Effect of Peroxiredoxin 1 on the biological function of airway epithelial cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) participates in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of PRDX1 on the EMT of airway epithelial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). PRDX1 overexpression significantly increased the proliferation and migration of human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells, reduced cell apoptosis (p < 0.01), and induced EMT and collagen deposition by upregulating the expression of the matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)2, MMP9, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), N-cadherin, vimentin and twist proteins and inhibiting E-cadherin expression (p < 0.05). PRDX1 overexpression promoted TGF-β1-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration and significantly enhanced the TGF-β1-induced EMT and collagen synthesis (p < 0.05). Knockdown of PRDX1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, EMT, and collagen synthesis (p < 0.01), reversed LPS-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, and significantly suppressed LPS-induced EMT and collagen synthesis (p < 0.01). The result indicating that PRDX1 may be involved in LPS/TGF-1-induced EMT and collagen synthesis in human bronchial epithelial cells.     

Astragaloside IV improves melanocyte differentiation from mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Vitiligo results in an autoimmune disorder destructing skin pigment cells, melanocytes (Mcs). This study aimed to investigate whether Astragaloside IV (AIV) could efficiently induce differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) into Mcs. BMMSCs were induced and differentiated into Mcs with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/L AIV during 150-day. Morphologic changes of differentiated cells were observed. Levels of some melanocytic specific genes (TRP-1, TRP-2, MART-1, Mitf) were measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at 90, 120, and 150 days of induction. After 90-day induction, the differentiated cells with 0.4 mg/L AIV demonstrated the typical morphology of Mcs, positive 3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine staining, and positive staining of TRP-1, TRP-2, MART-1, and Mitf. After 90- and 120- days’ induction with 0.4 mg/L AIV, TRP-1 expression was significantly elevated (p < 0.01), and TRP-2 expression was significantly increased in 0.4 mg/L AIV-treated group compared to negative control (p < 0.01), 0.1 mg/L (p < 0.01), and 0.2 mg/L (p < 0.01) AIV-treated groups. Moreover, MART-1 expression was significantly up-regulated in 0.4 mg/L AIV-treated group compared to negative control, but without difference compared to 0.1 mg/L (p > 0.05) and 0.2 mg/L (p > 0.05) AIV-treated groups. During 90 to 150- day induction, there were no significant differences for Mitf levels between AIV-treated groups and negative control (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 90-day induction with 0.4 mg/L AIV up-regulated TRP-1, TRP-2, and MART-1 expression, indicating that AIV can efficiently induce Mcs differentiation from BMMSCs. These results provide experimental and theoretic evidence for AIV application in clinical vitiligo repigmentation treatment.     

Cardioprotective effect of ivabradine via the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury induced in H9c2 cell

Post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction (PRMD) is the most severe myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) and is characterized by difficult treatment and poor prognosis. Research has shown the protective effects of the rational use of ivabradine (IVA) against PRMD; however, the molecular mechanisms of IVA remain unknown. In this study, an ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model was established using hypoxic chambers. The results demonstrated that pretreatment with IVA reduced IRI-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. IVA attenuated mitochondrial damage, eliminated excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressed IRI-induced ATP and NAD⁺ , and increased the AMP/ATP ratio. We further found that IVA increased the mRNA levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and upregulated the expression levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC-1α proteins. Interestingly, no change in AMPK mRNA levels was observed. Cardiomyocyte energy metabolism significantly changed after IRI. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the cardioprotective effect of Ivabradine via the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced in H9c2 cell.     

Evaluation of testicular tissue of adult rats treated with cisplatin incorporated into the liposome

Cisplatin (CPL) is one of the most widely used and effective chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of several human malignancies. However, it causes serious side effects, especially on reproduction. In order to reduce the undesirable effects caused by many drugs, liposomes have been used as a good system for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of CPL incorporated into the dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine liposome (DPPC) on the testicular tissue of adult Wistar rats. The animals (n = 20) were distributed into four experimental groups: (a) control (distillated water); (b) liposome (DPPC, 1 mL), (c) cisplatin incorporated into liposome (CPL/DPPC), and (d) CPL (8 mg/kg body weight). The animals received a single intraperitoneal injection and were killed 10 days after each treatment for histopathological analysis of testes. The results showed that the testicular histomorphometric parameters in rats of DPPC and CPL/DPPC groups were similar to those of the control group. Meanwhile, rats of the CPL‐treated group showed a variety of morphological alterations, including atrophy of seminiferous tubules and presence of multinucleated cells in the germinal epithelium. The incorporation of CPL into the liposome had no influence on the testicular weight or any other stereological parameters, but it was beneficial in maintaining the body weight of the animals. In conclusion, the liposome suppressed the cytotoxic effects caused by cisplatin in the testes of rats, suggesting a possible use in chemotherapy against cancer to reduce the side effects seen on reproduction. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:323–329, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

