Petrilla Jayaprakash

Effects of a sucrose‐enriched diet on the pattern of gene expression, contraction and Ca2+ transport in Goto–Kakizaki type 2 diabetic rat heart

What is the central question of this study? Poor diet is a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. In this study, the effects of sucrose‐enriched diet on the pattern of gene expression, contraction and Ca2+ transport in type 2 diabetic heart are explored. What is the main finding and its importance? The altered pattern of gene expression in type 2 diabetic hearts was further altered in diabetic and control rats that received a sucrose‐enriched diet, and these alterations were associated with changes in ventricular myocyte shortening and Ca2+ transport.

Enhanced Glucose Tolerance and Pancreatic Beta Cell Function by Low Dose Aspirin in Hyperglycemic Insulin-Resistant Type 2 Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) Rats

Background/Aim: Type 2 diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder, characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic islet beta-cell failure. The most common complications associated with type 2 diabetes are hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, increased inflammatory and reduced insulin response. Aspirin (ASA) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with the prevention of diabetes, obesity and related cardiovascular disorders. Aspirin has been used in many clinical and experimental trials for the prevention of diabetes and associated complications. Methods: In this study, five month old Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, which showed signs of mild hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose 80-95 mg/dl vs 55-60 mg/dl Wistar control rats) were used. Two subgroups of GK and Wistar control rats were injected intraperitoneally with 100 mg aspirin/kg body weight/ day for 5 weeks. Animals were sacrificed and blood and tissues were collected after performing glucose tolerance (2 h post 2g IP glucose ingestion) tests in experimental and control groups. Results: Aspirin caused a moderate decrease in hyperglycemia. However, we observed a significant improvement in glucose tolerance after ASA treatment in GK rats compared to the nondiabetic Wistar rats. Also, the ASA treated GK rats exhibited a significant decrease in insulinemia. ASA treatment also caused a marked reduction in the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin, PGE2, which was significantly higher in GK rats. On the other hand, no significant organ toxicity was observed after ASA treatment at this dose and time period. However, the total cholesterol and lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in GK rats, which decreased after ASA treatment. Immunofluorescence staining for insulin/glucagon secreting pancreatic cells showed improved beta-cell structural and functional integrity in ASA-treated rats which was also confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Conclusion: The improved glucose tolerance in ASA-treated GK rats may be associated with increased insulin responses due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ASA and enhanced nitric oxide (NO) level which facilitated insulin signaling and energy utilization in target tissues. These results may have implications in determining the therapeutic use of ASA in insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes.

Vitamin E Ameliorates the Decremental Effect of Paraquat on Cardiomyocyte Contractility in Rats

Background Exposure to pesticides and industrial toxins are implicated in cardiovascular disease. Paraquat (PAR) is a toxic chemical widely used as an herbicide in developing countries and described as a major suicide agent. The hypothesis tested here is that PAR induced myocardial dysfunction may be attributed to altered mechanisms of Ca2+ transport which are in turn possibly linked to oxidative stress. The mechanisms of PAR induced myocardial dysfunction and the impact of antioxidant protection was investigated in rat ventricular myocytes. Methodology Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups receiving the following daily intraperitoneal injections for 3 weeks: Group 1 PAR (10 mg/kg), Control Group 2 saline, Group 3 vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and Group 4 PAR (10 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg). Ventricular action potentials were measured in isolated perfused heart, shortening and intracellular Ca2+ in electrically stimulated ventricular myocytes by video edge detection and fluorescence photometry techniques, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in heart tissue. Principal Findings Spontaneous heart rate, resting cell length, time to peak (TPK) and time to half (THALF) relaxation of myocyte shortening were unaltered. Amplitude of shortening was significantly reduced in PAR treated rats (4.99±0.26%) and was normalized by vitamin E (7.46±0.44%) compared to controls (7.87±0.52%). PAR significantly increased myocytes resting intracellular Ca2+ whilst TPK and THALF decay and amplitude of the Ca2+ transient were unaltered. The fura-2–cell length trajectory during the relaxation of the twitch contraction was significantly altered in myocytes from PAR treated rats compared to controls suggesting altered myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+ as it was normalized by vitamin E treatment. A significant increase in SOD and CAT activities was observed in both PAR and vitamin E plus PAR groups. Conclusions PAR exposure compromised rats heart function and ameliorated by vitamin E treatment.

