Background:Psoriasis is a disease caused by genetics and immune system dysfunction,affecting the skin and joints.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)play an important role in triggering the innate immune response and controlling...Background:Psoriasis is a disease caused by genetics and immune system dysfunction,affecting the skin and joints.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)play an important role in triggering the innate immune response and controlling adaptive immunity.The role of TLR2 in the progression of psoriasis is not well understood.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on a northern Chinese Han population,consisting of psoriasis patients and healthy control subjects.Genotyping was performed using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction(ARMS-PCR),and allele and genotype frequencies of four SNPs in TLR2 were analyzed in 270 psoriasis patients and 246 healthy controls.Results:Four TLR2 SNPs(rs11938228,rs4696480,rs3804099,rs5743699)were genotyped and found to be in linkage disequilibrium.The genotype distributions of rs11938228 and rs4696480 in two groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and statistically significant except for the overdominance model.The haplotypes ATTC and ATCC were found to be protective against psoriasis.Conclusion:Our study found a correlation between TLR2 genetic variations and the likelihood of psoriasis in northern China.展开更多
17β-estradiol modulates the activity of D2 receptors in the regulation of food intake and body weight. The functional lack of 17β-estradiol in postmenopausal women could create a dietary imbalance and cause body wei...17β-estradiol modulates the activity of D2 receptors in the regulation of food intake and body weight. The functional lack of 17β-estradiol in postmenopausal women could create a dietary imbalance and cause body weight gain. This study aimed to better understand the interferences that could exist between 17β-estradiol, D2 receptors and the selection of carbohydrate, fat and protein consumption, as well as their consequences on body weight gain by using an animal model of the menopause. Ovariectomy exacerbates the consumption of foods rich in lipids. Thus confirming an inhibitory action of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the consumption of these types of foods. This consumption stimulates body weight gain, which is promoted by the high caloric content of these foods and not by the amount consumed. Our results showed a direct involvement of D2 receptors in food choice. This choice would be made according to the two (2) isoforms of the D2 receptors. The D2/BR isoform directs towards a high carbohydrate consumption, without causing a gain in body weight. While D2/SUL, promotes high fat food consumption, causing an increase in body weight. In women, 17β-estradiol modulates the activity ratio between these two D2 receptor isoforms to ensure energy and homeostatic balance, stabilizing food intake and body weight.展开更多
Objective: There are numerous studies suggesting that genetic polymor-phisms of inflammation factors Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2, TLR4) might play a role in the pathophysiological process of hypertension. In thi...Objective: There are numerous studies suggesting that genetic polymor-phisms of inflammation factors Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2, TLR4) might play a role in the pathophysiological process of hypertension. In this study, we evaluated the association in a sample of members of the Chinese Han population. Method: We selected four single nucleotide polymor-phisms (SNP) of TLR2 (rs3804099, rs3804100, rs7656411) and TLR4 (rs1927906) genes, and measured the distributions of genotypic and allelic frequencies in 1063 participants, including 391 essential hypertension pa-tients and 672 controls. Result: No significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the four SNPs were detected between cases and controls. However, three haplotypes, CCG, TTG and TTT of TLR2, were significantly associated with a decrease in the risk of essential hyperten-sion (OR: 0.512, 95% CI: 0.397 - 0.660, P P = 0.0038;OR: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.667 - 0.952, P = 0.0122, respectively). Inversely, the risk of essential hypertension increased sig-nificantly in patients with the CTG, TCG or TCT haplotypes (OR: 2.924, 95% CI: 2.157 - 3.963, P P P Conclusion: Our study suggested that haplotypes (CCG, TTG, TTT, CTG, TCG and TCT) of TLR2 might have profound effects on the development of essential hypertension in the Chinese Han population.展开更多
In recent times there has been an intensification of interest in the pathological role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disease. Neuroprotective strategies to slow, halt or reverse neuro- degeneration have no...In recent times there has been an intensification of interest in the pathological role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disease. Neuroprotective strategies to slow, halt or reverse neuro- degeneration have not proven fruitful clinically, and the notion of a multi-hit hypothesis in the progression of neurodegenerative disease has steered focus towards other contributory pathological factors, particularly neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is believed to sustain the neurodegenerative pathology, forming a cy- clical and self-sustaining pathological process, with dying neurons activating microglia, which, once activated, can release several fac- tors that kill further neurons (reviewed in Blandini, 2013).展开更多
Metabolic syndrome(MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) are the serious public health problems worldwide.Moreover,it is estimated that MetS patients have about five-fold greater risk of the T2 DM development compa...Metabolic syndrome(MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) are the serious public health problems worldwide.Moreover,it is estimated that MetS patients have about five-fold greater risk of the T2 DM development compared with people without the syndrome.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are a subgroup of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors which play an important role in the pathogenesis of MetS and T2 DM.All three members of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) nuclear receptor subfamily,PPARα,PPARp/5 and PPARγ are critical in regulating insulin sensitivity,adipogenesis,lipid metabolism,and blood pressure.Recently,more and more studies indicated that the gene polymorphism of PPARs,such as Leu^(162)Val and Val^(227)Ala of PPARα,+294T> C of PPARβ/δ,Pro^(12)Ala and C1431 T of PPARγ,are significantly associated with the onset and progressing of MetS and T2 DM in different population worldwide.Furthermore,a large body of evidence demonstrated that the glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism were influenced by gene-gene interaction among PPARs genes.However,given the complexity pathogenesis of metabolic disease,it is unlikely that genetic variation of a single locus would provide an adequate explanation of inter-individual differences which results in diverse clinical syndromes.Thus,gene-gene interactions and gene-environment interactions associated with T2 DM and MetS need future comprehensive studies.展开更多
