Showing papers in "Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology-medical Sciences in 2007"
TL;DR: The overexpression of Th 17 cytokines in the skin lesions of patients with psoriasis may indicate that Th17 cytokines play a very important role in the immunopathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Abstract: In order to investigate the role of Th17 cytokines in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of IL-17, IL-23 (p19/p40), and IL-6 in skin lesions and non-lesions of the patients with psoriasis and skin tissues of normal subjects. The results showed that the mRNA expression levels of IL-17, IL-23p19, IL-23p40 and IL-6 in psoriasis leision were significantly higher than those of non-leisions (1.231 ± 0.843 vs 1.003 ± 0.044, 1.166 ± 0.142 vs 0.765 ± 0.133, 1.125 ± 0.104 vs 0.730 ± 0.103, 1.186 ± 0.222 vs 0.976 ± 0.122, respectively, all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, The expression levels of IL-17 mRNA, IL-23p19 mRNA, IL-23p40 mRNA and IL-6 mRNA were higher in non-leisions than those in normal skin tissues (1.003 ± 0.044 vs 0.620 ± 0.104, 0.765 ± 0.133 vs 0.584 ± 0.078, 0.730 ± 0.103 vs 0.000 ± 0.000, 0.976 ± 0.122 vs 0.656 ± 0.121, respectively, all P < 0.05). The overexpression of Th17 cytokines in the skin lesions of patients with psoriasis may indicate that Th17 cytokines play a very important role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis.
71 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that TMS has therapeutic effect on cerebral infarction and this may have something to do with TMS’s ability to promote the expression of c-Fos and BDNF of the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral Infarction.
Abstract: The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the neurological functional recovery and expression of c-Fos and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral infarction was investigated. Cerebral infarction models were established by using left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and were randomly divided into a model group (n=40) and a TMS group (n=40). TMS treatment (2 times per day, 30 pulses per time) with a frequency of 0.5 Hz and magnetic field intensity of 1.33 Tesla was carried out in TMS group after MCAO. Modified neurological severity score (NSS) were recorded before and 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 day(s) after MCAO. The expression of c-Fos and BDNF was immunohistochemically detected 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 day(s) after infarction respectively. Our results showed that a significant recovery of NSS (P<0.05) was found in animals treated by TMS on day 7, 14, 21, and 28 as compared with the animals in the model group. The positive expression of c-Fos and BDNF was detected in the cortex surrounding the infarction areas, while the expression of c-Fos and BDNF increased significantly in TMS treatment group in comparison with those in model group 7, 14, 21, and 28 days (P<0.05) and 7, 14, 21 days (P<0.01) after infarction, respectively. It is concluded that TMS has therapeutic effect on cerebral infarction and this may have something to do with TMS’s ability to promote the expression of c-Fos and BDNF of the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral infarction.
63 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that when the ADM concentration was under 100 μg/L, HepG2 could easily be induced to be drug-resistant and may serve as targets for the reversal of MDR of HCC.
Abstract: The roles of multi-drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multi-drug resistance related protein 1 (MRP1), lung resistance protein (LRP) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in the multi-drug resistance (MDR) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were studied. By exposing HepG2 cell line to progressively increased concentrations of adriamycin (ADM), HepG2 multi-drug resistant subline (HepG2/ADM) was induced. The MDR index of HepG2/ADM was detected by using MTT. The expressions of the four MDR proteins in the three cell lines (L02, HepG2, HepG2/ADM) were investigated at mRNA and protein levels by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. Our results showed that when the ADM concentration was under 100 microg/L, HepG2 could easily be induced to be drug-resistant. The IC(50) of the HepG2/ADM to ADM was 282 times that of HepG2. The expression of MDR1 and BCRP mRNA in HepG2/ADM cells were 400 and 9 times that of HepG2 cells respectively while there was no difference in the mRNA expressions of MRP1 and LRP. There was no difference between HepG2 and L02 cells in the mRNA expressions of the four genes. At the protein level, the expressions of MDR1, BCRP and LRP but MRP1 in HepG2/ADM were significantly higher than those of HepG2 and L02. Between HepG2 and L02, there was no difference in the expressions of four genes at the protein level. HepG2/ADM is a good model for the study of MDR. The four genes are probably the normally expressed gene in liver. The expressions of MDR1 and BCRP could be up-regulated by anti-cancer agents in vitro. The MDR of HCC was mainly due to the up-regulation of MDR1 and BCRP but MRP1 and LRP. These findings suggest they may serve as targets for the reversal of MDR of HCC.
