Losartan inhibits LPS-induced GFAP expression via AMPK activation in mouse hippocampus

AIM: To investigate the effects of losartan on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, and to determine whether adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation is involved in the mechanism.METHODS: Adult male KM mice were divided into control group, LPS model group, losartan treatment group, and losartan and Compound C co-treatment group. To establish a model of central nervous system inflammation, the mice received daily intracerebroventricular injection of LPS (24 μg/d) for 2 d. Daily losartan administration (0.5, 1 or 5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, ip) initiated at 14 d prior to LPS injection. Compound C (10 mg/kg, ip), a selective AMPK inhibitor, started to be injected daily at 2 d prior to LPS injection. The hippocampal tissues in each group were isolated at 3 d after the last LPS injection, and then the protein levels of GFAP, AMPK, p-AMPK, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p-mTOR were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: Twice LPS injections significantly increased the expression of GFAP in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Losartan inhibited LPS-induced GFAP expression in a concentration-dependent way, and losartan at 5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 significantly inhibited GFAP expression and AMPK activation (P<0.05), but it had no obvious effect on mTOR activation. Furthermore, Compound C significantly reversed the effect of losartan treatment on LPS-induced GFAP expression and AMPK phosphorylation (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Losartan inhibits LPS-induced GFAP expression in the mouse hippocampus, and AMPK activation but not mTOR, is involved in the mechanism.     

Effects of β-ME and RA on expression of GFAP in mesenchymal cells derived from mouse fetal liver

AIM: To investigate the effects of β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) and all-trans rentinal acid (RA) on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in mesenchymal cells derived from mouse fetal liver in vitro. METHODS: Cells suspension from 14.5-days-old mouse fetal liver were cultured in DMEM/HEPES/F12 supplemented with 20％ FCS and mesenchymal cells were acquired after discarding nonadherent cells. The 5th passage cells were induced by β-ME and RA. The characteristics of treated cells were assayed by immunocytochemistry staining at 5 hours and 5 days after induction. β-actin as an internal control, GFAP gene expression of mesenchyal cells was detected with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: After being inducted by β-ME and RA, 80％ approximately of the cells exhibited typical neural morphology and about 85％ expressed GFAP phenotype. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that mRNA expression of GFAP increased in treated cells versus untreated cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: GFAP expression in mesenchymal cells derived from mouse fetal liver in vitro increases after being treated with β-ME and RA.     

Effects of baicalin on glial fibrillary acidic protein and nuclear factor-κB expression in juvenile rat hippocampus after status convulsion

AIM: To study the effects of baicalin (BC) on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression and neuronal apoptosis in juvenile rat hippocampus after status convulsion (SC). METHODS: One hundred and ninety five juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal saline pretreatment group (NS group), SC group and SC with BC pretreatment group (BC group). Each of these 3 groups would be subdivided into 5 subgroups sacrificed at 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after SC. The rat SC model was prepared by lithium-pilocarpine chemical method. The protein expression of GFAP and NF-κB was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of GFAP was detected by RT-PCR. The neuronal apoptosis was observed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS: Compared with NS group, the GFAP positive cells was increased in SC group (P<0.05). Compared with SC group, the expression of GFAP was significantly reduced in BC group (P<0.05). Compared with NS group, the NF-κB positive cells was increased in SC group (P<0.05). Compared with SC group, the expression of NF-κB was significantly reduced in BC group. RT-PCR showed that the expression trend of GFAP mRNA was similar to that of the protein. Compared with NS group, the TUNEL positive cells in the hippocampus CA1 area in SC group increased significantly 12 h after SC (P<0.01), and reached a peak at 48 h. After the intervention with BC, the TUNEL positive cells decreased significantly between 12~48 h after SC (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but the number of TUNEL positive cells remained significantly greater than that in NS group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of GFAP and NF-κB in the hippocampus increased after SC in rats. Baicalin decreases the expression of GFAP and NF-κB in hippocampus of rats with pilocarpine-induced seizures, and reduces the number of neuronal apoptosis, suggesting that baicalin may protect against the brain damage caused by status convulsion.     

