All-trans retinoic acid alleviates transmissible gastroenteritis virus-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in weaned piglets

Background Transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)is one of the main pathogens causing severe diarrhea of pig-lets.The pathogenesis of TGEV is closely related to intestinal inflammation.All-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)is the main active metabolite of vitamin A,which has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.However,it is unclear whether ATRA can alleviate TGEV-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in piglets.This study aimed to investigate the effects of ATRA on growth performance,diarrhea,intestinal inflammation and intesti-nal barrier integrity of TGEV-challenged piglets.Methods In a 19-d study,32 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments:Control group(basal diet),TGEV group(basal diet+TGEV challenge),TGEV+ATRA5 group(basal diet+5 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge)and TGEV+ATRA15 group(basal diet+15 mg/d ATRA+TGEV challenge).On d 14,piglets were orally administered TGEV or the sterile medium.Results Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA alleviated the growth inhibition and diarrhea induced by TGEV(P<0.05).Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA also inhibited the increase of serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activ-ity and the decrease of occludin and claudin-1 protein levels in jejunal mucosa induced by TGEV,and maintained intestinal barrier integrity(P<0.05).Meanwhile,5 mg/d ATRA feeding increased the sucrase activity and the expres-sions of nutrient transporter related genes(GLUT2 and SLC7A1)in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Furthermore,5 mg/d ATRA feeding attenuated TGEV-induced intestinal inflammatory response by inhibit-ing the release of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and promoting the secretion of IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA)(P<0.05).Feeding 5 mg/d ATRA also down-regulated the expressions of Toll-like receptors and RIG-I like receptors signaling pathway related genes(TLR3,TLR4,RIG-I,MyD88,TRIF and MAVS)and the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor-κB-p65(NF-κB p65),and up-regulated the inhibitor kappa B alpha(IκBα)protein level in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets(P<0.05).Conclusions ATRA alleviated TGEV-induced intestinal barrier damage by inhibiting inflammatory response,thus improving the growth performance and inhibiting diarrhea of piglets.The mechanism was associated with the inhibi-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by TLR3,TLR4 and RIG-I.

All-trans retinoic acid regulates the expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 via RDH5 in retinal pigment epithelium cells

·AIM: To investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA) on retinol dehydrogenase 5(RDH5), matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) transcription levels, and the effect of RDH5 on MMP-2 and TGF-β2 in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) cells.·METHODS: After adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19 cells) intervened with gradient concentrations of ATRA(0-20 μmol/L) for 24h, flow cytometry was used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of cells in each group, and quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) was used to detect RDH5, MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA expression. Then, after ARPE-19 cells transfected with three different si RNA targets for 48h, the RDH5 knockdown efficiency of each group and expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA within them was detected by q RT-PCR. ·RESULTS: Flow cytometry results showed that ATRA could inhibit the proliferation of RPE cells and promote the apoptosis of RPE cells, and the difference of apoptosis was statistically significant when the ATRA concentration exceeded 5 μmol/L and compared with the normal control group(P=0.027 and P=0.031, respectively). q RT-PCR results showed that ATRA could significantly inhibit the expression level of RDH5 m RNA(P<0.001) and promote the expression of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA(P=0.03 and P<0.001, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner, especially when treated with 5 μmol/L ATRA. The knockdown efficiency of RDH5 si RNA varies with different targets, among which RDH5 si RNA-435 had the highest knockdown efficiency, i.e., more than 50% lower than that of the negative control group(P=0.02). When RDH5 was knocked down for 48h, the results of q RT-PCR showed that the expressions of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 m RNA were significantly up-regulated(P<0.001).·CONCLUSION: ATRA inhibits the expression of RDH5 and promotes MMP-2 and TGF-β2, and further RDH5 knockdown significantly upregulates MMP-2 and TGF-β2. These findings suggest that RDH5 may be involved in an epithelial-mesenchymal transition of RPE cells mediated by ATRA.

