Oxidative stress and damage induced by abnormal free radical reactions and IgA nephropathy

Objective: To estimate the oxidative stress and oxidative damage induced by abnormal free radical reactions in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients' bodies. Methods: Seventy-two IgA N patients (IgANP) and 72 healthy adult volunteers (HAV) were enrolled in a random control study design, in which the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in plasma, lipoperoxide (LPO) in plasma and in erythrocytes, and vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and β-carotene (β-CAR) in plasma as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in erythrocytes were determined with spectrophotometric mothods. Results: Compared with the HAV group, the averages of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and in erythrocytes in the IgANP group were significantly increased (P＜0.0001), while those ofVC, VE and β-CAR in plasma as well as those of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the IgANP group were significantly decreased (P＜0.0001). Linear correlation analysis showed that with the increase of the values of NO, and LPO in plasma and in erythrocytes, and with the decrease of those ofVC, VE, β-CAR,SOD, CAT and GPX in the IgAN patients, the degree of histological damage of tubulointerstitial regions was increased gradually (P＜0.0001); and that with the prolongation of the duration of disease the values of NO, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes were increased gradually, while those of VC, VE, β-CAR, SOD, CAT and GPX were decreased gradually (P＜0.005). The discriminatory correct rates of the above biochemical parameters reflecting oxidative damage of the IgAN patients were 73.8%-92.5%, and the correct rates for the HAV were 70.0%-91.3% when independent discriminant analysis was used; and the correct rate for the IgAN patients was increased to 98.8%, the correct rate for the HAV was increased to 100% when stepwise discriminant analysis was used. The above biochemical parameters' reliability coefficient (alpha) were used to estimate the oxidative damage of the IgAN patients as 0.8145, the standardized item alpha=0.9730, F=53273.5681, P＜0.0001. Conclusions: A series of free radical chain reactions caused serious pathological aggravation in the IgANP' bodies, thus resulting in oxidative damage in their bodies. In treating IgANP, therefore, it is necessary that suitable dose antioxidants should be supplemented to them so as to alleviate the oxidative damage in their bodies.     

Adiponectin levels are associated with the number and activity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with coronary artery disease

Objective: To study the relationship between plasma adiponectin concentration and the functional activities of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Circulating EPCs were enumerated as AC133+/KDR+ cells via flow cytometry and identified by co-staining with Dii-acLDL and fluorescein isothiocy-anate (FITC)-conjugated lectin under a fluorescent microscope. The migratory capacity of EPCs was measured by modified Boyden chamber assay. Adhesion capacity was performed to count adherent cells after replating EPCs on six-well culture dishes coated with fibronectin. Results: The number of circulating EPCs (AC133+/KDR+ cells) decreased significantly in CAD patients, compared with control subjects [(74.2±12.3) vs (83.5±12.9) cells/ml blood, P<0.0\]. In addition, the number of EPCs also decreased in CAD patients after ex vivo cultivation [(54.4±8.6) vs (71.9±11.6) EPCs/field, P<0.01]. Both circulating EPCs and differentiated EPCs were positively correlated with plasma adiponectin concentration. The functional activities of EPCs from CAD patients, such as migratory and adherent capacities, were also impaired, compared with control subjects, and positively correlated with plasma adiponectin concentration. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the impairment of the number and functional activities of EPCs in CAD patients is correlated with their lower plasma adiponectin concentrations.     

Influence of HbA1c on short-term blood pressure variability in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy

The aim of this study was to understand the characteristics of blood pressure(BP)variability in subjects with diabetic nephropathy(DN),and identify the probable predictors affecting BP variability.Fifty-one chronic kidney disease(CKD)-hypertensive patients without diabetes(NDN group)and sixty type 2 diabetic patients with overt DN(DN group)were enrolled in this study.The values of short-term BP variability were obtained from 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring(ABPM).Variance analysis or nonparametric analysis revealed that 24-h systolic BP variability and nighttime systolic BP variability of the DN group were significantly higher than those of the NDN group[(12.23±3.66)vs.(10.74±3.83)mmHg,P<0.05;(11.23±4.82)vs.(9.48±3.69)mmHg,P<0.05].Then the patients of the DN group were divided into two groups according to glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)level:Group A(HbA1c<7%)and Group B(HbA1c≥7%),and the t-test showed that patients in Group B had larger 24-h diastolic,daytime diastolic,and nighttime systolic/diastolic BP variability compared with Group A.In the DN group,partial correlation analysis revealed that HbA1c exhibited a strong association with 24-h diastolic,daytime diastolic,nighttime systolic and diastolic BP variability(P<0.001,P<0.001,P<0.05,and P<0.001,respectively).Taken together,larger short-term BP variability was detected in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy and renal insufficiency.It may imply that the optimal BP variability level could benefit from a better glycaemic control.     

