The GRHL3-regulated long non-coding RNA lnc-DC modulates keratinocytes differentiation by interacting with IGF2BP2 and up-regulating ZNF750.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant keratinocytes differentiation has been demonstrated to be associated with a number of skin diseases. The roles of lncRNAs in keratinocytes differentiation remain to be largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: Here we aim to investigate the role of lnc-DC in regulating epidermal keratinocytes differentiation. METHODS: Expression of lnc-DC in the skin was queried in AnnoLnc and verified by FISH. The lncRNA expression profiles during keratinocytes differentiation were reanalyzed and verified by qPCR and FISH. Gene knock-down and over-expression were used to explore the role of lnc-DC in keratinocytes differentiation. The downstream target of lnc-DC was screened by whole transcriptome sequencing. CUT&RUN assay and siRNAs transfection was used to reveal the regulatory effect of GRHL3 on lnc-DC. The mechanism of lnc-DC regulating ZNF750 was revealed by RIP assay and RNA stability assay. RESULTS: Lnc-DC was biasedly expressed in skin and up-regulated during epidermal keratinocytes differentiation. Knockdown lnc-DC repressed epidermal keratinocytes differentiation while over-express lnc-DC showed the opposite effect. GRHL3, a well-known transcription factor regulating keratinocytes differentiation, could bind to the promoter of lnc-DC and regulate its expression. By whole transcriptome sequencing, we identified that ZNF750 was a downstream target of lnc-DC during keratinocytes differentiation. Mechanistically, lnc-DC interacted with RNA binding protein IGF2BP2 to stabilize ZNF750 mRNA and up- regulated its downstream targets TINCR and KLF4. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the novel role of GRHL3/lnc-DC/ZNF750 axis in regulating epidermal keratinocytes differentiation, which may provide new therapeutic targets of aberrant keratinocytes differentiation related skin diseases.

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically enhance the immunosuppressive capacity of human umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells by increasing PD-L1 expression.

BACKGROUND: The immunosuppressive capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is dependent on the "license" of several proinflammatory factors to express immunosuppressive factors such as programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), which determines the clinical therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for inflammatory or immune diseases. In MSCs, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a key inducer of PD-L1 expression, which is synergistically enhanced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. AIM: To reveal the mechanism of pretreated MSCs express high PD-L1 and explore the application of pretreated MSCs in ulcerative colitis. METHODS: We assessed PD-L1 expression in human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) induced by IFN-γ and TNF-α, alone or in combination. Additionally, we performed signal pathway inhibitor experiments as well as RNA interference experiments to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which IFN-γ alone or in combination with TNF-α induces PD-L1 expression. Moreover, we used luciferase reporter gene experiments to verify the binding sites of the transcription factors of each signal transduction pathway to the targeted gene promoters. Finally, we evaluated the immunosuppressive capacity of hUC-MSCs treated with IFN-γ and TNF-α in both an in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture assay, and in vivo in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis. RESULTS: Our results suggest that IFN-γ induction alone upregulates PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs while TNF-α alone does not, and that the co-induction of IFN-γ and TNF-α promotes higher expression of PD-L1. IFN-γ induces hUC-MSCs to express PD-L1, in which IFN-γ activates the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway, up-regulates the expression of the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) transcription factor, promotes the binding of IRF1 and the PD-L1 gene promoter, and finally promotes PD-L1 mRNA. Although TNF-α alone did not induce PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs, the addition of TNF-α significantly enhanced IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1/IRF1 activation. TNF-α up-regulated IFN-γ receptor expression through activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, which significantly enhanced IFN-γ signaling. Finally, co-induced hUC-MSCs have a stronger inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation, and significantly ameliorate weight loss, mucosal damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and up-regulation of inflammatory factors in colitis mice. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results suggest that IFN-γ and TNF-α enhance both the immunosuppressive ability of hUC-MSCs and their efficacy in ulcerative colitis by synergistically inducing high expression of PD-L1.

Lavender essential oil accelerates lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic wound healing by inhibiting caspase-11-mediated macrophage pyroptosis.

