Long-term oncological outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this multicentre cohort study was to compare the long-term oncological outcomes of robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy by robotic or laparoscopic approaches from 1 March 2010 to 31 December 2018 at 10 high-volume centres in China were selected from institutional databases. Patients receiving RG were matched 1 : 1 by propensity score with patients undergoing LG. The primary outcome was 3-year disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes were overall survival and disease recurrence.

RESULTS

Some 2055 patients who underwent RG and 4309 patients who had LG were included. The propensity score-matched cohort comprised 2026 RGs and 2026 LGs. Median follow-up was 41 (i.q.r. 39-58) months for the RG group and 39 (38-56) months for the LG group. The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 80.8% in the RG group and 79.5% in the LG group (log rank P = 0.240; HR 0.92, 95% c.i. 0.80 to 1.06; P = 0.242). Three-year OS rates were 83.9 and 81.8% respectively (log rank P = 0.068; HR 0.87, 0.75 to 1.01; P = 0.068) and the cumulative incidence of recurrence over 3 years was 19.3% versus 20.8% (HR 0.95, 0.88 to 1.03; P = 0.219), with no difference between groups.

CONCLUSION

RG and LG in patients with gastric cancer are associated with comparable disease-free and overall survival.

Areca Thirteen Pill Improves Depression in Rat by Modulation of the Chemokine/Chemokine Receptor Axis

Depressive disorder is a severe and complex mental illness. There are a few anti-depressive medications that can reduce depressive symptoms, but with adverse or side effects. GaoYou-13 (GY-13), commonly known as Areca Thirteen Pill, is a traditional medicine for depression treatment with significant clinical impact. However, the molecular mechanism of GY-13 has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore and explain the action and mechanism of GY-13 in treatment for depression. SD male rats were stimulated differently daily for 42 days to construct a depression rat model and divided into six groups: the control, CUMS model, GY-13L, GY-13 M, GY-13H, and FLUO. The body weight of was measured on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 or different days, and the behavioral tests (Open-field test, Sucrose preference test, Morris water maze) were made alongside. After the rats were decapitated, the rat brains were stained with Nissl or H&E dyes. The serums of TNF-α and IL-1β were tested. The protein of p-IKKα, p-IкBα, and p-NFкBp65 was traced. Then nano-LC-MS/MS analysis was made to detect the mechanism of GY-13. The active ingredients, drug targets, and key pathways of GY-13 in treating depression were analyzed through network pharmacology and molecular docking. With immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, and western-blot techniques, the therapeutic mechanism of GY-13 was traced and analyzed. This study revealed that GY-13 significantly enhances autonomous and exploratory behavior, sucrose consumption, learning and memory ability, and hippocampal neuronal degeneration, which inhibits inflammation. In addition, omics analysis showed several proteins were altered in the hippocampus of rats following CUMS and GY-13 treatment. Bioinformatics analysis and network pharmacology revealed the antidepressant effects of GY-13 are related to the chemokine/chemokine receptor axis. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and RT-PCR assay further support the findings of omics analysis. We highlighted the importance of the chemokine/chemokine receptor axis in the treatment of depression, as well as showed GY-13 can be used as a novel targeted therapy for depression treatment.

Synthesis, molecular docking studies of formononetin derivatives as potent Bax agonists for anticancer activity

Formononetin as a Bax agonist exhibits anticancer effects. To identify novel Bax agonist, 18 new structurally modified formononetin derivatives were synthesised and their anticancer activities were evaluated in the A549 and Beas-2b cell lines. The results indicated that 7a elicited the most potent inhibitory effect against the A549 cell line, with an IC50 value of 0.87 μM, and no obvious toxicity to Beas-2b cells. These results indicated that 7a was 40-fold and 6.94-fold more efficacious than Formononetin and Doxorubicin, respectively. Additionally, western blot and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that 7a downregulated the protein expression of Bcl-2 and upregulated the expressions of Bax to promote A549 apoptosis, the obtained results also suggested that 7a had the potential to be developed into a lead compound that can be applied in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.

Resveratrol-induced SIRT1 activation inhibits glycolysis-fueled angiogenesis under rheumatoid arthritis conditions independent of HIF-1α

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the impacts of SIRT1 activation on rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related angiogenesis.

METHODS

HUVECs were cultured by different human serum. Intracellular metabolites were quantified by UPLC-MS. Next, HUVECs and rat vascular epithelial cells under different inflammatory conditions were treated by a SIRT1 agonist resveratrol (RSV). Cytokines and biochemical indicators were detected by corresponding kits. Protein and mRNA expression levels were assessed by immunoblotting and PCR methods, respectively. Angiogenesis capabilities were evaluated by migration, wound-healing and tube-formation experiments. To down-regulate certain signals, gene-specific siRNA were applied.

RESULTS

Metabolomics study revealed the accelerated glycolysis in RA serum-treated HUVECs. It led to ATP accumulation, but did not affect GTP levels. RSV inhibited pro-angiogenesis cytokines production and glycolysis in both the cells, and impaired the angiogenesis potentials. These effects were mimicked by an energy metabolism interrupter bikini in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed HUVECs, largely independent of HIF-1α. Both RSV and bikinin can inhibit the activation of the GTP-dependent pathway Rho/ROCK and reduce VEGF production. Abrogation of RhoA signaling reinforced HIF-1α silencing-brought changes in LPS-stimulated HUVECs, and overshadowed the anti-angiogenesis potentials of RSV.

CONCLUSION

Glycolysis provides additional energy to sustain Rho/ROCK activation in RA subjects, which promotes VEGF-driven angiogenesis and can be inhibited by SIRT1 activation.

