Showing papers by "Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University published in 2014"

Beclin-1-mediated autophagy protects spinal cord neurons against mechanical injury-induced apoptosis

Abstract: Apoptosis has been widely reported to be involved in the pathogenesis associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). Recently, autophagy has also been implicated in various neuronal damage models. However, the role of autophagy in SCI is still controversial and its interrelationship with apoptosis remains unclear. Here, we used an in vitro SCI model to observe a time-dependent induction of autophagy and apoptosis. Mechanical injury induced autophagy markers such as LC3 lipidation, LC3II/LC3I conversion, and Beclin-1expression. Injured neurons showed decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis. To elucidate the effect of autophagy on apoptosis, the mechanically-injured neurons were treated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and 3-methyl adenine (3-MA), which are known to regulate autophagy positively and negatively, respectively. Rapamycin-treated neurons showed the highest level of cell viability and lowest level of apoptosis among the injured neurons and those treated with 3-MA showed the reciprocal effect. Notably, rapamycin-treated neurons exhibited slightly reduced Bax expression and significantly increasedBcl-2 expression. Furthermore, by plasmid transfection, we showed that Beclin-1-overexpressing neuronal cells responded to mechanical injury with greater LC3II/LC3I conversion and cell viability, lower levels of apoptosis, higher Bcl-2 expression, and unaltered Bax expression as compared to vector control cells. Beclin-1-knockdown neurons showed almost the opposite effects. Taken together, our results suggest that autophagy may serve as a protection against apoptosis in mechanically-injured spinal cord neurons. Targeting mTOR and/or enhancing Beclin-1 expression might be alternative therapeutic strategies for SCI.

The incidence of liver injury in Uyghur patients treated for TB in Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region, China, and its association with hepatic enzyme polymorphisms nat2, cyp2e1, gstm1 and gstt1.

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Of three first-line anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs, isoniazid is most commonly associated with hepatotoxicity. Differences in INH-induced toxicity have been attributed to genetic variability at several loci, NAT2, CYP2E1, GSTM1and GSTT1, that code for drug-metabolizing enzymes. This study evaluated whether the polymorphisms in these enzymes were associated with an increased risk of anti-TB drug-induced hepatitis in patients and could potentially be used to identify patients at risk of liver injury. METHODS AND DESIGN In a cross-sectional study, 2244 tuberculosis patients were assessed two months after the start of treatment. Anti-TB drug-induced liver injury (ATLI) was defined as an ALT, AST or bilirubin value more than twice the upper limit of normal. NAT2, CYP2E1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were determined using the PCR/ligase detection reaction assays. RESULTS 2244 patients were evaluated, there were 89 cases of ATLI, a prevalence of 4% 9 patients (0.4%) had ALT levels more than 5 times the upper limit of normal. The prevalence of ATLI was greater among men than women, and there was a weak association with NAT2*5 genotypes, with ATLI more common among patients with the NAT2*5*CT genotype. The sensitivity of the CT genotype for identifying patients with ATLI was 42% and the positive predictive value 5.9%. CT ATLI was more common among slow acetylators (prevalence ratio 2.0 (95% CI 0.95,4.20) )compared to rapid acetylators. There was no evidence that ATLI was associated with CYP2E1 RsaIc1/c1genotype, CYP2E1 RsaIc1/c2 or c2/c2 genotypes, or GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes. CONCLUSIONS In Xinjiang Uyghur TB patients, liver injury was associated with the genetic variant NAT2*5, however the genetic markers studied are unlikely to be useful for screening patients due to the low sensitivity and low positive predictive values for identifying persons at risk of liver injury.

Expression of HPV-16 E6 protein and p53 inactivation increases the uterine cervical cancer invasion.

Abstract: Human papillomavirus infection (HPV-16) and expression of HPV E6 protein are the major risk factors of cervical cancer. Studies reported that expression of E6 protein adversely affect the function of p53 and thus involved in tumor progression. In the present study, we made an attempt to analyze the prevalence of HPV-16 association, E6 and p53 expression in cervical cancer tissues. Uterine cervical cancer (n=10) and corresponding normal epithelium tissues (n=10) were collected at the time of surgery. The HPV-16 integration and E6 expression were analyzed by PCR and immunohistostaining. Further, p53 and Ki67 expression were analyzed by immunohistostaining. Telomerase was detected using a modified TRAP (telomerase repeat amplification protocol) assay. We have found that almost 90% of the collected cervical cancer DNA samples showed positivity to HPV-16 and more than 60% of DNA samples were E6 positive. Further, these tissues were highly positive to p53 and Ki67 protein which contribute to apoptosis resistance and increased cell proliferation. We also found elevated level of telomerase expression in cancer tissues compared to control. The association of HPV infection and E6 expression increases the risk of cervical cancer. Further, E6 expression is the cause for inactivation of p53 in tumor tissues and deregulated cell proliferation and thus favors for tumor invasion.