Changes of Ski expression levels in rat activated astrocytes

AIM: To explore the time-dependent change of Ski protein expression in normal and activated astrocytes in rats.METHODS: The astrocytes were obtained from rat cerebral cortex and cultured in vitro. The astrocytes were treated with LPS and scratch injury for activation. Western blot analysis was used to determine glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Ski protein levels in activated astrocytes at a series of time points. The indirect immunofluorescence staining method was performed to detect the location of Ski protein in the astrocytes.RESULTS: The protein of GFAP was naturally expressed in the astrocytes, beginning to increase after treated with LPS and scratch injury. Little protein expression of Ski in the normal astrocytes was observed. The Ski protein expression began to increase after treated with 1 mg/L LPS, peaked at 4 d (P<0.05) and then deceased, but was stills higher than that in the normal cells. The protein expression level of Ski after scratch injury was highly consistent with above mentioned. Ski was mainly observed in the nucleus of the normal cells and the cells treated with LPS for 6 d, while it was observed in the cytoplasm 2 and 4 d after treated with LPS.CONCLUSION: The protein of Ski is expressed in the astrocytes, and the expression level is increased in activated astrocytes, mainly located in the nucelus. Ski may plays an essential roles in the processes of activation and proliferation of astrocytes.     

Effect of dexmedetomidine on astrocytes in rats with focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

AIM: To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on astrocytes in rats with focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Sixty female SD rats, weighing 230~250 g, were randomly divided into sham operation group, ischemia-reperfusion group, dexmedetomidine preconditioning group 1 and dexmedetomidine preconditioning group 2. The model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established by thread embolism of middle cerebral artery. In sham operation group, the carotid arteries were exposed without performing MCAO. In ischemia-reperfusion group, NS was injected intraperitoneally 30 min before focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. The rats in dexmedetomidine preconditioning group 1 and dexmedetomidine preconditioning group 2 received intraperitoneal injection of dexmedetomidine at doses of 20 μg/kg and 40 μg/kg, respectively. The neurological scores were studied, and the pathological changes were observed under microscope with HE staining. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in astrocytes was detected by the methods of immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting 24 h after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. RESULTS: No neurological change was observed in sham operation group. The neurological deficiency scores in ischemia-reperfusion group were markedly higher than those in dexmedetomidine preconditioning group 1 and group 2 (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, the expression of GFAP and TNF-α in astrocytes and the level of GFAP increased significantly 24 h after focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Pretreatment with dexmedetomidine significantly attenuated the expression of GFAP and reduced the infarct size and inflammation. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine has a neuroprotective effect on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting the astrocytes.     

Astrocyte proliferation in the rat hippocampus after middle cerebral artery occlusion

AIM: To study rat astrocyte proliferation in ipsilateral hippocampus following focal cerebral ischemia. METHODS: Ischemia was induced by temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In hippocampus of rats at 3, 7 and 30 days after MCAO, the numbers and anatomic distribution of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of GFAP and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the ipsilateral hippocampus were analyzed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Astrocytes appeared hypertrophic, with increased process thickness and numbers at 7 days after MCAO, and the highest density of astrocytes were seen at 30 days in the CA1, CA2 regions of the ipsilateral hippocampus. Western blot analysis revealed that GFAP levels were normal at 3 days, but increased by 7 days and remained elevation at 30 days. Western blot analysis of PCNA protein also revealed identified upregulation PCNA at 3 days after MCAO and the expression peaked at 7 days. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that focal cerebral ischemia in the rat results in a rapid response, a process often referred to as reactive astrogliosis or glial scarring, from resident astrocytes of the ipsilateral hippocampus to the side of ischemia.     

Influence of glycine on LBP mRNA expression induced by LPS in the liver of rats

AIM:To study the influence of glycine(GLY) on lipopolysaccharide-binding protein(LBP) mRNA expression induced by LPS.METHODS:The level of LBP mRNA expression in liver tissues of rats was examined by RT-PCR, and the effects of glycine on LBP mRNA expression in liver tissues of rats induced by LPS were investigated.RESULTS: The level of LBP mRNA expression in hepatic tissue of rats in the LPS group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.01), the level of LBP mRNA expression in the hepatic tissue of rats in the LPS+GLY group was lower than that in the LPS group(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:LPS can induce LBP mRNA expression in the hepatic tissue of rats, glycine can inhibit LBP mRNA expression in the hepatic tissue of rats treated by LPS.     

Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in developing rat brain after intrauterine infection

AIM: To investigate the alteration of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in developing rat brain after intrauterine infection. METHODS: Escherichia coli (E.coli) was inoculated into uterine horn of pregnant rats when gestation was 15 days and the control group was inoculated with normal saline. Immunohistochemistry was used for evaluation of GFAP expression in pup brains at postnatal day 1 (P1), P3, P7, P14, P21. RESULTS: GFAP-immunopositive cells was scarce in the periventricular white matter at P1 and P3 in two groups (P>0.05), but not in other brain regions. The number of GFAP-immunopositive cells of the E.coli-treated pups was markedly increased in periventricular white matter and hippocampus at P7 compared with the control group (P<0.05). The E.coli-treated pups at P14 showed a marked increase in GFAP expression in periventricular white matter, corpus callosum and cortex (P<0.01). However, no significant different levels of GFAP expression in any brain regions were found at P21 between two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Intrauterine infection induces an increased expression of GFAP in the neonatal brain.     

Effects of CCK-8 and its receptor antagonists on expression of CREB and pCREB in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of morphine withdrawal rats

AIM：To observe the effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) and its receptor antagonists on cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and phosphorylated CREB (pCREB） expression in frontal cortex and hippocampus of morphine withdrawal rats, which aim to explore the post-receptor mechanism through which CCK-8 regulates morphine withdrawal. METHODS：After the morphine dependence and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal animal models were established, the effects of CCK-8, L-364718 (CCK1 receptor antagonist) and LY-288513 (CCK2 receptor antagonist) pretreatment on CREB and pCREB expression in frontal cortex and hippocampus were observed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS：In rat frontal cortex neuron, CREB was expressed in both cytoplasm and nucleus, but pCREB was only highly expressed in the nucleus. In the pyramidal cell layer of hippocampal CA1 region, CREB showed high expression in the cytoplasm and low expression in the nucleus, while pCREB was only expressed in the nu-cleus. No obvious change of CREB was observed after either chronic morphine treatment or naloxone withdrawal. The pCREB expression was increased after chronic morphine treatment and further increased after naloxone withdrawal. Compared with the withdrawal group, chronic pretreatment with CCK-8, L-364718 and LY-288513 had no effect on CREB expression in the frontal cortex, but obviously decreased the pCREB expression. In the hippocampus, pretreatment with L-364718 and LY-288513 decreased CREB and pCREB expression, but only the pCREB expression was decreased after CCK-8 treatment. CONCLUSION：CCK-8 and CCK receptor antagonists may alleviate morphine withdrawal symptoms by regulating CREB, with specificity in different brain regions.     

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.     

Altered expression of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifier potassium channels (GIRK) subunit 1 and 2 in hippocampus of chronic temporal epileptic rats induced by kainic acid

AIM: G protein-coupled inwardly rectifier potassium (GIRK) channel are distributed widely in mammalian brain. In CNS, GIRK 1/2 seems to be the predominant heterotetramers which play a pivot role in the regulation of the excitability of neurons and may contribute to the resting potential by leading to a hyperpolarization of membrane potential and reduction of the action potential frequency. In the context, the Weaver mouse is the first neurological abnormality directly linked to a genetic point mutation in the GIRK2 protein which includes spontaneous seizure. GIRK2 knock out mice showed normal development but more susceptible than normal mice to seizure induced by GABA antagonist. Here, we report that the mRNA and protein expression of GIRK subunit 2 is altered in kainic acid(KA)-induced epileptic rat hippocampus. METHODS: Rats were injected with kainate 14 mg/kg intraperitoneally to establish an acute and chronic temporal lobe epilepsy model. At chronic spontaneous seizure stage, by using of in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting, the GIRK 1,2 mRNA and protein were analyzed quantitatively in the dentate gyreus, CA1, CA3 regions of hippocampus. RESULTS: GIRK1,2 mRNA and proteins were expressed abundantly in all regions of hippocampus. KA induced seizures and caused a significant increase in GIRK2 mRNA abundance and immunoreacitivity; only GIRK1 mRNA was increased significantly, but no difference was found by Western blotting protocol. CONCLUSION: GIRK1,2 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus of epileptic rat brain is up-regulated, which may be an adaptive response to over-excitability of neuron networks and prevent the over-excitability spread in hippocampus (DG-CA3-CA1).     

