Turpentine Ointment for the Treatment of Folliculitis: An Open, Prospective, Randomized, Placebo- and Comparator-Controlled Multicenter Trial

INTRODUCTION

Folliculitis is a painful infection and inflammation of the hair follicles, mostly caused by bacterial, fungal, or, more rarely, viral infections. Turpentine derivatives have been used traditionally to treat various skin infections and could thus also be effective in treating folliculitis. We carried out an open, prospective, randomized, placebo- and comparator-controlled multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an ointment containing pine turpentine oil, larch turpentine, and eucalyptus oil in the treatment of acute folliculitis.

METHODS

Seventy outpatients with acute folliculitis were treated with the turpentine ointment, a comparator (povidone iodine solution), or a placebo (Vaseline) for 7 days. Photographs of the affected skin areas were taken by the physicians at four visits and by the patients on a daily basis. Photographs were evaluated by blinded observers. Primary efficacy endpoint was the change in total hair follicle lesion counts. Secondary endpoints included the evolution of the lesion counts in the course of the study, responder rate (improvement of follicle lesions by at least one count), and the patient's global assessment. Safety endpoints were the tolerability of the treatments and adverse event recording.

RESULTS

A decrease of follicle lesions counts was detected for both active treatments but not for placebo, but the differences among groups were not statistically significant. As for the secondary endpoints, the ointment showed statistically significant superiority over placebo for the evolution of the lesions during the course of the study (p = 0.017), the responder rate (p = 0.032), and the subjective efficacy assessment by patients (p = 0.029). All treatments were equally well tolerated, with a similar number of treatment-emergent adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The turpentine ointment is an effective and safe option for the treatment of folliculitis.

Evaluation of the efficacy of hematoxylin and eosin stain when xylene is completely replaced by turpentine or kerosene oil - A comparative study for oral tissues

Background

Microscopic examination of cells and tissues requires the preparation of very thin and good-quality sections mounted on glass slides and appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures. Before this step, the tissue must undergo preparatory treatment known as tissue processing. The various stages of tissue processing are dehydration, clearing, impregnation, and embedding, each with a particular duration for proper completion of the process. Xylene is the most frequently used clearing agent whose carcinogenic potential is well documented. Hence, attempts were made to substitute xylene with a biosafe clearing agent. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of hematoxylin and eosin stain (H and E stain) when xylene is completely replaced by turpentine or kerosene oil.

Materials and Methods

A total number of 50 tissue samples were taken in the study, which included 40 study samples and 10 controls. All the samples were randomly separated into three groups and routine tissue processing and H and E staining were performed. The result was further subjected to statistical analysis by using Fisher's exact test. Group-1: Ten tissue samples were processed and H and E staining was done in xylene. Group-2: Twenty tissue samples were processed and H and E staining was done in turpentine oil. Group-3: Twenty tissue samples were processed and H and E staining was done in kerosene oil.

Results

Nuclear staining, cell morphology, and uniformity of staining were better in kerosene sections, while cytoplasmic and clarity of staining of turpentine sections were comparable with xylene sections.

Conclusion

Turpentine and kerosene as clearing agents can be used in the future with certain modifications in their concentration and routine staining protocol.

Evaluating Potential Anxiolytic Effects of Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes After Acute and Chronic Oral Administration in Rats

Background: Cannabis and its primary psychoactive constituent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) produce biphasic, dose-dependent effects on anxiety. In addition to D9-THC, cannabis contains other "minor" cannabinoids and terpenes with purported therapeutic potential for the treatment of anxiety. Empirical data on potential therapeutic effects of these compounds is limited. The current study evaluated the effects of selected minor cannabinoids and terpenes in a battery of tests sensitive to anxiolytic and anxiogenic drugs. Methods: In Experiment 1, adult male Sprague Dawley rats (N=7-8/group) were administered acute oral doses of one of five minor cannabinoids: delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (D8-THC; 10 mg/kg), tetrahydrocannabivarin (32 mg/kg), cannabidiolic acid (32 mg/kg), cannabidivarin (32 mg/kg), and cannabigerol (100 mg/kg), or one of five terpenes: D-limonene (17 mg/kg), ⍺-pinene (100 mg/kg), ⍺-terpineol (10 mg/kg), bisabolol (100 mg/kg), and β-caryophyllene (17 mg/kg), or vehicle (medium-chain triglycerides [MCT] oil). Ethyl alcohol was tested as an active comparator. Thirty minutes post-administration, the marble burying test, the three-chamber social interaction test, and the novelty-induced hypophagia test were completed; motor activity was assessed throughout testing. Experiment 2 examined the potential anxiolytic effects of minor cannabinoids when administered chronically; rats administered MCT oil or minor cannabinoids in Experiment 1 continued receiving once-daily doses for 21 days and were assessed using the same test battery after 7, 14, and 21 days of administration. Results and Conclusions: When compared to vehicle, acute administration of bisabolol and D-limonene increased the amount of food consumed and bisabolol-, D-limonene-, ⍺-pinene-, and β-caryophyllene decreased percent time spent in the outer zone in the novelty-induced hypophagia test, suggestive of an anxiolytic effect. Only ethanol increased social interaction. After acute administration, anxiogenic effects in the marble burying test were observed for D8-THC, but not for other minor cannabinoids and terpenes. Throughout chronic administration, only D8-THC displayed anxiogenic effects in the novelty-induced hypophagia test. The other cannabinoids did not show anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects in any of the tests at the doses or times tested. The minor cannabinoids and terpenes did not impair or stimulate general motor activity. These data provide a foundation for future studies investigating cannabinoid/terpene interactions.

Systematic Study on Turpentine-Derived Amides from Natural Plant Monoterpenes as Potential Antifungal Candidates

To overcome the high volatility, low aqueous solubility, and few definite action sites of monoterpenoid pesticides and improve their properties and effectiveness in the control of crop pathogenic fungi, herein, a series of natural turpentine-based amide derivatives exhibiting satisfactory antifungal activity were designed and synthesized. A systematic study was conducted on antifungal activity and the physiological and biochemical response of compounds 5o (EC₅₀ = 1.139 μg/mL) and 5j (EC₅₀ = 1.762 μg/mL) against Rhizoctonia solani. The effect of the target compound on the potential target-site succinate dehydrogenase was evaluated. The soluble concentrates of compounds 5o and 5j possessing good performance and control effects were prepared for practical application. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between structural descriptors and activity, four representative title compounds were selected for theoretical calculation: 5o, 5j, 5k, and 5j. The binding mode of compound 5o and boscalid with succinate dehydrogenase was analyzed via molecular docking. This study provides a reference for the development of monoterpene pesticides with high efficiency, elucidated target sites, and the appropriate formula.

The history, stereochemistry, ethnopharmacology and quality assessment of borneol

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Borneol (BO) represents a global trade-driven spreading of ethnic medicine traceable to the classical age, and won its name specific to its original habitat "Borneo". BO shows broad spectral pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, inducing resuscitation, and widely applied in the protection and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, used singly or mostly in compound formulae.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Three stereoscopic configuration forms of BO, l-borneol (LB), d-borneol (DB), and dl-borneol (synthetic, SB), are formulated in broad spectral application, yet their diverse pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties caused by configurations, and accurate assay and quality assessment are often overlooked. A systematic review and analysis of lumped studies and applications is necessary to clarify the relationship between configuration and its original plant, analysis method, activity and side effect BO in order to guarantee the efficacy and safety during their application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The public databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure were referenced to summarize a comprehensive research and application data of BO published up to date.

RESULTS

This review includes following sections: History and current status, Stereochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Quality assessment. In the section of history, the changes of the plant origins of the two isomeric forms of natural BO were described respectively, and the methods for synthetic racemate SB were also included. The section of stereochemistry deals with the stereoscopic structures, physical/chemical property, optical rotation of the three forms of BO, as well as the main related substances like isoborneol, obtained in SB via chemical transformation of camphor and turpentine oil. In the section of Ethnopharmacology, pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of different forms of BO were discussed. BO is usually used as an "adjuvant", by enhancing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and intervene the ADME/T pathways of the other ingredients in the same formulation. In the section of quality assessment, the analytical methods, including chromatography, especially GC, and spectroscopy were addressed on the chiral separation of the coexisting enantiomers.

