Lactate-upregulated NADPH-dependent NOX4 expression via HCAR1/PI3K pathway contributes to ROS-induced osteoarthritis chondrocyte damage.

Increasing evidence shows that metabolic factors are involved in the pathological process of osteoarthritis (OA). Lactate has been shown to contribute to the onset and progression of diseases. While whether lactate is involved in the pathogenesis of OA through impaired chondrocyte function and its mechanism remains unclear. This study confirmed that serum lactate levels were elevated in OA patients compared to healthy controls and were positively correlated with synovial fluid lactate levels, which were also correlated with fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride. Lactate treatment could up-regulate expressions of the lactate receptor hydroxy-carboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) and lactate transporters in human chondrocytes. We demonstrated the dual role of lactate, which as a metabolite increased NADPH levels by shunting glucose metabolism to the pentose phosphate pathway, and as a signaling molecule up-regulated NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) via activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through receptor HCAR1. Particularly, lactate could promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and chondrocyte damage, which was attenuated by pre-treatment with the NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322. We also confirmed that lactate could increase expression of catabolic enzymes (MMP-3/13, ADAMTS-4), reduce the synthesis of type II collagen, promote expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CCL-3/4), and induce cellular hypertrophy and aging in chondrocytes. Subsequently, we showed that chondrocyte damage mediated by lactate could be reversed by pre-treatment with N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC, ROS scavenger). Finally, we further verified in vivo that intra-articular injection of lactate in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat models could damage cartilage and exacerbate the progression of OA models that could be countered by the NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322. Our study highlights the involvement of lactate as a metabolic factor in the OA process, providing a theoretical basis for potential metabolic therapies of OA in the future.

Effectiveness of an "online + in-person" hybrid model for an undergraduate molecular biology lab during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 outbreak has created turbulence and uncertainty into multiple aspects of life in countries around the world. In China, the pandemic continues to pose a great challenge to the nature of traditional in-class education in schools. Chinese education has faced the difficult decision of whether to resume in-person teaching in an unprecedented and time-pressured manner. To ensure the quality of teaching and learning during this time, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of an "online + in-person" hybrid teaching model with a new three-part approach to the hybrid teaching lab, where students prepare for the in-person lab using virtual simulated experiments and learning modules and debrief their learning afterwards online as well. This approach not only enhances the efficiency during the in-person lab but also strongly reinforces concepts and laboratory skills by providing a "practice run" before physically attending the lab. A total of 400 medical undergraduates from Dalian Medical University in China were recruited for this study. In an undergraduate molecular biology laboratory course, we observed 200 students in a hybrid teaching model. We evaluated the learning outcomes from the "online + in-person" hybrid teaching model with a questionnaire survey and assessed the quality of experiment execution, report writing, and group collaboration. Moreover, the 200 students from the hybrid group were evaluated during an annual science competition at the university and compared to 200 students from the competition cohort who had no experience with a hybrid learning model. The comparison data were analyzed using a student's t-test statistical analysis. The students in the hybrid learning group demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for the model, high amount of time utilizing the online system, and high scores on laboratory evaluation assignments. Approximately 98% of the hybrid learning students reported that they preferred mixed teaching to the traditional teaching mode, and all students scored above 96% on the online laboratory report. Teachers of the course observed that the hybrid group had a noticeably higher level of proficiency in lab skills compared to the previous students. At the Dalian Medical University annual science competition, where we compared our hybrid group to a traditional learning group, scores for both the objective and subjective items showed that the students instructed with the hybrid lab model had superior performance (p < 0.05). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a new three-part molecular biology laboratory course that strongly improved students' laboratory skills, knowledge retention, and enthusiasm for the course using online learning to improve their learning efficiency and expedite the in-person laboratory experience. We found that these students performed at a higher level in a combined theoretical/practical science competition compared to the students in traditional in-person lab courses. Additionally, our model subjectively fostered enthusiasm and excellence in both teachers and students. Further, cultivation of the students' independent learning and creative problem solving skills were emphasized. The exploration of an effective teaching model, such as the one described here, not only provides students with a solid foundation for their future medical studies and career development but also promotes more efficient in-person laboratory time.

