ABSTRACT
Objective To develop a new type of stretcher to meet the needs of medical evacuation in high altitude region. Methods The stretcher was composed of a bearing plate, a protective shield, a control unit and external accessories. An enclosed space was formed by the shield and plate,and there were an air inlet and outlet in the shield to regulate the pressure and oxygen content in the space. An electric blanket was put on the plate, which was combined with the control unit to execute dynamic monitoring and control of the temperature and oxygen content in the shield.Results The stretcher enhanced the casualty safety during transport so that the effect of high altitude on casualty conditions could be decreased effectively. Conclusion The stretcher can be used for casualty transport in high-altitude conditions while reduce the casualty riks.
ABSTRACT
The number of smokers in Chinese rural areas is more than 200 million, which is twice that in cities. It is very significant to carry out tobacco control interventions in rural areas. We performed this community intervention study to evaluate the efficacy of village-based health education of tobacco control on the male current smoking rate in rural areas. The population of this study was the males above 15 years old from 6 villages in rural areas. The villages were randomly assigned to intervention group or control group (3 villages in each group). Self-designed smoking questionnaire was applied. The intervention group received the village-based health education of tobacco control for one year. The primary outcome measurement was the male current smoking rate. In the baseline investigation, completed surveys were returned by 814 male residents from the control group and 831 male residents from the intervention group. The male current smoking rate in the control group and the intervention group was 61.2% and 58.5%, respectively, before intervention. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05). After one-year intervention, the current smoking rate in the intervention group (51.2%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (62.8%) (P<0.001). Our study suggested that the village-based health education of tobacco control was effective in lowering the male current smoking rate in rural areas, which could be a suitable and feasible way for tobacco control in the Chinese rural areas.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Case-Control Studies , China , Delivery of Health Care , Methods , Health Education , Methods , Rural Population , Smoking Prevention , Tobacco Use CessationABSTRACT
The number of smokers in Chinese rural areas is more than 200 million, which is twice that in cities. It is very significant to carry out tobacco control interventions in rural areas. We performed this community intervention study to evaluate the efficacy of village-based health education of tobacco control on the male current smoking rate in rural areas. The population of this study was the males above 15 years old from 6 villages in rural areas. The villages were randomly assigned to intervention group or control group (3 villages in each group). Self-designed smoking questionnaire was applied. The intervention group received the village-based health education of tobacco control for one year. The primary outcome measurement was the male current smoking rate. In the baseline investigation, completed surveys were returned by 814 male residents from the control group and 831 male residents from the intervention group. The male current smoking rate in the control group and the intervention group was 61.2% and 58.5%, respectively, before intervention. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05). After one-year intervention, the current smoking rate in the intervention group (51.2%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (62.8%) (P<0.001). Our study suggested that the village-based health education of tobacco control was effective in lowering the male current smoking rate in rural areas, which could be a suitable and feasible way for tobacco control in the Chinese rural areas.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>It has been demonstrated that only 10%-20% cigarette smokers finally suffer chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The underlying mechanism of development remains uncertain so far. Nitric oxide (NO) has been found to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of COPD, the alteration of NO synthase (NOS) expression need to be revealed. The study aimed to investigate the alterations of NOS isoforms expressions between smokers with and without COPD, which might be helpful for identifying the susceptibility of smokers developing into COPD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral lung tissues were obtained from 10 nonsmoker control subjects, 15 non-COPD smokers, and 15 smokers with COPD. Neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) mRNA and protein levels were measured in each sample by using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>INOS mRNA was significantly increased in patients with COPD compared with nonsmokers and smokers with normal lung function (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). iNOS protein was also higher in COPD patients than nonsmokers and smokers with normal lung function (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). However, expressions of nNOS and eNOS did not differ among nonsmokers, smokers with and without COPD. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between iNOS protein level and lung function parameters forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) (% predicted) (r = -0.549, P = 0.001) and FEV₁/forced vital capacity (%, r = -0.535, P = 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression of iNOS significantly increased in smokers with COPD compared with that in nonsmokers or smokers without COPD. The results suggest that iNOS might be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD, and may be a potential marker to identify the smokers who have more liability to suffer COPD.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Blotting, Western , Isoenzymes , Genetics , Metabolism , Lung , Pathology , Nitric Oxide Synthase , Genetics , Metabolism , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Pathology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Cigarette smoke induces an acute but persisting inflammation in peripheral blood and airway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and CD8(+) Tc-lymphocytes are considered as a key role in this process. We aimed to investigate the Tc-lymphocytes immunodeviation in system and local airway of COPD patients and changes of the immunodeviation after short-term smoking cessation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral blood (PB) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected from 42 patients (14 COPD patients, 16 smokers with normal lung function and 12 nonsmokers), while PB and induced sputum (IS) were obtained from other 19 patients (10 quitting smokers and 9 continuing smokers) at baseline and follow-up respectively of 4-week smoking cessation. Percentages of CD8(+) Tc-lymphocytes (%CD3(+)) and Tc1/Tc2 ratios were measured by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Percentages of CD8(+) Tc-lymphocytes were higher in COPD patients than those in smokers and nonsmokers in both PB and BALF. Tc1/Tc2 ratio in PB and in BALF from COPD patients was greater than that from smokers and nonsmokers and negatively correlated with FEV1 %pre. When comparing the ratios between PB and BALF, significantly positive correlation was found in COPD patients. Furthermore, after 4-week smoking cessation, percentages of CD8(+) Tc-lymphocytes in PB and IS in quitting smokers were decreased compared to that in baseline and continuing smokers, whereas Tc1/Tc2 ratios were not influenced.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CD8(+) Tc1-trend immunodeviation profiles occurred in both system and local airway of COPD patients. This exceptional immunodeviation could not be relieved by short-term smoking cessation.</p>
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid , Allergy and Immunology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Allergy and Immunology , Lung , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Allergy and Immunology , Smoking Cessation , Time FactorsABSTRACT
This study investigated the potential role of ERK1/2-cyclinE1 signaling pathway in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by cigarette smoke exposure. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (C group), S-1M, S-3M and S-6M groups (animals in the groups were exposed to smoke for 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively). HE staining and anti-α-smooth muscle actin antibody staining were performed to observe the degree of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to evaluate ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 expression in pulmonary vessels. Primary cultured rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). ERK inhibitor (PD98059) and cyclinE1 siRNA were used to verify the role of ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 in CSE-induced rPASMCs proliferation. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Our results showed that abnormal pulmonary vascular remodeling was found in cigarette smoked rats. Compared to C group, activated ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 expression was significantly increased in smoke-exposure groups. This up-regulated expression was positively correlated with the severity of pulmonary vascular remodeling, and there was positive correlation between the expression of ERK1/2 and cyclinE1. PD98059 and cyclinE1 siRNA inhibited the proliferation of rPASMCs. The expression of cyclinE1 could be down-regulated by PD98059. Our data demonstrated that increased expression of ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of abnormal rPASMCs proliferation and rat pulmonary vascular remodelling induced by cigarette smoke exposure.
ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have been done to explore the association between mannose-binding lectin two (MBL2) gene polymorphisms and the risk of tuberculosis (TB). However, the results are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate whether polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene were associated with TB risk. Databases including PubMed, Medline, Chinese Biomedicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Weipu Database were searched to find relevant articles published up to 2 October, 2012. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the strength of association. All statistical tests were performed by using Revman 5.1 software and STATA 11.0 software. Six case-control studies including 1106 cases and 1190 controls were accepted in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that individuals carrying the MBL2 codon 54 B allele may have an increased risk of TB as compared with AA homozygotes (BB+AB vs. AA: OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.22-1.88), whereas MBL2 +4 P/Q was possibly not associated with TB susceptibility in Chinese population.
ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have been done to explore the association between mannose-binding lectin two (MBL2) gene polymorphisms and the risk of tuberculosis (TB). However, the results are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate whether polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene were associated with TB risk. Databases including PubMed, Medline, Chinese Biomedicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Weipu Database were searched to find relevant articles published up to 2 October, 2012. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the strength of association. All statistical tests were performed by using Revman 5.1 software and STATA 11.0 software. Six case-control studies including 1106 cases and 1190 controls were accepted in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that individuals carrying the MBL2 codon 54 B allele may have an increased risk of TB as compared with AA homozygotes (BB+AB vs. AA: OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.22-1.88), whereas MBL2 +4 P/Q was possibly not associated with TB susceptibility in Chinese population.
Subject(s)
Humans , China , Epidemiology , Codon , Genetics , Genetic Markers , Genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Epidemiology , Genetics , Mannose-Binding Lectin , Genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Genetics , Prevalence , Risk Assessment , Tuberculosis , Epidemiology , GeneticsABSTRACT
This study investigated the potential role of ERK1/2-cyclinE1 signaling pathway in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by cigarette smoke exposure. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (C group), S-1M, S-3M and S-6M groups (animals in the groups were exposed to smoke for 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively). HE staining and anti-α-smooth muscle actin antibody staining were performed to observe the degree of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to evaluate ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 expression in pulmonary vessels. Primary cultured rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). ERK inhibitor (PD98059) and cyclinE1 siRNA were used to verify the role of ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 in CSE-induced rPASMCs proliferation. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Our results showed that abnormal pulmonary vascular remodeling was found in cigarette smoked rats. Compared to C group, activated ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 expression was significantly increased in smoke-exposure groups. This up-regulated expression was positively correlated with the severity of pulmonary vascular remodeling, and there was positive correlation between the expression of ERK1/2 and cyclinE1. PD98059 and cyclinE1 siRNA inhibited the proliferation of rPASMCs. The expression of cyclinE1 could be down-regulated by PD98059. Our data demonstrated that increased expression of ERK1/2 and cyclinE1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of abnormal rPASMCs proliferation and rat pulmonary vascular remodelling induced by cigarette smoke exposure.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Cells, Cultured , Cyclins , Metabolism , MAP Kinase Signaling System , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Metabolism , Pathology , Pulmonary Artery , Metabolism , Pathology , Rats, Wistar , Smoking , Metabolism , Pathology , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is thought to be an inflammatory immune response disease. In most cases, the disease is caused by cigarette smoke, but it has been demonstrated that only 10% to 20% of smokers will definitely suffer from COPD. Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered to be the promoter of immune responses. However, the underlying mechanisms involved are still unrevealed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the quantitative differentiation of pulmonary DC in smokers with or without COPD to explore the possible role of DCs in smokers suffering COPD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral lung specimens from non-smokers without airflow obstruction (control group, n = 7), smokers without airflow obstruction (smoker group, n = 7) and patients with COPD (COPD group, n = 7) were investigated to detect the quantity of S-100 and CD1a positive cells by immunohistochemical or immunofluorescent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In smokers with COPD, the number of S-100(+) DCs was higher than in the controls and smokers without COPD (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) and there was a higher number of S-100(+) DCs in smokers with COPD than in smokers without COPD, but without a significant difference (P > 0.05). An inverse correlation was found between the number of DCs and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1))% pred (r = -0.75, P < 0.05), which was also found between the number of DCs and FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.72, P < 0.05). The mean number of CD1a(+) DCs, increased from non-smokers to non-COPD smokers to COPD patients, with significant differences between each group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The quantity of DCs significantly increased in smokers with COPD compared with non-smokers or smokers without COPD. The results suggest that DCs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of smoking-induced COPD, and the upregulation of DCs may be a potential maker to identify the smokers who have more liability to suffer from COPD.</p>
