CircRNA SEC24A promotes osteoarthritis through miR-107-5p/CASP3 axis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequently diagnosed chronic joint disease. CircSEC24A is significantly elevated in OA chondrocytes upon IL-1ß stimulation. However, its biological function in OA is still not fully understood. Methods: The circRNAs-miRNA-mRNA network was predicted by bioinformatics analysis. An in vitro OA chondrocytes model was established by IL-1ß stimulation. The expression of circSEC24A, miR-107-5p, CASP3, apoptosis-related molecules and extracellular matrix (ECM) components were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR. MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining were employed to monitor cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. The interaction between circSEC24A and miR-107-5p, as well as the binding between miR-107-5p and CASP3 3' UTR were detected by luciferase reporter and RIP assays. Cytokine secretion was monitored by ELISA assay. The role of circSEC24A was also explored in anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rat models. Results: CircSEC24A and CASP3 were increased, but miR-107-5p was decreased in rat OA cartilage tissues and OA chondrocytes. CircSEC24A acted as a sponge of miR-107-5p. Knockdown of circSEC24A promoted chondrocyte proliferation, but suppressed chondrocyte apoptosis, ECM degradation and inflammation via sponging miR-107-5p. CASP3 was identified as a miR-107-5p target gene. MiR-107-5p mimics protected against OA progression via targeting CASP3. Silencing of circSEC24A alleviated OA progression in ACLT model. Conclusion: CircSEC24A promotes OA progression through miR-107-5p/CASP3 axis.

Expression and significance of lncRNA SNHG25 in prostate cancer based on the TCGA database / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the expression of lncRNA SNHG25 in prostate cancer and its significance, so as to explore the biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. 【Methods】 Based on the TCGA database, differential, survival, and clinical correlation analyses of SNHG25 were performed.SNHG25 expression in prostate cancer was analyzed in the UALCAN database to determine its relationship with the clinical and pathological characteristics.The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA correlation analysis was performed.The relevant ceRNA regulatory network was constructed.Prostate cancer samples were divided into high and low SNHG25 expression groups, and differential SNHG25 related genes were filtered and then enriched. 【Results】 SNHG25 expression was significantly upregulated in prostate cancer specimens compared to normal prostate specimens (P0.05).Regulatory networks of SNHG25/miR-330-3p/DLX1 and RPL22L1 were constructed. 【Conclusion】 SNHG25 is highly expressed in prostate cancer tissues and correlated with poor prognosis.SNHG25 expression does not significantly correlate with age, T-stage, N-stage, and Gleason score.SNHG25/miR-330-3p/DLX1 and RPL22L1 regulatory networks may play an important role in the development of prostate cancer.SNHG25 may become a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Autologous Airway Basal Cell Transplantation Alleviates Airway Epithelium Defect in Recurrent Benign Tracheal Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Airway epithelium defects are a hallmark of recurrent benign tracheal stenosis (RBTS). Reconstructing an intact airway epithelium is of great importance in airway homeostasis and epithelial wound healing and has great potential for treating tracheal stenosis. METHODS: An experimental study was conducted in canines to explore the therapeutic effect of autologous basal cell transplantation in restoring airway homeostasis. First, airway mucosae from human patients with recurrent tracheal stenosis were analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Canines were then randomly divided into tracheal stenosis, Stent, Stent + Cells, and Stent + Cells + Biogel groups. Autologous airway basal cells of canines in the Stent + Cells and Stent + Cells + Biogel groups were transplanted onto the stenotic airway after modeling. A biogel was coated on the airway prior to basal cell transplantation in the Stent + Cells + Biogel group. After bronchoscopic treatments, canines were followed up for 16 weeks. RESULTS: Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated packed airway basal cells and an absence of normal airway epithelial cells in patients with RBTS. Autologous airway basal cell transplantation, together with biogel coating, was successfully performed in the canine model. Follow-up observation indicated that survival time in the Stent + Cells + Biogel group was significantly prolonged, with a higher (100%) survival rate compared with the other groups. In terms of pathological and bronchoscopic findings, canines that received autologous basal cell transplantation showed a reduction in granulation hyperplasia as well as airway re-epithelialization with functionally mature epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous airway basal cell transplantation might serve as a novel regenerative therapy for airway re-epithelialization and inhibit recurrent granulation hyperplasia in benign tracheal stenosis.

