Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors depresses recurrent inhibition of motoneurons in the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro

A variety of experimental studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of melatonin, based on its antioxidant activity. In a prospective randomized study, the effects of melatonin were investigated in experimental head trauma-induced oxidative stress in rabbits. The experimental study was performed on 30 rabbits. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I (sham procedure): a right parietal craniotomy was performed on each animal, and the dura mater was left intact. Group II: experimental brain trauma (EBT) was performed on each animal using a 1 cm inner diameter × 10 cm long glass tube, through which a 20 g weight (0.5 cm diameter) was dropped onto the brain at the craniotomy site, causing a contusional head trauma. Group III: the same EBT model was performed, but 2.5 mg/kg melatonin was injected intraperitoneally four times (total dose 10 mg/kg); these injections were performed 20 min before the operation, during the trauma, 1 h later and 2 h later. The rabbits were sacrificed after the EBT at 24 h after the brain trauma. The activities of the three principal antioxidant enzymes—catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)—were determined, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH) were measured in brain homogenates. MDA levels were found to be higher in the EBT group than in the EBT+melatonin group or the sham procedure group. The SOD activity was found to be higher in the EBT group than in the sham procedure group. Enzymatic parameters (except for SOD) were significantly higher in melatonin-treated animals than in EBT animals. GSH levels in melatonin-treated animals were decreased compared with EBT animals. In conclusion, the data indicate that melatonin protects against free radical-mediated oxidative changes in brain tissue by boosting antioxidant enzymes, and in particular lowering lipid peroxidation in rabbits with EBT.     

Melatonin protects against epirubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

We investigated the cytoprotective effect of melatonin in epirubicin-induced cardiotoxicity using four experimental groups of male Wistar rats: untreated control rats, epirubicin-treated rats, epirubicin+melatonin-treated rats, and melatonin-treated rats. We examined the histopathological and biochemical effects of melatonin on the epirubicin-induced changes and measured the levels of the lipid peroxidation end-product (malondialdehyde, MDA), an indicator of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis (nitrite/nitrate production), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the heart. We also studied the extracellular matrix components (fibronectin, laminin) in the heart. Vacuole formation, mitochondrial deformation and degeneration, and disordered myofibrillary structures were detected ultrastructurally in the epirubicin-treated group. The degeneration was reduced in the heart tissues of the epirubicin+melatonin group. Epirubicin increased the nitrite/nitrate production, but did not change the MDA and GSH levels significantly. Melatonin treatment lowered the nitrite/nitrate concentrations, while increasing the GSH levels, which exceeded the levels in epirubicin+melatonin-treated rats. We conclude that the epirubicin increased the nitrozative stress, not the oxidative stress, in heart tissue, and the cardioprotective effect of melatonin was partially attributed to the suppression of epirubicin-induced nitrozative stress. These results suggest that melatonin partially protects against epirubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.     

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist abrogates lipopolysaccharide-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rat liver

Endotoxemia-induced hepatotoxicity is characterized by disturbed intracellular redox balance, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation inducing DNA, proteins and membrane lipid damages. In the present study, the protective effects of montelukast (MNT) against Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced oxidative stress were investigated in rat liver. LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected and the animals were sacrificed 6 h after LPS challenge. MNT (10 mg/kg) was administered orally for seven successive days before endotoxemia induction. Blood samples were withdrawn for assessing the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and levels of serum total bilirubin, total protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Livers were dissected out and used for histological examination or stored for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Sepsis significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, total bilirubin, TNF-α and IL-1β, MPO, MDA and PCC levels and decreased total protein, GSH and enzymatic antioxidants (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px). MNT decreased the markers of liver injury (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and total bilirubin), inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-alpha, IL-1β), MDA, PCC and MPO after LPS challenge. In conclusion, MNT abrogates LPS-induced markers of liver injury and suppresses the release of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers via its antioxidant properties and enhancement enzymatic antioxidant activities.     

