Evaluating new biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy:Role ofα2-macroglobulin,podocalyxin,α-L-fucosidase,retinol-binding protein-4,and cystatin C

BACKGROUND The intricate relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and diabetic nephropathy(DN)presents a challenge in understanding the significance of various biomarkers in diagnosis.AIM To elucidate the roles and diagnostic values ofα2-macroglobulin(α2-MG),podocalyxin(PCX),α-L-fucosidase(AFU),retinol-binding protein-4(RBP-4),and cystatin C(CysC)in DN.METHODS From December 2018 to December 2020,203 T2DM patients were enrolled in the study.Of these,115 were diagnosed with DN(115 patients),while the remaining 88 patients were classified as non-DN.The urinary levels ofα2-MG,PCX,and AFU and the serum concentrations RBP-4 and CysC were measured in conjunction with other relevant clinical indicators to evaluate their potential correlations and diagnostic utility.RESULTS After adjustments for age and gender,significant positive correlations were observed between the biomarkers CysC,RBP-4,α2-MG/urinary creatinine(UCr),PCX/UCr,and AFU/UCr,and clinical indicators such as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR),serum creatinine,urea,24-h total urine protein,and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR).Conversely,these biomarkers exhibited negative correlations with the estimated glomerular filtration rate(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis further demonstrated the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers,with UACR showcasing the highest area under the ROC curve(AUC^(ROC))at 0.97.CONCLUSION This study underscores the diagnostic significance ofα2-MG,PCX,and AFU in the development of DN.The biomarkers RBP-4,CysC,PCX,AFU,andα2-MG provide promising diagnostic insights,while UACR is the most potent diagnostic biomarker in assessing DN.

Bone morphogenetic protein-6 suppresses TGF-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in retinal pigment epithelium

AIM:To evaluate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-6(BMP-6)on transforming growth factor(TGF)-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE).METHODS:Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line(ARPE-19)were randomly divided into control,TGF-β_(2)(5μg/L),and BMP-6 small interfering RNA(siRNA)group.The cell morphology was observed by microscopy,and the cell migration ability were detected by Transwell chamber.The EMT-related indexes and BMP-6 protein levels were detected by Western blotting.Furthermore,a BMP-6 overexpression plasmid was constructed and RPE cells were divided into the control group,TGF-β_(2)+empty plasmid group,BMP-6 overexpression group,and TGF-β_(2)+BMP-6 overexpression group.The EMT-related indexes and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)protein levels were detected.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the migration of RPE cells in the TGF-β_(2) group was significantly enhanced.TGF-β_(2) increased the protein expression levels ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein levels of E-cadherin and BMP-6(P<0.05)in RPE.Similarly,the migration of RPE cells in the BMP-6 siRNA group was also significantly enhanced.BMP-6 siRNA increased the protein expression levels ofα-SMA,fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein expression levels of E-cadherin(P<0.05).Overexpression of BMP-6 inhibited the migration of RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2) and prevented TGF-β_(2) from affecting EMT-related biomarkers(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:BMP-6 prevents the EMT in RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2),which may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

STOML2基因对口腔鳞状细胞癌细胞致瘤能力的影响及相关机制

目的:探索人口型蛋白样蛋白2(STOML2)在口腔鳞状细胞癌(OSCC)组织中的表达及其对口腔鳞状细胞癌细胞(OSCCCs)体外和体内致瘤能力的影响和相关机制。方法:Western blot检测STOML2蛋白在56例OSCC患者组织及癌旁组织中的表达。将OSCCCs SCC-15分为2组,实验组转染STOML2-siRNA质粒,对照组转染MOCK-siRNA质粒,荧光定量PCR检测各组细胞STOML2 mRNA含量,Western blot检测2组细胞的STOML2、CDK4、P16的表达,流式细胞仪检测细胞周期,CCK8检测细胞的增殖能力;利用裸鼠皮下种植瘤模型检测实验组和对照组细胞的体内致瘤能力。结果:OSCC患者癌和癌旁组织STOML2阳性率分别为92.86%(52/56)和8.93%(5/56)(P<0.001)。在siRNA处理后的实验组和对照组SCC-15细胞中STOML2 mRNA表达量分别为(0.43±0.09)和(1.23±0.19),STOML2蛋白表达量分别为(0.52±0.11)和(0.94±0.17)(P<0.05),CDK4表达量分别为(0.33±0.13)和(1.18±0.17)(P<0.05),P16表达量分别为(0.93±0.12)和(0.29±0.03);CCK8实验120 h实验组和对照组SCC-15细胞的吸光度分别为(1.11±0.24)和(2.19±0.28)(P<0.05),G2/M期细胞分别为35.72%±5.33%和18.65%±3.71%(P<0.05),裸鼠皮下移植瘤瘤块的体积分别为(1192.07±250.9)μm3和(2280.5±600.1)μm3,质量分别为(0.65±0.30)g和(1.62±0.40)g,但小鼠体重整体变化没有明显差异。结论:STOML2在OSCC中表达升高,STOML2通过调控P16相关通路的影响OSCCCs的致瘤能力。

