ABSTRACT
Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.(AU)
Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Arthropods/classification , Insecta/growth & development , Hypericum , Urticaceae , PolygonaceaeABSTRACT
Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.
Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.
Subject(s)
Animals , Plants , Insecta , Tibet , Plant Leaves , FlowersABSTRACT
Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.
Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.
Subject(s)
Animals , Arthropods/classification , Hypericum , Insecta/growth & development , Polygonaceae , UrticaceaeABSTRACT
Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.
Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.
ABSTRACT
Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.
Subject(s)
Insecta , Plants , Animals , Flowers , Plant Leaves , TibetABSTRACT
We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). Six relevant electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared rTMS with control condition for PSD were included. The mean change in depression symptom scores was defined as the primary efficacy outcome. Secondary outcomes included the remission rate of depression, stroke recovery, and cognitive function recovery. In total, 7 RCTs with 351 participants were included. At post-treatment, rTMS was significantly more effective than the control condition, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -1.15 (95%CI: -1.62 to -0.69; P<0.001, I2=71%) and remission with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.46 (95%CI: 1.68 to 7.12; P<0.001; I2=11%). As for stroke recovery, rTMS was also better than the control condition (SMD=-0.67, 95%CI: -1.02 to -0.32; P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found for cognitive function recovery between the two groups (SMD=4.07, 95%CI: -1.41 to 9.55; P=0.15). To explore the potential moderators for the primary outcome, a series of subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. The results implied that rTMS may be more effective in Asian samples than in North American samples (P=0.03). In conclusion, from the current evidence in this study, rTMS could be an effective treatment for patients with PSD. Further clinical studies with larger sample sizes and clearer subgroup definitions are needed to confirm these outcomes.
Subject(s)
Stroke , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation , Depression/etiology , Depression/therapy , Humans , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Recovery of Function , Stroke/complications , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). Six relevant electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared rTMS with control condition for PSD were included. The mean change in depression symptom scores was defined as the primary efficacy outcome. Secondary outcomes included the remission rate of depression, stroke recovery, and cognitive function recovery. In total, 7 RCTs with 351 participants were included. At post-treatment, rTMS was significantly more effective than the control condition, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -1.15 (95%CI: -1.62 to -0.69; P<0.001, I2=71%) and remission with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.46 (95%CI: 1.68 to 7.12; P<0.001; I2=11%). As for stroke recovery, rTMS was also better than the control condition (SMD=-0.67, 95%CI: -1.02 to -0.32; P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found for cognitive function recovery between the two groups (SMD=4.07, 95%CI: -1.41 to 9.55; P=0.15). To explore the potential moderators for the primary outcome, a series of subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. The results implied that rTMS may be more effective in Asian samples than in North American samples (P=0.03). In conclusion, from the current evidence in this study, rTMS could be an effective treatment for patients with PSD. Further clinical studies with larger sample sizes and clearer subgroup definitions are needed to confirm these outcomes.
