The effect of CD137-CD137 ligand interaction on the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice atherosclerotic plaque model / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of CD137-CD137L interaction on the nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Atherosclerotic plaque model was produced by rapid perivascular carotid collar placement in ApoE(-/-) mice. In vivo, the expression of NFATc1 in mice plaque and lymphocytes was detected by immunohistochemical and flow cytometry, respectively. In vitro, the NFATc1 mRNA and protein expressions in cultured lymphocytes of ApoE(-/-) mice were measured by RT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In vivo, after stimulating CD137-CD137L signal pathway, the expression of NFATc1 was significantly upregulated in the atherosclerotic plaques and lymphocytes. In vitro, the mRNA and protein expressions of NFATc1 in cultured leukocytes of ApoE(-/-) mice were also significantly increased, the maximal effect appeared post 20 µg/ml anti-CD137 mAb-stimulation and reached maximum at 24 h at any concentrations. Anti-CD137L mAb significantly downregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of NFATc1 in lymphocytes of ApoE(-/-) mice, maximal effect appeared at 20 µg/ml anti-CD137L mAb and reached minimum at 24 h.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CD137-CD137L interactions can modulate the expression of NFATc1 in this ApoE(-/-) mice atherosclerotic plaque model.</p>

Incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in the native Chinese population by analysis of clinical methods / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in a native Chinese population using radiography and clinical examination under microscope and to compare the relative efficacies of these methods. For the recognition of C-shaped root canal system, 1 146 mandibular second molars were selected and examined. Teeth with C-shaped canal systems were categorized by using the radiographic classification criteria and the modified Melton's method. C-shaped canals were identified in 397 (34.64%) mandibular second molars by radiography (type I, 31.23%; type II, 38.29%; type III, 30.48%). Clinical examination showed that 449 (39.18%) cases exhibited C-shaped canal systems (C1, 22.94%; C2, 48.11%; C3a, 15.59%; C3b, 13.36%). As for the result of the radiographic and clinical combined examination, C-shaped root canals were found in 473 (41.27%) mandibular second molars (C1, 21.78%; C2, 45.67%; C3a, 16.70%; C3b, 15.86%). The incidence of C-shaped root canal diagnosed by radiographic method was statistically different from that by clinical examination and the combined examination (P<0.05). The study indicated a high incidence of C-shaped canal system in a Chinese population. The combination of microscopic and radiographic examination is an effective method in identifying the C-shaped root canal system.