Targeting inhibition of TCTP could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in AML cells

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a highly conserved multifunctional protein, which participates in many important physiological processes. Recently, the roles of TCTP in cell proliferation and apoptosis, especially its close relationship with various tumors, have attracted widespread attention. In this study, we found that the protein level of TCTP was significantly reduced in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4 transfected with retinoic acid-induced gene G (RIG-G). The RIG-G was found in our previous work as a key mediator of anti-proliferative activity in retinoid/interferon-related pathways. Here, we tried to further explore the function of TCTP in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from different levels. Our results showed that inhibiting TCTP expression could attenuate AML cells proliferation and induce apoptosis both in AML cell lines and in xenograft of NOD-SCID mice. In addition, either compared with patients in complete remission or non-leukemia patients, we detected that the expression of TCTP was generally high in the fresh bone marrow of AML patients, suggesting that there was a certain correlation between TCTP and AML disease progression. Taken together, our study revealed the role of TCTP in AML development, and provided a potential target for AML treatment.

Comparative efficacy of various pharmacologic treatments for alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

This study was to compare multiple classes of medications and medication combinations to find alternatives or additives for patients not applicable to benzodiazepines (BZDs). We performed a network meta-analysis to assess the comparative effect of 11 pharmacologic treatments in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Forty-one studies were included, comprising a total sample size of 4187 participants. The pooled results from the randomized controlled trials showed that there was no significant difference in the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment-Alcohol, revised (CIWA-Ar) reduction with other medications or medication combinations compared to BZDs. Compared to BZDs, the mean difference in ICU length of stay of anticonvulsants + BZDs was -1.71 days (95% CI = -2.82, -0.59). Efficacy rankings from cohort studies showed that anticonvulsant + BZDs were superior to other treatments in reducing CIWA-Ar scores and reducing the length of stay in the ICU. Synthesis results from randomized controlled trials indicate that there are currently no data suggesting that other medications or medication combinations can fully replace BZDs. However, synthetic results from observational studies have shown that BZDs are effective in the context of adjuvant anticonvulsant therapy, particularly with early use of gabapentin in combination with BZDs in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which represents a promising treatment option.

Risk Factors of Acute Pain in Elderly Patients After Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors of acute pain after laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in elderly patients.

METHODS

Totally, 143 elderly patients (≥ 60 y old) who received laparoscopic radical resection of CRC in the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from March 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to visual analog scale (VAS) scores 24 h after surgery: mild pain group (VAS score ≤ 3, n=108) and moderate to severe pain group (VAS score >3, n=35). The data of the patients, including sex, age, height, body mass, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative urine volume, intraoperative opioid dosage, operation duration, preoperative Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination scores, VAS scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting scores were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of postoperative acute pain in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of CRC.

RESULTS

The preoperative HADS score of the moderate to severe pain group was significantly increased compared with that of the mild pain group (10.8±2.4 vs. 6.2±1.9), as well as the operation duration (226.4±18.3 vs. 186.1±12.7), the intraoperative dosage of remifentanil (3.7±0.2 vs. 3.2±0.4), the preoperative VAS score [4(2, 7) vs. 2 (0, 4)] and postoperative VAS score [5 (4, 6) vs. 3 (2, 3)] ( P <0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high preoperative HADS score, long operation duration, and high preoperative VAS score ( P <0.05) were independent risk factors for acute pain after laparoscopic radical resection of CRC in elderly patients.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative anxiety and depression, preoperative pain, and long operation duration are risk factors for acute pain in elderly patients after laparoscopic radical resection of CRC.

Nrf2 protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic rats by inhibiting Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are considered to be two main drivers of diabetic myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (DM + MIRI). Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) play central roles in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and regulating oxidative stress, but the effects of the Nrf2-Drp1 pathway on DM-MIRI have not been reported. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the Nrf2-Drp1 pathway in DM + MIRI rats. A rat model of DM + MIRI and H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury were constructed. The therapeutic effect of Nrf2 was assessed by detecting myocardial infarct size, mitochondrial structure, levels of myocardial injury markers and oxidative stress, apoptosis, and Drp1 expression. The results showed that DM + MIRI rats had increased myocardial infarct size and Drp1 expression in myocardial tissue, accompanied by increased mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress. Interestingly, Nrf2 agonist dimethyl fumarate (DMF) could significantly improve cardiac function, mitochondrial fission, and decrease oxidative stress levels and Drp1 expression after ischemia. However, these effects of DMF would be largely counteracted by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Additionally, Nrf2 overexpression significantly suppressed Drp1 expression, apoptosis, and oxidative stress levels in H9c2 cells. Nrf2 attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in DM rats by reducing Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress.

Information technology improves the quality of transfusion practice in China

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Transfusion services in China must establish a quality management system, and regular inspection of quality indicators is an important component of quality management. Although the positive role of information technology in reducing human errors has been widely reported, its role in improving transfusion quality indicators still requires further study. This study explores the role of information technology in improving the quality of transfusion practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed an optimized blood transfusion management information system and then analysed the changes in four quality indicators before and after using the system to clarify the role of information technology in improving the quality of transfusion practice.

RESULTS

After using the optimized system, the completeness rate for transfusion request forms increased from 81.5% to 99.3%; an unqualified doctor's signature was the most common incomplete content (0.45%). The appropriate transfusion rate increased from 87% to 99.4%, and red blood cell and frozen plasma utilization in most surgical departments decreased. Although the reporting rate for adverse transfusion reactions increased from 0.22% to 0.49%, these increases might be partly due to changes in transfusion regulations. The adequacy rate of transfusion medical records increased from 74.8% to 90.4%. Overall, the inadequacy of informed consent for transfusion, pre-transfusion laboratory tests and documentation of the transfusion process were reduced from 6.4%, 6.2% and 12.6% to 1.7%, 2.0% and 5.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Information technology can play an important role in improving the quality of transfusion practice, as part of a programme of medical education, regular audit and other measures.

