The observed relationship between insulin and PPT levels in the HLS rats was similar to that observed in rats with STZ-induced insulinopenia. These data suggest that moderate insulinopenia may affect the rat's sensitivity to deep pressure directly, without affecting glucose homeostasis. In addition, our data suggest that HLS rats may develop peripheral neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION Resveratrol ( trans -3, 4’, 5-trihydroxystilbene), a phytoalexin derived from the skin of grapes and other fruits, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Its anti-carcinogenic effects are closely associated with its antioxidant activity; thus, the use of resveratrol as a possible cancer chemo-preventive is considered to be an important area of investigation. In this study we have examined the inhibitory effects of resveratrol in nicotine induced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS Cultured AR42J cells were incubated with 100 μM nicotine for 3 min and with 100 μM resveratrol for 30 min, either alone or in combination. Proliferation assays were conducted for a period of 0 to 96 h in serum media, incubated with nicotine and resveratrol, and evaluated by MTT assay. Protein was measured in lysed cells and activation of MAPK signals was measured by western blot using purified p-ERK antibody. Co-localization of activated ERK signals was confirmed by FITC conjugated ERK antibody using immunofluorescence assay and confocal microscopy. Biomarker of lipid peroxidation was determined in cell lysates by malondialdehyde (MDA) bioassay. RESULTS Resveratrol significantly suppressed the nicotine-induced proliferation of acinar cells compared to untreated controls (p<0.05). Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) analysis revealed up-regulation of p-ERK expression by nicotine (p<0.05) that was suppressed significantly by resveratrol (p<0.05). Co-localization of activated ERK signals was confirmed by FITC conjugated ERK antibody, and this response was reduced significantly by resveratrol. Nicotine-induced malondialdehyde formation was also suppressed by resveratrol (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that resveratrol suppressed nicotine-induced AR42J cell proliferation. The proliferation of AR42J cells by nicotine is associated with activation of MAPK signals and induction of protein oxidation. Resveratrol suppressed lipid peroxidation and P-ERK activated signals induced by nicotine. We conclude that resveratrol acts as an effective antioxidant in reversing the nicotine induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.

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The aim of this study is to compare the effects of simulated microgravity in tail suspended (TS) as well as in pelvic suspended (PS) rats mimicking aspects of prolonged bed rest and sub‐clinical insulinopenia.Materials and MethodsAdult male Sprague‐Dawley rats divided into suspended and control‐non‐suspended groups (6 each per group), were subjected to two separate methods of suspension and maintained with regular food and water for two weeks. Body weights, food and water consumption, soleus muscle weights, malodialdehyde levels of soleus muscle and brain tissues were measured. Pressure‐pain threshold (PPT) was measured using Randall‐Selitto technique at regular 2–3 days intervals during one week before and 2 weeks after HLS.ResultsBody weights in suspended rats from day 10 are significantly different between groups. Food and water intakes are not different between control and suspended groups. Suspended rats had smaller soleus muscle weights and increased MDA levels (p <0.05). PPT were decreased below control after 5 days of PS and 10 days of TS and continued to drop till day 14. X‐ray images show less spinal deformity in PS rats as compared to TS rats.ConclusionsThese data suggest that both procedures develop peripheral neuropathy. Pelvic suspension appears to provide a suitable alternative to tail suspension for chronic hindlimb unloading alleviating excess stress.