[Expression relationship and significance of NEAT1 and miR-27a-3p in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer disease]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression relationship and significance of long chain non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (LncRNA NEAT1) and miR-27a-3p in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD).

METHODS

Sixty-six AD patients received by the department of neurology of our hospital from October 2019 to September 2021 were gathered, according to the clinical dementia rating scale score, they were grouped into mild group (≤1 point, n=41) and moderate-to-severe group (>1 point, n=25). Another 66 cases of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples from outpatient physical examination personnel were regarded as the control group. The general information on all subjects was recorded and cognition was assessed; real-time quantitative PCR was performed to measure the expression levels of miR-27a-3p and NEAT1 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the protein levels of β-amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), β-amyloid (Aβ) 40 and Aβ42 in cerebrospinal fluid; Spearman' s method was performed to analyze the correlation of serum miR-27a-3p and NEAT1 levels with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scores; Pearson method was performed to analyze the correlation between serum miR-27a-3p and NEAT1 levels and Aβ deposition standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) and cerebrospinal fluid miR-27a-3p, NEAT1, BACE1, Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels.

RESULTS

The MMSE score [21 (17, 25), 9(7, 11) vs. 27 (21, 34)], MoCA score [17 (12, 21), 10 (7, 13) vs. 27 (21, 31)], serum miR-27a-3p level (0.55±0.13, 0.46±0.06 vs. 0.97±0.22), cerebrospinal fluid miR-27a-3p (0.48±0.10, 0.35±0.10 vs. 1.03±0.31), Aβ42 levels [(303.55±36.77) ng/L, (231.45±34.14) ng/L vs. (499.99±53.63) ng/L] and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (0.030±0.008, 0.022±0.007 vs. 0.048±0.010) of AD patients in mild group and moderate-to-severe group were all lower than those in the control group, and the moderate-to-severe group were lower than the mild group (all P < 0.05); the serum NEAT1 level (2.31±0.64, 3.13±0.76 vs. 1.05±0.20), SUVR (1.50±0.29, 1.76±0.52 vs. 0.74±0.15), and cerebrospinal fluid NEAT1 (3.51±1.24, 4.30±1.65 vs. 1.01±0.23) and BACE1 levels [(55.78±5.98) μg/L, (72.32±16.08) μg/L vs. (21.39±3.73) μg/L] were higher than those in the control group, and the moderate-to-severe group were higher than the mild group (all P < 0.05). Serum NEAT1 level in AD patients was positively correlated with SUVR, cerebrospinal fluid NEAT1 and BACE1 (r=0.350, 0.606, 0.341, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with MMSE score and MoCA score (r=-0.473, -0.482, all P < 0.05); serum miR-27a-3p level was positively correlated with cerebrospinal fluid miR-27a-3p level, MMSE score and MoCA score (r=0.695, 0.424, 0.412, all P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with SUVR and cerebrospinal fluid BACE1 level (r=-0.521, -0.447, all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expression trends of NEAT1 and miR-27a-3p in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients are consistent, the level of NEAT1 is increased, and the level of miR-27a-3p is decreased. The levels of the two are negatively correlated, which is related to the degree of Aβ deposition in the brain of AD patients and is involved in the progression of AD.

[Effectiveness of transverse double "8"-shaped tension band technique for Lawrence zone fracture of the fifth metatarsal base]

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of transverse double "8"-shaped tension band technique in the treatment of Lawrence zoneⅠfracture of the 5th metatarsal base.

Methods

Between February 2019 and October 2021, 15 patients with Lawrence zoneⅠfracture of the 5th metatarsal base were treated with transverse double "8"-shaped tension band technique. There were 8 males and 7 females, with a median age of 40 years (range, 23-59 years). The fractures were caused by sprains. The time from injury to operation was 3-7 days (mean, 4.1 days). X-ray films were taken to observe the fracture healing and the anchor looseness and detachment. The foot function was evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the eversion angle of the calcaneal talus joint.

Results

The incisions healed by first intention after operation in 14 cases and the incision healed poorly in 1 case. All patients were followed up 8-12 months (median, 10 months). The imaging examination showed that all fractures healed well, with a healing time of 10-14 weeks (mean, 11.7 weeks). At last follow-up, AOFAS score was 82-100 (median, 98); 13 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. VAS score was 0-3 (median, 1). Three cases had mild limited ankle joint range of motion, while 12 cases had normal range of motion. The eversion angle of the calcaneal talus joint was 25°-32° (median, 30°).

