TGF-β1/SMAD3-driven GLI2 isoform expression contributes to aggressive phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hedgehog signaling is activated in response to liver injury, and modulates organogenesis. However, the role of non-canonical hedgehog activation via TGF-β1/SMAD3 in hepatic carcinogenesis is poorly understood. TGF-β1/SMAD3-mediated non-canonical activation was found in approximately half of GLI2-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and two new GLI2 isoforms with transactivating activity were identified. Phospho-SMAD3 interacted with active GLI2 isoforms to transactivate downstream genes in modulation of stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chemo-resistance and metastasis in poorly-differentiated hepatoma cells. Non-canonical activation of hedgehog signaling was confirmed in a transgenic HBV-associated HCC mouse model. Inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling reduced lung metastasis in a mouse in situ hepatic xenograft model. In another cohort of 55 HCC patients, subjects with high GLI2 expression had a shorter disease-free survival than those with low expression. Moreover, co-positivity of GLI2 with SMAD3 was observed in 87.5% of relapsed HCC patients with high GLI2 expression, indicating an increased risk of post-resection recurrence of HCC. The findings underscore that suppressing the non-canonical hedgehog signaling pathway may confer a potential strategy in the treatment of HCC.

[Efficacy and outcomes of shunt surgery for secondary hydrocephalus]

Records of secondary hydrocephalus patients undergoing shunt surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2012 to April 2022 and their clinical characteristics and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Among 121 patients who received first time shunt placement, the most common causes of secondary hydrocephalus were brain hemorrhage (55, 45.5%) and trauma (35, 28.9%). Cognition decline (106, 87.6%), abnormal gait (50, 41.3%) and incontinence (40, 33.1%) were the most prevalent manifestations. Postoperative central nervous system infection (4, 3.3%), shunt obstruction (3, 2.5%) and subdural hematoma/effusion (4, 3.3%) were the most frequent neurological complications. Overall incidence of postoperative complications was 9% (11 cases) in the current cohort. And 50.5% (54/107) of the patients receiving shunting achieved a Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score of at least 4. Shunt surgery is preferred for secondary hydrocephalus, especially for secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus. Moreover, it is recommended to complete cranioplasty in staged operation or one-stage operation for the patients with decompressive craniectomy.

[Effects and mechanism of diammonium glycyrrhizinate on liver injury in severely scalded rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) on liver injury in severely scalded rats. Methods: The experimental research method was used. Fifty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7-9 weeks were divided into sham injury group with simulated injury on the back, and simple scald group and scald+DG group with scald of 30% total body surface area on the back, with 18 rats in each group. Rats in sham injury group were not specially treated after injury, and rats in simple scald group and scald+DG group were rehydrated for antishock. Besides, rats in scald+DG group were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg DG at post injury hour (PIH) 1, 25, and 49. Rats in the three groups were collected, the serum content of liver function injury related indexes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, and albumin was measured by automatic biochemical assay analyzer, and serum content of ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method at PIH 24, 48, and 72; hepatic histopathological changes at PIH 72 were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; the mRNA expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) in liver tissue were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction at PIH 24, 48, and 72. The protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, GRP78, PERK, and ATF4 in liver tissue were detected by Western blotting at PIH 72 in sham injury group and PIH 24, 48, and 72 in simple scald group and scald+DG group. The number of samples was 6 in each group at each time point. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni test. Results: Compared with that in sham injury group, the serum content of AST, ALT, and LDH was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the serum content of total protein and albumin was significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) of rats in simple scald group at all post-injury time points. Compared with those in simple scald group, the serum AST content of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 24 was decreased significantly (P<0.05); the serum AST, ALT, and LDH content of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 48 was decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the serum total protein content was increased significantly (P<0.01); the serum AST, ALT, and LDH content of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 72 was decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the serum total protein and albumin content was increased significantly (P<0.01). At PIH 24, 48, and 72, the serum OCT content of rats in simple scald group was (48.5±3.9), (40.8±2.4), and (38.7±2.0) U/L, which was significantly higher than (15.1±2.5), (15.7±2.6), and (16.4±3.7) U/L in sham injury group (P<0.01), and (39.0±4.5), (31.8±2.0), and (22.1±2.6) U/L in scald+DG group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 72, the cells in liver tissue of rats in sham injury group had normal morphology and regular arrangement, with no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration; the cells in liver tissue of rats in simple scald group had disordered arrangement, diffuse steatosis, and moderate inflammatory cell infiltration; the cells in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group arranged regularly, with scattered steatosis and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with those in sham injury group, the Bcl-2 mRNA (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and protein expressions of liver tissue were significantly decreased, and the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of Bax were significantly increased in rats in simple scald group at PIH 24, 48, and 72. Compared with those in simple scald group, the mRNA (P<0.05) and protein expressions of Bax in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group were decreased significantly at PIH 48; the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of Bax in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group were significantly decreased, and the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly increased at PIH 72. Compared with those in sham injury group, the mRNA (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and protein expressions of ATF4, GRP78, and PERK in liver tissue were significantly increased in rats in simple scald group at all post-injury time points. Compared with those in simple scald group, the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of ATF4 in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 48 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and protein expressions of ATF4, GRP78, and PERK were significantly decreased in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 72. Conclusions: DG can effectively reduce the degree of liver injury in rats after severe scald, and the mechanism may involve alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitigating mitochondrial damage.