MicroRNA expression profile and lipid metabolism characteristics in liver of rat undergoing high-fat diet

This study aimed to investigate the microRNA expression profile and the characteristics of lipid metabolism in the livers of rats undergoing a high-fat diet. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a standard chow group (C group, N = 10) and a high-fat diet group (H group, N = 40). After 12 weeks, the rat body weight, body length, fat mass, and serum lipid concentration were measured. The expression profile of microRNAs and the gene and protein expression levels involved in lipid metabolism in rat liver were detected. Body fat and serum lipid concentrations were all significantly higher in the H group than those in the C group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The expression of 10 microRNAs showed significant differences in the liver (p < 0.05). In particular, the let-7 family expression levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the H group compared with those in the C group. Compared with the C group, the high-fat diet resulted in low FAS, CPT1A, and ApoAI mRNA expression levels (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and high PPARα and FAT/CD36 mRNA expression levels in the H group rat liver (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the protein PPARα, FAS, CPT1A, FAT/CD36, and ApoAI expression levels were all significantly lower in the H group than those in the C group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). In conclusion, the high-fat diet increased the body fat and serum lipid levels and altered the 10 microRNA expression levels in the liver. The high-fat diet may affect hepatic carbohydrate metabolism and increase ectopic fat accumulation through let-7 family overexpression. The high-fat diet for 12 weeks decreased lipid metabolism level in the liver, thereby decreasing fatty acid synthesis, oxidation, and transport by down-regulating the PPARα, FAS, CPT1A, FAT/CD36, and ApoAI protein levels.     

The neuroprotection of electro-acupuncture via the PGC-1α/TFAM pathway in transient focal cerebral ischemia rats

ATP depletion is one of the pathological bases in cerebral ischemia. Electro-acupuncture (EA) is widely used in clinical practice for ischemia. However, the mechanism of EA remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether EA could activate the AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway and, consequently, increase the preservation of ATP in rats with ischemia. In this study, 48 rats were randomly divided into four groups as a sham-operation control group (sham group), a middle cerebral artery occlusion group (MCAO group), an EA group, and an EA group blocked by the AMPK inhibitor compound C (EA + CC group) (N = 12/group). The rats of the EA group and EA + CC group received the EA treatment for 7 days. The rats that belonged in the two remaining groups were only grasped in the same condition. Then, their brain tissues were collected for further detection. When compared with other groups, EA significantly reduced neurological deficits score and increased motor function. The cerebral infarction volume was significantly reduced in the EA group according to TTC staining. With western blot, we found that EA improved the ratio of p-AMPKα/AMPKα (P < 0.05), however, there is no difference between the MCAO group and sham group (P > 0.05). In addition, EA also increased the expression of PGC-1α and TFAM (all P < 0.05). By Elisa, we observed that EA increased the preservation of ATP (P < 0.05) and mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, including Complex I (P < 0.05), Complex IV (P < 0.05), but not Complex III (P > 0.05). In summary, we conclude that EA may protect against ischemic damage in MCAO rats, improve the preservation of ATP and mitochondrial respiratory enzymes. This effect may be positively regulated by the activation of the PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway.     

Aged garlic extract ameliorates the oxidative stress,histomorphological, and ultrastructural changes of cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity in adult male rats

Aim: Aged garlic extract (AGE) is a natural dietary substance having different antioxidant free‐radical‐scavenger compounds that ameliorates the toxicity of the oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AGE on cisplatin (CP)‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four, adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups namely control, AGE‐treated (a single oral dose of 250 mg/kg/day for 21 days), CP‐treated (a single intraperitoneal dose of 7.5 mg/kg on Day 16), and AGE + CP‐treated (AGE at a dose of 250 mg/kg/once daily for 21 days and a single dose of CP of 7.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally on Day 16). Body weight and absolute and relative kidney weights of each rat were calculated. Serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels were determined. Level of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase of renal tissues were measured. Renal specimens from each rat were prepared for both light and electron microscopic examinations. Results: Interstitial cell infiltration, hemorrhage, glomerular atrophy, necrosis, and tubular degeneration were observed after CP treatment. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and glutathione level were significantly decreased and malondialdehyde level was significantly increased in CP‐treated rats compared with AGE + CP‐treated animals. A remarkable improvement in the histopathological and ultrastructural changes induced by CP in renal tissues was observed in AGE + CP‐treated rats. Conclusion: AGE exhibited antioxidant effect that could ameliorate the nephrotoxic effects of CP. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:452–461, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Response of serum minerals (calcium,phosphate, and magnesium) and endocrine glands (calcitonin cells and parathyroid gland) of wistar rat after chlorpyrifos administration

