Effect of glycosaminoglycans with different degrees of sulfation on chondrogenesis / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), and heparin (HEP) on chondrogenesis of murine chondrogenic cell line (ATDC5) cells and the maintenance of murine articular cartilage in vitro.@*METHODS@#ATDC5 and articular cartilage tissue explant were cultured in the medium containing different sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Cell proliferation, differentiation, cartilage formation, and mechanism were observed using cell proliferation assay, Alcian blue staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Results showed that HEP and DS primarily activated the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal pathway, while CS primarily activated the protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathway, further promoted ATDC5 cell proliferation and matrix production, and increased Sox9, Col2a1, and Aggrecan expression.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study investigated the differences and mechanisms of different sulfated glycosaminoglycans in chondrogenesis and cartilage homeostasis maintenance. HEP promotes cartilage formation and maintains the normal state of cartilage tissue in vitro, while CS plays a more effective role in the regeneration of damaged cartilage tissue.

Development of fibrocartilage layers in Achilles tendon enthesis in rabbits / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: The details regarding the development of fibrocartilage layers in Achilles tendon (AT) enthesis are unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the development of fibrocartilage layers in AT enthesis using a rabbit model.Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. Six of them were euthanized at different stages (day 1, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks of age). The proliferation, apoptosis, Sox9-positivity rates, and chondrocyte number were evaluated. Additionally, safranin O-stained glycosaminoglycan (GAG) areas, width of AT enthesis, and calcaneus length were assessed. All parameters were compared to those at 24 weeks of age.Results: The level of chondrocyte apoptosis was high from 1 to 8 weeks of age, and high expression level of Sox9 was maintained from day 1 to 6 weeks of age, which decreased gradually. Safranin O-stained GAG areas increased up to 12 weeks, calcaneus length increased up to 6 weeks, and the width of AT enthesis increased up to 1 week of age.Conclusion: The changes in chondrocyte and extracellular matrix were completed by 8 and 12 weeks of age, respectively. The development of fibrocartilage layers in AT enthesis was completed by 12 weeks of age. Our results contribute to the administration of appropriate treatments based on age and aid in the development of novel methods for regenerating AT enthesis.

Differences in the effect of two injectable Pluronic F-127 hydrogel composites in repairing rabbit cartilage defects / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Preliminary experiments show that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transfected with SOX9 gene can grow and proliferate in Pluronic F-127 hydrogel, promote the secretion of extracellular matrix, and increase the expression of cartilage matrix. OBJECTIVE: The SOX9 gene was transduced into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by lentivirus gene induction, and then combined with injectable Pluronic F-127 hydrogel to observe the effect of Pluronic F-127 hydrogel on repairing cartilage defects. METHODS: SOX9 gene was transfected into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by lentivirus gene induction. After 48 hours of transfectlon, SOX9 gene was combined with Pluronic F-127 hydrogel. Sixty New Zealand white rabbits provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Wuhan University of Science and Technology were selected to establish the models of femoral condylar cartilage defect of the right knee joint. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: model group without implantation of any material at the defect site, control group with implantation of non-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Pluronic F-127 hydrogel complex at the defect site, and experimental group with implantation of SOX9 gene-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Pluronic F-127 hydrogel complex at the defect site. Four and twelve weeks after operation, the defect tissues were taken for three-dimensional reconstruction of micro-CT, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Safranine O staining, type II collagen immunohistochemical staining and Wakitani soft tissue repair histological score. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Wuhan University of Science and Technology. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) At 12 weeks after operation, three-dimensional reconstruction of Micro-CT showed that there was no obvious repair In the defect area of the model group, and there was still a large depression In the center. In the control group, the central depression area was significantly reduced and more trabecular structures of regenerated bone were observed. In the experimental group, the defect area was basically repaired. (2) At 12 weeks after operation, hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was no trabecular bone structure, disordered cell distribution and no cartilage lacunae at the defect area of the model group. In the control group, more bone tissue was reconstructed, and the defect area was mainly filled with cartilage-like tissue and fibrous tissue. In the experimental group, bone tissue was reconstructed adequately, and the defect area was mainly filled with chondroid cells and chondroid extracellular matrix. Cells arranged columnariy, similar to the surrounding cartilage. (3) At 12 weeks after surgery, Safranine O staining and collagen II immunohistochemical staining results showed that a small amount of glycosamlnoglycan was observed, but no type II collagen was found in the model group. The expression of glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen was more in the control group. The expression of glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen was highest In the experimental group compared with the other two groups. (4) The histological score of Wakitani soft tissue repair in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group and model group (P < 0.05). (5) The results suggested that Pluronic F-127 hydrogel complex loaded with SOX9 gene transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can promote the repair of cartilage defects.

