Protease activated receptor 2 and epidermal growth factor receptor are involved in the regulation of human sperm motility

Aim： To investigate mechanisms of tryptase-induced reduction of sperm motility and explore whether epidermal growth factor receptor （EGF-R） and protease activated receptor 2 （PAR-2）- associated pathways are involved. Methods： Fresh semen was collected from healthy donors （n = 15）. Semen parameters and quality were assessed in accordance with the World Health Organization （WHO） criteria. Swim-up sperm were fixed and subjected to immunocytochemistry and immunoelectronmicroscopy with specific antibodies directed against PAR-2 and EGF-R. Protein extractions from swim-up spermatozoa were analyzed by Western blotting with antibodies for both receptors. Motility of spermatozoa was evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis. Results： Immunocytochemistry found PAR-2 and EGF-R in approximately 30% of examined human ejaculated spermatozoa. Both receptors were localized in the plasma membrane. Like tryptase, the PAR-2 synthetic agonist SLIGKV reduced sperm motility, and this effect was inhibited by application of two specific EGF-R pathway blockers （AG1478 and PD168393）. Conclusion： The observed reduction of sperm motility by tryptase through the PAR-2 receptor involves EGF-R pathways.

Role of Protease Activated Receptor-2 Expression in Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Model in Mice

Summary： The role of protease activated receptor-2 （PAR-2） in the renal tubulointerstitial lesion induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO） was explored. Mice were sacrificed on the day 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 after UUO. The expression of PAR-2 mRNA and protein and a-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） protein in tubuloin,terstitium was detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry at each time point, respedtively. The results showed that the PAR-2 expression in renal tubulointerstitium was increased progressively starting from 24 h to the day 14 post-ligation, and it was significantly associated with the relative volume of interstitium and the positive area of α-SMA. PAR-2 was mainly expressed in renal tubule epithelial cells, especially in proximal tubular cells. It also located in renal capillary ansa, interstitial infiltrate cells and fibroblasts. It was concluded that PAR-2 was active in interstitial and tubular cells in the early phase of fibrotic process and played an important role in mediating the tubulointerstitial lesion after UUO.

Alterations in serotonin, transient receptor potential channels and protease-activated receptors in rats with irritable bowel syndrome attenuated by Shugan decoction

AIM:To determine the molecular mechanisms of Shugan decoction(SGD) in the regulation of colonic motility and visceral hyperalgesia(VHL) in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:The chemical compounds contained in SGD were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.A rat model of IBS was induced by chronic water avoidance stress(WAS).The number of fecal pellets was counted after WAS and the pain pressure threshold was measured by colorectal distension.Morphological changes in colonic mucosa were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The contents of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αin colonic tissue and calcitonin-gene-related peptide(CGRP)in serum were measured by ELISA.The protein expression of serotonin[5-hydroxytryptamide(5-HT)],serotonin transporter(SERT),chromogranin A(Cg A)and CGRP incolon tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:SGD inhibited colonic motility dysfunction and VHL in rats with IBS.Blockers of transient receptor potential(TRP)vanilloid 1(TRPV1)(Ruthenium Red)and TRP ankyrin-1(TRPA1)(HC-030031)and activator of protease-activated receptor(PAR)4 increased the pain pressure threshold,whereas activators of PAR2and TRPV4 decreased the pain pressure threshold in rats with IBS.The effect of SGD on pain pressure threshold in these rats was abolished by activators of TRPV1(capsaicin),TRPV4(RN1747),TRPA1(Polygodial)and PAR2(AC55541).In addition,CGRP levels in serum and colonic tissue were both increased in these rats.TNF-αlevel in colonic tissue was also significantly upregulated.However,the levels of 5-HT,SERT and Cg A in colonic tissue were decreased.All these pathological changes in rats with IBS were attenuated by SGD.CONCLUSION:SGD alleviated VHL and attenuated colon motility in IBS,partly by regulating TRPV1,TRPV4,TRPA1,PAR2,5-HT,Cg A and SERT,and reducing CGRP and TNF-αlevel.

