Laboratory Analysis of the Renal Function Changes Under Long-Term Exposure to Extremely Low Ambient Temperatures: Case Report

The study subject was a healthy, 47-year-old man, a low temperature Guinness World Record holder. He spent 50 days alone in Rovaniemi, Lapland, and functioned in the ambient temperature ranging from +2°C to -37°C. He did not use sources of heat, he did not eat warm meals or drink hot water, and did not dry his clothes. He slept in an igloo, on an ice cover of 20-30 cm. He spent 10 hours a day in a sleeping bag and for the remaining time he walked, skied, or rode a bicycle, and practiced swimming. The aim of the study was a laboratory assessment of renal capacity in a man exposed to long-term extremely low ambient temperatures. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee at the Regional Medical Chamber in Krakow, Poland (approval No.: 194/KBL/OIL/2019). Twice during the observation, urine and blood were collected and analyzed: before and after the prolonged exposure to extremely low ambient temperatures. Changes were seen in many blood and urine parameters, but in urine, they were more significant. In urine, decreased values of sodium (by 53.9%), potassium (by 22.6%), creatinine (by 65.5%), urea (by 61.3%), uric acid (by 58.4%), and protein (by 50%) were observed. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) increased by 34%. Absence of calcium oxalate excretion was reported relative to the value before the exposure to cold. In blood, increased values of interleukin-6 (by 60%) and β-2-microglobulin (by 26.9%) were observed. Erythropoietin decreased by 22.4%. No changes were noted in estimated glomerular filtration rate. The study subject lost 10 kg in weight. On the basis of the results obtained during the observation, it can be determined that the probable cause of changes in the laboratory results of the subject was the diet used, and not a dysfunction of the excretory system. The body weight loss and activation of compensating mechanisms focused on saving vitally important diet components, caused by the insufficient diet, exclude the theory of a negative effect of exposure to extremely low temperatures on renal filtration function.

The Multi-Component Causes of Late Neonatal Sepsis-Can We Regulate Them?

Elucidating the mechanisms of bacterial translocation is crucial for the prevention and treatment of neonatal sepsis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of lactoferrin to inhibit the development of late-onset blood infection in neonates. Our investigation evaluates the role of key stress factors leading to the translocation of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream and, consequently, the development of life-threatening sepsis. Three stress factors, namely weaning, intraperitoneal administration of Gram-positive cocci and oral intake of Gram-negative rods, were found to act synergistically. We developed a novel model of rat pups sepsis induced by bacterial translocation and observed the inhibition of this process by supplementation of various forms of lactoferrin: iron-depleted (apolactoferrin), iron-saturated (hololactoferrin) and manganese-saturated lactoferrin. Additionally, lactoferrin saturated with manganese significantly increases the Lactobacillus bacterial population, which contributes to the fortification of the intestinal barrier and inhibits the translocation phenomenon. The acquired knowledge can be used to limit the development of sepsis in newborns in hospital neonatal intensive care units.

The Effect of Extreme Cold on Complete Blood Count and Biochemical Indicators: A Case Study

Regular exposure to a cold factor-cold water swimming or ice swimming and cold air-results in an increased tolerance to cold due to numerous adaptive mechanisms in humans. Due to the lack of scientific reports on the effects of extremely low outdoor temperatures on the functioning of the human circulatory system, the aim of this study was to evaluate complete blood count and biochemical blood indices in multiple Guinness world record holder Valerjan Romanovski, who was exposed to extremely cold environment from -5 °C to -37 °C for 50 days in Rovaniemi (a city in northern Finland). Valerjan Romanovski proved that humans can function in extremely cold temperatures. Blood from the subject was collected before and after the expedition. The subject was found to have abnormalities for the following blood indices: testosterone increases by 60.14%, RBC decreases by 4.01%, HGB decreases by 3.47%, WBC decreases by 21.53%, neutrocytes decrease by 17.31%, PDW increases by 5.31%, AspAT increases by 52.81%, AlAT increase by 68.75%, CK increases by 8.61%, total cholesterol decreases by 5.88%, HDL increases by 28.18%. Percentage changes in other complete blood count and biochemical indices were within standard limits. Long-term exposure of the subject (50 days) to extreme cold stress had no noticeable negative effect on daily functioning.

Aberrations in the female reproductive organs and a role of telocytes in a rat model of anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Anorexia nervosa is a widely prevalent eating disorder that o en leads to life-threatening complications. Since it mostly concerns females, many authors have focused on studying the reproductive system in anorexic women. Recently discovered telocytes may give a new insight into the pathophysiology of gynecological complications in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We adopted an animal model of anorexia nervosa induced by voluntary physical activity. Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and activity-based anorexia. When the weight loss of activity-based anorexia (ABA) rats reached 25% animals were euthanized. Size and weight measurements as well as histopathological analysis of the reproductive organs were performed. Additionally, we used immunohistochemical staining for detection of telocytes.

