Diabetes and high-glucose could upregulate the expression of receptor for activated C kinase 1 in retina

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a major ocular complication of diabetes mellitus,leading to visual impairment.Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)injury is a key component of the outer blood retinal barrier,and its damage is an important indicator of DR.Receptor for activated C kinase 1(RACK1)activates protein kinase C-ε(PKC-ε)to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in RPE cells,leading to apoptosis.Therefore,we hypothesize that the activation of RACK1 under hypoxic/high-glucose conditions may promote RPE cell apoptosis by modulating PKC-ε/ROS,thereby disrupting the barrier effect of the outer blood retinal barrier and contributing to the progression of DR.AIM To investigate the role and associated underlying mechanisms of RACK1 in the development of early DR.METHODS In this study,Sprague-Dawley rats and adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19)cells were used as in vivo and in vitro models,respectively,to explore the role of RACK1 in mediating PKC-εin early DR.Furthermore,the impact of RACK1 on apoptosis and barrier function of RPE cells was also investigated in the former model.RESULTS Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed increased apoptosis and upregulated expression of RACK1 and PKC-εproteins in RPE cells following a prolonged modeling.Similarly,ARPE-19 cells exposed to high glucose and hypoxia displayed elevated mRNA and protein levels of RACK1 and PKC-ε,accompanied by an increases in ROS production,apoptosis rate,and monolayer permeability.However,silencing RACK1 significantly downregulated the expression of PKC-εand ROS,reduced cell apoptosis and permeability,and protected barrier function.CONCLUSION RACK1 plays a significant role in the development of early DR and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for DR by regulating RPE apoptosis and barrier function.

Discussion on the Construction of Green Agriculture “3+1” Industry System Using Fenlong Activated Resources

The newly invented farming method, Fenlong technology, uses self-propelled powder-ridging mechanical screw-type drill for the deep-cultivation and deep tillage of soil, and it can enhance the double tillering depth than the conventional tillage. Moreover, the tilth soil is uniform in size and in small, broken bits and loose. It expands the new soil ＂four warehouses＂ （namely soil nutrient warehouse, water warehouse, oxygen warehouse and microbial warehouse）, and under the conditions of ＂three no increase＂ in chemical fertilizer and pesticide, irrigation water and labor input, various crops show a increase of 10%-30% in yield （average increase by 25.48% in the 23 rice, wheat and corn planting areas of several provinces）, 5% in quality, and 1 time in water retention. And the sustainable production-increasing ef- fect lasts 2-3 years after once Fenlong tillage, with the comparative efficiency reaching about 20%. It is suggested using Fenlong to activate the arable land, saline land grassland and rivers resources, so as to drive the construction of green agriculture ＂3＋1＂ industrial system, which can promote the realization of the increases in available agricultural resource stock, quality food resource stock and available water resource stock in China and even in the world, realize the ＂two responses＂ to ecological environment deterioration and climate warming, and achieve the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature.