PI3K/Akt Signaling Involved with Osteoinductive Effects of Achatina fulica Mucus

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts play important roles in bone formation. Achatina fulica mucus presented the property of osteoinduction. This study aimed to examine the effects of A. fulica mucus on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) and human fetal osteoblastic cell line (HFOB) differentiation. The integrated effects of A. fulica mucus and polycaprolactone (PCL) on the differentiation of hMSCs were tested. The cell viability of hMSCs treated with A. fulica mucus was investigated by the MTT assay. The cell mineralization was observed by Alizarin Red S staining, the gene expression was investigated using RT-PCR, and the PI3K activation was studied using flow cytometry. The results indicated that A. fulica mucus induced osteogenic differentiation in hMSCs and HFOBs by upregulation of the osteogenic markers; osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN). The results of the Alizarin Red S staining indicated that A. fulica mucus supported mineralization in both hMSCs and HFOBs. The hMSCs cultured on PCL supplemented with A. fulica mucus showed significantly increased RUNX2 and OPN expressions. A. fulica mucus was observed to increase PI3K activation in hMSCs. The findings of this study suggested that A. fulica mucus and biomaterials could be applied together for use in bone regeneration in the future.

Matrix Production in Chondrocytes Transfected with Sex Determining Region Y-Box 9 and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Genes: An In Vitro Evaluation from Monolayer Culture to Three-Dimensional Culture

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to observe the cartilaginous matrix production in SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9)- and/or telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)-transfected chondrocytes from monolayer to three-dimensional (3D) culture.

A new heparan sulfate from the mollusk Nodipecten nodosus inhibits merozoite invasion and disrupts rosetting and cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum

BACKGROUND Despite treatment with effective antimalarial drugs, the mortality rate is still high in severe cases of the disease, highlighting the need to find adjunct therapies that can inhibit the adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (Pf-iEs). OBJECTIVES In this context, we evaluated a new heparan sulfate (HS) from Nodipecten nodosus for antimalarial activity and inhibition of P. falciparum cytoadhesion and rosetting. METHODS Parasite inhibition was measured by SYBR green using a cytometer. HS was assessed in rosetting and cytoadhesion assays under static and flow conditions using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and human lymphatic endothelial cell (HLEC) cells expressing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) and chondroitin sulfate A (CSA), respectively. FINDINGS This HS inhibited merozoite invasion similar to heparin. Moreover, mollusk HS decreased cytoadherence of P. falciparum to CSA and ICAM-1 on the surface of endothelial cells under static and flow conditions. In addition, this glycan efficiently disrupted rosettes. CONCLUSIONS These findings support a potential use for mollusk HS as adjunct therapy for severe malaria.

Construction of engineered Streptococcus zooepidemicus for the production of hyaluronic acid ligosaccharide / 生物工程学报

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely used in many fields, such as medicine, cosmetics and food. The bioactivity of HA depends on its molecular weight (Mw). Owing to the important physiological activities and special physiological functions, HA oligosaccharides have important application prospects in medicine fields. Streptococcus zooepidemicus has wide applications in commercial production of HA, due to its short fermentation cycle and strong production intensity. In order to efficiently synthesize HA oligosaccharides and solve the dissolved oxygen in the fermentation process, in this study, we overexpressed HA synthase (HasA) and introduced and optimized the leech hyaluronidase LHAase in Streptococcus zooepidemicus WSH-24. As a result, HA oligosaccharides were efficiently produced with improved dissolved oxygen. After 24 h, HA oligosaccharides production intensity reached to 294.2 mg/(L·h), and the concentration accumulated to 0.97 g/L in flask cultures, which was 1.82 times of the wild strain. Impressively, HA oligosaccharides were increased to 7.06 g/L in 3 L fermentor. The constructed Streptococcus zooepidemicus strain for producing HA oligosaccharides would have broad application prospects.

