Effect of electrochemically dealloying Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the effects of electrochemically dealloying of Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and to provide experimental evidence for surface modification of implant abutments.@*Methods@#The samples were divided into an NC group (negative control, no other treatment on a smooth surface), an NM-1 group (nanomesh-1, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 1 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage), and an NM-2 group (nanomesh-2, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 5 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage). The surface morphologies of the samples and the adhesion of HGFs on the sample surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicities of the samples were measured with a contact angle measuring instrument. The proliferation of HGFs on the different samples were evaluated with CCK-8, and the expression of adhesion-related genes, including collagen Ⅰ (COL1A1), collagen Ⅲ (COL3A1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculin (VCL), integrin α2 (ITGA2), and integrin β1 (ITGB1), on the different samples was measured with qRT-PCR. The expression of vinculin on the surfaces of HGFs was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after immunofluorescent staining. Collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs from different samples were evaluated via Sirius red staining.@*Results@#SEM revealed the formation of ordered and uniform three-dimensional mesh structures on the surfaces of the NM-1 and NM-2 groups, with grid diameters of approximately 30 nm for the NM-1 group and approximately 150 nm for the NM-2 group. Compared with that of the NC group, the water contact angles of the NM-1 group and NM-2 groups were significantly lower (P<0.000 1). Cell proliferation in the NM-1 group was significantly greater than that in the NC group (P<0.01). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the water contact angles or cell proliferation between the NM-1 group and the NM-2 group. SEM revealed that HGFs were adhered well to the surfaces of all samples, while the HGFs in the NM-1 and NM-2 groups showed more extended areas, longer morphologies, and more developed pseudopodia than did those in the NC group after 24 h. qRT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of the adhesion-related genes COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, FAK and VCL in the NM-1 group were significantly greater than those in the NC and NM-2 groups (P<0.01). The expression of vinculin protein in the NM-1 group was the highest, and the number of focal adhesions was greatest in the NM-1 group (P<0.01). The results of Sirius red staining showed that the NM-1 group had the highest secretion and syntheses of collagen fibers (P<0.000 1).@*Conclusion@#The three-dimensional nanomechanical structure of Ti6Al4V modified by electrochemical dealloying promoted the adhesion, proliferation, collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs, and electrochemical dealloying of Ti6Al4V with a grid diameter of approximately 30 nm obviously promoted HGF formation.

Telomerase inhibitors TMPyP4 and thymoquinone decreased cell proliferation and induced cell death in the non-small cell lung cancer cell line LC-HK2, modifying the pattern of focal adhesion

G‐quadruplexes (G4) are structures formed at the ends of telomeres rich in guanines and stabilized by molecules that bind to specific sites. TMPyP4 and thymoquinone (TQ) are small molecules that bind to G4 and have drawn attention because of their role as telomerase inhibitors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of telomerase inhibitors on cellular proliferation, senescence, and death. Two cell lines, LC‐HK2 (non-small cell lung cancer - NSCLC) and RPE‐1 (hTERT-immortalized), were treated with TMPyP4 (5 μM) and TQ (10 μM). Both inhibitors decreased telomerase activity. TMPyP4 increased the percentage of cells with membrane damage associated with cell death and decreased the frequency of cells in the S‐phase. TMPyP4 reduced cell adhesion ability and modified the pattern of focal adhesion. TQ acted in a concentration-dependent manner, increasing the frequency of senescent cells and inducing cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Thus, the present results showed that TMPyP4 and TQ, although acting as telomerase inhibitors, had a broader effect on other signaling pathways and processes in cells, differing from each other. However, they act both on malignant and immortalized cells, and further studies are needed before their anti-cancer potential can be considered.

Comparative Assessment of E-cadherin's Expression between the Metastatic and Non-metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the clinicopathological correlation of E-cadherin expression in metastatic and non-metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material and Methods: A total of 90 paraffin-embedded tissue sections of OSCC were retrieved from the registry. The total selected samples were 45 cases each from the primary lesions of metastatic and non-metastatic OSCC. One section was subjected to routine Hematoxylin and eosin stain and another to immunohistochemical analysis for E-cadherin expression. Results: A non-significant (p˃0.05) increased expression is seen in the non-metastatic group compared to the metastatic group, with predominantly membrane as the staining site in either group. However, the expression of E-cadherin did not reveal any statistically significant association with independent variables such as age, gender, and adverse habits of the patients (p>0.05). On the other hand, with respect to the histological differentiation of OSCC, a significant association (p<0.001) was observed with the well-differentiated type of metastatic OSCC. Conclusion: E-cadherin was useful to some extent in predicting regional metastasis. However, further studies using a panel of biomarkers with increased sample size may help us understand the process involved in metastasis.

