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BACKGROUND In this study we investigated the effect of urinary kallidinogenase (UK) on transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression in brain tissue. We also explored the neuroprotective mechanism of UK against ischemic injury by measuring serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level changes after rat cerebral ischemic injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS The rat middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion model was established using the suture method. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: treatment, Gegen control, and blank control. Each group was subsequently divided into 5 subgroups according to time (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). Rats in the treatment group were administered UK as treatment. TGF-β1 expression was observed at each time point using SABC and immunohistochemical staining methods to estimate cerebral infarct volume percentage. Serum hs-CRP levels were also measured. RESULTS TGF-β1 protein expression in ischemic brain tissues of the treatment group significantly increased at each time point (P<0.01) compared with both control groups. Treatment group serum hs-CRP levels significantly decreased at each time point (P<0.05) compared with both control groups. CONCLUSIONS UK exerts a neuroprotective effect by upregulating TGF-β1 expression and inhibiting excessive inflammatory responses.

Rituximab (RTX) can be used in children with nephrotic syndrome, particularly in those with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). However, at present there is no unified standard of how to use RTX, with regard to the amount of doses and frequency, in children with nephrotic syndrome. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a single dose of RTX in children with steroid-dependent minimal change nephrotic syndrome (SD-MCNS). The patients with biopsy-proven minimal change disease (MCD) and clinical features of SDNS received a single dose of RTX (375 mg/m 2 ). The toxicity and side effects of RTX were also observed. The study included 19 patients (10 males and 9 females). Follow-up of the patients was 1-50 months (28.1±16.6 months). B-cell depletion was achieved with RTX infusion (CD20<0.5%) and lasted 1-6 months (mean, 2.92±1.57 months). During follow-up, 10 patients remained in complete remission and did not relapse without administration of oral steroids or immunosuppressants for 4-50 months (mean, 30.1±12.6 months), despite recovery of the B-cell count. Nine patients relapsed in the process of reducing steroids, thus, treatment was maintained at a lower dosage (T=0, P<0.05) than prior to use of RTX. The number of relapses also decreased significantly (T=95, P<0.05). Five of the patients relapsed after stopping steroid for several months. At the end of follow-up, the efficacy of a single induction of RTX was 47.4% (9/19). There were no significant side effects associated with administration of RTX. In conclusion, RTX is a safe and effective alternative for children with SD-MCNS. RTX is an effective treatment for the rapid induction of remission and reduces relapse and steroid dependency. A single dose of RTX for children with SD-MCNS is recommended for rapid induction of remission, reduction of long-term steroid dosage, and decrease in the number of relapses, as it has few side effects.

By using the hydrothermal method, carbon microspheres (CMS) were fabricated and used for electrode modification. The characteristics of CMS were investigated using various techniques. The biocompatible sensing platform was built by immobilizing hemoglobin (Hb) on the micrometer-sized CMS-modified electrode with a layer of chitosan membrane. On the cyclic voltammogram, a couple of quasi-reversible cathodic and anodic peaks appeared, showing that direct electrochemistry of Hb with the working electrode was achieved. The catalytic reduction peak currents of the bioelectrode to trichloroacetic acid was established in the linear range of 2.0~70.0 mmol·L(-1) accompanied by a detection limit of 0.30 mmol·L(-1) (3σ). The modified electrode displayed favorable sensitivity, good reproducibility and stability, which suggests that CMS is promising for fabricating third-generation bioelectrochemical sensors.

The role of serotonin7 (5-HT7) receptors in the regulation of depression is poorly understood, particularly in Parkinson's disease-associated depression. Here we examined whether 5-HT7 receptors in the prelimbic (PrL) sub-region of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) involve in the regulation of depressive-like behaviors in sham-operated rats and rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle. The lesion induced depressive-like responses as measured by the sucrose preference and forced swim tests when compared to sham-operated rats. Intra-PrL injection of 5-HT7 receptor agonist AS19 (0.5, 1 and 2 μg/rat) increased sucrose consumption, and decreased immobility time in sham-operated and the lesioned rats, indicating the induction of antidepressant-like effects. Further, intra-PrL injection of 5-HT7 receptor antagonist SB269970 (1.5, 3 and 6 μg/rat) decreased sucrose consumption, and increased immobility time, indicating the induction of depressive-like responses. However, the doses producing these effects in the lesioned rats were higher than those in sham-operated rats. Neurochemical results showed that intra-PrL injection of AS19 (2 μg/rat) increased dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) levels in the mPFC, habenula and ventral hippocampus (vHip) in sham-operated and the lesioned rats; whereas SB269970 (6 μg/rat) decreased 5-HT levels in the habenula and vHip, and the levels of NA in the mPFC, habenula and vHip in the two groups of rats. The results suggest that 5-HT7 receptors in the PrL play an important role in the regulation of these behaviors, which attribute to changes in monoamine levels in the limbic and limbic-related brain regions after activation and blockade of 5-HT7 receptors., (Copyright © 2015 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Mitogenic actions of estrogens are mediated by two distinct estrogen receptors (ERs), which are critical in the progression and therapeutic response of breast cancer. ER expression is a dynamic phenomenon that is regulated by numerous factors, including cytokines, in the tumor microenvironment. Recently, studies have shown that autocrine production of IL-4 promotes cancer cell growth and there is negative correlation between tumor IL-4 and hormone receptor levels, suggesting that there is crosstalk between cytokine receptors and ER. Thus, we evaluated for interaction between the two ERs and the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ, and if this interaction modulates malignant behavior. We identified that ERβ exerts protective activity in the progression of breast cancer cell line MCF-7, which co-expresses ERα and ERβ. IFN-γ and IL-4 have the opposite effects on malignant biological behavior. Furthermore, we found positive correlation between IFN-γ and ERβ expression in MCF-7. We also determined that autocrine IFN-γ in MCF-7 increases mRNA expression of ERβ resulting in enhanced sensitivity to tamoxifen (TAM). These results indicate that ERβ and autocrine IFN-γ represent two putative targets for breast cancer therapy.

We explored the relationship between MK-801 concentration and neural stem cell proliferation in rats with focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (FCIR). A total of 60 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into control (six rats), sham-operation (six rats), operation (12 rats), and MK-801 groups. The MK-801 group comprised 36 rats that were subjected to different doses of MK-801 (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 mg/kg). Suture occlusion was used to establish an ischemia reperfusion model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO); 30 min before establishing the FCIR model, the MK-801 group rats were intraperitoneally injected with different doses of MK-801, while the sham-operation and control groups were injected with normal saline. Seven days after model establishment, bromodeoxyuridine-positive cerebral cortex cells adjacent to the focus of infarction were labeled for immunohistochemistry. MK-801 at a concentration of 0.4 mg/kg prevented endogenous neural stem cell proliferation, and this inhibitory effect was strengthened with increasing MK-801 concentration, especially at concentrations greater than 0.8 mg/kg. MK-801 inhibits endogenous neural stem cell proliferation in rats with FCIR, and the inhibitory effect is strengthened with increasing MK-801 concentration.

