Quantitative Intracerebral Iodine Extravasation in Risk Stratification for Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intracerebral hemorrhage poses a severe threat to the outcomes in patients with postthrombectomy acute stroke. We aimed to compare the absolute intracerebral iodine concentration and normalized iodine concentration ratio in predicting intracerebral hemorrhage in patients postthrombectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with acute anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and had successful recanalization were retrospectively included in the study. Dual-energy CT was performed within 1 hour after mechanical thrombectomy. Postprocessing was performed to measure the absolute intracerebral iodine concentration and the normalized iodine concentration ratio. The correlation between the absolute intracerebral iodine concentration and the normalized iodine concentration ratio was analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the absolute intracerebral iodine concentration and the normalized iodine concentration ratio using the DeLong test.

RESULTS

We included 138 patients with successful recanalization. Of 43 patients who did not have parenchymal contrast staining on postthrombectomy dual-energy CT, 5 (11.6%) developed intracerebral hemorrhage. Among patients (95/138, 68.8%) with parenchymal contrast staining, 37 (38.9%, 37/95) developed intracerebral hemorrhage. The absolute intracerebral iodine concentration was significantly correlated with the normalized iodine concentration ratio (ρ = 0.807; 95% CI, 0.718-0.867; P < .001). The cutoffs of the normalized iodine concentration ratio and absolute intracerebral iodine concentration for identifying patients with intracerebral hemorrhage development were 222.8%, with a sensitivity of 67.6% and specificity of 76.4%, and 2.7 mg I/mL, with a sensitivity of 75.7% and specificity of 65.5%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the absolute intracerebral iodine concentration and the normalized iodine concentration ratio (0.753 versus 0.738) (P = .694).

CONCLUSIONS

The hemorrhagic transformation predictive power of the normalized iodine concentration ratio is similar to that of the absolute intracerebral iodine concentration in patients with successful recanalization.

Effects of l-Tryptophan and 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from the Compact Bones of Broilers and Layers

Poultry is vulnerable to bone problems throughout their lives or production period due to rapid growth in broilers and the active laying cycle in layers. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is important in calcium and bone metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the CaSR ligand (l-Trp) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25OHD₃) on the regulation of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of chicken mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the compact bones of 14-day-old Ross 308 chickens and Dekalb pullets, which can provide cell-based evidence for the prevention or alleviation of skeletal disorders in the poultry industry. First, the dose- (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 mM) and time-effects (0, 7, and 14 days) of l-Trp on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in chicken MSCs were investigated. The 5 mM l-Trp had a balanced effect between proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in broiler and layer MSCs when differentiated for 7 days. The broiler and layer MSCs were then treated with (1) osteogenic medium, osteogenic medium supplemented with (2) 1 nM 1,25OHD₃, (3) 2.5 mM Ca²⁺, (4) 2.5 mM Ca²⁺ + 5 mM l-Trp and (5) 2.5 mM Ca²⁺ + 5 mM l-Trp + 1 μM NPS-2143, separately for 7 days. Results showed that the 5 mM l-Trp significantly inhibited the proliferation of broiler and layer MSCs on day 7 (P < 0.05), but 1 nM 1,25OHD₃ significantly promoted the proliferation of layer MSCs (P < 0.05). Only the 2.5 mM Ca²⁺ + 5 mM l-Trp group significantly increased the mineralization process during osteogenic differentiation (P < 0.05), and this treatment also significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), β-catenin, and osteogenesis genes in broiler MSCs (P < 0.05). The osteogenic differentiation process in layer MSCs was faster than that in broiler MSCs. In layer MSCs, Ca²⁺ alone significantly facilitated mineralization and ALP activity after 7-day osteogenic differentiation (P < 0.05). However, the 5 mM l-Trp significantly inhibited the differentiation and mineralization process by downregulating the mRNA expression of CaSR, VDR, β-catenin, and osteogenic genes (P < 0.05) in layer MSCs. Taken together, l-Trp and 1,25OHD₃ can regulate proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in both broiler and layer MSCs depending on the dose, treatment time, and cell proliferation and differentiation stages.

Calcium-sensing receptor is not expressed in the absorptive enterocytes of weaned piglets

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a kokumi receptor that plays an essential role in nutrient sensing and animal physiology, growth, and development. Pig CaSR (pCaSR) was identified and characterized in the intestine. However, further research is still needed to confirm the expression of CaSR in the epithelial cells isolated from weaned piglets. In this study, primary enterocytes were isolated and characterized from the ileum of weaned piglets by the Weiser distended intestinal sac technique and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on sucrase-isomaltase (SI) as an enterocyte-specific marker. The expression of CaSR was investigated in both primary enterocytes and the intestinal porcine enterocyte cell line-j2 (IPEC-J2) by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting. Results demonstrated that porcine enterocytes could be obtained using FACS with the SI as the enterocyte-specific marker and that pCaSR is not expressed in both porcine ileal enterocytes and IPEC-J2 cells, which specifically identified the expression of pCaSR in ileal enterocytes with sensitive and specific approaches.

158 The Identification of Pig Calcium-sensing Receptor (pCaSR) Expression in Porcine Intestinal Enterocytes

Enterocytes play important roles in nutrient absorption, while the intestinal porcine enterocyte cell line (IPEC-J2) is a non-transformed and permanent commercial cell line. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has been identified as calcium ions and L-amino acids sensor in the gut and studies have demonstrated that the CaSR is involved in nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as gut barrier function. Although the expression of CaSR on the basal membrane of the villus has been found in other animal species, its expression in porcine enterocytes (pCaSR) has not been investigated to date. To investigate the expression of pCaSR in isolated porcine enterocytes and IPEC-J2, cell sorting of ileal enterocytes by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on sucrase-isomaltose as enterocytes marker were performed to obtain pure porcine enterocytes. The digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting were applied for the detection of pCaSR expression at the gene and protein levels, respectively. Our results showed that about 3.3% of upper epithelial cells were characterized and sorted as pure porcine enterocytes, while the other cells were negative to the enterocytes marker. In addition, neither the isolated porcine enterocytes nor the IPEC-J2 expressed the pCaSR. In summary, pure porcine enterocytes could be obtained by using FACS with the sucrase-isomaltase as enterocytes marker but pCaSR is not expressed in either isolated porcine enterocytes or IPEC-J2, which provides new insights for future work exploring the role of pCaSR in the intestine.

