Eritrocitos humanos como biomodelo farmacológico de citoprotección antioxidante para la evaluación de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas en pacientes con COVID-19 / Human erythrocytes as pharmacological biomodel of antioxidant cytoprotection for the evaluation of new therapeutic alternatives in patients with COVID-19

Introducción: El estrés oxidativo puede afectar las membranas biológicas de diferentes tipos celulares en el organismo, lo cual se ha evidenciado en los daños a los tejidos y órganos de pacientes con COVID-19, por lo cual las investigaciones recientes están relacionadas con la búsqueda de fármacos citoprotectores y antioxidantes que minimicen estos daños. Objetivo: Evaluar los eritrocitos humanos como biomodelo farmacológico de citoprotección antioxidante. Métodos: Se evaluó el modelo de citotoxicidad en eritrocitos inducido por peróxido de hidrógeno y se valoró el sistema de diagnóstico propuesto en un ensayo de citoprotección en eritrocitos, con el empleo del ácido ascórbico como sustancia de referencia. Resultados: Para la concentración de eritrocitos utilizada se logró un modelo de citotoxicidad a la concentración de 10 mM de peróxido a los 30 minutos de incubación. La sustancia de referencia empleada no mostró signos de citotoxicidad en el test de hemólisis. En el ensayo de citoprotección se evidenció un efecto farmacológico del referente, con un valor del índice de citoprotección de 12,71 µg/mL. El estudio de microscopía óptica mostró daños morfológicos severos en los eritrocitos tratados con peróxido de tipo esferocitos, equinocitos y esferoequinocitos, que disminuyeron significativamente en presencia de dicha sustancia de referencia. Conclusiones: El biomodelo farmacológico propuesto puede ser empleado en la evaluación de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas con propiedades citoprotectoras antioxidantes para el tratamiento de pacientes con COVID-19.

Introduction: The oxidative stress can affect the biological membranes of different cellular types in the organism, which has been evidenced in the damages to the tissues and organs of patients with COVID-19, reason why the recent investigations are related to the search of cytoprotector and antioxidant drugs that minimize these damages. Objective: To evaluate the human erythrocytes as pharmacological biomodel of antioxidant cytoprotection. Methods: The cytotoxicity pattern was evaluated in erythrocytes induced by peroxide of hydrogen and the system of diagnosis proposed was valued in a cytoprotection assay in erythrocytes, with the use of ascorbic acid as reference substance. Results: For the concentration of erythrocytes used a cytotoxicity model was achieved to the concentration of 10 mM of peroxide at 30 minutes of incubation. The substance of reference used didn't show cytotoxicity signs in the hemolysis test. In the cytoprotection assay a pharmacological effect of the referent was evidenced, with a value of the cytoprotection index of 12.71 µg/mL. The study of optic microscopy showed severe morphological damages in the erythrocytes treated with peroxide of spherocytes, echinocytes and spheroechinocytes type that significantly diminished in presence of this reference substance. Conclusions: The proposed pharmacological biomodel can be used in the evaluation of new therapeutic alternatives with antioxidant cytoprotector properties for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Acción de la Rhizophora Mangle L sobre la úlcera pética / Action of Rhizophora Mangle L on petic ulcer

Introducción: La tradición y la sabiduría popular promueven el empleo de la medicina natural debido a su bajo costo y fácil acceso. En la actualidad la medicina herbolaria retoma espacios dentro de la sociedad, sobre todo en los países con mayores índices de ingresos. Objetivo: realizar una revisión bibliográfica para profundizar en los aspectos fisiopatológicos de la úlcera péptica y las acciones que posee Rhizophora mangle L sobre esta afección. Material y Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de las principales aplicaciones terapéuticas de Rhizophora mangle L. a través de diversas búsquedas en materiales impresos y digitales Desarrollo: La úlcera péptica, una afección universal de origen multifactorial con etiología diversa y compleja que sufre, aproximadamente, del 8 al 10 % de la población El ácido gástrico ha dominado las teorías acerca de la enfermedad. Varios estudios han demostrado que las plantas producen potentes antioxidantes y representan una importante fuente natural. La caracterización química del extracto acuoso de la corteza de Rhizophora mangle L reveló la presencia de polifenoles, las estructuras no tánicas, se refiere la presencia de carbohidratos libres y enlazados; ácidos grasos de cadena larga, saturados e insaturados; fitoesteroles; componentes volátiles o semivolátiles y aromas o aceites esenciales no volátiles A esta planta se le atribuyen varias propiedades en medicina tradicional, entre ellas las propiedades citoprotectoras sobre la mucosa gástrica. Conclusiones: la medicina natural y tradicional ofrece una solución alternativa más racional e inocua al tratamiento de la úlcera gástrica, pudiendo representar un gran aporte a la medicina humana.

