Network analysis of microbiome and metabolome to explore the mechanism of raw rhubarb in the protection against ischemic stroke via microbiota-gut-brain axis

Ischemic stroke (IS) has attracted worldwide attention due to the high mortality and disability rate. Raw rhubarb (RR) is a traditional medicinal plant and whole-food that has been used in China for its various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent pharmacological research has shown the role of RR against IS, but its mechanism of action remains unclear, particularly in the context of the brain-gut axis. To address this gap in knowledge, the present study was conducted in the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model with the aim of investigating the effects of RR on regulating the intestinal microbiota barrier and metabolism and thereby reducing inflammatory response so as to improve the IS. The results showed that pre-treatment of RR attenuated cerebral infarct area and inflammation response in MCAO rats. Furthermore, RR also improved intestinal barrier function, including the integrity and permeability of the intestinal barrier. Additionally, RR intervention significantly attenuated gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by ischemic stroke, especially the increased Firmicutes. Notably, the pseudo-germ-free (PGF) rats further demonstrated that the anti-stroke effect of RR might rely on intestinal microbiota. In addition, the UPLC/Q-Orbitrap-MS-Based metabolomics revealed the disrupted metabolic profiles caused by MCAO/R, and a total of 11 differential metabolites were modulated by RR administration, especially bile acids. Further correlation analysis and network pharmacology analysis also demonstrated a strong association between specific bacteria, such as Firmicutes and bile acids. In conclusion, our work demonstrated that RR could effectively ameliorate ischemic stroke by modulating the microbiota and metabolic disorders.

Two polysaccharides from Rehmannia glutinosa: isolation, structural characterization, and hypoglycemic activities

Rehmannia glutinosa (RG) as a Chinese herbal medicine can be used both in medicine and food. As the main component of RG, the polysaccharides have a hypoglycemic effect, however, the hypoglycemic activity of RG homopolysaccharides remains unknown. We isolated and purified two polysaccharides, RGP70-1-1 and RGP70-1-2 (4.9 kDa and 2.8 kDa) from RG. The structural characteristics, including monosaccharide composition, linkage, and configuration were analyzed by FT-IR, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy, Congo test, and SEM. RGP70-1-1 and RGP70-1-2 consist of four monosaccharides (glucose, mannose, arabinose, and galactose). RGP70-1-1 contains 14 connection modes, with the linkages including l-Araf-(1→, →3)-l-Araf-(1→, →5)-l-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-l-Araf-(1→, →2,5)-l-Araf-(1→, d-Manp-(1→, →2)-d-Manp-(1→, →4)-d-Manp-(1→, d-Galp-(1→, →4)-d-Galp-(1→, →4,6)-d-Galp-(1→, →6)-d-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-d-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-d-Glcp-(1→. The linkages of RGP70-1-2 is including →5)-l-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-l-Araf-(1→, →4)-d-Manp-(1→, →3,6)-d-Manp-(1→, d-Galp-(1→, →6)-d-Galp-(1→, d-Glcp-(1→, →6)-d-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-d-Glcp-(1→. Furthermore, RGP70-1-1 and RGP70-1-2 can inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase. RGP70-1-1 stimulated GLP-1 secretion in STC-1 cells and was related to the up-regulation of PI3K and p-AKT protein expression. The findings revealed a natural product with potential hypoglycemic activity, which may be used as a GLP-1 secretagogue and a beneficial functional food ingredient for T2D.

SATB1/SLC7A11/HO-1 Axis Ameliorates Ferroptosis in Neuron Cells After Ischemic Stroke by Danhong Injection

Neuronal damage after ischemic stroke (IS) is frequently due to ferroptosis, contributing significantly to ischemic injury. However, the mechanism against ferroptosis in IS remained unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism of Danhong injection (DHI) and the critical transcription factor SATB1 in preventing neuronal ferroptosis after ischemic stroke in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that DHI treatment significantly reduced the infarct area and associated damage in the brains of the pMCAO mice, and enhanced the viability of OGD-injured neurons. And several characteristic indicators of ferroptosis, such as mitochondrial necrosis and iron accumulation, were regulated by DHI after IS. Importantly, we found that the expression and activity of SATB1 were decreased in the pMCAO mice, especially in neuron cells. Meanwhile, the SATB1/SLC7A11/HO-1 signaling pathway was activated after DHI treatment in ischemic stroke and was found to improve neuronal ferroptosis. Inhibition of SATB1 significantly reduced SLC7A11-HO-1 and significantly attenuated the anti-ferroptosis effects of DHI in the OGD model. These findings indicate that neuronal ferroptosis after IS can be alleviated by DHI through SATB1/SLC7A11/HO-1 pathway, and SATB1 may be an attractive therapeutic target for treating ischemic stroke.

Yi-Xin-Shu capsule ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy by regulating RB/HDAC1/GATA4 signaling pathway based on proteomic and mass spectrometry image analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) forms the main pathological basis of chronic heart failure (CHF). Mitigating and preventing CH is the key strategy for the treatment of ventricular remodeling in CHF. Yi-Xin-Shu capsule (YXS) has been commonly applied in the clinical treatment of CHF in Asian countries for several decades. However, the underlying mechanism of YXS has not been revealed yet.

PURPOSE

To assess the efficiency of YXS in CH and identify its potential therapeutic targets for the managing of CH.

METHOD

Ultrasonic cardiogram was used to evaluate the cardiac function of CH rats. Hematein Eosin (HE)-staining, Masson-staining and transmission electron microscope were used to measure the morphological changes, cardiac fibrosis degree and ultrastructure characteristics of cardiomyocytes, respectively. ELISA was used to detect the myocardial injury biomarkers. Then, the potential targets regulated by YXS were screened out via proteomic analysis and mass spectrometry image analysis. Finally, the targets were validated by real-time quantitative (RT-q) PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and western-blotting methods.

