Distribution and Ultrastructural Features of Telocytes in the Pars Distalis of the Rat Pituitary Gland.

Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, are characterized by their smaller cellular body and extremely long, thin processes which are called telopodes (Tps). They have been described in multiple organs from diverse animals. Currently, the existence of TCs in rat pars distalis (PD) has remained unexplored. This investigation was undertaken to visualize the distribution and structural features of TCs in the PD using immunofluorescence (IF) and further validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HE staining revealed the presence of interstitial cells in the peri-sinusoidal vessels spaces of the PD. Using IF, CD34/vimentin double-positive interstitial cells were identified as TCs in accordance with identification standards. TEM further verified the presence of TCs based on their unique ultrastructural features. TCs exhibited communication structures including cell connections and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Interestingly, TCs were in close proximity to the nerves. Most importantly, Tps extended toward the nerves, blood vessels, and glandular cells. TCs could be the structural foundation of a third regulatory system in rat PD according to the tight connections of TCs with sinusoid vessels, glandular cells, EVs and most crucially the nerves. Taken together, these morphological and structural findings demonstrate that TCs are vital components of the rat PD.

Telocytes in Different Organs of Vertebrates: Potential Essence Cells of the Meridian in Chinese Traditional Medicine.

Telocytes (TCs) are very long, non-neuronal, somatic cells whose function is widely believed to be involved in providing connections between different cells within the body. The cellular characteristics of TCs in various organs have been studied by immunohistochemistry, double immunofluorescence and electron microscopy in different vertebrate species, and here we investigate the proposed properties of these cells in the context of the "meridian" in Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM). The results show that TCs and their long extensions, telopodes (Tps) develop a complicated network by homo- and heterocellular junctions in the connective tissue throughout the body, which can connect the skin with distant organs. In concept, this is the analogue of ancient meridian maps connecting skin acupoints with the viscera. Various active cells and extracellular vesicles including exosomes move along Tps, which, along with developed mitochondria within the podoms of Tps, may account for the structural evidence for "Qi" (vital energy and signal communication) in CTM. Morphological associations of TCs with the nerve, vascular, endocrine, and immune systems are also compatible with previously proposed meridian theories in CTM. Close relationships exist between TCs and collagen fiber bundles and some structures in skin fascia provide the microanatomical support for acupuncture treatment based on the meridian principle. The dynamicity in the distribution and structure of TCs reflects the plasticity of the meridian at the cellular level. As the same attribute, both the meridian and the TC have been associated with various diseases. Here, we summarize structural analogues between the TC and the meridian, suggesting that TCs have the cytological characteristics of the CTM meridian. We, therefore, hypothesize that TCs are the "essence cells" of the CTM meridian, which can connect and integrate different cells and structures in the connective tissue.

Tissue Micro-channels Formed by Collagen Fibers and their Internal Components: Cellular Evidence of Proposed Meridian Conduits in Vertebrate Skin.

In order to clarify fine structures of the hypothetical meridian conduits of Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) in the skin, the present study used light and transmission electron microscopy to examine fasciae in different vertebrate species. Collagen fiber bundles and layers were arranged in a crisscross pattern, which developed into a special tissue micro-channel (TMC) network, in a manner that was analogs to the proposed skin meridian conduits. It was further revealed that tissue fluid in lateral TMC branches drained into wide longitudinal channels, which were distinctly different from lymphatic capillary. Mast cells, macrophages, and extracellular vesicles such as ectosomes and exosomes were distributed around telocytes (TCs) and their long processes (Telopodes, Tps) within the TMC. Cell junctions between TCs developed, which could enable the communication between contiguous but distant Tps. On the other hand, winding free Tps without cell junctions were also uncovered inside the TMC. Tissue fluid, cell junctions of TCs, mast cells, macrophages, and extracellular vesicles within the TMC corresponded to the circulating "" ("Qi-Xue", i.e., information, message, and energy) of meridian conduits at the cytological level. These results could provide morphological evidence for the hypothesis that "meridians are the conduit for Qi-Xue circulation" in CTM.

In vivo and in vitro effects of SREBP-1 on diabetic renal tubular lipid accumulation and RNAi-mediated gene silencing study.

