Risk on assessment of 15 REEs and mixtures by DGT in Songhua River system sediments of China's largest old industrial base.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used in the high-tech sectors in the world and are therefore called burgeoning contaminants. As diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) can be used to assess the bioavailability of inorganic matters, in this paper, we evaluated, for the first time, the ecotoxicology risks of REEs and their mixtures in river sediments of China's old industrial base by DGT. During our research, taking the Songhua River system (SRS) as an example, we detected its surficial sediments, of which the DGT-labile concentration of REEs (∑REEs) was 2.07-8.76 µg/L. As for the single toxicity, the risk quotient (RQ) values of Y at all sites were significantly greater than 1; while the values of Nd and Pr in some upstream reaches were all significantly greater than the threshold (1), indicating that these adverse effects of single REEs were not neglected. In terms of the combined toxicity of REEs mixtures, we carried out an assessment of the risks of probabilistic ecotoxicology, which showed that the SRS superficial sediments had a low probability of toxicity to aquatic organisms (0.54%).

Extracellular Vesicles Isolated From Hypoxia-Preconditioned Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promote Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α-Mediated Neovascularization of Random Skin Flap in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Random flaps are widely used for wound repair. However, flap necrosis is a serious complication leading to the failure of operation. Our previous study demonstrated a great proangiogenic potential of hypoxia-treated adipose-derived stem cells-extracellular vesicles (HT-ASC-EVs). Thus, we aim to evaluate the effect of HT-ASC-EVs in the survival and angiogenesis of random skin flap in rats. METHODS: Adipose-derived stem cells-extracellular vesicles were respectively isolated from adipose-derived stem cell culture medium of 3 donors via ultracentrifugation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and proangiogenic potential of HT-ASC-EVs and ASC-EVs were compared by co-culturing with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 group (n = 10/group). A 9 × 3-cm random skin flap was separated from the underlying fascia with both sacral arteries sectioned on each rat. The survival and angiogenesis of flaps treated by ASC-EVs or HT-ASC-EVs were also compared. Laser Doppler flowmetry and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate skin perfusion and angiogenesis of skin flaps on postoperative day 7. RESULTS: Hypoxia-treated adipose-derived stem cells-extracellular vesicles further improve the proliferation, migration, tube formation with upregulated HIF-1α, and VEGF expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro, compared with ASC-EVs. In vivo, postoperatively injecting HT-ASC-EVs suppressed necrosis rate (29.1 ± 2.8% vs 59.2 ± 2.1%) and promoted the angiogenesis of skin flap including improved skin perfusion (803.2 ± 24.3 vs 556.3 ± 26.7 perfusion unit), increased number of CD31-positive cells, and upregulated expression of HIF-1α in vascular endothelium on postoperative day 7, compared with ASC-EVs. CONCLUSIONS: Intradermal injecting HT-ASC-EVs improve the survival of random skin flap by promoting HIF-1α-mediated angiogenesis in rat model.

Astilbin Protects Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic fibrosis is an inflammatory liver disease, and there is no effective therapy at present. Astilbin is a bioactive ingredient found in many medicinal and food plants, with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and related molecular mechanism of astilbin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of CCl4 in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and those rats were then treated with astilbin at different concentrations. Pathological changes, collagen production, inflammatory cytokine, and oxidative stress were evaluated to evaluate the effects of astilbin on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of indicated genes. RESULTS: We discovered that CCl4 caused significant fibrosis damage in rat liver, and astilbin dose-dependently improved the liver functions and fibrosis degree. Astilbin treatment significantly decreased collagen production, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in vivo. Mechanically, administration of astilbin obviously elevated the hepatic levels of Nrf2 and its downstream components, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), heme oxygenase (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and glutamate cysteine ligase modifier. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings demonstrate that astilbin could protect against CCL4 induced-liver fibrosis in rats.

