Dynamic nitrification and denitrification processes are affected by changes in soil redox conditions,and they play a vital role in regulating soil N_(2)O emissions in rice-based cultivation.It is imperative to underst...Dynamic nitrification and denitrification processes are affected by changes in soil redox conditions,and they play a vital role in regulating soil N_(2)O emissions in rice-based cultivation.It is imperative to understand the influences of different upland crop planting systems on soil N_(2)O emissions.In this study,we focused on two representative rotation systems in Central China:rapeseed–rice(RR)and wheat–rice(WR).We examined the biotic and abiotic processes underlying the impacts of these upland plantings on soil N_(2)O emissions.The results revealed that during the rapeseed-cultivated seasons in the RR rotation system,the average N_(2)O emissions were 1.24±0.20 and 0.81±0.11 kg N ha^(–1)for the first and second seasons,respectively.These values were comparable to the N_(2)O emissions observed during the first and second wheat-cultivated seasons in the WR rotation system(0.98±0.25 and 0.70±0.04 kg N ha^(–1),respectively).This suggests that upland cultivation has minimal impacts on soil N_(2)O emissions in the two rotation systems.Strong positive correlations were found between N_(2)O fluxes and soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)),nitrate(NO_(3)^(–)),microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN),and the ratio of soil dissolved organic carbon(DOC)to NO_(3)^(–)in both RR and WR rotation systems.Moreover,the presence of the AOA-amoA and nirK genes were positively associated with soil N_(2)O fluxes in the RR and WR systems,respectively.This implies that these genes may have different potential roles in facilitating microbial N_(2)O production in various upland plantation models.By using a structural equation model,we found that soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA gene accounted for over 50%of the effects on N_(2)O emissions in the RR rotation system.In the WR rotation system,soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA and nirK genes had a combined impact of over 70%on N_(2)O emissions.These findings demonstrate the interactive effects of functional genes and soil factors,including soil physical characteristics,available carbon and nitrogen,and their ratio,on soil N_(2)O emissions during upland cultivation seasons under rice-upland rotations.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> Krüppel Like Factor 14 (KLF14) gene has recently been identified as a master gene for multiple metabolic phenotypes. The aim of the research study was to investigate the...<strong>Introduction:</strong> Krüppel Like Factor 14 (KLF14) gene has recently been identified as a master gene for multiple metabolic phenotypes. The aim of the research study was to investigate the relationship between KLF14 rs4731702 (C/T) gene polymorphism with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in a Cameroonian population. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> This case-control study was conducted in 85 patients with T2DM and 95 healthy normoglycemic controls. All were nonrelated, of Cameroonian origin, and were adults aged 24 years old and above. Demographic, clinical and biological data were collected, and biochemical explorations were performed using enzymatic colorimetric methods. The genotyping of KLF14 rs4731702 (CT) gene polymorphism was done by the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Results: In comparing the Cameroonian population that consisted of 85 patients with T2DM and 95 healthy controls, the minor or risk allele of the rs4731702 (C/T) polymorphism of the KLF14 gene was T (63.53% diabetic patients vs. 26.32% healthy controls, OR = 4.877 and p < 0.0001) while the protective allele was C (36.47% diabetic patients vs. 73.68% healthy controls, OR = 0.205 and p < 0.0001). The susceptibility to T2DM was higher among subjects having the CT and TT genotypes with OR = 2.721 and p = 0.0145) and OR = 3.907 and p < 0.0001) respectively. This gene polymorphism was not preferentially associated with a specific diabetes phenotype. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study has demonstrated for the first time the relationship between the KLF14 rs4731702 (C/T) gene polymorphism and T2DM in this Cameroonian population. This gene polymorphism could be a promising target for personalized medicine through the development of clinical genetic testing.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the correlation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RunX2) with proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in colon cancer lesions. Methods: A total of 90 pati...Objective: To investigate the correlation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RunX2) with proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in colon cancer lesions. Methods: A total of 90 patients with primary colon cancer were enrolled in colon cancer group, 68 patients with benign colon polyps were enrolled in colon polyps group, the differences in the expression levels of RunX2, proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in the two groups of lesions were compared, and Pearson test was further used to evaluate the correlation of RunX2 expression level with proliferation gene, tumor suppressor gene and angiogenesis molecule expression levels in colon cancer tissues. Results: RunX2 mRNA expression level in the lesions of colon cancer group was higher than that of colon polyps group. Proliferation genes GTPBP4, HOXB7, ZNF331, ADAM17 and HSP60 mRNA expression levels in the lesions of colon cancer group were higher than those of colon polyps group;tumor suppressor genes ATF3, FOXN3, OTUD1 and NDRG2 mRNA expression levels were lower than those of colon polyps group;angiogenesis molecules Musashi 1, NF-κB, RegⅣ and STAT3 mRNA expression levels were higher than those of colon polyps group. RunX2 mRNA expression level in the colon cancer lesions was directly correlated with the expression levels of the above proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules. Conclusion: RunX2 expression is abnormally high in colon cancer lesions, the specific expression level is positively correlated with cancer cell proliferation activity and angiogenesis activity, and it is an important molecular target that can lead to the occurrence and development of colon cancer.展开更多
[Objective]The aim was to explore the function of WRKY transcription factor in tomato.[Method]The primers were designed in this study according to the obtained WRKY fragments,and the total RNA from tomato treated with...[Objective]The aim was to explore the function of WRKY transcription factor in tomato.[Method]The primers were designed in this study according to the obtained WRKY fragments,and the total RNA from tomato treated with 100 μmol/L of JA for 6 h was used as the template for RT-PCR.[Result]The 608 bp fragment was obtained from tomato with RT-PCR method.Sequence analysis indicated that this sequence contained WRKYGQK conservative domain and the similarity with Capsicum annuum WRKY-c and Nicotiana tabacum NtWRKY-7 were 79% and 74%,respectively.[Conclusion]WRKY gene sequence in tomato was cloned successfully.展开更多
