Pseudo Elevation of TSH and ACTH Caused by Heterophilic Antibodies: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: TSH and ACTH are crucial hormones for diagnosing thyroid and adrenal diseases, and incorrect test reports can cause significant harm to patients. METHODS: The TSH and ACTH levels on the testing system of our laboratory were measured using "sandwich" assays. The patient had heterophilic antibodies in their body, causing a false increase in TSH and ACTH levels. RESULTS: TSH on the Abbott platform was 59.7 µIU/mL and on the Roche platform it was 4.33 µIU/mL. After pretreatment with HBR it was 3.95 µIU/mL; ACTH on the SIEMENS platform was 263.5 pg/mL, on the Abbott platform it was 47.6 pg/mL. After pretreatment with HBR it was 36.5 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The patient's serum contains heterophilic antibodies, which interfere with the TSH and ACTH tested by this method.

A Pseudo Elevation of CEA Caused by Epidemic Hemorrhagic Fever.

BACKGROUND: Heterophilic antibodies (HA) are one of the main substances that interfere with immunology, especially chemiluminescence immunoassay. Non-specific binding, labeling antibodies, bridging to capture antibodies, or labeling antigens can interfere with the detection process, leading to serious discrepancies between the measured results and clinical manifestations, and even delaying clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This paper is a case of epidemic hemorrhagic fever causing pseudo CEA elevation caused by heterophagy induced antibodies in the body. RESULTS: The patient's CEA detected on the ABBOTT detection platform was 51.1 ng/mL, and on the ROCHE detection platforms it was 4.66 ng/mL, and treated by PEG precipitation it was 45.2 ng/mL, after diluting the sample the CEA was 50.2 ng/mL, meanwhile the patient's platelets were 96 x 109/L and serum creatinine was 188.4 µmol/L, epidemic hemorrhagic fever IgM antibody was positive. CONCLUSIONS: When the test results do not match clinical symptoms, further confirmation is required through additional testing. Patients who use mouse monoclonal antibody preparations for diagnosis or treatment may have human anti-mouse antibodies in their serum, and the test results may falsely increase or decrease.

Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Hypoxemic Nonhypercapnic Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute hypoxemic nonhypercapnic respiratory failure unrelated to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and bibliographies of articles were retrieved inception until June 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing application of noninvasive ventilation with standard oxygen therapy in adults with acute hypoxemic nonhypercapnic respiratory failure were included. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation and cardiogenic pulmonary edema patients were excluded. The primary outcome was intubation rate; ICU mortality and hospital mortality were secondary outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Demographic variables, noninvasive ventilation application, and outcomes were retrieved. Internal validity was assessed using the risk of bias tool. The strength of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eleven studies (1,480 patients) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed by using a random effects model. Compared with standard oxygen therapy, the pooled effect showed that noninvasive ventilation significantly reduced intubation rate with a summary risk ratio of 0.59 (95% CI, 0.44-0.79; p = 0.0004). Furthermore, hospital mortality was also significantly reduced (risk ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24-0.87; p = 0.02). Subgroup meta-analysis showed that the application of bilevel positive support ventilation (bilevel positive airway pressure) was associated with a reduction in ICU mortality (p = 0.007). Helmet noninvasive ventilation could reduce hospital mortality (p = 0.0004), whereas face/nasal mask noninvasive ventilation could not. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive ventilation decreased endotracheal intubation rates and hospital mortality in acute hypoxemia nonhypercapnic respiratory failure excluding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation and cardiogenic pulmonary edema patients. There is no sufficient scientific evidence to recommend bilevel positive airway pressure or helmet due to the limited number of trials available. Large rigorous randomized trials are needed to answer these questions definitely.

The Effect of Early Goal-Directed Therapy on Outcome in Adult Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Whether early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) improves outcome in severe sepsis and septic shock remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of existing clinical trials to examine whether EGDT improved outcome in the resuscitation of adult sepsis patients compared with control care. METHODS: We searched for eligible studies using MEDLINE, Elsevier, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases. Studies were eligible if they compared the effects of EGDT versus control care on mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Two reviewers extracted data independently. Data including mortality, sample size of the patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, and resuscitation end points were extracted. Data were analyzed using methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 4.2 software. Random errors were evaluated by trial sequential analysis (TSA). RESULTS: Nine studies compared EGDT with control care, and 5202 severe sepsis and septic shock patients were included. A nonsignificant trend toward reduction in the longest all-cause mortality was observed in the EGDT group compared with control care (relative risk, 0.89; 99% confidence interval, 0.74-1.07; P = 0.10). However, EGDT significantly reduced intensive care unit mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock patients (relative risk, 0.72; 99% confidence interval, 0.57-0.90; P = 0.0002). TSA indicated lack of firm evidence for a beneficial effect. CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis, a nonsignificant trend toward reduction in the longest all-cause mortality in patients resuscitated with EGDT was noted. However, EGDT significantly reduced intensive care unit mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock patients. TSA indicated a lack of firm evidence for the results. More powered, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the effects.

