Magnesium and Morphine in the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain–A Biomedical Mechanism of Action

The effectiveness of opioids in the treatment of neuropathic pain is limited. It was demonstrated that magnesium ions (Mg2+), physiological antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), increase opioid analgesia in chronic pain. Our study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism of this action. Early data indicate the cross-regulation of µ opioid receptor (MOR) and NMDAR in pain control. Morphine acting on MOR stimulates protein kinase C (PKC), while induction of NMDAR recruits protein kinase A (PKA), leading to a disruption of the MOR-NMDAR complex and promoting functional changes in receptors. The mechanical Randall-Selitto test was used to assess the effect of chronic Mg2+ and morphine cotreatment on streptozotocin-induced hyperalgesia in Wistar rats. The level of phosphorylated NMDAR NR1 subunit (pNR1) and phosphorylated MOR (pMOR) in the periaqueductal gray matter was determined with the Western blot method. The activity of PKA and PKC was examined by standard enzyme immunoassays. The experiments showed a reduction in hyperalgesia after coadministration of morphine (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally) and Mg2+ (40 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Mg2+ administered alone significantly decreased the level of pNR1, pMOR, and activity of both tested kinases. The results suggest that blocking NMDAR signaling by Mg2+ restores the MOR-NMDAR complex and thus enables morphine analgesia in neuropathic rats.

The Expression and Significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase, Wnt5a and β-Catenin in Placental Tissue of Preeclampsia

In order to investigate the expression and clinical significance of MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinase) (MPP-2 and MPP-9), Wnt5a as well as β-catenin in placental tissues of preeclampsia (PE) patients, 36 PE patients (PE group) and 25 pregnant women (control group) with normal pregnancy were selected for cesarean delivery. The expression and localization of MPP-2, MPP-9, Wnt5a as well as β-catenin proteins in placental tissue were detected by Western blot method and immunohistochemistry method. The correlation between the poor prognosis of mother and child and the expression level of MMPs, Wnt5a as well as β-catenin is analyzed. The results showed that Western blot results showed that MPP-2, MPP-9, Wnt5a as well as β-catenin proteins were expressed in placental tissue, and the expression level of them of placental tissue in PE group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry showed that MMPs, Wnt5a, as well as β-catenin proteins were expressed in the cytotrophoblast cell (CTB) and syncytiotrophoblast cell (STB) of placental tissue, among which Wnt5a proteins as well as β-catenin proteins were mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of STB and CTB respectively. MMPs proteins were mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of these two types of cells. Low expression of MPPs, Wnt5a, β-catenin proteins may be related to blood pressure as well as 24 h urine protein of pregnant women at admission. In conclusion, Low expression of MPPs, Wnt5a, β-catenin proteins may be involved in the PE pathogenesis.

TanshinoneIIA exerts protective effects via attenuate FTH1, a biomarker and therapeutic target in head and neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background TanshinoneIIA (TanIIA) refers to one of the major lipophilic bioactive components of S. miltiorrhiza that exerts multiple pleiotropic effects (e.g., anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects). Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is recognized as the sixth most common cancer worldwide. As indicated from existing studies, ferroptosis may be responsible for its progression. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been overall clarified. This study aimed to screen a functional therapeutic target in HNSCC to specifically analyze its correlation with HNSCC and whether TanIIA can act on it to exert a therapeutic effect. Methods Data originating from GEO series GSE6631 and GSE13398 datasets were analyzed with the limma R package on GEO2R to find differentially expressed genes between healthy people from HNSCC patients. The DEG-related PPI network was built with the STRING database, and then the visualization was conducted by Cytoscape. FTH1 expression and mapping were examined with Human Protein Atlas, and FTH1 protein analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis were conducted to carry out survival analyses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to localize FTH1 in HNSCCs. The protein expressions were analyzed with Western-blot method. The cell survival and invasion ability were identified by employing CCK-8 and Transwell methods. Results A high FTH1 expression in the HNSCCs sample could indicate poor patient outcome. TanIIA at certain concentrations could significantly attenuate FTH1 expression and reduce HNSCCs survival and invasion. Conclusions As revealed from this study, FTH1 could act as a promising therapy target in HNSCC and can be inhibited by TanIIA, which was demonstrated to carry out anticancer activities with less side effect.

