苏木对糖尿病大血管病变中SOD、TNF-α、MCP-1的影响

目的:探讨苏木对糖尿病大血管病变大鼠血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、单核细胞趋化因子1(MCP-1)水平的影响。方法:将24只雄性SD大鼠随机分为4组,每组6只,分别为对照组、模型组、α-硫辛酸组和苏木组。除去对照组,余下的18只大鼠单次腹腔注射STZ50 mg/kg制备糖尿病大鼠模型,对照组予以注射等体积的柠檬酸-柠檬酸钠缓冲液。成功造模后,苏木组给予0.15 g/kg/d的苏木,α-硫辛酸组给予20 mg/kg/d的α-硫辛酸,每日1次给药,连续给药8周。8周末,检测和比较两组大鼠血清中SOD、TNF-α、MCP-1水平的变化。结果:治疗后,苏木组及α-硫辛酸组血清SOD含量均高于模型组(P0.05),但苏木组和α-硫辛酸组组间比较无统计学差异(P0.05);苏木组及α-硫辛酸组血清TNF-α、MCP-1含量均显著低于模型组(P0.05),与对照组没有明显差别(P0.05)。结论:苏木可提高糖尿病大血管病大鼠血清SOD含量,降低血清TNF-α、MCP-1含量。     

DC 荷载alpha-GalCer 对小鼠HepS 肝癌的抑制作用

目的:研究树突状细胞(DC)荷载α-半乳糖神经酰胺(α-Gal Cer)作为自然杀伤T细胞(NKT)刺激物对原发性肝癌Heps荷瘤小鼠的抑制作用。方法:建立小鼠Hep S肝癌移植瘤模型,随机分为3组,对照组(NS对照组)、树突状细胞组(DC组)、DC荷载α-半乳糖神经酰胺组(DC+α-Gal Cer组),每组10只。分别给予尾静脉注射DC、荷载α-Gal Cer的DC4×106/m L,对照组给予同体积的NS,隔天给药1次,共3次。各组于干预后2周取眼球血,用流式细胞术(FCM)检测小鼠外周血CD4+T细胞及CD8+T细胞含量变化。取肿瘤组织,称取各瘤体重量,计算抑瘤率。免疫组化染色比较各组瘤体细胞内Bax凋亡蛋白;Westem blot法检测各组移植瘤组织内Bax的表达。结果:DC荷载α-Gal Cer组CD4+T细胞及CD8+T细胞数较DC组及对照组明显升高(P<0.05),DC组较对照组有上升趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。DC荷载α-Gal Cer组平均瘤体重量较对照组及DC组均显著减轻(P<0.05),DC组与对照组平均瘤重无明显变化(P>0.05)。与NS组及DC组相比,DC荷载α-Gal Cer组移植瘤内Bax阳性细胞数量及Western blot表达量明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);DC组与NS组之间无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论:DC荷载α-Gal Cer可活化NKT细胞,激活外周血抗肿瘤免疫细胞杀伤肿瘤,抑制小鼠肝癌移植瘤的生长。     

α-亚麻酸对糖尿病大鼠炎症介质和氧化应激的影响

目的:观察α-亚麻酸(ALA)对糖尿病大鼠体内炎症介质和氧化应激的影响,探讨ALA在糖尿病防治中的作用。方法:雄性SD大鼠高脂饮食喂养4周后,腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)30 mg/kg建立2型糖尿病(T2DM)模型。将大鼠随机分为3组(n=10):正常对照组、糖尿病模型组和ALA治疗组(500μg/kg.d)。4周后测定大鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、可溶性P-选择素(sP-selectin)、可溶性细胞间黏附分子(sICAM-1)、一氧化氮(NO)、丙二醛(MDA)的含量以及超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性。结果:与正常对照组相比,糖尿病大鼠血清中炎症介质TNF-α、sP-selectin和sICAM-1的含量增加,血清NO含量下降而MDA升高,同时抗氧化酶SOD和CAT的活性降低;ALA治疗可显著降低糖尿病大鼠血清中TNF-α、sP-selectin和sICAM-1的含量(与STZ+vehicle组相比,P<0.01),增加血清NO水平并减少MDA含量,升高抗氧化酶SOD和CAT的活性(与STZ+vehicle组相比,均P<0.05)。结论:ALA可显著降低糖尿病大鼠血清炎症介质的生成,减轻氧化应激水平,具有抗炎和抗氧化作用。提示ALA对糖尿病及糖尿病并发症的发生发展可能具有一定的防治作用。     