34 citations
TL;DR: The data suggested that recombinant AAV mediated a stable expression of hBDNF in cultured hippocampal neurons and resulted in significant neuron protective effects in AD model, which may pave the way of a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Abstract: The human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (hBDNF) gene was cloned by polymerase chain reaction and the recombinant adeno-associated viral vector inserted with hBDNF gene (AAV-hBDNF) was constructed. Cultured rat hippocampal neurons were treated with Abeta(25-35) and serued as the experimental Abeta-induced neuronal damage model (AD model), and the AD model was infected with AAV-hBDNF to explore neuroprotective effects of expression of BDNF. Cell viability was assayed by MTT. The expression of bcl-2 anti-apoptosis protein was detected by immunocytochemical staining. The change of intracellular free Ca ion ([Ca2+]i) was measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The results showed that BDNF had protective effects against A-induced neuronal damage. The expression of the bcl-2 anti-apoptosis protein was raised significantly and the balance of [Ca2+]i was maintained in the AAv-hBDNF treatment group as compared with AD model group. These data suggested that recombinant AAV mediated a stable expression of hBDNF in cultured hippocampal neurons and resulted in significant neuron protective effects in AD model. The BDNF may reduce neuron apoptosis through increasing the expression of the bcl-2 anti-apoptosis protein and inhibiting intracellular calcium overload. The viral vector-mediated gene expression of BDNF may pave the way of a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
29 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded bone marrow stromal cells transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy was feasibe, but the management of cells in vitro, the quantity and the pattern of the Cells transplantation and the action mechanism still need further research.
Abstract: The feasibility of bone marrow stromal cells autologous transplantation for rabbit model of dilated cardiomyopathy induced by adriamycin was studied. Twenty rabbits received 2 mg/kg of adriamycin intravenously once a week for 8 weeks (total dose, 16 mg/kg) to induce the cardiomyopathy model with the monitoring of cardiac function by transthoracic echocardiography. Marrow stromal cells were isolated from cell-transplanted group rabbits and were culture-expanded on the 8th week. On the 10th week, cells were labeled with 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and then injected into the myocardium of the same rabbits. The results showed that viable cells labeled with DAPI could be identified in myocardium at 2nd week after transplantation. Histological findings showed the injury of the myocardium around the injection site was relieved with less apoptosis and more expression of bcl-2. The echocardiography found the improvement of local tissue movement from (2.12±0.51) cm/s to (3.81±0.47) cm/s (P<0.05) around the inject site, but no improvement of heart function as whole. It was concluded bone marrow stromal cells transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy was feasibe. The management of cells in vitro, the quantity and the pattern of the cells transplantation and the action mechanism still need further research.
27 citations
TL;DR: In the group of rats administered with EG plus Vitamin D3, the deposition of calcium oxalate crystal in the renal tissue and urinary calcium excretion were significantly greater than other model groups.
Abstract: In order to compare the effects of several experimental renal calcium oxalate stones formation models in rats and to find a simple and convenient model with significant effect of calcium oxalate crystals deposition in the kidney, several rat models of renal calcium oxalate stones formation were induced by some crystal-inducing drugs (CID) including ethylene glycol (EG), ammonium chloride (AC), vitamin D3[1α(OH)VitD3, alfacalcidol], calcium gluconate, ammonium oxalate, gentamicin sulfate, L-hydroxyproline. The rats were fed with drugs given singly or unitedly. At the end of experiment, 24-h urines were collected and the serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), the extents of calcium oxalate crystal deposition in the renal tissue, urinary calcium and oxalate excretion were measured. The serum Cr levels in the stone-forming groups were significantly higher than those in the control group except for the group EG+L-hydroxyproline, group calcium gluconate and group oxalate. Blood BUN concentration was significantly higher in rats fed with CID than that in control group except for group EG+L-hydroxyproline and group ammonium oxalate plus calcium gluconate. In the group of rats administered with EG plus Vitamin D3, the deposition of calcium oxalate crystal in the renal tissue and urinary calcium excretion were significantly greater than other model groups. The effect of the model induced by EG plus AC was similar to that in the group induced by EG plus Vitamin D3. EG plus Vitamin D3 or EG plus AC could stably and significantly induced the rat model of renal calcium oxalate stones formation.
27 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that PLGA is an ideal scaffold material for bone tissue engineering and BMP2-derived peptide can start endochondral ossification and is more effective in inducing ectopic osteogenesis.
Abstract: To experimentally evaluate the ectopic osteogenetic capacity of synthesized BMP2-derived peptide P24 combined with poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), Wistar rats were divided into two groups: group A, in which BMP2-derived peptide P24/PLGA complex was implanted, and group B which received simple PLGA implant. The complex was respectively implanted into the back muscles of rats. Samples were taken the 1st, 4th, 8th, and the 12th week after the implantation. Their bone formation was detected by X-ray examination, and tissue response was histologically observed. Western blotting was used for the detection of the expression of collagen I (Col-I) and osteopontin (OPN). There was acute inflammation in the tissue around both types of implants at early stage. The cartilage was found around implant areas 4 weeks after the implantation of BMP2-derived peptide p24/PLGA complex, 8 weeks after the implantation, osteoblasts were found, and 12 weeks after the implantation, typical trabecular bone structure was observed. In group B, after 12 weeks, no osteoblasts were found. It is concluded that PLGA is an ideal scaffold material for bone tissue engineering. BMP2-derived peptide can start endochondral ossification and is more effective in inducing ectopic osteogenesis.
