A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Antidepressant Effect of Salicornia europaea L. Extract with Experimental Support in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanism of actions and targeted diseases of Salicornia europaea L. (SE) based on the network pharmacology method, and to verify the antidepressant-like effect of the SE extract by pharmacological experiments.@*METHODS@#Retrieval tools including Chinese medicine (CM), PubMed, PharmMapper, MAS 3.0 and Cytoscape were used to search the components of SE, predict its targets and related therapeutic diseases, and construct the "Component-Target-Pathway" network of SE for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Further, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation of depression-related targets were analyzed to predict the antidepressant mechanism of SE. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was used to construct a mouse model with depression-like symptoms. And the animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10) including the normal group (nonstressed mice administered with distilled water), the CUMS group (CUMS mice administered with distilled water), the venlafaxine group (CUMS mice administered with venlafaxine 9.38 mg/kg), SE high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (CUMS mice administered with SE 1.8, 1.35 and 0.9 g/kg, respectively). Then some relevant indicators were determined for experimental verification by the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST) and open-field test (OFT). Dopamine (DA) concentration in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, IL-2 and corticosterone (CORT) levels in blood, and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), kelch-like epichlorohydrin related protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P) H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in mice were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot respectively to explore the possible mechanisms.@*RESULTS@#The "target-disease" network diagram predicted by network pharmacology, showed that the potential target of SE involves a variety of CNS diseases, among which depression accounts for the majority. The experimental results showed that SE (1.8, 1.35 g/kg) significantly decreased the immobility period, compared with the CUMS group in FST and TST in mice after 3-week treatment, while SE exhibited no significant effect on exploratory behavior in OFT in mice. Compared with CUMS group, the SE group (0.9 g/kg) showed significant differences (P<0.05) in DA levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In addition, compared with CUMS control group, SE (1.8 g/kg) group showed a significant effect on decreasing the activities of CORT (P<0.05), and serum IL-2 level with no statistical significance. Finally, Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein expressions in SE group (1.8 g/kg) were up-regulated (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The SE extract may have an antidepressant effect, which appeared to regulate Nrf2-ARE pathway and increased levels of DA and CORT in the hippocampus and cortex.

Evaluations of antidepressant activity of Punica granatum peel extract in albino mice

Background: Depression is the most common disorder of mental illnesses and affects excess of 10-15% of population. According to the WHO reports, more than 350 million persons suffer from depression all over the world. The aim of present study is to evaluate anti-depressant activity of Punica granatum peel extract (PgPE) in albino mice.Methods: Male albino mice (20-30 g) were used. Animals were divided into 5 groups with 6 animals in each which were subjected to forced swim test. Group 1 is control, group 2 received (standard) imipramine 10 mg/kg, p.o, group 3 (T1) PgPE 50 mg/kg, p.o, group 4 (T2) PgPE 100 mg/kg, p.o, group 5 (T3) PgPE 200 mg/kg, at first animals were forced to swim for 15 min (trained), and the study was performed after 24 hrs. All the animals were treated with individual drug 60 min prior to study, animals were forced to swim for 6 min and the duration of immobility was recorded. The mouse was considered immobile when it floats motionlessly or made only those moments necessary to keep its head above the water surface. The total duration of immobility of each mouse was recorded after the test in each group.Results: The duration of immobility is significantly reduced at PgPE 200 mg/kg and results were analysed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Conclusions: PgPE 200 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) decreases the duration of immobility in mice.

Does the antidepressant-like effect of mirtazapine and venlafaxine differ between male and female rats? / ¿El efecto de tipo antidepresivo de la mirtazapina y la venlafaxina difiere entre ratas macho y hembra?

Abstract Introduction Depression is a global health problem with nearly 350 million people affected, mainly women. However, nowadays a rising amount of men are being diagnosed. This makes necessary the screening of new treatment options that are effective in women as well as in men. Objective To analyze if the administration of mirtazapine and venlafaxine to male and female rats shows a sex-related antidepressant-like effect, and the possible associated neurochemical mechanisms. Method Mirtazapine (40 mg/kg) or venlafaxine (60 mg/kg) were administered subchronically to young adult male and female (ovariectomized and steroid-primed) rats, and their antidepressant-like effects were evaluated using the forced swim test (FST). The active behaviors, swimming and climbing, were also analyzed. Results a) mirtazapine and venlafaxine reduced immobility in the FST in males and females; b) both antidepressants increased climbing and swimming in male rats; c) in female rats, mirtazapine and venlafaxine only increased swimming. Discussion and conclusion In males, the effects of mirtazapine and venlafaxine seem to be produced by the activation of the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems. Conversely, estradiol might be modulating the mechanisms of action of both antidepressants in females producing only an increased swimming and suggesting the participation of the serotonergic system.

