Aortic expression of HSP22, TNF-α and eNOS in rats with hyperlipidemia and effects of atorvastatin

AIM:To establish a rat hyperlipidemia model for studying the aortic expression of heat shock protein 22 (HSP22), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the effect of atorvastatin intervention. METHODS:Hyperlipidemia model was established in SD rats. Afterwards, the rats were divided into normal control group, high fat group and high fat+atorvastatin intervention group. The expression of HSP22 and TNF-α in the rat aortas was detected by immunohistochemical assay and the expression of eNOS was assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS:No detectable expression of HSP22 and TNF-α in the normal control group was observed. However, the expression of HSP22 and TNF-α was positive in the high fat group and the atorvastatin intervention group. The mean densities of HSP22 and TNF-α positive particles were significant lower in the atorvastatin intervention group as compared with high fat group (both P＜0.05). The expression of eNOS protein in the high fat group and atorvastatin intervention group was significantly lower than that in normal control group (P<0.01). However, no marked difference of eNOS protein expression between high fat group and atorvastatins intervention group was observed. CONCLUSION: The expression of HSP22 and TNF-α in the rat aortas is increased in the hyperlipidemia rat model. This effect can be restored by atorvastatin treatment. The expression of eNOS in the rat aortas is decreased in the hyperlipidemia rat model, but this tendency could not be attenuated by atorvastatin.     

Effect of glutamine on heat shock protein-70 and tumor necrosis factor-α expession in endotoxemic rats

AIM: To study the protective effect of glutamine (Gln) against endotoxemia by observing the effect of glutamine on heat shock proteins (HSPs) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in endotoxemic rats. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, lipopolysaccharide group (LPS), glutamine-treated group (Gln) and control group (C). The blood was drawn from lateral tail vein for analysis of cytokine levels at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h post-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. TNF-α was measured by radioimmunity assay. Multiple tissues were harvested from the rats, and HSP70 was detected by immunohistochemistry. At the same time, lung, liver, and ileum tissue section were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS: Gln treatment resulted in marked attenuation of TNF-α expression at 2 h post-LPS injection (P＜0.01). Gray gradients of HSP70 in lungs, liver and ileum tissue in group Gln were much lower than those of group LPS (P＜0.05), This suggested that HSP70 content in these tissues of group Gln was higher than that of group LPS. Tissue sample from lung, liver and ileum revealed significantly less evidence of endotoxin-induced tissue damage in Gln-treated animals. CONCLUSION: Gln can significantly enhance HSP70 expression in multiple tissues of endotoxin-treated rats. A single dose of intravenous Gln given concomitantly with an endotoxin injury can markedly reduce organ histological damage, and attenuate pro-inflammatory cytokine release.     

Prevention of isinglass on the chronic atrophic gastritis in rats and its mechanism

AIM: To evaluate the effect of isinglass on chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) in rats and its mechanism. METHODS: An animal model of CAG in accordance with the previous experience of combined administration of 60% ethanol, 20 mmol/L sodium deoxycholate and 0.1% ammonia water was established in SD rats. Isinglass was used as preventive therapy while we were establishing CAG rat model. Finally all the rats were executed and pathologic changes of the gastric mucosa were studied by gross appearance and microscopy and serum epidermal growth factor (EFG) and growth hormone(GH) contents were tested. RESULTS: In each isinglass prevention group, inflammation grade of gastric antrum was less than that in model group (P<0.01) while the mean ratio of the thickness of gastric mucosal gland and muscularis mucosa (L1/L2), the number of gastric glands in 1 mm lengths of mucosal layer in longitudinal sections were much better than those in model group (P<0.01).They were very close to normal control group (P>0.05). The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in gastric mucosa and serum EFG level were higher than those in model group (P<0.01, P<0.05), but serum GH content showed no different between isinglass prevention group and model group. CONCLUSION: Isinglass preventes the gastric mucosal atrophy in the CAG model. Its mechanism may be related to the effects of decreasing the gastric mucosal damage， promoting the cell proliferation and increasing of internal EFG secretion.     

Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist rosiglitazone on intestinal injury in rats undergoing orthotopic autologous liver transplantation by inhibiting inflammatory response

AIM: To investigate the effect of rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) agonist, on the expression of PPARγ, the activation of NF-κB and intestine injury in the rats undergoing orthotopic autologous liver transplantation(OALT).METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group, sham group, OALT group and rosiglitazone(0.3 mg/kg, iv) pretreatment(ROS+OALT) group. The OALT model was established, and the intestinal tissues were collected 8 h after the liver reperfusion. The intestinal tissue sections were stained to visualize the damage. The expression of PPARγ and NF-κB in the tissues, the concentrations of diamine oxidase(DAO) and fatty acid-binding protein 2(FABP2) in the serum and the concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 in the tissues were measured.RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the intestinal mucosa of the rats showed obvious pathological injury after liver reperfusion in OALT group and ROS group, the Chiu,s scores of intestinal mucosa was significantly higher, and the serum concentrations of DAO and FABP2 increased(P<0.05). After rosiglitazone pretreatment, the injury of intestinal mucosa of the rats was alleviated, the Chiu,s scores was lower and the serum concentrations of DAO and FABP2 decreased(P<0.05), the PPARγ expression was obviously up-regulated in the intestinal tissues, the nuclear translocation of NF-κB was reduced and the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased.CONCLUSION: During perioperative period of OALT in rats, the inflammatory responses are obvious. Furthermore, obvious intestinal injury occurs. PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone obviously up-regulates PPARγ expression and inhibits the inflammation in the intestines, thus protecting against intestinal injury in rats undergoing OALT.     

Protective effect of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein on sepsis induced by intra-abdominal infection in rats

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) on sepsis induced by intra-abdominal infection in rats and its mechanism.METHODS:Intra-abdominal infection induced sepsis was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). BPI or equal volume of physiological saline was intra-abdominally given immediately after CLP and 12 hours after CLP respectively (2.5 mg/kg of BPI each time). Plasma endotoxin levels were determined with limulus amebocyte chromogenic assay.RESULTS:(1)The survival time in BPI group was significantly higher than in physiological saline (PS) group. (2)The values of MAP, LVSP, IP, d p /d t max and-d p /d t max in BPI group, although decreasing,were markedly higher than those in PS group. (3) Plasma glutamate-pyruvate transaminase and urea nitrogen levels in BPI group, though increasing, were significantly lower than those in PS group.(4) There was no significant change of plasma endotoxin levels in BPI group, while plasma endotoxin levels were markedly increased in PS group. There was significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS:BPI has an obvious protective effect on intra-abdominal infection induced sepsis, which might be related to its antagonism against endotoxin.     

The relationship between nitric oxide and gastric mucosal injury induced by reserpine in rats

AIM: To study the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) and gastric mucosal injury induced by reserpine in rats. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental group (n=8). NO contents and malondialdehyde(MDA) contents in plasma, gastric mucosa of the rats were respectively determined with Cadmium-reduct plus Greiss and TBA; nitric oxide synthase in gastric walls of the rats were observed using NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and quantitatively measured with image analyzer. RESULTS: The NO contents in both plasma and gastric mucosa of experimental group were significantly lower than that in control group (P＜0.01),but their MDA contents were both higher than that in control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);the densities and A values of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-positive nerve-cells and nerve fibers in gastric walls of experimental group were all obviously lower than that in control group (P＜0.05,P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: The mechanism of the reserpine-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats might be related to NO insufficiency arisen from the inhibition of NOS activity in NANC nerves in gastric wall,which might weaken the protection to gastric mucosa.     

