Synergistic induction of lymphokine (IL-2)-activated killer activity by IL-2 and the polysaccharide lentinan,and therapy of spontaneous pulmonary metastases

Summary Spleen cells of C57BL/6N mice bearing lung metastases were induced to the cytotoxic state by subcutaneous injection of recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) at a minimum dose of 5×10⁴ U/mouse three times a day for 3 consecutive days. A single intraperitoneal injection of lentinan alone at concentrations of up to 10 mg/kg body weight did not render spleen cells cytotoxic to P-29 cells, but a combination of subthreshold doses of these agents (5×10⁴ U/ml IL-2 and 5 mg/kg lentinan) induced significant in vivo lymphokine-activated killer activity in spleen cells of tumor-bearing mice. Similarly, spleen cells from mice treated i.p. with lentinan became cytotoxic on in vitro treatment with IL-2. The in vitro responsiveness of spleen cells to IL-2 was maximal 3 days after i.p. injection of lentinan. Synergism between IL-2 and lentinan was also observed in mice bearing spontaneous lung micrometastases: neither IL-2 (<5×10⁴ U/mouse) nor lentinan (<2.5 mg/kg) alone had a therapeutic effect, but multiple injections of IL-2 with a single injection of lentinan resulted in significant inhibition of spontaneous pulmonary metastases. From these results we conclude that IL-2 and lentinan in combination are more effective than either one alone for inducing destruction of pulmonary metastases.     

苦参碱对大鼠乳腺癌细胞荷瘤生长及其炎性因子与免疫功能的影响

目的：探讨苦参碱对大鼠乳腺癌细胞荷瘤大鼠生长及其炎性因子与免疫功能的影响。方法：雌性Wistar大鼠60只,随机分为对照组（n=10）,乳腺癌细胞荷瘤大鼠建模组（n=50）。建模大鼠再随机分为5组（n=10）：模型组、苦参碱低（50 mg/kg）、中（100 mg/kg）、高（200 mg/kg）剂量组和香菇多糖（200 mg/kg）组。除对照组外,每只大鼠右腋皮下接种0.4 ml Walker 256乳腺癌细胞悬液（5×10⁷ cells/ml）。按10 ml/kg的体积腹腔注射给药,2次/日,连续14 d。14 d后麻醉大鼠,腹主动脉取血,取瘤组织称取质量,计算抑瘤率;检测大鼠外周血IL-2、IFN-γ、IL-6、IL-10、TGF-β、CD3⁺、CD4⁺、CD8⁺、IgG、IgM、IgA水平。结果：苦参碱低、中、高剂量组和香菇多糖组大鼠瘤块平均质量分别为（4.99±0.93）g、（4.52±0.92）g、（4.22±1.18）g、（4.52±0.92）g,与模型组（6.62±1.20）g比较均明显降低（P<0.01）。苦参碱各剂量组与香菇多糖组比较,瘤块平均质量无明显差异（P>0.05）。苦参碱低、中、高剂量组和香菇多糖组抑瘤率分别为24.6%、31.7%、36.3%和27.9%,组间无统计学差异。模型组大鼠IL-2、IFN-γ、CD8⁺较对照组明显降低（P<0.01）;而IL-6、IL-10、TGF-β、CD3⁺、CD4⁺、IgG、IgM、IgA较对照组明显升高（P<0.01）。苦参碱低、中、高剂量组和香菇多糖组IL-2、IFN-γ、CD8+较模型组显著升高（P<0.01,P<0.05）;而IL-6、IL-10、TGF-β、CD3⁺、CD4⁺、IgG、IgM、IgA较模型组明显降低（P<0.01,P<0.05）。与香菇多糖组比较,苦参碱低、中剂量组IgM、IgA明显升高（P<0.01,P<0.05）;高剂量组IL-2和IFN-γ、IgA水平明显升高（P<0.01,P<0.05）;低剂量组IFN-γ水平明显降低（P<0.05）;高剂量组IL-10、CD4⁺水平明显降低（P<0.01,P<0.05）。结论：苦参碱具有明显的抑制肿瘤生长的作用,其抑瘤机制与其提高细胞和体液免疫、减轻炎症反应有关。     

