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OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effects and mechan ism of thalidomide on Alzheimer ’s disease （AD）model of Caenorhabditis elegans . METHODS In this study ，the BR 5270 strain of C. elegans was used as AD model and BR 5271 strain as the control. The effects of thalidomide （0.5，2.0，6.0，15.0 mg/mL）on the motility of BR 5270 strains of C. elegans were studied by the basal slowing response assay ；the effects of thalidomide （0.5，2.0，6.0，15.0 mg/mL）on the survival time of BR 5270 strain of C. elegans were studied by life assay ；the effects of thalidomide （0.5，2.0，6.0 mg/mL）on learning and memory ability of BR 5270 strain of C. elegans were studied by short-term and long-term learning and memory assay. RT-PCR technology was used to study the effects of thalidomide （0.5，2.0，6.0 mg/mL）on mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）signal pathway related genes （Age-1，Akt-1，Gsk-3）and calpain homologous gene （Clp-1）in BR 5270 strain of C. elegans . RESULTS After the intervention of thalidomide ，oscillation times of BR 5270 strain of C. elegans increased significantly within 30 s （except for 0.5 mg/mL group ），and the 10％ of maximum life span was prolonged significantly （only 0.5 mg/mL group ）；the short-term and long-term learning indexes were improved significantly （only 6.0 mg/mL group ）；mRNA expression of Age-1 and Akt-1（except for 0.5，2.0 mg/mL groups ）were increased significantly ，mRNA expression of Gsk-3（except for 0.5 mg/mL group ） and Clp-1 were decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Thalidomide can ameliorate the dyskinesia of AD model of C. elegans，prolong the lifespan of this strain ，and enhance its learning and memory ability. Its mechanism of action may be related to activation of PI 3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibition of calpain.
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Vascular morphology and function changes exist in degenerative retinopathy,which have an important influence on the development and prognosis of the disease.The literature has been reported that retinal vascular structure and function change can be found early by using the retinal oximeter,color Doppler flow imaging,ocular pulse amplitude and so on,as well as exploring the primary and secondary factors affecting the development of retinal blood vessels.This article reviews the vascular behavior characteristics in degenerative retinopathy and their influence factors.
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Objective To compare the expressions of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in retinas of rd mouse (the experiments) and C57BL mouse (the controis) of five different postnatal ages,analyze the similarities and differences of bFGF expressions,and conclude the role of bFGF during the key period that retinas developed or degenerated,Methods Eight rd mice and eight C57BL mice of postnatal 0 week,1 week,2 weeks,3 weeks,4 weeks (PN 0,1,2,3,4 W) were chosen stochastically and executed immediately,their eyeballs were excavated and made into the retinal slices,then the bFGF contents in the retinas were analyzed by immunohistochemical method,photomicroscope and semi-quantitative analysis.Results Change characteristic of the curve of bFGF contents in retina of rd mice was similar to that of C57BL mice.Both curves began to fall after born,which reached each low level at PN-1W and then rose until reaching each peak at PN-2W,at which ten layer structures of retinas in both groups were formed.Then both curves began the second fall till PN-4W.During the last two weeks,retinas of C57BL mice degenerated rapidly while retinas of rd mice continued to mature.For all the five postnatal weeks,the bFGF contents in retinas of rd mice were lower than those of C57BL mice evidently.All statistical analysis of the difference have made sense distinctly (P ＜ 0.01).Couclusion bFGF may play a protective role in the developing to maturation and sustaining of retinal structure,and the higher expression of bFGF content may prevent retinal degeneration in some extent.
