慢性镉负荷雄性大鼠的睾丸及生殖内分泌功能活动

选择健康SD雄性成年大鼠60只,随机分成对照组（C组）、镉负荷中剂量组（M组）和镉负荷高剂量组（H组）,每天分别饲喂含镉0,5,10mg/kg的大鼠全价饲料,连续6周,研究了镉负荷对大鼠睾丸及生殖内分泌功能活动的影响。结果显示：在整个实验期内,M和H组大鼠睾丸组织中的镉含量极明显上升,锌含量销有下降,与对照组差异不显著;血浆镉、锌含量虽分别表现稍有升高和下降,但与对照组比较无明显差异;H组睾丸精子头计数和每日精子生成量在镉负荷第3周极显著下降,第6周时,M和H组均极明显低于对照组;在整个实验期内,H组大鼠ALP活明显低于C组;LDH－X活性在M和H组大鼠均极明显低于C组;M和H组血浆T水平下降,均低于或显著低于C组;3组间的FSH和LH水平无明显差异。结果提示：慢性镉负荷在睾丸组织中逐步蓄积可引起睾丸一些酶活性改变、精子生成减少及内分泌功能活动低下。     

CCl4致小鼠肝损伤中几种免疫介质含量变化的研究

本文通过研究CCl4致小鼠肝损伤组织匀浆和血浆一些免疫介质含量的变化以探讨这些免疫介质在CCl4诱发肝损伤过程中作用机制.分别选用30只健康成年小鼠,雌雄各半,随机分成对照组和CCl4负荷组,每组15只.通过腹腔注射CCl4诱发肝损伤后,分别在第2、4、6周检测肝组织匀浆cAMP、cGMP和MDA及血浆IL-2、TNF-α水平的变化.结果显示,在整个实验期内,CCl4组肝组织匀浆cAMP水平均低于或明显低于对照组;cGMP在实验第2周后,高于或显著高于对照组;cAMP/cGMP比值呈现下降趋势,并低于或明显低于对照组;MDA含量明显高于对照组.在整个实验期内,CCl4组血浆IL-2水平下降或显著下降;TNF-α水平则均高于或显著高于对照组.结果提示,CCl4负荷诱发免疫介质cAMP、cGMP、TNF-α和IL-2发生剧烈变化,在介导肝损伤过程中可能起重要作用.     

CCl4致小鼠肝损伤中几种免疫介质含量变化的研究

本文通过研究CCl4致小鼠肝损伤组织匀浆和血浆一些免疫介质含量的变化以探讨这些免疫介质在CCl4诱发肝损伤过程中作用机制。分别选用30只健康成年小鼠,雌雄各半,随机分成对照组和CCl4负荷组,每组15只。通过腹腔注射CCl4诱发肝损伤后,分别在第2、4、6周检测肝组织匀浆cAMP、cGMP和MDA及血浆IL-2、TNF-α水平的变化。结果显示,在整个实验期内,CCl4组肝组织匀浆cAMP水平均低于或明显低于对照组;cGMP在实验第2周后,高于或显著高于对照组;cAMP／cGMP比值呈现下降趋势,并低于或明显低于对照组;MDA含量明显高于对照组。在整个实验期内,CCl4组血浆IL-2水平下降或显著下降;TNF-α水平则均高于或显著高于对照组。结果提示,CCl4负荷诱发免疫介质cAMP、cGMP、TNF-α和IL-2发生剧烈变化,在介导肝损伤过程中可能起重要作用。     