Mechanical stretch promotes apoptosis and impedes ciliogenesis of primary human airway basal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Airway basal stem cells (ABSCs) have self-renewal and differentiation abilities. Although an abnormal mechanical environment related to chronic airway disease (CAD) can cause ABSC dysfunction, it remains unclear how mechanical stretch regulates the behavior and structure of ABSCs. Here, we explored the effect of mechanical stretch on primary human ABSCs. METHODS: Primary human ABSCs were isolated from healthy volunteers. A Flexcell FX-5000 Tension system was used to mimic the pathological airway mechanical stretch conditions of patients with CAD. ABSCs were stretched for 12, 24, or 48 h with 20% elongation. We first performed bulk RNA sequencing to identify the most predominantly changed genes and pathways. Next, apoptosis of stretched ABSCs was detected with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and a caspase 3 activity assay. Proliferation of stretched ABSCs was assessed by measuring MKI67 mRNA expression and cell cycle dynamics. Immunofluorescence and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to demonstrate the differentiation state of ABSCs at the air-liquid interface. RESULTS: Compared with unstretched control cells, apoptosis and caspase 3 activation of ABSCs stretched for 48 h were significantly increased (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001, respectively), and MKI67 mRNA levels were decreased (p < 0.0001). In addition, a significant increase in the G0/G1 population (20.2%, p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in S-phase cells (21.1%, p < 0.0001) were observed. The ratio of Krt5+ ABSCs was significantly higher (32.38% vs. 48.71%, p = 0.0037) following stretching, while the ratio of Ac-tub+ cells was significantly lower (37.64% vs. 21.29%, p < 0.001). Moreover, compared with the control, the expression of NKX2-1 was upregulated significantly after stretching (14.06% vs. 39.51%, p < 0.0001). RNA sequencing showed 285 differentially expressed genes, among which 140 were upregulated and 145 were downregulated, revealing that DDIAS, BIRC5, TGFBI, and NKX2-1 may be involved in the function of primary human ABSCs during mechanical stretch. There was no apparent difference between stretching ABSCs for 24 and 48 h compared with the control. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological stretching induces apoptosis of ABSCs, inhibits their proliferation, and disrupts cilia cell differentiation. These features may be related to abnormal regeneration and repair observed after airway epithelium injury in patients with CAD.

Inhibition of PTPN21 has antitumor effects in glioma by restraining the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 21 (PTPN21) has been recognised as a new tumour-associated protein that is implicated in diverse tumours. However, the correlation between PTPN21 and glioma remains unaddressed. This investigation focused on the relevance of PTPN21 in glioma. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis identified PTPN21 as being up-regulated in glioma tissue. The elevation of PTP21 in glioma was validated by evaluating clinical specimen. Kaplan-Meier plot analysis revealed that a high PTPN21 level predicted poor survival rate in glioma patient. Silencing of PTPN21 produced remarkable anticancer effects in glioma cells including proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest, metastasis suppression and enhanced chemosensitivity. Mechanistic studies uncovered that PTPN21 contributes to mediation of the phosphatidyl-inositole-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway via the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Restraint of EGFR diminished PTPN21 overexpression-induced promoting effect on PI3K/AKT pathway. Reactivation of AKT reversed PTPN21 silencing-evoked antitumor effect. The tumorigenic potential of PTPN21-silenced glioma cells in vivo was markedly compromised. In summary, this study demonstrates that silencing of PTPN21 produces remarkable anticancer effects in glioma by restraining the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway.

A novel non-invasive identification of genome editing mutants from insect exuviae.

With the wide application of genome editing in insects, a simple and efficient identification method is urgently needed to meet the increasing demand for mutation detection. Here, taking migratory locusts as a model system, we developed a non-invasive method to accurately identify genome-edited mutants by using DNA from insect exuviae. We compared the quantity and quality of genomic DNA from exuviae in five instar hoppers and found that the 1st instar exuviae had the highest DNA yield and content, while the 3rd instar exuviae had the best quality. Consensus genotypes were identified from genomic DNA of hoppers at different developmental stages in the same individuals. Moreover, we demonstrated that the amplification products from DNA extracted from locust exuviae are the consensus sequences with those from the hemolymph and foreleg pre-tarsus. Therefore, non-invasive samples provide the same genotyping results as minimally invasive and invasive samples of the same individuals. Furthermore, this identification method that uses genomic DNA from exuviae can be used for early screening of positive genome-edited individuals in each generation for adult crossing. In our study, the non-invasive identification method was not only simpler and provided results earlier than existing methods, but also had a better reproducibility and accuracy. This non-invasive identification approach using genomic DNA from exuviae can be adapted to meet the growing demand for genetic analysis and will find wide application in insect genome editing research.

