Myocardial biopsy of Liwen procedure: representability and etiological diagnostic value of cardiac samples obtained by a novel technique in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the representability and etiological diagnostic value of myocardium samples obtained from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by transthoracic echocardiography-guided percutaneous intramyocardial septal biopsy (myocardial biopsy of Liwen procedure). Methods: This study was a retrospective case-series analysis. Patients with HCM, who underwent myocardial biopsy of Liwen procedure and radiofrequency ablation in Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University from July to December 2019, were included. Demographic data (age, sex), echocardiographic data and complications were collected through electronic medical record system. The histological and echocardiographic features, pathological characteristics of the biopsied myocardium of the patients were analyzed. Results: A total of 21 patients (aged (51.2±14.5) years and 13 males (61.9%)) were enrolled. The thickness of ventricular septum was (23.3±4.5)mm and the left ventricular outflow tract gradient was (78.8±42.6)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Eight patients (38.1%) were complicated with hypertension, 1 patient (4.8%) had diabetes, and 2 patients (9.5%) had atrial fibrillation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of myocardial samples of HCM patients before radiofrequency ablation evidenced myocytes hypertrophy, myocytes disarray, nuclear hyperchromatism, hypertrophy, atypia, coronary microvessel abnormalities, adipocyte infiltration, inflammatory cell infiltration, cytoplasmic vacuoles, lipofuscin deposition. Interstitial fibrosis and replacement fibrosis were detected in Masson stained biopsy samples. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of myocardial samples of HCM patients after radiofrequency ablation showed significantly reduced myocytes, cracked nuclear in myocytes, coagulative necrosis, border disappearance and nuclear fragmentation. Quantitative analysis of myocardial specimens of HCM patients before radiofrequency ablation showed that there were 9 cases (42.9%) with mild myocardial hypertrophy and 12 cases (57.1%) with severe myocardial hypertrophy. Mild, moderate and severe fibrosis were 5 (23.8%), 9 (42.9%) and 7 (33.3%), respectively. Six cases (28.6%) had myocytes disarray. There were 11 cases (52.4%) of coronary microvessel abnormalities, 4 cases (19.0%) of adipocyte infiltration, 2 cases (9.5%) of inflammatory cell infiltration,6 cases (28.5%) of cytoplasmic vacuole, 16 cases (76.2%) of lipofuscin deposition. The diameter of cardiac myocytes was (25.2±2.8)μm, and the percentage of collagen fiber area was 5.2%(3.0%, 14.6%). One patient had severe replacement fibrosis in the myocardium, with a fibrotic area of 67.0%. The rest of the patients had interstitial fibrosis. The myocardial specimens of 13 patients were examined by transmission electron microscopy. All showed increased myofibrils, and 9 cases had disorder of myofibrils. All patients had irregular shape of myocardial nucleus, partial depression, mild mitochondrial swelling, fracture and reduction of mitochondrial crest, and local aggregation of myofibrillary interfascicles. One patient had hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, but the arrangement of muscle fibers was roughly normal. There were vacuoles in the cytoplasm, and Periodic acid-Schiff staining was positive. Transmission electron microscopy showed large range of glycogen deposition in the cytoplasm, with occasional double membrane surround, which was highly indicative of glycogen storage disease. No deposition of glycolipid substance in lysozyme was observed under transmission electron microscope in all myocardial specimens, which could basically eliminate Fabry disease. No apple green substance was found under polarized light after Congo red staining, which could basically exclude cardiac amyloidosis. Conclusion: Myocardium biopsied samples obtained by Liwen procedure of HCM patients are representative and helpful for the etiological diagnosis of HCM.

Autofluorescência em um caso de distrofia macular anular concêntrica benigna / Fundus autofluorescence in a case of benign concentric annular macular dystrophy

Resumo A distrofia macular anular concêntrica benigna (DMACB) é uma patologia retiniana rara e provavelmente subdiagnosticada em nosso meio, que se caracteriza por um defeito retiniano em bull's eye sem uso prévio de antimaláricos, associado à preservação relativa da acuidade visual. Devido à escassez de publicações sobre o tema, existem poucos dados referentes aos resultados dos exames complementares nesta patologia. No presente artigo, apresenta-se a descrição da autofluorescência em um caso clássico de DMACB, ainda inédita na literatura, podendo acrescentar achados importantes para auxiliar no diagnóstico e seguimento da doença.