Subject(s)
Humans , Stroke/complications , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Treatment Outcome , Recovery of Function , Depression/etiology , Depression/therapyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in acquired resistance to gefitinib in lung cancer. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of gefitinib-induced EMT in lung adenocarcinoma cells harboring EGFR mutation. METHODS: CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression was determined through qRT-PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry assays in lung cancer cell line (PC9) bearing mutated EGFR. Functional role of CXCR4 was inhibited applying siRNAs as well as the specific antagonist AMD3100. The expression of EMT markers was determined, and the migration of PC9 cells was measured with transwell assay. RESULTS: We found that gefitinib promoted the migratory capacity of PC9 cells in vitro, which correlated with EMT occurrence through upregulation of CXCR4. Blocking CXCR4 significantly suppressed gefitinib-induced enhancement of migration and EMT. Moreover, we determined that the upregulation of CXCR4 by gefitinib was dependent on TGF-ß1/Smad2 signaling activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested a potential mechanism by which gefitinib induced EMT in cells harboring EGFR mutation through a pathway involving TGF-ß1 and CXCR4. Thus, the combination of CXCR4 antagonist and TGFßR inhibitors might provide an alternative strategy to overcome progression of lung cancer after gefitinib treatment.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma of Lung/pathology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Gefitinib/pharmacology , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Receptors, CXCR4/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Adenocarcinoma of Lung/genetics , Benzylamines/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , Chemokine CXCL12/metabolism , Cyclams/pharmacology , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Mutation , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology , Receptors, CXCR4/antagonists & inhibitors , Smad2 Protein/metabolism , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The value of maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) was overlooked in current studies comparing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) versus surgery for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we aimed to compare the 3-year outcomes based on patients for whom SUVmax were available, and to explore the role of SUVmax in clinical decision-making. METHODS: From January 2010 to June 2016, data of eligible patients were collected. Patient variables and clinical outcomes were compared in both unmatched and matched groups using propensity score matching (PSM). Multivariate analysis was performed for predictors of poor outcome. The relationship between treatment approach and survival outcome was also evaluated in subgroup patients stratified by SUVmax level. RESULTS: A total of 425 patients treated with either surgery (325) or SBRT (100) were included. Patients receiving SBRT were significantly older, had a higher level of SUVmax and were more likely to have tumor of centrally located. Multivariate analysis showed that SUVmax and tumor size were significant predictors for 3-year OS, LRC, and PFS, while better PFS was also related to peripheral tumor and surgery. The result of PSM analysis also showed that compared to SBRT, surgery could only achieve better PFS. Subgroup analysis indicated that surgery had added advantage of 3-year LRC and PFS for patients in high SUVmax group (SUVmax > 8), but not in low SUVmax group. CONCLUSIONS: The study found a superior PFS after surgery while OS and LRC did not differ between SBRT and surgery. Surgery should be recommended for tumor of high SUVmax.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Clinical Decision-Making , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/metabolism , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Pneumonectomy/mortality , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods , Radiosurgery/mortality , Adenocarcinoma/diagnostic imaging , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/surgery , Aged , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/surgery , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery , Case-Control Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Lung Neoplasms/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , Prognosis , Propensity Score , Radiopharmaceuticals/metabolism , Survival RateABSTRACT
A total of 48 crossbred Bamei pig carcasses were divided into three groups (A, 60-69 kg; B, 70-79 kg; and C, 80-90 kg) to investigate the influence of carcass weight on meat quality. The intramuscular fat content of the three groups increased from 2.20% (Group A) to 4.14% (Group C). Group B had higher drip loss (6.83%, P < 0.05) than the other two groups. Warner-Bratzler shear force decreased with increasing weight (61.16 > 51.63 > 43.64 N, P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in meat color, cooking percentage, and water holding capacity among the three groups. The polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio in group B (0.23) was significantly higher than that in the other two groups. In conclusion, our results suggested that a carcass weight of 70-79 kg is suitable for the production of Bamei pigs.
