Objective The current outbreak of Zika virus(ZIKV)poses a severe threat to human health.Two ZIKV strains were isolated from mosquitoes collected from the Dejiang prefecture in China in 2016,which was the first isolati...Objective The current outbreak of Zika virus(ZIKV)poses a severe threat to human health.Two ZIKV strains were isolated from mosquitoes collected from the Dejiang prefecture in China in 2016,which was the first isolation of ZIKV in nature in China.Methods In this study,serum samples were collected from 366 healthy individuals and 104 animals from Dejiang prefecture in 2017,and the plaque reduction neutralization test(PRNT)was used to evaluate the seroprevalence of ZIKV.Results None of the 366 residents from whom the samples were collected were seropositive for ZIKV.None of the 11 pigs from whom the samples were collected were seropositive for ZIKV,while 1 of 63(1.59%)chickens and 2 of 30(6.67%)sheep were seropositive for ZIKV.Conclusions The extremely low seropositivity rate of ZIKV antibodies in animals in the Dejiang prefecture,Guizhou province in this study indicates that ZIKV can infect animals;however,there is a low risk of ZIKV circulating in the local population.展开更多
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular, zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. It can potentially infect almost all mammalian and avian hosts including one-third of the human population world-wide. The ...Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular, zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. It can potentially infect almost all mammalian and avian hosts including one-third of the human population world-wide. The major target group of the parasite includes immunocompromised patients (e.g. AIDS, cancer, organ transplantation) and fetus bearing pregnant women where it develops toxoplasmic encephalitis, myocarditis, chorioretinitis and abnormal fetal brain development or stillbirths respectively. In this review, we have presented the current status of T. gondii infection in livestock animals and human population in Bangladesh to assess the country-wide relative risk. Although exact prevalence is difficult to predict due to the scarcity of data, nevertheless existing literature suggests that 16% - 39% humans and 8% - 70% domestic animals are infected with T. gondii, which implies Bangladeshi population is at high risk of toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, we have proposed a potential area of research to decipher the genetic diversity and transmission routes of T. gondii infection into Bangladeshi population.展开更多
AIM: To observe the growth suppression effect of exogenous introduction of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1 gene) on esophageal carcinoma tissue as well as on esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 and to explore th...AIM: To observe the growth suppression effect of exogenous introduction of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1 gene) on esophageal carcinoma tissue as well as on esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 and to explore the potential application of Egr-1 gene in gene therapy of tumor. METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector of PCMV-Egr-1 plasmid was introduced into Eca109 cell line which expressed no Egr-1 protein originally with lipofectamine transfection method. The introduction and expression of PCMV-Egr-1 plasmid into Eca109 cell line was confirmed by G418 selection culture, PCR amplification of neogene contained in the vector, Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical analysis. The cell growth curve, soft agar colony formation rate and tumorigenicity in SCID mice were examined to demonstrate the growth suppression effect of exogenous Egr-1 gene on Eca109 cell line. The Egr-1 mRNA and Egr-1 protein were also detected in 50 surgical specimens of esophageal carcinoma by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Exogenous Egr-1 gene was introduced successfully into Eca109 cell line and expressed Egr-1 protein stably. The transfected Eca109 cell line grew more slowly than control Eca109 as shown by cell growth curves, the soft agar colony formation rate (4.0% vs 6.9%, P 【 0.01) and the average growth rate of tumor in SCID mice (35.5 +/- 7.6 vs 65.8 +/- 7.6, P 【 0.05). The expression level of Egr-1 mRNA and protein significantly increased in dysplastic epithelia adjacent to cancer rather than in cancer tissues (65.8% vs 20.0% by ISH and 57.9% vs 0.01). CONCLUSION: Exogenous Egr-1 gene shows the strong effect of growth inhibition in Eca109 cell line. Egr-1 in the cancer tissue shows down-regulated expression that supports the inhibited function of Egr-1 in cancer growth and suggests Egr-1 may have an important role in gene therapy of esophageal carcinoma.展开更多
Background: We currently have international and national guidelines regarding the assessment and monitoring of clinical signs and humane endpoints in animals used in teaching and research, which make the performance o...Background: We currently have international and national guidelines regarding the assessment and monitoring of clinical signs and humane endpoints in animals used in teaching and research, which make the performance of these activities mandatory for any experiment and professional working in this area. Assigning the severity of a research experiment is the result of an analysis of records of observations of the animal’s behavior, and clinical signs. The aim of this study was to describe the importance of carrying out a severity assessment associated with clinical and behavioral monitoring of rodents and rabbits during experimentation to maintain the welfare of these animals undergoing scientific research. Methods: The literature search was carried out using the following terms: “Monitoring”;“Humane endpoints”;“Animal welfare”, “Rodents”;“Rabbits”, and as connectors “and”;“or”, in the following databases: PubMed;LILACS/BIREME and SciELO. Results: A total of 987 articles were identified in the databases, and 20 of these studies were included in this review. Conclusions: Humane endpoint protocols and procedure severity tables are of the utmost importance, both from an ethical point and to refine the results of research conducted on laboratory animals. They should be drawn up jointly by the teams responsible for the project and the maintenance of the animals during the research period, and the data obtained should be published so that the scientific community can have access to it, helping to disseminate these practices, as well as helping to draw up new procedures. Monitoring and evaluating the welfare and clinical condition of animals undergoing scientific research procedures is the responsibility of the professors, researchers, veterinarians, and animal facility coordinators. The Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals must monitor all the activities conducted with the animals, by inspecting the experimental procedures and the physical environment of the laboratory animal facility where the animals are housed.展开更多
The main purpose of this paper is to point out the differences in the metabolism of Se between animals and humans. This is not to imply that the work with animals is not applicable to human because the use of animals ...The main purpose of this paper is to point out the differences in the metabolism of Se between animals and humans. This is not to imply that the work with animals is not applicable to human because the use of animals in Se research has greatly assisted in understanding Se metabolism in human subjects. It is fair to conclude that until results are confirmed in humans it is risky to draw conclusions on Se metabolism in human based solely on animal data. Although animals have provided some extremely useful information on metabolism of Se,there is convincing evidence to indicate that some features of Se metabolism are unique to human. A few examples were given to support this contention.展开更多
