Pathological consequences of C-peptide deficiency in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is associated with several complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, insulin is the main used medication for management of insulin-dependentdiabetes mellitus(type-1 diabetes). In this metabolic syndrome, in addition to decrease of endogenous insulin, the plasma level of connecting peptide(C-peptide) is also reduced due to beta cell destruction. Studies in the past decade have shown that C-peptide is much more than a byproduct of insulin biosynthesis and possess different biological activities. Therefore, it may be possible that C-peptide deficiency be involved, at least in part, in the development of different complications of diabetes. It has been shown that a small level of remaining C-peptide is associated with significant metabolic benefit. The purpose of this review is to describe beneficial effects of C-peptide replacement on pathological features associated with insulin-dependent diabetes. Also, experimental and clinical findings on the effects of C-peptide on wholebody glucose utilization, adipose tissue metabolism and tissues blood flow are summarized and discussed. The hypoglycemic, antilipolytic and vasodilator effects of C-peptide suggest that it may contribute to fine-tuning of the tissues metabolism under different physiologic or pathologic conditions. Therefore, C-peptide replacement together with the classic insulin therapy may prevent, retard, or ameliorate diabetic complications in patients with type-1 diabetes.

Effects of L-3-n-butylphthalide on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B expression in primary basal forebrain and hippocampal cultures after beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 treatment

BACKGROUND： L-3-n-butylphthalide （L-NBP） can inhibit phosphorylation of tau protein and reduce the neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 （Aβ1-42）. OBJECTIVE： To observe the neuroprotective effects of L-NBP on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B （NF- K B） expression in a rat model of Alzheimer＇s disease. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University between January 2008 and August 2008. MATERIALS： L-NBP （purity 〉 98%） was provided by Shijiazhuang Pharma Group NBP Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Aβ1-42, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolo-2]-2,5 iphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT）, and rabbit anti-Caspase-3 polyclonal antibody were provided by Cell Signaling, USA; goat anti-choactase and rabbit anti-NF- kB antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz, USA. METHODS： Primary cultures were generated from rat basal forebrain and hippocampal neurons at 17 or 19 days of gestation. The cells were assigned into five groups： the control group, the Aβ1-42 group （2 μmol/L）, the Aβ1-42 ＋ 0.1 μmol/L L-NBP group, the Aβ1-42 ＋ 1 μ mol/L L-NBP group, and the Aβ1-42 ＋ 10μmol/L L-NBP group. The neurons were treated with Aβ1-42 （2 μmol/L） alone or in combination with L-NBP （0.1, 1, 10 μmol/L） for 48 hours. Cells in the control group were incubated in PBS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morphologic changes were evaluated using inverted microscopy, viability using the M-I-I- method, and the changes in caspase-3 and NF- k B expression using Western blot. RESULTS： Induction with Aβ1-42 for 48 hours caused cell death and soma atrophy, and increased caspase-3 and NF- K B expression （P 〈 0.05）. L-NBP blocked these changes in cell morphology, decreased caspase-3 and NF- k B expression （P 〈 0.05）, and improved cell viability, especially at the high dose （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： AI3^-42 is toxic to basal forebrain and hippocampal primary neurons; L-NBP protects against this toxicity and inhibits the induction of caspase-3 and NF- K B expression.

Purification of heat shock protein 70-associated tumor peptides and their antitumor immunity to hepatoma in mice

