Screening for Melanocortin 4 Receptor Mutations in Chinese Extremely Obese Individuals

Accumulating evidence indicates that overweight and obesity are the major international public health concern. Obesity is a major independent risk factor for chronic diseases, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancer. Disease burden due to obesity has been dramatically increasing in many countries including China in the past years. According to the Nationwide Health and Nutrition Survey （CHNS）, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among men and women in China increased by 27.6% and 8.8%, respectively, from 1993 to 2009.

Intracellular Retention of Human Melanocortin-4 Receptor:A Molecular Mechanism Underlying Early-onset Obesity in F261S Pedigree of Chinese

Objective To investigate how F261S mutation identified from Chinese obese patients affects the function of melanocorfin 4 receptor (MC4R) and to analyze the obesity-related phenotypes in subjects carrying the F261S mutation. Methods F261S mutant of MC4R was generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Plasmids encoding wild-type or F261S mutant of MC4R were transfected into HEK293 and COS-7 cells to examine their functional characteristics. Signaling properties of F261S MC4R were assessed by measuring intracellular cAMP levels in response to α-MSH stimulation. Cell surface expression of F261S MC4R was compared with that of wild-type MC4R. Clinical examinations were performed in subjects carrying F261S mutation and in non-mutated controls. Results The a-MSH-stimulated reporter gene activity was significantly reduced in cells expressing F261S MC4R, with a maximal response equal to 57% of wild-type MC4R. The F261S mutation also led to a significant change in the EC50 value compared with the wild-type receptor (P〈0.01). Immunofluorescent assay revealed a marked reduction in plasma membrane localization of the MC4R in cells expressing the F261S mutant receptor. The resting metabolic rate and fat composition of the mutant carriers were not significantly different from those of the non-mutated obese controls. Conclusions The decreased response to α-MSH due to the intracellular retention of MC4R may cause early-onset obesity in the F261S pedigree of Chinese.

Melanocortin-4 Receptor Expression in the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Involved in Modulation of Nociception in Transgenic Mice

The rostral ventromedial medulla （RVM） is a prominent component of the descending modulatory system involved in the control of spinal nociceptive transmission. In the current study, we investigated melanocortin-4 receptor （MC4R） expression in the RVM, where the neurons involved in modulation of nociception reside. Using a line of mice expressing green fluorescent protein （GFP） under the control of the MC4R promoter, we found a large number of GFP-positive neurons in the RVM [nucleus raphe magnus （NRM） and nucleus gigantocellularis pars a （NGCa）]. Fluorescence immunohisto- chemistry revealed that approximately 10% of MC4R-GFP-positive neurons coexpressed tyrosine hydroxylase, indicating that they were catecholaminergic, whereas 50%-75% of those coexpressed tryp- tophan hydroxylase, indicating that they were serotonergic. Our findings support the hypothesis that MC4R signaling in RVM may modulate the activity of serotonergic sympathetic outflow sensitive to nociceptive signals, and that MC4R signaling in RVM may contribute to the descending modulation of nociceptive transmission.

The transient receptor potential melastatin 2:a new therapeutical target for Parkinson's disease?

The transient receptor potential melastatin 2 is a calcium-permeable cation channel member of the TRP family. Also known as an oxidative stress-activated channel, the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 gating mechanism is dependent on reactive oxygen species. In pathological conditions, transient receptor potential melastatin 2 is overactivated, leading to a Ca~(2+) influx that alters cell homeostasis and promotes cell death. The role of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and ischemia, has already been described and reviewed. However, data on transient receptor potential melastatin 2 involvement in Parkinson's disease pathology has emerged only in recent years and the issue lacks review studies that focus specifically on this topic. The present review aims to elucidate the role of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 channel in Parkinson's disease by reviewing, summarizing, and discussing the in vitro, in vivo, and human studies published until August 2022. Here we describe fourteen studies that evaluated the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 channel in Parkinson's disease. The Parkinson's disease model used, transient receptor potential melastatin 2 antagonist and genetic approaches, and the main outcomes reported were discussed. The studies described transient receptor potential melastatin 2 activation and enhanced expression in different Parkinson's disease models. They also evidenced protective and restorative effects when using transient receptor potential melastatin 2 antagonists, knockout, or silencing. This review provides a literature overview and suggests where there is a need for more research. As a perspective point, this review shows evidence that supports transient receptor potential melastatin 2 as a pharmacological target for Parkinson's disease in the future.

