Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the ability of dental pulp stem cells to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis(AS),a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels,is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.Dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflam-mation-related diseases.Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.AIM To modify DPSCs with HGF(DPSC-HGF)and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE-/-)mouse model and an in vitro cellular model.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs(DPSC-Null)through tail vein at weeks 4,7,and 11,respectively,and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology,flow cytometry,lipid and glucose measurements,real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment.An in vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells(HAOECs),and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null(DPSC-Null-CM)or DPSC-HGF-CM,and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry,RT-PCR and western blot.Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.RESULTS DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors,and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta,and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects.DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels.The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes,neutrophils,and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen.DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-αstimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE-/-mice on a HFD,and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.

Truncating PICK1 Variant Identified in Azoospermia Affected Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Knockout Mice

Objective The protein interacting with C kinase 1(PICK1)plays a critical role in vesicle trafficking,and its deficiency in sperm cells results in abnormal vesicle trafficking from Golgi to acrosome,which eventually disrupts acrosome formation and leads to male infertility.Methods An azoospermia sample was filtered,and the laboratory detection and clinical phenotype indicated typical azoospermia in the patient.We sequenced all of the exons in the PICK1 gene and found that there was a novel homozygous variant in the PICK1 gene,c.364delA(p.Lys122SerfsX8),and this protein structure truncating variant seriously affected the biological function.Then we constructed a PICK1 knockout mouse model using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat cutting technology(CRISPRc).Results The sperm from PICK1 knockout mice showed acrosome and nucleus abnormalities,as well as dysfunctional mitochondrial sheath formation.Both the total sperm and motility sperm counts were decreased in the PICK1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice.Moreover,the mitochondrial dysfunction was verified in the mice.These defects in the male PICK1 knockout mice may have eventually led to complete infertility.Conclusion The c.364delA novel variant in the PICK1 gene associated with clinical infertility,and pathogenic variants in the PICK1 may cause azoospermia or asthenospermia by impairing mitochondrial function in both mice and humans.

Expression changes of microtubule associated protein 1B in the brain of Fmr1 knockout mice

Objective To explore the regulatory effect of fragile X mental retardation protein （FMRP） on the translation of microtubule associated protein 1B （MAP1B）. Methods The expressions of MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA in the brains of 1-week and 6-week old fragile X mental retardation-1 （FmrI） knockout （KO） mice were investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and in situ hybridization, with the age-matched wild type mice （WT） as controls. Results The mean optical density （MOD） of MAP1B was significantly decreased in each brain region in KO6W compared with WT6W, whereas in KO1W, this decrease was only found in the hippocampus and cerebellum. MAP1B in 6-week mice was much less than that in 1-week mice of the same genotype. The results of Western blot and in situ hybridization showed that MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA were significantly decreased in the hippocampus of both KO1W and KO6W. Conclusion The decreased MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA in the Fmrl knockout mice indicate that FMRP may positively regulate the expression of MAP1B.

Reduced prostate branching morphogenes,s in stromal fibroblast, but not in epithelial, estrogen receptor a knockout mice

Early studies suggested that estrogen receptor alpha （ERa） is involved in estrogen-mediated imprinting effects in prostate development. We recently reported a more complete ERa knockout （KO） mouse model via mating β-actin Cre transgenic mice with floxed ERa mice. These ACTB-ERaKO male mice showed defects in prostatic branching morphogenesis, which demonstrates that ERa is necessary to maintain proliferative events in the prostate. However, within which prostate cell type ERa exerts those important functions remains to be elucidated. To address this, we have bred floxed ERa mice with either fibroblast-specific protein （FSP）-Cre or probasin-Cre transgenic mice to generate a mouse model that has deleted ERa gene in either stromal fibroblast （FSP-ERaKO） or epithelial （pes-ERaKO） prostate cells. We found that circulating testosterone and fertility were not altered in FSP.ERaKO and pes-ERaKO male mice. Prostates of FSP-ERaKO mice have less branching morphogenesis compared to that of wild-type littermates. Further analyses indicated that loss of stromal ERa leads to increased stromal apoptosis, reduced expression of insulin-likegrowth factor-1 （IGF-1） and FGFIO, and increased expression of BMP4. Collectively, we have established the first in vivo prostate stromal and epithelial selective ERaKO mouse models and the results from these mice indicated that stromal fibroblast ERa plays important roles in prostatic branching morphogenesis via a paracrine fashion. Selective deletion of the ERa gene in mouse prostate epithelial cells by probasin-Cre does not affect the regular prostate development and homeostasis.

