Study on calculation method of internal and external fluid capacity of human cells based on bioimpedance spectroscopy / 生物医学工程学杂志

Bioelectrical impedance measurement technology is a non-invasive detection technology for extracting human physiological and pathological information. The analysis method of the relationship between bioimpedance and human physiological parameters is an important part of this technology. In order to calculate the internal and external liquid volume of human cells more accurately, based on the Moissl equation for calculating the internal and external fluid volume of human cells, a segmented human bioimpedance spectrum measurement model and an improved calculation method of intracellular and external fluid capacity were proposed. The measurement and calculation experiments of the intracellular and extracellular fluid volume before and after the human body's water intake were designed and compared with the Moissl calculation method. The results show that the improved calculation method can calculate the intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes more effectively, and the relative error is less than 5%, which may provide new ideas or more accurate methods for the analysis of human body components, facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the Assessment of Nutritional Status in Critically Ill Patients

Malnutrition is common in the critically ill patients and known to cause a variety of negative clinical outcomes. However, various conventional methods for nutrition assessment have several limitations. We hypothesized that body composition data, as measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), may have a significant role in evaluating nutritional status and predicting clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. We gathered clinical, biochemical, and BIA data from 66 critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Patients were divided into three nutritional status groups according to their serum albumin level and total lymphocyte counts. The BIA results, conventional indicators of nutrition status, and clinical outcomes were compared and analyzed retrospectively. Results showed that the BIA indices including phase angle (PhA), extracellular water (ECW), and ECW/total body water (TBW) were significantly associated with the severity of nutritional status. Particularly, PhA, an indicator of the health of the cell membrane, was higher in the well-nourished patient group, whereas the edema index (ECW/TBW) was higher in the severely malnourished patient group. PhA was positively associated with albumin and ECW/TBW was negatively associated with serum albumin, hemoglobin, and duration of mechanical ventilation. In non-survivors, PhA was significantly lower and both ECW/TBW and %TBW/fat free mass were higher than in survivors. In conclusion, several BIA indexes including PhA and ECW/TBW may be useful for nutritional assessment and represent significant prognostic factors in the care of critically ill patients.

Serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels in patients with myocardial infarction with or without heart failure

Magnesium [Mg] is a mineral that is involved in over 300 reactions in the body. Magnesium is a potent vasodilation, and plays an important role in muscle contraction. It has been early documented that Mg deficiency can precipitate ventricular arrhythmias and treatment with Mg has some anti arrythmic effect. Moreover there is an ample evidence that a significant percentage of patients with IHD suffer from Mg deficiency. The objective of the present study is to measure Mg levels in serum and RBCs of patients with some forms of IHD. The study was conducted in Baghdad hospital and Ibn - Al-Bitar Hospital. The 180 patients with IHD were divided into Two groups. Group one, 80 patients with Ischemic Heart Failure [IHF] [EF<30] aged 65.75 +/- 5.97 year [50 males and 30 females], group two, 100 patients with Muocardial Infarction [MI][EF<50] aged 50.34 +/- 6.36 year [58 males and 42 females]. Serum Mg and RBCs Mg were measured in all patient groups by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The [mean +/- SD] value of serum and RBCs Mg in patients with both groups Ischemic Heart Disease [IHD] was significantly lower when compared with that of controls [p<0.05].The serum Mg levels [0.81 +/- SD mmol/L] are significantly lower in the IHF group and in MI group [0.96 +/- 0.18 mmol/L] when compared with that of controls [1.00 +/- 0.17 mmol/L] [p<0.001]. The data obtained in present study revealed the decrease of Mg level in serum and RBCs in both patients groups, which affect the contractility of heart muscle and cardiac performance.

