Research progress on autophagic flux regulation in cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Autophagic flux refers to a series of dynamic process of autophagic bilayer membrane formation, autophagosome formation, autophagolysosomes formation and degradation. The etiology of cataract is complex, including congenital abnormalities in lens development due to genetic mutations, oxidative damage due to aging, abnormalities in glucose metabolism due to diabetes, and proliferation of lens epithelial cells(LECs)stimulated by postoperative inflammatory factor, all of which are associated with the development of cataracts. A growing number of research in recent years have discovered that altering the status of LECs can contribute to the pathophysiological process of cataract by regulating autophagic flux. This review summarized the impacts of autophagic flux regulation on cataract.

Research progress on the correlation between circadian rhythm and clock genes and the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the most common microvascular complication of patients with diabetes mellitus, and it has become one of the leading causes of visual impairment among working-age people worldwide. The pathogenesis of DR is complicated with multiple mechanisms. Plenty of studies have indicated that circadian rhythm and clock genes are closely related to the pathogenesis of DR. Circadian rhythm is a physiological process regulated by clock genes, which takes 24h as a cycle and is consistent with the changes of light and dark outside. Circadian rhythm regulates various physiological activities of the body. The disturbance of circadian rhythm induces DR by affecting the blood glucose level and the physiological homeostasis of the eye in patients with diabetes mellitus, and clock genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of DR by regulating oxidative stress response, inflammatory response, retinal autophagy rhythm, mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial progenitor cell function. This paper will introduce the generation and regulation mechanism of circadian rhythm, as well as the internal circadian rhythm of retina, and further discuss the influence of circadian rhythm and clock genes on the occurrence and development of DR, aiming to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of DR.

Current status of public health system in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and improvement suggestion / 中华流行病学杂志

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) has three public health systems under different systems, which plays an important role in the construction of the public health system in China. Further strengthening the construction of the public health system in the GBA will play an important reference role in the optimization and upgrade of China's public health system in the future. Based on the key consulting project of "research on the strategy of the modern public health system and capacity building in China" by Chinese Academy of Engineering, this paper deeply analyzes the current status and existing problems of public health system construction in GBA and suggests to improve and innovate the mechanisms of collaborative prevention and control of public health risks, resource coordination and joint research and result sharing, information sharing and exchange, personnel training and team building in order to comprehensively improve the capacity of public health system in GBA, and promote the construction of Healthy China.

Effects of total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng stems and leaves on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids metabolism in acute lung injury mice / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the biological effects and underlying mechanisms of the total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng stems and leaves on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI) in mice. Sixty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, the total ginsenosides from P. ginseng stems and leaves normal administration group(61.65 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose total ginsenosides from P. ginseng stems and leaves groups(15.412 5, 30.825, and 61.65 mg·kg~(-1)). Mice were administered for seven continuous days before modeling. Twenty-four hours after modeling, mice were sacrificed to obtain lung tissues and calculate lung wet/dry ratio. The number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was detected. The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in BALF were detected. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the levels of myeloperoxidase(MPO), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and malondialdehyde(MDA) in lung tissues were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues. The gut microbiota was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) was applied to detect the content of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in se-rum. The results showed that the total ginsenosides from P. ginseng stems and leaves could reduce lung index, lung wet/dry ratio, and lung damage in LPS-induced ALI mice, decrease the number of inflammatory cells and levels of inflammatory factors in BALF, inhibit the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors and levels of MPO and MDA in lung tissues, and potentiate the activity of GSH-Px and SOD in lung tissues. Furthermore, they could also reverse the gut microbiota disorder, restore the diversity of gut microbiota, increase the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae, decrease the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae, and enhance the content of SCFAs(acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid) in serum. This study suggested that the total ginsenosides from P. ginseng stems and leaves could improve lung edema, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in ALI mice by regulating gut microbiota and SCFAs metabolism.