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Antigens, CD1 , Metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Physiology , Dendritic Cells , Cell Biology , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Immunohistochemistry , In Vitro Techniques , Lung , Metabolism , Pathology , Microscopy, Confocal , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Metabolism , Pathology , S100 Proteins , Metabolism , SmokingABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Increased proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are observed in asthmatic patients and smoking can accelerate proliferation of ASMCs in asthma. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to these changes, we studied in vitro the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the proliferation of ASMCs and the expression of cyclin D1, an important regulatory protein implicated in cell cycle.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>ASMCs cultured from 8 asthmatic Brown Norway rats were studied. Cells between passage 3 and 6 were used in the study and were divided into control group, pcDNA3.1 group, pcDNA3.1-antisense cyclin D1 (ascyclin D1) group, CSE group, CSE + pcDNA3.1 group and CSE + pcDNA3.1-ascyclin D1 group based on the conditions for intervention. The proliferation of ASMCs was examined with cell cycle analysis, MTT colorimetric assay and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunocytochemical staining. The expression of cyclin D1 was detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The percentage of S + G2M phase, absorbance value at 490 nm wavelength (A(490)) and the expression rate of PCNA protein in CSE group were (31.22 +/- 1.17)%, 0.782 +/- 0.221, (90.2 +/- 7.0)% respectively, which were significantly increased compared with those of control group ((18.36 +/- 1.02)%, 0.521 +/- 0.109, and (54.1 +/- 3.5)%, respectively) (P < 0.01). After the transfection with antisense cyclin D1 plasmid for 30 hours, the percentage of S + G2M phase, A(490) and the expression rate of PCNA protein in ASMCs were much lower than in untreated cells (P < 0.01). (2) The ratios of A(490) of cyclin D1 mRNA in CSE group was 0.288 +/- 0.034, which was significantly increased compared with that of control group (0.158 +/- 0.006) (P < 0.01). After the transfection with antisense cyclin D1 plasmid for 30 hours, the ratios of A(490) of cyclin D1 mRNA in ASMCs was much lower than in untreated cells (P < 0.01). (3) The ratios of A(490) of cyclin D1 protein expression in CSE group was 0.375 +/- 0.008, which was significantly increased compared with that of control group (0.268 +/- 0.004) (P < 0.01). After the transfection with antisense cyclin D1 plasmid for 30 hours, the ratios of A(490) of cyclin D1 protein expression in ASMCs was much lower than in untreated cells (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CSE may increase the proliferation of ASMCs in asthmatic rats via regulating cyclin D1 expression.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Rats , Asthma , Metabolism , Blotting, Western , Cell Cycle , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Cyclin D1 , Genetics , Metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Flow Cytometry , Immunohistochemistry , Microscopy, Phase-Contrast , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Cell Biology , Metabolism , Plant Extracts , Toxicity , Respiratory System , Cell Biology , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Smoking , Nicotiana , ChemistryABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is widely expressed in mammal cells and involved in airway proliferation and remodeling in asthma. In this study, we intend to explore the role of ERK in the expression of the Th2 cytokine, interleukin 13 (IL-13) in lymphocytes in asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: normal control and asthmatic groups. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated and purified from the blood of each rat and divided into five groups: control, asthmatic lymphocytes, asthmatic cells stimulated with ERK activator epidermal growth factor (EGF), or with ERK inhibitor PD98059, or with EGF and PD98059 together. The expression of phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) was observed by immunocytochemical staining, the expression of ERK mRNA was determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR, IL-13 protein in supernatants was measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The ERK mRNA level and the percentage of cells with p-ERK in lymphocytes from asthmatic rats were significantly higher than those in normal controls, and were significantly increased by EGF administration. This effect of EGF was significantly inhibited by PD98059 pretreatment. (2) IL-13 protein in supernatants of asthmatic lymphocytes was higher than that produced by normal control lymphocytes, and was significantly increased by EGF treatment. This EGF effect was partly blocked by PD98059 pretreatment. (3) There was a significant positive correlation between the percentage of cells with p-ERK in peripheral blood lymphocytes and IL-13 protein in supernatants of lymphocytes from asthmatic rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In asthma the ERK expression and activation levels were increased, as was the protein level of IL-13. The ERK signaling pathway may be involved in the increased expression of the Th2 cytokine IL-13 in asthma.