Potential mechanism of Qinggong Shoutao pill alleviating age-associated memory decline based on integration strategy

CONTEXT

Qinggong Shoutao Wan (QGSTW) is a pill used as a traditional medicine to treat age-associated memory decline (AAMI). However, its potential mechanisms are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study elucidates the possible mechanisms of QGSTW in treating AAMI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches were utilized to identify the potential pathway by which QGSTW alleviates AAMI. C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into control, model, and QGSTW groups. A mouse model of AAMI was established by d-galactose, and the pathways that QGSTW acts on to ameliorate AAMI were determined by ELISA, immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting after treatment with d-gal (100 mg/kg) and QGSTW (20 mL/kg) for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology demonstrated that the targets of the active components were significantly enriched in the cAMP signaling pathway. AKT1, FOS, GRIN2B, and GRIN1 were the core target proteins. QGSTW treatment increased the discrimination index from -16.92 ± 7.06 to 23.88 ± 15.94% in the novel location test and from -19.54 ± 5.71 to 17.55 ± 6.73% in the novel object recognition test. ELISA showed that QGSTW could increase the levels of cAMP. Western blot analysis revealed that QGSTW could upregulate the expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, GluN1, GluA1, CaMKII-α, and SYN. Immunostaining revealed that the expression of SYN was decreased in the CA1 and DG.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study not only provides new insights into the mechanism of QGSTW in the treatment of AAMI but also provides important information and new research ideas for the discovery of traditional Chinese medicine compounds that can treat AAMI.

[Quantitative analysis of risk assessment indicators for re-introduction of imported malaria in China]

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively analyze the risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria in China and their weighting coefficients, so as to investigate the difference in the contribution of risk indicators included in the current risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China to the risk assessment of re-introduction of imported malaria.

METHODS

Publications pertaining to the risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China that reported the risk indicators and their weighting coefficients were retrieved in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP with terms of "malaria", "re-introduction/re-transmission/re-establishment", "risk assessment/risk evaluation/risk prediction" from the inception of the database through 3 August 2023, and literature search was performed in Google Scholar to ensure the comprehensiveness of the retrieval. Basic characteristics of included studies were extracted using pre-designed information extraction forms by two investigators, and data pertaining to risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria were cross-checked by these two investigators. The risk indicators included in the risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China and their weighting coefficients were visualized with the Nightingale's rose diagrams using the software R 4.2.1, and the importance of risk indictors was evaluated with the frequency of risk indicators included in the risk assessment framework and the ranking of weighting coefficients of risk indicators. In addition, the capability of risk indicators screened by different weighting methods was compared by calculating the ratio of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by different weighting methods.

RESULTS

A total of 2 138 publications were retrieved, and following removal of duplications and screening, a total of 8 publications were included in the final analysis. In these 8 studies, 8 risk assessment frameworks for re-introduction of imported malaria in China and 52 risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria were reported, in which number of imported malaria cases (n = 8) and species of malaria vectors were more frequently included in the risk assessment frameworks (n = 8), followed by species of imported malaria parasites (n = 6) and population density of local malaria vectors (n = 6), and species of local malaria vectors (n = 6), number of imported malaria cases (n = 5) and species of imported malaria parasites had the three highest weighting coefficients (n = 4). The weighting methods included expert scoring method, combination of expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process, and combination of expert scoring method and entropy weight method in these 8 studies, and the ratios of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by the expert scoring method were 1.143 to 2.241, while the ratios of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by combination of the expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process were 34.970 to 162.000.

CONCLUSIONS

Number of imported malaria cases, species of imported malaria parasites, species of local malaria vectors and population density of local malaria vectors are core indicators in the current risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China. Combination of the expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process is superior to the expert scoring method alone for weighting the risk indicators.

Preparation of High-Ductility Cement-Calcined Coal-Gangue-Powder-Composite-Based Rapid Repair Material

Coal gangue is a kind of solid waste. A high-ductility cement-calcined coal-gangue-powder-composite-based rapid repair material (HD-RRM) was prepared by partially replacing cement with calcined coal gangue powder (CCGP) for achieving high ductility and rapid hardening and conforming to the strength requirements of pavement layers. First, the physical and chemical properties and the reactivity of the CCGP were investigated. Second, HD-RRM material was prepared, and its tensile performance characteristic parameters were investigated. Lastly, the hydration products and microstructure of HD-RRM were characterized through tests (e.g., non-evaporable water content, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and comprehensive thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC)). As indicated by the experimental results, the CCGP with a particle size of 1250 mesh exhibited the maximum potential reactivity. The optimal mixing ratio for HD-RRM in the experiments comprised a water-cement ratio of 0.27, a sand-cement ratio of 0.3, a fiber volume fraction of 2%, a cement content of 70%, a CCGP content of 20%, a fly ash (FA) content of 10%, and a superplasticizer content of 0.1%. Using the abovementioned mix design, the prepared HD-RRM was endowed with a 6 h ultimate elongation of 2.75%, an ultimate tensile strength of 7.58 MPa, a compressive strength of 45.4 MPa, and an average crack width of 125.53 μm, which meets the requirements of repair materials and provides a design method for CCGP resource utilization and asphalt concrete road and bridge deck repair.

[Risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province based on the machine learning]

OBJECTIVE

To create risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province based on machine learning algorithms, so as to provide insights into early identification of imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province.

METHODS

Case investigation, first symptoms and time of initial diagnosis of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were captured from Infectious Disease Report Information Management System and Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients were created with the back propagation (BP) neural network model, logistic regression model, random forest model and Bayesian model using thirteen factors as independent variables, including occupation, species of malaria parasite, main clinical manifestations, presence of complications, severity of disease, age, duration of residing abroad, frequency of malaria parasite infections abroad, incubation period, level of institution at initial diagnosis, country of origin, number of individuals travelling with patients and way to go abroad, and time of healthcare-seeking delay as a dependent variable. Logistic regression model was visualized using a nomogram, and the nomogram was evaluated using calibration curves. In addition, the efficiency of the four models for prediction of risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The importance of each characteristic was quantified and attributed by using SHAP to examine the positive and negative effects of the value of each characteristic on the predictive efficiency.