Acknowledgments: I would like to express my appreciation to Professor Puro DG for leading me to this research topic during my stay as a research fellow in his laboratory at the University of Michigan in 2001, and als...Acknowledgments: I would like to express my appreciation to Professor Puro DG for leading me to this research topic during my stay as a research fellow in his laboratory at the University of Michigan in 2001, and also to Professor Ikeda T forgiving me the opportunity to study abroad and then to continue to investigate this topic in the Department of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College, lapan.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most devastating dis- eases affecting the life and health of aging population. Two hallmarks of AD are senile plaques and neurofibrillary tan- gles, and AD is well known for t...Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most devastating dis- eases affecting the life and health of aging population. Two hallmarks of AD are senile plaques and neurofibrillary tan- gles, and AD is well known for the massive loss of neurons and impaired cognitive functions especially memory loss. Despite extensive search for effective treatment, available drugs have limited efficacy without affecting the course of AD. Significant efforts have been devoted to curb the pro- duction of amyloid [3 (A[3; the major component of plaques) or enhance the clearance of it, with the aim to reduce the accumulation of plaque in the brain. Antibodies that can bind A[3 to increase their removal have received a lot of at- tention although recent clinical trial results have been largely negative and disappointing (Panza et al., 2014). Targets that are not directly related to A[3 have also been pursued. One such target is N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs), a subclass of glutamate receptors. The antago- nist of NMDAR memantine has been approved for treating moderate to severe AD, although the exact mechanism un- derlying its action is still in debate (Kotermanski and John- son, 2009).展开更多
Background: Mechanisms underlying overeating-induced obesity in post-menopausal woman include functional lack of 17β-estradiol dysregulating dopamine D2 receptors, thereby inducing food addiction, glucose craving or ...Background: Mechanisms underlying overeating-induced obesity in post-menopausal woman include functional lack of 17β-estradiol dysregulating dopamine D2 receptors, thereby inducing food addiction, glucose craving or alcohol dependence through reward circuitry. This study aimed at further understanding 17β-estradiol and dopamine D2 receptors interferences in the etiology of woman obesity. Method: Seventy-two Wistar female rats weighing 200 - 205 g, individually-housed, were divided into non-ovariectomized control (C = 6 groups) and ovariectomized rats (OVX = 6 groups) which were concurrently subjected to the following treatments: Non-drug-treated (DMSO vehicle), 17β-estradiol (E2, 5 μg/kg, s.c.), sulpiride (SUL, 20 mg/kg, i.p.), bromocriptine (BR, 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), E2 + SUL or E2 + BR, designating the 6 constitutive groups of either control or ovariectomy. Within each experimental group, consumption of different solutions (10% alcohol, 10% sucrose and water) as well as food intake and body weight were daily measured, for 10 consecutive days. Results: This study indicated that D2S was a specific inducer of alcohol and food intakes, but reduced sugar consumption. In addition, 17β- estradiol regulated the body weight set point, modulating D2S functions towards increased food intake at lower weights and decreased food intake at higher weights. D2S met the slow genomic actions induced by 17β-estradiol. Conversely, D2L inhibited alcohol and food intakes, but induced specifically sugar consumption, thereby regulating blood glucose levels and promoting energy expenditure in reducing body weight. Indeed, 17β-estradiol exerted a tonic inhibition on D2L which was released by OVX, exacerbating sugar intake and increasing body weight. D2L mediated the rapid metabolic effects of 17β-estradiol. Conclusion: Our results supported physiological data reporting that activation of the mostly expressed presynaptically D2S-class autoreceptors decreased dopamine release stimulating food intake, whereas activation of the predominantly postsynaptic isoform D2L receptors increased dopamine activity inhibiting food intake. Our studies indicated that 17β-estradiol acted on the two types of D2 receptors showing opposite functions to equilibrate energy intake vs. expenditure for weight set point regulation. Our data also supported biochemical findings reporting that 17β-estradiol induced D2 genes transcriptional regulation, thereby involving both types of D2 receptors in the etiology of obesity. The combined dysregulated effects of D2L and D2S receptors, as 17β-estradiol was lacking, would be causal factors underlying the etiology of obesity.展开更多
Purinergic receptors are among the first cell surface receptors expressed during embryonic development (Burnstock and Ulrich, 2011). These are characterized based on their pharmacological properties of being activat...Purinergic receptors are among the first cell surface receptors expressed during embryonic development (Burnstock and Ulrich, 2011). These are characterized based on their pharmacological properties of being activated by adenosine or purine/pyrimidine nucleotides as P1 and P2 receptors. P2 receptors are further classified by their structure as P2Y metabotropic and P2X ionotropic receptors.展开更多
To investigate the roles of autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors in the pathogenesis of asthma, the positive chronotropic action of the β 2selective adrenergic agonist, clenbuterol, was investigated on culture...To investigate the roles of autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors in the pathogenesis of asthma, the positive chronotropic action of the β 2selective adrenergic agonist, clenbuterol, was investigated on cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, firstly. Then we detected the autoantibodies to β 2adrenergic receptors through the sera of patients with asthma could inhibit the positive chronotropic action of clenbuterol. The results showed that all the sera of the patients with asthma (16 cases) had the autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors; in contrast, none of the control subjects (20 cases) had the autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors, and that the inhibitory autoantibodies were IgG type. This study suggests that the autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Uridine adenosine tetraphosphate(Up4A),a dinucleotide,contains both purine and pyrimidine moieties,and exerts its vascular influence via activation of purinergic receptors.Here,we aimed to investigate the ef...OBJECTIVE Uridine adenosine tetraphosphate(Up4A),a dinucleotide,contains both purine and pyrimidine moieties,and exerts its vascular influence via activation of purinergic receptors.Here,we aimed to investigate the effects of Up4 A on angiogenesis and the putative purinergic receptors(PR)involved in this process.METHODS Tubule formation assay was performed in 3D matrix system.In this assay,human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were co-cultured with pericytes with various Up4 A doses(0,1,2.5,5,10 and 20μmol·L-1)in the absence and presence of P2Y6 R antagonist MRS2578(10μmol·L-1)for 5d.Expression profile of PR subtypes and angiogenic factors was assessed in HUVECs by q-PCR with and without P2Y6 R antagonist.RESULTS No difference in initial tubule formation was detected between Up4 A stimulation and control conditions at day 2.In contrast,a significant increase in vascular density in response to Up4 A was observed at day 5.Up4 A at a dose of 2.5and 5μmol·L-1 promoted total tubule length(by-1.89 fold and-2.23fold),number of tubules(by-1.71 fold and-1.89fold)as well as number of junctions(by-2.24 fold and-2.80fold),all of which were inhibited by MRS2578.Further increase in Up4 A dose to10 and 20μmol·L-1 did not induce an increase in these vascular parameters as compared to non-treated controls.Moreover,Up4 A increased mRNA level of P2YRs(P2Y2R,P2Y4 R and P2Y6R)but not P2XR(P2X4R and P2X7R)or P1R(A2AR and A2BR),while Up4 A upregulated VEGFA and ANGPT1 but not VEGFR2,ANGPT2,Tie1 and Tie2at mRNA level.Transcriptional upregulation of P2 YRs and angiogenic factors by Up4 A was inhibited by MRS2578.CONCLUSION Up4 A is functionally capable of promoting tubule formation in vitro co-culture system.This process is likely mediated by activation of pyrimidine-favored P2 YRs but not P2 XR or P1 Rs,and involves stimulation of well known angiogenic factors.展开更多
