Expression level, clinical significance and target gene functions of circu-lating miR-103b in patients with pre-diabetes mellitus / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate whether serum microRNA(miR)-103b plays a critical role in the pathogene-sis of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and pre-diabetic syndrome.METHODS:Bioinformatic analysis was used for iden-tification of miR-103b and its targets,and the results were assessed by real-time PCR and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC)curve analysis in 48 patients with pre-diabetes mellitus(pre-DM),47 patients with noncomplicated diabetes melli-tus(NCDM),and 50 healthy individuals.RESULTS:miR-103b was significantly down-regulated in serum from the pa-tients with pre-DM and NCDM compared with healthy individuals.The ROC curve analysis found that the area under the curve(AUC)of miR-103b was 0.887(95% CI 0.809~0.944).The bioinformatic analysis has demonstrated that miR-103b has a high degree of site conservation among different mammalian species,such as Homo sapiens,Mus musculus,Rat-tus norvegicus,Pongo pygmaeus,Sus scrofa,etc.Fifty-three potential targets of miR-103b were predicted, most of which were involved in MAPK,Wnt,insulin and Ras signaling pathways,and enriched in various biological processes(such as phosphoprotein,DNA regulation transcription,cell growth and proliferation,apoptosis, cell cycle, etc), molecular func-tions(such as protein binding)and cell component(such as filamentous actin).CONCLUSION:Serum miR-103b can be used as an objective complement to traditional diagnosis of pre-diabetes,indicating important implications regarding the distinguish of the undiagnosed cases between diabetes and pre-diabetes by circulating miRNA.

Methylglyoxal inhibits human umbilical vein cell migration in vitro by down-regulating integrinβ3 / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of methylglyoxal on endothelia cell migration.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated by serial concentrations of methylglyoxal (MGO, 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 µmol/L) for 24 h, and the cell migration was assessed by scratch wound and Transwell assay. The expression of integrin β3 in the treated cells was examined by immunoblotting, and the effect of an anti-β3 antibody, LM609, on cell migration was investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Methylglyoxal significantly inhibited HUVEC migration in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Methylglyoxal decreased the expression of integrin β3 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). LM609 also significantly inhibited HUVEC migration (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Methylglyoxal inhibits HUVEC migration in vitro by down-regulating integrin β3 expression.</p>

Expression of musashi-2 gene in leukemia stem cells from acute myeloid leukemia patients / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to detect the expression of Musashi-2 (Msi2) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and investigate the relationship between Msi2 and other clinical parameters, especially CD34. A total RNA was extracted from bone marrow of newly diagnosed AML patietns. The Msi2 mRNA expression in newly diagnosed AML patients was detected with real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. The expression level of CD34 in above-menthioned patients was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The relationship between the expression of Msi2 mRNA and clinical outcome in AML patients was analysed. The results showed that (1)the expression of Msi2 mRNA in newly diagnosed AML patients was much higher than that in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05) , especially in M1, M4 and M5 patients; (2)the expression level of Msi2 did not correlate with age, sex, white blood cell count of peripheral blood, AML1/ETO and PML/RARa fusion gene (P > 0.05); (3) Msi2 expression level in patients with CD34(+) cells was significantly higher than that in patients with CD34(-) cells (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the Msi2 mRNA expresses in leukamia stem cells, the high expression of Msi2 mRNA has been found in newly diagnosed AML patients, especially in M1, M4 and M5 patients, the high expression also has been observed in patients with CD34(+).

