Serpin E1 mediates the induction of renal tubular degeneration and premature senescence upon diabetic insult.

As a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) involves insidious but progressive impairments of renal tubules, and is associated with premature renal aging. The underlying pathomechanisms remain elusive. Post hoc analyses of the publicly-available renal transcriptome revealed that TGFß1 is overexpressed in renal tubulointerstitia in patients with DKD and positively correlated with kidney aging signaling. This finding was validated in kidney biopsy specimens collected from patients with DKD, associated with renal tubular senescence and degenerative changes. In vitro in renal tubular epithelial cells, exposure to a diabetic milieu, stimulated with high ambient glucose and TGFß1, elicited premature senescence, as evidenced by staining for senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity and increased expression of p16INK4A, and p53. This coincided with Serpin E1 induction, in parallel with increased fibronectin accumulation and reduced expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, all indicative of degenerative changes. Reminiscent of the action of typical senolytics, a small molecule inhibitor of Serpin E1 substantially mitigated the pro-senescent and degenerating effects of the diabetic milieu, suggesting an essential role of Serpin E1 in mediating renal tubular senescence upon diabetic insult. Moreover, inhibition of Serpin E1 abolished the diabetic insult-triggered paracrine senescence of renal tubular cells. In consistency, in patients with DKD, renal tubular expression of Serpin E1 was upregulated and positively correlated with tubular senescence and fibrosis in renal tubulointerstitia. Collectively, diabetic insult induces renal tubular degeneration and premature senescence via, at least in part, Serpin E1 signaling.

Catheter-related superior vena cava obstruction: A rare cause of chylothorax in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

With the extensive use of dialysis catheters in patients undergoing hemodialysis, superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome has gradually attracted attention in recent years. Chylothorax caused by SVC syndrome is rarely reported. In this paper, we report a case of chylothorax secondary to superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) in a maintenance hemodialysis patient after multiple dialysis catheter placements. Relieving the SVCO through intravascular intervention could effectively treat chylothorax. In the past fourteen months, no recurrence of symptoms has been observed.

[Effect of moxibustion on JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway in synovial tissues of rabbits with adjuvant arthritis under the overexpression of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion on Janus protein tyrosine kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2-STAT3) signal pathway and interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 in synovial fluid of adjuvant arthritis (AA) rabbits, so as to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Twenty-eight rabbits were randomized into control, model, moxibustion, and NLRP3 overexpression groups, with 7 rabbits in each group. AA rabbit model was established by injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA, 0.5 mL/kg) into the rabbits' bilateral hind-knee joint cavities. On the third day after modeling, the NLRP3 lentiviral vector (40 µL) were injected into the bilateral hind-knee joint cavities of rabbits in NLRP3 overexpression group. Moxibustion was used to bilateral "Shenshu" (BL23) and "Zusanli" (ST36), 5 cones every time, once daily, 6 days a week for 3 weeks in the moxibustion and NLRP3 overexpression groups. The perimeters of rabbits' hind legs were measured after modeling and after the intervention. The contents of IL-1ß, IL-18 in synovial fluid were detected by ELISA and the expression levels of NLRP3, JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs in synovial tissue were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, the perimeters of bilateral knee joints were significantly increased at each time point (P<0.05),and the contents of IL-1ß, IL-18 in synovial fluid and the expression levels of NLRP3, JAK2, STAT3 mRNA in synovial tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the perimeters of bilateral knee joints were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the contents of IL-1ß, IL-18 in synovial fluid and the expression levels of NLRP3, JAK2, STAT3 mRNAs in synovial tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the moxibusion group. Compared with the moxibustion group, the above indexes were higher in the NLRP3 overexpression group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion may play an anti-inflammatory and detumescent role in AA rabbits by regulating JAK2-STAT3 signal pathway, and its therapeutic effect may be closely related to the expression of NLRP3.

Metagenomic insights into the influence of mobile genetic elements on ARGs along typical wastewater treatment system on pig farms in China.