25 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that ω-3 fatty acid could inhibit the proliferation, apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 cells and promote their apoptosis and the down-regulation of the cyclin E expression by ω/DHA might be one of the mechanisms for its anti-tumor effect on pancreatic cancers.
Abstract: In order to investigate the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the proliferation, apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 cells and the expression of cyclin E mRNA, the SW1990 cells were treated with different concentrations of EPA or DHA (20, 40, 60 μg/mL) for 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h respectively. By using MTT method, the inhibitory effects of EPA or DHA on the cell growth were assayed. Real time PCR was used to detect the expression changes of cyclin E mRNA after the SW1990 cells were treated with 40 μg/mL EPA or DHA for different time. Flow cytometry was used to test the changes of apoptostic rate in the SW1990 cells treated with different concentrations of EPA or DHA for 24 h. The results showed that EPA and DHA could inhibit the growth of SW1990 cells in a time-and concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). EPA or DHA could also significantly inhibit the expression of cyclin E mRNA in a time-dependent manner (P<0.05). EPA or DHA could induce the apoptosis of SW1990 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). It was concluded that ω-3 fatty acid could inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 cells and promote their apoptosis. The down-regulation of the cyclin E expression by ω-3 fatty acid might be one of the mechanisms for its anti-tumor effect on pancreatic cancer.
24 citations
TL;DR: It was suggested that curcumin could significantly inhibit the proliferation ofHPF, make HPF arrest in G0/G1 phase and induce the apoptosis of HPF in a dose-and time-dependent manner.
Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of curcumin on proliferation and apoptosis of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPF) in culture and search for a new method to prevent the recurrence after pterygium surgery, HPF was incubated with 0-160 micromol/L curcumin for 24-96 h. The MTT method was used to assay the biologic activities of curcumin at different time points and different doses. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Administration of 20-80 micromol/L curcumin for 24-72 h could significantly inhibit HPF proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P<0.05). After treatment with curcumin at different concentrations of 20, 40, 80 and 160 micromol/L for 24 h, FCM revealed there was a significant sub-G1 peak at each concentration. The number of HPF in G0/G1 phase was increased, while in S phase, it was decreased (P<0.05). At the concentration of 20-80 micromol/L, curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), could inhibit the expression of PCNA in HPF. It was suggested that curcumin could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HPF, make HPF arrest in G0/G1 phase and induce the apoptosis of HPF in a dose-and time-dependent manner.
23 citations
TL;DR: The cytostatic and antiproliferative effect of Tanshinone II A makes it a promising anticancer agent for the treatment of gastric carcinoma.
Abstract: To explore the effects of Tanshinone II A on the proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression of p53 and bcl-2 in human gastric carcinoma MKN-45 cells. Cell count and MTT assay were used to study the proliferation-inhibiting effect of Tanshinone II A on MKN-45 cells. The effect of Tanshinone II A on the cell cycle and apoptosis of MKN-45 cells were examined by propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to further verify the expression of p53 and bcl-2 gene after exposure to Tanshinone A in MKN-45 cells. The results showed that Tanshinone A significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of MKN-45 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P<0.05). Tanshinone A arrested MKN-45 cells in G2/M phase which led to an obvious accumulation of G2/M phase cells while decreased number of G0/G1 phase cells. This resulted in apoptosis of MKN-45 cells and the apoptosis rate was as high as 43.91% after treatment with 2.0 μg/mL Tanshinone II A for 96 h. It was also found that Tanshinone II A up-regulated expression of p53 gene and down-regulated expression of bcl-2 gene. The cytostatic and antiproliferative effect of Tanshinone II A makes it a promising anticancer agent for the treatment of gastric carcinoma.
22 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that positive rates of TNF-α and ICAM-1 expressions in lichen planus were significantly higher than those in normal skins (both P<0.05).
Abstract: In order to investigate the role of TNF-and ICAM-1 in the pathogenesis of lichen planus, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TNF-and ICAM-1 in skin lesions of the patients with lichen planus and skin tissues of normal subjects. The results showed that positive rates of TNF-α and ICAM-1 expressions in lichen planus were significantly higher than those in normal skins (both P<0.05). Meanwhile, there was a obvious correlation between the increase of TNF-α and that of ICAM-1 in lichen planus. The expression of TNF-α and ICAM-1 might play an important role in the development of lichen planus.