Acetyltransferases,required to transfer an acetyl group on protein are highly conserved proteins that play a crucial role in development and disease.Protein acetylation is a common post-translational modification pivo...Acetyltransferases,required to transfer an acetyl group on protein are highly conserved proteins that play a crucial role in development and disease.Protein acetylation is a common post-translational modification pivotal to basic cellular processes.Close to 80%-90%of proteins are acetylated during translation,which is an irreversible process that affects protein structure,function,life,and localization.In this review,we have discussed the various N-acetyltransferases present in humans,their function,and how they might play a role in diseases.Furthermore,we have focused on N-acetyltransferase 9 and its role in microtubule stability.We have shed light on how N-acetyltransferase 9 and acetylation of proteins can potentially play a role in neurodegenerative diseases.We have specifically discussed the N-acetyltransferase 9-acetylation independent function and regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling and microtubule stability during development and neurodegeneration.展开更多
Introduction: The genus Malassezia comprises 17 species of commensal and pathogenic yeasts of homeotherms animal skin. The most common species are M. furfur, M. globosa, and M. sympodialis in humans and M. pachydermat...Introduction: The genus Malassezia comprises 17 species of commensal and pathogenic yeasts of homeotherms animal skin. The most common species are M. furfur, M. globosa, and M. sympodialis in humans and M. pachydermatis in animals. However, some publications have reported potentially serious human infections by M. pachydermatis in individuals with risk factors and the isolation of human species from domestic animals. Given the scarcity of information about their capacity for transmission between hosts and zoonotic potential, the aim of the present study was to physiologically and molecularly characterize Malassezia spp. isolates obtained from canines and their human owners. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted at the Veterinary Clinic of Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales of Bogotá (Colombia) from July 2015 to December 2016. Phenotypic identification and molecular characterization via the amplification of the 5.8S rDNA- ITS2 and 26S rDNA gene regions, nucleic acid sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were performed on isolates originating from canines with otitis externa and from the skin of healthy owners compatible with Malassezia spp. Results: Eighty samples were cultured, of which 32 (40%) were suggestive of Malassezia spp. A total of 29 out of 46 (63%) isolates in canines and 3 out of 34 (9%) isolates in humans corresponded entirely with M. pachydermatis. Isolates from the canines and their owners presented similar behavior in biochemical and phospholipase activity tests, 100% molecular sequence identities, and close proximity in the phylogenetic trees. Conclusion: The isolation of M. pachydermatis from humans and their dogs with identity based on biochemical, physiological, molecular, and phylogenetic perspectives indicate the ability of this species to adapt to new hosts and its potential for zoonotic transmission. These findings contribute to knowledge of the ecology of this important fungus in human and veterinary medicine.展开更多
Ciprofloxacin is generally well tolerated;the most common adverse effects include gastro intestinal tract, central nervous system and hematological system effects. Recently rising cases of Ciprofloxacin associated tox...Ciprofloxacin is generally well tolerated;the most common adverse effects include gastro intestinal tract, central nervous system and hematological system effects. Recently rising cases of Ciprofloxacin associated toxicity have been reported. Experiment using animal models and clinical experience showed that Ciprofloxacin induced cardiotoxicity is marked by increase QT and QTC interval and prolonged action potential duration. This increases the risk of arrhythmia (tosarde de pointes). Ciprofloxacin induced cardiotoxic effect could be associated with blocking cardiac voltage—gated potassium channels particularly the rapid component (IKr) of the delayed rectifier potassium current. Drug interaction with inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated metabolism could be one of the underlying mechanisms. Several cases of Ciprofloxacin induced hepatoxicity have been also reported. These were characterized by extensive hepatocellular necrosis, mixed inflammatory infiltrate and abundant esinophils in the liver. Elevated liver enzymes which include serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gramma-glutamyltranferase and prolong prothrobin time were reported. The hepatotoxic effect of Ciprofloxacin as reported could be due to oxidative stress induced in the liver by Ciprofloxacin through the generation of oxidative radicals leading to depletion of protein content in hepatocytes as a consequence of nucleic acids diminution and DNA damage. This may lead to significant decrease in the number and degeneration in mitochondria which is responsible for energy supply. Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin induced cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity is relatively low in humans but patients’ liver and cardiac function may be considered before Ciprofloxacin use.展开更多
The purpose of this paper was to create a compendium of serogroups, serotypes and untypeable strains of Shigatoxigenic/verotoxigenic (STEC/VTEC) Escherichia coli. The compendium includes the origins, bacteriological a...The purpose of this paper was to create a compendium of serogroups, serotypes and untypeable strains of Shigatoxigenic/verotoxigenic (STEC/VTEC) Escherichia coli. The compendium includes the origins, bacteriological and clinical data on this important group of microbes. The collection of STEC/VTEC data extends from 1980 to 2017, and excludes STEC/VTEC O157:H7. A total of 499 papers were discovered and documented to create the compendium which includes all the serogroups and serotypes beginning with serogroup O1 through to serogroup O211 and includes O non-typeable strains and ill-defined strains including serotype O"54071":H7. The paper summarises the findings of 8010 E. coli isolates and includes all details including source (human or animal), and clinical condition/disease, serogroup and serotypes, country of origin, year reported, and the author(s) with cited references. Some twenty clinical conditions were shown in association with 4320 serotypes/and untypeable strains. The compendium is a record of an important group of STEC/ VTEC and should provide a useful resource for both researchers and clinicians.