Th1/Th2 cytokine expression in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), an important complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is not well understood. T helper cell balance (Th1/Th2) is involved in various autoimmune diseases; however, its role in DR is not understood. This study explores changes in Th1 and Th2 cytokine expression during DR. Blood samples were collected from 25 healthy volunteers (normal control group), 35 patients with type 2 DM (T2DM group) without DR, and 30 cases of T2DM patients with DR (DR group). Real-time PCR was used to measure mRNA expression of IL-2 and TNF-α, secreted from Th1 cells, and of IL-4 and IL-10, secreted from Th2 cells. We used ELISA to detect cytokine expression in serum to analyze the correlation between Th1 and Th2 cytokines. IL-2 and TNF-αmRNA and protein expression levels in the T2DM and DR groups were significantly higher than in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the T2DM group, the DR group had higher IL-2 and TNF-αlevels (P < 0.05). IL-4 and IL-10 levels were lower in the DR group compared with the normal and T2DM groups (P < 0.05), while T2DM showed no difference compared with the normal control (P > 0.05). IL-2 and TNF-αwere negatively correlated with IL-4 and IL-10 in the DR group, respectively. We found that Th1 cytokine secretion was higher and Th2 cytokines secretion was lower during DR, leading to a Th1/ Th2 imbalance, suggesting that Th1/Th2 imbalance is a side effect for DR occurrence and development.

Inhibitory effect of microRNA-27b on interleukin 17 (IL-17)-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) expression

We investigated the effect of microRNA-27b (miR-27b), a gene expression regulatory factor, on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) stimulated by interleukin 17 (IL-17). After IL-17 had been added to H9C2 cardiomyocytes, an miR-27b mimic was transfected into the H9C2 cells. The mRNA expression levels of miR-27b and MCP1 in the H9C2 cells were detected by SYBR green I fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression levels of MCP1 protein in the H9C2 cells. The expression of MCP1 mRNA in the H9C2 cells began to increase 2 h after IL-17 stimulation, reached a peak at 4 h, and then decreased. The MCP1 protein level increased gradually in the 24 h following IL-17 stimulation. After transfection with the miR-27b mimic, the expression of miR-27b in the H9C2 cells significantly increased than that in the miRNA negative control group (P < 0.01). The MCP1 mRNA and protein levels in the miR-27b mimic + IL-17 group were significantly reduced than that in the miRNA negative control + IL-17 group (P < 0.01). miR-27b inhibited IL-17-induced MCP1 expression in the H9C2 cells, which demonstrates that treatment with microRNA could alleviate myocardial injury in viral myocarditis.

Isolation of microsatellite loci for Rhodiola alsia (Crassulaceae), an important ethno-medicinal herb endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

Rhodiola alsia, which has been used widely in traditional Chinese medicine for a considerable time, grows on moist habitats at high altitude near the snow line. Microsatellite loci were developed for R. alsia to investigate its population genetics. In total, 17 polymorphic microsatellites were developed based on ESTs from the Illumina HiSeq(TM) 2000 platform. The microsatellite loci were checked for variability using 80 individuals of R. alsia sampled from four locations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from 10 to 20, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000. The null allele frequency ranged from 0.000 to 0.324. These microsatellites are expected to be helpful in future studies of population genetics in R. alsia and related species.

Effects of TiO2 nanotube layers on RAW 264.7 macrophage behaviour and bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression

OBJECTIVES

To investigate behaviour and osteogenic cytokine expression of RAW264.7 macrophages grown on TiO2 nanotube layers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was cultured on TiO2 nanotubes of varying diameter; macrophage morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Cell adhesion and viability were assessed with the aid of the MTT method and BMP-2 and TGF-β gene expression were examined by RT-PCR analysis. Levels of BMP-2, TGF-β1 and ICAM-1 proteins secreted into the supernatant were measured by ELISA assay.