Summary: Adult-bom neurons undergo a transient period of plasticity during their integration into the neural circuit. This transient plasticity may involve NMDA receptors containing NR2B, the major sub unit expressed...Summary: Adult-bom neurons undergo a transient period of plasticity during their integration into the neural circuit. This transient plasticity may involve NMDA receptors containing NR2B, the major sub unit expressed at early developmental stages. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of NR2B gene knockdown on the functional integration of the adult-born granule cells gen- erated from the subgranule zone (SGZ) in the hippocampus. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down the NR2B gene in the adult-born hippocampal neurons. In the functional integration test, the mice were exposed to a novel environment (open field arena), and the expression of c-fos was immunohistochemically detected in the hippocampus. After exposure to the novel environment, siRNA-NR2B mice were significantly different from control mice in either the number of squares or the number of rears they crossed, showing decreased horizontal and vertical activity (P〈0.05). Moreover, the c-fos expression was increased in both control and siRNA-NR2B mice after open field test. But, it was significantly lower in siRNA-NR2B neurons than in control neurons. It was concluded that the neu- ral activity of newborn neurons is regulated by their own NR2B-containing NMDA glutamate receptors during a short, critical period after neuronal birth.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can directly regulate toxic injury of hippocampal neurons through participation by its receptor. Increase of excitability of hippocampal membrane and long-term synaptic elasticity a...BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can directly regulate toxic injury of hippocampal neurons through participation by its receptor. Increase of excitability of hippocampal membrane and long-term synaptic elasticity are closely related to PGE2, PGD2 and PGF2A. This suggests that PGE2 may be a key molecule of neuronal signal passage and regulate the existence of neurons through its receptor. However, which isoforms of PGE2 receptor expressing in hippocampal neurons is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To research the subtype expression of PGE2 receptor in hippocampus of rats through mRNA transcription and protein interpretation. DESIGN: Animal studies with random, control and operator and designer double-blind methods. SETTING: University of South Carolina, Animal Center. MATERIALS: Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 12 weeks, weighing 200 g, females 48 and males 48, were selected from Animal Center in South Carolina University. Tri ReagentTM kit was provided by Molecular Research Center, USA. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in Animal Center in South Carolina University from January to December 2005. The expression of the PGE2 receptors was profiled and compared in rat hippocampus using real-time RT-PCR and Western-blot techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression of PGE2 receptors in various isoforms of hippocampal neurons of rats. RESULTS: mRNAs of all four EP1-4 subtypes were detected in the hippocampus. Western-blot data showed consistently detectable bands at approximately Mr 50 000 of EP1, Mr 40 000 and Mr 52 000 of EP2, Mr 45 000, Mr 57 000 and Mr 105 000 of EP3, and Mr 46 000 of EP4. CONCLUSION: Identifying four subtypes of EPs heterogeneously expresses in the hippocampus.展开更多
The changes in the expression of cardiac bradykinin B2 receptors (BKB2Rs) and endogenous nitrix oxide synthase (eNOs) mRNA were studied in rats with remnant kidneys. Thirty-two rats were divided into sham-operated and...The changes in the expression of cardiac bradykinin B2 receptors (BKB2Rs) and endogenous nitrix oxide synthase (eNOs) mRNA were studied in rats with remnant kidneys. Thirty-two rats were divided into sham-operated and experimental groups randomly (n=16 in each group). The remnant kidney model was established by 2-stage 5/6 nephrectomy. Blood pressure and serum Cr were measured before operation and 15, 30, 60, 120 days after 5/6 nephrectomy. Eight animals in each group were killed at the first month and 4th month after the operation. The expression of BKB2Rs and eNOs mRNAs was detected by using RT-real time PCR from isolated left ventricle, and their correlation was also analyzed. The results showed that blood pressure and serum Cr were increased significantly 15 days after 5/6 nephrectomy (both P<0.01), and the hypertension and azomia existed constantly till 120 days but had no significant fluctuation. Cardiac BKB2Rs and eNOs mRNA was declined time-dependently (both P<0.05). And there was a close positive correlation between cardiac BKB2Rs and eNOs mRNA (r=0.82, P<0.01). It was suggested that a significant chronic renal failure can be produced at least 15 days after 5/6 nephrotomy and can sustain more than 4 months. The expression of BKB2Rs and eNOs was down-regulated time-dependently in this model, and there was a significant correlation between them.展开更多
Neural stem/progenitor cells:Radial glial cells constitute multipotent cells in the ventricular zone,lining the wall of the lateral ventricle of the embryonic brain.They have the capacity to give rise to cells belong...Neural stem/progenitor cells:Radial glial cells constitute multipotent cells in the ventricular zone,lining the wall of the lateral ventricle of the embryonic brain.They have the capacity to give rise to cells belonging to all three major linages(neurons,astrocytes and oligodendrocytes)of the nervous system(Tang and Illes,2017).展开更多
Our previous studies showed that 17β-estradiol (E2) modulated dopamine D2 receptor in regulating body weight set-point. The aim of this study was to understand whether thiamine deficiency influenced the E2 modulation...Our previous studies showed that 17β-estradiol (E2) modulated dopamine D2 receptor in regulating body weight set-point. The aim of this study was to understand whether thiamine deficiency influenced the E2 modulation on dopamine D2 receptors, using bromocriptine mesylate (BR) and sulpiride (SUL) as selective central dopamine-D2 receptors agonist and antagonist respectively. We studied the E2-dopamine D2 receptors interferences in a 10-day thiamine-deficient female rats for which consumptions of water, sugar, alcohol and food were daily-recorded and their consequences on body weights assessed. Our results showed that the volume of water daily ingested doubled in thiamine-deficient female rats (OXT), while sugar and alcohol consumptions collapsed with decreased weight and food consumption. On the one hand, thiamine potentiated D2/BR activity (bromocriptine-activated D2 receptors) to induce sugar intake and inhibited the same D2/BR receptors to induce water intake. On the other hand, thiamine promoted D2/SUL receptors (sulpiride-inhibited D2 receptors) for enhanced alcohol intake, increased food consumption and weight gain. Taking together, thiamine modulated the actions of 17β-estradiol on both D2/BR and D2/SUL receptors activities.展开更多
