Gas bubbles in rats after heliox saturation and different decompression steps and rates.

Effects of pressure reduction, decompression rate, and repeated exposure on venous gas bubble formation were determined in five groups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV, and GV) of conscious and freely moving rats in a heliox atmosphere. Bubbles were recorded with a Doppler ultrasound probe implanted around the inferior caval vein. Rats were held for 16 h at 0.4 MPa (GI), 0.5 MPa (GII and GIII), 1.7 MPa (GIVa), or 1.9 MPa (GIV and GV), followed by decompression to 0.1 MPa in GI to GIII and to 1.1 MPa in GIV and GV. A greater decompression step, but at the same rate (GII vs. GI and GIVb vs. GIVa), resulted in significantly more bubbles (P < 0.01). A twofold decompression step resulted in equal amount of bubbles when decompressing to 1.1 MPa compared with 0.1 MPa. The faster decompression in GII and GVa (10.0 kPa/s) resulted in significantly more bubbles (P < 0.01) compared with GIII and GVb (2.2 kPa/s). No significant difference was observed in cumulative bubble score when comparing first and second exposure. With the present animal model, different decompression regimes may be evaluated.     

Clinical evaluation of different applications of misoprostol and aglepristone for induction of abortion in bitches

The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and endocrinological effects of different applications of misoprostol (MIS) and aglepristone (AGL) for the induction of abortion in bitches. For this purpose, 28 healthy pregnant bitches from different breeds, ages, body weights (Body weigt, BWs, 10–40 kg), and between Days 25 to 35 of gestation were used. Bitches were randomly assigned to four groups. In group 1 (GI, n = 7), AGL (10 mg/kg BW, s.c. on 2 consecutive days); in group 2 (GII, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), intravaginal MIS (IVag, 200 μg for bitches with ≤20 kg BW, 400 μg for bitches with >20 kg BW, daily intravaginally until completion of abortion); in group 3 (GIII, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), ICVag (as in GII), per os MIS (400 μg for bitches with ≤20 kg BW, 800 μg for bitches with >20 kg BW, daily orally, until completion of abortion); in group 4 (GIV, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), per os MIS (as GIII) were used. Clinical, vaginal, and ultrasonographic examinations were performed daily until abortion was completed. For measurement of serum progesterone, blood samples were collected in all groups immediately after the first AGL administration and every other day until completion of abortion. No statistical differences were found between groups concerning the duration until completion of abortion after treatment (nonsignificant); however, in GII, one bitch completed abortion 2 days after the start of treatment.     

Ameliorative effects of ω-3 fatty acids on stress induced alteration in rhythms of selective biochemical parameters in rats

Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats in each, Control animals without stress (GI); Rats with induced physical stress (GII); Normal Rats fed with omega fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acid (GIII); Stressed Rats supplemented omega-3 fatty acid diet (GIV). In GII and GIV physical stress was induced by keeping six rats in a standard cage instead of four rats and in GIV fish oil was added in the feed @ 3% to ameliorate the physical stress. Sampling was done on 15th and 29th day of the study. On 15th day of study no significant difference was found between the groups with respect to blood glucose and total protein levels, but on 29th day there was significant increase in blood glucose in GII and significant decrease in GIII. There was significant increase in total protein of GIII and decrease in GII, respectively apart from the significant increase in GIII on 29th day as compared to 15th day. Serum creatinine levels were found to be significantly lower in both the samples of GIII. The total and LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in GII but on 29th day it was found to be significantly lower in GIII. The HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in GII and significantly higher in GIII on 29th day, whereas it was vice versa with respect to triglycerides. Serum ALT, was found to be significantly lower in GIII and higher in GII on 29th day with no significant changes observed on 15th day. The liver of GII revealed central vein congestion and mononuclear cell infiltration in portal triad, whereas GIV showed only mild changes. The study proves the time-dependent beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids during physical stress.     