CD71-mediated liposomal arsenic-nickel complex combined with all-trans retinoic acid for the efficacy of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Clinically,arsenic trioxide(ATO)was applied to the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL)as a reliable and effective frontline drug.However,the administration regimen of AsⅢwas limited due to its fast clearance,short therapeutic window and toxicity as well.Based on CD71 overexpressed on APL cells,in present study,a transferrin(Tf)-modified liposome(LP)was established firstly to encapsulate AsⅢin arsenic-nickel complex by nickel acetate gradient method.The AsⅢ-loaded liposomes(AsLP)exhibited the feature of acid-sensitive release in vitro.Tf-modified AsLP(Tf-AsLP)were specifically taken up by APL cells and the acidic intracellular environment triggered liposome to release AsⅢwhich stimulated reactive oxygen species level and caspase-3 activity.Tf-AsLP prolonged half-life of AsⅢin blood circulation,lowered systemic toxicity,and promoted apoptosis and induced cell differentiation at lesion site in vivo.Considering that ATO combined with RA is usually applied as the first choice in clinic for APL treatment to improve the therapeutic effect,accordingly,a Tf-modified RA liposome(Tf-RALP)was designed to reduce the severe side effects of free RA and assist Tf-AsLP for better efficacy.As expected,the tumor inhibition rate of Tf-AsLP was improved significantly with the combination of Tf-RALP on subcutaneous tumor model.Furthermore,APL orthotopic NOD/SCID mice model was established by 60CO irradiation and HL-60 cells intravenously injection.The effect of co-administration(Tf-AsLP+Tf-RALP)was also confirmed to conspicuous decrease the number of leukemia cells in the circulatory system and prolong the survival time of APL mice by promoting the APL cells’apoptosis and differentiation in peripheral blood and bone marrow.Collectively,Tf-modified acid-sensitive AsLP could greatly reduce the systemic toxicity of free drug.Moreover,Tf-AsLP combined with Tf-RALP could achieve better efficacy.Thus,transferrinmodified AsⅢliposome would be a novel clinical strategy to improve patient compliance,with promising translation prospects.

Nano transdermal system combining mitochondria-targeting cerium oxide nanoparticles with all-trans retinoic acid for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is intricately linked to oxidative stress.Antioxidation and inhibition of abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes are pivotal strategies for psoriasis.Delivering drugs with these effects to the site of skin lesions is a challenge that needs to be solved.Herein,we reported a nanotransdermal delivery system composed of all-trans retinoic acid(TRA),triphenylphosphine(TPP)-modified cerium oxide(CeO2)nanoparticles,flexible nanoliposomes and gels(TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel).The results revealed that TCeO_(2)synthesized by the anti-micelle method,with a size of approximately 5 nm,possessed excellent mitochondrial targeting ability and valence conversion capability related to scavenging reactive oxygen species(ROS).TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL prepared by the film dispersion method,with a size of approximately 70 nm,showed high drug encapsulation efficiency(>96%).TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel further showed sustained drug release behaviors,great transdermal permeation ability,and greater skin retention than the free TRA.The results of in vitro EGF-induced and H2O2-induced models suggested that TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL effectively reduced the level of inflammation and alleviated oxidative stress in HaCat cells.The results of in vivo imiquimod(IMQ)-induced model indicated that TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel could greatly alleviate the psoriasis symptoms.In summary,the transdermal drug delivery system designed in this study has shown excellent therapeutic effects on psoriasis and is prospective for the safe and accurate therapy of psoriasis.