Claudin-7 gene knockout causes destruction of intestinal structure and animal death in mice

BACKGROUND Claudin-7, one of the important components of cellular tight junctions, is currently considered to be expressed abnormally in colorectal inflammation and colorectal cancer. However, there is currently no effective animal model to study its specific mechanism. Therefore, we constructed three lines of Claudin-7 knockout mice using the Cre/LoxP system.AIM To determine the function of the tumor suppressor gene Claudin-7 by generating three lines of Claudin-7 gene knockout mice.METHODS We crossed Claudin-7-floxed mice with CMV-Cre, vil1-Cre, and villin-CreERT2 transgenic mice, and the offspring were self-crossed to obtain conventional Claudin-7 knockout mice, conditional(intestinal specific) Claudin-7 knockout mice, and inducible conditional Claudin-7 knockout mice. Intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen into the inducible conditional Claudin-7 knockout mice can induce the knockout of Claudin-7. PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to identify mouse genotypes, and Western blot was used to confirm the knockout of Claudin-7. The mental state, body length, and survival time of these mice were observed. The dying mice were sacrificed, and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed to observe changes in intestinal structure and proliferation markers.RESULTS We generated Claudin-7-floxed mice and three lines of Claudin-7 gene knockout mice using the Cre/LoxP system successfully. Conventional and intestinal specific Claudin-7 knockout mice were stunted and died during the perinatal period, and intestinal HE staining in these mice revealed mucosal gland structure disappearance and connective tissue hyperplasia with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. The inducible conditional Claudin-7 knockout mice had a normal phenotype at birth, but after the induction with tamoxifen, they exhibited a dying state. Intestinal HE staining showed significant inflammatory cell infiltration, and atypical hyperplasia and adenoma were also observed. Intestinal immunohistochemistry analysis showed abnormal expression and distribution of Ki67, and the normal intestinal proliferation balance was disrupted. The intestinal crypt size in inducible conditional Claudin-7 knockout mice was increased compared with control mice(small intestine: 54.1 ± 2.96 vs 38.4 ± 1.63;large intestine: 44.7 ± 1.93 vs 27.4 ± 0.60; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION The knockout of Claudin-7 in vivo causes extensive inflammation, atypical hyperplasia, and adenoma in intestinal tissue as well as animal death in mice.Claudin-7 may act as a tumor suppressor gene in the development of colorectal cancer.

Localization of NKCC1 in the Cochlea and Morphology of the Cochlea in NKCC1-Knockout Mice

The distribution of the Na-K-2Cl co-transporter （NKCCl） in the cochlear K^＋ cycling pathway in cochlea and cochlear histological changes in the NKCCl knockout mice were investigated. By using immunohistochemistry and toluidine blue staining, the localization of NKCCl in cochlea of the C57BL/6J mice and the cochlear histological changes in the NKCCl knockout mice were observed. It was found that the NKCCl was expressed mainly in the stria marginal cells and the fibrocytes in the inferior portion of the spiral ligament in the adult C57BL/6J mice. Subpopulation of the fibrocytes in the suprastrial region and the limbus was also moderately immunoreactive. While in the cochlea of the NKCCl knockout mice, Reissner＇s membrane was collapsed and scala media disappeared, accompanied with the loss of inner hair cells, outer hair cells and the support cells. The tunnel of Corti was often absent. All the findings suggested the localization of NKCCl in the cochlea was closely correlated with cochlear K^＋ cycling. Loss of NKCCl led to the destruction of the cochlear structures, and subsequently influenced the physiological function of cochlea.