Effects of melatonin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidative enzyme activities in the liver,kidneys and brain of rats administered with benzo(a)pyrene

Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] is a widespread pollutant with a mutagenic, carcinogenic and strong prooxidative properties. The present study evaluated the melatonin effects on lipid peroxidation products levels and on activity of antioxidative enzymes in the course of B(a)P intoxication. Control rats were treated with 0.9% NaCl; another group was given 10 mg melatonin/kg bw; a third group was injected twice a week with B(a)P at the dose of 10 mg/kg bw; the fourth group received both B(a)P and melatonin at the dose as mentioned above. The experiment continued for 3 months. In homogenates of brain, liver and kidneys lipid peroxidation was appraised by evaluation of malonyldialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenal (MDA+4HDA) levels. Activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dysmutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) were also estimated. In animals receiving both B(a)P and melatonin, lower levels of MDA+4HDA were observed in all organs as compared to the group treated with B(a)P only. Following administration of B(a)P, GSH level decreased in brain and kidney. Melatonin in combination with B(a)P induced rises in the GSH level in liver and brain, as compared to the receiving B(a)P alone. The activity of SOD increased in the rats treated with melatonin alone but the highest activity was observed in rats treated with B(a)P plus melatonin. CAT activity in the melatonin-treated group increased in brain and liver. Similar to SOD, activity of the enzyme significantly increased in the group treated in combination with B(a)P and melatonin, as compared to the remaining groups in all tested tissues. The results suggest that melatonin protects cells from the damaging action of B(a)P. According to our knowledge, there are no studies describing the effects of melatonin on lipid peroxidation markers and antioxidative enzymes during intoxication of B(a)P in the brain, liver and kidneys. The results of present study give a perspective for further studies of its free radical scavenger properties in prevention of oxidative stress dependent diseases, among others cancers caused by carcinogens such as B(a)P.     

Experimental depression induces renal oxidative stress in rats

Depression has been associated to inflammatory and oxidative events. Previous report has shown renal oxidative stress in patients with depression. In order to analyze if depressive status is related to renal oxidative and inflammatory events, Sprague Dawley rats were submitted to forced swimming test (FST) and the renal oxidative metabolism, monocyte-macrophage infiltration and Angiotensin II (Ang II) expression were determined. Rats were submitted to FST daily (30 min) for 15 days. Motor activity was analyzed before FST. Kidney sections were homogenized to measure nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity by enzymatic and biochemical methods. Renal frozen sections were studied for superoxide anion (O₂-), monocyte/macrophage infiltration and Ang II expression by histochemical and immunofluorescence methods. In addition, three groups of FST rats were treated with losartan, sertraline or water for 18 days with further renal O₂-analysis. In the FST group, struggle time, motor activity, food intake and body weight gain were found decreased. Increased number of glomerular, interstitial and tubular O₂-positive cells was observed in FST rats. High renal content of nitrite/nitrate (NO), MDA and decreased amount of GSH were found in FST rats. Values of renal ED-1 or Ang II positive cells in FST rats remained similar to controls; however, AT1 receptor blocking (losartan) and sertraline reduced both depressive-like behavior and renal O₂-expression. These data suggests that depression-like behavior in rats is involved in kidney oxidative stress probably mediated by AT1 receptors.     

褪黑素对烟雾吸入所致大鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用

目的通过建立褪黑素干预大鼠烟雾吸入性损伤模型,探讨褪黑素对急性肺损伤的保护作用。方法成年清洁级雄性SD大鼠72只随机分为空白组、损伤组和褪黑素组。空白组不做任何处理,损伤组于吸入性损伤处理后腹腔注射1%乙醇生理盐水（10ml/kg）,褪黑素组于吸入性损伤处理后腹腔注射褪黑素（10mg/kg,1次/8h）。三组大鼠分别在3h、12h、24h三个时相腹主动脉取血2ml后处死,动脉血离心后检测肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）含量和白细胞介素10（IL-10）。肺组织匀浆测超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、髓过氧化物酶（MPO）的含量。取右下肺组织作病理切片,光镜下观察肺组织病理情况。结果光镜下见空白组大鼠肺泡腔结构完整,壁光滑;损伤组肺泡壁增厚,肺间质炎症细胞浸润;褪黑素组肺组织较损伤组病理表现有所减轻。褪黑素组各时相点血清TNF-α和IL-6含量高于空白组（P〈0.05）,低于损伤组（P〈0.05）。损伤组各时相点IL-10含量与空白组相比无统计学差异（P〉0.05）,而褪黑素组IL-10含量与空白组、损伤组相比均升高（P〈0.05）。褪黑素组各时相点肺组织SOD含量均高于损伤组（P〈0.05）,低于空白组（P〈0.05）。褪黑素组各时相肺组织MDA和MPO含量均高于空白组（P〈0.05）,低于损伤组（P〈0.05）。结论褪黑素可以减轻炎症及氧化应激,对烟雾吸入性损伤所致急性肺损伤发挥一定的保护作用。     

