Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of methylene blue on the liver of rats submitted to ischemia and reperfusion

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the effect of methylene blue (MB) therapy during the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) process. Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were used, (70%) submitted to partial ischemia (IR) or not (NIR) (30%) were obtained from the same animal. These animals were divided into six groups: 1) Sham (SH), 2) Sham with MB (SH-MB); 3) I/R, submitted to 60 minutes of partial ischemia and 15 minutes of reperfusion; 4) NI/R, without I/R obtained from the same animal of group I/R; 5) I/R-MB submitted to I/R and MB and 6) NI/R-MB, without I/R. Mitochondrial function was evaluated. Osmotic swelling of mitochondria as well as the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) was evaluated. Serum (ALT/AST) dosages were also performed. MB was used at the concentration of 15mg/kg, 15 minutes before hepatic reperfusion. Statistical analysis was done by the Mann Whitney test at 5%. Results: State 3 shows inhibition in all ischemic groups. State 4 was increased in all groups, except the I/R-MB and NI/R-MB groups. RCR showed a decrease in all I/R and NI/R groups. Mitochondrial osmotic swelling showed an increase in all I/R NI/R groups in the presence or absence of MB. About MDA, there was a decrease in SH values in the presence of MB and this decrease was maintained in the I/R group. AST levels were increased in all ischemic with or without MB. Conclusions: The methylene blue was not able to restore the mitochondrial parameters studied. Also, it was able to decrease lipid peroxidation, preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species.

Rejuvenating Aged Hematopoietic Stem Cells Through Improvement of Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell as well as the primary site of hematopoiesis, which also occurs in the cytoplasm. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are characterized by a very high turnover rate, and are thus considered to be relatively free from the age-related insults generated by mitochondria. However, HSCs are also subject to these age-related insults, including the incidence of myeloid proliferative diseases, marrow failure, hematopoietic neoplasms, and deterioration of the adaptive human immune system. Recently, NAD⁺ dietary supplements, known as niacin or vitamin B₃, including tryptophan, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and the newly identified NAD⁺ precursor nicotinamide riboside, have been shown to play a role in restoring adult stem cell function through the amelioration of mitochondrial dysfunction. This insight motivated a study that focused on reversing aging-related cellular dysfunction in adult mouse muscle stem cells by supplementing their diet with nicotinamide riboside. The remedial effect of nicotinamide riboside enhanced mitochondrial function in these muscle stem cells in a SIRT1-dependent manner, affecting cellular respiration, membrane potential, and production of ATP. Accordingly, numerous studies have demonstrated that sirtuins, under nuclear/mitochondrial control, have age-specific effects in determining HSC phenotypes. Based on the evidence accumulated thus far, we propose a clinical intervention for the restoration of aged HSC function by improving mitochondrial function through NAD⁺ precursor supplementation.

Influence of orchiectomy of seven month old bulls on bronchoalveolar immune function / Influência da orquiectomia na função imune broncoalveolar de garrotes de sete meses de idade