Clinical effect of laparoscopy for the treatment of biliary stricture after biliary dilatation operation / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety and effect of laparoscopy for the treatment of biliary stricture after the biliary dilatation operation. Methods: The clinical data of 78 patients,including 27 males and 51 females aged (48.6±14.2)years(range:17 to 76 years),who presented biliary stricture after biliary dilatation operation from January 2017 to June 2021 in the Department of Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery,Hunan Provincial People's Hospital,were retrospectively collected,with 38 cases in the laparoscopy group and 40 cases in the laparotomy group. Of the 78 patients,there were 67 cases of cholangiojejunostomy stricture and 11 cases of stricture of the high intrahepatic bile duct. Statistical methods such as t-test and χ2 test were carried out to compare perioperative clinical data and follow-up information between the two groups. Results: Less intraoperative blood loss((102.6±76.4)ml vs. (162.5±105.9) ml, t=-2.874,P=0.005),shorter postoperative stay length of stay((10.5±3.7)days vs. (14.5±6.4)days, t=-3.379,P=0.001) and shorter waiting time for postoperative anal exhaust((2.0±0.6)days vs. (2.5±0.9)days, t=-2.827,P=0.006) were found in the laparoscopy group than that in the laparotomy group,with statistically significant differences. While there was no statistically difference in the operative time((252.8±54.7)minutes vs. (257.4±68.6)minutes,t=-0.331,P=0.742). Postoperative review and follow-up did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups in the residual stone rate(5.3%(2/38) vs. 5.0%(2/40)) and the incidence of recurrent biliary stricture(5.3%(2/38) vs. 7.5%(3/40))(both P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopy may be safe and effective in the treatment of biliary stricture after the biliary dilatation operation,with less trauma,faster recovery compared to laparotomy.

Effects of 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation on bone metabolism in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation on ovariectomized rats' bone metabolism.@*METHODS@#Twenty four 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat were randomly divided into control group, sham operated group, 275 nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation group and 310 nm UV irradiation group. Each group contained 6 rats. The rats in the two irradiation groups were treated with bilateral ovariectomy. The rats in sham operated group received sham operation (They were given the same back incision and a bit of par-ovarian fat were removed). Control group received no disposition. About 24 weeks after operation, all the rats received detailed bone mineral density (BMD) detection again. Detection regions include cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur. Next, osteopenia rats in 275 nm irradiation group were UV irradiated 275 nm with fixed illumination intensity (15 μW/cm2) everyday for 16 weeks. The osteopenia rats in 310 nm irradiation group were UV irradiated 310 nm with fixed illumination intensity (15 μW/cm2) everyday for 16 weeks. The backs of the rats were shaved regularly as irradiation area (6 cm×8 cm). After 16-week irradiation, all the rats' BMD of cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur were measured. At the end of the trial, all the rats' blood specimens were obtained and serum 25(OH)D, procollagen type Ⅰ N-peptide (PINP) and osteocalcin (OC) were measured.@*RESULTS@#Compared with control group [(238.78±26.74) mg/cm3], the BMD of the whole body were significantly lower in 275 nm [(193.34±13.28) mg/cm3] and 310 nm [(191.19±18.48) mg/cm3] irradiation groups (P=0.002, P=0.001). There were no significant difference between sham operated group [(227.20±14.32) mg/cm3] and control group. After 16-week ultraviolet irradiation, the BMD of the whole body were significantly increased in 275 nm [(193.34±13.28) mg/cm3 vs. (221.68±25.52) mg/cm3, P=0.005] and 310 nm groups [(191.19±18.48) mg/cm3 vs. (267.48±20.54) mg/cm3, P < 0.001] after corresponding irradiation. The BMD of the four body regions (lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur) had significantly increased after irradiation in 275 nm irradiation group. For 310 nm irradiation group, the BMD in cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur also had increased significantly after 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation. The concentration of serum 25(OH)D and OC was higher in 275 nm irradiation group than in control group [(46.78±5.59) μg/L vs. (21.32±6.65) μg/L, P=0.002;(2.05±0.53) U/L vs. (1.32±0.07) U/L, P=0.022]. Compared with the control, the concentration of serum 25(OH)D [(58.05±12.74) μg/L], OC [(2.04±0.53) U/L] and PINP [(176.16±24.18) U/L] was significantly higher (P < 0.001, P=0.015, P=0.005) in 310 nm irradiation group. However, there were no significantly difference between sham operated group and the control.@*CONCLUSION@#Both 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet could improve rats' vitamin D synthesis. Both 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet could improve osteopenia rats' bone condition. The irradiation of 310 nm might be more effective on bone condition improvement.

