Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may improve fusion rates in cervical arthrodesis in high-risk populations

OBJECTIVES

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation was evaluated after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures in a randomized, controlled clinical study performed for United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. PEMF significantly increased fusion rates at six months, but 12-month fusion outcomes for subjects at elevated risk for pseudoarthrosis were not thoroughly reported. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of PEMF treatment on subjects at increased risk for pseudoarthrosis after ACDF procedures.

METHODS

Two evaluations were performed that compared fusion rates between PEMF stimulation and a historical control (160 subjects) from the FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) study: a post hoc (PH) analysis of high-risk subjects from the FDA study (PH PEMF); and a multicentre, open-label (OL) study consisting of 274 subjects treated with PEMF (OL PEMF). Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare fusion rates between PEMF-treated subjects and historical controls.

RESULTS

In separate comparisons of PH PEMF and OL PEMF groups to the historical control group, PEMF treatment significantly (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test) increased the fusion rate at six and 12 months for certain high-risk subjects who had at least one clinical risk factor of being elderly, a nicotine user, osteoporotic, or diabetic; and for those with at least one clinical risk factor and who received at least a two- or three-level arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive PEMF treatment can be recommended for patients who are at high risk for pseudoarthrosis.Cite this article: D. Coric, D. E. Bullard, V. V. Patel, J. T. Ryaby, B. L. Atkinson, D. He, R. D. Guyer. Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may improve fusion rates in cervical arthrodesis in high-risk populations. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:124-130. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0221.R1.

Porous NiCo2O4 nanoarray-integrated binder-free 3D open electrode offers a highly efficient sensing platform for enzyme-free glucose detection

Porous binary metal oxide NiCo₂O₄ NWA/CC was prepared and utilized as a 3D binder-free open electrode for enzyme-free sensing with high performance.

Genetic variants in IL15 promoter affect transcription activity and intramuscular fat deposition in longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a key aspect of pork quality. Elucidation of intramuscular adipocyte regulation mechanisms is important for improving IMF content. Intramuscular adipocytes are dispersed among muscle fibers, so they are inclined to be affected by muscle-derived factors. Interleukin-15 is a major muscle-secreted factor. In this study, the genetic and physiological impacts of IL15 on adipogenesis is investigated. The promoter region of IL15 was scanned by comparative sequencing using two DNA pools of high- and low-IMF individuals. Two SNPs, c.-342C>T (ss2137497757) and c.-334G>A (ss2137497756) (the translation start site is designated as +1), were identified with reverse allele distribution in these two groups. Genotyping by allele-specific PCR revealed that the two SNPs were completely linked. The IMF content of TA/TA individuals was lower than that for CG/CG ones, whereas the IL15 expression level was higher in T-A/T-A individuals. Luciferase assaying also revealed that the T-A haplotype promoter had higher transcription activity. Meanwhile, the effect of interleukin-15 on adipocyte differentiation was further assessed in vitro. Results showed that interleukin-15 suppressed preadipocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The cell cycle of preadipocytes was arrested, and apoptosis was induced. Oil Red O staining and triglyceride quantification indicated that adipocyte differentiation was also inhibited by interleukin-15. The mRNA levels of PPARG and FABP4 decreased markably upon interleukin-15 treatment. Taken together, we identified two completely linked SNPs in the porcine IL15 promoter region that could alter IL15 transcription activity. As interleukin-15 can inhibit porcine adipocyte differentiation, these promoter mutations could affect IMF deposition by producing differential levels of muscle-derived interleukin-15.

HnRNPK/miR-223/FBXW7 feedback cascade promotes pancreatic cancer cell growth and invasion

Several studies have identified miR-223 critically involved in various types of cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, its action and regulatory mechanisms in PDAC remains largely unclear. In this study, we found that the expression levels of miR-223 were increased in clinical samples with PDAC (81.6%). The upregulation of miR-223 increases the proliferation, migration, and invasive abilities of PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-223 directly targeted FBXW7 and overexpression of FBXW7 reverted miR-223- induced drastic proliferation in PDAC cells. Interestingly, miR-223 promoter was found to form a coprecipitable complex with hnRNPK, and siRNA knockdown of hnRNPK in PDAC cells reduced the levels of miR-223. These results show that hnRNPK is a cellular protein that binds and affects the accumulation of miR-223 in PDAC. Furthermore, FBXW7 interacts with hnRNPK and promotes its degradation, which requires phosphorylation of hnRNPK at threonine 1695 by GSK3. Consistently, we observed an inverse expression pattern between FBXW7 and miR-223, whereas a positive expression pattern between miR-223 and hnRNPK was found in human PDAC tissues. These data unveiled an important new miR-223/FBXW7/HnRNPK feedback cascade in human PDAC.

