[Application progress of clinical outcome assessment measures in patients with gastric cancer]

Gastric cancer is a common tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, and the global trend in morbidity and mortality are not encouraging. Especially in advanced gastric cancer, patient survival outcome is an essential clinical concern and a vital outcome indicator in clinical outcome assessment. This article reviews the definition of clinical outcome assessment and the measurement tools that can be applied in gastric cancer patients, describes the detailed classification of clinical outcome assessment tools, and reviews the current status of the application of clinical outcome assessment in gastric cancer, analyzing the effects and shortcomings of its application, to provide a reference for the clinical staff in choosing the appropriate tools, and assisting in the comprehensive and holistic assessment of clinical outcomes for the promotion of the development of precision medicine.

[Effects of heat exposure and vitamin C intervention on oxidative stress and blood pressure changes in treadmill rats]

Objective: To investigate the effect of oxidative stress caused by heat exposure on the blood pressure increase of treadmill rats and the intervention of antioxidants. Methods: In June 2021, Twenty-four healthy SD male rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal temperature feeding, normal temperature treadmill, high temperature treadmill and high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C groups, 6 rats in each group. The rats run on the platform in normal temperature or heat exposure environment for 30 min in the morning and in the afternoon daily, 6 days per week. The daily vitamin C supplement dose of high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C group was 10 mg/kg. BP recordings were done at the end of the week. The rat vascular lipofuscin (LF) was detected by ELISA, the rat serum nitric oxide (NO) was detected by nitrate reductase method, the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected by thibabituric acid method, the serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by chemiluminescence method, and the serum catalase (CAT) was detected by ammonium molybdate method. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of serum was measured by iron reduction/antioxidant capacity method, and the content of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in vascular tissue was measured by Western blot. The intra-group mean was compared by repeated measurement analysis of variance, and the inter-group mean was compared by single-factor analysis of variance and post-event LSD-t test. Results: Compared with the previous time point, the systolic BP and diastolic BP of the high temperature treadmill group were significantly increased at 7, 14 and 21 d, and decreased at 28 d which were higher than the initial level (P<0.05), and the systolic BP and diastolic BP values at each experimental time point were significantly higher than those of normal temperature treadmill group (P<0.001). The changes of thickening of the artery wall, no smoothing of the endodermis and irregular arrangement of muscle cells in high temperature treadmill group were observed. Compared with the normal temperature treadmill group, the content of MDA in serum, and LF in vascular tissue were significantly increased, the activities of SOD, CAT, T-AOC, the content of NO in serum, and the expression of Nrf2 in vascular tissue were significantly decreased in high temperature treadmill group (P<0.05). Compared with the high temperature treadmill group, the systolic BP and diastolic BP values at 7, 14, 21 and 28 d, the content of serum MDA and LF in vascular tissue were significantly decreased, the activities of CAT and T-AOC, and the expression of Nrf2 in vascular tissue significantly increased (P<0.05), the histopathological changes of the artery wall improved in high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C group. Conclusion: Heat exposure has effect on oxidative stress, which may be related to the increase of BP. Vitamin C as an anti-oxidative enhancer can prevent those negative effects, which could alleviate the pathological changes of vessel intima in heat-exposed rats. And the Nrf2 may be a regulated factor to vascular protection.

[Applied anatomical study and clinical application of the caudate lobe boundary and ductal system of the liver]

Objective: To explore the relationship between the hepatic caudate lobe boundary and the ductal system so as to guide the identification of the anatomical relationship during liver surgery. Methods: The specific parts were observed and the liver parenchyma was removed according to 41 cadaveric liver autopsy specimens. The critical relationship between the hepatic caudate lobe and other ducts was observed to explore the reticular duct structure. Results: The plane formed by the hepatic hilar plate and Arantius ligament served as the boundary between the caudate lobe and other hepatic lobes. The caudate lobe hepatic portal vein was composed of numerous small branches from its left and right branches. The portal vein adjacent to the vena cava was mainly derived from the left branch, and to a lesser extent from the right branch. Blood was drained straight from the caudate lobe vein into the inferior vena cava via the short hepatic vein. There were three or four bile duct branches in the caudate lobe. The main source of arterial blood flow were the left and right branches of the hepatic artery. An avascular zone of loose connective tissue was found between the caudate lobe and the retrohepatic inferior vena cava. Conclusion: The hepatic caudate lobe is an independent lobe. During hepatic caudate lobe surgery, the plane formed by the hepatic hilar plate and Arantius ligament can serve as the boundary between the caudate lobe and other hepatic lobes and be used for anatomical site identification. The duct system of the caudate lobe's is complicated, but it also has its own distinct regularity.

[Effects of gastrectomy on quality of life of patients with gastric cancer and its evaluation methods]

Surgery is the main curative treatment for gastric cancer. As surgical techniques continue to improve, the scope of radical resection and lymph node dissection has formed consensus and guidelines, so people's attention has gradually shifted to the quality of life (QOL) of patients after surgery. Postgastrectomy syndrome is a series of symptoms and signs caused by complications after gastrectomy, which can affect the quality of life of patients with gastric cancer after surgery. Gastrectomy and anastomosis are closely related to postgastrectomy syndrome. The selection of appropriate surgical methods is very important to the quality of life of patients after surgery. This article reviews the effects of gastrectomy procedures on postoperative quality of life of patients with gastric cancer and its evaluation methods.

[Clinical characteristics and long-term follow-up results of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in patients with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy]

Objective: To investigate the acute and long-term outcome of catheter ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study enrolled ALVC patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of VT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2011 to December 2018 and collected their clinical characteristics and intraoperative electrophysiological examination. Patients were followed up every 6 months after radiofrequency ablation until August 2021. Echocardiographic results and VT recurrence post radiofrequency ablation were analysed. Results: Totally 12 patients were enrolled (mean age: (42±15) years, 11 males(11/12)). The mean of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were (51±5)mm and (65±5)%, respectively. Twelve VTs were induced in 10 patients during the electrophysiological study, and the mean tachycardia cycle length was (293±65) ms. Three-dimensional substrate mapping revealed the diseased area at endocardial site in one patient, at epicardial sites in the other 11 patients (involved endocardial sites in 2 cases) with the basal part near the mitral annulus being the predilection for the substrate (10/11). After the catheter ablation at the endocardial and epicardial sites respectively, the complete procedure endpoint was achieved in all patients (VT cannot be induced post ablation). The median follow-up time was 65 (25, 123) months. One patient was lost to follow-up, and the other 11 patients survived without VT. No significant cardiac function deterioration was detected by the echocardiographic examination ((51±5)mm vs. (52±5)mm, P>0.05 for LVDd, (65±5)% vs. (60±6)%, P>0.05 for LVEF) at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: After radiofrequency ablation, the complete procedure endpoint is achieved in ALVC patients, and the catheter ablation provides long-term ventricular tachycardia control during the long-term follow-up.

Downregulation of GRK6 in arcuate nucleus promotes chronic visceral hypersensitivity via NF-κB upregulation in adult rats with neonatal maternal deprivation

AIMS

The arcuate nucleus is a vital brain region for coursing of pain command. G protein-coupled kinase 6 (GRK6) accommodates signaling through G protein-coupled receptors. Studies have demonstrated that GRK6 is involved in inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. The present study was designed to explore the role and the underlying mechanism of GRK6 in arcuate nucleus of chronic visceral pain.

METHODS

Chronic visceral pain of rats was induced by neonatal maternal deprivation and evaluated by monitoring the threshold of colorectal distension. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques, and Nissl staining were employed to determine the expression and mutual effect of GRK6 with nuclear factor κB (NF-κB).