Subject(s)
Meat/standards , Adiposity , Amino Acids/metabolism , Animals , Body Weight , Food Quality , Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy & histology , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Sus scrofaABSTRACT
Over many years, parts of Panax ginseng (root and rhizome) have been identified and applied for medical purposes as traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Recently, research has indicated that ginseng fruit also contains similar compounds and is as rich as the other parts of the ginseng. This discovery may dramatically improve the efficient of outputs derived from ginseng products. Here, a new technique combining high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was employed to identify the fingerprint of P. ginseng fruit. Using HPLC, compounds that are important for medical purposes were extracted and purified. Combined with ESI-MS, the characteristic peaks (nine common peaks) of those compounds were identified, and the accuracy was confirmed by analysis using the Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System (2004A edition). Overall, 15 batches of ginseng fruit had a similarity of more than 0.80, 13 batches of samples had a similarity between 0.97 and 0.99, and two batches had a similarity less than 0.90. The test solution and mobile phase selection was discussed. The HPLC-ESI-MS method can produce repeatable and reliable results and can be applied in the quality control of P. ginseng fruit.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Fruit/chemistry , Panax/chemistry , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization/methods , Ginsenosides/chemistry , Ginsenosides/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/analysis , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Quality ControlABSTRACT
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are important regulators of bone repair and regeneration. In this study, we examined whether TGF-ß1 and BMP-2 expressions were delayed during bone healing in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Tibial fractures were created in 95 diabetic and 95 control adult male Wistar rats of 10 weeks of age. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after fracture induction, five rats were sacrificed from each group. The expressions of TGF-ß1 and BMP2 in the fractured tibias were measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, weekly for the first 5 weeks post-fracture. Mechanical parameters (bending rigidity, torsional rigidity, destruction torque) of the healing bones were also assessed at 3, 4, and 5 weeks post-fracture, after the rats were sacrificed. The bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque of the two groups increased continuously during the healing process. The diabetes group had lower mean values for bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque compared with the control group (P<0.05). TGF-ß1 and BMP-2 expression were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the control group than in the diabetes group at postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 3. Peak levels of TGF-ß1 and BMP-2 expression were delayed by 1 week in the diabetes group compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that there was a delayed recovery in the biomechanical function of the fractured bones in diabetic rats. This delay may be associated with a delayed expression of the growth factors TGF-ß1 and BMP-2.
Subject(s)
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/metabolism , Bony Callus/physiopathology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/physiopathology , Fracture Healing/physiology , Tibial Fractures/physiopathology , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Animals , Biomechanical Phenomena , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism , Fractures, Bone/physiopathology , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Rats, Wistar , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Tibial Fractures/metabolism , Time Factors , TorqueABSTRACT
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are important regulators of bone repair and regeneration. In this study, we examined whether TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expressions were delayed during bone healing in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Tibial fractures were created in 95 diabetic and 95 control adult male Wistar rats of 10 weeks of age. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after fracture induction, five rats were sacrificed from each group. The expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP2 in the fractured tibias were measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, weekly for the first 5 weeks post-fracture. Mechanical parameters (bending rigidity, torsional rigidity, destruction torque) of the healing bones were also assessed at 3, 4, and 5 weeks post-fracture, after the rats were sacrificed. The bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque of the two groups increased continuously during the healing process. The diabetes group had lower mean values for bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque compared with the control group (P<0.05). TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the control group than in the diabetes group at postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 3. Peak levels of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression were delayed by 1 week in the diabetes group compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that there was a delayed recovery in the biomechanical function of the fractured bones in diabetic rats. This delay may be associated with a delayed expression of the growth factors TGF-β1 and BMP-2.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Tibial Fractures/physiopathology , Bony Callus/physiopathology , Fracture Healing/physiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/physiopathology , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/metabolism , Tibial Fractures/metabolism , Time Factors , Biomechanical Phenomena , Immunohistochemistry , Rats, Wistar , Torque , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism , Fractures, Bone/physiopathology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
Ginkgolides are key pharmaceutical components in Ginkgo biloba. Using the cDNA sequence of the MECP and MECT genes to design primers, we obtained the promoters of these genes from Ginkgo genomic DNA using the genome walking method. The two promoters were 744 and 982 bp in length, respectively. The cis-elements of the GbMECPs and GbMECT promoters were predicted and analyzed using the plant cis-acting regulatory element database. We found major cis-elements in the sequence of the GbMECT and GbMECPs promoters. The GbMECP promoter contains six TATA boxes and eight CAAT boxes. The GbMECT contains five TATA boxes and seven CAAT boxes. Furthermore, some cis-elements in the promoters of GbMECPs and GbMECT included hormone and light-regulated elements, UB-B-induced elements, and stress-related dehydration-responsive elements. Expression analysis results showed that the MECP gene is mainly involved in responses to CCC (cycocel) and UV-B, and that MECT is mainly involved in responses to wounding treatment. These results also showed that the expression model was consistent with the cis-elements present. During the annual growth cycle, the level of GbMECPs was significantly correlated with terpene lactones accumulation in leaves. A fitted quadratic curve showed the best model for correlating GbMECPs with terpene lactones in leaves. These results will help us to understand the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in key gene expression and ginkgolide accumulation in G. biloba.
