ABSTRACT
The apoptosis of granulosa cells can result in follicular atresia, a key process in follicle selection and development. The related molecular mechanisms were explored to study the effects of liver receptor homolog-1 (Lrh-1) on apoptosis, sodium-titanium system, and steroid synthesis of granulosa cells from Hu sheep in vitro. After constructing, designing, and synthesizing the Lrh-1 overexpression vector, liposomes were used to transfect Hu sheep granulosa cells. Thereafter, qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mechanism of Lrh-1 on the titanium system and steroid synthesis of Hu sheep granulosa cells. The overexpression efficiency was determined by fluorescence 48 h after liposome transfection into the Hu sheep granulosa cells in vitro culture. The transfection efficiency was higher, hence providing a basis for subsequent experiments. However, the protein level and transcriptional level of Lrh-1 significantly increased after transfection with Lrh-1 overexpression vector in Hu sheep granulosa cells. We further revealed that after Lrh-1 overexpression in Hu sheep granulosa cells, the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax decreased significantly, while that of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 increased significantly, as well as the sodium peptide system. Moreover, the expression levels of natriuretic peptide precursor A, B, and C (NPPA, NPPB, NPPC) all showed an upward trend, while the expression levels of steroid synthesis-related genes (P450arom and P450scc) decreased. The above results showed that Lrh-1 overexpression influenced the apoptosis, sodium peptide system, and steroid synthesis.
Subject(s)
Follicular Atresia , Granulosa Cells , Animals , Apoptosis/genetics , Female , Granulosa Cells/metabolism , Hormones/metabolism , Liver , Sheep , Steroids/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with split hand/foot malformation (SHFM). METHODS: Genomic DNA of the proband and other affected members was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Chromosomal microarray analysis was employed to detect genome-wide copy number variations (CNVs). RESULTS: A 400 kb microduplication was identified in the 10q24.31-q24.32 region among all affected individuals. The microduplication has involved four genes, namely LBX1, BTRC, POLL and DPCD, in addition with part of FBXW4 gene. CONCLUSION: The 10q24.31-q24.32 microduplication has segregated with the disease phenotype in this pedigree and probably underlay the SHFM malformation in the patients.
Subject(s)
Chromosome Duplication , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 10/genetics , Foot Deformities, Congenital , Hand Deformities, Congenital , Limb Deformities, Congenital/genetics , Asian People , DNA Copy Number Variations , Foot Deformities, Congenital/genetics , Genetic Testing , Hand Deformities, Congenital/genetics , Humans , PedigreeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of self-formulated Xiaokang Zhongzi Recipe (XZR) in treating male infertility with positive antisperm antibody (AsAb). METHODS: One hundred and ten male infertility patients with positive AsAb were randomly assigned, according to randomized digital table, to the trial group treated with XZR, and the control group, treated with prednisone, 55 in each group. Clinical therapeutic effect and adverse reactions of the drugs were observed after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: In the trial group after treatment, 38 patients (69.1%) were cured, 14 (25.4%) improved and 3 treated in vain (5.5%, including 2 dropped out). While in the control group, the corresponding numbers were 12 (21.8%), 11 (20.0%) and 32 (58.2%, including 4 dropped out, 20 remained AsAb positive and 8 with AsAb reverted to positive after negative conversion). The negative conversion rate and average negative conversion time in the trial group and the control group were respectively 94.5%, (45 +/- 14) days and 41.8%, (62 +/- 21) days. Significant difference between the two groups was shown in therapeutic effectiveness and average negative conversion time (P < 0.01). Adverse reactions occurred in 3 cases (5.5%) in the trial group and 8 (14.5%) in the control group. CONCLUSION: XZR is better than prednisone in treating male infertility with positive AsAb, and with fewer and milder adverse reactions.
