Evaluating TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7 as a predictive tool for kidney injury in ureteropelvic junction obstruction

ABSTRACT A major challenge in the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the selection of patients who would benefit from surgical treatment. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) indicate renal cell stress and are associated with cell cycle arrest. The [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] ratio (Nephrocheck®) has been recently applied in patients in intensive care units patients to predict the development of acute kidney injury. In this study, we evaluated the performance of these biomarkers performance to distinguishing obstructive hydronephrosis (HN) from non-obstructive HN. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with UPJO were enrolled in this study. Urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] and clinical characteristics (hydronephrosis grade, differential renal function, and drainage half-time) were measured in the following groups: 26 children with obstructive HN at initial diagnosis (group 1A) and after six months of dismembered pyeloplasty (group 1B); 22 children with non-obstructive HN (group 2), and 26 children without any urinary tract condition, as the control group (group 3). Results: Comparing the initial samples, [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] had higher levels in the HN groups and lower levels in the control group; however, no difference was observed between the HN groups (obstructive vs. non-obstructive). After six months of follow-up, patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty showed stability in the urinary concentration of [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7]. All patients with [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] higher than 1.0 (ng/mL)2/1000 had diffuse cortical atrophy on ultrasonography. Conclusions: We showed that urinary levels of urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] are higher in children with HN than controls. Nephrocheck® is not reliable in predicting the need for surgical intervention for pediatric patients with UPJO.

Effect of lathyrol derivatives on non-small cell lung cancer and the possible mechanism / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all lung cancer, with highmorbidity and mortality rate. Nove drug development for NSCLC is urgently needed.This study aims to investigate the activity of lathyrol derivatives and the mechanism for its inhibitory effect on the growth of NSCLC cells.@*METHODS@#Three lathyrol derivatives were synthesized from lathyrol and their structures were verified by nuclear magnetic resonance. MTT assay was used to detect the effects of the lathyrol derivatives on the proliferation activity of NSCLC cells (A549 and H1299 cells), and the compound with the best activity was selected for subsequent experiments. Colony forming assay, wound-healing assay, and transwell assay were applied to detect in vitro cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability in A549 and H1299 cells, respectively. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect mRNA and protein levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and MMP2 in A549 cells, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Three lathyrol derivatives inhibited the growth of A549 and H1299 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and they showed a weak inhibitory effect on normal cells Beas-2B and 16HBE, indicating that they possessed certain selective toxic effects. Therefore, C-5 benzoylated lathyrol with the best activity was selected as the ideal drug for the subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, the number and size of cell clusters in the treatment group of A549 and H1299 cells were significantly decreased, the relative mobility were significantly decreased, and the number of invaded cells were significantly decreased (all P<0.05), indicating that the in vitro cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were decreased. The mRNA levels of integrin α2, integrin β1, MMP2, MMP9, β-catenin, and N-cadherin were decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin was increased (all P<0.05). The protein levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, MMP2, and integrin αV were decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin was increased (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The lathyrol derivatives synthesized in this study possess good inhibitory activity against NSCLC. Among them, C-5 benzoylated lathyrol significantly inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of NSCLC cells in vitro through regulating the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Curcumin Inhibits Viability of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Down-Regulating ADAMTS18 Gene Methylation though NF-κ B and AKT Signaling Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of curcumin on viability of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and analyze its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#In cell lines of A498 and 786-O, the effects of curcumin (1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 μ mol/L) on the viability of ccRCC were analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 h by MTT assay. The protein expression levels of ADAMTS18 gene, p65, phosphorylation p65 (pp65), AKT, phosphorylation AKT (pAKT) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2) before and after curcumin (10 μ mol/L) treatment were examined by Western blotting. Real-time PCR and methylation specific PCR (MSP) were applied to analyze the expression and methylation level of ADAMTS18 gene before and after curcumin treatment (10 μ mol/L).@*RESULTS@#Curcumin significantly inhibited the viability of A498 and 786-O cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P<0.01). Up-regulation of ADAMTS18 gene expression with down-regulation of ADAMTS18 gene methylation was reflected after curcumin treatment, accompanied by down-regulation of nuclear factor κ B (NF-κ kB) related protein (p65 and pp65), AKT related protein (AKT and pAKT), and NF-κ B/AKT common related protein MMP-2. With ADAMTS18 gene overexpressed, the expression levels of p65, AKT and MMP2 were downregulated, of which were conversely up-regulated in silenced ADAMTS18 (sh-ADAMTS18). The expression of pp65, pAKT and MMP2 in sh-ADAMTS18 was down-regulated after being treated with PDTC (NF-κ B inhibitor) and LY294002 (AKT inhibitor).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Curcumin could inhibit the viability of ccRCC by down-regulating ADAMTS18 gene methylation though NF-κ B and AKT signaling pathway.