Chronic wounds seriously affect the quality of life of the elderly, obese people, and diabetic patients. The excessive inflammatory response is a key driver of delayed chronic wound healing. Although lavender essential oil (EO [lav]) has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and accelerate wound curative effects, the specific molecular mechanism involved is still ambiguous. The results showed that the wounds treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) not only had delayed healing, but also the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and the inflammatory mediator protein, high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB-1), in the wound tissues were significantly increased. However, treatment of LPS-induced chronic wounds with EO (lav) accelerated wound healing and decreased IL-1ß and HMGB-1 expression levels. It was further found that LPS induced macrophage pyroptosis to produce IL-1ß. After treatment with EO (lav), the expression level of macrophage pyroptosis marker Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pyroptosis-related cytotoxic effects were significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence results also directly indicate that EO (lav) can protect macrophages from LPS-induced pyroptosis. Moreover, EO (lav) can down-regulate expression levels of IL-1ß, GSDMD, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the caspase-11-related pyroptotic signaling pathway. This study demonstrates that EO (lav) can reduce proinflammatory factor production and ameliorate inflammatory response by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis, which accelerates LPS-induced chronic wound healing.

Causal links between long-term exposure to NO2 and the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To determine the causal association between long-term Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure and the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization. Methods: Based on a sub-cohort of a community-based prospective cohort study, a total of 36 271 participants were recruited from 35 communities randomly selected in Guangzhou in 2015. The annual average exposure of NO2, demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and information on the causes of hospitalization was collected. We applied marginal structural Cox models to investigate the effect of NO2 on cardiovascular hospitalization. Demographic and behavioral factors also stratified results. Results: The mean age of participants in the present study was (50.9±17.8) years, and the cardiovascular admission rate was 8.7%, with 203 822 person-years of follow-up. The annual mean NO2 concentration was 48.7 μg/m3 during 2015-2020. For each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentrations, the HRs (95%CIs) of total cardiovascular hospitalization, cardiovascular hospitalization, and cerebrovascular hospitalization were 1.33 (1.16-1.52), 1.36 (1.16-1.60) and 1.25 (1.00-1.55), respectively. Participants who were never married/married, with secondary education, high exercise frequency, or non-smokers/current smokers may be more susceptible than their counterparts. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to NO2 significantly increased hospitalization risk for cardiovascular disease.

Fibroblast-like cells Promote Wound Healing via PD-L1-mediated Inflammation Resolution.

Chronic non-healing wounds fail to progress beyond the inflammatory phase, characterized by a disorder of inflammation resolution. PD-1/PD-L1, a major co-inhibitory checkpoint signaling, plays critical roles in tumor immune surveillance and the occurrence of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, but its roles in wound healing remains unclear. Here, we described a novel function of PD-L1 in fibroblast-like cells as a positive regulator of wound healing. PD-L1 dynamically expressed on the fibroblast-like cells in the granulation tissue during wound healing to form a wound immunosuppressive microenvironment, modulate macrophages polarization from M1-type to M2-type, and initiates resolution of inflammation, finally accelerate wound healing. Loss of PD-L1 delayed wound healing, especially in mice with LPS-induced severe inflammation. Furthermore, the mainly regulatory mechanism is that combination of FGF-2 and TGF-ß1 promotes PD-L1 translation in fibroblasts through enhancing the eIF4E availability regulated by both PI3K-AKT-mTOR-4EBP1 and p38-ERK-MNK signaling pathways. Our results reveal the positive role of PD-L1 in wound healing, and provide a new strategy for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Effect of manipulation on cartilage in rats with knee osteoarthritis based on the Rho-associated protein kinase/LIM kinase 1/Cofilin signaling pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of manipulation treatment on knee osteoarthritis rats and the effect on Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK)/LIM-kinase1 (LIMK1)/Cofilin signaling pathway. METHOD: Fifty Specific pathogen Free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups ( = 8 each): blank group, model group, manipulation group, celecoxib group, and manipulation combined with celecoxib group (MC group). The osteoarthritis model was established by injecting 0.2 mL 4% papain into the articular disc of the rats. After successfully establishing the model, we treated the manipulation group with pushing manipulation using one-finger-meditation to the Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Waixiyan (EX-LE5), Xuehai (SP10), Liangqiu (ST34), and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints for 10 min each time. Also, the celecoxib group was gavaged with 24 mg•kg•d celecoxib, while the MC group was treated using both of these two methods. After four weeks, the cartilage of the right femur was removed for hematoxylin-eosin staining of the cartilage tissue. The expressions of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum were observed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Besides, we detected the expressions of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIM-kinase1 (Phospho-LIMK1), Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared to the model group, the manipulation group, celecoxib group, and MC group all exhibited superior results concerning pathological morphologic changes of cartilage, as observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and calculated using the Mankin score. Besides, in contrast to the blank group, the model group exhibited elevated serum levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α ( 0.01), while the expression of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIMK1, Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin in cartilage were all higher ( 0.01). Also, the serum levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α in each treatment group were lower (0.01) than in the model group. Moreover, there were lower expressions of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIMK1, Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin in cartilage in the manipulation group and the MC group (< 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIMK1, Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin in cartilage in the celecoxib group were not statistically different ( > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, we established that manipulation has a better curative effect than celecoxib. Manipulation inhibits the development of cytoskeleton damage in cartilage and slows articular degeneration by regulating the expression of related proteins in the cytoskeletal signaling pathway.

