Glucuronic acid metabolites of phenolic acids target AKT-PH domain to improve glucose metabolism / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#Phenolic acids widely exist in the human diet and exert beneficial effects such as improving glucose metabolism. It is not clear whether phenolic acids or their metabolites play a major role in vivo. In this study, caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA), the two most ingested phenolic acids, and their glucuronic acid metabolites, caffeic-4'-O-glucuronide (CA4G) and ferulic-4'-O-glucuronide (FA4G), were investigated.@*METHODS@#Three insulin resistance models in vitro were established by using TNF-α, insulin and palmitic acid (PA) in HepG2 cells, respectively. We compared the effects of FA, FA4G, CA and CA4G on glucose metabolism in these models by measuring the glucose consumption levels. The potential targets and related pathways were predicted by network pharmacology. Fluorescence quenching measurement was used to analyze the binding between the compounds and the predicted target. To investigate the binding mode, molecular docking was performed. Then, we performed membrane recruitment assays of the AKT pleckstrin homology (PH) domain with the help of the PH-GFP plasmid. AKT enzymatic activity was determined to compare the effects between the metabolites with their parent compounds. Finally, the downstream signaling pathway of AKT was investigated by Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that CA4G and FA4G were more potent than their parent compounds in increasing glucose consumption. AKT was predicted to be the key target of CA4G and FA4G by network pharmacology analysis. The fluorescence quenching test confirmed the more potent binding to AKT of the two metabolites compared to their parent compounds. The molecular docking results indicated that the carbonyl group in the glucuronic acid structure of CA4G and FA4G might bind to the PH domain of AKT at the key Arg-25 site. CA4G and FA4G inhibited the translocation of the AKT PH domain to the membrane, while increasing the activity of AKT. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the metabolites could increase the phosphorylation of AKT and downstream glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the AKT signaling pathway to increase glucose consumption.@*CONCLUSION@#In conclusion, our results suggested that the metabolites of phenolic acids, which contain glucuronic acid, are the key active substances and that they activate AKT by targeting the PH domain, thus improving glucose metabolism.

Male reproductive system and simulated high-altitude environment: preliminary results in rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study assessed the effects of a simulated high-altitude environment on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats and the reversibility of these effects upon return to a normal environment. Three-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups that were exposed to different conditions: a normal environment for 6 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively, hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks, and hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks followed by a normal environment for 6 weeks. Multiple pathophysiological parameters were evaluated at the histological, endocrine, and molecular levels. Hypobaric hypoxia exposure for 6 weeks during the prepubertal phase significantly altered physiological parameters, body functions, blood indices, and reproductive potential. Six weeks after returning to a normal environment, the damaged reproductive functions partially recovered due to compensatory mechanisms. However, several changes were not reversed after returning to a normal environment for 6 weeks, including disorders of body development and metabolism, increased red blood cells, increased fasting blood glucose, abnormal blood lipid metabolism, decreased testicular and epididymis weights, abnormal reproductive hormone levels, excessive apoptosis of reproductive cells, and decreased sperm concentration. In summary, a hypobaric hypoxic environment significantly impaired the reproductive function of prepubertal male rats, and a return to normal conditions during the postpubertal phase did not fully recover these impairments.

Epidemiological investigation and analysis of a cluster epidemic of COVID-19 on campus in 2022 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo characterize a cluster epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19）on campus in Baotou city and provide evidence for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in universities. MethodsField epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine the confirmed cases and close contacts in the cluster epidemic of COVID-19 in a university of western China in 2022. Descriptive analysis was utilized to illustrate the epidemic timeline and schematic diagram. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR（RT-PCR） was used to detect the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in the collected samples. ResultsA total of eight students were infected in the cluster epidemic on campus， including 2 confirmed cases and 6 asymptomatic cases. Case A1 infected other 7 students in the same dormitory or on the same floor by close contact. After a 10-day quarantine and medical observation， no further case was reported. The overall incidence rate was 1.22% and the incidence rate among close contacts was 2.24%. ConclusionThis cluster epidemic of COVID-19 is characterized by strong and fast transmission. Repeated contact with no personal protection in confined space is highly vulnerable to cluster epidemic. Prevention of cluster epidemics on campus remains crucial to contain the epidemic. Therefore， it is necessary to strengthen the management of campus containment， interrupt the transmission route， identify close contacts and implement quarantine management as early as possible to avoid the cluster epidemics on campus.

