Insights into sensitizing and eliciting capacity of gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products of shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins in BALB/c mice

Shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins have been shown an allergenic potential;however,little information is available on the sensitizing and eliciting capacity of shrimp protein digestion products.In this study,a BALB/c mice model was used to explore the allergenicity of shrimp protein sample(SPS)and their gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products(GDS/GIDS).As compared with the SPS groups,the GDS/GIDS groups caused lower specific immunoglobulins(Ig E/Ig G1)levels(P<0.05),but higher than the control groups,indicating that the digestion products sensitized the mice.Meanwhile,spleen index,mouse mast cell protease-1(m MCP-1)concentration and proportion of degranulated mast cells were significantly reduced in the GDS/GIDS groups(P<0.05);simultaneously,allergic symptoms,vascular permeability and histopathological changes of tissues were alleviated.Nevertheless,the allergenicity of digestion products cannot be eliminated and still cause systemic allergic reactions in mice.The study showed that the digestion products of shrimp still had high sensitizing and eliciting capacity.

Inhibition of Yuyihe Powder on Tumor Growth in Mice Models of Sarcoma 180

Objective To explore the antitumor effect of Yuyihe Powder（Yu Yi He San,YYHS） and its antitumor mechanism.Methods After treatment,tumor weight,immune apparatus weight,the life span of transplanted animals,spleen lymphocyte proliferation assays,and IL-2 concentration in mouse serum were recorded or detected.Results YYHS showed strong antitumor ability.Compared with control group,mid-dose YYHS（1.0g/kg） could inhibit the tumor growth,prolong the life span of S180-bearing mice to some extent,significantly increase the thymic and splenic indices of S180 mice,and strongly promote the secretion of IL-2 in blood;The inhibitory rate on tumor growth and life prolongation rate were 37.1%and 38.37%,respectively.Conclusion YYHS could not only significantly inhibit the growth of S180 cells,but also markedly prolong the survival time of S180 bearing mice.The mechanism of antitumor effect could obviously enhance immunologic function of the S180 bearing mice to inhibit the growth of S180 cells.

Effects of Zaizhang－Ⅰ，a Traditional Chinese Medicine，on Immunologically Mediated Aplastic Anemia in Mice

Immunologically mediated aplastic anemia in mice were used as animal models to study the the curative effect of Zaizhang-Ⅰin term of the changes of two pathogenetic aspects in aplastic mice,namely the defciency of hematopoietic stem cells and the disturbance of immunology. Our results demonstrated that in aplastic mice, after treatment by Zaizhang-Ⅰ,the loss of mature hematopoietice cells (WBC, RBC, Plt) were reduced, and marrow cellular cytosis,and their clinical findings were improved, indicating a partial remission. The present data show that its curative mechanism lies in the action of promoting the recovery of colony forming unit-spleen (CFU-S) and reversing immunologically-induced plasma colony forming unit granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM ) inhibitory activity. Natural killer cells activity (Nka) and interleukin-2 tumor necrosis factors (TNF) were also examined to further understand the mechanism by which Zaizhang-Ⅰreverse plasma hematopoietic activity.

BALB/c mice model of cytomegalovirus-induced myocarditis

Objective: A BALB/c mice model of cytomegalovirus-induced myocarditis was established. Methods: Twenty-five inbred female BALB/c mice free of murine cytomegalovirus(MCMV) infection (5 weeks old, 16-18 g),were infected with 1×10~4 PFU MCMV by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. All experimental mice were sacrificed on day 3, 5, 7, 10,and 14 after i. p. administration. The hearts were removed under aseptic conditions, and were transected along the midline. Aliquots of hearts were handled with Bouin's fixative for histological examination. Residual hearts were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80℃ until MCMV titre was determined by a plaque assay. Seurm cTnI level was assayed by ELISA. Results: MCMV in the heart was at extremely low level on day 3 after i. p. administration, reached to the peak on day 7-10, and then ran down. A mixed cellular infiltrate composed of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and mononuclear lymphocytes was observed on day 3, reaching to the peak on day 7-10 after MCMV infection, and was maintained for at least 3-4 months later. Seurm cTnI levels were elevated on day 3 after i.p. administration, reaching to the peak it day 7-10. Conclusion: The BALB/c mice model for cytomegalovirus-induced myocarditis was successfully established, that might make it possible to screen antiviral drugs for treating viral myocarditis and to investigate and evaluate the pathogenesis and prognosis of this disease.