HDAC2 inhibits EMT-mediated cancer metastasis by downregulating the long noncoding RNA H19 in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epigenetic mechanisms promote metastasis. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important epigenetic regulators. Here, we elucidated a novel role of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in regulating EMT and CRC metastasis via ncRNA. METHODS: The expression of HDACs in CRC was analyzed using the public databases and matched primary and metastatic tissues, and CRC cells with different metastatic potentials (DLD1, HCT116, SW480 and SW620). Microarray analysis was used to identify differential genes in parental and HDAC2 knockout CRC cells. EMT and histone modifications were determined using western blot and immunofluorescence. Migration ability was assessed by transwell assay, and metastasis was assessed in vivo using a tail vain injection. Gene expression and regulation was assessed by RT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays. Protein interaction was assessed by immunoprecipitation. Specific siRNAs targeting H19, SP1 and MMP14 were used to validate their role in HDAC2 loss induced EMT and metastasis. RESULTS: Reduced HDAC2 expression was associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients and found in CRC metastasis. HDAC2 deletion or knockdown induced EMT and metastasis by upregulating the long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19). HDAC2 inhibited LncRNA H19 expression by histone H3K27 deacetylation in its promoter via binding with SP1. LncRNA H19 functioned as a miR-22-3P sponge to increase the expression of MMP14. HDAC2 loss strongly promoted CRC lung metastasis, which was suppressed LncRNA H19 knockdown. CONCLUSION: Our study supports HDAC2 as a CRC metastasis suppressor through the inhibition of EMT and the expression of H19 and MMP14.

Effect of Tuina on Autophagy-related Factor Beclin-1, Vacuolar Protein Sorting and Microtubule-associated Protein Light Chain 3 in Rats with Denervated Skeletal Muscle Atrophy / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of Tuina on denervated skeletal muscle atrophy. Methods:A total of 77 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 7), model group (n = 35) and Tuina group (n = 35). The latter two groups were established skeletal muscle atrophy model by exposing and cutting off the common tibial nerve of rats. One day after modeling, the lower limbs of the surgical side received Tuina in Tuina group. Separately, the surgical side of gastrocnemius muscle were sampled on the 0th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28thday after modeling, and measured the wet mass ratio. The cross-sectional area and diameter of muscle fiber were measured after HE staining. The mRNA expression of autophagy-realated factor Beclin-1, vacuolar protein sorting (Vps34) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were tested with reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results:There was no statistical difference in the ratio of gastrocnemius wet weight, the cross-sectional area and diameter of muscle fiber, and the mRNA expression of Beclin-1, Vps34 and LC3 among three groups on the 0th day (F < 1.321, P > 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the ratio of gastrocnemius wet weight, the cross-sectional area and diameter of muscle fiber decreased at different time points in the model group and Tuina group (P < 0.05), the ratio of gastrocnemius wet weight was higher, and the cross-sectional area and diameter of muscle fiber were bigger, both except on the 21st day, in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the mRNA expression of Beclin-1, Vps34 and LC3 increased at different points in the model group than in Tuina group (P < 0.05), and all the mRNA expression was higher, except on the 14th day, in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05). The ratio of gastrocnemius wet weight, the cross-sectional area and diameter of muscle fiber showed a trend of progressive decrease with time in the model group and Tuina group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Beclin-1 and Vps34 increased (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression of LC3 increased in the model group 21 days after intervention (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Beclin-1, Vps34 and LC3 increased first and then decreased, except the mRNA expression on the 14th day in Tuina group (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Tuina may promote the activation of autophagy by up-regulating the expression of autophagy-realated factor Beclin-1, Vps34 and LC3, remove the damaged organelles and proteins, provide certain synthetic substrate and energy for muscle fiber regeneration, thereby reduce the loss of degree of denervated skeletal muscle atrophy.

