A fibre cocktail of fenugreek, guar gum and wheat bran reduces oxidative modification of LDL induced by an atherogenic diet in rats

Background LDL (low-density lipoprotein) oxidation is a key trigger factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Relatively few studies exist on the impact of dietary fibre on LDL oxidation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of a novel fibre mix of fenugreek seed powder, guar gum and wheat bran (Fibernat) on LDL oxidation induced by an atherogenic diet. Method Male Wistar albino rats were administered one of the following diets: (1) a control diet that was fibre-free (Group I); (2) an atherogenic diet containing 1.5% cholesterol and 0.1% cholic acid (Group II) or (3) an atherogenic diet supplemented with Fibernat (Group III). Peroxidative changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the oxidative susceptibility of LDL and the LDL + VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) fraction were determined. As a corollary to the oxidative modification theory, the titer of autoantibodies to oxidised LDL (oxLDL) was determined at various time points of the study. In addition, plasma homocysteine (tHcy) and lipoprotein (Lp (a)), apolipoprotein (apoB), cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and α-tocopherol content of LDL were determined. Results A decrease in malonaldehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05) and relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) of LDL was observed in the group III rats as compared to the group II rats. An increase in lag time to oxidation (p < 0.01) and decrease in maximum oxidation (p < 0.01) and oxidation rate (p < 0.01) were observed in the LDL + VLDL fraction of group III rats. In group II rats, formation of autoantibodies to oxLDL occurred at an earlier time point and at levels greater than in the group III rats. Fibernat, had a sparing effect on LDL α-tocopherol, which was about 51% higher in the group III rats than in the group II rats; apo B content of LDL was reduced by 37.6% in group III rats. LDL of group III rats displayed a decrease in free and ester cholesterol (p < 0.01) as compared to that of group II. A decrease in plasma homocysteine (p < 0.01) and an increase in GSH (p < 0.05) were also observed in group III rats when compared with that of group II. Conclusion Fibernat administration appears to combat oxidative stress resulting in a trend to lower oxidative modification of LDL. In addition, the cholesterol and apo B content of LDL were reduced significantly with a sparing effect on LDL α-tocopherol. This novel fibre preparation could be an effective diet therapy and therefore needs further investigation.     

头孢曲松+小剂量糖皮质激素联合肺泡灌洗术治疗儿童大叶性肺炎疗效分析

摘要 目的：探讨头孢曲松+小剂量糖皮质激素联合肺泡灌洗术对儿童大叶性肺炎的治疗效果。方法：选取我院2019年10月到2022年10月收治的270例大叶性肺炎儿童作为研究对象,依据治疗方法将患儿分为A、B、C三组,每组90例。所有患儿均采取常规维持水电解质、酸碱平衡、吸痰、清热、平喘、止咳等治疗,A组患儿在常规治疗基础上应用头孢曲松治疗,B组应用头孢曲松+小剂量糖皮质激素治疗,C组应用头孢曲松+小剂量糖皮质激素联合肺泡灌洗术治疗,对比三组患儿体征消失时间、影像学恢复时间,治疗前后白细胞计数（WBC）、中性粒细胞百分比（GRA）、降钙素原（PCT）、C反应蛋白（CRP）、血沉（ESR）表达水平,临床疗效以及不良反应发生率。结果：三组患儿肺啰音/哮鸣音消失时间、咳嗽消失时间、发热总天数、影像学恢复时间对比差异显著,且C组明显低于B组和A组（P＜0.05）;三组患儿治疗前WBC、GRA、PCT、CRP、ESR表达水平对比无明显差异（P＞0.05）,治疗后三组患儿WBC、GRA、PCT、CRP、ESR表达水平均降低,且C组明显低于B组和A组（P＜0.05）;三组患儿治疗效果对比差异显著,C组明显高于B组和A组（P<0.05）;三组患儿不良反应发生率对比无明显差异（P＞0.05）。结论：采用头孢曲松+小剂量糖皮质激素联合肺泡灌洗术治疗儿童大叶性肺炎能够快速减轻患儿临床症状,降低炎症因子反应,提升治疗效果,且安全性较高,能够让患儿早日康复出院。     

Myofibrillar protein turnover and urinary N-tau-methylhistidine output. Response to dietary supply of protein and energy.