The single nucleotide polymorphisms of chicken melanocortin-4 receptor(MC4R)gene and their association analysis with carcass traits

Mutations of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene are associated with the appetite,obesity and growth in pig,mice and human. But little is known about the function of chicken MC4R gene. In this study,F2 chicken resource population derived from broilers crossing to Silky was screened for the polymorphisms of the MC4R gene using PCR-single strand conformation polymor-phism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing methods. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) sites were found. The mutation (C→T) in the 5′ regulation region of chicken MC4R gene results in one more NF-E2 and cap transcription factor binding sites in the mutation allele than in the wild allele. One missense mutation (G→A) occurs in the coding region (61nt),which changes the glycine to arginine. Moreover,in the coding region there are 2 synonymous mutations,one G→T mutation at 315nt and one C→T mutation at 336nt. Least square analysis of the SNPs and carcass traits showed that BB,DD and FF genotypes are significantly associated with body weight,carcass weight (or half carcass weight),and leg muscle weight (P<0.05 or P<0.01). But no significant association between the geno-types and abdominal fat weight is found. The results present the evidence that the chicken MC4R gene can be selected as the major candidate gene for the carcass traits such as body weight and growth.

Toll-like receptor expression and signaling in human diabetic wounds

AIM: To examine the contribution of toll-like receptors(TLRs) expression and activation to the prolonged inflammation often seen in human diabetic wounds.METHODS: Debridement wound tissue was collected from diabetic patients with informed consent. Total RNA and protein were isolated and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. RESULTS: TLR1, 2, 4, and 6 mRNA expressions were increased significantly in wounds of diabetic patients compared with non-diabetic wounds(P < 0.05). MyD88 protein expression was significantly increased in diabetic wounds compared to non-diabetic wounds. Interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentration nuclear factor-kappa B activation, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased in diabetic wounds compared to non-diabetic wounds(P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Collectively, our novel findings show that increased TLR expression, signaling, and activation may contribute to the hyper inflammation in the human diabetic wounds.

Review on the Effect of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD） is a common liver disease and it represents the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, which includes type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）, dyslipidemia, central obesity and hypertension. Glucagon-like peptide-1（GLP-1） analogues and dipeptidyl peptidase-4（DPP-4） inhibitors were widely used to treat T2 DM. These agents improve glycemic control, promote weight loss and improve lipid metabolism. Recent studies have demonstrated that the GLP-1 receptor（GLP-1R） is present and functional in human and rat hepatocytes. In this review, we present data from animal researches and human clinical studies that showed GLP-1 analogues and DPP-4 inhibitors can decrease hepatic triglyceride（TG） content and improve hepatic steatosis, although some effects could be a result of improvements in metabolic parameters. Multiple hepatocyte signal transduction pathways and m RNA from key enzymes in fatty acid metabolism appear to be activated by GLP-1 and its analogues. Thus, the data support the need for more rigorous prospective clinical trials to further investigate the potential of incretin therapies to treat patients with NAFLD.

Influence of bone morphogenetic protein type IA receptor conditional knockout in lens on expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 in lens

AIM: To investigate the influence of bone morphogenetic protein type IA receptor [BMPR-IA(ALK3)] conditional knockout in lens on expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4) in lens during the development of the vertebrate eye.METHODS: Cre-positive mice were mated with Crenegative mice to generate 50% Cre-positive(conditional knockout, CKO) 4 embryos, 8 eyes and 50% Cre-negative offspring(wild type, WT) 4 embryos, 8 eyes. The embryos were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned to a thickness of 4 μm.Removal of paraffin wax and dehydrating for sections,and then the procedure of in situ hybridization was processed, BMP4 MK1784-m(BOSTER) was used, and observed the expression of BMP4 in the lens in experimental group and control group. We selected SPSS11.0 software for statistical analysis, P【0.05 showed that the difference was statistically significant.· RESULTS: Four embryos of each genotype were examined, totally we had 8 embryos, 16 eyes. We got the uniform outcomes in all the embryos. We found ALK3 was required during lens growing, but was not essential for the formation of lens. We observed that the expression of BMP4 in the lens was significantly reduced in all 8 ALK3 CKO lens, BMP4 expression was normal in all the 8 WT lens, P 【0.01. This phenomenon became increasingly visible in accordance with embryo development. The most apparent alteration was present at stage E15.5.CONCLUSION: ALK3 is essential for lens growth. The influence of ALK3 on the expression of BMP4 is present during the development of mice lens.

