TLR4-HMGB1-, MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling in mouse intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

AIM: To characterize high-mobility group protein 1-toll-like receptor 4(HMGB1-TLR4) and downstream signaling pathways in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury.METHODS: Forty specific-pathogen-free male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups(n = 8 per group): sham, control, anti-HMGB1, anti-myeloid differentiation gene 88(My D88), and anti-translocatingchain-associating membrane protein(TRIF) antibody groups. Vehicle with the control Ig G antibody, antiHMGB1, anti-My D88, or anti-TRIF antibodies(all 1 mg/kg, 0.025%) were injected via the caudal vein 30 min prior to ischemia. After anesthetization, the abdominal wall was opened and the superior mesenteric artery was exposed, followed by 60 min mesenteric ischemia and then 60 min reperfusion. For the sham group, the abdominal wall was opened for 120 min without I/R. Levels of serum nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65, interleukin(IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α were measured, along with myeloperoxidase activity in the lung and liver. Inaddition,morphologic changes that occurred in the lung and intestinal tissues were evaluated. Levels of m RNA transcripts encoding HMGB1 and NF-κB were measured by real-time quantitative PCR, and levels of HMGB1 and NF-κB protein were measured by Western blot. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.RESULTS: Blocking HMGB 1, MyD 8 8, and TRIF expression by injecting anti-HMGB1, anti-My D88, or anti-TRIF antibodies prior to ischemia reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum; NF-κB p65: 104.64 ± 11.89, 228.53 ± 24.85, 145.00 ± 33.63, 191.12 ± 13.22, and 183.73 ± 10.81(P < 0.05); IL-6: 50.02 ± 6.33, 104.91 ± 31.18, 62.28 ± 6.73, 85.90 ± 17.37, and 78.14 ± 7.38(P < 0.05); TNF-α, 43.79 ± 4.18, 70.81 ± 6.97, 52.76 ± 5.71, 63.19 ± 5.47, and 59.70 ± 4.63(P < 0.05) for the sham, control, anti-HMGB1, anti-My D88, and anti-TRIF groups, respectively(all in pg/m L).Antibodies also alleviated tissue injury in the lung and small intestine compared with the control group in the mouse intestinal I/R model. The administration of antiHMGB1, anti-My D88, and anti-TRIF antibodies markedly reduced damage caused by I/R, for which anti-HMGB1 antibody had the most obvious effect.CONCLUSION: HMGB1 and its downstream signaling pathway play important roles in the mouse intestinal I/R injury, and the effect of the TRIF-dependent pathway is slightly greater.

Time Course of Age-dependent Changes in Intraocular Pressure and Retinal Ganglion Cell Death in DBA/2J Mouse

Purpose:To characterizes the progression of glaucoma in DBA/2J mice by measuring intraocular pressure(IOP) and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) numbers in mice of various ages. Methods:A quantitative assessment of the pathophysiology of the DBA/2J mice was performed and the C57/BL6 mice was used as control. The IOP was measured by the servo-null micropipette system; the regional patterns of the loss of RGCs were determined by cell count of retrogradely-labeled RGCs. Results:The baseline IOP for DBA/2J mice at 7 weeks was (16.6 ± 1.2)mm Hg.Then IOP increased extend to 12 months, with the peak of (25.2 ± 1.2)mm Hg at 6 months of age. Retinal ganglion cell numbers did not decrease relative to control until 12 months of age(P=0.006), when the loss was proportionally higher in peripheral regions(P<0.05). Conclusion:The elevation in IOP precedes the loss of RGCs by several months. RGCs cell loss occurs particularly in peripheral regions of the retina. These findings expand our understanding of the changes in DBA/2J mice and provide information for experiments design when they are used as a glaucoma model for future studies of RGCs degeneration in glaucoma.

