[Effects of periodontitis on bone and tryptophan metabolism of gut microbiota in estrogen-deficient mice]

Objective: To study the effects of periodontitis on bone and tryptophan metabolism of gut microbiota in the context of estrogen deficiency. Methods: Thirty-two female C57BL6/J mice were randomly divided into four groups based on table of random numbers (n=8 in each group): Sham group, in which mice were given sham surgery; Sham_Lig group, in which mice were given sham surgery and were induced to periodontitis by ligating the bilateral maxillary second molars with 5-0 silk threads at the fourth week; Ovx group, in which mice were given bilateral ovariectomy; Ovx_Lig group, in which mice were given bilateral ovariectomy and were induced to periodontitis at the fourth week. After 8 weeks of ligation, the mice of 4 groups were euthanized for collecting the samples of femur, tibia, mandible and skull. Those samples were scanned by micro-CT to measure the bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume versus total volume ratio (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp). The cecum contents of 4 groups of mice were collected for gut microbiota 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The tryptophan and its metabolites in intestinal tracts were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the abundance of gut microbiota and the content of tryptophan and its metabolites. Results: Femur BMD [(82.23±3.97) mg/cm3], BV/TV [(9.25±1.37)%] and Tb.Th [(70.95±5.70) μm] in Ovx_Lig group were significantly lower than Ovx group [(96.30±3.76) mg/cm3 (P=0.004); (14.45±1.55)% (P=0.022) and (87.58±8.02) μm (P<0.001), respectively]. The β-diversity analysis of gut microbiota based on Bray-Curtis distance showed that samples of Ovx_Lig group and Ovx group were obviously grouped. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed that Alistipes was the representative genus in Ovx_Lig group. The relative abundance of Alistipes in Ovx_Lig group [(0.42±0.14)%] were significantly higher than that in Ovx group [(0.17±0.05)%] (t=4.45, P<0.001). Tryptophan metabolism analysis showed that the content of kynurenic acid [(531.12±158.60) ng/g] in Ovx_Lig group were significantly higher than that in Ovx group [(400.42±57.96) ng/g] (t=2.19, P=0.046). And the content of indole-3-carbaldehyde [(383.37±144.06) ng/g] in Ovx_Lig group were significantly lower than Ovx group [(701.72±141.93) ng/g] (t=4.45, P<0.001). Correlation analysis showed that relative abundance of Alistipes was positively correlated with kynurenic acid (r=0.32, P=0.088), while negatively correlated with indole-3-carbaldehyde (r=-0.32, P=0.088). Conclusions: Periodontitis can induce bone destruction of femur in estrogen-deficient mice, the mechanism of which may be related to Alistipes in gut and the tryptophan metabolites kynurenic acid and indole-3-carbaldehyde.

Analysis of the mechanism of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix in the treatment of intractable itching based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

OBJECTIVE

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Kuh-seng, SFR), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is widely used alone or within a TCM formula to treat pruritus, especially histamine-independent intractable itching. In the previous study, potential antipruritic active components of the SFR were screened based on cell membrane immobilized chromatography (CMIC), revealing oxymatrine (OMT) as an antipruritic agent. However, the low oral bioavailability (OB) of OMT cannot explain the antipruritic effect of SFR when administered orally in clinic. In this study, we investigated the antipruritic effects and underlying mechanisms of orally administered SFR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to screen the active components of SFR and predict their binding to disease-related target proteins, while the potential mechanisms were explored with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. The binding energy between components and target proteins was calculated by molecular docking.

RESULTS

The SFR-components-targets-intractable itching Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) network was established, and 22 active components and 42 targets were screened. The GO enrichment analysis showed that the key target genes of SFR were related to nuclear receptors, transcription factors, and steroid hormone receptors. The results of the KEGG enrichment pathway analysis include Hepatitis B, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, advanced glycation end product (AGE)-receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, etc. Molecular docking showed that three key target proteins in the network, the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and caspase-3 (CASP3), have higher binding activities with inermine, phaseolin and kushenol O, respectively; the binding energy of each pair is stronger than that of the target protein-corresponding inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

The complexity of the SFR-components-targets-intractable itching network demonstrated the holistic treatment effect of SFR on intractable itching. The partial coherence between results screened by CMIC in the previous study and network pharmacology demonstrated the potential of network pharmacology in active component screening. Inermine screened from both CMIC and network pharmacology is a VEGFA inhibitor, which possibly accounts for the antipruritic effect of orally administered SFR.

Molecular mechanisms and promising role of dihydromyricetin in cardiovascular diseases

Vine tea, a Chinese herbal medicine, is widely used in traditional Asian medicine to treat common health problems. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is the main functional flavonoid compound extracted from vine tea. In recent years, preclinical studies have focused on the potential beneficial effects of dihydromyricetin, including glucose metabolism regulation, lipid metabolism regulation, neuroprotection, and anti-tumor effects. In addition, DMY may play a role in cardiovascular disease by resisting oxidative stress and participating in the regulation of inflammation. This review is the first review that summaries the applications of dihydromyricetin in cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, myocardial hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. We also clarified the underlying mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the above process. The aim of this review is to provide a better understanding and quick overview for future researches of dihydromyricetin in the field of cardiovascular diseases, and more detailed and robust researches are needed for evaluation and reference.

[Interpretation of the European Federation of Periodontology S3 level clinical practice guideline for treatment of stage Ⅳ periodontitis]

The S3 level clinical practice guideline for the treatment of stage Ⅳperiodontitis, developed by the European Federation of Periodontology, was published in April 22, 2022 (DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13639). According to the severity and complexity, stage Ⅳ periodontitis was grouped into four case types, and comprehensive treatment plans were formulated correspondingly in the guideline, including tooth splinting, occlusal adjustment, orthodontic therapy, restorative therapy, and personalized supportive periodontal care as well. The aim of present work is to intensively interpret the key points of the guideline and help the clinicians to understand this guideline better, in order to improve the treatment level of stage Ⅳ periodontitis in China.

P-524 Bi-allelic CFAP61 variants cause male infertility in humans and mice with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Study question

Are mutations in cilia and flagella-associated protein 61 (CFAP61) associated with human male infertility?

Summary answer

Bi-allelic variants ([NM_015585.4: c.1654C&gt;T (p.R552C) and c.2911G&gt;A (p.D971N), c.144-2A&gt;G and c.1666G&gt;A (p.G556R)] in CFAP61 were identified as contributory genetics factor in severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT).

What is known already

Cfap61 knockout mice were infertile due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). However, so far there is no direct evidence that mutations of CFAP61 cause OAT and male infertility.