Lipid deposits can injury the kidney of diabetic patients and models. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) is transcription factor regulating the synthesis of fatty acid and triglyceride. At present whether the expression of SREBP-1 makes some effects on the lipid accumulation in diabetic kidney is not still clear completely. The purpose of our in vivo and in vitro study is to investigate the relationship between the expression of SREBP-1 and lipid abnormal metabolism in the type 1 diabetic rats and explore to inhibit SREBP-1 gene expression by RNA interfere in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells line (HKC cells). The animal experiment showed that triglyceride and SREBP-1 were up-regulated in proximal tubule of diabetic rats' kidney, which may result in increase of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). The further HKC cells experiment confirmed SREBP-1 increasing resulted into lipid droplet formation. The expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in HKC cells transfected with specific plasmid for SREBP-1 gene was significantly more than that of the cells transfected with the control plasmid pcDNA3.1 and that of the untransfected cells. Simultaneously, up-regulation of TGF-beta1 and fibronectin, an ECM glycoprotein, was evident in HKC cells transfected by specific SREBP-1 plasmid. Furthermore, we found that high glucose was a positive factor on the expression of SREBP-1 at protein and mRNA levels in HKC cells. High glucose makes effects on SREBP-1 in time-dependent manner, and the greatest effect was at 48 h. In addition, two effective eukaryotic expression plasmid vectors of shRNA aimed at SREBP-1 were designed and constructed successfully. Compared with the negative control plasmid group, the levels of the expression of SREBP-1 were inhibited by 24.11 and 36.15%, respectively, at mRNA level, 20.80 and 37.59%, respectively, at precursor segment of protein level, and 38.12 and 52.24%, respectively, at mature segment of protein level at 48 h after transfection. In vivo and in vitro study suggested that high glucose caused increasing SREBP-1 mRNA and protein in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells of type 1 diabetic rats. Increasing SREBP-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of renal lipid accumulation by up-regulation of FAS and ECM accumulation by inducing TGF-beta1 expression. The application of vector-mediated RNAi could markedly inhibit the expression of SREBP-1 in HKC cells, which is a promising tool for future research into the mechanisms of renal lipid accumulation in vivo.

Clinical characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: an analysis of 13 cases / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci (C. psitttaci). Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 13 consecutive patients with C. psitttaci pneumonia admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from November 2018 to February 2021. Results:All 13 cases had symptoms of fatigue and 6 cases had headache. At consultation, the ΔSequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores of all patients were ≥2 points. According to the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) score, 2 patients were grade Ⅱ and the other 11 patients were grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ. Laboratory tests showed that C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were elevated in all patients; CRP≥100 mg/L was found in 11 cases and PCT≥0.5 ng/ml was found in 9 cases.There were 12 cases with respiratory failure and 12 cases with elevated transaminase. Chest CT scans showed multiple patchy exudative shadow, focal consolidation and air bronchial sign; and the lesions were mainly in the lower lungs (8 cases). C. psitttaci infections were confirmed by metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and the patients′ conditions improved rapidly after timely adjustment of doxycycline based drug treatment and active organ support. The lesions were completely absorbed without residual fibrous cord changes and the prognosis was good. Conclusions:Pneumonia caused by C. psitttaci usually presents sepsis, and the disease progresses rapidly. The mNGS is of value for the early diagnosis of C. psitttaci pneumonia. Timely adjustment of antibiotics treatment after etiological diagnosis can lead to a good prognosis.

Influence of SRT1720 on apoptosis ofhigh glucose-induced mouse mesangial cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of Sirt1 activator SRT1720 on high glucose(HG)-induced apoptosis in mouse mesangial cells(MMCs).Methods Cultured mouse MMCs were divided into normal glucose group(NG),NG plus mannitol group(M),high glucose group(HG),HG plus SRT1720 group(HG+SRT).Apoptosis of MMCs was analyzed by DeadEndTM Fluorometric TUNEL System and flow cytometry.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was observed by flow cytometry.The expression levels of caspase-3,cleaved caspase-3,Bax,Bcl-2,p38 MAPK,p-p38 MAPK,p53,acetylated p53 and cytochrome C protein were observed by Western blot.The mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by real-time PCR.Results Compared with normal glucose group,the production of ROS,the number of cell apoptosis,the expression of cleaved caspase-3,p-p38 MAPK and acetylated p53 and ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly increased,the expression of Sirt1 was decreased,meanwhile,the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytoplasm was significantly increased in MMCs in high glucose group.Treatment with SRT1720 inhibited HG-induced increase of ROS production,cell apoptosis,expression of cleaved caspase-3,acetylated p53 and p-p38 MAPK,ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and release of cytochrome C,and reversed HG-induced Sirt1 expression.Conclusion SRT1720 could prevent HG-induced apoptosis maybe by decreasing ROS production,preserving mitochondrial function and inhibiting p53 acetylation and activation of p38 MAPK in MMCs.