ELISA of rat sera infected with Paragonimus iloktsuenensis

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of paragonimiasis iloktsuenensis rat sera was performed using crude antigens of Paragonimus iloktsuenensis (PIA), P. westermani (PWA) and Clonorchis sinensis (CSA). Three crude antigens (PIA, PWA, CSA) were prepared to saline homogenated supernatants of whole adult worms. Infected rat sera were obtained biweekly from the albino rats fed 50-80 metacercariae of P. iloktsuenensis through gastric catheter. Experimental groups were divided into 4 groups: GI (controls), GII, GIII and GIV according to 1-7 worms as GII, 10-19 worms as GIII and 22-40 worms as GIV, respectively. In ELISA, the mean OD values of each group for the homologous antigen (PIA) were increased significantly compared to the control sera at the 4th week of infection. With the progress of duration of infection, the mean OD values of infected sera of GII & GIV continuously increased up to the 12th week (last week), but in GIII the mean OD value increased until the 10th week. No significance was noted among the infection dose groups (GII, GIII and GIV), after the 6th week of infection. Also, the OD values of all infected rats did not show any proportional relationships to the number of worms recovered. In brief, the antibody productivity of individual rats were strongly different. The rat sera infected with P. iloktsuenensis cross-reacted with those infected with P. westermani or C. sinensis, as identified by OD values.     

Novel monoclonal antibodies broadly reactive to human recombinant sapovirus‐like particles

Sapovirus (SaV), a member of the family Caliciviridae, is an important cause of acute epidemic gastroenteritis in humans. Human SaV is genetically and antigenically diverse and can be classified into four genogroups (GI, GII, GIV, and GV) and 16 genotypes (7 GI [GI.1–7], 7 GII, [GII.1–7], 1 GIV and 1 GV), based on capsid sequence similarities. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are powerful tools for examining viruses and proteins. PAI myeloma cells were fused with spleen cells from mice immunized with a single type of recombinant human SaV virus‐like particles (VLPs) (GI.1, GI.5, GI.6, GII.3, GIV, or GV). Sixty‐five hybrid clones producing MAbs were obtained. Twenty‐four MAbs were characterized by ELISA, according to their cross‐reactivity to each VLP (GI.1, GI.5, GI.6, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.7, GIV, and GV). The MAbs were classified by this method into: (i) MAbs broadly cross‐reactive to all GI, GII, GIV and GV strains; (ii) those reactive in a genogroup‐specific; and (iii) those reactive in a genotype‐specific manner. Further analysis of three broadly cross‐reactive MAbs with a competitive ELISA demonstrated that at least two different common epitopes are located on the capsid protein of human SaVs in the four genogroups. The MAbs generated and characterized in this study will be useful tools for further study of the antigenic and structural topography of the human SaV virion and for developing new diagnostic assays for human SaV.     

Evaluation of the bony repair in rat cranial defect using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy and discriminant analysis

We set out to determine whether near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis (LDA) or, variable selection techniques employing successive projection algorithm or genetic algorithm (GA) could evaluate the bone repair in cranial critical‐size (5 mm) defect after stimulation with collagen sponge scaffold and/or infrared low‐level laser therapy directly on the local. Forty‐five Winstar rats were divided into nine groups of five each, namely: group H – healthy, n = 5 (without treatment and without cranial critical‐size defect), (GI positive control – n = 5, 21 days or n = 5, 30 days) without treatment and with cranial critical‐size defect; (GII‐n = 5, 21 days or n = 5, 30 days) cranial critical‐size defect filled with collagen sponge scaffold; (GIII–n = 5, 21 days or n = 5, 30 days) cranial critical‐size defect submitted to low‐level laser therapy; (GIV–n = 5, 21 days or n = 5, 30 days) cranial critical‐size defect submitted to combined collagen sponge scaffold + low‐level laser therapy treatment. In relation to the histological analysis, the collagen sponge scaffold + low‐level laser therapy treatment group (GIV) 30 days showed the best result with the presence of secondary bone, immature bone (osteoid) and newly formed connective tissue (periosteum). GA–LDA model also successfully classified control class of the others classes. Thus, the results provided by the good‐quality classification model revealed the feasibility of NIRS for application to evaluation of the wound healing in rat cranial defect, thanks to the short analysis time of a few seconds and nondestructive advantages of NIRS as an alternative approach for bone repair purposes. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1160–1168, 2017     