Phaeoisarialaianensis (Pleurotheciales, Pleurotheciaceae), a new species from freshwater habitats in China

Background

Freshwater fungi play an indispensable role in the ecosystem and have great research value. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated dataset of ITS, LSU and SSU sequences, a new species, Phaeoisarialaianensis, was introduced as a freshwater hyphomycete from Anhui Province, China.

New information

Phaeoisarialaianensis was morphologically described as erect, rigid, dark brown to black, velvety synnemata which has macronematous, septate, branched, brown to dark brown, parallel adpressed conidiophores with polyblastic, integrated, terminal, hyaline to pale brown, smooth, denticulate, sympodial conidiogenous cells and ellipsoidal to obovoid, rounded at the apex, obtuse and tapering towards base, septate, guttulate conidia. Based on molecular and morphological characteristics, it is confirmed to be a new species. All illustrations and descriptions have been provided.

The association between hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha gene rs2057482 polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Background

The rs2057482 polymorphism in the hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) gene has been reported to be associated with a risk of several types of cancer, but this association has not yet been definitively confirmed. We performed this meta-analysis to determine whether rs2057482 is associated with overall cancer risk.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for the potential studies about the association between the rs2057482 and cancer risk. The data of genotype frequencies in cases with cancer and controls were extracted from the selected studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the strength of the associations.

Results

The meta-analysis showed an association between the rs2057482 polymorphism and overall cancer risk. However, a stratified analysis of ethnicity did not show any significant association between rs2057482 and cancer risk in the Asian population.

Conclusions

The rs2057482 polymorphism was associated with decreased overall cancer risk, based on the currently available studies. However, this conclusion needs verification by further well-designed epidemiology studies that examine different cancer types and more subjects.

Development of Al-TiCN nanocomposites via ultrasonic assisted casting route

This work provides a promising approach to achieve the uniform distribution of TiCN nanoparticles (NPs) in aluminum matrix via a combination of ultrasonic dispersion and fast cooling processing. Microstructure analysis demonstrates that as the cooling rate is increased, the NP distribution in the matrix varies from intergranular to intragranular at micro scale and the NP-matrix interface from incoherent to coherent at nano scale. An analytical model is proposed to unveil the effects of cooling rates on the behavior of NPs at the solidification front. The theoretical analysis reveals that the NP size and cooling rate are the two prominent factors determining the NP distribution during solidification of nanocomposites. The experimental results yield an insight into the understanding of NP-induced microstructural evolution and shed new light on the development of high-performance nanocomposites.

The association between IGF1 Gene 3'-UTR polymorphisms and cancer risk: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene three prime untranslated region (3'-UTR) polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with cancer risk. However, the conclusions of the relevant studies are not consistent. The present meta-analysis evaluates the relationship between IGF1 gene 3'-UTR polymorphisms (rs5742714, rs6214, and rs6220) and cancer risk.

METHODS

Articles regarding the relationship between IGF1 rs5742714, rs6214, and rs6220 polymorphisms and cancer risk were selected by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases before April 30, 2018. Altogether, we obtained 34 case-controlled studies from 20 articles, including 21,568 cases and 31,199 controls. The strength of associations was quantified using odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In the present meta-analysis, no significant associations were detected between rs5742714, rs6214, and rs6220 and overall cancer risk. Thus, in stratified analyses, we found that rs6214 was associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer under the allele, heterozygote, and dominant models (A vs G: OR, 0.94, 95% CI,0.88-1.00, P = .044; GA vs GG: OR, 0.88, 95% CI, 0.80-0.97, P = .012; AA + GA vs GG: OR, 0.89, 95% CI, 0.81-0.97, P = .011), as well as pancreatic cancer under the recessive model (AA vs GA + GG: OR, 0.68, 95% CI,0.53-0.87, P = .003). Also, rs6220 was associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer under the homozygote model (GG vs AA: OR, 1.23, 95% CI, 1.02-1.48, P = .031). In addition, rs6220 was found to increase overall cancer risk among Caucasians under the allele model (G vs A: OR, 1.06, 95% CI, 1.00-1.13, P = .043).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis, we investigated and reviewed the relationship between IGF1 gene 3'-UTR polymorphisms (rs5742714, rs6214, and rs6220) and cancer risk based on present epidemiological studies. Further studies are needed to draw more precise conclusions in the future.

The association between IGF1 gene rs1520220 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis based on 12,884 cases and 58,304 controls

Background

The rs1520220 polymorphism in the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene has been reported to affect cancer susceptibly in several studies. However, the results of the relevant studies are inconsistent. We conduct a current meta-analysis to investigate the association between rs1520220 and cancer susceptibly.

Methods

Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched for studies regarding the relationship between rs1520220 and cancer susceptibly. Odds ratios (ORs) and the related 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to assess the strength of the associations. A stratified analysis was performed according to cancer type, ethnicity, and quality score, and when results were obtained from no fewer than two studies, these results were pooled.

Results

There was no positive association between rs1520220 and overall cancer risk. However, the analysis stratified by ethnicity revealed that rs1520220 significantly increased cancer susceptibility in Asian populations (allele model OR = 1.10, 95%Cl = 1.00–1.21, p = 0.040; homozygote model OR = 1.22, 95%Cl = 1.01–1.47, p = 0.040; dominant model OR = 1.19, 95%Cl = 1.01–1.39, p = 0.033). No significantly association was detected in Caucasian populations. The analysis stratified by cancer type suggested that rs1520220 was not associated with susceptibility to breast cancer.

