Effect of ginger extract ingestion on skeletal muscle glycogen contents and endurance exercise in male rats

[Purpose]Skeletal muscle glycogen is a determinant of endurance capacity for some athletes. Ginger is well known to possess nutritional effects, such as anti-diabetic effects. We hypothesized that ginger extract (GE) ingestion increases skeletal muscle glycogen by enhancing fat oxidation. Thus, we investigated the effect of GE ingestion on exercise capacity, skeletal muscle glycogen, and certain blood metabolites in exercised rats. [Methods]First, we evaluated the influence of GE ingestion on body weight and elevation of exercise performance in rats fed with different volumes of GE. Next, we measured the skeletal muscle glycogen content and free fatty acid (FFA) levels in GE-fed rats. Finally, we demonstrated that GE ingestion contributes to endurance capacity during intermittent exercise to exhaustion. [Results]We confirmed that GE ingestion increased exercise performance (p<0.05) and elevated the skeletal muscle glycogen content compared to the non-GE-fed (CE, control exercise) group before exercise (Soleus: p<0.01, Plantaris: p<0.01, Gastrocnemius: p<0.05). Blood FFA levels in the GE group were significantly higher than those in the CE group after exercise (p<0.05). Moreover, we demonstrated that exercise capacity was maintained in the CE group during intermittent exercise (p<0.05). [Conclusion]These findings indicate that GE ingestion increases skeletal muscle glycogen content and exercise performance through the upregulation of fat oxidation.     

Differential effects of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on reloading hind-limb soleus and gastrocnemius medialis muscles in 28-day tail-suspended rats

Objectives:Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) was reported beneficial to muscle contractile functions in clinical and preclinical studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of LMHFV on myofibers, myogenic cells and functional properties of disused soleus (Sol) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) during reloading.Methods:Sprague Dawley rats were hind-limb unloaded for 28 days and assigned to reloading control (Ctrl) or LMHFV group (Vib). Sol and GM of both groups were harvested for fiber typing, proliferating myogenic cell counting and in vitro functional assessment.Results:Myogenic cells proliferation was promoted by LMHFV in both Sol and GM (p<0.001 and p<0.05 respectively). Force generating capacity was not much affected (Vib=Ctrl, p>0.05) but fast-fiber favorable changes in fiber type switching (more type IIA but lower type I in Vib; p<0.05 and 0.01 respectively) and fiber hypertrophy (type I, Vib<Ctrl; p<0.01) were observed mainly in GM.Conclusion:LMHFV was not detrimental to reloading muscles but the outcomes were muscle dependent. The unique fiber type composition and anatomical differences between Sol and GM might render the differential muscle responses to LMHFV. Further investigations on myofibers type specific responses to different LMHFV regimes and myogenic cell interaction with associated myofiber were proposed.     

Comparison between liraglutide alone and liraglutide in combination with insulin on osteoporotic rats and their effect on bone mineral density

Objectives:To compare the therapeutic efficacy of liraglutide (LRG) single drug combined with insulin (Ins) on osteoporosis in rats and its effect on bone mineral density (BMD). A rat model of diabetes combined with osteoporosis was established.Methods:40 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (blank, control, LRG and LRG+Ins). Serum levels of CrossLaps, procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and osteocalcin (BGP) were detected by ELISA. Blood glucose was measured by its reaction with glucose oxidase. Serum insulin was analyzed by radioimmunology. Bone calcium and phosphorus contents were also recorded. ELISA was used to detect inflammatory factors. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurement was also performed.Results:BMD of the control group was significantly lower than that of the other three groups (p<0.05) and BMD of the LRG + Ins group was significantly higher than that of the LRG group (p<0.05). The inflammatory factors of the control group were significantly higher than those in the other three groups (p<0.05). The inflammatory factors were negatively correlated with BMD (p<0.05).Conclusions:liraglutide in combination with insulin for the treatment of diabetes complicated with osteoporosis can reduce blood glucose in vivo, promote production of islet, effectively improve osteoporosis symptoms, increase BMD and reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in vivo.     