Consumption of Saturated Fatty Acids-Rich Lard Benefits Recovery of Experimental Arthritis by Activating PPAR-γ

SCOPE

This study investigates the impacts of lard and related fatty acids intake on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) animal models.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) are induced in SD rats and C57 BL/6 mice respectively, which are fed by lard-rich diet (LRD) for 42 days with intake restriction or not. AIA SD rats are treated by representative fatty acids for 30 days. Body weight, arthritis score, and metabolic profile are periodically recorded. Monocyte distribution, cytokine/metabolites levels, gene expression, and tissue damages are investigated by flow cytometry, ELISA, colorimetry, PCR, and histological methods. After being treated by fatty acids in vitro, THP-1 monocytes and the corresponding medium are collected for ELISA, PCR, immunoblotting, and reporter gene assays. Irrespective of intake amounts, LRD decreases inflammatory cytokines and inhibits glycolysis in all rheumatic rodents. Furthermore, it alters monocyte distribution and promotes PPAR-γ expression in AIA mice. Overall evidences show that both saturated (SF) and unsaturated fatty acids (USF) from lard can attenuate inflammation by activating PPAR-γ. Silencing PPAR-γ abrogates their anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Besides, SF can stimulate TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

Lard consumption is beneficial for active inflammatory arthritis recovery. Even SF can activate PPAR-γ and consequently attenuate inflammation.

Research progress on the synthesis and pharmacology of 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives: a mini review

Oxadiazole is a five-membered heterocyclic compound containing two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,2,4-oxadiazole have favourable physical, chemical, and pharmacokinetic properties, which significantly increase their pharmacological activity via hydrogen bond interactions with biomacromolecules. In recent years, oxadiazole has been demonstrated to be the biologically active unit in a number of compounds. Oxadiazole derivatives exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tuberculous, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic and anticancer activities. In this paper, we report a series of compounds containing oxadiazole rings that have been published in the last three years only (2020–2022) as there was no report or their activities described in any article in 2019, which will be useful to scientists in research fields of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology.

Adequate 25(OH)D moderates the relationship between dietary inflammatory potential and cardiovascular health risk during the second trimester of pregnancy

Background

Pro-inflammatory diets play an important role in developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vitamin D has been demonstrated to have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote cardiovascular health (CVH). However, it is unclear whether adequate vitamin D during pregnancy protects against poor CVH caused by pro-inflammatory diets.

Objective

To investigate the association of pro-inflammatory diets with the cardiovascular risk (CVR) among pregnant women and whether such association was modified by vitamin D status.

Methods

The study was based on a prospective birth cohort that included 3,713 pregnant women between 16 and 23 gestational weeks. In total, 25(OH)D concentrations and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured from the collected blood. The dietary inflammatory potential was evaluated using the empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. Gestational CVR was evaluated using the CVR score based on five “clinical” CVR metrics, including body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, glucose levels, and smoking status.

Results

The proportion of women with a CVR score >0 was 54.3%. We observed a positive association between the EDIP score and CVR score. Compared with the lowest quartile, the CVR score (β = −0.114, 95% CI, −0.217, −0.011) and hs-CRP levels (β = −0.280, 95% CI, −0.495, −0.065) were lower in the highest quartile (P for trend <0.05). Increased CVR connected with high EDIP score was observed only in women with 25(OH)D concentrations <50 nmol/L (RR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.35, 2.54). Mediation analysis revealed that the proportion of association between the EDIP score and CVR score mediated by 25(OH)D was 28.7%, and the proportion of the association between 25(OH)D and the CVR score mediated by hs-CRP was 21.9%.

Conclusion

The higher dietary inflammatory potential was associated with an increased CVR during pregnancy by promoting inflammation. Adequate vitamin D could exert anti-inflammatory effects and modify such association.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with Takayasu arteritis coexisting with myocardial ischemia and neurological symptoms: A multicenter, long-term, follow-up study

Background

The incidence of coexisting myocardial ischemia and neurological symptoms in Takayasu arteritis (TA) is currently unknown. There is no standardized treatment algorithm in complex cases involving the coronary and intracranial arteries.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with TA coexisting with myocardial ischemia and neurological symptoms.

Methods

We retrospectively collected and assessed 1,580 patients with TA, and enrolled patients with myocardial ischemia and neurological symptoms from January 2002 to December 2021 in several hospitals. The incidence, clinical features, management strategy, and prognosis of these patients were evaluated.

Results

Ninety-four (5.9%, 94/1,580) patients with TA coexisting with myocardial ischemia and neurological symptoms were included in the present study. Imaging results showed that the subclavian arteries were the most frequently affected arteries and 37 patients had intracranial vascular abnormalities, comprising the basilar artery (6.1%, 17/279), middle cerebral artery (2.5%, 7/279), anterior cerebral artery (2.9%, 8/279), and posterior cerebral artery (1.9%, 5/279). Among patients with neurological symptoms, 25 patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and 20 patients underwent stent implantation. The most common site of stenosis was the ostial and proximal segments of the coronary artery, with 142 lesions among 188 (75.5%) lesions. Thirty-eight patients adopted interventional therapy, 21 patients underwent surgical treatment, and the remaining 35 patients received conservative treatment. There were 20 (21.27%, 20/94) late deaths during a mean follow-up of 57.79 months. The mortality rate in the conservative treatment group was significantly higher than that in the interventional therapy and surgical treatment groups.

Conclusion

Patients with TA involving both the coronary and intracranial vessels are not rare. Stenosis and occlusion lesions most frequently involve the ostia and proximal segment of the arteries. Severe vascular lesions should be revascularized as soon as possible. These patients should be supplemented with glucocorticoids, antiplatelet, nitrates, and statins.

Cardioprotective effect of ethanol extracts of Sugemule-3 decoction on isoproterenol-induced heart failure in Wistar rats through regulation of mitochondrial dynamics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sugemule-3 decoction (SD-3) is a commonly used prescription in Mongolian medicine which composed of the herbs Baidoukou (the fruit of Amomum compactum Sol. ex Maton), Baijusheng (the fruit of Lactuca sativa L.) and Biba (Piper longum L.). SD-3 has remarkable effect on the cardiovascular diseases, but its pharmacological mechanism has not been elucidated.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To evaluate the cardioprotective effects and the potential mechanisms of the ethanol extracts of SD-3 against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced heart failure (HF) in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The ethanol extracts of SD-3 were prepared and analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. One hundred male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, ISO (HF) and different doses of SD-3 (0.4, 0.2, 0.1 g/kg/d) groups. HF model rats were established by intraperitoneal injecting of ISO. The left ventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography. Myocardial injury and fibrosis were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Western-blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expression of apoptosis and mitochondrial dynamics in all the groups. Moreover, the structural changes in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were also observed by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Fifteen compounds were detected in the ethanol extracts of SD-3, include piperine, piperanine, etc. Rats administered with ISO showed a significant decline in the left ventricular function. The cardiac histopathological changes such as local necrosis, interstitial edema, and cardiac fibrosis were also observed in the ISO group. The treatment with SD-3 significantly inhibited these effects of ISO. ISO was found to increase the protein expression of Bax, cleaved-PARP and cleaved-caspase-3, -7 -9, destroy the balance between mitochondrial fusion and fission, and alter the mitochondrial morphology. The ethanol extracts of SD-3 could rebalance mitochondrial fusion and fission, and ameliorates the morphological abnormalities induced by ISO in mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated that ethanol extracts of SD-3 improved isoprenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis through inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and regulating the mitochondrial dynamics.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced murine lung injury results in long-term pulmonary changes and downregulation of angiogenic pathways