Effects of several harmful factors on expression of glycine receptor α1 subunit in neonatal rat myocardial cells

AIM: To study the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in neonatal rat myocardial cells and to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hypoxia/reoxygenation, isoproterenol (ISO) and high concentration of glucose (HG) on the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in the neonatal rat myocardial cells. METHODS: Neonatal rat myocardial cells were cultured in vitro. The expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit was detected by Western blotting. The neonatal rat myocardial cells were treated with LPS (20 mg/L), ISO (100μmol/L) or high concentration of glucose (25 mmol/L) for 24 h, or were exposed to hypoxia for 3 h followed by reoxygenation for 3 h. Subsequently, the cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay, and the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: The expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in the neonatal rat myocardial cells was positively detectable by Western blotting. Compared with control group, no significant difference of the cell viability (P>0.05) in LPS group, ISO group, hypoxia/reoxygenation group and HG group was observed. The expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit was increased (P<0.01) in LPS group, ISO group and hypoxia/reoxygenatio group, but decreased (P<0.01) in HG group. CONCLUSION: Glycine receptor α₁ subunit exists in the neonatal rat myocardial cells. A certain concentration of LPS or ISO, or hypoxia/reoxygenation for a certain period upregulate the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit, but HG downregulates the expression of glycine receptor α₁ subunit in cultured neonatal rat myocardial cells.     

Effect of electroacupuncture at auricular concha on behaviors and electroencephalogram in epileptic rats

AIM: To explore the antiseizure mechanism of electroacupuncture at auricular concha (AC).METHODS: Forty-eight healthy adult male rats were divided into 2 parts for behavioral observation (n=24) and electrophysiological observation (n=24), respectively. For behavioral observation, 24 rats were divided into 3 groups: model group (n=8), Dazhui group (Du 14, n=8) and AC group (n=8). The rats in model group were treated with intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 60 mg/kg). The rats in the latter 2 groups were pretreated with electroacupuncture at "Du 14" and AC, respectively, and then received intraperitoneal injection of PTZ. Behavioral observations were performed to determine the antiseizure effect of electroacupuncture at AC. For electrophysiological observation, 24 rats were divided into 3 groups: Dazhui group (n=8),vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) group (n=8) and AC group (n=8). The rats in Dazhui group were treated with electroacupuncture at "Du 14". The rats in VNS group were given cervical vagus nerve stimulation. The rats in AC group were treated with electroacupuncture at AC. Epileptic discharges in electroencephalogram were observed to determine the effect of electroacupuncture at AC for the treatment of epilepsy. RESULTS: Compared with model group, the latency of the first grand mal seizure increased in AC group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with Dazhui group, the latency of the first grand mal seizure increased in AC group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the durations of the first grand mal decreased in Dazhui group and AC group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Compared with model group, the scores of epileptic behaviors decreased in AC group (P<0.01). Compared with Dazhui group, the scores of epileptic behaviors decreased in AC group (P<0.01). The antiseizure duration by VNS and electroacupuncture at AC increased, compared with that by electroacupuncture at "Du 14" (P<0.01). No statistical difference between the antiseizure duration of VNS and electroacupuncture at AC was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The antiseizure effect of electroacupuncture at AC is better than that of electroacupuncture at "Du 14". There is no significant difference between the acute antiseizure duration of VNS and electroacupuncture at AC. Electroacupuncture at AC is effective, convenient and low-cost, which may be used as a complementary therapy for epilepsy.     