The value of application of coagulopathy in assessing patients with community-acquired pneumonia / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To explore and evaluate the predictive value of the coagulopathy in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).Methods A retrospective study was carried out for investigating the prothrombin time (PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),plasma fibrinogen (FIB),thrombin time (TT),plateslets (PLT),D-dimer in 385 patients with CAP and 146 patients without infection,tumor,trauma,thrombosis as controls.All the patients were admitted to the Respiratory Medical Department from June,2010 to May,2011.The results of the aforementioned biomarkers were analyzed and compared between two groups.The Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) was calculated to evaluate the correlation between coagulopathy and PSI.Results The comparisons of the abnormal rates of PLT,PT,APTT,Fib,D-dimer between the patients with CAP and the controls were 92/385 vs.9/146,39/385 vs.1/146,108/385 vs.7/ 146,331/385 vs.47/146,348/385 vs.5/146,respectively.The differences were statistically significant (x2 =21.608,13.557,33.747,149.280,365.619,respectively,P ＜ 0.01),while difference in TT was not statistically significant (8/385 and 0/146,x2 =1.839,P ＞ 0.05).The differences in abnormal rate of PLT,PT,D-dimer between high-risk group of CAP and the low-risk group of CAP were 45/148 vs.47/237,26/148 vs.13/237,146/148vs.202/237,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant (x2 =5.602,14.609,23.442,respectively,P ＜0.05),while there were no differences in TT,APTT,FIB between two groups (6/148 vs.2/237,47/148 vs.61/237,123/148 vs.208/237,x2 =4.614,1.635,1.638,respectively,P ＞0.05).D-dimer in patients with CAP was (3.8 ±6.1) mg/L,compared with the controls (0.3 ±0.1) mg/L,and D-dimer in high-risk patients with CAP was (7.5 ±8.3) mg/L compared with the low-risk group (1.6 ±2.0) mg/L (P ＜ 0.001).Rank correlation existed between D-dimer and PSI (r =0.798,P ＜ 0.01),while there was no correlation between PLT and PSI (x2 =6.040,P ＞0.05).Conclusions The coagulopathy commonly occurs in patients with CAP.D-dimer was significantly higher in patients with CAP.D-dimer level is positively correlated with severity of CAP.D-dimer can be an ideal biomarker to assess the severity of patients with CAP.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and immunophenotypes of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis: an analysis of 84 cases / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical manifestation, pathologic features and immunophenotype of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinicopathologic data of 84 patients with HNL from 2005 to 2014 were retrospectively studied. Immunohistochemical staining using EliVision method for CD20, PAX5, CD3, CD45RO, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD68, CD123, granzyme-B, TIA1 and MPO was carried out. In-situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus RNA was performed on archival lymph node biopsy tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunohistochemical study showed that the lesional cells were predominantly histiocytes (CD68+), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (CD123+) and T lymphocytes (CD3+ and CD45RO+). Clusters of CD68-positive cells with strong and diffuse MPO expression were identified. T lymphocytes with CD4 and CD8 positivity were noted. CD56+ natural killer cells and CD20+/PAX5 B cells were rare. Apoptosis-related markers, including TIA1 and granzyme B were expressed by T lymphocytes and histiocytes in lymph nodes of HNL. In-situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus RNA was positive in only 10.0% of the cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HNL shows no specific clinical and laboratory findings. Recognition of the characteristic histopathologic changes in lymph node biopsy of HNL is the key to correct diagnosis. Immunohistochemical study using a panel of markers, including CD3, CD4, CD8, MPO, CD123, granzyme-B and TIA1, is helpful in the differential diagnosis of HNL.</p>

