The molecular mechanism of Qizhu anti-cancer prescription in treatment of primary liver cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental verification / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the mechanism of Qizhu anti-cancer prescription ( QZACP) inthe treatment of primary liver cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods Drugs and primary liver cancer ( PLC) -related targets were found according to TCMSP database and disease databases such as GeneCard, the key chemical components and core targets were screened by Cytoscape 3. 9. 1 and String platform respectively, and a network relationship diagram of traditional Chinese medicine-active component-target was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.9. 1. GO functional analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using DAVID platform, visualized by R 4. 1. 1 software, and finally the core clustered proteins were analyzed by CytoNCA plug-in to obtain the core action targets, and the core components and key targets were verified by using molecular docking technology and the pharmacodynamic mechanism of QZACP was further verified by animal experiments. Results The active ingredients of QZACP in the treatment of primary liver cancer may be quercetin, glycyrrhizin, Denudatin B, isoflavanone, sanguinarol, etc. ; the potential targets were STAT3, EGFR, AKT1 etc. ; the related pathways were mainly PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,etc. ; molecular docking showed that the core compounds had better integrating conformation with the key targets. In addition, QZACP could inhibit the growth of tumor in nude mice and decrease the expression of STAT3, EGFR and AKT1. Conclusions Qizhu anti-cancer prescription may have some positive significance in the treatment of primary liver cancer, which may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Pharmacokinetic investigation of principal active constituents in renal fibrotic rats after oral administration of crude and salt-processed eucommiae cortex extracts / 药学学报

A quantitative analysis method for six principal active constituents (acubin, geniposidic acid, chlorogenic acid, pinoresinol di-O-glucopyranoside, geniposide, and pinoresinol 4-O-glucopyranoside) of crude Eucommiae Cortex (EC) and its salt-processed product extracts was developed to investigate and compare their pharmacokinetic behaviors in adenine-induced renal fibrotic rats in vivo. UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS technology was employed. Scan was conducted in negative ion mode and quantitative determination was carried out by MRM paired ion. The established method was fully validated by specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, recovery, and matrix effect, and the results of methodological investigation met the requirements of biological sample analysis. Then, a quick, sensitive, and accurate method was successfully established, which could simultaneously measure the contents of six active constituents of crude and salt-processed EC extracts in rat plasma. After a single administration to renal fibrotic rats of crude EC and its salt-processed product extracts, the plasma concentration of each constituent at different time points was measured, the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and the concentration time curves were structured. The experiment was approved by the experimental animal ethics committee from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (No. 202103A008). The results showed that compared to the crude Eucommiae Cortex group, the tmax of aucubin, pinoresinol di-O-glucopyranoside, geniposide, and pinoresinol 4-O-glucopyranoside in the salt-processed Eucommiae Cortex group rat plasma were significantly lower than those in the crude group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the Cmax and AUC0-48 h of chlorogenic acid, the Cmax, AUC0-48 h and AUC0-∞ of pinoresinol di-O-glucopyranoside, and the Cmax of geniposide and pinoresinol 4-O-glucopyranoside were significantly higher than those in the crude group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Our investigation found that compared to crude Eucommiae Cortex, a variety of active ingredients could play a role of quick effect with higher peak blood concentration and bioavailability after oral administration of salt-processed Eucommiae Cortex, which were consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian", providing an experimental basis for the selection of quality control indexes and the in-depth study of processing mechanisms and metabolic rules in vivo of Eucommiae Cortex and its salt-processed product.

Analysis of acupoint-symptom relationship in CHENG Dan-an's Note About Treatise on Cold-Attack based on complex network / 中国针灸

Acupoint-symptom relationship in CHENG Dan-an's Note About Treatise on Cold-Attack was analyzed based on complex network, acupoint names and indications were extracted from the book, which provided ideas and methods for promoting the modernization of acupuncture and moxibustion by using complex network technology. A total of 112 acupoints in 201 acupuncture prescriptions were included, and the total frequency of acupoints was 880 times, forming 42 034 acupoint pairs. In terms of network indexes, compared with the complex network of comprehensive acupuncture books, such as Meridian and Acupoint Science, Zhenjiu Dacheng, Acupuncture A and B Meridians formed based on the same mathematical method, the complex network model for CHENG Dan-an's Note About Treatise on Cold-Attack shows more typical small world effect, which is characterized by higher network density (6.762) and shorter average path length (1.064). This phenomenon may be related to the tongue and pulse which added the link between acupoints. For the node indexes, the analysis of topological indexes such as Page Rank shows that acupoints represented by Dazhui (GV 14) has higher compatibility value in the treatment of exogenous diseases, which further demonstrates the clinical value of eigenvector centrality in guiding intelligent compatibility of points.