牛膝多糖的组分分析及抗衰老活性研究

牛膝多糖 (Achyranthesbidentatapolysaccharides ,ABPS)是苋科植物牛膝 (AchyranthesbidentataBl.)根中的水溶性多糖 ,先后用DEAE_Sepharosefast_flow柱和SephadexG_10 0柱将牛膝粗多糖分为 4个组分 ,分别命名为 :Con .1、Con .2、Con .3和Con .4。Micro_Kjeldahl试验表明 ,Con .1中含有氮元素 3 .95 % ,另 3个小分子组分不含氮元素。以果蝇为动物模型研究了该 4个牛膝多糖组分的抗衰老作用 ,结果表明 ,大分子组分Con .1对果蝇无抗衰老作用 ,而另3个小分子量组分在培养基中浓度为 2和 5mg/g(多糖质量 /培养基质量 )时 ,都可显著或极显著地使果蝇平均体重增加 3 .85 % - 5 .47% ,并使果蝇平均寿命延长 2 .6 1% - 3.16 %。     

膳食锌对小鼠脑组织微管相关蛋白2表达的影响

本工作观察了膳食锌与脑组织微管相关蛋白２（ＭＡＰ２）之间的联系,并探讨了微量元素锌调节微管聚合作用的可能机制。ＩＣＲ初孕小鼠８０ 孕期和哺乳局喂不同锌水平饲料,随机分为５组：严重缺锌组,轻度缺锌组,轻度缺锌组,适锌组,高锌对喂组及高锌组,它们饲料的锌水平分别为１,５,３０,１００和１００ｍｇ／ｋｇ。     

Interaction of zearalenone and soybean isoflavone on the development of reproductive organs, reproductive hormones and estrogen receptor expression in prepubertal gilts

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interactive effect of zearalenone (ZEA) and soybean isoflavone (ISO) on the development of reproductive organs, reproductive hormones and estrogen receptor expression in prepubertal gilts. Ninety 75-day-old female pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 26.50 ± 0.60 kg) were randomly allocated to nine diet treatments during the 21 day study. The experiment employed a 3 × 3 factorial design using a non-soybean meal diet with addition of 0, 0.5 or 2.0mg/kg ZEA and 0, 300 or 600 mg/kg ISO. The results indicated that diets supplemented with 600 mg/kg ISO could reduce the increased weight of the reproductive organs induced by ZEA at 2mg/kg (P<0.05) while feed containing ISO and 0.5mg/kg ZEA increased the weight of the reproductive organs compared with pigs fed diets with 0.5mg/kg ZEA alone. Diets with ISO at 600 mg/kg reduced the large width of vulvas induced by diets with 2mg/kg ZEA (P<0.05). Simultaneous provision of ZEA and ISO to prepubertal gilts increased the level of E2 at days 7 and 14, but decreased it at day 21 (P<0.05). Pigs simultaneously fed 2mg/kg ZEA and 600 mg/kg ISO had the highest level of FSH (P<0.05). There was a significant interaction (P<0.05) between ZEA and ISO supplementation on the level of LH, and pigs offered diets with 2mg/kg ZEA and 600 mg/kg ISO had the lowest level of LH on days 14 and 21. Animals supplemented simultaneously with ZEA and ISO showed higher ERα/ERβ mRNA expression compared to those offered diets containing 0.5mg/kg ZEA alone or basal diets. However, this simultaneous supplementation resulted in a lower level of ERα/ERβ mRNA expression compared to offering diets with 2mg/kg ZEA alone. It appears that ISO can counteract the estrogenic influence of a high dosage of ZEA (2mg/kg). This affect might be attributed to competitive binding with estrogen receptors, thereby weakening the estrogenic effect of ZEA. Meanwhile, interactions between ZEA and ISO may interfere with the functioning of E2, FSH and LH in prepubertal gilts.     

