Human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal stem cells preconditioned with valproic acid promote cell migration and reduce renal inflammation in ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the AKT/P13K and SDF1/CXCR4 pathways

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether WJ-MSCs pretreated with VPA would enhance their migration to improve functional recovery of renal IRI in rats.

METHODS

150 Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed into 5 groups; Sham, IRI, WJ-MSC, VPA, and WJ-MSCs + VPA. 10 rats were sacrificed after 3, 5, and 7 days. Role of WJ-MSCs pretreated with VPA was evaluated by assessment of renal function, antioxidant enzymes together with renal histopathological and immunohistopathological analyses and finally by molecular studies.

RESULTS

WJ-MSCs and VPA significantly improved renal function and increased antioxidants compared to IRI group. Regarding gene expression, WJ-MSCs and VPA decreased BAX and TGF-β1, up-regulated Akt, PI3K, BCL2, SDF1α, and CXCR4 related to IRI. Additionally, WJ-MSCs pretreated with VPA improved the measured parameters more than either treatment alone.

CONCLUSION

WJ-MSCs isolated from the umbilical cord and pretreated with VPA defended the kidney against IRI by more easily homing to the site of injury.

Effect of intermittent fasting on adriamycin-induced nephropathy: Possible underlying mechanisms

PURPOSE

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been shown to induce a well-organized adaptive defense against stress inside the cells, which increases the production of anti-oxidant defenses, repair of DNA, biogenesis of mitochondria, and genes that combat inflammation. So, the goal of the current investigation was to identify the effects of IF on rats with adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy and any potential underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Four groups of 40 mature Sprague-Dawley male rats were allocated as follow; control, fasting, ADR, and ADR plus fasting. After 8 weeks of ADR administration urine, blood samples and kidneys were taken for assessment of serum creatinine (Cr), BUN, urinary proteins, indicators of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) levels), histopathological examinations, immunohistochemical examinations for caspase-3, Sirt1, aquaporin2 (AQP2) and real time PCR for antioxidant genes; Nrf2, HO-1 in kidney tissues.

RESULTS

IF significantly improved serum creatinine, BUN and urinary protein excretion, oxidative stress (low MDA with high CAT and GSH), in addition to morphological damage to the renal tubules and glomeruli as well as caspase-3 production during apoptosis. Moreover, IF stimulates significantly the expression of Sirt1 and Nrf2/HO-1 and AQP2.

CONCLUSION

AQP2, Sirt1, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling may be upregulated and activated by IF, which alleviates ADR nephropathy. Enhancing endogenous antioxidants, reducing apoptosis and tubulointerstitial damage, and maintaining the glomerular membrane's integrity are other goals.

Placental lakes vs lacunae: spot the differences

Sonographic sonolucencies are anechoic areas surrounded by tissue of normal echogenicity, commonly found in the placental parenchyma during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The ultrasound appearance of lakes and lacunae derives from the low echogenicity of villous-free areas within the placental parenchyma, filled with maternal blood of varying velocities. In normal placentation, lakes usually start appearing as soon as maternal blood begins to flow freely within the intervillous space at the end of the first trimester, whereas, in accreta placentation, lacunae develop progressively during the second trimester. Larger lakes are found mainly in areas of lower villous density under the fetal plate or in the marginal areas, but can also be found in the center of a lobule above the entry of a spiral artery. Lakes of variable size, position and shape are of no clinical significance, except if they transform into echogenic cystic lesions, which have been associated with poor fetal growth and placental malperfusion. Lacunae are formed by the distortion of one or more placental lobules developing inside a uterine scar, resulting from high-volume, high-velocity flows from the radial/arcuate arteries, and are associated with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum at birth. They often present with ultrasound signs of uterine remodeling following scarring. Lakes and lacunae can coexist within the same placenta and both will change in size and shape as pregnancy advances. Better understanding of the etiopathology of placental sonolucent spaces and associated morphological changes is necessary to identify patients at risk of subsequent complications during pregnancy and/or at delivery. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Evaluation of preoperative ultrasound signs associated with bladder injury during complex Cesarean delivery: case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative hemorrhage and peripartum hysterectomy are the main complications in patients presenting with a low-lying placenta or placenta previa undergoing repeat Cesarean delivery (CD). Patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) at birth also have a higher risk of intraoperative urologic injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound signs and intraoperative features associated with these injuries.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control study of consecutive singleton pregnancies included in a prospective cohort of patients with a history of at least one prior CD and diagnosed prenatally with an anterior low-lying placenta or placenta previa at 32-36 weeks' gestation. All patients underwent investigational preoperative transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examination within 48 h prior to delivery. Ultrasound anomalies of uterine contour and uteroplacental vascularity, and gross anomalies of the lower uterine segment (LUS) and surrounding pelvic tissue at delivery, were recorded using a standardized protocol, which included evaluation of the extent of uterine contour anomalies. The diagnosis of PAS was established when one or more placental lobules could not be separated digitally from the uterine wall at delivery or during the gross examination of the hysterectomy or partial myometrial resection specimens, and was confirmed by histopathology. Data were compared between cases complicated by intraoperative bladder injury and controls from the same cohort matched at a 1:3 ratio by parity and the number of prior CDs using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 16 (9.4%) patients with an intraoperative bladder injury in a cohort of 170 managed by the same multidisciplinary team during the study period. There were no patients diagnosed with ureteric or bladder trigone damage. There were 14 (87.5%) patients with a bladder injury that had histopathologic evidence of PAS at birth, including 11 (68.8%) cases described on microscopic examination as placenta increta and three (18.8%) as placenta creta. There was a significant (P = 0.03) difference between cases and controls in the distribution of the intraoperative LUS vascularity, whereby the higher the number of enlarged vessels, the higher the odds of bladder injury. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that both gestational age at delivery and LUS remodeling on transabdominal ultrasound were associated with bladder injury. A longer gestational age was associated with lower risk of injury. A higher LUS remodeling grade on transabdominal ultrasound was associated with an increased risk of bladder injury. Patients with Grade-3 remodeling (involving > 50% of the LUS) had 9-times higher odds of a bladder injury compared to patients with Grade-1 remodeling (involving < 30% of the LUS).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative ultrasound examination is useful in the evaluation of the risk of intraoperative bladder injury in patients with a history of prior CD presenting with a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. The larger the remodeling of the LUS on transabdominal ultrasound, the higher the risk of adverse urologic events. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

New Insight into the Possible Roles of L-Carnitine in a Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of L-carnitine (LC) on cuprizone (Cup) demyelinating rat model and its possible underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated to three groups: the normal control group; the Cup group, in which Cup was administrated at a dose of 450 mg/kg per day orally via gastric gavage for 5 weeks; and the Cup + LC group, which received the same dose of Cup as the Cup group, except that the rats were treated additionally with LC 100 mg/kg/day orally for 5 weeks. The nerve conduction (NCV) in isolated sciatic nerves was measured; then, the sciatic nerves were isolated for H&E staining and electron microscope examination. The expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), IL-1β, p53, iNOS, and NF-KB by immunohistochemistry was detected in the isolated nerves. A PCR assay was also performed to detect the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2 and HO-1. In addition, the level of IL-17 was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in NCV in the Cup group compared to normal rats (p < 0.001), which was significantly improved in the LC group (p < 0.001). EM and histopathological examination revealed significant demyelination and deterioration of the sciatic nerve fibers, with significant improvement in the LC group. The level of IL-17 as well as the expression of IL-1β, p53, iNOS, and NF-KB were significantly increased, with significant reduction expression of MBP in the sciatic nerves (p < 0.01), and LC treatment significantly improved the studied parameters (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrates a neuroprotective effect of LC in a Cup-induced demyelinating rat model. This effect might be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

Vanillic Acid Ameliorates Demyelination in a Cuprizone-Induced Multiple Sclerosis Rat Model: Possible Underlying Mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of vanillic acid (VA) on a Cuprizone (Cup) demyelinating rat model and the mechanisms behind such effect.