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy secondary to deficiency in lysosomeassociated membrane protein-2: A case report

BACKGROUND Danon disease(DD),in which mutations in the X-linked lysosome-associated membrane protein-2(LAMP-2)gene result in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,is a rare disease,reported primarily in small samples or cases.However,with the development of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and genetic technology in recent years,the number of reports has increased.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of DD in an adolescent male patient,confirmed by genetic testing.The patient was admitted to our hospital with complaints of a three-year history of chest tightness and shortness of breath.His preliminary clinical diagnosis is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Our report includes the patient’s clinical course from hospital admission to death,step-by-step diagnosis,treatment course,and noninvasive imaging features.We highlight how a noninvasive diagnostic approach,based solely on clinical and imaging“red flags”for DD,can be used to achieve a diagnosis of DD with a high degree of confidence.CONCLUSION DD is a very dangerous cardiomyopathy,and it is necessary to achieve early diagnosis and treatment.

Macrophage inflammatory protein-2 as mediator of inflammation in acute liver injury

Macrophage inflammatory protein(MIP)-2 is one of the CXC chemokines and is also known as chemokine CXC ligand(CXCL2). MIP-2 affects neutrophil recruitment and activation through the p38 mitogen-activatedprotein-kinase-dependent signaling pathway, by binding to its specific receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2. MIP-2 is produced by a variety of cell types, such as macrophages, monocytes, epithelial cells, and hepatocytes, in response to infection or injury. In liver injury, activated Kupffer cells are known as the major source of MIP-2. MIP-2-recruited and activated neutrophils can accelerate liver inflammation by releasing various inflammatory mediators. Here, we give a brief introduction to the basic molecular and cellular sources of MIP-2, and focus on its physiological and pathological functions in acute liver injury induced by concanavalin A, lipopolysaccharides, irradiation, ischemia/reperfusion, alcohol, and hypoxia, and hepatectomy-induced liver regeneration and tumor colorectal metastasis. Further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of MIP-2 secretion and activation may be helpful to develop MIP-2-targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent liver inflammation.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 is a negative regulator of hepatocyte proliferation downregulated in the regenerating liver

AIM: To characterize the expression and dynamic changes of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 in hepatocytes in the regenerating liver in rats after partial hepatectomy (PH), and examine the effects of BMP-2 on proliferation of human Huh7 hepatoma cells. METHODS: Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: A normal control (NC) group, a partial hepatectomized (PH) group and a sham operated (SO) group. To study the effect of liver regeneration on BMP-2 expression, rats were sacrificed before and at different time points after PH or the sham intervention (6, 12, 24 and 48 h). For each time point, six rats were used in parallel. Expression and distribution of BMP-2 protein were determined in regenerating liver tissue by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Effects of BMP-2 on cell proliferation of human Huh7 hepatoma cell line were assessed using an MTT assay.RESULTS: In the normal liver strong BMP-2 expression was observed around the central and portal veins. The expression of BMP-2 decreased rapidly as measured by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. This decrease was at a maximum of 3.22 fold after 12 h and returned to normal levels at 48 h after PH. No significant changes in BMP-2 immunoreactivity were observed in the SO group. BMP-2 inhibited serum induced Huh7 cell proliferation.CONCLUSION: BMP-2 is expressed in normal adult rat liver and negatively regulates hepatocyte proliferation. The observed down regulation of BMP-2 following partial hepatectomy suggests that such down regulation may be necessary for hepatocyte proliferation.