Conclusions

The results of our meta-analysis demonstrate that the role of IGF1 rs1520220 in cancer susceptibility varies by ethnicity and cancer type and that rs1520220 increases cancer susceptibility in Asian populations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12199-018-0727-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The association between BRCA1 gene polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Many studies have reported that BRCA1 polymorphisms are associated with cancer risk, but the results remain controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the relationship between BRCA1 polymorphisms (rs799917, rs1799950, rs1799966, or rs16941) and cancer risk. Relevant studies were identified via a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to July 31, 2017. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine the strength of the associations. Thirty-five studies published in 19 publications involving 28,094 cases and 50,657 controls were included in this meta-analysis. There was no obvious association between rs799917, rs1799966, or rs16941 polymorphisms and overall cancer risk in any genetic models. However, subgroup analyses revealed that the rs799917 polymorphism could decrease the risk of cervical cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), gastric cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among Asian populations in one or more genetic models and that rs16941 could increase overall cancer risk among Caucasian populations in the homozygote and recessive models. Our meta-analysis also indicated that rs1799950 could decrease the breast cancer (BC) risk among Caucasian populations in the homozygote and recessive models. In summary, our results suggest that BRCA1 polymorphisms may play an important role in the etiology of cancer. However, due to the limited number of studies, these findings should be confirmed by new studies with larger sample sizes that address various types of cancer.

Weaker cognitive control abilities of Pi (Spleen) qi-deficient individuals supported Chinese medicine diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Pi (Spleen) qi-deficiency affected psychological and neural responses in relevance to cognitive control.

METHODS

Pi qi-deficient and balanced participants were asked to perform the Stroop task, a classical cognitive control paradigm. In this paradigm, participants had to judge the color of the prompted word. The word's meaning indicated the color (the consistent condition) or not (the inconsistent condition), or were unrelated to the color (the neutral condition). Electroencephalograph (EEG) was recorded during the task.

RESULTS

Event-related potential (ERP) results showed that Pi qi-deficient individuals failed to exhibit a normal Stroop effect as Balanced individuals did, such as the accuracy differences between the consistent and the inconsistent conditions as well as the N450 effect (P>0.05). Meanwhile, Pi qi-deficient individuals displayed larger P2 and P3 amplitudes than balanced individuals did during performing the cognitive control task (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pi qi-deficiency had psychological and neural basis at least in cognitive control aspect.

Remifentanil analgesia during external cephalic version for breech presentation in nulliparous women at term: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of remifentanil for pain relief during external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation in nulliparous women at term.

METHODS

A total of 144 nulliparous women with singleton breech presentation were randomly divided into the intervention group and the placebo group, with 72 subjects in each group. The subjects in the intervention group received remifentanil (infused at 0.1 μg kg min with demand boluses of 0.1 μg/kg), whereas those in the placebo group were given saline placebo. This study was conducted from May 2013 to April 2016. The outcomes measures include pain (measured with the visual analog scale, VAS), success rate of ECV, maternal satisfaction for ECV, and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 137 participants completed the study. The intervention with remifentanil showed greater efficacy than did placebo in decreasing the VAS score immediately after ECV (intervention group 4.3 ± 2.2 vs placebo group 6.4 ± 2.5, P < 0.01). A significant difference in the ECV success rate was also found between the 2 groups (intervention group 56.9% vs placebo group 38.9%, P = 0.03). In addition, a significant difference in the satisfaction score was also detected (intervention group 9.3 ± 0.9 vs placebo group 6.7 ± 1.2, P < 0.01). The observed adverse events were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that remifentanil could decrease pain, improve the ECV success rate, and improve satisfaction in nulliparous women at term during the period of ECV. Furthermore, it is also well tolerated with few adverse events.

Sertraline exerts its antitumor functions through both apoptosis and autophagy pathways in acute myeloid leukemia cells

It has been found that sertraline, a widely used antidepressant drug, possessed antitumor roles in a variety of cancers including liver cancer, colorectal cancer and lymphoma. In this study, we provided evidences that sertraline had potent antiproliferative activity not only in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines but also in the fresh leukemia cells from AML patients, and could induce cell death through both apoptosis and autophagy pathways. Moreover, we found that inhibiting autophagy pathway could partially attenuate sertraline-induced apoptosis and cell growth inhibition, indicating that sertraline-induced autophagy process could facilitate AML cell apoptosis to some degree. However, blocking apoptosis pathway seemed no obvious effects on sertraline-caused autophagy as well as cell growth inhibition. Our results suggested a potential application value of sertraline in the treatment of AML patients, furnishing some perspectives for novel therapeutic strategies in leukemia.

Clinical study of anesthetization by dezocine combined with propofol for indolent colonoscopy

AIM: To assess the use of dezocine combined with propofol for the anesthetization of patients undergoing indolent colonoscopy.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of patients undergoing indolent colonoscopy in the Xinjiang People’s Hospital was conducted from April 1 to April 30, 2015. The survey collected patient general information and anesthesia data, including overall medical experience and pain management. Thirty minutes after colonoscopy surgery, samples of venous blood were collected and the biochemical indicators of gastrointestinal function were analyzed.