Impact of exercise training on oxidative stress in individuals with a spinal cord injury

Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) have an increased cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize that (anti)oxidative imbalance is associated with the increased cardiovascular risk in SCI, while exercise can reverse this status. The aim of the study is to compare baseline levels of oxidative stress and antioxidative capacity between individuals with SCI and able-bodied (AB) subjects, and to assess acute and long-term effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) exercise on oxidative stress and antioxidative capacity in SCI. Venous blood was taken from subjects with an SCI (n = 9) and age- and gender-matched AB subjects (n = 9) to examine oxidative stress through malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme levels represented anti-oxidative capacity. Subsequently, subjects with an SCI performed an 8-week FES exercise training period. Blood was taken before and after the first exercise bout and after the last FES session to examine the acute and chronic effect of FES exercise, respectively. Baseline levels of MDA, SOD and GPx were not different between individuals with SCI and AB subjects. SCI demonstrated a correlation between initial fitness level and MDA (R = −0.83, P = 0.05). MDA, SOD and GPx levels were neither altered by a single FES exercise bout nor by 8 weeks FES training. In conclusion, although individuals with an SCI demonstrate a preserved (anti)oxidative status, the correlation between fitness level and (anti)oxidative balance suggests that higher fitness levels are related to improved (anti)oxidative status in SCI. Nonetheless, the FES exercise stimulus was insufficient to acutely or chronically change (anti)oxidative status in individuals with an SCI.     

The impact of allicin on lead-induced oxidative damage in selected organs of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Lead-induced oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of lead poisoning. Considering the antioxidant properties of allicin, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of allicin in preventing lead-induced oxidative damage in the liver, kidney, brain, and gill of the common carp. Fish were divided randomly into five groups, depending on the combination of lead acetate and allicin treatments. The oxidative stress was measured by the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in tissue homogenates. Lead acetate exposure (7.0?mgL^?1, 10?days) caused a significant decrease in GSH concentration in the liver, kidney, and brain; SOD activity in the liver, kidney, and gill; and GPx activity in the liver and brain. MDA content in the liver, kidney, brain, and gill showed a significant increase following lead acetate treatment compared with the normal control group. Administration of allicin was markedly effective in decreasing lead-induced lipid peroxidation and increasing the cellular antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels. These results suggest that allicin can modulate lead-induced oxidative stress and might have some therapeutic and prophylactic effects on lead poisoning.     

Protective effect of lycopene against ochratoxin A induced renal oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of lycopene against the renal toxic effects of OTA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (<200 g, n = 6) were treated with OTA (0.5 mg/kg/day) and/or lycopene (5 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 14 days. Histopathological examinations were performed and apoptotic cell death in both cortex and medulla was evaluated by TUNEL assay. Besides, biochemical parameters and activities of renal antioxidant selenoenzymes [glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR)], catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD); concentrations of total glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. OTA treatment was found to induce oxidative stress in rat kidney, as evidenced by marked decreases in CAT (35%) activity and GSH levels (44%) as well as increase in SOD activity (22%) vs control group. Furthermore, TUNEL analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells in cortex (49%) and medulla (75%) in OTA administrated group compared to control (p < 0.05). Lycopene supplementation with OTA increased GPx1 activity and GSH levels, and decreased apoptotic cell death in both cortex and medulla vs. control. The results of this study showed that at least one of the mechanisms underlying the renal toxicity of OTA is oxidative stress and apoptosis is the major form of cell death caused by OTA. Besides, our data indicate that the natural antioxidant lycopene might be partially protective against OTA-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat.     