The present study evaluated the impact that orchiectomy, a routine but painful intervention in bovine husbandry, can cause on pulmonary immunity. To identify whether orchiectomy can impair lung defense, analyses of serum cortisol concentration and of alveolar macrophage and their function (phagocytosis and respiratory burst) were evaluated. Sixteen Holstein bulls (7 mo old, 250±50kg of body weight BW) were divided in two homogeneous groups - the castrated group and the sham group - and the sample were collected on Days -7, 1 and 7 relative to the day of the procedure. Serum cortisol concentration statistically increased on Days 1 and 7 (D-7: 4,97±1,28ng/ml; D1: 6,35 ±1,10ng/ml; D7: 8,28±1,94ng/ml) after castration and these variables seem to impact the alveolar macrophage percentage on D1 (D-7: 76,86±3,44%; D1: 60,92±2,44%; D7: 74,17±2,56%) and their respective function of phagocytosis (P) and the oxidative burst (OB) on Days 1 and 7 for the castrated group (P D-7: 56,25±15,63 arbitrary values; D1: 54,75±14,07 arbitrary values; D7: 31,77±8,44 arbitrary values; and OB D-7: 222,34±39,52 arbitrary values; D1: 135,25±37,68 arbitrary values; D7: 117,73±18,17 arbitrary values). These results indicate that surgical castration affected lung defense until seven days after the practice, so the pulmonary cell function was impaired for a period higher than that reported in the literature.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou o impacto que a orquiectomia, uma intervenção dolorosa comumente realizada durante a criação de bovinos, pode causar na imunidade pulmonar. Para tanto, foram realizadas dosagens de cortisol sérico, bem como a análise de macrófagos alveolares e suas funções (fagocitose e metabolismo oxidativo) de 16 bovinos da raça Holandesa preto e branco (sete meses de idade, 250±50kg de peso vivo). Esses animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos homogêneos - grupo castrado e grupo controle - e foram avaliados nos dias -7, 1 e 7, relativos ao dia do procedimento cirúrgico, que foi realizado no dia 0. A concentração de cortisol sérico aumentou estatisticamente nos dias 1 e 7 em relação ao grupo controle (D-7: 4,97±1,28ng/mL; D1: 6,35 ±1,10ng/mL; D7: 8,28±1,94ng/mL). Notou-se diminuição de macrófagos alveolares no D1 (D-7: 76,86±3,44%; D1: 60,92±2,44%; D7: 74,17±2,56%) e de suas funções de fagocitose (F) e metabolismo oxidativo (MO) nos dias 1 e 7 (F D-7: 56,25±15,63 valores arbitrários; D1: 54,75±14,07 valores arbitrários; D7: 31,77±8,44 valores arbitrários; e MO D-7: 222,34±39,52 valores arbitrários; D1: 135,25±37,68 valores arbitrários, D7: 117,73±18,17 valores arbitrários) para o grupo castrado. Esses resultados demonstram que a orquiectomia afeta as defesas pulmonares por até sete dias após a prática, período superior ao relatado pela literatura.(AU)

Curcumin restores mitochondrial functions and decreases lipid peroxidation in liver and kidneys of diabetic db/db mice

BACKGROUND: Nitrosative and oxidative stress play a key role in obesity and diabetes-related mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective was to investigate the effect of curcumin treatment on state 3 and 4 oxygen consumption, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, ATPase activity and lipid oxidation in mitochondria isolated from liver and kidneys of diabetic db/db mice. RESULTS: Hyperglycaemia increased oxygen consumption and decreased NO synthesis in liver mitochondria isolated from diabetic mice relative to the control mice. In kidney mitochondria, hyperglycaemia increased state 3 oxygen consumption and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels in diabetic mice relative to control mice. Interestingly, treating db/db mice with curcumin improved or restored these parameters to normal levels; also curcumin increased liver mitochondrial ATPase activity in db/db mice relative to untreated db/db mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that hyperglycaemia modifies oxygen consumption rate, NO synthesis and increases TBARS levels in mitochondria from the liver and kidneys of diabetic mice, whereas curcumin may have a protective role against these alterations.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the liver after injury caused by the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion process

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on rats submitted to hepatic ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Twenty-three Wistar rats were divided at random into 3 groups: SHAM, rats submitted to surgical and anesthetic stress without induction of hepatic ischemia/reperfurion; I/R, rats submitted to total ischemia of the hepatic pedicle for 25 min followed by 5 min of reperfusion; HBOI/R, rats submitted to 60 min of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at a pressure of 2 absolute atmospheres immediately after the experimental protocol of ischemia/reperfusion. Hepatic function was evaluated by quantitation of serum alanine aminotranferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and by mitochondrial function through the determination of states 3 and 4 of mitochondrial respiration, respiratory control ratio (RCR) and mitochondrial swelling. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test, with the level of significance set at p <0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in state 3 values for the SHAM group vs I/R and I/R vs IRHBO, in state 4 values for the SHAM group vs I/R; and in mitochondrial swelling for the SHAM groups vs I/RHBO, SHAM vs I/R, and IR vs I/RHBO. CONCLUSION: The use of hyperbaric oxygen after I/R improved in a relative manner both the production of energy and the effects on the mitochondrial wall. .