The neuroteratogenicity of procarbazine in the rat: behavioral, morphological, and neurochemical aspects

Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated from day 12 through day 15 of gestation with procarbazine, an antineoplastic drug, and their offspring were subjected to tests of locomotor development and behavior. Treatment levels ranged from 0.5 mg/kg/day, a dose that produced no abnormalities, to 10 mg/kg/day, a dose that caused a marked micrencephaly in the absence of other teratological changes. Despite marked morphological brain changes, preweaning locomotor development, as assessed by open-field swimming activity and vertical grid climbing, was normal in all offspring. Post-weaning passive avoidance learning and retention were also normal. Groups that had been treated prenatally with teratogenic doses (5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg/day) displayed less rearing behavior in the open field, while ambulation in the periphery of the open field arena was unaffected. Groups treated with subteratogenic doses (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day) did not differ from control. In addition to the behavioral studies, sodium-dependent high-affinity choline uptake and choline acetyltransferase activity (CAT) were measured (per mg protein) in the cortex and hippocampus of animals that had been exposed prenatally to either teratogenic or subteratogenic doses of procarbazine. In spite of a substantial reduction in size of both brain structures in the group receiving a teratogenic dose, choline uptake and CAT did not differ from control.     

Effects of growth hormone (GH) on mRNA levels of uncoupling proteins 1, 2, and 3 in brown and white adipose tissues and skeletal muscle in obese mice.

We have investigated whether GH treatment influences the expression of UCP1, 2 and 3 mRNA in a KK-Ay obese mouse model. KK-Ay mice (n = 10) and C57Bl/6J control mice (n = 10) were injected subcutaneously with human GH (1.0 mg/kg/day and 3.5 mg/kg/day) for 10 days, and compared with mice injected with physical saline. The KK-Ay obese mice weighed significantly less (p < 0.01 : 1.0 mg/kg/day, p < 0.05 : 3.5 mg/kg/day) and had smaller inguinal subcutaneous and perimetric white adipose tissue (WAT) pads (p < 0.05 : 3.5 mg/kg/day), but increased skeletal muscle weight (p < 0.05). The brown adipose tissue (BAT) weight did not change significantly. Not only plasma free fatty acid and glucose levels but also plasma insulin levels decreased. The reduced HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance) values suggested that insulin resistance was improved by GH treatment. UCP1 mRNA levels increased after the 3.5 mg GH treatment by 2.8-fold (p < 0.01 vs. saline controls) and 2.0-fold (p < 0.05 vs. 1 mg GH treatment) in BAT, and by 6.0-fold in subcutaneous WAT (p < 0.05 vs. controls). UCP2 mRNA levels increased 2.2-fold (p < 0.05 vs. control) and 2.1-fold (p < 0.05 vs. 1 mg GH treatment) in BAT, and 2.0-fold (p < 0.05 vs. controls) in skeletal muscle. One mg GH administration also stimulated UCP1 mRNA expression by 2.5-fold (p < 0.05 vs. controls) and UCP3 mRNA expression by 2.8-fold (p < 0.05 vs. controls) in the muscle. On the other hand, lean mice showed no significant difference in body composition or plasma parameters. UCP1, 2 and 3 mRNA expression in lean mice did not show any significant change after treatment with GH. We conclude that GH treatment increased mRNA levels for not only UCP1, but also UCP 2 and 3 in BAT, WAT and muscle in a KK-Ay obese mouse model. These findings suggest that GH-induced thermogenesis may contribute to the reduction in WAT and energy expenditure.     