The antioxidant melatonin reduces cortical neuronal death after intrastriatal injection of kainate in the rat

 The anti-excitotoxic efficacy of the pineal hormone melatonin was investigated in kainate-injured brains of rats. Kainate (a glutamate-receptor agonist, 2.5 nmol in 1 μl) was directly injected to unilateral striatum. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally 1 h before and 1, 3, and 5 h after intrastriatal kainate injection in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Three days after kainate injection, a significant neuronal damage was found, as determined by Nissl staining and the TUNEL method, not only in the injected striatum, but also in the ipsilateral neighboring cortex. The kainate-induced cortical apoptotic neuronal death was significantly attenuated by treatment with melatonin compared with the vehicle control group. However, no detectable changes were observed in the contralateral side of the brain in either vehicle- or melatonin-treated rats. Moreover, the biochemical results indicated that kainate can indeed induce oxidative stress, such as a decrease in the content of total glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and an increase in the ratio of GSSG/GSH in the striatum and cortex compared with the contralateral brain regions. In the kainate-injected striatum, melatonin did not reduce the oxidative stress, but in the neighborhood of injected area-cortex, kainate-induced oxidative stress was significantly reduced by melatonin. Enhancement of glutathione-peroxidase activity was induced by intrastriatal kainate injection, not only in the cortical area of control and melatonin-treated rats, but also in striatum of control rats. However, a large elevation was found in the melatonin-treated cortex. Taking the morphological and biochemical data together, the present results suggest that melatonin functions as an antioxidant by upregulating the glutathione antioxidative defense system, thereby reducing neuronal death caused by excitotoxicity and preventing the kainate-induced damage from spreading to adjacent brain regions. Received: 16 December 1997 / Accepted: 30 July 1998     

神经再生复合剂对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后其内MDA、SOD和MPO表达的影响

目的:观察促神经再生因子复合剂N6对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后脊髓及血清丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及脊髓内髓过氧化物酶(MPO)表达的影响,探讨其减轻继发性损伤的作用机制及保护受损脊髓作用的最佳介入时间。方法:用改良Allen’s打击法制备大鼠急性脊髓损伤模型,假手术组打开椎板不损伤脊髓,模型组造模后不予治疗,对照组分别于脊髓损伤后10、30和60 min向腹腔注射甲级强的松龙(30 mg/kg),实验组分别于脊髓损伤后10、30和60 min向蛛网膜下腔注射促神经再生因子复合剂N6(166μg/kg)。造模后24 h取材,于各时间点测得假手术组、模型组、实验组和对照组大鼠脊髓损伤组织及血清中MDA、SOD及损伤脊髓组织的MPO活性。结果:实验组损伤脊髓组织MDA含量随着药物介入时间的延迟而增高,各时间点间MDA含量无显著性差异(P>0.05);血清MDA含量随着药物介入时间的延迟而增高,60 min与10、30 min相比有显著性差异(P<0.05);实验组损伤脊髓组织SOD含量随着药物介入时间的延迟而降低,各时间点间SOD含量无显著性差异(P>0.05);血清SOD含量随着药物介入时间的延迟而降低,60 min与10 min相比有显著性差异(P<0.05);实验组损伤脊髓组织MPO含量随着药物介入时间的延迟而增高,60 min与10 min相比有显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论:促神经再生因子复合剂N6治疗可以提高急性脊髓损伤大鼠损伤脊髓及血清SOD含量,降低损伤脊髓及血清MDA、损伤脊髓MPO的含量,从而降低急性脊髓损伤后的继发性损伤,达到保护脊髓组织的目的,且介入治疗时间越早,疗效越好。     

Efficacy of melatonin as protectant against oxidative stress and structural changes in liver tissue in pinealectomized rats