About 40-60% of ovarian cancer (OVCA) cases express ERα, but only a small proportion of patients respond clinically to anti-estrogen treatment with estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist tamoxifen (TAM). The mechanism of TAM resistance in the course of OVCA progression remains unclear. However, IL6 plays a critical role in the development and progression of OVCA. Our recent results indicated that IL6 secreted by OVCA cells may promote the resistance of these cells to TAM via ER isoforms and steroid hormone receptor coactivator-1. Here we demonstrate that both exogenous (a relatively short period of treatment with recombinant IL6) and endogenous IL6 (generated as a result of transfection with a plasmid encoding sense IL6) increases expression of pERα-Ser118 and pERα-Ser167 in non-IL6-expressing A2780 cells, while deleting endogenous IL6 expression in IL6-overexpressing CAOV-3 cells (by transfection with a plasmid encoding antisense IL6) reduces expression of pERα-Ser118 and pERα-Ser167, indicating that IL6-induced TAM resistance may also be associated with increased expression of pERα-Ser118 and pERα-Ser167 in OVCA cells. Results of further investigation indicate that IL6 phosphorylates ERα at Ser118 and Ser167 by triggering activation of MEK/ERK and phosphotidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt signaling, respectively, to activate the ER pathway and thereby induce OVCA cells resistance to TAM. These results indicate that IL6 secreted by OVCA cells may also contribute to the refractoriness of these cells to TAM via the crosstalk between ER and IL6-mediated intracellular signal transduction cascades. Overexpression of IL6 not only plays an important role in OVCA progression but also promotes TAM resistance. Our results indicate that TAM-IL6-targeted adjunctive therapy may lead to a more effective intervention than TAM alone., (© 2015 Society for Endocrinology.)

Objective: To generate systemic expression human cellular glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) (198Leu) transgenic mice model in order to investigate the functional variants in GPx-1 gene in oxidative stress-related diseases., Methods: After linearization with BamnH I and Acc I, the transgenic construct GPx-1 (198Leu) was microinjected into the zygotes of C57BL/6J mice to generate transgenic mice, whose genotype was detected by PCR with specific primers. The GPx-1 gene expression profile was determined by Western blotting., Results: 13 transgenic founder mice were successfully generated. Western blotting result showed that the protein expression level of 4 transgenic mice in hearts were higher than that of wild type mice., Conclusion: Human GPx-1PSL transgenic mice was successfully established. This kind of animal model is of significance for making further researches on oxidative stress-related diseases.

In recent decades, many studies have highlighted the role of IL-17-producing cells in bone resorption. However, the importance of many IL-17-producing cell types remains largely unknown in bone remodeling. In this review, we summarize the function of IL-17-producing cells, with a focus on T helper 17 (Th17) cells, in bone resorption and remodeling.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common venous anomaly of the thorax. It could lead to catheter malplacement and even vascular injuries. We describe an unusual way to deliver a right atrial (RA) endocardial pacing lead in a 61-year-old female with a PLSVC concomitant agenesis of the right-sided SVC. After failed attempts with the standard procedure, we placed the RA lead tip in the PLSVC near the right auricle. The pacemaker worked well after one and 17 months of follow-up. We conclude that when placement of the RA lead fails, the PLSVC near the right auricle could be a next choice in the RA lead placement in patients with PLSVC concomitant agenesis of the right-sided SVC.

Although 40-60% of ovarian cancer (OVCA)s express estrogen receptor (ER)α, only a minor proportion of patients respond to anti-estrogen treatment with ER antagonist tamoxifen (TAM). The mechanism underlying TAM resistance in the course of OVCA progression is incompletely understood. However, interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a critical role in the development and progression of OVCA. Here we explore an association between IL-6 and TAM resistance. We demonstrate that both exogenous (a relatively short period of treatment with recombinant IL-6) and endogenous IL-6 (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-6) induce TAM resistance in non-IL-6-expressing A2780 cells, while deleting of endogenous IL-6 expression in IL-6-overexpressing CAOV-3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-6) promotes the sensitivity of these cells to TAM. Further investigation indicates that TAM resistance caused by IL-6 is associated with the alteration of ERα, ERβ and steroid hormone receptor coactivator (SRC)-1 expression levels, the protein interactions between SRC-1 and ERα, but not ERβ, as well as blockage of estrogen-induced ER receptor nuclear translocation. These results show that IL-6 secreted by OVCA cells may contribute to the refractoriness of these cells to TAM via ER isoforms and SRC-1. Overexpression of IL-6 not only plays an important role in OVCA progression but also contributes to TAM resistance. Our studies suggest that TAM-IL-6-targeted adjunctive therapy may lead to a more effective intervention than TAM alone., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The relationship between selenium (Se) deficiency-induced cardiac malfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is poorly understood. In the present study, 18 weaning Sprague Dawley rats were randomly fed with three different Se diets, and myocardial glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was measured by an enzyme activity assay. Cardiac function was evaluated by hemodynamic parameters. ER stress markers immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP)/glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were detected by western blotting. Our data showed that myocardial GPx activity and cardiac function were conspicuously impaired in Se-deficient rats. Expression of GRP78 and CHOP was significantly upregulated by treatment of Se deficiency. Improvements in myocardial GPx activity and cardiac function, as well as decreases in expression of GRP78 and CHOP, were observed after Se supplementation. Consequently, our data show that ER stress was involved in Se deficiency-induced cardiac dysfunction.

The potential mechanism of high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and selenium's protective effects were investigated in this study. Myocytes isolated from neonate rats were cultured in high-glucose medium (25.5 mmol/L glucose) to mimic sustained hyperglycemia. Before high-glucose incubation, myocytes were pretreated by sodium selenite solution. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining and caspase activation. Expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD-88) was examined at both mRNA and protein levels. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in myocytes were also detected. We found high glucose-induced cell apoptosis and activation of TLR-4/MyD-88/caspase-8/caspase-3 signaling, accompanied by increased production of ROS. Selenium pretreatment attenuated apoptosis in high glucose-incubated myocytes, and mechanically, this protective effect was found to be associated with attenuating oxidative status by increasing activity of GPx, decreasing the generation of ROS, as well as inhibition of the activation of TLR-4/MyD-88/caspase-8/caspase-3 signaling in myocytes. These results suggest that activation of TLR-4/MyD-88 signaling pathway plays an important role in high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Additionally, by modulating TLR-4/MyD-88 signaling pathway, which is linked to ROS formation, selenium exerts its antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects in high glucose-incubated myocytes.

Background: Mutations in canonical transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) have been identified as responsible for the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a proteinuric disease with steroid resistance and poor prognosis. This study explores the prevalence of TRPC6 variants in Chinese children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), the genotype/phenotype correlation of TRPC6 variants, the therapeutic response, and the underlying molecular mechanism., Methods: Fifty-one children with sporadic INS were enrolled: 23 steroid-sensitive cases and 28 steroid-resistant cases Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify 13 exons and the promoter sequences of TRPC6 before sequencing. The expression of TRPC6 in renal tissues was illustrated by immunohistochemistry staining. The transcriptional activity of variants in TRPC6 promoter was measured by the luciferase assay., Results: Three variants (-254C>G, rs3824934; +43C/T, rs3802829; and 240 G>A, rs17096918) were identified. The allele frequency of the -254C>G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) patients (40.5%) was higher than that in the steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome subjects (27.1%; P = 0.046). The -254C>G SNP enhanced transcription from TRPC6 promoter in vitro and was associated with increased TRPC6 expression in renal tissues of SRNS patients., Conclusion: -254C>G, a SNP underlying enhanced TRPC6 transcription and expression, may be correlated with the development of steroid resistance in Chinese children with INS.

