OBJECTIVE: To confirm whether formaldehyde disturb detecting carbon monoxide in blood. To give an evidence that can be used for detecting carboxyhemoglobin more accurately in carbon monoxide posioning appraises. METHODS: Blood samples came from carbon monoxide poisoning and the health were collected. Regular methods for detecting carboxyhemoglobin were used. Observing and comparing the detection results between which were spiked with methanal and no spiked one were performed. RESULTS: Methanal will affect the result of following experiments such as heating, adding NaOH, absorbed by PdCl2 and spectrophotometry. CONCLUSION The samples which contaminated by formaldehyde couldn't be used for detecting carboxyhemoglobin.
Carbon Monoxide/blood* ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/diagnosis* ; Carboxyhemoglobin/analysis* ; Forensic Medicine ; Formaldehyde/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Spectrophotometry/methods* ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of exogenous carbon monoxide-releasing molecule 2 (CORM-2) on formation of human neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) stimulated by endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its relevant mechanism.

METHODSVenous blood samples were collected from a healthy adult volunteer to isolate neutrophils. The neutrophils were divided into normal control (NC) group, LPS group, LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2 group, LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2 group, and LPS+ inactive CORM-2 (iCORM-2) group according to the random number table. No treatment was given to the neutrophils in NC group. The neutrophils in LPS group underwent LPS stimulation (1 μL, 1 μg/mL). The neutrophils in LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2 group, LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2 group, and LPS+ iCORM-2 group underwent the same LPS stimulation as that in LPS group and treatment of 10 μmol/L CORM-2, 50 μmol/L CORM-2, and 50 μmol/L iCORM-2, respectively, with the volune of 1 μL. After conventional culture for 1 h, the number of NETs was determined with propidium iodide staining method; the early cell apoptosis rate was determined with flow cytometer; the generation level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed with dihydrogenrhodamine 123 fluorescent probe staining method (denoted as mean fluorescence intensity); the expression level of phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) was determined by Western blotting. The sample numbers of each group in the 4 experiments were all 5. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and SNK test.

RESULTS(1) The numbers of NETs per 400-time visual field in cells of LPS and LPS+ iCORM-2 groups were close to the number in NC group (with P values above 0.05). The number of NETs per 400-time visual field was significantly larger in cells of LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2 and LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2 groups than in NC and LPS groups (with P values below 0.05). The number of NETs per 400-time visual field in cells of LPS+ iCORM-2 group was close to that of LPS group (P>0.05). (2) The early cell apoptosis rate was significantly increased in LPS, LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2, LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2, and LPS+ iCORM-2 groups than in NC group (with P values below 0.05). The early cell apoptosis rates in LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2, LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2, and LPS+ iCORM-2 groups were close to the rate in LPS group (with P values above 0.05). (3) The generation level of ROS was significantly higher in cells of LPS, LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2, and LPS+ iCORM-2 groups than in NC group (with P values below 0.05). The generation level of ROS in cells of LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2 group was close to that of NC group (P>0.05). The generation level of ROS was lower in cells of LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2 and LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2 groups than in LPS group (with P values below 0.05), while the generation level of ROS in cells of LPS+ iCORM-2 group was close to that of LPS group (P>0.05). (4) The expression levels of p-ERK1/2 in cells of LPS and LPS+ iCORM-2 groups (respectively 0.0311±0.001 and 0.0309±0.0018) were close to the level in NC group (0.0304±0.0046, with P values above 0.05). The expression level of p-ERK1/2 was significantly higher in cells of LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2 and LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2 groups (respectively 0.7891±0.0201 and 1.2970±0.0056) than in NC group (with P values below 0.05). The expression level of p-ERK1/2 was significantly higher in cells of LPS+ 10 μmol/L CORM-2 and LPS+ 50 μmol/L CORM-2 groups than in LPS group (with P values below 0.05). The expression level of p-ERK1/2 in cells of LPS+ iCORM-2 group was close to that of LPS group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCORM-2 can obviously increase the production of NETs in LPS-induced neutrophils, and it might be attributable to the promotion of inhibition of ROS generation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

Apoptosis ; Carbon Monoxide ; metabolism ; Extracellular Traps ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Organometallic Compounds ; pharmacology ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) on respiratory rhythm. The experiments were carried out on the medullary slices of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats. The rhythmic discharge frequency (DF) of hypoglossal rootlets was taken as an index of rhythmic respiratory activity. The slices of medulla oblongata were superfused with ZnPP-9 (inhibitor of heme oxygenase), CO and hemin (substrate of heme oxygenase), respectively, to observe their effects on respiratory rhythm. The preparations were divided into 5 groups: control group of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), group of ZnPP-9, group of exogenous CO, group of hemin and group of ZnPP-9 + hemin. The results obtained were as follows. In ZnPP-9 group, the rhythmic DF of the hypoglossal rootlets was increased (P<0.05); while in exogenous CO group, it was decreased (P<0.05). In the groups of hemin and ZnPP-9 + hemin, the rhythmic DF of the hypoglossal rootlets was increased (P<0.05). It is suggested that endogenous CO may play an important role in the regulation of respiratory rhythm.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Carbon Monoxide ; physiology ; Female ; Hemin ; pharmacology ; Hypoglossal Nerve ; drug effects ; physiology ; Male ; Protoporphyrins ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Respiration