TL;DR: The existence of few Oct4 positive cells in bladder cancer, which may be the bladder cancer stem cells, is indicated and may provide the foundation for isolation and identification of bladder cancerstem cells.
Abstract: In order to detect the expression of Oct4 in bladder cancer tissue and cell line BIU-87, immunohistochemistry was used in 49 bladder cancer biopsy samples and immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-PCR were performed on bladder cancer cell line BIU-87. Forty of 49 bladder cancer samples showed the expression of Oct4 in about 0.6% cancer cells. The positive rate and density of Oct4 expression had no obvious relationship with the grade, recurrence or metastasis of bladder cancer (P>0.05). A few Oct4 positive cells were found in bladder cancer cell line BIU-87, which was also confirmed by RT-PCR. This study indicated the existence of few Oct4 positive cells in bladder cancer, which may be the bladder cancer stem cells. This study may provide the foundation for isolation and identification of bladder cancer stem cells.
TL;DR: It was concluded that ACS was associated with decreased number and defected function of Treg, which may play an important role in initiating immune-inflammatory response in ACS.
Abstract: The function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the effects of atorvastatin were investigated. Forty-eight patients with ACS were randomly divided into two groups: group C receiving conventional therapy (n=24), and group C+A receiving conventional therapy+atorvastatin (10 mg/day, n=24). T lymphocytes from ACS patients (before and 2 weeks after the treatment) or 18 healthy subjects were separated and the flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of Treg. The inhibitory ability of Treg on effector T cells was determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ) before and after treatment. The results showed that as compared with normal control group, Treg percentage was decreased significantly (P<0.01), the inhibitory ability of Treg on the T lymphocytes proliferation was reduced (P<0.01), IFN-γ levels were increased and IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels were lowered in ACS patients. After treatment with atorvastatin, Treg percentage and the inhibitory ability of Treg on T lymphocytes proliferation were significantly increased in ACS patients. Serum IFN-γ was decreased significantly, while IL-10 and TGF-β1 were elevated significantly as compared with the non-atorvastatin group. The number of Treg was positively correlated with serum TGF-β1, but negatively with serum IFN-γ and CRP. It was concluded that ACS was associated with decreased number and defected function of Treg, which may play an important role in initiating immune-inflammatory response in ACS. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on inflammation in ACS may be due to its beneficial effects on Treg and restoration of immune homeostasis.
TL;DR: It is suggested that local injection of phVEGF165 can facilitate nerve regeneration and promote functional recovery in a dose-dependent manner.
Abstract: This study is to investigate the effect of local phVEGF165 injection on sciatic nerve regeneration in the rats and to search for a new way in the further treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Forty-five adult male Wistar rats received a neurotomy to bilateral sciatic nerves, which were subsequently reconnected with 10/0 epineurial nylon sutures. The injured segments was locally injected with normal saline (group A), or 25 μg of phVEGF165 (group B) or 50 μg phVEGF165 (group C). Nerve conduction and regeneration were evaluated in terms of the histological changes, weight of gastrocnemius muscles, electrophysiology and morphometric results. Our study demonstrated that rats of group C showed the best results in terms of nerve regeneration, followed by group B and group A. Our findings suggested that local injection of phVEGF165 can facilitate nerve regeneration and promote functional recovery in a dose-dependent manner.
TL;DR: It is concluded that p38MAPK pathway is related to paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma, and blockade of this pathway can promote the apoptosis of the drug-resistant cells and reverse the drugs-resistance.
Abstract: To investigate the relationship between p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and cell apoptosis during the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cell lines, flow cytometry (FCM) and PI staining were employed to determine the effect of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 on the apoptosis of A2780/Taxol cells, a drug-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line. p38MAPK protein expression in SB203580-treated cells was immunochemically measured. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of paclitaxel on A2780/Taxol cells was determined by MTT assay. MDR-1 mRNA, and expression of p38MAPK and phospho-p53 protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The apoptosis rate of A2780/Taxol cells was (19.7±1.04)% 24 h after SB203580 treatment. A significant difference in apoptosis rate was found among experiment group, control group and untreated group (P<0.05). The relative reversal rate of A2780/Taxol cells to paclitaxel was (57.18±2.01)%. As compared with the control group and the untreated group, p38MAPK protein and MDR-1 mRNA in SB203580-treated cells was substantially decreased. The expression of p53 protein was significantly increased. It is concluded that p38MAPK pathway is related to paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma, and blockade of this pathway can promote the apoptosis of the drug-resistant cells and reverse the drug-resistance. Moreover, p38MAPK-mediated apoptosis in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells depends on the activation of p53.
TL;DR: It was concluded that IL-22 and S100A7, A8, A9 might play important roles in the occurrence and progression of psoriasis.