牛膝多糖对小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞的细胞毒作用影响及机制

研究牛膝多糖(ABPS)对巨噬细胞细胞毒作用的影响及机制。以200 mg/L浓度的ABPS体外刺激小鼠腹腔来源巨噬细胞,采用MTT法检测细胞毒作用,Griess试剂盒检测NO的生成,Real-Time PCR和Western blot分别检测i NOS mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果显示,浓度为200 mg/L的ABPS对巨噬细胞细胞毒作用和NO表达有显著的促进作用,对i NOS mRNA和蛋白表达均有明显的促进作用。研究结果提示ABPS可能通过增强细胞内i NOS表达,促进NO生成和释放,从而促进巨噬细胞细胞毒作用。     

镉对小鼠精子和生精细胞超微结构及生精细胞bcl-2、bax基因表达的影响

研究镉暴露对小鼠附睾精子和睾丸生精细胞超微结构的变化以及镉对生精细胞凋亡相关基因bcl-2、bax表达水平的影响。采用24只雄性ICR小鼠随机分为4组,每组6只,分别以0.183、0.915、1.83mg/kg氯化镉腹腔注射,每天1次,连续5次,设阴性对照生理盐水组。于第6天透射电镜观察附睾精子超微结构、睾丸生精细胞核和线粒体超微结构的变化,免疫组化方法检测生精细胞Bcl-2、Bax表达水平。透射电镜观察显示,0.183mg/kg组精子超微结构无显著性变化,0.915mg/kg组精子头部两侧膜与头部胞质间隙轻微扩大,线粒体嵴间腔扩大且轻度空泡化,但与对照组相比无统计学意义(P>0.05)。1.83mg/kg组头部两侧膜与胞质间隙扩大,与对照组相比有显著性差异(P<0.05),尾部线粒体嵴间腔扩大且轻度空泡化,与对照组相比有显著性差异(P<0.05)。3种剂量处理组睾丸生精细胞核超微结构异常发生率显著高于对照组(P<0.05),且随着处理浓度的升高异常发生率升高;1.83mg/kg组线粒体肿胀空泡化发生率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。3种剂量实验组生精细胞Bcl-2表达水平(吸光度)显著低于对照组(P<0.01),0.915mg/kg组Bax表达水平显著高于对照组和0.183、1.83mg/kg组(P<0.01)。3种剂量实验组Bcl-2/Bax吸光度比值显著低于对照组(P<0.01);0.915mg/kg组Bcl-2/Bax比值显著低于1.83mg/kg组(P<0.01)。上述结果提示:高浓度镉诱导附睾精子超微结构改变,高中低浓度镉致睾丸生精细胞超微结构的改变,生精细胞超微结构发生凋亡现象。镉对Bcl-2、Bax表达水平的改变可能是生精细胞凋亡的分子机制之一。     

Effect of adrenalectomy and corticosterone on cocaine-induced sensitization in rats.

Effects of adrenalectomy (ADX) and corticosterone (CORT) on the development and expression of sensitization to the locomotor effect of cocaine (COC) were studied in rats. Sensitization was evoked by 5 daily injections of COC (10 mg/kg) and measured after a challenge dose of the drug (10 mg/kg) after a 5-day withdrawal (on day 10 of the experiment). ADX, performed before the start of COC administration, completely blocked the manifestation of COC-induced sensitization. In contrast, ADX performed on animals already sensitized to COC did not affect the sensitized locomotor activity response to a challenge dose of COC (on day 18). Pretreatment with CORT, 10 mg/kg, but not 5 mg/kg, before each of the 5 daily COC injections facilitated the development of COC sensitization, tested after a 5-day withdrawal. When pretreated with CORT alone (10 mg/kg), the challenge dose of COC administered on day 10 induced cross-sensitization to CORT. CORT (10 mg/kg) injected acutely before COC on day 10, potentiated the expression of COC sensitization. When given alone, on day 10 CORT (5-10 mg/kg) induced an increase in the locomotor activity of rats pretreated daily (5 injections) with COC. No drug treatment induced conditioned locomotion, as measured after saline challenge on day 8. Our results indicate that CORT facilitates the development and expression of COC sensitization, while ADX blocks the initiation of the behavioral phenomenon only. Moreover, there takes place cross-sensitization between CORT and COC, which indicates a close relationship between the drug-related mechanism and behavioral sensitization.     