The organosulfur compound sulforaphane (SFN; C₆H₁₁NOS₂) is a potent cytoprotective agent promoting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiglycative, and antimicrobial effects in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Mitochondria are the major site of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production due to the work of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. They are also the main site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in nucleated human cells. Mitochondrial impairment is central in several human diseases, including neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. In this paper, we describe and discuss the effects and mechanisms of action by which SFN modulates mitochondrial function and dynamics in mammalian cells. Mitochondria-related pro-apoptotic effects promoted by SFN in tumor cells are also discussed. SFN may be considered a cytoprotective agent, at least in part, because of the effects this organosulfur agent induces in mitochondria. Nonetheless, there are certain points that should be addressed in further experiments, indicated here as future directions, which may help researchers in this field of research.
Animals ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Brain/ultrastructure* ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/metabolism* ; Cytoprotection ; Humans ; Isothiocyanates/pharmacology* ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Sulfoxides

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of inducible heme oxygenase (HO-1) gene in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) exposed to hypoxia, and the influence of carbon monoxide (CO) on the proliferation of PASMCs under hypoxic conditions.

METHODSPrimary culture of rat PASMCs were passed every 3 days, and the 3 - 5 passages were used. After exposure to hypoxic conditions (95% N2, 5% CO(2)) 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours, the level of HO-1 mRNA was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The volume of COHb in the medium was measured spectrophotometrically. The cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (cGMP) concentration of cell extracts was determined by radioimmunoassay. PASMCs were divided into 5 groups, cultured under normoxia and hypoxia and treated with hemin, hemoglobin (Hb) and exogenous CO respectively. Then 3-(4, 5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay and immunocytochemical staining were used to study the energy metabolism and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in PASMCs. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle of PASMCs.

RESULTSAfter exposure to hypoxic conditions for 12, 24, and 48 hours, the HO-1 mRNA increased by 2.7%, 5.7% and 27.1% respectively (P < 0.01). The carboxy-hemoglobin (COHb) in the medium increased by 13.8%, 31.0% and 93.1% (P < 0.01); the cGMP concentrations were 2.7, 4.0 and 6.8-fold compared with the control group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the value of MTT colorimetric assay, the immunocytochemical staining of PCNA and the percentages of PASMCs in S and G2M phases in the hypoxic group were significantly higher (P < 0.01). After treatment with Hemin and CO, the results of the above analysis decreased significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), but increased significantly after treatment with Hb (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of HO-1 gene in PASMCs is upregulated by hypoxia and the production of endogenous CO is elevated as well. The endogenous CO suppresses the proliferation of PASMC in an autocrine way. Both the induction of endogenous CO by Hemin and the treatment with exogenous CO can suppress the proliferation of rat PASMCs of under hypoxic conditions.

Carbon Monoxide ; pharmacology ; physiology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Gene Expression ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; genetics ; Hypoxia ; pathology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; drug effects ; pathology ; Pulmonary Artery ; pathology

AIMTo study the protective role of endogenous carbon monoxide to lung and kidney tissues during septic shock and its mechanism.

METHODSA rat model of CLP was built by using the method of CLP. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the activity of superoxide dematase (SOD) in blood, lung and kidney were detected by immunohistochemical technique and light microscope.

RESULTSPathological changes of lung and kidney in CLP + Hemin group were lighter than CLP group, inflammatory reaction and lipid peroxidation were also lighter.

CONCLUSIONEndogenous CO can protect lung and kidney from the oxidative injury. It can suppress in flammation and the oxidative injury caused by activated inflammatory cells, it is probably an important mechanism of its protective effects.

Animals ; Carbon Monoxide ; physiology ; Hemin ; pharmacology ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Shock, Septic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

The use of exogenous carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) provides promise for clinical application; however, the hazard potential of CORMs in vivo remains poorly understood. The developmental toxicity of CORM-3 was investigated by exposure to concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 400 μmol/L during 4-144 h post fertilization. Toxicity endpoints of mortality, spontaneous movement, heart rate, hatching rate, malformation, body length, and larval behavior were measured. CORM-3 disrupted the progression of zebrafish larval development at concentrations exceeding 50 μmol/L, resulting in embryonic developmental toxicity.
Animals ; Carbon Monoxide ; pharmacology ; Cardiotonic Agents ; toxicity ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Embryo, Nonmammalian ; drug effects ; Embryonic Development ; drug effects ; Organometallic Compounds ; toxicity ; Zebrafish ; embryology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEFebrile seizures (FS) are the most common seizure disorders in children. Approximately one third of children with a febrile seizure have recurrent events. Although most FS may not represent a serious health problem, those that are more prolonged and recurrent may cause hippocampal damage which is the most important pathological basis of temporal lobe epilepsy. The present study aimed to explore the effect of endogenous heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO) system on brain damage induced by recurrent FS.

METHODTwenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats aged 21 days were randomly divided into three groups: Control group (immersed in 37.0 degrees C water, n = 8), FS group (immersed in 45.2 degrees C water, n = 8), FS + zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPPIX) group (immersed in 45.2 degrees C water, n = 8). FS in rats were induced ten times in a bath of warm water, once every 2 days. The indirect production of CO in plasma was detected by a dual wavelengh spectrophotometer. The intensity, latency, duration and rectal temperature of the seizure in rats were recorded. Morphologic changes of hippocampal neurons were observed with HE staining. The ultrastructural changes of the hippocampal neurons were observed under electron microscope. Semiquantitative analysis of hippocampal neurons was carried out by using Nissl stain.

RESULTAfter recurrent FS, the content of CO in plasma in FS group was increased as compared with that in control group (P < 0.01). The content of CO in plasma in FS + ZnPPIX group was decreased as compared with that in FS group (P < 0.01), while no significant difference in CO content was found as compared with that in control group (P > 0.05). In FS group, with the increase of seizure number, there was a trend of gradual prolongation of the seizure duration. In FS + ZnPPIX group, the seizure latency was gradually shortened and the seizure duration was further prolonged. There were no significant differences in seizure intensity and rectal temperature between the two groups. After recurrent FS, by using light microscope we could see that the arrangement of hippocampal neurons was disordered, polarity was not clear and vacuolization appeared in some neurons. At the same time the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons under electron microscope changed, which manifested as mitochondrial swelling, dissolved and ruptured ridge and vacuole formation, and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). ZnPPIX aggravated neuronal injury. No obvious loss of hippocampal neurons was observed in FS group, while the number of hippocampal neurons in CA(1) and CA(3) subfields in FS + ZnPPIX group decreased respectively as compared with that in FS group and in control group (P < 0.01 for all).

CONCLUSIONThe study by using ZnPPIX which is an inhibitor of HO showed that endogenous HO/CO might act as a protective factor in FS-induced brain damage.

Animals ; Carbon Monoxide ; physiology ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; physiology ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Neurons ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Protoporphyrins ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Recurrence ; Seizures, Febrile ; complications ; pathology

The discovery of nitric oxide (NO) initiated a novel research field, gaseous signal molecules. Other two gaseous signal molecules, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), have been approved subsequently. All of these three gaseous signal molecules are generated endogenously and exert extensive biological effects. This article reviews the significance of gaseous signal molecules in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In the cardiovascular system, the endogenous NO, CO and H2S form three specific and relevant pathways with their corresponding enzymes including nitric oxide synthase (NOS), heme oxygenase (HO), and cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE). The gaseous signal molecules not only participate in the maintenance of physiological function and structure of the cardiovascular system, but also exert important pathophysiological effects in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, septic shock and atherosclerosis. Further studies on gaseous signal molecules will remarkably promote the basic research in the cardiovascular fields, and provide a novel direction for the clinical research as well.
Animals ; Carbon Monoxide ; physiology ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; etiology ; Humans ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Hypertension ; etiology ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; etiology ; Nitric Oxide ; physiology ; Shock, Septic ; etiology ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) on the smooth muscle function of the dog penile corpus cavernosum in vitro.

METHODSTissue bioassay was used to measure the corpus cavernosum muscle contraction and relaxation. The production of CO was induced in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle, and the effect of CO on the penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle pre-contracted by phenylephrine (PE) was determined.

RESULTSChlorinous hemoglobin could relax the smooth muscle stripes pre-contracted by 10 micromol/L PE. A dose-dependent relaxation was observed. The relaxation responses by 10 -100 micromol/L chlorinous hemoglobin were significant compared with the control group (P < 0. 01). The pretreatment of the muscle stripes with ZnPP-IX or methylthioninium significantly reduced the relaxing effect of chlorinous hemoglobin (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe relaxing effect of endogenous CO on the smooth muscle of the penile corpus cavernosum depends on the concentration of endogenous CO. The underlying mechanism may involve the pathway from CO to cGMP production.

Animals ; Carbon Monoxide ; physiology ; Dogs ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Hemin ; pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth ; drug effects ; physiology ; Penile Erection ; drug effects ; physiology ; Penis ; drug effects ; physiology