Wistar rats (male) were daily administered chlorpyrifos at a dose of 5 mg/kg b wt. and 10 mg/kg b wt. and sacrificed on 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week. In chlorpyrifos exposed rats hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia were recorded. At later intervals an increased levels of serum calcium and phosphate were observed. The parathyroid glands and calcitonin cells exhibited increased activity which is evident by increased nuclear volume of these cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:673–678, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Protective effect of aqueous suspension of dried latex of <i>Calotropis procera</i> against oxidative stress and renal damage in diabetic rats

Calotropis species have been used in the traditional medicinal system for the treatment of diseases of the liver and abdomen. In view of the antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties of an aqueous suspension obtained from the dried latex of Calotropis procera, the present study was carried out to evaluate its efficacy in affording protection against alloxan induced changes in rat kidney. A single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg) in rats produced hyperglycemia within 3 days and altered kidney functions over a period of 90 days. Daily oral administration of the aqueous suspension (100 and 400 mg/kg) in diabetic rats produced anti-hyperglycemic effect that was comparable to that of glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). Unlike glibenclamide, the aqueous suspension did not increase the serum insulin levels in diabetic rats. However, it produced a marked reduction in the levels of urinary glucose and protein and normalized the renal tissue levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) in diabetic rats and the effect was comparable to that of glibenclamide. The protection afforded by the aqueous suspension was also evident from the histological analysis of the renal tissue. Our study shows that by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic property the aqueous suspension of dried latex of C. procera affords protection against the complications associated with diabetes.     

Effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the healing process of the in vivo bone tissue

The focus of this double‐blind randomized study was on evaluating the effect of an aqueous extract of Mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) on the bone repair process in vivo. In total, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly selected for this study, and divided into 3 groups (n = 12): Group HS (Hemostatic Sponge), Group SM (Hemostatic Sponge with Mastruz) and Group BC (Blood Clot). In each animal, bone defects measuring 2 mm in diameter were performed in both tibias for placement of the substances. After 3 and 10 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the tissues were analyzed under an optical microscope relative to the following events: inflammatory infiltrate; necrosis; young fibroblasts; osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity; endosteal and periosteal bone formation; and bone repair. The results were assessed by using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests (p < .05). Inflammatory infiltrate demonstrated difference between Groups SM and BC in the time interval of 3 days (p = .004); an event related to the presence of the fibrin sponge and liquid of the extract, which induced a foreign body initial reaction. The presence of young fibroblasts (p = .003), osteoclastic (p = .003), and osteoblastic (p = .020) activity was statistically significant between Groups HS and BC in the time interval of 10 days; performance was related to the presence of the sponge within bone. As regards injured bone tissue repair, Group SM demonstrated a higher level of regenerative capacity (p = 0.004), due to a larger quantities of endosteal and periosteal bone formation, demonstrated in Group SM. The aqueous extract of mastruz stimulated bone neoformation, presenting wound closure with bone tissue at the end of 10 days.     

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of <i>Tegillarca granosa</i> flesh body extract against potassium bromide toxicity via targeting the histomorphometry,chromosomal and expressions of TGF-β1, VEGF and COX-2 genes in rats