Polydatin protects H9c2 cells from hypoxia-induced injury via up-regulating long non-coding RNA DGCR5

Polydatin (PD), a monocrystalline polyphenolic drug mainly found in the roots of Polygonum cuspidatum, has various pharmacological activities. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) was found to participate in the suppression of multiple cancers. Here, we proposed to study the effect of PD on myocardial infarction (MI) by inducing DGCR5. CCK-8 assay was performed to detect the viability of H9c2 cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to test apoptosis of H9c2 cells. These results determined the optimal concentration and effect time of hypoxia as well as PD. Si-DGCR5 was transfected into cells and the expression level was determined by qRT-PCR. Western blot was utilized to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3, as well as autophagy-associated proteins including Beclin-1, p62, and LC3-II/LC3-I. As a result, PD efficiently attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis and autophagy in H9c2 cells. The expression of DGCR5 was down-regulated by hypoxia and up-regulated by PD. Besides, knocking-down the expression of DGCR5 inhibited the protection of PD in H9c2 cells. In addition, PD up-regulated the accumulation of DGCR5, DGCR5 decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and p62, raised the expression of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, and the proportion of LC3-II/LC3-I. PD stimulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways via up-regulating the expression of DGCR5. Our data demonstrated that PD reduced cell apoptosis and autophagy induced by hypoxia in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, PD activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways by up-regulating the expression of DGCR5.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori, Anti-apoptotic, and Cytoprotective Effects of Threonine Synthesized from Corynebacterium glutamicum in Gastric Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Among irritants causing gastric ulcer, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) might be pivotal, after which eradication became essential way in either inhibiting ulcerogenesis or preventing ulcer recurrence. Since threonine is essential in either mucus synthesis or cytoprotection, we hypothesized that the dietary threonine from Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) can mitigate the cytotoxicity of H. pylori infection.MATERIALS AND METHODS: RGM-1 cells were challenged with 100 multiplicity of infection H. pylori for 6 hours, during which threonine alone or combination with Corynebacterium sp. was administered and compared for anti-Helicobacter, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative, and cytoprotective actions.RESULTS: Threonine alone or combination of threonine and C. glutamicum yielded significant bacteriostatic outcomes. The increased expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, Cox-2, and iNOS mRNA after H. pylori infection were significantly decreased with either threonine alone or the combination of threonine and C. glutamicum. The elevated expressions of NF-kB, HIF-1a, and c-jun after H. pylori infection were all significantly decreased with the combination of threonine and broth from C. glutamicum (P < 0.05), leading to significant decreases in 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (P < 0.01). Tracing further host antioxidative response, the attenuated expression of heme oxygenase-1, Nrf2, and dehydrogenase quinone-1 after H. pylori infection was significantly preserved with combination of threonine and C. glutamicum. H. pylori infection led to significant increases in apoptosis accompanied with Bcl-2 decreases and Bax increases, while the combination of threonine and C. glutamicum significantly attenuated apoptosis, in which attenuated EGF, TGF-β, and VEGF were significantly regulated, while β-catenin did not change.CONCLUSIONS: Threonine synthesized from C. glutamicum significantly alleviated the cytotoxicity of H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells.

The role of atenolol in the modulation of the expression of genes encoding pro- (caspase-1) and anti- (Bcl2L1) apoptotic proteins in endothelial cells exposed to intestinal ischemia and reperfusion in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the role of atenolol in the gene expression of caspase 1 (Casp1) and Bcl2L1 on vascular endothelium of rat intestine after ischemia and reperfusion (IR). Methods: Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6): SG (Sham group): no clamping of the superior mesenteric artery; IRG: IR plus saline group: IRG+At: IR plus Atenolol group. Rats from IRG and IRG+At were subjected to 60 min of intestinal ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. Atenolol (2mg/kg) or saline were injected in the femoral vein 5 min before ischemia, 5 min and 55 min after reperfusion. Thereafter, intestinal segments were appropriately removed and processed for Endothelial Cell Biology Rat RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Results: the anti-apoptotic Bcl2L1 gene expression was significantly down-regulated (-1.10) in the IRG and significantly up-regulated in the IRG+At (+14.15). Meanwhile, despite Casp1 gene expression was upregulated in both groups, it was significantly higher in the IRG (+35.06) than the IRG+At (+6.68). Conclusions: Atenolol presents antiapoptotic effects on rat intestine subjected to IR partly by the up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl2L1 gene expression. Moreover, atenolol can mitigate the pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory effects of Casp1 gene on rat intestine after IR.

