Mechanism of action of Shen-Fu decoction on cardiogenic shock based on network pharmacology and experimental validation / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the mechanism of action of Shen-Fu decoction in the prevention and treatment of cardiogenic shock based on network pharmacology and animal experiments. Methods The relevant targets and signaling pathways of cardiogenic shock of Shen-Fu decoction were predicted by network pharmacology, and a cardiogenic shock rat model was created by coronary artery ligation. Before modeling, rats were given the appropriate dose of Shen-Fu decoction or saline by gavage for 14 days according to the group, and real-time mean arterial pressure (MAP) changes were recorded after successful modeling. HE method was used to detect the myocardial histopathological changes of cardiogenic shock. TUNEL method was employed to detect rat myocardial cell apoptosis, and Western blotting was applied to determine the expression levels of rat myocardial Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 proteins. Results A total of 51 potential active ingredients of Shen-Fu decoction were screened out by network pharmacology, 80 targets of co-action with cardiogenic shock, and 43 core targets of close relationship between proteins, and GO enrichment analysis revealed that the core proteins were involved in the biology process (BP), mainly involving positive regulation of apoptotic process. KEGG enrichment analysis showed signaling pathways involving atherosclerosis-related, apoptosis and other signaling pathways. The results of animal model validation showed that Shen-Fu decoction could increase the shock blood pressure of rats with cardiogenic shock and alleviate the pathological changes of myocardial tissue, reduce the degree of apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes, reduce the expression level of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax protein in rat myocardial tissue, and improve the expression level of Bcl-2 protein in myocardial tissue of rats. Conclusions The potential active ingredient of Shen-Fu decoction may play a role in the prevention and control of cardiogenic shock rats by acting on the target Bax, Bcl-2 to regulate the apoptosis signaling pathway of cardiomyocytes.

Mechanism of tryptanthrin in treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice based on serum metabolomics / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the effect of tryptanthrin on potential metabolic biomarkers in the serum of mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) and predict the related metabolic pathways. C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into a tryptanthrin group, a sulfasalazine group, a control group, and a model group. The mouse model of UC was established by free drinking of 3% DSS solution for 11 days, and corresponding drugs were adminsitrated at the same time. The signs of mice were observed and the disease activity index(DAI) score was recorded from the first day. Colon tissue samples were collected after the experiment and observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of interleukin-4(IL-4), interleukin-10(IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), and interleukin-8(IL-8) in the serum were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The serum samples were collected from 6 mice in each group for widely targeted metabolomics. The metabolic pathways were enriched by MetaboAnalyst 5.0. The results showed that compared with the model group, tryptanthrin treatment decreased the DAI score(P<0.05), alleviated the injury of the colon tissue and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, lowered the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and elevated the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the serum. The metabolomic analysis revealed 28 differential metabolites which were involved in 3 metabolic pathways including purine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. Tryptanthrin may restore the metabolism of the mice with UC induced by DSS to the normal level by regulating the purine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. This study employed metabolomics to analyze the mechanism of tryptanthrin in the treatment of UC, providing an experimental basis for the utilization and development of tryptanthrin.

Systematic identification of chemical forms of key terpene synthase in Cinnamomum camphora / 中国中药杂志

Cinnamomum camphora is an important economic tree species in China. According to the type and content of main components in the volatile oil of leaf, C. camphora were divided into five chemotypes, including borneol-type, camphor-type, linalool-type, cineole-type, and nerolidol-type. Terpene synthase(TPS) is the key enzyme for the formation of these compounds. Although several key enzyme genes have been identified, the biosynthetic pathway of(+)-borneol, which has the most economic value, has not been reported. In this study, nine terpenoid synthase genes CcTPS1-CcTPS9 were cloned through transcriptome analysis of four chemical-type leaves. After the recombinant protein was induced by Escherichia coli, geranyl pyrophosphate(GPP) and farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) were used as substrates for enzymatic reaction, respectively. Both CcTPS1 and CcTPS9 could catalyze GPP to produce bornyl pyrophosphate, which could be hydrolyzed by phosphohydrolase to obtain(+)-borneol, and the product of(+)-borneol accounted for 0.4% and 89.3%, respectively. Both CcTPS3 and CcTPS6 could catalyze GPP to generate a single product linalool, and CcTPS6 could also react with FPP to generate nerolidol. CcTPS8 reacted with GPP to produce 1,8-cineol(30.71%). Nine terpene synthases produced 9 monoterpene and 6 sesquiterpenes. The study has identified the key enzyme genes responsible for borneol biosynthesis in C. camphora for the first time, laying a foundation for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of chemical type formation and cultivating new varieties of borneol with high yield by using bioengineering technology.

