Classification and hemodynamic characteristics of delayed intracerebral hemorrhage following stent-assisted coil embolism in unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Background and objective

Stent-assisted coil (SAC) embolization is a commonly used endovascular treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) but can be associated with symptomatic delayed intracerebral hemorrhage (DICH). Our study aimed to investigate the hemodynamic risk factors contributing to DICH following SAC embolization and to establish a classification for DICH predicated on hemodynamic profiles.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with UIAs located in the internal carotid artery (ICA) treated with SAC embolization at our institution from January 2021 to January 2022. We focused on eight patients who developed postoperative DICH and matched them with sixteen control patients without DICH. Using computational fluid dynamics, we evaluated the hemodynamic changes in distal arteries [terminal ICA, the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and middle cerebral artery (MCA)] pre-and post-embolization. We distinguished DICH-related arteries from unrelated ones (ACA or MCA) and compared their hemodynamic alterations. An imbalance index, quantifying the differential in flow velocity changes between ACA and MCA post-embolization, was employed to gauge the flow distribution in distal arteries was used to assess distal arterial flow distribution.

Results

We identified two types of DICH based on postoperative flow alterations. In type 1, there was a significant lower in the mean velocity increase rate of the DICH-related artery compared to the unrelated artery (-47.25 ± 3.88% vs. 42.85 ± 3.03%; p < 0.001), whereas, in type 2, there was a notable higher (110.58 ± 9.42% vs. 17.60 ± 4.69%; p < 0.001). Both DICH types demonstrated a higher imbalance index than the control group, suggesting an association between altered distal arterial blood flow distribution and DICH occurrence.

Conclusion

DICH in SAC-treated UIAs can manifest as either a lower (type 1) or higher (type 2) in the rate of velocity in DICH-related arteries. An imbalance in distal arterial blood flow distribution appears to be a significant factor in DICH development.

[Diagnostic and prognostic values of flow cytometry in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with bone marrow involvement]

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic and prognostic values of flow cytometry (FC) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with bone marrow involvement (BMI). Methods: The clinical data of 412 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL, including 243 males and 169 females, aged 64 (28-92) years old, in the Department of Hematology at Peking University Third Hospital from December 2012 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bone marrow biopsy (BMB) and bone marrow FC. The patients with BMI by FC were further detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for gene analysis. The positive rates and consistency of BMI detected by BMB and FC were evaluated. According to the results of BMB and FC examinations, all patients were divided into four groups: the BMB+FC+group (115 cases), the BMB-FC+group (50 cases), the BMB+FC-group (8 cases, the results did not include in statistical analysis because of small sample size), and the BMB-FC-group (239 cases). The clinical features, treatment response rates, 5-year survival rates, and immunophenotype characteristics by FC in different groups were analyzed. Results: Among the 412 patients with DLBCL, the positivity rates of BMB and FC for BMI detection were 29.9% (123/412) and 40.0% (165/412), respectively. Good consistency between BMB and FC was found (Kappa=0.841, P=0.001). The numbers of extranodal involvement≥2, splenomegaly, huge mass, higher Ki-67 score, higher international prognostic index (IPI) score, thrombocytopenia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase level were more prevalent in the BMB+FC+group than those in the BMB-FC+group and the BMB-FC-group (all P<0.05). The treatment response rate in BMB+FC+group was 63.5% (73/115), which was lower than those in BMB-FC+group (88.0%, 44/50, P=0.048) and BMB-FC-group (90.0%, 215/239, P=0.032), respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates in three groups were (53.6±9.7) %, (72.5±8.6) %, and (75.2±7.6) %, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.037). According to the FISH results of bone marrow, 102 cases were diagnosed as not otherwise specified (NOS), 48 cases were diagnosed as double hit lymphoma (DHL), and 15 cases were diagnosed as triple hit lymphoma (THL). Compared with NOS subtypes, the tumor cells in DHL or THL subtypes had higher proportion of increased side scatter (SSC), higher positive rates of CD10 expression, CD38 strong expression and CD56 expression, and lower proportion of surface immunoglobulin light chain restriction (all P<0.05). Conclusions: FC is well consistent with BMB in diagnosing DLBCL with BMI. Combined with FISH detection, FC can contribute to the auxiliary diagnosis and risk stratification for DHL and THL, and provide reference for the prognostic evaluation in DLBCL with BMI.

Virtual simulation with AneuShape™ software for microcatheter shaping in intracranial aneurysm coiling: a validation study

Background

The shaping of an accurate and stable microcatheter plays a vital role in the successful embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Our study aimed to investigate the application and the role of AneuShape™ software in microcatheter shaping for intracranial aneurysm embolization.

Methods

From January 2021 to June 2022, 105 patients with single unruptured intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed with or without AneuShape™ software to assist in microcatheter shaping. The rates of microcatheter accessibility, accurate positioning, and stability for shaping were analyzed. During the operation, fluoroscopy duration, radiation dose, immediate postoperative angiography, and procedure-related complications were evaluated.

Results

Compared to the manual group, aneurysm-coiling procedures involving the AneuShape™ software exhibited superior results. The use of the software resulted in a lower rate of reshaping microcatheters (21.82 vs. 44.00%, p = 0.015) and higher rates of accessibility (81.82 vs. 58.00%, p = 0.008), better positioning (85.45 vs. 64.00%, p = 0.011), and higher stability (83.64 vs. 62.00%, p = 0.012). The software group also required more coils for both small (<7 mm) and large (≥7 mm) aneurysms compared to the manual group (3.50 ± 0.19 vs. 2.78 ± 0.11, p = 0.008 and 8.22 ± 0.36 vs. 6.00 ± 1.00, p = 0.081, respectively). In addition, the software group achieved better complete or approximately complete aneurysm obliteration (87.27 vs. 66.00%, p = 0.010) and had a lower procedure-related complication rate (3.60 vs. 12.00%, p = 0.107). Without this software, the operation had a longer intervention duration (34.31 ± 6.51 vs. 23.87 ± 6.98 min, p < 0.001) and a higher radiation dose (750.50 ± 177.81 vs. 563.53 ± 195.46 mGy, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Software-based microcatheter shaping techniques can assist in the precise shaping of microcatheters, reduce operating time and radiation dose, improve embolization density, and facilitate more stable and efficient intracranial aneurysm embolization.

[Study on mechanisms of Th17/Treg imbalance in patients with cystic echinococcosis based on miRNA expression profiles]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serum microRNA (miRNA) expression and examine the impact of miRNA expression profiles on T helper type 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) imbalance among patients with cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into the illustration of the mechanisms underlying chronic Echinococcus granulosus infections, and long-term pathogenesis.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from the sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, and subjected to high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina sequencing platform. Known miRNAs were annotated and new miRNAs were predicted using the miRBase database and the miRDeep2 tool, and differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using the software miRanda and TargetScan, and the intersection was selected for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, miRNAs that targeted genes relating to key transcription factors RORC and FOXP3 that determine the production of Th17 and Treg cells or their important regulatory pathways (PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways) were matched.