Mitofusin2 decreases intracellular cholesterol of oxidized LDL-induced foam cells from rat vascular smooth muscle cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Mitofusin2 (Mfn2) plays a pivotal role in the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Mfn2 on the trafficking of intracellular cholesterol in the foam cells derived from rat VSMCs (rVSMCs) and also to investigate the effects of Mfn2 on the expression of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1), adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). The rVSMCs were co-cultured with oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL, 80 μg/mL) to produce foam cells and cholesterol accumulation in cells. Before oxidized LDL treatment, different titers (20, 40 and 60 pfu/cell) of recombinant adenovirus containing Mfn2 gene (Adv-Mfn2) were added into the culture medium for 24 h to transfect the Mfn2 gene into the rVSMCs. Then the cells were harvested for analyses. The protein expression of Mfn2 was significantly higher in Adv-Mfn2-transfected group than in untransfected group (P<0.05), and the expression levels significantly increased when the titer of Adv-Mfn2 increased (P<0.05). At 24 or 48 h after oxidized LDL treatment, rVSMCs became irregular and their nuclei became larger, and their plasma abounded with red lipid droplets. However, the number of red lipid droplets was significantly decreased in Adv-Mfn2-transfected group as compared with untransfected group. At 48 h after oxidized LDL treatment, the intracellular cholesterol in rVSMCs was significantly increased (P<0.05), but it was significantly decreased in Adv-Mfn2-transfected group as compared with untransfected group (P<0.05), and it also significantly decreased when the titer of Adv-Mfn2 increased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were significantly increased in Adv-Mfn2-transfected group as compared with untransfected group (P<0.05). Though the mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ was not significantly increased (P>0.05), the phosporylation levels of PPARγ were significantly decreased in Adv-Mfn2-transfected group as compared with untransfected group (P<0.05). These results suggest that the transfection of Adv-Mfn2 can significantly reduce intracellular cholesterol in oxidized LDL-induced rVSMCs possibly by decreasing PPARγ phosporylation and then increasing protein expression levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1, which may be helpful to suppress the formation of foam cells.

¿Puede el sodio en el baño de diálisis modificar la ganancia de peso interdiálisis? / can sodium in the dialysis bath modify the inter-dialysis weight gain?

El control de la tensión arterial y del volumen del liquido extracelular (VLEC) es un objetivo primordial de la hemodiálisis. La concentración de Na+ en el baño de diálisis es una herramienta que puede utilizarse para conseguir este objetivo. Objetivo: Corroborar si la reducción de Na+ en el baño de diálisis, logra reducir la ganancia de peso inter diálisis. Resultados: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y experimental, tomando 3 períodos estacionales idénticos, de 3 meses cada uno (diciembre-enero- febrero), durante 3 años consecutivos. Analizado el período 2008/2009 (Na+: 136 mEq/L) respecto del período 2006/2007 (Na+:138 mEq/L), se observó una reducción neta global promedio de 530g (p < 0.003) en la GPPI. Realizando el mismo análisis del período 2007/2008 (Na+ : 37 mEq/L ) respecto del período 2006/2007 (Na+ :138 mEq/L), se observó una reducción neta global promedio de 616g (p < 0.015). Conclusión: Se observó una reducción franca y significativa en la ganancia de peso promedio inter diálisis con la reducción de 2 mEq/L en el baño de diálisis, Con la reducción de 1 mEq/L se observó una reducción promedio similar aunque con una mayor variabilidad entre pacientes.

Introduction: Blood pressure and extracellular fluid (ECF) volume control is a major objective in hemodialysis. Na+ concentration in the dialysis bath is a tool that can be used in order to meet this objective. Objective: To check if Na+ reduction in the dialysis bath can reduce interdialysis weight gain. Results: A prospective, longitudinal, and experimental study considering 3 identical seasonal periods of 3 months each (December-January-February) was carried out during 3 consecutive years. When analyzing the 2008/2009 period (Na+: 136 mEq/L) with regard to the 2006/2007 period (Na+: 138 mEq/L), an average global net reduction of 530g (p < 0.003) was observed in the interdialysis average weight gain. When performing the same analysis for the 2007/2008 period (Na+ : 137 mEq/L) with regard to the 2006/2007 period (Na+: 138 mEq/L), an average global net reduction of 616g (p < 0.015) was observed. Conclusion: A clear and significant reduction was observed in the inter-dialysis average weight gain with the 2 mEq/L reduction in the dialysis bath. With the 1 mEq/ L reduction, a similar average reduction was observed although it showed greater inter-patient variability.