Resumen Introducción La depresión es un trastorno psiquiátrico que representa un problema de salud mundial. Afecta a cerca de 350 millones de personas, predominantemente mujeres. Sin embargo, algunos reportes indican que su incidencia en hombres está aumentando, por lo que es necesario buscar opciones de tratamiento que sean igualmente efectivas en ambos sexos. Objetivo Analizar si existen diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en el efecto de tipo antidepresivo de la mirtazapina y la venlafaxina, y considerar los posibles mecanismos neuroquímicos involucrados. Método se administraron mirtazapina (40 mg/kg) o venlafaxina (60 mg/kg) en esquema subcrónico a grupos independientes de ratas macho y hembra ovariectomizadas tratadas con estradiol y progesterona. Se evaluaron el efecto tipo antidepresivo y las conductas activas (nado y escalamiento) utilizando la prueba de nado forzado (PNF). Resultados a) tanto la mirtazapina como la venlafaxina redujeron la inmovilidad en la PNF en machos y hembras; b) ambos antidepresivos incrementaron las conductas activas en machos; c) en hembras, la mirtazapina y la venlafaxina produjeron un aumento del nado, pero no modificaron el escalamiento. Discusión y conclusión En machos, los efectos de la mirtazapina y la venlafaxina en la PNF se deben a su acción sobre los sistemas serotonérgico y noradrenérgico; en cambio, en hembras sólo se modifica la conducta de nado, lo que sugiere que el estradiol modula las acciones de ambos antidepresivos sobre el sistema serotoninérgico.

Evaluation of antidepressant activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC per se and in combination with fluoxetine in wistar albino rats and swiss albino mice

Background: Depression is a common mental disorder results due to deficiency of neurotransmitter in the brain. Various medicinal properties of jatamansi are mentioned in Ayurveda. This study evaluated effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of rhizomes of Nordostachys jatamansi DC per se and in combination with fluoxetine in wistar albino rats and swiss albino mice.Methods: Animals of either sex were selected and randomly divided in test group. Jatamansi extract 10:1 and fluoxetine hydrochloride dissolved in distilled water were used. Animals were tested for forced swimming test, tail suspension test and locomotor after given test drug. Results were compared with control and analysed.Results: Nardostachys jatamansi DC, when given to rats showed dose dependent increase in number of rotation during forced swimming test in rats. During forced swimming test in glass jar statistically significant decrease in immobility was observed. Nardostachys jatamansi DC, when given to mice dose dependent statistically significant decrease in immobility time, swimming time and climbing observed. When given along with combination of fluoxetine it shows statistically significant difference in result, confirmed that it can have synergistic antidepressant activity. When used for locomotor activity in mice none of the test drugs significantly increase or decrease the locomotor activity.Conclusions: Jatamansi showed antidepressant like property in various tests conducted on rats and mice. It showed statistically significant result with increasing dose and had synergic effect when given along with fluoxetine.

Anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum and alprazolam in animal models

Background: Stress is the physiological, psychological and behavioral response by individuals when they perceive a lack of equilibrium between the demands placed upon them and their ability to meet those demands, which over a period of time leads to ill health. There are several ways of coping with stress. Some techniques of time management may help a person to control stress.Methods: Forced swim test- mice were randomized into two groups according to the body weights. Each group contains six animals. Each individual animal was allowed to swim inside the jar (25-12-25 cm) containing fresh water up to 15 cm height. Mice were allowed swim for 6 min. After initial struggle to escape the animal became immobile. Total immobility period was measured. Rotarod test- mice were randomized into two groups according to body weights. Each group contains six animals. Rats were placed on the lanes. Latency period was recorded at which each rat falls off the rod.Results: In first experiment, anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum in mice was demonstrated by measuring the immobility period during forced swim test and in the second experiment the measurement of the latency period of rats in rotarod apparatus was performed. Both the experimental procedures were compared with standard anti stress drug alprazolam.Conclusions: The present study suggests that Ocimum sanctum possess significant anti stress activity but less when compared to alprazolam.