RESULTS

Expression of GRK6 in arcuate nucleus was significantly reduced in neonatal maternal deprivation rats when compared with control rats. GRK6 was mainly expressed in arcuate nucleus neurons, but not in astrocytes, and a little in microglial cells. Neonatal maternal deprivation reduced the percentage of GRK6-positive neurons of arcuate nucleus. Overexpression of GRK6 by Lentiviral injection into arcuate nucleus reversed chronic visceral pain in neonatal maternal deprivation rats. Furthermore, the expression of NF-κB in arcuate nucleus was markedly upregulated in neonatal maternal deprivation rats. NF-κB selective inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate suppressed chronic visceral pain in neonatal maternal deprivation rats. GRK6 and NF-κB were expressed in the arcuate nucleus neurons. Importantly, overexpression of GRK6 reversed NF-κB expression at the protein level. In contrast, injection of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate once daily for seven consecutive days did not alter GRK6 expression in arcuate nucleus of neonatal maternal deprivation rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Present data suggest that GRK6 might be a pivotal molecule participated in the central mechanisms of chronic visceral pain, which might be mediated by inhibiting NF-κB signal pathway. Overexpression of GRK6 possibly represents a potential strategy for therapy of chronic visceral pain.

[Prevalence of CYP2C19 gene mutations in patients with coronary heart disease and its biological activation effect in clopidogrel antiplatelet response]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CYP2C19 gene mutations on clopidogrel antiplatelet activity in the patients with coronary heart disease treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Patients with coronary heart disease, who hospitalized in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from March 2011 to June 2019, and healthy individuals with matching genetic background, gender, and age as controls were included in this study. Basic clinical data were analyzed and blood samples of all research subjects were obtained for extraction of DNA, and Sanger first-generation sequencing method was used to detect CYP2C19 gene mutation from full exon and exon and intron junction. CYP2C19 gene variations in patients with coronary heart disease were compared with the 1000 Genomes Browse database and the sequencing results of healthy controls to determine whether the gene variation was a genetic mutation or a genetic polymorphism. After that, PolyPhen-2 prediction software was used to analyze the harmfulness of gene mutations to predict the effect of mutations on protein function. The same dose of CYP2C19 wild-type plasmid and the CYP2C19 gene mutant plasmids were transfected into human normal liver cells HL-7702. After transfection of 24 h, the expression of CYP2C19 protease in each group was detected. The liver S9 protein was incubated with clopidogrel, acted on platelets to detect the platelet aggregation rate and the activity of human vasodilator-activated phosphoprotein (VASP). Results: A total of 1 493 patients with coronary heart disease (59.36%) were enrolled, the average age was (64.5±10.4) years old, of which 1 129 were male (75.62%). Meanwhile, 1 022 healthy physical examination volunteers (40.64%) were enrolled, and the average age was (64.1±11.0) years old, of which 778 were male (76.13%). A total of 5 gene mutations of CYP2C19 gene were identified in 12 patients (0.80%), namely, 4 known mutations T130K (1 case), M136K (6 cases), N277K (3 cases), V472I (1 case) and one new mutation G27V (1 case), no corresponding gene mutation was found in healthy controls. It was found that T130K and M136K were probably damaging, G27V was possibly damaging, and N277K and V472I were benign mutations. In vitro, we demonstrated that the platelet aggregation rate of the M136K gene mutation group was 24.83% lower than that of the wild type (59.58% vs. 34.75%; P<0.05), and the phosphorylated VASP level was 23.0% higher than that of the wild type (1.0 vs. 1.23; P<0.05). However, the platelet aggregation rate and phosphorylated VASP level were similar between of G27V, T130K, N277K, V472I gene mutation groups and wild type group (P>0.05). Conclusions: In this study, 5 gene mutations are defined in patients with coronary heart disease, namely G27V, T130K, M136K, N277K, V472I. In vitro functional studies show that CYP2C19 gene mutation M136K, as a gain-of-function gene mutation, can enhance the activation of CYP2C19 enzyme on clopidogrel, thereby inhibiting the platelet aggregation rate.

[Cost-effectiveness of HIV self-testing strategy in men who have sex with men]

Objective: To analyze the cost-effectiveness and willingness-to-pay of HIV self-testing (HIVST) strategy and facility-based HIV rapid testing (HIV-RDT) strategy in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Zhuhai, and provide scientific evidence for making health policy. Methods: From the perspective of health service providers, the data of the costs and effectiveness of two HIV testing strategies in MSM in Zhuhai during January-September 2019 were collected, and a decision-tree model of cohort of 10 000 MSM was constructed by using software TreeAge Pro 2019 to measure the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way and probability sensitivity analysis was performed for the uncertainty of the parameters in the model, and the cost-effectiveness and affordability curve was introduced to estimate the affordability of two strategies. Results: After the mobilization of MSM community-based organization through Internet and social media, 2 303 MSM had HIVST, in whom 33 were HIV positive (1.7%), and 816 MSM received HIV-RDT, in whom 35 were HIV positive (4.3%). The cost for per screening was 60.45 yuan and 240.43 yuan (RMB) respectively, and the cost for per positive screening was 4 218 yuan and 5 606 yuan (RMB) rerspectively. The results of the decision-tree model showed that the mean cost for a MSM using HIVST and using HIV-RDT was 44.67 yuan and 148.42 yuan (RMB) respectively, and the ICER was negative. HIVST strategy was a more cost-effective option when the willing-to-pay was below 6 528 yuan (RMB) for per positive screening, and HIV-RDT strategy was a more cost-effective option when the investment was higher than 6 528 yuan (RMB). Conclusion: HIVST strategy in Zhuhai is a public health project with economic value, and policy makers should strengthen the support to MSM community-based organization to promote the application of HIVST among MSM.

[Application of the real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method in gene screening of non-syndromic hearing loss]

Objective: To detect 20 common deafness gene mutations in non-syndromic hearing loss patients in China using the melting curve method, and analyze and summarize the mutation data to explore the clinical value of this method. Methods: The real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method was used to detect 20 common mutations of four deafness genes(GJB2,GJB3,SLC26A4 and mtDNA) in 492 patients with non-syndromic hearing loss recruited between March 2014 and September 2016 from the Otolaryngology Department of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University(283 males and 209 females, the age ranged from 1 to 48 years old). The Sanger sequencing method was used to compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and total coincidence rate of the deafness mutation detected by the real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method. Results: A total of 492 samples were detected. 193 wild-type samples, 93 homozygous mutant samples, 145 heterozygous mutant samples, 59 composite heterozygous mutant samples and 2 samples with unknown mutations were detected using the real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method within the range of 20 gene mutations, whichwere identical to the Sanger sequencing results.The two samples were detected as unknown mutations by the real-time fluorescent PCR melting curve method were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, including a composite heterozygous mutant sample and a homogenous mutation sample. GJB2 c.235delC and SLC26A4 c.919-2 A>G were the most common hotspot mutations in this study, followed by mtDNA m.1555 A>G. Compared with the Sanger sequencing method, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and total coincidence rate of the real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method were 100%, the Youden's index was 1.0, and the Kappa value was 1. Conclusions: The real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method is suitable for the detection of deafness gene mutations. It has the advantages in terms of simple, rapid, high sensitivity and strong specificity and can accurately detect the 20 gene mutations of 4 common deafness genes in Chinese population, which is expected to be used for the clinical detection of deafness genes in the future.

[Experience of 14 cases using hemi-semilaminectomy microsurgery treating by spinal dural arteriovenous fistula]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and feasibility of the hemi-semilaminectomy microsurgical operation treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). Methods: The clinical data of 32 patients with SDAVF were analyzed retrospectively. Before operation all patients were diagnosed by spinal MRI and spinal angiography, 14 patients were treated by hemi-semilaminectomy approach and other 18 patients were by traditional laminectomy approach. All the data were analyzed by T test and P<0.05 was considered to have significant difference. Results: The nidus of SDAVF located on thoracic segments in 18 cases, lumbar segments in 12 cases, and cervical segment in 2 cases, which was fed by single artery. The hemi-semilaminectomy microsurgical operation showed shorter operation time, less bleeding, less hospitalization time and cost. All the patients followed-up for 6 months-2 years. Symptoms of all the patients were improved compared with those before surgery. Conclusions: On the premise of spinal angiography accurately positioning the location of fistula, the hemi-semi-laminectomy approach microsurgery clipping operation is safe and feasible, and the operation has fewer traumas, also helps to maintain the stability of spine.