Effect of high glucose on cholesterol efflux in renal tubular cell and intervention of anthocyanins / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of high glu-cose on cholesterol metabolism in renal tubular cells and the intervention of the anthocyanins. Methods HK-2 cells were grown in the DMEM medium supple-mented with 10% FBS and were divided into 5 groups:normal glucose group, high glucose group, mannitol group, C3G group and Cy group. Effect of anthocya-nins on cell viability was detected with MTT, and cho-lesterol accumulation was detected with Amplex Red Cholesterol Assay kit and Filipin staining. Expression of ABCA1 was detected with RT-qPCR and Western Blot. Results In compared with control groups, HG significantly promoted cholesterol mass inside the cell and decreased the cholesterol concentration in the me-dium after treatment for 24 h or 48 h. The levels of mRNA and protein of ABCA1 were detected with RT-qPCR and Western blot, and both were decreased in the presence of HG. Whereas treatment with C3G and Cy markedly attenuated HG-induced cholesterol mass inside the cell by up-regulating the expression of AB-CA1. Conclusions High glucose can reduce the ex-pressions of the ABCA1, and then decrease cholesterol efflux and increase the cholesterol accumulation in HK-2 cells. Anthocyanins can decrease cholesterol accu-mulation by up-regulating the expression of ABCA1.

Impact of megsin gene transfection on the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase under high concentration of glucose / 中华肾脏病杂志

objective To observe the effects of megsin gene transfection on glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the expression of platelet-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB),phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase(pERK1/2),transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)and type Ⅳ collagen under high concentration of glucose,and to investigate the impact of megsin gene transfection on the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)siginal pathway. Methods Cultured mesangial cells were divided into seven groups:low glucose group (group A,5.5 mmol/L),high glucose group(group B,30 mmol/L),high glucose plus empty vector group (group C), high glucose plus megsin expression plasmid group (group D), high glucose plus megsin expression plasmids plus U0126 group (group E), high glucose plus megsin siRNA expression plasmids group (group F) and low glucose plus mannitol (24.5 mmol/L,group G). The expressions of megsin, PDGF-BB, pERK1/2, TGF-β1, as well as type Ⅳ collagen in GMCs of each group were detected by Western blotting, after being cultured for 12, 24 and 48 hours respectively. The concentration of type Ⅳ collagen in cell supernatant was measured by radioimmunochemistry. Results Compared with group A, the expression of megsin was increased in GMCs under high glucose medium, with an increase of PDGF-BB, pERK1/2, TGF-β1 in GMCs and type Ⅳ collagen in the supernatants (P＜0.05, respectively). The expression of above indices was in time-dependant manner. The over expression of megsin in exposure to high up-regulated the expression of PDGF-BB, pERK1/2, TGF-β1 and type Ⅳ collagen(P＜0.05, respectively). Compared with group D, the application of U0126 (pERK1/2 inhibitor) had no significant effect on the expression of megsin and PDGF-BB(P＞0.05, respectively). However, the expression of pERK 1/2,TGF-β1 and type Ⅳ collagen were obviously decreased (P＜0.05, respectively). Dowa-regulated expression of megsin by siRNA transfection decreased the expression of PDGF-BB, pERK1/2, TGFβ1 and type Ⅳ collagen(all P＜0.05). Conclusions The expression of megsin and PDGF-BB in GMCs with transfected megsin gene in high glucose medium is increased, possibly in a way of activating ERK signal pathway to some extent that boosts both the expression of TGF-β1 and the production of type Ⅳ collagen. The transfection of megsin siRNA inhibits the expression of obove indices, which probably contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Expression and significance of Cathepsin D and Laminin receptors in gastric cancers / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To investigate the elationship between the expression of Cathepsin D and Laminin receptors with the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancers.Methods Cathepsin D and Laminin receptors immunoreactivities were evaluated in 96 patients with gastric cancer using streptavaclin pemxidase method.Results Over expression of Cathepsin D in gastric cancer tissue was significantly related with the depth of invasion,lymphnode metastasis and grade of differentiation (P<0.01,P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively).Moreover,the high expression of Lamninin receptors in gastric cancer had significant correlations with the invasion depth and grade of differentiation(P<0.05 and P<0.01);The positive expression of Laminin receptors were not significantly related with lymph node metastasis(P>0.05).By statistics analysis Cathepsin D had a significant positive correlation with Laminin receptors (P<0.05). Conclusion Cathepsin D and Laminin Receptors play all important role in the invasion and metastasis of gastric Cancers.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 inhibits high glucose-induced expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in glomerular mesangial cells / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1)on expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)in human glomerular mesangial cells (HMCs) under high concentration of glucose. Methods Stable transfections of HMC with pCR3.1 vector and pCR3. 1-SOCS-1 were performed with hpofectamine 2000, and cells were selected with geneticin. Cells were stimulated with low glucose (LG, 5.5 mmol/L), high glucose (HG, 30 mmol/L), LG plus mannitol (24.5 mmol/L) and AG490 (10 μmol/L). The protein expression levels of SOCS-1, signal transducer and activators of transcription 1,3 (STAT1, STAT3),p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 were observed by Western blotting. The protein synthesis of MCP-1, FN and type Ⅳ collagen in the supernatants of the HMCs were detected by ELISA and radioimmunoassay. The expression level of SOCS-1 and MCP-1 mRNA was measured by BT-PCR.Results HG induced the expression of SOCS-1 protein and mRNA in HMCs in time-dependant manner, peaked at 4 h, and gradually decreased to baseline at 24 h. Compared with low glucose control group, the phosphorylation levels of STAT1 and STAT3 and the expression of MCP-1 mRNA [(0.39±0.05) vs (0.16±0.02)]were significantly increased in HMCs under high glucose medium (P ＜0.01 ). Exposure of HMCs to high glucose conditions showed high concentration of MCP-1 [(459±67) ng/L vs (241±19) ng/L], fibronectin [(5.84±0.61) mg/L vs (3.41±0.31) mg/L]and type Ⅳ collagen [(16.45±2.30) μg/L vs (9.56±1.52) μg/L]in the supernatants (all P＜0.01).Overexpression of SOCS-1 inhibited the phosphorylation levels of STAT1 and STAT3 and the expression of MCP-1 mRNA [(0.34±0.04) vs (0.42±0.05)]in HMCs under high glucose condition (all P＜0.05). Compared with vector control group, the concentration of MCP-1 [(387±47) ng/L vs (463±56) ng/L], fibronectin [(4.61±0.57) mg/L vs (5.76±0.74) mg/L]and type Ⅳ collagen [(13.4±2.32) μg/L vs (17.1±2.57) μg/L]was decreased in supernatants of HMCs with SOCS-1 overexpression (all P＜0.05). Compared with HG group, the expression of MCP-1 mRNA (0.31±0.04) and the concentration of MCP-1 [(361±53) ng/L], FN [(5.46±0.71) mg/L]and type Ⅳ collagen [(15.2±1.97) μg/L]in supernatants were decreased in HMCs treated with AG490.Conclusion Overexpression of SOCS-1 inhibits overproduction of MCP-1 and ECM proteins in HMCs under high glucose conditions, which may be partly by regulating the phosphoryhtion of STAT1 and STAT3.