Effect of Obesity on Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Breast Cancer

Background:Breast cancer is most common cancer in women. Obesity is one of related-risk factor in breast cancer. In obese normal subjects, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been studied. However, there is no previous study investigate the association between ALP and obesity in breast cancer and its correlation with other clinical characteristics. Therefore, the objective of present study is to investigate the association between ALP and clinical characteristics in generally and obesity in particularly.Methods:A cross-study 111 new diagnosed breast cancer patients was included. Plasma ALP was measured in different subgroups: patients age <40 vs >40, premenopausal vs postmenopausal, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) vs estrogen receptor negative (ER-), metastasis vs non-metastasis and obese vs non-obese patients. Results:Significant increasing on plasma ALP were shown between groups of each age, menopausal status, metastasis, and obesity (p< 0.05, p< 0.05, p< 0.01 and p< 0.05) respectively. Positive correlation was observed between plasma ALP and age, menopausal status, metastasis, and obesity (r: 0.616, p< 0.05; r: 0.667, p< 0.01; r: 0.691, p< 0.005; and r: 0.627, p< 0.01). Multiple regression analysis was indicated that ALP can be determined by menopausal status, metastasis, and obesity (β-Coefficient = 0.428, p< 0.01; β-Coefficient = 0.534; p< 0.001; β-coefficient= 0.545; p= 0.005), respectively. Conclusion:Together, the relation between ALP and obesity indicates that ALP could have a role in maturation of preadipocytes of breast cancer patients. Further investigations are needed to confirm that there could be a potential hormonal link between ALP and obesity in breast cancer patients.Key Words: Alkaline phosphatase, Breast cancer, Metastasis, Obesity, Menopausal status     

Treadmill exercise after social isolation increases the levels of NGF,BDNF, and synapsin I to induce survival of neurons in the hippocampus,and improves depression-like behavior

[Purpose]

We investigated the effects of 8 weeks of treadmill exercise on nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and synapsin I protein expression and on the number of 5-bromo-2''-deoxyuridine-5''-mono-phosphate (BrdU)-positive cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in socially isolated rats. Additionally, we examined the effects of exercise on the number of serotonin (5-HT)- and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)-positive cells in the raphe nuclei and on depression behaviors induced by social isolation.

[Methods]

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (1) group housing and control group (GCG, n = 10); (2) group housing and exercise group (GEG, n = 10); (3) isolated housing and control group (ICG, n = 10); and (4) isolated housing and exercise group (IEG, n = 10). After 1 week of housing under the normal condition of 3 animals per cage, rats were socially isolated via transfer to individual cages for 8 weeks. Rats were then subjected to treadmill exercise for 5 days per week for 8 weeks during which time the speed of the treadmill was gradually increased.

[Results]

Compared to the GCG, levels of NGF, BDNF, and synapsin I were significantly decreased in the ICG and significantly increased in the IEG (p < 0.001 respectively). Significantly more BrdU-positive cells in the GEG were present as compared to the GCG and ICG, and more BrdU-positive cells were found in the IEG as compared to the ICG (p < 0.001). 5-HT-positive cells in the GEG were significantly increased compared to the GCG and ICG, and more of these cells were found in the IEG as compared to the ICG (p < 0.01). TPH-positive cells in the GEG were significantly increased compared to those in the GCG and ICG (p < 0.05). In the forced swim test, immobility time was significantly increased in the ICG and significantly decreased in the IEG as compared to the ICG (p < 0.01).

[Conclusion]

These results showed that regular treadmill exercise following social isolation not only increased the levels of NGF, BDNF, and synapsin I to induce survival of neurons in the hippocampus but also improved depression by increasing the number of serotonergic cells in the raphe nuclei.     

A Multicenter,Randomized, Controlled Trial of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Preterms

BackgroundDespite some preliminary evidence, it is still largely unknown whether osteopathic manipulative treatment improves preterm clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 695 newborns were randomly assigned to either the study group (n= 352) or the control group (n=343). A statistical significant difference was observed between the two groups for the primary outcome (13.8 and 17.5 days for the study and control group respectively, p<0.001, effect size: 0.31). Multivariate analysis showed a reduction of the length of stay of 3.9 days (95% CI -5.5 to -2.3, p<0.001). Furthermore, there were significant reductions with treatment as compared to usual care in cost (difference between study and control group: 1,586.01€; 95% CI 1,087.18 to 6,277.28; p<0.001) but not in daily weight gain. There were no complications associated to the intervention.ConclusionsOsteopathic treatment reduced significantly the number of days of hospitalization and is cost-effective on a large cohort of preterm infants.     