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Asthma , Metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Disease Models, Animal , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases , Genetics , Metabolism , Flavonoids , Pharmacology , Immunohistochemistry , Interleukin-13 , Metabolism , Lymphocytes , Metabolism , Random Allocation , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
The present study was aimed to investigate the role of cyclin D1 in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) proliferation and migration induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The eukaryotic expression vector of antisense cyclin D1 gene (pIRES2-EGFP-ascyclin D1) was recombinated. The recombinant and empty vector were separately transfected into normal HPASMCs using liposome. Then the cells were treated with or without 5% CSE. The cells were randomly divided into six groups: control group, vector group, antisense cyclin D1 group, 5% CSE group, vector+5% CSE group and antisense cyclin D1+5% CSE group. The expressions of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time fluorescence RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The proliferation of HPASMCs was examined by cell cycle analysis, MTT assay and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunocytochemical staining. The migration of HPASMCs was measured by Transwell cell test. The results showed that the eukaryotic expression vector of antisense cyclin D1 gene was constructed and transfected into HPASMCs successfully. The cyclin D1 mRNA and protein levels in antisense cyclin D1 group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). In 5% CSE group, the cyclin D1 mRNA and protein levels were elevated significantly compared with those in control group (P<0.05), and the indicators of cell and migration in antisense cyclin D1+5% CSE group were remarkably lower than those in 5% CSE group (P<0.05). These results suggest that CSE could promote HPASMCs proliferation and migration through up-regulation of cyclin D1 expression. PIRES2-EGFP-ascyclin D1 could attenuate CSE-induced proliferation and migration of HPASMCs by suppressing the expression of cyclin D1, which implicates that cyclin D1 might be involved in the process of HPASMCs proliferation and migration stimulated by CSE.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cell Movement , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Cyclin D1 , Physiology , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular , Cell Biology , Pathology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Cell Biology , Pathology , Pulmonary Artery , Cell Biology , Pathology , Smoke , NicotianaABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Exposure to cigarette smoke stimulates the proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) in vivo and in vitro. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed at investigating the role of signaling pathways involving protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) and cyclin D1 in the cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced HPASMCs proliferation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Synchronized HPASMCs were treated with different concentrations of CSE. Cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cell counting. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining. Activation of PKCα was measured by detecting the expression of PKCα protein in the cytosolic and membrane fractions using Western blotting analysis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown PKCα and cyclin D1. The cyclin D1 mRNA was assessed by real-time RT-PCR. The PKCα and cyclin D1 protein levels were detected by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Low concentrations of CSE (1% - 10%) stimulated proliferation of HPASMCs, with its maximal effect at 5%. CSE (5%) led to PKCα activation. Inhibition of PKCα activity using Gö 6976 or siRNA-mediated knockdown of PKCα significantly attenuated CSE-induced cell proliferation and G1/S transition. Cyclin D1, one of key regulators of G1/S transition, was found to be upregulated by 5% CSE at both the mRNA and protein levels. CSE-stimulated cell proliferation and G1/S transition was abolished by cyclin D1 siRNA. Moreover, Gö 6976 or PKCα siRNA significantly suppressed CSE-induced upregulation of cyclin D1 at both the mRNA and protein levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PKCα-cyclin D1 pathway at least partially mediates the CSE-induced proliferation in HPASMCs.