RESULTS

A total of 244 imported malaria patients were enrolled, including 100 cases (40.98%) with the duration from onset of first symptoms to time of initial diagnosis that exceeded 24 hours. Logistic regression analysis identified a history of malaria parasite infection [odds ratio (OR) = 3.075, 95% confidential interval (CI): (1.597, 5.923)], long incubation period [OR = 1.010, 95% CI: (1.001, 1.018)] and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical facilities [OR = 12.550, 95% CI: (1.158, 135.963)] as risk factors for delay in seeking healthcare among imported malaria cases. BP neural network modeling showed that duration of residing abroad, incubation period and age posed great impacts on delay in healthcare-seek among imported malaria patients. Random forest modeling showed that the top five factors with the greatest impact on healthcare-seeking delay included main clinical manifestations, the way to go abroad, incubation period, duration of residing abroad and age among imported malaria patients, and Bayesian modeling revealed that the top five factors affecting healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients included level of institutions at initial diagnosis, age, country of origin, history of malaria parasite infection and individuals travelling with imported malaria patients. ROC curve analysis showed higher overall performance of the BP neural network model and the logistic regression model for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients (Z = 2.700 to 4.641, all P values < 0.01), with no statistically significant difference in the AUC among four models (Z = 1.209, P > 0.05). The sensitivity (71.00%) and Youden index (43.92%) of the logistic regression model was higher than those of the BP neural network (63.00% and 36.61%, respectively), and the specificity of the BP neural network model (73.61%) was higher than that of the logistic regression model (72.92%).

CONCLUSIONS

Imported malaria cases with long duration of residing abroad, a history of malaria parasite infection, long incubation period, advanced age and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical institutions have a high likelihood of delay in healthcare-seeking in Jiangsu Province. The models created based on the logistic regression and BP neural network show a high efficiency for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province, which may provide insights into health management of imported malaria patients.

Effect of Ambient Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of High Ductility Concrete

This study analyzes the mechanical properties of high ductility concrete (HDC) under different ambient temperatures to provide a parameter basis for the design of HDC bridge deck link slabs. Five temperatures (-30, 0, 20, 40, and 60 °C) were designed to investigate the compressive, tensile, and flexural properties of HDC after temperature treatment and analyze the pore structure. The results show that, compared with the HDC performance at room temperature (20 °C), the compressive strength, ultimate tensile strength, and flexural strength decreased after treatment at low temperatures (-30 and 0 °C), while the strength increased after treatment at high temperatures (40 and 60 °C). After experiencing low- and high-temperature treatments, the ultimate tensile strain and ultimate deflection of the HDC increased. The tensile and flexural failures of the HDC exhibited multiple cracking, and the stress-strain/deflection curve showed a strain/deflection hardening stage. The tensile constitutive relationship can be simplified as a bilinear two-stage relationship. As the temperature increased, the porosity of harmless and less harmful pores in HDC gradually increased, while the porosity of harmful and more harmful pores gradually decreased, resulting in an increase in HDC strength. Based on the influence of temperature on HDC properties, design parameters for the HDC bridge deck link slab structure are proposed.

Notoginsenoside R1 inhibits hepatitis B virus replication by modulating SIRT1 activity

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains highly prevalent globally. The present study aimed to explore the possible therapeutic effect of notoginsenoside R1, which has attracted considerable attention due to its diverse pharmacological effects, on HBV infection. The HBV-containing hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, HepG2 and MHCC97H, were used in this study. We first treated the two cell lines with different concentrations of notoginsenoside R1 and subsequently measured the relative levels of HBV DNA, HBV surface antigen, HBV core antigen, and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Finally, an HBV hemodynamic replication model was created to test the effect of notoginsenoside R1 on HBV replication. Notoginsenoside R1 inhibited the replication of HBV. This inhibitory effect was mediated through the downregulation of SIRT1 activity. Additionally, the inhibition of SIRT1 activity by silencing its expression or treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitor, selisistat, suppressed HBV replication. Furthermore, our animal experiments demonstrated that notoginsenoside R1 was effective at suppressing HBV replication in vivo. Thus, notoginsenoside R1 suppresses HBV replication by downregulating SIRT1 activity in vitro and in vivo. Keywords: notoginsenoside R1; hepatitis B virus; SIRT1.

Neobavaisoflavone ameliorates LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammations by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways

Objectives

Neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) is an isoflavone isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. It can effectively regulate the redox state as a natural anti-oxidant and show some anti-inflammatory activity. However, its molecular mechanism is poorly studied. In this study, RAW264.7 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and potential NBIF mechanism.

Materials and Methods

RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS (62.5 ng/ml) and exposed to different concentrations of NBIF (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM) for 24 hr. Inflammatory cytokines of RAW264.7 cells were measured by the Griess method, ELISA, and western blot. Phagocytosis of RAW264.7 macrophages was measured by FITC-dextran uptake assay. The phosphorylation protein expression levels of MAPKs (JNK, p38, and ERK), NF-κB p65, IκBα, and IκB kinase were analyzed by western blot. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison test.

Results

NBIF significantly inhibited NO and ROS production by down-regulation of iNOS and COX-2 protein expression. Additionally, the amount of release and protein levels of inflammation cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly decreased by NBIF. Moreover, FITC-dextran uptake assay by flow cytometry presented that NBIF significantly enhanced the phagocytic capacity of RAW264.7. Mechanistically, NBIF significantly down-regulated MAPK activation and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that NBIF inhibited inflammation and enhanced the phagocytic capacity of RAW264.7 cell-related MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways induced by LPS. These findings suggest that NBIF may have clinical utility as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Wei Chang An pill regulates gastrointestinal motility in a bidirectional manner

CONTEXT

Wei Chang An (WCA) is a commercial prescription developed for the coordination of gastrointestinal movement.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of WCA in the regulation of diarrhoea and constipation in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The diarrhoea and constipation models were prepared by gavage of Folium senna and diphenoxylate hydrochloride. Rats were randomized equally (n = 6) into the normal group given saline daily, the positive group given Pinaverium Bromide (13.5 mg/kg) or Sennoside A (0.1 mg/kg) and three WCA-treated groups (22, 44, and 88 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 7 consecutive days. The effects of WCA were assessed by a series of faecal symptoms and histopathology. Gastrointestinal parameters were determined by ELISA. The effect of WCA on gastrointestinal tissues was evaluated by strip assay. Expression of ROCK-1 and MLCK was measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Data from Bristol stool form scale, diarrhoea index, visceral sensitivity, defaecation time, and intestinal propulsive rate showed that WCA protected rats against diarrhoea and constipation (p < 0.01). The up-regulation of Substance P and 5-hydroxytryptamine in diarrhoea rats and down-regulation of Substance P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in constipation rats were inhibited by WCA (p < 0.05). WCA stimulated the gastrointestinal strip contractions but inhibited ACh-induced contractions (p < 0.01). The decreased ROCK-1 and MLCK expression in diarrhoea rats and increased in constipation rats were suppressed by WCA (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

WCA has both antidiarrhea and anti-constipation effects, suggesting its bidirectional role in gastrointestinal modulation, and providing evidence of WCA for irritable bowel syndrome treatment.