Role of mitofusin-2 in high mobility group box-1 protein-mediated apoptosis of T cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: High mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), a ubiquitous nuclear protein, which is recognized as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) triggering activation of the innate immune system. Previous studies have shown that HMGB1 also plays a role in T cell-mediated immunity, but the effect of HMGB1 on apoptosis of T cells and its precise mechanism remain to be determined. METHODS: Two kinds of apoptosis assay techniques were used, i.e., Annexin V-FITC conjunction with PI to identify early apoptotic cells, Hoechst 33342 staining for double-stranded DNA to observe nuclear fragmentation or apoptotic body. The activation status of caspase-3, caspase-8, as well as caspase-9 was examined by colorimetric assay. The dynamic changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) was monitored by flow cytometry. Overexpression of Mfn2 was preformed by lentiviral vector transfection. The mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2 were determined by RT-PCR and Western-blotting. RESULTS: Treatment of Jurkat T cells with recombinant human HMGB1 (rhHMGB1) causes a significant dose-dependent increase in percentage of apoptotic cells. When T cells are incubated with HMGB1 they express decreased mitochondria fusion-related protein mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and activate mitochondrial apoptotic pathway via elevation of [Ca(2+)]i, Bax insertion, and activation of caspase. Furthermore, overexpression of Mfn2 ameliorates the apoptosis of T cells induced by HMGB1. This occurs at least partly through Mfn2 keeps Ca(2+) homeostasis in T cells evidenced by monitoring [Ca(2+)]i dynamics. CONCLUSION: HMGB1 can trigger apoptosis of T lymphocytes through mitochondrial death pathway associated with [Ca(2+)]i elevation. Mfn2 plays a pivotal role in this process, and it might be a novel therapeutic target in T cell apoptosis related disorders.

Small GTPase Sar1 is crucial for proglutelin and α-globulin export from the endoplasmic reticulum in rice endosperm.

Rice seed storage proteins glutelin and α-globulin are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and deposited in protein storage vacuoles (PSVs). Sar1, a small GTPase, acts as a molecular switch to regulate the assembly of coat protein complex II, which exports secretory protein from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. To reveal the route by which glutelin and α-globulin exit the ER, four putative Sar1 genes (OsSar1a/b/c/d) were cloned from rice, and transgenic rice were generated with Sar1 overexpressed or suppressed by RNA interference (RNAi) specifically in the endosperm under the control of the rice glutelin promoter. Overexpression or suppression of any OsSar1 did not alter the phenotype. However, simultaneous knockdown of OsSar1a/b/c resulted in floury and shrunken seeds, with an increased level of glutelin precursor and decreased level of the mature α- and ß-subunit. OsSar1abc RNAi endosperm generated numerous, spherical, novel protein bodies with highly electron-dense matrixes containing both glutelin and α-globulin. Notably, the novel protein bodies were surrounded by ribosomes, showing that they were derived from the ER. Some of the ER-derived dense protein bodies were attached to a blebbing structure containing prolamin. These results indicated that OsSar1a/b/c play a crucial role in storage proteins exiting from the ER, with functional redundancy in rice endosperm, and glutelin and α-globulin transported together from the ER to the Golgi apparatus by a pathway mediated by coat protein complex II.

