Alterations in zebrafish development induced by simvastatin: Comprehensive morphological and physiological study, focusing on muscle
The cholesterol synthesis inhibitor simvastatin, which is used to treat cardiovascular diseases, has severe collateral effects. We decided to comprehensively study the effects of simvastatin in zebrafish development and in myogenesis, because zebrafish has been used as a model to human diseases, due to its handling easiness, the optical clarity of its embryos, and the availability of physiological and structural methodologies. Furthermore, muscle is an important target of the drug. We used several simvastatin concentrations at different zebrafish developmental stages and studied survival rate, morphology, and physiology of...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Campos, L. M., Rios, E. A., Guapyassu, L., Midlej, V., Atella, G. C., Herculano-Houzel, S., Benchimol, M., Mermelstein, C., Costa, M. L. Tags: Cell and Developmental Biology Source Type: research
Policosanol as a new inhibitor candidate for vascular calcification in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats
This work mainly aimed to investigate the probable changes of aortic calcification by policosanol, omega-3 fatty acids in comparison with atorvastatin and subsequent progression of atherosclerosis in diabetic hyperlipemic rat model. Adult male albino rats of wistar strain (30) were divided into five groups (n = 6/group); one was fed normal diet and was used as a normal group, the other groups received alloxan, atherogenic diet (CCT – rat chow diet supplemented with 4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, and 0.5% thiouracil) and categorized as follows: the second group received no treatment and kept as control (diabetic hype...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Elseweidy, M. M., Zein, N., Aldhamy, S. E., Elsawy, M. M., Saeid, S. A. Tags: Biochemistry & amp;amp; Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Featured Article: Alterations of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity and apolipoprotein A-I functionality in human sickle blood
In sickle cell disease (SCD) cholesterol metabolism appears dysfunctional as evidenced by abnormal plasma cholesterol content in a subpopulation of SCD patients. Specific activity of the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-bound lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) enzyme, which catalyzes esterification of cholesterol, and generates lysoPC (LPC) was significantly lower in sickle plasma compared to normal. Inhibitory amounts of LPC were present in sickle plasma, and the red blood cell (RBC) lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT), essential for the removal of LPC, displayed a broad range of activity. The functiona...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Soupene, E., Borja, M. S., Borda, M., Larkin, S. K., Kuypers, F. A. Tags: Biochemistry & amp;amp; Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Inhibition of microRNA-34a prevents IL-1{beta}-induced extracellular matrix degradation in nucleus pulposus by increasing GDF5 expression
In this study, microRNA-34a expression was assessed in nucleus pulposus specimens and in IL-1β-stimulated nucleus pulposus cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction. microRNA-34a functions were investigated by using gain and loss of function experiments in nucleus pulposus cells and a dual luciferase reporter assay in 293T cells. microRNA-34a was dramatically up-regulated in degenerative nucleus pulposus tissues and in IL-1β-stimulated nucleus pulposus cells when compared with controls. Furthermore, growth differentiation factor 5 was identified as a target of microRNA-34a. Aberrant expression of microRNA-34a ...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Liu, W., Zhang, Y., Feng, X., Li, S., Gao, Y., Wang, K., Song, Y., Yang, S., Tu, J., Shao, Z., Yang, C. Tags: Biochemistry & amp;amp; Molecular Biology Source Type: research
TXR1 and TSP1 expression varies by the molecular subtypes of breast cancer patients who received previous docetaxel-based first-line chemotherapy
The expression of taxol resistance gene 1 and thrombospondin 1 remains unknown in human breast cancer tissues. In the current study, we sought to measure the mRNA expression levels of taxol resistance gene 1 and thrombospondin 1 in breast cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue specimens and further analyzed their expression according to the molecular subtypes and age of breast cancer patients who had received taxane-containing regimens. Archived breast cancer and adjacent non-tumor tissue specimens were obtained at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China. The mRNA transcript levels of taxol resistance gene 1, thrombo...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Zhang, H., Qu, X., Ma, X., Wang, T., Yang, Y., Ge, Z., Zhang, Z., Bai, Z., Gao, Y., Yuan, Z., Wang, Z. Tags: Biochemistry & amp;amp; Molecular Biology Source Type: research