Change of serum D-D, sVCAM-1 and P-selectin after limb fractures surgery and their relationship with thrombosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between change of serum D-dimer (D-D), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), P-selectin and thrombosis after limb fracture surgery.Methods:289 patients with limb fractures who were treated in the emergency department of Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into deep vein thrombosis (DVT) group ( n=62) and non-DVT group ( n=227) according to whether DVT occurred after operation. The levels of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), D-D, sVCAM-1 and P-selectin were measured before and after operation in all patients. The levels of PT, APTT, D-D, sVCAM-1 and P-selectin were compared between DVT group and non-DVT group. Logistic sequential stepwise regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of postoperative thrombosis in patients with limb fractures. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in PT and APTT between 289 patients with limb fractures after operation and before operation (all P>0.05), while the levels of serum D-D, sVCAM-1 and P-selectin after operation were higher than that before operation (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in general data between DVT group and non-DVT group (all P>0.05); There was no statistically significant difference in PT and APTT before and after operation between DVT group and non-DVT group (all P>0.05). The levels of serum D-D, sVCAM-1 and P-selectin before and after operation in DVT group were higher than those in non-DVT group (all P<0.05). Logistic sequential stepwise regression analysis showed that high levels of D-D, sVCAM-1 and P-selectin were risk factors for thrombosis after limb fracture surgery (all P<0.05). Conclusions:High levels of D-D, sVCAM-1 and P-selectin are risk factors for thrombosis after limb fracture surgery.

Role of HBV DNA polymerase in mediating the immune escape of tumor cells in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo determine whether HBV DNA polymerase is associated with T-cell failure and thus mediates the immune escape of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） tumor cells， and to investigate the specific molecular mechanisms. MethodsLiver cancer cell lines Huh7 and HepG2 stably transfected with HBV DNA polymerase expression plasmid with Flag （Flag-HBV-P） and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM1） were co-cultured with Jurkat cells， and MTT assay， qRT-PCR， and ELISA were used to measure Jurkat cell proliferation， activation （CD69 expression）， and secretion of the cytokine IFN-γ. RNA-seq was used to screen for differentially expressed immune-associated molecules between stably transfected cell lines and control cells， and mRNA half-life and protein half-life assays were used to determine the specific levels of the immune-associated molecules that were affected by HBV DNA polymerase. Related websites were used to predict the transcription factors that may bind to the promoter region of this immune-associated molecule， Western blot was used to verify the effect of transcription factors on the immune-associated molecule， and rescue experiment was used to determine whether HBV DNA polymerase affects the expression level of the immune-associated molecule through this transcription factor. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups. ResultsThe experimental group had significant reductions in Jurkat cell proliferation， activation， and cytokine secretion compared with the control group （all P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the experimental group （Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines） had significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of ICAM1 （all P<0.01）. Website prediction identified the ICAM1 promoter and preliminarily highlighted NFKB1， RELA， and STAT3. Compared with the control group， the experimental group （Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines） had a significant reduction in the protein expression level of p65 （all P<0.01）. After p65 overexpression， there was a significant increase in the protein expression level of ICAM1， and after the expression of p65 was reduced， there was a significant reduction in the protein expression level of ICAM1 （all P<0.01）. In the rescue experiment， there was no significant difference in the protein expression level of ICAM1 between the control group and the experimental group after p65 overexpression （all P>0.05）. After the overexpression of ICAM1， there were no significant differences in the proliferation， activation， and cytokine secretion of Jurkat cells between the control group and the experimental group （Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines） （all P>0.05）. ConclusionHBV DNA polymerase downregulates the level of ICAM1 to mediate HCC immune escape by inhibiting the expression of p65 in NF-κB.

Trichostatin C attenuates TNFα-induced inflammation in endothelial cells by up-regulating Krüppel-like factor 2 / 药学学报

Krüppel-like transcription factor 2 (KLF2) plays a key regulatory role in endothelial inflammation, thrombosis, angiogenesis and macrophage inflammation and polarization, and up-regulation of KLF2 expression has the potential to prevent and treatment atherosclerosis. In this study, trichostatin C (TSC) was obtained from the secondary metabolites of rice fermentation of Streptomyces sp. CPCC 203909 as a KLF2 up-regulator by using a high throughput screening model based on a KLF2 promoter luciferase reporter assay. TSC significantly inhibited the adhesion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) induced monocytes (THP-1) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Western blot results showed that TSC decreased TNFα induced the protein expression increase of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and thereby inhibited endothelial inflammation. The results of histone deacetylase (HDAC) overexpression and molecular docking experiments showed that TSC upregulated the expression of KLF2 by inhibiting subtypes of HDAC 4/5/7. In conclusion, this study suggests that TSC up-regulates the expression of KLF2 through inhibiting HDAC 4/5/7 and thus inhibits TNFα induced endothelial inflammation, and it has the potential to prevent and treat atherosclerosis.