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease(AD) is the most common age-related, progressive neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline and responsible for most cases of dementia in the elderly. La...Alzheimer's disease(AD) is the most common age-related, progressive neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline and responsible for most cases of dementia in the elderly. Late-onset or sporadic AD accounts for > 95% of cases, with age at onset > 65 years. Currently there are no drugs or other therapeutic agents available to prevent or delay the progression of AD. The cellular and molecular changes occurring in the brains of individuals with AD include accumulation of β-amyloid peptide and hyperphosphorylated tau protein, decrease of acetylcholine neurotransmitter, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Aggregation of β-amyloid peptide in extracellular plaques and the hyperphosphorylated tau protein in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles are characteristic of AD. A major challenge is identifying molecular biomarkers of the early-stage AD in patients as most studies have been performed with blood or brain tissue samples(postmortem) at late-stage AD. Subjects with mild cognitive impairment almost always have the neuropathologic features of AD with about 50% of mild cognitive impairment patients progressing to AD. They could provide important information about AD pathomechanism and potentially also highlight minimally or noninvasive, easy-to-access biomarkers. MicroRNAs are dysregulated in AD, and may facilitate the early detection of the disease and potentially the continual monitoring of disease progression and allow therapeutic interventions to be evaluated. Four recent reviews have been published of microRNAs in AD, each of which identified areas of weakness or limitations in the reported studies. Importantly, studies in the last three years have shown considerable progress in overcoming some of these limitations and identifying specific microRNAs as biomarkers for AD and mild cognitive impairment. Further large-scale human studies are warranted with less disparity in the study populations, and using an appropriate method to validate the findings.展开更多
Parkinson's disease(PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, with the clinical main symptoms caused by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, corpus striatum and brain ...Parkinson's disease(PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, with the clinical main symptoms caused by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, corpus striatum and brain cortex. Over 90% of patients with PD have sporadic PD and occur in people with no known family history of the disorder. Currently there is no cure for PD. Treatment with medications to increase dopamine relieves the symptoms but does not slow down or reverse the damage to neurons in the brain. Increasing evidence points to inflammation as a chief mediator of PD with inflammatory response mechanisms, involving microglia and leukocytes, activated following loss of dopaminergic neurons. Oxidative stress is also recognized as one of the main causes of PD, and excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS) and reactive nitrogen species can lead to dopaminergic neuron vulnerability and eventual death. Micro RNAs control a range of physiological and pathological functions, and may serve as potential targets for intervention against PD to mitigate damage to the brain. Several studies have demonstrated that micro RNAs can regulate oxidative stress and prevent ROS-mediated damage to dopaminergic neurons, suggesting that specific micro RNAs may be putative targets for novel therapeutic strategies in PD. Recent human and animal studies have identified a large number of dysregulated micro RNAs in PD brain tissue samples, many of which were downregulated. The dysregulated micro RNAs affect downstream targets such as SNCA, PARK2, LRRK2, TNFSF13 B, LTA, SLC5 A3, PSMB2, GSR, GBA, LAMP-2 A, HSC. Apart from one study, none of the studies reviewed had used agomirs or antagomirs to reverse the levels of downregulated or upregulated micro RNAs, respectively, in mouse models of PD or with isolated human or mouse dopaminergic cells. Further large-scale studies of brain tissue samples collected with short postmortem interval from human PD patients are warranted to provide more information on the micro RNA profiles in different brain regions and to test for gender differences.展开更多
This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of effective herbal medicines in the management of obesity in humans and animals. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases were searched up...This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of effective herbal medicines in the management of obesity in humans and animals. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases were searched up to December 30, 2008. The search terms were "obesity" and ('herbal medicine" or "plant", "plant medicinal" or "medicine traditional") without narrowing or limiting search elements. All of the human and animal studies on the effects of herbs with the key outcome of change in anthropometric measures such as body weight and waist-hip circumference, body fat, amount of food intake, and appetite were included. In vitro studies, reviews, and letters to editors were excluded. Of the publications identified in the initial database, 915 results were identified and reviewed, and a total of 77 studies were included (19 human and 58 animal studies). Studies with Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), Sambucus nigra, Asparagus officinalis, Garcinia atroviridis, ephedra and caffeine, Slimax (extract of several plants including Zingiber officinale and Bofutsushosan) showed a significant decrease in body weight. In 41 animal studies, significant weight loss or inhibition of weight gain was found. No significant adverse effects or mortality were observed except in studies with supplements containing ephedra, caffeine and Bofutsushosan. In conclusion, compounds containing ephedra, CQr ginseng, bitter melon, and zingiber were found to be effective in the management of obesity. Attention to these natural compounds would open a new approach for novel therapeutic and more effective agents.展开更多
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by primary damage to the brain from the external mechanical force and by subsequent secondary injury due to various molecular and pathophysiological responses that event...Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by primary damage to the brain from the external mechanical force and by subsequent secondary injury due to various molecular and pathophysiological responses that eventually lead to neuronal cell death. Secondary brain injury events may occur minutes, hours, or even days after the trauma, and provide valuable therapeutic targets to prevent further neuronal degeneration. At the present time, there is no effective treatment for TBI due, in part, to the widespread impact of numerous complex secondary biochemical and pathophysiological events occurring at different time points following the initial injury. MicroRNAs control a range of physiological and pathological functions such as develop- ment, differentiation, apoptosis and metabolism, and may serve as potential targets for progress assessment and intervention against TBI to mitigate secondary damage to the brain. This has implications regarding improving the diagnostic accuracy of brain impairment and long-term outcomes as well as potential novel treatments. Recent human studies have identified specific microRNAs in serum/plasma (miR-425-p, -21, -93, -191 and -499) and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) (miR-328, -362-3p, -451, -486a) as possible indicators of the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of TBI. Experimental animal studies have examined specific microRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for moderate and mild TBI (e.g., miR-21, miR-23b). MicroRNA profil- ing was altered by voluntary exercise. Differences in basal microRNA expression in the brain of adult and aged animals and alterations in response to TBI (e.g., miR-21) have also been reported. Further large-scale studies with TBI patients are needed to provide more information on the changes in microRNA profiles in different age groups (children, adults, and elderly).展开更多
