Ligustrazine suppresses platelet aggregation through inhibiting the activities of calcium sensors

Abstract Ligustrazine is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medication. It has been reported that Ligustrazine decreases the concentration of intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+); however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, the effect of Ligustrazine on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation was evaluated using a turbidimetric approach. The changes in concentration of intracellular Ca2+ stimulated by ADP was measured using fluo-4, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dye. The mRNA expression of stromal interaction molecule l (STIM1) and Orai1, calcium sensor, was determined using real-time PCR. In addition, the protein expression of STIM1, Orai1, and serum/glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase 1 (SGK1) was determined using Western blot analysis. The data demonstrated that Ligustrazine significantly suppressed platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ triggered by ADP. Our data showed that Ligustrazine treatment inhibited the expression of STIM1 and Orai1 induced by ADP at both mRNA and protein levels, and suppressed the protein expression of SGK1. Taken together, our data indicated that Ligustrazine suppressed platelet aggregation by partly inhibiting the activities of calcium sensors, thereby suggesting that Ligustrazine may be a promising candidate for the treatment of platelet aggregation.

Effects of transcranial magneto-acoustic electrical stimulation on calcium signals in prefrontal nerve clusters / 生物医学工程学杂志

Transcranial magneto-acoustic electrical stimulation (TMAES) is a novel method of brain nerve regulation and research, which uses induction current generated by the coupling of ultrasound and magnetic field to regulate neural electrical activity in different brain regions. As the second special envoy of nerve signal, calcium plays a key role in nerve signal transmission. In order to investigate the effect of TMAES on prefrontal cortex electrical activity, 15 mice were divided into control group, ultrasound stimulation (TUS) group and TMAES group. The TMAES group received 2.6 W/cm 2 and 0.3 T of magnetic induction intensity, the TUS group received only ultrasound stimulation, and the control group received no ultrasound and magnetic field for one week. The calcium ion concentration in the prefrontal cortex of mice was recorded in real time by optical fiber photometric detection technology. The new object recognition experiment was conducted to compare the behavioral differences and the time-frequency distribution of calcium signal in each group. The results showed that the mean value of calcium transient signal in the TMAES group was (4.84 ± 0.11)% within 10 s after the stimulation, which was higher than that in the TUS group (4.40 ± 0.10)% and the control group (4.22 ± 0.08)%, and the waveform of calcium transient signal was slower, suggesting that calcium metabolism was faster. The main energy band of the TMAES group was 0-20 Hz, that of the TUS group was 0-12 Hz and that of the control group was 0-8 Hz. The cognitive index was 0.71 in the TMAES group, 0.63 in the TUS group, and 0.58 in the control group, indicating that both ultrasonic and magneto-acoustic stimulation could improve the cognitive ability of mice, but the effect of the TMAES group was better than that of the TUS group. These results suggest that TMAES can change the calcium homeostasis of prefrontal cortex nerve clusters, regulate the discharge activity of prefrontal nerve clusters, and promote cognitive function. The results of this study provide data support and reference for further exploration of the deep neural mechanism of TMAES.

Value of calcium-based quantitative spectral CT imaging in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of calcium-based quantitative spectral CT imaging in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.Methods Totally 82 patients with 98 thyroid nodules confirmed by pathology underwent unenhanced and dual-phase enhanced spectral CT scans before operation.Thyroid nodules were divided into malignant group (61 nodules) and benign group (37 nodules),according to histopathologic results.Besides,contralateral normal thyroid tissue of 50 patients was selected as normal group.The calcium concentration of malignant,benign and normal group in non-enhanced scanning was analysed.The optimal threshold to predict malignancy and the corresponding diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were obtained by ROC curve.Results The calcium concentrations for malignant, benign and normal group in non-enhanced scanning were (5.52±2.72) mg/cm3, (10.72±4.68) mg/cm3 and (24.66±7.58) mg/cm3 respectively.There were significant differences statistically in any two groups (P<0.001).For malignant thyroid nodules, the best diagnostic threshold of calcium concentration was 6.065 mg/cm3,and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 65.6% and 91.9% respectively.Conclusion Spectral CT imaging can quantitatively assess the calcium concentration of thyroid nodules,which provides promising quantitative approach for distinguishing malignant thyroid nodules from benign nodules.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine and cysteine increase intracellular calcium concentration in human neutrophils