Evidence of acrolein in synovial fluid of dogs with osteoarthritis as a potential inflammatory biomarker

Background Acrolein is a known pro-inflammatory toxic aldehyde, propagating cellular damage and tissue inflammation in humans and animal models of various diseases. Osteoarthritis (OA) has a significant inflammatory component; however, presence of acrolein in synovial fluid of joints with OA has not been previously reported. The first aim of this study was to evaluate evidence of acrolein in the synovial fluid of dogs with OA as well as in Control joints. The second aim was to determine if evidence of acrolein can be detected in synovial fluid samples that have been in a frozen state for long periods of time. Methods In this pilot clinical study, synovial fluid samples were prospectively collected (i.e., New samples) from a single joint of both clinically healthy (New Control, n = 5) and dogs with OA (New OA, n = 16) and frozen until the time of analysis. Additionally, frozen synovial fluid samples from a biobank (i.e., Old samples) were used to evaluate ability to detect evidence of acrolein in long-term stored samples (median of 4.89 years) in Old Control (n = 5) and Old OA (n = 5) samples. Measurements of acrolein in all synovial fluid samples was based on detection of its major protein adduct, N ε - (3-formyl-3, 4-dehydropiperidino)lysine (FDP-lysine), using the western blot method. Synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was measured in all samples using the western blot method as a positive control of OA inflammation. Results Acrolein-lysine adduct was detected in both Control (n = 10) and OA (n = 21) groups in both Old and New samples. Acrolein-lysine adduct and MMP2 were detectable at a lower level in the Old compared to New synovial fluid samples; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.1). The measured MMP2 levels were significantly higher in the OA compared to Control group samples (p = 0.033), but not for acrolein-lysine adduct (p = 0.30). Conclusions This study confirmed evidence of acrolein in canine synovial fluid of both OA and Control groups. Freezing of synovial fluid for up to 5 years does not appear to significantly affect the ability to detect acrolein-lysine adduct and MMP2 in these samples.

Resveratrol on the Inflammatory Environment of Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells

Our study assesses the mechanism of Sirt-1 signaling pathway and inflammation changes after spinal cord injury (SCI). SD rats were assigned into Sham group and SCI group. The Sham group only received bites off the corresponding vertebral lamina without the blow operation. The Western Blot method was used to detect Sirt-1 level, ELISA analyzed IL-1β and IL-6 level in the spinal cord tissues along with measuring Sirt-1 and TNF-α level by immunofluorescence staining. Sirt-1 changed with the time after SCI and was significantly higher than sham operation group at 1 day after injury, reaching the highest level at 3 days followed by a decrease. IL-1β and IL-6 after SCI was significantly higher than sham operation group at 1 day after injury. Immunofluorescence double staining showed that Sirt-1 and TNF-α expression in spinal cord tissue after injury were upregulated. The expression of Sirt-1 changed with time after SCI, and was consistent with the trend of changes in inflammatory factors. In conclusion, Sirt-1 is related to the changes of inflammatory factors after SCI, indicating that Sirt-1 may be involved in inflammation after SCI.

Effect of Ozone on Apelin and APJ Expressions in Rat Peritonitis-Constituted With Colon Anastomosis

Background: Analyze the effect of ozone therapy on Apelin and APJ expressions in peritonitis constituted colon anastomosis.Methods: Eighteen male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-300 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly assigned into three groups. In the colonic tissue samples Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (HE) and the Apelin and APJ immunostaining was applied. Also, Apelin and APJ protein levels between groups were determined with the Western-Blot method.Results: In the ozone therapy group, Apelin and APJ immunoreactivity was decreased compared to the anastomosis group. The protein levels of Apelin and APJ according to Western-Blot analysis are consistent with immunostaining. Conclusion: As a result, increased levels of Apelin and APJ in cecal punctuation and colonic anastomosis process can be deduced and said to contribute to worsening of tissue while it may be involved in return to normal of with treatment.