INTRODUCTIONClinical factors contributing to the therapeutic challenge of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are manifold :tumors arise often in patients with compromised liver function ,therefore limiting therapeutic opt...INTRODUCTIONClinical factors contributing to the therapeutic challenge of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are manifold :tumors arise often in patients with compromised liver function ,therefore limiting therapeutic options ;symptoms develop only at later stages of tumor progression ,and tumors tend to invade normal stuctures or occur in multiple locations simultaneously.展开更多
<abstract>Aim: To identify possible spermicidal agents through screening a number of edible medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity. Methods: Initial screening was made on the basis of ram cauda epididymal ...<abstract>Aim: To identify possible spermicidal agents through screening a number of edible medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity. Methods: Initial screening was made on the basis of ram cauda epididymal sperm immobilization immediately after addition of extracts. The most potent extract was selected and was evaluated on both ram and human spermatozoa. To unravel its mode of action several sperm functional tests were carried out, namely viability of cells, hypo-osmotic swelling test for membrane integrity and assays of membrane-bound enzyme 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal marker enzyme acrosin. Results: The crude aqueous extract of the bulb of Allium sativum L. showed the most promising results by instant immobilization of the ram epididymal sperm at 0.25 g/mL and human ejaculated sperm at 0.5 g/mL. Sperm immobilizing effects were irreversible and the factor of the extract responsible for immobilization was thermostable up to 90 癈. On boiling at 100 癈 for 10 minutes, this activity was markedly reduced. Moreover, this extract was able to cause aggregation of ram sperms into small clusters after 30 minutes of incubation at 37 癈. However this property was not found in human spermatozoa. More than 50 % reduction in sperm viability and hypo-osmotic swelling occurred in treated sperm as compared with the controls, indicating the possibility of plasma membrane disintegration which was further supported by the significant reduction in the activity of membrane bound 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal acrosin. Conclusion: The crude aqueous extract of A. sativum bulb possesses spermicidal activity in vitro.展开更多
A brachial plexus injury model was established in rabbits by stretching the C6 nerve root. Imme- diately after the stretching, a suspension of human amniotic epithelial cells was injected into the injured brachial ple...A brachial plexus injury model was established in rabbits by stretching the C6 nerve root. Imme- diately after the stretching, a suspension of human amniotic epithelial cells was injected into the injured brachial plexus. The results of tensile mechanical testing of the brachial plexus showed that the tensile elastic limit strain, elastic limit stress, maximum stress, and maximum strain of the injured brachial plexuses were significantly increased at 24 weeks after the injection. The treatment clearly improved the pathological morphology of the injured brachial plexus nerve, as seen by hematoxylin eosin staining, and the functions of the rabbit forepaw were restored. These data indicate that the injection of human amniotic epithelial cells contributed to the repair of brachial plexus injury, and that this technique may transform into current clinical treatment strategies.展开更多
AIM: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal tissue growth and development, and it can stimulate epithelial proliferation, cell differentiation and growth. It has be...AIM: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal tissue growth and development, and it can stimulate epithelial proliferation, cell differentiation and growth. It has been established that the EGF can promote gastric cytoprotection and ulcer healing. But the potential ability of EGF to regulate the gastric cancer growth is unknown. This study is to investigate the influence of EGF on human gastric cancer cell and the implanted tumor growth of nude mice. METHODS: The cell growth rates of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines MKN-28, MKN-45, SGC-7901 and normal human gastric epithelial cells 3T3 were assessed when incubated with recombinant human EGF (rhEGF, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 10, 50, 100 mg.L(-1)) using MTT method. The cells of MKN-28, MKN-45, SGC-7901 (gastric cancer tissue 1.5mm(3)) were implanted in the BALB/cA nude mice for 10 days.The EGF was given intraperitoneally (15, 30, 60 microg.kg(-1)) for 3 weeks. The body weights of the tumor-bearing animals and their tumor mass were measured afterwards to assess the mitogenic effect of rhEGF in the nude mice. RESULTS: Within the concentration range of 0.05-100mg.L(-1), rhEGF could increase the cell growth of normal 3T3 cells (cell growth rate 100% vs 102.8%, P【0.05), but partially restrain the gastric cancer cell growth. The latter effect was related to cell differentiation. In 15-60 microg/kg rhEGF groups, the mean implanted tumor mass of MKN-28 cell were 1.75 g, 1.91 g, 2.08 g/NS group 1.97 g (P】0.05), the mean tumor mass of SGC-7901 cell were 1.53 g, 1.07 g, 1.20 g/NS group 1.07 g (P】0.05), and for MKN-45 cell, the tumor mass were respectively 1.92 g, 1.29 g, 1.77 /NS group 1.82 g (P】0.05). So rhEGF had no obvious effect on implanted MKN-28, SGC-7901 and MKN-45 tumor growth. CONCLUSION: EGF has no stimulating effect on the human gastric cancer cell growth neither in vitro nor in vivo.展开更多
Directional migration of leukocytes is indispensable to innate immunity for host defense. However, recruitment of leukocytes to a site of tissue injury also constitutes a leading cause for inflammatory responses. Mech...Directional migration of leukocytes is indispensable to innate immunity for host defense. However, recruitment of leukocytes to a site of tissue injury also constitutes a leading cause for inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, it involves a cascade of cellular events precisely regulated by temporal and spatial presentation of a repertoire of molecules in the migrating leukocytes and their surroundings (microenvironments). Here I will summarize the emerging evidence that has shed lights on the underlying molecular mechanism for directional migration of leukocytes, which has guided the therapeutical development for innovative anti-inflammatory medicines.展开更多