硫酸镁对脑源性肺损伤综合征的影响

目的探讨不同剂量的硫酸镁(MgSO4)对大鼠脑源性肺损伤后神经源性肺水肿、血浆炎性因子TNF-α及肺组织病理形态学变化的影响。方法将30只SD雄性大鼠按随机数字法分为假手术组(A组)、模型组(B组)及硫酸镁50mg/kg干预组(C组)、硫酸镁100mg/kg干预组(D组)、硫酸镁200mg/kg干预组(E组),每组6只。建立大鼠颅脑损伤模型后,硫酸镁干预组即刻按50mg/kg 25%MgSO4腹腔注射,C组注射1次、D组注射2次、E组注射4次,每8h注射1次。A组及B组的大鼠注射相同剂量生理盐水作对照,C组大鼠注射1次及D组大鼠注射2次MgSO4后给予注射相同剂量的生理盐水作对照,注射方法及间隔时间同E组。伤后48h测定大鼠肺组织含水量、血浆TNF-α浓度,肺组织常规HE染色,光镜观察肺组织病理形态学变化。结果大鼠颅脑创伤后肺组织含水量均高于假手术组,以C组最明显(P0.05),差异有统计学意义。B、C、D、E组大鼠之间肺组织含水量比较差异无统计学意义。B、C、D、E组大鼠TNF-α浓度均明显高于假手术组(P0.05),D组血浆TNF-α浓度明显低于B组(P0.05),E组血浆TNF-α浓度明显低于B组(P0.01),其他各组间差异无统计学意义。假手术组肺组织形态正常,肺血管无扩张,无炎症细胞浸润;B、C、D、E组与假手术组比较均可见终末支气管腔内充满炎症细胞,周围肺组织的肺泡腔内可见炎细胞浸润,肺血管扩张、充血。B、C、D、E组在炎症细胞浸润及肺毛细血管扩张方面无明显差异。结论脑外伤可导致脑源性肺损伤综合征,可导致神经源性肺水肿;硫酸镁可降低大鼠脑损伤后血浆TNF-α浓度,对肺水肿无明显影响。     

黄芪对镉致大鼠睾丸支持细胞超微结构及波形蛋白、E-钙粘蛋白表达改变的保护作用

目的 探讨黄芪对镉致大鼠睾丸支持细胞损伤的保护作用.方法 21只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分成镉组(0.1％氯化镉腹腔内注射,1mg/Kg体重/天,5天/周,处理后1、2、3、4周取材)、镉加黄芪组(注射氯化镉的同时注射黄芪,10g/Kg体重/天,5天/周,处理后2、4周取材)和对照组(腹腔内注射等量生理盐水).睾丸取材作光镜、免疫组织化学染色和图像分析及超微结构观察.结果 光镜H.E染色对照组支持细胞核不规则,染色浅,核仁明显,镉处理后胞浆内有空泡形成,镉加黄芪组支持细胞未见明显改变.对照组波形蛋白阳性产物在支持细胞靠近基室腔的胞浆中表达,E-钙粘蛋白阳性产物则主要定位于生精上皮近腔室的支持细胞和部分生精细胞胞浆中.镉处理后支持细胞胞浆中波形蛋白和E-钙粘蛋白阳性产物表达的平均光密度值均明显降低(P＜0.05),镉加黄芪组阳性产物表达虽较对照组减弱但明显高于相应镉组(P＜0.05).镉处理组支持细胞胞质特化区和紧密连接破坏,镉加黄芪组支持细胞超微病变较相应镉组为轻.结论 镉降低大鼠睾丸支持细胞波形蛋白和E-钙粘蛋白的表达并造成支持细胞的超微结构损伤,黄芪具有较好的保护效果.     

