Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels,primarily including coronary heart disease,stroke,and other diseases.It is the world’s leading cause of death,and its incidence is incre...Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels,primarily including coronary heart disease,stroke,and other diseases.It is the world’s leading cause of death,and its incidence is increasing yearly.Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Wnt signaling comprises a series of highly conservative cascading events controlling fundamental biological processes.Wnt signaling pathways include the canonical Wnt pathway(or Wnt/β-catenin pathway),the non canonical planar cell-polarity pathway,and the non-canonical calcium-dependent pathways.Abnormal Wnt signaling promotes cell proliferation and differentiation,cardiac malformations,various malignancies,so drugs targeting Wnt signaling play a great therapeutic potential.Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke by regulating cell proliferation,migration,apoptosis,blood-brain barrier permeability,inflammation,oxidative stress,and immune response.Based on the latest research progress,this review summarizes the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cardiovascular diseases,in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.展开更多
Objective To investigate the effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula(左归降糖解郁方,ZJJF)on hippocampal neuron apoptosis in diabetic rats with depression and to ascertain whether its mechanism involves the regulation...Objective To investigate the effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula(左归降糖解郁方,ZJJF)on hippocampal neuron apoptosis in diabetic rats with depression and to ascertain whether its mechanism involves the regulation of JNK signaling pathway.Methods(i)A total of 72 specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into six groups,with 12 rats in each group:control,model,metformin(Met,0.18 g/kg)+fluoxetine(Flu,1.8 mg/kg),and the high-,medium-,and low-ZJJF dosages(ZJJF-H,20.52 g/kg;ZJJF-M,10.26 g/kg;ZJJF-L,5.13 g/kg)groups.All groups except control group were injected once via the tail vein with streptozotocin(STZ,38 mg/kg)combined with 28 d of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)to establish diabetic rat models with depression.During the CUMS modeling period,treatments were administered via gavage,with control and model groups receiving an equivalent volume of distilled water for 28 d.The efficacy of ZJJF in reducing blood sugar and alleviating depression was evaluated by measuring fasting blood glucose,insulin,and glycated hemoglobin levels,along with behavioral assessments,including the open field test(OFT),forced swim test(FST),and sucrose preference test(SPT).Hippocampal tissue damage and neuronal apoptosis were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nickend labeling(TUNEL)staining.Apoptosis-related proteins Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,and the expression levels of JNK/Elk-1/c-fos signaling pathway were detected using Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).(ii)To further elucidate the role of JNK signaling pathway in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and the pharmacological effects of ZJJF,an additional 50 SPF grade male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,with 10 rats in each group:control,model,SP600125(SP6,a JNK antagonist,10 mg/kg),ZJJF(20.52 g/kg),and ZJJF(20.52 g/kg)+Anisomycin(Aniso,a JNK agonist,15 mg/kg)groups.Except for control group,all groups were established as diabetic rat models with depression,and treatments were administered via gavage for ZJJF and intraperitoneal injection for SP6 and Aniso for 28 d during the CUMS modeling period.Behavioral changes in rats were evaluated through the OFT,FST,and SPT,and hippocampal neuron damage and apoptosis were observed using HE staining,Nissl staining,TUNEL staining,and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Changes in apoptosis-related proteins and JNK signaling pathway in the hippocampal tissues of rats were also analyzed.展开更多
Plants employ multifaceted mechanisms to fight with numerous pathogens in nature. Resistance (R) genes are the most effective weapons against pathogen invasion since they can specifically recognize the corresponding...Plants employ multifaceted mechanisms to fight with numerous pathogens in nature. Resistance (R) genes are the most effective weapons against pathogen invasion since they can specifically recognize the corresponding pathogen effectors or associated protein(s) to activate plant immune responses at the site of infection. Up to date, over 70 R genes have been isolated from various plant species. Most R proteins contain conserved motifs such as nucleotide-binding site (NBS), leucine-rich repeat (LRR), Toll-interleukin-1 receptor domain (TIR, homologous to cytoplasmic domains of the Drosophila Toll protein and the manamalian intefleukin-1 receptor), coiled-coil (CC) or leucine zipper (LZ) structure and protein kinase domain (PK). Recent results indicate that these domains play significant roles in R protein interactions with effector proteins from pathogens and in activating signal transduction pathways involved in innate immunity. This review highlights an overview of the recent progress in elucidating the structure, function and evolution of the isolated R genes in different plant-pathogen interaction systems.展开更多
To analyze the resistance of Lianjing 7 against rice black-streaked dwarf disease and find the molecular markers closely linked with the resistance gene, an F2:3 population derived from an RBSDD-resistant cultivar Li...To analyze the resistance of Lianjing 7 against rice black-streaked dwarf disease and find the molecular markers closely linked with the resistance gene, an F2:3 population derived from an RBSDD-resistant cultivar Lianjing 7 and an RBSDD-susceptible cultivar Peiai 64, was evaluated using natural infection methods and artificial inoculation by scoring the disease severity rating. The results showed Lianjing 7 was resistant to RBSDD, with the incidence between 5.5% and 12.25% in all tests. For the parents of Lianjing 7, only Zhongjingchuan-2 was resistant to RBSDD. Besides this, Lianjing 7 assumed an antixenosis and antibiosis score similar with susceptible variety Wuyujing 3, which indicates that so RBSDD-resistance of Lianjing 7 is mainly caused by the resistance specifically to RBSDV. In the F2:3 population of Lianjing 7/Peiai 64, the disease severity rates showed a continuous distribution with transgressive segregation, it indicated the resistance of Lianjing 7 was controlled by multi-genes. The marker RM287 was determined closely linked with the resistance locus via BSA method. To conclude, Lianjing 7 has a high resistance to RBSDD, which is conferred with by Zhongjingchuan-2, and the marker RM287 should be useful for breeding novel RBSDD-resistant cultivars via marker-assisted selection (MAS).展开更多