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Background Retinal transplantation is a new approach to the treatment of retinal degeneration diseases,and how to avoid or reduce the immune rejection after transplantation is a problem.In experimental studies on retinal transplantation,C57BL/6 mice are often used as donors and rd mice serve as recipients.Studies showed that Fas ligand (FasL) protein induces the apoptosis of Fas+ inflammatory cells by FasL/Fas signal pathway,speculating that FasL protein is associated with immune rejection after transplantation.Objective The aim of this study was to investigate FasL protein expression change in retinas of C57BL/6 mice and rd mice with aging and reveal the immune characteristics of the mouse retinas.Methods The frozen sections of eyeball from C57BL/6 mice and rd mice at the age of postnatal (PN)-0 week,PN-1 week,PN-2 week,PN-3 week and PN-4 week were prepared.The expression of FasL protein in the mouse retinas was examined by immnofluorescense technique.Images were acquired by fluorescence microscope and analyzed semi-quantitively by software from laser scanning confocal microscope as the fluorescence intensity (FI).The results were compared among different strains of mice.Results The retina developed imperfectly in PN-1 week C57BL/6 mice and FasL protein was positively expressed in the whole retina.In PN-2,3 and 4 week C57BL/6 mice,retinas finished the development with 10 layers,and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE),inner segment (IS),outer limiting membrane (OLM),outer plexiform layer (OPL),inner nuclear layer (INL),inner plexiform layer (IPL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL).Retinal structure and expression of FasL protein in the whole retina of rd mice in the PN-1 week were similar with C57BL/6 mice,however,ONL cells of rd mice were evidently decreased with aging.The RPE,OPL,INL,IPL and GCL expressed the FasL protein in PN-2,PN-3 and PN-4 week rd mice.The mean FI of FasL protein in the RPE layer was 184.199±16.747,186.797±7.904 and 184.319± 18.795 in rd mice of PN-2 week,PN-3 week and PN-4 week,which were significantly higher than 160.402±22.851,160.995 ±22.799 and 105.787 ± 17.676 in C57BL/6 mice (t =-3.360,P =0.002;t'=-4.277,P =0.000;t =-12.175,P=0.000).There were not significant differences in the mean FI of FasL protein in IPL between C57BL/6 mice and rd mice at ages of PN-2 week,PN-3 week and PN-4 week (all at P＞0.05).Conclusions The cells of retinal ONL are gradually decreased with the development of rd mice,and FasL protein expression intensity in RPE is evidently enhanced in rd mice compared with C57BL/6 mice.
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Background Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a congenital and autosomal recessive hereditary eye disease characterized by multiple glistening intraretinal crystals scattered over the fundus.Studies determined abnormality of fatty acid metabolism probably is associated with BCD.However,the study on the alteration of blood lipid level in BCD patients is rare.Objective This trail was to study the change of serum lipids in BCD patients.Methods A total of 50 patients with bilateral BCD and 50 matched healthy volunteers were included from November 2011 to March 2013 in Beijing Tongren Eye Center with the approval of Ethic Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject before any medial examination.Peripheral blood of 3 ml was collected from the subjects.The serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG),total cholesterol (TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured and analyzed.The examination outcome was identified based on the criteria of China Adult Dyslipidemia Prevention Guideline (Version 2007).Results Abnormality of serum lipid content was detected in 58.00％ patients (29/50),and hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesteremia were in 34.48％ (10/29),respectively,and mixed hyperlipidaemia was in 27.59 ％ (8/29).The serum levels of TG,TC and LDL-C were (1.63± 1.19) mmol/L,(5.10±1.05) mmol/L and (3.27±0.97) mmol/L in the BCD group,which were significantly higher than (0.93± 0.33) mmol/L,(4.33 ±0.56) mmol/L,(2.63 ±0.51) mmol/L of the normal group (t =4.036,4.496,4.095,all at P=0.000).Conclusions The serum lipid levels elevate in BCD patients,which might be related to the occurrence of BCD.
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Objective To describe CT and MRI imaging findings of retinal hamartomas with tuberous sclerosis and evaluate their clinical value. Design Retrospective case series. Participants 7 patients of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who have ocular lesions found with CT and MRI examination. Methods 7 patients with tuberous sclerosis were diagnosed by clinical data and head CT. The size, morphology, density and enhancing situation of the retinal lesions were observed with CT and MR.I, as while as with direct or indi-rect fundoscopy. Main Outcome Measures CT and MRI features of ocular lesions. Results 7 cases displayed intraeranial calcification and/or non-calcified tubercles, situating in subendyrna (7 cases, accounting for 100%) by head CT. Orbital CT and MRI showed 4 cases (57.1%) of flat retinal hamartomas 3 cases (42.9%) 9f retinal lobular and nodular hamartomas, 2 cases(28.6%) scattered calcification patches in hamartoma, and 2 cases (28.6%) of nanophthalmos. The lesions displayed unenhancement on contrast-enhanced MR images in 7 cases(100%) . There was 1 case (14.3%) of progressive retinal astrocytic hamartoma. Conclusion The examination of CT and MRI may find the bigger retinal hamartomas, which can play a very important role at the diagnosis with the help of whole brain examination. For progressive retinal nstrocytic hamartoma,systemic evaluation with CT and MRI can provide evidence for choosing appropriate thera-pies. (Ophthalmol CHN, 2009, 18: 257-260)
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Objective To establish a culture system in vitro of adult human retinal neural cells for providing a model for the research of retinal neural cells. Design Experimental study. Participants Cultured adult human retinal neural cells. Methods The isolated cells from adult human postmortem retina (20?40 years old) were cultured, then cells of different stages were identified with immunocytochemical staining and judged with phase contrast microscopy and electron microscopy. Main Outcome Measures Cellular morphology and structure. Results (1) The results of cell culture: the adult retinal neural cells could survive in vitro under some conditions and were identified as NSE positive mostly. (2) The results of electron microscopy: most cultured cells were photoreceptors, bipolar cells, horizontal cells and some were glial cells with scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions Under feasible conditions, the adult human retinal neural cells could be cultured and maintained effectively in vitro.
