Astaxanthin Pretreatment Attenuates Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy via the ROS/MAPK Pathway in Mice

Background: Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) is an important issue in complex liver resection and liver transplantation. The aim of the present study was to determine the protective effect of astaxanthin (ASX), an antioxidant, on hepatic IR injury via the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ROS/MAPK) pathway. Methods: Mice were randomized into a sham, IR, ASX or IR + ASX group. The mice received ASX at different doses (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Serum and tissue samples at 2 h, 8 h and 24 h after abdominal surgery were collected to assess alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), inflammation factors, ROS, and key proteins in the MAPK family. Results: ASX reduced the release of ROS and cytokines leading to inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy via down-regulation of the activated phosphorylation of related proteins in the MAPK family, such as P38 MAPK, JNK and ERK in this model of hepatic IR injury. Conclusion: Apoptosis and autophagy caused by hepatic IR injury were inhibited by ASX following a reduction in the release of ROS and inflammatory cytokines, and the relationship between the two may be associated with the inactivation of the MAPK family.     

Fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus Protects against Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage by Modulating Inflammatory Mediators in Mice and HepG2 Cells

Fucoidan is an l-fucose-enriched sulfated polysaccharide isolated from brown algae and marine invertebrates. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus on alcohol-induced murine liver damage. Liver injury was induced by oral administration of 25% alcohol with or without fucoidan (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg) for seven days. Alcohol administration increased serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, but these increases were suppressed by the treatment of fucoidan. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a liver fibrosis-inducing factor, was highly expressed in the alcohol-fed group and human hepatoma HepG2 cell; however, the increase in TGF-β1 expression was reduced following fucoidan administration. Treatment with fucoidan was also found to significantly reduce the production of inflammation-promoting cyclooygenase-2 and nitric oxide, while markedly increasing the expression of the hepatoprotective enzyme, hemeoxygenase-1, on murine liver and HepG2 cells. Taken together, the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of fucoidan on alcohol-induced liver damage may provide valuable insights into developing new therapeutics or interventions.     

Improvement of Tissue Survival of Skin Flaps by 5α-Reductase Inhibitors: Possible Involvement of Nitric Oxide and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Background:

Skin flap grafting is a popular approach for reconstruction of critical skin and underlying soft tissue injuries. In a previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of two 5α-reductase inhibitors, azelaic acid and finasteride, on tissue survival in a rat model of skin flap grafting. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in graft survival mediated by these agents.

Methods:

A number of 42 male rats were randomly allocated into six groups: 1, normal saline topical application; 2, azelaic acid (100 mg/flap); 3, finasteride (1 mg/flap); 4, injection of L-N^G-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (i.p., 20 mg/kg); 5, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + azelaic acid (100 mg/flap, topical); 6, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + finasteride (1 mg/flap, topical). Tissue survival, level of nitric oxide, and iNOS expression in groups were measured.

Results:

Our data revealed that azelaic acid and finasteride significantly increased the expression of iNOS protein and nitric oxide (NO) levels in graft tissue (P < 0.05). These increases in iNOS expression and NO level were associated with higher survival of the graft tissue.

Conclusion:

It appears that alterations of the NO metabolism are implicated in the azelaic acid- and finasteride-mediated survival of the skin flaps.Key Words: Finasteride, Azelaic acid, Surgical flaps, Nitric oxide, Nitric oxide synthase Type II     