The role of electroacupuncture in regulating cell adhesion molecule L1 expression and in neuroprotection in Alzheimer′s disease / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) in mice modeling Alzheimer′s disease (AD) and also any effect on learning and memory.Methods:Thirty male APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into a model group, an electroacupuncture (EA) group, and a no acupuncture (NA) group, each of 10. All the animals were modeled as AD. Ten C57BL/6 mice served as a control group. The mice in the EA and NA groups were given continuous 50Hz EA at a current intensity of 1mA at and near the Baihui (GV20) and Shenshu (BL23) acupoints, respectively, once a day for 14 days, while the other two groups were not given any EA. The mice in the model and control groups continued to be routinely fed without any special treatment such as electroacupuncture. After the intervention, any behavioral changes were evaluated by using a Morris Water Maze, and the expression of L1CAM, PTEN and p53 protein in the hippocampus of each group was detected using western blotting.Results:Compared with the control group, the escape latency in positioning navigation experiments was significantly longer in the model group on the first 5 days of Morris Water Maze testing. Compared with the model group, the escape latency was significantly shorter in the EA group on days 2 to 5 of the Morris Water Maze testing, and the expression of L1CAM had increased significantly in the electroacupuncture group compared with the model group while PTEN and p53 expression had decreased significantly. The average escape latency of the NA group was significantly longer than that of the model group on days 2 to 5 of the Morris Water Maze testing. The average L1CAM expression in the NA group had decreased significantly, and the expression of PTEN and p53 protein had increased significantly more than in the EA group. The escape latency was negatively correlated with L1CAM expression but positively correlated with p53 protein and PTEN expression.Conclusion:L1CAM is involved in learning and memory processes, at least in mice. Electroacupuncture can improve the learning and memory of mice modeling Alzheimer′s, which may be due to its promoting the expression of L1CAM and inhibiting the expression of PTEN and p53.

Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan Formula Regulates Homing-associated Cell Adhesion Molecules in Rat Model of IgA Nephropathy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula on the expression of integrin alpha 4 beta 1 （α4 β1）， vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM-1）， stromal-derived factor-1 （SDF-1）， and chemokine receptor-4 （CXCR4） in the small intestine and bone marrow of the rat model of immunoglobulin A（IgA） nephropathy. MethodA total of 120 male SD rats were used to establish the IgA nephropathy model by intragastric administration of bovine serum albumin （BSA）， subcutaneous injection of CCl4， and tail vein injection of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into blank， model， lotensin （63 mg·kg-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （10.4， 20.81， 41.62 g·kg-1， respectively） Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula groups （n=16）. The rats were treated with corresponding drugs according to their body weight. After 7 weeks of administration， the rats were sacrificed for the collection of samples， and the protein and mRNA levels of α4 β1， VCAM-1， SDF-1， and CXCR4 in the small intestine and bone marrow were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction， respectively. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increased red blood cell count in the urine at the 10th， 12th， 14th， 16th weeks （P<0.01）， and such increases were reduced in the drug intervention groups （P<0.05）， especially in the medium-dose Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula group （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the blank group， the protein levels of α4 β1， VCAM-1， SDF-1， and CXCR4 in the intestinal lamina propria in the model group were up-regulated （P<0.05）， and such un-regulations were inhibited in the drug intervention groups （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， medium-dose Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula down-regulated the protein levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in the intestinal lamina propria （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of α4 β1 and SDF-1 and up-regulated mRNA levels of VCAM-1 and CXCR4 （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the drug intervention groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 （P<0.05）. ConclusionBushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula regulates the expression of α4 β1， VCAM-1， SDF-1， and CXCR4 in the intestinal lamina propria to inhibit the homing effect of plasma cells， which may be associated with the Toll-like receptor-mediated activation of immune response. Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula can down-regulate the expression of adhesion molecules to inhibit the proliferation of plasmocytes in circulation， so as to reduce the renal injury of IgA nephropathy.

