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SUMMARY: Hypoxic preconditioning is known to induce neuroprotection, but its effects and pathways in chronic brain pathology still unknown. The aim was to establish an involvement of a7 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (a7nAchRs), and sirtuins of 1 (SIRT1) and 3 (SIRT3) types in the effects of hypoxic hypobaric preconditioning on brain damage in mice with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion caused by the left common carotid artery occlusion. The male C57/6j (C57, wild type) and a7nAchRs(-/-) mice were divided to six experimental groups (10 mice per group): sham-operated C57, C57 with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, C57 with hypoxic hypobaric preconditioning and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, sham-operated a7nAchRs(-/-) mice, a7nAchRs(-/-) with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, a7nAchRs(-/-) with hypoxic hypobaric preconditioning and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. For preconditioning, mice were exposed to hypoxia by "lifting" in barochamber to simulated altitude of 5600 m a.s.l. for 1 h/day on 3 consecutive days before surgical manipulation. Expressions of SIRT1, SIRT3 in brain tissue, and histopathological changes of the hippocampi were examined. It was shown that 8-week chronic hypoperfusion of the brain, caused by unilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery, was accompanied by injury to the neurons of the hippocampi of both hemispheres, which was more pronounced on the side of the occlusion. This damage, as well as the mechanisms of neuroprotection induced by hypoxic preconditioning, were maintained for at least 8 weeks by mechanisms mediated through a7nAChRs. Deficite of a7nAChRs was accompanied with reduction of neuronal damage caused CCH in 8 weeks, as well as preconditioning effects, and lead to compensatory activation of regulatory and protective mechanisms mediated by SIRT1, in normal conditions and in CCH. In wild-type (C57) mice, protective mechanisms in CCH were realized to a greater extent by increased expression of SIRT3 in both hemispheres of the brain.
Se sabe que el precondicionamiento hipóxico induce neuroprotección, pero aún se desconocen sus efectos y vías en la patología cerebral crónica. El objetivo fue establecer la participación de la subunidad a7 de los receptores nicotínicos de acetilcolina (a7nAchR) y las sirtuinas de tipo 1 (SIRT1) y 3 (SIRT3) en los efectos del precondicionamiento hipóxico hipobárico sobre el daño cerebral en ratones con hipoperfusión cerebral crónica causada por la oclusión de la arteria carótida común izquierda. Los ratones macho C57/6j (C57, tipo salvaje) y a7nAchRs(-/-) se dividieron en seis grupos experimentales (10 ratones por grupo): C57 con operación simulada, C57 con hipoperfusión cerebral crónica, C57 con precondicionamiento hipobárico hipóxico y crónica. hipoperfusión cerebral, ratones a7nAchRs(-/-) operados de forma simulada, a7nAchRs(-/-) con hipoperfusión cerebral crónica, a7nAchRs(-/-) con precondicionamiento hipobárico hipóxico e hipoperfusión cerebral crónica. Para el preacondicionamiento, los ratones fueron expuestos a hipoxia "levantándolos" en una cámara de barro a una altitud simulada de 5600 m s.n.m. durante 1 h/día durante 3 días consecutivos antes de la manipulación quirúrgica. Se examinaron las expresiones de SIRT1, SIRT3 en tejido cerebral y los cambios histopatológicos de los hipocampos. Se demostró que la hipoperfusión cerebral crónica de 8 semanas, causada por la oclusión unilateral de la arteria carótida común, se acompañaba de lesión de las neuronas del hipocampo de ambos hemisferios y que era más pronunciada en el lado de la oclusión. Este daño, así como los mecanismos de neuroprotección inducidos por el precondicionamiento hipóxico, se mantuvieron durante al menos 8 semanas mediante mecanismos mediados por a7nAChR. El déficit de a7nAChR se acompañó de una reducción del daño neuronal causado por CCH en 8 semanas, así como de efectos de precondicionamiento, y condujo a una activación compensatoria de mecanismos reguladores y protectores mediados por SIRT1, en condiciones normales y en CCH. En ratones de tipo salvaje (C57), los mecanismos de protección en CCH se realizaron en mayor medida mediante una mayor expresión de SIRT3 en ambos hemisfe- rios del cerebro.