Abstract The benign concentric annular macular dystrophy (BCAMD) is a very rare and probably underdiagnosed eye disease, characterized by a retinal fault in bull's eye pattern, without the association with antimalarial use, but related with good visual acuity. Since there aren't many publications about this condition, is hard to find data regarding the results of complementary examination. In this article, is presented the description of fundus autofluorescence in a classic BCAMD case, yet unpublished, and capable of helping the diagnosis and follow-up of this pathology.

Longevity and Stress Resistant Property of 6-Gingerol from Zingiber officinale Roscoe in Caenorhabditis elegans

In order to discover lifespan-extending compounds made from natural resources, activity-guided fractionation of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) ethanol extract was performed using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model system. The compound 6-gingerol was isolated from the most active ethyl acetate soluble fraction, and showed potent longevity-promoting activity. It also elevated the survival rate of worms against stressful environment including thermal, osmotic, and oxidative conditions. Additionally, 6-gingerol elevated the antioxidant enzyme activities of C. elegans, and showed a dose-depend reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in worms. Further studies demonstrated that the increased stress tolerance of 6-gingerol-mediated worms could result from the promotion of stress resistance proteins such as heat shock protein (HSP-16.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-3). The lipofuscin levels in 6-gingerol treated intestinal worms were decreased in comparison to the control group. No significant 6-gingerol-related changes, including growth, food intake, reproduction, and movement were noted. These results suggest that 6-gingerol exerted longevity-promoting activities independently of these factors and could extend the human lifespan.

Photosensitization of Lipofuscin in Skin Keratinocytes: Effect of Visible Light on Human Skin / Fotossensibilização de lipofuscina em queratinócitos da pele humana: Efeitos da luz visível na pele

Lipofuscin is an autofluorescent pigment progressively accumulated during cellular aging, in several tissues, such as heart, muscle and retina, especially in the postmitotic period. That phenomenon may result from oxidative stress, when biomolecules and organelles (mainly mitochondria) are damaged, generating non-degradable products inside lysosomes. Lipofuscin can be photosensitized, promoting photoxidative processes in cellular components. Many studies on lipofuscin were made using the human retinal pigment epithelial cells, but very little is known about lipofuscin from human skin. In this work we investigated the photoinduced formation (UVA and visible light) of lipofuscin and the consequence of its photosensitization by visible light. We also established an efficient protocol for the induction of lipofuscinogenesis, through specific damage in mitochondria and lysosomes. Cells that accumulated lipofuscin, after exposure to UVA and blue light, became sensitive to visible light (400-750 nm). We characterized the absorption and fluorescence emission of lipofuscin, as well as its fluorescence lifetime through the time resolved fluorescence microscopy (FLIM). We observed that lipofuscin in keratinocytes has absorption maximum in the blue region of light spectrum (420-450 nm), and maximum emission in the red. When photosensitized at 466 nm, lipofuscinloaded HaCaT cells had reduced cell viability, which was related with singlet oxygen generation, accumulated 8-oxo-dG premutagenic lesions and breaks in the DNA strand. Besides, we investigated the efficiency of different wavelengthsin visible light spectrum (408, 466, 522 and 650 nm) to promote lipofuscin formation due to damages in both mitochondria and lysosomes. Blue (408 and 466 nm) and green light (522 nm), but not red light (650 nm), promoted damage in mitochondria (membrane and DNA integrity) and lysosomes (membrane integrity and autophagic activity), effectively inducing lipofuscinogenesis. Thus, in addition to UVA, visible spectrum itself increases the sensitivity of keratinocytes to the visible light, through the generation of lipofuscin. Finally, we tested the carcinogenic potential of high-energy blue light (408 nm), by chronically irradiating HaCaT cells. For the first time in the literature, the formation of pyrimidine cyclobutane (CPD) dimers in the nuclear DNA of HaCaT cells was observed immediately or after several cycles of irradiation at 408 nm. We identified four major changes involved with the process of malignant transformation: genomic instability, decrease in the expression of tumor suppressor protein p16INK4a, increase in the proliferation rate and resistance to UVA-induced apoptosis