Study design, size, duration

Variant screening was performed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) from 325 infertile patients with OAT and 392 fertile individuals. A knockout mouse model was generate to confirm the candidate disease-causing gene, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was used to evaluate the efficiency of clinical treatment.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A total 325 OAT-affected patients and 392 men with normal fertility were recruited from China. WES was performed, followed by Sanger sequencing validation. In silico bioinformatics predictions and in vitro functional analyses were performed to evaluate the impacts of candidate disease-causing variants. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to evaluate the sperm morphology. Two OAT-affected men with CFAP61 variants were treated by ICSI, and pregnancy outcomes were followed.

Main results and the role of chance

We identified bi-allelic CFAP61 variants [NM_015585.4: c.1654C&gt;T (p.R552C) and c.2911G&gt;A (p.D971N), c.144-2A&gt;G and c.1666G&gt;A (p.G556R)] in two (0.62%) of the 325 OAT-affected men. In silico bioinformatics analysis predicted that all four variants were deleterious, and in vitro functional analysis confirmed the deleterious effects of the mutants. Notably, H&E staining and electron microscopy analyses of the spermatozoa revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella, the absence of central pair microtubules, and mitochondrial sheath malformation in sperm flagella from man with CFAP61 variants. Further immunofluorescence assays revealed markedly reduced CFAP61 staining in the sperm flagella. In addition, Cfap61-deficient mice showed the OAT phenotype, suggesting that loss of function of CFAP61 was the cause of OAT. Two individuals accepted ICSI therapy using their own ejaculated sperm, and one of them succeeded in fathering a healthy baby.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Limitations include the lack of in vivo data from the one of patients, and the exact molecular mechanism should be further investigated.

Wider implications of the findings

Our findings indicate that CFAP61 is essential for spermatogenesis and that bi-allelic CFAP61 variants lead to OAT and male infertility in humans and mice. In addition, our results show that ICSI treatment can be recommended for CFAP61-related OAT.

Trial registration number

not applicable

[GCS score combined with CT score and serum S100B protein level Can evaluate severity and early prognosis of acute traumatic brain injury]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and CT score combined with serum S100B protein level for evaluation of injury severity and predicting early prognosis of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI).

OBJECTIVE

A total of 108 patients with TBI admitted within 24 h after injury in the Emergency Department of West China Hospital from May, 2019 to May, 2020 were enrolled in this study. The clinical data, laboratory test results, CT examination, GCS score, Full Outline of Unresponsiveness score, Fisher CT classification, Rotterdam CT score, and serum S100B protein level of the patients were collected upon admission. The patients were followed up for 28 days and divided based on their Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores into poor prognosis group (GOS 1-3) and good prognosis group (GOS 4-5). The indexes related to poor prognosis were analyzed for their efficacy for predicting the patinets' prognosis. According to the results of head CT, the patients were divided into CT^- positive (CT⁺) group and CT^- negative (CT^-) group, and the efficacy of serum S100B protein level for predicting CT positivity was evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

Compared with those with favorable prognosis, the patients with poor prognosis had significantly lower GCS scores (P < 0.01) and higher Rotterdam CT score and serum S100B protein levels (P < 0.01). Among the 3 index, serum S100B protein level had the highest AUC value (0.79); among the combined indexes, GCS score combined with serum S100B protein had the highest AUC value (0.80). Serum S100B protein level was significantly higher in CT⁺ group than in CT - group (P < 0.05) with a significant correlation with Rotterdam CT score (r=0.26, P < 0.01).

OBJECTIVE

Serum S100B protein level, GCS score, and Rotterdam CT score can be used as indicators for evaluating the severity of acute TBI, and they are all closely related with early prognosis of the patients. The combination of serum S100B protein, GCS score and Rotterdam CT score has better performance than any of the 3 indexes alone for predicting early prognosis of the patients. Serum S100B protein level is correlated with head imaging findings of patients with acute TBI, but its value in selection of appropriate imaging modalities awaits further investigation.

Seropositivity rate and diagnostic accuracy of serological tests in 2019-nCoV cases: a pooled analysis of individual studies

OBJECTIVE

Currently, detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is standard in the diagnosis of COVID-19 (2019-nCoV). However, reliable and rapid serological diagnostic methods to screen SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, including those who do not have overt symptoms, are urgently needed. Most studies have described serological tests based on the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG. Here, we attempted to systematically analyze the positive rates and comprehensive diagnostic efficacy of IgM and IgG in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By systematically searching PubMed, medRxiv, bioRxiv and other databases, studies regarding the detection of peripheral blood IgM and/or IgG related to SARS-CoV-2 were collected. The positive rate, sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), area under the curve (AUC) and corresponding 95% CIs were obtained by weighted quantitative mergence, and the source of heterogeneity was explored by performing a subgroup study and sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies were included, which were comprised of 3856 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive cases, 368 suspected RNA negative cases, 1167 asymptomatic carriers, and 2526 RNA negative controls. The corresponding meta-analysis showed that in confirmed cases with 2019-nCoV, the positive rates of single IgM, single IgG and their joint detection related to SARS-CoV-2 were 61.2% (95% CI: 53.4%-69.0%), 58.8% (95% CI: 49.6%-68.0%) and 62.1% (52.7%-71.4%), respectively. In suspected RNA negative cases, the positive rates of single IgM, single IgG and their joint detection were 29.0% (95% CI: 14.0%-44.0%), 37.0% (95% CI: 20.0%-55.0%) and 55.0% (95% CI: 19.0%-90.0%), respectively. Interestingly, IgM/IgG detection also demonstrated a positive rate of 19% (95% CI: 10.0%-27.0%) in asymptomatic cases. Using RT-PCR test as reference, the AUCs of IgM, IgG and IgM/IgG in the diagnosis of 2019-nCoV infection were 0.9656, 0.9766, and 0.9838, respectively. The stratified analyses showed that among confirmed cases with 2019-nCoV, the positive rates of IgM and IgG were 27.3% (95%CI: 19.8%-34.8%) and 22.3% (95% CI: 11.3%-33.3%), respectively, 0-7days following the onset of symptoms, whereas the positive rate of parallel IgM/IgG testing attained 39.3% (95% CI: 24.2%-54.4%). Moreover, the efficacy of antibody testing based on CLIA (chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassays) in diagnosing 2019-nCoV infection was higher than that of LFIA (lateral flow immunoassays) and ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay).

CONCLUSIONS

IgM, IgG and their joint testing exhibited high clinical value in the diagnosis of 2019-nCoV, which may assist in making up for the deficiency of throat swab RNA tests.