AIM:To purify the heat shock protein (HSP) 70-associated tumor peptides and to observe its non-MHC-I molecule restrictive antitumor effect.METHODS:By ConA-sepharose affinity chromatography,ADP-agarose affinity chromatography, and DEAE anion exchange chromatography, we were able to purify HSP70-associated peptides from mouse hepatoma (HCaF) cells treated in heat shock at 42℃. Specific active immunization and adoptive cellular immunization assay were adopted to observe the immunoprotective effect elicited by HSP70-associated peptide complexes isolated from HcaF.RESULTS: The finally purified HSP-associated peptides had a very high purity and specificity found by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Mice immunized with HSP70-associated peptide complexes purified from HCaF cells were protected from HCaF living cell challenge. This effect was dose dependent.Adoptive immunization of immune spleen cells of mice immunized with HSP70-associated peptide complexes could elicit immunity against HCaF challenge, and the tumor-free mice could resist repeated challenges. This effect could be continuously enhanced by repeated challenge with HCaF living cells. The tumor-free mice could tolerate the challenge for as high as 1×10^7 HCaF cells. The mice immunized once with spleen cells pulsed with HSP70-associated peptide complexes in vitro could also result in a certain adoptive immunity against HCaF.CONCLUSION:High purity and specificity of HSP70-associated peptides could be achieved from tumor cells by the low-pressure affinity chromatography method used in this study. HSP70-associated peptide complexes derived from the HCaF can elicit non-MHC-I molecule restrictive immunoprotective effect against HCaF.This effect can be transferred by adoptive immunization to mice and enhanced by repeated challenge with HCaF live cells.

Annexin A1 Mimetic Peptide AC2-26 Inhibits Sepsis-induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis through LXA4/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of annexin A1(ANXA1) mimetic peptide AC2-26 on sepsis-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro and the underlying mechanisms.In the in vivo study,a rat septic model was established by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).The rats were divided into control group,sepsis group and AC2-26 group.The rats in the AC2-26 group were intraperitoneally injected with AC2-26(1mg/kg)2h before CLP,and those in the control group and sepsis group were injected with the same volume of normal saline.The myocardial tissue was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE)staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Furthermore,myocardial apoptosis was measured by terminal dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL)assay.In the in vitro study,H9C2cells were cultured and divided into three groups:control group,in which cells were only given the basic culture medium;LPS group,in which cells were treated with 10μg/mL LPS;AC2-26 group,in which cells were treated with 0.5μmol/L AC2-262h before 10μg/mL LPS was given.The apoptosis of H9C2 cells was detected by flow cytometry.The levels of lipoxin A4 receptor (LXA4),phosphoinositide3-kinase (PI3K)and protein kinase B (PKB or AKT)protein were measured by Western blotting, the activity of NF-KB and the level of TNF-α by ELISA and the activities of caspase-3/8by using the caspase activity kits.The in vivo study showed that the myocardial pathological damage and myocardial ultrastructural damage were significantly alleviated and the myocardial apoptosis significantly decreased in the AC2-26 group as compared with the sepsis group (P<0.05 for all). The in vivo study revealed that the apoptosis of H9C2 cells was profoundly ameliorated in the AC2-26 group relative to the sepsis group (P<0.05).The protein expression levels of LXA4 were significantly up-regulated,and those of PI3K and AKT prominently down-regulated in the AC2-26 group when compared with those in the LPS group (P<0.05 for all).The activity of NF-κB was greatly inhibited and the level of TNF-α markedly decreased in the AC2-26 group as compared with those in the LPS group (P<0.05 for all).AC2-26 treatment also significantly suppressed the activities of caspase-3/8 in H9C2 cells.In conclusion,these findings suggest that AC2-26 may alleviate the sepsis-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vivo through the LXA4/PI3K/ AKT signaling pathway.

The role of C-type natriuretic peptide in rat testes during spermatogenesis

C-type natriuretic peptide （CNP） is a 22-amino acid peptide and act as a local paracrine or autocrine regulator. There is growing evidence that ChIP is involved in male reproductive processes. To investigate the role of CNPduring spermatogenesis, we measured the mRNA expression of CNPand its specific membrane-bound natriuretic peptide receptor-B （NPR-B） using real-time RT-PCR in the testes of normal rats on different postnatal days. After that spermatogenesis dysfunction model induced by ornidazole was established with the aim to study the correlation of CNPwith spermatogenic dysfunction. Then, Sertoli cells from 18- to 22-day-old healthy male rats were cultured in the presence of different CNPconcentrations （1 ×10-6, 1×10-7 and1×10-8 mol l-1）, and the mRNA expression levels of androgen.binding protein, inhibin B and transferrin were examined at 0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. During the postnatal development of rat testes, the highest mRNA expression levels of CNPand NPR-B were found at postnatal Do, and the levels then declined gradually, with a second ChIPpeak at postnatal D35. In the ornidazole-induced infertile rat testes, CIVPgene expression was lower than in the uninduced rats （P〈0.05）, while IVPR-Bgene expression was greater （P〈0.05）. In cultured Sertoli cells, supplementation with CNP stimulated the gene expression of androgen-binding pmteirginhibin B/transferrin, particularly at 12 h, and 1× 10-7 mol l-1 CNP had the highest upregulation effect. The gene expression levels of CNPIIVPR-B in rat testes at different postnatal stages and in infertile rat testes indicated that CNP may participate in the physiology and/or pathology related to spermatogenesis. Moreover, ChIP regulated endocrine function in Sertoli cells. Taken together, these results showed that CNP is closely tied to spermatogenesis.

Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in Aspergillus fumigatus-infected cornea

AIM： To investigate the anti-inflammatory role of vasoactive intestinal peptide（VIP） in Aspergillus fumigatus（A. fumigatus） ketatitis.METHODS： Expression of VIP was tested by polymerase chain reaction（PCR） in C57BL/6 and BALB/c normal and A. fumigatus infected corneas. C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with recombinant（r） VIP, while BALB/c mice were pretreated with VIP antagonist, and then infected with A. fumigatus. Clinical score was recorded. Expression of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1（LOX-1）, and neutrophil infiltration were tested by PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）, and myeloperoxidase（MPO） assay.RESULTS： VIP mR NA expression in BALB/c cornea was higher than C57BL/6 cornea at 1 and 3 d post infection（p.i.）. rV IP treatment of C57BL/6 mice showed alleviated disease and down-regulated expression of interleukin-1β（IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）, while IL-10 expression was up-regulated. Neutrophil infiltration and TLR4, IL-17 expression were decreased after rVIP treatment, while LOX-1 expression was up-regulated in C57BL/6. VIP antagonist pretreatment showed increased disease and higher IL-1β, TNF-α, TLR4, IL-17 and MPO levels, while IL-10 and LOX-1 levels were down-regulated in BALB/c mice.CONCLUSION： rVIP alleviate disease response of C57BL/6 mice. VIP antagonist resulted in worsened disease of BALB/c mice. VIP proposed anti-inflammatory role in A. fumigatus keratitis.

Improved extracellular endo-1,4-β-mannosidase activity of recombinant Pichia pastoris by optimizing signal peptide

In order to improve the extracellular endo-1,4-β-mannosidase(MAN) activity of recombinant Pichia pastoris, optimization of signal peptides was investigated. At first, five potential signal peptides(W1, MF4 I, INU1 A, αpre, HFBI) were chosen to be analyzed by Signal P 4.0, among which W1 was designed. Then, the widely used signal peptide α-factor in expression vector p GAPZαA was replaced by those five signal peptides to reconstruct five new expression vectors. MAN activity was assayed after expression vectors were transformed into Pichia pastoris. The data show that the relative efficiencies of W1, MF4 I, INU1 A, αpre, and HFBI signal peptides are 23.5%, 203.5%, 0, 79.7%, and 120.3% compared with α-factor, respectively. The further gene copy number determination by the quantitative real-time PCR reveals that the MAN activities mediated by α-factor from 1 to 6 gene copy number levels are 12.95, 43.33, 126.63, 173.53, 103.23 and 88.63 U/m L, while those mediated by MF4 I are 79.22, 133.89, 260.14, 347.5, 206.15 and 181.89 U/m L, respectively. The maximum MAN activity reached 347.5 U/m L with 4 gene copies mediated by MF4 I. These results indicate that replacing the signal peptide α-factor with MF4 I and increasing MAN gene copies to a proper number can greatly improve the secretory expression of MAN.