RESULTS

A total of 53 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened in sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, including 47 up-regulated miRNAs and 6 down-regulated miRNAs. GO enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNA were involved DNA transcription and translation, cell components, cell morphology, neurodevelopment and metabolic decomposition, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNA were mainly involved in MAPK, PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, there were 3 miRNAs that had a potential for target regulation of RORC, and 15 miRNAs that had a potential to target the PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant changes are found in serum miRNA expression profiles among patients with E. granulosus infections, and differentially expressed miRNAs may lead to Th17/Treg imbalance through targeting the key transcription factors of Th17/Treg or PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways, which facilitates the long-term parasitism of E. granulosus in hosts and causes a chronic disease.

[The pathological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hematopoietic cell tumors of ambiguous lineage]

Objective: To explore the key points of the pathological and differential diagnoses of extra-medullary masses of hematopoietic cell tumors of ambiguous lineage, and to discuss the possible solutions. Methods: Five hematopoietic cell tumors of ambiguous lineage cases were collected, including myeloid sarcoma, mixed phenotype acute leukemia, B/myeloid, T-lymphoblastic lymphoma combined with acute myeloid leukemia, acute undifferentiated leukemia with cutaneous MPDCP and early T-precursor cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The data including morphology, immunostaining, and flow cytometry analysis were collected, and we explored the problems and differential diagnosis in the diagnosis of hematopoietic cell tumors of ambiguous lineage. Results: The five cases showed that the accurate pathological diagnosis and classification of hematopoietic cell tumors of ambiguous lineage should be based on lineage-specific antigens. Moreover, tumor cells have the potential of multi-directional differentiation. In different sites or different periods, the differentiation of tumor cells may be different. Biopsy and detection of all related markers should be performed for the initial diagnosis, and the detection should be repeated when the condition of the patient changes. Combined application of multi-techniques, including morphology and flow cytometry analysis, is recommend for the diagnosis of hematopoietic cell tumors of ambiguous lineage, since the conventional morphology and immunophenotyping methods are limited. Conclusion: Hematopoietic cell tumors of ambiguous lineage are derived from hematopoietic stem cells with a potential of multi-differentiation. The differentiation of tumor cells is variable. We need to integrate cell morphology, flow cytometry, pathology, clinical data, and molecular genetics to make a comprehensive diagnosis.

Nuclear export protein CSE1L interacts with P65 and promotes NSCLC growth via NF-κB/MAPK pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized with high morbidity and mortality, mainly due to frequent recurrence and metastasis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of NSCLC tumorigenesis are largely unclear. Through data mining in the ONCOMINE and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, the expression of CSE1L (chromosome segregation like 1 protein/CAS), an exportin, was identified to be significantly upregulated in NSCLC and positively associated with poor prognosis of patients. By use of in vitro and in vivo gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we found that CSE1L can promote NSCLC cell proliferation while inhibiting cell apoptosis. Through immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry experiments, we demonstrated that CSE1L interacted with RELA (named as P65) and affected its location in the nucleus. Moreover, we found that one of the mechanisms by which CSE1L promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis is through activating the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In summary, our findings indicated an oncogenic role of CSE1L in NSCLC tumorigenesis.

[Advances of studies on the occurrence of the upper respiratory disease correlative with immunity and tobacco]

SummaryTobacco smoke exposure has obvious and complex effects on the immune system of the human upper respiratory tract, including pro-inflammatory and anti-immune effects. Exposure to tobacco smoke is closely related to the occurrence and development of allergic rhinitis, the common rhinitis and sinusitis. The innate immune system is influenced by tobacco smoking through its effects on the respiratory mucosa and its adjuncts, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils and innate immune receptors. Cigarette smoke can also affect the humoral immunity and cellular immunity, altering the acquired immune condition of the upper respiratory tract. Tobacco smoke exposure promotes the occurrence and development of the upper respiratory tract infectious diseases and allergic diseases by changing the composition of microflora in the upper respiratory tract.

[Patients of Escherichia coli bloodstream infection: analysis of antibiotic resistance and predictors of mortality]

Objective: To analyze the drug resistance of Escherichia coli (E.coli) from bloodstream infection (BSI) and the predictors of mortality in E. coli bloodstream infection (BSI). Methods: The clinical data of 139 E. coli BSI cases diagnosed from January 2012 to December 2015 in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Lanxi Branch (Lanxi People's Hospital), Zhejiang Province, were retrospectively analyzed. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Vitek 2 system. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were detected by disk diffusion confirmatory testing. The factors associated with ESBLs-producing strains were identified by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent predictors of infection mortality by applying Logistic regression. Results: 42.4% of E. coli isolates were ESBLs-producing. The resistant rate of imipenem was 0.7%. The percent of ESBLs in hospital-acquired infection was higher than that in community-acquired infection but without statistical significance (48.7% versus 40.0%, P=0.350). Univariate analysis suggested that the percent of ESBLs-producing strains in BSI happened on ≥15 d after admission and in BSI of biliary tract infection source was 76.9% and 68.0%, which were much higher than those in BSI happened on <15 d after admission and in BSI of non-biliary tract infection source (34.6% and 36.8%, P=0.013 and 0.004). The overall mortality of E. coli BSI was 13.7%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA ) score (OR=1.393, P<0.001), ceftazidime non-susceptibility (OR=4.444, P=0.018) and liver cirrhosis (OR=13.513, P=0.001) were independent risk factors of mortality. Conclusions: The frequency of ESBLs-producing E. coli was high in primary hospital of Zhejiang Province. SOFA score, ceftazidime non-susceptibility and cirrhosis were predictors of poor outcome in E. coli BSI.

A 58-Year Old Male with Cognitive Deteriorations Caused by Septum Pellucidum Cyst: A Case Report

Dementia is known to be induced by vascular dementia and certain neurodegenerative diseases. The presenting features of disordered memory, intellect and personality often result in referral to a neurologist initially. Septum pellucidum cyst (SPC) is a rare clinical finding and defined as a cystic structure between the lateral ventricles. SPC induced memory disorder and dementia has been seldom reported in which the clinical features are atypical and can be misdiagnosed. The main difficulty is to establish a correlation between symptoms and the cyst. When indicated, the treatment is essentially surgical and the ideal operative technique is also a matter of debate. Here, we reported a 58-year-male Chinese patient who presented with memory impairment 1 year ago. Both the physical and laboratory examinations were performed to evaluate the general conditions of the patient. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was applied to observe SPC and the neighboring brain structures. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess cognitive function. The results of the patient’s laboratory examinations were normal. However, the patient exhibited severe sleeplessness along with cognitive deteriorations despite short-term (less than 2 weeks) use of benzodiazepines with regular dose. MRI fulfills the consensus criteria for clinical diagnosis of SPC. Furthermore, the results of MMSE and MoCA were showed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) before the treatment of SPC. After neuroendoscopic fenestration of SPC, the patient’s syndromes were disappeared, and his cognitive function was improved. In conclusion, the patient’s symptoms were due to a secondary lesion attributed to the cyst. Comprehensive clinical evaluation and MRI help diagnose SPC induced dementia.