Transcriptome Analysis and Expression Profiling of Molecular Responses to Cd Toxicity in Morchella spongiola

Morchella is a genus of fungi with the ability to concentrate Cd both in the fruit-body and mycelium. However, the molecular mechanisms conferring resistance to Cd stress in Morchella are unknown. Here, RNA-based transcriptomic sequencing was used to identify the genes and pathways involved in Cd tolerance in Morchella spongiola. 7444 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by cultivating M. spongiola in media containing 0.15, 0.90, or 1.50 mg/L Cd2+ . The DEGs were divided into six sub-clusters based on their global expression profiles. GO enrichment analysis indicated that numerous DEGs were associated with catalytic activity, cell cycle control, and the ribosome. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways under Cd stress were MAPK signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, pyruvate metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. In addition, several DEGs encoding ion transporters, enzymaticon-enzymatic antioxidants, and transcription factors were identified. Based on these results, a preliminary gene regulatory network was firstly proposed to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of Cd detoxification in M. spongiola. These results provide valuable insights into the Cd tolerance mechanism of M. spongiola and constitute a robust foundation for further studies on detoxification mechanisms in macrofungi that could potentially lead to the development of new and improved fungal bioremediation strategies.

Wuhutang Alleviates Respiratory Syncytial Virus-induced Asthma in Mice by Inhibiting STAT3 Protein and Regulating Dendritic Cell Autophagy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Wuhutang on respiratory syncytial virus （RSV）-induced asthma in mice and its influence on the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） in lung tissue. Method:One hundred female BALB/c mice of SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal group and an experimental group. After successful modeling via aerosol inhalation of RSV and ovalbumin （OAV）， the mice in the experimental group were further randomized into the following seven groups： model， positive control （dexamethasone， 1.82 mg·kg^-1）， STAT3 inhibitor （STATTIC， 3.75 mg·kg^-1）， STAT3 inducer （colivelin， 1.0 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （1.6， 3.2， and 6.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Wuhutang groups. The corresponding drugs were administered for two weeks， followed by the detection of airway reactivity using a small animal ventilator， the pathological changes in lung tissue， mucus secretion by goblet cells and collagen deposition in airway were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） and Masson staining， the serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-10， and IL-17 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expression levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ and <italic>α</italic>-SMA in lung tissue were detected by fluorescence-based real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， autophagosomes present in lung tissue were examined by transmission electron microscopy， the protein expression levels of ATG5 and SQSTM1 in dendritic cells （DCs） and STAT3 and p-STAT3 in lung tissue were detected by Western blot. Result:The airway reactivity of the model group was enhanced in contrast to that in the model group （<italic>P<</italic>0.01）， manifested as inflammatory cell infiltration around the lung tissue， excessive metaplasia of goblet cells， and extensive deposition of airway collagen， the expression levels of serum IL-6 and IL-17 were increased （<italic>P<</italic>0.01）， while that of IL-10 declined （<italic>P<</italic>0.01）， the mRNA expression levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ and <italic>α</italic>-SMA were elevated （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the number of autophagosomes in the lung tissue increased. The protein expression levels of ATG5， STAT3， and p-STAT were up-regulated， while that of SQSTM1 was down-regulated （<italic>P<</italic>0.01）. Compared with the model group， Wuhutang and STATTIC significantly reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness of asthmatic mice （<italic>P<</italic>0.05， <italic>P<</italic>0.01）， alleviated RSV-induced pathological changes in lung tissue， reduced the contents of serum IL-6 and IL-17 （<italic>P<</italic>0.01）， increased serum IL-10 and ATG5 in DCs （<italic>P<</italic>0.01）， down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ and <italic>α</italic>-SMA as well as the protein expression levels of SQSTM1， STAT3 and p-STAT3 （<italic>P<</italic>0.05，<italic>P<</italic>0.01）， and elevated the number of autophagosomes. Conclusion:Wuhutang relieves airway inflammation， improves airway remodeling and reduces airway hyperresponsiveness in RSV-induced asthmatic mice by inhibiting STAT3 protein and up-regulating DC autophagy in lung tissue.