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。     

乙酰唑胺对氧惊厥潜伏期的影响

为探讨脑血流调节与氧惊厥的关系,在复制大鼠氧惊厥模型的基础上,采用行为学方法测定氧惊厥潜伏期,并测定不司部位脑组织氧化与抗氧化指标,采用腹腔注射不同剂量脑血管扩张药物乙酰唑胺,观察脑血管扩张对氧化状态以及氧惊厥潜伏期的影响。观察结果为:(1)与生理盐水组相比,乙酰唑胺200、20 mg/kg体重组腹腔给药后氧惊厥潜伏期(纯氧6 ATA暴露)明显缩短(P<0.01),乙酰唑胺2 mg/kg体重组无明显改变(P>0.05);(2)腹腔给乙酰唑胺(20 mg/kg体重)或生理盐水后,各组各部位脑组织GSH-PX无显著差异(P>0.05),但随暴露时间的延长,其活力呈现先升高后降低的趋势;与对照组相比,乙酰唑胺6min组和生理盐水16min组皮层丙二醛(maleic dialdehyde,MDA)含量均明显增多(P<0.01),乙酰唑胺16 min组海马MDA含量明显增多(P<0.01)。结果表明,乙酰唑胺可缩短氧惊厥潜伏期,加重脑组织氧化损伤。     

心理应激对牙周炎组织氧化还原反应影响的动物实验研究

目的:明确心理应激对大鼠牙周炎组织局部病损以及抗氧化酶活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量变化的影响。方法:40只健康Sprague-Dawley大鼠随机分为对照组(C)、实验性牙周炎组(EP)、实验性牙周炎+心理应激组(EP+PS)以及实验性牙周炎+心理应激+药物组(EP+PS+DR),每组10只。分别采用丝线结扎法和慢性不可预知性应激法建立大鼠实验性牙周炎模型和心理应激模型。EP组动物仅用丝线结扎右上颌第二磨牙颈部,EP+PS组动物同时接受丝线结扎和心理应激刺激,EP+PS+DR组动物除上述处置外,按5 mg/kg/日剂量腹腔注射氟西汀,而C组大鼠无任何干预措施。4周后对所有动物进行糖水偏爱度测试、行为学观察和血清学检测,并计算牙槽骨丧失和附着丧失情况,同时测量牙龈组织中抗氧化酶活性以及MDA含量。结果:慢性不可预知性应激导致大鼠旷场实验中央区移动距离减少(P<0.05)、中央区停留时间增加(P<0.05)、糖水偏爱度降低(P<0.05)、血清皮质酮与促肾上腺皮质激素浓度升高(P<0.05);并且应激大鼠的牙槽骨丧失和附着丧失明显大于单纯牙周炎组(P<0.05);同时,心理应激状态下大鼠牙龈组织的氧化还原代谢异常,表现为超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性明显低于单纯牙周炎组(P<0.05),而MDA含量明显高于单纯牙周炎组(P<0.05)。氟西汀在拮抗心理应激的同时,可以明显改善动物牙周炎组织局部降低的抗氧化酶活性以及升高的脂质过氧化产物含量(P<0.05)。结论:心理应激可以导致牙周炎组织的氧化损伤加重,有效拮抗心理应激有助于减轻牙周炎性组织病损。     

