ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Several genetic factors underlying ischemic stroke have been identified. Variants of Neuropeptide Y (NPY), whose product plays diverse roles in modulating physiological functions, have been associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in South Korean individuals. AIMS: We explored the association between a polymorphism in the NPY gene promoter at position -399 and the risk of ischemic stroke in Han Chinese. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: The polymorphism -399T/C in the promoter of NPY was analysed in 500 patients with ischemic stroke and 500 healthy individuals by amplification and sequencing of this region. Non-conditional logistic regression was used to analyse association between genotypes and the risk of ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Genotype and allele frequencies differed significantly between the ischemic stroke and control groups (P<0.05). Additionally, compared to stroke patients with the TT genotype, those with the CC genotype had a 1.7-times higher risk of ischemic stroke (OR=1.739, 95%CI=1.201-2.520, P=0.003), especially for those who were over 60 years old or male. Individuals with the TC genotype did not have an increased risk of ischemic stroke (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The -399T/C polymorphism of the NPY gene is associated with ischemic stroke in Han Chinese individuals, and the CC genotype may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
ABSTRACT
Molecularly engineered superlattice hybrids consisting of periodic and alternating cores of porphyrin molecules separated by nanoscale silica walls were synthesized through a one-step organic-inorganic hierarchical self-assembly approach. The self-assembly process not only could lock both porphyrin and inorganic building blocks into ordered 3D nanostructure but also could allow for the molecular-level controllable organization of porphyrin molecules in the central regions of the silica pore channels, which leads to the formation of porphyrin core-silica wall superlattice hybrids with molecular-scale and mesoscale ordering. It was demonstrated that both the mesostructure and morphology of the hybrids can be finely tailored by turning the cooperative self-assembly process. It is significant that the hybrids show self-assembled optical properties consistent with the orientational arrangement of the porphyrins within periodic nanoscale silica channels. The methodology introduced herein demonstrates high versatility with respect to the self-assembly of optical active macrocycles into highly ordered superlattice hybrid architectures.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Excessive aluminum (Al) exposure impairs neurocognitive function in humans and animals. Epidemiologic studies have shown a potential linkage between chronic Al exposure and Alzheimer's disease. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside (TSG), the extract from herbal medicine Polygoni Multiflori, on cognitive impairment and the over-expression of hippocampal amyloid precursor protein (APP) induced by chronic exposure to Al in rats. METHODS: Rats were treated with 0.3% aluminum chloride (AlCl3) prepared in the drinking water for 90 d. AlCl3-treated animals were then randomly assigned to receive vehicle, TSG (4 g/kg), or Vitamin E (VE; 40 mg/kg) treatment for 5 months. VE served as a positive control. The effect of TSG was evaluated by passive avoidance task, and APP expression was evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: Following exposure to AlCl3 for 90 d, animals displayed a striking decrease (> 80%) in step-through latency in the passive avoidance task and a significant increase in the expression of APP in the hippocampus. Both TSG and VE significantly ameliorated the performance impairment in the passive avoidance task, and suppressed the over-expression of APP. Moreover, the effects of TSG, but not of VE, were in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: TSG may possess therapeutic effects against Alzheimer's disease.