APEX1 Polymorphism and Mercaptopurine-Related Early Onset Neutropenia in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Mercaptopurine (MP) is one of the main chemotherapeutics for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To improve treatment outcomes, constant MP dose titration is essential to maintain steady drug exposure, while minimizing myelosuppression. We performed two-stage analyses to identify genetic determinants of MP-related neutropenia in Korean pediatric ALL patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Targeted sequencing of 40 patients who exhibited definite MP intolerance was conducted using a novel panel of 211 pharmacogenetic-related genes, and subsequent analysis was performed with 185 patients. RESULTS: Using bioinformatics tools and genetic data, four functionally interesting variants were selected (ABCC4, APEX1, CYP1A1, and CYP4F2). Including four variants, 23 variants in 12 genes potentially linked to MP adverse reactions were selected as final candidates for subsequent analysis in 185 patients. Ultimately, a variant allele in APEX1 rs2307486was found to be strongly associated with MP-induced neutropenia that occurred within 28 days of initiating MP (odds ratio, 3.44; p=0.02). Moreover, the cumulative incidence of MP-related neutropenia was significantly higher in patients with APEX1 rs2307486 variants, as GG genotypes were associated with the highest cumulative incidence (p < 0.01). NUDT15 rs116855232 variants were strongly associated with a higher cumulative incidence of neutropenia (p < 0.01), and a lower median dose of tolerated MP throughout maintenance treatment (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We have identified that APEX1 rs2307486 variants conferred an increased risk of MP-related early onset neutropenia. APEX1 and NUDT15 both contribute to cell protection from DNA damage or misincorporation, so alleles that impair the function of either gene may affect MP sensitivities, thereby inducing MP-related neutropenia.

The m-rna, expression of serca2 and ncx1 in the process of pharmacological cell protection in experimental acute pancreatitis induced by taurocholate / Expressão do rna-m, da serca2 e do ncx1 no processo de proteção celular farmacológica na pancreatite aguda experimental induzida por taurocolato

ABSTRACT Background: Intracellular calcium overload is known to be a precipitating factor of pancreatic cell injury in acute pancreatitis (AP). Intracellular calcium homeostasis depends of Plasmatic Membrane Calcium ATPase (PMCA), Sarcoplasmic Endothelial Reticulum Calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA 2) and the Sodium Calcium Exchanger (NCX1). The antioxidant melatonin (Mel) and Trisulfate Disaccharide (TD) that accelerates NCX1 action could reduce the cell damage determined by the AP. Aim: To evaluate m-RNA expressions of SERCA2 and NCX1 in acute pancreatitis induced by sodium taurocholate in Wistar rats pre-treated with melatonin and/or TD. Methods: Wistar rats were divided in groups: 1) without AP; 2) AP without pre-treatment; 3) AP and Melatonin; 4) AP and TD; 5) AP and Melatonin associated to TD. Pancreatic tissue samples were collected for detection of SERCA2 and NCX1 m-R NA levels by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Increased m-RNA expression of SERCA2 in the melatonin treated group, without increase of m-RNA expression of the NCX1. The TD did not affect levels of SERCA2 and NCX1 m-RNA expressions. The combined melatonin and TD treatment reduced the m-RNA expression of SERCA2. Conclusions: The effect of melatonin is restricted to increased m-RNA expression of SERCA2. Although TD does not affect gene expression, its action in accelerating calcium exchanger function can explain the slightest expression of SERCA2 m-RNA when associated with Melatonin, perhaps by a joint action of drugs with different and but possibly complementary mechanisms.

RESUMO Racional: A lesão celular da pancreatite aguda (PA) envolve sobrecarga de cálcio, regulada pela atividade da Cálcio ATPase de membrana (PMCA), Cálcio ATPase do Retículo (SERCA2) e pelo Trocador Sódio Cálcio (NCX1). A melatonina (antioxidante) e o Dissacarídeo Trissulfatado (acelerador do NCX1) poderiam reduzir a lesão celular na PA. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão do RNAm da SERCA2 e NCX1 em modelo animal de pancreatite aguda tratados com melatonina e/ou dissacarídeo trissulfatado (DT). Método: Ratos Wistar foram divididos em grupos: 1) sem pancreatite aguda; 2) com pancreatite aguda por taurocolato; 3) PA e Melatonina; 4) PA e DT; 5) PA e Melatonina com DT. Amostras de tecido foram colhidas para detecção dos níveis de RNAm da SERCA2 e NCX1 por PCR. Resultados: Houve aumento da expressão do RNAm da SERCA2 no grupo com PA tratados com Melatonina, porém sem aumento de expressão do NCX1. O DT não afetou os níveis de SERCA2 e NCX1. O tratamento conjunto com Melatonina e DT diminuiu a expressão da SERCA2. Conclusões: O efeito da Melatonina é restrito ao aumento da expressão da SERCA2. O DT não tem ação na expressão gênica, porém sua ação na aceleração do trocador na retirada do cálcio pode explicar a menor expressão da SERCA2 quando associado à Melatonina, pela ação conjunta de drogas com mecanismos diferentes e possivelmente complementares.