159 In vitro Characterization of Potential Pig Calcium-sensing Receptor (CaSR) Ligands and Cell Signaling Pathways Related to CaSR Activation by a Dual-luciferase Reporter Assay

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a pivotal regulator of calcium homeostasis. Our previous study has found that pig CaSR (pCaSR) is widely expressed in intestinal segments in weaned piglets. To characterize the activation of pCaSR by potential ligands and related cell signaling pathways, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed for the ligands screening and molecular docking was utilized to predict the binding mode of identified ligands. Our results showed that the dual-luciferase reporter assay system was well suited for pCaSR research and its ligand screening. The extracellular calcium activated pCaSR in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 4.74 mM through the Gq/11 signaling pathway, EC50 = 2.85 mM through extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation signaling pathway, and EC50 = 2.26 mM through the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) activation signaling pathway. Moreover, the activation of pCaSR stimulated by extracellular calcium showed biased agonism through three main signaling pathways: ERK1/2 phosphorylation signaling, Gq/11 signaling, and G12/13 signaling. Both L-Tryptophan and α-casein (90–95) could activate the pCaSR in the presence of extracellular calcium. Furthermore, we characterized the L-tryptophan binding pocket formed by pCaSR residues TRP 70, SER 147, ALA168, SER 169, SER 170, ASP 190, GLU 297, ALA 298, and ILE 416, as well as the α-casein (90–95) binding pocket formed by pCaSR residues PRO188, ASN189, GLU191, HIS192, LYS225, LEU242, ASP480, VAL486, GLY487, VAL513, and TYR514. In conclusion, similar to the human CaSR, the pCaSR also shows biased agonism through three main signaling pathways and both α-casein (90–95) and L-tryptophan are agonists for pCaSR. Furthermore, the binding sites of α-casein (90–95) and L-tryptophan are mainly located within the extracellular domain of pCaSR.

[Untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum samples from children with mycoplasma pneumonia in a hospital in Beijing]

Objective: This study was aimed to analyze the untargeted metabolomics of serum samples from children with mycoplasma pneumonia in a hospital in Beijing. Methods: A total of 50 children with mycoplasma pneumonia as the case group were recruited from Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing from January 2019 to February 2020, and meanwhile 50 age-and gender-matched heathy children were selected and formed the control group. 2 ml venous fasting blood samples was collected from all children. Serum metabolites were quantified by using the untargeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technique. Unsupervised principle component analysis and (orthogonal) partial least-squares-discriminant analysis were employed to identify differential metabolites between cases and controls. MBRole software was used for pathway enrichment analysis. Results: There were 27 boys and 23 girls in the case group with an average age of (6.0±3.65) years, and the control group consisted of 28 boys and 22 girls with an average age of (6.62±2.64) years. A total of 392 different metabolites were detected. Compared with the control group, 306 metabolites were decreased and 86 increased in case group. Forty-one differential metabolites with variable important in projection (VIP) values larger than 5 and P values less than 0.05 were teased out, and they mainly concentrated on phospholipid. The levels of 38 metabolites were significantly lower in the case group, yet 4 metabolites were significantly higher than that of the control group. Metabolic enrichment analysis showed that different metabolites were related to the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, unsaturated fatty acid, ammonia acyl tRNA and insulin signaling pathway, as well as the metabolism of ABC transporters. Conclusion: The serum untargeted metabolomics differed remarkably between children with mycoplasma pneumonia and healthy children.

[Expression and effect of microRNA-627 in human hypertrophic scar]

Objective: To investigate the expression and effect of microRNA-627 (miR-627) in human hypertrophic scar. Methods: The experimental research method was used. From October 2019 to January 2020, hypertrophic scar tissue from 6 patients with hypertrophic scar (2 males and 4 females, aged (34±11) years) and the remaining normal skin tissue from 6 trauma patients (3 males and 3 females, aged (35±13) years) after flap transplantation were collected. The above-mentioned 12 patients were admitted to the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command and met the inclusion criteria. The mRNA expression of miR-627 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The 3rd to 5th passages of fibroblasts (Fbs) were isolated from hypertrophic scar tissue and cultured for subsequent experiments after identification. Fbs from hypertrophic scar were divided into miR-627 negative control group, miR-627 mimic group, and miR-627 inhibitor group. The corresponding sequences were transfected respectively. At 0 (immediately), 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after transfection, the cell viability was detected by thiazolyl blue method; at 24 h after transfection, the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry; at 24 h after transfection, the protein expression levels of insulin-like growth factor Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ), type Ⅰ collagen, and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by Western blotting. Two batches of Fbs from hypertrophic scar were used, one batch was divided into IGF-Ⅰ wild type+miR-627 negative control group and IGF-Ⅰ wild type+miR-627 mimic group, and the other batch was divided into IGF-Ⅰ mutant+miR-627 negative control group and IGF-Ⅰ mutant+miR-627 mimic group. The corresponding sequences were transfected respectively. At 48 h after transfection, the expressions of luciferase and renal luciferase were detected by luciferase reporter gene detection kit, and the ratio of the two was calculated to reflect the activity of IGF-Ⅰ. Fbs from hypertrophic scar were divided into miR-627 negative control group, miR-627 mimic alone group, and miR-627 mimic+IGF-Ⅰ group, and were transfected with the corresponding sequences respectively. At 24 h after transfection, the protein expression levels of IGF-Ⅰ, type Ⅰ collagen, and α-SMA were detected by Western blotting. The number of samples in cell experiment was 3. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, independent sample t test, and chi-square test. Results: The expression of miR-627 mRNA in hypertrophic scar tissue was 0.47±0.06, which was significantly lower than 1.12±0.23 in normal skin tissue (t=15.090, P<0.01). At 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after transfection, the cell viability of miR-627 mimic group was significantly lower than that of miR-627 negative control group (t=9.918, 34.370, 13.580, 61.550, P<0.05 or P<0.01); the cell viability of miR-627 inhibitor group was significantly higher than that of miR-627 negative control group (t=4.722, 8.616, 13.330, 14.000, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 24 h after transfection, compared with the apoptosis rate (8.42±0.47)% in miR-627 negative control group, (10.89±0.35)% in miR-627 mimic group was significantly higher (t=7.301, P<0.01), and (5.00±0.22)% in miR-627 inhibitor group was significantly lower (t=11.510, P<0.01). At 24 h after transfection, compared with the cell protein expressions of IGF-Ⅰ, type Ⅰ collagen, and α-SMA in miR-627 negative control group, those in miR-627 mimic group were significantly lower (t=25.470, 5.282, 7.415, P<0.01), and those in miR-627 inhibitor group were significantly higher (t=15.930, 8.857, 9.763, P<0.01). At 48 h after transfection, the luciferase/renal luciferase ratio of IGF-Ⅰ of cells in IGF-Ⅰ wild type+miR-627 mimic group was 0.463±0.061, which was significantly lower than 0.999±0.011 in IGF-Ⅰ wild type+miR-627 negative control group (t=16.852, P<0.01); the luciferase/renal luciferase ratio of IGF-Ⅰ of cells in IGF-Ⅰ mutant+miR-627 mimic group was 0.934±0.021, which was similar to 0.930±0.023 in IGF-Ⅰ mutant+miR-627 negative control group (t=1.959, P>0.05). At 24 h after transfection, the protein expressions of IGF-Ⅰ, type Ⅰ collagen, and α-SMA of cells in miR-627 mimic alone group were 1.623±0.070, 1.363±0.042, and 1.617±0.025, which were significantly lower than 2.723±0.045, 2.147±0.067, and 2.533±0.055 in miR-627 negative control group (t=22.831, 7.280, 26.220, P<0.01); the protein expressions of IGF-Ⅰ, type Ⅰ collagen, and α-SMA of cells in mimic+IGF-Ⅰ group were 2.477±0.102, 1.760±0.046, and 2.387±0.049, which were significantly higher than those of miR-627 mimic alone group (t=3.830, 8.286, 3.436, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: miR-627 expression in human hypertrophic scars is down-regulated; miR-627 can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of Fbs in human hypertrophic scar by targeted inhibition of IGF-Ⅰ expression.