蠲痹汤含药血清调控线粒体自噬抑制白细胞介素1β诱导的关节软骨细胞损伤

背景:软骨细胞线粒体自噬的缺陷会引起细胞凋亡和基质消失等软骨细胞退行性病变的变化。目的:探讨蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β诱导的大鼠膝关节软骨细胞炎症反应和凋亡的影响及可能作用机制。方法:50只雄性SD大鼠随机给予生理盐水、蠲痹汤低、中、高剂量(1.24,2.48,4.96 g/kg)、塞来昔布(阳性药物),连续灌胃2周后获得含药血清。①分离软骨细胞,将其随机分为对照组、白细胞介素1β组、蠲痹汤低、中、高剂量含药血清组及阳性药物血清组。CCK-8法检测细胞存活率、免疫荧光双染检测线粒体自噬水平、免疫荧光检测磷酸化腺苷酸激活蛋白激酶水平、Western blot检测PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin通路相关蛋白和裂解的半胱氨酸蛋白酶蛋白3表达、ELISA检测炎症因子水平;②分别采用PTEN诱导激酶1 siRNA和Compound C进行干预,探究AMPK/PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin通路在蠲痹汤含药血清调控线粒体自噬中的作用。结果与结论:①与对照组比较,白细胞介素1β组软骨细胞存活率、Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达、磷酸化腺苷酸激活蛋白激酶、PTEN诱导激酶1、Parkin和微管相关蛋白1轻链3蛋白水平以及线粒体自噬水平明显降低(P<0.05),而裂解的半胱氨酸蛋白酶蛋白3蛋白水平、白细胞介素6、白细胞介素8和肿瘤坏死因子α水平显著升高(P<0.05);与白细胞介素1β组比较,蠲痹汤各剂量含药血清组和阳性药物血清组上述各项指标呈现相反的变化(P<0.05);②PTEN诱导激酶1 siRNA可显著抑制蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β处理软骨细胞线粒体自噬的影响,降低蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β诱导的软骨细胞炎症与凋亡的保护作用;Compound C逆转了蠲痹汤含药血清对白细胞介素1β处理软骨细胞中PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin信号通路的影响。结论:蠲痹汤含药血清通过影响线粒体自噬水平来抑制软骨细胞炎症和凋亡,从而减轻白细胞介素1β诱导的软骨细胞退化,其机制可能与调控AMPK/PTEN诱导激酶1/Parkin通路有关。

Efficacy and predictive factors of transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibition for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)for unresectable hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC)have rarely been evaluated and it is unknown which factors are related to efficacy.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and independent predictive factors of TACE combined with lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable HCC.METHODS This study retrospectively enrolled patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment between March 2019 and April 2022.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were determined.The objective response rate(ORR)and disease control rate(DCR)were evaluated in accordance with the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.Additionally,the prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome were assessed.RESULTS One hundred and two patients were enrolled with a median follow-up duration of 12.63 months.The median OS was 26.43 months(95%CI:17.00-35.87),and the median PFS was 10.07 months(95%CI:8.50-11.65).The ORR and DCR were 61.76%and 81.37%,respectively.The patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification(BCLC)B stage,early neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)response(decrease),or early alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)response(decrease>20%)had superior OS and PFS than their counterparts.CONCLUSION This study showed that TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment was well tolerated with encouraging efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC.The patients with BCLC B-stage disease with early NLR response(decrease)and early AFP response(decrease>20%)may achieve better clinical outcomes with this triple therapy.

The action mechanism by which C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-6 alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice

Studies have shown that C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-6 (CTRP6) can alleviate renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. However, its role in the brain remains poorly understood. To investigate the role of CTRP6 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with diabetes mellitus, a diabetes mellitus mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. To overexpress CTRP6 in the brain, an adeno-associated virus carrying CTRP6 was injected into the lateral ventricle. The result was that oxygen injury and inflammation in brain tissue were clearly attenuated, and the number of neurons was greatly reduced. In vitro experiments showed that CTRP6 knockout exacerbated oxidative damage, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis in cerebral cortical neurons in high glucose hypoxia-simulated diabetic cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. CTRP6 overexpression enhanced the sirtuin-1 signaling pathway in diabetic brains after ischemia/reperfusion injury. To investigate the mechanism underlying these effects, we examined mice with depletion of brain tissue-specific sirtuin-1. CTRP6-like protection was achieved by activating the sirtuin-1 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that CTRP6 likely attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through activation of the sirtuin-1 signaling pathway.