C-peptide as a key risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States population

AIM To determine whether fasting C-peptide is an independent predictor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in United States population.METHODS Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES) 1988-1994, NAFLD participants aged 20 or greater without any other liver diseases were included in this study. Excessive alcohol intake is defined as > 2 drinks per day for males and > 1 drink per day for females. C-peptide and 27 other factors known to be associated with NAFLD(e.g., age, gender, body mass index, waist circumference, race/ethnicity, liver chemistries, and other diabetes tests) were tested in both univariate and multivariate level using logistic regression with a P-value 0.05.RESULTS Of 18825 participants aged ≥ 20, 3235 participants(n = 3235) met inclusion criteria. There were 23 factors associated with NAFLD by univariate analysis. 9 factors, ranked by the highest change in pseudo R2, were found to be significant predictors of NAFLD in multivariate model: waist circumference, fasting C-peptide, natural log of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), total protein, beingMexican American, natural log of glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride level, being non-Hispanic white, and ferritin level. CONCLUSION Together with waist circumference and ALT, fasting C-peptide is among three most important predictors of NAFLD in United States population in the NHANES data set. Further study is needed to validate the clinical utility of fasting C-peptide in diagnosis or monitoring insulin resistance in NAFLD patients.

Construction and characterization of an experimental ISCOMS-based hepatitis B polypeptide vaccine

AIM: To characterize the biochemical and immunological properties of an experimental ISCOMS vaccine prepared from a novel therapeutic polypeptide based on T cell epitopes of HBsAg, and a heptatis B-ISCOMS was prepared and investigated. METHODS: An immunostimulating complexes(ISCOMS)-based vaccine containing a novel therapeutic hepatitis B polypeptide was prepared by dialysis method, and its formation was visualized by electron microscopy and biochemically verified by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amount of the peptide within ISCOMS was determined by Bradford assay, and specific CTL response was detected by ELISPOT assay. RESULTS: Typical cage-like structures of submicroparticle with a diameter of about 40nm were observed by electron microscopy. Results from Bradford assay showed that the level of peptide incorporation was about 0.33g.L(-1). At the paralleled position close to the sixth band of the molecular weight marker(3480kDa) a clear band was shown in SDS-PAGE analysis, indicating successful incorporation of polypeptide into ISCOMS. It is suggested that ISCOMS delivery system could efficiently improve the immunogenicity of polypeptide and elicit specific immune responses in vivo by the results of ELISPOT assay, which showed that IFN-gamma producing cells(specific CTL responses) were increased(spots of ISCOMS-treated group: 47+/-5, n =3; control group: 5+/-2, n =3). CONCLUSION: ISCOMS-based hepatitis B polypeptide vaccine is successfully constructed and it induces a higher CTL response compared with short polypeptides vaccine in vivo.

Neuroprotective Effect of Peptides Extracted from Walnut(Juglans Sigilata Dode) Proteins on Aβ25-35-induced Memory Impairment in Mice

Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） is one of the major neurodegenerative disorders of the elderly, which is characterized by the accumulation and deposition of amyloid-beta（Aβ） peptide in human brains. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by Aβ in brain are increasingly considered to be responsible for the pathogenesis of AD. The present study aimed to determine the protective effects of walnut peptides against the neurotoxicity induced by Aβ25-35 in vivo. Briefly, the AD model was induced by injecting Aβ25-35 into bilateral hippocampi of mice. The animals were treated with distilled water or walnut peptides（200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.） for five consecutive weeks. Spatial learning and memory abilities of mice were investigated by Morris water maze test and step-down avoidance test. To further explore the underlying mechanisms of the neuroprotectivity of walnut peptides, the activities of superoxide dismutase（SOD）, glutathione（GSH）, acetylcholine esterase（ACh E）, and the content of malondialdehyde（MDA） as well as the level of nitric oxide（NO） in the hippocampus of mice were measured by spectrophotometric method. In addition, the levels of 8-hydroxy-2＇-deoxyguanosine（8-OHd G）, tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）, interleukin 1β（IL-1β） and IL-6 in the samples were determined using ELISA. The hippocampal expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase（i NOS） and nuclear factor κB（NF-κB） were evaluated by Western blot analysis. The results showed that walnut peptides supplementation effectively ameliorated the cognitive deficits and memory impairment of mice. Meanwhile, our study also revealed effective restoration of levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as inflammatory mediators with supplementation of walnut peptides（400 or 800 mg/kg）. All the above findings suggested that walnut peptides may have a protective effect on AD by reducing inflammatory responses and modulating antioxidant system.

