姜黄素预防高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的电生理机制

目的：探讨姜黄素（curcumin）预防高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的电生理机制。方法：将30只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为健康对照组、模型组（Model组）、姜黄索[按体重60rag／（kg·d）】治疗纽（curcumin组）。造模后,检测脑片水平的海马的LTP变化,并运用膜片钳技术检测海马CA1区神经元的电生理变化。结果（1）给予HFS刺激后各组均可诱发LTP并持续1h以上,与对照组比较模型组组HFS刺激后LTP明显被抑制（P〈0．05）,姜黄素可减轻缺氧所致的LTP抑制（P〈0．05）;（2）高原缺氧使海马CA1神经元阈电位升高,动作电位（AP）数量减少,兴奋性降低,姜黄素干预可明显减轻高原缺氧对细胞神经元的抑制。结论：姜黄素可显著改善高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍,其可能机制是通过维持海马CA1细胞的兴奋性减轻高原缺氧对认知功能的损伤。     

姜黄素预防高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的电生理机制

目的:探讨姜黄素(curcumin)预防高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的电生理机制。方法:将30只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为健康对照组、模型组(Model组)、姜黄素[按体重60mg/(kg.d)]治疗组(curcumin组)。造模后,检测脑片水平的海马的LTP变化,并运用膜片钳技术检测海马CA1区神经元的电生理变化。结果:(1)给予HFS刺激后各组均可诱发LTP并持续1h以上,与对照组比较模型组组HFS刺激后LTP明显被抑制(P<0.05),姜黄素可减轻缺氧所致的LTP抑制(P<0.05);(2)高原缺氧使海马CA1神经元阈电位升高,动作电位(AP)数量减少,兴奋性降低,姜黄素干预可明显减轻高原缺氧对细胞神经元的抑制。结论:姜黄素可显著改善高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍,其可能机制是通过维持海马CA1细胞的兴奋性减轻高原缺氧对认知功能的损伤。     

Excessive Activation of NMDA Receptors Induced Neurodevelopmental Brain Damage and Cognitive Deficits in Rats Exposed to Intrauterine Hypoxia

Intrauterine hypoxia is one of the most common stressors in fetuses, which can lead to abnormal brain development and permanent neurological deficits in adulthood. Neurological disorder excitotoxicity induced by hypoxia or ischemia may involve N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), which are known to participate in the maturation and plasticity of developmental neurons. Inhibition of NMDARs has been reported to improve neurological outcomes in traumatic brain injuries and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we investigated if antenatal blockade of NMDARs induced by memantine could alleviate neurodevelopmental brain damage and long-term cognitive deficits in intrauterine hypoxia rats. Pregnant rats were assigned to four groups: air control, air?+?memantine, hypoxia, and hypoxia?+?memantine. The rats were exposed to hypoxic conditions (FiO₂?=?0.095–0.115) for 8 h/day (hypoxia group) or given a daily memantine injection (5 mg/kg, i.p.) before hypoxia exposure from pregnant day 19 (G19) to G20 (hypoxia?+?memantine group).The influence of NMDARs antenatal blockade by memantine on intrauterine hypoxia-induced brain developmental damage and cognitive function was then studied. Intrauterine hypoxia resulted in decreased fetal body weight, brain weight, cognitive function, hippocampal neuron numbers, and Ki-67 proliferation index in the hippocampus. Memantine preventive treatment in pregnant rats before hypoxia exposure alleviated the aforementioned damage in vivo. Excessive activation of NMDARs contributes to fetal brain developmental damage and cognitive ability impairment induced by intrauterine hypoxia, which could be alleviated by antenatal memantine preventative treatment.     

红景天苷对高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的治疗作用及其可能机制

目的:探讨红景天苷(Sal)对高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的治疗作用及其可能机制。方法:将30只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为健康对照组、模型组(Model组)、Sal[按体重1g/(kg.d)]治疗组(sal组)。采用Morris水迷宫实验方法检测缺氧后大鼠学习记忆功能变化,同时检测脑组织匀浆中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)、丙二醛(MDA)的水平。结果:(1)模型组大鼠寻找平台的潜伏期明显长于对照组,具有统计学意义(P<0.05),Sal组寻找平台的潜伏期相对于模型组显著缩短(P<0.05)。撤离平台后,模型组大鼠在平台所在象限的停留时间明显短于对照组(P<0.05),Sal治疗后大鼠在平台所在象限的停留时间较模型组显著延长(P<0.05)。(2)模型组SOD、GSH-PX、GSH显著下降,MDA明显增高,Sal干预组SOD、GSH-PX、GSH显著增高,而MDA明显下降,具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:Sal可改善高原缺氧大鼠认知功能,其可能机制是通过减轻海马区的氧化应激反应减轻海马区的损伤,从而实现改善认知功能。     

