Showing papers in "Biomedical Research-tokyo in 2012"

Expression patterns of nestin and dentin sialoprotein during dentinogenesis in mice.

Abstract: Differentiated odontoblasts could not be identified by one unique phenotypic marker, but the combination of expression of dentin phosphoprotein (Dpp), dentin sialoprotein (Dsp), dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1), and nestin may be valuable for the assessment of these cells. However, the findings using these proteins remain controversial. This study aimed to compare two odontoblast differentiation markers: nestin and Dsp in the process of dentinogenesis in mice. We performed immunohistochemistry and/or in situ hybridization technique for nestin and Dsp using 3-week-old incisors as well as postnatal 1-day- to 8-week-old molars. Preodontoblasts began to express nestin and Dsp proteins and Dsp mRNA, which increased in their intensity according to the progress of odontoblast differentiation in both incisors and developing molars. Nestin was consistently expressed in the differentiated odontoblasts even after the completion of dentin matrix deposition. The expression of Dsp mRNA coincided with the odontoblast secretory activity for dentin matrix deposition. In contrast, other pulpal cells, predentin matrix and dentinal tubules also showed a positive reaction for Dsp protein in addition to differentiated odontoblasts. In conclusion, nestin is valuable as a differentiation marker for odontoblasts, whereas Dsp mRNA is a functional marker for their secretory activity.

Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Abstract: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a collection of upper extremity symptoms that result from compression of the neurovascular bundle by various structures in the area just above the first rib and behind the clavicle. Although vascular TOS (venous and arterial) account for only 5% of all TOS cases, leaving the majority for neurogenic cases, it is associated with the most serious complications, including limb ischemia. The main pathophysiology is based on a mechanism of chronic compression over the subclavian artery or vein and then stenosis, which results in further intimal injury with fibrosis, thickening, and arterial luminal narrowing or complete or partial venous occlusion and thrombosis. Arm swelling, cyanosis, and other symptoms of primary venous thromboses represent the clinical picture of venous TOS. With arterial TOS, an ischemic hand in various pictures represents an advance stage, whereas asymptomatic cases are the majority. Various invasive and non-invasive examination tests can help in diagnosing and distinguishing among the etiologies of TOS; however, conventional arteriography and venography remains the gold standard for vascular investigation testing. Of note, this method has gradually been replaced by advanced CT angiography/venography. In terms of vascular TOS treatment, the role of conservative management is limited and the main target of treatment, which includes relieving the compression over the neurovascular structures, is mainly achieved by surgical option with superior results with early intervention.

Fragrant environment with α-pinene decreases tumor growth in mice.

Abstract: Stress is believed to be harmful to not only mental but also physical health. However, proving a link between stress and disease is difficult. A recent study reported that an environmental enrichment reduced cancer growth via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and leptin. Here, we report that mice kept in a fragrant environment enriched with α-pinene show reduced melanoma growth. Tumor volume of mice under the α-pinene environment was about 40% smaller than that in the control mice. α-Pinene had no inhibitory effect on melanoma cell proliferation in vitro, suggesting that this effect was not a direct effect of α-pinene. These results suggest that the provision of a fragrant environment may be an important factor in the therapeutic approach to cancer.

Effect of electrical stimulation therapy on upper extremity functional recovery and cerebral cortical changes in patients with chronic hemiplegia.

Abstract: Hemiplegia is a common sequel of stroke and assisted living care is needed in many cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using surface electrode stimulation device in rehabilitation, in terms of functional improvement in upper limb and the changes in brain activation related to central nervous system reconstruction. Five patients with chronic hemiplegia received electrical stimulation therapy using the orthosis-type surface electrode stimulation device for 12 weeks. Training time was 30 min/day for the first weeks, and increased 30 min/day in every 4 weeks. Upper limb outcome measures included Brunnstrom stage, range of motion, Fugl-Meyer assessment and manual function test. Brain activation was measured using functional MRI. After therapy with therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES) for 12 weeks upper limb function improved in all cases. The results of brain activation showed two patterns. In the first, the stimulation produced an activity in the bilateral somatosensory cortices (SMC), which was seen to continue over time. The second, activation was bilateral and extensive before stimulation, but localized to the SMC after intervention. Treatment with TES using an orthosis-type electrode stimulation device improves upper limb function in chronic hemiplegia patients. The present findings suggest that there are not only efferent but also afferent effects that may promote central nervous system remodeling.