Transcriptome Analysis and Expression Profiling of Molecular Responses to Cd Toxicity in Morchella spongiola

Morchella is a genus of fungi with the ability to concentrate Cd both in the fruit-body and mycelium. However, the molecular mechanisms conferring resistance to Cd stress in Morchella are unknown. Here, RNA-based transcriptomic sequencing was used to identify the genes and pathways involved in Cd tolerance in Morchella spongiola. 7444 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by cultivating M. spongiola in media containing 0.15, 0.90, or 1.50 mg/L Cd2+ . The DEGs were divided into six sub-clusters based on their global expression profiles. GO enrichment analysis indicated that numerous DEGs were associated with catalytic activity, cell cycle control, and the ribosome. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways under Cd stress were MAPK signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, pyruvate metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. In addition, several DEGs encoding ion transporters, enzymaticon-enzymatic antioxidants, and transcription factors were identified. Based on these results, a preliminary gene regulatory network was firstly proposed to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of Cd detoxification in M. spongiola. These results provide valuable insights into the Cd tolerance mechanism of M. spongiola and constitute a robust foundation for further studies on detoxification mechanisms in macrofungi that could potentially lead to the development of new and improved fungal bioremediation strategies.

Bioch A inhibits LPS-induced microglial activation through estrogen receptors and its mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate whether the effect of biochanin A (biochanin, Bioch A) on LPS-induced microglia activation can be inhibited by estrogen receptor. Methods The BV2 cells were divided into: Control group, LPS group (10 mg · L

Mechanism investigation on the enhanced anti-hepatic fibrosis effects in rats of Fructus Corni after wine-processing based on plasma metabonomics / 药学学报

Metabonomics technology was employed to investigate and identify the mechanisms and metabolic pathways of the crude and wine-processed Fructus Corni extracts on anti-hepatic fibrosis effects in rats, and to compare and analyze the potential mechanism of enhanced interference of the wine-processed Fructus Corni on hepatic fibrosis effects in rats. The rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, the model group, the colchicine group, the crude Fructus Corni groups with low, medium, and high-doses, and the wine-processed Fructus Corni groups with low, medium, and high-doses, and there were six rats in each group. The hepatic fibrosis model was established by subcutaneous injection of 40% carbon tetrachloride, and the intragastric administration was performed at the third week of modeling. The blood and liver samples of rats were taken and carried out for pharmacodynamic index detection and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis after intragastric administration for six weeks. The results of pharmacodynamic investigation showed that both the crude and wine-processed Fructus Corni had the effects of anti-hepatic fibrosis in rats. Metabonomics analysis indicated that, compared to the blank control group, the twenty-four potential biomarkers related to hepatic fibrosis were screened and identified in the model group, which mainly involved in primary bile acid metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, pentose and glucuronide metabolism, retinol metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. The crude and wine-processed Fructus Corni extracts had different degrees of callback effects on the ten of the above potential biomarkers, and the effect of wine-processed Fructus Corni was better than that of crude one. The present study clarifies the mechanism of enhanced efficiency of wine-processed Fructus Corni from the perspective of plasma metabolism, and provides the theoretical foundation for further development and clinical application of Fructus Corni.

Role of adiponectin in diabetes myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and ischemic postconditioning

Abstract Purpose Patients with diabetes are vulnerable to myocardial I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion) injury, but are not responsive to IPO (ischaemic post-conditioning). We hypothesized that decreased cardiac Adiponectin (APN) is responsible for the loss of diabetic heart sensitivity to IPO cardioprotecton. Methods Diabetic rats were subjected to I/R injury (30 min of LAD occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion). Myocardial infarct area was determined by TTC staining. Cardiac function was monitored by a microcatheter. ANP, 15-F2t-isoprostane, nitrotyrosine and MDA were measured by assay kits. Levels of p-Akt, total-Akt and GAPDH were determined by Western Blot. Results Diabetic rats subjected to myocardial IR exhibited severe myocardial infarction and oxidative stress injury, lower APN in the plasma and cardiac p-Akt expression ( P <0.05). IPO significantly attenuated myocardial injury and up-regulated plasma APN content and cardiac p-Akt expression in non-diabetic rats but not in diabetic rats. Linear correlation analysis showed that the expression of adiponectin was positively correlated with p-Akt and negatively correlated with myocardial infarction area ( P <0.01). Conclusion Protective effect of IPO was tightly correlated with the expression of adiponectin, exacerbation of I/R injury and ineffectiveness of IPO was partially due to the decline of adiponectin and inactivation of Akt in diabetes mellitus.