The urinary excretion of total N-tau-methylhistidine by the growing rat was measured to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and energy restriction on muscle protein turnover in vivo. 2. Young male rats (about 100 g initial wt.) were fed on one of three diets. Group I (controls) received an adequate 18% lactalbumin diet for 28 days, on which they sustained maximum growth. Group II (protein-depleted) was fed for 14 days on 0.5 lactalbumin diet, which caused loss of weight; this was followed by repletion for 14 days with the control diet. Group III (protein-energy restricted) received a 1% lactalbumin diet at one-half the food intake of group II for 14 days, and this was also followed by 14 days of repletion with the control diet. 3. The controls showed a progressive rise in the daily urinary output of N-tau-methylhistidine, which was proportionally slightly less rapid than the body-weight increase. 4. The protein-depleted group II showed a marked and progressive decrease in N-tau-methylhistidine excretion, which was proportionally greater than the fall in body weight; during repletion, N-tau-methylhistidine output rose in parallel with body-weight increase, but it did not reach the value attained by the control group. 5. Group III, restricted in both dietary protein and energy, showed an initial small increase in daily N-tau-methylhistidine output, which contrasted with the sharp loss of body weight during this period. After 11 days on this restricted diet, group III then underwent a decrease in N-tau-methylhistidine output, which persisted into the first 4 days of the repletion period, after which output of the methylated amino acid became the same as for group II. 6. Creatinine output, used as an additional metabolic measure of muscle metabolism, showed a fairly constant relationship to body weight in groups I and II during depletion and repletion. However, rats with protein-energy deficiency (group III) underwent a marked increase in output of creatinine per unit of body weight, which also persisited into the repletion period before it fell to more normal values relative to body weight. 7. Analysis of the N-tau-methylhistidine content of actin isolated from a group of protein-depleted rats revealed a small (5%) but significance (P less than 0.02) decrease relative to well-nourished controls. 8. Hence, the rate of muscle protein degradation, as indicated by changes in urinary N-tau-methylhistidine output, appears to respond sensitively and in opposite directions to insufficiency of protein of energy in the diet.     

The effect of monosodium glutamate on the cerebellar cortex of male albino rats and the protective role of vitamin C (histological and immunohistochemical study)

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a natural constituent of many foods and was reported to have neurotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible toxic effect of MSG on histological and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemical features of cerebellar cortex of albino rats and to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C against this effect. Thirty rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Group I, control; Group II, treated with 3 g/kg/day of MSG and Group III, received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin C simultaneously with MSG. After 14 days, cerebellar tissues were obtained and processed to prepare sections stained with H&E, toluidine blue. The GFAP was detected immunohistochemically. Histological examination of group II showed degenerative changes as pyknotic Purkinje and granule cells with areas of degeneration surrounded by inflammatory cells in granular layer. However, group III showed more preserved histological structure of cerebellar cortex. Statistical analysis of area percent of the GFAP immunoreaction among studied groups showed significant increase in group III when compared with group I and group II. However, a non significant increase was detected in group II when compared with group I. In conclusion, MSG has neurotoxic effect leading to degenerative changes in neurons and astrocytes in cerebellar cortex of albino rats and vitamin C supplementation could protect from these changes. Getting more attention to the constituents of food products is recommended and vitamin C could be advised to protect people from food oxidants additives.     