Mecanismos moleculares mediadores da citoproteção de células beta pancreáticas induzidos por prolactina / Role of HSPB1 in PRL-induced cytoprotective effects on beta cells

A manutenção da célula de ilhotas in vitro aparece como uma estratégia atraente para aumentar o resultado do transplante de ilhotas pancreáticas. Entretanto, o destino das ilhotas em cultura é determinado pelo equilíbrio entre mediadores pró e antiapoptóticos. Nós mostramos anteriormente que os níveis de HSPB1 são aumentados pela prolactina (PRL) tanto nas células beta pancreáticas humanas quanto nas células de insulinoma murino MIN6. Além disso, mostramos que os efeitos pró- sobrevivência induzidos pela prolactina nas células beta pancreáticas são mediados pela HSPB1. Uma vez que o papel da HSPB1 nas células beta não foi estudado diretamente, procuramos explorar os mecanismos moleculares pelos quais a HSPB1 medeia a citoproteção da célula beta induzida pela PRL. Para isso, células MIN6 derivadas de um insulinoma de camundongo e cultura primária de ilhotas pancreáticas murinas (I), silenciadas ou superexpressando HSPB1 foram submetidas à privação de soro e então pré- tratadas na presença ou na ausência de PRL (300 ng / mL) e expostos a ou citocinas (IL-1ß (0,8 ng / mL), IFN-γ (4 ng / mL) e TNF-α (8 ng / mL) por 16 ou 24 h. Após esses períodos de tempo foi avaliada a viabilidade celular. De fato, as células silenciadas para HSPB1 tiveram maiores porcentagens de morte celular em comparação aos controles. No entanto, a superexpressão de HSPB1 sozinha imita os efeitos citoprotectores da Prolactina em ambas as células MIN6 e nas culturas primárias das ilhotas. Estes resultados mostram o papel fundamental da HSPB1 no efeito citoprotetor inibindo a apoptose inducida pelo tratamento com citocinas pró-inflamatórias. Além disso, os lisados de células Min6 tratadas com citocinas na presença ou na ausência de PRL durante 6 h foram sujeitos a imunoprecipitação de HSPB1. Proteínas coimmunoprecipitadas separadaspor SDS-PAGE e posteriormente identificadas por nano-HPLC acoplado à espectrometria de massas. Células pré-tratadas com PRL apresentaram um enriquecimento de proteínas que coprescipitaram com HSPB1 relacionadas em processos de resistência ao estresse oxidativo, degradação proteica e metabolismo de carboidratos. Células MIN6, silenciadas ou superexpressando HSPB1 foram expostas á menadiona e peróxido de hidrogênio e parâmetros oxidativos foram analisados. O silenciamento de HSPB1 promoveu células mais sensíveis ao estresse oxidativo e levou a uma redução da capacidade antioxidante, enquanto que prolactina induziu citoproteção mediada por HSPB1 contra o estresse oxidativo. A superexpressão de HSPB1, no entanto, levou a efeitos opostos. O tratamento com PRL, o silenciamento ou superexpressão de HSPB1 não mudou a expressão de enzimas antioxidantes, mas os níveis proteicos de HSPB1 estão relacionados com a modulação da razão GSH/GSSG e a atividade de G6PD. Dado de estudos recentes reportam que o perfil respiratório das ilhotas prévias ao transplante pode predizer seu desempenho e que não se sabe nada sobre se a PRL poderia modular a função mitocondrial nas células beta; no presente projeto foi investigado se o tratamento hormonal poderia aumentar a eficiência mitocondrial das células beta. Observamos que o tratamento com citocinas pró-inflamatórias produziu uma diminuição na eficiência do consumo de oxigênio mitocondrial estar relacionado à síntese de ATP. Esses resultados foram significativamente revertidos a valores similares ao obtidos nas células submetidas Às condições de máxima viabilidade após o tratamento com PRL. Além disso, os resultados mostraram que os níveis elevados de HSPB1 medeiam este efeito, uma vez que a falta desta proteína anulou significativamente a recuperação da função mitocondrial induzida pelo tratamento hormonal. Visto que as taxas de síntese de ATP mitocondrial são as responsáveis pela elevação na sua concentração intracelular e que esse evento está diretamente relacionado com a secreção de insulina nas células beta, analisamos se diferentes níveis proteicos de HSPB1 poderia modificar a função secretora de células beta. Para isso foram calculados os índices de estímulo da secreção de insulina em resposta ao aumento da concentraçãode glicose no meio de cultura tanto em células parentais MIN6 como em culturas primárias de ilhotas pancreáticas murinas que foram submetidas ou não ao silenciamento ou superexpressão de HSPB1. Nossos resultados mostraram que nem a presença de citocinas, Prolactina, ou a ausência ou superexpressão de HSPB1 nas culturas celulares analisadas apresentaram diferença significativa em relação aos índices de estímulo da secreção e conteúdo de insulina. Esses resultados sugerem que nem a falta, nem a superexpressão de HSPB1 poderia alterar a função de célula beta. Nós mostramos a relevância da HSPB1 em ambos os efeitos pró- sobrevivência da PRL contra a morte da célula beta induzida tanto por citocinas quanto por indução de estresse oxidativo. Este último efeito poderia também estar relacionado com a participação da HSPB1 na recuperação da função mitocondrial observada após o tratamento hormonal corroborando assim parte dos resultados obtidos nos experimentos de immunoprecipitação. Finalmente, nossos resultados destacam a importância de mais estudos visando um entendimento mais profundo das funções da HSPB1 nas células beta, uma vez que elas poderiam levar à mitigação da morte da célula beta através da regulação positiva de uma via de proteção endógena, que não é dependente da modulação do sistema imunológico