Changes in cytoskeleton and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in passaged articular chondrocytes / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To observe the changes in cytoskeleton (CSK) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis following passage culture of articular chondrocytes and the correlation between CSK and GAG.Methods Eight male New Zealand White rabbits (8-month-old) were sacrificed by air embolism.After the chondrocytes from their knee joints were isolated by enzymolysis method,monolayer culture was performed.The chondrocytes of primary passage (P0) and passages 1 & 2 (P1,P2) were inoculated into 24-well plates with round cover slips put at the bottoms.Cell climbing slices were fixed after attachment of chondrocytes.The CSK proteins,actin,vimentin,tubulin and vinculin were stained by immuuofluorescence antibody on P0,P1 and P2 cell climbing slices,respectively.The CSK morphology was observed by laser confocal scanning microscopy and the fluorescence intensities of CSK proteins were detected by the fluorescence intensity software.The medium was changed for each generation after cell fusion and the GAG concentrations in the supernatants were measured at 24,36,48,60 h after medium change by alcian blue method.Results The intermediate filament networks became loosen and the dense distributions surrounding the nucleus decreased;more microtubule processes formed at the cell periphery with passage.The fluorescence intensity of actin of P1 chondrocytes was significantly increased than that of P0 (P ＜ 0.05),but there were no such significant differences between P0 and P2 or between P1 and P2 (P ＞ 0.05).The fluorescence intensities of vimentin and tubulin were significantly decreased with passage respectively,and there were such significant differences between any two of P0,P1 and P2 (P ＜ 0.05).The GAG concentrations in the supernatants were significantly decreased with passage at each time point,and there were such significant differences between any two of P0,P1 and P2 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Passage culture of articular chondrocytes may lead to changes in morphology and protein expression intensity of the main components of CSK,and accordingly to decreased synthesis amount of GAG,one of the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes,indicating the changed characteristics of chondrocytes after passage and a certain correlation between CSK and GAG.

Effects and Mechanism of Ginseng Polysaccharides on Glycosaminoglycan Synthesis in Rat Chondrocytes in vitro / 中国药师

Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of Ginseng polysaccharides (GPS) on glycosaminoglycan synthesis in rat chondrocytes in vitro.Methods:Chondrocytes isolated from knee joint cartilage of rats were subcultured.After monolayers were established,chondrocytes induced by 20 ng·ml-1 IL-1β were treated with GPS respectively at the concentration of 2,10 and 50 ng ·ml-1for 48 h.The effects of GPS on chondrocytes were analyzed using MTT assay for chondrocyte proliferation and 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue assay for GAG content.mRNA content in xylosyltransferase-Ⅰ(XylT-Ⅰ),galactosyltransferase-Ⅰ(GalT-Ⅰ),galactosyltransferase Ⅱ(GalT-II) and galactose-β-1,3-glucuronosyltransferase Ⅰ(GlcAT-Ⅰ) and that in matrix-degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) and aggrecanase-1and aggrecanase-2 was also detected.Results:GPS had no toxic or proliferating effect on chondrocytes at all observed concentrations.GPS at the concentrations of 10 ng·ml-1 and 50 ng·ml-1 up-regulated GAG synthesis (P<0.01).10 ng·ml-1 GPS enhanced the mRNA expression of XylT-Ⅰ (P<0.01),and 50 ng·ml-1 GPS enhanced the mRNA expression of XylT-Ⅰ,GalT-Ⅰ and GalT-II (P<0.05,P<0.01).GPS did not inhibit the mRNA expression of matrix-degrading enzymes MMP-3 and aggrecanase-1and aggrecanase-2 enhanced by IL-1β.Conclusion:GPS can improve GAG synthesis in IL-1β stimulated chondrocytes in vitro,which is due to the expression promotion of GAG synthesis enzymes without the expression inhibition of matrix-degrading enzymes.

