A fjord-like tropical ecosystem, Pacific coast of Costa Rica: overview of research in Golfo Dulce / Un ecosistema tropical similar a un fiordo, costa del Pacífico de Costa Rica: panorama de la investigación en el Golfo Dulce

Abstract Introduction: Coastal ecosystems worldwide are under the influence of local, regional and global stressors, such as pollution, eutrophication and climate change. Golfo Dulce is a relatively pristine and accessible deep tropical ecosystem that provides opportunities for comparative and collaborative research. Objective: To summarize published reports on past research conducted in this ecosystem, identify topics for further study, and suggest new research issues. Methods: A search was made on the web for reports based on research conducted in Golfo Dulce and published in scientific journals. Reports focusing on environmental parameters and on the biota were included. Results: A total of 123 studies that include data from Golfo Dulce are cited. The four topics more frequently addressed were reports based on the results of the R/V Victor Hensen expedition (1993-1994) and follow-up work on microbiology, studies on water parameters, research on vertebrates, and zooplankton studies. The reports focusing on vertical profiles of oxygen and temperature are discussed in detail, followed by those on the biota. Conclusions: Golfo Dulce has low oxygen concentrations below 50 m and is frequently anoxic at the 200 m deep basin with occasional formation of H2S. However, the ecosystem contains a relatively high diversity of identified organisms, from bacteria to whales. Of particular relevance for future studies are multidisciplinary surveys aiming at obtaining data on primary productivity, the diversity and biomass of the main groups of planktonic, demersal and benthic organisms, and the frequency and magnitude of the influx of deep offshore waters over the sill into the basin. These data, as well as the information gathered in the past, are essential for updating the trophic model developed more than 25 years ago and in support of new predictive models on the functioning of the ecosystem.

Resumen Introducción: Los ecosistemas costeros alrededor del mundo están bajo la influencia de tensores locales, regionales y globales, como la contaminación, la eutroficación y el cambio climático. El Golfo Dulce es un profundo ecosistema tropical relativamente inalterado y accesible, que provee oportunidades para la investigación comparativa y colaborativa. Objetivo: Resumir los informes publicados sobre investigaciones pasadas realizadas en el ecosistema, identificar tópicos para estudios futuros y sugerir nuevas áreas de investigación. Métodos: Se hizo una búsqueda en la red de informes basados en investigaciones hechas en Golfo Dulce y publicadas en revistas científicas. Fueron incluidos aquellos informes sobre parámetros ambientales y la biota. Resultados: Un total de 123 estudios que incluyen datos sobre Golfo Dulce son citados. Los cuatro tópicos citados con más frecuencia fueron: Los resultados de la expedición del R/V Victor Hensen (1993-1994) y estudios de seguimiento sobre microbiología, informes sobre parámetros acuáticos, investigaciones sobre vertebrados y estudios sobre zooplancton. Los informes sobre perfiles de oxígeno y temperatura son presentados con mayor detalle, seguidos por aquellos sobre la biota. Conclusiones: Golfo Dulce tiene bajas concentraciones de oxígeno por debajo de 50 m y es usualmente anóxico a 200 m en el fondo, con formación ocasional de H2S. Sin embargo, el ecosistema contiene una diversidad de organismos identificados relativamente alta, desde bacterias hasta ballenas. De relevancia particular para futuros estudios es, entre otros, la conducción, de muestreos multidisciplinarios orientados a obtener datos sobre productividad primaria, la diversidad y biomasa de los principales grupos de organismos planctónicos, demersales y bénticos, así como la frecuencia y magnitud del flujo de agua oceánica hacia el interior. Estos datos, así como los obtenidos en el pasado, son esenciales para actualizar el modelo trófico desarrollado hace más de 25 años, o en apoyo de nuevos modelos predictivos de funcionamiento del ecosistema.