Neuroprotective effects of autophagy inhibition on hippocampal glutamate receptor subunits after hypoxia-ischemia-induced brain damage in newborn rats

Autophagy has been suggested to participate in the pathology of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage（HIBD）.However,its regulatory role in HIBD remains unclear and was thus examined here using a rat model.To induce HIBD,the left common carotid artery was ligated in neonatal rats,and the rats were subjected to hypoxia for 2 hours.Some of these rats were intraperitoneally pretreated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine（10 m M in 10 μL） or the autophagy stimulator rapamycin（1 g/kg） 1 hour before artery ligation.Our findings demonstrated that hypoxia-ischemia-induced hippocampal injury in neonatal rats was accompanied by increased expression levels of the autophagy-related proteins light chain 3 and Beclin-1 as well as of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR 1,but by reduced expression of GluR 2.Pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine blocked hypoxia-ischemia-induced hippocampal injury,whereas pretreatment with the autophagy stimulator rapamycin significantly augmented hippocampal injury.Additionally,3-methyladenine pretreatment blocked the hypoxia-ischemia-induced upregulation of Glu R1 and downregulation of GluR2 in the hippocampus.By contrast,rapamycin further elevated hippocampal Glu R1 levels and exacerbated decreased GluR2 expression levels in neonates with HIBD.Our results indicate that autophagy inhibition favors the prevention of HIBD in neonatal rats,at least in part,through normalizing Glu R1 and GluR2 expression.

Inhibition of Ubiquitin-specific Protease 4 Attenuates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells via Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor Type Ⅰ

Objective Ubiquitin-specific protease 4(USP4)facilitates the development of transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in various cancer cells.Moreover,EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs)is required for the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis.However,the role of USP4 in EMT of RTECs remains unknown.The present study aimed to explore the effect of USP4 on the EMT of RTECs as well as the involved mechanism.Methods In established unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)rats and NRK-52E cells,immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays were performed.Results USP4 expression was increased significantly with obstruction time.In NRK-52E cells stimulated by TGF-β1,USP4 expression was increased in a time-dependent manner.In addition,USP4 silencing with specific siRNA indicated that USP4 protein was suppressed effectively.Meanwhile,USP4 siRNA treatment restored E-cadherin and weakened alpha smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression,indicating that USP4 may promote EMT.After treatment with USP4 siRNA and TGF-β1 for 24 h,the expression of TGF-β1 receptor type I(TβRI)was decreased.Conclusion USP4 promotes the EMT of RTECs through upregulating TβRI,thereby facilitating renal interstitial fibrosis.These findings may provide a potential target of USP4 in the treatment of renal fibrosis.

TypeⅠinositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptors increase in kidney of mice with fulminant hepatic failure

AIM: To delineate the mechanisms of renal vasocon- striction in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), we investigated the expression of typeⅠinositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptors (IP3RⅠ) of kidney in mice with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). METHODS: FHF was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in D-galactosamine (GalN) sensitized BALB/c mice. There were 20 mice in normal saline (NS)-treated group, 20 mice in LPS-treated group, 20 mice in GalN- treated group, and 60 mice in GalN/LPS-treated group (FHF group). Liver and kidney tissues were obtained at 2, 6, and 9 h after administration. The liver and kidney specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for studying morphological changes under light microscope. The expression of IP3RⅠin kidney tissue was tested by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. RESULTS: Kidney tissues were morphologically normal at all time points in all groups. IP3RⅠproteins were found localized in the plasma region of glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in kidney by immunohistochemical staining. In kidney of mice with FHF at 6 h and 9 h IP3RⅠstaining was up- regulated. Results from Western blot demonstrated consistent and significant increment of IP3RⅠexpression in mice with FHF at 6 h and 9 h (t = 3.16, P < 0.05; t = 5.43, P < 0.01). Furthermore, we evaluated IP3RⅠ mRNA expression by RT-PCR and observed marked up- regulation of IP3RⅠmRNA in FHF samples at 2 h, 6 h and 9 h compared to controls (t = 2.97, P < 0.05; t = 4.42, P < 0.01; t = 3.81, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The expression of IP3RⅠprotein increased in GMC and renal VSMC of mice with FHF, possibly caused by up-regulation of IP3RⅠmRNA.