Objective: CD44(+) human ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs) and CSC-like cells have been identified and characterized. Compelling evidence has revealed that CD44 is involved in the occurrence and development of cancers. Our previous study showed that sphere-forming cells (SFCs) from the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 had CSC capacity. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody A3D8 on the proliferation and apoptosis of SFCs to explore novel strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer., Methods: We investigated the effects and mechanisms of A3D8 on the proliferation and apoptosis of SFCs using the MTS assay, cell cycle analysis, an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide kit, Rh123 apoptosis detection kit, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting., Results: After CD44 ligation by A3D8, SFC cell proliferation was notably attenuated, cell cycle progression was arrested in the S phase, and apoptosis was significantly increased. The effect of A3D8 was enhanced in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the effect of apoptosis induction by DDP was enhanced by combination treatment with A3D8. Furthermore, the messenger RNA expression levels of p21 and caspase-3 were up-regulated, whereas those of CDK2, cyclinA, and Bcl-2 were down-regulated. The protein expression levels of caspase-3 were up-regulated, whereas those of CDK2, cyclinA, and Bcl-2 were down-regulated., Conclusions: Our findings indicate that anti-CD44 monoclonal antibodies may be a potential strategy for the treatment of human ovarian cancer after conventional therapy via inhibition of growth and the promotion of apoptosis in SFCs with stemness.

Aim: To investigate whether curcumin (Cur) suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rats, and to determine its molecular mechanisms., Methods: Primary rat VSMCs were treated with LPS (1 μg/L) and Cur (5, 10, or 30 μmol/L) for 24 h. The levels of MCP-1, TNF-α, and iNOS were measured using ELISA and real-time RT-PCR. NO level was analyzed with the Griess reaction. Western-blotting was used to detect the activation of TLR4, MAPKs, IκBα, NF-κB p65, and the p47(phox) subunit of NADPH oxidase in the cells., Results: Treatment of VSMCs with LPS dramatically increased expression of inflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and TNF-α, expression of TLR4 and iNOS, and NO production. LPS also significantly increased phosphorylation of IκBα, nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65) and phosphorylation of MAPKs in VSMCs. Furthermore, LPS significantly increased production of intracellular ROS, and decreased expression of p47(phox) subunit of NADPH oxidase. Pretreatment with Cur concentration-dependently attenuated all the aberrant changes in LPS-treated VSMCs. The LPS-induced overexpression of MCP-1 and TNF-α, and NO production were attenuated by pretreatment with the ERK inhibitor PD98059, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, the NF-κB inhibitor PDTC or anti-TLR4 antibody, but not with the JNK inhibitor SP600125., Conclusion: Cur suppresses LPS-induced overexpression of inflammatory mediators in VSMCs in vitro via inhibiting the TLR4-MAPK/NF-κB pathways, partly due to block of NADPH-mediated intracellular ROS production.

The possible mechanism of adriamycin (ADR) and/or selenium (Se) deficiency-induced cardiac dysfunction, and cardioprotective effects of Se against ADR-induced cardiac toxicity were investigated in this study. Cardiac function was evaluated by plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Cardiac glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was assessed spectrophotometrically. Expression of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) subunits-SUR2A and Kir6.2-were examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that cardiac function and cardiac GPx activity decreased remarkably after administration of ADR or Se deficiency; more dramatic impairment of cardiac function and cardiac GPx activity were observed after co-administration of ADR and Se deficiency. Mechanically, it is novel for us to find down-regulation of KATP subunits gene expression in cardiac tissue after administration of ADR or Se deficiency, and more significant inhibition of cardiac KATP gene expression was identified after co-administration of ADR and Se deficiency. Furthermore, cardiac toxicity of ADR was found alleviated by Se supplementation, accompanied by restoring of cardiac GPx activity and cardiac KATP gene expression. These results indicate that decreased expression of cardiac KATP is involved in adriamycin and/or Se deficiency-induced cardiac dysfunction; Se deficiency exacerbates adriamycin-induced cardiac dysfunction by future inhibition of KATP expression; Se supplementation seems to protect against adriamycin-induced cardiac dysfunction via restoring KATP expression, showing potential clinical application in cancer chemotherapy.

Objective: To identify the different serum proteins expressed in patients with Keshan disease (KD)., Methods: Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed with serum samples from the patients with chronic KD and healthy controls to separate serum proteins. The gels were stained by sliver and scanned by Umax scanner. The data were analyzed by ImageMaster 2D software. KD related proteins were identified through searching the ExPASy SWISS-2DPAGE database., Results: Stable two-dimensional gel electrophoresis maps were established for serum samples of KD patients and healthy controls. A total of 808 and 814 protein spots were observed in KD patients and healthy controls, respectively. The two maps had 96.5475% identical protein spots and 44 differentially expressed protein spots. Eleven protein spots were expressed exclusively in KD patients and 12 protein spots only appeared in healthy controls. About 21 proteins were expressed in both groups but varied in quantities (14 proteins were over-expressed by more than 3 times and 7 proteins were under-expressed by more than 3 times in KD patients, P < 0.01). Among the 353 protein spots matched with the ExPASy-SWISS-2DPAGE databank, No. 1177 protein appeared in the KD patient was found to have the closest match with P02774 2-D0004T6 known as vitamin D binding protein (VDBP)., Conclusion: There is a significant difference in serum protein expression between KD patients and normal people. VDBP might play a role in cardiac muscle damage via inflammatory immune reactions.

Background/aims: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is a powerful atherogen. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has a pathophysiological role in regulating inflammatory responses and atherosclerosis. Mast cells can infiltrate into the atheromatous plaque and secrete various pro-inflammatory cytokines, which significantly amplify the atherogenic processes and promote plaque vulnerability. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is an effective method to silence the target genes. We evaluated whether ox-LDL-induced inflammation depended in part on the activation of TLR4-dependent signaling pathways in a cultured human mast cell line (HMC-1)., Method: HMC-1 cells were cultured, and treated with ox-LDL, TLR4-specific siRNA, or inhibitors of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a critical mediator of inflammation. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was measured subsequently., Results: Ox-LDL increased the expression of TLR4 and secretion of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, ox-LDL stimulated the translocation of NF-κB, from the cytoplasm to nucleus. Additionally, phosphorylation of MAPK was greatly increased. These ox-LDL-induced alterations were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with TLR4-specific siRNA., Conclusion: Ox-LDL induced inflammatory responses in cultured HMC-1 cells including NF-κB nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of MAPKs, a process mediated in part by TLR4., (Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To study the effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) agonist on the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) mRNA expression in monocyte-derived macrophages of essential hypertensive patients., Methods: Totally 57 essential hypertensive patients were randomly divided into three groups: conventional treatment group (n=18), telmisartan group (n=19), and benazepril group (n=20); 20 patients with normal blood pressure were also selected as the control group. Monocyte-derived macrophages were isolated from blood samples of patients in all four groups. The expression of ACE2 mRNA in monocyte-derived macrophages was detected by RT-PCR before treatment and 4 and 12 weeks after treatment., Results: Four and 12 weeks after treatment, the systolic pressure and diastolic pressure of telmisartan group and benazepril group were significantly lower than that of the conventional treatment group (all P<0.01), and the systolic pressure and diastolic pressure of telmisartan group were significantly lower than that of the benazepril group(both P<0.01) .The expression of ACE2 mRNA in monocyte-derived macrophages were significantly lower in essential hypertensive patients than that in control group (P<0.01). After having been treated for 4 weeks and 12 weeks, the expression of ACE2 mRNA in monocyte-derived macrophages of hypertensive patients in telmisartan and benazepril groups were significantly higher than that in conventional treatment group (all P<0.01), and the expression of ACE2 mRNA in telmisartan group was significantly higher than that in benazepril group (both P<0.01)., Conclusion: PPAR-γ agonist could increase the ACE2 mRNA expression in monocyte-derived macrophages of essential hypertensive patients.