The Effect of Doxycycline on the Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and analyze the effect of doxycycline (DOX) on the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in MM cells.@*METHODS@#The peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of MM patients were collected, and the patients were divided into three groups: newly diagnosed group, remission group and relapsed/refractory group, while the peripheral blood samples of 34 health people and the bone marrow samples of 17 IDA patients were selected as normal control and control group. The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by ELISA. The protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in H929 cells treated by different concentrations of DOX were analyzed by Western blot. After H929 cells was treated by Akt inhibitor MK-2206 2HCl in combination with DOX, Western blot was used to detect the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9.@*RESULTS@#The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in newly diagnosed MM patients were higher than those in control (P<0.05), while for the patients in the remission group were decreased, but still higher than those in control. The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased again for the patients in relapsed/refractory group, and showed no significant difference as compared with those in newly diagnosed group. The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 could be inhibited by 10 mg/L and 15 mg/L DOX treated by H929 cell. The protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed no altered in H929 cells treated by 5 nmol/L MK-2206 2HCl alone. DOX exerted more profound inhibitory effect to MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in H929 cells when Akt inhibitor MK-2206 2HCl was combined with DOX.@*CONCLUSION@#The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 are increased in MM patients and related to the disease status of MM. DOX can inhibit the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in MM cells, and antagonizing its activation of Akt signaling pathway can further enhance the inhibitory effect.

Talin1 is highly expressed in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi to promote trophoblast invasion in tubal pregnancy / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in patients with tubal pregnancy and its role in regulating invasion and migration of trophoblasts.@*METHODS@#Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the localization and expression level of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in patients with tubal pregnancy and in women with normal pregnancy. In the cell experiment, HTR-8/SVneo cells was transfected with Talin1 siRNA and the changes in cell invasion and migration were assessed using scratch assay and Transwell assay. The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, N-cadherin and Snail in the transfected cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Positive expression of Talin1 was detected in both normal fallopian tube tissues and tissues from women tubal pregnancy, and its expression was localized mainly in the cytoplasm of cilia cells. The expression level of Talin1 was significantly higher in both the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in women with tubal pregnancy than in normal fallopian tube and chorionic villi samples (P < 0.01). In HTR-8/SVneo cells, transfection with Talin1 siRNA significantly inhibited cell invasion (P < 0.01) and migration (P < 0.05), down-regulated the expression of N-cadherin, MMP-2 and Snail (P < 0.05), and up-regulated the expression of MMP-9 in the cells (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi is significantly increased in women with tubal pregnancy, suggesting the association of Talin1-regulated trophoblast cell invasion with the occurrence of tubal pregnancy.

Agkistrodon halys venom antitumor component-I inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro by down-regulating MMP2 / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the inhibitory effect of agkistrodon halys venom antitumor component-I (AHVAC-I) on vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and explore its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#CCK8 assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of AHVAC-I for cell treatment based on its halfinhibitory concentration (IC50). MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different concentrations of AHVAC-I or 5-Fu, and the changes in vasomimetic capacity of the cells were examined using Matrigel assay. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and MMP9 in the treated cells were detected using quantitative PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control treatment with culture medium, treatment with 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL AHVAC-I significantly reduced vasomimetic ability of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). MMP2 supplementation obviously restored the vasomimetic ability of the cells inhibited by AHVAC-I.@*CONCLUSION@#AHVAC-I inhibits VM formation in triplenegative breast cancer cells in vitro by down-regulating MMP2 production.