[Comparison of Criminal Characteristics in Depression Patients and Schizophrenics with Homicide Behavior]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the criminal characteristics of forensic psychiatry expertise in depression patients and schizophrenics with homicide behavior.

METHODS

A total of 40 depression （depressive episode） patients and 50 schizophrenics with homicide behavior were randomly assigned into the study group and control group, respectively. Data of demographic and criminal characteristic of the two groups were collected by a self-designed questionnaire, and then were compared.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences in age, education level and career between study and control groups （P>0.05）. Compared with the control group, the victims in the study group were mainly the patient's children and parents, and most offenders had suicidal behavior after homicide （70%）. In study group, the motives of crime were mainly extended suicide and indirect suicide, and most offenders had attempted suicide （85%） and diminished capacity of criminal responsibility （70%）, which in control group had no capacity of criminal responsibility （56%）. Except for criminal site, there were statistical differences in other criminal characteristics between two groups （P<0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

There are different criminal characteristics between depression patients and schizophrenics with homicide behavior in forensic psychiatry, and these characteristics should be considered when these two diagnoses are distinguished in forensic psychiatry expertise.

[Retrospective analyses of CHOPE plus L-asparaginase regimen in treatment of T-cell lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate prognostic factors of the T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (T-NHL), and to study the clinical efficacy of CHOPE plus L-asparaginase(L-ASP) regimen for T-NHL.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses were made of 61 T-NHL patients who were treated from July 2007 to August 2013. Randomly divided into two groups CHOPE and CHOPE+L group(Based on CHOPE, added with L-ASP on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th day).

RESULTS

Of the 61 patients evaluatd with the median survival was 22 (3-65) months,the complete remission rate was 52.50%, the partial remission rate 29.51%, and the response rate 80.01%. The complete remission rate was 57.89%, and the patial remission rate 84.21% in CHOPE+L and the complete remission rate 43.48%, the response rate 78.26% in CHOPE, respectively (both P>0.05). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 91.0%, 87.6% and 65.7% respectively (P>0.05). But the overall survival rate in CHOPE+L was significantly higher than that in CHOPE group in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL) (P<0.05). The analysis of the prognostic factors indicated that ENKTCL, the outside junction lesions, and the CR rate were poor factors with statistic significance in T-NHL.

CONCLUSION

CHOPE+L regimen has better efficacy for ENKTCL, but whether CHOPE+L regimen is used in the treatment of T-NHL, large prospective clinical trials are worth for further investigation.

[Early immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To search for differences in early immune reconstitution after allogenic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

The peripheral blood (PB) from 31 adult patients undergoing allogenic HSCT (allo-HSCT, 15 patients) or autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT, 16 patients) for the treatment of hematological malignancies and from 20 related healthy controls (HC) from December 2011 to August 2014 was used to analyze the kinetic recovery of lymphocyte subsets by means of flow cytometry during 12 months after HSCT. The T cell receptor rearrangement excision circle (TREC) levels among CD3(+) T cells were measured in the patients and HC to evaluate the thymic-dependent T cell reconstitution.

RESULTS

The allo- and auto-HSCT recipients did not differ significantly in CD4(+) T cells, CD8 naive T cells, effecter memory T cells (TEM), CD4 central memory T cells (TCM), mid-activated T cells and dendritic cells (DC)during the follow-up (P>0.05). But they both differed significantly from HC (P<0.05). CD8(+) T cells and NK cells reconstructed rapidly. There was no significant difference in the numbers of B cells between the allo- and auto-HSCT groups from M1 to M3 (P>0.05). B cells in both the groups were lower than those in HC (P<0.05). The recovery of B cells in auto-HSCT group was faster than in allo-HSCT group at M6 and M12 (P<0.05). The frequencies of CD4 naive T cells and later activated T cells in allo-HSCT group were significantly higher than in auto-HSCT group at M6 and M12 (P<0.05). The frequencies of CD8 TCM in auto-HSCT group were significantly higher than in allo-HSCT group at M6 and M12 (P<0.05). The TREC levels were significantly lower than in both the groups compared with the age-matched HC during the follow-up (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between allo-HSCT and auto-HSCT groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The differences of the nature and the speed of lymphocyte reconstitution observed between the two patents groups were minor. This leads us to conclude that in allografted patients, immune reconstitution and subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes are probably not related to the allogenicity of the graft, but due to the impaired thymus functions and slow differentiation of T lymphocytes in thymus.

B10 Cells Ameliorate the Progression of Lupus Nephritis by Attenuating Glomerular Endothelial Cell Injury

BACKGROUND/AIM

B10 cells are generally considered to inhibit the kidney injury in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mouse models, but recently this function of B10 cells was denied by the lineage-specific deletion of IL-10 from B cells. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether and how B10 cells play a protective role in lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

LN and non-LN SLE patients without receiving any treatments were recruited, and the percentages of circulating B10 cell were determined. Furthermore, the purified B10 cells were transferred into MRL/lpr SLE mice, and the exact effects of B10 cells on LN progression were investigated.

RESULTS

The percentage of circulating B10 cells was significantly higher in patient than in healthy controls, while they were fewer in LN patients than non-LN SLE patients. Moreover, B10 cells rather than plasma IL-10 levels were negatively correlated with disease severity especially with kidney injury in LN patients. In animal experiments, the glomerular injuries including the proteinuria and pathological scores were significantly attenuated in SLE mice transferred with B10 cells, accompanied by the decreased glomerular endothelial cell CD54/CD106 expression, and glomerular p38 phosphorylation as well as increased SOCS3 expression. At the same time, the serum anti-dsDNA autoantibody, TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were also reduced, while there were no changes in serum IL-10 and IL-17 levels in B10 cell transferred mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that B10 cells could - independent from IL-10 - ameliorate glomerular injury in LN through protection of glomerular endothelial cells.

Cardiac fibroblasts recruit Th17 cells infiltration into myocardium by secreting CCL20 in CVB3-induced acute viral myocarditis

AIMS

Th17 cells contributed to myocardial inflammatory injury in acute viral myocarditis (AVMC), and the migration of these cells were mainly mediated by CCL20-secreting inflammatory cells. However, whether and how the resident cells such as cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts could mediate Th17 cell migration into the heart remains unclear in AVMC.

METHODS

The effect of CCL20 on the dynamic alterations of intracardiac Th17 cells and disease severity were investigated through the neutralization of CCL20 in AVMC mice. The key cells releasing CCL20 in the heart and the effects of CCL20-secreting cells on Th17 cell arrest, migration and differentiation were detected in vitro.