RESULTS

Telocytes were identified in uteri of anorectic rats but no differences were observed when compared to the control group. Nevertheless, in the ABA group the weight of the uteri and the number of follicles in the ovaries decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our rat model of anorexia nervosa mimics the effects of this eating disorder that occur in the female reproductive system since we reported ovarian dysfunction and uterine involution in the experimental animals. It supports its potential role in the further studies of anorexia pathophysiology and treatment possibilities.

Analysis of proteinuria in experimental model of ascending acute kidney injury

Proteinuria accompanies kidney diseases of various etiology and correlates with the degree of organ damage. Analysis of proteinuria allows the location of pathophysiological process in the kidney, and assessment of the severity of the kidney disease in chronic and acute kidney injury (AKI). Ascending bacterial acute kidney injury develops as a consequence of pyelonephritis. It is a rare complication in patients with anatomical or functional dysfunctions of the urinary tract.

AIM

The aim of the study was to perform the laboratory analysis of proteinuria in bacterial ascending AKI in an experimental model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Wistar rats (n = 24) were intravesically administrated bacterial suspension of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to induce: pyelonephritis (group 1, 10⁵ CFU/ml); AKI (group 2, 10⁷ CFU/ml); AKI and urosepsis (group 3, 10⁹ CFU/ml) respectively. Bacterial strain - E.coli, was isolated from a patient with acute pyelonephritis. The daily diuresis and urine protein excretion was measured the following days: 0, 7, 14 and 21. Moreover, electrophoretic separation of urine protein, densitometric analysis of albumin fraction and uromodulin concentration in urine were performed. Moreover, the key parameters for the diagnosis of AKI were assayed.

RESULTS

Increased urinary protein excretion was observed in each of the study groups. Moreover, the study groups showed significant changes in protein selectivity in the urine.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderately severe proteinuria was revealed while its selectivity suggested significant damage of glomeruli and renal tubules in groups with complications caused by AKI induced by ascending pyelonephritis.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1, uromodulin, and cystatin C concentrations in an experimental rat model of ascending acute kidney injury induced by pyelonephritis

Recent evidence suggests that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), cystatin C (CysC), uromodulin (UMOD), and some interleukins (IL-6 and IL-18) can be considered as diagnostic markers of acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to verify the applicability of four urinary (u) markers, namely uNGAL, uKIM-1, uCysC, and uUMOD, for the diagnosis of ascending AKI induced by bacterial pyelonephritis. The study included 30 female rats that were divided into three groups (n = 10 each) and were inoculated transurethrally with various doses of Escherichia coli to induce isolated pyelonephritis (group 1, 10⁵ CFU/ml), pyelonephritis-induced AKI (group 2, 10⁷ CFU/ml), or AKI and urosepsis (group 3, 10⁹ CFU/ml). The inoculate contained a highly virulent E. coli strain isolated from a patient with pyelonephritis. Urine samples were obtained prior to the inoculation and 7, 14, and 21 days thereafter. The concentrations of all assessed proteins were determined in the urine samples by ELISA. All the study groups showed elevated concentrations of uNGAL and uCysC at all study time points. The concentrations of uKIM-1 in group 1 were the same as that at the baseline, whereas it was elevated in groups 2 and 3 at all study time points. The concentrations of uUMOD in groups 1 and 2 tended to decrease with the time from inoculation, whereas it rapidly increased in group 3 at 21 days postinfection. uKIM-1 seems to be the only marker of ascending AKI associated with urinary tract infection. Elevated concentrations of uNGAL, uCysC, and uUMOD were found in both AKI and isolated pyelonephritis. Thus, it can be concluded that none of these markers can be used as a single diagnostic marker of ascending AKI, as it may produce false-negative results, leading to incorrect diagnosis, lack of adequate treatment, and increased mortality risk.

Obesity related adipokines release in rat adipose derived stem cell cultures influenced by pulsed electromagnetic field

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of our studies was to investigate the effect exerted by pulsed electromagnetic led (PEMF) on adipocytokines secretion in cell culture supernatants from rat adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) grown on varied energy-rich diet. O spring and adult animals were randomly selected for two types of experimental diets: low (LF) or high fat (HF) diet for 7 weeks. A er the diet period, serum glucose level was measured, ADSCs were isolated from adipose tissues from different locations. ADSCs from all experimental groups were exposed to PEMF, supernatants collected and adipokines level was determined.

RESULTS

HF diet feed in pups/adult animals elevated blood glucose level and increased the level of adiponectin (Apn) and leptin of both genders and age measured in serum. ADSCs cell cultures originated from female pups on LF diet and exposed to PEMF released large amounts of Apn. PEMF effect exerted on Apn release was also observed in ADSCs isolated from male pups HF diet. ADSCs from female pups on LF diet exposed to PEMF released smaller amounts of leptin in comparison to cell cultures without PEMF treatment. PEMF exposure of ADSCs cell cultures originated from female adults on LF diet decreased release of Apn, contrary adult male on LF diet ADSCs under PEMF treatment produced more leptin. PEMF treated male HF diet-originated ADSCs cultures released significantly more leptin than controls.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that PEMF exposure is responsible for metabolic physiological balance effects obtained in ADSCs cultures originating from adult animals on HF diet.