Effects of non-muscle myosin Ⅱ silenced bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on lung extracellular matrix in rats after endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of non-muscle myosin Ⅱ (NMⅡ) gene silenced bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on pulmonary extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrosis in rats with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The experimental research methods were adopted. Cells from femur and tibial bone marrow cavity of four one-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were identified as BMMSCs by flow cytometry, and the third passage of BMMSCs were used in the following experiments. The cells were divided into NMⅡ silenced group transfected with pHBLV-U6-ZsGreen-Puro plasmid containing small interference RNA sequence of NMⅡ gene, vector group transfected with empty plasmid, and blank control group without any treatment, and the protein expression of NMⅡ at 72 h after intervention was detected by Western blotting (n=3). The morphology of cells was observed by an inverted phase contrast microscope and cells labeled with chloromethylbenzoine (CM-DiⅠ) in vitro were observed by an inverted fluorescence microscope. Twenty 4-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into blank control group, ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group according to the random number table, with 5 rats in each group. Rats in blank control group were not treated, and rats in the other 3 groups were given LPS to induce ALI. Immediately after modeling, rats in ALI alone group were injected with 1 mL normal saline via tail vein, rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were injected with 1×107/mL BMMSCs and NMⅡ gene silenced BMMSCs of 1 mL labelled with CM-DiⅠ via tail vein, and rats in blank control group were injected with 1 mL normal saline via tail vein at the same time point, respectively. At 24 h after intervention, the lung tissue was collected to observe intrapulmonary homing of the BMMSCs by an inverted fluorescence microscope. Lung tissue was collected at 24 h, in 1 week, and in 2 weeks after intervention to observe pulmonary inflammation by hematoxylin eosin staining and to observe pulmonary fibrosis by Masson staining, and the pulmonary fibrosis in 2 weeks after intervention was scored by modified Ashcroft score (n=5). The content of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 was detected by immunohistochemistry in 2 weeks after intervention (n=3), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase (MPO) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 24 h after intervention (n=3), and the protein expressions of CD11b and epidermal growth factor like module containing mucin like hormone receptor 1 (EMR1) in 1 week after intervention were detected by immunofluorescence staining (n=3). Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni method, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: At 72 h after intervention, the NMⅡprotein expression of cells in NMⅡ silenced group was significantly lower than those in blank control group and vector group (with P values <0.01). BMMSCs were in long spindle shape and grew in cluster shaped like vortexes, which were labelled with CM-DiⅠ successfully in vitro. At 24 h after intervention, cell homing in lung of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was more pronounced than that in ALI+BMMSC group, while no CM-DiⅠ-labelled BMMSCs were observed in lung of rats in blank control group and ALI alone group. There was no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue of rats in blank control group at all time points, while inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly less than that in ALI alone group at 24 h after intervention, and alveolar wall turned to be thinner and a small amount of congestion in local lung tissue appeared in rats of the two groups in 1 week and 2 weeks after intervention. In 1 week and 2 weeks after intervention, collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue of rats in ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly aggravated compared with that in blank control group, while collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly improved compared with that in ALI alone group. In 2 weeks after intervention, modified Ashcroft scores for pulmonary fibrosis of rats in ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were 2.36±0.22, 1.62±0.16, 1.06±0.26, respectively, significantly higher than 0.30±0.21 in blank control group (P<0.01). Modified Ashcroft scores for pulmonary fibrosis of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly lower than that in ALI alone group (P<0.01), and modified Ashcroft score for pulmonary fibrosis of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly lower than that in ALI+BMMSC group (P<0.01). In 2 weeks after intervention, the content of α-SMA in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly decreased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The content of MMP-2 in lung tissue of rats in the 4 groups was similar (P>0.05). The content of MMP-9 in lung tissue of rats in ALI alone group was significantly increased compared with that in blank control group (P<0.01), and the content of MMP-9 in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.01). At 24 h after intervention, the activity of malondialdehyde, SOD, and MPO in lung tissue of rats in ALI alone group, ALI+BMMSC group, and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly increased compared with that in blank control group (P<0.01), the activity of malondialdehyde in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group and the activity of SOD in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group were significantly increased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the activity of SOD in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI+BMMSC group (P<0.01). The activity of MPO in lung tissue of rats in ALI+BMMSC group and ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI alone group (P<0.01), and the activity of MPO in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly decreased compared with that in ALI+BMMSC group (P<0.01). In 1 week after intervention, the protein expression of CD11b in lung tissue of rats in ALI+NMⅡ silenced BMMSC group was significantly increased compared with those in the other three groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the protein expressions of EMR1 in lung tissue of rats in the four groups were similar (P>0.05). Conclusions: Transplantation of NMⅡ gene silenced BMMSCs can significantly improve the activity of ECM components in the lung tissue in LPS-induced ALI rats, remodel its integrity, and enhance its antioxidant capacity, and alleviate lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.

Casticin inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by inhibition of TM7SF4 expression / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of Casticin (CAS) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer T24 cells. Methods: T24 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group, 5, 10, 20 μmol/L CAS groups, si-NC group, si-TM7SF4 group, CAS+ pcDNA group and CAS+ pcDNA-TM7SF4 group. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell proliferation; Transwell was used to detect cell migration and invasion; western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of cyclin D1, p21, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TM7SF4, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of TM7SF4 mRNA. Results: The inhibition rates of T24 cells in the 5, 10, 20 μmol/L CAS groups were (17.68±1.41)%, (33.54±3.16)% and (61.44±5.50)%, respectively, higher than (0.00±0.00)% of the control group (P<0.001), but the numbers of migration and invasion were 72.83±5.66, 59.13±4.27, 41.25±3.22 and 55.83±5.15, 42.19±3.06, 31.13±3.22, respectively, lower than 86.11±5.16 and 68.82±5.29 of the control group (P<0.001). The protein expression levels of cyclin D1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TM7SF4 and the expression levels of TM7SF4 mRNA in the 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L CAS groups were lower than the control group (P<0.001). However, the protein expression levels of p21 were 0.37±0.03, 0.51±0.04, and 0.66±0.06, respectively, higher than 0.25±0.03 in the control group (P<0.001). The inhibition rate of T24 cells in the si-TM7SF4 group was (50.35±4.67)%, higher than (6.31±0.58)% in the si-NC group (P<0.001), but the numbers of migration and invasion were 53.51±4.18 and 42.92±3.81, lower than 85.26±4.99 and 67.93±4.64 of the si-NC group (P<0.001). The protein expression levels of TM7SF4, CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9 in the si-TM7SF4 group were lower than the si-NC group (P<0.001). However, the protein expression level of p21 in the si-TM7SF4 group was higher than the si-NC group (P<0.001). The inhibitory rate of T24 cells in the CAS+ pcDNA-TM7SF4 group was (21.45±2.46)%, lower than (64.06±4.49)% of the CAS+ pcDNA group (P<0.001), but the number of migration and invasion in the CAS+ pcDNA-TM7SF4 group were 75.66±6.57 and 59.35±5.40, higher than 40.43±3.85 and 30.25±3.32 in the CAS+ pcDNA group (P<0.001). The protein expression levels of TM7SF4, CyclinD1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the CAS+ pcDNA-TM7SF4 group were higher than the CAS+ pcDNA group (P<0.001), but the protein expression level of p21 was lower than the CAS+ pcDNA group (P<0.001). Conclusion: CAS may suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer T24 cells by inhibiting the expression of TM7SF4.

