Objective To investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the expression of apelin receptor mRNA, as well as their correlation, in the caudate nucleus of rat. Methods L-Arginine (L-Arg), N^G-nitro-L-arginine met...Objective To investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the expression of apelin receptor mRNA, as well as their correlation, in the caudate nucleus of rat. Methods L-Arginine (L-Arg), N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and normal saline (NS) was separately microinjected into rat caudate nucleus. Expressions of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) mRNA and apelin receptor mRNA were detected by RT-PCR at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after microinjection, and their correlation was determined. Results The expressions of nNOS mRNA and apelin receptor mRNA were both significantly increased after microinjection of L-Arg, but significantly decreased after microinjection of L-NAME compared with the NS control group. The nNOS mRNA had a positive correlation with the expression of apelin receptor mRNA after microinjection of L-Arg and L-NAME. Conclusion The activity of NOS in the central nervous system, especially in the caudate nucleus, is one of the key factors for NO to exert many kinds of biological actions, such as modulation of central pain, as a neurotransmitter. The neurobiological action of NO in rat caudate nucleus may be associated with apelin receptors.展开更多
Objective To study the expression change of interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene in the basilar artery of rabbit and the effect of IL-8 on the development of cerebral vasospasm induced by experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage ...Objective To study the expression change of interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene in the basilar artery of rabbit and the effect of IL-8 on the development of cerebral vasospasm induced by experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods Thirty five healthy Japanese White Rabbits were randomly divided into saline-control group and experimental group. The experimental group was subdivided into four groups, representing day 1, 4, 7 and 14 after the first blood injection of SAH. The delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS) model was established by double injection of autologous blood into the cisterna magna. The expression change of cytokine IL-8 mRNA in the basilar artery was analyzed by RT- PCR. Results The expression of IL-8 gene increased on day 4-7 after the first blood injection of SAH compared with control (P 〈 0.001), and decreased to normal on day 14. The expression of IL-8 gene in the SAH groups were positively correlated with the degree of basilar artery stenosis (r = 0.642, P 〈 0.01). Conclusion The expression level of IL-8 gene in basilar arteries was intimately associated with the degree of cerebral vasospasm, suggesting that IL-8 may play an important role in the DCVS after SAH as an immunological inflammatory factor.展开更多
Objective: To detect the mRNA expression of the cancer-testis antigens (CT) SSX1 and SSX4 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and to investigate the specificity of their expression in HCCs. Methods: The mRN...Objective: To detect the mRNA expression of the cancer-testis antigens (CT) SSX1 and SSX4 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and to investigate the specificity of their expression in HCCs. Methods: The mRNA expression of SSX1 and SSX4 in HCC tissues and the corresponding nearby liver tissues in 35 cases was detected by using RT-PCR; Six positive RT-PCR products were randomly selected and sequenced. Results: In all 35 HCC tissues, SSX1 in 27 cases (81%) and SSX4 in 23 cases (73%) were detected, and their expression was negative in the liver tissues nearby HCC and the non-tumor liver tissues (12 cirrhotic tissues and 15 normal tissues). In all 6 cases selected randomly, the results of DNA sequencing were identical with the cDNA sequence of SSX1 and SSX4 genes. The SSX1, SSX4 mRNA expression was not significantly correlated with age, sex, the tumor size, the level of tumor differentiation, the serum AFP level and the infection rate of HBV and HCV respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion: The SSX1, SSX4 mRNA expression was greatly specific in HCCs, which would not only provide the ideal target molecular sites for HCC tumor vaccines, but also establish the potential value of the polyvalent tumor-antigen vaccines for HCC therapy and its theory bases.展开更多
As same as the conventional inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR), the compressed ISAR also requires the echo signal based motion compensation, which consists of the range alignment and the phase autofoeusing. A ph...As same as the conventional inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR), the compressed ISAR also requires the echo signal based motion compensation, which consists of the range alignment and the phase autofoeusing. A phase autofocusing algorithm for compressed ISAR imaging is presented. In the algorithm, phase autofocusing for the sparse ISAR echoes is accomplished using the eigenvector method. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the algorithm.展开更多
Effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan-oligosaccharides (COS) on the growth performance, immune response, stress resistance, and disease resistance of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were studied....Effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan-oligosaccharides (COS) on the growth performance, immune response, stress resistance, and disease resistance of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were studied. Four experimental diets containing 0, 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg COS (COSO, COS20, COS40, and COS60, respectively) were fed to juvenile rainbow trout (initial weight = 5.2 ± 0.3 g) for 8 weeks. By the end of the feeding trial, representative groups of fish from each dietary treatment were challenged with stressor (30 see air exposure) and pathogen exposure (intraperitoneal injection with Aeromonas hydrophila ). Results showed that supplementation of COS in diets did not affect production performance and body composition of rainbow trout. However, fish fed the COS40 diet demonstrated improved phagocytic activities, respiratory burst activities and decreased serum cortisol level. Additionally, survival following A. hydrophila challenge was significant higher among fish fed the COS-supplemented feeds, although there was no difference based on the level of supplementation. The present study suggests that COS can be used as an immuno-stimulant in rainbow trout feeds展开更多
