Direct reprogramming of somatic cells into neural stem cells or neurons for neurological disorders

Direct reprogramming of somatic cells into neurons or neural stem cells is one of the most important frontier fields in current neuroscience research. Without undergoing the pluripotency stage, induced neurons or induced neural stem cells are a safer and timelier manner resource in comparison to those derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. In this prospective, we review the recent advances in generation of induced neurons and induced neural stem cells in vitro and in vivo and their potential treatments of neurological disorders.

Induced neural stem/precursor cells for fundamental studies and potential application in neurodegenerative diseases

Recent research has shown that defined sets of exogenous factors are sufficient to convert rodent and human somatic cells directly into induced neural stem cells or neural precursor cells（iNSCs/iNPCs）.The process of transdifferentiation bypasses the step of a pluripotent state and reduces the risk of tumorigenesis and genetic instability while retaining the self-renewing capacity.This iNSC/iNPC technology has fueled much excitement in regenerative medicine,as these cells can be differentiated into target cells for replacement therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.Patients＇ somatic cell-derived iNSCs/iNPCs have also been proposed to serve as disease models with potential value in both fundamental studies and clinical applications.This review focuses on the mechanisms,techniques,and applications of iNSCs/iNPCs from a series of related studies,as well as further efforts in designing novel strategies using iNSC/iNPC technology and its potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases.

Comparison of isotonic and hypotonic contrast agent in inducing contrast induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention

Background The incidence of contrast induced nephropathy （CIN） is increasing while patients are more and more frequently undertaking coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI）. CIN correlates with the later cardiovascular events, the rising mortality risks and the increasing one-year target vessel revascularization. At present, few articles reported on whether the incidence of CIN induced by isotonic and hypotonic contrast agent after PCI is different or not. Objectives To investigate the different effect of isotonic and hypotonic contrast agent in inducing CIN in patients with coronary artery disease after PCI. Methods We enrolled 355 patients with coronary artery disease who undertook PCI from January 2007 to December 2008 as subjects. Renal functions of all 355 patients were normal. Patients were randomly divided into isotonic group and hypotonic group. Concentrations of serum creatinine （SCr） were measured before, 48～72 hours and 7 days （if needed） after PCI. The glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） was calculated according to MDRD formula. The incidence of CIN was defined as the concentration of SCr ≥0.5 mg/dL（44.2 μmol/L）. Hemodialysis rates and mortality were recorded in the hospital. Results There was no significant difference in the basline eGFR （79.52±5.28 vs 81.03±6.09, P0.05）, dosages of contrast agent （125.68±15.88 mL vs 123.51±16.38 mL, P0.05）, eGFR of 48-72 hours after PCI （70.26±9.48 vs 69.06±9.59, P0.05） and incidences of CIN （5.56% vs 5.78%, P0.05） between the two groups. eGFR and concentrations of SCr 7 days after PCI showed no significant difference between the two groups （P0.05）. No patient was dead or needed hemodialysis in hospital. Conclusions The effect of isotonic and hypotonic contrast agent in inducing CIN in patients with coronary artery disease after PCI has no difference.

Effects of P-glycoprotein expression induced by ulinastatin on HK-2 cells damage induced by paraquat

Objective To investigate the protective effect of Pglycoprotein up-regulated by ulinastatin(UTI)on HK-2cells during paraquat(PQ)-induced injury and its underlying mechanisms.Methods The research was divided into two parts.The first part of the research was divided into normal control group,PQ group,UTI+PQ group,UTI control group.The second part of the research was divided into negative virus group(including