A lipofuscina é um pigmento autofluorescente acumulado progressivamente durante o envelhecimento celular em diversos tecidos, como o músculo cardíaco e retina, principalmente no período pós-mitótico. Esse fenômeno pode ocorrer em decorrência do estresse oxidativo, quando biomoléculas e organelas (principalmente mitocôndrias) sofrem danos, gerando produtos não degradáveis no interior dos lisossomos. A lipofuscina pode ser fotossensibilizada promovendo processos fotoxidativos nos componentes celulares. Muitos estudos de lipofuscina foram feitos em células do epitélio pigmentar da retina de olho humano, mas conhece-se muito pouco sobre a lipofuscina de pele humana. Neste trabalho nós investigamos a formação fotoinduzida (UVA e luz visível) de lipofuscina e as consequências da sua fotossensibilização pela luz visível. Nós também estabelecemos protocolos eficazes na indução de lipofuscinogênese, por meio de dano específico em mitocôndrias e lisossomos. Células que acumularam lipofuscina, após exposição à UVA ou luz azul, tornaram-se sensíveis à luz visível (400-750 nm). Caracterizamos as propriedades de absorção e de emissão da lipofuscina e seu tempo de vida de fluorescência, utilizando a microscopia de fluorescência resolvida no tempo (FLIM). Observamos que lipofuscina em queratinócitos tem máximo de absorção na região do azul (420-450 nm), com emissão máxima de fluorescência no vermelho. As células HaCaT carregadas com lipofuscina efotossensibilizadas no visível, tiveram redução da viabilidade celular, que foi relacionada com a geração de oxigênio singlete, bem como acumularam lesões pré-mutagênicas 8-oxo-dG e quebras na fita de DNA. Também, investigamos a eficiência de diferentes comprimentos de onda da luz visível (408, 466, 522 e 650 nm) em promover a formação de lipofuscina em consequência de lesões em mitocôndrias e lisossomos. Tanto a luz azul (408 e 466 nm) quanto a luz verde (522 nm), mas não vermelha (650 nm) promoveram dano em mitocôndrias (integridade de membrana e DNA) e lisossomos (integridade de membrana e atividade autofágica), induzindo eficientemente lipofuscinogênese. Logo, além de UVA, o próprio espectro do visível aumenta a sensibilidade de queratinócitos à luz visível, através da geração de lipofuscina. Por fim, testamos o potencial carcinogênico da luz azul de alta energia (408 nm), irradiando células HaCaT cronicamente. Identificamos quatro mudanças principais envolvidas com o processo de transformação maligna: instabilidade genômica, redução da expressão de proteína supressora de tumor p16INK4a, aumento da taxa de proliferação, e resistência à apoptose. Além disso, a formação de dímeros de pirimidina ciclobutano (CPD) no DNA nuclear de células HaCaT logo após ou depois de vários ciclos de irradiação com 408 nm foi observada pela primeira vez na literatura

Enfermedad de stargardt o degeneración macular de stargardt / Stargardt disease or stargardt macular degeneration

La degeneración macular de Stargardt es considerada una enfermedad rara pues se presenta un caso por cada 10.000 personas (1).Es de transmisión hereditaria de un patrón autosómico recesivo. Está provocada por una mutación del gen ABCA4, que tiene una función transportadora a través de la membrana de las células fotorreceptoras. Hay 558 mutaciones diferentes que pue-den originar el mal (2).La enfermedad Stargardt y Fundusflavima-culatus son la misma enfermedad, siendo el segundo, un estado más avanzado de almacenamiento de lipofucsina (3).CASO CLINÍCOPaciente de 16 años de edad acude a consulta de medicina preventiva refiriendo presentar disminución de agudeza visual, antecedentes de miopía y astigmatismo con debida corrección de error refracta-rio. Actualmente presenta disminución de agudeza visual más notoria en zona central, usando así su visión periférica. Agudeza visual: 20/100. Campimetría: hay es-cotomas. Angiofluorgrafía: muestra una coroides oscura por depósitos de lipofuscina del epitelio pigmentario de la retina dando como resultado la enfermedad de Stargardt.

The Stargardt Macular degeneration is con-sidered a rare disease; one case per 10,000 people is presented. (1)It is Inheritance and it is given an autoso-mal recessive pattern. It is caused by a mu-tation of ABCA4 gene, which has a trans-port function through the membrane of the photoreceptor cells. There are 558 different mutations that can cause it. (2)The Stargardt disease and fundusflavima-culatus are the same disease, the second is a more advanced state of lipofuscin sto-rage. (3)CASE REPORTA 16 years old patient attends to the pre-ventive health referring to have a decrea-sed visual acuity, history of myopia and as-tigmatism with refractive error correction. Currently has more noticeable decrease in central visual acuity, so using your periphe-ral vision. Visual acuity 20/100 Campimetry: there is noscotoma, angiofluorgrafia: it dis-plays a dark choroid by deposits of lipofus-cin of the pigment epithelium of the retina which results the Stargardt disease.