AIM:To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) gene amplification and protein expression in Chinese patients with resectable gastric cancer and the association with clinicopathological characteristi...AIM:To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) gene amplification and protein expression in Chinese patients with resectable gastric cancer and the association with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.METHODS:One hundred and ninety-seven gastric cancer patients who underwent curative surgery procedures were enrolled into this study.HER2 gene amplification and protein expression were examined using fluorescence in-situ hybridization(FISH) and immunohistochemistry(IHC) analysis on formalin-fixed paraffinembedded gastric cancer samples from all patients.For scoring,Hofmann's HER2 gastric cancer scoring system was adopted.All cases showing IHC3+ or FISH positiv-ity were defined as HER2 positive.Patient clinicopathological data and survival information were collected.Finally,χ 2 statistical analysis was performed to analyze the HER2 positivity rate amongst the subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics including;gender,age,tumor location,Lauren classification,differentiation,TNM staging,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.The probability of survival for different subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves plotted using log rank inspection.RESULTS:According to Hofmann's HER2 gastric cancer scoring criteria,31 cases(15.74%) were identified as HER2 gene amplified and 19 cases(9.64%) were scored as strongly positive for HER2 membrane staining(3+),25 cases(12.69%) were moderately positive(2+) and 153 cases(77.66%) were HER2 negative(0/1+).The concordance rate between IHC and FISH analyses was 88.83%(175/197).Thirty-six cases were defined as positive for HER2 gene amplification and/or protein expression,with 24 of these cases being eligible for Herceptin treatment according to United States recommendations,and 29 of these cases eligible according to EU recommendations.Highly consistent results were detected between IHC3+,IHC0/1 and FISH(73.68% and 95.42%),but low consistency was observed between IHC2+ and FISH(40.00%).The positivity rates in intestinal type and well-differentiated gastric cancer were higher than those in diffuse/mixed type and poorly-differentiated gastric cancer respectively(28.57% vs 13.43%,P = 0.0103;37.25% vs 11.64%,P < 0.0001),but were not correlated with gender,age,tumor location or TNM stage,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.In poorly-differentiated gastric cancer patients,those without lymph node metastasis showed a higher HER2 positivity rate than those with lymph node metastasis(26.47% vs 7.14%,P = 0.0021).This association was not present in thosepatients with well-differentiated gastric cancer(28.57% vs 43.33%,P = 0.2832).Within our patient cohort,26 cases were lost to follow-up.The median survival time for the remaining 171 patients was 18 mo.The median survival times of the HER2 positive and negative groups were 17 and 18.5 mo respectively.Overall survival was not significantly different between HER2-positive and negative groups(χ 2 = 0.9157,P = 0.3386),but in patients presenting well-differentiated tumors,the overall survival of the HER2-positive group was significantly worse than that of the HER2-negative group(P = 0.0123).In contrast,patients with poorly differentiated and diffuse/mixed subtype gastric cancers showed no significant differences in overall survival associated with HER2.Furthermore,the median survival time of the HER2 positive group did not show any statistically significant differences when compared to the subgroups of gender,age,tumor location,TNM classification,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.CONCLUSION:Patients with intestinal type gastric cancer(GC),well-differentiated GC and poorly-differentiated GC without lymph node metastasis,may all represent suitable candidates for targeted therapy using Herceptin.展开更多
AIM:To identify the risk factors and three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of NOD2/CARD15 gene in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) of the population in Zhejiang,China.METHODS:A case-control study was conducted us...AIM:To identify the risk factors and three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of NOD2/CARD15 gene in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) of the population in Zhejiang,China.METHODS:A case-control study was conducted using recall questionnaire to collect data on demographic,socioeconomic,lifestyle characteristics and dietary behaviors from 136 determined IBD patients and 136 paired healthy controls.COX regression method was used to screen the statistically significant risk factors for IBD.The polymorphisms of NOD2/CARD15 gene Arg702Trp,Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC were genotyped and further compared between 60 patients with IBD and 60 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.RESULTS:IBD occurred primarily in young and middle-aged people.The mean age for IBD patients was 42.6 years.The ratio of males to females was 1.23:1.COX regression indicated a higher statistical significance in milk,fried food and stress compared with the other postulated risk factors for IBD.None of the patients with IBD and healthy controls had heterozygous or homozygous SNPs variants.CONCLUSION:Milk,fried food and stress are associated with increased risk of IBD.The common variants in NOD2/CARD15 gene are not associated with IBD in China's Zhejiang population.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the killing efficiency of a recombinant plasmid containing a thymidine kinase (TK) domain insert driven by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) promoter (KDR) on vascular endo...AIM: To investigate the killing efficiency of a recombinant plasmid containing a thymidine kinase (TK) domain insert driven by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) promoter (KDR) on vascular endothelial cells.METHODS: The KDR-TK fragment was extracted from pBluescript Ⅱ KDR-TK plasmid by enzymatic digestion with Xho I and Sal I. The enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) carrier was extracted from pEGFP by the same procedure. The KDR-TK was inserted into the pEGFP carrier to construct pEGFP-KDR-TK. Using ultrasound irradiation and microbubble, pEGFP-KDR-TK was transferred into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The transient infection rate was estimated by green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. Transfected HUVECs, non-transfected HUVECs, and HepG2 cells were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of ganciclovir (GCV), and the killing efficacy of HSV-TK/GCV was analyzed by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS: The recombinant pEGFP-KDR-TK was successfully constructed by inserting the KDR-TK fragment into the pEGFP carrier. Transfected HUVECs showed cytoplasmic green fluorescence, and the transient transfection rate was about 20.3%. Pools of G418-resistant cells exhibited a higher sensitivity to theprodrug/GCV compared to non-transfected HUVECs or non-transfected HepG2 cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: KDR promoter and the suicide gene/prodrug system mediated by diagnostic ultrasound combined with microbubble can significantly kill HUVECs. Such therapy may present a novel and attractive approach to target gene therapy on tumor vessels.展开更多
