ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of sulforaphane on inflammatory response and airway remodeling in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods Seventy-five SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,and the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of sulforaphane,with 15 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,the COPD model was prepared in the remaining group using aroma smoke inhalation combined with intratracheal droplet lipopolysaccharide(LPS)method.After the successful modelling,the rats were administered the drug by gavage for 28 days.At the end of the administration,the general conditions of the rats in each group were observed,and the lung function[forced vital capacity(FVC),peak expiratory flow-rate(PEF),forceful expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1)]was examined,and the pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining method,and the indexes of airway remodeling(thickness of the bronchial wall,thickness of the smooth muscle)were measured;the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to examine the lung function of the rats.The levels of inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β)]were detected in lung tissue by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and changes in the protein expressions of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88),and nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)were detected in lung tissue by Western Blot.Results(1)The rats in the model group had dry and lack of glossy fur,obvious coughing and nose scratching,shortness of breath,slow movement,and preferred to arch their backs and lie curled up;the rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of sulforaphane showed significant improvement in shortness of breath,coughing,and other abnormal manifestations.(2)HE staining showed that the airway wall and smooth muscle of rats in the model group were thickened,the airway epithelium was damaged,and alveolar destruction,fusion,and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells were seen;the histopathological changes in the lungs of rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of sulforaphane improved to varying degrees,with the airway wall becoming thinner,the degree of alveolar destruction being reduced,and the infiltration of inflammatory cells being reduced.(3)Compared with the normal group,FVC,PEF and FEV1 were significantly reduced in the model group(P<0.05),and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β,bronchial wall thickness,smooth muscle thickness,and the expression levels of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05);and in comparison with the model group,the levels of FVC,PEF,and FEV1 were significantly increased in the rats in the sulforaphane low-,medium-,and high-dose groups(P<0.05),and the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,bronchial wall thickness,smooth muscle thickness,and the expression levels of TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB were significantly decreased(P<0.05)compared with the model group.Conclusion Sulforaphane helps to inhibit the inflammatory response,attenuate airway remodeling,and improve the pathological injury and lung function of lung tissue in rats with COPD,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB protein expressions.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE@#To identify the potential target genes of blast lung injury (BLI) for the diagnosis and treatment.@*METHODS@#This is an experimental study. The BLI models in rats and goats were established by conducting a fuel-air explosive power test in an unobstructed environment, which was subsequently validated through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on lung tissues from both goats and rats. Differentially expressed genes were identified using the criteria of q ≤ 0.05 and |log2 fold change| ≥ 1. Following that, enrichment analyses were conducted for gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. The potential target genes were further confirmed through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.@*RESULTS@#Observations through microscopy unveiled the presence of reddish edema fluid, erythrocytes, and instances of focal or patchy bleeding within the alveolar cavity. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified a total of 83 differentially expressed genes in both rats and goats. Notably, 49 genes exhibited a consistent expression pattern, with 38 genes displaying up-regulation and 11 genes demonstrating down-regulation. Enrichment analysis highlighted the potential involvement of the interleukin-17 signaling pathway and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathway in the underlying mechanism of BLI. Furthermore, the experimental findings in both goats and rats demonstrated a strong association between BLI and several key genes, including anterior gradient 2, ankyrin repeat domain 65, bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold containing family A member 1, bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold containing family B member 1, and keratin 4, which exhibited up-regulation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Anterior gradient 2, ankyrin repeat domain 65, bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold containing family A member 1, bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold containing family B member 1, and keratin 4 hold potential as target genes for the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of BLI.
Subject(s)
Rats , Animals , Lung Injury/genetics , Goats/genetics , Keratin-4 , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene ExpressionABSTRACT
AIM:To investigate the effect of conditioned medium from hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-treated rat cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)on gap junction between cardiomyocytes and determine whether its mechanism is related to matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)activity.METHODS:(1)H9c2 cells were randomly divided into five groups:con-trol group,normal group,ARP-100 group,H/R group,and H/R+ARP-100 group.Scrape loading/dye transfer assay was used to assess the gap junction function.Western blot was used to detect the expression and phosphorylation levels of Cx43.Gelatin zymography assay was performed to measure MMP2 activity.(2)SD rats were randomly divided into control group,ARP-100 group,ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)group,and I/R+ARP-100 group,with 8 rats in each group.Micro-electrode array technology was used to record the type and duration of arrhythmia.Immunohistochemistry experiment was performed to assess expression levels and distribution of Cx43 in myocardial tissues.RESULTS:Compared with the con-trol group,the H/R group showed decreased protein expression of Cx43(P<0.01),narrowed distance of lucifer yellow dif-fusion(P<0.01),and increased MMP2 activity(P<0.01).ARP-100 attenuated H/R-induced gap junction dysfunction(P<0.05).The arrhythmia score was also reduced after perfusion with ARP-100(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:H/R-treated rat CFs can inhibit gap junction between cardiomyocytes,and its mechanism may involve increased MMP2 activity.