All-trans Retinoic Acid Diminishes Collagen Production in a Hepatic Stellate Cell Line via Suppression of Active Protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Signal

Following acute and chronic liver injury,hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become activated to undergo a phenotypic transformation into myofibroblast-like cells and lose their retinol content,but the mechanisms of retinoid loss and its potential roles in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis are not understood.The influence of retinoids on HSCs and hepatic fibrosis remains controversial.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation,mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) and the upstream element (JNK and AP-1) in the rat hepatic stellate cell line (CFSC-2G).Cell proliferation was evaluated by measuring BrdU incorporation.The mRNA expression levels of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) were quantitatively detected by using real-time PCR.The mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1 was quantified by RT-PCR.The results showed that ATRA inhibited HSCs proliferation and diminished the mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)] and profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly stimulated the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in HSCs by suppressing the mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1.These findings suggested that ATRA could inhibit proliferation and collagen production of HSCs via the suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal,then decrease the mRNAs expression of profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly induce the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13.

Activator protein-1 involved in growth inhibition by RASSF1A gene in the human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC7901

AIM:To investigate the role of Ras association domain family protein 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) in gastric tumorigenesis. METHODS:Through over-expression of RASSF1A gene in the SGC7901 cell line which was induced by a lipofectamine-mediated gene transfer approach. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS:Compared with the control clones, cells over- expressing RASSF1A exhibited significant inhibition of cell growth with G1 cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. The over-expression of RASSF1A significantly inhibited AP-1 activity in SGC7901 cells (0.981±0.011 vs 0.354±0.053, P<0.001). In addition, both Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry demonstrated that RASSF1A down-regulated the expression of c-Fos (0.975± 0.02 vs 0.095±0.024, P<0.001) but not c-Jun. CONCLUSION: Over-expression of RASSF1A inhibits the growth of SGC7901 cells by negatively regulating the AP-1 activity, the latter in turn negatively signals cell proliferation.

Role of Activator Protein-1 in the Transcription of Interleukin-5 Gene Regulated by Protein Kinase C Signal in Asthmatic Human TLymphocytes

Summary: In order to explore the role of activator protein-1 (AP-1) in the transcription of interleukin-5 (IL-5) gene regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) signal in peripheral blood T lymphocytes from asthmatic patient, T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from peripheral blood of each asthmatic patient. The T lymphocytes were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (blank control), group B (treated with PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)), Group C (treated with PMA and AP-1 cis-element decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (decoy ODNs)), and group D (treated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs). The ODNs were transfected into the T cells of group C and D by cation liposome respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to assess IL-5 mRNA expression, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) for the activation of AP-1. The results showed that the activation of AP-1 (88 003.58±1 626.57) and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (0.8300±0.0294) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly higher than these in blank control (20 888.47±1103.56 and 0.3050±0.0208, respectively, P< 0.01), while the indexes (23 219.83±1 024.86 and 0.3425±0.0171 respectively) of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 decoy ODNs were significantly inhibited, as compared with group B (P< 0.01). The indexes (87 107.41±1 342.92 and 0.8225±0.0222, respectively) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs did not exhibit significant changes, as compared with group B (P>0.05). The significant positive correlation was found between the activation of AP-1 and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (P< 0.01). It was concluded that AP-1 might participate in the signal transduction of PKC-triggered transcription of IL-5 gene in asthmatic T lymphocytes. This suggests the activation of PKC/AP-1 signal transduction cascade of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Effects of Simvastatin on NF-κB-DNA Binding Activity and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression in a Rabbit Model of Atherosclerosis

To observe the effects of simvastatin on nuclear factor kappaB （NF-kB）-DNA binding activity and on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） in atherosclerotic plaque in rabbits and to explore the anti-atherosclerotic properties beyond its lipid-lowering effects. Thirty-six New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into low-cholesterol group （LC）, high- cholesterol group （HC）, high-cholesterol＋ simvastatin group （HC＋S） and then were fed for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, standard enzymatic assays, electrophoretic mobility shift as- say （EMSA）, immunohistochemical staining, and morphometry were performed to observe serum lipids, NF-kB-DNA binding activity, MCP-1 protein expression, intirna thickness and plaque area of aorta respectively in all three groups. Our results showed that the serum lipids, NF-kB-DNA binding activity, expression of MCP-1 protein, intima thickness, and plaque area of aorta in the LC and HC＋S groups were significantly lower than those in the HC group （P〈0.05）. There was no significant difference in the serum lipids between the LC and HC＋S groups （P〉0.05）, but the NF-kB-DNA binding activity, the expression of MCP-1 protein and the intirna thickness and plaque area of aorta in the HC＋S group were significantly decreased as compared to the LC group （P〈0. 05）. This study demonstrated that simvastatin could decrease atherosclerosis by inhibiting the NF-kB-DNA binding activity and by reducing the expression of MCP-1 protein.