Previous observations demonstrated that physiological levels of melatonin, the pineal secretory product, are important in protecting against oxidative stress-induced tissue damage. We investigated the effects of pinealectomy and administration of exogenous melatonin on liver tissue in rats. Pinealectomized (Px) and sham-operated (non-Px) rats were used. We evaluated structural changes, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Rats were divided into three groups (10 rats in each group): control (non-Px), Px+vehicle and Px+melatonin (4 mg/kg given daily intraperitoneally for 10 days). Liver GSH levels were significantly lower in Px rats than in the control group. Melatonin administration significantly increased GSH levels (p < 0.05). Px caused a significant increase in MDA levels as compared with the control group and melatonin administration to Px rats significantly reduced MDA levels in the liver (p < 0.05). Sinusoidal dilatation to a varying degree developed in all Px rats. Severity of mononuclear cell infiltration and sinusoidal congestion were lower in Px+melatonin group than in the Px group. These findings suggest that a significant increase in oxidative and structural changes occur in rat livers after pinealectomy, which can be diminished by melatonin treatment.     

对氧磷酶3基因过表达对急性中毒小鼠肝损伤的保护作用及机制

目的 探讨对氧磷酶3（PON3）对急性中毒肝损伤的保护作用及作用机制。 方法 将40只Balb/c小鼠随机分为4组,正常对照（NC）组、敌敌畏（DDVT）对照组、绿色荧光蛋白慢病毒（Lv-GFP）组和重组PON3慢病毒（Lv-PON3）组,每组10只。LV-GFP组和Lv-PON3组小鼠经尾静脉分别注射2×10⁷ TU的Lv-GFP、Lv-PON3慢病毒,3 d后腹腔注射敌敌畏（DDVT）溶液9 mg/kg,DDVT组只需腹腔注射同等剂量DDVT,NC组注射同等剂量生理盐水。各组于DDVT染毒后12 h麻醉处死10只小鼠取肝组织,ELISA法检测各组血清乙酰胆碱酯酶（AChE）、肝功能指标谷丙转氨酶（ALT）和谷草转氨酶（AST）和肝组织氧化应激指标丙二醛（MDA）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和谷胱甘肽（GSH）,HE染色法观察肝组织形态学改变,Real-time PCR检测肝组织Kelch样环氧氯丙烷相关蛋白-1（Keap1）、血红蛋白加氧酶（HO-1）和转录因子NF-E2相关因子2（Nrf2） mRNA的表达。 结果 与NC组比较,DDVT组和Lv-GFP组肝组织MDA、ALT、AST水平,HO-1和Nrf2 mRNA表达量明显升高,AChE、CAT、SOD、GSH水平和Keap1 mRNA表达量均明显降低（P<0.05）。与DDVT组比较,Lv-PON3组肝组织MDA、ALT、AST水平,Keap1 mRNA表达量降低,AChE、CAT、SOD和GSH水平均明显著升高,HO-1和Nrf2 mRNA表达量显著上升（P<0.05）。正常对照组肝细胞结构清晰,未出现肝细胞坏死和脂肪病变的情况,DDVT组和Lv-GFP组出现肝细胞坏死和脂肪变性等病理改变,Lv-PON3组肝脏病变组织肝细胞坏死和脂肪变性细胞数有一定的减少。 结论 PON3可通过Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1途径缓解氧化应激反应,改善肝功能,对敌敌畏急性中毒小鼠肝损伤有一定的保护作用。     

Increased lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney and their mitochondrial fractions following buthionine sulfoximine induced glutathione depletion in guinea pigs

Malondialdehyde (MDA) and diene conjugates (DC) and vitamin C levels and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in the liver and kidney and their mitochondrial fractions of guinea pigs 48 h after the injection of L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione (GSH) depleting agent. In BSO-induced GSH depletion, lipid peroxidation and SOD activities were found to be increased but GSH-Px activities did not change in the liver and kidney and their mitochondrial fractions. In addition, vitamin C levels remained unchanged in the liver and kidney homogenates. These results indicate that GSH depletion may influence oxidative stress in the liver and kidney and their mitochondrial fractions of guinea pigs.     