Identification of chemical constituents in Huangdi Anxiao Capsules by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS~E combined with UNIFI software / 中国中药杂志

In order to clarify the main chemical constituents of Huangdi Anxiao Capsules, an ultra-high performance liquid coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS~E) combined with Waters UNIFI software were successfully used to rapidly identify the chemical constituents in Huangdi Anxiao Capsules. The mass spectrometry data of chemical constituents from Huangdi Anxiao Capsules were collected by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS~E, and their structures were identified by the results of UNIFI software according to relative retention time of reference standards, MS feature fragments and literature data of each compound. A total of 100 compounds in Huangdi Anxiao Capsules were identified, including 25 compounds from Pueraria Lobate Radix, 22 compounds from Coptis Rhizoma, 6 compounds from Ophiopogonis Radix, 14 compounds from Eriobotryae Folium, 22 compounds from Rehmanniae Radix, and 15 compounds from Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. Among them, 3 compounds were common components. These 100 compounds included flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and organic acids. This study systematically analyzed the chemical composition of Huangdi Anxiao Capsules, so as to provide evidences for defining the chemical material basis of Huangdi Anxiao Capsules.

Sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitude, and behavior of young migrant workers in Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To evaluate the current status of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behavior of young migrant workers in Shanghai, which would provide information for the development of intervention measures. Methods A cluster random sampling with self-filled questionnaires was used for survey in two factories of Shanghai.The total number of young migrant workers surveyed was 713.The questionnaire contents included socioeconomic characters, knowledge, attitude and behavior of sex and reproductive health. Results There were 428 males and 285 females ranged from 17 to 24 years old.Eighty-eight percent of them were from rural area of China, and 79.7% of them were unmarried.Their awareness of sexual and reproductive health was low, including misunderstandings of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV transmission pathways, and failure to realize the difference between condom and contraceptive pills.Only 46.5% of the males and 31.5% of the females answered correctly about the role of contraceptive pills.Their sexual attitude was open on premarital sex and cohabitation.Males were more tolerant than women; 59.1% of the males thought they could have sex before marriage if they got consent, which was much higher than females (39.6%, P < 0.01).While the rate of premarital sex was high (64.0% in males and 56.1% in females), sexual safety awareness was not strong.The rate of condom use was only 20%, and 12.4% of the females had unwilling pregnancy and abortion. Conclusion The sexual and reproductive health status in young migrant workers need to be improved by strengthening health education and health promotion.

LINC00511 knockdown prevents cervical cancer cell proliferation and reduces resistance to paclitaxel

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common female malignancies in the world. Although paclitaxel (PTX) is a criticalchemotherapy agent for the treatment of CC, its treatment outcome is limited by the development of drug resistance. Thepresent study aims to define the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00511 in the progression of CC with theinvolvement of cell proliferation, apoptosis and resistance to PTX in Hela/PTX cells. CC and adjacent normal tissuesamples were collected from 84 patients with CC, and used to determine LINC0051 expression. PTX-resistant Hela/PTXcell line was constructed, in which LINC0051 was overexpressed or silenced to further investigate the effect of LINC00511on PTX-resistant Hela/PTX cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, apoptosis and resistance of CC cellsto PTX. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) and P-glycoprotein (P-GP) was also assessed. High-expression of LINC00511 was found in CCwith its close association with the tumor stage, tumor size and lymph node metastasis. After silencing LINC00511expression, the expression of MRP1, P-GP, Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was decreased, while Bax and cleaved-caspase-3increased with more CC cells arrested at G1 phase. Furthermore, silencing of LINC00511 could suppress cell resistance toPTX, cell viability, cell proliferation, migration and invasion yet promoted cell apoptosis in PTX-resistant Hela/PTX cells.Collectively, our findings demonstrate that silencing of LINC00511 could inhibit CC cell resistance to PTX, cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promote cell apoptosis in CC. Silencing of LINC00511 provides a novel therapeutictarget for CC.