Three-dimensional analysis of maxillary dentition during molar distalization with clear aligners under different movement designs: an in vitro experiment / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the three-dimensional force in the maxillary dentition under different movement designs for molar distalization with clear aligners Methods: Three groups were designed: simultaneous movement group (simultaneous distalization of maxillary first and second molars), second molar movement group (distalization of maxillary second molars) and first molar movement group (distalization of maxillary first molars). Ten clear aligners were made in each group, and the displacement was designed to be 0.2 mm. A force sensing device was established to measure the three-dimensional force on the upper dentition with the clear aligner. The device contained a model of the maxillary dentition consisting of 14 teeth, each tooth connected to an individual sensor. After the clear aligner was fitted, the data of 14 sensors were collected and analyzed using computer analysis software. The moving teeth were taken as the target teeth, and the rest of the teeth were anchorage. The data of the three-dimensional force in the three groups in each tooth position were measured and compared. Results: The sagittal forces on the first and second molars in the simultaneous movement group were (5.61±0.94) and (5.81±1.08) N, respectively, which were significantly smaller than those of the target teeth in the same position in other groups (P<0.05). The second molars in the first molar movement group received a sagittal reaction force, which was (-6.73±1.99) N. The anterior teeth in the three groups were all subjected to sagittal reaction force, and the force value was in a range of (-3.33 to 0.46) N. In the coronal direction, the second premolars of the simultaneous movement group received the reaction force in the palatal direction, and the force value was (-2.17±1.06) N. The first molars in the second molar movement group were also subjected to palatal reaction force of (-1.99±0.70) N. The second molars and second premolars in the first molar movement group were also subjected to palatal reaction force, which were (-2.85±0.57) and (-1.85±0.74) N, respectively. Compared with the sagittal and coronal forces, the target teeth and anchorage teeth in the three groups were less stressed in the vertical direction. Conclusions: The first and second molars distalized simultaneously, the correction force in the sagittal direction was relatively small. When first molar was moved distally alone, a greater reaction force in the sagittal direction was exerted on the second molar. Buccal displacement of the adjacent anchorage teeth should be designed to counteract the palatal reaction force on the anchorage teeth as the molars moved distally.

Comparative analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders catalogues / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) refer to musculoskeletal disorders caused by work or work as the main cause, which are characterized by high prevalence and heavy burden of disease as a global problem. The classification and catalog of occupational diseases is of great significance for guiding the prevention and control of occupational diseases and safeguarding the rights and interests of workers. The types of WMSDs included in the list of occupational diseases vary greatly from country to country, and the regulations on specific pathogenic factors are also inconsistent. By sorting out and analyzing the lists and characteristics of WMSDs at home and abroad, and using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) in occupational health to standardize of WMSDs in various countries, which would lay the foundation for future multi-country WMSDs occupational health registration and disease burden research, and provide a reference for China to revise the WMSDs list.

Discussion on evolution of Mongolian medicinal material names and countermeasures for standardization / 中草药·英文版

Mongolian pharmacy is an important part of traditional medicine for the Chinese nation, with a long history and a complete theoretical system. The Mongolian people have accumulated and summarized the types and usage of Mongolian medicines in the practice of fighting against diseases over a long history. Mongolian medicinal resources are rich and diverse, the processing is self-contained, and the methods of medication are scientific and reasonable. Mongolian pharmacy not only has a deep historical relationship with traditional Chinese medicine but has also absorbed the essence of ancient Tibetan and Indian Ayurvedic medicine in the process of its development. We can identify the historical traces of the continuous exchange, communication, and integration of various ethnic medicinal cultures from the names of Mongolian medicinal materials. Because of the differences in languages and cultures of the various ethnic groups, the names of Mongolian medicinal materials have undergone a long historical period of evolution. These need to be further standardized owing to complications caused by the existence of synonyms and homonyms.