[The effects of Nrf2 gene expression induced by RU486 at different doses on A549 cell damage induced by paraquat].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Nrf2 gene expression induced by RU486 at different doses on A549 cell damage induced by paraquat (PQ). METHODS: After A549 cells transfected with Ad-RUNrf2 were treated by RU486 at the doses of 10(-10), 10(-9), 10(-8) and 10(-7) mol/L for 6 h, A549 cell cultures were exposed to 10(-3) mol/L of PQ for 48 h. Then qRT-PCR and EMSA assays were used to detect the expression of Nrf2 gene, and qRT-PCR and ELISA assays were utilized to measure the effects of Nrf2 gene on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α, apoptotic factors Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cytochrome C. The oxidation factors (CAT and MDA protein contents) were observed by Chemical Colorimetric Analysis. RESULTS: Nrf2 gene relative expression and protein contents increased with RU486 concentrations, and the above expression was the highest when the concentration of RU486 was 10(-7) mol/L, which was significantly higher than those in control and PQ exposure groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The relative gene expression and protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-α enhanced with the reduced concentrations of RU486, which were the lowest when RU486 concentration was 10(-7) mol/L, as compared with control and PQ exposure groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), while the change of IL-10 content was the opposite. The relative expression of Caspase3, Caspase9 and Cytochrome C genes also increased with the reduced concentrations of RU486, which were the lowest when RU486 concentration was 10(-7) mol/L, as compared with control and PQ exposure groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The content of CAT enhanced with RU486 concentration, which was the highest when RU486 concentration was 10(-7) mol/L, as compared with control and PQ exposure groups (P < 0.05). But the change of MDA content was the contrary. CONCLUSION: Nrf2 expression induced by RU486 can promote the balance of oxidation-antioxidation system in A549 cells and inhibit the inflammation and apoptosis factors, which has a protective effect on A549 cell injury induced by PQ.

Evaluation of seed storage-protein gene 5' untranslated regions in enhancing gene expression in transgenic rice seed.

5' untranslated regions (UTRs) are important sequence elements that modulate the expression of genes. Using the ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by the GluC promoter for the rice-seed storage-protein glutelin, we evaluated the potential of the 5'-UTRs of six seed storage-protein genes in enhancing the expression levels of the foreign gene in stable transgenic rice lines. All of the 5'-UTRs significantly enhanced the expression level of the GluC promoter without altering its expression pattern. The 5'-UTRs of Glb-1 and GluA-1 increased the expression of GUS by about 3.36- and 3.11-fold, respectively. The two 5'-UTRs downstream of the Glb-1, OsAct2 and CMV35S promoters also increased GUS expression level in stable transgenic rice lines or in transient expression protoplasts. Therefore, the enhancements were independent of the promoter sequence. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the increase in protein production was not accompanied by alteration in mRNA levels, which suggests that the enhancements were due to increasing the translational efficiencies of the mRNA. The 5'-UTRs of Glb-1 and GluA-1, when combined with strong promoters, might be ideal candidates for high production of recombinant proteins in rice seeds.

Mechanically Stretched Mesenchymal Stem Cells Can Reduce the Effects of LPS-Induced Injury on the Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelium Barrier.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may improve the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, few studies have investigated the effects of mechanically stretched -MSCs (MS-MSCs) in in vitro models of ARDS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of MS-MSCs on pulmonary microvascular endothelium barrier injuries induced by LPS. We introduced a cocultured model of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (EC) and MSC medium obtained from MSCs with or without mechanical stretch. We found that Wright-Giemsa staining revealed that MSC morphology changed significantly and cell plasma shrank separately after mechanical stretch. Cell proliferation of the MS-MSC groups was much lower than the untreated MSC group; expression of cell surface markers did not change significantly. Compared to the medium from untreated MSCs, inflammatory factors elevated statistically in the medium from MS-MSCs. Moreover, the paracellular permeability of endothelial cells treated with LPS was restored with a medium from MS-MSCs, while LPS-induced EC apoptosis decreased. In addition, protective effects on the remodeling of intercellular junctions were observed when compared to LPS-treated endothelial cells. These data demonstrated that the MS-MSC groups had potential therapeutic effects on the LPS-treated ECs; these results might be useful in the treatment of ARDS.

Expression pattern and activity of six glutelin gene promoters in transgenic rice.

The shortage of strong endosperm-specific expression promoters for driving the expression of recombinant protein genes in cereal endosperm is a major limitation in obtaining the required level and pattern of expression. Six promoters of seed storage glutelin genes (GluA-1, GluA-2, GluA-3, GluB-3, GluB-5, and GluC) were isolated from rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomic DNA by PCR. Their spatial and temporal expression patterns and expression potential in stable transgenic rice plants were examined with beta-glucuronidase (GUS) used as a reporter gene. All the promoters showed the expected spatial expression within the endosperm. The GluA-1, GluA-2, and GluA-3 promoters directed GUS expression mainly in the outer portion (peripheral region) of the endosperm. The GluB-5 and GluC promoters directed GUS expression in the whole endosperm, with the latter expressed almost evenly throughout the whole endosperm, a feature different from that of other rice glutelin gene promoters. The GluB-3 promoter directed GUS expression solely in aleurone and subaleurone layers. Promoter activities examined during seed maturation showed that the GluC promoter had much higher activity than the other promoters. These promoters are ideal candidates for achieving gene expression for multiple purposes in monocot endosperm but avoid promoter homology-based gene silencing. The GluC promoter did not contain the endosperm specificity-determining motifs GCN4, AACA, and the prolamin-box, which suggests the existence of additional regulatory mechanism in determining endosperm specificity.