Protective effects of proanthocyanidins on beta-amyloid peptide (25-35)-induced PC12 cell apoptosis by blocking S-phase and increasing p53 gene expression

BACKGROUND： Current studies related to the effects of proanthocyanidins on Alzheimer＇s disease have focused primarily on the signal transduction pathway of cellular apoptosis. However, the influence of p53 gene expression on cell cycle regulation, with regard to the protective mechanisms of proanthocyanidins, has not been reported. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of proanthocyanidins on cell cycle distribution, cellular apoptosis and p53 gene expression in β-amyloid peptide （25-35） （Aβ25-35）-induced PC12 cells cultured in serum-free media, and to investigate the molecular neuroprotective mechanisms of proanthocyanidins with regard to cell cycle regulation. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel, controlled, at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology cellular, and molecular study was performed Guangdong Medical College from July 2006 to July 2008. MATERIALS： Proanthocyanidins were provided by Nanjing Xuezi Medical and Chemical Research Center, China; Aβ25-35 was provided by Sigma, USA; PC12 cells were provided by the Institute of Basic Medical Science, Academy of Military Medical Sciences; and rabbit anti-p53 polyclonal antibody was provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. METHODS： PC12 cells were cultured in serum-free media for 24 hours. Cells from the model group were treated with 25 μmol/L Aβ25-35 for 24 hours. Cells in the drug protection group were pre-treated with 30 mg/L proanthocyanidins for 1 hour and then treated with 25 μmol/LAβ2^-35 for 24 hours. The control group was not treated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle distribution and rate of apoptosis; reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to detect p53 mRNA expression; and Western blot was used to detect p53 protein expression. RESULTS： After treating with 25 μmol/LAβ25-35 for 24 hours, the rate of apoptosis and the percentage of cells in S phase were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01 ）, and p53 mRNA and protein expressions were decreased. Pretreatment with proanthocyanidins for 1 hour blocked the increase in apoptosis and the percentage of cells in S phase in Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cells （P 〈 0.01 ） and increased p53 mRNA and protein expressions. CONCLUSION： Proanthocyanidins blocked apoptosis and S-phase arrest in Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cells cultured in serum-free media. The protective mechanism could be related to increased p53 mRNA and protein expressions.

Prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis on admission by urinary trypsinogen activation peptide: A meta-analysis

AIM: To undertake a meta-analysis on the value of urinary trypsinogen activation peptide (uTAP) in predicting severity of acute pancreatitis on admission.METHODS: Major databases including Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library were searched to identify all relevant studies from January 1990 to January 2013. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and the diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) with 95%CI were calculated for each study and were compared to other systems/biomarkers if mentioned within the same study. Summary receiver-operating curves were conducted and the area under the curve (AUC) was evaluated.RESULTS: In total, six studies of uTAP with a cut-off value of 35 nmol/L were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of uTAP for predicting severity of acute pancreatitis, at time of admission, was 71% and 75%, respectively (AUC = 0.83, DOR = 8.67, 95%CI: 3.70-20.33). When uTAP was compared with plasma C-reactive protein, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR were 0.64 vs 0.67, 0.77 vs 0.75, 0.82 vs 0.79 and 6.27 vs 6.32, respectively. Similarly, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR of uTAP vs Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II within the first 48 h of admission were found to be 0.64 vs 0.69, 0.77 vs 0.61, 0.82 vs 0.73 and 6.27 vs 4.61, respectively.CONCLUSION: uTAP has the potential to act as a stratification marker on admission for differentiating disease severity of acute pancreatitis.