Spatial distribution of cancer-related burden in Guangzhou from 2010 to 2013 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the burden and to describe the characteristics of spatial distribution caused by malignant tumors among different administrative areas in Guangzhou from 2010- 2013.@*Methods@#Based on data from the Cancer Registry system and population in Guangzhou in 2010- 2013, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) was assessed on the disease burden of cancer, in accordance with the method used in the Global Burden of Disease study.@*Results@#The crude incidence rates of cancer appeared as 256.22/105 in 2010-2011 and 270.04/105 in 2012-2013, with the crude mortality rates as 143.17/105 and 148.01/105, respectively, in Guangzhou. Cancers caused 606 238.95 DALYs in 2010-2011 and 623 763.80 DALYs in 2012-2013 for both sexes and 37.63 and 37.81 person year per 1 000 persons, with the standardized DALY rates as 34.51‰, 34.00‰ respectively. Three administrative districts (Yuexiu, Haizhu and Liwan) were with the largest disease burden of cancers that accounted for 45% of the DALYs for the whole Conghua district, with liver cancer was the leading cancer on DALYs, and tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer ranked the first in the other districts.@*Conclusions@#In Guangzhou, disease burden caused by cancers was both prominently seen in the newly developed urban area and the old districts. It remains an arduous task to continue programs on control and prevention of cancers in this city.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Autophagy-related Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle in Denervated Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of electroacupuncture(EA)on denervation-induced atrophy. Methods A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham group(n=7),model group(n=7)and EA group (n=7).The latter two groups were cut off their right sciatic nerve.Since one day after modeling,EA group accept-ed electroacupuncture at right Zusanli(ST36)and Huantiao(GB30)for eight weeks.Then,the gastrocnemius of all the rats were obtained,and measured the wet mass ratio.Cross-sectional area(CSA)and fiber diameter were measured after HE staining. The expression of autophagy-related gene ULK1, Atg13, Beclin1, Atg14, Atg7, Atg12,Atg5 and Atg16L1 were tested with reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Compared with the sham group,the wet mass ratio,CSA and fiber diameter of gastrocnemius were lower signifi-cantly in the model group and EA group(P<0.001),and they were more in EA group than in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the sham group,the mRNA expression of ULK1,Atg13,Beclin1,Atg14,Atg7,Atg12,Atg5 and Atg16L1 was more significantly in the model group (P<0.001), and they decreased in EA group compared with those of the model group(P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can inhibit the overexpression of autophagy-related gene in denervated rats,which may steady skeletal muscle cells to delay atrophy.

Advance in Model Establishment for Denervated Skeletal Muscle Atrophy (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

The skeletal muscle atrophy could be induced by the injury of nerve. According to the source of denervated skeletal mus-cle atrophy, it could be divided into exogenous muscle atrophy and endogenous muscle atrophy. In recent years, the ex-ogenous muscle atrophy models are mainly established by operating, physically injuring or chemically injuring, while the endogenous muscle atrophy models are mainly established by the transgenic animals of amyotrophic lateral sclero-sis. The selection and optimazation of animal models are crucial for the basic studies of denervated skeletal muscle atro-phy.