Reduced glycodeoxycholic acid levels are associated with negative clinical outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) is characterized by glycemia and insulin disorders.Bile acids(BAs) have emerged as vital signaling molecules in glucose metabolic regulation.BA change in GDM is still unclear,which exerts great significance to illustrate the change of BAs in GDM.GDM patients and normal pregnant women were enrolled during the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) screening period.Fasting serums were sampled for the measurement of BAs.BA metabolism profiles were analyzed in both pregnant women with GDM and those with normal glucose tolerance(NGT).Delivery characteristics,delivery gestational age,and infant birthweight were extracted from medical records.GDM patients presented distinctive features compared with NGT patients,including higher body mass index(BMI),elevated serum glucose concentration,raised insulin(both fasting and OGTT),and increased hemoglobin A1 c(HbA1c) levels.Higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) and decreased β-cell compensation(i.e.,oral disposition index(DIo)) were also prevalent in this group.Total BAs(TBAs) remained stable,but glycodeoxycholic acid(GDCA) and taurodeoxycholic acid(TDCA) levels declined significantly in GDM.GDCA was inversely correlated with HOMA-IR and positively correlated with DIo.No obvious differences in clinical outcome between the GDM and NGT groups were observed.However,GDM patients with high HOMA-IR and low DIo tended to have a higher cesarean delivery rate and younger delivery gestational age.In conclusion,GDCA provides a valuable biomarker to evaluate HOMA-IR and DIo, and decreased GDCA levels predict poorer clinical outcomes for GDM.     

Stress and positive attitudes towards violent discipline are associated with school violence by Ugandan teachers

BackgroundGlobally, the use of violent discipline methods by teachers to manage child behavior is still highly prevalent despite enactment of laws that prohibit school violence. In the case of Uganda there is a dearth of accurate prevalence statistics on school violence and factors associated with the use of violence by teachers.ObjectivesTherefore, the current study examined the prevalence of and attitudes towards violence. The study also explored the association between teachers’ stress, positive attitudes towards violence and the use of violent discipline management methods.MethodsA representative sample of 291 teachers and 702 students from 12 public secondary schools in southwestern Uganda responded to anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Data were collected from April to November 2017.ResultsFindings indicated that 86.5% of the teachers reported having used violent disciplinary methods on students in the past month while 91.5% of the students reported experiencing violence by teachers. Teachers (88.3%, n = 256) endorsed positive attitudes towards violent discipline. Teachers’ stress was related to higher levels of violent discipline (β = 0.20). This relation was mediated by positive attitudes towards violence (0.06, SE: 0.01, 95%-CI: 0.035–0.092).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that teacher reported stress was associated with their use of violent behavior and positive attitudes and that positive attitudes reduced the association between teachers’ stress and violent behavior. Therefore, interventions aiming to reduce violence by teachers may need to integrate effective stress management skills, in addition to nonviolent discipline strategies, and fostering attitudinal change towards the use of violent methods.     

Acute pancreatitis associated left-sided portal hypertension with severe gastrointestinal bleeding treated by transcatheter splenic artery embolization: a case report and literature review

Left-sided portal hypertension (LSPH) followed by acute pancreatitis is a rare condition with most patients being asymptomatic. In cases where gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is present, however, the condition is more complicated and the mortality is very high because of the difficulty in diagnosing and selecting optimal treatment. A successfully treated case with severe GI bleeding by transcatheter splenic artery embolization is reported in this article. The patient exhibited severe uncontrollable GI bleeding and was confirmed as gastric varices secondary to LSPH by enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and CT-angiography. After embolization, the bleeding stopped and stabilized for the entire follow-up period without any severe complications. In conclusion, embolization of the splenic artery is a simple, safe, and effective method of controlling gastric variceal bleeding caused by LSPH in acute pancreatitis.     