ABSTRACT
Objective Exploring the effect of Tong luo tang tai(TLTT)on diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)in GK rats with Wnt/β-The influence of the catenin signaling pathway.Methods Fifty GK rats were randomly divided into model group,TLTT high,medium,and low dose groups,and Western medicine group,with 10 rats in each group.Another 10 wistar rats were selected as the normal group.Except for the normal group,all other groups were fed with high fat to prepare DPN rat models.After 15 weeks,the DPN model was successfully prepared,and the rats in each group were treated by gavage.The high,medium,and low dose groups of TLTT were given traditional Chinese medicine TLTT 28 g·kg-1,14 g·kg-1,and 7 g·kg-1,respectively.The western medicine group was given metformin 100 mg·kg-1 and mecobalamin 0.2 mg·kg-1 by gavage.Rats in each group were administered once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.The general state,fasting blood sugar(FBS),thermal contraction latency(TWL),motor nerve conduction velocity(MNCV),and pathological changes in the sciatic nerve tissue were observed under transmission electron microscopy(Real time PCR)Western blot detection of wingless MMTV integration site family member 3A(Wnt3a)β Catenin(β-Catenin,Glycogen Synthesis Kinase-3β Glycogen synthesis kinase-3β,GSK-3β)MRNA and protein expression levels of antagonists(WNT inhibitor factor-1,Wif-1)on the Wnt signaling pathway.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group showed poorer general condition and significant pathological ultrastructural changes in the sciatic nerve.Its FBS level increased(P<0.01),TWL level decreased(P<0.01),and MNCV significantly slowed down(P<0.01).The model group had Wnt3a β-Catenin,GSK-3β MRNA and protein expression levels decreased(P<0.05),while Wif-1 mRNA and protein expression levels increased(P<0.01).After drug intervention,compared with the model group,the general condition and pathological ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve were improved in the TLTT high,medium,low,dose,and Western medicine groups,with a decrease in FBS levels(P<0.01)and an increase in TWL levels(P<0.05).The MNCV of each TLTT dose group and Western medicine group was significantly improved(P<0.01).The Wnt3amRNA of the TLTT high-dose group and Western medicine group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the Wif-1mRNA of the TLTT high-dose group and Western medicine group was significantly reduced(P<0.05),There was a significant increase in Wnt3 protein in the high-dose and Western medicine groups of TLTT(P<0.01),as well as in the high-dose,medium,and low-dose TLTT and western medicine groups β-Catenin protein significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),with high,medium,and low doses of TLTT and Western medicine group GSK-3β The protein significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),while the Wif-1 protein significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05)in the high and medium dose TTLTT and western medicine groups.Conclusion Tongluo Tangtai can alleviate sciatic nerve injury in DPN to a certain extent,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/β,the catenin signaling pathway is involved.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of prolonged atrial repolarization in rats with reperfusion atrial arrhythmia.Methods Sixteen Langendorff isolated heart perfusion models made by male SD rats were randomly divided into control group(group C,n = 8)and hypothermic ischemia-reperfusion group(group IR,n = 8).According to the occurrence of atrial arrhythmia after reperfusion,group IR was further subdivided into reperfusion non-atrial arrhythmia subgroup(group N-RAA)and reperfusion atrial arrhythmia subgroup(group R-AA).Group C was perfused with 37℃K-H solution for 120 min.In group IR,the isolated heart was perfused with 37℃K-H solution for 30 min and stopped,and the isolated heart was perfused with 4℃Thomas solution(20 mL/kg)for 60 mins.When the heart stopped for 30 mins,the isolated heart was perfused with a half dose of 4℃Thomas solution(10℃).During cardioplegia,the isolated heart was protected by low temperature Thomas solution(4℃),and then reperfused for 30 mins with 37℃K-H solution.The monophasic action potential(MAP)of the right atrium was recorded at balanced perfusion for 30 mins(T0),balanced perfusion for 105 mins in group C/reperfusion for 15 mins in group IR(T1)and balanced perfusion for 120 mins in group C/reperfusion for 30 min in group IR(T2);The duration of 50%and 90%repolarization of monophasic action potential(MAPD50 and MAPD90)was measured.After electrophysiological monitoring,the expression of Kir2.1 and CaMKⅡ in right atrium was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with T0,MAPD50 and MAPD90 at T1 and T2 were significantly prolonged in group R-AA(P<0.05),and MAPD90 at T1 and T2 in group R-NAA and group R-AA were significantly longer than those in group C(P<0.05).Compared with group R-NAA,MAPD50 and MAPD90 in group R-AA were significantly prolonged at T1 and T2(P<0.05).The results of Western blot showed that the expression of Kir2.1 in group R-NAA and group R-AA was significantly lower than that in group C(P<0.05),and that in group R-AA was significantly lower than that in group R-NAA(P<0.05).The expression of CaMKⅡ in group R-NAA and group R-AA was significantly higher than that in group C(P<0.05),and the expression of CaMKⅡ in group R-AA was significantly higher than that in group R-NAA.Conclusion The prolonged duration of atrial repolarization in rats with hypothermic ischemia-reperfusion atrial arrhythmia may be related to the down-regulation of Kir2.1 expression and the up-regulation of CaMKⅡ expression.