Reactive oxygen species-induced activation of Yes-associated protein-1 through the c-Myc pathway is a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The Hippo signaling pathway regulates organ size by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis with terminal effectors including Yes-associated protein-1(YAP-1).Dysregulation in Hippo pathway has been proposed as one of the therapeutic targets in hepatocarcinogenesis.The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)increase during the progression from early to advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).AIM To study the activation of YAP-1 by ROS-induced damage in HCC and the involved signaling pathway.METHODS The expression of YAP-1 in HCC cells(Huh-7,HepG2,and SNU-761)was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting.Human HCC cells were treated with H2O2,which is a major component of ROS in living organisms,and with either YAP-1 small interfering RNA(siRNA)or control siRNA.To investigate the role of YAP-1 in HCC cells under oxidative stress,MTS assays were performed.Immunoblotting was performed to evaluate the signaling pathway responsible for the activation of YAP-1.Eighty-eight surgically resected frozen HCC tissue samples and 88 nontumor liver tissue samples were used for gene expression analyses.RESULTS H2O2 treatment increased the mRNA and protein expression of YAP-1 in HCC cells(Huh-7,HepG2,and SNU-761).Suppression of YAP-1 using siRNA transfection resulted in a significant decrease in tumor proliferation during H2O2 treatment both in vitro and in vivo(both P<0.05).The oncogenic action of YAP-1 occurred via the activation of the c-Myc pathway,leading to the upregulation of components of the unfolded protein response(UPR),including 78-kDa glucoseregulated protein and activating transcription factor-6(ATF-6).The YAP-1 mRNA levels in human HCC tissues were upregulated by 2.6-fold compared with those in nontumor tissues(P<0.05)and were positively correlated with the ATF-6 Levels(Pearson’s coefficient=0.299;P<0.05).CONCLUSION This study shows a novel connection between YAP-1 and the UPR through the c-Myc pathway during oxidative stress in HCC.The ROS-induced activation of YAP-1 via the c-Myc pathway,which leads to the activation of the UPR pathway,might be a therapeutic target in HCC.

THE INCREASE IN PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR TYPE-1 EXPRESSION BY STIMULATION OF ACTIVATORS FOR PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTORS IN HUMAN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Objective.To investigate the effect of peroxis ome proliferator-activated recept ors(PPARs )activators on plasminogen activator inhibitor ty pe-1(PAI-1)expression in human umbilical vein e ndothelial cells and the possi-ble mechanism.Methods.Human umbilical vein endothelial ce lls(HUVECs )were obtained from normal fetus,and cul-tured conventionally.Then the HUVECs were exposed to test agents(linolenic acid,linoleic acid,oleic acid,stearic acid and prostaglandin J 2 respectively)in varying concentrations with fresh media.RT -PCR and ELISA were applied to determine the expression of PPARs and PAI-1in HUVECs.Results.PPARα,PPARδand PPARγmRNA were detected by using RT-PCR in HUVECs.Treatment of HUVECs with PPARαand PPARγactivators---linolenic acid,linoleic acid,oleic acid and prostaglandin J 2 respectively,but not with stearic a cid could augment PAI-I mRNA expression and protein secretion in a concentration-dependent manner.However,the mRNA expressions of 3subclasses of PPAR with their activators in HUVECs were not changed compared w ith controls.Conclusion.HUVECs express PPARs.PPARs activators may increase PAI-1expression in ECs,but the underlying mechanism remains uncle ar.Although PPARs expression was not enhanced after stimulated by their activators in ECs,the role of functionally active PPARs in regulating PA I-1expression in ECs needs to be further investigated by using transient gen e transfection assay.

