Objective To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute cerebral inflammatory damage and the therapeutic effect of ginkgolide B (BN52021). Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 gr...Objective To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute cerebral inflammatory damage and the therapeutic effect of ginkgolide B (BN52021). Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10 for each group): Control group, Model group and Treatment group (treated with BN52021). LPS were injected into the fourth ventricle of rat to make a neuroinflammatory murine model. Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory ability of rats; changes of synapse number and subcellular ultrastructures were observed under a transmission electron microscope; OX-42 positive microglia in the brain was detected by immunohistochemical method. Results The average escape latency in the Treatment group were significantly shortened than that in the Model group; and the percentage of swimming distance traveled in platform quadrant accounting for total distance increased markedly. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and polyribosomes in the Treatment group were more than that in the Model group, but the number of synapses seemed to have no obvious change. The number of OX-42 positive microglia in the Treatment group decreased markedly than that in the Model group, and the grey density of OX-42-positive cells increased significantly. Conclusion LPS can induce inflammatory damages to the brain, but the damage could be antagonized by BN52021. Platelet activating factor receptor antagonist may offer an effective therapy for neurodegeneration diseases.展开更多
AIM: To observe the effect of resveratrol on nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) activation and the inflammatory response in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randoml...AIM: To observe the effect of resveratrol on nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) activation and the inflammatory response in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (control), severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group, and severe acute pancreatitis group treated with resveratrol (RES). A SAP model was established by injecting 4% sodium taurocholate 1 mL/kg through puncturing the pancreatic duct. In Res group, Res was given at 30 mg/kg b.m. intraperitoneally after the SAP model was successfully established. Eight animals from each group were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 h after modeling. The expression of NF-κB activation of pancreas was detected by irnmunohistochemical staining, whereas the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in pancreatic tissues were estimated by radioimrnunoassay. The pathological changes of pancreas and lungs were examined microscopically. RESULTS: Much less hyperemia, edema, dust-colored necrotic focus and soaps were noticed in pancreas in RES group than in SAP group. In RES group, hemorrhage, exudates and infiltration of inflammatory cells in pancreas and interstitial edema, destruction of alveolar wall in lung were significantly less than in SAP group. In the SAP group, the activation of NF-κB in pancreatic tissues was enhanced significantly at any measure point compared with control group (64.23±10.72% vs 2.56±0.65%, 55.86±11.34% vs 2.32±0.42%, 36.23±2.30% vs 2.40±0.36%,P<0.01), TNF-α, IL-8 were also increased and reached their peak at 6 h and then declined. The activation of NF-κB and the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in RES group were significantly lower than those in SAP group (P<0.01): activation (52.63±9.45% vs 64.23±10.72%, 40.52±8.40% vs 55.86±11.34%, 29.83±5.37% vs 36.23±2.30%), TNF-α (132.76±15.68 pg/mL vs 158.36±12.58 pg/mL, 220.32±23.57 pg/mL vs 247.67± 11.62 pg/mL, 175.68±18.43 pg/mL vs 197.35±12.57 pg/mL) and IL-8 (0.62±0.21 μg/L vs 0.83±0.10 μg/L, 1.10±0.124 μg/L vs1.32±0.18 μg/L, 0.98±0.16 μg/L vs 1.27±0.23μg/L). CONCLUSION: The activation of NF-KB is involved in the inflammatory response of rats with SAP. Resveratrol could effectively inhibit the expression of NF-κB activation, alleviate the severity of SAP through its anti-inflammatory effects and regulate the inflammatory mediators.展开更多
Partial sequences of the D-loop and the complete sequences of cytochrome b gene (1 140 bp) of the slow lorises (genus Nycticebus) were undertaken to investigate evolutionary relationships among species of Nycticebus.S...Partial sequences of the D-loop and the complete sequences of cytochrome b gene (1 140 bp) of the slow lorises (genus Nycticebus) were undertaken to investigate evolutionary relationships among species of Nycticebus.Sequence analysis results consistently provide new taxonomy evidence at the DNA level for supporting Ratajszczak and Groves’ viewpoint that N.intermedus is merely the adult of N.pygmaeus (Ratajszczak,1998;Groves,1971).Phylogenetic analysis was performed by means of the combined data and these two separate sequences data,respectively,by using various methods,supporting the same topology,in which genus Nycticebus was formed of two clusters.The first cluster was composed of N.pygmaeus,and the second cluster of N.coucang.It also could provide a new molecular genetic evidence to support the view that the genus comprises two species:N.coucang and N.pygmaeus.展开更多