Osteomodulin (OMD) as A Potential Prognostic Marker of GastricCancer and A New Immunotherapy Target / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Preoperative detection of biomarkers that can predict postoperative survival of gastric cancer patients has important implications for surgical procedures, postoperative chemoradiotherapy and followup. Using multi-center cancer database and online analysis and verifying by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, we found that Osteomodulin (OMD) was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues (P =0. 015) and could affect the survival of gastric cancer patients (P < 0. 001) and can be detected preoperatively to evaluate the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The mRNA expression of OMD was significantly correlated with age (P = 0. 034), Lauren typing (P < 0. 001) and clinical stage (P =0. 001) of gastric cancer patients. It also associated with a variety of immune cells (dendritic cellsresting, eosinophils) and the immune checkpoint regulator ENTPD1 (rho = 0. 634, P < 0. 001) and chemokine CXCL12 (rho = 0. 625, P < 0. 001), which affects the occurrence and development of gastriccancer through the immune microenvironment. Therefore, OMD may become a clinically feasible prognostic biomarker of gastric cancer and a new target for immunotherapy.

ceRNA regulatory network of FIH inhibitor as a radioprotector for gastrointestinal toxicity by activating the HIF-1 pathway.

Given the relentless renewal ability of intestinal crypt-base stem cells, small intestine in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is more vulnerable to radiation-induced disruption. Through promoting epithelial integrity and reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) have been proved to exhibit radioprotective effects in the GI tract. Therefore, enhancing stability or transcriptional activity of HIFs might be a therapeutic strategy for developing radioprotectors. Factor inhibiting HIF (FIH or HIF-1AN) can hamper transcriptional capacity of HIF-1α via interacting with Asn803 in its C-terminal domain. Previously, we discovered promoting HIF-1α transcriptional activity in vitro by FIH inhibitor-N-oxalyl-D-phenylalanine (NOFD) exerts radioprotection on cells. However, the radioprotective effect of FIH inhibitor on the GI tract and its competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network from the FIH/HIF axis has never been addressed. Here we verified radioprotection of NOFD for the GI tract by an animal model and performed whole-transcriptome analysis to fully elucidate the radioprotective mechanism from the FIH/HIF axis against GI syndrome. We identified two novel circular RNAs (circRNAs) (circRNA_2909 and circRNA_0323) and two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) (NONMMUT140549.1 and NONMMUT148249.1) that promote expression of HIF1A and NOS2 in the HIF-1 pathway by sponging microRNAs (miRNAs), especially mmu-miR-92a-1-5p. The de-repression of HIF-1α transcriptional capacity by inhibiting FIH proteomic activity suggests a new therapeutic strategy in alleviating radiation-induced GI syndrome.

[Toxic effects of Vitamin C combined with temozolomide on glioma cells and its mechanism].

Objective: To investigate the toxic effects of vitamin C (VC) combined with temozolomide (TMZ) on gliomas and its mechanism. Methods: Human glioma cells BMG-1 and SHG44 cells were cultured in vitro, specifically divided into control group (without VC and TMZ), TMZ group (0.2 mmol/L), VC (0.5 mmol/L)+TMZ(0.2 mmol/L) group and TMZ(0.2 mmol/L TMZ)+U0126(10 µmol/L)group, each experiment was repeated three times. Cell survival rate was detected by MTT assay; Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining; Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by ROS detection kit, and Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of proteins related to apoptosis, autophagy and ERK pathway. Results: Compared with the control group, the survival rate of glioma cells in the TMZ group was decreased significantly(P＜0.05). Compared with the TMZ group, the survival rate of glioma cells in the VC+TMZ group was decreased significantly(P＜0.01), the cell apoptosis rate was increased, and the expressions of Bax, Cleaved caspase-3 and Cleaved PARP protein were increased, while the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased. The ROS level and autophagy rate were decreased, while the expression of LC3-II/LC3-1 was decreased, and the expression of p62 was increased in the VC+TMZ group (all P＜0.05). At the same time, VC combined with TMZ decreased the expression level of p-ERK1/2-related protein in BMG-1 and SHG44 cells, and increased the apoptosis rate (P＜0.05). Conclusion: VC combined with temozolomide can enhance the toxicity of glioma cells. This effect is to promote apoptosis and inhibit temozolomide-mediated autophagy through the regulation of the ERK signaling pathway.