Brevilin A Inhibits VEGF-Induced Angiogenesis through ROS-Dependent Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Brevilin A (BA), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Centipeda minima herb, has been identified to exhibit potent anticancer activity. However, the potential pharmacological effect and mechanism of BA in regulating endothelial cell (EC) angiogenesis, a key event in tumor growth, is poorly understood. In this study, BA was shown to significantly prevent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced EC angiogenic capacities in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Subsequent functional assays revealed that BA dose dependently inhibited VEGF-stimulated survival, proliferation, migration, and triggered apoptosis activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as suppressed the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, increased the expression of proapoptotic protein caspase-3 and Bax, and suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway. Meanwhile, BA was also able to depolarize mitochondrial membranal permeability (MMP), accelerate mitochondrial superoxide accumulation, induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH) in HUVECs. Furthermore, both mitochondria-specific superoxide scavenger Mito-TEMPOL and broad-spectrum antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) dramatically abolished BA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial ROS production, causing the reversion of PI3K/AKT pathway and repression of apoptosis, eventually correcting the impaired endothelial behavior in survival, growth, migration, and angiogenesis. Collectively, our data for the first time identified a new mechanism for antiangiogenic effect of BA in vascular EC, one that is based on the regulation of mitochondrial-dependent ROS overproduction.

Construction of Training Program for Specialized Nurses in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) Based on Post Competency.

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the construction of a training program for specialized nurses in disinfection supply center (CSSD) based on post competency. Methods: Based on the theory of post competency, literature analysis, investigation, and expert consultation are used to establish training contents and methods. Results: Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted in this study. In the first round of expert consultation, 22 questionnaires were sent out and 21 valid questionnaires were received with an effective recovery of 95.45%. Seven experts (31.82%) proposed 53 suggestions for modification. A total of 21 questionnaires were sent out in the second round of expert consultation and 21 were effectively received with an effective recovery rate of 100.00%. In the first round of expert consultation, the mean importance score of 63 third-level indicators was 4.00-5.00 points, the standard deviation was 0.00-1.00, and the full score rate was 46.54%-100.00%. In the second round of expert consultation, the mean importance score of 67 third-level indicators was 4.05∼5.00 points, the standard deviation was 0.00-0.88, and the full score rate was 20.00%∼100.00%. In the first round of expert consultation, the Kendall coordination coefficient was 0.187. In the second round of expert consultation, the Kendall coordination coefficient was 0.2196, and the differences were statistically significant after χ 2 test (P < 0.05). The coefficient of variation of each index in the second round of expert consultation ranged from 0.00 to 0.21. Conclusion: The CSSD-specialized nurse training program based on job competency constructed in this study takes job competency as the theoretical basis and uses a literature analysis method, survey research method, and expert consultation method to establish the content and method of training, the above methods are scientific and reasonable, and experts are motivated. It is highly authoritative, and the consultation opinions of experts at all levels of indicators tend to be consistent, which can provide reference for the training of CSSD specialized nurses.

Taraxasterol prompted the anti-tumor effect in mice burden hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating T lymphocytes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common digestive malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, however, the treatment of HCC and prognosis of patients are not optimistic, finding more effective treatments are imperative. Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H.Wigg is a perennial herb of compositae, and our study has demonstrated that Taraxacum officinale polysaccharide has certain anti-tumor effect on HCC cells. Taraxasterol (TS) is a natural product extracted from Taraxacum officinale with strong physiological, pharmacological and biological activities, but the effect of TS on HCC is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the effect of dandelion sterol on HCC in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that TS significantly inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis and blocked cell cycle in HCC cell lines HepG2 and Huh7 cells in vitro. TS inhibited the tumor growth of H22 bearing mice and the expression of Ki67 in vivo. More importantly, TS regulated the immunity of H22 bearing mice by elevating the ratio of CD4+ T cells in spleen, and increasing the number of T cell infiltration in tumor tissue. Except immunomodulation, the mechanism of tumor growth inhibition may be related to the regulation of apoptosis related proteins and IL-6/STAT3 pathway. TS significantly inhibited the growth of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The study would provide a theoretical basis for the new application of TS and the adjuvant treatment of malignant tumor with traditional Chinese medicine.