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effects of exosomes derived from cardiac fibroblasts treated with hypothermic hypoxia-reoxygenation on ventricular electrical conduction during hypothermic cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods:SPF neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex, aged 1-2 days, were used, and primary cardiac fibroblasts were extracted by differential adhesion method. The cells were passaged for 2-4 generations. When the cell density reached 60%-70%, the cells were transferred and exposed to 95% N 2 + 5% CO 2 for 1 h at 4 ℃, and then exposed to 95% air + 5% CO 2 for 24-48 h at 37 ℃, and then exosomes were extracted. Twenty-four SPF healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 280-360 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=8 each) according to the random number table method: control group (group C), hypothermic cardiac IR group (I/R group) and exosome + hypothermic cardiac IR group (Exo-IR group). At 48 h before equilibrium perfusion, 1.5 ml (200 μg) of exosomes secreted by cardiac fibroblasts treated with hypothermic hypoxia-reoxygenation was injected into the tail vein in Exo-IR group, and PBS 1.5 ml was injected into the tail vein in C group and IR group each. Group C received 110 min equilibration perfusion. After 20 min of equilibration, the perfusion was suspended for 60 min (global ischemia) followed by 30 min of reperfusion in IR and Exo-IR groups. Microelectrode arrays were applied at 20 min of equilibrium perfusion and 15 and 30 min of reperfusion to obtain myocardial conduction velocity (CV), absolute conduction inhomogeneity (P 5-95) and inhomogeneity index (P 5-95/P 50) on the left ventricular surface of isolated rat hearts. Results:Compared with group C, the CV was significantly decreased at 15 and 30 min of reperfusion, and P 5-95 and P 5-95/P 50 were increased in IR and Exo-IR groups ( P<0.05). Compared with IR group, CV was significantly increased at 15 and 30 min of reperfusion, and P 5-95 and P 5-95/P 50 were decreased in Exo-IR group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Exosomes derived from cardiac fibroblasts treated with hypothermic hypoxia-reoxygenation can improve ventricular electrical conduction during hypothermic cardiac I/R in rats.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUCMSCs)in the treatment of corneal alkali burn in rabbits, and study the infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils(PMNs)and the changes of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression.METHODS: Corneal alkali burn models were established in right eyes of 75 healthy Japanese white rabbits, which were divided into three groups(group A, B and C), with 25 rabbits in each group. Group A was treated with amniotic membrane combined with hUCMSCs on the day after corneal alkali burn. Group B was treated with amniotic membrane only. Group C did not give any treatment after corneal alkali burn. At 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28d after corneal alkali burn, the corneal recovery was observed by slit lamp and photographed, the growth of corneal neovascularization(CNV)was scored, and corneal tissue was separated to make pathological sections. PMNs infiltration was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining, and the expression of VEGF was determined by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS: The growth of CNV in group A was much slower than that in group B at 14d after alkali burn. The CNV growth score around lesions of group A was significantly lower than that of group B(P<0.05). The quantity of PMNs increased on the 3d with the stromal layer of cornea infiltrated, relatively decreased on the 7d, shown a peak on the 14d, and then decreased gradually. Early infiltration after alkali burn was in the corneal stroma of the lesion area, and the extent of infiltration was equal to the ulcer area at later stage. The cell densities of corneal PMNs in group A and group B were significantly lower than those in group C at all time points after alkali burns(P<0.05), and those in group A were significantly lower than group B at 14 and 21d(P<0.05). The expression levels of corneal VEGF in all groups after alkali burn reached peak at 7~14d and decreased significantly at 28d, and the expression levels of VEGF in group A and group B at all time points after alkali burn were significantly lower than those in group C(P<0.05), and group A was significantly lower than that in group B at 7, 14 and 21d(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The transplantation of hUCMSCs after alkali burn cornea can reduce the formation of CNV and inhibit corneal revascularization after alkali burn. The corneal pathological lesions and vascularization are closely related to PMNs and VEGF.