The convergence performance of the minimum entropy auto-focusing(MEA) algorithm for inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR) imaging is analyzed by simulation. The results show that a local optimal solution problem ...The convergence performance of the minimum entropy auto-focusing(MEA) algorithm for inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR) imaging is analyzed by simulation. The results show that a local optimal solution problem exists in the MEA algorithm. The cost function of the MEA algorithm is not a downward-convex function of multidimensional phases to be compensated. Only when the initial values of the compensated phases are chosen to be near the global minimal point of the entropy function, the MEA algorithm can converge to a global optimal solution. To study the optimal solution problem of the MEA algorithm, a new scheme of entropy function optimization for radar imaging is presented. First, the initial values of the compensated phases are estimated by using the modified Doppler centroid tracking (DCT)algorithm. Since these values are obtained according to the maximum likelihood (ML) principle, the initial phases can be located near the optimal solution values. Then, a fast MEA algorithm is used for the local searching process and the global optimal solution can be obtained. The simulation results show that this scheme can realize the global optimization of the MEA algorithm and can avoid the selection and adjustment of parameters such as iteration step lengths, threshold values, etc.展开更多
AIM: To analyze the relevance of the microRNA miR-196a for colorectal oncogenesis.METHODS: The impact of miR-196a on the restriction targets HoxA7, HoxBS, HoxC8 and HoxD8 was analyzed by reverse transcription polyme...AIM: To analyze the relevance of the microRNA miR-196a for colorectal oncogenesis.METHODS: The impact of miR-196a on the restriction targets HoxA7, HoxBS, HoxC8 and HoxD8 was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) after transient transfection of SW480 cancer cells. The miR-196a transcription profile in colorectalcancer samples, mucosa samples and diverse cancercell lines was quantified by RT-PCR. Transiently miR-196a-transfected colorectal cancer cells were used for diverse functional assays in vitro and for a xenograft lung metastasis model in vivo.RESULTS: HoxA7, HoxB8, HoxC8 and HoxD8 wererestricted by miR-196a in a dose-dependent andgene-specific manner. High levels of miR-196aactivated the AKT signaling pathway as indicated byincreased phosphorylation of AKT. In addition, highlevels of miR-196a promoted cancer cell detachment,migration, invasion and chemosensitivity towardsplatin derivatives but did not impact on proliferationor apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-196a increased thedevelopment of lung metastases in mice after tail veininjection.展开更多
A range of poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) amphiphilic block copolymers with well-defined hydrophilic chain length were synthesized by the living/controlled reversible addition fragmentation chai...A range of poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) amphiphilic block copolymers with well-defined hydrophilic chain length were synthesized by the living/controlled reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization method. The composition and struc- ture of the targeted resultants were characterized with 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR spec- troscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The various block copolymers were success- fully employed to fabricate the spherical micelle with core-shell morphological structure. The poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) block-dependent characteristics of the copolymeric micelles were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The solubilization of the hydrophobic ibuprofen as a model drug in the micelle solution was also explored. It was found that the drug loading contents are related to the micellar morphology structure determined by hydrophilic chain length in the copolymer.展开更多
AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized co...AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized consecutively into two groups: Treatment group [20 subjects, age 48 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6, 65% male], who received 180 μg pegylated α-interferon-2a plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d (Peg/RBV), together with oral vitamin D3 (Vitamidyne D drops; 2000 IU/d, 10 drops/d, normal serum level > 32 ng/mL) for 24 wk; and control group (30 subjects, age 45 ± 10 years, BMI 26 ± 3, 60% male), who received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV RNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 12 and 24 wk after treatment was considered as rapid virological response, complete early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Biomarkers of in? ammation were measured. RESULTS: The treatment group with vitamin D hadhigher BMI (30 ± 6 vs 26 ± 3, P < 0.02), and high viral load (> 400 000 IU/mL, 65% vs 40%, P < 0.01) than controls. Ninety-fi ve percent of treated patients were HCV RNA negative at week 4 and 12. At 24 wk after treatment (SVR), 19/20 (95%) treated patients and 23/30 (77%) controls were HCV RNA negative (P < 0.001). Baseline serum vitamin D levels were lower at baseline (20 ± 8 ng/mL) and increased after 12 wk vitamin D treatment, to a mean level of (34 ± 11 ng/ mL). Logistic regression analysis identifi ed vitamin D supplement [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.9, P < 0.001], serum vitamin D levels (< 15 or > 15 ng/mL, OR 2.2, P < 0.01), and BMI (< 30 or > 30, OR 2.6, P < 0.01) as independent predictors of viral response. Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg/RBV. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels predicts negative treatment outcome, and adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy for patients with HCV genotype 2-3 signifi cantly improves viral response.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the protein and mRNA expression of semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 in gastric carcinoma and explore its role in the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.METHODS:Expression of semaph...AIM:To investigate the protein and mRNA expression of semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 in gastric carcinoma and explore its role in the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.METHODS:Expression of semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 in 48 samples of primary gastric carcinoma,its corresponding non-neoplastic mucosa,and matched regional lymph node metastasis was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting.RESULTS:The protein and mRNA expression of semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 increased gradually in non-neoplastic mucosa,primary gastric carcinoma and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).Moreover,the expression of semaphorin 5A was closely correlated with that of plexin B3.CONCLUSION:Semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the role of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: PLK1 gene expression was evaluated in HCC tissue and HCC cell lines. Gene knockdown ...AIM: To investigate the role of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: PLK1 gene expression was evaluated in HCC tissue and HCC cell lines. Gene knockdown with short-interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to study PLK1 gene and protein expression using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, and cell proliferation using 3-(4,5-dim ethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2(4-sulf ophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Apoptosis was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end label- ing (TUNEL) assay, and caspase-inhibition assay. Huh-7 cells were transplanted into nude mice and co-cultured with PLK1 siRNA or control siRNA, and tumor progres- sion was compared with controls. RESULTS: RT-PCR showed that PLK1 was overexpre- ssed 12-fold in tumor samples compared with controls, and also was overexpressed in Huh-7 cells, siRNA against PLK1 showed a reduction in PLK1 gene and protein expression of up to 96% in Huh-7 cells, and a reduction in cell proliferation by 68% and 92% in MTS and BrdU cell proliferation assays, respectively. There was a 3-fold increase in apoptosis events, and TUNEL staining and caspase-3 assays suggested that this was caspase-independent. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was unable to rescue the apoptotic cells. Immnofluorescence co-localized endonuclease-G to fragmented chromosomes, implicating it in apoptosis. Huh-7 cells transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice showed tumor regression in siPLKl-treated mice, but not in controls. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of PLK1 overexpression in HCC was shown to be a potential therapeutic target, leading to apoptosis through the endonuclease-G path- way.展开更多
AIM: To elucidate the role of overexpressed polo-like kinasel (PLK1)in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We prospectively collected clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and semi-quantitative reverse t...AIM: To elucidate the role of overexpressed polo-like kinasel (PLK1)in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We prospectively collected clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) data from 135 HCC patients undergoing successful hepatectomy. The correlations between PLK1 mRNA expression and clinicopathologic variables were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. Prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical results showed overexpression of PLK1 was mainly found in tumor tissues compared with tumor-free tissue. A similar mRNA result was obtained by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. A total of 111 samples were positive for PLK1 mRNA expression. The positive expression was correlated with venous invasion, tumor nodules and Edmondson grade. Furthermore, 1, 3, 5-year survival rates in the positive expression group were significantly lower than the negative control group. Multivariate analysis showed that positive PLK1 expression was an independent risk factor for HCC. CONCLUSION: PLK1 could be a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy for HCC.展开更多
AIM: To investigate whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can serve as molecular markers to predict liver injury resulted from chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: The profiles of serum miRNA expression were fir...AIM: To investigate whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can serve as molecular markers to predict liver injury resulted from chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: The profiles of serum miRNA expression were first generated with serum samples collected from 10 patients with CHB and 10 healthy donors (Ctrls) by microarray analysis. The levels of several miRNAs were further quantitated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with serum samples from another 24 CHB patients and 24 Ctrls. Serum samples of 20 patients with nonalcohlic steatohepatitis (NASH) were also included for comparison. The comparison in the levels of miRNAs between groups (CHB, NASH and Ctrl) was analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. The cor- relation between miRNAs and clinical pathoparameters was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis or canonical correlation analysis. The receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves were also generated to de- termine the specificity and sensitivity of each individual miRNA in distinguishing patients with CriB from Ctrls. RESULTS: miRNA profile analysis showed that 34 miR- NAs were differentially expressed between CriB and Ctrl subjects, in which 12 were up-regulated and 22 down-regulated in CriB subject (fold change 〉 2.0 and P 〈 0.01). The median levels of miR-122, -572, -575 and -638 were significantly higher (P 〈 1.00 × 10-5) while miR-744 significantly lower (P 〈 1.0× 10-6) in Crib compared with the Ctrl. The levels of miR-122, -572 and -638 were also higher (P 〈 1.00×10-3) while the level of miR-744 lower in CriB (P 〈 0.05) than in NASH, although the difference between them was not as significant as that between CHB and Ctrl. ROC curve analysis revealed that the levels of miR-122, -572, -575, -638 and -744 in serum were sensitive and specific enough to distinguish CriB, NASH and Ctrl. Multivariate analysis further showed that the levels of these miRNAs were correlated with the liver function parameters. Most significantly, it was the scatter plot of principal component with the levels of these miRNAs, but not the parameters of liver function, which clearly distinguished CriB, NASH and Ctrl subjects. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of miR-122, -572, -575, -638 and -744 are deregulated in patients with CHB or NASH. The levels of these miRNAs may serve as po- tential biomarkers for liver injury caused by CHB and NASH.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the mechanisms of the biological roles of Dickkopf-3(Dkk-3) in cell invasion,survival and apoptosis in colon cancer cells.METHODS:Three human colon cancer cell lines,i.e.,HT-29,LoVo and SW480,were u...AIM:To investigate the mechanisms of the biological roles of Dickkopf-3(Dkk-3) in cell invasion,survival and apoptosis in colon cancer cells.METHODS:Three human colon cancer cell lines,i.e.,HT-29,LoVo and SW480,were used.Overexpression of Dkk-3 induced by pEGFP-N1-Dkk-3-GFP plasmid in LoVo cells was performed using Lipofectamine 2000 reagent.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of Dkk-3,respectively.Cell proliferation assay,cell cycle analysis,hoechst 33258 assay and Matrigel invasion assay were performed on Dkk-3 overexpressing transfectants.RESULTS:The mRNA and protein expressions of Dkk-3 in HT-29(mRNA:0.06 ± 0.02,protein:0.06 ± 0.01) and LoVo(mRNA:0.07 ± 0.02,protein:0.07 ± 0.02) cells were significantly lower than that in SW480 cells(mRNA:0.92 ± 0.04,protein:0.69 ± 0.13;all P < 0.05),and the greatest levels of invasiveness wasin LoVo cells.Dkk-3 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LoVo cells and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and subsequent apoptosis,as indicated by increased chromatin condensation and fragments,upregulated Bax and cytochrome c protein,downregulated survivin and Bcl-2 protein,and the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9.Furthermore,Dkk-3 overexpression reduced the accumulation of cytosolic fraction of β-catenin.CONCLUSION:Dkk-3 overexpression induced apoptosis in human colon cancer possibly through the mitochondrial pathway.Dkk-3 may be involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in colon cancer.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect of paeonol on controlling the proliferation of colorectal cancer cell line HT-29 and to discuss its possible mechanism. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of paeonol on proliferation of HT...AIM: To investigate the effect of paeonol on controlling the proliferation of colorectal cancer cell line HT-29 and to discuss its possible mechanism. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of paeonol on proliferation of HT-29 cells was detected by M-I-I- assay. The results of apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Immunocytochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and protein p27 in HT-29 cells treated with paeonol at different concentrations. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) was used for mRNA analysis. RESULTS: From the data of both MTT and flow cytometry, we observed that cell proliferation was inhibited by different concentrations of paeonol. By immunocytochemical staining, we found that HT-29 cells treated with paeonol (0.024-1.504 mmol/L) reflected reduced expression of COX-2 and increased expression of p27 in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR showed that paeonol down-regulated COX-2 and up-regulated p27 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HT-29 cells. CONCLUSION: One of the apoptotic mechanisms of paeonol is down-regulation of COX-2. p27 is upregulated simultaneously and plays an important part in controlling cell proliferation and is a crucial factor in the Fas/FasL apoptosis pathway.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) in human gastric cancer and it's mechanism in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. METHODS: Expression of 15-PGDH mRNA and protein ...AIM: To investigate the expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) in human gastric cancer and it's mechanism in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. METHODS: Expression of 15-PGDH mRNA and protein was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting in tissue from human gastric cancer, gastric precancerous state (gastric polyps and atrophic gastritis), normal stomach, and gastric cancer cell lines. The relationship between gastric cancer, gastric precancerous state and 15-PGDH expression was determined. The association between expression of 15-PGDH and various clinicopathological parameters in gastric cancer was evaluated. Human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 was transfected with 15-PGDH expression plasmids. The effect of 15-PGDH on the cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry. The effect of 15-PGDH on apoptosis was examined by transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and transferasemediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Expression of cell cycle (p21, p27, p16 and p53) and apoptosis (Survivin, BCL-2, BCL-XL, BAK and BAX) genes was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Expression of 15-PGDH mRNA and protein in human gastric cancer tissues was significantly lower than in normal gastric tissues (P < 0.01). Expression in human gastric cancer cell lines MKN-28 and MKN-45 was reduced, and absent in SGC-7901 cells (P < 0.05). Reduction of 15-PGDH expression was also found in precancerous tissues, such as gastric polyps and atrophic gastritis (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in expression of 