Gecko crude peptides inhibit migration and lymphangiogenesis by down regulating the expression of VEGF-C in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and human lymphatic endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE To explore the role of gecko crude peptides(GCPs)in the proliferation,apoptosis,migration and lymphangiogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells(Hep G2)and human lymphaticendothelial cells(HLECs)in vitro.METHODS The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay was used to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of GCPs and si RNA-VEGF-C on Hep G2 cells,Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were performed to analyze cycle and apoptosis.The migration and invasion ability of cells were assayed by transwell chamber experiment and wound-healing assay.The protein and m RNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C(VEGF-C)and CXC chemokine receptor-4(CXCR4)were detected by q-PCR,immunofluorescence,Western blot.The protein expressions of the extracellular signal regulated kinase(ERKI/2),c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),p38-mitogen activated protein kinases(p38 MAPK),serine/threonine kinase(Akt)and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)were detected by western blot.The anti-lymphangiogenesis effect of GCPs on the HLECs was analyzed using an in vitro tube-formation assay.The protein and m RNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3(VEGFR-3)and stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)were detected by q-PCR,Western blot.RESULTS GCPs and si RNA-VEGF-C inhibited Hep G2 proliferation,invasion and migration,and the most obvious inhibitory effect was both synergistic effects.Thus,GCPs suppressed HLECs proliferation,migration and tubelike structure formationin a dose-dependent manner,and had inhibitory effect of tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis in vitro.Additionally,we found that GCPs and si RNA-VEGF-C decreased the expressions of MMP-2,MMP-9,VEGF-C,CXCR4,phospho-ERK1/2,phospho-P38,phospho-JNK and PI3K in Hep G2 cells.Moreover,GCPs had a dose-dependent depressive effecton the expressions of VEGFR-3,SDF-1 in HLECs.CONCLUSION The low expression of VEGF-C mediated by si RNA-VEGF-C and GCPs inhibit tumor proliferation,invasion and migrationby suppressing the MAPK signaling pathway through reduced levels of VEGF-C,and GCPs inhibit tumor lymphangiogenesis by suppressing the CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling pathway through suppressed VEGF-C/VEGFR-3.

Effects of C-terminal amidation and heptapeptide ring on the biological activities and advanced structure of amurin-9KY, a novel antimicrobial peptide identified from the brown frog, Rana kunyuensis

Rana kunyuensis is a species of brown frog that lives exclusively on Kunyu Mountain,Yantai,China.In the current study,a 279-bp cDNA sequence encoding a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP),designated as amurin-9KY,was cloned from synthesized double-strand skin cDNA of R.kunyuensis.The amurin-9KY precursor was composed of 62 amino acid (aa) residues,whereas the mature peptide was composed of 14 aa and contained two cysteines forming a C-terminal heptapeptide ring (Rana box domain) and an amidated C-terminus.These structural characters represent a novel amphibian AMP family.Although amurin-9KY exhibited high similarity to the already identified amurin-9AM from R.amurensis,little is known about the structures and activities of amurin-9 family AMPs so far.Therefore,amurin-9KY and its three derivatives (amurin-9KY1-3) were designed and synthesized.The structures and activities were examined to evaluate the influence of C-terminal amidation and the heptapeptide ring on the activities and structure of amurin-9KY..Results indicated that C-terminal amidation was essential for antimicrobial activity,whereas both C-terminal amidation and the heptapeptide ring played roles in the low hemolytic activity.Circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed that the four peptides adopted an α-helical conformation in THF/H2O (v/v 1∶1) solution,but a random coil in aqueous solution.Elimination of the C-terminal heptapeptide ring generated two free cysteine residues with unpaired thiol groups,which greatly increased the concentration-dependent anti-oxidant activity.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed to determine the possible bactericidal mechanisms.

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid reduces neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide (25-35)

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid might attenuate learning/memory impairment and neuronal loss in rats induced by amyloid beta-peptide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid on amyloid beta-peptide-induced neuronal apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the rat hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were given intragastric administration of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, 50 or 100 mg/kg, once per day. On day 8 after administration, 10 pg amyloid beta-peptide （25-35） was injected into the bilateral hippocampus of rats to induce neuronal apoptosis. On day 20, hippocampal tissue was harvested and probed with the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide （25-35） in the rat hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay revealed that expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-3 was significantly diminished by 50 and 100 mg/kg Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, while expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased. Moreover, 100 mg/kg Scutellana baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid had a more dramatic effect than the lower dosage. These experimental findings indicate that Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid dose-dependently attenuates neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide in the hippocampus, and it might mediate this by regulating the expression of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and Bcl-2.