Melanose coli / Melanose coli

Paciente do sexo feminino, de 60 anos, portadora de constipação intestinal crônica, com evolução desde a sua adolescência, tendo realizado tratamento com inúmeros laxantes. Recentemente teve piora do quadro intestinal, associado à presença de dor abdominal e, por vezes, secreção mucosanguinolenta acompanhando as evacuações, situações que motivaram a realização de uma colonoscopia, que evidenciou a presença de melanose cólica, com preservação da válvula ileocecal . O surgimento de Melanose coli é causado pelo acúmulo de lipofucsina, que é um pigmento acastanhado-enegrecido nos lissosomos dos macrófagos subepiteliais localizados na mucosa cólica. A intensidade da pigmentação não é uniforme, sendo mais intensa no ceco e no cólon proximal em comparação ao encontrado no cólon distal. Fato relacionado à maior concentração de substâncias agressivas presentes no cólon proximal, na absorção diferenciada ao longo da mucosa do cólon ou devido a diferenças na distribuição de macrófagos ao longo do cólon. A Melanose coli presente no cólon proximal, envolvendo a mucosa do ceco, apresenta um limite bem definido com a transição para a mucosa ileal. Frequentemente, a pigmentação pode estender-se através de todo o cólon, englobando o apêndice cecal e mais raramente a região de transição íleo-cecal. Está condição é frequentemente encontrada durante a investigação endoscópica da constipação intestinal crônica, principalmente quando ocorre a associação com o uso crônico de catárticos à base de antraquinona, como a cascara sagrada, senne, aloés e ruibarbo. A característica marcante na colonoscopia é a coloração da mucosa que varia de um tom acinzentado até completamente preto, que pode ser visualizado em aglomerados de manchas ou em faixas. Nota-se ainda uma nítida demarcação na válvula ileocecal, com a preservação da coloração do intestino delgado e o comprometimento da mucosa cólica. O tratamento da Melanose coli não está bem definido sendo, entretanto, recomendado a suspensão do uso de catárticos. Após a interrupção do laxante à base de antraquinona, a coloração enegrecida da mucosa desaparece gradualmente em vários meses.

Effects of biodegradable detergents in the accumulation of lipofuscin (age pigment) in gill and liver of two neotropical fish species / Efectos de detergentes biodegradables en la acumulación de lipofuscina (pigmento de envejecimiento) en branquias e hígado de dos espécies de peces neotropicales

Currently there is a growing concern, in both population and governments, to identify the effects of substances commonly disposed of into rivers and lakes, on aquatic fauna and flora. Thus the objective of the present study was to verify effects of biodegradable detergents and water from an urban lake on gills and liver of two neotropical fish species of great economic importance, Astyanax altiparanae and Prochilodus lineatus. In order to do so, lipofuscin, also called the ageing pigment, was used as bioindicator. After one and five months of experiment both tissues accumulated this pigment. These data are discussed from physiological points of view, related with lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial damage.

Existe una preocupación creciente de la población y los gobiernos para identificar los efectos de substancias comúnmente arrojadas en ríos y lagos, sobre la fauna y flora acuática. El objetivo fue verificar los efectos de detergentes biodegradables y agua de un lago urbano sobre las branquias e hígado de dos especies de peces neo-tropicales de gran importancia económica, Astyanax altiparanae y Prochilodus lineatus. Analizamos los pigmentos de lipofuscina, también llamado pigmento de envejecimiento, el que fue utilizado como biomarcador. Después de uno y cinco meses de experimento, ambos tejidos acumulados con el pigmento fueron analizados. Los datos fueron discutidos desde el punto de vista fisiológico, relacionado con la peroxidación lipídica y daño mitocondrial.