RESULTS

Macrophages cultured on nanotube layers had spread out morphology, the largest (120 nm) nanotube layer eliciting an elongation by 24 h. Macrophages adhered significantly less to 120 nm TiO2 nanotubes than to control discs at 4 h after application; after 24 h incubation, macrophages were sufficiently viable (P < 0.05) on 30 and 70 nm nanotube layers. Increasing nanotube diameter led to increased BMP-2 protein secretion and increased BMP-2 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that nanoscale topography of TiO2 nanotube layers can affect macrophage morphology, adhesion, viability and BMP-2 expression. Macrophages grown on layers of large nanotubes had the highest potential to enhance bone formation during bone healing.

Oncolytic vaccinia virus in combination with radiation shows synergistic antitumor efficacy in pancreatic cancer

Combining oncolytic viruses with conventional therapy such as radiation is an innovative option for pancreatic cancer. We demonstrated that combination of GLV-1h151 and radiation yielded a synergistic cytotoxic effect, with the greatest effect achieved in the AsPC-1cell line. Combination treatment significantly increased apoptosis compared with either single treatment or the control group. In mice bearing human pancreatic tumor xenografts, combination treatment resulted in significantly enhanced inhibition of tumor growth. No evidence of toxicity was observed in mice. These results indicate that the combination of GLV-1h151 and radiation has great potential for translation into clinic practice.

Ectopic study of tissue-engineered bone complex with enamel matrix proteins, bone marrow stromal cells in porous calcium phosphate cement scaffolds, in nude mice

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the potential of enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) on promoting osteogenic differentiation of porcine bone marrow stromal cells (pBMSCs), as well as new bone formation capabilities, in a tissue-engineered bone complex scaffold of EMPs, pBMSCs and porous calcium phosphate cement (CPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Effects of EMPs on pBMSCs in vitro was first determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, von Kossa staining assay and mRNA expression of ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OCN) genes. Next, an ectopic new bone formation test was performed in a nude mouse model with four groups: CPC scaffold alone; CPC scaffold + EMPs; CPC scaffold + pBMSCs; and CPC scaffold + EMPs + pBMSCs, for 2 or 4 weeks.

RESULTS

ALP activity, von Kossa assay and mRNA expressions of ALP, BSP and OCN genes were all significantly higher with 150 μg/ml EMP treatment in vitro. In nude mice, new bone formation was detected only in the CPC scaffold + EMPs + pBMSCs group at 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, in the tissue-engineered construct there was significantly higher bone formation ability than other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

EMPs promoted osteogenic differentiation of pBMSCs, and the tissue-engineered complex of EMPs, pBMSCs and CPC scaffold may be a valuable alternative to be used in periodontal bone tissue engineering and regeneration.

In vitro behavior of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast with different annealing temperature titania nanotubes

OBJECTIVE

Titanium oxide nanotube layers by anodization have excellent potential for dental implants because of good bone cell promotion. It is necessary to evaluate osteoblast behavior on different annealing temperature titania nanotubes for actual implant designs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-Ray polycrystalline Diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron Spectroscope, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the different annealing temperature titania nanotubes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, MTT, and Alizarin Red-S staining were used to evaluate the MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast behavior on different annealing temperature nanotubes.

RESULTS

 The tubular morphology was constant when annealed at 450°C and 550°C, but collapsed when annealed at 650°C. XRD exhibited the crystal form of nanotubes after formation (amorphous), after annealing at 450°C (anatase), and after annealing at 550°C (anatase/rutile). Annealing led to the complete loss of fluorine on nanotubes at 550°C. Average surface roughness of different annealing temperature nanotubes showed no difference by AFM analysis. The proliferation and mineralization of preostoblasts cultured on anatase or anatase/rutile nanotube layers were shown to be significantly higher than smooth, amorphous nanotube layers.

CONCLUSION

 Annealing can change the crystal form and composition of nanotubes. The nanotubes after annealing can promote osteoblast proliferation and mineralization in vitro.

[MRI artifacts caused by keepers in a dental arch]

OBJECTIVE

This research was designed to observe the degree of artifacts caused by 1-4 keepers.