Micro/nano hierarchical structure of titanium surface promotes MC3T3-E1 adhesion proliferation and drug loading potential evaluation / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @# To investigate the effect of micro/nano hierarchical structures on the adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, evaluate the drug delivery potential of titanium surfaces, and provide a reference for the modification of selected areas of titanium surfaces to enhance drug delivery and slow drug release. @*Methods @# Pure titanium samples (10 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm in thickness) were randomly divided into a polished group (T), anodized group (TO), and micro/nano hierarchical structure group (FTO) according to the surface treatment of the titanium. The T group was polished, the TO group was treated with anodic oxidation technology, and the FTO group was treated by femtosecond laser etching combined with anodic oxidation technology. The three surface morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the wettability of the surface was measured by the contact angle, and the surface chemical composition was analyzed by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The depth of the FTO structure and the surface roughness were measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion proliferation and differentiation on the surface of each group of samples was assessed by immunofluorescence staining, CCK-8, and semiquantitative analysis of Alizarin staining. A freeze-drying method was applied to load recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the drug-loading potential of different surface structures. @* Results@#SEM revealed that the surface of T group titanium plates showed uniform polishing marks in the same direction. The surface of the TO group was a nanoscale honeycomb-like titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube structure, and the FTO group formed a regular and ordered micro/nano layered structure. The contact angle of the FTO group was the smallest at 32° ± 1.7°. Its wettability was the best. The average depth of the first-level structure circular pores was 93.6 μm, and the roughness was 1.5-2 μm. The TO and FTO groups contained a high percentage of oxygen, suggesting TiO2 nanotube formation. The FTO group had the most significant surface cell proliferation (P<0.001) and the largest cell adhesion surface area (P<0.05). rhBMP-2 was slowly released for 14 d after loading in the FTO group and promoted extracellular matrix mineralization (P<0.001). @*Conclusion @#Titanium surface microprepared hierarchical structure has the effect of promoting MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation with drug loading potential, which is a new method of titanium surface treatment.

Research progress in the biological characteristics of matrix metalloproteinase-19 in tumor / 国际生物医学工程杂志

The matrix metalloproteinases family (MMPs) are proteins related to tumor formation and metastasis that have attracted the attention of scholars in recent years. Tumor cells can secrete MMPs during malignant transformation, and the expression of MMPs in different malignant tumors is diverse, and different members of MMPs do not have exactly the same biological properties. Matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP-19) is a new member of MMPs whose secretion increases rapidly during the malignant transformation of cells and is released into the extracellular space to participate in biological processes such as proliferation, adhesion, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. In this paper, the progress of research on the biological properties of MMP-19 in tumors was reviewed to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the development of tumors, especially for studying the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells.

The expression of adhesion molecules in Z310 cells induced by combined exposure to black carbon and lead / 中国职业医学

Objective: To investigate the effects of combined exposure to black carbon and lead on the expression of cell adhesion molecules and their regulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the rat choroid plexus epithelial Z310 cells. Methods: i) Z310 cells were randomly divided into control group, black carbon exposure group, lead exposure group and combined exposure group. The lead exposure group and black carbon exposure group were treated with 10 μmol/L lead acetate and 10 mg/L black carbon, respectively, and the combined exposure group was treated with both in the above doses. After 12.0 hours, the expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) in Z310 cells was detected by Western blotting. The expression of miR-326, miR-328-3p and miR-542-3p which regulated ICAM-1 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ii) Z310 cells or Z310 cells transfected with miRNA-326 mimic were randomly divided into control group, miRNA-326 transfection control group, combined exposure group and miRNA-326 transfection combined exposure group. Cells in the two control groups were not treated. The two combined exposure groups were treated with 10 mg/L black carbon and 10 μmol/L lead acetate for 12.0 hours. The expression of ICAM-1 was detected by Western blotting. Results: i) The relative expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MAdCAM-1 in the cells of black carbon exposure group and ICAM-1 in the lead exposure group was higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The relative expression of ICAM-1 and MAdCAM-1 in the combined exposure group was higher than those in the other three groups (all P<0.05). The relative expression of VCAM-1 in cells of combined exposure group was higher than those in the control group and lead exposed group (all P<0.05). The relative expression of miR-326 in cells of the lead exposure group and black carbon exposure group was lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The relative expression of miR-326 in the combined exposure group was lower than that in the other three groups (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference between miR-328-3p and miR-542-3p in the four groups (all P>0.05). ii) The relative expression of ICAM-1 in cells of the miR-326 transfection control group cells was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), while in the cells in the combined exposure and miRNA-326 transfection combined exposure group, it was higher than that in the control and miRNA-326 transfection control groups (all P<0.05), and lower in the miRNA-326 transfection combined exposure group than in the combined exposure group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Black carbon or lead exposure can upregulate the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MAdCAM-1 in Z310 cells. Black carbon and lead combined exposure lead to a synergistic effect on upregulation of ICAM-1 and MAdCAM-1 expression, particularly ICAM-1. The combined exposure of black carbon and lead may upregulate the expression of ICAM-1 by downregulating the expression of miR-326.