RESULTS

Neutralization of CCL20 efficiently repressed the myocardial inflammation along with the reduction of Th17 cell infiltrations in the course of AVMC. In vitro, after stimulations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17, cardiac fibroblasts rather than cardiomyocytes could be dominantly induced for CCL20 production. CCL20-secreting cardiac fibroblasts boosted Th17 cell arrest on endothelium, and induce Th17 cell migration. However, CCL20 produced by cardiac fibroblasts had no effect on Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 production.

CONCLUSIONS

It firstly suggested that cardiac fibroblasts could recruit Th17 cells infiltration into myocardium by secreting CCL20 in AVMC.

EphB2 contributes to human naive B-cell activation and is regulated by miR-185

EphB2 is an important member of the receptor tyrosine kinases. Recently, EphB2 was shown to facilitate T-cell migration and monocyte activation. However, the effects of EphB2 on B cells remain unknown. In this study, the expression of EphB2 on B cells was tested by Western blot, and the roles of EphB2 in B-cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and immunoglobulin (Ig) production were evaluated using EphB2 siRNA interference in human B cells from healthy volunteers. Our study revealed that EphB2 was distributed on naive B cells and was up-regulated on activated B cells. Moreover, B-cell proliferation (decreased by 22%, P<0.05), TNF-α secretion (decreased by 40%, P<0.01) and IgG production (decreased by 26%, P < 0.05) were depressed concordantly with the down-regulated EphB2 expression. Subsequently, we screened microRNAs that could regulate EphB2 expression in B cells, and discovered that miR-185 directly targeted to EphB2 mRNA and suppressed its expression. Furthermore, miR-185 overexpression inhibited B-cell activation, and the inhibitor of miR-185 enhanced B-cell activation. Moreover, abatement of EphB2 through miR-185 mimics or EphB2 siRNA attenuated the activation of Src-p65 and Notch1 signaling pathways in human B cells. Our study first suggested that EphB2 was involved in human naive B cell activation through Src-p65 and Notch1 signaling pathways and could be regulated by miR-185.

Intracellular ASIC1a regulates mitochondrial permeability transition-dependent neuronal death

Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is the key proton receptor in nervous systems, mediating acidosis-induced neuronal injury in many neurological disorders, such as ischemic stroke. Up to now, functional ASIC1a has been found exclusively on the plasma membrane. Here, we show that ASIC1a proteins are also present in mitochondria of mouse cortical neurons where they are physically associated with adenine nucleotide translocase. Moreover, purified mitochondria from ASIC1a(-/-) mice exhibit significantly enhanced Ca(2+) retention capacity and accelerated Ca(2+) uptake rate. When challenged with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ASIC1a(-/-) neurons are resistant to cytochrome c release and inner mitochondrial membrane depolarization, suggesting an impairment of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) due to ASIC1a deletion. Consistently, H2O2-induced neuronal death, which is MPT dependent, is reduced in ASIC1a(-/-) neurons. Additionally, significant increases in mitochondrial size and oxidative stress levels are detected in ASIC1a(-/-) mouse brain, which also displays marked changes (>2-fold) in the expression of mitochondrial proteins closely related to reactive oxygen species signal pathways, as revealed by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Our data suggest that mitochondrial ASIC1a may serve as an important regulator of MPT pores, which contributes to oxidative neuronal cell death.

Organic triplet excited states of gold(I) complexes with oligo(o- or m-phenyleneethynylene) ligands: conjunction of steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic studies on exciton delocalization and emission pathways

A series of mononuclear and binuclear gold(I) complexes containing oligo(o- or m-phenyleneethynylene) (PE) ligands, namely [PhC≡C(C(6)H(4)-1,2-C≡C)(n-1)Au(PCy(3))] (n = 2-4, 4a-c), [μ-{C≡C-(1,2-C(6)H(4)C≡C)(n)}{Au(PCy(3))}(2)] (n = 1-6, 8, 5a-g), [PhC≡C(C(6)H(4)-1,3-C≡C)(n-1)Au(PCy(3))] (n = 2-4, 6a-c), and [μ-{C≡C-(1,3-C(6)H(4)C≡C)(n)}{Au(PCy(3))}(2)] (n = 1, 2, 7a,b), were synthesized and structurally characterized. Extensive spectroscopic measurements have been performed by applying combined methods of femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA), fs time-resolved fluorescence (fs-TRF), and nanosecond time-resolved emission (ns-TRE) coupled with steady-state absorption and emission spectroscopy at both ambient and low (77 K) temperatures to directly probe the temporal evolution of the excited states and to determine the dynamics and spectral signatures for the involved singlet (S(1)) and triplet (T(1)) excited states. The results reveal that S(1) and T(1) both feature ligand-centered electronic transitions with ππ* character associated with the phenyl and acetylene moieties. The (3)ππ* emission of the PE ligands is switched on by the attachment of [Au(PCy(3))](+) fragment(s) due to the heavy-atom effect. T(1)((3)ππ*) was found to form with nearly unity efficiency through intersystem crossing (ISC) from S(1)((1)ππ*). The ISC time constants were determined to be ∼50, 35, and 40 ps for 4b and 6a,b, respectively. Dual emission composed of fluorescence from S(1) and phosphorescence from T(1) were observed for most of the complexes except 5a and 7a, where only phosphorescence was found. The fluorescence at ambient temperature is accounted for by both the short-lived prompt fluorescence (PF) and long-lived delayed fluorescence (DF, lifetime on microsecond time scale). Explicit evidence was presented for a triplet-triplet annihilation mechanism for the generation of DF. Ligand length and substitution-dependent dynamics of T(1) are the key factors governing the dual emission character of the complexes. By extrapolation from the plot of emission energy against the PE chain length of the [Au(PCy(3))](+) complexes with oligo(o-PE) or oligo(m-PE) ligands, the triplet emission energies were estimated to be ∼530 and ∼470 nm for poly(o-PE) and poly(m-PE), respectively. Additionally, we assign the unusual red shifts of 983 cm(-1) from [PhC≡CAu(PCy(3))] (1) to [μ-{1,3-(C≡C)(2)C(6)H(4)}{Au(PCy(3))}(2)] (7a) and 462 cm(-1) from 7a to [μ(3)-{1,3,5-(C≡C)(3)C(6)H(3)}{Au(PCy(3))}(3)] (8) in the phosphorescence energies to excitonic coupling interactions between the C≡CAu(PCy(3)) arms in the triplet excited states. These complexes, together with those previously reported [Au(PCy(3))](+) complexes containing oligo(p-PE) ligands ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002 , 124 , 14696 - 14706 ), form a collection of oligo(phenyleneethynylene) complexes exhibiting organic triplet emission in solution under ambient conditions. The remarkable feature of these complexes in exhibiting TTA prompted DF in conjunction with high formation efficiency of T(1)((3)ππ*) affords an opportunity for emission spectra to cover a wide range of wavelengths. This may have implication in the development of PE-based molecular materials for future optical applications.