Comparison of two teaching methods, structured interactive lectures and conventional lectures

Abstract: In the present project structured interactive lectures with conventional lectures as a teaching method have been compared. Students were divided into two groups, interactive lecture group and conventional lecture group. The two groups were similar in all aspects except the teaching method adopted for two groups. The groups were exposed to structured interactive lectures and conventional lectures separately. Same topics from pharmacology were taught to both the groups by using these teaching methods. Effect of these two teaching methods on students was evaluated by giving questionnaire and a MCQ test conducted on the topics covered. There was no significant difference in average MCQ marks of two groups. But the outcome of questionnaire was in favor of structured interactive lecture method. Structured interactive lectures may be better than conventional lectures as a teaching method

Serum Magnesium and Dyslipidemia in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract: Hypomagnesaemia is a common feature in patients with type-2 diabetes. It may be a cause or consequence of diabetes. This study was designed to find out the serum magnesium levels and its influence on serum lipids, in type 2 diabetics and how it is associated with the duration & complication of the disease. 45 known diabetic patients and 25 controls were taken for the study in and around Puducherry. The mean length of time the patients were diagnosed as diabetics were, 7.28 (± 2.1) years. This period was taken as the duration of disease. The serum magnesium and HDLc were significantly lowered (p<0.001) and all other lipid profile levels (TG, TCh, LDLc, VLDLc) were significantly higher (p<0.001) in cases. Our correlation study revealed a significant negative association between Serum Magnesium (Mg) and fasting plasma glucose and duration of the disease expressing its role in complication processes. Serum Mg also depicted significant negative relation with TG and VLDLc (r= -0.519,r = -0.518) and positive relation with serum HDLc (r =0.741), which explains associative evidence of its role in dyslipidemia. Our study substantiates the known importance of Mg supplementation in diabetics to prevent complications.

BHLH transcription factor DEC2 regulates pro-apoptotic factor Bim in human oral cancer HSC-3 cells.

Abstract: DEC1 (BHLHE40/Stra13/Sharp2) and DEC2 (BHLHE41/Sharp1) are basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation, circadian rhythms and the response to hypoxia. We previously showed the functional effects of DEC1 and DEC2 on apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. However, the roles of DEC1 and DEC2 in oral cancer are poorly understood. We examined whether DEC1 and DEC2 are involved in the regulation of apoptosis in human oral cancer HSC-3 and CA9-22 cells. The expression of DEC2 was upregulated by cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin: CDDP) treatment in HSC-3 cells, whereas CDDP treatment had little effects on the expression of DEC2 in CA9-22 cells. We showed that DEC2 overexpression inhibits pro-apoptotic factor Bim and inhibits apoptosis induced by CDDP in HSC-3 cells, whereas it had little effects on apoptosis in CA9-22 cells. DEC1 overexpression had little effects on apoptosis induced by CDDP in these cells. We also found that CDDP upregulated the amounts of DEC2 in the nucleus in HSC-3 cells. These results suggest that DEC2 has anti-apoptotic effects on apoptosis induced by CDDP in HSC-3 cells.

Evaluation of hypothyroidism as a complication in Type IIDiabetes Mellitus

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and Thyroid dysfunction, the two endocrine disorders have found to influence each other. The effects of which are poorly understood. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to understand the association trend of thyroid dysfunction with diabetic process and to assess the hyperglycemic effect by correlating fasting serum glucose (FSG) and thyroid profile parameters. 58 type 2 DM patients were studied for their thyroid profile along with their fasting glucose levels. Analysis was performed by comparing the values with age and gender matched controls using student ‘t’ test. Analysis showed that in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, 7 (12.06%) patients had hypothyroidism and 18 (31.03%) subjects had subclinical hypothyroidism out of 58 subjects. Serum T3 and T4 hormone concentrations were low and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentrations were high in Type 2 DM when compared to controls. But significant difference was found with T4 and TSH only (p value : <0.001). FSG did not show significant correlations with thyroid profile parameters. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients are at risk for hypothyroidism and hence have to be followed up with serum TSH levels.