神经节苷脂联合α-硫辛酸治疗糖尿病神经源性膀胱临床观察

目的:观察α-硫辛酸、神经节苷脂联合治疗糖尿病神经源性膀胱的临床疗效。方法:60例2型糖尿病神经源性膀胱患者,随机分为α-硫辛酸治疗对照组、神经节苷脂治疗对照组,联合治疗组,疗程30d,观察症状体征及治疗前后B超膀胱残余尿量症状的变化,比较不同方案的疗效。结果:α-硫辛酸治疗对照组有效率90%,神经节苷脂治疗对照组有效率90%,联合治疗组有效率95%两组间无统计学差异(P>0.05),但3组的治愈率分别为90.0%、50.0%、60.0%,治疗组的治愈率高于两个对照组,有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论:α-硫辛酸和神经节苷脂联合治疗糖尿病神经源性膀胱有较好的临床疗效,值得临床推广。     

硫酸亚铁对缺铁性贫血小鼠肠道健康的影响

【目的】旨在探究硫酸亚铁(FeSO4)对缺铁性贫血(iron deficiency anemia, IDA)小鼠肠道健康的影响。【方法】选取45只24日龄体重(16.0±1.2) g的雄性昆明小鼠,随机分成3组,每组15只,即对照组(正常饲料,饮蒸馏水)、IDA组(低铁饲料造模2周,饮去离子水)、IDA-Fe²⁺组(造模结束后灌胃FeSO₄ 3周,饮去离子水),实验结束时采样。【结果】试验结束时,与IDA组相比,IDA-Fe²⁺组小鼠的红细胞、血红蛋白、红细胞压积、平均红细胞体积、平均红细胞血红蛋白量、平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度等贫血指标均恢复至正常水平(P>0.05),表明FeSO4具有改善IDA的功能;与对照组相比,IDA和IDA-Fe²⁺组小鼠的氧化应激指标和肿瘤坏死因子α均显著升高(P<0.01)、紧密连接蛋白Occludin显著降低(P<0.001),IDA-Fe²⁺组与IDA组除结肠总抗氧化能力(TAC)外均无差异显著性(P>0.05)。结肠组织...     

L-Arg对LPS诱导的急性肺损伤大鼠肺表面活性物质和肺泡巨噬细胞功能的影响

目的:探讨L-精氨酸(L-Arg)对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的急性肺损伤大鼠肺表面活性物质和肺泡巨噬细胞功能的影响。方法:舌下静脉注射脂多糖(LPS)复制肺损伤模型。健康雄性SD大鼠48只,随机分为对照组、模型组(LPS组)和L-Arg治疗组(L-Arg组)(n=16)。分别于给予LPS 3 h或6 h后给予生理盐水(对照组及LPS组,ip)和L-Arg(500 mg/kg ip)(L-Arg治疗组),治疗3 h。原位杂交法(ISH)检测肺组织中肺表面活性蛋白A(SP-A)mRNA的表达;测定肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中的总蛋白(TP)。体外分离培养大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞,以LPS(终浓度10 mg/L)处理巨噬细胞,观察L-Arg对肺泡巨噬细胞的影响。结果:与对照组比较,大鼠肺损伤后SP-A mRNA表达减弱,BALF中TP增多(P<0.01)。肺损伤3 h用L-Arg治疗3 h后,SP-A mRNA阳性细胞表达明显增强,BALF中TP较LPS组相同时间点明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),肺损伤减轻。体外实验中,与正常对照组相比,LPS组细胞培养上清中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、一氧化氮(NO)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNFα-)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)浓度明显增高(P<0.01);L-Arg明显减少LPS所致的LDH的释放,降低TNFα-和IL-6浓度。结论:L-Arg可减轻内毒素性肺损伤,此机制可能与增强SP-AmRNA表达有关;LPS可刺激巨噬细胞分泌促炎因子和NO,L-Arg可抑制LPS对巨噬细胞的作用。     

