Antidepressive Effects of Environmental Enrichment in Chronic Stress–Induced Depression in Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho-Hyun Seong ◽  
Jong-Min Park ◽  
Youn-Jung Kim

Depression is caused by a variety of factors, especially stressful life events. Chronic stress–induced depression has detrimental effects on hippocampal integrity. Environmental enrichment (EE) is a beneficial intervention for improving anxiety, fear, and stress. We aimed to investigate the antidepressive effects of EE in a depressive rat model (DEP) that was subjected to chronic stress. The control group ( n = 10) was kept under normal conditions, while depressive rats ( n = 8 per group) were randomized into DEP, DEP + EE, and DEP + fluoxetine (Flx) groups. DEP + EE/Flx groups were exposed to standard housing and EE or Flx, respectively. The behavioral tests showed that hopelessness and anxiety were decreased in DEP + EE and DEP + Flx groups compared with the DEP group ( p < .05). Similarly, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and tryptophan hydroxylase was significantly higher in the DEP + EE and DEP + Flx ( p < .05) groups. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine receptor kinase B were also significantly higher in the DEP + EE and DEP + Flx groups compared with the DEP group ( p < .05). Our findings can serve as a foundation for future investigations examining the effects of environmental improvement and physical exercise in patients with depression. This study suggests that EE may be useful for mitigating the detrimental effects of chronic stress in patients with depression.

Author(s):  
YanuarEka P. ◽  
Hendy Hendarto ◽  
Widjiati .

Retrograde menstruation lead to I Kappa B Kinase (IKK) fosforilation in peritoneum macrophage and cause secretion of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin1β then stimulate endometriosis cell to produce Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor which lead to increasing of endometriosis lession seen as endometriosis implant area. Cytokine secretion was inhibited through prevention of NF-κB activation by dragon red fruit rind extract (Hylocereuspolyrhizus). The aim of this reserach is to know the effect of dragon red fuit rind extract with 0,25; 0,5; and 1 mg/g bodyweight dosage toward IL-1β, VEGF expression and implant area in endometriosis mice model. The design of this experiment was randomized post test only control group design.Endometrios mice model were made in 14 days and split into two group, positive control group and treatment group after two week negative control group and postive control group were given Na-CMC 0,5% solution consequetively, and treatment group were given dragon red fruit extract with different dosage. Signification number for IL-1β is p>0,05, signification number for VEGF is p>0,05, and implant area signification number is p>0,05. Administration of dragon red fruit rind extract can decrease IL-1β, VEGF, and implant area.


Author(s):  
Zheng Dong ◽  
Qing-Hua Xu ◽  
Yuan-Bin Zhu ◽  
Yong-Feng Wang ◽  
Jie Xiong ◽  
...  

Aims : The present study explored the clinical significance of microRNA-22 (miR-22) expression in lung squamous cell carcinoma and to explore the targeting relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3). Methods: A total of 49 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment was selected. The expression of miR-22 was detected by fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the expression of VEGFR3 was detected by Western blotting assays, and D240 labeled microlymphatic vessels density (MLVD) was detected immunohistochemistry (IHC). Lung squamous cell carcinoma cell line SK-MES-1 was selected and the targeting relationship between miR-22 and VEGFR3 was analyzed by double luciferase reporter gene assay. Western blotting assays were used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and D240 in the blank control group, empty vector transfection group, miR-22 transfection group, miR-22 and VEGFR3 co-transfection group. Results: The expression range of miR-22 in lung squamous cell carcinoma was 0.8-3.5. The expression of miR-22 in lung squamous cell carcinoma was significantly different by tumor maximum diameter, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion and TNM stage. The expression of miR-22 was linked to survival time. There was a negative correlation between miR-22 and VEGFR3, miR-22 and MLVD. Double luciferase reporter gene assays showed that miR-22 reduced the luciferase activity of pGL3-VEGFR3-WT transfected cells. Compared with the control group, the expression of VEGF-D and D2-40 in the miR-22 transfection group was significantly decreased. However, VEGF-D and D240 in the miR-22 and VEGFR3 cotransfection group reversed the changes. Conclusion: We assumed that the abnormal expression of miR-22 in lung squamous cell carcinoma may be involved in the development and progression of lung squamous cell carcinoma. MiR-22 negatively regulated the target gene VEGFR3 to mediate lymphangiogenesis. The expression of miR-22 may also be linked to the prognosis of the disease.


2018 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
pp. 627-633
Author(s):  
Joanna Boinska ◽  
Grażyna Gadomska ◽  
Katarzyna Ziołkowska ◽  
Karolina Woźniak ◽  
Alicja Bartoszewska-Kubiak ◽  
...  