Effectiveness and tolerability of programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy for upper gastrointestinal tract cancers

BACKGROUND The combination of programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor and che-motherapy is approved as a standard first-or second-line treatment in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.However,it is unclear whether this combination is superior to chemotherapy alone.AIM To assess the comparative effectiveness and tolerability of combining PD-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced gastric cancer,gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)cancer,or oesophageal carcinoma.METHODS We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies that compared the efficacy and tolerance of PD-1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.We employed either random or fixed models to analyze the outcomes of each clinical trial,en-compassing data on overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),objective response rate,and adverse events(AEs).RESULTS Nine phase 3 clinical trials(7016 advanced oesophageal and gastric cancer patients)met the inclusion criteria.Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group had a significantly longer OS than the chemotherapy-alone group[hazard ratio(HR)=0.76,95%confidence interval(CI):0.71-0.81];the pooled PFS result was consistent with that of OS(HR=0.67,95%CI:0.61-0.74).The count of patients achieving an objective response in the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group surpassed that of the chemotherapy-alone group[odds ratio(OR)=1.86,95%CI:1.59-2.18].AE incidence was also higher in the combination-therapy group than in the chemotherapy-alone group,regardless of whether≥grade 3 only(OR=1.30,95%CI:1.07-1.57)or all AE grades(OR=1.88,95%CI:1.39-2.54)were examined.We performed a subgroup analysis based on the programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)and noted extended OS and PFS durations within the CPS≥1,CPS≥5,and CPS≥10 subgroups of the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group.CONCLUSION In contrast to chemotherapy alone,the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy appears to present a more favorable option for initial or subsequent treatment in patients with gastric cancer,GEJ tumor,or oesophageal cancer.This holds true particularly for individuals with PD-L1 CPS scores of≥5 and≥10.

Extended activated sludge model no. 1 (ASM1) for simulating biodegradation process using bacterial technology

Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients required to support various kinds of biodegradation processes. As this particular nutrient is not included in the activated sludge model no. 1 （ASM1）, this study extended this model in order to determine the fate of phosphorus during the biodegradation processes. When some of the kinetics parameters are modified using observed data from the restoration project of the Xuxi River in Wuxi City, China, from August 25 to 31 in 2009, the extended model shows excellent results. In order to obtain optimum values of coefficients of nitrogen and phosphorus, the mass fraction method was used to ensure that the final results were reasonable and practically relevant. The temporal distribution of the data calculated with the extended ASM1 approximates that of the observed data.

Xuebijing alters tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content in a rat model of cardiac arrest following cardiopulmonary resuscitation