Physicochemical characterization of vancomycin and its complexes with ?-cyclodextrin

Abstract: The equimolar complexes of vancomycin, a broad-spectrum glycopeptides antibiotic with β- cyclodextrin were prepared to evaluate their suitability for the development of a prolongedrelease form of the antibiotic. Complex preparations were subjected to kneading and freezedrying techniques and characterized using X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The uniformity obtained from all of the analyzed results, suggests the successive formation of the aforementioned binary systems. The in vitro dissolution profiles of vancomycin were determined accordingly in a simulated cerebrospinal fluid where the results showed a modified release with improved bioavailabity of vancomycin was achieved upon complexation with beta-cyclodextrin. Our results therefore demonstrated that the use of cyclodextrin could be advantageous not only for lipophilic drugs but also for hydrophilic drugs.

Changes in microRNA expression in rat lungs caused by sevoflurane anesthesia: a TaqMan® low-density array study.

Abstract: Reportedly, a large number of microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sevoflurane is routinely used to various patients, and its safety has been confirmed by clinical outcomes; however, its effects to lungs at the miRNA level have not been elucidated. In our previous genomic studies, we showed that sevoflurane anesthesia affected the expression of many genes and mRNAs in rat lungs. In this study, we comprehensively investigated changes in miRNA expression caused by sevoflurane anesthesia (2.0% and 4.0%). Sevoflurane anesthesia resulted in apparent changes in miRNA expression in rat lungs, and the pattern of 2.0% sevoflurane-induced changes in miRNA expression was similar to that of 4.0% sevoflurane. Some of the differentially expressed miRNAs are known to be involved in asthma, IPF, and PAH. Especially, miR-146a, the most up-regulated miRNA, is known to attenuate the toxic effects associated with LPS stimulation. We showed, for the first time, dynamic changes in miRNA expression caused by sevoflurane anesthesia, and moreover, our results were important to understand the influence of sevoflurane anesthesia on any patients suffered from various lung diseases.

Laminin-5γ2 chain expression is associated with tumor cell invasiveness and prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract: Our previous study showed that tumor budding is a significant indicator of a poor prognosis in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients. Tumor budding-positive (Bud(+)) cases of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) showed locally aggressive growth, and the positivity was a useful indicator of the lymph node status and prognosis. The present study focused on the clinicopathologic significance of laminin-5γ2 chain expression for local aggressiveness in lung SqCC. Laminin-5γ2 chain immunohistochemical stains in tissue samples were divided into three distinct types: basement membrane (B type; laminin-5γ2 present in basement membrane), cytoplasmic (C type; laminin- 5γ2 present in intracellular matrix), and invasive front (F type; laminin-5γ2 present in cytoplasm, and strongly in part of peripheral nest). The F type was more common in Bud(+) cases than tumor budding-negative (Bud(-)) cases; B and C types were less common in Bud(+) cases (P 〈 0.001). The F type was more closely associated with decreased overall survival than the B and C types (P 〈 0.001 for both). Univariate analysis showed that the F type could be used to predict tumor size, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, tumor infiltrative patterns, tumor budding, and laminin-5γ2 chain staining. Multivariate analysis showed that laminin-5γ2 chain staining and tumor budding could be used to predict patient mortality (P 〈 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). The overall survival rate after curative resection was lower in patients with the F/Bud(+) type than in those with B+C/Bud(-) and B+C/Bud(+) types (P < 0.001 for both, log-rank test), and also lower with the F/Bud(-) type than the B+C/Bud(-) type. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the F/Bud(+) and F/Bud(-) types. In conclusion, both laminin- 5γ2 chain staining and tumor budding are associated with tumor cell invasiveness and are independent predictors of mortality in lung SqCC patients.

Oxidative stress in hippocampus induced by 900 MHz electromagnetic field emitting mobile phone: Protection by melatonin

Abstract: The mobile phones emitting electromagnetic radiation(EMR) may be mainly absorbed by brain tissue since they are often used nearly skull. Melatonin, the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, was recently found to be a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to examine 900 MHz mobile phone-induced oxidative stress that promotes production of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in neural tissue damage in hippocampus and the role of melatonin against possible oxidative neural tissue damage in hippocampus in rats. Animals were randomly grouped as follows: 1)Cage control group 2)Control group 3)Study groups: i)900 MHz EMR exposed (30 min/day for 10 days) group and ii)900 MHz EMR exposed + melatonin (100 μgkg-1 s.c. before the daily EMR exposure) treated group. Malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation), was used as a marker of oxidative stress-induced neural tissue impairment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were studied to evaluate the changes of antioxidant status. In the EMR exposed group, while tissue MDA levels increased, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities were reduced. Melatonin treatment reversed these effects as well. In this study, increase in MDA levels and decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities demonstrated the role of oxidative mechanism induced by 900 MHz mobile phone exposure, and melatonin, via its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorated oxidative tissue injury in rat hippocampus. These results show that melatonin may exhibit a protective effect on mobile phone-induced neural tissue impairment in hippocampus in rats.