METHODS

Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, Cuprizone, and VA groups. Cuprizone was administrated at a dose of 450 mg/kg per day orally via gastric gavage for 5 weeks. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was studied in an isolated sciatic nerve, and then the sciatic nerve was isolated for histopathological examination, electron microscope examination, immunohistochemical staining, and biochemical and PCR assay. The level of IL17 was detected using ELISA, while the antioxidant genes Nrf2, HO-1 expression at the level of mRNA, expression of the myelin basic protein (MBP), interferon-gamma factor (INF)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and apoptotic marker (caspase-3) were measured using immunohistochemistry in the sciatic nerve.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in NCV in Cup compared to normal rats (p < 0.001), which was markedly improved in the VA group (p < 0.001). EM and histopathological examination revealed significant demyelination and deterioration of the sciatic nerve fibers with significant improvement in the VA group. The level of IL17 as well as the expression of INF-γ and caspase-3 were significantly increased with a significant reduction in the expression of MBP, Nrf2, and HO-1 in the sciatic nerve (p < 0.01), and VA treatment significantly improved the studied parameters (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated a neuroprotective effect for VA against the Cup-induced demyelinating rat model. This effect might be precipitated by the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Urological complications in women undergoing Cesarean section for placenta accreta spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To report on the occurrence of urological complications in women undergoing Cesarean section for placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS).

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases were searched electronically up to 1 November 2022. Studies reporting on the urological outcome of women undergoing Cesarean section for PAS were included. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction using a predefined protocol and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies, with disagreements resolved by consensus.The primary outcome was the overall occurrence of urological complications. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of any cystotomy, intentional cystotomy, unintentional cystotomy, ureteral damage, ureteral fistula and vesicovaginal fistula. All outcomes were explored in the overall population of women undergoing surgery for PAS. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses according to the type of surgery (Cesarean hysterectomy, or conservative surgery or management), severity of PAS at histopathology (placenta accreta/increta and placenta percreta), type of intervention (planned vs emergency) and number of cases per year. Random-effects meta-analyses of proportions were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

There were 62 studies included in the systematic review and 56 were included in the meta-analysis. Urological complications occurred in 15.2% (95% CI, 12.9-17.7%) of cases. Cystotomy complicated 13.5% (95% CI, 9.7-17.9%) of surgical operations. Intentional cystotomy was required in 7.7% (95% CI, 6.5-9.1%) of cases, while unintentional cystotomy occurred in 7.2% (95% CI, 6.0-8.5%) of cases. Urological complications occurred in 19.4% (95% CI, 16.3-22.7%) of cases undergoing hysterectomy and 12.2% (95% CI, 7.5-17.8%) of those undergoing conservative treatment. In the subgroup analyses, urological complications occurred in 9.4% (95% CI, 5.4-14.4%) of women with placenta accreta/increta and 38.5% (95% CI, 21.6-57.0%) of those described as having placenta percreta, and included mainly cystotomy (5.5% (95% CI, 0.6-15.1%) and 22.0% (95% CI, 5.4-45.5%), respectively). Urological complications occurred in 15.4% (95% CI, 8.1-24.6%) of cases undergoing a planned procedure and 24.6% (95% CI, 13.0-38.5%) of those undergoing an emergency intervention. In subanalysis of studies reporting on ≥ 12 cases per year, the incidence of urological complication was similar to that reported in the primary analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Women undergoing surgery for PAS are at high risk of urological complication, mainly cystotomy. The incidence of these complications was particularly high in women described as having placenta percreta at birth and in those undergoing emergency surgical intervention. The high heterogeneity between the included studies highlights the need for a standardized protocol for the diagnosis of PAS to identify prenatal imaging signs associated with the increased risk of urological morbidity at delivery. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Assessment of ultrasound features of placenta accreta spectrum in women at high risk: association with outcome and interobserver concordance

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prenatal ultrasound features associated with operative complications and to assess the interobserver agreement of prenatal ultrasound assessment with histopathologic confirmation of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in a cohort of high-risk patients with detailed intraoperative and histopathologic data.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients at high risk of PAS referred for specialist perinatal care and management between January 2019 and May 2022. Deidentified ultrasound images were reviewed independently by two experienced operators blinded to clinical details, intraoperative features, outcome and histopathologic findings. The diagnosis of PAS was confirmed by failure of detachment of one or more placental cotyledons from the uterine wall at delivery, and the absence of decidua with distortion of the uteroplacental interface by fibrinoid deposition on histologic examination of the accretic areas obtained by guided sampling of partial myometrial resection or hysterectomy specimens. Patients were categorized as having a low or high likelihood of PAS at birth. Interobserver agreement of prenatal ultrasound assessment with histopathologic confirmation of PAS was assessed using the kappa statistic. Primary outcome was major operative morbidity (blood loss ≥ 2000 mL, unintentional injury to the viscera, admission to intensive care unit or death).

RESULTS

A total of 102 women at high risk of PAS were referred, of whom 66 had evidence of PAS at birth and 36 did not. When blinded to other clinical details, the examiners agreed on the low or high probability of PAS, according to ultrasound features, in 75/102 cases (73.5%). The kappa statistic was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.28-0.66), showing moderate agreement. Morbidity was twice as common with concordant prenatal diagnosis of PAS vs concordant diagnosis of not PAS. Concordant assessment of high probability of PAS was associated with the highest morbidity (66.6%) and a very high (97.6%) likelihood of histopathologic confirmation.

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of histopathologic confirmation is very high with concordant prenatal assessment suggestive of PAS. The interobserver agreement for preoperative assessment with histopathologic confirmation of PAS is only moderate. Morbidity is associated with both histopathologic diagnosis and concordant antenatal assessment of PAS. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Modified Delphi study of ultrasound signs associated with placenta accreta spectrum

OBJECTIVE

To determine, by expert consensus through a modified Delphi process, the role of standardized and new ultrasound signs in the prenatal evaluation of patients at high risk of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

METHODS

A systematic review of articles providing information on ultrasound imaging signs or markers associated with PAS was performed before the development of questionnaires for the first round of the Delphi process. Only peer-reviewed original research studies in the English language describing one or more new ultrasound sign(s) for the prenatal evaluation of PAS were included. A three-round consensus-building Delphi method was then conducted under the guidance of a steering group, which included nine experts who invited an international panel of experts in obstetric ultrasound imaging in the evaluation of patients at high risk for PAS. Consensus was defined as agreement of ≥ 70% between participants.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified 15 articles describing eight new ultrasound signs for the prenatal evaluation of PAS. A total of 35 external experts were approached, of whom 31 agreed and participated in the first round. Thirty external experts (97%) and seven experts from the steering group completed all three Delphi rounds. A consensus was reached that a prior history of at least one Cesarean delivery, myomectomy or PAS should be an indication for detailed PAS ultrasound assessment. The panelists also reached a consensus that seven of the 11 conventional signs of PAS should be included in the examination of high-risk patients and the routine mid-gestation scan report: (1) loss of the 'clear zone', (2) myometrial thinning, (3) bladder-wall interruption, (4) placental bulge, (5) uterovesical hypervascularity, (6) placental lacunae and (7) bridging vessels. A consensus was not reached for any of the eight new signs identified by the systematic review. With respect to other ultrasound features that are not specific to PAS but increase the probability of PAS at birth, the panelists reached a consensus for the finding of anterior placenta previa or placenta previa with cervical involvement. The experts were also asked to determine which PAS signs should be quantified and consensus was reached only for the quantification of placental lacunae using an existing score. For predicting surgical outcome in patients with a high probability of PAS at delivery, a consensus was obtained for loss of the clear zone, bladder-wall interruption, presence of placental lacunae and presence of placenta previa involving the cervix.