Yangfujing 7A, derived from the cross between Xu 9201A and Yangfujing 7 and its successive backcrosses, is a BT-type japonica CMS line developed by the Agricultural Institute of Riparian Region of Jiangsu Province. It...Yangfujing 7A, derived from the cross between Xu 9201A and Yangfujing 7 and its successive backcrosses, is a BT-type japonica CMS line developed by the Agricultural Institute of Riparian Region of Jiangsu Province. It shows good integrat- ed characteristics, stable male sterility, good flowering habits, high out crossing rate, strong disease resistance, fine grain quality (reaching the 1st class of national standards for fine quality rice) and high combining ability. In 2012, it was technically identified in Jiangsu Province. Its F1 hybrid combination Tongyoujingl (Yangfujing 7 A/R98), showing high yield and good grain quality, was registered and released to commercial production by Jiangsu Crop Variety Appraisal Committee in 2013.展开更多
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has drawn growth control and its involvement in human tumorigenesis much attention recently because of its essential role in cell Great endeavors have been made to elucidate ...The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has drawn growth control and its involvement in human tumorigenesis much attention recently because of its essential role in cell Great endeavors have been made to elucidate the functions and regulation of mTOR in the past decade. The current prevailing view is that mTOR regulates many fundamental biological processes, such as cell growth and survival, by integrating both intracellular and extracellular signals, including growth factors, nutrients, energy levels, and cellular stress. The significance of roTOR has been highlighted most recently by the identification of mTOR-associated proteins. Amazingly, when bound to different proteins, mTOR forms distinctive complexes with very different physiological functions. These findings not only expand the roles that mTOR plays in cells but also further complicate the regulation network. Thus, it is now even more critical that we precisely understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to directly guide the development and usage of anti-cancer drugs targeting the mTOR signaling pathway. In this review, we will discuss different mTOR-associated proteins, the regulation of mTOR complexes, and the consequences of mTOR dysregulation under pathophysiological conditions.展开更多
AIM: To elucidate the sequential gene expression profile in AGS cells co-cultured with wild-type Helicobacter pylori (H pylon) as a model of Hpylori-infected gastric epithelium, and to further examine the contribut...AIM: To elucidate the sequential gene expression profile in AGS cells co-cultured with wild-type Helicobacter pylori (H pylon) as a model of Hpylori-infected gastric epithelium, and to further examine the contribution of cag-pathogenicity islands (cagPAI)-coding type IV secretion system and the two pathways, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) on wild-type Hpylori-induced gene expression. METHODS: Gene expression profiles induced by Hpylori were evaluated in AGS gastric epithelial cells using cDNA microarray, which were present in the 4600 independent clones picked up from the human gastric tissue. We also analyzed the contribution of NF-κB and ERK signaling on H pylori-induced gene expression by using inhibitors of specific signal pathways. The isogenic mutant with disrupted cagE (△cagE) was used to elucidate the role of cagPAI-encoding type IV secretion system in the gene expression profile. RESULTS: According to the expression profile, the genes were classified into four clusters. Among them, the clusters characterized by continuous upregulation were most conspicuous, and it contained many signal transducer activity-associated genes. The role of cagPAI on cultured cells was also investigated using isogenic mutant cagE, which carries non-functional cagPAI. Then the upregulation of more than 80% of the induced genes (476/566) was found to depend on cagPAI. Signal transducer pathway through NF-κB or ERK are the major pathways which are known to be activated by cagPAI-positive H pylori. The role of these pathways in the whole signal activation by cagPAI-positive H pyloriwas analyzed. The specific inhibitors against NF-κB or ERK pathway blocked the activation of gene expression in 65% (367/566) or 76% (429/566) of the genes whose activation appealed to depend on cagPAI. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that more than half of the genes induced by cayPAI-positive H pylori depend on NF-κB and ERK signaling activation, and these pathways may play a role in the gene expression induced by hostbacterial interaction which may associate with H pylorirelated gastro-duodenal diseases.展开更多
Inflammatory bowl disease (IBD) is a type 1 T helper cell (Th1)-mediated autoimmune disease. Various studies have revealed that environmental pathogens also play a significant role in the initiation and progressio...Inflammatory bowl disease (IBD) is a type 1 T helper cell (Th1)-mediated autoimmune disease. Various studies have revealed that environmental pathogens also play a significant role in the initiation and progression of this disease. Interestingly, the pathogenesis of IBD has been shown to be related to nitric oxide (NO) released from innate immune cells. Although NO is known to be highly toxic to the gut epithelia, there is very little information about the regulation of NO production, One major question in the etiology of IBD is how Thl cells and pathogens interact in the induction of IBD. In present study, we focused on the regulation of NO. We show that macrophages require both interferon-γ, (IFN-γ)-mediated and TLR4-mediated signals for the production of NO, which causes inflammation in the intestine and subsequently IBD. Thus, IBD is the result of concerted actions of innate immune signals, such as the binding of LPS to TLR-4, and adaptive immune signals, such as IFN-γ produced by Thl cells.展开更多