姜黄素对视网膜缺血再灌注损伤大鼠IL-17、IL-23、IL-1β、TNF-α及NF-κB表达的影响

目的:研究不同剂量姜黄素对视网膜缺血再灌注损伤(RIRI)大鼠白细胞介素-17(IL-17)、白细胞介素-23(IL-23)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)及核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)表达的影响。方法:选取60只健康的SPF级雄性SD大鼠,将大鼠随机分为正常对照组(NC组)、模型组(M组)、姜黄素低剂量组(LC组)和姜黄素高剂量组(HC组),均为15只。M组、LC组和HC组大鼠的右眼均利用前房灌注法制备成RIRI模型,NC组进行正常喂养。模型制备前30 min和造模成功后每日定时给LC组和HC组腹腔分别注射30 mg/kg和120 mg/kg的姜黄素进行干预,NC组和M组则在同一时间腹腔注射适量的生理盐水。建模72h后显微镜下观察四组大鼠视网膜的组织形态,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测四组大鼠视网膜组织中IL-17、IL-23、IL-1β和TNF-α的水平,利用免疫组化法分析四组大鼠视网膜组织中NF-κB的表达情况。结果:NC组大鼠视网膜组织形态正常,M组、LC组和HC组大鼠视网膜组织形态均呈现出不同程度的病理性损伤,损伤程度排序为HC组LC组M组。M组IL-17、IL-23、IL-1β和TNF-α水平均高于HC组、LC组和NC组,LC组IL-17、IL-23、IL-1β和TNF-α水平均高于HC组和NC组,而HC组高于NC组(P0.05)。M组NF-κB表达的OD值高于HC组、LC组和NC组,LC组NF-κB表达的OD值高于HC组和NC组,而HC组高于NC组(P0.05)。结论:RIRI与炎症反应的增强及NF-κB的激活有关,姜黄素可有效降低RIRI的炎性因子水平,抑制NF-κB的激活,从而减轻RIRI的病理损伤和保护视网膜,且其保护作用在一定范围内与姜黄素的剂量呈正相关。     

氯沙坦对机械通气大鼠肺组织TNF-α和MPO表达的影响

目的通过观察AngⅡ受体拮抗剂——氯沙坦对呼吸机所致肺组织TNF-α水平和髓过氧化物酶（MPO）活性的影响,探讨氯沙坦对呼吸机所致肺损伤的保护作用。方法 24只健康雄性Wister大鼠随机分为对照组、呼吸机所致肺损伤组（VILI）和氯沙坦干预组（LAP）,分别采用ELISA法测定大鼠肺组织中血管紧张素II（AngⅡ）含量,采用免疫组织化学染色法测定大鼠肺组织TNF-α蛋白表达水平,采用化学比色法测定肺组织匀浆中MPO活性。结果 VILI组大鼠肺组织AngⅡ含量、TNF-α蛋白表达水平以及肺组织匀浆中MPO活性均明显高于对照组（均P〈0.01）。氯沙坦干预组大鼠肺组织AngⅡ含量与VILI组比较无明显差异（P〉0.05）,但肺组织TNF-α蛋白表达水平、肺组织匀浆中MPO活性和肺W/D比值均较VILI组明显降低（均P〈0.01）,同时肺组织病理损伤程度也较VILI组明显减轻。结论 AngⅡ通过调控肺组织中TNF-α的表达在VILI发病中起重要作用,氯沙坦可阻断AngⅡ与AT1受体的结合,下调肺组织TNF-α表达,降低MPO的活性,对VILI具有一定防治作用。     

丹参素对肝肺综合征大鼠肺脏的保护作用

目的：探讨丹参素减轻肝肺综合征大鼠肺组织炎性损伤的作用。方法：SD大鼠被随机分为正常对照组（n=8）、肝肺综合征组（n=11）和丹参素干预组（n=9）。采用HE染色观察肝及肺组织病理改变,计数肺组织巨噬细胞;测定血浆丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）的活性以及内毒素、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）和同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）的浓度及肺组织匀浆中TNF-α、一氧化氮（NO）和丙二醛（MDA）的含量和诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）的活性。结果：与正常对照组相比,肝肺综合征组动物肺泡腔变小、间隔增厚、肺泡腔内和间隔内有大量巨噬细胞聚集,且体积明显增大。与肝肺综合征组相比,丹参素干预组肺组织巨噬细胞数量明显减少、病理改变显著减轻。肝肺综合征组大鼠血浆ALT的活性和内毒素、TNF-α、Hcy的浓度以及肺组织中TNF-α、NO和MDA含量以及iNOS的活性,均高于正常对照组,而使用丹参素干预后各指标均明显降低。结论：丹参素可能通过降低肠源性内毒素,减轻肺组织的炎性反应,延缓肝肺综合征的进展。     