15-PGDH among various gastric cancer pathological types (P < 0.05), with or without distant metastasis (P < 0.05) and different TNM stage (P < 0.01). Flow cytometry demonstrated a significant increase in apoptotic cells in SGC-7901 cells transfected with pcDNA3/15-PGDH plasmid for 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01), and an increased fraction of sub-G1 phase after transfection (P < 0.05). TUNEL assay showed an increased Apoptotic Index in cells overexpressing 15-PGDH (P < 0.01). After transfection, expression of proapoptotic genes, such as BAK (P < 0.05), BAX and p53 (P < 0.01), was increased. Expression of antiapoptotic genes was decreased, such as Survivin, BCL-2 and BCL-XL (P < 0.01). Expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p16 (P < 0.01) was significantly upregulated in cells overexpressing 15-PGDH. CONCLUSION: Reduction of 15-PGDH is associated with carcinogenesis and development of gastric carcinoma. 15-PGDH induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in SGC-7901 cells.展开更多
文摘Objective To investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the expression of apelin receptor mRNA, as well as their correlation, in the caudate nucleus of rat. Methods L-Arginine (L-Arg), N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and normal saline (NS) was separately microinjected into rat caudate nucleus. Expressions of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) mRNA and apelin receptor mRNA were detected by RT-PCR at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after microinjection, and their correlation was determined. Results The expressions of nNOS mRNA and apelin receptor mRNA were both significantly increased after microinjection of L-Arg, but significantly decreased after microinjection of L-NAME compared with the NS control group. The nNOS mRNA had a positive correlation with the expression of apelin receptor mRNA after microinjection of L-Arg and L-NAME. Conclusion The activity of NOS in the central nervous system, especially in the caudate nucleus, is one of the key factors for NO to exert many kinds of biological actions, such as modulation of central pain, as a neurotransmitter. The neurobiological action of NO in rat caudate nucleus may be associated with apelin receptors.
文摘Objective To study the expression change of interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene in the basilar artery of rabbit and the effect of IL-8 on the development of cerebral vasospasm induced by experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods Thirty five healthy Japanese White Rabbits were randomly divided into saline-control group and experimental group. The experimental group was subdivided into four groups, representing day 1, 4, 7 and 14 after the first blood injection of SAH. The delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS) model was established by double injection of autologous blood into the cisterna magna. The expression change of cytokine IL-8 mRNA in the basilar artery was analyzed by RT- PCR. Results The expression of IL-8 gene increased on day 4-7 after the first blood injection of SAH compared with control (P 〈 0.001), and decreased to normal on day 14. The expression of IL-8 gene in the SAH groups were positively correlated with the degree of basilar artery stenosis (r = 0.642, P 〈 0.01). Conclusion The expression level of IL-8 gene in basilar arteries was intimately associated with the degree of cerebral vasospasm, suggesting that IL-8 may play an important role in the DCVS after SAH as an immunological inflammatory factor.
文摘Objective: To detect the mRNA expression of the cancer-testis antigens (CT) SSX1 and SSX4 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and to investigate the specificity of their expression in HCCs. Methods: The mRNA expression of SSX1 and SSX4 in HCC tissues and the corresponding nearby liver tissues in 35 cases was detected by using RT-PCR; Six positive RT-PCR products were randomly selected and sequenced. Results: In all 35 HCC tissues, SSX1 in 27 cases (81%) and SSX4 in 23 cases (73%) were detected, and their expression was negative in the liver tissues nearby HCC and the non-tumor liver tissues (12 cirrhotic tissues and 15 normal tissues). In all 6 cases selected randomly, the results of DNA sequencing were identical with the cDNA sequence of SSX1 and SSX4 genes. The SSX1, SSX4 mRNA expression was not significantly correlated with age, sex, the tumor size, the level of tumor differentiation, the serum AFP level and the infection rate of HBV and HCV respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion: The SSX1, SSX4 mRNA expression was greatly specific in HCCs, which would not only provide the ideal target molecular sites for HCC tumor vaccines, but also establish the potential value of the polyvalent tumor-antigen vaccines for HCC therapy and its theory bases.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61071165)the Program for NewCentury Excellent Talents in University(NCET-09-0069)the Defense Industrial Technology Development Program(B2520110008)~~
文摘As same as the conventional inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR), the compressed ISAR also requires the echo signal based motion compensation, which consists of the range alignment and the phase autofoeusing. A phase autofocusing algorithm for compressed ISAR imaging is presented. In the algorithm, phase autofocusing for the sparse ISAR echoes is accomplished using the eigenvector method. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
基金Financial support was provided by 11th 5-year National Key Technologies R & D Program Project No.2006BAD12B06,2006BAD12B08
文摘Effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan-oligosaccharides (COS) on the growth performance, immune response, stress resistance, and disease resistance of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were studied. Four experimental diets containing 0, 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg COS (COSO, COS20, COS40, and COS60, respectively) were fed to juvenile rainbow trout (initial weight = 5.2 ± 0.3 g) for 8 weeks. By the end of the feeding trial, representative groups of fish from each dietary treatment were challenged with stressor (30 see air exposure) and pathogen exposure (intraperitoneal injection with Aeromonas hydrophila ). Results showed that supplementation of COS in diets did not affect production performance and body composition of rainbow trout. However, fish fed the COS40 diet demonstrated improved phagocytic activities, respiratory burst activities and decreased serum cortisol level. Additionally, survival following A. hydrophila challenge was significant higher among fish fed the COS-supplemented feeds, although there was no difference based on the level of supplementation. The present study suggests that COS can be used as an immuno-stimulant in rainbow trout feeds