Drilling Combined with Adipose-derived Stem Cells and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 to Treat Femoral Head Epiphyseal Necrosis in Juvenile Rabbits

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of drilling through the growth plate and using adipose-derived stem cells （ADSCs） and bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） to treat femoral head epiphyseal ischemic necrosis, which can be done in juvenile rabbits. Passagefour bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU）-labeled ADSCs were cultured, assayed with MTT to determine their viability and stained with alizarin red dye to determine their osteogenic ability. Twomonth-old, healthy male rabbits （1.2 to 1.4 kg, n=45） underwent ischemic induction and were randomly divided into five groups （group A： animal model control; group B： drilling; group C： drilling ＆ ADSCs; group D： drilling ＆ BMP-2; and group E： drilling ＆ ADSCs ＆ BMP-2）. Magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）, X-ray imaging, hematoxylin and eosin staining and BrdU immunofluorescence detection were applied 4, 6 and 10 weeks after treatment. Approximately 90% of the ADSCs were labeled with BrdU and showed good viability and osteogenic ability. Similar results were observed in the rabbits in groups C and E at weeks 6 and 10. The animals of groups C and E demonstrated normal hip structure and improved femoral epiphyseal quotients and trabecular areas compared with those of the groups A and B （P〈0.01）. Group D demonstrated improved femoral epiphyseal quotients and trabecular areas compared with those of groups A and B （P〈0.05）. In summary, drilling through the growth plate combined with ADSC and BMP-2 treatments induced new bone formation and protected the femoral head epiphysis from collapsing in a juvenile rabbit model of femoral head epiphyseal ischemic necrosis.

Collapsin response mediator protein-2 plays a major protective role in acute axonal degeneration

Axonal degeneration is a key pathological feature in many neurological diseases. It often leads to persistent deficits due to the inability of axons to regenerate in the central nervous system. Therefore therapeutic approaches should optimally both attenuate axonal degeneration and foster axonal regeneration. Compelling evidence suggests that collapsin response mediator protein-2（CRMP2） might be a molecular target fulfilling these requirements. In this mini-review, we give a compact overview of the known functions of CRMP2 and its molecular interactors in neurite outgrowth and in neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, we discuss in detail our recent findings on the role of CRMP2 in acute axonal degeneration in the optic nerve. We found that the calcium influx induced by the lesion activates the protease calpain which cleaves CRMP2, leading to impairment of axonal transport. Both calpain inhibition and CRMP2 overexpression effectively protected the proximal axons against acute axonal degeneration. Taken together, CRMP2 is further characterized as a central molecular player in acute axonal degeneration and thus evolves as a promising therapeutic target to both counteract axonal degeneration and foster axonal regeneration in neurodegenerative and neurotraumatic diseases.

Effect of dopamine on bone morphogenesis protein-2 expression in human retinal pigment epithelium

AIM：To investigate the effect of dopamine on bone morphogenesis protein-2（BMP-2）expression in retinal pigment epithelium（RPE）cells in vitro.METHODS：ARPE-19 cells as a human RPE cell line were cultured with dopamine for different times（2,4,6,8,12,16and 24h）or with different concentrations（0.1,1,2,5,10,20,and 100μg/m L）in vitro.BMP-2 m RNA expression level in ARPE-19 cells was analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）analysis and BMP-2 protein level was measured with Western blot analysis.The active form of BMP-2 in the culture medium was measured with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.RESULTS：The expression level of BMP-2 increased significantly cultured with 20μg/m L dopamine,at different time points（P〈0.05）.BMP-2 m RNA level peaked 2h and the protein level peaked at 6 and 8h after treatment.The concentrations of secreted BMP-2 elevated at 12h and peaked at 24h（P〈0.05）in a time-dependent manner.Treated with 100μg/m L dopamine for 6h,the expression levels of BMP-2 m RNA and protein in ARPE-19 cells were enhanced significantly compared to that in the untreated cells（P〈0.05）.And secreted BMP-2 protein in the cell culture supernatant was also increased（P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION：Dopamine up-regulate BMP-2 expression in RPE cells,and this may be associated with its inhibitive effect on myopia development.

