Identification of miRNA858 long-loop precursors in seed plants.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of nonprotein-coding short transcripts that provide a layer of post-transcriptional regulation essential to many plant biological processes. MiR858, which targets the transcripts of MYB transcription factors, can affect a range of secondary metabolic processes. Although miR858 and its 187-nt precursor have been well studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a systematic investigation of miR858 precursors and their functions across plant species is lacking due to a problem in identifying the transcripts that generate this subclass. By re-evaluating the transcript of miR858 and relaxing the length cut-off for identifying hairpins, we found in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) that miR858 has long-loop hairpins (1,100 to 2,100 nt), whose intervening sequences between miRNA generating complementary sites were longer than all previously reported miRNA hairpins. Importantly, these precursors of miR858 containing long-loop hairpins (termed MIR858L) are widespread in seed plants including Arabidopsis, varying between 350 and 5,500 nt. Moreover, we showed that MIR858L has a greater impact on proanthocyanidin and flavonol levels in both Arabidopsis and kiwifruit. We suggest that an active MIR858L-MYB regulatory module appeared in the transition of early land plants to large upright flowering plants, making a key contribution to plant secondary metabolism.

Application value of coaxial puncture needle (technique) in ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy of peripheral pulmonary masses.

This study aims to investigate the effect of ultrasound (US)-guided coaxial puncture needle in puncture biopsy of peripheral pulmonary masses. In this retrospective analysis, 157 patients who underwent US-guided percutaneous lung biopsy in our hospital were divided into a coaxial biopsy group and a conventional biopsy group (the control group) according to the puncture tools involved, with 73 and 84 patients, respectively. The average puncture time, number of sampling, sampling satisfaction rate, puncture success rate and complication rate between the 2 groups were compared and discussed in detail. One hundred fifty-seven patients underwent puncture biopsy, and 145 patients finally obtained definitive pathological results. The overall puncture success rate was 92.4% ([145/157]; with a puncture success rate of 97.3% [71/73] from the coaxial biopsy group and a puncture success rate of 88.1% [74/84] from the conventional biopsy group (P < .05). For peripheral pulmonary masses ≤3 cm, the average puncture time in the coaxial biopsy group was shorter than that in the conventional biopsy group, and the number of sampling, sampling satisfaction rate and puncture success rate were significantly higher than those in the conventional biopsy group (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the complication rate between the 2 groups (P > .05). For peripheral pulmonary masses >3 cm, the average puncture time in the coaxial biopsy group was still shorter than that in the conventional biopsy group (P < .05). The differences between the 2 groups in the number of sampling, satisfaction rate of the sampling, the success rate of puncture and the incidence of complications were not significant (P > .05). US guided coaxial puncture biopsy could save puncture time, increase the number of sampling, and improve the satisfaction rate of sampling and the success rate of puncture (especially for small lesions) by establishing a biopsy channel on the basis of the coaxial needle sheath. It provided reliable information for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and individualized accurate treatment of lesions as well.

Inhibition of histamine receptor H3 suppresses the growth and metastasis of human non-small cell lung cancer cells via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways and blocking EMT.

Recent evidence shows that the expression levels of histamine receptor H3 (Hrh3) are upregulated in several types of cancer. However, the role of Hrh3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the expression levels of Hrh3 were significantly increased in NSCLC samples, and high levels of Hrh3 were associated with poor overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients. In five human NSCLC cell lines tested, Hrh3 was significantly upregulated. In NSCLC cell lines H1975, H460, and A549, Hrh3 antagonist ciproxifan (CPX, 10-80 µM) exerted moderate and concentration-dependent inhibition on the cell growth and induced apoptosis, whereas its agonist RAMH (80 µM) reversed these effects. Furthermore, inhibition of Hrh3 by CPX or siRNA retarded the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells through inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression via reducing the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. In nude mice bearing H1975 cell xenograft or A549 cell xenograft, administration of CPX (3 mg/kg every other day, intraperitoneal) significantly inhibited the tumor growth with increased E-cadherin and ZO-1 expression and decreased Fibronectin expression in tumor tissue. In conclusion, this study reveals that Hrh3 plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of NSCLC; it might be a potential therapeutic target against the lung cancer.

