Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Serum of Elderly Patients Who Experienced Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders Following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are a group of prevalent neurological complications that often occur in elderly individuals following major or emergency surgical procedures. The etiologies are not fully understood. This study endeavored to investigate novel targets and prediction methods for the occurrence of PND. METHODS: A total of 229 elderly patients diagnosed with prostatic hyperplasia who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) combined with spinal cord and epidural analgesia were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups, the PND group and non-PND group, based on the Z-score method. According to the principle of maintaining consistency between preoperative and intraoperative conditions, three patients from each group were randomly chosen for serum sample collection. isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomics technology was employed to analyze and identify the proteins that exhibited differential expression in the serum samples from the two groups. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on the proteins that exhibited differential expression. RESULTS: Among the 1101 serum proteins analyzed in the PND and non-PND groups, eight differentially expressed proteins were identified in PND patients. Of these, six proteins showed up-regulation, while two proteins showed down-regulation. Further bioinformatics analysis of the proteins that exhibited differential expression revealed their predominant involvement in cellular biological processes, cellular component formation, as well as endocytosis and phagocytosis Additionally, these proteins were found to possess the RING domain of E3 ubiquitin ligase. CONCLUSION: The iTRAQ proteomics technique was employed to analyze the variation in protein expression in serum samples from patients with PND and those without PND. This study successfully identified eight proteins that exhibited differential expression levels between the two groups. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that proteins exhibiting differential expression are primarily implicated in the biological processes associated with microtubules. Investigating the microtubule formation process as it relates to neuroplasticity and synaptic formation may offer valuable insights for enhancing our comprehension and potential prevention of PND. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered (ChiCTR2000028836). Date (20190306).

Protective Effect of Dihydromyricetin Against Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Its Mechanism.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of dihydromyricetin (DHM) against exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in mice and its potential mechanism.Methods Adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group (CG), exercise group (EG), and exercise + 100 mg/kg weight ·d DHM (DHM) group. The intervention lasted for four weeks, during which the animals in the EG and DHM groups were subjected to exercise training for 1 h per day. The day after the training, a 90-min treadmill exercise (slope: 0 and speed: 18 m/min) was conducted in both EG and DHM groups. Samples of blood and gastrocnemius muscles were harvested from the three groups 24 h after the exercise, followed by the measurement of serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and skeletal muscle mitochondrial enzyme complex I and II activities. Histological changes in the skeletal muscle were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the protein expressions of mitochondrial function-related pathways were detected by Western blotting.Results Skeletal muscle morphological changes and mitochondrial damage were alleviated in the DHM group compared to those in the EG. The activities of EIMD markers CK and LDH and the level of lipid peroxidation were notably repressed and the serum T-SOD activity was enhanced after DHM intervention. Western blotting demonstrated that the expressions of sirtuin type 3 (SIRT3), estrogen-related receptor alpha, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha in the skeletal muscle of mice increased after the DHM intervention.Conclusion DHM can relieve EIMD in mice, possibly by promoting the recovery of the mitochondrial structure and function in the skeletal muscle of mice after high-intensity exercise via the activation of the SIRT3 signaling pathway.

Complementary water and nutrient utilization of perianth structural units help maintain long floral lifespan in Dendrobium.

Most orchids have high ornamental value with long-lived flowers. However, the mechanisms by which orchids maintain floral longevity are poorly understood. Here, we hypothesized that floral longevity in Dendrobium is maintained by high resource investment and complementary water and nutrient utilization in different structural units of the perianth. To test this hypothesis, we determined which water- and nutrient-related traits are correlated with flower longevity in 23 Dendrobium species or cultivars, and examined variations of the related traits during flower development of one long-lived cultivar. We found that floral longevity was correlated with dry mass per unit area of perianths and total flower biomass, which indicates that maintaining floral longevity requires increased resource investment. During development of long-lived flowers, labella showed a high capacity for water storage and nutrient reutilization, which could partly remedy high water demand and biomass investment. Sepals and petals, in contrast, had stronger desiccation avoidance and higher metabolic activity with lower biomass investment. These findings indicate that Dendrobium flowers maintain longevity by complementary water and nutrient utilization strategies in the sepals, petals and labella, with labella consuming more water and nutrients to extend flower display, and sepals and petals using a more conservative strategy.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction of Isatins with Vinyl Sulfones.