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Animales , Ratones , Isquemia Encefálica , Sirtuina 1/metabolismo , Sirtuina 3/metabolismo , Receptor Nicotínico de Acetilcolina alfa 7/metabolismo , Hipoxia , Circulación Cerebrovascular , Western Blotting , Estenosis CarotídeaRESUMEN
Introduction: Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.) DC. (Rubiaceae) or UT is a medicinal plant with antiviral, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene; this deficiency leads to sarcolemma instability, inflammation, muscle degeneration and fibrosis. Objective: Considering the importance of inflammation to dystrophy progression and the anti-inflammatory activity of UT, in the present study we evaluated whether oral administration of UT extract would ameliorate dystrophy in the mdx mice, a DMD model. Methods: Eight-week-old male mdx mice were submitted to 200 mg/kg body weight daily UT oral administration for 6 weeks. General histopathology was analysed, and muscle tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor-ß, myostatin and osteopontin transcript levels were assessed. The ability of mice to sustain limb tension to oppose their gravitational force was measured. Data were analysed with the unpaired Student's t-test. Results: Morphologically, both untreated and UT-treated animals exhibited internalised nuclei, increased endomysial connective tissue and variations in muscle fibre diameters. Body weight and muscle strength were significantly reduced in the UT-treated animals. Blood creatine kinase was higher in UT-treated compared to untreated animals. In tibialis anterior, myostatin, transcript was more highly expressed in the UT-treated while in the diaphragm muscle, transforming growth factor-ß transcripts were less expressed in the UT-treated. Conclusion: While previous studies identified anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic UT effects, the extract indicates worsening of dystrophic muscles phenotype after short-term treatment in mdx mice.
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Abstract Introduction: The genus Agassizia in Mexico is represented both in the fossil record by the species Agassizia regia† during the Miocene of Chiapas and by the extant species Agassizia excentrica on the Atlantic coast and Agassizia scrobiculata on the Pacific coast. Qualitative diagnosis and descriptions make it hard to distinguish morphological boundaries between species, especially in groups with fossils and recent representatives, increasing the level of complexity by having samples of disparate qualities and quantities. Objective: We propose the use of little explored statistical methods in the comparison of paleontological and biological populations. This methodology allowed us to resolve issues of missing values in a morphometric data set for the genus Agassizia. Methods: Using samples recently collected and specimens already housed in collections, we explore a routine of recovery of missing data MICE and the numerical and graphic analyses PERMANOVA, PCA, and SIMPER to compare morphometric parameters between these species for recognizing diagnostic characters. Results: Our results show a morphological difference in the length of the ambulacrum II and the length and width of the periproct and peristome structures, these being greater in A. scrobiculata, with a consistent pattern in both population samples not previously described. Conclusions: Quantitative morphometric comparisons can be an assertive and complementary tool to determine distinctive differentiation characteristics in species of the same genus. Comparative morphology reviews should be an ongoing exercise to keep taxonomic knowledge on both extinct and extant species up to date. Our research encourage the scientific community studying fossil populations to utilize quantitative and multivariate methods to strengthen their investigations.
Resumen Introducción: El género Agassizia en México está representado tanto en el registro fósil por la especie Agassizia regia† del Mioceno de Chiapas, como por las especies actuales Agassizia excentrica de la costa del Atlántico y Agassizia scrobiculata de la costa del Pacífico. Las descripciones y diagnosis cualitativas dificultan reconocer los limites morfológicos entre especies, especialmente en grupos con representantes fósiles y recientes, e incrementando el nivel de complejidad al tener muestras de cantidad y calidad desiguales. Objetivo: Proponemos el uso de métodos estadísticos poco explorados en la comparación de poblaciones paleontológicas y biológicas. Esta metodología nos permitió resolver problemas de valores faltantes en un conjunto de datos morfométricos para el género Agassizia. Métodos: Usando muestras recolectadas para este fin, así como provenientes de colecciones científicas, exploramos una rutina de recuperación de datos faltantes MICE, y los análisis numéricos y gráficos PERMANOVA, PCA y SIMPER para comparar parámetros morfométricos entre estas especies y reconocer caracteres de diagnóstico. Además, comparamos cuidadosamente los caracteres morfológicos descritos previamente en la literatura taxonómica y la descripción ambiental del hábitat actual de A. scrobiculata. Resultados: Nuestros resultados muestran una diferencia morfológica en la longitud del ambulacrum II y la longitud y anchura de las estructuras del periprocto y peristoma, siendo estas mayores en A. scrobiculata, con un patrón consistente en ambas muestras poblacionales no descrito previamente. El hábitat actual de las muestras de A. scrobiculata en la costa del Pacífico es un sistema costero poco profundo con sedimentos arenosos y temperaturas tropicales. Bahía Chamela comparte varias similitudes con la fauna y las condiciones ambientales previamente descritas en el Mioceno de Chiapas. Conclusiones: Las comparaciones morfométricas cuantitativas pueden ser una herramienta poderosa y complementaria para determinar caracteres distintivos de diferenciación en especies del mismo género. Las revisiones de morfología comparativa deben ser un ejercicio continuo para mantener actualizado el conocimiento taxonómico sobre las especies existentes y extintas. Nuestro trabajo busca incentivar a la comunidad científica que trabaja con poblaciones fósiles a explorar estos y otros métodos cuantitativos y multivariados para fortalecer sus investigaciones.
