Association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism with osteoporosis risk in Chinese postmenopausal women

AIMS

The underlying mechanisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) genetic variation associated with bone mineral density and osteoporosis remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism as well as gene-gene interaction and their haplotype combination with the risk of osteoporosis.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism was carried out for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection. Generalized multifactor dimension reduction (GMDR) is used to identify the interaction. SHEsis software evaluated the haplotype and logistic regression was performed to assess the association between the SNPs within the VDR and OPG genes and osteoporosis.

RESULTS

The risk of osteoporosis in the VDR-rs2228570 polymorphism T-allele carriers was significantly higher than that in CC (CT/TT versus CC) individuals (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.76 [1.33-2.22]). The risk of osteoporosis was also higher in the G-allele carrier of the OPG-rs3102735 polymorphism than in individuals with the AA genotype (AG/GG vs. AA) (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.65 [1.27-2.14]). However, after adjusting for sex, age, and waist circumference covariates, no significant association of VDR-rs17879735 and OPG-rs2073618 with the osteoporosis risk was revealed. The GMDR method identified that gene-gene interactions were significant, but not for gene/AO interaction. Haplotypes were analyzed with SHEsis software. We did not detect a high-risk haplotype combination associated with osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both VDR-rs2228570-T and OPG-rs3102735-G and their interactions are related to the increased risk of osteoporosis.

Effect of developmental stage of embryos at freezing on live birth outcomes after frozen embryo transfer

　　Purpose Our objective was to evaluate the birth outcomes of FET from different developmental stage of embryo at freezing (Day 3, Day 5 and Day 6). Methods All vitrified-warmed day 3 (D3) and day 5/6 (D5, D6) embryo transfers during the time period from January 2013 until December 2015 were included in the study. The Birthweight, Low birthweight (LBW), sexual distinction, gestation and for singleton births and twins conceived by FET were compared retrospectively between three cryopreservation strategies utilizing either D3, D5 or D6 embryo freezing. All embryos were vitrified by Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), Ethylene glycol (EG) and Sucrose used as Cryoprotectants and using Cryoleaf as the receptacles. Results A total of 993 infants from 771 women. The length of embryos storage was 3-38 months, with a median of 8 months. For singleton, birthweight from D5 and D6 blastocysts transfers were significantly heavier than for D3 cleavage-stage embryos transfers (P =0.0065 P =0.0006). For twins, birthweight from D6 blastocysts transfers were significantly heavier than for D5 blastocysts transfers (P =0.0044), and children born after D3 were at a signigicantly increased risk of being born a LBW. Conclusions Birthweights from FET are influenced by developmental stage of embryos at freezing, which were lower for cleavage-stage embryos transfer than blastocysts transfer after FET in singletons. The birth rate of LBW infants was higher in the twins. The study was small so there may be other factors than cryopreservation which affected outcomes. A higher sample size or a multi-centre prospective randomized design could be used in future studies to corroborate the current findings.

Construction of recombinant adenovirus Ad-rat PLCγ2 and its effects on apoptosis of rat liver cell BRL-3A in vitro

Although the role of PLCγ2 in apoptotic response has been reported, too little is known about whether PLCγ2 induces liver cell apoptosis during liver regeneration. Therefore, this study firstly packaged Ad-PLCγ2 recombinant adenovirus and primarily evaluated its effect on apoptosis of rat liver cell BRL-3A in vitro. Following ten days of co-transfection of pHBAd-MCMV-GFP-PLCγ2 and pHBAd-BHG into HEK293 cells, viral cytopathic effect (CPE) was apparent. Following three rounds of amplification, tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID50) assay showed that the titer value reached 1×1010 PFU/mL. After 24 h of transfection of recombinant adenovirus into BRL-3A cells, transfection efficiency of adenovirus into BRL-3A cells was above 90% when obsereved under fluorescent microscopy. qRT-PCR and Western blot assays showed mRNA and protein levels of PLCγ2 were significantly elevated in the transfected BRL-3A cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that, compared with the control and Ad-GFP groups, cell apoptosis rate of Ad-PLCγ2 group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the cell cycle in Ad-PLCγ2 group was arrested at G1 phase which was manifested by a marked increase (P<0.01) in the percentage of G1 phase cells and a great decrease (P<0.01) in the percentage of S and G2/M phase cells. It was concluded from above results that recombinant adenovirus Ad-PLCγ2 was packaged successfully, and could promote cell apoptosis by arresting the transition from G1 to S phase of BRL-3A cells.

