Serum iron and free hemoglobin concentrations in patients with acute ischemic stroke

A number of evidences suggest that during ischemic stroke, serum iron and hemoglobin [Hb] levels are changed. Yet, there are few reports in the literature related to this issue and resolution of this mechanism requires further experiments. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of serum iron and hemoglobin levels as a biomarker in diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. The sample size was 60 ischemic stroke patients who were admitted to the Rouhhani hospital in Babol, with 60 healthy volunteers selected as control group. Clinical evaluation consisted of complete medical history and physical examination and neuro-imaging's studies. Sampling strategy was based on clinical characteristics, including age, gender, and history of diseases. Laboratory measurements were performed in the department of clinical biochemistry. Serum iron and plasma hemoglobin levels were measured by standard kit of iron and hemoglobin ELISA Kit, as of the manufactures' manual. Data were analyzed through statistical software SPSS version 22. The mean level of serum iron and hemoglobin in patients with acute ischemic stroke were higher than those in control group [P<0.05]. However, there was no relation between these biomarkers and age and gender of subjects [P>0.05]. Our results reinforce the possibility of serum iron and hemoglobin as biomarker in diagnosis of ischemic stroke patients

Effects of combination of G-CSF and SCF one week prior to liver injury in acute liver damage model induced by thioacetamide administration

There are many reports regarding to effects of Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF] and stem cell factor [SCF]alone in liver repair .But conflicting data have been reported regarding the role of growth factors such as G-CSF and SCF in the liver regeneration system. Also, there is not such data regarding to effects of co-administration both of G-CSF and SCF in the liver damage condition. An experimental model of rat liver damage induced by the thioacetamide. Five different groups of animals receiving 0.9% NaCl, TAA alone, TAA + G-CSF, TAA + SCF and TAA + [G-CSF+SCF].The activity of glutamate pyruvate transaminase [GPT/AlT]and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase [GOT/AST] were measured after the thioacetamide [TAA] injection and the administration of combination of G-CSF +SCF for 12 weeks. Also histological tests were carried out at the end experiments. The pre-treatment of combination of G-CSF and SCF for 12 weeks reduced the degree of liver injury. The mean of GOT activity was 61.24 [U/L] in the G-CSF +SCF and versus 132.86 in the TAA-alone group. These differences in the GOT activity were statistically significant [P<0.05]. Also, in the G-CSF +SCF and TAA group the mean of GPT activity [4.35 versus 11.79, respectively] were lower than in the TAA-alone group, this difference was statistically significant [P<0.05]. Liver sections from a rat treated only with TAA, showing damage, but TAA and G-CSF + SCF no significant damage is present. On the other hand histological results revealed a very mild degree of inflammation were observed in the livers of the combination of G-SCF+SCF and TAA-treated rats compared to TAA only treated group. Biochemical and microscopic analysis revealed that combination of G-CSF and SCF pre-treatment significantly enhances liver regeneration after TAA-induced liver injury

Quantitative cell numbers and density of mesangial volume in a rat model with induced hyperglycemic and treated with mononuclear derived CD133 positive cells

There is evidence that mesangial cell structural changes contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. To gain better insight into the mechanisms responsible for this issue, present study focused on effect of cord blood mononuclear cells [MNCs] derived CD133 positive cells on mesangial cell structure and function. The animals were randomly divided into four groups [each with six rats] and were kept in separate cages as follows: Group I: control group, received only 8.2 mmol/L sodium citrate buffer [pH 5.4]. Group II: received only CD133 positive cells. Group III: received alloxan [65mg/kg] only. Group IV: received alloxan, followed by administration of CD133 positive cells, 1 week later. Rats were studied for 16 weeks. Cord blood mononuclear cells [MNCs] were isolated by a conventional centrifuge method through a Ficoll-density gradient, CD133 positive isolation was performed by means of magnetic cell separation [MACS] columns according to the manufacturer's procedure. CD133 positive stem cells analyzed using flow cytometry. The CD133positive cells were centrifuged, resuspended with PBS, and transplanted to the rats through the tail. At the end of the experiments, blood was collected, and then blood glucose, creatinine, glycated hemoglobin and insulin concentrations were measured by using kits. All of the animals were killed and the kidneys were removed. Tissues were processed for light microscopy. Glomerular features were evaluated quantitatively using Cavalieri and disectory methods and compared with sham and control groups. Our results indicated that treated hyperglycemic rats showed an increase in mesangial volume compared to untreated group. Concerning the mechanisms of these findings both glycemic control and CD133 positive cells regenerative potential are major's factors to change mesangial structure and function. The present study clearly documents the potential of CD133 positive cells on the renal mesangial cells