Down-regulation of miR-339 promotes differentiation of BMSCs and alleviates osteoporosis by targeting DLX5

OBJECTIVE

It was the aim of this study to investigate whether miR-339 may affect osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by targeting DLX5, thereby alleviating osteoporosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of mice. The expression levels of miR-339 and DLX5 during the process of osteogenesis was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Meanwhile, the expression of downstream osteogenesis-associated proteins, such as runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN), were also detected after overexpression or inhibition of miR-339. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured in cells by ALP activity assay kit. Alizarin red staining was performed to reveal the cell mineralization ability. The luciferase reporter gene assay was used to identify the targeted pairings of miR-339 and DLX5 genes. In addition, the expression of DLX5 was detected by Western blot analysis after overexpression or knockdown of miR-339. Rescue test was applied to evaluate whether miR-339 could affect the differentiation of BMSCs by inhibiting the expression of DLX5.

RESULTS

QRT-PCR showed that miR-339 expression gradually decreased while the expression of DLX5 increased during the induction culture of BMSCs. After overexpression of miR-339 in BMSCs, the expression levels of ALP, RUNX2, and OPN were reduced. Besides, ALP activity assay showed a decreased cell ALP activity. RUNX2 protein expression was also decreased. In addition, Alizarin red staining detected a significant increase in cell mineralization, whereas silencing miR-339 resulted in an opposite result. These results indicated that miR-339 could regulate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Subsequently, we predicted using bioinformatics software that miR-339 might target DLX5, and validated this hypothesis by luciferase reporter assay. Finally, Western blot and ALP activity assay revealed that DLX5 could reverse the inhibitory effect of overexpression of miR-339 on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Down-regulation of miR-339 can promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by targeting DLX5, thereby relieving osteoporosis.

Molecular cloning and characterization of Y-box gene (Rpybx) from Manila clam and its expression analysis in different strains under low-temperature stress

Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, is an economically important marine bivalve species. Y-box proteins are members of the cold shock proteins family and highly conserved from bacteria to humans. In this study, a novel Y-box gene (Rpybx) was cloned from the Manila clam and gene expression profiling was performed on three shell color strains (white, zebra and white zebra) and two wild populations (Southern and Northern) of R. philippinarum. The complete ORF length of Rpybx is 1367 bp, encoding 253 amino acids residues. Based on the amino acid sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis, the Rpybx gene was identified as a member of the invertebrate Y-box proteins family. Rpybx has a similar tertiary structure to human Y-box protein YB-1. The Rpybx mRNA levels were analyzed by qPCR under acute and gradually varied cold stress. Under acute low-temperature stress, the expression of Rpybx mRNA in gills and hepatopancreas was significantly increased in all selected strains and populations (P < 0.05). The Northern population showed the lowest relative expression level of Rpybx. The expressions of Rpybx were greatly upregulated in gills and hepatopancreas of different stains and populations at 5 or -2°C under gradually varied temperature stress (P < 0.05). The results shed light on the biological function of the Rpybx gene in defending against low-temperature challenge and further exploring the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance and resistance in R. philippinarum.

Efficacy of intravitreal conbercept injection in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) injection in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

Patients with ROP who underwent IVC injection in Zhujiang Hospital from June 2015 to July 2016 were studied retrospectively. The primary outcome was defined as the regression of plus disease. The secondary outcomes were defined as the presence of recurrence, number of injections and the final regression of disease.

RESULTS

A total of 48 eyes of 24 patients with ROP were included. Among them, 9 eyes of 5 patients had zone I ROP, 35 eyes of 18 patients had zone II ROP and 4 eyes of 2 patients had aggressive posterior ROP. The mean gestational age was 28.5±1.6 weeks, the mean birth weight was 1209.6±228.6 g, the mean postmenstrual age of first injection was 34.2±1.9 weeks and the mean follow-up period was 31.0±4.7 weeks. Forty of 48 eyes (83.3%) received IVC only once, and the regression of plus disease occurred at an average of 3.5±1.5 weeks after the first injection of conbercept. For eight recurrent eyes (16.7%), four eyes received a second IVC and the remaining four eyes received laser photocoagulation, and the regression of plus disease occurred in 3 weeks. No lens opacity, vitreous haemorrhage, entophthalmia or retinal detachment was observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

IVC injection is an effective treatment for ROP.

Effects of sources and concentrations of zinc on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fur quality of growing-furring female mink (Mustela vison)

A completely randomized 3 × 3 + 1 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of sources and concentrations of Zn on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical endpoints, and fur quality in growing-furring female black mink. One hundred fifty healthy 15-wk-old female mink were randomly allocated to 10 dietary treatments ( = 15/group) for a 60-d trial. Animals in the control group were fed a basal diet, which consisted of mainly corn, soybean oil, meat and bone meal, and fish meal, with no Zn supplementation. Mink in the other 9 treatments were fed the basal diet supplemented with Zn from either zinc sulfate (ZnSO), zinc glycinate (ZnGly), or Zn pectin oligosaccharides (ZnPOS) at concentrations of either 100, 300, or 900 mg Zn/kg DM. The results showed that mink in the ZnPOS groups had higher ADG than those in the ZnSO groups (main effect, < 0.05). The addition of Zn reduced the G:F ( < 0.05). In addition, CP and crude fat digestibility were linearly increased with Zn supplementation ( < 0.05) and N retention tended to increase with Zn addition ( = 0.08). Dietary Zn supplementation increased the concentration of serum albumin and activity of alkaline phosphatase ( < 0.05). There was a linear effect of dietary Zn on the concentration of tibia Zn and pancreatic Zn ( < 0.05). For fur quality characteristics, the fur density and hair color of mink were improved by dietary Zn concentration ( < 0.05). Compared with ZnSO (100%), relative bioavailability values of ZnGly were 115 and 118%, based on tibia and pancreatic Zn, respectively, and relative bioavailability values of ZnPOS were 152 and 142%, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Zn supplementation can promote growth and increase nutrient digestibility and fur quality and that ZnPOS is more bioavailable than ZnSO and ZnGly in growing-furring female mink.

Preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics in swine of a florfenicol enteric formulation prepared using hot-melt extrusion technology

The objective of this work was to manufacture an enteric formulation of florfenicol (FF) using hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology and to evaluate its in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics. For the HME process, hypromellose acetate succinate LG (HPMCAS-LG) was the enteric polymer mixed with FF, and the two components were extruded with a standard screw configuration at a speed of 50 rpm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were performed to characterize the HME extrudate. The release percentage of the enteric formulation in the acidic stage was <10% of the loaded FF, whereas that in the phosphate buffer stage was >80%. Pharmacokinetic evaluations in swine revealed that the enteric formulation had a longer t_1/2λ and MRT than commercially available FF powder (FULAIKA^® ), indicating that the novel formulation exhibited enteric and sustained release properties. Compared with the commercial product, the relative bioavailability of the enteric formulation reached up to 117.2%. This study suggests that this formulation may have potential for future commercialization.