RESULTS: There were 98 female and 62 male respondents. Indolent colonoscopy was found to be more suitable for mid to older-aged patients. The necessary conditions for the diagnosis of digestive diseases were required in 65 of the 73 inpatients. Adverse reactions to the intraoperative process included two cases of body movement and two cases of respiratory depression. Gastrin and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels were slightly increased. However, somatostatin and endothelin levels were slightly decreased.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed that dezocine combined with propofol can be successfully used for the anesthetization of indolent colonoscopy patients without pain and should be widely used.

Performance Assessment of Internal Quality Control (IQC) Products in Blood Transfusion Compatibility Testing in China

Internal quality control (IQC) is a critical component of laboratory quality management, and IQC products can determine the reliability of testing results. In China, given the fact that most blood transfusion compatibility laboratories do not employ IQC products or do so minimally, there is a lack of uniform and standardized IQC methods. To explore the reliability of IQC products and methods, we studied 697 results from IQC samples in our laboratory from 2012 to 2014. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of the IQCs in anti-B testing were 100% and 99.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the IQCs in forward blood typing, anti-A testing, irregular antibody screening, and cross-matching were all 100%. The reliability analysis indicated that 97% of anti-B testing results were at a 99% confidence level, and 99.9% of forward blood typing, anti-A testing, irregular antibody screening, and cross-matching results were at a 99% confidence level. Therefore, our IQC products and methods are highly sensitive, specific, and reliable. Our study paves the way for the establishment of a uniform and standardized IQC method for pre-transfusion compatibility testing in China and other parts of the world.

Rig-G negatively regulates SCF-E3 ligase activities by disrupting the assembly of COP9 signalosome complex

We previously showed that Rig-G, an antiproliferative protein induced by interferon, can sequester CSN5 protein in the cytoplasm. Here, we report that Rig-G can destroy the functions of CSN5-containing COP9 signalosome (CSN), a highly conserved multiprotein complex implicated in protein deneddylation, deubiquitination, and phosphorylation. By damaging integrity and stability of the CSN complex, Rig-G can dramatically reduce the cellular content of CSN complex and inhibit its regulatory roles in assembly and activation of cullin-RING ubiquitin E3 ligases (CRL). Furthermore, Rig-G can cause excessive activation of CRL through inhibition of CSN-mediated deneddylation, largely decreasing protein levels of Cul1 and βTrCP, two important subunits of SCF (Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein)-E3 ligase. Rig-G can also attenuate the ability of CSN to recruit USP15 and impair CSN-associated deubiquitination. Increased autoubiquitination of βTrCP and concomitant accumulation of target substrates (such as IκBα) are observed in Rig-G-expressing cells. Taken together, our findings reveal for the first time the negative regulation of Rig-G on SCF-E3 ligase activities through disrupting CSN complex, not only contributing to further investigation on biological functions of Rig-G, but also leading to better understanding of the CSN complex as a potential target in tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Neoplasm-like abdominal nonhematogenous disseminated tuberculous lymphadenopathy: CT evaluation of 12 cases and literature review

AIM: To assess the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) imaging in screening for abdominal nonhematogenous disseminated tuberculous lymphadenopathy (TL).

METHODS: The CT scans of 12 patients with abdominal nonhematogenous disseminated TL suggestive of neoplasm were retrospectively analyzed in this review. The final diagnoses were confirmed by lymph node pathology for seven patients and by laparoscopic surgery for five patients. All of the patients were treated at our institution between April 1995 and August 2009.

RESULTS: The sites of involvement were the periportal (n = 6), peripancreatic (n = 3), periaortic (n = 3), and mesenteric (n = 2) regions. On the plain CT scan, the lymphadenopathy showed a heterogeneous isodensity or hypodensity in 11 patients and a low density in one patient. Peripheral enhancement was observed on the dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scans for all patients. In two cases, scans were more revealing during the portal venous and delayed phases.

CONCLUSION: Abdominal lymphadenopathy with predominant peripheral rim-like enhancement on the dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scan may suggest a diagnosis of TL.

[Expression of ifi56 gene in ATRA-induced APL cell differentiation and construction of ifi56 gene eukaryotic expression plasmid]

This study was purposed to investigate the expression of ifi56 gene in the ATRA-induced acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) NB4 cell differentiation and to construct the eukaryotic expression plasmid of ifi56 gene. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of ifi56 in NB4 cells treated with ATRA for different time. Human ifi56 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pEGFP-C1 vector, then was transfected into 293T cells. The expression of the recombinant protein in 293T cells was detected by Western blot. The localization of IFI56 protein was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that the ifi56 mRNA was almost undetectable in untreated NB4 cells, but it significantly increased after ATRA treatment for 72 hours. The cDNA fragment of ifi56 was inserted into the expressing plasmid pEGFP-C1 successfully. The expression of EGFP-IFI56 fusion protein with a molecular weight about 83 kD was detected by Western blot. The EGFP-IFI56 protein was localized in cytoplasm mainly. It is concluded that the expression of ifi56 is enhanced significantly when the differentiation of APL cells was induced by ATRA. Gene ifi56 is successfully cloned into eukaryotic expression vector and the fusion protein is expressed in the cytoplasm mainly.

[Regulation mechanism for rig-g gene expression induced by all-trans retinoic acid]

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced rig-g gene expression and to better understand the signal transduction of ATRA during acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell differentiation, the luciferase reporter assay, co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to clarify the basic transcriptional factors, which directly initiated the expression of rig-g gene. The results showed that the expression of STAT2, IRF-9 and IRF-1 could be upregulated by ATRA with different kinetics in NB4 cells. IRF-9 was able to interact with STAT2 to form a complex, which could bind the rig-g gene promoter and trigger the rig-g expression. IRF-1 alone could also activate the reporter gene containing rig-g gene promoter, but C/EBPalpha could strongly inhibit this transcription activity of IRF-1. It is concluded that during ATRA-induced APL cell differentiation, IRF-1 is first upregulated by ATRA, and then IRF-1 increases the protein levels of IRF-9 and STAT2 with the downregulation of C/EBPalpha. The complex of IRF-9 and STAT2 is the primary transcriptional factor for rig-g gene induction. This study will be helpful for better understanding the signal transduction networks of ATRA during the course of APL cell differentiation.