Effects of GSK3β/eEF2K signaling pathway on pulmonary fibrosis in mice / 中国应用生理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β)/eukaryotic extension factor kinase 2 (eEF2K) signaling pathway on the process of pulmonary fibrosis through in vivo experiments, and find new ideas for clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: The pulmonary fibrosis model of C57BL/6 male mice was induced by bleomycin with intratracheal injection at the dose of 2 mg/kg. After 14 days of modeling, animals were divided into model group, negative inhibition group and inhibition group (n=5 for each group), and control group was not processed. The inhibition group was treated with TDZD-8 (4 mg/kg) after modeling, the negative inhibition group was given DMSO solution after modeling, and the samples were collected after 28 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used to detect lung fibrosis in mice and scored according to Ashcroft scale. Expression levels of GSK3β, p-GSK3β, eEF2K, p-eEF2K (Ser70, Ser392, Ser470), precursor protein of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (pro-MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), collagen I (Col I), collagen Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with control group, the fibrosis score was up-regulated, the expression levels of GSK3β, p-GSK3β, p-eEF2K (Ser70, Ser392, Ser470), pro-MMP-2, MMP-2, Col I, Col Ⅲ and α-SMA were increased, while that of eEF2K was decreased in model group (P＜0.05). Compared with model group, the fibrosis score, expression levels of GSK3β, p-GSK3β, p-eEF2K (Ser70, Ser392, Ser470), pro-MMP-2, MMP-2, Col I, Col Ⅲ and α-SMA were decreased, but the expression level of eEF2K was increased in inhibition group (P＜0.05). Conclusion: GSK3β can activate eEF2K by phosphorylation at the sites of Ser70, Ser392 and Ser470, increase the contents of fibrosis indicators, promote the formation of pulmonary fibrosis, and aggravate lung tissue lesions.

Overwork Affects Extracellular Matrix of Arterial Vessel Wall in Rats / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the effect of overwork (OW) on extracellular matrix of arterial vessel wall in rats. Methods Random number grouping method was employed to assign 18 Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups(n=6):the control group(no special treatment),group OW(forced swimming twice a day for 15 days),and sleep deficiency(SD)+OW group(in addition to forced swimming twice a day,the rats were put on the platforms in water to limit sleep for 15 days).On the 16th day,the abdominal aorta and common carotid artery were collected after blood sampling from heart under deep anesthesia.A part of the abdominal aorta sample was taken for Masson staining of collagen fiber,and Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining was carried out for the elastic fiber of common carotid artery.Image J was employed for the quantitative analysis of collagen fiber and elastic fiber content.The expression of collagen 1(Col-1) protein was quantified by immunohistochemistry and the ultrastructure of vascular matrix was examined by transmission electron microscopy.The other part of the abdominal aorta sample was used to determine the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-1,MMP-2,MMP-9,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1),and Col-1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Compared with that in control group,the content of collagen fiber in groups OW and SD+OW had no significant change(all P>0.05);the content of elastic fiber in groups OW and SD+OW decreased(all P<0.001) and had no significant difference between each other(P>0.05).The vascular vessel wall of group OW showed slight fiber breakage,while that of group SD+OW presented wormhole-like or spongy fiber fragmentation.The mRNA levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in groups OW and SD+OW had no significant difference between each other(P>0.05) but were higher than that in control group(all P<0.001).The mRNA levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 had no significant difference among the three groups(all P>0.05).Groups OW and SD+OW had lower mRNA level(all P<0.001) and protein level(all P<0.001) of Col-1 than control group,while the mRNA and protein levels of Col-1 had no significant difference between groups OW and SD+OW(P>0.05). Conclusion OW can reduce the content of Col-1 and elastic fibers in the extracellular matrix of arterial vessels,destroy the elastic lamina of vascular wall,up-regulate the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2,thereby injuring arterial vessels.