The remedial effect of soluble interleukin-1 receptor type Ⅱ on endometriosis in the nude mouse model

Objective： Recent studies have shown that the local expression of soluble interleukin （IL） -1 receptor type Ⅱ （slL-1 R Ⅱ ） in endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis is decreased, and the depression of IL-1 R Ⅱ was more significant in infertile women than that in fertile women with endometriosis. In this research, we investigated the remedial effect of slL-1-R Ⅱ administration on endometriosis in the nude mouse model. Methods： Nineteen nude model mice with endometriosis were randomly divided into three groups： group A was treated by intraperitoneal administration with only slL-1 R Ⅱ for two weeks, group B was similarly treated with only IL- 1, and group C （control） was administered saline. After 2 weeks, the size of the ectopic endometrial lesions was calculated, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and B-cell lymphoma leukemia-2 （Bcl- 2） were detected by immunohistochemistry. The IL-8 and VEGF levels in the peritoneal fluid （PF） and serum were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results： The mean size of ectopic endometrial lesion did not differ between the three groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control, the expression of VEGF and Bcl-2 was significantly lower in group A, and higher in group B. In the three groups, the levels of IL-8 in the PF and serum were highest in group A, and lowest in group B. Conclusion： slL-1 R Ⅱ may suppresse hyperplasia of ectopic endometriosis, perhaps by reducing the expression of certain cytokines, such as VEGF, IL-8, and Bcl-2, which could provide a new clinical strategy for the treatment of endometriosis.

Expression of Angiopoietin-1/-2 in the Process of Mouse Embryo Implantation

This study examined the expression and distribution of angiopoietin-1/-2 （Ang-1/-2） in the endometrium of early pregnant mice. The expression of Ang-1/-2 was detected by immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization respectively. Computerized image analysis system was used to measure the average optical intensity of Ang-1/-2 in endometria at different time points after gestation. Mice were randomly divided into 5 groups： control group, D2 group （2 days after pregnancy）, D4 group （4 days after pregnancy）, D6 group （6 days after pregnancy） and D8 group （8 days after pregnancy）, each containing 15 mice. The results showed that the expression of Ang-1 and Ang-2 was very different among 4 groups （P〈0.01）. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that Ang-1 was localized in the cytoplasma of stromal cells 2 days after pregnancy （day 2）, and in luminal epithelial cells on day 4. The protein of Ang-2 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasma of glandular epithelia and stromal cells. With gestation time, the positive reactions of Ang-1/-2 were stronger in the endometria of the pregnant mice （P〈0.01）. In situ hybridization showed Ang-I mRNA in stromal cells on day 2. Hybridization signal was localized in both stromal cells and vessel epithelial cells on day 4; Ang-2 mRNA was expressed in stromal cells and glandular epithelia on day 2; high mRNA levels appeared in stromal cells, glandular epithelia and vascular endothelia on day 4; an increasing in mRNA expression of Ang-1/-2 was observed on day 6 and day 8 （P〈0.01）. It is suggested that Ang-1/-2 may play an important role in the cross-talk between blastocyst and maternal endometrium during the process of embryo implantation.

Cardiotrophin-1 promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells via JAK2/STAT3/Pim-1 signaling pathway

Background The induced pluripotent stem cell （iPSC） has shown great potential in cellular therapy of myocardial infarction （MI）, while its application is hampered by the low efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of cardiotrophin-1 （CT-1） on cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells （miPSCs） and the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods The optimal treatment condition for cardiomyocyte differentiation from miPSCs was established with ideal concentration （10 ng/mL） and duration （from day 3 to day 14） of CT-1 administration. Up-regulated expression of cardiac specific genes that accounted for embryonic cardiogenesis was observed by quantitative RT-PCR. Elevated amount of a-myosin heavy chain （ct-MHC） and cardiac troponin I （cTn I） positive cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis in CT- 1 group. Results Transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed that cells treated with CT- 1 showed better organized sacromeric structure and more mitochondria, which are morphological characteristic of matured cardiomyocytes. Western blot demonstrated that CT-1 promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation from miPSCs partly via JAK2/STAT3/Pim-1 pathway as compared with control group. Conclusions These findings suggested that CT-1 could enhance the cardiomyocyte differentiation as well as the maturation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes by regulating JAK2/STAT3/Pim-1 signaling pathway.