The wastewater treatment processes (WTP) on pig farms are heavily contaminated by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) play an important role in shaping ARG profiles. Here we first employed metagenomic sequencing to follow the diversities and shifts of ARG associated mobile genetic elements (AAMGEs) including insertion sequences (ISs) and plasmids along the WTP for three pig farms in southeast China. The IS average relative abundance rose from the initial pig feces source to the wastewater storage lagoon (WSL) but decreased in the influent and rose in the effluent of the anaerobic digestor (AD). In contrast, plasmids were eliminated rapidly along this process. These results indicated that the AD reduced plasmid copies while IS abundance increased. We found a great diversity ISs, including IS91, ISNCY, IS630 and IS701, were large contributors to the transfer of multi-drug resistance. In addition, the tetracycline resistance genes co-occurred with a greater diversity of ISs than other ARG classes and this likely contributed to the high abundance of tetracycline resistance genes we found. The transfer of ARGs mediated by MGEs along the WTP of pig farms was a key contributor for the ARGs persistence in the environment of pig farms. Collectively, our findings demonstrated different fates for ISs and plasmids along the WTP for pig farms and suggested that AAMGE monitoring served as an important role in controlling ARGs in pig waste.

Source Tracking and Global Distribution of the Tigecycline Non-Susceptible tet(X).

The emergence of tet(X) genes has compromised the clinical use of the last-line antibiotic tigecycline. We identified 322 (1.21%) tet(X) positive samples from 12,829 human microbiome samples distributed in four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, and South America) using retrospective data from worldwide. These tet(X) genes were dominated by tet(X2)-like orthologs but we also identified 12 samples carrying novel tet(X) genes, designed tet(X45), tet(X46), and tet(X47), were resistant to tigecycline. The metagenomic analysis indicated these tet(X) genes distributed in anaerobes dominated by Bacteroidaceae (78.89%) of human-gut origin. Two mobile elements ISBf11 and IS4351 were most likely to promote the transmission of these tet(X2)-like orthologs between Bacteroidaceae and Riemerella anatipestifer. tet(X2)-like orthologs was also developed during transmission by mutation to high-level tigecycline resistant genes tet(X45), tet(X46), and tet(X47). Further tracing these tet(X) in single bacterial isolate from public repository indicated tet(X) genes were present as early as 1960s in R. anatipestifer that was the primary tet(X) carrier at early stage (before 2000). The tet(X2) and non-tet(X2) orthologs were primarily distributed in humans and food animals respectively, and non-tet(X2) were dominated by tet(X3) and tet(X4). Genomic comparison indicated these tet(X) genes were likely to be generated during tet(X) transmission between Flavobacteriaceae and E. coli/Acinetobacter spp., and ISCR2 played a key role in the transmission. These results suggest R. anatipestifer was the potential ancestral source of tet(X). In addition, Bacteroidaceae of human-gut origin was an important hidden reservoir and mutational incubator for the mobile tet(X) genes that enabled spread to facultative anaerobes and aerobes. IMPORTANCE The emergence of the tigecycline resistance gene tet(X) has posed a severe threat to public health. However, reports of its origin and distribution in human remain rare. Here, we explore the origin and distribution of tet(X) from large-scale metagenomic data of human-gut origin and public repository. This study revealed the emergency of tet(X) gene in 1960s, which has refreshed a previous standpoint that the earliest presence of tet(X) was in 1980s. The metagenomic analysis from data mining covered the unculturable bacteria, which has overcome the traditional bacteria isolating and purificating technologies, and the analysis indicated that the Bacteroidaceae of human-gut origin was an important hidden reservoir for tet(X) that enabled spread to facultative anaerobes and aerobes. The continuous monitoring of mobile tigecycline resistance determinants from both culturable and unculturable microorganisms is imperative for understanding and tackling the dissemination of tet(X) genes in both the health care and agricultural sectors.

Molecular Epidemiology of Fosfomycin Resistant E. coli from a Pigeon Farm in China.