CONCLUSIONS

This overview systematically summarized three forms of BO in terms of history, stereochemistry, ethnopharmacology, and quality assessment, which, hopefully, can provide valuable information and strategy for more reasonable application and development of the globally reputed ethnic medicine borneol with characteristics in stereochemistry.

Comparison by Life-Cycle Assessment of Alternative Processes for Carvone and Verbenone Production

Verbenone and carvone are allylic monoterpenoid ketones with many applications in the fine chemicals industry that can be obtained, respectively, from the allylic oxidation of α-pinene and limonene over a silica-supported iron hexadecachlorinated phthalocyanine (FePcCl₁₆-NH₂-SiO₂) catalyst and with t-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. As there are no reported analyses of the environmental impacts associated with catalytic transformation of terpenes into value-added products that include the steps associated with synthesis of the catalyst and several options of raw materials in the process, this contribution reports the evaluation of the environmental impacts in the conceptual process to produce verbenone and carvone considering two scenarios (SI-raw-oils and SII-purified-oils). The impact categories were evaluated using ReCiPe and IPCC methods implemented in SimaPro 9.3 software. The environmental impacts in the synthesis of the heterogeneous catalyst FePcCl₁₆-NH₂-SiO₂ showed that the highest burdens in terms of environmental impact come from the use of fossil fuel energy sources and solvents, which primarily affect human health. The most significant environmental impacts associated with carvone and verbenone production are global warming and fine particulate matter formation, with fewer environmental impacts associated with the process that starts directly from turpentine and orange oils (SI-raw-oils) instead of the previously extracted α-pinene and limonene (SII-purified-oils). As TBHP was identified as a hotspot in the production process of verbenone and carvone, it is necessary to choose a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient oxidizing agent for the oxidation of turpentine and orange oils.

Probing the stereochemical structure of carenes using Raman and Raman optical activity spectroscopy

The great interest in terpene compounds such as 2-, 3- and 4-carene is due to their undeniable biological activity. However, in recent years, there has been increasing interest in carenes in the context of biofuels. The current growing and insatiable demand for petroleum fuels creates an area for alternative biofuels. Research shows that natural products, which contain compounds from the carenes family, such as pine oil or turpentine (3-carene can constitute up to 70% of the composition of turpentine), can be successfully used as biofuels or additives in biofuels. In this work, both experimental and calculated (DFT/B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ) Raman and ROA (Raman optical activity) spectra of 1S,3R-cis-4-carene and 1S,3S-trans-4-carene were reported and analyzed for the first time. Then these spectra were compared with Raman and ROA spectra of other chiral members of the carenes family (1S-2-carene and 1S-3-carene). This knowledge about the spectra of individual carenes made it possible to identify (+)-1S-3-carene in selected samples of pine essential oil from the needles of Pinius sylvestris (Scots pine).

Taking Advantage of the Renewable Forest Bioresource Turpentine to Prepare α,β-Unsaturated Compounds as Highly Efficient Fungicidal Candidates

In a continuous study on the high-value-added exploration of a renewable forest bioresource turpentine in modern organic agriculture, two series of α-pinene derivatives containing amide and α,β-unsaturated ketone pharmacophores were prepared. Through an in-depth fungicidal activity study, the title compounds presented excellent inhibitory activity against common crop fungi, especially Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and the notable EC₅₀ values of α,β-unsaturated compounds 3u (funan containing) and 3v (thiophene containing) were 1.657 and 1.749 μg/mL, respectively. Further physiological and biochemical studies on S. sclerotiorum revealed that compounds 3u and 3v reduced the ergosterol content in the cell membrane and increased the permeability of the cell membrane. In combination with their effect on mycelial morphology, the title compounds might have inhibitory effects on the biosynthesis of ergosterol, which is a paramount component of the target cell membrane. Moreover, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and SAR studies revealed that the charge distribution of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl ketone derivatives played an important role in the observed fungicidal activity. In summary, this study highlights the design and development of novel high-efficacy turpentine-based antifungal agents.

Vinum resinatum: Scientists and unintended consequences

The art of winemaking has a long history. The methods and techniques changed over millennia as did the consumers taste and habits. Improving the taste of the wine and preventing conversion to vinegar required fantasy and creativity. The principal substances employed as conditurae were seawater, turpentine, either pure, or in the form of pitch (pix), tar (pix liquida), or resin (resina); lime, in the form of gypsum, burnt marble, or calcined shells; inspissated must, aromatic herbs, spices, and gums, and these were used either singly, or cooked up into a great variety of complicated confections. Turpentine exposure (oral. dermal. or respiratory) confers urine the scent of violets. It is generally assumed that turpentine's effect on urine was noticed subsequent to its use as medicine, as a component of various remedies popular in antiquity and thereafter. The high price of such elaborate concoctions would have made however such means available to only a privileged few. Furthermore, the high number of components would also have made association of a particular ingredient with a specific effect difficult if not impossible. We examined the possibility that the effect of turpentine on urine was noticed due to its presence in wines and therefore to the likely widespread exposure of the population to its effects. We review the literature supporting this possibility and provide biographic data on some of the pharmacists, chemists, and physicians involved.

Low anticoagulant heparin-iron complex targeting inhibition of hepcidin ameliorates anemia of chronic disease in rodents

Hepcidin is the only known hormone negatively regulates systemic iron availability, its excess contributes to anemia of chronic disease (ACD).Heparin has been shown to be an efficient hepcidin inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo, but its powerful anticoagulant activity limits this therapeutic application. To this end, heparin-iron complex was prepared by electrostatic interaction and/or coordination between heparin and dihydroxy iron solution ([Fe(OH)2]+) under the condition of ultrasonic assisted. We assessed the anticoagulant activity of heparin-iron in vitro and vivo by sheep plasma, chromogenic substrate method and tail-bleeding in mice, respectively. Anti-hepcidin effect of heparin-iron was detected in HepG2 cell and LPS induced acute inflammation mice by qRT-PCR and ELISA. Turpentine-induced anemia mice were established to evaluate the effect of heparin-iron in ACD. Mice were treated with heparin-iron for 4 weeks. The results indicated that heparin-iron has significantly reduced anticoagulant activity in vitro and in vivo, strongly decreases hepcidin mRNA and IL-6 induced high level of secreted hepcidin in HepG2 cell. Heparin-iron was also found to cause a reduction on hepcidin expression through BMP/SMAD and JAK/STAT3 pathways in LPS induced acute inflammation model in mice. In ACD mice, heparin-iron could lower elevated serum hepcidin and improve anemia. These findings demonstrated low anticoagulant heparin-iron has potential applications for the treatment of ACD with high hepcidin levels.

A Review of the Ecology and Management of Black Turpentine Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The black turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus terebrans Olivier is the largest pine-infesting bark beetle native to the southern and eastern United States. It generally reproduces in fresh stumps and bases of trees weakened or killed by other biotic or abiotic agents, although it can also infest and sometimes kills apparently healthy trees. Its numbers can build when large amounts of host material become available (typically through a disturbance), and black turpentine beetle-caused mortality at a local scale can become considerable. Here, we provide a complete review of the literature on this species, including its taxonomy, host, life history, chemical ecology, arthropod and microbial associates, and management options. We also provide original data on numbers of instars, acoustic signals, and pheromone chirality in this species. Our survey of the existing literature revealed that key biological characteristics of black turpentine beetles are known, but interactions with closely associated organisms, economic and ecological impacts, and improvements to monitoring and management practices have been only partially investigated.

Antennal Transcriptome Analysis of Odorant Reception Genes in the Red Turpentine Beetle (RTB), Dendroctonus valens

BACKGROUND

The red turpentine beetle (RTB), Dendroctonus valens LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), is a destructive invasive pest of conifers which has become the second most important forest pest nationwide in China. Dendroctonus valens is known to use host odors and aggregation pheromones, as well as non-host volatiles, in host location and mass-attack modulation, and thus antennal olfaction is of the utmost importance for the beetles' survival and fitness. However, information on the genes underlying olfaction has been lacking in D. valens. Here, we report the antennal transcriptome of D. valens from next-generation sequencing, with the goal of identifying the olfaction gene repertoire that is involved in D. valens odor-processing.