Aim: To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) protein expression and gene amplification in Chinese metastatic prostate cancer patients and their potential value as prognostic factors. Met...Aim: To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) protein expression and gene amplification in Chinese metastatic prostate cancer patients and their potential value as prognostic factors. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to investigate HER2 protein expression in prostate biopsy specimens from 104 Chinese metastatic prostate cancer patients. After 3-11 months of hormonal therapy, 12 patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). HER2 protein expression of TURP specimens was compared with that of the original biopsy specimens. Of these, 10 biopsy and 4 TURP specimens with HER2 IHC staining scores ≥ 2+ were investigated for HER2 gene amplification status by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: Of the 104 prostate biopsy specimens, HER2 protein expression was 0, 1+, 2+ and 3+ in 49 (47.1%), 45 (43.3%), 8 (7.7%) and 2 (1.9%) cases, respectively. There was a significant association between HER2 expression and Gleason score (P = 0.026). HER2 protein expression of prostate cancer tissues increased in 33.3% of patients after hormonal therapy. None of the 14 specimens with HER2 IHC scores 〉 2+ showed HER2 gene amplification. Patients with HER2 scores 〉 2+ had a significantly higher chance of dying from prostate cancer than those with HER2 scores of 0 (P = 0.004) and 1+ (P = 0.034). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HER2 protein expression intensity was an independent predictor of cancer-related death (P = 0.039). Conclusion: An HER2 IHC score 〉 2+ should be defined as HER2 protein overexpression in prostate cancer. Overexpression of HER2 protein in cancer tissue might suggest an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer. HER2 protein expression increases in some individual patients after hormonal therapy.展开更多
Beta-nerve growth factor(β-NGF) is known to be a major leading cause of neuronal plasticity. To identify the possible action mechanisms of β-NGF gene therapy for sciatic nerve recovery, experimental dogs were random...Beta-nerve growth factor(β-NGF) is known to be a major leading cause of neuronal plasticity. To identify the possible action mechanisms of β-NGF gene therapy for sciatic nerve recovery, experimental dogs were randomly divided into control, pyridoxine, and pyridoxine + β-NGF groups. We observed chronological changes of morphology in the dorsal root ganglia in response to pyridoxine toxicity based on cresyl violet staining. The number of large neurons positive for cresyl violet was dramatically decreased after pyridoxine intoxication for 7 days in the dorsal root ganglia and the neuron number was gradually increased after pyridoxine withdrawal. In addition, we also investigated the effects of β-NGF gene therapy on neuronal plasticity in pyridoxine-induced neuropathic dogs. To accomplish this, tyrosine kinase receptor A(TrkA), βIII-tubulin and doublecortin(DCX) immunohistochemical staining was performed at 3 days after the last pyridoxine treatment. TrkA-immunoreactive neurons were dramatically decreased in the pyridoxine group compared to the control group, but strong TrkA immunoreactivity was observed in the small-sized dorsal root ganglia in this group. TrkA immunoreactivity in the dorsal root ganglia was similar between β-NGF and control groups. The numbers of βIII-tubulin-and DCX-immunoreactive cells decreased significantly in the pyridoxine group compared to the control group. However, the reduction of βIII-tubulin-and DCX-immunoreactive cells in the dorsal root ganglia in the β-NGF group was significantly ameliorated than that in the pyridoxine group. These results indicate that β-NGF gene therapy is a powerful treatment of pyridoxine-induced neuropathic damage by increasing the TrkA and DCX levels in the dorsal root ganglia. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee(IACUC) of Seoul National University, South Korea(approval No. SNU-060623-1, SNU-091009-1) on June 23, 2006 and October 9, 2009, respectively.展开更多
Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play important roles in response to plant biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, a gene encoding a putative AP2/ERF domain-containing protein was isolated by screening a SSH cDN...Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play important roles in response to plant biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, a gene encoding a putative AP2/ERF domain-containing protein was isolated by screening a SSH cDNA library from rice and designated as Oryza sativa AP2/ERF-like protein (OsAP2LP) gene. OsAP2LP is 1491 bp in length, interrupted by seven introns, and encodes a putative protein of 348 amino acids. Temporal and spatial expression analysis showed that the OsAP2LP gene was preferentially expressed in roots, panicles, mature embryos and seeds in rice. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of the OsAP2LP gene were increased under the treatments of drought and gibberellin but decreased under the treatments of low temperature, salt, abscisic acid (ABA) and zeatin. Taken together, these results suggest that OsAP2LP might be involved in stress responses, and probably plays roles as a transcription regulator when plants response to cold, salt and drought stresses through ABA and gibberellin pathways.展开更多
The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells in vitro and the possible mechanism involved were investigated...The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells in vitro and the possible mechanism involved were investigated, and the correlation between the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in NPC evaluated. The NPC cells were transfected with PAd-trackVEGF165 plasmid. The expression levels of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein in NPC cells were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. It was found that the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in NPC cells after transfection of VEGF 165. It was concluded that the expression of VEGF was correlated to the in vitro invasion of NPC cells, and the induction of MMP-2 by VEGF was a key process of NPC cell invasion.展开更多
