Effect of intervention for mast cell function before reperfusion on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion-induced early liver injury in rats

AIM：To explore the effect of intervention for mast cell function before reperfusion on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced early liver injury. METHODS：Adult SD rats (n=35) were randomized into 5 groups with 7 rats each: sham operation group (S group), IR group, cromolyn sodium treatment group (IR+C group, 25 mg/kg), ketotifen treatment group (IR+K group, 1 mg/kg), compound 48/80 treatment group (IR+CP group, 0.75 mg/kg). IR was induced by superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 75 min followed by 4 h of reperfusion. The agents were intravenously administered 5 min before reperfusion. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and histamine, and the liver levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. The liver histopathologic changes were also evaluated. RESULTS：IR resulted in severe liver injury as demonstrated by great increases in injury scores, concomitant significant increases in serum levels of AST, ALT and histamine, and liver levels of LDH, TNF-α, IL-8, and MDA, accompanied by reduced SOD activity (all P<0.05 vs S group). Treatment with cromolyn sodium or ketotifen markedly alleviated IR-mediated liver injury as confirmed by significant reduction of the above biomedical changes, whereas compound 48/80 further aggravated liver injury by dramatically enhancing the biomedical changes (all P<0.05 vs IR group). CONCLUSION：Inhibition of mast cell function before reperfusion may reduce early liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia reperfusion. Histamine, oxidative stress and inflammatory response may provide promising effects on it.     

Protective effect of rapid ischemic preconditioning against spinal cord ischemic injury in rabbits

AIM: To evaluate the protective effect of rapid phase of ischemic preconditioning against spinal cord ischemic injury in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty six male New Zealands white rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups (12 in each group): ischemia and reperfusion injury group (IR group), ischemic preconditioning + IR group (IPC+IR group) and sham operation group (sham). In IR group, spinal cord ischemia was induced by an infrarenal aorta clamping for 20 min; The rabbits in IPC+IR group underwent a 6 min ischemic preconditioning followed by 30 min of reperfusion before the 20 min clamping; The rabbits in sham group underwent the same procedures as the IR group except for infrarental aortic unclamping. Neurologic status was scored at 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after reperfusion. All animals were sacrificed at 48 h after reperfusion and the spinal cords (L_5-7) were removed for histopathologic study and determination of the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. RESULTS: The neurologic function scores in sham group and IPC+IR group at each observation interval were higher than those in IR group (P＜0.01). Compared to IR group, there were more normal neurons in anterior horn of spinal cord in sham group and IPC+IR group (P＜0.01); the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in sham group and IPC+IR group were higher than those in IR group (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: The rapid phase of ischemic preconditioning has a protective effect against spinal cord ischemic injury in rabbits, and this neuroprotection may be related to the maintenance of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity.     

Effect of tacrolimus on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

AIM: To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of tacrolimus on renal ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury in rats.METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham-operated group, I/R group and tacrolimus group. After the renal I/R injury model was established, the serum content of creatinine(Cr), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and malondialdehyde(MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) were measured at reperfusion time points of 0.5 h, 2 h, 6 h and 24 h. The renal histopathological lesions and the expression of Fas and caspase-3 were observed by the methods of microscopy and immunohistochemistry, respectively.RESULTS: At all the 4 time points, the levels of Cr, TNF-α and MDA in tacrolimus group were lower than those in I/R group(P<0.05). The SOD activity in tacrolimus group was higher than that in I/R group. Compared with I/R group, the renal histopathological lesions were improved, and the levels of Fas and caspase-3 were significantly decreased in tacrolimus group(P<0. 05).CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus inhibits the production of free radical, the expression of TNF-α and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in renal I/R injury in rats, indicating that tacrolimus has protective function against renal I/R injury.     

Effects of renal denervation on inflammatory factors in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis

AIM: To evaluate the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis. METHODS: New Zealand male rabbits were divided into control group, RDN+ high-fat diet (HFD) group (RDN group), sham+HFD group (sham group) and HFD group. The rabbits in later 3 groups were fed with 2% cholesterol for 8 weeks to establish an early atherosclerosis model. The blood samples were collected to test the levels of lipids, norepinephrine (NE), TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6. The protein expression of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. The levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Ang II 1 type receptor (AT1R) were evaluated by Western blot. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: After 1 d of RDN procedure, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.01). After 8 weeks, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group and HFD group (P<0.05), and triglyceride (TG) was lower in RDN group than that in HFD group (P<0.05). The protein expression of Ang II was decreased in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.01). The protein expression of NF-κB was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.05). The plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1α were reduced in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was reduced in RDN group compared with sham group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: RDN inhibits sympathetic activity, decreases the plasma level of TG, and alleviates inflammatory reactions in the rabbits with atherosclerosis.     