Abstract: In order to study the expression of interleukin-22 (IL-22) and S100A7, A8, A9 mRNA in the skin lesions of patients with psoriasis vulgaris and their relationship, the biopsies were taken from skin lesions in 35 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and the skin of 16 normal controls, and the expression levels of IL-22 and S100A7, A8 and A9 mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that (1) IL-22 and S100A8, A9 mRNA were positively expressed in the psoriatic skin lesions but negatively expressed in the normal controls; The expression level of S100A7 was (1.133±0.040) in the psoriatic skin lesions, significantly higher than that in the normal controls (0.744±0.037, P<0.01). (2) There were significantly positive correlations between the expression of IL-22/S100A7 mRNA, IL-22/S100A8 mRNA, IL-22/S100A9 mRNA in the psoriasis vulgaris (r
1=0.543, r
2=0.774, r
3=0.621, P<0.01). It was concluded that IL-22 and S100A7, A8, A9 might play important roles in the occurrence and progression of psoriasis.
TL;DR: It is concluded that LV twist can be measured non-invasively by 2-dimensional ultrasound STI imaging and the age-related changes of LVtw should be fully taken into consideration in the assessment of LV function.
Abstract: To assess the normal value of left ventricular twist (LVtw) and examine the changes with normal aging by 2-dimensional ultrasound speckle-tracking imaging (STI), 121 healthy volunteers were divided into three age groups: a youth group (19-45 y old), a middle-age group (46-64 y old) and an old-age group (> or = 65 y old). Basal and apical short-axis images of left ventricular were acquired to analyse LV rotation (LVrot) and LVrot velocity. LVtw and LVtw velocity was defined as apical LVrot and LVrot velocity relative to the base. Peak twist (Ptw), twist at aortic valve closure (AVCtw), twist at mitral valve opening (MVOtw), untwisting rate (UntwR), half time of untwisting (HTU), peak twist velocity (PTV), time to peak twist velocity (TPTV), peak untwisting velocity (PUV), time to peak untwisting velocity (TPUV) were separately measured. The results showed that the normal LV performs a wringing motion with a clockwise rotation at the base and a counterclock-wise rotation at the apex (as seen from the apex). The LVtw velocity showed a systolic counterclock-wise twist followed by a diastolic clockwise twist. Peak twist develops near the end of systole (96%+/-4.2% of systole). With aging, Ptw, AVCtw, MVOtw, HTU and PUV increased significantly (P 0.05). It is concluded that LV twist can be measured non-invasively by 2-dimensional ultrasound STI imaging. The age-related changes of LVtw should be fully taken into consideration in the assessment of LV function.
TL;DR: It was suggested that ICam-1 could induce angiogenesis and support the survival of microvessels, and ICAM-1 was involved in embryonicAngiogenesis.
Abstract: In order to investigate the angiogenic effect of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), two parts of experiment were performed. Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used for in vivo angiogenic research. The chick embryos were divided into 4 groups: ICAM-1 group (divided into 3 subgroups, I, II and III) for screening the angiogenic effect of ICAM-1 by adding different concentrations of ICAM-1 (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 μg/μL) 5 μL into the chick embryo CAMs on the day 10 after incubation for every subgroup; Anti-ICAM-1 group A (divided into 2 subgroups, I and II) by adding different concentrations of Anti-ICAM-1 (1:100, 1:50) 5 μL into the chick embryo CAMs on the day 10 after incubation for every subgroup to evaluate the effect of ICAM-1 on the survival of microvessels through observing whether Anti-ICAM-1 could induce involution of the microvessels on CAMs; Anti-ICAM-1 group B (divided into 2 subgroups, I and II) by adding different concentrations of Anti-ICAM-1 (1:100, 1:50) 5 μL into the chick embryo CAMs on the day 6 after incubation for every subgroup to evaluate whether ICAM-1 involved in embryonic angiogenesis through observing the growth of microvessels on CAMs; Control group: ICAM-1 or Anti-ICAM-1 was substituted by PBS 5 μL on the day 10 or day 6 after incubation. Three days later, the CAMs were photographed in vivo, excised, sectioned and the number of microvessels was counted. In ICAM-1 group, there was increased number of microvessels arranged radially with “spoked-wheel” pattern around the gelatin sponges. The new microvessels growing perpendicularly to gelatin sponges were observed. The number of the microvessels growing in the CAM mesenchymes around the sponges in 3 subgroups was higher than that in control group (P 0.05). In anti-ICAM-1 group A, the radially arranged microvessels were very unclear around the sponges contrast to that of ICAM-1 group. Few new microvessels were detected in the center of the sponges. The number of the microvessels growing in the CAM mesenchymes around the sponges in subgroup II was lower than that in control group (P 0.05). In anti-ICAM-1 group B, the radially arranged microvessels were very unclear around the sponges contrast to that of control group. New microvessels were very scarce in the center of the sponges. The number of the microvessels growing in the CAM mesenchymes around the sponges in the 2 subgroups were less than that in control group (P<0.01), and there was significant difference between the 2 subgroups (P<0.05). It was suggested that ICAM-1 could induce angiogenesis and support the survival of microvessels, and ICAM-1 was involved in embryonic angiogenesis.