[Effects and mechanism of eleutheroside E on the growth of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of eleutheroside E on the growth of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (Fbs). Methods: The experimental research method was used. The hypertrophic scar tissue was collected from 6 patients with hypertrophic scar (1 male and 5 females, aged 20 to 51 (37±8) years) admitted to General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, from October 2018 to March 2019. The third to seventh passages of human hypertrophic scar Fbs were cultured for later experiments. Cells were divided into normal saline group, 100 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, 200 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and 400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and normal saline, eleutheroside E at the final molarity of 100, 200, and 400 μmol/L were added to cells in the corresponding groups. Cells were collected and divided into small interfering RNA (siRNA)-negative control alone group, siRNA-thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) alone group, siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group. Cells in siRNA-negative control alone group and siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were transfected with siRNA-negative control, cells in siRNA-THBS1 alone group and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were transfected with siRNA-THBS1. At 24 h after transfection, cells in siRNA-negative control alone group and siRNA-THBS1 alone group were added with normal saline, and cells in siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were added with eleutheroside E at the final molarity of 400 μmol/L. At 0 (immediately), 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after treatment, the cell proliferation activity (expressed as absorbance value) was detected by thiazolyl blue assay. Cells were divided into normal saline group, 200 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, 400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, siRNA-negative control alone group, siRNA-THBS1 alone group, siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group. The corresponding treatments in each group were the same as before. At 24 h after treatment, the apoptosis was observed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Cells were collected and divided into normal saline group, 100 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, 200 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, 400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, siRNA-negative control alone group, siRNA-THBS1 alone group, siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group. The corresponding treatments in each group were the same as before. At 24 h after treatment, the THBS1 protein level of cells was detected by Western blotting. The number of sample in each group was all 3 at each time point. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, independent sample t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: At 0 h after treatment, the absorbance values of cells in normal saline group, 100 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, 200 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and 400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were similar (P>0.05). At 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after treatment, the absorbance values of cells in 100 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, 200 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and 400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were significantly lower than those of normal saline group (t=7.64, 28.94, 13.69, 5.87, 6.96, 22.83, 14.75, 11.52, 21.09, 20.15, 29.52, 23.12, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 0 h after treatment, the absorbance values of cells in siRNA-negative control alone group, siRNA-THBS1 alone group, siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were similar (P>0.05). At 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after treatment, the absorbance values of cells in siRNA-THBS1 alone group and siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were significantly lower than those in siRNA-negative control alone group (t=7.14, 44.87, 20.67, 40.98, 9.26, 11.08, 15.33, 20.56, P<0.05 or P<0.01); the absorbance values of cells in siRNA-THBS1 alone group, siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were similar (P>0.05). Compared with that in normal saline group, the numbers of apoptotic cells in 200 μmol/L eleutheroside E group and 400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were increased at 24 h after treatment. At 24 h after treatment, compared with that in siRNA-negative control alone group, the numbers of apoptotic cells in siRNA-THBS1 alone group and siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were increased, while the numbers of apoptotic cells in siRNA-THBS1 alone group, siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group were similar. At 24 h after treatment, the protein levels of THBS1 of cells in 100 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, 200 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and 400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group (0.87±0.12, 0.38±0.07, 0.20±0.09) were significantly lower than 1.83±0.17 in normal saline group (t=16.61, 16.17, 17.29, P<0.01). At 24 h after treatment, the protein levels of THBS1 of cells in siRNA-THBS1 alone group and siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group (0.61±0.07, 0.58±0.07) were significantly lower than 1.86±0.07 in siRNA-negative control alone group (t=71.06, 83.80, P<0.01), and the protein levels of THBS1 of cells siRNA-THBS1 alone group, siRNA-negative control+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group, and siRNA-THBS1+400 μmol/L eleutheroside E group (0.63±0.11) were similar (P>0.05). Conclusions: Eleutheroside E can inhibit the growth of human hypertrophic scar Fbs by down-regulating the expression of THBS1.

