Lumbar Disc Degeneration Is Linked to Dorsal Subcutaneous Fat Thickness at the L1-L2 Intervertebral Disc Level Measured by MRI

BACKGROUND

Obese individuals have a higher risk of degenerative disc disease (DDD). Currently, body mass index is not sensitive enough to differentiate between muscle and fat distribution, and obesity-related health issues are linked to the way body fat is distributed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between the dorsal subcutaneous fat thickness (DSFT) of the lumbar spine, an alternative measurement tool of body fat distribution, and DDD.

METHODS

A total of 301 patients with DDD and 123 participants without the disease were recruited. Using length functions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console, the DSFT of L1 to S1 intervertebral disc levels was measured in mid-sagittal spin-echo T2 weighted image. The Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-squared test (X2) were utilized to examine any variations between the case and control groups. Logistic regression models were built to explore the association of the DSFT with DDD.

RESULTS

The logistical regression model showed a positive association between DDD and DSFT [OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02-1.64, p = 0.03]. In the stratified logistic regression analysis, a positive association was found between DDD and DSFT among younger participants and females [OR young: 1.48; 95% CI (1.02-2.20); p = 0.04-OR female: 1.37; 95% CI (1-1.88); p = 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Younger females with thicker DSFT at the L1-L2 level are more likely to develop DDD. This suggests that increased DSFT may be a contributing factor to DDD.

Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Molluscicidal Activity Screening of New Nicotinonitrile Derivatives against Land Snails, M. cartusiana

A new series of nicotinonitrile derivatives 2-7 was designed and synthesized from the starting material (E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) to assess their molluscicidal activity. The newly synthesized nicotinonitrile compounds 2-7 were characterized based on FTIR, ¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-APT NMR spectra as well as elemental microanalyses. The target compounds 2-7 were screened for their toxicity effect against M. cartusiana land snails and were compared to Acetamiprid as a reference compound. The results demonstrated that the nicotinonitrile-2-thiolate salts 4a and 4b had good mortality compared with that of Acetamiprid. The results of the in vivo effect of the prepared nicotinonitrile molecules 2, 4a, and 4b on biochemical parameters, including AChE, ALT, AST, and TSP, indicated a reduction in the level of AChE and TSP as well as an increase in the concentration of transaminases (ALT and AST). A histopathological study of the digestive gland sections of the M. cartusiana land snails was carried out. The nicotinonitrile-2-thiolate salts 4a,b showed vacuolization, causing the digestive gland to lose its function. It could be concluded that the water-soluble nicotinonitrile-2-thiolate salts 4a,b could be adequate molluscicidal molecules against M. cartusiana land snails.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Postoperative outcomes in oesophagectomy with trainee involvement

BACKGROUND

The complexity of oesophageal surgery and the significant risk of morbidity necessitates that oesophagectomy is predominantly performed by a consultant surgeon, or a senior trainee under their supervision. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of trainee involvement in oesophagectomy on postoperative outcomes in an international multicentre setting.

METHODS

Data from the multicentre Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Study Group (OGAA) cohort study were analysed, which comprised prospectively collected data from patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2018 and December 2018. Procedures were grouped by the level of trainee involvement, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient outcomes across groups.

RESULTS

Of 2232 oesophagectomies from 137 centres in 41 countries, trainees were involved in 29.1 per cent of them (n = 650), performing only the abdominal phase in 230, only the chest and/or neck phases in 130, and all phases in 315 procedures. For procedures with a chest anastomosis, those with trainee involvement had similar 90-day mortality, complication and reoperation rates to consultant-performed oesophagectomies (P = 0.451, P = 0.318, and P = 0.382, respectively), while anastomotic leak rates were significantly lower in the trainee groups (P = 0.030). Procedures with a neck anastomosis had equivalent complication, anastomotic leak, and reoperation rates (P = 0.150, P = 0.430, and P = 0.632, respectively) in trainee-involved versus consultant-performed oesophagectomies, with significantly lower 90-day mortality in the trainee groups (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Trainee involvement was not found to be associated with significantly inferior postoperative outcomes for selected patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The results support continued supervised trainee involvement in oesophageal cancer surgery.