TL;DR: It was indicated that the decrease of CD4+CD25+ Treg ratio and its function in PBMCs may be responsible for pathogenesis of asthma.
Abstract: The changes of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg) and Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with asthma were investigated in order to elucidate the possible roles of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg in the development of asthma. The peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 healthy controls (normal control group) and 78 patients with asthma which included 30 patients in exacerbation group, 25 patients in persistent group, and 23 patients in remission group. By using flow cytometry and RT-PCR, the CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs were detected. The CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs of exacerbation and persistent groups were lower than that of remission and normal control group (P 0.05). As compared with persistent group, exacerbation group had lower CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA (P<0.05). It was indicated that the decrease of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg ratio and its function in PBMCs may be responsible for pathogenesis of asthma.
TL;DR: It was concluded that resveratrol could down-regulate the secretion of VEGF, induce apoptosis and suppress the proliferation of U937 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.
Abstract: This study examined the effect of resveratrol on the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and subsequent proliferation of human leukemia U937 cells, and explored the mechanisms involved. Human leukemia U937 cells were treated with resveratrol of different concentrations (12.5–200 μmol/L) for different time lengths (12–48 h). The proliferation of the U937 leukemic cells was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was observed by Annexin-V-FIFC/PI double staining and flow cytometry (FCM). Cells cycle was analyzed by PI staining and FCM. The content of VEGF was determined by ELISA. Human umbibical vein endothelial cells were examined for vasoformation in vitro after exposures to resveratrol of various concetrations. The results showed that resveratrol inhibited the proliferation of U937 leukemia cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Resveratrol induced apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest in human leukemic U937 cells. Resveratrol inhibited the secretion of VEGF in U937 cells. Resveratrol inhibited the vasoformation of human vein endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that resveratrol could down-regulate the secretion of VEGF, induce apoptosis and suppress the proliferation of U937 cells.
TL;DR: Findings indicated that up-regulated expression of TLR9 and its mRNA might be involved in the pathogenesis of lichen planus.
Abstract: To investigate the role of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in the pathogenesis of lichen planus, the expressions of TLR9 and its mRNA in the lesional skin of lichen planus were detected by immunohistochemical technique (SP) and RT-PCR. As control, normal skin of healthy volunteers was also tested. The immunohistochemical study showed that the expression of TLR9 in the lesional skin of lichen planus was significantly higher than that in the normal controls. The results of RT-PCR showed that both skin lesions and normal controls had TLR9 expression. In skin lesions, the expression level of TLR9 mRNA was 1.6075±0.0930, which was significantly higher than that in normal controls (P<0.001). These findings indicated that up-regulated expression of TLR9 and its mRNA might be involved in the pathogenesis of lichen planus.
TL;DR: It is suggested that CIAT is a useful and promising tool for the estimation of early PMI with good objectivity and reproducibility, and AG is a more effective and better quantitative indicator for the estimate of PMI within the first 36 h after death in rats.
Abstract: This study evaluated the correlation between DNA degradation of the splenic lymphocytes and the early time of death, examined the early time of death by computerized image analysis technique (CIAT) and identified the best parameter that quantitatively reflects the DNA degradation. The spleen tissues from 34 SD rats were collected, subjected to cell smearing every 2 h within the first 36 h after death, stained by Feulgen-Van's staining, three indices reflecting DNA content in splenic lymphocytes, including integral optical density (IOD), average optical density (AOD), average gray scale (AG) were measured by the image analysis. Our results showed that IOD and AOD decreased and AG increased over time within the first 36 h. A stepwise linear regression analysis showed that only AG was fitted. A correlation between the postmortem interval (PMI) and AG was identified and the corresponding regression equation was obtained. Our study suggests that CIAT is a useful and promising tool for the estimation of early PMI with good objectivity and reproducibility, and AG is a more effective and better quantitative indicator for the estimation of PMI within the first 36 h after death in rats.
TL;DR: Investigation of the effects of simvastatin on secretion and mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes found that it could exert beneficial effects on prevention of obesity-induced metabolic changes in adipocytes.
Abstract: In order to investigate the effects of simvastatin on secretion and mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Production and mRNA expression of IL-6 and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results showed that simvastatin could significantly suppress LPS-induced IL-6 production and mRNA expression in adipocytes (P<0.05), but increase the LPS-induced adiponectin secretion and mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). It was suggested that simvastatin could exert beneficial effects on prevention of obesity-induced metabolic changes in adipocytes.