Study on the mechanism of "guiding action" of borneol in Suxiaojiuxin pills / 药学学报

In order to research the mechanism of guiding action of borneol in Suxiaojiuxin pills, the model of in vitro intestinal absorption, in vivo drug metabolism of mice and cell in vitro absorption model of Caco-2 were established firstly. All animal experiments were in accordance with the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Nankai University. The results showed that the cumulative absorption quantity and absorption permeability of ferulic acid and ligustilide in the intestinal juice of Suxiaojiuxin pills group were significantly increased comparing with fake Suxiaojiuxin pills group, which don't contain borneol. By using borneol, the content of ferulic acid and ligustilide in the blood and tissues, such as heart, were added. The transepithelial resistance value and the content of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in Caco-2 were rapidly decreased and increased, respectively. Due to further explore mechanism of promoting intestinal absorption of borneol for drugs, in this study, photosensitive probes of borneol were synthesized to capture its targets, and dual luciferase reporter system was used to evaluate its activity of calcium. It was found that it could make calcium overload by regulating transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 8 (TrpM8). Then, the results of mass spectrometry imaging showed that the accumulation of ferulic acid in the heart was significantly increased by borneol, and the relaxation rate of rat thoracic aorta was enhanced obviously. In summary, the borneol in Suxiaojiuxin pills can expand cell space and increase intestinal permeability by acting on TrpM8, thus promoting the intestinal absorption, tissue distribution and target organ enrichment of drugs.

Atractylenolide-I covalently binds to CYP11B2, selectively inhibits aldosterone synthesis, and improves hyperaldosteronism

Hyperaldosteronism is a common disease that is closely related to endocrine hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Cytochrome P450 11B2 (CYP11B2), an important enzyme in aldosterone (ALD) synthesis, is a promising target for the treatment of hyperaldosteronism. However, selective inhibitors targeting CYP11B2 are still lacking due to the high similarity with CYP11B1. In this study, atractylenolide-I (AT-I) was found to significantly reduce the production of ALD but had no effect on cortisol synthesis, which is catalyzed by CYP11B1. Chemical biology studies revealed that due to the presence of Ala320, AT-I is selectively bound to the catalytic pocket of CYP11B2, and the C8/C9 double bond of AT-I can be epoxidized, which then undergoes nucleophilic addition with the sulfhydryl group of Cys450 in CYP11B2. The covalent binding of AT-I disrupts the interaction between heme and CYP11B2 and inactivates CYP11B2, leading to the suppression of ALD synthesis; AT-I shows a significant therapeutic effect for improving hyperaldosteronism.

Metric evaluation of quality of life instruments for cancer patients-brain neoplasm (QLICP-BN) / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To understand the reliability and validity of quality of life instruments for cancer patients-brain neoplasm [QLICP-BN (V1.0)], a self-developed quality of life scale for cancer patients.Methods:The quality of life of 112 patients with brain neoplasms in Yunnan Cancer Hospital from March 2012 to November 2013 was measured. The general data questionnaire and QLICP-BN (V1.0) were used for data collection. The reliability, validity and responsiveness of the scale were tested, and then the metric characteristics of the scale were evaluated.Results:The split-half reliability of the total score of the scale was 0.95, the Cronbach αcoefficient was 0.92, and the test-retest correlation coefficient rwas 0.78. After extracting common factors by the principal component method and rotating with the maximum variance, the specific module obtained three principal components, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.18%. The score of specific module was 75.30±17.44 before treatment and 78.91±12.20 after treatment ( t=-2.481, P=0.015). The total score of scale before treatment was 65.26±12.29, and that after treatment was 69.62±10.41, with a statistically significant difference ( t=-4.492, P<0.001). The total responsiveness of the scale was 0.456, showing moderate responsiveness. Conclusion:QLICP-BN (V1.0) has good reliability, validity and a certain degree of responsiveness. It can be used as a measurement tool for the quality of life of patients with brain neoplasms in China.