Morphometric analysis of hard palate in south Indian skulls

Abstract: In the present study 40 dry skulls from the Kasturba Medical College Manipal were examined to obtain the morphometric data of the hard palate. Mean palatal length, breadth and height for the total sample was 49.13mm, 4.04mm, and 0.8mm respectively. The contributions from the premaxilla for the hard palate being 9.4mm and palatine process 39.76mm.The palatine index showed that 40% of the skulls had wide (brachystaphyline),37.5% narrow (leptostaphyline), and 22.5% intermediate (mesostaphyline) palates. The greater palatine foramen was found to be at the level of third molar in 75%, in between second and third molars in 22.5%,and at the level of second molar in 2.5%.The distance from greater palatine foramen to middle maxillary suture was about 14mm.In majority of the skulls (62.5%) only one lesser palatine foramen was found and about 30% of the skulls had two lesser palatine foramina and 7.5% of skulls had 3 lesser palatine foramina. These data will be helpful in comparing these skulls to those from various regions as well as comparing the skulls of different races.

Zinc deficiency induces dysregulation of cytokine productions in an experimental colitis of rats.

Abstract: Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis is an experimental model of ulcerative colitis, although the precise mechanism has not yet been elucidated. We investigate whether Zn deficiency affects the pathogenesis of colitis induced by DSS with a focus on immune responses. Male WKAH/Hkm Slc rats were fed either a Zn-adequate (ZA, 30 mg Zn/kg diet) as a control or Zndeficient (ZD, 5 mg Zn/kg diet) diet for 21 days and then treated with 2% DSS via deionized drinking water for 7 days. The disease activity index (DAI) was recorded daily throughout DSS treatment. Serum Zn concentrations were significantly lowered in rats fed the ZD diet than those fed the ZA diet at day 7 and 14. Surprisingly, DSS treatment considerably reduced the serum Zn in both groups. The rats fed the ZD diet showed exacerbated colitis based on clinical outcomes, including weight loss, increased DAI, and shortened colon length. An in vitro study corroborated these results, showing that a large amount of TNFα was induced by rat mesenteric leukocytes in response to lipopolysaccharide in ZD medium, but not in ZA medium. These results indicate that a modulation of TNFα production due to Zn deficiency influences disease activity in DSS-induced colitis. In addition, more attention should be given to Zn for prevention of colitis.

Difference in glucose intolerance between C57BL/6J and ICR strain mice with streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetes

Abstract: Blood glucose and plasma insulin levels between C57BL/6J and ICR strain mice with nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were compared to establish a suitable strain of the experimental diabetic mouse model. The mice were intraperitoneally treated twice with STZ (100 mg/kg) 15 min after injection of NA (120 mg/kg) at a 1-day interval, and non-fasting blood glucose level was then weekly monitored for 5 weeks. The blood glucose level in ICR mice gradually increased and was about 2-times higher than that in C57BL/6J mice at the end of the observation. The plasma insulin level in ICR mice was comparatively low, compared with that in C57BL/6J mice. ICR mice were also markedly glucose-intolerant when oral glucose tolerance test was performed. These results indicate that ICR strain is more sensitive than C57BL/6J strain as a mouse model with NA/STZ-induced mild diabetes.