H2S is synthesized via CBS/CSE pathway and triggered by cold conditions during Agaricus bisporus storage

BACKGROUND: H2S is proved to be functioning as a signaling molecule in an array of physiological processes in the plant and animal kingdom. However, the H2S synthesis pathway and the responses to cold conditions remain unclear in postharvest mushroom. RESULTS: The biosynthesis of H2S in the Agaricus bisporus mushroom tissues exhibited an increasing tendency during postharvest storage and was significantly triggered by cold treatment. The cystathionine clyase (AbCSE) and cystathionine b-synthase (AbCBS) genes were cloned and proved responsible for H2S biosynthesis. Furthermore, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of AbCSE and AbCBS were crucial for the enzyme activities and subsequent H2S levels. However, the AbMST was not involved in this process. Moreover, the AbCSE and AbCBS genes displayed low identity to the characterized genes, but typical catalytic domains, activity sites, subunit interface sites, and cofactor binding sites were conserved in the respective protein sequences, as revealed by molecular modeling and docking study. The potential transcription factors responsible for the H2S biosynthesis in cold conditions were also provided. CONCLUSIONS: The H2S biosynthetic pathway in postharvest mushroom was unique and distinct to that of other horticultural products.

Effect of H2S on the expression of p38MAPK and caspase3 and apoptosis in renal tissue of urogenous sepsis / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of renal injury in urogenic sepsis and explore the effect of H2S on the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and Cysteine protease 3(Caspase3) and apoptosis in renal tissue of urogenic sepsis. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a wide range of biological effects and has a certain protective effect on the kidney. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of H2S on the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), cysteine proteinase 3 (Caspase3), and cell apoptosis in renal tissue of urogenic sepsis, and further to study the mechanism of urinary sepsis renal injury.MethodsNew Zealand rabbits (n=40) were divided into five groups Control, Sham, Sepsis, NaHS, and PAG, with eight rabbits in each group. The vital signs, blood routine white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and renal function (Cr, BUN) of five groups of New Zealand rabbits were recorded before the operation, 24 hrs after the operation, 48 hrs after the operation, and 72 hrs after the operation. 72 hrs after the operation, the left kidney tissue was taken for HE staining to observe the changes of cell morphology and structure of the kidney tissue. The apoptotic cells in renal tissue were labeled by Tunel assay (in situ terminal transferase labeling technique). The expression levels of p38MAPK and Caspase3 in renal tissue were tested by ELISA.Results The apoptosis indexes of renal tissue cells in group Control and group Sham were (5.65±2.43)% and (5.57±2.72)%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The apoptosis index of rabbit kidney tissue in group Sepsis was (25.26±2.70)%, which was significantly higher than that in group Control and group Sham (P0.05). Pairwise comparison between groups Sepsis, NaHS, and PAG showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The expression levels of group Sepsis and group PAG were significantly higher than that of group NaHS (P<0.05). The expression level of group PAG was significantly higher than that of group Sepsis (P<0.05).Conclusion H2S can alleviate renal damage caused by urine-derived sepsis, and its mechanism combined with H2S to suppress the expression of p38MAPK and Caspase3 in the renal tissue of urogenous sepsis, thereby reducing renal cell apoptosis Death.

Effects of NaHS on MBP and learning and memory in hippocampus of mice with spinocerebellar ataxia / 中国应用生理学杂志

To investigate the effects of exogenous NaHS on myelin basic protein (MBP) and learning and memory of hippocampal neurons in mice with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and its therapeutic significance. Twelve male normal mice were randomly selected as normal control group (NC Group), and 48 SCA3 mice were randomly selected as SCA3 model group (M Group), low dose group (NL Group, 10 μmol/kg), medium dose group (NM Group, 50μmol/kg) and high dose group (NH Group, 100 μmol/kg), 12 rats in each group. The drug treated groups were injected with NaHS intraperitoneally once a day for 4 weeks. The changes of learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice before and after the intervention of different doses of NaHS were determined by Morris water maze, the content of hydrogen sulfide (HS) in hippocampus was measured by spectrophotometry, the expression of MBP was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the morphological changes of neuron myelin sheath were observed by electron microscope. Compared with the control group, the learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice was decreased significantly (P＜0.05), and the content of HS in hippocampus was decreased (P＜0.05). After different doses of exogenous NaHS treatment, the learning and memory ability was improved in different degrees (P＜0.05), and the contents of HS and MBP in hippocampus of SCA3 mice were also improved in different degrees (P＜0.05). Exogenous NaHS may increase the contents of HS and MBP in the hippocampus of SCA3 mice, which may have a protective effect on the neurons, and then improve the learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice, and provide a new idea for the treatment of SCA3.