N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and cysteine have been implicated in a number of human neutrophils' functional responses. However, though Ca²⁺ signaling is one of the key signalings contributing to the functional responses of human neutrophils, effects of NAC and cysteine on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]ᵢ) in human neutrophils have not been investigated yet. Thus, this study was carried out with an objective to investigate the effects of NAC and cysteine on [Ca²⁺]ᵢ in human neutrophils. We observed that NAC (1 µM ~ 1 mM) and cysteine (10 µM ~ 1 mM) increased [Ca²⁺]ᵢ in human neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner. In NAC pre-supplmented buffer, an additive effect on N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]ᵢ in human neutrophils was observed. In Ca²⁺-free buffer, NAC- and cysteine-induced [Ca²⁺]ᵢ increase in human neutrophils completely disappeared, suggesting that NAC- and cysteine-mediated increase in [Ca²⁺]ᵢ in human neutrophils occur through Ca²⁺ influx. NAC- and cysteine-induced [Ca²⁺]ᵢ increase was effectively inhibited by calcium channel inhibitors SKF96365 (10 µM) and ruthenium red (20 µM). In Na⁺-free HEPES, both NAC and cysteine induced a marked increase in [Ca²⁺]ᵢ in human neutrophils, arguing against the possibility that Na⁺-dependent intracellular uptake of NAC and cysteine is necessary for their [Ca²⁺]ᵢ increasing activity. Our results show that NAC and cysteine induce [Ca²⁺]ᵢ increase through Ca²⁺ influx in human neutrophils via SKF96365- and ruthenium red-dependent way.

Identification of Lys49-PLA2 from crude venom of Crotalus atrox as a human neutrophil-calcium modulating protein

We fortuitously observed a human neutrophil intracellular free-calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) increasing activity in the commercially available phosphodiesterase I (PDE I), which is actually dried crude venom of Crotalus atrox. As this activity was not observed with another commercially available pure PDE I, we tried to find out the causative molecule(s) present in 'crude' PDE, and identified Lys49-phospholipase A2 (Lys49-PLA2 or K49-PLA2), a catalytically inactive protein which belongs to the phospholipase A2 family, by activity-driven three HPLC (reverse phase, size exclusion, reverse phase) steps followed by SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS. K49-PLA2 induced Ca2+ infl ux in human neutrophils without any cytotoxic eff ect. Two calcium channel inhibitors, 2-aminoetoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) (30 microM) and SKF-96365 (20 microM) signifi cantly inhibited K49-PLA2-induced [Ca2+]i increase. These results suggest that K49-PLA2 modulates [Ca2+]i in human neutrophils via 2-APB- and SKF-96365-sensitive calcium channels without causing membrane disruption.

TRPV1 in Salivary Gland Epithelial Cells Is Not Involved in Salivary Secretion via Transcellular Pathway

Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) was originally found in sensory neurons. Recently, it has been reported that TRPV1 is expressed in salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC). However, the physiological role of TRPV1 in salivary secretion remains to be elucidated. We found that TRPV1 is expressed in mouse and human submandibular glands (SMG) and HSG cells, originated from human submandibular gland ducts at both mRNA and protein levels. However, capsaicin (CAP), TRPV1 agonist, had little effect on intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in these cells, although carbachol consistently increased [Ca2+]i. Exposure of cells to high temperature (>43degrees C) or acidic bath solution (pH5.4) did not increase [Ca2+]i, either. We further examined the role of TRPV1 in salivary secretion using TRPV1 knock-out mice. There was no significant difference in the pilocarpine (PILO)-induced salivary flow rate between wild-type and TRPV1 knock-out mice. Saliva flow rate also showed insignificant change in the mice treated with PILO plus CAP compared with that in mice treated with PILO alone. Taken together, our results suggest that although TRPV1 is expressed in SGEC, it appears not to play any direct roles in saliva secretion via transcellular pathway.