[Proliferation of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts inhibited by microRNA-627 targeting IGF-Ⅰin hypertrophic scar]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of microRNA-627(miR-627) inhibiting the proliferation of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (Fbs) by targeting IGF-I. Methods: The experimental method was used. From October 2019 to January 2020, hypertrophic scar tissues from 6 patients with hypertrophic scar (2 males and 4 females, aged (34±11) years) and the remaining normal skin tissues from 6 patients with trauma (3 males and 3 females, aged (35±13) years) after skin flap transplantation were collected. the above-mentioned 12 patients were admitted to the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command and met inclusion criteria. The mRNA expression of miR-627 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The 3rd to 5th generations of Fbs were cultured from hypertrophic scar tissue for subsequent experiments. Fbs from hypertrophic scar were divided into miR-627 control group, miR-627 mimic group and miR-627 inhibitor group. The corresponding sequences were transfected respectively. At 0 (immediate), 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after transfection, the cell viability was detected by thiazolyl blue reagent; at 24 h after transfection, the apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate/propidium iodide kit; at 24 h after transfection, the expression levels of IGF-Ⅰ, collagen I and a-SMA were detected by Western blot. The hypertrophic scar Fbs were divided into IGF-Ⅰ wild type + miR-627 control group, IGF- wild type + miR-627 mimics group, IGF-Ⅰ mutant + miR-627 control group. At 48 hours after transfection, the expression of luciferase and renal luciferase were detected by luciferase reporter gene detection kit, and the ratio of the two was calculated to reflect the activity of IGF-Ⅰ. Fbs from hypertrophic scar were divided into miR-627 control group, miR-627 mimic group and miR-627 mimic + IGF-I group, and were transfected with corresponding sequences respectively. At 24 h after transfection, the expression levels of IGF-Ⅰ, type I collagen and a-SMA were detected by Western blot. The number of samples in cell experiment was 3. Analysis of variance, one-way analysis of variance, t test and chi-square test were used to statistic the data. Results: The expression of miR-627 mRNA in hypertrophic scar tissue was 0.47±0.06, which was significantly lower than that in normal tissue 1.12±0.23 (t=15.090, P<0.01). At 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after transfection, the cell viability of miR-627 mimic group was significantly lower than that of miR-627 control group (t=9.918, 34.370, 13.580, 61.550, P<0.05 or P<0.01); the cell viability of miR-627 inhibitor group was significantly higher than that of miR-627 control group (t=4.722, 8.616, 13.330, 14.000, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 24 h after transfection, the apoptosis rate of miR-627 mimic group was (10.89±0.35)% significantly higher than that of miR-627 control group (8.42±0.47)% (t=7.301, P<0.01), and that of miR-627 inhibitor group was (5.00±0.22)% significantly lower significantly (t=11.510, P<0.01). At 24 h after transfection, compared with miR-627 control group, miR-627 mimics could significantly down regulate the expression of IGF-Ⅰ, type I collagen and a-SMA (t=25.470, 5.282, 7.415, P<0.05); miR-627 inhibitor could up regulate the expression of IGF-Ⅰ, type I collagen and a-SMA (t=15.930, 8.857, 9.763, P<0.05). At 48 h after transfection, the luciferase/renal luciferase ratio of IGF-Ⅰ in IGF-Ⅰ wild type + miR-627 mimic group was 0.463±0.061, which was significantly lower than that of IGF-Ⅰ wild type + miR-627 control group 0.999±0.011 (t=16.852, P<0.01), The luciferase/renal luciferase ratio of IGF-mutant + miR-627 mimic group was 0.934±0.021, which was similar to that of IGF-Ⅰ mutant+miR-627 control group 0.930±0.023 (t=1.959, P>0.05). After 24 hours of transfection, the protein expressions of IGF-Ⅰ, collagen I and a-SMA in miR-627 mimic group were 1.623±0.070, 1.363±0.042 and 1.617±0.025, which were significantly lower than those in miR-627 control group 2.723±0.045, 2.147±0.067 and 2.533±0.055 (t=22.831, 7.280 and 26.220, P<0.05); The protein expression of miR-627 mimic+IGF-Ⅰ group was 2.477±0.102, 1.760±0.046, 2.387±0.049, which was significantly higher than that of miR-627 mimic group (t=3.83, 8.286, 3.436, P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-627 can inhibit the proliferation of Fbs in hypertrophic scar by targeting IGF-Ⅰ.

Molecular distribution and localization of extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) at three different laying stages in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) play important roles in regulating calcium mobilization, calcium absorption, and calcium homeostasis, and they could be potential therapeutic targets to osteoporosis in laying hens. The present study investigated the molecular distribution of CaSR and VDR and the localization of CaSR in the kidney, proventriculus (true stomach), duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, cecum, shell gland, and tibia of laying hens at 3 different laying stages (19, 40, and 55 wk). The results showed that the relative mRNA abundance of CaSR in the kidney, ileum, proventriculus, duodenum, and colon was higher (P < 0.05) than the other tissues at 40 and 55 wk. The relative mRNA abundance of CaSR in the tibia was higher (P < 0.05) at 55 wk than at 40 wk. However, there were no significant differences in the relative protein abundance of CaSR among all tested tissues at peak production or in each tissue at the 3 different laying stages (P > 0.05). The relative mRNA abundance of VDR was higher (P < 0.05) in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) when compared with other tissues at the 3 different laying stages. The relative protein abundance of VDR in the duodenum was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the proventriculus, colon, and cecum. There were no significant differences in the VDR expression among the tested tissues at the 3 different laying stages (P > 0.05). The immunohistochemical results showed that the positive staining was found widely in each tissue. Moreover, different laying stages did not affect the localization of CaSR except for the tibia tissue. In conclusion, similar to VDR, CaSR was widely expressed not only in the gut but also in the tibia and shell gland in laying hens. The expression level of CaSR and VDR in all tested tissues was unchanged at the different laying stages.

The feasibility of dual-energy CT to predict the probability of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage after successful mechanical thrombectomy

AIM

To study the ability of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) after successful mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to predict symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) in anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From June 2018 to February 2020, 102 AIS patients with DECT performed immediately after successful MT were enrolled prospectively. According to the presence of iodine contrast media extravasation (ICME) on DECT and subsequent sICH development, patients were classified into four groups. The neurological outcome was compared among groups. Imaging parameters, together with clinical factors, were investigated for sICH prediction based on a linear logistic regression model after class-imbalance resolved by Synthetic Minority Sampling Technique (SMOTE) method.

RESULTS

Among 102 patients, patients (14.7%, 15/102) with the presence of sICH experienced worse outcomes than others without sICH (p<0.001). No case without ICME was observed with sICH development (0/102). The parameters derived from DECT have excellent performance for sICH prediction after successful MT, which is better than clinical predictive model boosted data (area under the curve [AUC]: DECT 0.87 versus clinical prediction 0.65), cross-validation results (AUC: DECT 0.87 versus clinical prediction 0.65), and original data (AUC: DECT 0.85 versus clinical prediction 0.68). By combining clinical and radiological parameters, the predictive performance for sICH could be further improved with an AUC of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on DECT parameters acquired immediately after successful MT, the present model was more efficient than the clinical model for accurate prediction of sICH. Rho and ICME volume appeared to be the best parameters for predicting sICH using DECT.