红景天苷对高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的治疗作用及其可能机制

目的：探讨红景天苷（Sal）对高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的治疗作用及其可能机制。方法：将30只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为健康对照组、模型组（Model组）、Sal[按体重1g／（kg·d）]治疗组（sal组）。采用Morris水迷宫实验方法捡测缺氧后大鼠学习记忆功能变化,同时检测脑组织匀浆中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH—PX）、谷胱甘）lk（GSH）、丙二醛（MDA）的水平。结果：（1）模型组大鼠寻找平台的潜伏期明显长于对照组,具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,Sal组寻找平台的潜伏期相对于模型组显著缩短（P〈0．05）。撤离平台后,模型组大鼠在平台所在象限的停留时间明显短于对照组（P〈0．05）,Sal治疗后大鼠在平台所在象限的停留时间较模型组显著延长（P〈0．05）。（2）模型组SOD、GSH—PX、GSH显著下降,MDA明显增高,Sal干预组SOD、GSH．PX、GSH显著增高,而MDA明显下降,具有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。结论：Sal可改善高原缺氧大鼠认知功能,其可能机制是通过减轻海马区的氧化应激反应减轻海马区的损伤,从而实现改善认知功能。     

Taurine Ameliorates Renal Oxidative Damage and Thyroid Dysfunction in Rats Chronically Exposed to Fluoride

Excessive exposure to fluoride poses several detrimental effects to human health particularly the kidney which is a major organ involved in its elimination from the body. The influence of taurine on fluoride-induced renal toxicity was investigated in a co-exposure paradigm for 45 days using five groups of eight rats each. Group I rats received normal drinking water alone, group II rats were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water at 15 mg/L alone, group III received taurine alone at a dose of 200 mg/kg group IV rats were co-administered with NaF and taurine (100 mg/kg), while group V rats were co-administered with NaF and taurine (200 mg/kg). Administration of taurine significantly reversed the fluoride-mediated decrease in absolute weight and organo-somatic index of the kidney in the exposed rats. Taurine significantly prevented fluoride-induced elevation in plasma urea and creatinine levels in the exposed rats. Moreover, taurine restored fluoride-mediated decrease in the circulatory concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and the ratio of triiodothyronine to thyroxine. Taurine ameliorated fluoride-mediated decrease in renal antioxidant status by significantly enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities as well as glutathione level in the exposed rats. Additionally, taurine inhibited fluoride-induced renal oxidative damage by markedly decreasing the hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels as well as improved the kidney architecture in the treated rats. Collectively, taurine protected against fluoride-induced renal toxicity via enhancement of thyroid gland function, renal antioxidant status, and histology in rats.     

Acute Brain Inflammation and Oxidative Damage Are Related to Long-Term Cognitive Deficits and Markers of Neurodegeneration in Sepsis-Survivor Rats

Survivors from sepsis present long-term cognitive deficits and some of these alterations resemble the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. For this reason, we analyzed beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and synaptophysin levels in the brain of rats that survived from sepsis and their relation to cognitive dysfunction and to acute brain inflammation. Sepsis was induced in rats by cecal ligation and puncture, and 30 days after surgery, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were isolated just after cognitive evaluation by the inhibitory avoidance test. The immunocontent of Aβ and synaptophysin were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Aβ increased and synaptophysin decreased in septic animals both in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex concurrent with the presence of cognitive deficits. Prefrontal levels of synaptophysin correlated to the performance in the inhibitory avoidance. Two different treatments known to decrease brain inflammation and oxidative stress when administered at the acute phase of sepsis decreased Aβ levels both in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, increased synaptophysin levels only in the prefrontal cortex, and improved cognitive deficit in sepsis-survivor animals. In conclusion, we demonstrated that brain from sepsis-survivor animals presented an increase in Aβ content and a decrease in synaptophysin levels and cognitive impairment. These alterations can be prevented by treatments aimed to decrease acute brain inflammation and oxidative stress.     