Treatment of primary cardiac angiosarcoma in a 35 weeks pregnant woman.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare but highly malignant cardiac tumor. It is characterized by poor prognosis, and current treatment approaches are not effective. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old female with 35 weeks pregnancy experienced chest tightness and shortness of breath for 1 month. She was diagnosed with primary cardiac angiosarcoma. Delivery of fetus was performed early to treat the mother. The patient underwent resection of the tumor then she was treated with chemotherapy. However, the tumor recurred 11 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Angiosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor explaining recurrence of the tumor recurred after surgery. Cardiac angiosarcoma should be treated through a comprehensive treatment plan, comprising surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy approaches.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Prevent the Formation of Hypertrophic Scar in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND: Preventing scar formation during wound healing has important clinical implications. Numerous studies have indicated that adipose-derived stem cell culture mediums, which are rich in cytokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs), regulate matrix remodeling and prevent scar formation after wound healing. Therefore, using a rabbit scar model, we tried to demonstrate which factor in adipose-derived stem cell culture mediums plays a major role in preventing scar formation (EVs or cytokines), as well as revealing the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) were isolated from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of a healthy female donor. The surface CD markers of third-passage hASCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. The adipogenic differentiation capacity of the hASCs was detected using Oil O staining. A cultured medium of third- to five-passage hASCs was collected for EV and EV-free medium isolations. Extracellular vesicles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, NanoSight, and the Western blotting for surface markers CD63, TSG101, and Alix. The EV-free medium was characterized by Western blotting for vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), platelet derived growth factor B (PDGFB), and transforming growth factor ß 1 (TGFß1). Eight-millimeter-diameter wounds were created on the ventral side of both ears of 16 New Zealand rabbits. A total of 0.1 mL of the human adipose-derived stem cell-extracellular vesicle (hASC-EV) or EV-free medium was locally injected into wounds made on the right ears during wound healing. Meanwhile, equal amounts of phosphate buffer saline were injected into the left ears as a control. Biopsies of the wounded skin and surrounding tissue were excised on postoperative day 28 and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, and α-SMA immunofluorescence staining. The protein expression of α-SMA and collagen I in both scar tissues and the normal skin were evaluated via Western blotting. RESULTS: The hASCs expressed high levels of 49d, CD90, CD105, and CD73 but did not express CD34 or CD45. The hASCs differentiated into adipocytes under an adipogenic induction medium. Under transmission electron microscopy, the hASC-EVs were circular, bilayer membrane vesicles and approximately 95% of the particles were between 50 and 200 nm in size. The hASC-EVs expressed the same surface markers as EVs, including CD63, TSG101, and Alix and displayed little expression of VEGFA, PDGFB, and TGFß1. The EV-free medium had a high expression of VEGFA, PDGFB, and TGFß1 but displayed no expression of CD63, TSG101, and Alix. In vivo, the hASC-EV treatment prevented the formation of hypertrophic scars on postoperative day 28 and suppressed collagen deposition and myofibroblast aggregation. However, the EV-free medium did not prevent the formation of hypertrophic scars on the same time point and had little effect on collagen deposition and myofibroblast aggregation when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that hASCs are associated with preventive scar formation therapy because of paracrine EVs rather than cytokines. A local injection of hASC-EVs during wound healing efficiently prevented hypertrophic scar formation, which may have a clinically beneficial antiscarring effect.

[Medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of premature ejaculation: An analysis based on data mining].

OBJECTIVE: To study the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of premature ejaculation. METHODS: We searched the databases of CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, SinoMed (CBM) and PubMed for studies on the treatment of PE with TCM prescriptions and performed statistical analyses on the data obtained using the TCM inheritance auxiliary platform software. RESULTS: Totally 180 prescriptions were identified, involving 209 TCM drugs. The results of statistical analysis showed that the TCM drugs for the treatment of premature ejaculation were mostly warm, flat or cold in nature, sweet or spicy in taste, and with the kidney, liver and spleen meridian tropisms. The single TCM drugs most commonly used included Lycium barbarum L (Gouqizi), followed by Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (Yinyanghuo), Os draconis (Longgu), Fructus rosae laevigatae (Jinyingzi), and the drugs most frequently used in combination with others in a prescription were Os draconis (Longgu) and Concha ostreae (Muli). Seven newly derived prescriptions were identified in addition. CONCLUSIONS: The compatibility of TCM in the treatment of premature ejaculation is characterized by the combination of the drugs for tonifying the kidney and arresting seminal emission as the main medication strategy, with those for soothing the liver and invigorating the spleen as the adjuvant agents, which has a certain clinical application value.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction on Cu and Au electrodes studied using in situ sum frequency generation spectroscopy.