Transplanted bone morphogenetic protein/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) delayed-release microcysts combined with rat micromorselized bone and collagen for bone tissue engineering

This study was designed to optimize the preparation of delayed-release microcysts containing bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) combined with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and to investigate their osteogenic properties when combined with rat autologous micromorselized bone and collagen. Rat autologous micromorselized bone, collagen and BMP-2/PLGA delayed-release microcysts were implanted in various combinations into the rat gluteus maximus muscle sack model. The following post-operative measurements were made: general observations of the implant site, histological observations, osteogenesis measurements and alkaline phosphatase activity. Autologous micromorselized bone combined with collagen and BMP-2/PLGA delayed-release microcysts demonstrated significantly superior osteogenic properties than any of the other combinations of these three components. These findings suggest that micromorselized bone combined with collagen and BMP-2/PLGA delayed-release microcysts could reduce the quantity of BMP-2 and autologous bone required for these procedures, making their use feasible in human bone restoration.

Effects of estradiol on liver estrogen receptor-α and its mRNA expression in hepatic fibrosis in rats

AIM: Estradiol treatment regulates estrogen receptor (ER) level in normal rat liver. However, little information is available concerning the role of estrogen in regulating liver ER in hepatic fibrosis in rats. The present study was conducted to determine whether estradiol treatment in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis of female and ovariectomized rats altered liver ERα and its mRNA expression, and to investigate the possible mechanisms.

METHODS: Seventy female rats were divided into seven groups with ten rats in each. The ovariectomy groups were initiated with ovariectomies and the sham operation groups were initiated with just sham operations. The CCl₄ toxic fibrosis groups received 400 mL/L CCl₄ subcutaneously at a dose of 2 mL/kg twice weekly. Estrogen groups were treated subcutaneously with estradiol 1 mg/kg, the normal control group and an ovariectomy group received injection of peanut oil vehicle twice weekly. At the end of 8 weeks, all the rats were killed to detect their serum and hepatic indicators, their hepatic collagen content, and liver ER and ER mRNA expression.

RESULTS: Estradiol treatment in both ovariectomy and sham ovariectomy groups reduced liver levels of ALT (from 658 ± 220 nkat/L to 311 ± 146 nkat/L and 540 ± 252 nkat/L to 314 ± 163 nkat/L, P < 0.05) and AST (from 697 ± 240 nkat/L to 321 ± 121 nkat/L and 631 ± 268 nkat/L to 302 ± 153 nkat/L, P < 0.05), increased serum nitric oxide (NO) level (from 53.7 ± 17.1 μmol/L to 93.3 ± 24.2 μmol/L and 55.3 ± 23.1 μmol/L to 87.5 ± 23.6 μmol/L, P < 0.05) and hepatic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity (from 1.73 ± 0.71 KU/g to 2.49 ± 1.20 KU/g and 1.65 ± 0.46 KU/g to 2.68 ± 1.17 KU/g, P < 0.05), diminished the accumulation of hepatic collagen, decreased centrolobular necrotic areas as well as the inflammatory reaction in rats subjected to CCl₄. The positive signal of ER and ER mRNA distributed in parenchymal and non-parenchymal hepatic cells, especially near the hepatic centrolobular and periportal areas. Ovariectomy decreased ER level (from 10.2 ± 3.2 to 4.3 ± 1.3) and ER mRNA expression (from 12.8 ± 2.1 to 10.9 ± 1.3) significantly (P < 0.05). Hepatic ER and ER mRNA concentrations were elevated after treatment with estradiol in both ovariectomy (15.8 ± 2.4, 20.8 ± 3.1) and sham ovariectomy (18.7 ± 3.8, 23.1 ± 3.7) fibrotic groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The increase in hepatic ER and mRNA expression may be part of the molecular mechanisms underlying the suppressive effect of estradiol on liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄ administration.

Effects of estradiol on type I, III collagens and TGF β1 in hepatic fibrosis in rats

AIM

To study the effects of estradiol on the production of collagen I, III and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF β₁) in experimental fibrosis in rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), and to investigate the suppressive effects of estrogen on liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Rats were randomly allocated into a normal control group, a model control group, a therapy control group and an estradiol group. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCL₄ administration. The estradiol group, apart from the administration of CCL₄, was treated subcutaneously with estradiol (benzoic estradiol) 1 mg/kg twice weekly. At the end of week 8, all the rats were sacrificed. Liver inflammation and collagen deposition were observed with HE and Masson's collagen stains, analyzed with scoring and staging systems. Type I, III collagens and TGF β₁ were observed with immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

CCL₄ group had the typical liver fibrosis compared with normal control group. The fibrous septa were formed in CCL₄ group rats, and collagens were accumulated and deposited in the sinusoids and liver lobules. The expression of type I , III collagens (0.58±0.26 vs 6.34±2.24, 1.07±0.49 vs 5.28±1.28, P<0.001) and TGF β₁ was significantly increased. Estradiol significantly attenuated collagen accumulation (P<0.05) in the fibrotic livers, and decreased type I , III collagens (2.47±0.76 vs 6.34±2.24, 3.02±1.20 vs 5.28±1.28, P<0.05) and TGF β₁ expression in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Estradiol treatment reduces the synthesis of hepatic type I , III collagens and TGF β₁ in the fibrotic liver induced by CCL₄ administration, and attenuates hepatic fibrosis.