A short half-life of cccDNA offer or ignite hope for hepatitis B cure under nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment / 中华肝脏病杂志

Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the template for HBV replication. Currently, there is a lack of therapeutic drugs that directly target cccDNA. Therefore, blocking cccDNA supplements as fast as possible and reducing the existing cccDNA is the key to achieving a complete cure of chronic hepatitis B. Previous studies have suggested that cccDNA had a long half-life, but a recent study showed that it only took a few months to update cycle of cccDNA pool, and its number was much less than previously predicted. In the future, with the advent of new antiviral drugs that can completely inhibit HBV replication, it is expected that the cccDNA pool will be completely cleared due to its supplement complete blockade, so as to achieve virological cure of chronic hepatitis B.

Induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells and preliminary study of cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To establish a method for the induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells, and preliminarily investigate cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen (APAP). Methods: The surface marker CD45 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells wase detected cells by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence methods. The cellular morphology of induced hepatocyte-like cells was observed under an inverted microscope. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of hepatocyte-specific genes, such as cytochrome (CY) P1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, albumin (ALB), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)4α mRNA. Immunofluorescence method was used to detect intracellular hepatocyte markers AFP, HNF4α, and ALB expression at the protein level. Biochemical analyzer was used to detect hepatocyte-specific secretory functions of AFP, ALB, and urea. Luciferase chemiluminescence method was used to detect the activity of key drug metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4. Colorimetric assay was used to detect the effect of the drug acetaminophen on hepatocyte-like cells, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was used as an indicator of liver cell injury. The statistical differences between the data were compared with t-test and rank-sum test. Results: The positive expression rate of CD45 cell surface markers isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was about 98%, and hepatocyte-like cell morphology changes appeared on 15th day of induction. Compared with isolated mononuclear cells, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, ALB, AFP and HNF4α mRNA was markedly elevated. The expression level of AFP, ALB and HNF4α protein were equally increased, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB and urea were enhanced. Compared with primary hepatocytes, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, AFP, HNF4α mRNA, and CYP3A4 mRNA did not decrease. The expression levels of AFP, ALB, and HNF4α proteins in the cells did not decrease, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB, and urea did not decrease. In addition, the CYP3A4 enzyme activity produced by hepatocyte-like cells was similar to that of primary hepatocytes. Compared with hepatocyte-like cells incubated without APAP, hepatocyte-like cells incubated with APAP had higher ALT level. Under the effect of APAP, the ALT level of hepatocyte-like cells was higher than isolated mononuclear cells. Conclusion: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be induced into hepatocyte-like cells with partial characteristics of hepatocytes, including the activity of CYP3A4, a key enzyme of hepatocyte drug metabolism. Additionally, preliminarily ALT secretory features reflect the hepatocytes injury under the effect of acetaminophen.