Retinoid X receptor α downregulation is required for tail and caudal spinal cord regeneration in the adult newt

Some adult vertebrate species,such as newts,axolotls and zebrafish,have the ability to regenerate their central nervous system（CNS）.However,the factors that establish a permissive CNS environment for correct morphological and functional regeneration in these species are not well understood.Recent evidence supports a role for retinoid signaling in the intrinsic ability of neurons,in these regeneration-competent species,to regrow after CNS injury.Previously,we demonstrated that a specific retinoic acid receptor（RAR）subtype,RARβ,mediates the effects of endogenous retinoic acid（RA）on neuronal growth and guidance in the adult newt CNS after injury.Here,we now examine the expression of the retinoid X receptor RXRα（a potential heterodimeric transcriptional regulator with RARβ）,in newt tail and spinal cord regeneration.We show that at 21 days post-amputation（dpa）,RXRαis expressed at temporally distinct periods and in non-overlapping spatial domains compared to RARβ.Whereas RARβprotein levels increase,RXRαproteins level decrease by 21 dpa.A selective agonist for RXR,SR11237,prevents both this downregulation of RXRαand upregulation of RARβand inhibits tail and caudal spinal cord regeneration.Moreover,treatment with a selective antagonist for RARβ,LE135,inhibits regeneration with the same morphological consequences as treatment with SR11237.Interestingly,LE135 treatment also inhibits the normal downregulation of RXRαin tail and spinal cord tissues at 21 dpa.These results reveal a previously unidentified,indirect regulatory feedback loop between these two receptor subtypes in regulating the regeneration of tail and spinal cord tissues in this regeneration-competent newt.

Inter-relationships between isotretinoin treatment and psychiatric disorders: Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychosis and suicide risks

Isotretinoin(Accutane) is a treatment for severe acne that is resistant to other forms of treatment, including antibiotics and topical treatments. The prescription of this drug has been controversial ever since its initial marketing in 1982. It is the only non-psychotropic drug in the Food and Drug Administration top 10 drugs found to be associated with depression. Recently, Bremner et al published an extensive review(until 2010) of the evidence for the association of retinoic acid(RA) with depression and suicide. Some patients who are admitted in psychiatric hospitals report a history of present or past treatment with isotretinoin. Then, the imputability of the molecule in the occurrence of disorders represents necessarily an important question for both professionals and their patients. This paper aims to specify the links between the drug and specific psychiatric disorders. A review of the literature related to isotretinoin, RA, vitamin A, depression, suicide, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia was performed. Many studies demonstrated an increased risk of depression, attempted suicide and suicide following isotretinoin treatment. However, isotretinoin may have an antidepressant impact, according to some dermatological papers. They consider treating acne with this efficient treatment could improve selfimage and make the patient feel better. Several studies showed that patients with bipolar disorder had an increased risk for a clinical exacerbation of symptoms undergoing treatment with isotretinoin. A few studies also seem to suggest a possible link between isotretinoin and psychosis. Nonetheless, studies point out a link between retinoid dysregulation and schizophrenia through modulation of dopamine receptors. From this review, we propose guidelines for isotretinoin prescription to healthcare professionals.

Pathophysiology, clinical features and radiological findings of differentiation syndrome/all-trans-retinoic acid syndrome

In acute promyelocytic leukemia, differentiation thera-py based on all-trans-retinoic acid can be complicated by the development of a differentiation syndrome(DS). DS is a life-threatening complication, characterized by respiratory distress, unexplained fever, weight gain, interstitial lung infiltrates, pleural or pericardial effusions, hypotension and acute renal failure. The diagnosis of DS is made on clinical grounds and has proven to be difficult, because none of the symptoms is pathognomonic for the syndrome without any definitive diagnostic criteria. As DS can have subtle signs and symptoms at presentation but progress rapidly, end-stage DS clinical picture resembles the acute respiratory distress syndrome with extremely poor prognosis; so it is of absolute importance to be conscious of these complications and initiate therapy as soon as it was suspected. The radiologic appearance resembles the typical features of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Diagnosis of DS remains a great skill for radiologists and haematologist but it is of an utmost importance the cooperation in suspect DS, detect the early signs of DS, examine the patients' behaviour and rapidly detect the complications.