Estrogen reduces CCL4- induced liver fibrosis in rats

AIM: Chronic liver diseases, such as fibrosis or cirrhosis, are more common in men than in women. This gender difference may be related to the effects of sex hormones on the liver. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of estrogen on CCL₄-induced fibrosis of the liver in rats.

METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in male, female and ovariectomized rats by CCL₄ administration. All the groups were treated with estradiol (1 mg/kg) twice weekly. And tamoxifen was given to male fibrosis model. At the end of 8 wk, all the rats were killed to study serum indicators and the livers.

RESULTS: Estradiol treatment reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hyaluronic acid (HA) and type IV collagen (CIV) in sera, suppressed hepatic collagen content, decreased the areas of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and lowered the synthesis of hepatic type I collagen significantly in both sexes and ovariectomy fibrotic rats induced by CCL₄ administration. Whereas, tamoxifen had the opposite effect. The fibrotic response of the female liver to CCL₄ treatment was significantly weaker than that of male liver.

CONCLUSION: Estradiol reduces CCL₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The antifibrogenic role of estrogen in the liver may be one reason for the sex associated differences in the progression from hepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis.

Dysfunctional mitochondrial respiration in the wobbler mouse brain

The involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction promoting neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been suggested. Histopathological and biochemical mitochondrial abnormalities have been reported in both sporadic and familial patients and suggest the contention that mitochondria may play a key role promoting ALS. Animal models of ALS provide a unique opportunity to study this incurable and fatal human disease. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that alterations in mitochondrial physiology occur in the brain of wobbler mice. No significant difference was found in the respiratory control index or adenosine diphosphate/oxygen ratio values between isolated mitochondria of wobbler and control mice. When pyruvate and malate were used as substrates, oxygen consumption was decreased significantly by approximately 33% in mitochondria isolated from wobbler mouse brain compared to controls. Oxygen consumption in the presence of ascorbate and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) was decreased significantly by approximately 21% in wobbler brain mitochondria compared to controls, which suggests impairment in the function of complex IV. These findings are the first demonstration of mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction in the brain of the wobbler mouse.

Cytochrome C is released from mitochondria into the cytosol after cerebral anoxia or ischemia

Mitochondrial dysfunction may underlie both acute and delayed neuronal cell death resulting from cerebral ischemia. Specifically, postischemic release of mitochondrial constituents such as the pro-apoptotic respiratory chain component cytochrome c could contribute acutely to further mitochondrial dysfunction and to promote delayed neuronal death. Experiments reported here tested the hypothesis that ischemia or severe hypoxia results in release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Cytochrome c was measured spectrophotometrically from either the cytosolic fraction of cortical brain homogenates after global ischemia plus reperfusion, or from brain slices subjected to severe hypoxia plus reoxygenation. Cytochrome c content in cytosol derived from cerebral cortex was increased after ischemia and reperfusion. In intact hippocampal slices, there was a loss of reducible cytochrome c after hypoxia/ reoxygenation, which is consistent with a decrease of this redox carrier in the mitochondrial pool. These results suggest that cytochrome c is lost to the cytosol after cerebral ischemia in a manner that may contribute to postischemic mitochondrial dysfunction and to delayed neuronal death.

Rapid preconditioning protects rats against ischemic neuronal damage after 3 but not 7 days of reperfusion following global cerebral ischemia

Earlier studies indicated that sublethal ischemic insults separated by many hours may "precondition" and, thereby, protect tissues from subsequent insults. In Wistar rats, we examined the hypothesis tht ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can improve histopathological outcome even if the "conditioning" and "test" ischemic insults are separated by only 30 min. Normothermic (36.5-37 degrees C) global cerebral ischemia was produced by bilateral carotid artery ligation after lowering mean systemic blood pressure. The conditioning ischemic insult lasted 2 min and was associated with a time sufficient to provoke "anoxic depolarization" (AD) (i.e., the abrupt maximal increase in extracellular potassium ion activity). After 30 min of reperfusion, 10-min test ischemia was produced, and histopathology was assessed 3 and 7 days later. After 3 days of reperfusion, neuroprotection was most robust in the left lateral, middle and medial subsections of the hippocampal CA1 subfield and in the cortex, where protection was 91, 76, 70 and 86%, respectively. IPC also protected the right lateral, middle and medial subsections of the hippocampal CA1 region. These data demonstrate that neuroprotection against acute neuronal injury can be achieved by conditioning insults followed by only short (30 min) periods of reperfusion. However, neuroprotection almost disappeared when reperfusion was continued for 7 days. When test ischemia was decreased to 7 min, a clear trend of neuroprotection by IPC was observed. These data suggest that subsequent rescue of neuronal populations could be achieved with better understanding of the neuroprotective mechanisms involved in this rapid IPC model.