Influence of SOCS-1 on AGEs-induced renal tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1(SOCS-1)on advanced glycation end products(AGEs)induced-renal tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and activation of JAK/STAT in cultured human renal tubular epithelial cells(HKC).Methods Stable transfections of HKC with pCR3.1 vector and pCR3.1/SOCS-1 were performed with Lipofectamine 2000,and cells were selected with geneticin.Cells were stimulated with BSA and AGEs. The protein expressions of SOCS-1,α-SMA,E-cadherin,Col I,signal transducer and activatior of transcription 1,3(STAT1,STAT3),p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 were observed by Western blot.The protein synthesis of TGF-β_1 in the supernatants of the HKC was detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay(ELISA).α-SMA and E-cadherin mRNA were measured by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results Compared with control group,the expression levels of α-SMA protein and mRNA and Col I were significantly increased in HKC with AGEs stimulation and there was a higher concentrations of TGF-β_1 in the supernatants.However,the expression of E-cadherin protein and mRNA were decreased with AGEs stimulation.Overexpression of SOCS-1 inhibited AGEs-induced activation of STAT1 and STAT3 and high expression of α-SMA protein and mRNA and Col I,and reversed the expression of E-cadherin protein and mRNA induced by AGEs.Meanwhile,overexpression of SOCS-1 reduced the concentration of TGF-β_1 in the supernatants of HKC with AGEs stimulation.Conclusion Overexpression of SOCS-1 inhibits AGEs-induced renal tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation maybe partly through blocking activation of JAK/STAT.

