Silk Sericin and Its Composite Materials with Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Wound Healing: A Review.

Wound infections may disrupt the normal wound-healing process. Large amounts of antibiotics are frequently used to prevent pathogenic infections; however, this can lead to resistance development. Biomaterials possessing antimicrobial properties have promising applications for reducing antibiotic usage and promoting wound healing. Silk sericin (SS) has been increasingly explored for skin wound healing applications owing to its excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and ultraviolet-resistant properties. In recent years, SS-based composite biomaterials with a broader antimicrobial spectrum have been extensively investigated and demonstrated favorable efficacy in promoting wound healing. This review summarizes various antimicrobial agents, including metal nanoparticles, natural extracts, and antibiotics, that have been incorporated into SS composites for wound healing and elucidates their mechanisms of action. It has been revealed that SS-based biomaterials can achieve sustained antimicrobial activity by slow-release-loaded antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial-loaded SS composites may promote wound healing through anti-infection, anti-inflammation, hemostasis, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. The manufacturing methods, benefits, and limitations of antimicrobial-loaded SS materials are briefly discussed. This review aims to enhance the understanding of new advances and directions in SS-based antimicrobial composites and guide future biomedical research.

[Health Risk Assessment and Priority Control Factors Analysis of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils Based on Source-oriented].

To analyze the source apportionment and health risk of heavy metals in agricultural soils of major producing areas of agricultural products in Chongqing, a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and health risk assessment (HRA) model based on Monte Carlo simulation were used. Meanwhile, both the PMF and HRA model were combined to explore health risks of heavy metals in agricultural soils by different pollution sources in order to determine the priority control factors. The results showed that the average values of Cd concentration were higher than its corresponding background value; the average values of Cr concentration were lower than its corresponding background value; and the average values of As, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn concentration were basically consistent with their corresponding background values. Using PMF model analysis, natural sources, industrial sources, and agricultural sources were identified as the determinants for the accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils, with the contribution rates of 35%, 24%, and 41%, respectively. Using the HRA model based on Monte Carlo simulation analysis, carcinogenic risks of adult and children were tolerable (1.00E-6 < TCR ≤ 1.00E-4), whereas non-carcinogenic risks were acceptable (HI ≤ 1). Oral ingestion was the main exposure pathway. The analysis results of the relationship among heavy metals, pollution sources, and health risks showed that industrial pollution and As were identified as priority control factors, and agricultural pollution and Cd were identified as secondary control factors. Our findings provide scientific support for decision makers to control soil pollution and reduce the management costs of soil pollution.

Advances of regenerated and functionalized silk biomaterials and application in skin wound healing.

The cocoon silk of silkworms (Bombyx mori) has multiple potential applications in biomedicine due to its good biocompatibility, mechanical properties, degradability, and plasticity. Numerous studies have confirmed that silk material dressings are more effective than traditional ones in the skin wound healing process. Silk material research has recently moved toward functionalized biomaterials and achieved remarkable results. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in functionalized silk materials and their efficacy in skin wound healing. In particular, transgenic technology has realized the specific expression of human growth factors in the silk glands of the silkworms, which lays the foundation for fabricating novel and low-cost functionalized materials. Without a green and safe preparation process, the best raw silk materials cannot be made into medically safe products. Therefore, we provide an overview of green and gentle approaches for silk degumming and silk sericin (SS) extraction. Moreover, we summarize and discuss the processing methods of silk fibroin (SF) and SS materials and their potential applications, such as burns, diabetic wounds, and other wounds. This review aims to enhance our understanding of new advances and directions in silk materials and guide future biomedical research.

[Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils Around the Gangue Heap of Coal Mine Based on Monte Carlo Simulation].