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Cyclin D1 , Physiology , G1 Phase , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular , Pathology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Pathology , Protein Kinase C-alpha , Physiology , Pulmonary Artery , Pathology , S Phase , Signal Transduction , Smoke , NicotianaABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is suspected to be a determining factor in the structural change of asthma. However, the role of protein kinase C alpha (PKCalpha) and cyclin D1 involved in the dysfunction of ASM leading to asthmatic symptoms is not clear. In this study, the central role of PKCalpha and cyclin D1 in ASM proliferation in asthmatic rats was explored.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six pathogen-free male Brown Norway (BN) rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: control groups (group N1, N2 and N3) and asthmatic groups (group A1, A2, and A3). Groups A1, A2 and A3 were challenged with ovalbumin (OA) for 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks respectively. Control animals were exposed to an aerosolized sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The ASM mass and nucleus numbers were studied to estimate the degree of airway remodeling by the hematoxylin-eosin staining method. PKCalpha and cyclin D1 expression in the ASM cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The relation between PKCalpha and cyclin D1 was assessed by linear regression analysis. PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), PKC inhibitor Ro31-8220 and an antisense oligonucleotide against cyclin D1 (ASOND) were used to treat ASM cells (ASMCs) obtained from the 2 weeks asthmatic rats. The cyclin D1 protein expression level was detected by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the PKCalpha and cyclin D1 mRNA levels were increased in the asthmatic group. Similar to RT-PCR results, immunohistochemistry analysis for PKCalpha and cyclin D1 expression revealed an increased production in ASMCs after allergen treatment for 2, 4 and 8 weeks compared with the respective control groups. No difference in expression of PKCalpha and cyclin D1 in ASM were found in the 2, 4 or 8 weeks asthmatic rats. There were significant positive correlations between PKCalpha and cyclin D1 expression, both transcriptionally (r = 0.944, P < 0.01) and translationally (r = 0.826, P < 0.01), in ASM. The content of cyclin D1 in asthmatic ASMCs increased after being stimulated by PMA, and decreased when induced by Ro31-8220. ASOND targeting for cyclin D1 lowered the expression of cyclin D1 induced by PMA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Increased expression of PKCalpha and cyclin D1 in ASM along with smooth muscle structure changes might implicate PKCalpha and cyclin D1 participation in the proliferation of ASM and contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma after repeated allergen exposure in rats. The results suggested that cyclin D1 might be downstream of PKC signal transduction pathway.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Asthma , Pathology , Cell Proliferation , Cyclin D1 , Genetics , Physiology , Lung , Pathology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Pathology , Protein Kinase C-alpha , Genetics , Physiology , RNA, Messenger , Rats, Inbred BNABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Although it is recognized that bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs) play a key role in airway remodeling during chronic asthma, it is not well understood how BSMCs exert their inflammatory functions. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway is an important signaling pathway in chronic asthma, but its influence on secretion by BSMCs has not been well-studied. We investigated the impact of ERK1/2 signaling pathway on secretion by BSMCs in a rat model of chronic asthma in this study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To create a rat model of chronic asthma, Wistar rats underwent ovalbumim (OVA) injection and eight weeks of inhalation. BSMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. Epidermal growth factor, PD98059 and ERK1/2 antisense oligonucleotide were used to explore the role of ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The expression of P-ERK1/2 (phospho-ERK1/2) in BSMCs was analyzed by Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Secretion of BSMCs was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Phospho-ERK1/2 expression was increased in BSMCs of chronic asthmatic rats compared with the controls. PD98059 inhibited expression of phospho-ERK1/2 protein, while treatment with an antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the expression of P-ERK1/2 mRNA and protein. BSMCs obtained from the chronic asthma group secreted significantly greater quantities of growth factors (transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)), cytokines (regulated upon activation, normal T cell-expressed and secreted (RANTES) and eotaxin), and extracellular matrix (fibronectin and collagen I) compared with normal controls. Epidermal growth factor stimulated secretion in both groups, but the response of the chronic asthma group was more intense. Both PD98059 and antisense oligonucleotide suppressed secretion by BSMCs in chronic ashmatic rats. Antisense oligonucleotide reduced the level of RANTES nearly to that of normal controls, while PD98059 could not.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggest that ERK1/2 signaling pathway may play an important role in the augmented secretion of BSMCs in chronic asthmatic rats, and ERK1/2 antisense oligonucleotide effectively inhibits the process.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Asthma , Metabolism , Bronchi , Bodily Secretions , Chemokine CCL5 , Bodily Secretions , Chronic Disease , Disease Models, Animal , MAP Kinase Signaling System , Physiology , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 , Physiology , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 , Physiology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Bodily Secretions , Rats, Wistar , Transforming Growth Factor beta1 , Bodily Secretions , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Bodily SecretionsABSTRACT