Effects of high glucose on the expression of cytokines in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in vitro / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effect of high glucose on the expression of transforming growth factor-?1(TGF-?1),?-SMA,E-Cadherin in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells(HKCs)and role of AG490,an antagonist of Janus kinase.Methods Cultured HKCs cells were divided into four groups:low glucose group(LG),high glucose group(HG),high mannitol group(LG+M),and HG+AG490 group(AG).Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis were used to measure the expressions of tryosine phosphorylated Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2),STAT1,STAT3,p-STAT1,p-STAT3 and ?-SMA,E-Cadherin.The contents of TGF-?1 and type I collagen in the supernatants of the cultured HKCs were detected by ELISA.TGF-?1 mRNA were measured by RT-PCR.ResultsCompared with low glucose control group,the expressions of JAK2,p-STAT1,p-STAT3 and TGF-?1 mRNA were significantly increased in HG group from 6 to 72 h.Meanwhile,the contents of TGF-?1 and collagen I in the supernatants and the expression of ?-SMA were increased,the expression of E-Cadherin was decreased.The expression of JAK2,p-STAT1,p-STAT3 and TGF-?1 mRNA and the level of TGF-?1,collagen I in the supernatant s in HG+AG490 group were obviously lower than those of the HG group.The expression of ?-SMA and E-Cadherinwas also decreased in HG+AG490 group.Conclusion Activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway seems to be involved in the high glucos induced overproduction of TGF-?1 and ECM proteins in HKCs.

Rapamycin inhibits activation of STAT3 in renal tissue of IgA nephropathy rats / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effects of rapamycin on p-JAK2,STAT3,p-STAT3 and PCNA in ranal tissue of IgAN rats.Methods The animal models of IgA nephropathy were devided into control group,IgAN model group,losartan group and rapamycin group.The clinical efficacy of rapamycin,and its influences on the protein and mRNA expressions of STAT3,p-STAT3,p-JAK2 and PCNA were determined by western blot,RT-PCR and immunohistochemical techniques respectively.Results The protein and mRNA expressions of p-STAT3,STAT3,p-JAK2 and PCNA were significantly increased in kidney of IgAN rats(P

Expression of ADM and ET-1 was decreased by Losartan in renal of diabetic rats / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Losartan on ADM,ET-1 and their receptors in the kidney of diabetic rats.Methods Experimental diabetes was induced in uninephrectomized rats by STZ.The animals were divided into three groups: group A(control group),group B(diabetic group) and group C(Losartan-treated group).Immunohistochemistry,Western bloting,in situ hybridyzation and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of ADM,ADMR,ET-1 and EDNR-A.Results Compared with group A,the expressions of ADM,ADMR,ET-1 and EDNR-A in group B significantly increased.After Losartan treatment,those indicators decreased.Conclusion The expressions of ADM,ET-1 and their receptors may be responsible for the renal protective effect of Losartan in diabetic rats.

JAK/STAT pathway activation is involved in high glucose-induced transdifferentiation in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To investigate the effect of activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway on the transdifferentiation induced by high concentration of glucose in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells(HKCs).METHODS: Cultured HKCs cells were divided into four groups: low glucose group(LG),high glucose group(HG),high mannitol group(LG+M),and HG+AG490 group(AG).Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting analysis were used to determine the expression of tryosine phosphorylated Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2).The protein expressions of STAT1,STAT3,p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 and expressions of ?-SMA,E-cadherin were observed by Western blotting.The contents of TGF-?1 and type I collagen in the supernatants of the cultured HKCs were detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay(ELISA).TGF-?1 mRNA were measured by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS: Compared with low glucose control group,the expression of JAK2,p-STAT1,p-STAT3 and TGF-?1 mRNA was significantly increased in HG group at different stimulated time from 6 h to 72 h.Meanwhile,the contents of TGF-?1 and collagen I in the supernatants and the expression of ?-SMA were increased,the expression of E-cadherin were decreased.The expression of JAK2,p-STAT1,p-STAT3 and TGF-?1 mRNA and the levels of TGF-?1,collagen I in the supernatants in HG+AG490 group were obviously lower than those in HG group.The expressions of ?-SMA and E-cadherin were also decreased in HG+AG490 group.CONCLUSION: Activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway may be involved in the high glucose-induced transdifferentiation and overproduction of TGF?1 and ECM proteins in HKCs.