Lactobacilli with superoxide dismutase-like or catalase activity are more effective in alleviating inflammation in an inflammatory bowel disease mouse model

Purpose

Some lactobacilli, which possess superoxide dismutase-like activity and catalase activity naturally, have strong antioxidative properties. The aim of this study was to identify such strains and check which of them play a crucial role in alleviating intestinal inflammation.

Methods

We selected two Lactobacillus strains for use in animal studies: L. plantarum 30B (which has the highest catalase activity) and L. acidophilus 900 (which has the highest dismutase-like activity). Forty mice (C57B1/6J) were divided into four experimental groups with ten mice in each group. Group I (control group) was not supplemented with Lactobacillus, group II (catalase group) was orally supplemented with L. plantarum 30B, group III (dismutase-like group) was supplemented with L. acidophilus 900, and group IV (mixed group) was supplemented with both Lactobacillus strains. For 23 days, the temperature and body mass of each mouse were recorded and fecal samples for microbiological examination were collected. On day 23, the animals were sacrificed, and their intestines were removed for microbiological and histopathological studies.

Results

Compared to the control group, the highest drop in the body temperature was observed in groups II (P<0.05) and IV (P<0.05). Similarly, groups II (P<0.05) and IV (P<0.05) had the highest drop in body mass. Moreover, histopathological evaluation of colon fragments showed intracryptic abscesses in these groups. Group III mice showed most limited degree of inflammation.

Conclusion

Lactobacillus strains with dismutase-like activity are more effective in alleviating intestinal inflammation than strains producing catalase, suggesting that superoxide anion radical decomposition is crucial in this process.

Effect of the pulsed electromagnetic field on the release of inflammatory mediators from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to verify if the exposure to the pulsed electromagnetic eld (PEMF) influenced the release of proinflammatory cytokines from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) of normal and overweight rats of various age and sex. Moreover, we compared body temperatures of normal-weight and overweight rats.

METHODS

ADSCs of Wistar rats were isolated from the subcutaneous area in females and paratesticular region in males, cultured and exposed to PEMF (7 Hz, 30 mT). Concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines were determined in rat sera and supernatant from ADSCs cultures exposed and non-exposed to PEMF. Body temperature (BT) was measured twice a week, using an infrared and rectal thermometer.

RESULTS

Irrespective of age and sex, animals maintained on low-fat (LF) diet had higher BT than those grown on high-fat (HF) diet. Exposure to PEMF reduced the release of TNF-α and enhanced the production of IL-6 in ADSCs cultures from female pups maintained on LF diet. In contrast, a decrease in IL-6 level was observed in PEMF-exposed ADSCs cultures from female pups grown on HF diet. A similar phenomenon, i.e. a post-exposure increase in IL-6 level was also observed in male pups fed with the LF diet. In the case of ADSCs cultures from adult rats maintained on an HF diet, either males or females, PEMF exposure contributed to a dramatic increase in TNF-α production.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that PEMF exposure may affect the production of proinflammatory cytokines in ADSCs cultures. The intergroup differences in BT may result from the presence of an underlying inflammation in obese rats.

Experimental model for acute kidney injury caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the rapid deterioration of renal function, diagnosed on the basis of an increase in serum creatinine and abnormal urinary parameters. AKI is associated with increased risk of mortality or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the study was to develop an experimental model for AKI resulting from Escherichia coli-induced pyelonephritis. E. coli was isolated from a patient with clinical symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI).

MATERIAL/METHODS

The study included three groups of female Wistar rats (groups 1, 2 and 3), in which pyelonephritis was induced by transurethral inoculation with highly virulent E. coli (105, 107 and 109 cfu/ml, respectively). Urine and blood samples for analysis were obtained prior to the inoculation (day 0), as well as 7, 14 and 21 days thereafter.

RESULTS

Aside from a microbiological examination of urine samples, daily urine output, serum creatinine (CreaS), creatinine clearance (CrCl), interleukin 6 (IL-6), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and fractional excretion of urea (FEUrea) were determined. A histopathological examination of kidney and urinary bladder specimens was conducted as well. While UTI-related pyelonephritis developed irrespective of E. coli inoculum size, AKI was observed only following transurethral administration of E. coli at the intermediate and high dose, i.e. 107 and 109 cfu/ml, respectively (group 2 and 3).

DISCUSSION

An increase in CreaS and abnormal diuresis were accompanied by changes in parameters specific for various forms of AKI, i.e. FENa and FEUrea. Based on these changes, administration of E. coli at 107 cfu/ml was demonstrated to induce renal AKI, whereas inoculation with 109 cfu/ml seemed to cause not only ascending pyelonephritis, but perhaps also bacteremia and urosepsis (prerenal component of AKI).