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the most severe form of acute lung injury (ALI) and is associated with significant mortality. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury is a valuable murine model of ALI but there is a paucity of data on lung regeneration and the role of angiogenic signaling involving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to receive intratracheal instillation of either LPS or isovolumetric phosphate buffered saline as a vehicle control. Mice were observed at a single follow-up time-point that was either short-term (24 h or 4 days) or long-term (7 days or 4 weeks). On pulmonary function testing, LPS-treated mice had increased compliance at 4 weeks post-instillation, which correlated with decreased vascularization and with time-dependent, progressive decrease in alveolarization. Treadmill exercise tolerance testing demonstrated impaired performance at 24 h, 4 days and 4 weeks following LPS exposure. On lung protein analysis, LPS instillation decreased VEGF expression at up to 4 weeks, and decreased activation of its key receptor, VEGFR2 at 7 days and 4 weeks post-instillation. Together, these data provide insight on long-term pulmonary functional outcomes 4 weeks after ALI and identify angiogenic proteins as possible therapeutic targets following lung injury.

Microbial and Nonvolatile Chemical Diversities of Chinese Dark Teas Are Differed by Latitude and Pile Fermentation

Understanding the microbial and chemical diversities, as well as what affects these diversities, is important for modern manufacturing of traditional fermented foods. In this work, Chinese dark teas (CDTs) that are traditional microbial fermented beverages with relatively high sample diversity were collected. Microbial DNA amplicon sequencing and mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics show that the CDT microbial β diversity, as well as the nonvolatile chemical α and β diversities, is determined by the primary impact factors of geography and manufacturing procedures, in particular, latitude and pile fermentation after blending. A large number of metabolites sharing between CDTs and fungi were discovered by Feature-based Molecular Networking (FBMN) on the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) web platform. These molecules, such as prenylated cyclic dipeptides and B-vitamins, are functionally important for nutrition, biofunctions, and flavor. Molecular networking has revealed patterns in metabolite profiles on a chemical family level in addition to individual structures.

An in-line digestive cartridge increases enteral fat and vitamin absorption in a porcine model of short bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs after intestinal loss resulting in parenteral nutrition dependence and micronutrient deficiencies, which may lead to life-limiting complications. ALC-078 is a cartridge containing immobilized lipase that connects in-line with enteral feeding sets and digests fats in enteral nutrition (EN). In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of ALC-078 to improve fat and nutrient absorption in a porcine SBS model.

METHODS

Fifteen male Yorkshire piglets were assessed. Animals were randomized to no intestinal resection (n = 5), 75% resection (n = 5), or 75% resection + ALC-078 (n = 5). After recovery, animals were treated for 14 days. Piglets received 60% of nutrition from continuous EN and 40% from chow. The degree of fat malabsorption was determined by the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA) following a 72-h stool collection. Body weight, fat-soluble vitamins, and nutritional markers were assessed.

RESULTS

Adverse events were similar across the three groups (P = 1.00). ALC-078-treated animals had similar weight gain compared to resected piglets. Resected animals had a lower CFA compared to unresected controls (79.3% vs. 95.2%, P = 0.01) while there was no significant difference in the ALC-078 animals (87.1% vs. 95.2%, P = 0.19). Between Study Days 1 and 15, ALC-078 animals had increased concentrations of vitamin D (12.2 vs. 8.7 ng/mL, P = 0.0006), and vitamin E (4.3 vs. 2.5 mg/L, P = 0.03). These markers did not significantly change in untreated resected animals.

CONCLUSION

ALC-078 increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and may improve fat malabsorption. Future studies should determine whether ALC-078 can reduce PN dependence and if these findings translate to human patients with SBS.

[Clinical analysis of pulmonary nocardiosis associated with bronchiectasis]

Objective: To better understand the clinical characteristics of pulmonary nocardiosis associated with bronchiectasis. Methods: Patients diagnosed as bronchiectasis complicated with pulmonary nocardiosis in 9 tertiary general hospitals in China were enrolled from March 2016 to March 2020, with the record of general data, imaging performance and pathogen. The literature was reviewed. Results: Totally 17 patients were included. There were 12 females and 5 males. The ages ranged from 45 to 79 years, with an average of (63±9) years. There were 15 nonsmokers and 2 smokers, all of whom with chronic course. The clinical manifestations were mostly cough, expectoration, hemoptysis, fever, and dyspnea. The imaging manifestation was bronchiectasis in both lungs, with the most common involvement in the left lower lung, right middle lobe and left lingual lobe. Sputum cultures were positive in 10 cases, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cultures were positive in 6 cases, and next generation gene sequencings were positive in 4 cases, including 2 cases of Nocardia gelsenkii, 2 cases of Nocardia abscess, 2 cases of Nocardia stellate, 1 case of Nocardia mexicana, 1 case of Nocardia otitis caviae, and 9 cases of undetermined Nocardia. There were 3 cases of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 2 cases of Aspergillus. The symptoms and imaging of all patients were improved after anti Nocardia therapy. Conclusions: Bronchiectasis combined with nocardiosis is more common in middle-aged and elderly women without smoking, which is similar to the clinical manifestations of Lady Windermere syndrome. Bronchiectasis often involves the left lower lobe, right middle lobe and left lingual lobe. Nocardia infection might further precipitate the initiation and progression of bronchiectasis.