Body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis in children below 7 years old / 소아과

PURPOSE: Body composition is important to define and manage obesity and undernutrition. Obesity is a significant health problem with medical and psychological consequences for children and adolescents. Body composition analysis (BIA) is a simple, rapid, noninvasive, and reproducible technique. However, comparative analysis of body composition has not been done in young children below 7 years old. The aim of this study is to estimate antropometric data and body composition by BIA, and to investigate the correlation between anthropometric data and fat mass or fat percent in young children. METHODS: We measured height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and fat percent by BIA in 1,376 children aged 3-6 years of whom 688 were males and 688 were females. RESULTS: Fat mass, fat percent, intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, protein, and minerals were significantly higher in the obese group. A significant positive correlation exists between fat mass and BMI or weight. A significant positive linear correlation was also noted between fat percent and BMI. Protein, weight, fat mass, and fat percent were significantly different among groups. CONCLUSION: BIA is an objective, accurate method to estimate body fat in childhood obesity cases. Fat mass and fat percent data acquired by using BIA highly correlated with BMI. However, a large-scale study is needed to diagnose obesity in young children.

Immunophenotypic and intracellular cytokine profile of Indian patients with tuberculosis with and without human immunodeficiency virus co-infection.

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) occurs in more than 50% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected Indian patients. This study was carried out to determine the immunophenotypic and intracellular cytokine profile of patients with HIV-TB co-infection. Patients and Methods. Fifteen patients with HIV-TB co-infection and 15 each with TB alone and healthy individuals were studied. Immunophenotypic analysis and intracellular cytokines were measured using appropriate antibodies on a flowcytometer. Results. Percentage of CD3+ did not differ significantly in the three groups. The ratio of CD4+ : CD8+ was reversed among patients with TB and HIV-TB. CD19+ and CD25+ were present on fewer cells of healthy individuals but this was not statistically significant. Significantly higher percentage of cells of patients with TB and HIV-TB were CD69 positive. Interferongamma (INF-g ) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels are significantly reduced in the CD4+ cells of patients with HIV-TB when compared with those with TB and healthy individuals. In CD8+ cells of patients with HIV-TB, levels of TNF-a are higher when compared with the other two groups. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) producing cells were not significantly different in any of the above subsets. Monocytes in individuals with HIV-TB had significantly higher interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-a. Conclusions. T-helper cells among patients with HIV-TB have significantly lower cytokine production. T-suppressor cells and monocytes produce more TNF-a. These findings may be significant in view of recent attempts to treat HIV-TB coinfected patients with anti-TNF therapy.

Initial bradykinin triggers calcium-induced calcium release in C6 glioma cells and its significance / 神经科学通报·英文版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the underlying mechanism for the selective modulation of the permeability of blood-tumor barrier (BTB) by small dose of bradykinin (BK).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>C6 glioma cells were treated with BK, and changes of intracellular nitric oxide (NO) and intracellular calcium level were measured with fluorescent spectrophotometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The initial application of BK easily triggered extracellular calcium influx, which resulted in intracellular calcium store release in C6 glioma cells. The above mechanism was also named ryanodine mediated calcium induced calcium release (CICR). We also detected a long-lasting intracellular NO elevation in C6 glioma cells upon BK treatment. Further study showed that ryanodine mediated CICR contributed greatly to the secondary NO elevation induced by BK treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggested that BK triggered CICR in C6 glioma cells and the associated NO generation might be the underlying mechanism for the selective modulation of BTB permeability by BK.</p>

Disorders of potassium homeostasis: pathophysiology and management.

Disorders of potassium homeostasis are common electrolyte abnormalities encountered in hospitalized patients. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia have been estimated to occur in about 21% and 3% of hospitalized patients, respectively; though the morbidity and mortality associated with the latter is significantly higher. Potassium is a predominantly intracellular ion and the understanding of its dynamics between intra- and extracellular fluid milieus, along with its handling by the kidneys, is important in the diagnosis and treatment of potassium disorders. This article aims to provide a clinically relevant update on management of potassium disorders for internists.

Homocysteine, insulin, vitamin B(12) and folic acid levels in obese children / 소아과