TL;DR: PTEN induced breast cancer apoptosis phosphatase activity-dependently and the mechanism is possibly related with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB)/AKT signaling pathway, which may provide new clues on the gene therapy in breast cancer.
Abstract: The effects and mechanisms of exogenous phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome ten (PTEN) gene on phosphatase activity-dependent apoptosis of breast cancer cell line MDA468 were investigated. PTEN gene packaged with lipofectin was transferred into breast cancer cell line MDA468 and parental MDA468 cells served as controls. RT-PCR and Western blot were done to detect the expression of target genes. The expression of phosphospecific protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) was also detected. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry with a double-staining method using FITC-conjugated annexin V and PI. MDA468 cells transfected with PTEN gene could express PTEN mRNA and protein. PTEN decreased the phosphorylation level of AKT protein and down-regulated FAK protein expression in MDA468 stimulated by EGF. The apoptosis rate was 21.68%. PTEN induced breast cancer apoptosis phosphatase activity-dependently. The mechanism is possibly related with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB)/AKT signaling pathway. Those results may provide new clues on the gene therapy in breast cancer.
TL;DR: It was concluded that neural stem cells could be labeled effectively with SPIO and labeling efficiency was 100% and MRI can be used to track labeled cells in vitro and in vivo.
Abstract: Neural stem cells were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and tracked by MRI in vitro and in vivo after implantation. Rat neural stem cells were labeled with SPIO combined with PLL by the means of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Prussian blue staining and electron microscopy were conducted to identify the iron particles in these neural stem cells. SPIO-labeled cells were tracked by 4.7T MRI in vivo and in vitro after implantation. The subjects were divided into 5 groups, including 5 x 10(5) labeled cells cultured for one day after labeling, 5 x 10(5) same phase unlabeled cells, cell culture medium with 25 mug Fe/mL SPIO, cell culture medium without SPIO and distilled water. MRI scanning sequences included T(1)WI, T(2)WI and T(2)*WI. R(2) and R(2)* of labeled cells were calculated. The results showed: (1) Neural stem cells could be labeled with SPIO and labeling efficiency was 100%. Prussian blue staining showed numerous blue-stained iron particles in the cytoplasm; (2) The average percentage change of signal intensity of labeled cells on T(1)WI in 4.7T MRI was 24.06%, T2WI 50.66% and T(2)*WI 53.70% respectively; (3) T2 of labeled cells and unlabeled cells in 4.7T MRI was 516 ms and 77 ms respectively, R(2) was 1.94 s(-1) and 12.98 s(-1) respectively, and T(2)* was 109 ms and 22.9 ms, R(2)* was 9.17 s(-1) and 43.67 s(-1) respectively; (4) Remarkable low signal area on T(2)WI and T(2)*WI could exist for nearly 7 weeks and then disappeared gradually in the left brain transplanted with labeled cells, however no signal change in the right brain implanted with unlabeled cells. It was concluded that neural stem cells could be labeled effectively with SPIO. R2 and R(2)* of labeled cells were increased obviously. MRI can be used to track labeled cells in vitro and in vivo.
TL;DR: The AT1R-C allele may increase the relative risk associated with the ACE-DD genotype, and may be involved in the development of the stenosis of coronary artery.
Abstract: To explore the relation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene polymorphism with coronary heart disease (CHD) and the severity of coronary artery stenosis, 130 CHD patients who underwent coronary angiography were examined for the number of affected coronary vessels (⩾75% stenosis) and coronary Jeopardy score. The insertion/deletion of ACE gene polymorphism and AT1R gene polymorphism (an A→C transversion at nucleotide position 1166) were detected by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in CHD patients and 90 healthy serving as controls. The results showed that DD genotype and of ACE were more frequent in CHD patients than that in control group (38.5% vs 14.4%, P 0.05). The relative risk associated with the ACE-DD was increased by AT1R-AC genotype. Neither the number of affected coronary vessels nor the coronary score differed among the ACE I/D genotypes (P>0.05). But the number of affected coronary vessels and the coronary score were significantly greater in the patients with the AT1R-AC genotype than in those with the AA genotype (P<0.05). In conclusion, DD genotype may be risk factor for CHD and MI in Chinese people, and is not responsible for the development of the coronary artery stenosis. The AT1R-C allele may increase the relative risk associated with the ACE-DD genotype, and may be involved in the development of the stenosis of coronary artery.
TL;DR: It is concluded that multidrug resistance induced by cisplatin in ovarian carcinoma cell lines is not due to overexpression of MDR1 and MDR3 gene, and is not mediated by P-glycoprotein.
