Effect of alpha tocopherol acetate in Walker 256/B cells-induced oxidative damage in a rat model of breast cancer skeletal metastases

The pathophysiological changes and the oxidative–antioxidative status were evaluated in the bone microenvironment of rat inoculated with Walker 256/B mammary gland carcinoma cells, and used α-tocopherol acetate (ATA) as a countermeasure.Walker 256/B cells were injected into the right femora of aged male rats. Animals were randomized into three groups: 12 rats were injected with saline (control group); 14 rats were injected with Walker 256/B cells (5 × 104) in the medullar cavity (W256 group); 14 rats were inoculated with Walker 256/B cells and treated with ATA (45 mg/kg BW) (W256 + ATA group). After 20 days, rats were euthanized and the femurs were radiographed. Micro architectural parameters were measured by microcomputed tomography and histology. Serum, bone and bone marrow were evaluated for oxidative damage. In parallel, cell cultures were done in the presence of ATA and ROS were measured by fluorescence; apoptotic cells were determined in parallel. W256 groups had osteolytic damages with marked resorption of cortical and trabecular bone. W256 + ATA animals presented marked osteosclerotic areas associated with tumor necrosis areas inside the bone cavity. Levels of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation were found to increase in W256 rats; a significant reduction in SOD and GSH-p activities was also observed. W256 + ATA group had significantly reduced oxidative damage, but not reversed back to the control levels. The present study shows that Walker 256/B cells induce skeletal metastases associated with oxidative damage in the bone microenvironment. ATA reduced the oxidative stress damage, enhanced osteosclerosis and tumor cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo

Three-Dimensional Characterization of the Vascular Bed in Bone Metastasis of the Rat by Microcomputed Tomography (MicroCT)

BackgroundAngiogenesis contributes to proliferation and metastatic dissemination of cancer cells. Anatomy of blood vessels in tumors has been characterized with 2D techniques (histology or angiography). They are not fully representative of the trajectories of vessels throughout the tissues and are not adapted to analyze changes occurring inside the bone marrow cavities. Methodology/Principal Findings We have characterized the vasculature of bone metastases in 3D at different times of evolution of the disease. Metastases were induced in the femur of Wistar rats by a local injection of Walker 256/B cells. Microfil®, (a silicone-based polymer) was injected at euthanasia in the aorta 12, 19 and 26 days after injection of tumor cells. Undecalcified bones (containing the radio opaque vascular casts) were analyzed by microCT, and a first 3D model was reconstructed. Bones were then decalcified and reanalyzed by microCT; a second model (comprising only the vessels) was obtained and overimposed on the former, thus providing a clear visualization of vessel trajectories in the invaded metaphysic allowing quantitative evaluation of the vascular volume and vessel diameter. Histological analysis of the marrow was possible on the decalcified specimens. Walker 256/B cells induced a marked osteolysis with cortical perforations. The metaphysis of invaded bones became progressively hypervascular. New vessels replaced the major central medullar artery coming from the diaphyseal shaft. They sprouted from the periosteum and extended into the metastatic area. The newly formed vessels were irregular in diameter, tortuous with a disorganized architecture. A quantitative analysis of vascular volume indicated that neoangiogenesis increased with the development of the tumor with the appearance of vessels with a larger diameter. Conclusion This new method evidenced the tumor angiogenesis in 3D at different development times of the metastasis growth. Bone and the vascular bed can be identified by a double reconstruction and allowed a quantitative evaluation of angiogenesis upon time

Caractérisation physico-chimique et minéralogique des sols de la plaine des Triffa (Nord du Maroc) par l'utilisation des analyses physico-chimiques, Diffraction par rayon X et spectroscopie visible et proche infrarouge.

International audienceThe soils of the Mediterranean regions, characterized by summer aridity and the strong presence of limestone rocks, are dominated by the presence of calcium or even limestone. The soils of the Triffa plain, located in the northeastern part of Morocco, is a perfect example of the Mediterranean soils. This plain represents one of the most fertile agricultural zones in the northeastern of Morocco, where all cultivated lands are, dominated by high added values irrigated crops such as Citrus and vegetables. The knowledge of soil characteristics is an important task to better manage these crops. In this context, the main objectives of this study are twofold: 1) to determine the physicochemical proprieties of Triffa plain and their mineralogy using the X-ray diffraction and physicochemical laboratory analysis, and 2). to understand the information provided by the VIS-NIR spectroscopy as it relates to soil mineralogy. To reach these objectives, one hundred eighty-one soil samples were collected from the topsoil horizon (0-30cm) in the study area in 2018. These samples were then analyzed for texture, Organic Matter (OM), Calcium Carbonates (CaCO3), pH, electrical conductivity and potassium. The X-ray diffraction and VIS-NIR spectroscopy were used to determine the soil mineralogy. The results of the physicochemical analysis showed that the soils of the study area are generally belonged to the slightly to moderately calcareous soil classes in term of CaCO3 and are generally basic in term of pH. Concerning the soil organic matter (OM), the study area is characterized by low to medium values of OM content. The soil texture of Triffa plain is dominated by a silt-loam texture. The results of X-ray patterns indicate the dominance of the kaolinite, illite, vermiculite and chlorite, while the mineralogical associations are formed by complex mixtures of carbonates, gypsum, quartz, feldspars and goethite in variable proportions depending on the soil types. Mineralogical diagnostic of VIS-NIR spectroscopy data showed that the absorption bands centered on long waves of 450, 850, 1450, 1950, and 2200 nm are the best bands to be used to study soil mineralogy

Polyherbal formulation: The studies towards identification of composition and their biological activities

Synergistic strategy is always supported by nature due to multi-targets synergistic mode. Spices are one of the most nutritional products present in our diet, and dietary manipulation has been implicated in managing various medical conditions. Our interest was to study the effect of polyherbal formulation (PHF), composed of fenugreek, black seed, cumin, and flaxseed, in the experimental model of diabetic nephropathy (DN). After induction of diabetes (streptozotocin 55 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats, PHF (200 mg/kg) was given for 56 days. Biochemical and histopathological indicators were used to study nephritis. The diabetic group had elevated glucose, dyslipidemia, and impaired renal function. PHF treatment improved glycemic control, renal function, and dyslipidemia. Consecutively, oxidative damage marked as the elevated level of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and malonaldehyde (MDA) with concomitantly decreased glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) depicted in the diabetic group were restored after the administration of PHF. Further histological analysis was done and explored as glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in the diabetic group. Administration of PHF significantly modulated renal histological variations in diabetic rats. A current investigation concluded that PHF exhibited a strong nephroprotective effect by preserving renal damage due to its antidiabetic and antioxidant actions. Thus, PHF may find a pharmaceutical candidature to manage diabetes-related complications requiring more studies