[Effects and molecular mechanism of exogenous L-carnitine on excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated hepatic pyroptosis in severely scald rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects and molecular mechanism of exogenous L-carnitine on hepatic pyroptosis mediated by excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress in severely scald rats. Methods: The experimental research method was adopted. According to the random number table (the same group method below), fifteen female Sprague Dawley rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into sham-injury group, scald alone group, and scald+carnitine group (with 5 rats in each group), and full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area were made on the back of rats in scald alone group and scald+carnitine group, and rats in scald+carnitine group were additionally given intraperitoneal injection of L-carnitine. At post injury hour (PIH) 72, The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine dehydrogenase (ALT) of biochemical indicators of liver injury were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer with the sample number of 5. At PIH 72, liver tissue damage was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining. At PIH 72, The mRNA levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteine aspartic acid specific protease 1 (caspase-1), gasderminD (GSDMD), and interleukin 1β(IL-1β) in liver tissue as pyroptosis-related markers and glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in liver tissue as endoplasmic reticulum stress-related markers were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Protein expression levels of GRP78, CHOP, NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-1/p20, GSDMD-N, and cleaved IL-1β in liver tissue were detected by Western blotting, and the sample numbers were all 5. HepG2 cells as human liver cancer cells were divided into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, 0.1 μmol/L tunicamycin (TM) group, 0.2 μmol/L TM group, 0.4 μmol/L TM group, and 0.8 μmol/L TM group and were treated accordingly. After 24 h of culture, cell viability was detected by cell counting kit 8, and the intervention concentration of TM was screened, and the sample number was 5. HepG2 cells were divided into DMSO group, TM alone group, and TM+carnitine group, and treated accordingly. After 24 h of culture, the protein expression levels of GRP78, CHOP, NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-1/p20, GSDMD-N, and cleaved IL-1β in cells were detected by Western blotting, and the sample numbers were all 3. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference-t test. Results: At PIH 72, the AST and ALT levels of serum in scald alone group were (640±22) and (157±8) U/L, which were significantly higher than (106±13) and (42±6) U/L in sham-injury group, respectively, with t values of -46.78 and -25.98, respectively, P<0.01. The AST and ALT levels of serum in scald+carnitine group were (519±50) and (121±10) U/L, which were significantly lower than those in scald alone group, respectively, with t values of 4.93 and 6.06, respectively, P<0.01. At PIH 72, the morphology of liver tissue of rats in sham-injury group were basically normal with no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration; compared with those in sham-injury group, the liver tissue of rats in scald alone group showed a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and disturbed cell arrangement; compared with that in scald alone group, the liver tissue of rats in scald+carnitine group showed a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. At PIH 72, the mRNA expression on levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and IL-1β in liver tissue of rats in scald alone group were significantly higher than those in sham-injury group (with t values of 34.42, 41.93, 30.17, and 15.68, respectively, P<0.01); the mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and IL-1β in liver tissue of rats in scald+carnitine group were significantly lower than those in scald alone group (with t values of 34.40, 37.20, 19.95, and 7.88, respectively, P<0.01). At PIH 72, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-1/p20, GSDMD-N, and cleaved IL-1β in liver tissue of rats in scald alone group were significantly higher than those in sham-injury group (with t values of 12.28, 26.92, 5.20, 10.02, and 24.78, respectively, P<0.01); compared with those in scald alone group, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-1/p20, GSDMD-N, and cleaved IL-1β in liver tissue of rats in scald+carnitine group were significantly decreased (with t values of 10.99, 27.96, 12.69, 8.96, and 12.27, respectively, P<0.01). At PIH 72, the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP in liver tissue of rats in scald alone group were significantly higher than those in sham-injury group (with t values of 21.00 and 16.52, respectively, P<0.01), and the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP in liver tissue of rats in scald+carnitine group were significantly lower than those in scald alone group (with t values of 8.92 and 8.21, respectively, P<0.01); the protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in liver tissue of rats in scald alone group were significantly higher than those in sham-injury group (with t values of 22.50 and 14.29, respectively, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in liver tissue of rats in scald+carnitine group were significantly lower than those in scald alone group (with t values of 14.29 and 5.33 respectively, P<0.01). After 24 h of culture, the cell survival rates of 0.1 μmol/L TM group, 0.2 μmol/L TM group, 0.4 μmol/L TM group, and 0.8 μmol/L TM group were significantly decreased than that in DMSO group (with t values of 4.90, 9.35, 18.64, and 25.09, respectively, P<0.01). Then 0.8 μmol/L was selected as the intervention concentration of TM. After 24 h of culture, compared with that in DMSO group, the protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in cells in TM alone group were significantly increased (with t values of 10.48 and 17.67, respectively, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in TM+carnitine group were significantly lower than those in TM alone group (with t values of 8.08 and 13.23, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). After 24 h of culture, compared with those in DMSO group, the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and GSDMD-N in cells in TM alone group were significantly increased (with t values of 13.44 and 27.51, respectively, P<0.01), but the protein expression levels of caspase-1, caspase-1/p20, and cleaved IL-1β in cells were not significantly changed (P>0.05); compared with that in TM alone group, the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and GSDMD-N in cells in TM+carnitine group were significantly decreased (with t values of 20.49 and 21.95, respectively, P<0.01), but the protein expression levels of caspase-1, caspase-1/p20, and cleaved IL-1β in cells were not significantly changed (P>0.05). Conclusions: In severely scald rats, exogenous L-carnitine may play a protective role against liver injury by inhibiting the pathways related to excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated pyroptosis.

Genome-wide quantitative trait loci mapping on Verticillium wilt resistance in 300 chromosome segment substitution lines from Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense

Cotton Verticillium wilt (VW) is a devastating disease seriously affecting fiber yield and quality, and the most effective and economical prevention measure at present is selection and extension of Gossypium varieties harboring high resistance to VW. However, multiple attempts to improve the VW resistance of the most widely cultivated upland cottons have made little significant progress. The introduction of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) provide the practical solutions for merging the superior genes related with high yield and wide adaptation from Gossypium hirsutum and VW resistance and the excellent fiber quality from Gossypium barbadense. In this study, 300 CSSLs were chosen from the developed BC5F3:5 CSSLs constructed from CCRI36 (G. hirsutum) and Hai1 (G. barbadense) to conduct quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of VW resistance, and a total of 40 QTL relevant to VW disease index (DI) were identified. Phenotypic data were obtained from a 2-year investigation in two fields with two replications per year. All the QTL were distributed on 21 chromosomes, with phenotypic variation of 1.05%-10.52%, and 21 stable QTL were consistent in at least two environments. Based on a meta-analysis, 34 novel QTL were identified, while 6 loci were consistent with previously identified QTL. Meanwhile, 70 QTL hotspot regions were detected, including 44 novel regions. This study concentrates on QTL identification and screening for hotspot regions related with VW in the 300 CSSLs, and the results lay a solid foundation not only for revealing the genetic and molecular mechanisms of VW resistance but also for further fine mapping, gene cloning and molecular designing in breeding programs for resistant cotton varieties.

[Influence of parental compliance on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in burn children]

Objective: To explore the influence of parental compliance on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in burn children. Methods: A retrospective cohort study method was used. From June 2014 to June 2019, 49 children with post-burn hypertrophic scars who met the inclusion criteria and visited the outpatient department of the Department of Burns of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were included in this study. In the follow-up of 9 months, according to the registration form and the results of the compliance questionnaire for parents, the children were divided into good compliance group (34 cases, 21 males and 13 females, aged 2.0 (2.0, 3.5) years) and poor compliance group (15 cases, 6 males and 9 females, aged 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) years). At the first attendance and in the follow-up of 3, 6, and 9 months, the scar scores of children in good compliance group were evaluated by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). At the first attendance and in the follow-up of 9 months, the scar scores of children in poor compliance group were evaluated by VSS. At the first attendance and in the follow-up of 9 months, the scar pruritus scores of children in the 2 groups were evaluated by Verbal Rating Score (VRS). Data was statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Mann-Whitney U test, independent sample t test, and paired sample t test. Results: At the first attendance, the color, vascular distribution, softness, and thickness scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in the two groups were similar (Z=0.834, 0.026, 0.837, 0.076, 1.074, P>0.05). In the follow-up of 9 months, the softness and thickness scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in good compliance group were significantly lower than those in poor compliance group (Z=5.518, 4.732, 5.042, P<0.01). Compared with those in the first attendance, the color, vascular distribution, softness, and thickness scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in good compliance group were significantly decreased in the follow-up of 9 months (Z=5.241, 5.273, 5.214, 5.245, 3.451, P<0.01); the color and vascular distribution scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in poor compliance group were significantly decreased in the follow-up of 9 months (Z=3.606, 3.542, 3.448, P<0.01). At the first attendance, the VRS score of scar pruritus of children in good compliance group was 6.00 (5.00, 6.25) points, which was similar to (5.47±1.69) points in poor compliance group (Z=0.607, P>0.05). In the follow-up of 9 months, the VRS score of scar pruritus of children in good compliance group was 1.00 (1.00, 1.25) points, which was significantly lower than (3.27±1.71) points in poor compliance group (Z=2.606, P<0.01). Compared with those in the first attendance, the VRS score of scar pruritus of children in good compliance group was significantly decreased in the follow-up of 9 months (Z=4.002, P<0.01), while there was no obvious change in poor compliance group in the follow-up of 9 months (t=3.550, P>0.05). Conclusions: Under the same treatment plan, good parental compliance has a positive effect on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in burn children decreasing the degree of scar hyperplasia and pruritus.