AIMTo explore the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) on restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS)-induced gastric lesions in rats and the influence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassiu...AIMTo explore the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) on restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS)-induced gastric lesions in rats and the influence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K<sub>ATP</sub>) channels and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway on such an effect.METHODSMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a physiological saline (PS) group, a sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) group, a glibenclamide (Gl) group, Gl plus NaHS group, a pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, and a PDTC plus NaHS group. Gastric mucosal injury was induced by RWIS for 3 h in rats, and gastric mucosal damage was analyzed after that. The PS, NaHS (100 μmol/kg body weight), Gl (100 μmol/kg body weight), Gl (100 μmol/kg or 150 μmol/kg body weight) plus NaHS (100 μmol/kg body weight), PDTC (100 μmol/kg body weight), and PDTC (100 μmol/kg body weight) plus NaHS (100 μmol/kg body weight) were respectively injected intravenously before RWIS.RESULTSRWIS induced serious gastric lesions in the rats in the PS pretreatment group. The pretreatment of NaHS (a H<sub>2</sub>S donor) significantly reduced the damage induced by RWIS. The gastric protective effect of the NaHS during RWIS was attenuated by PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor, and also by glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that exogenous H<sub>2</sub>S plays a protective role against RWIS injury in rats, possibly through modulation of K<sub>ATP</sub> channel opening and the NF-κB dependent pathway.展开更多
The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was isolated from the caudal fin of Oryzias latipes and PCR was undertaken to determine phylogeny. The nucleotide sequence of the complete cytochrome b gene including the 5' and 3...The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was isolated from the caudal fin of Oryzias latipes and PCR was undertaken to determine phylogeny. The nucleotide sequence of the complete cytochrome b gene including the 5' and 3' ends was 1,143 base pairs (bp) and 1,137 bp encoding 380 and 378 amino acids in the K-11 strain and HS strain, respectively. In addition, higher substitutions both in base and amino acid residues occurred more frequently between the former control (Hd-rR strain) and HS strains than the K-I 1 strain. Approximately similar values in polymorphism, as assessed by restriction endonuclease digestion, were detected when utilizing 20 different enzymes. Therefore, the evolutionary processes were unlikely to involve common ancestors, especially between the K-11 strain and HS strains, in O. latipes populations in Japan. The sequence had been deposited in GenBank Data Base under accession number AB480878 (K-I I strain) and AB480879 (HS strain).展开更多
Objectives Inflammation has been shown to be related with acute aortic dissection (AAD). The present study aimed to evaluate the association of white blood cell counts (WI3Cc) on admission with both in-hospital an...Objectives Inflammation has been shown to be related with acute aortic dissection (AAD). The present study aimed to evaluate the association of white blood cell counts (WI3Cc) on admission with both in-hospital and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with uncom- plicated Stanford type B AAD. Methods From 2008 to 2010, a total of 377 consecutive patients with uncomplicated type B AAD were enrolled and then followed up. Clinical data and WBCc on admission were collected. The primary end points were in-hospital death and long-term all-cause death. Results The in-hospital death rate was 4.2%, and the long-term all-cause mortality rate was 6.9% during a median follow-up of 18.9 months. WBCc on admission was identified as a risk factor for in-hospital death by univariate Cox regression analysis as both a continuous variable and a categorical variable using a cut off of 11.0 × 109 cell/L (all P 〈 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and other risk factors, elevated admission WBCc was still a significant predictor for in-hospital death as both a continuous variable [hazard ratio (HR): 1.052, 95% CI: 1.024-1.336, P = 0.002] and a categorical variable using a cut off of 11.0 × 109 cell/L (HR: 2.056, 95% CI: 1.673-5.253, P = 0.034). No relationship was observed between WBCc on admission and long-term all-cause death. Conclusions Our results indicate that elevated WBCc upon admission might be used as a predictor for increased risk of in-hospital death in uncomplicated type B AAD. There might be no predictive value of WBCc for the long-term survival of type B AAD.