Protective effect of famotidine against gastric mucosa damage resulting from interdicted hepatic portal in the liver cirrhosis rat

AIM: To investigate the influence of hepatic portal interdicting on gastric mucosa of the liver cirrhosis rats and the protective effect of famotidine on gastric mucosa. METHODS: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups; group A (healthy rats), group B (healthy rats with interdicted hepatic portal), group C (liver cirrhosis rats without interdicted hepatic portal), group D (liver cirrhosis rats with interdicted hepatic portal) and group E (liver cirrhosis rats without interdicted hepatic portal and use of famotidine); The gastricfluid pH, gastric mucous content (GMC), gastric mucosa blood flow (GMBF) and the damage index of gastric mucosa (DIGM) of the every group were observed. RESULTS: There is no significant difference in the above parameters between group A and group B (P>0.05). Compared with group A, GMBF of group C, D, and E were reduced (P<0.01), pH, GMC of group C, D and E were also reduced (P<0.05); DIGM of group C, D and E were increased (P<0.01). All the changes of group D were more obvious than those of group C (P<0.01); While there was no significant difference in all the parameters between group E and group C (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Hepatic portal interdicting can aggravate the gastric mucosa damage of the liver cirrhosis rat, and famotidine can protect against such gastric mucosa injury through improving the microcirculation of gastric mucosa.     

Effect of glycine on lipopolysaccharide and hypoxia-induced necrotizing enterocolitis in rats

AIM:To investigate the effect of glycine on endotoxin and hypoxia-induced necrotizing exterocolitos (NEC) in rats. METHODS:In glycine+NEC group, twenty anesthetized and artificially ventilated rats received 1g/kg glycine (20%, iv). Five minutes later, the rats were treated with 2 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In control group (NS+NEC), twenty rats were treated with normal saline as a substitute for glycine. In all animals, FiO₂ was reduced after 90 min from 21% to 5% and ventilation continued until 180 min or death. At the end of the experiment, the samples of blood and intestine were obtained immediately. Serum TNFα was measured with ELISA, serum NO was determined by nitrate reductase. The histopathology of the necrotic lesions were categoried: grade Ⅰ, focal mild injury confined to villous tips; grade Ⅱ, partial loss of villi; grade Ⅲ, necrosis extending to submucosa; grade Ⅳ, transmural necrosis. RESULTS:The survival time was shorter in the NS+NEC group (P＜0.01). The intestinal injury of the rats in glycine+NEC group was markedly alleviated (P＜0.01). The levels of TNF-α and NO₂^-/NO₃^- in serum decreased significantly in animals treated with glycine (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). CONCLUSION:Glycine alleviated LPS-induced NEC by inhibiting excessive production of TNFα and nitric oxide.     

Effect of metabolites of Clostridium butyricum,butyric acid and hydrogen,on acute gastric mucosal lesion

AIM: To observe the antiulcer effect of butyric acid and hydrogen, the main metabolites of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum), and to explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The mouse model of acute gastric mucosal lesion was prepared by gavage with ethanol. The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal group, model group, butyric acid group and hydrogen group. The mice in butyric acid group and hydrogen group were given butyrate and hydrogen prior to model establishment, respectively. Macroscopic observation of the pathological changes in gastric tissues was performed to evaluate the effect of the 2 metabolites of C. butyricum. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors, such as IL-12, RAN1 and MCP-1, were determined by RT-qPCR. The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The macroscopic observation found that butyrate, not hydrogen, protected gastric mucosa. HE staining also showed that butyrate significantly attenuated the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa induced by ethanol. Compared with model group, the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors IL-12, RAN1 and MCP-1 in butyrate group significantly decreased (P<0.01). In butyrate group, the protein level of Bax was obviously decreased compared with model group (P<0.01), while the protein level of Bcl-2 was significantly increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The gastric mucosa protective metabolite of C. butyricum may be butyric acid, not hydrogen. Butyric acid protects the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced lesion by inhibiting the inflammation and reducing the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.     

Role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein in development of hepatopulmonary syndrome induced by multiple pathogenic factors

