No abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Arginin-Vasopressin (AVP) on contractility of non-pregnant uterus in diabetic Wistar rats and to explore whether one-week administration of Melatonin (MLT) or Ghrelin (GHR) will change the response of diabetic uterine muscle to AngII and AVP. Uterine horns, prepared by the method of isolated tissues were investigated as well as glycemic profile, blood pressure and body weight. The research of smooth muscle contractions was made by a new method of analysis, characterizing in detail the various phases of the myometrial activity. Differences in the development of the peptide-mediated smooth muscle contractions depending on the phase of the estrous cycle were observed. Experimental diabetes had a pronounced negative effect on force and time-parameters of AngII and AVP-stimulated uterine contractions. Administration of GHR or MLT had a beneficial effect on the glycemic status of diabetic rats and partially improved the response of uterine preparations to the peptides. The application of MLT increased both force and time-parameters of Ang II-and AVP-stimulated uterine contractions while treatment with GHR increased power characteristics and shortened contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle process.

In the 21st century beginning, the evidence of a new type of programmed cell death, different from apoptosis, began to accumulate. In 2012, the ferroptosis concept was officially introduced. It refers to a kind of cell death that is associated with iron accumulation in the cell, impaired redox potential, and ROS increment with concomitant lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis plays an important role in the pathophysiology of several organ damages such as tumors, neurodegenerative, ischemia-reperfusion, inflammatory diseases, and others. In ferroptosis, the leading mechanism is the glutathione (GSH) depletion and inactivation of Glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4), which strongly shifts the oxidative balance in the cell, leading to the activation of certain signalling pathways to induce oxidative death. The article aims to focus attention on the modulation of the GSH/GPX axis as a key factor in the treatment of these diseases.

No abstract

Introduction: The high-fructose diet in rats has been reported to cause metabolic disorders such as impaired fasting glucose levels, in-sulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. This could lead to further complications, for instance, to the smooth muscle dysfunction. Aim: The present study aimed at developing fructose-induced metabolic perturbations in rats and the investigation of their impact on angiotensin II-induced smooth muscle intestinal motility.  Materials and methods: Mature Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups (9 rats per group): control group (drinking tap water) and fructose-drinking group (15% fructose, dissolved in tap water). At the end of the experimental period (11 weeks), the plasma levels of insulin, renin, angiotensin II and creatinine, as well as the lipid profile were assessed. Morphometric analysis and lipid index calculation were also performed. The contractile properties of ileum, colon and rectum were studied using stimulation with angiotensin II in the isolated tissue bath system.  Results: Our experiment showed that drinking 15% fructose solution induced dyslipidaemia accompanied by elevated lipid indexes as well as an increase in creatinine and renin plasma levels in the rats.  Conclusions: Fructose drinking and consequently the developed metabolic disorders modified the Ang II-induced intestinal activity causing a gradual alteration in the distal direction with the rectum being the most strongly affected organ.