Prognostic power of abnormal cytogenetics for multiple myeloma: a multicenter study in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Chromosomal abnormalities have been shown to play an important prognostic role in multiple myeloma (MM). Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (i-FISH) has been much more effective to identify cytogenetic aberrations in MM than conventional cytogenetic technique (CC). To clearly determine the cytogenetic features of Chinese MM patients and identify their prognostic implications, we designed a multicenter study based on i-FISH including 672 patients from 52 hospitals in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All 672 patients were systematically screened for the following genomic aberrations: del(13q), IgH rearrangement, del(p53) and 1q21 amplifications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The analysis showed that the chromosomal changes were detected in 22.1% patients by CC and in 82.3% patients by i-FISH. The most common abnormalities by CC were chromosome 1 aberrations (48.4%), -13/13q- (37.6%), hyperdiploidy (36.6%), hypodiploidy (30.1%) and IgH rearrangements (23.7%). The most frequent abnormalities by FISH was del(13q), which was found in 60.4% patients, whereas IgH rearrangement, 1q21 amplification and p53 deletions were detected in 57.6%, 49.0% and 34.7% cases, respectively. By statistical analysis, -13/13q- by CC was associated with low level of platelet (P = 0.015), hyperdiploidy was associated with low level of serum albumin (P = 0.028), and IgH rearrangement by FISH was associated with high level of β2 microglobulin (P = 0.019). Moreover, 1q21 amplification and del(p53) by FISH conferred a high incidence of progressive disease (PD) after initial therapy. Metaphase detection of IgH rearrangements and chromosome 1 aberrations concurrently was associated with a short progression free survival (PFS) (P = 0.036). No significant prognostic implications of other cytogenetic abnormalities were found associated with overall survival and PFS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Chinese MM patients had similar cytogenetic abnormalities compared with the previous reported studies. However, the prognostic significance of FISH aberrations were not clearly determined and further study is required.</p>

Investigation on occupational hazards of ultraviolet light, sunscreen awareness and behaviors in Wuhan city traffic police / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the awareness of occupational hazards to ultraviolet (UV) and sunscreen awareness, protective measures in Wuhan City traffic police on duty outside.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The investigation included questionnaire survey in Wuhan City 367 traffic police on duty outside, talk with them face to face, fill in the questionnaires, and medical examine skin of exposed parts of body of them and 134 Wuhan City administration staffs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>They understand UV harm to the human body and skin well (94.8% of them know that UV harm to skin), did not understand sun skin care and protective measures enough, and did not adopt enough sun skin care and protective measures (only 3.8% of them use sun skin care more than twice); but contrast to older persons, younger traffic police had better understanding of UV radiation damage on the human body and the skin, and sunscreen products and protective measures, paid more attention to sunscreen, and had less chance of sunburn (in the past 5 years, 18.3% of younger traffic police had sunburnt more than 3 times, but for older traffic police, the number is 30.3%). Traffic police had more skin problems than administration staffs in exposed parts of body (Traffic police face appears oily and large pores, facial pigmentation spots, face telangiectasia, deep wrinkles crude rates respectively were 73.7%, 40.4%, 36.5%, 10.4%, but for administration staffs, the numbers respectively were 26.1%, 15.7%, 15.7%, 1.5%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>UV can induce skin problems in exposed parts of body. The traffic police should be enhanced the publicity and education on UV-related knowledge and occupational hazards, especially for older traffic police.</p>

Effects of matrine on the apoptosis and expression of adhesion molecule in multiple myeloma RMPI8226 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

To investigate the effects of matrine on apoptosis and expression of adhesion molecules in human multiple myeloma cell line RPMI8226 cells, RPMI8226 cells were incubated with indicated concentrations of matrine. The growth of RPMI8226 cells was observed by CCK-8 colorimetric assay and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The cell cycles were analyzed by PI staining. Flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to detect the expression of cell adhesion molecules, including CD44, CD44v6, CD54 and CD106. The results showed that RPMI8226 cell viability in presence of matrine decreased markedly in a dose- and time-dependent manners. The apoptosis could be induced by matrine and its level increased following the augmentation of the drug concentration. After treated by matrine for 48 hours, a concentration-dependent increase of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase and a decrease in S phase could be detected, but no obvious change of cell count was found in G(2)/M phase. Treatment of RPMI8226 cells with matrine for 48 hours resulted in decrease of expression levels of CD44 and CD54, while expressions of CD44v6 and CD106 had no significant change. It is concluded that matrine induces in vitro apoptosis, suppresses proliferation in multiple myeloma cells and depresses expression of some adhesion molecules.