The organocatalytic asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction of isatin derivatives with various vinyl sulfones is disclosed. Chiral sulfone-containing 3-hydroxyoxindoles were produced in good to high yields and with good to high ee's. This report displays an unprecedented example to apply activated alkenes with sulfone moiety other than carbonyl groups in asymmetric MBH reactions and provides an efficient strategy to incorporate the sulfone functional group for the synthesis of chiral 3-hydroxyoxindoles.

Theoretical study on the correlation between the structure, excess energy, surface energy, electronic structure, nitro charge, and friction sensitivity of N,N'-dinitroethylenediamine (EDNA).

The sensitivity of energetic materials along different crystal directions is not the same and is anisotropic. In order to explore the difference in friction sensitivity of different surfaces, we calculated the structure, excess energy, surface energy, electronic structure, and the nitro group along (1 1 1), (1 1 0), (1 0 1), (0 1 1), (0 0 1), (0 1 0), and (1 0 0) surfaces of EDNA based on density functional theory. The analysis results showed that relative to other surfaces, the (0 0 1) surface has the shortest N-N average bond length, largest N-N average bond population, smallest excess energy and surface energy, widest band gap, and the largest nitro group charge value, which indicates that the (0 0 1) surface has the lowest friction sensitivity compared to other surfaces. Furthermore, the conclusions obtained by analyzing the excess energy are consistent with the results of the N-N bond length and bond population, band gap, and nitro charge. Therefore, we conclude that the friction sensitivity of different surfaces of EDNA can be evaluated using excess energy.

Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Viral Pneumonia-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Observational Retrospective Study.

Objectives: Appropriate mechanical ventilation may change the prognosis of patients with viral pneumonia-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the success of noninvasive ventilation in the management of patients with ARDS secondary to respiratory viral infection. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, all patients with viral pneumonia-associated ARDS were divided into the noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) success group and the NIV failure group. The demographic and clinical data of all patients were collected. The factors associated with the success of noninvasive ventilation were identified by the logistic regression analysis. Results: Among this cohort, 24 patients with an average age of 57.9 ± 17.0 years received successful NIVs, and NIV failure occurred in 21 patients with an average age of 54.1 ± 14.0 years. The independent influencing factors for the success of the NIV were the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (odds ratio (OR): 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-3.03) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02). When the oxygenation index (OI) is <95 mmHg, APACHE II > 19, and LDH > 498 U/L, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting a failed NIV were (66.6% (95% CI: 43.0%-85.4%) and 87.5% (95% CI: 67.6%-97.3%)); (85.7% (95% CI: 63.7%-97.0%) and 79.1% (95% CI: 57.8%-92.9%)); (90.4% (95% CI: 69.6%-98.8%) and 62.5% (95% CI: 40.6%-81.2%)), respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the OI, APACHE II scores, and LDH were 0.85, which was lower than the AUC of the OI combined with LDH and the APACHE II score (OLA) of 0.97 (P=0.0247). Conclusions: Overall, patients with viral pneumonia-associated ARDS receiving successful NIV have lower mortality rates than those for whom NIV failed. In patients with influenza A-associated ARDS, the OI may not be the only indicator of whether NIV can be used; a new indicator of NIV success may be the OLA.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Thrombolytic Agents for Pulmonary Embolism: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Thrombolytic agents and anticoagulants are the two classes of medication used in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). There is continuous renewal and iteration of thrombolytic agents, and the efficacy and adverse effects of different agents have different effects on PE due to their different mechanisms of action. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different thrombolytic agents in the treatment of all types of acute PE: hemodynamically unstable PE (massive PE) and hemodynamically stable PE (submassive PE and low-risk PE), using a network meta-analysis. METHODS: A search was conducted of the following databases: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing thrombolytic agents with heparin or other thrombolytic agents in patients with acute PE; the clinical outcomes included patient mortality, recurrent PE, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) after treatment, and major and minor bleeding. The measurement duration of outcome indicators was the longest follow-up period. Thereafter, a network meta-analysis was performed using a Bayesian network framework. RESULTS: A total of 29 RCTs (3,067 patients) were included, of which 6 studies (304 patients) were massive PE, 14 studies (2,173 patients) were submassive PE, 1 study (83 patients) included massive and submassive PE, and 8 studies (507 patients) were PE of unknown type. The treatment regimens included thrombolytic therapy (alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase, streptokinase, and urokinase) and anticoagulant therapy alone. The results showed that the mortality using thrombolytic agents (except tenecteplase) was significantly lower compared with heparin. The recurrence of PE with alteplase was significantly lower compared with heparin (RR = 0.23, 95% CI, 0.04, 0.65). The PASP after using alteplase was significantly lower compared with heparin (mean difference = -11.36, 95% CI, -21.45, -1.56). Compared with heparin, the incidence of minor bleeding associated with tenecteplase was higher (RR = 3.27, 95% CI, 1.36, 7.39); compared with streptokinase, the incidence of minor bleeding associated with tenecteplase was higher (RR = 3.22, 95% CI, 1.01, 11.10). CONCLUSION: For patients with acute PE, four thrombolytic agents (alteplase, reteplase, streptokinase, and urokinase) appeared to be superior in efficacy compared with anticoagulants alone due to a reduction in mortality and no increase in bleeding risk. Alteplase may be a better choice because it not only reduced mortality but also reduced PE recurrence rate and treated PASP. Tenecteplase did not reduce mortality compared with anticoagulants alone and may not be a good choice of thrombolytic agent due to an increase in minor bleeding compared with streptokinase and anticoagulants alone. Thrombolytic drugs should be rationally selected to optimize the thrombolytic regimen and achieve as good a balance as possible between thrombolysis and bleeding.