We established a rat model of cardiac arrest by clamping the endotracheal tube of adult rats at expiration. Twenty-four hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nerve cell injury and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content were increased. Rats injected with Xuebijing, a Chinese herb compound preparation, exhibited normal cellular structure and morphology, dense neuronal cytoplasm, and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression at 24 hours following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These data suggest that Xuebijing can attenuate neuronal injury induced by hypoxia and reperfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Long noncoding RNA steroid receptor RNA activator 1 inhibits proliferation and glycolysis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The clinical effects and detailed roles of long non-coding RNA(LncRNA)steroid receptor RNA activator 1(SRA1)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)remain ambiguous.In the present study,the complementary sites between lncRNA SRA1,miRNA-363-5p,and phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase(LHPP)predicted via bioinformatics analysis stimulated us to hypothesize that miRNA-363-5p/LHPP axis might be required for SRA1-mediated ESCC progression.AIM To investigate the molecular events of SRA1 in the malignant behavior in ESCC.METHODS Thirty-eight ESCC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were acquired.SRA1 expression was detected in ESCC tissues and cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Cell counting Kit-8 assay,transwell invasion assay,glycolysis assay,and xenograft tumor model were performed to address the malignant biological behaviors of ESCC cells after the introduction of SRA1.The t-test and theχ2 test were used for comparison between groups.Survival curve analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.RESULTS SRA1 downregulation was identified in ESCC.ESCC patients exhibiting a low SRA1 expression faced shorter overall survival than those with a high SRA1 expression.The introduction of SRA1 inhibited cell proliferation,glucose uptake,and lactate production in ESCC.In vivo,the growth of ESCC was hindered by SRA1 overexpression.Then,SRA1 overexpresses the LHPP by inhibiting miRNA-363-5p.Lastly,the introduction of small interfering RNA si-LHPP or miRNA-363-5p mimic could abrogate the inhibition roles triggered by SRA1.CONCLUSION SRA1 inhibits the oncogenicity of ESCC via miRNA-363-5p/LHPP axis.The SRA1/miRNA-363-5p/LHPP pathway may be a therapeutic target for ESCC.

Effect of insulin and metformin on methylation and glycolipid metabolism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γcoactivator-1A of rat offspring with gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective:To discuss the effect of insulin and metformin on amethylation and glycolipid metabolism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1A(PPARGC1A) of rat offspring with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods:A total of 45 pregnant rats received the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the pregnant rat model of GDM.A total of 21 pregnant rats with GDM were randomly divided into three groups,with 7ruts in each group,namely the insulin group,metformin group and control group.Rats in the insulin group received the abdominal subcutaneous injection of 1 mL/kg recombinant insulin glargine at 18:00 every day.Rats in the metformin group received the intragastric infusion of metformin hydrochloride at 18:00 every day,with the first dose of 300 mg/kg.The doses of two groups were adjusted every 3 d to maintain the blood glucose level at 2.65-7.62 mmol/L.Rats in the control group received the intragastric infusion of 1 mL normal saline at 18:00 every day.After the natural delivery of pregnant rats.10 offspring rats were randomly selected from each group.At birth,4 wk and 8 wk after the birth of offspring rats,the weight of offspring rats was measured.The blood glucose level of offspring rats was measured at 4wk and 8 wk,while the level of serum insulin,triglyceride and leptin was measured at 8 wk.Results:The weight of offspring rats at birth in the insulin group and metformin group was significantly lower than the one in the control group(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference at 4 wk and 8 wk among three groups(P>0.05).The fasting blood glucose and random blood glucose in the insulin group and metformin group at 4 wk and 8 wk were all significantly lower than ones in the control group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference between the insulin group and metformin group(P>0.05).The expression of PPARGC1 A mRNA in the insulin group and metformin group was significantly higher and the methylation level of PPARGC1 A was significantly lower than the one in the control group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between the insulin group and metformin group(P>0.05).Insulin and leptin at 8 wk in the insulin group and metformin group were significantly higher,while triglyceride was significantly lower than the one in the control group(P<0.05);triglyceride level of rats in the insulin group was significantly higher than the one in the metformin group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in insulin and leptin level of offspring rats between the insulin group and metformin group(P>0.05).Conclusions:GDM can induce the methylation of PPARGC1 A of offspring rats to reduce the expression of PPARGC1 A mRNA and then cause the disorder of glycolipid metabolism when the offspring rats grow up;the insulin or metformin in the treatment of pregnant rats with GDM can reduce the methylation level of PPARGC1 A and thus improve the abnormal glycolipid metabolism of offspring rats.