Domesticated HERV-W env contributes to the activation of the small conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^(+)type 2 channels via decreased 5-HT4 receptor in recent-onset schizophrenia

The human endogenous retroviruses type W family envelope(HERV-W env)gene is located on chromosome 7q21-22.Our previous studies show that HERV-W env is elevated in schizophrenia and HERV-W env can increase cal-cium influx.Additionally,the 5-HTergie system and particularly 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)receptors play a prominent role in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia.5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4(5-HT4R)agonist can block calcium channels.However,the underlying relationship between HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the etiology of schizophrenia has not been revealed.Here,we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the concentration of HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the plasma of patients with schizophrenia and we found that there were decreased levels of 5-HT4R and a negative correlation between 5-HT4R and HERV-W env in schizophrenia.Overexpression of HERV-W env decreased the transcription and protein levels of 5-HT4R but increased small conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^(+)type 2 channels(SK2)expression levels.Further studies revealed that HERV-w env could interact with 5-HT4R.Additionally,luciferase assay showed that an essential region(-364 to-176 from the transcription start site)in the SK2 promoter was required for HERV-W env-induced SK2 expression.Importantly,5-HT4R participated in the regulation of SK2 expression and promoter activity.Electrophysiological recordings suggested that HERV-Wenv could increase SK2 channel currents and the increase of SK2 currents was inhibited by 5-HT4R.In condusion,HERV-W env could activate SK2 channels via decreased 5-HT4R,which might exhibit a novel mechanism for HERV-Wenv to influence neuronal activity in schizophrenia.

NONHSAT248596.1内源性竞争miR-146a-5p调控骨关节炎软骨退变的机制

背景:目前已有针对lncRNA\miRNA\mRNA的共表达网络对骨关节炎发生发展调控机制的研究,课题组前期研究已通过数据库筛选出符合条件的NONHSAT248596.1和miR-146a-5p,尚缺乏体内实验来验证上述调控机制。目的:探究NONHSAT248596.1在基质细胞衍生因子1/4型趋化因子受体轴介导体内骨关节炎软骨退变进程中对miR-146a-5p发挥的竞争性内源性RNA调控作用。方法:取36只新西兰兔,通过向右侧后肢膝关节注射基质细胞衍生因子1溶液建立骨关节炎模型,采用随机数字表法分4组,lncRNA组、miRNA组、ceRNA组、对照组分别向造模膝关节内注射NONHSAT248596.1过表达的慢病毒载体、miR-146a-5p过表达的慢病毒载体、miR-146a-5p+NONHSAT248596.1过表达的慢病毒载体及空慢病毒载体。造模第4,8,12周,取膝关节软骨组织和软骨下骨组织进行相关检测。结果与结论:①苏木精-伊红与番红O固绿染色显示,4组软骨组织都有不同程度的退变表现,造模第4周时,lncRNA组软骨组织中的软骨细胞肿胀、细胞极性消失,细胞外基质破坏,出现表层糜烂、裂缝形成和软骨组织局部或全层缺失,并随时间延长软骨损伤程度逐渐加重,4组中miRNA组关节软骨炎症进展最缓慢;②qRT-PCR检测显示,相同时间点下,lncRNA组软骨组织中NONHSAT248596.1、4型趋化因子受体、基质金属蛋白酶3,9及13的mRNA表达量高于其他3组(P<0.05),miR-146a-5p、聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达量低于其他3组(P<0.05);造模后第8,12周,miRNA组软骨组织中的NONHSAT248596.1、4型趋化因子受体、基质金属蛋白酶3,9及13的mRNA表达量低于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05),miR-146a-5p、聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达量高于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05);③Western Blot检测显示,相同时间点下,lncRNA组软骨组织中的聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达量始终低于其他3组(P<0.05);miRNA组造模后第8,12周软骨组织中的聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达量高于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05);④结果表明,miR-146a-5p作为NONHSAT248596.1的作用靶点会受到其竞争性内源性RNA的作用造成活性被抑制,NONHSAT248596.1作用于miR-146a-5p后调控基质细胞衍生因子1/4型趋化因子受体轴,影响骨关节炎软骨组织中基质金属蛋白、Ⅱ型胶原、聚集蛋白聚糖的表达,造成细胞外基质的降解及蛋白多糖的丢失。