[Investigation and analysis of a mass ammonia gas poisoning accident]

Objective: To investigation and analysis of ammonia gas leakage in a meat factory. Methods: In April 2013, Enterprise managers and workers were investigated, and clinical data of 24 patients were analyzed. Results: The company caused a leak in the ammonia pipeline maintenance operation, Among the patients, 20 had stimulus response and 4 had mild poisoning. Conclusion: To prevent group occupational ammonia poisoning, it is necessary to strengthen the awareness of occupational disease prevention of enterprise owners and the awareness of self-protection of workers.

[Progress in study on intervention of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis with the exosomes released from mesenchymal stem cells]

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational disease which seriously endangers the health of workers exposed to dust. Silica is regarded as the most serious cause of pneumoconiosis because it can cause diffuse pulmonary fibrosis in workers' lung tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells with multiple differentiation potential. As member of extracellular vesicles family, exosomes can be secreted from MSCs to regulate and intervene tumorigenesis, cardiovascular disease, immune system disorder and tissue damage disease. This article reviews the experimental results in the field of intervention of MSCs and its exosomes in silicosis research in recent years, which plays an important role in indicating direction in the future research on the mechanism and function of MSCs exosomes in the therapy of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Urinary biomarkers for diagnosing poststroke depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Depression can seriously affect the quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients after stroke. However, there were still no objective methods to diagnose T2DM patients with poststroke depression (PSD). Therefore, we conducted this study to deal with this problem.

METHODS

Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling method was used to profile the urinary metabolites from 83 nondepressed T2DM patients after stroke and 101 T2DM patients with PSD. The orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis was conducted to explore the metabolic differences in T2DM patients with PSD. The logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the optimal and simplified biomarker panel for diagnosing T2DM patients with PSD. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance of this biomarker panel.

RESULTS

In total, 23 differential metabolites (7 decreased and 16 increased in T2DM patients with PSD) were found. A panel consisting of pseudouridine, malic acid, hypoxanthine, 3,4-dihydroxybutyric acid, fructose and inositol was identified. This panel could effectively separate T2DM patients with PSD from nondepressed T2DM patients after stroke. The area under the curve was 0.965 in the training set and 0.909 in the validation set. Meanwhile, we found that the galactose metabolism was significantly affected in T2DM patients with PSD.

CONCLUSION

Our results could be helpful for future development of an objective method to diagnose T2DM patients with PSD and provide novel ideas to study the pathogenesis of depression.

[The experimental study of diquat on the half-Lethal dose and pothological injuny of related organs in wistor rats]

Objective: To explore the acute toxicity of Diquat in mice and to calculate the median lethal dose (LD(50)) of Diquat to rats and observe the pathological changes of tissues and organs in rats with different concentrations of Diquat. Methods: Diquat solution of 50 mg/kg was prepared freshly with 1 000 mg of Diquat and dilute the solution with water to a total of 20 ml. A total of 99 healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into part one, part two and control groups. In the first part, 36 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 100 mg/kg group, 200 mg/kg group, 300 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group, which were treated with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The death and symptoms of poisoning after intragastric administration were recorded, and the maximum tolerated dose and absolute lethal dose were measured. In the second part, 54 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: 200 mg/kg group, 220 mg/kg group, 240 mg/kg group, 260 mg/kg、280 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group, whichwere treated with 200 mg/kg, 220 mg/kg, 240 mg/kg, 260 mg/kg, 280 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The survival of rats in different concentration of Diquat was observed and the LD(50) was calculated by Excel processing the formula of Koch's method. The control group were given equal volume water under the same experimental conditions. And moreover, the lungs, kidneys, hearts, livers, and brain tissues were collected and fixed by formaldehyde, embedded by paraffin, and sectioned for histopathological light microscopy. Results: The maximum tolerated dose was 240 mg/kg and the absolute lethal dose was 300 mg/kg. The LD(50) of Diquat for Rats was 280.58 mg/kg. The high-dose group had significantly more organ damage than the low-dose group after diquat poisoning. Conclusion: The determination of the half-lethal dose of diquat, at the same time observed multiple organs damaged in rats after the diquat quickly poisoned. Kidneys, lungs and heart might be the main organ which was heavily damaged. With the extension of observation time, the organ damage of rats exposed to small doses gradually stabilized.

[Clinical analysis of lower limb thrombosis caused by paraquat poisoning]

Objective: To investigate the causes of peripheral vascular thrombosis in patients with paraquat poisoning. Methods: The patients with paraquat poisoning who were admitted to our department in recent two years were observed to screen out the patients with large vessel thrombosis. The data on toxic exposure history, clinical features, and treatment were collected to analyze the causes of thrombosis in the patients with paraquat poisoning. Results: Three patients had typical lower limb thrombosis. There was one case of right common femoral vein thrombosis, one case of bilateral calf muscle vein thrombosis, and one case of right calf superficial vein thrombosis and right calf muscle vein thrombosis. Conclusions: After paraquat poisoning, the blood is in a hypercoagulable state and prolonged bed rest may increase the risk of thrombosis.

Current research on anti-breast cancer synthetic compounds

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer for females and its incidence tends to increase year by year.

[Research Progress on the Detection Method of DNA Methylation and Its Application in Forensic Science]

As an important part of epigenetic marker, DNA methylation involves in the gene regulation and attracts a wide spread attention in biological auxology, geratology and oncology fields. In forensic science, because of the relative stable, heritable, abundant, and age-related characteristics, DNA methylation is considered to be a useful complement to the classic genetic markers for age-prediction, tissue-identification, and monozygotic twins' discrimination. Various methods for DNA methylation detection have been validated based on methylation sensitive restriction endonuclease, bisulfite modification and methylation-CpG binding protein. In recent years, it is reported that the third generation sequencing method can be used to detect DNA methylation. This paper aims to make a review on the detection method of DNA methylation and its applications in forensic science.

miR-15b represses BACE1 expression in sporadic Alzheimer's disease

Beta-site Amyloid precursor protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) is conceived as a potential target for therapies against Alzheimer disease (AD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. Although miRNAs have been increasingly recognized as important modulators in sporadic AD. In order to confirm whether miR-15b correlates with the BACE1 upregulation in sporadic AD, we firstly evaluated the expression of miR-15b and BACE1 in sporadic AD brain tissues and analyzed the correlation of miR-15b with BACE1. Then we determined the regulation of miR-15b in SH-SY5Y cells on the BACE1 expression. And finally we determined the targeting to 3’ UTR of BACE1 by miR-15b by a luciferase reporter. Downregulation of miR-15b alleviated Aβ-induced viability inhibition and decreased apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Our results demonstrated that miR-15b play an important role in the cellular AD phenotype and might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.

