment

The manganese contamination has become a global problem, recently, because it is perceived as a real threat to the human health and the environment. It is well-known that overexposure to Mn²⁺ may have negative physiological effects on fish and other organisms inhabiting heavy metal polluted waters. To the best of our knowledge, studies relating with manganese effects on fish antioxidant enzyme response in the blood, immunocompetence and erythron profile alteration, are scarce. In this study, the acute sub-lethal effects of manganese on blood antioxidant response, immune status and erythron profile were determined by exposing the freshwater model organism, Carassius auratus, to two doses of this metal (3.88 ± 0.193 mg/L and 7.52 ± 0.234 mg/L Mn²⁺) for 96 h. Significant increases in blood antioxidant enzyme activity like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), were observed in fish exposed to manganese. Furthermore, plasmatic glucose and cortisol levels increased, while total protein decreased significantly. White blood cell differential count revealed a significant increase in monocyte and neutrophil number and a significant decrease of lymphocyte's number in fish exposed to manganese compared with those of control group. That can be considered as a clear evidence of altered immune system. Measured of erythron profile revealed a significant increasing of cellular and nuclear alteration of red blood cells, with karryorhectic, dividing and micronucleated erythrocytes in exposed fish, indicating the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects Mn²⁺ ions. Our data shown also that manganese could trigger antioxidant response, modulate immune response and induce erythron profile modification leading to eryptosis, compromising the blood oxygen carrying capacity, and overall health status in fish. This may suggest those parameters consider as useful biomarkers for monitoring effects of sub-lethal metal exposure on fish.

Serum immune responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to paraquat exposure: The traditional parameters and circulating microRNAs

Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide used worldwide, and it was shown to be a high-risk compound to aquatic organisms. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of PQ on traditional serum parameters and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in common carp to further elucidate the mechanism of PQ toxicity in fish. In the current study, a subacute toxicity test of common carp exposed to PQ at 1.596 and 3.192 mg/L for 7 d was conducted under laboratory conditions. The results showed that PQ exposure generally reduced the levels of T-AOC, SOD, CAT, and GST, but significantly increased MDA levels in the serum, indicating that PQ exposure induces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the fish. The results of biochemical assays showed that PQ exposure not only significantly altered the activities of LDH, AST, ALT, ACP, AKP, and lysozyme and the contents of IgM and complement 3 but also promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Additionally, PQ inhibited the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β, suggesting that PQ exposure may cause fish tissue injury and promote immune inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we found that serum circulating miRNAs, such as ccr-mir-122, ccr-mir-125b, ccr-mir-146a, and ccr-mir-155, were generally promoted in fish following PQ exposure. Based on our results and reports on miRNA-based diagnosis of tissue damage and inflammatory responses in mammals, we suggest that serum ccr-mir-122, ccr-mir-125b, ccr-mir-146a, and ccr-mir-155 could be new biomarkers of PQ toxicity in fish.

Tumor Markers in the Diagnosis, Monitoring and Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer: State of the Art

The present review focuses on the utility of serum tumor markers in screening, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. Serum determination of all tumor markers studied offers no help in screening or early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. For diagnosis, blood group-related antigens, in particular CA 19-9, are considered the best indicators of this neoplasm. However, as occurs with other glycoproteic tumor markers, the circulating levels of CA 19-9 are significantly influenced by jaundice, probably because its liver metabolism is reduced. Therefore, the finding of elevated CA 19-9 levels in jaundiced patients has to be evaluated with caution. Since pancreatic cancer recurrences are not susceptible to treatment, the clinical role of widespread use of tumor marker determination in follow-up programs is limited and calls for a critical evaluation.

Serum Enzyme Activity in Chronic Schizophrenia

In recent years an ever-increasing interest has been taken in the possible use of serum enzyme investigations in clinical diagnosis, prognosis and therapy control. That clinical abnormalities are accompanied or even induced by biochemical aberrations is accepted. That the serum enzyme pattern may show consequent abnormality before the signs and symptoms familiar to the physician appear, has been also demonstrated in several disease states, such as caeruloplasmin in Wilson's disease (Scheinberg and Gitlin, 1952) and the transaminases in infective hepatitis (Wroblewski, 1957).