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BACKGROUND: The biomechanical property(BP) of the bone is decided by its geometric structure and component material. Merely pursuing increase of the bone mineral density(BMD) might lead to deterioration of bone BP.However at present, some researohes on therapeutic action on osteoporosis emphasize excessively medical influence to BMD, and the change in the holistic BP of the bone in osteoporotic zone and its mechanism still need to investigate deeply.OBJECTIVE: To probe into the action and its mechanism of "the kidney tonifying compound of the Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) "on BP of cortical bone in ovariectomized osteoporotic model rats.DESIGN: Completely randomized controlled experiment based on experimental animals.SETTING: Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Luoyang Hospital and Institute of Traditional Chinese Orthopedics and Traumatology in Henan Province.MATERIALS: The experiment was completed from November 2000 to July 2001 at Research Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering,Luoyang Institute of Traditional Chinese Orthopedics and Traumatology of Henan Province. The healthy Wistar female rats aged 10 months,weighing(350±20) g.METHODS: Fifty Whistar female rats aged 10 months were randomly divided into 5 groups: the normal, model, premarin-treated, xianling gubao-treated and migu capsule-treated with 10 in each group. The normal group was only given sham operation and the other four groups were ovariectomized. The rats after operation were fed normally for ninety days.Since the 91st day after operation,the rats had been given the medicines for 90 days and then killed. The thighbones were taken out,then BMD,femoral geometry sizes and BP were determined.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① The primary sequel was the comparison of the parameters of femoral BP. ② The secondary sequel was the changes in parameters of femoral geometric structure, area of cortical bone and BMD of every midsectional fomur.RESULTS: Femoral BP worsened significantly,its mechanical intensity reduced,its external diameter diminished,cortical bone area decreased and femoral BMD lowered in osteoporotic model rats. In comparison with the above,in "the kidney tonifying compound ofTCM " groups(migu capsule group and xianling gubao group) femoral BP raised significantly, its mechanical intensity advanced,its external diameter augmented,cortical bone area aggrandized and femoral BMD enhanced.CONCLUSION: "The kidney tonifying compound of TCM" can improve BP of the cortical bone(thighbone) in ovariectomized osteoporosis rats. Its primary mechanism of action is that the TCM compound prescription could enhance"the mechanism of biomechanical response and regulation"(MBRR) of macrostructure of cortical bone,consequently increase femoral external diameter,aggrandize cortical bone area and enhance BMD in ovariectomized rats.
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Objective To investigate the changes of cellular configuration and polarized characteristic of visual pigment during the development of rod cells of neonatal calf in vitro. Methods Retinal cells of neonatal calf were dissociated and cultivated for 10, 20, 30 and 40 days in vitro were used for immunocytochemical analysis. Retinal rod cells were identified by rho4D2 antibody. The configuration of positive cells and rhodopsin molecular distribution were analysed at different cultivated time. The immuno-reactivity of positive cells was measured by image analysis system. Results The rho4D2 immuno-reactive cells included small round cells without protuberance and the cells with protuberance at the peak. At the 10th day after cultivation, the visual pigment immunoreaction was suffusive in the whole cell membrane and apical process; while at the 30th and 40th day, it gathered at the membrane of apical process or one pole of the cells. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the immunoreactive intensity of positive cells at the 20th day after cultivation was stronger than that at the 10th day; while there was no significant difference among the immunoreactive intensity at the 20th, 30th, and 40th day. Conclusions Rod cells at the 30th and 40th day after cultivation have the polarized characterization and visual pigment molecular distribution with high level of expressive ability of protein, which are mature neurons.
