Ghrelin-attenuated cognitive dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetic encephalopathy is clinically characterized by acquired behavior and cognitive dysfunction but its pathogenesis is not clear. This study aimed to explore the pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy and the mechanisms of ghrelin to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats. Thirty-six streptozotocin diabetic rat models were established; 12 weeks later, all the rats were randomly divided into 3 groups [diabetic model group (D), ghrelin treatment group (T1), and ghrelin and D-lys-3-GHRP-6 treatment group (T2)] of 12 each. Twelve normoglycemic rats were classified in the normal group (N). Learning and memory behaviors were measured using a spatial version of the Morris water maze test. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), caspase-3, and Bcl-xl protein expressions in the hippocampi of all the rats were detected using immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expressions of BDNF, CREB, and caspase-3 were examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The hippocampus neuronal apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method. We found that learning and memory level in the ghrelin treatment group improved significantly, expression of Bcl-xl, BDNF, CREB, p-CREB, and p-ERK1/2 in the hippocampus was increased in the ghrelin treatment group, and the number of apoptotic neurons in the hippocampus decreased remarkably. Our results showed that the changes of BDNF, CREB, and hippocampus neuronal apoptosis might be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy. We suggested that ghrelin improved cognitive ability in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by improving the expressions of BDNF and CREB and by attenuating hippocampus neuronal apoptosis. The effects of ghrelin depend on the receptor of ghrelin, GHSR-1a, and ERK1/2 pathway.

[The serological and genetic identification of a CisAB blood sample].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the DNA sequence of a sample serologically identified as CisAB. METHODS: Forward and reverse group methods were used to determine the blood serological type of that the sample, and PCR-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) method was used for genotyping the sample. RESULTS: Serologically, the forward group test showed that the sample was AB, while the reverse group test showed that the sample had the anti-B and anti-H + + +. The auto antibodies were negative. PCR-SSP assay showed the sample was CisAB01. ABO genetic locus sequencing showed c.261delG in exon 6, c.297 was homozygous AA. Mutations c.467C to T and c.803G to C were found in exon 7. A novel heterozygous mutation, c.724G to T, was detected. CONCLUSION: The serological phenotype of the specimen was CisAB. The genotype was ABO *CisAB01 and ABO *O01. A novel mutation c.724G to T in exon 7 was identified (GenBank accession no. JF304777).

[Preparation and spectral characterization of CdS(y)Te(1-y) thin films].

CdS(y)Te(1-y) (0 < or = y < or = 1) polycrystalline thin films were prepared on glass substrates by co-evaporation of powders of CdTe and CdS. For the characterization of the structure and composition of the CdS(y)Te(1-y) thin films the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used. The results indicate that the values of sulfur content y detected and controlled by the quartz wafer detector show good agreement with the EDS results. The films were found to be cubic for x < 0. 3, and hexagonal for x > or = 0.3. The 20-50 nm of grain sizes for CdS(y)Te(1-y) thin films were calculated using a method of XRD analysis. Finally, the optical properties of CdS(y)Te(1-y) thin films were characterized by UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy alone. According to a method from Swanepoel, together with the first-order Sellmeier model, the thickness, of d-535 nm, energy gap of E(g)-1.41 eV, absorption coefficient, alpha(lambda) and refractive index, n(lambda) of CdS(0.22) Te(0.78) thin films were determined from the transmittance at normal incidence of light in the wavelength range 300-2 500 nm. The results also indicate that the CdS(y)Te(1-y) thin films with any composition (0 < or = y < or = 1) can be prepared by co-evaporation, and the method to characterize the optical properties of CdS(y)Te(1-y) thin films can be implemented for other semiconductor thin films.