Effect of acute exposure to PFOA on mouse liver cells in vivo and in vitro

Increasingly, epidemiological evidences indicate chemosynthetic perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an environmental pollutant, induces potential adverse effect on human health after long-term exposure. However, less study has been performed for assessment of acute effect of PFOA exposure on metabolic homeostasis. In experimental designs, PFOA-exposed liver cells in vivo and in vitro were used to discuss underlying mechanism related to PFOA-induced metabolic dysfunction. In serological tests, PFOA-exposed mice showed increased treads of liver functional enzymes in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin (T-BIL), trypsinase, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and insulin, while blood glucose, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and glucagon levels were reduced. In histocytological observations, PFOA-exposed liver showed visible cytoplasmic vesicles, and intact pancreatic islets were observed in PFOA-exposed pancreas. Additionally, increased insulin-positive cells and reduced glucagon-positive cells were detected in PFOA-exposed islets. As shown in immunoassays, PFOA-exposed liver resulted in elevations of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36)-labeled cells and CD36 protein. In mouse liver cell study, PFOA-exposed cells showed increased cell apoptotic count, and increased phosphorylated levels of Bcl-2 and Bad in the cells. Furthermore, PFOA-exposed liver cells exhibited elevations of CD36-labeled cells and CD36 protein. Taken together, the present data demonstrate that acute exposure to PFOA-impaired liver function is associated with inducting CD36 expression and apoptosis, as well as disrupting key hormones in the pancreas.

Inactivation of Kupffer Cells by Selenizing Astragalus Polysaccharides Prevents CCl4-Induced Hepatocellular Necrosis in the Male Wistar Rat

Selenizing astragalus polysaccharides-3 (sAPS₃) was prepared by nitric acid-sodium selenite method. The effects of sAPS₃ on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatocellular necrosis, and its underlying mechanisms were studied in male Wistar rats. Hepatic damage was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ twice a week, for 3 weeks. Meanwhile, the rats in addition to CCl₄ were also exposed to sodium selenite (SS), astragalus polysaccharides (APS), SS + APS or sAPS₃, in parallel by oral gavage once a day for 3 weeks. At the end of 3 weeks, blood and liver tissue were taken. Serum was collected to test the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and antioxidant status parameters. Liver tissue was collected for histopathological examination and determination of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of CD68, TNF-α, IL-1β and ATG7 followed by the measurements of CD68, IL-1β and LC3II by immunohistochemistry assay (IHC), or TNF-α by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The results showed that sAPS₃ effectively ameliorated CCl₄ induced hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation and significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, malondialdehyde and the expression levels of Kupffer cells (KCs)-specific biomarker CD68 and proinflammatory cytokines produced by activated KCs such as IL-1β and TNF-α (P < 0.01). While increasing the levels of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) and reduced the expression levels of a key regulator of autophagy in KCs ATG7 or LC3II (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that sAPS₃ could ameliorate CCl₄-induced hepatocellular necrosis by inactivation of Kupffer cells and its activity may be superior to the application of selenium, APS or combination of selenium with APS.

Serum metabolomics analysis reveals that obvious cardioprotective effects of low dose Sini decoction against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Sini decoction (SND) is used for cardiovascular disease over thousands of years in China. However, it is still lacking of dose-response relationship of SND in cardiovascular disease at the metabolic level.

PURPOSE

The present study is designed to explore the cardioprotective effects of different dosages of SND pretreatment on the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury and elucidate the mechanism underlying this protective effect.

METHODS

The cardioprotective effects of different dosages of SND pretreatment on the isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury were compared through a serum metabolomics approach based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). In addition, the cardioprotective effects were evaluated by serum biochemical analysis and histopathological examination of myocardial tissue. Finally, in view of the fact that these perturbed bile acid and phospholipid metabolisms are connected with NF-κB signaling pathway, nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 and the activation of NF-κB were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), respectively.