Inhibition of all-trans retinoic acid on MDM2 gene expression in astrocytoma cell line SHG-44

Objective To investigate the impact of all-trans retinoic acid （ATRA） on MDM2 gene expression in astrocytoma cell line SHG-44, and to provide basic data for further research on the progression mechanism and gene therapy of human astrocytoma. Methods The differential expressions of MDM2 gene and protein in SHG-44 cells were detected by cDNA microarray and Western blot, respectively, before and after treatment of ATRA. The expressions of MDM2 protein in WHO grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅳ astrocytomas were determined by immunohistochemical streptavidin-peroxidase method. Some differentially expressed genes were selected randomly for Northern blot analysis. Results The intensity ratio of ATRA-treated to untreated SHG-44 cell was 0.37 in the cDNA microarray, suggesting that the expression of MDM2 gene was down-regulated in SHG-44 cells after treatment with ATRA. Some genes differentially expressed in the microarray were confirmed by Northern blot. Western blot demonstrated that the optical density ratios of MDM2 to β-actin in ATRA-treated and untreated SHG-44 were 14.02±0.35 and 21.40±0.58 （t = 24.728, P = 0.000）, respectively, suggesting that the expression of MDM2 protein was inhibited in ATRA-treated SHG-44 cells. Moreover, the percentages of MDM2-positive protein were 24.00% （6/25） and 56.52% （13/23） （x^2 = 5.298, P = 0.021） in WHO grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅳ astrocytomas, respectively, suggesting that the expression of MDM2 protein may increase along with the elevation of astrocytoma malignancy. Conclusion ATRA can inhibit MDM2 gene expression in SHG-44 cells, and MDM2 is related to astrocytoma progression.

Identification and Characterization of Human Genomic Binding Sites for Retinoic Acid Receptor/Retinoid X Receptor Heterodimers

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) triggers a wide range of effects on vertebrate development by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. ATRA activates retinoic acid receptors (RARs) which heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors (RXRs). RAR/RXR heterodimers function as ATRA-dependent transcriptional regulators by binding to retinoic acid response elements (RAREs). To identify RAR/RXR heterodimer-binding sites in the human genome, we performed a modified yeast one-hybrid assays and identified 193 RAR/RXR heterodimer-binding fragments in the human genome. The putative target genes included genes involved in development process and cell differentiation. Gel mobility shift assays indicated that 160 putative RAREs could directly interact with the RAR/RXR heterodimer. Moreover, 19 functional regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (rSNPs) on the RAR/RXR-binding sequences were identified by analyzing the difference in the DNA-binding affinities. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological actions of RAR/RXR heterodimers.

Determination of isotretinoin in pharmaceutical formulations by reversed-phase HPLC

The development of facile and rapid quantification of biologically active biomolecules such as isotretitoin in therapeutic drugs contained in many generic formu- lations is necessary for determining their efficiency and their quality to improve the human health care. Isotretritoin finds its applications in the maintenance of epithelial tissues. Different processes to date such as normal phase HPLC, or gas chromatrography am- ong others are able to separate and quantify isote- troin. However, the extraction is quite complex and in the case of HPLC, the analysis requires long retention times. In such context, an isocratic reversed- phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HP- LC) technique coupled with an UV-vis detector is described here for easy separation and quantification of 13-cis-retinoic (isotretinoin) from soft gelatin capsule formulations. The isotretinoin was extracted from three different commercial drug samples with tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent by a procedure that can be completed in less than 10 minutes. Subsequent separation and quantification were accomplished in less than 5 minutes under isocratic reversed-phase conditions on a Lichrospher RP18 column and a mobile phase consisting of 0.01% TFA/acetonitrile (15/85, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Isotretoin was detected for the three samples via its UV-vis absorbance at 342 nm. The method was validated and the results showed good linearity, precision and accuracy for sensitive and selective quantitative determination of isotretinoin in the different pharmaceutical formulations. We found that the average isotretinoin content in two of the three commercial pro- ducts fell outside the 90-110% United States Pha- rmacopeia specifications. Consequently, the facile extraction and the precise method for the biomole- cule quantification open up tremendous possibilities in improving the quality control of drugs which can exist as different generic brands.