Biocompatibility and effect on bone formation of a native acellular porcine pericardium: Results of in vitro and in vivo / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the morphology and biocompatibility of a native acellular porcine pericardium (APP) in vitro and to evaluate its barrier function and effects on osteogenesis when used in guided bone regeneration (GBR) in vivo.@*METHODS@#First, the morphology of APP (BonanGenⓇ) was detected using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Next, for biocompatibility test, proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) after being seeded 1, 3 and 7 days. Meanwhile, the cells stained with phalloidine and 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to view the morphology of cell adhesion and pattern of cell proliferation on day 5. A 3-Beagle dog model with 18 teeth extraction sockets was used for the further research in vivo. These sites were randomly treated by 3 patterns below: filled with Bio-OssⓇand coverd by APP membrane (APP group), filled with Bio-OssⓇand covered by Bio-GideⓇmembrane (BG group) and natural healing (blank group). Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) were performed after 4 and 12 weeks.@*RESULTS@#A bilayer and three-dimensional porous ultrastructure was identified for APP through SEM. In vitro, APP facilitated proliferation and adhesion of hBMSCs, especially after 7 days (P < 0.05). In vivo, for the analysis of the whole socket healing, no distinct difference of new bone ratio was found between all the three groups after 4 weeks (P>0.05), however significantly more new bone regeneration was detected in APP group and BG group in comparison to blank group after 12 weeks (P < 0.05). The radio of bone formation below the membrane was significantly higher in APP group and BG group than blank group after 4 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05), however, the difference between APP group and BG group was merely significant in 12 weeks (P < 0.05). Besides, less resorption of buccal crest after 4 weeks and 12 weeks was observed in APP group of a significant difference compared in blank group (P < 0.05). The resorption in BG group was slightly lower than blank group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#APP showed considerable biocompatibility and three-dimentional structure. Performing well as a barrier membrane in the dog alveolar ridge preservation model, APP significantly promoted bone regeneration below it and reduced buccal crest resorption. On the basis of this study, APP is a potential osteoconductive and osteoinductive biomaterial.

Efficacy of two barrier membranes and deproteinized bovine bone mineral on bone regeneration in extraction sockets: A microcomputed tomographic study in dogs / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of two barrier membranes [multilaminated small intestinal submucosa (mSIS) and bioresorable collagen membrane (Bio-Gide)] combined with deproteinized bovine bone mineral Bio-Oss on guided bone regeneration through a canine extraction sockets model.@*METHODS@#The distal roots of 18 premolars of the Beagle' s bilateral maxillary and mandibular were removed, and 18 extraction sockets were obtained. They were randomly divided into 3 groups, and the following procedures were performed on the sockets: (1) filled with Bio-Oss and covered by mSIS (mSIS group), (2) filled with Bio-Oss and covered by Bio-Gide (BG group), (3) natural healing (blank control group). Micro-computed tomograph (Micro-CT) was performed 4 and 12 weeks after surgery to eva-luate the new bone regeneration in the sockets of each group.@*RESULTS@#The postoperative healing was uneventful in all the animals, and no complications were observed through the whole study period. Micro-CT analysis showed that the new bone fraction in the mSIS group and the BG group was significantly higher than that in the blank control group at the end of 4 weeks and 12 weeks (P < 0.05), and more new bone fraction was observed in the mSIS group than in the BG group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The new bone fraction of coronal third part of the socket in the mSIS group and BG group at the end of 4 weeks were significantly higher than that of the middle and apical third part of each group (P < 0.05). The values of bone mineral density were similar at 4 weeks in all the groups (P>0.05), but were significantly higher than that in the control group at the end of 12 weeks (P < 0.05). The bone morphometric analysis showed that the trabecular number and trabecular spacing were significantly better in the mSIS group and the BG group than in the control group at the end of 4 weeks and 12 weeks (P < 0.05), while the value in the mSIS group was slightly higher than in the BG group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The difference in trabecular thickness between all the groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#mSIS membrane as a barrier membrane combined with deproteinized bovine bone mineral can enhance new bone formation in canine extraction sockets, similar to Bio-Gide collagen membrane.