To examine the expression profiles of oligodendrocyte transcription factors 1 and 2 (Oligl and Olig2) and the interaction between these two proteins, Oligl was transfected into the lateral ventricles of neonatal rat...To examine the expression profiles of oligodendrocyte transcription factors 1 and 2 (Oligl and Olig2) and the interaction between these two proteins, Oligl was transfected into the lateral ventricles of neonatal rats subjected to hypoxia. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that Olig2 was expressed throughout the nuclei in the brain, and expression increased at 3 days following hypoxia and was higher than levels at 7 days following Ad5-Oligl transfection. Western blot revealed that Oligl and Olig2 expression increased in Oligl-transfected brain cells 3 days after hypoxia, but Oligl and Olig2 expression decreased at 7 days. These results indicate that Oligl overexpression enhances Olig2 expression in brain tissues of hypoxia rats.展开更多
Transcription factors(TFs)orchestrate the regulation of cellular gene expression and thereby determine cell functionality.In this study,we analyzed the distribution of TFs containing domains,which named as ZnFTFs,both...Transcription factors(TFs)orchestrate the regulation of cellular gene expression and thereby determine cell functionality.In this study,we analyzed the distribution of TFs containing domains,which named as ZnFTFs,both in ascomycete and basidiomycete fungi.We found that ZnFTFs were widely distributed in these fungal species,but there was more expansion of the ZnFTF class in Ascomycota than Basidiomycota.We identified 40 ZnFTFs in Ustilaginoidea virens,and demonstrated the involvement of UvZnFTF1 in vegetative growth,conidiation,pigment biosynthesis and pathogenicity.RNA-Seq analysis suggested that UvZnFTF1 may regulate different nutrient metabolism pathways,the production of secondary metabolites,and the expression of pathogen-host interaction genes and secreted protein-encodi ng genes.Analysis of the distributi on of differe nt fungal TFs in U.virens further dem on strated that UvZnFTFs make up a large TF family and may play essential biological roles in U.virens.展开更多
We observed the polymorphism distribution and coaction of uncoupling protein 3(UCP3)-55C/T,adiponectin(APN)+45T/G and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-308G/A on the onset and development of T2DM in a Northern Chin...We observed the polymorphism distribution and coaction of uncoupling protein 3(UCP3)-55C/T,adiponectin(APN)+45T/G and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-308G/A on the onset and development of T2DM in a Northern Chinese Han population of 213[100 type 2 diabete(T2DM) patients and 113 health control subjects] by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisum(PCR-RFLP) method.Results demonstrate the polymorphism of UCP3-55C/T,APN+45T/G,and TNF-α-308G/A related to T2DM onset and developement.And the individuals carrying UCP3-55T,APN+45G and TNF-α-308A allele had higher T2DM risk.Those results are the first report to evaluate the association of the coaction of UCP3,APN,TNF-α genes polymorphism on T2DM risk and the susceptibility of T2DM in the Northern Chinese Han population.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Both animal experiments and clinical studies have shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) can exhibit protective effects on ischemia-reperfusion cerebral inj...BACKGROUND: Both animal experiments and clinical studies have shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) can exhibit protective effects on ischemia-reperfusion cerebral injury. OBJECTIVE: To test whether bFGF and danshen can protect cerebral injury induced by exposure to repeated, high, positive acceleration (+Gz) in an animal model and to analyze the possible mechanisms. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Randomized controlled animal study. The experiment was performed at the Research Center for Molecular Biology, Air-force General Hospital of Chinese PLA from April to August 2000. MATERIALS: A total of 20 clean grade, healthy, Sprague Dawley rats of both genders, weighing (200 ± 15) g, were provided by our experimental animal center. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, +Gz exposure group, bFGF group, danshen group, and saline group, with 4 animals per group. bFGF (Beijing Bailuyuan Biotechnology Co. Ltd.) and danshen solution (Shanghai Zhongxi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.) were used. METHODS: All rats were fixed on a rotary arm of a centrifugal apparatus (2 m in radius) with their heads oriented towards the center of the apparatus. Except for rats in the control group, the value of +Gz exposure was +14 Gz with an acceleration rate of 1.5 G/s. The peak force lasted for 45 seconds. +Gz exposure was performed three times with intervals of 30 minutes. Rats in the control group received the same +Gz procedure, but the G value was +1 Gz. Rats in bFGF group and danshen group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μg/kg bFGF or 15 g/kg danshen solution, respectively, at 30 minutes prior to centrifugation and immediately after centrifugation. Rats in saline group were injected with the same volume of saline. Six hours after exposure, rats were decapitated. One hemisphere was preserved in liquid nitrogen for RNA extraction and the other was processed for apoptosis detection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: mRNA levels of bcl-2 and p53 were measured by semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Apoptotic cell death was detected by terminal deoxynuleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. RESULTS: Changes in mRNA expression of bcl-2 and p53 and apoptotic cells were observed in rat brain six hours after repeated +Gz exposures, bFGF and danshen were able block the changes of bcl-2 and p53 expression and inhibit apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that apoptosis and changes in bcl-2 and p53 expression in the rat brain can be induced by repeated +Gz exposures. Apoptosis is, therefore, one of the molecular mechanisms of brain damage induced by repeated +Gz exposures, bFGF and danshen were of the equal potency in preventing brain injury induced by repeated +Gz exposures.展开更多
Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of lentivirus-mediated co-transfection of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (hVEGFI65) gene and human...Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of lentivirus-mediated co-transfection of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (hVEGFI65) gene and human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP2) gene. Methods The hVEGF165 and hBMP2 cDNAs were obtained from human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 and cloned into lentiviral expression vectors designed to co-express the copepod green fluorescent protein (copGFP). The expression lentivector and packaging Plasmid Mix were co-transferred to 293TN cells, which produced the lentivirus carrying hVEGF165 (Lv-VEGF) or hBMP2 ( Lv-BMP) , respectively. MSCs of Wistar rats were co-transfected with Lv-BMP and Lv-VEGF (BMP + VEGF group), or each alone (BMP group and VEGF group), or with no virus ( Control group). The mRNA and protein expressions of hVEGF165 and hBMP2 genes in each group were detected by real-time PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Lentiviral expression vectors carrying hVEGF165 or hBMP2 were correctly constructed and confirmed by restriction endonucleses analysis and DNA sequencing analysis. A transfer efficiency up to 90% was archieved in all the transfected groups detected by the fraction of fluorescent cells using fluorescent microscopy. From the results generated by real-time PCR and ELISA, VEGF165 and BMP2 genes were co-expressed in BMP + VEGF group. No significant difference of BMP2 expression was detected between BMP + VEGF and BMP groups ( P 〉 0. 05). Similarly, there was no significant difference of VEGF165 expression between BMP + VEGF and VEGF groups ( P 〉 0. 05). Conclusion VEGF165 and BMP2 genes were successfully co-expressed in MSCs by lentivirus-mediated co-transfection, which provided a further foundation for the combined gene therapy of bone regeneration.展开更多