It has been shown that IL-8 is elevated in ovarian cyst fluid, ascites, serum, and tumor tissue from ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients, and increased IL-8 expression correlates with poor prognosis and survival. However, the exact role that IL-8 plays in this malignancy or whether IL-8 can regulate malignant behavior has not been established. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of IL-8 in non-IL-8-expressing A2780 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-8) increases anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, angiogenic potential, adhesion and invasion while depletion of endogenous IL-8 expression in IL-8-overexpressing SKOV-3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-8) decreases the above effects. Further investigation indicates that IL-8-stimulated cell proliferation correlates with alteration of cell cycle distribution by increasing levels of cell cycle-regulated Cyclin D1 and Cyclin B1 proteins as well as activation of PI3K/Akt and Raf/MEK/ERK, whereas IL-8-enhanced OVCA cell invasive correlates with increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and expression. Our data suggest that IL-8 secreted by OVCA cells promotes malignant behavior of these cells via inducing intracellular molecular signaling. Therefore, modulation of IL-8 expression or its related signaling pathway may be a promising strategy for controlling the progression and metastasis of OVCA., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Age-related aortic stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although oxidative stress is implicated in aortic stiffness, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unelucidated. Here, we examined the source of oxidative stress in aging and its effect on smooth muscle cell (SMC) function and aortic compliance using mutant mouse models., Methods and Results: Pulse wave velocity, determined using Doppler, increased with age in superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2)+/- but not in wild-type, p47phox-/- and SOD1+/- mice. Echocardiography showed impaired cardiac function in these mice. Increased collagen I expression, impaired elastic lamellae integrity, and increased medial SMC apoptosis were observed in the aortic wall of aged SOD2+/- versus wild-type (16-month-old) mice. Aortic SMCs from aged SOD2+/- mice showed increased collagen I and decreased elastin expression, increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity, and increased sensitivity to staurosporine-induced apoptosis versus aged wild-type and young (4-month-old) SOD2+/- mice. Smooth muscle α-actin levels were increased with age in SOD2+/- versus wild-type SMCs. Aged SOD2+/- SMCs had attenuated insulin-like growth factor-1-induced Akt and Forkhead box O3a phosphorylation and prolonged tumor necrosis factor-α-induced Jun N-terminal kinase 1 activation. Aged SOD2+/- SMCs had increased mitochondrial superoxide but decreased hydrogen peroxide levels. Finally, dominant-negative Forkhead box O3a overexpression attenuated staurosporine-induced apoptosis in aged SOD2+/- SMCs., Conclusion: Mitochondrial oxidative stress over a lifetime causes aortic stiffening, in part by inducing vascular wall remodeling, intrinsic changes in SMC stiffness, and aortic SMC apoptosis.

Objective: To investigate the effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) on inflammation and oxidative stress in the diabetic rats., Methods: An experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus model was induced by feeding male SD rats with diet of high fat for 4 weeks and then injected them intraperitoneally with streptozocin (STZ) at 30 mg/kg. Then the animals were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): control group, diabetic group and ALA group. Four weeks later, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), nitric oxide (NO) production, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the serum were determined., Results: Inflammatory agents including TNF-alpha, sP-selectin and sICAM-1 increased in diabetic rats to compare with control group. Treatment with ALA significantly decreased TNF-alpha, sP-selectin and slCAM-1 to compare with diabetic group. Furthermore, compared with control group, serum MDA production increased whereas NO production, SOD and CAT activities decreased in diabetic rats. Treatment with ALA reduced MDA production, increased NO production, promoted SOD and CAT activities compared with diabetic group., Conclusion: These results indicate that diet rich in ALA exerted the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in diabetic rats, which may be beneficial to the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Objective: To analyze reactive epitope of three subunit antigens AgB1, AgB2 and AgB4 of Echinococcus granulosus by using synthetic peptides., Methods: Five synthetic peptides, KK36, RK30, B4-1, B4-2, and B4-3, derived from the sequences of AgB1, AgB2, and AgB4 subunit of E. granulosus, and the three recombinant subunits were used for the detection of serum antibodies by ELISA. A panel of 209 serum samples from patients with cystic echinococcosis (115), alveolar echinococcosis (54), cysticercosis (22), and healthy persons (18) was used in the study. The diagnostic efficiency of the recombinant subunits and peptides for serum detection was estimated and compared using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve., Results: The sensitivity and specificity of peptides KK36 and RK30 in patients with cystic echinococcosis were 89.2% and 62.5%, 85.0% and 59.4%, respectively. Their diagnostic efficiency (84.8% and 80.4%) was similar to AgB1 and AgB2 antigen (84.5% and 81.2%). The ROC curves of peptides KK36 and RK30 were well fitted by that of recombinant subunit AgB1 and AgB2. For the three peptides derived from AgB4 subunit, serum detection indicated that the diagnostic efficiency of B4-1, B4-2 and B4-3 were 49.4%, 57.9%, and 77.4%, respectively. Peptides B4-3 showed best reactivity and B4-2 also showed certain reactivity to the sera from patients with cystic echinococcosis., Conclusion: Peptides KK36 and RK30 contain the reactive epitope region of AgB1 and AgB2 subunits. B4-2 and B4-3 contain partial region of the reactive epitope of AgB4. The epitope region of AgB4 may be in the central and back part.

Ouabain is a bioactive hapten and is very difficult to be accurately quantified because of the lack of useful reagents. Furthermore, where ouabain is produced in the adrenal glands has not been identified. In this study, ouabain-BSA was generated for immunizing the laying hens to generate ouabain-specific IgY antibodies in chicken eggs. The anti-ouabain IgY antibodies were detected in eggs 1 week after the last immunization and their concentrations increased with time. The highest concentrations of anti-ouabain IgY antibodies reached at 1:10,240 for ELISA 5 weeks after immunization and maintained for 4 weeks in chicken eggs. Following PEG precipitation, an average of 8.5 mg of anti-ouabain IgY antibodies with a purity of 87.6% was achieved from a single egg. Further analysis revealed that the anti-ouabain IgY antibodies had little immunoreactivity to hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, cedilanid, and digoxin, indicating their high specificity, and the purified IgY antibodies effectively detected endogenous ouabain in the cytoplasm of cells predominately in the zona reticularis of rat and human adrenal glands, indicating their high immunoreactivity. Given that IgY has an unique structure and bioactive features, the generated anti-ouabain IgY antibodies may be used as a new reagent for accurately quantifying ouabain in biological studies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression and significance of response gene to complement-32 (RGC-32) in renal tissue of children with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN)., Material and Methods: Forty-five patients diagnosed as having IgAN by renal biopsy were enrolled. The expression of RGC-32, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)) was observed by immunohistostaining. The relationshis between the expression of RGC-32, α-SMA, TGF-β1, degree of renal pathological lesions in IgAN and clinical index were assessed by Spearman correlation., Results: Immunohistostaining analysis showed that RGC-32 protein was present in epithelial cells of renal tubules in normal and IgAN renal tissues. With more severe renal pathological lesions, the expression of RGC-32 in IgAN was increased. The expression of RGC-32 was positively correlated with that of α-SMA, TGF-β(1) and the degree of renal pathological lesions in children with IgAN (p < 0.05), but had no relationship with serum creatinine, urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase/creatinine, urinary microalbuminuria/creatinine, urinary microimmunoglobulin/creatinine or urinary α(1)-microglobulin/creatinine ratio (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: Expression of RGC-32 can reflect the degree of renal pathological lesions in IgAN. RGC-32 may participate in the renal tubulointerstitial lesions in children with IgAN, especially in epithelial -mesenchymal transition induced by TGF-β(1).