Protein O-mannosyltransferase Rv1002c contributes to low cell permeability, biofilm formation in vitro, and mycobacterial survival in mice.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) Rv1002c encodes the protein O-mannosyltransferase (PMT), which catalyzes the transfer of mannose to serine or threonine residues of proteins. We explored the function of PMT in vitro and in vivo. Rv1002c protein was heterogeneously overexpressed in nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis (named as MS_Rv1002c). A series of trials including mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscope, biofilm formation and antibiotics susceptibility were performed to explore the function of PMT on bacterial survival in vitro. Mouse experiments were carried out to evaluate the virulence of PMT in vivo. PMT decreased the cell envelope permeability and promoted microbial biofilm formation. PMT enhanced the mycobacterial survival in vivo and inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum. The function might be associated with an increased abundance of some mannoproteins in culture filtrate (CF). PMT is likely to be involved in mycobacterial survival both in vivo and in vitro due to increasing the mannoproteins abundance in CF.

MicroRNA-520c-3p targeting of RelA/p65 suppresses atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and it's the leading cause of death worldwide. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been found to be associated with atherosclerosis. miR-520c-3p has been implicated in several types of cancer. However, little is known about the role of miR-520c-3p in atherosclerosis. In this study, we found that miR-520c-3p agomir decreased atherosclerotic plaque size, collagen content, the quantity of PCNA-positive cell and RelA/p65 expression of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the aortic valve of apoE-/- mice in vivo. The possible mechanisms of the protective effects of miR-520c-3p on atherosclerotic mice were then investigated in VSMCs. in vitro experiments showed that miR-520c-3p expressions were significantly reduced in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (HASMCs) treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). miR-520c-3p mimics repress PDGF-BB-mediated the proliferation, migration and decrease in the percentage of cells in G2/M phase, which was associated with downregulation of RelA/p65. Mechanistically, miRNA pull-down, luciferase reporter and mRNA stability assays confirmed miR-520c-3p mimics was able to directly target 3'-UTR of RelA/p65 mRNA and decreased half-life of RelA/p65 mRNA in HASMCs. Overexpression of RelA/p65 reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation induced by miR-520c-3p mimics in HASMCs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that miR-520c-3p inhibits PDGF-BB-mediated the proliferation and migration of HASMCs by targeting RelA/p65, which may provide potential therapeutic strategies in atherosclerosis treatment.

Impact of Wortmannilactone F and G31P on Clonorchis Sinensis-infected mice.

Clonorchis sinensis could induce inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia and fibrosis in the intrahepatic bile duct as a food-borne parasite, which was associated with the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Praziquantel was the most effective drug on treatment of this kind of parasite. However, new drugs with minimal toxicity to the host were urgently needed due to the side effects of Praziquantel and its CCA risk. In this study, helminth mitochondria respiratory chain blocker Wortmannilatone F (WF) and IL-8 analogue CXCL8 (3-72) K11R/G31P were used to treat BALB/C mice infected by Clonorchis sinensis. We investigated the gross and histopathological morphology of the liver, inflammation-associated cytokine IL-6, lipid peroxidation-related proteins cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), collagen fiber accumulation and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1), malignant markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19), as well as the disinfection effect on these parasites in vitro. WF inhibited and killed the worms dramatically, and the combination of WF with G31P improved the condition of the hepatobiliary duct tissue greatly. These outcomes indicated that the combination of WF and G31P was a potential therapeutic method to treat the Clonorchis sinensis infection.

Effects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1096 on mycobacterial cell division and modulation on macrophages.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is capable of escaping the clearance of immune system mainly due to its complex constituents of cell wall. Certain studies show that glycoproteins are involved in immune evasion and act as virulence factors. Peptidoglycan deacetylase Rv1096 is a member of mannosylated proteins. Previously, we reported Rv1096 protein contributed to the resistance of Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis) to lysozyme, but more characterization of this protein is required where further intracellular function is unknown. Here, Rv1096 was heterologously over-expressed in the fast-growing and nonpathogenic M. smegmatis (named as M. smegmatis/Rv1096). We observed the morphological alterations in M. smegmatis/Rv1096 including an elongated rod-like shape and increased amounts of Z-rings, which implied that Rv1096 facilitated the cell growth and division. Moreover, a series of assays concerning the interaction between M. smegmatis/Rv1096 and host were carried out. The results showed that M. smegmatis/Rv1096 evaded the killing of macrophages due to the inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species production. The secretion of interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α was also impaired by Rv1096. In addition, five putative interaction partners of Rv1096 were identified, which possibly cooperated with Rv1096 in cell division and immune regulation. These results suggested that Rv1096 had effects on mycobacterial division and might act as a virulence factor to mediate the immune evasion in macrophage during mycobacterial infection.