Icarisid II rescues cognitive dysfunction via activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway promoting hippocampal neurogenesis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

Restoring the compromised neurogenesis has been served as a potential strategy to rescue cognitive dysfunction of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we explored whether icarisid II (ICS II), a natural product possessing powerful neuroprotection, could recover the neurogenesis dysfunction of APP/PS1 mice, and investigated its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that oral administration of ICS II could alleviate cognitive injuries of APP/PS1 mice, promote hippocampal neurogenesis, as well as stimulate Wnt/ß-catenin signal pathway confirmed by upregulated Wnt-3a, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (p-GSK-3ß), and ß-catenin. ICS II also depressed mitochondrial fission evidenced by upregulated Mitofusin 1 (Mfn 1) and Mitofusin 2 (Mfn 2), and downregulated mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis 1), mitochondrial fission factor (Mff), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (p-Drp 1). However, these effects of ICS II were blunted by XAV-939, an inhibitor of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. In summary, our findings revealed that ICS II could improve neurogenesis and inhibit mitochondrial fission via activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, which contributed to cognitive function restoration of APP/PS1 mice. This study discovered a novel mechanism involving neurogenesis regulation underlying the therapeutic effects of ICS II against AD.

[Mechanism of Huanglian Houpo Decoction in treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice based on brain-gut axis].

Based on the brain-gut axis, the present study investigated the effect of Huanglian Houpo Decoction(HLHPD) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC) and explored the mechanism in the regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), substance P(SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) using modern technologies and molecular docking. Sixty male C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, a sulfasalazine(SASP) group, and high-(5.00 g·kg~(-1)), medium-(2.50 g·kg~(-1)), and low-dose(1.25 g·kg~(-1)) HLHPD groups. The UC model was induced by oral administration of water containing 3% dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS) in mice except those in the blank control group. After HLHPD was administered for 10 days, the mice were sacrificed for sample collection. Morphological changes of colon tissues were observed by HE staining. The expression of 5-HT, SP, VIP, tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), and interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) in the hypothalamus, serum, and colon was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1(TPH1), SP, and VIP in colon tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The expression of brain-gut peptide receptors, such as 5-HT3 A, neurokinin receptor 1(NK-1 R), and VIP receptor 1(VPAC1) in colon tissues was investigated by Western blot. The binding affinity of the brain-gut peptide receptors to the main components of HLHPD was analyzed by molecular docking. After HLHPD intervention, UC mice showed increased body weight, reduced DAI score and occult blood, prolonged colon, down-regulated levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in colon tissues, and relieved pathological damage in the colon. The VIP levels in the colon were significantly up-regulated in the HLHPD groups. The high-and medium-dose HLHPD could significantly down-regulated SP and 5-HT in colon tissues and 5-HT in the serum, and up-regulated the VIP in the serum. The high-dose HLHPD group could down-regulate 5-HT and up-regulate VIP in the hypothalamus. It is suggested that HLHPD can reverse the levels of brain-gut peptides in UC mice to varying degrees. Correlation analysis results suggested that the expression levels of brain-gut peptides in the hypothalamus, serum, and colon tissues were related to inflammatory factors. Molecular docking results showed that berberine, coptisine, and epiberberine were presumedly the material basis for HLHPD in regulating the levels of 5-HT3 A, NK-1 R, and VPAC1. The main components of HLHPD may reduce colonic inflammation and pathological damage of colon tissues by regulating the activity of brain-gut peptides and their receptors, thereby reducing DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Isolated metastasis of mediastinal carcinoid to the left ventricle: A case report.