[Expression of IRX1 in cervical cancer and its correlation with clinical stage of cervical cancer]

Objective: To study the expression of IRX1 (Iroquois homeobox gene) in cervical cancer and its correlation with clinical stage of cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 61 patients with cervical cancer from January 2015 to January 2017 were enrolled in this study, of which 15 were classified as phase Ⅰ of cervical cancer, 22 patients were classified as phase Ⅱ, 19 cases were classified as phase Ⅲ, 5 cases were classified as phase Ⅳ followed FIGO staging criteria.The expression of IRX1 protein in Hela, C4-1 and Siha cell lines were detected by Western blot compared with the normal human cervical epithelial cells HCerEpiC.Collected cancerous tissue of cervical cancer as experimental samples, the expression of IRX1 mRNA in cancer tissues and paracancerous tissue were detected by qPCR.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of IRX1 in different stages of cervical cancer, the correlation between IRX1 expression and clinical stage was analyzed. Results: The results of Western blot showed that IRX1 expression in cervical cancer cells were higher than that in normal cervical epithelial cells, and the results of qPCR also showed that the expression of IRX1 increased with the stage of cancer at the gene level.The difference was statistically significant.The expression of IRX1 in the nucleus and cytoplasm were detected by immunohistochemistry.Immunohistochemical results showed that the higher the stage of cancer was, the higher the expression rate of IRX1 was. Conclusion: IRX1 expression is associated with the clinical stage of cervical cancer, suggesting that IRX1 may be involved in the development and progression of cervical cancer.IRX1 is expected to be a new molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. This study will provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of cervical cancer.

[Clinical features of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients associated with lateral lymph node metastasis in different ages]

Objective:To explore the clinical features of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) patients associated with lateral lymph node metastasis(LLNM) in different ages. Method:One hundred and sixtyfive PTC patients associated with LLNM were included in the study and divided into three groups(22-＜30y,30-＜45y and 45-65y). The gender, the number and the ratio of neck lymph node metastasis, maximum tumor diameter, multifocality, preoperative serum thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), the capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension and other clinical features in different ages were analyzed.Result:The median age of the patients was 39 years. There were no significant differences in the maximum tumor diameter ＞1cm,multifocality and preoperative serum TSH level among the three groups. The proportion of female patients in 22-＜30y group was higher than the other two groups(all P<0.05).The rate of bilateral lesions in 45-65y group was higher than 22-＜30y group (P<0.01).The rates of the capsular invasion and extrathyroidal extension in 22-＜30y group and 30-45 group were similarly lower than 30-＜45y group(P<0.05).The proportion of the 22-＜30y group coexistent with Hashimoto thyroiditis was higher than the other two groups(P<0.05). When the number of central lymph node metastasis(CLNM)＞3,the proportion of 22-＜30y group were higher than the other two groups(all P<0.01), the 30-＜45y group was the same as higher than 45-65y group(P<0.05); When the ratio of CLNM＞0.35,the proportion of 30-＜45y group was significantly higher than the other two groups(all P<0.05).When the number of LLNM＞6, 22-＜30y group was significantly higher than the other two groups;when the ratio of LLNM＞0.33, 45-65y group was lower than the other two groups(all P<0.05).The total lymph node metastasis＞11, the proportion of 22-＜30y group was significantly higher than the other two groups(all P<0.05), meanwhile 30-＜45y was higher than 45-65y group(P<0.05);when the ratio of total lymph node metastasis＞0.22,45-65y group was significantly higher than the other two groups(all P<0.01).Conclusion: There is a high proportion of female and maximum tumor diameter over 1cm in PTC associated with LLNM. The proportion of coexistent with Hashimoto thyroiditis and the number of lymph node metastasis are much higher in 22-＜30y group. The higher ratio of CLNM is much more common in 30-＜45y group. The bilateral lesions are more likely to occur in 45-65y group, and meanwhile the tumor is more easier to invade the capsular and extrathyroidal construction. The number and the ratio of total lymph node metastasis might be lower in PTC associated with LLNM of older patients.

[Risk factors of papillary thyroid carcinoma in different ages of young patients]

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of the risk factors of papillary thyroid carcinoma in different ages of young patients (<45y)associated with carbon nanoparticles.Method:A retrospective statistics and analysis of 183 patients who were diagnosed and treated; carbon nanoparticles were injected into the thyroid during operation and at last the conventional pathological diagnosis were papillary thyroid carcinoma of all patients; to analysis the gender, tumor size, capsular invasion, lymph node metastasis, multifocality and other risk factors between the <25y and 25-<5y patients.Result:The parathyroid were better identified, while the central lymph nodes better turned black after carbon nanoparticles injected; <25y compared to 25-<45y in the tumor size, multifocality, capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, associated with Hashimoto Thyroiditis, the differences had statistical significant(P<0.01 or P<0.05).In young (<45y) thyroid papillary carcinoma, preoperative serum thyroglobulin level was beyond the normal range, indicating a large possibility of lateral neck lymph node metastasized, but the two age groups had no statistical significant(P>0.05) in serum thyroglobulin and thyroid stimulating hormone.Conclusion:Carbon nanoparticles can effectively recognize parathyroid and trace central lymph nodes. In the <25y groups, the tumor diameter is more likely to exceed 1cm, the lateral neck nodes are more easily metastasized, capsular invasion and extrathyroidal extension are also more easily to turn up. While the 25-<45y groups are more likely to form multifocality, which may be accompanied by Hashimoto Thyroiditis and prone to occur central lymph nodes metastasized. In the younger patients (<45y), the more preoperative serum thyroglobulin higher, the more probable lateral neck nodes metastasized.

Hippocampal protein kinase D1 is necessary for DHPG-induced learning and memory impairments in rats

Background

Understanding molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of learning and memory impairments remains a challenge. Recent investigations have shown that the activation of group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) in cultured hippocampal neurons by application of (S)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) causes the regulated internalization of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), which subsequently activates protein kinase D1 (PKD1). Through phosphorylating the C-terminals of the NMDAR GluN2 subunits, PKD1 down-regulates the activity of remaining (non-internalized) surface NMDARs. The knockdown of PKD1 does not affect the DHPG-induced inhibition of AMPA receptor-mediated miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs) but prevents the DHPG-induced inhibition of NMDAR-mediated mEPSCs in vitro. Thus, we investigated the in vivo effects of bilateral infusions of DHPG into the hippocampal CA1 area of rats in the Morris water maze (MWM) and the novel object discrimination (NOD) tests.

Methods

A total of 300 adult male Sprague Dawley rats (250–280 g) were used for behavioral tests. One hundred ninety four were used in MWM test and the other 106 rats in the NOD test. Following one week of habituation to the vivarium, rats were bilaterally implanted under deep anesthesia with cannulas aimed at the CA1 area of the hippocampus (CA1 coordinates in mm from Bregma: AP -3.14; lateral +/-2; DV -3.0). Through implanted cannulas artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), the group1 mGluR antagonist 6-Methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP), the dynamin-dependent internalization inhibitor Dynasore, or the PKD1 inhibitor CID755673 were infused into the bilateral hippocampal CA1 areas (2 μL per side, over 5 min). The effects of these infusions and the effects of PKD1 knockdown were examined in MWM or NOD test.

Results

DHPG infusion increased the latency to reach the platform in the MWM test and reduced the preference for the novel object in the NOD task. We found that the DHPG effects were dose-dependent and could be maintained for up to 2 days. Notably, these effects could be prevented by pre-infusion of the group1 mGluR antagonist MPEP, the dynamin-dependent internalization inhibitor Dynasore, the PKD1 inhibitor CID755673, or by PKD1 knockdown in the hippocampal CA1 area.

Conclusion

Altogether, these findings provide direct evidence that PKD1-mediated signaling may play a critical role in the induction of learning and memory impairments by DHPG infusion into the hippocampal CA1 area.