竹节参对AD大鼠海马区Drd-2及GFAP、TNF-α表达的影响

探讨竹节参对AD大鼠海马区Drd-2及TNF-α、GFAP表达的影响。60只SPF级SD雄性大鼠,适应性喂养一周后,随机分为6组。除假手术组海马注射生理盐水外,其余5组均注射Aβ1-42以复制AD模型。然后对假手术组及模型组大鼠予以生理盐水灌胃,西药组大鼠予以脑复康悬浮液灌胃,竹节参高、中、低剂量组大鼠分别予以相应浓度竹节参水煎液灌胃,持续4周。完成水迷宫实验后,处死大鼠,取大鼠海马,切片、Western Blotting法检测各组大鼠海马Drd-2、GFAP和TNF-α表达量的变化。Western blotting法观察各组大鼠海马GFAP、TNF-α的表达水平,模型组较假手术组明显升高,各治疗组明显低于模型组,且竹节参高剂量组低于西药组。Drd-2的表达水平,模型组较假手术组明显降低,各治疗组明显高于模型组,且竹节参高剂量组要高于西药组。竹节参能通过提高AD大鼠海马形胶质细胞Drd-2活性,抑制炎症反应。     

苹果多酚对野百合碱诱导的肺动脉高压大鼠肺血管重构的作用和机制

目的:探讨苹果多酚抑制肺动脉高压大鼠肺动脉血管重构的作用及其机制。方法:雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组(Con),野百合碱(MCT)组,苹果多酚(APP)组,野百合碱+苹果多酚(MCT+APP)组,每组9只。Con组:每天皮下注射1ml生理盐水;APP组:隔天按20mg/kg的剂量腹腔注射苹果多酚;MCT组:按60mg/kg剂量一次性皮下注射MCT;MCT+APP组:一次性皮下注射60mg/kg剂量MCT,隔天按20mg/kg剂量腹腔注射APP,所有处理持续3周。建模完成后,检测各组大鼠平均肺动脉压(mPAP),肺血管阻力(PVR),右心室肥厚指数(RVHI),肺动脉血管环外周长比值(WT%),肺小血管管壁面积和管总面积比值(WA%)。检测肺组织中的白细胞介素1(IL-1),白细胞介素6(IL-6),肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α),环氧化酶2(COX-2),髓过氧化物酶(MPO)等炎症通路相关指标,及肺动脉平滑肌细胞内Ca2+和内皮细胞eNOS,NO含量。结果:MCT组大鼠与对照组比较,在动物水平的指标mPAP、PVR、RVHI、WA%、WT%和肺动脉组织内IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α,COX-2,MPO表达量以及肺动脉平滑肌细胞内的Ca2+浓度明显升高(P<0.05),而内皮细胞中的eNOS,NO含量明显下降(P<0.05);苹果多酚治疗组与MCT组大鼠相比上述情况得到改善,其中COX-2和Ca2+指标明显下降,且具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:苹果多酚可通过抑制MCT引起的肺组织内IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α,COX-2升高和肺动脉平滑肌细胞内Ca2+升高以及内皮细胞中eNOS,NO降低,抑制平滑肌细胞增殖,逆转肺血管重构,缓解肺动脉高压。     

Excretory/secretory products from plerocercoids of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei suppress gene expressions and production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or lipoteichoic acid

We previously reported that the ES products from the plerocercoids of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei reduce nitric oxide synthase and chemokine gene expression in macrophages. In this study, we show that ES products suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or lipoteichoic acid in vitro. When macrophages from ES product-injected mice were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro, these cells produced smaller amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared with those taken from control mice. The suppressive effects of ES products were not restored by the treatment of indomethacin or anti-IL-10 antibody, and the ES products did not induce mRNA expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor. Macrophages from C3H/HeJ mice, which have a single point mutation in the Toll-like receptor 4 gene, expressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-1alpha mRNA in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, but these expressions were less than those of macrophages from C3H/HeN. ES products significantly suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in macrophages from C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. However, ES products had no effect on IL-1 mRNA expression. Our data suggest that the plerocercoids secrete the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitory products to evade the host's immune system, and that tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression might be inhibited downstream from Toll-like receptor 4 in the lipopolysaccharide signaling pathway.     

