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Merigo G, Florio G, Madotto F, Magliocca A, Silvestri I, Fumagalli F, Cerrato M, Motta F, De Giorgio D, Panigada M, Zanella A, Grasselli G, Ristagno G. Treatment with inhaled Argon: a systematic review of pre-clinical and clinical studies with meta-analysis on neuroprotective effect. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105143. [PMID: 38691938 PMCID: PMC11070688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Argon (Ar) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent in multiple clinical conditions, specifically in organ protection. However, conflicting data on pre-clinical models, together with a great variability in Ar administration protocols and outcome assessments, have been reported. The aim of this study was to review evidence on treatment with Ar, with an extensive investigation on its neuroprotective effect, and to summarise all tested administration protocols. METHODS Using the PubMed database, all existing pre-clinical and clinical studies on the treatment with Ar were systematically reviewed (registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7983D). Study titles and abstracts were screened, extracting data from relevant studies post full-text review. Exclusion criteria included absence of full text and non-English language. Furthermore, meta-analysis was also performed to assess Ar potential as neuroprotectant agent in different clinical conditions: cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, subarachnoid haemorrhage. Standardised mean differences for neurological, cognitive and locomotor, histological, and physiological measures were evaluated, through appropriate tests, clinical, and laboratory variables. In vivo studies were evaluated for risk of bias using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool, while in vitro studies underwent assessment with a tool developed by the Office of Health Assessment and Translation. FINDINGS The systematic review detected 60 experimental studies (16 in vitro, 7 ex vivo, 31 in vivo, 6 with both in vitro and in vivo) investigating the role of Ar. Only one clinical study was found. Data from six in vitro and nineteen in vivo studies were included in the meta-analyses. In pre-clinical models, Ar administration resulted in improved neurological, cognitive and locomotor, and histological outcomes without any change in physiological parameters (i.e., absence of adverse events). INTERPRETATION This systematic review and meta-analysis based on experimental studies supports the neuroprotective effect of Ar, thus providing a rationale for potential translation of Ar treatment in humans. Despite adherence to established guidelines and methodologies, limitations in data availability prevented further analyses to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity due to study design. FUNDING This study was funded in part by Italian Ministry of Health-Current researchIRCCS and by Ministero della Salute Italiano, Ricerca Finalizzata, project no. RF 2019-12371416.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Merigo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Florio
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiana Madotto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurora Magliocca
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Silvestri
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fumagalli
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Cerrato
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Motta
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daria De Giorgio
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Panigada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanella
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Grasselli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ristagno
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Kovalenko AL, Chefranova ZY, Kharitonova TV, Lycheva NA, Kondakova VA, Pfarger IA, Ketlinskaya OS. [Results of a clinical and experimental study of the safety and efficacy of Cytoflavin in combination with reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:75-81. [PMID: 37655414 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202312308175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and safety of Cytoflavin in combination with thrombolytic therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS At the first preclinical stage, the effect of Cytoflavin, solution for intravenous administration, on the fibrinolytic activity of alteplase (Actilyse) was studied in vitro. At the second, clinical stage, the safety and efficacy of Cytoflavin treatment, initiated within in the first 24 hours from the stroke onset and continued for 10 days, was evaluated in patients with acute stroke who received reperfusion therapy. At the clinical stage of the study, 200 patients were examined: 100 subjects of the main group who received reperfusion therapy in combination with Cytoflavin; 100 control subjects who received reperfusion therapy in combination with other drugs from the neuroprotective group as part of routine clinical practice. RESULTS The preclinical study has demonstrated that alteplase in the studied concentrations debulks the mass of a thrombus by 2131%. There were no statistically significant differences in the reduction of thrombus weight with addition of Cytoflavin at various concentrations combined with alteplase to the incubation medium. The addition of Cytoflavin to the incubation medium with alteplase had no effect on the concentration of D-dimer in the rat's plasma. In the clinical study, there were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of intracranial hemorrhages of various types between the study groups. In the multivariable analysis, significant predictors of intracranial hemorrhage were baseline NIHSS score, systolic blood pressure, history of diabetes and anticoagulant use, baseline CT ASPECTS score, but not the treatment group. CONCLUSION The use of Cytoflavin in combination with thrombolytic therapy is safe. Up-to-date treatment of stroke which includes timely reperfusion and neurometabolic support of recovery leads to the rapid manifest regression of the neurological deficit and to the improvement in functioning and activity of patients with cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zh Yu Chefranova