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0800102)the Hubei Provincial Key Research and Development Program,China(2021BCA156)。
文摘Dynamic nitrification and denitrification processes are affected by changes in soil redox conditions,and they play a vital role in regulating soil N_(2)O emissions in rice-based cultivation.It is imperative to understand the influences of different upland crop planting systems on soil N_(2)O emissions.In this study,we focused on two representative rotation systems in Central China:rapeseed–rice(RR)and wheat–rice(WR).We examined the biotic and abiotic processes underlying the impacts of these upland plantings on soil N_(2)O emissions.The results revealed that during the rapeseed-cultivated seasons in the RR rotation system,the average N_(2)O emissions were 1.24±0.20 and 0.81±0.11 kg N ha^(–1)for the first and second seasons,respectively.These values were comparable to the N_(2)O emissions observed during the first and second wheat-cultivated seasons in the WR rotation system(0.98±0.25 and 0.70±0.04 kg N ha^(–1),respectively).This suggests that upland cultivation has minimal impacts on soil N_(2)O emissions in the two rotation systems.Strong positive correlations were found between N_(2)O fluxes and soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)),nitrate(NO_(3)^(–)),microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN),and the ratio of soil dissolved organic carbon(DOC)to NO_(3)^(–)in both RR and WR rotation systems.Moreover,the presence of the AOA-amoA and nirK genes were positively associated with soil N_(2)O fluxes in the RR and WR systems,respectively.This implies that these genes may have different potential roles in facilitating microbial N_(2)O production in various upland plantation models.By using a structural equation model,we found that soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA gene accounted for over 50%of the effects on N_(2)O emissions in the RR rotation system.In the WR rotation system,soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA and nirK genes had a combined impact of over 70%on N_(2)O emissions.These findings demonstrate the interactive effects of functional genes and soil factors,including soil physical characteristics,available carbon and nitrogen,and their ratio,on soil N_(2)O emissions during upland cultivation seasons under rice-upland rotations.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> Krüppel Like Factor 14 (KLF14) gene has recently been identified as a master gene for multiple metabolic phenotypes. The aim of the research study was to investigate the relationship between KLF14 rs4731702 (C/T) gene polymorphism with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in a Cameroonian population. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> This case-control study was conducted in 85 patients with T2DM and 95 healthy normoglycemic controls. All were nonrelated, of Cameroonian origin, and were adults aged 24 years old and above. Demographic, clinical and biological data were collected, and biochemical explorations were performed using enzymatic colorimetric methods. The genotyping of KLF14 rs4731702 (CT) gene polymorphism was done by the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Results: In comparing the Cameroonian population that consisted of 85 patients with T2DM and 95 healthy controls, the minor or risk allele of the rs4731702 (C/T) polymorphism of the KLF14 gene was T (63.53% diabetic patients vs. 26.32% healthy controls, OR = 4.877 and p < 0.0001) while the protective allele was C (36.47% diabetic patients vs. 73.68% healthy controls, OR = 0.205 and p < 0.0001). The susceptibility to T2DM was higher among subjects having the CT and TT genotypes with OR = 2.721 and p = 0.0145) and OR = 3.907 and p < 0.0001) respectively. This gene polymorphism was not preferentially associated with a specific diabetes phenotype. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study has demonstrated for the first time the relationship between the KLF14 rs4731702 (C/T) gene polymorphism and T2DM in this Cameroonian population. This gene polymorphism could be a promising target for personalized medicine through the development of clinical genetic testing.
文摘Objective: To investigate the correlation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RunX2) with proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in colon cancer lesions. Methods: A total of 90 patients with primary colon cancer were enrolled in colon cancer group, 68 patients with benign colon polyps were enrolled in colon polyps group, the differences in the expression levels of RunX2, proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in the two groups of lesions were compared, and Pearson test was further used to evaluate the correlation of RunX2 expression level with proliferation gene, tumor suppressor gene and angiogenesis molecule expression levels in colon cancer tissues. Results: RunX2 mRNA expression level in the lesions of colon cancer group was higher than that of colon polyps group. Proliferation genes GTPBP4, HOXB7, ZNF331, ADAM17 and HSP60 mRNA expression levels in the lesions of colon cancer group were higher than those of colon polyps group;tumor suppressor genes ATF3, FOXN3, OTUD1 and NDRG2 mRNA expression levels were lower than those of colon polyps group;angiogenesis molecules Musashi 1, NF-κB, RegⅣ and STAT3 mRNA expression levels were higher than those of colon polyps group. RunX2 mRNA expression level in the colon cancer lesions was directly correlated with the expression levels of the above proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules. Conclusion: RunX2 expression is abnormally high in colon cancer lesions, the specific expression level is positively correlated with cancer cell proliferation activity and angiogenesis activity, and it is an important molecular target that can lead to the occurrence and development of colon cancer.
基金Supported by Beijing Nature Science Foundation(5102015)~~
文摘[Objective]The aim was to explore the function of WRKY transcription factor in tomato.[Method]The primers were designed in this study according to the obtained WRKY fragments,and the total RNA from tomato treated with 100 μmol/L of JA for 6 h was used as the template for RT-PCR.[Result]The 608 bp fragment was obtained from tomato with RT-PCR method.Sequence analysis indicated that this sequence contained WRKYGQK conservative domain and the similarity with Capsicum annuum WRKY-c and Nicotiana tabacum NtWRKY-7 were 79% and 74%,respectively.[Conclusion]WRKY gene sequence in tomato was cloned successfully.