Glutamatergic CYLD deletion leads to aberrant excitatory activity in the basolateral amygdala:association with enhanced cued fear expression

Neuronal activity,synaptic transmission,and molecular changes in the basolateral amygdala play critical roles in fear memory.Cylindromatosis(CYLD)is a deubiquitinase that negatively regulates the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway.CYLD is well studied in non-neuronal cells,yet underinvestigated in the brain,where it is highly expressed.Emerging studies have shown involvement of CYLD in the remodeling of glutamatergic synapses,neuroinflammation,fear memory,and anxiety-and autism-like behaviors.However,the precise role of CYLD in glutamatergic neurons is largely unknown.Here,we first proposed involvement of CYLD in cued fear expression.We next constructed transgenic model mice with specific deletion of Cyld from glutamatergic neurons.Our results show that glutamatergic CYLD deficiency exaggerated the expression of cued fear in only male mice.Further,loss of CYLD in glutamatergic neurons resulted in enhanced neuronal activation,impaired excitatory synaptic transmission,and altered levels of glutamate receptors accompanied by over-activation of microglia in the basolateral amygdala of male mice.Altogether,our study suggests a critical role of glutamatergic CYLD in maintaining normal neuronal,synaptic,and microglial activation.This may contribute,at least in part,to cued fear expression.

Coexistence of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and activated protein-2 alpha in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells

BACKGROUND： Tyrosine hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-n-methyl transferase expression coexist in Purkinje cells of the rat cerebellum. Numerous reports have also been published addressing whether dopamine-beta-hydroxylase （DBH） expression exists in cerebellar Purkinje cells. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α expression in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell morphological study was performed at the Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, China in May 2007. MATERIALS： Ten healthy Wistar rats, of either gender, aged 14 weeks, served as experimental animals. Rabbit anti-mouse DBH, goat anti-mouse activator protein-2α and rabbit anti-mouse β-actin （Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA）, horseradish peroxidase-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG, FITC-labeled mouse anti-rabbit IgG, and Cy3-labeled mouse anti-goat IgG （Boster, Wuhan, China）, were used in this study. METHODS： Immunohistochemical staining was used to measure the expression of DBH or activator protein-2α, with double-label immunofluorescence being employed to determine coexpression of both, in the cerebellum of 5 randomly selected rats. Western blot assay was utilized to determine the expression of DBH and activator protein-2α in the cerebellum of the remaining 5 rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression, localization and coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α in the cerebellum were measured separately. RESULTS： Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that cerebellar Purkinje cells stained positive for DBH and activator protein-2α. Western blot assay also demonstrated DBH and activator protein-2α expression in the cerebellum. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed the coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α in cerebellar Purkinje cells. CONCLUSION： Norepinephrine and activator protein-2α coexist in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells.

Diagnostic Value of the Padua Score Combined with Thrombotic Biomarker Tissue Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (tPAI-1) Detection for the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Pulmonary Heart Disease

This study explores the diagnostic value of combining the Padua score with the thrombotic biomarker tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(tPAI-1)for assessing the risk of deep vein thrombosis(DVT)in patients with pulmonary heart disease.These patients often exhibit symptoms similar to venous thrombosis,such as dyspnea and bilateral lower limb swelling,complicating differential diagnosis.The Padua Prediction Score assesses the risk of venous thromboembolism(VTE)in hospitalized patients,while tPAI-1,a key fibrinolytic system inhibitor,indicates a hypercoagulable state.Clinical data from hospitalized patients with cor pulmonale were retrospectively analyzed.ROC curves compared the diagnostic value of the Padua score,tPAI-1 levels,and their combined model for predicting DVT risk.Results showed that tPAI-1 levels were significantly higher in DVT patients compared to non-DVT patients.The Padua score demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.61%and a specificity of 55.26%at a cutoff value of 3.The combined model had a significantly higher AUC than the Padua score alone,indicating better discriminatory ability in diagnosing DVT risk.The combination of the Padua score and tPAI-1 detection significantly improves the accuracy of diagnosing DVT risk in patients with pulmonary heart disease,reducing missed and incorrect diagnoses.This study provides a comprehensive assessment tool for clinicians,enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cor pulmonale complicated by DVT.Future research should validate these findings in larger samples and explore additional thrombotic biomarkers to optimize the predictive model.