[Systematic evaluation on effectiveness and safety of recombinant human growth hormone in treating adult patients with severe burn]

Objective: To systcmatically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in treating adults with severe burn. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched using key words " burns, thermal, human growth hormone, growth hormone, hGH, and somatropin (human)" , and China Biology Medicine disc, Chinese Journals Full-text Database, VIP Database, and Wanfang Database were searched using key words in Chinese version "," to obtain the randomized controlled trials about rhGH in the treatment of adults with severe burn from the establishment of each database to December 2016. The measurement indexes included hemoglobin (Hb) and plasma total protein, inflammatory factors [including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], incidence rate of sepsis, incidence rate of hyperglycemia, wound healing time, length of stay, and mortality rate. Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 statistical software. Results: A total of 8 trials involving 534 patients were included; 276 patients in rhGH group were treated with rhGH and 258 patients in placebo control group were treated with placebo. One trial had low risk of bias, while the other 7 trials had unclear risk of bias. The levels of Hb and plasma total protein of patients in rhGH group were higher than those in placebo control group, with standardized mean differences (SMDs) respectively 2.00 and 2.23 [with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) respectively 0.19-3.82 and 1.21-3.26, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α of patients in rhGH group were lower than those in placebo control group, with SMDs respectively -1.46 and -1.13 (with 95% CIs respectively -2.40--0.53 and -1.75--0.51, P values below 0.05). Incidence rate of sepsis and mortality rate of patients in rhGH group were lower than those in placebo control group, with relative risks (RRs) respectively 0.60 and 0.35 (with 95% CIs respectively 0.42-0.85 and 0.15-0.83, P values below 0.05). Incidence rate of hyperglycemia of patients in rhGH group was higher than that in placebo control group, with RR of 2.39 (with 95% CI 1.79-3.18, P<0.001). The wound healing time and length of stay of patients in rhGH group were lower than those in control group, with SMDs respectively -1.54 and -2.00 (with 95% CIs respectively -2.22--0.86 and -3.51--0.49, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Hb, plasma total protein, inflammatory factors, incidence rate of sepsis, wound healing time, length of stay, and mortality rate showed no significant publication bias (P values above 0.05), while there may be publication bias in incidence rate of hyperglycemia (P=0.026). Conclusions: rhGH can inhibit the breakdown of Hb and plasma total protein, reduce the level of inflammatory factors and incidence rate of sepsis, thus shorten the wound healing time and length of stay, thereby reduce mortality rate of adult patients with severe burn. However rhGH may cause hyperglycemia.

Effects of lipopeptide carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm

This study aims to evaluate the effect of lipopeptide carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm as part of the development of a new anti-biofilm material. The study had three stages. Firstly, we assessed the Staphylococcus aureus capability to form biofilm and enumerated the number of attached bacteria and free bacteria; secondly, we determined the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of Bacillus natto antimicrobial lipopeptid- carboxymethyl chitosan (BNAP-CMCS) nanoparticles added at different times on biofilm formation capability and the numbers of free bacteria and attached bacteria. Lastly, we tested the scavenging effect of BNAP-CMCS nanoparticles on biofilm formation and number of attached bacteria. The results showed that the amount of attached bacteria quickly increased over time and reached the maximum after 24 h of culture. The BNAP-CMCS nanoparticles had the greatest effect on biofilm inhibition at the concentration of 1 MIC, after 8 h of culture, and the effect was dose-dependent. The BNAP-CMCS nanoparticles had decreased also the numbers of free and attached bacteria in a dose-dependent fashion, after 8 hours of culture. The scavenging effect of BNAP-CMCS nanoparticles on free and attached bacteria was maximum at 6 MIC. In conclusion, lipopeptide carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles had a good inhibition and scavenging effect on the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm and the growth of surface-attached bacteria.

[Cinnamaldehyde attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis via inhibition of endothelial mesenchymal transition]

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanism of cinnamaldehyde attenuating pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into control group, model group and treatment group by random number table and each group had 8 mice.Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by aortic banding. Heart vascular density was detected by immunohistochemical staining of CD31.The expression level of stromal cells marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by immunofluorescence staining in different groups.The expression levels of endothelial cell associated markers and stromal cell associated markers were detected by using Western blotting.The possible molecular pathway was also screened by using Western blotting. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) were stimulated with TGFβ1 and cultured with 10 nmol/L cinnamomum for 24 hour to further confirm the mechanism. Results: Eight weeks after operation, the vascular density was significantly decreased in model group mice heart.The expressions of stromal cells markers were increased (α-SMA: 2.57±0.38; Vimentin: 0.58±0.02) and endothelial cell markers were reduced (CD31: 0.58±0.29; CD34: 0.62±0.21). While cinnamicaldehyde treatment significantly increased the mouse heart vascular density, increased endothelial cell markers expression (CD31: 1.51±0.11; CD34: 2.37±0.44; P<0.05), and reduced stromal cells marker expression (α-SMA: 1.22±0.14; Vimentin: 0.35±0.03; P<0.05). Further studies showed that the anti-fibrosis effect of cinnamicaldehyde was mainly through the TGFβ /smad signaling pathway.10 nmol/L cinnamomum attenuated TGFβ1 induced endothelial mesenchymal transition in HUVECs. Conclusion: Cinnamaldehyde may be able to retard the progression of cardiac fibrosis, via blocking endothelial to mesenchymal transition, which, in verse, is through regulating TGFβ /smad signaling pathway.

Upregulation of cystathionine β-synthetase in the arcuate nucleus produces pain hypersensitivity via PKC upregulation and GluN2B phosphorylation in rats with chronic pancreatitis

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) contributes to visceral hyperalgesia in primary sensory neurons, but its role in central nervous system remains largely unknown. This study was to investigate the roles and underlying mechanisms of H₂S and its endogenous synthesis enzymes in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) in rat pancreatic hyperalgesia. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) was induced in male adult Sprague-Dawley rats by intra-pancreatic ductal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Abdominal hyperalgesia was assessed by referred somatic behaviors to mechanical stimulation of rat abdomen. Western blot analysis was performed to detect protein expression in the ARC. CP markedly upregulated cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS) expression but did not alter cystathionine-γ-lyase level in the ARC at 4 weeks after TNBS injection. Although the expression of total GluN2B was not altered, CP greatly enhanced the phosphorylation level of GluN2B in the ARC when compared with age- and sex-matched control rats. CP also significantly increased expression of protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ) in the ARC. Arcuate microinjection of O-(Carboxymethyl) hydroxylamine hemihydrochloride (AOAA, an inhibitor of CBS) significantly attenuated abdominal pain in CP rats in a dose-dependent manner and reversed the CP-induced upregulation of p-GluN2B and PKCγ in the ARC. Furthermore, the GluN2B inhibitor or specific PKC inhibitor chelerythrine significantly attenuated abdominal hyperalgesia in CP rats. The p-GluN2B expression was also suppressed by PKC inhibitor. Taken together, our results suggest that the upregulation of CBS in the ARC leads to an activation of GluN2B via PKCγ, which may play an important role in generation of pain hypersensitivity of CP.

Cotransport of graphene oxide and Cu(II) through saturated porous media

This study examines the cotransport of graphene oxide (GO) and Cu in porous media. The impacts of GO concentration and ion strength (IS) on Cu transport in laboratory packed columns were investigated. The results indicated that GO had fairly high mobility at a IS of 1mM, and could serve as an effective carrier of Cu(II). The facilitated transport was found to increase with increasing concentration of GO (CGO). The peak effluent concentration (C/C0)max of Cu was 0.57 at CGO of 120mg/L and IS=1mM and 0.13 at 40mg/L and IS=1mM. The Cu appears to be irreversibly adsorbed by the sand because no Cu appeared in the effluent in the absence of GO. However, the GO-facilitated Cu transport was reduced as the IS increased from 1 to 1000mM. In fact, the facilitated transport was zero percent at an IS of 1000mM. Particle size analysis, Zeta potential measurements and DLVO calculations demonstrated that higher IS values made the GO became unstable and it flocculated and attached to the sand. We also fed GO into the column pre-equilibrated by Cu as sequential elution experiments and found that the later introduced GO can complex the pre-adsorbed Cu from the sand surface because GO has a higher adsorption affinity for Cu. An advection-dispersion-retention numerical model was able to describe the Cu and GO transport in the column. Our work provides useful insights into fate, transport and risk assessment of heavy metal contaminants in the presence of engineered nanoparticles.