Entire nucleotide sequences of Gossypium raimondii and G. arboreum mitochondrial genomes revealed A-genome species as cytoplasmic donor of the allotetraploid species

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is commonly grouped into eight diploid genomic groups, designated A-G and K, and an allotetraploid genomic group, AD. Gossypium raimondii (D₅ ) and G. arboreum (A₂ ) are the putative contributors to the progenitor of G. hirsutum (AD₁ ), the economically important fibre-producing cotton species. Mitochondrial DNA from week-old etiolated seedlings was extracted from isolated organelles using discontinuous sucrose density gradient method. Mitochondrial genomes were sequenced, assembled, annotated and analysed in orderly. Gossypium raimondii (D₅ ) and G. arboreum (A₂ ) mitochondrial genomes were provided in this study. The mitochondrial genomes of two diploid species harboured circular genome of 643,914 bp (D₅ ) and 687,482 bp (A₂ ), respectively. They differ in size and number of repeat sequences, both contain illuminating triplicate sequences with 7317 and 10,246 bp, respectively, demonstrating dynamic difference and rearranged genome organisations. Comparing the D₅ and A₂ mitogenomes with mitogenomes of tetraploid Gossypium species (AD₁ , G. hirsutum; AD₂ , G. barbadense), a shared 11 kbp fragment loss was detected in allotetraploid species, three regions shared by G. arboreum (A₂ ), G. hirsutum (AD₁ ) and G. barbadense (AD₂ ), while eight regions were specific to G. raimondii (D₅ ). The presence/absence variations and gene-based phylogeny supported that A-genome is a cytoplasmic donor to the progenitor of allotetraploid species G. hirsutum and G. barbadense. The results present structure variations and phylogeny of Gossypium mitochondrial genome evolution.

Metabolomic profiling in umbilical venous plasma reveals effects of dietary rumen-protected arginine or N-carbamylglutamate supplementation in nutrient-restricted Hu sheep during pregnancy

Maternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy is a major problem worldwide for human and animal production. Arginine (Arg) is critical to health, growth and reproduction. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), a key enzyme in arginine synthesis, is not extensively degraded in rumen. The aim of this study was to investigate ameliorating effects of rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) and NCG supplementation on dietary in undernourished Hu sheep during gestation. From day 35 to 110 of gestation, 32 Hu ewes carrying twin foetuses were randomly divided into four groups: a control (CG) group (n = 8; fed 100% National Research Council (NRC) requirements for pregnant sheep), a nutrient-restricted (RG) group (n = 8; fed 50% NRC requirements, which included 50% mineral-vitamin mixture) and two treatment (Arg and NCG) groups (n = 8; fed 50% NRC requirements supplemented with 20 g/day RP-Arg or 5 g/day NCG, which included 50% mineral-vitamin mixture). The umbilical venous plasma samples of foetus were tested by ¹ H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Thirty-two differential metabolites were identified, indicating altered metabolic pathways of amino acid, carbohydrate and energy, lipids and oxidative stress metabolism among the four groups. Our results demonstrate that the beneficial effect of dietary RP-Arg and NCG supplementation on mammalian reproduction is associated with complex metabolic networks.

Impact of Food Restriction on the Expression of the Adiponectin System and Genes in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis of Pre-Pubertal Ewes

Adiponectin, a cytokine secreted typically by adipocytes, has been implicated as a molecular switch between female reproduction and energy balance. The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of adiponectin system and patterns of genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis of food-restricted pre-pubertal ewes. Eighteen 2-month-old female ewes were assigned to 3 groups after a pre-feeding ad libitum for 10 days (six in each group): the control group (C), the low-food-restricted group (LR) and the high-food-restricted group (HR), which were fed with 100%, 70% and 50% of ad libitum food intake, respectively. The hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and serum were collected after food restriction for 2 months. Results by ELISA showed that food restriction increased serum adiponectin concentrations. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that the gene transcriptions for adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and 2 (AdipoR2) were enhanced in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, while KISS-1/GPR-54 and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus and luteinizing hormone β-subunit (LHβ) and follicle-stimulating hormone β-subunit (FSHβ) in the pituitary were reduced after food restriction. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that AdipoR1 localized in the oocytes of follicles in the ovary. These results suggest that the alterations in the expression of adiponectin and its receptors in response to food restriction might negatively influence the HPO axis.

Nuclear accumulation of annexin A2 contributes to chromosomal instability by coilin-mediated centromere damage

Most human cancers show chromosomal instability (CIN), but the precise mechanisms remain uncertain. Annexin A2 is frequently overexpressed in human cancers, and its relationship to tumorigenesis is poorly understood. We found that annexin A2 is overexpressed in the nuclei of CIN cells compared with cells with microsatellite instability (MIN). Ectopic annexin A2 expression in MIN cells results in a high level of aneuploidy and induces lagging chromosomes; suppression of annexin A2 in CIN cells reduces such CIN signatures with apoptosis of highly aneuploid cells. Ectopic expression of annexin A2 in MIN cells reduces the expression of centromere proteins. Conversely, annexin A2-knockdown in CIN cells increases the expression of centromere proteins. Moreover, the endogenous expression levels of centromere proteins in CIN cells were greatly reduced compared with MIN cell lines. The reduced expression of centromere proteins likely occurred due to aberrant centromere localization of coilin, a major component of the Cajal bodies. These results suggest that nuclear accumulation of annexin A2 has a crucial role in CIN by disrupting centromere function.

Sevoflurane preconditioning-induced neuroprotection is associated with Akt activation via carboxy-terminal modulator protein inhibition

BACKGROUND

Sevoflurane preconditioning has a neuroprotective effect, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate whether sevoflurane-induced cerebral preconditioning involves inhibition of carboxy-terminal modulator protein (CTMP), an endogenous inhibitor of Akt, in a rat model of focal cerebral ischaemia.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 2.7% sevoflurane for 45 min. One hour later, rats were subjected to 60 min of focal cerebral ischaemia. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 were administered 10 min before preconditioning. Rats in the lentiviral transduction group received an intracerebroventricular injection of lentiviral vector Ubi-MCS-CTMP 3 days before ischaemia. Neurological deficits and infarct volumes were evaluated 24 h and 7 days after reperfusion. Phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), and expression of CTMP were determined at 1, 3, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. Akt activity was measured at 3 h after reperfusion.