Changes in viability of rat adipose-derived stem cells isolated from abdominal/perinuclear adipose tissue stimulated with pulsed electromagnetic field

Previous experiments demonstrated that low-frequency electromagnetic field (LF-EMF) may activate cellular death pathways in proliferating cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that LF-EMF may also influence viability of highly proliferating undifferentiated adipose-derived stem cells. Obesity is classified as a civilization disease; its etiopathogenesis is presumed to include both genetic predisposition and influence of modified environmental factors, such as unbalanced diet with excess calories and/or too low physical activity. Obesity may lead to a number of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (associated with atherosclerosis) related to primary hypertension and ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction and other complications. The aim of this study was to verify if LF-EMF alters viability parameters of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) isolated from rats, cultured in vitro and exposed to pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF; 7 Hz, 30 mT). ADSCs were obtained from healthy rats and animals with experimentally-induced obesity, both males and females, pups and adults. The animals were fed with chow with either low (LF diet) or high fat content (HF diet) for 21 days. Then, ADSCs were isolated from extracted adipose tissue and used to establish cell cultures. ADSCs from the first passage were exposed to PEMF three times, 4 hours per exposure, at 24-h intervals (experimentally developed protocol of PEMF stimulation). 24 hours after the last exposure to PEMF, viability parameters of ADSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The study demonstrated that LF diet exerted a protective effect on PEMF-exposed ADSCs, especially in the case of male and female pups. In turn, the proportion of early apoptotic cells in PEMF-treated ADSC cultures from adult female rats maintained on HF diet turned out to be significantly higher than in other experimental groups.

THE INFLUENCE OF MONTELUKAST ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ESTIMATED BY HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN EXPERIMENTAL PARTIAL BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION IN RATS

Due to their paracrine action, leukotrienes released from the urothelium are involved in control of the bladder function. Anti-leukotriene agents appear to exert an ameliorating effect in bladder overactivity. It is unknown, whether their possible, modulatory impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity may also contribute to the potentially beneficial effect of those compounds. Therefore, our aim was to indirectly estimate the ANS function using the heart rate variability (HRV) study in rats with experimental partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO), reflecting human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), treated with leukotriene receptor antagonist - montelukast (MLKT). Twenty rats with surgically induced PBOO lasting for 14 days, divided into two groups: group 1 (10 control subjects) and group 2 (10 MLKT-treated rats; 2 mg/rat/day) were subjected to HRV recordings, preceded by daily urine collection and a subsequent cystectomy with histopathological evaluation of collected bladders. Standard HRV time and spectral parameters were calculated. MLKT-treated animals demonstrated an increase in power of non-normalized LF (low frequency) and HF (high frequency) components with no change of the total HRV power. Moreover, an increase and decrease in normalized nLF and nHF, respectively, were assessed in those animals compared to the control. Additionally, a decrease in daily diuresis measurement was demonstrated in MLKT-treated animals. Montelukast treatment resulted in the functional ANS status re-arrangement, with sympathetic overdrive and parasympathetic withdrawal. Those changes may contribute to alleviation of bladder overactivity symptoms, independently on leukotriene receptors blockade.

Prostaglandin-targeting agents and spectral heart rate variability in experimental partial bladder outlet obstruction in rats

The purpose of this study was to determine the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), using spectral analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) in the model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) in rats treated with selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID): piroxicam (PRX) or meloxicam (MLX), and following administration of PGF2a prostaglandin analogue (Enzaprost F5). Neither the use of PGF2a analogue nor of MLX, caused significant changes in the HRV spectrum (except for HRV spectrum total power reduction with MLX). The use of PRX caused reduction of the total power and powers of all components of the HRV spectrum (except for VLF). Moreover, increased nLF and reduced nHF were observed. The obtained results suggest that the total prostaglandin synthesis block with a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor (PRX) results in reduced ANS total activity, with decreased parasympathetic activity and a relative sympathetic predominance. The preferential cyclooxygenase-2 block (MLX) caused reduction of the total ANS activity as well, however with no clear disproportion of any part of the ANS. Therefore, prostaglandin synthesis inhibition and associated decrease of parasympathetic activity may constitute an additional and favourable feature of NSAID pharmacodynamics in the treatment of BPH.

Experimental gender related obesity effect of diet

INTRODUCTION

High-calorie diet is responsible for excessive weight gain. Obesity has recently become world epidemics, affecting not only adults but also children, which makes it the biggest health problem in the world. Yet the underlying mechanism remains a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to clarify the role of gender in high fat diet induced obesity in pups and adult animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female rats were fed low/ high fat diet during mating, pregnancy and lactation. The offspring and adult rats fed different diet had their body weight and temperature measurements taken twice a week. On the 21st day of the experiment the animals underwent anesthesia in order to have their blood samples collected for lipid profile.

