Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Promotes Vascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation via VEGF/VEGF Receptor

Aim To study the proliferative effeet of hydroxysaftlor yellow A （HSYA） on cultured canine aortic endothelial cell （VEC） in normoxic （21% O2 ） or hypoxic （10% O2 ） culture and the underlying mechanism. Methods The endothelial cells were scratched from trypsined canine aorta endothelium. HSYA was added to the cells at final concentrations of 1 × 10^-3, 1 × 10^-4 and 1 × 10^-5 mol· L^-1, respectively. VEGF （2.6 × 10^-7 mol· L^-1 ）-treated cells were used as the positive control. The proliferative effect of HSYA on VEC was determined at 48, 72, 96, and 120 h in normoxic culture by MTI＂ assay. Similarly, the proliferation of VEC was determined at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h in hypoxic culture by MTF assay. The effects of HSYA on VEC proliferation and VEGF secretion were investigated by MTr and ELISA assays at the presence of the antibodies to VEGF and VEGF receptors. Results Pretreatment with HSYA at concentrations of 1 × 10^-3 and 1 × 10^-4 mol· L^-1 enhanced VEC proliferation in normoxic culture. The most significant enhancing effect of HSYA on VEC proliferation was achieved at 24, 48, and 72 h in hypoxic culture in concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. HSYA at 1 × 10^-3 mol·L^-1 showed a potency similar to VEGF at 2.6 × 10^-7 mol·L^-1 . Pretreatment with the antibodies of Flt-1, KDR or VEGF blocked the proliferative effect of HSYA with similar potencies. Antibodies of Fit-1 or VEGF antagonized the promoting effect of HSYA on VEGF secretion. Conclusion HSYA promotes VEC proliferation either in normoxic or hypoxic culture, especially in the latter condition. This effect of HSYA is at least partly mediated by VEGF and VEGF receptor.

Quality of ulcer healing in gastrointestinal tract:Its pathophysiology and clinical relevance

In this paper, we review the concept of quality of ulcer healing （QOUH） in the gastrointestinal tract and its role in the ulcer recurrence. In the past, peptic ulcer disease （PUD） has been a chronic disease with a cycle of repeated healing/remission and recurrence. The main etiological factor of PUD is Helicobacter pylori （H. pylorl~, which is also the cause of ulcer recur- rence. However, H. pylori-negative ulcers are pres- ent in 12%-20% of patients; they also recur and are on occasion intractable. QOUH focuses on the fact that mucosal and submucosal structures within ulcer scars are incompletely regenerated. Within the scars of healed ulcers, regenerated tissue is immature and with distorted architecture, suggesting poor QOUH. The abnormalities in mucosal regeneration can be the basis for ulcer recurrence. Our studies have shown that persistence of macrophages in the regenerated area plays a key role in ulcer recurrence. Our studies in a rat model of ulcer recurrence have indicated that proinflammatory cytokines trigger activation of macro- phages, which in turn produce increased amounts of cytokines and chemokines, which attract neutrophils to the regenerated area. Neutrophils release proteolytic enzymes that destroy the tissue, resulting in ulcer re- currence. Another important factor in poor QOUH can be deficiency of endogenous prostaglandins and a defi- ciency and/or an imbalance of endogenous growth fac- tors. Topically active mucosal protective and antiulcer drugs promote high QOUH and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in the ulcer scar. In addition to PUD, the concept of QOUH is likely applicable to inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn＇s disease and ulcer- ative colitis.

Smart scaffolds in bone tissue engineering: A systematic review of literature

AIM: To improve osteogenic differentiation and attachment of cells.METHODS: An electronic search was conducted inPub Med from January 2004 to December 2013. Studies which performed smart modifications on conventional bone scaffold materials were included. Scaffolds with controlled release or encapsulation of bioactive molecules were not included. Experiments which did not investigate response of cells toward the scaffold(cell attachment, proliferation or osteoblastic differentiation) were excluded. RESULTS: Among 1458 studies, 38 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main scaffold varied extensively among the included studies. Smart modifications included addition of growth factors(group Ⅰ-11 studies), extracellular matrix-like molecules(group Ⅱ-13 studies) and nanoparticles(nano-HA)(group Ⅲ-17 studies). In all groups, surface coating was the most commonly applied approach for smart modification of scaffolds. In group I, bone morphogenetic proteins were mainly used as growth factor stabilized on polycaprolactone(PCL). In group Ⅱ, collagen 1 in combination with PCL, hydroxyapatite(HA) and tricalcium phosphate were the most frequent scaffolds used. In the third group, nano-HA with PCL and chitosan were used the most. As variable methods were used, a thorough and comprehensible compare between the results and approaches was unattainable.CONCLUSION: Regarding the variability in methodology of these in vitro studies it was demonstrated that smart modification of scaffolds can improve tissue properties.

Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase suppressor genes RECK,VEGF,and CD105 with angiogenesis and biological behavior in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM: To explore the expression of reversion inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endoglin (CD105) protein and its correlation with occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: Streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohisto- chemistry was used to detect expression of RECK and VEGF in 62 cases of ESCC, 31 cases of adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium and 62 cases of normal esophageal epithelium. CD105 Mb was used to assess microvessel density (MVD). RESULTS: The expression of RECK was closely correlated with histological grade, infiltrative depth and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC (P < 0.05). The expression of RECK decreased during cancer development: normal esophageal epithelium (85.5%, 53/62), adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium (71.0%, 22/31), and carcinoma (59.7%, 37/62). There was a significant difference among the groups (P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF protein was closely correlated with infiltrative depth and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC (P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF protein increased during cancer development: normal esophageal epithelium (29.0%, 18/62), adjacent atypical hyperplastic epithelium (54.8%, 17/31), and carcinoma (67.7%, 42/62). There was a significant difference among the groups (P < 0.05). MVDCD105 increased in accordance with histological grade, butthere was no significant difference (grade Ⅰ, 36.92 ± 10.85; grade Ⅱ, 37.65 ± 9.50; and grade Ⅲ, 38.06 ± 12.19). The MVDCD105 was closely correlated with infiltration and lymphatic metastasis in ESCC (P < 0.05). The expression of RECK was inversely correlated with the expression of VEGF and CD105. CONCLUSION: RECK, VEGF and CD105 play important roles in the infiltration, metastasis and carcinogenesis in esophageal carcinoma. Angiogenesis in ESCC may be promoted by over-expression of CD105.

Optimal duration of percutaneous microballoon compression for treatment of trigeminal nerve injury

Percutaneous microballoon compression of the trigeminal ganglion is a brand new operative technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. However, it is unclear how the procedure mediates pain relief, and there are no standardized criteria, such as compression pressure, com- pression time or balloon shape, for the procedure. In this study, percutaneous microballoon compression was performed on the rabbit trigeminal ganglion at a mean inflation pressure of 1,005 ＋ 150 mmHg for 2 or 5 minutes. At 1, 7 and 14 days after percutaneous microballoon compression, the large-diameter myelinated nerves displayed axonal swelling, rupture and demy- elination under the electron microscope. Fragmentation of myelin and formation of digestion chambers were more evident after 5 minutes of compression. Image analyzer results showed that the diameter of trigeminal ganglion cells remained unaltered after compression. These experi- mental findings indicate that a 2-minute period of compression can suppress pain transduction. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the ganglion cells and axons was significantly increased 7 days after trigeminal ganglion compression, however, the changes were similar after 2-minute compression and 5-minute compression. The upregulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the ganglion cells after percu- taneous microballoon compression can promote the repair of the injured nerve. These findings suggest that long-term compression is ideal for patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia.

Functions of Müller cell-derived vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic retinopathy

Müller cells are macroglia and play many essential roles as supporting cells in the retina.To respond to pathological changes in diabetic retinopathy(DR),a major complication in the eye of diabetic patients,retinal Müller glia produce a high level of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF or VEGF-A).As VEGF is expressed by multiple retinal cell-types and Müller glia comprise only a small portion of cells in the retina,it has been a great challenge to reveal the function of VEGF or other globally expressed proteins produced by Müller cells.With the development of conditional gene targeting tools,it is now possible to dissect the function of Müller cell-derived VEGF in vivo.By using conditional gene targeting approach,we demonstrate that Müller glia are a major source of retinal VEGF in diabetic mice and Müller cell-derived VEGF plays a significant role in the alteration of protein expression and peroxynitration,which leads to retinal inflammation,neovascularization,vascular leakage,and vascular lesion,key pathological changes in DR.Therefore,Müller glia are a potential cellular target for the treatment of DR,a leading cause of blindness.

Neuroprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in focal cerebral infarction: relationship with upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor

Neuroprotection by ischemic preconditioning has been confirmed by many studies, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we performed cerebral ischemic pre- conditioning in rats by simulating a transient ischemic attack twice （each a 20-minute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery） before inducing focal cerebral infarction （2 hour occlusion-reper- fusion in the same artery）. We also explored the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. Seven days after ocdusion-reperfusion, tetrazolium chloride staining and immunohistochemistry revealed that the infarct volume was significantly smaller in the group that underwent preconditioning than in the model group. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was considerably greater in the hippocampal CA3 region of preconditioned rats than model rats. Our results suggest that the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on focal cerebral infarction are associated with upregulation of vascu- lar endothelial growth factor.

Revisiting tumor angiogenesis:vessel co-option,vessel remodeling,and cancer cell-derived vasculature formation

Tumor growth and metastasis depend on the establishment of tumor vasculature to provide oxygen,nutrients,and other essential factors.The well-known vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) signaling is crucial for sprouting angiogenesis as well as recruitment of circulating progenitor endothelial cells to tumor vasculature,which has become therapeutic targets in clinical practice.However,the survival benefits gained from targeting VEGF signaling have been very limited,with the inevitable development of treatment resistance.In this article,we discuss the most recent findings and understanding on how solid tumors evade VEGF-targeted therapy,with a special focus on vessel co-option,vessel remodeling,and tumor cell-derived vasculature establishment.Vessel co-option may occur in tumors independently of sprouting angiogenesis,and sprouting angiogenesis is not always required for tumor growth.The differences between vessel-like structure and tubule-like structure formed by tumor cells are also introduced.The exploration of the underlying mechanisms of these alternative angiogenic approaches would not only widen our knowledge of tumor angiogenesis but also provide novel therapeutic targets for better controlling cancer growth and metastasis.

Identification of colorectal cancer metastasis markers by an angiogenesis-related cytokine-antibody array

AIM： To investigate the angiogenesis-related protein expression profile characterizing metastatic colorectal cancer （mCRC） with the aim of identifying prognostic markers.METHODS： The expression of 44 angiogenesis- secreted factors was measured by a novel cytokine antibody array methodology. The study evaluated vas- cular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and its soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor （sVEGFR）-I protein levels by enzyme immunoassay （EIA） in a panel of 16 CRC cell lines, mRNA VEGF and VEGF-A isoforms were quantified by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction （Q-RT-PCR） and vascular en- dothelial growth factor receptor （VEGFR）-2 expressionwas analyzed by flow cytometry.

Effect of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and ischemia-reperfusion on expression of growth factor receptors

AIM： To investigate the effects of experimental partial hepatectomy and normothermic ischemia-reperfusion damage on the time course of the expression of four different growth factor receptors in liver regeneration. This is relevant due to the potential therapeutic use of growth factors in stimulating liver regeneration. METHODS： For partial hepatectomy （PH） 80% of the liver mass was resected in Sprague Dawley rats. Ischemia and reperfusion （I/R） were induced by occlusion of the portal vein and the hepatic artery for 15 min. The epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatic growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor and tumour necrosis factor receptor-1 were analysed by immunohistochemistry up to 72 h after injury. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed at the time point of minimal receptor expression （24 h）. RESULTS： In immunohistochemistry, EGFR, HGFR, FGFR and TNFR1 showed biphasic kinetics after partial hepatectomy with a peak up to 12 h, a nadir after 24 h and another weak increase up to 72 h. During liver regeneration, after ischemia and reperfusion, the receptor expression was lower; the nadir at 24 h after reperfusion was the same. To evaluate whether this nadir was caused by a lack of mRNA transcription, or due to a posttranslational regulation, RT-PCR was performed at 24 h and compared to resting liver. In every probe there was specific mRNA for the receptors. EGFR, FGFR and TNFR1 mRNA expression was equal or lower than in resting liver, HGFR expression after I/R was stronger than in the control. CONCLUSION： At least partially due to a post-transcriptional process, there is a nadir in the expression of the analysed receptors 24 h after liver injury. Therefore, a therapeutic use of growth factors to stimulate liverregeneration 24 h after the damage might be not successful.