RESULTS

We obtained 51 million reads that were assembled into 61,889 genes, including 39,831 contigs and 22,058 unigenes. In total, we identified 68 novel putative odorant reception genes, including 21 transcripts encoding for putative odorant binding proteins (OBP), six chemosensory proteins (CSP), four sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMP), 22 odorant receptors (OR), four gustatory receptors (GR), three ionotropic receptors (IR), and eight ionotropic glutamate receptors. We also identified 155 odorant/xenobiotic degradation enzymes from the antennal transcriptome, putatively identified to be involved in olfaction processes including cytochrome P450s, glutathione-S-transferases, and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Predicted protein sequences were compared with counterparts in Tribolium castaneum, Megacyllene caryae, Ips typographus, Dendroctonus ponderosae, and Agrilus planipennis.

CONCLUSION

The antennal transcriptome described here represents the first study of the repertoire of odor processing genes in D. valens. The genes reported here provide a significant addition to the pool of identified olfactory genes in Coleoptera, which might represent novel targets for insect management. The results from our study also will assist with evolutionary analyses of coleopteran olfaction.

The effect of some 4,2 and 5,2 bisthiazole derivatives on nitro-oxidative stress and phagocytosis in acute experimental inflammation

Nineteen bisthiazoles were tested in order to assess their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. First, we evaluated the in vitro direct antioxidant capacity of the bisthiazoles using the DPPH radical scavenging method. Then, the anti-inflammatory effect was tested in acute rat experimental inflammation by measuring the acute phase bone marrow response, the phagocytic capacity and the serum nitro-oxidative stress status. Although none of the substances showed significant direct antioxidant potential in the DPPH assay, most of them improved serum oxidative status, when administered to rats with inflammation. Four of the bisthiazoles proved to have good anti-inflammatory properties, similar or superior to that of equal doses meloxicam.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Allium schoenoprasum L. leaves

Allium schoenoprasum has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is used to relieve pain from sunburn and sore throat. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts from A. schoenoprasum leaves. A 1:1 (w:v) extract was prepared by a modified Squibb repercolation method. The total phenolic content of 68.5±2 g gallic acid aquivalent (GAE)/g plant was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl bleaching method (6.72±0.44 g/mg DPPH) and the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (132.8±23 g trolox eq./g plant) assay. Analysis of the extracts using the hemoglobin ascorbate peroxidase activity inhibition assay or the electron spin resonance did not yield signals above the detection limit. The anti-inflammatory effects of three extract concentrations (25%, 50%, 100%) were evaluated in vivo on a model turpentine oil-induced inflammation in rats. These three extracts were also evaluated in vitro for the ability to inhibit phagocytosis, the accumulation of total nitrites and nitrates in the serum, the total oxidative status, the total antioxidant response and the oxidative stress index. Pure extracts (100% concentration) had the best inhibitory activity on phagocytosis and oxidative stress. In conclusion, these results support the hypothesis that extracts from A. schoenoprasum leaves exert anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting phagocytosis through the reduction of nitro-oxidative stress.

Turpentine oil induced inflammation decreases absorption and increases distribution of phenacetin without altering its elimination process in rats

Plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate were determined in normal and experimentally induced inflamed rats by turpentine oil to know the role of inflammation on the pharmacokinetics of phenacetin and formation of its active metabolite (paracetamol) by CYP1A2 in wistar albino rats, weighing about 200-250 g that were randomly divided into two groups consisting six in each group. Rats in group I (control) received phenacetin (150 mg kg(-1), PO) where as group II received phenacetin 12 h after induction of inflammation by turpentine oil (0.4 mL, i.m). Blood samples were collected from retro orbital plexus at pre-determined time intervals prior to and at 0.166, 0.33, 0.67, 1.5, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h post-administration of phenacetin. Plasma was separated and analyzed for phenacetin and its metabolite paracetamol by HPLC assay. Based on plasma concentrations of phenacetin and its metabolite paracetamol, the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by compartmental methods. C(max) of phenacetin was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased to 19.50 ± 2.74 μg mL(-1) in inflamed conditions compared to 38.13 ± 2.20 μg mL(-1) obtained in normal rats. Except, for significant (p < 0.001) increase in volume of distribution at steady state (V(dss)) from 2.87 ± 0.37 to 8.03 ± 1.26 L kg(-1) and increased the rate of absorption with shorter absorption half-life (t(1/2ka)) for phenacetin in inflammation. None of the pharmacokinetic parameters of either phenacetin or its metabolite paracetamol were affected. It can be concluded that turpentine oil induced inflammation has no role on the activity of CYP1A2 in rats, as the plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters of paracetamol were found unaltered.

Skeletal muscle deiodinase type 2 regulation during illness in mice

We have previously shown that skeletal muscle deiodinase type 2 (D2) mRNA (listed as Dio2 in MGI Database) is upregulated in an animal model of acute illness. However, human studies on the expression of muscle D2 during illness report conflicting data. Therefore, we evaluated the expression of skeletal muscle D2 and D2-regulating factors in two mouse models of illness that differ in timing and severity of illness: 1) turpentine-induced inflammation, and 2) Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. During turpentine-induced inflammation, D2 mRNA and activity increased compared to pair-fed controls, most prominently at day 1 and 2, whereas after S. pneumoniae infection D2 mRNA decreased. We evaluated the association of D2 expression with serum thyroid hormones, (de-)ubiquitinating enzymes ubiquitin-specific peptidase 33 and WD repeat and SOCS box-containing 1 (Wsb1), cytokine expression and activation of inflammatory pathways and cAMP pathway. During chronic inflammation the increased muscle D2 expression is associated with the activation of the cAMP pathway. The normalization of D2 5 days after turpentine injection coincides with increased Wsb1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha expression. Muscle interleukin-1beta (Il1b) expression correlated with decreased D2 mRNA expression after S. pneumoniae infection. In conclusion, muscle D2 expression is differentially regulated during illness, probably related to differences in the inflammatory response and type of pathology. D2 mRNA and activity increases in skeletal muscle during the acute phase of chronic inflammation compared to pair-fed controls probably due to activation of the cAMP pathway. In contrast, muscle D2 mRNA decreases 48 h after a severe bacterial infection, which is associated with local Il1b mRNA expression and might also be due to diminished food-intake.

Effect of excessive acute-phase response on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Acute-phase response (APR) is known to have a protective role against infection and tissue injury including partial hepatectomy (HTX). In this study, the effect of excessive APR on liver regeneration was investigated using a rat hepatectomized model.

METHODOLOGY

Experimental APR was induced by subcutaneous injection of turpentine oil, immediately, 24 h and 48 h after 50% HTX. Serum IL-6 and hepatic alpha2-macroglobulin mRNA was evaluated in rats receiving turpentine or saline as control after HTX. DNA synthesis and PCNA labeling index in the remnant liver was also investigated. Furthermore, in vitro total hepatic protein synthesis (TPS) and secretory protein synthesis (SPS) in the remnant liver were measured.

RESULTS

Liver regeneration was significantly inhibited after HTX in the turpentine group, compared to the control. DNA synthesis and PCNA labeling index was also significantly decreased on days 1 and 2. A remarkable increase in the serum IL-6 and hepatic alpha2-macroglobulin mRNA was found in the turpentine group. Furthermore, SPS was significantly upregulated in the turpentine group, although TPS was almost similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction of excessive APR after HTX inhibits liver regeneration. Acute phase protein synthesis is remarkably upregulated within the capacity of hepatic protein synthesis, most probably by a reduction in replicative protein synthesis, suggesting that APR may be more appropriate biological response for ensuring immediate survival.

Temporal and spatial expression of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 during acute-phase response induced by localized inflammation in rats

OBJECTIVE

The acute-phase response (APR), a cytokine-induced defense reaction of the body that enhances the innate immunity mechanisms directed to eliminate the noxious agent and restrict the area of damage, is accompanied by numerous alterations of the IGF axis. The liver is a central organ of both the IGF system and the APR because it releases most of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 in the circulation and is the main target organ for acute-phase-cytokines such as IL-6.