20()-Protopanaxatriol promotes the binding of P53 and DNA to regulate the antitumor network multiomic analysis

Although the tumor suppressor P53 is known to regulate a broad network of signaling pathways, it is still unclear how certain drugs influence these P53 signaling networks. Here, we used a comprehensive single-cell multiomics view of the effects of ginsenosides on cancer cells. Transcriptome and proteome profiling revealed that the antitumor activity of ginsenosides is closely associated with P53 protein. A miRNA-proteome interaction network revealed that P53 controlled the transcription of at least 38 proteins, and proteome-metabolome profiling analysis revealed that P53 regulated proteins involved in nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism and "Warburg effect". The results of integrative multiomics analysis revealed P53 protein as a potential key target that influences the anti-tumor activity of ginsenosides. Furthermore, by applying affinity mass spectrometry (MS) screening and surface plasmon resonance fragment library screening, we confirmed that 20()-protopanaxatriol directly targeted adjacent regions of the P53 DNA-binding pocket and promoted the stability of P53-DNA interactions, which further induced a series of omics changes.

New progresses of micro invasive glaucoma surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#The Micro-invasive glaucoma surgery(MIGS)group of operations has been developed in the recent years to reduce some of complications of most standard glaucoma procedures such as trabculectomy. In order to increase the surgical effect, a new group of surgical manners has emerged that seeks to decrease IOP with lower associated rates of complications. The MIGS of the latest technique and devices are presented by three manners of reducing IOP: aqueous reduction surgery(Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation, Ultrasound Cyclo-Plasty); external filtering surgery(Implantation of EX-PRESS miniature glaucoma device, CANALOPLASTY); internal filtering surgery(Trabecular microbypass stent, Ab Interno Trabeculectomy). The article will summarize clinically relevant information of the glaucoma treatment and to describe indications, advantages and disadvantages of the MIGS.

The concept, core theory and research methods of Chinesemedicine quality markers / 药学学报

Q-marker is a new concept of quality control for traditional Chinese medicine. Since its introduction in 2016, it has received extensive support and participation from researchers and manufactures of the entire industry. In order to establishing the research level of quality markers, normative research model, we review the proposed core theory and research methods of Chinese medicine quality markers. The definition and scientific connotation of Chinese medicine quality markers are analyzed. The core theories and research methods of quality markers are summarized from five aspects: "effectiveness", "specificity", "transfer and traceability", "compatibility environment" and "measurability" of quality markers. This paper aims to provide useful theoretical and methodological guidance for studying Chinese medicine quality markers.

A smart near-infrared spectroscopy evaluation system for quality management of Chinese medicinal materials based on quality markers / 药学学报

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the lifeline for TCM industry. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has provided new means for the quality management of Chinese medicinal materials (CMM). In this paper, we take the quality marker (Q-marker) as a breakthrough point, focused on the research strategy from chemical markers to Q-markers, picked up the characteristics of the Q-markers from the near infrared spectrum (NIRS), and explored the feasibility of establishing the NIRS assay based on Q-marker. After integrated the biological activity detection and artificial neural network algorithm, we try to establish the relationship between the spectral properties of NIRS and specific efficacy of the CMM. Finally, the bottlenecks will be solved that related to the transmission and traceability of quality attributes in the process of TCM production, quantity change, overall quality management and so on. This system is going to improve TCM quantity scientific and intelligent supervision, and promote the upgrading of traditional TCM industry.