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors are playing an important role in the pathophysiology of aggressive behaviors and in the control of immune function. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of activation and blockade o...Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors are playing an important role in the pathophysiology of aggressive behaviors and in the control of immune function. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of activation and blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with selective ligands on the immune response formation in animals with aggressive behaviors induced by genetic factors (rats selected for the increased aggressiveness toward human) or by chronic social stress (mice of the CBA/Lac strain engaged in 10 days of social confrontations). Activation of 5-HT2A receptors with DOI at 1.0 mg/kg reduced the immune response level both in aggressive rats and mice compared to the corresponding vehicle-treated groups, while DOI administration did not alter the immune reaction in nonaggressive animals. The blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with ketanserin at 1.0 mg/kg resulted in immunostimulation both in mice of the CBA strain not subjected to social stress (the controls) and in nonaggressive rats selected for elimination of aggressiveness. On the other hand, its administration to CBA mice demonstrating offensive aggression enhanced the immune reaction, while the same dose of ketanserin did not modify the immune response level in rats with genetic predisposition to the increased defensive aggression. Thus, our data suggest that the role of 5-HT2A receptors in immunomodulation depends on the specific type of aggression that may be taking into account in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric disorders with the antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants targeting 5-HT2A receptors.展开更多
The P2X7 receptor is one of the members of the family of purinoceptors which are ligand-gated membrane ion channels activated by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate. A unique feature of the P2X7 receptor is th...The P2X7 receptor is one of the members of the family of purinoceptors which are ligand-gated membrane ion channels activated by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate. A unique feature of the P2X7 receptor is that its activation can result in the formation of large plasma membrane pores that allow not only the flux of ions but also of hydrophilic molecules of up to 900 Da. Recent studies indicate that P2X7-mediated signaling can trigger apoptotic cell death after ischemia and during the course of certain neurodegenerative disorders. Expression of the P2X7 receptor has been demonstrated in most types of cells in the retina. This purinoceptor mediates the contraction of pericytes and regulates the spatial and temporal dynamics of the vasomotor response through cell-to-cell electrotonic transmission within the microvascular networks. Of potential clinical significance, investigators have found that diabetes markedly boosts the vulnerability of retinal microvessels to the lethal effect of P2X7 receptor activation. This purinergic vasotoxicity may result in reduced retinal blood flow and disrupted vascular function in the diabetic retina. With recent reports indicating an association between P2X7 receptor activation and inflammatory cytokine expression in the retina, this receptor may also exacerbate the development of diabetic retinopathy by a mechanism involving inflammation.展开更多
Objective: Bererine has been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese traditional medicine because of its hypoglycemic effect. In this report, we compared the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activities of erythroc...Objective: Bererine has been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese traditional medicine because of its hypoglycemic effect. In this report, we compared the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activities of erythrocyte insulin receptors from type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without stimulation by berberine in vitro. Methods- Preparations containing insulin receptors were obtained from soluble human erythrocytes, and the insulin receptors were partially purified by affinity chromatography. The tyrosine kinase activity was measured by the exogenous substrate phosphorylation. Results: Both the membrane tyrosine kinase activity and the purified receptor tyrosine kinase activity from diabetics decreased significantly compared with those of normal individuals (reduced by 67.4% and 47.2%, respectively). After incubation with berbefine, there is a statistical difference in the activity of membrane tyrosine kinase for diabetic patients ( a 150% increase). Berefine had no effect on the tyrosine kinase activity of purified insulin receptors. Conclusion: We concluded from these results that berbefine was able to improve the insulin sensitivity by increasing the protein tyrosine kinase activity of membrane-bound insulin receptors from type 2 diabetes mellitus.展开更多
The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 induced by a newly identified bcoronavirus, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2) has constituted a public health emergency. Even though it was con...The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 induced by a newly identified bcoronavirus, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2) has constituted a public health emergency. Even though it was considered a zoonotic disease, the virus has also spread among humans via respiratory secretions. The expression and distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme type 2(ACE2) in various human organs might also show other possible infection routes. High ACE2 ribonucleic acid expression has been identified in the gastrointestinal tract(GI) indicating its importance as a possible infection pathway of SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 induces viral entry into the host and most importantly has been found to be associated with the function of the gut. Its deficiency has been implicated in several pathologies such as colorectal inflammation. The renin-angiotensin system(RAS) is an essential regulatory cascade operating both at a local tissue level and at the systemic or circulatory level. The RAS may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease and is associated with the up-regulation of ACE2. Thus, the aim of this review is firstly, the analysis of some important general and genome characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and secondly, and most importantly, to focus on the utility of ACE2 receptors in both SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis, especially in the GI tract.展开更多
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82304000).