METHODS

In the current work the expression of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 was studied in the liver and extrahepatic tissues in a rat model of localized inflammation induced by intramuscular injection of turpentine oil (TO). The mRNA expression of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 was determined by Northern blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR. Circulating levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 were evaluated by radioimmunoassay and [(125)I]-IGF-I ligand blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

Administration of TO to the rats led to a significant reduction of IGF-I gene expression in the liver and spleen. These changes were accompanied by a reduction of serum IGF-I concentrations to approximately 50% of levels observed in control rats. In contrast to IGF-I, IGFBP-1 mRNA expression was rapidly elevated in the livers of TO-treated rats. IGFBP-1 transcripts were already detectable at 30 min after TO injection and reached their maximal levels by 6h. IGFBP-1 gene expression was also increased in the kidneys. This elevation, however, was delayed and less prominent than in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that localized inflammation induced by intramuscular TO injection is accompanied not only by decreased IGF-I but also by increased IGFBP-1 gene expression explaining at least in part the catabolic changes of metabolism observed during the acute-phase response.

Intracerebroventricular injection of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors does not influence febrile response in rats during turpentine abscess

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) in the brain during development of fever in response to localized tissue inflammation caused by injection of turpentine in freely moving biotelemetered rats. To determine the role of both NOSs in turpentineinduced fever, we injected vinyl-L-NIO (N(5) - (1-Imino-3-butenyl) - ornithine (vLNIO), a selective nNOS inhibitor, and aminoguanidine hydrochloride, a selective iNOS inhibitor, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) 5 h after turpentine injection. Rats responded with fever to intramuscular injection of 20 mul of turpentine that commenced about 5 - 6 h after injection and reached peak value between 9 - 11 h post-turpentine. The inhibition of nNOS as well as iNOS in the brain did not affect fever induced by turpentine. Fevers in control rats (treated i.c.v. with pyrogen-free water) and iNOS or nNOS inhibitor-i.c.v. treated rats injected with turpentine were essentially the same. Furthermore, on the basis of these data, we concluded that iNOS and nNOS inside the brain do not participate in generation of fever to turpentine in rats.

Myiasis infestation in postoperative mastoid cavity

This is a case report of myiasis in modified radical mastoidectomy cavity in a 48 years old male presented in the Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, T.U. Teaching Hospital, Katmandu, Nepal. Around 50 maggots were removed from his mastoid cavity. Patient was managed with turpentine oil and antibiotics which was given to prevent secondary infection. Literature search revealed only one case report of Myiasis infestation in a postoperative mastoid cavity.

Storage and utilization patterns of cleaning products in the home: toxicity implications

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cleaning products are used to achieve cleaner homes. However, they have been responsible for a considerable number of poisoning cases. The aims of this study were to investigate the storage and utilization patterns of cleaning products in the home, as well as the risk of adverse and toxic effects produced by them.

METHODS

This study has been performed using a questionnaire that was developed by the Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC). The questionnaire was distributed randomly in northern Palestine. The questionnaire included questions regarding storage, utilization habits, and the adverse effects experienced by respondents upon handling the cleaning products.

RESULTS

All respondents utilized and stored cleaning products in their homes. Chlorine bleach and acidic cleaning products were the most common. Respondents stored cleaning products at different places in their homes, but most of those storage places were suboptimal and were within the reach of children. The daily utilization rate of cleaning products was 1.6+/-0.8 with chlorine bleach being the most commonly used. Of the respondents, 27% reported experiencing a wide range of acute adverse and toxic effects resulting from cleaning product use and that exposure occurred mainly via inhalation. Caustic substances, bleach, and kerosene were the agents mainly involved in producing these adverse and toxic effects. About half of those who experienced adverse and toxic effects sought medical help, and 22% of them were children younger than 6 years of age. Finally, most respondents reported mixing and discarding cleaning product leftovers and their containers improperly.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Correct utilization and safer storage of cleaning products is encouraged. Several preventive strategies should be implemented in order to decrease the incidence of accidental harmful exposure that is due to cleaning agents. The role of the PCDIC is very important in the education, prevention, and management of cleaning product-induced adverse effects.

Changes of gene expression of iron regulatory proteins during turpentine oil-induced acute-phase response in the rat

In the present study, turpentine oil was injected in the hind limb muscle of the rat to stimulate an acute-phase response (APR). The changes in the gene expression of cytokines and proteins known to be involved in the iron regulatory pathway were then studied in the liver and in extra-hepatic tissue. In addition to the strong upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1 beta observed in the inflamed muscle, an upregulation of the genes for IL1-beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but not IL-6, were detectable in the liver. Hepatic Hepc gene expression increased to a maximum at 6 h after the onset of APR. An upregulation of transferrin, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), TfR2, ferritin-H, iron responsive element binding protein-1 (IRP1), IRP2 and divalent metal transporter gene expression was also found. Hemojuvelin (Hjv)-, ferroportin 1-, Dcytb-, hemochromatosis-gene- and hephaestin gene expression was downregulated. Hepcidin (Hepc) gene expression was not only detectable in extra-hepatic tissues such as heart, small intestine, colon, spleen and kidney but it was also upregulated under acute-phase conditions, with the Hjv gene being regulated antagonistically. Fpn-1 gene expression was downregulated significantly in heart, colon and spleen. Most of the genes of the known proteins involved in iron metabolism are expressed not only in the liver but also in extra-hepatic tissues. Under acute-phase conditions, acute-phase cytokines (eg IL-6) may modulate the gene expression of such proteins not only in the liver but also in other organs.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Dalbergia lanceolaria bark ethanol extract in mice and rats

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Dalbergia lanceolaria Linn. bark ethanol extract was demonstrated in albino mice using TPA-, EPP- and AA-induced ear edema models. The systemic activity of extract was confirmed using acute and sub-acute anti-inflammatory models in albino rats. The ethanol extract exhibited significant systemic anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, by inhibition of histamine and prostaglandin phases of acute inflammation. The extract also showed significant activity against turpentine-induced exudative changes and no activity against granular tissue formation in cotton pellet-induced granuloma in albino rats. Thus, resultant anti-inflammatory activity might be due to effects on several mediators involving cyclo-oxygenase pathway resulting in prostaglandin formation and leukocyte migration from the vessels.

Attenuated fever in rats during late pregnancy is linked to suppressed interleukin-6 production after localized inflammation with turpentine

An attenuated fever response to pathogens during late pregnancy is a phenomenon that has been described in several mammalian species, and although mechanisms are not completely understood, decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis has been implicated. Upstream of PGE2, there is evidence to suggest that anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) could play a significant role. In the present study we addressed the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines during late pregnancy, specifically interleukin-6 (IL-6), an important circulating mediator in fever. Turpentine oil (TURP), a very potent pyrogen and activator of IL-6, was injected into the hind-limb muscle of rats at the 18th day of pregnancy (GD 18) or in non-pregnant (NP) age-matched female controls. As expected, TURP injection induced a highly significant fever in the NP animals, which peaked 11 h post-injection and lasted for over 24 h. This was accompanied by a significant rise in circulating IL-6 levels, which correlated with changes in PGE2 synthesizing enzymes expression in the hypothalamus. In complete contrast, TURP-induced fever was totally absent in GD 18 animals whose body temperature did not deviate from basal values. The lack of response was additionally reflected by the absence of change in IL-6 concentration and by the significant attenuation of PGE2 synthesizing enzymes expression, which correlated with the suppressed expression of SOCS3, a hypothalamic marker of IL-6 activity. Contrary to the changes in circulating IL-6 levels at GD 18, IL-1ra was induced to levels comparable to those of NP females, suggesting that the influence of this anti-inflammatory cytokine on the fever response to TURP is at best minimal. These data further confirm the importance of IL-6 in fever generation and provide evidence that it may be a key component of the attenuated fever response in late pregnancy.

Comparison of dynamic FDG-microPET study in a rabbit turpentine-induced inflammatory model and in a rabbit VX2 tumor model

PURPOSE

We investigated the optimum time for the differentiation tumor from inflammation using dynamic FDG-microPET scans obtained by a MicroPET P4 scanner in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six rabbits with 92 inflammatory lesions that were induced 2, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after 0.2 ml (Group 1) or 1.0 ml (Group 2) of turpentine oil injection were used as inflammatory models. Five rabbits with 10 VX2 tumors were used as the tumor model. Helical CT scans were performed before the PET studies. In the PET study, after 4 hours fasting, and following transmission scans and dynamic emission data acquisitions were performed until 2 hours after intravenous FDG injection. Images were reconstructed every 10 minutes using a filtered-back projection method. PET images were analyzed visually referring to CT images. For quantitative analysis, the inflammation-to-muscle (I/M) ratio and tumor-to-muscle (T/M) ratio were calculated after regions of interest were set in tumors and muscles referring to CT images and the time-I/M ratio and time-T/M ratio curves (TRCs) were prepared to show the change over time in these ratios. The histological appearance of both inflammatory lesions and tumor lesions were examined and compared with the CT and FDG-microPET images.

