Tissue Extracts From Infarcted Myocardium of Rats in Promoting the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Into Cardiomyocyte-like Cells

Objective To investigate whether cardiac tissue extracts from rats could mimic the cardiac microenvironment and act as a natural inducer in promoting the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs） into cardiomyocytes. Methods Three kinds of tissue extract or cell lysate [infarcted myocardial tissue extract （IMTE）, normal myocardial tissue extract （NMTE） and cultured neonatal myocardial lysate （NML）] were employed to induce BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. The cells were harvested at each time point for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） detection, immunocytochemical analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Results After a 7-day induction, BMSCs were enlarged and polygonal in morphology. Myofilaments, striated sarcomeres, Z-lines, and more mitochondia were observed under transmission electron microscope. Elevated expression levels of cardiac-specific genes and proteins were also confirmed by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Moreover, IMTE showed a greater capacity of differentiating BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Conclusions Cardiac tissue extracts, especially IMTE, can effectively differentiate BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells.

DETECTION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THROMBOMODULIN IN BOTH PLASMA AND TISSUE EXTRACTS OF CANCER PATIENTS

To study the changes of thrombomodulin(TM) in both plasma and tissue extracts of cancer patients for evaluating its clinical significance. Methods: PlasmaTM levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in both plasma of 188 cancer patients and 24 cancer tissue extractsincluding their adjacent non-cancer tissues. Results:The plasma TM levels both in cancer patients and in metastasis patients were significantly higher than that in controls [(33.4714.25)mg/L, (41.6816.96)mg/L, vs(20.40 7.22) mg/L,P<0.01]. The plasma TM levels incancer patients after operation decreased obviously thanthat before operation [(18.459.96)mg/L, vs (28.2911.74)mg/L, P<0.01], whereas, the plasma TM levels in patientswith recurrence and metastasis after operation increasedobviously [(34.5012.57)mg/L]. Among the types of cancer,the plasma TM levels in metastasis lung cancers, gastric cancers and pancreatic cancers were significantly higherthan that in non-metastasis respective cancers. Nosignificant differences were found between controls andnon-metastasis cancers including gastric cancers,pancreatic cancers, nasopharyngeal cancers, large intestine cancers and laryngeal cancers (P>0.05). The TM levels incancer tissue extracts were significantly lower than that intheir adjacent non-cancer tissue extracts [(647.71317.51)mg/L vs (1455.63772.22)mg/L, P<0.01]. On the contrary, the plasma TM levels in these cancers were significantly higher than that in controls. Conclusion: The rise of plasma TMlevels in cancer patients was associated with metastasis and diffusion of cancers. The TM levels can be served as ansensitive index for judging progression and metastasis of

Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng （Panax ginseng CA Meyer） extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction

Korean ginseng and mountain ginseng （Panax ginseng CA Meyer） are important traditional herbal plants whose ginsenosides are generally accepted as serving to improve sexual functions, such as penile erection. We investigated the effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng extract （TMGE） on male patients with erectile dysfunction （ED）. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 143 patients experiencing ED. Over the course of 8 weeks, one group took 1 000 mg of TMGE twice a day, and the other group took 1 000 mg of placebo twice a day. The effects of the TMGE and the placebo were analyzed using the Korean version of the International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF） questionnaire. A total of 86 patients completed 8 weeks of treatment. The scores on the five domains of the IIEF after medication were significantly higher than the baseline scores in the group treated with TMGE （P 〈 0.05）, whereas no significant improvement was observed in the placebo group （P 〉 0.05）. Erectile function and overall satisfaction scores after medication were significantly higher in the TMGE group than in the placebo group （P 〈 0.05）. Erectile function of patients in the TMGE-treated group significantly improved, suggesting that TMGE could be utilized for improving erectile function in male patients.

Effects of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury on the proliferation,differentiation,migration and invasion of SK-HEP1 cells

Objective: To study the effects of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury on the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of SK-HEP1 cells. Methods: Regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury were used to induce SK-HEP1 cells after enrichment, their effects on the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of SK-HEPI cells were observed through in vitro cell culture, MTT, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Results:In response to the action of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury, SK-HEP1 cells were blocked in G_0/G_1 phase, their growth rate was distinctly reduced. The number of SK-HEP1^(-fj)colonies decreased. The migration ability of SK-HEPI cells showed a decreased trend on day7 and day 11 after induction. SK-HEPl's invasion ability clearly decreased on days 7 and11 after induction, especially on day 7. Conclusions: To a certain extent, regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury can inhibit the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of hepatoma cells, showing an important potential of being a differentiating agent for the treatment of liver cancer.

