In vivo chronic exposure to inorganic mercury worsens hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in the LDL receptor knockout mice.

Heavy metal exposure leads to multiple system dysfunctions. The mechanisms are likely multifactorial and involve inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate markers and risk factors for atherosclerosis in the LDL receptor knockout mouse model chronically exposed to inorganic mercury (Hg) in the drinking water.

CETP Expression in Bone-Marrow-Derived Cells Reduces the Inflammatory Features of Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

CETP activity reduces plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations, a correlate of an increased risk of atherosclerotic events. However, our recent findings suggest that CETP expression in macrophages promotes an intracellular antioxidant state, reduces free cholesterol accumulation and phagocytosis, and attenuates pro-inflammatory gene expression. To determine whether CETP expression in macrophages affects atherosclerosis development, we transplanted bone marrow from transgenic mice expressing simian CETP or non-expressing littermates into hypercholesterolemic LDL-receptor-deficient mice.

CETP expression ameliorates endothelial function in female mice through estrogen receptor-α and endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway.

Endothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of atherosclerosis. The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been considered proatherogenic by reducing plasma HDL levels. However, CETP may exhibit cell- or tissue-specific effects.

Evaluation of Budesonide-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Thermoreversible Gels for Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: New formulations for topical treatment of ulcerative colitis with budesonide inclusion complex (BUD) and poloxamers (PL) were developed for future clinical use.

Aims: This study evaluated the efficacy of such novel formulations in a rat model of colitis.

Methods: The PL-BUD systems were prepared by direct dispersion of the complex (BUD concentration 0.

Method development and validation of ursodiol and its major metabolites in human plasma by HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry.

Background: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and its metabolites tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) have been the subject of several pharmacological studies. The objective of this study was to develop an innovative method of quantification by HPL-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with a lower cost and suitable, for application in bioequivalence studies.

Methods: The procedure involved liquid-liquid extraction for quantification of UDCA/GUDCA and precipitation extraction for TUDCA, using deuterated substances as internal standards (ISs) and Phenomenex Luna 250×4.

Effects of glucosyl-hesperidin and physical training on body weight, plasma lipids, oxidative status and vascular reactivity of rats fed with high-fat diet.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with glucosyl hesperidin (GH), with or without physical training, on body weight, fat depot, glucose and plasma lipids, oxidative status and vascular function of rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD).

Methods: After weaning, male Wistar rats were fed with an HFD plus fructose for 12 weeks and started receiving oral antioxidant supplementation and/or physical training after the fourth week of diet for eight further weeks. Body weight, epididymal and retroperitoneal fat, plasma glucose and lipids, oxidative status and mesenteric artery reactivity were evaluated.