CONCLUSIONS

We have confirmed the continued importance of seven established standardized ultrasound signs of PAS, highlighted the role of transvaginal ultrasound in evaluating the placental position and anatomy of the cervix, and identified new ultrasound signs that may become useful in the future prenatal evaluation and management of patients at high risk for PAS at birth. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Possible Mechanisms of the Neuroprotective Actions of Date Palm Fruits Aqueous Extracts against Valproic Acid-Induced Autism in Rats

The current study aimed to determine how palm date aqueous fruit extracts (AFE) affected the autistic-like behaviors brought on by valproic acid (VPA) injection, as well as any potential contributions from Sirt-1, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. The pregnant Sprague Dawley females were treated with VPA at 12.5th gestation day and pregnant females and their offspring were treated with AFE orally at doses of 4 mg/Kg by gastric gavage for 45 days after birth. The elevated plus-T maze, water maze, and rotarod tests were used to examine autism-like behaviors. At the end of the study, the expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase (HO-1), Sirt-1, caspase-3 (a marker of apoptosis), LC3 (a marker of autophagy), and NFκB (inflammatory cytokines) were evaluated along with the oxidative stress in brain tissues and the histological changes in the cerebellum and hippocampus. The neurobehavioral assessments significantly declined due to VPA, which also significantly increased oxidative stress in the brain tissues and significantly decreased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. Additionally, VPA administration caused significant increase in the expression of caspase-3 in the cerebellar cortex, not in the hippocampus; LC3 and NFκB in the hippocampus, not in the cerebellar cortex; and significant reduction in the expression of Sirt-1 in the hippocampus, not in the cerebellum. On the other hand, AFE treatment significantly improved the neurobehavioral changes as well as it improved significantly the oxidative stress and the expression of LC3, NFκB, NrF2, HO-1, and Sirt-1 in the cerebellum and hippocampus. Conclusions: AFE administration might improve the autistic-like symptoms induced by VPA in rats via attenuation of the oxidative stress, upregulation of Nrf2 and HO-1, Sirt-1 and LC3 expression with downregulation of caspase-3, and NFκB expression in the cerebellum and hippocampus.

Ceftriaxone as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Hyperglutamatergic States: Bridging the Gap Between Preclinical Results and Clinical Translation

Dysregulation of glutamate homeostasis is a well-established core feature of neuropsychiatric disorders. Extracellular glutamate concentration is regulated by glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1). The discovery of a beta-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone (CEF), as a safe compound with unique ability to upregulate GLT-1 sparked the interest in testing its efficacy as a novel therapeutic agent in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders with hyperglutamatergic states. Indeed, more than 100 preclinical studies have shown the efficacy of CEF in attenuating the behavioral manifestations of various hyperglutamatergic brain disorders such as ischemic stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), seizure, Huntington’s disease, and various aspects of drug use disorders. However, despite rich and promising preclinical data, only one large-scale clinical trial testing the efficacy of CEF in patients with ALS is reported. Unfortunately, in that study, there was no significant difference in survival between placebo- and CEF-treated patients. In this review, we discussed the translational potential of preclinical efficacy of CEF based on four different parameters: (1) initiation of CEF treatment in relation to induction of the hyperglutamatergic state, (2) onset of response in preclinical models in relation to onset of GLT-1 upregulation, (3) mechanisms of action of CEF on GLT-1 expression and function, and (4) non-GLT-1-mediated mechanisms for CEF. Our detailed review of the literature brings new insights into underlying molecular mechanisms correlating the preclinical efficacy of CEF. We concluded here that CEF may be clinically effective in selected cases in acute and transient hyperglutamatergic states such as early drug withdrawal conditions.

Possible Underlying Mechanisms for the Renoprotective Effect of Retinoic Acid-Pretreated Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Objectives: The current work investigated the effect of Wharton jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) pretreated with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on renal ischemia in rats and the possible role of oxidative stress, apoptotic and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways, and inflammatory cytokines in their effects. Methods: The study included 90 male Sprague Dawley rats that were allocated to five groups (n = 18 rats): (I) Sham-operated group (right nephrectomy was performed); (II) Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) group, a sham group with 45-min renal ischemia on the left kidney; (III) ATRA group, an ischemic group with an intravenous (i.v.) administration of ATRA 10 µM, 10 min post-surgery); (IV) WJ-MSCs group, an IRI group with an i.v. administration of 150 µL containing 7 × 106 WJ-MSCs, 10 min post-surgery; (V) WJ-MSCs + ATRA group, an IRI group with an i.v. administration of 150 µL of 7 × 106 WJ-MSCs pretreated with 10 µM ATRA. At the end of the experiments, serum creatinine, BUN micro-albuminuria (MAU), urinary protein, markers of redox state in the left kidney (MDA, CAT, SOD, and GSH), and the expression of Bax, IL-6, HIF-1α, Wnt7B, and β-catenin genes at the level of mRNA as well as for immunohistochemistry for NFkB and β-Catenin markers were analyzed. Results: The current study found that 45-min of renal ischemia resulted in significant impairment of kidney function (evidenced by the increase in serum creatinine, BUN, and urinary proteins) and deterioration of the kidney morphology, which was associated with a significant increase in redox state (evidenced by an increase in MDA and a decrease in GSH, SOD, and CAT), and a significant increase in inflammatory and apoptotic processes (evidenced by an increase in Bax and IL-6, NFkB, Wnt7B, β-catenin and HIF-1α) in kidney tissues (p < 0.05). On the other hand, treatment with ATRA, WJ-MSCs, or a combination of both, caused significant improvement in kidney function and morphology, which was associated with significant attenuation of oxidative stress, apoptotic markers, and inflammatory cytokines (IL6 and NFkB) with the upregulation of HIF-1α and β-catenin in kidney tissues (p < 0.05). Moreover, the renoprotective effect of WJ-MSCs pretreated with ATRA was more potent than WJ-MSCs alone. Conclusions: It is concluded that preconditioning of WJ-MSCs with ATRA may enhance their renoprotective effect. This effect could be due to the upregulation of the beta-catenin/Wnt pathway and attenuation of apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Rapamycin Improves Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs) Renoprotective Effect against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Nephrotoxicity in Rats by Inhibiting the mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective: Because the poor survival of transplanted cells in a hostile microenvironment limits stem cell therapy, in the current study, we investigated the effect of rapamycin (Rapa)-preactivated autophagy on the survival and homing of transplanted adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) in a rat model of cisplatin (Cis)-induced nephrotoxicity, as well as the possible role of the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway. Materials and methods: In vitro, ADMSCs isolated from rats were treated with 50 nmol/L rapamycin for 2 h, after which the cytoprotective and autophagy-inducing effects of Rapa were investigated. The cis-induced acute nephrotoxicity rat model was constructed in vivo. ADMSCs and Rapa-ADMSCs were administered into the tail vein before Cis therapy. At 3, 7, and 10 days after Cis injection, all animals were euthanized. The renal functions and morphology as well as autophagy response were assessed. Results: The pretreatment of cultured ADMSCs with Rapa caused a significant increase in autophagic activities and lysosome production of the cells, with a significant increase in the secretion of SDF-1, IL-10 and autophagy promoter LC3 and Beclin from these cells, while mTOR/AKT pathways were inhibited. In addition, the transplantation of Rapa-pretreated ADMSCs restored the kidney functions and morphology dramatically. Renal expression of SDF-1 and HIF1 was upregulated, while expression of IL-6, NF-kB and TGF-β1 was downregulated. Conclusions: We concluded that the preactivation of autophagy with Rapa improves the survival and differentiation of the transplanted ADMSCs by inhibiting the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway, which in turn could significantly attenuate the Cis-induced acute renal injury.

Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Glucose Homeostasis and Bone Remodeling in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Rat Model

Background

The present study examined the effect of intermittent fasting (IF) on bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) and the markers of bone remodeling in a glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) rat model.