Mepivacaine-induced intracellular calcium increase appears to be mediated primarily by calcium influx in rat aorta without endothelium / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Mepivacaine induces contraction or decreased blood flow both in vivo and in vitro. Vasoconstriction is associated with an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). However, the mechanism responsible for the mepivacaine-evoked [Ca2+]i increase remains to be determined. Therefore, the objective of this in vitro study was to examine the mechanism responsible for the mepivacaine-evoked [Ca2+]i increment in isolated rat aorta. METHODS: Isometric tension was measured in isolated rat aorta without endothelium. In addition, fura-2 loaded aortic muscle strips were illuminated alternately (48 Hz) at two excitation wavelengths (340 and 380 nm). The ratio of F340 to F380 (F340/F380) was regarded as an amount of [Ca2+]i. We investigated the effects of nifedipine, 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2-APB), gadolinium chloride hexahydrate (Gd3+), low calcium level and Krebs solution without calcium on the mepivacaine-evoked contraction in isolated rat aorta and on the mepivacaine-evoked [Ca2+]i increment in fura-2 loaded aortic strips. We assessed the effect of verapamil on the mepivacaine-evoked [Ca2+]i increment. RESULTS: Mepivacaine produced vasoconstriction and increased [Ca2+]i. Nifedipine, 2-APB and low calcium attenuated vasoconstriction and the [Ca2+]i increase evoked by mepivacaine. Verapamil attenuated the mepivacaine-induced [Ca2+]i increment. Calcium-free solution almost abolished mepivacaine-induced contraction and strongly attenuated the mepivacaineinduced [Ca2+]i increase. Gd3+ had no effect on either vasoconstriction or the [Ca2+]i increment evoked by mepivacaine. CONCLUSIONS: The mepivacaine-evoked [Ca2+]i increment, which contributes to mepivacaine-evoked contraction, appears to be mediated mainly by calcium influx and partially by calcium released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The effects of calmodulin kinase Ⅱ inhibitor on hypertrophic cardiac myocytes / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of the calmodulin kinase Ⅱ Inhibitor KN-93 on L-typecalcium current(ICa,L)and intracellular calcium concentration([Ca2+]i)in hypertrophic cardiac myocytes.Methods Forty-eight female New Zealand white rabbits were randomized(random number)into four groups(12 animals in each group):the sham operation group(sham group),the left ventricular hypertrophy group(LVH group),the myocardial hypertrophy + KN-93 group(KN-93 group),and the myocardial hypertrophy + KN-92 group(KN-92 group).Myocardial hypertrophy in the rabbits was established by coarctation of the abdominal aorta.In the sham group,the abdominal aorta was dissociated without coarctation.Eight weeks after coarctation,single ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzymaticdissociation,and ICa,L was recorded using perforated-patch recording(PPR)techniques.[Ca2+]i was measured using single-cell calcium imaging with the fluorescence calcium indicator dye fura-2/AM.Results Cardiac hypertrophy was successfully established after 8 weeks of coarctation of the abdominal aorta.The peak ICa,L in the LVH group and the sham group was(1.38 ± 0.3)nA and(0.87 ± 0.1)nA at 0 mV,respectively(P ＜0.01,n =12).There was no significant difference in Ica,L density between the LVH group and the sham group[(6.7 ±1.0)pA/pF vs.(6.3±0.7)pA/pF; P≥0.05,n=12].The addition of either KN-92(0.5 μmol/L)or KN-93(0.5 μmol/L)to the perfusing solution caused a modest steady-state inhibition of peak ICaL(9.4％ ±2.8％,KN-92; 10.5％ ±3％,KN-93)(P≥0.05,n =12)at 0 mV.However,at a higher concentration(1 μmol/L),KN-93 more potently inhibited peak ICa,L(40％±4.9％)compared to KN-92(13.4％ ± 3.7％ ; P ＜ 0.01,n =12).Resting[Ca2+]i levels in fura-2-loaded myocytes isolated from the sham,LVH,KN-92,and KN-93 groups were(98 ± 12.3)nmol/L,(154 ± 26.2)nmol/L,(147 ± 29.6)nmol/L,and(108 ± 21.2)nmol/L,respectively.Conclusions The CaMK Ⅱ specific inhibitor,KN-93,can effectively block ICa,L and reduce intracellular calcium overload in hypertrophic cardiac myocytes.This action may account for the antiarrhythmic effect of KN-93 in hypertrophic ventricular myocardium.