Evolution and virulence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive ST30 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the past 30 years in Japan

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) includes hospital-acquired MRSA (HAMRSA) and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive multilocus sequence type 30 (ST30) MRSA is one of worldwide CA-MRSA, which has also persisted in Japan since the 1980s. However, unexpectedly, it was not the same ST30 clone throughout. Before 2000, it was HA-MRSA with spa43 and ψSa3sea (phage Sa3 carrying the sea gene) and only one PVL-positive MRSA in Japan; in the 1980s, ST30 MRSA accounted for 23.5% of HA-MRSA, showed multidrug resistance, had high MICs for oxacillin and imipenem, and caused decubitus and pneumonia in hospitalized patients. A dynamic clonal change (spa43/ψSa3sea→ spa19) occurred around 2000-2002. A rare spa43/ψSa3sea/SCCmecI-IE25923 genotype also emerged. After 2002, the prevalent spa19 clone was CA-MRSA; it accounted for only 0.3% (or less) of MRSA in hospitals but 7.6% of CA-MRSA. Since 2007, PVL-positive CA-MRSA with other ST types (such as ST8, ST22, and ST59) also emerged in Japan, albeit at a low frequency. ST30/spa19 CA-MRSA occasionally caused severe invasive infections and a novel ST1335/spa19 genotype emerged. These ST30/spa19 CA-MRSA and variants were identified by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Further analysis revealed that PVL-positive ST30/spa19 CA-MRSA is a highlyvirulent, successful clone, having a potential of clonal expansion.

Advanced maternal age and outcomes of pregnancy: A retrospective study from South Africa

Abstract: The changing patterns of becoming pregnant at an advanced age have a serious public health impact because of increased risks of adverse outcomes. Thus, the objective of this study was to find the adverse pregnancy outcome of advanced age women delivered at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. This was a retrospective comparative study was conducted targeting the records of pregnant patients who delivered at Dr. George Mukhari Hospital from 1st September to 30th November 2010 where the pregnancy outcomes of females who were more than 34 years old (advanced age women, n=341) were compared with adult women (age between 20 and 34 years, n=1604). Advanced maternal age women had significantly higher rate of preterm delivery (19.2% vs 14.7%), caesarean delivery (38.4% vs 35.3%), breech presentation (7.0% vs 3.9%), and low birth weight rate (27.9% vs 18.8%) compared to adult women (p<0.05). Fresh still birth (FSB) and macerated still birth (MSB) rate was higher (5.6%) among advanced age women compared to adult women (4.8%) but it was not significant (p=0.825). Advanced age women were 1.37 (OR=1.37, p=0.041) times more likely to have preterm delivery, and 1.67 (OR=1.67, p<0.001) times more likely to deliver low birth weight (LBW) babies compared to adult women. The study has shown that advanced age women have higher rates of preterm birth, caesarean delivery, and LBW. Knowledge about the risks associated with advancing age can be helpful for couples in their decisions regarding childbearing.

Cellular inhibitors of Protein Phosphatase PP2A in cancer.

Abstract: Protein Phosphatases of type 2A (PP2A) represent a major class of structurally complex Ser/Thr phosphatases, which have recently gained a lot of interest in cancer biology because of their establishment as genuine tumor suppressors. PP2A phosphatases comprise a large family of >80 holoenzymes with complex structure, pleiotropic functions and diverse ways to regulate their biological activities. PP2A catalyti c activity can be directly inhibited by an emerging set of specific cellular PP2A inhibitory p roteins, including Acidic Nuclear Phosphoprotein 32a (ANP32a), Suvar 3-9/Enhancer of zeste/Trithorax (SET), Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), members of the cAMP-Regulated PhosphoProtein/ α-Endosulfin (ARPP-16/19/ENSA) family, and Type 2A Interacting Protein (TIP). In addition, the PP2A Methyl Esterase 1 (PME-1), a regulator of reversible carboxy-terminal methylation of the PP2A catalytic C subunit, stabilizes an inactive PP 2A C conformation and may be considered as an atypical inhibitor. Although sometimes poorly understood at the molecular level, these inhibitors either directly bind to the PP2A catalyt ic subunit or target very specific PP2A holoenzymes. In a wide variety of cancers, cellular PP2A inhibitors are aberrantly expressed, sometimes with very high frequency, and this constitutes a major mechanism by which the tumor suppressive function of PP2A can be impaired within a tumor. This offers interesting perspectives for therapeutic interference and some promising pre-clinical studies will be discussed.

Intraplantar injection of linalool reduces paclitaxel-induced acute pain in mice.