Aim: The assessment of angiogenic parameters in so-called “liquid tumors”, such as myeloproliferative neoplasms, remains an open clinical issue. The aim of the study is to evaluate the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and soluble receptors sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 in relations to risk factors of thrombosis in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Material/Methods: A total of 45 patients suffering from newly diagnosed PV and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. Polycythemia vera was diagnosed according to the WHO (2008) criteria. In the citrated plasma samples VEGF-A, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 were measured using ELISA tests. Results: VEGF-A concentration was three-fold higher and sVEGFR-2 significantly lower in PV patients as compared to the control group. VEGF-A concentration was significantly higher in PV patients with JAK2V617F mutation, as compared to patients without this mutation. SVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 concentrations were similar in the analyzed subgroups. In PV patients with an increased number of white blood cells (WBCs), the above upper reference value (≥10 G/l), VEGF-A concentration was two-fold higher than in patients with WBCs number <10 G/l. However, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 concentrations did not differ between the analyzed subgroups. Analysis of correlations revealed only one relation between VEGF-A and WBCs number. Conclusions: Increased VEGF-A and decreased sVEGFR-2 concentrations in polycythemia vera patients as compared to the control group indicate an intensification of the process of angiogenesis. A higher concentration of VEGF-A in PV patients with leukocytosis and a positive correlation between WBCs number and VEGF-A reflect the potential role of VEGF-A in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications in hypercoagulable state in PV patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 201
Author(s):  
Rostika Flora ◽  
Muhammad Zulkarnain ◽  
Yuliana Ardi ◽  
Esti Sorena ◽  
Roslina Wati ◽  
...  

Anaerobic  exercise is a high-intensity exercise that needs quick energy supplies obtained in a very short time. However, this exercise may result in tissue hypoxia which is characterized by the increase of HIF-1α concentration. The presence of HIF-1α will induce the secretion of VEGF and, eventually, trigger angiogenesis. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether anaerobic exercise will also cause hypoxia in which this condition will increase the concentration of VEGF in brain tissues. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of anaerobic exercise frequency towards VEGF concentration of Wistar rat brain tissues.  Brain tissues were taken from rats treated with anaerobic exercise using treadmill. This exercise was given in different frequencies; one time, three times, and seven times a week.  The data collected were analyzed using independent t-test. The results of this study showed that anaerobic  exercise done once a week could significantly increase VEGF concentration (p &lt; 0.05) if compared with the one in control group (95.21 ± 31.99 v.s. 63.36 ± 11.01 pg/mL). Meanwhile, VEGF concentration of treatment groups given exercise three times a week (47.97 ± 10.68 pg/mL) and seven times a week (40.56 ± 13.98 pg/mL) showed a significant decrease if compared with that of control group (63.36 ± 11.01 pg/mL). Anaerobic  exercise affected VEGF concentration as an indicator of angiogenesis in brain tissue of wistar rats.


Author(s):  
Khalid Najm Nadheer ◽  
Zohreh Zahraei ◽  
Hussein Al-Hakeim

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by a series of clinical features such as hypertension and proteinuria associated with endothelial dysfunction and the impairment of placenta vascular endothelial integrity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of serum copper (Cu) level on some angiogenesis-related factors including vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sVEGF-R1), soluble endoglin (sEng) and cerruloplasmin (Cp) in Iraqi women with preeclampsia (PE) and control pregnant women. Therefore, 60 women with PE in addition to 30 healthy pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Serum concentration of sEng, VEGF-A, sVEGF-R1, and Cu in PE group significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in the PE group compared with that in the control group. Increased production of antiangiogenic factors, soluble VEGF-A and sEng contribute to the pathophysiology of PE, indicating the involvement of these parameters in the angiogenic balance in patients with PE. Tests for between-subject effects showed that the circulating angiogenesis factors and Cu were significantly associated with the presence of PE. Serum Cu level was significantly correlated with VEGF- A and VEGF-R1 levels but not with sEng. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only Cp and BP can significantly predict the complications in women with PE. In conclusion, serum Cu has a role in the angiogenesis in women with PE and may be a new drug target in the prevention or treatment of PE.


2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-260
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Sobczyńska-Rak ◽  
Izabela Polkowska ◽  
Adam Brodzki

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the serum of dogs suffering from splenic malignant tumours, prior to splenectomy, as well as three and six months after the surgery. Tumours and blood samples were collected from 10 dogs of various breeds, aged between 7 and 13 years, and from 10 control animals. Tumour sections were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 24 h. The type of tumour was determined according to the WHO classification. Blood samples were centrifuged and the obtained sera were subjected to immunoenzymatic assays to determine the VEGF levels. The median of VEGF levels in the serum of dogs suffering from splenic malignant tumours was 37.85 pg/mL (15.40-107.18 pg/mL). The highest values were observed in dogs with confirmed metastases (107.18 pg/mL and 65.43 pg/mL). The VEGF values in control group were between 0.1 pg/mL and 13.04 pg/mL. A comparative analysis of the VEGF levels against the animals' survival time indicated that VEGF overexpression may serve as a prognostic factor in cases of malignant tumours of the spleen.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 841-846
Author(s):  
Wei Li ◽  
Yufang Zhang ◽  
Fuping Li ◽  
Yufen Shi ◽  
Yan Wang