The effect of Wu-He Dipsacus asper on mice-aging model induced by D-galactose / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Wu-He Dipsacus asper (WHDA), Traditional Chinese Medicine, injection on mice-aging model induced by D-galactose.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight Kunming mice (24 male and 24 female) were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive control group, 7.2 g/kg WHDA group, 3.6 g/kg WHDA group and 1.8 g/kg WHDA group with eight in each group. The model was induced through injecting D-galactose into peritoneal cavity and Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and cognitive ability of mice. The skin hydroxyproline, brain tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), lipofuscin (LP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels of mice were detected; the IL-2 and IL-6 levels in serum of mice were detected by using double antibody sandwich ELISA method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Each WHDA group was significantly reduced in latency period compared with the model group during Morris water maze test (P < 0.05) and the number of mice in model group through the platform was less than other mice in each group (P < 0.05). The levels of MAD and LP of the control group and each WHDA group were less than model group in the detection of heart, brain tissue oxidation index (SOD, MAD, LP and GSH-Px, P < 0.05). The activity of SOD and GSH-Px in the control group and each WHDA group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P < 0.05). The skin hydroxyproline content of mice which had been injected with D-galactose was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05) and the skin hydroxyproline content of mice of WHDA group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P < 0.05). The IL-2, IL-6 levels in serum of mice in WHDA group were significantly higher than those in the control group and the model group (P < 0.05) and the IL-2, IL-6 levels in serum of mice in the model group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effective constituents of WHDA have a variety of biological activity which can have a good effect on anti-aging by different ways, improving learning and memory function, eliminating free radicals antioxidant, and enhancing the body immunity and other aspects.</p>

Effect of the tocotrienol-rich fraction on the lifespan and oxidative biomarkers in Caenorhabditis elegans under oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the effect of the tocotrienol-rich fraction on the lifespan and oxidative status of C. elegans under oxidative stress. METHOD: Lifespan was determined by counting the number of surviving nematodes daily under a dissecting microscope after treatment with hydrogen peroxide and the tocotrienol-rich fraction. The evaluated oxidative markers included lipofuscin, which was measured using a fluorescent microscope, and protein carbonyl and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, which were measured using commercially available kits. RESULTS: Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress significantly decreased the mean lifespan of C. elegans, which was restored to that of the control by the tocotrienol-rich fraction when administered before or both before and after the hydrogen peroxide. The accumulation of the age marker lipofuscin, which increased with hydrogen peroxide exposure, was decreased with upon treatment with the tocotrienol-rich fraction (p<0.05). The level of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine significantly increased in the hydrogen peroxide-induced group relative to the control. Treatment with the tocotrienol-rich fraction before or after hydrogen peroxide induction also increased the level of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine relative to the control. However, neither hydrogen peroxide nor the tocotrienol-rich fraction treatment affected the protein carbonyl content of the nematodes. CONCLUSION: The tocotrienol-rich fraction restored the lifespan of oxidative stress-induced C. elegans and reduced the accumulation of lipofuscin but did not affect protein damage. In addition, DNA oxidation was increased. .

Effects of glycowithanolides on lipid peroxidation and lipofuscinogenesis in male reproductive organs of mice

Glycowithanolides [Withaferin A], is one of the main withanolides active principle isolated from plant Withania somnifera and is claimed that it possess the aphrodisiac, sedative, rejuvenate and life prolonging properties. In the present investigation, antioxidant activity of active principles of Withania somnifera was tested against D-galactose induced oxidative stress in mouse testes, epididymis and seminal vesicle. For the present investigation Swiss male albino mice Mus musculus [Linn] were used. They were grouped in to control [I], D-galactose treated [II], protective [III] and curative groups [IV]. Oxidative stress was induced in six month old mice by injecting a low dose of D-galactose. Antioxidant effect of plant extract was studied in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicle of oxidative stressed mice on Lipid peroxidation [LPO] and fluorescence product. In the present study, both total as well as mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and fluorescence product in testes, epididymis and seminal vesicle were increased in D-galactose induced mice. After the treatment of glycowithanolides there was significantly decrease in total as well as mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and fluorescence product in protective and curative groups. Our results indicate that Withania somnifera has a capability of preventing oxidative stress and also combating stress induced infertility