Reduced Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism in Aquaporin-1 Knockout Mice

An overt phenotype of aquaporin-1 knockout（AQP1 ko） mice is growth retardation, suggesting possible defects in bone development and metabolism. In the present study, we analyzed the bone mineral density（ BMD）, bone calcium and phosphorus contents, and bone metabolism in an AQP1 ko mouse model. The BMD of femurs in AQP1 ko mice was significantly lower than that of litter-matched wildtype mice as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Consistently, the contents of bone total calcium and phosphorus were also significantly lower in AQP1 ko mice. The reduced BMD caused by AQP1 deficiency mainly affect male mice. Bone metabolic activity, as indicated by 99m^Tc-MDP absorption measurements, was remarkably reduced in AQP1 ko mice. These results provide the first evidence that AQP1 play an important role in bone structure and metabolism.

Helicobacter pylori arginase mutant colonizes arginase Ⅱ knockout mice

AIM: To investigate the role of host and bacterial arginases in the colonization of mice by Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori).METHODS: H.pylori produces a very powerful urease that hydrolyzes urea to carbon dioxide and ammonium,which neutralizes acid.Urease is absolutely essential to H.pylori pathogenesis;therefore,the urea substrate must be in ample supply for urease to work efficiently.The urea substrate is most likely provided by arginase activity,which hydrolyzes L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea.Previous work has demonstrated that H.pylori arginase is surprisingly not required for colonization of wild-type mice.Hence,another in vivo source of the critical urea substrate must exist.We hypothesized that the urea source was provided by host arginase Ⅱ,since this enzyme is expressed in the stomach,and H.pylori has previously been shown to induce the expression of murine gastric arginase Ⅱ.To test this hypothesis,wild-type and arginase (rocF) mutant H.pylori strain SS1 were inoculated into arginase Ⅱ knockout mice.RESULTS: Surprisingly,both the wild-type and rocF mutant bacteria still colonized arginase Ⅱ knockout mice.Moreover,feeding arginase Ⅱ knockout mice the host arginase inhibitor S-(2-boronoethyl)L-cysteine (BEC),while inhibiting > 50% of the host arginase Ⅰ?activity in several tissues,did not block the ability of the rocF mutant H.pylori to colonize.In contrast,BEC poorly inhibited H.pylori arginase activity.CONCLUSION: The in vivo source for the essential urea utilized by H.pylori urease is neither bacterial arginase nor host arginase Ⅱ;instead,either residual host arginase Ⅰ?or agmatinase is probably responsible.

Type Ⅰ interferon receptor knockout mice as models for infection of highly pathogenic viruses with outbreak potential

Due to their inability to generate a complete immune response, mice knockout for type I interferon （IFN） receptors （Ifnar-/-） are more susceptible to viral infections, and are thus commonly used for pathogenesis studies. This mouse model has been used to study many diseases caused by highly pathogenic viruses from many families, including the Flaviviridae, Filoviridae, Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Henipaviridae, and Togaviridae. In this review, we summarize the findings from these animal studies, and discuss the pros and cons of using this model versus other known methods for studying pathogenesis in animals.

Fidgetin knockdown and knockout influences female reproduction distinctly in mice

Microtubule-severing proteins(MTSPs),are a family of proteins which use adenosine triphosphate to sever microtubules.MTSPs have been shown to play an important role in multiple microtubule-involved cellular processes.One member of this family,fidgetin(FIGN),is also involved in male fertility;however,no studies have explored its roles in female fertility.In this study,we found mouse fidgetin is rich within oocyte zona pellucida(ZP)and is the only MTSP member to do so.Fidgetin also appears to interact with all three ZP proteins.These findings prompted us to propose that fidgetin might prevent polyspermy.Results from in vitro maturation oocytes analysis showed that fidgetin knockdown did cause polyspermy.We then deleted all three fidgetin isoforms with CRISPR/Cas9 technologies;however,female mice remained healthy and with normal fertility.Of all mouse MTSPs,only the mRNA level of fidgetin-like 1(FIGNL1)significantly increased.Therefore,we assert that fidgetin-like 1 compensates fidgetin's roles in fidgetin knockout female mice.