- Belgorod Regional Clinical Hospital of Saint Josaph, Belgorod, Russia
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He J, Xue K, Liu J, Gu JH, Peng B, Xu L, Wang G, Jiang Z, Li X, Zhang Y. Timely and Appropriate Administration of Inhaled Argon Provides Better Outcomes for tMCAO Mice: A Controlled, Randomized, and Double-Blind Animal Study. Neurocrit Care 2022; 37:91-101. [PMID: 35137354 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-022-01448-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhaled argon (iAr) has shown promising therapeutic efficacy for acute ischemic stroke and has exhibited impressive advantages over other inert gases as a neuroprotective agent. However, the optimal dose, duration, and time point of iAr for acute ischemic stroke are unknown. Here, we explored variable iAr schedules and evaluated the neuroprotective effects of acute iAr administration on lesion volume, brain edema, and neurological function in a mouse model of cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury. METHODS Adult ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were randomly subjected to sham, moderate (1.5 h), or severe (3 h) transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). One hour after tMCAO, the mice were randomized to variable iAr protocols or air. General and focal deficit scores were assessed during double-blind treatment. Infarct volume, overall recovery, and brain edema were analyzed 24 h after cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury. RESULTS Compared with those in the tMCAO-only group, lesion volume (p < 0.0001) and neurologic outcome (general, p < 0.0001; focal, p < 0.0001) were significantly improved in the group administered iAr 1 h after stroke onset (during ischemia). Short-term argon treatment (1 or 3 h) significantly improved the infarct volume (1 vs. 24 h, p < 0.0001; 3 vs. 24 h, p < 0.0001) compared with argon inhalation for 24 h. The concentration of iAr was confirmed to be a key factor in improving focal neurological outcomes relative to that in the tMCAO group, with higher concentrations of iAr showing better effects. Additionally, even though ischemia research has shown an increase in cerebral damage proportional to the ischemia time, argon administration showed significant neuroprotective effects on infarct volume (p < 0.0001), neurological deficits (general, p < 0.0001; focal, p < 0.0001), weight recovery (p < 0.0001), and edema (p < 0.0001) in general, particularly in moderate stroke. CONCLUSIONS Timely iAr administration during ischemia showed optimal neurological outcomes and minimal infarct volumes. Moreover, an appropriate duration of argon administration was important for better neuroprotective efficacy. These findings may provide vital guidance for using argon as a neuroprotective agent and moving to clinical trials in acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan He
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Xue
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Hua Gu
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Peng
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihua Xu
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guohua Wang
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenglin Jiang
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yunfeng Zhang
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Zafonte RD, Wang L, Arbelaez CA, Dennison R, Teng YD. Medical Gas Therapy for Tissue, Organ, and CNS Protection: A Systematic Review of Effects, Mechanisms, and Challenges. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104136. [PMID: 35243825 PMCID: PMC9069381 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous molecules have been increasingly explored for therapeutic development. Here, following an analytical background introduction, a systematic review of medical gas research is presented, focusing on tissue protections, mechanisms, data tangibility, and translational challenges. The pharmacological efficacies of carbon monoxide (CO) and xenon (Xe) are further examined with emphasis on intracellular messengers associated with cytoprotection and functional improvement for the CNS, heart, retina, liver, kidneys, lungs, etc. Overall, the outcome supports the hypothesis that readily deliverable "biological gas" (CO, H2 , H2 S, NO, O2 , O3 , and N2 O) or "noble gas" (He, Ar, and Xe) treatment may preserve cells against common pathologies by regulating oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, survival, and/or repair processes. Specifically, CO, in safe dosages, elicits neurorestoration via igniting sGC/cGMP/MAPK signaling and crosstalk between HO-CO, HIF-1α/VEGF, and NOS pathways. Xe rescues neurons through NMDA antagonism and PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/ERK activation. Primary findings also reveal that the need to utilize cutting-edge molecular and genetic tactics to validate mechanistic targets and optimize outcome consistency remains urgent; the number of neurotherapeutic investigations is limited, without published results from large in vivo models. Lastly, the broad-spectrum, concurrent multimodal homeostatic actions of medical gases may represent a novel pharmaceutical approach to treating critical organ failure and neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross D. Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Neurotrauma Recovery Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