Neuroprotective effects of ultrasound-guided nerve growth factor injections after sciatic nerve injury

Nerve growth factor（NGF） plays an important role in promoting neuroregeneration after peripheral nerve injury. However, its effects are limited by its short half-life; it is therefore important to identify an effective mode of administration. High-frequency ultrasound（HFU） is increasingly used in the clinic for high-resolution visualization of tissues, and has been proposed as a method for identifying and evaluating peripheral nerve damage after injury. In addition, HFU is widely used for guiding needle placement when administering drugs to a specific site. We hypothesized that HFU guiding would optimize the neuroprotective effects of NGF on sciatic nerve injury in the rabbit. We performed behavioral, ultrasound, electrophysiological, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluation of HFU-guided NGF injections administered immediately after injury, or 14 days later, and compared this mode of administration with intramuscular NGF injections. Across all assessments, HFU-guided NGF injections gave consistently better outcomes than intramuscular NGF injections administered immediately or 14 days after injury, with immediate treatment also yielding better structural and functional results than when the treatment was delayed by 14 days. Our findings indicate that NGF should be administered as early as possible after peripheral nerve injury, and highlight the striking neuroprotective effects of HFU-guided NGF injections on peripheral nerve injury compared with intramuscular administration.

Protective effects of non-mitogenic human acidic fibroblast growth factor on hydrogen peroxide-induced damage to cardiomyocytes in vitro

AIM： To study the protective effect of non-mitogenic human acidic fibroblast growth factor （FGF） on cardiac oxidative injury in vivo. METHODS： Ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from 1- to 3-d-old neonatal SD mice and cultured in Dulbecco＇s minimum essential medium supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum under an atmosphere of 50 mL/L CO2-95% air at 37℃, as well as assessed by immunooltochemical assay. We constructed the cardiomyoolte injury model by exposure to a certain concentration of H2O2. Cellular viability, superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity, leakage of maleic dialdehyde and anti-apoptosis effect were included to evaluate the cardiac protective effect of non-mitogenic human acidic FGF. RESULTS： Over 50% of the cardiomyocytes beat spontaneously on the 2nd d of culture and synchronously beat after being cultured for 3 d. Forty-eight hours after plating was completed, the purity of such cultures was 95% myocytes, assessed by an immunocytochemical assay. Cellular viability dramatically decreased with the increasing of the concentration of H2O2. Non-mitogenic human acidic FGF showed significant resistance to thetoxic effect of H2O2, significantly increased the cellular viability as well as the activity of SOD, and dramatically decreased the leakage of maleic dialdehyde as well as the cellular apoptosis rate. CONCLUSION： Hydrogen peroxide shows strong cytotoxicity to the cultured cardiac myocytes, and non-mitogenic human acidic FGF shows strong cardio-protective effect when exposed to a certain concentration of H2O2.

Significance of regenerating islet-derived type Ⅳ gene expression in gastroenterological cancers

The regenerating islet-derived members （Reg）, a group of small secretory proteins, which are involved in cell proliferation or differentiation in digestive organs, are upregulated in several gastrointestinal cancers, functioning as trophic or antiapoptotic factors. Regenerat- ing islet-derived type Ⅳ （RegⅣ）, a member of the Reg gene family, has been reported to be overexpressed in gastroenterological cancers. RegIV overexpression in tumor cells has been associated with carcinogen- esis, cell growth, survival and resistance to apoptosis. Cancer tissue expressing RegIV is generally associated with more malignant characteristics than that with- out such expression, and RegⅣ is considered a novel prognostic factor as well as diagnostic marker in some gastroenterological cancers. We previously investigated the expression levels of RegⅣ mRNA of 202 surgical colorectal cancer specimens with quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and reported that a higher level of RegⅣ gene expression was a significant independent predictor of colorec- tal cancer. The biologic functions of RegⅣ protein in cancer tissue, associated with carcinogenesis, anti- apoptosis and invasiveness, are being elucidated by molecular investigations using transfection techniques or neutralizing antibodies of RegIV, and the feasibility of antibody therapy targeting RegIV is being assessed. These studies may lead to novel therapeutic strate- gies for gastroenterological cancers expressing RegⅣ. This review article summarizes the current information related to biological functions as well as clinical impor- tance of RegⅣ gene to clarify the significance of Reg~ expression in gastroenterological cancers.