Postconditioning of sevoflurane and propofol is associated with mitochondrial permeability transition pore

Background: Sevoflurane and propofol are effective cardioprotective anaesthetic agents, though the cardioprotection of propofol has not been shown in humans. Their roles and underlying mechanisms in anesthetic postconditioning are unclear.Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening is a major cause of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Here we investigated sevoflurane- and propofol-induced postconditioning and their relationship with MPTP. Methods: Isolated perfused rat hearts were exposed to 40 min of ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion. During the first 15 min of reperfusion, hearts were treated with either control buffer (CTRL group) or buffer containing 20 μmol/L atractyloside (ATR group), 3% (v/v) sevoflurane (SPC group),50 μmol/L propofol (PPC group), or the combination of atractyloside with respective anesthetics (SPC ATR and PPC ATR groups). Infarct size was determined by dividing the total necrotic area of the left ventricle by the total left ventricular slice area (percent necrotic area). Results: Hearts treated with sevoflurane or propofol showed significantly better recovery of coronary flow,end-diastolic pressures, left ventricular developed pressure and derivatives compared with controls. Sevoflurane resulted in more protective alteration of hemodynamics at most time point of reperfusion than propofol. These improvements were paralleled with the reduction of lactate dehydrogenase release and the decrease of infarct size (SPC vs CTRL: (17.48±2.70)% vs (48.47±6.03)%,P＜0.05; PPC vs CTRL: (35.60±2.10)% vs (48.47±6.03)%, P＜0.05). SPC group had less infarct size than PPC group (SPC vs PPC:(17.48±2.70)% vs (35.60±2.10)%, P＜0.05). Atractyloside coadministration attenuated or completely blocked the cardioprotective effect of postconditioning of sevoflurane and propofol. Conclusion: Postconditioning of sevoflurane and propofol has cardioprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury of heart, which is associated with inhibition of MPTP opening. Compared to propofol, sevoflurane provides superior protection of functional recovery and infarct size.     

Prediction of vibrations induced by trains on line 8 of Beijing metro

This paper mainly discusses the problem of ground-borne vibrations due to the planned line 8 of Beijing metro which passes under the National Measurement Laboratory. A lot of vibration sensitive equipments are placed in the laboratory. It is therefore necessary to study the impact of vibrations induced by metro trains on sensitive equipments and important to propound a feasible vibration mitigation measure. Based or1 the coupled periodic finite element-boundary element （FE-BE） method, a 3D dynamic track-tunnel-soil interaction model for metro line 8 has been used to predict vibrations in the free field induced by trains running at variable speeds between 30 km/h and 80 km/h. Four types of track structures commonly used on the Beijing metro network have been considered： （1） high resilience direct fixation fasteners, （2） Vanguard fasteners, （3） a floating slab track and （4） a floating ladder track. For each of these track types, the vibration isolation efficiency has been compared. The results of the numerical study can be used to predict vibrations in nearby buildings and to decide upon effective vibration countermeasures.     

Citric acid reduces the decline in P300 amplitude induced by acute alcohol consumption in healthy adults

Event-related potential (ERP) is a reliable neuroelectric measure of brain activity that helps to confirm the assessment of mental status and cognitive impairment. Many studies have reported that alcoholics show a significantly lower ERP P300 amplitude than the norm. In the present study, ERP P300 waves were measured to evaluate the effect of citric acid on cognitive function during excessive alcohol consumption in healthy adults. Five volunteers were selected through clinical interview, physical examination, and psychiatric assessment for participation in this study. In a double-blind placebo-controlled before-after design, each subject was treated with 5 ml/kg body weight alcohol, 5 ml/kg body weight alcohol and 1 mg citric acid, or a placebo on three separate occasions, one week apart. ERP P300, blood biochemical indicators, blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and acetaldehyde concentrations were assessed. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a within-subjects factor was used to evaluate differences in blood biochemical indicators, BACs, blood acetaldehyde concentrations, and ERP P300 in the three sessions of assessments. Several blood biochemical indicators showed significant differences between treatments, including the levels of cholinesterase (CHE), total bile acid (TBA), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and glycylproline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (GPDA). BACs after consumption of alcohol alone or citric acid with alcohol were significantly higher compared to those after placebo treatment (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in blood acetaldehyde concentrations between the treatments. The P300 amplitudes on the frontal (Fz), central (Cz), and parietal (Pz) regions of the scalp after consumption of alcohol were significantly lower than those after consumption of the placebo or citric acid with alcohol (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the latter two treatments. The results of this study suggest that citric acid could reduce the decline in ERP P300 amplitude and cognitive ability induced by acute alcohol consumption. It may also affect some blood biochemical indicators, but the specific mechanisms need further research.     