Sugemule-3 Protects against Isoprenaline-induced Cardiotoxicity In vitro

Background:

Sugemule-3 (SD) is a traditional Chinese medicine with protective effect of myocardium. However, the underlying mechanisms of the effect had not been elucidated.

Materials and Methods:

In the present study, the serum of SD was prepared. A model of β-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline (ISO)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes injury was established in vitro. The changes in cell viability were examined to determine the available concentration of ISO and serum of SD. ELISA, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the effect of serum of SD on oxidative stress and apoptosis. The expression levels of the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling-related proteins were analyzed.

Results:

Incubation with different dose of ISO (0.015, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.0025 mol/L) for 24 h caused dose-dependent loss of cell viability and 0.01 mol/L of ISO approximately reduced the cell viability to 50%. Pretreatment with 50 μ mol/L serum of SD effectively decreased the levels of ISO-induced cell toxicity. Serum of SD relived ISO-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. A further mechanism study indicated that serum of SD inhibited the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways and regulated the expression levels of Bcl-2 family. ISO activated ERK and P38, whereas serum of SD inhibited their activation.

Conclusion:

Serum of SD inhibits the ISO-induced activation of the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway, oxidative stress, and ERK, P38 inactivation. Serum of SD is used for the treatment of ISO-induced cardiomyopathy.

SUMMARY

The serum of SD pretreatment significantly ameliorated ISO-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes injuries.

The protective effect related with apoptosis and oxidative stress

Inhibition of MAPK pathway was involed in serum of SD induced cardioprotection.

The serum of SD is used for the treatment of ISO-induced cardiomyopathy.

Abbreviations used: ELISA: Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay; TUNEL: TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide, DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; MDA: Malondialdehyde; SOD: Superoxide Dismutase; GSH-Px: Glutathione peroxidase.

Is intralesional resection suitable for central grade 1 chondrosarcoma: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The surgical choice for grade 1 chondrosarcoma has been debated for decades. Intralesional resection can minimize the damage caused by surgery and offer better functional outcome. However, controversy remains about whether it will result in higher rates of local recurrence and metastasis, fewer complications, and better functional outcome compared with resection with wide margin. This systematic review and updated meta-analysis therefore compared intralesional resection and resection with wide margin in terms of local recurrence, metastasis, complications, and functional outcome.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in December 2016 to identify studies comparing intralesional resection and resection with wide margin for central grade 1 chondrosarcoma. Data of interest were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Ten studies involving 394 patients were included, with 214 patients who had intralesional resection and 180 patients who had resection with wide margin for grade 1 chondrosarcoma. Intralesional resection was associated with lower complication rates (P < 0.0001) and better Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS). There were no significant differences in terms of overall local recurrence (P = 0.27), local recurrence based on adjuvant therapies (P = 0.22), local recurrence in studies that included lesions of the hand, foot, pelvis, and axial skeleton (P = 0.55), and metastasis (P = 0.74) between groups.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional resection provides lower complications and better functional outcome with no significant increase in the risk of recurrence and metastasis. We think it is a suitable treatment for central grade 1 chondrosarcoma.

Clinical effects of comfort nursing in perianal abscess patients with postoperative pain

AIM

To evaluate the clinical effects of comfort nursing in patients with perianal abscess.

METHODS

Ninety perianal abscess patients with postoperative pain treated at our hospital were selected and divided into either a control group to receive routine nursing care alone or a study group to receive routine nursing care plus comfort nursing, with 45 cases in each group. Pain, anxiety and sleep quality of the two groups were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The numeric pain rating scale scores at different time points in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (t = 9.67, 13.53, 15.83, and 10.46, P < 0.05). The self-rating anxiety scale score were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (t = 2.31, -18.04, P < 0.05); and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index were also significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (t = 9.47, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The application of comfort nursing is helpful to reduce postoperative pain, relieve anxiety, and improve sleep quality in patients with perianal abscess.

SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 Expression Patterns in Medulloblastomas: Relevance to STAT3 Activation and Resveratrol-Suppressed STAT3 Signaling

BACKGROUND

Activated STAT3 signaling is critical for human medulloblastoma cells. SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 are known as the negative regulators of STAT3 signaling, while their relevance to frequent STAT3 activation in medulloblastomas remains unknown.

METHODS

Tissue microarrays were constructed with 17 tumor-surrounding noncancerous brain tissues and 61 cases of the classic medulloblastomas, 44 the large-cell medulloblastomas, and 15 nodular medulloblastomas, which were used for immunohistochemical profiling of STAT3, SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 expression patterns and the frequencies of STAT3 nuclear translocation. Three human medulloblastoma cell lines (Daoy, UW228-2 and UW228-3) were cultured with and without 100 μM resveratrol supplementation. The influences of resveratrol in SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 expression and SOCS3 knockdown in STAT3 activation were analyzed using multiple experimental approaches.

RESULTS

SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 levels are reduced in medulloblastomas in vivo and in vitro, of which PIAS3 downregulation is more reversely correlated with STAT3 activation. In resveratrol-suppressed medulloblastoma cells with STAT3 downregulation and decreased incidence of STAT3 nuclear translocation, PIAS3 is upregulated, the SHP2 level remains unchanged and SOCS3 is downregulated. SOCS3 proteins are accumulated in the distal ends of axon-like processes of resveratrol-differentiated medulloblastoma cells. Knockdown of SOCS3 expression by siRNA neither influences cell proliferation nor STAT3 activation or resveratrol sensitivity but inhibits resveratrol-induced axon-like process formation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that (1) the overall reduction of SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 in medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines; (2) the more inverse relevance of PIAS3 expression with STAT3 activation; (3) the favorable prognostic values of PIAS3 for medulloblastomas and (4) the involvement of SOCS3 in resveratrol-promoted axon regeneration of medulloblastoma cells.