Evaluation of Glycosaminoglycan in the Lumbar Disc Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MR at 3.0 Tesla: Reproducibility and Correlation with Disc Degeneration / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aims to explore the clinical applicability and relevance of glycosaminoglycan Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (gagCEST) for intervertebral disc.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>25 subjects ranging in age from 24 yrs to 74 yrs were enrolled. gagCEST was acquired using a single-slice TSE sequence on a 3T. Saturation used a continuous rectangular RF pulse with B1=0.8 µT and a fixed duration time=1100 ms. Sagittal image was obtained firstly without saturation pulse, and then saturated images were acquired at 52 offsets ranging from ±0.125 to ±7 parts per million (ppm). MR T2 relaxivity map was acquired at the identical location. Six subjects were scanned twice to assess scan-rescan reproducibility.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GagCEST intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of six subjects was 0.759 for nucleus pulposus (NP) and 0.508 for annulus fibrosus (AF). Bland-Altman plots showed NP had a mean difference of 0.10% (95% limits of agreement: -3.02% to 3.22%); while that of AF was 0.34% (95% limits of agreement: -2.28% to 2.95%). For the 25 subjects, gag CEST in NP decreased as disc degeneration increased, with a similar trend to T2 relaxivity. Gag CEST of AF showed a better correlation with disc degeneration than T2 relaxivity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GagCEST in NP and AF decreased as disc degeneration increased, while gagCEST in AF showed a better correlation than T2 relaxivity.</p>

Aerobic exercise for preventing knee osteoarthritis and its mechanism / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe the effect of aerobic exercise of different intensities on type Ⅱ collagen,glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits modeling knee osteoarthritis (OA),so as to explore the preventive effect and its possible mechanism.Methods Twenty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into Groups A,B,C and D,each of 5.Group A was allowed free activity in a cage for 9 weeks.Group B was allowed free activity for 4 weeks,then an OA model was established using papain and confirmed via MRI 1 week later,Another 4 weeks of free activity were then allowed.Groups C and group D were given running training for 20 minutes a day at 0.5 km/h,3 times a week,and then 20 minutes a day at 1.5 km/h,5 days a week on a treadmill for 4 weeks.Nine weeks later,all 4 groups of rabbits were killed and the articular cartilage damage of each group was compared using Mankin scoring,and expression of type Ⅱ collagen,GAG content and chondrocyte apoptosis in the cartilage.Results After the intervention,the average Mankin score,expression of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG content of groups B,C and D were significantly lower than those of group A,and all of those values in group B were significantly lower than those of group D.After 9 weeks the chondrocyte apoptosis rate of group A was significantly lower than that of the other groups,and that of groups C and D was significantly lower than that of group B.Conclusion Aerobic exercise may prevent knee articular cartilage degeneration through inhibiting reduction in the amount of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in the cartilage matrix.It may be related to decreasing the chondrocyte apoptosis.

Experimental research of type Ⅱ collagen composite glycosaminoglycan scaffold in hUCMSCs chondrogenic induction / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the chondrogenic feasibility of the human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs)as cartilage tissue engineering seed cells ,type Ⅱ collagen composite glycosaminoglycan scaffold as the cellular carrier and cell‐scaffold complex .Methods The type Ⅱ collagen composite glycosaminoglycan scaffolds was prepared .The pore diameter , porosity and hydrophilia of scaffold materials were observed and measured by electronic microscope .The corresponding histological analysis on the scaffold materials was performed .hUCMSCs of P3 generation were cultured and identified .The hUCMSCs suspen‐sion was inoculated in the type Ⅱ collagen composite glycosaminoglycan scaffold for conducting culture without adding inducer .The samples were taken out after 3 weeks and performed the toluidine blue and safranin O staining ,type Ⅱ collagen immunohistochemi‐cal staining and SEM scanning .Results hUCMSCs of P3 generation highly expressed the mesenchymal cell marker CD29 and CD105 ,while hardly expressed endothelial cells of CD34 and hematopoietic cell markers .The type Ⅱ collagen composite glycosami‐noglycan scaffold presented white porous foam like ,the porosity was (91 .8 ± 2 .17)% ,the average pore diameter was 110‐230 μm , which was homogeneously distributed and had interpenetration .The scaffold showed good hydrophilicity with the water absorption expansion rate of (213 .71 ± 1 .31)% .The scaffold staining of toluidine blue ,safranin O and type Ⅱ collagen was positive .The car‐tilage‐like tissues were observed ,and gradually increased in the surface of cell‐scaffold complex along with culture ,which were posi‐tive in Toluidine blue ,safranin O and type Ⅱ collagen staining ,the electronic microscopic observation displayed that the cells were actively proliferated in the scaffold ,closely adhered with the materials ,the cartilage‐like cells and a large number of peripheral colla‐gen fibers with zigzag connection could be seen .Conclusion Compositing hUCMSCs and type Ⅱ collagen composite glycosamin‐oglycan scaffold could construct tissue‐engineering cartilage in vitro without induction ,which lays a certain experimental foundation for the repair of cartilage damage .