A diagnostic kit for the enteroviruses Coxsackie A6 and A10

Recently, there has been an upward trend in the occurrence of hand-foot-mouth disease, which is correlated with Coxsackie A6 and A10 infections. Although two separate diagnostic reagents are available for these two viral strains, the protocol and diagnosis efficiency still need to be improved. More importantly, as co-infection with these viruses is common, the development of a single test kit that can diagnose both viruses would be most beneficial for clinical practice. In our study, specific primers targeting viral nucleic acids were designed and modified. Viral nucleic acids were extracted from fecal or throat swab samples by ultrasonic rupture and silicon membrane purification. The consistency, specificity, and sensitivity of the tests were further optimized by adjusting the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. The efficiency of viral nucleic acid extraction was significantly enhanced by the ultrasonic rupture and silicon membrane elution approach. Specific amplifications of both viral nucleic acids were achieved using modified primers. The optimal conditions for PCR were also determined (60°C for 30 min and 95°C for 2 min, followed by 40 cycles of denaturation for 30 s at 95°C, annealing for 30 s at 60°C, and elongation for 50 s at 72°C). Amplified products were confirmed as viral specific nucleotides by agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing. The minimal nucleic acid concentration required for detection was 0.2 ng/L, which was adequate to yield satisfactory specificity and consistency. This novel diagnostic method has many advantages, including rapid protocols and accurate results, and can be promoted for large-scale clinical trials.

Development of regional specificity of spinal and medullary dorsal horn neurons

Extensive studies have focused on the development and regionalization of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Many genes, which play crucial roles in the development of CNS neurons, have been identified. By using the technique “direct reprogramming”, neurons can be produced from multiple cell sources such as fibroblasts. However, understanding the region-specific regulation of neurons in the CNS is still one of the biggest challenges in the research field of neuroscience. Neurons located in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) and in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) play crucial roles in pain and sensorimotor functions in the orofacial and other somatic body regions, respectively. Anatomically, Vc represents the most caudal component of the trigeminal system, and is contiguous with SDH. This review is focused on recent data dealing with the regional specificity involved in the development of neurons in Vc and SDH.

Regulated internalization of NMDA receptors drives PKD1-mediated suppression of the activity of residual cell-surface NMDA receptors

Background

Constitutive and regulated internalization of cell surface proteins has been extensively investigated. The regulated internalization has been characterized as a principal mechanism for removing cell-surface receptors from the plasma membrane, and signaling to downstream targets of receptors. However, so far it is still not known whether the functional properties of remaining (non-internalized) receptor/channels may be regulated by internalization of the same class of receptor/channels. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a principal subtype of glutamate-gated ion channel and plays key roles in neuronal plasticity and memory functions. NMDARs are well-known to undergo two types of regulated internalization – homologous and heterologous, which can be induced by high NMDA/glycine and DHPG, respectively. In the present work, we investigated effects of regulated NMDAR internalization on the activity of residual cell-surface NMDARs and neuronal functions.

Results

In electrophysiological experiments we discovered that the regulated internalization of NMDARs not only reduced the number of cell surface NMDARs but also caused an inhibition of the activity of remaining (non-internalized) surface NMDARs. In biochemical experiments we identified that this functional inhibition of remaining surface NMDARs was mediated by increased serine phosphorylation of surface NMDARs, resulting from the activation of protein kinase D1 (PKD1). Knockdown of PKD1 did not affect NMDAR internalization but prevented the phosphorylation and inhibition of remaining surface NMDARs and NMDAR-mediated synaptic functions.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate a novel concept that regulated internalization of cell surface NMDARs not only reduces the number of NMDARs on the cell surface but also causes an inhibition of the activity of remaining surface NMDARs through intracellular signaling pathway(s). Furthermore, modulating the activity of remaining surface receptors may be an effective approach for treating receptor internalization-induced changes in neuronal functions of the CNS.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-015-0167-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Transport of graphene oxide in saturated porous media: effect of cation composition in mixed Na-Ca electrolyte systems

The influence of cation composition in mixed Na-Ca electrolyte systems on the transport of graphene oxide particles in saturated porous media was studied. Column experiments were conducted to elucidate the transport behavior of GO by varied molar ratios of Ca2+/Na+ but of constant ionic strength (IS). The results show that retention of GO in sand column is strongly dependent on IS in the presence of Ca2+, featuring serious deposition rates (Rd) at the higher IS of 10 mM. The maximum Rd was 48.22% at 1 mM and 98.53% at 10 mM. However, there was no obvious difference in GO retention in solutions that only contained Na+ when the IS increased from 1 to 10 mM, and the Rd was 35.17% and 38.21% respectively. The molar ratio of Ca2+/Na+ in solution was much more influential in altering the particle retention behavior at the higher IS of 10 mM, compared with little influence at 1 mM. It was supposed that compression of diffuse double layers mainly controlled GO deposition under lower IS, while charge neutrality and metal (Ca2+) bridging played a significant role at the higher IS. A numerical advection-dispersion-retention model considering the combined processes of Langmuirian dynamics blocking and depth-dependent straining was successfully developed to simulate the transport process of GO through the sand column. Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) interaction energy calculations were also performed to better understand the mechanisms of GO mobility. Coupling analysis of breakthrough experiments, DLVO theory and numerical modeling in this work provides insight into the mechanisms of GO transport in saturated porous media and is useful for reliable prediction of nanoparticle penetration through the vadose zone.

Electroacupuncture alleviates stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity through an opioid system in rats

AIM: To investigate whether stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity could be alleviated by electroacupuncture (EA) and whether EA effect was mediated by endogenous opiates.

METHODS: Six to nine week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Visceral hypersensitivity was induced by a 9-d heterotypic intermittent stress (HIS) protocol composed of 3 randomly stressors, which included cold restraint stress at 4 °C for 45 min, water avoidance stress for 60 min, and forced swimming stress for 20 min, in adult male rats. The extent of visceral hypersensitivity was quantified by electromyography or by abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores of colorectal distension at different distention pressures (20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg). AWR scores either 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 were obtained by a blinded observer. EA or sham EA was performed at classical acupoint ST-36 (Zu-San-Li) or BL-43 (Gao-Huang) in both hindlimbs of rats for 30 min. Naloxone (NLX) or NLX methiodide (m-NLX) was administered intraperitoneally to HIS rats in some experiments.

RESULTS: HIS rats displayed an increased sensitivity to colorectal distention, which started from 6 h (the first measurement), maintained for 24 h, and AWR scores returned to basal levels at 48 h and 7 d after HIS compared to pre-HIS baseline at different distention pressures. The AWR scores before HIS were 0.6 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.2, 1.9 ± 0.2 and 2.3 ± 0.2 for 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg distention pressures, respectively. Six hours after termination of the last stressor, the AWR scores were 2.0 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.1, 2.8 ± 0.2 and 3.5 ± 0.2 for 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg distention pressures, respectively. EA given at classical acupoint ST-36 in both hindlimbs for 30 min significantly attenuated the hypersensitive responses to colorectal distention in HIS rats compared with sham EA treatment [AWRs at 20 mmHg: 2.0 ± 0.2 vs 0.7 ± 0.1, P = 4.23 711 E-4; AWRs at 40 mmHg: 2.6 ± 0.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.2, P = 0.00 163; AWRs at 60 mmHg: 3.1 ± 0.2 vs 1.9 ± 0.1, P = 0.003; AWRs at 80 mmHg: 3.6 ± 0.1 vs 2.4 ± 0.2, P = 0.0023; electromyographic (EMG) at 20 mmHg: 24 ± 4.7 vs 13.8 ± 3.5; EMG at 40 mmHg: 60.2 ± 6.6 vs 30 ± 4.9, P = 0.00 523; EMG at 60 mmHg: 83 ± 10 vs 39.8 ± 5.9, P = 0.00 029; EMG at 80 mmHg: 94.3 ± 10.8 vs 49.6 ± 5.9, P = 0.00 021]. In addition, EA at the acupuncture point BL-43 with same parameters did not alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in HIS rats. EA in healthy rats also did not have any effect on AWR scores to colorectal distention at distention pressures of 20 and 40 mmHg. The EA-mediated analgesic effect was blocked by pretreatment with NLX in HIS rats [AWR scores pretreated with NLX vs normal saline (NS) were 2.0 vs 0.70 ± 0.20, 2.80 ± 0.12 vs 1.50 ± 0.27, 3 vs 2.00 ± 0.15 and 3.60 ± 0.18 vs 2.60 ± 0.18 for 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg; P = 0.0087, 0.0104, 0.0117 and 0.0188 for 20, 40, 60 and 80 mmHg, respectively]. Furthermore, EA-mediated analgesic effect was completely reversed by administration of m-NLX, a peripherally restricted opioid antagonist (EMG pretreated with m-NLX vs NS were 30.84 ± 4.39 vs 13.33 ± 3.88, 74.16 ± 9.04 vs 36.28 ± 8.01, 96.45 ± 11.80 vs 50.19 ± 8.28, and 111.59 ± 13.79 vs 56.42 ± 8.43 for 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg; P = 0.05 026, 0.00 034, 0.00 005, 0.000 007 for 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg, respectively).