[Expression and effect of microRNA-205 in hypertrophic scar]

Objective: To investigate the expression and effect of microRNA-205 (miR-205) in hypertrophic scar. Methods: The experimental research method were applied. From October 2019 to January 2020, hypertrophic scar tissue from 6 patients with hypertrophic scar [1 male and 5 females, aged (36±7) years], and remaining normal skin tissue from 6 trauma patients [2 males and 4 females, aged (38±9) years] after flap transplantation operation were collected. The above-mentioned 12 patients were admitted to the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command and met the inclusion criteria. Real time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expressions of miR-205 and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). The hypertrophic scar tissue was taken to culture the 3rd to 5th passage of fibroblasts (Fbs) for the follow-up experiments. Fbs of hypertrophic scar was divided into TSP-1+miR-205 control group, TSP-1+miR-205 mimic group, TSP-1 mutant+miR-205 control group, TSP-1 mutant +miR-205 mimic group, which were transfected with the corresponding sequences. At 48 h after transfection, the expressions of luciferase and renal luciferase were detected by luciferase reporter gene detection kit, and the luciferase/renal luciferase ratio was calculated to indicate the activity of TSP-1. Two batches of hypertrophic scar Fbs were collected and divided into miR-205 control group, miR-205 mimic group, and miR-205 inhibitor group and miR-205 control group, miR-205 mimic group, and miR-205 mimic+TSP-1 group, respectively, which were transfected with the corresponding sequences. At 0 (immediately), 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after transfection, the cell viability was detected by microplate reader. Two batches of hypertrophic scar Fbs were collected, grouped, and treated as the cell viability detecting experiment. At 24 h after transfection, Hoechst 33258 staining was performed to observe the nuclear shrinkage, so as to reflect the apoptosis of Fbs. The number of samples in cell experiment was 3. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, and t test. Results: The mRNA expression of miR-205 in hypertrophic scar tissue was 0.54±0.05, which was significantly lower than 1.26±0.07 in normal skin tissue (t=8.213, P<0.01). The expression of TSP-1 mRNA in hypertrophic scar tissue was 1.46±0.07, which was significantly higher than 0.68±0.11 in normal skin tissue (t=6.031, P<0.01). At 48 h after transfection, the luciferase/renal luciferase ratio reflecting the TSP-1 activity of cells in TSP-1+miR-205 mimic group was 0.532±0.028, which was significantly lower than 0.998±0.012 in TSP-1+miR-205 control group (t=26.500, P<0.01), and the luciferase/renal luciferase ratio of cells in TSP-1 mutant+miR-205 mimic group was 0.963±0.012, which was close to 0.976±0.010 in TSP-1 mutant+miR-205 control group (t=0.816, P>0.05). At 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after transfection, the cell viability in miR-205 mimic group was significantly lower than that in miR-205 control group (t=6.169, 12.670, 27.130, 12.670, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after transfection, the cell viability in miR-205 inhibitor group was significantly higher than that in miR-205 control group (t=6.169, 7.221, 7.787, 7.835, 13.030, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after transfection, the cell viability in miR-205 mimic group was significantly lower than that in miR-205 control group and miR-205 mimic+TSP-1 group (t=8.118, 26.970, 39.550, 42.490, 14.570, 12.240, 36.830, 45.220, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 24 h after transfection, compared with miR-205 control group, the cell apoptosis in miR-205 mimic group was increased, and the cell apoptosis in miR-205 inhibitor group was decreased. At 24 h after transfection, compared with miR-205 mimic group, the cell apoptosis in miR-205 control group miR-205 mimic+TSP-1 group were decreased. Conclusions: miR-205 can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of Fbs in hypertrophic scar by inhibiting the expression of TSP-1, which has the potential to be the therapeutic target for hypertrophic scar.

Eugenol attenuates inflammatory response and enhances barrier function during lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in the porcine intestinal epithelial cells

Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is an essential oil component, possessing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties; however, the effect of eugenol on porcine gut inflammation has not yet been investigated. In this study, an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) has been set up. Cells were pretreated with 100 μM (16.42 mg/L) eugenol for 2 h followed by 10 μg/mL LPS stimulation for 6 h. Proinflammatory cytokine secretion; reactive oxygen species; gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, tight junction proteins, and nutrient transporters; the expression and distribution of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1); transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER); and cell permeability were measured to investigate the effect of eugenol on inflammatory responses and gut barrier function. The results showed that eugenol pretreatment significantly suppressed the LPS-stimulated interleukin-8 level and the mRNA abundance of tumor necrosis factor-α and restored the LPS-stimulated decrease of the mRNA abundance of tight junction proteins, such as ZO-1 and occludin, and the mRNA abundance of nutrient transporters, such as B0 1 system ASC sodium-dependent neutral amino acid exchanger 2, sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1, excitatory amino acid transporter 1, and peptide transporter 1. In addition, eugenol improved the expression and even redistribution of ZO-1 and tended to increase TEER value and maintained the barrier integrity. In conclusion, a low dose of eugenol attenuated inflammatory responses and enhanced selectively permeable barrier function during LPS-induced inflammation in the IPEC-J2 cell line.

In ovo feeding of epidermal growth factor: embryonic expression of intestinal epidermal growth factor receptor and posthatch growth performance and intestinal development in broiler chickens

We investigated efficacy of in ovo application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on intestinal expression of EGF receptor (EGFR) during embryogenesis (experiment 1) and posthatch growth performance and gastrointestinal development in broiler chickens (experiment 2). In experiment 1, 450 fertile Ross 708 eggs were allocated to 3 groups (150 eggs/group): 1) control, 2) 160 μg EGF/kg of egg, and 3) 640 μg of EGF/kg of egg. Eggs were candled for live embryos on day 16 and injected with the respective treatment solutions on day 17 and sampled for jejunal tissue from day 17 to hatch for EGFR analyses. There was no effect of EGF (P > 0.05) on EGFR expression on day 17 to 20; however, on day 21, EGF increased (P < 0.05) EGFR expression in EGF birds relative to control birds. In experiment 2, 600 fertile Ross 708 eggs were allocated to 5 treatments: 1) intact, no puncture or injection, 2) punched but not injected, 3) control, no EGF, 4) 80 μg of EGF/kg of egg, and 5) 160 μg of EGF/kg of egg. The eggs were incubated and candled for live embryos on D 19, treated, and subsequently transferred to the hatcher. Upon hatching, chicks were weighed, and 90 chicks per treatment placed in cages (15 birds/cage) and allowed free access to a standard antibiotic-free corn-soybean diet for 21 D. Feed intake and body weight were monitored on a weekly basis. Samples of birds were necropsied on D 0, 7, 14, and 21 for measurements of intestinal weight and jejunal histomorphology and excreta samples taken on D 3 to 5 and 17 to 19 for apparent retention of dry matter. There was no EGF effect (P > 0.05) on any posthatch response criteria. In conclusion, in ovo application of EGF increased EGFR expression but had no effect on posthatch growth performance, DM retention, and intestinal development. The lack of EGF effect on posthatch response was surprising but suggested in ovo application of EGF may not be a viable approach.