ABSTRACT
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is characterized by insidious onset, easy misdiagnosis, and progression to severe consequences such as diabetic foot ulcers, gangrene, and amputation. The main pathological features of DPN are nerve cell injuries, such as axonal degeneration and necrosis, segmental demyelination of nerve fibers, and apoptosis of Schwann cells. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway is a classical pathway that communicates intracellular and extracellular information and regulates biological activities such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, and migration. It widely affects various cells related to DPN. In recent years, numerous studies have found that the sustained high glucose environment causes abnormalities in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This, in turn, accelerates the occurrence and development of DPN by participating in the pathogenesis of DPN, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Therefore, regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is crucial for the treatment of DPN. Currently, there is a lack of effective measures to slow down or reverse DPN in clinical practice. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in preventing and treating DPN with multiple targets, effects, and components. A large number of animal and clinical studies of TCM treatment of DPN have shown that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is an important target for TCM treatment of DPN. Regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can promote myelin sheath repair and regeneration, delay the process of nerve cell death, and play a role in preventing and treating DPN. However, there is currently no systematic review and summary of this field in China and abroad. Therefore, this article summarized the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its role in the pathogenesis of DPN, as well as the intervention of effective components of single Chinese medicine or compounds on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study is expected to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of DPN with TCM, basic research, and drug development.
ABSTRACT
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the complications of diabetes. It refers to a specific type of idiopathic cardiomyopathy that occurs in individuals with diabetes, distinct from other cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, or congenital heart disease. It has also been identified as one of the leading causes of death in diabetic patients for many years. Research has shown that the pathogenesis of DCM is closely associated with insulin resistance, activation of various inflammatory responses, increased oxidative stress, impaired coronary microcirculation, and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Among various inflammatory responses, the activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome can induce the secretion of a large amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the cascade reaction of inflammation, subsequently mediating cellular pyroptosis and promoting myocardial damage. Currently, extensive experimental studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been conducted in China and abroad based on the significant role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the prevention and treatment of DCM. These studies have demonstrated that Chinese medicinal extracts, such as Astragalus polysaccharide and ginsenoside Rb1, single drugs like Coriolus and Cordyceps, and Chinese medicinal formulas like Didangtang and modified Taohe Chengqitang, as well as acupuncture and TCM exercise therapy, can regulate the relevant pathways of the NLRP3 inflammasome to inhibit its assembly or activation, reduce inflammatory responses, inhibit myocardial remodeling in DCM, and improve cardiac function. This article reviewed the relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome and DCM, as well as the research progress on TCM in exerting anti-inflammatory effects in this field, aiming to provide new insights for the development of therapeutic approaches for DCM.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the feasibility of the AI intelligent reconstruction model based on knee joint magnetic resonance data developed by Nuctech Company Limited for evaluating knee cartilage injury.Methods:Thirty-three patients (a total of forty-one knees) who were hospitalized with severe knee osteoarthritis in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from May 2021 to April 2022 were selected. All of them were planned to be performed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Fifteen males with an average age of 71±5 years old and twenty six females with an average age of 71±9 years old were included in this study. There were 19 cases of left knee and 22 cases of right knee. Thin layer MRI examination on the patients' knee joints was performed before the surgery, and artificial intelligence model based on the thin layer MRI data of the knee joint was reconstructed. The cartilage part of the model was selected and corrected by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to realize model straightening. The tibial plateau cartilage of knee joint which intercepted during operation was classified according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). Finally the results were compared with the ICRS classification results of knee artificial intelligence reconstruction model and artificial recognition of knee joint MRI images.Results:Compared with the grade of cartilage injury intercepted during our operation which was according to the ICRS classification, the sensitivity of artificial intelligence reconstruction model for the diagnosis of cartilage injury with ICRS classification grade four was 93.1%. The specificity of artificial intelligence reconstruction model was 91.4%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of artificial intelligence reconstruction model was 92.2%. And the negative predictive value (NPV) of artificial intelligence reconstruction model was 80.3%. The area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.92. The ICRS classification consistency between artificial intelligence model and physical inspection results was good with kappa value 0.81 ( P<0.001) . In the aspect of artificial recognition of cartilage injury grading in MRI images, the sensitivity of artificial recognition was 92.10% compared with the manual identification of cartilage injury classification in MRI images. The specificity of artificial recognition was 91.60%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of artificial recognition was 97.20% and the negative predictive value (NPV) of artificial recognition was 78.8%. The kappa value of the cartilage injury classification in MRI images consistency between artificial recognition and manual identification was 0.79 ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Based on the evaluation of cartilage injury by AI reconstruction model of knee joint, the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of ICRS grade IV cartilage injury can be acceptable, but still needs to be improved.