Protective role of aminoguanidine on gentamicin-induced acute renal failure in rats

The toxicity of aminoglycosides including gentamicin (GEN), the most widely used drug in this category, is believed to be related to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the kidney. Aminoguanidine (AG) is known as an effective antioxidant and its free radical scavenger effects may protect GEN-induced acute renal failure (ARF). Therefore, this study was focused on investigating the possible protective effect of AG against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in an in vivo rat model. We investigated the effects of AG on GEN-induced changes in renal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; nitric oxide (NO) generation; glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities; glutathione (GSH) content; serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Morphological changes in the kidney were also examined using light microscopy. GEN administration to control group rats increased renal MDA and NO levels but decreased GSH-Px, SOD, CAT activities and GSH content. AG administration with GEN injection resulted in significantly decreased MDA, NO generation and increased GSH-Px, SOD, CAT activities and GSH content when compared with GEN alone. Serum levels of Cr and BUN significantly increased as a result of nephrotoxicity. Also, AG significantly decreased Cr and BUN levels. Morphological changes in the kidney, including tubular necrosis, intracellular edema, glomerular and basement membrane alterations were evaluated qualitatively. Both biochemical findings and histopathological evidence showed that administration of AG reduced the GEN-induced kidney damage. We propose that AG acts in the kidney as a potent scavenger of free radicals to prevent the toxic effects of GEN both at the biochemical and histological level.     

17-β雌二醇提高巯醇抗氧化物(酶)治疗脊髓损伤的作用

目的探讨17-β雌二醇治疗脊髓损伤的分子机制,为临床应用雌激素治疗脊髓损伤提供理论依据。方法成年雄性SD大鼠180只,采用改良的Allen法构建大鼠急性脊髓挫伤模型后经17-β雌二醇治疗,采用化学比色法测定脊髓组织中丙二醛(MDA)和内源性巯醇抗氧化物(酶):还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)含量;免疫组织化学分析凋亡相关因子Caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白的表达变化。结果17-β雌二醇治疗组与脊髓损伤组比较,BBB评分明显增加;在多个时间点MDA含量明显降低;巯醇抗氧化物(酶)GSH、SOD和GSH-Px含量显著增加;Caspase-3和Bax表达的阳性细胞数明显减少;Bcl-2表达的阳性细胞数明显增加(P0.05)。结论大剂量的17-β雌二醇治疗可能通过调控内源性巯醇抗氧化物(酶),提高肢体运动功能,抑制细胞凋亡,从而减轻脊髓损伤程度。     

Naringin ameliorates acetic acid induced colitis through modulation of endogenous oxido-nitrosative balance and DNA damage in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of naringin on experimentally induced inflammatory bowel dis- ease in rats. Naringin （20, 40 and 80 mg/kg） was given orally for 7 days to Wistar rats before induction of colitis by intrarectal instillation of 2 mL of 4% （v/v） acetic acid solution. The degree of colonic mucosal damage was analyzed by examining mucosal damage, ulcer area, ulcer index and stool consistency. Intrarectal administration of 4% acetic acid resulted in significant modulation of serum alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione （GSH）, malondialdehyde （MDA） and myeloperoxidase （MPO） content along with colonic nitric oxide （NO）, xanthine oxidase （XO） level and protein carbonyl content in the colonic tissue as well as in blood. Naringin （40 and 80 mg/kg） exerted a dose dependent （P 〈 0.05） ameliorative effect, as it significantly increased hematological parameter as well as colonic SOD and GSH. There was a significant （P 〈 0.05） and dose dependant inhibition of macroscopical score, ulcer area along with colonic MDA, MPO activity by the 7 days of pretreatment of naringin （40 and 80 mg/kg）. Biochemical studies revealed a significant （P 〈 0.05） dose dependant inhibition in serum alkaline phosphatase （ALP） and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） levels by pretreatment of naringin. Increased levels of colonic NO, XO, protein carbonyl content and DNA damage were also sig- nificantly decreased by naringin pretreatment. The findings of the present investigation propose that naringin has an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic potential effect at colorectal sites as it modulates the production and expression of oxidative mediators such as MDA, MPO, NO and XO, thus reducing DNA damage.     