Antihyperglycemic activity of Tarralin™, an ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L.

The studies reported here were undertaken to examine the antihyperglycemic activity of an ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L., called Tarralin in diabetic and non-diabetic animals. In genetically diabetic KK-A(gamma) mice, Tarralin treatment by gavage (500 mg/kg body wt./day for 7 days) lowered elevated blood glucose levels by 24% from 479+/-25 to 352+/-16 mg/dl relative to control animals. In comparison, treatment with the known antidiabetic drugs, troglitazone (30 mg/kg body wt./day) and metformin (300 mg/kg body wt./day), decreased blood glucose concentrations by 28% and 41%, respectively. Blood insulin concentrations were reduced in the KK-A(gamma) mice by 33% with Tarralin, 48% with troglitazone and 52% with metformin. In (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, Tarralin treatment, (500 mg/kg body wt./day for 7 days), also significantly lowered blood glucose concentrations, by 20%, from 429+/-41 to 376+/-58 mg/dl relative to control. As a possible mechanism, Tarralin was shown to significantly decrease phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) mRNA expression by 28% in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In non-diabetic animals, treatment with Tarralin did not significantly alter PEPCK expression, blood glucose or insulin concentrations. The extract was also shown to increase the binding of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) to its receptor in vitro. These results indicate that Tarralin has antihyperglycemic activity and a potential role in the management of diabetic states.     

Maternal Cypermethrin Exposure during the Perinatal Period Impairs Testicular Development in C57BL Male Offspring

Numerous studies have demonstrated that endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) are a possible cause of male reproductive organ malfunction and malformation. Cypermethrin (CYP) is a widely used synthetic pyrethroid and a potential EDC. This study aimed to examine the effects of perinatal exposure to low-dose CYP on the development and function of the offspring testes. Pregnant mice were intragastrically administered 0.12 to 12 mg/kg/day CYP from embryonic day 0.5 (E0.5) to weaning (PD21.5, postnatal day 21.5). Maternal exposure to 0.12, 1.2, and 12 mg/kg/day CYP affected the body and organ weight of the offspring. Exposure of CYP led to a dose-dependent decrease in the male-to-female sex ratio. A histopathological analysis revealed a thinner seminiferous epithelium layer at PD21.5, interstitial hyperplasia at PD45.5, and germ cell vacuolization at PD90.5 in the 12 mg/kg/day CYP group. The TUNEL assay results revealed increased germ cell apoptosis in the 12 mg/kg/day CYP group. The serum testosterone (T) level decreased, whereas the estradiol level increased with age in the 1.2 and 12 mg/kg/day CYP groups. The RT-PCR analysis demonstrated decreased expression of T production-related, mitosis-related, and meiosis-related genes in the 1.2 and 12 mg/kg/day CYP groups. The in vitro experimental results demonstrated reduced expression of steroidogenesis genes and decreased T levels. It is concluded that perinatal exposure to low-dose CYP affects testes development and function in adults.     