The c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway representsone sub-group of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP)kinases which plays an important role in variousinflammatory diseases states, including inflammatorybowel disea...The c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway representsone sub-group of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP)kinases which plays an important role in variousinflammatory diseases states, including inflammatorybowel disease (IBD). Significant progress towardsunderstanding the function of the JNK signaling pathwayhas been achieved during the past few years. Blockadeof the JNK pathway with JNK inhibitors in animal modelsof IBD lead to resolution of intestinal inflammation.Current data suggest specific JNK inhibitors hold promiseas novel therapies in IBD.展开更多
AIM: To characterize the expression of members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad/ connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling pathway in the tissue of benign biliary stricture, and to investiga...AIM: To characterize the expression of members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad/ connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling pathway in the tissue of benign biliary stricture, and to investigate the effect of TGF-β signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of benign biliary stricture. METHODS: Paraffin embedded materials from 23 cases of benign biliary stricture were analyzed for members of the TGF-β/Smad/CTGF signaling pathway. TGF-β_1, TβRⅠ, TβRⅡ, Smad4, Smad7 and CTGF protein were detected by immunohistochemical strepto-advidinbiotin complex method, and CTGF mRNA was evaluated by hybridization in situ, while 6 cases of normal bile duct served as controls. The percentages of positive cells were counted. The correlation between TGF-β_1, Smad4 and CTGF was analyzed. RESULTS: The positive expression ratios of TGF-β_1, TβRⅠ , TβRⅡ , Smad4, CTGF and CTGF mRNA in 23 cases with benign biliary stricture were 91.3%, 82.6%, 87.0%, 78.3%, 82.6% and 65.2%, respectively, signifi cantly higher than that in 6 cases of normal bile duct respectively (vs 33.3%, 16.7%, 50.0%, 33.3%, 50.0%, 16.7%, respectively, P < 0.05). The positiveexpression ratio of Smad7 in cases with benign biliary stricture was 70.0%, higher than that in normal bile duct, but this difference is not statistically signifi cant 70.0% vs 50%, P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between positive expression of TGF-β_1, Smad4 and CTGF in cases with benign biliary stricture. CONCLUSION: The high expression of TGF-β/Smad/ CTGF signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of benign biliary stricture.展开更多
Ischemic colitis can mimic a carcinoma on computed tomographic (CT) imaging or endoscopic examination. A coexisting colonic carcinoma or another potentially obstructing lesion has also been described in 20% of the cas...Ischemic colitis can mimic a carcinoma on computed tomographic (CT) imaging or endoscopic examination. A coexisting colonic carcinoma or another potentially obstructing lesion has also been described in 20% of the cases of ischemic colitis. CT scan can differentiate it from colon cancer in 75% of cases. However, colonoscopy is the preferred method for diagnosing ischemic colitis as it allows for direct visualization with tissue sampling. Varied presentations of ischemic colitis have been described as an ulcerated or submucosal mass or as a narrowed segment of colon with ulcerated mucosa on colonoscopy. Awareness and early recognition of such varied presentations of a common condition is necessary to differentiate from a colonic carcinoma, and to avoid unnecessary surgery and related complications.展开更多
Cytokines are indispensable signals of the mucosaassociated immune system for maintaining normal gut homeostasis.An imbalance of their profile in favour of inflammation initiation may lead to disease states,such as th...Cytokines are indispensable signals of the mucosaassociated immune system for maintaining normal gut homeostasis.An imbalance of their profile in favour of inflammation initiation may lead to disease states,such as that is observed in inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD).Although Crohn's disease(CD) is often described as a prototype of T-helper 1-type diseases,and ulcerative colitis(UC) is traditionally viewed as a T-helper 2-mediated condition,the classic paradigm,which categorises cytokines into pro-and anti-inflammatory groups,has recently been changed.The inflammation regulatory pathways may not be mutually exclusive as individual cytokines can have diverse and even opposing functions in various clinical and immunological settings.None the less there are many common immunological responses in IBD that are mediated by cytokines.Although they regulate and influence the development,course and recurrence of the inflammatory process,the concrete pathogenic role of these small signaling molecules is sometimes not unambiguous in the subtypes of the disease.Our aim is to review the current information about pro-and anti-inflammatory effects of traditionally studied and recently discovered cytokines in the pathogenesis of UC and CD.The better understanding of their production and functional activity may lead to the development of new therapeutic modalities.展开更多