We determined the prevalence and molecular characteristics of fosfomycin-resistant Escherichia coli from a domestic pigeon farm. A total of 79 samples collected from pigeons and their surrounding environments were screened for the presence of fosfomycin resistant isolates and these included 49 E. coli isolates that displayed high-level resistance (MIC ≥ 256 mg L-1) and carried the fosA3 gene on plasmids with sizes ranging from 80 to 370 kb. MLST analysis of these fosA3-positive E. coli isolates indicated the presence of nine sequence types (ST6856, ST8804, ST457, ST746, ST533, ST165, ST2614, ST362 and ST8805) of which ST6856 was the most prevalent (24.5%, 12/49). PFGE combined with genomic context comparative analyses indicated that the fosA3 gene was spread by horizontal transfer as well as via clonal transmission between E. coli in the pigeon farm, and IS26 played an important role in fosA3 transmission. The high prevalence of fosA3 in the pigeon farm and the high similarity of the fosA3 genomic environment between E. coli isolates from humans and pigeons indicated that the pigeon farm served as a potential reservoir for human infections. The pigeon farm was found to be an important reservoir for the fosA3 gene and this should be further monitored.

Identification of novel hub genes associated with gastric cancer using integrated bioinformatics analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common solid malignant tumors worldwide with a high-recurrence-rate. Identifying the molecular signatures and specific biomarkers of GC might provide novel clues for GC prognosis and targeted therapy. METHODS: Gene expression profiles were obtained from the ArrayExpress and Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were picked out by R software. The hub genes were screened by cytohubba plugin. Their prognostic values were assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and the gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA). Finally, qRT-PCR in GC tissue samples was established to validate these DEGs. RESULTS: Total of 295 DEGs were identified between GC and their corresponding normal adjacent tissue samples in E-MTAB-1440, GSE79973, GSE19826, GSE13911, GSE27342, GSE33335 and GSE56807 datasets, including 117 up-regulated and 178 down-regulated genes. Among them, 7 vital upregulated genes (HMMR, SPP1, FN1, CCNB1, CXCL8, MAD2L1 and CCNA2) were selected. Most of them had a significantly worse prognosis except SPP1. Using qRT-PCR, we validated that their transcriptions in our GC tumor tissue were upregulated except SPP1 and FN1, which correlated with tumor relapse and predicts poorer prognosis in GC patients. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified 5 upregulated DEGs (HMMR, CCNB1, CXCL8, MAD2L1, and CCNA2) in GC patients with poor prognosis using integrated bioinformatical methods, which could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GC treatment.

DLX5 gene regulates the Notch signaling pathway to promote glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in uremic rats.

Uremia largely results from the accumulation of organic waste products normally cleared by the kidneys, which commonly accompanies kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. However, genetic investigations in a uremia remain largely unclear. This study aimed to determine the expression patterns of distal-less homeobox 5 (DLX5) in uremia rat model and further to study its effects on glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Uremic expression chip was applied to screen differentially expressed genes in uremia. Next, we used small interfering RNA-mediated RNA interference to specifically silence DLX5 in experimental uremic rats to understand the regulatory mechanism of DLX5. To understand effect of Notch1 signaling pathway in uremia, we also treated experimental uremic rats with γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), an inhibitor of Notch1 signaling pathway. The expression of fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), Hes1, Hes5, and Jagged2 was determined. The semiquantitative assessment was applied to verify the effects of DLX5 on glomerulosclerosis. In the uremic expression chip, we found that DLX5 was upregulated in uremia samples, and considered to regulate the Notch signaling pathway. We found that small interfering RNA-mediated DLX5 inhibition or Notch1 signaling pathway inhibitory treatment relieved and delayed the kidney injury and glomerulosclerosis in uremia. Meanwhile, inhibition of DLX5 or Nothch1 signaling pathway reduced expression of FN, LN, Nothch1, TGF-ß1, Hes1, Hes5, and Jagged2. Intriguingly, we discovered that Notch1 signaling pathway was inhibited after silencing DLX5. In conclusion, these findings highlight that DLX5 regulates Notch signaling, which may, in turn, promote complications of uremia such as kidney fibrosis, providing a novel therapeutic target for treating uremia.

Giant Pelvic Adenoma Originating from Ectopic Prostatic Tissue.