Growth and Reproduction Characteristics of TLR4 Knockout Mice Used for Liver Fibrosis Experiments

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the similarity and differences between TLR4 knockout mice and C57 BL/6 mice used in liver fibrosis research in terms of growth rate and reproduction ability.[Methods]Twenty TLR4 knockout mice and C57 BL/6 mice,half male and half female,were selected to compare the growth rates of body weight and body length of mice from the 4th to 12th weeks;and 20 pairs of male and female mice of the same strain were compared for the number of baby mice of the second litter.[Results]The growth rates of body weight and body length of the TLR4 knockout mice were significantly lower than those of C57 BL/6 mice(P<0.05)(except for the 4th and 5th weeks when there was no significant difference in body length);and in terms of reproductive ability,the TLR4 knockout mice were significantly lower than the C57 BL/6 mice(the ratio of the total number of baby mice in the second litter of the two strains,72∶147).[Conclusions]Knockout of the TLR4 gene has a significant impact on the growth and reproduction of mice.

Constitutively Expressed αB—Crystallin in Heat Schock Transcription Factor 1 Knockout Mice Myocardium

Objective-To investigate the effects of heat shock transcription factor 1) gene on the constitutivety expressed αB-CrystaUin (aBC) in mice myocardium. Methods-The expression levels of constitutive aBC in HSF1 knockout (hsf1 - /- ) and HSFl wild type (As/1 + /+) mice myocardium were evaluated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results : The αBC levels in hsfl -/- and hsfl +/+ were 68. 42±4. 16, 100. 00±7. 58, respectively (P<0. 05, cytoso-lic fraction) , and 20. 53±1. 01, 37. 55±1. 91, respectively (P<0. 05, pellet fraction). The aBC signals decreased significantly in hsfl -/- myocardium when compared with those in hsfl +/+ myocardium stained with fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Conclusion-HSF1 is an important, but not the only factor, which mediates the constitutively expressed aBC.

Skeletal phenotypes and molecular mechanisms in aging mice

Aging is an inevitable physiological process,often accompanied by age-related bone loss and subsequent bone-related diseases that pose serious health risks.Research on skeletal diseases caused by aging in humans is challenging due to lengthy study durations,difficulties in sampling,regional variability,and substantial investment.Consequently,mice are preferred for such studies due to their similar motor system structure and function to humans,ease of handling and care,low cost,and short generation time.In this review,we present a comprehensive overview of the characteristics,limitations,applicability,bone phenotypes,and treatment methods in naturally aging mice and prematurely aging mouse models(including SAMP6,POLG mutant,LMNA,SIRT6,ZMPSTE24,TFAM,ERCC1,WERNER,and KL/KL-deficient mice).We also summarize the molecular mechanisms of these aging mouse models,including cellular DNA damage response,senescence-related secretory phenotype,telomere shortening,oxidative stress,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)abnormalities,and mitochondrial dysfunction.Overall,this review aims to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of aging-related bone diseases.

1H-NMR-based Metabolomic approach to evaluating total flavonoids of Ocimum Basilicum Linn in apolipomtein E knockout mice

OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of serum metabolites by using ~1H-NMR-based metabonomic approach to explore the possible mechanisms of total flavonoids in Ocimum BasilicumLinn(OBL) on atherosclerosis in apolipomtein E knockout(ApoE-/-) mice.METHODS Six-week-old male apoE knockout mice were divided into four groups(n=10) and fed with high fet diet:model,Simv.astatin,OBL-H,OBL-M and OBL-L groups.The homogeneous male mice of C57 BL/6 J were used as the normol group and fed with normal chow diet.After 14 weeks,~1H-NMR technology was used to ex.plore the variability of serum metabolites by the method of PLS-DA and OPLS-DA.RESULTS Com.pared with normal group,Model group showed a significant increase in the serum levels of VLDL,LDL,β-hydroxyisobutyrate,lactate,myo-inositol and showed a significant decrease in the serum levels of al.anine,glutamine,proline,carnitine,methylamine,citrate,creatine,choline,taurine,pyruvate,β-glu.cose,α-glucose,glycine,lysine.Combined with model group OBL-H,OBL-M,OBL-L groups showed the effects of regulating the levels of different metabolites of the glucose,lipid and amino acid metabo.lism.CONCLUSION The anti-atheros-clerotic activity of total flavonoids in Ocimum BasilicumLinn may be related not only to regulation of lipid metabolism,but also glycometabolism and amino acid metabolism.