The success of islet transplantation has improved lately. Unfortunately, it is still compromised by cell loss. Maintaining islet cell in vitro appears as an attractive strategy to increase the outcome of pancreatic islet transplantation. However, islet fate in culture is determined by the balance between pro- and anti- apoptotic mediators. We have previously shown that Heat Shock Protein B1 (HSPB1) levels are increased by prolactin (PRL) on both human pancreatic beta cells and MIN6 murine insulinoma cells. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the prolactin-induced pro-survival effects on pancreatic beta-cells are mediated by HSPB1. Since HSPB1 role in beta cells has not been directly studied, we set out to explore the molecular mechanisms by which HSPB1 mediates PRL-induced beta cell cytoprotection. For this purpose, MIN6 insulinoma mouse cells and primary culture of murine pancreatic islets (I) wild type, HSPB1 silenced or overexpressing the chaperone were subjected to serum starvation and then pre-treated in the presence or in the absence of PRL (300 ng/mL) and exposed to or cytokines (IL-1ß (0,8 ng/mL), IFN-γ (4 ng/mL) and TNF-α (8 ng/mL)) for 16 or 24h. Then, we analyse cell viability. HSPB1silenced cells presented higher percentages of cell death compared to controls. However, the overexpression of HSPB1, independently of hormonal treatment, was able mimic the cytoprotective effects of Prolactin. These results point at the key role of HSPB1 in the cytoprotective effect against proinflammatory cytokines-induced beta cell death. In addition, lysates from Min6 cells incubated for 6 hours in the presence of a cocktail of cytokines and/or PRL were subjected to HSPB1 immunoprecipitation. Co-precipitated proteins were identified by SDS-PAGE coupled to mass spectrometry. We found an enrichment of proteins relatedto signaling pathways involved in a response against oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress induction. Moreover, we also identified antiapoptotic effects and carbohydrate metabolism related proteins. Indeed, HSPB1 knockdown rendered cells more sensitive to oxidative stress and led to a reduced antioxidant capacity, while prolactin induced an HSPB1- mediated cytoprotection against ROS induced beta-cell apoptosis. One again, HSPB1 overexpression mimic PRL- induced cytoprotection. While hormonal treatment, HSPB1 silencing or overexpression did not change the expression of antioxidant enzymes; this conditions influenced reduced glutathione cell content and G6DP activity. Since recent studies have pointed that islets respiratory profile prior to transplantation may predict their performance; we also investigated whether PRL treatment could increase beta-cell mitochondrial efficiency. We observed a cytokine-induced increase of mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate not related to ATP synthesis, which was significantly decreased upon PRL treatment. HSPB1 was a key mediator of this effect since the lack of this protein significantly abrogated PRL-induced mitochondrial function recovery. The secretory function was then analysed in wild type MIN6 cells as well as in primary cultures of pancreatic islets either HSPB1 silenced or overexpressing the chaperone. Cells were subjected to serum starvation and then pre-treated in the presence or in the absence of PRL and exposed to cytokines for 16 or 24h. We didn´t found significant differences in both glucose induced-insulin secretion and insulin content between the hormonal treatment, HSPB1 silencing or overexpression. These results suggest that neither lack, nor overexpression of HSPB1 could alter beta cell function. Altogether our results have shown the importance of HSPB1 on PRL prosurvival effects as well as on maintenance of mitochondrial efficiency against both cytokine treatment and oxidative-stress-induced beta cell damage. These results are in accordance with the PRL-induced enrichment of HSPB1 interacting proteins displaying functions related to protein degradation, oxidative stress protection or mitochondrial carbohydrate metabolism.Finally, our results outline the importance of further studies aiming at a deeper understanding of HSPB1 functions on beta cells, since they could lead to the mitigation of beta cell death through the up-regulation of an endogenous protective pathway, which is not dependent on the modulation of the immune system

Effects and Mechanisms of Taurine as a Therapeutic Agent

Taurine is an abundant, β-amino acid with diverse cytoprotective activity. In some species, taurine is an essential nutrient but in man it is considered a semi-essential nutrient, although cells lacking taurine show major pathology. These findings have spurred interest in the potential use of taurine as a therapeutic agent. The discovery that taurine is an effective therapy against congestive heart failure led to the study of taurine as a therapeutic agent against other disease conditions. Today, taurine has been approved for the treatment of congestive heart failure in Japan and shows promise in the treatment of several other diseases. The present review summarizes studies supporting a role of taurine in the treatment of diseases of muscle, the central nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. In addition, taurine is extremely effective in the treatment of the mitochondrial disease, mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), and offers a new approach for the treatment of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. The review also addresses the functions of taurine (regulation of antioxidation, energy metabolism, gene expression, ER stress, neuromodulation, quality control and calcium homeostasis) underlying these therapeutic actions.