All-trans Retinoic Acid Induced the Differentiation of Human Glioma Cells

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of all-trans retinoic acid （ATRA） on inducing human glioma MO59K cells differentiation and further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） was detected by immunocytochemistry staining. The mRNA levels of GFAP, retinoid X receptor α（RXRα）, p21 were examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Luciferase activity assay was performed in the COS-7, MO59K cells to measure p21 promoter transcription activity.RESULTS ATRA could significantly enhance the expression and mRNA level of GFAP by immunostaining and RT-PCR （P〈0.05）. Simultaneously, the mRNA levels of RXRα and p21 were remarkably increased in dose-dependent manner by RT-PCR （P〈0.05）. Furthermore, luciferase assay confirmed that ATRA and RXRα could transactivate p21 promoter in COS-7 and glioma cells （P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION ATRA can induce differentiation of human glioma cells. The RXRα and p21 were activated during ATRAinduced differentiation process. This effect may be caused by directly RXRα-induced p21 gene transactivation. Our findings provide novel evidence for the future studies to explore the molecular mechanism of transcriptional regulation for glioma cell differentiation and cellular therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma.

Alterations in Retinoic Acid Receptors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Clinical Implications

The nuclear retinoic acid receptor may play a critical role in the process of lung carcinogenesis. Alteration or loss of nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) has been associated with progression in premalignant and malignant tissues and it is associated with malignant transformation in human cells. Vitamin A derivates, such as retinoic acid, have emerged as adjuvant to therapy in several types of cancer with favorable effects. Retinoic acid regulates the expression of target genes through the binding and activation of RARs, inhibiting growth proliferation. Diverse studies have evaluated different retinoids alone or in combination with chemotherapy in lung cancer, from which results have been controversial with benefits observed only in the subpopulation with high levels of triglycerides. Additionally, several large randomized trials using retinoids to prevent tobacco-related cancer have failed;due to the latter the use of retinoids in clinical trials remains controversial. However they could reduce the risk of cancer development in non-smokers. There is evidence that retinoids have different effects on lung cancer;still the identification of biomarkers could determinate their benefits as preventive or therapy agents. This review describes the RAR alterations during the development of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and sets out the importance of several cancer treatments with retinoid compounds.

Effect of retinoic acid on the changes of nuclear matrix-intermediate filament system in gastric carcinoma cells

AIM To explore the relationship between the configuration changes of the nuclear matrix-intermediate filament system in cancer cell induced by retinoic acid and the malignantphenotypic reversion of cancer cells.METHODS The human gastric adenocarcinomacell line MGc80-3 cells were induced with 10-6mol/ L retinoic acid and subouItured at cover slipstrip and gold grids. The cells were treated byselective extraction methOd and prepared for whole mount electron microscopy observation.The samples were examined respectively withscanning and transmission electron microscope.RESULTS The nuclear matrix filaments andintermediate filaments in MGC80-3 cells wererelatively few and scattered, not welldistributed and arranged irregularly. The nuclear lamina was ununiformly thick and compact,connected to the nuclear matrix filaments and intermediate filaments relaxedly. However, thetwo kinds of filaments were abundant and welldistributed, different in slender and thick form and interweaved into a regular network in the cells induced by 10-6 mol/ L RA. The nuclear matrix filaments and intermediate filaments were connected closely by the thin and compact fiber-Iike lamina, and interlaced into a regularnetwork throughout the whole cell region.CONCLUSION The NM-IF system in MGc80-3cells had undergone a restorational changesimilar to those of normaI cells after RAinducement. This alternation is an importantmorpholOgical and functional expression to themalignant phenotypic reversion of cancer cells.

