Cadmium Activates Reactive Oxygen Species-dependent AKT/mTOR and Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathways in Neuronal Cells / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the role of Cd-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the apoptosis of neuronal cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neuronal cells (primary rat cerebral cortical neurons and PC12 cells) were incubated with or without Cd post-pretreatment with rapamycin (Rap) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and the activation of phosphoinositide 3'-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways were measured by western blotting or immunofluorescence assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling, including Akt, mTOR, p70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Rap, an mTOR inhibitor and NAC, a ROS scavenger, blocked Cd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling and apoptosis of neuronal cells. Furthermore, NAC blocked the decrease of B-cell lymphoma 2/Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bcl-2/Bax) ratio, release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cd-induced ROS generation activates Akt/mTOR and mitochondrial pathways, leading to apoptosis of neuronal cells. Our findings suggest that mTOR inhibitors or antioxidants have potential for preventing Cd-induced neurodegenerative diseases.</p>

Identification and characterization of enterovirus 71 isolated in Yunnan province / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Identification and characterization of eight enterovirus 71 samples isolated from Yunnan province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Collecting specimens from cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), samples were identificated by RT-PCR, isolated the virus with cells. The isolating virus passaged in vero cells, and the vpl genes sequencing. Immunization the mice with the virus, neutralization test and cross-protection test were conducted with those antisera.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>All samples were identified as EV71, and eight strains had cytopathic effect (CPE) in vero cells, some antisera titers were more than 1:10,000.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Eight strains of the virus grow well in vero cell, antiserum showed protection against EV71 A and C4 genotype.</p>