Regulation of scleral fibroblast differentiation by bone morphogenetic protein-2

Bone morphogenesis proteins(BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors. They are expressed in retina,retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) and sclera and serve as a regulator in the growth and development of the eye. This article reviewed the chondrogenic potency of the sclera,biochemical and pathological changes of myopic scleral tissue and the differentiation of chondrogenesis by BMP-2. We proposed the hypothesis that BMP-2 can regulate differentiate of scleral fibroblasts and affect the development of myopia.

The Effect of Simvastatin on mRNA Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1,Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Tooth Extraction Socket

Aim To determine the effect of local simvastatin application on the mRNA expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the tooth sockets of rat. Methodology Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups （n=24）. Polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer carriers, with or without simvastatin, were implanted into extraction sockets of right mandibular incisors. The expression of TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization in the tooth extraction socket at five days, one week, two weeks and four weeks after implantation. Results The fusiform stroma cells in the tooth extraction socket began to express TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA in both experimental and control groups from one week after tooth extraction until the end of experiment. The expression of TGF-131 and BMP-2 mRNA in the experimental group was significantly up-regulated after one, two and four weeks, and expression of VEGF mRNA was significantly increased after one and two weeks compared with that in the control group. Conclusion The findings indicate that local administration of simvastatin can influence alveolar bone remodeling by regulating the expression of a school of growth factors which are crucial to osteogenesis in the tooth extraction socket.

Expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1/CCL2 in gastric cancer and its relationship with tumor hypoxia

AIM: To investigate the expression and prognostic value of CCL2 in gastric cancer, as well as its relationship with tumor hypoxia.

Use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in spine surgery

Bone morphogenetic proteins are osteoinductive factors which have gained popularity in orthopaedicsurgery and especially in spine surgery. The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 has been officially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration only for single level anterior lumbar interbody fusion, nevertheless it is widely used by many surgeons with off-label indications. Despite advantages in bone formation, its use still remains a controversial issue and several complications have been described by authors who oppose their wide use.

Influence of acupuncture with exercise training on learning and memory functions, as well as microtubule-associated protein-2 and synaptophysin expression in the hippocampal CA3 region, in a rat model of cerebral infarction

The present study was designed to determine microtubule-associated protein-2 and synaptophysin expression in the hippocampal CA3 region in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The rats were treated with acupuncture at Baihui （GV 20）, Qubin （GB 7）, and Qianding （GV 21） points, in addition to exercise training. Results were compared with rats undergoing exercise training only. The Y-maze method and immunohistochemistry revealed decreased error frequency of passing through Y-maze, as well as significantly increased microtubule-associated protein-2 and synaptophysin expression, in the acupuncture with exercise training group compared with the model and exercise training groups after 5 weeks. Microtubule-associated protein-2 and synaptophysin expressions negatively correlated with error frequency of passing through the Y-maze. These results suggested that acupuncture combined with exercise training improved learning and memory functions in a rat model of cerebral infarction. The mechanisms of action were hypothesized to be associated with dendritic or synaptic plasticity in the ipsilateral hippocampal CA3 region.

Alendronate disturbs femoral growth due to changes during immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in epiphyseal plate

BACKGROUND The epiphyseal growth plate is an important anatomical segment localized on the ends of a long bone.Despite the abovementioned atractive reasons for alendronate’s use,few data on the effect of alendronate during epiphyseal growth exist.AIM Verify the effect of alendronate on the growth epiphyseal plate,and compare its effect with the size of the femur during the double-staining of the immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP2)in endochondral ossifing in specimens that have received alendronate.METHODS Forty newborn rats were randomly divided into two groups:a control group(were given applications of 1 mg/kg physiologic saline)and a group that received Alendronate(a dose of 2.5 mg/kg).These groups were then divided into two subgroups for euthanasia in two and 12 d of life.After euthanasia,the femurs were removed,and the femoral bones were measured linearly between the apex of the greater trochanter until the lower intercondylar midlle face to verify the probable bone growth between 3 and 12 d in control and alednroanto treated rats.Posteriorly,the surgical pieces were also sent to the histopathology laboratory to produce histological slides.The obtained slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to measure each of the cartilage zones in endochondral development.and other slides were immunohistochemically tested for anti-TGF-β1 and BMP-2 antibodies to investigate the immunolocalization of these proteins in the epiphyseal plaque area.RESULTS On the third day,some diferences between the control group and specimens treated with alendronate were verified.Macroscopiccaly,we found similarities in size between the femoral bones when we compared the control group with the specimens that received alendronate.On the 12^th day,the bone size of the mice receiving the drug was significantly smaller than those of the control group.These results coincide with changes in the TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression.In the specimens that received alendronate,the TGF-β1 was expressed in some sites of trabecular bone that was neoformed,peripherally to the bone marrow area.The BMP-2 was also positive in proliferative chondrocytes and hypertrofic chondrocytes.On the 12^th day,all layers of chondrocytes exhibited positivity for BMP-2 in the specimens that received alendronate.In the interface between the trabecular bone and cartilage,an area of disorganized bone deposition was evident.Neoformed bone also appeared to be different at 12 d.In the control group,BMP-2 was positive in an intense area of bone trabeculae,whereas the alendronate-treated group showed TGF-β1 positive trabeculae and a greater bone area.CONCLUSION Alendronate alters the immunolocalization of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 simultaneously,a condition that changes the usual histological aspects of the cartilage zone and impairs epiphysis growth and femur growth.