Effects of NaOCl on the Intracellular Calcium Concentration in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Recent studies have implicated reactive oxygen species (ROS) as determinants of the pathological pain caused by the activation of peripheral neurons. It has not been elucidated, however, how ROS activate the primary sensory neurons in the pain pathway. In this study, calcium imaging was performed to investigate the effects of NaOCl, a ROS donor, on the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in acutely dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. DRG was sequentially treated with 0.2 mg/ml of both protease and thermolysin, and single neurons were then obtained by mechanical dissociation. The administration of NaOCl then caused a reversible increase in the [Ca2+]i, which was inhibited by pretreatment with phenyl-N-tert-buthylnitrone (PBN) and isoascorbate, both ROS scavengers. The NaOCl-induced [Ca2+]i increase was suppressed both in a calcium free solution and after depletion of the intracellular Ca2+ pool by thapsigargin. Additionally, this increase was predominantly blocked by pretreatment with the transient receptor potential (TRP) antagonists, ruthenium red (50 microM) and capsazepine (10 microM). Collectively, these results suggest that an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration is produced from both extracellular fluid and the intracellular calcium store, and that TRP might be involved in the sensation of pain induced by ROS.

Effect of Emodin on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca~(2+)]i) and apoptosis of hepatic cells after simulated cold ischemia-reperfusion / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the effect of Emodin on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca~(2+)]i) and apoptosis of hepatic cells after simulated cold ischemia-reperfusion. Methods Glucose-oxygen deprivation, low temperature, subsequent reoxygenation and rewarming were used to induce ischemia-reperfusion injury model in cultured hepatic cells which were divided into 4 groups: control group and Emodin-treated group(100, 10 and apoptosis rate were determined by flow cytometry (FCM) respectively; the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in supernatant was tested. Results Intracellular calcium fluorescence intensity in Emodin-treated groups of high, medium and low density was 24.12±0.51, 26.35±1.34 and 39.12±1.94, respectively, which were significantly lower than 105.29±1.01 in control group(P<0.01). Apoptosis rate in Emodin-treated groups of high, (179.67±18.57)u/L in Emodin-treated groups of medium and high density respectively, which were significantly lower than (351.33±34.16)u/L in control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Emodin could reduce [Ca~(2+)]i and inhibit apoptosis of hepatic cells after simulated cold ischemia-reperfusion, thus protecting hepatic cells effectively.

Effects of aspirin on [Ca~(2+)] i and NGB in cultured neural cells of newborn rat under chemical-induced hypoxic exposure / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the protective effects of aspirin on hypoxic brain neural cells of rat and the effects of extracellular calcium on the neuroprotective effect of aspirin. Methods The hypoxic cell model was established by adding Na_2S_2O_4 to the calcium or calcium free medium. Cultured primary cortical neurons of rat were pretreated with ASA in vitro. The change of intracellular free calcium and neuroglobin (NGB) were observed and analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscope. Results The expression level of [Ca~(2+)] i and NGB increased significantly in the chemical hypoxia group ( P < 0. 05 ). ASA can attenuate the increase of [ Ca~(2+) ] i and NGB in the hypoxic group and calcium-free hypoxia group(P <0. 05). Conclusion Aspirin can inhibit calcium overload and the hypoxia-induced expression of NGB, so protect rat brain cells against hypoxia.