Hyperoxic preconditioning in partial liver ischemia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment as a pre-conditioning for I/R effects in the liver ischemia. METHODS: Fifty-seven male Wistar rats (260-300g) were submitted to the following procedures: SHAM; I/R, rats submitted to I/R, consisting of partial ischemia of 70% of the liver for 90 minutes followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion; HBO I/R 1 ATA, 30 minutes of HBO treatment at the pressure of 1 absolute atmosphere (ATA) during the ischemia time. HBO I/R 2 ATA, 30 minutes of HBO (2 ATA) during the ischemia time. Pre HBO I/R 30', rats submitted to 30 minutes of HBO (2 ATA) immediately before the I/R time. Pre HBO I/R 90', rats submitted to 90 minutes of HBO (2 ATA) immediately before the I/R time. RESULTS: There was a significant worsening of all the parameters of mitochondrial energy production (state 3, 4, RCR and Swelling) in the I/R group, when compared to the Sham group (I/R <Sham, p<0.05). There was also a significant worsening in state 4, RCR and mitochondrial edema in the Pre HBO I/R 90' group compared to the I/R group. Hepatic enzyme concentrations were significantly higher in the I/R group. CONCLUSION: The use of hyperbaric oxygen before and during I/R did not improve the production of hepatocellular energy reduced by I/R, nor did it prevent the installation of mitochondrial edema induced by Iischemia/reperfusion. .

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as hepatic preconditioning in rats submitted to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To analyze the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as hepatic preconditioning in rats submitted to hepatic ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: SHAM, rats submitted to surgical stress without hepatic ischemia and reperfusion, I/R, rats submitted to total hepatic pedicle ischemia for 30 min, followed by 5 min of reperfusion; HBOI/R, rats submitted to 60 minutes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 2 atm and immediately submitted to the experimental protocol of ischemia and reperfusion. Liver function was assessed by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as mitochondrial function by determining states 3 and 4 of mitochondrial respiration, respiratory control rate and mitochondrial permeability transition (mitochondrial swelling). The results were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and all P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: There were significant differences in serum aspartate aminotransferase values in groups SHAM vs. HBOI/R, I/R vs HBOI/R, alanine aminotranferase in groups SHAM and I/R; State 3 in SHAM groups vs. I/R, SHAM vs. HBOI/R, State 4 in I/R vs HBOI/R groups, respiratory control rate in SHAM vs I/R groups; mitochondrial swelling in SHAM vs. I/R groups, and SHAM vs HBOI/R. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric preconditioning improved hepatic mitochondrial function and decreased serum markers of liver injury in the ischemia and reperfusion process. .

Effects of different doses of iron supplement on function of mitochondrial respiration of liver during exercise-induced hypochromic rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of iron supplement on function of mitochondrial respiratory of liver during exercise-induced hypochromic rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Forty healthy male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups (n = 8): static control (C), exercise-training (T), training with supplementation of small dose iron (S + T), training with supplementation of middle dose iron (M + T) and training with supplementation of large dose iron (L + T). Training performed incremental exercise for 8 weeks, 6 days/week, iron supplementation from the fifth week. Liver were prepared immediately after exhaustive running. Liver mitochondria were extracted by differential centrifugation. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to evaluate activities of electron transport chain complex (C) I-IV in liver mitochondria.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) C I, CII and CIV activities in T group were increased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), CI - C IV activities in S + T, M + T and L + T groups were increased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with those in C group. (2) CII activity in S + T group was increased remarkably (P < 0.05); CIII and CIV activities in M + T group were increased remarkably (P < 0.01); CI - CIV activities in L+ T group were increased remarkably (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with those in T group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Large load exercise training composite iron supplementation can improve function of mitochondrial respiration of liver and the aerobic capacity. From the athletic ability , the middle dose iron supplementation is better during large load exercise training.</p>

Cell cross-talk and interactions: a review of structure and function

Cell-cell interactions are central to the function of many organ systems. The contact between cells and their microenvironment is fundamental both during development and for the preservation of tissue structure. Picking out the signals coming from the surrounding environment enables cells to react promptly to changes that may occur. This work provides a comprehensive review on cell interactions and cross-talk in normal physiological and some pathological conditions of different tissues and organs of the human body [e.g. embryonic, vascular, dendritic, natural killer, cardiac, nerve, lung, testicular, epidermal, and dermal cells]. It aimed to explore the nature of this phenomenon and its role in regulating or directing normal cellular function. The mode of cellular interaction was discussed on the basis of biochemical data regarding cytokines or through actual cell contact through different types of junctions or synaptic ribbons. Further understanding of how cell-cell interactions modulate tissue function will allow us to gain fundamental biological insight as well as suggest approaches that will allow the manipulation of tissue function in vitro and for therapeutic applications in vivo