Effect of Wortmannilactone F on Trichinella spiralis Enteral in Mice.

Trichinosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease closely related to cultural and dietary habits caused by a nematode Trichinella spp. The drugs for its prevention and treatment are still not thoroughly defined. Wortmannilactone F was used to value the therapeutic effects on the worm reduction rates, change of the intestinal mucosa, and the host's body's immune activity in this experiment. BALB/c mice were orally fed with 200 infective Trichinella spiralis larvae. Then, T. spiralis-infected mice were treated with wortmannilactone F (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). The number and morphological analysis of adult worm, the expression of Factor associated suicide (Fas), and the level of SIgA in the mice were investigated. Wortmannilactone F showed dose-dependent anthelmintic effects by causing mortality of worms, obvious damaging effects on mature T. spiralis' surface and their digestive systems, decreasing the expression of mice's intestinal mucosa's Fas protein, and reducing intestinal mucosa's level of SIgA secretions. Wortmannilactone F is expected to be a potential therapeutic drug for trichinellosis treatment.

Inhibitory effect of recombinant human CXCL8(3-72)K11R/G31P on atherosclerotic plaques in a mouse model of atherosclerosis.

Context: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the plaques were built up inside of the artery. Interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) is an inflammatory factor, known to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. G31P is an antagonist of the IL-8 receptor, which plays roles in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration. Objective: This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of G31P on atherosclerosis through a mouse model. Materials and methods: A mouse model of atherosclerosis was generated through feeding the ApoE-/- mice with high fat diet for 12 weeks. G31P was injected subcutaneously into the mice. The levels of keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), CXCR2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were analyzed through ELISA. The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, PCNA, and Mef2a in aortic tissues were detected through RT-qPCR. In A7r5 cells, the levels of p-ERK, ROCK1, and ROCK2 were analyzed by western blot. Intracellular calcium levels were measured through Fluo-3 AM assay. Results and disccussion: G31P suppressed the abnormal lipid profile and decreased the levels of KC, MMP-2, MMP-9, PCNA, and Mef2a in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. In addition, G31P also inhibited the expressions of p-ERK, ROCK1, ROCK2, and decreased the calcium concentrations in A7r5 cells. Conclusions: These findings indicate the potential therapeutic effects of G31P in suppressing the development of atherosclerosis by antagonizing the IL-8 receptor. G31P inhibits the proliferation and migration of VSMCs through regulating the Rho-kinase, ERK, and calcium-dependent pathways.

Resveratrol protects against oxidative stress by activating the Keap-1/Nrf2 antioxidant defense system in obese-asthmatic rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential mechanism underlying the anti-obesity-asthmatic effects of resveratrol (RSV) in a rat model of obese-asthma. Rat models of obesity and asthma were established using a high-fat diet and the administration of ovalbumin, respectively. Rats were divided into 7 different groups: A normal control, a normal obese, a normal asthma, a normal obese + asthma, a RSV obese, a RSV asthma and a RSV obese + asthma group. Body weight, Lee index, body fat and lung histopathological changes were evaluated. Serum lipid levels were evaluated using calorimetric methods. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cellular antioxidant enzyme activities were measured using commercial kits. Levels of kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was examined using western blot analysis. The results indicated that obese and asthma rat models were successfully established. It was also demonstrated that RSV decreased fasting blood glucose in obese, asthmatic and obese-asthmatic rats. RSV altered serum lipid levels; it significantly increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and significantly decreased serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein levels, compared with untreated obese, asthmatic and obese-asthmatic rats (P<0.05). ROS levels were significantly decreased in the RSV treatment group compared with obese, asthmatic and obese-asthmatic rats (P<0.05). RSV treatment significantly increased catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase levels compared with untreated obese, asthmatic and obese-asthmatic rats (P<0.05). Furthermore, RSV treatment significantly downregulated Keap-1 and upregulated Nrf2 levels in the heart, lung and kidney tissues of rats compared with untreated controls. Therefore, the results demonstrate that RSV protects against oxidative stress by activating the Keap-1/Nrf2 antioxidant defense system in obese-asthmatic rat models.

Killing the muscular larvae of Trichinella spiralis and the anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Wortmannilatone F and recombinant G31P in a murine model of trichinellosis.