L-茶氨酸对产肠毒性大肠杆菌引起的免疫应激小鼠肝脏的保护作用研究

以SPF级Balb/c雌性小鼠为实验动物,对其适应性饲养3 d后连续30 d灌喂不同剂量L-茶氨酸,然后腹腔注射产肠毒性大肠杆菌E44813诱导免疫应激,5 h后取样,分析研究了各组小鼠肝脏与脾脏系数,血清谷丙转氨酶(Alanine aminotranferease,ALT)与谷草转氨酶(Aspartate aminotransferase,AST)含量,肝组织匀浆丙二醛(Malondialdehyde,MDA)水平与谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(Glutathione peroxidase,GSH-PX)、过氧化氢酶(Catalase,CAT)、超氧化物歧化酶(Superoxide Dismutase,SOD)活性,肝组织病理学变化,以及血清中γ-干扰素(γ-Interferon,IFN-γ)、白细胞介素-4(Interleukin-4,IL-4)的表达量,以探明L-茶氨酸对产肠毒性大肠杆菌免疫应激小鼠肝脏的保护作用。结果表明,不同剂量的茶氨酸干预处理均能明显降低由大肠杆菌E44813感染引起的肝脏、脾脏系数的升高,降低血清ALT、AST及肝组织匀浆MDA水平,提高肝组织匀浆SOD、CAT、GSH-PX活性,减少IFN-γ、IL-4表达量,改善肝脏组织病理损伤,其中以300 mg·kg-1剂量组效果最好,说明茶氨酸干预对产肠毒性大肠杆菌诱导的免疫应激小鼠肝损伤具有保护作用,而且可能是通过减少IFN-γ与IL-4的表达、降低炎症反应、提高抗氧化能力等途径达到保护肝脏的作用。     

L-茶氨酸对产肠毒素大肠杆菌引起的免疫应激小鼠肠道的保护作用研究

以SPF级Balb/c雌性小鼠为实验动物,对其适应性饲养3 d后连续30 d灌喂不同剂量L-茶氨酸,然后腹腔注射产肠毒素大肠杆菌E44813诱导免疫应激,5 h后取样,分析研究了L-茶氨酸对小鼠体重,回肠组织谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(Glutathione peroxidase,GSH-Px)、过氧化氢酶(Homogenate catalase,CAT)与诱导型一氧化氮合成酶(Inducible nitric oxide synthase,i NOS)活性,丙二醛(Malondialdehyde,MDA)含量、空肠组织病理学变化,以及血清肿瘤坏死因子α(Tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、细胞间粘附分子1(Intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)和白介素1β(Interleukin-1β,IL~(-1)β)表达量的影响,以探明L-茶氨酸对产肠毒素大肠杆菌免疫应激小鼠肠道的保护作用。结果表明,各剂量L-茶氨酸均能显著增加小鼠体重,可减轻产肠毒素大肠杆菌E44813引起的肠道组织病变程度,升高回肠组织GSH-Px和CAT酶活性,降低MDA含量和i NOS酶活性,在不同程度上抑制血清TNF-α、IL~(-1)β和ICAM-1的表达量。说明L-茶氨酸可通过抑制炎性细胞因子表达水平、降低脂质过氧化程度和提高抗氧化能力来维护肠道组织形态与结构的完整性,并达到保护肠道的作用。     

Antidiabetic activity evaluation of glimepiride and Nerium oleander extract on insulin, glucose levels and some liver enzymes activities in experimental diabetic rat model

The present study is aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of sulfonylurea drug glimepiride in comparison with Nerium oleander plant extract on insulin, glucose levels and some liver enzymes activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 50 mg kg(-1) body weight streptozotocin. Rats with serum glucose levels > 200 mg dL(-1) were subdivided into three sub-groups: the first sub-group were remained without treatment and considered as diabetics. The second and third subgroups were orally administered 0.1 mg kg(-1) body weight/day glimepiride and 250 mg kg(-1) body weight/day Nerium oleander, respectively for 4 weeks. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia compared to controls. Strong negative correlation (r = -0.8) was found between serum insulin and glucose levels in diabetic rats. This correlation was +0.4 and -0.3 in glimepiride and Nerium olender-treated rats, respectively implying that glimepiride and plant extract improved insulin and glucose levels with the former was more efficient. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats compared to controls. Treatment of diabetic rats with glimepiride or Nerium oleander extract also improved liver enzymes activities.     