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on liver function during intermittent ischemia / Efeito da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica sobre a função hepática na isquemia intermitente

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on liver function in rats previously subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: A randomly distribution of 23 Wistar rats was conducted into three groups: SHAM, animals subjected to surgical stress without restricting blood flow by clamping the hepatic pedicle, IR, rats underwent hepatic vascular occlusion intermittently for two complete cycles of 15 minutes of ischemia followed by 5 min of reperfusion, IR / HBO, rats underwent hepatic pedicle clamping and thereafter exposed to hyperbaric oxygen pressure of 2 absolute atmospheres for 60 minutes. We evaluated liver function through mitochondrial function, determined by the stages 3 and 4 of respiration, respiratory control ratio (RCR) and mitochondrial permeability transition (Swelling). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were also quantified . We analyzed the results using the Mann-Whitney test and were considered significant all results with p <0.05. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the results of stage 3 in SHAM vs IR group ; of the stage 4 in the groups IR vs SHAM and SHAM vs IR /HBO; of the Respiratory Control Ratio (RCR) in the group IR vs IR / HBO ; of alanine aminotransferase in the groups IR vs SHAM , SHAM vs IR/HBO and IR vs IR / HBO; aspartate aminotransferase in the groups SHAM vs IR and SHAM vs IR / HBO. CONCLUSION: The whole analysis of the mitochondiral function indicators permits us to conclude that the hyperbaric oxygen therapy acted as a protective agent of the mitochondrial function, minimizing the ischemia-reperfusion injury of the hepatic parenchyma.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica sobre a função hepática de ratos previamente submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se a distribuição aleatória de 23 ratos Wistar em três grupos: SHAM, animais submetidos ao estresse cirúrgico sem restrição de fluxo sanguíneo por clampeamento do pedículo hepático; IR ratos submetidos a oclusão vascular hepática de maneira intermitente em dois ciclos completos de 15 minutos de isquemia, seguidos por 5 min de reperfusão; IR/HBO, ratos submetidos ao clampeamento do pedículo hepático e ,ulteriormente , expostos a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica a pressão de 2 atmosferas absolutas durante 60 minutos. Avaliou-se a função hepática através da função mitocondrial, determinada pelos estados 3 e 4 da respiração mitocondrial, razão de controle respiratório(RCR) e transição de permeabilidade mitocondrial (Swelling) .Quantificou-se também alanina aminotransferase e aspartato aminotransferase séricas. Analisou-se os resultados pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e foram considerados significativos os valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS:Houve diferença significativa nos valores do estado 3 no grupo SHAM vs IR; estado 4 nos grupos SHAM vs IR, SHAM vsIR/HBO; Razão de Controle Respiratório(RCR) no grupo IR vs IR/HBO; alanina aminotransferase nos grupos SHAM vs IR, SHAM vs IR/HBO, IR vs IR/HBO; aspartato aminotransferase nos grupos SHAM vs IR , SHAM vs IR/HBO. CONCLUSÃO: A análise dos parâmetros mitocondriais como um todo permitiu concluir que a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica atuou como agente protetor da função mitocondrial, minimizando os efeitos deletérios da lesão de isquemia e reperfusão do parênquima hepático.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), as pre-conditioning in liver of rats submitted to periodic liver ischemia/reperfusion / Efeitos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica como pré-condicionamento em fígados de ratos submetidos à lesão hepática de isquemia/reperfusão intermitente