基金The Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(NoBK2008429)Open Research Foundation of State Key Laboratory ofMillimeter Waves of Southeast University(NoK200903)+1 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No20080431126)Jiangsu Province Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No2007337)
文摘The convergence performance of the minimum entropy auto-focusing(MEA) algorithm for inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR) imaging is analyzed by simulation. The results show that a local optimal solution problem exists in the MEA algorithm. The cost function of the MEA algorithm is not a downward-convex function of multidimensional phases to be compensated. Only when the initial values of the compensated phases are chosen to be near the global minimal point of the entropy function, the MEA algorithm can converge to a global optimal solution. To study the optimal solution problem of the MEA algorithm, a new scheme of entropy function optimization for radar imaging is presented. First, the initial values of the compensated phases are estimated by using the modified Doppler centroid tracking (DCT)algorithm. Since these values are obtained according to the maximum likelihood (ML) principle, the initial phases can be located near the optimal solution values. Then, a fast MEA algorithm is used for the local searching process and the global optimal solution can be obtained. The simulation results show that this scheme can realize the global optimization of the MEA algorithm and can avoid the selection and adjustment of parameters such as iteration step lengths, threshold values, etc.
基金Supported by The University of Mainz Project Grant
文摘AIM: To analyze the relevance of the microRNA miR-196a for colorectal oncogenesis.METHODS: The impact of miR-196a on the restriction targets HoxA7, HoxBS, HoxC8 and HoxD8 was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) after transient transfection of SW480 cancer cells. The miR-196a transcription profile in colorectalcancer samples, mucosa samples and diverse cancercell lines was quantified by RT-PCR. Transiently miR-196a-transfected colorectal cancer cells were used for diverse functional assays in vitro and for a xenograft lung metastasis model in vivo.RESULTS: HoxA7, HoxB8, HoxC8 and HoxD8 wererestricted by miR-196a in a dose-dependent andgene-specific manner. High levels of miR-196aactivated the AKT signaling pathway as indicated byincreased phosphorylation of AKT. In addition, highlevels of miR-196a promoted cancer cell detachment,migration, invasion and chemosensitivity towardsplatin derivatives but did not impact on proliferationor apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-196a increased thedevelopment of lung metastases in mice after tail veininjection.
文摘A range of poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) amphiphilic block copolymers with well-defined hydrophilic chain length were synthesized by the living/controlled reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization method. The composition and struc- ture of the targeted resultants were characterized with 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR spec- troscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The various block copolymers were success- fully employed to fabricate the spherical micelle with core-shell morphological structure. The poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) block-dependent characteristics of the copolymeric micelles were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The solubilization of the hydrophobic ibuprofen as a model drug in the micelle solution was also explored. It was found that the drug loading contents are related to the micellar morphology structure determined by hydrophilic chain length in the copolymer.
文摘AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized consecutively into two groups: Treatment group [20 subjects, age 48 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6, 65% male], who received 180 μg pegylated α-interferon-2a plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d (Peg/RBV), together with oral vitamin D3 (Vitamidyne D drops; 2000 IU/d, 10 drops/d, normal serum level > 32 ng/mL) for 24 wk; and control group (30 subjects, age 45 ± 10 years, BMI 26 ± 3, 60% male), who received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV RNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 12 and 24 wk after treatment was considered as rapid virological response, complete early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Biomarkers of in? ammation were measured. RESULTS: The treatment group with vitamin D hadhigher BMI (30 ± 6 vs 26 ± 3, P < 0.02), and high viral load (> 400 000 IU/mL, 65% vs 40%, P < 0.01) than controls. Ninety-fi ve percent of treated patients were HCV RNA negative at week 4 and 12. At 24 wk after treatment (SVR), 19/20 (95%) treated patients and 23/30 (77%) controls were HCV RNA negative (P < 0.001). Baseline serum vitamin D levels were lower at baseline (20 ± 8 ng/mL) and increased after 12 wk vitamin D treatment, to a mean level of (34 ± 11 ng/ mL). Logistic regression analysis identifi ed vitamin D supplement [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.9, P < 0.001], serum vitamin D levels (< 15 or > 15 ng/mL, OR 2.2, P < 0.01), and BMI (< 30 or > 30, OR 2.6, P < 0.01) as independent predictors of viral response. Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg/RBV. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels predicts negative treatment outcome, and adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy for patients with HCV genotype 2-3 signifi cantly improves viral response.