PURPOSE: As the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus have become problems. High homocysteine levels and low vitamin B(12) supplementation are acknowledged to have a role in coronary artery disease, but there are few studies on homocysteine, insulin and vitamin B(12) levels in obese children. We aimed to study whether homocysteine, insulin, vitamin B(12), folic acid levels could have any difference and relation in obese children. METHODS: The disease group consisted of 27 children from 8 to 11 years old, whose obesity index was over 130. The control group consisted of 30 healthy children of the same age group. Obesity index and body mass index were calculated by height and body weight of the children, and their systolic and diastolic blood pressures at resting state were checked. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, homocysteine, insulin, vitamin B(12), folic acid levels were studied after 10 hours of fasting. Intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, protein, mineral, muscle mass, lean body fat, fat mass and fat percentages were checked by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: Homocysteine levels were higher in obese children(8.1+/-2.1 micromol/mL vs. 4.9+/-1.0 micromol/mL). Insulin levels were also higher in obese children(26.8+/-11.2 microIU/mL vs. 12.5+/-5.24 microIUl/mL). Vitamin B(12) was lower in obese children(798.6+/-174.3 pg/mL vs. 967.8+/-405.0 pg/mL). But there was not a difference in the folic acid levels between the two groups. In obese children, systolic blood pressure (r=0.535), triglyceride(r=0.517), total cholesterol(r=0.408), folic acid(r=0.408), vitamin B12(r=0.338) and abdomoanl fat %(r=0.306) had a positive correlation. CONCLUSION: We found definite differences of insulin, homocysteine, and vitamin B(12) plasma levels in obese children, but we need more study to use those parameters as risk factors of metabolic syndrome in pediatric obese patients.

Arterial Stiffness, Malnutrition and Inflammation in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: In ESRD patients, malnutrition and atherosclerosis are strongly associated with inflammation resulting in MIA (Malnutrition-Inflammation-Atherosclerosis) syndrome. As compared with atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis or arterial stiffening is another important cardiovascular risk factor. Therefore, we speculated on the presence of new MIA syndrome, which is composed of malnutrition, inflammation and arteriosclerosis, and evaluated causal relations among them in 70 chronic hemodialysis patients (age 53+/-13 years, male 53%, diabetes 40%). METHODS: As an indicator of arterial stiffness, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using a plethysmography. PWV index (measured PWV/nomogram based theoretical PWV) was then calculated to adjust confounding effects of age, blood pressure, and gender by using the PWV nomogram obtained in nonuremic population with same age, blood pressure, and gender. Nutritional status was assessed by serum albumin level, subjective global assessment (SGA) and normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR). Extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid volume ratio (ECF/ICF) were determined using bioimpedance analysis. The presence of an inflammation was assessed by serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) level. RESULTS: PWV index correlated positively with log transformed CRP (LnCRP) level, ECF/ICF and negatively with SGA, nPCR and serum albumin level. Serum albumin level correlated positively with nPCR, BUN, hemoglobin level and negatively with LnCRP level, age and ECF/ICF. Diabetic patients had higher PWV index and lower albumin level than non-diabetic patients. In multiple regression analysis, only LnCRP level was a significant common determinant of the both PWV index (R2=0.419; p >0.001) and serum albumin level (R2=0.543; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased CRP levels are independently associated with arterial stiffening and hypoalbuminemia. Inflammation might be a linking mechanism of arterial stiffening and malnutrition in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Developmental regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis in early cardiac myocytes / 生理学报

The proper intracellular Ca(2+) signaling is essential for normal cell functions and organ development, and the maintaining Ca(2+) homeostasis in cardiac myocytes is of functional importance for the intact heart. As the first functional organ in the vertebrate embryo, the heart is continuously remodeled and maintains its physiologic pumping function in response to increasing circulatory demands. The expressions of Ca(2+) handing proteins in the embryonic heart, however, are different from those in neonatal and adult hearts, which means that the regulation of Ca(2+) transients in embryonic cardiomyocytes is different from that in adult cardiac myocytes. Recent advances in molecular and cellular biology, as well as the application of embryonic stem cell differentiation system, have made progress in uncovering the regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis during cardiomyogenesis. This paper briefly summarizes the Ca(2+) homeostasis during early development of cardiomyocytes and reviews current knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms controlling Ca(2+) homeostasis during cardiomyocyte development.