Transcriptome analysis to identify genes involved in the biosynthesis of aconitines in Aconitum pendulum / 药学学报

italic>Aconitum pendulum is a Tibetan medicine that is rich in bioactive compounds such as aconitine-type C19-diterpenoid alkaloids. To investigate the key enzymes in the aconitine biosynthesis pathway, roots, leaves and flowers of Aconitum pendulum were subjected to a high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing analysis by Illumina HiSeqTM2000. Trinity de novo assembly yielded 47 264 unigenes with an average length of 1 140 bp and N50 of 1 678 bp, of which 30 231 unigenes (63.96%) were annotated. In the KEGG database, 542 unigenes were implicated in 17 secondary metabolic pathways; the analysis showed that 44 genes encoded 20 key enzymes in the diterpene skeleton of aconitine biosynthesis and 12 BAHD acyltransferase genes were related to the acetylation modification, with differential expression among three organs. For example, ApTPS8 was the only committed enzyme in the upstream aconitine biosynthetic pathway. The high expression level of ApTPS8 in root indicated that it is the main tissue for the production of precursors of diterpene alkaloids. Consistent with the accumulation of aconitine, we propose that ApBAHD1/2/8 is involved in the biosynthesis of 2-hydroxyaconitine, dehydrated 14-benzoylaconitine, 8-O-methyl-14-benzoylaconine, benzoyldeoxyaconitine and benzoylaconitine, and ApBAHD10 is involved in the biosynthesis of acontine, lucidusculine, 14-O-acetylneoline and 14-O-acetylvirescenin. Comparative transcriptome analysis of A. pendulum and A. carmichaeli indicates significant gene loss in the family of diterpene synthases and acyltransferases in A. pendulum, which is in accordance with the significantly fewer type and quantity of aconitine compounds in this species. Therefore, A. pendulum has proved to be an ideal material for the study of the aconitine biosynthesis pathway. This work provides basic scientific data for further study of aconitine biosynthesis, the discussion of molecular mechanisms of toxicity, and the synthesis of genuine medicinal materials.

Study on tanshinones regulating root-associated microbiomes of Salvia miltiorrhiza / 中国中药杂志

The plant root-associated microbiomes include root microbiome and rhizosphere microbiome, which are closely related to plant life activities. Nearly 30% of photosynthesis products of plants are used to synthesize root compounds, there is evidence that root compounds regulate and significantly affect the root microbiome Tanshinones are the main hydrophobic components in Salvia miltiorrhiza. In order to study whether these compounds can regulate the root-associated microbiomes of S. miltiorrhiza, our study first identified a white root S. miltiorrhiza(BG) which contains little tanshinones. Retain of the fifth intron of tanshinones synthesis key enzyme gene SmCPS1 leading to the early termination of the SmCPS1 gene, and a stable white root phenotype. Further, wild type(WT) and BG were planted in greenhouse with nutrient soil(Pindstrup, Denmark) and Shandong soil(collected from the S. miltiorrhiza base in Weifang, Shandong), then high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the root-associated microbiomes. The results showed that the tanshinones significantly affected the root-associated microbiomes of S. miltiorrhiza, and the impact on root microbiomes was more significant. There are significant differences between WT and BG root microbiomes in species richness, dominant strains and co-occurrence network. Tanshinones have a certain repelling effect on Bacilli which belongs to Gram-positive, while specifically attract some Gram-negative bacteria such as Betaproteobacteria and some specific genus of Alphaproteobacteria. This study determined the important role of tanshinones in regulating the structure of root-associated microbiomes from multiple angles, and shed a light for further improving the quality and yield of S. miltiorrhiza through microenvironment regulation.