Glycyrrhetinic acid binds to the conserved P-loop region and interferes with the interaction of RAS-effector proteins

Members of the proto-oncogene superfamily are indispensable molecular switches that play critical roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. Recent studies have attempted to prevent the interaction of RAS/GTP with RAS guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), impair RAS-effector interactions, and suppress RAS localization to prevent oncogenic signalling. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the natural triterpenoic acid inhibitor glycyrrhetinic acid, which is isolated from the roots of plant species, on RAS stability. We found that glycyrrhetinic acid may bind to the P-loop of RAS and alter its stability. Based on our biochemical tests and structural analysis results, glycyrrhetinic acid induced a conformational change in RAS. Meanwhile, glycyrrhetinic acid abolishes the function of RAS by interfering with the effector protein RAF kinase activation and RAS/MAPK signalling.

Comparison of Single Piece of Dandruff DNA Extraction under Microscope and EZ-tape Method / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To collect single piece of dandruff with microscopes to improve the regular EZ-tape method for DNA extraction and genotyping, increase the utilization of samples, reduce the miss rate as well as the proportion of genotyping results of mixed stains.@*METHODS@#The insides of the hats worn by two volunteers were stuck by EZ-tape and scotch tape respectively. DNA on EZ-tape was directly extracted using traditional method. Single piece of dandruff was collected from the scotch tapes under microscope. The two kinds of methods were both performed under continuous oscillation and standing digestion, respectively. DNA was extracted through Chelex-100 method, and STR genotypes were obtained after amplification and electrophoresis. The results of STR genotypes obtained by EZ-tape method and single piece of dandruff analytical method were compared.@*RESULTS@#Miss detections happened in 11 samples （45.8%） by EZ-tape method and only single-source typing results were obtained. Ten samples （41.7%） showed the genotype results of mixed stain and six of which showed allele insertions and deletions. The genotype results were obtained successfully using the single piece of dandruff analytical method, and two samples showed mixed stain genotype. The number of exact typing processed by oscillation was higher than that by standing digestion （ P<0.05）.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The oscillation during the DNA extraction process is in favour of the DNA releasing. Single piece of dandruff analytical method can be used to obtain single-source STR genotype with high successful ratio and low miss rate. This method can be a collection method of special samples such as dandruff in forensic practice.

Stable G6PD knockdown inhibits the migration of renal cell carcinoma cells / 医学研究生学报

Objective Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for more than 80% of malignant kidney tumors and its pathogenesis has not been elucidated. Our previous studies showed a positive correlation of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) with the development, progression and poor prognosis of ccRCC. In this study, we first established a G6PD defect ccRCC stable cell line, detected the influence of G6PD knockdown on ccRCC migration, and provided a cell model for further studies on the functional and molecular mechanisms of G6PD in ccRCC.Methods Using the OligoEngine RNAi software, we designed siRNA targeting the human G6PD gene 3′ non-coding region and negative control siRNA sequences, inserted the double-stranded siRNA into the pSR-GFP/Neo expression vector through Bgl Ⅱ and Hind Ⅲ enzyme loci, and constructed Caki-1-G6PD siRNA and Caki-1-negative control cell lines, followed by transfection and G418 screening of the Caki-1 cells. We measured the expression and enzyme activity of G6PD in the cells by real-time RT-PCR, determined the cell migration phenotypes by Transwell assay, and detected the expressions of p-STAT3 and STAT3 by Western blot.Results Morphologically normal Caki-1-G6PD siRNA and Caki-1-negative control cells were seen under the fluorescence microscope. With GFP expression as a marker, the transfection efficiency rate of the cells was 45－55%. The density of the adherent cells at 48 hours was 90% and their transfection efficiency rate was over 60%. Compared with the Caki-1-negative control cells, the Caki-1-G6PD siRNA cells showed significant decreases in the expressions of Caki-1-G6PD mRNA and protein (P<0.01), enzyme activity (P<0.05), relative count of migratory cells (64.0±4.2 vs 30.0±2.9, P<0.01), and the ratio of p-STAT3/STAT3 (0.45±0.05 vs 0.24±0.01, P<0.01).Conclusion The Caki-1-G6PD siRNA cell line with stable G6PD knockdown and a lower migration ability was first successfully constructed, and the decreased migration ability induced by G6PD knockdown is associated with the STAT3 signal, which is contributive to an insight into the functional and molecular mechanisms of G6PD in the development and progression of ccRCC as well as to finding intervention targets for the treatment of ccRCC.