Effect of topical nitric oxide donors on epidermal hyperplasia in mice with impaired barrier function / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of nitric oxide on epidermal hyperplasia in mice with impaired barrier function.Methods:Fifteen SKH1 hairless mice were divided into 4 groups by using a random number table: normal control group (3 mice) , S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP) group (4 mice) , barrier-impaired group (4 mice) , SNAP-treated barrier-impaired group (4 mice) . Fifteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups: normal control group, barrier-impaired group and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) -treated barrier-impaired group. Mice in the two normal control groups were both topically treated with propylene glycol-ethanol mixtures on the back; those in the SNAP group were topically treated with SNAP solution alone; those in the two barrier-impaired groups were both treated with repeated tape peeling followed by topical application of propylene glycol-ethanol mixtures on the back twice a day; those in the SNAP-or SNP-treated barrier-impaired group were treated with repeated tape peeling followed by topical application of 10-mmol/L SNAP or SNP solution on the back twice a day. After 4 consecutive days of treatment, all the mice were sacrificed on day 5, and skin tissues were resected from the back of mice followed by preparation of paraffin sections. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to measure the epidermal thickness, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining was conducted to detect proliferating cells in the epidermis. Two-way analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance were used for comparisons among groups, and least significant difference- t test was used for multiple comparisons. Results:No significant difference in the epidermal thickness or number of PCNA-positive cells was observed between the SNAP group and normal control group ( t=0.33, 1.25, P=0.748, 0.246, respectively) . Compared with the corresponding normal control groups, the barrier-impaired groups showed significantly increased epidermal thickness and number of PCNA-positive cells (all P < 0.01) . Compared with the corresponding barrier-impaired groups, SNAP-treated barrier-impaired group and SNP-treated barrier-impaired group both showed significantly increased epidermal thickness (SKH1: 127.5 ± 12.0 μm vs. 50.4 ± 5.4 μm; C57BL/6J: 78.1 ± 7.6 μm vs. 45.9 ± 3.7 μm; both P < 0.001) and number of PCNA-positive cells (SKH1: 120.0 ± 5.0 cells/mm vs. 87.3 ± 3.8 cells/mm; C57BL/6J: 285.0 ± 15.0 cells/mm vs. 232.0 ± 19.3 cells/mm; both P < 0.01) . Conclusion:Topical nitric oxide donors did not affect normal epidermis, but could aggravate epidermal hyperplasia in barrier-impaired skin, suggesting that skin condition affects the effect of topical nitric oxide donors on epidermal hyperplasia.

Preparation and osteogenic effect study of small intestinal submucosa sponge / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To prepare and evaluate the basic properties in vitro of a novel small intestinal submucosa (SIS) sponge, and to describe the bone formation ability of the SIS sponge in vivo.@*METHODS@#The SIS sponge was prepared by freeze-drying method. To evaluate the physicochemical properties of the sponge, electron microscope observation, porosity test, water absorption ability and mechanical property were conducted in vitro. The cytotoxicity of the SIS sponge was performed by cell counting kit-8 method. In vivo experiments, eighteen extraction sockets of premolar of three Beagle dogs were randomly divided into three groups: SIS sponge group (SIS sponge), positive control group (Bio-Oss granules and Bio-Gide membrane) and control group(no treatment). The animals were sacrificed 4 weeks and 12 weeks after operation, and micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) was applied to measure the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone mineralized density (BMD). The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA.@*RESULTS@#The average pore diameter of the SIS sponge was (194.90±30.39) μm, the porosity was 92.31%±0.24%, the water absorption rate was 771.50%±40.90%, and the compressive elastic modulus was (2.20±0.19) kPa. There was no significant difference in cell proliferation ability between SIS sponge and control group (P>0.05). Micro-CT quantitative results showed that BV/TV of SIS sponge group (52.81%±3.21%) and positive control group (58.30%±9.36%) were significantly higher than that of control group (38.65%±4.80%) 4 weeks after operation (P < 0.05). The BMD of SIS sponge group [(887.09±61.02) mg/cm3], positive control group [(952.05±132.78) mg/cm3] and control group [(879.29±74.27) mg/cm3] showed no statistical difference 4 weeks after operation (P>0.05). The BV/TV of positive control group (60.57%± 6.56%) was significantly higher than that of SIS sponge group (47.89%±3.59%) and control group (42.99%±2.54%) 12 weeks after operation (P < 0.05). BMD of SIS sponge group [(1047±89.95) mg/cm3] and positive control group [(1101.37±98.85) mg/cm3] were significantly higher than that of control group [(890.36±79.79) mg/cm3] 12 weeks after operation (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The SIS sponge has satisfying physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The SIS sponge significantly increased bone volume fraction in the early stage of bone formation (4 weeks) and bone mineralized density in the late stage of bone formation (12 weeks).