RESULTS

In visual and quantitative analysis, All the I/M ratios and the T/M ratios increased over time except that Day 60 of Group 1 showed an almost flat curve. The TRC of the T/M ratio showed a linear increasing curve over time, while that of the I/M ratios showed a parabolic increasing over time at the most. FDG uptake in the inflammatory lesions reflected the histological findings. For differentiating tumors from inflammatory lesions with the early image acquired at 40 min for dual-time imaging, the delayed image must be acquired 30 min after the early image, while imaging at 90 min or later after intravenous FDG injection was necessary in single-time-point imaging.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the possibility of shortening the overall testing time in clinical practice by adopting dual-time-point imaging rather than single-time-point imaging.

Earthworm paste (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg) alters inflammatory, oxidative, haematological and serum biochemical indices of inflamed rat

Experiments were conducted to understand the therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, haematological and serum biochemical markers of earthworm paste (EP) derived from an indigenous species Lampito mauritii (Kinberg), in comparison with the standard anti-inflammatory drug- aspirin, on Wistar albino rat (Rattus norvegicus). Administration of earthworm paste of Lampito mauritii at the rate of 80 mg/kg into albino rats which were induced of inflammation, was found to reduce inflammation, restore the levels of antioxidants-reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, normalise the values of erythrocyte, leukocyte, differential levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, haemoglobin and serum biochemical contents e.g., protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, acid and alkaline phosphatase, electrolytes e.g., sodium, potassium and chloride. The anti-inflammatory activity together with antioxidant property of EP seems to be due to the high polyphenolic content of earthworm tissue.

Identification of an inflammation-inducible serum protein recognized by anti-disialic acid antibodies as carbonic anhydrase II

Acute-phase proteins are an important marker of inflammation and sometimes have a role in the general defense response towards tissue injury. In the present study, we identified a 32-kDa protein that was immunoreactive with monoclonal antibody 2-4B (mAb.2-4B), which is specific to di/oligoNeu5Gc structures, and that behaved as an acute-phase protein following stimulation with either turpentine oil or lipopolysaccharides. The 32-kDa protein was identified as carbonic anhydrase II (CA-II), based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analyses of the purified protein. Mouse and human CA-II was immunoreactive and immunoprecipitated with mAb.2-4B, but contained no sialic acid. In addition to mAb.2-4B, the mAb. S2-566 an antibody specific for diNeu5Ac-containing glycans, recognized the CA-II, whereas an anti-oligo/polysialic acid antibody did not. These results indicate that a part of the CA-II protein structure mimics the disialic acid structure recognized by the monoclonal antibodies. This is the first report that CA-II circulates in the serum following inflammation.

Pre-existing inflammatory state compromises heat tolerance in rats exposed to heat stress

This study investigated the roles of endotoxemia and heat-induced tissue damage in the pathology of heat stroke. In groups of eight, male Wistar rats were treated with heat exposure only (HE), or heat exposure with turpentine (T+HE), dexamethasone (D+HE), and turpentine and dexamethasone combined (TD+HE). The rats remained sedated for 2 h after receiving the respective treatments, followed by heat exposure until the core temperature (Tc) was 42°C for 15 min; control rats received turpentine (T), dexamethasone (D), and turpentine and dexamethasone (TD) without heat stress. Blood samples were collected before treatment ( baseline I), after 2 h of passive rest ( baseline II), at Tc 40°C (T40), and 15 min after achieving Tc 42°C (T42). No rats died in the nonheat-stressed groups. Survival rate was lowest in the TD+HE rats (37.5%), followed by the HE (62.5%), T+HE (75%), and D+HE (100%) rats ( P < 0.05). The duration of survival at T42°C was shortest in the TD+HE rats (9.9 ± 6.2 min) ( P < 0.01), followed by the T+HE (11.3 ± 6.1 min) and the HE (12.2 ± 4 min) ( P < 0.05) rats. The increase in plasma IL-6 concentrations was highest in the T+HE (352%) and HE (178%) rats ( P < 0.05). D+HE treatment suppressed the increases in plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and IL-6 and LPS concentrations during severe heat stress. Heat stroke can be triggered by endotoxemia or heat-induced tissue damage, and preexisting inflammation compromises heat tolerance, whereas blocking endotoxemia increases heat tolerance.

Manipulation of inflammation modulates hyperlipidemia in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice: a possible role for interleukin-6

There are increasing evidences showing that inflammation participates in atherosclerosis. Therefore, the therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory agents should be considered. We have induced chronic, aseptic inflammation upon the injection of turpentine and tested the effect of dexamethasone on lipoprotein metabolism and, consequently, atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Aseptic inflammation caused a significant decrease in hyperlipidemia. Treatment with dexamethasone elicited the opposite effect increasing hyperlipidemia through mechanisms related to the increase in the synthesis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Changes in plasma lipids correlated with those observed in the size of atherosclerotic lesions. Our data suggest the presence of a common mechanism present in both observations and which is probably related to the cytokine secretion. Among the candidates, we chose to test the effect of interleukin-6 because it is involved in both processes, atherosclerosis and inflammation, and its expression is efficiently repressed by corticosteroids. The injection of recombinant interleukin-6 in our mice elicited the same effects observed in our model of inflammation. We conclude that manipulation of inflammation-related mechanisms modulates lipid homeostasis and development of atherosclerotic plaque in rodents.

Evaluation of D-isomers of O-11C-methyl tyrosine and O-18F-fluoromethyl tyrosine as tumor-imaging agents in tumor-bearing mice: comparison with L- and D-11C-methionine

The aim of this study was to investigate whether D-amino acid isomers of O-(11)C-methyl tyrosine ((11)C-CMT) and O-(18)F-fluoromethyl tyrosine ((18)F-FMT) were better than the corresponding L-isomers as tumor- detecting agents with PET in comparison with the difference between L- and D-methyl-(11)C-methionine ((11)C-MET).

METHODS

L- and D-(11)C-MET, (11)C-CMT, and (18)F-FMT were injected intravenously into BALB/cA Jcl-nu mice bearing HeLa tumor cells. At 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after injection, normal abdominal organs and xenotransplanted HeLa cells were sampled, and the uptake of each ligand was determined. Metabolic analyses of these compounds in the plasma were also performed. Accumulation of the d-isomers of (11)C-MET, (11)C-CMT, and (18)F-FMT in turpentine-induced inflammatory tissue was assayed in comparison with (18)F-FDG. The whole-body distribution of each tracer was imaged with a planar positron imaging system (PPIS).

RESULTS

Although the tumor uptake (standardized uptake value [SUV]) levels of the D-isomers of (11)C-MET, (11)C-CMT, and (18)F-FMT were 261%, 72%, and 95% of each L-isomer 60 min after administration, the tumor-to-blood ratios of these D-isomers were 130%, 140%, and 182% of the corresponding L-isomers. In the blood, the D-isomers of these labeled compounds revealed a relatively faster elimination rate compared with their L-isomers, with a high peak uptake in the blood and kidney 5 min after administration. Compared with the natural amino acid ligand l-(11)C-MET, the uptake of L-isomers of (11)C-CMT and (18)F-FMT was relatively low and stable in the abdominal organs, whereas D-isomers revealed much lower levels and faster clearance rates compared with corresponding L-isomers. Among the abdominal organs, the pancreas showed a relatively high uptake of (11)C-CMT and (18)F-FMT; the uptake of these D-isomers was much lower than that of L-isomers. Pretreatment with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, resulted in a marked reduction of L-(11)C-MET uptake and a slight reduction of D-(11)C-MET uptake into protein fractions, whereas no significant changes were detected with L- and D-(11)C-CMT and (18)F-FMT. D-Isomers of (11)C-MET, (11)C-CMT, and (18)F-FMT did not accumulate in turpentine-induced inflammatory tissue, where (18)F-FDG revealed a high uptake. Whole-body imaging with a PPIS provided consistent distribution data obtained from the tissue dissection analysis.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that D-isomers of (11)C-CMT and (18)F-FMT could be potentially better tracers than L- and D-(11)C-MET for tumor imaging with PET.