To analyze the pollution characteristics of heavy metals in the soil of farmland surrounding the gangue heap of a coal mine in Chongqing, the Nemerow, Muller, and Hakanson indices were used. Meanwhile, to investigate the health risks of heavy metals in soil, a health risk assessment model was employed using Monte Carlo simulation. The results revealed that the average contents of Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were higher than their soil background values, and the Muller index (Igeo) from high to low was as follows:Cd>Hg>Cu>As>Ni>Zn>Cr>Pb. The Nemerow index (PN) demonstrated that the results of the assessment indicated mainly light pollution (1Cu>Ni>Cr>Zn>As>Pb>Hg. The Hakanson index (RI) demonstrated that the results of the assessment indicated mainly moderate ecological risk (150 ≤ RI<300). The single ecological risk index (Eri) from high to low was as follows:Cd>Hg>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cr>Zn. The health risk assessment of heavy metals revealed that the non-carcinogenic health risks of children and adults could be ignored, but carcinogenic health risks existed, with an average total carcinogenic risk index (TCR) of 1.04E-5 and 3.94E-6, respectively. The major carcinogenic factors were As and Cd. Sensitivity analysis of non-carcinogenic health risks revealed that the ingestion rate of soil (Ringest) was the most sensitive, followed by the contents of As. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis of carcinogenic health risks indicated that the content of As was the most sensitive, followed by the ingestion rate of soil (Ringest). In general, the health risks of children, including non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, were higher than those of adults.

[Health Risk Assessment and Environmental Benchmark of Cadmium in Farmland Soils around the Gangue Heap of Coal Mine, Chongqing].

To analyze the health risk assessment and environmental benchmark of cadmium in farmland soils surrounding the gangue heap of a coal mine in Chongqing, Hakanson, the ecological risk index and health risk assessment were used. Meanwhile, the soil environmental reference value of the regional cultivated land was inverted based on the species sensitive distribution model (SSD). The results showed that the dryland soil was polluted by Cd, with an over-standard rate of 55.8%, and the paddy field soil was polluted by Cd, with an over-standard rate of 31.6%. The corn was polluted by Cd, with an over-standard rate of 4.4%, and the rice was not polluted by Cd. The Hakanson ecological risk index showed that Cd was mainly characterized in soils by high ecological risk and considerable ecological risk. The health risk assessment indicated that Cd presented low non-carcinogenic risk by corn and rice; however, it showed acceptable carcinogenic risk by corn and unacceptable carcinogenic risk by rice in this study. The sensitivity analysis of health risks showed that the content of Cd was the most sensitive. The SSD inversion showed that the reference values for Cd in dryland soil of pH ≤ 5.5, 5.57.5 had HC5 values of 0.491, 0.382, 0.376, and 0.588 mg·kg-1, respectively, and that for Cd in paddy soil had an HC5 value of 0.807 mg·kg-1. The reverse analysis showed that the HC5 of Cd in dryland soil (pH ≤ 7.5) and paddy soil was relatively relaxed and was higher than the soil risk screening values, which showed that the current standard was relatively loose. However, the HC5 of Cd in dryland soil (pH>7.5) was lower than the soil risk screening values, which showed that the current standard was relatively strict. It is suggested that the current soil standard could be adjusted in this area.

[Effect of moxibustion on colonic mucosal injury and expression of CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on distal, middle and proximal colonic mucosal injury and expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice at different time points. METHODS: A total of 51 C57BL/6N mice were randomized into a 7-day control group (n=8), a 7-day model group (n=7), a 7-day moxibustion group (n=7), a 14-day control group (n=6), a 14-day model group (n=14) and a 14-day moxibustion group (n=9). In the model groups and the moxibustion groups, 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was given for 7-day free drinking to establish the UC model. Three days into modeling, moxibustion was applied at "Zusanli" (ST 36) in the 7-day moxibustion group and the 14-day moxibustion group, once a day, 10 min a time for 5 days and 12 days respectively. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue, the percentages of distal, middle and proximal colonic mucosal injury were calculated. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detected the expressions of positive nerve fibers of distal, middle and proximal colonic mucosa and CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa. RESULTS: Mucosal injury can be observed in mice after modeling, displaying epithelial layer disappearance, abnormal crypt structure or crypt disappearance. Compared with the 7-day control group, colon length was shortened (P<0.001), percentages of overall, distal, middle colonic mucosal injury were increased (P<0.001), the expressions of positive nerve fibers of distal, middle and proximal colonic mucosa and CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa were increased (P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.01) in the 7-day model group. Compared with the 7-day model group, the expressions of positive nerve fibers of middle and distal colonic mucosa and CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa were decreased in the 7-day moxibustion group (P<0.05). Compared with the 14-day control group, the colon length was shortened (P<0.01), percentage of overall colonic mucosal injury was increased (P<0.001) in the 14-day model group. Compared with the 14-day model group, colon length was lengthened (P<0.05), percentage of overall colonic mucosal injury was decreased (P<0.05) in the 14-day moxibustion group. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) can reduce the expressions of positive nerve fibers of colonic mucosa and CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa, thus, improve the colonic mucosal injury.