It has been widely reported that interleukin-8 (IL-8) is overexpressed in ovarian cyst fluid, ascites, serum, and tumor tissue from ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients, and elevated IL-8 expression correlates with a poor final outcome and chemosensitivity. However, the role of IL-8 expression in the acquisition of the chemoresistance phenotype and the underlining mechanisms of drug resistance in OVCA cells are not yet fully understood. Here we show that both exogenous (a relatively short period of treatment with recombination IL-8) and endogenous IL-8 (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-8) induce cisplatin and paclitaxel resistance in non-IL-8-expressing A2780 cells, while deleting of endogenous IL-8 expression in IL-8-overexpressing SKOV-3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-8) promotes the sensitivity of these cells to anticancer drugs. IL-8-mediated resistance of OVCA cells exhibits decreased proteolytic activation of caspase-3. Meanwhile, the further study demonstrates that the chemoresistance caused by IL-8 is associated with increased expression of both multidrug resistance-related genes (MDR1) and apoptosis inhibitory proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and XIAP), as well as activation of PI3K/Akt and Ras/MEK/ERK signaling. Therefore, modulation of IL-8 expression or its related signaling pathway may be a promising strategy of treatment for drug-resistant OVCA., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

1. The antidiabetic agents, thiazolidinediones (TZD), ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), have been reported to reduce cardiac hypertrophy. However, the underlying mechanism is still elusive. 2. We previously reported that soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was specifically upregulated by angiotensin-II (AngII), which directly mediated AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy. In the present study, we examined the role of sEH in PPARγ inhibiting AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy. 3. The protein level of sEH was elevated in the left ventricle of AngII-infused Sprague-Dawley rats. Administration of the TZD rosiglitazone decreased this induction. In vitro, AngII upregulated the expression of sEH and hypertrophy markers, including atrial natriuretic factor and β-myosin heavy chain, in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cells, which was attenuated by rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. An elevated level of sEH was also found in the left ventricle of heterozygous PPARγ-deficient mice. The effect of TZD on sEH level could be reversed by treatment with the PPARγ antagonists, GW9662 and BADGE, which suggests PPARγ activation. In elucidating the mechanisms by which PPARγ inhibited AngII-induced sEH expression, we found that rosiglitazone inhibited AngII-induced sEH promoter activity in H9c2 cells. In contrast, the activity of the human sEH 3'UTR was not affected by AngII and TZD. 4. Our results suggest that the protective role of PPARγ activation in AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy is, at least in part, through downregulating sEH., (© 2011 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

In the present study, effect of SR 57227A, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT(3)) receptor agonist, on the firing activity of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was studied in normal rats and rats with 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta by using extracellular recording. Systemic administration of SR 57227A (40-640 μg/kg, i.v.) decreased the mean firing rate of pyramidal neurons in normal and the lesioned rats. This inhibition was significant only at doses higher than 320 μg/kg and 640 μg/kg in normal and the lesioned rats, respectively, and was reversed by i.v. administration of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist tropisetron or GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline. Furthermore, local application of SR 57227A (0.01 μg) in the mPFC inhibited the firing rate of pyramidal neurons in normal rats while having no effect on firing rate in the lesioned rats. The i.v. administration of bicuculline excited the pyramidal neurons in normal rats, and then local application of SR 57227A did not alter the mean firing rate of these neurons. However, these two drugs did not affect the activity of the pyramidal neurons in the lesioned rats. We conclude that activation of 5-HT(3) receptors inhibited pyramidal neurons in the mPFC of normal rats via GABAergic interneurons, and degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway decreased response of the pyramidal neurons to SR 57227A, suggesting the dysfunction of 5-HT(3) receptors and/or down-regulation of the expression on GABAergic interneurons in the lesioned rats., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the best method for prevention and treatment of thrombosis and its mechanism., Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an electroacupuncture group and a crude herb moxibustion group. In the electroacupuncture group and the crude herb moxibustion group. "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Pishu" (BL 20) and "Geshu" (BL 17) were punctured or moxibusted for 2 weeks, then pre-thrombosis model was induced by Adrenalin Hydrochloride and ice water method in the model group, the electroacupuncture group and the crude herb moxibustion group, respectively. Molecular markers in venous blood after the model made in 18 hours were detected., Results: Act: vaty of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and content of alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) decreased and content of nitrogen monoxidum (NO) increased after electroacupuncture or crude herb moxibustion. The levels of t-PA and GMP-140 in the model group were higher than those in the electroacupuncture group, the crude herb moxibustion group and the blank group (all P < 0.05), and the content of NO in the model group was lower than those in the electroacupuncture group, the crude herb moxibustion group and the blank group (all P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in t- PA, GMP-140 and NO among the crude herb moxibustion group, electroacupuncture group and blank group (all P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Electroacupuncture and crude herb moxibustion can significantly change the contents of t-PA, GMP-140 and NO and there was no significant difference between the two therapies.

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of the inferior nodal extension (INE) in the atrioventricular junctional area that accounts for arrhythmias. The INE was separated from the adult rat heart by laser capture microdissection. The mRNA expression of ion channels was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Hierarchical clustering was used to demonstrate clustering of expression of genes in sections. The mRNA expression of HCN4, Ca(v)3.1 and Ca(v)3.2 was high in the INE, atrioventricular node and sino-atrial node, and that of Ca(v)3.2 high in Purkinje fibres. Although the expression of HCN1 and Ca(v)1.3 was low in the rat heart, it was relatively higher in the INE, atrioventricular node and sino-atrial node than in right atrial and right ventricular (working) myocytes. Both HCN2 and Ca(v)1.2 were expressed at higher levels in working myocytes than in nodal tissues and in the INE. Hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated that the expression of the HCN and calcium channels in INE was similar to that in the slow-response automatic cells and different from that in working myocytes and Purkinje fibres. The expression of HCN and calcium channels in the INE of the adult rat heart is similar to that of slow-response automatic cells and provides a substrate for automatic phase 4 depolarization in cells.

Objective: To study the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance caused by interleukin-6 (IL-6) in ovarian cancer cells and its related signal pathways., Methods: Ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 (IL-6 receptor positive, while non-IL-6-expressing and cisplatin/paclitaxel-responsive) and SKOV3 cell lines (overexpressing of IL-6 receptor and IL-6 and cisplatin/paclitaxel-resistant) were suitable models for this study. The effect of exogenous (a short period of treatment with recombination IL-6) and endogenous IL-6 (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-6) in A2780 cells or deleting of endogenous IL-6 expression in SKOV3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-6) on the sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel was investigated. Meanwhile, the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance caused by IL-6 in ovarian cancer cells and its related signal pathways were also analyzed., Results: We found that both exogenous and endogenous IL-6 induce cisplatin and paclitaxel resistance in non-IL-6-expressing A2780 cells (the resistance multiple to cisplatin and paclitaxel was: exogenous, 6.25 and 7.31; endogenous, 7.13-8.34 and 7.61-10.70), while deleting of endogenous IL-6 expression in IL-6-overexpressing SKOV3 cells promotes its sensitivity to anticancer drugs (the resistance multiple to cisplatin and paclitaxel was 0.15 and 0.10, 0.10 and 0.08). IL-6 significantly up-regulated the expression levels of mRNA and protein of drug resistance-associated genes, MDR1 and GST-π, and apoptosis-inhibiting genes, bcl-2, bcl-xL and XIAP in a dose-dependent manner in A2780 cells. In accordance with this finding, the mRNA and protein levels of MDR1 and GST-π enhanced in sense IL-6-transfected A2780 cells, and reduced in antisense IL-6-transfected SKOV3 cells compared with the corresponding parental and control vector-transfected cells, which had no difference. It was found that PD98059 [mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor] and wortmannin [phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor] significantly antagonized IL-6-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt), respectively, and both of them blocked IL-6-induced cisplatin and paclitaxel resistance and the inhibitory effects of PD98059 and wortmannin were dependent on its concentration., Conclusions: These data suggest that IL-6-induced chemoresistance may be associated with increase of both drug resistance-associated genes (MDR1 and GST-π) and apoptosis-inhibiting genes (bcl-2, bcl-xL and XIAP), and activation of MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt. Therefore, modulation of IL-6 expression or its related signaling pathway may be a promising strategy of treatment for drug-resistant ovarian cancer.