Preparation of bupleurum nasal spray and evaluation on its safety and efficacy

Radix Bupleuri is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever, pain, and inflammation associated with influenza or the common cold. The essential oil extracted from the herb is generally claimed to play the major role in the efficacious treatment of fever. The purpose of the present study was to formulate an intranasal delivery system for the essential oil in an aqueous solution used in the form of nasal spray. From 450 g Radix Bupleuri was extracted the essential oil in the amount of about 0.2 ml, which was slightly water-soluble and viscous with low-fluidity. In order to dissolve the essential oil evenly in the aqueous solution, tween-80 (TW-80, used in 10% (w/v) solution), propylene glycol (PG) and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (TC) were selected as the favorable solubilizing agents, whose amount was respectively determined by L16(4(5)) orthogonal design. An aqueous solution with clarity and no ciliotoxicity was prepared when TW-80 8% (v/v), PG 14.4% (v/v) and TC 14.4% (v/v) were added. Employed to evaluate the acute toxicity, the rats grew well and were kept active and healthy within 14 d after an intranasal administration of this preparation at the dose of oil from 10 g Bupleuri/kg (50-fold higher than the clinical dose), indicating that there would be no serious toxicity at the normal dose. Intranasal administration of this preparation to 2 kg rabbits with fever induced by subcutaneous injection of turpentine decreased body temperature markedly (0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 degrees C respectively at the dose of oil from 1, 2 and 4 g Bupleuri/body). In addition, the administration significantly reduced fever in 200 g rats induced by intramuscular injection of colicine suspension (0.6 degrees C at the dose of oil from 0.8 g Bupleuri/body). The results suggest that the formulation of nasal spray for the essential oil from Radix Bupleuri can be potentially effective in the treatment of fever.

Comparative evaluation of FET and FDG for differentiating lung carcinoma from inflammation in mice

BACKGROUND

Clinical FDG/PET (2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose/positron emission tomography) studies encounter difficulties in detecting early stage lung cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of O-2-18F-fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine (FET) and FDG to differentiate between inflammation and lung carcinoma in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-four C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with 2x10(6) LLC1 lung carcinoma cells in the right hind flank on day 0 and were then injected with 0.1 mL turpentine in the left thigh muscle on day 3. The progress of inflammation and tumor in mice was longitudinally monitored by FDG/microPET. The biodistribution study, pharmacokinetic evaluation and whole-body autoradiography of FET and FDG were performed on day 8 after tumor inoculation.

RESULTS

The FDG uptakes in tumor and inflammatory lesions were 4.42-fold and 3.53-fold (n = 4) higher, respectively, than that in muscle at 90 min post-injection and the tumor-to-inflammation ratio was 1.25. For FET/microPET, the tumor uptake was 2.07-fold and 2.07-fold (n = 4) higher than those in muscle and inflammatory lesions at 90 min post-injection, respectively. The distribution half-life (t1/2,alpha) and the elimination half-life (t1/2,beta) of FET were 39 min and 205 min, respectively, in mice.

CONCLUSION

FDG delineated both tumor and inflammation, while FET accumulated in tumor to a significantly higher extent. Our results demonstrated the potential of FET to distinguish epidermoid lung carcinoma from inflammatory lesions in mice.

Effect of turpentine-induced fever during the enamel formation of rat incisor

OBJECTIVE

Some epidemiological studies have indicated that diseases resulting in prolonged and sustained fever, such as exanthemata, respiratory infections and otitis media in infantile period or childhood are likely to have a marked deleterious effect on enamel formation, but the relationship between fever and enamel defects is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to induce a persistent high fever and examine the effects on the developing tooth enamel.

METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats weighting 140+/-10 g were used in this study. For the experimental group, a dose of 2.3 ml/kg steam-distilled turpentine was subcutaneously injected into both hind limbs five times at 12h intervals. Control rats received 2.3 ml/kg of sterile saline into the same injection site. The rectal temperatures of animals were measured at the febrile period. After constant periods, the animals were sacrificed, and the mandibular incisors were examined by contact microradiography (CMR) and histological observation.

RESULTS

The febrile state lasted for 57 h and the average temperature rose 1.51 degrees C higher than that of the control group. The ground sections, semi-thin and ultra-thin sections of mandibular incisors were prepared and the enamel was observed. The microradiographs showed a radiolucent line along with the incremental line in the enamel. Moreover, microscopic examination indicated disorientation of enamel prism and crystal-free area within this radiolucent lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent high fever pattern was established firmly by the turpentine injections and the process of enamel formation was influenced by the febrile period.

The 21-aminosteroid U74389G prevents the down-regulation and decrease in activity of CYP1A1, 1A2 and 3A6 induced by an inflammatory reaction

In vivo, the 21-aminosteroid U74389G prevents the decrease in cytochrome P450 (P450) activity produced by a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction (TIIR). To investigate the underlying mechanism of action, four groups of rabbits were used, controls receiving or not U74389G, and rabbits with the inflammatory reaction receiving or not U74389G. Hepatocytes were isolated 48h later and incubated for 4 and 24h with the serum of the rabbits. In vivo, the TIIR diminished CYP1A1/2 and 3A6 expression, and enhanced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO*) concentrations (p<0.05). U74389G prevented the increase in MDA, as well as the decrease in CYP1A1/2 amounts and activity, but increased CYP3A6 expression by 40% (p<0.05). In vitro, compared with serum from control rabbits (S(CONT)), incubation of serum from rabbits with TIIR (S(TIIR)) for 4 and 24h with hepatocytes from rabbits with TIIR (H(TIIR)) reduced CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 activity (p<0.05) and increased the formation of NO* and MDA. In rabbits with TIIR pretreated with U74389G, the S(TIIR+U) failed to reduce CYP1A2 activity or to increase MDA, although increased NO* and further reduced CYP3A6 activity. On the other hand, in hepatocytes harvested from rabbits with TIIR pretreated with U74389G, S(TIIR) did not decrease CYP1A2 activity and did not enhance MDA, but still increased NO*. In vitro, the reduction of CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 activity by S(TIIR) is not associated to NF-kappaB activation. In conclusion, U74389G prevents CYP1A1/2 down-regulation and decrease in activity by a double mechanism: hindering the release of serum mediators and by averting intracellular events, effect possibly associated with its antioxidant activity. On the other hand, U74389G up-regulates CYP3A6 but inhibits its catalytic activity.

Identification of genes specific to “oval cells” in the rat 2-acetylaminofluorene/partial hepatectomy model

Under certain conditions liver regeneration can be accomplished by hepatic progenitor cells ("oval cells"). So far, only few factors have been identified to be uniquely regulated by the "oval cell" compartment. Using macroarray analysis in a rat model of oval cell proliferation (treatment with 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy, AAF + PH), we identified 12 differentially expressed genes compared to appropriate control models (AAF treatment and sham operation or AAF treatment alone). Further analysis in models of normal liver regeneration (ordinary PH) and acute phase response (turpentine oil-treated rats) revealed that three out of 12 genes (thymidine kinase 1, Jun-D and ADP-ribosylation factor 4) were not affected by the hepatic acute phase reaction but similarly overexpressed in both "oval cell"-dependant and normal liver regeneration. We characterized Jun-D and ADP-ribosylation factors as novel factors upregulated in oval cells and in non-parenchymal liver cells of normally regenerating livers. However, two out of 12 differentially expressed genes were specifically expressed in oval cells: ras-related protein Rab-3b and Ear-2. On protein level, Rab-3b was increased in total liver homogenates and demonstrated only in clusters of oval cells. We postulate that Ear-2 and Rab-3b may represent novel regulatory factors specifically activated in "oval cells".

The concentration of apolipoprotein A-I decreases during experimentally induced acute-phase processes in pigs

In this work, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) was purified from pig sera. The responses of this protein after sterile inflammation and in animals infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae or Streptococcus suis were investigated. Decreases in the concentrations of ApoA-I, two to five times lower than the initial values, were observed at 2 to 4 days. It is concluded that ApoA-I is a negative acute-phase protein in pigs.