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the value of SHOX2 and RASSF1A gene promoter region methylation detection for screening and diagnosis of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.Methods:The mRNA sequencing data of 471 lung adenocarcinoma patients and corresponding methylation data of 413 cases were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the methylation levels of SHOX2 and RASSF1A gene promoter regions were calculated, and the difference in methy lation level between normal lung tissues and tumor tissues was analyzed. The clinical data of 54 patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma and 31 patients with benign lung tumors who underwent surgery at Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School from January 2018 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The methylation status of SHOX2 and RASSF1A in tumor tissues and normal lung tissues (>5 cm from the edge of the tumor foci) (called clinical samples) was detect, and a positive methylation in the promoter region of either gene was considered as a combination of two genes methylation positivity. Using pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the efficacy of gene methylation positivity in diagnosing early-stage lung adenocarcinoma was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Patients with >80% of tumor cells in paraffin samples were screened, and mRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed in their tumor tissues and normal lung tissues. The relationship between positive methylation of the two genes and clinicopathological features was analyzed, and the correlation between the promoter region methylation level of the two genes and mRNA expression levels in clinical samples and TCGA database samples was analyzed by Spearman method. Gene set variance analysis (GSVA) method was used to analyze the differences in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathways between two-gene methylation-positive clinical lung adenocarcinoma samples and corresponding methylation-negative lung adenocarcinoma.Results:In TCGA database, the SHOX2 promoter region methylation island contained 6 sequenced methylation sites, of which sites cg04532033 and cg01557547 methylation levels were higher in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal lung tissues (both P < 0.05); the RASSF1A gene promoter region methylation island contained 11 sequenced methylation sites, and the methylation levels of 6 of these sites in lung adenocarcinoma tissues were higher than those in normal lung tissues (all P < 0.05). Compared with normal lung tissues, the methylation level of SHOX2 promoter region was higher in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ lung adenocarcinoma tissues (both P < 0.05); the methylation level of RASSF1A promoter region was higher in all stages of lung adenocarcinoma ( P < 0.001). Among 54 patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, 28 were positive for SHOX2 promoter region methylation in tumor tissues, 21 were positive for RASSF1A promoter region methylation, and 40 were positive for combined methylation of both genes; 31 benign lung nodules were negative for SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of positive SHOX2 promoter region methylation for diagnosing early-stage lung adenocarcinoma was higher than that of RASSF1A promoter region methylation positivity (51.8% vs. 38.9%), and the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosis by two-gene methylation positivity was larger than that for diagnosis by SHOX2 or RASSF1A gene methylation positivity alone (0.870 vs. 0.759 and 0.694). The circulating thresholds (Ct) of SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation tested by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ lung adenocarcinoma were lower than those in normal lung tissues (all P < 0.05); patients with two-gene methylation positivity were characterized by older age, longer tumor longest diameter and more advanced pathological stage compared with patients with two-gene methylation negativity (all P < 0.05). In clinical stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ lung adenocarcinoma samples, the Ct of SHOX2 and RASSF1A promoter region methylation tested by qRT-PCR was negatively correlated with their mRNA relative expression levels ( r=-0.43, P = 0.003; r = -0.48, P = 0.001); in TCGA database stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ lung adenocarcinoma samples, the level of SHOX2 promoter region methylation was negatively correlated with its mRNA relative expression level ( r = -0.23, P < 0.001), and the level of RASSF1A promoter region methylation was also negatively correlated with its mRNA relative expression level, but without statistical difference ( r = -0.05, P = 0.310). In two-gene promoter methylation-positive lung adenocarcinoma samples, the pathways related to folate metabolism and DNA stability were upregulated, and the pathways related to vasoconstriction and cell growth and differentiation were downregulated. Conclusions:The combined detection of SHOX2 and RASSF1A promoter region methylation can be used as an indicator for screening and diagnosis of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. Abnormal promoter region methylation of the two genes may affect multiple tumor-related pathways and promote the occurrence and progression of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.