Antidepressant activity of Trigonella foenum leaves in Wistar albino rats

Background: To evaluate antidepressant activity of ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum in animal models.Methods: A total of 60 healthy male Wistar albino rats weighing 220-250 grams were used and they were divided into 10 groups of 6 rats in each. First five groups (1st -5th) were evaluated by Forced Swim Test (FST) and remaining by Tail Suspension Test (TST). 1st group (control) received normal saline 10 mg/kg, 2nd group (standard) Imipramine 10 mg/kg and 3rd, 4th and 5th groups (test) respectively received Trigonella foenum leaf ethanolic extract [TFEE] in different doses 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg/kg per orally for 14 days. They were evaluated for antidepressant activity using FST after 60 minutes of drug administration on 14th day. Similarly, remaining five groups (6th to 10th) received the same drugs and evaluated using TST after 60 minutes of drug administration. Duration of immobility was noted for six minutes for each rat.Results: One way ANOVA and Tukey Krammer test were used for statistical analysis. The immobility periods were expressed in mean±SD. The immobility period in FST were 207.16±28.7, 50.08±2.9, 46.14±1.2, 40.5±3.4 and 40.0±3.6 seconds respectively for control, standard and three test groups of TFEE (100/200/400 mg/kg). Similarly, immobility periods of 163.11±31.9, 125.03±11.2, 138.81±16.44, 138.16±12.65, 127.58±4.3 seconds were noted for TST for remaining six groups. It was found that TFEE possess statistically significant (p<0.05) antidepressant activity, as evidenced by decrease in the immobility time in both the tests when compared to control group.Conclusions: Present study results demonstrated that TFEE possess antidepressant property in experimental models of depression.

Comparative Behavioral Correlation of High and Low-Performing Mice in the Forced Swim Test

Behavioral analysis in mice provided important contributions in helping understand and treat numerous neurobehavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders. The behavioral performance of animals and humans is widely different among individuals but the neurobehavioral mechanism of the innate difference is seldom investigated. Many neurologic conditions share comorbid symptoms that may have common pathophysiology and therapeutic strategy. The forced swim test (FST) has been commonly used to evaluate the “antidepressant” properties of drugs yet the individual difference analysis of this test was left scantly investigated along with the possible connection among other behavioral domains. This study conducted an FST-screening in outbred CD-1 male mice and segregated them into three groups: high performers (HP) or the active swimmers, middle performers (MP), and low performers (LP) or floaters. After which, a series of behavioral experiments were performed to measure their behavioral responses in the open field, elevated plus maze, Y maze, three-chamber social assay, novel object recognition, delay discounting task, and cliff avoidance reaction. The behavioral tests battery revealed that the three groups displayed seemingly correlated differences in locomotor activity and novel object recognition but not in other behaviors. This study suggests that the HP group in FST has higher locomotor activity and novelty-seeking tendencies compared to the other groups. These results may have important implications in creating behavior database in animal models that could be used for predicting interconnections of various behavioral domains, which eventually helps to understand the neurobiological mechanism controlling the behaviors in individual subjects.

Study on the preparation and physicochemical properties of fish swim bladder membrane / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective : To manufacture fish swim bladder membrane material by crosslinking techniques, and to explore its physical and chemical properties and cytotoxicity. Methods: After decellularization, the swim bladders were randomly divided into two groups. The swim bladders were treated with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) crosslinking method, surface hole making, and freeze-drying in crosslinking group, and only surface hole making and freeze-drying in non-crosslinking group. The physical and chemical properties of the materials were observed, including microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties (tensile strength and breaking elongation) by universal tensile machine, hydrophilicity by contact angle measuring instrument, porosity by ethanol infiltration method, degradation performance in vitro and thermal stability test, and the components of materials by infrared spectrum analysis. Mouse fibroblasts (L929) were cultured with the extracts of two groups of materials in order to determine the cytotoxicity of materials by using cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method. Results: The porous structure and rough surface of materials were observed by SEM. Compared with the non-crosslinking group, the tensile stress of the crosslinking group was higher, the breaking elongation was lower, and the porosity increased, showing significant differences ( P0.05). The degradation was faster within the first 7 days and then tended to be smooth in the two groups. But the degradation rates of crosslinking group were significantly lower than those of non-crosslinking group ( P0.05). Conclusion: The fish swim bladder membrane obtained by crosslinking treatment with EDC/NHS method has good physical and chemical properties, no cytotoxicity, and is expected to be used as a dura mater repair material.