RESULTS

The cardioprotective effect was observed in SND pretreatment groups, especially in low dosage SND group. The results of serum enzyme activities and histopathology were consistent with the above effect. Meanwhile, fifteen latent biomarker candidates were identified involving glucose, phospholipid, bile acid and amino acid metabolisms. Among them, five bile acids including ursodeoxycholic acid, murideoxycholic acid, muricholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid, were for the first time identified as latent pathological biomarkers related to ISO-induced myocardial injury. Further, different dose SND groups exerted different of inhibition degrees to the activation of NF-κB, which was obvious in the SND-L group.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that Sini decoction protreatment protects myocardium better at a low dose level and one of possible cardioprotective mechanisms is modulating NF-κB signaling pathway against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury through regulating phospholipid and bile acid metabolisms.

Evaluation of the LABGEO PT10 Point-Of-Care Testing Device: Comparison of Analyte Measurements in Capillary Whole Blood and Lithium Heparin Whole Blood Samples With Those in Central Laboratory

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care (POC) testing device has been widely used because of its rapid availability of results making diagnosis and management as early as possible. Capillary blood can reduce the difficulty of obtaining samples compared to venous blood and allows the prompt testing results. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of capillary blood in Samsung LABGEO PT10.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients and 18 healthy adults aged between 20 and 65 were enrolled and their capillary and venous blood samples were collected. Venous blood samples were split into lithium heparin (LiHep) tube and serum-separating tube. Measurements using capillary blood and LiHep whole blood were performed in LABGEO PT10. Serum was used for measurement by Toshiba 2000FR NEO in central laboratory.

RESULTS

In comparison between measurements in LABGEO PT10 using capillary and LiHep whole blood, the slope ranged between 0.9289 and 1.0471, correlation coefficients (R2 ) were over 0.95 except albumin, high-density lipoprotein, and total protein. Comparison of measurements in capillary and LiHep whole blood using LABGEO PT10 with those in the central laboratory revealed that the slope ranged between 0.6433 and 1.1364 for capillary whole blood and 0.6255 and 1.1602 for LiHep whole blood except alkaline phosphatase. For most of analytes, R2 were over 0.95.

CONCLUSION

Measurements in LABGEO PT10 using capillary blood was well correlated with those in LABGEO PT10 using LiHep whole blood and also with in the central laboratory. In conclusion, capillary blood provides reliable measurements and can be trustfully used in LABGEO PT10.

Anti-atherosclerosis and cardio-protective effects of the Angong Niuhuang Pill on a high fat and vitamin D3 induced rodent model of atherosclerosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Angong Niuhuang Pill (ANP) is a well known Chinese traditional therapeutic for the treatment for diseases affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS). Components of the ANP formulation, including Bovis Calculus Sativus, Pulvis Bubali Comus Concentratus, Moschus, Margarita, Cinnabaris, Realgar, Coptidis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, Curcumae Radix, and Bomeolum Syntheticum, have been used for the treatment of stroke, encephalitis and emergency meningitis across Asia, especially in China for hundreds of years.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerosis and cardio-protective effects of ANP administration using a rodent model of atherosclerosis induced by a high fat and vitamin D₃.

METHODS

Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) 78 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and 5 atherosclerotic model groups. The atherosclerotic groups were divided to receive either Simvastatin (SVTT, 0.005g/kg), Low-dose ANP (0.125g/kg), Medium-dose ANP (0.25g/kg), and High-dose ANP (0.5g/kg). Following adaptive feeding for one week, atherosclerosis was induced and the atherosclerosis model was established. Experimental drugs (either simvastatin or ANP) or normal saline were administered intragastrically once daily for 9 weeks starting from the 8th week. A carotid artery ultrasound was performed at the 17th week to determine whether atherosclerosis had been induced. After the atherosclerosis model was successfully established, platelet aggregation rates, serum biochemical indices, apoptosis-related Bcl-2, Bax proteins levels in the heart were assayed. Pathological and histological analysis was completed using artery tissue from different experimental different groups to assess the effects of ANP.