Effects of retinoic acid on proliferation,phenotype and expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in TGF-β1-stimulated rat hepatic stellate cells

AIM To study the molecular mechanisms ofretinoic acid(RA)on proliferation andexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors(CKI),i.e.p16,p21 and p27 in cultured rathepatic stellate cells(HSC)stimulated withtransforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1).METHODS HSC were isolated from healthy ratlivers and cultured.After stimulated with1 mg/L TGF-β1,subcultured HSC were treatedwith or without 1 nmol/L RA.MTT assay,immunocytochemistry(ICC)for p16,p21,p27and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)protein,insitu hybridization(ISH)for retinoic acidreceptor beta 2(RAR-β2)and p16,p21 and p27mRNA and quantitative image analysis(partially)were performed.RESULTS RA inhibited HSC proliferation(41.50%,P【0.05),decreased the protein levelof α-SMA(55.09%,P【0.05),and induced HSCto express RAR-β2 mRNA.In addition,RAincreased the protein level of p16(218.75%,P【0.05)and induced p21 protein expression;meanwhile,p27 was undetectable by ICC in bothcontrol and RA-treated HSC.However,RA hadno influence on the mRNA levels of p16,p21 orp27 as determined by ISH.CONCLISION Up-regulation of p16 and p21 on post-transcriptional level may contribule, in part to RA inhibition of TGF-β1-initiated rat HSC activation in vitro.

Synthesis and anti-tumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid derivatives

A series of retinoate and retinamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and their anti-tumor activities were investigated in NB4 by MTT and flow cytometry assays （FCM）. All compounds showed cytotoxicity, especially compounds la and ld exhibited a higher cytotoxicity than other derivatives and all-trans rethaoic acid （ATRA）. Furthermore, compound 1d could induce NB4 cell lines differentiation efficiently. O 2009 Fei Hu Chert. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Expressions of cellular retinoic acid binding proteins I and retinoic acid receptor-β in the guinea pig eyes with experimental myopia

·AIM:All-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the only extrinsic biochemical candidate known to date that could act as a growth controller,the aim of this study was to investigate the expression cellular retinoic acid binding proteins I (CRABP-I) and retinoic acid receptor-β (RAR-β) in retina of the guinea pig eyes with experimental myopia.·METHODS:Ninety guinea pigs aged 14 days were equally and randomly divided into three groups:form deprivation (FD),-5D lens,and control.The diffusers for FD were white translucent hemispheres,and-5D lenses were used to introduce hyperopic defocus.Refraction was measured with streak retinoscopy after cycloplegia,and axial length was calculated with Cinescan A/B ultrasonography.Retina harvested at different time points were used to measure RA level with HPLC and expressions of cellular retinoic acid binding proteins I (CRABP-I) and RA receptor-β (RAR-β) were assayed with Western blot and Real-time PCR.SPSS13.0 software was used for statistical analysis.·RESULTS:Up-regulations of CRABP-I and RAR-β in ocular tissues correlated with changes in the refractive status and growth rate of the guinea pig eye (P <0.05).14 days of monocular form-deprivation led to-5.14D myopia and a 0.281mm axial elongation;14 days of monocular defocus produced-3.64D myopia and a 0.163 mm axial elongation.The level of retinal RA started to elevate in 7 days (P <0.05) after visual manipulation in both FD and-5D lens groups and became more prominent by 14 days (P <0.01).The expressions of CRABP-I and RAR-β increased by 14 days after visual manipulation (P <0.05),the mRNA level of RAR-β,however,increased by 7 days after visual manipulation (P <0.05),which suggested that changes of expressions of CRABP-I and RAR-β might lag behind the change of RA.·CONCLUSION:The levels of CRABP-I and RAR-β were elevated in retina of the guinea pig eye with experimental myopia.During the progression of experimental myopia,the retinal RA level increased rapidly,and there might be a positive feedback between the increase of RA and up-regulation of RAR-β.·

Retinoic acid receptor α promotes autophagy to alleviate liver ischemia and reperfusion injury