Up-regulation interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 by activated protein C in lipopolysaccharide-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective： To investigate the effect of activated protein C （APC） on inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC） stimulated with lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. Methods： The second passage of collagenase digested HUVEC was divided into the following groups： serum free medium control group （SFM control）, phosphate buffer solution control group （PBS control）, LPS group with final concentration of 1 μg/ml （LPS group）, APC group with final concentration of 7 μg/ml, Pre-APC group （APC pretreatment for 30 min prior to LPS challenge）, and Post-APC group （APC administration 30 min after LPS challenge）. Supernatant was harvested at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after LPS challenge. Interleukin-6 （IL-6） and Interleukin-8 （IL-8） levels were analyzed with ELISA. Cells were harvested at 24 h after LPS challenge, and total RNA was extracted. Messenger RNA levels for IL-6 and IL-8 were semi-quantitatively determined by RT-PCR. Results： Compared with control group, IL-6 and IL-8 levels steadily increased 4 to 24 h after LPS stimulation. APC treatment could increase LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. The mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-8 exhibited a similar change. Conclusion： APC can further increase the level of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by LPS. The effect of these elevated cytokines is still under investigation.     

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of Clitoria ternatea flower extract on testicular damage induced by ketoconazole in rats

Background

Ketoconazole (KET), an antifungal drug, has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Pre-treatments with antioxidant plant against testicular damage induced by KET are required. The flowers of Clitoria ternatea (CT) are proven to have hepatoprotective potential. However, the protective effect on KET-induced testicular damage has not been reported.

Objective

To investigate the protective effect of CT flower extracts with antioxidant activity on male reproductive parameters including sperm concentration, serum testosterone level, histopathology of the testis, and testicular tyrosine phosphorylation levels in rats induced with KET.

Methods

The antioxidant activity of CT flower extracts was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Male rats were treated with CT flower extracts (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg BW) or distilled water via a gastric tube for 28 d (preventive period: Days 1–21) and induced by KET (100 mg/kg BW) via intraperitoneal injection for 7 d (induction period: Days 22–28). After the experiment, all animals were examined for the weights of the testis, epididymis plus vas deferens and seminal vesicle, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration, histological structures and diameter of testis, and testicular tyrosine phosphorylation levels by immunoblotting.

Results

The CT flower extracts had capabilities for DPPH scavenging and high reducing power. At 100 mg/kg BW, the extract had no toxic effects on the male reproductive system. Significantly, in CT+KET groups, CT flower extracts (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) alleviated the reduction of reproductive organ weight parameters, testosterone levels, and sperm concentration. In addition, CT flower extracts gave protection from testicular damage in KET-induced rats. Moreover, in the CT100+KET group, CT flower extracts significantly enhanced the expression of a testicular 50-kDa tyrosine phosphorylated protein compared with that of other groups.

Conclusions

C. ternatea flower extracts possessing antioxidant activity are not harmful to the male reproductive system and can protect against testicular damage in KET-induced rats.     

Silicon carbide nanotubes with special morphology prepared by super critical hvdrothermal method and photoluminescence character

Silicon carbide nanotubes (SiCNTs) with special morphology synthesized by supercritical hydrothermal method at 470 ℃ and 8 MPa have been reported in this paper.SiCNTs with special morphology were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM).There are two kinds of silicon carbide with special morphology:One is oval SiCNTs with small aspect ratio,the other is bamboo cone-shape structure.SiCNTs have been analyzed by fluorescence spectrometer.The results indicate that the SiCNTs have strong photoluminescence (PL) property.The SiCNTs with oval shape are one kind of intermediate state of growth process of nanotube.The growth mechanism of silicon nanotubes has been proposed based on experiment data.The investigations of growth mechanism of SiCNTs with bamboo structure show that the defect produced in the growth process play the important role in SiCNTs with special structure.     