文摘AIM:To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) gene amplification and protein expression in Chinese patients with resectable gastric cancer and the association with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.METHODS:One hundred and ninety-seven gastric cancer patients who underwent curative surgery procedures were enrolled into this study.HER2 gene amplification and protein expression were examined using fluorescence in-situ hybridization(FISH) and immunohistochemistry(IHC) analysis on formalin-fixed paraffinembedded gastric cancer samples from all patients.For scoring,Hofmann's HER2 gastric cancer scoring system was adopted.All cases showing IHC3+ or FISH positiv-ity were defined as HER2 positive.Patient clinicopathological data and survival information were collected.Finally,χ 2 statistical analysis was performed to analyze the HER2 positivity rate amongst the subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics including;gender,age,tumor location,Lauren classification,differentiation,TNM staging,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.The probability of survival for different subgroups with different clinicopathological characteristics was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves plotted using log rank inspection.RESULTS:According to Hofmann's HER2 gastric cancer scoring criteria,31 cases(15.74%) were identified as HER2 gene amplified and 19 cases(9.64%) were scored as strongly positive for HER2 membrane staining(3+),25 cases(12.69%) were moderately positive(2+) and 153 cases(77.66%) were HER2 negative(0/1+).The concordance rate between IHC and FISH analyses was 88.83%(175/197).Thirty-six cases were defined as positive for HER2 gene amplification and/or protein expression,with 24 of these cases being eligible for Herceptin treatment according to United States recommendations,and 29 of these cases eligible according to EU recommendations.Highly consistent results were detected between IHC3+,IHC0/1 and FISH(73.68% and 95.42%),but low consistency was observed between IHC2+ and FISH(40.00%).The positivity rates in intestinal type and well-differentiated gastric cancer were higher than those in diffuse/mixed type and poorly-differentiated gastric cancer respectively(28.57% vs 13.43%,P = 0.0103;37.25% vs 11.64%,P < 0.0001),but were not correlated with gender,age,tumor location or TNM stage,depth of invasion,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.In poorly-differentiated gastric cancer patients,those without lymph node metastasis showed a higher HER2 positivity rate than those with lymph node metastasis(26.47% vs 7.14%,P = 0.0021).This association was not present in thosepatients with well-differentiated gastric cancer(28.57% vs 43.33%,P = 0.2832).Within our patient cohort,26 cases were lost to follow-up.The median survival time for the remaining 171 patients was 18 mo.The median survival times of the HER2 positive and negative groups were 17 and 18.5 mo respectively.Overall survival was not significantly different between HER2-positive and negative groups(χ 2 = 0.9157,P = 0.3386),but in patients presenting well-differentiated tumors,the overall survival of the HER2-positive group was significantly worse than that of the HER2-negative group(P = 0.0123).In contrast,patients with poorly differentiated and diffuse/mixed subtype gastric cancers showed no significant differences in overall survival associated with HER2.Furthermore,the median survival time of the HER2 positive group did not show any statistically significant differences when compared to the subgroups of gender,age,tumor location,TNM classification,lymph node metastases and distant metastasis.CONCLUSION:Patients with intestinal type gastric cancer(GC),well-differentiated GC and poorly-differentiated GC without lymph node metastasis,may all represent suitable candidates for targeted therapy using Herceptin.
文摘AIM:To identify the risk factors and three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of NOD2/CARD15 gene in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) of the population in Zhejiang,China.METHODS:A case-control study was conducted using recall questionnaire to collect data on demographic,socioeconomic,lifestyle characteristics and dietary behaviors from 136 determined IBD patients and 136 paired healthy controls.COX regression method was used to screen the statistically significant risk factors for IBD.The polymorphisms of NOD2/CARD15 gene Arg702Trp,Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC were genotyped and further compared between 60 patients with IBD and 60 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.RESULTS:IBD occurred primarily in young and middle-aged people.The mean age for IBD patients was 42.6 years.The ratio of males to females was 1.23:1.COX regression indicated a higher statistical significance in milk,fried food and stress compared with the other postulated risk factors for IBD.None of the patients with IBD and healthy controls had heterozygous or homozygous SNPs variants.CONCLUSION:Milk,fried food and stress are associated with increased risk of IBD.The common variants in NOD2/CARD15 gene are not associated with IBD in China's Zhejiang population.
基金New Century Distinguished Scholar Supporting Program of Ministry of Education (80000-3171404) The National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30300082, No. 30470467
文摘AIM: To investigate the killing efficiency of a recombinant plasmid containing a thymidine kinase (TK) domain insert driven by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) promoter (KDR) on vascular endothelial cells.METHODS: The KDR-TK fragment was extracted from pBluescript Ⅱ KDR-TK plasmid by enzymatic digestion with Xho I and Sal I. The enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) carrier was extracted from pEGFP by the same procedure. The KDR-TK was inserted into the pEGFP carrier to construct pEGFP-KDR-TK. Using ultrasound irradiation and microbubble, pEGFP-KDR-TK was transferred into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The transient infection rate was estimated by green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. Transfected HUVECs, non-transfected HUVECs, and HepG2 cells were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of ganciclovir (GCV), and the killing efficacy of HSV-TK/GCV was analyzed by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS: The recombinant pEGFP-KDR-TK was successfully constructed by inserting the KDR-TK fragment into the pEGFP carrier. Transfected HUVECs showed cytoplasmic green fluorescence, and the transient transfection rate was about 20.3%. Pools of G418-resistant cells exhibited a higher sensitivity to theprodrug/GCV compared to non-transfected HUVECs or non-transfected HepG2 cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: KDR promoter and the suicide gene/prodrug system mediated by diagnostic ultrasound combined with microbubble can significantly kill HUVECs. Such therapy may present a novel and attractive approach to target gene therapy on tumor vessels.
基金This study was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30772162).