AIM: To examine the expression of beta-catenin in colorectal cancer and look for association with other dinico-pathological parameters. METHODS;: Tumor samples from 163 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) who had und...AIM: To examine the expression of beta-catenin in colorectal cancer and look for association with other dinico-pathological parameters. METHODS;: Tumor samples from 163 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) who had undergone primary colectomy between May, 1998 and November, 2002 with complete follow-up data for either 5 years or until death were recruited for a beta-catenin immunohistochemical study. The percentage of immunoreacted tumor cells was defined as overall staining density (OSD) and percentage of cells having nuclear localization was counted as nuclear staining density (NSD). Univariate exploration used log-rank test and multivariate survival analysis used Cox's hazard regression model. RESULTS: Beta-catenin immunoreactivity was detected in 161 samples (98.8%), of which 131 cases had nuclear staining. High OSD (≥ 75%), detected in 123 cases (75.5%), was significantly associated with earlier clinical staging (P 〈 0.01), lower nodal status (P = 0.02), non-metastatic status (P 〈 0.01) and better differentiation (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis found that high OSD was independently associated with better survival [Cox's hazard ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.83]. Although high NSD (≥ 75%) was correlated with high pre-operative serum CEA (P = 0.03), well differentiation (P 〈 0.01), and increased staining intensity(P 〈 0.01), the parameter was not significantly associated with survival. CONCLI3SIOM: Unlike previous reports, the study did not find a predictive value of nuclear beta-catenin in CRC. Instead, the overall expression of beta-catenin in CRC showed an association with better differentiation and earlier staging. Moreover, the parameter also independently predicted superior survival.展开更多
Major advances have been made over the last decade in our understanding of the molecular basis ofseveral cardiac conditions. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was the first cardiac disorder in whicha genetic basis was...Major advances have been made over the last decade in our understanding of the molecular basis ofseveral cardiac conditions. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was the first cardiac disorder in whicha genetic basis was identified and as such, has acted as a paradigm for the study of an inherited cardiacdisorder. HCM can result in clinical symptoms ranging from no symptoms to severe heart failure andpremature sudden death. HCM is the commonest cause of sudden death in those aged less than 35 years,including competitive athletes. At least ten genes have now been identified, defects in which cause HCM.All of these genes encode proteins which comprise the basic contractile unit of the heart, i.e. the sarcomere.While much is now known about which genes cause disease and the various clinical presentations, very littleis known about how these gene defects cause disease, and what factors modify the expression of the mutantgenes. Studies in both cell culture and animal models of HCM are now beginning to shed light on thesignalling pathways involved in HCM, and the role of both environmental and genetic modifying factors.Understanding these mechanisms will ultimately improve our knowledge of the basic biology of heart musclefunction, and will therefore provide new avenues for treating cardiovascular disease in man.展开更多
AIM: To study the expression of Sonic hedgehog pathway-related molecules, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Glil in gastric carcinoma. METHODS: Expression of Shh in 56 gastric specimens including non-cancerous gastric tiss...AIM: To study the expression of Sonic hedgehog pathway-related molecules, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Glil in gastric carcinoma. METHODS: Expression of Shh in 56 gastric specimens including non-cancerous gastric tissues, gastric adenocarcinoma, gastric squamous cell carcinoma was detected by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Expression of Glil was observed by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: The positive rate of Shh and Glil expression was 0.0%, 0.0% in non-cancerous gastric tissues while it was 66.7%, 57.8% respectively in gastric adenocarcinoma, and 100%, 100% respectively in gastric squamous cell carcinoma. There was a significant difference between the non-cancerous gastric tissues and gastric carcinoma (P 〈 0.05). Elevated expression of Shh and Glil in gastric tubular adenocarcinoma was associated with poorly differentiated tumors while the expression was absent in gastric mucinous adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The elevated expression of Shh and Glil in gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric squamous cell carcinoma shows the involvement of activated Shh signaling in the cellular proliferation of gastric carcinogenesis. It suggests Shh signaling gene may be a new and good target gene for gastric tumor diagnosis and therapy.展开更多
ATYPICAL chronic myeloid leukaemia (aCML), which shows both myeloproliferative and mye- Iodysplastic features, is a type of myeloprolif- erative/myelodysplastic disease as defined bythe World Health Organisation (...ATYPICAL chronic myeloid leukaemia (aCML), which shows both myeloproliferative and mye- Iodysplastic features, is a type of myeloprolif- erative/myelodysplastic disease as defined bythe World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of the myeloid neoplasms. Because of the presence of neutrophilic leukocytosis, aCML may resemble chronic myeIogenous leukemia (CML). However, in contrast with CML, aCML does not have the Philadelphia chromosome or the bcr/abl fusion gene.展开更多
Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family control a broad range of cellular responses in metazoan organisms via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine modes. Thus, aberrant TGF-β signaling can play ...Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family control a broad range of cellular responses in metazoan organisms via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine modes. Thus, aberrant TGF-β signaling can play a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer. TGF-β signaling pathways are activated by a short phospho-cascade, from receptor phosphorylation to the subsequent phosphorylation and activation of downstream signal transducers called R-Smads. R-Smad phosphorylation state determines Smad complex assembly/disassembly, nuclear import/export, transcriptional activity and stability, and is thus the most critical event in TGF-β signaling. Dephosphorylation of R-Smads by specific phosphatases prevents or terminates TGF-β signaling, highlighting the need to consider Smad (de)phosphorylation as a tightly controlled and dynamic event. This article illustrates the es- sential roles of reversible phosphorylation in controlling the strength and duration of TGF-β signaling and the ensu- ing physiological responses.展开更多