淫羊藿苷及宝藿苷Ⅰ对气管切开模型大鼠肺组织病理学及炎症因子的影响

目的探讨淫羊藿苷及其代谢产物宝藿苷I对气管切开模型大鼠肺组织病理及炎症的影响。方法将72只SPF级雄性SD大鼠随机分成四组,正常对照组(A)、模型非用药组(B)、模型+宝藿苷I组(C)、模型+淫羊藿苷组(D),每组18只。制备大鼠气管切开插管留置模型。模型成功6h后给予C组宝藿苷I,D组淫羊藿苷干预,A、B组给与等量0.9%生理盐水。分别在24、72、168h取肺组织及肺泡灌洗液。肺组织用苏木精-伊红染色(HE染色),光镜下观察分析肺组织的病理学改变;ELISA检测肺泡灌洗液白细胞介素6(IL-6),肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)表达。结果1)肺组织病理结果显示:气管切开后B组大鼠肺损伤程度随时间延长逐渐加重,明显高于A组(P<0.05)。C、D组肺损伤程度均明显轻于B组,且D组在24、168h均明显轻于C组(P<0.05)。D组在168h病理评分明显降低(与24h比较P<0.01)。(2)肺泡灌洗液IL-6、TNF-α含量:气管切开插管后大鼠肺泡灌洗液IL-6和TNF-α含量在三个时段均明显高于A组(P<0.05)。用宝藿苷I和淫羊藿苷干预后,C、D组IL-6、TNF-α含量在72、168h明显低于B组(P<0.05);且C、D组组内IL-6和TNF-α含量在72、168h明显低于24h(P<0.05);D组与C组相比,IL-6含量无明显统计学差异(P>0.05)。D组TNF-α在72h、168h均明显低于C(P<0.05)。结论宝藿苷I和淫羊藿苷对气管切开术后早期肺部炎症有一定疗效,其机制与抑制肺泡灌洗液炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α的表达,减轻肺组织损伤有关,且淫羊藿苷效果更佳。     

Reg3b在大鼠耳蜗的分布及噪声刺激后的表达变化

目的：探讨Reg3b在大鼠耳蜗中的分布情况及在噪声刺激前后的表达变化,为治疗噪声性聋提供新思路。方法：30只健康成年SD大鼠,分为噪声暴露组和正常对照组,利用110dBSPL宽频稳态白噪声对噪声组进行噪声暴露,通过免疫组织荧光技术,观察Reg3b在正常及噪声刺激后成年sD大鼠耳蜗内的分布情况。采用实时定量PCR技术（Realtime-PCR）方法检测大鼠接受噪声刺激前后Reg3b在耳蜗内的表达变化。结果：免疫组织荧光技术提示,Reg3b在噪声暴露后主要表达于大鼠耳蜗的内毛细胞、外毛细胞,以及螺旋神经节处,而正常大鼠耳蜗中Reg3b表达不明显或呈阴性表达。与噪声刺激前相比,噪声刺激后,Reg3b在mRNA水平表达较噪声前明显提高。结论：Reg3b在耳蜗内的分布及在噪声刺激后的表达显著升高提示其在噪声诱导的细胞死亡及对抗噪声损伤方面具有一定作用,可能成为治疗感音神经性聋的新靶点。     

alpha-硫辛酸对2 型糖尿病早期肾病的保护作用研究

目的：探讨注射用alpha-硫辛酸对2 型糖尿病早期肾病（DN）的保护作用。方法：将56 例2 型糖尿病早期肾病患者随机分为治 疗组28 例,采用注射alpha-硫辛酸加常规治疗;对照组28 例,仅给予常规治疗。治疗前后测定尿微量白蛋白排泄率（UAER）、超氧化 物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、一氧化氮（NO）水平。结果：与治疗前比较,治疗组UAER及MDA均显著降低（P＜0.05）,SCr、 SOD及NO 显著升高（P＜0.05）。对照组SCr、UAER、SOD、MDA 及NO与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论：注射用 alpha-硫辛酸能减少2型糖尿病肾病患者尿微量白蛋白的排泄,对早期肾病具有保护作用。     

Cav1.2在顺铂诱导C57BL/6J小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经元凋亡中的作用*