An Analysis of Movement Function of SD Rats'Spinal Cord Injury After Joint Therapy Using NT- 3- HUMSCs and SOCS3 Gene Silencing / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To achieve the purpose of promoting movement function of the injury nerve by using the joint therapy of NT- 3- HUMSCs and SOCS3 gene silencing on SD rats'spinal cord injury. Methods (1) We used adherence method in vitro human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cells (HUMSC) during separation, purification and identification. (2) Then constructed NT-3 gene eukaryotic expression vector, which was transfected into its HUMSC, and constructed NT-3- HUMSC cell survival in vitro assay conditions and NT-3 expression. (3) We selected specific targets for SOCS3 screening and for sequence homology analysis. A negative control group was established. siRNA was designed and synthesized in vitro detection. (4) SD rats with spinal cord injury model were divided into two categories: (1) sham group with 10 rats; (2) T12 whole spinal cord injury model with 40 rats. The 40 rats were randomly divided into four groups with 10 rats in each group (saline treatment group,siRNA +NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group,NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group and siRNA treated group) . Motor function of the rats were evaluated respectively in 1, 2 and 3 months after the modeling was established successfully.Results(1) siRNA + NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group's BBB scores was significantly higher than NT-3-HUMSCs, SOCS3-siRNA and physiological saline groups ( P＜0.05) . (2) The grid climbing experiments showed that the neural functional recovery performed better in siRNA+the NT- 3- HUMSCs treatment group compared to the NT - 3 - HUMSCs, SOCS3 - siRNA and physiological saline groups (P＜0.05) . Conclusion The NT- 3- HUMSCs joint SOCS3 gene silencing in the treatment of SD rat spinal cord injury can improve the motor function of SD rat spinal cord injury.

Joint Therapy by NT-3-HUMSCs and SOCS3 Gene Dilencing in Nerve Regeneration Repair after Spinal Cord Injury in SD Rats / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of joint therapy by NT-3-HUMSCs and SOCS3 gene silencing in promoting the injury nerve regeneration repair after spinal cord injury in SD rats. Methods (1) Adherence method was used to culture human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cells (HUMSC) in vitro for separation, purification and identification. (2) We constructed NT-3 gene eukaryotic expression vector, and used gene transfection technology into its HUMSC, and tested the survival of NT-3-HUMSC cells and NT-3 expression in cells. (3) We screened specific targets of SOCS3, made sequence homology analysis, and set a negative control, designed and synthesized siRNA and detected the function. (4) SD rats model of spinal cordinjury were established and divided into: 1. sham group 10; 2.T12 whole spinal cord injury model 40, were randomly divided into four groups, respectively; saline treatment group 10; siRNA + NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group 10; NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group 10; siRNA treated group 10. After each group above modeling success, they received respectively the neural electrophysiological monitoring for 12 weeks survival. (5) We perfused SD rats for fixation and collect samples, and observed the local glial scar degradation situation and axon regeneration, meanwhile, used biotin glucan fluorescent (BDA) anterograde tracing. The injury transplant area-host junction spinal cord tissues were collected to observe the corticospinal tract regeneration under microscope. Results (1) In siRNA + NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group, the transection syringomyelia was significantly reduced as compared with normal saline group (P ＜ 0.05). (2) BDA anterograde tracing results showed that in the siRNA + NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group, neural axon grew significantly compared with the normal saline group. (3) Neural electrophysiological testing 12 weeks after injury: in the treatment group, the incubation period P40 was shorter as compared with control group; in siRNA + NT-3-HUMSCs treatment group, the incubation period was shorter obviously than normal saline, but the amplitude increased obviously (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion NT-3-HUMSCs joint with SOCS3 gene silencing can promote the injury nerve regeneration repair in the treatment of SD rat spinal cord injury.