Methods

Forty male rats were allocated to 4 groups (N=10 per group): control group of normal rats; control+IF group (normal rats subjected to IF for 16–18 hr daily for 90 days); dexamethasone (DEX) group: (DEX [0.5 mg i.p.] for 90 days); and DEX+IF group (DEX and IF for 90 days). By the end of the experiment, BMD and BMC in the right tibia were measured. Serum levels of the following were measured: glucose; insulin; triglycerides (TGs); total cholesterol; parathyroid hormone (PTH); osteoprotegerin (OPG); receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK); bone-resorbing cytokines, including bone deoxypyridinoline (DPD), N-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (NTX-1), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b); and bone-forming cytokines, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC).

Results

DEX administration for 90 days resulted in significantly increased serum levels of glucose, insulin, TGs, cholesterol, PTH, OPG, DPD, NTX-1, and TRAP-5b and significantly decreased BMD, BMC, and serum levels of RANK, OC, and ALP (all P<0.05). IF for 90 days significantly improved all these parameters (all P<0.05).

Conclusions

IF corrected GIO in rats by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and PTH secretion and stimulating osteoblast activity.

Genetic evaluation of semen traits in Friesian bulls raised in Egypt

A total of 14696 semen records were collected from Friesian bulls, kept at International Livestock Management Training Center belonging to Animal Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Cairo. Traits studied were volume, motility, livability and sperm concentrates in other to construct selection indexes by using all combination between different traits of semen to improve semen traits in a herd of Friesian bull cattle. Data were analysed by using four traits repeatability model and includes effects of the following fixed factors: the age of animal at semen collection, the combined effect of the month and year of semen collection, and the number of times semen were collected per month. Semen motility, volume and livability were highly influenced (p < 0.001) by all the fixed factors. Heritability estimates for semen traits were moderate and ranged from 0.29 to 0.33. All phenotypic and genetic correlations between different traits are positive and ranged from 0.09 to 0.67 for phenotypic correlations and from 0.02 to 0.68 for genetic correlations, while permanent environmental correlations ranged from -0.69 to 0.12. Estimated Breeding Values ranged from -0.68 to 0.78 ml for semen volume, from -13.17 to 7.34% for motility, from -259.42 × 10^-6 to 239.64 × 10^-6 for concentrates and from -6.83 to 6.09% for livability. Eleven selection indexes were calculated, selection Indexes not including livability showed a reduced accuracy. This study demonstrated that selection index (I₃) which includes sperm volume, motility and livability or selection index (I₈) which includes sperm volume and livability are the best and both are recommended for Friesian bulls' selection.

Chronic valproic acid administration enhances oxidative stress, upregulates IL6 and downregulates Nrf2, Glut1 and Glut4 in rat's liver and brain

Valproic acid (VPA) is a powerful antiepileptic drug that was associated with several neurological and hepatic problems especially with increasing its dose and duration. These problems may be metabolic in origin and related to glucose homeostasis. So, the present study investigated the effect of different doses and durations of VPA on the expression of glucose transporters (Glut1 and Glut4), oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine (IL-6) in the liver and specific brain regions. Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three equal groups: (1) saline group, (2) 200 mg VPA group and (3) 400 mg VPA group. By the end of experiments, the expressions of Glut1, Glut4 nuclear factor erythroid-like 2 related factor (Nrf2), IL-6 and oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH)] in the liver, corpus striatum, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellum were assessed. We found that administration of VPA (200 mg and 400 mg) caused a significant decrease in the Glut1 and Glut4 expression in different tissues in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01). Also, VPA (200 and 400 mg) caused a significant increase in MDA with a decrease in GSH in tissues at different times. Moreover, VPA (200 and 400 mg) caused significant upregulation in IL-6 expression and downregulation in Nrf2 expression (P < 0.01). The results suggest that increasing the dose and time of VPA therapy downregulates Glut1 and Glut4 in the liver and brain which may impair glucose uptake in these tissues. This effect was associated with enhanced oxidative stress, downregulation of nrf2 and upregulation of IL-6 in liver and brain tissues.

Exercise and Stevia Rebaudiana (R) Extracts Attenuate Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Rats: Possible Underlying Mechanisms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In the current work, we studied the effects of exercise and stevia rebaudiana (R) extracts on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in type 2 diabetic rats and their possible underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups; a) normal control group, b) DM group, type 2 diabetic rats received 2 ml oral saline daily for 4 weeks, c) DM+ Exercise, type 2 diabetic rats were treated with exercise for 4 weeks and d) DM+ stevia R extracts: type 2 diabetic rats received methanolic stevia R extracts. By the end of the experiment, serum blood glucose, HOMA-IR, insulin and cardiac enzymes (LDH, CK-MB), cardiac histopathology, oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH and CAT), myocardial fibrosis by Masson trichrome, the expression of p53, caspase-3, α-SMA and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by immunostaining in myocardial tissues were measured.

RESULTS

T2DM caused a significant increase in blood glucose, HOMA-IR index, serum CK-MB and LDH, myocardial damage and fibrosis, myocardial MDA, myocardial α-SMA, p53, caspase-3, Nrf2 and TH density with a significant decrease in serum insulin and myocardial GSH and CAT (p< 0.05). On the other hand, treatment with either exercise or stevia R extracts significantly improved all studied parameters (p< 0.05). Moreover, the effects of stevia R was more significant than exercise (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both exercise and methanolic stevia R extracts showed cardioprotective effects against DCM and Stevia R offered more cardioprotective than exercise. This cardioprotective effect of these lines of treatment might be due to attenuation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, sympathetic nerve density and fibrosis and upregulation of the antioxidant transcription factor, Nrf2.

515 How Has ‘Montgomery’ Changed the Way We Document Risks on Consent Forms for Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation? A Single-Centre Audit and Re-Audit

Introduction

The 2015 Montgomery case changed the remit of risk discussions required during the consent process. This audit reviewed single kidney transplant (SKT) consent forms to establish which risks are documented, and whether this legal case affected discussions. Following the audit, we introduced a pre-printed consent form and closed the audit loop by assessing its uptake.

Method

Trust paper consent forms for all patients aged 50+ who received a deceased donor SKT in our centre in 2014 (n = 58; pre-Montgomery) and 2017 (n = 70; post-Montgomery) were reviewed to see if 20 perceived ‘gold standard’ risks were documented. A pre-printed procedure-specific consent form including all gold standard risks was then introduced in July 2019. A re-audit reviewed the case-notes of every alternate recipient aged 50+ of a deceased donor SKT from 01/08/19 to 29/02/20 to check if the pre-printed form was used.

Results

Overall, 53% of the 20 ‘gold standard’ risks were documented in 2014 versus 59% in 2017 (p = 0.55). There was a 91% uptake of the pre-printed consent form.

Discussion

This audit established the importance of using a pre-printed consent form to standardise risk discussions We propose that pre-printed procedure-specific forms should be encouraged throughout the NHS to support ‘Montgomery-appropriate’ consent discussions.

Blockade of Renin Angiotensin System Ameliorates the Cardiac Arrhythmias and Sympathetic Neural Remodeling in Hearts of Type 2 DM Rat Model

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockade on cardiac arrhythmias and sympathetic nerve remodelling in heart tissues of type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups; a) normal control group: normal rats, b) DM group; after type 2 diabetes induction, rats received 2ml oral saline daily for 4 weeks, c) DM+ ACEi: after type 2 diabetes induction, rats were treated with enalapril (10 mg/kg, orally for 4 weeks) and d) DM+ ARBs: after type 2 diabetes induction, rats were treated with losartan (30 mg/kg, orally for 4 weeks).