Link between mutations in ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes and chronic intestinal ulcers:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Genetic factors of chronic intestinal ulcers are increasingly garnering attention.We present a case of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding associated with mu-tations of the activin A receptor type II-like 1(ACVRL1)and phospholipase A2 group IVA(PLA2G4A)genes and review the available relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY A 20-year-old man was admitted to our center with a 6-year history of recurrent abdominal pain,diarrhea,and dark stools.At the onset 6 years ago,the patient had received treatment at a local hospital for abdominal pain persisting for 7 d,under the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis,acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation,adhesive intestinal obstruction,and pelvic abscess.The surgical treat-ment included exploratory laparotomy,appendectomy,intestinal adhesiolysis,and pelvic abscess removal.The patient’s condition improved and he was dis-charged.However,the recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and passage of black stools started again one year after discharge.On the basis of these features and results of subsequent colonoscopy,the clinical diagnosis was established as in-flammatory bowel disease(IBD).Accordingly,aminosalicylic acid,immunotherapy,and related symptomatic treatment were administered,but the symptoms of the patient did not improve significantly.Further investigations revealed mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes.ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A are involved in angiogenesis and coagulation,respectively.This suggests that the chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in this case may be linked to mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes.Oral Kangfuxin liquid was administered to promote healing of the intestinal mucosa and effectively manage clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION Mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes may be one of the causes of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in IBD.Orally administered Kangfuxin liquid may have therapeutic potential.

GLP-1RA与DPP-4i治疗2型糖尿病的疗效及对患者并发症的影响

目的探讨胰高糖素样肽1受体激动剂(GLP-1RA)与二肽基肽酶4抑制剂(DPP-4i)治疗2型糖尿病(T2MD)的疗效及对患者并发症的影响。方法选取2020年6月至2022年6月邯郸市第一医院收治的110例T2MD随机分为GLP-1RA组和DPP-4i组,每组55例,GLP-1RA组采用利拉鲁肽或艾塞那肽治疗,DPP-4i组采用西格列汀或利格列汀治疗。对比2组临床疗效,治疗前后糖脂代谢指标[空腹血糖(FPG)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、总胆固醇、三酰甘油]、炎症指标[白介素-6(IL-6)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞(NLR)]、肾功能[尿素氮、肌酐、胱抑素C];观察并统计2组并发症及不良反应。结果2组总有效率、并发症总发生率比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗18周后,2组FPG、HbA1c、三酰甘油、总胆固醇水平低于治疗前,且GLP-1RA组低于DPP-4i组(P<0.05)。治疗18周后,2组IL-6、CRP、NLR水平低于治疗前(P<0.05),但2组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2组治疗前和治疗18周后尿素氮、肌酐、胱抑素C水平比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。GLP-1RA组不良反应总发生率高于DPP-4i组(P<0.05)。结论GLP-1RA与DPP-4i均能改善T2MD患者糖脂水平,减轻炎性反应,保护肾功能,预防并发症发生,但GLP-1RA在控制血糖、调脂方面优于DPP-4i,而DPP-4i耐受性更好。