RESULTS

After 3 weeks on HF diet female pups body weight was higher than in control group (p 〈0.05). Contrary to the female pups, the increase in body weight was higher (p 〈0.05) in male pups and occurred after 2 and 3 weeks. In adult female rats body weight increased after 2 weeks on HF, while in adult male group such weight gain was observed no sooner than after 3 weeks. A er three weeks of the experiment body weight was correlated positively (r = 0.941) with lipid profile of adult both gender groups on HF diet.

CONCLUSIONS

In male pups group body weight increased faster and achieved higher values then in female pups. On the contrary, in adult group of females body weight increased faster than in male rats and achieved similar values.

Urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) excretion in rats with experimental cystitis induced by oxazaphosphorines

INTRODUCTION

Oxazaphosphorine agents (cyclophosphamide - CP, ifosfamide - IF) are causative factors of cystitis and also exert a characteristic nephrotoxic effect, clinically manifested by a broad spectrum of disturbances. The aim of the study was to estimate the toxic effect of the abovementioned oxazaphosphorines on the renal tubules by assessment of diuresis and urinary concentration and daily urinary excretion of the kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) in rats with induced and histologically confirmed cystitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 60 rats (equal amounts of ♀ and ♂), including animals treated with CP, administrated four times at the dose 75 mg/kg (group 1; n=10) and treated with IF, administrated four times at the dose 50 mg/kg IF (group 2; n=10) with the suitable control group A (group 3; n = 10), as well as animals receiving either a single dose 150 mg/kg of CP (group 4) or IF (group 5), with an appropriate control group B (group 6).

RESULTS

In both groups 1 and 4, a significant increase in the daily diuresis and decrease of the urinary pH were revealed, compared to the appropriate control group A (group 3) and B (group 6), while IF-treated animals, regardless of the applied doses (groups 2 and 5), were characterized by a urinary pH decrease. KIM-1 urinary concentration in rats from group 1 and 4 was almost three times higher compared to the appropriate control groups A or B, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. In animals with chronic (group 2) and acute (group 5) ifosfamide- induced cystitis, no statistically significant difference concerning KIM- 1 urinary concentration compared to a control A and B groups was revealed, although a clear tendency of increase of the parameter was observed in the IF-treaded animals. Analysis of daily KIM-1 urinary excretion showed a statistically significant, almost six-fold increase in group 1 and almost two-fold increase in group 2. In the groups with acute model of cystitis, the highest, nearly eight-fold, daily KIM-1 urinary excretion, was revealed in animals treated with single CP dose, compared to the respective control B group, while rats treated with a single IF dose were characterized by a daily urinary KIM -1 excretion, comparable to animals with IF-induced chronic cystitis. The histopathological analysis confirmed cystitis in all animals treated with either CP or IF (groups 1,2,4,5), while no altered kidney microscopic morphology, compared to respective control groups A and B, was observed in those rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed the proximal tubular dysfunction in rats with both cyclophosphamide- and ifosfamide-induced cystitis, which was reflected by an increased urinary KIM-1 excretion. The disturbance was more emphasized in CP-treated animals, especially in those ones treated with the single, high CP dose. The functional tubulopathy was not accompanied by a structural kidney damage in rats treated with either CP or IF.

The influence of prostaglandin PGE1 and PGF2alpha analogues on autonomic nervous system activity, estimated with heart rate variability, in cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats

The cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (CP-HC) is a common consequence of cyclophosphamide treatment with complex pathophysiology involving several inflammatory mechanisms and autonomic nervous system dysregulation.

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY

To determine effects of prostaglandin PGE1 and PGF2alpha analogues on the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), estimatedindirectly on the basis of heart rate variability (HRV), in an experimental model of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (CP-HC). Moreover we verified if potential changes in autonomic regulation can contribute to uroprotective role of prostaglandins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included three groups of rats with experimentally induced CP-HC. The animals from group 2 and 3 were administered PGE1 and PGF2a analogues, respectively, and the rats from group 1 (controls) did not receive any treatment. The HRV of animals from all the groups was analyzed after seven days of the experiment.

RESULTS

Administration of both PGF2alpha and PGE1 was associated with an increase in the power of VLF component and total power on frequency-domain analysis. Moreover, a significant increase in the power of non-normalized components, LH and HF, and two parameters of time-domain analysis, SDN-N and rMSSD, was documented in PGF2alpha-administered animals. Both prostaglandin-treated groups did not differ significantly from the controls in terms of the values of normalized parameters, nLF and nHF.

CONCLUSIONS

The analyzed prostaglandin analogues increased total autonomic activity but did not induced preferential changes in sympathetic or parasympathetic activity. Nevertheless, the VLF changes documented on HRV analysis may reflect a decrease in the level of certain pro-inflammatory mediators, thus pointing to, previously postulated in literature, potential beneficial uroprotective effect of prostaglandins in CP-HC.