目的: 探究顺铂(CDDP)诱导C57BL/6J小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经元(SGNs)凋亡过程中Cav1.2的作用及其可能的机制。方法: 动物实验:选取8周龄雄性C57BL/6J小鼠分为以下两组(10只/组):生理盐水组(Control组)和顺铂给药组(Cisplatin组)。Control组每天腹腔注射生理盐水,Cisplatin组每周期前4 d以3 mg/kg的剂量进行顺铂腹腔注射,后10 d每日注射生理盐水,重复三个周期。给药结束后,听性脑干反应(ABR) 检测小鼠听力阈值变化; 小鼠内眦采血,并断颈取耳蜗,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)以及丙二醛(MDA)试剂盒检测血清及耳蜗组织的SOD活性和MDA含量;免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测耳蜗组织相关凋亡蛋白表达;苏木精-伊红HE染色观察小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经节形态学变化; TUNEL 染色观察小鼠耳蜗SGNs凋亡情况;免疫荧光观察耳蜗SGNs上Cav1.2的分布和表达。细胞实验:原代培养SGNs,根据CCK8选择顺铂5 μmol/L干预12 h并随机分为:对照组(Control)、溶剂组(DMSO)、Cav1.2阻断剂组(N)、顺铂组(Cisplatin)、顺铂与Cav1.2阻断剂共同孵育组(Cisplatin+N)。Western blot检测Cav1.2蛋白表达;Hoechst33342染色观察各组SGNs凋亡情况,流式细胞术检测各组SGNs凋亡率,Western blot检测相关凋亡蛋白的表达,CA²⁺探针检测细胞内钙离子浓度变化,线粒体膜电位检测试剂盒(JC-1)检测膜电位变化,线粒体超氧化物指示剂(MitoSOX^TM-red)检测线粒体释放ROS情况。结果: 动物实验:与Control组相比,Cisplatin组小鼠听力阈值升高(P<0.01), 血清及耳蜗组织MDA含量、耳蜗组织凋亡蛋白 Cleaved-caspase-3、Bax 蛋白水平和TUNEL阳性率、Cav1.2蛋白表达水平等均明显升高(P<0.05, P<0.01);血清及耳蜗组织SOD活性、耳蜗组织抗凋亡蛋白 Bcl-2 蛋白水平和SGCs密度均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01)。细胞实验:与Control组相比,Cisplatin组的Cav1.2表达、细胞凋亡率、Cleaved-caspase-3、Bax蛋白水平、细胞内钙离子浓度以及ROS释放均明显增加(P<0.05,P<0.01);而细胞的Bcl-2蛋白水平和线粒体膜电位则明显降低(P<0.01);Cav1.2阻断剂可部分逆转上述改变(P<0.05)。 结论: 顺铂可能通过上调Cav1.2促进钙内流,进而使线粒体ROS增多,引起SGNs氧化应激损伤从而诱导线粒体途径的细胞凋亡。     

谷氨酸受体在噪声所致豚鼠螺旋神经节细胞损伤中的作用

本文旨在研究谷氨酸及其受体在噪声致豚鼠螺旋神经节细胞损伤中的作用。实验分为在体和离体两部分。（1）在体实验：豚鼠分为生理盐水（NS,10μL）组,NS（10μL）＋噪声组和犬尿喹啉酸（kynurenic acid,KYNA,5mmol／L,10μL）＋噪声组,每组15只。用微量注射器经完整圆窗膜表面给予NS或KYNA：暴露于白噪声110dBSPL,1h。在圆窗给药前及噪声暴露后测试听觉脑干诱发电位（auditory brainstem response,ABR）阈值及Ⅲ波幅值,听神经复合动作电位（compound action potential,CAP）阈值及N1波幅值和潜伏期,测试后取基底膜进行透射电镜观察。（2）离体实验：观察高浓度谷氨酸对急性分离的豚鼠螺旋神经节细胞的影响。结果显示,NS＋噪声组豚鼠ABR及CAP阈移显著高于KYNA＋噪声组,且Ⅲ波和NI波幅值明显降低,潜伏期明显延长。NS＋噪声组豚鼠毛细胞及传入神经末梢急性水肿和线粒体结构破坏：KYNA＋噪声组豚鼠的毛细胞和传入神经末梢无明显变化。离体胞外施加谷氨酸可引起螺旋神经节细胞逐渐出现水肿、变性,最后死亡。本实验提示,噪声暴露可引起豚鼠听功能损伤,毛细胞／传入神经突触的结构破坏和螺旋神经节细胞变性、死亡：这种损伤可能与噪声暴露引起谷氨酸的过度释放有关;谷氨酸通过其受体介导致使螺旋神经节细胞损伤,谷氨酸受体的广谱拮抗剂KYNA可减轻噪声对螺旋神经节细胞的损伤。     

Relationship of Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and the Cochlea of Guinea Pigs and Effects of Dexamethasone Administration

Background

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and significantly improve hearing. However, GC insensitivity has been observed in some patients of SSNHL.