Effects of glycine/polymyxine B mixture on endotoxin-induced acute phase response in rabbits

AIM: To explore effects of glycine and polymyxin B mixture (Gly/PMB) on endotoxin-induced acute phase responsein vivo. METHODS: Model of acute phase response was reconstructed by endotoxin (ET) in rabbits. Specimens of blood were collected at 1 hour after the highest body temperature. Leukocyte count, serum C-reactive protein and trace element were also detected. RESULTS: Pretreatment of half-dose Gly/PMB significantly inhibited acute phase response induced by ET (P＜0.05) in vivo, and serum C-reaction protein and trace element tended to normal level. There was no significant difference in inhibitory effects on ET-induced acute phase response between half-dose of Gly/PMB and total-dose of PMB (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that glycine enhanced the inhibitory effect of polymyxin B on ET-induced acute phase response. The advantage of glycine and polymyxin B mixture was decreasing dosage and side effects of polymyxin B.     

Effects of EGb761 on synaptophysin expression in hippocampus of vascular dementia rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract 761 (Egb761) on synaptophysin (SYN) expression in hippocampus of vascular dementia (VD) rats.METHODS: VD rat models, established by repeatedly cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, were randomly divided into two groups: model group and EGb761 treated group (both n=30), and another 30 condition-matched rats were selected as the sham-operated controls. Spatial learning and memory abilities of rats were assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) task, and SYN expression in hippocampal formation of rats in different groups was detected by immunohistochemical technique and image analysis.RESULTS: The MWM escape latency (EL) in model group was highly longer than that in the sham-operated group (P<0.01), while the EL of EGb761-treated group was significantly shorter than that in model group, but still longer than that in the sham-operated group at 1 m, 2 m and 4 m after VD modeling operation (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the SYN immunoreactive expression in hippocampal formation in model group greatly decreased and mean optical density of SYN expression highly increased compared with both sham-operated group and EGb761-treated group at three time points (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: EGb761 can increase the expression of SYN in hippocampus, which may be one of important mechanisms of EGb761 in improving learning and memory dysfunction of VD rats.     

Effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on proteome from hippocampus of rats with epilepsy induced by Coriaria lactone

AIM: To explore the mechanism of development of Coriaria lactone (CL)-induced epilepsy and the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) on the process of epilepsy by identifying the proteins related to CL and GRb1 in rat hippocampus with two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) technology.METHODS: The rat model of epilepsy was induced by CL. The rats in control group, CL epileptic group and GRb1 +CL epileptic group were decapitated and the hippocampus were collected. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was applied to separate the proteins from each group. Analysis of 2-DE maps was used to determine differential expression of proteins by ImageMaster 2D Platinum 5.0, and some differentially expressed protein spots were picked up for further identification by matrix-assisted laser sorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).RESULTS: Six proteins were successfully identified. Among these, the expression of brain creatine kinase, endophilin-A1 and UPF0628 protein C10orf96 homolog was lower in GRb1+CL epileptic group than those in CL epileptic group. The expression of cytochrome P-450, phosducin-like protein and bridging integrator 3 protein was lower in GRb1+CL epileptic group than those in control group.CONCLUSION: The protein expression profiles are significantly different among control group, CL epileptic group and GRb1+CL epileptic group. The identified proteins may be related to the neuroprotective effects of GRb1. Among these, brain creatine kinase, endophilin-A1 and UPF0628 protein C10orf96 homolog may be related to CL-induced seizures.     

Effects of glycine on insulin resistance and cognitive impairment induced by high-fructose diet