Dexmedetomidine preconditioning protects against lung injury in hemorrhagic shock rats / Pré-condicionamento com dexmedetomidina protege contra lesão pulmonar em ratos com choque hemorrágico

Abstract Background and objectives: Dexmedetomidine has demonstrated protective effects against lung injury in vitro. Here, we investigated whether dexmedetomidine preconditioning protected against lung injury in hemorrhagic shock rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): control group, hemorrhagic shock group, 5 ug.kg-1 dexmedetomidine (DEX1) group, and 10 ug.kg-1 dexmedetomidine (DEX2) group. Saline or dexmedetomidine were administered over 20 min. 30 min after injection, hemorrhage was initiated in the hemorrhagic shock, DEX1 and DEX2 group. Four hours after resuscitation, protein and cellular content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the lung histopathology were measured. The malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were also tested in the lung tissue. Results: Compare with hemorrhagic shock group, 5 ug.kg-1 dexmedetomidine pretreatment reduced the apoptosis (2.25 ± 0.24 vs. 4.12 ± 0.42%, p < 0.05), histological score (1.06 ± 0.12 vs. 1.68 ± 0.15, p < 0.05) and protein (1.92 ± 0.38 vs. 3.95 ± 0.42 mg.mL-1, p < 0.05) and WBC (0.42 ± 0.11 vs. 0.92 ± 0.13 × 109/L, p < 0.05) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Which is correlated with increased superoxide dismutase activity (8.35 ± 0.68 vs. 4.73 ± 0.44 U.mg-1 protein, p < 0.05) and decreased malondialdehyde (2.18 ± 0.19 vs. 3.28 ± 0.27 nmoL.mg-1 protein, p < 0.05). Dexmedetomidine preconditioning also increased the Bcl-2 level (0.55 ± 0.04 vs. 0.34 ± 0.05, p < 0.05) and decreased the level of Bax (0.46 ± 0.03 vs. 0.68 ± 0.04, p < 0.05), caspase-3 (0.49 ± 0.03 vs. 0.69 ± 0.04, p < 0.05). However, we did not observe any difference between the DEX1 and DEX2 groups for these (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine preconditioning has a protective effect against lung injury caused by hemorrhagic shock in rats. The potential mechanisms involved are the inhibition of cell death and improvement of antioxidation. But did not show a dose-dependent effect.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Dexmedetomidina demonstrou efeitos protetores contra a lesão pulmonar in vitro. Neste estudo, investigamos se o pré-condicionamento com dexmedetomidina protege contra a lesão pulmonar em ratos com choque hemorrágico. Métodos: Ratos machos, Sprague-Dawley, foram aleatoriamente divididos em quatro grupos (n = 8): grupo controle, grupo com choque hemorrágico, grupo com 5 µg.kg-1 de dexmedetomidina (DEX1) e grupo com 10 µg.kg-1 de dexmedetomidina (DEX2). Solução salina ou dexmedetomidina foi administrada durante 20 minutos. Trinta minutos após a injeção, a hemorragia foi iniciada nos grupos choque hemorrágico, DEX1 e DEX2. Quatro horas após a ressuscitação, a proteína e o conteúdo celular no lavado broncoalveolar e a histopatologia pulmonar foram medidos. Malondialdeído, superóxido dismutase, Bcl-2, Bax e caspase-3 também foram testados no tecido pulmonar. Resultados: Na comparação com o grupo choque hemorrágico, o pré-tratamento com 5 ug.kg-1 de dexmedetomidina reduziu a apoptose (2,25 ± 0,24 vs. 4,12 ± 0,42%, p < 0,05), escore histológico (1,06 ± 0,12 vs. 1,68 ± 0,15, p < 0,05) e proteína (1,92 ± 0,38 vs. 3,95 ± 0,42 mg.mL-1, p < 0,05) e leucócitos (0,42 ± 0,11 vs. 0,92 ± 0,13 × 109/L, p < 0,05) no lavado broncoalveolar; o que está correlacionado com o aumento da atividade da superóxido dismutase (8,35 ± 0,68 vs. 4,73 ± 0,44 U.mg-1 de proteína, p < 0,05) e diminuição do malondialdeído (2,18 ± 0,19 vs. 3,28 ± 0,27 nmoL.mg-1 de proteína, p < 0,05). O pré-condicionamento com dexmedetomidina também aumentou o nível de Bcl-2 (0,55 ± 0,04 vs. 0,34 ± 0,05, p < 0,05) e diminuiu o nível de Bax (0,46 ± 0,03 vs. 0,68 ± 0,04, p < 0,05), caspase-3 (0,49 ± 0,03 vs. 0,69 ± 0,04, p < 0,05). No entanto, não houve diferença entre os grupos DEX1 e DEX2 para essas proteínas (p > 0,05). Conclusão: O pré-condicionamento com dexmedetomidina tem um efeito protetor contra a lesão pulmonar causada por choque hemorrágico em ratos. Os potenciais mecanismos envolvidos são a inibição da morte celular e a melhora da antioxidação. Porém, não mostrou um efeito dose-dependente.