文摘Background:Psoriasis is a disease caused by genetics and immune system dysfunction,affecting the skin and joints.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)play an important role in triggering the innate immune response and controlling adaptive immunity.The role of TLR2 in the progression of psoriasis is not well understood.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on a northern Chinese Han population,consisting of psoriasis patients and healthy control subjects.Genotyping was performed using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction(ARMS-PCR),and allele and genotype frequencies of four SNPs in TLR2 were analyzed in 270 psoriasis patients and 246 healthy controls.Results:Four TLR2 SNPs(rs11938228,rs4696480,rs3804099,rs5743699)were genotyped and found to be in linkage disequilibrium.The genotype distributions of rs11938228 and rs4696480 in two groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and statistically significant except for the overdominance model.The haplotypes ATTC and ATCC were found to be protective against psoriasis.Conclusion:Our study found a correlation between TLR2 genetic variations and the likelihood of psoriasis in northern China.
文摘17β-estradiol modulates the activity of D2 receptors in the regulation of food intake and body weight. The functional lack of 17β-estradiol in postmenopausal women could create a dietary imbalance and cause body weight gain. This study aimed to better understand the interferences that could exist between 17β-estradiol, D2 receptors and the selection of carbohydrate, fat and protein consumption, as well as their consequences on body weight gain by using an animal model of the menopause. Ovariectomy exacerbates the consumption of foods rich in lipids. Thus confirming an inhibitory action of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the consumption of these types of foods. This consumption stimulates body weight gain, which is promoted by the high caloric content of these foods and not by the amount consumed. Our results showed a direct involvement of D2 receptors in food choice. This choice would be made according to the two (2) isoforms of the D2 receptors. The D2/BR isoform directs towards a high carbohydrate consumption, without causing a gain in body weight. While D2/SUL, promotes high fat food consumption, causing an increase in body weight. In women, 17β-estradiol modulates the activity ratio between these two D2 receptor isoforms to ensure energy and homeostatic balance, stabilizing food intake and body weight.
文摘Objective: There are numerous studies suggesting that genetic polymor-phisms of inflammation factors Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2, TLR4) might play a role in the pathophysiological process of hypertension. In this study, we evaluated the association in a sample of members of the Chinese Han population. Method: We selected four single nucleotide polymor-phisms (SNP) of TLR2 (rs3804099, rs3804100, rs7656411) and TLR4 (rs1927906) genes, and measured the distributions of genotypic and allelic frequencies in 1063 participants, including 391 essential hypertension pa-tients and 672 controls. Result: No significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the four SNPs were detected between cases and controls. However, three haplotypes, CCG, TTG and TTT of TLR2, were significantly associated with a decrease in the risk of essential hyperten-sion (OR: 0.512, 95% CI: 0.397 - 0.660, P P = 0.0038;OR: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.667 - 0.952, P = 0.0122, respectively). Inversely, the risk of essential hypertension increased sig-nificantly in patients with the CTG, TCG or TCT haplotypes (OR: 2.924, 95% CI: 2.157 - 3.963, P P P Conclusion: Our study suggested that haplotypes (CCG, TTG, TTT, CTG, TCG and TCT) of TLR2 might have profound effects on the development of essential hypertension in the Chinese Han population.
基金supported by the Irish Health Research Board(HRA_POR/2012/12)
文摘In recent times there has been an intensification of interest in the pathological role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disease. Neuroprotective strategies to slow, halt or reverse neuro- degeneration have not proven fruitful clinically, and the notion of a multi-hit hypothesis in the progression of neurodegenerative disease has steered focus towards other contributory pathological factors, particularly neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is believed to sustain the neurodegenerative pathology, forming a cy- clical and self-sustaining pathological process, with dying neurons activating microglia, which, once activated, can release several fac- tors that kill further neurons (reviewed in Blandini, 2013).