LincRNA-p21 promotes mesenchymal stem cell migration capacity and survival through hypoxic preconditioning.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow have potent stabilizing effects for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, low efficiency and survival in MSC homing to injured lung tissue remains to be solved. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether large intergenic noncoding RNA (LincRNA)-p21 promote MSC migration and survival capacity through hypoxic preconditioning in vitro. METHODS: MSCs were cultured and divided into the normoxia culture group (20% O2) and hypoxia culture group (1% O2). To determine roles and mechanisms, lentivirus vector-mediated LincRNA-p21 knockdown of MSCs and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) inhibitor KC7F2 were introduced. Additionally, MSC migration was analyzed by scratch test and transwell migration assays. MSC proliferation was tested by cell counting kit-8 and trypan blue dye. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-PE/7-AAD stained flow cytometry. Moreover, LincRNA-p21 and HIF-1α mRNA was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and HIF-1α and CXCR4/7 protein were assayed by western blot (WB) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis protein caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 were investigated by WB analysis. Considering interactions between VHL and HIF-1α under LincRNA-p21 effect, co-immunoprecipitation was detected. RESULTS: Hypoxic preconditioning MSC promoted migration capacity and MSC survival than normoxia culture group. MSCs induced by hypoxic preconditioning evoked an increase in expression of LincRNA-p21, HIF-1α, and CXCR4/7(both were chemokine stromal-derived factor-1(SDF-1) receptors). Contrarily, blockade of LincRNA-p21 by shRNA and HIF-1α inhibitor KC7F2 abrogated upregulation of hypoxic preconditioning induced CXCR4/7 in MSCs, cell migration, and survival. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed that hypoxic preconditioning isolated VHL and HIF-1α protein by increasing HIF-1α expression. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxic preconditioning was identified as a promoting factor of MSC migration and survival capacity. LincRNA-p21 promotes MSC migration and survival capacity through HIF-1α/CXCR4 and CXCR7 pathway under hypoxic preconditioning in vitro.

Role of the Ca2+-Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor of Activated T cell Pathway in Mitofusin-2-Mediated Immune Function of Jurkat Cells.

BACKGROUND: Mitofusin-2 (MFN2), a well-known mitochondrial fusion protein, has been shown to participate in innate immunity, but its role in mediating adaptive immunity remains poorly characterized. In this study, we explored the potential role of MFN2 in mediating the immune function of T lymphocytes. METHODS: We manipulated MFN2 gene expression in Jurkat cells via lentiviral transduction of MFN2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or full-length MFN2. After transduction, the immune response and its underlying mechanism were determined in Jurkat cells. One-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test were performed to determine the statistical significance between the groups. RESULTS: Overexpression of MFN2 enhanced the immune response of T lymphocytes by upregulating Ca2+ (359.280 ± 10.130 vs. 266.940 ± 10.170, P = 0.000), calcineurin (0.513 ± 0.014 vs. 0.403 ± 0.020 nmol/L, P = 0.024), and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs) activation (1.040 ± 0.086 vs. 0.700 ± 0.115, P = 0.005), whereas depletion of MFN2 impaired the immune function of T lymphocytes by downregulating Ca2+ (141.140 ± 14.670 vs. 267.060 ± 9.230, P = 0.000), calcineurin (0.054 ± 0.030 nmol/L vs. 0.404 ± 0.063 nmol/L, P = 0.000), and NFAT activation (0.500 ± 0.025 vs. 0.720 ± 0.061, P = 0.012). Furthermore, upregulated calcineurin partially reversed the negative effects of MFN2 siRNA on T cell-mediated immunity evidenced by elevations in T cell proliferation (1.120 ± 0.048 vs. 0.580 ± 0.078, P = 0.040), interleukin-2 (IL-2) production (473.300 ± 24.100 vs. 175.330 ± 12.900 pg/ml, P = 0.000), and the interferon-γ/IL-4 ratio (3.080 ± 0.156 vs. 0.953 ± 0.093, P = 0.000). Meanwhile, calcineurin activity inhibitor depleted the positive effects of overexpressed MFN2 on T cells function. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that MFN2 may regulate T cell immune functions primarily through the Ca2+-calcineurin-NFAT pathway. MFN2 may represent a potential therapeutic target for T cell immune dysfunction-related diseases.