Marine-Derived Penicillium purpurogenum Reduces Tumor Size and Ameliorates Inflammation in an Erlich Mice Model

Background: This study addresses the antitumoral properties of Penicillium purpurogenum isolated from a polluted lagoon in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Ethyl Acetate Extracellular Extract (EAE) was used. The metabolites were studied using direct infusion mass spectrometry. The solid Ehrlich tumor model was used for antitumor activity. Female Swiss mice were divided into groups (n = 10/group) as follows: The negative control (CTL−), treated with a phosphate buffered solution; the positive control (CTL+), treated with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg); extract treatments at doses of 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg; animals without tumors or treatments (Sham); and animals without tumors treated with an intermediate dose (EAE20). All treatments were performed intraperitoneally, daily, for 15 days. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and the tumor, lymphoid organs, and serum were used for immunological, histological, and biochemical parameter evaluations. Results: The extract was rich in meroterpenoids. All doses significantly reduced tumor size, and the 20 and 100 mg/kg doses reduced tumor-associated inflammation and tumor necrosis. The extract also reduced the cellular infiltration of lymphoid organs and circulating TNF-α levels. The extract did not induce weight loss or renal and hepatic toxic changes. Conclusions: These results indicate that P. purpurogenum exhibits immunomodulatory and antitumor properties in vivo. Thus, fungal fermentation is a valid biotechnological approach to the production of antitumor agents.     

灵芝超微粉对小鼠免疫功能的影响

目的观察灵芝超微粉对小鼠非特异性及特异性免疫功能的影响。方法清洁级ICR雄性小鼠随机分为对照组及灵芝超微粉低、中、高剂量组,每组10只。对照组每日灌胃给予0.5%羧甲基纤维素钠20ml/kg,灵芝超微粉低、中、高剂量组分别灌胃给予灵芝超微粉0.5、1.0、2.0mg/kg,每日1次,连续灌胃30天。计算小鼠胸腺、肝脏和脾脏系数,测定小鼠廓清指数K,吞噬指数α,T淋巴细胞转化功能,NK细胞活性和血清溶血素生成。结果灵芝超微粉能明显增强小鼠脏器系数,廓清指数和吞噬指数,提高NK细胞活性,促进血清溶血素生成和T淋巴细胞增殖反应。结论灵芝超微粉具有增强小鼠非特异性及特异性免疫功能的作用。     

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Mechanism of a Lipid Extract from Hard-Shelled Mussel (Mytilus Coruscus) on Chronic Arthritis in Rats

The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of a lipid extract from hard-shelled mussel (Mytilus coruscus) on adjuvant-induced (AIA) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. AIA and CIA rats that received hard-shelled mussel lipid extract (HMLE group) at a dose of 100 mg/kg demonstrated significantly lower paw swelling and arthritic index, but higher body weight gain than those which received olive oil (control group). Similar results were found in arthritic rats that received New Zealand green-lipped mussel lipid extract (GMLE) at the same dosage. The levels of leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) in the serum, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, interferon-γ (INF-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the ankle joint synovial fluids of HMLE group rats were significantly lower than those of control group. However, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in HMLE group rats were significantly higher than those in the control group. Decreased mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) and MMP13, but increased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) were observed in the knee joint synovium tissues of HMLE group rats when compared with the control group. No hepatotoxicity was observed in both HMLE and GMLE group rats. The present results indicated that HMLE had a similarly strong anti-inflammatory activity as GMLE. Such a strong efficacy could result from the suppression of inflammatory mediators (LTB₄, PGE₂, TXB₂), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, INF-γ, TNF-α) and MMPs (MMP1, MMP13), and the promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and TIMPs (TIMP1) productions.     