Leveraging 16S rRNA Microbiome Sequencing Data to Identify Bacterial Signatures for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort. Previous studies have illustrated that the gut microbiota might play a critical role in IBS, but the conclusions of these studies, based on various methods, were almost impossible to compare, and reproducible microorganism signatures were still in question. To cope with this problem, previously published 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from 439 fecal samples, including 253 IBS samples and 186 control samples, were collected and processed with a uniform bioinformatic pipeline. Although we found no significant differences in community structures between IBS and healthy controls at the amplicon sequence variants (ASV) level, machine learning (ML) approaches enabled us to discriminate IBS from healthy controls at genus level. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis was subsequently used to seek out 97 biomarkers across all studies. Then, we quantified the standardized mean difference (SMDs) for all significant genera identified by LEfSe and ML approaches. Pooled results showed that the SMDs of nine genera had statistical significance, in which the abundance of Lachnoclostridium, Dorea, Erysipelatoclostridium, Prevotella 9, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 in IBS were higher, while the dominant abundance genera of healthy controls were Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, Holdemanella, Coprococcus 2, and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group. In summary, based on six published studies, this study identified nine new microbiome biomarkers of IBS, which might be a basis for understanding the key gut microbes associated with IBS, and could be used as potential targets for microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.

NBD-Based Environment-Sensitive Fluorescent Probes for the Human Ether-a-Go-Go-Related Gene Potassium Channel

Three environment-sensitive probes were developed for the hERG channel based on the nitrobenzoxadiazole fluorophore herein. After careful evaluation, probes M1 and M3 were found to have a high affinity for imaging the hERG channel in the cell-based experiment. Compared with other fluorescent labeling technologies (such as fluorescent proteins), these probes afford a convenient and economical method to determine hERG channel in vitro and in cellulo. Therefore, these probes are expected to be applicable for usage in physiological and pathological studies of hERG channels and have the potential to establish a screening system for hERG channels.

Salvianolate lyophilized injection regulates the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Activation of autophagy has been implicated in cerebral ischiemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Salvianolate lyophilized injection (SLI) has been widely used in the clinical treatment of cerebrovascular disease in China. Whether SLI has any influence on the activation of autophagy in cerebral I/R injury remains elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study were to assess whether SLI attenuates I/R-induced brain injury and evaluate its associated mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). SLI (21 mg/kg) was injected intravenously at the beginning of the reperfusion period and 24 and 48 h after ischaemia. The effects of SLI on brain injury were detected according to infarct volume, neurological score, brain oedema, and HE and TUNEL staining at 72 h post-MCAO. Western blotting was used to detect alterations in the autophagy-relevant proteins LC3, Beclin-1, mTOR, p62, Lamp-1, and CTSD in the ipsilateral cortex at 24 or 72 h post-MCAO.

RESULTS

We first demonstrated that SLI significantly alleviated the infarct volume, neurological deficits, and brain oedema, and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in rats with cerebral I/R injury. Next, we found that SLI has a bidirectional regulatory effect on autophagy: early-stage (24 h) cerebral ischaemia promotes the activation of autophagy and developmental-stage (72 h) cerebral ischaemia has an inhibitory effect. SLI enhanced I/R-induced autophagy as evidenced by the increased expression level of the autophagy marker protein LC3Ⅱ, as well as the decreased expression of mTOR and the autophagy substrate protein p62, but there was no change in lysosomal activity at 24 h after I/R-induced injury. Moreover, SLI also inhibited excessive activation of autophagy at 72 h after I/R-induced injury, which manifested as downregulating LC3Ⅱ expression, upregulating mTOR and p62 expression, and inhibiting lysosomal activity.

CONCLUSION

SLI has a protective effect on cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury, which may be mediated by the autophagy-lysosome pathway.

Photoinduced Electron Transfer-Based Fluorescent Agonists for α1-Adrenergic Receptors Imaging

The novel fluorescent agonists were discovered herein for α₁-adrenergic receptors (α₁-ARs) based on photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) off-on switch by conjugating the fluorophore 7-(diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylic acid with phenylephrine. After careful evaluation, these probes exhibited efficient binding affinity with α₁-ARs and could be applied to selectively imaging α₁-ARs or successfully tracing the dynamic process of α₁-AR internalization in living cells. Meanwhile, a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer binding assay with these new probes has been well-established and applied. Therefore, these PeT-based on-off agonists may serve as powerful tools for the α₁-AR-associated study during drug discovery.

Development of epimedin A complex drugs for treating the osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common disease involving bone degeneration. As the age of the population increases, the prevalence of the disease is expected to rise. However, current treatment methods do not provide a desirable solution for the restoration of the function of degenerated bones in patients with osteoporosis. This led to emergence of controlled delivery systems to increase drug bioavailability and efficacy specifically at the bone regeneration. In this study, an epimedin A (EA) complex drug system was prepared by solution blending method. In vitro cell-based experiments showed that the EA complex drug could significantly promote the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts and increase the alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium nodule formation, and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that this novel drugs remarkably enhanced bone regeneration. These results suggest that EA may be used for the treatment of osteoporosis.

[Distribution of archaeal community in the mud pit during strong-flavor baijiu fermentation]

Multi-species solid-state fermentation in a mud pit is one of the typical features of strong-flavor baijiu, in which archaea plays important roles, however, the archaeal community distribution and diversity during fermentation are still lack of research. The biomass, composition and succession of archaea communities in fermented grains and pit mud were analyzed by high throughput sequencing. The potential interaction between archaea and bacteria was analyzed by co-occurrence network. Results demonstrate that the average biomass of archaea in pit mud was about 200 times higher than that of fermented grains. There was no significant difference in archaeal community structure between fermented grains and pit mud (r=0.017, P=0.074), but succession patterns between them showed significant correlation (r=0.30, P=0.03). Methanobacterium was the most abundant archaea in fermented grains and pit mud, and other dominant groups included Methanosarcina, Methanocorpusculum, Methanoculleus, and Methanobrevibacter. The co-occurrence network analysis showed that Methanobacterium was positively correlated with most bacteria in fermented grains and pit mud, especially with Hydrogenispora and Caproiciproducens, the dominant bacteria in pit mud. Our results revealed the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and potential functions of the archaeal community in the mud pit of strong-flavor baijiu.