RESULTS

YXS improved the cardiac function of CH rats and attenuated the injuries in morphology and subcellular structure of cardiomyocytes. A core protein-protein interaction network was established on differentially expressed proteins (DEP) using proteomics analysis. GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) was identified as the key target regulated by YXS. The results of mass spectrometry image analysis indicated that the expressions of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and retinoblastoma (RB) could also be regulated by YXS. Further valuative experiments showed that YXS may attenuate CH by regulating the RB/HDAC1/GATA4 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, this study discloses the precise mechanism investigation of the efficacy of YXS against CH. These data demonstrate that YXS may protect against CH by regulating the RB/HDAC1/GATA4 signaling pathway.

Integrated 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC/MS-based metabolomics ascertained synergistic influences of the combination of acupuncture and NaoMaiTong on ischemic stroke

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acupuncture is an effective therapy for ischemic stroke, which has been widely used in China and gradually accepted in more countries and regions recently. In addition, Chinese medicine also plays an important role in stroke treatment, among which NaoMaiTong (NMT) is an example of an effective herbal formula for the treatment of stroke. A therapeutic strategy that combines acupuncture and medicine was widely used in stroke patients. However, the synergistic influences and mechanisms of combined acupuncture and medicine on ischemic stroke have not yet been entirely elucidated.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

The purpose of this study is to explore whether acupuncture and medicine combination treatments can produce synergism by using NMT, a clinically effective Chinese medicinal formula for the treatment of ischemic stroke for decades and has been demonstrated to be effective against ischemic brain injury, as a probe. Meanwhile, the potential mechanisms were investigated via cecal microbiome and plasma metabolomics to provide more strategies and basis for acupuncture-medicine combination for stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adopted middle-cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat models, the effect for the stroke of the combination treatment consisting of acupuncture and NMT was evaluated by detecting neurological issues, cerebral infarct dimensions, levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and oxidative stress factors (SOD, MDA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Subsequently,16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC/MS-based metabolomic analysis were utilized to explore the characteristics of cecal-contents microecology and plasma metabolic profile, respectively. Finally, the correlation between intestinal microecological characteristics and plasma metabolic characteristics was analyzed to explore the potential mechanism of the acupuncture-NMT combination.

RESULTS

The efficacy of acupuncture-NMT therapy was more effective than a single treatment on ischemic stroke, with more effectively reduced infarct sizes, improved neurobehavioral deficits, and alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Besides, the combination therapy not only adjusted gut microbiota disturbances by enriching species diversity, reducing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (such as Escherichia-Shaigella), as well as increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as Turicibacter, Bifidobacterium), but also improved metabolic disorders by reversing metabolite plasma levels to normality. The results of the correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between intestinal microbiota and plasma metabolic profile, especially the strong correlation of Turicibacter and isoflavones phyto-estrogens metabolites.

CONCLUSION

The combination of acupuncture and NMT could produce synergism, suggesting acupuncture-medicine combination therapy might be more conducive to the recovery of ischemic stroke. And the potential mechanism was probably related to the mediation of intestinal microecology and plasma metabolism. Turicibacter and isoflavones phyto-estrogens metabolites might be the targets for acupuncture-NMT combination for stroke. Our current findings could provide a potential therapeutic strategy against ischemic stroke.

Cyclo-(Phe-Tyr) as a novel cyclic dipeptide compound alleviated ischemic stroke reperfusion brain injury via JUNB/JNK/NF-κB and SOX5/PI3K/AKT pathways

Ischemic stroke reperfusion (IR) can cause adverse reactions including apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, but the existing therapeutic strategies have been limited. Moreover, the regulation of microglia plays an important role in brain injury after reperfusion. Hence, it is imperative to find new and effective drugs for modulating microglia to treat IR brain injury. Cyclic peptide compound cyclo-(Phe-Tyr) (Sparganin C, SC) is a compound isolated from Sparganii Rhizoma. However, the protective effects of SC on the central nervous system are rather unclear. In an attempt to elucidate the protective effects and mechanism of SC on cerebral damage induced by the IR, we used a middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion (MCAO/R) model in rats and discovered that SC significantly decreased the size of cerebral infarcts, improved neurological scores, and blocked inflammatory and oxidative factor release. Using RNA-Seq and metabolomics association analyses, SC was shown to have a protective impact through the JUNB and SOX5-related pathways. Metabolomic analysis revealed twenty-eight differentially expressed biomarkers. In addition, the detection of SC content in brain tissue using LC/MS revealed that SC had blood-brain barrier penetration. To investigate the mechanism, we established an in vitro BV2 cell oxygen-glucose deprived re-oxygenation (OGD/R) model and used siRNA as well as an inhibitor. The protective effects of SC were dependent on the JUNB and SOX5 to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis in microglia. Our findings revealed for the first that SC against IR injury by reducing inflammation and apoptosis while simultaneously acting as potential therapeutic lead compound for ischemic stroke.

Integrated Analysis of the Cecal Microbiome and Plasma Metabolomics to Explore NaoMaiTong and Its Potential Role in Changing the Intestinal Flora and Their Metabolites in Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS), as a leading cause of disability worldwide, affects intestinal bacterial communities and their metabolites, while recent discoveries have highlighted the importance of the intestinal microflora in the development of IS. Systematic investigations of complex intestinal bacterial communities and their metabolites during ischemic brain injury contribute to elucidate the promising therapeutic targets for IS. However, the associations between intestinal microbiota and related circulating metabolic processes in IS remained unclear. Hence, to identify the changed microflora and their metabolites in IS of NaoMaiTong (NMT), an effective clinical medication, we established the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model using conventionalized and pseudo-germ-free (PGF) rats. Subsequently, we systematically screen the microflora and related metabolites changing in IS via an integrated approach of cecal 16S rRNA sequencing combined with plasma metabolomics. We found that NMT relied on intestinal flora to improve stroke outcome in conventionalized rats while the protection of NMT was reduced in PGF rats. Total 35 differential bacterial genera and 26 differential microbial metabolites were regulated by NMT. Furthermore, L-asparagine and indoleacetaldehyde were significantly negatively correlated with Lachnospiraceae_UCG.001 and significantly positively correlated with Lachnoclostridium. Indoleacetaldehyde also presented a negative correlation with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. 2-Hydroxybutyric acid was strongly negatively correlated with Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae_UCG.001 and Lachnospiraceae_UCG.006. Creatinine was strongly negatively correlated with Akkermansia. In summary, the research provided insights into the intricate interaction between intestinal microbiota and metabolism of NMT in IS. We identified above differential bacteria and differential endogenous metabolites which could be as prebiotic and probiotic substances that can influence prognosis in stroke and have potential to be used as novel therapeutic targets or exogenous drug supplements.