RESULTS

In type 2 diabetic rats, the results demonstrated significant prolongation in Q-T interval and elevation of blood sugar, HOMA-IR index, TC, TGs, LDL, serum CK-MB, myocardial damage, myocardial MDA, myocardial norepinephrine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) density with significant reduction in serum HDL, serum insulin and myocardial GSH and CAT. On the other hand, blockade of RAS at the level of either ACE by enalapril or angiotensin (Ag) receptors by losartan resulted in significant improvement in ECG parameters (Q-T), cardiac enzymes (CK-MB), cardiac morphology, myocardial oxidative stress (low MDA, high CAT and GSH) and myocardial TH density.

CONCLUSION

RAS plays a role in the cardiac sympathetic nerve sprouting and cardiac arrhythmias induced by type 2 DM and its blockade might have a cardioprotective effect via attenuation of sympathetic nerve fibres remodelling, myocardial norepinephrine contents and oxidative stress.

Chronic Valproic Acid Administration Increases Plasma, Liver, and Brain Ammonia Concentration and Suppresses Glutamine Synthetase Activity

Asymptomatic valproic acid (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia in the absence of liver impairment is fairly common. However, the underlying mechanisms through which VPA causes elevation in plasma ammonia (NH₄) remains under investigation. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 72) were randomly allocated to receive VPA 400 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, or vehicle IP daily for either 8, 14, or 28 consecutive days. The behavioral effects of VPA were assessed. Plasma, liver, and prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum (Str), and cerebellum (Cere) were collected 1 h post last injection and assayed for NH₄ concentration and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme activity. Chronic VPA treatment caused attenuation of measured behavioral reflexes (p < 0.0001) and increase in plasma NH₄ concentration (p < 0.0001). The liver and brain also showed significant increase in tissue NH₄ concentrations (p < 0.0001 each) associated with significant reduction in GS activity (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Higher tissue NH₄ concentrations correlated with reduced GS activity in the liver (r = −0.447, p = 0.0007) but not in the brain (r = −0.058, p = 0.4). Within the brain, even though NH₄ concentrations increased in the PFC (p = 0.001), Str (p < 0.0001), and Cere (p = 0.01), GS activity was reduced only in the PFC (p < 0.001) and not in Str (p = 0.2) or Cere (p = 0.1). These results suggest that VPA-induced elevation in plasma NH₄ concentration could be related, at least in part, to the suppression of GS activity in liver and brain tissues. However, even though GS is the primary mechanism in brain NH₄ clearance, the suppression of brain GS does not seem to be the main factor in explaining the elevation in brain NH₄ concentration. Further research is urgently needed to investigate brain NH₄ dynamics under chronic VPA treatment and whether VPA clinical efficacy in treating seizure disorders and bipolar mania is impacted by its effect on GS activity or other NH₄ metabolizing enzymes.

Possible mechanisms for the renoprotective effects of date palm fruits and seeds extracts against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

PURPOSE

This work investigates the possible renoprotective effects of date palm fruits and seeds extract against renal ischemia and their underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

108-Sprague Dawle male rats were randomly allocated into 6 equal groups differently receiving aqueous or methanolic fruit and seed extracts. Assay of serum creatinine, BUN and TNF-α, morphological examination of the left kidney, markers of the redox state (MDA, CAT, and GSH), the expression of TNFα and Nrf2 genes at the level of mRNA, the expression of caspase-3 and TGF-β proteins by immunohistochemistry were performed.

RESULTS

45-min renal I/R caused significant deterioration of kidney functions (increase in serum creatinine and BUN) and morphology (P < 0.001) and significant reduction in CAT activity and GSH levels with significant increase in serum TNF-α and MDA concentration and the expression of Nrf2, caspase-3, TNF-α, and TGF-β in kidney tissues. Pre-treatment with either date palm fruit or seed extracts significantly improved kidney functions and morphology (P ≤ 0.001) with a significant increase in the expression of Nrf2 and CAT activity, and GSH concentration and a reduction in serum TNF-α and expression of caspase-3, TNF-α, and TGF-β (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of date palm extracts exhibited a renoprotective effect against renal I/R injury.This renoprotective action might be due to their antioxidants, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions. Moreover, aqueous fruit extracts offered powerful renoprotective effect than aqueous seed extracts, and aqueous fruit and seed extracts were generally more effective than methanolic extracts.

Effects of Exercise and Ferulic Acid on Alpha Synuclein and Neuroprotective Heat Shock Protein 70 in An Experimental Model of Parkinsonism Disease

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of ferulic acid (FR), muscle exercise (Ex) and combination of them on rotenone (Rot)-induced Parkinson disease (PD) in mice as well as their underlying mechanisms.

METHOD

56 male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into 8 equal groups, 1) Normal control (CTL), 2) FR (mice received FR at 20 mg/kg/day), 3) Ex (mice received swimming Ex) and 4) Ex + FR (mice received FR and Ex), 5) Rot (mice received Rot 3 mg/Kg i.p. for 70 days), 6) ROT+ FR (mice received Rot + FR at 20 mg/kg/day), 7) ROT+ Ex (mice received Rot + swimming Ex) and 8) ROT+ Ex + FR (mice received Rot + FR and Ex). ROT group showed significant impairment in motor performance and significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) density and Hsp70 expression (p< 0.05) with Lewy bodies (alpha synuclein) aggregates in corpus striatum. Also, ROT+FR, ROT+EX and ROT + Ex+ FR groups showed significant improvement in behavioral and biochemical changes, however the effect of FR alone was more potent than Ex alone (p< 0.05) and addition of Ex to FR caused no more significant improvement than FR alone.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that, FR and Ex improved the motor performance in rotenone-induced PD rodent model which might be due to increased Hsp70 expression and TH density in corpus striatum and combination of both did not offer more protection than FR alone.

Effects of exercise and stevia on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND

The present work was designed to study the effects of methanolic stevia extracts and aerobic exercise and combination of both on renal I/R injury in male rats.

METHODS

60 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subdivided into five equal groups as sham, control, exercise, stevia, and stevia plus exercise group. After 5 weeks of exercise and stevia, animals were exposed to 45 min of left renal ischemia and right nephrectomy followed by reperfusion. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, fractional Na excretion (FENa+), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels in kidney tissues were measured. Also, renal histopathology and the expression of caspase-3 by immunohistochemical examination were done.

RESULTS

The results showed that stevia, exercise or combination of stevia and exercise caused a significant decrease in serum level of creatinine (p < 0.001) and FENa+ (p < 0.001) and an increase in creatinine clearance (p < 0.001). Moreover, this caused a significant decrease in (MDA; p < 0.046) and an increase in GSH (p < 0.01) and CAT (p < 0.01), as well as causing a significant decrease in caspase 3 expression compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with either stevia or exercise of combination of both seem to have protective effects on renal I/R injury. However, the protective effect of exercise against renal I/R injury seems to be less than stevia. These effects might be due to attenuation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in kidney tissues.

Combinatorial metabolism drives the naive to primed pluripotent chromatin landscape

Since epigenetic modifications are a key driver for cellular differentiation, the regulation of these modifications is tightly controlled. Interestingly, recent studies have revealed metabolic regulation for epigenetic modifications in pluripotent cells. As metabolic differences are prominent between naive (pre-implantation) and primed (post-implantation) pluripotent cells, the epigenetic changes regulated by metabolites has become an interesting topic of analysis. In this review we discuss how combinatorial metabolic activities drive the developmental progression through early pluripotent stages.