The effect of Teucrium polium (Calpoureh) on liver function, serum lipids and glucose in diabetic male rats

BACKGROUND: Teucrium polium is an analgesic, antidiabetic and antilipeidemic herbal medicament. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract T. polium on liver enzymes linked to liver dysfunction, serum lipids and glucose, in diabetic male rats. METHODS: A total of 20 Sprague-Dawly male rats became diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). the animals were divided randomly into two groups. Experimental group was fed Teucrium polium (50 mg/kg) for a month but control group was received the same volume of distilled water. Liver enzymes, biochemical parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartae transaminase) and glucose were measured by kinetic (Enzymatic) and colorimetric methods. Data obtained were analyzed and mean values were compared by paired student's t-test. The results were expressed as mean +/- SD. Significant differences were set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Our results showed that in test group, serum glucose values decreased significantly (P < 0.05), but cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase and aspartae transaminase increased significantly after use of T. polium (P < 0.05). This parameters value did not show any changes in control group. CONCLUSION: Although the aqueous extract of Teucrium polium has strong hypoglycemic properties in experimental animals, but because of some hepatotoxic effects, it is not suitable to use it in human as an antidiabetic agent.     

The Algal Meroterpene 11-Hydroxy-1′-O-Methylamentadione Ameloriates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex class of immune disorders. Unfortunately, a treatment for total remission has not yet been found, while the use of natural product-based therapies has emerged as a promising intervention. The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the algal meroterpene 11-hydroxy-1′-O-methylamentadione (AMT-E) in a murine model of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. AMT-E was orally administered daily (1, 10, and 20 mg/kg animal) to DSS treated mice (3% w/v) for 7 days. AMT-E prevented body weight loss and colon shortening and effectively attenuated the extent of the colonic damage. Similarly, AMT-E increased mucus production and reduced myeloperoxidase activity (marker for anti-inflammatory activity). Moreover, the algal meroterpene decreased the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-10 levels, and caused a significant reduction of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Our results demonstrate the protective effects of AMT-E on experimental colitis, provide an insight of the underlying mechanisms of this compound, and suggest that this class of marine natural products might be an interesting candidate for further studies on the prevention/treatment of IBD.     

Effects of ovariectomy or orchidectomy and estradiol valerate or testosterone enanthate replacement on serum insulin in rats

Various clinical observations and experimental data from in vitro studies suggest that insulin and sex hormones interact. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of testosterone and estradiol on serum insulin in rats. Seven week old male and female albino (Wistar) rats were used in our study. Testosterone enanthate (50 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) or estradiol valerate (200 microg kg(-1) day(-l)) were injected intraperiotenally or subcutaneously in orchidectomised or ovariectomised rats, respectively. In orchidectomised rats, serum insulin was decreased compared with control animals (p < 0.01), on the other hand, decreasing of serum insulin was prevented by testosterone replacement (p < 0.001). In ovariectomised rats, serum insulin was also decreased compared with control group (p < 0.01) and decreasing of serum insulin was prevented by estradiol replacement (p < 0.05). Conclusively, present findings indicated that testosterone or estradiol were serum insulin enhancer hormones in male or female rats, respectively.     

Exogenous Testosterone,Finasteride and Castration Effects on Testosterone,Insulin, Zinc and Chromium in Adult Male Rats

Background: Although effects of trace elements on secretion of sex steroids and insulin have been studied, the effects of these hormones on serum level of trace elements have been rarely investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium. Methods: Male adult rats (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8). Group 1, control; Group 2, castration, castration was done at the first day of the study; Group 3, finasteride (20 mg/kg/day, dissolved in drinking water) and Group 4, testosterone (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.). At the end of the period of the study (35 days), serum testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium levels were determined in the blood samples collected directly from the right atrium of the heart of the animals. Results: The data indicated that the serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc were significantly increased (P<0.01) in testosterone-administrated and finasteride groups, but the level of chromium was decreased in both groups (P<0.01). Castrated group had the lowest serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc (P<0.05). Also, the levels of serum chromium in this group were increased. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that testosterone and finasteride increases insulin and zinc levels and decreases chromium levels in the serum of male adult rats. According to these data, it seems that testosterone may affect glucose cycle through effect on serum insulin levels and trace elements such as zinc and chromium. Key Words: Finasteride, Castration, Insulin, Zinc, Chromium     