Exploration and review on substance basis responsible for "Xuanfa" and its biological mechanisms about "Zhijie" / 中草药

Although the basic theory of "Xuanfa Sujiang" has been generally accepted by Chinese medicine practitioners, it is still controversial that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory is combined with modern biology and interpreted by modern science. Based on relevant classical theories, prescriptions, pharmacological substance basis and biological mechanism, we put forward the following points in this paper: The effect and function of "Feiqi" governing organ movement depends on the difference about subtype or expression of adrenergic receptors on the post ganglionic fibers dominated autonomic effector. Coincidentally, TCM theory selected different types of natural effective molecules, such as phenylethylamine and its derivatived alkaloid, to achieve a good sympathetic regulation, and just meet the different needs of clinical treatment; The β-AR/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway is the core pathways for positive regulation; The concept of the "Zhijie" is closely related to the balance of myosin light chain phosphorylation and dephosphorylation levels; Prescription compatibility can effectively enhance the crosstalk between adrenergic receptor-related multiple signal pathways, and reflect the advantages of TCM for complex diseases treatment by multi-ingredients and multi-targets.

Mechanism study of prescription to treat Xiaoke based on the property and flavor theory of Chinese medicine and network pharmacology / 药学学报

Property and flavor theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the core base for clinical treatment of diseases. However, few research about its chemical and biological characterization was performed. In this paper, network pharmacology was adopted to review patterns around the theory of TCM. "Xiaoke" prescription database, which combinations of herb medicines for diabetes therapy, was firstly built to explore prescription regularity and screen core paired-components. The prescription regularity and molecular mechanism of flavor composition were explored through the relationship of "drug-compound-target-pathway-function" by ChEMBL, CTD and KEGG datebase. As a result, the tastes of "Gan" (sweetish taste) and "Ku" (bitter taste) were the popular therapeutic flavor to regulate the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolisms. The mechanism of Xiaoke was summarized from representative traditional Chinese medicine partner "Zhimu-Huangbai" and "Huangqi-Gegen". The key components of "Gan", including saponins stimulated insulin secretion, improve insulin resistance and promote glucose utilization. The components of "Ku", including flavonoids and alkaloids regulate inflammatory cytokines, promoted the utilization of glucose, improve endocrine and metabolism through MAPK, PI3K-Akt, PPAR signal pathway. The TCM therapeutic mechanism about "Xiaoke" was preliminarily summarized to clear "heat" by anti-inflammation and immunoregulation, to regulate glucolipid metabolism for removing the satiation of digestion, and to improve the utilization of insulin and diabetes complications for endocrine adjusting. The results demonstrate that therapeutic principle of TCM for "Xiaoke" is comprehensive via multi pathway. This study provides a new research method and strategy for exploring the mechanism of TCM for diabetes therapy.

A Research Approach on the Quality Cognition and Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Based on the Concept of Precision Medicine / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Precision medicine pointed out the future direction for medicine,providing new opportunities for the development of TCM,putting forward higher requirements and encountering severe challenges of the quality research of TCM.In view of the core connotation of precision medicine and the characteristics of TCM,we presented the precision connotation of quality based on the basic attributes,the clinical application and function characteristics of TCM in accordance with the thinking mode and method of the transformation research.In this article,we indicated the research approach for the scientific evaluation and effective control of quality based on the precise cognition of TCM.