Subject(s)
Ginkgo biloba/genetics , Ginkgolides/metabolism , Plant Proteins/genetics , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , Base Sequence , DNA, Complementary/genetics , Gene Expression , Ginkgo biloba/metabolism , Lactones/metabolism , Plant Leaves/genetics , Plant Leaves/metabolism , Plant Proteins/metabolism , TATA Box , Terpenes/metabolismABSTRACT
We investigated the effect of age on the expression of immune molecules [ANA, C4, double stranded DNA (dsDNA), CD16/32, CD19, CD3, and CD64], urine protein, and pathology in mice with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) lupus nephritis (LN), and their relationship with reactivity index score. Mouse models of cGVHD LN were established, and mice were randomly divided into four aged-based groups of nine mice each. Serum levels of ANA, C4, and dsDNA were determined, the urine protein levels were assessed, and expression levels of CD16/32, CD19, CD3, and CD64 were measured. Expression levels of CD16/32+CD19(T1), CD16/CD32+CD3(T2), and CD64+CD3 or CD19(T3) were defined in the thymus, in bone marrow they were defined as CD16/32+CD19(B1), CD16/32+CD3(B2), CD64+CD3 or CD19(B3), and in spleen they were defined as CD16/32+CD19(P1), CD16/32+CD3(P2), CD64+CD3 or CD19(P3), respectively. There were significant differences in the levels of dsDNA and urine protein among the four groups (P < 0.05), which were negatively correlated with age. B1, B2, S1, and S2 were significantly different among the four groups (P < 0.05), with a positive correlation with age for B1 and B2. There was no correlation of expression of ANA, C4, dsDNA, T1-T3, B1-B3, S2-S3 with reactivity index score; S1 was the exception (r = -0.440, P = 0.011). Age influenced levels of dsDNA and urine protein in the mouse cGVHD model of LN. S1 was associated with reactivity index score and might also affect pathological changes.
Subject(s)
Graft vs Host Disease/immunology , Graft vs Host Disease/pathology , Lupus Nephritis/immunology , Lupus Nephritis/pathology , Age Factors , Animals , Autoantibodies/blood , Chronic Disease , Graft vs Host Disease/blood , Immune System , Lupus Nephritis/blood , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Receptors, IgG/immunologyABSTRACT
In this study, we examined the expression of glypican-3 (GPC3) in the 2 most common histological types of lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, and explored the relationship between GPC3 expression and the prognosis of these 2 types of lung cancers. Lung cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues were collected from a total of 60 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma or lung adenocarcinoma. GPC3 gene and protein expression in the tissue samples was examined using fluorescence-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis. In addition, the serological levels of GPC3 protein in lung cancer patients were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The overall expression of GPC3 protein in lung cancer was 45% (21/60). No GPC3 expression was detected in paracancerous lung tissues. Positive expression of GPC3 protein in lung squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that in lung adenocarcinoma (70 vs 20%, P < 0.001). Among GPC3-positive lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma samples, samples collected from patients with lymph node metastasis and patients with poorly differentiated cancer exhibited more pronounced GPC-3 expression. GPC3 protein expression was significantly higher in lung squamous cell carcinoma than in lung adenocarcinoma. GPC3 may be a candidate marker for detecting lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics , Gene Expression Profiling , Glypicans/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Adenocarcinoma/blood , Adenocarcinoma of Lung , Blotting, Western , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Glypicans/blood , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Lung Neoplasms/blood , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Real-Time Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
We investigated the relationship between the expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and the occurrence and development of colon cancer. Fifty colon cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected, while 40 normal intestinal mucosa tissues were collected as the blank group. EpCAM expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and the patients were followed-up to evaluate the prognosis. The positive expression rate of EpCAM reached 93.7% in patients with colorectal carcinoma, which was significantly higher than that in the negative control group and blank group (14.8 and 12.7%, P < 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference between the control group and blank group regarding EpCAM expression. No direct relationship was observed between EpCAM expression and patient age, gender, and other characteristics. EpCAM was overexpressed in colorectal cancer and had a high detection rate. EpCAM can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for clinical detection of colorectal cancer.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism , Carcinogenesis/metabolism , Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism , Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Survival AnalysisABSTRACT