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Animales , Erizos de Mar/anatomía & histología , Antropometría , MéxicoRESUMEN
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yunkang oral liquid on postpartum kidney deficiency in mice. MethodPostpartum mice were randomized into model and low-dose (6 mL·kg-1), medium-dose (9 mL·kg-1), and high-dose (12 mL·kg-1) Yunkang oral liquid groups. The mouse model of postpartum kidney deficiency was established by sleep deprivation combined with forced swimming. Another 9 female ICR mice were selected as the normal control group. The mice were administrated with Yunkang oral liquid during the period of modeling. The levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the serum were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of ovaries and uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and Smad2/3 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. ResultThe mice in the model group showed prolonged estrous cycle, reduced voluntary activity, dorsal temperature, grip strength, and bone strength, and whitening tongue coating. Compared with the model group, Yunkang oral liquid shortened the estrous cycle, increased the voluntary activity, dorsal temperature, grip strength, and bone strength, and alleviated the whitening of tongue coating. Moreover, it elevated the E2 and P levels and lowered the FSH and LH levels in the serum, decreased ovarian follicular atresia rate, promoted uterine repair, and down-regulated the expression of TGF-β and Smad2/3 in the ovarian and uterine tissues. ConclusionYunkang oral liquid can ameliorate postpartum kidney deficiency in mice by regulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid in mice with alcoholic hepatitis. MethodsA total of 70 healthy male C57BL/6J mice, aged 6-8 weeks, were randomly divided into normal group, model group, liquid feed control group, silybin group, and low-, middle-, and high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid groups, with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the normal group were given normal diet, and those in the other groups were given Lieber-DeCarli classic liquid diet for 8 weeks to induce alcoholic hepatitis. During modeling, the mice in the low-, middle-, and high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid groups were given Dendrobium liquid manufactured by Warmen Pharmaceutical, and the mice in all the other groups were given pure water; the mice in the normal group, the model group, and the liquid feed control group were given normal saline by gavage, those in the silybin group were given silybin 0.25 mL/10 g by gavage, and those in the low-, middle-, and high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid groups were given Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid at a dose of 0.125 mL/10 g, 0.250 mL/10 g, and 0.375 mL/10 g, respectively, by gavage, once a day. At week 8, chloral hydrate was injected intraperitoneally for anesthesia, and blood samples were collected from the eyeball. After serum was separated, the biochemical method was used to measure the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); HE staining and oil red staining were used to observe liver histopathology and lipid accumulation in mice; multiplex Luminex assay was used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and CCL2; quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assay were used to measure the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, gasdermin D (GSDMD), N-terminal gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of AST, ALT, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CCL2 (all P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant reductions in the serum levels of AST, ALT, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CCL2 (all P<0.05). HE staining showed that the model group had disordered structure of hepatic lobules, with a large number of steatosis vacuoles and massive cell necrosis, and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had alleviation of liver histopathological injury, intact structure of most hepatic lobules, and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Oil red staining showed that the model group had accumulation of large and small lipid droplets in the liver and a significant increase in liver fat content, and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant alleviation of hepatic steatosis, with the presence of sporadic small lipid droplets. Immunofluorescence assay of liver tissue showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had a significant increase in the ratio of GSDMD-positive staining area in hepatocyte cytoplasm (P<0.001), and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had a significant reduction in such ratio in hepatocyte cytoplasm (P<0.001). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significant increases in the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, interleukin-18 (IL-18), and IL-1β in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-18, and IL-1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of caspase-1 and caspase-11 (both P<0.05), with a relative expression level of caspase-1 of 1.757 (reduced by 26.6% compared with the model group) and a relative expression level of caspase-11 of 0.455 (reduced by 70.3% compared with the model group), suggesting that caspase-11 showed a greater reduction than caspase-1. ConclusionDendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid can alleviate alcoholic hepatitis in mice, possibly by inhibiting the non-classical cell pyroptosis pathway mediated by caspase-11.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction (QJHGD) on a mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and the mechanism of action of QJHGD against inflammatory response. MethodsA total of 36 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Western medicine group (ulinastatin), and low-, middle-, and high-dose QJHGD groups, with 6 mice in each group. All mice except those in the blank group were given 5% sodium taurocholate by retrograde pancreaticobiliary injection to establish a model of SAP. After modeling, the mice in the low-, middle-, and high-dose groups were given QJHGD (1, 2, and 4 g/kg, respectively) by gavage, and those in the Western medicine group were given intraperitoneal injection of ulinastatin (5×104 U/kg), for 7 days in total. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the pancreas; ELISA was used to measure the levels of α-amylase, lipase, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in mice; RT-qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein3 (NLRP3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in pancreatic tissue; immunohistochemistry was used to measure the positive expression rates of NLRP3, TLR4, and NF-κB in pancreatic tissue; Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of NLRP3, TLR4, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group had diffuse destruction of pancreatic tissue structure, focal dilatation of pancreatic lobular septum, pancreatic acinar atrophy, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as significant increases in the content of α-amylase, lipase, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, and TNF-α (all P<0.05), the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3, TLR4, and NF-κB (all P<0.05), and the protein expression levels of NLRP3, TLR4, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6 (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the low-, middle-, and high-dose QJHGD groups and the Western medicine group had slightly tighter and more intact structure of pancreatic tissue, ordered arrangement of pancreatic acinar cells, a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, and hemorrhagic foci of pancreatic lobules, as well as significant reductions in the content of α-amylase, lipase, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, and TNF-α (all P<0.05), the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3, TLR4, and NF-κB (all P<0.05), and the protein expression levels of NLRP3, TLR4, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6 (all P<0.05). ConclusionQJHGD may exert a protective effect on the pancreatic tissue of SAP mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins, reducing the release of inflammatory mediators, and preventing the enhancement of inflammatory cascade response.