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a female endocrine disorder and frequently leads to infertility. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has crucial roles and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) is correlated with cell migration. Both of them are involved in the occurrence and progression of PCOS. This study established a rat PCOS model using letrozole to measure the expression of VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 (MMP-2/9), to analyze its correlation with PCOS. Letrozole was applied by gavage to establish rat PCOS model. General condition and ovarian tissue morphology were observed under a light field microscope. ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect serum or tissue expression of VEGF, MMP-2/9. Estrous cycle of rats was disrupted after 12 d for using letrozole. Vaginal smear showed abundant leukocytes with sparse keratinocytes. Ovary showed whitening and increased volume, with early phase small follicles plus lower granular cells or corpus luteum. Compared to control group, experimental group had significantly higher VEGF, MMP-2/9 (P < 0.05), which were higher in antral follicles than those in preantral follicle with higher expressions than primordial follicle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, VEGF, MMP-2/9 are abundantly expressed in both serum and tissues of PCOS rats.


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra H Smith ◽  
Michael A Kuliszewski ◽  
Hiroko Fujii ◽  
Duncan J Stewart ◽  
Jonathan R Lindner ◽  
...  

We have previously shown that ultrasound-mediated (UM) delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plasmid-bearing microbubbles promotes therapeutic angiogenesis. While VEGF is important during the initiation of angiogenesis, it results in primarily immature vessels, which are prone to late regression. Angiopoietin (Ang)-1 is a potent growth factor that acts to stabilize the neovasculature, later in the angiogenic process. We hypothesized that temporal delivery of VEGF and Ang-1 plasmid DNA would result in a more sustained angiogenic response, as compared to VEGF alone, in the setting of severe chronic ischemia. Methods : Unilateral hindlimb ischemia was produced by iliac artery ligation in 30 rats. At day 14 post-ligation, microvascular blood velocity (β) and flow (MBF) in the proximal hindlimb muscles were assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU). UM-delivery of plasmid (500 μg cDNA)-bearing microbubbles (1×109), was then performed at pre-specified time points, with treatment groups including VEGF alone at day 14; VEGF at day 14 followed by Ang-1 at day 28; and control rats receiving no therapy (n=10 per group). β and MBF were re-assessed at day 28 and 8 wks post-ligation. Results : Relative MBF (normalized to the contralateral normal leg) remained reduced at all time points after ligation in the control group. In VEGF-alone treated animals, MBF in the ischemic leg increased 2 wks after delivery (0.48 ± 0.19 to 0.82 ± 0.23, p < 0.001), but regressed over the next 4 wks (0.61 ± 0.14 at 8 wk, NS vs. 2 wks). In the VEGF/Ang-1 treated animals, MBF in the ischemic leg also increased 2 weeks after VEGF delivery (0.39 ± 0.19 to 0.69 ± 0.28, p < 0.01); however, vascular regression was prevented by late Ang1 delivery (0.83 ± 0.20 at 8 wks, p < 0.005 vs. 2 wks and p<0.01 vs VEGF alone at 8 wks). At week 8, relative β values were greater in VEGF/Ang-1 treated compared to VEGF-alone treated animals (0.87 ± 0.33 to 0.60 ± 0.23, p < 0.05). Conclusions : Compared to delivery of VEGF alone, delivery of Ang-1 plasmid DNA at 2 wks post-VEGF gene delivery results in sustained improvement in MBF, with prevention of late vascular regression. The greater microvascular blood velocity in VEGF/Ang-1 treated muscle may signify improved vascular functionality with late Ang-1 therapy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 204173141880863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Chang ◽  
Junrong Cai ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Ruijia Yang ◽  
Malcolm Xing ◽  
...  

Soft tissue generation, especially in large tissue, is a major challenge in reconstructive surgery to treat congenital deformities, posttraumatic repair, and cancer rehabilitation. The concern is along with the donor site morbidity, donor tissue shortage, and flap necrosis. Here, we report a dissection-free adipose tissue chamber–based novel guided adipose tissue regeneration strategy in a bioreactor of elastic gelatin cryogel and polydopamine-assisted platelet immobilization intended to improve angiogenesis and generate large adipose tissue in situ. In order to have matched tissue mechanics, we used 5% gelatin cryogel as growth substrate of bioreactor. Platelets from the platelet-rich plasma were then immobilized onto the gelatin cryogel with the aid of polydopamine to form a biomimetic bioreactor (polydopamine/gelatin cryogel/platelet). Platelets on the substrate led to a sustained high release in both platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor compared with non-polydopamine-assisted group. The formed bioreactor was then transferred to a tissue engineering chamber and then inserted above inguinal fat pad of rats without flap dissection. This integrate strategy significantly boomed the vessel density, stimulated cellular proliferation, and upregulated macrophage infiltration. There was a noticeable rise in the expression of dual-angiogenic growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor) in chamber fluid; host cell migration and host fibrous protein secretion coordinated with gelatin cryogel degradation. The regenerated adipose tissue volume gained threefold larger than control group (p < 0.05) with less fibrosis tissue. These results indicate that a big well-vascularized three-dimensional mature adipose tissue can be regenerated using elastic gel, polydopamine, platelets, and small fat tissue.


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