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Objective To evaluate the association between 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF ) gene and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD ) in Shaanxi Han population.Methods We examined the potential association between AD and 8 SNPs of VEGF gene using the MassARRAY system.The participants enrolled in this study included 214 patients with AD and 249 healthy controls from Shaanxi Han population.SPSS16.0 and Haploview 4.2 were employed to analyze differences in genotypes, alleles and haplotypes between the two groups.Results The results showed that rs3025039 (3’UTR)were significantly associated with AD (P0.9).There were no significant haplotypes in block 1 and block 2 (P=0.034)found between the patients and controls.Conclusion These findings point to the role for VEGF gene polymorphisms (rs3025039)in AD of a Shaanxi Han population. Individuals with T allele of rs3025039 may be at a higher risk for AD.
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ABSTRACT:Objective To study the effect of curcumin on the learning and memory ability in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods AD rat model was prepared using intraventricular injection of Aβ1-42. Curcumin was acutely (single injection before the behavioral tests)or chronically (injected for 6 consecutive days) injected intraperitoneally at doses of 50,100 or 300 mg/kg.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)protein (1 μg/side)or BDNF shRNA (2×10 5 units/side)was infused into the hippocampus.The behavioral changes in Y-maze,open field test and Morris water maze and the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus were analyzed. Results Acute treatment with curcumin had no significant effects on the spontaneous alteration,locomotor activity or water maze latency of AD rats.AD rats treated chronically with curcumin (300 mg/kg ) showed significant elevation in the spontaneous alternation (P <0.000 1)in Y-maze and memory ability in the water maze test (P <0.05 )compared with those in the saline group.Chronic treatment with 100 and 300 mg/kg of curcumin induced an increased level of BDNF in the hippocampus as compared with the saline controls (P <0.05 and <0.000 1). Intrahippocampal injection of BDNF significantly decreased the escape latency of AD rats in the water maze (F 4,2 9 5=5.813,P <0.01 ).Rats chronically injected with curcumin combined with shBDNF showed no difference in the swimming time in Ⅱ quadrant as compared with saline controls (P =0.657).However,rats in 100 mg/kg curcumin group,BDNF group and sham group had significantly increased swimming time than the saline controls (P <0.05, P <0.05 and P <0.000 1,respectively).Conclusion Curcumin may activate the downstream signaling pathways by upregulating the expression of BDNF and ultimately contribute to the improvement of learning and memory in AD rats.
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Objective To explore the effects of Zhu Ling decoction and Alisma orientalis on the osteopotin mRNA expression in the experimental rat model of renal stone. Methods The experimental rat model of renal stone was set up using glyoxylic acid. Osteopontin mRNA expression in the renal tissues in the experimental rat model of renal stone was detected by RT-PCR. Results Glyoxylic acid obviously increased osteopontin mRNA expression in the renal tissues. Zhu Ling decoction and Alisma orientalis remarkably decreased the expression of osteopontin mRNA in the renal tissues. Conclusion Zhu Ling decoction and Alisma orientalis could decrease the osteopotin mRNA expression in the renal tissues in the experimental rat model of renal stone. The results were helpful for prevention and treatment of renal stone.
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Objective To observe the morphological changes of mice cortex neuron cultured in vitro under different temperature, and the expression of skeleton protein (?-tubulin) in the neuron, and to study the relationship between ?-tubulin and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Methods The cerebral cortex neuron of embryonic mice was cultured in vitro. The cultured neuron was put in different temperature 7 days later. To observe the morphological changes of the neuron using optical microscope and the changes of the expression of ?-tubulin and HSP70 under different temperature using laser scanning confocal images. Results Optical microscopy indicated that drifting cells increased, and neural network became sparse in 38℃; some cells necrosed in 39℃; most cells necrosed, cell broke to pieces, axons drifted or disappeared in 42℃. Results of laser scanning confocal images indicated that after hyperthermia the fluorescence intensity of ?-tubulin was lower than that of controls, and the fluorescence intensity declined as the temperature elevated. The fluorescence intensity of HSP70 showed a bell-shape distribution curve, i.e. the highest value emerged at 39℃, whereas the lower values appeared at 37℃ and 42℃. Conclusion Heat stress leaded to the morphological changes of neuron. The disordered of skeleton protein may be responsible for the changes and HSP70 may take part in the process.