RESULTS

ANP significantly decreased aortic membrane thickness, the maximum platelet aggregation rates, and the ratio of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). In addition, ANP significantly reduced serum contents of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde, troponin I, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase. ANP markedly improved abnormal pathological conditions of the aorta and heart, and helped to prevent myocardial apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that ANP has robust ant-atherosclerosis and cardio-protective effects on a high-fat and vitamin D₃ - induced rodent model of atherosclerosis due to its antiplatelet aggregation, lipid regulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.

Anti-mitochondrial M2 Antibodies Enhance the Risk of Supraventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Elevated Hepatobiliary Enzyme Levels

Objective Supraventricular arrhythmias are commonly detected in patients with anti-mitochondrial antibody M2 (AMA-M2)-associated myopathy. However, the prevalence of supraventricular arrhythmias in unselected AMA-M2-positive patients and the impact of AMA-M2 on supraventricular arrhythmias have yet to be fully investigated. Methods We analyzed 384 patients (116 men; age, 60 [48-69] years), who underwent AMA-M2 testing following the detection of elevated hepatobiliary enzymes. Supraventricular arrhythmias involving atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, sick sinus syndrome, and atrial standstill were confirmed by a 12-lead electrocardiogram, 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, and physician-assigned diagnoses within the three years before and two years after the AMA-M2 test. Results Seventy-seven (20%) patients were positive for AMA-M2. The prevalence of supraventricular arrhythmias among AMA-M2-positive patients was higher than that among AMA-M2-negative patients (14% vs. 6%, p=0.008). A univariate analysis showed that supraventricular arrhythmias were associated with AMA-M2 positivity, aging, congestive heart failure, and the CHADS₂ score. The multivariate analysis determined that AMA-M2 positivity was an independent risk factor for supraventricular arrhythmias (odds ratio 3.52, p=0.011). Among the AMA-M2-positive patients, the AMA-M2 titer did not differ to a statistically significant extent, regardless of the presence or absence of supraventricular arrhythmias. Multiple supraventricular arrhythmias with extremely low atrial deflections was a characteristic finding in AMA-M2-positive patients with supraventricular arrhythmias. Conclusion AMA-M2 enhances the risk of supraventricular arrhythmias, indicating the possible involvement of the atrial myocardium and the formation of an arrhythmogenic substrate. The results highlight the need for clinical attention to supraventricular arrhythmias in AMA-M2-positive patients.

Protective effects of seed melon extract on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Citrullus lanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus Lin et Chao, was also known as watermelon belongs to family Cucurbitaceae, variously used as healthy food and in the treatment of liver and lungs problems. Currently, Citrullus lanatus has become a major economic crop of medicinal and edible effects with regional characteristics.

AIM

This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of the seed melon (Citrullus lanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus Lin et Chao) extract (SME) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, mice were randomly divided into 7 groups, including normal control, model, silymarin tablets as the positive control, SME 100, 200, 400, and 800mg/kg. After 8 weeks, activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) were checked. The levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutataion (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined after SME administration. The hydroxyproline (HYP) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histopathologic examinations of hepatocyte fibrosis were also determined. Additionally, effects of SME on alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) protein expressions were determined.

RESULTS

We found that SME could significantly lower the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers AST, ALT, HA and LN (P<0.01). Compared with the CCl₄-only treatment group, levels of hepatic SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased, and the MDA levels were remarkably decreased in mice treated by SME at medium dose (400mg/kg) and high dose (800mg/kg) (P<0.01). A histological examination of the liver showed that lesions, including necrosis, lymphocyte infiltration and fatty degeneration, were partially healed by treatment with SME. The results of protein expressions studies displayed that SME could inhibit α-SMA and TGF-β1 protein expression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present results suggested that protective effect of SME against CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis may rely on its effect on reducing oxidative stress and improving drug metabolizing enzyme activity in liver.