CD44-HA Mediate Adhesion of MDA-MB-231 Cells and HL60 Cells under Fluid Shear Flow / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore how hyaluronic acid ( HA) in extracellular matrix regulates the adhesion ofCD44+tumor cells. Methods MDA-MB-231 cells or HL60 cells were perfused in a parallel plate chamber. Themovement of cells over immobilized HA was observed and analyzed to obtain the characteristics of cell adhesionand rolling. Results The adhesion number of MDA-MB-231 cells on HA substrate was positively regulated by HAconcentration, but not by HA molecular weight. Compared with physically adsorbed HA, immobilized HA byavidin-biotin could significantly improve the cell adhesion ratio. With the increase of shear stress in the range of30-50 mPa, the rolling velocity of cells increased and the adhesion ratio decreased, but the tether lifetime of cellswas not affected. In the same flow field, compared with MDA-MB-231 cells, HL60 cells with low expression ofCD44 rolled more quickly on immobilized HA, with shorter tether lifetime and much lower adhesion ratio(<1. 5% ). Conclusions Fluid shear stress might mediate the rolling velocity of MDA-MB-231 cells by regulatingthe CD44-HA association rate rather than their dissociation rate. The interaction between CD44 and HA is involved in the initial adhesion of HL60 cells, but it does not play a major role. This study will provide references for the design of anti-tumor drugs.

A novel homozygous nonsense mutation in NECTIN4 gene in a Pakistani family with ectodermal dysplasia syndactyly syndrome 1

Abstract Background Ectodermal dysplasia syndactyly syndrome 1 (EDSS1) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by defects in teeth, hair, and nails in association with a fusion of the digits. Genetically, the disease phenotypes are caused by homozygous and compound heterozygous variants in NECTIN4 gene. Objective The main objective of the study was to identify the pathogenic sequence variant(s) for family screening and identification of carriers. Methods In the present study, the authors have investigated a large consanguineous family of Pakistani origin segregating autosomal recessive EDSS1. All the coding exons of the NECTIN4 gene were directly sequenced using gene-specific primers. Results The affected individuals presented the classical EDSS1 clinical features including sparse hair, hypoplastic nails with thick flat discolored nail plates, peg-shaped, conical, and widely spaced teeth with enamel hypoplasia, proximal cutaneous syndactyly of fingers and toes. Sequence analysis of the coding region of the NECTIN4 identified a novel nonsense variant [c.163C>T; p.(Arg55*)] in exon-2 of the gene. Computational analysis of protein structure revealed that the variant induced premature termination at Arg55 located in Ig-like V-loop region leading to loss of Ig-C2 type domains and transmembrane region, and most likely Nectin-4 function will be lost. Study limitation Gene expression studies are absent that would have strengthened the findings of computational analysis. Conclusion The present study expanded the phenotypic and mutation spectrum of the NECTIN4 gene. Further, the study would assist in carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis of the affected families.

Perillyl alcohol modulates activation, permeability and integrity of human brain endothelial cells induced by Plasmodium falciparum

BACKGROUND Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe immunovasculopathy caused for Plasmodium falciparum infection, which is characterised by the sequestration of parasitised red blood cells (pRBCs) in brain microvessels. Previous studies have shown that some terpenes, such as perillyl alcohol (POH), exhibit a marked efficacy in preventing cerebrovascular inflammation, breakdown of the brain-blood barrier (BBB) and brain leucocyte accumulation in experimental CM models. OBJECTIVE To analyse the effects of POH on the endothelium using human brain endothelial cell (HBEC) monolayers co-cultured with pRBCs. METHODOLOGY The loss of tight junction proteins (TJPs) and features of endothelial activation, such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression were evaluated by quantitative immunofluorescence. Microvesicle (MV) release by HBEC upon stimulation by P. falciparum was evaluated by flow cytometry. Finally, the capacity of POH to revert P. falciparum-induced HBEC monolayer permeability was examined by monitoring trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). FINDINGS POH significantly prevented pRBCs-induced endothelial adhesion molecule (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) upregulation and MV release by HBEC, improved their trans-endothelial resistance, and restored their distribution of TJPs such as VE-cadherin, Occludin, and JAM-A. CONCLUSIONS POH is a potent monoterpene that is efficient in preventing P. falciparum-pRBCs-induced changes in HBEC, namely their activation, increased permeability and alterations of integrity, all parameters of relevance to CM pathogenesis.