Inhibitory effects of trapidil on PDGF signaling in balloon-injured rat carotid artery

Trapidil, which was originally developed as an anti-platelet agent, is among the few agents thus far proven to be clinically effective in preventing restenosis after percutaneous coronary interventions. Trapidil was previously shown to inhibit platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced cellular responses in vitro in cultured cells. However, its mechanism of action is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated by using a rat carotid balloon-injury model whether and how trapidil inhibited the in vivo action of PDGF, which is regarded as a most important growth factor implicated in proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. The combination of both oral and topical administration of trapidil reduced the intimal lesion size by more than 70% and nearly completely suppressed injury-induced increases in phosphotyrosine content of PDGF alpha- and beta- receptors of carotid artery. Moreover, trapidil was found to decrease mRNA levels of PDGF alpha- and beta- receptors strongly and of PDGF A- and B- chains moderately in injured arteries. These results indicate that trapidil potently suppresses the action of PDGF with inhibition of neointima formation in injured artery, which is mediated at least in part through decreasing the expression of both PDGF ligands and their receptors.     

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in blood and tissue of malignant breast tumor and benign breast disease

Changes in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate and nitrite (as an index of nitric oxide production), lipid hydroperoxide (LOH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipids (total cholesterol and triglycerides) and lipoproteins (HDL- and LDL-cholesterol) were estimated in breast cancer patients (n = 15) and benign breast disease (n = 15). Serum and tissue MDA levels were found to be decreased in breast cancer patients compared to the benign group (p < 0.05). In contrast, nitrate and nitrite levels were increased in serum and tissue of the cancer group compared to benign breast disease patients (p < 0.05). Compared to the benign group, tissue TAC levels were elevated in the breast cancer patient group (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were elevated in the benign group compared with cancer patients (p < 0.05). These findings support the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation in serum and tissue of benign breast disease is greater than in breast cancer. However, the enhanced levels of nitric oxide may be in response to inflammation in patients with breast cancer. Total antioxidant status is lower in benign tissue than in cancerous tissue, probably to compensate for this elevated free radical production.     

Adaptive capability as indicated by endocrine and biochemical responses of Malpura ewes subjected to combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) in a semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the effect of combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) on endocrine and biochemical responses in Malpura ewes. Twenty eight adult Malpura ewes (average body weight 33.56 kg) were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into four groups viz., GI (n = 7; control), GII (n = 7; thermal stress), GIII (n = 7; nutritional stress) and GIV (n = 7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. GI and GII ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while GIII and GIV ewes were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. GII and GIV ewes were kept in climatic chamber at 40°C and 55% RH for 6 h a day between 1000 hours and 1600 hours to induce thermal stress. The study was conducted for a period of two estrus cycles. The parameters studied were Hb, PCV, glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, ACP, ALP, cortisol, T₄, T₃, and insulin. Combined stress significantly (P < 0.05) affected all parameters studied. Furthermore, the results revealed that, compared to thermal stress, nutritional stress had a less significant effect on the parameters studied. However, when both these stresses were coupled, they had a severe impact on all the parameters studied in these ewes. It can be concluded from this study that two stressors occurring simultaneously may impact severely on the biological functions necessary to maintain homeostasis in sheep.     

Gut mucosal damage during endotoxic shock is due to mechanisms other than gut ischemia.

Whether the gut alterations seen during sepsis are caused by microcirculatory hypoxia or disturbances in cellular metabolic pathways associated with mitochondrial respiration remains controversial. We hypothesized that hypoperfusion or hypoxia and local production of nitric oxide might play an important role in the development of gut mucosal injury during endotoxic shock and investigated their roles by using differing levels of fluid resuscitation and occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Anesthetized New Zealand rabbits were allocated to group I (sham, n = 8); group II [low-dose endotoxin (LPS, Escherichia coli-055:B5, 150 microg/kg)/fluid resuscitation (12 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1)); n = 8]; group III [high-dose LPS (1 mg/kg)/fluid resuscitation (12 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1)); n = 8]; group IV [high-dose LPS (1 mg/kg)/hypovolemia (4 ml x kg-1 x h(-1) fluids); n = 8]; and group V [SMA ligation/fluid resuscitation (12 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1)); n = 4]. Luminal gut lactate concentrations and PCO2 gap increased in groups IV and V (P < 0.05), reflecting alterations in gut perfusion. Interestingly, significant histological alterations were observed in all LPS groups but not in group V. Blood and luminal gut nitrate/nitrite concentrations increased only in group IV. The mechanism of gut injury in endotoxic shock seems unrelated to hypoxia and release of nitric oxide. Gut dysfunction may occur as a result of so-called "cytopathic hypoxia."     