Indazolo[3,2-b]quinazolinones Attack Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep3B Cells by Inducing Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis and Inhibition of Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Genotoxic stress resistance in patients often contributes to poor clinical outcomes, and is intensively associated to the upregulation of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. In this study, we examined the connection between the anticancer activity of two novel indazolo[3,2-b]quinazolinone (IQ) derivatives, IQ-7 and IQ-12, and their effect on the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

METHODS

We initially measured the cytotoxicity of IQ-7 and IQ-12 in Hep3B (human hepatoma cell) and HL-7702 (normal human liver cell) cell lines, then further detected their effects on Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and apoptosis.

RESULTS

IQ-7 and IQ-12 downregulated the expression levels of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes, such as NQO1, HO-1 and Gclc. In Hep3B cells treated with IQ-7 or IQ-12, the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased dramatically while the expression level of the pro-apoptotic protein VDAC1 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 significantly increased and decreased, respectively. In addition, IQ-7 (but not IQ-12) also induced the activity of Caspase-3. Interestingly, IQ-7 appeared to selectively inhibit Hep3B cells while having rare adverse effect on HL-7702 cells.

CONCLUSION

The two compounds were shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in Hep3B cells, and IQ-7 was suggested a degree of specificity against cancer cells. The design of these compounds may therefore represent a new strategy for designing quinazoline derivatives that could selectively target carcinoma cells.

Comprehensive analysis of two Shank3 and the Cacna1c mouse models of autism spectrum disorder

To expand, analyze and extend published behavioral phenotypes relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we present a study of three ASD genetic mouse models: Feng's Shank3^tm2Gfng model, hereafter Shank3/F, Jiang's Shank3^tm1Yhj model, hereafter Shank3/J and the Cacna1c deletion model. The Shank3 models mimick gene mutations associated with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and the Cacna1c model recapitulates the deletion underlying Timothy syndrome. This study utilizes both standard and novel behavioral tests with the same methodology used in our previously published companion report on the Cntnap2 null and 16p11.2 deletion models. We found that some but not all behaviors replicated published findings and those that did replicate, such as social behavior and overgrooming in Shank3 models, tended to be milder than reported elsewhere. The Shank3/F model, and to a much lesser extent, the Shank3/J and Cacna1c models, showed hypoactivity and a general anxiety-like behavior triggered by external stimuli which pervaded social interactions. We did not detect deficits in a cognitive procedural learning test nor did we observe perseverative behavior in these models. We did, however, find differences in exploratory patterns of Cacna1c mutant mice suggestive of a behavioral effect in a social setting. In addition, only Shank3/F showed differences in sensory-gating. Both positive and negative results from this study will be useful in identifying the most robust and replicable behavioral signatures within and across mouse models of autism. Understanding these phenotypes may shed light of which features to study when screening compounds for potential therapeutic interventions.

CHIP/Stub1 regulates the Warburg effect by promoting degradation of PKM2 in ovarian carcinoma

Tumor cells preferentially adopt aerobic glycolysis for their energy supply, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. It remains a matter of debate as to how the Warburg effect is regulated during tumor progression. Here, we show that CHIP (carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein), a U-box E3 ligase, suppresses tumor progression in ovarian carcinomas by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis. While CHIP is downregulated in ovarian carcinoma, induced expression of CHIP results in significant inhibition of the tumor growth examined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Reciprocally, depletion of CHIP leads to promotion of tumor growth. By a SiLAD proteomics analysis, we identified pyruvate kinase isoenzyme M2 (PKM2), a critical regulator of glycolysis in tumors, as a target that CHIP mediated for degradation. Accordingly, we show that CHIP regulates PKM2 protein stability and thereafter the energy metabolic processes. Depletion or knockout of CHIP increased the glycolytic products in both tumor and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Simultaneously, we observed that CHIP expression inversely correlated with PKM2 levels in human ovarian carcinomas. This study reveals a mechanism that the Warburg effect is regulated by CHIP through its function as an E3 ligase, which mediates the degradation of PKM2 during tumor progression. Our findings shed new light into understanding of ovarian carcinomas and may provide a new therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer.

Efficacy and safety of duloxetine in Chinese patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the efficacy and safety of duloxetine (60 mg, once daily), compared with placebo, during a 13-week treatment period in Chinese patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

Patients were at least 40 years old (male or female) who met American College of Rheumatology clinical and radiographic criteria for the diagnosis of OA of the knee or hip. The primary efficacy measure in this phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was assessment of pain severity by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 24-h Average Pain rating. The clinical trial was conducted at 17 study centers. Statistical approaches included mixed-effects model repeated measures and analysis of covariance. A Fisher exact test was applied to categorical variables.