The time course study of osteoinduction by bone morphogenetic protein-2 via adenoviral vector

We evaluated the time course of osteoinduction by an adenoviral vector, AxCAOBMP-2, in normal rats (Group I) and 2 immunosuppressed groups (Groups II and III). Immunosuppression was induced by 125 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide injected intraperitoneally the day before vector injection. Groups I and III received a high dose of AxCAOBMP-2 (25 microl; 8.75 x 10(8) pfu) and Group II a low dose (5 microl; 1.75 x 10(8) pfu). Each dose of AxCAOBMP-2 was injected into the right calf muscle of rats. On days 7, 14 and 21 postinjection, the osteoinducive activity in each group was investigated radiologically, histologically, immunohistochemically and biochemically. Osteoinduction was observed only in Groups II and III on days 14 and 21. The activity of osteoinduction in Group III was higher than that in Group II. There was little difference in the expression of LacZ between Groups I and III on day 3. However, there was a marked difference in BMP-2 protein expression between Groups I and III on day 7 postinjection. We speculated that the reason for this was that most of the infected cells were eliminated by the immune system of the host from days 3 to 7. These results suggest that gene therapy with AxCAOBMP-2 under transient immunosuppression may be useful for bone reconstruction.     

The counteracting effects of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on the immobilization stress-induced adverse reactions in rat pancreas

Many studies suggest that Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) has many protective effects. But little is known about its protective effects against chronic restraint stress-induced damage in rats. The aim was to demonstrate the potential protective effects of EGCG against harmful pancreatic damage to the immobilization stress in the rat model. Forty rats, 2 months old, were divided into four groups (n = 10): control group; EGCG group, rats received EGCG by gavage (100 mg/kg /day) for 30 days; stressed group, rats exposed to immobilization stress; and stressed with EGCG group, rats exposed to immobilization stress and received EGCG for 30 days. Glycemic status parameters, corticosterone, and inflammatory markers were investigated on the first day, 15th day, and the 30th day of the experiment. Pancreatic oxidative stress markers and cytokines were evaluated. Histological, immunohistological, and statistical studies were performed. On the 15th day, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and fasting plasma corticosterone were significantly higher in the stressed group when compared with first and 30th day in the same group as well as when compared with control and stressed with EGCG groups. The stressed group revealed significantly higher pancreatic IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, and NO, serum amylase and serum lipase, and significantly lower GSH, SOD, and CAT when compared to control and stressed with EGCG groups. EGCG treatment attenuated the pancreatic stress-induced cellular degeneration, leucocytic infiltration, and cytoplasmic vacuolations; significantly decreased area percentage of collagen fibers; and significantly increased mean area percentage of insulin immunopositive cell as compared with stressed group. EGCG is a protective agent against immobilization stress because of its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and and anti-oxidative stress properties, as confirmed by biochemical and histological alterations.     

Acetyl-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-carnitine prevents carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in various tissues of Wistar rats

Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) has been shown to prevent experimental selenite cataractogenesis, a manifestation of oxidative stress, but little is known about its potential in other settings of oxidative stress. The present study was based on the hypothesis that ALCAR prevents carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress in vital tissues. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups, each of six rats. Group I (control) rats received only vehicle (1 ml/kg b.w.) for 4 days; Group II (CCl₄-exposed, untreated) rats received CCl₄ (2 ml/kg b.w.) on the second and third days and vehicle on the first and fourth days; Group III (CCl₄-exposed, ALCAR-treated) rats received ALCAR (200 mg/kg b.w.) for 4 days and CCl₄ on the second and third days. All administrations were made intraperitoneally. After the experimental period, significantly (P < 0.05) elevated mean serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were observed in Group II rats when compared to Group I and Group III rats. The mean levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione and the mean activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in samples of hemolysate and of liver, kidney, and brain tissues of Group II rats than those in Group I and Group III rats. The mean level of lipid peroxidation was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Group II rats than that in Group I and Group III rats. Moreover, the CCl₄-induced upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was prevented by ALCAR in the liver and brain tissues. These results suggest that ALCAR is able to prevent the CCl₄-induced oxidative stress.     