Elevated plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy

AIM: To investigate plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an established marker of cardiac function, in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy. METHODS: Using a sandwich immunoassay, plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined in 48 patients with chronic hepatitis C at baseline, wk 24 and 48 during antiviral therapy and at wk 72 during follow-up.RESULTS: Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at wk 24, 48 and 72 compared to the baseline values. NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline and wk 24 were closely correlated (r = 0.8; P < 0.001). At wk 24, 7 (14.6%) patients had NT-proBNP concentrations above 200 ng/L compared to 1 (2%) patient at baseline (P = 0.059). Six of these 7 patients had been treated with high-dose IFN-α induction therapy. In multiple regression analysis, NT-proBNP was not related to other clinical parameters, biochemical parameters of liver disease or virus load and response to therapy.CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of NT-proBNP during and after interferon-based antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C may indicate the presence of cardiac dysfunction, which may contribute to the clinical symptoms observed in patients during therapy. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP may be used as a diagnostic tool and for guiding therapy in patients during interferon-based antiviral therapy.

Antimicrobial Activity of a Cys-Rich Peptide Derived from a Centrosema virginianum Vicilin

Many antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been identified in plants. These peptides are highly divergent at the primary sequence level and vary in their hierarchical structures. Some common biochemical features include the ability to form disulfide bonds, tandemly repeated amino acid sequences and a net charge at pH 7. Unusual Cysteine containing repeats has been identified in several plant seed storage proteins that may act as AMPs. We identified a Cys repeat within a vicilin (seed storage protein) of a wild legume, Centrosema virginianum. Cleavage of the vicilin protein during germination would generate a vicilin derived Cys peptide (VDCP). We investigated the antimicrobial properties of this VDCP and compared its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent to VDCPs from other species. We developed transgenic tobacco plants that expressed cloned sequences encoding the Cysteine repeat unit from C. virginianum, Theobroma cacao and Gossypium hirsutum. Extracts from fully expanded leaves were tested for antimicrobial activity against a fungal pathogen, Botrytis cinerea. The Cys motif from C. virginianum was also expressed in two E. coli cell lines (reducing or oxidizing cytoplasm) and peptide fusion protein fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity against a battery of fungal strains. The unique Cysteine repeat single unit from C. virginianum exhibited antimicrobial properties greater than or equal to the antimicrobial activity associated with expression of the multiple Cys-repeat VDCPs from G. hirsutum or T. cacao in transgenic tobacco. When expressed in bacteria, a C. virginianum VDCP fusion protein exhibited antifungal activity against 3 of the 4 fungi tested. Although the primary role of seed storage proteins is to provide a pool of amino acids and nitrogen for germinating seeds and developing plantlets, it is likely that seed storage protein proteolytic products also provide beneficial antimicrobial properties during germination and young plantlet development.

STUDY ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF GINSENOSIDE Rg-1 AND GASTRODINE ON AD MODEL RATS INDUCED BY β-AMYLOID PEPTIDE (25-35)

Objective To study the therapeutic effects of Ginsenoside Rg-1 and Gastrodine on rats model of Alzheimer's disease(AD). Methods Aggregated β-Amyloid peptide (25-35) was injected into the lateral ventricle of rats to establish AD models. Ginsenoside Rg-1, Gastrodine and Ginsenoside Rg-1+Gastrodine were intraperitoneally injected into rats of each test group(Ginsenoside Rg-1∶10mg/kg·day; Gastrodine 100mg/kg·day) for 4 weeks, the rats of control group received equal volume of saline. Passive avoidance task and Morris maze test were done to assess the ability of learning and memory. The content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondiadehyde (MDA), total-antioxidative capability (T-AOC), Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in brain tissue were measured. Results Ginsenoside Rg-1 and Gastrodine significantly improved learning and memory deficits in the rats with AD induced by β-Amyloid peptide (25-35) (P<0.05). Ginsenoside Rg-1+Gastrodine group were better than Ginsenoside Rg-1 group and Gastrodine group (P<0.05). Ginsenoside Rg-1 reduced the increase of SOD, MDA, but inhibited the decrease of T-AOC, AchE and ChAT; Gastrodine reduced the increase of SOD, MDA, while inhibited the decrease of T-AOC. Gastrodine could also prevent the activity of ChAT and AchE decline in AD rats. Conclusion Both Ginsenoside Rg-1 and Gastrodine have therapeutic effects on rats with AD; Ginsenoside Rg-1 and Gastrodine injection at the same time were better than only using one of them. Their mechanisms might different. Ginsenoside Rg-1 can not only inhibit peroxidation but also increase the activity of AchE and ChAT in brain tissue, while Gastrodine can inhibit peroxidation only, but it can't prevent the decline of ChAT and AchE activity in AD rats.