Conclusion

The application of transverse double "8"-shaped tension band technique for Lawrence zone Ⅰ fracture of the 5th metatarsal base has advantages such as simple operation, avoidance of secondary operation, and reduction of foreign body sensation, with definite effectiveness.

[Long non-coding RNA ABHD11-AS1 promotes glycolysis in gastric cancer cells to accelerate tumor progression]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of long non-coding RNA ABHD11-AS1 in regulation of glycolysis in gastric cancer cells and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

The null plasmid pcDNA-Vector and the overexpression plasmid pcDNA-ABHD11-AS1 were transfected into human gastric cancer cell lines MKN45 and MGC803 with low ABHD11-AS1 expression, and the changes in cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion were examined using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and Transwell assay. Glucose uptake and lactate production of the cells were detected to assess the changes in glycolytic activity. The LncMAP database was used to identify potential transcription factors regulated by ABHD11-AS1, and the candidate transcription factor was determined by literature review, and the result was verified using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Transfection with pcDNA-ABHD11-AS1 significantly increased ABHD11-AS1 expression in MGC803 and MKN45 cells, which exhibited obviously accelerated cell proliferation (P<0.05), increased colony formation rate and enhanced cell migration and invasion abilities (P<0.01). ABHD11-AS1 overexpression obviously promoted glycolysis in MGC803 and MKN45 cells (P<0.05). Analysis of the database suggested that ABHD11-AS1 may regulate the classical glycolysis-related gene c-Myc in gastric cancer cells. Western blotting demonstrated that the expression of c-Myc increased significantly after upregulating ABHD11-AS1 in gastric cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

ABHD11-AS1 promotes glycolysis in gastric cancer cells by upregulating c-Myc to accelerate gastric cancer progression.

[Effect of modified titanium loaded with endothelial progenitor cells-exosomes on osteogenic and angiogenic differentiations of adipose-derived stem cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of titanium modified by ultrasonic acid etching/anodic oxidation (UAT) loaded with endothelial progenitor cells-exosome (EPCs-exo) on proliferation and osteogenic and angiogenic differentiations of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).

METHODS

The adipose tissue and bone marrow of 10 Sprague Dawley rats were harvested. Then the ADSCs and EPCs were isolated and cultured by collagenase digestion method and density gradient centrifugation method, respectively, and identified by flow cytometry. Exo was extracted from the 3rd to 5th generation EPCs using extraction kit, and CD9 and CD81 were detected by Western blot for identification. The three-dimensional printed titanium was modified by ultrasonic acid etching and anodic oxidation to prepare the UAT. The surface characteristics of UAT before and after modification was observed by scanning electron microscopy; UAT was placed in EPCs-exo solutions of different concentrations (100, 200 ng/mL), and the in vitro absorption and release capacity of EPCs-exo was detected by BCA method. Then, UAT was placed in DMEM medium containing different concentrations of EPCs-exo (0, 100, 200 ng/mL), and co-cultured with the 3rd generation ADSCs to construct UAT-ADSCs-exo. Cell morphology by laser confocal microscopy, live/dead cell staining, and cell proliferation were observed to evaluate biocompatibility; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining, RT-PCR detection of osteogenesis-related genes [osteocalcin (OCN), RUNT-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), ALP, collagen type 1 (COL-1)] and angiogenesis-related gene [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], immunofluorescence staining for osteogenesis (OCN)- and angiogenesis (VEGF)-related protein expression were detected to evaluate the effect on the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation ability of ADSCs.

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscopy showed that micro-nano multilevel composite structures were formed on the surface of UAT. About 77% EPCs-exo was absorbed by UAT within 48 hours, while EPCs-exo absorbed on the surface of UAT showed continuous and stable release within 8 days. The absorption and release amount of 200 ng/mL group were significantly higher than those of 100 ng/mL group ( P<0.05). Biocompatibility test showed that the cells in all concentration groups grew well after culture, and the 200 ng/mL group was better than the other groups, with fully spread cells and abundant pseudopodia, and the cell count and cell activity were significantly higher than those in the other groups ( P<0.05). Compared with the other groups, 200 ng/mL group showed enhanced ALP activity and mineralization ability, increased expressions of osteogenic and angiogenic genes (OCN, Runx2, COL-1, ALP, and VEGF), as well as increased expressions of OCN and VEGF proteins, with significant differences ( P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

EPCs-exo can effectively promote the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of ADSCs on UAT surface, the effect is the most significant when the concentration is 200 ng/mL.