Novel distribution pattern of fibrinolytic components in rabbit tissues extract: a preliminary study

Objective: The purpose of this work was to investigate the distribution pattern of fibrinolytic factors and their inhibitors in rabbit tissues. Methods: The components of the fibrinolytic system in extracts from a variety of rabbit tissues, including tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), plasminogen (Plg), plasmin (Pl) and α2 plasmin inhibitor (α2PI), were determined by colorimetric assay. Results: The tissue extracts in renal, small intestine, lung, brain and spleen demonstrated strong fibrinolytic function, in which high activity of tPA, Plg and Pl was manifested; whereas in skeletal muscle, tongue and stomach, higher activity of PAI-1 and α2PI showed obviously. Also excellent linear correlations were found between levels of tPA and PAI-1, Pl and α2PI, Plg and Pl. In related tissues, renal cortex and renal marrow showed distinctly higher activity of tPA and lower activity of PAI-1, with the levels of Plg and Pl in renal cortex being higher than those in renal marrow, where the α2PI level was higher than that in renal cortex. Similarly, the levels of tPA, Plg and Pl in small intestine were higher than those in large intestine, but with respect to PAI-1 and α2PI, the matter was reverse. In addition, the fibrinolytic activity in muscle tissue was lower, however, the levels of tPA, Plg, and Pl in cardiac muscle were obviously higher than those in skeletal muscles, and the levels of PAI-1 and α2PI were significantly lower than those in skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that a remarkable difference of the fibrinolytic patterns exists in rabbit tissues, which has probable profound significance in understanding the relationship between the function of haemostasis or thrombosis and the physiologic function in tissues.

Coscinium fenestratum: Callus and Suspension Cell Culture of the Endangered Medicinal Plant Using Vermicompost Extract and Coelomic Fluid as Plant Tissue Culture Media

In vitro tissue culture of hard woody, endangered, medicinal plant Coscinium fenestratum is most challenging to plant tissue culturists. In the present study, petiole and leaf explants of Coscinium fenestratum were induced to form callus when cultured on vermicompost extract media along with coelomic fluid. Suspension medium was developed using vermicompost extract and coelomic fluid in 3:1 ratio. Phytochemical analysis of the alkaloid berberine was confirmed from callus, suspension cell culture and suspension medium by Thin Layer Chromatography and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Vermicompost and its extracts with coelomic fluid have shown maximum (100 per cent) response of callus induction. Callus mass enlarged with increasing concentration of coelomic fluid and callus growth was assessed from the biomass. Incubation of culture tubes in dark supported callus development significantly. The Rf value of 0.36 confirmed the presence of berberine by Thin Layer Chromatography. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloid berberine with the retention time of 2.8 minutes similar to that of standard reference sample from Sigma chemicals, USA. The suspension medium turned deep yellow because of the release of the alkaloid. Vermicompost and its extracts along with coelomic fluid have shown the economical approach for micropropagation of economically and medicinally important plants.

Smashing Tissue Extraction of Flavonoids in Lophatherum gracileSmashing Tissue Extraction of Flavonoids in Lophatherum gracile

Objective] The study aimed to optimize the procedures for flavonoids ex-traction from of Lophatherum gracile. [Method] The powder of L. gracile leaf （3.0 g） was weighed and extracted fol owing an orthogonal design including the solid-liquid ratio, extraction time, extraction times and soaking time at three levels. [Result] The optimal parameters were solid-liquid ratio at 1：40, extraction time of 40 s, extraction times of two times and soaking time of 40 min. [Conclusion] Smashing tissue ex-traction of flavonoids is rapid and efficient, which provides a new method for the development and utilization of L. gracile.