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Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-20a-5p on human nephroblastoma cell line WiT49 transplanted tumor in nude mice.Methods The gene expression chip was downloaded from GEO database,and the differential gene miR-20a-5p was obtained by GEO2R.The NF-κB gene was positively correlated with the expression of miR-20a-5p through cBioPortal database.The target gene of miR-20a-5p was predicted to be NFKBIB of the NF-κB transcription factor suppressor protein family by targetscan database,and was verified by dual luciferase assay.Nephroblastoma cell line WiT49 was cultured in vitro and transfected into WiT49 cells with lentiviral vectors constructed with miR-20a-5p mimics and its suppressor gene.Twelve nude mice were randomly divided into three groups:WiT49 model group,WIT49-miR-20a-5p overexpression group and WIT49-miR-20a-5p knockdown group.The tumor mass and volume of each group were detected by tumor formation experiment in nude mice.real time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the expression of miR-20a-5p,NFKBIB and NF-κB in each group;CCK-8 cell proliferation assay was used to verify the proliferation of tumor cells in each group.Results miR-20a-5p is highly expressed in nephroblastoma and is positively correlated with the expression of NF-κB.miR-20a-5p and NFKBIB have mutual binding sites and binding effects.In the tumor formation experiment of nude mice,the tumor volume and mass of WIT49-miR-20a-5P overexpression group were significantly increased compared with WiT49 model group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).In the qRT-PCR test,the expressions of miR-20a-5p and NF-κB in the WIT49-miR-20a-5p overexpression group were higher than those in the WiT49 model group,and NFKBIB expression in the WIT49-miR-20a-5p overexpression group was lower than that in the WiT49 model group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).CCK-8 cell proliferation assay showed that the absorbance of WIT49-miR-20a-5p overexpression group at 24 and 48 hours was higher than that of WiT49 model group,and the absorbance of WIT49-miR-20a-5p knockdown group at 24,48 and 72 hours was lower than that of WiT49 model group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion miR-20a-5p may promote the growth of human nephroblastoma cell WiT49 transplanted tumor in nude mice by regulating NFKBIB activation of NF-κB pathway.
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Objective To investigate the effects of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma(PPARγ)gene silen-cing in human bone marrow stromal cells(HS-5)on hematopoietic function in bone marrow-suppressed mice,and to explore the potential mechanisms involved.Methods A bone marrow-suppressed mouse model was established by whole-body X-ray irradi-ation.Two hours after modeling,the mice were randomly divided into three groups:experimental group(intravenous injection of PPARγ RNAi-interfered HS-5 cells through the tail vein),control group(intravenous injection of PPARγ RNAi-uninterfered HS-5 cells through the tail vein),and blank group(intravenous injection of an equal amount of saline through the tail vein),with 5 mice in each group.Peripheral blood routine tests were performed before,24 hours after,1 week after,and 2 weeks after radio-therapy.In vitro osteogenic and adipogenic induction was performed in cells,and the cells were divided into experimental group(PPARγ RNAi-interfered HS-5 cells),control group(PPARγ-uninterfered HS-5 cells),and blank group(HS-5 cells without os-teogenic/adipogenic induction).Osteogenic/adipogenic staining was observed.The effects of PPARγ gene-silenced HS-5 cells on mouse bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)were detected by CCK-8 proliferation assay.The groups included experi-mental group(PPARγ RNAi-interfered HS-5 cells were co-cultured with mouse HSCs after 3 days of osteogenic induction dif-ferentiation),positive control group(HS-5 cells treated with 50 μmol/L PPARγ inhibitor were co-cultured with mouse HSCs af-ter 3 days of osteogenic induction differentiation),negative control group(PPARγ RNAi-uninterfered HS-5 cells were co-cul-tured with mouse HSCs after 3 days of osteogenic induction differentiation),and blank group(Mouse HSCs were cultured alone without co-culturing with HS-5 cells).Results After radiotherapy,the hematological parameters of mice in each group showed a decreasing trend initially,and then increased.One week after radiotherapy,there were significant differences in platelet and white blood cell levels among the three groups(experimental group>control group>blank group,all P<0.05).Two weeks after radiotherapy,there were significant differences in the percentage of adipocyte vacuole area among the three groups(experi-mental group<control group<blank group,all P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between hematological parameters and PPARγ expression levels(all P<0.05),as well as a negative correlation between hematological parameters and the percentage of adipocyte vacuole area(all P<0.05).After in vitro osteogenic/adipogenic induction differenti-ation,compared to the control group,the experimental group showed a significantly lower proportion of orange-red cells and a significantly higher proportion of red calcium nodules.After 3 days of osteogenic induction differentiation,the experimental group,positive control group,and negative control group of human bone marrow stromal cells were co-cultured with mouse HSCs,while HSCs were solely cultured in the blank group.The results showed that after 24 h,48 h and 72 h of co-culture,the A values of mouse HSC cells in the experimental group and positive control group were higher than those in the negative control group and blank group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Silencing of the PPARγ gene in HS-5 cells implanted into bone marrow-sup-pressed mice contributes to enhanced hematopoietic function in mice.After interference and silencing of the PPARγ gene,the os-teogenic differentiation ability of HS-5 cells is enhanced,while the adipogenic differentiation ability is weakened.Furthermore,osteogenic-induced HS-5 cells can further enhance the proliferation capacity of mouse HSCs.