Exploring the mechanism of liver enzyme abnormalities in patients with novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia / 中华肝脏病杂志

To explore and analyze the possible mechanism of liver injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (novel coronavirus pneumonia, NCP). The correlation between ALT, AST and other liver enzyme changes condition and NCP patients' disease status reported in the literature was comprehensively analyzed. ACE2 expression in liver tissue for novel coronavirus was analyzed based on single cell sequencing (GSE115469) data. RNA-Seq method was used to analyze Ace2 expression and transcription factors related to its expression in liver tissues at various time-points after hepatectomy in mouse model of acute liver injury with partial hepatectomy. -test or Spearman rank correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis. ALT and AST were abnormally elevated in some patients with novel coronavirus infection, and the rate and extent of ALT and AST elevation in severe NCP patients were higher than those in non-severe patients. Liver tissue results of single cell sequencing and immunohistochemistry showed that ACE2 was only expressed in bile duct epithelial cells of normal liver tissues, and very low in hepatocytes. In a mouse model of acute liver injury with partial hepatectomy, Ace2 expression was down-regulated on the first day, but it was elevated up to twice of the normal level on the third day, and returned to normal level on seventh day when the liver recovered and hepatocyte proliferation stopped. Whether this phenomenon suggests that the bile duct epithelial cells with positive expression of Ace2 participate in the process of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy deserves further study. In RNA-Seq data, 77 transcription factors were positively correlated with the expression of ACE2 (r > 0.2, FDR < 0.05), which were mainly enriched in the development, differentiation, morphogenesis and cell proliferation of glandular epithelial cells. We assumed that in addition to the over activated inflammatory response in patients with NCP, the up-regulation of ACE2 expression in liver tissue caused by compensatory proliferation of hepatocytes derived from bile duct epithelial cells may also be the possible mechanism of liver tissue injury caused by 2019 novel coronavirus infection.

Association of epidermal function with inflammaging in the elderly / 中华皮肤科杂志

Aging-associated disorders include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer′s disease and so on. Recent studies have demonstrated that aging-associated, low-grade inflammation, also termed inflammaging, contributes to the development of these disorders. However, the origin of inflammaging is still unclear. Some studies indicate that epidermal dysfunction may be the cause of inflammaging in the elderly. Compared with the young, the elderly show reduced water content of the stratum corneum, elevated skin surface pH and compromised epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis, which can all provoke cutaneous inflammation. Pruritus commonly occurs in the elderly, and pruritus-induced scratching can further perturb epidermal permeability barrier function and induce cutaneous inflammation. Sustained mild inflammation in the skin may lead to systemic inflammation. Recent studies in aged mice and humans have demonstrated that improvements in epidermal function can decrease inflammatory cytokine levels in peripheral blood, suggesting a pathogenic role of epidermal dysfunction in inflammaging in the elderly. Thus, improvements in epidermal function may be helpful for the prevention and remission of aging-associated disorders.

Chemical constituents from acid hydrolyzates of Panax quinquefolius total saponins and their inhibition activity to α-glycosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the hypoglycemic components from the acid hydrolyzates of Panax quinquefolius total saponins, and screen the active compounds by in vitro inhibitory activities to α-glycosidase enzymes and protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B). Methods: The hydrolyzates were chromatographed repeatedly over silica gel column, and the structures of the compounds were determined by means of NMR. The in vitro bioassay was performed through the inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase or/and PTP1B. Results: Eight compounds were isolated, which identified as 20(S)-panaxadiol (1), (20S,24R)-dammarane-20,24-epoxy-3β,6α,12β,25-tetraol (2), 20(R)-dammarane-3β,12β,20,25-tetraol (3), 20(S)-dammarane-3β,6α,12β,20,25-pentol (4), 20(R)-dammarane-3β,12β,20,25-tetrahydroxy-3β-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), β-sitosterol (6), oleanolic acid (7) and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (8). Compound 5 was ginseng triterpenoid isolated from the acid hydrolysates of total saponins from P. quinquefolius for the first time. In this paper, the possible in vitro inhibitory activities were investigated. Compound 5 exhibited significantly inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, and the IC50 value [(0.22 ± 0.21) µmol/L] was about 43-fold lower than positive control. For the PTP1B inhibition assay, compound 5 indicated the strongest inhibitory effect with IC50 of (5.91 ± 0.38) µmol/L, followed by compound 4 with IC50 of (6.21 ± 0.21) µmol/L, which were all showed competitive inhibitory pattern by using a Lineweaver-Burk plot. Conclusion: These results supported the potential application of dammaranes from acid hydrolyzates of P. quinquefolius total saponins can be used as ingredients of ancillary anti-diabetic agent or functional factor.