Twelve Weeks of Sprint Interval Training Improves Indices of Cardiometabolic Health Similar to Traditional Endurance Training despite a Five-Fold Lower Exercise Volume and Time Commitment

AimsWe investigated whether sprint interval training (SIT) was a time-efficient exercise strategy to improve insulin sensitivity and other indices of cardiometabolic health to the same extent as traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). SIT involved 1 minute of intense exercise within a 10-minute time commitment, whereas MICT involved 50 minutes of continuous exercise per session.MethodsSedentary men (27±8y; BMI = 26±6kg/m²) performed three weekly sessions of SIT (n = 9) or MICT (n = 10) for 12 weeks or served as non-training controls (n = 6). SIT involved 3x20-second ‘all-out’ cycle sprints (~500W) interspersed with 2 minutes of cycling at 50W, whereas MICT involved 45 minutes of continuous cycling at ~70% maximal heart rate (~110W). Both protocols involved a 2-minute warm-up and 3-minute cool-down at 50W.ResultsPeak oxygen uptake increased after training by 19% in both groups (SIT: 32±7 to 38±8; MICT: 34±6 to 40±8ml/kg/min; p<0.001 for both). Insulin sensitivity index (CS_I), determined by intravenous glucose tolerance tests performed before and 72 hours after training, increased similarly after SIT (4.9±2.5 to 7.5±4.7, p = 0.002) and MICT (5.0±3.3 to 6.7±5.0 x 10⁻⁴ min^-1 [μU/mL]^-1, p = 0.013) (p<0.05). Skeletal muscle mitochondrial content also increased similarly after SIT and MICT, as primarily reflected by the maximal activity of citrate synthase (CS; P<0.001). The corresponding changes in the control group were small for VO₂peak (p = 0.99), CS_I (p = 0.63) and CS (p = 0.97).ConclusionsTwelve weeks of brief intense interval exercise improved indices of cardiometabolic health to the same extent as traditional endurance training in sedentary men, despite a five-fold lower exercise volume and time commitment.     

Previous Exercise Training Has a Beneficial Effect on Renal and Cardiovascular Function in a Model of Diabetes

Exercise training (ET) is an important intervention for chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). However, it is not known whether previous exercise training intervention alters the physiological and medical complications of these diseases. We investigated the effects of previous ET on the progression of renal disease and cardiovascular autonomic control in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. All groups were followed for 15 weeks. Trained control and trained diabetic rats underwent 10 weeks of exercise training, whereas previously trained diabetic rats underwent 14 weeks of exercise training. Renal function, proteinuria, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and the echocardiographic parameters autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were evaluated. In the previously trained group, the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was reduced compared with the sedentary diabetic and trained diabetic groups (p<0.05). Additionally, RSNA was normalized in the trained diabetic and previously trained diabetic animals (p<0.05). The ejection fraction was increased in the previously trained diabetic animals compared with the diabetic and trained diabetic groups (p<0.05), and the myocardial performance index was improved in the previously trained diabetic group compared with the diabetic and trained diabetic groups (p<0.05). In addition, the previously trained rats had improved heart rate variability and BRS in the tachycardic response and bradycardic response in relation to the diabetic group (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that previous ET improves the functional damage that affects DM. Additionally, our findings suggest that the development of renal and cardiac dysfunction can be minimized by 4 weeks of ET before the induction of DM by STZ.     