Green tea catechins, alleviate hepatic lipidemic-oxidative injury in Wistar rats fed an atherogenic diet

In the present study, the efficacy of green tea catechins (GTC from the plant Camellia sinensis), with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), as the major component, was studied in relation to hepatic oxidative abnormalities in atherosclerotic rats. When male albino Wistar rats were fed an atherogenic diet for 30 days and then treated with saline for 7 or 15 days, there was a significant decline in hepatic mean activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase), and non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E) while there was a significant elevation in the mean level of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), in comparison to the values noted in control rats fed a normal diet. In addition, a concomitant increase in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was noted, when compared to the values in control rats. Following intraperitoneal administration of GTC (100 mg/kg) for 7 or 15 days to rats fed the atherogenic diet, significantly higher mean activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and lower mean levels of MDA in hepatic tissue and lower mean activities of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH in serum were observed, compared to the values in the rats fed the atherogenic diet and treated with saline. Histopathological studies were performed to provide direct evidence of the atherogenic diet-induced hepatic changes and of the hepatoprotective effect of GTC. These results suggest that EGCG as a major component of green tea catechins may protect against the hepatic abnormalities occurring in Wistar rats fed an atherogenic diet.     

Discriminant analyses for pregnancy-related changes in hematological and serum biochemical values in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Hematological and serum biochemical data obtained from 45 non-pregnant and 142 pregnant cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were analyzed by discriminant analyses. All animals used had been reared under uniform environmental conditions at Tsukuba Primate Center for Medical Science, N. I. H., Japan. The examination items were as follows: red blood cell count(RBC), hematocrit value(Ht), hemoglobin concentration(Hb), mean corpuscular volume(MCV), white blood cell count(WBC), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TCHO), free cholesterol (FCHO), triglyceride (TG), and albumin-globulin ratio (A/G). The pregnant animals were divided into four groups according to their gestation ages (Group I: 1-40 days; II: 41-80 days; III: 81-120 days; and IV: more than 121 days). During pregnancy period (Groups II, III and IV), significant decrease of TP, ALB, TCHO, FCHO and TG was observed. RBC, Ht and Hb decreased in the last of the four periods of pregnancy (Group IV). Discrimination was possible between each of these four pregnant groups and the non-pregnant group on the basis of the Mahalanobis' generalized distance. To clarify the relationship among groups, canonical discriminant analysis (discriminant analysis with reduction of dimensionality) was carried out. As a result, the non-pregnant group and the pregnant I group could be clearly discriminated from the other pregnant groups (II, III, and IV) by the first canonical variate. Judging from the relative eigenvector value of each variable for the first canonical variate, the effective discriminant variables were RBC, Ht, Hb, MCV, TP and A/G.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Montelukast abrogates prednisolone‐induced hepatic injury in rats: Modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction,oxidative/nitrosative stress,and apoptosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of montelukast (MTK) against prednisolone‐induced hepatic injury in rats. Twenty‐eight male albino rats were categorized into four equal groups. Group I served as the control group; group II: rats orally received prednisolone (5 mg·kg^?1·d^?1) for 30 days; groups III and IV: rats orally received MTK at 10 and 20 mg·kg^?1·d^?1, respectively, simultaneously with prednisolone for 30 days. Serum liver enzymes, hepatic mitochondrial function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated, and the results were confirmed by histopathological examination. MTK showed significant hepatic protection evidenced by alleviated histological lesion and improvement of mitochondrial function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic changes induced by prednisolone, with more profound protection in higher MTK dose (20 mg·kg^?1). In view of these findings, we can conclude that MTK may have hepatoprotective potential, beyond its therapeutic value for asthmatic patients during their course of corticosteroid therapy.     