- Spaulding Research InstituteSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NetworkBostonMA02129USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
| | - Christian A. Arbelaez
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
| | - Rachel Dennison
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
| | - Yang D. Teng
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Neurotrauma Recovery Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
- Spaulding Research InstituteSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NetworkBostonMA02129USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
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Schneider FI, Krieg SM, Lindauer U, Stoffel M, Ryang YM. Neuroprotective Effects of the Inert Gas Argon on Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury In Vivo with the Controlled Cortical Impact Model in Mice. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020158. [PMID: 35205025 PMCID: PMC8869506 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Traumatic brain injuries remain one of the leading causes of death in the western world and developing countries. There is an urgent need for causal therapies for such injuries. The noble gas argon has already shown promising results in in-vitro models. The influence of argon on the extent of damage after a craniocerebral trauma will be investigated in this study, in vivo, in mice. After the trauma, the animals were examined for neurological impairments and their brains were removed to detect brain edema and microscopically detectable alterations. Abstract Argon has shown neuroprotective effects after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral ischemia in vitro and in focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. The purpose of this study is to show whether argon beneficially impacts brain contusion volume (BCV) as the primary outcome parameter, as well as secondary outcome parameters, such as brain edema, intracranial pressure (ICP), neurological outcome, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in an in-vivo model. Subjects were randomly assigned to either argon treatment or room air. After applying controlled cortical impact (CCI) onto the dura with 8 m/s (displacement 1 mm, impact duration 150 ms), treatment was administered by a recovery chamber with 25%, 50%, or 75% argon and the rest being oxygen for 4 h after trauma. Two control groups received room air for 15 min and 24 h, respectively. Neurological testing and ICP measurements were performed 24 h after trauma, and brains were removed to measure secondary brain damage. The primary outcome parameter, BCV, and the secondary outcome parameter, brain edema, were not significantly reduced by argon treatment at any concentration. There was a highly significant decrease in ICP at 50% argon (p = 0.001), and significant neurological improvement (beamwalk missteps) at 25% and 50% argon (p = 0.01; p = 0.049 respectively) compared to control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz I. Schneider
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (F.I.S.); (U.L.); (M.S.); (Y.-M.R.)
| | - Sandro M. Krieg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (F.I.S.); (U.L.); (M.S.); (Y.-M.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-4140-2151
| | - Ute Lindauer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (F.I.S.); (U.L.); (M.S.); (Y.-M.R.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum der RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Stoffel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (F.I.S.); (U.L.); (M.S.); (Y.-M.R.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helios Kliniken, 47805 Krefeld, Germany
| | - Yu-Mi Ryang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (F.I.S.); (U.L.); (M.S.); (Y.-M.R.)
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Cahill J, Ruffing AM. Revisiting the Effects of Xenon on Urate Oxidase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator: No Evidence for Inhibition by Noble Gases. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:574477. [PMID: 33024747 PMCID: PMC7516214 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.574477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although chemically inert, Xe and other noble gases have been shown to have functional effects on biological systems. For example, Xe is a powerful anesthetic with neuroprotective properties. Recent reports have claimed that Xe inhibits the activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urate oxidase (UOX), indicating that the use of Xe as an anesthetic may have undesirable side effects. Here, we revisited the methods used to demonstrate Xe inhibition of UOX and tPA, testing both indirect and direct gas delivery methods with variable bubble sizes and gas flowrates. Our results indicate that Xe or Kr do not affect the activity of UOX or tPA and that the previously reported inhibition is due to protein damage attendant to directly bubbling gases into protein solutions. The lack of evidence to support Xe inhibition of UOX or tPA alleviates concerns regarding possible side effects for the clinical application of Xe as an anesthetic. Furthermore, this study illustrates the importance of using indirect methods of gas dissolution for studying gas-protein interactions in aqueous solution.