As an important pathway for energy storage and a key reaction in the carbon cycle, the CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction has recently gained significant interest. A variety of catalysts have been used to approach this topic experimentally and theoretically; however, the molecular level insight into the reaction mechanism is lacking due to the complexity of the surface processes and the challenges in probing the intermediate species. In this study, CO2 reduction reactions on polycrystalline Cu and Au electrodes were investigated in 0.1 M CO2-saturated NaHCO3 solution. In situ sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy has been adopted to access the intermediates and products on the metal electrodes. On the Au electrode, only linearly adsorbed CO could be detected, and the reduction produced no hydrocarbon species. On the Cu electrode, C-H stretching vibrations corresponding to surface-adsorbed ethoxy species were observed, but no CO vibrations can be detected with SFG. The results revealed that the CO randomly adsorbed on the Cu surface, and the multiple orientations of the adsorbed species may be the reason for the formation of C-C bonding. These results demonstrate direct molecular level evidence for different reaction pathways on the Cu and Au electrodes.

Alkaline phosphatase activity in the phosphorus-limited southern Chinese coastal waters.

Three fractions of alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), including phytoplankton APA (phyto-APA), bacterial APA (bact-APA), and free-APA, were examined in the sea surface microlayer (SML) and the subsurface water (SSW) from Daya Bay, Guishan Island, and Guanghai Bay of southern China. Relationships between APA and environmental parameters were analyzed. The growth of phytoplankton was significantly limited by dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) in the three sea areas, especially in Daya Bay. Total-APA ranged between 1.41 and 35.26 nmol/L/hr, and the highest value was found in Daya Bay. The increased APA in Daya Bay was the result of the increase of phytoplankton biomass and the response of phytoplankton to P limitation. Phyto-APA was the main contributor in Daya Bay, while phyto- and free-APA co-dominated in Guishan Island and Guanghai Bay. Bact-, phyto-, and total-APA showed a significant inverse power function relationship with DIP, and 0.2 µmol/L was the threshold for DIP on particulates and total-APA. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that DIP limitation together with high N levels enhanced APA. High water temperature and freshwater input accelerated APA as well. Principal component analysis clearly separated samples from the three sea areas, as well as from the SML and the SSW, which indicated the differences in environmental parameters and APA levels. Our results highlight the influence of phosphorus limitation and environmental parameters on APA.

Identification of a marine woloszynskioid dinoflagellate Biecheleriopsis adriatica and germination of its cysts from southern Chinese coasts.

A strain of small-sized dinoflagellates, isolated from the culture of sediment incubation collected from the coastal areas in southern China, has been identified under microscopical observation and rDNA sequence. Surface sediments from two sea areas in the southern Chinese coastal waters were incubated for 20 and 40days, and germinated vegetative cells were observed. The cells were identified as species in the Suessiaceae based on the morphological characteristics, ultrastructural features of the cell, as well as its swimming behavior. The studied strain clusters into a well-supported clade together with six sequences of Biecheleriopsis adriatica in the phylogenetic tree based on the large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequence. Therefore, the strain has been identified as B. adriatica based on morphological observation and phylogenetic analysis. B. adriatica was the dominant dinoflagellate species in the germinated phytoplankton community from both sea areas, which contributed 50%-83% to the total germinated dinoflagellates averagely. However, B. adriatica has not been reported in previous phytoplankton surveys, and was probably ignored or misidentified due to its small size and thin wall. The frequent and abundant occurrence of B. adriatica in the germinated phytoplankton community of many sea areas of the southern Chinese coastal waters suggests its wide and abundant distribution in these sea areas.

