Caveolin-1 is involved in encephalomyocarditis virus replication in BHK-21 cells.

BACKGROUND: Encephalomyocarditis virus, member of Cardiovirus genus within Picornaviridae family, is an important pathogen that infects different domestic and wild animals. However, the molecular mechanism of its entry remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of EMCV infectivity in relation to endocytic pathway using BHK-21 cells. METHODS: The function of numerous cellular key factors implicated in the various endocytic mechanisms were systematically explored using chemical inhibitors. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) as well as the overexpression of dominant protein combined to virus infectivity assays, and confocal microscopy was used to examine EMCV infection in details. RESULTS: The results indicated that the EMCV entry into BHK-21 cells depends on caveolin, dynamin, and actin but not clathrin nor macropinocytosis pathways. The effects of overexpression and knockdown of caveolin-1, one components of the caveolae, was examined on EMCV infection. The results showed that EMCV infection was positive correlation with caveolin-1 expression. Confocal microscopy analysis and internalization assay showed that caveolin-1 is required at the early stage of EMCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Caveolin-1, dynamin, and actin-dependent endocytosis pathways are necessary for EMCV infection in vitro.

[Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Qingre Huashi Recipe on the Eradication Rate of Hp in Peptic Ulcer Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Yiqi Huoxue Qingre Huashi Recipe (YHQHR, a recipe capable of supplementing qi, activating blood, clearing heat, and dissipating dampness) on ulcer healing and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication rate in Hp positive peptic ulcer patients, and to explore coccoid Hp occurrence in the eradication. METHODS: Totally 80 Hp positive peptic ulcer patients were assigned to the treatment group and the control groups by random digit table, 40 in each group. All patients received standard triple therapy of Western medicine for 2 successive weeks. Those in the control group additionally took omeprazole enteric coated tablet, 20 mg each time, once per day for 4 successive weeks. Those in the treatment group additionally took YHQHR, twice per day for 6 successive weeks. The ulcer healing was observed and recorded by gastroscope after discontinued medication of 14 days. The effective rate of ulcer healing under endoscope was statistically calculated. Rapid urease test (RUT) was performed in one small piece of tissue from corpora ventriculi and sinuses ventriculi using 14C breathe test (UBT). Gastric juice was collected from the stomach. Hp urease gene amplification test (urea A-PCR) was performed in living tissue from gastric antrum. Results obtained from the above three test methods were recorded and assessed to decide the final eradiation rate. Gastric mucosa tissue was observed under electron microscope,attempting to find non-eradicated Hp, which was further observed. RESULTS: The total curative effect under gastroscope was 97.5% (39/40 cases) in the treatment group, obviously higher than that in the control group (80.0%, 32/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The eradication rate of Hp was 75.0% (30/40 cases), obviously better than that of the control group (52.5%, 21/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The total positive Hp numbers after treatment was 14C UBT (12), RUT (8), and urea A-PCR (27), respectively. The Hp positive rate detected by 14C UBT and RUT was lower than the Hp positive rate detected by urea A-PCR (P < 0.05). Rod-like and coccoid Hp bacteria could be observed under electron microscope. CONCLUSION: YHQHR combined standard triple therapy was more effective than standard triple therapy alone in promoting ulcer healing and elevating the eradication rate of Hp.