文摘Aim: To investigate human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) protein expression and gene amplification in Chinese metastatic prostate cancer patients and their potential value as prognostic factors. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to investigate HER2 protein expression in prostate biopsy specimens from 104 Chinese metastatic prostate cancer patients. After 3-11 months of hormonal therapy, 12 patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). HER2 protein expression of TURP specimens was compared with that of the original biopsy specimens. Of these, 10 biopsy and 4 TURP specimens with HER2 IHC staining scores ≥ 2+ were investigated for HER2 gene amplification status by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: Of the 104 prostate biopsy specimens, HER2 protein expression was 0, 1+, 2+ and 3+ in 49 (47.1%), 45 (43.3%), 8 (7.7%) and 2 (1.9%) cases, respectively. There was a significant association between HER2 expression and Gleason score (P = 0.026). HER2 protein expression of prostate cancer tissues increased in 33.3% of patients after hormonal therapy. None of the 14 specimens with HER2 IHC scores 〉 2+ showed HER2 gene amplification. Patients with HER2 scores 〉 2+ had a significantly higher chance of dying from prostate cancer than those with HER2 scores of 0 (P = 0.004) and 1+ (P = 0.034). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HER2 protein expression intensity was an independent predictor of cancer-related death (P = 0.039). Conclusion: An HER2 IHC score 〉 2+ should be defined as HER2 protein overexpression in prostate cancer. Overexpression of HER2 protein in cancer tissue might suggest an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer. HER2 protein expression increases in some individual patients after hormonal therapy.
基金supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Science,ICT&Future Planning(No.NRF-2017R1A1A1A05000762)Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development,Rural Development Administration,Republic of Korea(No.PJ01395602 both to JYC)
文摘Beta-nerve growth factor(β-NGF) is known to be a major leading cause of neuronal plasticity. To identify the possible action mechanisms of β-NGF gene therapy for sciatic nerve recovery, experimental dogs were randomly divided into control, pyridoxine, and pyridoxine + β-NGF groups. We observed chronological changes of morphology in the dorsal root ganglia in response to pyridoxine toxicity based on cresyl violet staining. The number of large neurons positive for cresyl violet was dramatically decreased after pyridoxine intoxication for 7 days in the dorsal root ganglia and the neuron number was gradually increased after pyridoxine withdrawal. In addition, we also investigated the effects of β-NGF gene therapy on neuronal plasticity in pyridoxine-induced neuropathic dogs. To accomplish this, tyrosine kinase receptor A(TrkA), βIII-tubulin and doublecortin(DCX) immunohistochemical staining was performed at 3 days after the last pyridoxine treatment. TrkA-immunoreactive neurons were dramatically decreased in the pyridoxine group compared to the control group, but strong TrkA immunoreactivity was observed in the small-sized dorsal root ganglia in this group. TrkA immunoreactivity in the dorsal root ganglia was similar between β-NGF and control groups. The numbers of βIII-tubulin-and DCX-immunoreactive cells decreased significantly in the pyridoxine group compared to the control group. However, the reduction of βIII-tubulin-and DCX-immunoreactive cells in the dorsal root ganglia in the β-NGF group was significantly ameliorated than that in the pyridoxine group. These results indicate that β-NGF gene therapy is a powerful treatment of pyridoxine-induced neuropathic damage by increasing the TrkA and DCX levels in the dorsal root ganglia. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee(IACUC) of Seoul National University, South Korea(approval No. SNU-060623-1, SNU-091009-1) on June 23, 2006 and October 9, 2009, respectively.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.30770132 and 30570103)
文摘Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play important roles in response to plant biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, a gene encoding a putative AP2/ERF domain-containing protein was isolated by screening a SSH cDNA library from rice and designated as Oryza sativa AP2/ERF-like protein (OsAP2LP) gene. OsAP2LP is 1491 bp in length, interrupted by seven introns, and encodes a putative protein of 348 amino acids. Temporal and spatial expression analysis showed that the OsAP2LP gene was preferentially expressed in roots, panicles, mature embryos and seeds in rice. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of the OsAP2LP gene were increased under the treatments of drought and gibberellin but decreased under the treatments of low temperature, salt, abscisic acid (ABA) and zeatin. Taken together, these results suggest that OsAP2LP might be involved in stress responses, and probably plays roles as a transcription regulator when plants response to cold, salt and drought stresses through ABA and gibberellin pathways.
基金This project was supported by grants from National Excellent Young Scientists Foundation of China (No.39925035) the Major Clinical Project of Ministry of Health (No.22012332).
文摘The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells in vitro and the possible mechanism involved were investigated, and the correlation between the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in NPC evaluated. The NPC cells were transfected with PAd-trackVEGF165 plasmid. The expression levels of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein in NPC cells were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. It was found that the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in NPC cells after transfection of VEGF 165. It was concluded that the expression of VEGF was correlated to the in vitro invasion of NPC cells, and the induction of MMP-2 by VEGF was a key process of NPC cell invasion.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30872778/C1704the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing, No. 7072023+1 种基金the Clinical Basic Cooperation Foundation of Capital Medical University, No. 2009jl18the Clinical Basic Cooperation Foundation of Capital Medical University, No.11JL-L03
文摘To examine the expression profiles of oligodendrocyte transcription factors 1 and 2 (Oligl and Olig2) and the interaction between these two proteins, Oligl was transfected into the lateral ventricles of neonatal rats subjected to hypoxia. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that Olig2 was expressed throughout the nuclei in the brain, and expression increased at 3 days following hypoxia and was higher than levels at 7 days following Ad5-Oligl transfection. Western blot revealed that Oligl and Olig2 expression increased in Oligl-transfected brain cells 3 days after hypoxia, but Oligl and Olig2 expression decreased at 7 days. These results indicate that Oligl overexpression enhances Olig2 expression in brain tissues of hypoxia rats.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31601593)the Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship of China Association for Science and Technology(Grant No.YESS20170108)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,China(Grant No.BK20160588).