A Case of the Hypercalcemia Induced by the Coenzyme Q10 and Alphacalcidol Treatment in a Patient with Kearns-Sayre Syndrome and Hypoparathyroidism / 대한소아내분비학회지

Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS) is rare mitochondrial disorder characterized by chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, atypical retinal pigmentation and complete heart block. It is occasionally combined endocrinologic symptoms such as hypoparathyroidism, short stature, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. We reported the effect of Coenzyme Q10 on total serum calcium concentration in 17 years old girl with KSS and hypoparathyroidism. The patients was treated with alfacalcidol (1alpha-OHD3), Coenzyme Q10 and oral calcium agent. Total serum calcium concentration had even remained within normal range and hypercalcemia was developed suddenly after treatment of combination of Coenzyme Q10 and alfacalcidol (1alpha-OHD3). After stop of all medication, her total calcium concentration was decreased to 7.6 mg/dL and remained in normal range with oral calcium (2 g/day) and Coenzyme Q10 (150 mcg/day) daily. The action of Coenzyme Q10 is not clearly defined but, we could explain Coenzyme Q10 activates the capacity of the patient to produce the active form of Vitamin D, 1alpha-OHD3.

Suplementación oral de calcio en adolescentes embarazadas / Calcium oral supplementation in adolescent pregnant women

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la administración oral de calcio en adolescentes embarazadas de bajo nivel socioeconómico sobre las concentraciones de calcio ionizado plasmático y libre intracelular. Métodos: En un ensayo clínico controlado doble-ciego aleatorizado se estudiaron 52 mujeres, 26 (50%) adolescentes embarazadas que recibieron 600 mg de calcio elemental y 26 (50%) adolescentes embarazadas que recibieron 600 mg de placebo entre las semanas 17 y 19 de embarazo. Los niveles pre-tratamiento y post-tratamiento de calcio ionizado plasmático y libre intracelular se evaluaron en ambos grupos de acuerdo con la intención de tratamiento. Resultados: Se analizaron 48 adolescentes embarazadas que completaron el estudio (24 en el grupo de calcio y 24 en el grupo de placebo). Las características sociodemográficas de los grupos fueron comparables (p=0.92) al igual que la ingesta basal de calcio en su dieta (p=0.62). La suplementación oral de calcio por intención de tratamiento no modificó las concentraciones de calcio ionizado plasmático (1.19+0.04 mmol/l vs. 1.23+0.02 mmol/l, p=0.56) ni las concentraciones del calcio ionizado libre intracelular (116.2 mmol/l vs. 89.7 mmol/l, p= 0.91), se observó un resultado semejante en las embarazadas que recibieron placebo (1.20+0.05 mmol/l vs. 1.19+0.03 mmol/l p=0.86; 116.2 mmol/l vs. 137.5 mmol/l, p=0.16, respectivamente). Conclusiones: La administración oral de calcio en adolescentes embarazadas de bajo nivel socioeconómico no modificó ni las concentraciones plasmáticas ni las intracelulares del calcio ionizado lo que podría explicar en parte el poco efecto preventivo del uso del calcio como única medida de intervención para prevenir la preeclampsia.

Objective: To determine the effect of oral administration of calcium on plasma and ionized free calcium concentration in healthy adolescent pregnant women. Methods: In a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial were recruited 48 healthy adolescent pregnant women, 24 (50%) received 600 mg of elemental calcium and 24 (50%) received 600 mg of lactose placebo. At the inclusion time the plasma and intracellular free calcium concentrations were measured by standardized techniques. One month later the plasma and intracellular free calcium concentrations in both groups were measured. Results: At the inclusion time and one month after treatment both groups were comparable for sociodemographic characteristics and the basal intake of calcium (p=0.92, p=0.62). Calcium supplementation did not modify the concentrations of plasma ionized calcium (1.19+0.04 mmol/l vs. 1.23+0.02 mmol/l, p=0.56) and the free intracellular calcium concentration (mmol/l vs. 89.7 mmol/l, p=0.91); similar effects were observed with the placebo treatment (1.20+0.05 mmol/l vs. 1.19+0.03 mmol/l p=0.86; 116.2 mmol/l vs 137.5 mmol/l, p=0.16, respectively). Conclusions: Oral administration of 600 mg of elemental calcium in adolescent pregnant women did not induce changes in the plasma and intracellular ionized free calcium concentrations and could explain in part the lack effect of this only supplementation in preeclampsia prevention.