Expression of calprotectin in rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM: To investigate the expression of calprotectin(CALP) in the rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI). METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation and IRI group(n=25 in each group). Blood samples and the kidneys were obtained at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after reperfusion. The pathological changes of the kidneys were observed. The serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and serum creatinine(SCr) were measured. The serum levels of CALP, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) were detected by ELISA, and the expression of CALP, Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) and NF-κB p65 in the renal tissues were determined by the methods of immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: Different serial ischemia changes were observed in the renal tissues, mainly in the renal tubular epithelial cells and the mesenchyma, with the infiltration of inflammatory cells. The serum levels of BUN, SCr, CALP, TNF-α and IL-6 in IRI group were markedly increased as compared with sham group(P<0.05). The protein expression of CALP, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the renal tubular epithelial cells in IRI group was greatly enhanced in comparison with that in sham group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The serum concentrations of CALP, TNF-α and IL-6, and the protein expression levels of CALP, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the renal tissue are significantly increased in the rats with IRI, suggesting that calprotectin plays an important role in the inflammation in rats with IRI.     

Effects of bFGF on brain edema,nerve function injury and autophagy related protein in rats with traumatic brain injury

AIM:To study the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on brain edema, nerve function damage and autophagy related proteins in rats with head injury. METHODS:The rat model of craniocerebral injury (CI) was constructed. The rats were divided into control group, CI group, and low-, middle-and high-dose bFGF groups (n=10). The CI model was established in CI group, while the rats in control group were not given epidural impact. The rats in low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose bFGF groups were given bFGF at 2, 4 and 6 μg, respectively, by intraperitoneal injection after 30 min. The neurological function in the rats was evaluated by improved neurological function scoring. The rat brain tissues were taken, and the water content was detected. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β in the brain tissue were measured by ELISA. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was analyzed by thiobarbituric acid method. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was examined by WST-8 assay. The glutathine peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was detected by colorimetric method. The protein levels of autophagy related proteins LC3-Ⅱ and beclin-1 in the brain tissues were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:The neurological function score was increased significantly of the rats in CI group. The rat model of craniocerebral injury was successfully constructed. Neurological function scores in the rats in low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose bFGF groups were reduced, the water content of the brain tissue was also reduced (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β were decreased in the brain tissues (P<0.05), the content of MDA was declined (P<0.05), the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were increased (P<0.05), the protein levels of LC3-Ⅱ and beclin-1 were decreased, compared with the untreated rats in CI group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:bFGF improves the nerve function of the rats with craniocerebral injury, reduces the water content of the brain tissue, reduces the expression of autophagic protein LC3-Ⅱ and beclin-1.The mechanism is related to the inhibition of inflammatory reaction and oxidative damage.     

Effect of L-arginine on arrhythmia induced by ischemia/reperfusion of right coronary artery in rabbits

AIM: To explore the effect of L-arginine (L-Arg) on the arrhythmia induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR) of the right coronary artery in rabbits. METHODS: 48 healthy adult rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n=12 of each) randomly: IRa group (120 min reperfusion after 30 min ischemia), IRb group (120 min reperfusion after 120 min ischemia), IRa+L-Arg group and IRb+L-Arg group. I/R model was established by occluding and loosening the root of the right coronary artery in rabbits. The changes of ECG and arrhythmia were recorded and graded. RESULTS: ① The longer time of IR was, the higher the score of the arrhythmia was found. The incidence of atrial-ventricular block (AVB), sinus-atrial block (SAB), even sinus arrest were detected and aggravated gradually. ② The incidence of AVB was decreased and from Ⅲ°→Ⅱ°→Ⅰ° markedly, some of sinus and atrial arrhythmia were transformed into sinus rhythm gradually, and all of the arrhythmia scores in IRa group were decreased significantly as compared with the same time phases of IRb group (P<0.01). ③ All of the arrhythmia scores in IRa+L-Arg and IRb+L-Arg groups were decreased dramatically as compared with that in IRa and IRb groups at the same time phases (P<0.01). ④ All of the arrhythmia scores in IRa+L-Arg group were lower compared with those in IRb+L-Arg group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Supplying appropriate L-arginine to the tissue is beneficial for inhibiting arrhythmia during ischemia and reperfusion, and the longer the time of ischemia is, the weaker the effect of L-arginine on the arrhythmia presented during the period of reperfusion.     