The classical renin-angiotensin system(RAS) in the body has been studied intensively in the last decades, since it is known that this system is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Since nearly all members ...The classical renin-angiotensin system(RAS) in the body has been studied intensively in the last decades, since it is known that this system is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Since nearly all members of the classical RAS have also been identified within the brain in the last decades and due to the existence of the blood-brain barrier, a RAS within the brain(bRAS) that is largely independent from the peripheral RAS has been postulated. All members of the angiotensin family as e.g., angiotensin II, angiotensin IV and angiotensin II(1-7) along with the respective receptors(e.g., angiotensin II receptor type 1(AT1), angiotensin II receptor type 2(AT2), angiotensin IV receptor(AT4), angiotensin II(1-7) receptor(Mas)) have been identified within the brain. Moreover, a receptor capable of binding renin and the renin precursor prorenin with high affinity has also been detected within the brain. This protein functions as a membrane receptor for(pro)renin and also represents a V-ATPase subunit and is therefore termed(P)RR or Atp6 ap2, respectively. In this review we shed light on the(known as well as putative) roles and functions of Atp6 ap2 in the brain under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.展开更多
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project [2018ZX10713-002,2017ZX10104001,2018ZX10711001]National key research and development project [2017YFC1200505,2016YFC1200905]the Development Grant of State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control [2015SKLID505,2014SKLID103]
文摘Objective The current outbreak of Zika virus(ZIKV)poses a severe threat to human health.Two ZIKV strains were isolated from mosquitoes collected from the Dejiang prefecture in China in 2016,which was the first isolation of ZIKV in nature in China.Methods In this study,serum samples were collected from 366 healthy individuals and 104 animals from Dejiang prefecture in 2017,and the plaque reduction neutralization test(PRNT)was used to evaluate the seroprevalence of ZIKV.Results None of the 366 residents from whom the samples were collected were seropositive for ZIKV.None of the 11 pigs from whom the samples were collected were seropositive for ZIKV,while 1 of 63(1.59%)chickens and 2 of 30(6.67%)sheep were seropositive for ZIKV.Conclusions The extremely low seropositivity rate of ZIKV antibodies in animals in the Dejiang prefecture,Guizhou province in this study indicates that ZIKV can infect animals;however,there is a low risk of ZIKV circulating in the local population.
文摘Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular, zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. It can potentially infect almost all mammalian and avian hosts including one-third of the human population world-wide. The major target group of the parasite includes immunocompromised patients (e.g. AIDS, cancer, organ transplantation) and fetus bearing pregnant women where it develops toxoplasmic encephalitis, myocarditis, chorioretinitis and abnormal fetal brain development or stillbirths respectively. In this review, we have presented the current status of T. gondii infection in livestock animals and human population in Bangladesh to assess the country-wide relative risk. Although exact prevalence is difficult to predict due to the scarcity of data, nevertheless existing literature suggests that 16% - 39% humans and 8% - 70% domestic animals are infected with T. gondii, which implies Bangladeshi population is at high risk of toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, we have proposed a potential area of research to decipher the genetic diversity and transmission routes of T. gondii infection into Bangladeshi population.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.39670298.
文摘AIM: To observe the growth suppression effect of exogenous introduction of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1 gene) on esophageal carcinoma tissue as well as on esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 and to explore the potential application of Egr-1 gene in gene therapy of tumor. METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector of PCMV-Egr-1 plasmid was introduced into Eca109 cell line which expressed no Egr-1 protein originally with lipofectamine transfection method. The introduction and expression of PCMV-Egr-1 plasmid into Eca109 cell line was confirmed by G418 selection culture, PCR amplification of neogene contained in the vector, Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical analysis. The cell growth curve, soft agar colony formation rate and tumorigenicity in SCID mice were examined to demonstrate the growth suppression effect of exogenous Egr-1 gene on Eca109 cell line. The Egr-1 mRNA and Egr-1 protein were also detected in 50 surgical specimens of esophageal carcinoma by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Exogenous Egr-1 gene was introduced successfully into Eca109 cell line and expressed Egr-1 protein stably. The transfected Eca109 cell line grew more slowly than control Eca109 as shown by cell growth curves, the soft agar colony formation rate (4.0% vs 6.9%, P 【 0.01) and the average growth rate of tumor in SCID mice (35.5 +/- 7.6 vs 65.8 +/- 7.6, P 【 0.05). The expression level of Egr-1 mRNA and protein significantly increased in dysplastic epithelia adjacent to cancer rather than in cancer tissues (65.8% vs 20.0% by ISH and 57.9% vs 0.01). CONCLUSION: Exogenous Egr-1 gene shows the strong effect of growth inhibition in Eca109 cell line. Egr-1 in the cancer tissue shows down-regulated expression that supports the inhibited function of Egr-1 in cancer growth and suggests Egr-1 may have an important role in gene therapy of esophageal carcinoma.
文摘Background: We currently have international and national guidelines regarding the assessment and monitoring of clinical signs and humane endpoints in animals used in teaching and research, which make the performance of these activities mandatory for any experiment and professional working in this area. Assigning the severity of a research experiment is the result of an analysis of records of observations of the animal’s behavior, and clinical signs. The aim of this study was to describe the importance of carrying out a severity assessment associated with clinical and behavioral monitoring of rodents and rabbits during experimentation to maintain the welfare of these animals undergoing scientific research. Methods: The literature search was carried out using the following terms: “Monitoring”;“Humane endpoints”;“Animal welfare”, “Rodents”;“Rabbits”, and as connectors “and”;“or”, in the following databases: PubMed;LILACS/BIREME and SciELO. Results: A total of 987 articles were identified in the databases, and 20 of these studies were included in this review. Conclusions: Humane endpoint protocols and procedure severity tables are of the utmost importance, both from an ethical point and to refine the results of research conducted on laboratory animals. They should be drawn up jointly by the teams responsible for the project and the maintenance of the animals during the research period, and the data obtained should be published so that the scientific community can have access to it, helping to disseminate these practices, as well as helping to draw up new procedures. Monitoring and evaluating the welfare and clinical condition of animals undergoing scientific research procedures is the responsibility of the professors, researchers, veterinarians, and animal facility coordinators. The Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals must monitor all the activities conducted with the animals, by inspecting the experimental procedures and the physical environment of the laboratory animal facility where the animals are housed.