RESULTS

Of 407 patients randomized (duloxetine: N = 205; placebo: N = 202), 166 (81.0%) patients from the duloxetine group and 176 (87.1%) patients from the placebo group completed the 13-week treatment phase. The majority (76.4%) of patients was female; mean age was 60.5 years. Duloxetine-treated patients reported significant pain reduction, compared with placebo treatment, on the BPI 24-h Average Pain rating (least-squares mean (LS Mean) change from baseline to endpoint [95% confidence interval (CI)], duloxetine: -2.23; placebo: -1.73; difference = -0.50 [-0.80, -0.20]; P = 0.001). The incidence of discontinuations due to adverse events was 9.0% in duloxetine-treated patients and 4.5% in placebo-treated patients (P = 0.109).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the efficacy of duloxetine in Chinese patients with chronic pain due to OA. The safety profile of duloxetine observed in this study was consistent with that in previous duloxetine trials. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01931475).

Midkine in the mouse ventral tegmental area limits ethanol intake and Ccl2 gene expression

Midkine (MDK) is a cytokine and neurotrophic factor that is more highly expressed in the brains of alcoholics and in mice predisposed to drink large amounts of ethanol, suggesting that MDK may regulate ethanol consumption. Here we measured ethanol consumption in male and female Mdk knockout (-/-) mice using the two-bottle choice and the drinking in the dark (DID) tests. We found that Mdk -/- mice consumed significantly more ethanol than wild-type controls in both tests. To determine if MDK acts in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to regulate ethanol consumption, we delivered lentivirus expressing a Mdk shRNA into the VTA of male C57BL/6J mice to locally knockdown Mdk and performed the DID test. Mice expressing a Mdk shRNA in the VTA consumed more ethanol than mice expressing a control non-targeting shRNA, demonstrating that the VTA is one site in the brain through which MDK acts to regulate ethanol consumption. Since MDK also controls the expression of inflammatory cytokines in other organs, we examined gene expression of interleukin-1 beta (Il1b), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα) and the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (Ccl2) in the VTA of Mdk -/- mice and in mice expressing Mdk shRNA in the VTA. Expression of Ccl2 was elevated in the VTA of Mdk -/- mice and in mice expressing Mdk shRNA in the VTA. These results demonstrate that MDK functions in the VTA to limit ethanol consumption and levels of CCL2, a chemokine known to increase ethanol consumption.

Genetic analysis of HOXA11 gene in Chinese patients with cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly in male children. Its aetiology remains unknown in the majority of cases. Because HOXA11 plays a vital role in regulating testicular descent, genetic variants in HOXA11 genes may contribute to the risk of cryptorchidism. In this study, mutation analysis was performed on the HOXA11 gene in a cohort of 89 patients with cryptorchidism. Furthermore, an association analysis of the HOXA11 tag single nucleotide polymorphism rs6461992 was performed in 168 patients with unilateral cryptorchidism and 193 controls. No pathogenic mutations were found. A significant difference in genotype and allele distribution was detected between cases and controls (p = .029 and .022 respectively). These results suggest that mutations in the coding sequence of HOXA11 might not be a common cause of cryptorchidism, while common polymorphisms in the HOXA11 gene might contribute to the risk of developing unilateral cryptorchidism.

Force-Induced H2S by PDLSCs Modifies Osteoclastic Activity during Tooth Movement

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gasotransmitter, has been recently linked to mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) function and bone homeostasis. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are the main MSCs in PDL, which respond to mechanical force to induce physiological activities during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, it is unknown whether mechanical force might induce endogenous H₂S production by PDLSCs to regulate alveolar bone homeostasis. Here, we used a mouse OTM model to demonstrate that orthodontic force-induced endogenous H₂S production in PDL tissue was associated with macrophage accumulation and osteoclastic activity in alveolar bone. Then, we showed that mechanical force application induced cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) expression and endogenous H₂S production by PDLSCs. Moreover, blocking endogenous H₂S or systemically increasing H₂S levels could decrease or enhance force-induced osteoclastic activities to control tooth movement. We further revealed how force-induced H₂S production by PDLSCs contributed to the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) system by PDLSCs. The secretion and expression of these factors controlled macrophage migration and osteoclast differentiation. This study demonstrated that PDLSCs produced H₂S to respond to and transduce force signals. Force-induced gasotransmitter H₂S production in PDLSCs therefore regulated osteoclastic activities in alveolar bone and controlled the OTM process through the MCP-1 secretion and RANKL/OPG system.