Effect of ethanol Adiantum capillus-veneris extract in experimental models of anxiety and depression

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders with a prevalence of 15%-25%. Monoamine aminotransferases, in particular, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, change in the brain of depressed people. Adiantum capillus-veneris is one of the species of the maidenhair fern genus that have traditionally been used to treat cough, cold symptoms, and local hair loss.In this experimental study, white male rats weighing 250-300 g were assigned to 5 groups of 10 each; group 1: Receiving normal saline; groups 2-4: Receiving A.capillus-veneris extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively; and group 5: Receiving fluoxetine at 10 mg/kg. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) was induced by 3-week exposure to chronic stress. The forced swim test and plus maze were used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant capacity in the serum and brain were measured. Treatment with A.capillus-veneris extract at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of immobility. In the group given extract at 200 mg/kg, a significant increase in the number of open arm entries was observed when compared to the control group. A.capillus-veneris extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in the time spent in the open arm. A.capillus-veneris extract reduced MDA levels and increased antioxidant levels of serum and brain in rat. A.capillus-veneris has significant antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects in rat, probably due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Evaluation of anti-depressant activity of zinc and vitamin B6 as adjuvants to fluoxetine in an animal model of depression

Background: Depression is a significant public health problem. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that more than 300 million people suffer from depression globally. Micronutrient deficiencies have been constantly linked to depression. The currently used drugs in treatment of depression modulate the excitatory and/or the inhibitory neurotransmission pathways through different mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to compare the antidepressant effect of the micronutrients, zinc and vitamin B6, as adjuvants to Fluoxetine in Albino Wistar rats.Methods: Eighteen albino wistar rats of 180-280grams of either sex were used in the study to evaluate the anti-depressant activity after approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. They were divided into three groups of six rats each (3 groups). Group 1 was control group which received only distilled water, group 2 was standard group which received fluoxetine and group 3 was test group which received zinc, vitamin B6 and fluoxetine. The anti-depressant activity was measured using the forced swimming test (FST) which works on the principles of behavioral despair. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS software, version 25.0 and p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The rats of the standard and test groups had latency periods’ means of 268.83±30.16, 126.17±22.33 and 125.33±11.86 on 254.83±13.00, 118.67±8.16 and 127.17±6.68 seconds on days 1, 7 and 14 respectively (p <0.001) and the rats of the standard and test groups had despair periods’ means of 177.00±7.46, 95.17±10.65, 93.17±7.47and 167.17±14.82, 97.33±7.63 and 87.50±4.1 seconds on days 1, 7 and 14 respectively (p <0.001).Conclusions: Supplementation of zinc and vitamin B6 to the standard treatment fluoxetine yielded better anti-depressant activity than fluoxetine alone in rats subjected to stress.

Assessment of anti-depressant activity of omega 3 fatty acids in rodents

Background: Depression contributes to significant disease burden at national and global levels. At the personal and domestic level too, depression leads to poor quality of life, causing a huge socioeconomic impact. In the world, over 300 million people are estimated to have depression and the numbers of depressed persons are only projected to go up.Methods: The forced swim test (FST) is one of the most commonly used animal models for assessment of antidepressant effects in rodents. In the modified version of this test, the rats are forced to swim in a glass tank with no means of escape, inducing a behaviour of immobility, which resembles a state of despair, akin to depression in humans. The rats were divided into 6 groups: 1. control group: treated with distilled water; 2. standard group treated with fluoxetine Hcl (10mg/kg); 3.test-1 group treated with omega-3 FAs (300mg/kg); 4.test-2 group treated with a higher dose of omega-3 FAs (500 mg/kg); 5.test-3 group treated with omega-3 FAs (300mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10mg/kg); and 6.test-4 group treated with omega-3 FAs (500 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10mg/kg).Results: The independent between-groups ANOVA yielded a statistically highly significant result, F (5, 30) = 9.47, P <0.001. Thus, the null hypothesis of no difference between the means was rejected. To further evaluate the nature of the differences between the means of the six groups, the statically significant ANOVA result was followed by Tukey's honest significant difference post-hoc tests.Conclusions: This study finds that omega 3 fatty acids have intrinsic antidepressant activity, and the combination of fluoxetine and omega 3 fatty acids has significantly more antidepressant effect than fluoxetine alone in the forced swim test done on Wistar rats.