文摘The main purpose of this paper is to point out the differences in the metabolism of Se between animals and humans. This is not to imply that the work with animals is not applicable to human because the use of animals in Se research has greatly assisted in understanding Se metabolism in human subjects. It is fair to conclude that until results are confirmed in humans it is risky to draw conclusions on Se metabolism in human based solely on animal data. Although animals have provided some extremely useful information on metabolism of Se,there is convincing evidence to indicate that some features of Se metabolism are unique to human. A few examples were given to support this contention.
基金supported by 1RO1EY032959-01 and RO1 supplement from NIH,Schuellein Chair Endowment Fund and STEM Catalyst Grant from the University of Dayton(to AS).
文摘Acetyltransferases,required to transfer an acetyl group on protein are highly conserved proteins that play a crucial role in development and disease.Protein acetylation is a common post-translational modification pivotal to basic cellular processes.Close to 80%-90%of proteins are acetylated during translation,which is an irreversible process that affects protein structure,function,life,and localization.In this review,we have discussed the various N-acetyltransferases present in humans,their function,and how they might play a role in diseases.Furthermore,we have focused on N-acetyltransferase 9 and its role in microtubule stability.We have shed light on how N-acetyltransferase 9 and acetylation of proteins can potentially play a role in neurodegenerative diseases.We have specifically discussed the N-acetyltransferase 9-acetylation independent function and regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling and microtubule stability during development and neurodegeneration.
文摘Introduction: The genus Malassezia comprises 17 species of commensal and pathogenic yeasts of homeotherms animal skin. The most common species are M. furfur, M. globosa, and M. sympodialis in humans and M. pachydermatis in animals. However, some publications have reported potentially serious human infections by M. pachydermatis in individuals with risk factors and the isolation of human species from domestic animals. Given the scarcity of information about their capacity for transmission between hosts and zoonotic potential, the aim of the present study was to physiologically and molecularly characterize Malassezia spp. isolates obtained from canines and their human owners. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted at the Veterinary Clinic of Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales of Bogotá (Colombia) from July 2015 to December 2016. Phenotypic identification and molecular characterization via the amplification of the 5.8S rDNA- ITS2 and 26S rDNA gene regions, nucleic acid sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were performed on isolates originating from canines with otitis externa and from the skin of healthy owners compatible with Malassezia spp. Results: Eighty samples were cultured, of which 32 (40%) were suggestive of Malassezia spp. A total of 29 out of 46 (63%) isolates in canines and 3 out of 34 (9%) isolates in humans corresponded entirely with M. pachydermatis. Isolates from the canines and their owners presented similar behavior in biochemical and phospholipase activity tests, 100% molecular sequence identities, and close proximity in the phylogenetic trees. Conclusion: The isolation of M. pachydermatis from humans and their dogs with identity based on biochemical, physiological, molecular, and phylogenetic perspectives indicate the ability of this species to adapt to new hosts and its potential for zoonotic transmission. These findings contribute to knowledge of the ecology of this important fungus in human and veterinary medicine.
文摘Ciprofloxacin is generally well tolerated;the most common adverse effects include gastro intestinal tract, central nervous system and hematological system effects. Recently rising cases of Ciprofloxacin associated toxicity have been reported. Experiment using animal models and clinical experience showed that Ciprofloxacin induced cardiotoxicity is marked by increase QT and QTC interval and prolonged action potential duration. This increases the risk of arrhythmia (tosarde de pointes). Ciprofloxacin induced cardiotoxic effect could be associated with blocking cardiac voltage—gated potassium channels particularly the rapid component (IKr) of the delayed rectifier potassium current. Drug interaction with inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated metabolism could be one of the underlying mechanisms. Several cases of Ciprofloxacin induced hepatoxicity have been also reported. These were characterized by extensive hepatocellular necrosis, mixed inflammatory infiltrate and abundant esinophils in the liver. Elevated liver enzymes which include serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gramma-glutamyltranferase and prolong prothrobin time were reported. The hepatotoxic effect of Ciprofloxacin as reported could be due to oxidative stress induced in the liver by Ciprofloxacin through the generation of oxidative radicals leading to depletion of protein content in hepatocytes as a consequence of nucleic acids diminution and DNA damage. This may lead to significant decrease in the number and degeneration in mitochondria which is responsible for energy supply. Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin induced cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity is relatively low in humans but patients’ liver and cardiac function may be considered before Ciprofloxacin use.
文摘The purpose of this paper was to create a compendium of serogroups, serotypes and untypeable strains of Shigatoxigenic/verotoxigenic (STEC/VTEC) Escherichia coli. The compendium includes the origins, bacteriological and clinical data on this important group of microbes. The collection of STEC/VTEC data extends from 1980 to 2017, and excludes STEC/VTEC O157:H7. A total of 499 papers were discovered and documented to create the compendium which includes all the serogroups and serotypes beginning with serogroup O1 through to serogroup O211 and includes O non-typeable strains and ill-defined strains including serotype O"54071":H7. The paper summarises the findings of 8010 E. coli isolates and includes all details including source (human or animal), and clinical condition/disease, serogroup and serotypes, country of origin, year reported, and the author(s) with cited references. Some twenty clinical conditions were shown in association with 4320 serotypes/and untypeable strains. The compendium is a record of an important group of STEC/ VTEC and should provide a useful resource for both researchers and clinicians.