Urine uromodulin estimation in partial bladder outlet obstruction and cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis models in rats

INTRODUCTION

Uromodulin (UMOD) is a glycoprotein excreted by the thick ascending limb of the Henle's loop and distal convoluted tubule cells, playing various, yet still unclear roles. An abnormal urinary UMOD excretion is observed in many pathophysiological conditions. The aim of our study was to assess urine UMOD excretion in experimental partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO), reflecting BPH in humans, and in cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis (CP-HC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PBOO and CP-HC rats and two appropriate control groups were studied. The PBOO model was surgically induced by partial proximal urethral obstruction and CP-HC by four i.p. cyclophosphamide administrations (every two days). 24-hour urine collections were performed in both PBOO (on 3rd, 7th, 12th and 15th day after surgery) and CP-HC rats (on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day). UMOD was determined with the ELISA method. Both 24-hour urinary UMOD excretion and urinary UMOD concentrations were determined.

RESULTS

In the overall assessment, PBOO rats were characterized by decreased mean urinary UMOD concentration. However, as the urine volume, except for transient drop on 3rd day following PBOO operation, was steadily increasing, the daily urinary uromodulin excretion did not differ from the control one. Contrary to PBOO, CP-HC rats demonstrated mean urinary concentration similar to that of the control rats, while their 24hr UMOD excretion in urine was almost doubled due to urine volume increase (from 1.6 up to almost 3 fold). The highest UMOD urinary output was observed after the 3rd and 4th doses of cyclophosphamide.

DISCUSSION

A reduced urinary UMOD excretion in early PBOO phase may be considered as a marker of distal tubular cells damage due to incomplete bladder emptying and increased pressure retrograding to distal tubules. This effect disappears with structural, adaptive histological changes of the bladder wall leading to an improved voiding. In CP-HC animals, the elevated urinary UMOD level may be associated with complex inflammatory response due to the cytotoxic CP action. UMOD assessment in this model may reflect renal and urological toxicity as UMOD excretion rises with the cumulative cyclophosphamide dose.

The influence of piroxicam, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, on autonomic nervous system activity in experimental cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder outlet obstruction in rats

Signs and symptoms of secondary overactive bladder (OAB) are observed both in course of infravesical obstruction of urine outflow in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and as a result of development of hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) following administration of cyclophosphamide (CP). Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alleviate symptoms of bladder overactivity reducing local synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs), but precise effects of those agents on functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in course of OAB remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of piroxicam-induced prostaglandins (PGs) synthesis block on activity of the ANS in two experimental models of secondary OAB: bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and cyclophosphamide-induced HC (CP-HC), by heart rate variability analysis (HRV). The experiment was performed on a group of rats with surgically induced 2-week BOO, and on a group of rats that were administered CP five times, with corresponding control groups. Study animals were given piroxicam (PRX) i.p. in two doses: 2 and 10 mg/kg b.w. In the BOO model, PRX in both doses revealed a trend for reduction of value of all non-normalized components of HRV. The lower PRX dose caused an increased nHF value, and PRX administered in the dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. caused an increase of the nLF value. In the CP-HC model, the lower PRX dose caused a trend for an increase of values of all non-normalized components, and the higher dose--for their decrease. Both doses of PRX in that model caused increase of the nLF value. Inhibition of PGs synthesis caused changes of ANS function in both models of OAB. Both in BOO and in CP-HC, PGs seem to be ANS-activating factors, responsible for maintenance of a high parasympathetic activity. In both models, inhibition of PGs synthesis with PRX administered at the dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. lead to functional reconstruction of ANS, with marked sympathetic predominance. That may contribute to reduction of the bladder contractile action and improvement of its compliance in the filling period, which was demonstrated by other authors in urodynamic tests for NSAIDs.

Spectral heart rate variability analysis in experimental obstructive and chemical overactive bladder models

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a clinical entity with complex, still incompletely understood pathophysiology, involving central and peripheral autonomic nervous system (ANS) disturbances.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to estimate ANS activity using spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in two experimental overactive bladder models: chemical, evoked by cyclophosphamide treatment (COAB), and obstructive, produced by proximal partial bladder outlet obstruction (OOAB).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

10 COAB rats and 10 OOAB rats with appropriate control groups were studied (40 animals total were enrolled in the study). In all groups studied, resting HRV recordings were performed. Standard spectral HRV parameters were analysed. The bladder overactivity was confirmed by urodynamic recordings and histological assessment.

RESULTS

In COAB, all non-normalized spectral HRV parameters were diminished, while OOAB rats were mostly characterized by pronounced LF (Low Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) decrease. Normalized (nLF and nHF) parameters achieved similar values in both COAB and OOAB. In the analysis of percentages of the individual components in the total HRV power, the OOAB group showed almost double VLF (Very Low Frequency) percentage as compared to the control. OOAB rats also displayed the highest disproportion between VLF and both HF and LF percentages. Contrary to the OOAB, there were small differences in the percentage participation of the separate HRV components in COAB.

CONCLUSIONS

For both COAB and OOAB models, the authors demonstrated a decrease in the values of spectral HRV parameters, which may reflect ANS disturbances. Moreover, in OOAB animals, apart from total HRV power reduction, exaggerated differences between VLF percentage and the remaining components were revealed. In authors' opinion, their findings concerning VLF differences may reflect increased autonomic disturbances in the OOAB model.