RESULTS

Sevoflurane preconditioning improved neurological score and reduced infarct size at 24 h of reperfusion. Pretreatment with wortmannin or LY294002 attenuated these neuroprotective effects. Expression of CTMP correlated with reduced Akt activity after ischaemia, while sevoflurane preconditioning preserved Akt activity and increased phosphorylation of GSK3β. CTMP over-expression diminished the beneficial effects of sevoflurane preconditioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of Akt signalling via inhibition of CTMP is involved in the mechanism of neuroprotection provided by sevoflurane preconditioning.

Lamin B2 prevents chromosome instability by ensuring proper mitotic chromosome segregation

The majority of human cancer shows chromosomal instability (CIN). Although the precise mechanism remains largely uncertain, proper progression of mitosis is crucial. B-type lamins were suggested to be components of the spindle matrix of mitotic cells and to be involved in mitotic spindle assembly; thus, B-type lamins may contribute to the maintenance of chromosome integrity. Here, using a proteomic approach, we identified lamin B2 as a novel protein involved in CIN. Lamin B2 expression decreased in colorectal cancer cell lines exhibiting CIN, as compared with colorectal cancer cell lines exhibiting microsatellite instability (MIN), which is mutually exclusive to CIN. Importantly, lamin B2 knockdown in MIN-type colorectal cancer cells induced CIN phenotypes such as aneuploidy, chromosome mis-segregation and aberrant spindle assembly, whereas ectopic expression of lamin B2 in CIN-type colorectal cancer cells prevented their CIN phenotypes. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis showed a lower expression of lamin B2 in cancer tissues extracted from patients with sporadic colorectal cancer (CIN-type) than that from patients with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC; MIN type). Intriguingly, mitotic lamin B2 in MIN cancer cells was localized outside the spindle poles and mitotic lamin B2 localization was diminished in CIN cancer cells, suggesting an important role of lamin B2 in proper mitotic spindle formation. The obtained results suggest that lamin B2 maintains chromosome integrity by ensuring proper spindle assembly and that its downregulation causes CIN in colorectal cancer.

Gastrodin ameliorates anxiety-like behaviors and inhibits IL-1beta level and p38 MAPK phosphorylation of hippocampus in the rat model of posttraumatic stress disorder

Gastrodin, a main constituent of a Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown to be effective in treating various mood disorders. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether gastrodin could ameliorate stress-associated behavior in a rat model of enhanced single prolonged stress (ESPS)-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Following ESPS, rats were administered orally with gastrodin (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg daily) or vehicle for 2 weeks. Animals were then tested in the open field and elevated plus-maze, and the levels of IL-6 and IL-1beta, the expression of iNOS, p38 and phospho-p38 (p-p38) in hippocampus were also tested. ESPS exposure resulted in pronounced anxiety-like behavior, elevated IL-6 and IL-1beta levels, and the higher expression of iNOS and p-p38 in hippocampus. However, repeated treatment with gastrodin, particularly at higher doses, reversed the aforementioned changes, including anxiety-like behavior, levels of IL-6 and IL-1beta, and the expression of iNOS and the p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These results indicate that gastrodin possesses anxiolytic effect and may be an effective herbal preparation for the treatment of PTSD.

Follicular development and expression of nuclear respiratory factor-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 alpha in ovaries of fetal and neonatal doelings

In livestock, the ovarian reserve of follicles is established during the fetal stage. However, at least two-thirds of the oocytes present in the reserve die because of apoptosis before birth. Notably, mitochondria have been reported to play a crucial role in the fate (life/death) of oocytes. In this study, mitochondrial regulators nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and PPAR γ coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) were examined during this period of follicle development to investigate their effects on follicular development and apoptosis. Fetal and neonatal Capra haimen were used, ranging in age from 60 d postcoitum (dpc) to 30 d postpartum (dpp). Our data demonstrated that egg nests were the earliest recognizable gamete cells in ovaries of fetal and neonatal doelings. Proportions of egg nests decreased from 92.68 to 25.08% whereas single follicles increased from 7.32 to 74.92% between 60 and 120 dpc. Subsequently, between 90 and 120 dpc, the proportion of primordial follicles increased from 9.98 to 61.56% (P < 0.01). However, it did not change between 1 and 30 dpp (P = 0.12). The proportion of primary follicles increased from 1.23 to 37.93% between 90 dpc to 1 dpp (P = 0.01) but did not change between 1 and 30 dpp (P = 0.11). Meanwhile, proportions of secondary and tertiary follicles increased in an age-dependent manner. In addition, results of this study suggested that NRF-1 and PGC-1α proteins are mainly localized in germ cells of egg nests, cytoplasm of oocytes, and granulosa cells of follicles ranging from primordial to tertiary follicles. The transcript abundance of NRF-1 mRNA was up-regulated in 60-dpc-old ovaries compared with 1-dpp-old ovaries (P < 0.05), but the PGC-1α mRNA expression pattern did not change (P = 0.05). Nevertheless, the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells and caspase-3 activity in 60-dpc-old ovaries was less than those in 1-dpp-old ovaries (P < 0.01, P = 0.01). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the key stage of primordial follicle formation is between 90 and 120 dpc in Capra haimen. Also, this study suggests that NRF-1 and PGC-1α might have roles in cell apoptosis during ovarian development of fetal and neonatal Capra haimen. These results improve our understanding of apoptotic mechanisms in oogenesis and folliculogenesis.

Centromere mapping in the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) through half-tetrad analysis in gynogenetic diploid families

Centromere mapping is an essential prerequisite for our understanding of the composition and structure of genomes. For centromere mapping, in two meiogynogenetic families of the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai), we screened 97 microsatellite markers that cover all linkage groups from a currently available abalone linkage map. Microsatellite analysis showed that no unique paternal allele was found in all gynogenetic progeny, which confirmed 100% success of induction of gynogenesis. In the control crosses, all 97 microsatellite loci were compatible with Mendelian inheritance, while in meiogynogenetic progeny, 5.2% of the microsatellite loci showed segregation distortions from an expected 1:1 ratio of two homozygote classes. The second division segregation frequency of the microsatellites ranged from 0.037 to 0.950 with a mean of 0.399, indicating the existence of interference. Heterogeneity among linkage groups in the crossover distribution was observed. Centromere location was mostly in accordance with the abalone karyotype, but differences in marker order between linkage and centromere maps occurred. Information on the positions of centromeres in relation to the microsatellite loci will represent a contribution towards assembly of genetic maps in the commercially important abalone species.