Swim exercise augments the protection of the knee joint against osteoarthritis development in diabetic rats treated with insulin / El ejercicio de natación aumenta la protección de la articulación de la rodilla contra el desarrollo de osteoartritis en ratas diabéticas tratadas con insulina

We recently reported that insulin can partially protect the knee joint against osteoarthritis (OA) development in a rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, the combined protective effect of insulin and swim exercise against OA development secondary to diabetes has not been investigated before. Therefore, we hypothesized that swim exercise can augment the protection of the knee joint in diabetic rats treated with insulin. T1DM was induced in Sprague Dawley rats and treated with insulin and/ or swim exercise. Tissues harvested from the articular cartilage of the knee joint were examined by light microscopy, and blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Treatment of diabetic rats with insulin and swim exercise substantially protected the articular cartilage and significantly (p<0.0001) inhibited the inflammatory biomarkers, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the oxidative stress biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA) measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) comparable to control. Whereas, a lesser effective protection was observed by insulin or swim exercise alone. Thus, we demonstrate a substantial protection against OA development in rats treated with combined insulin and swim exercise possibly due to a complete inhibition of biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Recientemente informamos que la insulina puede proteger parcialmente la articulación de la rodilla contra el desarrollo de osteoartritis (OA) en un modelo de diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) en ratas. Sin embargo, el efecto protector combinado de la insulina y el ejercicio de natación contra el desarrollo de OA secundario a la diabetes no se ha investigado. Por lo tanto, planteamos la hipótesis de que el ejercicio de natación puede aumentar la protección de la articulación de la rodilla en ratas diabéticas tratadas con insulina. La DM1 se indujo en ratas Sprague Dawley y se trataron con insulina y/o ejercicio de natación. Los tejidos recogidos del cartílago articular de la articulación de la rodilla se examinaron mediante microscopía óptica, y las muestras de sangre se analizaron en busca de biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo e inflamación. El tratamiento de ratas diabéticas con insulina y ejercicio de natación protegió sustancialmente el cartílago articular y significativamente (p <0,0001) inhibió los biomarcadores inflamatorios, factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) y el biomarcador de estrés oxidativo, el malondialdehído (MDA) fue medido como sustancia reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), comparable al control. Se observó una menor protección efectiva mediante la insulina o el ejercicio de natación solo. Por lo tanto, demostramos una protección sustancial contra el desarrollo de OA en ratas tratadas con insulina combinada con el ejercicio de natación, posiblemente debido a una inhibición completa de biomarcadores de inflamación y estrés oxidativo.

The protective effect of L. siceraria against depression using behavioural despair animal models

Background: In recent years, the search for novel pharmacotherapy from medicinal plants for psychiatric illness was significantly progressed. The present study was performed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of ethanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria in animal models.Methods: The antidepressant activity of ethanolic extract of the fruit of L. siceraria in rats was assessed using forced swim test and tail suspension test. Imipramine at 15 mg/kg was used as standard antidepressant drug.Results: The ethanolic extract of L. siceraria fruit (EELS) was significantly and dose-dependently reduced the duration of immobility after repeated treatment for 7 days in Forced swim test and Tail suspension Test. But combination of L. siceraria (200mg/kg) with Imipramine gave a highly significant result (p<0.001) in reduction of immobility duration and the effect of high dose (400mg/kg) with imipramine (15mg/kg) did not decrease the duration of immobility period in both animal models at end of the study. In this work the dose of 400mg/kg afforded more protection than the imipramine.Conclusions: The results obtained from this study was indicate that the antidepressant activity of L. siseraria.

Antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaves

Background: Depression is a common debilitating illness contributing to increase in morbidity and mortality worldwide. 20% of all depressed patients are refractory to treatment with available antidepressants at adequate doses. Momordica charantia commonly known as Karela is widely used in Indian cuisine. This study was carried out to evaluate its lesser known Antidepressant activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Antidepressant activity of Aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaves.Methods: This study was done in Department of Pharmacology, JNMC, AMU. Tail Suspension test and 5-Hydroxytrytophan induced Head Potentiation was evaluated in Swiss Albino mice. Forced swim test, Learned Helplessness test and Spontaneous motor activity was noted in Albino Wistar rats respectively at doses of AEMC (Aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaves) 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg.Results: AEMC at all three doses 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg exhibited antidepressant activity by significantly decreasing the immobility time in Tail Suspension test and except 100mg/kg. In forced swim test psychostimulant activity of AEMC was ruled out in Spontaneous motor activity. Number of Escape failures was decreased in Learned Helplessness test at doses of AEMC 200mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Increase in Head twitches was seen only with AEMC 300mg/kg in 5-Hydroxytrytophan induced Head Potentiation in mice.Conclusions: Aqueous Extract of Momordica Charantia leaves exhibits Antidepressant activity in animal models of Depression.