牦牛小脑不同区域神经营养素-4及其受体的表达特征与定位研究

神经营养素-4(NT-4)及其神经营养性酪氨酸激酶受体2(NTRK2)在小脑神经元存活、生长以及功能方面发挥着重要作用。为探讨NT-4和NTRK2在牦牛高原低氧适应中的作用,本研究以高原牦牛(Bos grunniens)和平原黄牛(Bos taurus)小脑为研究对象,采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)、蛋白免疫印迹技术(WB)、苏木精-伊红染色(HE)和免疫组织化学(IHC)对NT-4和NTRK2在牦牛与黄牛小脑不同区域中的表达分布进行分析。qRT-PCR和WB结果表明,NT-4基因和蛋白在牦牛小脑半球皮质中表达量最高,显著高于其他组织(P<0.05);NTRK2基因和蛋白在牦牛小脑蚓部皮质中表达量最高,显著高于其他组织(P<0.05)。与黄牛相比,牦牛NT-4蛋白在小脑各区域中的表达均显著高于黄牛(P<0.05);牦牛NTRK2蛋白在蚓部髓质和小脑半球髓质中的表达量低于黄牛或无差异,其余区域均显著高于黄牛(P<0.05)。IHC结果显示,NT-4和NTRK2蛋白阳性表达特征基本一致,皮质区主要分布于分子层的篮状细胞、浦肯野细胞层以及颗粒细胞层,而髓质区则散在分布于神经胶质细胞以及神经纤维中。由上述结果可知,NT-4和NTRK2在小脑各区域的表达差异可能与其参与脑组织生理功能以及适应高原低氧环境有关。在低氧环境下,NT-4和NTRK2通过上调激活相关通路以发挥内源性神经保护作用,进而保护脑组织免受低氧损伤。本研究结果可为探究牦牛脑组织低氧适应机制提供基础。

电针通过调控TLR4介导的炎症信号通路改善糖尿病干眼大鼠角膜炎症的机制研究

目的观察电针对糖尿病干眼大鼠角膜Toll样受体4(TLR4)介导的炎症信号通路的影响,探讨电针治疗糖尿病干眼的作用机制。方法健康雄性SD大鼠32只采用高糖高脂饲料喂养4周后,腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(30 mg·kg^(-1))12周建立2型糖尿病大鼠模型。将造模成功的25只糖尿病干眼大鼠随机分为模型组(不做干预)、电针组(选取“睛明”“攒竹”“丝竹空”“太阳”“瞳子髎”针刺,电针接“攒竹”“瞳子髎”,每次15 min,每天1次)、假针刺组(穴位刺激处同电针组,但用钝头针点刺治疗,不刺入)、氟米龙组(双眼点滴1 g·L^(-1)氟米龙滴眼液,分别在每天8点钟、13点钟、18点钟进行干预,每天3次,每次1滴),每组6只,共干预2周。另选取6只正常雄性SD大鼠作为空白组。检测各组大鼠造模前、造模后及干预后的随机血糖、泪膜破裂时间(BUT)、泪液分泌量、角膜荧光素染色(FL)评分及角膜机械知觉阈值(CTT);HE染色观察各组大鼠角膜形态变化;免疫荧光组织化学染色法检测各组大鼠角膜TLR4阳性表达;Western blot检测角膜中TLR4、磷酸化核因子-κB P65(P-NF-κB P65)、白细胞介素(IL)-1β及IL-18表达水平。结果造模后,与空白组比较,各实验组大鼠BUT、泪液分泌量、CTT均下降,FL均升高,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.01);干预后,与模型组比较,电针组大鼠FL降低,BUT、泪液分泌量及CTT均升高,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。角膜HE染色显示,干预后,模型组和假针刺组大鼠角膜表面不光滑,角膜上皮细胞增厚且排列紊乱;电针组及氟米龙组大鼠角膜表面光滑,角膜上皮细胞排列整齐。干预后,与空白组比较,其他各组大鼠角膜TLR4表达均升高,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05);与模型组比较,电针组及氟米龙组大鼠角膜TLR4表达均降低,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.01)。干预后,与空白组比较,模型组与假针刺组大鼠角膜TLR4、P-NF-κB P65、IL-1β及IL-18蛋白表达均增加,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05);与模型组比较,电针组与氟米龙组角膜TLR4、P-NF-κB P65、IL-1β和IL-18蛋白表达均降低,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。结论电针可以改善2型糖尿病干眼大鼠眼表体征,并抑制角膜中TLR4、P-NF-κB P65、IL-1β及IL-18的表达,其作用机制可能与电针调控TLR4介导的炎症信号通路,从而抑制糖尿病干眼大鼠眼表炎症相关。