Effects of teucrium polium aerial parts extract on oral glucose tolerance tests and pancreas histopathology in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats

Teucrium polium can reduce serum glucose. There are few reports in the literature related to this subject and the resolution of this mechanism requires further experiments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Teucrium polium aerial parts extracts on oral glucose tolerance tests and pancreas histology in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. In order to prepare the aqueous concentrate, aerial parts extract was dissolved in distilled water and was boiled for 30 minutes. For the preparation of ethanolic solution, powder was dissolved in ethanol and mixed by a shaker. Diabetic rats were induced with single IP injection of streptozotocin [STZ] at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight dissolved in normal saline just before use to the 16 hr fast rats. Both groups, diabetic and normal were sacrificed by ether anesthesia. The tissue samples were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded for microscopic examination in accordance with routine laboratory procedures. Blood was collected from the tail vein of the rats. Serum glucose levels were then measured by commercial kits by using a glucose oxidized method. There were no biochemical abnormalities or histological changes in the pancreas of control rats. Post treatment of Teucrium polium aerial parts extract reduced the severity of streptozotocin diabetic pancreases. Our histopathological investigation along with the biochemical evaluations showed a significant effect on histological changes in the pancreas of induced diabetic rats upon Teucrium polium aerial parts extract treatment [P<0.05].

Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on liver injury induced by CCL4: a correlation between biochemical parameters and histopathology results

To determine whether granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF] could reverse liver damage in the model of acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride [CCL4]. Prospective, using experimental animal model of acute and chronic liver injury. Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. We established an animal model of liver damage by administration of CCL4 [1 ml/kg, IP]. Two hours later the animals were treated with G-CSF [100 microg /kg body weight, IP]. On the 28[th] day, rats were scarified. Malondialdehyde [MDA] was determined using diagnostic kits following recommendations of manufacturer of the kits. Serial 5 micro m thick liver sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and Masson,s trichrome and examined. Reduction in serum albumin and total protein levels [1.24 +/- 0.16 and 3.22 +/- 0.21 g/ dl, respectively] were 2.58 +/- 0.19 and 6.82 +/- 0.30 g/dl, respectively reversed by G-CSF treatment. CCL4-induced increase in serum AST, ALT, and ALP activities and MDA and hydroxyproline levels were significantly suppressed by G-CSF treatment. G-CSF stimulates liver repair and may be clinically beneficial in restoring liver damage. There was a positive correlation [p < 0.05]between histopathological and biochemical parameters

Determination of serum paraoxonase phenotype distribution by double-substrate method in patients with coronary artery disease

Considering the high incidence of patients with coronary artery disease [CAD] in the Iranian population and a preventive role of serum paraoxonase [PON1] in development of CAD, the present study was designed to determine the distribution of PON1 phenotypes in patients with CAD. A total of 61 patients with coronary stenosis of <50% and 63 patients with coronary stenosis of >70% were included in this study. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate as substrate, respectively. Phenotyping of the PON1 Q192R polymorphism was determined by calculating the ratio of salt-stimulated paraoxonase activity to arylesterase activity [double-substrate method]. Patients with stenosis of <50% were separated into three distinct phenotypes at ratios of 2.14 and 5.99 and the population with stenosis of >70% at ratios of 2.42 and 5.91. In patients with stenosis of <50%, PON1 phenotype frequencies were 41% [Q phenotype], 46% [QR phenotype] and 13% [R phenotype]. Frequencies of Q, QR and R phenotypes in patients with stenosis of >70% were 48%, 41% and 11%, respectively. Based on this study and other studies conducted in Iran, it can be concluded that in the Iranian population there is no statistically difference in phenotype distribution of PON1 between patients with CAD [with severe stenosis or mild stenosis] and healthy individuals