The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in transducing heat-shock (HS) signals was examined in Arabidopsis. The whole-plant IP3 level increased within 1 min of HS at 37℃. After 3 min of HS, the IP3 level r...The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in transducing heat-shock (HS) signals was examined in Arabidopsis. The whole-plant IP3 level increased within 1 min of HS at 37℃. After 3 min of HS, the IP3 level reached a maximum 2.5 fold increase. Using the transgenic Arabidopsis plants that have AtHsp 18.2 promoter-β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion gene, it was found that the level of GUS activity was up-regulated by the addition of caged IP3 at both non-HS and HS temperatures and was down-regulated by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors {1-[6-(( 1713-3-Methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien- 7-yl)amino)hexyl]-2,5-pyrrolidinedione } (U-73122). The intracellular-free calcium ion concentration ([Ca^2+]i) increased during HS at 37℃ in suspension-cultured Arabidopsis cells expressing apoaequorin. Treatment with U-73122 prevented the increase of [Ca^2+]i to some extent. Above results provided primary evidence for the possible involvement of IP3 in HS signal transduction in higher plants.展开更多
MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such ...MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such as development, proliferation, cell signaling, and apopto-sis. They are associated with different types and stages of cancer. Recent studies have shown the involvement of microRNAs in liver diseases caused by various factors, such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, metabolic disorders, and by drug abuse. This review highlights the role of microRNAs in liver diseases and their potential use as therapeutic molecules.展开更多
基金supported by grants from The National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171218)the Chinese Academy of Sciences Pilot Strategic Science and Technology Projects B grant(XDB37030302)。
文摘Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels,primarily including coronary heart disease,stroke,and other diseases.It is the world’s leading cause of death,and its incidence is increasing yearly.Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Wnt signaling comprises a series of highly conservative cascading events controlling fundamental biological processes.Wnt signaling pathways include the canonical Wnt pathway(or Wnt/β-catenin pathway),the non canonical planar cell-polarity pathway,and the non-canonical calcium-dependent pathways.Abnormal Wnt signaling promotes cell proliferation and differentiation,cardiac malformations,various malignancies,so drugs targeting Wnt signaling play a great therapeutic potential.Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke by regulating cell proliferation,migration,apoptosis,blood-brain barrier permeability,inflammation,oxidative stress,and immune response.Based on the latest research progress,this review summarizes the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cardiovascular diseases,in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(82104836 and 82104793)Science and Technology Talent Promotion Project of Hunan Province(2023TJ-N22).
文摘Objective To investigate the effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula(左归降糖解郁方,ZJJF)on hippocampal neuron apoptosis in diabetic rats with depression and to ascertain whether its mechanism involves the regulation of JNK signaling pathway.Methods(i)A total of 72 specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into six groups,with 12 rats in each group:control,model,metformin(Met,0.18 g/kg)+fluoxetine(Flu,1.8 mg/kg),and the high-,medium-,and low-ZJJF dosages(ZJJF-H,20.52 g/kg;ZJJF-M,10.26 g/kg;ZJJF-L,5.13 g/kg)groups.All groups except control group were injected once via the tail vein with streptozotocin(STZ,38 mg/kg)combined with 28 d of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)to establish diabetic rat models with depression.During the CUMS modeling period,treatments were administered via gavage,with control and model groups receiving an equivalent volume of distilled water for 28 d.The efficacy of ZJJF in reducing blood sugar and alleviating depression was evaluated by measuring fasting blood glucose,insulin,and glycated hemoglobin levels,along with behavioral assessments,including the open field test(OFT),forced swim test(FST),and sucrose preference test(SPT).Hippocampal tissue damage and neuronal apoptosis were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nickend labeling(TUNEL)staining.Apoptosis-related proteins Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,and the expression levels of JNK/Elk-1/c-fos signaling pathway were detected using Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).(ii)To further elucidate the role of JNK signaling pathway in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and the pharmacological effects of ZJJF,an additional 50 SPF grade male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,with 10 rats in each group:control,model,SP600125(SP6,a JNK antagonist,10 mg/kg),ZJJF(20.52 g/kg),and ZJJF(20.52 g/kg)+Anisomycin(Aniso,a JNK agonist,15 mg/kg)groups.Except for control group,all groups were established as diabetic rat models with depression,and treatments were administered via gavage for ZJJF and intraperitoneal injection for SP6 and Aniso for 28 d during the CUMS modeling period.Behavioral changes in rats were evaluated through the OFT,FST,and SPT,and hippocampal neuron damage and apoptosis were observed using HE staining,Nissl staining,TUNEL staining,and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Changes in apoptosis-related proteins and JNK signaling pathway in the hippocampal tissues of rats were also analyzed.
基金This work was supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30470990, No. 30571063)the"948"Project from the Minister of Agriculture in China, the"973"Project from the Minister of Science and Technology (No.2006CB101904)+1 种基金Hunan Natural Science Foundation (No.06JJ10006)Scientific Research Fund of Hunan Provincial Education department (No.04A024).