In vivo responses of cutaneous C-mechanosensitive neurons in mouse to punctate chemical stimuli that elicit itch and nociceptive sensations in humans

Native cowhage spicules, and heat-inactivated spicules containing histamine or capsaicin, evoke similar sensations of itch and nociceptive sensations in humans. In ongoing studies of the peripheral neural mechanisms of chemical itch and pain in the mouse, extracellular electrophysiological recordings were obtained, in vivo, from the cell bodies of mechanosensitive nociceptive neurons in response to spicule stimuli delivered to their cutaneous receptive fields (RFs) on the distal hindlimb. A total of 43 mechanosensitive, cutaneous, nociceptive neurons with axonal conduction velocities in the C-fiber range (C-nociceptors) were classified as CM if responsive to noxious mechanical stimuli, such as pinch, or CMH if responsive to noxious mechanical and heat stimuli (51°C, 5 s). The tips of native cowhage spicules, or heat-inactivated spicules containing histamine or capsaicin, were applied to the RF. Heat-inactivated spicules containing no chemical produced only a transient response occurring during insertion. Of the 43 mechanosensitive nociceptors recorded, 20 of the 25 CMHs responded to capsaicin, and of these, 13 also responded to cowhage and/or histamine. In contrast, none of the 18 CMs responded to any of the chemical stimuli. The time course of the mean discharge rate of CMHs was similar in response to each type of spicule and generally similar, although reaching a peak earlier, to the temporal profiles of itch and nociceptive sensations evoked by the same stimuli in humans. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the itch and nociceptive sensations evoked by these punctuate chemical stimuli are mediated at least in part by the activity of mechanoheat-sensitive C-nociceptors. In contrast, activity in mechanosensitive C-nociceptors that do not respond to heat or to pruritic chemicals is hypothesized as contributing to pain but not to itch.

Pulmonary toxicity in mice exposed to low and medium doses of water-soluble multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a class of new allotrope of carbon. Different functionalized CNTs may vary from their physical and chemical properties to the biological property. In this study, the toxicity of water-soluble taurine multi-walled CNTs (tau-MWNTs), raw MWNTs and positive control crystalline silicon dioxide particles on mouse lungs via intratracheal instillation (i.t.) was investigated. The dosages we used were 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mg/kg of tau-MWNTs and raw MWNTs, and 1 mg/kg of silicon dioxide particles; Serum and lungs were collected at 1, 7, 14 or 28 days postexposure. The biochemical and cellular parameters were assessed, which include the ratio of the lung weight and body weight (lung indices), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in serum, and malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total sulfhydryl group (TSH) in lung tissue homogenates as well as the hydroxyproline in lungs. The characteristic recovery of the lung injury at 28 days postexposure was examined by the assessment of LDH, ALP, lung indices, and histopathology. ACE, MDA, GSH, TSH and histopathological changes showed that tau-MWNTs were less toxic than the raw MWNTs. Histopathological and ultrastructural investigation indicated that the acute pulmonary inflammation in lungs alleviated after 7d postexposure, and were greatly recovered within 28d. Meanwhile, the entrapment of tau-MWNTs reduced greatly by the 28d postexposure. Whereas the heavier pathologic changes induced by raw MWNTs lasted 7 days more than that of tau-MWNTs. Notably, no occurrence of granulomas and fibrosis were found in this study both in the two CNTs samples through 28d postexposure. Silicon dioxide particles, on the contrary, produced more severe damage to lungs than CNTs did in lung index, as well as other biochemical and cellular parameters. These findings indicate that water-soluble tau-MWNTs in low and medium doses induce slight and recoverable pulmonary inflammation in mice, and are less toxic than the insoluble raw MWNTs.

Minocycline prevents impaired glial glutamate uptake in the spinal sensory synapses of neuropathic rats

Activation of glutamate receptors and glial cells in the spinal dorsal horn are two fundamental processes involved in the pathogenesis of various pain conditions, including neuropathic pain induced by injury to the peripheral or central nervous systems. Numerous studies have demonstrated that minocycline treatment attenuates allodynic and hyperalgesic behaviors induced by tissue inflammation or nerve injury. However, the synaptic mechanisms by which minocycline prevents hyperalgesia are not fully understood. We recently reported that deficient glutamate uptake by glial glutamate transporters (GTs) is key for the enhanced activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the spinal sensory synapses of rats receiving partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL). In this study, we investigated how minocycline affects activation of NMDA receptors in the spinal sensory synapses in rats with pSNL by whole cell recordings of NMDA currents in spinal laminea I and II neurons from spinal slices. The effects of minocycline treatments on the dorsal horn expression of glial GTs and astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that normalized activation of NMDA receptors in synapses activated by both weak and strong peripheral input in the spinal dorsal horn is temporally associated with attenuated mechanical allodynia in rats with pSNL receiving intraperitoneal injection of minocycline. Minocycline ameliorated both the downregulation of glial GT expression and the activation of astrocytes induced by pSNL in the spinal dorsal horn. We further revealed that preventing deficient glial glutamate uptake at the synapse is crucial for preserving the normalized activation of NMDA receptors in the spinal sensory synapses in pSNL rats treated with minocycline. Our studies suggest that glial GTs may be a potential target for the development of analgesics.

Diameter effects on cytotoxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

In this work, we focus on the diameter effects on cytotoxicity of different diametered multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Cellular viability, phagocytotic ability, and apoptosis of guinea pig alveolar macrophages (AM) exposed to MWNTs were studied. MWNTs in smaller diameter showed less cytotoxicity than the larger ones at the same dosage. The phagocytosis ability of AM was partially impaired when the concentration of MWNTs was up to 20 microg/ml, where a further characteristic feature of AM apoptosis was observed. The results indicate that MWNTs in different diameters exhibited quite different cytotoxicity, and for the first time revealed the diameter-effect of MWNTs on cytotoxicity.

Efficacy of intracarotid propofol infusion and impact of cerebral blood flow alteration

BACKGROUND

Intracarotid propofol infusion was studied in canines as an experimental basis for application of propofol in the Wada test.

METHODS

First, efficacy and side-effects of propofol anaesthesia were studied in eight mongrel dogs that received intracarotid and i.v. propofol infusions for 30 min according to a cross-over design. Auditory evoked potentials were used to guide anaesthesia. Secondly, eight mongrel dogs received intracarotid propofol infusion during both normal and cerebral hyperperfusion states using nicardipine. Haemodynamics and clinical endpoints were compared between the two infusion conditions.