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Nespoli F, Redaelli S, Ruggeri L, Fumagalli F, Olivari D, Ristagno G. A complete review of preclinical and clinical uses of the noble gas argon: Evidence of safety and protection. Ann Card Anaesth 2020; 22:122-135. [PMID: 30971592 PMCID: PMC6489383 DOI: 10.4103/aca.aca_111_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The noble gas argon (Ar) is a "biologically" active element and has been extensively studied preclinically for its organ protection properties. This work reviews all preclinical studies employing Ar and describes the clinical uses reported in literature, analyzing 55 pertinent articles found by means of a search on PubMed and Embase. Ventilation with Ar has been tested in different models of acute disease at concentrations ranging from 20% to 80% and for durations between a few minutes up to days. Overall, lesser cell death, smaller infarct size, and better functional recovery after ischemia have been repeatedly observed. Modulation of the molecular pathways involved in cell survival, with resulting anti-apoptotic and pro-survival effects, appeared as the determinant mechanism by which Ar fulfills its protective role. These beneficial effects have been reported regardless of onset and duration of Ar exposure, especially after cardiac arrest. In addition, ventilation with Ar was safe both in animals and humans. Thus, preclinical and clinical data support future clinical studies on the role of inhalatory Ar as an organ protector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nespoli
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Redaelli
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Ruggeri
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fumagalli
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Olivari
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ristagno
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Argon Inhalation for 24 Hours After Onset of Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats Provides Neuroprotection and Improves Neurologic Outcome. Crit Care Med 2020; 47:e693-e699. [PMID: 31094741 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000003809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We tested the hypothesis that prolonged inhalation of 70% argon for 24 hours after in vivo permanent or temporary stroke provides neuroprotection and improves neurologic outcome and overall recovery after 7 days. DESIGN Controlled, randomized, double-blinded laboratory study. SETTING Animal research laboratories. SUBJECTS Adult Wistar male rats (n = 110). INTERVENTIONS Rats were subjected to permanent or temporary focal cerebral ischemia via middle cerebral artery occlusion, followed by inhalation of 70% argon or nitrogen in 30% oxygen for 24 hours. On postoperative day 7, a 48-point neuroscore and histologic lesion size were assessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS After argon inhalation for 24 hours immediately following "severe permanent ischemia" induction, neurologic outcome (neuroscore, p = 0.034), overall recovery (body weight, p = 0.02), and infarct volume (total infarct volume, p = 0.0001; cortical infarct volume, p = 0.0003; subcortical infarct volume, p = 0.0001) were significantly improved. When 24-hour argon treatment was delayed for 2 hours after permanent stroke induction or until after postischemic reperfusion treatment, neurologic outcomes remained significantly improved (neuroscore, p = 0.043 and p = 0.014, respectively), as was overall recovery (body weight, p = 0.015), compared with nitrogen treatment. However, infarct volume and 7-day mortality were not significantly reduced when argon treatment was delayed. CONCLUSIONS Neurologic outcome (neuroscore), overall recovery (body weight), and infarct volumes were significantly improved after 24-hour inhalation of 70% argon administered immediately after severe permanent stroke induction. Neurologic outcome and overall recovery were also significantly improved even when argon treatment was delayed for 2 hours or until after reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh G Nair
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Grüßer L, Blaumeiser-Debarry R, Krings M, Kremer B, Höllig A, Rossaint R, Coburn M. Argon attenuates the emergence of secondary injury after traumatic brain injury within a 2-hour incubation period compared to desflurane: an in vitro study. Med Gas Res 2017; 7:93-100. [PMID: 28744361 PMCID: PMC5510299 DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.208512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite years of research, treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains challenging. Considerable data exists that some volatile anesthetics might be neuroprotective. However, several studies have also revealed a rather neurotoxic profile of anesthetics. In this study, we investigated the effects of argon 50%, desflurane 6% and their combination in an in vitro TBI model with incubation times similar to narcotic time slots in a daily clinical routine. Organotypic hippocampal brain slices of 5- to 7-day-old mice were cultivated for 14 days before TBI was performed. Slices were eventually incubated for 2 hours in an atmosphere containing no anesthetic gas, argon 50% or desflurane 6% or both. Trauma intensity was evaluated via fluorescent imagery. Our results show that neither argon 50% nor desflurane 6% nor their combination could significantly reduce the trauma intensity in comparison to the standard atmosphere. However, in comparison to desflurane 6%, argon 50% displayed a rather neuroprotective profile within the first 2 hours after a focal mechanical trauma (P = 0.015). A 2-hour incubation in an atmosphere containing both gases, argon 50% and desflurane 6%, did not result in significant effects in comparison to the argon 50% group or the desflurane 6% group. Our findings demonstrate that within a 2-hour incubation time neither argon nor desflurane could affect propidium iodide-detectable cell death in an in vitro TBI model in comparison to the standard atmosphere, although cell death was less with argon 50% than with desflurane 6%. The results show that within this short time period processes concerning the development of secondary injury are already taking place and may be manipulated by argon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Grüßer