Interpretation of Biochemical Tests Using the Reference Change Value in Monitoring Adverse Effects of Oral Isotretinoin in 102 Ethnic Turkish Patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to model the use of reference change values (RCVs) for the follow-up of 4 parameters of patients using oral isotretinoin which is gaining widespread popularity for monitoring the side effects of the treatment.

METHOD

102 patients received 30 mg/day oral isotretinoin for 24 weeks for the diagnosis of acne vulgaris.

RESULTS

Repetitive measurements of the patients were interpreted with RCVs, after comparing the first and second doses based on RCVs: TC, TG, AST and ALT results increased in 12%, 20%, 14% and 12% of the patients respectively. When the first dose was compared with the last dose, the increases were 20%, 29%, 22% and 18% respectively interpreted as significant changes based on laboratory medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

A more sensitive follow-up is possible in the monitorization of adverse effects by using RCVs method.

Effects of Trimetazidine on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients with Chronic Cor Pulmonale

An oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in favour of oxidants appears to occur in chronic cor pulmonale (CCP). Oxidative stress could also be a critical event in the pathogenesis of this condition. Trimetazidine (TMZ) has antioxidant properties and may affect the utilization of oxygen radicals. We investigated the effect of TMZ (20 mg three times daily, orally) on activities of erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (eCAT), erythrocyte and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and plasma superoxide dismutase (pSOD) in CCP patients. We also assessed changes in plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with TMZ therapy.

Sixty CCP patients with significantly higher MDA and markedly lower pSOD, eCAT and GSH-Px (erythrocyte) activities than 24 healthy controls were randomly allocated to receive routine treatment or routine treatment plus TMZ. After 3 months' therapy, greater pSOD, eCAT and GSH-Px (erythrocyte and plasma) activities and lower MDA activity were found with TMZ treatment compared with routine treatment. Plasma BNP levels were significantly lower in TMZ-treated patients and higher in the routine treatment group than in the control group. TMZ improved antioxidant levels, decreased oxidative stress and decreased plasma BNP levels in CCP patients.

Experimental Infection of Calves by Two Genetically-Distinct Strains of Rift Valley Fever Virus

Recent outbreaks of Rift Valley fever in ruminant livestock, characterized by mass abortion and high mortality rates in neonates, have raised international interest in improving vaccine control strategies. Previously, we developed a reliable challenge model for sheep that improves the evaluation of existing and novel vaccines in sheep. This sheep model demonstrated differences in the pathogenesis of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection between two genetically-distinct wild-type strains of the virus, Saudi Arabia 2001 (SA01) and Kenya 2006 (Ken06). Here, we evaluated the pathogenicity of these two RVFV strains in mixed breed beef calves. There was a transient increase in rectal temperatures with both virus strains, but this clinical sign was less consistent than previously reported with sheep. Three of the five Ken06-infected animals had an early-onset viremia, one day post-infection (dpi), with viremia lasting at least three days. The same number of SA01-infected animals developed viremia at 2 dpi, but it only persisted through 3 dpi in one animal. The average virus titer for the SA01-infected calves was 1.6 logs less than for the Ken06-infected calves. Calves, inoculated with either strain, seroconverted by 5 dpi and showed time-dependent increases in their virus-neutralizing antibody titers. Consistent with the results obtained in the previous sheep study, elevated liver enzyme levels, more severe liver pathology and higher virus titers occurred with the Ken06 strain as compared to the SA01 strain. These results demonstrate the establishment of a virulent challenge model for vaccine evaluation in calves.