Cyclo-(Phe-Tyr) reduces cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction through regulation of autophagy

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the result of ischemic stroke, a serious threat to public health. I/R injury can damage the blood-brain barrier (BBB), adversely affecting the brain environment and...

Structural characterization, anti-inflammatory and glycosidase inhibitory activities of two new polysaccharides from the root of Pueraria lobata

Diabetes seriously endangers public health and brings a heavy economic burden to the country. Inflammation is one of the main inducing factors of type-2 diabetes (T2D) and may cause some complications of diabetes, such as diabetic encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy. In-depth research and development of drugs to cure diabetes and complications are of great significance. Pueraria lobate is a medicinal herb used in several countries to treat many diseases. Here, two new polysaccharides (PLB-1-1 and PLB-1-2) were isolated and purified from the root of Pueraria lobata with molecular weights of 9.1 × 10³ Da and 3.8 × 10³ Da, respectively. The structure was evaluated by monosaccharide composition, GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. It was determined that PLB-1-1 comprised →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, α-d-Glcp-(1→, →6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→ and →4,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→, and PLB-1-2 consisted of →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, β-d-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→ and α-l-Fucp-(1→. Furthermore, both PLB-1-1 and PLB-1-2 showed anti-inflammatory and inhibitory activities of α-glucosidase and α-amylase in vitro. Therefore, the new polysaccharides, i.e., PLB-1-1 and PLB-1-2, may be considered candidates for the treatment of diabetes and its related complications.

Through the extraction, isolation and purification of Pueraria lobata, we identified two new polysaccharides with molecular weights of 9.1 × 10³ Da and 3.8 × 10³ Da, and found that they have excellent anti-inflammatory and glycosidase inhibitory effects.

Aloe-emodin prevents nerve injury and neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB pathway

Ischemic stroke (IS) caused by cerebral arterial occlusion is the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Cellular oxidative stress and inflammation play a vital role in the pathological process of neural damage in IS. It is necessary to develop functional food or drugs, which target neuroinflammation and oxidation mechanisms against IS. The molecule compound aloe-emodin (AE) is derived from aloe and rhubarb. However, the exact mechanism of the pharmacological action of AE on IS remains unclear. Here, for aiming to demonstrate the mechanism of AE, our study explored the middle cerebral occlusion reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats in vivo, oxygen and glucose deprivation reperfusion (OGD/R), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells in vitro. We found that AE significantly improved the infarct size and behavioral score of MCAO/R rats, decreased the expression of TNF-α, MDA, LDH, Caspase 3, and increased the expression of SOD, Bcl-2/Bax. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) results showed that AE could penetrate the blood-brain barrier in the sham group and MCAO/R group. In vitro, AE significantly protected SH-SY5Y cells from the insult of OGD/R and reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells stimulated by LPS. In vivo and in vitro, western blot analysis results showed that AE significantly increased the expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins. In addition, AE significantly decreased NF-κB protein expression in BV2 cells. The use of AKT-specific inhibitor MK-2206 2HCL to inhibit AKT expression can block the protective effect of AE on SH-SY5Y cells subjected to OGD/R insults. Overall, our study suggests that AE protected against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury probably via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Thus, these results indicated that AE could be a promising first-line therapy for preventing and treating ischemic stroke and can be used as functional food.

Pathological changes from the originating to the peripheral sites of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma are the underlying mechanisms of preoperative MRI-tumor origin prediction

BACKGROUND

Our previous study showed that convoluted cerebriform pattern (CCP)-based reverse tracing method in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable tool in predicting originating site of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP). This study aimed to determine the underlying pathological mechanism of the preoperative MRI-CCP reverse tracing method by assessing the histopathological changes from the origin to the peripheral sites of SNIP.

METHODOLOGY

The originating site of SNIP was predicted by preoperative MRI in 30 consecutive patients suspected to have primary SNIP. Samples of SNIP originating and peripheral sites were processed by pathological staining for evaluation of stroma score, micro-vessel density (MVD), and tight junction proteins (claudin-5, zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin) expression.

RESULTS

The originating site of SNIP was accurately predicted by preoperative MRI in all patients. Stroma scores, and MVD were significantly greater in the periphery of SNIP than in the originating site. In contrast, Claudin-5 expression in micro-vessels was greater at the originating site than the periphery.

CONCLUSIONS

More edematous stroma and intensive micro-vessels with defective tight junction in periphery of SNIP result in more contrast agent diffusing and CCP that can only be observed at the periphery of SNIP on T2 and contrast-enhanced T1 weighted MR images, which may be the mechanisms underlying the CCP reverse tracing method.

Sparganin A alleviates blood stasis syndrome and its key targets by molecular docking

Blood stasis syndrome is implicated in the development of chronic conditions, including cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. Cyclo-(Tyr-Leu), named Sparganin A (SA), is a compound isolated from the ethanol extract of Rhizoma Sparganii. Here, the successful extraction of SA from Rhizoma Sparganii was verified by extensive spectral analysis using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. To determine the biological effects of SA, a mouse model of acute blood stasis was established by subcutaneous injection of adrenaline hydrochloride and placing the animals in an ice water bath. In this model, the concentration of TXB2, PAI-1, FIB, ET-1 was measured by ELISA, and thymus index (TI), hepatic index (HI), and spleen index (SI) were calculated. Molecular docking by SYBYL and functional analysis of the putative targets by STRING and Cytoscape were employed to identify the key targets of SA. The accumulated results documented that SA exhibits anticoagulative activity, and its key targets are VEGFA and SERPINE1. SA may be involved in the pathological process of complement and coagulation cascades. This study demonstrates that SA may be a promising drug to control coagulation in blood stasis syndrome.