Research advances in hydrogen sulfide donors / 中国药科大学学报

@#Hydrogen sulfide(H2S)is an endogenous gas messenger molecule with extremely broad biological activities including vasodilation, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, cardioprotection and anti-tumor. Similar to other gas messenger molecules, the biological activity of H2S is dependent on its location, concentration and duration of exposure. Therefore, the key scientific issue is how to improve the selectivity of H2S donor molecules to release appropriate concentrations of H2S at the target site(commonly pathological place), exerting therapeutic efficacy with limited side-effects. This article reviews the structures and H2S release mechanisms of two classes of H2S donors focusing on the advances in the recently developed H2S donors with controllable release potential of H2S, thus providing new ideas for future H2S-based drug research.

6 weeks consumption of pure fresh coconut milk caused up-regulation of eNOS and CSE protein expression in middle-aged male rats

Coconut milk (CCM) has been an important cooking ingredient in the Asia-Pacific region since ancient time. Due to its high content of saturated fatty acids, it has been considered atherogenic. We have tested if chronic consumption of fresh coconut milk by middle-aged male rat affects vascular function, plasma glucose and lipid profiles. Compared to control, CCM caused lower maximal contraction to phenylephrine of thoracic aortic rings and increased relaxation to acetylcholine that was abolished by N G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) or disruption of the endothelium. DL-propargylglycine caused slight increase in baseline tension of L-NA treated aortic rings of CCM-treated rats and produced higher contractile response of the aortic rings to low concentrations of phenylephrine. The aortic eNOS- and cystathionine-γ-lyase(CSE) proteins expression of the CCM-treated rats were also higher than in controls. Except for lower fasting plasma glucose there were no changes in blood chemistry for the CCM treated rats. CCM consumption caused up-regulation of eNOS and CSE protein expression which resulted in increased production of NO and H2S from the blood vessels with attenuation of vasocontraction to phenylephrine and increased relaxation to acetylcholine. These novel benefits may be expected to reduce the development of cardiovascular risk factors in the aging rat

Effects of hydrogen sulfide (HS) on cardiac hypertrophy and miRNA-133a-mediated Ca/calcineurin/NFATc4 signal pathway in rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of hydrogen sulfide (HS) on the negatively regulation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the relationship between the effect of HS with miRNA-133a-mediated Ca/calcineurin/NFATc4 signal pathway.@*METHODS@#Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was induced by isoproterenol (ISO). The cell surface area was measured by image analysis system (Leica). The expression of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP), β-myosin heavy chain(β-MHC), cystathionase (CSE), miRNA-133a, calcineurin (CaN) were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expressions of CaN、nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFATc4) were detected by Western blot. The concentration of HS in the cardiomyocyte was detected by Elisa. The concentration of intracellular calcium was measured by calcium imaging using confocal microscope. The nuclear translocation of NFATc4 was checked by immuno-fluorescence cell staining technique.@*RESULTS@#①The level of system of CSE/HS and expression of miRNA-133a were significantly reduced in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Pretreatment with NaHS increased the concentration of HS and the expression of miRNA-133a mRNA in cardiomyocytes, and suppressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. ②The concentration of intracellular calcium, the expression of CaN and nulear protein NFATc4 were significantly increased, and the nuclear translocation of NFATc4 were obviously enhanced in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. NaHS pretreatment markedly inhibited these effects of ISO induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. ③Application of antagomir-133a reversed the inhibitory effects of NaHS on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and increased the influx of intracellular calcium, and elevated the expression of CaN and nuclear protein NFATc4, and enhanced the nuclear translocation of NFATc4.@*CONCLUSIONS@#HS can negatively regulate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The effects might be associated with HS increasing expression of miRNA-133a and inhibiting inactivation of Ca/calcineurin/NFATc4 signal pathway.