It has been shown that IL-6 is elevated in the serum and ascites of ovarian cancer patients, and increased IL-6 concentration correlates with poor prognosis and chemoresistance. However, the role of IL-6 expression in the acquisition of the chemoresistance phenotype and the underlining mechanisms of drug resistance in ovarian cancer cells remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that both exogenous (a relatively short period of treatment with recombination IL-6) and endogenous IL-6 (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-6) induce cisplatin and paclitaxel resistance in non-IL-6-expressing A2780 cells, while deleting of endogenous IL-6 expression in IL-6-overexpressing SKOV3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-6) promotes the sensitivity of these cells to anticancer drugs. IL-6-mediated resistance of ovarian cancer cells exhibits decreased proteolytic activation of caspase-3. Meanwhile, the further study demonstrates that the chemoresistance caused by IL-6 is associated with increased expression of both multidrug resistance-related genes (MDR1 and GSTpi) and apoptosis inhibitory proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and XIAP), as well as activation of Ras/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling. Therefore, modulation of IL-6 expression or its related signaling pathway may be a promising strategy of treatment for drug-resistant ovarian cancer., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The intracellular signaling events by which NADPH oxidase-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function and atherogenesis are yet to be entirely elucidated. We previously demonstrated that NADPH oxidase deficiency decreased atherosclerosis in apoE(-/-) mice and identified adhesion protein CD44 as an important ROS-sensitive gene expressed in VSMC and atherosclerotic lesions. Here, we examined the molecular mechanisms by which NADPH oxidase-generated ROS regulate the expression of CD44 and its principal ligand, hyaluronan (HA), and how CD44-HA interaction affects VSMC proliferation and migration and inflammatory gene expression in apoE(-/-) mice aortas. Thrombin-induced CD44 expression is mediated by transcription factor AP-1 in a NADPH oxidase-dependent manner. NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS generation enhanced thrombin-induced HA synthesis, and hyaluronan synthase 2 expression in VSMC. Hyaluronidase, which generates low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA), is induced in VSMC in a NADPH oxidase-dependent manner and LMW-HA stimulated ROS generation and cell proliferation in wild-type but not p47(phox-/-) VSMC, effects that were enhanced by thrombin pretreatment. Haptotactic VSMC migration toward HA was increased by thrombin in a CD44-dependent manner. HA expression in atherosclerotic lesions and plasma-soluble CD44 and HA levels were higher in apoE(-/-) compared with apoE(-/-)/p47(phox-/-) mice. HA-regulated pro-inflammatory gene expression was higher in apoE(-/-) than apoE(-/-)/p47(phox-/-) mouse aortas. GKT136901, a specific inhibitor of Nox1- and Nox4-containing NADPH oxidase activity, attenuated ROS generation and atherosclerosis and decreased CD44 and HA expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Together, these data suggest that increased CD44 and HA expression and CD44-HA-dependent gene regulation may play a role in atherosclerosis stimulated by NADPH oxidase activation.

Objective: To assess the association of blood selenium and polymorphism of glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) genes in patients with Keshan Disease (KD) and provide genetic evidence for KD susceptibility., Methods: The levels of whole blood selenium and the activity of GPx-1 were measured with spectrophotometric and enzymatic method among 71 KD patients and 290 controls (including 78 internal controls and 212 external controls). The genotype of GPx-1 at 198 site was analyzed by sequencing and PCR-RFLP. The functions of two GPx-1 variants were studied by rat neonatal cardiomyocytes transfection and expression plasmid., Results: Blood level of selenium in KD patients was (0.8 ± 0.2) µmol/L, the internal controls' was (0.9 ± 0.2) µmol/L, and the external controls' was (1.2 ± 0.2) µmol/L (F = 4.888, P < 0.001).GPx-1 activity of KD patients was (73.0 ± 12.6) × 10(-10)U/RBC, internal controls' was (80.9 ± 9.2) × 10(-10)U/RBC, and external controls' was (115.8 ± 21.1) × 10(-10)U/RBC (F = 5.324, P < 0.001). Those of KD patients were significantly lower than controls. The polymorphism (Pro198Leu) of GPx-1 were identified; the frequency of Pro198Leu of KD patients was 21.1%, the frequency of controls was 10.7% (χ(2) = 5.588, P = 0.018). The level of blood selenium in variant subgroup (Pro198Leu or Leu198Leu) was (0.9 ± 0.2) µmol/L, and its in non-variant subgroup was (1.1 ± 0.3) µmol/L (t = 3.183, P < 0.01); The GPx-1 activity in variant subgroup was (86.1 ± 23.0) × 10(-10)U/RBC, and its in non-variant subgroup was (101.8 ± 25.9) × 10(-10)U/RBC (t = 5.784, P < 0.01). Further analysis revealed a synergistic-multiplicative interaction between presence of GPx-1 codon198 alleles and low blood selenium level. Over-expression of GPx-1 (198Leu) in rat cardiomyocytes caused 30% lower enzyme activity and less response to increasing concentrations of selenium than with over-expression of GPx-1 (198Pro)., Conclusion: Low blood selenium in carriers with the 198Leu-susceptible genotype of GPx-1 is associated with low GPx-1 activity, synergistic-multiplicative interaction was found between these two factors. And these two factors may increase the risk of KD.

The Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in the development of several leukemia and lymphoma. In order to investigate the relationship between Notch signaling and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), in this study, we expressed a recombinant Notch ligand protein, the DSL domain of the human Jagged1 fused with GST (GST-Jag1). GST-Jag1 could activate Notch signaling in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60, as shown by a reporter assay and the induced expression of Notch effector gene Hes1 and Hes5. However, GST-Jag1 had no effect on the proliferation and survival of HL60 cells. HL60 cells expressed both Notch ligands and receptors, and had a potential of reciprocal stimulation of Notch signaling between cells. We, therefore, blocked Notch signaling in cultured HL60 cells using a gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI). We found that GSI inhibited the proliferation of HL60 cells significantly by blocking the cell-cycle progression in the G1 phase. Furthermore, GSI induced remarkably apoptosis of HL60 cells. These changes in GSI-treated HL60 cells correlated with the down-regulation of c-Myc and Bcl2, and the low phosphorylation of the Rb protein. These results suggested that reciprocal Notch signaling might be necessary for the proliferation and survival of AML cells, possibly through the maintenance of the expression of c-Myc and Bcl2, as well as the phosphorylation of the Rb protein.