Comparison of short-term outcomes from the International Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA), the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG), and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA)

BACKGROUND

The Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) have set standards in reporting outcomes after oesophagectomy. Reporting outcomes from selected high-volume centres or centralized national cancer programmes may not, however, be reflective of the true global prevalence of complications. This study aimed to compare complication rates after oesophagectomy from these existing sources with those of an unselected international cohort from the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA).

METHODS

The OGAA was a prospective multicentre cohort study coordinated by the West Midlands Research Collaborative, and included patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April and December 2018, with 90 days of follow-up.

RESULTS

The OGAA study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. Comparisons with the ECCG and DUCA found differences in baseline demographics between the three cohorts, including age, ASA grade, and rates of chronic pulmonary disease. The OGAA had the lowest rates of neoadjuvant treatment (OGAA 75.1 per cent, ECCG 78.9 per cent, DUCA 93.5 per cent; P < 0.001). DUCA exhibited the highest rates of minimally invasive surgery (OGAA 57.2 per cent, ECCG 47.9 per cent, DUCA 85.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts (OGAA 63.6 per cent, ECCG 59.0 per cent, DUCA 62.2 per cent), with no statistically significant difference in Clavien-Dindo grades (P = 0.752). However, a significant difference in 30-day mortality was observed, with DUCA reporting the lowest rate (OGAA 3.2 per cent, ECCG 2.4 per cent, DUCA 1.7 per cent; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in rates of co-morbidities, oncological treatment strategies, and access to minimal-access surgery, overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts.

Obesity-Dependent Adipokine Chemerin Suppresses Fatty Acid Oxidation to Confer Ferroptosis Resistance

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by accumulation of neutral lipids and adipogenic transdifferentiation. We assessed adipokine expression in ccRCC and found that tumor tissues and patient plasma exhibit obesity-dependent elevations of the adipokine chemerin. Attenuation of chemerin by several approaches led to significant reduction in lipid deposition and impairment of tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. A multi-omics approach revealed that chemerin suppresses fatty acid oxidation, preventing ferroptosis, and maintains fatty acid levels that activate hypoxia-inducible factor 2α expression. The lipid coenzyme Q and mitochondrial complex IV, whose biogeneses are lipid-dependent, were found to be decreased after chemerin inhibition, contributing to lipid reactive oxygen species production. Monoclonal antibody targeting chemerin led to reduced lipid storage and diminished tumor growth, demonstrating translational potential of chemerin inhibition. Collectively, the results suggest that obesity and tumor cells contribute to ccRCC through the expression of chemerin, which is indispensable in ccRCC biology. SIGNIFICANCE: Identification of a hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent adipokine that prevents fatty acid oxidation and causes escape from ferroptosis highlights a critical metabolic dependency unique in the clear cell subtype of kidney cancer. Targeting lipid metabolism via inhibition of a soluble factor is a promising pharmacologic approach to expand therapeutic strategies for patients with ccRCC.See related commentary by Reznik et al., p. 1879.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1861.

Molecular signalling of a novel curcumin derivative versus Tadalafil in erectile dysfunction

The efficacy of a novel curcumin derivative (NCD) versus tadalafil in erectile signalling was assessed. Ten control male rats and 50 diabetic male rats were used and divided into the following: diabetic (DM), curcumin (CURC), NCD, tadalafil and NCD combined with tadalafil rat groups. Cavernous tissue gene expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nrf2, NF-B and p38, enzyme activities of heme oxygenase (HO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cGMP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed. Results showed that 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, erectile dysfunction (ED) was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP/MAP, a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzyme activities, a significant decrease in HO-1 gene and a significant increase in NF-Ҡβ, p38 genes. Administration of all therapeutic interventions led to a significant increase in ICP/MAP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in HO-1, and Nrf2 gene expression, and a significant decrease in NF-Ҡβ, p38 gene expression. NCD or its combination with tadalafil showed significant superiority and more prolonged duration of action. In conclusion, a tendency was observed that CURC and NCD have high efficacy and more prolonged duration of action in enhancing erectile function.

Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in rat model

Serrapeptase (SP) and nattokinase (NK) are proteolytic enzymes belonging to serine proteases. In this study, we hypothesized that SP and NK could modulate certain factors that are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology in the experimental model. Oral administration of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) in a dose of 17 mg/kg body weight (bw) daily for 45 days induced AD-like pathology in male rats with a significant increase in brain acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Fas and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Meanwhile, AlCl3 supplementation produced significant decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) when compared with control values. Also, AlCl3 administration caused significant decline in the expression levels of disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 9 (ADAM9) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 10 (ADAM10) genes in the brain. Histological investigation of brain tissue of rat model of AD showed neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and focal hyalinosis with cellular as well as a cellular amyloid plaques formation. Oral administration of SP or NK in a rat model of AD daily for 45 days resulted in a significant decrease in brain AchE activity, TGF-β, Fas and IL-6 levels. Also, the treatment with these enzymes produced significant increase in BDNF and IGF-1 levels when compared with the untreated AD-induced rats. Moreover, both SP and NK could markedly increase the expression levels of ADAM9 and ADAM10 genes in the brain tissue of the treated rats. These findings were well confirmed by the histological examination of the brain tissue of the treated rats. The present results support our hypothesis that the oral administration of proteolytitc enzymes, SP and/or NK, would have an effective role in modulating certain factors characterizing AD. Thus, these enzymes may have a therapeutic application in the treatment of AD.

Heme oxygenase effect on mesenchymal stem cells action on experimental Alzheimer's disease

The objective is to evaluate the effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme inducer and inhibitor on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Alzheimer disease. 70 female albino rats were divided equally into 7 groups as follows: group 1: healthy control; group 2: Aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer disease; group 3: induced Alzheimer rats that received intravenous injection of MSCs; group 4: induced Alzheimer rats that received MSCs and HO inducer cobalt protoporphyrin; group 5: induced Alzheimer rats that received MSCs and HO inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin; group 6: induced Alzheimer rats that received HO inducer; group7: induced Alzheimer rats that received HO inhibitor. Brain tissue was collected for HO-1, seladin-1 gene expression by real time polymerase chain reaction, heme oxygenase activity, cholesterol estimation and histopathological examination. MSCs decreased the plaque lesions, heme oxygenase induction with stem cells also decreased plaque lesions however there was hemorrhage in the brain. Both heme oxygenase inducer alone or with stem cells increased seladin-1 expression and decreased cholesterol level. MSCs alone or with HO-1 induction exert a therapeutic effect against the brain lesion in Alzheimer's disease possibly through decreasing the brain cholesterol level and increasing seladin-1 gene expression.

Effect of food restriction on reproductive-related genes and reproductive hormones in adult female rats

OBJECTIVES

A number of factors involved in the control of energy balance and metabolism act as modulators of gonadal axis. Ghrelin, a peptide secreted from the stomach and hypothalamus, has emerged as an orexigenic food intake controlling signal acting upon hypothalamus. Recently, the potential reproductive role of ghrelin has received great attention. This study was designed to investigate the influence of food restriction and consequent metabolic hormone (ghrelin) on the level and gene expression of female reproductive hormones in adult rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To study the effect of chronic food restriction on ghrelin level in adult female rats and its relation to female reproductive hormones, 32 adult female Sprague Dawley rats divided into 4 groups: Group I (control group) comprised 8 rats fed ad libitum for 30 days, Group II, III and IV (food-restricted groups for 10, 20 and 30 days respectively) each consisted of 8 rats fed 50% of ad libitum intake determined by the amount of food consumed by the control group.

RESULTS

Mean body weight of food restricted rats was observed to decrease during the period of the experiment. Food restriction produced significant increase of serum ghrelin with significant decrease of both gastric and hypothalamic ghrelin accompanied with significant increase in its gene expression in stomach and hypothalamus. Estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels showed significant decrease correlated with down-regulation of gonadotropins, cyclin-dependent kinase (cdc2), cyclin B and kisspeptin (Kiss1) genes in food restricted rats compared with control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Ghrelin could be one of the hormones responsible for the suppression of female reproductive axis in case of negative energy balance. Thus, ghrelin may operate as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of ovarian function. Overall, ghrelin may represent an additional link between body weight homeostasis and reproductive function.