[Effects of early supplement of exogenous L-carnitine on renal function in severely scalded rats]

Objective: To explore the effects of early exogenous L-carnitine supplementation on renal function in severely scalded rats. Methods: According to the random number table, sixty-six adult female Sprague-Dawly rats were divided into healthy control group (n=6), scald alone group (n=30), and scald+ carnitine group (n=30). In the latter two groups, the rats were inflicted with full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area on the back, and the lactated Ringer's solution was injected through the tail vein for resuscitation immediately after scald. At post injury hour (PIH) 1, rats in scald+ carnitine group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/mL L-carnitine solution 400 mg/kg, while rats in scald alone group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of normal saline. Rats in these two groups were injected once every 24 hours thereafter. Six rats were taken from each of scald alone group and scald+ carnitine group to collect the renal tissue and abdominal aorta blood at PIH 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72, respectively. The serum content of total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and cystatin C were determined by the automatic biochemical analyzer. Renal tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe histopathological changes. Rats in healthy control group did not undergo any treatment, and their renal tissue and blood sample were extracted and analyzed in the same way as those of severely scalded rats. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni method. Results: (1) The serum content of total protein and albumin of rats in scald alone group at each time point after injury was significantly lower than that in healthy control group (P<0.05). The serum content of total protein of rats in scald+ carnitine group was significantly higher than that in scald alone group at PIH 12 and 24 (P<0.05), and the serum content of albumin of rats in scald+ carnitine group was significantly higher than that in scald alone group at PIH 12 (P<0.05). The serum content of total protein and albumin of rats in scald alone group and scald+ carnitine group showed a trend of decrease followed by an increase, with the lowest value at PIH 24. (2) The serum content of urea nitrogen and creatinine of rats in scald alone group at each time point after injury was significantly higher than that of healthy control group (P<0.05). The serum content of urea nitrogen of rats in scald+ carnitine group was significantly lower than that in scald alone group at PIH 6, 48, and 72 (P<0.05). The serum content of creatinine of rats in scald+ carnitine group was significantly lower than that in scald alone group at PIH 12, 24, 48, and 72 (P<0.05). The serum content of urea nitrogen and creatinine of rats in scald alone group and scald+ carnitine group showed a trend of increase followed by a decrease, with the peak value at PIH 12. (3) The serum content of cystatin C of rats in scald alone group at PIH 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 was (0.250±0.030), (0.330±0.070), (0.300±0.060), (0.240±0.060), and (0.190±0.030) mg/L, and the content at the first 4 time points were significantly higher than (0.170±0.020) mg/L of healthy control group (P<0.05). At PIH 24, the serum content of cystatin C of rats in scald+ carnitine group was (0.210±0.040) mg/L, which was significantly lower than that of scald alone group (P<0.05). The serum content of cystatin C of rats in scald alone group and scald+ carnitine group showed a trend of increase followed by a decrease, with the peak value at PIH 12. (4) The renal tissue of rats in healthy control group was almost normal, and the degree of renal tissue injury of rats in scald+ carnitine group was lighter than that in scald alone group at each time point after injury. At PIH 24, the renal tissue of rats in scald alone group showed extensive swelling of the renal tubular epithelial cells, vacuolar degeneration and necrosis, loss of brush borders, and nuclear shrinkage; more than 2/3 of the renal tubular cell nuclei disappeared, the tubular lumen was narrowed, necrotic exfoliated cells could be seen in the lumen, and edema and inflammatory cell infiltration could be seen in the renal interstitial. Compared with those of scald alone group, significantly reduced severity of edema and necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, as well as less inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the renal tissue of rats in scald+ carnitine group. Conclusions: Early supplement of L-carnitine in severely scalded rats can reduce the damage of renal cells, accelerate the restoration of the content of total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and cystatin C, thereby maintaining the stability of renal function metabolism level.

QTL mapping and genetic effect of chromosome segment substitution lines with excellent fiber quality from Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense

Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are ideal materials for identifying genetic effects. In this study, CSSL MBI7561 with excellent fiber quality that was selected from BC₄F_3:5 of CCRI45 (Gossypium hirsutum) × Hai1 (Gossypium barbadense) was used to construct 3 secondary segregating populations with 2 generations (BC₅F₂ and BC₅F_2:3). Eighty-one polymorphic markers related to 33 chromosome introgressive segments on 18 chromosomes were finally screened using 2292 SSR markers which covered the whole tetraploid cotton genome. A total of 129 quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with fiber quality (103) and yield-related traits (26) were detected on 17 chromosomes, explaining 0.85-30.35% of the phenotypic variation; 39 were stable (30.2%), 53 were common (41.1%), 76 were new (58.9%), and 86 had favorable effects on the related traits. More QTL were distributed in the Dt subgenome than in the At subgenome. Twenty-five stable QTL clusters (with stable or common QTL) were detected on 22 chromosome introgressed segments. Finally, the 6 important chromosome introgressed segments (Seg-A02-1, Seg-A06-1, Seg-A07-2, Seg-A07-3, Seg-D07-3, and Seg-D06-2) were identified as candidate chromosome regions for fiber quality, which should be given more attention in future QTL fine mapping, gene cloning, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding.

Decreased nuclear expression of FTO in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with poor prognosis

Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) has been well known for a pivotal role in regulation of fat mass, adipogenesis and body weight. In recent years, increasing studies revealed a strong association between FTO and various types of cancer. Its role in human hepatocellular carcinoma, however, remains unclear. We aimed at investigating the expression pattern and clinical significance of FTO in hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that FTO mRNA levels were significantly lower in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the expression of FTO was reduced in the nuclei in hepatocellular carcinoma, and was associated with AFP level (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), metastasis (P = 0.025) and vascular invasion (P < 0.001). Patients with decreased FTO expression had a shorter overall and tumor-free survival time (P = 0.004 and P = 0.006) than those with normal FTO expression. Cox's proportional hazard regression model revealed that reduced expression of FTO was a risk factor associated with the prognosis of HCC patients (P = 0.022). These results indicated that decreased FTO expression is correlated with clinicopathological factors, implying that FTO could be a vital predictor of poor outcome in HCC patients and serves as a novel biomarker for HCC.