文摘Metabolic syndrome(MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) are the serious public health problems worldwide.Moreover,it is estimated that MetS patients have about five-fold greater risk of the T2 DM development compared with people without the syndrome.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are a subgroup of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors which play an important role in the pathogenesis of MetS and T2 DM.All three members of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) nuclear receptor subfamily,PPARα,PPARp/5 and PPARγ are critical in regulating insulin sensitivity,adipogenesis,lipid metabolism,and blood pressure.Recently,more and more studies indicated that the gene polymorphism of PPARs,such as Leu^(162)Val and Val^(227)Ala of PPARα,+294T> C of PPARβ/δ,Pro^(12)Ala and C1431 T of PPARγ,are significantly associated with the onset and progressing of MetS and T2 DM in different population worldwide.Furthermore,a large body of evidence demonstrated that the glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism were influenced by gene-gene interaction among PPARs genes.However,given the complexity pathogenesis of metabolic disease,it is unlikely that genetic variation of a single locus would provide an adequate explanation of inter-individual differences which results in diverse clinical syndromes.Thus,gene-gene interactions and gene-environment interactions associated with T2 DM and MetS need future comprehensive studies.
文摘Acknowledgments: I would like to express my appreciation to Professor Puro DG for leading me to this research topic during my stay as a research fellow in his laboratory at the University of Michigan in 2001, and also to Professor Ikeda T forgiving me the opportunity to study abroad and then to continue to investigate this topic in the Department of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College, lapan.
文摘Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most devastating dis- eases affecting the life and health of aging population. Two hallmarks of AD are senile plaques and neurofibrillary tan- gles, and AD is well known for the massive loss of neurons and impaired cognitive functions especially memory loss. Despite extensive search for effective treatment, available drugs have limited efficacy without affecting the course of AD. Significant efforts have been devoted to curb the pro- duction of amyloid [3 (A[3; the major component of plaques) or enhance the clearance of it, with the aim to reduce the accumulation of plaque in the brain. Antibodies that can bind A[3 to increase their removal have received a lot of at- tention although recent clinical trial results have been largely negative and disappointing (Panza et al., 2014). Targets that are not directly related to A[3 have also been pursued. One such target is N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs), a subclass of glutamate receptors. The antago- nist of NMDAR memantine has been approved for treating moderate to severe AD, although the exact mechanism un- derlying its action is still in debate (Kotermanski and John- son, 2009).
文摘Background: Mechanisms underlying overeating-induced obesity in post-menopausal woman include functional lack of 17β-estradiol dysregulating dopamine D2 receptors, thereby inducing food addiction, glucose craving or alcohol dependence through reward circuitry. This study aimed at further understanding 17β-estradiol and dopamine D2 receptors interferences in the etiology of woman obesity. Method: Seventy-two Wistar female rats weighing 200 - 205 g, individually-housed, were divided into non-ovariectomized control (C = 6 groups) and ovariectomized rats (OVX = 6 groups) which were concurrently subjected to the following treatments: Non-drug-treated (DMSO vehicle), 17β-estradiol (E2, 5 μg/kg, s.c.), sulpiride (SUL, 20 mg/kg, i.p.), bromocriptine (BR, 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), E2 + SUL or E2 + BR, designating the 6 constitutive groups of either control or ovariectomy. Within each experimental group, consumption of different solutions (10% alcohol, 10% sucrose and water) as well as food intake and body weight were daily measured, for 10 consecutive days. Results: This study indicated that D2S was a specific inducer of alcohol and food intakes, but reduced sugar consumption. In addition, 17β- estradiol regulated the body weight set point, modulating D2S functions towards increased food intake at lower weights and decreased food intake at higher weights. D2S met the slow genomic actions induced by 17β-estradiol. Conversely, D2L inhibited alcohol and food intakes, but induced specifically sugar consumption, thereby regulating blood glucose levels and promoting energy expenditure in reducing body weight. Indeed, 17β-estradiol exerted a tonic inhibition on D2L which was released by OVX, exacerbating sugar intake and increasing body weight. D2L mediated the rapid metabolic effects of 17β-estradiol. Conclusion: Our results supported physiological data reporting that activation of the mostly expressed presynaptically D2S-class autoreceptors decreased dopamine release stimulating food intake, whereas activation of the predominantly postsynaptic isoform D2L receptors increased dopamine activity inhibiting food intake. Our studies indicated that 17β-estradiol acted on the two types of D2 receptors showing opposite functions to equilibrate energy intake vs. expenditure for weight set point regulation. Our data also supported biochemical findings reporting that 17β-estradiol induced D2 genes transcriptional regulation, thereby involving both types of D2 receptors in the etiology of obesity. The combined dysregulated effects of D2L and D2S receptors, as 17β-estradiol was lacking, would be causal factors underlying the etiology of obesity.
基金support from Fundacao de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)+2 种基金the Provost’s Office for Research of the University of Sao Paulo, Grant number: 2011.1.9333.1.3 (NAPNA-USP)support from the German Research Council (IL 20/182, RI 2092/1-2, IL 20/21-1)the Sino-German Centre for the Support of Science (GZ 919)
文摘Purinergic receptors are among the first cell surface receptors expressed during embryonic development (Burnstock and Ulrich, 2011). These are characterized based on their pharmacological properties of being activated by adenosine or purine/pyrimidine nucleotides as P1 and P2 receptors. P2 receptors are further classified by their structure as P2Y metabotropic and P2X ionotropic receptors.