Sorafenib Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis through Inhibition of TGF-β-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

ObjectiveThis study was to investigate whether sorafenib can inhibit the progression of renal fibrosis and to study the possible mechanisms of this effect.MethodsEight-week-old rats were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and were intragastrically administered sorafenib, while control and sham groups were administered vehicle for 14 or 21 days. NRK-52E cells were treated with TGF-β1 and sorafenib for 24 or 48 hours. HE and Masson staining were used to visualize fibrosis of the renal tissue in each group. The expression of α-SMA and E-cadherin in kidney tissue and NRK-52E cells were performed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The apoptosis rate of NRK-52E cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis. The protein levels of Smad3 and p-Smad3 in kidney tissue and NRK-52E cells were detected by western blot analysis.ResultsHE staining demonstrated that kidney interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the sorafenib-treated-UUO groups were significantly decreased compared with the vehicle-treated-UUO group (p<0.05). Masson staining showed that the area of fibrosis was significantly decreased in the sorafenib-treated-UUO groups compared with vehicle-treated-UUO group (p<0.01). The size of the kidney did not significantly increase; the cortex of the kidney was thicker and had a richer blood supply in the middle-dose sorafenib group compared with the vehicle-treated-UUO group (p<0.05). Compared with the vehicle-treated-UUO and TGF-β-stimulated NRK-52E groups, the expression of a-SMA and E-cadherin decreased and increased, respectively, in the UUO kidneys and NRK-52E cells of the sorafenib-treated groups (p<0.05). The apoptotic rate of NRK-52E cells treated with sorafenib decreased for 24 hours in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Compared with the vehicle-treated UUO and TGF-β-stimulated NRK-52E groups, the ratio of p-Smad3 to Smad3 decreased in the sorafenib-treated groups (p<0.05).ConclusionOur results suggest that sorafenib may useful for the treatment of renal fibrosis through the suppression of TGF-β/Smad3-induced EMT signaling.     

Cross training effects of non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscle strengthening exercise on paralytic dorsiflexor muscle activity,gait ability,and balancing ability in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized,controlled, pilot trial

Objective:To investigate the effects of non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscle strengthening exercise on functional abilities in chronic hemiplegic patients after stroke.Methods:A total of 21 patients with chronic stroke underwent dorsiflexion muscle strengthening exercise (MST) 5 times a week for 6 weeks (the experimental group, MST to non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscles, n=11; the control group, MST to paralytic dorsiflexion muscles; n=10). Paralytic dorsiflexor muscle activities (DFA) and 10 m walking tests (10MWT) and timed up and go tests (TUG) were measured before and after intervention.Results:A significant increase in DFA was observed after intervention in the experimental and control groups (p<0.05) (experimental 886.6% for reference voluntary contraction (RVC), control 931.6% for RVC). TUG and 10MWT results showed significant reductions post-intervention in the experimental and control groups (experimental group -5.6 sec, control -4.8 sec; experimental group -3.1 sec, control, -3.9 sec; respectively). No significant intergroup difference was observed between changes in DFA or between changes in TUG and 10MWT results after intervention (p>.05).Conclusion:Strengthening exercise performed on non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscles had positive cross-training effects on paralytic dorsiflexor muscle activities, balance abilities, and walking abilities in patients with chronic stroke.     

Serum levels of appetite-regulating hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines are ameliorated by a CLA diet and endurance exercise in rats fed a high-fat diet

[Purpose]

This study examined whether conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation and endurance exercise affect appetite-regulating hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.

[Methods]

Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into the high-fat diet sedentary group (HS, n=8), the 1.0% CLA supplemented high-fat diet sedentary group (CS, n=8), and the 1.0% CLA supplemented high-fat diet exercise group (CE, n=8). Rats in the CE group swam 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks.

[Results]

Leptin and insulin levels in the CS and CE groups were significantly lower than those in the HS group (p<0.001), whereas leptin (p<0.01) and insulin (p<0.05) levels decreased significantly in the CE compared to those in the CS group. Interleukin (IL)-1β (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.01) levels in the CS and CE groups decreased significantly compared to those in the HS group. Leptin (IL-1β: r=0.835, p<0.001), IL-6 (r=0.607, p<0.05), insulin (IL-1β: r=0.797, p<0.01), and IL-6 (r=0.827, p<0.01) levels were positively related with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

[Conclusion]

Endurance exercise may play an important role during CLA supplementation of rats on a high-fat diet.     