AIM: To explore the role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) in the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in rats and the relation to intestinal endotoxemia (IETM). METHODS: The experimental animals were randomly divided into HPS groups of the 4th week, the 6th week and the 8th week. Normal control groups at the corresponding time points were also set up. The Wistar rat model of HPS produced in the process of liver cirrhosis was induced by employing multiple pathogenic factors to the animals. The rats in normal control group were designed by feeding with standard diet and tap water. Histopathological changes of the lung and liver were observed under microscope with the staining of hematoxylin and eosin (HE). The concentrations of alanine amino transferase (ALT), endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in plasma, the contents of TNF-α and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the lung tissues were detected. The expression of GRP78 at mRNA and protein levels in the lungs was measured by the methods of RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: The level of endotoxin in plasma was gradually increased with the HPS development. The expression of GRP78 at mRNA and protein levels was also gradually increased with the HPS development and was significant at every time point. The endotoxin in plasma was positively correlated with the expression of GRP78 protein in the lung tissues of the rats with HPS. With the HPS development, the levels of ALT and TNF-α in plasma and the contents of TNF-α and MDA in the lung tissues were gradually increased. The content of endotoxin in plasma and the protein expression of GRP78 in the lung tissues were positively correlated with the contents of TNF-α in plasma and TNF-α and MDA in the lung tissues. The contents of TNF-α in plasma and GRP78 at mRNA and protein levels and TNF-α in the lung tissues were higher in the rats with HPS at every time point than those in normal control group. At the 6th week and the 8th week, the contents of endotoxin and ALT in plasma and MDA in the lung tissues of the rats with HPS were significantly higher than those in normal control group. CONCLUSION: IETM originated from the liver cirrhosis acts as a critical stressor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activates ER stress in the lung by oxidative stress, resulting in increased expression of GRP78. Therefore,the increased expression of GRP78 induced by ER stress may play an important role in the development of HPS in rats.     

Effects of inhibition of Kupffer cell and splenectomy on thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury

AIM: To examine the effects of inhibition of Kupffer cell and splenectomy on intestinal endotoxemia and hepatic injury. METHODS: The hepatic injury model was established by treatment with thioacetamide (TAA). At the same time, inhibition of Kupffer cells by intravenous GdCl₃ and splenectomy were performed. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), TNF-α, endotoxin content and phagocytic index were observed. RESULTS: In the TAA+GdCl₃ group, and TAA+splenectomy group, the endotoxin content was significently higher than that in normal and TAA group (P<0.05). The plasma TNF-α, ALT and total bilirubin were significantly lower than those in TAA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhibition of Kupffer cells and splenectomy increase plasma endotoxin level, but decreases the plasma TNF-α levels and alleviates the hepatic injury induced by TAA.     

Dynamic changes of neurokinin A and calcitonin gene-related peptide levels in gastric mucosal and plasma in rats with celiac seawater-immersing trauma

AIM: To observe the dynamic changes of neurokinin A (NKA) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in gastric mucosal and plasma in rats after abdominal seawater-immersing trauma, and to investigate the influence of these two sensory neuropeptides on acute gastric mucosal lesion. METHODS: Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (normal group, celiac seawater-immersing trauma 1, 2 and 3 h groups). With emzyoimmunoassay and radioimmunoassay respectively, gastric mucosal and plasma NKA and CGRP levels in rats were measured.RESULTS: Compared with normal rats, with the seawater-immersing time prolonged, gastric mucosal NKA and CGRP levels in rats were progressively decreased (P<0.05), while plasma NKA and CGRP levels significantly elevated. CONCLUSION: Seawater-immersion is a harmful factor, it can lead to elevated plasma NKA and CGRP levels and decrease gastric mucosal NKA and CGRP levels.     

Role of GRP78 in alteration of myocardium induced by intestinal endotoxemia in cirrhotic rats

AIM: To explore the role of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the alteration of myocardium induced by intestinal endotoxemia in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Fifty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into liver cirrhosis groups of 4-week, 6-week and 8-week, and normal control groups at corresponding time points. The cardiac functions of the 8-week rats were measured. Tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in myocardial tissues were detected. The number of myocardial cells and the collagen volume fraction (CVF) were determined with toluidine blue and van Giesan staining, respectively. The expression of GRP78 and hypoxia-inducible facotr 1α(HIF-1α) was analyzed by the method of immnunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group at corresponding time point, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP) and ±LV dp/dt_max in 8-week group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, MDA and CVF, the protein expression of GRP78 and HIF-1α in the myocardial tissues were significantly increased in every model group (P<0.05), and the number of myocardial cells was gradually decreased (P<0.05). Elevated levels of endotoxin in plasma were positively correlated with the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT),homocysteine (Hcy) and TNF-α in plasma, the levels of TNF-α, MDA and CVF, and protein levels of GRP78 and HIF-1α in the myocardial tissues (P<0.05). Elevated protein expression of GRP78 in the myocardial tissues was positively correlated with the levels of ALT, Hcy in plasma and MDA, CVF, HIF-1α protein in the myocardial tissues (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intestinal endotoxemia induced by liver cirrhosis may directly or indirectly lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and overexpression of GRP78. GRP78 may be a key molecule in the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling and functional alteration induced by liver cirrhosis.     