Different Profile of mRNA Expression in Sinoatrial Node from Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat

Background Experiments in isolated perfused heart have shown that heart rate is lower and sinoatrial node (SAN) action potential duration is longer in streptozotocin (STZ)–induced diabetic rat compared to controls. In sino-atrial preparations the pacemaker cycle length and sino-atrial conduction time are prolonged in STZ heart. To further clarify the molecular basis of electrical disturbances in the diabetic heart the profile of mRNA encoding a wide variety of proteins associated with the generation and transmission of electrical activity has been evaluated in the SAN of STZ-induced diabetic rat heart. Methodology/Principal Findings Heart rate was measured in isolated perfused heart with an extracellular suction electrode. Expression of mRNA encoding a variety of intercellular proteins, intracellular Ca2+-transport and regulatory proteins, cell membrane transport proteins and calcium, sodium and potassium channel proteins were measured in SAN and right atrial (RA) biopsies using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. Heart rate was lower in STZ (203±7 bpm) compared to control (239±11 bpm) rat. Among many differences in the profile of mRNA there are some worthy of particular emphasis. Expression of genes encoding some proteins were significantly downregulated in STZ-SAN: calcium channel, Cacng4 (7-fold); potassium channel, Kcnd2 whilst genes encoding some other proteins were significantly upregulated in STZ-SAN: gap junction, Gjc1; cell membrane transport, Slc8a1, Trpc1, Trpc6 (4-fold); intracellular Ca2+-transport, Ryr3; calcium channel Cacna1g, Cacna1h, Cacnb3; potassium channels, Kcnj5, Kcnk3 and natriuretic peptides, Nppa (5-fold) and Nppb (7-fold). Conclusions/Significance Collectively, this study has demonstrated differences in the profile of mRNA encoding a variety of proteins that are associated with the generation, conduction and regulation of electrical signals in the SAN of STZ-induced diabetic rat heart. Data from this study will provide a basis for a substantial range of future studies to investigate whether these changes in mRNA translate into changes in electrophysiological function.

Phenylalanine derivatives with modulating effects on human α1-glycine receptors and anticonvulsant activity in strychnine-induced seizure model in male adult rats

The critical role of α1-glycine receptor (α1-GLYRs) in pathological conditions such as epilepsy is well known. In the present study, structure-activity relations for a series of phenylalanine derivatives carrying selected hydrogen bond acceptors were investigated on the functional properties of human α1-GLYR expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The results indicate that one particular substitution position appeared to be of special importance for control of ligand activity. Among tested ligands (1-8), the biphenyl derivative (2) provided the most promising antagonistic effect on α1-GLYRs, while its phenylbenzyl analogue (5) exhibited the highest potentiation effect. Moreover, ligand 5 with most promising potentiating effect showed in-vivo moderate protection when tested in strychnine (STR)-induced seizure model in male adult rats, whereas ligand 2 with highest antagonistic effect failed to provide appreciable anti(pro)convulsant effect. Furthermore, ligands 2 and 5 with the most promising effects on human α1-GLYRs were examined for their toxicity and potential neuroprotective effect against neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The results show that ligands 2 and 5 possessed neither significant antiproliferative effects, nor necrotic and mitochondrial toxicity (up to concentration of 50μM). Moreover, ligand 2 showed weak neuroprotective effect at the 50μM against 100μM toxic dose of 6-OHDA. Our results indicate that modulatory effects of ligands 2 and 5 on human α1-GLYRs as well as on STR-induced convulsion can provide further insights for the design of therapeutic agents in treatment of epilepsy and other pathological conditions requiring enhanced activity of inhibitory glycine receptors.