Tanshinone Ⅱ-A Attenuates and Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice Fed with High Cholesterol Diet

Objective TanshinoneⅡ-A(Tan),a bioactive diterpene isolated fromSalvia miltiorrhiza Bunge(Danshen),possesses anti-oxidant and anti-in-flammatory activities.The present study investigated whether Tan can reduce and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques in Apolipoprotein E knockout(ApoE-/-) mice maintained on a high cholesterol diet(HCD).Methods and Results Six week-old mice challenged with HCD were ran-domly assigned to 4 groups: C57BL/6J,ApoE-/-,ApoE-/-+30 mg/kg.d Tan and ApoE-/-+10 mg/kg.d Tan.After 16 weeks of inter-vention,Tan treated mice showed decreased atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic sinus and face aorta.Furthermore,immunohistochemical a-nalysis revealed that Tan rendered the lesion composition a more stable phenotype as evidenced by reduced necrotic cores,decreased macrophageinfiltration,increased smooth muscle cell and collagen content.Tan also significantly reduced in situ superoxide anion production,aortic expres-sion of NF-κB,and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9).In vitro treatment of RAW264.7 macrophages with Tan significantly suppressed oxi-dized LDL-induced reactive oxygen species production,pro-inflammatory cytokine(IL-6,TNF-α,MCP-1) expression,and MMP-9 activity.Conclusions Tan attenuates the development of atherosclerotic lesions and promotes plaque stability in ApoE-/-mice by reducing vascular oxi-dative stress and inflammatory responses.Our findings highlightTan as a potential therapeutic agentto preventatherosclerotic cardiovascular dis-eases.

Potential therapeutic role of spermine via Rac1 in osteoporosis:Insights from zebrafish and mice

Osteoporosis(OP)is a prevalent metabolic bone disease.While drug therapy is essential to prevent bone loss in osteoporotic patients,current treatments are limited by side effects and high costs,necessitating the development of more effective and safer targeted therapies.Utilizing a zebrafish(Danio rerio)larval model of osteoporosis,we explored the influence of the metabolite spermine on bone homeostasis.Results showed that spermine exhibited dual activity in osteoporotic zebrafish larvae by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption.Spermine not only demonstrated excellent biosafety but also mitigated prednisolone-induced embryonic neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.Notably,spermine showcased protective attributes in the nervous systems of both zebrafish embryos and larvae.At the molecular level,Rac1 was identified as playing a pivotal role in mediating the antiosteoporotic effects of spermine,with P53 potentially acting downstream of Rac1.These findings were confirmed using mouse(Mus musculus)models,in which spermine not only ameliorated osteoporosis but also promoted bone formation and mineralization under healthy conditions,suggesting strong potential as a bonestrengthening agent.This study underscores the beneficial role of spermine in osteoporotic bone homeostasis and skeletal system development,highlighting pivotal molecular mediators.Given their efficacy and safety,human endogenous metabolites like spermine are promising candidates for new anti-osteoporotic drug development and daily bone-fortifying agents.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth on immune response and gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice

With the rise of probiotics fermentation in food industry,fermented foods have attracted worldwide attention.In this study,protective effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth(REFB)on immune function and gut health in Cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated.Results showed that REFB could improve the immune organ index,and promote the proliferation and differentiation of splenic T lymphocytes.In addition,it attenuated intestinal mucosal damage and improved intestinal cellular immunity.REFB administration also up-regulated the expression of IL-4,INF-γ,TNF-α,T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA in small intestine.Furthermore,administration of REFB modulated gut microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of beneficial genus,such as Bacteroides.It also increased the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids.These indicate that REFB has the potential to improve immunity,alleviate intestinal injury and regulate gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice.