ABSTRACT
Aim To investigate the effect of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) on the expression of inflammatory factors in macrophages RAW264. 7 induced by pyocyanin (PCN) and the regulatory mechanism of its signaling pathway. Methods RAW264. 7 cells were treated with different concentrations of PCN for 24 h, respectively, and the effect of PCN on cell activity was detected by CCK8 assay to determine the optimal PCN concentration for manufacturing infection models. The cells were divided into the control group (given 0. 1% dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO), PCN group, PCN + AhR inhibitor (CH223191) group, and PCN + AhR agonist (FICZ) group, and the expression of AhR was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The protein expression of AhR, pp38 MAPK and p-p65NF-κB, was detected by Western blotting. Results PCN induced a significant quantitative effect on AhR expression in RAW264. 7 cells. CH223191 increased PCN-induced inflammatory factor secretion and enhanced the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and p65NF-κB compared with the control group. FICZ decreased PCN-induced inflammatory factor production and reduced the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and p65NF-κB phosphorylation capacity. Conclusions AhR can regulate PCN-induced inflammatory factor expression in RAW264. 7 cells, and the p38MAPK/p65NF-κB signaling pathway may be an essential pathway for the involvement of AhR in immune regulation.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid ( Poly-IC ) treatment on the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion ( I / R ) injury in fryperlipidemia rats, and to detect the cerebral infarction, blood-brain barrier permeability and behavioral injury symptoms, to explore the neuroprotective effect of Poly-IC treatment on cerebral I /R injury in fryperlipidemia rats. Methods Hyperlipidemia rats were randomly divided into cerebral I /R group, Poly-IC pretreatment group, Poly-IC post-treatment group and sham operation group, 20 rats in each group. Neurobehavioral performance of rats in each group was recorded according to neurobehavioral score of 0-4 points. Blood-brain barrier permeability of rats in each group was detected by Evans blue staining. TTC staining was used to observe the cerebral infarction in each group. Apoptotic cells in the cerebral cortex of rats in each group was observed by TUNEL staining. The relative expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blotting. Results Compared with the sham group, the symptoms of neurobehavioral damage in the I/R group were serious and the score increased significantly (P<0. 05). The scores of Poly-IC pretreatment and post-treatment groups were significantly lower than that of I/R group (P<0. 05). Evans blue staining result showed that the blood-brain barrier permeability of the I/R group was significantly higher than that of the sham group (P<0. 05) , and Poly-IC pretreatment or post-treatment could significantly reduce the blood-brain barrier permeability ( P < 0. 05 ) . No infarct was observed in the sham group with uniform red staining, while white infarct was observed in the brain tissue of the I/R group. Compared with the I/R group, the volume of infarct in both Poly-IC pretreatment and post-treatment groups reduced significantly (P<0. 05). The apoptosis index in cerebral cortex of rats in I/R group was significantly higher than that in sham group ( P < 0 .05 ) , while the apoptosis index in Poly-IC pretreatment or post-treatment group was significantly lower than that in I/R group(P<0. 05 ) . The result of Western blotting showed that, compared with the sham group, the expression of Bax in the I/R group was significantly increased(P<0. 05) , the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased(P<0. 05). Compared with the I/R group, the expression of Bax in the Poly-IC pretreatment or post-treatment group reduced significantly ( P < 0. 05 ) , the expression of Bcl-2 increased significantly(P<0. 05). Conclusion Poly-IC pretreatment or post-treatment can improve the symptoms of neurobehavioral injury, reduce the damage of blood-brain barrier, reduce the volume of cerebral infarction, decrease the apoptosis index of nerve cells, play a neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats with hyperlipidemia, and this protective effect may be related to the change of Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels.
ABSTRACT
Objective To detecte the expressions of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), Bax and Bcl-2 in the cerebral cortex of hyperlipidemia rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the effect of SB203580 on the expressions of p-p38 MAPK, Bax and Bcl-2, to explore the effect of p38 MAPK activation on the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 in hyperlipidemia cerebral I/R injury. Methods After the hyperlipidemia model was established, the rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group, operation group (I/R) and SB203580 treatment group (SB+I/R), with 10 rats in each group. The focal cerebral I/R model in hyperlipemia rats was established with thread embolism of the left middle cerebral artery. The neurobehavioral score was used to observe the symptoms of neurobehavioral injury. The 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction, and the TUNEL staining was used to observe apoptotic cells. The relative expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, Bax and Bcl-2 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham group, the infarct volume, apoptosis index and neurobehavioral score of rats in the I/R group increased significantly, and the expressions of p-p38 MAPK and Bax increased significantly, and the expression of Bcl-2 decreased significantly (P<0. 05). Compared with the I/R group, rats in the SB+I/R group had less brain damage, the infarct volume and the apoptosis index were significantly reduced, the expressions of p-p38 MAPK reduced significantly, Bax expression decreased while Bcl-2 expression increased. The differences were statistically significant (P<0. 05). Neurobehavioral scores were lower in SB+I/R group than in I/R group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion In the process of cerebral I/R injury in hyperlipidemiarats, activation of p38 MAPK can regulate the expression of Bax and Bcl-2.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and explore preliminarily the mediating role of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) and its downstream nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.@*METHODS@#Six 12-week-old WKY male rats were employed as the normal group. Eighteen 12-week-old SHR were randomly divided into 3 groups, i.e. a model group, an EA group and a blocking group (EA after blocking α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor [α7nAchR]), with 6 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was delivered at "Neiguan"(PC 6) and the site 0.5 cm from its left side, with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency and 1 mA in current intensity. One intervention took 30 min and was given once every 2 days, lasting 8 weeks. In the blocking group, prior to each EA, the α7nAchR specific blocker, α-bungartoxin was injected intravenously in the tails of the rats. After EA intervention, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured with non-invasive blood pressure monitor. Using echocardiogram, the left ventricular (LV) anterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVAWd) , LV posterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVPWd) and the LV end-diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd) were measured. The level of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the myocardial tissue was determined by using alkaline hydrolysis, and that of acetylcholine (Ach) was detected by ELISA. With the real-time PCR adopted, the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were determined.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, SBP, DBP, MAP, LVAWd and LVPWd were increased (P<0.01), and LVIDd was decreased (P<0.01) in the rats of the model group. SBP, DBP, MAP and LVAWd were dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), and LVIDd rose (P<0.01) in the EA group when compared with those in the model group. The differences in the above indexes were not statistically significant between the blocking group and the model group (P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, Hyp level and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the myocardial tissue increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) and Ach level decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Hyp level, the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the myocardial tissue were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01) and Ach level rose (P<0.01) in the EA group when compared with those in the model group. These indexes were not different statistically between the blocking group and the model group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#CAP may be involved in ameliorating the pathological damage of myocardial fibrosis during EA at "Neiguan"(PC 6). The underlying effect mechanism is associated with up-regulating the neurotransmitter, Ach and down-regulating mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 and pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in myocardial tissue.