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Objective To study on the ultrastructural characteristic of segments of photoreceptors from neonatal retinas for supporting donor retina choice of retinal transplantation. Methods Photoreceptors from neonatal calf and adult calf were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results Segments of photoreceptors from neonatal calf appeared the mushroom pattern, in which, distal end of outer segment which was ball shaped formed the head with mushrooms appea rance, and the inner segments along with some of outer segments formed the body with mushrooms appea rance. Within the outer segment, plasma membranes of adjacent evaginations form a disk subsequently. The array of most disks were vertical to the entire length of segments, but some were parallel and slope to. Owing to the incomplete formation, some rim of disk near distal end of outer segment revealed step shaped appearance. The distal end of outer segment displays some processes consisted of membranous discs, much vesicular material and mitochondria, much rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and numerous polysomes. Segments of photoreceptor connected with outer nuclear layer via the external limiting membrane. Conclusion The typical morphological structures of outer segments suggest the immature and strong gowth ability of photoreceptors of the retina of neonatal calf, and therefore the competence for donor material of retinal transplantation.
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Objective To explore the effects of drugs on functions of mitochondria in retinal nerve cells, and to lay a foundation of the investigation of drug protection for retinal nerve cells. Methods Cultivation of the retinal nerve cells of 8 eyes of neonatal calves was performed. The changes of fluorescent density of the mitochondria of cultured cells labeled by dye rhodamine 123 (Rh123) before and after the activation of the medicines, including ferulic acid (FA), arginine, glycine, taurine, vitamine E and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) respectively, were detected by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Results FA with the concentration of 500 ?g/ml led the diphasic variation of the fluorescent intensity of mitochondria. After scanning for 60.772 seconds when treated with FA firstly, the fluorescent intensity decreased rapidly (from 45.425?4.153 to 22.135?5.293); while after 112.774 seconds when treated secondly, the intensity increased obviously (from 19.655?4.383 to 28.247?4.764), and after 168.773 seconds when treated thirdly the intensity still increased. After scanning for 56.457 seconds when treated with vitamin E (12.5 mg/ml), the fluorescent intensity increased obviously (from 88.255?5.039 to 111.273?4.529), which suggested that vitamin E with the concentration of 12.5 mg/ml strengthen the fluorescent intensity. After scanning for 58.147 and 134.148 seconds when treated with BDNF (50 ng/ml) respectively, the fluorescent intensity increased obviously (from 69.115?5.038 to 77.225?5.131) which suggested that BDNF with the concentration of 50 ng/ml led the increase of the fluorescent intensity. Glycine (2.5 mg/ml) and arginine(30 mg/ml) didn't affect the fluorescent intensity of mitochondria, and taurine (6.25 mg/ml) caused the appreciable decrease of the fluorescent intensity. Conclusion FA, BDNF and vitamin E may promote the metabolism of retinal nerve cells via the path of mitochondria, while amino acids may adjust the activation of retinal nerve cells through other ways.
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The paper indicates the problems and chalenge that new technological newtution brings to medical ethics. Also, it gives three representative opinions of new technological relution and discusses how to that their controadiction and unity.
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We used the teratogen 5-hromodeoxy- uridine(BRDU)in the creation of a model of inherited congenital cataract in Wistar rats.The highest rate of impregnation(81%) of the rats was observed during the period oestrus.The frequency of occurrence and the density of the congenital cataract in the F1 generation varied with the dosage of BRDU,and the frequency of the cataract in the F2 generation was positively correla- ted with the dosage of the drug.The crea- tion of this inherited congenital cataract model may be useful in exploring the etio- logy of the cataract and its prevention and treatment.
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Objective To describe CT and MRI imaging findings of retinal hamartomas with tuberous sclerosis and evaluate their clinical value.Design Retrospective case series.Participants 7 patients of tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC) who have ocular lesions found with CT and MRI examination.Methods 7 patients with tuberous sclerosis were diagnosed by clinical data and head CT.The size,morphology,density and enhancing situation of the retinal lesions were observed with CT and MRI,as while as with direct or indirect fundoscopy.Main Outcome Measures CT and MRI features of ocular lesions.Results 7 cases displayed intracranial calcification and/or non-calcified tubercles,situating in subendyma(7 cases,accounting for 100%) by head CT.Orbital CT and MRI showed 4 cases (57.1%) of flat retinal hamartomas 3 cases(42.9%) of retinal lobular and nodular hamartomas,2 cases(28.6%) scattered calcification patches in hamartoma,and 2 cases(28.6%) of nanophthalmos.The lesions displayed unenhancement on contrast-enhanced MR images in 7 cases(100%).There was 1 case(14.3%) of progressive retinal astrocytic hamartoma.Conclusion The examination of CT and MRI may find the bigger retinal hamartomas,which can play a very important role at the diagnosis with the help of whole brain examination. For progressive retinal astrocytic hamartoma,systemic evaluation with CT and MRI can provide evidence for choosing appropriate thera- pies.