PURPOSE: to assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) as pre-conditioning on periodic liver ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (SHAM, I/R , HBO-I/R and CONTROL). The surgical technique consisted of total clamping of the hepatic pedicle for 15 min followed by twice repeated reperfusion for 5 min (unclamping). HBO was applied in a collective chamber (simultaneous exposure of 4 rats) directly pressurized with oxygen at 2 ATA for 60 min. Hepatic mitochondrial function was determined using samples of the median lobe obtained after exactly 5 min of reperfusion for the analysis of mitochondrial respiration based on the determination of states 3 and 4, the respiratory control ratio and the transition of mitochondrial permeability (mitochondrial swelling).Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) in state 3 between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups, in state 4 between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups; in respiratory control ratio (RCR) between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups and between the CONTROL and Sham groups, and in mitochondrial swelling between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-/R groups and between the Sham and I/R and HBO-I/R groups. CONCLUSION: In this process of periodic ischemia and reperfusion, hyperbaric pre-conditioning did not improve significantly hepatic mitochondrial function.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (HBO), como pré-condicionamento, em lesão hepática de isquemia/reperfusão intermitente. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 36 ratos Wistar machos, distribuídos em 4 grupos (SHAM, I/R , HBO - I/R e CONTROLE). A técnica operatória consistiu em pinçamento total do pedículo hepático durante 15min, seguido de reperfusão por 5 min (desclampeamento), por duas vezes. A aplicação de HBO foi realizada em câmara coletiva (exposição simultânea de 4 ratos) diretamente pressurizada com oxigênio a 2ATA, durante 60min. Determinou-se a função mitocondrial hepática através de amostras do lobo mediano colhidas com exatos 5min de reperfusão para análise da respiração mitocondrial, através da determinação dos estados 3 e 4, razão de controle respiratório e transição de permeabilidade mitocondrial (intumescimento osmótico - swelling mitocondrial).Os resultados foram analisados pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e foi considerado significativo todo valor de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença estatistica significativa (p< 0,05) no Estado 3 nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO - I/R, no Estado 4 nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO - I/R; na Razão de controle respiratório(RCR) nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO-IRe CONTROLE vs Sham e no Swelling mitocondrial nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO - I/R, I/R vs HBO-IRe Sham vs I/R e HBO-IR. CONCLUSÃO: O pré-condicionamento hiperbárico não melhorou a função mitocondrial hepática significativamente neste processo de isquemia e reperfusão intermitente.

Estudo dos efeitos da radioterapia no tecido cardíaco e sua associação com o metabolismo energético / Study of the effects of radiation therapy in cardiac tissue and its association with energy metabolism

Durante o tratamento radioterápico para tumores localizados na região torácica, parte do coração frequentemente é incluída no campo de tratamento e pode receber doses de radiação ionizante, significativas em relação à terapêutica. A irradiação do coração é capaz de causar importantes complicações cardíacas ao paciente, caracterizadas por alterações funcionais progressivas cerca de 10 a 20 anos após a exposição do órgão. Devido ao seu alto grau de contração e grande consumo energético, o tecido cardíaco é altamente dependente do metabolismo oxidativo que ocorre nas mitocôndrias. Danos as estas organelas podem levar ao decréscimo da produção de energia, tendo um impacto direto sobre a performance cardíaca. Ainda, ao interagir com as células, a radiação ionizante pode gerar uma série de eventos bioquímicos que conduzem a uma resposta celular complexa, em que muitas proteínas parecem estar envolvidas. Tendo em vista tais conhecimentos, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o aspecto ultraestrutural do tecido cardíaco, a bioenergética mitocondrial e a expressão diferencial de proteínas após irradiação. Os ensaios foram realizados em amostras de tecido cardíaco de ratos Wistar irradiados com dose única de 20 Gy direcionada ao coração. As análise tiveram início 4 e 32 semanas após irradiação. A análise ultraestrutural foi realizada através de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. A respiração mitocondrial foi mensurada em oxígrafo, a partir das taxas de consumo de oxigênio pelas fibras cardíacas. A identificação de proteínas diferencialmente expressas foi investigada através de duas técnicas proteômicas: 2D-DIGE (2-D Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis) e uma abordagem label-free seguida de espectrometria de massas. Os resultados mostraram que os efeitos tardios da radiação incluem a degeneração das mitocôndrias e das unidades contráteis do tecido cardíaco, disfunções na cadeia respiratória mitocondrial e expressão diferencial de proteínas...