Knockdown of TNF­α alleviates acute lung injury in rats with intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury by upregulating IL­10 expression.

Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (II/R) injury often triggers severe injury in remote organs, with the lungs being considered the main target. Excessive elevation of proinflammatory cytokines is a major contributor in the occurrence and development of II/R­induced acute lung injury (ALI). Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether blocking tumor necrosis factor­α (TNF­α) expression could protect the lungs from injury following II/R, and to explore the possible underlying mechanism involving interleukin­10 (IL­10). Briefly, II/R was induced in rats by 40 min occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery, followed by 8, 16 or 24 h of reperfusion. Subsequently, lentiviral vectors containing TNF­α short hairpin (sh)RNA were injected into the right lung tissues, in order to induce TNF­α knockdown. The severity of ALI was determined according to lung injury scores and lung edema (lung wet/dry weight ratio). The expression levels of TNF­α were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. IL­10 expression, in response to TNF­α knockdown, was detected in lung tissues by qPCR and IF. The results detected marked inflammatory responses, and increased levels of lung wet/dry weight ratio and TNF­α expression, in the lungs of II/R rats. Conversely, treatment with TNF­α shRNA significantly alleviated the severity of ALI and upregulated the expression levels of IL­10 in lung tissues. These findings suggested that TNF­α RNA interference may exert a protective effect on II/R­induced ALI via the upregulation of IL­10. Therefore, TNF­α knockdown may be considered a potential strategy for the prevention or treatment of ALI induced by II/R in future clinical trials.

HNA-3a and HNA-3b antigens among 9 ethnic populations and the Han population in Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Human neutrophil antigen 3 (HNA-3) is encoded by the SLC44A2 gene. Antibodies against HNAs can cause severe, often fatal, transfusion reactions, known as transfusion-related acute lung injury, and neonatal neutropenia. We explored the 2 common HNA-3 variants in 9 ethnic populations residing in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces of China as compared to the Han population. METHODS: We genotyped for SLC44A2 (rs2288904) by polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing among blood donors, for a total of 2206 individuals in Yunnan and 376 in Sichuan. RESULTS: The SLC44A2*02 allele (HNA-3b antigen) frequency varied between 0.24 and 0.33 for all 9 ethnic populations in Yunnan, including Zhuang, Derung, Hani, Lisu, Bai, Miao, Dai, Naxi, and Yi. Specifically, the Yi ethnicity did not present an unusually great SLC44A2*02 frequency at any of the 4 locations examined in Yunnan. Except of the Yi ethnicity in Sichuan (0.40), the Han ethnicity, as the majority population group, had the greatest SLC44A2*02 frequency with 0.39 in Yunnan and 0.35 in Sichuan. CONCLUSION: The ethnic populations in Southwest China are not at an increased risk for anti-HNA3a compared to the Han population, with the possible exception of Yi in Sichuan. Our data, however, corroborated the known high prevalence of SLC44A2*02 in Han populations. Hence, the Han populations in Yunnan, Sichuan and elsewhere in China are at a comparatively great risk for developing HNA-3a antibodies.