Evaluation of tissue in repair with natural latex and / or hyaluronic acid in surgical bone defects

Abstract This study evaluated the bone repair in surgical defects of rats treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) associated or not with Hevea brasiliensis fraction protein (F-1). Bone defect were created in 15 albino Wistar rats divided into 3 groups (n=5): Control group (1) - blood clot; HA group (2) - 0.5% hyaluronic acid; HAF1 group (3) - 0.1% F-1 protein fraction dissolved in 0.5% hyaluronic acid. After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the bone repair was evaluated through histomorphometric analysis, zymography and immunohistochemistry. The neoformed bone area did not show a significant difference (p = 0.757), but there was a tendency for bone trabeculation to increase in the groups HA and HAF1. For immunohistochemically analysis, there was a difference in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) labeling (p = 0.023), being higher in the groups HA and HAF1 than the control group. No significant difference in bone sialoprotein (BSP) (p = 0.681), osteocalcin (p = 0.954), however, significant difference in platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD-31) (p = 0.040), with HAF1 group being significantly lower than the control. For zymographic analysis, there was no significant difference for metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (p = 0.068), but there was a tendency to increase MMP-2 in the HA group. Despite the influence on angiogenic factors and the apparent tendency for greater trabeculation in the HA and HAF1 groups, there was no significant difference in the area of ​​newly formed bone tissue in the analyzed period.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o reparo ósseo em defeitos cirúrgicos de ratos tratados com ácido hialurônico (AH) associado ou não à fração proteica de Hevea brasiliensis (F-1). Foram criados defeitos ósseos em 15 ratos albinos Wistar divididos em 3 grupos (n = 5): Grupo controle (1) - coágulo sanguíneo; Grupo HA (2) - ácido hialurônico 0,5%; Grupo HAF1 (3) - fração proteica F-1 0,1% dissolvida em ácido hialurônico a 0,5%. Após 4 semanas, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e o reparo ósseo avaliado por meio de análise histomorfométrica, zimografia e imunohistoquímica. A área óssea neoformada não apresentou diferença significativa (p = 0,757), mas houve tendência de aumento da trabeculação óssea nos grupos HA e HAF1. Para a análise imunoistoquímica, houve diferença na marcação do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF) (p = 0,023), sendo maior nos grupos HA e HAF1 do que no grupo controle. Nenhuma diferença significativa na sialoproteína óssea (BSP) (p = 0,681), osteocalcina (p = 0,954), no entanto, diferenças significativas foram encontradas para a molécula de adesão de células endoteliais plaquetárias-1 (CD-31) (p = 0,040), com o grupo HAF1 sendo significativamente inferior ao controle. Para a análise zimográfica, não houve diferença significativa para metaloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (p = 0,068), mas houve tendência de aumento da MMP-2 no grupo HA. Apesar da influência sobre os fatores angiogênicos e da aparente tendência de maior trabeculação nos grupos HA e HAF1, não houve diferença significativa na área de tecido ósseo neoformado no período analisado.

Expression of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and plasma zinc concentrations in women with fibroadenoma

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the association between the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and plasma zinc in women with fibroadenoma. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 37 premenopausal women with fibroadenoma. Waist circumference and body mass index of the participants were measured. Plasma zinc concentrations were determined using atomic flame absorption spectrophotometry. Fragments of breast tissue were fixed and incubated with primary mouse monoclonal antibodies (monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -2 -507 and monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -9-439). Semi-quantitative analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 immunoreactivity was performed. Spearman's test and Friedman's test were used for statistical analyses. The p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 32.81±9.51 years. The body mass index and waist circumference values were within the normal range. The mean plasma zinc concentration was 42.73±13.84 µg/dL, with 94.6% inadequacy. A statistically significant difference was found between the positive expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (p=0.0184). There was no significant correlation between the matrix metalloproteinase expression and the plasma zinc levels. CONCLUSIONS: Women with fibroadenoma had hypozincemia and positive expression of metalloproteinases.

Salivary glands of fetuses are adversely affected by artificial food colorings in rats

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Artificial food colorings, as types of food additives, are widely used at present in daily life. We aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to artificial food colorings during the intrauterine period on the salivary glands in adulthood. METHODS: A total of 30 Wistar albino female pregnant rats were included in this study. The treatment group was given a mixture of nine artificial food colorings at no observed adverse-effect-level doses. Neither mothers nor offspring were fed with food colorings after delivery. When the offspring became adults, they were sacrificed, and the possible histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of artificial food colorings on the salivary glands were investigated. In these glands, anti-matrix metallopeptidase 2 (anti-MMP2), anti-MMP9, anti-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (anti-TIMP1), anti-TIMP2, and anti-TIMP3 were examined. RESULTS: The expressions of anti-MMP2, anti-TIMP1, anti-TIMP2, and anti-TIMP3 parameters were found to be higher in treatment groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was suggested that intrauterine exposure of synthetic food colorings may lead to deterioration of the tissue structure of the salivary glands in adulthood, thereby increasing susceptibility to chronic illnesses including malignancy and chronic inflammation. Therefore, pregnant women should give importance to their nutrition in terms of foods containing synthetic colorings.