[Analysis of factors affecting vaginal birth after cesarean]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors affecting the vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

METHODS

Totaly 298 women who underwent trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015 were recruited from Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, FuXing Hospital, Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and the People's Hospital of Chengyang District of Qingdao. The maternal age, the interval from the last cesarean section, the body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, the weight gain during pregnancy, the way into labor, the Bishop score before labor, the gestational age and the birth weight of the neonate were recorded in a self-made form. The factors affecting VBAC were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

(1)The incidence of VBAC, uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal asphyxia were 70.5% (210/298), 2.7% (8/298), 9.4% (28/298) and 1.3% (4/298), respectively. No maternal death and perinatal death occurred. (2)The univariate analysis suggested that the maternal age, the BMI before pregnancy, the Bishop score before labor, the labor induction, the gestational age at delivery and the neonatal weight were factors affecting VBAC. The maternal age and the Bishop score before labor were significantly higher in the VBAC group than in the unsuccessful TOLAC group(P<0.05). While the BMI before pregnancy, the induction rate, the gestational weeks at delivery and the birth weight of the neonate were significantly lower in the VBAC group than in the unsuccessful TOLAC group (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that successful VBAC was affected by the maternal age, the BMI before pregnancy, the Bishop score before labor and the birth weight of the neonates(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The maternal age, the BMI before pregnancy, the Bishop score before labor and the birth weight of neonate are the main factors affecting VBAC.

CuCo2O4 nanowire arrays supported on carbon cloth as an efficient 3D binder-free electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

CuCo₂O₄ nanowire arrays supported on carbon cloth (CuCo₂O₄ NWAs/CC) were prepared via a simple hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent calcination process and utilized as a 3D binder-free electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing with high performance.

Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in a random sampling community population and the association of NCCLs with occlusive wear

This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors and association of occlusive wear with non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in the general Chinese population. A total of 1320 subjects were recruited, and multistage and random sampling methods of survey spots were performed. All age groups comprised similar numbers of participants and equal numbers of males and females. Each subject completed a structured interview, and all teeth of each subject were examined by a practitioner to determine NCCLs and occlusive wear. Binary logistic regression was conducted by analysing the association of risk factors with the occurrence of NCCLs. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed by determining the association of NCCLs dimension or depth with the range of occlusive wear facets. Clinical assessment showed that the overall prevalence of subjects diagnosed with NCCLs was 63%. The proportion of subjects or teeth with NCCLs significantly increased with age. Pre-molars were the most commonly affected teeth. Single variables and interactive effects of variables associated with the occurrence of NCCLs include the following: age group, intensity of toothbrushing, frequency of fresh fruit consumption and interactive effect between intensity of toothbrushing and frequency of fresh fruit consumption. A weak positive correlation of the grading index was found between NCCLs dimension, size or depth and range of occlusive wear facets. This study reported the higher prevalence of NCCLs in the general Chinese population. Implementation of a combined strategy to reduce risk factors of NCCLs could be more effective than individual techniques; meanwhile, the occurrence of NCCL could be related to the wear degree of occlusive defects in the population studied.

Hemispheric asymmetries in subcortical visual and auditory relay structures in congenital deafness

Neuroplasticity - the capacity of the brain to change as a response to internal and external pressures - has been studied from a number of different perspectives. Perhaps one of the most powerful models is the study of populations that have been congenitally deprived of a sense. It has been shown that the right Auditory Cortex (AC) of congenitally deaf humans is neuroplastically modified in order to represent visual properties of a stimulus. One unresolved question is how this visual information is routed to the AC of congenitally deaf individuals. Here, we performed volumetric analysis of subcortical auditory and visual brains regions - namely the thalamus (along with three thalamic nuclei: the pulvinar, the lateral geniculate nucleus and the medial geniculate nucleus), and the inferior and superior colliculi - in deaf and hearing participants in order to identify which structures may be responsible for relaying visual information toward the altered AC. Because there is a hemispheric asymmetry in the neuroplastic changes observed in the AC of the congenitally deaf, we reasoned that subcortical structures that also showed a similar asymmetry in their total volume could have been enlisted in the effort of relaying visual information to the neuroplastically altered right AC. We show that for deaf, but not for hearing individuals, the right thalamus, right lateral geniculate nucleus and right inferior colliculus are larger than their left counterparts. These results suggest that these subcortical structures may be responsible for rerouting visual information to the AC in congenital deafness.