文摘Alzheimer's disease(AD) is the most common age-related, progressive neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline and responsible for most cases of dementia in the elderly. Late-onset or sporadic AD accounts for > 95% of cases, with age at onset > 65 years. Currently there are no drugs or other therapeutic agents available to prevent or delay the progression of AD. The cellular and molecular changes occurring in the brains of individuals with AD include accumulation of β-amyloid peptide and hyperphosphorylated tau protein, decrease of acetylcholine neurotransmitter, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Aggregation of β-amyloid peptide in extracellular plaques and the hyperphosphorylated tau protein in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles are characteristic of AD. A major challenge is identifying molecular biomarkers of the early-stage AD in patients as most studies have been performed with blood or brain tissue samples(postmortem) at late-stage AD. Subjects with mild cognitive impairment almost always have the neuropathologic features of AD with about 50% of mild cognitive impairment patients progressing to AD. They could provide important information about AD pathomechanism and potentially also highlight minimally or noninvasive, easy-to-access biomarkers. MicroRNAs are dysregulated in AD, and may facilitate the early detection of the disease and potentially the continual monitoring of disease progression and allow therapeutic interventions to be evaluated. Four recent reviews have been published of microRNAs in AD, each of which identified areas of weakness or limitations in the reported studies. Importantly, studies in the last three years have shown considerable progress in overcoming some of these limitations and identifying specific microRNAs as biomarkers for AD and mild cognitive impairment. Further large-scale human studies are warranted with less disparity in the study populations, and using an appropriate method to validate the findings.
文摘Parkinson's disease(PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, with the clinical main symptoms caused by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, corpus striatum and brain cortex. Over 90% of patients with PD have sporadic PD and occur in people with no known family history of the disorder. Currently there is no cure for PD. Treatment with medications to increase dopamine relieves the symptoms but does not slow down or reverse the damage to neurons in the brain. Increasing evidence points to inflammation as a chief mediator of PD with inflammatory response mechanisms, involving microglia and leukocytes, activated following loss of dopaminergic neurons. Oxidative stress is also recognized as one of the main causes of PD, and excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS) and reactive nitrogen species can lead to dopaminergic neuron vulnerability and eventual death. Micro RNAs control a range of physiological and pathological functions, and may serve as potential targets for intervention against PD to mitigate damage to the brain. Several studies have demonstrated that micro RNAs can regulate oxidative stress and prevent ROS-mediated damage to dopaminergic neurons, suggesting that specific micro RNAs may be putative targets for novel therapeutic strategies in PD. Recent human and animal studies have identified a large number of dysregulated micro RNAs in PD brain tissue samples, many of which were downregulated. The dysregulated micro RNAs affect downstream targets such as SNCA, PARK2, LRRK2, TNFSF13 B, LTA, SLC5 A3, PSMB2, GSR, GBA, LAMP-2 A, HSC. Apart from one study, none of the studies reviewed had used agomirs or antagomirs to reverse the levels of downregulated or upregulated micro RNAs, respectively, in mouse models of PD or with isolated human or mouse dopaminergic cells. Further large-scale studies of brain tissue samples collected with short postmortem interval from human PD patients are warranted to provide more information on the micro RNA profiles in different brain regions and to test for gender differences.
文摘This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of effective herbal medicines in the management of obesity in humans and animals. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases were searched up to December 30, 2008. The search terms were "obesity" and ('herbal medicine" or "plant", "plant medicinal" or "medicine traditional") without narrowing or limiting search elements. All of the human and animal studies on the effects of herbs with the key outcome of change in anthropometric measures such as body weight and waist-hip circumference, body fat, amount of food intake, and appetite were included. In vitro studies, reviews, and letters to editors were excluded. Of the publications identified in the initial database, 915 results were identified and reviewed, and a total of 77 studies were included (19 human and 58 animal studies). Studies with Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), Sambucus nigra, Asparagus officinalis, Garcinia atroviridis, ephedra and caffeine, Slimax (extract of several plants including Zingiber officinale and Bofutsushosan) showed a significant decrease in body weight. In 41 animal studies, significant weight loss or inhibition of weight gain was found. No significant adverse effects or mortality were observed except in studies with supplements containing ephedra, caffeine and Bofutsushosan. In conclusion, compounds containing ephedra, CQr ginseng, bitter melon, and zingiber were found to be effective in the management of obesity. Attention to these natural compounds would open a new approach for novel therapeutic and more effective agents.
文摘Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by primary damage to the brain from the external mechanical force and by subsequent secondary injury due to various molecular and pathophysiological responses that eventually lead to neuronal cell death. Secondary brain injury events may occur minutes, hours, or even days after the trauma, and provide valuable therapeutic targets to prevent further neuronal degeneration. At the present time, there is no effective treatment for TBI due, in part, to the widespread impact of numerous complex secondary biochemical and pathophysiological events occurring at different time points following the initial injury. MicroRNAs control a range of physiological and pathological functions such as develop- ment, differentiation, apoptosis and metabolism, and may serve as potential targets for progress assessment and intervention against TBI to mitigate secondary damage to the brain. This has implications regarding improving the diagnostic accuracy of brain impairment and long-term outcomes as well as potential novel treatments. Recent human studies have identified specific microRNAs in serum/plasma (miR-425-p, -21, -93, -191 and -499) and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) (miR-328, -362-3p, -451, -486a) as possible indicators of the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of TBI. Experimental animal studies have examined specific microRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for moderate and mild TBI (e.g., miR-21, miR-23b). MicroRNA profil- ing was altered by voluntary exercise. Differences in basal microRNA expression in the brain of adult and aged animals and alterations in response to TBI (e.g., miR-21) have also been reported. Further large-scale studies with TBI patients are needed to provide more information on the changes in microRNA profiles in different age groups (children, adults, and elderly).