Effect of phosphorylating-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase on restructuration of extracellular matrix of diabetic glomeruli / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To study the expression and significance of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB 1) in experimental diabetic mellitus rats, and their relationship with extracllular matrix (ECM) restructuration. Methods Sixty male Wistar rats, with their kidneys removed surgically, were divided in two groups: control group (n=30) and diabetic group (n=30). Diabetic model was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of Streptozocin (STZ, 65mg/kg). Six rats of each group were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12weeks after STZ injection. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-CREB 1 in both control and diabetic groups. Western blot was performed to determine the activity of p-p38 MAPK and p-CREB 1 in both groups. Semiquantitative competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the expression of mRNA of p38 MAPK, CREB 1 and fibronectin (FN). Results Compared with the control group, expression of p-p38 MAPK in diabetic glomeruli was significantly enhanced at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, then it lowered at 12 weeks. P-CREB 1 was increased at 2, 4, 8 weeks, also decreased at 12 weeks. Elevation of FN mRNA began after 4 weeks in diabetic rats. Conclusions Glomerular p38 MAPK activity was increased in early stage of diabetes. This activated p38 MAPK pathway in diabetic glomeruli may in part play a role in the pathogenesis of extracellular matrix restructuring.

Effect of valsartan on expression of TGF-?/Smads signaling pathway in human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cell / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the effect of valsartan on expression of Smads of HKCs stimulated by TGF-?1.Methods HKCs were divided into three groups:control group,TGF-?1 group and valsartan group.Total protein was firstly abstracted at 30 min after stimulation to detect p-Smad2/3 protein by Western blot.Total RNA and protein were abstracted at 48 hours after stimulation.The expressions of Smad2/3,Smad7 were measured by Western blot.Smad2mRNA and Smad7mRNA were measured by RT-PCR.Meanwhile, The protein synthesis of Col Ⅰ in the supernatants of the HKCs was detected by Western blot.MTT assay was used to investigate the effect of valsartan on proliferation of HKCs stimulated by 5 ?g?L-1 TGF-?1 at different time and different drug concentration.Results Western blot analysis indicated that TGF-?1 stimulation could increase the expression of Smad2/3 and activate phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at 48 hour.At the same time,Smad7 decreased.Valsartan could reduce the level of Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 but it did not have any effect on the expression of Smad7 protein.RT-PCR analysis also showed that the expression of Smad2mRNA or Smad7mRNA was higher after TGF-?1 stimulation than control group,while valsartan could down-regulate the expression of Smad2mRNA.There was no difference of the expression of Smad7mRNA between the TGF-?1 stimulation group and valsartan treatment group.Valsartan could also greatly ameliorate the secretion of Col Ⅰ in the supernatants of the HKCs stimulated by TGF-?1 detected by Western blot.Compared with control group,TGF-?1 supressed the proliferation of HKCs,While 1,10 and 100 ?mol?L-1 valsartan ameliorated it and the effect was dependent of dose.Conclusion Valsartan has some renal protective effects on renal interstitial fibrosis,partly through inhibiting TGF-?/Smads signaling pathway.

Effects of fluvastatin on epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and activation of ERK1/2 in HKC cells stimulated by AGEs / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of fluvastatin on epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and activation of ERK1/2 in HKC cells stimulated by AGEs. Methods HKC are divided into four groups: control group, AGEs group, AGEs plus fluvastatin group and AGEs plus ERK1/2 MAP kinase inhibitor PD98059 group. Immunocytochemistry staining was used to detect expression of ?-SMA. The protein expressions of ?-SMA, E-cadherin, Col I, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were observed by Western blot. The protein synthesis of TGF-?1 in the supernatants of the HKC was detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA).?-SMA and E-cadherin mRNA were measured by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Compared with those of control group,the expressions of ?-SMA protein and mRNA,and Col I were significantly increased in HKC cells with AGEs stimulation and there was high concentration of TGF-?1 in the supernatants. However, the expressions of E-cadherin protein and mRNA were decreased with AGEs stimulation. AGEs induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HKC in a time-dependent manner, being significant at 15 minutes and peak occured at 1 h. PD98059 and fluvastatin inhibited AGEs-induced activation of ERK1/2 and high expression of Col I and ?-SMA protein and mRNA, and reversed the expression of E-cadherin protein and mRNA induced by AGEs. Meanwhile, fluvastatin and PD98059 reduced the concentration of TGF-?1 in the supernatants of HKC with AGEs stimulation. Conclusions Fluvastatin inhibited AGEs-induced HKC epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and collagen I synthesis might be partly through blocking activation of ERK1/2.