Effects of n-butylphthalide on mitochondria in hippocampus and learning and memory abilities in rats with chronic alcoholism / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the effects of n-butylphthalide (NBP) on mitochondria in hippocampus and learning and memory abilities in rats with chronic alcoholism.@*Methods@#60 male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups on average, including normal group, model group and treatment group, with 20 rats in each group.Rats of model group and treatment group are given 6% (V/V) alcohol solution continuously for 28 d to establish the model of chronic alcoholism.Rats in the treatment group were given butylphthalide for 14 days from the fourteenth day after giving alcohol solution.The Y type electric maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats, the content of H2S in the hippocampus and the activity of mitochondrial ATP enzyme were measured by spectrophotometry, and the protein expression of F-actin was detected by Western blot.@*Results@#Compared with the normal group, the learning and memory ability of the rats in the model group were decreased, the content of H2S in the hippocampus were increased, and the activity of mitochondrial ATP enzyme and the expression of F-actin protein were decreased, and most of the mitochondria were damaged under the electron microscope.The training times of the rats in treatment group(61.88±3.61)was lower than that of the model group(82.19±4.87), the ability of learning and memory was improved(P<0.05). Compared with the model group ((1.50±0.07)U/mgprot, (0.08±0.01)), the activity of the mitochondrial ATP enzyme((1.84±0.11)U/mgprot) and the level of F-actin protein(0.12±0.01)in rat hippocampus of treatment group were increased, the difference was statistically significant(both P<0.05). The level of H2S in rat hippocampus of the treatment group ((34.56±2.47) nmol/g) was lower than that of the model group ((44.55±3.71) nmol/g), the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Compared with model group, the mitochondrial damage of the hippocampus in the treatment group was improved under electron microscope.@*Conclusion@#NBP can abate mitochondrial damage and improve learning and memory abilities in chronic alcoholism rats.

Effect of H2 S system on space learning and memory ability in PTSD model rat and on the frequency of spontaneous discharges of hippocampus neurons / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the behavior and CBS /H2 S levels of hippocampus in post traumatic stress dis-order (PTSD)rats and study the effect of exogenous H2 S on PTSD rats.Methods Single prolonged stress paradigm was adopted to prepare PTSD animal model. Morris water maze test was adopted to test space learn-ing and memory ability.CBS /H2 S content in hippo-campus tissue sample was measured using Western blot and methylene blue method.In vivo extracellular single unit recording was used to examine the frequency of spontaneous discharges of hippocampus neurons.Re-sults ① Escape latency increased and quadrant time (%)and platform crossing times decreased in Morris water maze test of PTSD group compared with normal group(P <0.01 ).CBS /H2 S level in hippocampus tis-sue of PTSD group also decreased compared with nor-mal group (P <0.01 ,P <0.05 ).② Escape latency decreased and quadrant time(%)and platform cross-ing times increased in Morris water maze test of NaHS+PTSD group compared with PTSD group(P <0.01 ).③ L-cysteine increased the frequency of spontaneous discharges of hippocampus neurons(P < 0.01 ).Con-clusions Learning and memory ability decrease in PTSD model rats owing to the inhibition of CBS /H2 S content in hippocampus tissue.The mechanism of be-havior improvement of H2 S on PTSD model rat is possi-bly related to the excitation of H2 S on frequency of spontaneous discharges of hippocampus neurons.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates chlorobenzene toxicity in soybean seedlings / Sulfeto de hidrogênio e clorobenzeno na toxicidade da soja

ABSTRACT: As a gas signaling molecule, endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in the plant stress response. However, the role of H2S in the response to organic pollutants specifically has not been studied. Here, the effects of H2S addition on soybean (Glycine max) seedlings tolerance of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) were investigated. Under 1,4-DCB stress, the growth of soybean seedlings roots and stems was inhibited, while L-/D-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD/DCD) activity was induced and endogenous H2S increased. When applied jointly with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H2S donor, root growth inhibition was effectively alleviated. Pre-treatment of seedlings with 0.4mmol L-1 NaHS reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactived oxygen species (ROS) content, mitigating root cell toxicity significantly. Further experiments confirmed that NaHS enhanced soybean seedlings peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities. In contrast, these effects were reversed by hypotaurine (HT), a H2S scavenger. Therefore, H2S alleviated 1,4-DCB toxicity in soybean seedlings by regulating antioxidant enzyme activity to reduce cell oxidative damage.