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the intratumoral expression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and c-Met and determine their clinical values associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma...AIM: To investigate the intratumoral expression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and c-Met and determine their clinical values associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A retrospective study admitted three hundred fifty-four patients with HBV-related HCC. The expression and distribution of MACC1 and c-Met were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry staining. Prognostic factors influencing survival, metastasis and recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: Intratumoral MACC1 level was found to be associated with HCC disease progression. Both median tumor-free survival (TFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly shorter in the postoperative HCC patients with high intratumoral MACC1 expression, as compared to those with low intratumoral MACC1 levels (TFS: 34 mo vs 48.0 mo, P < 0.001; OS: 40 mo vs 48 mo, P < 0.01). Multivariable analysis indicated that high MACC1 expression or co-expression with c-Met were independent predictors for HCC clinic outcome (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High intratumoral MACC1 expression can be associated with enhanced tumor progression and poor outcome of HBV-related HCC. MACC1 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for postoperative HCC.展开更多
Objective: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells over-express a guanine exchange factor (GEF), Rasgrf-1. This GEF increases active Ras as it catalyzes the removal of GDP from R...Objective: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells over-express a guanine exchange factor (GEF), Rasgrf-1. This GEF increases active Ras as it catalyzes the removal of GDP from Ras so that GTP can bind and activate Ras. This study aims to study the mechanism of action of Rasgrf-1 in B-cell malignancies. Methods: N-terminus truncated Rasgrf-1 variants have a higher GEF activity as compared to the full-length transcript therefore a MCL cell line with stable over-expression of truncated Rasgrf-1 was established. The B-cell receptor (BCR) and chemokine signaling pathways were compared in the Rasgrf-I over-expressing and a control transfected cell line. Results: Cells over-expressing truncated form of Rasgrf-1 have a higher proliferative rate as compared to control transfected cells. BCR was activated by lower concentrations of anti-IgM antibody in Rasgrf-1 over-expressing cells as compared to control cells indicating that these cells are more sensitive to BCR signaling. BCR signaling also phosphorylates Rasgrf-1 that further increases its GEF function and amplifies BCR signaling. This activation of Rasgrf-1 in over-expressing cells resulted in a higher expression of phospho-ERK, AKT, BTK and PKC-alpha as compared to control cells. Besides BCR, Rasgrf-1 over-expressing cells were also more sensitive to microenvironment stimuli as determined by resistance to apoptosis, chemotaxis and ERK pathway activation. Conclusions: This GEF protein sensitizes B-cells to BCR and chemokine mediated signaling and also upregulates a number of other signaling pathways which promotes growth and survival of these cells.展开更多
Anhui musk deer [ Moschus ( moschiferus/berezovskii ) anhuiensis ] has been a taxonomic mystery since its discovery in early 80's.In this paper,with museum samples,we sequenced the complete cytochrome b ge...Anhui musk deer [ Moschus ( moschiferus/berezovskii ) anhuiensis ] has been a taxonomic mystery since its discovery in early 80's.In this paper,with museum samples,we sequenced the complete cytochrome b gene of five Anhui musk deer.When compared with other species in Genus Moschus ,Anhui musk deer showed a rather level of sequence divergence from all the other species in this genus.The phylogenetic trees constructed by multiple methods supported the same topology,in which the monophyly of Anhui musk deer was clearly demonstrated.Therefore,our molecular data suggest a full species status for Anhui musk deer ( Moschus anhuiensis ),rather than a subspecies of either M moschiferus or M berezovskii previously suggested by morphological studies.展开更多
Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB) proteins in ankle joints of rats with rheumatoid arthritis...Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB) proteins in ankle joints of rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of RA. Methods: Adjuvant arthritis(AA) rat models were induced and used as rat models of RA. Rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group and a saline group. Rats in the normal and model groups were not treated; rats in the moxibustion group accepted treatment by moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36) and Shenshu(BL 23) after modeling; rats in the saline group were injected with 0.15 mL saline to the bottom of the left hind paw and had no other treatments. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of rats' ankle joints under light microscope. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB in ankle joints of rats. Results: Compared with the normal group, the rats' ankle joints in the model group showed disorganization, joint surface defect, and significantly increased mean optical density(MOD) of TNF-α and NF-κB(all P〈0.05). After moxibustion treatment, rats in the moxibustion group showed repaired ankle tissues, smooth joint surface without defects, decreased MOD of TNF-α and NF-κB than those in the model group(all P〈0.05). Rats in the saline group had no damage to ankle joints, while TNF-α and NF-κB were significantly different from those in the model group(P〈0.05). Conclusion: Moxibustion could down-regulate the expressions of NF-κB and TNF-α protein in ankle joints of RA rats, and produce an anti-inflammatory effect to promote tissue repair.展开更多