[Measurement of serum and 24-h urinary glucose amino glycans as an diagnostic marker in early hypertention]

Glucose Amino Glycans [GAG] are unbranched polysacharides, major components of the basement membrane and play a key role in their molecular organization and function, also have an important role in the pathogenesis of some diseases such as hypertension. Hypertention is probably the most important health problem in several countries. But there is not yet a reliable indicator for early diagnosis of hypertension. The goal of this study was the measurement of serum and 24-h urinary GAG as an exact and early diagnostic marker. In this case - control study, 24-h urine and serum samples collected from the 53 patients and 38 persons as matched control normotensive group. Then amount of GAG was measured with spectrophotometery method. Our findings showed that there is a direct relation between 24-h urinary GAG excretion and systolic blood pressure and it increases with increase of systolic blood pressure. Also amount of serum GAG increases in hypertensive patients in comparison with control group This study showed that the concentration of GAG in sera and 24-h of urine samples increase in systolic hypertention

Catalase [antioxidant enzyme] activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

High concentration and/or inadequate removal of reactive oxygen species may result in oxidative stress that may cause severe metabolic malfunction. An imbalance in antioxidant enzymes has been related to specific pathologies such as diabetic complications. Catalase catalyzes the reduction of hydroperoxides, thereby protecting mammalian cells against oxidative damage. In addition, catalase is active in neutralizing reactive oxygen species and so removes cellular superoxide and peroxides before they react with metal catalysts to form more reactive species. We investigated the status of catalase activity in erythrocytes of streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats. Catalase activity was measured by using spectrophtometric techniques. Catalase activity increased in diabetic rats compared to control group [25.7 +/- 2.8 vs. 16.3 +/- 2.1 mmol H2O2 per min/ mg of protein, mean +/- SD, p < 0.05]. Our results show that catalase activity increased significantly in the erythrocytes of STZ-induced diabetic rats

Malondialdehyde and carbonyl contents in the erythrocytes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Oxidative stress is involved in degenerative disease, including atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Impaired antioxidant defense mechanism may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Oxidative stress can be measured by monitoring the changes in blood malondialdehyde and carbonyl content. Determination of carbonyl level is used as an index of the extent of the oxidative damage of protein. Moreover, malondialdehyde level is a marker of lipid oxidation. We investigated the status of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative damage in erythrocytes of streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic rats by measuring erythrocyte malondialdehyde and carbonyl levels using a spectrophotometer. We found that carbonyl and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the erythrocytes of STZ-induced diabetic rats. This observation indirectly suggests an increase in free radical-mediated damage of the cell membrane

Effects of Ramadan fasting on serum low - density and high - density lipoproteh - cholestrol concentrations.

The aim of the study was to determine the status of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] in human subjects during Ramadan fasting. Fasting during Ramadan [one month of food and water intake restricted only to night hours] is a religious obligation for Muslims. There are biochemical effects of changes in lifestyle during Ramadan. This report is a study of the effects of Ramadan fasting on the serum LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Subjects and The study group consisted of 83 volunteers comprising 57 males [aged 21-55, mean 34.25 9.81 years] and 26 females [aged 20-58, mean 34.58 8.94 years]. A regimen of one month of food and water intake restricted only to night hours was followed by the subjects. Subjects were evaluated one week before Ramadan fasting [pre-RF], two weeks after the start of Ramadan fasting [mid-RF], and at the fourth week of Ramadan fasting [end-RF]. Serum specimens were obtained from subjects during daylight hours. Measurement of LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were performed using a spectrophotometer. Our results showed statistically significant reduction of the LDL-cholesterol concentrations in mid- Ramadan and end of Ramadan compared to concentration levels before Ramadan. Also, the results showed statistically significant elevation in the HDL-cholesterol concentrations in mid-Ramadan and end of Ramadan compared to levels before Ramadan. The findings suggest the potential usefulness of Ramadan fasting in the restriction of fat intake which is associated with further lowering of serum cholesterol. These findings should influence future studies on hyperlipidemia