Identification and characterization of a novel group of natural anti-sense transcripts from RNA1.2 gene locus of human cytomegalovirus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Natural anti-sense transcripts (NATs), which are transcribed from the complementary DNA strand of annotated genes, exert regulatory function of gene expression. Increasing studies recognized anti-sense transcription widespread throughout human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome, whereas the anti-sense transcription of RNA1.2 gene locus has never been investigated. In this study, the transcription of the RNA1.2 anti-sense strand was investigated in clinically isolated HCMV strain.@*METHODS@#Strand-specific high-through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to find possible anti-sense transcripts (ASTs). For analyzing and visualization of RNA-seq data sets, Integrative Genomics Viewer software was applied. To confirm these possibilities, Northern blotting and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) were used.@*RESULTS@#Transcription of the opposite strand of RNA1.2 gene locus was detected by RNA-sequencing using RNAs extracted from human embryonic lung fibroblasts infected with HCMV clinical isolate HAN. At least three HCMV NATs, named RNA1.2 AST 1, RNA1.2 AST2, and RNA1.2 AST3, were characterized by Northern blotting and RACE analyses. These RNA1.2 ASTs orientated from the complementary strand of RNA1.2 locus during the late phase of HCMV infection. The 5'- and 3'-termini of these transcripts were located within the opposite sequence of the predicted RNA1.2 gene.@*CONCLUSION@#A cluster of novel NATs was transcribed from the opposite sequence of the HCMV RNA1.2 gene region.

Effect of p-Stat3 on invasion of human gastric cancer cells / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To investigate the expression of signal transduction and activator 3 (Stat3) ,and phosphorylated Stat3 (p-Stat3) in human gastric cancer cell lines MGC-803 and BGC-823,and to explore the role of p-Stat3 in the invasion and migration of gastric cancer. Methods The expressed Stat3 and p-Stat3 in gastric cancer MGC-803 and BGC-823 cells were investigated by flow cytometry,and the migration and invasion abilities of cancer cells were observed using scratch test and in vitro Transwell test. Results Flow cytometry showed that the expression of Stat3 in MGC-803 and BGC-823 cells was basically unchanged before and after IL-6 stimulation (10 ng/mL) ,and the activated p-Stat3,however,was significantly higher after IL-6 stimulation. The activated p-Stat3 in BGC-823 cells was higher than that of MGC-803 cells (P < 0. 001) . The results of scratch tests showed that the scar healing area of BGC-823 cells was significantly larger than that of MGC-803 cells after 48 h (P = 0. 031) . Transwell cell experiments showed that the number of penetrating cells from BGC-823 cell line were significantly greater than those from MGC-803 cell line (P < 0. 001) . Conclusion Over activated p-Stat3 enhances the invasion and migration of MGC-803 and BGC-823 gastric cancer cells.