Objective

To study the correlation between GR expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in the cochlea of guinea pigs at mRNA and protein levels.

Methods

One group of guinea pigs received dexamethasone (10 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days (dexamethasone group), and another group of guinea pigs received normal saline (control group). Real time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of GR mRNA and GR protein in PBMCs and the cochleae.

Results

The GR mRNA and GR protein were detected in both PBMCs and the cochlear tissue of guinea pigs. GR mRNA and GR protein levels in PBMCs were positively correlated with those in the cochlea. The expression of GR mRNA and GR protein was significantly increased in the dexamethasone group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Levels of GR mRNA and GR protein in the PBMCs were positively correlated with those in the cochlea of guinea pigs. Systemic dexamethasone treatment can significantly up-regulate GR expression in PBMCs and in the cochlea. Measurement of the GR level in PBMCs could be used as an indicator of GR level in the cochlea.     

Effect of c-myc on the ultrastructural structure of cochleae in guinea pigs with noise induced hearing loss

Noise over-stimulation may induce hair cells loss and hearing deficit. The c-myc oncogene is a major regulator for cell proliferation, growth, and apoptosis. However, the role of this gene in the mammalian cochlea is still unclear. The study was designed to firstly investigate its function under noise condition, from the aspect of cochlear ultrastructural changes. We had established the adenoviral vector of c-myc gene and delivered the adenovirus suspension into the scala tympani of guinea pigs 4 days before noise exposure. The empty adenoviral vectors were injected as control. Then, all subjects were exposed to 4-kHz octave-band noise at 110 dB SPL for 8 h/day, 3 days consecutively. Auditory thresholds were assessed by auditory brainstem response, prior to and 7 days following noise exposure. On the seventh days after noise exposure, the cochlear sensory epithelia surface was observed microscopically and the cochleae were taken to study the ultrastructural changes. The results indicated that auditory threshold shift after noise exposure was higher in the ears treated with Ad.EGFP than that treated with Ad.c-myc-EGFP. Stereocilia loss and the disarrangement of outer hair cells were observed, with greater changes found in the Ad.EGFP group. Also, the ultrastructure changes were severe in the Ad.EGFP group, but not obvious in the Ad.c-myc-EGFP group. Therefore, c-myc gene might play an unexpected role in hearing functional and morphological protection from acoustic trauma.     

Effects of triple antioxidant combination (vitamin E, vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid) with insulin on lipid and cholesterol levels and fatty acid composition of brain tissue in experimental diabetic and non-diabetic rats

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of a triple antioxidant combination (vitamins E (VE) and C (VC) plus alpha-lipoic acid (LA)) on the total lipid and cholesterol levels and the fatty acid composition of brain tissues in experimental diabetic and non-diabetic rats. VE and LA were injected intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg) four times per week and VC was provided as a supplement dissolved in the drinking water (50 mg/kg). In addition, rats in the diabetes 1 and D+VELAVC groups were given daily by subcutaneous insulin injections (8 IU/kg), but no insulin was given to rats in the diabetes 2 group. The results indicate that the brain lipid levels in the D+VELAVC, diabetes 1 and diabetes 2 groups were higher than in the control group (P<0.01). Total lipid was also higher in the non-diabetic rats treated with LA and VC. Total cholesterol was higher in the diabetes 1 and diabetes 2 groups (P<0.05) than in controls. Cholesterol levels were similar in the D+VELAVC and LA groups but lower in the VC, VE and VELAVC groups of non-diabetic rats (P<0.05 and P<0.01). In respect of fatty acid composition, palmitic acid levels were lower in the diabetes 2 and non-diabetic VE groups than the control group (P<0.05), but higher in the non-diabetic LA group (P<0.05). Oleic acid (18:1 n-9) levels were lower in the diabetic and non-diabetic groups than the control group (P<0.01), but higher in the non-diabetic LA group. Arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) levels were similar in the diabetes 1, D+VELAVC and control groups (P>0.05) but higher in the non-diabetic VE, VC, LA and VEVCLA groups (P<0.05) and lower in the diabetes 2 group (P<0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) was elevated in the diabetes 2 and VEVCLA groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). In conclusion, the current study confirmed that treatment with a triple combination of VE, VC and LA protects the arachidonic acid level in the brains of diabetic and non-diabetic rats.     