Lactulose preconditioning protects against intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of lactulose preconditioning on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group, IR group and IR plus lactulose preconditioning group. Lactulose was intragastrically administered in lactulose group 7 days prior to operation, and the equal volume of saline was administered in the other 2 groups. The intestinal IR injury was induced in IR group and IR+lactulose group using bulldog clamps on superior mesenteric artery by 30 min of ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Following reperfusion, the serum samples were collected for estimating the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β. Segments of terminal jejunum were rapidly fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, and HE staining was applied to assess the histopathology. Apoptosis in intestinal epithelium was determined by the technique of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). The samples of terminal jejunum were also taken for measuring malondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase and the expression of cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS: Lactulose preconditioning significantly attenuated the severity of intestinal IR injury, with inhibition of IR-induced apoptosis. Moreover, lactulose preconditioning significantly limited the release of cytokines and lipid oxidation. CONCLUSION: Lactulose preconditioning has a protective effect on intestinal ischemia reperfusion by inhibiting IR-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress.     

Role of heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide system in pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM: To investigate the effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/carbon monoxide (CO) system on pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury (PIRI) in rabbits. METHODS: Single lung ischemia and reperfusion animal model was used in vivo. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n=10 in each), control group (C), PIR group (I-R), PIR+ hemin group (H) and PIR+zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) group (Z). Changes of several parameters which included plasma carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) at different time points, wet to dry ratio of lung tissue weight (W/D), the injured alveoli rate (IAR) and the HO-1 enzymatic activity were measured at 180 min after reperfusion in lung tissue. The tissue slides were also stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) for HO-1 to detect the expression of HO-1 in lung and to analyze the optical density. The lung tissue was prepared for electron microscopic observation at 180 min after reperfusion. RESULTS: The plasma content of COHb in I-R, H, and Z group increased in a time-dependent manner after I-R. But the increment of H group was higher than that of I-R group, while that of Z group was lower. The HO-1 activity in lung tissue was highest in H group, followed by IR group, Z group, and C group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Except C group, HO-1 was upregulated in all other groups in the pulmonary endothelial cells, part of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells, extima of vessels and epithelial cells of airway. H group had the highest average optical density value, then the IR group, Z group and C group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). The value of W/D and IAR was highest in Z group, the second was in IR group, then the H group and C group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). The abnormal changes of the lung tissue in morphology in I-R group, Hemin treatment mitigated the injury of I-R in H group and ZnPP exacerbated the impairment of ultrastructure in Z group were also observed. CONCLUSION: HO-1/CO system possesses notable protective effects on lung during pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits.     

Alteration of serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α after ischemic stimulation of coronary artery in PTCA

AIM: Inflammatory responses play an important role in the post- percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) restenosis and has been demonstrated occuring immediately after PTCA. Interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) are the main inflammatory cytokines. We try to compare the changes in interleukin-6(IL-6) and TNF-α after PTCA in the patients with and without collateral circulation to probe into the pathogenesis of early inflammatory response. METHODS: The extent of myocardial ischemia induced by balloon inflation was quantified by a scoring system referring to the Leaman coronary score. The IL-6、TNF-α levels of coronary heart disease group and control group before and after PTCA are calculated. RESULTS: The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were (9.592±1.847) ng/L and (26.959±1.967) ng/L, respectively, and were significantly increased 4 hours after PTCA. CONCLUSION: IL-6 and TNF-α are sensitive indicators of the early inflammatory response after PTCA. Ischemia scores reflected the extent of ischemia reperfusion injury during PTCA. Collateral circulation decreased the early inflammatory response after PTCA.     

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits inflammatory responses induced by acute myocardial ischemia in isolated rat hearts

AIM：To investigate whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects the hearts against inflammatory responses induced by acute myocardial ischemia in isolated rat hearts. METHODS：Rat acute myocardial ischemia injury was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 4 h, and the normal perfusate was replaced with NaHS (5 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L) perfusate accordingly in NaHS groups 2 h after ischemia. The changes of cardiac function in the myocardial ischemic injury rats were observed. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and ICAM-1 was detected by real-time PCR. The protein level of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the myocardial tissues was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS：The cardiac function in ischemia group was lower than that in sham group (P<0.01). Compared with ischemia group, perfusion of NaHS resulted in the improvement of the cardiac function (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with sham group, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and ICAM-1 in the cardiac tissues was significantly increased, and the mRNA expression of IL-10 in the cardiac tissues was significantly decreased in ischemia group (P<0.01). Compared with ischemia group, the perfusion of NaHS significantly decreased the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and ICAM-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The perfusion of NaHS at concentrations of 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L significantly increased the mRNA expression of IL-10 (P<0.01). The protein level of NF-κB in ischemia group was markedly higher than that in sham group (P<0.01). Compared with ischemia group, the perfusion of NaHS at concentrations of 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L significantly decreased the expression of NF-κB (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION：H2S protects the hearts against acute ischemia injury through inhibition of NF-κB activation and subsequent down-regulation of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory gene expression.     