Identification and characterization of a novel group of natural antisense transcripts from RNA1.2 gene locus of human cytomegalovirus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Natural anti-sense transcripts (NATs), which are transcribed from the complementary DNA strand of annotated genes, exert regulatory function of gene expression. Increasing studies recognized anti-sense transcription widespread throughout human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome, whereas the anti-sense transcription of RNA1.2 gene locus has never been investigated. In this study, the transcription of the RNA1.2 anti-sense strand was investigated in clinically isolated HCMV strain.@*Methods@#Strand-specific high-through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to find possible anti-sense transcripts (ASTs). For analyzing and visualization of RNA-seq data sets, Integrative Genomics Viewer software was applied. To confirm these possibilities, Northern blotting and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) were used.@*Results@#Transcription of the opposite strand of RNA1.2 gene locus was detected by RNA-sequencing using RNAs extracted from human embryonic lung fibroblasts infected with HCMV clinical isolate HAN. At least three HCMV NATs, named RNA1.2 AST 1, RNA1.2 AST2, and RNA1.2 AST3, were characterized by Northern blotting and RACE analyses. These RNA1.2 ASTs orientated from the complementary strand of RNA1.2 locus during the late phase of HCMV infection. The 5′- and 3′-termini of these transcripts were located within the opposite sequence of the predicted RNA1.2 gene.@*Conclusion@#A cluster of novel NATs was transcribed from the opposite sequence of the HCMV RNA1.2 gene region.

Three new bioactive flavonoid glycosides from Viscum album / 中国天然药物

Two new flavonoid glycosides, named viscumneoside XII (1), and viscumneoside XIII (2); a new dihydrogen flavonoid glycoside product named viscumneoside XIV (3), were isolated from the aerial part of Viscum album, along with seven known compounds (4-10). Their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data. In addition, cytotoxicity assay showed that 1, 2 and 3 possessed significant inhibitory activities against C6, A549 and MDA-MB-231 (the inhibition rate arrived about 50%, 70% and 74% respectively with IC ≤ 60.00 μmol·L), while the inhibition of TF-1 and Hela was not significant.

Expression of CaSR in neurons and cardiomyocytes incubated with magnesium-free extracellular fluid and its relationship with the MAPK pathway / 医学研究生学报

Objective At present, studies on the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) in the pathogenesis of epilepsy are carried out in animal models in vivo and in single cells cultured in vitro. This study was to investigate the expression of CaSR and its relationship with the MAPK pathway in the rat model of epilepsy.Methods The neurons and cardiomyocytes of 3-day-old Wistar rats were cultured for 10 days and randomly divided into groups A (control), B (magnesium-free), C (magnesium free+spermine), D (magnesium free+calhex231), and E (magnesium free+spermine+calhex231). The model of epilepsy was made by abnormal discharge of the neurons induced by coculturing magnesium-free extracellular fluid with cardiomyocytes. The morphological changes of the cells were observed by HE staining and transmission electron microscopy, their survival rate detected by MTT, and the expressions of the CaSR, Bcl-2, P-ERK, P-JNK and P-P38 proteins in the cocultured cells determined by Western blot.Results Compared with the cells in group B, those in group C were swollen and broken with nuclear fragmentation, those in group D showed a relative integrity, and those in group E were also swollen and broken but improved in comparison with those in group C. The survival rates of the cells were (61.08±15.44)%, (82.80±14.37)% and (82.04±17.37)% in groups C, D and E, respectively, all significantly lower than in A (\[100.00±0.00\]%, P<0.01) and B (\[88.88±9.85\]%, P<0.01). The expression of CaSR was markedly higher in group B than in A (\[0.73±0.19\] vs \[0.45±0.12\], P<0.01) but lower than in C (1.32±0.15) and E (1.19±0.12) (P<0.01). The expression levels of Bcl-2 and P-ERK were remarkably lower in group B than in A but higher than in C (P<0.01), and those of P-JNK and P-P38 significantly higher in group B than in A and lower than in C and E (P<0.05).Conclusion Magnesium-free extracellular fluid can damage neurons and cardiomyocytes, increase the expression of CaSR, participate in the MAPK signaling pathway, and mediate the apoptosis of neurons and cardiomyocytes, while CaSR inhibitors can relieve the CaSR agonist-induced damage to the cells.