Study of dopamine-producing cells derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in treatment in rats with Parkinson’s disease / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the efficacy of dopamine producing cells (DPCs) derived from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in treatment in model rats with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods The cultured hUC-MSCs were induced into DPCs in vitro. The dopamine (DA) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression levels were detected by ELISA to identify the DPCs. The PD rat model was established by injecting 6-OHDA into the right substantia nigra (SN). A total of 60 successfulled PD model rats were randomized into hUC-MSCs-DPCs group (5 × 105 hUC-MSCs-DPCs were transplanted into right striatum, n=20), hUC-MSCs group (5 × 105 hUC-MSCs were transplanted, n=20) and control group (same volume PBS, n=20). All the transplanted cells were labeled with CM-Dil. The apomorphine induced rotation behavior was assessed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after cell transplantation. The rats were executed after 12 weeks. The immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression level, and FLUORO-JADE? C staining was used to test the apoptotic neurons in brain of rats. Results The hUC-MSCs-DPCs were induced successfully in vitro, which showed a high expression level of DA and GDNF. Furthermore, at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after cell transplantation, the rotation behavior was improved, and expression levels of GDNF were significantly higher in hUC-MSCs-DPCs group than those of hUC-MSCs group and control group (P<0.05). In addition, we found that most of the transplanted TH+hUC-MSCs-DPCs at the right striatum and a few cells around both the left and the right substantia nigra at 12 weeks after transplantation. The apoptotic neurons were decreased after cell transplantation in hUC-MSCs-DPCs group than that of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The hUC-MSCs-DPCs can improve the rotational behavior induced by apomorphine in PD model rats, which may be involved in improving levels of DA and GDNF in damaged striatum and protecting neurons.

Early detection of left ventricular global longitudinal peak strain in the diagnosis of high-risk coronary atherosclerotic heart disease in elderly patients: study protocol for a single-center diagnostic trial / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that tissue Doppler echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography are minimally invasive imaging methods used to screen for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.However,they are not highly sensitive and specific for patients with suspected heart disease presenting with normal ventricular wall motion or for patients with early coronary heart disease.The newly emerging three-dimensional longitudinal strain imaging technology can overcome these shortcomings and has become a relatively mature technique for quantitative assessment of myocardial function.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the early diagnosis value of left ventricular global longitudinal peak strain (LVGLPS)measured by three-dimensional longitudinal strain imaging technology for high-risk coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.METHODS:This is a single-center,open-label,diagnostic trial.Three hundred elderly patients suspected of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease receiving treatment at the Department of Ultrasound Medicine,Taihe Hospital of China from January 2013 to January 2018 are included in this study.These patients will be divided into three groups:low-risk group (n=100;≥ 70％ diameter stenosis in one or two branches of the right main coronary artery and the left circumflex artery),high-risk group (n=100;≥ 50％ diameter stenosis in the left main coronary artery or ≥ 70％ diameter stenosis in the left anterior descending branch),and control group (n=100;＜50％ diameter stenosis in the main coronary arteries and all branches).All patients will undergo conventional echocardiography followed by three-dimensional longitudinal strain imaging to measure the LVGLPS.The LVGLPS will be compared among the three groups.The primary outcome measure is the sensitivity of the LVGLPS for prediction of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.The secondary outcome measures are:the specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,positive likelihood ratio,negative likelihood ratio,and accuracy rate of the LVGLPS for prediction of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease;change in the LVGLPS;change in conventional echocardiography parameters;and change in the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction of high-risk coronary atherosclerotic heart disease using the LVGLPS.This study will be performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.All patients have been informed of the study protocol and procedure and have provided written informed consent.This trial was approved by Taihe Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine) with the approval No.2013(03) in January 2013.Participant recruitment and data collection began in January 2013 and will continue through December 2017.Outcome measure analysis will be performed and the trial will be completed in January 2018.Results will be disseminated through presentations at scientific meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals.This trial was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (identifier:ChiCTR-DDD-17012839).DISCUSSION:The findings from this study will help to confirm that three-dimensional longitudinal strain imaging technology is highly sensitive and specific for patients with abnormal coronary arteries with suspected coronary heart disease but who present with normal ventricular wall motion.The change in the LVGLPS contributes to early diagnosis of high-risk coronary atherosclerotic heart disease in elderly patients.This helps clinicians to diagnose early coronary heart disease and take timely strategies to avoid serious cardiovascular events as much as possible.