Inhibitory effects of scorpion venom heat-resistant protein on neurotoxicity of exogenous amyloid beta peptide 1-40

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that scorpion venom heat-resistant protein （SVHRP） exhibits protective effects on primary cultured hippocampal neurons. OBJECTIVE： To determine the effects of SVHRP on astrocyte activity and synaptic density in the hippocampus induced by amyloid β peptide 1-40 （Aβ1-40） neurotoxicity. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, and the Laboratory of Physiology, in Dalian Medical University between March 2006 and June 2008. MATERIALS： Aβ1-40 was provided by Biosource, USA; SVHRP was a patented biological product of Dalian Medical University （No. ZL01 1 06166.9）. METHODS： A total of 27 healthy, 2-month-old, male SD rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups： control, Aβ, and SVHRP, with 9 rats in each group. Alzheimer＇s disease was simulated with 10 μg Aβ1-40 bilaterally injected into the hippocampus of the Aβ and SVHRP groups. The control group was injected with 2 μL 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid. One day following model establishment, the SVHRP group received an intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg/100 g SVHRP, while the control group and Aβ group received 0.5 mL/100 g tri-distilled water, once per day, for 10 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 16 days following model establishment, synaptophysin （p38） expression in CA1-CA4 regions of the rat hippocampus was determined by immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） expression surrounding the hippocampal Aβ1-40 injected area was also detected. At 11 days following model establishment, escape latency, swimming time, and distance to target quadrant were measured using the Morris water maze. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, the Aβ group exhibited notably reduced p38 expression （P 〈 0.05） and notably increased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus （P 〈 0.05）. Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was prolonged （P 〈 0.05）, and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were shortened in the Aβ group. Compared with the Aβ group, the SVHRP group exhibited notably increased p38 expression （P 〈 0.05） and notably decreased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus （P 〈 0.05）. Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was significantly reduced （P 〈 0.05）, and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were significantly prolonged. CONCLUSION： SVHRP inhibited exogenous Aβ1-40-induced astrocyte activation and synaptic density decline in the rat hippocampus. Place navigation and spatial searching results showed that SVHRP blocked Aβ1-40-induced impaired learning and memory.

血清PCT、CRP及IL-4水平预测小儿支原体肺炎病情严重程度的价值

目的:探讨血清降钙素原(PCT)、C反应蛋白(CRP)及白细胞介素-4(IL-4)水平预测支原体肺炎患儿病情严重程度的价值。方法:选取2019年1月—2023年1月淮安市第二人民医院儿科收治的102例支原体肺炎患儿作为研究对象,根据病情将患儿分为轻症组59例和重症组43例。比较两组临床资料及基质细胞衍生因子(CXCL12)、γ干扰素(IFN-γ)、硫化氢(H_(2)S)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、PCT、CRP及IL-4水平,多因素分析采取非条件logistic逐步回归分析,采用ROC曲线分析PCT、CRP及IL-4水平对重症支原体肺炎的预测价值。结果:两组性别、年龄、病程及CXCL12、IFN-γ、H_(2)S、SOD、MMP-9水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);重症组PCT、CRP、IL-4水平显著高于轻症组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。logistic逐步回归分析结果显示,PCT、CRP及IL-4为重症支原体肺炎独立危险因素(P<0.05)。ROC分析显示,PCT、CRP及IL-4预测重症支原体肺炎的曲线下面积分别为0.896、0.851、0.787。结论:血清PCT、CRP及IL-4水平均参与支气管肺炎患儿的病情进展,且可作为重症支气管肺炎的诊断指标。