Glucocorticoid combined with hyaluronic acid enhance glucocorticoid receptor activity through inhibiting p-38MAPK signal pathway activation in treating acute lung injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

In order to seek an effective strategy for clinical treatment of acute lung injury (ALI), we are committed to explore the effect of combination therapy of glucocorticoid and hyaluronic acid on acute lung injury caused by an endotoxin (LPS) and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided randomly into 5 groups: normal group (n=8); LPS group (n=8); dexamethasone +LPS group (DXMS group, n=8); hyaluronic acid+ LPS group (HA group, n=8); dexamethasone +hyaluronic acid +LPS group (DXMS+HA group, n=8). Firstly, SD rat model with acute lung injury induced by LPS was established, and injected corresponding drugs according to the plan. Then, the expression of TNF-a, IL-8, IL-10, ICAM-1 and total protein were measured by ELISA, and the HE staining was used for detected the pathological change in lung tissue. Subsequently, the water content, dry and wet ratio and permeability in lung tissues of SD rats was assayed. Finally, the expression level of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was detected by RT-PCR, and activation of p-p38MAPK was determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The results showed that concentration of IL-8, IL-10 and ICAM-1 was significantly increased in BALF after LPS injection, and the results from HE staining showed it had widespread inflammation. However, lung structures in SD rats with inhalation lung injury were improved significantly after the injection of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid, and the Pa02/Fi02, blood pressure and Cdyn were also increased. Moreover, lung water content, the ratio of wet and dry lung, and lung permeability index (LPI) was decreased after having treated the SD rats with a combination of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid, and the apoptosis index was also decreased in the rats with LPS-induced ALI. Our data also suggested that TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and total protein was significantly declined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats with LPS-induced acute lung injury after treated the SD rats with a combination of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid. In addition, the data also implied that anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of p38MAPK signal pathway induced by LPS through enhancement of the activity of GR, to further analyze the mechanism of the effect of combination therapy with dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid on acute lung injury in SD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

LPS-induced ALI in SD rats is relieved after treatment with a combination of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid. In the process of its function, activated GR can represent anti-inflammatory effect and protect the lung tissue by inhibiting the activation/phosphorylation of p38MAPK, while hyaluronic acid can enhance micro-environment of alveolar tissue.

A Novel Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/Fibroin Hybrid Scaffold to Promote Hepatocyte Viability and Decrease Macrophage Responses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatocellular compatibility and assess the inflammatory response of a novel hybrid scaffold of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and fibroin. The hybrid scaffold was obtained by freezing and lyophilizing a blend of fibroin microspheres and PLLA solution. FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that fibroin microspheres were on the surface of the hybrid scaffold. Compared to the PLLA scaffold, SEM and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) analyses showed that the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells had spread and proliferated much more in the hybrid scaffold. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays indicated a greater number of cells in this hybrid scaffold. Furthermore, a mouse RAW264.7 macrophages cell line was utilized to characterize and compare the mRNA profiles of TNF-alpha using real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The inflammatory response of the macrophages grown in the PLLA/fibroin scaffold rapidly declined compared to those in the PLLA scaffold and reached the level of cells grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). The hepatocellular compatibility and lower level of inflammatory response makes the PLLA/fibroin scaffold a promising candidate for hepatic tissue engineering.

Biocompatible Fibroin Blended Films with Recombinant Human-like Collagen for Hepatic Tissue Engineering

Recombinant human-like collagen (RHLC) was blended with fibroin to prepare a novel biocompatible film as a scaffold material for hepatic tissue engineering applications. Solution blending was used to incorporate RHLC with silk fibroin to enhance the blend films biocompatibility and hydrophilicity while maintaining elasticity. FTIR and XRD analysis indicated that hydrogen bonds had formed between fibroin and RHLC, while SEM microscopy data confirmed that homogeneous microstructures were still retained after the introduction of RHLC with fibroin. Contact angle measurements indicated that the hydrophilicity of the fibroin/RHLC films was greater after RHLC was added. The elongation at break in the wet state was not markedly changed after blending the recombinant human-like collagen, which implied that flexibility was maintained. The proliferation and viability of the cell cultures on fibroin/RHLC films were significantly enhanced compared to pure fibroin films or tissue culture plates.

Adipose-derived stem cells undergo spontaneous osteogenic differentiation in vitro when passaged serially or seeded at low density

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a convenient source of cells for regenerating tissue. Widespread application of ADSCs requires that they propagate efficiently and differentiate in vitro. We investigated the differentiation potential of ADSCs during long-term expansion in vitro and when the cells were seeded at low density. ADSCs were isolated from the inguinal fat pads of 3-week-old male rats, then cultured serially for 12 passages; some ADSCs at passage 3 were seeded at low density. The differentiation potential of ADSCs from passage 3 to passage 12 was assessed by their capacity for adipogenesis and osteogenesis while cultured in specific induction media. Spontaneous osteogenesis of ADSCs at passage 12 and of ADSCs that were seeded at low density was detected by western blotting, alizarin red S staining and measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. We found that with increasing passage number, the adipogenic potential of ADSCs decreased and osteogenic differentiation increased. Alizarin red S staining, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expressions, and ALP activity demonstrated that both ADSCs at passage 12 and those that were seeded at low density differentiated into osteoblasts without additional induction factors.