Analysis of correlation factors and pregnancy outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy - a secondary analysis of a random sampling in Beijing, China

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for hypertensive disorders and to study the main pregnancy outcomes in the Beijing area of China.

STUDY DESIGN

This study randomly sampled 15 hospitals in Beijing from Jun 2013 to Nov 2013 and evaluated 15 194 deliveries. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between risk factors and hypertensive disorders. Pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth, cesarean delivery and small for gestational age (SGA).

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia (PE) and severe PE was 4.4, 2.7 and 1.8%, respectively. The risk factors for hypertensive disorders and severe PE were maternal body mass index before pregnancy, gestational weight gain (GWG), gestational diabetes and pre-gestational diabetes, and third trimester cholesterol (CHOL) levels. First trimester high-density lipoprotein was a protective factor for severe PE. The incidence of hypertensive disorders increased with maternal age. Preterm delivery, cesarean delivery and small infant size for gestational age were more prevalent in the severe PE group compared with the non-hypertensive group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the Beijing area of China, maternal body mass index before pregnancy, GWG, maternal complications of gestational diabetes and pre-gestational diabetes, and third trimester CHOL levels are risk factors for both hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and severe PE. First trimester high-density lipoprotein is a protective factor for severe PE. Severe preeclampsia leads to a higher incidence of preterm delivery, cesarean delivery and SGA infants.

QTL Mapping for Gray Leaf Spot Resistance in a Tropical Maize Population

A tropical gray leaf spot (GLS)-resistant line, YML 32, was crossed to a temperate GLS-susceptible line, Ye 478, to produce an F_2:3 population for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to GLS. The population was evaluated for GLS disease resistance and flowering time at two locations in Yunnan province. Seven QTL using GLS disease scores and six QTL using flowering time were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 in the YML 32 × Ye 478 maize population. All QTL, except one identified on chromosome 2 using flowering time, were overlapped with the QTL for GLS disease scores. The results indicated that QTL for flowering time in this population strongly corresponded to QTL for GLS resistance. Among the QTL, qRgls.yaas-8-1/qFt.yaas-8 with the largest genetic effect accounted for 17.9 to 18.1 and 11.0 to 21.42% of variations for GLS disease scores and flowering time, respectively, and these should be very useful for improving resistance to GLS, especially in subtropical maize breeding programs. The QTL effects for resistance to GLS were predominantly additive in nature, with a dominance effect having been found for two QTL on the basis of joint segregation genetic analysis and QTL analysis.

Bioengineering three-dimensional culture model of human lung cancer cells: an improved tool for screening EGFR targeted inhibitors

Bioengineering a three-dimensional culture model of human lung cancer cells for screening EGFR targeted inhibitors.

Correlation between serum YKL-40 levels and albuminuria in type 2 diabetes

We explored the correlation between serum YKL-40 levels and albuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its clinical significance. This study used a cross-sectional survey method. According to the American Diabetes Association 2007 Clinical Practice Recommendations, 738 patients with T2DM were divided into three groups: a normoalbuminuria group [albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) <30 μg/mg, N = 360], a microalbuminuria group (ACR 30-300 μg/mg, N = 246), and a macroalbuminuria group (ACR ≥ 300 μg/mg, N = 332). The serum YKL-40 levels were determined by a quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all the cases and in 210 control subjects. Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in the T2DM group vs the control group (P < 0.05), the macroalbuminuria group vs the microalbuminuria group (P < 0.05), and the microalbuminuria group vs the normoalbuminuria group (P < 0.05). Serum YKL-40 levels correlated with ACR in all participants. Significant correlation of YKL-40 was found with ACR, 2-h plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index, systolic blood pressure, duration, diastolic blood pressure, age, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r-values: 0.713, 0.524, 0.515, 0.467, 0.438, 0.409, 0.407, 0.374, 0.112, 0.097, and -0.123, respectively). ACR correlated with serum YKL-40 levels (Beta = 0.555, P < 0.001). YKL-40 may be involved in the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy and would be useful as a new marker for the disease.

EQUITY AND SATISFACTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES IN TONGLIAO CITY, INNER MONGOLIA

We aimed to describe the human resources and apparatuses of community health service (CHS) in Tongliao City of China and investigate the differences between CHS centers and stations. Field investigations and questionnaire-based surveys were conducted in 120 CHS organizations of Tongliao City, which were selected by a stratified multistage random cluster sampling method. Data were collected on the human resources, medical apparatuses, and satisfaction of covered residents. We found that the total number, educational background, and professional titles of staff were lower at stations than at centers. Although the categories of providing health services were comparable between centers and stations, stations provided fewer health services than centers did. In addition, stations owned fewer apparatuses compared with centers. The percentages of satisfaction on many items were lower among residents covered by stations than among those covered by centers. Desired health services provided by CHS organizations have been partially accomplished in Tongliao City. Attracting more highly educated professionals and purchasing more valuable apparatuses may be helpful to improve the unbalanced distribution in human resources and apparatuses between centers and stations. Appropriate modifications of corresponding policies should be taken into consideration by the local government in the future.

Restoration of S100A4 expression enhances invasive and metastatic potentials of COLO16 cutaneous squamous cancer cells

BACKGROUND

S100A4 promotes cancer metastasis but is frequently silenced in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas/c-SCCs due to DNA methylation, which may explain the less metastasized property of c-SCCs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to check 1) whether the metastatic potential of S100A4-negative human c-SCC cells could be enhanced when S100A4 expression is restored in COLO16 c-SCC cells with S100A4 methylation and 2) the correlation of S100A4 expression and the differentiation grades and invasiveness of human c-SCC tumors.

METHODS

The motility and invasion of parent and transfected COLO16 cells are examined by the use of 24-well modified Boyden chambers, scratched wound healing assay and nude mouse transplantation tumor model. Meanwhile, the correlation of S100A4 expression with growth patterns and grade of differentiation of c-SCC surgical specimens are analyzed.