Transcriptomic and biochemical analysis of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and a chromosome segment substitution line from G. hirsutum × G. barbadense in response to Verticillium dahliae infection

BACKGROUND

Verticillium wilt (VW), also known as "cotton cancer," is one of the most destructive diseases in global cotton production that seriously impacts fiber yield and quality. Despite numerous attempts, little significant progress has been made in improving the VW resistance of upland cotton. The development of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) from Gossypium hirsutum × G. barbadense has emerged as a means of simultaneously developing new cotton varieties with high-yield, superior fiber, and resistance to VW.

RESULTS

In this study, VW-resistant investigations were first conducted in an artificial greenhouse, a natural field, and diseased nursery conditions, resulting in the identification of one stably VW-resistant CSSL, MBI8255, and one VW-susceptible G. hirsutum, CCRI36, which were subsequently subjected to biochemical tests and transcriptome sequencing during V991 infection (0, 1, and 2 days after inoculation). Eighteen root samples with three replications were collected to perform multiple comparisons of enzyme activity and biochemical substance contents. The findings indicated that VW resistance was positively correlated with peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity, but negatively correlated with malondialdehyde content. Additionally, RNA sequencing was used for the same root samples, resulting in a total of 77,412 genes, of which 23,180 differentially expressed genes were identified from multiple comparisons between samples. After Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis on the expression profiles identified using Short Time-series Expression Miner, we found that the metabolic process in the biological process, as well as the pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction, participated significantly in the response to VW. Gene functional annotation and expression quantity analysis indicated the important roles of the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway and oxidation-reduction process in response to VW, which also provided plenty of candidate genes related to plant resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concentrates on the preliminary response to V991 infection by comparing the VW-resistant CSSL and its VW-susceptible recurrent parent. Not only do our findings facilitate the culturing of new resistant varieties with high yield and superior performance, but they also broaden our understanding of the mechanisms of cotton resistance to VW.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of cotton fiber development of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines from G. hirsutum × G. barbadense

Background

How to develop new cotton varieties possessing high yield traits of Upland cotton and superior fiber quality traits of Sea Island cotton remains a key task for cotton breeders and researchers. While multiple attempts bring in little significant progresses, the development of Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines (CSSLs) from Gossypium barbadense in G. hirsutum background provided ideal materials for aforementioned breeding purposes in upland cotton improvement. Based on the excellent fiber performance and relatively clear chromosome substitution segments information identified by Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, two CSSLs, MBI9915 and MBI9749, together with the recurrent parent CCRI36 were chosen to conduct transcriptome sequencing during the development stages of fiber elongation and Secondary Cell Wall (SCW) synthesis (from 10DPA and 28DPA), aiming at revealing the mechanism of fiber development and the potential contribution of chromosome substitution segments from Sea Island cotton to fiber development of Upland cotton.

Results

In total, 15 RNA-seq libraries were constructed and sequenced separately, generating 705.433 million clean reads with mean GC content of 45.13% and average Q30 of 90.26%. Through multiple comparisons between libraries, 1801 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which the 902 up-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in cell wall organization and response to oxidative stress and auxin, while the 898 down-regulated ones participated in translation, regulation of transcription, DNA-templated and cytoplasmic translation based on GO annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis. Subsequently, STEM software was performed to explicate the temporal expression pattern of DEGs. Two peroxidases and four flavonoid pathway-related genes were identified in the “oxidation-reduction process”, which could play a role in fiber development and quality formation. Finally, the reliability of RNA-seq data was validated by quantitative real-time PCR of randomly selected 20 genes.

Conclusions

The present report focuses on the similarities and differences of transcriptome profiles between the two CSSLs and the recurrent parent CCRI36 and provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of fiber development, and into further exploration of the feasible contribution of G. barbadense substitution segments to fiber quality formation, which will lay solid foundation for simultaneously improving fiber yield and quality of upland cotton through CSSLs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4077-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chinese herbal formula Tongluo Jiunao injection protects against cerebral ischemia by activating neurotrophin 3/tropomyosin-related kinase C pathway

The Chinese herbal formula Tongluo Jiunao, containing the active components Panax notoginseng and Gardenia jasminoides, has recently been patented and is in use clinically. It is known to be neuroprotective in cerebral ischemia, but the underlying pathway remains poorly understood. In the present study, we established a rat model of cerebral ischemia by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, and administered Tongluo Jiunao, a positive control (Xuesai Tong, containing Panax notoginseng) or saline intraperitoneally to investigate the pathway involved in the action of Tongluo Jiunao injection. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining showed that the cerebral infarct area was significantly smaller in model rats that received Tongluo Jiunao than in those that received saline. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed significantly greater expression of neurotrophin 3 and growth-associated protein 43 in ischemic cerebral tissue, and serum levels of neurotrophin 3, in the Tongluo Jiunao group than in the saline group. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining showed that after treatment with Tongluo Jiunao or Xuesai Tong, tropomyosin-related kinase C gene expression and immunoreactivity were significantly elevated compared with saline, with the greatest expression observed after Tongluo Jiunao treatment. These findings suggest that Tongluo Jiunao injection exerts a neuroprotective effect in rats with cerebral ischemia by activating the neurotrophin 3/tropomyosin-related kinase C pathway.

Glytan decreases portal pressure via mesentery vasoconstriction in portal hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Glytan on splanchnic hemodynamics and its reduction of portal pressure in portal hypertensive rats.

METHODS: Glytan (Ganluotong in Chinese), is composed of salvianolic acid B and diammonium glycyrrhizinate. Portal hypertension (PHT) was induced in the rats by common bile duct ligation (BDL). Hemodynamic studies were performed using the colored microsphere method. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to determine endothelin (ET)-1 levels in the mesenteric circulation. Western blotting methods were used to investigate the effect of Glytan on ET A receptor (ETAR), ET B receptor (ETBR), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)2, and β-arrestin 2 expression in the mesentery. The mRNA of ETAR and ETBR was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: Treatment with Glytan reduced portal pressure (PP) and portal territory blood flow (PTBF) and increased both mean arterial pressure (MAP) and splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR). Especially at 4 wk, PP decreased by about 40%, while MAP increased by 13%, SVR increased by 12%, and PTBF decreased by about 21%. The effect of blood flow reduction was greatest in the mesentery (about 33%) at 4 wk. The mesenteric circulation ET-1 levels of BDL rats were lower and negatively correlated with PP at 4 wk. Glytan can increase mesenteric ET-1 content and inhibit ETBR, eNOS, GRK2, and β-arrestin 2 expression in the mesentery. Moreover, Glytan showed no effect on the expression of ETAR protein and mRNA.