Modification of radiation myelopathy by the transplantation of neural stem cells in the rat

In a novel approach, neural stem cells were transplanted to ameliorate radiation-induced myelopathy in the spinal cords of rats. A 12-mm section of the cervical spinal cord (T2-C2) of 5-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats was locally irradiated with a single dose of 22 Gy of (60)Co gamma rays. This dose is known to produce myelopathy in all animals within 6 months of irradiation. After irradiation, the animals were subdivided into three groups, and at 90 days after irradiation, neural stem cells or saline (for controls) were injected into the spinal cord, intramedullary, at two sites positioned 6 mm apart on either side of the center of the irradiated length of spinal cord. The injection volume was 2 microl. Group I received a suspension of MHP36 cells, Group II MHP15 cells, and Group III (controls) two injections of 2 microl saline. All rats received 10 mg/kg cyclosporin (10 mg/ml) daily i.p. to produce immunosuppression. All animals that received saline (Group III) developed paralysis within 167 days of irradiation. The paralysis-free survival rates of rats that received transplanted MHP36 and MHP15 cells (Groups I and II) were 36.4% and 32% at 183 days, respectively. It was concluded that transplantation of neural stem cells 90 days after irradiation significantly (P = 0.03) ameliorated the expression of radiation-induced myelopathy in the spinal cords of rats.     

The role of oxidative stress in alterations of hematological parameters and inflammatory markers induced by early hypercholesterolemia

Aims

The investigation of the effects of a high cholesterol diet (HD) for a short-time period on hematological parameters and the potential role of oxidative stress and inflammation markers.

Main methods

Rabbits were fed either a control diet or a diet containing 1% cholesterol (HD) for 5–6 weeks. The plasma lipid levels, C reactive protein (CRP), total red blood cells (RBC), total white blood cells (WBC), platelet count, packed cell volume (PCV) and leukocyte formula were determined. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione and GSH serum level measurements. The osmotic fragility and the membrane fluidity of erythrocytes were determined. The levels of total cholesterol and TBARS were also measured in the erythrocyte membrane suspension.

Key findings

A decrease in the RBC and PCV was observed in rabbits fed on HD. The membrane rigidity and osmotic fragility were increased, and the morphological changes caused by the HD and TBARS levels in the erythrocyte membrane may account for this phenomenon. The inflammatory markers as the CRP levels, the platelet count, the WBC and the neutrophils were increased. The TBARS and GSH levels in the serum were increased and decreased, respectively.

Significance

This study shows that feeding rabbits an HD for a short time induces hematological alterations, disturbances in the oxidant–antioxidant balance and an increase of inflammatory markers. These findings support the importance of the early correction or prevention of high cholesterol levels to disrupt the process leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases.     

Therapeutic Potential of Date Palm Pollen for Testicular Dysfunction Induced by Thyroid Disorders in Male Rats

Hyper- or hypothyroidism can impair testicular function leading to infertility. The present study was designed to examine the protective effect of date palm pollen (DPP) extract on thyroid disorder-induced testicular dysfunction. Rats were divided into six groups. Group I was normal control. Group II received oral DPP extract (150 mg kg^-1), group III (hyperthyroid group) received intraperitoneal injection of L-thyroxine (L-T4, 300μg kg^-1; i.p.), group IV received L-T4 plus DPP extract, group V (hypothyroid group) received propylthiouracil (PTU, 10 mg kg^-1; i.p.) and group VI received PTU plus DPP extract. All treatments were given every day for 56 days. L-T4 or PTU lowered genital sex organs weight, sperm count and motility, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T), testicular function markers and activities of testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD). Moreover, L-T4 or PTU increased estradiol (E2) serum level, testicular oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptotic markers. Morphometric and histopathologic studies backed these observations. Treatment with DPP extract prevented LT4- or PTU induced changes. In addition, supplementation of DPP extract to normal rats augmented sperm count and motility, serum levels of LH, T and E2 paralleled with increased activities of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD as well as testicular antioxidant status. These results provide evidence that DPP extract may have potential protective effects on testicular dysfunction induced by altered thyroid hormones.     

Effects on tissue and electrolytes of a mineralocorticoid blocker during DOCA-induced potassium depletion.