AIM: To investigate the role of intestinal endotoxemia (IETM) in insulin resistance (IR) and cognitive impairment, and to explore the protective mechanisms of glycine in rats with high-fructose diet. METHODS: The rats in model group were fed with 8% fructose water, and the rats in intervention group were fed with water containing 8% fructose and 1% glycine. The body weight and systolic pressure were measured monthly. After 8 months, plasma glucose, plasma lipids, glucose tolerance and plasma endotoxin (LPS) were detected. Plasma insulin, pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and cerebral cortex were determined by ELISA, and HOMA-IR was also calculated. The molecules of insulin signaling pathway in cerebral cortex were determined by Western blotting. The cognitive functions of the rats were tested by Morris water maze. RESULTS: The weight gain in model group was increased from the 3rd month to the 6th month, and systolic pressure was increased after the 3rd month as compared with control group. Glycine significantly reduced the weight gain in the 4th month and the 6th month, and significantly reduced the systolic pressure from the 4th month to the 6th month. Meanwhile, glycine partly attenuated dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance, and lowered the levels of plasma LPS, plasma insulin, HOMA-IR and pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and cortex. Furthermore, glycine attenuated the abnormal expression of insulin signaling proteins and cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Long-term fructose diet induces the rats to peripheral and neuronal IR, which accompanies IETM and low-grade inflammation. Glycine attenuates IR and cognitive impairment by lowering IETM.     

Effects of dexmedetomidine on behaviors and expression of BDNF and mTOR in hippocampus of depressive rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the behaviors and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the hippocampus of depressive rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham operation group, model group, and DEX (2.5, 5 and 10 μg/kg) groups. The rats were randomly selected in each group (n=12). The rat depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress and ovariectomy. The rats in DEX groups received daily DEX treatment via intraperitoneal injection for 21 d. The forced swimming immobility time (FSIT) and open-field test were used to evaluate the antidepressant effect of DEX. Escape latency and times of crossing the flat were evaluated by Morris water maze. The histological changes of hippocampal neurons were determined by Nissl staining. The mRNA levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and BDNF, and the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and mTOR in hippocampus were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with model group, the FSIT was significantly reduced and the spontaneous activity was markedly increased in DEX groups. The damage of the hippocampal neurons was obviously attenuated, the escape latency was obviously decreased, and times of crossing the flat were markedly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were obviously decreased, and the protein levels of p-PKA, p-CREB, BDNF, p-TrkB and p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR in hippocampal tissues were obviously increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine improves the behaviors and the spatial learning and memory ability of depressive model rats, which may be related to its anti-inflammatory effects, as well as up-regulating the protein levels of BDNF and p-TrkB, and activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus.     

Gene and protein alterations in the hippocampus of rats with temporal lobe epilepsy

AIM:To examine the expression profiles of both genes and proteins in hippocampus of rats with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) for revealing the molecular mechanisms of TLE and looking for the candidate targets and new therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.METHODS:Rat temporal lobe epilepsy was induced by administration of lithium chloride and pilocarpine (LiCl-PILO).The expression spectra of genes and proteins were constructed through the techniques of cDNA microarray,two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis and Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).Subsequently,the differentially expressed genes and proteins were identified and analyzed.RESULTS:There were 192 genes of differential expression observed in hippocampal tissues of LiCl-PILO-induced temporal lobe epilepsy,and 159 genes have been registered in Genbank database,in which 84 genes were up-regulated while 75 genes were down-regulated.78 protein spots of differential display were screened out,in which 31 proteins were detected to be down-regulated and 47 were up-regulated.Finally,5 proteins were identified.CONCLUSION:These genes and proteins found in our study may play pivotal roles in the pathogenic mechanisms of epilepsy and may promise new therapeutic targets for refractory epilepsy in the future.     

Effects of glycine on intracellular of free calcium and tumor necrosis factor-α of cardiomyocytes during hypoxia/reoxygenation

AIM: To observe the influence of glycine on intracellular free calcium, the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α and the survival rate of myocardial cells during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). METHODS: The simulated model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with the primary cultured cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats was established, and the cultured cardiomyocytes were divided into seven groups, control group, hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (0.5 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (1.0 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (2.0 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (4.0 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, 4.0 mmol/L glycine group. RESULTS: Within certain concentration (0.5-2.0 mmol/L), the glycine could inhibit the calcium overload resulting from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in cells in a dose-dependent manner with the optimal inhibitory effect at 2.0 mmol/L. Glycine inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α from myocardial cells and increased the survival rate of myocardial cells. CONCLUSION: Glycine has a protective effect on hypoxia/reoxygenation myocardial cells, which may be related to inhibiting calcium overload and decreasing the production of tumor necrosis factor-α.