Application of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluation and guiding biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions: a preliminary study

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differentiating malignant from benign peripheral pulmonary lesions, and to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and utility of CEUS-guided biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three patients with histopathologically confirmed peripheral pulmonary lesions (22 malignant, 11 benign) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Conventional ultrasound (US) was first performed and then CEUS with a contrast-specific mode and sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent. CEUS indices-time of enhancement (TE), time to peak (TP), extent of peak (EP), mean transit time (MTT), area under curve (AUC), and slope-were recorded and compared between the groups. The ability of CEUS and US to detect necrotic areas within lesions was also compared and the accuracy of CEUS-guided biopsy was calculated.

RESULTS

On CEUS, TE was significantly shorter in acute pneumonia lesions than in other types of lesions (p=0.03). Other indices were not significantly different between benign and malignant lesions. Detection of necrosis within lesions was significantly higher with CEUS than with US (51.5% versus 27.3%; p=0.04). The accuracy of CEUS-guided biopsy was 96.9% (32/33).

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that CEUS can identify necrotic areas within lesions, and thereby, play a useful role in imaging-guided biopsy. The present pilot study indicates that CEUS may help to identify acute pneumonia lesions from other types of pulmonary lesions. CEUS might be a useful additional technique for the diagnosis of lung lesions.

An orally administered magnoloside A ameliorates functional dyspepsia by modulating brain-gut peptides and gut microbiota

AIMS

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is very common worldwide with a high prevalence of 10%-30%, and it becomes a heavy burden to patients because of its hard to be cured. In our previous study, phenylethanoid glycosides were found to exist in Houpo, a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used for the treatment of abdominal distention, pain and dyspepsia. In the present study, the effect of magnoloside A (MA), a main phenylethanoid glycoside in Houpo, on FD was firstly evaluated and its potential mechanism was concluded.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MA was orally administered consequently for 3 weeks, and its effect on a FD rat model established through transient neonatal gastric irritation and mature alternate-day fasting was tested. Levels of brain-gut peptides and inflammatory factors in blood or tissues were determined by ELISA methods. Meanwhile, the gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short chain fat acids were determined by GC/MS.

KEY FINDINGS

MA exhibited anti-FD activities by fastening the delayed gut emptying rate of FD rat and increasing the levels of gastrin, motilin, and calcitonin gene related protein; and decreasing the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, nitric oxide synthase, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. On the other hand, MA can modulate the composition of gut microbiota, resulting in the variation of the short chain fat acids.

SIGNIFICANCE

MA ameliorated FD rats by modulating of the secretion of related brain-gut peptides and altering the composition of intestinal microbiota.

Precise and systematic survey of the efficacy of multicomponent drugs against functional dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders, and more and more multicomponent drugs represented by traditional Chinese medicines have provided a favorable therapeutic effect in its treatment. However, their precise localization in the clinic, as well as corresponding mechanism, is ambiguous, thus hindering their widespread use. To meet this requirement, a precise and systematic approach based on a restriction of special disease-related molecules and the following network pharmacology analysis was developed and applied to a multicomponent conventional drug, XiaoErFuPi (XEFP) granules. Experimental verification of the results indicates that this approach can facilitate the prediction, and the precise and systematic efficacy of XEFP could be easily revealed, which shows that XEFP has an advantage over the positive control drug on lactate, gastrin, interleukin 4 and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Moreover, by the proteomics analysis, its superposition of multi-target effects was revealed and a new candidate target for the treatment of FD, striatin, was obtained and verified. This study provides a practicable precise approach for the investigation of the efficacy of multicomponent drugs against FD and offers a promising alternative for the systematical management of FD.

Yixin-Shu facilitated cardiac-like differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Yixin-Shu capsules (YXS) are a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product used for heart disease and their effectiveness has been demonstrated through both clinical and experimental research. However, the mechanism involved has remained unclear. The effect of YXS on the cardiac-like differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells was investigated in this study. The intestinal absorption liquid of YXS was prepared using an in vitro intestinal absorption method and 62 compounds have been identified. A compound-target-function network constructed by a network pharmacology-based approach indicated that these compounds had an effect on cell differentiation. The effects of YXS on cardiac-like differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells was verified by detecting cardiac-specific protein expression such as α-actinin, cardiac troponin-I and desmin through real time-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. A network pharmacology analysis indicated that the facilitation of YXS on the cardiac-like differentiation may be through the TGF-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. The observed improvements on cardiac differentiation may be due to the novel molecular mechanism for YXS that could also benefit developments in cardiac tissue engineering.

Cockroach is a major cross-reactive allergen source in shrimp-sensitized rural children in southern China

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence of food allergy (FA) in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the disparity of FA between urban and rural areas in southern China.

METHODS

EuroPrevall questionnaire responses were obtained from 5542 school-age children in urban Guangzhou and 5319 in rural Shaoguan. A case-control study enrolled 190 children with adverse reactions (ARs) after food intake as cases and 212 controls in Guangzhou, whereas 116 cases and 233 controls in Shaoguan. These subjects underwent skin prick test (SPT) and serum IgE measurements to food and inhalant allergens. Allergen extracts from shrimp, house dust mite (HDM), and cockroach were prepared for IgE cross-reactivity testing in 23 Guangzhou and 20 Shaoguan shrimp-sensitized subjects.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ARs to shrimp was higher in Guangzhou than in Shaoguan children (3.5% vs 1.4%, P < .001). However, sensitization rate to shrimp (SPT: 3.7% vs 11.2%, P = .015; IgE: 12.6% vs 36.2%, P < .001) and cockroach (SPT: 5.3% vs 33.5%; IgE: 2.6% vs 27.6%, P < .001) was lower in Guangzhou. A significant correlation between shrimp and HDM/cockroach IgE was found in Shaoguan children. The proportions of positive IgE to tropomyosin (Pen a 1, Der p 10) were lower than 7.4% in both areas. Cockroach allergen has a significantly higher inhibition rate of binding to IgE to house dust mite allergens in Shaoguan sera.

CONCLUSION

Shrimp is a common allergic food in southern China. Higher proportion of shrimp sensitization in rural subjects could be explained by cross-reactivity to cockroach. Tropomyosin was not a major allergen responding to the cross-reactivity.