Effects of ethane 1,2-dimethanesulfonate preconditioning on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in male rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of ethane 1,2-dimethanesulfonate (EDS) preconditioning on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. METHODS: Male SD rats (n=48) were randomly assigned to 6 groups: blank, sham, I/R, EDS+I/R, EDS+testosterone (TST)+I/R, and castration (Cast)+I/R. The renal pedicles were bilaterally occluded with a microvascular clamp for 45 min to establish renal I/R-induced injury model. Bilateral orchiectomy was conducted 2 weeks before surgery. EDS (75 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 5 d before operation. Blood samples were collected 24 h after reperfusion from the vena orbitalis posterior plexus. Luteinizing hormone (LH), TST, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were detected. The renal tissues were harvested to measure the level of TNF-α and the expression of Fas mRNA and caspase-3 protein. RESULTS: Serum TST levels in EDS+I/R group and Cast+I/R group were below the minimum detectable threshold. Compared with other groups, the rats in EDS+I/R group and Cast+I/R group had higher levels of SCr, BUN and KIM-1 (P<0.05). SCr and BUN levels showed no significant difference between EDS+I/R group and Cast+I/R group (P>0.05), but KIM-1 level in EDS+I/R group was lower than that in Cast+I/R group (P<0.05). After reperfusion for 24 h, the levels of TST and LH in EDS+I/R group, Cast+I/R group and EDS+TST+I/R group were lower than those 1 h before operation (P<0.05). Compared with Cast+I/R and I/R group, the TNF-α level and expression of Fas mRNA and caspase-3 protein were significantly decreased in EDS+I/R group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EDS preconditioning substantially reduces the serum TST level, thus attenuating I/R-induced acute renal injury. TNF-α-induced Fas/FasL pathway may be involved in this process.     

Effects of human thioredoxin on pneumocyte apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax expression in rats with lung ischemia/reperfusion injury

AIM: To explore the relationship between apoptosis in the lung tissues and lung ischemia/reperfusion injury, and to observe the effects of human thioredoxin (hTrx) on apoptosis in lung ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: The single lung in situ ischemia/reperfusion animal model was used. Eighty four Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (control), groups of ischemia for 1 h and reperfusion for different times (IR1h, IR3h, IR5h), and groups of IR+human thioredoxin treatment (IR1h +hTrx, IR3h +hTrx and IR5h +hTrx). Transmission electron microscope (TEM), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunocytochemistry techniques were used to observe apoptosis, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in various phases of lung ischemia/reperfusion. RESULTS: Cell apoptosis in lung tissues was significantly high, ASK1, Bcl-2 and Bax protein were up-regulated in lung tissues of lung ischemia/reperfusion injury as compared to control (all P<0.01). Compared to IR group, hTrx suppressed apoptosis as well as expression of ASK1 and Bax protein (P<0.01), Bcl-2 protein and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax were up-regulated in lung tissues (all P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was a significant correlation between the expression of ASK1, Bax protein and cell apoptosis (r=0.775, r=0.814, respectively; all P<0.01). There was a negative correlation between cell apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax protein (r=-0.275, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Initiating cell apoptosis by the activation of Bcl-2/Bax system in lung tissues may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung ischemia/reperfusion injury. The protective effects of hTrx include suppressing the expression of ASK1, down-regulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and blocking apoptosis in lung tissues in lung ischemia/ reperfusion injury.     

Effects of panax notoginseng saponins on pneumocyte apoptosis and Fas/FasL expression in rabbits with lung ischemia/reperfusion injury

AIM: AIM: To explore the relationship between apoptosis in the lung tissues and lung ischemia/reperfusion injury, and observe effects of panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on apoptosis in lung ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Single lung in situ ischemia/reperfusion animal model was used. Eighty four Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into control group (control), ischemia/reperfusion 1 h group (IR1h), IR3h, IR5h, Panax Notoginseng Saponins 1 h group (PNS1h), PNS3h and PNS5h. TUNEL, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques were used to observe apoptosis and Fas/FasL expression in various phases of lung ischemia/reperfusion. RESULTS: Cell apoptosis in lung tissues were significantly high, Fas/FasL mRNA and its protein were up-regulated in lung tissues of lung ischemia/reperfusion injury compared with control (all of P<0.01). The PNS suppressed apoptosis as well as expression of Fas/FasL mRNA and its protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively). There was a significant correlation between expression of Fas/FasL protein, Fas/FasL mRNA and cell apoptosis (r=0.540，0.658，0.668，0.686；all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Activation of Fas/FasL system and its initiating cell apoptosis of lung tissues may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung ischemia/reperfusion injury. The protective effects of PNS include suppressing the activation of Fas/FasL system and blocking apoptosis in lung tissues in lung ischemia/reperfusion injury.     