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Objective:To construct 68Ga-1, 4, 7-trizacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-CD44 as a novel atherosclerosis tracer targeting hyaluronic acid (HA), and evaluate its biological property and molecular imaging features. Methods:Low molecular weight (LMW) recombinant human CD44 protein was selected, and the C-terminal of the protein was modified by sulfonation and coupled to the bifunctional ligand NOTA to synthesize a novel molecular probe 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 targeting HA. The biological properties of the probe, such as labeling rate and in vitro stability, were studied. Three atherosclerotic plaque model mice and three normal C57BL/6 mice were studied by 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 microPET/CT imaging and pathological examination. Results:68Ga-NOTA-CD44 tracer was synthesized and purified with the radiochemical purity above 99%, and the specific activity was up to 62.22 MBq/nmol. lts stability was good in PBS, and the radiochemical purity was over 90% after incubation for 3 h. After intravenous injection, the probe was metabolized mainly by the kidneys, and its metabolic level decreased successively in the liver, lungs and blood. MicroPET/CT imaging results of atherosclerotic model mice suggested that the uptake in the plaque of abdominal aorta was higher at 60 min after injection, with SUV max and target/background ratio (TBR) max of 1.14±0.02 and 4.95±0.93, and the probe had certain atherosclerotic plaque eroded targeting, which was consistent with the pathological result. Conclusions:As a novel probe, 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 is simple to prepare and has a high labeling rate. It has good physicochemical properties and in vivo biological properties, and can display atherosclerotic eroded plaques sensitively. 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 has a promising prospect to be a new molecular probe for early noninvasive recognition of atherosclerotic eroded plaques.
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Objective To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of atorvastatin on hyper-glycemia induced hemorrhagic transformation(HT)in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia.Meth-ods A total of 36 SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,HT model group and atorvastatin group,with 12 mice in each group.HE staining was used to observe cerebral hemorrhage,immunofluorescent staining was employed to detect the integrity of blood-brain barrier,and Western blotting was applied to measure the protein expression of IgG,ZO-1,occludin,claduin5,MMP-2 and-9 in ischemic penumbra brain tissues.Results Com-pared with sham operation group,the neurological deficit score,mortality rate,HT incidence,HT grading score,IgG fluorescence intensity,and protein levels of IgG,MMP-2 and-9 were signifi-cantly increased,while the protein levels of ZO-1,occludin and claudin5 were obviously decreased in the HT model group(P<0.01).Atorvastatin treatment resulted in significantly lower neuro-logical deficit score(2.73±1.19 vs 3.91±0.94),mortality rate(16.7%vs 41.6%),HT incidence(58.3%vs 91.6%),HT grading score(1.00±1.04 vs 2.58±1.13),IgG fluorescence intensity(504.30±105.52 a.u vs 859.91±153.28 a.u),and protein levels of IgG(4.55±1.40 vs 12.06± 3.73),MMP-2(1.87±0.41 vs 2.95±0.68)and-9(1.47±0.24 vs 2.12±0.23)(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased protein levels of ZO-1(1.55±0.20 vs 0.53±0.10),occludin(0.92±0.11 vs 0.35±0.07)and claudin5(0.58±0.04 vs 0.30±0.05)(P<0.01)when compared with the HT model group.Conclusion Atorvastatin can reduce the permeability of blood-brain barrier by in-hibiting the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and up-regulating the protein levels of ZO-1,occlu-din and claudin5,and thus attenuate hyperglycemia-induced HT.