Cloning and expression patterns of two Smad genes during embryonic development and shell formation of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

Increasing evidence indicates that transforming growth factor β （TGF-β） signaling pathways play many important roles in the early development of mollusks. However, limited information is known concerning their detailed mechanisms. Here, we describe the identification, cloning and characterization of two Smad genes, the key components of TGF-β signaling pathways, from the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Sequence analysis of the two genes, designated as cgi-smad1/5/8 and cgi-smad4, revealed conserved functional characteristics. The two genes were widely expressed in embryos and larvae, suggesting multiple roles in the early development of C. gigas. The mRNA of the two genes aggregated in the D quadrant and cgi-smad4 was highly expressed on the dorsal side of the gastrula, indicating that TGF-β signaling pathways may be involved in dorsoventral patterning in C. gigas. Furthermore, high expression levels of the two genes in the shell fields of embryos at different stages suggested important roles for TGF-β signaling pathways in particular phases of shell development, including the formation of the initial shell field and the biomineralization of larval shells. The results of this study provide fundamental support for elucidating how TGF-β signaling pathways participate in the early development of bivalve mollusks, and suggest that further work is warranted to this end.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Benign and Malignant Tissues of Breast

Objective： To detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and microvessel density （MVD） count in breast benign affection, breast atypical hyperplasia and breast carcinoma in situ, and to clarify the relationship between VEGF expression, MVD and the clinicopathological features of these diseases. Methods： The expression of VEGF and MVD count in 115 cases breast benign diseases （including 40 breast fibroid tumor, 40 breast cystic hyperplasia and 35 intraductal papilloma, 19 breast atypical hyperplasias and 32 breast carcinomas in situ were examined by immunohistochemistry staining （SP-method）. Results： The positive rate of VEGF in breast benign diseases, breast atypical hyperplasia and breast carcinoma in situ were 21.74%（25/115）, 31.58.% （6/19）and 53.13%（17/32） respectively. It was the lowest in breast benign affection group, and was the highest breast carcinoma in situ group. The expression of VEGF increased gradually in the three groups （P〈0.05）. The MVD count of the three groups were 14.41 ± 2.59, 18.89± 4.47 and 21.13 ± 4.12 respectively, It was the lowest in breast benign affection group, and was the highest breast carcinoma in situ group. The MVD count of the three groups increased gradually （P〈0.05）. In VEGF positive group, MVD count was 19.41 ±4.78; In VEGF negative group, MVD count was 14.91±3.15. The MVD count was higher in VEGF positive group than that in VEGF negative group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The results of this study suggested that VEGF could promote microvessel growth in breast tumors. The occurrence and progression of breast cancer might be related with the expression of VEGF.

Hepatic reconstruction from fetal porcine liver cells using a radial flow bioreactor

AIM： To examine the efficacy of the radial flow bioreactor （RFB） as an extracorporeal bioartificial liver （BAL） and the reconstruction of liver organoids using embryonic pig liver cells. METHODS： We reconstructed the liver organoids using embryonic porcine liver cells in the RFB. We also determined the gestational time window for the optimum growth of embryonic porcine liver cells. Five weeks of gestation was designated as embryonic day （E） 35 and 8 wk of gestation was designated as E56. These cells were cultured for one week before morphological and functional examinations. Moreover, the efficacy of pulsed adminisbation of a high concentration hepatocyte growth factor （HGF） was examined. RESULTS： Both cell growth and function were excellent after harvesting on E35. The pulsed administration of a high concentration of HGF promoted the differentiation and maturation of these fetal hepatic cells. Microscopic examination of organoids in the RFB revealed palisading and showed that bile duct-like structures were well developed, indicating that the organoids were mini livers. Transmission electron microscopy revealed microvilli on the luminal surfaces of bile duct-like structures and junctional complexes, which form the basis of the cytoskeleton of epithelial tissues. Furthermore, strong expression of connexin （Cx） 32, which is the main protein of hepatocyte gap junctions, was observed. With respect to liver function, ammonia detoxification and urea synthesis were shown to be performed effectively. CONCLUSION： Our system can potentially be applied in the fields of BAL and transplantation medicine.