Biocompatibility of calcined mesoporous silica particles with ventricular myocyte structure and function

In vivo and in vitro systems were employed to investigate the biocompatibility of two forms of calcined mesoporous silica microparticles, MCM41-cal and SBA15-cal, with ventricular myocytes. These particles have potential clinical use in delivering bioactive compounds to the heart. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from 6 to 8 week male Wistar rats. The distribution of the particles in ventricular myocytes was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The distribution of particles was also examined in cardiac muscle 10 min after intravenous injection of 2.0 mg/mL MCM41-cal. Myocyte shortening and the Ca(2+) transient were determined following exposure to 200 μg/mL MCM41-cal or SBA15-cal for 10 min. Within 10 min of incubation at 25 °C, both MCM41-cal and SBA15-cal were found attached to the plasma membrane, and some particles were observed inside ventricular myocytes. MCM41-cal was more abundant inside the myocytes than SBA15-cal. The particles had a notable affinity to mitochondrial membranes, where they eventually settled. Within 10 min of intravenous injection (2.0 mg/mL), MCM41-cal traversed the perivascular space, and some particles entered ventricular myocytes and localized around the mitochondrial membranes. The amplitude of shortening was slightly reduced in myocytes superperfused with MCM41-cal or SBA15-cal. The amplitude of the Ca(2+) transient was significantly reduced in myocytes superperfused with MCM41-cal but was only slightly reduced with SBA15-cal. Overall, the results show reasonable bioavailability and biocompatibility of MCM41-cal and SBA15-cal with ventricular myocytes.

The histamine H3R antagonist DL77 attenuates autistic behaviors in a prenatal valproic acid-induced mouse model of autism

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social communication and restricted/repetitive behavior patterns or interests. Antagonists targeting histamine H3 receptor (H3R) are considered potential therapeutic agents for the therapeutic management of different brain disorders, e.g., cognitive impairments. Therefore, the effects of subchronic treatment with the potent and selective H3R antagonist DL77 (5, 10, or 15 mg/kg, i.p.) on sociability, social novelty, anxiety, and aggressive/repetitive behavior in male Tuck-Ordinary (TO) mice with ASD-like behaviors induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA, 500 mg/kg, i.p.) were evaluated using the three-chamber test (TCT), marble burying test (MBT), nestlet shredding test (NST), and elevated plus maze (EPM) test. The results showed that VPA-exposed mice exhibited significantly lower sociability and social novelty preference compared to VPA-exposed mice that were pretreated with DL77 (10 or 15 mg/kg, i.p.). VPA-exposed mice presented a significantly higher percentage of buried marbles in MBT and shredded nestlet significantly more in NST compared to the control groups. However, VPA-exposed animals pretreated with DL77 (10 or 15 mg/kg, i.p.) buried a reduced percentage of marbles in MBT and presented a significantly lower percentage of shredding behavior in NST. On the other hand, pretreatment with DL77 (5, 10, or 15 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to restore the disturbed anxiety levels and hyperactivity observed in VPA-exposed animals in EPM, whereas the reference drug donepezil (DOZ, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly palliated the anxiety and reduced the hyperactivity measures of VPA-exposed mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with DL77 (10 or 15 mg/kg, i.p.) modulated oxidative stress status by increasing GSH and decreasing MDA, and it attenuated the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α exacerbated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, in VPA-exposed mouse brain tissue. Taken together, these results provide evidence that modulation of brain histaminergic neurotransmission, such as by subchronic administration of the H3R antagonist DL77, may serve as an effective pharmacological therapeutic target to rescue ASD-like behaviors in VPA-exposed animals, although further investigations are necessary to corroborate and expand these initial data.

Curcumin Potentiates the Function of Human α7-nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Expressed in SH-EP1 Cells

&NA; Effects of curcumin, a biologically active ingredient of turmeric, were tested on the Ca2+ transients induced by the activation of &agr;7 subunit of the human nicotinic acetylcholine (&agr;7 nACh) receptor expressed in SH‐EP1 cells. Curcumin caused a significant potentiation of choline (1 mM)‐induced Ca2+ transients with an EC50 value of 133 nM. The potentiating effect of curcumin was not observed in Ca2+ transients induced by high K+ (60 mM) containing solutions or activation of &agr;4&bgr;2 nACh receptors and the extent of curcumin potentiation was not altered in the presence of Ca2+ channel antagonists nifedipine (1 &mgr;M), verapamil (1 &mgr;M), ω‐conotoxin (1 &mgr;M), and bepridil (10 &mgr;M). Noticeably the effect of curcumin was not observed when curcumin and choline were co‐applied without curcumin pre‐incubation. The effect of curcumin on choline‐induced Ca2+ transients was not reversed by pre‐incubation with inhibitors of protein C, A, and CaM kinases. Metabolites of curcumin such as tetrahydrocurcumin, demethylcurcumin, and didemethylcurcumin also caused potentiation of choline‐induced Ca2+ transients. Notably, specific binding of [125I]‐bungarotoxin was not altered in the presence of curcumin. Collectively, our results indicate that curcumin allosterically potentiate the function of the &agr;7‐nACh receptor expressed in SH‐EP1 cells.

