Compromised cerebrovascular reactivity in migraineurs with right-to-left shunts: a potential mechanism of white matter hyperintensities.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to explore the changes of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in migraineurs with right-to-left shunts (RLS), and further evaluate the association between CVR and the occurrence of the white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). METHODS: RLS was diagnosed based on a contrast enhancement transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) examination. The breath holding index (BHI), which represents CVR, was measured from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using a TCD with the breath-holding method. WMHs was defined as clearly hyperintense areas in 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All migraineurs underwent a standardized questionnaire for family and personal history and detailed migraine features. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-seven migraineurs and 100 controls were included in our study. The BHI was significantly lower in migraineurs than controls (0.527 ± 0.709 vs. 0.674 ± 0.489, P = 0.016). Moreover, migraineurs with RLS had lower BHI than those without RLS (0.504 ± 0.671 vs. 0.674 ± 0.721, p = 0.024). Migraineurs with WMHs had lower BHI than those without (0.47 ± 0.71 vs. 0.75 ± 0.49, p = 0.035). The reduced BHI was an independent influencing factor for WMHs in our study (OR = 0.338; 95% CI = 0.142-0.806, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that BHI was reduced in migraineurs, and the reduced BHI was associated with RLS. Moreover, the reduced CVR in migraineurs with RLS might be related to the occurrence of WMHs.

Induction of COX-2 by feline calicivirus via activation of the MEK1-ERK1/2 pathway, and attenuation of feline lung inflammation and injury by MEK1 inhibitor AZD6244 (selumetinib).

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is an important and highly prevalent pathogen of cats that causes acute infectious respiratory disease. Here it is shown in vitro that FCV induces the production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) through the MEK1-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Screening of FCV proteins revealed that FCV non-structural protein VPg enhanced COX-2 mRNA expression and protein production in CRFK cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Regions 24-54aa and 84-111aa in FCV VPg were essential for up-regulation. In vivo, COX-2 and IL-6 production caused by FCV infection of kittens was significantly suppressed by the MEK1 inhibitor AZD6244 (selumetinib) and lung inflammation and injury were practically eliminated, with body temperature being returned to normal. AZD6244 may therefore find application as an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of FCV infection.

[Cloning and Ion Transportation of Cryptosporidium andersoni ATP-binding Cassette 1 Gene].

Objective: To investigate the transportation of intracellular and extracellular K(+), Ca(2+), Na(+) and Mg(2+) under the function of Cryptosporidium andersoni ATP-binding cassette (CaABC) 1 gene. Methods: CaABC1 gene was amplified by PCR using specifically designed primers. The eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-C1-CaABC1 was constructed, and transfected into mouse intestinal epithelial cells via liposome transfection. The blank (with no transfection) and control groups (transfected with empty plasmid pEGFP-C1) were also set. Changes in intracellular and extracellular K(+), Ca(2+), Na(+) and Mg(2+) concentrations were examined by the ion concentration assay kit. Results: PCR amplification resulted in a 544 bp product. The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-C1-CaABC1 was successfully constructed. Green fluorescence was seen in the control and transfected groups, but not in the blank group. The concentrations of K(+), Ca(2+), Na(+) and Mg(2+) in intracellular fluid were （5.51 ± 0.51）, （1.98 ± 0.06）, （108.33 ± 1.33） and （0.93 ± 0.03） mmol/L in the blank group; （6.25 ± 0.70）, （1.90 ± 0.13）, （107.73 ± 1.79） and （0.87 ± 0.05） mmol/L in the control group; and （14.84 ± 0.90）, （3.40 ± 0.14）, （127.64 ± 1.49） and （1.72 ± 0.20） mmol/L in the transfected group. The concentrations of K+, Ca2+, Na+ and Mg2+ in extracellular fluid were （12.72 ± 0.83）, （3.72 ± 0.03）, （116.83 ± 1.04） and (2.02 ± 0.18) mmol/L in the blank group; （10.11 ± 0.90）, （3.58 ± 0.06）, （115.89 ± 1.86） and (1.71 ± 0.41) mmol/L in the control group; and （5.77 ± 0.21）, （1.29 ± 0.18）, （96.21 ± 1.19） and (0.64 ± 0.02) mmol/L in the transfected group. There were significant differences in K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations between the transfected group and the control group. Conclusion: CaABC1 participates in the transportation of K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+.

Cloning and Iron Transportation of Nucleotide Binding Domain of Cryptosporidium andersoni ATP-Binding Cassette (CaABC) Gene.

Cryptosporidium andersoni ATP-binding cassette (CaABC) is an important membrane protein involved in substrate transport across the membrane. In this research, the nucleotide binding domain (NBD) of CaABC gene was amplified by PCR, and the eukaryotic expression vector of pEGFP-C1-CaNBD was reconstructed. Then, the recombinant plasmid of pEGFP-C1-CaNBD was transformed into the mouse intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) to study the iron transportation function of CaABC. The results indicated that NBD region of CaABC gene can significantly elevate the transport efficiency of Ca(2+), Mg(2+), K(+), and HCO3 (-) in IECs (P<0.05). The significance of this study is to find the ATPase inhibitors for NBD region of CaABC gene and to inhibit ATP binding and nutrient transport of CaABC transporter. Thus, C. andersoni will be killed by inhibition of nutrient uptake. This will open up a new way for treatment of cryptosporidiosis.