Characterizations and Bioavailability of Dendrimer-like Glucan Nanoparticulate System Containing Resveratrol

In this study, sugary maize dendrimer-like glucan (SMDG) was used as a delivery carrier for improving the bioavailability of resveratrol (RES). After optimization, the solubility of RES in RES-SMDG markedly increased to approximately 9.1 times that of the raw RES solution. The structural characterizations of the RES-SMDG formulation showed crystal RES was entrapped in the SMDG matrix for the amorphous state due to the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the -OH of RES and glucan chains. In this case, antioxidant activity of RES-SMDG was markedly higher than that of the raw RES solution. In the Caco-2 cell model, the P_app value of RES in the RES-SMDG group was slightly higher than those of common permeable compounds, while the cellular uptake was significantly improved. RES-SMDG also exhibited protective effects against cellular damage under oxidative stress. The results indicated that SMDG is an attractive carrier to encapsulate and protect hydrophilic bioactive ingredients.

The mechanism of freeze-thawing induced accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid in germinated soybean

BACKGROUND

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid with several functions in the human body. Although freeze-thawing could effectively accumulate GABA in soybean sprouts, the mechanism has not been revealed. The mechanism by which freeze-thawing enhances GABA accumulation in germinated soybean was revealed by evaluating GABA content, the activity of related synthesis enzymes, and the microstructure of the tissues and cells of sprouts. The germinated soybeans were treated at different temperatures (from -196 °C to 25 °C) for 12 h and then thawed at 25 °C for 6 h.

RESULTS

The results showed that GABA content in frozen soybean sprouts did not change significantly before thawing. After thawing, the GABA content of sprouts increased by 83.9% and 82.9% when treated by liquid nitrogen flash freeze at - 80 °C for 12 h compared with the control (4 °C treatment for 12 h). The results indicated that GABA formation mainly occurred during thawing. However, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), diamine oxidase (DAO), and aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase (AMADH) activity decreased during thawing. Based on the malonaldehyde (MDA) content and microstructure of sprouts, it was suggested that freezing at lower temperatures (< -20 °C) maintained the integrity of the cell structure, while the tissues and cell membranes were broken during thawing.

CONCLUSION

These results could provide evidence for the hypothesis that GABA formation resulted from full contact between enzymes and substrates during thawing, rather than the contribution of higher enzyme activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

PSVI-11 Antioxidative effects of red-osier dogwood extract on H2O2-treated human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells

Red-osier dogwood is a species of flowering plant native in North America. Its extract may exhibit the anti-oxidative and anti-bacterial properties because it contains plenty of phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and bioactive peptides. Hence, red-osier dogwood extract (RDE) could be a potential alternative to antibiotics. In the present study, an in vitro oxidative damage model via using Caco-2 cells was established to evaluate the antioxidative effects of RDE. The results showed that 1 mM H2O2 significantly decreased the cell viability, and increased interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (P &lt; 0.05). The mRNA abundance of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 also increased in cells treated by H2O2. Caco-2 cells exposed to H2O2 for 6 h were then treated with 100 µg/mL RDE for 24 h. The IL-8 secretion and ROS production induced by H2O2 was significantly blocked by RDE (P &lt; 0.05). RDE reduced the leakage of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran, and increased transepithelial resistance (TEER) value compared with the control (H2O2 treatment). Moreover, RDE increased Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and β-actin staining in the cells and tight junction proteins expression including ZO-1, claudin 1, claudin 3 and occludin. These results suggested that RDE enhanced barrier functions and reduced ROS production in the epithelial cells under H2O2-induced oxidative damage.

PSVI-12 Effects of protease supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical parameters and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility in growing pigs fed diets containing different levels of sorghum

Sorghum has been increasingly used as animal feed ingredients due to low cost and high energy. However, anti-nutritional factors in sorghum negatively affect the availability of nutrients. This study aimed to mitigate the adverse impacts of sorghum on the growth performance of growing pigs by protease supplementation. Forty-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace) were randomly assigned into seven treatment groups: A (0% sorghum + 0% protease); B (20% sorghum + 0% protease); C (20% sorghum + 0.015% protease); D (50% sorghum + 0% protease); E (50% sorghum + 0.015% protease); F (80% sorghum + 0% protease); and G (80% sorghum + 0.015% protease). Growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical parameters, and apparent ileal amino acids digestibility were measured. Results showed that average daily feed intake (ADFI) significantly increased in the group with 50% sorghum, and ADFI and average daily gain (ADG) increased in the group with 80% sorghum (P &lt; 0.05). Precaval vein, mesenteric vein and portal vein serum concentration of histidine decreased (P &lt; 0.05). The apparent ileal threonine digestibility increased with 20% sorghum and the apparent ileal lysine digestibility increased with 50% sorghum (P &lt; 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility of other amino acids decreased or remained stable with 80% sorghum. Protease supplementation improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) with 20% sorghum (P &lt; 0.05) when compared to 20% sorghum without protease. The FCR, ADG, ADFI and meat quality of growing pigs with 50–80% dietary sorghum and protease supplementation were comparable to the control (P &gt; 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids decreased in the group with an 80% sorghum amount except for lysine and valine. Sorghum could be a substitution for corn with a proper proportion (between 20% and 80%) of dietary feed. In conclusion, the supplementation of protease improved feed efficiency at 20% sorghum inclusion.