RESUMO: Tal como uma molécula de sinal de gás, sulfureto de hidrogenio endógena (H2S) desempenha um papel crucial na resposta ao stress das plantas. Mas não foi relatado o papel de H2S em plantas poluentes orgânicos stress. Este estudo sobre a variação de H2S envolvido em plântulas de soja tolerância 1,4-Diclorobenzeno foi investigada. Os resultados mostraram sob o 1,4-diclorobenzeno stress, que o crescimento da soja (Glycine max) de raiz de mudas e caule foram inibidas, L- / D-cisteína desulfhydrase (LCD / DCD) atividades enzimáticas foram empossados, em seguida, H2S endógeno aumentado. Quando aplicado com hidrossulfureto de sódio (NaSH), um doador de H2S, raiz de plântulas de soja, a inibição do crescimento pode ser melhorada. Tratamentos prévios com 0,4mmol L-1 NaHS, malondialdeído (MDA) e espécies de oxigênio reactivas conteúdo (ROS) foi reduzida, em seguida, a toxicidade celular da raiz foi reduzida significativamente. Outros experimentos confirmaram que NaSH melhorou a peroxidase de plântulas de soja (POD), superóxido dismutase (SOD) atividades enzimáticas. Em contraste, estes efeitos foram revertidos por hypotaurine (HT), um eliminador de H2S. Então H2S pode aliviar toxicidade 1,4-diclorobenzeno em plântulas de soja por meio da regulamentação das atividades de enzimas antioxidantes para manter a integridade da estrutura celular.

Hydrogen sulfide prodrugs-a review

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized as one of three gasotransmitters together with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). As a signaling molecule, H2S plays an important role in physiology and shows great potential in pharmaceutical applications. Along this line, there is a need for the development of H2S prodrugs for various reasons. In this review, we summarize different H2S prodrugs, their chemical properties, and some of their potential therapeutic applications.

Protective effects of hydrogen sulfide on acute spinal cord injury in rats / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the effects of hydrogen sulfide on autophagy and the apoptosis after acute spinal cord injury in rats. Methods Thirty-six adult male SD rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 for each group):sham operation group (Sham group), spinal cord injury group (Model group) and hydrogen sulfide pre-treatment group (H2S group). Allen’s method was used to establish the rat model of spinal cord injury. Rats of sham operation group re?ceived only laminectomy. Rats of H2S group received sodium hydrosulphide injection intraperitoneally (50μmol/kg) 1h after spinal cord injury, and Model group was given the same amount of saline solution. Rats in the three groups were sacrificed 24 h after spinal cord injury, then the spinal cord was removed. The expressions of LC3, p70S6K and Cleaved caspase-3 were detected by Western blot assay. The expression of LC3 was also detected by immunofluorescence. The cell apoptosis was as?sessed by TUNEL stain. Results Compared with Sham group, the expression levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰand Cleaved caspase-3 were increased in Model group, but the expression of p70S6K decreased and cell apoptosis increased in Model group (P<0.01). Compared with Model group, the expression levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰand Cleaved caspase-3 were decreased significant?ly, while the expression of p70S6K increased and cell apoptosis decreased significantly in H2S group (P < 0.01). Conclu?sion Hydrogen sulfide can inhibit autophagy and reduce cell apoptosis after acute spinal cord injury in rats.