A Mitochondrion-Targeted Antioxidant Ameliorates Isoflurane-Induced Cognitive Deficits in Aging Mice

Isoflurane possesses neurotoxicity and can induce cognitive deficits, particularly in aging mammals. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) have been linked to the early pathogenesis of this disorder. However, the role of mtROS remains to be evaluated due to a lack of targeted method to treat mtROS. Here, we determined in aging mice the effects of the mitochondrion-targeted antioxidant SS-31, on cognitive deficits induced by isoflurane, a general inhalation anesthetic. We further investigated the possible mechanisms underlying the effects of SS-31 on hippocampal neuro-inflammation and apoptosis. The results showed that isoflurane induced hippocampus-dependent memory deficit, which was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction including reduced ATP contents, increased ROS levels, and mitochondrial swelling. Treatment with SS-31 significantly ameliorated isoflurane-induced cognitive deficits through the improvement of mitochondrial integrity and function. Mechanistically, SS-31 treatment suppressed pro-inflammatory responses by decreasing the levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, caspase 1, IL-1β, and TNF-α; and inhibited the apoptotic pathway by decreasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, reducing the release of cytochrome C, and blocking the cleavage of caspase 3. Our results indicate that isoflurane-induced cognitive deficits may be attenuated by mitochondrion-targeted antioxidants, such as SS-31. Therefore, SS-31 may have therapeutic potentials in preventing injuries from oxidative stresses that contribute to anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity.     

Sodium Thiosulfate Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Preserves Renal Function in Hyperoxaluric Rats

Background

Hyperoxaluria causes crystal deposition in the kidney, which leads to oxidative stress and to injury and damage of the renal epithelium. Sodium thiosulfate (STS, Na₂S₂O₃) is an anti-oxidant, which has been used in human medicine for decades. The effect of STS on hyperoxaluria-induced renal damage is not known.

Methods

Hyperoxaluria and renal injury were induced in healthy male Wistar rats by chronic exposure to ethylene glycol (EG, 0.75%) in the drinking water for 4 weeks. The treatment effects of STS, NaCl or Na₂SO₄ were compared. Furthermore, the effects of STS on oxalate-induced oxidative stress were investigated in vitro in renal LLC-PK1 cells.

Results

Chronic EG exposure led to hyperoxaluria, oxidative stress, calcium oxalate crystalluria and crystal deposition in the kidneys. Whereas all tested compounds significantly reduced crystal load, only STS-treatment maintained tissue superoxide dismutase activity and urine 8-isoprostaglandin levels in vivo and preserved renal function. In in vitro studies, STS showed the ability to scavenge oxalate-induced ROS accumulation dose dependently, reduced cell-released hydrogen peroxide and preserved superoxide dismutase activity. As a mechanism explaining this finding, STS was able to directly inactivate hydrogen peroxide in cell-free experiments.

Conclusions

STS is an antioxidant, which preserves renal function in a chronic EG rat model. Its therapeutic use in oxidative-stress induced renal-failure should be considered.     

Prenatal Stress Causes Oxidative Damage to Mitochondrial DNA in Hippocampus of Offspring Rats

Mitochondrion, the primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is also the target of ROS. 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) is the major end-product of damaged DNA caused by ROS. In our previous studies, we showed that prenatal stress (PNS) preferentially caused cognitive dysfunction and increased ROS in the hippocampus of female offspring rats. The present study aimed to determine 8-OH-dG level of mitochondria in order to elucidate the mechanism of hippocampal pyramidal neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction induced by PNS. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group (undisturbed) and PNS group (exposed to a restraint stress for 7 days at the late stage of gestation). Offspring rats were divided into four groups: female-control group, male-control group, female-stress group, male-stress group and used at 30-day-old after their birth. The content of 8-OH-dG was determined by high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The results showed that the contents of 8-OH-dG in female and male prenatal stressed offspring were significantly higher than that in their respective controls (P < 0.001). 8-OH-dG level was significantly higher in the female-stress group than in the male-stress group (P < 0.05), whereas there was no any gender-dependent difference in the control groups. These results suggest that accumulation of oxidative mitochondrial DNA damage may play an important role in PNS-induced cognitive dysfunction in female offspring rats. Special issue article in honor of Dr. Akitane Mori.     