PSVI-13 Anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenol-rich red osier dogwood extracts in Caco-2 mono- and Caco-2/EA.hy926 co-culture models

An impaired intestinal barrier function results in aggravating inflammatory response at a systemic scale, eventually leading to rising risk for systemic diseases (e.g., muscle myopathy and vascular disorders). In the present study, the impact of intake polyphenol-rich red osier dogwood extracts (RWE) on the inflammation of endothelial cells was exploited. A strong anti-inflammatory activity of RWE was found to suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, and ICAM) in the inflamed intestinal epithelial cell model. Furthermore, the intestinal transported RWE derived phenolic compounds was shown to protect the endothelial cells against both oxidative and inflammatory damages in a Caco-2/EA.hy926 co-culture cell model. Their protective activities in EA.hy926 was found to be strongly associated with intestinal absorption efficiency. The accumulation of transported rutin and unknown monoglyceride quercetin from RWE were identified across the Caco-2 BBe1 monolayer by HPLC up to 24 h. The highest concentration of transported rutin and monoglyceride quercetin derived from RWE were detected as 2.0 ± 0.22 µg/mL and 0.5 ± 0.08 µg/mL in the basolateral compartment after 12 h and 24 h of incubation, respectively. Profound anti-inflammatory effects of RWE derived polyphenols was observed to suppress pro-inflammatory mediator expression, including IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM, VCAM and Cox2, in the TNF-α or oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced basolateral EA.hy926 cells (co-culture model). Moreover, we observed a significant inhibitory effect of the transported RWE on oxLDL-induced inflammation after 6 h incubation rather than 24 h, indicating the potential health benefits of RWE is determined by its bioavailability. Results of this study demonstrated that phenolic compounds derived from RWE could be delivered into the circulation system to mitigate inflammatory responses thereby being a promising dietary agent for preventing systemic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases in humans and white stripping/woody meat in broiler chickens).

94 Essential oils improve barrier function and attenuate inflammatory responses in porcine intestinal epithelial cells

Thymol has been known as a functional phytochemical isolated from thyme essential oils and possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model using IPEC-J2 cell line was established to evaluate the inflammatory responses after thymol treatment. Cells were pre-treated with thymol for 1 h followed by LPS stimulation. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mRNA abundance of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, nutrient transporters, and tight junction proteins, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell permeability were measured. The localization of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and β-actin were also detected by immunofluorescent staining. The results showed that LPS stimulation increased IL-8 secretion, ROS production, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA abundance (P &lt; 0.05), but the mRNA abundance of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAC1) and H+/peptide cotransporter 1 (PepT1) were decreased (P &lt; 0.05). However, thymol blocked ROS production (P &lt; 0.05) and tended to decrease the production of LPS-induced IL-8 secretion (P = 0.0766). The mRNA abundance of IL-8 and TNF-α was reduced by thymol pre-treatment (P &lt; 0.05), but thymol was unable to improve the gene expression of nutrient transporters (P &gt; 0.05). TEER was reduced and cell permeability was increased after LPS stimulation (P &lt; 0.05), but these effects were attenuated by thymol pre-treatment (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, thymol boosted ZO-1 and β-actin staining in the cells, but the mRNA abundance of ZO-1 and occludin-3 was not affected by either LPS or thymol treatments. These results indicated that thymol can enhance gut barrier structure and functions by reducing ROS production and pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in porcine epithelial cells during inflammation. The regulation of barrier function by thymol may be at post-transcriptional or post-translational levels.

Effect of Manitoba-Grown Red-Osier Dogwood Extracts on Recovering Caco-2 Cells from H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage

Red-osier dogwood, a native species of flowering plant in North America, has been reported to have anti-oxidative properties because of abundant phenolic compounds; this could be promising as a functional food or a feed additive. In the present study, an oxidative damage model using 1.0 mM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in Caco-2 cells was established to evaluate the antioxidative effects of red-osier dogwood extracts (RDE). The results showed that 1.0 mM H₂O₂ pre-exposure for 3 h significantly decreased cell viability, and increased interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Caco-2 cells were treated with 100 µg/mL RDE for 24 h after pre-exposure to H₂O₂. It was found that the decreased cell viability caused by H₂O₂ was significantly restored by a subsequent 100 µg/mL RDE treatment. Furthermore, the IL-8 secretion and ROS level were significantly blocked by RDE, accompanied by the enhanced gene expression of hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the enhanced protein expression of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf-2). Moreover, RDE improved barrier functions in Caco-2 cells. Using RDE reduced the diffusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran and increased the transepithelial resistance (TEER) value. The relative mRNA level of tight junction claudin-1, claudin-3, and occludin was elevated by RDE. These extracts also repaired the integrity of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) damaged by H₂O₂ and increased the protein expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-3 in the H₂O₂-pretreated cells. These results illustrated that RDE reduced the ROS level and enhanced the barrier function in oxidative-damaged epithelial cells.

Thymol Improves Barrier Function and Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells during Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Inflammation

It is well-known that essential oil thymol exhibits antibacterial activity. The protective effects of thymol on pig intestine during inflammation is yet to be investigated. In this study, an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model using IPEC-J2 cells was established. Cells were pretreated with thymol for 1 h and then exposed to LPS for various assays. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion, the mRNA abundance of cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nutrient transporters, and tight junction proteins was measured. The results showed that LPS stimulation increased IL-8 secretion, ROS production, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA abundance ( P < 0.05), but the mRNA abundance of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAC1), and H⁺/peptide cotransporter 1 (PepT1) were decreased ( P < 0.05). Thymol blocked ROS production ( P < 0.05) and tended to decrease the production of LPS-induced IL-8 secretion ( P = 0.0766). The mRNA abundance of IL-8 and TNF-α was reduced by thymol pretreatment ( P < 0.05), but thymol did not improve the gene expression of nutrient transporters ( P > 0.05). The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was reduced and cell permeability increased by LPS treatment ( P < 0.05), but these effects were attenuated by thymol ( P < 0.05). Moreover, thymol increased zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and actin staining in the cells. However, the mRNA abundance of ZO-1 and occludin-3 was not affected by either LPS or thymol treatments. These results indicated that thymol enhances barrier function and reduce ROS production and pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in the epithelial cells during inflammation. The regulation of barrier function by thymol and LPS may be at post-transcriptional or post-translational levels.