MiRNA-148b targeted AMPKα1 mediates high glucose-induced apoptosis in human renal tubular epithelial cells via oxidative stress / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and mechanism of microRNA-148b (miRNA-148b) in high glucose-induced renal tubular injury.Method HK-2 cells cultured in vitro were divided into normal glucose group,mannitol hypertonic control group and high glucose group.After 48 hours of culture,the expression of miRNA-148b was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used for detecting production of ROS and observed under fluorescence microscope for analysis;The expression of AMPKot1,Bcl-2,NOX2,NOX4,activated caspase3 (cleaved-caspase3) were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the normal glucose group,the expression of miRNA-148b was up-regulated in HK-2 cells in high glucose group and hypertonic group (P ＜ 0.01),and the production of ROS increased (P ＜ 0.01).The expression of NOX2 and NOX4 was increased,AMPKα1 and Bcl-2 decreased,and cleaved caspase-3 was increased (all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions HG up-regulated miRNA-148b expression and down-regulated its target gene AMPKα1 which promotes the expression of NOX2 and NOX4 in HK-2 cells.MiRNA-148b promotes apoptosis of HK-2 cells via increasing production of ROS and enhancing cleaved-caspase3 for Bcl-2 insufficiency.The tubular toxicity of high glucose is partly due to osmotic pressure.MiRNA-148b may be involved in the pathological injury of diabetic nephropathy and is expected to become a new therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy.

Regulation of blood-testis barrier dynamics by the mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex: An in vitro study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

During spermatogenesis, developing germ cells that lack the cellular ultrastructures of filopodia and lamellipodia generally found in migrating cells, such as macrophages and fibroblasts, rely on Sertoli cells to support their transport across the seminiferous epithelium. These include the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the blood-testis barrier (BTB), but also the transport of germ cells, in particular developing haploid spermatids, across the seminiferous epithelium, that is to and away from the tubule lumen, depending on the stages of the epithelial cycle. On the other hand, cell junctions at the Sertoli cell-cell and Sertoli-germ cell interface also undergo rapid remodeling, involving disassembly and reassembly of cell junctions, which, in turn, are supported by actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeletal remodeling. Interestingly, the underlying mechanism(s) and the involving biomolecule(s) that regulate or support cytoskeletal remodeling remain largely unknown. Herein, we used an in vitro model of primary Sertoli cell cultures that mimicked the Sertoli BTB in vivo overexpressed with the ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6, the downstream signaling protein of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 [mTORC1]) cloned into the mammalian expression vector pCI-neo, namely, quadruple phosphomimetic and constitutively active mutant of rpS6 (pCI-neo/p-rpS6-MT) versus pCI-neo/rpS6-WT (wild-type) and empty vector (pCI-neo/Ctrl) for studies. These findings provide compelling evidence that the mTORC1/rpS6 signal pathway exerted its effects to promote Sertoli cell BTB remodeling. This was mediated through changes in the organization of actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeletons, involving changes in the distribution and/or spatial expression of actin- and microtubule-regulatory proteins.