[Differences of the structure, succession and function of Clostridial communities between jiupei and pit mud during Luzhou-flavour baijiu fermentation]

Clostridia inhabiting in jiupei and pit mud plays key roles in the formation of flavour during the fermentation process of Luzhou-flavour baijiu. However, the differences of Clostridial communities between jiupei and pit mud remains unclear. Here, the species assembly, succession, and metabolic capacity of Clostridial communities between jiupei and pit mud were analysed by high-throughput sequencing and pure culture approaches. The ratio of Clostridial biomass to bacterial biomass in the pit mud was relatively stable (71.5%-91.2%) throughout the fermentation process. However, it varied widely in jiupei (0.9%-36.5%). The dominant Clostridial bacteria in jiupei were Clostridium (19.9%), Sedimentibacter (8.8%), and Hydrogenispora (7.2%), while Hydrogenispora (57.2%), Sedimentibacter (5.4%), and Caproiciproducens (4.9%) dominated in the Clostridial communities in pit mud. The structures of Clostridial community in pit mud and jiupei were significantly different (P=0.001) throughout fermentation. Isolated Clostridial strains showed different metabolic capacities of volatile fatty acids in pure culture. Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of Clostridial communities existed in the baijiu fermentation pit, which was closely related to the main flavour components of Luzhou-flavour baijiu.

Cytokinin-induced parthenocarpy of San Pedro type fig (Ficus carica L.) main crop: explained by phytohormone assay and transcriptomic network comparison

CPPU-induced San Pedro type fig main crop parthenocarpy exhibited constantly increasing IAA content and more significantly enriched KEGG pathways in the receptacle than in female flowers. N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea (CPPU) was applied to San Pedro fig (Ficus carica L.) main crop to induce parthenocarpy; the optimal effect was obtained with 25 mg L^-1 application to syconia when female flowers were at anthesis. To elucidate the key expression changes in parthenocarpy conversion, significant changes in phytohormone level and transcriptome of fig female flowers and receptacles were monitored. HPLC-MS revealed increased IAA content in female flowers and receptacle 2, 4 and 10 days after treatment (DAT), decreased zeatin level in the receptacle 2, 4 and 10 DAT, decreased GA₃ content 2 and 4 DAT, and increased GA₃ content 10 DAT. ABA level increased 2 and 4 DAT, and decreased 10 DAT. CPPU-treated syconia released more ethylene than the control except 2 DAT. RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analysis revealed notably more differentially expressed KEGG pathways in the receptacle than in female flowers. In the phytohormone gene network, GA-biosynthesis genes GA20ox and GA3ox were upregulated, along with GA signal-transduction genes GID1 and GID2, and IAA-signaling genes AUX/IAA and GH3. ABA-biosynthesis gene NCED and signaling genes PP2C and ABF were downregulated 10 DAT. One ACO gene showed consistent upregulation in both female flowers and receptacle after CPPU treatment, and more than a dozen of ERFs demonstrated opposing changes in expression. Our results revealed early-stage spatiotemporal phytohormone and transcriptomic responses in CPPU-induced San Pedro fig main crop parthenocarpy, which could be valuable for further understanding the nature of the parthenocarpy of different fig types.

Storax Protected Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation Induced Primary Astrocyte Injury by Inhibiting NF-κB Activation in vitro

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the world. There is an urgent unmet need to develop a range of neuroprotective strategies to restrain the damage that occurs in the hours and days following a stroke. Storax, a natural resin extracted from injuring Liquidambar orientalis Mill, has been used to treat acute stroke in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. Storax has demonstrated the neuroprotective effects in cerebrovascular diseases. However, the neuroprotective mechanisms activated by storax in ischemia/reperfusion-injured astrocytes have not been elucidated. In this study, we established an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced astrocytes injury model to investigate the effects of storax on OGD/R-induced astrocytes injury and potential mechanisms. Experimental results showed that storax alleviated expression of inflammatory cytokines and protected primary cortical astrocytes injured by OGD/R. Furthermore, storax could inhibit NF-κB activation in injured astrocytes by OGD/R and inhibition of NF-κB with Bay-11-7082 obscured the neuroprotective effects of storax. In conclusion, storax alleviated expression of inflammatory cytokines and protected primary cortical astrocytes injured by OGD/R, which was partially mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

The distinct ripening processes in the reproductive and non-reproductive parts of the fig syconium are driven by ABA

The common fig bears a unique closed inflorescence structure, the syconium, composed of small individual drupelets that develop from the ovaries, which are enclosed in a succulent receptacle of vegetative origin. The fig ripening process is traditionally classified as climacteric; however, recent studies have suggested that distinct mechanisms exist in its reproductive and non-reproductive parts. We analysed ABA and ethylene production, and expression of ABA-metabolism, ethylene-biosynthesis, MADS-box, NAC, and ethylene response-factor genes in inflorescences and receptacles of on-tree fruit treated with ABA, ethephon, fluridone, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). Exogenous ABA and ethephon accelerated fruit ripening and softening, whereas fluridone and NDGA had the opposite effect, delaying endogenous ABA and ethylene production compared to controls. Expression of the ABA-biosynthesis genes FcNCED2 and FcABA2, ethylene-biosynthesis genes FcACS4, FcACOL, and FcACO2, FcMADS8, 14, 15, FcNAC1, 2, 5, and FcERF9006 was up-regulated by exogenous ABA and ethephon. NDGA down-regulated FcNCED2 and FcABA2, whereas fluridone down-regulated FcABA2; both down-regulated the ethylene-related genes. These results demonstrate the key role of ABA in regulation of ripening by promoting ethylene production, as in the climacteric model plant tomato, especially in the inflorescence. However, increasing accumulation of endogenous ABA until full ripeness and significantly low expression of ethylene-biosynthesis genes in the receptacle suggests non-climacteric, ABA-dependent ripening in the vegetative-originated succulent receptacle part of the fruit.