文摘AIM:To investigate the protein and mRNA expression of semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 in gastric carcinoma and explore its role in the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.METHODS:Expression of semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 in 48 samples of primary gastric carcinoma,its corresponding non-neoplastic mucosa,and matched regional lymph node metastasis was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting.RESULTS:The protein and mRNA expression of semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 increased gradually in non-neoplastic mucosa,primary gastric carcinoma and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).Moreover,the expression of semaphorin 5A was closely correlated with that of plexin B3.CONCLUSION:Semaphorin 5A and its receptor plexin B3 play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.
基金Supported by The National University of Singapore Grants,No.R-172-000-001-731 and No.R-172-000-024-731
文摘AIM: To investigate the role of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: PLK1 gene expression was evaluated in HCC tissue and HCC cell lines. Gene knockdown with short-interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to study PLK1 gene and protein expression using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, and cell proliferation using 3-(4,5-dim ethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2(4-sulf ophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Apoptosis was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end label- ing (TUNEL) assay, and caspase-inhibition assay. Huh-7 cells were transplanted into nude mice and co-cultured with PLK1 siRNA or control siRNA, and tumor progres- sion was compared with controls. RESULTS: RT-PCR showed that PLK1 was overexpre- ssed 12-fold in tumor samples compared with controls, and also was overexpressed in Huh-7 cells, siRNA against PLK1 showed a reduction in PLK1 gene and protein expression of up to 96% in Huh-7 cells, and a reduction in cell proliferation by 68% and 92% in MTS and BrdU cell proliferation assays, respectively. There was a 3-fold increase in apoptosis events, and TUNEL staining and caspase-3 assays suggested that this was caspase-independent. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was unable to rescue the apoptotic cells. Immnofluorescence co-localized endonuclease-G to fragmented chromosomes, implicating it in apoptosis. Huh-7 cells transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice showed tumor regression in siPLKl-treated mice, but not in controls. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of PLK1 overexpression in HCC was shown to be a potential therapeutic target, leading to apoptosis through the endonuclease-G path- way.
文摘AIM: To elucidate the role of overexpressed polo-like kinasel (PLK1)in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We prospectively collected clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) data from 135 HCC patients undergoing successful hepatectomy. The correlations between PLK1 mRNA expression and clinicopathologic variables were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. Prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical results showed overexpression of PLK1 was mainly found in tumor tissues compared with tumor-free tissue. A similar mRNA result was obtained by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. A total of 111 samples were positive for PLK1 mRNA expression. The positive expression was correlated with venous invasion, tumor nodules and Edmondson grade. Furthermore, 1, 3, 5-year survival rates in the positive expression group were significantly lower than the negative control group. Multivariate analysis showed that positive PLK1 expression was an independent risk factor for HCC. CONCLUSION: PLK1 could be a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy for HCC.
基金Supported by National Science and Technology Major Project of China, No. 2012ZX10005001-004Leading Academic Discipline Project of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, No.J50301+1 种基金Doctoral Fund of Ministry of Education of China, No.20093107120010E-institutes of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, No. E03008
文摘AIM: To investigate whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can serve as molecular markers to predict liver injury resulted from chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: The profiles of serum miRNA expression were first generated with serum samples collected from 10 patients with CHB and 10 healthy donors (Ctrls) by microarray analysis. The levels of several miRNAs were further quantitated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with serum samples from another 24 CHB patients and 24 Ctrls. Serum samples of 20 patients with nonalcohlic steatohepatitis (NASH) were also included for comparison. The comparison in the levels of miRNAs between groups (CHB, NASH and Ctrl) was analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. The cor- relation between miRNAs and clinical pathoparameters was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis or canonical correlation analysis. The receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves were also generated to de- termine the specificity and sensitivity of each individual miRNA in distinguishing patients with CriB from Ctrls. RESULTS: miRNA profile analysis showed that 34 miR- NAs were differentially expressed between CriB and Ctrl subjects, in which 12 were up-regulated and 22 down-regulated in CriB subject (fold change 〉 2.0 and P 〈 0.01). The median levels of miR-122, -572, -575 and -638 were significantly higher (P 〈 1.00 × 10-5) while miR-744 significantly lower (P 〈 1.0× 10-6) in Crib compared with the Ctrl. The levels of miR-122, -572 and -638 were also higher (P 〈 1.00×10-3) while the level of miR-744 lower in CriB (P 〈 0.05) than in NASH, although the difference between them was not as significant as that between CHB and Ctrl. ROC curve analysis revealed that the levels of miR-122, -572, -575, -638 and -744 in serum were sensitive and specific enough to distinguish CriB, NASH and Ctrl. Multivariate analysis further showed that the levels of these miRNAs were correlated with the liver function parameters. Most significantly, it was the scatter plot of principal component with the levels of these miRNAs, but not the parameters of liver function, which clearly distinguished CriB, NASH and Ctrl subjects. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of miR-122, -572, -575, -638 and -744 are deregulated in patients with CHB or NASH. The levels of these miRNAs may serve as po- tential biomarkers for liver injury caused by CHB and NASH.