An integrated approach to identify critical transcription factors in the protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress by Danhong injection

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in many pathological processes of the cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, especially on a transcription factor (TF) level. In this study, a new method, concatenated tandem array of consensus transcription factor response elements (catTFREs), and an Illumina-based RNA-seq technology were integrated to systematically investigate the role of TFs in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes; the damage was then rescued by Danhong injection (DHI), a Chinese standardized product approved for cardiovascular diseases treatment. The overall gene expression revealed cell apoptosis and DNA repair were vital for cardiomyocytes in resisting oxidative stress. By comprehensively integrating the transcription activity of TFs and their downstream target genes, an important TFs-target network were constructed and 13 TFs were identified as critical TFs in DHI-mediated protection in H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. By using the integrated approach, seven TFs of these 13 TFs were also identified in melatonin-mediated protection in H₂O₂-induced damage. Furthermore, the transcription activity of DNA-(apurinic or apyrimidinic site) lyase (Apex1), Myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2D (Mef2d) and Pre B-cell leukemia transcription factor 3 (Pbx3) was further verified in pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. This research offers a new understanding of cardiomyocytes in response to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and reveals additional potential therapeutic targets. The combination of two parallel omics datasets (corresponding to the transcriptome and proteome) can reduce the noise in high-throughput data and reveal the fundamental changes of the biological process, making it suitable and reliable for investigation of critical targets in many other complicated pathological processes.

[Clinicopathologic characteristics of plasma cell myeloma with marrow fibrosis]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic features of plasma cell myeloma(PCM) with bone marrow fibrosis (MF). Methods: The clinicopathologic data of 175 cases of newly diagnosed PCM patients were retrospectively analyzed. Based on reticular fiber staining, these cases were divided into PCM-MF and non-PCM-MF groups. Results: Sixty-three cases were PCM-MF(36%), 112 were non-PCM-MF (64%). No statistical difference in gender, age, hemoglobin level, platelet counts, the classification of immunoglobulin, ISS staging, immunohistochemical phenotypes and genetic features was found between PCM-MF and non-PCM-MF groups (P>0.05). Compared to non-PCM-MF group, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)level and renal impairmentrate were higher in PCM-MF group (P<0.05). The degree of bone marrow hyperplasia, the percentage of myeloma cells and cells with plasmablastic morphology were significantly higher in PCM-MF group(P<0.05). Conclusion: The higher LDH level, renal impairment rate, and more significant bone marrow hyperplasia, proliferation of plasma cells and plasmablastic myeloma cells infiltration indicate poor prognosis of PCM-MF patients.

Relative quantification of neuronal polar lipids by UPLC-MS reveals the brain protection mechanism of Danhong injection

Promising results from clinical trials have fueled a growing acceptance of Danhong injection (DHI) as a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Yixinshu ameliorates hippocampus abnormality induced by heart failureviathe PPARγ signaling pathway

Yizinshu (YXS) improves cardiac function and ameliorates hippocampus abnormality induced by heart failureviathe PPARγ signaling pathway.

Systematic investigation of transcription factors critical in the protection against cerebral ischemia by Danhong injection

Systematic investigations of complex pathological cascades during ischemic brain injury help to elucidate novel therapeutic targets against cerebral ischemia. Although some transcription factors (TFs) involved in cerebral ischemia, systematic surveys of their changes during ischemic brain injury have not been reported. Moreover, some multi-target agents effectively protected against ischemic stroke, but their mechanisms, especially the targets of TFs, are still unclear. Therefore, a comprehensive approach by integrating network pharmacology strategy and a new concatenated tandem array of consensus transcription factor response elements method to systematically investigate the target TFs critical in the protection against cerebral ischemia by a medication was first reported, and then applied to a multi-target drug, Danhong injection (DHI). High-throughput nature and depth of coverage, as well as high quantitative accuracy of the developed approach, make it more suitable for analyzing such multi-target agents. Results indicated that pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 1 and cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor 1, along with six other TFs, are putative target TFs for DHI-mediated protection against cerebral ischemia. This study provides, for the first time, a systematic investigation of the target TFs critical to DHI-mediated protection against cerebral ischemia, as well as reveals more potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.

Aggravation of airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness following nasal challenge with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in perennial allergic rhinitis without symptoms of asthma

BACKGROUND

House dust mites are the most prevalent allergen causing sensitizations in patients with rhinitis and asthma in China. We aimed to investigate the changes in both upper and lower airway inflammation and responsiveness following Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der-p) nasal provocation test (NPT) in rhinitis patients.

METHODS

Study subjects included 15 nonasthmatic Der-p-sensitized rhinitis (AR) patients with airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) (AR+AHR+), 15 AR patients without AHR (AR+AHR-), 15 healthy controls (HCs) with Der-p sensitization (HC+DP+), and 15 HC without Der-p sensitization (HC+DP-). All subjects underwent Der-p NPT. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of nasal symptoms, nasal lavage and nasal airway resistance (NAR) measurement, sputum induction, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) were performed. Airway responsiveness to histamine bronchoprovocation (PD20 -FEV1 ) and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was determined.

RESULTS

NAR increased significantly in all subjects with the greatest effect seen in AR+AHR+ individuals. VAS increased in all subjects at 30 min and returned to baseline at 6 h, with significantly higher levels in AR+AHR+ and AR+AHR- subjects (P < 0.05). Eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid and sputum increased significantly after NPT in AR+AHR+ and AR+AHR- subjects (P < 0.001). FEV1 % and PD20 -FEV1 decreased and FeNO increased significantly after NPT only in AR+AHR+ subjects (P < 0.05). Nasal lavage eosinophil count was positively correlated with sputum eosinophil count and the level of FeNO and negatively correlated with FEV1 and PD20 .

CONCLUSIONS

House dust mite nasal provocation test induces and aggravates both upper and lower airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis without asthmatic symptoms.