Astaxanthin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Inhibition of Nf-Κb P65 and Wnt/Β-Catenin in Vitro

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor that can cause systemic invasion; however, the exact etiology and molecular mechanism are unknown. Astaxanthin (ASX), a powerful antioxidant, has efficient anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other activities, and has great research prospects in cancer therapy. We selected the human hepatoma cell lines, LM3 and SMMC-7721, to study the anti-tumor effect and related mechanisms of ASX. The cell lines were treated with different concentrations of ASX, and its solvent DMSO as a control, for different time periods and the results were determined using CCK8, qRT-PCR, WB, apoptotic staining, and flow cytometry. ASX induced significant apoptosis of HCC cells, and its effect may have been caused by NF-κB p65 and Wnt/β-catenin down-regulation via negative activation of PI3K/Akt and ERK. Antitumor research on ASX has provided us with a potential therapy for patients with hepatomas.     

Chrysin Reduced Acrylamide-Induced Neurotoxicity in Both in vitro and in vivo Assessments

Background: Acrylamide (ACR) is a well-known industrial toxic chemical that produces neurotoxicity, which is characterized by progressive central and peripheral neuronal degeneration. Chrysin is a natural, biologically active flavonoid compound, which is commonly found in many plants. The antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of chrysin have been demonstrated. Methods: In this study, the possible effect of chrysin on ACR-induced toxicity was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. PC12 cells were used as a suitable in vitro model. Cells were exposed to chrysin (0.5-5 µM) for 12 and 24 h, and then ACR in IC₅₀ concentration was added to the cells. Finally, cell viability was determined using (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium assay. For in vivo assay, Wistar rats were treated with ACR (50 mg/kg i.p. for 11 days) alone or in combination with chrysin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg). At the end of treatment, behavioral index was evaluated. Results: ACR decreased cell viability and pre-treatment with chrysin (0.5-5 µM) significantly decreased ACR-induced cytotoxicity in the time- and dose-dependent manner. In Wistar rats, exposure to ACR significantly induced severe gait abnormalities, but treatment with chrysin (50 mg/kg) reduced ACR-induced neurotoxicity in animals. Conclusion: In the current study, chrysin exhibited neuroprotective effect on PC12 cells as an in vitro model and also on Wistar rats. Iran. Key Words: Acrylamide, Chrysin, Neurotoxicity, Antioxidant     

淡豆豉提取物对2型糖尿病大鼠主动脉iNOS,eNOS mRNA表达的影响

为观察淡豆豉提取物对NO/NOS系统的影响,探讨其对2型糖尿病大鼠大血管保护作用的机制。采用高糖高脂饲料喂养加小剂量链尿佐菌素腹腔注射的方法复制2型糖尿病大鼠模型,给药56 d后检测大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)、血清胰岛素(FIN),计算胰岛素敏感指数(ISI),放免法检测血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)及一氧化氮(NO)水平,RT-PCR法检测主动脉内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)和诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)mRNA表达。结果显示:淡豆豉提取物能显著降低T2DM大鼠FBG、FIN、TNF-α、NO水平,显著提高ISI,显著降低iNOS mRNA表达,对eNOS mRNA表达则无明显影响。淡豆豉提取物可影响2型糖尿病大鼠NO/NOS系统,并可能通过此途径对2型糖尿病大鼠大血管产生保护作用。     

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp.: Characterization,Antimicrobial and Diabetic Wound-Healing Actions