Potential role of leptin against glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis in adult female rats

OBJECTIVES

The present study assessed the potential role of leptin administration in the protection and intervention against glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis in female rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this purpose five groups of female Sprague Dawley rats were classified into: (1) negative control group in which the healthy rats received saline as vehicle, (2) a group orally administered with prednisolone (5 mg kg b.wt.-1) daily for six months (osteoporotic group), (3) a group subcutaneously administered with leptin (400 microg kg b.wt.-1) three times weekly for six months (positive control), (4) a group orally administered with prednisolone daily with simultaneous subcutaneous administration of leptin three times weekly for six months (protective group), and (5) a group orally administered with prednisolone daily for six months then subcutaneously administered with leptin three times weekly for other six months (therapeutic group).

RESULTS

The obtained data revealed that prednisolone administration resulted in significant decrease in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) level accompanied with significant increase in serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and beta2-microglobulin levels in comparison with the negative control group. Moreover, prednisolone significantly decreased bone mineral density and content of different areas of the right femur bones as compared to the negative control group. Furthermore, administration of leptin with/after stopping prednisolone administration resulted in a marked modulation in the majority of bone biomarkers as well as improvement in bone mineral density and content.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin provided promising effect on bone through its direct action on bone and matrix mineralization.

Clinical value of serum hepatocyte growth factor, B-cell lymphoma-2 and nitric oxide in primary breast cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

The present study was undertaken to determine the clinical significance of serum levels of HGF, Bcl-2 and NO in the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty four primary invasive breast cancer patients and fifteen health control subjects were enrolled in the present study. Serum HGF, Bcl-2 and No levels were assayed and correlated with clinico pathological parameters. ROS curve analysis was also done for each biochemical marker.

RESULTS

The mean level of HGF was 1198.79 +/- 76.32 pg/ml versus 884.67 +/- 66.88 pg/ml for the control (p = 0.026). The HGF levels were significantly elevated in the patients with increasing the tumor stage (p = 0.036). In addition, HGF levels were markedly increased in negative estrogen receptor patients (p = 0.039). The mean level of Bcl-2 in patients was 12.83 +/- 1.97 ng/ml versus 5.09 +/- 0.40 ng/ml in control (p = 0.027). Levels of Bcl-2 were elevated but not statistically significant in patients with grade I (GI) tumors, negative nodes, ER negative tumors and postmenopausal patients (p = 0.4, 0.8, 0.7 and 0.5, respectively). The patients mean serum levels of NO were 63.07 +/- 4.14 micromol/L versus 43.99 +/- 4.21 micromol/L in control (p = 0.014). The levels of NO were elevated but also not statistically significant in patients with tumor size I, GI tumors, ER negative tumors, positive nodes, stage II tumors and postmenopausal patients (p = 0.3, 0.6, 0.3, 0.7, 0.3 and 0.2 respectively). From the ROC curve analysis, it was observed that the area under curve for HGF, Bcl-2 and NO was 0.695, 0.842 and 0.711, respectively. This result indicates the good validity of the above biomarkers especially Bcl-2 to discriminate the ER positive from the negative tumors in primary breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the serum levels of HGF, Bcl-2 or NO may help in the diagnosis of breast cancer patients and may aid in disease prognosis. However, larger study with more patients are required.

Hypolipidemic influence of Sargassum subrepandum: mechanism of action

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the role and mode of action of Sargassum subrepandum methanolic extract in management of dyslipidemia in adult female rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty adult female Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into four groups: (1) lean control rats fed on standard diet, (2) dyslipidemia control fed on the atherogenic diet, (3) lean rats orally administered with 100 mg/kg b. wt of Sargassum subrepandum methanolic extract and (4) dyslipidemia rats orally administered with Sargassum subrepandum methanolic extract. Plasma lipid profile, serum MDA, NO, leptin, TNF-alpha and adiponectin levels were demonstrated in the all studied groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that feeding of rats with athrogenic diet caused significant elevation in plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, serum MDA, NO, leptin and TNF-alpha levels while, it produced significant decline in plasma HDL and serum adiponectin levels compared with lean control rats. However, treatment of dyslipidemia rats with Sargassum subrepandum methanolic extract induced significant improvement of plasma lipid profile, marked decrease in serum MDA, NO, leptin, TNF-alpha level in concomitant with remarkable increase in serum adiponectin level.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that Sargassum subrepandum extract plays a vital role in ameliorating dyslipidemia and its complications particularly oxidative stress and implication. This could be attributed to the hypolipidemic effect, antilipidperoxidative activity and antinflammatory property of Sargassum subrepandum methanolic extract.