Role of oxidative stress in gastric motility of diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the changes of oxidative stress in the stomach tissues and their roles in gastric motility and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in diabetic rats. METHODS: Thirty-eight SD rats (8-week-old, male) were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetes was successfully induced in 36 of them. The diabetes rats were randomly divided into untreated diabetes group and treated diabetes group. Eighteen healthy SD rats (8-week-old, male) served as controls. The body weight and the levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were measured. At the end of week 1 and week 10, 9 rats were sacrificed in each group. The gastric emptying rate and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA),superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), tyrosine kinase receptor c-Kit and stem cell factor (SCF) in gastric smooth muscle were analyzed. The apoptosis of ICC in gastric tissues was detected by the methods of immunocytochemistry and TUNEL. RESULTS: Compared with control group, gastric motility and SOD activity in untreated diabetes group were significantly weakened, the levels of MDA and TNF-α increased, the levels of c-Kit and SCF decreased, and apoptosis of ICC enhanced. In treated diabetes group, the oxidative stress level was attenuated, antioxidant capacity was enhanced, the levels of c-Kit and SCF were significantly increased, and the ICC apoptosis was reduced. Gastric motility was significantly improved after antioxidant therapy. CONCLUSION: Hyperglycemia affects the expression of antioxidant enzymes in the stomachs of diabetic rats. Oxidative stress is caused by hyperglycemia and is an important factor in the etiology of gastric motility dysfunction in diabetic rats, which may be correlated with the augmentation of ICC apoptosis resulting from oxidative stress-induced c-Kit/SCF damage.     

Effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors on gastric epithelial cell proliferating and gastric healing following hydrochloric acid-induced injury in rats

AIM: To clarify the effects of specific and non-specific cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors on gastric epithelial cell proliferating and gastric healing following acid-induced damage. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given 1 mL of 0.6 mol/L hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the stomach. Ten minutes after the administration of the acid, the animals were given NS-398 (COX-2 inhibitor) or indomethacin. Levels of COX-1 and COX-2 in the gastric mucosa before and after HCl-administration were analyzed using western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected using immunohistochemistry for epithelial cell proliferation. Gastric lesion index (LI) was assessed using planimetry. RESULTS: Expression of COX-2 was enhanced mainly in surface epithelial cells and neck cells following HCl-administration. At 24 h following acid administration, PCNA labeling index (PCNA-LI) was (22.72±4.33) % and (21.98±5.18) % in the groups treated with 40 mg/kg of NS-398 and indomethacin respectively, which was significantly lower than that in the control group [ (34.46±3.61) %, P< 0.05 ]; LI was (1.28±0.58) % and (1.16±0.56) % in the groups treated with 4 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of NS-398, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group [ (0.58±0.24) %, P< 0.05 ]. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors delayed gastric mucosal healing by suppressing expansion of the mucosal proliferative zone. These results provide evidence that cyclooxygenase-2 plays an important role in gastric mucosal regeneration.     

Role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein in the development of liver cirrhosis promoted by intestinal endotoxemia in rats