Effects of aspirin on [Ca~(2+)]i and NGB in cultured neural cells of newborn rat under chemical-induced hypoxic exposure / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the protective effects of aspirin on hypoxic brain neural cells of rat and the effects of extracellular calcium on the neuroprotective effect of aspirin. Methods The hypoxic cell model was established by adding Na2S2O4 to the calcium or calcium free medium. Cultured primary cortical neurons of rat were pretreated with ASA in vitro. The change of intracellular free calcium and neuroglobin (NGB) were observed and analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscope. Results The expression level of [Ca2+]i and NGB increased significantly in the chemical hypoxia group(P

The Effect of Neuropeptide Y on the Free Calcium Concentration in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell in Rats / 中华高血压杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of neuropeptide Y(NPY) on free calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC). Methods The cultured VSMC was loaded with 10 ?mol/L Fluo-3, and were perfused with normal extracelluar fluid, non-calcium extracellular fluid plus 10 -6 mol/L _NPY, 1 ?mol/L nifedipine, 1 ?mol/L nifedipine+10 -6 mol/L _NPY. The intensity of the cells' fluorescence activated by the laser in 525 ?mol/L was detected with confocal microscope and analyzed with the Leica imagine system. Results The concentration of \_i was not changed after cultured with normal extracellular fluid[57.3+3.1 vs 53.7+2.9, fluorescence OD(FOD)]. _NPY increased \_i to maximum of 86.4?2.7 and gradually declined to 58.1?3.0 FOD (P

Selective Cytotoxic Mechanism of Homocysteine to Motor Neuronal Cells Expressing the Mutant Cu,Zn-superoxide Dismutase

BACKGROUND: Mutations in Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause about 20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) cases. The mechanism of late-onset disease manifestation despite the innate mutation has no clear explanation. The relationship between homocysteine (HC) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has not been investigated fully, in spite of the similarity in their pathogenesis. METHODS: We investigated the effect of HC on the motor neuronal cell-line (VSC4.1) transfected with SOD1 of either wild-type or mutant forms (G93A and A4V) using various methods including the MTT assay for the cytotoxic assay, the immunocytochemical staining using anti-SOD1 for the aggregation of SOD1, the western blotting using anti-nitrotyrosine and anti-DNPH for the oxidative protein damage, and the measurement of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration using Fura2-AM. RESULTS: In the MTT assay, the HC induced significant cytotoxicity in the mutants, as compared with wild-type. This HC-induced cytotoxicity was inhibited by the trolox and the bathocuproinedisulfonate (BC). HC increased the carbonylation and nitrosylation of the mutant proteins. HC also increased significant SOD1-aggregation in mutants. This HC-induced SOD1-aggregation in mutants was inhibited by trolox, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, BC, and z-VAD-FMK. HC did not change the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ in the mutants compared with the wild-type. CONCLUSIONS: The authors showed that the vulnerability of the SOD1 mutant motor neuronal cells to HC involves the copper-mediated oxygen radical toxicity, and that HC may be a lifelong precipitating factor in some forms of FALS, suggesting a possible treatment modality with vitamin supplements.

Effect of Extracts from Safflower Seeds on Osteoblastic Differentiation and Intracellular Free Calcium Concentration in MC3T3-E1 Cells

Very little research has been carried out on safflower seed for the prevention and treatment of the bone deficiency diseases, including osteoporosis, which are supported by scientific evidences. In the present study, 3microliter of 0.1% dried crude extract or 2microliter of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction were shown to significantly accelerate the rate of differentiation of osteoblast. Also, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells: 3microliter of 0.1% dried crude extract and 2microliter of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction significantly increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells (8x104) to the extent that it deserves a considerable attention. Furthermore, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells, and 300microM Cd2+, specific calcium channel blocker, completely blocked the increase. Therefore, the increased [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells by safflower seed component continued to activate calcium channel.