Pleiotropic effects of rimonabant and simvastatin on obesity associated multiple metabolic risk factors in rats

BACKGROUND

Obesity, a worldwide health problem, is a metabolic disease currently associated with a cluster and progressive pathologies presenting several features of metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of rimonabant, simvastatin and their combination on obesity associated metabolic disorder mediators in adult male rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty adult male Wistar rats weighing (120 +/- 10 g) were divided into five groups: Group 1 was kept on standard rodent chow and served as normal diet control. Group 2 was given high fat diet (HFD) for twenty weeks and served as HFD control. Groups 3, 4 and 5 administered HFD for ten weeks and then orally received rimonabant (2 mg/kg/day), simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), combination of both drugs, respectively for another ten weeks with continuing feeding HFD.

RESULTS

The current results showed that the treatment of HFD rats with either rimonabant or simvastatin significantly reduced body mass index, total cholesterol, triacylglycerides, low density lipoproteins, tumor necrosis factor alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, while increased adiponectin serum levels. Rimonabant showed to be more effective than simvastatin. Moreover, concomitant administration of rimonabant and simvastatin achieved the highest effect which nearly normalized most of the studied parameters as compared to singular therapy.

CONCLUSION

Rimonabant is the drug of primary choice as singular therapy for obesity. The adjunct therapy of rimonabant with simvastatin may be a novel and a promising therapeutic approach as it has a beneficial effect on the pathophysiological processes of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders.

New insights on the anti-inflammatory effect of some Egyptian plants against renal dysfunction induced by cyclosporine

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to investigate the anti-inflammatory role of fennel, carob, doum and mixture of them in improving the renal dysfunction induced in rats by the cyclosporine.

DESIGN

Sixty female albino rats were divided into six groups: healthy control rats, cyclosporine injected rats (positive control), other groups were injected by cyclosporine for 7 days and then diet was supplemented with either fennel, doum, carob or mixture of them. After 45 days of supplementation, rats were scarified. Serum and urinary samples were obtained for different biochemical analysis.

METHODS

The analysis included the determination of creatinine levels in serum and urinary samples, serum ammonia, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), urinary N-acetyl-beta D-glucosaminidase (NAG), beta2 microglobulin as well as calculating the creatinine clearance. Also, an histopathological examination for the kidney tissue was performed.

RESULTS

The present study showed that cyclosporine induced the nephrotoxicity as appeared by elevation of serum and urinary levels of creatinine, urinary level of beta2 microglobulin, serum levels of ammonia, TGF-beta1 and TNF-alpha and the NAG level while decreased the creatinine clearance. Addition of fennel, carob, doum or mixture of them significantly improved the kidney functions. Moreover, anti-inflammatory status of animals injected with cyclosporine and supplemented with fennel, carob, doum and mixture of them, showed a significant amelioration in the kidney functions as compared to animals injected with the cyclosporine only. Histopathological investigation of kidney tissue of rat treated with the cyclosporine showed a moderate degree of renal damages. While, groups fed on fennel, carob, doum or mixture of them showed a great improvement in the kidney morphological structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet supplementation with fennel, carob, doum have a promising anti-inflammatory influence on attenuating the complications associated with the renal dysfunction.