- Department of Anesthesiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Krings
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medizinisches Zentrum StaedteRegion Aachen, Wuerselen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kremer
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anke Höllig
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rolf Rossaint
- Department of Anesthesiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mark Coburn
- Department of Anesthesiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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Litwin PD, Reis Dib AL, Chen J, Noga M, Finlay WH, Martin AR. Theoretical and experimental evaluation of the effects of an argon gas mixture on the pressure drop through adult tracheobronchial airway replicas. J Biomech 2017; 58:217-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Modulation by the Noble Gas Helium of Tissue Plasminogen Activator: Effects in a Rat Model of Thromboembolic Stroke. Crit Care Med 2017; 44:e383-9. [PMID: 26646461 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000001424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTERVENTIONS Helium has been shown to provide neuroprotection in mechanical model of acute ischemic stroke by inducing hypothermia, a condition shown by itself to reduce the thrombolytic and proteolytic properties of tissue plasminogen activator. However, whether or not helium interacts with the thrombolytic drug tissue plasminogen activator, the only approved therapy of acute ischemic stroke still remains unknown. This point is not trivial since previous data have shown the critical importance of the time at which the neuroprotective noble gases xenon and argon should be administered, during or after ischemia, in order not to block tissue plasminogen activator-induced thrombolysis and to obtain neuroprotection and inhibition of tissue plasminogen activator-induced brain hemorrhages. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We show that helium of 25-75 vol% inhibits in a concentration-dependent fashion the catalytic and thrombolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator in vitro and ex vivo. In vivo, in rats subjected to thromboembolic brain ischemia, we found that intraischemic helium at 75 vol% inhibits tissue plasminogen activator-induced thrombolysis and subsequent reduction of ischemic brain damage and that postischemic helium at 75 vol% reduces ischemic brain damage and brain hemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS In a clinical perspective for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, these data suggest that helium 1) should not be administered before or together with tissue plasminogen activator therapy due to the risk of inhibiting the benefit of tissue plasminogen activator-induced thrombolysis; and 2) could be an efficient neuroprotective agent if given after tissue plasminogen activator-induced reperfusion.
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Ulmer TF, Fragoulis A, Dohmeier H, Kroh A, Andert A, Stoppe C, Alizai H, Klink C, Coburn M, Neumann UP. Argon Delays Initiation of Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy in Rats. Eur Surg Res 2017; 58:204-215. [PMID: 28433997 DOI: 10.1159/000466690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver can heal up to restitutio ad integrum following damage resulting from various causes. Different studies have demonstrated the protective effect of argon on various cells and organs. To the best of our knowledge, the organ-protective effects of the noble gas argon on the liver have not yet been investigated, although argon appears to influence signal paths that are well-known mediators of liver regeneration. We hypothesized that argon inhalation prior to partial hepatectomy (70%) has a positive effect on the initiation of liver regeneration in rats. METHODS Partial hepatectomy (70%) with or without inhaled argon (50 vol%) was performed for 1 h. Liver tissue was harvested after 3, 36, and 96 h to analyze the mRNA and protein expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Histological tissue samples were prepared for immunohistochemistry (bromodeoxyuridine [BrdU], Ki-67, and TUNEL) and blood was analyzed regarding the effects of argon on liver function. Statistical analyses were performed using 1-way ANOVA followed by the post hoc Tukey-Kramer test. RESULTS After 3 h, the primary outcome parameter of hepatocyte proliferation was significantly reduced with argon 50 vol% inhalation in comparison to nitrogen inhalation (BrdU: 15.7 ± 9.7 vs. 7.7 ± 3.1 positive cells/1,000 hepatocytes, p = 0.013; Ki-67: 17.6 ± 13.3 vs. 4.7 ± 5.4 positive cells/1,000 hepatocytes, p = 0.006). This was most likely mediated by significant downregulation of HGF (after 3 h: 5.2 ± 3.2 vs. 2.3 ± 1.0 fold, p = 0.032; after 96 h: 2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 fold, p = 0.029) and IL-6 (after 3 h: 43.7 ± 39.6 vs. 8.5 ± 9.2 fold, p = 0.032). Nevertheless, we could detect no significant effect on the weight of the residual liver, liver-body weight ratio, or liver blood test results after argon inhalation. CONCLUSION Impairment of liver regeneration was apparent after argon 50 vol% inhalation that was most probably mediated by downregulation of HGF and IL-6 in the initial phase. However, the present study was not adequately powered to prove that argon has detrimental effects on the liver. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of argon on livers with preexisting conditions as well as on ischemia-reperfusion models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Florian Ulmer