Characterization and biocompatibility analysis of different silanes coupling c(RGDfK) cyclic peptide on titanium surfaces / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To compare the efficiency and biocompatibility of four different silanes on immobilizing c(RGDfK) peptide on titanium surface.@*Methods @# After alkali-heat treatment (group OH), the titanium surface was treated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) (group OHAP), 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane (CPTES) (group OHCP) (3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) (group OHMPT) and 3-isobutyryloxy propyltrimethoxysilane(γ- MPS) (group OHMPS) to immobilize the c(RGDfK) cyclic peptide and constructa titanium-silane-c(RGDfK) coating. The NT group was the blank control group. The surface morphology and wettability of the coatings were detected using scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurement. The elemental composition of the titanium surface was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After fluorescent staining with 4’,6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and phalloidin, the adhesion of mouse preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells on the surface of the materials was observed using laser confocal microscopy. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells on the surface of the materials, respectively. @*Results @#Scanning electron microscope observation showed a spongy-like 3-dimensional network formed on the titanium surface after alkali-heat treatment with silane-c(RGDfK) coating adhesion. The wettability of each group was greatly improved compared to the untreated titanium surface. The element ratios of Si/Ti and amide-N/Ti in the OHMPS group were the highest. The OHAP group exhibited the best cell adhesion effect. The cell proliferation and ALP activity of the OHAP, OHMPT, and OHMPS groups were significantly higher than the control group (P <0.05); there was no statistical difference between the OHCP group and the control group.@*Conclusion @#MPTS, CPTES and γ-MPS covalently immobilized cyclic peptide c(RGDfK) on the titanium surface, which promoted adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Theγ-MPS conjugated C (RGDfK)cyclic peptide exhibited the best effect. MPTS, CPTES and γ-MPS coupled with c(RGDfK) cyclic peptides had similar biological properties.

Repair effect and mechanism of neural cell adhesion molecule derived peptide P2 on nerve function injury in ischemic stroke rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To clarify the neuroprotective effects of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) derived peptide P2 on in vitro cultured neuron and ischemic stroke rat. Methods:Primary cortical neurons were extracted and cultured, and CCK-8 method was used to observe the protective effect of different concentrations of P2 on cortical neurons under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions.The levels of apoptosis-related proteins and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) were observed by Western blot. Clean grade male SD rats were selected for animal experiments. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method was used to establish the rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The rats with successful model were divided into sham operation group, MCAO group and MCAO+ P2 group according to the random number table, with 12 rats in each group. After operation, rats in MCAO+ P2 group were subcutaneously injected with 1 mg/kg P2 once a day until 14 days after operation, and rats in the other two groups were subcutaneously injected with 0.9% sodium chloride solution of the same volume.Beam-walking test was used to evaluate the motor function of rats.Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to detect the in-situ apoptosis of neuronal cells and the expression of Erk1/2 in ischemic penumbra of rat brains, respectively. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0.Repeated measurement ANOVA was used to evaluate the beam-walking experimental data, and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze other experimental data among multiple groups.Results:Compared with OGD group, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μmol/L P2 improved the activity of neurons under OGD conditions, of which 1 μmol/L P2 had the best effect ((2.436±0.284), (1.551±0.410), P<0.05). Western blot showed that the protein levels of bax ((76.120±3.232)%, (88.965±5.208)%, P<0.05), cleaved caspase-3 ((76.736±4.306)%, (97.781±8.111)%, P<0.05) and cleaved caspase-9 ((88.833±6.581)%, (104.962±4.788)%, P<0.05) in 1 μmol/L P2 treated group were all lower than those in OGD group, while the protein levels of bcl-2 ((56.146±3.882)%, (43.170±6.945)%, P<0.05) and phosphorylated Erk1/2 ((73.583±8.557)%, (55. 219±4.615)%, P<0.05) in 1 μmol/L P2 treated group were both higher than those in OGD group. Compared with MCAO group, on the 14th day after P2 intervention, the slip ratio of hindlimb of the paralyzed hind limbs of rats was lower ((23.438±11.540)%, (41.733±13.631)%, P<0.05), the apoptosis rate of neurons around the focus was lower ((13.144±6.485)%, (26. 699±6. 402)%, P<0.05), and the level of phosphorylated Erk1/2 protein in the brain tissues around the infarct focus was higher ((74.062±7.458)%, (53.327±7.093)%, P<0.05). Conclusion:Low doses of neural cell adhesion molecule derived peptide P2 exert neuroprotective effects on OGD neurons and ischemic stroke rats. The underlying mechanism may be related to the activation of Erk.