METHODS

Samples were imaged in a living human subject by 0.15 Tesla MR devices in sagital plane. Results were analyzed and the maximal diameters of artifacts were measured.

RESULTS

The maximal diameters of the artifacts caused by 1-4 keepers were 101-109.6mm.

CONCLUSION

Even with four keepers in the dental arch, the degree of artifact is still limited.

[Clinical study of masticatory efficiency of removable partial denture with SJ-1 type bolt attachment]

OBJECTIVE

Measurement and analysis of patients wearing dentures with SJ-1 type bolt attachments.

METHODS

Select sixteen patients with free end edentulous spaces, restore with removable dentures using SJ-1 type bolt attachments,measure the masticatory efficiency using light-absorption method,and compare them with those of normal occlusion and traditional removable partial dentures.

RESULTS

(1)One week after the dentures delivered,the average absorption value of these sixteen patients was 0.876,three weeks later 0.859,one month later 0.985. There was no significant difference among them. (2)Compared with those of normal occlusion, P>0.05,no significant difference;with those wearing traditional dentures, P<0.01,high significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The matiscatory efficiency of the patients wearing dentures with SJ-1 type bolt attachments was much better than those of tradition al removable partial dentures.

[Biocompatibility of JJ magnetic retainer metal materials]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of new JJ-magnetic retainer metal materials.

METHODS

Preliminary biocompatible tests of the metal materials were performed depending on ISO 10.993-12 standard. They were cytotoxicity test, hemolysis test, acute systemic toxicity test, sensitization test and Ames test.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity of the metal material was grade I. The hemolysis rate was 0.45%. There was no abnormal sensitization and irritation actions in the experimental group. The metal had no action of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSION

The JJ-magnetic retainer metal material showed excellent biocompatibility on the preliminary tests. It would be a good material in the way of biological safety.

[3D solid model of mandible with dental arch via LOM method]

OBJECTIVE

Based on 3D reconstruction data from CT scanning, a solid model of mandible with dental arch is obtained via a rapid prototype machine using LOM method.

METHODS

3D reconstruction data is transferred to STL file using software of Delcam(UK),which will be fed to Magics RP software for detection and rebuilding. Reproduction of the papery model of mandible with dental arch is then performed with highly geometric similarity.

RESULTS

The RP model of mandible with dental arch is obtained.

CONCLUSION

Accuracy of the reproduction model meets the demands of students in prosthetic dentistry,which gives the possibility of computer aided design of prosthetic dentistry based on 3D solid model.

[3D geometric simulation of mandible with dental arch from CT data]

OBJECTIVE

A 3D geometric simulation of mandible with dental arch from CT has been obtained in this study.

METHODS

This process uses automatic system assisted with interactive action to get 2D contour data from CT images,then 3D wireframe model and solid model were obtained by using CAD/CAM software Pro-E(USA) and DELCAM(UK).

RESULTS

3D solid model of mandible with dental arch were presented which can be fully edited.

CONCLUSION

This model can be applied to further educational and clinical researches such as RP,biomechanics simulation in prosthetic dentistry.The processes of simulation has wide applications in clinical practice of dentistry and dental education.

Phylogenetic analysis of the S7 gene does not segregate Chinese strains of bluetongue virus into a single topotype

Bluetongue virus (BTV) infection of ruminants is endemic throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The S7 gene segments of prototype Chinese strains of BTV serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, and 16 were sequenced and compared to the same genes of prototype strains of BTV from the US, Australia, and South Africa. The S7 genes and predicted VP7 proteins of the Chinese viruses were relatively conserved, with the notable exception of serotype 15. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the S7 genes did not predict geographic origin of the various strains of BTV.