2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate as a common activator of TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3 channels

2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB) had been depicted as a universal blocker of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. While evidence has accumulated showing that some TRP channels are indeed inhibited by 2APB, especially in heterologous expression systems, there are other TRP channels that are unaffected or affected very little by this compound. More interestingly, the thermosensitive TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3 channels are activated by 2APB. This has been demonstrated both in heterologous systems and in native tissues that express these channels. A number of 2APB analogs have been examined for their effects on native store-operated channels and heterologously expressed TRPV3. These studies revealed a complex mechanism of action for 2APB and its analogs on ion channels. In this review, we have summarized the current results on 2APB-induced activation of TRPV1-3 and discussed the potential mechanisms by which 2APB may regulate TRP channels.

The P2Y purinergic receptor expressed by enteric neurones in guinea-pig intestine

Electrophysiological recording methods provided evidence for presynaptic release of ATP from enteric neurones and postganglionic sympathetic fibres in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of guinea-pig intestine (J Physiol Lond 2003; 550: 493-504). The released ATP acted at postsynaptic P2Y(1) receptors to evoke slow synaptic excitation in neurones in the submucosal division of the ENS. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of the P2Y(1) receptor, which was found in the guinea-pig submucosal layer. A 1178 bp cDNA clone was isolated from guinea-pig submucosal RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The cDNA contained an open-reading frame of 1119 bp, encoding a 373 amino acid polypeptide of the same length and with 95% identity to the human P2Y(1) receptor. Stable expression of the guinea-pig cDNA in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells was accompanied by a marked increase in sensitivity for elevation of free intracellular calcium evoked by ATP or related nucleotides. The potency order for ATP and its analogues was: 2-methio-adenosine diphosphate > 2-methio-adenosine triphosphate > ADP > ATP-gamma-S > ATP. The selective P2Y(1) receptor antagonist, MRS2179, was a competitive antagonist for the receptor with a pA(2) value of 6.5. The results add to existing evidence for expression of a functional P2Y(1) purinergic receptor in neurones of the submucosal division of the ENS.

Slow excitatory synaptic transmission mediated by P2Y1 receptors in the guinea-pig enteric nervous system

Electrophysiological recording was used to study a type of slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (slow EPSP) that was mediated by release of ATP and its action at P2Y1 receptors on morphologically identified neurones in the submucosal plexus of guinea-pig small intestine. MRS2179, a selective P2Y1 purinergic receptor antagonist, blocked both the slow EPSP and mimicry of the EPSP by exogenously applied ATP. Increased conductance accounted for the depolarization phase of the EPSP, which occurred exclusively in neurones with S-type electrophysiological behaviour and uniaxonal morphology. The purinergic excitatory input to the submucosal neurones came from neighbouring neurones in the same plexus, from neurones in the myenteric plexus and from sympathetic postganglionic neurones. ATP-mediated EPSPs occurred coincident with fast nicotinic synaptic potentials evoked by the myenteric projections and with noradrenergic IPSPs evoked by sympathetic fibres that innervated the same neurones. The P2Y1 receptor on the neurones was identified as a metabotropic receptor linked to activation of phospholipase C, synthesis of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores.

Expression of Trp3 determines sensitivity of capacitative Ca2+ entry to nitric oxide and mitochondrial Ca2+ handling: evidence for a role of Trp3 as a subunit of capacitative Ca2+ entry channels

The role of Trp3 in cellular regulation of Ca(2+) entry by NO was studied in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. In vector-transfected HEK293 cells (controls), thapsigargin (TG)-induced (capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE)-mediated) intracellular Ca(2+) signals and Mn(2+) entry were markedly suppressed by the NO donor 2-(N,N-diethylamino)diazenolate-2-oxide sodium salt (3 microm) or by authentic NO (100 microm). In cells overexpressing Trp3 (T3-9), TG-induced intracellular Ca(2+) signals exhibited an amplitude similar to that of controls but lacked sensitivity to inhibition by NO. Consistently, NO inhibited TG-induced Mn(2+) entry in controls but not in T3-9 cells. Moreover, CCE-mediated Mn(2+) entry into T3-9 cells exhibited a striking sensitivity to inhibition by extracellular Ca(2+), which was not detectable in controls. Suppression of mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling with the uncouplers carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (300 nm) or antimycin A(1) (-AA(1)) mimicked the inhibitory effect of NO on CCE in controls but barely affected CCE in T3-9 cells. T3-9 cells exhibited enhanced carbachol-stimulated Ca(2+) entry and clearly detectable cation currents through Trp3 cation channels. NO as well as carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone slightly promoted carbachol-induced Ca(2+) entry into T3-9 cells. Simultaneous measurement of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and membrane currents revealed that Trp3 cation currents are inhibited during Ca(2+) entry-induced elevation of cytoplasmic Ca(2+), and that this negative feedback regulation is blunted by NO. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of Trp3 generates phospholipase C-regulated cation channels, which exhibit regulatory properties different from those of endogenous CCE channels. Moreover, we show for the first time that Trp3 expression determines biophysical properties as well as regulation of CCE channels by NO and mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling. Thus, we propose Trp3 as a subunit of CCE channels.

Increased inwardly rectifying potassium currents in HEK-293 cells expressing murine transient receptor potential 4

Drosophila transient receptor potential (Trp) and its mammalian homologues are postulated to form capacitative Ca2+ entry or store-operated channels. Here we show that expression of murine Trp4 in HEK 293 cells also leads to an increase in inwardly rectifying K+ currents. No similar increase was found in cell lines expressing Trp1, Trp3 or Trp6. Consistent with typical characteristics of inward rectifiers, the K+ currents in Trp4-expressing cells were blocked by low millimolar concentrations of Cs+ and Ba2+, but not by 1.2 mM Ca2+, and were only slightly inhibited by 5 mM tetraethylammonium. Single channel recordings of excised inside-out patches revealed the presence of two conducting states of 51 pS and 94 pS in Trp4-expressing cells. The outward current in the excised patches was blocked by 1 mM spermine, but not by 1 mM Mg2+. How Trp4 expression causes the increase in the K+ currents is not known. We propose that Trp4 either participates in the formation of a novel K+ channel or up-regulates the expression or activity of endogenous inwardly rectifying K+ channels.

Activation of Trp3 by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors through displacement of inhibitory calmodulin from a common binding domain

Mammalian homologues of Drosophila Trp form plasma membrane channels that mediate Ca(2+) influx in response to activation of phospholipase C and internal Ca(2+) store depletion. Previous studies showed that human Trp3 is activated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptors (IP(3)Rs) and identified interacting domains, one on Trp and two on IP(3)R. We now find that Trp3 binds Ca(2+)-calmodulin (Ca(2+)/CaM) at a site that overlaps with the IP(3)R binding domain. Using patch-clamp recordings from inside-out patches, we further show that Trp3 has a high intrinsic activity that is suppressed by Ca(2+)/CaM under resting conditions, and that Trp3 is activated by the following: a Trp-binding peptide from IP(3)R that displaces CaM from Trp3, a myosin light chain kinase Ca(2+)/CaM binding peptide that prevents CaM from binding to Trp3, and calmidazolium, an inactivator of Ca(2+)/CaM. We conclude that inhibition of the inhibitory action of CaM is a key step of Trp3 channel activation by IP(3)Rs.