RESULTS

S100A4 expression is successfully restored in COLO16 cells after plasmid lipofectamine transfection. Transwell and scratched wound healing assays shows that the invasion and migration activities of S100A4-expressing transfectants are higher than that of parent COLO16 cells. Subcutaneous and foot pad c-SCC models are established by injecting 5 × 10<formula>^{6}</formula>/100~l parental and S100A4-expressing COLO16 cells to BALB/c-nu/nude mice, respectively. Histological examination confirms the differences of invasiveness between the parent cells and the transfectants. Regional lymph node metastases are found only in the mice bearing S100A4-expressing tumors. S100A4 expression levels and frequencies are significantly different (P< 0.001) between the well and the poorly differentiated c-SCCs and closely correlated with tumor invasion (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

S100A4 confers invasive and metastatic potentials on human c-SCCs. The low incidence of metastasis of c-SCCs, especially the well differentiated ones, might be due to the infrequent S100A4 expression. S100A4 can be regarded as a negative prognostic biomarker or a metastasis-risk factor of human c-SCCs.

Expression of CCXCKR, VEGF-A and VEGF-C in rectal carcinoma and their relationship with lymph node metastasis

AIM: To detect the expressions of ChemoCentryx chemokine receptor (CCXCKR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and -C in rectal carcinoma, and to analyze their relationship with lymph node metastasis.

METHODS: The immunohistochemical SP method was used to examine the expression of CCXCKR, VEGF-A and -C in 50 rectal carcinoma tissues, 50 para-cancerous tissues, and 11 normal rectal tissues. The 50 rectal carcinoma patients were divided into two groups: patients (n = 19) with lymph node metastasis and those without (n = 31). The correlation between the expression of CCXCKR, VEGF-A and C and lymph node metastasis was analyzed.

RESULTS: The expression of CCXCKR in both normal rectal tissues and para-cancerous tissues were significantly higher than that in rectal carcinoma tissues (P < 0.01). The expression of CCXCKR in the rectal carcinoma group with lymph node metastasis was significantly lower than that without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01). Positive expression rates of VEGF-A and -C in rectal carcinoma tissues and para-cancerous tissues were significantly higher than those in normal rectal tissues (P < 0.01), and the expression of VEGF-A and -C in the rectal carcinoma group with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between expression of VEGF-A and -C, and a significantly negative correlation between CCXCKR and VEGF-A or C (r = -0.360, P < 0.05; r = -0.326, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Low expression of CCXCKR and high expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in rectal carcinoma are closely related to lymph node metastasis. CCXCKR probably can inhibit the occurrence and metastasis of rectal carcinoma. Combined detection of CCXCKR, VEGF-A and VEGF-C should be a useful prognostic indicator for rectal carcinoma patients.

STAT3 cooperates with the non-canonical NF-κB signaling to regulate pro-labor genes in the human placenta

INTRODUCTION

Our recent studies have shown that constitutively activated non-canonical RelB/NF-κB2 (p52) in the human placenta positively regulates the pro-labor genes CRH and COX-2. STAT3 regulates NF-κB2 (p100) processing to active p52, and in turn, nuclear activation of RelB/p52, by directly binding to p100/p52 in a variety of cancer cells. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that STAT3 is involved in regulation of pro-labor genes by associating with RelB/p52 heterodimers in the human placenta.

METHODS

We used a variety of techniques including immunohistochemical staining, gene silencing, ectopic expression, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence assays in primary culture of cytotrophoblast and placental tissues.

RESULTS

We found that knockdown of STAT3 led to down-regulation of both CRH and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. By using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we further showed that interaction of RelB with the CRH or COX-2 gene promoters decreased when STAT3 was depleted. Immunofluorescence demonstrated co-localization of STAT3 with RelB or p100/p52 in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of term cytotrophoblasts.

DISCUSSION

Collectively, these results suggest that STAT3 constitutes part of the RelB/p52-containing activator complex that positively regulates pro-labor genes in the human placenta.

Short-term resveratrol exposure causes in vitro and in vivo growth inhibition and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells

Conventional adjuvant chemotherapies for bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) may cause strong systemic toxicity and local irritation. Non-toxic resveratrol inhibits TCC cell growth but its feasibility in clinical management of TCCs remains obscure. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and anti-TCC efficacy of resveratrol, using the experimental models closer to the clinical treatment condition. Human TCC EJ cells were exposed to 100 µM, 150 µM and 200 µM resveratrol respectively for 1 hour and 2 hours to mimic intravesical drug instillation and the cell responses were analyzed by multiple experimental approaches. An orthotopic TCC nude mouse model was established by injecting EJ cells into the sub-urothelial layer and used for short-term intravesical resveratrol instillation. The safety of resveratrol instillation was evaluated and compared with that of MCC. The results revealed that 2 h 150 µM or 200 µM resveratrol treatment leaded to remarkable S phase arrest and apoptosis at 72 h time-point, accompanied with attenuated phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcription of STAT3, down-regulation of STAT3 downstream genes (survivin, cyclinD1, c-Myc and VEGF) and nuclear translocations of Sirt1 and p53. The importance of STAT3 signaling in cell growth was confirmed by treating EJ cells with JAK2 inhibitor tyrphostin AG490. The efficacy and safety of resveratrol instillation were proved by the findings from nude mouse orthotopic xenograft models, because this treatment caused growth suppression, distinctive apoptosis and STAT3 inactivation of the transplanted tumors without affecting normal urothelium. Our results thus suggest for the first time the practical values of resveratrol as a safe and effective agent in the post-operative treatment of TCCs.

Inhibition of SIRT1 Transcription in Resveratrol-differentiated Medulloblastoma Cells