Carcinoid tumors are uncommon neuroendocrine tumors that produce high levels of serotonin and are mainly located in the gastrointestinal tract and bronchopulmonary system but very rarely in the mediastinum. These are slow-growing tumors that most commonly present metastatic lesions in the liver, followed by the bones, lungs, and peritoneum. Solid cardiac metastases from carcinoid tumors have seldom been reported. In this case report, we present a patient with a rare localized metastasis in the left ventricle with an antecedent history of resected carcinoid tumor of the anterior mediastinum.

Icarisid II promotes proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells via activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Adult neurogenesis plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive functions in mammals and human beings. Mobilization of hippocampal neurogenesis has been regarded as a promising therapeutic approach to restore injured neurons in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Icarisid II (ICS II), an active ingredient derived from Epimedii Folium, has been reported to exhibit multiple neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ICS II on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and amyloid precusor protein (APP)-overexpressing NSCs (APP-NSCs) in vitro. Our results demonstrated that ICS II dose-dependently suppressed apoptosis and elevated viability of APP-NSCs. ICS II (1 µM) potently promoted proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSCs and APP-NSCs. ICS II (1 µM) significantly upregulated Wnt-3a expression, increased the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß and enhanced the nuclear transfer of ß-catenin. Moreover, ICS II also promoted astrocytes to secrete Wnt-3a, which positively modulates Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate that ICS II promotes NSCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation partly by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Multifunctional osthole liposomes and brain targeting functionality with potential applications in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Osthole (Ost) is a coumarin compound and a potential drug for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the effectiveness of Ost is limited by solubility, bioavailability, and low permeability of the blood-brain barrier. In this study, we constructed Ost liposomes with modified CXCR4 on the surface (CXCR4-Ost-Lips), and investigated the intracellular distribution of liposomes in APP-SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of CXCR4-Ost-Lips was examined in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that CXCR4-Ost-Lips increased intracellular uptake by APP-SH-SY5Y cells and exerted a cytoprotective effect in vitro. The results of Ost brain distribution showed that CXCR4-Ost-Lips prolonged the cycle time of mice and increased the accumulation of Ost in the brain. In addition, CXCR4-Ost-Lips enhanced the effect of Ost in relieving AD-related pathologies. These results indicate that CXCR4-modified liposomes are a potential Ost carrier to treat AD.

All-trans retinoic acid regulating angiopoietins-1 and alleviating extracellular matrix accumulation in interstitial fibrosis rats.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is one of essentially active metabolite of vitamin A, and plays an important role in diverse physiological processes, such as cellular growth and function. Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological characteristic of chronic renal disease causing end-stage renal disease currently lacking effective treatment. Low level of Angiopoietins-1 (Angpt-1) is associated with extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis diseases. This study was performed to assess the association of ATRA with Angpt-1 in RIF disease. Rats were divided into three groups: group of sham (SHO group), group of unilateral ureteral obstruction group (UUO group), UUO mice administrated daily at the dose of ATRA (ATRA group). Masson-staining was used to detect the histologic lesion. Immunohistochemistry and Western-blot were applied to determine the targeted proteins. RIF score was significantly increased in UUO rats when compared with that of SHO group, and the fibrosis score was notably reduced in ATRA group. Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), collagen IV (Col-IV) and fibronectin (FN) expressions in UUO group were significantly up-regulated, whereas Angpt-1 expression was significantly down-regulated compared with the SHO group. ATRA treatment reduced TGF-ß1, Col-IV and FN expressions and improved Angpt-1 expression compared with the UUO group. The protein expression of Angpt-1 in kidney tissue of UUO group was negatively correlated with RIF index and protein expressions of Col-IV, FN and TGF-ß1. In conclusion, low expression of Angpt-1 was associated with the RIF disease and ATRA treatment can increase the Angpt-1 and alleviate the RIF lesion in UUO rats.