Use of bone mesenchymal stem cells to treat rats with acute liver failure.

Abstract: This study aimed to isolate mesenchymal stem cells from bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), determine their therapeutic potential for treating rats with acute liver failure (ALF), further explore the factors that induce liver failure mechanisms, and elucidate the role of bone marrow stem cell therapy and BMSCs on liver homing. We found that differentiation potential was present in BMSCs expressing high levels of CD29 and CD90. These cells improved liver functioning in vivo after transplantation into rat livers with D-galactosamine damage, as evidenced by the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase returning to normal (low levels) in recipient ALF rats. A significant improvement in the liver functional test and histological findings was observed in the transplantation group after 120 and 168 h of transplantation (P < 0.05). Histological data revealed that hepatocyte cell apoptosis was lower in the transplantation group compared to the control groups (P < 0.05), and that the transplantation of BMSCs reduced liver inflammation, decreased hepatic denaturation and necrosis, and promoted liver regeneration. These ameliorations were not recorded in the control groups. The results of in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot confirmed the presence of transplanted BMSCs in recipient rat livers. Stromal cell derived factor-1 alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly upregulated after the intraportal transplantation of BMSCs, with significantly higher levels being found in the portal vein and the tail vein groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BMSCs have a therapeutic effect against ALF rats, evoke endogenous repair mechanisms in the liver, and may represent a novel form of therapeutic intervention for the disease. Furthermore, intraportal transplantation serves as a more effective pathway compared to tail vein transplantation.

Association of apolipoprotein A5 genetic polymorphisms with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head in a Chinese Han population.

Abstract: Background Previous studies suggested that apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) may result in lipid metabolism disorders. Therefore, genetic polymorphisms in ApoA5 may be associated with the occurrence of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH).

Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on acute hepatic failure in rats

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation in the treatment of acute hepatic failure (AHF) in rats. BMSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow, cultured and analyzed by flow cytometry. Following BMSC transplantation into rats with AHF, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) in the serum were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were performed to analyze the pathological changes and apoptosis rate. Levels of cluster of differentiation (CD)163 and interleukin (IL)-10 in the serum and liver tissue were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay and western blot analysis. Compared with the levels in the control group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, DBIL, IBIL, CD163 and IL-10 in the BMSC transplantation groups were significantly lower at 120 and 168 h, while the serum levels of ALB were significantly higher at 168 h after BMSC transplantation. The pathological features of liver failure were alleviated by BMSC transplantation. The expression levels of CD163 and IL-10 in the liver tissue were also significantly decreased following transplantation. The results indicate that BMSCs have a therapeutic effect on AHF in rats, and CD163 and IL-10 may be used as sensitive serum prognosis indicators in the early assessment of patients following liver transplantation.

Effect of psychological stress on the structure of the temporomandibular joint and the expression of MMP-3 and TIMP-3 in the cartilage in rats.

Abstract: Our aim was to observe the effects of psychological stress on the structure of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to evaluate the expression of matrix metallopeptidase-3 (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) in condylar chondrocytes in rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups of 12 according to the duration of psychological stress: 3 weeks or 6 weeks, and 6 weeks of recovery. A fourth group of 12 rats was used as controls. Each rat was evaluated by the open-field test and the weight measured. The results confirmed psychological stress in 24 of the 36 rats (67%). The tissues of the TMJ were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and pathological changes were studied under a light microscope. MMP-3 and TIMP-3 expression was investigated using the SP kit. The experimental groups showed thinning of articular cartilage, shedding of collagen fibres, cracks in the articular discs, and other structural changes that were aggravated with time, from three weeks to six weeks. The 6-week recovery group showed an improvement in these changes, which indicated the initiation of joint repair. The MMP-3 expression rate correlated with the degree of joint lesion, while the TIMP-3 rate showed an opposite trend and was highest in the 6-week recovery group. Our findings clearly indicate that psychological stress may play an important part in the development of TMJ diseases in rats; further studies should be made to extrapolate the results to other models before clinical use.