During radiotherapy for tumors located at toracic region, part of the heart is often included in the treatment field and may receive a significant ionizing radiation dose comparing to the therapeutics. Heart irradiation is able to cause substantial cardiac complications to patient, characterized by functional progressive changes from 10 to 20 years after the exposure of the organ. Because of its high level of contraction and large energetic consumption, cardiac tissue is highly depending on oxidative metabolism which happens at mitochondrias. Damage to these organelles can lead to decreased energy production, having a direct impact on cardiac performance. Even when interacting with cells, ionizing radiation can generate a series of biochemical events that lead to a complex cellular response, in many proteins seem to be involved. Given this knowledge, the aim of the study was to evaluate the ultrastructural appearance of cardiac tissue, mitochondrial bioenergetics and differential expression of proteins after irradiation. The tests were performed on samples of cardiac tissue of rats irradiated with single dose of 20 Gy directed to the heart. The analysis started 4 to 32 weeks after irradiation. The ultrastructural analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiration was measured in oxigraph from rates of oxygen consumption by cardiac fibers. The identification of differentially expressed proteins was investigated using two proteomic techniques: 2D-DIGE (2-D Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis) and a label-free approach followed by mass spectrometry. The results showed that the late effects of radiation include degeneration of mitochondria and contractile units of cardiac tissue, dysfunction in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and differential expression of proteins involved in energy metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and phosphocreatine. In general, the study showed that the cardiac irradiation damages...

Bioterápicos de Candida albicans induzem alterações nos índices de adesão e na respiração celular / Biotherapics of Candida albicans induce changes in the levels of adhesion and in cellular respiration

Introdução: O gênero Candida spp é responsável por cerca de 80% das infecções fúngicas no ambiente hospitalar e constitui causa relevante de infecções sistêmicas em pacientes hospitalizados, especialmente em doentes graves e em imunocomprometidos, com predominância da Candida albicans. A adesão das leveduras às células epiteliais do hospedeiro é um potente estimulador para a formação de hifas, forma invasiva do fungo [1]. Os bioterápicos são medicamentos preparados a partir de produtos biológicos, elaborados conforme a Farmacopeia Homeopática Brasileira (FHB)[2], indicados para tratamento de infecções de etiologia conhecida, empregados com grande sucesso no tratamento clínico destas infecções. Os bioterápicos RC, desenvolvidos pelo médico brasileiro Roberto Costa (RC) são preparados a partir do agente etiológico íntegro e, segundo suas pesquisas, possuem maior capacidade de estimular o sistema imunológico do hospedeiro.

Study on hemiparasitic mechanism of Thesium chinense / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the hemiparasitic mechanism of Thesium chinense.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The anatomical structure of T. chinense was studied by using paraffin slice and electron microscope slice. Chlorophyll content was measured by UV spectrometry. Foliar photosynthesis (P(n)) and gas exchange were measured by using a LI-6400 photosynthesis system.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Chloroplast possesses intact granal thylakoid system, lamella was strong. Vascular tissue of T. chinense was strong. Vessel aperture and its transport power were strong both in root and stem. There were many global haustoriums on lateral roots. Vascular tissues were strong inside haustorium, haustorial stylet penetrated epidermis and cortex of host root, and reached pith place, haustorial vessel was integrated with host root vessel. The maximum of P(n) of T. chinense reached 7.06 micromol x m(-2) x s(-1), its water use efficiency was lower, about 0.735 mmol x mol(-1), its transpiration varied notable in daytime and was relatively invariant at nighttime, and the value of daytime was greatly exceed that of nighttime.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>T. chinense despoils water and nutrition from its host by haustorium. T. chinense can mostly be independent as for C supply by photosynthesis.</p>

Effect of pinocembrin on brain mitochondrial respiratory function / 药学学报

There are growing evidences that pinocembrin has better neuroprotective effect. In the present study, the effect of pinocembrin on mitochondrial respiratory function was evaluated in global brain ischemia/ reperfusion (4-vessel occlusion, 4-VO) rats. The results showed that pinocembrin improved the respiratory activity of 4-VO brain mitochondria, through increasing ADP/O, state 3 respiration state (V3), respiration control rate index (RCI) and oxidative phosphorylation rate (OPR). And then, the effect of pinocembrin on brain mitochondria was verified in vitro. The results showed that pinocembrin increased ADP/O, state 3 respiration state, respiration control rate index, oxidative phosphorylation rate in NADH/FADH2 dependent respiratory chain and decreased state 4 respiration state (V4) in NADH dependent respiratory chain. Pinocembrin improved ATP content in brain mitochondria in vitro and in SH-SY5Y cells.