[Analysis of chemical constituents in Shenmai Injection by LC-Q-TOF-MS and LC-IT-MS].

The chemical constituents in Shenmai Injection(SMI) were qualitatively analyzed by using liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(LC-Q-TOF-MS) and liquid chromatography-ion trap-mass spectrometry(LC-IT-MS). The analysis was performed on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C_(18)(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 µm) and gradient elution was carried out with 0.05% formic acid solution-acetonitrile as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.6 mL·min~(-1) and a column temperature of 30 ℃. Mass spectrometry data of the components in SMI were collected in negative ion mode. The structures of components were speculated and identified by analyzing mass spectrometry data, comparing with standards, and referring to related literature. A total of 64 components in SMI were estimated, and the structures were confirmed in 16 of them by comparison with standards. Fifty-six compounds derived from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra included 34 protopanaxadiol ginsenosides, 19 protopanaxatriol ginsenosides, 1 oleanane ginsenosides and 2 other glycosides. Eight compounds derived from Ophiopogonis Radix included 7 steroidal saponins, and 1 monoterpene glycoside. The results of this study would provide an important theoretical basis for the improvement of the quality control standards and the discovery of effective constituents in SMI.

Association of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) 1790G/A gene polymorphism with renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) 1790G/A gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Association investigations were identified and included from the Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed databases on March 1, 2018, and eligible investigations were analyzed by meta-analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were used to express the dichotomous data, and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also calculated. RESULTS: In this meta-analysis, we found that the AA genotype of HIF1α 1790G/A was positively associated with the risk of RCC in overall populations, Caucasians, but not for Asians. G allele and GG genotype were not associated with the susceptibility of RCC in overall populations, Caucasians, and Asians. The G allele was negatively associated with PCa susceptibility in overall populations, Asians, but not for Caucasians. GG genotype was negatively associated with PCa susceptibility in Asians, but not for overall populations and Caucasians. HIF1α 1790G/A AA genotype was not associated with PCa susceptibility in overall populations of Caucasians or Asians. CONCLUSION: AA genotype of HIF1α 1790G/A was positively associated with RCC risk in overall populations and Caucasians. Furthermore, the G allele was negatively associated with prostate cancer susceptibility in overall populations, Asians, and GG genotype was negatively associated with PCa susceptibility in Asians.

Relationship between TGF-ß1 + 869 T/C and + 915 G/C gene polymorphism and risk of acute rejection in renal transplantation recipients.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) + 869 T/C gene polymorphism, + 915 G/C gene polymorphism, and the susceptibility of acute rejection in the recipients with renal transplantation. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched and identified from the Cochrane Library and PubMed, and eligible investigations were recruited and data were calculated by meta-analysis. RESULTS: In this study, we found no relationship between either TGF-ß1 + 869 T/C or TGF-ß1 + 915 G/C gene polymorphism and acute rejection susceptibility in patients with renal transplantation. No association between either gene polymorphism and acute rejection susceptibility in patients with renal transplantation in Caucasian, Asian, or African populations individually was found. CONCLUSION: The TGF-ß1 + 869 T/C and + 915 G/C gene polymorphisms are not associated with acute rejection susceptibility in recipients with renal transplantation.

All-trans retinoic acid regulated prohibitin by retinoic acid receptor α in hypoxia-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a critical component in cell processes such as cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis, and it is also crucial in the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Prohibitin (PHB) can regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. The current study investigated whether ATRA regulated PHB is induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC), using gene interference treatments (knockdown or overexpression of RARα). Our results indicate that ATRA can augment the expression of RARα and PHB proteins and reduce the expression of TGF-ß1, FN and Col-IV proteins. PHB expression was reduced in an ATRA treated RARα- group, and TGF-ß1, FN and Col-IV were up-regulated compared to the ATRA treated RARα+ group. We postulate that ATRA can induce the PHB expression by RARα in hypoxia/reperfusion related RTEC injury.