Sensing bacterial infections by NAIP receptors in NLRC4 inflammasome activation

The inflammasome is an emerging new pathway in innate immune defense against microbial infection or endogenous danger signals.The inflammasome stimulates activation of inflammatory caspases,mainly caspase-1.Caspase-1 activation is responsible for processing and secretion of IL-1βand IL-18 as well as for inducing macrophage pyroptotic death.Assembly of the large cytoplasmic inflammasome complex is thought to be mediated by members of NOD-like receptor(NLR)family.While functions of most of the NLR proteins remain to be defined,several NLR proteins including NLRC4 have been shown to assemble distinct inflammasome complexes.These inflammasome pathways,particularly the NLRC4 inflammasome,play a critical role in sensing and restricting diverse types of bacterial infections.Here we review recent advances in defining the exact bacterial ligands and the ligand-binding receptors involved in NLRC4 inflammasome activation.Implications of the discovery of the NAIP family of inflammasome receptors for bacterial flagellin and type III secretion apparatus on future inflammasome and bacterial infection studies are also discussed.

Overexpression of Purinergic P2X4 Receptors in Hippocampus Rescues Memory Impairment in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

Purinergic receptors have been reported to be involved in brain disorders.In this study,we explored their roles and mechanisms underlying the memory impairment in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM).T2 DM rats exhibited a worse performance in the T-maze and Morris water maze(MWM) than controls.Microglia positive for P2 X purinoceptor 4(P2 X4 R) in the hippocampus were reduced and activated microglia were increased in T2 DM rats.Long Amplicon PCR(LA-PCR) showed that DNA amplification of the p2 x4 r gene in the hippocampus was lower in T2 DM rats.Minocycline significantly reduced the number of activated microglia and the mean distance traveled by T2 DM rats in the MWM.Most importantly,P2 X4 R overexpression suppressed the activated microglia and rescued the memory impairment of T2 DM rats.Overall,T2 DM led to excessive activation of microglia in the hippocampus,partly through the DNA damagemediated downregulation of P2 X4 Rs,thus contributing to memory impairment.

LEASO患者血清miR-21、miR-126水平与HMGB1/TLR4信号通路活性和术后复发的关系

目的 探讨股腘型下肢动脉硬化闭塞症(LEASO)患者血清微小核糖核酸(miR)-21、miR-126水平与高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)/Toll样受体4(TLR4)信号通路活性和术后复发的关系。方法 选取行介入手术的股腘型LEASO患者120例,根据术后是否复发将股腘型LEASO患者分为复发组和未复发组。RF-qPCR剂检测血清miR-21、miR-126表达和外周血单个核细胞HMGB1 mRNA、TLR4 mRNA表达。采用Pearson相关性分析法分析股腘型LEASO患者血清miR-21、miR-126与外周血单个核细胞HMGB1 mRNA、TLR4 mRNA表达的相关性。多因素Logistic回归分析股腘型LEASO患者介入术后复发的影响因素。结果 120例股腘型LEASO患者随访2年,术后复发率为34.17%。与未复发组比较,复发组血清miR-21和外周血单个核细胞HMGB1 mRNA、TLR4 mRNA表达升高,血清miR-126表达降低(P均<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,股腘型LEASO患者血清miR-21与外周血单个核细胞HMGB1 mRNA、TLR4 mRNA表达呈正相关(r分别为0.660、0.649,P均<0.05),miR-126与外周血单个核细胞HMGB1 mRNA、TLR4 mRNA表达呈负相关(r分别为-0.632、-0.641,P均<0.05),外周血单个核细胞HMGB1mRNA与TLR4 mRNA表达呈正相关(r=0.742,P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,高血压、糖尿病和miR-21、HMGB1 mRNA、TLR4 mRNA升高为股腘型LEASO患者介入术后复发的独立危险因素,miR-126升高为独立保护因素(P均<0.05)。结论 股腘型LEASO患者血清miR-21高表达和miR-126低表达与HMGB1/TLR4信号通路激活有关,是股腘型LEASO患者术后复发的独立影响因素。