Characteristics of fundus autofluorescence in cystoid macular edema / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging is a fast and noninvasive technique developed over the last decade. The authors utilized fluorescent properties of lipofuscin to study the health and viability of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-photoreceptor complex. Observing the intensity and distribution of FAF of various retinal diseases is helpful for ascertaining diagnosis and evaluating prognosis. In this study, we described the FAF characteristics of cystoid macular edema (CME).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-two patients (70 eyes) with CME were subjected to FAF and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) by a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg Retina Angiograph 2 (HRA2)). Characteristics of FAF images were compared with FFA images.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>FAF intensity in normal subjects was highest at the posterior pole and dipped at the fovea. All cases of CME showed fluorescein dye accumulated into honeycomb-like spaces in macular and formated a typical petaloid pattern or atypical petaloid pattern in the late phases of the angiography. Sixty-one eyes with CME on FAF images showed mild or moderate hyperautofluorescence petaloid pattern in fovea, the FAF patterns of these CME was perfectly corresponding with shape in their FFA images; nine eyes with CME secondary to exudative age related macular degeneration (AMD) showed expansion of the hypoautofluorescence without petaloid pattern in macula.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FAF imaging can be used as a new rapid, non-invasive and ancillary technique in the diagnosis of the majority of CME, except for AMD and small part of other fundus diseases.</p>

Fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography findings in choroidal melanocytic lesions

To establish the characteristics of secondary retinal and retinal pigment epithelial [RPE] changes associated with the presence of choroidal melanoma and choroidal nevus as documented by optical coherence tomography [OCT] and fundus autofluorescence [FAF]. PubMed review of major English publications examining the correlation between clinical characteristics of choroidal melanoma and nevus with OCT and FAF findings. The intrinsic properties of choroidal melanoma, as well as overlying RPE changes, drusen, and lipofuscin are best characterized by FAF, while OCT is more sensitive for the identification of subretinal and intraretinal fluid as well as a trophy, degeneration, and photoreceptor loss in the neurosensory retina. Secondary retinal changes associated with choroidal melanocytic lesions can be documented by OCT and FAF. OCT evident changes are observed more often with choroidal melanoma than choroidal nevus. OCT is better suited to identify the overlying retinal detachment and edema, even before these findings are clinically apparent. FAF is most useful in documenting the presences of lipofuscin, a finding that represents one of the important criteria in differentiating small choroidal melanoma from benign choroidal nevus

Effects of Supplementation with a Schizandrin C Derivative DDB-mixed Preparation (DWP-04) on Antioxidant Activity in Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of reducing cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity with DWP-04 that is the compound of Schizandrin C derivative biphenyldimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB), glutathione and selenium. For the purpose of observation is that how DWP-04 has influence on mechanism of reducing cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity with renal function test, free radical formation and detoxification enzyme system in renal tissue. METHODS: Five groups of rats were dosed with vehicle, cisplatin (2 mg/kg i.p.), cisplatin+DWP-04 (100, 200 mg/kg po), or cisplatin+sodium thiosulfate (200 mg/kg i.p.) daily for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase and activity of hydroxy radical increased in the cisplatin group and suppressed in the cisplatin+DWP-04 group compared to the cisplatin group. The renal tissue concentration of lipid peroxidase and lipofuscin were increased in the cisplatin group compared to the other groups. The activity of aminopyrine N-demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase, of which free radical formation system in kidney was also decreased in the cisplatin+DWP-04 group compared to the cisplatin and cisplatin+sodium thiosulfate group. The activity of detoxification system of free radical, such as glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were markedly increased in the cisplatin+DWP-04 group than the cisplatin and the cisplatin+sodium thiosulfate group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the mechanism of decreasing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by DWP-04 is that the decreasing of the amount of lipid peroxide and lipofuscin in the renal tissue by increasing activity of the antioxidant defense system and the decreasing of reactive oxygen species by increasing detoxification enzyme activity.

Avaliação da autofluorescência do fundo de olho nas distrofias de retina com o aparelho Heidelberg Retina Angiograph2 / Evaluation of fundus autofluorescence in hereditary retinal diseases using Heidelberg Retina Angiograph2

OBJETIVOS: Definir características do exame de autofluorescência, verificando sua utilidade no diagnóstico e acompanhamento de distrofias retinianas. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo, 28 pacientes, adultos, divididos igualmente em quatro grupos com diagnósticos de doença de Stargardt, distrofia de Cones, retinose pigmentar e voluntários saudáveis para estabelecimento do padrão de normalidade. Em média foram obtidas nove imagens com o filtro para angiofluoresceinografia para a formação da imagem autofluorescente no Heidelberg Retina Angiograph2. As imagens de cada grupo de pacientes foram analisadas para verificar características comuns. RESULTADOS: As imagens fundoscópicas autofluorescentes dos voluntários do grupo controle mostraram área foveal hipoautofluorescente em relação à retina do pólo posterior. As imagens dos portadores de doença de Stargardt, em geral, apresentaram lesão hipoautofluorescente, correspondendo à área macular. As principais alterações da autofluorescência em pacientes com distrofia de cones foram hipoautofluorescência macular com halo hiperautofluorescente. Nos portadores de retinose pigmentar, foram encontrados pigmentos periféricos causando hipoautofluorescência. Na região macular, hipoautofluorescência ou apenas desorganização do pigmento. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostrou a existência de padrões de autofluorescência de fundo nas distrofias de retina que permitem o diagnóstico e melhor interpretação da fisiopatogenia destas doenças.