CONCLUSION: EA given at classical acupoint ST-36 alleviates stress-induced visceral pain, which is most likely mediated by opioid pathways in the periphery.

Purinergic P2X receptors and diabetic neuropathic pain

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes, is characterized by allodynia, hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain. Chinese epidemiological studies have shown that at least 25% diabetic patients suffered from painful DPN, which compromises patients' daily functioning and becomes a major health care problem. Although the pathogenesis of painful DPN is not fully understood and current treatment options are very limited, research in the field has advanced our understanding on the mechanism of painful DPN in the past Decade of Pain Research and Control. This review will mainly focus on evaluation of current diabetic animal models, possible molecular pathways and available therapies, with an emphasis on roles of purinergic receptor and its signaling transduction pathways. Common therapies address one or two DPN symptoms, while others offer wider symptom control, presumably by targeting pathophysiological mechanisms of DPN. Purinergic receptor signaling transduction pathways might become potential targets for treatment for painful DPN.

CFTR suppresses tumor progression through miR-193b targeting urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in prostate cancer

Cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is expressed in the epithelial cells of a wide range of organs/tissues from which most cancers are derived. Although accumulating reports have indicated the association of cancer incidence with genetic variations in CFTR gene, the exact role of CFTR in cancer development and the possible underlying mechanism have not been elucidated. Here, we report that CFTR expression is significantly decreased in both prostate cancer cell lines and human prostate cancer tissue samples. Overexpression of CFTR in prostate cancer cell lines suppresses tumor progression (cell growth, adhesion and migration), whereas knockdown of CFTR leads to enhanced malignancies both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we demonstrate that CFTR knockdown-enhanced cell proliferation, cell invasion and migration are significantly reversed by antibodies against either urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) or uPA receptor (uPAR), which are known to be involved in various malignant traits of cancer development. More interestingly, overexpression of CFTR suppresses uPA by upregulating the recently described tumor suppressor microRNA-193b (miR-193b), and overexpression of pre-miR-193b significantly reverses CFTR knockdown-enhanced malignant phenotype and abrogates elevated uPA activity in prostate cancer cell line. Finally, we show that CFTR gene transfer results in significant tumor repression in prostate cancer xenografts in vivo. Taken together, the present study has demonstrated a previously undefined tumor-suppressing role of CFTR and its involvement in regulation of miR-193b in prostate cancer development.

Pharmacokinetics of baicalin-phospholipid complex in rat plasma and brain tissues after intranasal and intravenous administration

The aim of this study is to determine whether baicalin can be transferred along the olfactory pathway to the brain after nasal administration of baicalin phospholipid (BP) complex to rats, thereby circumventing the blood brain barrier. The concentration of baicalin in plasma and different brain tissues (olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, striatum and cerebellum) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The ratios of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values of intranasal to intravenous administrations were 54.21%, 240.59%, 374.71%, and 114.54% in plasma, cerebral cortex, striatum, and cerebellum, respectively. In the olfactory bulb, the AUC values of intranasal to intravenous administrations were 3355.4 +/- 378.8 microg/g-min versus 0 microg/g x min following intravenous administration. The ratios of AUC values of intranasal to intravenous administrations were72.75 %, 240.59 %, 374.71%, 114.54% in plasma, cortex, striatum, cerebellum respetively. The proportion of baicalin in the brain tissues from the olfactory transfer was also calculated, and the result shows that, following intranasal administration, approximately 52.36%-100% baicalin content at 8 h was transported to the brain via the olfactory pathway. In conclusion, the BP complex is transferred into the olfactory bulb via the olfactory pathway in rats, and the BP complex intranasal delivery is a promising approach to protect against cerebral ischemic injury.

[Nitric oxide promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro derived from the subventricular zone of neonatal rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from subventricular zone (SVZ) of neonatal rats in vitro.

METHODS

Conventional method was used to isolate and culture the NSCs from SVZ. Diethylenetriamine/NO(DETA/NO) was used as NO donor and Nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) was used as inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The immunofluorescence was used to identify the expression of nestin (a marker of NSCs), beta-III-tubulin (Tuj-1, a marker of neurons), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker of astrocytes) and nNOS. The concentration of NO in medium was measured by Greiss assay.

RESULTS

Cultured neurospheres were nestin-, BrdU- and nNOS-positive. After treatment with 40 micromol/L, 50 micromol/L and 60 micromol/L of DETA/NO for 5 days, the concentration of NO released was increased significantly (P < 0.01) as compared with that of the control group. The percentage of both differentiated neurons and astrocytes was increased significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) as compared with that of the control group. After treatment with 100 micromol/L, 150 micromol/L and 200 micromol/L of L-NAME for 5 days, the concentration of NO released was decreased as compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). The percentage of both differentiated neurons and astrocytes were decreased as compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NO could directly promote the differentiation of NSCs derived from rat subventricular zone in vitro.

Cobratoxin inhibits pain-evoked discharge of neurons in thalamic parafascicular nucleus in rats: involvement of cholinergic and serotonergic systems

The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of cobratoxin (CTX) on pain-evoked discharge of neurons in thalamic parafascicular nucleus (Pf) of rats and analyzed some of the mechanisms involved in this effect. Intracerebroventricular injection (icv) of CTX at 0.56, 1.12 and 4.50 microg/kg resulted in a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the pain-evoked discharges of Pf neurons. The inhibition of pain-evoked discharges of Pf neurons by CTX at high dose (4.50 microg/kg) persisted at least for 2h, while the inhibitory effect of morphine (40 microg) persisted no longer than 30 min. The inhibitory effect of CTX was reversed by pretreatment with atropine (icv, 5 microg). In contrast, icv injection of naloxone (4 microg) had no effect on CTX-induced inhibition. Furthermore, pretreatment with parachlorophenylalanine, a specific inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, also significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of CTX. The results suggested that: (a) CTX has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on pain-evoked discharges of Pf neurons, confirming electrophysiologically the antinociceptive action of CTX; (b) the inhibitory effect of CTX has a longer duration compared to that of morphine; (c) central cholinergic and serotonergic systems, but not opioidergic system, are involved in the inhibitory effect of CTX.

Inducible expression of functional mu opioid receptors in murine dendritic cells

Opioids are known to exert direct effects on the immune system, and the expression of functional opioid receptors has been reported on several immune cell types. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important inducers and regulators of immune responses. In this study, we investigated whether murine dendritic cells express functional mu opioid receptors (MOR). RT-PCR analysis and double immunofluorescence staining revealed the expression of MOR in activated murine dendritic cells. We also studied the dynamic expression of MOR messenger RNA in murine dendritic cells in response to different Toll-like receptor ligands. Functionally, treatment of DCs with endomorphin 1 (EM1), a specific agonist of MOR, can inhibit the forskolin-induced formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate level in activated DCs. Moreover, EM1 treatment resulted in less activation of p38 MAPK and more activation of ERK signaling in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated DCs. Consistently, treatment of DCs with EM1 altered cytokine production by increasing IL-10 and decreasing IL-12 and IL-23. Our results suggest that MOR is inducibly expressed on activated DCs and functionally mediates EM1-induced effects on DCs. Thus, dendritic cells might be involved in crosstalk between the neuroendocrine and the immune system.