UVA1 irradiation inhibits fibroblast proliferation and alleviates pathological changes of scleroderma in a mouse model

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of different doses of ultraviolet radiation A1 （UVA1） on human fibroblast proliferation and collagen level in a mouse model of scleroderma, so as to identify appropriate irradiation doses for clinical treatment of scleroderma. Monolayer from human fibroblasts was cultured in vitro, and a mouse model of scleroderma was established by subcutaneous injection of 100 μL of 400 μg/mL bleomycin into the back of BALB/c mice for 4 weeks. The mouse models and human fibroblasts were divided into UVA1- exposed （100, 60 and 20 J/cm2） and UVA-unexposed groups. At 0, 24 and 48 h after exposure, cell proliferation and levels of hydroxyproline and collagen were detected. UVA1 irradiation was performed 3 times weekly for 10 weeks, and the pathological changes of skin tissues, skin thickness and collagen level were observed after phototherapy. Cell proliferation and the levels of hydroxyproline and collagen were inhibited after phototherapy, and there was a significant difference between the UVAl-exposed cells and UVAl-unexposed cells （P 〈 0.001）. In addition, UVA1 phototherapy improved dermal sclerosis and softened the skin, and there were significant differences between the high-dose UVA1 group and the model group, and the negative group （P 〈 0.05）. It is concluded that UVA1 radiation can reduce cell proliferation, and decrease hydroxyproline and collagen levels in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. High-dose UVA1 phototherapy has marked therapeutic effect on scleroderma in the mouse model. Decreased collagen level may be related to the reduced number and activity of cells, as well as inhibition of collagen synthesis.

TGF-beta1 Transgenic Mouse Model of Thoracic Irradiation: Modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the Lung Tissue

To investigate the effects of TGF-β1 on the two gelatinases （MMP-2 and MMP-9）, and their roles in lung remodeling after irradiation-induced lung injury. Expressions of TGF-β1 were measured with western blot, and expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed with zymography in a TGF-β1 transgenic mouse model after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy. We found expressions of TGF-β1 in the lung from the transgenic mice were three folds as compared to those from control mice. With densitometrical analysis, we found a significant decrease in MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared with those from non-transgenic control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-9 activity： C： 1. 000±0. 1091; TG： 0. 4772±0. 470 （n=8, P〈0.05）. But MMP-2 was constitutively expressed in the lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared to those from control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-2 activity 8 weeks after sham-irradiation： C： 1. 000±0. 1556, TG： 1. 0075±0. 1472）. Eight weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy, we observed a significant increase of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from both transgenic and normal mice. In TGF-β1 transgenic mice relative MMP-9 activity was increased to 1. 5321±0. 2217 folds 8 weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy as compared to those after sham-irradiation （1. 000±0. 2153）, and relative MMP-2 activity was increased to 1. 7142 ± 0. 4231 folds. Our results show that TGF-β1 itself down-regulates activity of MMP-9, thereby decreases ECM degradation in lungs of TGF-β1 transgenic mice. Also we find that ionizing irradiation upregulates both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Over-expressions of MMP-9 and MMP-2 after lung irradiation are involved in the inflammatory response associated with radiation-induced lung injury, and maybe further in radiation-induced lung fibrosis.