Effects of nano lead oxide exposure on cognitive function and inflammatory mechanism of leukocyte infiltration in mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of nano lead oxide (nano-PbO) exposure on learning and memory as well as spatial exploration ability in the mice, and the role of leukocyte infiltration of brain tissue in neurobehavioral damage caused by nano-PbO exposure.Methods:A total of 60 male SPF grade Kunming mice were divided into control group, low-dose nano-PbO group, medium-dose nano-PbO group and high-dose nano-PbO group according to body mass matching method, with 15 mice in each group.Mice in low, medium and high dose groups of nano-PbO were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg·kg -1, 10 mg·kg -1, 20 mg·kg -1 nano-PbO, respectively. And mice in the control group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of 0.9% normal saline.The frequency of intervention was once a day for 28 days.Morris water maze test and open field test were used to detect the ability of learning and memory and spatial exploration of mice. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in hippocampus of mice, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in mouse microvessels and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LAF-1) in mouse blood leukocyte. The proportion of leukocytes in mouse brain was detected by flow cytometry. All statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 20.0. Morris water maze data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, the other data among multiple groups were compared by one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test was used for further pairwise comparison.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between neurobehavioral indexes and the proportion of white blood cells, TNF-α and IL-1β in brain tissue. Results:Morris water maze results showed that the escape latency of the four groups of mice had a significant interaction between group and time( F=3.21, P<0.05). The escape latencies of mice in middle and high dose groups of nano-PbO were higher than that in the control group (both P<0.05), and the numbers of crossing the platform of the two groups were lower than that in the control group (both P<0.05). The results of open field test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the residence time of the mice in the four groups ( F=119.10, P<0.01). The total standing times of mice in the middle group and high dose group of nano-PbO were lower than that in the control group (both P<0.01). The results of Western blot showed that the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in hippocampus tissue of mice were significant differences among the four groups ( F=7.21, 9.89, both P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the hippocampus of mice in the high-dose nano-PbO group were higher than those in the control group (TNF-α: (0.35±0.10), (1.03±0.30), P<0.05; IL-1β: (0.32±0.10), (0.50±0.15), P<0.05). The results of flow cytometry analysis showed that the proportions of leukocytes in the brain tissue of mice in the low, medium and high dose groups of nano-PbO were (9.99±1.09)%, (13.03±0.94)% and (16.51±3.89)%, respectively. Among them, the proportions of leukocytes in the middle and high dose groups of nano-PbO were significantly higher than that in the control group((8.13±1.29)%) (both P<0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that the proportion of leukocytes, levels of TNF-α, IL-1β protein of hippocampus in the medium, high dose groups of nano-PbO were negatively correlated with the behavioral indexes ( r=-0.815, -0.744, -0.578, all P<0.01; r=-0.771, -0.836, -0.704, all P<0.05; r=-0.823, -0.876, -0.695, all P<0.05). The results of Western blot showed that the levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in cerebral microvessels of mice in the four groups were significantly different ( F=5.51, 16.19, both P<0.05). The levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the middle and high dose groups of nano-PbO were higher than those in the control group(ICAM-1: (1.07±0.16), (1.21±0.35), (0.59±0.19), all P<0.05; VCAM-1: (0.68±0.12), (1.92±0.23), (0.23±0.05), both P<0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the level of LFA-1 protein in blood leukocytes of mice in the four groups ( F=41.80, P<0.05). The levels of LFA-1 in the middle and high dose groups of nano-PbO were higher than that in the control group((0.33±0.06), (0.89±0.23), (0.05±0.01), both P<0.05). Conclusion:The nano-PbO exposure can lead to cognitive impairment and increased inflammatory factors in the hippocampus of mice, which may be related to the increase of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in vascular endothelial cells, which promotes leukocyte infiltration into brain tissue.