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Objective To investigate the action mechanism of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)-N1LR on blood-brain barrier(BBB)after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury.Methods Primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells(BMECs)were cultured and treated with OGD/R to simulate cerebral I/R injury.The experiment was divided into normal control group,ln-cRNA-N1LR OGD group,overexpression group(lncRNA-N1LR overexpression after OGD treat-ment)and silence group(lncRNA-N1LR silence after OGD treatment).The mRNA levels of ln-cRNA-N1LR,claudin-5 and occludin in each group were detected by RT-qPCR.The BBB permea-bility was detected by FITC-dextran infiltration assay.The expression of claudin-5 and occludin were detected by Western blotting.Results The mRNA levels of lncRNA-N1LR,occludin and claudin-5 were significantly decreased(0.31±0.01 vs 1.00±0.10,0.42±0.03 vs 1.01±0.13,0.38±0.03 vs 1.00±0.15,P<0.05),and the BBB permeability was significantly increased(58.79± 3.04 vs 8.87±0.63,P<0.05)in the OGD group than the control group.The lncRNA-N1LR over-expression group increased the mRNA expression of lncRNA-N1LR,occludin and claudin-5(0.67±0.07 vs 0.31±0.01,0.92±0.02 vs 0.42±0.03,0.70±0.08 vs 0.38±0.03,P<0.05),and decreased the BBB permeability(41.57±2.43 vs 58.79±3.04,P<0.05)than the OGD group.lncRNA-N1LR silence resulted in lower mRNA levels of lncRNA-N1LR,occludin and claudin-5(0.21±0.02 vs 0.31±0.01,0.31±0.03 vs 0.42±0.03,0.22±0.02 vs 0.38±0.03,P<0.05),and enhanced BBB permeability(72.34±1.43 vs 58.79±3.04,P<0.05)when compared with the OGD group.Conclusion Up-regulation of lncRNA-N1LR may play a neuroprotective role by reducing BBB permeability.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of soybean isoflavones (SI) on the reproductive development of young mice. METHODS C57BL/6 young mice were randomly divided into control group, SI low-dose and high-dose groups (10, 100 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group (half male and half female). The young mice in each group were given corresponding liquid intragastrically, once a day, for 2 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the percentage of body weight increase was calculated; serum estradiol and testosterone levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the reproductive organs of the young mice were determined. The histopathological changes in the reproductive organs were observed. The cell apoptosis of reproductive organs was detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the percentage of body weight increase in female mice was increased significantly in the SI high-dose group, while that of male mice was decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Cystic follicles could be seen in the ovarian tissue in SI groups, a loose arrangement of spermatocytes could be seen in the testicular tissue, and partial epithelial cell shedding could be seen in epididymal tissue. The serum level of testosterone in female young mice and the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol in male young mice in SI groups, GSH-Px activity in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in the SI low-dose group, T-AOC activities in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in SI groups as well as the apoptotic rates of cells in testicular and epididymal tissue of male young mice in SI groups were increased significantly (P<0.05 or P< 0.01); the serum level of estradiol in female young mice in SI groups, SOD activity in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in the SI high-dose group, and MDA contents in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in SI groups as well as the apoptotic rates of cells in ovarian tissue of female mice in SI groups were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS SI can enhance the antioxidant stress capacity of ovarian tissue in female young mice and reduce their oxidative stress damage, but it has certain toxicity to reproductive organs in male mice.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of action of Yinchenhao Decoction in inhibiting ferroptosis of hepatocytes in mice with autoimmune hepatitis. MethodsA total of 18 specific pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice were selected and divided into normal group, model group, and treatment group using a random number table, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the model group and the treatment group were injected with concanavalin A (Con A) via the caudal vein to establish a mouse model of autoimmune hepatitis, and those in the normal group were injected with normal saline. The mice in the treatment group were given prophylactic treatment with Yinchenhao Decoction (4.68 g crude drug/kg) by gavage at 14 days before modeling, and Con A was injected after the last gavage. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), iron ion, glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured; liver index and spleen index were calculated; the expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11 were measured; liver histopathological changes were compared between groups. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between three groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significant increases in liver index, spleen index, ALT, AST, IFN-γ, TNF-α, iron ion, ROS and MDA (all P<0.05) and significant reductions in the content of GSH and ATP and the protein expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11 (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the treatment group had significant reductions in liver index, spleen index, ALT, AST, IFN-γ, TNF-α, iron ion, ROS and MDA (all P<0.05) and significant increases in the content of GSH and ATP and the protein expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11 (all P<0.05). HE staining showed that compared with the normal group, the model group showed massive hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis and inflammatory cell aggregation at the portal area, and compared with the model group, the treatment group had alleviation of liver necrosis and inflammatory infiltration. ConclusionLiver injury induced by Con A may be associated with ferroptosis. Yinchenhao Decoction can increase the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein and thus inhibit ferroptosis of hepatocytes induced by Con A.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in the treatment of mice with liver fibrosis and its mechanism. MethodsA total of 18 specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 weeks, were selected and divided into control group (n=6), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model group (CCl4 group, n=6), and hUCMSCs treatment group (MSC group, n=6) using a random number table. The mice in the CCl4 group and the MSC group were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 solution to establish a mouse model of liver fibrosis, while those in the control group were injected with the same dose of corn oil, and the mice in the MSC group were injected with hUCMSCs via the caudal vein during the injection of CCl4. At the end of week 8, mouse serum was collected, and the mice were sacrificed to collect and fix the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of inflammatory factors; an automatic biochemical detector was used to measure liver function parameters; HE staining, Masson staining, Sirius Red staining, and α-SMA immunofluorescence assay were used to evaluate liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated by TGF-β were co-cultured with hUCMSCs in the medium with or without chitinase-3 like-protein-1 (CHI3L1), and Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of proteins. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunnett’s t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsMasson staining and Sirius Red staining showed that the CCl4 group had a significantly higher degree of fibrosis than the control group (both P<0.05), and the MSC group had significant alleviation of fibrosis compared with the CCl4 group (both P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the CCl4 group had significant increases in the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (all P<0.05), and compared with the CCl4 group, the MSC group had significant reductions in the levels of IL-6, AST, ALT, and ALP (all P<0.05). The CCl4 group had significantly higher expression levels of CHI3L1 and α-SMA than the control group and the MSC group (all P<0.05). The cell culture experiment showed that the MSC+HSC group had a significantly higher expression level of Bax than the HSC group and the MSC+CHI3L1 group (both P<0.05), suggesting that CHI3L1 reversed the pro-apoptotic effect of MSC on activated HSCs. ConclusionThis study shows that hUCMSCs can improve liver fibrosis in mice, possibly by inhibiting CHI3L1 to promote the apoptosis of HSCs.