CONCLUSION: The decreased PP and PTBF observed after Glytan treatment were related to increased mesenteric vasoconstriction and increased receptor sensitivity to vasoconstrictor.

[Effects of Qingkailing effective components on nuclear factor-kappa B in an ischemia-reperfusion injury model of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an ischemia-reperfusion injury model of rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) in vitro, and to explore the relationship between nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and the protective effects of Qingkailing effective components (hyocholic acid, taurocholic acid, baicalin, jasminoidin, Pinctada martensii) on MVECs.

METHODS

Brain MVECs of male rats were digested with trypsin and subcultured, then the content of MVECs was adjusted to 1x10 (5)/mL and the MVECs were divided into normal control group, untreated group, hyocholic acid group, taurocholic acid group, baicalin group, jasminoidin group, Pinctada martensii group and nimodipine group, with six holes in each group. Except for the normal control group, the MVECs in the other groups were exposed in oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) circumstance in vitro to simulate ischemia-reperfusion injury. Immunocytochemical staining and image analysis system were used to observe the expression of NF-kappaB protein.

RESULTS

Under a light microscope, the nuclei of MVECs in the normal control group were blank. Staining intensity of NF-kappaB protein in the nucleus in the untreated group was much deeper than that in the endochylema, with NF-kappaB shifted to nucleus after activation; a small quantity of NF-kappaB protein were expressed in the border of nucleus next to endochylema in groups of Qingkailing effective components, and the NF-kappaB protein expression was weaker than that in the untreated group. With the image analysis, we found that transmittance of nucleus and endochylema in the untreated group was significantly lower than that in the normal control group (P<0.01). Transmittance of nucleus and endochylema in the treated groups was higher than that in the untreated group (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Qingkailing effective components have significant effect in inhibiting NF-kappaB protein transferring from endochylema to nucleus in vitro.

High-dose chlorogenic acid induces inflammation reactions and oxidative stress injury in rats without implication of mast cell degranulation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chlorogenic acid (CA) exits widely in those Chinese herbal injections that have antibacterial and antiphlogistic effects and belongs to the ethnopharmacological family of medicines. Chinese herbal injections containing high levels of CA have been reported to increase the adverse drug reactions, but the mechanism for which is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the CA derived adverse drug reactions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was to explore the potential role of CA in initiating inflammatory reaction and the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were treated with different dosages of CA for different time period. The variables examined included microcirculation by intravital microscopy, histology of ileum tissue, expression of adhesion molecules CD11b and CD18 on leukocytes by flow cytometry, myeloperoxidase activity and maleic dialdehyde content in ileum tissue by spectrophotometry, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in serum by ELISA, and expression of NADPH oxidase subunits by PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

High-dose CA increased the number of adherent leukocytes, generation of peroxides in the venular walls and induced albumin leakage from mesentery venules. High-dose CA induced changes also included an increase in maleic dialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, inflammatory cytokines and NADPH oxidase activities, and a decline in activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase.

CONCLUSION

High-dose, but not Low-dose CA induced inflammation reaction, and in this process an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant mechanism may be involved, providing more information for better understanding the rationale behind the adverse effects of CA.

Increased endothelin receptor B and G protein coupled kinase-2 in the mesentery of portal hypertensive rats

AIM: To elucidate the mechanisms of mesenteric vasodilation in portal hypertension (PHT), with a focus on endothelin signaling.

METHODS: PHT was induced in rats by common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Portal pressure (PP) was measured directly via catheters placed in the portal vein tract. The level of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the mesenteric circulation was determined by radioimmunoassay, and the expression of the endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and endothelin B receptor (ETBR) was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Additionally, expression of G protein coupled kinase-2 (GRK2) and β-arrestin 2, which influence endothelin receptor sensitivity, were also studied by Western blot.

RESULTS: PP of CBDL rats increased significantly (11.89 ± 1.38 mmHg vs 16.34 ± 1.63 mmHg). ET-1 expression decreased in the mesenteric circulation 2 and 4 wk after CBDL. ET-1 levels in the systemic circulation of CBDL rats were increased at 2 wk and decreased at 4 wk. There was no change in ETAR expression in response to CBDL; however, increased expression of ETBR in the endothelial cells of mesenteric arterioles and capillaries was observed. In sham-operated rats, ETBR was mainly expressed in the CD31⁺ endothelial cells of the arterioles. With development of PHT, in addition to the endothelial cells, ETBR expression was noticeably detectable in the SMA⁺ smooth muscle cells of arterioles and in the CD31⁺ capillaries. Following CBDL, increased expression of GRK2 was also found in mesenteric tissue, though there was no change in the level of β-arrestin 2.

CONCLUSION: Decreased levels of ET-1 and increased ETBR expression in the mesenteric circulation following CBDL in rats may underlie mesenteric vasodilation in individuals with PHT. Mechanistically, increased GRK2 expression may lead to desensitization of ETAR, as well as other vasoconstrictors, promoting this vasodilatory effect.

Neuroprotective effects of tongluojiunao in neurons exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tongluojiunao (TLJN) is an herb extract that mainly contains ginsenoside Rg1 and geniposide, which are clinically used for treating ischemic damages in the brain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the stroke, cerebral ischemia followed by oxygen reperfusion induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons, while extension of axons and dendrites in neurons may compensate for and repair damages of neuronal network in the hypoxia brain. In this study, we investigated whether TLJN can protect neurons against damages by ischemia in brain vasculature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from primary culture of rat hippocampal neurons before and after the neurons were deprived of oxygen and glucose (OGD). In addition, the effects were evaluated with cell viability and neurite outgrowth before or after OGD.

RESULTS

We found that TLJN could play a neuroprotective role to cultured primary rat hippocampal neurons under both normal and oxygen/glucose-deprivation (OGD) conditions. TLJN could protect both cultured primary rat hippocampal neurons and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) from cell death under both normal and oxygen/glucose-deprivation (OGD) conditions. Moreover, under the same conditions, BMECs-conditioned media pretreated by TNJN could also promote neuron viability and neurite outgrowth, indicating that TLJN stimulated BMECs to secret some neuroprotective/neurotrophic factors.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that TLJN has a marked neuroprotective and neurotrophic roles by either direct or indirect operation, and provide insight into the mechanism of clinical efficacy of this drug against stroke.

Tong Luo Jiu Nao injection, a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, inhibits MIP-1β expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tong Luo Jiu Nao injection (TLJN), a modern Chinese formula based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, has been used to treat ischemic stroke and vascular dementia. TLJN belongs to the ethnopharmacological family of medicines.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the protective effect of TLJN on oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) induced-injury of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The model of OGD was established in the primarily cultured BMECs. TLJN was added to the OGD-injured BMECs for 6h. A series of assays were used to detect the effects of TLJN on: (i) MIP-1β content in BMECs conditioned media (CM) by ELISA; (ii) MIP-1β protein expression in BMECs by western blotting and immunocytochemistry; (iii) the expression of CCR5, receptor of MIP-1β, in BMECs by western blotting; (iv) the proliferative activity of microglial cells via the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8).