Research progress of natural borneol resources / 中国中药杂志

Natural borneol is an important traditional Chinese medicine herb with resuscitation-inducing, antipyretic and analgesic effects, and has been widely used in the fields of medicine, perfume and chemical industry. At present, natural borneol is short supply, with promising market development prospects. This paper summarized the distribution of borneol plant resources, cultivation status and molecular biological research progress, in the expectation of providing basis and ideas for the research and application of natural borneol.

Effects of Exercise Preconditioning on Blood-brain Barrier Permeability in Rats after Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effects of exercise preconditioning on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and connexin 43 (Cx43) and pannexin 1 (Panx1) protein after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Methods:Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 18), model group (n = 18) and exercise preconditioning group (n = 18). The exercise preconditioning group was trained with treadmill for three weeks before modeling. The middle cerebral arteries were occluded in the model group and the exercise preconditioning group using the modified Koizumi suture. After reperfusion of 24 hours, the rats were assessed with modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS). The permeability of BBB was observed with Evans blue (EB). The expression of Cx43 and Panx1 was detected with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in the ischemic tissues. Results:Compared with the model group, the mNSS score decreased in the exercise preconditioning group (P < 0.05), while the Evans blue content and the expression of Cx43 and Panx1 decreased (P < 0.05), as well as the the positive areas of Cx43 and Panx1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Exercise preconditioning can improve the permeability of BBB in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats, which may associate with down-regulation of Cx43 and Panx1, to protect brain from injury.

Long non-coding RNA H19 facilitates bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell survival and vascularization in hypoxic-ischemic conditions in vitro / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Our previous study demonstrated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) presented with a low survival rate and newly formed vascular-like structures was sparsely distributed in the local infarct tissues after cell transplantation, which certainly impaired the therapeutic efficacy. Long non-coding RNA-H19 (lncRNA-H19) has been confirmed to be associated with MSCs differentiation and mediate vascularization. OBJECTIVE:To observe the influence of lncRNA-H19 on the survival and vascularization potential of MSCs in vitro and to explore the possible mechanism. METHODS:MSCs were obtained and cultured in vitro.Cells were divided into five groups:MSCs+H19,MSCs+H19 negative control (MSCs+H19 NC), MSCs+si-H19, MSCs+si-H19 negative control (MSCs+si-H19 NC) and MSCs groups. MSCs+H19 and MSCs+H19 NC groups were transfected with lncRNA-H19 and lncRNA-H19 scramble RNA respectively, while MSCs+siH19 and MSCs+si-H19 NC groups were transfected with lncRNA-H19 siRNA and lncRNA-H19 siRNA scramble respectively. Cells were cultured under hypoxic-ischemic condition (serum-free medium, 1% O2) for 24 hours. Then, cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using MTS and TUNEL, respectively. Cell supernatant from each experimental group was further co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells to induce vascularization. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was thereafter detected using western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with MSCs+H19 NC and MSCs groups, MSCs+H19 group presented with significantly higher proliferation rate, lower apoptosis percentage and a larger number of vascular branches on matrigel (P < 0.01). There was a significantly higher expression of VEGFA in the MSCs+H19 group than MSCs+H19 NC and MSCs groups. Compared with the MSCs and MSCs+si-H19 NC groups, MSCs+H19 group presented with significantly lower proliferation rate, higher apoptosis percentage and a less number of vascular branches on matrigel (P < 0.01). In addition, VEGFA expression was distinctly downregulated in the MSCs+si-H19 group in comparison with the MSCs+si-H19 NC and MSCs groups. These findings indicate that lncRNA-H19 effectively promotes MSCs survival and vascularization under hypoxic-ischemic condition in vitro,and this effect may be associated with the upregulation of VEGFA.