PDL Progenitor–Mediated PDL Recovery Contributes to Orthodontic Relapse

Periodontal ligament (PDL) is subjected to mechanical force during physiologic activities. PDL stem/progenitor cells are the main mesenchymal stem cells in PDL. However, how PDL progenitors participate in PDL homeostasis upon and after mechanical force is largely unknown. In this study, force-triggered orthodontic tooth movement and the following relapse were used as models to demonstrate the response of PDL progenitors and their role in PDL remodeling upon and after mechanical force. Upon orthodontic force, PDL collagen on the compression side significantly degraded, showing a broken and disorganized pattern. After force withdrawal, the degraded PDL collagen recovered during the early stage of relapse. Correspondingly, increased CD90+ PDL progenitors with suppressed expression of type I collagen (Col-I) were observed upon orthodontic force, whereas these cells accumulated at the degradation regions and regained Col-I expression after force withdrawal during early relapse. Our results further showed that compressive force altered cell morphology and repressed collagen expression in cultured PDL progenitors, which both recovered after force withdrawal. Force withdrawal–induced recovery of collagen expression in cultured PDL progenitors could be regulated by transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β), a key molecule for tissue homeostasis and extracellular matrix remodeling. More interesting, inhibiting the regained Col-I expression in CD90+ PDL progenitors by blocking TGF-β interrupted PDL collagen recovery and partially inhibited the early relapse. These data suggest that PDL progenitors can respond to mechanical force and may process intrinsic stability to recover to original status after force withdrawal. PDL progenitors with intrinsic stability are required for PDL recovery and consequently contribute to early orthodontic relapse, which can be regulated by TGF-β signaling.

Effects of high dose ascorbic acid on haemostasis during and after cardiopulmonary bypass

Observations were made on the changes in platelets, bleeding time and clot retraction and the protective effects of high dose ascorbic acid in 31 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Platelet counts in Group B (receiving ascorbic acid) were higher ( p<0.05) and platelet adhesion and aggregation were significantly lower than in Group A (no ascorbic acid) during perfusion. Platelet numbers and function rose much faster, bleeding time was significantly shorter and clot retraction better in Group B than in Group A postoperatively. These results suggest that ascorbic acid may reduce platelet destruction and depletion during CPB and promote the recovery of the haemostatic mechanism postoperatively.

Precision Measurement of the Radiative β Decay of the Free Neutron

The standard model predicts that, in addition to a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino, a continuous spectrum of photons is emitted in the β decay of the free neutron. We report on the RDK II experiment which measured the photon spectrum using two different detector arrays. An annular array of bismuth germanium oxide scintillators detected photons from 14 to 782 keV. The spectral shape was consistent with theory, and we determined a branching ratio of 0.00335±0.00005[stat]±0.00015[syst]. A second detector array of large area avalanche photodiodes directly detected photons from 0.4 to 14 keV. For this array, the spectral shape was consistent with theory, and the branching ratio was determined to be 0.00582±0.00023[stat]±0.00062[syst]. We report the first precision test of the shape of the photon energy spectrum from neutron radiative decay and a substantially improved determination of the branching ratio over a broad range of photon energies.

Mutational analysis of HOXA10 gene in Chinese patients with cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies and affects 2-4% of full-term new born boys. Its aetiology is poorly understood at present. HOXA10 plays a pivotal role in regulation of testicular descent. Male mice mutant for Hoxa10 exhibit unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism as a result of impaired development of the gubernaculums. In this study, we performed mutation analysis of HOXA10 gene in a cohort of 98 cryptorchid patients. And we found a mutation (N27K) in a boy with unilateral cryptorchidism. The mutation was not detected in 106 healthy controls. Both in silico analyses and functional studies showed that the mutation affected the function of HOXA10. The results demonstrated that mutation in HOXA10 gene contributes to the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism, but may not be a common cause.

Cloning and expression of the sucrose transporter gene PsSUT1 from tree peony leaf

This study reports the cloning of a sucrose transporter gene, PsSUT1, from the leaf of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Lind. cv 'Huhong'). Expression patterns were examined in different organs and at different developmental stages. The full-length cDNA of PsSUT1 consisted of a 2001-bp sequence containing a 1557-bp open reading frame, encoding 519 amino acids with a conserved domain typical of the glycoside-pentoside-hexuronide superfamily. The amino acid sequence of PsSUT1 in tree peony shared high homology with that of other plants. At different developmental stages, PsSUT1 was expressed in roots, stems, leaves, and petals. Its expression level in stems was 10.9-fold higher than in petals at the flowering stage. Expression of PsSUT1 at the flowering stage was highest during flower development. The significant differences in PsSUT1 expression observed among developmental stages and organs were closely related to changes in sucrose content during flower opening. These results form the basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms of carbohydrate metabolism and transport during flower development in tree peony.