Massage relieves inflammation and oxidative stress and promotes autophagy after contusion of skeletal muscles / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe the effects of massage on inflammation,oxidative stress and autophagy during the repair of acute contusion of skeletal muscles so as to explore its biological mechanisms.Methods Forty-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (n =6),a model group (n =18),and a treatment group (n =18).Acute contusion of the gastrocnemius muscles of the rats in the model and treatment groups was inflicted using a home-made impactor.Beginning forty-eight hours later,15 minutes of massage was administered daily for two weeks.After one,7 and 14 days of the massage treatment,the injured gastrocnemius was resected from 6 rats of both the model and treatment groups.Morphological changes were observed using haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining.The serum content of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α),interleukin1β (IL-1 β),C reactive protein (CRP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The serum content of superoxide (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected using spectrophotometry.The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3),Bcl-2 homeodomain protein Beclin1 and ubiquitin binding protein P62 were detected using Western blotting.Results The HE staining showed more significant collapse and swelling of cells in the model group than in the control group at each time point.New muscle cells were observed at days 7 and 14 in the model group.At each time point,significantly better recovery was observed in the treatment group compared to the model group,with more new muscle cells and better cell morphology.According to the ELISA results,a significant increase in serum pro-inflammatory factors occurred in the model group compared to the control group and compared to the treatment group after one day and 7 days of treatment.The average serum content of SOD and MDA in the model group was significantly higher than in the control group,while the average serum content of SOD in the treatment group was significantly higher than in the model group and that of MDA was significantly lower.Western blotting showed a significant decrease in LC3 (Ⅱ/Ⅰ) and Beclin1,as well as a significant increase in P62 in the model group at each time point compared with the treatment group and the controls.Conclusion Inflammation and oxidative stress increase significantly in a skeletal muscle after injury,but autophagy decreases significantly.Massage can effectively reduce the inflammatory response and oxidative stress and promote autophagy,which leads to quicker repair of skeletal muscles.

Changes in expression of autophagy-related factors during acute contusion repair of skeletal muscle / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To explore the possible biological mechanism of skeletal muscle contusion repair through researching the changes in expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins in SD rats with acute skeletal muscle contusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six rats were randomly selected as the control group from 30 male SD rats, acute skeletal muscle contusion model were established in the remaining 24 rats with self-made hitter, then the model rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (3 d, 5 d, 7 d, 14 d groups, =6). On the 3, 5, 7 and 14 day after injury, injured gastrocnemius of each group was harvested. The morphological and the ultra-microstructure changes of gastrocnemius after injury were observed by HE staining and transmission electron microscope (TEM) respectively. The relative protein levels of (LC3-Ⅱ) and P62 of each group were observed by Western blot. The relative mRNA levels of atg7, atg10, atg12, atg16L1 of each group were observed by RTPCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of HE staining showed that compared with the control group, the inflammation reached its peak on the 5 day after injury, new muscle fibers were clearly observed in 7 d group. The results of TEM showed that, compared with the control group, oncotic mitochondria could be clearly seen in the 3 d, 5 d, 7 d groups. Also, the Z line changed from disappearing to drift thickening, sarcoplasmic reticulum dilatation gradually improved, there was no evident difference between the 14 d group and the control group, suggesting that the damage has preliminarily healed. The results of Western blot showed that the expressions of LC3-Ⅱand P62 were increased at first and then decreased. The expression of LC3-Ⅱwas markedly up-regulated in the 3 d, 5 d, 7 d groups compared with the control group and the 14 d group (<0.01). Similarly, compared with the control group, the expression of P62 reached its peak on the 3 day after injury (<0. 01), and returned to normal level on the 14 day. The results of RT-PCR showed that the expression of atg10 mRNA in the natural recovery group of 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, 14 d was firstly decreased and then increased, the atg10 mRNA was markedly down-regulated in the 3 d, 5 d, 7 d groups compared with the control group and the 14 d group (<0. 01). The expression of atg7, atg12, atg16L1 mRNA was generally increased at first and then decreased, it was markedly up-regulated in the 3 d, 5 d, 7 d groups compared with the control group and the 14 d group (<0.01, <0.05, <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The above results indicate that the autophagy is involved in repair of skeletal muscle injury by its autophagyrelated factors,regularly changes after contusion, and the rate of damage repair may be related to the level of autophagy.</p>

Experimental Research Progress on Acupuncture in Skeletal Muscle Atrophy (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@# Irrespective of physiological or pathological skeletal muscle atrophy, the endocrine and motor functions of skeletal muscle are impaired. The mechanism of acupuncture to prevent and treat skeletal muscle atrophy is not only related to classical protein synthesis and decomposition, but also involves apoptosis, autophagy, muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, muscle fiber type conversion, neuromuscular junction conduction, and cell energy metabolism conversion.