Aim: To construct adenovirus expressing vector secretory human CD40L extracellular domain (shCD40L) and IkappaBalpha., Methods: The gene of the shCD40L and the secreting signal peptide was amplified with PCR respectively. Then the CD40L and signal peptide was colligated to get shCD40L segment in vitro. The gene which had cuted from PODB7I kappaBalpha and IRES2 were amplified with PCR respectively. After colligated successfully, the gene shCD40L, IRES2, IkappaBalpha were inserted into pGEMT-easy to amplify. The gene shCD40L was linked with EGFP and the gene IkappaBalpha was linked with IRES2. The two pieces of recombinant gene were inseeted into pshuttle-cmv vector. The pshuttle-cmv-IkappaBalpha-EGFP plasmid and pshuttle-cmv-shCD40L-IRES2 plasmid were transdcut into AdEasy adenovirus vector. System and acquired the recombinant plasmid pAdvIkappaBalpha-IRES2-shCD40L. The pAdvIkappaBalpha-IRES2-shCD40L plasmid harboring was constructed by homologous recombination in E.coil AdEasy-1-BJ5183. Then recombinant vector was propagated in 293 cells and obtain the recombination replication-deficient adenovirus AdvIkappaBalpha-IRES2-shCD40L. PCR method was used in identification of recombinant adenovirus vector harboring IkappaBalpha-IRES2-shCD40L gene. Expressing products in supernatant adenovirus was identified by PCR method. The safety was evaluated by morphology of PK15 and 293 cells after adenovirus infection., Results: The recombinant IkappaBalpha-IRES2-shCD40L adenovirus was generated by homologous and identified by PCR methods. The adenovirus titre reached 6.561 x 10(12) pfu/L. The adenovirus didn't replicate in PK15 cells., Conclusion: The IkappaBalpha-IRES2-shCD40L adenovirus is prepared successfully and its biotic safety is confirmed.

The electrochemical behaviors of the interaction of chromotrope 2R (CH2R) with human serum albumin (HSA) are investigated on the hanging mercury drop electrode with linear sweep voltammetry. In the acidic buffer solution (pH 2.5) CH2R has a well-defined voltammetric reductive wave at -0.34 V (SCE). On the addition of HSA into the CH2R solution, the reductive peak current of CH2R decreases with little movement of the peak potential. The voltammetric study shows that the electrochemical parameters of interaction solution do not change and a new electrochemically non-active complex is formed via interaction of CH2R with HSA, which cannot be reduced on the Hg electrode and results in the decrease of the free concentration of CH2R. The decrease of reductive peak current is proportional to HSA concentration and further used for protein detection. The binding ratio and the binding constant are further calculated with the experimental voltammetric data.

Aim: To investigate the relationship of IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in four epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, CAOV-3, SKOV-3 and ES-2) with their sensitivity to tamoxifen (TAM) as well as MAPK, Akt and estrogen receptor (ER) phosphorylation, and to explore the mechanism of endocrine therapy resistance caused by IL-6 and IL-8 in ovarian cancer cells., Methods: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to analyze the expression of IL-6 and IL-8. MTT assay was carried out to examine the response of ovarian cancer cells to TAM. Western blot was used to detect phosphorylated MAPK, Akt and ER., Results: Except A2780 cells, three other ovarian cancer cells constitutively expressed IL-6 and IL-8. The mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-8 correlated with their protein levels in four ovarian cancer cells. The four ovarian cancer cells showed different response to TAM. A2780 cells was the most responsive, whereas CAOV-3, SKOV-3 and ES-2 cells were TAM-resistant to a different degree. There was a notable difference in phosphorylated MAPK, Akt and ER (serine 118 and 167) among the four ovarian cancer cells., Conclusion: Autocrine production of IL-6 and IL-8 in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines is inversely associated with cell response to TAM, and positively associated with phosphorylated MAPK, Akt and ER.

Objective: To explore the electrophysiologic characteristics of Ito in myocytes from cardiac Koch triangle., Methods: Patch clamp technique was employed to investigate the I-V and D-V relation, steady-state activation and inactivation kinetics of Ito from myocytes in Koch triangle of rabbit hearts., Results: (1) The maximum peak current (pA) and peak current density (pA/pF) at +20 mV in PC (pacing cell), TC (transitonal cell) alpha,beta, AC (atrial cell) and PL (purkinje-like cell) cells were different from each other (P < 0. 05); The cells also had different current density (P < 0.05) except between TCalpha, TCbeta and PL cells (P > 0.05). (2) The half activation potential (V(mIto1/2), mV) of steady state activation among PC, TCalpha, TCbeta, AC and PL were significantly different (P < 0.05); The paired comparison between TCalpha and TCbeta, AC and PL, and TCbeta and PC showed significant difference (P < 0.05); but the differences between TCa and PC, TCbeta and AC, and TCbeta and PL were not significant (P > 0.05). (3) The half inactivation potential (V5(hIto1/2), mV) of steady state inactivation between TCalpha and PC, TCa and PL, TCbeta and PC, and TCbeta and PL demonstrated significant differences(P < 0.05). The differences of K(hIto) between TCalpha and TCbeta, PC and PL, TCbeta and PC, and AC and PL were significant (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Ito of cardiac cells from Koch triangle in rabbit hearts are heterogeneous, but relatively specified and distributed in different groups.

Aim: To construct the sense or antisense IL-8 eukaryotic expression vectors., Methods: Sense or antisense IL-8 full length gene were amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+). After the identification by PCR, restriction endonuclease digestion and the nucleotide sequencing, the recombinant vectors were transfected into human ovarian carcinoma A2780 and SKOV3 cell lines transiently by lipofectamine mediation. The expression of IL-8 gene and protein were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA., Results: The sense or antisense IL-8 eukaryotic expression vectors were constructed and verified. The expression of IL-8 gene and protein in A2780 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(+)-ssIL-8 were increased, whereas the expression of IL-8 protein in SKOV3 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(+)-asIL-8 was decreased., Conclusion: The eukaryotic expression vectors pcDNA3.1(+)-ssIL-8 or pcDNA3.1(+)-asIL-8 have been constructed successfully, which lays a base for further study on roles of IL-8 in ovarian cancer and other tumors.

Atherosclerosis is promoted by a combination of hypercholesterolemia and vascular inflammation. The function of Angiopoietin (Ang)-2, a key regulator of angiogenesis, in the maintenance of large vessels is unknown. A single systemic administration of Ang-2 adenovirus (AdAng-2) to apoE(-/-) mice fed a Western diet significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size ( approximately 40%) and oxidized LDL and macrophage content of the plaques. These beneficial effects were abolished by the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In endothelial cells, endothelial NOS activation per se inhibited LDL oxidation and Ang-2 stimulated NO release in a Tie2-dependent manner to decrease LDL oxidation. These findings demonstrate a novel atheroprotective role for Ang-2 when endothelial cell function is compromised and suggest that growth factors, which stimulate NO release without inducing inflammation, could offer atheroprotection.

When photons are indistinguishably in the same temporal mode, their detection probability is greatly enhanced due to constructive multiphoton interference, as compared to the case when they are distinguishable. We observed for what is believed to be the first time such a photon bunching effect for six photons. The observed enhancement factor in six-photon coincidence measurement is 17+/-2, which is close to a factor of 20 for an ideal case. Our result confirms that the six photons that we obtain have a high degree of indistinguishability.