Clinical Assessment of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Solution and Modified St. Thomas' Solution in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery of Tetralogy of Fallot.

The objective of this study is to compare the myocardium protective effect of Bretschneider's histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution versus Modified St. Thomas' (STH) solution in pediatric cardiac surgery of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Seventy-seven pediatric patients of TOF who received the total surgical repair were reviewed, from January 2014 to October 2015. A horizontal comparison between HTK solution and modified STH solution has been made since the HTK solutions were started to be used in our hospital. The patients were divided into the HTK group (n = 35) and the STH group (n = 33). The perioperative values of the groups were assessed in this study. The primary endpoints including spontaneous cardiac re-beating time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, overall stay, mechanical ventilation postoperation, postoperation stay, overall stay, and perioperative echocardiographic results were analyzed in this study. We found that spontaneous cardiac re-beating time of the HTK group was significantly shorter than that of the STH group (0.26 min ± 0.56 vs. 1.33 ± 1.02, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in ICU stay (P = 0.29), postoperative mechanical ventilation time (P = 0.84), overall stay (0.73); and the mortalities of the two groups were similar (2.9 vs. 3.0%). Aimed at pediatric cardiac surgery of TOF, this study suggests that with similar aorta cross-clamping time, modified STH solution is as safe as HTK solution.

Environmental changes in Jiaozhou Bay of northern China during the past 90years using metals and biogenic elements in sediments.

Metals and biogenic elements were analyzed from surface sediments and a 100cm core collected from Jiaozhou Bay in July 2009, to determine how the environment has changed over the past 90years due to increasing anthropogenic influences in this region. High concentrations of biogenic silica (BSi) represented the dominance of diatoms in the bay. Most metals were lower than the marine sediment quality guidelines; however, Hg, Zn, and Mn were at polluted levels. The vertical profiles of biogenic elements and metals in the sediment core suggest that the most significant environmental changes occurred since the 1990s, and three stages could be defined: (1) before 1950, characterized by low concentrations of biogenic elements and metals; (2) between 1950 and 1990, displaying an obvious increase of Hg and a slow increase of biogenic elements; (3) after 1990, reflected by a significant increase of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphate (TP), and most metals, but a decrease of BSi. Correlation and principal component analyses indicated that most metals originated from lithogenic sources, industrial and domestic discharges as well as maricultural activities.

[Zinner syndrome:A case report and review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical diagnosis and treatment of seminal vesicle cyst (SVC) associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis (Zinner syndrome) in order to promote the understanding of the disease. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 1 case ofZinner syndrome diagnosed and treated in our hospital and reviewed the literature related to this disease in domestic and foreign authoritative databases. RESULTS: The patient was a 23-year-old male, diagnosed with Zinner syndrome, treated bytransrectal aspiration of SVC, and discharged from hospital 3 days postoperatively. Follow-upat 6 months after discharge found that the patient no longer felt perineal discomfort in the endstage of urination, but transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate revealedthe samevolume of fluid in the left seminal vesicles as before,which indicated recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: SVC associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis can be considered asZinner syndrome. Transrectal aspiration of SVCcan relieve the local symptoms of the patient but relapse may easilyoccur. Therefore it is not recommended as the first-choice treatment of the disease.

Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 promotes glioma cell proliferation via inhibiting microRNA-410.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Long non-coding RNAs have been confirmed to play a critical role in various cancers. In the present study, the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CCAT1 on glioma cell proliferation and its potential mechanism were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Real-time PCR results showed that lncRNA-CCAT1 expression was significantly upregulated in glioma cancer tissues and cell lines compared with controls. After inhibiting CCAT1 expression in glioma cell line U251 with siRNA-CCAT1 (si-CCAT1), the cell viability and cell colony formation were decreased, the cell cycle was arrested in G1 phase, and the cell apoptosis was increased. As reported in bioinformatics software starbase2.0, a total of 22 microRNAs were potentially targeted by CCAT1. It was confirmed that miR-410 was altered most by si-CCAT1. After up-regulating CCAT1 expression in U251 cells, miR-410 level was decreased. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CCAT1 targeted miR-410. Correlation analysis showed that CCAT1 expression was negatively related to miR-410 expression in glioma cancer tissues. In addition, down-regulation of miR-410 reversed the inhibitory effect of si-CCAT1 on glioma proliferation. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrated that lncRNA-CCAT1 promoted glioma cell proliferation via inhibiting miR-410, providing a new insight about the pathogenesis of glioma proliferation.