Backgrounds: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the commonest brain malignancy in childhood with poor prognosis, because of its rapid aggressive growth and frequent occurrence. The current chemotherapeutic regimens for medulloblastoma patients involve a combination of lomustine, cisplatin, carboplatin, vincristine or cyclophosphamide, which have distinct short- and long-term side-effects. It is therefore in urgent need to explore safer and more effective adjuvant approach(s). Resveratrol, a polyphenol rich in numerous plants, has multiple biological activities including anticancer effects. Our previous data confirmed that resveratrol inhibited proliferation and induced differentiation and apoptosis of medulloblastoma cells. SIRT1 is a deacetylase of class III HDACs and the supposed molecular effecter of resveratrol. SIRT1 involves in aging prevention and cancer formation in a cell-context specific manner. Nevertheless, the datum concerning the role(s) of SIRT1 in formation and prognosis of medulloblastoma is still missing.Objective: The present study aimed to address the expression patterna of SIRT1 in medulloblastoma tissues and non-cancerous counterparts and to explore whether resveratrol exerts its anti-medulloblastoma effects via regulating SIRT1 expression and bioactivity.Methods: The expression of SIRT1 in medulloblastoma and non-cancerous counterparts was elucidated by immunohistochemical ataining (IHC). To clarify the function of SIRT1 in medulloblastomas, SIRT1 expression in UW228-3 medulloblastoma cells were suppressed by RNA interference (RNAi). The influence of resveratrol in SIRT1 expressions in UW228-3 cells was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Western blotting (WB). The catalytic activity of deacetylase SIRT1 was examined by measuring the acetylation of the main substrate p53.Results: IHC staining revealed that SIRT1 was expressed in 64.17% of MB tissues, which was higher than that in noncancerous cerebellum tissues (14.29%). The frequencies of SIRT1 expression in the nodular MB (22.22%) with better prognosis is lower than that in anaplastic MB (79.07% ) and classic MB (60.29 %; P<0.05). The proliferation of UW228-3 cells was remarkably suppressed after being transfected with SIRT1 siRNA, accompanied with extensive cell death. The results of RT-PCR and WB showed that after 48 hours 100 M resveratrol treatment, SIRT1 expression in UW228-3 cells was down-regulated at both transcriptional and translational levels. However, resveratrol has no effect on the deacetylase activity of SIRT1.Conclusion: The above findings suggested that SIRT1 expression is corrected with the formation and prognosis of human MB. Resveratrol influences SIRT1 functioning in human MB cells through inhibiting SIRT1 expression rather than modulating its acetylation activity.Keywords: resveratrol, SIRT1, RNA interference, deacetylase, medulloblastoma

Interaction between phillygenin and human serum albumin based on spectroscopic and molecular docking

In this paper, the interaction of human serum albumin (HSA) with phillygenin was investigated by fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), UV-vis spectroscopic and molecular docking methods under physiological conditions. The Stern-Volmer analysis indicated that the fluorescence quenching of HSA by phillygenin resulted from static mechanism, and the binding constants were 1.71×10(5), 1.61×10(5) and 1.47×10(4) at 300, 305 and 310K, respectively. The results of UV-vis spectra show that the secondary structure of the protein has been changed in the presence of phillygenin. The CD spectra showed that HSA conformation was altered by phillygenin with a major reduction of α-helix and an increase in β-sheet and random coil structures, indicating a partial protein unfolding. The distance between donor (HSA) and acceptor (phillygenin) was calculated to be 3.52nm and the results of synchronous fluorescence spectra showed that binding of phillygenin to HSA can induce conformational changes in HSA. Molecular docking experiments found that phillygenin binds with HSA at IIIA domain of hydrophobic pocket with hydrogen bond interactions. The ionic bonds were formed with the O (4), O (5) and O (6) of phillygenin with nitrogen of ASN109, ARG186 and LEU115, respectively. The hydrogen bonds are formed between O (2) of phillygenin and SER419. In the presence of copper (II), iron (III) and alcohol, the apparent association constant K(A) and the number of binding sites of phillygenin on HSA were both decreased in the range of 88.84-91.97% and 16.09-18.85%, respectively. In view of the evidence presented, it is expected to enrich our knowledge of the interaction dynamics of phillygenin to the important plasma protein HSA, and it is also expected to provide important information of designs of new inspired drugs.

Changes in gene transcription and protein expression involved in the response of Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 to nitrogen availability during curdlan production

The changes in transcription of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and curdlan biosynthesis, and total protein expression were firstly analyzed to define the responses of Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 to nitrogen source availability during curdlan fermentation. The transcription of all nitrogen metabolism and regulation genes increased significantly under nitrogen limitation. The genes of carbon (exoC) and nitrogen (ntrB, ntrC, and nifR) metabolism showed distinctive transcriptional responses to nitrogen limitation. Their relative expression level was increased by 14, 9, 7 and 7-fold, respectively. Two-dimentional electrophoresis (2-DE) revealed that the expression of 14 proteins were elevated and 6 proteins were down-regulated significantly under nitrogen starvation. Furthermore, 4 proteins (GroEL, ABC transporter, Atu1730 and enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase) in which the expression level changed significantly were identified. The results showed that Agrobacterium sp. regulates its carbon flux and nitrogen assimilation effectively for better survival.

[Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the promoter of adiponectin gene and essential hypertension in Chinese Korean and Han of Yanbian region]

To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in adiponectin gene promoter and essential hypertension (EH) in Chinese Korean and Han of Yanbian area, 220 EH patients and 268 normotensive control individuals were enrolled. PCR and direct DNA sequencing were used to determine the -11426A>G (rs16861194), -11391G>A (rs17300539), -11377C>G (rs62620185), -11156insCA (rs60806105), and -11043C>T (rs76786086) SNPs in the promoter region of adiponectin gene. Total cholesterol (TC), the triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were examined by oxi-dase method. The plasma adiponectin and insulin were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that: (1) SNPs of -11426A>G, -11377C>G, and -11156insCA were found and in Hardy-Weinberg equilib-rium (P>0.05), but not the case in -11391G>A and -11043C>T. (2) -11426A>G and -11156insCA were perfectly in link-age disequilibrium (D'=1; r2=1). (3) The allele G frequency of -11426A>G polymorphism in Chinese Korean (21.10%) was significantly higher than that in Chinese Han (12.50%), and also higher in EH group than in the control group of Chinese Han. The genotype and allele frequencies of -11377C>G showed no significant difference between the two groups ob-served. (4) The haplotype -11426G -11377C frequency in EH of Chinese Han was higher than in the control group (P<0.05). (5) The EH showed lower plasma adiponectin level compared with the control group (P<0.001) in both Chinese Korean and Han. Our results indicate that: (1) the perfect linkage disequilibrium of -11426A>G and -11156insCA is first reported, and the SNP of -11426A>G is associated with Chinese Han and Korean. (2) -11426 G and -11426G -11377C are risk factor and risk haplotype in Yanbian Chinese Han, but not in Chinese-Korean. (3) The lower hypoadiponectinemia is the important risk factors for EH in Chinese Korean and Han of Yanbian area. (4) There is no relationship between -11426A>G polymorphism and the plasma adiponectin level.