A novel compound,ferulic acid-bound resveratrol,induces the tumor suppressor gene p15 and inhibits the three-dimensional proliferation of colorectal cancer cells

This study aimed to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of ivabradine in preventing cardiac hypertrophy in an established transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mouse model. A total of 56 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into the following seven groups (8 mice per group): sham, TAC model, Iva-10 (10 mg/kg/day ivabradine), Iva-20 (20 mg/kg/day ivabradine), Iva-40 (40 mg/kg/day ivabradine), Iva-80 (80 mg/kg/day ivabradine), and Rap (rapamycin, a positive control). Echocardiography and left ventricular hemodynamics were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichome staining, and TUNEL assays were conducted to evaluate cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis, respectively. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Ivabradine could effectively improve left ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy induced by TAC in a dose-independent manner. Moreover, no obvious change in heart rate (HR) was observed in the TAC and Rap groups, whereas a significant decrease in HR was found after ivabradine treatment (P?<?0.05). Cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis induced by TAC were notably suppressed after either rapamycin or ivabradine treatment (P?<?0.05). Ivabradine and rapamycin also decreased the expression of PI3K/Akt and mTOR induced by TAC. Ivabradine improved cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis as well as reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in TAC model mice.

     

Effects of dietary grape proanthocyanidins on the growth performance,jejunum morphology and plasma biochemical indices of broiler chicks

Grape proanthocyanidins (GPCs) are a family of naturally derived polyphenols that have aroused interest in the poultry industry due to their versatile role in animal health. This study was conducted to investigate the potential benefits and appropriate dosages of GPCs on growth performance, jejunum morphology, plasma antioxidant capacity and the biochemical indices of broiler chicks. A total of 280 newly hatched male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatments of seven replicates each, and were fed a wheat–soybean meal-type diet with or without (control group), 7.5, 15 or 30 mg/kg of GPCs. Results show that dietary GPCs decrease the feed conversion ratio and average daily gain from day 21 to day 42, increase breast muscle yield by day 42 and improve jejunum morphology between day 21 and day 42. Chicks fed 7.5 and 15 mg/kg of GPCs show increased breast muscle yield and exhibit improved jejunum morphologies than birds in the control group. Dietary GPCs fed at a level of 15 mg/kg markedly increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity between day 21 and day 42, whereas a supplement of GPCs at 7.5 mg/kg significantly increased T-SOD activity and decreased lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde content by day 42. A supplement of 30 mg/kg of GPCs has no effect on antioxidant status but adversely affects the blood biochemical indices, as evidenced by increased creatinine content, increased alkaline phosphatase by day 21 and increased alanine aminotransferase by day 42 in plasma. GPC levels caused quadratic effect on growth, jejunum morphology and plasma antioxidant capacity. The predicted optimal GPC levels for best plasma antioxidant capacity at 42 days was 13 to 15 mg/kg, for best feed efficiency during grower phase was 16 mg/kg, for best jejunum morphology at 42 days was 17 mg/kg. In conclusion, GPCs (fed at a level of 13 to 17 mg/kg) have the potential to be a promising feed additive for broiler chicks.     

Effects of Sensitive to Apoptosis Gene Protein on Cell Proliferation, Neuroblast Differentiation, and Oxidative Stress in the Mouse Dentate Gyrus

Sensitive to apoptosis gene (SAG) protein is a redox-inducible protein that protects cells against apoptosis induced by redox agents. In this study, we observed effects of SAG on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) using Ki67 and doublecortin (DCX), respectively. For easy penetration into neurons, Tat-SAG expression vector was constructed by ligation with SAG and expression vector, Tat, in-frame with six histidine open-reading frames to generate the expression vector, and cloned into E. coli DH5α cells. One or 5?mg/kg Tat-SAG fusion protein (Tat-SAG) was intraperitoneally administered to mice once a day for 3?weeks. The administration of Tat-SAG significantly increased the number of 5-bromodeoxyuridine positive cells, Ki67 positive cells and DCX immunoreactive neuroblast in the mouse DG: Especially, in the 5?mg/kg Tat-SAG-treated mice, DCX positive neuroblasts showed a well-developed arborization of tertiary dendrites in the DG. On the other hand, we examined that the administration of Tat-SAG significantly reduced the DNA damage and lipid peroxidation judging from 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 4-hydroxynonenal immunohistochemistry: The decrease was much more distinct in the 5?mg/kg Tat-SAG-treated mice than 1?mg/kg Tat-SAG-treated mice. This result suggests that SAG significantly increases cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation and oxidative stress in normal states.     