Prostaglandins (PGs) play a critical role in porcine reproduction, of which prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) exert antiluteolytic and luteolysis actions, respectively. As a rate-limiting enz...Prostaglandins (PGs) play a critical role in porcine reproduction, of which prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) exert antiluteolytic and luteolysis actions, respectively. As a rate-limiting enzyme, carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) catalyzes the conversion of PGE2 to PGF2a. A high ratio of PGE2:PGF2a is beneficial to the establishment and maintenance of porcine pregnancy. PG is essential for the establishment of pregnancy which resembles the proinflammatory response and nuclear factor KB (NF-KB) is involved in the process. Bioinformatic analysis has shown that NF-KB is a possible factor bound to two cis-regulatory elements in CBRI promoter. In this study, we cloned the 2997 bp (-2875/+122) of the promoter, and constructed six 5'-deleted dual-luciferase reporter recombinant vectors. In endometrial cells, the region of P2 (-16401+7) exhibited the greatest transcriptional activity at driving luciferase expression, but not significantly different from that of P1 (-2089/+7). The activity of P1, P2, and P3 (-1019/+7) was highly significantly higher than that of others (P〈0.01), suggesting that two positive regulatory elements were likely present in the regions of -1640/-1019 and -1019/-647. The results also showed that the -1640/ -647 region was indispensable for the promoter. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) demonstrated that the NF-KB subunit p65 binds to one site around -15451-1531. Using four reference genes, we found that the over-expression of p65 enhanced the expression of CBR1 (P〈0.05) in porcine endometrial epithelial cells, while knockdown of the p65 did not down-regulate the CBRI expression. These results indicated that NF-KB (p65) could bind to the special element of CBR1 gene promoter in porcine endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. The binding site of NF-KB was a positive regulator for the CBR1 gene promoter, but was not necessary for the basic expression.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effects and related mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus clomifene citrate capsules for infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A total of 70 patients were randomize...Objective:To explore the effects and related mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus clomifene citrate capsules for infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A total of 70 patients were randomized into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with clomifene citrate capsules,while the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the medications in the control group.The treatment course lasted for 6 menstrual cycles.The endometrial thickness and ovarian volume of the patients were measured before and after treatment.The levels of serum sex hormones,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)were detected.Follow-up was performed for 1 year after treatment,and the pregnancy rate was recorded.Results:After treatment,the endometrium of the patients in both groups was significantly thickened,the ovarian volume was significantly reduced,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The endometrium thickness and ovarian volume in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group(both P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of serum testostrn(T)and luteinizing hormone(LH)in both groups decreased significantly,the level of estradiol(E2)increased obviously,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The levels of serum T and LH in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,and the E2 level in the observation group was higher than that in the control group,and the between-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of serum TNF-αand NF-κB of the patients in both groups decreased,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The levels of serum TNF-αand NF-κB in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(both P<0.05).After 1-year follow-up,the pregnancy rate was 20.0%in the control group,versus 51.5%in the observation group.The pregnancy rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus clomifene citrate capsules can increase the endometrium thickness,reduce the ovarian volume,improve the status of serum sex hormone disorders,and increase the conception rate in patients with infertility due to PCOS,which may be related to the adjustment of the levels of immune inflammatory factors such as serum TNF-αand NF-κB.展开更多
In this paper, we investigate the existence of [a,b]-factors with inclusion/exclusion properties under the toughness condition. We prove that if an incomplete graph G satisfies t(G) (a-1) + ab and a,b are two integers...In this paper, we investigate the existence of [a,b]-factors with inclusion/exclusion properties under the toughness condition. We prove that if an incomplete graph G satisfies t(G) (a-1) + ab and a,b are two integers with b > a > 1, then for any two given edges e1 and e2, there exist an [a,b]-factor including e1,e2; and an [a,b]-factor including e1 and excluding e2; as well as an [a,b]-factor excluding e1,e2 unless e1 and e2 have a common end in the case of a = 2. For complete graphs, we obtain a similar result.展开更多