过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞促进小鼠皮肤创面愈合

背景:神经调节蛋白1具有促进细胞增殖、分化以及血管生长等特性。人羊膜间充质干细胞是组织工程领域重要的种子细胞,已被证实参与组织修复及再生过程。目的:构建过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞,探究其增殖、迁移能力以及对创面愈合的影响。方法:(1)体外分离培养人羊膜间充质干细胞并对其进行鉴定;(2)构建神经调节蛋白1过表达慢病毒,将人羊膜间充质干细胞分为空载组、神经调节蛋白1组、对照组,分别转染空载慢病毒、过表达神经调节蛋白1慢病毒,对照组不进行转染;(3)EdU实验检测各组细胞增殖能力,Transwell实验检测各组细胞迁移能力;(4)构建C57BL/6小鼠创面损伤模型,随机分成对照组、空载组和神经调节蛋白1组,每组8只,分别在创面局部多点均匀注射1 mL转染空载慢病毒或转染过表达神经调节蛋白1慢病毒的人羊膜间充质干细胞,对照组注射等量的生理盐水;(5)造模后1,7,14 d观察创面愈合情况,苏木精-伊红染色观察创面愈合组织学变化,免疫组化观察创面CD31的表达。结果与结论:(1)成功构建过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞,细胞内神经调节蛋白1的mRNA、蛋白表达较空载组明显上调(P<0.05);(2)过表达神经调节蛋白1促进了人羊膜间充质干细胞的迁移(P<0.01)和增殖(P<0.05);(3)过表达神经调节蛋白1的人羊膜间充质干细胞促进了小鼠创面愈合(P<0.05)和创面的血管生成(P<0.05)。结果表明,过表达神经调节蛋白1提高了人羊膜间充质干细胞的增殖和迁移能力,以及增强了促进创面愈合和创面血管生成的能力。

Characterization of Spindlin1 isoform2 in mouse testis

Aim： To investigate the expression of Spindlin 1 （Spin First, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction present in mouse testis. Then the expression patterns 1） isoform2 and assess its function in mouse testis. Methods： （RT-PCR） was used to determine whether Spinl isoform2 is of the isoform between newborn and adult mice testes were compared by immunoblot analysis. Finally, the diversity of its localization in mice testes at different ages （days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60） was observed by immunohistochemistry. The localization of the protein in mouse sperm was also investigated by immunofluorescence. Results： The RT-PCR results show that Spinl isoform2 is present in mouse testis. As shown by immunoblot analysis, the isoform was more highly expressed in adult testes compared with newborn testes. Interestingly, Spinl isoform2 did not show up in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes until day 14. Also, the protein exists at the tail of the mouse sperm. Conclusion： Spinl isoform2 is a protein expressed highly in adult testis, which might be involved in spermatogenesis and could be necessary for normal sperm motility.

Expression of Prominin-1 in Mouse Uterus During Peri-implantation

To investigate the expression of Prominin-1(Prom-1)in mouse uterus during peri-implantation.In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression level of Prom-1 in mice uterus in early pregnancy,pseudopregnancy,estrous cycle,treated with hormone,delayed implantation and activation models.The results showed that Prom-1 was gradually weakened in uterine luminal epithelium(LE)and glandular epithelium(GE)during days 1-4 of pregnancy.During days 5-8,Prom-1 was strongly expressed in GE,and signal of Prom-1 protein was detected in matrix and decidua around the embryo.Similar to pregnancy,Prom-1 was strongly expressed in LE and GE on the 1st day and weakly expressed on the 4th day of pseudopregnancy.In addition,Prom-1 was highly expressed in LE and GE on estrus.Expression of Prom-1 was observed in the LE and the GE of delayed-implantation uterus.In activated-implantation animal model,Prom-1 was strongly expressed in the GE.In the hormone-treated model,Prom-1 expression levels were higher in the uterus of the 17β-estradiol-treated group than those in the control group.These results indicated that Prom-1 might promote the proliferation of mouse endometrial epithelium and participate in the establishment of uterine receptivity.Meanwhile,the expression of Prom-1 was up-regulated by the 17β-estradiol,indicating that Prom-1 might involve in the process of decidua development regulated by uterine glands,and Prom-1 might play an important role in mice early pregnancy.