Anthelmintic effects of bithionol, paromomycin sulphate, flubendazole and mebendazole on mature and immature Hymenolepis nana in mice

The anthelmintic effects of anti-tapeworm drugs, bithionol, paromomycin sulphate, flubendazole and mebendazole on immature and mature Hymenolepis nana in mice were compared. Immature worms were not affected by paromomycin sulphate or flubendazole administered for 12 consecutive days (days one to 12 after infection) at 100 mg/kg/day but 48% and 100% of H. nana were eliminated from mice by bithionol and mebendazole respectively, at the same dosage regimen. Bithionol, paromomycin sulphate, flubendazole and mebendazole given at 100 mg/kg/day for five consecutive days (days 12 to 16 after infection) eliminated 32%, 29%, 36% and 100% of mature worms respectively. 10 and 20 mg of mebendazole/kg/day for five consecutive days (days 12 to 16 after infection) had little effect on mature worms whereas 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for the same period eliminated 99% and 100% of mature worms, respectively. ED50 of mebendazole in the elimination of mature H. nana was 14 or 15 mg/kg/day for five days from the reduction in dry weight or in number of worms recovered respectively. The effects of mebendazole given 2 to 4 days, 8 to 10 days or 13 to 15 days after infection at 100 mg/kg/day were compared. Very low, if any, activity of the drug given 2 to 4 days after infection was seen, whereas the drug given 8 to 10 days or 13 to 15 days after infection eliminated 84% and 86% of H. nana respectively.     

Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Lentinan: Influence on IL-8 and TNFR1 Expression in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is unknown whether β-1,3;1,6-glucan can induce immune suppressive effects. Here, we study intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of Lentinula edodes-derived β-1,3;1,6-glucan, which is known as lentinan. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice were used to elucidate effects of lentinan in vivo. In the cellular level assessment, lentinan was added into a co-culture model consisting of intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Ligated intestinal loop assay was performed for assessing effects of lentinan on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in vivo. Oral administration of lentinan (100 µg/mouse) significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in body weight loss, shortening of colon lengths, histological score, and inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in inflamed tissues. Lentinan reduced interleukin (IL)-8 mRNA expression and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in Caco-2 cells without decreasing of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production from RAW264.7 cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that surface levels of TNF receptor (TNFR) 1 were decreased by lentinan treatment. A clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibitor, monodansylcadaverine, canceled lentinan inhibition of IL-8 mRNA expression. Moreover, lentinan inhibited TNFR1 expression in Caco-2 cells in both protein and mRNA level. Lentinan also inhibited TNFR1 mRNA expression in mouse IECs. These results suggest that lentinan exhibits intestinal anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of IL-8 mRNA expression associated with the inhibition of NF-κB activation which is triggered by TNFR1 endocytosis and lowering of their expression in IECs. Lentinan may be effective for the treatment of gut inflammation including IBD.     

Modification of the adjuvans arthritis by carrageenin, compound 48/80, histamine- and serotonin antagonists, non-steroid antiphlogistics as well as protease inhibitors and their possible relations to inflammation mediators]