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Lemoine S, Blanchart K, Souplis M, Lemaitre A, Legallois D, Coulbault L, Simard C, Allouche S, Abraini JH, Hanouz JL, Rouet R, Sallé L, Guinamard R, Manrique A. Argon Exposure Induces Postconditioning in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2017; 22:564-573. [PMID: 28381122 DOI: 10.1177/1074248417702891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) damages remains a major concern during prehospital management of acute myocardial infarction. Noble gases have shown beneficial effects in preconditioning studies. Because emergency proceedings in the context of myocardial infarction require postconditioning strategies, we evaluated the effects of argon in such protocols on mammalian cardiac tissue. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES In rat, cardiac I/R was induced in vivo by transient coronary artery ligature and cardiac functions were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-induced arrhythmias were evaluated in vitro using intracellular microelectrodes on both rat-isolated ventricle and a model of border zone in guinea pig ventricle. Hypoxia-reoxygenation loss of contractile force was assessed in human atrial appendages. In those models, postconditioning was induced by 5 minutes application of argon at the time of reperfusion. KEY RESULTS In the in vivo model, I/R produced left ventricular ejection fraction decrease (24%) and wall motion score increase (36%) which was prevented when argon was applied in postconditioning. In vitro, argon postconditioning abolished H/R-induced arrhythmias such as early after depolarizations, conduction blocks, and reentries. Recovery of contractile force in human atrial appendages after H/R was enhanced in the argon group, increasing from 51% ± 2% in the nonconditioned group to 83% ± 7% in the argon-treated group ( P < .001). This effect of argon was abolished in the presence of wortmannin and PD98059 which inhibit prosurvival phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and MEK/extracellular receptor kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), respectively, or in the presence of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opener atractyloside, suggesting the involvement of the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Argon has strong cardioprotective properties when applied in conditions of postconditioning and thus appears as a potential therapeutic tool in I/R situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Lemoine
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Katrien Blanchart
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Mathieu Souplis
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Adrien Lemaitre
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Damien Legallois
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Laurent Coulbault
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Christophe Simard
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Stéphane Allouche
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Jacques H Abraini
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Jean-Luc Hanouz
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - René Rouet
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Laurent Sallé
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Romain Guinamard
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Alain Manrique
- 1 Signalisation, Electrophysiologie et Imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
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Argon blocks the expression of locomotor sensitization to amphetamine through antagonism at the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 and mu-opioid receptor in the nucleus accumbens. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e594. [PMID: 26151922 PMCID: PMC5068729 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of the noble gas argon on the expression of locomotor sensitization to amphetamine and amphetamine-induced changes in dopamine release and mu-opioid neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens. We found (1) argon blocked the increase in carrier-mediated dopamine release induced by amphetamine in brain slices, but, in contrast, potentiated the decrease in KCl-evoked dopamine release induced by amphetamine, thereby suggesting that argon inhibited the vesicular monoamine transporter-2; (2) argon blocked the expression of locomotor and mu-opioid neurotransmission sensitization induced by repeated amphetamine administration in a short-term model of sensitization in rats; (3) argon decreased the maximal number of binding sites and increased the dissociation constant of mu-receptors in membrane preparations, thereby indicating that argon is a mu-receptor antagonist; (4) argon blocked the expression of locomotor sensitization and context-dependent locomotor activity induced by repeated administration of amphetamine in a long-term model of sensitization. Taken together, these data indicate that argon could be of potential interest for treating drug addiction and dependence.