RESULTS

Our results showed that the OGD-injured BMECs presented with large amounts of secretion and expression of MIP-1β and up-regulation of CCR5. Also, the CM of OGD-injured BMECs remarkably increased the proliferative activity of microglial cells. The TLJN-treated BMECs exhibited a reduction of MIP-1β content in BMECs-CM and a down-regulation of MIP-1β and CCR5 expression. In addition, an inhibitory effect of CM of OGD-injured plus TLJN injection-treated BMECs on microglial proliferation was also found.

CONCLUSION

TLJN reduced the expression of MIP-1β and CCR5 in OGD-injured BMECs, and the CM of OGD-injured plus TLJN injection-treated BMECs inhibited the proliferative activity of microglial cells, suggesting the therapeutic potential of TLJN on ischemic cerebral vascular disease.

A pharmacodynamic model of portal hypertension in isolated perfused rat liver

AIM

To develop a pharmacodynamic model of portal hypertension from chronic hepatitis.

METHODS

Pathological changes and collagen depositions were analyzed using morphometry to confirm CCl₄-induced chronic hepatitis. At d₀, d₂₈, d₅₆ and d₈₄ of the process, the portal perfused velocities (μL/min) in isolated rat livers were exactly controlled with a quantified pump. The pressure (mmHg) was monitored with a Physiological System. The geometric concentrations of phenylephrine or acetylcholine were added to a fixed volume (300 mL) of the circulating perfusate. The equation, the median effective concentration and its 95% confidence intervals of phenylephrine or acetylcholine were regressed with Prism-4 software in non-linear fit and various slopes. In the isolated perfused rat livers with chronic hepatitis, both median effective concentrations were defined as the pharmacodynamic model of portal hypertension.

RESULTS

At d₀, d₂₈, d₅₆ and d₈₄, the equations of portal pressure potency from the concentrations of phenylephrine used to constrict the portal vein in isolated perfused rat livers were Y = 0.1732 + 0.3970/[1 + 10((-4.3061-0.4407 X))], Y = -0.004934 + 0.12113/[1 + 10((-3.1247-0.3262 X))], Y = 0.0104 + 0.2643/[1 + 10((-8.8462-0.9579 X))], and Y = 0.01603 + 0.12107/[1 + 10((-5.1134-0.563 X))]; the median effective concentrations were 1.69 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L, 2.64 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L, 5.82 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L, and 8.24 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L, respectively. The equations from the concentrations of acetylcholine used to relax the portal vein were Y = -0.4548 + 0.3274/[1 + 10((6.1538 + 0.5554 X))], Y = -0.05391 + 0.06424/[1 + 10((3.8541 + 0.3469 X))], Y = -0.2733 + 0.22978/[1 + 10((3.0472 + 0.3008 X))], and Y = -0.0559 + 0.053178/[1 + 10((5.6336 + 0.5883 X))]; the median effective concentrations were 8.40 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L, 7.73 × 10⁻¹² mol/L, 5.98 × 10⁻¹¹ mol/L, and 2.66 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A pharmacodynamic model of portal hypertension in isolated perfused rat livers with chronic hepatitis was defined as the median effective concentrations of phenylephrine and acetylcholine.

Stereoselective metabolism of (±)-praeruptorin A, a calcium channel blocker from Peucedani Radix, in pooled liver microsomes of rats and humans

(±)-Praeruptorin A (PA) is the major component of Peucedani Radix. The present study investigated stereoselectivity in PA metabolism in liver microsomes of rats (RLMs) and humans (HLMs), for the first time. PA was enantioseparated by semi-preparative chiral HPLC. Metabolic profiles of the dextrorotatory (dPA) and the levorotatory (lPA) forms in HLMs and RLMs were determined using LC-MS/MS. (-)-cis-Khellactone (D1) prepared from basic hydrolysis of dPA, and (3'R, 4'R)-4'-angeloyl-khellactone (L8) and (3'R, 4'R)-3'-angeloyl-khellactone (L9) isolated from a scale-up incubation of lPA with rat plasma were unambiguously identified by LC-MS/MS and NMR analysis. Other metabolites were tentatively identified using LC-MS/MS. In the absence of NADPH-regenerating system, dPA remained intact, however, lPA yielded L8 and L9 via a carboxylesterase(s)-mediated process. In the presence of NADPH-regenerating system, lPA produced 9 (L1-9) metabolites in both species, while dPA generated 12 (D1-12) and 6 (D1-3, 6, 9 and 10) metabolites in RLMs and HLMs, respectively. Hydrolysis, oxidation and acyl migration were demonstrated to be the predominant pathways for both enantiomers. Both enantiomers were eliminated faster in RLMs than in HLMs, while lPA showed greater species difference. PA enantiomers exhibited stereoselective metabolism in RLMs and HLMs, implying chiral discrimination in their actions.

Comparison of the network structural characteristics of calcium signaling pathway in cerebral ischemia after intervention by different components of Chinese medicine

OBJECTIVE

To explore the network control mechanism of the calcium signaling pathway in cerebral ischemic injury after intervention by the main components of Qingkailing (see text), i.e. Baicalin, Jasminoidin and their combination.

METHODS

Thirty mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, a baicalin group, a Jasminoidin group, a baicalin plus Jasminoidin group, a nimodipine group, and a model group (n = 6). The global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion mouse model was established. The mice were administrated respectively by injection of baicalin, Jasminoidin, mixture of baicalin and Jasminoidin, and nimodipine into the caudal vein, with the model group given no any drug. Three hours after operation, the brain was removed and sectioned. After calculation of cerebral ischemic area by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining, the percentage of infarct volume was calculated. The total RNA of the mouse brain tissue was extracted to obtain the whole genome expression profile, and the differentially expressed genes related to the calcium signaling pathway was analyzed with Bayesian network structures.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the ischemic area was significantly reduced in the baicalin group, the Jasminoidin group, the Baicalin plus Jasminoidin group (all P < 0.05). The ischemic area in the baicalin plus Jasminoidin group was smaller than the other three groups (all P < 0.01). In the gene regulatory network structures of calcium signaling pathway, the average length and equitability were the highest in the baicalin plus Jasminoidin group, followed by the nimodipine group.

CONCLUSION

Compared with a single component, combination of Baicalin and Jasminoidin can more obviously intervene in the overall expression of calcium signaling pathway, and the mechanism is related with the aggregation characteristic of the gene expression network.

Impact of paracrine signals from brain microvascular endothelial cells on microglial proliferation and migration

Neuronal survival can be influenced by activated microglia, but limited evidence exists on the effects of paracrine signaling from brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) on microglial action. Therefore, we examined the effects of normal BMECs conditioned medium (BMECs-CM) on activated microglia induced by pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1β), a chemokine that released from ischemic BMECs and has been proved to stimulate microglial proliferation. Our results showed that BMECs-CM inhibited the proliferation and transmigration of microglia induced by MIP-1β. Moreover, BMECs-CM significantly suppressed the expression of the MIP-1β receptor, CCR5, and the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK (P<0.05). These findings suggest that BMECs-CM could inhibit MIP-1β-induced microglial activation. Future therapeutic strategies that prioritize the early recovery of BMECs could be beneficial for microglial inhibition and further increase neuronal survival.