文摘Plants employ multifaceted mechanisms to fight with numerous pathogens in nature. Resistance (R) genes are the most effective weapons against pathogen invasion since they can specifically recognize the corresponding pathogen effectors or associated protein(s) to activate plant immune responses at the site of infection. Up to date, over 70 R genes have been isolated from various plant species. Most R proteins contain conserved motifs such as nucleotide-binding site (NBS), leucine-rich repeat (LRR), Toll-interleukin-1 receptor domain (TIR, homologous to cytoplasmic domains of the Drosophila Toll protein and the manamalian intefleukin-1 receptor), coiled-coil (CC) or leucine zipper (LZ) structure and protein kinase domain (PK). Recent results indicate that these domains play significant roles in R protein interactions with effector proteins from pathogens and in activating signal transduction pathways involved in innate immunity. This review highlights an overview of the recent progress in elucidating the structure, function and evolution of the isolated R genes in different plant-pathogen interaction systems.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(SBK201122073)Fund for Independent Innovation of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Province(CX(12)5112,1003-2)+1 种基金Key Science and Technology Program of Lianyungang City(Agriculture,CN1201)National Rice Industry System Development Program(CARS-01-02A)~~
文摘To analyze the resistance of Lianjing 7 against rice black-streaked dwarf disease and find the molecular markers closely linked with the resistance gene, an F2:3 population derived from an RBSDD-resistant cultivar Lianjing 7 and an RBSDD-susceptible cultivar Peiai 64, was evaluated using natural infection methods and artificial inoculation by scoring the disease severity rating. The results showed Lianjing 7 was resistant to RBSDD, with the incidence between 5.5% and 12.25% in all tests. For the parents of Lianjing 7, only Zhongjingchuan-2 was resistant to RBSDD. Besides this, Lianjing 7 assumed an antixenosis and antibiosis score similar with susceptible variety Wuyujing 3, which indicates that so RBSDD-resistance of Lianjing 7 is mainly caused by the resistance specifically to RBSDV. In the F2:3 population of Lianjing 7/Peiai 64, the disease severity rates showed a continuous distribution with transgressive segregation, it indicated the resistance of Lianjing 7 was controlled by multi-genes. The marker RM287 was determined closely linked with the resistance locus via BSA method. To conclude, Lianjing 7 has a high resistance to RBSDD, which is conferred with by Zhongjingchuan-2, and the marker RM287 should be useful for breeding novel RBSDD-resistant cultivars via marker-assisted selection (MAS).
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Nantong City,Jiangsu Province(HL2012019)~~
文摘Yangfujing 7A, derived from the cross between Xu 9201A and Yangfujing 7 and its successive backcrosses, is a BT-type japonica CMS line developed by the Agricultural Institute of Riparian Region of Jiangsu Province. It shows good integrat- ed characteristics, stable male sterility, good flowering habits, high out crossing rate, strong disease resistance, fine grain quality (reaching the 1st class of national standards for fine quality rice) and high combining ability. In 2012, it was technically identified in Jiangsu Province. Its F1 hybrid combination Tongyoujingl (Yangfujing 7 A/R98), showing high yield and good grain quality, was registered and released to commercial production by Jiangsu Crop Variety Appraisal Committee in 2013.
文摘The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has drawn growth control and its involvement in human tumorigenesis much attention recently because of its essential role in cell Great endeavors have been made to elucidate the functions and regulation of mTOR in the past decade. The current prevailing view is that mTOR regulates many fundamental biological processes, such as cell growth and survival, by integrating both intracellular and extracellular signals, including growth factors, nutrients, energy levels, and cellular stress. The significance of roTOR has been highlighted most recently by the identification of mTOR-associated proteins. Amazingly, when bound to different proteins, mTOR forms distinctive complexes with very different physiological functions. These findings not only expand the roles that mTOR plays in cells but also further complicate the regulation network. Thus, it is now even more critical that we precisely understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to directly guide the development and usage of anti-cancer drugs targeting the mTOR signaling pathway. In this review, we will discuss different mTOR-associated proteins, the regulation of mTOR complexes, and the consequences of mTOR dysregulation under pathophysiological conditions.
基金Supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sport, and Culture of Japan
文摘AIM: To elucidate the sequential gene expression profile in AGS cells co-cultured with wild-type Helicobacter pylori (H pylon) as a model of Hpylori-infected gastric epithelium, and to further examine the contribution of cag-pathogenicity islands (cagPAI)-coding type IV secretion system and the two pathways, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) on wild-type Hpylori-induced gene expression. METHODS: Gene expression profiles induced by Hpylori were evaluated in AGS gastric epithelial cells using cDNA microarray, which were present in the 4600 independent clones picked up from the human gastric tissue. We also analyzed the contribution of NF-κB and ERK signaling on H pylori-induced gene expression by using inhibitors of specific signal pathways. The isogenic mutant with disrupted cagE (△cagE) was used to elucidate the role of cagPAI-encoding type IV secretion system in the gene expression profile. RESULTS: According to the expression profile, the genes were classified into four clusters. Among them, the clusters characterized by continuous upregulation were most conspicuous, and it contained many signal transducer activity-associated genes. The role of cagPAI on cultured cells was also investigated using isogenic mutant cagE, which carries non-functional cagPAI. Then the upregulation of more than 80% of the induced genes (476/566) was found to depend on cagPAI. Signal transducer pathway through NF-κB or ERK are the major pathways which are known to be activated by cagPAI-positive H pylori. The role of these pathways in the whole signal activation by cagPAI-positive H pyloriwas analyzed. The specific inhibitors against NF-κB or ERK pathway blocked the activation of gene expression in 65% (367/566) or 76% (429/566) of the genes whose activation appealed to depend on cagPAI. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that more than half of the genes induced by cayPAI-positive H pylori depend on NF-κB and ERK signaling activation, and these pathways may play a role in the gene expression induced by hostbacterial interaction which may associate with H pylorirelated gastro-duodenal diseases.