Early and late interventional embolization can improve neurological function, mental state and living ability of patients with intracranial aneurysm / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the application value of early and late interventional embolization in intracranial aneurysms.Methods:Eighty-two patients with intracranial aneurysm who received treatment in Wenzhou People's Hospital from October 2015 to February 2020 were included in this study. These patients were divided into early (≤ 3 days) and late (> 3 days) groups, with 41 patients in each group, according to time from disease onset to surgery. The early group was subjected to early interventional embolization, and the late group was treated with late interventional embolization. The effects of embolization and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score pre- and post-treatment, as well as modified Barthel index, Mini-Mental State Exam score, matrix metalloproteinase-9 level, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 level post-treatment and prognosis were compared between the two groups.Results:The embolization effects in the early group were statistically superior to those in the late group ( P = 0.046). After treatment, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score in the early group was significantly lower than that in the late group [(4.02 ± 1.64) points vs. (6.81 ± 2.02) points, t = 6.86, P < 0.01]. Mini-Mental State Exam score and modified Barthel index in the early group were (28.09 ± 1.35) points and (81.12 ± 9.67) points, respectively, which were significantly higher than (26.01 ± 1.19) points and (73.02 ± 8.19) points in the late group ( t = 7.40, 4.09, both P < 0.001). After treatment, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels in the early group were (420.33 ± 29.40) μg/L and (403.70 ± 23.28) ug/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (491.30 ± 31.19) μg/mL and (496.37 ± 30.46) μg/L in the late group ( t = 10.60, 15.47, both P < 0.001). Prognosis in the early group was superior to that in the late group ( P = 0.049). Conclusion:Early interventional embolization has better efficacy than late interventional embolization in the treatment of intracranial aneurysm. The former can effectively improve neurological function and mental state, enhance living ability, and improve prognosis, which may be related to the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels.

Therapeutic effects of the extract of Sancao Formula, a Chinese herbal compound, on imiquimod-induced psoriasis via cysteine-rich protein 61 / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that is prone to recurrence, and the proinflammatory factor, cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61), is important in its pathophysiology. Long-term clinical practice has shown that Sancao Formula (SC), a Chinese herbal compound, is effective in the treatment of psoriasis, but the precise mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigate the mechanism by which SC extract alleviates imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis.@*METHODS@#The expression of Cyr61 in psoriatic lesions and normal healthy skin was detected using immunohistochemical analysis to investigate the biological role of Cyr61 in models of psoriatic inflammation. A psoriatic mouse model was established by topical application of IMQ, and the effect of topical application of SC extract was evaluated using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and histopathological features of the skin. Next, a HaCaT cell inflammation model was established using interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and the effect of SC extract on the mRNA and protein levels of Cyr61 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was confirmed using Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses.@*RESULTS@#Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of Cyr61 in psoriatic lesions was higher than that in normal skin samples (78.26% vs 41.18%, P < 0.05), and the number of Cyr61-positive cells in psoriatic lesions was also significantly higher than in normal skin (18.66 ± 2.51 vs 4.33 ± 1.52, P < 0.05). Treatment in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis showed that SC extract could significantly improve the inflammatory phenotype, PASI score (10.875 ± 0.744 vs 3.875 ± 0.582, P < 0.05), and pathological features compared with those in IMQ model group; SC treatment was also associated with decreased levels of Cyr61 and ICAM-1. In the IFN-γ-induced inflammatory cell model, the mRNA and protein levels of Cyr61 and ICAM-1 were upregulated, while the SC extract downregulated the levels of Cyr61 and ICAM-1.@*CONCLUSION@#The results provide a theoretical basis for the involvement of Cyr61 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and suggest that SC should be used to target Cyr61 for the prevention of psoriasis recurrence.

Evaluation of biofilm formation on acrylic resin surfaces coated with silicon dioxide: an in situ study

Abstract Biofilm on acrylic resin dental prostheses may cause gingival inflammation. This study evaluated the influence of a silicon dioxide coating layer applied onto acrylic resin on the adhesion of microorganisms. Blocks (5 x 5 x 3 mm) of acrylic resin were evaluated for surface roughness and divided into two groups: control (CG) and coated with silicon dioxide (LG group). The specimens were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (n = 1) and by contact angle analysis (n = 3). For the in situ study, 20 volunteers wore acrylic palatal devices containing three samples from each group (n = 60) for 2 days. The biofilm formed was quantified by metabolic activity and total biomass using the crystal violet assay. The results were subjected to Bartlett's normality test and Gamma model with random effect for the response variable (α = 5%). The mean contact angle of the coated group was significantly lower than that of the uncoated group (p < 0.05). The metabolic activity of microorganisms in the biofilm on the blocks treated with coating was significantly lower than that of control blocks (p = 0.02). Regarding the amount of extracellular matrix produced by the microorganisms, there was no difference between the CG and LG group (p = 0.05). The application of a silicon dioxide coating on acrylic resin reduced the activity of the polymicrobial biofilm formed in situ. This coating may be advantageous for patients with conventional complete dentures or implants made of acrylic resin and who have motor difficulties that prevent them from cleaning their prostheses properly.