Xueshuantong for Injection Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes and becomes the chief cause of end-stage renal disease. Our study was undertaken to investigate the ameliorative effect and underlying mechanism of Xueshuantong for Injection (XST) on DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rats. Effect of XST treatment (XST, 50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) lasting 60 days after STZ-induced (60 mg/kg, i.p.) diabetes was investigated. Blood sugar levels and body weight were recorded every week of the experiment. At the 28th and 56th days after injection urine glucose and 24 h urine protein excretion were determined. Apoptosis related factors such as cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax and inflammation related factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were detected by PCR or western blot. The expression levels of fibronectin, Collagen Ⅰ, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway, and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) was investigated. Our results showed that XST treatment did not affect levels of body weight, blood glucose and urine glucose levels. Our analysis revealed that XST inhibited cell apoptosis and suppressed the properties of RAGE in the kidney. XST treatment could also significantly suppress the overexpression of pro-inflammatory mediators in kidney and prevent renal fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings suggested that XST could provide protection against DN through reduction of RAGE accumulation, decreasing inflammation, inhibition of renal fibrosis, and blocking the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.

[Retrospective clinical analyses of otogenic intracranial infections]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment options for otogenic intracranial infections. Method: Clinical records of all the patients of otogenic intracranial infections admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Their clinical presentations, radiological findings, culture results, and medical and surgical therapy modalities, as well as treatment outcomes were studied. Results: Sixteen cases were identified. The majority of the otogenic patients had a history of cholesteatoma, other rare events included congenital cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea, Gorham-Stout disease and after radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Meningitis, cerebral venous thrombosis and brain abscess were the primary intracranial infection. Eight patients had received modified radical mastoidectomy at least one time. Results of routine culture for cerebrospinal and pus samples had high negative rate. All patients received initial empirical broadspectrum intravenous antibiotics therapy. Four cases of brain abscesses were drained or excised at the same time for otologic surgery. The mortality rate was 6.25% (1 case). Conclusions: Cholesteatoma is still the most commonly primary disease of otogenic intracranial complications. Diagnosis and treatment of otogenic intracranial infections require multidisciplinary cooperation. Surgical intervention for primary ear lesions and intracranial abscess is still the main option in the treatment of otogenic intracranial infections.

Psoralen and Bakuchiol Ameliorate M-CSF Plus RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption Via Inhibition of AKT and AP-1 Pathways in Vitro

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Psoralen and bakuchiol are the main active compounds found in the traditional Chinese medicine Psoralea corylifolia L., and have been used to treat osteoporosis. This study aims to investigate the anti-osteoporosis effects of these two compounds using osteoclasts precursor differentiation and bone absorption assays in vitro.

METHODS

Primary mouse osteoclasts precursor cells were induced by M-CSF (macrophage colony stimulating factor) plus RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand) in vitro. TRACP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) enzyme activity and toluidine blue staining were used to observe the effects of psoralen and bakuchiol on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, respectively. Gelatin zymography was used to assess MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) activity, and ELISA was performed to measure cathepsin K activity. Western blotting analysis for expression of phosphorylated AKT, ERK, NF-kB, and c-jun; and immunofluorescence analysis for c-jun and p65 nuclear translocation in induced osteoclasts were then used to determine the mechanism of anti-bone resorption of psoralen and bakuchiol.

RESULTS

Mature osteoclasts were induced by M-CSF plus RANKL from primary bone marrow macrophages in vitro. Both psoralen and bakuchiol significantly inhibited TRACP enzyme activity and slightly decreased the number of TRACP+ multinuclear osteoclasts induced by M-CSF plus RANKL. Bakuchiol significantly decreased bone lacunae area and attenuated MMP-2 activity induced by M-CSF plus RANKL in osteoclasts. Both psoralen and bakuchiol significantly decreased the expression and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated c-jun stimulated by M-CSF plus RANKL, but no significant effect on p65 translocation was observed in osteoclasts. Additionally, bakuchiol significantly attenuated the increased of M-CSF plus RANKL-induced phosphorylation of AKT in osteoclasts.

CONCLUSIONS

Psoralen and bakuchiol ameliorated M-CSF plus RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption via inhibition of AKT and AP-1 pathways activation in vitro.

Transcriptome analysis unravels spatiotemporal modulation of phytohormone-pathway expression underlying gibberellin-induced parthenocarpic fruit set in San Pedro-type fig (Ficus carica L.)

BACKGROUND

Gibberellin (GA) treatments can induce parthenocarpy in the main crop of San Pedro-type figs, the native non-parthenocarpic fruit, however, the underlying mechanism is still largely unclear.

RESULTS

In our study, GA3 was applied to San Pedro-type fig main crop at anthesis. Sharply increased GA3 content was detected in both female flowers and receptacle, along with significantly decreased indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), zeatin and abscisic acid (ABA) levels in female flowers, and increased zeatin peak intensity and earlier ABA peak in receptacles. Transcriptome comparison between control and treatment groups identified more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in receptacles than in female flowers 2 and 4 days after treatment (DAT); 10 DAT, the number of DEGs became similar in the two tissues. Synchronized changing trends of phytohormone-associated DEGs were observed in female flowers and receptacles with fruit development. Modulation of ethylene and GA signaling and auxin metabolism by exogenous GA3 occurred mainly 2 DAT, whereas changes in auxin, cytokinin and ABA signaling occurred mainly 10 DAT. Auxin-, ethylene- and ABA-metabolism and response pathways were largely regulated in the two tissues, mostly 2 and 10 DAT. The major components altering fig phytohormone metabolic and response patterns included downregulated GA2ox, BAS1, NCED and ACO, and upregulated ABA 8'-h and AUX/IAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus GA-induced parthenocarpy in fig is co-modulated by the female flowers and receptacle, and repression of ABA and ethylene biosynthesis and GA catabolism might be the main forces deflecting abscission and producing fig parthenocarpy.

Comparisons of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical outcome

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability and clinical outcome of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures.