RESULTS

We required 33 (7.6) mg propofol intracarotically vs 113 (17) mg propofol i.v. to achieve an anaesthetic state. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased about 15-27% from the baseline during i.v. infusion. However, no obvious decrease of MAP was observed after intracarotid infusion. Administration of nicardipine increased the blood flow in the internal carotid artery by 17%. Then, the propofol dosage for achieving the anaesthetic effect increased from 7.7 (0.9) mg in the normal control to 11.3 (0.8) mg in the nicardipine group. The onset time of anaesthetic effect was prolonged and the recovery time was shortened during intracarotid infusion during cerebral hyperperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with i.v. propofol infusion, intracarotid infusion could reach and maintain the target anaesthetic depth with less dosage and without affecting MAP. In addition, increase of cerebral blood flow requires a higher propofol dose, prolongs onset, and shortens recovery time during intracarotid propofol anaesthesia, indicating that patients with a cerebral hyperperfusion state may need higher dose of anaesthetics during the Wada test.

Glial glutamate transporter 1 regulates the spatial and temporal coding of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in spinal lamina II neurons

Glutamatergic synaptic transmission is a dynamic process determined by the amount of glutamate released by presynaptic sites, the clearance of glutamate in the synaptic cleft, and the properties of postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Clearance of glutamate in the synaptic cleft depends on passive diffusion and active uptake by glutamate transporters. In this study, we examined the role of glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) in spinal sensory processing. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of substantia gelatinosa neurons recorded from spinal slices of young adult rats were analyzed before and after GLT-1 was pharmacologically blocked by dihydrokainic acid. Inhibition of GLT-1 prolonged the EPSC duration and the EPSC decay phase. The EPSC amplitudes were increased in neurons with weak synaptic input but decreased in neurons with strong synaptic input upon inhibition of GLT-1. We suggest that presynaptic inhibition, desensitization of postsynaptic AMPA receptors, and glutamate "spillover" contributed to the kinetic change of EPSCs induced by the blockade of GLT-1. Thus, GLT-1 is a key component in maintaining the spatial and temporal coding in signal transmission at the glutamatergic synapse in substantia gelatinosa neurons.

Random left censoring: a second look at bone lead concentration measurements

Bone lead concentrations measured in vivo by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) are subjected to left censoring due to limited precision of the technique at very low concentrations. In the analysis of bone lead measurements, inverse variance weighting (IVW) of measurements is commonly used to estimate the mean of a data set and its standard error. Student's t-test is used to compare the IVW means of two sets, testing the hypothesis that the two sets are from the same population. This analysis was undertaken to assess the adequacy of IVW in the analysis of bone lead measurements or to confirm the results of IVW using an independent approach. The rationale is provided for the use of methods of survival data analysis in the study of XRF bone lead measurements. The procedure is provided for bone lead data analysis using the Kaplan-Meier and Nelson-Aalen estimators. The methodology is also outlined for the rank tests that are used to determine whether two censored sets are from the same population. The methods are applied on six data sets acquired in epidemiological studies. The estimated parameters and test statistics were compared with the results of the IVW approach. It is concluded that the proposed methods of statistical analysis can provide valid inference about bone lead concentrations, but the computed parameters do not differ substantially from those derived by the more widely used method of IVW.

Mechanomyography and electromyography during and after fatiguing shoulder eccentric contractions in males and females

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in mechanomyographic (MMG) and the surface electromyographic (EMG) signals during and after fatiguing shoulder eccentric contractions in a group consisting of 12 males and 12 females. Exerted force, MMG, EMG, pain and rate of perceived exertion were assessed before, during and after repeated high-intensity eccentric exercises. Bouts of eccentric contractions caused a decrease in the exerted force for males (P<0.05) and an increase in the rate of perceived exertion and pain for both genders (P<0.05). During eccentric exercise, the root mean square (RMS) values of the MMG signal increased (P<0.05). The mean power frequency (MPF) values of the EMG signal decreased at the end of each eccentric bout for both genders (P<0.05); the decrease was higher for females compared with males (P<0.05). Immediately after eccentric exercise in static abduction of the upper limbs, the MMG RMS and MPF values increased (P<0.05). The present study showed that (1) neuromuscular changes associated with pain and changes in muscle stiffness and (2) changes in motor units strategy during fatigue development in shoulder muscle are reflected in the MMG and EMG signals.

Risk factors of superinfection following imipenem/cilastatin therapy in hospitalised patients with acute exacerbations of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Imipenem is often used in treatment of acute exacerbations of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Superinfection following imipenem therapy is a common cause of treatment failure and high economic burden. This study is aimed to explore any clinical factors which determine the risk of superinfection after imipenem treatment in acute exacerbations of severe COPD. A prospective observational study was conducted in a 5-bed respiratory intensive care unit of a Chinese University hospital. Fifty-one patients with acute exacerbations of severe COPD who were hospitalised and treated with imipenem for more than 3 days were enrolled during 1.5 year. The associations between the risk of superinfection and potential factors were analysed by logistic regression. Forty-seven out of 51 patients (92.2%) had their symptoms and signs improved at the end of imipenem treatment. Superinfections were developed in 12 patients, and the superinfection rate was as high as 30.8% (12 out of 39 patients with definite bacteriologic responses). The frequent superinfecting organisms were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among a wide range of potential risk factors, we found that lower blood pH, previous cephalosporines treatment and longer period of imipenem treatment are independently associated with a higher risk of superinfection. The risk of superinfection following imipenem treatment in hospitalised patients with acute exacerbations of COPD was high. Lower blood pH, previous cephalosporines treatment and longer period of imipenem treatment all increased the risk of superinfection.

Skewed T-cell receptor BV14 and BV16 expression and shared CDR3 sequence and common sequence motifs in synovial T cells of rheumatoid arthritis

T-lymphocytes play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that common T-cell receptor (TCR) structural features may exist among infiltrating T cells of different RA patients, if the TCR repertoire is shaped by interaction with common self or microbial antigens in the context of susceptible HLA genes in RA. Synovial lesion tissue (ST), synovial fluid (SF) and blood specimens from RA patients and controls were analyzed for TCR V gene repertoire by real-time PCR. There was highly skewed BV14 and BV16 usage in synovial T cells of RA as opposed to those of controls, which was accompanied with a trend for correlation between skewed BV16 and DRB1(*)0405. Immunoscope analysis of the V-D-J region of ST-derived T cells demonstrated oligoclonal and polyclonal expansion of BV14(+) and BV16(+) T cells. Detailed characterization using specific BV and BJ primers further revealed common clonotypes combining the same BV14/BV16, BJ and CDR3 length. DNA cloning and sequence analysis of the clonotypes confirmed identical CDR3 sequences and common CDR3 sequence motifs among different RA patients. The findings are important in the understanding of BV gene skewing and CDR3 structural characteristics among synovial infiltrating T cells of RA.

[Expression and significance of extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecule in bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

To study the expressing features and significance of extracellular matrix(ECM)-laminin(LN),collagen IV(Coll IV),fibronectin(FN) and cell adhesion molecule(A-CAM) in the three subtypes of the bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma(BAC) and conventional pulmonary adenocarcinoma(CPA).