Soybean and Lupine Addition in Hen Nutrition—Influence on Egg Immunoreactivity

Modifying hen fodder is a common way of changing eggs composition today. However, there is no information on the effect of the source of protein in the fodder replacement on egg allergenicity. This research aimed to detect potential differences in the immunoreactivity and protein composition of eggs from hens fed with fodder containing legume. The aim of the first step of the study was to select the proper solvent for extracting allergenic proteins from hen eggs. Two of them (containing Tween 20 and Triton 100) were selected, based on protein profile and concentration analysis. Egg-white- and egg-yolk-proteins extracts prepared with them were checked for potential differences, using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, and then the Western-blot method, using sera from children allergic to eggs and soy. Preliminary studies on the influence of fodder composition on the composition of egg proteins suggest that the addition of soy and lupine to fodder modifies the expression of egg proteins. The observed differences in the immunoreactivity of proteins contained in hen egg-white samples do not seem to be as significant as the appearance of protein with a molecular weight of ~13 kDa in the yolk of eggs obtained from soybean-fed hens. This protein may increase the immunoreactivity of eggs for children allergic solely to soy.

Activation of autophagy reverses gemcitabine-induced immune inhibition of RAW264.7 macrophages by promoting TNF-α, IL-6 and MHC-II expression

This research aims to investigate the effect of gemcitabine (GEM) on various activities and functions of macrophages. Phagocytosis, cell autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analysed by laser scanning confocal microscope. The cell cycle status and major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) expression were examined by flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokine secretion such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was detected by Elisa assay. The expression of proteins was analysed by western blot method. The results revealed that GEM-induced immune inhibition of M1-type RAW264.7 macrophages activated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We also found that GEM inhibited autophagy, as evidenced by the reduced formation of autophagosome-like vacuoles and autophagosomes. Further study showed that incubation of activated macrophages with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA induced immune suppression. In contrast, treatment with the autophagy inducer trehalose (Tre) restored phagocytosis, TNF-α and IL-6 secretion, and MHC-II expression in GEM-induced immune-inhibited macrophages. GEM reduced immune effect of M1-type RAW264.7 macrophages via inhibiting TNF-α, IL-6 and MHC-II expression. Furthermore, activation of autophagy by Tre reversed GEM-induced immune inhibition of RAW264.7 macrophages.

Tanshinol Alleviates Microcirculation Disturbance and Impaired Bone Formation by Attenuating TXNIP Signaling in GIO Rats

Impaired bone formation is the main characteristics of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIO), which can be ameliorated by tanshinol, an aqueous polyphenol isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. However, the underlying mechanism is still not entirely clear. In the present study, we determined the parameters related to microstructure and function of bone tissue, bone microcirculation, and TXNIP signaling to investigate the beneficial effects of tanshinol on skeleton and its molecular mechanism in GIO rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 4 months were administrated orally with distilled water (Con), tanshinol (Tan, 25 mg kg−1 d−1), prednisone (GC, 5 mg kg−1 d−1) and GC plus tanshinol (GC + Tan) for 14 weeks. The results demonstrated that tanshinol played a significant preventive role in bone loss, impaired microstructure, dysfunction of bone metabolism and poor bone quality, based on analysis of correlative parameters acquired from the measurement by using Micro-CT, histomorphometry, ELISA and biomechanical assay. Tanshinol also showed a significant protective effect in bone microcirculation according to the evidence of microvascular perfusion imaging of cancellous bone in GIO rats, as well as the migration ability of human endothelial cells (EA.hy926, EA cells). Moreover, tanshinol also attenuated GC-elicited the activation of TXNIP signaling pathway, and simultaneously reversed the down-regulation of Wnt and VEGF pathway as manifested by using Western-blot method in GIO rats, EA cells, and human osteoblast-like MG63 cells (MG cells). Collectively, our data highlighted that tanshinol ameliorated poor bone health mediated by activation of TXNIP signaling via inhibiting microcirculation disturbance and the following impaired bone formation in GIO rats.