METHODS

Two types of fixation systems were selected for finite element analysis and a dual cohort study. Two fixation systems were simulated to fix the fracture in a finite element model. The relative displacement and stress distribution were analysed and compared. A total of 71 consecutive patients with closed Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the treatment to which they chose: the EFLIF group and the ORIF group. The radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

The relative displacement of the EFLIF was less than that of the plate (0.1363 mm to 0.1808 mm). The highest von Mises stress value on the plate was 33% higher than that on the EFLIF. A normal restoration of the Böhler angle was achieved in both groups. No significant difference was found in the clinical outcome on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale, or on the Visual Analogue Scale between the two groups (p > 0.05). Wound complications were more common in those who were treated with ORIF (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Both EFLIF and ORIF systems were tested to 160 N without failure, showing the new construct to be mechanically safe to use. Both EFLIF and ORIF could be effective in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. The EFLIF may be superior to ORIF in achieving biomechanical stability and less blood loss, shorter surgical time and hospital stay, and fewer wound complications.Cite this article: M. Pan, L. Chai, F. Xue, L. Ding, G. Tang, B. Lv. Comparisons of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical outcome. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:433-438. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.2000640.

Neuroprotective effect of salvianolate lyophilized injection against cerebral ischemia in type 1 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Salvianolate lyophilized injection (SLI) has been clinically used in China for the treatment of acutely cerebral infarction. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that Diabetes mellitus (DM) not only increases the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence but also leads to poor outcomes and increases fatality rates after stroke. Our previous study has proved that SLI can reduce the infarct volume after stroke in type 1 diabetic rats. The aim of the study is to explore the mechanism of SLI on stroke outcome in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) rats.

METHODS

Type 1 diabetes rats model (T1DM) was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and T1DM rats were subjected to intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The T1DM + MCAO rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham-operated, model-vehicle, positive control group (Edaravone-treating, DE 6 mg/kg) and SLI-treating group (10.5 mg/kg, 21 mg/kg and 42 mg/kg). SLI and DE were administered by tail vein injection at 3 h after MCAO, then daily for 14 days. Micro-CT scans of the brain tissue revealed vessel characteristics and distribution in the ischemia zone. Glucose uptake was analyzed by PET/CT. RAGE, MMP9 and inflammatory factors (COX-2, TNF-α and ICAM-1), HQ-1, HQO-1 and Nrf-2 expression levels in the ischemic brain tissue were analyzed by Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot at 14 days after MCAO.

RESULTS

In this study, we have demonstrated that SLI treatment significantly increased the number of brain microvasculature in ipsilateral and glucose uptake in cortex, hippocampus and penumbra in the T1DM + MCAO rats. SLI also significantly decreased the expression of RAGE, MMP9 and inflammatory factors expression, and increased the expression of HQ-1, HQO-1 and Nrf-2 in T1DM + MCAO rats.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that SLI could protect against cerebral ischemia injury in T1DM + MCAO rats and the mechanism is related to decrease inflammatory factors and activate of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Wnt1 and SFRP1 as potential prognostic factors and therapeutic targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

The Wnt signaling pathway plays a key role in insurgence and progression of many different forms of cancer. Some crucial components of the Wnt pathway have been proposed to be novel targets for cancer therapy. To date, the Wnt signaling pathway has not been studied in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). This study was designed to investigate the expression of Wnt1 and SFRP1 from the Wnt pathway in CSCC. Tissue samples were obtained from 35 patients with CSCC and 30 controls admitted to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Hospital at Urumchi City, China. Gene and protein expressions of Wnt1 and SFRP1 were quantified by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Wnt1 expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in CSCC samples than in normal skin cells of the control subjects; in contrast, SFRP1 expression was significantly lower in CSCC tissues than that in tissues of control subjects (P < 0.05). Moreover, Wnt1 expression (P < 0.05) was found to be correlated with histopathological differentiation in CSCC, and negatively correlated with SFRP1 expression in CSCC (rs = -0.473, P = 0.015). Therefore, we concluded that Wnt1 and SFRP1 play important roles in the development of CSCC and could be potent markers for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of CSCC.

Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains the main cause of cancer-related death, and the clinical significance and prognostic role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer are still controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the correlation between CTCs and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MBC.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of Pubmed and the ISI Web of Science through December 2014. Only articles that focused on MBC patients and detected CTCs using the CellSearch system were included. The associations between CTCs and survival rate and clinicopathological parameters, including molecular pattern, metastatic region and treatment response, were evaluated.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 24 studies (3701 MBC patients), 13 prospective studies and 11 retrospective studies. We found that CTCs were more frequently detected with HER2 + primary tumors (pooled RR = 0.73, 95 % CI = 0.63-0.84). Additionally, higher CTC numbers indicated a worse treatment response (RR = 0.56, 95 % CI = 0.40-0.79), poorer PFS (RR = 0.64, 95 % CI = 0.56-0.73) and poorer OS (RR = 0.69, 95 % CI = 0.64-0.75) in MBC patients.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we propose that HER2 positivity could be a significant risk factor for the presence of CTCs. Additionally, CTCs have a significant prognostic value for MBC patients. Therefore, CTCs should be continually monitored to guide the treatment of MBC patients, especially those with HER2 + primary tumors.

Tanshinone I selectively suppresses pro-inflammatory genes expression in activated microglia and prevents nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, known as Danshen, is a well-known traditional Chinese herb which has been used extensively for the treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases for thousands of years. Tanshinone I is one of major bioactive flavonoids of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae. Modulation of microglial over-reaction may represent a therapeutic target to alleviate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we tested the effect of Tanshinone I on neuro-inflammation and whether it can provide neuroprotection through inhibition of neuro-inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of Tanshinone I on the production and/or mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV-2 microglia cells were tested by Griess reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) or real time polymerase chain reaction. Activation of nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB) was measured by the nuclear translocation p65 and DNA binding activity. A model of Parkinson׳s disease was established by treatment of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in C57BL/6 mice. The effect of Tanshinone I on the behavioral changes, dopamine and its metabolites levels, expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and IBA-1, production of cytokines in the midbrain were investigated by the rotarod test, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ECD, immunohistochemistry and Elisa. 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) concentration was tested by HPLC. Liver toxicity was determined by biochemical assay and histochemistry.