Suppression of high fat diet-induced liver cell injury by swim exercise / Supresión de lesión en células de hígado inducida por dieta alta en grasas con ejercicio de natación

SUMMARY: The rapid rise in obesity, particularly among children is a major public health concern that adversely affects vital organs including the liver. We sought to investigate the effect of exercise on the healing of liver cells from damage induced by high fat diet (HFD) in a rat model of hepatic steatosis. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6 in each group); control group fed on a low fat diet (LFD), LFD plus exercise group (LFD+EX), model group fed on HFD, and swim exercise treated group (HFD+EX). Training swim exercise started from the 11th week up until the end of week 15. Liver index and body mass index (BMI) were determined, and harvested liver tissues were examined using basic histological staining and visualised under light microscopy. In addition, collected blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of liver injury. Histological images from the model group showed accumulation of lipid droplets in the hepatocytes (steatosis) and damaged liver cells that were inhibited by swimming exercise. Compared to control groups, HFD caused an increase in BMI and liver weight but not in liver index. In addition, HFD significantly (p<0.05) increased liver injury biomarkers; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) that were effectively (p<0.05) decreased by swimming exercise. Furthermore, a negative correlation between these biomarkers and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protein adiponectin was observed. Thus, HFD-induced hepatic steatosis is treated by swim exercise.

RESUMEN: El aumento de la obesidad, especialmente entre los niños, es un problema importante en la salud pública que afecta negativamente los órganos vitales, incluyendo el hígado. En este estudio se investigó el efecto del ejercicio en la curación de las células del hígado y el daño inducido por la dieta alta en grasas (HFD) en un modelo de rata de esteatosis hepática. Las ratas se dividieron aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos (n = 6 en cada grupo); grupo control, alimentado con una dieta baja en grasas (LFD); grupo de ejercicio LFD más (LFD + EX); grupo modelo alimentado con HFD; y grupo tratado con ejercicio de natación (HFD + EX). El entrenamiento con ejercicio de natación comenzó a partir de la semana 11 hasta el final de la semana 15. Se determinaron el índice hepático y el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Los tejidos hepáticos recolectados se examinaron mediante tinción histológica básica y se visualizaron con microscopía óptica. Además, se analizaron las muestras de sangre recogidas para identificar biomarcadores de lesión hepática. Las imágenes histológicas del grupo modelo mostraron acumulación de gotitas de lípidos en los hepatocitos (esteatosis) y células hepáticas dañadas que fueron inhibidas por el ejercicio de natación. En comparación con los grupos control, HFD causó un aumento en el IMC y el peso del hígado, pero no en el índice de hígado. Además, HFD aumentó significativamente (p <0.05) los biomarcadores de lesiones hepáticas; la proteína C reactiva de alta sensibilidad (hsCRP) y la fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) disminuyeron efectivamente (p <0.05) con el ejercicio de natación. Además, se observó una correlación negativa entre estos biomarcadores y la proteína antioxidante y antiinflamatoria adiponectina. Por lo tanto, la esteatosis hepática inducida por HFD puede ser tratada mediante el ejercicio de natación.

The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on experimental depression in mice

Background: Depressive disorder is a prevalent psychiatric disorder, which affects 21% of the world population. Many drugs which are available as effective antidepressants produce various side effects like sedation weight gain postural hypotension etc., so there is need to develop novel compounds with minimized side effects. Hence this study was aimed to investigate the antidepressant activity of DHA, an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in albino mice.Methods: Animals were divided into four groups, consisting six mice in each group. Out of these, group I served as control (2% gum acacia), group II and III received test drug in two different doses 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg respectively and group IV received fluoxetine (20mg/kg) as standard drug. To determine the antidepressant-like activity, we used forced swim test and tail suspension test in mice. These methods are based on the observation that a mouse show alternating agitation and immobility; the immobility is indicative of a state of depression.Results: DHA produced significant antidepressant effect at all the doses, as indicated by reduction in immobility times as compared to control in both FST and TST. (P?0.05) The efficacy of DHA at dose of 300 mg/kg was comparable with that of fluoxetine. DHA at 200mg/kg dose showed significantly less antidepressant activity compared to fluoxetine. (P?0.05).Conclusions: The result specifies that compared to two doses of DHA (200mg/kg and 300mg/kg), higher dose of DHA found as an effective dose for treating depression produced due to stress.