Reactive astrocytes increase expression of proNGF in the mouse model of contused spinal cord injury.

Astrocytes are major glial cells critically in maintaining stability of the central nervous system and functional activation of astrocytes occurs rapidly in various diseased or traumatic events. We are interested in functional changes of astrocytes during the spinal cord injury, and studied expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in activated astrocytes by mouse model of contused spinal cord injury and cell culture experiment. It revealed that the spinal cord injury resulted in apparent activation of astrocytes and microglial cells and decreased BMS scores. A larger number of astrocytes showed immunoreactivity to proNGF in the injured spinal cord areas, and proNGF expression increased and remained high level at 7 to 14dpi, which was coincided with upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein. The proNGF was clearly localized in both exosome-like vesicles and cytoplasm of astrocytes in culture. Electron microscopy confirmed exosome-like vesicles with proNGF-immunoreactivity in diameter sizes of 50-100 nm. Finally, cell culture with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) experiment indicated increasing expression and release of proNGF in the astrocytes with LPS exposure. This study demonstrated that reactive astrocytes increased proNGF expression after spinal cord injury, also suggesting involvement of exosome-like proNGF transport or release in triggering neuronal apoptosis and aggravating progression of spinal cord injury.

Role of neurite outgrowth inhibitor-oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein/Ras homologous (Rho)-Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase signaling pathway in acute brain injury of carbon monoxide poisoning rats and treatment feasibility with hydrochloride fasudil / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of neurite outgrowth inhibitor (Nogo)-oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (Omgp)/Ras homologous (Rho)-Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (Rock) signaling pathway in acute brain injury of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning rats and treatment feasibility with Rho kinase inhibitor hydrochloride fasudil.Methods:According to random number table method, 135 healthy male SD rats were divided into three groups: a normal control group, a CO poisoning group and a fasudil treatment group ( n=45). Rat models of acute severe CO poisoning were established in the CO poisoning group and fasudil treatment group by inhalation method in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. All rats received hyperbaric oxygen therapy for two weeks. Rats in the farsudil treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with hydrochloride farsudil for intervention (15 mg/[kg·d], once a d for 2 weeks), while those in the CO poisoning and normal control groups received the same volume of normal saline. The ultrastructures of rat brain tissues were observed by transmission electron microscopy one week after modeling. Staining intensities of Nogo- and OMgp-positive cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, and those of Rock-positive cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence one d, one week, one month and two months after modeling. The protein expressions of Nogo, OMgp and Rock in brain tissues were detected by Western blotting one d, one week, one month and two months after modeling. Results:In the CO poisoning group, the ultrastructures of brain tissues and blood-brain barrier were damaged obviously, and the changes in nucleus, mitochondria and synaptic structure were obvious; while fasudil treatment could effectively maintain the integrity of ultrastructures and functions of brain tissues, and reduce brain edema. One d, one week, one month and two months after modeling, the staining intensities of Nogo, OMgp and Rock positive cells and protein expression levels of Nogo, OMgp and Rock in the CO poisoning group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group at the same time point ( P<0.05); the staining intensities of Nogo, OMgp and Rock positive cells and protein expression levels of Nogo, OMgp and Rock in the fasudil treatment group were significantly lower than those in the CO poisoning group at the same time point ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The activation of Nogo-OMgp/Rho-Rock signaling pathway related molecules (Nogo, OMgp and Rock) is closely related to acute brain injury caused by CO poisoning; hydrochloride fasudil can effectively down-regulate the protein expressions of Nogo, OMgp and Rock, therefore obviously alleviate brain injury after CO poisoning.

Effects of Xingzhi Yinao particles combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive and motor dysfunction in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of Xingzhi Yinao (XZYN) particles combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP). Methods Sixty-seven patients with DEACMP were admitted to the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2011 to December 2015, and they were randomly divided into a control group (given conventional treatment such as inhalation of oxygen, cytidine diphosphate cholin and vitamin B, 19 cases), a hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment group (given conventional treatment + hyperbaric oxygen therapy once a day, 24 cases) and a XZYN particles treatment (XZYN group, given conventional treatment, hyperbaric oxygen and XZYN particles, 24 cases), the therapeutic course being 2 months in the three groups. Before and after treatment for 1 and 2 months, the cognitive function and motor function of the patients were evaluated by the use of activity of daily living (ADL) scale, Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale; the severity of cerebral white matter injury was assessed by age related white matter changes (ARWMC) scale; and the electromyographic evoked potential was used to detect the amplitude and latency of P300 to assess the severity of cognition impairment and prognosis. Results With the prolongation of therapeutic time, after treatment, the neurological function scores of ADL, MoCA, MMSE and amplitude of P300 were increased, while ARWMC was decreased and the latency of P300 was shortened gradually in the three groups, and the changes of above indexes after treatment for 2 months in XZYN group were more significant than those in either HBO group or control group[ADL score: 70.2±8.3 vs. 60.5±8.1, 23.0±6.1, MoCA score: 26.1±3.1 vs. 22.2±2.7, 18.2±3.6, MMSE score:25.9±4.1 vs. 22.4±3.5, 18.1±4.5, ARWMC score: 7.0±2.1 vs. 8.7±2.2, 15.2±3.3, latency of P300 (ms):332.9±20.4 vs. 352.5±23.6, 381.7±30.3, amplitude of P300 (μV): 6.5±1.6 vs. 5.6±1.3, 4.1±1.5, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion The hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with XZYN particles for treatment of patients with DEACMP can significantly improve their cognitive and motor functions and ameliorate the severity of cerebral white matter injury.

Inhibitory effects of low decibel infrasound on the cardiac fibroblasts and the involved mechanism.

INTRODUCTION: Infrasound is a mechanical vibration wave with frequency between 0.0001 and 20 Hz. It has been established that infrasound of 120 dB or stronger is dangerous to humans. However, the biological effects of low decibel infrasound are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low decibel infrasound on the cardiac fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cardiac fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from Sprague-Dawley rats. The cultured cells were assigned into the following four groups: control group, angiotensin II (Ang II) group, infrasound group, and Ang II+infrasound group. The cell proliferation and collagen synthesis rates were evaluated by means of [3H]-thymidine and [3H]-proline incorporation, respectively. The levels of TGF-ß were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, RNAi approaches were used for the analysis of the biological functions of miR-29a, and the phosphorylation status of Smad3 was detected using western blotting analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that low decibel infrasound significantly alleviated Ang II-induced enhancement of cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. DISCUSSION: Compared with the control, Ang II markedly decreased the expression of miR-29a levels and increased the secretion of TGF-ß and phosphorylation of Smad3, which was partly reversed by the treatment with low decibel infrasound. Importantly, knockdown of miR-29a diminished the effects of infrasound on the cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, low decibel infrasound inhibits Ang II-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts via miR-29a targeting TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling.

Distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens causing bacterial peritonitis in 2011-2015 / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens causing bacterial peritonitis,provide laboratorial guidance for rational use of antimicrobial agents.Methods Pathogenic strains iso-lated from peritoneal fluid specimen of patients with peritonitis in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical Univer-sity in 2011-2015 were collected,performed bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing,distri-bution of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance were analyzed.Results A total of 491 strains were collected,in-cluding 291(59.26%)strains of gram-negative bacilli,196(39.92%)of gram-positive cocci,and 4 (0.82%)of fun-gi.The top 5 pathogens were Escherichia coli (30.14%),coagulase negative staphylococcus(12.22%),Staphylo-coccus aureus (10.39%),Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.55%),and Enterococcus faecium(6.52%).Antimicrobial re-sistance rates of Escherichia coli ,Klebsiella pneumoniae ,Acinetobacter baumannii ,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to imipenem were 4.90%,31.04%,77.28% and 26.27% respectively.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)and methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus(MRNCS)accounted for 56.02% and 70.02%respectively.Conclusion The main pathogens causing bacterial peritonitis are gram-negative bacilli,Escherichia co-li ranks first;resistance of pathogens is serious,standard use of antimicrobial agents should be strengthened to re-duce the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

Distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens causing bacterial peritonitis in 2011-2015 / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens causing bacterial peritonitis,provide laboratorial guidance for rational use of antimicrobial agents.Methods Pathogenic strains iso-lated from peritoneal fluid specimen of patients with peritonitis in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical Univer-sity in 2011-2015 were collected,performed bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing,distri-bution of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance were analyzed.Results A total of 491 strains were collected,in-cluding 291(59.26%)strains of gram-negative bacilli,196(39.92%)of gram-positive cocci,and 4 (0.82%)of fun-gi.The top 5 pathogens were Escherichia coli (30.14%),coagulase negative staphylococcus(12.22%),Staphylo-coccus aureus (10.39%),Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.55%),and Enterococcus faecium(6.52%).Antimicrobial re-sistance rates of Escherichia coli ,Klebsiella pneumoniae ,Acinetobacter baumannii ,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to imipenem were 4.90%,31.04%,77.28% and 26.27% respectively.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)and methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus(MRNCS)accounted for 56.02% and 70.02%respectively.Conclusion The main pathogens causing bacterial peritonitis are gram-negative bacilli,Escherichia co-li ranks first;resistance of pathogens is serious,standard use of antimicrobial agents should be strengthened to re-duce the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

Gas1 up-regulation is inducible and contributes to cell apoptosis in reactive astrocytes in the substantia nigra of LPS and MPTP models.

BACKGROUND: Reactive astrogliosis is a remarkable pathogenetic hallmark of the brains of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, but its progressive fate and regulation mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, growth arrest specific 1 (Gas1), a tumor growth suppressor oncogene, was identified as a novel modulator of the cell apoptosis of reactive astrocytes in primary culture and the injured substantia nigra. METHODS: Animal models and cell cultures were utilized in the present study. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated animal models were used to detect Gas1 expression in the brain via immunohistochemistry and western blot. Cell cultures were performed to analyze Gas1 functions in the viability and apoptosis of reactive astrocytes and SH-SY5Y cells by double labeling, CCK-8, LDH, TUNEL, flow cytometry, and siRNA knockdown methods. RESULTS: Gas1 expressions were significantly elevated in the majority of the reactive astrocytes of the brains with LPS or MPTP insults. In the injured substantia nigras, GFAP-positive astrocytes exhibited higher levels of cleaved caspase-3. In cell culture, the up-regulated Gas1 expression induced apoptosis of reactive astrocytes that were insulted by LPS in combination with interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-a. This effect was confirmed through siRNA knockdown of Gas1 gene expression. Finally and interestingly, the potential underlying signaling pathways were evidently related to an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the abundant generation of reactive oxygen species and the activation of cleaved caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the up-regulation of inducible Gas1 contributed to the apoptosis of reactive astrocytes in the injured nigra. Gas1 signaling may function as a novel regulator of astrogliosis and is thus a potential intervention target for inflammatory events in PD conditions.

Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Keratoacanthoma and its Clinical Significance.

Cyclooxygenase (COX), also known as prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase, catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostanoids. There are two different isoforms of COX, referred to as COX-1 and COX-2. Overexpression of COX-2 has been demonstrated in various neoplasms. In this study, we plan to utilize COX-2 in understanding the difference of squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma which have many similarities in both morphological and histological features. The objective of this study is to study the expression of COX-2 in squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma and to discuss its clinical significance. The expression of COX-2 in 55 cases of skin tumors (including 30 specimens of squamous cell carcinoma, 25 specimens of keratoacanthoma) and 20 normal skin tissues was detected by immunohistochemical technique. The positive expression of COX-2 was found in 73.3 % (22/30) of squamous cell carcinoma and 12 % (3/25) of keratoacanthoma cases. The positive expression rate of COX-2 in 55 skin tumors (45.5 %) was significantly higher than that in normal skin tissues (5 %) (χ (2) = 10.598 %, P < 0.05). The expression of COX-2 in squamous cell carcinoma (73.3 %) was significantly higher than that in keratoacanthoma (12 %) (χ (2) = 20.69, P < 0.05). COX-2 overexpression may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of skin tumors. The positive expression rate of COX-2 is associated with the malignant degree of the tumor, and also it may help differentiating squamous cell carcinoma from keratoacanthoma.

Antioxidant catalase rescues against high fat diet-induced cardiac dysfunction via an IKKß-AMPK-dependent regulation of autophagy.