A prognostic evaluation and management of alcoholic hepatitis.

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is an acute and severe form of alco1holic liver disease associated with high morbidity and mortality of 30-50% worldwide, severity ranging from asymptomatic derangement of liver biochemistries to fulminant liver failure or death. Rapidly progressing jaundice and coagulopathy in prolonged excessive alcohol abusers with or without fever, malnutrition, and tender liver are the clinical hallmarks. The prognostic models (Model for end-stage liver disease, Maddrey's discriminant function [MDF], age, serum bilirubin, INR, creatinine [ABIC], Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score [GAHS], Lille's Score) not only predict the short term mortality, but also guide the clinicians to choose appropriate specific therapy (corticosteroid or pentoxifylline) and as a stopping rule if there is no significant benefits of it. MDF Score is commonly followed in clinical practice, score of >32 would predict short term mortality of around 20-30% at 1 month and 30-40% within 6 months after presentation. The GAHS on day 1 can predict 28 day overall survival outcome accuracy of 81%, which is comparatively higher than MDF Score. Moreover, ABIC Score categorizes risk of deaths (based on 90 days) into low risks (0%), intermediate risk (30%), and high risk (75%). Corticosteroid and pentoxifylline have significant benefits in decreasing mortality (corticosteroid improves survival on 28 day and 84 day of 78% and 59%) in severe disease state (MDF >32 or Lille's Score >0.45 or GAHS >9). Corticosteroid is the initial treatment of choice with infections screening before initiating; however, pentoxifylline is better preferred in case of AH with severe infections and hepatorenal syndrome. Additionally, combination of corticosteroids and N-acetylcysteine decreases development of hepatorenal syndrome, infections, and short-term mortality. However, the Lille Score after corticosteroid therapy of >0.45 after day 7 indicates poor responders or >0.56 indicates null responders. Therefore, in these cases, either therapy has to be stopped or changed to pentoxifylline. In treatment failure cases, liver transplantation is the ultimate option. However, the facilitating of this service in most transplant centers is a challenge. Beside these specific therapies, alcohol abstinence and recommendation of nutritional supplements with high calorie, protein diet and vitamin E, C, thiamine regardless of other treatment plays a prime role in preventing disease progression and survival benefits even in pre and post-transplant cases.

Aldosterone and TGF-ß1 synergistically increase PAI-1 expression in hepatic stellate cells of rats.