Improved systolic function of rat cardiocytes during heart failure by overexpression of SERCA2a

OBJECTIVE

This study shows that overexpression of SERCA2a can improve the systolic function and reduce the occurr-ence of arrhythmias in cardiocytes isolated from the heart of a rat model of heart failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An animal model of rats experiencing heart failure was established by a surgical procedure producing abdominal aortic coarctation. Cardiocytes from sacrificed rats were isolated by a collagenase digestion method. The SERCA2a adenovirus vector was transfected into the cells after 48h of culture. Overexpression of SERCA2a in cardiocytes was verified by Western Blot. Measurements were taken using a single cell dynamic edge detection system to evaluate the effects on the myocardiocyte function and calcium homeostasis.

RESULTS

Cardiocytes overexpressing SERCA2a displayed a stronger systolic function and lower occurrence rate of abnormal systolic rhythm than mock-transfected cardiocytes. The contraction rhythm abnormality rate percentage was 5.270 ± 1.566% vs. 3.955 ± 1.684% (p < 0.01). The time at which they reached the maximum contraction (TTP) was 0.095 ± 0.009s vs. 0.114 ± 0.008s (p < 0.01). The time at which they reached 50% of the diastolic amplitude (R50) was 0.039 ± 0.008s vs. 0.057 ± 0.010s (p < 0.01). Finally, the occurrence rate of abnormal systolic rhythm during maximal contraction was 58% vs. 81% (p < 0.01). These results show that all data were significantly improved in the SERCA2a overexpressing group, and that parameters achieved were similar to those in the sham-operated non-heart failure group.

CONCLUSIONS

The overexpression of SERCA2a in cardiocytes during heart failure significantly improves cell function and arrhythmia occurrence.

Assessment of myocardial segmental function with coronary artery stenosis in multi-vessel coronary disease patients with normal wall motion

OBJECTIVE

To discover the impact of the various degrees of coronary artery stenosis (CAD) on the left ventricular systolic dysfunction in steady state with quantitative analysis of the regional systolic myocardium in longitudinal, radial and circumferential direction in patients with coronary artery disease by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-three normal wall motion-multi vessel coronary artery disease (NWM-MVD) patients labeled as the experimental groups and forty-two subjects with little risk of CAD marked as the control group were enrolled in this study. The two-dimensional STI was obtained in the apical long axis and three levels of the short axis of the left ventricle. The left ventricular wall was divided into 18 segments. The affected myocardia were divided into three groups: group B (coronary stenosis degree ≤50%), group C (coronary stenosis degree 50%-99%)and group D (coronary stenosis degree ≥99%). Using the Q-analysis software, the longitudinal, radial and circumferential systolic strain (SL, SR, SC) and strain ratio (SrL, SrR, SrC) of the myocardium were analyzed.

RESULTS

The bradycardia in the NWM-MVD group is greater than that in the control group (16/43 vs. 7/42, p <0.05). Compared with the control group, the SL and SR of group B, group C and group D decreased significantly (p <0.05). Compared with group C, the SL of group D also decreased significantly (p <0.05). However, there was no SC difference among the four groups. Meanwhile, compared with group A, the SrL, SrR and SrC of group B, group C and group D decreased significantly (p <0.05). Compared with group A, group B and group C, the SrL and SrC of group D also decreased (p <0.05). Compared with group A and group C, the SrR of group D decreased. The SrL was equal to 1.085 for the cut-off value, and the sum (1.348) of sensitivity (0.673) and specificity (0.675) were the greatest. Bland-Altman analysis showed that there was myocardium conformity of in both the multi-vessel CAD patients and the control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial systolic function was impaired in the MVD patients of group B (coronary stenosis degree ≤50%), group C (coronary stenosis degree 50%-99%)and group D (coronary stenosis degree ≥99%), especially the longitudinal and radial systolic function, even though they had normal wall motion. The SrL equaled 1.085 for the cut-off value, and the sums (1.348) of sensitivity (0.673) and specificity (0.675) were the greatest. Bradycardia might be a compensatory mechanism in NWM-MVD patients.

Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains the main cause of cancer-related death, and the clinical significance and prognostic role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer are still controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the correlation between CTCs and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MBC.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of Pubmed and the ISI Web of Science through December 2014. Only articles that focused on MBC patients and detected CTCs using the CellSearch system were included. The associations between CTCs and survival rate and clinicopathological parameters, including molecular pattern, metastatic region and treatment response, were evaluated.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 24 studies (3701 MBC patients), 13 prospective studies and 11 retrospective studies. We found that CTCs were more frequently detected with HER2 + primary tumors (pooled RR = 0.73, 95 % CI = 0.63-0.84). Additionally, higher CTC numbers indicated a worse treatment response (RR = 0.56, 95 % CI = 0.40-0.79), poorer PFS (RR = 0.64, 95 % CI = 0.56-0.73) and poorer OS (RR = 0.69, 95 % CI = 0.64-0.75) in MBC patients.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we propose that HER2 positivity could be a significant risk factor for the presence of CTCs. Additionally, CTCs have a significant prognostic value for MBC patients. Therefore, CTCs should be continually monitored to guide the treatment of MBC patients, especially those with HER2 + primary tumors.

Colour Doppler ultrasonography can be used to detect the changes of sacroiliitis and peripheral enthesitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis during adalimumab treatment

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) can be used to detect the effect of adalimumab on sacroiliitis and peripheral enthesitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

AS patients (n=41) received 40 mg adalimumab every other week for 24 weeks. BASDAI, BASFI, CRP, MRI examinations of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) and CDUS examinations of both SIJs and 10 peripheral entheseal sites were taken at baseline, week 12, and week 24. We scored the MR images by SPARCC method, recorded the resistive index (RI) value of SIJs and graded the blood signal on a semi quantitative 0-3 scale. We also scored lesions of peripheral entheses seen by CDUS. We analysed the associations between the results of CDUS and clinical indices and MRI data.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in mean CDUS score of SIJs and peripheral enthesitis and increase in mean RI value were observed in AS patients treated with adalimumab for 12 weeks and 24 weeks as compared with baseline (all p<0.05). The CDUS scores of SIJs and peripheral enthesitis positively related with clinical assessments (including BASDAI, BASFI, and CRP), while the RI value negatively related with them at all visits (all p<0.05). The results of CDUS also correlated well with the MRI data (all p<0.05) during adalimumab treatment in AS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that CDUS could be used to detect the changes of sacroiliitis and peripheral enthesitis in AS patients under adalimumab therapy.

Assessment of the left ventricular systolic function in multi-vessel coronary artery disease with normal wall motion by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical value of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for analyzing the left ventricular systolic function in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease with normal wall motion (NWM-MVD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-five NWM-MVD patients and thirty-six subjects with low risk of coronary artery disease (control group) were enrolled in this study. Echocardiogram images of the short axis of the left ventricle and apical long axis were obtained. The Q-analysis software was used to analyze the peak systolic strain of the left ventricular segments and the global longitudinal strain (GLS). We calculated the left ventricular global circumferential strain (GCS) and the radial strain (GRS), as well as the longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain of the basal (Bas-GLS, Bas-GCS, Bas-GRS), middle (Mid-GLS, Mid-GCS, Mid-GRS) and apical segments (Ap-GLS, Ap-GCS, Ap-GRS).

RESULTS

(1) The coronary occlusion or subtotal occlusion were visible in 85.71% of the NWM-MVD patients. (2) The heart rate of the NWM-MVD patients was lower than that of the control group [(61.78 ± 6.76) beats/min vs. (66.13 ± 6.24) beats/min, p < 0.05]. The conventional ultrasonic measurement indices are similar between the NWM-MVD group and the control group (p > 0.05). (3) Compared with the control group, the GLS, Bas-GLS, Mid-GLS, Bas-GCS, Mid-GCS, GRS and Bas-GRS were lower in the NWM-MVD group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The longitudinal, circumferential and radial systolic functions of the NWM-MVD patients were impaired at different degrees.

Protective effects of tumor necrosis factor-α blockade by adalimumab on articular cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat model of osteoarthritis

We aimed to investigate the effects of an anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibody (ATNF) on cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated group (n=8); anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)+normal saline (NS) group (n=8); and ACLT+ATNF group (n=8). The rats in the ACLT+ATNF group received subcutaneous injections of ATNF (20 μg/kg) for 12 weeks, while those in the ACLT+NS group received NS at the same dose for 12 weeks. All rats were euthanized at 12 weeks after surgery and specimens from the affected knees were harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and Mankin score assessment were carried out to evaluate the cartilage status and cartilage matrix degradation. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the cartilage molecular metabolism. Bone histomorphometry was used to observe the subchondral trabecular microstructure. Compared with the rats in the ACLT+NS group, histological and Mankin score analyses showed that ATNF treatment reduced the severity of the cartilage lesions and led to a lower Mankin score. Immunohistochemical and histomorphometric analyses revealed that ATNF treatment reduced the ACLT-induced destruction of the subchondral trabecular microstructure, and decreased MMP-13 expression. ATNF treatment may delay degradation of the extracellular matrix via a decrease in MMP-13 expression. ATNF treatment probably protects articular cartilage by improving the structure of the subchondral bone and reducing the degradation of the cartilage matrix.