The hepatotoxic effect of potassium bromide (KBr) on rat liver tissues were determined, as well as the potential protective effect of Tegillaraca granosa (T. granosa) flesh body extract. Twenty adult male albino rats were equally distributed into four groups; Group (I) treated with physiological saline (control group), Group (II) was orally gavaged by 200 mg/kg of T. granosa body extract day after day, Group (III) was intoxicated by KBr (150 mg/kg bwt day after day orally) and finally, Group (IV) was given a combination of T. granosa flesh body extract plus KBr with similar doses in the second and third groups. At the end of one month, blood, liver tissue and bone marrow samples were collected to be used for the required laboratory examinations. In response to KBr toxicity, there was a significant increase in serum antioxidant biomarkers, which was accompanied by a significant change in hepatocyte ultrastructure and a significant change in carbohydrate and protein levels within the liver organ. In addition, KBr intoxication resulted in a substantial increase in the incidence of chromosomal aberrations such as holes, splits, deletions, fragments, ploidy, and ring chromosomes, as well as significant upregulation of TGF-1, VEGF, and COX-2 gene expression. The hepatotoxic effect of KBr was counteracted by treatment with T. granosa flesh body extract. T. granosa flesh body extract has a curative antioxidant and numerous protective effects against KBr hepatotoxicity.     

Capsaicin exerts anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia effects via inhibiting androgen receptor signaling pathway

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in middle-aged and elderly men. Enlargement of the prostate causes lower urinary tract symptoms. Capsaicin is a phytochemical extracted from chili peppers and exerts many pharmacological actions, such as anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. Methods: Our study investigated the effect of capsaicin in vitro and in a mouse model in vivo. A prostatic stromal myofibroblast cell line (WPMY-1) was co-incubated with testosterone (1 µM) and different concentrations of capsaicin (10–100 µM) for 24 and 48 h. Capsaicin (10–100 µM) significantly inhibited testosterone-treated WPMY-1 cell growth at 48 h by MTT assay. The testosterone propionate (7.5 mg/kg)-induced BPH mouse model was used to examine the anti-proliferative effect of capsaicin. Treatment with capsaicin (10 mg/kg) for 14 days significantly attenuated prostatic hyperplasia. Finasteride was used as a positive control. Results: Capsaicin significantly decreased prostate weight and prostate index (prostate/body weight ratio) in BPH mice. The expression of 5α-reductase type II, androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) protein expression and PSA serum were all significantly reduced in capsaicin-treated BPH mice. In addition, capsaicin also activated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 mediated apoptosis and autophagy in BPH mice. Conclusion: These results demonstrate multiple positive effects of capsaicin in controlling prostate growth and suggest its therapeutic potential in the treatment of BPH.     

Effects of prolonged use of over-the-counter bleaching agents on enamel: An in vitro study

This study evaluated the effects of four over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching products on the properties of enamel. Extracted human molars were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 5): PD: Poladay (SDI), WG: White Teeth Global (White Teeth Global), CW: Crest3DWhite (Procter & Gamble), and HS: HiSmile (HiSmile). The hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content in each product was analyzed via titration. Twenty teeth were sectioned into quarters, embedded in epoxy resin, and polished. Each quarter-tooth surface was treated with one of the four beaching times: T0: control/no-bleaching, T14: 14 days, T28: 28 days, and T56: 56 days. Materials were applied to enamel surfaces as recommended. Enamel surfaces were examined for ultramicrohardness (UMH), elastic modulus (EM), superficial roughness (Sa), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ten additional teeth were used to evaluate color and degree of demineralization (DD) (n = 5). Data were statistically tested by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 5%). Enamel surfaces treated with PD and WG presented UMH values significantly lower than the controls (p < .05). Elastic modulus (E) was significantly reduced at T14 and T28 for PD, and at T14 for HS (p < .05). A significant increase in Sa was observed for CW at T14 (p < .05). Color changes were observed in the PD and WG groups. Additionally, DD analysis showed significant demineralization at T56 for CW. Overall, more evident morphological alterations were observed for bleaching products with higher concentrations of H₂O₂ (p < .05), PD, and WG. Over-the-counter bleaching products containing H₂O₂ can significantly alter enamel properties, especially when application time is extended.     

Action of the insect growth regulator fluazuron,the active ingredient of the acaricide Acatak®, in Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae)

The present study evaluated the efficacy of fluazuron (active ingredient of the acaricide Acatak^®) and its effects on Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs fed on rabbits exposed to different doses of this insect growth regulator. Three different doses of fluazuron (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg) were applied on the back of hosts (via “pour on”), while distilled water was applied to the Control group. On the first day of treatment with fluazuron (24 h), hosts were artificially infested with R. sanguineus nymphs. Once fully engorged, nymphs were removed and placed in identified Petri dishes in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator for 7 days. After this period, engorged nymphs were processed for ultramorphological analysis. The results revealed alterations in the ultramorphology of many chitinous structures (smaller hypostome and chelicerae, less sclerotized scutum, fewer sensilla, fewer pores, absence of grooves, marginal and cervical strips and festoons in the body, even the anal plaque was damaged) that play essential roles for the survivor of ticks and that can compromise the total or partial development of nymphs and emergence of adults after periodic molting. Our findings confirm the efficacy of fluazuron, a more specific and less aggressive chemical to the environment and human health, and that does not induce resistance, in nymphs of the tick R. sanguineus in artificially infested rabbits treated with this arthropod growth regulator (AGR), indicating that it could be used in the control of this stage of the biological cycle of the tick R. sanguineus. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:1177–1185, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells conditioned media inhibits hypoxia-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by activation of the survival protein Akt