文摘INTRODUCTIONClinical factors contributing to the therapeutic challenge of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are manifold :tumors arise often in patients with compromised liver function ,therefore limiting therapeutic options ;symptoms develop only at later stages of tumor progression ,and tumors tend to invade normal stuctures or occur in multiple locations simultaneously.
文摘<abstract>Aim: To identify possible spermicidal agents through screening a number of edible medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity. Methods: Initial screening was made on the basis of ram cauda epididymal sperm immobilization immediately after addition of extracts. The most potent extract was selected and was evaluated on both ram and human spermatozoa. To unravel its mode of action several sperm functional tests were carried out, namely viability of cells, hypo-osmotic swelling test for membrane integrity and assays of membrane-bound enzyme 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal marker enzyme acrosin. Results: The crude aqueous extract of the bulb of Allium sativum L. showed the most promising results by instant immobilization of the ram epididymal sperm at 0.25 g/mL and human ejaculated sperm at 0.5 g/mL. Sperm immobilizing effects were irreversible and the factor of the extract responsible for immobilization was thermostable up to 90 癈. On boiling at 100 癈 for 10 minutes, this activity was markedly reduced. Moreover, this extract was able to cause aggregation of ram sperms into small clusters after 30 minutes of incubation at 37 癈. However this property was not found in human spermatozoa. More than 50 % reduction in sperm viability and hypo-osmotic swelling occurred in treated sperm as compared with the controls, indicating the possibility of plasma membrane disintegration which was further supported by the significant reduction in the activity of membrane bound 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal acrosin. Conclusion: The crude aqueous extract of A. sativum bulb possesses spermicidal activity in vitro.
基金financially supported by a grant from the Science and Technology Development Project of Jilin Province of China,No.20110492
文摘A brachial plexus injury model was established in rabbits by stretching the C6 nerve root. Imme- diately after the stretching, a suspension of human amniotic epithelial cells was injected into the injured brachial plexus. The results of tensile mechanical testing of the brachial plexus showed that the tensile elastic limit strain, elastic limit stress, maximum stress, and maximum strain of the injured brachial plexuses were significantly increased at 24 weeks after the injection. The treatment clearly improved the pathological morphology of the injured brachial plexus nerve, as seen by hematoxylin eosin staining, and the functions of the rabbit forepaw were restored. These data indicate that the injection of human amniotic epithelial cells contributed to the repair of brachial plexus injury, and that this technique may transform into current clinical treatment strategies.
文摘AIM: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal tissue growth and development, and it can stimulate epithelial proliferation, cell differentiation and growth. It has been established that the EGF can promote gastric cytoprotection and ulcer healing. But the potential ability of EGF to regulate the gastric cancer growth is unknown. This study is to investigate the influence of EGF on human gastric cancer cell and the implanted tumor growth of nude mice. METHODS: The cell growth rates of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines MKN-28, MKN-45, SGC-7901 and normal human gastric epithelial cells 3T3 were assessed when incubated with recombinant human EGF (rhEGF, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 10, 50, 100 mg.L(-1)) using MTT method. The cells of MKN-28, MKN-45, SGC-7901 (gastric cancer tissue 1.5mm(3)) were implanted in the BALB/cA nude mice for 10 days.The EGF was given intraperitoneally (15, 30, 60 microg.kg(-1)) for 3 weeks. The body weights of the tumor-bearing animals and their tumor mass were measured afterwards to assess the mitogenic effect of rhEGF in the nude mice. RESULTS: Within the concentration range of 0.05-100mg.L(-1), rhEGF could increase the cell growth of normal 3T3 cells (cell growth rate 100% vs 102.8%, P【0.05), but partially restrain the gastric cancer cell growth. The latter effect was related to cell differentiation. In 15-60 microg/kg rhEGF groups, the mean implanted tumor mass of MKN-28 cell were 1.75 g, 1.91 g, 2.08 g/NS group 1.97 g (P】0.05), the mean tumor mass of SGC-7901 cell were 1.53 g, 1.07 g, 1.20 g/NS group 1.07 g (P】0.05), and for MKN-45 cell, the tumor mass were respectively 1.92 g, 1.29 g, 1.77 /NS group 1.82 g (P】0.05). So rhEGF had no obvious effect on implanted MKN-28, SGC-7901 and MKN-45 tumor growth. CONCLUSION: EGF has no stimulating effect on the human gastric cancer cell growth neither in vitro nor in vivo.
文摘Directional migration of leukocytes is indispensable to innate immunity for host defense. However, recruitment of leukocytes to a site of tissue injury also constitutes a leading cause for inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, it involves a cascade of cellular events precisely regulated by temporal and spatial presentation of a repertoire of molecules in the migrating leukocytes and their surroundings (microenvironments). Here I will summarize the emerging evidence that has shed lights on the underlying molecular mechanism for directional migration of leukocytes, which has guided the therapeutical development for innovative anti-inflammatory medicines.
文摘The classical renin-angiotensin system(RAS) in the body has been studied intensively in the last decades, since it is known that this system is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Since nearly all members of the classical RAS have also been identified within the brain in the last decades and due to the existence of the blood-brain barrier, a RAS within the brain(bRAS) that is largely independent from the peripheral RAS has been postulated. All members of the angiotensin family as e.g., angiotensin II, angiotensin IV and angiotensin II(1-7) along with the respective receptors(e.g., angiotensin II receptor type 1(AT1), angiotensin II receptor type 2(AT2), angiotensin IV receptor(AT4), angiotensin II(1-7) receptor(Mas)) have been identified within the brain. Moreover, a receptor capable of binding renin and the renin precursor prorenin with high affinity has also been detected within the brain. This protein functions as a membrane receptor for(pro)renin and also represents a V-ATPase subunit and is therefore termed(P)RR or Atp6 ap2, respectively. In this review we shed light on the(known as well as putative) roles and functions of Atp6 ap2 in the brain under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.