Abstract: Linalool is the principal component of many essential oils known to possess biological activities. We previously reported that intraplantar injection of linalool reduces the nociceptive response as assayed by the capsaicin test. In this study, we sought to determine whether intraplantar injection of linalool could influence the induction of acute pain (allodynia and hyperalgesia) by paclitaxel in mice. Paclitaxel is widely used in cancer chemotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors, but it sometimes induces moderate to severe acute pain. Paclitaxel administered intraperitoneally as a single dose of 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg produced mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in mice. Paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia began 1 day after administration of paclitaxel and resolved within 7 days. Linalool injected into the hindpaw caused a significant reduction in paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. Pretreatment with naloxone hydrochloride, an opioid receptor antagonist, or naloxone methiodide, a peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor-preferring antagonist, significantly reversed linalool-induced antiallodynia and antihyperalgesia. Our results provide evidence for the involvement of peripheral opioids in antiallodynia and antihyperalgesia induced by linalool. These results suggest that activation of peripheral opioid receptors may play an important role in reducing paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia.

Lipid profile, serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase in chronic kidney diseases and Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract: The present study was carried out in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus to evaluate the status of lipid profile, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase in total 50 patients of CKD and 50 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus and 40 healthy individuals were included as control in this study. After 12 hrs, fasting 5 ml. venous blood sample was collected, allowed to clot for half an hour and serum was separated. Lipid profile was measured by using commercially available kit of metro lab auto analyzer. Serum MDA was measured by Wilbur et al method, serum SOD levels were measured by Marklund and Marklund method. The values are expressed as mean ± SD and P value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. The levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol were decreased where as Triglcerides (TG), VLDL Cholesterol were elevated in CKD patients as compared to control group, though the values were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In type 2 diabetic patients HDL cholesterol significantly decreased (P<0.05) while other parameters of lipid profile were significantly increased (P<0.05) as compared to control group. Serum MDA and SOD were significantly higher (P<0.05) in CKD and type 2 diabetic patients, but not statistically significant as compare to control. In conclusion study shows significant lipoprotein abnormalities in CKD and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients when compared to control. High levels of MDA in CKD and diabetic patients indicating to an increased oxidative stress, the increasing SOD level trying to fight against oxidative stress

Effect of silybum marianum on acute hepatic damage caused by carbon tetrachloride in rats

Abstract: The study was designed to test the efficiency of of Silybum marianum in different doses to treat carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage. Thirty-five Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into five groups as follows: Control Group: 4 ml saline; CCl4 Group: 4 ml saline plus 2 ml/kg CCl4; 2.5% Infusion Group: 2 ml/kg CCl4 plus 2.5% infusion of Silybum marianum; 5% Infusion Group: 2 ml/kg CCl4 plus 5% infusion of Silybum marianum; 10% Infusion Group: 2 ml/kg CCl4 plus 10% infusion of Silybum marianum. Infusions were given once a day for 5 consequtive days. CCl4 was administered intraperitoneally (2 ml/kg) on days 2 and 3. At the end of the 5th day, animals sacrificed and their bloods were drawn for biochemical tests and liver samples were taken for histopathologic investigation. CCl4 caused to incease in glucose and to decrease in albumin, total cholesterol and trigliceride levels. Silybum Marianum treatment improved these changes. All liver function tests were elevated by of CCl4 administration and than reduced, by Silybum Marianum treatment. CCl4 caused to hepatocyte degeneration, central ven dilatation, congestion, and to increase in the number of Kuppfer cells and histopathological injury scores. Treatment with Silybum marianum infusion showed slightly preventive effect on CCl4 induced liver damage by biochemically and histologically.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic activity of Juniperus communis Lynn Oil in rats: A biochemical and histopathological investigation