To improve the pharmacological profile of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),we have synthesized a new PEGylated prodrug,PEG-vcTNF-α,using a cathepsin B-sensitive dipeptide(valine-citrulline,vc) to link branched PEG...To improve the pharmacological profile of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),we have synthesized a new PEGylated prodrug,PEG-vcTNF-α,using a cathepsin B-sensitive dipeptide(valine-citrulline,vc) to link branched PEG and TNF-α.PEG-modified TNF-α without the dipeptide linker(PEG-TNF-α) and unconjugated TNF-α were also tested as controls.It was found for the first time that TNF-α released from PEG-vcTNF-α was specifically dependent on the presence of cathepsin B.PEG-vcTNF-α induced higher cytotoxicity and greater apoptosis against L929 murine fibrosarcoma cells than PEG-TNF-α.Reversal of these effects by a cathepsin-B inhibitor confirmed that these effects were mediated by cathepsin B-specific release of TNF-α.In vivo pharmacokinetics studies demonstrated that the plasma stability of PEG-vcTNF-α was significantly increased compared to TNF-α.Finally,the improved anticancer efficacy of PEG-vcTNF-α and the distinct activities among the three formulations confirmed the positive contribution of both PEGylation and the dipeptide linkage to the improved drug-like properties of PEG-vcTNF-α.The results here indicate that linking proteins and PEG via the cathepsin B-sensitive dipeptide may be a promising strategy for developing protein therapeutics.展开更多
文摘Objective To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute cerebral inflammatory damage and the therapeutic effect of ginkgolide B (BN52021). Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10 for each group): Control group, Model group and Treatment group (treated with BN52021). LPS were injected into the fourth ventricle of rat to make a neuroinflammatory murine model. Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory ability of rats; changes of synapse number and subcellular ultrastructures were observed under a transmission electron microscope; OX-42 positive microglia in the brain was detected by immunohistochemical method. Results The average escape latency in the Treatment group were significantly shortened than that in the Model group; and the percentage of swimming distance traveled in platform quadrant accounting for total distance increased markedly. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and polyribosomes in the Treatment group were more than that in the Model group, but the number of synapses seemed to have no obvious change. The number of OX-42 positive microglia in the Treatment group decreased markedly than that in the Model group, and the grey density of OX-42-positive cells increased significantly. Conclusion LPS can induce inflammatory damages to the brain, but the damage could be antagonized by BN52021. Platelet activating factor receptor antagonist may offer an effective therapy for neurodegeneration diseases.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30371398
文摘AIM: To observe the effect of resveratrol on nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) activation and the inflammatory response in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (control), severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group, and severe acute pancreatitis group treated with resveratrol (RES). A SAP model was established by injecting 4% sodium taurocholate 1 mL/kg through puncturing the pancreatic duct. In Res group, Res was given at 30 mg/kg b.m. intraperitoneally after the SAP model was successfully established. Eight animals from each group were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 h after modeling. The expression of NF-κB activation of pancreas was detected by irnmunohistochemical staining, whereas the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in pancreatic tissues were estimated by radioimrnunoassay. The pathological changes of pancreas and lungs were examined microscopically. RESULTS: Much less hyperemia, edema, dust-colored necrotic focus and soaps were noticed in pancreas in RES group than in SAP group. In RES group, hemorrhage, exudates and infiltration of inflammatory cells in pancreas and interstitial edema, destruction of alveolar wall in lung were significantly less than in SAP group. In the SAP group, the activation of NF-κB in pancreatic tissues was enhanced significantly at any measure point compared with control group (64.23±10.72% vs 2.56±0.65%, 55.86±11.34% vs 2.32±0.42%, 36.23±2.30% vs 2.40±0.36%,P<0.01), TNF-α, IL-8 were also increased and reached their peak at 6 h and then declined. The activation of NF-κB and the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in RES group were significantly lower than those in SAP group (P<0.01): activation (52.63±9.45% vs 64.23±10.72%, 40.52±8.40% vs 55.86±11.34%, 29.83±5.37% vs 36.23±2.30%), TNF-α (132.76±15.68 pg/mL vs 158.36±12.58 pg/mL, 220.32±23.57 pg/mL vs 247.67± 11.62 pg/mL, 175.68±18.43 pg/mL vs 197.35±12.57 pg/mL) and IL-8 (0.62±0.21 μg/L vs 0.83±0.10 μg/L, 1.10±0.124 μg/L vs1.32±0.18 μg/L, 0.98±0.16 μg/L vs 1.27±0.23μg/L). CONCLUSION: The activation of NF-KB is involved in the inflammatory response of rats with SAP. Resveratrol could effectively inhibit the expression of NF-κB activation, alleviate the severity of SAP through its anti-inflammatory effects and regulate the inflammatory mediators.