DNA Extraction from Formalin-fixed and Paraffin-embedded Tissues by Triton X-100 for Effective Amplification of EGFR Gene by Polymerase Chain Reaction

For first-line non-small-cell lung cancer（NSCLC） therapy,detecting mutation status of the epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR） gene constitutes a prudent test to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor（TKI） therapy.Now,the material for detecting EGFR gene mutation status mainly comes from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded（FFPE） tissues.DNA extraction from FFPE and the amplification of EGFR gene by polymerase chain reaction（PCR） are two key steps for detecting EGFR gene mutation.We showed a simple method of DNA extraction from FFPE tissues for the effective amplification of EGFR gene.Extracting DNA from the FFPE tissues of NSCLC patients with 1% Triton X-100（pH=10.0） was performed by heating at 95 °C for 30 min.Meanwhile,a commercial kit was used to extract DNA from the same FFPE tissues of NSCLC patients for comparison.DNA extracted products were used as template for amplifying the exons 18,19,20 and 21 of EGFR by PCR for different amplified fragments.Results show that DNA fragment size extracted from FFPE tissues with 1% Triton X was about 250―500 base pairs（bp）.However,DNA fragment size extracted from FFPE tissues via commercial kit was about from several hundreds to several thousands bp.The DNA yield extracted from FFPE tissues with 1% Triton X was larger than that via commercial kit.For about 500 bp fragment,four exons of EGFR could not be amplified more efficiently from extracted DNA with 1% Triton X than with commercial kit.However,for about 200 bp fragment.This simple and non-laborious protocol could successfully be used to extract DNA from FFPE tissue for the amplification of EGFR gene by PCR,further screening of EGFR gene mutation and facilitating the molecular analysis of a large number of FFPE tissues from NSCLC patients.

Diethylstilbestrol in Fish Tissue Determined Through Subcritical Fluid Extraction and with GC-MS

As the key point in sex hormone analysis, sample pre-treatment technology has attracted scientists' attention all over the world, and the development trend of sample preparation forwarded to faster and more efficient technologies. Taking economic and environmental concerns into account, subcritical fluid extraction as a faster and more efficient method has stood out as a sample pre-treatment technology. This new extraction technology can overcome the shortcomings of supercritical fluid and achieve higher extraction efficiency at relatively low pressures and temperatures. In this experiment, a simple, sensitive and efficient method has been developed for the determination of diethylstilbestrol(DES) in fish tissue using subcritical 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane(R134a) extraction in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). After extraction, freezing-lipid filtration was utilized to remove fatty co-extract. Further purification steps were performed with C_(18) and NH_2 solid phase extraction(SPE). Finally, the analyte was derived by heptafluorobutyric anhydride(HFBA), followed by GC-MS analysis. Response surface methodology(RSM) was employed to optimizing the extraction condition, and the optimized was as follows: extraction pressure, 4.3 MPa; extraction temperature, 26℃; amount of co-solvent volume, 4.7 m L. Under this condition, at a spiked level of 1, 5, 10 μg kg^(-1), the mean recovery of DES was more than 90% with relative standard deviations(RSDs) less than 10%. Finally, the developed method has been successfully used to analyzing the real samples.

Profile of Autoantibodies and Clinical Symptoms in Guinean Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) characterized by the appearance of autoantibodies, which are diagnostic markers. Investigations of these autoantibodies play a major role in the management of several autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to describe the profile of anti-ENA antibodies according to the clinical symptoms of mixed CTDs in Conakry teaching Hospital. We performed a cross-sectional study during six months. A total of 20 patients was recruited and we measured antibodies using the ELISA technique. The mean age of our patients was 36.5 years, with a predominance of females. Cutaneous and rheumatological signs were the main clinical manifestations. SLP was the most frequent CTDs;the threshold of ENA antibodies positivity was higher in scleroderma with and SLP. Anti-ENA identification reveals the frequency of anti-SSA (83.33%), anti-U1RNP (66.66%) and anti-histone (50%) antibodies. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) react with various components of the cell nucleus. Their detection is of major interest in the diagnosis of CTDs. Our results highlight the importance of determining the specificity of these antibodies to guide differential diagnosis.