Molecular executors of cell death--differential intrarenal expression of Fas ligand, Fas, granzyme B, and perforin during acute and/or chronic rejection of human renal allografts

Two distinct cytolytic pathways have been characterized: one in which the interaction between the Fas antigen and its ligand results in apoptosis, and another in which the pore forming protein perforin and the serine protease granzyme B contribute to DNA fragmentation and cell death. We investigated intrarenal expression of these molecular executors of cell death in light of the potential participation of cytolytically active cellular elements in the antiallograft repertory. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to identify intrarenal expression of Fas antigen, Fas ligand, granzyme B and perforin in eighty human renal allograft biopsies; mRNA display was correlated with the Banff histological diagnosis of renal allografts. Our studies demonstrate that: (1) intrarenal expression of Fas ligand mRNA and of granzyme B mRNA are correlates of acute but not chronic rejection; (2) Fas ligand mRNA is not detectable in allografts in the absence of rejection; (3) intrarenal coexpression of members of each lytic pathway (Fas ligand and Fas, granzyme B, and perforin) and that of both pathways (e.g., Fas ligand and granzyme B) are correlates of acute rejection; and (4) a direct correlation exists between the histological severity of acute rejection and intrarenal coexpression of mRNA encoding Fas ligand, Fas, granzyme B, and perforin. Our studies identify, for the first time, the differential expression of the two major lytic pathways in acute and chronic allograft rejection and suggest that specific therapy directed at the cytotoxic attack molecules might be efficacious in the prevention and/or treatment of acute rejection.

Intragraft TGF-beta 1 mRNA: a correlate of interstitial fibrosis and chronic allograft nephropathy

Chronic allograft nephropathy is a relentlessly progressive process and a major cause of long-term graft dysfunction and ultimate failure. Interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and glomerular and vascular lesions characterize this mechanistically unresolved disorder. Given the prominent role of TGF-beta 1 in tissue repair and in fibrosis, we have explored the hypothesis that fibrosis and chronic allograft nephropathy would be distinguished by intragraft TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression. This postulate was tested by mRNA phenotyping of RNA isolated from 127 human renal allograft biopsies. Reverse transcription assisted polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify and identify ingraft gene expression. Our investigation demonstrated a significant correlation between intragraft TGF-beta 1 mRNA display and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis and chronic allograft nephropathy. In contrast, intragraft expression of mRNA encoding immunoregulatory cytokines, IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, or cytotoxic attack molecules, granzyme B and perforin was not a correlate of interstitial fibrosis or chronic allograft nephropathy. Our studies identify, for the first time, a significant association between intragraft TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis, and advance a candidate molecular mechanism for chronic allograft nephropathy.

Intragraft expression of IL-10 messenger RNA: a novel correlate of renal allograft rejection

A major conceptual advance is the formulation that type I cytokines (such as IL-2 and IFN-gamma) enhance cellular immunity and are host-protective, and that type II cytokines (such as IL-4 and IL-10) dampen cellular immunity and facilitate the progression of infection. We have explored the intragraft expression of type I and type II cytokines during human renal allograft rejection. RNA was isolated from 98 allograft biopsies, and reverse transcription-PCR was used to amplify and identify intragraft expression of mRNA encoding IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4, or IL-10. Intragraft expression of IL-7 mRNA and TGF-beta 1 mRNA was also investigated. Our investigation demonstrated that: (a) intragraft expression of IL-10 mRNA and IL-2 mRNA are significant correlates of acute rejection; (b) IL-4, IL-7, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression do not correlate with acute rejection; and (c) IL-10 does not prevent in vivo expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-7, or TGF-beta 1. Our studies identify, for the first time, a significant association between intragraft IL-10 mRNA expression and acute rejection, and suggest that treatment strategies capable of constraining IL-10 expression might be of value in the prevention of acute rejection.

[Morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) potentiates noxious stimulus-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactivity in the rat spinal cord]

The effect of morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) on noxious stimulus-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactivity in the rat spinal cord were assessed by ABC method. It was found that a dose-dependent increase of Fos-like immunoreactive neurons could be induced by M3G intrathecal injection followed by formaline injection into hindpaw. With high dosage M3G (1.1 x 10(-7) mole), dense Fos-like labelling was found in the superficial and the deep dorsal horn bilaterally, While with low dosage M3G (5.4 x 10(-8) and 1.1 x 10(-8) mole), most of the positively labelled neurons were only found in laminae I and II of the ipsilateral dorsal horn to the injured paw. The above results revealed that M3G exerts a potentiating effect on the noxious stimulus-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactivity in the rat spinal cord.

N-nitroso compounds in fresh gastric juice and their relation to intragastric pH and nitrite employing an improved analytical method

In order to examine further the relationship between intragastric N-nitrosation, gastric pH and nitrite, 457 fresh, fasting gastric juice samples were analysed for total N-nitroso compounds (NOC) and nitrite concentrations using a recently described improved assay method. Nitrite in log values was linearly related to intragastric pH (r = 0.887, P < 0.01) with a regression equation log[nitrite] (mumol/l) = 0.489 x pH - 2.209. Significantly higher NOC concentrations were found at intragastric pH ranges of 1.13-2.99 (mean +/- SE: 1.45 +/- 0.17 mumol/l, P < 0.05) and 6.00-8.42 (3.57 +/- 0.33 mumol/l, P < 0.01) compared with that at pH 3.00-5.99 (1.02 +/- 0.12 mumol/l). NOC concentration was significantly related to log nitrite concentration at both the low pH range 1.13-4.99 (r = 0.169, P < 0.01) and the high pH range 5.00-8.42 (r = 0.450, P < 0.01). The results in the present study confirm that both acid-catalysed N-nitrosation and biologically-catalysed N-nitrosation occur in the human stomach. However, great variations in nitrite and NOC concentrations were observed in both low and high pH samples, indicating that, as expected, both the acid-catalysed N-nitrosation and biologically-catalysed N-nitrosation processes are markedly affected by factors other than intragastric pH and nitrite.