Preparation and application of cardiac decellularized matrix scaffolds / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:All-natural cardiac deceliularized scaffold material has macroscopic and microstructure,matrix components and vascular network distribution similar to the receptor,which is an ideal material for heart tissue engineering.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the preparation methods,composition characteristics,biological characteristics and the latest research progress of cardiac decellularized matrix scaffold.METHODS:Relevant articles published from January 2008 to April 2017 were searched in PubMed and Wanfang databases using the keywords of "heart,cardiac muscle,myocardial tissue,decellularized matrix" in English and Chinese,respectively.Finally,50 representative articles (44 in English and 6 in Chinese) were included with the exception of the articles that were associated with cardiac valves.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Currently,the methods of preparing cardiac decellular matrix scaffolds include physical processing,chemical method and biological treatment (enzymatic method).Cardiac extracellular matrix scaffolds mainly contain Ⅰ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ collagen,glycosaminoglycans,fibronectin,laminin and a small amount of growth factors.At present,the application of the decellular matrix in myocardial tissue engineering includes three directions:the "band-aid" myocardial tissue engineering study based on decellular matrix lamella;the study of the myocardial tissue engineering on injectable myocardial tissue engineering based on the decellular matrix;and the study of decellularized-recellularized artificial cardiac reengineering based on the cardiac all-organ.Although some successful experience has been achieved in the stents,their use in the cardiac replantation still has many problems to be solved.

Strategies for promoting the differentiation of cardiac stem cells into cardiomyocytes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: In recent years, it has shown that there exist some endogenous cardiac stem cells in the heart. What has been confirmed is that this kind of cells can differentiate into cardiomyocytes to repair the damaged myocardium and improve the cardiac function. OBJECTIVE: To review the current methods of promoting the differentiation of cardiac stem cells into cardiomyocytes. METHODS: PubMed database was searched by computer for articles addressing the differentiation of cardiac stem cells in the last 10 years, using the keywords of "cardiac stem cells, cardiac progenitor cells, differentiation". Finally, 64 English articles were included in result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Recent studies have shown that the differentiation efficiency of cardiac stem cells can be promoted in vivo by introducing cytokines,micro-RNA,and some physicochemical methods,which consequently enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cardiac stem cell transplantation for myocardial infarction.

Distribution of Modic changes and its relationship with cervical degeneration in patients with neck and shoulder pain / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: There are many studies on Modic changes in patients with lumbar degenerative disease and low back pain. However, few studies facus on epidemiological distribution and related factors of Modic changes in cervical spine, and its epidemiology and influencing factors remain unclear.OBJECTIVE: To study the morbidity and distribution of Modic changes in patients with cervical and shoulder pain and its correlation with gender, age and cervical degeneration. METHODS: Totally 430 patients admitted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University and undergoing cervical MRI and CT examination due to neck and shoulder pain between December 2014 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, involving 197 males and 233 females, aged 19-78 years (mean age: 50.3 years). The morbidity and segmental distribution of Modic changes and its correlation with age, sex, cervical intervertebral disc degeneration and facet joint degeneration were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Among 2 150 disc segments of 430 patients, 348 segments (16.2%) of 67 patients (15.6%) appeared with Modic changes:73(3.4%)segments were type I,243(11.3%)were type II,and 32(1.5%)were type III.(2)By application of chi-square test, Modic changes were most common at the C5/6segment; older than 40 years and Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade III were relevant factors, while gender and facet joint degeneration were not.

LncRNA-Braveheart promotes the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro into cardiomyocyte-like cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Our previous work demonstrated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation could improve cardiac function in rats with myocardial infarction.However,the overall efficacy was unsatisfactory,and there was a low efficiency of BMSCs differentiating into cardiomyocytes in the local infarct myocardium.OBJECTIVE:To transfect long non-coding RNA-Braveheart (IncRNA-Bvht) into BMSCs in order to observe whether it could promote cardiomyocyte differentiation of BMSCs in vitro.METHODS:pLVX-IRES-ZsGreen1-IncRNA-Bvht vector was constructed and applied to transfect IncRNA-Bvht into bMSCs,and then,the transfection efficiency was detected.BMSCs were obtained from C57BL/6 mice and cultured ir vitro.Passage 3 cells were divided into three groups:BMSCs group,null vector group and IncRNA-Bvht group.All cells in the three groups were cultured in the normal condition for 48 hours and cardiomyocytes differentiation was induced by 5-azacytidine for another 24 hours followed by 2-week culture under normal conditions.Cardiomyocyte differentiation of BMSCs was observed under fluorescence microscopy and expression of cardiac specific cell markers including troponin T and myosin were examined using immunofluorescent staining,western blot assay,and qRT-PCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cell morphological changes could be observed in all the groups 2 weeks after the induction.Interconnected cells arranged consistently in all the three groups.Immunofiuorescent staining results showed that the expression of troponin T and myosin was notably positive,and the proportion of troponin T positive cells was significantly increased.qRT-PCR and western blot assay results indicated that there were significantly increased levels of troponin T and myosin in the IncRNA-Bvht group as compared with the BMSCs and null vector groups (P ＜ 0.01),suggesting that IncRNA-Bvht could efficiently promote cardiomyocyte differentiation of BMSCs in vitro.