文摘Partial sequences of the D-loop and the complete sequences of cytochrome b gene (1 140 bp) of the slow lorises (genus Nycticebus) were undertaken to investigate evolutionary relationships among species of Nycticebus.Sequence analysis results consistently provide new taxonomy evidence at the DNA level for supporting Ratajszczak and Groves’ viewpoint that N.intermedus is merely the adult of N.pygmaeus (Ratajszczak,1998;Groves,1971).Phylogenetic analysis was performed by means of the combined data and these two separate sequences data,respectively,by using various methods,supporting the same topology,in which genus Nycticebus was formed of two clusters.The first cluster was composed of N.pygmaeus,and the second cluster of N.coucang.It also could provide a new molecular genetic evidence to support the view that the genus comprises two species:N.coucang and N.pygmaeus.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,No.ZR2015CL016 and No.ZR2011CL012Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province Science and Technology Plan Projects,No.J11LC17
文摘AIMTo explore the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) on restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS)-induced gastric lesions in rats and the influence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K<sub>ATP</sub>) channels and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway on such an effect.METHODSMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a physiological saline (PS) group, a sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) group, a glibenclamide (Gl) group, Gl plus NaHS group, a pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, and a PDTC plus NaHS group. Gastric mucosal injury was induced by RWIS for 3 h in rats, and gastric mucosal damage was analyzed after that. The PS, NaHS (100 μmol/kg body weight), Gl (100 μmol/kg body weight), Gl (100 μmol/kg or 150 μmol/kg body weight) plus NaHS (100 μmol/kg body weight), PDTC (100 μmol/kg body weight), and PDTC (100 μmol/kg body weight) plus NaHS (100 μmol/kg body weight) were respectively injected intravenously before RWIS.RESULTSRWIS induced serious gastric lesions in the rats in the PS pretreatment group. The pretreatment of NaHS (a H<sub>2</sub>S donor) significantly reduced the damage induced by RWIS. The gastric protective effect of the NaHS during RWIS was attenuated by PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor, and also by glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that exogenous H<sub>2</sub>S plays a protective role against RWIS injury in rats, possibly through modulation of K<sub>ATP</sub> channel opening and the NF-κB dependent pathway.
文摘The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was isolated from the caudal fin of Oryzias latipes and PCR was undertaken to determine phylogeny. The nucleotide sequence of the complete cytochrome b gene including the 5' and 3' ends was 1,143 base pairs (bp) and 1,137 bp encoding 380 and 378 amino acids in the K-11 strain and HS strain, respectively. In addition, higher substitutions both in base and amino acid residues occurred more frequently between the former control (Hd-rR strain) and HS strains than the K-I 1 strain. Approximately similar values in polymorphism, as assessed by restriction endonuclease digestion, were detected when utilizing 20 different enzymes. Therefore, the evolutionary processes were unlikely to involve common ancestors, especially between the K-11 strain and HS strains, in O. latipes populations in Japan. The sequence had been deposited in GenBank Data Base under accession number AB480878 (K-I I strain) and AB480879 (HS strain).
基金We are very grateful to the patients and doctors who participated in the study and for the help and co-operation of the clinic staff. This work was supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China to Dr. FAN XH (No. 81570430).
文摘Objectives Inflammation has been shown to be related with acute aortic dissection (AAD). The present study aimed to evaluate the association of white blood cell counts (WI3Cc) on admission with both in-hospital and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with uncom- plicated Stanford type B AAD. Methods From 2008 to 2010, a total of 377 consecutive patients with uncomplicated type B AAD were enrolled and then followed up. Clinical data and WBCc on admission were collected. The primary end points were in-hospital death and long-term all-cause death. Results The in-hospital death rate was 4.2%, and the long-term all-cause mortality rate was 6.9% during a median follow-up of 18.9 months. WBCc on admission was identified as a risk factor for in-hospital death by univariate Cox regression analysis as both a continuous variable and a categorical variable using a cut off of 11.0 × 109 cell/L (all P 〈 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and other risk factors, elevated admission WBCc was still a significant predictor for in-hospital death as both a continuous variable [hazard ratio (HR): 1.052, 95% CI: 1.024-1.336, P = 0.002] and a categorical variable using a cut off of 11.0 × 109 cell/L (HR: 2.056, 95% CI: 1.673-5.253, P = 0.034). No relationship was observed between WBCc on admission and long-term all-cause death. Conclusions Our results indicate that elevated WBCc upon admission might be used as a predictor for increased risk of in-hospital death in uncomplicated type B AAD. There might be no predictive value of WBCc for the long-term survival of type B AAD.
基金Supported by Grants from the Key Scientific and Technological Research Foundation of the National Special-purpose Program,No. 2008ZX10002-018from the Capital Medical Development and Research in Beijing, China, No. 2007-1021 and2009-2041
文摘AIM: To investigate the intratumoral expression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and c-Met and determine their clinical values associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A retrospective study admitted three hundred fifty-four patients with HBV-related HCC. The expression and distribution of MACC1 and c-Met were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry staining. Prognostic factors influencing survival, metastasis and recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: Intratumoral MACC1 level was found to be associated with HCC disease progression. Both median tumor-free survival (TFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly shorter in the postoperative HCC patients with high intratumoral MACC1 expression, as compared to those with low intratumoral MACC1 levels (TFS: 34 mo vs 48.0 mo, P < 0.001; OS: 40 mo vs 48 mo, P < 0.01). Multivariable analysis indicated that high MACC1 expression or co-expression with c-Met were independent predictors for HCC clinic outcome (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High intratumoral MACC1 expression can be associated with enhanced tumor progression and poor outcome of HBV-related HCC. MACC1 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for postoperative HCC.