Instability of N-nitroso compounds in gastric juice and preliminary results from analyses of fresh samples by using an improved analytical method

Using an improved method for determination of total N-nitroso compounds (NOC), we examined the stability of those compounds in fresh gastric juice samples during storage and the effects of the addition of 2% sulphamic acid on NOC concentration in 212 samples. The NOC levels in fresh samples decreased very rapidly at -20 degrees C, especially during the first 24 hours of storage (P < 0.01), and nitrite concentration also showed a decreasing trend during storage. The addition of sulphamic acid significantly reduced NOC levels from 1.97 +/- 0.21 to 1.10 +/- 0.12 mumol/l (mean +/- SE, P < 0.01), especially in samples of initially high pH. However, in some individual samples (16.5%) the NOC levels actually increased by 14.1% (P < 0.01). The results from analysis of NOC in 212 fresh samples in relation to pH demonstrated two significantly higher peaks of NOC concentrations at intragastric pH ranges 1.1 to 2.99 (P < 0.05) and 6.0 to 7.9 (P < 0.01). There was a significant relationship between nitrite level and intragastric pH (r = 0.480, P < 0.01), the nitrite concentration increasing dramatically when the pH exceeded 6.0. The present study suggest that a major proportion of the unidentified NOC formed through intragastric nitrosation is labile NOC; if the true concentration of NOC is to be determined it is therefore essential to analyse fresh gastric juice samples directly after collection and without pretreatment. It will also be necessary to characterize those labile NOC in order to study further the mechanism of endogenous N-nitrosation in man and its relation to human carcinogenesis.

Effects of fruit juices, processed vegetable juice, orange peel and green tea on endogenous formation of N-nitrosoproline in subjects from a high-risk area for gastric cancer in Moping County, China

The effects of four fruit juices, processed vegetable juice, orange peel, green tea and low dose vitamin C on endogenous N-nitrosation in 86 subjects from a high-risk area for gastric cancer in Moping County, China were studied using urinary excretion of N-nitrosoproline (NPRO) as an indicator. After ingestion of 300 mg L-proline, urinary excretion of NPRO was significantly increased from a baseline of 2.5 +/- 1.6 micrograms/day to 8.7 +/- 6.2 micrograms/day. (P < 0.001). Vitamin C (75 mg) administration significantly reduced NPRO formation (62.3%, P < 0.002) although NPRO excretion remained higher than the baseline level (4.2 +/- 1.3 vs 2.2 +/- 1.2 micrograms/day, P < 0.001). Intake of fruit juices and green tea extracts (containing 75 mg vitamin C) or of orange peel powder (containing 3 mg vitamin C) together with 300 mg L-proline inhibited NPRO formation effectively to the baseline level or to levels significantly lower than the baseline level (P < 0.05-0.005). A processed juice of a number of vegetables (300 ml) significantly catalysed endogenous nitrosation (14.7 +/- 11.8 vs 9.4 +/- 4.7 micrograms/day, P < 0.05). Endogenous N-nitrosation was unaffected by the presence of intragastric lesions. The present study shows that endogenous nitrosation in this population is profoundly affected by environmental factors and that inhibitors, such as vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol and other non-nutritive compounds in the foods do inhibit endogenous nitrosation either synergistically or in an additive manner. The significance of fruits and vegetables in prevention of human cancers is discussed.

Hypothesis on the relationship between gastric cancer and intragastric nitrosation: N-nitrosamines in gastric juice of subjects from a high-risk area for gastric cancer and the inhibition of N-nitrosamine formation by fruit juices

The concentration of N-nitrosamines (NNA) in gastric juice was determined as an indicator of intragastric N-nitrosation in 85 subjects from a high-risk area for gastric cancer (GC) to examine the relationship between N-nitroso compounds (NOC), pH and intragastric lesions under strictly controlled conditions. Mean gastric pH in subjects with GC or dysplasia (Group GD, 5.0 +/- 2.7) was higher than that from subjects with intestinal metaplasia (Group IM, 3.8 +/- 2.1, p = 0.068) and significantly higher than in those with normal mucosa or superficial gastritis (Group NS, 2.6 +/- 1.9, p < 0.001). No significant difference (p > 0.1) was found in total NNA concentrations between the three groups (GD 1.81 +/- 1.05 micrograms/l, IM 1.46 +/- 0.79 micrograms/l, NS 1.56 +/- 1.38 micrograms/l). However, two obvious peaks of nitrosation were observed at pH ranges of < 2.0 and 5.5-7.5. These observations were confirmed by using the N-nitrosoproline test in the same subjects under the same conditions (r = 0.772, p < 0.05). These results indicate that intragastric nitrosation can occur in both acidic and nearly neutral conditions. The first peak is related to acid-catalysed nitrosation (ACN) and the second is related to biologically catalysed nitrosation (BCN). According to these and other published results the hypothesis that there are two basic mechanisms, ACN and BCN, for intragastric N-nitrosation in humans is explored. Gastric carcinogenesis in high-risk areas is more likely to be related to intragastric NOC formed by ACN, compared to low-risk areas where it is more likely to be related to intragastric NOC formed by BCN. Fruit juices and orange peel significantly inhibited intragastric nitrosation by both ACN and BCN.

[Study on relationship between occurrence of intragastric lesions and drinking water and nitrate intake via water in the inhabitants from a high-risk area for stomach cancer]

According to results of endoscopic and pathological evaluations of gastric mucosa, we investigated some aspects of drinking water for three groups of subjects with various intragastric lesions from a high-risk area (Moping County) for stomach cancer. Their nitrate intakes via drinking water were estimated. The results showed that the occurrence of stomach cancer and other intragastric lesions in these subjects was closely related to their drinking water quality and nitrate intake via water.