PKIB promotes cell proliferation and the invasion-metastasis cascade through the PI3K/Akt pathway in NSCLC cells
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major subtype of lung cancer. Overgrowth of tumor cells usually results from the intensive proliferation of cancer cells, but the mechanisms by which the proliferation of cancer cells are promoted are currently unclear. Thus, it is necessary to determine the vital factors involved in regulating the growth of NSCLC. The MTT assay, BrdU assay, western blots, and migration and invasion assays were used in our study. Here, we found that PKIB (cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor-β), a novel molecular targe...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Dou, P., Zhang, D., Cheng, Z., Zhou, G., Zhang, L. Tags: Biochemistry & amp;amp; Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Synergistic immunologic targets for the treatment of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a common disease and, while detection and treatment have advanced, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in men. Research suggests significant involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer, indicating that immunologic therapies may benefit patients. Two immunologic factors, interleukin-2 and transforming growth factor-β, may be especially attractive therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. Specifically, an increase in interleukin-2 signaling and a decrease in transforming growth factor-β signaling might help improve immunologic recog...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Doersch, K. M., Moses, K. A., Zimmer, W. E. Tags: Minireview Source Type: research
New agents modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system--Will there be a new therapeutic option?
This article briefly describes new molecules affecting the RAAS, namely: recombinant human ACE2, ACE2 activators, angiotensin-(1-7) peptide and non-peptide analogs, aldosterone synthase inhibitors, and the third and fourth generation of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The results of the experimental and clinical studies are encouraging, which leads us to believe that these new molecules can support the treatment of cardiovascular diseases as well as cardiometabolic disorders. (Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine)
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Gromotowicz-Poplawska, A., Szoka, P., Kolodziejczyk, P., Kramkowski, K., Wojewodzka-Zelezniakowicz, M., Chabielska, E. Tags: Minireview Source Type: research
Molecular aspects of {beta}, {beta}-carotene-9', 10'-oxygenase 2 in carotenoid metabolism and diseases
Carotenoids, the carotenes and xanthophylls, are essential components in human nutrition. β, β-carotene-9', 10'-oxygenase 2 (BCO2), also named as β, β-carotene-9', 10'-dioxygenase 2 (BCDO2) catalyzes the asymmetrical cleavage of carotenoids, whereas β, β-carotene-15, 15'-monooxygenase (BCMO1) conducts the symmetrical cleavage of pro-vitamin A carotenoids into retinoid. Unlike BCMO1, BCO2 has a broader substrate specificity and has been considered an alternative way to produce vitamin A. In contrast to BCMO1, a cytoplasmic protein, BCO2 is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The differ...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - October 3, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Wu, L., Guo, X., Wang, W., Medeiros, D. M., Clarke, S. L., Lucas, E. A., Smith, B. J., Lin, D. Tags: Minireview Source Type: research
Original Research: Potential of urinary nephrin as a biomarker reflecting podocyte dysfunction in various kidney disease models
In conclusion, these results suggest that urinary nephrin-to-creatinine ratio level is a useful and reliable biomarker for predicting the amelioration of podocyte dysfunction by candidate drugs in various kidney disease models with podocyte dysfunction. This suggestion will also be validated in a clinical setting in future studies. (Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine)
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - September 14, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Wada, Y., Abe, M., Moritani, H., Mitori, H., Kondo, M., Tanaka-Amino, K., Eguchi, M., Imasato, A., Inoki, Y., Kajiyama, H., Mimura, T., Tomura, Y. Tags: Systems Biology Source Type: research
Original Research: Combined model of bladder detrusor smooth muscle and interstitial cells