This work aimed to study the beneficial role of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cellconditioned medium (MSC-CM) in hypoxia-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, in which the serine/heroine kinases (Akt) pathway would be involved. For this, CM was collected by culturing MSCs in serum-free DMEM medium for 24 h, and paracrine factors were analyzed by protein chip. H9c2 cells were divided into the following groups: control group, hypoxia group, MSC-CM intervention group (CM group), MSC-CM + Akt phosphorylation inhibitor (LY294002) group (LY group). Apoptosis of the H9c2 cells was tested with chromatin dye Hoechst 33342 and FITC-conjugated Annexin V apoptosis detection kit by flow cytometer after a hypoxia/serum deprivation (H/SD) for 24 h. The apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blot. MSC-CM displayed significantly elevated levels of growth factors, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis cytokines. On Hoechst 33342 apoptosis staining, the H9c2 cell morphology displayed a lower proportion of apoptosis in the CM group than those in the hypoxia group, while apoptosis was increased in LY group. Flow cytometer analysis revealed the apoptosis ratio in the CM group was lower than the hypoxia group (12.34 ± 2.00% vs. 21.73 ± 2.58%; p < 0.05), while the LY group was significantly higher (22.54 ± 3.89%). Active caspase-3 expression was increased in hypoxia group than control group (p < 0.05), but decreased in CM group (p < 0.01). Umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media secrete multiple paracrine factors that are able to inhibit hypoxia-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts apoptosis, and in which the activation of Akt phosphorylation is involved to achieve the protective effect.     

Bushen Yizhi Formula regulates the IRE1α pathway to alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress in an Alzheimer’s disease rat model

Background: While the Bushen Yizhi Formula can treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the yet to be ascertained specific mechanism of action was explored in this work. Methods: Different concentrations of the Bushen Yizhi Formula and amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) were used to treat rat pheochromocytoma cells (P12) and human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Cell morphological changes were observed to determine the in vitro cell damage. Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay and flow cytometry were employed to identify cell viability and apoptosis/cell cycle, respectively. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were employed to measure the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins (GRP78 and CHOP), p-IRE1α, IRE1α, ASK1, p-JNK, JNK, Bax, Bcl-2, XBP-1, and Bim. Fura 2-acetoxymethyl ester (Fura-2/AM) was used to determine the intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) concentration. Also, an AD model was constructed by injecting Aβ into the CA1 area of the hippocampus in Sprague Dawley rats. AD model rats were gavaged with different concentrations of Bushen Yizhi Formula for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze experiment was conducted to test the learning and memory of rats. Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) and Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining were done to determine histopathological changes in the brain. Results: Bushen Yizhi Formula relieved the Aβ-induced effects including cell injury, decreased viability, increased apoptosis, G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, upregulation of GRP78, CHOP, p-IRE1α, p-JNK, Bax, XBP-1 and Bim, as well as down-regulation of Bcl-2. These results were also seen with IRE1α silencing. While Aβ suppressed the learning and memory abilities of rats, the Bushen Yizhi Formula alleviated these effects of Aβ. Brain nerve cell injury induced by Aβ could also be treated with Bushen Yizhi Formula. Conclusion: Bushen Yizhi Formula could influence ERS through the IRE1α signaling pathway to achieve its therapeutic effects on AD.     