Although trichinosis is one of the global food-borne parasitic diseases and is considered an emerging/re-emerging disease that has been reported in 66 countries, the drugs for its prevention and treatment have not been thoroughly investigated. Wortmannilactone F (WF) has been reported as a blocker of the helminth mitochondria respiratory chain by inhibiting NADH-fumarate reductase in the mitochondrial inner membrane. CXCL8 (3-73) K11R/G31 P(G31 P) has been reported as a CXCL8 analogue that has the affinity to CXCR1 and CXCR2. Male BALB/c mice were orally fed with 150 infective Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) larvae. Then, T. spiralis-infected mice were treated with WF and G31 P. The number and morphological analysis of encapsulated T. spiralis, collagen fiber accumulation, and the expression of angiogenic factors were investigated. WF and G31 P dramatically decreased the numbers of encapsulation, decreased collagen fibers, and suppressed angiogenesis. These findings indicate that the combination of WF and G31 P is a potential therapeutic strategy of Trichinellosis.

Curcumin sensitizes lymphoma cells to DNA damage agents through regulating Rad51-dependent homologous recombination.

Curcumin is a natural compound isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. It possesses anti-tumor activity through arresting cell cycles and promoting cell apoptosis. However, the effect of curcumin on DNA damage is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the effect of curcumin on inducing DNA damage and on sensitizing lymphoma cells to anti-tumoral DNA damage drugs. Western blot showed curcumin induced γ-H2AX foci in CH12F3 lymphoma cells, which suggests curcumin induces DNA breaks. In addition, curcumin decreased the expression of Rad51, which suggests curcumin induces DNA damage through regulating Rad51-dependant homologous recombination. Rad51-dependant homologous recombination is a vital DNA repair pathway for cancer cells to resist anti-tumoral DNA damage drugs, therefore, we studied the effect of curcumin on the sensitizing lymphoma cells to various chemotherapeutic drugs. We found low level of curcumin (5µM) sensitized lymphoma cells to anti-tumoral DNA damage agents including cisplatin, methyl methanesulfonate, hydroxyurea and camptothecin. We also found curcumin sensitized CH12F3 lymphoma cells to DNA-PK and PARP inhibitors. Flow cytometry analysis showed curcumin promoted apoptosis and western blot analysis confirmed curcumin activated caspase3-dependent apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that curcumin induces DNA damage through regulating Rad51-dependant homologous recombination and triggers caspase3-dependent apoptosis, more importantly, curcumin sensitizes lymphoma cells to various DNA damage drugs. Consequently, curcumin would be a potent agent for sensitizing lymphoma cells to anti-tumoral chemotherapeutic agents.

Small incision through the tragus for the treatment of sagittal condylar fracture / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#The purpose of this study was to a new operative approach for sagittal condylar fractures via a preauricular small incision-based technique and to examine the effectiveness of this approach. @*Methods@#Fifteen patients (19 sides) with sagittal condylar fractures were included in the study. The incision length was approximately 4 cm through the tragus, exposing the superficial temporal vessels, which was then pulled forward. Next, the deep temporal superficial fascia was cut, and the surface of the zygomatic arch and the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint were exposed. Joint capsule incision was performed, with mandibular condylar fracture fixation under direct vision. We followed up with the patients postoperatively for 6 months with clinical and radiographic examinations. @*Results @#All patients had 1 week postoperation before being discharged, during which 2 cases of mild facial paralysis (with lateral temporal level Ⅱ facial paralysis, with lateral temporal branch level Ⅲ facial paralysis and level Ⅱ zygomatic branch of facial nerve paralysis after treatment) were observed, after given nerve nutrition agents, 2 cases returned to normal within 3 months. No patient exhibited a postoperative delayed fistula infection or other serious complications. Intraoperative occlusion relationships recovered well, and postoperative CTs suggested that the fracture ends and condyles were in good condition. The occlusion relationship was normal for 3 months after surgery, with a degree of opening greater than 30 mm, no play in the joints and no oblique openings being observed, and reexamination 6 months after the surgery revealed no obvious scars.@*Conclusion@#This surgical method involves a small incision and clear anatomic structures and avoids damage to the facial nerve. This method provides better surgical vision for treatment of sagittal condylar fractures, is safe and convenient, and deserves clinical recommendation.