RESULTS

We found that the productions and/or expressions of several pro-inflammatory M1 factors such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 were highly suppressed by Tanshinone I in LPS-induced microglia. Interestingly, it did not affect the enhancement of expression of some anti-inflammatory M2 microglia markers, including IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and Cox-2. But it could significantly inhibit LPS-induced granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) expression. Tanshinone I could also inhibit LPS-induced NF-κB activation in microglia. Furthermore, it improved motor functions, normalized striatal neurotransmitters, and provided dopaminergic neuronal protection in MPTP-intoxicated mice. In vivo results also indicated that Tanshinone I could modulate MPTP-induced microglial activation, attenuated the increase of TNF-α, reserved the increase of IL-10 concentrain of MPTP-intoxicated mice. Tanshinone I does not alter MPTP toxic metabolite (MPP+) concentration. Oral administration of Tanshinone I at 10mg/kg daily for 2 weeks did not show liver toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Tanshinone I selectively suppressed pro-inflammatory M1 genes expression in activated microglia, interestingly, partially reserved anti-inflammatory M2 genes expression. It also could provide neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinson׳s disease. These data indicated that Tanshinone I could make the most of the beneficial side and minimize the detrimental side of activated microglia simultaneously, and provide neuroprotection by modulating the immune response of microglia.

RNA sequencing reveals high resolution expression change of major plant hormone pathway genes after young seedless grape berries treated with gibberellin

Seedless varieties are of particular importance to the table-grape and raisin industries. Gibberellin (GA) application is widely used in the early stages of seedless berry development to increase berry size and economic value. However, the underlying mechanism of GA induction of berry enlargement is not well understood. Here, RNA-sequencing analysis of 'Centennial Seedless' (Vitis vinifera L.) berries treated with GA3 12 days after flowering is reported. Pair-wise comparison of GA3-treated and control samples detected 165, 444, 463 genes with an over two-fold change in expression 1, 3, and 7 days after GA3 treatment, respectively. The number of differentially expressed genes increased with time after GA3 treatment, and the differential expression was dominated by downregulation. Significantly modulated expression included genes encoding synthesis and catabolism to manage plant hormone homeostasis, hormone transporters, receptors and key components in signaling pathways; exogenous GA3 induced multipoint cross talk with auxin, cytokinin, brassinosteroid, ABA and ethylene. The temporal gene-expression patterns of cell-wall-modification enzymes, cytoskeleton and membrane components and transporters revealed a pivotal role for cell-wall-relaxation genes in GA3-induced berry enlargement. Our results provide the first sequential transcriptomic atlas of exogenous GA3-induced berry enlargement and reveal the complexity of GA3's effect on berry sizing.

Quantitative FRET measurement using emission-spectral unmixing with independent excitation crosstalk correction

Quantification of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) needs at least two external samples, an acceptor-only reference and a linked FRET reference, to calibrate fluorescence signal. Furthermore, all measurements for references and FRET samples must be performed under the same instrumental conditions. Based on a novel notion to predetermine the molar extinction coefficient ratio (RC ) of acceptor-to-donor for the correction of acceptor excitation crosstalk, we present here a robust and independent emission-spectral unmixing FRET methodology, Iem-spFRET, which can simultaneously measure the E and RC of FRET sample without any external references, such that Iem-spFRET circumvents the rigorous restriction of keeping the same imaging conditions for all FRET experiments and thus can be used for the direct measurement of FRET sample. We validate Iem-spFRET by measuring the absolute E and RC values of standard constructs with different acceptor-to-donor stoichiometry expressed in living cells. Our results demonstrate that Iem-spFRET is a simple and powerful tool for real-time monitoring the dynamic intermolecular interaction within single living cells.

Pretreatment with Danhong injection protects the brain against ischemia-reperfusion injury

Danhong injection (DHI), a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product extracted from Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae and Flos Carthami tinctorii, is widely used in China for treating acute ischemic stroke. In the present study, we explored the neuroprotective efficacy of DHI in a rat model of temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion, and evaluated the potential mechanisms underlying its effects. Pretreatment with DHI (0.9 and 1.8 mL/kg) resulted in a significantly smaller infarct volume and better neurological scores than pretreatment with saline. Furthermore, DHI significantly reduced the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, increased occludin protein expression and decreased neutrophil infiltration, as well as profoundly suppressing the upregulation of matrix metallopeptidase-9 expression seen in rats that had received vehicle. Matrix metallopeptidase-2 expression was not affected by ischemia or DHI. Moreover, DHI (1.8 mL/kg) administered 3 hours after the onset of ischemia also improved neurological scores and reduced infarct size. Our results indicate that the neuroprotective efficacy of DHI in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury is mediated by a protective effect on the blood-brain barrier and the reversal of neutrophil infiltration.

Scutellarin and caffeic acid ester fraction, active components of Dengzhanxixin injection, upregulate neurotrophins synthesis and release in hypoxia/reoxygenation rat astrocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellarin (Scu) and caffeic acid ester fraction (Caf), the extracts from the traditional Chinese herb, Erigeron breviscapus, are known to ameliorate post ischemic neuronal dysfunction.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are essential for neuronal growth and survival. We explored the neuroprotective effect of Scu and Caf by synthesis and release of NGF, BDNF and GDNF in rat astrocytes exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation and MACO rats. And the neuroprotection of Scu and Caf was also explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The primary rat astrocytes were cultured in vitro. The temporal mRNA and protein expression profile during hypoxia/reoxygenation were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of p-CREB, p-Akt, p-MAPKs and Bax were analyzed by western blotting. Cell viability of neuro-2A was measured using CCK-8 and cell cytotoxicity was measured with LDH release.

RESULTS

During hypoxia/reoxygenation a similar decrease pattern of NTFs (NGF, BDNF and GDNF) was observed in both mRNA and protein; Scu and Caf enhanced the expressions of NGF, BDNF and GDNF mRNA and protein in astrocytes under hypoxia/reoxygenation condition. CREB and Akt, but not MAPKs ( p-JNK, p-ERK1/2 and p-38) may be involved in the expression of NTFs. Concomitantly, conditioned medium from astrocytes which was treated by Scu or Caf after hypo3h/Reox24h significantly reduced neurotoxicity compared with conditioned medium from hypo3h/Reox24h astrocytes alone, and they show the tendency of increased neurons viability accompanied with Bax changes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the neuroprotective effect of Scu and Caf might be mediated, at least in part, via a stimulation of the production and release of NTFs through p-CREB and p-Akt signaling. Furthermore, Scu and Caf could antagonistic the hypoxia induced toxicity through astrocytes conditioned medium. Those results suggested that Scu and Caf might have therapeutic potential for stroke.