Autonomic nervous system activity assessment by heart rate variability in experimental bladder outlet obstruction

A syndrome with urgency, with or without associated urine incontinence and usually accompanied by higher urinary frequency and nocturia has been named "overactive bladder; OAB". OAB is an entity with complex pathophysiology, involving both myogenic and neurogenic (afferent / efferent bladder innervation) disturbances. OAB symptoms accompany benign prostatic hypertrophy--BPH ("obstructive OAB"). The aim of the study was to estimate the autonomic nervous system activity (ANS) in the experimental bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) which was an animal model of the human BPH. The study was conducted using 30 female rats, divided into two groups: BOO animals (n=15), with surgically induced BOO (by partial ligation of the proximal urethra) and control ones (n=15), which underwent sham procedure (without urethral ligation). Two weeks after the surgery, in both groups, ANS activity was estimated using time- and spectral analysis of the heart rate variability recordings. The bladder overactivity in BOO animals was confirmed using urodynamic recordings and bladder histological assessment, juxtaposed against the results of the control group. The key finding of our study was the development of autonomic disturbances in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) rats. Our study revealed that BOO animals were characterised by diminished rMSSD and spectral HRV parameters: TP, LF and HF, in comparison with the control group. The normalised nLF and nHF parameters did not differ significantly in both groups, although slight changes in the nLF (increased) and nHF (decreased) were noted in BOO group. The absolute VLF value was almost the same in both studied populations, however, the percentage part of this component in the appropriate HRV spectrum differed considerably in both studied groups. In BOO animals, VLF percentage amounted to about 90%, whereas in control animals this parameter reached only about 53% of the total power spectrum. Thus, to sum up, our findings suggest autonomic imbalance with decreased global autonomic tension and diminished parasympathetic activity with relatively sympathetic overactivity.

[Autonomic nervous system estimation by heart rate variability analysis in experimental short and long-lasting bladder outlet obstruction model]

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia; BPH is associated with the symptoms of the bladder overactivity. This disease can be comparatively easly induced using an animal model of the partial bladder outlet obstruction; PBOO. The pathophysiological description of BPH is still incomplete, thus autonomic nervous system activity assessement in the course of PBOO seems to be important.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experiment was carried out on 30 Wistar rats. 10 animals "sham" operated served as control group (group 1). Another 20 rats underwent the PBOO surgery. In all studied animals in urethane anaesthesia short-term (20 minutes lasting) heart rate variability (HRV) recordings were taken with the subse quent time-and spectral HRV analysis. In control rats, the HRV study was done after 7 days of sham operation while the PBOO animals were divided into two subgroups: with short lasting PBOO (group 2; the HRV records were collected on the 14th the day since the surgery) and with long-lasting PBOO (group 3; HRV records on the 29th day after surgery). After HRV collection, all studied animals were given a lethal pentobarbital dose and urinary bladders were removed for histopathological assessement.

RESULTS

Bladders collected from PBOO rats were characterised by signs of congestion and edema with features of the excessve bladder wall muscularisation. The majority of the time-domain HRV analyzed parameters did not significantly differ in all studied groups. The total HRV spectrum power(TP), as well as the power of the low frequency component (LF) and high frequency one (HF) were markedly higher in the control group. In PBOO animals, the trend of the progressive power decrease of main HRV spectrum components was observed. The significant changes relating to the standardized HRV parameters were pronounced. In control rats, the nLF value was smaller while nHF - higher when compared to the group 2. Just the opposite, when combine the control and 3 group it was showed, that the value of nLF was higher and nHF - smaller in control animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest, that the partial bladder outlet obstruction causes both the bladder remodelling and the functional changes of the autonomic nervous system which become more stressed with the BOO duration. 14-days lasting PBOO model caused decrease of the global autonomic tension, but with the maintaining of the mutual relations between the main ANS branches: sympathetic part and parasympathetic one. The monthly PBOO period caused the more marked autonomic dysfunction manifesting by considerable lowering of the total autono mic tension and the shift of autonomic balance towards to o parasympathetic predominance.

Laboratory diagnostics of renal function in an experimental model of ascending pyelonephritis with high-virulent Escherichia coli

INTRODUCTION

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused in 95% of cases by bacteria--E. coli. UTIs usually are limited to the lower urinary tract, but it may also evolve into pyelonephritis and acute kidney injury.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was the laboratory evaluation of renal function in an experimental model of ascending pyelonephritis caused by intravesical infusion of E. coli.

MATERIAL & METHODS

In female Wistar rats UTI was induced by intravesical administration of E. coli suspension in a dose 10(5) c.f.u./ml (Group 1), and 10(7) c.f.u./ml (Group 2). On the 0,7th, 14th and 21st day of the experiment the animals underwent the procedures of collecting blood and urine samples.