文摘To investigate the roles of autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors in the pathogenesis of asthma, the positive chronotropic action of the β 2selective adrenergic agonist, clenbuterol, was investigated on cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, firstly. Then we detected the autoantibodies to β 2adrenergic receptors through the sera of patients with asthma could inhibit the positive chronotropic action of clenbuterol. The results showed that all the sera of the patients with asthma (16 cases) had the autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors; in contrast, none of the control subjects (20 cases) had the autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors, and that the inhibitory autoantibodies were IgG type. This study suggests that the autoantibodies to β 2 adrenergic receptors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
文摘OBJECTIVE Uridine adenosine tetraphosphate(Up4A),a dinucleotide,contains both purine and pyrimidine moieties,and exerts its vascular influence via activation of purinergic receptors.Here,we aimed to investigate the effects of Up4 A on angiogenesis and the putative purinergic receptors(PR)involved in this process.METHODS Tubule formation assay was performed in 3D matrix system.In this assay,human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were co-cultured with pericytes with various Up4 A doses(0,1,2.5,5,10 and 20μmol·L-1)in the absence and presence of P2Y6 R antagonist MRS2578(10μmol·L-1)for 5d.Expression profile of PR subtypes and angiogenic factors was assessed in HUVECs by q-PCR with and without P2Y6 R antagonist.RESULTS No difference in initial tubule formation was detected between Up4 A stimulation and control conditions at day 2.In contrast,a significant increase in vascular density in response to Up4 A was observed at day 5.Up4 A at a dose of 2.5and 5μmol·L-1 promoted total tubule length(by-1.89 fold and-2.23fold),number of tubules(by-1.71 fold and-1.89fold)as well as number of junctions(by-2.24 fold and-2.80fold),all of which were inhibited by MRS2578.Further increase in Up4 A dose to10 and 20μmol·L-1 did not induce an increase in these vascular parameters as compared to non-treated controls.Moreover,Up4 A increased mRNA level of P2YRs(P2Y2R,P2Y4 R and P2Y6R)but not P2XR(P2X4R and P2X7R)or P1R(A2AR and A2BR),while Up4 A upregulated VEGFA and ANGPT1 but not VEGFR2,ANGPT2,Tie1 and Tie2at mRNA level.Transcriptional upregulation of P2 YRs and angiogenic factors by Up4 A was inhibited by MRS2578.CONCLUSION Up4 A is functionally capable of promoting tubule formation in vitro co-culture system.This process is likely mediated by activation of pyrimidine-favored P2 YRs but not P2 XR or P1 Rs,and involves stimulation of well known angiogenic factors.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81000537)
文摘Summary: Adult-bom neurons undergo a transient period of plasticity during their integration into the neural circuit. This transient plasticity may involve NMDA receptors containing NR2B, the major sub unit expressed at early developmental stages. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of NR2B gene knockdown on the functional integration of the adult-born granule cells gen- erated from the subgranule zone (SGZ) in the hippocampus. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down the NR2B gene in the adult-born hippocampal neurons. In the functional integration test, the mice were exposed to a novel environment (open field arena), and the expression of c-fos was immunohistochemically detected in the hippocampus. After exposure to the novel environment, siRNA-NR2B mice were significantly different from control mice in either the number of squares or the number of rears they crossed, showing decreased horizontal and vertical activity (P〈0.05). Moreover, the c-fos expression was increased in both control and siRNA-NR2B mice after open field test. But, it was significantly lower in siRNA-NR2B neurons than in control neurons. It was concluded that the neu- ral activity of newborn neurons is regulated by their own NR2B-containing NMDA glutamate receptors during a short, critical period after neuronal birth.
文摘BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can directly regulate toxic injury of hippocampal neurons through participation by its receptor. Increase of excitability of hippocampal membrane and long-term synaptic elasticity are closely related to PGE2, PGD2 and PGF2A. This suggests that PGE2 may be a key molecule of neuronal signal passage and regulate the existence of neurons through its receptor. However, which isoforms of PGE2 receptor expressing in hippocampal neurons is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To research the subtype expression of PGE2 receptor in hippocampus of rats through mRNA transcription and protein interpretation. DESIGN: Animal studies with random, control and operator and designer double-blind methods. SETTING: University of South Carolina, Animal Center. MATERIALS: Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 12 weeks, weighing 200 g, females 48 and males 48, were selected from Animal Center in South Carolina University. Tri ReagentTM kit was provided by Molecular Research Center, USA. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in Animal Center in South Carolina University from January to December 2005. The expression of the PGE2 receptors was profiled and compared in rat hippocampus using real-time RT-PCR and Western-blot techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression of PGE2 receptors in various isoforms of hippocampal neurons of rats. RESULTS: mRNAs of all four EP1-4 subtypes were detected in the hippocampus. Western-blot data showed consistently detectable bands at approximately Mr 50 000 of EP1, Mr 40 000 and Mr 52 000 of EP2, Mr 45 000, Mr 57 000 and Mr 105 000 of EP3, and Mr 46 000 of EP4. CONCLUSION: Identifying four subtypes of EPs heterogeneously expresses in the hippocampus.
文摘The changes in the expression of cardiac bradykinin B2 receptors (BKB2Rs) and endogenous nitrix oxide synthase (eNOs) mRNA were studied in rats with remnant kidneys. Thirty-two rats were divided into sham-operated and experimental groups randomly (n=16 in each group). The remnant kidney model was established by 2-stage 5/6 nephrectomy. Blood pressure and serum Cr were measured before operation and 15, 30, 60, 120 days after 5/6 nephrectomy. Eight animals in each group were killed at the first month and 4th month after the operation. The expression of BKB2Rs and eNOs mRNAs was detected by using RT-real time PCR from isolated left ventricle, and their correlation was also analyzed. The results showed that blood pressure and serum Cr were increased significantly 15 days after 5/6 nephrectomy (both P<0.01), and the hypertension and azomia existed constantly till 120 days but had no significant fluctuation. Cardiac BKB2Rs and eNOs mRNA was declined time-dependently (both P<0.05). And there was a close positive correlation between cardiac BKB2Rs and eNOs mRNA (r=0.82, P<0.01). It was suggested that a significant chronic renal failure can be produced at least 15 days after 5/6 nephrotomy and can sustain more than 4 months. The expression of BKB2Rs and eNOs was down-regulated time-dependently in this model, and there was a significant correlation between them.