Ectopic prostatic tissue detected outside the genitourinary system has been rarely reported. A case with a giant pelvic adenoma that originated from ectopic prostatic tissue is presented. A 71-year male was detected with lower abdominal mass for eight months and recurrent acute urinary retention for one week. This patient already had mild lower urinary tract symptoms for three years. The physical examination, laboratory tests, ultrasonography, and MRI of this patient were analysed, and the pathological diagnosis was ectopic prostatic adenoma. The suprapubic incision for pelvic exploration and tumorectomy was chosen. The recognition and awareness of this unusual lesion is important, in order not to confuse this particular lesion with other pelvic tumors.

Efficacy of different hemodialysis methods on dendritic cell marker CD40 and CD80 and platelet activation marker CD62P and P10 in patients with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure (CRF) has become a major public health concern, which increases the risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism. Therefore, therapeutic strategies are in urgent requirement. This study was conducted for investigating efficacy of hemodialysis (HD), hemodiafiltration (HDF), and hemoperfusion (HP) in patients with CRF and the correlation with the presence of complications following HD therapy. METHODS: The therapeutic effect, living quality, biochemical indicators, and dry weight were detected before and after the treatment regimens. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect expressions of dendritic cell markers (CD40 and CD80) and platelet activation markers (CD62P and P10), and the relationship between their expression and therapeutic effect as well as the association of these expressions with complications was analyzed. RESULTS: After HD therapy, patients presented with decreased serum creatinine, serum phosphorus, triglyceride, parathyroid hormone, and ß2 -MG expression; increased hemoglobin, plasma albumin expressions, and dry weight; and enhanced therapeutic effect and living quality. CD62P and P10 expressions decreased, while CD40 and CD80 expressions increased following HD therapy. The therapeutic effect improved in patients with low expressions of CD40 and CD80 and high expressions of CD62P and P10 following HP treatment and complications were lower after treatment of HDF and HP. CONCLUSION: The aforementioned results indicated that CRF patients treated with HP exhibited higher expression of CD40 and CD80 and lower expression of CD62P and P10, suggesting that HP is conferred to have better efficacy than HDF and HD. Therefore, HP may be a promising clinical regimen for treatment of CRF patients.

NEAT1 induces osteosarcoma development by modulating the miR-339-5p/TGF-ß1 pathway.

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been recognized as a tumor oncogene involved in the development of multiple cancers. However, the function of NEAT1 and its molecular mechanism in osteosarcoma (OS) remain unclear. First, we detected the NEAT1 expression in OS cell lines by performing quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Next, the effects of NEAT1 on OS cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were tested by lentivirus-mediated downregulation. We observed that inhibition of NEAT1 restrained OS cell progression greatly. Interestingly, in the last few years, increasing studies have shown that some lncRNAs can act as miRNA sponges and reduce the amount of the same. Here, we found that NEAT1 can modulate OS development via sponging miR-339-5p. MiR-339-5p was significantly decreased in OS cells, and its overexpression can remarkably repress the OS proliferation. These results indicated that NEAT1 could function as a tumor oncogene in OS by inhibiting miR-339-5p in vitro. Then, the following assays validated that transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) can act as a functional target of miR-339-5p in OS cells. Finally, we indicated that NEAT1 could mediate TGF-ß1 expression by competitively sponging miR-339-5p. NEAT1 induced OS cell proliferation and cell mobility by binding to miR-339-5p and increasing TGF-ß1 in OS. It was demonstrated in our study that lncRNA NEAT1 could impede miR-339-5p expression to maintain the expression of TGF-ß1, which led to the development of OS. Our findings implied that the novel identified NEAT1/miR-339-5p/TGF-ß1 axis might be a new molecular pathway or therapeutic target for OS diagnosis and treatment.

Effects of microRNA-370 on mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation by binding to canopy 1 in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy.

As one major diabetic complication, diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been reported to be associated with various kinds of microRNA (miRNA). Thus, we conducted this study to explore the potential of miR-370 in a rat model of DN through investigation of mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM). A total of 40 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled and assigned into normal (n = 10) and DN ( n = 30, DN rat model) groups. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed for the targeting relationship between miR-370 and canopy 1 (CNPY1). Mesangial cells were collected and transfected with prepared mimic, inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA) for analyzing the effect of miR-370 on DN mice with the help of expression and cell biological processes detection. CNPY1 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-370. DN mice had increased expression of miR-370, fibronectin, type I collagen (Col I), type IV collagen (Col IV), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) but reduced CNPY1 expression. Cells transfected with miR-370 mimic and siRNA-CNPY1 had increased expression of fibronectin, Col I, Col IV, and PAI-1 but decreased CNPY1 expression. The miR-370 mimic and siRNA-CNPY1 groups showed increased cell proliferation, as well as elevated ECM accumulation and declined cell apoptosis rate as compared with the blank and negative control groups, with reverse trends observed in the miR-370 inhibitor group. Our study concludes that overexpression of miR-370 promotes mesangial cell proliferation and ECM accumulation by suppressing CNPY1 in a rat model of DN.