PURPOSE: To define characteristics of the fundus autofluorescence examination, verifying usefulness in the diagnosis and care of hereditary retinal diseases. METHODS: 28 patients, adults, divided equally into four groups with diagnoses of Stargardt macular dystrophy, cone dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa and healthy volunteers for the establishment of the normality pattern. An average of nine images with the filter for fluorescein angiography was obtained for the formation of the image autofluorescence using Heidelberg Retina Angiograph2. The images of each group of patients were analyzed to verify common characteristics. RESULTS: The fundus autofluorescence of healthy volunteers showed the foveal area darker than the surrounding retina. The images of Stargardt macular dystrophy, in general, presented an oval central lesion, with reduced autofluorescence. The main alterations of the autofluorescence in patients with cone dystrophy were reduced foveal autofluorescence with a parafoveal ring of increased autofluorescence. In general, the images of retinitis pigmentosa showed outlying pigments with reduced autofluorescence, and of the foveal area, in some cases disorganization or reduced autofluorescence. CONCLUSION: The study showed the existence of patterns of fundus autofluorescence in the hereditary retinal diseases that allow the diagnosis and better interpretation of the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Effect of protein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia on learning and memory capacity and related substances of senile mice induced by D-galactose / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate actions of protein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia on learning and memory capacity and related substances of senile mice induced by D-galactose.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The subacute senile mouse models induced by injection of D-galactose subcutaneously were used.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Protein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia could improve the learning and memory capacity of senile mice. Protein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia not only inhibited the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cerebrum of senile mice, but also enhanced the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cerebrum and lessened the lipofuscin (LF) in liver tissue of senile mice. Protein from Semen Cassia could reduce the content of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in cerebrum of senile mice.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Protein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia could improve the learning and memory capacity of senile mice and delay aging.</p>

Involvement of genes required for synaptic function in aging control in C. elegans / 神经科学通报·英文版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify new genes required for neurosecretory control of aging in C. elegans.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In view of the importance of nervous system in aging regulation, we performed the screen for genes involved in the aging regulation from genetic loci encoding synaptic proteins by lifespan assay and accumulation of lipofuscin autofluorescence. We further investigated the dauer formation phenotypes of their corresponding mutants and whether they were possibly up-regulated by the insulin-like signaling pathway.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The genetic loci of unc-10, syd-2, hlb-1, dlk-1, mkk-4, scd-2, snb-1, ric-4, nrx-1, unc-13, sbt-1 and unc-64 might be involved in the aging control. In addition, functions of unc-10, syd-2, hlb-1, dlk-1, mkk-4, scd-2, snb-1, ric-4 and nrx-1 in regulating aging may be opposite to those of unc-13, sbt-1 and unc-64. The intestinal autofluorescence assay further indicated that the identified long-lived and short-lived mutants were actually due to the suppressed or accelerated aging. Among the identified genes, syd-2, hlb-1, mkk-4, scd-2, snb-1, ric-4 and unc-64 were also involved in the control of dauer formation. Moreover, daf-2 mutation positively regulated the expression of syd-2 and hlb-1, and negatively regulated the expression of mkk-4, nrx-1, ric-4, sbt-1, rpm-1, unc-10, dlk-1 and unc-13. The daf-16 mutation positively regulated the expression of syd-2 and hlb-1, and negatively regulated the expression of mkk-4, nrx-1, sbt-1, rpm-1, unc-10, dlk-1 and unc-13.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These data suggest the possibly important status of the synaptic transmission to the animal's life-span control machinery, as well as the dauer formation control.</p>

A Case of Melanosis Ilei / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Melanosis ilei is a condition that's characterized by gross greyish-black or brownish-black pigmentation of the mucosa of the terminal ileum. There were several substances that produce gastrointestinal tract pigmentation such as lipofuscin, iron sulphide (FeS), Hemosiderin and exogenous material such as silicates and titanium. We report here on a case of a 58-year-old female who ingested charcoal for a long time, and she was diagnosed with melanosis ilei by colonoscopy. Her condition improved after she stopped ingesting the charcoal.