AIM: To explore the role of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) in the development of liver cirrhosis in rats promoted by intestinal endotoxemia (IETM). METHODS: Fifty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into liver cirrhosis groups of 4th-week, 6th-week and 8th-week, and normal control group at the corresponding time points. The rat model of hepatic cirrhosis was induced by employing multiple pathogenic factors to the animals. The liver injury and hepatic fibrosis were observed with the staining of HE and VG, respectively. The expression of GRP78 at the mRNA and protein levels was measured by the methods of RT-PCR and immnunohistochemistry, respectively. The concentrations of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), endotoxin, TNF-α and homocystine (HCY) in plasma, and the content of TNF-α, malondialdehyde(MDA) and PⅢP in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS: As liver cirrhosis developed, the levels of ALT, endotoxin, TNF-α and HCY in plasma, the expression of GRP78 at mRNA and protein, the content of TNF-α, MDA and PⅢP in liver tissues, and the index of liver fibrosis were gradually increased and were significantly higher than those in normal control group (P<0.05). Elevated endotoxin in plasma was correlated positively with the protein expression of GRP78, the content of MDA and HCY in plasma and the index of liver fibrosis (P<0.01). Elevated protein expression of GRP78 was correlated positively with the content of MDA and HCY in plasma and the index of liver fibrosis (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: GRP78 plays an important role in the development of liver cirrhosis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress is a possible mechanism in the development of liver cirrhosis promoted by IETM.     

Activity of H+-K+-ATPase in gastric parietal cells under stress in rats and analysis of electron microscopic enzyme cytochemistry

AIM: To demonstrate the changes of activity and electron microscopic enzyme cytochemistry staining of H⁺-K⁺-ATPase of gastric parietal cells under stress in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, stress group and stress+omeprazole (OM) group. Water immersion-restraint stress (WRS) model in SD rats was performed. The ulcer index (UI) of gastric mucosa and H⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of gastric parietal cells were measured. The changes of ultrastructure and electron microscopic enzyme cytochemistry staining of parietal cells were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM). RESULTS: Compared with control group, the UI of gastric mucosa and H⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of gastric parietal cells increased (P<0.01 and P<0.05) in stress group. In stress+OM group, both UI and H⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity decreased (P<0.01) compared with stress group. Parietal cells were in a resting state in control group, and became active in stress group, where plenty of intracellular canaliculi were observed under the TEM. In stress+OM group, the dilated intracellular canaliculi lined with rare microvilli were founded. Enzyme cytochemistry staining showed that there was little black punctate enzyme reactive product scatted in intracellular canaliculi and the apical plasma membrane of parietal cells in control group, and there were large amounts of black enzyme reactive product accumulated at the intracellular canaliculi in stress group. Scarcely deposition of enzyme reactive product in intracellular canaliculi was observed in stress+OM group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the H⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of gastric parietal cells increases under WRS, and is in accordance with ultrastructure changes. These findings suggeste that gastric acid might be one of the most important factors that result in stress ulcer.     

Erythropoietin protects rats with heart failure in hypothermia by activating PI3K/Akt pathway and upregulating the expression of HSP70

AIM:To investigate the effect oferythropoietin (EPO) on the rats with heart failure (HF) in hypothermia and to explore its underlying mechanism.METHODS:The Sprague-Dawley rats (n=80) were randomly divided into five groups:control group (CON group),HF in low-temperature group (HFLT group),HF in normal temperature group (HFNT group),HF with EPO in low temperature group (HFLT+EPO group),and HF with EPO and LY2940002 in low temperature group (HFLT+EPO+LY group).All rats were housed in artifitial climate chamber.The animals in CON,HFLT,HFLT+EPO and HFLT+EPO+LY groups were under the low-temperature environment,while those in HFNT group were under normal temperature.The heart function was evaluated by echocardiography.The rats were then executed and the hearts were harvested.The apoptosis of myocytes was assessed by TUNEL method.The mRNA expression of Fas and PI3K was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) and the protein levels of HSP70,Akt and p-Akt in the myocardial tissues were determined by Western blot.RESULTS:The rat cardiac functions in HFLT group were significantly deteriorated compared with HFNT group.The cardiac functions in HFLT+EPO group were improved compared with HFLT group.The cardiac functions in HFLT+EPO+LY group were significantly pejorated compared with HFLT+EPO group.The apoptotic index of the myocardium in HFLT group and HFNT group was significantly higher than that in CON group (P<0.01).The apoptotic index of the myocardium in HFLT group was significantly higher than that in HFNT group (P<0.05).The apoptotic index of the myocardium in HFLT+EPO group was significantly lower than that in HFLT group (P<0.01).The mRNA expression of Fas in HFLT group was significantly higher than that in HFNT group,and no obvious difference of the mRNA expression level of PI3K between HFLT group and HFNT group was observed.The mRNA expression of PI3K in HFLT+EPO group was significantly lower than that in HFLT group and HFLT+EPO+LY group (P<0.05),and that in HFLT+EPO group was significantly higher than that in HFLT group and HFLT+EPO+LY group (P<0.05). The protein levels of p-Akt and HSP70 in HFLT+EPO group was also higher than those in HFLT group and HFLT+EPO+LY group (P<0.05),and no obvious difference of the protein levels of p-Akt and HSP70 in CON,HFLT and HFNT groups was found.The protein level of Akt had no significant difference in each group.CONCLUSION:The pathway of PI3K/Akt may be one of the cardioprotective ways of EPO.EPO activates the PI3K/Akt pathway,upregulates the experssion of HSP70(an endogenous protective factor) and inhibits the apoptosis,thus protecting the cardiac functions in the rats with HF in hypothermia.     