文摘Inflammatory bowl disease (IBD) is a type 1 T helper cell (Th1)-mediated autoimmune disease. Various studies have revealed that environmental pathogens also play a significant role in the initiation and progression of this disease. Interestingly, the pathogenesis of IBD has been shown to be related to nitric oxide (NO) released from innate immune cells. Although NO is known to be highly toxic to the gut epithelia, there is very little information about the regulation of NO production, One major question in the etiology of IBD is how Thl cells and pathogens interact in the induction of IBD. In present study, we focused on the regulation of NO. We show that macrophages require both interferon-γ, (IFN-γ)-mediated and TLR4-mediated signals for the production of NO, which causes inflammation in the intestine and subsequently IBD. Thus, IBD is the result of concerted actions of innate immune signals, such as the binding of LPS to TLR-4, and adaptive immune signals, such as IFN-γ produced by Thl cells.
文摘The c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway representsone sub-group of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP)kinases which plays an important role in variousinflammatory diseases states, including inflammatorybowel disease (IBD). Significant progress towardsunderstanding the function of the JNK signaling pathwayhas been achieved during the past few years. Blockadeof the JNK pathway with JNK inhibitors in animal modelsof IBD lead to resolution of intestinal inflammation.Current data suggest specific JNK inhibitors hold promiseas novel therapies in IBD.
基金The grant from Shaanxi Science and Technology Project, No. 2002K10-G8
文摘AIM: To characterize the expression of members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad/ connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling pathway in the tissue of benign biliary stricture, and to investigate the effect of TGF-β signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of benign biliary stricture. METHODS: Paraffin embedded materials from 23 cases of benign biliary stricture were analyzed for members of the TGF-β/Smad/CTGF signaling pathway. TGF-β_1, TβRⅠ, TβRⅡ, Smad4, Smad7 and CTGF protein were detected by immunohistochemical strepto-advidinbiotin complex method, and CTGF mRNA was evaluated by hybridization in situ, while 6 cases of normal bile duct served as controls. The percentages of positive cells were counted. The correlation between TGF-β_1, Smad4 and CTGF was analyzed. RESULTS: The positive expression ratios of TGF-β_1, TβRⅠ , TβRⅡ , Smad4, CTGF and CTGF mRNA in 23 cases with benign biliary stricture were 91.3%, 82.6%, 87.0%, 78.3%, 82.6% and 65.2%, respectively, signifi cantly higher than that in 6 cases of normal bile duct respectively (vs 33.3%, 16.7%, 50.0%, 33.3%, 50.0%, 16.7%, respectively, P < 0.05). The positiveexpression ratio of Smad7 in cases with benign biliary stricture was 70.0%, higher than that in normal bile duct, but this difference is not statistically signifi cant 70.0% vs 50%, P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between positive expression of TGF-β_1, Smad4 and CTGF in cases with benign biliary stricture. CONCLUSION: The high expression of TGF-β/Smad/ CTGF signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of benign biliary stricture.
文摘Ischemic colitis can mimic a carcinoma on computed tomographic (CT) imaging or endoscopic examination. A coexisting colonic carcinoma or another potentially obstructing lesion has also been described in 20% of the cases of ischemic colitis. CT scan can differentiate it from colon cancer in 75% of cases. However, colonoscopy is the preferred method for diagnosing ischemic colitis as it allows for direct visualization with tissue sampling. Varied presentations of ischemic colitis have been described as an ulcerated or submucosal mass or as a narrowed segment of colon with ulcerated mucosa on colonoscopy. Awareness and early recognition of such varied presentations of a common condition is necessary to differentiate from a colonic carcinoma, and to avoid unnecessary surgery and related complications.
文摘Cytokines are indispensable signals of the mucosaassociated immune system for maintaining normal gut homeostasis.An imbalance of their profile in favour of inflammation initiation may lead to disease states,such as that is observed in inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD).Although Crohn's disease(CD) is often described as a prototype of T-helper 1-type diseases,and ulcerative colitis(UC) is traditionally viewed as a T-helper 2-mediated condition,the classic paradigm,which categorises cytokines into pro-and anti-inflammatory groups,has recently been changed.The inflammation regulatory pathways may not be mutually exclusive as individual cytokines can have diverse and even opposing functions in various clinical and immunological settings.None the less there are many common immunological responses in IBD that are mediated by cytokines.Although they regulate and influence the development,course and recurrence of the inflammatory process,the concrete pathogenic role of these small signaling molecules is sometimes not unambiguous in the subtypes of the disease.Our aim is to review the current information about pro-and anti-inflammatory effects of traditionally studied and recently discovered cytokines in the pathogenesis of UC and CD.The better understanding of their production and functional activity may lead to the development of new therapeutic modalities.
基金The Faculty of Medicine,Prince of Songkla University
文摘AIM: To examine the expression of beta-catenin in colorectal cancer and look for association with other dinico-pathological parameters. METHODS;: Tumor samples from 163 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) who had undergone primary colectomy between May, 1998 and November, 2002 with complete follow-up data for either 5 years or until death were recruited for a beta-catenin immunohistochemical study. The percentage of immunoreacted tumor cells was defined as overall staining density (OSD) and percentage of cells having nuclear localization was counted as nuclear staining density (NSD). Univariate exploration used log-rank test and multivariate survival analysis used Cox's hazard regression model. RESULTS: Beta-catenin immunoreactivity was detected in 161 samples (98.8%), of which 131 cases had nuclear staining. High OSD (≥ 75%), detected in 123 cases (75.5%), was significantly associated with earlier clinical staging (P 〈 0.01), lower nodal status (P = 0.02), non-metastatic status (P 〈 0.01) and better differentiation (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis found that high OSD was independently associated with better survival [Cox's hazard ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.83]. Although high NSD (≥ 75%) was correlated with high pre-operative serum CEA (P = 0.03), well differentiation (P 〈 0.01), and increased staining intensity(P 〈 0.01), the parameter was not significantly associated with survival. CONCLI3SIOM: Unlike previous reports, the study did not find a predictive value of nuclear beta-catenin in CRC. Instead, the overall expression of beta-catenin in CRC showed an association with better differentiation and earlier staging. Moreover, the parameter also independently predicted superior survival.