Fatty liver diseases, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic plant medicines.

The liver is an important metabolic organ and controls lipid, glucose and energy metabolism. Dysruption of hepatic lipid metabolism is often associated with fatty liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic fatty liver diseases (AFLD) and hyperlipidemia. Recent studies have uncovered the contribution of hormones, transcription factors, and inflammatory cytokines to the pathogenesis of dyslipidemia and fatty liver diseases. Moreover, a significant amount of effort has been put to examine the mechanisms underlying the potential therapeutic effects of many natural plant products on fatty liver diseases and metabolic diseases. We review the current understanding of insulin, thyroid hormone and inflammatory cytokines in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, focusing on several essential transcription regulators, such as Sirtuins (SIRTs), Forkhead box O (FoxO), Sterol-regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). We also discuss a few representative natural products with promising thereapeutic effects on fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Coronary Heart Disease: Clinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a major cause of mortality with a huge economic burden on healthcare worldwide. Here, we conducted a systematic review to investigate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for CHD based on high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and summarized its possible mechanisms according to animal-based researches. 27 eligible studies were identified in eight database searches from inception to June 2018. The methodological quality was assessed using seven-item checklist recommended by Cochrane Collaboration. All the data were analyzed using Rev-Man 5.3 software. As a result, the score of study quality ranged from 4 to 7 points. Meta-analyses showed CHM can significantly reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention, and cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.05), and increase systolic function of heart, the ST-segment depression, and clinical efficacy (P < 0.05). Adverse events were reported in 11 studies, and CHMs were well tolerated in patients with CHD. In addition, CHM exerted cardioprotection for CHD, possibly altering multiple signal pathways through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, improving the circulation, and regulating energy metabolism. In conclusion, the evidence available from present study revealed that CHMs are beneficial for CHD and are generally safe.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction Exerts Cardioprotective Effects through Targeting Angiogenesis via Caveolin-1/VEGF Signaling Pathway in Mice with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The idea of therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic myocardium is a promising strategy for MI patients. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD), a famous Chinese herbal prescription, exerted antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to cardio-/cerebral protection. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of BHD on angiogenesis through the caveolin-1 (Cav-1)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway in MI model of mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups by the table of random number: (1) sham-operated group (sham, n = 15), (2) AMI group (AMI+sham, n = 20), and (3) BHD-treated group (AMI+BHD, n = 20). 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride solution stain was used to determine myocardial infarct size. Myocardial histopathology was tested using Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining. CD31 immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the angiogenesis in the infarction border zone. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and/or real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied to test the expression of Cav-1, VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and/or phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK). All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 20.0 software and GraphPad Prism 6.05. Values of P < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the AMI group, the BHD-treated group showed a significant improvement in the heart weight/body weight ratio, echocardiography images, cardiac function, infarct size, Mason staining of the collagen deposition area, and density of microvessel in the infarction border zone (P < 0.05). Compared with the AMI group, BHD promoted the expression of Cav-1, VEGF, VEGFR2, and p-ERK in the infarction border zone after AMI. BHD could exert cardioprotective effects on the mouse model with AMI through targeting angiogenesis via Cav-1/VEGF signaling pathway.

5, 7, 2', 4', 5'-Pentamethoxyflavanone regulates M1/M2 macrophage phenotype and protects the septic mice.