Effects of acupuncture at opposite acupoints on expression of hepatocyte growth factor in rats with skeletal muscle contusion / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of acupuncture at opposite acupoints on expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in rats with skeletal muscle contusion, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture at opposite acupoints on skeletal muscle contusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-four Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (6 rats), a model group (24 rats) and an opposing needling group (24 rats). The model group and opposing needling group were further divided into 1-day subgroup, 3-day subgroup, 5-day subgroup and 7-day subgroup, 6 rats in each one. No intervention was given in the blank group, while the model of skeletal muscle contusion was established in the model group and opposing needling group by self-made contusion device. 24 hours after contusion, electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and the corresponding points ofpoints at health side for 15 min, once a day. The subgroups of opposing needling group were treated for 1 day, 3 days, 5 days and 7 days, respectively. No treatment was given in the model group. Samples were collected in the subgroups 1 day, 3 days, 5 days and 7 days after treatment. The morphological change of injured gastrocnemius muscle was observed by using microscope after HE staining. The positive cell rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of HGF protein and PCNA protein were observed by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>① The results of HE staining showed that, 1 day after contusion, the inflammatory cells of gastrocnemius muscle in the opposing needling group were less than those in the model group; 3 days and 5 days after contusion, myoblasts and myotubes in the opposing needling group were more than those in the model group; 7 days after contusion, the neonatal muscle cells in the opposing needling group were more than those in the model group. ② The results of immunohistochemistry showed that, 1 day, 3 days and 5 days after contusion, the positive cell rate of PCNA in the opposing needling group was significantly higher than that in the model group (all<0.001); 7 days after contusion, the positive cell rate of PCNA in the opposing needling group was significantly less than that in the model group (<0.001). ③ The results of Western blot showed that, 1 day, 3 days and 5 days after contusion, the expression of HGF protein and PCNA protein in the opposing needling group was significantly higher than that in the model group (all<0.05); 7 days after contusion, the expression of HGF protein and PCNA protein in the opposing needling group was significantly lower than that in the model group (all<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at opposite acupoints could regulate the expression of HGF and promote the activation, proliferation, migration and differentiation of muscle satellite cells in rats with skeletal muscle contusion, which could speed up the process of skeletal muscle injury repair.</p>

Complement C5a induces mesenchymal stem cell apoptosis during the progression of chronic diabetic complications.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Regeneration and repair mediated by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are key self-protection mechanisms against diabetic complications, a reflection of diabetes-related cell/tissue damage and dysfunction. MSC abnormalities have been reported during the progression of diabetic complications, but little is known about whether a deficiency in these cells plays a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. In addition to MSC resident sites, peripheral circulation is a major source of MSCs that participate in the regeneration and repair of damaged tissue. Therefore, we investigated whether there is a deficiency of circulating MSC-like cells in people with diabetes and explored the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The abundance of MSC-like cells in peripheral blood was evaluated by FACS. Selected diabetic and non-diabetic serum (DS and NDS, respectively) samples were used to mimic diabetic and non-diabetic microenvironments, respectively. The proliferation and survival of MSCs under different serum conditions were analysed using several detection methods. The survival of MSCs in diabetic microenvironments was also investigated in vivo using leptin receptor mutant (Lepr db/db ) mice. RESULTS: Our data showed a significant decrease in the abundance of circulating MSC-like cells, which was correlated with complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes. DS strongly impaired the proliferation and survival of culture-expanded MSCs through the complement system but not through exposure to high glucose levels. DS-induced MSC apoptosis was mediated, at least in part, by the complement C5a-dependent upregulation of Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) and the Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX)/B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) ratio, which was significantly inhibited by neutralising C5a or by the pharmacological or genetic inhibition of the C5a receptor (C5aR) on MSCs. Moreover, blockade of the C5a/C5aR pathway significantly inhibited the apoptosis of transplanted MSCs in Lepr db/db recipient mice. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: C5a-dependent apoptotic death is probably involved in MSC deficiency and in the progression of complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, anticomplement therapy may be a novel intervention for diabetic complications.