文摘Major advances have been made over the last decade in our understanding of the molecular basis ofseveral cardiac conditions. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was the first cardiac disorder in whicha genetic basis was identified and as such, has acted as a paradigm for the study of an inherited cardiacdisorder. HCM can result in clinical symptoms ranging from no symptoms to severe heart failure andpremature sudden death. HCM is the commonest cause of sudden death in those aged less than 35 years,including competitive athletes. At least ten genes have now been identified, defects in which cause HCM.All of these genes encode proteins which comprise the basic contractile unit of the heart, i.e. the sarcomere.While much is now known about which genes cause disease and the various clinical presentations, very littleis known about how these gene defects cause disease, and what factors modify the expression of the mutantgenes. Studies in both cell culture and animal models of HCM are now beginning to shed light on thesignalling pathways involved in HCM, and the role of both environmental and genetic modifying factors.Understanding these mechanisms will ultimately improve our knowledge of the basic biology of heart musclefunction, and will therefore provide new avenues for treating cardiovascular disease in man.
基金Supported by the Foundation of Shandong Province Bureau of Health, No. 2005JZ001
文摘AIM: To study the expression of Sonic hedgehog pathway-related molecules, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Glil in gastric carcinoma. METHODS: Expression of Shh in 56 gastric specimens including non-cancerous gastric tissues, gastric adenocarcinoma, gastric squamous cell carcinoma was detected by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Expression of Glil was observed by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: The positive rate of Shh and Glil expression was 0.0%, 0.0% in non-cancerous gastric tissues while it was 66.7%, 57.8% respectively in gastric adenocarcinoma, and 100%, 100% respectively in gastric squamous cell carcinoma. There was a significant difference between the non-cancerous gastric tissues and gastric carcinoma (P 〈 0.05). Elevated expression of Shh and Glil in gastric tubular adenocarcinoma was associated with poorly differentiated tumors while the expression was absent in gastric mucinous adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The elevated expression of Shh and Glil in gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric squamous cell carcinoma shows the involvement of activated Shh signaling in the cellular proliferation of gastric carcinogenesis. It suggests Shh signaling gene may be a new and good target gene for gastric tumor diagnosis and therapy.
文摘ATYPICAL chronic myeloid leukaemia (aCML), which shows both myeloproliferative and mye- Iodysplastic features, is a type of myeloprolif- erative/myelodysplastic disease as defined bythe World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of the myeloid neoplasms. Because of the presence of neutrophilic leukocytosis, aCML may resemble chronic myeIogenous leukemia (CML). However, in contrast with CML, aCML does not have the Philadelphia chromosome or the bcr/abl fusion gene.
文摘Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family control a broad range of cellular responses in metazoan organisms via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine modes. Thus, aberrant TGF-β signaling can play a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer. TGF-β signaling pathways are activated by a short phospho-cascade, from receptor phosphorylation to the subsequent phosphorylation and activation of downstream signal transducers called R-Smads. R-Smad phosphorylation state determines Smad complex assembly/disassembly, nuclear import/export, transcriptional activity and stability, and is thus the most critical event in TGF-β signaling. Dephosphorylation of R-Smads by specific phosphatases prevents or terminates TGF-β signaling, highlighting the need to consider Smad (de)phosphorylation as a tightly controlled and dynamic event. This article illustrates the es- sential roles of reversible phosphorylation in controlling the strength and duration of TGF-β signaling and the ensu- ing physiological responses.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30270796) Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, China (No. C2005000171).
文摘The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in transducing heat-shock (HS) signals was examined in Arabidopsis. The whole-plant IP3 level increased within 1 min of HS at 37℃. After 3 min of HS, the IP3 level reached a maximum 2.5 fold increase. Using the transgenic Arabidopsis plants that have AtHsp 18.2 promoter-β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion gene, it was found that the level of GUS activity was up-regulated by the addition of caged IP3 at both non-HS and HS temperatures and was down-regulated by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors {1-[6-(( 1713-3-Methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien- 7-yl)amino)hexyl]-2,5-pyrrolidinedione } (U-73122). The intracellular-free calcium ion concentration ([Ca^2+]i) increased during HS at 37℃ in suspension-cultured Arabidopsis cells expressing apoaequorin. Treatment with U-73122 prevented the increase of [Ca^2+]i to some extent. Above results provided primary evidence for the possible involvement of IP3 in HS signal transduction in higher plants.
基金Supported by NIH Grant AA011576-10A1 to Gyongyi Szabo and an Alfonso Martin Escudero Foundation Scholarship to Miguel Marcos
文摘MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such as development, proliferation, cell signaling, and apopto-sis. They are associated with different types and stages of cancer. Recent studies have shown the involvement of microRNAs in liver diseases caused by various factors, such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, metabolic disorders, and by drug abuse. This review highlights the role of microRNAs in liver diseases and their potential use as therapeutic molecules.