The therapeutic effect of recombinant human trefoil factor 3 on hypoxia-induced necrotizing enterocolitis in immature rat

Trefoil peptides are a new class of regulatory peptides involved in mucosal protection and repair in the gastrointestinal tract. Among them, trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) (intestinal trefoil factor) is known to be cytoprotective in the gut. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of recombinant human trefoil factor 3 (rhTFF3) on hypoxia-induced necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in immature rats. In the present study, thirty-two 1-day-old Wistar rat pups were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 served as nonhypoxic controls. Group 2 rats were subjected to hypoxia reoxygenation (H/O) and then were returned to their mothers. Groups 3 and 4 rats were subjected to H/O, were returned to their mothers, and were treated with rhTFF3 intraperitoneally (0.5 mg) and subcutaneously (0.2 mg), respectively, for the next 3 days. All animals were killed on day 4, and intestine specimens were obtained to determine the histological changes, tissue level of interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tromboxane B2 (TXB2), and nitric oxide (NO). In addition, the effects of rhTFF3 on abundance of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) were also investigated. In neonatal NEC (group 2), necrosis of villi and crypts and, in some cases, transmural necrosis was observed under light microscopy. Tissue level of interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde, prostaglandin E2, tromboxane B2, and nitric oxide were significantly higher than group 1. In addition, abundance of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 was markedly increased. In groups 3 and 4, only very slight intestinal injury was observed. The tissue level of interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde, prostaglandin E2, tromboxane B2, and nitric oxide were significantly decreased in comparison to the group 2. Meanwhile, the abundance of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 was also marked decreased in comparison to group 2. The current study suggests a therapeutic role of TFF3 in an experimental model of NEC. Our findings may open a new insight into the treatment of NEC in newborns.     

Effect of lactoferrin on the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide

One of the biological functions of lactoferrin is the modulation of the host defense systems, including cytokine production and immune responses. We have tested the effect of lactoferrin on the productions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide in some cells. Lactoferrin itself did not induce either tumor necrosis factor-alpha production or nitric oxide production, but lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha production of macrophages and monocytes were inhibited by lactoferrin treatment combined with stimulant. The induction of nitric oxide synthesis in stimulated macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells was not affected by the lactoferrin.     

Distribution of cadmium in selected organs of mice: effects of cadmium on organ contents of retinoids and beta-carotene

Cadmium was administered to 32 adult ICR mice i.p. in two single doses (0.25 and 0.5 mg CdCl2, per kg of b.w.). After 48 hours concentrations of cadmium in kidneys, liver, spleen, muscle (m. quadriceps femoris), ovaries and testes and the concentration of retinyl palmitate, retinol and beta-carotene in kidney, liver and testes were determined. Significantly higher cadmium concentration was found in liver, kidney and ovary in both experimental groups in comparison with the control group (p<0.001). In muscle, spleen and testis the cadmium level was higher, however not significantly. No significant differences in the concentration of retinyl palmitate, retinol and alpha-carotene in liver were found. Concentration of alpha-carotene in kidney and testis was significantly decreased in both groups administered with cadmium (p<0.001). Concentration of retinyl palmitate was significantly lower in testis in the group with higher cadmium level (p<0.001) and the concentration of retinol significantly decreased in kidney and testis of mice after an administration of 0.5 mg CdCl2/kg b.w.     

Crucial cytokine interactions in nitric oxide production induced by Mycoplasma arthritidis superantigen

Mycoplasma arthritidis causes autoimmune arthritis in rodents. It produces a superantigen (MAM) that simultaneously activates antigen presenting cells and T cells inducing nitric oxide and cytokine release. Nitric oxide is a key inducer and regulator of the immune system activation. Here, we investigated nitric oxide and cytokine production and interactions of these molecules in MAM-stimulated co-cultures of macrophages (J774A.1 cell line) with spleen lymphocytes. We found that: a) MAM-induced nitric oxide, interferon-gamma, membrane-associated tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-2 production in co-cultures of macrophages with lymphocytes from BALB/c and C3H/HePas but not from C57Bl/6 mice; b) production of nitric oxide was dependent on interferon-gamma whereas that of interferon-gamma was dependent on interleukin-2 and membrane-associated tumor necrosis factor; c) these cytokines up regulated MAM-induced nitric oxide production. Unraveling the mechanisms of cell activation induced by MAM might be helpful to design strategies to prevent immune system activation by superantigens and therefore in seeking amelioration of associated immunopathologies.     