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor gene silencing inhibits the development of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and formation of a calcium oxalate crystal in renal tubular epithelial cells in mice with kidney stones via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Between 1% and 15% of people are globally affected by kidney stones, and this disease has become more common since the 1970s. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) gene silencing via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on the development of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and formation of a calcium oxalate crystal in renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) of kidney stones. A total of 70 clean and healthy C57BL/6J mice were assigned into the normal ( n = 10) and kidney stones groups ( n = 60). The underlying regulatory mechanisms of GRPR were analyzed in concert with the treatment of shGRPR-1, LY294002, and shGRPR-1 + LY294002 in TECs isolated from mice with kidney stones. A series of experiments were conducted for the measurement of urinary oxalate and urinary calcium, the renal calcium salt deposition, the positive rate of GRPR, the expressions of renal TECs related genes and calcium oxalate regulation related genes, and the growth of calcium crystals induced by cells. After treatment of shGRPR-1 and shGRPR-1 + LY294002, levels of urinary oxalate and urinary calcium in the serum, as well as positive rate of GRPR, became relatively low, levels of E-cadherin enhanced, whereas levels of Akt, PI3K, GRPR, extents of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, α-SMA, Vimentin and FSP-1, OPN, MCP-1, and CD44 decreased and a number of crystals reduced. Taken together, we conclude that GRPR gene silencing suppresses the development of the EMT and formation of the calcium oxalate crystal in renal TECs of kidney stones through the inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Beraprost Sodium, a Stable Analogue of PGI2, Inhibits the Renin-Angiotensin System in the Renal Tissues of Rats with Chronic Renal Failure.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a prolonged kidney condition characterized by decreased kidney function that can eventually develop into total kidney failure. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) helps to regulate the balance between human bodily fluids and electrolytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a prostacyclin analogue (beraprost sodium [BPS]) on the expression of key factors associated with local RAS activities in the renal tissues of rats with CRF. METHODS: After a CRF rat model was successfully established, the levels of BUN, SCr, phosphorus, and calcium were detected by an automatic biochemistry analyzer. Furthermore, the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat renal tissues were measured using a colorimetric method, while the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was determined by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. In situ hybridization was employed to determine the expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT). Finally, the positive expression rates of cells expressing important apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl-2) were determined, and the protein and mRNA levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (AKT) and key factors involved in the RAS (AT1, AT2, angiotensin ACE and angiotensinogen [AGT]) were evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. RESULTS: Initial observations revealed that treatment with BPS decreased the levels of BUN, SCr and phosphorus but increased calcium levels in the renal tissues of CRF rats. Additionally, BPS reduced the levels of MDA while increasing the levels of SOD, ACE activity, and AT1 expression in the renal tissues of CRF rats. BPS inhibited glomerular hypertension and hyperfiltration; increased the mRNA and protein levels of AKT and AT2; and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of AT1, AGT, and ACE in the renal tissues of CRF rats. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that BPS, a PGI2 analogue, inhibits the expression of key factors involved in the local RAS, resulting in a delay in the occurrence and development of CRF. The key findings of the present study ultimately highlight the potential of this PGI2 analogue as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating CRF.