Expression of Wnt1 and LGR5 in gastric mucosa with stress ulcer after TBI in rats

AIM To investigate the expression of Wnt1 and LGR5 in gastric mucosa with stress ulcer after traumatic brain injury （TBI） in rats, and to study the relationship between Wnt1/LGR5 expression and stress ulcer after TBI. METHODS Healthy 7-week-old male SD rats （n=30） were randomly divided into 3 groups： sham operation （sham） group, mild TBI （mTBI） group, and severe TBI （sTBI） group. The mTBI and sTBI were induced by electronic cortical contusion impactor. Neurological severity score （NSS） was calculated 24 and 48 h after modeling. Mucosal blood flow in gastric fundus, greater curvature, pylorus and cardia of anesthetized rats 48 h after injury was measured by Doppler flowmeter. All rats were sacrificed, and their gastric tissues were harvested after 48 h and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The protein expression of Wnt1 and LGR5 was analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Compared with sham group, the NSS in mTBI group and sTBI group was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with sham group, the gastric mucosal blood flow of the rats after TBI was significantly decreased （P<0.01）, and the decrease in sTBI group was more significant than that in mTBI group （P<0.05）. The protein expression of Wnt1 and LGR5 in mTBI group was significantly higher than that in sham group （P<0.05）, and that in sTBI group was significantly higher than that in mTBI group （P<0.05）. Normal glandular gastric tissue was observed, and no abnormal change was found in sham group, while the infiltration of inflammatory cells in gastric lamina propria, mucosa and submucosa was obvious in mTBI group and sTBI group. CONCLUSION Traumatic brain injury activates Wnt1 and LGR5 expression to induce inflammatory changes in gastric mucosa, and then induces stress ulcer. This results provides experimental basis for the pathogenesis and treatment of stress ulcer after trauma.     

Effect of anisodamine on the reserpine-induced gastric mucosal lesion in rats

AIM: To determine the effects of anisodamine (Ani) administered intraperitoneally on the gastric mucosal lesion induced by reserpine.METHODS:In reserpine-treated rats, gastric mucosal lesion, gastric acid secretion, gastric barrier mucus secretion, gastric contraction, gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF), gastric mucosal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) content were examined.RESULTS:Ani in doses of 1,5 and 10 mg/kg significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions induced by reserpine, with the suppressive rate of 60.0%, 66.7% and 76.6%, respectively. Ani (10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the secretion of gastric acid, but had no effect on the volume of gastric juice. Ani (10 mg/kg) significantly prompted the secretion of gastric barrier mucus. Our findings also showed that Ani (10 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the frequency and amplitude of gastric contraction. Ani (10 mg/kg) significantly prompted GMBF. In reserpine treated rats, gastric mucosal NOS activity and NO content were decreased and Ani (10 mg/kg) could inhibit the decrease in NOS activity and NO content.CONCLUSIONS:The protective effect of Ani may results in part from inhibiting gastric acid secretion, prompting gastric barrier mucus secretion, suppressing gastric contraction and improving GMBF. NO seems to play an important mediator role in the Ani protective mechanisms.