The possible counteractive effect of gold nanoparticles against streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes in young male albino rats

The current study was performed to study the effect of biologically synthesised gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to control hyperglycaemic conditions in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. In this study, the rats were divided into four groups: Group I normal control rats (non-diabetic, untreated); Group II diabetes-induced rats used as diabetic controls DC (diabetic, untreated). Group III diabetes-induced rats treated with AuNPs DT; Group IV normal rats treated with AuNPs NT. Diabetes was induced by administering an intraperitoneal injection of a freshly prepared solution of STZ (50mg/kg body weight (bw)). The glucose level was significantly increased in the diabetic control rats compared with the controls (P<0.001). Decreased liver function and kidney function were detected in the diabetic treated rats and normal treated rats after AuNP administration compared with the controls. The present study is the first to demonstrate that AuNPs significantly enhance antioxidant production in STZ-induced diabetic rats, a recognised model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

In Acute Myocardial Infarction Liver Parameters Are Associated With Stenosis Diameter

Detection of high-risk subjects in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by noninvasive means would reduce the need for intracardiac catheterization and associated complications. Liver enzymes are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. A potential predictive value for liver serum markers for the severity of stenosis in AMI was analyzed.Patients with AMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; n = 437) were retrospectively evaluated. Minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and percent stenosis diameter (SD) were determined from quantitative coronary angiography. Patients were classified according to the severity of stenosis (SD ≥ 50%, n = 357; SD < 50%, n = 80). Routine heart and liver parameters were associated with SD using random forests (RF). A prediction model (M10) was developed based on parameter importance analysis in RF.Age, alkaline phosphatase (AP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and MLD differed significantly between SD ≥ 50 and SD < 50. Age, AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and troponin correlated significantly with SD, whereas MLD correlated inversely with SD. M10 (age, BMI, AP, AST, ALT, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatinine, troponin) reached an AUC of 69.7% (CI 63.8-75.5%, P < 0.0001).Routine liver parameters are associated with SD in AMI. A small set of noninvasively determined parameters can identify SD in AMI, and might avoid unnecessary coronary angiography in patients with low risk. The model can be accessed via http://stenosis.heiderlab.de.

Lycopene treatment against loss of bone mass, microarchitecture and strength in relation to regulatory mechanisms in a postmenopausal osteoporosis model

Lycopene supplementation decreases oxidative stress and exhibits beneficial effects on bone health, but the mechanisms through which it alters bone metabolism in vivo remain unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of lycopene treatment on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Six-month-old female Wistar rats (n=264) were sham-operated (SHAM) or ovariectomized (OVX). The SHAM group received oral vehicle only and the OVX rats were randomized into five groups receiving oral daily lycopene treatment (mg/kg body weight per day): 0 OVX (control), 15 OVX, 30 OVX, and 45 OVX, and one group receiving alendronate (ALN) (2μg/kg body weight per day), for 12weeks. Bone densitometry measurements, bone turnover markers, biomechanical testing, and histomorphometric analysis were conducted. Micro computed tomography was also used to evaluate changes in microarchitecture. Lycopene treatment suppressed the OVX-induced increase in bone turnover, as indicated by changes in biomarkers of bone metabolism: serum osteocalcin (s-OC), serum N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (s-PINP), serum crosslinked carboxyterminal telopeptides (s-CTX-1), and urinary deoxypyridinoline (u-DPD). Significant improvement in OVX-induced loss of bone mass, bone strength, and microarchitectural deterioration was observed in lycopene-treated OVX animals. These effects were observed mainly at sites rich in trabecular bone, with less effect in cortical bone. Lycopene treatment down-regulated osteoclast differentiation concurrent with up-regulating osteoblast together with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. These findings demonstrate that lycopene treatment in OVX rats primarily suppressed bone turnover to restore bone strength and microarchitecture.

In Vivo Antioxidant Assays

Oxidative stress and antioxidant deficiency have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a wide range of diseases and conditions. Consequently, over recent years many different supplementation trials have been implemented, aimed at improving clinical outcomes by boosting antioxidant levels. These trials included supplementation with individual antioxidants, antioxidant combinations, and antioxidant-rich foods such as fruit and vegetable juices and other plant extracts. To ensure that data from these trials are interpreted correctly, it is essential that suitable biomarkers are used to assess changes in in vivo antioxidant activity resulting from supplementation. Therefore, the measurement of antioxidant systems, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and status of other molecules in biological fluids with their quantification methods are simplified in this chapter.