Abstract: The aromatic fruit, its extract and the oil of Juniperus Communis Lynn (JCL), a tree species that grows in the Mediterranean and Isparta region, have been commonly used at least for three centuries as herbal treatment and in the field of medicine. The aim of this study was to apply JCL in various doses to rats in the treatment of hypercholesterolemy and analyse the biochemical parameters and the hystopathologic effects on kidney tissue. In this study 35 adult male Wistar albino rats of 200-250 gr in weight were used. The rats were divided into 5 equal groups of 7. The control group was fed with normal pellet chow, the cholesterol (Chol) group was fed with pellet chow containing 2% of cholesterol, and the 50 JCL, 100 JCL and 200 JCL groups were fed with 50, 100, 200 mg/kg JCL oil, respectively in addition to the 2% cholesterol-containing pellet chow. JCL was dissolved in 0.5% Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (SCMC) and administered by a gavage needle. The experiment was ended 30 days later and blood and kidney tissue samples were taken. A complete blood test and biochemical measurements were made. Kidney tissues were analysed histopathologically. The administration of 200 mg/kg JCL led to a significant increase in BUN and Crea levels. The administration of chol increased the TC level significantly, but the administration of JCL together with chol prevented this increase. The administration of chol led a significant increase in Ox-LDL levels. However, the administration of 200 mg/kg JCL together with chol did not result in a significant increase. At the end of the study it was found that the JCL oil showed an anti-hypercholesterolemic effect. While no anemic effect and no distinct change overall were observed in all groups, a distinct focal damage was observed in the tubular cast structure.

Oral administration of Cimicifuga racemosa extract affects immobilization stress-induced changes in murine cerebral monoamine metabolism.

Abstract: We investigated the effects of Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) plant extracts on the changes in levels of the cerebral monoamines norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT), the respective metabolites 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and plasma corticosterone in mice subjected to acute immobilization stress. Single oral administration of the CR extract (1,000 mg/kg) significantly attenuated plasma corticosterone levels that had been increased as a result of enforced immobilization. Acute immobilization stress caused significant changes in the corresponding amine-to-metabolite ratios in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cortex; however, CR-extract treatment significantly attenuated the MHPG/NE change in the hypothalamus, and the 5-HIAA/5- HT changes in each region of the brain. Our results suggest that the CR extract interacts not only with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis but also with the sympathetic adrenomedullary (SAM) system under stress conditions. Thus the CR extract can alleviate acute stress responses by suppressing the changes of amine-to-metabolite ratio in brain.

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/ Methi) on Hemoglobin Levels in Females of Child Bearing Age

Abstract: Spices in India have paramount importance which is widely used as medicines. In the present randomized clinical trial, the study group supplemented with an oral medicinal dosage of powdered fenugreek seeds daily, for three consecutive months showed a significant rise in the levels of blood hemoglobin, in comparison with the study group who were not supplemented with it. This clinical trial proved that, the fenugreek seeds rich in proteins with essential amino acids, Iron, Ascorbate and Folate content, have restorative and nutritive properties. The daily use of fenugreek seeds as dietary supplement is safe. It has good beneficial effects to raise blood hemoglobin by easy means. This might further help to prevent and cure anemia and maintain good healthy life for longer duration.

Review: Lactococcus Lactis: An efficient Gram positive cell factory for the production and secretion of recombinant protein

Abstract: Lactococcus lactis, a model lactic acid bacterium that is widely used in the dairy industry, which proves beneficial due to its easy protein secretion and purification. It is also a potential host for the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins. Many heterologous proteins have been produced in L.lactis but very few report the whole system of the gene expression machinery and its application. Here, we review the complete gene expression system for the L.lactis right from the promoters, roll of signal peptides, site of expression and specific protein targeting system. Thus the review can be a guide for the appropriate selection of strains and site for the expression system in L.lactis.

Effects of AhR ligands on the production of immunoglobulins in purified mouse B cells.

Abstract: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been shown to play important roles in the immune system, and contributions of AhR ligands to the differentiation and functions of Th17/Treg cells have recently been established. However, it has not been fully clarified whether AhR plays roles in B cell differentiation and functions. The environmental pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a highly potent AhR agonist, was reported to suppress the production of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in a transformed mouse B cell line. However, TCDD exhibits high toxicity toward cells and has unknown activities except for its action as an AhR agonist. In the present study, we tried to clarify how an endogenously generated AhR agonist affects mouse B cell differentiation and functions in terms of the direct effects on the expression of Ig subclasses in purified mouse B cells stimulated with an anti-CD40 antibody and interleukin-4. The AhR agonist 2-(1'H-indole-3'- carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE), which is derived via tryptophan metabolism, suppressed the expression of not only IgM, but also IgG1 and IgE. ITE was also found to suppress the expression of secreted-type Ig mRNAs and plasma cell-specific genes. These findings indicate that the endogenous AhR agonist suppresses B cell differentiation into Ig-secreting plasma cells.