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Ulbrich F, Kaufmann KB, Coburn M, Lagrèze WA, Roesslein M, Biermann J, Buerkle H, Loop T, Goebel U. Neuroprotective effects of Argon are mediated via an ERK-1/2 dependent regulation of heme-oxygenase-1 in retinal ganglion cells. J Neurochem 2015; 134:717-27. [PMID: 25876941 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ischemia and reperfusion injuries (R-IRI) damage neuronal tissue permanently. Recently, we demonstrated that Argon exerts anti-apoptotic and protective properties. The molecular mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesized that Argon inhalation exert neuroprotective effects in rats retinal ganglion cells (RGC) via an ERK-1/2 dependent regulation of heat-shock proteins. Inhalation of Argon (75 Vol%) was performed after R-IRI on the rats' left eyes for 1 h immediately or with delay. Retinal tissue was harvested after 24 h to analyze mRNA and protein expression of heat-shock proteins -70, -90 and heme-oxygenase-1, mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, JNK, ERK-1/2) and histological changes. To analyze ERK dependent effects, the ERK inhibitor PD98059 was applicated prior to Argon inhalation. RGC count was analyzed 7 days after injury. Statistics were performed using anova. Argon significantly reduced the R-IRI-affected heat-shock protein expression (p < 0.05). While Argon significantly induced ERK-1/2 expression (p < 0.001), inhibition of ERK-1/2 before Argon inhalation resulted in significantly lower vital RGCs (p < 0.01) and increase in heme-oxygenase-1 (p < 0.05). R-IRI-induced RGC loss was reduced by Argon inhalation (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry suggested ERK-1/2 activation in Müller cells. We conclude, that Argon treatment protects R-IRI-induced apoptotic loss of RGC via an ERK-1/2 dependent regulation of heme-oxygenase-1. We proposed the following possible mechanism for Argon-mediated neuroprotection: Argon exerts its protective effects via an induction of an ERK with subsequent suppression of the heat shock response. In conclusion, ischemia and reperfusion injuries and subsequent neuronal apoptosis are attenuated. These novel findings may open up new opportunities for Argon as a therapeutic option, especially since Argon is not toxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Ulbrich
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kai B Kaufmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mark Coburn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Martin Roesslein
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Biermann
- Eye Center, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Buerkle
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Loop
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Goebel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
In saturation diving, divers stay under pressure until most of their tissues are saturated with breathing gas. Divers spend a long time in isolation exposed to increased partial pressure of oxygen, potentially toxic gases, bacteria, and bubble formation during decompression combined with shift work and long periods of relative inactivity. Hyperoxia may lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that interact with cell structures, causing damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acid. Vascular gas-bubble formation and hyperoxia may lead to dysfunction of the endothelium. The antioxidant status of the diver is an important mechanism in the protection against injury and is influenced both by diet and genetic factors. The factors mentioned above may lead to production of heat shock proteins (HSP) that also may have a negative effect on endothelial function. On the other hand, there is a great deal of evidence that HSPs may also have a "conditioning" effect, thus protecting against injury. As people age, their ability to produce antioxidants decreases. We do not currently know the capacity for antioxidant defense, but it is reasonable to assume that it has a limit. Many studies have linked ROS to disease states such as cancer, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and atherosclerosis as well as to old age. However, ROS are also involved in a number of protective mechanisms, for instance immune defense, antibacterial action, vascular tone, and signal transduction. Low-grade oxidative stress can increase antioxidant production. While under pressure, divers change depth frequently. After such changes and at the end of the dive, divers must follow procedures to decompress safely. Decompression sickness (DCS) used to be one of the major causes of injury in saturation diving. Improved decompression procedures have significantly reduced the number of reported incidents; however, data indicate considerable underreporting of injuries. Furthermore, divers who are required to return to the surface quickly are under higher risk of serious injury as no adequate decompression procedures for such situations are available. Decompression also leads to the production of endothelial microparticles that may reduce endothelial function. As good endothelial function is a documented indicator of health that can be influenced by regular exercise, regular physical exercise is recommended for saturation divers. Nowadays, saturation diving is a reasonably safe and well controlled method for working under water. Until now, no long-term impact on health due to diving has been documented. However, we still have limited knowledge about the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved. In particular we know little about the effect of long exposure to hyperoxia and microparticles on the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alf O Brubakk
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Smit KF, Weber NC, Hollmann MW, Preckel B. Noble gases as cardioprotectants - translatability and mechanism. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2062-73. [PMID: 25363501 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several noble gases, although classified as inert substances, exert a tissue-protective effect in different experimental models when applied before organ ischaemia as an early or late preconditioning stimulus, after ischaemia as a post-conditioning stimulus or when given in combination before, during and/or after ischaemia. A wide range of organs can be protected by these inert substances, in particular cardiac and neuronal tissue. In this review we summarize the data on noble gas-induced cardioprotection, focusing on the underlying protective mechanisms. We will also look at translatability of experimental data to the clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten F Smit