Genetic Modification of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Increases Cell Migration to Injured Lung in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury Mice.

Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has been shown to promote the lung respiration in acute lung injury (ALI) in vivo, its overall restorative capacity appears to be restricted mainly because of low retention in the injured lung. Angiotensin II (Ang II) are upregulated in the injured lung. Our previous study showed that Ang II increased MSCs migration via Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R). To determine the effect of AT2R in MSCs on their cell migration after systemic injection in ALI mice, a human AT2R expressing lentiviral vector and a lentivirus vector carrying AT2R shRNA were constructed and introduced into human bone marrow MSCs. A mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI was used to investigate the migration of AT2R-regulated MSCs and the therapeutic potential in vivo. Overexpression of AT2R dramatically increased Ang II-enhanced human bone marrow MSC migration in vitro. Moreover, MSC-AT2R accumulated in the damaged lung tissue at significantly higher levels than control MSCs 24 and 72 hours after systematic MSC transplantation in ALI mice. Furthermore, MSC-AT2R-injected ALI mice exhibited a significant reduction of pulmonary vascular permeability and improved the lung histopathology and had additional anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, there were less lung retention in MSC-ShAT2R-injected ALI mice compared with MSC-Shcontrol after transplantation. Thus, MSC-ShAT2R-injected group exhibited a significant increase of pulmonary vascular permeability and resulted in a deteriorative lung inflammation. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of AT2R enhance the migration of MSCs in ALI mice and may provide a new therapeutic strategy for ALI. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018;7:721-730.

Ang II-AT2R increases mesenchymal stem cell migration by signaling through the FAK and RhoA/Cdc42 pathways in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) migrate via the bloodstream to sites of injury and are possibly attracted by inflammatory factors. As a proinflammatory mediator, angiotensin II (Ang II) reportedly enhances the migration of various cell types by signaling via the Ang II receptor in vitro. However, few studies have focused on the effects of Ang II on MSC migration and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Human bone marrow MSCs migration was measured using wound healing and Boyden chamber migration assays after treatments with different concentrations of Ang II, an AT1R antagonist (Losartan), and/or an AT2R antagonist (PD-123319). To exclude the effect of proliferation on MSC migration, we measured MSC proliferation after stimulation with the same concentration of Ang II. Additionally, we employed the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor PF-573228, RhoA inhibitor C3 transferase, Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766, or Cdc42 inhibitor ML141 to investigate the role of cell adhesion proteins and the Rho-GTPase protein family (RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42) in Ang II-mediated MSC migration. Cell adhesion proteins (FAK, Talin, and Vinculin) were detected by western blot analysis. The Rho-GTPase family protein activities were assessed by G-LISA and F-actin levels, which reflect actin cytoskeletal organization, were detected by using immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Human bone marrow MSCs constitutively expressed AT1R and AT2R. Additionally, Ang II increased MSC migration in an AT2R-dependent manner. Notably, Ang II-enhanced migration was not mediated by Ang II-mediated cell proliferation. Interestingly, Ang II-enhanced migration was mediated by FAK activation, which was critical for the formation of focal contacts, as evidenced by increased Talin and Vinculin expression. Moreover, RhoA and Cdc42 were activated by FAK to increase cytoskeletal organization, thus promoting cell contraction. Furthermore, FAK, Talin, and Vinculin activation and F-actin reorganization in response to Ang II were prevented by PD-123319 but not Losartan, indicating that FAK activation and F-actin reorganization were downstream of AT2R. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that Ang II-AT2R regulates human bone marrow MSC migration by signaling through the FAK and RhoA/Cdc42 pathways. This study provides insights into the mechanisms by which MSCs home to injury sites and will enable the rational design of targeted therapies to improve MSC engraftment.

Integrated and comparative proteomics of high-oil and high-protein soybean seeds.