Effects of smoking and glonoine on intracellular Ca~(2+) in vascular smooth muscle cell in rabbits with atherosclerosis / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the effects of smoking and glonoine on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration([Ca2+]i) in vascular smooth muscle cell in rabbits with atherosclerosis,and to explore the effects of smoking on atherosclerosis and biologic action of glonoine.Methods An atherosclerosis in rabbits was produced.The vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated.The cells were loaded by Fluo-3/AM.[Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cell was measured by flow cytometer(FCM).The spatial distribution and the dynamic changes of [Ca2+]i in single vascular smooth muscle cells were determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy(LSCM).Results Atherosclerosis plaques in arteriae aorta were observed and the degrees were different in various groups.[Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells in rabbits with atherosclerosis markedly increased[(48.45?5.31) vs that in saline control(38.09?2.57),P

Effect of dialysate composition on proliferation of human peritoneal mesothelial cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective To make sure the effect of dialysate composition on HPMCs.Methods Cell strains were subculturing.There are six groups in this experiment: Group 1(control);group 2(4.25% Glucose);group 3(1.75mmol/L Ca~(2+));group 4(1.25 mmol/L Ca~(2+));group 5(4.25% Glucose+1.75mmol/L Ca~(2+));group 6(4.25% Glucose+1.25mmol/L Ca~(2+)).The capacity of proliferation of HPMCs was assessed by MTT assay. Results Proliferation of HPMCs was inhibited in 4.25% glucose group in time dependence.Ca~(2+) induce proliferation of HPMCs,however,no effect on proliferation of HPMCs exists in different Ca~(2+) group.Conclusion High glucose can inhibit cell proliferation;Ca~(2+)(1.75mmol/L,1.25mmol/L) can promote the proliferation and 1.25mmol/L is better.

The Influence of Low Calcium Concentration Hemodialysis on Cardiovascular Response / 대한신장학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Arterial compliance (AC) reflects the buffering function of the vessel. Low AC caused by arterial stiffness increases pulse pressure amplitude. Therefore, Low AC must be correlated with high cardiovascular mobidity and mortality in HD patients. Dialysate calcium concentration is potentially a main determinant of serum ionized calcium level and the vasoconstriction is associated with high calcium concentration. Therefore, We conducted a study for evaluation of the interdialytic effects of treatment with a low dialysate calcium (LdCa) concentration and high dialysate calcium (HdCa) concentration on the changes of AC, BP, biochemical parameters. METHODS: Eight HD patient (mean age 45.5, sex ratio 1 : 1) were studied. The mean HD period was 3 years. Arterial Compliance, stroke Volume, SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, Ionized Ca, T-CO2, P and CaxP product were compared after treatment with a LdCa and HdCa concentration for each 10 sessions. RESULTS: AC were 0.143+/-0.076 mm2/kPa in baseline, 0.166+/-0.097 mm2/kPa in LdCa (1.25 mmol/L) dialysate, 0.142+/-0.082 mm2/kPa in HdCa (1.75 mmol/L) dialysate. SBP, DBP, MAP and PP were 157.75+/-15.97, 94.25+/-9.48, 114.12+/-10.56, 63.50+/-10.87 mmHg in baseline and 135.25+/-13.00, 78.75+/-11.24, 98.37+/-15.14, 56.50+/-5.95 mmHg in LdCa dialysate and 160.50+/-15.36, 94.05+/-10.34, 115.75+/-9.64, 62.00+/-15.71 mmHg in HdCa dialysate. Ionized Ca were 4.66+/-0.40 mg/dL in baseline, 4.45+/-0.28 mg/dL in LdCa dialysate and 4.65+/-0.43 mg/dL in HdCa dialysate. However, there were no changes of other biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: Treatment with LdCa dialysis, by minimizing the risk for LdCa-induced hypocalcemia, may have a beneficial role in the prevention of the ongoing reduction of arterial compliance in HD patients and thus improve cardiovascular prognosis.