Study on Inhibitory Effects Mechanism of Scallop Skirt Glycosaminoglycan on Oxidative Stress Injury in Vein Endothelium Cells Induced by OX-LDL / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the inhibitory effects mechanism of scallop skirt glycosaminoglycan(SS-GAG)on inju-ry in human umbilical vein endothelium cells (HUVEC). METHODS:In the test,there was a negative control group,a model group and the groups of SS-GAG at high,middle and low concentrations(mass concentrations of 200,100 and 50 mg/L respective-ly). The cells in latter 3 groups were cultured in SS-GAG at different mass concentrations for 12 h,and then in 50 μmol/L oxidized low-density lipoprotein(OX-LDL)for 24 h. MTT method was used to detect cell viability and the activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH),the flow cytometer to determine the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS),real-time fluorescence quantitative poly-merase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect mRNA expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1), and Western blot to detect NOX4 protein expression. RESULTS:Compared to the cells in the negative control group,those in the model group demonstrated lower viability,higher activity of LDH,higher level of ROS,and stronger expressions of LOX-1 mRNA and NOX4 protein. There was statistical significance (P<0.01). Compared to the cells in the model group,those in the groups of SS-GAG at high,middle and low concentrations showed higher viability,lower activity of LDH,lower level of ROS and weaker expressions of LOX-1 mRNA and NOX4 protein. There was statistical significance (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:SS-GAG can protect HUVEC to some degree by a mechanism which may be related to inhibiting ROS production via LOX-1/NOX4 pathway and relieving oxidative stress injury.

Urinary Glycosaminoglycan Electrophoresis With Optimized Keratan Sulfate Separation Using Peltier System for the Screening of Mucopolysaccharidoses

Abstract The purpose of this communication is to indicate a simple and rapid method with a small volume of urine sample to detect urine glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and serve as a screening procedure for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs). Total GAG measurement for patients with MPS disorders is considered to be the first step in diagnosis of those heterogeneous group of lysosomal storage disorders presenting clinical phenotype. In this study, modified 9-dimethylmethylene blue method is used for total GAG measurement. Following GAG quantitation, the procedure described here allows GAG isolation from a very a small volume of urine sample and subjected to high-resolution GAG electrophoresis, which can be easily performed in routine clinical diagnostic laboratories. Glycosaminoglycan precipitation is a modified method based on total GAG concentration in the urine. For optimized isolation of total GAG for electrophoresis, instead of considering the urine creatinine concentration, 300 μg/mL GAG containing urine is considered to be the target concentration for the best precipitation with 1000 μL cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)/citrate buffer. Glycosaminoglycan concentration-based precipitation of urine with CPC allows the laboratory to be able to work with a small volume of urine sample by keeping the precipitating ratio with CPC constant for samples that contain GAG less than 300 μg/mL. Based on the effect of cold buffer using low voltage, GAGs high-resolution electrophoresis banding patterns described here enable a clear separation of keratan sulfate from chondroitin sulfate as well as dermatan sulfate (DS1 and DS2) and heparan sulfate. By this procedure, GAG patterns are more clear, easily identified, and provide a guide for the enzyme analysis deficient in the MPS disorders.

A Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection Study in Pediatric and Adult Patients With Hunter Syndrome

Abstract Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis II [MPS II]) is characterized by lysosomal glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation. Although a majority of patients with MPS II experience neurocognitive involvement, few data are available on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GAG levels in these patients. This study measured GAG levels in CSF collected from 9 patients with MPS II, including 4 adults (aged ≥18 years) with normal cognition, and 5 children, 3 of them with cognitive impairment. The CSF total GAG levels were generally higher in the 3 patients with cognitive impairment (range 842.9-2360.9 ng/mL) versus those with normal cognitive status (range 356.8-1181.1 ng/mL). Heparan sulfate levels, as measured by mass spectrometry, generally followed a similar pattern, with patients with the severe phenotype having the highest values. These data, limited by small sample size, suggest CSF GAG levels and heparan sulfate levels may be higher in patients with cognitive impairment versus patients with cognitively intact MPS II.

Role of acid-sensing ion channel 1 a in matrix turnover and MAPK expression of articular chondrocytes of rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim TostudytheroleofASIC1aonthe matrix turnover and MAPK expression of the rat articu-lar chondrocytes with extracellular acidosis. Methods ArticularchondrocyteswereisolatedfromSprague-Dawley rats, and their phenotype was determined by toluidine blue and immunocytochemical staining. The GAG content of cell culture supernatant was deter-mined by dimethyl-methylene blue spectrophotometric assay, while Hyp content by chloramine T assay. ELISA assay was used to measure MMP-2 , TIMP-2 content. Furthermore, the ERK1/2, p38 MAPK phos-phorylation protein expression levels were tested by Westernblotassay.Results ASIC1acontributedto the effect of GAG, Hyp and TIMP-2 levels reduction induced by extracellular acidification, while the effect of MMP-2 was weaker. Moreover, ASIC1a could in-crease the ERK1/2 , p38 MAPK phosphorylation pro-teinexpressionlevels.Conclusion ASIC1acould regulate rat articular chondrocytes matrix turnover via ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathway, and there-by inhibit the rat articular cartilage damage induced by acidosis.

Urinary Excretion of Glycosaminoglycans in Patients with Urolithiasis.

The interaction between tubular epithelial cells and calcium oxalate crystals or oxalate ions is a very precarious event in the lithogenesis. Urine contains ions, glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans that inhibit the crystallization process and may protect the kidney against lithogenesis. Hundred patients (24 women and 76 men) with a history of stone disease and hundred controls (25 women and 75 men) were evaluated for urinary GAG concentration. By using a new dye-binding assay, the total GAG concentration in the urine was measured and corrected to urinary creatinine levels (milligram of GAG per gram creatinine). There was a preponderance of urinary stones in males; the highest incidence being in Group 2. Excretion of GAGs in 24-hour urine sample was significantly lower in patients compared to controls, for males in all age groups and for females, however, there was no statistically significant difference in the urinary GAGs value between males and females in a given age group for either controls or patients. The urinary GAGs excretion idecreased with age in controls, but the levels in patients were lower. Conclusion: This study shows that low urinary GAGs are associated with urinary stones in patients. Our study lead us to propose that urinary GAG may play an important role in the prevention and reduction of calculi in patients with urolithiasis. Lower urinary GAG levels are more common in patients with stone formation. This may play a more determinant role in male patients and those with recurrent stone formation. We conclude that uric acid can constitute an important risk factor for calcium oxalate urolithiasis through heterogeneous nucleation and the GAGs can play an important role as preventive agents.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Isaria sinclairii Glycosaminoglycan in an Adjuvant-treated Arthritis Rat Model

The anti-inflammatory effects of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) derived from Isaria sinclairii (IS) and of IS extracts were investigated in a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-treated chronic arthritis rat model. Groups of rats were treated orally with 30 mg/kg one of the following: [1] saline control, extracts of [2] water-IS, [3] methanol-IS, [4] butanol-IS, [5] ethyl acetate-IS, or [6] Indomethacin(R) as the positive control for a period of two weeks. The anti-paw edema effects of the individual extracts were in the following order: water-IS ex. > methanol ex. > butanol ex. > ethyl acetate ex. The water/methanol extract from I. sinclairii remarkably inhibited UV-mediated upregulation of NF-kappaB activity in transfected HaCaT cells. GAG as a water-soluble alcohol precipitated fraction also produced a noticeable anti-edema effect. This GAG also inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of prostaglandin E2-stimulated lipopolysaccharide in LAW 264.7 cells, cytokine TNF-alpha production in splenocytes, and atherogenesis cytokine levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in HUVEC cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the histological analysis, the LV dorsal root ganglion, including the articular cartilage, and linked to the paw-treated IS GAG, was repaired against CFA-induced cartilage destruction. Combined treatment with Indomethacin(R) (5 mg/kg) and IS GAG (10 mg/kg) also more effectively inhibited CFA-induced paw edema at 3 hr, 24 hr, and 48 hr to levels comparable to the anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. Thus, the IS GAG described here holds great promise as an anti-inflammatory drug in the future.