Prognostic values of serum procalcitonin level and pediatric critical illness score in children with sepsis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation between serum procalcitonin (PCT) level and pediatric critical illness score (PCIS) and their prognostic values in children with sepsis. METHODS Sixty-one children with sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit were enrolled. According to PCIS, these patients were divided into non-critical (n=18), critical (n=20), and extremely critical groups (n=23). Within 24 hours after admission, serum levels of PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactic acid (LA) and routine blood counts were measured. These parameters were compared between the three groups. The Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation of PCT with PCIS and other serological parameters. Based on clinical outcomes, these patients were divided into survival (n=39) and death groups (n=22). The PCT, PCIS, and other serological parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The serum levels of PCT and CRP in the non-critical group were significantly lower than those in critical group and extremely critical groups (P<0.05), and the two parameters were significantly lower in the critical group than in the extremely critical groups (P<0.05). The extremely critical group had a significantly higher mortality than the critical group non-critical groups (61% vs 35% and 6%, P<0.05). Serum PCT level had a significantly negative correlation with PCIS (r=-0.63, P<0.001) but a significantly positive correlation with serum CRP level (r=0.73, P=0.003). Compared with the death group, the survival group had significantly higher serum levels of PCT and LA (P<0.05) but a significantly lower PCIS (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is a good correlation between serum PCT level and PCIS. For children with sepsis, the lower the PCIS, the higher the serum PCT level, resulting in a poorer prognosis. A combination of serum PCT and PCIS can be used as an early prognostic indicator in children with sepsis.

An analysis on the relationship between medical sharp injuries and job satisfaction among nursing staff

Abstract: Objective To investigate the risk factors of the medical sharp injuries and the correlation with job satisfaction among the nursing staff in one tertiary hospital in Xinjiang for the prevention-consciousness enhancement and the reduction of the occurrence of occupational exposure.Methods A cluster random sampling was adopted to investigate 189cases with questionnaire surveys on general status,occupational exposure and overall job satisfaction during one year.Results The occurrence rate of sharp injuries was 70.4%among 189nursing staff and the nursing staff with shorter working time,lower education and technical titles had more sharps injuries,averagely 2-5times.Most of the nursing staff had poor protective behavior,with some knowledge mainly from school education.The nurse staff with sharp injuries had lower job satisfaction and the nurse staff with lower job satisfaction was prone to the sharp injuries.Conclusion The preservice training of nursing students and the management of occupational protection should be further strengthened, and it is suggested to improve the nursing job satisfaction to reduce the occurrence of sharp injuries.

Relationship of UBA52 with MAU in Patients with Early Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract: Objective To explore the expression of UBA52 and the relationship with MAU in patients with early diabetic nephropathy. Methods 20 diabetes( diabetic group) and 59 diabetic nephropathy patients( DN group) admitted by the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from February 2012 to March 2013 were selected to be compared with 22 healthy people confirmed by physical check- up in this hospital( control group). The immunity transmission turbidity method was used to detect MAU of the three groups and ELISA was used to detect UBA52 in urine and blood. Results The differences of gender,age and BMI of the three groups were not significant( P 0. 05); the differences of blood sugar,glycosylated hemoglobin and total cholesterol of the three groups were significant( P 0. 05). Blood UBA52,urine UBA52,urinary protein and MAU of the three groups were significantly different( P 0. 05); blood,urine UBA52 levels,urinary protein and MAU of DN group were significantly higher than those of another two groups; urinary protein,MAU of diabetic group were significantly higher than those of control group( P 0. 05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MAU and glycosylated hemoglobin influenced urine UBA52 of DN patients( P 0. 05). Conclusion Blood and urine UBA52 levels increase in DN patients. MAU is the influencing factor for urine UBA52 level.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Hemibagrus sp. (Siluriformes: Bagridae), molecular data for species identification

Abstract: In this study, we determined and described the complete mitogenome sequence of Hemibagrus sp. for the first time, which is 16,513 bp in length, and contains 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, 1 origin of replication on the light-strand (OL) and a putative control region. The overall base composition was 31.1% A, 26.9% T, 26.9% C, 15.1% G, with a slight AT bias (58.0%). All protein-coding genes shared the start codon ATG, except for COI, which began with GTG. The tRNA-SerUGC couldn’t be folded into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure because its dihydrouridine arm is replaced by a simple loop. These results are expected to provide useful molecular data for species identification and further phylogenetic studies of Bagridae and Siluriformes.