An individual variation study of electroacupuncture analgesia in rats using microarray

The aim of the present study is to probe candidate genes which were involved in the electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia and to understand the molecular basis of the individual difference of EA analgesia in rats. We compared hypothalamus transcriptional profiles of responders with those of non-responders after 1 Hz EA treatment at ST36 acupoint for 1 hour by using oligonucleotide microarray. Responders and non-responders were determined by tail flick latency (TFL). A real-time quantitative RT-PCR was applied to validate the differential expressed genes. Our study provided a global hypothalamus transcriptional profile of EA analgesia in rats. We found that 63 and 3 genes were up- and down-regulated in the responder group, respectively. Half of the differentially expressed genes were classified into 9 functional groups which were ion transport, sensory perception, synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission, signal transduction, inflammatory response, apoptosis, transcription, protein amino acid phosphorylation and G-protein signaling. Glutamatergic receptors, ghrelin precursor, melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) and neuroligin 1 were found to be up-regulated in the responder group which may become new targets for nociceptive study and deserve further investigation for developing new acupuncture therapy and intervention of pain modulation.

Possible involvement of integrin signaling pathway in the process of recovery from restraint stress in rats

OBJECTIVE

To search novel genes or pathways involved in the recovery process after restraint stress in rats.

METHODS

We compared the hypothalamus transcriptional profiles of two different recovery patterns (fast recovery vs slow recovery) from restraint stress in rats using oligonucleotide microarray, the recovery pattern was determined by the decrement of plasma adrenocorticotropic-hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels during one hour recovery period after stress. A real-time quantitative RT-PCR was applied to validate the differential expressed genes.

RESULTS

Analysis of the microarray data showed that most of genes were not differentially expressed between fast recovery group and slow recovery group. Among the differentially expressed genes we found that talin, together with serine/threonine protein phosphatase PP1-beta catalytic subunit (PP-1B) and integrin alpha-6 precursor (VLA-6) genes, were at least 1.5 fold up-regulated in the fast recovery group, while junctional adhesion molecule 1 (F11r) was 1.5 fold down-regulated in the fast recovery group.

CONCLUSION

The results implied that integrin signaling pathway may be involved in the recovery from restraint stress in rats. The present study provided a global overview of hypothalamus transcriptional profiles during the process of recovery from the restraint stress in rats. The integrin signaling pathway seems to be involved in the recovery process, which deserves further study to clarify the integrin-mediated recovery mechanism after restraint stress.

Inhibitory effect of crotoxin on the pain-evoked discharge of neurons in thalamic parafascicular nucleus in rats

Crotoxin (Cro), the principal neurotoxic component of Crotalus durissus terrificus, has been previously reported to have a behavioral analgesic effect in rats and mice. The present study investigated electrophysiologically the effect of Cro on pain-evoked unit discharge of neurons in thalamic parafascicular nucleus (Pf) and underlying mechanisms of its effect. The electrical discharge of Pf neurons was recorded with the microelectrode technique in rats. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Cro at 0.25, 0.45 and 0.65 microg/kg resulted in a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the pain-evoked discharge of Pf neurons. The discharge frequency and the discharge duration significantly (P<0.05) decreased after Cro administration. This inhibitory effect was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated after pretreatment with para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), or electrolytic lesion of dorsal raphe (DR) nucleus. In contrast, i.c.v. injection of atropine (muscarinic receptor antagonist, 5 microg) or naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist, 4 microg) had no effect on Cro-induced inhibition of discharge of Pf neurons. The results suggested that Cro has an analgesic effect, which is mediated, at least partially, by the central serotonergic system.

Forced running enhances neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of adult rats and improves learning ability

To investigate the effect of forced running in motor-driven wheel on neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of adult rats, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU), a thymidine analog was applied to mark cell proliferation. Neuroepthelial stem cell protein (nestin) expression was used to identify neural stem/precursor cells. The BrdU- and nestin-positive cells were examined by immunohistochemical technique. The ability of learning was evaluated by Y-maze test to explore the functional role of the newborn cells in the DG after forced running. It was found that the number of BrdU- and nestin-positive cells in the DG in running groups was significantly increased compared to that in the control group (P<0.05). The effect of forced running on neurogenesis was intensity-dependent. In addition, an improvement of learning ability in Y-maze test was observed after forced running. These findings suggest that forced running in motor-driven wheel could enhance neurogenesis in the hippocampal DG of adult rats and improve learning ability.

Establishment of model of visceral pain due to colorectal distension and its behavioral assessment in rats

AIM: To establish a visceral pain model via colorectal distension (CRD) and to evaluate the efficiency of behavioral responses of CRD by measuring the score of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) in rats.

METHODS: Thirty-eight male SD rats weighing 180-240g were used to establish the visceral pain model. The rat was inserted intra-anally with a 7 cm long flexible latex balloon under ether anesthesia, and colorectal distensions by inflating the balloon with air were made 30 min after recovering from the anesthesia. Five AWR scores (AWR0 to AWR4) were used to assess the intensity of noxious visceral stimuli. It was regarded as the threshold of the minimal pressure (kPa) for abdominal flatting was induced by colorectal distension.

RESULTS: A vigorous AWR to distension of the descending colon and rectum was found in 100% of the awake rats tested. The higher the pressure of distension, the higher the score of AWR. The distension pressures of 0, 2.00, 3.33, 5.33 and 8.00 kPa produced different AWR scores (P < 0.05). The pain threshold of AWR was constant for up to 80 min after the initial windup (first 1-3 distensions), the mean threshold was 3.69 ± 0.35 kPa. Systemic administration of morphine sulfate elevated the threshold of visceral pain in a dose-dependent and naloxone reversible manner.

CONCLUSION: Scoring the AWR during colorectal distensions can assess the intensity of noxious visceral stimulus. Flatting of abdomen (AWR 3) to CRD as the visceral pain threshold is clear, constant and reliable. This pain model and its behavioral assessment are good for research on visceral pain and analgesics.

Effects of exercise on neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and ability of learning and memory after hippocampus lesion in adult rats

Objective To explore the effects of exercise on dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenesis and the ability of learning and memory in hippocampus-lesioned adult rats. Methods Hippocampus lesion was produced by intrahippocampal microinjection of kainic acid (KA). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to label dividing cells. Y maze test was used to evaluate the ability of learning and memory. Exercise was conducted in the form of forced running in a motor-driven running wheel. The speed of wheel revolution was regulated at 3 kinds of intensity: lightly running, moderately running, or heavily running. Results Hippocampus lesion could increase the number of BrdU-labeled DG cells, moderately running after lesion could further enhance the number of BrdU-labeled cells and decrease the error number (EN) in Y maze test, while neither lightly running, nor heavily running had such effects. There was a negative correlation between the number of DG BrdU-labeled cells and the EN in the Y maze test after running. Conclusion Moderate exercise could enhance the DG neurogenesis and ameliorate the ability of learning and memory in hippocampus-lesioned rats.

Losartan blocks the excitatory effect of peripheral hypertonic stimulation on vasopressinergic neurons in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in rats: electrophysiological and immunocytochemical evidence

The effect of peripheral hypertonic stimulation on the neurons of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was investigated in the present study with both electrophysiological and immunocytochemical methods. The discharge frequency of the neurons with phasic activity in PVN could be increased by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of hypertonic saline (HS, 1.5M NaCl) (from 2.8 +/- 0.5 Hz to 5.4 +/- 0.9 Hz, P<0.001). The Fos expression in PVN could be enhanced (from 21.2 +/- 12.9 to 217.3 +/- 38.5 Fos-positive neurons, P<0.001) by i.p. HS and the majority of AVP-positive neurons expressing Fos (91.7 +/- 3.6%) was in magnocellular subdivision of PVN. After intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of losartan, angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist (5 microg/microl), the excitatory effect of peripheral hypertonic stimulation on PVN neurons with phasic activity was inhibited significantly, and the number of the neurons co-expressing Fos and AVP in PVN decreased significantly (P<0.001) as well. The result demonstrated that the vasopressinergic neurons in PVN could be excited by peripheral hypertonic stimulation, and this excitation might be mediated by angiotensin II fibers projecting from subfornical organ to PVN.

Thomson scattering measurements of heat flux from ion-acoustic waves in laser-produced aluminum plasmas

Thomson scattering (TS) measurements are performed at different locations in a laser-produced aluminum plasma. Variations of the separation, wavelength shift, and asymmetric distribution of the two ion-acoustic waves are investigated from their spectral-time-resolved TS images. Detailed information on the space-time evolution of the plasma parameters is obtained. Electron distribution and variation of the heat flux in the plasma are also obtained for a steep temperature gradient.

Sympathetic nervous system mediates cold stress-induced suppression of natural killer cytotoxicity in rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate the mechanisms of suppression of splenic natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity caused by cold stress, using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as chemical sympathectomy. The NK activity was measured by (51)chromium release assay. Central sympathectomy with intracerebroventricular injection of 6-OHDA significantly reduced the elevation of the plasma corticosterone level, the expression of Fos in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and in locus coeruleus, as well as the suppression of NK activity induced by cold stress at 4 degrees C for 4 h. Peripheral sympathectomy with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 6-OHDA and blockade of beta-adrenergic receptor with i.p. injection of propranolol also reversed the cold stress-induced suppression of NK cytotoxicity, but without significant effect on Fos expression in the brain. The results suggest that the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis induced by cold stress might be mediated, at least partially, by the central noradrenergic system, and that the cold stress-induced suppression of NK cytotoxicity might be mediated by the activation of the peripheral sympathetic nerve.

Sympathetic nervous system mediates cold stress-induced suppression of natural killer cytotoxicity in rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate the mechanisms of suppression of splenic natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity caused by cold stress, using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as chemical sympathectomy. The NK activity was measured by (51)chromium release assay. Central sympathectomy with intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of 6-OHDA reduced significantly the elevation of plasma corticosterone level, the expression of Fos in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and in locus coeruleus, as well as the suppression of NK activity induced by cold stress at 4 degrees C for 4 h. Peripheral sympathectomy with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 6-OHDA and blockade of beta-adrenergic receptor with i.p. injection of propranolol also reversed the cold stress-induced suppression of NK cytotoxicity, but without significant effect on Fos expression in brain. The results suggest that the activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis induced by cold stress might be mediated, at least partially, by central noradrenergic system, and that the cold stress-induced suppression of NK cytotoxicity might be mediated by the activation of peripheral sympathetic nerve.

[Drinking behavior and c-fos expression induced by chemical or electrical stimulation of SFO in rat brain]

AIM

To compare the drinking behavior and c-fos expression induced by chemical or electrical stimulation of subfornical organ (SFO) in rat brain.

METHODS

L-glutamic acid microinjection and constant electrical current were used as chemical and electrical stimulation of SFO, respectively. The water intake over 1 h was recorded and Fos expression was examined immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

A similar volume of water intake and Fos expression pattern were induced by both methods of stimulation of SFO. These include 11 forebrain areas (organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, median preoptic nucleus, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and lateral hypothalamic area, paraventricular nucleus, reunions nucleus and central medial nucleus of thalamus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, perifornical dorsal area and substantia innominata) and 4 areas of hindbrain (area postrema, nucleus solitary tract, lateral parabrachial nucleus and dorsal raphe nucleus).

CONCLUSION

The drinking behavior and Fos expression in brain induced by SFO stimulation are the results of activation of the neuronal bodies in SFO.

Functional p53 is required for triptolide-induced apoptosis and AP-1 and nuclear factor-kappaB activation in gastric cancer cells

Triptolide, a major component in the extract of Chinese herbal plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f (TWHf), has potential anti-neoplastic effect. In the present study we investigated the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of triptolide against human gastric cancer cells. Four gastric cancer cell lines with different p53 status, AGS and MKN-45 (wild type p53); MKN-28 and SGC-7901 (mutant p53) were observed as to cell growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in response to triptolide treatment. We showed that triptolide inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis and suppressed NK-kappaB and AP-1 transactivation in AGS cells with wild-type p53. Triptolide induced apoptosis by stimulating the expressions of p53, p21(waf1/cip1), bax protein, and increased the activity of caspases. In addition, it caused cell cycle arrest in the G(0)/G(1) phase. To examine the role of p53 in these functions, we showed that suppression of p53 level with antisense oligonucleotide abrogated triptolide-induced apoptosis and over-expression of dominant negative p53 abolished the inhibitory effect on NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that triptolide had differential effects on gastric cancer cells with different p53 status. We showed that triptolide also inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in MKN-45 with wild-type p53, whereas it had no significant growth-inhibition and apoptosis induction effects on the MKN-28 and SGC-7901 cells with mutant p53. Our data suggest that triptolide exhibits anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting NF-kappaB and AP-1 transcriptional activity. However, a functional p53 is required for these proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.

Analgesic effect of endomorphin-1

AIM

To study the analgesic effect of endomorphin-1 (EM-1).

METHODS

The experiment was performed in rats and mice to study the analgesic effect of intraperitoneal (ip) injection of EM-1 with tail stimulation-vocalization test, writhing test, adjuvant arthritis, and neuropathic pain model and to compare it with the analgesic effects produced by intracerebroventricular (icv) and intrathecal (it) administrations.

RESULTS

1) EM-1 raised the pain threshold dose-dependently in tail stimulation-vocalization test in rats and inhibited the writhing responses induced by ip acetic acid in mice. EM-1 also decreased the hyperalgesia in both adjuvant arthritis and neuropathic pain model. 2) The analgesic effect induced by central (icv and it) administration of EM-1 was faster and more powerful than that induced by peripheral (ip) administration. 3) The analgesic effect of EM-1 was reversed by naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist), as well as by cyprodime (mu-opioid receptor selective antagonist). Repeated administrations of EM-1 induced tolerance.

CONCLUSION

EM-1 had a definite analgesic effect and the analgesic effect of EM-1 was mediated by central mu-opioid receptor.

[Pharmacokinetics of high-dosage naftopidil capsules in dogs]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of naftopidil in plasma, and make a study of pharmacokinetics of high-dose naftopidil capsules in dogs.

METHODS

Five healthy dogs were treated with naftopidil capsules in an oral single dose of 200 mg. Naftopidil in dog plasma was determined by HPLC. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.05 mol.L-1 phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) (60:40), verapamil was selected as internal standard, and the eluate was monitored at 230 nm. Pharmacokinetics calculations were carried out by practice pharmacokinetics programs (Version 97, 3P97).

RESULTS

The calibration curve of naftopidil was linear within the range of 10-1,200 ng.ml-1, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9992, the recovery rate of HPLC was (100.23 +/- 3.00)%, within day RSD and between day RSD were no more than 5.56% and 3.30% respectively. The plasma drug concentration-time course in dogs conformed to the one-compartment model. T1/2Ke value was (1.91-4.99) h, Tmax was (1.87-3.21) h, Cmax was (338.79-414.04) ng.ml-1.

CONCLUSION

HPLC is accurate and reliable, and can be used for studying the pharmacokinetics of high-dose naftopidil capsules in dogs.

[Chinese Hans population study of fluorescent labelled 8 STR multiplex system]

OBJECTIVE

Chinese Hans population study of 8 STR loci was carried out in 350 unrelated individuals.

METHODS

The 8 STR loci(vWA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539) and a sexual distinction locus Amelogenin, were amplified simultaneously in one PCR reaction tube, the products were separated by electrophoresis with PE-377 DNA sequencer, and analyzed by Genescan analysis software, then the accurate PCR fragment length and designation of genotypes were finished automatically by the sequencer.

RESULTS

63 alleles and 2 sex determination alleles were found in Hans population altogether; the minimum allele frequency in Chinese Hans population at these loci was 0.17%, the maximum was 50.17%; the fragments were 119-327 base pairs long; the TDP of this system reached 99.99999998%; this system inherited steadily, and was accord with Mandel inheritance rule, no gene mutation was found, all loci met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, but the frequencies of Hans population differed from those of African-Americans, Caucasion-Americans and Hispanic-Americans.

CONCLUSION

This method is good for identification of little amount and degraded DNA samples from blood stain, semen stain mixed with vaginal excretion, hair root, cigarette root, muscle tissue and ancient bone. It can also make a foundation of establishing the National DNA Database.