Análise in vitro da capacidade de soluções contendo fluoreto e/ou trimetafosfato na remineralização da dentina e na inibição da atividade de metaloproteinases da matriz dentinária / In vitro analysis of the capacity of solutions containing fluoride and/or trimetaphosphate in the remineralization of dentin and in the inhibition of the activity of dentin matrix metalloproteinases

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial anti-proteolítico contra MMP-2 e MMP-9 e a capacidade de induzir a remineralização da dentina, através de soluções contendo diferentes concentrações de TMP (na sua forma cíclica), diferentes concentrações de F e associação TMP/F. Métodos: Blocos de dentina radicular (6mmx4mmx2mm, n = 130) foram selecionados e divididos aleatoriamente em 13 grupos/soluções experimentais (n = 10): 1) Placebo (sem F/TMP); 2) 0,3% TMP hidrolisado; 3) 1% TMP hidrolisado; 4) 3% TMP hidrolisado; 5) 0,3% TMP; 6) 1% TMP; 7) 3% TMP; 8) 250 ppm F; 9 500 ppm F; 10) 1100 ppm F; 11) 250 ppm F associado a 0,3% TMP; 12) 500 ppm F associado a 1% TMP e 13) 1100 ppm F associado a 3% TMP. A avaliação do potencial anti-proteolítico das soluções experimentais contra as metaloproteinases da matriz dentinária (- 2 e -9) foi realizado por meio da análise zimográfica. Para as análises mecânicas, três áreas foram determinadas para cada espécime: 1- controle (sem tratamento); 2- desmineralizado (cárie artificial); 3- tratado (desmineralizado e submetido a ciclagem de pH por 7 dias, e tratado por 1 min com as soluções experimentais). Os espécimes de dentina foram analisados quanto à porcentagem de recuperação de dureza superficial (%SHR), em dureza transversal (%CSHR) e por microtomografia computadorizada (IMC). Para os dados de dureza e Micro-CT, os resultados foram analisados por ANOVA de medidas repetidas seguida do teste de Student-Newman-Keuls (p <0,05). Resultados: A análise zimográfica mostrou que 1100 ppm F + 3% de TMP promoveu inibição completa da atividade gelatinolítica (MMP-2; MMP-9). Os grupos com TMP não hidrolisados apresentaram efeito remineralizador (% SHR e % CSHR) superior aos grupos hidrolisados. O grupo 1100F + TMP promoveu a maior %SHR e %CSHR entre todos os grupos (p <0,001), sendo respectivamente 15,4 e 10,5%, superior ao grupo 1100F. Os grupos contendo 1100F e 1100F + 3%TMP apresentaram maior concentração mineral. Conclusão: Com base nos resultados, 3% TMP atua como um agente antiproteolítico contra metaloproteinases da matriz dentinária. Além disso, quando suplementado com 1100F, 3% TMP potencializa a remineralização, aumentando significativamente as propriedades mecânicas da dentina tratada. Os tratamentos com TMP não hidrolisado e associado ao F maior que as soluções fluoretadas sem o TMP. Significância clínica: Dessa forma, uma potencial estratégia preventiva e terapêutica pode ser considerada na clínica odontológica, principalmente na terapia da cárie radicular, como também para método preventivo de lesões iniciais de cárie dentinária ou no pré-tratamento da dentina, utilizando-os como agentes cross-linker em procedimentos restauradores(AU)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-proteolytic potential against MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the ability to induce dentin remineralization, through solutions containing different concentrations of TMP (in its cyclic form), different concentrations of F and TMP / F association. Methods: Root dentin blocks (6mmx4mmx2mm, n = 130) were selected and randomly divided into 13 groups / experimental solutions (n = 10): 1) Placebo (without F / TMP); 2) 0.3% hydrolyzed TMP; 3) 1% hydrolyzed TMP; 4) 3% hydrolyzed TMP; 5) 0.3% TMP; 6) 1% TMP; 7) 3% TMP; 8) 250 ppm F; 9,500 ppm F; 10) 1100 ppm F; 11) 250 ppm F associated with 0.3% TMP; 12) 500 ppm F associated with 1% TMP and 13) 1100 ppm F associated with 3% TMP. The evaluation of the antiproteolytic potential of experimental solutions against dentin matrix metalloproteinases (- 2 and -9) was carried out by means of zymographic analysis. For mechanical analysis, three areas were determined for each specimen: 1- control (without treatment); 2- demineralized (artificial caries); 3- treated (demineralized and subjected to pH cycling for 7 days, and treated for 1 min with the experimental solutions). The dentin specimens were analyzed for the percentage of recovery of superficial hardness (% SHR), in crosssectional hardness (% CSHR) and by computed microtomography (∆IMC). For the hardness and Micro-CT data, the results were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p <0.05). Results: The zymographic analysis showed that 1100 ppm F + 3% TMP promoted complete inhibition of gelatinolytic activity (MMP-2; MMP-9). The groups with non-hydrolyzed TMP showed a remineralizing effect (% SHR and % CSHR) superior to the hydrolyzed groups. The 1100F + TMP group promoted the highest % SHR and % CSHR among all groups (p <0.001), being 15.4 and 10.5%, respectively, higher than the 1100F group. The groups containing 1100F and 1100F + 3% TMP showed higher mineral concentration. Conclusion: Based on the results, 3% TMP acts as an antiproteolytic agent against dentinal matrix metalloproteinases. In addition, when supplemented with 1100F, 3% TMP enhances remineralization, significantly increasing the mechanical properties of the treated dentin. Treatments with non-hydrolyzed TMP and associated with F greater than fluoridated solutions without TMP. Clinical significance: Thus, a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy can be considered in the dental clinic, mainly in the treatment of root caries, as well as for the preventive method of initial lesions of dental caries or in the pretreatment of dentin, using them as agents cross-linker in restorative procedures(AU)