This study is to investigate the expression of CyclinD1 in asthmatic rats and construct expression plasmids of sense and antisense CyclinD1 gene and transfect them to asthmatic airway smooth muscle cell to study the effects of CyclinD1 on the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells in asthmatic rats. CyclinD1 cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR of total RNA extracted from the airway smooth muscle in asthmatic rats. The sequence was inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+) to recombinate the sense and antisense pcDNA3.1-CyclinD1 eukaryotic expression vector. The two recombinations and vector were then separately transfected into airway smooth muscle cell in asthmatic rats by using liposome. The expression level of CyclinD1 was certificated by Western blotting analysis. The proliferations of ASMCs isolated from asthmatic rats were examined with cell cycle analysis, MTT colorimetric assay and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunocytochemical staining. Results showed (1) Compared with control group, the content of CyclinD1 was significantly increased; (2) It was comformed by restriction endonucleasa digestion and DNA sequence analysis that the expression plasmid of sense and antisense CyclinD1 were successfully recombinated. There was significant change of CyclinD1 expression between vector and sense CyclinD1 transfected cells, and the expression level of CyclinD1 in ASMC transfected with antisense CyclinD1 was lower than that in vector transfected cells (P <0.01); (3) In the asthmatic groups, compared with the vecter group, the percentage of S + G2M phase, absorbance A value of MTT and the expression rate of PCNA protein in ASMC transfected with pcDNA3. 1-CyclinD1 vector significantly increased. The values decreased remarkably in the pcDNA3,1-as CyclinD1 group. Statistical analysis revealed that there were significant differences in these indicators of cell proliferation in three groups (P <0.01). In the normal groups, statistical analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the percentage of S + G2M phase, a value of MTT and the expression rate of PCNA protein in three groups (P <0.01). Sense CyclinD1 eukaryotic expression vectors could have a positive effect on the proliferation of ASMC, however the antisence one have a negative effect, which implicated that CyclinD1 might contribute to the process of airway smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Asthma , Pathology , Cell Cycle , Cell Proliferation , Codon , Genetics , Pharmacology , Cyclin D1 , Genetics , DNA, Antisense , Genetics , Pharmacology , Disease Models, Animal , Gene Expression , Genetic Vectors , Genetics , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Pathology , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Recombination, Genetic , Genetics , Respiratory System , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Transduction, Genetic , TransfectionABSTRACT
This work was designed to explore the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway in migration of bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs) of chronic asthmatic rats. To make chronic asthma model, Wistar rats underwent ovabumin (OVA) injection and eight-week inhalation. BSMCs were cultured in vitro. The expression of ERK1/2 in BSMCs was analyzed by immunocytochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR. Migration of BSMCs was detected by both plate test and Boyden cell test. Results showed: (1) With Western blot technique, the ratio of p-ERK1/2 to total ERK1/2 in chronic asthmatic group was obviously higher than that in the control group (0.55 +/- 0.05 vs 0.48 +/- 0.04, n=10, P<0.01). (2) With RT-PCR, the relative A values of ERK1 and ERK2 mRNA in airways of chronic asthmatic rats were 1.83 +/- 0.24 and 1.07 +/- 0.11, respectively, which were significantly increased compared with that in the control group (0.58 +/- 0.14 and 0.51 +/- 0.12, n=10, P<0.01). (3) In plate test, the migration of BSMCs of chronic asthmatic rats was 2.9 times of that in the control group and reached 5.0 times by epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation, but decreased to 1.7 times by 30 mumol/L PD98059. (4) In Boyden cell test, the migration of BSMCs of chronic asthmatic rats was 1.9 times of that in the control group, and reached 3.1 times by EGF stimulation, but decreased to 1.45 times by 30 mumol/L PD98059. Our results indicate that the migration ability of BSMCs of chronic asthmatic rats increases, and ERK1/2 signaling pathway may play an important role in this process.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Asthma , Bronchi , Pathology , Cell Movement , Physiology , Cells, Cultured , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 , Metabolism , Physiology , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 , Metabolism , Physiology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Pathology , Ovalbumin , Rats, Wistar , Signal Transduction , PhysiologyABSTRACT