Production of gamma-linolenic acid by disrupted mycelia of Mortierella isabellina

AIMS

To optimize the production of linolenic acid by disrupted mycelia of Mortierella isabellina.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Effects of incubation conditions such as incubation time, pH of reaction mixture, concentration of Mg2+ or malate and incubation temperature on production of linolenic acid were studied. The production of gamma-linolenic acid reached 224 mg g-1 dry cells when the reaction mixture was composed of 1.0 g (dry mycelial mass) of disrupted mycelia of M. isabellina, 50 ml (50 mmol l(-1)) potassium phosphate buffer supplemented with 0.312 mmol l(-1) of Mg2+ and 10 mmol l(-1) of malate, pH 7.0 and incubated at 5 degrees C for 1 day.

CONCLUSIONS

Incubation temperature, concentration of Mg2+ and malate showed major effects on the increased linolenic acid production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study highlights conditions for increasing gamma-linolenic acid production by cell-free mycelia of M. isabellina and an insight into rapidly gaining high production of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Production of gamma-linolenic acid by Mortierella isabellina grown on hexadecanol

AIMS

To optimize the production of linolenic acid by Mortierella isabellina grown on hexadecanol.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Effects of culture conditions such as culture time, pH of medium, hexadecanol concentration, incubation temperature and ageing of mycelia on production of linolenic acid were studied. The production of gamma-linolenic acid reached 2.44 mg ml-1 (271 mg g-1 dry cells) when Mortierella isabellina was cultivated in a medium consisting of 2% hexadecanol and 1% yeast extract at 23 degrees C for 120 h and then the mycelia, after removal of medium by suction filtration, were allowed to stand for a further 15 d at 5 degrees C.

CONCLUSION

Ageing of mycelia and incubation temperature showed predominant effects on the increased linolenic acid production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study highlights effective conditions for increasing linolenic acid production by Mortierella isabellina grown on hexadecanol.

Sry promoters from domesticus (Tirano) and C57BL/6 mice function similarly in embryos and adult animals

Introduction of the Y chromosome from a Mus musculus domesticus (Tirano) subspecies into the Mus musculus musculus C57BL/6 (B6) inbred strain background results in sex reversal in XY offspring. It has been hypothesized that the domesticus testis-determining Y (Tdy) locus is misregulated in B6 genome, thereby impairing sex determination in B6.Y(Dom) animals. The identification of a gene in the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (Sry) as the Tdy has provided a means to experimentally examine this hypothesis. We have generated several lines of B6 transgenic mice harboring a green fluorescent protein gene directed by a Sry promoter from the domesticus (Tirano) Y chromosome. Detailed analysis of the transgene expression was conducted in both fetal and adult tissues of the transgenic mice. The domesticus Sry promoter was capable of directing the expression of the green fluorescent protein gene in a pattern similar, if not identical, to that of the endogenous B6 Sry gene. These observations suggest that the domesticus Sry promoter is not involved in the postulated misregulation of the domesticus (Tirano) Sry gene in the B6 genomic background. These results are discussed with reference to a second hypothesis invoking incompatible protein interaction(s) as a mechanism of aberrant sex determination in B6.Y(Dom) animals.

Fluorophore-labeled S-nitrosothiols

A series of fluorophore-labeled S-nitrosothiols were synthesized, and their fluorescence enhancements upon removal of the nitroso (NO) group were evaluated either by transnitrosation or by photolysis. It was shown that, with a suitable alkyl linker, the fluorescence intensity of dansyl-labeled S-nitrosothiols could be enhanced up to 30-fold. The observed fluorescence enhancement was attributed to the intramolecular energy transfer from fluorophore to the SNO moiety. Ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the "overlap" between the SNO moiety and the dansyl ring is favored because of their stabilizing interaction, which was in turn affected by both the length of the alkyl linker and the rigidity of the sulfonamide unit. In addition, one of the dansyl-labeled S-nitrosothiols was used to explore the kinetics of S-nitrosothiol/thiol transnitrosation and was evaluated as a fluorescence probe of S-nitrosothiol-bound NO transfer in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

N-hydroxyl derivatives of guanidine based drugs as enzymatic NO donors

Recent research suggests that NO may play a role in the physiological effects of some guanidine-containing drugs. In this report, three guanidine-containing drugs (guanadrel, guanoxan, and guanethidine) together with their N-hydroxyl derivatives were synthesized and their NO-releasing abilities catalyzed by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and horseradish peroxidase were evaluated. The guanidine containing compounds could not release NO in the presence of NOS or peroxidase. The corresponding N-hydroxyl compounds exhibited weak NO-releasing ability under the catalyzed of NOS and good NO-releasing ability under the oxidation by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of H(2)O(2). These compounds also displayed vasodilatory activity.

Equilibrium and kinetics studies of transnitrosation between S-nitrosothiols and thiols

Using UV-vis spectrometrical measurements, equilibrium constants for NO transfer between S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) and different thiols as well as kinetic data for NO transfer from S-nitroso bovine serum albumin (BSANO) to thiols have been obtained. NO transfer from SNAP to other primary/secondary thiols are thermodynamically favorable, whereas other S-nitrosothiols exhibit similar NO transfer potential. The obtained Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy data indicated that NO transfer reactions from SNAP to four thiols are exothermic with entropy loss. The kinetic behavior of BSANO/RSH transfer can be related to both the acidity of sulfhydryl group and the electronic structure in thiol.

N-nitrosoanilines: a new class of caspase-3 inhibitors

Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases activated during apoptosis. In cultured human endothelial cells, physiological levels of NO prevent apoptosis and interfere with the activation of the caspase cascade. Previous studies have demonstrated that NO inhibits the activity of caspase-3 by S-nitrosylation of the enzyme. In this study, the inhibitory effect of a new class of NO donors. N-nitrosoaniline derivatives, were examined against caspase-3. Initially eight small molecule inhibitors bearing N-nitroso moieties were assayed. It was found that the presence of an electron-donating group on the phenyl ring led to better inhibitory potency, a trend consistent with the results from the previous papain studies. Based on the analysis of the enzyme and substrates' structures, two peptidyl N-nitrosoaniline inhibitors [Ac-DVAD-NNO (1) and Ac-DV-AMO (2)] were designed and synthesized. Both compounds exhibited enhanced inhibitory potency against caspase-3.