Adenylyl cyclase assays to measure macrophage chemotactic protein-1 receptor function

Adenylyl cyclase is a membrane-bound enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cAMP. The inhibition of adenylyl cyclase was carried out by measuring the ability of the macrophage chemotactic protein-1 to inhibit the forskolin-induced enzyme activity. Adenylyl cyclase activity in the presence of macrophage chemotactic protein-1 was decreased compared to that in controls [2.11 +/- 0.15 [mean +/- sd.] vs. 6.83 +/- 0.45, activity [micro mol cAMP/mg protein/min]]

Effects of dietary chitosan on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in rats

Because the ingestion of some types of dietary fibers has been shown to influence on the lipid and lipoprotein levels, it is possible that chitosan influences on lipid metabolism. In the present study, the effects of chitosan on the serum, liver lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in rat were investigated. Serum lipid level in the treatment groups were decreased compared to that of the control, cholesterol level [128.65 +/- 2.58 [mean +/- SD, n = 72] vs. 173.67 +/- 3.62, p<0.05] mg/dl, triglyceride level [62.83 +/- 2.73 [mean +/- SD] vs. 93.62 +/- 2.64, p<0.05] mg/dl, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol level [108.35 +/- 2.41[mean +/- SD] vs. 156.49 +/- 2.37, p<0.05] mg/dl. In the chitosan treatment group, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was increased as compared to the control [187.39 +/- 2.74 [mean +/- SD] vs. 163.54 +/- 2.83, p<0.05] mg/dl. This work showed that the addition of chitosan to the diet of the rats significantly lowered the liver lipid in the treatment groups compared to that of the control, cholesterol level [31.53 +/- 1.26[mean +/- SD] vs. 64.42 +/- 2.38, p<0.05] mg/g, and triglyceride level [38.46 +/- 2.64 [mean +/- SD] vs. 53.24 +/- 2.45, p<0.05] mg/g. When chitosan fed at the 5% level, concentration of the serum cholesterol was reduced by 25.92% and triglyceride by 32.89%. The data presented here indicated possible usefulness of chitosan for the treatment of hyperlipidemia

Serum factors induced the nuclear location of annexin V in the human osteosarcoma cell line [MG-63]

Calcium-binding proteins play essential roles in the cell. One important class of calcium-binding proteins is the annexin family. This is a family of 13 proteins, which binds to phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. Osteosarcoma cell line [MG-63] is a transformed cell that has many characteristics of the differentiated cell, such as a considerable serum dependency in its growth rate. Using specific antibodies against each annexin and immunoflurescence microscopy, the location and relocation of the annexin V was determined by some serum factors. Serum starvation of MG-63 cells increases their doubling time from 24 hours to 4 days. Cells grown in serum contain high levels of annexin V in the cell nucleus whereas in the absence of serum results in loss of nuclear annexin V in about 75% of the cells. Refeeding cells with medium containing 10% serum restore annexin V to the nuclei within 5 hours. Charcoal-treated serum cannot allow annexin V to return to the nucleus. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide does not prevent the serum-induced return of annexin V to the nuclei. However, treatment of cells with genistein at a concentration specific for inhibition of tyrosine kinases [200 micro M] inhibits the relocation of annexin V from cytoplasm to the nucleus. Thus, the cellular location of the annexin V depends on the growth state of the cells. It can be altered by the movement of this protein between the cytosol and the nucleus