The Pattern of mRNA Expression Is Changed in Sinoatrial Node from Goto-Kakizaki Type 2 Diabetic Rat Heart

Background In vivo experiments in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) type 2 diabetic rats have demonstrated reductions in heart rate from a young age. The expression of genes encoding more than 70 proteins that are associated with the generation and conduction of electrical activity in the GK sinoatrial node (SAN) have been evaluated to further clarify the molecular basis of the low heart rate. Materials and Methods Heart rate and expression of genes were evaluated with an extracellular electrode and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Rats aged 12-13 months were employed in these experiments. Results Isolated spontaneous heart rate was reduced in GK heart (161 ± 12 bpm) compared to controls (229 ± 11 bpm). There were many differences in expression of mRNA, and some of these differences were of particular interest. Compared to control SAN, expression of some genes were downregulated in GK-SAN: gap junction, Gja1 (Cx43), Gja5 (Cx40), Gjc1 (Cx45), and Gjd3 (Cx31.9); cell membrane transport, Trpc1 (TRPC1) and Trpc6 (TRPC6); hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, Hcn1 (HCN1) and Hcn4 (HCN4); calcium channels, Cacna1d (Cav1.3), Cacna1g (Cav3.1), Cacna1h (Cav3.2), Cacna2d1 (Cavα2δ1), Cacna2d3 (Cavα2δ3), and Cacng4 (Cavγ4); and potassium channels, Kcna2 (Kv1.2), Kcna4 (Kv1.4), Kcna5 (Kv1.5), Kcnb1 (Kv2.1), Kcnd3 (Kv4.3), Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnk1 (TWIK1), Kcnk5 (K2P5.1), Kcnk6 (TWIK2), and Kcnn2 (SK2) whilst others were upregulated in GK-SAN: Ryr2 (RYR2) and Nppb (BNP). Conclusions This study provides new insight into the changing expression of genes in the sinoatrial node of diabetic heart.

Altered profile of mRNA expression in atrioventricular node of streptozotocin‑induced diabetic rats

Prolonged action potential duration, reduced action potential firing rate, upstroke velocity and rate of diastolic depolarization have been demonstrated in atrioventricular node (AVN) cells from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. To further clarify the molecular basis of these electrical disturbances, the mRNA profiles encoding a variety of proteins associated with the generation and conduction of electrical activity in the AVN, were evaluated in the STZ-induced diabetic rat heart. Expression of mRNA was measured in AVN biopsies using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques. Notable differences in mRNA expression included upregulation of genes encoding membrane and intracellular Ca2+ transport, including solute carrier family 8 member A1, transient receptor potential channel 1, ryanodine receptor 2/3, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide 2 and 3, calcium channel voltage-dependent, β2 subunit and sodium channels 3a, 4a, 7a and 3b. In addition to this, potassium channels potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 4, potassium channel calcium activated intermediate/small conductance subfamily N α member 2, potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J members 3, 5, and 11, potassium channel subfamily K members 1, 2, 3 and natriuretic peptide B (BNP) were upregulated in AVN of STZ heart, compared with controls. Alterations in gene expression were associated with upregulation of various proteins including the inwardly rectifying, potassium channel Kir3.4, NCX1 and BNP. The present study demonstrated notable differences in the profile of mRNA encoding proteins associated with the generation, conduction and regulation of electrical signals in the AVN of the STZ-induced diabetic rat heart. These data will provide a basis for a substantial range of future studies to investigate whether variations in mRNA translate into alterations in electrophysiological function.