Chronic experiments were carried out on three groups of rats to evaluate tissue and electrolyte effects of a mineralocorticoid blocker canrenoate potassium (SC-14266) during DOCA-induced hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis. Group I animals received DOCA alone, group II received DOCA plus canrenoate, while group III received canrenoate alone. The daily dose ratio (per kilogram of body weight) was 180 mg canrenoate-0.45 mg DOCA. All animals ate a synthetic diet and drank 0.15 N NaHCO3. Group II animals demonstrated a lesser degree of metabolic alkalosis and a higher muscle potassium content when compared with group I rats. The most conspicuous histological abnormality was myocardial necrosis, the degree and extent of which was impressively reduced by the blocking agent.     

Ameliorating effects of agomelatine on testicular and epididymal damage induced by methotrexate in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible prophylactic effects of agomelatine (AGO) against testicular and epididymal damage induced by methotrexate (MTX) in rats. Twenty‐four male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: Group I (control group), Group II (MTX group: 20 mg/kg MTX, i.p, single dose), and Group III (MTX+AGO group: 20 mg/kg MTX, i.p, single dose+40 mg/kg AGO; gavage, 7 days). The rats were killed under anesthesia 24 hours after the last AGO application. Testicular and epididymal tissues were bilaterally removed for morphometric, biochemical, pathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Body, testicular, and epididymal weights were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured in testes. Sperm count, hyperemia, edema, inflammatory reaction, degenerated and necrotic cells were evaluated by histopathological analysis. In addition, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), osteopontin (OPN), and heat shock protein‐70 (HSP70) immune reactions were analyzed in testes and epididymides. Decreased epididymal weights, increased MDA levels, decreased sperm count, hyperemia, edema, inflammatory reaction, and degenerated and necrotic cells were observed in the MTX group. In addition, iNOS, HSP70, G‐CSF, and OPN immune reactions were increased. AGO improved morphometric, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. The present study confirms that MTX induces testicular and epididymal damage both biochemically and immunohistochemically. However, AGO demonstrated ameliorative effects on both biochemical and pathological findings of the current study.     

Escalated regeneration in sciatic nerve crush injury by the combined therapy of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells and fermented soybean extracts, Natto

Attenuation of inflammatory cell deposits and associated cytokines prevented the apoptosis of transplanted stem cells in a sciatic nerve crush injury model. Suppression of inflammatory cytokines by fermented soybean extracts (Natto) was also beneficial to nerve regeneration. In this study, the effect of Natto on transplanted human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (AFS) was evaluated. Peripheral nerve injury was induced in SD rats by crushing a sciatic nerve using a vessel clamp. Animals were categorized into four groups: Group I: no treatment; Group II: fed with Natto (16 mg/day for 7 consecutive days); Group III: AFS embedded in fibrin glue; Group IV: Combination of group II and III therapy. Transplanted AFS and Schwann cell apoptosis, inflammatory cell deposits and associated cytokines, motor function, and nerve regeneration were evaluated 7 or 28 days after injury. The deterioration of neurological function was attenuated by AFS, Natto, or the combined therapy. The combined therapy caused the most significantly beneficial effects. Administration of Natto suppressed the inflammatory responses and correlated with decreased AFS and Schwann cell apoptosis. The decreased AFS apoptosis was in line with neurological improvement such as expression of early regeneration marker of neurofilament and late markers of S-100 and decreased vacuole formation. Administration of either AFS, or Natto, or combined therapy augmented the nerve regeneration. In conclusion, administration of Natto may rescue the AFS and Schwann cells from apoptosis by suppressing the macrophage deposits, associated inflammatory cytokines, and fibrin deposits.     

Inflammatory parameters predict etiologic patterns but do not allow for individual prediction of etiology in patients with CAP – Results from the German competence network CAPNETZ

Background

Aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of inflammatory markers procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count (WBC) with microbiological etiology of CAP.

Methods

We enrolled 1337 patients (62 ± 18 y, 45% f) with proven CAP. Extensive microbiological workup was performed. In all patients PCT, CRP, WBC and CRB-65 score were determined. Patients were classified according to microbial diagnosis and CRB-65 score.