Telmisartan Ameliorates Neurotrophic Support and Oxidative Stress in the Retina of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Neurodegeneration is an early event in the diabetic retina which may lead to diabetic retinopathy. One of the potential pathways in damaging retinal neurons is the activation of renin angiotensin system including angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in the diabetic retina. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of telmisartan, an AT1R blocker on retinal level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glutathione (GSH) and caspase activity in the diabetic rats. The dysregulated levels of these factors are known to cause neurodegeneration in diabetic retina. Three weeks streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were orally treated or untreated with telmisartan (10 mg/kg/day). After 4 weeks of treatments, the levels of BDNF and GSH were found to be increased systemically in the sera as well as in the retina of diabetic rats compared to untreated rats as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and biochemical techniques (p < 0.05). The caspase-3 activity in the telmisartan treated diabetic retina was decreased compared to untreated diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Western blotting experiments showed the expression levels of BDNF, CNTF and TH were increased compared to untreated diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Thus, our findings show a beneficial effect of AT1R blocker telmisartan in efficiently increasing neurotrophic support, endogenous antioxidant GSH content, and decreasing signs of apoptosis in diabetic retina.     

Berberine Ameliorate Oxidative Stress and Astrogliosis in the Hippocampus of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as stroke, seizures, dementia, and cognitive impairment. Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, is reported to exhibit beneficial effect in various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, astrocytes are proving critical for normal CNS function, and alterations in their activity and impaired oxidative stress could contribute to diabetes-related cognitive dysfunction. Metabolic and oxidative insults often cause rapid changes in glial cells. Key indicators of this response are increased synthesis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as an astrocytic marker. Therefore, we examined the effects of berberine on glial reactivity of hippocampus in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, using GFAP immunohistochemistry. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and nitrite levels were assessed as the parameters of oxidative stress. Eight weeks after diabetes induction, we observed increased numbers of GFAP⁺ astrocytes immunostaining associated with increased lipid peroxidation, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, and elevated nitrite levels in the hippocampus of STZ-diabetic rats. In contrast, chronic treatment with berberine (50 and 100 mg/kg p.o. once daily) lowered hyperglycemia, reduced oxidative stress, and prevented the upregulation of GFAP in the brain of diabetic rats. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the treatment with berberine resulted in an obvious reduction of oxidative stress and GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in the hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Neuroprotective Role of Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Induced Depression in Rats

Hypoxic exposure results in several pathophysiological conditions associated with nervous system, these include acute and chronic mountain sickness, loss of memory, and high altitude cerebral edema. Previous reports have also suggested the role of hypoxia in pathogenesis of depression and related psychological conditions. On the other hand, sub lethal intermittent hypoxic exposure induces protection against future lethal hypoxia and may have beneficial effect. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the neuroprotective role of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress (UCMS) induced depression like behaviour in rats. The IHH refers to the periodic exposures to hypoxic conditions interrupted by the normoxic or lesser hypoxic conditions. The current study examines the effect of IHH against UCMS induced depression, using elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), force swim test (FST), as behavioural paradigm and related histological and molecular approaches. The data indicated the UCMS induced depression like behaviour as evident from decreased exploration activity in OFT with increased anxiety levels in EPM, and increased immobility time in the FST; whereas on providing the IHH (5000m altitude, 4hrs/day for two weeks) these behavioural changes were ameliorated. The morphological and molecular studies also validated the neuroprotective effect of IHH against UCMS induced neuronal loss and decreased neurogenesis. Here, we also explored the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in anticipatory action of IHH against detrimental effect of UCMS as upon blocking of BDNF-TrkB signalling the beneficial effect of IHH was nullified. Taken together, the findings of our study demonstrate that the intermittent hypoxia has a therapeutic potential similar to an antidepressant in animal model of depression and could be developed as a preventive therapeutic option against this pathophysiological state.     