Genetic polymorphism studies in periodontitis and Fcγ receptors

Periodontitis is a complex chronic subgingival plaque-induced inflammatory disease influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, behavior and the environment. Many genetic association studies have been conducted in periodontology. One of the most extensively investigated gene families is the Fcγ receptor gene family, which plays a key role in regulating host immune responses to bacteria. Unlike other genetic polymorphisms reported in periodontology, most Fcγ receptor polymorphisms reported not only have established biological functions but are reported to associate with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. There are, however, few recent reviews summarizing the association of this gene family with periodontitis. This article critically reviews the current understanding of genetic polymorphism studies in periodontitis, then summarizes the research status of Fcγ receptor polymorphisms and periodontitis and also of other genes involved in the regulatory network of Fcγ receptors, with special reference to their anticipated biological roles. Moreover, some possible future research directions in the related area are discussed.

SNPs of Fc-gamma receptor genes and chronic periodontitis

Genetic polymorphisms of host defense genes might increase risk for periodontitis. This case-control study investigated whether 102 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Fc gamma receptor (FCGR) genes are associated with chronic periodontitis. Cases were 190 Hong Kong Chinese patients with severe chronic periodontitis, and there were 169 periodontitis-free individuals as controls. Genotype CC and allele C of rs445509 (p < 0.0001, OR = 0.30) of FCGR3A were significantly more prevalent among control individuals than among cases, after adjustment for age, sex, and smoking. Smoking was significantly associated with chronic periodontitis (p = 0.003, OR = 3.35). Within the limitations of this study, SNP rs445509 of FCGR3A seem to be negatively associated, while smoking was positively associated, with severe chronic periodontitis among Hong Kong Chinese.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of complement component 5 and periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Polymorphisms of host defence genes might increase one's risks for periodontitis. This study investigated whether tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the gene encoding complement component 5 (C5) are associated with periodontitis in a Hong Kong Chinese population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eleven tagging SNPs of 229 patients with at least moderate periodontitis and 207 control subjects without periodontitis were genotyped using an i-plexGOLD MassARRAY mass-spectrometry system.

RESULTS

Genotype AG of SNP rs17611 was more prevalent in the group of periodontitis patients than in the controls (54.6% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.007). The haplotype CGCA of the haplotype block consisting of rs1035029, rs17611, rs25681 and rs992670 was significantly associated with periodontitis in a dominant model (p = 0.001). The SNP rs17611 showed high linkage disequilibrium with rs1035029, rs25681 and rs992670. Smoking was also significantly associated with periodontitis (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The tagging SNP rs17611 of the C5 gene and smoking may be associated with periodontitis among the Hong Kong Chinese population.

Co-grafts of fetal ventral mesencephalon and fibroblasts expressing sonic hedgehog: effect on survival and function of dopamine grafts

Fibroblasts derived from the Rat2 parental cell line were genetically modified to express the cell-associated form of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and then co-grafted along with E14 fetal ventral mesencephalon (VM) tissue into the denervated striatum of F344 rats; fetal VM grafts alone or co-grafts using the nonexpressing Rat2 fibroblasts served as controls. Seven weeks after grafting, co-grafts of fetal VM and fibroblasts expressing Shh (Rat2/Shh) contained significantly more tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neurons than either the fetal VM grafts or co-grafts of fetal VM plus nonexpressing fibroblasts (Rat2). Despite a significantly higher yield of grafted TH+ neurons in the fetal VM + Rat2/Shh co-grafts than in either of the other two control groups, amphetamine-induced rotational behavior scores were not significantly different between any of the three treatment groups. The number of TH+ neurons in the Rat2 (nonexpressing) co-grafts was significantly lower than the other two treatment groups. The results from this study suggest that fibroblasts expressing Shh may improve the number of co-grafted dopamine neurons, but do not improve the functional capacity of the graft in terms of improving amphetamine-induced rotational behavior.

SALL1 expression in the human pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis

SALL1 was originally identified on the basis of its DNA sequence homology to the region-specific homeotic gene Sal, in Drosophila melanogaster, which acts as a downstream target of hedgehog/tumor growth factor-beta-like decapentaplegic signals. The SALL1 gene has been associated with the Townes-Brocks Syndrome (TBS), a disorder characterized by multiorgan dysgenesis including renal and genital malformations. In this study, SALL1 message production was evaluated in association with the tissue localization of the protein product of SALL1, p140. SALL1 protein expression was observed in various adult and fetal tissues which elaborate reproductive endocrine hormones. The p140 was localized in specific microanatomic sites of the pituitary, adrenal cortex and the placenta. In the human pituitary, SALL1 protein expression was limited to the adenohypophysis, where it colocalized to those cells producing GH and the gonadotropins, LH and FSH. SALL1 expression was also found in most of the fetal and adult adrenal cortex in addition to the trophoblastic cells of the placenta. This pattern of expression complements prior studies demonstrating p140 in testicular fetal Leydig cells, adult Leydig and Sertoli cells, and granulosa cells of the ovary. The SALL1 protein was also shown here to be highly expressed in trophoblast tumors, which overproduce sex hormones. The expression patterns of SALL1 at multiple levels of the reproductive endocrine axis and the phenotypic effects associated with TBS suggest that SALL1 may have an important role in the interaction of the pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis during reproduction.

Cloning and characterization of two promoters for the human HSAL2 gene and their transcriptional repression by the Wilms tumor suppressor gene product

HSAL2 is a member of a gene family that encodes a group of putative developmental transcription factors. The HSAL gene complex was originally identified on the basis of DNA sequence homology to a region-specific homeotic gene (SAL) in Drosophila. This study reveals a novel, functional 5' exon for HSAL2 and demonstrates that two distinct HSAL2 gene transcripts arise from two overlapping transcription units, resulting in proteins that differ by 25 amino acids. By utilizing functional luciferase reporter assays, two distinct promoters for HSAL2, P1 for the proximal promoter (upstream of exon 1) and P2 for the distal promoter (upstream of exon 1A), were identified. Evaluation of mRNA prevalence and tissue specificity, with particular focus on adult tissues, revealed that production of mRNA from P1 was selective and relatively rare. Production of mRNA from P2 was demonstrably higher and was expressed by a greater number of tissues. In contradistinction, HSAL2 expression directed by P2 was undetectable in some malignant populations as opposed to their normal human counterparts, suggesting a potential role as a tumor suppressor gene. Consensus-binding sites were identified for several transcriptional factors, with multiple sites for WT-1, and Hox-1.3 present within both the P1 and P2 regions. In transient transfection assays, transcription from both HSAL2 P1 and P2 was strikingly repressed by the WT-1 tumor suppressor protein. These findings suggest that an intracellular WT-1/HSAL2 pathway may play a role in development and hematopoiesis.