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Aim To investigate the effect of long non- coding RNA p21 (LncRNA p21) regulating Hippo- Yes-associated protein (Hippo-YAP) signaling pathway on the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in mice. Methods C57BL/6 ApoE
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Aim To investigate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on cognitive function in APP/PS 1 double- transgenic mice, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of ellagic acid on the level of oxidative stress in the hippocampus of double-transgenic mice based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (PI3K/AKT/GSK-3 β) signaling pathway. Methods Thirty-two SPF-grade 6-month-old APP/PS 1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into four groups, namely, APP/PS 1 group, APP/PS1 + EA group, APP/PS1 + LY294002 group, APP/PS 1 + EA + LY294002 group, with eight mice in each group, and eight SPF-grade C57BL/6J wild type mice ( Wild type) were selected as the blank control group. The APP/PS 1 + EA group was given 50 mg · kg
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)on microglia and Tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus of aged mice induced by anesthesia and surgery. MethodsA total of thirty 18-month-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups: control group, anesthesia surgery group, and anesthesia surgery + LGG group (10 mice/group). The aged mice were oral administered by NS or LGG 109 CFU 150 μL once a day for 20 days. Then anesthesia surgery group and anesthesia surgery +LGG group received anesthesia with isoflurane and exploratory laparotomy. The activation status of microglia in the hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence staining 12 hours after surgery. IL-6 concentration changes was detected by ELISA. The expression changes of Tau protein phosphorylation site (Tau-pS202/pT205) and total Tau protein was detected by western blot. ResultsThe microglia in the hippocampus of the control group were in a resting state, and the concentration of inflammatory factor IL-6 was (82.08 ± 12.07) pg/mL in control group. Compared to the control group, the anesthesia surgery group showed microglial cell Microglia were activated, the concentration of inflammatory factors IL-6 increased significantly to (123.7±5.72) pg/mL (P=0.000), and the expression of phosphorylated Tau-pS202/pT205 increased the hippocampus (P=0.002). Compared to the anesthesia surgery group, the activated microglia were inhibited, the concentration of IL-6 decreased to (96.68±9.59) pg/mL (P=0.008), and the expression of phosphorylated Tau-pS202/pT205 reduced significantly in the AS+LGG group (P=0.002). While there were no significant changes in total Tau protein among 3 groups. ConclusionPreoperative administration of probiotic LGG can alleviate the activation of microglia, increased secretion of inflammatory factors, and increased Tau protein phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus of elderly mice caused by anesthesia surgery.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Genistein against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and its mechanism. MethodsA total of 40 female C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 weeks, were used to establish an OVX mouse model, and then they were randomly divided into blank group, 4-week model group, 6-week model group, 8-week model group, and 10-week model group, with 8 mice in each group. Under the same environmental conditions, the mice were given high-fat diet for modeling, and pathological examination showed that NAFLD was successfully induced by 10-week high-fat diet. Another 40 female C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 weeks, were randomly divided into blank group, sham operation group (Sham group), OVX group, OVX+L-Genistein (4 mg/kg body weight) group, and OVX+H-Genistein (8 mg/kg body weight) group. The mice in the Sham group were given the same procedure of OVX, without the ligation of the ovarian artery and the resection of the ovary. The mice in the blank group were given normal diet, and those in the other groups were given high-fat diet. Genistein was dissolved in DMSO, and the mice in the Sham group and the OVX group were treated with solvent solution alone by gavage, once a day for 10 consecutive weeks. Body weight and visceral index were recorded, and the mice were sacrificed to collect serum and liver tissue. Kits were used to measure the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the serum levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), and HE staining and oil red O staining were used to observe liver histopathology; Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) associated with lipid metabolism in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunnett-t test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsAfter 10 weeks of high-fat diet, the OVX+L-Genistein group and the OVX+H-Genistein group had significantly lower body weight, liver index, and liver tissue weight (all P<0.05). In addition, Genistein significantly downregulated the serum levels of TC and TG (P<0.05) and reduced the activities of serum AST and ALT (P<0.05). HE and oil red O staining showed that compared with the OVX group, the OVX+L-Genistein group and the OVX+H-Genistein group had a significant reduction in the accumulation of lipid droplets. Western blot showed that after Genistein intervention, there was a significant reduction in the protein expression level of SREBP-1c and a significant increase in the protein expression level of PPARα (P<0.05). ConclusionGenistein exerts a protective effect against NAFLD in OVX mice possibly by regulating the expression of SREBP-1c and PPARα, thereby promoting fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting liver lipid synthesis.