Subject(s)
Rats , Male , Animals , Rats, Inbred SHR , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Rats, Inbred WKY , Electroacupuncture , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Neuroimmunomodulation , alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor , Acetylcholine , Fibrosis , RNA, MessengerABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the application effect of case-based learning (CBL), teaching mode combined with 3D printing in clinical teaching of sacral tumors.Methods:A total of 108 undergraduate interns and standardized residency training students who studied in our hospital from 2017 to 2018 were divided into the CBL teaching group ( n = 53) and the CBL combined with 3D printing teaching group ( n = 55) according to their study time. The combined teaching group used computer tomography (CT) data to reconstruct and print out a 3D model of sacral tumors based on CBL, and performed preoperative teaching on the invasion of the surrounding tissues of the tumor. The scores of the students in the two groups were evaluated respectively, and the students were surveyed by self-identification questionnaire (learning interest, self-learning ability, teamwork ability, comprehensive analysis ability and clinical thinking ability). The t-test (one-sided) was used for comparison between groups using stata 14.0. Results:The score of CBL teaching group (75.90±6.70) was lower than that of CBL combined with 3D printing teaching group (83.60±7.40). In terms of critical thinking ability evaluation, self-learning ability, learning interest, comprehensive analysis ability and clinical thinking ability, the CBL combined 3D printing teaching group was superior to the CBL teaching group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). In terms of teamwork ability, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion:The CBL teaching mode combined with 3D printing can improve academic performance, students' learning interest and clinical thinking ability of sacral tumors in the teaching of undergraduate interns and standardized residency training students.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC 6) on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and to explore the contribution of interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF- β 1) to the effects.@*METHODS@#Nine 12-weeks-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY) male rats were employed as the normal group. Twenty-seven SHRs were equally randomized into SHR, SHR+EA, and SHR + sham groups. EA was applied at bilateral PC 6 once a day 30 min per day in 8 consecutive weeks. After 8-weeks EA treatment at PC 6, histopathologic changes of collagen type I (Col I), collagen type 1 (Col 1) and the levels of IGF-1, 1L-1 β, TGF- β 1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were examined in myocardial tissure respectively.@*RESULTS@#After 8-weeks EA treatment at PC 6, the enhanced myocardial fibrosis in SHRs were characterized by the increased mean fluorescence intensity of Col I and Col 1 in myocardium tissue (P<0.01). All these abnormal alterations above in SHR + EA group was significantly lower compared with the SHR group (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the increased levels of IL-1 β, IGF-1, TGF-β 1 in serum or myocardial tissue of SHRs, diminished MMP 9 mRNA expression in SHRs were also markedly inhibited after 8 weeks of EA treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, the contents of IL-1 β, IGF-1, TGF-β 1 in myocardial tissue were positively correlated with the systolic blood pressure and hydroxyproline respectively (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at bilateral PC 6 could ameliorate cardiac fibrosis in SHRs, which might be mediated by regulation of 1L-1 β/IGF-1-TGF- β 1-MMP9 pathway.