Three-dimensional kagome structures in a PCL/HA-based hydrogel scaffold to lead slow BMP-2 release for effective bone regeneration

Osteoconductive function is remarkably low in bone disease in the absence of bone tissue surrounding the grafting site,or if the bone tissue is in poor condition.Thus,an effective bone graft in terms of both osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity is required for clinical therapy.Recently,the three-dimensional(3D)kagome structure has been shown to be advantageous for bone tissue regeneration due to its mechanical properties.In this study,a polycaprolactone(PCL)kagome-structure scaffold containing a hyaluronic acid(HA)-based hydrogel was fabricated using a 3D printing technique.The retention capacity of the hydrogel in the scaffold was assessed in vivo with a rat calvaria subcutaneous model for 3 weeks,and the results were compared with those obtained with conventional 3D-printed PCL grid-structure scaffolds containing HA-based hydrogel and bulk-type HA-based hydrogel.The retained hydrogel in the kagome-structure scaffold was further evaluated by in vivo imaging system analysis.To further reinforce the osteoinductivity of the kagome-structure scaffold,a PCL kagome-structure scaffold with bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)containing HA hydrogel was fabricated and implanted in a calvarial defect model of rabbits for 16 weeks.The bone regeneration characteristics were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E),Masson’s trichrome staining,and micro-CT image analysis.

A peptide containing the receptor binding site of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 enhances bone mass in ovariectomized rats

Male Igfbp2-/-mice have a significant reduction in bone mass and administration of a peptide that contains the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2(IGFBP-2) receptor-binding domain stimulates bone formation in these animals. Female Igfbp2-/-mice do not have this phenotype but following ovariectomy(OVX) lose more bone than OVX wild-type mice. This suggests that in the absence of estrogen, IGFBP-2 is required to maintain bone mass. Therefore these studies were undertaken to determine if this peptide could stimulate bone acquisition in OVX rats. OVX rats were divided into seven treatment groups: sham animals, OVX animals, OVX animals receiving a control scrambled peptide, or one of three doses of the active peptide termed PEG-HBD-1(0.7, 2,and 6 mg·kg^(-1)) and an OVX group receiving parathyroid hormone(PTH)(50 μg·kg-1 per day). The peptides were administered for8 weeks. DXA revealed a significant reduction in femoral and tibial areal bone mineral density(aBMD) after OVX, whereas treatment with the high-dose peptide increased aBMD by 6.2% ± 2.4%(P < 0.01) compared to control peptide; similar to the increase noted with PTH(5.6% ± 3.0%, P < 0.01). Similar increases were noted with two lower doses of the peptide(3.8% ± 1.5%, P < 0.05 for low dose; 3.1% ± 1.6%, P = 0.07 for middle dose). Micro CT showed that the OVX control peptide animals had reductions of 41% and64% in femoral trabecular BV/TV and trabecular number, respectively. All three doses of the peptide increased bone volume/total volume(BV/TV) significantly, while the low and middle doses increased trabecular number. Cortical BV/TV and thickness at the midshaft increased significantly with each dose of peptide(18.9% ± 9.8%, P < 0.01 and 14.2% ± 7.9%, P < 0.01 for low dose; 23.7% ±10.7%, P < 0.001 and 15.8% ± 6.1%, P < 0.001 for middle dose; 19.0% ± 6.9%, P < 0.01 and 16.2% ± 9.7%, P < 0.001 for high dose)and with PTH(25.8% ± 9.2%, P < 0.001 and 19.4% ± 8.8%, P < 0.001). Histomorphometry showed that the lowest dose of peptide stimulated BV/TV, trabecular thickness, mineral apposition rate(MAR), bone formation rate/bone surface(BFR/BS), number of osteoblasts/bone perimeter(N.ob/B.pm), and decreased osteoclast surface/bone perimeter(Oc.S/B.Pm). The highest dose stimulated each of these parameters except MAR and BFR/BS. Thus, the heparin-binding domain receptor region of IGFBP-2 accounts for its anabolic activity in bone. Importantly, this peptide enhances bone mass in estrogen-deficient animals.