In conclusion, a model of bladder detrusor muscle was developed that reproduced experimental results obtained in both normal and overactive bladder preparations. The results indicate that the non-smooth muscle cells of the detrusor (interstitial cells) contribute significantly to the contractile behavior of bladder detrusor muscle and should not be neglected. The model suggests that reduced Ca2+-release through ryanodine receptors and Ca2+-dependent K+-conductance together with augmented gap junctional coupling might play a major role in overactive bladder pathogenesis. (Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine)
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - September 14, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Rosenberg, J., Byrtus, M., Stengl, M. Tags: Systems Biology Source Type: research
Original Research: Central and peripheral quadriceps fatigue in young and middle-aged untrained and endurance-trained men: A comparative study
This study aimed to compare quadriceps function (i.e. strength, endurance, central, and peripheral fatigue) of young (Young-UnTr) and middle-aged (MidAge-UnTr) untrained men and young endurance-trained men (Young-Tr). Twenty-four male subjects (eight Young-UnTr (26 ± 4 yr), eight Young-Tr (29 ± 3 yr), and eight MidAge-UnTr (56 ± 4 yr) performed a maximal cycling test to assess their fitness level. On a separate visit, subjects performed sets of 10 intermittent (5-s on/5-s off) isometric contractions starting at 10% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), with 10% MVC increments from one set to another unt...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - September 14, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Bachasson, D., Decorte, N., Wuyam, B., Millet, G. Y., Verges, S. Tags: Physiology Source Type: research
Original Research: Porcine model for observing changes due to ischemia/reperfusion injury secondary to intra-abdominal endovascular balloon occlusion
Compared with conventional aortic cross-clamping, endovascular balloon occlusion (EBO) is a valuable strategy in unstable ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm patients; however, it is unclear how long the balloon may remain safely inflated. Using a porcine model, we evaluated the influence of different EBO time periods on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and the association between various pathophysiologic indicators and reperfusion time. Twelve healthy three-month-old domestic piglets were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury using EBO within the abdominal aorta. Animals were grouped as A, B, and C based on 30, 60, or 120 ...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - September 14, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Chao, C.-S., Tsai, C.-S., Wang, Y.-H., Liu, Y.-H., Chen, J.-M., Chang, Y.-P., Chin, H.-K., Chien, S.-T., Lee, T.-M., Yang, S.-C. Tags: Physiology Source Type: research
Original Research: Influence of okadaic acid on hyperphosphorylation of tau and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in primary neurons
The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of hyperphosphorylation of tau induced by okadaic acid on the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the neurotoxicity of β-amyloid peptide. Primary cultures of neurons isolated from the hippocampus of the brains of neonatal rats were exposed to okadaic acid or/and Aβ1–42. Tau phosphorylated at Ser404 and Ser202, and the protein expressions of α7, α4 and α3 nAChR subunits were quantified by Western blotting, and their corresponding mRNAs by real-time PCR. Superoxide dismutase activity was assayed biochemically and malondial...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - September 14, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Zhao, L., Xiao, Y., Wang, X.-L., Pei, J., Guan, Z.-Z. Tags: Pharmacology & amp;amp; Toxicology Source Type: research
Original Research: Establishment of an early embolus-related cerebral injury model after cardiopulmonary bypass in miniature pigs
Embolus-related cerebral injury is still a serious adverse event after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). But there is no stable animal model for basic and clinical research purposes. We chose miniature pig to establish a stable animal model of embolus-related cerebral injury after CPB and verified the validity of results by correlating the histopathological findings with those of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). Based on different treatment regimens, 24 male miniature pigs were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, CPB, embolus, and CPB–embolus groups. DW-MRI was performed before and after s...
Source: Experimental Biology and Medicine - September 14, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Zhang, W., Weng, G., Li, M., Yu, S., Bao, J., Cao, X., Dou, Z., Wang, H., Chen, H. Tags: Neuroscience Source Type: research