基金Supported by The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China,No.20103020101000197
文摘AIM:To investigate the mechanisms of the biological roles of Dickkopf-3(Dkk-3) in cell invasion,survival and apoptosis in colon cancer cells.METHODS:Three human colon cancer cell lines,i.e.,HT-29,LoVo and SW480,were used.Overexpression of Dkk-3 induced by pEGFP-N1-Dkk-3-GFP plasmid in LoVo cells was performed using Lipofectamine 2000 reagent.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of Dkk-3,respectively.Cell proliferation assay,cell cycle analysis,hoechst 33258 assay and Matrigel invasion assay were performed on Dkk-3 overexpressing transfectants.RESULTS:The mRNA and protein expressions of Dkk-3 in HT-29(mRNA:0.06 ± 0.02,protein:0.06 ± 0.01) and LoVo(mRNA:0.07 ± 0.02,protein:0.07 ± 0.02) cells were significantly lower than that in SW480 cells(mRNA:0.92 ± 0.04,protein:0.69 ± 0.13;all P < 0.05),and the greatest levels of invasiveness wasin LoVo cells.Dkk-3 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LoVo cells and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and subsequent apoptosis,as indicated by increased chromatin condensation and fragments,upregulated Bax and cytochrome c protein,downregulated survivin and Bcl-2 protein,and the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9.Furthermore,Dkk-3 overexpression reduced the accumulation of cytosolic fraction of β-catenin.CONCLUSION:Dkk-3 overexpression induced apoptosis in human colon cancer possibly through the mitochondrial pathway.Dkk-3 may be involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in colon cancer.
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect of paeonol on controlling the proliferation of colorectal cancer cell line HT-29 and to discuss its possible mechanism. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of paeonol on proliferation of HT-29 cells was detected by M-I-I- assay. The results of apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Immunocytochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and protein p27 in HT-29 cells treated with paeonol at different concentrations. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) was used for mRNA analysis. RESULTS: From the data of both MTT and flow cytometry, we observed that cell proliferation was inhibited by different concentrations of paeonol. By immunocytochemical staining, we found that HT-29 cells treated with paeonol (0.024-1.504 mmol/L) reflected reduced expression of COX-2 and increased expression of p27 in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR showed that paeonol down-regulated COX-2 and up-regulated p27 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HT-29 cells. CONCLUSION: One of the apoptotic mechanisms of paeonol is down-regulation of COX-2. p27 is upregulated simultaneously and plays an important part in controlling cell proliferation and is a crucial factor in the Fas/FasL apoptosis pathway.
基金Supported by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Fundation, No. 06BZ066
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) in human gastric cancer and it's mechanism in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. METHODS: Expression of 15-PGDH mRNA and protein was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting in tissue from human gastric cancer, gastric precancerous state (gastric polyps and atrophic gastritis), normal stomach, and gastric cancer cell lines. The relationship between gastric cancer, gastric precancerous state and 15-PGDH expression was determined. The association between expression of 15-PGDH and various clinicopathological parameters in gastric cancer was evaluated. Human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 was transfected with 15-PGDH expression plasmids. The effect of 15-PGDH on the cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry. The effect of 15-PGDH on apoptosis was examined by transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and transferasemediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Expression of cell cycle (p21, p27, p16 and p53) and apoptosis (Survivin, BCL-2, BCL-XL, BAK and BAX) genes was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Expression of 15-PGDH mRNA and protein in human gastric cancer tissues was significantly lower than in normal gastric tissues (P < 0.01). Expression in human gastric cancer cell lines MKN-28 and MKN-45 was reduced, and absent in SGC-7901 cells (P < 0.05). Reduction of 15-PGDH expression was also found in precancerous tissues, such as gastric polyps and atrophic gastritis (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in expression of 15-PGDH among various gastric cancer pathological types (P < 0.05), with or without distant metastasis (P < 0.05) and different TNM stage (P < 0.01). Flow cytometry demonstrated a significant increase in apoptotic cells in SGC-7901 cells transfected with pcDNA3/15-PGDH plasmid for 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01), and an increased fraction of sub-G1 phase after transfection (P < 0.05). TUNEL assay showed an increased Apoptotic Index in cells overexpressing 15-PGDH (P < 0.01). After transfection, expression of proapoptotic genes, such as BAK (P < 0.05), BAX and p53 (P < 0.01), was increased. Expression of antiapoptotic genes was decreased, such as Survivin, BCL-2 and BCL-XL (P < 0.01). Expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p16 (P < 0.01) was significantly upregulated in cells overexpressing 15-PGDH. CONCLUSION: Reduction of 15-PGDH is associated with carcinogenesis and development of gastric carcinoma. 15-PGDH induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in SGC-7901 cells.