[Staining of complete denture: a preliminary clinical study]

OBJECTIVE:To study the relation between staining of complete denture and drinking tea, coffee and smoking, and to evaluate the result of denture cleaning agent on removing stain of complete denture.METHODS:A survey of 176 patients with complete dentures were carried out, which included the history of drinking tea, coffee and smoking, the use of denture-cleaning agent and the times of daily use. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between staining of denture and the above factors. RESULTS:The results showed (1)The longer the complete denture was weared, the more serious the staining. (2)Drinking tea and smoking were the main causes for denture staining. (3)Daily use of cleaning agent can effictively remove stain of denture. CONCLUSION:Change of life habit(drinking less tea and stop of smoking) and daily use of cleaning agent can reduce denture staining.

[A clinical study on prosthodontic treatment of periodontal problems with conical telescopic removable denture]

OBJECTIVE:Clinical study was made on curative effect of medium to severe periodontal diseases as well as those complicated with partial edentulism by conical telescopic removable denture.METHODS:14 cases of medium to severe periodontal diseases and these complicated with partial edentulism were treated with prosthodontic methods after comprehensive periodontal therapy.Examinations of both before and following prosthetic restoration of 3,12,14 months were made.Bacterial plague index,gingival index,tooth movability and masticatory efficiency were recorded,analysed and compared. RESULTS:Periodontal plague attachment was under effective control through this way,which also eliminated periodontal trauma thus preventing the relapse of periodontal diseases.Further more it can diminish tooth movability and improve masticatory efficiency continuously as time goes on.CONCLUSION:Conical telescopic removable denturs is an effective prosthetic method in treating medium to severe periodontal diseases.

Studies on treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with arsenic trioxide: remission induction, follow-up, and molecular monitoring in 11 newly diagnosed and 47 relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia patients

Fifty-eight acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients (11 newly diagnosed and 47 relapsed) were studied for arsenic trioxide (As2O3) treatment. Clinical complete remission (CR) was obtained in 8 of 11 (72.7%) newly diagnosed cases. However, As2O3 treatment resulted in hepatic toxicity in 7 cases including 2 deaths, in contrast to the mild liver dysfunction in one third of the relapsed patients. Forty of forty-seven (85.1%) relapsed patients achieved CR. Two of three nonresponders showed clonal evolution at relapse, with disappearance of t(15;17) and PML-RARalpha fusion gene in 1 and shift to a dominant AML-1-ETO population in another, suggesting a correlation between PML-RARalpha expression and therapeutic response. In a follow-up of 33 relapsed cases over 7 to 48 months, the estimated disease-free survival (DFS) rates for 1 and 2 years were 63.6% and 41.6%, respectively, and the actual median DFS was 17 months. Patients with white blood cell (WBC) count below 10 x 10(9)/L at relapse had better survival than those with WBC count over 10 x 10(9)/L (P =.038). The duration of As2O3-induced CR was related to postremission therapy, because there was only 2 of 11 relapses in patients treated with As2O3 combined with chemotherapy, compared with 12 of 18 relapses with As2O3 alone (P =.01). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in both newly diagnosed and relapsed groups showed long-term use of As2O3 could lead to a molecular remission in some patients. We thus recommend that ATRA be used as first choice for remission induction in newly diagnosed APL cases, whereas As2O3 can be either used as a rescue for relapsed cases or included into multidrug consolidation/maintenance clinical trials.

Desipramine and fluoxetine antagonized 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-induced lesion on rat hippocampal and cortical neurons

AIM

To assess the protective effect of desipramine (Des) and fluoxetine (Flu) on the neurons against the lesion induced by a selective serotonergic neurotoxin in vitro.

METHODS

The 10-day cultured primary neurons of hippocampus and cortex of rat was exposed to 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) to determine the optimal lesion concentration and duration. Before exposing to 5,7-DHT, Des and Flu was added to the medium for 30 min to observe the protective effects.

RESULTS

The optimal concentration and duration for 5,7-DHT was 600 micromol.L-1 and 4 h, respectively. Both Des and Flu showed a protective effect in the dose range of 0.8 micromol.L-1 to 10 micromol.L-1 and 0.04 micromol.L-1 to 0.6 micromol.L-1, respectively, when the neurons were injured by 5,7-DHT 600 micromol.L-1 for 4 h. Flu showed a higher efficacy than Des. Both exhibited a more powerful protective effect on the hippocampal neuron than on the cortical neuron.