Results

In patients with typical bacterial CAP, levels of PCT, CRP and WBC were significantly higher compared to CAP of atypical or viral etiology. There were no significant differences in PCT, CRP and WBC in patients with atypical or viral etiology of CAP. In contrast to CRP and WBC, PCT markedly increased with severity of CAP as measured by CRB-65 score (p < 0.0001). In ROC analysis for discrimination of patients with CRB-65 scores > 1, AUC for PCT was 0.69 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.71), which was higher compared to CRP and WBC (p < 0.0001). CRB-65, PCT, CRP and WBC were higher (p < 0.0001) in hospitalised patients in comparison to outpatients.

Conclusion

PCT, CRP and WBC are highest in typical bacterial etiology in CAP but do not allow individual prediction of etiology. In contrast to CRP and WBC, PCT is useful in severity assessment of CAP.     

Simvastatin impairs the induction of pulmonary fibrosis caused by a western style diet: a preliminary study

The role of an atherogenic diet in causing pulmonary fibrosis has received little attention and simvastatin has been shown to reduce pulmonary fibrosis in animal models. To determine if an atherogenic diet can induce pulmonary fibrosis and whether simvastatin treatment is beneficial by up‐regulating heat shock protein 70 and 90. New Zealand white rabbits (n = 15) were divided: Group 1 (control); Group 2 (MC) received a normal rabbit diet with 1% methionine plus 0.5% cholesterol (atherogenic diet). Group 3 received the same diet as the MC group plus 5 mg/kg/day simvastatin orally (MCS). After 4 weeks, the lungs were collected and analysed. Picrosirus red staining of lung interstitial collagen content showed that the atherogenic diet increased fibrosis 2.9‐fold (P < 0.05), bronchiole adventitial collagen was increased 2.3‐fold (P < 0.05) and bronchiole epithelium was increased 34‐fold (P < 0.05), and simvastatin treatment severely reduced this effect (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the atherogenic diet significantly reduced lung Hsp70 protein by 22% (P < 0.05) and Hsp90 protein by 18% (P < 0.05) and simvastatin treatment did not affect this result. However, aortic hyper‐responsiveness to vasoconstrictors (angiotensin II and phenylephrine) were markedly reduced by simvastatin treatment. We report that an atherogenic diet stimulates pulmonary fibrosis and reduces lung Hsp70/Hsp90 protein concentration. Simvastatin impairs this by mechanisms unrelated to Hsp70/Hsp90, but possibly a reduction in angiotensin II receptor or alpha adrenergic receptor pathways. These results could have implications in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.     

刺五加在大鼠实验性肝癌诱发过程中作用的探讨

目的探讨大鼠实验性肝癌发病中刺五加对肌体免疫功能和抗氧化酶活性的影响。方法４６只ＳＤ雄性大鼠被随机分成对照组（喂普通饲料）、３－甲基４－双甲氨基偶氮苯（３－Ｍｅ－ＤＡＢ）组（喂含０．０６％３Ｍｅ－ＤＡＢ饲料 １０周）和刺五加组（饲喂同 ３－Ｍｅ－ＤＡＢ外、另加入刺五加 ４．５ｇ／ｋｇ饲料,用常规方法检测全血谷光甘肽过氧化物酶（ＧＳＨ－ＰＸ）、血清超氧化物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）活性和丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）含量,用微量化学发光造检测吞噬细胞活性（ＰＭＮ－ＣＬ）。结果１．ＰＭＮ－ＣＬ检测峰值、积分值和吞噬细胞指数,３－ＭｅＤＡＢ组较正常组和刺五加组均有显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５和Ｐ＜０．０１）２．全血ＧＳＨ－ＰＸ活性、ＳＯＤ活性,刺五加组较３－ＭｅＤＡＢ组均有显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５）。ＭＤＡ含量刺五加组和３－ＭｅＤＡＢ组均较正常组升高（均Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论刺五加在大鼠实验性肝癌诱发过程中有提高抗氧化酶活性和对抗致癌剂引起的机体中性粒细胞吞噬功能代偿性增高的作用。