外源性氧化应激诱导的线粒体超氧阴离子决定肿瘤细胞命运:一项基于单个细胞的研究（英文）

目的:通过细胞外过氧化氢(H_2O_2)的刺激建立单个人肺癌SPC-A-1细胞的氧化压力模型。创新点:氧自由基(ROS)涉及多种生物现象,包括有益和有害两个方面。ROS的定量检测和反应网络的评估结果令人期待。但ROS半衰期很短且反应过程很快,因此,我们通过多种手段克服了检测和评估的困难。方法:利用改进的微流控和成像技术测定ROS水平,构建氧反应网络。通过调控线粒体胞浆Ca²⁺水平、线粒体Ca²⁺摄取、细胞内ROS自扩增以及内在凋亡途径,确定线粒体在外源氧化压力模式中扮演的角色。结论:研究结果表明1 mmol/L H_2O_2引起细胞O_2^·-水平的快速增加,从而导致细胞氧化能力增加和还原能力降低。此外,研究还证实了内质网中储存的Ca²⁺是H_2O_2诱导的线粒体Ca²⁺爆发的主要来源。外源氧化压力反应涉及细胞器间Ca²⁺信号的传递、ROS自身扩增、线粒体功能紊乱和半胱天冬酶依赖性凋亡途径。线粒体在外源性氧化应激影响细胞命运方面发挥着关键作用。     

Partial AZFc duplications not deletions are associated with male infertility in the Yi population of Yunnan Province, China

Objective: There are many reports on associations between spermatogenesis and partial azoospermia factor c (AZFc) deletions as well as duplications; however, results are conflicting, possibly due to differences in methodology and ethnic background. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of AZFc polymorphisms and male infertility in the Yi ethnic population, residents within Yunnan Province, China. Methods: A total of 224 infertile patients and 153 fertile subjects were selected in the Yi ethnic population. The study was performed by sequence-tagged site plus/minus (STS+/−) analysis followed by gene dosage and gene copy definition analysis. Y haplotypes of 215 cases and 115 controls were defined by 12 binary markers using single nucleotide polymorphism on Y chromosome (Y-SNP) multiplex assays based on single base primer extension technology. Results: The distribution of Y haplotypes was not significantly different between the case and control groups. The frequencies of both gr/gr (7.6% vs. 8.5%) and b2/b3 (6.3% vs. 8.5%) deletions do not show significant differences. Similarly, single nucleotide variant (SNV) analysis shows no significant difference of gene copy definition between the cases and controls. However, the frequency of partial duplications in the infertile group (4.0%) is significantly higher than that in the control group (0.7%). Further, we found a case with sY1206 deletion which had two CDY1 copies but removed half of DAZ genes. Conclusions: Our results show that male infertility is associated with partial AZFc duplications, but neither gr/gr nor b2/b3 deletions, suggesting that partial AZFc duplications rather than deletions are risk factors for male infertility in Chinese-Yi population.     

5-溴水杨醛甘氨酸修饰碳糊电极测定微量Cu2+的研究

在pH=9.0 H3BO3-Na2B4O7缓冲体系中,以5-溴水杨醛甘氨酸修饰碳糊电极为工作电极,Cu2 于 120mV(vs.SCE)处产生一灵敏的吸附波,其二阶导数峰电流与Cu2 浓度在4.0×10-9~8.0×10-7mol.dm-3范围内呈良好的线性关系,相关系数为0.9964,检出限为6.0×10-10mol.dm-3(3倍信噪比)。应用该法测定发样中Cu2 的含量,结果令人满意。     

Piper sarmentosum as an antioxidant on oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by hydrogen peroxide