Regulative effects of temperature, intracellular sodium, ATP and pH on I(Na/Ca) of cardiac myocytes / 生理学报

The Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange is a major pathway for removal of cytosolic Ca(2+) in cardiac myocytes. To explore the effects of temperature, intracellular Na(+), ATP and pH on Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange currents (I(Na/Ca)) of intact guinea-pig myocytes, the whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record I(Na/Ca) in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. We found that I(Na/Ca) at 34 degrees C was four times higher than that at 22 degrees C. However, intracellular acidification had no obvious influence on bidirectional I(Na/Ca). At 22~24 degrees C , intracellular ATP depletion and intracellular acidification did not markedly affect bidirectional I(Na/Ca) either. At 34~37 degrees C , intracellular ATP depletion and intracellular acidification synergistically inhibited the outward and inward currents of I(Na/Ca), and blocked the inward currents of I(Na/Ca)more potently than the outward currents of I(Na/Ca). The effect of ATP on I(Na/Ca) is temperature-dependent. Intracellular higher sodium increased the outward currents of I(Na/Ca) however it did not increase, even sometimes decreased the inward currents of I(Na/Ca). These results suggest that intracellular ATP depletion and intracellular acidification synergistically impair Ca(2+) extrusion via forward mode Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange, and intracellular sodium overload increases Ca(2+) influx via reverse mode Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange, leading to calcium overload respectively.

Comparison of the inhibitory activities of salvianolic acid B and Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To compare the effects of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on beta-amyloid peptide (beta-AP) fibril formation and cytotoxicity to PC12 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The inhibitory effects of Sal B and EGb 761 on beta-AP1-40 fibril formation were determined by using fluorescence analysis with Thioflavin T (ThT) and electron microscopic image. beta-AP25-35 was aged by incubating at 37 degrees C for 7 d, then the protein was incubated with PC12 cells. The protective effects of Sal B and EGb 761 against cytotoxicity induced by aged beta-AP25-35 in PC12 cells were evaluated by MTT reduction assay and flow cytometric analysis. beta-AP25-35-induced accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by fluorescence analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both Sal B and EGb 761 inhibited the formation of amyloid fibrils, protected PC12 cells from beta-AP25-35-induced cytotoxicity, and decreased ROS accumulation caused by beta-AP25-35. The effective doses of Sal B were far lower than those of EGb 761.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sal B was much more efficient than EGb 761 in inhibiting beta-AP aggregation and in protecting PC12 cells from beta-AP-induced cytotoxicity.</p>

Pulmonary Function Test and Body Composition Analysis in Obese Children / 소아과

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with disturbances of ventilatory functions in adults. But few studies have evaluated the pulmonary complications of obesity in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of obesity on pulmonary function and body composition in obese children. METHODS: Forty seven obese children whose ages ranged from nine to twelve years were evaluated for their body composition (intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, protein mass, mineral mass, soft lean mass, fat mass, percent body fat, fat distribution) by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Hemoglobin, serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Pulmonary function test was performed by spirometer. RESULTS: Intracellular fluid, protein mass, fat mass, percent body fat and fat distribution were significantly higher in severely obese children with an obesity index of more than 150 percent compared with those with an index of less than 150 percent. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was significantly lower in severely obese children with obesity index of more than 150 percent compared with those with less than 150 percent (241.7+/-14.6 L/sec vs 276.8+/-64.3 L/sec). PEFR, forced expiratory flow 25 percent (FEF25), mid expiratory flow rate (MEFR), forced expiratory flow 50 percent (FEF50), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were decreased in 37.0 percent, 14.8 percent, 14.8 percent, 11.1 percent, 3.7 percent and 3.7 percent of obese children, respectively. CONCLUSION: PEFR was significantly decreased in obese children. Pulmonary function test must be performed in severely obese children and more extended study is needed in other age groups.

Influence of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on intracellular pH and signal transduction in cancer cells / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECT</b>The authors studied the influence of CO(2) pneumoperitoneum on intracellular pH and signal transduction arising from cancer cell multiplication in laparoscopic tumor operation.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>They set up a simulation of pneumoperitoneum under different CO(2) pressure, and then measured the variation of intracellular pH (pHi) at different time and the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein phosphatase 2a (PP2a) at the end of the pneumoperitoneum. After 1 week, the concentration of cancer cells in the culture medium was calculated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>When the pressure of CO(2) pneumoperitoneum was 0, 10, 20, 30 mmHg respectively, the average pHi was 7.273, 7.075, 6.783, 6.693 at the end of the pneumoperitoneum; PKC activity was 159.4, 168.5, 178.0, 181.6 nmol/(g.min) and PP2a was 4158.3, 4066.9, 3984.0, 3878.5 nmol/(g.min) respectively. After 1 week, the cancer cells concentration was 2.15 x 10(5), 2.03 x 10(5), 2.20 x 10(5), 2.18 x 10(5) L(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CO(2) pneumoperitoneum could promote acidosis in cancer cells, inducing the activation of protein kinase C and deactivation of protein phosphatase 2a, but it could not accelerate the mitosis rate of the cancer cells.</p>