Effects of a catechin-free fraction derived from green tea on gene expression of enzymes related to lipid metabolism in the mouse liver

Abstract: Many biological activities of green tea have been attributed to a major constituent, (minus;)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). We previously reported that EGCG and an EGCG-free fraction derived from green tea modulated the gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes, glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, in the mouse liver. EGCG is also known to affect the gene expression of enzymes related to lipid metabolism. However, it remains to be examined whether or not a constituent other than EGCG contributes to the change in gene expression of these enzymes. In this study, we prepared an EGCG-free water-soluble fraction (GT-W), and examined its effects on the hepatic gene expression of lipogenic enzymes in mice. The results of quantitative real-time PCR assays indicated that the dietary administration of GT-W for 4 weeks reduced the hepatic gene expression of lipogenic enzymes: fatty acid synthase, hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase alpha. Also, the gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor (Srebf)1 and/or Srebf2 was reduced, suggesting that the reduction of Srebfs contributed to the down-regulation of the lipogenic enzymes, since these transcription factors bind the promoter region to enhance their expression. The plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were reduced with statistical significance in the group given a diet containing GT-W. These results suggest that in addition to EGCG, green tea contains some component(s) which may help to prevent arteriosclerosis and obesity.

The high-affinity choline transporter CHT1 is regulated by the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2.

Abstract: The high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1), which is specifically expressed in cholinergic neurons, constitutes a rate-limiting step for acetylcholine synthesis We have found that the exogenous ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 interacts with CHT1 expressed in HEK293 cells decreasing the amount of cell surface CHT1 by approximately 40%, and that small interfering RNA for endogenous Nedd4-2 enhances the choline uptake activity by CHT1 in HEK293 cells These results indicate that Nedd4-2-mediated ubiquitination regulates the cell surface expression of CHT1 in cultured cells and suggest a possibility that treatments or drugs which inhibit the interaction between CHT1 and Nedd4-2 might be useful for diseases involving decrease in acetylcholine level such as Alzheimer's disease

Oxidative stress and antioxidative status in patients with alcoholic liver disease

Abstract: The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in alcoholic liver disease among the chronic alcoholics is still not clear. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) & its complications are still one of the most frequent causes of death in both developing and developed counties. The present study was conducted to add a new insight to the question, whether ethanol induces oxidative stress, change in the level of antioxidant vitamins ascorbic acid & vitamins E (non- enzymatic antioxidant parameters), trace elements Zinc & Selenium & activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) & catalase in erythrocytes. Study was performed in 40 patients with alcoholic liver disease (study subject) & compared to 40 age & sex matched healthy subject (controls). It was observed that they was a significant increase in MDA (Malondialdehyde), SOD, GPx and significant decrease in ascorbic acid, vitamin E, zinc, selenium & catalase activity in patients with alcoholic liver disease when compared to controls. The results of our study have shown higher free radical production, as evidenced by the increased MDA & decreased levels of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, selenium & catalase activity, supporting the hypothesis that they is increased oxidative stress in patients with ALD. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulatory response to increased oxidative stress. The decreased antioxidative status support the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation is an important causative factor in the pathogenesis of ALD. These data clearly indicates that, antioxidant mechanisms might be impaired in these patients. These findings also provide a therotical basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies such as antioxidant supplementation.

Mean Platelet Volume in Assessment of Brucellosis Disease

Abstract: Brucellosis is a multisystemic infectious disease with high morbidity rates. Despite improvement in laboratory techniques diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment may be difficult in brucellosis in endemic regions. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is an index of platelet activation and mentioned to be influenced by inflammation. This study was undertaken to compare MPV with acute phase reactants in acute and posttreatment phase of brucellosis with healthy controls.A total of 39 brucellosis patients (male/female: 15/24) and 40 healthy controls (male/female: 23/17) were enrolled study. Brucellosis diagnosis was based on clinical, serological and bacteriological data. MPV and inflammatory markers were measured at the time of diagnosis and at the end of the treatment.MPV levels of patients in acute phase were significantly lower than control cases ( p < 0.001). Overall accuracy of MPV in determining acute brucellosis was 75.2% with a sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of 74.4%, 75%, 75% and 74.4% respectively (AUC:0.774). We suggest that MPV might help in assessment of brucellosis as an inexpensive and easy applicable test with other inflammatory markers.