Proteínas mir-203a-3p e mmp-2 são altamente expressas em células tumorais circulantes de pacientes com carcinoma pancreático / Mir-203a-3p and mmp-2 proteins are highly expressed in circulating tumor cells from patients with pancreatic carcinoma

RESUMO -RACIONAL: O adenocarcinoma ductal do pâncreas é a quarta causa de morte associada ao câncer mais comum no mundo ocidental. A presença de células tumorais circulantes (CTCs) pode ser considerada um potencial fator prognóstico, visto que essas células representam a progressão tumoral, permitindo o monitoramento da eficácia terapêutica. OBJETIVOS: explorar as características morfológicas, moleculares e fenotípicas das células tumorais circulantes (CTCs) do sangue de pacientes com carcinoma pancreático e correlacionar os achados com a resposta ao tratamento, sobrevida livre de progressão, sobrevida global (SG) e trombose venosa profunda (TVP). MÉTODOS: o sangue periférico (10mL) foi analisado antes do início do tratamento e após 60 e 120 dias. As CTCs foram detectadas pelo ISET® e caracterizadas por imunocitoquímica. Para análise de miRNAs, leucócitos periféricos dos mesmos pacientes e indivíduos saudáveis foram coletados em paralelo no início do estudo. A expressão de miRNAs foi avaliada usando TaqMan T Array Human MicroRNA Cards v2.0. RESULTADOS: foram incluídos 9 pacientes. As proteínas MMP2 e TGFß-RI foram altamente expressas (77,7%) nas CTCs no início do estudo. No primeiro acompanhamento, MMP2 era predominante (80%) e no segundo acompanhamento, MMP2 e vimentina eram predominantes (50%). Microêmbolos tumorais circulantes (MTC) foram encontrados em dois pacientes e ambos apresentavam TVP. O miR-203a-3p foi altamente expresso em CTCs. miR-203a-3p está envolvido na estimulação da transição epitelio-mesenquima (TEM) e relacionado a pior SG no câncer pancreático (dados TCGA). CONCLUSÃO: Devido ao baixo número de pacientes e curto seguimento, não observamos correlação entre CTCs e resposta ao tratamento. No entanto, houve uma correlação entre MTC e TVP. Além disso, miR-203a-3p foi altamente expresso em CTCs, corroborando os achados de proteínas EMT. Este estudo abre perspectivas sobre a mudança dinâmica no padrão de proteínas expressas ao longo do tratamento e a utilização de miRNAs como novos alvos no carcinoma pancreático.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is the fourth most common cancer-associated cause of death in the Western world. The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be considered a potential prognostic factor, as these cells represent tumor progression, allowing monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to explore the morphological, molecular, and phenotypic characteristics of CTCs from the blood of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and to correlate the findings with response to treatment, progression-free survival, overall survival (OS), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: Peripheral blood (10 mL) was analyzed before the beginning of treatment after 60 and 120 days. CTCs were detected by using ISET® and characterized by immunocytochemistry. For microRNAs (miRNAs) analysis, peripheral leukocytes from the same patients and healthy individuals (controls) were collected in parallel at baseline. The expression of miRNAs was evaluated (in pool) using TaqMan® Array Human MicroRNA Cards v2.0. RESULTS: Only nine patients were included. The proteins, namely, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and TGFβ-RI, were highly expressed (77.7%) in CTCs at baseline; at the first follow-up, MMP2 was predominant (80%) and, at the second follow-up, MMP2 and vimentin were predominant (50%). Circulating tumor microemboli (CTMs) were found in two patients and both presented DVT. The miR-203a-3p was highly expressed in CTCs. The miR-203a-3p is involved in the stimulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is related to worse OS in pancreatic cancer (TCGA data). CONCLUSION: Due to the low number of patients and short follow-up, we did not observe a correlation between CTCs and response to treatment. However, there was a correlation between CTM and DVT and also miR-203a-3p was highly expressed in CTCs, corroborating the findings of EMT proteins. This study opens the perspectives concerning the dynamic change in the pattern of proteins expressed along with treatment and the use of miRNAs as new targets in pancreatic carcinoma.

Effect of silibinin on the expression of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP2 in kidney and lung after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model

ABSTRACT Purpose: The protective effect of silibinin on kidney and lung parenchyma during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is explored. Methods: Sixty-three Wistar rats were separated into three groups: sham; control (45 min IRI); and silibinin (200 μL silibinin administration after 45 min of ischemia and before reperfusion). Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, and TIMP2 on kidney and lung. Results: Comparing sham vs. control groups, confirmed that hepatic IRI increased both renal and lung MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP2 expressions starting at 180 min (p<0.001). Comparison of the control vs. silibinin groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 and increase of TIMP2 in kidney and lung parenchyma. The starting point of this decrease was at 120 min after reperfusion, both for kidney and lung parameters, and it was statistically significant at 240 min (p<0.001) for kidney, while silibinin showed a peak of lung protection at 180 min after hepatic reperfusion (p<0.001). Conclusions: Hepatic IRI causes distant kidney and lung damage, while a statistically significant protective action, both on kidney and lung parenchyma, is conveyed by the intravenous administration of silibinin.