1. Injections of carrageenin (1,25 mg/kg i.v.) from the 1st to the 3rd day and then each 2nd or 3rd day inhibited paw swelling in adjuvant arthritis of the rat during the time of treatment. Injections from the 11th to the 15th day were ineffective. The level of plasma kininogen was slightly decreased but the total complement serum level was significantly lowered. 2,5 and 3 mg carrageenin/kg respectively were toxic after repeated injections. After a single administration the levels of plasma kininogen and of total serum complement were decreased by 50% although paw swelling was not affected. 2. Pentosane polysulfoester (25 mg/kg i.v.) did not influence paw swelling despite daily administration from the 1st to the 17th day. Heparin (10 000 IE/kg i.v.) was likewise ineffective. 3. Single or repeated injections of compound 48/80 (0,125-0,5 mg/kg i.v.; 1-5 mg/kg i.p.; 3-6 mg/kg s.c.), reserpine (0,2 mg/kg i.p.), cyproheptadine (5 mg/kg i.v.), bromolysergic acid diethylamide (2 x 2 mg/kg i.v.) or metiamide (10 mg/kg i.v.) were without effect on paw swelling. Neither did compound 48/80 effect the complement serum level. 4. Daily administration of chloropromazine (4-10 mg/kg p.o.) or of promethazine (10-15 mg/kg s.c. or p.o.) inhibited paw swelling in the first phase of adjuvant arthritis but not in the second one. 5. The soybean trypsin inhibitor (15 mg/kg i.v.) inhibited paw swelling significantly up to the 4th day, the Kunitz inhibitor (25 000 E/kg i.v.) was ineffective. 6. The content of prostaglandin E of the inflamed paws was increased threefold in both phases of arthritis. The results are discussed with regard to the putative role of mediators of inflammation (histamine, serotonin, kinins, prostaglandins, lysosomal enzymes, lymphokines, complement).     

Gene expression profiling of androgen receptor antagonists in the rat fetal testis reveals few common gene targets

The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in the fetal testis; however, the role of AR in fetal testicular development is poorly understood. Disrupted AR activity and subsequent gene expression alterations may disturb developmental programming of the fetal testis and result in testicular abnormalities later in life. The present study was performed to examine global gene expression patterns in rat fetal testis following in utero exposure to various AR antagonists. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with flutamide (50 mg/kg/day), linuron (50 mg/kg/day), vinclozolin (200 mg/kg/day), p,p'-DDE (100 mg/kg/day) or corn oil vehicle by gavage daily from gestation day (GD) 12-19. Testes were isolated on GD 19, and AR immunostaining, histology, and global changes in gene expression were determined. There were no alterations in the pattern or expression level of AR and no apparent histological changes in the fetal testes in any treatment group. Microarray analysis using Dunnett's test with multiple testing correction revealed no significant gene expression alterations following exposure to flutamide, linuron, vinclozolin, and p,p'-DDE. A less stringent analysis yielded some chemical specific effects on gene expression, and these effects were further evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Vinclozolin treatment reduced the expression of several genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, though the testosterone levels were unchanged in the fetal testes in any treatment group. In flutamide, linuron, and p,p'-DDE treatment groups, the expression of hemoglobin Y, beta-like embryonic chain (Hbb-y) was reduced. Myomesin 2 (Myom2) expression was increased following linuron treatment. Given the lack of a common set of genes and the absence of overt histopathology, we conclude that the fetal testis is not a major target for AR activity at this stage of development although some cell-type specific gene expression changes cannot be ruled out.     

Fluorofenidone attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis in the rat model of obstructive nephropathy

Fluorofenidone (FD) is a novel pyridone agent with significant antifibrotic effects in vitro. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of FD on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy caused by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). With pirfenidone (PD, 500 mg/kg/day) and enalapril (10 mg/kg/day) as the positive treatment controls, the rats in different experimental groups were administered with FD (500 mg/kg/day) from day 4 to day 14 after UUO. The tubulointerstitial injury, interstitial collagen deposition, and expression of type I and type III collagen, transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were assessed. FD treatment significantly attenuated the prominently increased scores of tubulointerstitial injury, interstitial collagen deposition, and protein expression of type I and type III collagen in ureter-obstructed kidneys, respectively. As compared with untreated rats, FD also significantly reduced the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β(1), CTGF, PDGF, and inhibitor of TIMP-1 in the obstructed kidneys. Fluorofenidone attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis in the rat model of obstructive nephropathy through its regulation on fibrogenic growth factors, tubular cell transdifferentiation, and extracellular matrix.