Ontogenetic development of tetra Astyanax lacustris (Characiformes: Characidae)

Ontogenetic development of the tetra Astyanax lacustris was studied under laboratory conditions. Larvae obtained by induced reproduction were maintained individually in tissue-culture plates, at 25°C. Daily observations and morphometric measurements were performed. Larvae hatched with a total length (TL) of 3.02 ± 0.34 mm (average ± standard deviation) without pigmentation and 0.06 ± 0.02 mm³ of yolk reserves. The yolk-sac larval period lasted 26 h post-hatching (hph). During this period, eye pigmentation started, the digestive tract emerged, the anus opened, and the animals began to show steady movements. Inflation of the swimming bladder initiates the preflexion stage, which extended until 230 hph. During this stage, the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding was observed, with the yolk reserve being completely absorbed after 74 hph (TL: 4.17 ± 0.36 mm). Up to 86 hph it was possible to observe the first food ingested within the digestive tract. This period was followed by the flexion stage, with the folding of the notochord tip and development of the caudal fin (11-13 days post-hatching). Finally, during the last larval developmental stage (postflexion), the segmentation of the fin rays was completed, and the emergence of scales was observed (TL: 5.97 ± 0.65 mm). The larval ontogenetic development of A. lacustris was completed after 22 post-hatching days (dph).(AU)

O desenvolvimento ontogenético do lambari Astyanax lacustris (Pisces, Characidae) foi estudado em condições ambientais controladas. Larvas obtidas através de reprodução induzida, foram mantidas individualmente em placas de cultivo celular, a 25°C. Diariamente foram realizadas observações e medições morfométricas. As larvas eclodiram com 3,02 ± 0,34 mm (média ± desvio padrão) de comprimento total (CT); sem pigmentação e com 0,06 ± 0,02 mm³ de reserva vitelínica. O período larval vitelino estendeu-se durante as primeiras 26 horas pós-eclosão (hpe) e durante este período teve início o processo de pigmentação dos olhos, o surgimento do tubo digestório, abertura anal e os animais passaram a apresentar movimentação constante. Com o inflamento da bexiga natatória tem início o estágio de pré-flexão, que se estendeu por até 230 hpe. Durante este estágio, foi observada a transição entre a alimentação endógena e a exógena, sendo a reserva vitelínica totalmente absorvida após 74 hpe (com os animais atingindo 4,17 ± 0,36 mm de CT) e em até 86 hpe foi possível observar a primeira alimentação no trato digestório. Após esse período, teve início o estágio de flexão da parte final da notocorda e da estruturação da nadadeira caudal (11 e 13 dias após a eclosão). Por fim, no último estágio de desenvolvimento larval (pós-flexão), foi observada a segmentação completa dos raios das nadadeiras e o início do aparecimento das escamas (CT: 5,97 ± 0,65 mm). O desenvolvimento ontogenético larval de A. lacustris foi concluído após 22 dias pós-eclosão (dpe).(AU)

Effects of taurine supplementation in elite swimmers performance

AIM: Taurine is considered a semi-essential amino acid characterized by having various physiological functions in the body that modulate mechanisms of action involved in the muscle contraction process, increased energy expenditure, insulin signaling pathway, carbohydrate metabolism, and scavenging free radicals. These functions are crucial for aerobic exercise performance; thus, taurine supplementation may benefit athletes' performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation on the resting energy expenditure and physical performance of swimming athletes. METHODS: In a double-blind study, 14 male swimmers were randomized into two groups: the taurine group (n = 7) and the placebo group (n = 7), which received 3 g per day of taurine or placebo in capsules during 8 weeks. Resting energy expenditure, plasma taurine, physical performance, anthropometry, dietary consumption were measured and an incremental test was performed to determine their maximal front crawl swimming performances before and after the 8-week period. RESULTS: The levels of serum taurine (p < 0.0001) and lactate (p = 0.0130) showed a significant increase in the taurine group; however, the other variables were not different. No changes were observed in the resting energy expenditure, mean speed performed, and the anaerobic threshold of the swimmers post-supplementation period. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of taurine increased plasma concentrations of this amino acid, but did not lead to significant changes in food intake, rest energy expenditure, and athletes' performance. However, the supplemented group presented a higher lactate production, suggesting a possible positive effect of taurine on the anaerobic lactic metabolism.(AU)