基金supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFGIL 20/21-1)Sino-German Centre(GZ919)
文摘Neural stem/progenitor cells:Radial glial cells constitute multipotent cells in the ventricular zone,lining the wall of the lateral ventricle of the embryonic brain.They have the capacity to give rise to cells belonging to all three major linages(neurons,astrocytes and oligodendrocytes)of the nervous system(Tang and Illes,2017).
文摘Our previous studies showed that 17β-estradiol (E2) modulated dopamine D2 receptor in regulating body weight set-point. The aim of this study was to understand whether thiamine deficiency influenced the E2 modulation on dopamine D2 receptors, using bromocriptine mesylate (BR) and sulpiride (SUL) as selective central dopamine-D2 receptors agonist and antagonist respectively. We studied the E2-dopamine D2 receptors interferences in a 10-day thiamine-deficient female rats for which consumptions of water, sugar, alcohol and food were daily-recorded and their consequences on body weights assessed. Our results showed that the volume of water daily ingested doubled in thiamine-deficient female rats (OXT), while sugar and alcohol consumptions collapsed with decreased weight and food consumption. On the one hand, thiamine potentiated D2/BR activity (bromocriptine-activated D2 receptors) to induce sugar intake and inhibited the same D2/BR receptors to induce water intake. On the other hand, thiamine promoted D2/SUL receptors (sulpiride-inhibited D2 receptors) for enhanced alcohol intake, increased food consumption and weight gain. Taking together, thiamine modulated the actions of 17β-estradiol on both D2/BR and D2/SUL receptors activities.
文摘Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors are playing an important role in the pathophysiology of aggressive behaviors and in the control of immune function. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of activation and blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with selective ligands on the immune response formation in animals with aggressive behaviors induced by genetic factors (rats selected for the increased aggressiveness toward human) or by chronic social stress (mice of the CBA/Lac strain engaged in 10 days of social confrontations). Activation of 5-HT2A receptors with DOI at 1.0 mg/kg reduced the immune response level both in aggressive rats and mice compared to the corresponding vehicle-treated groups, while DOI administration did not alter the immune reaction in nonaggressive animals. The blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with ketanserin at 1.0 mg/kg resulted in immunostimulation both in mice of the CBA strain not subjected to social stress (the controls) and in nonaggressive rats selected for elimination of aggressiveness. On the other hand, its administration to CBA mice demonstrating offensive aggression enhanced the immune reaction, while the same dose of ketanserin did not modify the immune response level in rats with genetic predisposition to the increased defensive aggression. Thus, our data suggest that the role of 5-HT2A receptors in immunomodulation depends on the specific type of aggression that may be taking into account in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric disorders with the antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants targeting 5-HT2A receptors.
文摘The P2X7 receptor is one of the members of the family of purinoceptors which are ligand-gated membrane ion channels activated by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate. A unique feature of the P2X7 receptor is that its activation can result in the formation of large plasma membrane pores that allow not only the flux of ions but also of hydrophilic molecules of up to 900 Da. Recent studies indicate that P2X7-mediated signaling can trigger apoptotic cell death after ischemia and during the course of certain neurodegenerative disorders. Expression of the P2X7 receptor has been demonstrated in most types of cells in the retina. This purinoceptor mediates the contraction of pericytes and regulates the spatial and temporal dynamics of the vasomotor response through cell-to-cell electrotonic transmission within the microvascular networks. Of potential clinical significance, investigators have found that diabetes markedly boosts the vulnerability of retinal microvessels to the lethal effect of P2X7 receptor activation. This purinergic vasotoxicity may result in reduced retinal blood flow and disrupted vascular function in the diabetic retina. With recent reports indicating an association between P2X7 receptor activation and inflammatory cytokine expression in the retina, this receptor may also exacerbate the development of diabetic retinopathy by a mechanism involving inflammation.
文摘Objective: Bererine has been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese traditional medicine because of its hypoglycemic effect. In this report, we compared the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activities of erythrocyte insulin receptors from type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without stimulation by berberine in vitro. Methods- Preparations containing insulin receptors were obtained from soluble human erythrocytes, and the insulin receptors were partially purified by affinity chromatography. The tyrosine kinase activity was measured by the exogenous substrate phosphorylation. Results: Both the membrane tyrosine kinase activity and the purified receptor tyrosine kinase activity from diabetics decreased significantly compared with those of normal individuals (reduced by 67.4% and 47.2%, respectively). After incubation with berbefine, there is a statistical difference in the activity of membrane tyrosine kinase for diabetic patients ( a 150% increase). Berefine had no effect on the tyrosine kinase activity of purified insulin receptors. Conclusion: We concluded from these results that berbefine was able to improve the insulin sensitivity by increasing the protein tyrosine kinase activity of membrane-bound insulin receptors from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
文摘The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 induced by a newly identified bcoronavirus, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2) has constituted a public health emergency. Even though it was considered a zoonotic disease, the virus has also spread among humans via respiratory secretions. The expression and distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme type 2(ACE2) in various human organs might also show other possible infection routes. High ACE2 ribonucleic acid expression has been identified in the gastrointestinal tract(GI) indicating its importance as a possible infection pathway of SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 induces viral entry into the host and most importantly has been found to be associated with the function of the gut. Its deficiency has been implicated in several pathologies such as colorectal inflammation. The renin-angiotensin system(RAS) is an essential regulatory cascade operating both at a local tissue level and at the systemic or circulatory level. The RAS may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease and is associated with the up-regulation of ACE2. Thus, the aim of this review is firstly, the analysis of some important general and genome characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and secondly, and most importantly, to focus on the utility of ACE2 receptors in both SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis, especially in the GI tract.