Flavonoids have been reported to exert protective effect against many inflammatory diseases, while the underlying cellular mechanisms are still not completely known. In the present study, we explored the anti-inflammation activity of 5, 7, 2', 4', 5'-pentamethoxyflavanone (abbreviated as Pen.), a kind of polymethoxylated flavonoid, both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Pen. was showed no obvious toxicity in macrophages even at high dosage treatment. Our results indicated that Pen. significantly inhibited both mRNA and protein level of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS, which was characteristic expressed on M1 polarized macrophages. These effects of Pen. were further confirmed by diminished expression of CD11c, the M1 macrophage surface marker. Further researches showed that the mechanism was due to that Pen. downregulated the activity of p65, key transcription factor for M1 polarization. On the other hand, Pen. also enhanced M2 polarization with upregulation of anti-inflammatory factors and increase of M2 macrophage surface markers, which lead to the balance of M1 and M2 macrophages. Moreover, in vivo research verified that Pen. treatment alleviated LPS-induced sepsis in mice by increasing survival rate, decreasing inflammatory cytokines and improving lung tissue damage. In summary, our results suggested that Pen. modulated macrophage phenotype via suppressing p65 signal pathway to exert the anti-inflammation activity.

Sequence and time course of depletion of cardiac cellular proteins and accumulation of plasma proteins in rat early ischemic myocardium.

In order to investigate the sequence and time course of fibronectin (Fn), fibrinogen (Fg), complement (C5), myoglobin (Mb), actin (HHF35), and desmin (Dm) for the diagnosis of early myocardial ischemia, the myocardial ischemia model was established in rats, the positive reaction areas of Fn, Fg and C5 and the depletion areas of Mb, HHF35 and Dm in the ischemic cardiomyocytes were studied with immunohistochemistry, image analysis technique and statistical system. The results showed that the depletion of Dm, HHF35 and Mb, and the positive staining of Fg and C5 in ischemic cardiomyocytes were found as early as 15 min after the myocardial ischemia, but the positive staining of Fn occurred till 3 h after myocardial ischemia. With the prolongation of ischemia, the areas of the depletion of Dm, HHF35, Mb and the positive staining of Fg, C5 and Fn gradually enlarged. It is suggested that all the six immunohistochemical markers are more sensitive than routine H&E staining, and that Dm, HHF35, Mb, Fg, C5 are more sensitive markers than Fn for detection of early myocardial ischemia.

The involvement of perivascular spaces or tissues in the facial intradermal brain-targeted delivery.

Our previous work indicates the lymphatic network and perivascular spaces or tissues might be involved in the facial intradermal brain-targeted delivery of Evans blue (EB). In this article, we presented the detailed involvement of both, and the linkage between lymphatic network and perivascular spaces or tissues. The in-vivo imaging, the trigeminal transection and immunohistochemistry were used. In-vivo imaging indicated intradermal injection in the mystacial pad (i.d.) delivered EB into the brain at 2-, 6- and 24 h, while intranasal injection (i.n.) delivered EB into the rostral head and intravenous injection (i.v.) diffused EB weakly into the brain. Trigeminal perineurial and epineurial EB occurred along the perivascular spaces or tissues and along brain vessels. EB diffused into the lymphatic vessels and submandibular lymph nodes. Moreover, perineurial and epineurial EB co-located or overlaid with Lyve1 immuno-reactivity and VEGF antibody, and lymphatic network connected with perivascular spaces or tissues, suggesting lymphatic system-perivascular spaces might involve in the EB delivery with i.d. The trigeminal transection reduced the trigeminal epineurial and perineurial EB and brain EB along vessels. EB diffused in the fasciculus and the perineurium, blood and lymphatic vessels in the mystacial pad, mystacial EB overlaid VEGF or Lyve1 antibody. In summary, the dermal-trigeminal-brain perivascular spaces or tissues and the linkage to the lymphatic network mediated the intradermal brain-targeted delivery.

A Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Astragaloside IV for Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), the major pharmacological extract from Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, possesses a variety of biological activities in the cardiovascular systems. Here, we aimed to evaluate preclinical evidence and possible mechanism of AS-IV for animal models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Studies of AS-IV in animal models with myocardial I/R injury were identified from 6 databases from inception to May, 2018. The methodological quality was assessed by using CAMARADES 10-item checklist. All the data were analyzed using Rev-Man 5.3 software. As a result, 22 studies with 484 animals were identified. The quality score of studies ranged from 3 to 6 points. Meta-analyses showed AS-IV can significantly decrease the myocardial infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction, and increase shortening fraction compared with control group (P < 0.01). Significant decreasing of cardiac enzymes and cardiac troponin and increasing of decline degree in ST-segment were reported in one study each (P < 0.05). Additionally, the possible mechanisms of AS-IV for myocardial I/R injury are promoting angiogenesis, improving the circulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis. Thus, AS-IV is a potential cardioprotective candidate for further clinical trials of myocardial infarction.

Shexiang Baoxin Pills for Coronary Heart Disease in Animal Models: Preclinical Evidence and Promoting Angiogenesis Mechanism.

Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) originated from a classical TCM Fufang Suhexiang Pill for chest pain with dyspnea in the Southern Song Dynasty (1107-110 AD). Here, we aimed to evaluate preclinical evidence and possible mechanism of SBP for experimental coronary heart disease (CHD). Studies of SBP in animal models with CHD were identified from 6 databases until April 2016. Study quality for each included article was evaluated according to the CAMARADES 10-item checklist. Outcome measures were myocardial infarction area, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel count (MVC). All the data were analyzed by using RevMan 5.1 software. As a consequence, 25 studies with 439 animals were identified. The quality score of studies ranged from 2 to 5, with the median of 3.6. Meta-analysis of seven studies showed more significant effects of SBP on the reduction of the myocardial infarction area than the control (P < 0.01). Meta-analysis of eight studies showed significant effects of SBP for increasing VEGF expression compared with the control (P < 0.01). Meta-analysis of 10 studies indicated that SBP significantly improved MVC compared with the control (P < 0.01). In conclusion, these findings preliminarily demonstrated that SBP can reduce myocardial infarction area, exerting cardioprotective function largely through promoting angiogenesis.

Salvianolic Acid Exerts Cardioprotection through Promoting Angiogenesis in Animal Models of Acute Myocardial Infarction: Preclinical Evidence.

Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae, danshen root (danshen), is one of the widely used Chinese herbal medicines in clinics, containing rich phenolic compounds. Salvianolic acid is the main active compound responsible for the pharmacologic effects of danshen. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of salvianolic acid on cardioprotection through promoting angiogenesis in experimental myocardial infarction. Studies of salvianolic acid in animal models of myocardial infarction were obtained from 6 databases until April 2016. The outcome measures were vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), blood vessel density (BVD), and myocardial infarct size. All the data were analyzed using Rev-Man 5.3 software. Ultimately, 14 studies were identified involving 226 animals. The quality score of studies ranged from 3 to 6. The meta-analysis of six studies showed significant effects of salvianolic acid on increasing VEGF expression compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The meta-analysis of the two salvianolic acid A studies and three salvianolic acid B studies showed significantly improving BVD compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The meta-analysis of five studies showed significant effects of salvianolic acid for decreasing myocardial infarct size compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that salvianolic acid can exert cardioprotection through promoting angiogenesis in animal models of myocardial infarction.

Chinese herbal medicine for Alzheimer's disease: Clinical evidence and possible mechanism of neurogenesis.

Currently, there is lack of cure or disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is purported to ameliorate AD progression, perhaps by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we conducted an updated systematic review to investigate the efficacy and safety of CHM for AD based on high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and reviewed its possible mechanisms of neurogenesis according to animal-based researches. Twenty eligible studies with 1767 subjects were identified in eight database searches from inception to February 2017. The studies investigated the CHM versus placebo (n=3), CHM versus donepezil (n=9 with 10 comparisons), CHM plus donepezil versus donepezil (n=3), CHM versus a basic treatment (n=3), and CHM plus basic treatment versus basic treatment (n=2). Adverse events were reported in 11 studies, analyzed but not observed in 3 studies, and not analyzed in 6 studies. The main findings of present study are that CHM as adjuvant therapy exerted an additive anti-AD benefit, whereas the efficacy of CHM as a monotherapy was inconclusive. Additionally, CHMs were generally safe and well tolerated in AD patients. Active molecules in frequent constituents of CHMs can alter multiple critical signaling pathways regulating neurogenesis. Thus, the present evidence supports, to a limited extent, the conclusion that CHM can be recommended for routine use in AD patients and its possible mechanism enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis through activating the multi-signal pathways.

Additive Neuroprotective Effect of Borneol with Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Ischemic Stroke in Mice.

Intravenous stem cell transplantation initiates neuroprotection related to the secretion of trophic factor. Borneol, a potential herbal neuroprotective agent, is a penetration enhancer. Here, we aimed to investigate whether they have additive neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia. Borneol was given to mice by gavage 3 days before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induction until the day when the mice were sacrificed. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were intravenously injected at 24 h after MCAO induction. Neurological deficits, infarct volume, cell death, and neurogenesis were evaluated. Combined use of MSCs and borneol could more effectively reduce infarction volume and cell apoptosis, enhance neurogenesis, and improve the functional recovery than that of MSCs alone. The findings showed that combined use of borneol and stem cells provided additive neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia. However, the supposed effect of borneol on the improved MSC penetration still needs further direct evidence.

Fluorescent multiplex amplification of three X-STR loci.

This study was carried out to evaluate the value of three X-STR loci (DXS6803, DXS981and DXS6809) in forensic application and thereby investigate their polymorphism. The primer for each locus was labeled with fluorochrome 6-FAM. A fluorescent multiplex PCR for simultaneously amplifying three X-STR loci was set up. The PCR products that were obtained were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis and ABI PRISM 3100 Genetic Analyzer, with GENESCAN Analysis Software. When 340 male and 195 female individuals of Han population in China were tested, 13, 12, and 11 alleles were observed for DXS6803, DXS981 and DXS6809, respectively. One hundred and eighty three haplotypes were detected in the male individuals. The haplotype diversity reached 0.9926. The results show that the three loci of the multiplex system provide significant information on polymorphism for forensic identification and paternity testing, particularly for complicated paternity deficient cases.

[Traumatic cerebral infarction: a histopathological study of 17 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the morphologic changes in traumatic cerebral infarction and to discuss its mechanism. METHODS: Specimens from seventeen cases of cerebral infarction were selected from 81 patients with severe brain injury, and subject to routine gross and histological examinations. RESULTS: (1) The cerebral infarction in all cases was hemorrhagic in nature with a wedged or irregular shape upon gross inspection. The lesions were found in occipital gyrus (8 cases), occipital lobes (3 cases), basal nuclei (3 cases), cingulate gyrus (2 cases), and lateral occipitotemporal gyrus (1 case). Histologically, the lesions were located at the junction between the cortex and medulla, showing congestion, edema, hemorrhage, necrotic nerve tissue and blood vessels. In severe cases, the lesion extended into the entire cortex and subarachnoid spaces. (2) Swelling of the brain and cerebral hernia were found in all cases, 8 of which demonstrated that the posterior cerebral artery was compressed and stenotic within the space between the crus cerebri and uncus. CONCLUSION: Brain tissue necrosis in traumatic cerebral infarction is the result of brain swelling and cerebral hernia formation, following congestion, bleeding and ischemia due to vasculature compression.

Study on the specificity of fibronectin for post-mortem diagnosis of early myocardial infarction.

In order to investigate the specificity of fibronectin (Fn) in the post-mortem diagnosis of myocardial infarction, the changes of Fn staining in normal, infarcted and other non-infarcted myocardial injuries resulting from myocarditis, mechanical asphyxia, electrocution, hemorrhagic shock, cardiac contusion and organophosphate poisoning were studied with an immunohistochemistry and image analysis system. The results showed that positive Fn staining could only be observed in groups of myocardial infarction and myocarditis, but could not be found in groups of mechanical asphyxia, electrocution, hemorrhagic shock, cardiac contusion, and organophosphate poisoning. Our findings indicate that positive staining of Fn in cardiomyocytes could be affected only by myocarditis, so it is quite specific for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.