Association of mammalian trp4 and phospholipase C isozymes with a PDZ domain-containing protein, NHERF

Mammalian homologues of Drosophila Trp have been implicated to form channels that are activated following the depletion of Ca(2+) from internal stores. Recent studies indicate that actin redistribution is required for the activation of these channels. Here we show that murine Trp4 and Trp5, as well as phospholipase C beta1 and beta2 interact with the first PDZ domain of NHERF, regulatory factor of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. We demonstrated the association of Trp4 and phospholipase C-beta1 with NHERF in vivo in an HEK293 cell line expressing Trp4 and in adult mouse brain by immuno-coprecipitation. NHERF is a two PDZ domain-containing protein that associates with the actin cytoskeleton via interactions with members of ezrin/radixin/moesin family. Thus, store-operated channels involving Trp4 and Trp5 can form signaling complexes with phospholipase C isozymes via interactions with NHERF and thereby linking the lipase and the channels to the actin cytoskeleton. The interaction with the PDZ protein may constitute an important mechanism for distribution and regulation of store-operated channels.

Coassembly of Trp1 and Trp3 proteins generates diacylglycerol- and Ca2+-sensitive cation channels

To analyze the functional consequences of coassembly of transient receptor potential 1 (Trp1) and Trp3 channel proteins, we characterized membrane conductances and divalent cation entry derived by separate overexpression and by coexpression of both Trp isoforms. Trp1 expression generated a 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG)-activated conductance that was detectable only in Ca(2+)-free extracellular solution. Trp3 expression gave rise to an OAG-activated conductance that was suppressed but clearly detectable at physiological Ca(2+) concentrations. Coexpression of both species resulted in a constitutively active, OAG-sensitive conductance, which exhibited distinctive cation selectivity and high sensitivity to inhibition by intracellular Ca(2+). Trp1-expressing cells displayed only modest carbachol-induced Ca(2+) entry and lacked OAG-induced Sr(2+) entry, whereas Trp3-expressing cells responded to both agents with a substantial divalent cation entry. Coexpression of Trp1 plus Trp3 suppressed carbachol-induced Ca(2+) entry compared with Trp3 expression and abolished OAG-induced Sr(2+) entry signals. We concluded that coassembly of Trp1 and Trp3 resulted in the formation of oligomeric Trp channels that are subject to regulation by phospholipase C and Ca(2+). The distinguished Ca(2+) sensitivity of these Trp1/Trp3 hetero-oligomers appeared to limit Trp-mediated Ca(2+) signals and may be of importance for negative feedback control of Trp function in mammalian cells.

Hydroxyurea inhibition of cellular and developmental activities in the decidualized and pregnant uteri of rats

The cytotoxicity of hydroxyurea (HU), currently used to combat various cancers, sickle cell anemia and human immunodeficiency infection, was assessed by exposing decidualized and pregnant uteri of Sprague-Dawley rats to this drug. Consecutive daily doses of HU (500 mg/kg(-1)) for 4 days were injected subcutaneously during decidualization when proliferation of the deciduoma was biochemically analyzed on pseudopregnancy day 9, or injected intraperitoneally during pregnancy when uterine developmental processes were evaluated on gestation day 16. Hydroxyurea displayed prominent antiproliferative effects on decidual growth. These actions were comparable to significantly impaired (P<0.001) developmental responses (increases in post-implantation losses, in resorbed fetuses and in reduced fetal and placental weights) during pregnancy. The cellular components inhibited by HU were DNA, protein, nitric oxide synthase, a matrix metalloproteinase and decidual prolactin-related protein mRNA (P<0.05). Steroid-related endocrine events (serum progesterone concentrations, estrogen receptor and mRNA levels) were unaffected by HU, implying direct cellular action by the drug. Interestingly, endometrial alkaline phosphatase bioactivity was enhanced by HU (P<0.05). Subsequently, the reproductive toxicity of HU was apparently related to mitogenic and differentiation-induced endometrial cellular activities.

Trp1, a candidate protein for the store-operated Ca(2+) influx mechanism in salivary gland cells

The trp gene family has been proposed to encode the store-operated Ca(2+) influx (SOC) channel(s). This study examines the role of Trp1 in the SOC mechanism of salivary gland cells. htrp1, htrp3, and Trp1 were detected in the human submandibular gland cell line (HSG). HSG cells stably transfected with htrp1alpha cDNA displayed (i) a higher level of Trp1, (ii) a 3-5-fold increase in SOC (thapsigargin-stimulated Ca(2+) influx), determined by [Ca(2+)](i) and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel current measurements, and (iii) similar basal Ca(2+) permeability, and inhibition of SOC by Gd(3+) but not by Zn(2+), as compared with control cells. Importantly, (i) transfection of HSG cells with antisense trp1alpha cDNA decreased endogenous Trp1 level and significantly attenuated SOC, and (ii) transfection of HSG cells with htrp3 cDNA did not increase SOC. These data demonstrate an association between Trp1 and SOC and strongly suggest that Trp1 is involved in this mechanism in HSG cells. Consistent with this suggestion, Trp1 was detected in the plasma membrane region, the proposed site of SOC, of acinar and ductal cells in intact rat submandibular glands. Based on these aggregate data, we propose Trp1 as a candidate protein for the SOC mechanism in salivary gland cells.

[Determination of dicofol residue in tea by wide-bore capillary gas chromatographic column]

Dicofol residue is harmful to health. More and more countries have established the limitation of dicofol in foods. This paper describes an efficient method of determination for the dicofol residue in tea. The dicofol was extracted from the tea sample with 20% acetone-hexane, cleaned up on a column of Florisil and acidic siliceous earth (sulfuric acid 0.3 mL/g) in series. Then the column was washed with 10 mL, 20% dichloromethane-hexane, the flow rate was 1 mL/min. At last dicofol was hydrolyzed with potassium hydroxide solution, forming p,p'-dichlorobenzophenone(DBP), which was separated from other ingredients through wide-bore capillary(LZ-II, 25 m x 0.53 mm i.d.) and determinated by gas chromatography with electron capture detector(ECD), using Aldrin as internal standard. When the mass ratio of dicofol was in the range of 0.05-3.0 mg/kg, the recoveries were 78%-104% and the limit of determination was 0.5 microgram/kg. This method is simple, sensitive and suitable for pesticide residue analysis. It can also be applied to the determination of dicofol residues in other plant samples such as vegetables, fruits and so on.