A protease-activated receptor 1 antagonist protects against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury after asphyxial cardiac arrest in rabbits

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is partially mediated by thrombin, which causes brain damage through protease-activated receptor 1（PAR1）. However, the role and mechanisms underlying the effects of PAR1 activation require further elucidation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of the PAR1 antagonist SCH79797 in a rabbit model of global cerebral ischemia induced by cardiac arrest. SCH79797 was intravenously administered 10 minutes after the model was established. Forty-eight hours later, compared with those administered saline, rabbits receiving SCH79797 showed markedly decreased neuronal damage as assessed by serum neuron specific enolase levels and less neurological dysfunction as determined using cerebral performance category scores. Additionally, in the hippocampus, cell apoptosis, polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, and c-Jun levels were decreased, whereas extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation levels were increased. All of these changes were inhibited by the intravenous administration of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway inhibitor LY29004（3 mg/kg） 10 minutes before the SCH79797 intervention. These findings suggest that SCH79797 mitigates brain injury via anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, possibly by modulating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathways.

Association of β3 Adrenergic Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma 2 Polymorphisms With Insulin Sensitivity:A Twin Study

Objective To study the effect of β3 adrenergic receptor （β3AR） Trp64Arg and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 2 （PPAR72） Prol2Ala polymorphisms on insulin resistance. Methods One hundred and eight dizygotic twin pairs were enrolled in this study. Microsatellite polymorphism was used to diagnose zygosity of twins. Insulin sensitivity was estimated with logarithm transformed homeostasis model assessment （HOMA）. PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to detect the variants. As a supplement to the sib-pair method, identity by state （IBS） was used to analyze the association of polymorphisms with insulin sensitivity. Results The genotype frequencies of Trp64Trg, Trp64Arg, and Arg64Arg were 72.3%, 23.8%, and 3.9%, respectively, while the genotype frequencies of Pro12Pro, Pro12Ala, and Ala12Ala were 89.9%, 9.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. For β3AR Trp64Arg the interclass co-twin correlations of Waist-to-hip ratio （WHR）, blood glucose （GLU）, and insulin （INS）, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） of the twin pairs sharing 2 alleles of IBS were greater than those sharing 0-1 allele of IBS, and HOMA4R had statistic significance. For PPAR3t2 Prol2Ala most traits of twin pairs sharing 2 alleles of IBS had greater correlations and statistic significance in body mass index （BMI）, WHR, percent of body fat （PBF） and GLU, but there were low correlations of either insulin or HOMA-IR of twin pairs sharing 1 or 2 alleles of IBS. The combined effects of the two variations showed less squared significant twin-pair differences of INS and HOMA-IR among twins sharing 4 alleles of IBS. Condusions β3AR Trp64Arg and PPAR）,2 Pro 12Ala polymorphisms might be associated with insulin resistance and obesity, and there might be slight synergistic effects between this two gene loci, and further studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gene polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome(MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) are the serious public health problems worldwide.Moreover,it is estimated that MetS patients have about five-fold greater risk of the T2 DM development compared with people without the syndrome.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are a subgroup of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors which play an important role in the pathogenesis of MetS and T2 DM.All three members of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) nuclear receptor subfamily,PPARα,PPARp/5 and PPARγ are critical in regulating insulin sensitivity,adipogenesis,lipid metabolism,and blood pressure.Recently,more and more studies indicated that the gene polymorphism of PPARs,such as Leu^(162)Val and Val^(227)Ala of PPARα,+294T> C of PPARβ/δ,Pro^(12)Ala and C1431 T of PPARγ,are significantly associated with the onset and progressing of MetS and T2 DM in different population worldwide.Furthermore,a large body of evidence demonstrated that the glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism were influenced by gene-gene interaction among PPARs genes.However,given the complexity pathogenesis of metabolic disease,it is unlikely that genetic variation of a single locus would provide an adequate explanation of inter-individual differences which results in diverse clinical syndromes.Thus,gene-gene interactions and gene-environment interactions associated with T2 DM and MetS need future comprehensive studies.

Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ2 Pro12Ala and C-689T Polymorphisms and Haplotypes Affect the Profiles of Coronary Heart Disease in Diabetic Chinese People

Objectives Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2（PPARγ2） variant Pro12Ala was demonstrated with risk of coronary heart disease （CHD） and type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）. Another variant C-689T in the promoter was reported with lower receptor activity but lack of reports on association between C-689T and CHD or T2DM. Methods A total of 351 subjects without CHD and T2DM （controls） and 125 patients with CHD and T2DM （cases） were enrolled in our case-control study. Polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragments length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） was used to detect Pro12Ala and C-689T polymorphisms. And effects on CHD merged with T2DM of the two polymorphisms were analyzed in individual and haplotype analyses. Results In the study, Pro12Pro, Pro12Ala and Ala12Ala genotype frequencies were 92.9%, 6.8% and 0.3% in controls; 92.8%, 7.2% and 0.0% in cases respectively whilst CC, CT and TT genotype frequencies were 93.4%, 6.3% and 0.3% in controls; 92.8%, 7.2% and 0.0% in cases respectively. Pro12Ala and C-689T polymorphisms were in strong linkage disequilibrium （D＇=0.81, P=0.000） and the observed haplotype frequency of Pro-C, Pro-T, Ala-C and Ala-T was 0.957, 0.006, 0.008 and 0.028 respectively. No significant associations were detected between the two polymorphisms and CHD merged with T2DM in either individual or haplotype analyses. In subjects with obesity [body mass index （BMI）≥25 kg/m^2], we found that both Pro12Ala and C-689T polymorphisms were associated with BMI. In haplotype analyses, we found that Pro12Ala and C-689T haplotypes had associations with systolic blood pressure in total population, with BMI, waist circle and total cholesterol（TC） in obesity subgroup and with fasting blood glucose and TC in males. Conclusions PPARγ2 Pro12Ala and C-689T polymorphisms and haplotypes affect the profiles of CHD merged with T2DM in Chinese Han people.

Sequential expression of cyclooxygenase-2, glutamate receptor-2, and platelet activating factor receptor in rat hippocampal neurons after fluid percussion injury

Traumatic brain injury causes gene expression changes in different brain regions. Occurrence and development of traumatic brain injury are closely related, involving expression of three factors, namely cyclooxygenase-2, glutamate receptor-2, and platelet activating factor receptor. However, little is known about the correlation of these three factors and brain neuronal injury. In this study, primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons were subjected to fluid percussion injury according to Scott’s method, with some modifications. RT-PCR and semi-quantitative immunocytochemical staining was used to measure the expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, glutamate receptor-2, and platelet activating factor receptor. Our results found that cyclooxygenase-2 expression were firstly increased post-injury, and then decreased. Both mRNA and protein expression levels reached peaks at 8 and 12 hours post-injury, respectively. Similar sequential changes in glutamate receptor 2 were observed, with highest levels mRNA and protein expression at 8 and 12 hours post-injury respectively. On the contrary, the expressions of platelet activating factor receptor were firstly decreased post-injury, and then increased. Both mRNA and protein expression levels reached the lowest levels at 8 and 12 hours post-injury, respectively. Totally, our findings suggest that these three factors are involved in occurrence and development of hippocampal neuronal injury.

Altered expression of stromal interaction molecule(STIM)-calcium release-activated calcium channel protein(ORAI) and inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP_3Rs)in cancer:will they become a new battlefield for oncotherapy?