Circulating Nesfatin-1 Levels and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The role of nesfatin-1 in glucose homeostasis has been investigated previously. However, although numerous studies have examined the relationships between circulating nesfatin-1 levels and type 2 diabetes, the conclusions are contradictory. We aimed to probe the relationship between circulating nesfatin-1 levels and type 2 diabetes by meta-analysis. Seven studies including 328 type 2 diabetes patients and 294 control subjects were included. Although there was no obvious difference in circulating nesfatin-1 levels between patients with type 2 diabetes and the control group (MD = -0.04; 95% CI = -0.32 to -0.23), subgroup analysis showed higher nesfatin-1 levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients (MD = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.74) and significantly lower nesfatin-1 levels in type 2 diabetes patients receiving antidiabetic treatment (MD = -0.26; 95% CI = -0.33 to -0.20). In conclusion, the analysis supports a relationship between circulating nesfatin-1 levels and type 2 diabetes, where newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes was associated with an elevated Nesfatin-1 level, and type 2 diabetes patients receiving antidiabetic treatment showed lower circulating nesfatin-1 levels.

GSK-3ß inhibitor attenuates urinary albumin excretion in type 2 diabetic db/db mice, and delays epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in mouse kidneys and podocytes.

The mechanism underlying epithelial­to­mesenchymal transition (EMT) caused by high glucose (HG) stimulation in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the effects of HG on EMT and the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK­3ß) in podocytes and the kidneys of db/db mice, and assessed the effects of (2'Z, 3'E)­6­bromoindirubin­3'­oxime (BIO), an inhibitor of GSK­3ß, on EMT and glomerular injury. The resulting data showed that the activity of GSK­3ß was upregulated by HG and downregulated by BIO in the podocytes and the renal cortex. The expression levels of epithelial markers, including nephrin, podocin and synaptopodin, were decreased by HG and increased by BIO, whereas the reverse were true for mesenchymal markers, including α­smooth muscle actin (α­SMA) and fibronectin. The expression levels of ß­catenin and Snail, in contrast to current understanding of the Wnt signaling pathway, were increased by HG and decreased by BIO. In addition, expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) was decreased by HG and increased by BIO. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the mechanism by which BIO inhibited HG­mediated EMT in podocytes and the renal cortex was primarily due to the VDR. Treatment with BIO protected renal function by maintaining the integrity of the filtration membrane and decreasing UAE, but not by regulating blood glucose. Therefore, GSK­3ß may be used as a sensitive biomarker of DN, and its inhibition by BIO may be effective in the treatment of DN.

The heterologous expression of the Iris lactea var. chinensis type 2 metallothionein IlMT2b gene enhances copper tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Iris lactea var. chinensis (I. lactea var. chinensis) is a widely adapted perennial species with a high level of copper tolerance. To evaluate the role of metallothioneins (MTs) in copper tolerance in I. lactea var. chinensis, a full-length cDNA homologue of MT2, designated IlMT2b (GenBank accession No. AB907788), was cloned using the RACE-PCR method. The expression level of IlMT2b in the leaves and roots of I. lactea var. chinensis was induced in response to copper (Cu) treatment. Ectopic expression of IlMT2b in Arabidopsis thaliana increased the Cu concentration and reduced H2O2 production in the transgenic plants. After treatment with 50 and 100 µM Cu, the root length of two transgenic seedlings was respectively about 1.5- and 3-fold longer than that of the wild-type. Together, these results suggested that IlMT2b may represent a useful target gene for the phytoremediation of Cu-polluted soil.

Two new phthalides with BuChE inhibitory activity from Ligusticum chuanxiong.

Two new phthalides, chuanxiongdiolides A and B, were isolated from the roots of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Their structures were established by UV, IR, 1D (¹H, ¹³C) and 2D (HSQC, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMBC, NOESY) NMR, and HR-ESI-MS methods, and their absolute configurations were assigned via circular dichroism exciton chirality. The two compounds showed different degrees of inhibitory effects against butyrylcholine esterase.

Anti-inflammatory ligustilides from Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.

Four new ligustilides chuanxiongnolide R1 (1), chuanxiongnolide R2 (2), chuanxiongdiolide R1 (3) and chuanxiongdiolide R2 (4) together with eight known derivatives (5-12) were isolated from the root of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Their structures were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, (1)H-(1)H COSY, NOESY) methods. The absolute configurations were confirmed via the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. The anti-inflammatory assay in LPS-triggered RAW 264.7 macrophages was carried out on the twelve compounds. 1, 3, 5 and 6 showed significant inhibitory effects against LPS-induced NO production.