Melatonin Improves Memory Deficits in Rats with Cerebral Hypoperfusion, Possibly, Through Decreasing the Expression of Small-Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels

This study investigated the expression pattern, regulation of expression, and the role of hippocampal small-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (SK) channels in memory deficits after cerebral hypoperfusion (CHP) with or without melatonin treatment, in rats. Adults male Wistar rats (n = 20/group) were divided into (1) a sham (2) a sham + melatonin (3) a two-vessel occlusion (2-VO) model, and (4) a 2-VO + melatonin. Melatonin was administered (i.p.) to all rats at a daily dose of 10 mg kg^-1 for 7 days starting at the time of 2-VO-induction. In contrast to 2-VO rats, melatonin increased the latency of the passive avoidance learning test and decreased time to find the hidden platform in Water Morris Test in all tested rats. In addition, it concomitantly downregulated SK1, SK2, and SK3 channels, downregulated mRNA levels of TNFα and IL-1β, enhanced BDNF levels and activity of PKA levels, and restored the levels of cholinergic markers in the hippocampi of the treated-rats. Mechanistically, melatonin significantly prevented CHP-induced activation of ERK1/2, JNK, and P38 MAPK at least by inhibiting ROS generation and enhancing the total antioxidant potential. In cultured hypoxic hippocampal neurons, individual blockage of MAPK signaling by the MEK1/2 inhibitor (U0126), but not by the P38 inhibitor (SB203580) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125), completely prevented the upregulation of all three kinds of SK channels. These data clearly confirm that upregulation of SK channels plays a role in CHP-induced memory loss and indicate that melatonin reverses memory deficits after CHP in rats, at least by, downregulation of SK1, SK2, and SK3 channels in their hippocampi.

Effects of heme oxygenase-1 upregulation on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction

The present study was designed to examine the effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction by cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) on the cardiac functions and morphology, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, myocardial antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione [GSH]), and expression of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 and connexin 43 (Cx-43) in myocardial muscles in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI). Thirty two adult male Sprague Dawely rats were divided into 4 groups (each 8 rats): normal control (NC) group, ISO group: received ISO at dose of 150 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 2 successive days; ISO + Trizma group: received (ISO) and Trizma (solvent of CoPP) at dose of 5 mg/kg i.p. injection 2 days before injection of ISO, with ISO at day 0 and at day 2 after ISO injections; and ISO + CoPP group: received ISO and CoPP at a dose of 5 mg/kg dissolved in Trizma i.p. injection as Trizma. We found that, administration of ISO caused significant increase in heart rate, corrected QT interval, ST segment, cardiac enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-muscle/brain), cardiac HO-1, Hsp70 with significant attenuation in myocardial GSH, SOD, and Cx-43. On the other hand, administration of CoPP caused significant improvement in ECG parameters, cardiac enzymes, cardiac morphology; antioxidants induced by ISO with significant increase in HO-1, Cx-43, and Hsp70 expression in myocardium. In conclusions, we concluded that induction of HO-1 by CoPP ameliorates ISO-induced myocardial injury, which might be due to up-regulation of Hsp70 and gap junction protein (Cx-43).

Renoprotective effect of local sildenafil administration in renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury: A randomised controlled canine study

Objectives: To design a new canine model to assess the renoprotective effect of local sildenafil administration, as the renoprotective effect of systemic sildenafil administration in renal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in animal models has been shown but its local effects have not been established to date. Materials and methods: In all, 120 dogs were assigned to five groups: sham, oral control (OC) group (right nephrectomy + left renal ischaemia for 60 min), oral sildenafil (OS) group (oral sildenafil 1 mg/kg, 60 min before ischaemia), local control (LC) group (local renal perfusion with saline and heparin for 5 min) and local sildenafil (LS) group (perfusion with sildenafil 0.5 mg/kg). Renal functions, histopathological changes, expression of caspase-3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), inflammatory cytokines (intracellular adhesion molecule 1, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in renal tissues were assessed in all groups at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Results: There were significant improvements in renal functions and cortical and medullary damage scores in the sildenafil-treated groups compared to their control groups (P < 0.05). Also, the LS group showed significantly better improvement of renal functions and cortical and medullary damage scores than the OS group (P < 0.05). Moreover, sildenafil significantly decreased the expression of caspase-3 and inflammatory cytokines and increased the expression of Nrf2 and eNOS in renal tissue, which were statistically significant in the LS group. Conclusion: LS has a greater renoprotective effect against renal IR injury than systemic administration via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways. Abbreviations: BUN: blood urea nitrogen; Ct: cycle threshold; eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase; H&E: haematoxylin and eosin; IL-1β: interleukin 1β; NO: nitric oxide; Nrf2: nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; OC: oral control; OS: oral sildenafil; LC: local control; LS: local sildenafil.

Effects of metformin on apoptosis and α-synuclein in a rat model of pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy

The present study was designed to examine the possible neuroprotective and antiepileptic effects of metformin (Metf) in a rat model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy and its possible underlying mechanisms. Forty male albino rats were assigned to 4 groups of equal size: (1) normal control (NC) group, (2) Metf group: daily treatment with Metf (200 mg/kg, i.p.) for 2 weeks, (3) PTZ group: treatment with PTZ (50 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day for 2 weeks, and (4) Metf + PTZ group: daily treatment with PTZ and metformin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) for 2 weeks. Administration of PTZ caused a significant increase in seizure score and duration, induced a state of oxidative stress (high malondialdehyde, low reduced glutathione and catalase activity), and led to the upregulation of β-catenin, caspase-3, and its cleavage products, Hsp70 and α-synuclein, in hippocampal regions as well as a significant reduction in seizure latency. While Metf treatment significantly ameliorated PTZ-induced seizures, attenuated oxidative stress, and upregulated α-synuclein and β-catenin expression, it also inhibited caspase-3 activation and the release of the cleavage product and caused more upregulation in Hsp70 expression in hippocampal regions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the antiepileptic and neuroprotective effects of Metf in PTZ-induced epilepsy might be due to the inhibition of apoptosis, attenuation of oxidative stress and α-synuclein expression, and upregulation of Hsp70.

Effects of low dose of aliskiren on isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction in rats

This study examined the effects of aliskiren (Ali) (direct renin inhibitor) on serum cardiac enzymes (LDH and CK-MB), electrocardiography (ECG) changes, myocardial oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, and GSH) and the expression of Bcl2, HO-1, and Nrf2 genes in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). A total of 40 male albino rats were allocated into four groups, (1) normal control (NC) group, (2) Ali group (rats received Ali at 10 mg/kg/day p.o. for 5 days), (3) ISO group (rats received ISO 150 mg/kg i.p. for two consecutive days at 24 h intervals), and (4) Ali + ISO group (rats received ISO + Ali at 10 mg/kg/day p.o. for 5 days from the 2^nd dose of ISO). ISO group showed significant rise in serum cardiac enzymes (CK-MB and LDH), myocardial damage scores, myocardial MDA, HO-1, myocardial Nrf2 expression with significant reduction in myocardial antioxidants (CAT and GSH), and Bcl2 expression compared to the normal group (p < 0.05). ECG showed ST segment elevation, prolonged QT interval and QRS complex, and increased heart rate in ISO group. Co-administration of Ali and ISO caused significant increase in cardiac enzymes and morphology with increase in MDA, serum K, and creatinine with significant decrease in Bcl2, HO-1, and Nrf2 without significant changes in ECG parameters compared to ISO group. We concluded that low dose of Ali seems to exacerbate the myocardial injury in ISO-MI, which might be due to the enhanced oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Upregulation of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) attenuates kidney damage, oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction during renal ischemia/ reperfusion injury

The current study investigated the effect of upregulation of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) by cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) on renal dysfunctions in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its underlying mechanisms. 72 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: sham group, ischemic group (left 45-min renal ischemia), CoPP-before group (as ischemic group with CoPP 20 mg/kg 30 min before ischemia) and CoPP-after group (as ischemic group with CoPP 20 mg/kg 20 min after ischemia). Serum creatinine, urea and TGF-β1 and markers of redox state (MDA, SOD, GSH and CAT), nitric oxide (NO), TGF-β1 and HO-1 in kidney tissues were measured. Serum creatinine and urea levels were significantly increased in ischemic group and attenuated in CoPP-treated groups (p < 0.05). Also, markers of redox state showed significant deteriorations in ischemic group which were improved significantly in CoPP-treated groups (p < 0.05). HO-1 expression in kidney tissues showed significant increase in ischemic group and showed more significant increase in CoPP-treated groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, serum and renal TGF-β1 levels were significantly increased in ischemic group and attenuated in CoPP-treated groups (p ≶ 0.05). We concluded that up-regulation of HO-1 by CoPP treatment before and after renal I/R injury improved the kidney function and morphology and this might be due to impairment of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in kidney tissues.