The influence of the feeding Flour Beetle Tribolium confusum-infested fodder on the selected indices of the health status of rats

The present experiment was designed to demonstrate differences in the degree of fodder contamination with benzoquinones at various Tribolium confusum levels, the impact of infested feed on the beetle population and the impact of infested feed on the health status of rats. The feeding studies were done on female rats divided into 3 groups: a control group and two experimental groups. Experimental groups were fed with a fodder infested by 150 individuals of T. confusum per kg (group D1) and 300 individuals of T. confusum per kg (group D2). The insects were grown in the fodder for 5 months and the contaminated fodder was given to the laboratory animals for 8 weeks. After that period the rats were sacrificed, blood was drawn for morphological, biochemical and immunological analyses, as well as the samples of internal organs were taken for histopathology. Regardless of initial degree of infestation, after 5 months incubation period the content of benzoquinones in fodder reached the maximum level that reduced beetle population. The resulting concentration to benzoquinones had no effect upon feed intake nor growth of rate, whereas caused the presence of these substances in feces, urine and also in tissues which was indicated by pathological lesions observed in the study. The results obtained point to the possibility of the benzoquinones accumulation in the organisms of farm animals fed fodder containing pests.

Proteolytic Systems in Milk: Perspectives on the Evolutionary Function within the Mammary Gland and the Infant

Milk contains elements of numerous proteolytic systems (zymogens, active proteases, protease inhibitors and protease activators) produced in part from blood, in part by mammary epithelial cells and in part by immune cell secretion. Researchers have examined milk proteases for decades, as they can cause major defects in milk quality and cheese production. Most previous research has examined these proteases with the aim to eliminate or control their actions. However, our recent peptidomics research demonstrates that these milk proteases produce specific peptides in healthy milk and continue to function within the infant's gastrointestinal tract. These findings suggest that milk proteases have an evolutionary function in aiding the infant's digestion or releasing functional peptides. In other words, the mother provides the infant with not only dietary proteins but also the means to digest them. However, proteolysis in the milk is controlled by a balance of protease inhibitors and protease activators so that only a small portion of milk proteins are digested within the mammary gland. This regulation presents a question: If proteolysis is beneficial to the infant, what benefits are gained by preventing complete proteolysis through the presence of protease inhibitors? In addition to summarizing what is known about milk proteolytic systems, we explore possible evolutionary explanations for this proteolytic balance.

Evaluation of the Reproductive Toxicity, Glycometabolism, Glycometabolism-Related Enzyme Levels and Lipid Metabolism of Chromium Malate Supplementation in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Our previous study showed that chromium malate improved the regulation of blood glucose in mice with alloxan-induced diabetes. The present study was designed to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of chromium malate in Sprague-Dawley rats and then inspected the effect of chromium malate on glycometabolism, glycometabolism-related enzymes, and lipid metabolism. The results showed that no pathological, toxic feces and urine changes were observed in clinical signs of parental and fetal rats in chromium malate groups. The fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance index, C-peptide, hepatic glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucokinase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels of chromium malate groups have no significant change compared with control group and chromium picolinate group. The serum and organ contents of Cr in chromium malate groups have no significant change when compared with control group. No measurable damage on liver, brain, kidney, and testis/uterus of chromium malate groups was found. No significant change in body mass, absolute and relative organ weights, and hematological and biochemical changes of rats were observed compared with the control and chromium picolinate groups. The results indicated that supplements with chromium malate does not cause obvious damage and has no obvious effect on glycometabolism, glycometabolism-related enzyme, and lipid metabolism on female and male rats. The results of this study suggested that chromium malate is safe for human consumption and has the potential for application as a functional food ingredient and dietary supplement.