Neonatal mouse cardiac myocytes exhibit cardioprotection induced by hypoxic and pharmacologic preconditioning and by transgenic overexpression of human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase

Although mouse models have been increasingly used for studies of cardiac pathophysiology, there is little information regarding cultured murine cardiac myocytes. Accordingly, we have developed a cell culture model of neonatal mouse cardiac myocytes by modifying a protocol used to prepare neonatal rat myocytes. The principal change is the substitution of cytosine arabinoside for bromodeoxyuridine to prevent fibroblast proliferation. Neonatal murine myocytes exhibited persistent spontaneous contraction and were viable for up to 14 days in culture. By flow cytometry 85% of the cells were cardiac myocytes. In sparse cultures (average cell density 259 cells/mm(2)), both hypoxic preconditioning (n=5) and phenylephrine pretreatment (n=8) produced significant protection of cardiac myocytes from cell death during a prolonged period of severe hypoxia (<0.5% O(2)for 18-20 h, both P<0.05). The phenylephrine effect was inhibited by the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (n=4, P<0.05) and by an xi PKC peptide antagonist (xi V1-2) coupled to a TAT peptide (n=5, P<0. 05). Interestingly, the mixed alpha(1)- and beta -adrenoceptor agonist norepinephrine, which stimulates hypertrophy as measured by(14)[C]phenylalanine incorporation in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, did not cause hypertrophy in mouse myocytes, suggesting that the signaling pathways for myocardial protection and hypertrophy are likely to be both divergent and species specific. In cardiac myocytes prepared from transgenic mice either homozygous or heterozygous for human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, there was protection from cell death (n=3) and restoration of(14)[C]phenyl- alanine uptake (n=4) during prolonged hypoxia (1% O(2)for 3 days, both P<0.05). We conclude that this cellular model, which is relatively simple to prepare, can be used for in-vitro examination of cardiac protection induced by preconditioning agents, various transgenes, and potentially by targeted gene deletions.

S-nitrosothiols as novel, reversible inhibitors of human rhinovirus 3C protease

Human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease was inactivated by a series of S-nitrosothiols. These compounds exhibited different inhibitory activities in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with second-order rate constants (kinact/K(I)) ranging from 131 to 5360 M(-1) min(-1). The inactive enzyme could be re-activated by DTT, GSH and ascorbate, which indicated the inactivation mechanism was through an S-transnitrosylation process.

New chemical and biological aspects of S-nitrosothiols

Nitric oxide (NO) possesses many physiological effects and S-nitrosothiols have been identified in a variety of tissues exhibiting many NO-like activities. This review focuses on the latest discoveries pertaining to the biological functions of S-nitrosothiols and the recent research progress in the chemical properties and biomedical applications of RSNOs.

Inhibition of papain by S-nitrosothiols. Formation of mixed disulfides

S-Nitrosylation of protein thiols is one of the cellular regulatory mechanisms induced by NO. The cysteine protease papain has a critical thiol residue (Cys(25)). It has been demonstrated that NO or NO donors such as sodium nitroprusside and N-nitrosoaniline derivatives can reversibly inhibit this enzyme by S-NO bond formation in its active site. In this study, a different regulated mechanism of inactivation was reported using S-nitrosothiols as the NO donor. Five S-nitroso compounds, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, S-nitrosocaptopril, glucose-S-nitroso-N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine-2, and the S-nitroso tripeptide acetyl-Phe-Gly-S-nitrosopenicillamine, exhibited different inhibitory activities toward the enzyme in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with second-order rate constants (k(i)/K(I)) ranging from 8.9 to 17.2 m(-1) s(-1). The inhibition of papain by S-nitrosothiol was rapidly reversed by dithiothreitol, but not by ascorbate, which could reverse the inhibition of papain by NOBF(4). Incubation of the enzyme with a fluorescent S-nitroso probe (S-nitroso-5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl) resulted in the appearance of fluorescence of the protein, indicating the formation of a thiol adduct. Moreover, S-transnitrosylation in the incubation of S-nitroso inactivators with papain was excluded. These results suggest that inactivation of papain by S-nitrosothiols is due to a direct attack of the highly reactive thiolate (Cys(25)) in the enzyme active site on the sulfur of S-nitrosothiols to form a mixed disulfide between the inactivator and papain.

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases by low-molecular-weight S-nitrosothiols and S-nitrosylated human serum albumin

The homogeneous recombinant mammalian protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and Yersinia protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) are inactivated by a series of low-molecular-weight S-nitrosothiols. These compounds exhibited different inhibitory activities in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with second-order rate constants (k(inact)/K(I)) ranging from 37 to 113 M(-1) min(-1) against mammalian PTP1B and from 66 to 613 M(-1) min(-1) against Yersinia PTPase. Furthermore, the inactivation of Yersinia PTPase by S-nitrosylated protein:S-nitroso human serum albumin was investigated. Both single-S-nitrosylated and poly-S-nitrosylated human serum albumin show good inhibitory ability to Yersinia PTPase. The second-order rate constants are 472 and 1188 M(-1) min(-1), respectively. This result indicates a possibility that S-nitrosylated albumin in vivo may function as an inhibitor for a variety of cysteine-dependent enzymes.

The green fluorescent protein is an efficient biological marker for cardiac myocytes

There is a need for a non-toxic marker for cardiac myocytes in studies of cardiac development and in experimentally induced pathophysiologic states in adult animals. We investigated the possibility of using the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene as such a biological marker for cardiac myocytes in both whole animal and cell culture systems. Several lines of transgenic mice were constructed harboring an EGFP gene directed by a 2.38-kb promoter fragment of the hamster beta -myosin heavy chain gene. The transgene was preferentially expressed in the cardiac progenitor cells of embryos at E7.5, a developmental stage that precedes the formation of the cardiomyotube. It was specifically expressed in the cardiomyotube and myotomes along the somites of embryos at E8.5. The EGFP transgene expression continued in the heart throughout gestation and became very intense at birth. When neonatal cardiac cells were fractionated into myocytes and non-myocytes by a differential plating procedure, only myocytes from the transgenic mice showed specific green fluorescence of the transgene product that can be used as a marker for flow cytometry analysis. Although the expression levels were heterogeneous, EGFP expression persisted in the hearts of postnatal animals. In addition to the heart, some skeletal and smooth muscles from transgenic animals also expressed the transgene. The transgenic mice were healthy and had a normal life span, identical to their non-transgenic littermates. These results demonstrate that EGFP is an efficient non-toxic biological marker for cardiac myocytes.