Resveratrol reduces intracellular free calcium concentration in rat ventricular myocytes / 生理学报

Resveratrol (trans-3, 4', 5-trihydroxy stilbene), a phytoalexin found in grape skins and red wine, has been reported to have a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. It has been speculated that resveratrol may have cardioprotective activity. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in rat ventricular myocytes. [Ca(2+)](i) was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The results showed that resveratrol (15~60 mumol/L) reduced [Ca(2+)](i) in normal and Ca(2+)-free Tyrode's solution in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of resveratrol on [Ca(2+)](i) in normal Tyrode's solution was partially inhibited by pretreatment with sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4, 1.0 mmol/L, P<0.01), an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase, or L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist Bay K8644 (10 mumol/L, P<0.05), but could not be antagonized by NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (1.0 mmol/L). Resveratrol also markedly inhibited the ryanodine-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in Ca(2+)-free Tyrode's solution (P<0.01). When Ca(2+) waves were produced by increasing extracellular Ca(2+) concentration from 1 to 10 mmol/L, resveratrol (60 mumol/L) could reduce the velocity and duration of propagating waves, and block the propagating waves of elevated [Ca(2+)](i). These results suggest that resveratrol may reduce the [Ca(2+)](i) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. The inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel and tyrosine kinase, and alleviation of Ca(2+) release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are possibly involved in the effects of resveratrol on rat ventricular myocytes. These findings could help explain the protective activity of resveratrol against cardiovascular disease.

To be or not to be nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP): a new intracellular second messenger?

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a potent activator of intracellular Ca2+ release in several vertebrate and invertebrate systems. The role of the NAADP system in physiological processes is being extensively investigated at the present time. The NAADP receptor and its associated Ca2+ pool have been hypothesized to be important in several physiological processes including fertilization, T cell activation, and pancreatic secretion. However, whether NAADP is a new second messenger or a tool for the discovery of a new Ca2+ channel is still an unanswered question. Research developed over the last two years has provided some important clues to whether NAADP is or not a physiological cellular messenger. In this short review, I will discuss some of these new findings that are helping us to find an answer to the important question: Is NAADP a second messenger or not?.

Effect of congsheng capsule on intracellular calcium concentration in mice after ischemic cerebral injury / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Congsheng Capsule (CSC) in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cerebral intra-synaptosomes of ischemia/reperfusion mice and analogous ischemic injured neurons to estimate the mechanism of CSC in antagonizing ischemic cerebral injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The concentration of Ca2+ in cerebral intra-synaptosomes of mice and in neurocyte suspension of fetal mice were determined using Fura-2/AM double wavelength fluorescence spectrophotometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CSC 3 g/kg and 9 g/kg through gastrogavage could relieve the degree of calcium overloading of intra-synaptosomes in mice after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. The CSC containing serum could inhibit the elevation of Ca2+ content in neurocytes induced by 1 hour hypoxia and glutamate of high concentration (200 mumol/L).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CSC plays a role in antagonizing ischemic injury through relieving the calcium overloading after cerebral ischemia.</p>

Anti-inflammatory effects of IL-4 and IL-10 on Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Inflammatory responses are strictly regulated by coordination of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) have typically the biologic anti-inflammatory effects on monocytes, but uncertain effects on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The PMNs are the first line of cellular response for host defense during acute inflammation. To modify hyper-inflammatory reaction with biologic anti-inflammatory mediators, we have determined the biologic anti-inflammatory activities of IL-4 and IL-10 on human PMNs. Human PMNs were pretreated with IL-4 or IL-10 and then stimulated with formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP) for times indicated. The level of H2O2, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined in the each cell free supernatants. fMLP plays the role of a typical pro-inflammatory agent and, at least in determined conditions, down-regulated TNF release. IL-4 acts as an anti-inflammatory mediator but IL-10 did not show its anti-inflammatory activities on fMLP-stimulated human PMNs. IL-4 and IL-10 have different anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Perhaps, IL-10 needs co-factors to act as an anti-inflammatory mediator.