[Staging Based Strategies and Practice for Prostate Cancer].

Authors raised that staging based strategies and practice of integrative medicine (IM) by combining syndrome typing and disease identification, and choosing suitable measures in accordance with different persons and seasonal conditions after more than ten years' clinical practice and researches. Radical operation as prior (as evil eliminating) and strengthening vital qi in perioerative period are best strategy for promoting rapid rehabilitation of early stage prostate cancer patients. Strengthening body resistance to eliminate evil was used in treating advanced prostate cancer patients. For example, a comprehensive treatment program for hormone-dependent patients was combined with endocrinotherapy and Chinese herbs for synergisic efficacy-enhancing actions. In this way, these patients' quality of life (QOL) were improved and time to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) was delayed, even some patients were clinically cured. There are lack of effective medicines and methods for CRPC patients. Greatly tonifying original qi is mainly used for improving their clinical symptoms and prolonging survivals. Practice has proved staging based strategies and practice of IM has favorable advantages in treating prostate cancer, especially showing prospect in prolonging survival and postponing progression of advanced prostate cancer patients. Besides, it also could provide beneficial considerations and inspiration for combination of syndrome typing and disease identification.

TGF-ß induced miR-132 enhances the activation of TGF-ß signaling through inhibiting SMAD7 expression in glioma cells.

Transforming growth factors ß (TGF-ß) pathway has been proven to play important roles in oncogenesis and angiogenesis of gliomas. MiR-132 might be related to TGF-ß signaling pathway and high miR-132 expression was reported to be a biomarker of poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with glioma. However, the expression regulation way involved in TGF-ß pathway and clinical significance of miR-132 have not been investigated in glioma cells. Here we reported that the mRNA level of miR-132 and TGF-ß concentration were both increased in patients with brain glioma. Correlation analysis revealed that TGF-ß concentration was positively correlated with mRNA level of miR-132. In addition, the mRNA level of miR-132 was up-regulated by TGF-ß in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that miR-132 was involved in modulation of the TGF-ß signaling pathway and down-regulation of SMAD7 expression by directly targeting the SMAD7 3'-UTR. MiR-132 was negatively correlated with SMAD7 in patients with brain glioma. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-132 could be stimulated by TGF-ß and might enhance the activation of TGF-ß signaling through inhibiting SMAD7 expression in glioma cells. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of the activation of TGF-ß signaling by miR-132.

Growth and alkaline phosphatase activity of Chattonella marina and Heterosigma akashiwo in response to phosphorus limitation.

The growth and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) of two raphidophyceae species Chattonella marina and Heterosigma akashiwo were investigated in response to P-limitation and subsequent addition of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP, NaH2PO4) and two dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) compounds: guanosine 5-monophosphate (GMP) and triethyl phosphate (TEP). APA levels increased greatly after P-starvation as the decrease of the cellular phosphorus quotes (Qp). C. marina responded to P-limitation quickly and strongly, with 10-fold increase in APA within 24 hr after P-starvation. The larger difference between maximal and minimal QP values in C. marina indicated its high capacity in P storage. APA of H. akashiwo was maximally enlarged about 2.5 times at 48 hr of P-starvation. After the addition of nutrients, cell numbers of C. marina increased in all treatments including the P-free culture, demonstrating the higher endurance of C. marina to P-limitation. However, those of H. akashiwo increased only in DIP and GMP cultures. APA increased only after the addition of the monophosphate ester GMP. The results suggest that quick responses of C. marina to P-limitation, high capacity in P storage as well as endurance for P-depletion provide this species an ecological advantage in phytoplankton community competition under DIP-limited conditions.