15N NMR and electronic properties of S-nitrosothiols

Investigation of the 15N NMR of S-nitrosothiols showed that primary and tertiary RSNOs have distinct 15N chemical shifts around 730 and 790 ppm, respectively. Using 15N NMR technique, the equilibrium constant of NO transfer between SNAP and GSH was found to be 0.74. For primary RSNOs, linear relationships exist among 15N NMR chemical shifts, reduction potentials, and the pK(a)s of their parent thiols.

Interrelations of clinicopathological variables, local immune response and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the local immune response, clinicopathological variables and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A total of 377 cases of esophageal SCC without preoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy were studied. Corrected 5-year survival for pronounced, moderate and sparse immunocyte infiltration was 66%, 43% and 24%, respectively. In multivariate survival analysis, the immunocyte infiltration was an independent prognostic factor for survival (p<0.001). A correlation was found between density of T-cell and macrophage infiltration, depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis using immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of T-cell, B-cell and macrophage markers. The results indicate that the local immunocyte infiltration is a manifestation of the host defense against cancer. It is therefore reasonable to infer that the local immunocyte infiltration in and around the cancer stroma is an important factor in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal SCC.

In vitro binding and expression studies demonstrate a role for the mouse Sry Q-rich domain in sex determination

The Q-rich domain of the mouse sex determining gene, Sry, is encoded by an in-frame insertion of a repetitive sequence composed of mostly CAG repeats. The exact function of this Q-rich domain is unknown. Studies on the polymorphisms within this Q-rich domain among different domesticus and musculus mouse strains suggest a possible role for this domain in sex determination. Using the farwestern protein-blotting technique and recombinant fusion proteins containing the Sry Q-rich domain as probes, three Sry interactive proteins of 94, 32 and 28 kDa apparent molecular weight (Sip-1, -2 and -3 respectively) were consistently detected in adult testis. Sip expression was detected in somatic cells and was associated with the spermatogenic activity of the testis. During embryogenesis, Sips were readily detected in total tissue extracts of embryos as early as E8.5 day. In fetal gonads of both sexes, their expression peaked around E11.5-13.5 day, at the time of sex determination and differentiation, and decreased drastically towards late stages of gestation. These observations support the hypothesis that the Q-rich domain may contribute to the biological function(s) of mouse Sry through a protein-protein interactive role(s).

Sex-linked differences in developmental potential of single blastomeres from in vitro-fertilized 2-cell stage mouse embryos

Single blastomeres were isolated from 2-cell mouse embryos and analyzed for their sex using the partially deleted Y chromosome as a marker. Sex identification of 83% of the embryos was achieved with conventionally Giemsa-stained chromosome preparations. The other half-embryos were cultured individually and were transferred to pseudopregnant recipient females. The implantation rate was significantly higher in the male half-embryos. Although 6% of the half-embryos were male. The male half-embryos contained more blastomeres in the blastocyst stage than female ones. These facts suggests that the potential for the development of male half-embryos into fetuses is different from that of female half-embryos.

Effect of a partial deletion of Y chromosome on in vitro fertilizing ability of mouse spermatozoa

The effect of a partial deletion of Y chromosome on sperm fertilizing ability was investigated through an in vitro fertilization technique. Epididymal spermatozoa of a congenic line, B10.BR-Ydel, which is characterized by a high incidence of abnormal spermatozoa, revealed a significantly lower in vitro fertilization rate (22%) than that (79%) of its control strain (B10.BR/SgSn), which has a normal-sized Y chromosome. Incidence of capacitated spermatozoa as determined by chlortetracycline fluorescence assay was significantly lower in B10.BR-Ydel than in B10.BR/SgSn spermatozoa. The fertilization rate was significantly improved when B10.BR-Ydel spermatozoa were separated from the supernatant of sperm suspension by Percoll gradient centrifugation. A reconstitution experiment revealed that the B10.BR-Ydel spermatozoa were more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of the supernatant than B10.BR/SgSn spermatozoa. Spermatozoa from F1 (C57BL/6N male x B10.BR-Ydel female) males showed higher fertilization rates than those from F1 (B10.BR.Ydel male x C57BL/6N female) males. These observations suggest that not only the morphology but also the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa is directly related to partial deletion of Y chromosome.

Sexing of mouse preimplantation embryos by detection of Y chromosome-specific sequences using polymerase chain reaction

Detection of genes known to be present on the mammalian Y chromosome was adapted for sexing mouse early embryos using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Sry and Zfy genes located in the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome were chosen for Y-specific target sequences, and DXNds3 sequence on the X chromosome was chosen for control. The two-step PCR method using two pairs of primers for each of the target sequences was employed for detecting the sequences. When DNAs of male and female mice were amplified with these primers, male-specific fragments were detected even in DNAs that were equivalent in amount to two cells. Mouse embryos at the two-cell stage were separated into two individual blastomeres, and one blastomere was karyotyped at the second cleavage. The remaining blastomere was subjected to PCR amplification immediately or after having been cultured for 48 h up to the morula stage. The Sry and Zfy sequences were detected in about half the embryos; detection of the Sry and Zfy sequences corresponded exactly to the presence of the Y chromosome, except in one sample of male morula in which embryos may have been lost before the PCR amplification. It is concluded that the sex of mouse preimplantation embryos can be accurately determined through detection of the Y-specific sequences using the two-step PCR method, even with the single blastomeres separated at the two-cell stage.

Enhancing effect of phenobarbital sodium on Tyzzer's disease in mice

Tyzzer's disease in mice was aggravated by phenobarbital sodium (PB) given consecutively after bacterial inoculation. In PB-treated mice, mortality rate and severity of liver lesions were higher with more prominent bacterial propagation in hepatocytes as compared with non-treated ones, suggesting that PB had an enhancing effect on metabolic activities of host hepatocytes resulting in increased intracellular growth of bacteria.