文摘Objective: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells over-express a guanine exchange factor (GEF), Rasgrf-1. This GEF increases active Ras as it catalyzes the removal of GDP from Ras so that GTP can bind and activate Ras. This study aims to study the mechanism of action of Rasgrf-1 in B-cell malignancies. Methods: N-terminus truncated Rasgrf-1 variants have a higher GEF activity as compared to the full-length transcript therefore a MCL cell line with stable over-expression of truncated Rasgrf-1 was established. The B-cell receptor (BCR) and chemokine signaling pathways were compared in the Rasgrf-I over-expressing and a control transfected cell line. Results: Cells over-expressing truncated form of Rasgrf-1 have a higher proliferative rate as compared to control transfected cells. BCR was activated by lower concentrations of anti-IgM antibody in Rasgrf-1 over-expressing cells as compared to control cells indicating that these cells are more sensitive to BCR signaling. BCR signaling also phosphorylates Rasgrf-1 that further increases its GEF function and amplifies BCR signaling. This activation of Rasgrf-1 in over-expressing cells resulted in a higher expression of phospho-ERK, AKT, BTK and PKC-alpha as compared to control cells. Besides BCR, Rasgrf-1 over-expressing cells were also more sensitive to microenvironment stimuli as determined by resistance to apoptosis, chemotaxis and ERK pathway activation. Conclusions: This GEF protein sensitizes B-cells to BCR and chemokine mediated signaling and also upregulates a number of other signaling pathways which promotes growth and survival of these cells.
基金This work received supportsfrom Natural Science Foundation of Yun nan Science Technology Committee granted to SuBingpartlys
文摘Anhui musk deer [ Moschus ( moschiferus/berezovskii ) anhuiensis ] has been a taxonomic mystery since its discovery in early 80's.In this paper,with museum samples,we sequenced the complete cytochrome b gene of five Anhui musk deer.When compared with other species in Genus Moschus ,Anhui musk deer showed a rather level of sequence divergence from all the other species in this genus.The phylogenetic trees constructed by multiple methods supported the same topology,in which the monophyly of Anhui musk deer was clearly demonstrated.Therefore,our molecular data suggest a full species status for Anhui musk deer ( Moschus anhuiensis ),rather than a subspecies of either M moschiferus or M berezovskii previously suggested by morphological studies.
基金supported by Youth Project of Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation,No.1508085QH160Youth Scientific Research Fund Project of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine,No.2014qn004+1 种基金2016 Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine,No.2016097Innovation Team Project of Scientific Research Platform for Universities in Anhui Province,No.2015TD033~~
文摘Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB) proteins in ankle joints of rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of RA. Methods: Adjuvant arthritis(AA) rat models were induced and used as rat models of RA. Rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group and a saline group. Rats in the normal and model groups were not treated; rats in the moxibustion group accepted treatment by moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36) and Shenshu(BL 23) after modeling; rats in the saline group were injected with 0.15 mL saline to the bottom of the left hind paw and had no other treatments. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of rats' ankle joints under light microscope. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB in ankle joints of rats. Results: Compared with the normal group, the rats' ankle joints in the model group showed disorganization, joint surface defect, and significantly increased mean optical density(MOD) of TNF-α and NF-κB(all P〈0.05). After moxibustion treatment, rats in the moxibustion group showed repaired ankle tissues, smooth joint surface without defects, decreased MOD of TNF-α and NF-κB than those in the model group(all P〈0.05). Rats in the saline group had no damage to ankle joints, while TNF-α and NF-κB were significantly different from those in the model group(P〈0.05). Conclusion: Moxibustion could down-regulate the expressions of NF-κB and TNF-α protein in ankle joints of RA rats, and produce an anti-inflammatory effect to promote tissue repair.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31201771)the Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(No.CARS-36)
文摘Prostaglandins (PGs) play a critical role in porcine reproduction, of which prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) exert antiluteolytic and luteolysis actions, respectively. As a rate-limiting enzyme, carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) catalyzes the conversion of PGE2 to PGF2a. A high ratio of PGE2:PGF2a is beneficial to the establishment and maintenance of porcine pregnancy. PG is essential for the establishment of pregnancy which resembles the proinflammatory response and nuclear factor KB (NF-KB) is involved in the process. Bioinformatic analysis has shown that NF-KB is a possible factor bound to two cis-regulatory elements in CBRI promoter. In this study, we cloned the 2997 bp (-2875/+122) of the promoter, and constructed six 5'-deleted dual-luciferase reporter recombinant vectors. In endometrial cells, the region of P2 (-16401+7) exhibited the greatest transcriptional activity at driving luciferase expression, but not significantly different from that of P1 (-2089/+7). The activity of P1, P2, and P3 (-1019/+7) was highly significantly higher than that of others (P〈0.01), suggesting that two positive regulatory elements were likely present in the regions of -1640/-1019 and -1019/-647. The results also showed that the -1640/ -647 region was indispensable for the promoter. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) demonstrated that the NF-KB subunit p65 binds to one site around -15451-1531. Using four reference genes, we found that the over-expression of p65 enhanced the expression of CBR1 (P〈0.05) in porcine endometrial epithelial cells, while knockdown of the p65 did not down-regulate the CBRI expression. These results indicated that NF-KB (p65) could bind to the special element of CBR1 gene promoter in porcine endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. The binding site of NF-KB was a positive regulator for the CBR1 gene promoter, but was not necessary for the basic expression.