Efecto reno-protector y reno-reparador del Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico en biomodelo de Insuficiencia Renal Crónica / Reno-protective and reno-restorative effect of the Epidermal Growth Factor in biomodel of Chronic Renal Failure

Introducción: La Enfermedad Renal es un problema de salud mundial. El Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico actúa como citoprotector y trófico reparador. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto reno-protector y reno-reparador del Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico en biomodelo de Insuficiencia Renal Crónica. Material y Métodos: Se estudiaron 120 ratas, Wistar, en 6 grupos: Control Negativo y positivo, Solución Salina Dosis Única y Múltiple, Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico Dosis Única y Múltiple. Se aplicó para efecto reno-protector dosis única antes del daño, y para el reno-reparador dosis múltiples posterior al daño, a razón de 100 µg/kg de peso. Resultados: La creatinina, urea y ácido úrico disminuyeron significativamente en los grupos experimentales, con mayor disminución para el grupo experimental dosis única, por lo que el efecto reno-protector fue mayor que el reno-reparador para los esquemas de tratamiento utilizados. Conclusiones: El Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico mostró efecto reno-protector y reno-reparador al disminuir las variables hematológicas de daño renal(AU)

Introduction: Kidney disease is a world health problem. Epidermic Growth Factor acts as cyto-protector, and trophic restorative. Objective: To assess the reno-protective and reno-restorative effect of the Epidermal Growth Factor in biomodel of Chronic Renal Failure. Material and Methods: 120 Wistar rats were studied in 6 groups: Negative and Positive Control, Saline Solution Single-Dose and Multiple-Dose, Epidermal Growth Factor Single-Dose and Multiple-Dose. A single dose was applied before the damage for the reno-protective effect, and multiple doses after the damage for the reno-restorative effect, at a rate of 100 µg/kg of weight. Results: Creatinine, urea, and uric acid diminished significantly in the experimental groups, with a higher decrease for experimental group with single dose; therefore, the reno-protective effect was higher than reno-restorative one for the treatment patterns used. Conclusions: Epidermal Growth Factor showed reno-protective and reno-restorative effect by diminishing the hematological variables in kidney damage(AU)

Evaluation of cytogenotoxicity, antioxidant and hypoglycemiant activities of isolate compounds from Mansoa hirsuta D.C. (Bignoniaceae)

ABSTRACT Mansoa hirsuta (Bignoniaceae) is a native plant from caatinga in Brazilian semiarid. This plant has been locally used as antimicrobial and hypoglycemiant agents, but their action mechanisms and toxicity remain largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the composition and antioxidant, cytoprotective and hypoglycemiant effects of raw extract, fractions and compounds from leaves of M. hirsuta. The cytogenotoxic effects of ursolic and oleanolic acids, the main phytotherapic components of this plant, were assessed. The raw extract and fractions presented steroids, saponins, flavonols, flavanonols, flavanones, xanthones, phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins and flavonoids. The ethyl acetate fraction inhibited efficiently the cascade of lipid peroxidation while the hydroalcoholic fraction was richer in total phenols and more efficient in capturing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (·DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS·+) radicals. The isolated fraction of M. hirsuta also inhibited the α-amylase activity. Cytotoxic effects were absent in both raw extract and fractions while ursolic+oleanolic acids were efficient in protecting cells after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, this mixture of acid shad no significant interference on the mitotic index and frequency of nuclear and/or chromosomal abnormalities in Allium cepa test. Therefore, M. hirsuta represents a potential source of phytochemicals against inflammatory and oxidative pathologies, including diabetes.

Ethanol extract of Phellinus merrillii protects against diethylnitrosamine- and 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study whether the ethanol extract of Phellinus merrillii (EPM) has chemopreventive potential against liver carcinogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, EPM control group, hepatocarcinoma control group, low-dose EPM group and high-dose EPM group, 6 in each group. Using the Solt and Farber protocol in a rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis, the chemopreventive effect of EPM on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated, 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) and partial hepatectomy (PH)-promoted liver carcinogenesis in rats was evaluated. Basic pathophysiological and histological examinations, together with the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (sGOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Treatment of EPM at the concentration of 2 g/kg body weight in the diet for 8 weeks clearly prevented the development of carcinogenesis and reduced the levels of sGOT, sGPT, and serum γ-GT of rats as compared with the hepatocarcinoma control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). These phenotypes were accompanied by a significant increase in natural killer cell activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EPM showed a strong liver preventive effect against DEN+2-AAF+PH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in a rat model.</p>

Research advances in the protective effect of all-trans retinoic acid against podocyte injury / 中国当代儿科杂志

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A derivative and plays an important role in the regulation of cell aggregation, differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation, and inflammatory response. In recent years, some progress has been made in the role of ATRA in renal diseases, especially its protective effect on podocytes. This article reviews the research advances in podocyte injury, characteristics of ATRA, podocyte differentiation and regeneration induced by ATRA, and the protective effect of ATRA against proliferation, deposition of fibers, and apoptosis.