Abstract: To investigate the relationship between MDR1 and MDR3 gene and drug resistance to cisplatin of ovarian cancer cells. Two siRNAs (MDR1, MDR3) which specifically targeted MDR1 and MDR3 genes were transfered into A2780/DDP cells. Then double staining with Annexin-V-FITC/PI was used to detect cell apoptosis by the flow cytometry (FCM). A2780/DDP cell viability was determined by MTT. MDR1 and MDR3 mRNA were assessed by RT-PCR. Caspase-3 protein was detected by Western blotting. Transfection of MDR1 and MDR3 siRNA into A2780/DDP cells failed to reverse the drug-resistance of A2780/DDP cells to cisplatin (P>0.05). No significant difference in the apoptosis efficiency was observed between the MDR1 and MDR3 siRNA, pSuppressorNeo vector transfection cells and untreated cells (P>0.05). In the presence of cisplatin of different concentrations, the viability of A2780/DDP cells was not significantly decreased after the transfection. No changes in MDR1 and MDR3 mRNA were found in MDR1 and MDR3 siRNA-transfected A2780/DDP cells. As compared with pSuppressorNeo and untreated groups, no significant difference existed in the expression of MDR1 and MDR3 mRNA (P>0.05). The expression of caspase-3 protein in MDR1 and MDR3 siRNA transfected A2780/DDP cells was not significantly increased. It is concluded that multidrug resistance induced by cisplatin in ovarian carcinoma cell lines is not due to overexpression of MDR1 and MDR3 gene. The drug resistance of ovarian carcinoma cells to cisplatin is not mediated by P-glycoprotein.
TL;DR: The results suggest that mouse bone marrow mesencymal stem cells can differentiate into chondrogenic phonotype with the induction of CDMP-2 in vitro, which provides a basis for further research on the role ofCDMP- 2 in chondrogensesis.
Abstract: To study the cartilage differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins-2 in vitro, the MSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow and cultured in vitro. The cells in passage 3 were induced into chondrogenic differentiation with different concentrations of recombinant human cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins-2 (0, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL). After 14 days of induction, morphology of cells was observed under phase-contrast microscope. Collagen II mRNA and protein were examined with RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry respectively and the sulfate glycosaminoglycan was measured by Alcian blue staining. RT-PCR showed that CDMP-2 could promote expression of collagen II mRNA in an dose-dependant manner, especially at the concentration of 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL. Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting revealed a similar change. Alcian blue staining exhibited deposition of typical cartilage extracellular matrix. Our results suggest that mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into chondrogenic phonotype with the induction of CDMP-2 in vitro, which provides a basis for further research on the role of CDMP-2 in chondrogenesis.
TL;DR: It is concluded that ICCB can exert protective effect on the cells of brain and myocardium by enhancing the tolerance of the tissues to hypoxia and the body’s ability to remove free radicals and regulating the neurotransmitters.
Abstract: The protective effects of in vitro cultivated calculus bovis (ICCB) on the cerebral and myocardial cells in hypoxic mice and the mechanism were examined. In one group, mice were intragastrically (i.g.) given ICCB for 15 days and then they were subjected to acute cerebral ischemia by decapitation, and then the panting time was recorded. In the other group, 12 min after exposure to hypoxia, mice was administered the ICCB i.g. for 5 days, and then the blood serum and tissues of brain, heart, liver were harvested and examined for SOD, GSH-px and T-AOC activity and content of MDA. The tissues of brain and heart were observed electron-microscopically for ultrastructural changes. The corpus striatum and hippocampus of brain were collected and examined for content of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). The ultrastrural examination showed that the pathological change in brain and heart in the ICCB group was very slight, while abnormal changes in the control group were obviously more serious. ICCB significantly prolonged the panting time of the hypoxic mice (P<0.001), increased the activity of SOD, GSH-px, T-AOC in serum and tissues of brain, liver, heart and elevated the content of DA and NE. ICCB also pronouncedly reduced content of MDA in serum and tissues of brain, heart and liver. Significant differences in these parameters were noted between ICCB group and controls. It is concluded that ICCB can exert protective effect on the cells of brain and myocardium by enhancing the tolerance of the tissues to hypoxia and the body’s ability to remove free radicals and regulating the neurotransmitters.
TL;DR: The most common clinical feature of thallium poisoning was peripheral neuropathy and paraesthesia was more common than amyasthenia, and understanding of these clinical characteristics was helpful to early identification and differential diagnosis.
Abstract: In this study nine cases of thallium poisoning in a series of homicidal poisoning were analyzed in order to provide more information concerning thallium poisoning. It was found that the most common clinical feature of thallium poisoning was peripheral neuropathy and paraesthesia was more common than amyasthenia. Understanding of these clinical characteristics of thallium poisoning was helpful to early identification and differential diagnosis. Since the early administration of Prussian Blue, as a specific antidote for thallium poisoning, can substantially improve the prognosis, it is of great importance to establish a correct and early diagnosis.