The analgesic efficacy of continuous wound instillation with ropivacaine after open hepatic surgery

The analgesic efficacy of continuous local anaesthetic wound instillation after open hepatic surgery was evaluated. Forty-eight patients scheduled for elective liver surgery were assigned to receive either ropivacaine 0.25% or saline infusion at 4 ml.h(-1) for 68 h via two multi-orifice indwelling catheters placed within the musculo-fascial layer before skin closure; plasma ropivacaine concentrations were measured during the infusion. Supplemental analgesia was provided by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine. Patients in the ropivacaine group had decreased mean (SD) total morphine consumption (58 (30) mg vs 86 (44) mg, p = 0.01) and less pain at rest as well as after spirometry at 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively (p < 0.01). Forced vital capacity was reduced postoperatively in both groups, but the reduction was greater in the saline group at 12 and 24 h (p = 0.03). The mean plasma concentration of ropivacaine increased to 2.05 (0.78) μg.ml(-1) at the point when the infusion was terminated.

Portal pressure determined by perfusion velocity in isolated chronically injured rat liver in vitro

AIM: To establish equations to define portal pressure based upon perfusion velocity in isolated chronically injured rat liver.

METHODS: Chronic liver injury was induced in Wistar rats using carbon tetrachloride. The liver index and pathological changes were recorded. On days 0, 28, 56 and 84 after induction of chronic liver injury, the hepatic artery, portal vein and hepatic vein were cannulated. The residual blood in the isolated liver was eliminated with Krebs-Henseleit solution through the hepatic artery. Portal vein perfusion velocities were precisely controlled between 2 500 μL/min to 15 630 μL/min with a pump. The pressure (mmHg) was monitored using the BL-420S physiological experiment system. The equations for estimating portal pressure were developed using Prism-4 software, and median velocities and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS: On days 0, 28, 56 and 84, the equations for estimating portal pressure (mmHg) based on the logarithmic velocity (μL/min) in isolated rat liver were y = -0.1428+1.1423/[1+10^{(13.805-3.84x)}] (r² = 0.9996), y = -0.1570+1.419/ [1+10^{(4.666-1.27x)}] (r² = 0.9958), y = 0.05106+0.96594/[1+10^{(10.877- 2.958x)}] (r² = 0.9987), and y = -0.09893+1.406/[1+10^(4.3-1.158x)] (r² = 0.9989), respectively. The median velocities (95% confidence intervals) were 3.595 (3.561-3.628), 3.674 (3.285-4.064), 3.677 (3.614-3.740) and 3.713 (3.449-3.977), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The equations for estimating portal pressure based on the logarithmic velocity in isolated rat liver are similar at different time points during the progression of carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver injury. A dry model of systems biology for portal pharmacodynamics could be derived from the increased median perfusion velocities.

The inhibitory effects of cholalic acid and hyodeoxycholalic acid on the expression of TNFalpha and IL-1beta after cerebral ischemia in rats

Previous studies have shown that Qing Kai Ling, a traditional Chinese medicine, was able to effectively prevent the inflammation from cerebral ischemia (Chen et al., 2002). The cholalic acid and hyodeoxycholalic acid (cholalic acid mixture) was major active components in Qing Kai Ling. To study the effects of cholalic acid mixture on the damage cascade of cerebral ischemia, rat model of focal cerebral ischemia was established by permanent occlusion of left middle cerebral artery. We found that the administration of cholalic acid mixture could reduce the ischemic infarct size after 24 h of ischemia, and cholalic acid mixture could be detected in cerebrospinal fluid after 2h of administration. We also found that the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interlukin-1beta in rat brain were significantly lower when compared to the untreated animals after 12 h and 24 h of ischemia. The concentrations of von Willebrand factor and neuron specific enolase in the plasma were remarkably decreased in cholalic acid mixture treated animals than in the untreated ones after 12h of ischemia. Our results suggested that cholalic acid mixture is able to decrease the expression of inflammation factors including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interlukin-1beta after focal cerebral ischemia.

Pathophysiology and clinical practice analysis on endothelin system and portal hypertension

Portal hypertension (PHT) is a common clinical syndrome which leads to various severe, even lethal complications. The concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in plasma is increased both in human body and PHT animal model. The effect of ET-1 depends on the kind of tissue and the expression of ET-1 receptor in this tissue. However, the expression of ET-1 receptor is not identical even in the same tissue at different PHT phases. This review aims to give an update on the endothelin syetem in PHT and elucidate a potential novel strategy.

[Influence of different endothelial cells conditioned medium on the function of mitochondria of cortical neurons and the protective effect of Tongluo Jiunao Injection]

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of conditioned medium of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells on mitochondrial function of cortical neurons and the protective effect of Tongluo Jiunao Injection (TJI) on it.

METHODS

Four kinds of conditioned endothelial cell (EC) cultured medium were prepared, i.e. the N-CM medium prepared by EC cultured in the normal conditioned medium without any treatment; the NT-CM prepared by EC cultured in N-CM and treated with TJI 1 microl/ml for 10 h; the I-CM prepared by EC cultured in the non-glucose kreb medium under hypoxia condition; and the IT-CM by EC pre-treatce with TJI 1 microl/ml for 4 h and cultured as that of I-CM. The levels of neuronic mitochondrial activity, membrane potential (MMP) and cytochrome C (Cyt C) were determined before and after the glucose-oxygen deprived model neurons of brain cortex being cultured with different kinds of conditioned EC cultured medium for assessing the effects of these media on mitochondria of injured neuron.

RESULTS

As compared with those of the normal neuron, the mitochondrial activity and MMP of all injured neurons decreased and Cyt C level increased significantly. But comparison of these indexes among neurons cultured with different conditioned EC culture media showed that the greatest extent abnormality revealed in the N-CM cultured neurons, which even greater than that in the model neuron; while that was less in the N-CM cutured neuron than in model neuron; as for those cultured in the NT-CM and IT-CM, i.e. the TJI treated cuture medium, the abnormal changes were reduced significantly when compared with those cultured in medium untreated with TJI (N-CM and I-CM), respectively (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The paracrine secretion of the brain microvascular endothelial cells has evident regulatory effect on survival of the injured neurons, which might possibly be related to its protective effect on neuron mitochondrial function, and TJI could enhance the protective effect.