Windows into estradiol effects in Alzheimer's disease therapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder associated with aging. The neuropathologic features of this disease are senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which are present in memory structures and cerebral cortex. This study focuses on evaluation of estradiol administration in the management of neurological changes accompanied with AD in ovariectomized rats intoxicated with aluminum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty adult female rats were classified into 5 main groups as follows: Group (1): gonad intact control, Group (2): ovariectomized control group, Group (3): ovariectomized rats were injected subcutaneously with estradiol for 18 weeks, Group (4): ovariectomized rats were injected intraperitoneally with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) daily for three months, Group (5): ovariectomized rats were injected intraperitoneally with AlCl3 for three months, then, they were injected subcutaneously with estradiol three times weekly for 18 weeks. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and acetylcholine (Ach) were determined in brain tissue of all studied groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that brain TAC, SOD activity, Bcl-2 and BDNF levels were decreased significantly due to ovariectomy. Brain H2O2, MDA levels and AchE activity were increased significantly after AlCl3 administration to ovariectomized rats. Brain TAC, Bcl-2, BDNF and Ach levels were decreased significantly as a result of AlCl3 supplementation to ovariectomized rats. Treatment of rats with estradiol produced marked improvement in the most studied biomarkers and this finding was well documented by histological investigation of the brain which showed remarkable improvement in the feature of the neurons in addition to the disappearance of plaques.

CONCLUSIONS

We could conclude that estradiol administration significantly ameliorates the neurodegeneration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in experimental rat model. This may be attributed to its powerful antioxidant, antiapoptotic, neurotrophic as well as its antiamyloidogenic activities.

Therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on experimental liver fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on experimental liver fibrosis in rats.

DESIGN AND METHOD

MSC were derived from bone marrow obtained from femoral and tibial bones of male albino rats. MSC were separated, grown, and propagated in culture for 4 weeks and were characterized morphologically and by detection of CD29 by RT-PCR. They were then infused into the tail vein of female rats that received CCl4 injection to induce liver fibrosis. Rats were divided into 4 groups: control, CCl4, CCl4 plus MSC, and MSC. Liver tissue was examined histopathologically and liver functions (ALT and serum albumin) were estimated for all groups. Y-chromosome gene (sry) was assessed by PCR in liver tissue of the female rats to confirm uptake of the male stem cells. Hydroxyproline content in liver tissue was assessed by chemical methods and expression of the collagen gene (type I) was detected as a marker for liver fibrosis. Results of the present study showed that MSC have a significant antifibrotic effect as evidenced by the significant decrease in liver collagen gene expression as well as the decrease in hydroxyproline content in the CCl4/MSC group (p<0.001) compared to the CCl4 group. The Y-chromosome gene (sry) was detected by RT-PCR in the CCl4/MSC group, but was not detected in control group and other groups. The CD29 gene was expressed in MSC culture, and this confirmed the efficiency of isolation and propagation of MSC in culture. With regard to liver function, there was also a significant improvement and elevation of serum albumin in the CCl4/MSC group compared to the CCl4 group (p<0.05). As regard to the liver enzyme ALT, there was a decrease of its level in the CCl4/MSC group compared to the CCl4 group. However, this was statistically nonsignificant (p>0.05). In conclusion, MSC have a potential therapeutic effect against the fibrotic process through their effect in minimizing collagen deposition in addition to their capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae intervention for relieving flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats

The aim of this work was to investigate the protective role of baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae against the hepatotoxic effect of the drug flutamide that is widely used for treatment of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Administration of flutamide to adult male rats in a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. daily for 15 days resulted in serious hepatic injury. Highly significant increase in each of serum ALT, ALP, bilirubin, bile acids and cholesterol level, relative to the control group, was observed. Also, a highly significant increase in the serum glutathione-S-transferase isoforms: alpha-GST and pi-GST and each of TNF-alpha and NO levels was recorded. Moreover, highly significant decrease in hepatic glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities was observed. In addition, the authors noticed a significant increase in serum testosterone levels with concomitant highly significant increase in serum acid phosphatase activity. Prophylactic treatment of male rats with baker's yeast in a dose of 4.8 mg/kg b.w. daily for 15 days, followed by a combination of flutamide (100 mg/kg b.w.) and yeast (4.8 mg/kg b.w.) daily for other 15 days resulted in marked improvement in rat's liver function, whereas the serum testosterone and acid phosphatase levels retained values parallel to those recorded for the flutamide-treated rats. Histological examination of liver tissues showed that flutamide caused hydropic degeneration, necrotic areas and marked increase in Kupffer cells. The central vein is congested with blood and signs of apoptosis appeared in the hepatocytes in the form of fragmentation of the nuclei and blebbing of the cytoplasm. On the other hand, in the rats treated with both yeast and flutamide, the hepatic cords were more regularly arranged, signs of degeneration or apoptosis were less pronounced and some hepatocytes appeared binucleated. The authors postulate that each one of the powerful antioxidative components in S. cerevisiae effectively participated in attenuation of the oxidative stress caused by flutamide metabolites, and in promoting regeneration of new hepatocytes and meanwhile could restore liver function beyond normal status.