Domestic use of a disclosing solution for denture hygiene: a randomised trial

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00309.x
Domestic use of a disclosing solution for denture hygiene: a randomised trial Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the domestic use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene. Materials and methods: Completely edentulous participants wearing maxillary dentures were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups: (1) Follow‐up only (control; n = 12); (2) Oral and denture hygiene instructions (n = 10); (3) Instructions associated with the home use of a disclosing agent (1% neutral red; n = 10). Biofilm coverage area (%) over internal and external surfaces of the maxillary denture was assessed at baseline and after 14 and 90 days. Data were evaluated by generalised estimating equations based on score tests (α = 0.05). Results: The participants presented low changes for areas of biofilm coverage (14 days (%): internal: GI = 1.4 ± 0.9; GII = 1.5 ± 1.3; GIII = ?0.4 ± 0.9; external: GI = 1.4 ± 1.5; GII = 1.5 ± 1.4; GIII = ?0.4 ± 0.9; 90 days (%): internal: GI = 2.0 ± 0.9; GII = 2.2 ± 1.4; GIII = 0.3 ± 1.0; external: GI = 2.1 ± 1.4; GII = 2.2 ± 1.5; GIII = 0.3 ± 0.9). Changes were similar for the three groups (p = 0.293) and were not influenced by the test time (p = 0.218). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the home use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene does not improve the removal of the biofilm, particularly for patients with adequate oral hygiene habits.     

Protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rat liver

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-seven rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I, control non-diabetic rats (n = 9); group II, STZ-induced, untreated diabetic rats (n = 8); group III, STZ-induced, CAPE-treated diabetic rats (n = 10), which were intraperitoneally injected with CAPE (10 microM kg(-1) day(-1)) after 3 days followed by STZ treatment. The liver was excised after 8 weeks of CAPE treatment, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in the hepatic tissues of all groups were analyzed. In the untreated diabetic rats, MDA markedly increased in the hepatic tissue compared with the control rats (p < 0.0001). However, MDA levels were reduced to the control level by CAPE. The activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in the untreated diabetic group were higher than that in the control group (p < 0.0001). The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the CAPE-treated diabetic group were higher than that in the control group (respectively, p < 0.0001, p < 0.035). There were no significant differences in the activity of CAT between the rats of CAPE-treated diabetic and control groups. Rats in the CAPE-treated diabetic group had reduced activities of SOD and CAT in comparison with the rats of untreated diabetic group (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the activity of GSH-Px between the rats of untreated diabetic and CAPE-treated groups. It is likely that STZ-induced diabetes caused liver damage. In addition, LPO may be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in STZ-induced diabetic damage. CAPE can reduce LPO caused by STZ-induced diabetes.     