H2 S regulates severe acute pancreatitis through PI3K/AKT-NF-κB pathway / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the role and mechanism of H2 S in severe acute pancreatitis .Methods SD rats were randomly assigned into several experimental groups :contorl group(n=6) ,SAP group(n=10) ,PAG+SAP group(n=10) ,5 mg/kg NaHS+SAP group(n=10) ,10 mg/kg NaHS+SAP group(n=10) ,20 mg/kg NaHS+SAP group(n=10) ,100 mg/kg NaHS+SAP group (n=10) ,wortmannin(W)+ SAP group(n= 10) ,5 mg/kg NaHS + W+ SAP group(n=10) and 100 mg/kg NaHS+ W+ SAP group(n=10) .These rats were intra-peritoneal injected L-Arginine to get SAP model ,and sacrificed ar 24 h hour after the first in-jection .Plasma IL-6 and MPO activity in pancreas were determined by ELISA .Expression of p-AKT and IκBαin pancreas were de-tected by Western blot ,and NF-κB activity was assessed with EMSA .Results SAP and PAG+ SAP resulted in a significant in-creasing in plasma IL-6 ,MPO activity and expression of p-AKT in pancreas ,when compared with the control group(P<0 .05) ,and NF-κB activity also increased ,and NF-κB activity in PAG+SAP group was more significant (P<0 .05);however ,IκBαexpression in SAP and PAG+SAP down-regulated obviously ,when compared with the control group(P<0 .05) ,and the expression in PAG+SAP group was significantly lower(P<0 .05) .Different dosage of NaHS reduced that the level of plasma IL-6 ,MPO activity ,ex-pression of p-AKT and NF-κB activity in pancreas changed in different degrees ,yet IκBαexpression in these groups increased gradu-ally .When compared with the SAP group ,5 mg/kg NaHS+SAP and 100 mg/kg NaHS+SAP ,plasma IL-6 ,MPO activity and ex-pression of p-AKT in pancreas significantly depressed after given wortmannin ,besides NF-κB activity also down-regualated;never-theless IκBαexpression up-regulated .Conclusion H2 S in precondition induced the development of an anti-inflammatory activity in SAP ,and in proportion with the concentration of H2 S in blood in a degree .H2 S regulated the degree of SAP injury via PI3K/AKT-NF-κB pathway .

The hydrogen sulfide donor, Lawesson's reagent, prevents alendronate-induced gastric damage in rats

Our objective was to investigate the protective effect of Lawesson's reagent, an H2S donor, against alendronate (ALD)-induced gastric damage in rats. Rats were pretreated with saline or Lawesson's reagent (3, 9, or 27 µmol/kg, po) once daily for 4 days. After 30 min, gastric damage was induced by ALD (30 mg/kg) administration by gavage. On the last day of treatment, the animals were killed 4 h after ALD administration. Gastric lesions were measured using a computer planimetry program, and gastric corpus pieces were assayed for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β], and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Other groups were pretreated with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, ip) or with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, ip)+diazoxide (3 mg/kg, ip). After 1 h, 27 µmol/kg Lawesson's reagent was administered. After 30 min, 30 mg/kg ALD was administered. ALD caused gastric damage (63.35±9.8 mm2); increased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA (2311±302.3 pg/mL, 901.9±106.2 pg/mL, 121.1±4.3 nmol/g, respectively); increased MPO activity (26.1±3.8 U/mg); and reduced GSH levels (180.3±21.9 µg/g). ALD also increased cystathionine-γ-lyase immunoreactivity in the gastric mucosa. Pretreatment with Lawesson's reagent (27 µmol/kg) attenuated ALD-mediated gastric damage (15.77±5.3 mm2); reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA formation (1502±150.2 pg/mL, 632.3±43.4 pg/mL, 78.4±7.6 nmol/g, respectively); lowered MPO activity (11.7±2.8 U/mg); and increased the level of GSH in the gastric tissue (397.9±40.2 µg/g). Glibenclamide alone reversed the gastric protective effect of Lawesson's reagent. However, glibenclamide plus diazoxide did not alter the effects of Lawesson's reagent. Our results suggest that Lawesson's reagent plays a protective role against ALD-induced gastric damage through mechanisms that depend at least in part on activation of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels.

Effect of butylphthalide on H2S content and the expression of NR2B in the hippocampus of alcohol dependence rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of butylphthalide (NBP) on H2S content and the expression of NR2B in the hippocampus of alcohol dependence rats. Methods A total of 84 SD male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Except for the normal group, other groups were subjected to alcohol solution with concentration of 6% ( V/V) for 28 d. Drug intervention began at the 14th day,and rats in the low,medium,high dose group were treated with NBP with a different concentration. Erden abstinence scoring was used to evaluate the rats withdrawal symptom. H2S content was measured in one side of hippocampus and CBS activity was tested in the other side of hippocampus. Hippocampus of 3 rats from each group was used to investigate NR2B mRNA level. Results Withdrawal symptom score ( 12.27 ± 1. 19),H2S content(30. 25 ±8.82), CBS activity (72. 44 ±7. 46) and NR2B mRNA expression( 19. 47 ±0. 86) in medium dose NBP group rats were lower than withdrawal symptom score(14.09 ±2.21) ,H2S content(44. 50 ±6. 65) , CBS activity(79. 06 ±4. 57) and NR2B mRNA expression (29. 13 ±1.39) in experimental control group (P<0.05). Withdrawal symptom score(12. 18 ±1.08) ,H2S content(33.00 ±5.38) ,CBS activity(67. 81 ±9. 37) and NR2B mRNA expression(23. 12 ± 1. 86) in high dose NBP group rats were lower than experimental control group (P < 0. 05). Conclusion NBP can reduce withdrawal symptoms of alcohol dependence rats,may be related to decreased expression of H2S/CBS system, and NR2B mRNA expression.