Preclinical and clinical evaluation of O-[11C]methyl-l-tyrosine for tumor imaging by positron emission tomography

We performed preclinical and clinical studies of O-[11C]methyl-L-tyrosine, a potential tracer for imaging amino acid transport of tumors by positron emission tomography (PET). Examinations of the radiation-absorbed dose by O-[11C]methyl-L-tyrosine and the acute toxicity and mutagenicity of O-methyl-L-tyrosine showed suitability of the tracer for clinical use. The whole-body imaging of monkeys and healthy humans by PET showed low uptake of O-[11C]methyl-L-tyrosine in all normal organs except for the urinary track and bladder, suggesting that the O-[11C]methyl-L-tyrosine PET has the potential for tumor imaging in the whole-body. Finally, the brain tumor imaging was preliminarily demonstrated.

Turpentine-induced inflammation reduces the hepatic expression of the multiple drug resistance gene, the plasma cholesterol concentration and the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice

We aimed to investigate the effect of turpentine-induced inflammation in an atherosclerosis-prone murine model. We have induced a chronic aseptic inflammation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, with or without a dietary supplement of aspirin (n = 10, each), by the injection of a mixture (1:1) of turpentine and olive oil in the hind limb twice weekly for a period of 12 weeks. Control animals were injected with olive oil alone (n = 10). The control mice did show any alteration neither in plasma nor at the site of injection. Turpentine-treated mice showed a significant increase in plasma TNF-alpha and SAA concentrations which indicated a systemic inflammatory response that was not substantially affected by aspirin. Also, turpentine injections significantly reduced the plasma cholesterol concentration, probably decreasing intestinal cholesterol re-absorption, and attenuated the size of atherosclerotic lesion. Both effects were minimally influenced by aspirin. The burden of atherosclerosis correlated with plasma lipid levels but not with plasma inflammatory markers. Finally, there was a concomitant decrease in the expression of the hepatic mdr1b gene that correlated with the decrease in plasma cholesterol concentration. Therefore, we conclude that mdr1 is an additional factor to consider in the complexity of alterations in cholesterol metabolism that occur in this model.

Effect of rolipram on relative 14C-deoxyglucose uptake in inflammatory lesions and skeletal muscle

PURPOSE

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has become a useful imaging tool for inflammatory diseases. In this study we investigated the effects of rolipram, a selective phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, on 14C-deoxyglucose (DG) uptake in inflammatory lesions and other normal tissues, and attempted to improve the inflammation/muscle ratio.

METHODS

To induce inflammation, mice were inoculated with turpentine oil. Inflammation-bearing mice were pretreated with rolipram (3 mg/kg i.p. or i.v.), and the effect on 14C-DG uptake was measured using a tissue dissection method and autoradiography. The inflammatory tissue samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTS

Rolipram (3 mg/kg i.p.) significantly decreased 14C-DG uptake in normal tissues like brain, heart and skeletal muscle (brain 31%, heart 60%, skeletal muscle 61%). On the other hand, 14C-DG uptake in inflammatory lesions was not significantly altered by pretreatment with rolipram. The inflammation/muscle ratio of 14C-DG uptake (30 min after tracer injection) was enhanced from 1.1 to 2.8 by rolipram. An autoradiographic study revealed heterogeneous distributions of 14C-DG in the inflammatory lesions and skeletal muscle of animals that were not treated with rolipram. Pretreatment with rolipram significantly attenuated the intramuscular distribution of 14C-DG, producing a relatively homogeneous distribution of radioactivity.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that rolipram decreased 14C-DG uptake in skeletal muscle by activation of the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate system, whereas 14C-DG uptake in inflammatory lesions was not significantly altered. Therefore, rolipram may be a valuable tool for improving the visualisation of inflammatory lesions in clinical PET studies employing FDG.

Impaired febrile responses to immune challenge in mice deficient in microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1

Fever is a common, centrally elicited sign of inflammatory and infectious processes and is known to be induced by the action of PGE2 on its specific receptors in the thermogenic region of the hypothalamus. In the present work, using genetically modified mice, we examined the role of the inducible terminal PGE2-synthesizing enzyme microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) for the generation of immune-elicited fever. Animals with a deletion of the Ptges gene, which encodes mPGES-1, or their wild-type littermates were given either a subcutaneous injection of turpentine--a model for aseptic cytokine-induced pyresis--or an intraperitoneal injection of interleukin-1beta. While both procedures resulted in typical febrile responses in wild-type animals, these responses were strongly impaired in the mPGES-1 mutant mice. In contrast, both genotypes showed psychogenic stress-induced hyperthermia and displayed normal diurnal temperature variations. Both wild-type and mPGES-1 mutant mice also showed strongly reduced motor activity following turpentine injection. Taken together with previous observations on mPGES-1 induction in the brain vasculature during various inflammatory conditions and its role in endotoxin-induced pyresis, the present findings indicate that central PGE2 synthesis by mPGES-1 is a general and critical mechanism for fever during infectious and inflammatory conditions that is distinct from the mechanism(s) underlying the circadian temperature regulation and stress-induced hyperthermia, as well as the inflammation-induced activity depression.

Interleukin-6 regulates hepatic transporters during acute-phase response

Cholestasis develops during inflammatory conditions characterized by the release of cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is the major player in the hepatic acute-phase response. However, the exact contribution of IL-6 to transporter down-regulation is unclear. Therefore, we compared wild-type and IL-6-deficient mice after IL-6-injection and induction of an aseptic (turpentine-injection) or septic (LPS-injection) acute-phase response. Down-regulation of basolateral (Ntcp, Oatp1, and Mrp3) and canalicular (Mrp2, Bsep) transporter mRNA occurred after treatment with IL-6, turpentine, and LPS. In IL-6-deficient mice, turpentine failed to decrease mRNA-levels of basolateral and canalicular transporters, whereas LPS-mediated down-regulation of Ntcp, Mrp3, and Mrp2 was abolished at later time points (24 h). In conclusion, induction of an aseptic and septic acute-phase response leads to the down-regulation of basolateral and canalicular organic anion transporters. IL-6 is required for transporter down-regulation during aseptic inflammation. Furthermore, IL-6 also contributes to transporter regulation during LPS-induced cholestasis at more delayed time points.

Signal transduction pathways implicated in the decrease in CYP1A1, 1A2 and 3A6 activity produced by serum from rabbits and humans with an inflammatory reaction

Incubation of serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction and from humans with an upper respiratory viral infection with hepatocytes from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction for 4h reduces total cytochrome P450 content and activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 without affecting the expression of these proteins. To document the signal transduction pathways implicated in the decrease in CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 activity, hepatocytes from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction were incubated with serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction, serum from individuals with a viral infection and interleukin-6 for 4h in presence of inhibitors of protein kinases. The sera-induced decrease in CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 activity was partially prevented by the inhibition of Janus-associated protein tyrosine kinase, double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C, and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase. The serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction increased the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, effect prevented by PD98059 but not by bis-indolylmaleimide, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C. The results demonstrated that the decrease in total cytochrome P450 content and in CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 activity by sera and interleukin-6 involves the activation of protein tyrosine kinases, p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase C. Indirect evidence supported that nitric oxide is implicated in the decrease in activity of these enzymes.

Selectivity of 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG for differentiating tumor from inflammation in a rodent model

Increased glucose metabolism of inflammatory tissues is the main source of false-positive (18)F-FDG PET findings in oncology. It has been suggested that radiolabeled nucleosides might be more tumor specific.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, we compared the biodistribution of 3'-deoxy-3'-(18)F-fluorothymidine (FLT) and (18)F-FDG in Wistar rats that bore tumors (C6 rat glioma in the right shoulder) and also had sterile inflammation in the left calf muscle (induced by injection of 0.1 mL of turpentine). Twenty-four hours after turpentine injection, the rats received an intravenous bolus (30 MBq) of either (18)F-FLT (n = 5) or (18)F-FDG (n = 5). Pretreatment of the animals with thymidine phosphorylase (>1,000 U/kg, intravenously) before injection of (18)F-FLT proved to be necessary to reduce the serum levels of endogenous thymidine and achieve satisfactory tumor uptake of radioactivity.