CONCLUSION

The antidepressant effect of Des and Flu was attributed to their protective effect on the injured serotonergic neuron of the hippocampus and the cortex.

[Manufacture and application of the SJ-1 bolt attachment prosthesis]

OBJECTIVE:This study provided a method of manufacture and using for SJ-1 bolt attachment prostheses clinic application.METHODS:SJ-1 bolt attachment prostheses were applied to restorate 10 cases distal extension edentulous area.The patients had been observed for two years.RESULTS:Patients feel the bolt attachment RPDs comfortable,adaptive.CONCLUSION:This prosthesis was fine retention,masticator efficiency and aesthetics.

[Effect of the abutments with reduced periodontal support on stress distribution of support tissue]

OBJECTIVE:This study applied finite element analysis (FEA) compared stress distribution characteristics of mandible,bilateral,SJ-1 bolt(extracoronal) distal extension attachment prostheses when the abutments were subject to eight different loss of periodontal support.METHODS:Finite element analysis.RESULTS:It was shown that periodontal support loss results in increased stress of the terminal abutment tooth without sudden changes.CONCLUSION:Compared favorable stress distribution result from splinted compromised abutment,and the first premolar periodontal support loss less than that of the second premolar and this loss below 30%.

[Effect of the number of splinted abutments on stress distribution of support tissue]

OBJECTIVE:This study applied an SJ-1 bolt attachment partial denture to restorate distal extension edentulous areas.Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to monitor induced around abutment supporting tissues under the different number of splinted abutments.METHODS:Finite element analysis. RESULTS:The result demonstrate that the reduction of the number of splinted unit from three to two resulted in an insignificant increase of stress records,whereas reduction of the number from two to one resulted in a significant increase of stress nine times greater than the three unit splint values.CONCLUSION:Hence,at least two teeth on each side should be splinted when SJ 1 bolt(extracoronal) distal extension attachment prostheses are used.

[Stess analysis of conical telescope denture using on the prosthodontic treatment for basic teeth combined periodontal diseases]

OBJECTIVE:Periodontal splints were made both on patients with peridontal absorption of three different degrees and on normal situation respectively followed by finite element calculation.The result sugree that the stesses of the supporting tissues redistributed during mastication in accordance with different degrees of periodontal absorption.The more obvious of the pcriodontal absorption is the more stress value of the periodontal supporting tissue decrease,while those of the subbasal supporting tissues increase.

[Three dimensional finite element analysis of margin configurations and stresses of porcelain fused to metal crowns]

As to using the method of three dimensional finite element,this study has analyzed the stress distribution of the porcelain fused to metal crowns with three different labial margin configurations under the forces from diverse direction.The results showed that the chamber margins exhibited fewer tensile stresses than the shoulder or shoulder with a bevel margins.The labial margin exhibited more tensil stresses when the incisal edge of the crown was loaded with labial forces.so,we provide the mechanical basis for the conclusions as follows: (1)The labial chamber margin is preferable to shoulder or shoulder with a bevel margin. (2)The porcelain may fracture when the incisal edge of porcelain fused to metal crown is loaded with labial forces.

[Stress research on support tissues of Buffer-typed conical telescopic removable denture]

In order to explore the biomechanical physiology of Buffer-typed conical telescopic removable denture restoring defected dentition with a preponderance of teeth lost and only a few remained,the authors have studied the stress distribution of the periodontal support tissue of abutments and subbasal support tissue when subjected to forced transfered from removable denture of both Buffer-typed and non Buffer-typed telescopic retainers.The results suggest that occlusal forces can be redistribute through dentures with buffer typed conical telescopic retainers which decrease forces sustained by abutments and increase the ones by subbasal support tissues thus avoiding trauma of abutments while having certain degree if physiological stimuli.We can also decrease the forces transfered to subbasal support tissues by expanding basal areas,so to alleviate the absorption of alveolar ridges.This resut is in accordance with clinical effects.