Protective effects of pentoxifylline on acute liver injury induced by thioacetamide in rats

Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor with the effects of antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis that has been shown to induce damage in liver. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of PTX on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: control, PTX, TAA and PTX+TAA treated groups. Rats were administrated TAA together with or without PTX for a week and sacrificed 24 h after the last intragastric administration of PTX. Histopathological analysis was carried out. The liver function, the indices of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in liver tissues, and pro-inflammatory cytokines expressions were examined. The mRNA level of NF-κB p65 in liver was also determined. PTX significantly attenuated TAA-induced liver injury. The serum transaminase and MDA levels were reduced while the levels of SOD and GSH were increased, as compared with the TAA-treated group. PTX also remarkably suppressed the secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation induced by TAA. In addition, the histopathological analysis showed that the range and degree of liver tissue lesions were improved obviously in PTX treated group. Pentoxifylline could ameliorate the effects of thioacetamide-induced acute liver injury in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress, expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation.     

Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane on Paraquat-Induced Acute Lung and Liver Injury in Mice

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural organosulfur compound that exhibits antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of MSM on paraquat (PQ)-induced acute lung and liver injury in mice. A single dose of PQ (50 mg/kg, i.p.) induced acute lung and liver toxicity. Mice were treated with MSM (500 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 5 days. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized, and lung and liver tissues were collected for histological and biochemical analysis. Tissue samples were used to determine malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Blood samples were used to measure plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histological examination indicated that MSM decreased lung and liver damage caused by PQ. Biochemical results showed that MSM treatment significantly reduced tissue levels of MDA, MPO, and TNF-α, while increased the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH compared with PQ group. MSM treatment also significantly reduced plasma levels of ALT, GGT, and ALP. These findings suggest that MSM as a natural product attenuates PQ-induced pulmonary and hepatic oxidative injury.     

罗哌卡因通过 HMGB1 / NF-κB 通路减轻 LPS 诱导的小鼠急性 肺损伤

目的 探讨罗哌卡因 ( ropivacaine, Rop) 对脂多糖 ( lipopolysaccharide, LPS) 诱导的小鼠急性 肺损伤 (acute lung injury, ALI) 的作用及其机制。 方法 气管内滴注 LPS 诱导肺损伤小鼠模型, 并将小鼠 随机分为 6 组: 对照组、 LPS 组、 罗哌卡因 0. 25、 0. 5、 1 μmol / L 组和右美托咪定 (dexmedetomidine, Dex) 100 μg / kg 组。 Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) 染色评估肺组织的组织病理学变化; ELISA 法测定肺组织中髓过 氧化物酶 (myeloperoxidase, MPO)、 丙二醛 ( malondialdehyde, MDA)、 超氧化物歧化酶 ( superoxide dismutase, SOD) 和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶 ( glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px) 的活性; 检测血清中 IL-6、 IL-1β 和肿瘤坏死因子-α (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) 的表达; Western 印迹检测 HMGB1 / NF-κB 通路相关蛋 白的表达。 结果 与对照组比较, LPS 诱导肺泡外膜增厚、 出血和肺水肿; 肺损伤评分和肺含水量增加; MPO 和 MDA 活性增加, SOD 和 GSH-Px 水平降低; IL-6、 IL-1β 和 TNF-α 水平升高; HMGB1 蛋白和 NF-κB P65 磷酸化水平升高, 有显著性差异 (P< 0. 05)。 与 LPS 组比较, 罗哌卡因 0. 5、 1 μmol / L 组小鼠肺损伤 程度明显减轻; MPO 和 MDA 活性降低, SOD 和 GSH-Px 水平升高; IL-6、 IL-1β 和 TNF-α 水平降低; HMGB1 蛋白和 NF-κB P65 磷酸化水平降低, 有显著性差异 (P< 0. 05)。 结论 罗哌卡因通过抑制 HMGB1 / NF-κB 通路, 有效减弱了 LPS 引起的肺组织损伤。