Possible mechanisms underlying fatty liver in a rat model of male hypogonadism: A protective role for testosterone

AIMS

To investigate the effects of testosterone (Test) deficiency and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated peripheral insulin resistance (IR) in male rats and to illustrate the underlying mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups as follows: 1) sham-operated group (n = 11), 2) ORCD-induced group (n = 9) exposed to orchidectomy (ORCD), achieved by complete surgical removal of testicles, and 3) ORCD + Test treated group (n = 10) (11 ng/mL Test propionate, 3x/week, S.C.).

RESULTS

Data revealed significant increases in final body, liver, visceral and subcutaneous fats weights with significant increases in fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Additionally, ORCD rats had higher UAC for measured glucose levels and insulin levels during OGTT and higher AUC for measured glucose levels during ITT. Interesting, higher serum and hepatic levels of TGs and CHOL and higher serum levels of LDL were seen in ORCD-induced rats. Mechanistically, significant increases in mRNA levels of SREBP-1, SREBP-2, ACC-1, FAS, HMGCOAR and HMGCOAS with significant increases in protein levels of both precursor and mature SREBP-1 and SREBP-2, PPAR-α, p-PPAR-α, CPT-1 and UCP-2 and significant lower protein levels p-AMPK and p-ACC-1 were detected in livers of ORCD rats. Test administration to ORCD-induced rats significantly ameliorated all of the above mentioned biochemical endpoints and reversed the effect of ORCD on mRNA and protein levels of these targets. In conclusion, Test deficiency could be an independent risk factor for the development of NAFLD by upregulation of lipid synthesis and disturb fatty acids oxidation whereas Test therapy is a protective strategy.

Attenuation of metabolic dysfunctions in the skeletal muscles of type 1 diabetic rats by Stevia rebaudiana extracts, via AMPK upregulation and antioxidant activities

BACKGROUND

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves are well-known for their sweetness and have been used as a non-caloric sweetener in several countries. It has numerous therapeutic properties which have been proven safe and effective over hundreds of years. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the possible antioxidant effects of stevia extracts and their role in regulating AMPK in type-1 diabetic rats.

METHODS

Fifty male Sprague Dawely rats were divided into: (1) normal control (NC) group; normal rats receiving 0.5 ml normal saline, (2) DM group; diabetic rats receiving 0.5 ml normal saline, (3) DM + MSE group; DM rats receiving 200 mg/kg of methanolic extract of stevia, (4) DM + S group; DM rats receiving 2 mg/kg of pure stevioside, and (5) DM + CGA group; DM rats receiving 10 mg/kg of pure chlorogenic acid. Four weeks after treatment, AMPK activity, GLUT4 mRNA and oxidative stress markers were measured in frozen muscles. Also, fasting blood glucose in serum, insulin and HbA1c were measured at the end of experiment.

RESULTS

DM caused a significant increase in serum fasting glucose, HbA1c and muscle MDA with significant reduction in serum insulin, muscle SOD, catalase, GPx, AMPK activity and GLUT4 expression (p < 0.05). Treatment with stevia extract, pure stevioside and chlorogenic acid caused significant improvements in the studied parameters (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that stevia extracts and derivatives may improve metabolic dysfunction in skel- etal muscles via upregulation of AMPK and GLUT4 and suppression of oxidative stress.

Morphometric parameters and histological study of the filum terminale of adult human cadavers and magnetic resonance images

BACKGROUND

Morphology and histology of filum terminale (FT) has a role in the pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS). This research was implemented to investigate the morphometric parameters and histological structure of normal FT in adult human cadavers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to correlate them with the pathophysiology of TCS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty five adult human cadavers (15 males, 10 females) and 100 MRI echo scans of lumbosacral region (50 males and 50 females), were used in this study. MRI patients were divided into 21-40 and 41-60 age groups. The cadavers were dissected at the prone position to explore their fila. The length of FT, filum terminale internum (FTI), filum terminale externum (FTE), vertebral level of beginning, dural piercing and termination of FT, and the initial, midpoint, and mid-FTE diameters were determined. Four segments were excised from lower conus, upper, middle, and lower thirds of FT. The specimens were processed for light microscopic examination. Statistical analysis was done for these parameters.

RESULTS

MRI morphometrical parameters of FT, except FTI length, revealed no age effect or sex differences, where length of FTI, FTE, initial diameter, level of conus medullaris termination (CMT) and dural sac termination (DST) were 174.1 ± 16.8, 75.8 ± 9.5, 1.6 ± 0.21, L1-2 and S2U in males and 166.9 ± 18.9, 74.1 ± 9.3, 1.53 ± 0.25, L1-2 and S2M vertebrae in females, respectively. However, non-significant sex difference was observed in morphometric parameters of cadaveric FT, where length of FTI and FTE, initial diameter, CMT and DST levels were 164.2 ± 11.6, 76.7 ± 8.1, 1.7 ± 0.14, L1L and S2U vertebrae in males and 159.2 ± 10.1, 71.02 ± 7.3, 1.6 ± 0.29, L1L and S2U in females, respectively. Moreover, CMT below L2 vertebra was seen in 5% of MRI scans and 8% of cadavers. Also, the initial diameter of FT > 2 mm was recorded in 7% of MRI and 8% of cadaveric cases. Histologically, the structure of FT showed gradual reduction in nervous, glial, and vascular tissues with converse increase in collagen content in FTE compared with those of FTI.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the morphometric parameters and the histological structure of FT are necessary for clinicians who dealing with diagnosis or treatment of tethered cord syndrome.

l-Carnitine Modulates Epileptic Seizures in Pentylenetetrazole-Kindled Rats via Suppression of Apoptosis and Autophagy and Upregulation of Hsp70

l-Carnitine is a unique nutritional supplement for athletes that has been recently studied as a potential treatment for certain neuropsychiatric disorders. However, its efficacy in seizure control has not been investigated. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive either saline (Sal) (negative control) or pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) 40 mg/kg i.p. × 3 times/week × 3 weeks. The PTZ group was further subdivided into two groups, the first received oral l-carnitine (l-Car) (100 mg/kg/day × 4 weeks) (PTZ + l-Car), while the second group received saline (PTZ + Sal). Daily identification and quantification of seizure scores, time to the first seizure and the duration of seizures were performed in each animal. Molecular oxidative markers were examined in the animal brains. l-Car treatment was associated with marked reduction in seizure score (p = 0.0002) that was indicated as early as Day 2 of treatment and continued throughout treatment duration. Furthermore, l-Car significantly prolonged the time to the first seizure (p < 0.0001) and shortened seizure duration (p = 0.028). In addition, l-Car administration for four weeks attenuated PTZ-induced increase in the level of oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.0001) and reduced the activity of catalase enzyme (p = 0.0006) and increased antioxidant GSH activity (p < 0.0001). Moreover, l-Car significantly reduced PTZ-induced elevation in protein expression of caspase-3 (p < 0.0001) and β-catenin (p < 0.0001). Overall, our results suggest a potential therapeutic role of l-Car in seizure control and call for testing these preclinical results in a proof of concept pilot clinical study.