Construction of a recombinant lentivirus containing human microRNA-7-3 and its inhibitory effects on glioma proliferation

In the present study, we constructed a lentivirus, FIV-CMV-GFP-miR-7-3, containing the microRNA-7-3 gene and the green fluorescent protein gene, and used it to transfect human glioma U251 cells. Fluorescence microscopy showed that 80% of U251 cells expressed green fluorescence. Real-time reverse transcription PCR showed that microRNA-7-3 RNA expression in U251 cells was significantly increased. Proliferation was slowed in transfected U251 cells, and most cells were in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In addition, the expression of the serine/threonine protein kinase 2 was decreased. Results suggested that transfection with a lentivirus carrying microRNA-7-3 can effectively suppress epidermal growth factor receptor pathway activity in U251 cells, arrest cell cycle transition from GI phase to S phase and inhibit glioma cell growth.

GABAB receptor upregulates fragile X mental retardation protein expression in neurons

Aim Fragile X mental retardation protein （FMRP） is an RNA-binding protein important for the control of translation and synaptic function. The mutation or silencing of FMRP causes Fragile X syndrome （FXS） , which leads to intellectual disability and social impairment. γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） is the major inhibitory neuro- transmitter of the mammalian central nervous system, and its metabotropic GABAB receptor has been implicated in various mental disorders. The GABAB receptor agonist baclofen has been shown to improve FXS symptoms in a mouse model and in human patients, suggesting the role of GABAB receptor on FMRP regulation. Here we investi- gated the signaling events linking the GABAB receptor and FMRP. Methods Western blot was used in this study to detect protein expression and kinase phosphorylation in cerebellar granule neurons. For key molecules in signal- ling pathway, RNAi was used in MEFs to confirm the results in neurons. Results GABAB receptor activation up- regulated cAMP response element binding protein-dependent Fmrp expression in cultured mouse cerebellar granule neurons via two distinct mechanisms： the transactivation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and activation of protein kinase C. In addition, a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, CGP7930, stimulated Fmrp expression in neurons. Conclusion These results suggest a role for GABAB receptor in Fmrp regulation and a po- tential interest of GABAB receptor signaling in FXS improvement.

Steroids reduce local inflammatory mediator secretion and mucosal permeability in collagenous colitis patients

AIM：. To study the effect of oral steroids upon clinical response and rectal mucosa secretion of eosinophil cationic protein （ECP）, myeloperoxidase （NPO）, basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）, vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and albumin in patients with collagenous colitis （CC）. METHODS： A segmental perfusion technique was used to collect perfusates from rectum of CC patients once before and twice （one and four weeks） after the start of steroid treatment. Clinical data was monitored and ECP, MPO, bFGF, VEGF and albumin concentrations were analyzed by immunochemical methods in perfusates and in serum. RESULTS： Steroids reduced the number of bowel movements by more than five times within one week and all patients reported improved subjective wellbeing at wk 1 and 4. At the same time, the median concentrations of ECP, bFGF, VEGF and albumin in rectal perfusates decreased significantly. MPO values were above the detection limit in only 3 patients before treatment and in none during treatment. VEGF, bFGF, ECP and albumin concentrations correlated with each other with the exception of ECP and albumin. A decrease of serum ECP and VEGF concentrations was also seen even if the overtime reduction was not significant.CONCLUSION： Oral steroid treatment in CC patients induced a simultaneous reduction of bowel movements and rectal release of ECP, bFGF, VEGF and albumin, suggesting that these polypeptides and increased mucosal permeability are important components of the pathophysiology in collagenous colitis.

Minocycline inhibits the production of the precursor form of nerve growth factor by retinal microglial cells

A rat model of acute ocular hypertension was established by enhancing the perfusion of balanced salt solution in the anterior chamber of the right eye. Minocycline （90 mg/kg） was administered intraperitoneally into rats immediately after the operation for 3 consecutive days. Immunofluorescence, western blot assay and PCR detection revealed that the expression of the precursor form of nerve growth factor, nerve growth factor and the p75 neurotrophin receptor, and the mRNA expression of nerve growth factor and the p75 neurotrophin receptor, increased after acute ocular hypertension. The number of double-labeled CD11B- and precursor form of nerve growth factor-positive cells, glial fibrillary acidic protein- and p75 neurotrophin receptor-positive cells glial fibrillary acidic protein- and caspase-3-positive cells in the retina markedly increased after acute ocular hypertension. The above-described expression decreased after minocycline treatment. These results suggested that minocycline inhibited the increased expression of the precursor form of nerve growth factor in microglia, the p75 neurotrophin receptor in astroglia, and protected cells from apoptosis.