Effect of sperm selection techniques in frozen/thawed cat spermatozoa on sperm motility analyzed by CASA system / Efecto de técnicas de selección espermática en espermatozoides congelados/descongelados de gato sobre la motilidad espermática analizada mediante sistema CASA

SUMMARY: Freeze/thawing process reduces sperm survival and fertilizing ability of cat spermatozoa, with sperm motility being the most sensitive sperm parameter altered, due to cryo-damage. In this context, swim-up and density gradient processing methods can help to recover high motile and normal spermatozoa. Maximizing the use of frozen semen sample is essential, especially in endangered felids or high value cats in which sample size, number of samples or access to semen collection is reduced. To our knowledge, there is no previous report describing an in depth analysis of sperm motility improvement, after sperm selection techniques in frozen cat semen. Accordingly, we evaluated the effect of percoll gradient (PG) and swim up (SU) sperm selection techniques on sperm motility parameters and sperm recovery rate in frozen/thawed spermatozoa of domestic cat. Next, we evaluated the individual effect of the cat over sperm motility after PG sperm selection of frozen/thawed spermatozoa. SU and PG improved significantly all sperm motility parameters of frozen/thawed cat spermatozoa compared to simple washing. However, PG allows better sperm recovery from the original frozen sample and works mostly homogeneously among individual cats. This new information could help to maximize the use of frozen semen in endangered felids or high value domestic cats for its subsequent application on in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination.

RESUMEN: El proceso de congelación/descongelación reduce la sobrevivencia espermática y la habilidad para fertilizar en los espermatozoides de gato, siendo la motilidad espermática el parámetro más sensiblemente alterado debido al daño por frío. En este contexto, los métodos de procesamiento de swim-up y gradiente de densidad pueden ayudar a recuperar los espermatozoides normales y de alta motilidad. Maximizar el uso de una muestra de semen congelado es esencial, especialmente en felinos amenazados o en gatos de alto valor en los cuales el tamaño de muestra, número de muestras o el acceso a la colecta de semen son reducidos. Para nuestro conocimiento, no hay reportes previos que describan un análisis profundo del mejoramiento de la motilidad luego de técnicas de selección espermática en semen congelado de gato. De acuerdo a esto, evaluamos el efecto de las técnicas de selección espermática gradiente de percoll (PG) y swim up (SU) sobre los parámetros de motilidad y porcentaje de recuperación de espermatozoides congelados/descongelados de gato doméstico. Luego, evaluamos el efecto individual del gato sobre la motilidad espermática luego de la selección espermática con PG en espermatozoides congelados/descongelados. SU y PG mejoraron significativamente todos los parámetros de motilidad espermática de los espermatozoides congelados/descongelados comparado con el lavado simple. Sin embargo, PG permitió una mejor recuperación de espermatozoides desde la muestra congelada original y funcionó en su mayoría de manera homogénea entre los gatos individualmente. Esta nueva información puede ayudar a maximizar el uso del semen congelado en felinos amenazados o en gatos de alto valor para su posterior aplicación en fecundación in vitro e inseminación artificial.

Effect of maternal separation stress on behavior of neonatal rd mice / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of maternal separation stress on the behavior of neonatal rd mice.Methods Neonatal rd mice were divided into maternal separation (MS) group (n=9) and control group (n=9).MS-stress was induced in the MS group by 4-hour-separation per day for 28 days.Open field test,elevated plus maze test,forced swim test and tail suspension test were used to evaluate the anxiety-like and depression-like behavior of the neonatal rd mice.Results The stay time and distance travelled of MS group in the central zone were 0.88％ and 28.17±5.65 cm,respectively,significantly shorter than that of the control group (2.61％,109.9±9.79 cm.P =0.04,P =0.001).Compared with the control group,the stay time in open arms of the MS group was significantly decreased (P<0.01),while the immobility time in forced swim test and tail suspension test of the MS group were 126.5±10.22 s and 21.56±6.83 s,significantly longer than that of the control group (77.75±16.83 s,P =0.02,7.37±3.22 s,P =0.03).Conclutions The 28-day maternal separation stress can significantly increase the anxiety-like and depression-like behavior in neonatal rd mice.