RESULTS

The results shown that in group 2 on the 7th and 14th day of the study the creatinine clearance decreased by 36%, and on 21th by 34%. The increase in serum uric acid concentration (micromol/l) in group 2 was observed on the 7th (229.75 +/- 79.05) and 21st day (98.5 +/- 11.33) with respect to day 0 (77.12 +/- 11.63). In group 2 on the 7th day of the experiment there was observed the increased levels of potassium (mmol/l) in serum (13.5 +/- 1.48) with respect to day 0 (7.74 +/- 0.88). In group 2 in the 7th (1.06 +/- 0.18) and 14th day (1.32 +/- 0.26) there was noted the decreased excretion of potassium in the urine (mmol/24h) with respect to day 0 (3.75 +/- 1.9). The decrease in serum sodium levels (mmol/l) in group 2 was recorded on 14th day (121.5 +/- 8.7) with respect to day 0 (131.62 +/- 4.07). Increased factional sodium excretion--FENa (%) was observed in group 2 on 14th day (0.25 +/- 0.06) with respect to day 0 (0.12 +/- 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Our main finding is that--independently of the amount bacteria present in urinary bladder--in this inflammatory model there occurs inevitably acute kidney injury, however higher bacteria amount depicts a very clear profile of laboratory parameters that point at the kidney impaired function.

Increased c-Fos expression in nodose ganglion in rats with electrical vagus nerve stimulation

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system receives information from the gut and modifies food intake mainly by vagus nerves. Some our data show that long-term electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which "mimics" satiety signal from gut, may cause reduction of body mass and decrease in food intake.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of chronic vagal stimulation on neurons in the nodose ganglions of vagus nerves, analyzed by c-Fos expression and image analysis.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were implanted with microstimulator (MS) and kept during the whole study (3 months) on high calorie diet. Sub-diaphragmatic left vagal nerve was stimulated by electrical rectangular pulses duration 10 ms, amplitude 200 mV, frequency 0.05 Hz generated by MS. Twelve rats (6--control and 6--MS implanted) were used for 3-week and 3-month experiments respectively. At the end of experiments the nodose ganglions of both vagus nerves (left and right) were taken, formalin fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens were made. The nodose ganglions neurons were identified by immunochemistry (PGP 9.5 as a marker) and the percentage of c-Fos positive neurons (anti c-Fos as a marker) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Assessment of c-Fos positive neurons in nodose ganglia of vagal nerve showed significant increase in percentage of positive cells in the left nodose ganglion (4.19%) and non significant in the right nodose ganglion (2.64 %) compared to control (1.44%) in 3-week experiment. Data obtained from 3-month experiment were similar: (4.97%; 2.66% and 1.68%) for left, right and control respectively. In both experiments number of c-Fos positive neurons was higher in left vagal ganglion compared to the right ganglion and control. There were no significant differences between 3-week and 3-month experimental groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Increase in c-Fos expression in left nodose ganglion neurons confirms the afferent transmission of the signal (generated by MS) from periphery to the brain by the vagal nerves.

[Electric activity of vagus nerve in rats according to satiety]

Vagus nerve as a part of brain-gut axis transmits peripheral information to the brain via vagovagal reflexes. Electric properties of the vagus are not exactly known. Analysis of electric changes in vagal nerves evoked by physiologic impulse such as stomach distention by food would facilitate applying better documented and therefore safer vagal neuromodulation. The aim of our study was analysis and interpretation of electric properties of the left vagus in vivo in fasted and satiated Wistar rats. Silver measuring electrodes connected to analog amplifier (A-M Systems 3000) were attached to the nerve in the neck region. The signal was filtered and probing by computer recording system (ADInstruments Power Lab) and additional analyses were performed using GNU Octave programme. Our resuts have shown that the higher amplitude the smaller number of counted impulses in the vagus was detected. This relationship was true only till the maximum level typical for each recording (about 15-20 dB). We note that observed inter spike interval can be approximated with log-normal distribution, and that its mu parameter is enough to characterize a particular recording. Satiated rats were characterized by higher number of spikes per second in the nerve than fasted ones (0.9 vs 0.26) indicating that food intake increased nervous activity 3-4 times comparing to fasted state. The outcomes encourage us to state that good quality characteristic of the left vagus nerve activity provides an effective tool for detection of peripheral signals which are transmitting via vagal afferents to the higher centres. Target vagal neuromodulation to obtain certain terapeutic effects may be possible.

[Drug induced man infertility]

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive in a given pair, despite regular sexual intercourse for at least 12 months. In 2004, the World Health Organization has recognized infertility as a social disease. Nowadays, the problem of infertility, meets 1 to 6 pairs, which affects approximately 13-15% of couples the world's population. In Poland, this problem affects between 700 thousand to a million pairs. Male infertility may arise from the use of pharmacotherapy and adverse drug reactions. This publication provides an overview of the type of drugs impairing function of male genitalia and to discuss mechanisms for their action on the process of spermatogenesis.