Objective: To construct prokaryotic expression system for expressing, purifying and identifying truncated fragment of extra-cellular segment of sodium pump alpha3 subunit with pGEX-6P-1 GST gene fusion system in Escherichia coli by in-fusion technology., Methods: According to the conservative sequence of M1-M2 and M3-M4 extra-cellular gene fragments of sodium pump a3 subunit, which published in GenBank, a serial of primers and gene fragments was designed, and directly synthesized to fuse the above two gene fragments. The fusion gene was fused with gene-specific primers by PCR, and then fusion gene fragment was fused into the single stranded homology regions of vector pGEX-6P-1 by in-fusion cloning to construct recombinant vector pGEX-Trf-alpha3 (Truncated fragment of extracellular segment of sodium pump alpha3 subunit, Trf-alpha3). After DH10bac was transferred with it, the pGEX-Trf-alpha3 plasmid was purified and identified by PCR and sequenced. Then the recombinant plasmid pGEX-Trf-alpha3 was expressed in E. coli BL21 cells, inducted by IPTG. GST-Trf-alpha3 fusion protein was purified with Glutathione Sepharose 4B purifying system and analyzed by SDS-PAGE., Results: The results of PCR and sequencing demonstrated that the M1-M2 and M3-M4 extra-cellular gene was inserted in plasmid pGEX-6P-1 vector successfully. And the sequence was correct. Protein sequence analysis showed that the GST-Trf-alpha3 fusion protein was consisted of 262 amino-acid residues. Relative molecular mass in theory was 33.22 X 10(3). The amount of recombinant protein was 10% of the total bacteria protein. The soluble fusion protein was about 80.8%. After affinity purification, the purity of GST-Trf-alpha3 fusion protein was over 95%. There was some extent binding activity between GST-Trf-alpha3 fusion protein and ouabain, but the activity was very low., Conclusion: Prokaryotic expression system for expressing truncated fragment of extra-cellular segment of sodium pump alpha3 subunit with pGEX-6P-1 GST gene fusion system in Escherichia coli by in-fusion technology had been constructed. The purified method had also established. High purified GST-Trf-alpha3 fusion protein was obtained. These have found the foundation of further study on its biological function and potential pharmacology function.

Aim: To compare the immune protective effects of the mice immunized by antigens derived from adult worms and muscle larvae of Trichinella spiralis., Methods: The adult worm and muscle larvae antigens of Trichinella spiralis were prepared and two groups of mice (adult worm antigen group and muscle larvae antigen group) were immunized with them, respectively. After 10 days of the final vaccination, the mice in each group were challenged with infective larvae of Trichinella spiralis. The number of intestinal adult worms and muscle larvae were examined and their reduction rate was calculated. Meanwhile, the level of serum IgG in each group was detected by ELISA., Results: Compared with control group, the number of intestinal adult worms and muscle larvae in adult worm group and muscle larvae antigen group was lower(P<0.05) and number of intestinal adult worms and muscle larvae in adult worm antigen group was at the lowest(P<0.01). When the mice in the two groups were challenged with infective larvae of Trichinella spiralis, the titer of serum IgG detected on the same day was higher than that before they were vaccinated with the antigens(P<0.01, P<0.05) and it was also higher than that in control group(P<0.01, P<0.05). The level of serum IgG of the mice detected on the day when they were challenged with infective larvae of Trichinella spiralis was significantly higher than that before the mice were vaccinated and it was also higher than that in adult worm antigen group(P<0.01)., Conclusion: Both the adult worm and muscle larvae antigens of Trichinella spiralis can stimulate mice to produce protective immunity and the mice immunized with adult worm antigens have stronger resistance to the subsequent challenge infection.

Objective: To assess the binding activity of polypeptide containing human Na+, K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit M1-M2 extracellular segment (HES1 derivative)., Methods: HES1 derivative was synthesized by Fmoc method and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and its binding activity was identified by radioligand binding assay., Results: 3H-ouabain and synthetic HES1 derivative showed some binding activity with the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 24.58 nmol/L, with the the receptor density of 492.43 fmol x mg(-1) pro. and IC50 of 3.078 x 10(-7) mol/L., Conclusion: HES1 derivative can bind to ouabain and has the potential of becoming an effective therapeutic agent.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis, a hallmark of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Transient oxidation and inactivation of protein-tyrosine phosphatases play a critical role in cellular response to ROS production. However, the function of leukocyte antigen-related (LAR) protein-tyrosine phosphatase in ROS signaling is not known. To determine the expression of LAR in ROS-induced apoptosis, we investigated hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death and signaling in aortic VSMCs from wild-type and LAR(-/-) mice. Histone-associated DNA fragmentation and caspase-3/7 activity were significantly enhanced, mitochondrial membrane integrity was compromised, and cell viability was significantly decreased following H(2)O(2) treatment in LAR(-/-) VSMCs compared with wild-type cells. Stronger and sustained increase in autophosphorylation and activity of Fyn, an Src family tyrosine kinase, was observed in LAR(-/-) cells compared with wild-type cells following H(2)O(2) treatment. LAR binds to activated Fyn in H(2)O(2)-treated VSMCs, and recombinant LAR dephosphorylates phosphorylated-Fyn in vitro. In addition, LAR deficiency enhanced H(2)O(2)-induced phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). PP2, a Fyn-specific inhibitor, blocked JAK2, STAT3, and p38 MAPK activation and significantly attenuated apoptosis induced by H(2)O(2). AG490, a JAK2-specific inhibitor, significantly attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis, and blocked H(2)O(2)-induced activation of STAT3, but not p38 MAPK in both wild-type and LAR(-/-) VSMCs. Attenuation of Fyn expression by short hairpin RNA significantly decreased H(2)O(2)-induced downstream signaling and apoptosis in VSMCs. Together, these data indicate that LAR regulates Fyn/JAK2/STAT3 and Fyn/p38 MAPK pathways involved in ROS-induced apoptosis.

Previously, we have shown that KyoT2, an isoform of the four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1), modulates Notch signaling via repressing RBP-J-mediated transactivation. In this study, we investigated the effect of another isoform of FHL1, KyoT3, on transactivation of a RBP-J-dependent promoter. We found that KyoT3 was expressed widely in a variety of tissues. By constructing EGFP fusion proteins, we showed that KyoT3 locates preferentially in nucleus. KyoT3 interacted with RBP-J, as shown by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Moreover, we demonstrated by a reporter assay that KyoT3 repressed transactivation of a RBP-J-dependent promoter, which was activated by both the Notch intracellular domain and Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2, an EB virus-encoded oncoprotein. These results suggest a multi-elemental control of the Notch signaling pathway, which is critical for cell differentiation in development.

Background: Few studies have explored the inward sodium current (INa) kinetics of transitional cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to explore the kinetics of transitional cardiomyocytes types alpha and beta., Methods: The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to study the rapid INa of isolated transitional cardiomyocytes in the Koch triangle of rabbit hearts., Results: Maximal amplitude and density of INa in type alpha and type beta was (-1627 +/- 288) pA (alpha), (-35.17 +/- 6.56) pA/pF (beta) and (-3845 +/- 467) pA (alpha), (-65.64 +/- 10.23) pA/pF (beta) (P < 0.05). Steady state activation curves of INa, fitted to a Boltzmann distribution for both types, were sigmoid in shape. Half activation voltage and slope factors did not significantly differ between types at (-43.46 +/- 0.85) mV (alpha), (-41.39 +/- 0.47) mV (beta) or (9.04 +/- 0.66) mV (alpha), (11.08 +/- 0.89) mV (beta). Steady state inactivation curves of INa, fitted to a Boltzmann distribution in both types were inverse "S" shape. Half inactivation voltage and slope factors were (-109.9 +/- 0.62) mV (alpha), (-107.5 +/- 0.49) mV (beta) and (11.78 +/- 0.36) mV (alpha), (11.57 +/- 0.27) mV(beta), (P > 0.05), but time constants of inactivation were significantly different at (1.10 +/- 0.19) mV (alpha) and (2.37 +/- 0.33) ms (beta), (P < 0.05). Time constants of recovery from inactivation of INa for both types were (122.16 +/- 27.43) mV (alpha) and (103.84 +/- 28.97) ms (beta) (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Transitional cardiomyocytes in rabbit hearts show a heterogeneous, voltage gated and time dependent fast inward sodium current. Types alpha and beta show the features of INa similar to those in slow- and fast-response myocytes, with probably better automaticity and conductivity, respectively.