Comparative effects of α2δ-1 ligands in mouse models of colonic hypersensitivity

AIM: To investigate anti-hypersensitive effects of α2δ-1 ligands in non-inflammatory and inflammationassociated colonic hypersensitivity(CHS) mouse models.METHODS: To induce an inflammation-associated CHS, 1% dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) was administered to C57Bl/6J male mice, in drinking water, for 14 d. Regarding the non-inflammatory neonatal maternal separation(NMS)-induced CHS model, wild-type C57BI/6J pups were isolated from their mother from day 2 to day 14(P2 to P14), three hours per day(from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). Colorectal distension was performed by inflating distension probe from 20 μL to 100 μL by 20 μL increment step every 10 s. After a first colorectal distension(CRD), drugs were administered subcutaneously, in a cumulative manner,(Gabapentin at 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg; Pregabalin at 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg; Carbamazepine at 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) and a second CRD was performed one hour after each injection.RESULTS: The visceromotor response(VMR) to CRD was increased by our NMS paradigm protocol in comparison to non-handled(NH) mice, considering the highest distension volumes(80 μL: 0.783 ± 0.056 mV /s vs 0.531 ± 0.034 m V/s, P < 0.05 and 100 μL: 1.087 ± 0.056 m V/s vs 0.634 ± 0.038 m V/s, P < 0.05 for NMS and NH mice, respectively). In the inflammationassociated CHS, DSS-treated mice showed a dramatic and significant increase in VMR at 60 and 80 μL distension volumes when compared to control mice(60 μL: 0.920 ± 0.079 m V/s vs 0.426 ± 0.100 m V/s P < 0.05 and 80 μL: 1.193 ± 0.097 mV /s vs 0.681 ± 0.094 mV /s P < 0.05 for DSS- and Water-treated mice, respectively). Carbamazepine failed to significantly reduce CHS in both models. Gabapentin significantly reduced CHS in the DSS-induced model for both subcutaneous injections at 30 or 100 mg/kg. Pregabalin s i g n i f i c a n t l y r e d u c e d V M R t o C R D i n t h e n o n-inflammatory NMS-induced CHS model for the acute subcutaneous administration of the highest cumulative dose(30 mg/kg) and significantly reduced CHS in lowdose DSS-treated mice in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the percent decrease of AUC induced by acute GBP or Pregabalin treatment were higher in the inflammatory DSS-induced CHS model in comparison to the non-inflammatory NMS-induced CHS model.CONCLUSION: This preclinical study demonstrates α2δ-1 ligands efficacy on inflammation-associated CHS, highlighting their potential clinical interest in patients with chronic abdominal pain and moderate intestinal inflammation.

Pharmacologic inhibition of mTORC1 mimics dietary protein restriction in a mouse model of lactation

Background:Understanding the mechanisms of N utilization for lactation can lead to improved requirement estimates and increased efficiency,which modern dairy diets currently fail to maximize.The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)is a central hub of translation regulation,processing extra-and intra-cellular signals of nutrient availability and physiological state,such as amino acids and energy.We hypothesized that dietary amino acids regulate lactation through mTORC1,such that inhibition of mTORC1 will lead to decreased lactation performance when amino acids are not limiting.Our objectives were to assess lactation performance in lactating mice undergoing dietary and pharmacologic interventions designed to alter mTORC1 activity.Methods:First lactation mice(N=18;n=6/treatment)were fed an adequate protein diet(18%crude protein),or an isocaloric protein-restricted diet(9%crude protein)from the day after parturition until lactation day 13.A third group of mice was fed an adequate protein diet and treated with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin(4 mg/kg every other day)intraperitoneally,with the first two groups treated with vehicle as control.Dams and pups were weighed daily,and feed intake was recorded every other day.Milk production was measured every other day beginning on lactation day 4 by the weigh-suckle-weigh method.Tissues were collected after fasting and refeeding.Results:Milk production and pup weight were similarly decreased by both protein restriction and rapamycin treatment,with final production at 50%of control(P=0.008)and final pup weight at 85%of control(P<0.001).Mammary phosphorylation of mTORC1’s downstream targets were decreased by protein restriction and rapamycin treatment(P<0.05),while very little effect was observed in the liver of rapamycin treated mice,and none by protein restriction.Conclusions:Overall,sufficient supply of dietary amino acids was unable to maintain lactation performance status in mice with pharmacologically reduced mammary mTORC1 activity,as evidenced by diminished pup growth and milk production,supporting the concept that mTORC1 activation rather than substrate supply is the primary route by which amino acids regulate synthesis of milk components.