ATP activates P2X receptors to mediate gap junctional coupling in the cochlea

ATP is an important extracellular signaling molecule and can activate both ionotropic (P2X) and metabotropic purinergic (P2Y) receptors to influence cellular function in many aspects. Gap junction is an intercellular channel and plays a critical role in hearing. Here, we report that stimulation of ATP reduced gap junctional coupling between cochlear supporting cells. This uncoupling effect could be evoked by nanomolar physiological levels of ATP. A P2X receptor agonist benzoylbenzoyl-ATP (BzATP) but not a P2Y receptor agonist UTP stimulated this uncoupling effect. Application of P2X receptor antagonists pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS, 50 μM) or oxidized ATP (oATP, 0.1 mM) eliminated this uncoupling effect. We further found that ATP activated P2X receptors in the cochlear supporting cells allowing Ca²⁺ influxing, thereby increasing intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration to mediate gap junctions. These data suggest that ATP can mediate cochlear gap junctions at the physiological level by the activation of P2X receptors rather than P2Y receptors. This P2X receptor-mediated purinergic control on the cochlear gap junctions may play an important role in the regulation of K⁺-recycling for ionic homeostasis in the cochlea and the reduction of hearing sensitivity under noise stress for protection.     

Protective role of hydrogen sulfide against noise-induced cochlear damage: a chronic intracochlear infusion model

Background

A reduction in cochlear blood flow plays an essential role in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The timely regulation of cochlear perfusion determines the progression and prognosis of NIHL. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has attracted increasing interest as a vasodilator in cardiovascular systems. This study identified the role of H₂S in cochlear blood flow regulation and noise protection.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The gene and protein expression of the H₂S synthetase cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in the rat cochlea was examined using immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. Cochlear CSE mRNA levels varied according to the duration of noise exposure. A chronic intracochlear infusion model was built and artificial perilymph (AP), NaHS or DL-propargylglycine (PPG) were locally administered. Local sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) significantly increased cochlear perfusion post-noise exposure. Cochlear morphological damage and hearing loss were alleviated in the NaHS group as measured by conventional auditory brainstem response (ABR), cochlear scanning electron microscope (SEM) and outer hair cell (OHC) count. The highest percentage of OHC loss occurred in the PPG group.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results suggest that H₂S plays an important role in the regulation of cochlear blood flow and the protection against noise. Further studies may identify a new preventive and therapeutic perspective on NIHL and other blood supply-related inner ear diseases.     

Adenosine amine congener mitigates noise-induced cochlear injury

Hearing loss from noise exposure is a leading occupational disease, with up to 5% of the population at risk world-wide. Here, we present a novel purine-based pharmacological intervention that can ameliorate noise-induced cochlear injury. Wistar rats were exposed to narrow-band noise (8–12 kHz, 110 dB SPL, 2–24 h) to induce cochlear damage and permanent hearing loss. The selective adenosine A₁ receptor agonist, adenosine amine congener (ADAC), was administered intraperitoneally (100 μg/kg/day) at time intervals after noise exposure. Hearing thresholds were assessed using auditory brainstem responses and the hair cell loss was evaluated by quantitative histology. Free radical damage in the organ of Corti was assessed using nitrotyrosine immunohistochemistry. The treatment with ADAC after noise exposure led to a significantly greater recovery of hearing thresholds compared with controls. These results were upheld by increased survival of sensory hair cells and reduced nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity in ADAC-treated cochlea. We propose that ADAC could be a valuable treatment for noise-induced cochlear injury in instances of both acute and extended noise exposures.