Ameliorative effects of colostrum against DMBA hepatotoxicity in rats

Colostrum, the sole diet for newborns, is an emerging nutraceutical. To date, the chemopreventive effect of Bovine Colostrum against liver injury induced by the potent carcinogen, 7,12-dimethyl-Benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is unexplored. Humans are daily exposed to DMBA which is a highly lipophilic environmental organic pollutant. The study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective role of Bovine Colostrum against DMBA-induced hepatotoxicity using a rat model. Fifty male rats were divided into five groups; GI (control), GII (olive oil, vehicle for DMBA), GIII (DMBA), GIV (DMBA + Bovine Colostrum), GV (Bovine Colostrum). After 12 weeks, body weight changes and mortality were calculated. Histological and ultrastructural examinations of liver tissue were performed. Expressions of p53, TGFβ2, TNF-α, S6K2, and c20orf20 were assessed by RT-PCR. Post-treatment with Bovine Colostrum increased both the body weight and the survival rate of rats treated with DMBA. In addition, remarkable protection against the pathological effect of DMBA was noted. Ultrastructurally, Bovine Colostrum ameliorated/prevented most of the toxic effects of DMBA on hepatocytes, including irregularities of nuclear envelope, clumping, and margination of heterochromatin aggregates, segregated nucleoli, and mitochondrial pleomorphism. Bovine Colostrum administration down-regulated p53, C20orf20, and S6K2 mRNA levels, and up-regulated TNF-α and TGFβ2. In conclusion, Bovine Colostrum have a protective effect against DMBA-induced toxicity on the liver of albino rats. Consequently, Bovine Colostrum may prevent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-induced hepatotoxicity and may be useful in promoting human health if supplemented in the diet.     

Répartition stratigraphique et biozones des kystes de dinoflagellés au passage Jurassique moyen–Jurassique supérieur (Bathonien supérieur–Oxfordien inférieur) dans le Bassin de Guercif,Maroc nord-oriental

Despite the stratigraphical significance of dinoflagellate cysts as reliable markers for correlating and dating Jurassic–Cretaceous strata, investigations into this palynomorph group in the southern Tethyan Realm, specifically northwest Africa, are sparse and somewhat parochial. Most research on Jurassic dinoflagellate cysts is focussed on European depocentres in the Boreal and Sub-Boreal realms. This study is on biostratigraphical data from two petroleum boreholes (MSD1 and KDH1) drilled during 1985 in the Guercif Basin, northeast Morocco by ONAREP (Office National de Recherche et d’Exploitation Pétrolier), now ONHYM (Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines). These boreholes penetrated a thick siliciclastic succession, attributed to the Middle and Upper Jurassic, below Miocene marls. Over sixty dinoflagellate cyst taxa were identified. Four dinoflagellate cyst biozones, named GI to GIV, are established for the late Bathonian to early Oxfordian interval. These biozones are defined on the basis of the first appearance datum (FAD) and/or the last appearance datum (LAD) of some biomarker taxa which have wide geographical distributions. These are: Ctenidodinium combazii and Ctenidodinium sellwoodii for the GI Biozone (late Bathonian–early Callovian); Ctenidodinium continuum and Meiourogonyaulax caytonensis for the GII Biozone (middle Callovian); Gonyaulacysta centriconnata and Wanaea thysanota for the GIII Biozone (late Callovian–earliest Oxfordian); and Liesbergia liesbergensis and Systematophora penicillata for the GIV Biozone (early Oxfordian). These biozones are correlated to those already established for the respective intervals in other palaeogeographic regions, such as the Boreal, Sub-boreal and Tethyan realms.     

Protective effect of aminoguanidine against oxidative stress in an experimental peritoneal adhesion model in rats

Postoperative intraperitoneal adhesion formation is a major cause of intestinal obstruction, pain and infertility. This experimental study was designed to evaluate the degree of adhesion formation and peritoneal tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total nitrite and nitrate (NO) and the effect of aminoguanidine (AG) on these metabolite values after postoperative intraperitoneal adhesion formation in rats. A total of 21 adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Control rats were untreated; the AG group received AG 200 mg kg(-1) i.p. for 10 consecutive days intraperitoneally after surgery. The sham group was given 0.9% NaCl. The rats were killed on postoperative day 10. The peritoneal tissues were harvested to determine the tissue levels of MDA, GSH, and NO activity. For light microscopic evaluation, the cecum was removed. Adhesion formation scores in the AG group were significantly lower than those of the control and sham groups (p < 0.017, p < 0.026 respectively). In the AG-treated rats, tissue levels of MDA and NO were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.017). The levels of GSH in aminoguanidine-treated rats were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01). The severity of the inflammation was more prominent in the control group compared with the AG-injected rats. The results demonstrate that in this experimental model, intraperitoneal administration of aminoguanidine decreases the incidence and extent of peritoneal adhesions and causes a decrease in MDA and NO and an increase in GSH values.     