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Xiayuxue decoction in inhibiting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by high-fat diet in mice by regulating nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor containing pyrin domain protein 6 (NLRP6). MethodsA total of 15 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into low-fat diet (LFD) group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, and Xiayuxue decoction-HFD group (XYXD group), with 5 mice in each group. Liver function parameters (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) and blood lipid metabolic indicators (triglycerides [TG] and total cholesterol [TC]) were measured; HE staining and oil red O staining were performed for liver tissue to observe histomorpholoty and lipid droplet deposition; quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression levels of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-1β [IL-1β], interleukin-18 [IL-18], and NLRP6) in liver tissue; Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of NLRP6, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and NF-κB p65; immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of NLRP6 and CD68. Mouse Raw264.7 cells were treated with palmitic acid (PA), lipopolysaccharide, and serum containing Xiayuxue decoction to observe inflammation. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the LFD group, the HFD group had significant increases in the serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, and TG (all P<0.05). Liver histopathological examination showed that the HFD group had marked hepatic steatosis and a signficant increase in NAS score (P<0.05), and quantitative real-time PCR showed significant increases in the inflammatory factors such as IL1β and IL-18 and a significant reduction in the expression of NLRP6 (all P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of NLRP6 showed a similar trend as that of the macrophage marker CD68. Western blot showed that after the downregulation of NLRP6 expression, there was a significant increase in phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (P<0.05). Compared with the HFD group, Xiayuxue decoction effectively improved liver inflammation, upregulated the expression of NLRP6, and downregulated phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in HFD mice (all P<0.05). After Raw264.7 cells were treated with PA, NLRP6 was downregulated to promote the progression of inflammation (P<0.05), and treatment with Xiayuxue decoction could upregulate NLRP6 and inhibit inflammation NF-κB (P<0.05). ConclusionXiayuxue decoction can effectively improve hepatic steatosis and liver inflammation in a mouse model of NAFLD, possibly by regulating NLRP6/NF-κB to alleviate macrophage activation.
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BACKGROUND:The effect of electroacupuncture on the proliferation and differentiation of hippocampal oligodendrocytes in model mice with Alzheimer's disease remains poorly understood while demyelinating reaction related to oligodendrocytes is a common pathological reaction of Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and mechanism of electroacupuncture stimulation of"Baihui"(GV 20),"Fengfu"(GV 16)and bilateral"Shenshu"(BL 23)in Alzheimer's disease model mice on the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells to neurons and oligodendrocytes. METHODS:Forty 6-week-old SPF APP/PS1 transgenic male Alzheimer's disease model mice were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group(n=20)and Alzheimer's disease model group(n=20).Healthy male C57BL/6J mice of the same age were used as normal controls(n=20).The mice in the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Baihui"(GV 20),"Fengfu"(GV 16)and bilateral"Shenshu"(BL 23)for 16 weeks(20 minutes/day and one day off a week).After electroacupuncture,Morris water maze was used to detect the changes of learning and memory function.Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect hippocampal dentate gyrus β-amyloid senile plaques.The expression of BrdU/NeuN and BrdU/GALC in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was detected by immunofluorescence double labeling.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of neuron specific protein Nestin and oligodendrocyte specific protein GALC in the hippocampus.mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Hes1 in the hippocampus were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal control group,the ability of learning and memory in the Alzheimer's disease model group decreased significantly;hippocampal dentate gyrus β-amyloid senile plaques increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of GALC and Nestin in the hippocampus decreased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05).(2)Compared with the Alzheimer's disease model group,the learning and memory ability of the electroacupuncture group was significantly increased;β-amyloid senile plaque in the hippocampal dentate gyrus decreased significantly(P<0.01).BrdU/NeuN double labeled positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and Nestin protein expression in the hippocampus increased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05);GALC expression in hippocampus increased significantly(P<0.01).The mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 in the hippocampus were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The mRNA and protein levels of Hes1 in the hippocampus decreased significantly(P<0.05).(3)These findings indicate that electroacupuncture at"Baihui"(GV 20),"Fengfu"(GV 16)and bilateral"Shenshu"(BL 23)of the Alzheimer's disease model infant mice can promote the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells to neurons and oligodendrocytes,which may be regulated through the Notch1/Hes1 pathway.