OBJECTIVE: Aldosterone is related to the fibrosis of several organs, but the specific mechanism underlying the aldosterone induced hepatic fibrosis is still unclear. METHODS: Separation, culture and identification of primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs): The fluids and digestives used in the present study were able to completely remove blood cells, digest hepatocytes and matrix, and effectively separate HSCs. The in situ perfusion was performed at 2 steps: in situ perfusion with pre-perfusion fluid and ex vivo perfusion with enzyme-containing perfusion fluid. Influence of Ald on PAI-1 and Smad expressions in HSCs: cells were divided into control group, Ald group (10(-6) M), spironolactone (SPI) group and Ald+SPI group, and the mRNA and protein expressions of PAI-1 and Smad were detected. Ald induced type I collagen expression in HSCs: Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect type I collagen expression in the supernatant of control group, Ald group (10(-6) M), TGF-ß1 group, and Ald+TGF-ß1 group. Influence of Ald and TGF-ß1 on PAI-1 expression in HSCs: cells were divided into control group, Ald group (10(-6) M), TGF-ß1 group, and Ald+TGF-ß1 group, and the mRNA and protein expressions of PAI-1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot assay, respectively. Synergistic effect of Ald and TGF-ß1 on PAI-1 expression in HSCs: cells were divided into control group, Ald group (10(-6)), TGF-ß1 group, Ald (10(-6) M)+TGF-ß1 group, Ald (10(-7) M)+TGF-ß1 group and Ald (10(-8) M)+TGF-ß1 group, and the mRNA and protein expressions of PAI-1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assay, respectively. RESULTS: The survival rate, purity, markers and activation of HSCs were determined after separation. Influence of Ald on PAI-1 expression in HSCs: PAI-1 expression increased in HSCs of Ald group, SPI group and Ald+API group, and the PAI-1 expression in Ald group and Ald+SPI group was significantly higher than in control group (P<0.01). Influence of Ald on Smad expression in HSCs: Smad expression in Ald group, TGF-ß1 group and ALD+TGF-ß1 group was markedly higher than in control group (P<0.05). Smad expression in ALD+TGF-ß1 group increased significantly when compared with Ald group (P<0.01). Ald induced type I collagen expression in HSCs: type I collagen expression in Ald group, TGF-ß1 group and ALd+TGF-ß1 group was dramatically higher than in control group (P<0.05), and it in ALd+TGF-ß1 group was also significantly different from that in Ald group and TGF-ß1 group (P<0.01). Synergistic effects of Ald and TGF-ß1 on PAI expression in HSCs: PAI-1 expression in treated cells was markedly higher than in control group (P<0.01). PAI-1 expression in 10(-6) M Ald+5 ng/ml TGF-ß1 group increased dramatically as compared to Ald group and TGF-ß1 group (P<0.01), but the increased PAI-1 expression reduced after SPI treatment. Ald at different concentrations exerts synergistic effect with TGF-ß1 to increase PAI-1 expression in HSCs: PAI-1 expression in HSCs after different treatments increased markedly as compared to control group (P<0.01). Significant difference in PAI-1 expression was observed in 10(-6) M Ald+50 pg/ml TGF-ß1 group and 10(-6) M Ald group (P<0.01), PAI-1 expression in 10(-7) M Ald+50 pg/ml TGF-ß1 group was significantly higher than in 50 pg/ml TGF-ß1 group (P<0.01), but the PAI-1 expression in 10(-7) M Ald+50 pg/ml TGF-ß1 group was similar to that in 10(-6) M Ald group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Aldosterone is able to activate HSCs and increase PAI-1 expression during hepatic fibrosis, which may be inhibited by spironolactone. Aldosterone and TGF-ß1 may synergistically act on HSCs to increase PAI-1 expression as compared to treatment with aldosterone or TGF-ß1 alone. Aldosterone or TGF-ß1 alone may slightly increase PAI-1 expression in HSCs, which can be inhibited by spironolactone.

Relevance of plasma malondialdehyde level and severity of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertension is one of the death reasons for the liver cirrhosis patients. The oxidative stress is related to the occurrence and development of portal hypertension in cirrhosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), one of the lipid peroxides, increases substantially in cirrhotic patients. AIMS: To evaluate the relevance between the MDA level and portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: 60 liver cirrhotic patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. The plasma MDA level and general blood tests including ALT, AST, ALB, total bilirubin, and platelet were measured. All people enrolled accepted endoscopic examination and B-Ultrasound check to evaluate the severity of portal hypertension. RESULTS: The MDA plasma level of cirrhotic patients was significantly higher than the controls (P<0.001) and increased significantly accompanied by the severity of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension (P<0.01). Further, the plasma MDA level of cirrhotic patients was significantly correlated with Child-Pugh classification of cirrhosis (r=0.820, P<0.001), the degree of esophageal varices (r=0.857, P<0.001) and the width of portal vein (r=0.652, P<0.001). The ROC curve analyses showed that the plasma MDA level is a strong predictor of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma MDA level may correlate with the severity of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

Antiproliferative effect of echinacoside on rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells under hypoxia.