METHODS

Using immunohistochemical LSAB technique,the distribution and expression of ECM and A-CAM were examined in 50 cases of BAC(including 14 mucinous,22 nonmucinous and 14 sclerosing) and 6 of CPA.

RESULTS

LN,Coll IV and FN in the basement membrane were stained as uninterrupted narrow line in the mucinous BAC and the pulmonary parenchyma adjacent to the carcinoma. In the nonmucinous BAC,ECM showed as irregular tram-track like double layers. The peripheral areas of the sclerosing BAC was virtually identical in staining pattern to the nonmucinous,and the central areas,which showed disrupted or absent in the basement membrane surrounding the glands embedded in the fibrous stroma,was similar to that of CPA. The frequency of A-CAM expression in BAC and CPA was 60%(30/50) and 83% (5/6) respectively, with no significant correlation found(P>0.05). The percentage of A-CAM in three BAC subtypes was 43%(6/14),55%(12/22) and 86%(12/14),which appeared as increased tendency. There was a significant difference between the mucinous and sclerosing BAC(P<0.05),while the sclerosing BAC was close to CPA.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the distribution and expression of ECM and A-CAM,BAC should be taken as a subtype of CPA. The mucinous BAC may be a real BAC. Perhaps there is some differentiation correlation among three subtypes of BAC and CPA.

The effect of hydroxyapatite ultrofine powder on the immunity function of tumor-bearing mice

The inhibitory effect of hydroxyapatite ultrofine powder (HAUFP) on tumor and the effect on the immunity function of body were investigated. The levels of IL-2 in the spleen cells and serum TNF levels in the tumor-bearing mice at the 7th day and 14th after peritoneal injection of HAUFP were detected by using the methods of colorimetric analysis of MTT and crystal purple decoration, respectively. The disappearance of the ascites of the mice was observed. The results showed that the levels of IL-2 and TNF in the tumor-bearing mice were higher obviously in the drug-treated group than in the control group (P < 0.01), the ascites growth was inhibited. It was suggested that HAUFP could increase the levels of IL-2 and TNF of the tumor-bearing mice and improve the immune function of body.

Analysis and origins of the human and mouse RNase L genes: mediators of interferon action

The 2',5'-oligoadenylate-activated enzyme, RNase L, is an endoribonuclease implicated in the antiviral and apoptotic activities of interferons. To probe the genetics of the 2-5A system, the human and mouse genes were cloned, characterized, and compared. The first coding exon of both genes encodes the regulatory regions of RNase L, 67-70% of the proteins including nine ankyrin repeats, the 2-5A binding domain, and several protein kinase homology motifs. In contrast, the coding sequence for the ribonuclease domain in the mouse and human gene is divided among three exons. The transcriptional start site of the human RNase L gene was located in noncoding exon I by primer extension analysis. A complete coding sequence of mouse RNase L was obtained revealing a 735-amino acid protein with 64% identity to human RNase L. A hypothesis is presented concerning the evolutionary relationship of RNase L to both an ankyrin repeat protein kinase and the kinase-endoribonuclease. IRE1, that mediates the unfolded protein response.

Act1, an NF-kappa B-activating protein

Use of an NF-kappaB-dependent selectable marker facilitated the isolation of a cell line containing a cDNA encoding Act1, an NF-kappaB activator. Act1 associates with and activates IkappaB kinase (IKK), leading to the liberation of NF-kappaB from its complex with IkappaB. Many signaling pathways that liberate NF-kappaB also activate activating transcription factor (ATF) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) through Jun kinase (JNK). Act1 also activates JNK, suggesting that it might be part of a multifunctional complex involved in the activation of both NF-kappaB and JNK. Act1 fails to activate NF-kappaB in an IL-1-unresponsive mutant cell line in which all known signaling components are present, suggesting that it interacts with an unknown component in IL-1 signaling.

Neurokinin A, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and dynorphin A (1-8) in spinal dorsal horn contribute to descending inhibition evoked by nociceptive afferent pathways: an immunocytochemical study

Immunocytochemical technique was used to compare the contents of neurokinin A (NKA), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and dynorphin A (1-8) (DynA) on two sides of the lumbar dorsal horn of rats in which the unilateral thoracic dorsalateral funiculus (DLF) was transected while formalin (0.2 ml, 0.5%) was injected equally into two hindpaws. The results showed that all the NKA-like, CGRP-like, and DynA (1-8)-like immunoreactivities were significantly lower in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn on the side ipsilateral to the lesioned DLF than that on the side with intact DLF. This implies that peripheral noxious inputs activate the supraspinal descending inhibitory systems which in turn modulate the transmission of noxious message at the spinal level by changing the release of related neuropeptides.

No correlation of polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme genes with left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertension

To investigate the correlation of polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genes with left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertension, 151 patients with essential hypertension were studied. ACE genotypes were determined by PCR technology and diastolic left ventricular diameter (DLVd), systolic left ventricular diameter (SLVd), interseptal ventricular thickness (IVS), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPW) were scanned by echocardiography. Left ventricular mass (LVM) and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were calculated from echocardiographic findings. Results revealed that DLVd, SLVd, IVS, LVPW, LVM, and LVMI of the DD genotype group were 49.9 +/- 5.6 mm, 30.5 +/- 6.5 mm, 11.2 +/- 1.6 mm, 11.7 +/- 1.5 mm, 259.5 +/- 62.1 g, 92.7 +/- 23.5 g/m2, respectively. DLVd, SLVd, IVS, LVPW, LVM, and LVMI of the ID genotype group were 8.9 +/- 5.3 mm, 31.5 +/- 5.2 mm, 11.4 +/- 1.7 mm, 11.9 +/- 1.6 mm, 261.3 +/- 70.3 g, and 94.9 +/- 25.8 g/m2, respectively, and DLVd, SLVd, IVS, LVPW, LVM, and LVMI of the II genotype group are 48.9 +/- 5.5 mm, 31.8 +/- 6.5 mm, 11.1 +/- 1.9 mm, 11.5 +/- 1.8 mm, 250.8 +/- 82.5 g and 90.8 +/- 30.1 g/m2 respectively. There was no significant difference between the ID, DD and II genotype groups as regards DLVd, SLVd, IVS, LVPW, LVM, and LVMI (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that there is no association between the ACE gene and left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertension occurring in the Chinese population.

[Morphological and microscopic identification of herba artemisiae scopariae and its adulterants]

Pharmacognostical studies of Herba Artemisiae Scopariae and its adulterants were compared on morphological and microscopic characteristics. The detailed characteristics of powder microscopic identification were described.