The adjustment of γ-aminobutyric acid_A tonic subunits in Huntington＇s disease：from transcription to translation to synaptic levels into the neostriatum

γ-Aminobutyric acid（GABA）,plays a key role in all stages of life,also is considered the main inhibitory neurotransmitter.GABA activates two kind of membrane receptors known as GABAA and GABAB,the first one is responsible to render tonic inhibition by pentameric receptors containing α4-6,β3,δ,or ρ1-3 subunits,they are located at perisynaptic and/or in extrasynaptic regions.The biophysical properties of GABAA tonic inhibition have been related with cellular protection against excitotoxic injury and cell death in presence of excessive excitation.On this basis,GABAA tonic inhibition has been proposed as a potential target for therapeutic intervention of Huntington＇s disease.Huntington＇s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a genetic mutation of the huntingtin protein.For experimental studies of Huntington＇s disease mouse models have been developed,such as R6/1,R6/2,Hdh Q92,Hdh Q150,as well as YAC128.In all of them,some key experimental reports are focused on neostriatum.The neostriatum is considered as the most important connection between cerebral cortex and basal ganglia structures,its cytology display two pathways called direct and indirect constituted by medium sized spiny neurons expressing dopamine D1 and D2 receptors respectively,they display strong expression of many types of GABAA receptors,including tonic subunits.The studies about of GABAA tonic subunits and Huntington＇s disease into the neostriatum are rising in recent years,suggesting interesting changes in their expression and localization which can be used as a strategy to delay the cellular damage caused by the imbalance between excitation and inhibition,a hallmark of Huntington＇s disease.

Metabolite profiling and antidiabetic attributes of ultrasonicated leaf extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius

Objective:To profile the secondary metabolites and to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius.Methods:The various hydroethanolic extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius leaf were prepared by ultrasonication assisted freezedrying.Total phenolic contents,flavonoid contents,antioxidant activity,α-glucosidase andα-amylase inhibitions of leaf extracts were determined.The metabolite profiling was accomplished by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis.The antidiabetic assessment of the most potent extract was carried out by measuring the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect in the high fat diet-fed diabetic albino mice.The blood glucose level,haemoglobin,total cholesterol,high-density lipoproteins(HDL)and low-density lipoproteins(LDL)were determined.Results:The 60%ethanolic extract exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents of(349.39±2.13)mg GAE/g dry extract and(116.95±2.34)mg RE/g dry extracts,respectively,and the highest DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 value of(32.87±1.11)μg/mL.The IC50 values forα-glucosidase andα-amylase inhibitions were(38.64±0.93)μg/mL and(44.80±1.57)μg/mL,respectively.UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of gallic acid,ellagic acid,corilagin,kaempherol-3-O-rutinoside,caffeic acid derivative,isorhamnetin and galloyl derivatives in the 60%ethanolic extract.Plant extract at a dose of 450 mg/kg body weight reduced blood glucose level,total cholesterol,LDL and HDL,and increased haemoglobin in alloxan-induced diabetic mice,Conclusions:Conocarpus lancifolius leaves are proved as a good source of biologically functional metabolites and possess antidiabetic activity which may be further explored to treat diabetes.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in ulcerative colitis and verification in a colitis mouse model by bioinformatics analyses

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is an inflammatory bowel disease that is difficult to diagnose and treat.To date,the degree of inflammation in patients with UC has mainly been determined by measuring the levels of nonspecific indicators,such as C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate,but these indicators have an unsatisfactory specificity.In this study,we performed bioinformatics analysis using data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information-Gene Expression Omnibus(NCBI-GEO)databases and verified the selected core genes in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.AIM To identify UC-related differentially expressed genes(DEGs)using a bioinformatics analysis and verify them in vivo and to identify novel biomarkers and the underlying mechanisms of UC.METHODS Two microarray datasets from the NCBI-GEO database were used,and DEGs between patients with UC and healthy controls were analyzed using GEO2R and Venn diagrams.We annotated these genes based on their functions and signaling pathways,and then protein-protein interactions(PPIs)were identified using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes.The data were further analyzed with Cytoscape software and the Molecular Complex Detection(MCODE)app.The core genes were selected and a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis was performed.Finally,colitis model mice were established by administering DSS,and the top three core genes were verified in colitis mice using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).RESULTS One hundred and seventy-seven DEGs,118 upregulated and 59 downregulated,were initially identified from the GEO2R analysis and predominantly participated in inflammation-related pathways.Seven clusters with close interactions in UC formed:Seventeen core genes were upregulated[C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13(CXCL13),C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2(CXCR2),CXCL9,CXCL5,C-C motif chemokine ligand 18,interleukin 1 beta,matrix metallopeptidase 9,CXCL3,formyl peptide receptor 1,complement component 3,CXCL8,CXCL1,CXCL10,CXCL2,CXCL6,CXCL11 and hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 3]and one was downregulated[neuropeptide Y receptor Y1(NYP1R)]in the top cluster according to the PPI and MCODE analyses.These genes were substantially enriched in the cytokinecytokine receptor interaction and chemokine signaling pathways.The top three core genes(CXCL13,NYP1R,and CXCR2)were selected and verified in a mouse model of colitis using real-time PCR Increased expression was observed compared with the control mice,but only CXCR2 expression was significantly different.CONCLUSION Core DEGs identified in UC are related to inflammation and immunity inflammation,indicating that these reactions are core features of the pathogenesis of UC.CXCR2 may reflect the degree of inflammation in patients with UC.