Amantadine Ameliorates Dopamine-Releasing Deficits and Behavioral Deficits in Rats after Fluid Percussion Injury

Aims

To investigate the role of dopamine in cognitive and motor learning skill deficits after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), we investigated dopamine release and behavioral changes at a series of time points after fluid percussion injury, and explored the potential of amantadine hydrochloride as a chronic treatment to provide behavioral recovery.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we sequentially investigated dopamine release at the striatum and behavioral changes at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after fluid percussion injury. Rats subjected to 6-Pa cerebral cortical fluid percussion injury were treated by using subcutaneous infusion pumps filled with either saline (sham group) or amantadine hydrochloride, with a releasing rate of 3.6mg/kg/hour for 8 weeks. The dopamine-releasing conditions and metabolism were analyzed sequentially by fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Novel object recognition (NOR) and fixed-speed rotarod (FSRR) behavioral tests were used to determine treatment effects on cognitive and motor deficits after injury.

Results

Sequential dopamine-release deficits were revealed in 6-Pa-fluid-percussion cerebral cortical injured animals. The reuptake rate (tau value) of dopamine in injured animals was prolonged, but the tau value became close to the value for the control group after amantadine therapy. Cognitive and motor learning impairments were shown evidenced by the NOR and FSRR behavioral tests after injury. Chronic amantadine therapy reversed dopamine-release deficits, and behavioral impairment after fluid percussion injuries were ameliorated in the rats treated by using amantadine-pumping infusion.

Conclusion

Chronic treatment with amantadine hydrochloride can ameliorate dopamine-release deficits as well as cognitive and motor deficits caused by cerebral fluid-percussion injury.     

慢性间歇低压低氧暴露对小鼠空间记忆及海马谷氨酸受体磷酸化 水平的影响

目的:观察慢性间歇低压低氧暴露对成年C57小鼠认知功能、海马区p-Glu R-831、845位点蛋白表达以及海马区突触囊泡释放的影响。方法:雄性C57小鼠,随机分为对照组(n=16)与暴露组(n=16)。暴露组给予每天6 h 5000 m低压低氧暴露,持续4w;对照组无低压低氧暴露。两组小鼠其他饲养条件一致。利用Morris水迷宫实验检测每组小鼠空间记忆能力;免疫印迹实验检测Glu R1蛋白ser831和ser845位点磷酸化水平变化;透射电镜实验观察低氧对突触囊泡的影响。结果:(1)水迷宫结果显示慢性间歇低压低氧暴露后,暴露组平均逃脱潜伏期(17.6±1.69 s)显著低于对照组(27.3±1.45 s),暴露组小鼠平台搜索能力提升;(2)免疫印迹结果显示,暴露组小鼠海马Glu R1蛋白ser831和ser845位点磷酸化水平显著高于对照组小鼠;(3)透射电镜结果显示,暴露组小鼠海马区突触囊泡数目显著多于对照组,且差异有统计学意义。结论:慢性间歇低压低氧暴露可以显著提升C57小鼠空间认知功能,其机制可能是通过增加Glu R1蛋白ser831和ser845位点磷酸化水平,并增加突触结构内囊泡数目。     

Apoptosis and Autophagy in Photoreceptors Exposed to Oxidative Stress

Studies on human and animal models of retinal dystrophy have suggested that apoptosis may be the common pathway of photoreceptor cell death. Autophagy, the major cellular degradation process in animal cells, is important in normal development and tissue remodeling, as well as under pathological conditions. Previously we provided evidence that genes, whose products are involved in apoptosis and autophagy, may be co-expressed in photoreceptors undergoing degeneration. Here, we investigated autophagy in oxidative stress-mediated cell death in photoreceptors, analyzing the light-damage mouse model and 661W photoreceptor cells challenged with H₂O₂. In the in vivo model, we demonstrated a time-dependent increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells, concomitant with the formation of autophagosomes. In vitro, oxidative stress increased mRNA levels of apoptotic and autophagic marker genes. H₂O₂ treatment resulted in the accumulation of TUNEL-positive cells, the majority of which contain autophagosomes. To determine whether autophagy and apoptosis might precede each other or co-occur, we performed inhibitor studies. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA), silencing RNA (siRNA) against two genes whose products are required for autophagy (autophagy-related (ATG) gene 5 and beclin 1), as well as the pan-caspase-3 inhibitor, zVAD-fmk, were both found to partially block cell death. Blocking autophagy also significantly decreased caspase-3 activity, whereas blocking apoptosis increased the formation of autophagosomes. The survival effects of 3-MA and zVAD-fmk were not additive; rather treatment with both inhibitors lead to increased cell death by necrosis. In summary, the study first suggests that autophagy participates in photoreceptor cell death possibly by initiating apoptosis. Second, it confirms that cells that normally die by apoptosis will execute cell death by necrosis if the normal pathway is blocked. And third, these results argue that the up-stream regulators of autophagy need to be identified as potential therapeutic targets in photoreceptor degeneration.     