Staging and risk factors of chronic kidney disease of outpatients in Shanghai.

PURPOSE: We conducted a survey to determine the stages distribution of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) Study Equation and evaluate the risk factors for these patients. METHODS: All participants completed a questionnaire documenting their social demographic status, personal and family medical history and lifestyle behaviors. Blood and urine samples were collected for laboratory testing. The Chi-square test/analysis of variance and multiple/logistic regression were applied for data analysis. There were 530 CKD patients enrolled in this survey. RESULTS: The Chi-square analysis showed that there was significant difference among different CKD stages in age, gender, BMI (body mass index), medical insurance and education status. Five factors (age, gender, BMI, hypertension, and hyperuricemia) were associated with decreased kidney function (eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Five factors (age ≥ 65 years, hypertension, proteinuria, hematuria, and hyperuricemia) were associated with abnormal kidney function (eGFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Three factors (low education status, hypertension, and proteinuria) were associated with kidney failure (eGFR<15 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients, female with higher BMI, proteinuria and hyperuricemia, complicating with hypertension and diabetes tend to be easier for CKD progression. However, patients with higher education have the lower risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease.

[The changes of p-Akt/MuRF1/FoxO1 proteins expressions in the conditions of training and immobilization in rats' gastrocnemius muscle].

This study was aimed to investigate the changes of muscle protein synthesis and degradation under different movement conditions, so as to provide theoretical basis for muscle atrophy mechanism. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control, endurance training (treadmill training), hind limb overhanging and eccentric training (treadmill training, angle -16º) groups. The gastrocnemius muscles of rats were taken and weighed. The muscle was sectioned, and HE staining was employed to determine the cell's cross-sectional area. Protein expression of p-Akt was measured by immunohistochemistry; and the expressions of MuRF1 and FoxO1 were determined by Western blot. The results showed that, compared with control group, hind limb overhanging and eccentric training groups exhibited decreased muscle weight and cross-sectional area, but endurance training group did not show any changes. The expressions of p-Akt in endurance and eccentric training groups, not in hind limb overhanging group, were significantly higher than that in control group. Compared with that of control, MuRF1 protein remained unchanged in endurance training groups, but was increased in eccentric training and hind limb overhanging groups; FoxO1 protein was decreased in endurance training group, but was increased in eccentric training and hind limb overhanging groups. These results indicate that movement (endurance and eccentric training) can activate Akt expression, but does not increase muscle weight, whereas eccentric training and hind limb overhanging can increase the expressions of MuRF1 and FoxO1, and induce amyotrophy, suggesting MuRF1 and FoxO1 are major determinant factors in muscle atrophy.

[Shenfu injection induces the apoptosis of prostate cancer PC-3 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Shenfu Injection (SF) on the apoptosis of prostate cancer PC-3 cells and its possible mechanism. METHODS: We divided prostate cancer PC-3 cells into a blank control group and three experimental groups, the latter treated with SF at 50, 100, and 200 microl/ml, respectively, for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Then we determined the proliferation of the cells by MTT assay, measured their apoptosis by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry, and detected the expression of P53 mRNA by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the survival rates of the prostate cancer PC-3 cells in the 50, 100, and 200 microl/ml SF groups were (93.76 +/- 2.63)%, (81.21 +/- 1.80)% and (18.01 +/- 3.84)% at 24 hours, (94.67 +/-1.11)%, (78.33 +/- 2.89)% and (10.34 +/- 1.44)% at48 hours, and (91.30 +/- 0.47)%, (36.67 +/- 1.56)% and (1.33 +/- 0.32)% at 72 hours, all significantly increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The expression of p53 mRNA was also markedly increased in all the three experimental groups at 48 hours (P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: SF can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of PC-3 cells, which may due to its upregulation of the p53 mRNA expression.