Efficacy and safety of cyclosporine a for patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine efficacy and safety of cyclosporine A (CsA) for patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). METHODS: The Cochrane Library and PubMed were searched to extract the associated studies on Oct 10, 2018, and the meta-analysis method was used to pool and analyze the applicable investigations included in this study. The P(opulation) I(ntervention) C(omparison) O(utcome) of the study were defined as follows: P: Patients with SRNS; I: treated with CsA, cyclophosphamide (CYC), tacrolimus (TAC) or placebo/not treatment (P/NT); C: CsA vs. placebo/nontreatment (P/NT), CsA vs. CYC, CsA vs. TAC; O: complete remission (CR), total remission (TR; complete or partial remission (PR)), urine erythrocyte number, proteinuria levels, albumin, proteinuria, serum creatinine, and plasma cholesterol, etc. Data were extracted and pooled using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: In the therapeutic regimen of CsA vs. placebo/nontreatment (P/NT), the results indicated that the CsA group had high values of CR, TR, and low values of proteinuria, serum creatinine, and plasma cholesterol when compared with those in the placebo group. In comparing CsA vs. cyclophosphamide (CYC), the results indicated that the CsA group had higher TR than the CYC group. In comparing CsA vs. tacrolimus (TAC), the results revealed insignificant differences in CR, and TR between the CsA and TAC groups. The safety of CsA was also assessed. The incidence of gum hyperplasia in CsA group was higher than that in the P/NT group, with no differences in incidence of infections or hypertension between CsA and P/NT groups. There was no difference in the incidence of hypertension between the CsA and TAC groups. CONCLUSIONS: CsA is an effective and safe agent in the therapy of patients with SRNS.

[Caveolin-1: oxidative stress target in tumor cells].

Aberrant oxidative metabolism in cells is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Overproduction of reactive species promotes carcinogenesis by inducing genetic mutations and activating oncogenic pathways, and thus, antioxidant therapy is considered as an important strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a constituent protein of caveolae, is involved in not only the formation of the caveolae, vesicular transport, maintaining cholesterol homeostasis directly, but also many cellular physiological and pathological processes including growth, regulation of mitochondrial antioxidant level, apoptosis and carcinomas by interacting with a lot of signaling molecules through caveolin scaffolding domain. Cav-1 has also been shown to mediate tumor genesis and progression through oxidative stress modulation, while Cav-1-targeted treatment could scavenge the reactive species. Intracellular reactive species could modulate the expression, degradation, post-translational modifications and membrane trafficking of Cav-1. More importantly, emerging evidence has indicated that multiple antioxidants could exert antitumor activities in cancer cells by modulating the signaling of Cav-1. This paper reviewed the research progresses on the roles of Cav-1 and oxidative stress in tumorigenesis and development, and would provide new insights on designing strategies for cancer prevention or treatment.

[Cloning,subcellular localization and spatio-temporal expression analysis of a flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase gene( SmUF3GT) in Salvia miltiorrhiza].

The family of flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase catalyzes the modification of anthocyanin from unstable-structure to stable-structure. In this study,based on homology cloning and transcriptome library,we isolated the full-length c DNA of UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase( named SmUF3GT) from the flower tissues of S. miltiorrhiza. This gene was consisted of 1 353 bp open reading frames( ORF) encoding 450 amino acids. And the SmUF3GT protein was performed for the bioinformatic analysis. Our results showed that the protein was preliminary localized in the Golgi and peroxisome of cytosol,as well as plasma membrane and cell nuclear.QRT-PCR analyses indicated that SmUF3GT expressed differently in all tissues and organs but roots of S. miltiorrhiza and S. miltiorrhiza f.alba. During floral development,the expression of SmUF3GT showed a trend of rising fist and then down in purple-flower Danshen,whereas decreasing sharply fist and then slowly in white-flower Danshen. The present study provides basic information for further research on the network of synthesis and accumulation of flavonoids in S.miltiorrhiza.