The effect of xylazine on basal serum prolactin concentrations in male rats

In this study the effects of the major tranquilizer, xylazine, on serum prolactin level were studied in male rats. The results showed that, unlike all other tranquilizers, xylazine produced significant decrease (P less than 0.05) in serum prolactin levels. Xylazine at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) induced significant decrease in serum prolactin levels 1 h after its intramuscular injection which remained significantly low for 4 h. The inhibition produced by 5 mg/kg and the 10 mg/kg b.w. doses was observed to be stronger in both magnitude and duration than that produced by the lower dose (2.5 mg/kg). This inhibitory effect of xylazine on prolactin levels may be attributable to its dopaminergic and/or alpha adrenergic antagonist activity. However, this point needs further investigation.

Episodic growth hormone secretory pattern in male rats: relationship to gonadal steroid hormones

In the present study sequential blood samples were obtained from freely-behaving male rats bearing chronic intracardial venous cannulae. Blood samples were obtained at 20 min intervals for 6 h from intact rats, castrated rats, castrated rats treated with either testosterone propionate (TP) or estradiol benzoate (EB) and intact rats treated with either TP or EB. Intact rats demonstrated normal episodic GH secretion. The mean baseline GH concentration was similar in intact and castrated rats, while the overall mean plasma GH levels and the magnitude of the mean plasma GH secretory spikes were significantly higher in intact rats. Injection of castrated rats with TP completely counteracted the effect of castration on GH secretory pattern. Injection of TP to intact male rats did not induce any significant changes in the GH secretory pattern. Treatment of intact males with EB significantly elevated mean baseline GH concentration, while the magnitude of the mean GH secretory spikes was significantly reduced. When EB was injected to castrated males, the overall mean GH levels and the magnitude of the mean GH secretory spikes were significantly reduced, while the mean baseline GH was significantly elevated. The data of the present work suggest that gonadal steroids are responsible, at least in part, for the differences in GH secretory pattern between males and females; and that the increase in the magnitude of GH secretory spikes in males could account for the greater increase in growth rate at puberty in males than in females.

Inhibition of plasma prolactin in the rat by amantadine

A single iv injection of 15 or 30 but not 7.5 mg/kg BW of an antiviral drug, amantadine, significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased plasma prolactin (PRL) concentrations in male rats. This effect was dose-dependent, with the highest dose producing a longer-lasting decrease in plasma PRL. The amantadine-induced decrease was unaffected by a simultaneous injection of 5-hydroxytryptophan (30 mg/kg BW) but was completely blocked by a simultaneous injection of haloperidol (0.05 mg/kg BW). It is concluded that this novel effect of amantadine on PRL is produced by an interaction with the dopaminergic system.

Effect of propiomazine on plasma prolactin in the rat: counteraction by L-dopa

A single iv injection of 0.31, 0.62, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg body wt of a phenothiazine derivative, propiomazine (PP), into male rats significantly (P less than 0.05) increased plasma prolactin concentrations. The higher doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg body wt) produced increases that were greater in both magnitude and duration than those produced by the lower doses. The higher doses of PP, along with the elevations in plasma prolactin, also produced concomitant decreases in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Pretreatment with L-dopa (100 mg/kg body wt) completely blocked the PP-induced stimulation of prolactin release, indicating that antidopaminergic action of PP either at the hypothalamic or anterior pituitary level was responsible for its effects on the release of prolactin.