Effect of RhoE expression on the migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to investigate the effect of RhoE expression on the migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).@*METHODS@#Forty-eight TSCC cases were selected from the Maxillofacial Surgery Center of Qingdao Municipal Hospital from 2017 to 2019. The expression of RhoE in the specimens (TSCC and adjacent tissues) was detected by immunohistochemistry, and RhoE mRNA and protein were extracted to further detect the expression of RhoE. SCC-4 and CAL-27 cells were selected for @*RESULTS@#The expression level of RhoE in TSCC was significantly lower than that in adjacent tissues (@*CONCLUSIONS@#RhoE expression is low in TSCC. Over expression RhoE in TSCC can significantly decrease its migration and invasion abilities. Hence, RhoE may play an important role in regulating the metastasis and invasion of TSCC and provide a new target for gene therapy.

The myocardial protective effect of propofol on rats with experimental myocardial infarction and its mechanism / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of propofol on the experimental myocardial infarction in rats. The myocardial infarction model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery in rats. Model rats were treated with propofol. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Cardiac hemodynamic changes were detected by multiconductor biorecorder. Pathological changes in the infarcted myocardia were detected by HE staining. The expression levels of cardiac hypertrophy marker genes and fibrosis marker proteins were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. The results showed that, compared with the sham surgery group, the model group exhibited larger infarct size (> 40%), impaired heart function, and significantly increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Propofol reduced cardiac function impairment and decreased LVEDP in the model group. Propofol significantly reduced lung weight/body weight ratio, heart weight/body weight ratio, left ventricular weight/body weight ratio and left atrial weight/body weight ratio in the model group. Furthermore, after myocardial infarction, the administration of propofol significantly improved the diastolic strain rate, down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of myocardial hypertrophy markers, atrial natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain, and reversed the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) induced by myocardial infarction. These results suggest propofol can reduce adverse ventricular remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis after myocardial infarction, and has protective effect against the experimental myocardial infarction induced by coronary artery ligation in rats.

Study on effect of anemoside B4 in improving COPD rats by regulating IL-12/STAT4 and IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathways / 中国中药杂志

To study the effect of anemoside B4 on rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Seventy-two SD male rats were randomly divided into blank group and model group.The method of exposure to cigarette smoke and combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to replicate the rat model of COPD.After the model was maintained for 5 weeks,the rats were randomly divided into model group,dexamethasone group (0.81 mg·kg~(-1)) and anemoside B4 low,medium and high (2,4,8 mg·kg~(-1)) dose groups,a group of 12 animals were administered,and then the administration was started.The administration was maintained until the28th day,and the pulmonary function parameters of rats were measured by an animal pulmonary function instrument.After testing the rat lung function parameters,immediately draw rat alveolar lavage fluid (BALF),and use high-throughput protein chip technology to determined the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in rat BALF.HE staining was used to observe the general pathological changes of rat lung and tracheal tissue.Masson staining was used to observe the collagen deposition in rat lung tissue.Real-time q PCR method was used to determine the mRNA expression level of related genes in rat lung tissue.Western blot method was used to determine the expression levels of related proteins in rat lung tissues.According to the findings,compared with the model group,the dexamethasone group and the anemoside B4 drug groups had different degrees of increase in the lung function parameters of rats (P<0.01,P<0.05),improved the expression level of inflammatory cytokines in the BALF of rats to varying degrees (P<0.01,P<0.05),and improved the pathological structure of rat lung tissue to varying degrees.Relative mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2),matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12),matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1),interleukin-6 (IL-6),and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were significantly reduced (P<0.01);whereas relative mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9) and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor 2 (TIMP-2) were increased significantly (P<0.01).The mRNA and protein expression levels of T-box transcription factor (T-bet),interleukin-12 (IL-12) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 4(STAT4) reduced to varying degrees (P<0.01,P<0.05).The mRNA of transcription factor GATA3 (binding protein-3),interleukin-4 (IL-4) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) in rat lung tissues and the protein expression levels of IL-4 and STAT6 were increased to varying degrees (P<0.01,P<0.05).In conclusion,anemoside B4 has a certain protective effect on COPD rats caused by cigarette smoke exposure and combined with LPS.The mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of IL-12/STAT4 and IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathways.

Effect of piceatannol against malignant melanoma / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the antitumor effect of piceatannol (PIC) on malignant melanoma @*METHODS@#B16F10 cells were cultured @*RESULTS@#The cell viability of B16F10 decreased with increasing PIC concentration. The results of the Transwell assay showed that invasion ability decreased with increasing PIC concentration, and healing time was prolonged at increased PIC concentration in the wound healing assay. Western blot results showed that PIC mainly inhibited the phosphorylation of Syk and inhibited the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF. RNA interference pointed out that blocking the expression of Syk can reveal the same inhibition effect on B16F10 cells as PIC. @*CONCLUSIONS@#PIC might block the progression of malignant melanoma by inhibiting spleen tyrosine kinase.