Activity of Ginkgo biloba Extract and Quercetin on Thrombomodulin Expression and Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator Secretion by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Objective In order to investigate the pharmacological properties of Ginkgo biloba extract （GBE） on improving blood circulation, the regulating action of GBE and quercetin （a main flavonoid ingredient in GBE） on thrombomodulin （TM） expression and tissue-type plasminogen activator （t-PA） secretion was studied. Methods Using flow cytometer and gel image system respectively, we evaluated the TM expression and the t-PA secretion by human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） in vitro. Results The increase of TM expression on HUVECs surface was induced by GBE rather than quercetin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Both GBE and quercetin increased the t-PA release significantly. Conclusion The effect of GBE on improving blood circulation may be partly attributed to its promoting TM expression and t-PA secretion by endothelial ceils, and quercetin participated in the effect of GBE on t-PA secretion. However, the action of GBE on increasing TM expression needs further study.

DNA extraction from archived hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue slides for downstream molecular analysis

BACKGROUND Histopathologically stained archived tissue slides are stored in hospital archives for years to decades.They are the largest available source of biological materials and are a potentially useful resource that can be used for retrospective epidemiological studies.DNA recovered from the slides can be used for several downstream molecular processes including polymerase chain reaction,single nucleotide polymorphism analysis,and whole genome sequencing.The DNA from these slides can be utilized to compare gene signatures of normal and diseased tissues.However,extraction of high-quality DNA from archived stained hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)slides remains challenging.AIM To standardize a new protocol for extracting DNA from archived H&E-stained tissue slides for further molecular assays.METHODS A total of 100 archived H&E-stained cancer slides were subjected to a total of five methods of DNA extraction.Methods were varied in the deparaffinization step,tissue rehydration,duration of lysis,and presence or absence of proteinase K.The extracted DNA was quantified using a NanoDrop spectrophometer and the quality was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis.Then each sample was subjected to polymerase chain reaction(PCR)to amplify the internal control gene GAPDH,thereby confirming the DNA intactness,which could be further utilized for other downstream applications.RESULTS Of the five different methods tested,the third method wherein xylene was used for tissue deparaffinization followed by 72 h of digestion and without proteinase K inactivation yielded the highest amount of DNA with good purity.The yield was significantly higher when compared to other methods.In addition,90%of the extracted DNA showed amplifiable GAPDH gene.CONCLUSION Here we present a step-by-step,cost-effective,and reproducible protocol for the extraction of PCR-friendly DNA from archived H&E-stained cancer tissue slides that can be used for further downstream molecular applications.

A Simple Approach for Evaluating Total MicroRNA Extraction from Mouse Brain Tissues

For the analysis of microRNA, a common approach is to first extract microRNA from cellular samples prior to any specific microRNA detection. Thus, it is important to determine the quality and yield of extracted microRNA. In this study, solid-phase extraction was used to isolate small RNA (? Green II staining. Testing for contamination of any small DNA fragments, RNase and cellular peptides or proteins were systematically carried out. By scanning the gel image obtained from PAGE analysis, the average percentage of total microRNA (19 - 25 nt) in the extracted RNA samples was determined to be equal to 2.3 ± 0.5%. The yield of total microRNA was calculated to be ~0.5ng of microRNA per milligram of frozen mouse brain tissue. In comparison to other methods that require the use of expensive specialized instrumentation, the approach of combining the standard UV absorbance and PAGE analysis represents a simple and viable method for evaluating the quality and yield of microRNA extraction from tissue samples.

Tissue-engineered rhesus monkey nerve grafts for the repair of long ulnar nerve defects:similar outcomes to autologous nerve grafts

Acellular nerve allografts can help preserve normal nerve structure and extracellular matrix composition. These allografts have low immunogenicity and are more readily available than autologous nerves for the repair of long-segment peripheral nerve defects. In this study, we repaired a 40-mm ulnar nerve defect in rhesus monkeys with tissue-engineered peripheral nerve, and compared the outcome with that of autograft. The graft was prepared using a chemical extract from adult rhesus monkeys and seeded with allogeneic Schwann cells. Pathomo- rphology, electromyogram and immunohistochemistry findings revealed the absence of palmar erosion or ulcers, and that the morphology and elasticity of the hypothenar eminence were normal 5 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the mean peak compound muscle action potential, the mean nerve conduction velocity, or the number of neurofilaments between the experimental and control groups. However, outcome was significantly better in the experimental group than in the blank group. These findings suggest that chemically extracted allogeneic nerve seeded with autologous Schwann cells can repair 40-mm ulnar nerve defects in the rhesus monkey. The outcomes are similar to those obtained with autologous nerve graft.