Alterations in the serum biomarkers belonging to different metabolic systems of fish (Oreochromis niloticus) after Cd and Pb exposures

The serum of vertebrates including human gives sufficient data about the current health status of organism in concern. Biomarkers have gained importance in evaluation of data from biological monitoring studies. In this study, freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus were individually exposed Cd or Pb using acute (10μM, 2 d) and chronic (20μM, 20 d) exposure protocols to investigate the alterations in serum parameters (ALP, ALT, AST, LDH, lipase, glucose, protein, cholesterol and triglyceride) and response of the endocrine system functioning in different axis, namely HPI (cortisol), HPT (TSH, T3, T4), gonadal (LH, FSH) and prolactin. Data showed that except LH, the levels of all hormones decreased significantly following exposure to Cd and Pb both in acute and chronic exposures. In acute exposures, the activity of ALP and levels of cholesterol and triglyceride decreased significantly following both Cd and Pb exposures, while glucose levels increased only after Cd exposure. In chronic exposures, both metal exposures caused significant decreases in ALP activity and levels of cholesterol and triglyceride, though there were increases in glucose level after Cd exposure and AST, ALT and LDH levels after Pb exposure. Data emphasized the importance of biomarker selection and multiparameter usage of relevant systems in ecotoxicological research to achieve proper evaluation of environmental data.

Multilevel evaluations of potential liver injury of bifenthrin

The widespread use of pesticides, such as pyrethroids, increases health risks to non-target organisms. The potential toxicity of pyrethroids to the liver remains unclear and could be easily overlooked if only the common clinical indicators of liver disease are examined. In the present study, BALB/c mice were given intraperitoneal injections of 0, 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg bifenthrin (BF) for 7 days. The potential liver injury of BF and its underlying mechanism were then investigated through multilevel evaluations. Histological analyses and serum enzyme activities showed no obvious clinical evidence of liver damage. Oxidative stress was induced and caspases were activated in response to increased BF concentrations. Exposure to BF also significantly altered the expression levels of mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes in dose-dependent relationships. The microarray results showed that BF could disturb the metabolic profile and extensively induce genes related to oxidative stress, including the cytochrome P450 family, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione s-transferases and kinases. In the in vivo model, BF induced liver injury through caspase-mediated mitochondrial-dependent cell death, a process that is closely related to oxidative stress, even in the absence of classical clinical biomarkers of liver dysfunction. The results of this study suggest that classical evaluations are not adequate for liver toxicity of pyrethroids, and highlight the need for more comprehensive assessment of health risks of these widely used pesticides.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the oil fractions from wild carrot (Daucus carota ssp. carota)

CONTEXT

Wild carrot, Daucus carota L. ssp. carota (Apiacae), is widely distributed throughout the world and has various uses in traditional medicine in Lebanon.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to fractionate and analyze the chemical composition of the Daucus carota oil extract (DCOE) fractions and to evaluate their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DCOE was chromatographed on silica gel column to produce four fractions: pentane (F1), 50:50 pentane:diethyl ether (F2), diethyl ether (F3), and 93:7 chloroform: methanol (F4). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of oil fractions were performed by GC-MS and HPLC techniques. The in vitro antioxidant properties were assessed using DPPH, FIC, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The hepatoprotective property was determined by examining the levels of serum markers (alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)) and hepatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)) enzymes in CCl4-intoxicated mice pretreated with intraperitoenal 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg b.w. of the oil fractions for 5 d.

RESULTS

GCMS analysis of F2 revealed the presence of 2-himachalen-6-ol (61.4%) which is reported for the first time in Daucus carota species. F3 and F4 were rich in phenolics and flavonoids and demonstrated significant DPPH activity (IC50 = 0.29 and 0.38 mg/ml, respectively) and high FRAP values (225.11 and 437.59 µmol FeSO4/g, respectively). The sesquiterpene-rich fraction F1 had the highest FIC ability (IC50 = 0.28 mg/ml). Pretreatment with F1 and F4 reversed the CCl4-induced decrease in SOD, CAT, and GST levels and reduced significantly hepatic damage.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The current results suggested that wild carrot oil fractions exhibited a unique chemical composition and possessed significant antioxidant activities as well as hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.