High glucose impairs mitochondrial respiratory chain function in pancreatic beta cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of high glucose on mitochondrial respiratory chain function in INS-1 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The pancreatic beta cell line INS-1 was divided into the normal control (NC), high glucose (HG), and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment groups, which were cultured for 72 h in the presence of 5.5 mmol/L glucose, 16.7 mmol/L glucose, and 16.7 mmol/L glucose with 1.0 mmol/L NAC, respectively. The activities of the enzyme complexes I and III of the respiratory chain in the cells were assessed with spectrophotometry, the ATP levels were examined using a luciferinluciferase kit, and insulin levels detected by radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The activities of the respiratory chain enzyme complexes I and III were 1.53-/+0.24 and 1.08-/+0.22 micromol.mg(-1).min(-1) in high glucose group, respectively, significantly lower than those in the normal control group (2.31-/+0.33 and 1.92-/+0.39 micromol.mg(-1).min(-1), P<0.01). ATP and insulin levels also decreased significantly in high glucose group as compared with those in the normal control group (P<0.01). The addition of NAC partially inhibited high glucose-induced decreases in the enzyme complex activities, ATP levels and insulin secretion (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The respiratory chain function is positively correlated to insulin secretion in INS-1 cells, and exposure to high glucose causes impairment of the two enzyme complexes activities through oxidative stress, resulting in the mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction. High glucose-induced damages of the mitochondrial respiratory chain function can be partially inhibited by NAC.</p>

[Effect of prone position on oxygenation in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation]

One of the nurses' roles in patient care is frequent position change in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Because of attaching many lines and tubes to these patients, they are in supine or lateral positions most of the time. Nurses prefer these positions due to making care simple. Many studies have shown that prone position has positive effects on oxygenation and ventilation. However, other studies have shown some negative effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prone position on oxygenation in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. In this quasi-experimental study, 36 patients were selected using simple sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire and oxygenation data sheet. First, patients were put in supine position. After 30 and 120 minutes, oxygenation was assessed. Then they were changed to prone position and after 30 and 120 minutes oxygenation was reassessed. Data were analyzed using paired t test, spearman, and fisher exact tests in SPSS. The results indicated that there was significant differences between prone position and the amount of spo2 and sao2 oxygenation after 30 and 120 minutes [P < 0.001]. Prone positioning was effective on oxygenation after 30 and 120 minutes; so nurse should use this position in their care

Changes of the body weight, fat mass and aerobic capacity and energy intake, following the skipped meal in young women

Young girls often intend to use food restricted diets to loose their body weight and to be fit. This study was carried out in order to determine the effect of food restriction on the changes of body weight, body fatness, aerobic capacity and energy intake in young women in Tehran. In a Quasi-experimental study, 40 volunteers were selected from girl students. Their weight, height, body fatness [by measuring Triceps Skin fold [TSF] Thickness], aerobic capacity [VO2max] and energy intake were measured at the beginning of the study. The students were asked to skip one of their meals per day for a period of four weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, all variables were measured again and compared with the previous data. Data were analyzed using paired t test. No significant differences were seen in weight, BMI, TSF and VO2max [P > 0.05]. We also did not find any significant difference in energy intake following the skipped meal in young women [P > 0.05]. The results of this study demonstrate that the food restriction for four weeks in young women has no significant effect in body weight and fatness. It seems that there is a physiological adaptation in energy intake and expenditure

Metabolic aspects of skeletal muscles

Differences in the metabolic patterns of the skeletal muscles are biochemically important. Muscle performance declines during intense activity due to changes in some metabolic and physiological events. This review illustrates how biochemical knowledge illuminates the response of muscular tissues to such changes

Effect of water stress on growth and accumulation of active components of Isatis indigotica / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of water stress on the growth and accumulation of active components of Isatis indigotica.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>By pot culture experiment,the characteristic indexes of water requirement, chlorophyll content, transpiration rate, photosynthesis, biomass and effective ingredient indirubin were studied under normal and water stress conditions, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>With the increase of the extent and duration of water stress, the quantity of water requirement, chlorophyll content, respiration rate, photosynthesis and biomass of I. indigotica were decreased, while water use efficiency increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is a critical period of water requirement in July, high water content in soil and extreme water stress are not propitious to the accumulation of indirubin, appropriate water stress can stimulate indirubin accumulatio. The harvest of leaves of I. indigotica is optimal in July, while the harvest of root is appropriate in October. Yield and quantity of I. indigotica are improved when the field capacity is between 45% and 70%.</p>