A mouse model of weight-drop closed head injury:emphasis on cognitive and neurological deficiency

Traumatic brain injury（TBI） is a leading cause of death and disability in individuals worldwide.Producing a clinically relevant TBI model in small-sized animals remains fairly challenging.For good screening of potential therapeutics,which are effective in the treatment of TBI,animal models of TBI should be established and standardized.In this study,we established mouse models of closed head injury using the Shohami weight-drop method with some modifications concerning cognitive deficiency assessment and provided a detailed description of the severe TBI animal model.We found that 250 g falling weight from 2 cm height produced severe closed head injury in C57BL/6 male mice.Cognitive disorders in mice with severe closed head injury could be detected using passive avoidance test on day 7 after injury.Findings from this study indicate that weight-drop injury animal models are suitable for further screening of brain neuroprotectants and potentially are similar to those seen in human TBI.

Up-regulation of TIMP-2 expression promotes SHI-1 leukemic cells proliferation and infiltration in immunodeficiency mice

Background MMPs and TIMPs play important roles in tumor angiogenesis and invasion. Studies have shown that TIMP- 2 has two roles in tumor invasion. However, its role in leukemic infiltration has not been well investigated. This study explored the roles of TIMP-2 in extramedullary infiltration of acute monocytic leukemic SHI-1 cells both in vitro and in vitro. Methods A retroviral vector carrying the human TIMP-2 cDNA was constructed and transfected into the monocytic leukemic cell line SHI-I. The expression of TIMP-2 in the positive clones was determined. The proliferation of SHI-1 cells was examined by MTT assay. Trans-Matrigel invasion assays were used to investigate the infiltration ability in vitro. SHI-1 cells were intravenously injected into pre-traated nu/nu mice to investigate the infiltration ability feature in vitro. Results The expression of TIMP-2 on the cell membrane was significantly elevated in SHI-1/TIMP-2 cells. Over- expression of TIMP-2 promoted the cells proliferation and the invasions in vitro. The SHI-1/TIMP-2 cells demonstrated higher infiltration ability when intravenously injected into nu/nu mice. Conclusion Over-expression of TIMP-2, especially on the cell membrane, may play important roles in promoting the proliferation and infiltration of SHI-1 leukemic cells.

A mouse model based on replication-competent Tiantan vaccinia expressing luciferase/HIV-1 Gag fusion protein for the evaluation of protective efficacy of HIV vaccine

Background Developing an effective vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 （HIV-1） remains a grand challenge after more than two decades of intensive effort. It is partially due to the lack of suitable animal models for screening and prioritizing vaccine candidates. In this study, we aim to develop a mice model to test HIV-1 vaccine efficacy. Methods We constructed a recombinant vaccinia expressing firefly luciferase and HIV-1 Gag fusion protein based on Tiantan strain, an attenuated but replication-competent poxvirus （rTTV-lucgag）. By quantifying the luciferase activity as its read out, we defined the biodistribution of Tiantan strain poxvirus in mice inoculated intraperitoneally and attempted to apply this model to evaluate the HIV-1 vaccine efficacy. Results Our data demonstrated that the rTTV-lucgag was able to express high level of luciferase （〈106 relative luciferase units （RLU）/mg protein） and HIV-1 Gag （〉3 folds increase comparing to the control）. After intraperitoneal inoculation, this virus had dominant replication in the ovary, uterus, and cervix of mice and the luciferase activities in those organs are significantly correlated with viral titers （r^2=0.71, P 〈0.01）. Pre-immunization with an HIV gag DNA vaccine reduced the luciferase activity in ovary from （6006±3141） RLU/mg protein in control group to （1538±463） RLU/mg protein in vaccine group （P=0.1969）. Conclusions The luciferase activity in ovary could represent viral replication in vivo; this rTTV-lucgag/mice model may be suitable to assess the protective efficacy of cytotoxic T-cell responses to HIV Gag with less tedious work and high through-put.

A nude mouse model of endometriosis and its biological behaviors

Endometriosis （ EM ） as a common and intractable gynecological disease is characterized by unknown etiology and complex pathologic changes. Many factors of the disease are uncertain at the molecular level and it is difficult to study clinically. In this study, we attempted to establish a nude mice model of EM for dynamical observation of the genesis and development of the disease, morphological changes in tissue, and biological behaviors.