Modulation of Ca(2+) entry by polypeptides of the inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) that bind transient receptor potential (TRP): evidence for roles of TRP and IP3R in store depletion-activated Ca(2+) entry

Homologues of Drosophilia transient receptor potential (TRP) have been proposed to be unitary subunits of plasma membrane ion channels that are activated as a consequence of active or passive depletion of Ca(2+) stores. In agreement with this hypothesis, cells expressing TRPs display novel Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels that can be activated by the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) protein. Expression of TRPs alters cells in many ways, including up-regulation of IP3Rs not coded for by TRP genes, and proof that TRP forms channels of these and other cells is still missing. Here, we document physical interaction of TRP and IP3R by coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase-pulldown experiments and identify two regions of IP3R, F2q and F2g, that interact with one region of TRP, C7. These interacting regions were expressed in cells with an unmodified complement of TRPs and IP3Rs to study their effect on agonist- as well as store depletion-induced Ca(2+) entry and to test for a role of their respective binding partners in Ca(2+) entry. C7 and an F2q-containing fragment of IP3R decreased both forms of Ca(2+) entry. In contrast, F2g enhanced the two forms of Ca(2+) entry. We conclude that store depletion-activated Ca(2+) entry occurs through channels that have TRPs as one of their normal structural components, and that these channels are directly activated by IP3Rs. IP3Rs, therefore, have the dual role of releasing Ca(2+) from stores and activating Ca(2+) influx in response to either increasing IP3 or decreasing luminal Ca(2+).

Control of pollen tube tip growth by a Rop GTPase-dependent pathway that leads to tip-localized calcium influx

We have shown that Rop1At, a pollen-specific Rop GTPase that is a member of the Rho family of small GTP binding proteins, acts as a key molecular switch controlling tip growth in Arabidopsis pollen tubes. Pollen-specific expression of constitutively active rop1at mutants induced isotropic growth of pollen tubes. Overexpression of wild-type Arabidopsis Rop1At led to ectopic accumulation of Rop1At in the plasma membrane at the tip and caused depolarization of pollen tube growth, which was less severe than that induced by the constitutively active rop1at. These results indicate that both Rop1At signaling and polar localization are critical for controlling the site of tip growth. Dominant negative rop1at mutants or antisense rop1at RNA inhibited tube growth at 0.5 mM extracellular Ca(2+), but growth inhibition was reversed by higher extracellular Ca(2+). Injection of anti-Rop antibodies disrupted the tip-focused intracellular Ca(2+) gradient known to be crucial for tip growth. These studies provide strong evidence for a Rop GTPase-dependent tip growth pathway that couples the control of growth sites with the rate of tip growth through the regulation of tip-localized extracellular Ca(2+) influxes and formation of the tip-high intracellular Ca(2+) gradient in pollen tubes.

The N-terminal domain of the IP3 receptor gates store-operated hTrp3 channels

In the present work, we studied the interaction and effect of several IP3 receptor (IP3R) constructs on the gating of the store-operated (SOC) hTrp3 channel. Full-length IP3R coupled to silent hTrp3 channels in intact cells but did not activate them until stores were depleted of Ca2+. By contrast, constructs containing the IP3-binding domain activated silent hTrp3 channels in unstimulated cells and restored gating of hTrp3 by IP3 in excised plasma membrane patches. We conclude that the N-terminal domain of the IP3R functions as a gate and is sufficient for activation of SOCs. The sensing and transduction domains of the IP3R are required to maintain SOCs in an inactive state.

Biochemical characterization of benomyl inhibition on endometrial growth during decidualization in rats

The antimitotic action of the systemic benzimidazole carbamate compound, benomyl, the basis for its fungitoxicity, was assessed in a mammalian system by selected biochemical endpoints of endometrial proliferation during decidualization in rats. The deciduoma, artificially induced on Day 4 of pseudopregnancy (PG), represents the maternal portion of the placenta that attains maximal growth between Days 9-11 PG. Deciduoma induction by surgical uterine trauma normally prolongs PG into the decidualization process. Measured endometrial parameters were the wet weight, protein for hypertrophy, DNA indicative of hyperplasia; enzymatic biomarkers- isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs); and serum progesterone which hormonally maintains decidual growth. Benomyl was administered by oral gavage in daily doses (500 mg/kg/rat in corn oil for 5 days, PG Days 5-9) and animals were sacrificed on PG Day 10. Benomyl caused significant reduction (P < 0.001) in endometrial wet weight, protein and DNA concentrations. ICDH activity was also significantly reduced (P < 0.01) following benomyl treatment. Of the two MMP species (72 and 92 kDa), whereas the 72 kDa was only slightly affected, the 92 kDa MMP was suppressed 2-3 fold by benomyl. Benomyl was without effect on the progesterone concentration. The findings suggest that during decidualization in rats, the anti-deciduogenic, antimitotic action of post-traumal benomyl treatment which occurred via the biochemical molecules (protein, DNA, ICDH and the MMPs) apparently was not mediated by progesterone.

Time-dependent relationship between the estrogen receptors and the matrix metalloproteinases following deciduoma induction in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate time-related interactions between the estrogen receptors, mediators of steroidal regulation of uterine growth, and an extracellular regulatory enzyme, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) engaged in connective tissue degradation and remodeling that are fundamental to implantation and placentation. Pseudopregnant rats, in which the decidual response, the basis for decidualization, was surgically induced on day 4 of pseudopregnancy (PG), were sacrificed on PG days 3, 6, 9, and 15 for retrieval of uterine tissues for assays: the radioligand binding assay for the estrogen receptors and substrate zymography for the MMPs. Following increases on PG day 3, there were time-dependent decreases in the cytosolic low and high capacity estrogen receptors during deciduoma development (PG days 6-9) and regression (PG day 15) in both the endometrium and myometrium. Moreover, whereas the low capacity estrogen receptor levels were only slightly decreased (PG days 6-15), the high capacity receptors were reduced on day 6 (P < 0.001) and were completely diminished during PG days 9 and 15. In contrast, the MMPs (92 and 72 kDa) activities were increased from PG days 6-15 (P < 0.05) over the pre-decidual induction values on PG day 3 in both uterine compartments. The results suggest that deciduoma induction can modulate the concentration of cytosolic estrogen receptor subtypes and MMP activities in rats. The inverse time-dependent interrelationship between these cellular and extracellular components during deciduoma development and regression imply that the remodeling role of the MMPs may be enhanced by the reduced cytosolic estrogen receptor/estrogen action.

Antiproliferative effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition on decidualization in pseudopregnant rats

The aim of this study was to assess the involvement in decidual proliferation of nitric oxide (NO), a regulator of many cellular processes, that is synthesized from L-arginine by NO synthase. The investigation was conducted on pseudopregnant (PG) rats in which the decidual cell reaction, the basis for the decidualization process, was surgically induced by uterine trauma on PG Day 4. Groups of animals (n = 5) were pretreated with either 2 doses/day of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) that inhibits NO synthase, or twice daily doses of L-NAME plus L-arginine combined. Drug application times coincided with 3 hr after lights on or 3 hr before lights off. The two treatment regimens (PG Days 1-4 or 5-8) respectively preceded or followed decidual induction. Animals were sacrificed at mid-light on PG Day 9, the day of maximal growth response to the deciduogenic stimulus. Parallel, time-dependent increases in both NO synthase activity and decidual growth occurred mainly in the endometrium. L-NAME produced reductions in endometrial and myometrial growth that were reversed by the combined L-NAME plus L-arginine treatments. These inhibitory effects by L-NAME were caused by only the pretraumal (PG Days 1-4) administration. Hormonally, circulating progesterone levels were similarly affected by this early treatment and may also contribute to the reduced decidual sensitivity. In contrast, serum estradiol, along with the zinc metalloenzymes, alkaline phosphatase and the matrix metalloproteinases--prominent decidualization biomarkers--were all unaffected by either the pre- or post-decidual induction dosings. The study demonstrates that inducible NO synthase/endogenous NO may physiologically participate in uterine metabolism during the decidual cell reaction. Moreover, by virtue of L-NAME inhibition of the decidual response, it appears that NO synthase/NO may influence decidual growth either by directly increasing uterine sensitivity to the deciduogenic stimulus or by indirectly affecting endometrial vascularity and subsequent availability of decidual metabolites.