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of echinacoside (ECH) on hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and the underlying mechanism. PASMCs were incubated under normoxia (nor), hypoxia (hyp), hypoxia + 0.35 mM ECH (hyp + ECH0.35), or hypoxia + 0.4 mM ECH (hyp + ECH0.4) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by MTS assays. The morphology of apoptosis was observed by DAPI staining, and apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometric analysis. Caspase-3 activity was determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, and the expressions of HIF-1α, Bax, Bcl-2, and Fas were determined by real-time PCR. Hypoxia induced significant proliferation of PASMCs, which could be inhibited by ECH in a concentration-dependent manner. This was associated with apoptosis of PASMCs. Z-DEVD-FMK could partly reduce the suppression effect of ECH; protein and gene expression of caspase-3 were significantly higher in the hyp + ECH0.4 and hyp + ECH0.35 groups. ECH significantly increased the expressions of Bax and Fas, but decreased the expressions of Bcl-2 and HIF-1α. ECH could inhibit hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat PASMCs, which is associated with apoptosis of PASMCs and improvement of hypoxia. ECH might be a potential agent for prevention and treatment of hypoxia-induced PAH.

Inhibitory effect of bone morphogenetic protein-7 on hepatic fibrosis in rats.

AIM: Hepatic cirrhosis is a serious clinical problem caused by the accumulation of extracellular matrix, which can ultimately progress into hepatic failure. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1) plays a pivotal role in extracellular matrix production. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), as a member of the TGF-ß1 superfamily, has been well proved to be capable of reversing renal fibrosis in mice. In this study, we aim to investigate the potential effect of BMP-7 on hepatic fibrosis in rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. In the hepatic fibrosis model group (n=8), rats was treated with porcine serum at 0.5 ml each time, twice a week. In the negative control group (n=10), rats were intraperitoneally injected with equal amount and frequency saline. Rats were injected with BMP-7 (100 µg/kg weight) before porcine serum intraperitoneal injection in the preventive group (n=9). For the early (n=10) and late (n=8) treatment group, rats were received with BMP-7 (100 µg/kg weight) every other day since the second and fourth week respectively after porcine serum injection. After eight weeks, the degree of liver fibrosis in rats was evaluated and the expression of TGF-ß1 in liver tissues was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The grade of hepatic fibrosis was significant attenuated by BMP-7 prevention and treatment compared with the rats in negative control group (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of TGF-ß1 greatly decreased in the BMP-7 preventive and treatment groups detected by both Western blot and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: BMP-7 can attenuate and even prevent the level of hepatic fibrosis in rats through inhibiting the expression of TGF-ß1 in the liver fibrotic tissues. Therefore, it may be a potential clinical drug for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Meta-analysis of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) undergo various therapies, including antibiotic therapy. This meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials was conducted to evaluate whether the use of antibacterial therapy improves the clinical symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Medline and Scopus databases were searched and a systematic review was performed. Randomized, controlled trials in which antibiotic therapy was compared with placebo were investigated. A total of 10 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials for CD were included in the meta-analysis. The pooling of the data from these trials yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 1.35 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16-1.58] for antibiotic therapy compared with placebo in patients with CD. Furthermore, nine randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials for UC matched our criteria and were included in the analysis. The pooling of the data from these trials yielded an OR of 2.17 (95% CI, 1.54-3.05) in favor of antibiotic therapy. These results suggest that antibiotics improve clinical outcomes in patients with IBD.

[Constrution of human single herpes virus carried BDNF gene vector and its bioactivity evaluation].

OBJECTIVE: To construct the recombinant vector of human single herpes virus (HSV) carried brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. METHODS: BDNF gene was acquired from rat brain tissue by RT-PCR, then was cloned into plasmid, and enveloped by HSV. The recombinant was used to transfer cultured cortical neurons. The number and neurite length of neurons were quantified. The BDNF level and subcellular localization were detected by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: HSV carried BDNF gene recombinant has been successfully constructed. The recombinant showed the bioactivity on the growth of cortical neurons. BDNF level was increased significantly in BDNF transferred group. CONCLUSION: HSV carried BDNF gene recombinant, with the bioactivity, has been successfully constructed. This could provide the vector for the treatment of BDNF under disease condition base on transferring gene technique.

