American Journal of Medical and Biological Research

Background: The participation of signaling pathways involving the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in regulating the inflammatory response characterized by the release of cytokines is not well established in the alveolar epithelium. We have previously examined the effect of MAPK^p38 blockade on the in vitro release of TNF-α, indicating the likely involvement of other pro-inflammatory cytokines. Methods: This study investigated the selective inhibition of MAPK^p38 in modulating the release of interleukin-related inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-6. LPS-mediated release of cytokines is closely associated with the blockade of MAPK by the compound SB203580, an irreversible and selective inhibitor of MAPK^p38, independent of MAPK^{ERK (p42/p44)}and MAPK^JNK. Results: Pre-treatment with ascending concentrations of SB203580 (0.1 – 100 μM) prior to LPS administration downregulated/attenuated the release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent and dose-independent manners. Furthermore, unraveling the immune molecular pathways likely involved with MAPK^p38-mediated secretion of cytokines revealed that SB203580 increased IκB-α phosphorylation, where IκB-α is considered the main cytosolic inhibitor of the transcription factor involved with regulating the processes of cellular inflammation, NF-κB. This upregulation of the phosphorylation status of IκB-α was accompanied by downregulating the cytosolic accumulation of the non-phosphorylated form of IκB-α, indicating normal nuclear translocation of the associated transcription factor. Conclusions: These results show that MAPK^p38 is required, at least in part, for the release of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS, a mechanism that is independent of the phosphorylation of IκB-α. In addition, the MAPK^p38-dependent release of cytokines seemingly does not require the activation of the NF-κB pathway.

American Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2015, 3(5), 133-138. DOI: 10.12691/ajmbr-3-5-3
Pub. Date: September 09, 2015

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Monitoring of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Blood by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

by Zuzana Guľašová, Vladimíra Tomečková, Miroslava Bilecová-Rabajdová, Beáta Veliká, Panayotis Artemiou, Vladimír Komanický and Mária Mareková

Original Research

Components of the blood plasma and serum represent a mixture of various endogenous substances with fluorescence properties. The aim of this work was a detection of pathological changes in blood of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm by fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The resulting autofluorescence of fluorophores in blood of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm decreased in comparison with healthy subjects. The structure of the thoracic aorta was changed during the thoracic aortic aneurysm, what was manifested as the structural modifications in blood of patients observed by using atomic force microscopy. The fluorescence analysis and atomic force microscopy present new experimental ways in the study of the thoracic aortic aneurysm.

American Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2015, 3(5), 128-132. DOI: 10.12691/ajmbr-3-5-2
Pub. Date: August 12, 2015

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Cissus populnea (Guill & Perr): A Study of the Aqueous Extract as Potential Spermatogenic Enhancers in Male Wistar Rats

by Anthony B. Ojekale, Oladipupo A. Lawal, Peter I. Jewo, Jamiu. A. Oguntola and Latifat O. Abdul

Original Research

Background: There is a global observed decline in male fertility over the years consequent on various factors affecting spermatogenesis. Some Nigerian males across various geographic and socio-economic strata employ the use of herbals such as Cissus populnea extracts amongst others to manage this and also as herbal aphrodisiacs. This study assessed the spermatogenic effects of aqueous extract of Cissus populnea stem bark. Methodology: Cissus populnea stem bark was extracted with water, concentrated and lyophilized. Male wistar rats were orally administered with 150 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract (Cissus populnea) over a 64 day period. Sperm of the experimental animals was collected, and the parameters (count, motility, morphology) analysed. Data were analysed with SPSS 19. Principal findings: The oral administration of C. populnea extract over a 64 day period to male wistar rats resulted in a four-fold increase in sperm count in the test rats (145±55) compared with the control group (44±17). Testicular histology shows better packed spermatozoa in group of rats treated with Cissus populnea. Conclusion/significance: The findings suggest that oral administration of Cissus populnea aqueous extract improves spermatogenesis in male wistar rats.

American Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2015, 3(5), 124-127. DOI: 10.12691/ajmbr-3-5-1
Pub. Date: July 05, 2015

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