Streptococcus pneumoniae induces SPLUNC1 and the regulatory effects of resveratrol / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the host-defense role of short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 1 (SPLUNC1) in Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) infection and the effect of resveratrol (Res) on SPLUNC1 expression, and to provide new thoughts for the treatment of diseases caused by SP infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the multiplicity of infection (MOI), BEAS-2B cells with SP infection were divided into control group, MOI20 SP group, and MOI50 SP group. According to the different concentrations of Res, the BEAS-2B cells with MOI20 SP infection pretreated by Res were divided into 12.5Res+SP group, 25Res+SP group, and 50Res+SP group (the final concentrations of Res were 12.5, 25, and 50 μmol/L, respectively). Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to measure cell activity and determine the optimal concentration and action time of SP and Res. In the formal experiment, the cells were divided into control group, Res group, SP group, and Res+SP group. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of SPLUNC1.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Over the time of SP infection, cell activity tended to decrease. Compared with the control group and the MOI20 SP group, the MOI50 SP group had a reduction in cell activity. Compared with the MOI20 SP group, the 25Res+SP group had increased cell activity and the 50Res+SP group had reduced cell activity (P<0.05). MOI20 SP bacterial suspension and 25 μmol/L Res were used for the formal experiment. Over the time of SP infection, the mRNA expression of SPLUNC1 in BEAS-2B cells firstly increased and then decreased in the SP group and the Res+SP group (P<0.05). Compared with the SP group, the Res+SP group had significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression of SPLUNC1 at all time points (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the Res group had no significant changes in the mRNA and protein expression of SPLUNC1 (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SP infection can induce SPLUNC1 expression and the host-defense role of SPLUNC1. Res can upregulate SPLUNC1 expression during the development of infection and enhance cell protection in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.</p>

Efeito protetor da melatonina sobre intoxicações por herbicidas / Protective effect of melatonin on poisoning by herbicides

O uso inadequado de herbicidas pode resultar em intoxicações agudas e, às vezes, crônicas por exposição em longo prazo a baixos níveis desses agentes tóxicos, podendo o herbicida atuar também como agentes teratogênicos, mutagênicos, cancerígenos e desreguladores endócrinos, com o aparecimento de doenças neurodegenerativas e distúrbios reprodutivos. Estudos têm revelado que a melatonina tem propriedades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias e imunomoduladoras e atua na reprodução. Essa indolamina está entre os agentes que têm se mostrado benéfico em intoxicações por herbicidas, porém não há relatos do uso de melatonina contra intoxicações por Glifosato-Roundup®, muito menos em associação com o Paraquat. Dessa forma, o maior interesse no tratamento das intoxicações por herbicidas, tem-se concentrado em medidas que impeçam ou minimizem as lesões celulares provocadas nos diversos sistemas biológicos. Assim, a melatonina, como antioxidante conhecido, pode ser mais uma alternativa contra as intoxicações por herbicidas associados e/ou individuais.

The inadequate use of herbicides may cause serious and sometimes chronic poisoning due to long exposure to low levels of toxic agents. Herbicides may also be teratogenic, mutagenic, cancerigenous agents and endocrine disruptors, with the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases and reproduction disorders. Several studies have shown that melatonin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating qualities, besides affecting the reproduction system. It is among the agents which are beneficent in poisoning by herbicides even though no reports are extant on the use of melatonin against poisoning by Glyphosate-Roundup® alone or associated with Paraquat. Solutions that prevent or minimize cell lesions caused by several biological systems have been focused upon in the treatment for poisoning with herbicides. Thus, melatonin, a known antioxidant, may be an alternative against the poisoning by single or associated herbicides.

Evaluation of Protective Effects of Bioactive Phytochemicals Against Methotrexate in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 Coupled with Micronucleus Assay / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

We evaluated the antimutagenic effects of 10 kinds of bioactive phytochemicals and some phytochemical combinations against methotrexate (MTX)-induced genotoxicity by the umu test in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 combined with a micronucleus assay. We observed that allicin, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, eleutherosides, and isoflavones had higher antimutagenic activities than the other five types of bioactive phytochemicals. At the highest dose tested, MTX-induced genotoxicity was inhibited by 25%-75%. Kunming mice treated by MTX along with bioactive phytochemical combinations showed significant reduction in micronucleus induction and sperm abnormality rate (P<0.01). These results indicate that bioactive phytochemical combinations can be potentially used as new cytoprotectors.