The stromal interaction molecule(STIM)-calcium release-activated calcium channel protein(ORAI) and inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP_3Rs) play pivotal roles in the modulation of Ca^(2+)-regulated pathways from gene transcription to cell apoptosis by driving calcium-dependent signaling processes.Increasing evidence has implicated the dysregulation of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs in tumorigenesis and tumor progression.By controlling the activities,structure,and/or expression levels of these Ca^(2+)-transporting proteins,malignant cancer cells can hijack them to drive essential biological functions for tumor development.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying the participation of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs in the biological behavior of cancer remain elusive.In this review,we summarize recent advances regarding STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs and discuss how they promote cell proliferation,apoptosis evasion,and cell migration through temporal and spatial rearrangements in certain types of malignant cells.An understanding of the essential roles of STIM-ORAI and IP_3Rs may provide new pharmacologic targets that achieve a better therapeutic effect by inhibiting their actions in key intracellular signaling pathways.

DETECTION OF PLASMA SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN－2 RECEPTOR IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE AND CHRONIC ACTIVE HEPATITIS B

Plasma levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) or severe hepatitis B (SHB) were measured quantitatively by 'sandwich' ELISA with monoclonal antibodies in order to explore the change of sIL-2R levels, its clinical significance,and its relation to liver damage. The results showed that the plasma sIL-2R levels in patients with CAHB and SHB were much higher than those in normal controls (P < 0. 01 ), and the level ofplasma sIL-2R in patients with SHB was greatly higher than that in patients with CAHB. These results suggest that there is close relation between plasma level of sIL-2R, the clinical types of hepatitis B,and the severity of liver damage. In addition, there is no significant difference in plasma levels of sIL-2R between acute severe hepatitis B (ASHB), subacute severe hepatitis B (SASHB), and chronic severe hepatitis B (CSHB). No relation was found between sIL-2R level and hepatitis B virusreplication activity.

Influences of NR2B-containing NMDA Receptors Knockdown on Neural Activity in Hippocampal Newborn Neurons

Summary： Adult-bom neurons undergo a transient period of plasticity during their integration into the neural circuit. This transient plasticity may involve NMDA receptors containing NR2B, the major sub unit expressed at early developmental stages. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of NR2B gene knockdown on the functional integration of the adult-born granule cells gen- erated from the subgranule zone （SGZ） in the hippocampus. The small interfering RNA （siRNA） was used to knock down the NR2B gene in the adult-born hippocampal neurons. In the functional integration test, the mice were exposed to a novel environment （open field arena）, and the expression of c-fos was immunohistochemically detected in the hippocampus. After exposure to the novel environment, siRNA-NR2B mice were significantly different from control mice in either the number of squares or the number of rears they crossed, showing decreased horizontal and vertical activity （P〈0.05）. Moreover, the c-fos expression was increased in both control and siRNA-NR2B mice after open field test. But, it was significantly lower in siRNA-NR2B neurons than in control neurons. It was concluded that the neu- ral activity of newborn neurons is regulated by their own NR2B-containing NMDA glutamate receptors during a short, critical period after neuronal birth.

A Notable Platelet Activation Receptor--CLEC-2

In 1995,Huang et al.reported that rhodocytin,asnake toxin purified from callosdasma rhodostoma venomstimulates platelet aggregation.Ten years later,Suzuki-Inoue et al.identified C-type lectin-like receptor 2(CLEC-2)on platelets as the rhodocytin receptor.Thereafter,several studies have showed that platelet CLEC-2 isinvolved in lymphatic/blood vessel separation,tumormetastasis and thrombus formation.