文摘Transcription factors(TFs)orchestrate the regulation of cellular gene expression and thereby determine cell functionality.In this study,we analyzed the distribution of TFs containing domains,which named as ZnFTFs,both in ascomycete and basidiomycete fungi.We found that ZnFTFs were widely distributed in these fungal species,but there was more expansion of the ZnFTF class in Ascomycota than Basidiomycota.We identified 40 ZnFTFs in Ustilaginoidea virens,and demonstrated the involvement of UvZnFTF1 in vegetative growth,conidiation,pigment biosynthesis and pathogenicity.RNA-Seq analysis suggested that UvZnFTF1 may regulate different nutrient metabolism pathways,the production of secondary metabolites,and the expression of pathogen-host interaction genes and secreted protein-encodi ng genes.Analysis of the distributi on of differe nt fungal TFs in U.virens further dem on strated that UvZnFTFs make up a large TF family and may play essential biological roles in U.virens.
基金Supported by the Scientific Research Foundation of Jilin Province,China(Nos.2007-0722,2008-2123,20100942)the Grants from the Developing and Reforming Community of Jilin Provinces,China(Nos.2006-1550,20080925,2010-1928)
文摘We observed the polymorphism distribution and coaction of uncoupling protein 3(UCP3)-55C/T,adiponectin(APN)+45T/G and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-308G/A on the onset and development of T2DM in a Northern Chinese Han population of 213[100 type 2 diabete(T2DM) patients and 113 health control subjects] by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisum(PCR-RFLP) method.Results demonstrate the polymorphism of UCP3-55C/T,APN+45T/G,and TNF-α-308G/A related to T2DM onset and developement.And the individuals carrying UCP3-55T,APN+45G and TNF-α-308A allele had higher T2DM risk.Those results are the first report to evaluate the association of the coaction of UCP3,APN,TNF-α genes polymorphism on T2DM risk and the susceptibility of T2DM in the Northern Chinese Han population.
文摘BACKGROUND: Both animal experiments and clinical studies have shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) can exhibit protective effects on ischemia-reperfusion cerebral injury. OBJECTIVE: To test whether bFGF and danshen can protect cerebral injury induced by exposure to repeated, high, positive acceleration (+Gz) in an animal model and to analyze the possible mechanisms. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Randomized controlled animal study. The experiment was performed at the Research Center for Molecular Biology, Air-force General Hospital of Chinese PLA from April to August 2000. MATERIALS: A total of 20 clean grade, healthy, Sprague Dawley rats of both genders, weighing (200 ± 15) g, were provided by our experimental animal center. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, +Gz exposure group, bFGF group, danshen group, and saline group, with 4 animals per group. bFGF (Beijing Bailuyuan Biotechnology Co. Ltd.) and danshen solution (Shanghai Zhongxi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.) were used. METHODS: All rats were fixed on a rotary arm of a centrifugal apparatus (2 m in radius) with their heads oriented towards the center of the apparatus. Except for rats in the control group, the value of +Gz exposure was +14 Gz with an acceleration rate of 1.5 G/s. The peak force lasted for 45 seconds. +Gz exposure was performed three times with intervals of 30 minutes. Rats in the control group received the same +Gz procedure, but the G value was +1 Gz. Rats in bFGF group and danshen group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μg/kg bFGF or 15 g/kg danshen solution, respectively, at 30 minutes prior to centrifugation and immediately after centrifugation. Rats in saline group were injected with the same volume of saline. Six hours after exposure, rats were decapitated. One hemisphere was preserved in liquid nitrogen for RNA extraction and the other was processed for apoptosis detection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: mRNA levels of bcl-2 and p53 were measured by semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Apoptotic cell death was detected by terminal deoxynuleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. RESULTS: Changes in mRNA expression of bcl-2 and p53 and apoptotic cells were observed in rat brain six hours after repeated +Gz exposures, bFGF and danshen were able block the changes of bcl-2 and p53 expression and inhibit apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that apoptosis and changes in bcl-2 and p53 expression in the rat brain can be induced by repeated +Gz exposures. Apoptosis is, therefore, one of the molecular mechanisms of brain damage induced by repeated +Gz exposures, bFGF and danshen were of the equal potency in preventing brain injury induced by repeated +Gz exposures.
基金Supported by Key Program of Shanghai Science and Technology Committee (054119520)
文摘Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of lentivirus-mediated co-transfection of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (hVEGFI65) gene and human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP2) gene. Methods The hVEGF165 and hBMP2 cDNAs were obtained from human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 and cloned into lentiviral expression vectors designed to co-express the copepod green fluorescent protein (copGFP). The expression lentivector and packaging Plasmid Mix were co-transferred to 293TN cells, which produced the lentivirus carrying hVEGF165 (Lv-VEGF) or hBMP2 ( Lv-BMP) , respectively. MSCs of Wistar rats were co-transfected with Lv-BMP and Lv-VEGF (BMP + VEGF group), or each alone (BMP group and VEGF group), or with no virus ( Control group). The mRNA and protein expressions of hVEGF165 and hBMP2 genes in each group were detected by real-time PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Lentiviral expression vectors carrying hVEGF165 or hBMP2 were correctly constructed and confirmed by restriction endonucleses analysis and DNA sequencing analysis. A transfer efficiency up to 90% was archieved in all the transfected groups detected by the fraction of fluorescent cells using fluorescent microscopy. From the results generated by real-time PCR and ELISA, VEGF165 and BMP2 genes were co-expressed in BMP + VEGF group. No significant difference of BMP2 expression was detected between BMP + VEGF and BMP groups ( P 〉 0. 05). Similarly, there was no significant difference of VEGF165 expression between BMP + VEGF and VEGF groups ( P 〉 0. 05). Conclusion VEGF165 and BMP2 genes were successfully co-expressed in MSCs by lentivirus-mediated co-transfection, which provided a further foundation for the combined gene therapy of bone regeneration.