[Astragaloside Ⅳ's Therapeutic Effect on Myocardial Infarction via Affecting Autophagy and the Mechanism Study]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) on neonatal rats' hypoxic/reoxygenated (H/R) injured myocardial cells and to explore its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Cardiac cells were extracted from newborn rats and divided into control, H/R, H/R-low AS-Ⅳ (0.1 μmol/L AS-Ⅳ), H/R-medium AS-Ⅳ (1 μmol/L AS-Ⅳ), H/R-high AS-Ⅳ (10 μmol/L AS-Ⅳ) and H/R-high AS-Ⅳ-AKT (10 μmol/L AS-Ⅳ+5 μmol/L AKT) groups. After 48 h of treatment, the contents of LC3-Ⅱ, p62, AKT, pAKT, rapamycin (mTOR) mammalian targets and uncoordinated 51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) in cardiac myocytes were compared. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of P62 in myocardium autophagosome.

RESTULTS

AS-Ⅳ improved the proliferative activity of cardio AS-Ⅳ improved the proliferative activity of cardiomyocytes in H/R injury in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited the level of cell autophagy. However, when AKT inhibitors were added, the effect of AS-Ⅳ was partially inhibited ( P<0.05). Gene and protein expression showed that AS-Ⅳ had no significant effect on the expression of AKT and mTOR genes ( P>0.05), but could significantly promote the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR ( P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining results showed that high concentrations of the AS - Ⅳ can reverse H/R injury induced the expression of autophagy body P62.

CONCLUSION

AS-Ⅳ showed protection effect on H/R injured myocardial cells. The possible mechanism is by reducing the autophagy level via activating the mTOR signal in the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby preventing H/R damage in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

[High-frequency echocardiography for assessment of regional wall motion abnormality and cardiac function in mice with myocardial infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of high-frequency echocardiography in assessing cardiac structure and function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Twenty-five C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n=10) and myocardial infarction model group (n=15) established by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. The cardiac structure, regional wall motion and cardiac function of mice were examined with pulsed wave Doppler (PWD), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), EKV and M-mode echocardiography 3 days before and at 1 week after the operation. The histological changes and myocardial structure of the heart were observed at 1 week after the operation.

RESULTS

High-frequency echocardiography and HE staining detected obvious myocardial infarction in the mice in the model group. Compared with the sham-operated mice, the mice with myocardial infarction showed significant left ventricular expansion, obvious thinning of the ventricular wall, and significantly decreased ventricular systolic function and diastolic function with regional wall motion abnormality and ventricular remodeling.

CONCLUSION

s 2D-type echocardiography combined with M-mode, PWD, TDI and EKVTM for allows accurate and sensitive detection of the loci and severity of myocardial infarction to provide important evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction.

[High-frequency echocardiography for assessment of regional wall motion abnormality and cardiac function in mice with myocardial infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of high-frequency echocardiography in assessing cardiac structure and function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Twenty-five C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n=10) and myocardial infarction model group (n=15) established by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. The cardiac structure, regional wall motion and cardiac function of mice were examined with pulsed wave Doppler (PWD), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), EKV and M-mode echocardiography 3 days before and at 1 week after the operation. The histological changes and myocardial structure of the heart were observed at 1 week after the operation.

RESULTS

High-frequency echocardiography and HE staining detected obvious myocardial infarction in the mice in the model group. Compared with the sham-operated mice, the mice with myocardial infarction showed significant left ventricular expansion, obvious thinning of the ventricular wall, and significantly decreased ventricular systolic function and diastolic function with regional wall motion abnormality and ventricular remodeling.

CONCLUSION

s 2D-type echocardiography combined with M-mode, PWD, TDI and EKVTM for allows accurate and sensitive detection of the loci and severity of myocardial infarction to provide important evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction.