[Effect of androgen replacement therapy on mixed dry eye in a rabbit model]

Objective: To explore the effect of androgen replacement therapy in a rabbit dry eye model characterized by androgen deficiency and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: Thirty 6-month-old male Chinchilla rabbits were randomly divided into the treatment group, model group and control group, with 10 rabbits in each group. In the treatment and model groups, 2/3 of the meibomian gland openings were closed by cauterization with electric coagulation pen, and bilateral testes were removed. One gram gel containing 1% testosterone was applied for 28 days on the skin of rabbits in the treatment group since day 28 after the surgery. The model group and control group received transdermal petrolatum instead. Tear secretion, tear breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and serum free testosterone level were monitored throughout the study period. The globes and eyelids were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Conjunctival tissue was tested for the expression of miRNA-744-5p and interleukin-6. Meibum was collected for fatty acid analysis. Results: Animals presented with typical dry eye signs and androgen deficiency. After 28-day androgen replacement therapy, compared with the model group, the treatment group had a significantly higher tear secretion rate [(14.7±5.2) vs (10.3±3.6) mm, P=0.001], higher TBUT [(15.0±4.2) vs (10.2±3.6) s, P=0.003], lower fluorescein staining score [0 (0, 1) vs 2 (1, 4), P<0.001], and higher goblet cell density at conjunctival fornix (27.2±7.6 vs 10.7±4.8, P<0.001). Additionally, compared with the model group, the conjunctiva of the treatment group expressed a significantly lower level of miRNA-744-5p (1.67±0.24 vs 2.63±0.58, P<0.001) and interleukin-6 [2.38 (1.84, 4.61) vs 4.82 (3.99, 6.36), P=0.022]. Meanwhile, the treatment group showed significantly increased level of 16∶1, Δ⁹ fatty acid [(10.31±1.00)% vs (3.87±0.45)%, P<0.001] and iso-18∶0 fatty acid [(7.09±0.93)% vs (2.44±0.70)%, P<0.001], but decreased level of iso-26∶0 fatty acid [(5.72±1.07)% vs (8.02±0.65)%, P<0.001] in the meibum compared with the model group. Conclusion: Androgen replacement therapy can alleviate dry eye signs in rabbits presented with combined androgen deficiency and MGD.

[Coronavirus and the risk of ocular transmission]

Coronaviruses are a common class of respiratory viruses that can cause human infections. 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV), a new coronavirus that has recently caused a pandemic, has affected millions of people and put tremendous pressure on the health systems of almost every country in the world. Coronaviruses are known to spread from person to person through droplets or contact. The 2019-nCoV has also been found in the conjunctival secretions and tears of some clinically diagnosed patients. To assess whether the eye is one of the transmission routes of the virus, we review literature, and summarize the anatomy of the eye-nose pathway, the expression of the virus receptor in the eye, the preclinical animal studies, and the clinical data. We analyze the possibility of eyes as a means of transmission and propose some suggestions of ocular protection. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 305-310).

Screening Study on the Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine - Part II: Wild Chrysanthemum

Background and Aims: Part 2 of our ongoing research with anti-angiogenic effects focuses on Wild chrysanthemum; a heat-clearing and detoxicating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We screened six heat-clearing and detoxicating TCM and noticed that wild chrysanthemum has a potent anti-angiogenic effect in zebrafish. This study aims to determine the genetic mechanisms underlying the anti-angiogenic effects of wild chrysanthemum.

Methods:Wild chrysanthemum was decocted, concentrated, sieved and desiccated to attain the water extract. 200μg/mL wild chrysanthemum water extract (WCWE) was diluted in 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and given to zebrafish via fish water. 48h post-fertilization (hpf) fli1a-EGFP transgenic zebrafish were used to assay angiogenesis. mRNA-seq, qRT-PCR assay and a parallel reaction monitor (PRM) were carried out to reveal the underlying mechanisms.

Results: WCWE showed a significant anti-angiogenic effect in zebrafish. The results of mRNA-seq showed that there were 1119 genes up-regulated and 1332 genes down-regulated by WCWE. The bioinformatic analysis based on mRNA-seq demonstrated that the proteasome signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated. The results of the qRT-PCR assay were consistent with those of the mRNA-seq assay. The results of the PRM assay showed that nine proteins involved in proteasome signaling and the protein expression level of ctnnb2 were significantly down-regulated. The results of the KEGG pathway analysis based on PRM assay demonstrated that WCWE may have an inhibitory action on the regulatory particle of the proteasome.

Conclusion:Wild chrysanthemum has a significant anti-angiogenic effect in zebrafish and it may have an inhibitory action on the regulatory particle of the proteasome. The mechanisms underlying the anti-angiogenic effects of wild chrysanthemum may be related to the down-regulation of proteasome/β-catenin signaling in zebrafish.

"Yellow-dragon Wonderful-seed Formula" for hyperuricemia in gout patients with dampness-heat pouring downward pattern: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, the typical clinical manifestations of gout are attributed to the "dampness-heat pouring downward." Therefore, TCM practitioners always consider prescribing the formulae which are believed to clear heat and drain dampness for the management of gout. This clinical trial aims: (1) to determine the hypouricemic effect of "Yellow-dragon Wonderful-seed Formula" (YWF) decoction in gout patients with dampness-heat pouring downward pattern and (2) to determine if gypsum could provide additional significant benefits to YWF.

METHODS

A total of 72 hyperuricemic individuals with gout and dampness-heat pouring downward pattern were included with 62 of them completing the trial. Participants were randomly assigned to the YWF group, the YWF + gypsum group, or the allopurinol group. YWF and YWF + gypsum decoctions were orally administered for four weeks. Allopurinol was also orally administered for four weeks as the active control. Serum uric acid (sUA) level was the primary outcome measure. Urine urate level, scores on the SF-36 scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), X ray film, and C reactive protein (CRP) level were the secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS

Compared with the values at week 0, YWF and YWF + gypsum did not significantly decrease the sUA level at each weekend reading. YWF, YWF + gypsum, and allopurinol decreased the urine urate levels and there were significant differences between the YWF group and the YWF + gypsum group. All the changes in the eight structures of SF-36 during the intervention period were not significantly different among the three groups and there was no significant difference in the CRP level among the three groups at each weekend reading.

CONCLUSIONS

YWM, which modified on the basis of Two Wonderful Herbs Powder (2WHP), does not show significant hypouricemic effect. There is a possibility that Gypsum Fibrosum may provide additional effects to YWF in decreasing the urine urate levels but cannot add benefits to YWF in other outcome measures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-12001933 . Registered on 10 February 2012.

Effect of early embryonic deletion of huntingtin from pyramidal neurons on the development and long-term survival of neurons in cerebral cortex and striatum

We evaluated the impact of early embryonic deletion of huntingtin (htt) from pyramidal neurons on cortical development, cortical neuron survival and motor behavior, using a cre-loxP strategy to inactivate the mouse htt gene (Hdh) in emx1-expressing cell lineages. Western blot confirmed substantial htt reduction in cerebral cortex of these Emx-htt^KO mice, with residual cortical htt in all likelihood restricted to cortical interneurons of the subpallial lineage and/or vascular endothelial cells. Despite the loss of htt early in development, cortical lamination was normal, as revealed by layer-specific markers. Cortical volume and neuron abundance were, however, significantly less than normal, and cortical neurons showed reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and reduced activation of BDNF signaling pathways. Nonetheless, cortical volume and neuron abundance did not show progressive age-related decline in Emx-htt^KO mice out to 24 months. Although striatal neurochemistry was normal, reductions in striatal volume and neuron abundance were seen in Emx-htt^KO mice, which were again not progressive. Weight maintenance was normal in Emx-htt^KO mice, but a slight rotarod deficit and persistent hyperactivity were observed throughout the lifespan. Our results show that embryonic deletion of htt from developing pallium does not substantially alter migration of cortical neurons to their correct laminar destinations, but does yield reduced cortical and striatal size and neuron numbers. The Emx-htt^KO mice were persistently hyperactive, possibly due to defects in corticostriatal development. Importantly, deletion of htt from cortical pyramidal neurons did not yield age-related progressive cortical or striatal pathology.

[Changes and the impact on immune function of opioid-dependent subjects by Jitai tabelets during the withdrawal stage]

Objective: To detect the changes in the immune function of opioid-dependent subjects during the withdrawal stage through the administration of Jitai tablet. Methods: Subjects were treated as Jitai tablet alone, Jitai tablet plus buprenorphine and placebo, in a randomized,double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Before and after the 14(th) day of withdrawal, levels of immunoglobulin (IgM, IgA, IgG), T cell subsets (CD(3)(+), CD(4)(+), CD(8)(+), CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+)) and cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IFN-γ/IL-4) were detected. Results: Compared with healthy people, immunity function before withdrawal among the opioid abusers showed higher levels of IgM, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and lower level of CD(3)(+)T, as (1.67±0.87) g/L, (14.44±13.50)%, (20.23±15.10)%, (1.97±1.59)%, (47.01±13.62)%, respectively, with difference statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no big difference of other immunity indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). At the 14(th) day of withdrawal in placebo group, levels of IL-4 returned to normal while IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio increased by 3.43 times (P<0.05). Levels of IgA, IgG, CD(4)(+) and CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) ratio fluctuated within normal range. There were no significant changes in other immunity indicators (P>0.05). Compared with placebo group, fluctuation of IgG and IgM decreased in Jitai group during withdrawal period, together with a normal level of IgM at the 14(th) day. Level of IL-4 abnormally rose up by 0.54 times in Jitai tablet plus buprenorphine group, while IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio been switched back at the 14(th) day of withdrawal. Other immune indicators were not affected by medical interventions. Conclusion: We noticed that certain impairment of the immune function might be restored by Jitai tablet during the withdrawal period.

BDNF may play a differential role in the protective effect of the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 on striatal projection neurons in R6/2 Huntington's disease mice

We have found that daily subcutaneous injection with a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 (20mg/kg) beginning at 4 weeks dramatically improves the phenotype in R6/2 mice. For example, we observed normalization of motor function in distance traveled, speed, the infrequency of pauses, and the ability to locomote in a straight line, and a rescue of a 15-20% striatal neuron loss at 10 weeks. As acute LY379268 treatment is known to increase cortical BDNF production, and BDNF is known to be beneficial for striatal neurons, we investigated if the benefit of daily LY379268 in R6/2 mice for striatal projection neurons was associated with increases in corticostriatal BDNF, with assessments done at 10 weeks of age after daily MTD treatment since the fourth week of life. We found that LY379268 increased BDNF expression in layer 5 neurons in motor cortex, which project to striatum, partly rescued a preferential loss of enkephalinergic striatal neurons, and enhanced substance P (SP) expression by SP striatal projection neurons. The enhanced survival of enkephalinergic striatal neurons was correlated with the cortical BDNF increase, but the enhanced SP expression by SP striatal neurons was not. Thus, LY379268 may protect the two main striatal projection neuron types by different mechanisms, enkephalinergic neurons by the trophic benefit of BDNF, and SP neurons by a mechanism not involving BDNF. The SP neuron benefit may perhaps instead involve the anti-excitotoxic action of mGluR2/3 receptor agonists.

The group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY379268 rescues neuronal, neurochemical and motor abnormalities in R6/2 Huntington's disease mice

Excitotoxic injury to striatum by dysfunctional cortical input or aberrant glutamate uptake may contribute to Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. Since corticostriatal terminals possess mGluR2/3 autoreceptors, whose activation dampens glutamate release, we tested the ability of the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 to improve the phenotype in R6/2 HD mice with 120-125 CAG repeats. Daily subcutaneous injection of a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of LY379268 (20mg/kg) had no evident adverse effects in WT mice, and diverse benefits in R6/2 mice, both in a cohort of mice tested behaviorally until the end of R6/2 lifespan and in a cohort sacrificed at 10weeks of age for blinded histological analysis. MTD LY379268 yielded a significant 11% increase in R6/2 survival, an improvement on rotarod, normalization and/or improvement in locomotor parameters measured in open field (activity, speed, acceleration, endurance, and gait), a rescue of a 15-20% cortical and striatal neuron loss, normalization of SP striatal neuron neurochemistry, and to a lesser extent enkephalinergic striatal neuron neurochemistry. Deficits were greater in male than female R6/2 mice, and drug benefit tended to be greater in males. The improvements in SP striatal neurons, which facilitate movement, are consistent with the improved movement in LY379268-treated R6/2 mice. Our data indicate that mGluR2/3 agonists may be particularly useful for ameliorating the morphological, neurochemical and motor defects observed in HD.

CAG repeat lengths > or =335 attenuate the phenotype in the R6/2 Huntington's disease transgenic mouse

With spontaneous elongation of the CAG repeat in the R6/2 transgene to > or =335, resulting in a transgene protein too large for passive entry into nuclei via the nuclear pore, we observed an abrupt increase in lifespan to >20 weeks, compared to the 12 weeks common in R6/2 mice with 150 repeats. In the > or =335 CAG mice, large ubiquitinated aggregates of mutant protein were common in neuronal dendrites and perikaryal cytoplasm, but intranuclear aggregates were small and infrequent. Message and protein for the > or =335 CAG transgene were reduced to one-third that in 150 CAG R6/2 mice. Neurological and neurochemical abnormalities were delayed in onset and less severe than in 150 CAG R6/2 mice. These findings suggest that polyQ length and pathogenicity in Huntington's disease may not be linearly related, and pathogenicity may be less severe with extreme repeats. Both diminished mutant protein and reduced nuclear entry may contribute to phenotype attenuation.

Differential localization of the GluR1 and GluR2 subunits of the AMPA-type glutamate receptor among striatal neuron types in rats

Differences among the various striatal projection neuron and interneuron types in cortical input, function, and vulnerability to degenerative insults may be related to differences among them in AMPA-type glutamate receptor abundance and subunit configuration. We therefore used immunolabeling to assess the frequency and abundance of GluR1 and GluR2, the most common AMPA subunits in striatum, in the main striatal neuron types. All neurons projecting to the external pallidum (GPe), internal pallidum (GPi) or substantia nigra, as identified by retrograde labeling, possessed perikaryal GluR2, while GluR1 was more common in striato-GPe than striato-GPi perikarya. The frequency and intensity of immunostaining indicated the rank order of their perikaryal GluR1:GluR2 ratio to be striato-GPe>striatonigral>striato-GPi. Ultrastructural studies suggested a differential localization of GluR1 and GluR2 to striatal projection neuron dendritic spines as well, with GluR1 seemingly more common in striato-GPe spines and GluR2 more common in striato-GPi and/or striatonigral spines. Comparisons among projection neurons and interneurons revealed GluR1 to be most common and abundant in parvalbuminergic interneurons, and GluR2 most common and abundant in projection neurons, with the rank order for the GluR1:GluR2 ratio being parvalbuminergic interneurons>calretinergic interneurons>cholinergic interneurons>projection neurons>somatostatinergic interneurons. Striosomal projection neurons had a higher GluR1:GluR2 ratio than did matrix projection neurons. The abundance of both GluR1 and GluR2 in striatal parvalbuminergic interneurons and projection neurons is consistent with their prominent cortical input and susceptibility to excitotoxic insult, while differences in GluR1:GluR2 ratio among projection neurons are likely to yield differences in Ca(2+) permeability, desensitization, and single channel current, which may contribute to differences among them in plasticity, synaptic integration, and excitotoxic vulnerability. The apparent association of the GluR1 subunit with synaptic plasticity, in particular, suggests striato-GPe neuron spines as a particular site of corticostriatal synaptic plasticity, presumably associated with motor learning.

Single-cell RT-PCR, in situ hybridization histochemical, and immunohistochemical studies of substance P and enkephalin co-occurrence in striatal projection neurons in rats

Single-cell RT-PCR studies in 3-4-week-old rats have raised the possibility that as many as 20% of striatal projection neurons may be a unique type that contains both substance P (SP) and enkephalin (ENK). We used single-cell RT-PCR, retrograde labeling, in situ hybridization histochemistry, and immunolabeling to characterize the abundance of this cell type, its projection target(s), and any developmental changes in its frequency. We found by RT-PCR that 11% of neurons containing either SP or ENK contained both in 4-week-old rats, while in 4-month-old rats SP/ENK colocalization was only 3%. SP-only neurons tended to co-contain dynorphin and ENK-only neurons neurotensin, while SP/ENK neurons tended to contain dynorphin. Single-cell RT-PCR showed SP/ENK co-occurrence in 4-week-old rats to be no more common among striatal neurons retrogradely labeled from the substantia nigra than among those retrogradely labeled from globus pallidus. Double-label in situ hybridization showed SP/ENK perikarya to be scattered throughout striatum, making up 8% of neurons containing either SP or ENK at 4 weeks, but only 4% at 4 months. Immunolabeling showed that presumptive striatal terminals in globus pallidus externus, globus pallidus internus and substantia nigra pars reticulata that colocalized SP and ENK were scarce. Terminals colocalizing SP and ENK were, however, abundant in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Thus, SP-only and ENK-only neurons make up the vast majority of striatal projection neurons in rats, the frequency of SP/ENK colocalizing striatal neurons is low in adult rats (3-4%), and SP/ENK colocalizing neurons primarily project to SNc but do not appear to be confined to striosomes.

Transverse evolution of a plasma channel in air induced by a femtosecond laser

We investigate the evolution of filamentation in air by using a longitudinal diffraction method and a plasma fluorescence imaging technique. The diameter of a single filament in which the intensity is clamped increases as the energy of the pump light pulse increases, until multiple filaments appear.

Increased calbindin-D28k immunoreactivity in striatal projection neurons of R6/2 Huntington's disease transgenic mice

Striatal degeneration in Huntington's disease (HD) is associated with increases in perikaryal calbindin immunolabeling in yet-surviving striatal projection neurons. Since similar increases have also been observed in surviving striatal projection neurons after intrastriatal injection of the excitotoxin quinolinic acid, the increased calbindin in HD striatum has been interpreted to suggest an excitotoxic process in HD. We used immunolabeling to assess if calbindin is elevated in striatal projection neurons of R6/2 HD transgenic mice. These mice bear exon 1 of the human huntingtin gene with 144 CAG repeats and show some of the neuropathological signs (e.g., neuronal intranuclear inclusions) and clinical traits (e.g., wasting prior to early death) of HD. We found an increased frequency of calbindin-immunoreactive neuronal perikarya in the striatum of 6- and 12-week-old R6/2 mice compared to wild-type controls. This increase was most notable in the normally calbindin-poor dorsolateral striatum. We found no significant changes in the total area of striatum occupied by the calbindin-negative striosomes and no consistent changes in striatal calbindin mRNA. The increase in calbindin in R6/2 striatal neurons was thus limited to the matrix compartment, and it may be triggered by increased Ca2+ entry due to the demonstrated heightened NMDA sensitivity of these neurons. The data further support the similarity of R6/2 mice to HD, and are consistent with the occurrence of an excitotoxic process in striatum in both.

Optical breakdown for silica and silicon with double femtosecond laser pulses

The optical breakdown thresholds (OBTs) of typical dielectric and semiconductor materials are measured using double 40-fs laser pulses. By measuring the OBTs with different laser energy and different time delays between the two pulses, we found that the total energy of breakdown decrease for silica and increase for silicon with the increase of the first pulse energy.

Differential loss of striatal projection systems in Huntington's disease: a quantitative immunohistochemical study

Prior studies suggest differences exist among striatal projection neuron types in their vulnerability to Huntington's disease (HD). In the present study, we immunolabeled the fibers and terminals of the four main types of striatal projection neuron in their target areas for substance P, enkephalin, or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and used computer-assisted image analysis to quantify the abundance of immunolabeled terminals in a large sample of HD cases ranging from grade 0 to grade 4 [J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. 44 (1985) 559], normalized to labeling in control human brains. Our goal was to characterize the relative rates of loss of the two striatopallidal projection systems (to the internal versus the external pallidal segments) and the two striatonigral projections systems (to pars compacta versus pars reticulata). The findings for GAD and the two neuropeptides were similar--the striatal projection to the external pallidal segment was the most vulnerable, showing substantial loss by grade 1. Loss of fibers in both subdivisions of the substantia nigra was also already great by grade 1. By contrast, the loss in the striatal projection system to the internal segment of globus pallidus proceeded more gradually. By grade 4 of HD, however, profound loss in all projection systems was apparent. These findings support the notion that the striatal neurons preferentially projecting to the internal pallidal segment are, in fact, less vulnerable in HD than are the other striatal projection neuron types.

[Development and application of the facial soft tissue 3D measuring system]

OBJECTIVE

To combine measurement and image technology as an objective means to help prosthodontists provide better service.

METHODS

The system was developed by consisting of two CCD cameras, real time hardware for the recognition of markers and software for the 3D reconstruction.

RESULTS

It allowed efficient, direct and noninvasive calculation of the 3D liner and angular measurements of the human face.

CONCLUSION

This system is a useful way to get 3D information of the human face. It will be a good supplement to the classic cephalometric analyses.

Molecular therapy with recombinant antisense c-myc adenovirus for human gastric carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study used a recombinant antisense c-myc adenovirus (Ad-ASc-myc) to evaluate how alterations of c-myc expression in the SGC7901 human gastric carcinoma cells could influence the proliferation, apoptosis and the growth of human gastric tumors in nude mice.

METHODS

The human gastric carcinoma cell line, SGC7901, treated with Ad-ASc-myc or adenovirus recombinants carrying LacZ gene (Ad-LacZ) were analyzed by using X-gal stain, MTT, DNA ladder, TUNEL assay, flow cytometric analysis, polymerase chain reaction and western blot in vitro. The tumorigenicity and experimental therapy in nude mice models were assessed in vivo.

RESULTS

The Ad-ASc-myc could strongly inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in SGC7901 cells. The proliferation of the Ad-ASc-myc-infected SGC7901 cells was reduced by 44.1%. The mechanism of killing gastric carcinoma cells by Ad-ASc-myc was found to be apoptosis, which was detected by the use of a DNA ladder, TUNEL and flow cytometric analysis. Infection of Ad-ASc-myc in nude mice showed that all three mice failed to form tumors from the 7 to 30 day period, compared with injection of Ad-LacZ and parent SGC7901 cells. Experimental therapy on the nude mice bearing subcutaneous tumors of SGC7901 cells showed that intratumor instillation of Ad-ASc-myc inhibited the growth of the tumors. Recombinant antisense c-myc adenovirus-treated tumors were inhibited by 68.9%, compared with tumors injected with Ad-LacZ and control (LacZ and phosphate-buffered saline).

CONCLUSION

The expression of Ad-ASc-myc can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and thus is a potential clinical utility in gene therapy for the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

[Effect of stimulating the peripheral endings of transected dorsal root on discharges of neighbouring dorsal root in rats]

The dorsal roots (DR) of L2-L3 segments on the left side in anesthetized rats (n = 28) were exposed and transected. After stimulating the peripheral endings of L2 DR with a train of square waves (0.8-1.2 mA, 100 Hz, 0.5 ms) for 2 s, the discharges at the distal end of transected L3 DR were recorded for 120 s. We found that the mean discharge frequency (MDF) of L3 DR was gradually increased with L2 DR stimulation. Time course analysis showed that the increase in MDF was linearly correlative to the number of stimuli, as well as to the levels of spontaneous discharge of L3 DR. The above results suggest that the transegmental information transmission between peripheral endings of primary sensory neurons may occur through a chemical non-synaptic way.

Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis of HPV16 DNA-immortalized human cervical epithelial cells and selectively inhibits viral gene expression

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), a major ingredient of arsenic compounds in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits anti-acute promyelocytic leukemic activity. Considering that over 80% of human malignant tumors derive from epithelial cells, we studied the effect of As2O3 on HPV 16 DNA-immortalized human cervical epithelial cells (HCE16/3 cells) in vitro. As2O3 reduced HCE16/3 cell survival, induced apoptosis at a low concentration and selectively inhibited expression of viral early genes. This effect was evidenced by a reduction of cell viability in the MTT assay, G1 arrest and significant apoptosis upon flow-cytometric analysis, presence of apoptotic bodies, formation of DNA ladders upon gel electrophoresis and inhibition of viral early gene expression by RT-PCR and Western blot. There was a good correlation between cell apoptosis and viral early gene inhibition after As2O3 treatment, suggesting that induction of apoptosis of HCE16/3 cells by As2O3 treatment might be associated with down-regulation of viral oncogene expression. In conclusion, our findings indicate that As2O3 induces apoptosis of HCE16/3 cells, which may provide a new approach for treating HPV-associated tumors.

Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis of HPV16 DNA-immortalized human cervical epithelial cells and selectively inhibits viral gene expression

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), a major ingredient of arsenic compounds in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits anti-acute promyelocytic leukemic activity. Considering that over 80% of human malignant tumors derive from epithelial cells, we studied the effect of As2O3 on HPV 16 DNA-immortalized human cervical epithelial cells (HCE16/3 cells) in vitro. As2O3 reduced HCE16/3 cell survival, induced apoptosis at a low concentration and selectively inhibited expression of viral early genes. This effect was evidenced by a reduction of cell viability in the MTT assay, G1 arrest and significant apoptosis upon flow-cytometric analysis, presence of apoptotic bodies, formation of DNA ladders upon gel electrophoresis and inhibition of viral early gene expression by RT-PCR and Western blot. There was a good correlation between cell apoptosis and viral early gene inhibition after As2O3 treatment, suggesting that induction of apoptosis of HCE16/3 cells by As2O3 treatment might be associated with down-regulation of viral oncogene expression. In conclusion, our findings indicate that As2O3 induces apoptosis of HCE16/3 cells, which may provide a new approach for treating HPV-associated tumors.

Changes in receptor levels for thyrotropin releasing hormone, serotonin, and substance P in cervical spinal cord of Wobbler mouse: a quantitative autoradiography study during early and late stages of the motoneuron disease

Receptor levels for thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) measured by quantitative autoradiography in the Wobbler mouse cervical spinal cord show receptor losses that may relate to the inherited loss of motoneurons, most pronounced late (at Stage 4) in the motoneuron disease. An age-related decrease of TRH and serotonin (5-HT) receptors can be seen in the ventral horn of the control specimens (normal phenotype littermate and wild-type alike). However, this pattern is missing for substance P (SP) receptors from the wild-type specimens. Therefore the age-related decrease of SP receptors detected in the Wobbler mouse strain may identify a strain-related defect in SP neuronal/receptor developmental patterns. A higher level of TRH receptors was measured in the Wobbler dorsal horn at an early stage (Stage 1) in the motoneuron disease compared with the control specimens. The data are discussed in relation to an aberrant neuronal sprouting that occurs around the degenerating motoneurons in the ventral horn during the course of the motoneuron disease.

[Report on 100 cases of rheumatic mitral valve disease treated with the valvuloplasty technique]

100 cases of RMVD underwent MVP successfully among 104 RMVD patients (utilization of MVP: 96%). The lesions included: MS in 31 cases, MI in 9, both in 60. preoperative cardiac function status was class III to IV in 94 cases. There were 6 early deaths and 6 late deaths (follow-up: 0.5-3.5 years). Postoperative cardiac function in 82 cases (93.2%) improved to class I to II. The authors focus their discussion on specific surgical technique and consider full functional recovery of mitral apparatus is the key for the success in MVP. The refined technique of removal of calcium deposits and thinning out of the proliferative fibrosis of the diseased valve have greatly increased the utilization of MVP. Eight standards in judgement to produce satisfactory mitral function under direct vision are described.

[The modality of Huoxue-Huayu in treatment of retinal vein occlusion]

80 patients with retinal vein occlusion were randomly divided into 2 groups A and B to be treated with Fundus-III (a composite herbal recipe for Huoxue-Huayu or invigoration of blood circulation and reduction of blood stasis) and urokinase respectively for 1 month. The visual acuity in group A was remarkably improved while that in group B did not change. The extravasated retinal blood was evidently absorbed in 92.7% of the cases in group A and in 66.7% of those in group B, the difference being significant. Fundus-III also improved the retinal circulation, decreased the whole blood viscosity and fibrinogen content, and reduced leakage of the retinal capillaries. The total effective rates were 83.7% in group A and 58.7% in group B, with significant statistical difference between the 2 groups (P < 0.01).

[Preliminary study on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy utilizing with nourishing yin, tonifying kidney and blood-activating herbs]

23 cases including 45 eyes of diabetic retinopathy treated with nourishing Yin, tonifying Kidney and blood-activating herbs were presented. The results showed that the serum viscosity and cholesterol were markedly decreased (P less than 0.01), and the implicit times of a-wave and b-wave in flash electroretinogram(F-ERG) were significantly advanced than those of themselves before treatment (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.05 respectively). The visual acuity in most cases was improved and the effective rate was 64.44%. The therapeutical mechanism for diabetic retinopathy used by nourishing Yin, tonifying Kidney and blood-activating herbs were discussed. The authors suggested that the Chinese herbs probably could change the chemical and physical properties of blood, promote the ocular circulation and the absorption of sludged blood and decrease the retinal ischemia.

Comparative behavior of lysosomes and the pre-lysosome compartment (PLC) in in vivo cell fusion experiments

Interspecies cell fusion was used to compare protein intermixing within the mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR)-enriched pre-lysosome compartment (PLC) and within the MPR-negative lysosomal compartment. Both compartments were positive for lysosomal glycoprotein (lgp) membrane markers but were morphologically distinct. In most experiments, rat-mouse cell syncytia were formed by u.v.-inactivated Sindbis virus-mediated fusion. By immunogold electron microscopy of syncytia, extensive intermixing of species-specific lysosomal membrane proteins was observed in both lysosomes and PLC. At 3 h post cell fusion, multiple-label immunogold studies showed that 82% of the lysosome-like structures positive for the rat lysosomal membrane protein LIMP-I were also positive for the mouse lysosomal membrane protein mLAMP-1. By immunofluorescence, LIMP-I and mLAMP-1 co-localized with a t1/2 of 30 min after cell fusion; although the lgp-positive organelle populations had evidently interchanged their proteins, the lysosomal structures remained small, punctate bodies distributed throughout the syncytoplasm as observed in single cells. In contrast, the initially separate units of the PLC congregated with a t1/2 of 1 h to form large, pre-lysosome complexes associated with individual nuclear clusters. At the electron-microscope level, gold markers endocytized by the rat and mouse parent cells in a 1 h uptake followed by a 16–20 h chase co-localized in these extended PLC complexes, as did the membrane markers mLAMP-1 and LIMP-I. The density of labeling for rat MPR in the extended PLCs was markedly decreased, consistent with membrane fusions and dilution of the antigen upon congregation of the PLC compartments from the donor cells. The extended PLC complex behaved as a late endocytic compartment, as shown by co-localization of the MPR and rhodamine-dextran following a 10 min dextran uptake and a 50 min chase. These differences in behavior between lysosomes and the PLC in rat-mouse cell syncytia suggest that the pathway(s) of protein intermixing with respect to the two organelles may be different.

[Study of huoxue-huayu in treating experimental intraocular hemorrhage by electroretinography]

Experiments were conducted in chinchilla rabbits to determine the effect of Huoxue-Huayu (promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis) on the electroretinogram (ERG). An animal model of intraocular hemorrhage was established by radiating of Q-switched ruby laser in 58 eyes of 39 rabbits. After laser radiation, the amplitudes of ERGs of the animal eyes were remarkably reduced. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups. One group was the control group without any treatment. The other two groups were treated with Yandi Decoction III, a composite prescription of Huoxue-Huayu) and urokinase respectively for 3 weeks. The depressed ERGs in the Yandi Decoction III treated group showed remarkable recovery during 6 weeks after starting treatment, comparing with that in the control group and the urokinase treated group (P less than 0.05). Finally, the 33% of the lost amplitude of a-wave and 28% of b-wave in the Yandi Decoction III treated group were recovered. The mechanism of ERG recovery in the Huoxue-Huayu therapy was also preliminarily discussed in the paper.

[The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on growth, proliferation, morphology and protein synthesis of aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) in vitro]

SMC are the key element in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic (AS) plaques. The effect of PGE2 on the growth, proliferation, morphology and protein synthesis of SMC were studied in vitro. SMC from tunica media of aorta of New Zealand white rabbits were used for cultivation. After 7 to 13 passages of subcultures, the cells were divided into control and experimental groups with a dosage of PGE2.5 micrograms,10 micrograms and 20 micrograms per milliliter of medium. After 3 days of successive culture, the cells were prepared for phase contrast microscopy, protein(P) and DNA(D) determination, and electron microscopy(TEM). Additionally, similar groups of cells were grown on the cover glass for autoradiographic study of cell proliferation by adding 3H-thymidine in culture media. Under TEM, characteristic thin bundles of myofilaments and dense bodies were observed inside the cytoplasm. Mitochondria, Golgi complex,rER were also abundant in the control but not so in the experimental groups. Synchronously with the increase of PGE2 concentration, the P/D value which denotes protein synthesis was significantly decreased from 74.89 +/- 4.68 to 57.01 +/- 3.08, 45.81 +/- 4.61, 32.23 +/- 4.22 and the percentage of 3H-thymidine labelled cells from 37.60 +/- 5.30% to 15.60 +/- 4.20%, 10.18 +/- 3.00%, 3.75 +/- 0.80% respectively. Results showed that PGE2 may act as an inhibitor for growth, proliferation and protein synthesis of aortic SMC in vitro.

Animal cell lysosomes rapidly exchange membrane proteins

The lysosome has been chosen as a model to study the exchange of native membrane proteins within an organelle population. Heterologous lysosomes were brought together by vesicular stomatitis virus-mediated cell fusion. The distribution of lysosomal membrane protein was visualized by indirect immunofluorescence using species-specific monoclonal antibody. LAMP-2, a mouse lysosomal membrane protein, and HLAMP-B, a human lysosomal membrane protein, were found to transfer to Chinese hamster ovary cell sucrosomes (sucrose-swollen lysosomes). This transfer occurred in the presence of cycloheximide. The exchange of LAMP-2 and LIMP I, a rat lysosomal membrane protein, was observed between native lysosomes in a mouse (3T3)-rat (normal rat kidney) cell fusion. Extensive transfer/exchange was observed within 1.5-2 hr postfusion, which is consistent with the kinetics of endocytic content exchange between lysosomes. Both membrane protein and content transfer between lysosomes were inhibited by nocodazole, a disrupter of microtubules, as was endocytic delivery to sucrose-swollen lysosomes. In the presence of nocodazole, tubular lysosomes disappeared. Both tubular lysosomes and microtubules may be important for the transfer/exchange. The interspecies cell fusion/monoclonal antibody approach developed here should be readily applicable to determining if membrane protein exchange is a property of other organelles such as Golgi apparatus and mitochondria.

The effects of prostaglandin E2 in growing rats: increased metaphyseal hard tissue and cortico-endosteal bone formation

To assess the efficacy of PGE2 in inducing in vivo bone formation, graded doses of prostaglandins E2 were administered to 255 g rats. Histomorphometric analyses of selected sequential fluorescent-labeled bones of rats treated with 0, 0.3, 1.0, 3, or 6 mg PGE2/kg/d for 21 days showed that the doses PGE2 depressed longitudinal bone growth, increased growth cartilage thickness slightly, decreased degenerative cartilage cell size and cartilage cell production slightly, and increased proximal tibial metaphyseal hard-tissue mass markedly. Periosteal bone formation was depressed at the higher doses, and an early, slight depression in endosteal bone formation was also observed, along with a striking late increase in endosteal bone formation and in the formation of trabecular bone in the marrow cavity of the tibial shaft. The characteristics and magnitude of these responses were quite similar to those observed in our previous study of the effects of PGE2 on weanling rats except for the delayed increase in cortico-endosteal bone formation.