Effect of propofol on expression of PKC mRNA in pulmonary injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits

AIM: To investigate the effect of propofol on expression of protein kinase C (PKC) mRNA during pulmonary ischemia and reperfusion injury (PIRI) in rabbits. METHODS: Single lung ischemia and reperfusion animal model was used in vivo. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n=9 in each): sham operated group (sham), PIR group (I-R) and PIR+ propofol group (PPF). Changes of several parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), wet to dry ratio of lung tissue weight (W/D) and index of quantitative assessment of histologic lung injury (IQA) were measured at 60 minutes after reperfusion in lung tissue. Meanwhile the location and expression of PKC mRNA were observed. Lung tissue was also prepared for light microscopic and electron microscopic observation at 60 minutes after reperfusion. RESULTS: As compared with group I-R, PKC mRNA strongly expressed in intima and extima of small pulmonary artery as well as thin-wall vessels (mostly small pulmonary veins) in PPF group. The average optical density values of PKC-α、δ and θ mRNA in small pulmonary veins PPF in group showed significantly higher than that in I-R group (all P<0.01). SOD increased and MDA, W/D and IQA decreased at 60 minutes after reperfusion in lung tissue (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Abnormal changes of the lung tissue in morphology were lessen markedly in PPF group. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol produces notable protective effects on PIRI in rabbits by activating PKC-α， δ and θ mRNA expression in lung tissue, raising NO level, dropping OFR level and decreasing lipid peroxidation.     

Effect of IL-13 on expression of IL-1β in acute renal ischemia/ reperfusion injury in rats

AIM:To investigate the effects of IL-13 on expression of IL-1β in acute renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.METHODS:Fifty-seven male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 group: normal group, sham operation group, ischemia group, ischemia/reperfusion injury group(I/R), normal saline(NS)-treated group 1(C-1), NS-treated group 2(C-2), IL-13-treated group1(T-1)and IL-13-treated group 2(T-2).Rats were subjected to 45 min bilateral renal ischemia followed by reperfusion. rmIL-13 (1.5 μg/50 g body weight )was injected into the renal arteries through the abdominal aorta before ischemia(T-1) or immediately afterischemia(T-2).The serum level of IL-1β and the renal expression of IL-1β were determined in each group at 24 h post-ischemia. In addition, BUN, Cr and renal histology were also measured.RESULTS:(1)The serum level of IL-1β, gene expression and protein production of IL-1β in kidney decreased markedly in IL-13-treated groups.(2)Renal function and histology were significantly improved in IL-13-treated groups, renal injury scores decreased significantly.(3)A positive correlation were found between the serum level of IL-1β and BUN, SCr(r=0.708, P＜0.01;r=0.770, P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:These data suggest that IL-13 inhibit the expression of IL-1βand improve func-tion and histology of kidney in acute renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.     

Propofol inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response in microglia via TRPV1 ion channels

AIM:To investigate the effects of propofol (P) on the inflammatory response of microglia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the mechanisms. METHODS:Mouse microglia BV2 cells were treated with LPS at 100 μg/L to establish a neuroinflammatory injury model. The BV2 cells were divided into 4 groups:control group (C group), model group (L group), L+P group and LPS+AMG517 group (L+A group). The level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of TRPV1, TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (p-CaMKⅡ) were determined by Western blot. The content of free Ca²⁺ in the microglia BV2 cells was detected by Fluo-3 AM assay. RESULTS:Compared with C group, the level of TNF-α was significantly increased in L group (P<0.01), but that in P group was not changed. Compared with L group, the level of TNF-α was significantly lower than that in L+P group within 4 h (P<0.01). Compared with C group, the mRNA expression of TRPV1 was significantly increased in L group (P<0.01). Compared with L group, the mRNA expression of TRPV1 was significantly down-regulated in L+P group (P<0.01).Compared with L group, the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and p-CaMKⅡ and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were significantly lower than those in L+P group and L+A group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Propofol inhibits the inflammatory response of microglia by reducing the expression of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, which may be related to the down-regulation of TRPV1 and p-CaMKⅡ and the reduction of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration.