Bushen Antai recipe alleviates embryo absorption by enhancing immune tolerance and angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface via mobilizing MDSCs in abortion-prone mice.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a tricky puzzle that disturbs female reproduction worldwide. According to previous research, Bushen Antai recipe (BAR), a classic Chinese herbal formula widely used in clinic for miscarriage, exhibited multifaceted benefits in improving embryo implantation and attenuating early pregnancy loss. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a set of immunoregulatory cells critical in inflammation balance, get growing attention for their indispensable role in successful pregnancy. PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of BAR in abortion-prone mice and explore the potential mechanisms of BAR regarding MDSCs. METHODS: RPL mice (CBA/J females paired with DBA/2 males, BALB/c males were used as the control) were administered with BAR1 (5.7 g/kg), BAR2 (11.4 g/kg), progesterone (P4), or distilled water from embryo day (D) 0.5 until D10.5. The rate of embryo absorption on D10.5 and the health status of progeny were measured. The systemic inflammatory states and the placenta-uterus milieu were assessed by serum cytokine levels, placenta-uterus architecture, and related protein expression at the maternal-fetal interface. Flow cytometry analysis was carried out to measure the frequency of MDSCs. Furthermore, we established the MDSCs-depletion mouse model by using C57BL/6 females mated with BALB/c males via intraperitoneal injection of anti-Gr-1 antibody on D6.5, while irrelative LTF antibody was used as the control. Similarly, BAR1, BAR2, P4, or distilled water was separately applied. Embryo absorption rate, systemic inflammatory states, placenta-uterus milieu, and MDSCs frequency were evaluated as mentioned above. RESULTS: Significantly, embryo absorption rate was increased with disrupted placenta-uterus milieu and exorbitant proinflammatory cytokines in RPL mice, meanwhile, MDSCs number in the placenta-uterus unit were apparently reduced (⁎⁎⁎p < 0.001). BAR treatment markedly alleviated the poor conditions above and increased MDSCs number (####p < 0.0001). Flow cytometry analysis validated the efficacy of anti-Gr-1 antibody and the raised embryo absorption rate confirmed the essentiality of MDSCs in normal pregnancy (⁎⁎p < 0.01). Besides, the placenta-uterus milieu was destroyed, accompanied by the impaired expression of immune tolerance and angiogenesis related factors in the MDSCs-depletion mice. Even though, BAR treatment reversed the embryo resorption phenotype and optimized the serum cytokine milieu, mobilizing MDSCs and rejuvenating active intercellular communication. Thereby, BAR facilitated the expression of MDSCs-related functional molecules, promoting immune tolerance and vascular remodeling at the placenta-uterus unit. CONCLUSION: We unfurled the remarkable therapeutic ability of BAR in abortion-prone mice, and this was achieved by mobilizing MDSCs, thus favoring immune tolerance and angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface.

Effect of Electroacupuncture with Different Current Intensities on the Serum Metabolomics of Functional Constipation.

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the serum metabolomics of electroacupuncture (EA) with different current intensities in the treatment of functional constipation (FC). Methods: The total number of FC patients was 19, (7, 6, 6, in the low current intensity group (LCI), high current intensity group (HCI), and mosapride citrate tablet control group (MC), respectively). Patients in the EA groups received 16 sessions of acupuncture treatments. Patients in the MC group were orally administered 5 mg mosapride citrate tablets 3 times daily, and serum samples were collected from the patients before and after treatment. Orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to assess the metabolic data. The significant differences before and after FC treatment are shown in the OPLS-DA score plot. Variable importance plots (VIPs) and T tests were used to identify significant metabolites. Results: Among the three groups, the number of metabolites with VIP > 1 was 11, 7, and 21 (in LCI, HCI and MC groups, respectively). Compared with those before treatment, the serum metabolites of patients were characterized by increased levels of L-ornithine (p < 0.05) and glyceric acid in the LCI group (p < 0.05), increased levels of vanillic acid in the MC group (p < 0.05), and decreased levels of arabinonic acid in the MC group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effects of EA treatment on the serum metabolomics of FC may involve fatty acid and amino acid metabolism.

The Effect of Electroacupuncture Treatment with Different Intensities for Functional Diarrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) may have a role in the treatment of diarrhea symptoms. However, the efficacy and safety of EA with different current intensities in improving gastrointestinal function, psychology, and quality of life (QOL) of functional diarrhea (FD) remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of EA with different current intensities in improving gastrointestinal function, psychology, and QOL for FD patients. METHODS: 73 FD patients were randomly divided into three groups: low current intensity group (LI) of EA, high current intensity group (HI) of EA, and loperamide control group (LC). Four weeks of treatment were provided in the three groups. The primary outcome was the proportion of normal defecation. Additional outcomes included the change from baseline for the weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) and the change from baseline for the mean Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). QOL was assessed by the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess the psychology state. RESULTS: Low current intensity of EA significantly improved the proportion of normal defecation during treatment and follow-up period (P < 0.01). EA significantly improves the mean BSFS scores and weekly SBMs, and this efficacy is equivalent to loperamide (P < 0.05). The SF-36 scores of general health in LI and HI groups and vitality and mental health in LI group were significantly increased compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Low current intensity of EA can significantly improve SAS and SDS scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA significantly improved stool consistency and weekly SBMs in FD patients. Compared with loperamide, low current intensity of EA may have a better sustainable effect in restoring normal defecation in patients with FD, and it can also effectively improve QOL, anxiety, and depression. However, larger sample sizes are needed to determine safety and efficacy. Trial registration number: NCT01274793.

Berberine improves ovulation and endometrial receptivity in polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a clinical syndrome with reproductive and endocrine disorders. Berberine is a monomer from Chinese herbs such as Coptis chinensis, whose effect on improving ovulation and endometrial receptivity of PCOS is uncertain. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of berberine on improving PCOS and explore the mechanism. METHODS: The rat model of PCOS was induced by intraperitoneal injection of testosterone propionate. Then they was divided into model (Mod) group, low-dose of berberine (BL) group, high-dose of berberine (BH) group and metformin (Met) group as well as a control (Con) group was established. Ovary morphology, hormone level, glucolipid metabolism were measured. UID-mRNA-seq of ovary tissue was conducted to seek the mechanism of berberine on improving ovulation. Three biomarkers of endometrial receptivity were also examined in endometrium by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The number of cystic follicles was increased while the number of corpus luteum was decreased in the rats of Mod group. These changes could be reversed by high-dose of berberine intervention. Berberine could also decrease the levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and total cholesterol (TC) in PCOS rats. Meanwhile, berberine improved the impairment of abnormal oral glucose tolerance without affecting fasting insulin level and Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Luteinizing hormone/ choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and cytochrome P450 Family 19 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP19A1) were focused via RNA-seq of ovary. Protein expression in ovary and mRNA expression in granulosa cell of LHCGR and CYP19A1 were decreased in Mod group and rescued by the intervention of berberine. A decrease of endometrial thickness and an increase of integrin αvß3 and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 (LPAR3) protein expression were observed in Mod group, which could be also reversed by berberbine. CONCLUSIONS: Berberine could improve ovulation in PCOS and the mechanism might be associated with up-regulating LHCGR and CYP19A1. Berberine could also improve endometrial receptivity through down-regualting αvß3 and LPAR3.

General Issues in Clinical Research of Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilization.

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), a well-developed technology, provides the last possibility or hope for infertile women. However, the live birth rate per IVF cycle is still not satisfactory. Acupuncture is a frequently used adjunctive therapy drawing wide attention on improvement of IVF. Although so many randomized controlled trials have been evaluating the effect of acupuncture on IVF in the past 20 years, the exact efficacy of acupuncture on IVF is still controversy mainly because of no consensus on placebo control and acupuncture scheme. This paper focused on the general issues in clinical research of acupuncture and IVF and gave some suggestions for future directions.

Efficacy of Electro-acupuncture in Treatment of Functional Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Functional constipation (FC) is a chronic disease that significantly affects the life quality of patients. Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of FC for many years, but its effectiveness has not been scientifically assessed. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EA) in relieving the symptoms, mental states and quality of life (QOL) of FC patients. A total of 96 FC patients were randomly allocated into EA, mosapride & sham EA group (MS) and mosapride control group (MC). In the EA group, patients were treated with 16 sessions of needling at Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally, 5 times a week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times a week in the last 2 weeks. In the MC group, patients were treated with 5 mg mosapride citrate three times a day for 4 weeks. In the MS group, patients underwent sham EA and the same mosapride citrate treatment as in the MC group. The primary outcome was the number of weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs). The secondary outcomes included stool consistency, intensity of defecating difficulty, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). The results showed that as compared with the baseline, EA significantly improved the weekly SBMs, stool consistency and intensity of defecating difficulty (P<0.05). It also partly ameliorated the PAC-QOL, SF-36, SDS and SAS scores when compared with MC or MS group (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between MS and MC groups in bowel function outcomes and QOL scores. It was concluded that EA could effectively improve bowel function, mental states and QOL of FC patients.

A Membrane-Targeted Peptide Inhibiting PtxA of Phosphotransferase System Blocks Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of dental caries, takes up carbohydrates through the phosphoenolpyruvate sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). This study aimed to identify a novel membrane-targeted antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that could also target the L-ascorbate-specific PtxA component of the S. mutans PTS system. C10-KKWW was identified and selected using virtual screening of a lipopeptide library, a minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) assay, cytotoxicity assays and a hemolysis assay. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed that C10-KKWW had a high binding affinity for PtxA. Combining with scanning electron microscopy and cell permeability assay, it was shown that the effects of C10-KKWW could be attributed to both membrane and PtxA. Wild type (WT) S. mutans, a ptxA deletion mutant (ΔptxA), and a mutant-complemented strain (CptxA), were cultured consistently in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium, tryptone-vitamin medium supplemented with 15 mM L-ascorbate (TVL), or for 5 h in BHI supplemented with 7.4 mM sodium L-ascorbate. Compared to ∆ptxA, in WT S. mutans and CptxA, C10-KKWW had a stronger MIC (3.9 µg/mL), and distinctively decreased biofilm viability. The extracellular concentrations of L-ascorbate/sodium L-ascorbate were not changed before and after WT treated with C10-KKWW. L-ascorbate-induced operon genes, or other PTS genes, were significantly suppressed by C10-KKWW. In conclusion, C10-KKWW has been developed; it acts through interaction with the bacterial membrane and interferes with L-ascorbate translocation to inhibit S. mutans growth and eradicate its biofilm. C10-KKWW may be especially effective at optimal oral ascorbate levels. A combination of C10-KKWW with sodium L-ascorbate might also be a novel strategy for dental caries treatment.

Electroacupuncture for Functional Constipation: A Multicenter, Randomized, Control Trial.

Background and Aim. To investigate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) with different current intensities for functional constipation (FC) and to assess whether the effects of EA with different current intensities are superior to the mosapride. Methods. Patients with FC were randomly divided into low current intensity group (LCI), high current intensity group (HCI), and mosapride group (MC). The primary outcome was three or more spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) per week and an increase of one or more SBMs from baseline during at least 3 of the 4 weeks. Results. The primary outcome was reached by 53.45%, 66.15%, and 52.24% of the patients who received LCI, HCI, and mosapride, respectively. EA can significantly improve the weekly SBMs and stool consistency and reduce straining severity (p < 0.0001, all). HCI improved the quality of life better than mosapride (p < 0.05) and reduced the proportion of severe constipation more than LCI and mosapride (p < 0.05, both). Conclusions. EA is effective and safe at both current intensities for FC; therapeutic effects of LCI and HCI are not superior to mosapride. EA is superior to mosapride in improving patients' life quality and satisfaction level of treatment; EA has fewer adverse events than mosapride.

[Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of berberine and jateorhizine in Coptidis Rhizoma powder and their monomeric compounds in type 2 diabetic rats].

This article focused on a comparative analysis on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of berberine (BER) and jateorhizine(JAT) in Coptidis Rhizoma powder (HL-P) and their monomeric compounds (BER + JAT, BJ) in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats to explore the beneficial. effect of HL-P in the treatment of T2D. The T2D rats were treated with HL-P, BER, JAT and BJ, respectively for 63 d. The pharmacokinetic parameters, dynamic changes in blood glucose level and blood lipid values were measured. The results showed that, compared with other corresponding group, t(max), T(½ka) of BER and JAT in HL-P group were reduced, while C(max), AUC(inf), AUC(last), V(L)/F were significantly increased; compared with model group, blood glucose levels were decreased significantly in HL-P group since the 18th day, while those in BER or BJ group were reduced since the 36th day, however, blood glucose levels showed no obvious changes in JAT group; compared with model group, FFA values in all treatment group were decreased significantly. Moreover, TG, HDL and LDL value in HL-P group, LDL value in BER group and HDL value in BJ group were improved significantly. The above results showed that Coptidis Rhizoma powder showed excellent pharmacokinetic characteristics and excellent activity of lowering blood glucose and lipid. It provided a scientific basis for oral application of Coptidis Rhizoma powder in the treatment of T2D.

A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture to treat functional constipation: design and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) which has a major impact on the quality of life. Acupuncture is widely used as an alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) for FC, but the available evidence of its effectiveness is scarce. Therefore, we will perform a randomized controlled trial to determine whether acupuncture improves symptom and quality of life in FC patients more effectively than sham acupuncture or gastrointestinal prokinetic agent. This article will report the protocol of the trial. METHODS: The current trial is a multicenter, randomized, three-arm controlled study undergoing in China. About 243 people who aged from 18 to 65 years with FC will be recruited in this study. These participants will be randomly allocated into three treatment groups, including electro-acupuncture (EA), Mosapride (M) and Mosapride & Sham Electro-acupuncture (MS) groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Both the EA and sham EA receives 16 sessions of needling at Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) during 4 weeks of treatment, and a follow-up period of 4 weeks. These groups will be compared on the primary outcomes of the number of times of defecation at baseline and 2, 4, 8 weeks after randomization. The secondary outcome measures include: stool consistency, intensity of defecating difficulty, MOS item Short Form health survey (SF-36), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). These outcomes are measured at baseline and 2, 4 weeks after randomization, but SF-36 is measured at baseline and 4 weeks after randomization. DISCUSSION: This study will supply significant evidence for using acupuncture to treat FC, and will help us to observe whether it is a therapeutic effect rather than a placebo effect.

Jiao tai wan attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Jiao Tai Wan (JTW), a Chinese herbal formula containing Rhizoma Coptidis and Cortex Cinnamomi, has been used for diabetic treatment for many years. The aim of this study was to determine the main components in JTW and to investigate the effects of JTW on hepatic lipid accumulation in diabetic rats and humans. JTW extract was prepared and the main components were assayed by HPLC. An animal model of diabetes mellitus was established and JTW was administered intragastrically. In the clinical study, diabetic patients with poor glycemic control were treated with JTW. Blood glucose and lipid parameters, liver histology, hepatic triglyceride content and lipogenic gene expression were examined. Our data demonstrated that JTW significantly improved hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hepatic lipid accumulation in diabetic rats. This was accompanied by the down-regulation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) protein expressions, and the up-regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated-ACC (pACC) protein expressions in the liver tissues. Diabetic patients also exhibited decreases in their hepatic triglyceride content. The results suggest that JTW attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation in diabetic rats and humans. These beneficial effects are possibly associated with the inhibition of lipogenic gene expression in the liver.

Mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms in Phytophthora infestans: new haplotypes are identified and re-defined by PCR.

Polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) are particularly useful for monitoring specific pathogen populations like Phytophthora infestans. Basically type I and II of P. infestans mt-DNA were categorized by means of polymorphism lengths caused by an ~2 kb insertion, which can be detected via restriction enzyme digestion. In addition genome sequencing of haplotype Ib has been used as a simple Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method to indirectly identify type I and II alterations through EcoR I restriction enzyme DNA fragment patterns of the genomic P4 area. However, with the common method, wrong mt-DNA typing occurs due to an EcoR I recognition site mutation in the P4 genomic area. Genome sequencing of the four haplotypes (Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb) allowed us to thoroughly examine mt-DNA polymorphisms and we indentified two hypervariable regions (HVRs) named HVRi and HVRii. The HVRi length polymorphism caused by a 2 kb insertion/deletion was utilized to identify mt-DNA types I and II, while another length polymorphism in the HVRii region is caused by a variable number of tandem repeats (n = 1, 2, or 3) of a 36 bp sized DNA stretch and was further used to determine mt-DNA sub-types, which were described as R(n = 1, 2, or 3). Finally, the P. infestans mt-DNA haplotypes were re-defined as IR(1) or IIR(2) according to PCR derived HVRi and HVRii length polymorphisms. Twenty-three isolates were chosen to verify the feasibility of our new approach for identifying mt-DNA haplotypes and a total of five haplotypes (IR(1), IR(2), IR(3), IIR(2) and IIR(3)) were identified. Additionally, we found that six isolates determined as type I by our method were mistakenly identified as type II by the PCR-RFLP technique. In conclusion, we propose a simple and rapid PCR method for identification of mt-DNA haplotypes based on sequence analyses of the mitochondrial P. infestans genome.

Prognostic value of blood zinc, iron, and copper levels in critically ill children with pediatric risk of mortality score III.

We aimed to explore the association of blood Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and changes in the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score in critically ill children, to predict prognosis. We included 31 children (22 boys and 9 girls, 1 month to 5 years old), who had been admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital and who were critically ill according to PRISM score of III. Another 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls, 3 months to 5 years old) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. We recorded clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and PRISM III score for critically ill children. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all p < 0.05). Cu levels differed between patients and controls, but not significantly (p > 0.05). In ill children, blood Zn and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with PRISM III score (Zn: r = -0.36; Fe: r = -0.50, both p < 0.05), with no significant correlation of blood Cu level and PRISM III score (r = -0.13, p > 0.05). Serious illness in children may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.

Altered levels of trace elements in acute lung injury after severe trauma.

Trace element (TE) supplementation can reduce the incidence of multiple organ failure after severe trauma. The lung plays a main role in post-injury multiple organ failure. In the present study, the relationship between TEs and acute lung injury (ALI) post-injury was investigated in a rabbit model of severe trauma with an injury severity score of 27. New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to trauma-control, trauma-TE groups, and a control group. During days 1-5 post-trauma, each rabbit in the trauma-TE group received 0.1 ml multi-TE compound intraperitoneally to give a daily dose of 32.50 mg/kg of Zn, 6.35 mg/kg of Cu, 1.38 mg/kg of Mn, and 0.16 mg/kg of Se. Concentrations of blood and lung selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) were measured at 6 and 24 h, as well as 3, 6, 9, and 14 days after trauma. Levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and lung tissue and the level of intercellular adhesion molecular-1 (ICAM-1) in serum were detected simultaneously. In addition, the lung coefficient (LC) and the lung permeation index (LPI) were measured. Serum and lung Zn, Se, and Mn levels decreased dramatically by 6 h after trauma in both experimental groups. Cu showed no significant changes after trauma. The serum and lung GPx and SOD levels in the experimental group decreased significantly on days 1 and 3, respectively. Serum and lung MDA began to increase on day 3 in the trauma group but increased less after TE supplementation. Serum ICAM-1 peaked on day 6 in the experimental group. LC and LPI increased gradually post-trauma, peaking on days 6 and 9, respectively. In conclusion, an acute lung injury causes declines of the levels of TEs in serum and lung which can be significantly prevented by TE supplementation and which can also mitigate some of the morphological and biomechanical changes in ALI.

Alterations of trace elements (Zn, Se, Cu, Fe) and related metalloenzymes in rabbit blood after severe trauma.

To investigate the status of the trace elements (TEs) and related metalloenzymes activities in the injury and repair process after severe trauma, we established a rabbit model of severe trauma whose Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 22. Concentrations of blood selenium (Se) and serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and ferritin were measured on D0 (before injury), and day (D) 1, D2, D3, D6, D9, D14, D21, D28 after trauma, respectively. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), the contents of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum biochemical profile were detected synchronously. In addition, the morphologic changes of major organs were observed at different time intervals. Results showed that blood Se and serum Zn, Fe contents decreased significantly within 2 weeks after injury. Serum Cu concentration was significantly reduced on D1 but normalized quickly. Serum ferritin level increased during the first week while following an obvious decrease thereafter. The blood GPx activity dropped markedly from D1 to D6, the serum Cu/Zn-SOD activity decreased on D1 and then increased significantly within 2 weeks, and the blood MPO-positive stained cells increased within a week after trauma and followed by a decrease from D14 to D21. The serum MDA increased significantly on D6. Seven of 34 rabbits died in 4-6 days after injury. Biochemistry values and pathological features revealed these rabbits died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Our experiment suggested that the circulating TEs status is dramatically modified in response to trauma, which might be a factor in MODS.

Effects of selenium and iodine on the expression of c-fos and c-jun mRNA and their proteins in cultured rat hippocampus neurons.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) and the compound of both on the proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-jun mRNA and their protein expression in the cultured rat hippocampus neurons. METHODS: Using the technique of serum free hippocampus neuron culture, different doses of Se and I and Se + I compound were added into the medium. The expression of the mRNA of c-fos, c-jun in hippocampus neurons cultured for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 d were studied using both in situ hybridization and SABC immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS: Both Se and I could enhance the expression of c-fos, c-jun mRNA and their proteins, especially the combination of I and Se able to give a remarkable effect on c-jun mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: Se and I may effect the expression of both c-fos and c-jun mRNA, especially the c-jun mRNA and its protein of hippocampus neurons, and thus may effect the differentiation and development of neurons.

Studies on survival and outgrowth of processes of cultured rat hippocampus neurons in containing selenium and free serum medium.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of selenium on cultured newborn rat's hippocampus neurons survival and outgrowth development. METHODS: Using the technique of primary culture of hippocampal neurons of newborn rat. The different dose of Se (62.5 microgram/L, 125.0 microgram/L, 182.5 microgram/L) were added into the medium at same time. We not only investigated the number of survival of neurons on 1 - 14 d and 1d to 10 d in with and without serum containing-Se medium, but also observed the length outgrowth of the neurite at 16 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h during culture. RESULTS: Selenium could obviously enhance the outgrowth of early processed in 10% fetal serum medium and average length of neurite outgrowth is 15 - 20 micrometer more longer than control groups (P < 0.01) and selenium could also increase the livability of neurons and prolong survival time of cultured neurons in serum-free medium. CONCLUSIONS: Selenium may play a very important role for early processed growth and development of hippocampal neurons.

Effects of selenium and iodine on c-fos and c-jun mRNA and their protein expressions in cultured rat hippocampus cells.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) for expressions of c-fos and c-jun mRNA and their proteins in cultured rat hippocampus cells in selenium- and iodine-containing medium. With cultured rat hippocampus cells, the different doses of Se and I were added into the medium. The expressions of c-fos/c-jun in cultured rat hippocampus cells (1 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, and 10 d) were studied by using both in situ hybridization histochemistry and SABC immunohistochemistry techniques. Both Se and I could enhance expressions of c-fos and c-jun mRNA and their proteins, especially c-jun mRNA expression in the Se and I united group. Se and I could promote the expressions of c-fos and c-jun and thus may affect the differentiation and development of hippocampus neurons.