Current studies on new parameters of metabolic syndrome / 中国医学科学院学报

The current definition of metabolic syndrome focuses on the individual accumulation of multiple cardiovascular risk factors. However, metabolic syndrome is often also constantly accompanied with abnormal body fat distribution, tissue insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and dysfunctional secretion and regulation of adipokines, which have become new highlights in the research of the pathogenesis and clinical indices of metabolic syndrome.

Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha agonist on adipokines expression in rats fed with high-fat diet / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha ( PPAR-alpha) agonist fenofibrate on adipokines expression in high-fat diet fed SD rats and its relationship to insulin resistance (IR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were randomized into three groups (n = 10) : HD group, fed with high-fat diet; HDF group, fed with high fat diet and treated with fenofibrate; and control group, fed with normal diet. Animals were sacrificed after 4-week follow-up. Plasma lipids, fasting plasma insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), and insulin sensitivity were detected. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to semi-quantitatively determine the mRNA expression of adipokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) , interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin 11 type 1 receptor (AT1R), and adiponectin in brown fat.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma level of FFA, TG, and homeostatic model approach-IR index were (2. 37+/-0. 60) vs (1. 59+/-0. 30) vs (1. 33+/-0. 34 ) mmol/L, (0. 48+/-0. 11) vs (0. 30+/-0. 04) vs (0. 36+/-0. 07) mmol/L, and 12. 30+/-3. 97 vs 5. 03 +/-1. 88 vs 4. 17+/-1. 27 in the HD group, HDF group, and control group after 4 weeks of treatment with fenofibrate, respectively. The mRNA expressions of TNF-alpha and adiponectin were 1. 726+/-1. 408 vs 0. 713+/-0. 711 vs 0. 593+/-0. 382 and 0. 660+/-0. 192 vs 0. 949+/-0. 35 vs 0. 936+/-0. 130 in these three groups, which showed significant difference between HD group and HDF group (P < 0. 05 ) , while no significant difference between HDF group and control group (P > 0. 05). The mRNA expressions of AGT, AT1 R, and IL-6 had no significant difference among these three groups (P > 0. 05 ).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate may reverse high-fat diet induced lipid abnormalities, improve insulin sensitivity, and regulate the mRNA expressions of TNF-alpha and adiponectin in adipose tissues.</p>

Antioxidant Effects and Improvement of Lipid Metabolism of Mulberry fruit, Mulberry Leaves and Silkworm Powder with Different Mixing Ratios in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mulberry fruit, mulberry leaves and silkworm powder with different mixing ratios on hepatic antioxidative system and lipid metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100+/-10 g were induced diabetic by 50 mg/kg bw streptozotocin and randomly assigned to following experimental groups; normal diet group (DM) , 0.3% and 0.6% mulberry fruit diet groups (F and 2F) , 0.3% mulberry leaves diet group (M) , 0.3% silkworm powder diet group (S), 0.15% mulberry fruit + 0.15% mulberry leaves diet group (FM), 0.15% mulberry fruit + 0.15% silkworm powder diet group (FS) , 0.1% mulberry fruit + 0.1% mulberry leaves + 0.1% silkworm powder diet group (FMS) . The experimental diets were fed for 4 weeks. Hepatic SOD activity was not changed significantly by any of single or combined supplementations of mulberry fruit, leaves and silkworm powder but GSH-px and catalase activities were increased by the groups supplemented with two or three of the test ingredients (FM, FS, FMS) as compared with the DM group. Hepatic TBARS value was not reduced significantly by any of the supplementations but lipofuscin contents were significantly reduced in the FM, FS and FMS groups as compared with the DM group. Hepatic mitochondria and microsomal carbonyl values were reduced by the single and combined supplementations of the test ingredients. Hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activities were increased in the all supplementation groups as compared with the DM group. Hepatic total lipid and triglyceride contents were increased but cholesterol contents reduced in the supplemented groups. The effects on the enzyme activities, peroxide or its products and lipid contents were most remarkable in the FMS group. In conclusion, mulberry fruit, mulberry leaves and silkworm powder have the favorable effects on antioxidative system and lipid metabolism in the diabetic liver and the mulberry fruit, leaves and silkworm powder with equal ratio exert the synergistic effect expectedly to prevent diabetic complications.