Protective effect of succinic acid on cerebellar Purkinje cells of neonatal rats with convulsion / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of succinic acid (SA) on the cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) of neonatal rats with convulsion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 120 healthy neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7 days were randomly divided into a neonatal period group and a developmental period group. Each of the two groups were further divided into 6 sub-groups: normal control, convulsion model, low-dose phenobarbital (PB) (30 mg/kg), high-dose PB (120 mg/kg), low-dose SA (30 mg/kg), and high-dose SA (120 mg/kg). Intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole was performed to establish the convulsion model. The normal control group was treated with normal saline instead. The rats in the neonatal group were sacrificed at 30 minutes after the injection of PB, SA, or normal saline, and the cerebellum was obtained. Those in the developmental group were sacrificed 30 days after the injection of PB, SA, or normal saline, and the cerebellum was obtained. Whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record the action potential (AP) of PCs in the cerebellar slices of neonatal rats; the parallel fibers (PF) were stimulated at a low frequency to induce excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC). The effect of SA on long-term depression (LTD) of PCs was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control groups, the neonatal and developmental rats with convulsion had a significantly higher AP frequency of PCs (P<0.05), and the developmental rats with convulsion had a significantly decreased threshold stimulus (P<0.01) and a significantly greater inhibition of the amplitude of EPSC in PCs (P<0.05). Compared with the normal control groups, the neonatal and developmental rats with convulsion in the high-dose PB groups had a significantly decreased threshold stimulus (P<0.01), a significantly higher AP frequency of PCs (P<0.05), and a significantly greater inhibition of EPSC in PCs (P<0.05). Compared with the neonatal and developmental rats in the convulsion model groups, those in the high-dose SA groups had a significantly decreased AP frequency of PCs (P<0.05). The developmental rats in the low- and high-dose SA groups had a significantly higher AP threshold than those in the convulsion model group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The high excitability of PCs and the abnormal PF-PC synaptic plasticity caused by convulsion in neonatal rats may last to the developmental period, which can be aggravated by PB, while SA can reduce the excitability of PCs in neonatal rats with convulsion and repair the short- and long-term abnormalities of LTD of PCs caused by convulsion.</p>

Melatonin Protects Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells from Oxidative Stress and Cell Death

BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have applications in regenerative medicine based on their therapeutic potential to repair and regenerate diseased and damaged tissue. They are commonly subject to oxidative stress during harvest and transplantation, which has detrimental effects on their subsequent viability. By functioning as an antioxidant against free radicals, melatonin may exert cytoprotective effects on ASCs. METHODS: We cultured human ASCs in the presence of varying dosages of hydrogen peroxide and/or melatonin for a period of 3 hours. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined with propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 staining under fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Hydrogen peroxide (1-2.5 mM) treatment resulted in an incremental increase in cell death. 2 mM hydrogen peroxide was thereafter selected as the dose for co-treatment with melatonin. Melatonin alone had no adverse effects on ASCs. Co-treatment of ASCs with melatonin in the presence of hydrogen peroxide protected ASCs from cell death in a dose-dependent manner, and afforded maximal protection at 100 µM (n=4, one-way analysis of variance P<0.001). Melatonin co-treated ASCs displayed significantly fewer apoptotic cells, as demonstrated by condensed and fragmented nuclei under fluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin possesses cytoprotective properties against oxidative stress in human ASCs and might be a useful adjunct in fat grafting and cell-assisted lipotransfer.

NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 silencing modulates cytoprotection related protein expression in cisplatin cytotoxicity

NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) is a down-stream target gene of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and performs diverse biological functions. Recently, NQO1 is recognized as an effective gene for the cytotoxic inserts with its diverse biological functions, which is focused on antioxidant properties. The aim of present study was to assess the impact of NQO1 knockdown on cytoprotection-related protein expression in cisplatin cytotoxicity by using small interfering (si) RNA targeted on NQO1 gene. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin on ACHN cells was assessed in a dose- and time-dependent manner after siScramble or siNQO1 treatment. After cisplatin treatment, cells were subjected to cell viability assay, western-blot analysis, and immunofluorescence study. The cell viability was decreased in the siNQO1 cells (50%) than the siScramble cells (70%) after 24 h of cisplatin (20 µM) treatment. Moreover, cytoprotection-related protein expressions were markedly suppressed in the siNQO1 cells after cisplatin treatment. The expression of Nrf2 and Klotho were decreased by 20% and 40%, respectively, of that in siScramble cells. Nrf2 and Klotho activation were also decreased in cisplatin treated siNQO1 cells, confirmed by cytoplasm-to-nuclear translocation. Our findings demonstrate that the increased cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was accompanied by suppressed Nrf2 activation and Klotho expression in siNQO1 cells.

Rosmarinic Acid Attenuates Cell Damage against UVB Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress via Enhancing Antioxidant Effects in Human HaCaT Cells

This study was designed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes. RA exerted a significant cytoprotective effect by scavenging intracellular ROS induced by UVB. RA also attenuated UVB-induced oxidative macromolecular damage, including protein carbonyl content, DNA strand breaks, and the level of 8-isoprostane. Furthermore, RA increased the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, heme oxygenase-1, and their transcription factor Nrf2, which are decreased by UVB radiation. Collectively, these data indicate that RA can provide substantial cytoprotection against the adverse effects of UVB radiation by modulating cellular antioxidant systems, and has potential to be developed as a medical agent for ROS-induced skin diseases.