Autophagy, a conservative degradation process for long-lived and damaged proteins, participates in a variety of biological processes including obesity. However, the precise mechanism of action behind obesity-induced changes in autophagy still remains elusive. This study was designed to examine the role of the antioxidant catalase in high fat diet-induced changes in cardiac geometry and function as well as the underlying mechanism of action involved with a focus on autophagy. Wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice with cardiac overexpression of catalase were fed low or high fat diet for 20 weeks prior to assessment of myocardial geometry and function. High fat diet intake triggered obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, the effects of which were unaffected by catalase transgene. Myocardial geometry and function were compromised with fat diet intake as manifested by cardiac hypertrophy, enlarged left ventricular end systolic and diastolic diameters, fractional shortening, cardiomyocyte contractile capacity and intracellular Ca²âº mishandling, the effects of which were ameliorated by catalase. High fat diet intake promoted reactive oxygen species production and suppressed autophagy in the heart, the effects of which were attenuated by catalase. High fat diet intake dampened phosphorylation of inhibitor kappa B kinase ß(IKKß), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) while promoting phosphorylation of mTOR, the effects of which were ablated by catalase. In vitro study revealed that palmitic acid compromised cardiomyocyte autophagy and contractile function in a manner reminiscent of fat diet intake, the effect of which was significantly alleviated by inhibition of IKKß, activation of AMPK and induction of autophagy. Taken together, our data revealed that the antioxidant catalase counteracts against high fat diet-induced cardiac geometric and functional anomalies possibly via an IKKß-AMPK-dependent restoration of myocardial autophagy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Autophagy and protein quality control in cardiometabolic diseases.

Neuroprotective effect and mechanism of edaravone on brain injury following carbon monoxide poisoning / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of edaravone on brain tissues after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and explore its mechanism.Methods Ninety Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected as normal control group,poisoning group and treatment group (n=30).Rats in the poisoning group and treatment group were established animal models of acute CO poisoning with hyperbaric chamber method and received hyperbaric oxygen therapy.The rats in the treatment group were given intraperitoneal injection ofedaravone (10 mg/kg) additionally.TUNEL and real time-PCR were used to detect the cell apoptosis and their apoptosis-related gene expressions (Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA) in brain tissues 1,2 and 7 d after CO poisoning in each group.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to observe the positive cells and protein changes of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythrocyte two related factors-2 (NRF-2).Results The apoptosis cell number in the poisoning group and the treatment group was significantly increased as compared with that in the normal control group (P＜0.05);that in the treatment group was relatively fewer than that in the poisoning group with significant differences (P＜0.05).As compared with those in the normal control group,the Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expressions in the poisoning group were obviously up-regulated with significant difference (P＜0.05);the Bcl-2 mRNA level was significantly increased,the Bax mRNA level was signficantly down-regulated,and the ratio ofBcl-2 mRNA/Bax mRNA was notablyly increased in the treatment group as compared with those in the poisoning group (P＜0.05).The positive cells and HO-1 and NRF-2 proteins in the brain tissues of the poisoning group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P＜0.05);those in the treatment group were obviously increased as compared with those in the poisoning group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Edaravone might be partly associated with activation of NRF-2/HO-1 pathway to counteract oxidative stress damage,inhibit neuronal apoptosis,and play a neuroprotective role in brain damage after acute CO poisoning.

N-Butylphthalide downregulates Nogo/NgR expressions in rat brain tissues after carbon monoxide poisoning / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of neurite outgrowth inhibitor (Nogo),myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and Nogo receptor-1 (NgR1),and neuro-protective effect of N-Butylphthalide (NBP) in rat brain tissues following acute CO poisoning.Methods Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group,CO poisoning group and NBP treatment group (n=20).Rats in CO poisoning group and NBP treatment group were induced acute CO poisoning in hyperbaric chamber and received hyperbaric oxygen therapy.Meanwhile,rats in the NBP treatment group were subjected to oral NBP 6 mg/100 g twice a day additionally.The expressions ofNogo,MAG and NgR1 were investigated in rat brain tissues by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining 1 day,3 days,1 week and 4 weeks after CO exposure.Results With the prolongation of CO poisoning,the levels ofNogo,MAG and NgR1 in brain tissues of the CO poisoning group were gradually increased,and their expressions could still be detected at 4 weeks after CO poisoning.NBP treatment group had significantly reduced Nogo and NgR1 protein levels,and statistical differences were noted as compared with those in the CO poisoning group at each time point (P＜0.05).The level of MAG in NBP treatment group was slightly lower than that in CO poisoning group without statistical difference (P＞ 0.05).Conclusions The levels ofNogo,MAG and NGR1 proteins may be associated with brain injury and demyelination induced by CO poisoning.NBP can downregulate the levels of Nogo and NgR1 proteins (but not MAG),and may play a neuro-protective role in brain damage after acute CO poisoning.