Estudo bioquímico do glicosaminoglicano dermatam sulfato em homens adultos portadores de hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus / Biochemical study of dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan in adult male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernia

OBJETIVO: Comparar a quantidade do glicosaminoglicano dermatam sulfato entre pacientes homens, portadores de hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus e, indivíduos sem hérnia inguinal, com idade entre 20 e 40 anos. MÉTODOS: Foram constituídos dois grupos. Um de 15 pacientes do sexo masculino com hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus e idade entre 20 e 40 anos, com risco ASA I e II, e um grupo controle com dez indivíduos, também do sexo masculino entre 20 e 40 anos, que morreram em período de até 24 h. Foram excluídos os pacientes do sexo feminino, diabéticos, portadores de doença do tecido conjuntivo, tabagistas e com risco cirúrgico ASA III e IV. Foi retirada uma amostra de 1cm² da fáscia transversal na parte intermediária do trígono inguinal, e 1cm² na bainha anterior do músculo reto abdominal na região inguinal correspondente e quantificados os glicosaminoglicanos dermatam sulfato por densitometria, após eletroforese em gel de agarose. RESULTADOS: A quantidade de dermatam sulfato não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante entre os pacientes com hérnia inguinal e os indivíduos sem hérnia inguinal, tanto na fáscia transversal (p=0,108) quanto na bainha anterior do músculo reto abdominal (p=0,292). CONCLUSÃO: Não se encontrou diferença na quantidade do glicosaminoglicano dermatam sulfato entre os pacientes portadores de hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus e indivíduos sem hérnia inguinal em homens adultos.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the amount of the dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan between male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernias and subjects without inguinal hernia, aged between 20 and 40 years. METHODS: Two groups were formed: One with 15 male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernia and aged between 20 and 40 years with ASA risk I and II, and a control group of ten individuals, also males between 20 and 40, who had died up to 24 h before. We excluded female patients, diabetic patients with connective tissue disease, smokers and surgical risk ASA III and IV. We resected a sample of 1 cm² of the transversalis fascia in the middle of the inguinal trigone, and 1 cm² of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle in the groin for the quantification of dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycans by densitometry after agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The amount of dermatan sulfate showed no statistically significant difference between patients with inguinal hernia and individuals without inguinal hernia in both the transverse fascia (p = 0.108) and anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle (p = 0.292). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the amount of the dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan among patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernias and subjects without inguinal hernia in adult males.

Dengue virus receptor

Dengue virus is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes. Dengue virus causes fever and hemorrhagic disorders in humans and non-human primates. Direct interaction of the virus introduced by a mosquito bite with host receptor molecule(s) is crucial for virus propagation and the pathological progression of dengue diseases. Therefore, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between dengue virus and its receptor(s) in both humans and mosquitoes is essential for an understanding of dengue pathology. In addition, understanding the molecular mechanism(s) of virus entry is crucial for the development of effective new therapies to treat dengue patients. Binding of dengue virus to its receptor molecules is mediated through a viral envelope glycoprotein, termed E protein. We present a summary and describe the structures, binding properties, and pathological relevance of dengue virus receptor molecules proposed to date. In mammalian cells, there are many candidate molecules that may act as receptors, such as sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), lectins that recognize carbohydrates, glycosphingolipid (GSL), proteins with chaperone activity, laminin-binding proteins, and other uncharacterized proteins. There are also several lines of evidence for receptor molecules such as GSLs, proteins with chaperone activity, laminin-binding proteins, and other uncharacterized proteins in mosquito cells and organs. This review focuses on several molecules involved in carbohydrate-dependent binding of the virus.