RESULTS

Tumor-to-muscle ratios of (18)F-FDG at 2 h after injection (13.2 +/- 3.0) were higher than those of (18)F-FLT (3.8 +/- 1.3). (18)F-FDG showed high physiologic uptake in brain and heart, whereas (18)F-FLT was avidly taken up by bone marrow. (18)F-FDG accumulated in the inflamed muscle, with 4.8 +/- 1.2 times higher uptake in the affected thigh than in the contralateral healthy thigh, in contrast to (18)F-FLT, for which this ratio was not significantly different from unity (1.3 +/- 0.4).

CONCLUSION

In (18)F-FDG PET images, both tumor and inflammation were visible, but (18)F-FLT PET showed only the tumor. Thus, the hypothesis that (18)F-FLT has a higher tumor specificity was confirmed in our animal model.

The effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone on inflammation due to tuberculin hypersensitivity and turpentine and on circulating antibody levels

The treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone of guinea pigs sensitized with heat-killed tubercle bacilli caused suppression of their skin reactivity to tuberculin. Similar animals treated with saline did not show this change. Normal guinea pigs treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone showed suppression of inflammation, but not necrosis, produced by intracutaneous oil of turpentine. There was slight, but probably not significant, diminution of inflammation during saline administration. Tuberculin complement-fixing antibody titers were not altered by either adrenocorticotropic hormone or saline administration. Adrenocorticotropic hormone produced marked eosinopenia and lymphopenia in guinea pigs.

(99m)Tc human IgG radiolabelled by HYNIC. Biodistribution and scintigraphy of experimentally induced inflammatory lesions in animal model

BACKGROUND

Our goal was the efficient labelling of highly purified human gammaglobulin. This radioactive protein fraction can be used as a basic compound of radiopharmaceutical formulation for inflammation lesion diagnosis. This application was experimentally illustrated in animal models with artificially induced inflammatory lesions after turpentine oil injection into mouse leg muscle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hydrazine nicotinamine derivative of human gammaglobulin (IgG-HYNIC) was synthesized according to Abrams method. The radionuclide: technetium (99m)Tc has been introduced into protein molecules by indirect method incorporation in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, in the presence of stannous chloride as a reducing agent for sodium pertechnetate, and EDTA as a coligand. Radiochemical purity was estimated by thin layer chromatography. The stability of labelled IgG-HYNIC derivative in human serum in presence of copper, cobalt, iron and manganum salts was analyzed by HPLC method (BioSEP SEC 4000, eluent: 0.1 mol/L phosphate). Inflammation lesions were induced in Balb/3 mice muscles by injection of 0.2 ml turpentine oil into the leg muscle. Five days later, inflammation lesions were visualized by hIgG-HYNIC- (99m)Tc injections. The tracer accumulation in tissue was evaluated by gamma camera at 1 to 24 hour intervals.

RESULTS

Efficiency of technetium99m Tc human gammaglobulin labelling (pH 7.4, temp. 37 degrees C) was strictly dependant on ligand and coligand presence in the reaction mixture. Labelling of IgG molecules without any supplements resulted in very low efficiency, never exceeding the range of 5%. Presence of EDTA or hydrazine nicotinamide (HYNIC) conjugated with IgG increased radiolabelling efficiency to 50%. IgG-HYNIC derivative in EDTA presence enables us to reach value above 95% radiochemical purity. Stability of IgG-HYNIC derivative labelled with technetium (99m) Tc decreased rapidly in serum in time--up to 70% of initial value in 30 minutes and only 20% during further 4 hr incubation. This means that as much as 80% of radiotracer present in IgG molecules has been dissociated during incubation with serum. This forced us to find proper conditions for improving the stability of radioactive IgG-HYNIC conjugate in circulating serum for at least six hours. It was achieved by using a reaction medium supplement with divalent metal cations in the following compounds: MgCl2, CoSO4, Cu (NO3)2 and FeCl2 in equimolar ratio to EDTA. Scintigraphy of (99m)Tc gammaglobulin in artificially induced inflammatory lesions of mouse thigh muscle showed a 4 times higher accumulation of the tracer after 6 hours post injection, and 6 times higher after 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

A human gammaglobulin derivative (hIgG-HYNIC) labelled with technetium (99m)Tc by indirect method with high radiochemical purity can be a basic compound of formulation for infection/inflammation scintigraphy.

Hepatic clearance of tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasma kallikrein in experimental liver fibrosis

We have previously shown that tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and rat plasma kallikrein (RPK) share a common, but not unique, pathway for liver clearance.

AIM

To evaluate the hepatic clearance of both proteases in experimental liver fibrosis.

METHODS

The hepatic clearance of these proteases was studied in porcine serum-induced liver fibrosis using the isolated and perfused rat liver model. To better interpret the results, we also studied four other experimental groups: the turpentine oil-induced acute-phase response (AP group), AP group followed by GdCl3 administration (AP/Gd group), CCl4-induced cirrhosis (CCl4 group) and normal group.

RESULTS

The tPA clearance decreased significantly by both fibrotic and cirrhotic rat livers whereas the RPK clearance was not altered by the fibrotic rat liver. The hepatic clearance of tPA was reduced in the AP and AP/Gd groups; on the other hand, RPK clearance was increased in the AP group and, interestingly, this effect was neutralized by concomitant GdCl3 administration.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that tPA and RPK clearances were affected differently by fibrosis as well as by different stimuli of the acute-phase response, despite the fact that they share a common hepatic clearance mechanism in normal livers, and they were equally affected in cirrhosis.

Comparative biodistribution of iodinated amino acids in rats: selection of the optimal analog for oncologic imaging outside the brain

3-(123)I-Iodo-alpha-methyltyrosine ((123)I-3-IMT) is used for the detection of residual and recurrent brain tumors. The application of (123)I-3-IMT for the study of extracerebral malignancies is limited by its marked and rapid renal uptake. In this study, we compared the tumor uptake, biodistribution, and specificity of 5 structurally related iodinated amino acids with those of (123)I-3-IMT. The aim was to select the optimal analog for oncologic imaging outside the brain.

METHODS

We studied 3-(123)I-iodotyrosine ((123)I-3-IT), 2-(123)I-iodotyrosine ((123)I-2-IT), (123)I-iodo-azatyrosine ((123)I-IAzaT), 2-(123)I-iodophenylalanine ((123)I-2-IPhe), and 4-(123)I-iodophenylalanine ((123)I-4-IPhe). Tumor uptake and renal uptake in sarcoma-bearing rats were measured by use of in vivo dynamic imaging. The differential uptake ratio (average counts per pixel of the region of interest divided by the average counts per pixel inside the total body) and rates of tracer accumulation (K(1) values) were calculated. Results were compared with the values obtained for (123)I-3-IMT in the same rat. Tracers that demonstrated high tumor uptake were labeled with (125)I and coinjected with (18)F-FDG in rats with turpentine-induced acute inflammation. After 30 min, the rats were sacrificed and dissected. Amino acid tracer uptake in organs and tissues was measured, and the increase in uptake in the inflamed muscle was expressed relative to the increase in (18)F-FDG uptake.

RESULTS

Tumor uptake and K(1) values for (123)I-2-IT and (123)I-2-IPhe were comparable to those for (123)I-3-IMT. (123)I-4-IPhe showed high tumor uptake but a reduced K(1) value because of high blood-pool activity. (123)I-3-IT and (123)I-IAzaT did not accumulate markedly in tumor tissue. Renal accumulation of (123)I-2-IT, (123)I-2-IPhe, and (123)I-4-IPhe was at least 6 times lower than that of (123)I-3-IMT. (18)F-FDG uptake was markedly increased in areas of acute inflammation (215%). The increases for (125)I-3-IMT and (125)I-4-IPhe were 35.5% and 22.2%, respectively, of the increase for (18)F-FDG. Almost no increase was found for (125)I-2-IT (3.3%) and (125)I-2-IPhe (2.8%).

CONCLUSION

(123)I-2-IT and (123)I-2-IPhe are promising tracers for oncologic imaging outside the brain. (123)I-2-IT has the advantage of an established kit for radiosynthesis.