Autophagic Signaling and Proteolytic Enzyme Activity in Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats following Chronic Aerobic Exercise

Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease associated with deleterious effects in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Autophagy is a degradative process essential to muscle health. Acute exercise can alter autophagic signaling. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the effects of chronic endurance exercise on autophagy in skeletal and cardiac muscle of normotensive and hypertensive rats. Male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were assigned to a sedentary condition or 6 weeks of treadmill running. White gastrocnemius (WG) of hypertensive rats had higher (p<0.05) caspase-3 and proteasome activity, as well as elevated calpain activity. In addition, skeletal muscle of hypertensive animals had elevated (p<0.05) ATG7 and LC3I protein, LAMP2 mRNA, and cathepsin activity, indicative of enhanced autophagic signaling. Interestingly, chronic exercise training increased (p<0.05) Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 mRNA as well as proteasome activity, but reduced (p<0.05) Beclin-1 and ATG7 protein, as well as decreased (p<0.05) caspase-3, calpain, and cathepsin activity. Left ventricle (LV) of hypertensive rats had reduced (p<0.05) AMPKα and LC3II protein, as well as elevated (p<0.05) p-AKT, p-p70S6K, LC3I and p62 protein, which collectively suggest reduced autophagic signaling. Exercise training had little effect on autophagy-related signaling factors in LV; however, exercise training increased (p<0.05) proteasome activity but reduced (p<0.05) caspase-3 and calpain activity. Our results suggest that autophagic signaling is altered in skeletal and cardiac muscle of hypertensive animals. Regular aerobic exercise can effectively alter the proteolytic environment in both cardiac and skeletal muscle, as well as influence several autophagy-related factors in skeletal muscle of normotensive and hypertensive rats.     

Enhancement of cisplatin-induced apoptosis by saffron in human lung cancer cells

BackgroundCisplatin is a prevalent chemotherapeutic agent, and it has been used extensively to treat lung cancer. However, its clinical efficacy is hampered by its safety profile and dose-limiting toxicity. Saffron is a natural product that has shown significant anticancer effects. The combination treatment of saffron with chemotherapeutic agents has been considered a new strategy.MethodsHerein, saffron extract as a natural anticancer substance was combined with cisplatin to assess their combined efficacy against tumor development in vitro. In A549 and QU-DB cell lines, the combined effect of the saffron extract with cisplatin led to a significant reduction in cell viability as compared to cisplatin alone.ResultsAfter 48 h incubation a considerable reduction in ROS levels in the QU-DB cell line upon treatment with cisplatin in the presence of saffron extract in comparison with cells treated with cisplatin alone. Furthermore, apoptosis increased significantly when in cells treated with cisplatin in combination with saffron extract compared to cisplatin alone.ConclusionOur data establish that the combination of saffron extract as a natural anticancer substance with cisplatin leads to improved cell toxicity of cisplatin as an anticancer agent. Therefore, the saffron extract could be potentially used as an additive to enable a reduction in cisplatin dosages and its side effects.     

Aerobic Exercise Training Prevents the Onset of Endothelial Dysfunction via Increased Nitric Oxide Bioavailability and Reduced Reactive Oxygen Species in an Experimental Model of Menopause

Objective

Previous studies have shown that estrogen deficiency, arising in postmenopause, promotes endothelial dysfunction. This study evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise training on endothelial dependent vasodilation of aorta in ovariectomized rats, specifically investigating the role of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Methods

Female Wistar rats ovariectomized (OVX – n=20) or with intact ovary (SHAM – n=20) remained sedentary (OVX and SHAM) or performed aerobic exercise training on a treadmill 5 times a week for a period of 8 weeks (OVX-TRA and SHAM-TRA). In the thoracic aorta the endothelium-dependent and –independent vasodilation was assessed by acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively. Certain aortic rings were incubated with L-NAME to assess the NO modulation on the ACh-induced vasodilation. The fluorescence to dihydroethidium in aortic slices and plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations were measured to evaluate ROS and NO bioavailability, respectively.

Results

ACh-induced vasodilation was reduced in OVX rats as compared SHAM (Rmax: SHAM: 86±3.3 vs. OVX: 57±3.0%, p<0.01). Training prevented this response in OVX-TRA (Rmax: OVX-TRA: 88±2.0%, p<0.01), while did not change it in SHAM-TRA (Rmax: SHAM-TRA: 80±2.2%, p<0.01). The L-NAME incubation abolished the differences in ACh-induced relaxation among groups. SNP-induced vasodilation was not different among groups. OVX reduced nitrite/nitrate plasma concentrations and increased ROS in aortic slices, training as effective to restore these parameters to the SHAM levels.