Distribution analysis of population structures for Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA in Japanese paddy field,using rep-PCR assay

In the present study, characterisation of genotypic variations of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA associated with rice sheath blight by Rep-PCR assay and their structure of the genotypic variations by monitoring vertical and horizontal movements of their populations at a short distance level were investigated in Japanese paddy fields. Differences of the Rep-PCR fingerprintings were observed and distinguished into four genotypic variations referred to as GI, GII, GIII and GIV, respectively. Although similarity index of each genotype showed high levels of homology (85–90%) within the same genotypes, low levels of similarity index (65–70%) were also varied among the comparison of different genotypes. Moreover, diversity of genotypic populations was observed which is consistent with the correlations between the geographical undulations of the paddy fields and the occupation of their genotypic populations, indicating the presence of genotype GI on low lands such as AK1 and also the presence ofgenotype GIV on high lands such as AK4.     

Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays of the complete set of secreted phospholipases A2 in human serum

Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays (TR-FIA) were developed for all human secreted phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)), viz. group (G) IB, GIIA, GIID, GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV, GX and GXIIA PLA(2) and the GXIIB PLA(2)-like protein. Antibodies were raised in rabbits against recombinant human PLA(2) proteins and used in sandwich-type TR-FIAs as both catching and detecting antibodies, the latter after labeling with Europium. The antibodies were non-cross-reactive. The analytical sensitivities were 1 microg/L for the TR-FIA for GIB PLA(2), 1 microg/L (GIIA), 35 microg/L (GIID), 3 microg/L (GIIE), 4 microg/L (GIIF), 14 microg/L (GIII), 11 microg/L (GV), 2 microg/L (GX), 92 microg/L (GXIIA) and 242 microg/L (GXIIB). All secreted PLA(2)s were assayed by these TR-FIAs in serum samples from 34 patients (23 men and 11 women, mean age 53.2 years) treated in an intensive care unit for septic infections, and in control samples from 28 volunteer blood donors (14 men and 14 women, mean age 57.0 years). Five serum samples (3 in the sepsis group and 2 in the blood donor group) gave high TR-FIA signals that were reduced to background (blank) levels by the addition of non-immune rabbit IgG to the sera. This reactivity was assumed to be due to the presence of heterophilic antibodies in these subjects. In all other subjects, including septic patients and healthy blood donors, the TR-FIA signals for GIID, GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV, GX and GXIIA PLA(2) and the GXIIB PLA(2)-like protein were at background (blank) levels. Four patients in the sepsis group had pancreatic involvement and elevated concentration of GIB PLA(2) in serum (median 19.0 microg/L, range 13.1-33.7 microg/L, n = 4) as compared to the healthy blood donors (median 1.8 microg/L, range 0.8-3.4 microg/L, n = 28, P < 0.0001). The concentration of GIIA PLA(2) in the sera of septic patients (median 315.7 microg/L, range 15.9-979.6 microg/L, n = 34) was highly elevated as compared to that of the blood donors (median 1.8 microg/L, range 0.8-5.8 microg/L, n = 28, P < 0.0001). Our current results confirmed elevated concentrations of GIB and GIIA PLA(2) in the sera of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis or septic infections, respectively, as compared to healthy subjects. However, in the same serum samples, the concentrations of the other secreted PLA(2)s, viz. GIID, GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV, GX and GXIIA PLA(2) and the GXIIB PLA(2)-like protein were below the respective analytical sensitivities of the TR-FIAs. It is concluded that generalized bacterial infections do not lead to elevated serum levels of GIIE, GIIF, GIII, GV and GX PLA(2)s above the detection limits of the current TR-FIAs.     