Green nanotechnology is now accepted as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective advance with various biomedical applications. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. is a unicellular spherical cyanobacterium with photo- and hetero-trophic capabilities. This study investigates the ability of this cyanobacterial species to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the wound-healing properties of the produced nanoparticles in diabetic animals. Methods: UV–visible and FT-IR spectroscopy and and electron microscopy techniques investigated AgNPs’ producibility by Synechocystis sp. when supplemented with silver ion source. The produced AgNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and diabetic wound healing along with their angiogenesis potential. Results: The cyanobacterium biosynthesized spherical AgNPs with a diameter range of 10 to 35 nm. The produced AgNPs exhibited wound-healing properties verified with increased contraction percentage, tensile strength and hydroxyproline level in incision diabetic wounded animals. AgNPs treatment decreased epithelialization period, amplified the wound closure percentage, and elevated collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine contents, which improved angiogenesis factors’ contents (HIF-1α, TGF-β1 and VEGF) in excision wound models. AgNPs intensified catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide content and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB (the inflammatory mediators) were decreased with AgNPs’ topical application. Conclusion: Biosynthesized AgNPs via Synechocystis sp. exhibited antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenesis promoting effects in diabetic wounded animals.     

Effect of esophageal distention on basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion in rats

BACKGROUND: It is well established that the esophageal distention (ED) leads to gastric relaxation, partly by vago-vagal reflex, but till now, the effect of ED on gastric acid secretion has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ED on basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (200-240 g) were deprived of food but not the water 24 h before the experiments. Under urethane anesthesia (1.2 g/kg, i.p.), animals underwent tracheostomy and laparotomy. A catheter was inserted in the stomach through duodenum for gastric distention and gastric washout and the esophagus was cannulated with a distensible balloon orally to distend esophagus (0.3 ml, 10 min). Gastric acid secretion was stimulated by gastric distention, carbachol (4 microg/kg, i.p.) or histamine (5 mg/kg, s.c.). Effects of vagotomy, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg, i.v.) and also hexamethonium were investigated. RESULTS: Basal and gastric distention- and carbachol, histamine-stimulated acid secretion were reduced by the ED (P<0.05, P<0.0001, P<0.01 and P<0.02, respectively). L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v.) elevated the acid output (P<0.002). Vagotomy reduced the inhibitory effect of the esophagus distention on gastric distention-induced acid secretion (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the vagus nerves are involved in the inhibitory effect of the ED on the basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion. Furthermore, nitric oxide could be involved.     

Ameliorative Effects of Peptides Derived from Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) on Immunomodulatory Function and Gut Microbiota Structure in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

The intestinal flora is recognized as a significant contributor to the immune system. In this research, the protective effects of oyster peptides on immune regulation and intestinal microbiota were investigated in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. The results showed that oyster peptides restored the indexes of thymus, spleen and liver, stimulated cytokines secretion and promoted the relative mRNA levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10). The mRNA levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1, and Mucin-2 were up-regulated, and the NF-κB signaling pathway was also activated after oyster peptides administration. Furthermore, oyster peptides treatment reduced the proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, increased the relative abundance of Alistipes, Lactobacillus, Rikenell and the content of short-chain fatty acids, and reversed the composition of intestinal microflora similar to that of normal mice. In conclusion, oyster peptides effectively ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal damage and modified gut microbiota structure in mice, and might be utilized as a beneficial ingredient in functional foods for immune regulation.     

5年生种植人参对成年小鼠免疫器官、细胞吞噬功能及自然杀伤细胞的影响

目的探讨不同工艺制备的人参食用对成年小鼠免疫器官、细胞吞噬功能及自然杀伤细胞的影响。方法正常成年ICR小鼠随机分为10组,即:对照组,5年生种植人参原粉小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参水提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参醇提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,每组20只,连续灌胃给药1个月后,每组分别处死10只小鼠、2各月后每组再处死10只小鼠。观察各组小鼠胸腺指数和脾脏指数、巨噬细胞吞噬功能、自然杀伤(NK)细胞的杀伤率。结果水提取物、乙醇提取物大剂量显著增加正常成年小鼠的胸腺指数和脾脏指数;水提取物、乙醇提取物大、中剂量显示出提高巨噬细胞对鸡红细胞(CRBC)的吞噬率和吞噬指数及小鼠自然杀伤细胞对L929细胞的杀伤率的趋势。结论人参对于免疫器官重量及指数、腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬率及吞噬指数、自然杀伤细胞率有一定的提高作用。