Generation of double knockout cattle via CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein(RNP)electroporation

Background Genome editing has been considered as powerful tool in agricultural fields.However,genome editing progress in cattle has not been fast as in other mammal species,for some disadvantages including long gestational periods,single pregnancy,and high raising cost.Furthermore,technically demanding methods such as microinjection and somatic cell nuclear transfer(SCNT)are needed for gene editing in cattle.In this point of view,electroporation in embryos has been risen as an alternative.Results First,editing efficiency of our electroporation methods were tested for embryos.Presence of mutation on embryo was confirmed by T7E1 assay.With first combination,mutation rates for MSTN and PRNP were 57.6%±13.7%and 54.6%±13.5%,respectively.In case of MSTN/BLG,mutation rates were 83.9%±23.6%for MSTN,84.5%±18.0%for BLG.Afterwards,the double-KO embryos were transferred to surrogates and mutation rate was identified in resultant calves by targeted deep sequencing.Thirteen recipients were transferred for MSTN/PRNP,4 calves were delivered,and one calf underwent an induction for double KO.Ten surrogates were given double-KO embryos for MSTN/BLG,and four of the six calves that were born had mutations in both genes.Conclusions These data demonstrated that production of genome edited cattle via electroporation of RNP could be effectively applied.Finally,MSTN and PRNP from beef cattle and MSTN and BLG from dairy cattle have been born and they will be valuable resources for future precision breeding.

Assessment of the piroxicam-incited model of synchronized colitis in T-cell receptor alpha chain-deficient mice

Background:A multitude of mouse models are utilized to emulate and study intestinal inflammation.T-cell receptor alpha chain(TCRα)-deficient mice are used as a model of spontaneous colitis that has similarities with human ulcerative colitis.However,colitis is triggered late in the life of the mouse(age:4-5 months),and inflammation does not develop at the same time in different mice.A previously conducted study reported that the administration of the drug piroxicam triggered predictable and early colitis in TCRα-deficient mice at the age of 6-8 weeks.However,a detailed characterization of ensuing inflammation was not provided.Methods:We conducted an in-depth examination of piroxicam-triggered colitis in TCRα-deficient mice,with emphasis on spatial histopathologic changes and analysis of expression of inflammatory markers.Furthermore,we tested amelioration of colitis with dexamethasone.Results:We confirmed that piroxicam induced a time-prescribed colitis and did so in the proximal colon as well as the cecum of TCRα-deficient mice.Piroxicam adminis-tration was observed to induce epithelial hyperplasia,goblet cell loss,and leukocyte infiltration with occasional ulceration.A Swiss roll technique was used to examine the colon and cecum in its entirety.Importantly,we observed that inflammation was mul-tifocal segmental,with areas of tissue damage in between healthy tissue.In addition,we observed variability in the severity of inflammation among replicate animals and treatments,and that the administration of dexamethasone only partially ameliorated inflammation in the proximal colon.Conclusions:Piroxicam consistently induced multifocal segmental colitis in the proxi-mal colon and cecum,although the degree of inflammation was reduced in the latter.Importantly,spatial variability in inflammation in the large intestine and the inter-replicate variation in the severity of inflammation must be taken into consideration when utilizing this murine model of synchronized colitis.

Application of transgenic mice to the molecular pathogenesis of cataract

One of the most prevalent disorders that cause blindness worldwide is cataract,and its essence is the visual disorder caused by the opacity of the lens.The significant degree of variation in cataracts and the fact that a variety of factors can impact a patient’s lens transparency make it especially crucial to investigate the pathogenesis of cataracts at the molecular level.It has been found that more than 60 genes are linked to the formation of cataracts,and the construction of a transgenic mouse model of cataract similar to the selection of human lens clouding due to a variety of causes has become an important means of studying the pathogenesis of cataract.Therefore,the research on the application of transgenic mice to the molecular pathogenesis of cataracts will be the main topic of this review of the literature.