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) promoter polymorphisms has been reported to be associated with obesity and insulin resistance and gained widespread attention. However, results obtained so far are quite conf||licting. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to address this issue, basing on 17 studies from electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE). No evidence of significant effect of TNF-αG-308A polymorphism on body mass index (BMI) or obesity risk was detected (BMI: WMDRE = 0.05, 95%CI: -0.62 to 0.73; risk of obesity: ORFE = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.87 to 1.35). G-308A variant was significantly associated with increased insulin levels in the overall (SMDFE = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.03 to 0.20) and obese subgroup analysis (SMDFE = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.03 to 0.29). In total, no significant result was observed for the association between TNF-α G-308A variant and HOMA-IR index. Nevertheless, subgroup analysis showed G-308A polymorphism was significantly associated with increased HOMA-IR in Caucasians (WMDFE = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.03 to 0.94). Our results indicate that TNF-αG-308A polymorphism has a significant effect on insulin resistance. However, it is unlikely that G-308A variant contributes to obesity.
Subject(s)
Genetic Association Studies , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Insulin Resistance/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Adult , Aged , Body Mass Index , Female , Humans , Insulin/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/blood , Obesity/genetics , Publication Bias , Risk Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
Dysregulated miR-125 observed in multiple cancer types has suggested that it is involved in malignant proliferation and invasion. However, the clinical significance of miR-125 in human breast cancer (BC) has not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, the expression of miR-125a-5p/3p and miR-125b in 143 pairs of BC and normal adjacent tissues (NATs) was measured by real-time quantitative PCR, and the correlation between expression and clinicopathological features was explored. miR-125a-5p and miR-125b were significantly down-regulated in BC tissue samples compared with their matched NAT samples, while the difference in miR-125a-3p expression between BC tissues and NATs was not statistically significant. The expression level of miR-125a-5p was found to be significantly higher in younger patients (<35 years) than in older patients (≥35, P = 0.005). When the patients were divided into three groups according to age (<35, 36-48, and ≥48 years), a gradual reduction in miR-125a-5p expression was observed in BC tissue samples that correlated to increases in age (P = 0.009). There were no significant correlations between miR-125 expression and other clinicopathological features including tumor size, histological grade, hormone receptor status, Her-2 status, and lymph node metastasis. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-125a-5p may play an important role in BC progression in an age-dependent manner, and that the down-regulation of miR-125a-5p and miR-125b may serve as independent predictors for breast cancer.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/biosynthesis , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , MicroRNAs/biosynthesis , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Proliferation/genetics , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Humans , Lymphatic Metastasis , MicroRNAs/genetics , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Receptor, ErbB-2/geneticsABSTRACT
Cell reprogramming mediated by histone methylation and demethylation is crucial for the activation of the embryonic genome in early embryonic development. In this study, we employed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to detect mRNA levels and expression patterns of all known histone demethylases in early germinal vesicle stage and in vitro-matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes (which are commonly used as donor cells for nuclear transfer). On screening, the Jumonji domain containing 1C (JMJD1C) gene had the highest level of expression and hence was used for subsequent experiments. We also found that JMJD1C was primarily expressed in the nucleus and showed relatively high levels of expression at the 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages of embryos developed from MII oocytes fertilized in vitro. Further, we knocked down the JMJD1C gene in MII oocytes using siRNA and monitored the cleavage of zygotes and development of early embryos after in vitro fertilization. The results showed that the zygote cleavage and blastocyst rates of the transfection group were reduced by 57.1 ± 0.07 and 50 ± 0.01% respectively, which were significantly lower than those of the negative control group (P < 0.05). These data suggest that JMJD1C plays a key role in the normal development of early bovine embryos. Our results also provide a theoretical basis for the investigation of the role and molecular mechanism of histone demethylation in the early development of bovine embryos.