Conclusions

Exercise training, even in estrogen deficiency conditions, is able to improve endothelial dependent vasodilation in rat aorta via enhanced NO bioavailability and reduced ROS levels.     

Effect of balance taping on trunk stabilizer muscles for back extensor muscle endurance: A randomized controlled study

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in back extensor muscle endurance before and after kinesiology tape application to all back stabilizer muscles and to the erector spinae alone.Methods:We assessed 32 adults (16 men and 16 women), randomly divided into two groups. In the erector spinae taping (EST) group, kinesiology tape was applied only to the erector spinae, and in the total muscle taping (TMT) group, kinesiology tape was applied to the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, lower trapezius, internal oblique abdominis, and external oblique abdominis.Results:Both groups showed significant difference in terms of back extensor muscle endurance after kinesiology tape application (p<0.05). Between-group comparison revealed that the TMT group had more back extensor muscle endurance than the EST group (p<0.05) after kinesiology tape application.Conclusions:These findings indicate that, to improve back extensor muscle endurance, kinesiology tape should be applied to all back stabilizer muscles, rather than to the erector spinae muscles alone.     

Oxidants and antioxidants in myocardial infarction (MI): Investigation of ischemia modified albumin,malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase in individuals diagnosed with ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI)

BackgroundCoronary ischemia can lead to myocardial damage and necrosis. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases often includes increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defense. The study aimed to assess levels of ischemia modified albumin (IMA), malondialdehyde acid (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase in individuals diagnosed with ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI.MethodsThe present study prospectively included 50 STEMI patients, 55 NSTEMI patients, and 55 healthy subjects. Only patients who were recently diagnosed with STEMI or NSTEMI were included in this study. IMA, MDA, SOD, and catalase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Significant coronary artery lesions were determined by angiography.ResultsPatients with ACS had significantly greater IMA and MDA values than the healthy controls (p<0.001). Besides, patients with STEMI had IMA levels that were significantly greater than those of the patients with NSTEMI (p<0.001), while the reverse was true for MDA levels (p<0.001). The healthy controls had the highest levels of SOD and catalase levels, followed by patients with STEMI and patients with NSTEMI, respectively (p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation among MDA and SOD with catalase levels (r = -0.771 p<0.001 MDA vs catalase; r = -0.821 p<0.001 SOD vs catalase).ConclusionsData obtained in this study reveals that compared to healthy controls, STEMI and NSTEMI patients had increased levels of MDA and IMA and decreased levels of SOD and catalase.     

Late‐in‐life treadmill training rejuvenates autophagy,protein aggregate clearance,and function in mouse hearts

Protein quality control mechanisms decline during the process of cardiac aging. This enables the accumulation of protein aggregates and damaged organelles that contribute to age‐associated cardiac dysfunction. Macroautophagy is the process by which post‐mitotic cells such as cardiomyocytes clear defective proteins and organelles. We hypothesized that late‐in‐life exercise training improves autophagy, protein aggregate clearance, and function that is otherwise dysregulated in hearts from old vs. adult mice. As expected, 24‐month‐old male C57BL/6J mice (old) exhibited repressed autophagosome formation and protein aggregate accumulation in the heart, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and reduced exercise capacity vs. 8‐month‐old (adult) mice (all p < 0.05). To investigate the influence of late‐in‐life exercise training, additional cohorts of 21‐month‐old mice did (old‐ETR) or did not (old‐SED) complete a 3‐month progressive resistance treadmill running program. Body composition, exercise capacity, and soleus muscle citrate synthase activity improved in old‐ETR vs. old‐SED mice at 24 months (all p < 0.05). Importantly, protein expression of autophagy markers indicate trafficking of the autophagosome to the lysosome increased, protein aggregate clearance improved, and overall function was enhanced (all p < 0.05) in hearts from old‐ETR vs. old‐SED mice. These data provide the first evidence that a physiological intervention initiated late‐in‐life improves autophagic flux, protein aggregate clearance, and contractile performance in mouse hearts.     