外周血sIL-2R、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)、TNF-α对初治活动性肺结核老年患者化疗疗效的评估价值

目的探讨外周血可溶性白细胞介素2受体(sIL-2R)、CD4^(+)淋巴细胞百分比/CD8^(+)淋巴细胞百分比比值(下称CD4^(+)/CD8^(+))、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)对初治活动性肺结核老年患者化疗疗效的评估价值。方法将2019年12月至2022年12月该院收治的102例初治活动性肺结核老年患者纳入研究作为观察组,另选取102例年龄≥60岁且同期于该院体检的健康者作为对照组。比较两组外周血sIL-2R、TNF-α、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)水平并分析sIL-2R、TNF-α、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)间的相关性。观察组均采用2HRZE/4HR抗结核治疗方案,比较观察组治疗前、治疗1个月、治疗6个月时不同疗效患者外周血sIL-2R、TNF-α、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+);分析sIL-2R、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)、TNF-α水平与疗效的相关性;采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析各指标用于老年患者化疗疗效评估的效能。结果观察组sIL-2R、TNF-α水平高于对照组,而CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组sIL-2R、TNF-α与CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)呈负相关(P<0.05),sIL-2R与TNF-α呈正相关(P<0.05)。治疗1个月、治疗6个月时显效患者sIL-2R、TNF-α水平低于有效患者,而后者又低于无效患者,显效患者CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)高于有效患者,而后者又高于无效患者,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。sIL-2R、TNF-α水平与疗效呈负相关(P<0.05),CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)与疗效呈正相关(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,治疗1个月、6个月时sIL-2R、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)、TNF-α联合用于评估疗效的曲线下面积(AUC)明显大于各时间点单项指标用于评估的AUC(P<0.05),而且治疗6个月时各指标联合评估的AUC大于治疗1个月(P<0.05)。结论初治活动性肺结核老年患者sIL-2R、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)、TNF-α水平与患者疗效密切相关,将以上指标联合用于评估患者化疗疗效具有一定参考价值。

miR-10b介导NKG2D调节脑胶质瘤细胞免疫效应的实验研究

目的:观察微小核糖核酸-10b(miR-10b)对脑胶质瘤细胞免疫效应的调节作用并探讨其作用机制。方法:取人脑胶质瘤细胞U251进行培养和传代,获得处于对数生长期的细胞。按照1.0×105个/ml浓度制备细胞悬液,并设置对照组、过表达组、低表达组、空白组,每组6个复孔。对照组、过表达组、低表达组分别采用脂质体转染法转染阴性对照、miR-10b模拟物、miR-10b抑制剂,空白组予以等量无菌生理盐水。分离和培养1例健康志愿者外周血自然杀伤(NK)细胞。MTT法检测不同效靶比时NK细胞的杀伤活性;流式细胞仪检测各组NK细胞表面NK细胞激活受体(NKG2D)表达,并检测各组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面主要组织相容性复合物Ⅰ链相关基因A(MICA)、UL16结合蛋白2(ULBP2)、UL16结合蛋白3(ULBP3)表达。结果:对照组、过表达组、低表达组转染效率分别为(93.55±2.05)%、(95.67±3.14)%、(94.18±3.26)%;与对照组和空白组相比,过表达组miR-10b表达升高,低表达组miR-10b表达降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且对照组和空白组miR-10b表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与对照组和空白组相比,过表达组NK细胞不同效靶比杀伤活性均降低、NKG2D表达降低,低表达组NK细胞不同效靶比杀伤活性均增高、NKG2D表达增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),各组NK细胞杀伤活性均随效靶比增加而增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且对照组与空白组相比,相同效靶比NK细胞杀伤活性、NKG2D表达差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);与对照组和空白组相比,过表达组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达均降低,低表达组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达均增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且对照组与空白组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:抑制miR-10b表达能够增加NK细胞表面NKG2D和人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达,增强NK细胞对人脑胶质瘤细胞U251的杀伤活性。