To investigate the regulatory effect of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway on airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation in chronic asthmatic rats, the rat model of chronic asthma was established, and ERK agonist epidermal growth factor (EGF) and inhibitor PD98059 were used in the cell culture. ASMC proliferation was examined by flow cytometry analysis, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay, [(3)H]-thymidine (TdR) incorporation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunocytochemical staining. The expressions of ERK mRNA, ERK protein, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) protein were observed by RT-PCR and Western blot. The results showed that in chronic asthmatic group, compared with that in the control group, the percentage of cells at G(0)/G(1) phase was significantly decreased and the percentage of cells at S+G(2)/M phase was significantly increased. Absorbance (A(490)), DNA synthesis and the expression of PCNA protein in ASMCs in chronic asthmatic group were significantly increased. The expressions of ERK mRNA, ERK1/2 protein, p-ERK1/2 protein and the activation ratio of ERK in ASMCs in chronic asthmatic group were significantly increased compared with those in the control group. After treatment with PD98059, the percentage of cells at S+G(2)/M phase, A(490), DNA synthesis and the expression of PCNA protein in ASMCs in chronic asthmatic group were significantly decreased; the expressions of ERK mRNA, ERK1/2 protein, p-ERK1/2 protein and the activation ratio of ERK in ASMCs in chronic asthmatic group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group. After treatment with EGF, the percentage of cells at S+G(2)/M phase, A(490), DNA synthesis and the expression of PCNA protein in ASMCs in chronic asthmatic group were significantly increased compared with those before treatment; and PD98059 markedly inhibited the effect of EGF. These results suggest that the endogenous proliferation activity of ASMCs in chronic asthmatic rats significantly increases compared with that in the control rats, and ERK1/2 participates in this process. The ERK signaling pathway might play an important role in regulating ASMC proliferation, leading to asthmatic airway remodeling.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Asthma , Pathology , Bronchi , Pathology , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Chronic Disease , Colorimetry , Enzyme Activation , Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases , Genetics , Physiology , Flow Cytometry , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , PathologyABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the effect of Triptolide on airway remodeling and the expression of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinases in asthmatic rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>40 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8): (1) Control group; (2) Asthmatic 4 weeks group; (3) Asthmatic 6 weeks group; (4) Therapeutic 4 weeks group; (5) Therapeutic 6 weeks group. The airway resistance and eosinophilic inflammation of airway wall were observed. The airway wall thickness (WA/Pi), the bronchial smooth muscle thickness (smooth muscle area/Pi) and the number of bronchial smooth muscle nucleus (N/Pi) were measured by image analysis system. The expression of PI3K protein and mRNA were determined by immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The expression of PI3K p85alpha protein and mRNA in asthmatic 4 weeks group and asthmatic 6 weeks group were significantly higher than control group, respectively (P < 0.01). The above-mentioned parameters of therapeutic 6 weeks group were significantly lower than those of asthmatic 4 weeks group, asthmatic 6 weeks group and therapeutic 4 weeks group, respectively (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 P < 0.05). (2) The WA/Pi, the smooth muscle area/Pi and the N/Pi of asthmatic 4 weeks group and asthmatic 6 weeks group were significantly higher than control group, respectively (P < 0.01). The above-mentioned parameters of therapeutic 6 weeks group were significantly lower than those of asthmatic 4 weeks group, asthmatic 6 weeks group and therapeutic 4 weeks group, respectively (P < 0.01). (3) The airway resistance of asthmatic 4 weeks group and asthmatic 6 weeks group were significantly higher than the control group, respectively (P < 0.01). The above-mentioned parameters of therapeutic 6 weeks group were significantly lower than those of asthmatic 4 weeks group, asthmatic 6 weeks group and therapeutic 4 weeks group, respectively (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The proliferation of airway smooth muscle is a remarkable character of airway remodeling in asthma. The PI3K signal pathway may be involved in the process. Triptolide may reduce AHR and decrease the proliferation of ASMCs by inhibiting the expression of PI3K. It may have potential therapeutic effects in the asthmatic airway remodeling.</p>