Morphological and chemical changes in human deciduous dentin after phosphoric acid,self‐etching adhesive and Er: YAG laser conditioning

The morphological and chemical changes in deciduous dentin produced by different conditioning protocols were evaluated in this in vitro study. Eighty primary dentin samples were divided into eight groups (n = 10): G1, acid etching; G2, self‐etching adhesive; G3, G4, Er: YAG laser irradiation at 25.5 and 38.2 J cm^?2, respectively; 10 Hz and spray irrigation. Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 were irradiated at previous densities, and then phosphoric acid or self‐etching adhesive conditioning was applied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to evaluate chemical and morphological changes. Paired t‐test and One‐way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). All samples showed different morphology with specific characteristics according to the conditioning protocol. Changing element concentration values are expressed in atomic percent (at %). After conditioning, there were statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) for p at% and Ca/P in all groups; highlighting the following additional findings by group: G1, G7, and G8 showed changes in all elements studied, G2 presented a decrease in C at% and increased Ca at%, G3 and G4 exhibited at% changes in C, trace elements and Ca. Furthermore, G5 showed at% changes in O and trace elements; while G6 changes were observed on C at%, O at% and trace elements at%. Dentin morphology and chemical composition varied in accordance with the conditioning protocol, with characteristics specific for each one that could have clinical implications for the retention and bond strength performance of adhesive materials.     

Ontogeny of the testicular excurrent duct system of male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): A histological,ultrastructural, and histometric study

The testicular excurrent duct system undergoes several physiological and morphological changes during the reproductive stage or breeding season in mammals, birds, and reptiles. Studies on normal age-related histomorphological changes in the excurrent duct system of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) remain unreported, despite the extensive use of this bird as an avian model in research studies. The current study investigated the histological, ultrastructural, and histometric changes in the testicular excurrent duct system of the Japanese quail during three reproductive stages, namely prepubertal, pubertal, and adult. Simple squamous to low cuboidal cells formed the epithelia of the rete testis in prepubertal and pubertal birds, while in adult birds the lining was low cuboidal to cuboidal. In pubertal and adult birds, the nonciliated Type I epithelial cells of the proximal efferent duct displayed a subapical endocytotic apparatus comprising coated pits, coated apical tubules, and endosomes. There was a significant increase (p ≤ .001) in epithelial heights of all ducts of the excurrent duct system in the mature, sexually active, adult birds when compared to the other age groups. The luminal and tubular diameters, and the cross-sectional areas of efferent ducts and the epididymal duct unit increased significantly (p ≤ .001) with age. It is concluded that the morphology and morphometry of the excurrent ducts of the testis of the Japanese quail change as birds mature.     

Diagnostic and prognostic significance of the lymphocyte/C-reactive protein ratio,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio,and D-dimer values in patients with COVID-19

In this study, our aim was to examine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of lymphocyte/C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and D-dimer parameters in COVID-19 infection. The LCR, NLR, neutrophil count, mean platelet volume (MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer parameters were evaluated retrospectively. This was a retrospective cohort study with 1000 COVID-19 positive and 1000 healthy control groups, all over the age of 18 years. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) values were calculated for each parameter found to be statistically significant in the univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Herein, 127 (12.7%) of the COVID-19⁺ patients, whose data was included in this study, died. The neutrophil, MPV, CRP, D-dimer, and NLR values were higher in the COVID-19⁺/deceased group than in the COVID-19⁺/alive and control groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The lymphocyte and LCR values were lower in the COVID-19⁺/deceased group than in the COVID-19⁺/alive and control groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Variables with statistically significance in predicting COVID-19 infection were lymphocyte, LCR, D-dimer, NLR, CRP, MPV, PLT, and neutrophil values. Statistically significant variables in predicting mortality due to COVID-19 were LCR, CRP, NLR, lymphocyte, D-dimer, neutrophil, and MPV values. A low LCR and high NLR are associated with the presence, prognosis, and mortality due to COVID-19. LCR and NLR parameters can thus be used in clinical monitoring to reduce morbidity and mortality rates.     

Prenatal exposure to the fluoride containing psychiatric drug fluoxetine and anti-oxidative alterations in the neonatal rat brain

Fluoride is a key ingredient of many psychiatric drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac^®, Fluoxetine^®). Pregnant women frequently use this drug as they suffer from depression and anxiety disorders during this period. Fluoxetine is able to reach the fetus through the placenta and passes to the newborn through milk. In the present study, female Wistar rats were treated with 5, 10, and 20 mg/L fluoxetine (containing 94% fluorides) from pregnancy day 10 to day 20. After delivery, the levels of the enzymatic antioxidants in the brain of their offspring at postnatal day 2 were measured. The results showed that, in all fluoxetine exposed groups compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the glutathione, catalase, glutathione S-transferases and potassium and a non- significant increase (P > 0.05) in the activity of malondialdehyde and creatine kinase. The results suggest that fluoxetine may be a developmental neurotoxicant due to presence of fluoride hence must be used carefully during pregnancy.