Inhibition of mitochondria responsible for the anti-apoptotic effects of melatonin during ischemia-reperfusion / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate a possible mechanism responsible for anti-apoptotic effects of melatonin and provide theoretical evidences for clinical therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ischemia-reperfusion mediated neuronal cell injury model was constructed in cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) by deprivation of glucose, serum and oxygen in media. After ischemia, melatonin was added to the test groups to reach differential concentration during reperfusion. DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, mitochondrial cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activity were observed after subjecting cerebellar granule neurons to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed that OGD induced typical cell apoptosis change, DNA ladder and apoptosis-related alterations in mitochondrial functions including depression of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (its maximal protection ratio was 73.26%) and release of cytochrome c (its maximal inhibition ratio was 42.52%) and the subsequent activation of caspase-3 (its maximal protection ratio was 59.32%) in cytoplasm. Melatonin reduced DNA damage and inhibited release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3. Melatonin can strongly prevent the OGD-induced loss of the mitochondria membrane potential.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our findings suggested that the direct inhibition of mitochondrial pathway might essentially contribute to its anti-apoptotic effects in neuronal ischemia-reperfusion.</p>

A IL-6R antagonist 2520A produced by a fungal species / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To isolate IL-6R antagonists from the cultured broth of the strain Torulomyces ovatus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Various column chromatographyes were used to separate and purify the compounds with IL-6R antagonist activity. The spectral data and physic-chemical properties were measured for structure identification.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One compound namely 2520 was isolated from the cultured broth of Torulomyces ovatus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>2520A is a known compound (ferrichrome). It is first reported about its antagonistic activity of IL-6R and identification of iron atom in its structure.</p>

The protective effect of amifostine on hydroquinone-induced apoptosis in bone marrow / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the protective effect of amifostine on hydroquinone-induced apoptosis of bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mononuclear cells were separated and divided into four groups: blank control, amifostine group, hydroquinone group, amifostine + hydroquinone group. The cell apoptotic rate was examined in separated group at different time point, and apoptosis was detected by HT stain, then cell morphology was observed under fluorescent microscope and DNA fragments was tested by agarose gel electrophoresis. In addition, apoptotic and necrotic rate was detected by flow cytometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 10 hour culture, DNA ladder was detected in the hydroquinone group, but not in other groups. The apoptotic rate was not significantly different between amifostine group and blank control group at different culture time (P > 0.05). After 8 - 12 hour culture, the apoptotic rate in amifostine + hydroquinone group was significantly lower than that in the group of hydroquinone alone (P < 0.01). After 18 - 48 hour culture, the necrotic rate in amifostine + hydroquinone group was lower than that in the group of hydroquinone alone (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Amifostine can protect cell from hydroguinone-induced bone marrow damage through inhibition on cell apoptosis, and decrease in cell necrosis.</p>

Apoptosis induced by hydroquinone in bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of hydroquinone on apoptosis of bone marrow mononuclear cells, and to evaluate the toxic effect of benzene on stem cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cell morphology was observed by HT fluorescent stain method, and DNA fragments were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Anti-Annexin V FITC plus PI staining for apoptotic and necrotic rate was examined by flow cytometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After adding different concentrations of hydroquinone to the cells for 6 h culture, the fluorescent intensity of nucleus increased, the color of nucleus became deep and inhomogeneous, and the chromatin was condensed and distributed around the neucleus. DNA ladder was detected in all samples. Cell apoptotic rate in different concentration of hydroquinone groups was significantly higher than that in blank control group (P < 0.05). With the increase of the concentration of hydroquinone, the apoptotic and necrotic rate also increased. The optimal concentration of hydroquinone was 50 micro mol/L. When it was >or= 75 micro mol/L, the necrotic rate increased significantly. Hydroquinone-induced apoptosis was associated with culture time at the concentration of 50 micro mol/L, and the peak apoptotic time was 10 h, then the apoptotic rate decreased and necrotic rate increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Hydroquinone can induce apoptosis of bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro with dose-effect and time-effect relationship.</p>

Inhibitory effect of siRNA on bcr-abl gene expression in K562 cell line / 中国实验血液学杂志

To explore a new way to treat CML, inhibitory effect of small interfering RNA (SiRNA) on bcr-abl fusion gene expression of K562 cell line was studied. SiRNA for bcr-abl gene was designed and transfected into K562 cells, bcr-abl gene expression was tested by RT-PCR. The results showed that bcr-abl gene expression was inhibited by using siRNA in dose-dependent manner and reduced to 19.9% and 26.6% of the control at 24 and 48 hours after transfection with 0.2 micro g siRNA respectively. K562 cells proliferation was suppressed finally, but bcr-abl gene expression restored at 72 hours. In conclusion, anti-bcr-abl siRNA can effectively inhibit bcr-abl gene expression of K562 cell line.