Effects of ferulic acid on oxidative stress, heat shock protein 70, connexin 43, and monoamines in the hippocampus of pentylenetetrazole-kindled rats

The present study investigated the effects of ferulic acid (FA) on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH)), connexin (Cx) 43, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp 70), and monoamines (serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE)) levels in a rat model of PTZ-induced kindling. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 equal groups: (a) normal group; (b) FA group: normal rats received FA at a dose of 40 mg/kg daily; (c) PTZ group: normal rats received PTZ at a dose of 50 mg/kg i.p. on alternate days for 15 days; (d) FA-before group: treatment was the same as for the PTZ group, except rats received FA; and (e) FA-after group: rats received FA from sixth dose of PTZ. PTZ caused a significant increase in MDA, Cx43, and Hsp70 along with a significant decrease in GSH, 5-HT, and NE levels and CAT activity in the hippocampus (p < 0.05). Pre- and post-treatment with FA caused significant improvement in behavioral parameters, MDA, CAT, GSH, 5-HT, NE, Cx43 expression, and Hsp70 expression in the hippocampal region (p < 0.05). We conclude that FA has neuroprotective effects in PTZ-induced epilepsy, which might be due to attenuation of oxidative stress and Cx43 expression and upregulation of neuroprotective Hsp70 and neurotransmitters (5-HT and NE).

Possible Underlying Mechanisms of the Renoprotective Effect of Remote Limb Ischemic Preconditioning Against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: A Role of Osteopontin, Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Survivin

BACKGROUND

It has been documented that remote limb ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) protect kidneys against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We hypothesized that osteopontin (OPN), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), apoptotic proteins (survivin and caspase-3) and oxidative stress play role in the renoprotective effects of rIPC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 equal groups: sham group, I/R group (left renal 45 min ischemia) and rIPC group (as I/R group with 3 cycles of left hind limb ischemia just before renal ischemia). Each group was subdivided into 24, 48 and 72 h groups according to the time of sacrifice. We measured serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at the baseline and end points. Also, left kidney was harvested at study end points for assessment of the expression of OPN, TGF-β, apoptotic proteins (survivin and caspase-3) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) in kidney tissues and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine and BUN levels and histopathological damage score were significantly lower in rIPC group than I/R group (p < 0.005). Also, compared to I/R group, the levels of MDA and the expression of OPN, TGF-β and caspase-3 in kidney tissues were significantly lower in rIPC group, while the levels of SOD and GSH and the expression of survivin in kidney tissues were significantly higher in rIPC group at all time points (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

rIPC exhibited protective effects against renal I/R injury which might be due to inhibition of OPN expression, inflammatory cytokine TGF-β and caspase-3 and activation of anti-apoptotic protein survivin as well as improvement of oxidative stress in kidney tissues.

Beta Lactams Antibiotic Ceftriaxone Modulates Seizures, Oxidative Stress and Connexin 43 Expression in Hippocampus of Pentylenetetrazole Kindled Rats

Background and Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ceftriaxone on oxidative stress and gap junction protein (connexin 43, Cx-43) expression in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced kindling model.

Methods:

Twenty four Sprague dawely rats were divided into 3 equal groups (a) normal group: normal rats. (b) PTZ kindled group: received PTZ at the dose of 50 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) every other day for 2 weeks (c) ceftriaxone treated group: received ceftriaxone at the dose 200 mg\kg/12 hrs via i.p. injection daily from the 6th dose of PTZ for 3 days. Racine score, latency before beginning the first myoclonic jerk and duration of the jerks used as parameters of behavioral assessment. Immunohistopathological study for Cx-43 expression in hippocampus and measurement of markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], low reduced glutathione [GSH] and catalase [CAT]) in hippocampal neurons were done.

Results:

PTZ kindling was associated with behavioral changes (in the form high stage of Racine score, long seizure duration and short latency for the first jerk), enhanced oxidative stress state (as demonstrated by high MDA, low GSH and CAT) and up regulation of Cx43 in hippocampal regions. While, ceftriaxone treatment ameliorated, significantly, PTZ-induced convulsions and caused significant improvement in oxidative stress markers and Cx-43 expression in hippocamal regions (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

These findings support the anticonvulsive effects of some beta-lactams antibiotics which could offer a possible contributor in the basic treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy. This effect might be due to reduction of oxidative stress and Cx43 expression.

Modulation of renal ischemia/reperfusion in rats by a combination of ischemic preconditioning and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs)

The present study investigated the effects of combination of ischemic preconditioning (Ipre) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury in rats. 90 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 equal groups; sham operated, control (45 min left renal ischemia), Ipre group as control group with 3 cycles of Ipre just before renal ischemia, ADMSCs-treated group (as control with ADMSCs 10(6) cells in 0.1 mL via penile vein 60 min before ischemia time), and Ipre + ADMSCs group as ADMCs group with 3 cycles of Ipre. Ipre and ADMSCs groups showed significant decrease in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and caspase-3 and CD45 expression in kidney and significant increase in HIF-1α, SDF-1α, CD31, and Ki67 expressions in kidney compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the Ipre + ADMSCs group showed significant decrease in serum BUN and caspase-3 and CD45 expression in kidney with significant increase in HIF-1α, SDF-1α, CD31, and Ki67 expression in kidney compared with the Ipre and ADMCs groups (p < 0.05). We concluded that Ipre potentiates the renoprotective effect of ADMSCs against renal I/R injury probably by upregulation of HIF-1α, SDF-1α, CD31, and Ki67 and downregulation of caspase-3 and CD45.

Effects of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles on ECG, myocardial inflammatory cytokines, redox state, and connexin 43 and lipid profile in rats: possible cardioprotective effect of gallic acid

The objectives of present study were to examine the effects of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles on myocardial functions, electrical activities, morphology, inflammation, redox state, and myocardial expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the effect of gallic acid (GA) on these effects in a rat animal model. Forty male albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups: the control (normal) group; the Al2O3 group, rats received Al2O3 (30 mg·kg(-1), i.p.) daily for 14 days; the nano-alumina group, rats received nano-alumina (30 mg·kg(-1), i.p.) daily for 14 days; and the nano-alumina + GA group, rats received GA (100 mg·kg(-1) orally once daily) for 14 days before nano-alumina administration. The results showed disturbed ECG variables and significant increases in serum levels of LDH, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), CK-MB, triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol and LDL, nitric oxide (NO), and TNF-α and myocardial concentrations of NO, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA), with significant decreases in serum HDL and myocardial GSH, SOD, catalase (CAT), and Cx43 expression in the nano-alumina group. Pretreatment with GA improved significantly all parameters except serum and myocardial NO. We concluded that chronic administration of Al2O3 NPs caused myocardial dysfunctions, and pretreatment with GA ameliorates myocardial injury induced by nano-alumina, probably through its hypolipidaemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects and upregulation of Cx43 in heart.

Renoprotective effects of aliskiren on adenine-induced tubulointerstitial nephropathy: possible underlying mechanisms

The present study investigated the possible renoprotective effect of direct renin inhibitor (aliskiren) on renal dysfunctions, as well as its underlying mechanisms in rat model of adenine-induced tubulointerstitial nephropathy. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups; normal group, aliskiren group (normal rats received 10 mg/kg aliskiren), adenine group (animals received high-adenine diet for 4 weeks and saline for 12 weeks), and adenine + aliskiren group (animals received adenine for 4 weeks and aliskiren 10 mg/kg for 12 weeks). It was found that adenine caused significant decrease in body mass, Hb, HR, serum Ca(2+), eNOS and nrf2 expression, GSH, and catalase in kidney tissues with significant increase in arterial blood pressure (ABP), serum creatinine, BUN, plasma renin activity (PRA), K(+) and P, urinary albumin excretion (UAE), caspase-3, and MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) in kidney tissues compared to normal group (p < 0.05). Administration of aliskiren caused significant improvement in all studied parameters compared to adenine group (p < 0.05). We concluded that aliskiren has renoprotective effect against adenine-induced nephropathy. This might be due to inhibition of PRA, attenuation of oxidative stress, activation of Nrf2 and eNOS genes, and suppression of caspase-3.