Blood Transfusion Selection in Patients with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Producing Class Antibodies / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the reasons for the incompatibility of cross matching in lymphoma patients complicated by autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and to provide compatible blood to patients for multiple blood transfusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The test tube method was used for routine identification of ABO blood group, Rh typing and direct anti-globulin test; the patients antibody was identified by saline water method, micro column gel card; and the saline water method, Polybrene method and antiglobulin method were used for blood cross matching test of the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the serum of the patient, positive autoantibodies were detected, in the elution, the Ce antibody was detected. After infusion of the corresponding antigen-negative blood, the patient's hemoglobin level was significantly improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Only firstly accurately identifying antibodies existed in serum and elution, then selecting corresponding antigen negative blood, can ensure the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusion.</p>

Correlation of serum omentin-1 and chemerin with gestational diabetes mellitus / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship of serum omentin-1 and chemerin with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum levels of omentin-1 chemerin, glycolipids biochemical index, inflammation index, fasting insulin (FINS), and insulin resistance indexes (HOMA-IR) were determined in 85 women with GDM and 85 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BMI, FPG, hs-CRP, blood lipids, blood glucose, FINS, HOMA-IR and serum chemerin level were all significantly higher while serum omentin-1 significantly lower in GDM group than in NGT group (P<0.05). In both groups, serum omentin-1 level was significantly lower and serum chemerin was significantly higher in obese subjects than in the non-obese subjects (P<0.05). Obesity before delivery and/or HOMA-IR ≥2 was associated with a significantly decreased serum omentin-1 level; serum chemerin increased significantly in obese women before delivery but was not associated with HOMA-IR. Serum omentin-1 level was positively correlated with HDL but inversely with BMI (at pregnancy and before delivery), FPG, FINS and HOMA-IR; Chemerin was positively correlated with TC, TG, hs-CRP and FPG; serum omentin-1 and chemerin levels were not significant correlated (P=0.301). In women with GDM, BMI at pregnancy, TG, FPG, and FINS were all independent factors affecting serum omentin-1; TG, LDL, and hs-CRP were independent factors affecting serum chemerin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>An decreased serum omentin-1 can be indicative of glucose and lipid metabolism disorder and insulin resistance, and an increased serum chemerin level indicates hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation in pregnant women. Both of the adipokines are closed associated with GDM and probably participate in the occurrence and development of GDM.</p>

Inducing Effect of Modified Cytokine Cocktail on Dendritic Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inducing effect of 'modified' cytokine cocktail on the dendritic cell maturation and migration capability.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PBMNC were isolated from human peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) by using density gradient centrifugation, the immature DC (imDC) were induced by using GM-CSF and IL-4 in vitro. Total A549 RNA was transfected into imDC by using electroporation, which was stimulated to matuation by the "gold standard" cytokine cocktail and "modified" cytokine cocktail, respectively. The expression of DC surface markers (CD11c, HLA-DR, CD80, CD83 and CD86) and chemokine receptor (CCR5, CCR7 and CXCR4) were detected by flow cytometry; the mRNA expression levels of DC chemokine receptor (CCR2, CCR5, CCR7, CXCR3 and CXCR4) and chemokine (CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL19, CCL21, CXCL10 and CXCL12) were detected by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with "gold standard cytokine cocktail", the "modified" cytokine cocktail-induced DC expressed higher levels of surface markers (CD11c, HLA-DR, CD80, CD83 and CD86), chemokine receptors (CXCR4) and chemokine (CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL19, CCL21, CXCL10 and CXCL12).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The "modified" cytokine cocktail can more effectively induce the DC maturation, enhace the migratory capability of DC and more generate the immunostimulatory DC, when compared with the "gold standard" cytokine cocktail effect.</p>