Function of RanGAP1 in Mouse Oocyte Fertilization

RanGAP1 is a Ran GTPase-activating protein that plays a pivotal role in the majority of nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways. The protein is limited to somatic cells. In this study, the localization and possible functions of RanGAP1 were examined during mouse oocyte fertilization. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that after sperm penetration, RanGAP1 was found to diffuse within the cytoplasm, but concentrated in the microtuble of the reversed spindle and the constriction ring between the oocyte and the second polar body; with the expansion of sperm chromatin, RanGAP1 began to move to the region around the expanding sperm and oocyte chromatin, and gradually concentrated around the growing parents pronuclei. After the male and female pronuclei apposed, the membrane of one pronuclei broke first, numerous concentrated RanGAP1 dots were observed in the chromosome region. With the chromatin condensing into chromosome, the parents chromosomes mixed together and prepared to start the first mitosis, the condensed RanGAP1 was just the shape of the microtuble to assemble the first mitosis spindle. These showed that RanGAP1 played an important role in regulating spindle functions, chromosome alignment, PB2 extrusion and pronuclei nuclear envelope assembly/disassembly in mouse oocyte fertilization.

Cow milkα_(s1)-casein induces allergic responses in a mouse model of atopy

α_(s1)-Casein is a potential allergen to induce hypersensitivity in cow milk.We had identifiedα_(s1)-casein and its epitopes in previous studies.The present study aimed to evaluate the allergic mechanism ofα_(s1)-casein in a BALB/c mouse model.The levels of specific IgE,mast cell proteinase,histamine and cytokines in sensitized mice were determined,and the clinical and pathological observation were evaluated.Results showed that the levels of specific IgE,mast cell proteinase,histamine,IL-4,IL-5,IL-10 increased significantly with a dose-dependent trend.The local alveolar septum collapsed or thickened,and lymphatic foci were produced in the spleen and thymus,and the inflammatory cells infiltrated in small intestinal mucosa mesenchyme.In conclusion,the levels of specific IgE,mast cell proteinase,histamine,IL-4,IL-5,IL-10 and some inflammatory factors could possibly serve as allergic biomarkers ofα_(s1)-casein,however,additional studies on signal transduction and gene expression are necessary in future.

Mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1 inhibition as a cellular mediator of anoikis in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND The low survival rate of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)caused by anoikis,a form of apoptosis,limits the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs.As a proapoptotic molecule,mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1(Mst1)can increase the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS),thereby promoting anoikis.Recently,we found that Mst1 inhibition could protect mouse bone marrow MSCs(mBMSCs)from H 2 O 2-induced cell apoptosis by inducing autophagy and reducing ROS production.However,the influence of Mst1 inhibition on anoikis in mBMSCs remains unclear.AIM To investigate the mechanisms by which Mst1 inhibition acts on anoikis in isolated mBMSCs.METHODS Poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-induced anoikis was used following the silencing of Mst1 expression by short hairpin RNA(shRNA)adenovirus transfection.Integrin(ITGs)were tested by flow cytometry.Autophagy and ITGα5β1 were inhibited using 3-methyladenine and small interfering RNA,respe-ctively.The alterations in anoikis were measured by Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling and anoikis assays.The levels of the anoikis-related proteins ITGα5,ITGβ1,and phospho-focal adhesion kinase and the activation of caspase 3 and the autophagy-related proteins microtubules associated protein 1 light chain 3 II/I,Beclin1 and p62 were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS In isolated mBMSCs,Mst1 expression was upregulated,and Mst1 inhibition significantly reduced cell apoptosis,induced autophagy and decreased ROS levels.Mechanistically,we found that Mst1 inhibition could upregulate ITGα5 and ITGβ1 expression but not ITGα4,ITGαv,or ITGβ3 expression.Moreover,autophagy induced by upregulated ITGα5β1 expression following Mst1 inhibition played an essential role in the protective efficacy of Mst1 inhibition in averting anoikis.CONCLUSION Mst1 inhibition ameliorated autophagy formation,increased ITGα5β1 expression,and decreased the excessive production of ROS,thereby reducing cell apoptosis in isolated mBMSCs.Based on these results,Mst1 inhibition may provide a promising strategy to overcome anoikis of implanted MSCs.