Endothelial cell death due to increased reactive oxygen species(ROS) may contribute to the initial endothelial injury,which promotes atherosclerotic lesion formation.Piper sarmentosum(PS),a natural product,has been shown to have an antioxidant property,which is hypothesized to inhibit production of ROS and prevent cell injury.Thus,the present study was designed to determine the effects of PS on the hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-induced oxidative cell damage in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).In this experiment,HUVECs were obtained by collagenase perfusion of the large vein in the umbilical cord and cultured in medium M200 supplemented with low serum growth supplementation(LSGS).HUVECs were treated with various concentrations of H2O2(0-1000 μmol/L) and it was observed that 180 μmol/L H2O2 reduced cell viability by 50% as denoted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay.Using the above concentration as the positive control,the H2O2-induced HUVECs were concomitantly treated with various concentrations(100,150,250 and 300 μg/ml) of three different extracts(aqueous,methanol and hexane) of PS.Malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GPX) levels showed a significant increase(P0.05) in HUVECs compared to the negative control.However,PS extracts showed a protective effect on HUVECs from H2O2-induced cell apoptosis with a significant reduction in MDA,SOD,CAT and GPX levels(P0.05).Furthermore,PS had exhibited ferric reducing antioxidant power with its high phenolic content.Hence,it was concluded that PS plays a beneficial role in reducing oxidative stress in H2O2-induced HUVECs.     

对乙酰基偶氮羧光度法测定痕量铬的研究

研究了对乙酰基偶氮羧与Cr_2O_7~(2-)的褪色反应,建立了一种新的测定痕量Cr(Ⅵ)的光度方法,发现其在高氯酸介质中具有高灵敏的褪色反应,摩尔吸光系数达到3.0×10~6 L·mol~(-1)·cm~(-1)Cr(Ⅵ),量在0～50μg范围内符合比耳定律.     

Characterization and separation of DNA complexes containing poly-L-lysine with or without the modification of PEG by capillary electrophoresis

The characterization of complexes is particularly critical for quality control and development of gene delivery systems. Here, the method of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) for the characterization of DNA and poly-L-lysine (MW 28 500) or DNA and poly-L-lysine modified with polyethylene glycol (MW10000) complexes at various charge ratios in phos-phate buffer is described firstly. During the characterization, DNA complexes can be separated into various components with different charge-to-mass ratio, i.e, components with single physicochemical property. And also the size and zeta potential of complexes were characterized by using photon correlation spectroscopy. This method is useful to characterize various com-plexes formed by DNA and polycations, and has the potential to separate complexes into homogeneous component for better transfection efficiency in vitro and in vivo in future.     

Activation of Akt and cardioprotection against reperfusion injury are maximal with only five minutes of sevoflurane postconditioning in isolated rat hearts

It had been proved that administration of sevoflurane for the first two minutes of reperfusion effectively protects the heart against reperfusion injury in rats in vivo.Our aim was to investigate the duration of effective sevoflurane administration and its underlying mechanism in isolated rat hearts exposed to global ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury.Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=12):a sham-operation group,an I/R group,and four sevoflurane postconditioning groups(S2,S5,S10,and S15).In the S2,S5,S10,and S15 groups,the duration times of sevoflurane administration were 2,5,10,and 15 min after the onset of reperfusion,respectively.The isolated rat hearts were mounted on the Langendorff system,and after a period of equilibrium were subjected to 40 min global ischemia and 120 min reperfusion.Left ventricular(LV) hemodynamic parameters were monitored throughout each experiment and the data at 30 min of equilibrium and 30,60,90,and 120 min of reperfusion were analyzed.Myocardial infarct size at the end of reperfusion(n=7 in each group) and the expression of myocardial phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt) after 15-min reperfusion were determined in a duplicate set of six groups of rat hearts(n=5 in each group).Compared with the I/R group,the S5,S10,and S15 groups had significantly improved left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP),left ventricular developed pressure(LVDP),and the maximal rate of rise or fall of the LV pressure(±dP/dtmax),and decreased myocardial infarct size(P<0.05),but not the S2 group.After 15 min of reperfusion,the expression of p-Akt was markedly up-regulated in the S5,S10,and S15 groups compared with that in the I/R group(P<0.05),but not in the S2 group.Sevoflurane postconditioning for 5 min was sufficient to activate Akt and exert maximal cardioprotection against I/R injury in isolated rat hearts.