Time series analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis of dengue data in China from 2011 to 2018 / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To understand the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of dengue fever in China from 2011 to 2018, and predict the incidence of dengue fever in China in 2019. Methods Based on the case data of dengue fever in China from 2011 to 2018 in the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the trend of dengue fever was described and predicted by using the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) with R 3.6.0 software. Based on the data of the incidence of dengue fever in the country, provinces and cities from 2011 to 2016 provided by the national scientific data sharing platform for population and health, global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed using GeoDa 1.12 software to determine the dengue fever hotspots. Results The incidence of dengue fever was 14 302 in 2019, showing no disease outbreaks. The incidence of dengue fever in 2012(Moran’s I=-0.088, P=0.037), 2013(Moran’s I=-0.121, P=0.040) and 2014(Moran’s I=-0.076, P=0.045) showed a global spatial negatively correlaton. In 2016(Moran’s I=0.078, P=0.048), the incidence of dengue fever was positively correlated with global space. The results of local autocorrelation analysis showed that the high incidence of dengue fever was mainly in the southeast coastal areas of China. Conclusions In 2019, the epidemic of dengue fever in China showed no obvious fluctuation trend, and the epidemic situation showed spatial clustering distribution.

The effects of Xiaotan Huayu Liqiao formula on mesenteric artery function in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Xiaotan Huayu Liqiao formula (the Chinese Medicine) on mesenteric artery function in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), and to explore the related mechanism.@*METHODS@#Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups as Normoxia, CIH, Formula+CIH and formula group. Rats were exposed to normoxia in the Normoxia and Formula group, or intermittent hypoxia in CIH or Formula+CIH group. Xiaotan Huayu Liqiao formula was given at 24g/kg by intragastric administration before intermittent hypoxia exposure. The pathological changes of mesenteric artery were determined by HE staining, and the relaxation of mesenteric artery (induced by acetylcholine(ACh) and L-arginine(L-Arg)) was recorded by microvascular ring technique. Serums of all rats were collected (0 d and 21 d) and the content of NO was detected by ELISA. The levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and p-eNOS were measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with Normoxia group, the mesenteric arterial endothelial injury and media thickening were observed and the relaxation of mesenteric artery was significantly reduced in rats exposed to CIH. The level of NO in serum and the ratio of p-eNOS/eNOS were also decreased in the CIH group. Xiaotan Huayu Liqiao formula administration improved the pathologic changes and dilatation function of mesenteric artery, increased the levels of NO and p-eNOS. Compared with Normoxia group,all the results were not observed significant difference in Formula group.@*CONCLUSION@#Xiaotan Huayu Liqiao formula increased the bioavailability of NO, and ameliorated the CIH induced mesenteric artery function injury.

Comparative analysis and comprehensive evaluation for growth and photosynthetic characteristics of different lily species and varieties / 中国中药杂志

The biological characteristics,agronomic traits,yield traits,stress resistance,quality and photosynthetic characteristics among six lily varieties were compared in order to screen out the excellent lily varieties suitable for spread planting in Hunan province. Lilium longiflorum had the longest growth period,246 days,among these six lily varieties,while others were about 170 days. The leaves of L.longiflorum,self-selected variety,L. lancifolium and L. dauricum had higher chlorophyll content. No obvious difference was found in net photosynthetic rate,stomatal conductance,transpiration rate and intercellular CO2 concentration among all varieties. The self-selected variety had the highest theoretical and actual yield,2 543. 03,1 608. 65 kg per Mu(1 Mu≈666. 7 m2),respectively,but contents of polysaccharides and flavones in bulbs were lower. All of these six lily varieties can sowing,seedling emergence,growth,flowering,mature harvest in Hunan province. L. dauricum and L. lancifolium would be provided for edible lily. L. brownie and the self-selected variety are highly susceptible varieties. L. dauricum and L. lancifolium are suitable to plant widely in disease-prone regions,due to their strong resistance. L. brownie and L. lancifolium are preferred varieties for medicinal and food using for their good quality and higher contents of polysaccharides and flavones. L. davidii had lower theoretical and actual yield,so planting extension of it should be taken into account.