<i>In Vivo</i>9.4T MRI and ¹H MRS for Evaluation of Brain Structural and Metabolic Changes in the Ts65Dn Mouse Model for Down Syndrome

In the present study we investigated structural and metabolic modifications of the brain in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome(DS)using both in vivo magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS). MRI was performed for further texture analysis and changes in texture parameters, including mean grey levels, contrast and homogeneity, and they were found in Ts65Dn compared to diploid littermates (2n). These phenotypic changes were different in the hippocampus and cerebellum, since in Ts65Dn mean grey levels increased in the cerebellum and decreased in the hippocampus. In addition, proton NMR spectra revealed differences in metabolite ratios. Levels of N-acetylaspartate(NAA)and glutamate(Glu), were lower compared to total creatine levels (CX), in the Ts65Dn brain. However, the most striking finding was an increase in the concentration of myo-inositol(Ins)and choline(Cho)in the hippocampus, whereas the Ins concentration was reduced in the cerebellum. Overall, these data illustrate that MRI and MRS are valuable assesment tools sufficiently sensitive to detect associated changes in different brain areas, thus providing new insight into the causative role of dosage-sensitive genes in the Ts65Dn DS mouse model.

Lower Concentrations of Glucose or Insulin Decrease the Risk of Various Types of Cancer in the Long-Lived Ames Dwarf Mouse by Increasing the Expression of p27Kip1, a Cell-Cycle Repressor Protein

Introduction. The molecular biological mechanism of the increased incidence of the various types of cancer in obesity or type 2 diabetes in rodents or humans has largely been resolved in recent years. By contrast, the molecular biological mechanism of the decreased, not increased, incidence of the various types of cancer in the homozygous long-lived Ames dwarf mice still remains unresolved. Objective. The first objective of the present study was to investigate whether the decrease in the incidence of cancer in the homozygous long-lived Ames dwarf mice is due to the increase, not decrease, in the expression of p27Kip1, a cell cycle repressor protein. The second objective was to investigate whether the decrease in the incidence of cancer in the homozygous long-lived Ames dwarf mice is due to the decrease, not increase, in the levels of glucose or insulin. Methods. To achieve these objectives, we first performed western immunoblot analysis of the hepatic expression of p27Kip1 protein. We then performed, using a human breast cancer cell line in vitro, the luciferase reporter plasmid assay to determine whether the translation initiation activity of the p27Kip1 mRNA is increased when the concentrations of either glucose or insulin are decreased. Results and Conclusion. The results of the first objective indicated that the hepatic expression of p27Kip1 protein was up-regulated in the homozygous long-lived Ames dwarf mice as expected. We also found that the lower concentrations of glucose or insulin increased the translation initiation activity of the p27Kip1 mRNA.

Anti-tumor effects induced by gene vaccines co-expressing truncated human prostate specific membrane antigen gene and mouse 4-1BBL

Objective To investigate the influence of m4-1BBL on anti-tumor effects induced by truncated human prostate specific membrane antigen ( tPSMA ) gene in mice. Methods A eukaryotic expression plasmid encoding tPSMA and m4-1BBL ( pDC316-tPSMA-IRES m4-1BBL) ,pDC316-tPSMA and pDC316 were constructed.