Association of Glutathione S-Transferase theta 1 and mu 1 Genes Polymorphisms with the Susceptibility of Myocardial Infarction in Bangladesh

Background:Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis leading to myocardial infarction and Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) act as detoxifying enzymes to reduce oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of the GST (T1 & M1) gene polymorphism with the susceptibility of myocardial infarction in the Bangladeshi population.Methods:A case-control study on 100 cardiac patients with MI and 150 control subjects was conducted. The genotyping of GST (T1 & M1) gene was done using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction.Results:The percentage of GSTM1 genotypes was significantly (p< 0.01) lower in patients compared to control subjects while the GSTT1 genotypes were not significantly different between the study subjects. The individual with GSTM1 null allele was at 2.5-fold increased risk {odds ratio (OR)= 2.5; 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI)= 1.4 to 4.3; p< 0.01} of experiencing MI while individual with either GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotypes was at lower risk. In the case of GST M1 and GST T1 combined genotype, patients having both null genotypes for GST M1 and GST T1 gene showed significantly (p< 0.01) higher risk of experiencing MI when compared to control subjects (OR= 3.5; 95% CI= 1.7–7.2; p< 0.001). Conclusion:Thus our recent study suggested that GSTM1 alone and GSTM1 and T1 in combination augments the risk of MI in Bangladeshi population. Key Words: Bangladesh, GST (T1 & M1), Myocardial infarction, PCR, Polymorphism     

Evaluating the Effects of Separate and Concomitant Use of MK-2206 and Salinomycin on Prostate Cancer Cell Line

Background:Prostate cancer is known as one of the most prevalent health disorders in the male population globally. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of separate and concomitant use of MK-2206 and salinomycin on prostate cancer cell line.Methods:The antitumor potential of separate and concomitant use of MK-2206 and salinomycin was evaluated in a panel of prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). To get insights into the underlying mechanism of action, different assays including the rate of apoptosis, cell viability, and gene expression were performed in treated prostate cancer cells.Results:A significant reduction was detected in the viability percentage of prostate cancer cells (p< 0.001) and the rate of Akt expression (p< 0.001) in all salinomycin, MK-2206, and salinomycin+MK-2206 groups compared to the negative control group. Furthermore, in comparison with the negative control group, there was a notable increase in both the rate of Bad expression (p< 0.001) and prostate cancer cells apoptosis after salinomycin, MK-2206, and salinomycin+MK-2206 treatments. Moreover, the concomitant use of salinomycin+MK-2206 revealed synergistic improvements regarding the viability of prostate cancer cells and the rate of the Akt and Bad expressions compared to the separate administration of salinomycin and MK-2206 (all p< 0.05)Conclusion:The findings of the present study may contribute to improving the efficacy of the therapies regarding the management of prostate cancer and providing a beneficial strategy in clinical trials.Key Words: Apoptosis, Gene Expression, MK 2206, Prostatic Neoplasms, Salinomycin     

Relationship Between IL-2, IL-17 Concentrations,and Serum Creatinine Levels in Men with Chronic Kidney Diseases

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a major public health challenge worldwide. It is more prevalent in developed countries compared with the rest of the world, due to the higher rates of life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyle related factors. This aim of the current study is to evaluate the relationship between interleukins IL-2 and IL-17 concentrations and kidney function markers in men with CKD.Methods:Forty-five men with CKD and seventy controls were enrolled in the current study to assess the relationship between interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and CKD parameters. Fasting blood samples were collected from patients with CKD and their controls at same time. Serum IL-2, and IL-17 were measured in patients with CKD and their controls, and then the relationship between these interleukins and serum creatinine, serum urea, serum uric acid and urine albumin were evaluated.Results:A significant relationship was detected between IL-2 (p< 0.001), IL-17 (p< 0.001) levels and serum creatinine concentrations. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 levels were also paralleled with a significant increase in serum urea (p< 0.001), and urine albumin (p< 0.001) concentrations respectively.Conclusion:IL-2 and IL-17 may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of CKD. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 is associated with significantly high concentrations of creatinine, serum urea and urine albumin suggesting that these interleukins may be used as targets for future biomarkers and molecular therapy. However, due to limited sample size of the current study, larger prospective cohorts are needed to confirm these observations.Key Words: Chronic kidney disease, Interleukins, Serum creatinine, Serum urea, Urine albumin