Effect of Action Observation Therapy on Upper Limb Function in Children with Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the effect of action observation therapy (AOT) on upper limb function in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy,and the better program. Methods From March to November,2017,45 children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to control group and AOT group.The control group was further divided into group A(n=11)and group B(n=11), and received conventional rehabilitation treatment and scenic-observation therapy, 20 minutes every time for group A,and 30 minutes every time for group B.AOT group was further divided into group C(n=10)and group D (n=11), and received AOT in addition, 20 minutes every time for group C, and 30 minutes every time for group D,five times each week for twelve weeks for all the groups.Before treatment,eight and twelve weeks af-ter treatment, they were assessed with hand grip strength, Upper Extremities Functions Test (UEFT), and Wee Functional Independence Measure(WeeFIM). Results After treatment,the hand grip strength and the score of UEFT were better in group D than in groups B and C(P<0.05),and were better at twelve weeks than at eight weeks(P<0.05).No significant difference was found in the score of WeeFIM among groups after treatment(P>0.05). Conclusion AOT could improve upper limp function in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy,and it's more ef-fective after more training.

Dexmedetomidine preconditioning protects against lipopolysaccharides-induced injury in the human alveolar epithelial cells / Pré-condicionamento com dexmedetomidina protege contra lesões induzidas por lipopolissacarídeos em células epiteliais alveolares humanas

Abstract Background and objectives Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has demonstrated the preconditioning effect and shown protective effects against organize injury. In this study, using A549 (human alveolar epithelial cell) cell lines, we investigated whether DEX preconditioning protected against acute lung injury (ALI) in vitro. Methods A549 were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5): control group, DEX group, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) group, and D-LPS (DEX + LPS) group. Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or DEX were administered. After 2 h preconditioning, the medium was refreshed and the cells were challenged with LPS for 24 h on the LPS and D-LPS group. Then the malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and the cytochrome c in the A549 were tested. The apoptosis was also evaluated in the cells. Results Compare with LPS group, DEX preconditioning reduced the apoptosis (26.43% ± 1.05% vs. 33.58% ± 1.16%, p < 0.05) in the A549, which is correlated with decreased MDA (12.84 ± 1.05 vs. 19.16 ± 1.89 nmoL.mg-1 protein, p < 0.05) and increased SOD activity (30.28 ± 2.38 vs. 20.86 ± 2.19 U.mg-1 protein, p < 0.05). DEX preconditioning also increased the Bcl-2 level (0.53 ± 0.03 vs. 0.32 ± 0.04, p < 0.05) and decreased the level of Bax (0.49 ± 0.04 vs. 0.65 ± 0.04, p < 0.05), caspase-3 (0.54 ± 0.04 vs. 0.76 ± 0.04, p < 0.05) and cytochrome c. Conclusion DEX preconditioning has a protective effect against ALI in vitro. The potential mechanisms involved are the inhibition of cell death and improvement of antioxidation.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Dexmedetomidina (DEX) demonstrou ter efeito pré-condicionante e também efeitos protetores contra lesão organizada. Neste estudo, com células A549 (células epiteliais alveolares humanas), investigamos se o pré-condicionamento com DEX proporcionaria proteção contra lesão pulmonar aguda (LPA) in vitro. Métodos Células A549 foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em quatro grupos (n = 5): controle, DEX, lipopolissacarídeos (LPS) e D-LPS (DEX + LPS). Administramos solução de PBS (tampão fosfato-alcalino) ou DEX. Após 2 h de pré-condicionamento, o meio foi renovado e as células desafiadas com LPS por 24 h nos grupos LPS e D-LPS. Em seguida, malondialdeído (MDA), superóxido dismutase (SOD), Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 e em A549 foram testados. Apoptose também foi avaliada nas células. Resultados Em comparação com o grupo LPS, o pré-condicionamento com DEX reduziu a apoptose (26,43% ± 1,05% vs. 33,58% ± 1,16%, p < 0,05) em células A549, o que está correlacionado com a diminuição de MDA (12,84 ± 1,05 vs. 19,16 ± 1,89 nmol.mg-1 de proteína, p < 0,05) e aumento da atividade de SOD (30,28 ± 2,38 vs. 20,86 ± 2,19 U.mg-1 de proteína, p < 0,05). O pré-condicionamento com DEX também aumentou o nível de Bcl-2 (0,53 ± 0,03 vs. 0,32 ± 0,04, p < 0,05) e diminuiu o nível de Bax (0,49 ± 0,04 vs. 0,65 ± 0,04, p < 0,05), caspase-3 (0,54 ± 0,04 vs. 0,76 ± 0,04, p < 0,05) e citocromo c. Conclusão O pré-condicionamento com DEX tem efeito protetor contra LPA in vitro. Os potenciais mecanismos envolvidos são inibição da morte celular e melhoria da antioxidação.