文摘Objective:To explore the effects and related mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus clomifene citrate capsules for infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A total of 70 patients were randomized into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with clomifene citrate capsules,while the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the medications in the control group.The treatment course lasted for 6 menstrual cycles.The endometrial thickness and ovarian volume of the patients were measured before and after treatment.The levels of serum sex hormones,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)were detected.Follow-up was performed for 1 year after treatment,and the pregnancy rate was recorded.Results:After treatment,the endometrium of the patients in both groups was significantly thickened,the ovarian volume was significantly reduced,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The endometrium thickness and ovarian volume in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group(both P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of serum testostrn(T)and luteinizing hormone(LH)in both groups decreased significantly,the level of estradiol(E2)increased obviously,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The levels of serum T and LH in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,and the E2 level in the observation group was higher than that in the control group,and the between-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of serum TNF-αand NF-κB of the patients in both groups decreased,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The levels of serum TNF-αand NF-κB in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(both P<0.05).After 1-year follow-up,the pregnancy rate was 20.0%in the control group,versus 51.5%in the observation group.The pregnancy rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus clomifene citrate capsules can increase the endometrium thickness,reduce the ovarian volume,improve the status of serum sex hormone disorders,and increase the conception rate in patients with infertility due to PCOS,which may be related to the adjustment of the levels of immune inflammatory factors such as serum TNF-αand NF-κB.
基金supported by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Grant No. 144073)Shandong University Visiting Scholar FundPCSIRT Project of the Ministry of Education of China
文摘In this paper, we investigate the existence of [a,b]-factors with inclusion/exclusion properties under the toughness condition. We prove that if an incomplete graph G satisfies t(G) (a-1) + ab and a,b are two integers with b > a > 1, then for any two given edges e1 and e2, there exist an [a,b]-factor including e1,e2; and an [a,b]-factor including e1 and excluding e2; as well as an [a,b]-factor excluding e1,e2 unless e1 and e2 have a common end in the case of a = 2. For complete graphs, we obtain a similar result.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2007AA021811)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30701055)Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 20070410029)
文摘To improve the pharmacological profile of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),we have synthesized a new PEGylated prodrug,PEG-vcTNF-α,using a cathepsin B-sensitive dipeptide(valine-citrulline,vc) to link branched PEG and TNF-α.PEG-modified TNF-α without the dipeptide linker(PEG-TNF-α) and unconjugated TNF-α were also tested as controls.It was found for the first time that TNF-α released from PEG-vcTNF-α was specifically dependent on the presence of cathepsin B.PEG-vcTNF-α induced higher cytotoxicity and greater apoptosis against L929 murine fibrosarcoma cells than PEG-TNF-α.Reversal of these effects by a cathepsin-B inhibitor confirmed that these effects were mediated by cathepsin B-specific release of TNF-α.In vivo pharmacokinetics studies demonstrated that the plasma stability of PEG-vcTNF-α was significantly increased compared to TNF-α.Finally,the improved anticancer efficacy of PEG-vcTNF-α and the distinct activities among the three formulations confirmed the positive contribution of both PEGylation and the dipeptide linkage to the improved drug-like properties of PEG-vcTNF-α.The results here indicate that linking proteins and PEG via the cathepsin B-sensitive dipeptide may be a promising strategy for developing protein therapeutics.