We analysed the global protein expression in seeds of a high-oil soybean cultivar (Jiyu 73, JY73) by proteomics. More than 700 protein spots were detected and 363 protein spots were successfully identified. Comparison of the protein profile of JY73 with that of a high-protein cultivar (Zhonghuang 13, ZH13) revealed 40 differentially expressed proteins, including oil synthesis, redox/stress, hydrolysis and storage-related proteins. All redox/stress proteins were less or not expressed in JY73, whereas the expression of the major storage proteins, nitrogen and carbon metabolism-related proteins was higher in ZH13. Biochemical analysis of JY73 revealed that it was in a low oxidation state, with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E was more active than antioxidant enzymes and protected the soybean seed in a lower oxidation state. The characteristics of high oil and high protein in soybean, we revealed, might provide a reference for soybean nutrition and soybean breeding.

Synergism of MSC-secreted HGF and VEGF in stabilising endothelial barrier function upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation via the Rac1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) stabilise endothelial barrier function in acute lung injury via paracrine hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is secreted by MSCs, is another key regulator of endothelial permeability; however, its role in adjusting permeability remains controversial. In addition, whether an interaction occurs between HGF and VEGF, which are secreted by MSCs, is not completely understood. METHODS: We introduced a co-cultured model of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and MSC conditioned medium (CM) collected from MSCs after 24 h of hypoxic culture. The presence of VEGF and HGF in the MSC-CM was neutralised by anti-VEGF and anti-HGF antibodies, respectively. To determine the roles and mechanisms of MSC-secreted HGF and VEGF, we employed recombinant humanised HGF and recombinant humanised VEGF to co-culture with HPMECs. Additionally, we employed the RhoA inhibitor C3 transferase and the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 to inhibit the activities of RhoA and Rac1 in HPMECs treated with MSC-CM or VEGF/HGF with the same dosage as in the MSC-CM. Then, endothelial paracellular and transcellular permeability was detected. VE-cadherin, occludin and caveolin-1 protein expression in HPMECs was measured by western blot. Adherens junction proteins, including F-actin and VE-cadherin, were detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: MSC-CM treatment significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial paracellular and transcellular permeability, which was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with HGF antibody or with both VEGF and HGF antibodies. Furthermore, MSC-CM treatment increased the expression of the endothelial intercellular adherence junction proteins VE-cadherin and occludin and decreased the expression of caveolin-1 protein. MSC-CM treatment also decreased endothelial apoptosis and induced endothelial cell proliferation; however, the effects of MSC-CM treatment were inhibited by pretreatment with HGF antibody or with both HGF and VEGF antibodies. Additionally, the effects of MSC-CM and VEGF/HGF on reducing endothelial paracellular and transcellular permeability were weakened when HPMECs were pretreated with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766. CONCLUSION: HGF secreted by MSCs protects the endothelial barrier function; however, VEGF secreted by MSCs may synergize with HGF to stabilise endothelial cell barrier function. Rac1 is the pathway by which MSC-secreted VEGF and HGF regulate endothelial permeability.

Acupuncture therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Acupuncture has commonly been used in China, either alone or in combination with Western medicine, to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for patients with SSHL. METHODS: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical literature service system (SinoMed) to collect randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for SSHL published before July 2014. A meta-analysis was conducted according to the Cochrane systematic review method using RevMan 5.2 software. The evidence level for each outcome was assessed using the GRADE methodology. RESULTS: Twelve trials involving 863 patients were included. A meta-analysis showed that the effect of manual acupuncture combined with Western medicine comprehensive treatment (WMCT) was better than WMCT alone (RR 1.33, 95%CI 1.19-1.49) and the same as the effect of electroacupuncture combined with WMCT (RR 1.33, 95%CI 1.19-1.50). One study showed a better effect of electroacupuncture than of WMCT (RR 1.34, 95%CI 1.24-1.45). For mean changes in hearing over all frequencies, the meta-analysis showed a better effect with the combination of acupuncture and WMCT than with WMCT alone (MD 10.85, 95%CI 6.84-14.86). However, the evidence levels for these interventions were low or very low due to a high risk of bias and small sample sizes in the included studies. CONCLUSION: There was not sufficient evidence showing that acupuncture therapy alone was beneficial for treating SSHL. However, interventions combining acupuncture with WMCT had more efficacious results in the treatment of SSHL than WMCT alone. Electroacupuncture alone might be a viable alternative treatment besides WMCT for SSHL. However, given that there were fewer eligible RCTs and limitations in the included trials, such as methodological drawbacks and small sample sizes, large-scale RCTs are required to confirm the current findings regarding acupuncture therapy for SSHL.