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A), Academic Medical Centre (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ulbrich F, Schallner N, Coburn M, Loop T, Lagrèze WA, Biermann J, Goebel U. Argon inhalation attenuates retinal apoptosis after ischemia/reperfusion injury in a time- and dose-dependent manner in rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115984. [PMID: 25535961 PMCID: PMC4275290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal ischemia and reperfusion injuries (IRI) permanently affect neuronal tissue and function by apoptosis and inflammation due to the limited regenerative potential of neurons. Recently, evidence emerged that the noble gas Argon exerts protective properties, while lacking any detrimental or adverse effects. We hypothesized that Argon inhalation after IRI would exert antiapoptotic effects in the retina, thereby protecting retinal ganglion cells (RGC) of the rat's eye. Methods IRI was performed on the left eyes of rats (n = 8) with or without inhaled Argon postconditioning (25, 50 and 75 Vol%) for 1 hour immediately or delayed after ischemia (i.e. 1.5 and 3 hours). Retinal tissue was harvested after 24 hours to analyze mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3, NF-κB. Densities of fluorogold-prelabeled RGCs were analyzed 7 days after injury in whole-mounts. Histological tissue samples were prepared for immunohistochemistry and blood was analyzed regarding systemic effects of Argon or IRI. Statistics were performed using One-Way ANOVA. Results IRI induced RGC loss was reduced by Argon 75 Vol% inhalation and was dose-dependently attenuated by lower concentrations, or by delayed Argon inhalation (1504±300 vs. 2761±257; p<0.001). Moreover, Argon inhibited Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression significantly (Bax: 1.64±0.30 vs. 0.78±0.29 and Bcl-2: 2.07±0.29 vs. 0.99±0.22; both p<0.01), as well as caspase-3 cleavage (1.91±0.46 vs. 1.05±0.36; p<0.001). Expression of NF-κB was attenuated significantly. Immunohistochemistry revealed an affection of Müller cells and astrocytes. In addition, IRI induced leukocytosis was reduced significantly after Argon inhalation at 75 Vol%. Conclusion Immediate and delayed Argon postconditioning protects IRI induced apoptotic loss of RGC in a time- and dose-dependent manner, possibly mediated by the inhibition of NF-κB. Further studies need to evaluate Argon's possible role as a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Ulbrich
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Schallner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mark Coburn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Torsten Loop
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Julia Biermann
- Eye Center, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Goebel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Argon: systematic review on neuro- and organoprotective properties of an "inert" gas. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:18175-96. [PMID: 25310646 PMCID: PMC4227210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151018175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Argon belongs to the group of noble gases, which are regarded as chemically inert. Astonishingly some of these gases exert biological properties and during the last decades more and more reports demonstrated neuroprotective and organoprotective effects. Recent studies predominately use in vivo or in vitro models for ischemic pathologies to investigate the effect of argon treatment. Promising data has been published concerning pathologies like cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. However, models applied and administration of the therapeutic gas vary. Here we provide a systematic review to summarize the available data on argon's neuro- and organoprotective effects and discuss its possible mechanism of action. We aim to provide a summary to allow further studies with a more homogeneous setting to investigate possible clinical applications of argon.
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Delayed Argon Administration Provides Robust Protection Against Cardiac Arrest-Induced Neurological Damage. Neurocrit Care 2014; 22:112-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s12028-014-0029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Argon gas: a potential neuroprotectant and promising medical therapy. Med Gas Res 2014; 4:3. [PMID: 24533741 PMCID: PMC3996095 DOI: 10.1186/2045-9912-4-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Argon is a noble gas element that has demonstrated narcotic and protective abilities that may prove useful in the medical field. The earliest records of argon gas have exposed its ability to exhibit narcotic symptoms at hyperbaric pressures greater than 10 atmospheres with more recent evidence seeking to display argon as a potential neuroprotective agent. The high availability and low cost of argon provide a distinct advantage over using similarly acting treatments such as xenon gas. Argon gas treatments in models of brain injury such as in vitro Oxygen-Glucose-Deprivation (OGD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as well as in vivo Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) have largely demonstrated positive neuroprotective behavior. On the other hand, some warning has been made to potential negative effects of argon treatments in cases of ischemic brain injury, where increases of damage in the sub-cortical region of the brain have been uncovered. Further support for argon use in the medical field has been demonstrated in its use in combination with tPA, its ability as an organoprotectant, and its surgical applications. This review seeks to summarize the history and development of argon gas use in medical research as mainly a neuroprotective agent, to summarize the mechanisms associated with its biological effects, and to elucidate its future potential.
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