基于NOD2介导的AMPK/mTOR信号通路探讨宫颈癌细胞恶性行为的机制

目的 基于核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域受体2(NOD2)介导的AMP活化蛋白激酶(AMPK)/雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路探讨宫颈癌(CC)细胞恶性行为的机制。方法 生物信息学分析确定NOD2在CC组织中的表达。将靶向NOD2(shNOD2)、shRNAs阴性对照(shNC)以及NOD2过表达(NOD2)质粒和载体(Vec)转染CC细胞。通过CCK-8测定、集落形成和Transwell细胞侵袭测定来确定NOD2对CC细胞生长的影响。通过高通量RNA测序(RNA-Seq)进行转录组分析。Western blot试验检测细胞系中NOD2、AMPK/mTOR信号通路和自噬蛋白的表达。24只雌性BALB/c裸鼠随机分为4组,每组6只:载体组(Vec组)、NOD2过表达组(NOD2组)、shNC组和shNOD2组。构建小鼠远处转移模型,监测肺转移的荧光强度,计数肺转移结节的数量。结果 在线数据库分析显示,NOD2在CC组织中表达明显高于正常组织,并且不同分期的CC中NOD2的mRNA表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。此外,NOD2的高表达与较差的总生存期和无病生存期相关(P<0.05)。NOD2过表达对CC细胞增殖、集落形成、迁移和侵袭具有促进作用,而NOD2敲低则相反。与体外结果一致,在转移的小鼠尾静脉注射模型中,NOD2组CC细胞的肺定殖、肺转移灶较Vec组增加(P<0.05),而shNOD2组CC细胞的肺定殖、肺转移灶较shNC组减少(P<0.05)。RNA-Seq结果显示NOD2表达与AMPK信号激活、mTOR信号抑制、自噬调节途径激活和自噬体形成显著相关。与shNC组相比,shNOD2组磷酸化AMPK、LC3蛋白表达水平减少(P<0.05),磷酸化mTOR、p62蛋白表达水平增加(P<0.05);与Vec组相比,NOD2组LC3、AMPK蛋白表达水平增加(P<0.05),磷酸化mTOR、p62蛋白表达水平减少(P<0.05)。与shNC组相比,shNOD2组GFP-mRFP-LC3的点积累减少(P<0.05);与Vec组相比,GFP-mRFP-LC3的点积累增加(P<0.05)。结论 NOD2可能通过AMPK/mTOR信号促进CC增殖、迁移和侵袭,其作用机制部分涉及自噬激活。

木犀草素对神经性疼痛模型大鼠MCP-1/CCR2信号轴的影响

目的:探讨木犀草素调节单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)/CC趋化因子受体2(CCR2)信号轴,对神经性疼痛(NP)模型大鼠神经胶质细胞激活和免疫炎症的影响。方法:采用坐骨神经慢性压迫损伤法构建大鼠NP模型。将大鼠按随机数字表法分为模型组、阿魏酸钠组及木犀草素低、中、高剂量组,每组12只;另选择同期12只大鼠为假手术组。各组大鼠腹腔注射及灌胃相应药物,每天1次,连续14 d。测定大鼠机械性缩足反射阈值(MWT)和热刺激缩足反射潜伏期(TWL);实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)及免疫组织化学法检测脊髓中胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)及小胶质细胞标志物离子钙接头蛋白分子1(Iba-1)mRNA及蛋白表达;流式细胞仪检测大鼠外周血中CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)水平;苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察大鼠脊髓病理损伤情况;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测脊髓中炎症因子白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)水平;蛋白质印迹法(Western blotting)检测脊髓中MCP-1、CCR2蛋白表达。结果:与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠MWT、TWL、CD4^(+)T细胞比例及CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值降低,Iba-1、GFAP mRNA及蛋白表达、CD8^(+)T细胞比例、炎症因子水平(IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α)、MCP-1及CCR2蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,木犀草素低、中、高剂量组及阿魏酸钠组大鼠MWT、TWL、CD4^(+)T细胞比例及CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值升高,Iba-1、GFAP mRNA及蛋白表达、CD8^(+)T细胞比例、炎症因子水平(IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α)、MCP-1及CCR2蛋白表达降低,且木犀草素作用效果呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。结论:木犀草素具有抗炎、增强免疫、抑制胶质细胞活化,缓解NP的作用,其作用机制可能与抑制MCP-1/CCR2信号轴的激活有关。

Synthesis and activity evaluation of some novel derivatives of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno [3,2-c]-pyridine

Two series of novel derivatives of4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno [3,2-c]pyridine were synthesized and structurally characterized by 1^H NMR and MS. Their in vivo antiplatelet aggregation activities were evaluated.