Preterm and term neonates transplacentally acquire IgG antibodies specific to LPS from Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

High incidences of Gram-negative bacteria are found in neonatal nosocomial infections. Our aim was to investigate placental transmission of immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactive with lipopolysaccharide from Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli O111, O6 and O26. The total and lipopolysaccharide-specific IgM and IgG were determined in 11 maternal/umbilical-cord sera aged ≤33 weeks (GI); 21 aged >33 and <37 weeks (GII); and 32 term newborns (GIII). The total and lipopolysaccharide-specific IgM concentrations were equivalent in maternal sera. The total IgG concentrations were equivalent in maternal and newborn sera, with the exception of GIII newborns as compared with their mothers (P<0.0001) and with neonates from GI and GII (P<0.05). Lipopolysaccharide-specific IgG concentrations were lower in GI neonates than in their mothers (P<0.01) and lower in GII (P<0.05). Lower lipopolysaccharide-specific IgG levels were observed among neonates only for O111 in GI (P<0.05) and for O26 and Pseudomonas in GII, both as compared with GIII (P<0.05). The anti-lipopolysaccharide IgG transfer ratios were lower in GI (except for O26) and in GII (except for Klebsiella and O111) as compared with GIII (P<0.05). Our results suggest that the greater susceptibility to infections in preterm infants is influenced (besides the humoral response) by factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the condition of prematurity.     

Psidium guajava Linn leaf ethanolic extract: In vivo giardicidal potential with ultrastructural damage,anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Introduction and aimConsidering the magnitude of giardiasis problem, the side-effects of the used anti-giardia drugs and the resistance posed against them, the current study aimed to evaluate the in-vivo giardicidal effect of Psidium guajava leaf extract (PGLE).MethodsFor fulfilling this aim, five Swiss-albino mice groups were included; GI: non-infected, GII: Giardia-infected and non-treated, GIII: Giardia-infected and metronidazole-treated, GIV: Giardia-infected and PGLE-treated, and GV: Giardia-infected and treated with both metronidazole and PGLE. Treatment efficacy was assessed via; Giardia cyst viability and trophozoite count, trophozoite electron microscopic ultrastructure, duodenal histopathological scoring, immunohistochemistry for TNF-α and duodenal scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, mice serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin, albumin, lipid profile including; total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides were assessed. Additionally, hepatic oxidative stress markers including; malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured.ResultsResults showed that PGLE whether alone or combined with metronidazole has induced significant trophozoite count reduction and major architectural changes. Duodenal histological improvement, and local protective anti-inflammatory effect were confirmed. PGLE has also helped in healing of Giardia-induced gut atrophy. Thus, offered a comprehensive therapy for both the pathogen and the resultant pathological sequalae. Serum markers showed favorable hepatoprotective effect. Total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels were less in PGLE-treated group than in metronidazole-treated group. Hepatic oxidative stress markers revealed the promising extract antioxidant effect. This study highlights, the promising in-vivo giardicidal PGLE activity, that was comparable to metronidazole, thus, the extract would be an ideal strongly recommended treatment for giardiasis. When combined with metronidazole, the extract potentiated its therapeutic effect. Besides, having hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, the extract can combat the major side effects of metronidazole therapy.     

Epigallocatechin gallate preserves endothelial function by reducing the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor level

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is thought to be a key factor contributing to endothelial dysfunction. Tea catechins can cause an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. The present study examined the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major component of tea catechins, on endothelial dysfunction induced by native low density lipoprotein (LDL) in rats and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) in cultured endothelial cells, and whether the protective effect of EGCG is related to reduction of ADMA level. A single injection of LDL (4 mg x kg(-1), i.v.) markedly reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation and the serum nitrite/nitrate (NO) level, and increased serum concentrations of ADMA, malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). EGCG (10 or 50 mg x kg(-1), i.p.) significantly attenuated the inhibition of vasodilator response to acetylcholine and the decreased serum nitrite/nitrate level, and reduced the elevated levels of ADMA, MDA, and TNF-alpha. Exposure of endothelial cells to ox-LDL (100 microg x mL(-1)) for 24 h markedly increased the medium levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ADMA, TNF-alpha, and MDA, and decreased the level of nitrite/nitrate in the medium and the activity of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) in the endothelial cells. EGCG (10 and 100 microg x mL(-1)) significantly decreased the levels of LDH, ADMA, TNF-alpha, and MDA, and increased the level of nitrite/nitrate and the activity of DDAH. These results suggest that EGCG protects endothelial dysfunction induced by native LDL in vivo or by ox-LDL in endothelial cells, and the protective effect of EGCG on the endothelium is related to decrease in ADMA level via increasing of DDAH activity.