Evaluation of recombinant CXCL8(3-73)K11R/G31P in muscle fibrosis and Trichinella larvae encapsulation in a murine model of trichinellosis.

Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) larvae in raw or inadequately cooked meat can cause chronic infections in a wide range of hosts including humans. During the development inside the skeletal muscles, T. spiralis larvae infect muscle cells accompanying with the infiltration of host inflammatory cells, eventually create a new type of cell known as nurse cell developing a surrounding vascular network to support the larvae development. Controlling of host inflammatory responses and angiogenesis influences both the nurse cell differentiation and the parasite larvae development. CXCL8 is a chemokine that acts on G-protein coupled receptors, of which activation contributes to fibrosis and angiogenesis. CXCL8(3-73)K11R/G31P (G31P) has been reported as a CXCL8 analogue. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of G31P in inflammatory responses and the development of T. spiralis larvae in muscle tissues of mice infected with T. spiralis. The level of inflammatory factors and the morphology of T. spiralis larvae in infected tissues were investigated through ELISA and electron-microscopy analysis. G31P up-regulated IFN-γ and down-regulated CXCL8 level, and impaired the encapsulation of T. spiralis larvae in vivo. The results showed that G31P influenced the development of T. spiralis larvae in muscle tissues.

Heat shock protein 60 stimulates the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via Toll-like receptor 4 and ERK MAPK activation.

Accumulating evidence indicates that heat shock protein (HSP) 60 is strongly associated with the pathology of atherosclerosis (AS). However, the precise mechanisms by which HSP60 promotes atherosclerosis remain unclear. In the present study, we found that HSP60 mRNA and protein expression levels in the thoracic aorta are enhanced not only in a mouse model of AS but also in high-fat diet (HFD) mice. HSP60 expression and secretion was activated by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and interleukin (IL)-8 in both human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). HSP60 was found to induce VSMC migration, and exposure to HSP60 activated ERK MAPK signaling. U0126, an inhibitor of ERK, reduced VSMC migration. The HSP60-stimulated VSMCs were found to express TLR4 mRNA but not TLR2 mRNA. Knockdown of TLR4 by siRNA reduced HSP60-induced VSMC migration and HSP60-induced ERK activation. Finally, HSP60 induced IL-8 secretion in VSMCs. Together these results suggest that HSP60 is involved in the stimulation of VSMC migration, via TLR4 and ERK MAPK activation. Meanwhile, activation of HSP60 is one of the most powerful methods of sending a 'danger signal' to the immune system to generate IL-8, which assists in the management of an infection or disease.

Protective effect of polydatin on learning and memory impairments in neonatal rats with hypoxic­ischemic brain injury by up­regulating brain­derived neurotrophic factor.

Polydatin is a key component of Polygonum cuspidatum, a herb with medical and nutritional value. The present study investigated the protective effect of polydatin against learning and memory impairment in neonatal rats with hypoxic­ischemic brain injury (HIBI). The unilateral common carotid artery ligation method was used to generate neonatal HIBI rats. Y­maze testing revealed that rats with HIBI exhibited memory impairment, while rats with HIBI treated with polydatin displayed enhanced long­term learning and memory. Of note, polydatin was found to upregulate the expression of hippocampal brain­derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rats with HIBI. BDNF has a role in protecting HIBI­induced brain tissue injury and alleviating memory impairment. These findings showed that polydatin had a protective effect against learning and memory impairment in neonatal rats with HIBI and that the protective effect may be mediated through the upregulation of BDNF.

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB induces matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and rat vascular smooth muscle cell migration via ROCK and ERK/p38 MAPK pathways.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Their expressions are altered in response to a variety of stimuli, including growth factors, inflammatory markers, and cytokines. In this study, we demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induces a dose- and time-dependent increase in MMP-2 expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Treatment with either the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 or suppression of ROCK-1/2 by small interfering RNA technology significantly reduced the MMP-2 expression, thus suggesting that ROCK regulates such expression. Similar results were observed when VSMC were pretreated with either U0126 or SB203580, which are selective inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, respectively, thus suggesting that these kinases are important for the induction of MMP-2 expression by PDGF-BB. In conclusion, these results described a novel mechanism in atherosclerosis through PDGF-BB signaling in VSMC, in which MMP-2 expression is induced via extracellular signal-regulated kinases and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, as well as ROCK.