Dexamethasone-induced changes in endometrial growth and inducible nitric oxide synthase during decidualization in rats

1. The present study investigated the time-dependent inhibitory responses of endometrial growth and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to dexamethasone during deciduoma development that was surgically induced on day 4 of pseudopregnancy (PG). 2. Groups of rats (n = 6) were subcutaneously injected with dexamethasone (1.5 mg/rat per day) for 3 days (PG days 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and 12-15). Rats in each group were killed on the last injection day. 3. Dexamethasone produced comparable temporal inhibitory changes in endometrial growth (wet weight, protein and DNA concentrations; P<0.0001) and in iNOS activity (130 kDa protein band), which peaked after PG days 4-6 and 7-9 pretreatments. 4. Endometrial matrix metalloproteinases (72 and 92 kDa) activity profiles displayed maximal reductions (36 and 53%, respectively) following PG days 4-6 pretreatment. Serum progesterone levels were equally (P<0.0001) but asynchronously inhibited by dexamethasone on PG days 9 and 12. 5. Dexamethasone inhibition of endometrial growth and in situ iNOS was most pronounced during decidual development (PG days 4-9). Minor reductions in these endometrial parameters occurred before deciduoma induction (PG days 1-3) and during deciduoma regression (PG days 10-15). 6. These results indicate that, in the endometrium, the iNOS/endogenous nitric oxide system may be linked to the biochemical and metabolic mechanisms responsible for the developmental responsiveness of the deciduoma to dexamethasone exposure. These time-dependent changes in endometrial growth and iNOS apparently were not mediated by progesterone.

Temporal glucocorticoid treatment: modulation of periodic endometrial responses during decidualization and pregnancy in rats

The synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (Dex) was administered subcutaneously (1.5 mg/day/rat) in 3-days pretreatment regimens (Days 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10 and 10-12) to pseudopregnant rats in which decidualization was surgically induced and to pregnant rats. Variability in endometrial growth during decidualization and in the fetoplacental homeostasis of pregnancy was assessed at the end of each treatment period (Days 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12). During decidualization, endometrial growth (wet weight, protein and DNA) displayed significant (p < 0.05) time-dependent inhibitory profiles which rose steeply from Day 4 to Day 6 and declined thereafter to Day 10 in fairly well defined linear patterns. For the endometrial enzymes (isocitrate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and the matrix metalloproteinases--72 and 92 kDa), although the inhibitory patterns were inconsistent, a Days 6-8 treatment regimen seemed to be critical. By contrast Dex treatment induced progressive inhibition in serum progesterone concentrations from Day 2, to peak levels by Day 12. This indicates that time-related Dex inhibition of endometrial growth appeared not to be progesterone-mediated since the endometrial and progesterone inhibitory profiles were not in synchrony. The inhibitory effect of Dex under the pregnancy status demonstrated that birth potentials, fetal and placental weights, all had similar response patterns which rose from Day 4 to Day 8 and then underwent reductions to Day 12. Collectively, the results indicate that there was time dependency in growth inhibition by Dex at the endometrial and fetoplacental levels. Maximal sensitivity to drug exposure essentially coincided with the immediate post-traumal (decidualization) and postimplantation (pregnancy) periods.

Effect of benomyl and carbendazim on steroid and molecular mechanisms in uterine decidual growth in rats

The present study examined the influence of two benzimidazole fungicides benomyl and carbendazim (MCB), in dosages of 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 for 5 days, on the capacity of decidual growth in pseudopregnant rats. The aim of the research was to determine whether the antimitotic activity of both chemicals was being mediated by way of hormonal and molecular mechanisms at the uterine level. The results show that both fungicides produced reductions in uterine decidual weight (P < 0.01) and uterine protein content (P < 0.05). However, levels of serum estradiol and progesterone and the binding capacities of cytosol estrogen and progesterone receptors remained essentially unchanged. Subsequently, the antigrowth-antimitotic activity of benomyl and MCB, at 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 dosages, on the decidual uterus is direct, and apparently does not involve steroidal or receptor mechanisms.

[Effect of diphenylhydantoin sodium in causing deformity and that of folic acid preparations for its prevention]

Pregnant rats were divided into four groups. The groups A, B and C were intraperitoneally injected with DPH during the 9 to 11 days of gestation in doses of 75 Mg/kg/day. The groups A and B were supplemented with a mixture of folic acid (FA) or with FA alone in the food fed during pregnancy. The results showed that DPH induced a significant decrease in the body weights and lengths of fetal rats (P less than 0.01), but induced an increase in the incidences of subcutaneous bleeding (P less than 0.05) as well as skeletal and internal malformation (P less than 0.05). The supplement of FA or a mixture of FA in the food fed during pregnancy exhibited partial preventive effects on DPH to induce teratogenicity. The effect of a mixture of FA was better than that with FA alone in reducing the incidences of internal abnormalities and agenesis of the bones of the distant phalanges and subcutaneous bleeding.

Reduction of the teratogenic effects of phenytoin by folic acid and a mixture of folic acid, vitamins, and amino acids: a preliminary trial

Four groups of pregnant rats were used to study the effects of dietary supplements of folic acid (FA) alone or a mixture of FA, vitamins (Vit), and amino acids (AA) on the teratogenic effects of phenytoin (PHT). Groups A, B, and C received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of high-dose (75 mg/kg/day) phenytoin (PHT) between 9 and 11 days of gestation, while the controls, group D, rats received distilled water. The diet was modified in groups A and B. Group A received a mixture of FA, Vit, and AA, while group B received FA supplementation alone. Groups C and D received a regular diet. We found that PHT, when administered without dietary supplementation, resulted in a decrease in weight and length of the fetuses, an increased rate of subcutaneous (s.c.) bleeding, a retardation of ossification centers, and an increased number of malformations. Supplementation of the diet with FA alone or FA with Vit and AA resulted in statistically greater fetal weight and length, decreased subcutaneous bleeding, more ossification centers, and fewer malformations. The mixture of FA and Vit and AA was superior to FA alone in reducing the incidence of internal abnormalities, ossification abnormalities of the distant phalanxes, and s.c. bleeding.