Coexistence of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and activated protein-2 alpha in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells

BACKGROUND： Tyrosine hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-n-methyl transferase expression coexist in Purkinje cells of the rat cerebellum. Numerous reports have also been published addressing whether dopamine-beta-hydroxylase （DBH） expression exists in cerebellar Purkinje cells. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α expression in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell morphological study was performed at the Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, China in May 2007. MATERIALS： Ten healthy Wistar rats, of either gender, aged 14 weeks, served as experimental animals. Rabbit anti-mouse DBH, goat anti-mouse activator protein-2α and rabbit anti-mouse β-actin （Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA）, horseradish peroxidase-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG, FITC-labeled mouse anti-rabbit IgG, and Cy3-labeled mouse anti-goat IgG （Boster, Wuhan, China）, were used in this study. METHODS： Immunohistochemical staining was used to measure the expression of DBH or activator protein-2α, with double-label immunofluorescence being employed to determine coexpression of both, in the cerebellum of 5 randomly selected rats. Western blot assay was utilized to determine the expression of DBH and activator protein-2α in the cerebellum of the remaining 5 rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression, localization and coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α in the cerebellum were measured separately. RESULTS： Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that cerebellar Purkinje cells stained positive for DBH and activator protein-2α. Western blot assay also demonstrated DBH and activator protein-2α expression in the cerebellum. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed the coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α in cerebellar Purkinje cells. CONCLUSION： Norepinephrine and activator protein-2α coexist in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells.

Expression and subcellular localization of cysteine- and glycine-rich protein-2 in rat undifferentiated olfactory stem cells

BACKGROUND： As a member of the LIM protein family Ⅱ, cysteine- and glycine-rich protein-2 （CRP2） has been demonstrated to play a role in the regulation of growth and differentiation of eukaryotic cells. Our previous study has demonstrated that CRP2 can be detected in the embryonic rat inner ear but not in the adult rat inner ear. However, at present, the expression of LIM protein family H members in stem or precursor cells has not been described. OBJECTIVE： To determine the expression and sub-cellular localization of CRP2 in olfactory stem cells. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An experiment with repeated measures was performed in the Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University from February 2008 to April 2008. MATERIALS： Olfactory stem cells, and rabbit-anti-CRP2 polyclonal antibody were prepared and kept in our laboratory. METHODS： Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to detect expression of CRP2 in olfactory stem cells. Immunocytochemistry was also used to localize CRP2 in olfactory stem cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The expression and sub-cellular localization of CRP2 in rat olfactory stem cells. RESULTS： CRP2 expression was found in olfactory stem cells, and CRP2 was distributed in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. CONCLUSION： Confirmation of the expression and distribution of CRP2 in olfactory stem cells.

Implantation of xenogeneic bone combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 into bone defect—An scanning electron microscopic study

To determine the ability of a new type of composite xenogeneic bone grafting to repair bone defect. Methods: The new type of composite xenogeneic bone was obtained by combining the chemically treated cance1lous bone with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). It was implanted on the bone defect of rabbit. Results: There was a large amount of new bone formation within the combined material and the amount was increasing as the time elapsed. In contrast, there was a lot of fibrous tissue with a little new bone formed on the area of the bone defect when the treated cancellous bone was implanted alone. Conclusion: The results imply that the rhBMP-2 plays a very important role in new bone formation and the composite xenogeneic bone appear to be an ideal material for repair of bone defect.