人参皂甙对缺氧大鼠海马DG区神经细胞DNA损伤保护作用的研究

目的:用单细胞凝胶电泳技术(SCGE)研究急慢性缺氧大鼠海马DG区神经细胞细胞DNA损伤和人参皂甙对缺氧大鼠海马细胞DNA的保护作用.方法:健康成年SD大鼠随机分为急、慢性缺氧正常对照组、急性缺氧组和慢性缺氧组(分别在模拟海拔5000米高原环境连续缺氧暴露0d、3d和30d)、急性缺氧人参皂甙干预组、慢性缺氧人参皂甙干预组.应用SCGE检测海马DG区神经细胞DNA损伤.结果:随着缺氧时间的增加,海马DG区神经细胞DNA的损伤程度加重,尾长、尾部DNA百分含量和尾距显著增加(P＜0.05).人参皂甙能使缺氧损伤的海马DG区神经细胞的尾长、尾部DNA百分含量和尾距均较缺氧组减少(P＜0.05).结论:人参皂甙能有效地减轻缺氧引起的海马组织细胞DNA的断裂损伤.     

Resveratrol Attenuates Copper and Zinc Homeostasis and Ameliorates Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose level. Trace element homeostasis causes disturbances in diabetes due to hyperglycemia. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme, contains zinc and copper ions as its cofactors. Defects in SOD level and activity have been observed in diabetes. Resveratrol (RSV) has displayed hypoglycemic effects and is proven to improve oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible effects of RSV on blood glucose level, serum copper and zinc levels, SOD, and a number of other oxidative markers in type 2 diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with administration of streptozotocin and nicotine amide. The studied groups containing six animals per group were as follows: group 1 normal control group; group 2 diabetic control group; groups 3, 4, and 5 diabetic rats that received 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight of RSV, respectively for 30 days. Serum glucose, copper, zinc, SOD activity, total oxidant status (TOS) as well as thiol groups were all measured. Blood glucose in RSV treated groups significantly decreased. Similarly, copper significantly decreased in diabetic groups treated with RSV. Treatment with 10 mg/kg RSV resulted in significantly increased serum zinc. Furthermore, Cu/Zn ratio was observed to decrease in treated groups compared with untreated diabetic control group. RSV treated groups revealed an increased level of SOD activity as well as improved oxidative status. In summary, the results showed that RSV has potential hypoglycemic effect, attenuates trace element homeostasis, and consequently increases SOD activity level.     

Short-Term Fructose Feeding Induces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Hippocampus of Young and Adult Rats

The drastic increase in the consumption of fructose encouraged the research to focus on its effects on brain physio-pathology. Although young and adults differ largely by their metabolic and physiological profiles, most of the previous studies investigated brain disturbances induced by long-term fructose feeding in adults. Therefore, we investigated whether a short-term consumption of fructose (2 weeks) produces early increase in specific markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of young and adult rats. After the high-fructose diet, plasma lipopolysaccharide and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were found significantly increased in parallel with hippocampus inflammation, evidenced by a significant rise in TNF-alpha and glial fibrillar acidic protein concentrations in both the young and adult groups. The fructose-induced inflammatory condition was associated with brain oxidative stress, as increased levels of lipid peroxidation and nitro-tyrosine were detected in the hippocampus. The degree of activation of the protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and insulin receptor substrate 1 pathways found in the hippocampus after fructose feeding indicates that the detrimental effects of the fructose-rich diet might largely depend on age. Mitochondrial function in the hippocampus, together with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha content, was found significantly decreased in fructose-treated adult rats. In vitro studies with BV-2 microglial cells confirmed that fructose treatment induces TNF-alpha production as well as oxidative stress. In conclusion, these results suggest that unbalanced diet, rich in fructose, may be highly deleterious in young people as in adults and must be strongly discouraged for the prevention of diet-associated neuroinflammation and neurological diseases.