A comparative study on the individual and combined effects of baicalin and jasminoidin on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

To compare the individual effects of baicalin and jasminoidin with the combined effect of them on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and test whether the combined administration of baicalin and jasminoidin can improve the therapeutic effect. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent focal cerebral ischemia for 1.5 h and reperfusion for 24 h. Just before reperfusion, tested drugs (baicalin, jasminoidin, a drug combination consisting of baicalin and jasminoidin, or nimodipine) were intravenously treated. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), behavior examination, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, histological examination, and real-time PCR for BDNF and caspase-3 were performed. All of the drug treatments could significantly ameliorate the results of TTC and histological examination, and the baicalin/jasminoidin combination did so most prominently. This combination could also significantly ameliorate DWI of MRI and behavior examination results, and promote the expression of BDNF and inhibit the expression of caspase-3. On the whole, both baicalin and jasminoidin have a preventive effect against ischemic stroke, although their effects are not very strong. However, the combination of baicalin and jasminoidin can significantly improve their effectiveness. This may be related to its better regulation on the BDNF and caspase-3.

Effect of Tiaogan lipi decoction on alcoholic liver disease in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Tiangan Lipi decoction (TLD) and Dongbao Gantai tablets (DGT) on the alcoholic liver diseases in rats.

METHODS: The male SD rats in model group were decollated and the livers were harvested after being fed with a mixture of alcohol for 63 d, and the others were randomly divided into natural recovery (NR) group (11 wk), TLD treatment group and DGT treatment group. After lavage treatment for 10 d, all the rats were executed and livers were harvested for observation of pathological changes of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, sinus, and peri-sinus, respectively, under light and electron microscope, and three kinds of extracellular matrix (ECM) generation were also detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: The hepatocytes were tumid and turbid, with fatty denaturalization, and the hyperplasia of stromal cells appeared in model rats. Wire netting around hepatocytes and the incrassation of basilar membrane of central vein were clearly observed by Masson staining. The pathological changes, such as fibrosis, in NR group alleviated to some extent, and the changes recovered the most in TLD group. The incrassation of basilar membrane of sinus, with a great amount of fibril around, were found in model rats by electron microscopy. Microvilli of hepatocytes disappeared or fell down in large numbers, but changes of microstructures were markedly mitigated in DGT and TLD group in comparison with those in NR group. Collagen Ⅰ and Laminin in TLD group had a better recovery than those in DGT and NRG group, while the recovery of collagen Ⅳ was the best in DGT group.

CONCLUSION: TLD is superior to DGT on the reversion of pathologically accumulated collagen Ⅰ and Laminin, while DGT is superior to TLD on promoting the metabolism of accumulated collagen Ⅳ.

Dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, TIMPs, during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol in rats

AIM: To determine the dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs inhibitors (TIMPs) during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol.

METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, 4 d, 2 wk, 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups, and the model rats were fed with a mixture of alcohol by gastric infusion at the designed time, respectively, then decollated and their livers were harvested for the examination of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 by immunoh-istochemistry, zymograghy and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS: Normal rats had moderate expression of MMP-2, which was decreased in the model rats except in the 11 wk group, where MMP-2 expression slightly increased. MMP-3 had the similar changing pattern to MMP-2 despite weaker expression. MMP-9 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, rose in the 4 wk group, decreased again in the 9 wk group and returned to normal levels in the 11 wk group. MMP-13 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, and returned to normal levels in the 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups. TIMP-1 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, but sharply increased in the 4 wk group and sustained at a high level even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk. In normal rats TIMP-2 expression was strong. However, it decreased as soon as modeling began, and then gradually rose, but remained to a level lower than that in normal rats even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk.

CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may not always expresses at a high level during hepatic fibrosis. MMP-13 and MMP-3 are acutely affected by TIMP-1. In this model TIMP-1 is the most powerful factor imposed on capillarization and peri-sinusoidal fibrosis. TIMP-2 is the most effective regulator on the metabolism of type IV collagen located in the basement of sinus.

Changes of hepatic fibrosis induced by iron overload in SD rats

AIM: To study the histological changes of hepatic fibrosis induced by diet iron overload in SD rats.

METHODS: After living on an iron overload in diet for 63 d, the male SD rats were decollated and the livers were harvested to examine the liver indexes, morphology of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), sinusoidal endothelial cells, sinusoid, peri-sinusoid, and distribution of collagen type III and laminin were also observed.

RESULTS: On model rats there were coagulation necrosis of hepatocytes, activated HSC, sinusoidal endothelial cells with less fenestrae, sinusoidal capillarization and light peri-sinusoid fibrosis, thickened basement of central vein, more collagen types I and II and laminin than those in normal controls.

CONCLUSION: Iron overload in diet for some time can injure hepatocytes, activate HSC, decrease the fenestrae of sinusoidal endothelial cell, and result in sinusoidal capillarization and peri-sinusoid fibrosis. It may be feasible to establish an ALD model with iron overload in diet.

Dynamic changes of capillarization and peri-sinusoid fibrosis in alcoholic liver diseases

AIM: To investigate the dynamic changes of capillarization and peri-sinusoid fibrosis in an alcoholic liver disease model induced by a new method.

METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely normal, 4 d, 2 w, 4 w, 9 w and 11 w groups. The animals were fed with a mixture of alcohol for designated days and then decollated, and their livers were harvested to examine the pathological changes of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, sinusoid, peri-sinusoid. The generation of three kinds of extra cellular matrix was also observed.

RESULTS: The injury of hepatocytes became severer as modeling going on. Under electronic microscope, fatty vesicles and swollen mitochondria in hepatocytes, activated hepatic stellate cells with fibrils could been seen near or around it. Fenestrae of sinusoidal endothelial cells were decreased or disappeared, sinusoidal basement was formed. Under light microscopy typical peri-sinusoid fibrosis, gridding-like fibrosis, broaden portal areas, hepatocyte’s fatty and balloon denaturation, iron sediment, dot necrosis, congregated lymphatic cells and leukocytes were observed. Type I collagen showed an increasing trend as modeling going on, slightly recovered when modeling stopped for 2 weeks. Meanwhile, type IV collagen decreased rapidly when modeling began and recovered after modeling stopped for 2 weeks. Laminin increased as soon as modeling began and did not recover when modeling stopped for 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION: The pathological changes of the model were similar to that of human ALD, but mild in degree. It had typical peri-sinusoid fibrosis, however, capillarization seemed to be instable. It may be related with the reduction of type IV collagen in the basement of sinusoid during modeling.

[A simplified method for detection of genomic subtyps of HBV S-gene]

When the 513 bp amplified fragments of HBV S-gene, known subtypes, were digested with Msp I and BamH I, the following phenomena appeared: adr subtypic 513 bp was fragmentized to 320 bp and 193 bp by Msp I; ayw subtype was digested and fragmentized to 295 bp and 218 bp by BamH I; ayw could also be fragmentized to become 326 bp and 187 bp digested by Msp I. Howerev, adw subtype was not digested by Msp I and BamH I nor adr by BamH I. The experimental patterns in agarose gel electrophoresis were tallied with the expected patterns. Each HBV subtypes gave unique size of digestive fragments which was easy to observe and distinguish on agarose gel. This study provided a new classification scheme for HBV-DNA and could be used for epidemiological investigation of HBV infection.