[Expression changes of BDNF in lung of rats subjected to brain ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in lung injury induced by brain ischemia in rats. METHODS: 46 adult SD rats were assigned randomly to sham operation group and brain ischemia lung injury group (BILI, n = 23 in each group). Rats were subjected brain ischemia and allowed to survived 3 d. After performed neurological functional severe deficit evaluation, lung edema was observed (n=5). The BDNF expression for its mRNA and protein in lung tissues was determined by using ELISA (n=5) and RT-PCR technique (n=8). The localization of BDNF was also determined by immunohistochemistry (n=5). RESULTS: After brain ischemia for 3 days, the severe neurological functional deficit and edema in lung were seen. BDNF was located in cytoplasma of smooth muscle and epithial cells in the lung. The level of BDNF mRNA (indicated by RT-PCR) and the protein level (indicated by ELISA) were all upregulated at 3 days after brain ischemia (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Lung edema occurred after brain ischemia in rats is concomitant with BDNF expression, which consists of the mechanism involved lung injury induced by brain ischemia.

[Expression changes of MEK in lung of rats subjected to brain ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression changes of mitogen extracellular kinase (MEK) in injured lung after brain ischemia in rats. METHODS: Adult SD rats were assigned randomly to sham operation group and brain ischemia lung injury (BILI) group. Rats in BILI group were subjected brain ischemia and allowed to survived 3 d. Pathalogical changes in lung were indicated by HE staining. The MEK expression was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot technique. RESULTS: After brain ischemia, the bulk of inflammatory cells invaded into lung were observed. Upregulated level of MEK mRNA and protein were found at 3 days after ischemia (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The upregulated expression of MEK implied that the MEK may play some roles in lung injury after brain ischemia.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of oxoindolin-3-ylidene ethyl benzothiohydrazides as non-peptide TPO mimics.

A novel series of oxoindolin-3-ylidene ethyl benzohydrazides were designed, synthesized, and identified as small molecule agonists of thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor c-mpl. Sulfur-oxygen exchange in oxoindolin-3-ylidene ethyl benzohydrazides was found to improve their agonistic activities. Several oxoindolin-3-ylidene ethyl benzothiohydrazides have been identified as full agonists of c-mpl.

[Changes of proteomics in the injured lung of adult rats subjected to acrolein inhalation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the proteomics change in injured lung tissues of adult rats subjected to acrolein inhalation for 6 weeks. METHODS: Two-dimensional electrophoresis was used to define the change of proteomic expresses and mass spectrometry was applied to identify the amino acid sequence in differential expressional proteins in lung tissues between acrolein inhalation group and saline control group. RESULTS: A total of 545 protein spots were found in the lung tissues tested. Of the 545 proteins, 7 differentially expressed proteins were detected in acrolein inhalation group as compared with saline control group. Among them, tyrosine 3/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, poly(A)-binding protein, presented a marked upregulation, while 2601 and 2603 vimentin, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, and chloride intracellular channel 3 showed a marked downregulation. CONCLUSION: This study provides the crucial evidence that differential expressional proteins may underline the machenism of lung injury after acrolein inhalation in adult rats.

[Changes of proteomics in the lung of rats subjected to acrolein inhalation after enalapril administration].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular mechanism of enalapril on rat chronic bronchopneumonia model with proteomics method. METHODS: Enalapril treatment applied to the recovery of chronic bronchopneumonia in rats, after enalapril administration, two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were performed to analyze the difference of the peptide finger print map and amino acid sequence of rat lung tissues in acrolein inhalation group and enalapril treatment group. RESULTS: Three differential protein spots from average 545 protein spots were found in lung tissues of two groups. These protein spots were identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, T-kininogen 1 precursor and dihydropyrimidinase-like 2 with mass spectrometry. The significant upregulation in the level of dihydropyrimidinase-like 2, downregulation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and the lose of T-kininogen 1 precursor in enalapril treatment group were observed. CONCLUSION: The expression difference in three proteins might contribute to the preventive role of enalapril on acrolein inhalation induced rat chronic bronchopneumonia.