Gibberellic acid promoting phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean under calcium lactate treatment

BACKGROUND

Phytic acid as a phosphorus storage vault provides phosphorus for plant development. It is an anti-nutritional factor for humans and some animals. However, its degradation products lower inositol phosphates have positive effects on human health. In this study, the effect of gibberellic acid (GA) on phytic acid degradation under calcium lactate (Ca) existence was investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that Ca + GA treatment promoted the growth status, hormone metabolism and phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean. At the same time, the availability of phosphorus, the activity of phytic acid degradation-associated enzyme and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) increased. However, the relative genes expression of phytic acid degradation-associated enzymes did not vary in accordance with their enzymes activity.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that GA could mediate the transport and function of calcium and a series of physiological and biochemical changes to regulate phytic acid degradation of soybean sprouts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mechanism of Calcium Lactate Facilitating Phytic Acid Degradation in Soybean during Germination

Calcium lactate facilitates the growth and phytic acid degradation of soybean sprouts, but the mechanism is unclear. In this study, calcium lactate (Ca) and calcium lactate with lanthanum chloride (Ca+La) were used to treat soybean sprouts to reveal the relevant mechanism. Results showed that the phytic acid content decreased and the availability of phosphorus increased under Ca treatment. This must be due to the enhancement of enzyme activity related to phytic acid degradation. In addition, the energy metabolism was accelerated by Ca treatment. The energy status and energy metabolism-associated enzyme activity also increased. However, the transmembrane transport of calcium was inhibited by La(3+) and concentrated in intercellular space or between the cell wall and cell membrane; thus, Ca+La treatment showed reverse results compared with those of Ca treatment. Interestingly, gene expression did not vary in accordance with their enzyme activity. These results demonstrated that calcium lactate increased the rate of phytic acid degradation by enhancing growth, phosphorus metabolism, and energy metabolism.

Effects of ABA and CaCl2 on GABA accumulation in fava bean germinating under hypoxia-NaCl stress

Effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and CaCl2 on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation of germinated fava bean under hypoxia-NaCl stress were investigated. Exogenous ABA resulted in the enhancement of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity as well as GABA content in cotyledon and shoot. CaCl2 increased both enzyme activities in shoot and GABA content in cotyledon and shoot. ABA downregulated GAD expression in cotyledon and radicle, while upregulated that in shoot; it also upregulated DAO expression in each organ. CaCl2 upregulated GAD expression in cotyledon, while downregulated that in radicle. However, it upregulated DAO expression in shoot, downregulated that in radicle. ABA inhibitor fluridon and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid inhibited GAD and DAO activities significantly so that inhibited GABA accumulation through reducing ABA biosynthesis and chelating Ca2+, respectively. However, they upregulated GAD and DAO expression in varying degrees. These results indicate that ABA and Ca2+ participate in GABA biosynthesis in fava bean during germination under hypoxia-NaCl stress.

Identification of potential therapeutic targets for melanoma using gene expression analysis

Metastatic melanoma represents a significant cause of death in patients with melanoma and the frequency is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify potential therapeutic targets for metastatic melanoma. Gene expression profile GSE44660 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 22 samples were analyzed in our study, including 3 specimens of normal melanocytes, 12 specimens of melanoma LNM (lymph node metastasis) and 7 specimens of MBM (melanoma brain metastasis). DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in LNM and MBM were identified respectively using Limma package. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways analyses of common DEGs between two comparison groups were performed using DAVID, followed by cancer-related genes and transcription factor analysis. PPI (protein-protein interaction) network was constructed by STRING, and significant key genes were selected. Totally, 401 common DEGs were identified. Disease analysis showed that ICAM1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and NBN (nibrin) were related to melanoma. In the PPI network, BIRC5 (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5), BUB1 (BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase), GMNN (geminin, DNA replication inhibitor), AURKA (aurora kinase A), TOP2A (topoisomerase (DNA) II alpha) and BUB1B (BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B) were with higher degree more than 50. ICAM1, NBN, BIRC5, BUB1, BUB1B, GMNN, AURKA and TOP2A may play key roles in the progression and development of melanoma. They may be used as specific therapeutic targets in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, further experiments are still needed to confirm our results.

In vitro and in vivo studies of antitumor effects of the recombinant immunotoxin MSH-PE38KDEL on melanoma

MSH-PE38KDEL is a chimeric molecule composed of MSH, and fused to a truncated mutant form of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38KDEL). Our study aims to evaluate the specific cytotoxicity of recombinant immunotoxin MSH-PE38KDEL on melanoma cells A875 and B16 in vitro, as well as its inhibition of metastatic melanoma in vivo. MSH-PE38KDEL was expressed in Escherichia coli, and greater than 90% purity was obtained. The purified MSH-PE38KDEL was found to be selectively cytotoxic to MSH receptor-positive melanoma cells in vitro. The specific cytotoxicity of recombinant MSH-PE38KDEL to A875 and B16 was over 85% by cell viability assay; however, MSH-PE38KDEL had no cytotoxicity to the human 2BS cells. The anti-tumor activity of MSH-PE38KDEL was evaluated in mice with induced melanoma through intra-tumor or intravenous administration. The results showed that 90% melanoma growths were inhibited, and 40% of the tumors were disappeared completely. Histopathology results showed MSH-PE38KDEL can effectively inhibit intrahepatic metastasis. In conclusion, MSH-PE38KDEL had cytotoxic effects on MSH receptor-positive melanoma cells, and causes significant tumor growth inhibition. These results support a possible new approach for the treatment of melanoma.

[Simultaneous determination of tryptophan and tyrosine by second order derivative fluorimetry]

A new method of second order derivative fluorimetry for the simultaneous determination of tryptophan and tyrosine is described. The measurement of emission spectra is carried out with excitation at 221 nm in a KH2PO4-NaOH buffer solution (pH = 7.4). The second-derivative peak is at 318 nm and 283 nm for tryptophan and tyrosine respectively. The two amino acids can be determined directly from corresponding second order derivative signals. Linear regression equation of the calibration graph is c = 0.000 7H-0.004, with a correlation coefficient of linear regression of 0.9964 for tryptophan and c = 0.001 2H-0.0040, with a correlation coefficient of linear regressin of 0.9971 for tyrosine. The linear ranges of determination of tryptophan and tyrosine are from 0.004 to 0.200 microgram.mL-1 and from 0.002 to 0.025 microgram.mL-1, respectively. Effects of pH, temperature and foreign ions on the determination of tryptophan and tyrosine have been examined. Recovery is from 92.0% to 104% for tryptophan and 98.7% to 102.0% for tyrosine, and relative standard deviation of 3.5% and 2.8%, respectively.