L-arginine supplementation increases cardiac collagenogenesis in mice chronically infected with Berenice-78 Trypanosoma cruzi strain

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a major neglected tropical disease that occurs mainly as chronic infection and systemic infection. Currently, there is no suitable and effective drug to treat this parasitic disease. Administration of nutrients with immunomodulatory properties, such as arginine and nitric oxide radicals, may be helpful as antiparasitic therapy. In this study, we evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation during the acute phase of infection under the development of chronic Chagas' heart disease in Swiss mice inoculated with the Berenice-78 strain of T. cruzi. The effectiveness of arginine was determined by daily detection of the parasite in the blood and long-term serum levels of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in addition to evaluation of heart tissue damage. Arginine could flatten parasitemia and prevent elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in T. cruzi-infected mice. Regarding chronic inflammatory myocardial derangements, similar findings were verified among T. cruzi-infected groups. Arginine promoted collagenogenesis in the heart muscle tissue of T. cruzi-infected arginine-supplemented group. These data show the paradoxical benefits of arginine in improving the outcome of Chagas chronic cardiomyopathy.     

Effects of centimeter waves on the immune system of mice in endotoxic shock

The effects of centimeter waves (8.15-18 GHz, 1 microW/cm2, 1 h daily for 10 days; MW) on the production of the tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-lalpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-2, and the expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon-gamma, nitric oxide and HSP27, HSP72 and HSP90alpha in mice irradiated before or after LPS injection were studied. An acute endotoxic model was produced by a single LPS injection. The effects of microwaves on nitric oxide, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were dependent on the functional status of exposed animals. Thus, an exposure of healthy mice to microwaves for 10 days was followed by a decrease in nitric oxide and interferon-gamma production, and an increase in the production of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. On the contrary, an exposure to MW before intoxication resulted in an increase in the synthesis of nitric oxide and interferon-gamma as well as a decrease in the concentration of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in blood of mice in endotoxic shock. When microwave exposure was used after LPS injection, it did not provide any protective effect, and preliminary irradiation enhanced the resistance of the organism to endotoxic shock.     

Oral Administration of Lycopene Reverses Cadmium-suppressed Body Weight Loss and Lipid Peroxidation in Rats

Cadmium (Cd) exposure has been recognized to result in a wide variety of cellular responses, including oxidative stress and body weight loss. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of lycopene supplementation on the antioxidant defense system, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, and body weight in Cd-exposed rats. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 7): control, Cd-treated, Cd plus lycopene-treated, and lycopene-treated. Cadmium (as CdCl₂) was administrated orally for 20 days (6.6 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), and lycopene (10 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) was similarly administered. Lycopene administration significantly suppressed Cd-induced LPO in plasma and kidney homogenates. Lycopene also reversed Cd-decreased body weight compared to the control. Cadmium treatment had diverse effects on the antioxidant enzyme activities. Although antioxidant superoxide dismutase activity was unchanged, glutathione peroxidase activity was decreased, and catalase activity was elevated in kidney homogenates of Cd-administrated group. However, lycopene treatment reversed Cd-changed enzyme activities to the control level. Xanthine oxidase activity and TNF-α concentration were not altered by Cd administration, indicating that superoxide anion production and inflammation were not stimulated. Cadmium did not change NO levels in kidney homogenates but decreased those in plasma, and this effect was not prevented by lycopene supplementation. The result suggests that consumption of adequate levels of lycopene may be useful to prevent heavy-metal-induced LPO and body weight loss.     

Two neolignans from Perilla frutescens and their inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7

Two neolignans were isolated from leaves of Perilla frutescens (Labiatae) as inhibitors of nitric oxide syntheses (IC50 5.9 microM and 53.5 microM, respectively) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Their structures were identified as 1beta,2alpha,3beta,4alpha-1,2-dimethyl-3,4-bis-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-cyclobutane (magnosalin), and 1alpha,2beta,3beta,4alpha-1,2-dimethyl-3,4-bis-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-cyclobutane (andamanicin), and their activities were confirmed as resulted from the suppressed expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme and from the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha from activated macrophages.