Analysis of differentially expressed proteins in cancerous and normal colonic tissues

AIM： To identify and analyze the differentially expressed proteins in normal and cancerous tissues of four patients suffering from colon cancer. METHODS： Colon tissues （normal and cancerous） were homogenized and the proteins were extracted using three protein extraction buffers. The extraction buffers were used in an orderly sequence of increasing extraction strength for proteins with hydrophobic properties. The protein extracts were separated using the SDS-PAGE method and the images were captured and analyzed using Quantity One software. The target protein bands were subjected to in-gel digestion with trypsin and finally analyzed using an ESI-ion trap mass spectrometer. RESULTS： A total of 50 differentially expressed proteins in colonic cancerous and normal tissues were identified. CONCLUSION： Many of the identified proteins have been reported to be involved in the progression of similar or other types of cancers. However, some of the identified proteins have not been reported before. In addition, a number of hypothetical proteins were also identified.

The Role of Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Enhancing the Healing of Extraction Sockets: An Overview of the Literature

Introduction: Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is an emerging material in dentistry, however, there are controversies surrounding its effectiveness. Despite the amount of literature available, debates regarding its effect continue. This review aims to summarize and clarify the data surrounding the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, which may offer a better outcome for future treatments. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature on the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, and to provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence. Methods: A comprehensive computer-based search of databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library was conducted. Results: The results of this review suggest that L-PRF has shown promise in promoting early healing of extraction sockets, but the evidence for its effectiveness over a longer period is limited. Conclusion: Although L-PRF has shown promising results in the early healing periods, its effectiveness over a longer healing period cannot be confirmed based on the available data. More clinical trials with standardized protocols and consistent measurement methods are needed to establish the role of L-PRF in enhancing the healing of extraction sockets.

Human pulp tissue dissolution ability of different extracts of Sapindus mukorossi: An in vitro study

Objective:Due to the many negative properties of sodium hypochlorite used in current root canal treatment,interest in biocompatible natural agents is increasing day by day.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether various extract solutions of Sapindus mukorossi have dissolution effects on human pulp tissues.Methods:Primarily powder extracts were obtained by extracting fruit shells of S.mukorossi in different solvents(ethanol,methanol,buthanol and distilled water).The test solutions were prepared and randomly separated into six groups with 10 samples in each group:ethanol extract,methanol extract,butanol extract,distilled water extract of S.mukorossi,sodium hypochlorite(Na OCl)and the control group.Among these,S.mukorossi extracts were separated into two subgroups,depending on their concentration level(50μg/m L and 100μg/m L).The pulp tissues of freshly extracted human molars were used for dissolution test.The weights of the pulpal tissues were measured and recorded for two times after the samples were placed in the solutions.Statistical analysis for all descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS 22(P<0.05).Results:Our results showed that maximum percent yield of preparation was obtained in methanol extract of S.mukorossi.Among all of the groups,the best dissolution capacity was seen in the Na OCl group(positive control group).Among S.mukorossi groups,the best tissue solvent solution was found in SMM group at 50μg/m L and SMB group at 100μg/m L.Conclusion:The different extracts of S.mukorossi had a capacity to dissolve pulp tissue but this capacity was less than Na OCl.Therefore,further studies will enable the creation of a commercial solution for clinical use by increasing the effectiveness of S.mukorossi while combining it with other endodontic irrigation solutions.