Stronger inhibition of gastric acid secretion by lafutidine, a novel H_2 receptor antagonist, than by the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole

AIM: To compare the antisecretory activity and plasma drug concentrations of a single oral dose of 10 mg lafutidine, a novel H2 receptor antagonist, with those of the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole (LPZ) 30 mg. METHODS: Ten volunteers without H pylori infection participated in this crossover study comparing lafutidine 10 mg with LPZ 30 mg. Intragastric pH was monitored for 6 h in all participants, and blood samples were collected from four randomly selected individuals after single-dose administration of each drug. RESULTS: The median intragastric pH was significantly higher in individuals who received lafutidine 10 mg than in those who received LPZ 30 mg 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h after administration. Maximal plasma drug concentration was reached more promptly with lafutidine 10 mg than with LPZ 30 mg. CONCLUSION: In H pylori-negative individuals, gastric acid secretion is more markedly inhibited by lafutidinethan by LPZ.

Up-regulation of interleukin-8 expressions induced by mast cell tryptase via protease activated receptor-2 in endothelial cell line

Background Protease activated receptor-2 is cleaved and activated by trypsin or mast cell tryptase and may play an important role in inflammation. However, it is unknown whetehr PAR-2 can mediate tryptase-induced inflammatory reaction. This study was conduct to investigate wheter PAR-2 could be the activated by mast cell tryptase and medicated the tryptase induced interleukin-8 expression in endothelial cells. Methods Protease activated receptor-2 expression was found in endothelial cell lines ECV304 cell by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blotting. Interleukin-8 stimulated by purified human mast cell tryptase was determined by RT-PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Data were analysed by the S-N-K one-way ANOVA test. Results The present study shows that mRNA and protein of protease activated receptor-2 could be expressed in ECV304 cells, and tryptase upregulated the expression levels of both interleukin-8 mRNA and protein. The increased expression of interleukin-8 was inhibited by an antiprotease activated receptor-2 monoclonal antibody, SAM11. An additional band was observed by Western blotting after the incubation of ECV304 cells with tryptase for 2 hours, which suggested that protease activated receptor-2 was activated. Conclusion Protease activated receptor-2 can mediate the mast cell tryptase stimulated expression of interleukin-8 in ECV304 cell.

Regulation of intestinal permeability: The role of proteases

The gastrointestinal barrier is-with approximately 400 m^2-the human body's largest surface separating the external environment from the internal milieu. This barrier serves a dual function: permitting the absorption of nutrients, water and electrolytes on the one hand, while limiting host contact with noxious luminal antigens on the other hand. To maintain this selective barrier, junction protein complexes seal the intercellular space between adjacent epithelial cells and regulate the paracellular transport. Increased intestinal permeability is associated with and suggested as a player in the pathophysiology of various gastrointestinal and extraintestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. The gastrointestinal tract is exposed to high levels of endogenous and exogenous proteases, both in the lumen and in the mucosa. There is increasing evidence to suggest that a dysregulation of the protease/antiprotease balance in the gut contributes to epithelial damage and increased permeability. Excessive proteolysis leads to direct cleavage of intercellular junction proteins, or to opening of the junction proteins via activation of protease activated receptors. In addition, proteases regulate the activity and availability of cytokines and growth factors, which are also known modulators of intestinal permeability. This review aims at outlining the mechanisms by which proteases alter the intestinal permeability. More knowledge on the role of proteases in mucosal homeostasis and gastrointestinal barrier function will definitely contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets for permeability-related diseases.