Subject(s)
Rats , Animals , Male , Rats, Inbred WKY , Electroacupuncture , Hypertension/therapy , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I , Interleukin-1beta , Rats, Inbred SHR , Essential Hypertension , Myocardium/pathology , Collagen Type I , FibrosisABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the motivation of the formation of the breastfeeding mission and education behavior of nurses in NICU, analyze the deep reasons, and construct the motivation and path theoretical model of the formation of the breastfeeding mission and education behavior of nurses in NICU.Methods:Through semi-structured interviews, the qualitative research method of grounded theory was used to study 20 nurses in the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China from July to September 2020, to construct the motivation and path theoretical model of the formation of the breastfeeding mission and education behavior of nurses in NICU.Results:The research identified five main categories: attitude factor, ability factor, behavior factor, internalization and externalization. Under the influence of three dimensions of attitude level, ability level and behavior level and their cross-layer interaction effects, the NICU nurses were driven to form stable breastfeeding mission and education behaviors through internalization and externalization.Conclusions:Based on the evolutionary context of "multi-dimensional factors and their interaction drivers-internalization-externalization", the relationship between attitude factors, ability factors, behavioral factors, internalization, and externalization are clarified. It provides a theoretical reference basis for managers in managing the breastfeeding propaganda and education of nurses in the NICU, and enriches the theoretical framework of breastfeeding behavior in the NICU.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effect of rat cardiac fibroblasts (RCF) on the expression of connexin43 (Cx43) in H9c2 cells during hypothermic hypoxia/reoxygenation.Methods:H9c2 cells cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) using the random number table method: control group (group C), hypothermic hypoxia/reoxygenation group (group HHR), RCF co-culture group (group Co) and RCF co-culture plus hypothermic hypoxia/reoxygenation group (group Co+ HHR). Group C was incubated at 37℃ in 5% CO 2 + 95% air for 5 h. Group HHR was incubated at 4 ℃ in 5% CO 2 + 95% N 2 for 1 h and then at 37 ℃ in 5% CO 2 + 95% air for 4 h. In group Co and group Co+ HHR, H9c2 cells 0.3×10 5 cells/well were inoculated in the lower chamber and RCF 0.6×10 5 cells/well in the the upper chamber of a transwell ? culture dish.Group Co was incubated at 37 ℃ in 5% CO 2 + 95% air for 5 h. Group Co+ HHR was incubated at 4℃ in 95% N 2 + 5% CO 2 for 1 h, and then incubated at 37 ℃ in 5% CO 2 + 95% air for 4 h. The mortality rate of H9c2 cells was measured by trypan blue staining, the expression of Cx43 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) by immunofluorescence, and the expression of Cx43, phosphorylated Cx43, ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 by Western blot. Results:Compared with group C, the mortality rate of H9c2 cells was significantly increased, the expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 were decreased, and the expression and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were increased in group HHR ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the mortality rate of H9c2 cells or expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 and ERK1/2 in group Co ( P>0.05). Compared with group Co, the mortality rate of H9c2 cells was significantly increased, and the expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 and ERK1/2 were decreased in group Co+ HHR ( P<0.05). Compared with group HHR, the mortality rate of H9c2 cells was significantly increased, and the expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 and ERK1/2 were decreased in group Co+ HHR ( P<0.05). Conclusions:RCFs can decrease the expression and activity of Cx43 in H9c2 cells during hypothermic hypoxia/reoxygenation, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of ERK1/2 expression and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effects of different densities of rat cardiac fibroblasts (RCF) subjected to hypothermic hypoxia-reoxygenation on cardiomyocyte injury and intercellular coupling.Methods:RCF was cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: RCF density 0.5×10 5 cells/ml group (T 0.5 group), RCF density 1.0×10 5 cells/ml group (T 1.0 group), and RCF density 2.0×10 5 cells/ml group (T 2.0 group). The three groups were placed in an anoxic device, into which 95% N 2 + 5% CO 2 was continuously blown at the speed of 5 L/min for 15 min, and then placed in a 4 ℃ refrigerator for 1 h for low temperature treatment.After completion of culture, cells were placed in a incubator containing 95% air + 5% CO 2 at 37 ℃ for 4 h of reoxygenation.After the end of culture, RCF in three groups were indirectly co-cultured with cardiomyocytes of the same density (1.0×10 5 cells/ml) in a Transwell chamber for 16 h, cardiomyocytes were seeded in the lower chamber of Transwell, and RCF were seeded in the upper chamber of Transwell.After the end of co-culture, cardiomyocytes were collected for determination of the cell viability (by CCK8 method), apoptosis rate (by flow cytometry), expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA (by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction), and expression of Cx43 and phosphorylated Cx43 (p-Cx43) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with T 0.5 group, the cell viability, apoptosis rate and expression of Cx43, p-Cx43 and Cx43 mRNA were significantly decreased in T 1.0 and T 2.0 groups ( P<0.01). Compared with T 1.0 group, the cell viability, apoptosis rate and expression of Cx43 and p-Cx43 were significantly decreased ( P<0.01), and no significant change was found in expression of Cx43 mRNA in cardiomyocytes in T 2.0 group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:RCF subjected to hypothermic hypoxia-reoxygenation induces cardiomyocyte injury in a density-dependent manner in a certain range, and the mechanism may be related to down-regulation of the expression of Cx43 and reduction of the activity of Cx43.