Serum homocysteine and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly men / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship among serum reproductive hormone levels, serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels, metabolic syndrome (MS), and the components of MS in middle-aged and elderly males.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using the cluster and stratified sampling methods and a unified structured questionnaire, we conducted a survey among 948 men aged 40 - 80 years in the rural community, measured their basic physical parameters, and obtained their reproductive hormone levels, serum Hcy concentrations, and metabolism-related indicators. We collected 868 valid questionnaires along with their serum samples, divided the subjects into an MS and a non-MS control group in a 1:1 ratio, and measured their serum Hcy concentrations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the subjects included, 132 were diagnosed with MS. Nonparametric tests showed statistically significant differences between the MS and non-MS groups in the waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P < 0.05), but not in age (P > 0.05). Significant differences were also observed between the two groups in the levels of serum tT, SHBG, LH, and FTI (P < 0.05) , but not in the concentrations of serum Hcy (P > 0.05). The concentration of serum Hcy exhibited no correlation with BMI, SBP, DBP, FBG, TG, and HDL-C (P > 0.05) and had no influence on MS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The concentration of serum Hcy is not significantly correlated with MS, nor with its components. The levels of male serum reproductive hormones are associated both with MS and with its components.</p>

Could Intrathymic Injection of Myelin Basic Protein Suppress Inflammatory Response After Co-culture of T Lymphocytes and BV-2 Microglia Cells? / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The interaction between activated microglia and T lymphocytes can yield abundant pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our previous study proved that thymus immune tolerance could alleviate the inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate whether intrathymic injection of myelin basic protein (MBP) in mice could suppress the inflammatory response after co-culture of T lymphocytes and BV-2 microglia cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally, 72 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 24 in each): Group A: intrathymic injection of 100 μl MBP (1 mg/ml); Group B: intrathymic injection of 100 μl phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); and Group C: sham operation group. Every eight mice in each group were sacrificed to obtain the spleen at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively. T lymphocytes those were extracted and purified from the spleens were then co-cultured with activated BV-2 microglia cells at a proportion of 1:2 in the medium containing MBP for 3 days. After identified the T lymphocytes by CD3, surface antigens of T lymphocytes (CD4, CD8, CD152, and CD154) and BV-2 microglia cells (CD45 and CD54) were detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of pro-inflammatory factors of BV-2 microglia cells (interleukin [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference test were used for data analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of CD152 in Group A showed an upward trend from the 3rd to 7th day, with a downward trend from the 7th to 14th day (20.12 ± 0.71%, 30.71 ± 1.14%, 13.50 ± 0.71% at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively, P < 0.05). The levels of CD154 in Group A showed a downward trend from the 3rd to 7th day, with an upward trend from the 7th to 14th day (10.00 ± 0.23%, 5.28 ± 0.69%, 14.67 ± 2.71% at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively, P < 0.05). The ratio of CD4+/CD8 + T in Group A showed a downward trend from the 3rd to 7th day, with the minimum at postoperative day 7, then an upward trend from the 7th to 14th day (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of CD45 and CD54 in Group A were found as the same trend as the ratio of CD4+/CD8 + T (CD45: 83.39 ± 2.56%, 82.74 ± 2.09%, 87.56 ± 2.11%; CD54: 3.80 ± 0.24%, 0.94 ± 0.40%, 3.41 ± 0.33% at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, respectively, P < 0.05). The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS in Group A were significantly lower than those in Groups B and C, and the values at postoperative day 7 were the lowest compared with those at postoperative days 3 and 14 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between Groups B and C.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Intrathymic injection of MBP could suppress the immune reaction that might reduce the secondary immune injury of brain tissue induced by an inflammatory response.</p>