AIM: To study the role of autophagy and the relationship between retinoic acid receptor α(RARα) and autophagy in liver ischemia and reperfusion(IR) injury.METHODS: All-trans retinoic acid(ATRA) was administered to mice for two weeks before operation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of related factors. To demonstrate the role of RARα,LE540,a RARα inhibitor,was used to treat hepatocytes injured by H2O2 in vitro.RESULTS: ATRA pretreatment noticeably diminished levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and as-partate aminotransferase as well as the degree of histopathological changes. Apoptosis was also inhibited,whereas autophagy was promoted. In vitro,RARα was inhibited by LE540,which resulted in decreased autophagy and increased apoptosis. Similarly,the expression of Foxo3 a and p-Akt was downregulated,but Foxo1 expression was upregulated.CONCLUSION: This research provides evidence that ATRA can protect the liver from IR injury by promoting autophagy,which is dependent on Foxo3/p-Akt/Foxo1 signaling.

Retinoic acid metabolic change in retina and choroid of the guinea pig with lens-induced myopia

AIM: To investigate the role of retinoic add (RA) and retinaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (RALDH(2)) of retina and choroid in the guinea pig lens-induced myopic eyes. METHODS: Totally 45 guinea pigs, at age of three weeks, were randomly assigned into three groups: the normal control, the lens-induced group and the recovering group. Out of focus was induced by the -6.00D concave lens on the left eye, and lasted for 15 days. All animals underwent biometric measurement (corneal radius of curvature, refraction and axial length). Subsequently, RA content in the retina and RPE/choriod complex was detected by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. RALDH(2) protein in the retina and RPE/choriod complex was evaluated by the immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. RESULTS: After wearing -6.00D lens for 15 days, axial length of the lens-induced eye extends and myopia was formed, with RA contents increasing in both the neural retina and RPE/choroid complex. Comparing with the lens-induced group, myopic degree significantly relieved, and its RA contents in both the neural retina and RPE/choroid complex decreased in the recovering group. In the normal control, RALDH(2) protein was expressed positively in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), inner plexiform layer (IPL) and lateral border of outer nuclear layer (ONL). Retinal RALDH(2) protein increased in the lens-induced group, and was also positive in the outer plexiform layer (OPL). In the recovering group, retinal RALDH(2) protein attenuated the expression in the OPL turns to negative. RALDH(2) protein was not expressed in the choroid of any group. CONCLUSION: RA of retina and chorid participates in the regulation of the lens-induced myopia in guinea pigs, which may be related with retinal RALDH(2) protein.

The effect pathway of retinoic acid through regulation of retinoic acid receptor α in gastric cancer cells

AIM To evaluate the role of RARα gone in mediating the growth inhibitory effect of all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA) on gastric cancer cells. METHODS The expression levels of retinoic acid receptors(PARs)in gastric cancer cells were detected by Northern blot.Transient transfection and chlorophenicol acetyl transferase(CAT)assay were used to show the transcriptional activity of β retinoic acid response element (βPARE)and AP-1 activity.Cell growth inhibition was determined by MTT assay and anchorage-independent growth assay,respectively.Stable transfection was performed by the method of Lipofectamine,and the cells were screened by G418. RESULTS ATRA could induce expression level of RARα in MGC80-3,BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells obviously, resulting in growth inhibition of these cell lines.After sense RARα gone was transfected into MKN-45 cells that expressed rather low level of RARα and could not be induced by ATPA,the cell growth was inhibited by ATPA markedly.In contrast,when antisense RARα gone was transfected into BGC-823 cells,a little inhibitory effect by ATPA was seen,compared with the parallel BGC-823 cells.In transient transfection assay,ATPA effectively induced transcriptional activity of βRARE in MGC80-3, BGC-823,SGC-7902 and MKN/RARα cell lines,but not in MKN-45 and BGC/aRARα cell lines.Similar results were observed in measuring anti-AP-1 activity by ATPA in these cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION ATRA inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells by up-regulating the level of RARα; RARα is the major mediator of ATRA action in gastric cancer cells;and adequate level of RARα is required for ATRA effect on gastric cancer cells.