酸枣仁提取物调控miR-7b-3p/5-羟色胺1A受体表达促进骨生长

背景:前期研究发现,酸枣仁提取物通过提高脑组织5-羟色胺1A受体(serotonin 1A receptor,5-HT1AR)表达,使之与5-羟色胺结合,延长小鼠慢波睡眠,促进生长激素的分泌,从而使骨生长。5-HT1AR作为一种蛋白质,其表达丰度受到miRNA的调控。作者推测酸枣仁提取物可能通过miRNA调控5-HT1AR的表达从而发挥药物作用。目的:观察酸枣仁提取物通过干预小鼠脑组织中miR-7b-3p/5-HT1AR通路对骨骼生长的影响。方法:①将昆明种小鼠分为正常对照组、用药组(灌胃酸枣仁提取物0.320 mg/g),阳性对照组(灌胃酸枣仁皂甙0.013 mg/g)和酸枣仁提取物+5-HT1AR抑制剂组(灌胃酸枣仁提取物最后3 d同时每天侧脑室注射5-HT1AR选择性抑制剂P-MPPF 8μg),25 d后观察酸枣仁提取物对小鼠骨生长、血清生长激素水平及脑组织5-HT1AR表达的影响;②基因芯片法筛选由酸枣仁提取物引起的骨生长小鼠与普通小鼠脑组织差异表达的miRNAs,并通过PCR验证和双荧光素酶报告基因实验证实筛选的miR-7b-3p与5-HT1AR的调控关系;③体外培养小鼠脑皮质细胞并鉴定,利用Western blot法观察酸枣仁提取物对脑皮质细胞中5-HT1AR表达的影响;④将昆明种小鼠分为正常对照组、用药组、miR-7b-3p inhibitor组、用药+miR-7b-3p mimics组、阳性对照组,观察各组小鼠脑组织5-HT1AR表达及5-羟色胺与5-HT1AR结合活性;⑤将SD大鼠分为正常对照组、用药组、miR-7b-3p inhibitor组、用药+miR-7b-3p mimics组、阳性对照组,观察各组大鼠慢波睡眠的变化。结果与结论:①酸枣仁提取物可以促进小鼠体长、胫骨增长,促进生长激素分泌,提高脑组织5-HT1AR含量;②基因芯片筛选出差异表达的miRNAs个数为16个,其中上调有13个,下调有3个;生物信息学预测下调miR-7b-3p可以调控5-HT1AR表达,且双荧光素酶报告基因实验证实二者有直接调控关系;③酸枣仁提取物和沉默脑皮质细胞中miR-7b-3p表达可以引起5-HT1AR高表达;沉默miR-7b-3p后小鼠脑组织5-HT1AR表达、5-羟色胺与5-HT1AR结合活性及生长激素分泌均升高;过表达miR-7b-3p后小鼠脑组织5-HT1AR表达、5-羟色胺与5-HT1AR结合活性及生长激素分泌均降低;大鼠慢波睡眠期也相应延长或缩短。结果表明,酸枣仁提取物能够降低脑组织的miR-7b-3p水平,同时增加5-HT1AR的表达量。这种机制有助于延长慢波睡眠周期,并且促进生长激素的生成,对骨骼生长有积极影响,为使用酸枣仁提取物作为促进骨骼生长的潜在手段提供了科学依据。

Progesterone promotes neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture conditions that mimic the brain microenvironment

In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from full-term neonates born by vagina delivery were cultured in medium containing 150 mg/mL of brain tissue extracts from Sprague-Dawley rats （to mimic the brain microenvironment）. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that the cells differentiated into neuron-like cells. To evaluate the effects of progesterone as a neurosteroid on the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, we cultured the cells in medium containing progesterone （0.1, 1, 10 pM） in addition to brain tissue extracts. Reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometric analysis of neuron specific enolase-positive cells revealed that the percentages of these cells increased significantly following progesterone treatment, with the optimal progesterone concentration for neuron-like differentiation being 1 tJM. These results suggest that progesterone can enhance the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture medium containing brain tissue extracts to mimic the brain microenvironment.

Biochemical effects of gadolinium chloride in rats liver and kidney studied by ^1H NMR metabolomics

The biochemical effects of gadolinium chloride were studied using high-resolution IH nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） spec- troscopy to investigate the biochemical composition of tissue （liver and kidney） aqueous extracts obtained from control and gadolinium chloride （GdCl3） （10 and 50 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal injection, i.p.） treated rats. Tissue samples were collected at 48, 96 and 168 h p.d. after exposure to GdCI3, and extracted using methanol/chloroform solvent system. ^1H NMR spectra of tissue extracts were analyzed by pat- tern recognition using principal components analysis. The liver damages caused by GdCl3 were characterized by increased succinate and decreased glycogen level and elevated lactate, alanine and betaine concentration in liver. Furthermore, the increase of creatine and lactate, and decrease of glutamate, alanine, phosphocholine, glycophosphocholine （GPC）, betaine, myo-inositol and trimethylamine N-oxide （TMAO） levels in kidney illustrated kidney disturbance induced by GdCl3.