Halimeter ppb Levels as the Predictor of Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In a previous issue published in Gut and Liver, we found that erosive changes in the esophagogastroduodenal mucosa were strongly correlated with increased levels of volatile sulfur-containing compounds (VSC), suggesting that halitosis could be a symptom reflecting the erosive status of the upper gut mucosa. Together with other studies showing a possible association between halitosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), under the premise that halitosis could be one of extraesophageal manifestations of erosive GERD (ERD), we investigated the significance of Halimeter ppb levels on ERD compared to non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). METHODS: Subjects were assigned to the NERD group if there was no evidence of esophageal erosive changes on endoscopy, despite reflux symptoms, and to the ERD group if they had GERD A, B, C, or D (according to the Los Angeles classification). The VSC levels were measured in all patients with either a Halimeter (before endoscopy) or by gas chromatography of the gastric juices aspirated during endoscopy. RESULTS: The VSC level differed significantly between the NERD and ERD groups (p24 kg/m2 was significantly associated with ERD, there was no correlation with Halimeter ppb levels. Minimal-change lesions exhibited the highest VSC levels, signifying that minimal change lesions can be classified as ERD based on our finding that halimeter ppb levels were descrimitive of erosive change. CONCLUSIONS: Erosive changes in the esophageal mucosa were strongly associated with VSC levels, supporting the hypothesis that halitosis can be a potential biomarker for the discrimination between ERD and NERD, reflecting the presence of erosive change in the lower esophagogastric junction.

Propargylglycine up-regulated connective tissue growth factor expression in rat pulmonary artery with high pulmonary blood flow / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore possible impact of endogenous hydrogen sulfide(H2S) on connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) expression in rat pulmonary artery with high pulmonary blood flow.Methods Thirty-two male SD rats,weighing 120～140 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups:shunt group,shunt+PPG group,sham group and sham+PPG group.After 4 weeks of experiment,Rat lung tissue H2S content was determined by a modified sulfide electrode method.Plasma ET-1 concentration was detected by radioimmunoactivity,and lung tissue ET-1 mRNA expression of rat was determined by quantitative competitive reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Pulmonary artery connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) protein expression of rats was investigated by immunohistochemistry.Results After 4 weeks of experiment,lung tissue H2S content plasma ET-1,lung tissue ET-1 mRNA and CTGF expression increased significantly in rats of shunt group as compared with that of sham group(P

H_2S:the third endogenous gaseous transmitter / 中国药理学通报

It is hypothesized that H 2S is the third endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, after NO and CO. Endogenous H 2S may regulate some aspects of synaptic activity via cAMP mediated pathways and function as a neuromodulator or transmitter. H 2S is an endogenous vasorelaxant factor that activates K ATP channels and hyperpolarizes membrane potential of vascular SMCs. By directly acting on vascular SMCs, H 2S may reduce the extracellular calcium entry and relax vascular tissues.

The Study of Treatment of Odor Gas Emitted from the Wastewater Plant by the Biofilter / 微生物学通报

A pilot-scale research on purification of odorous gas emitted from wastewater treatment plant using a biofilter was conducted. The aim of this study is to check on the performance of biofilter running in various conditions and the effect of pH fluctuations on the performance of biofilter. The relation between distribution of microorganism and removal of odorous gases were also discussed here. The experimental results show that the predominant odor-causing gas can be efficiently eliminated by a biofilter inoculated with deodoring microorganism which were isolated previously. Moreover the biofilter had been proved having good tolerance to shocking loads of pollutant and can operate well in the condition of low pH.