Catalpol attenuates ischemic stroke by promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Currently, there is a lack of clinically effective treatments for the brain damage following ischemic stroke. Catalpol is a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Rehmannia glutinosa and shown to be protective in various neurological diseases. However, the potential roles of catalpol against ischemic stroke are still not completely clear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to further elucidate the protective effects of catalpol against ischemic stroke. METHODS: A rat permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was established to assess the effect of catalpol in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Behavioral tests were used to examine the effects of catalpol on neurological function of ischemic rats. Immunostaining was performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) as well as the angiogenesis in each group. The protein level of related molecules was detected by western-blot. The effects of catalpol on cultured NSCs as well as brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) subjected to OGD in vitro were also examined by similar methods. RESULTS: Catalpol attenuated the neurological deficits and improved neurological function of ischemic rats. It stimulated the proliferation of NSCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ), promoted their migration to the ischemic cortex and differentiation into neurons or glial cells. At the same time, catalpol increased the cerebral vessels density and the number of proliferating cerebrovascular endothelial cells in the infracted cortex of ischemic rats. The level of SDF-1α and CXCR4 in the ischemic cortex was found to be enhanced by catalpol treatment. Catalpol was also shown to promote the proliferation and migration of cultured NSCs as well as the proliferation of BMECs subjected to OGD insult in vitro. Interestingly, the impact of catalpol on cultured cells was inhibited by CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Moreover, the culture medium of BMECs containing catalpol promoted the proliferation of NSCs, which was also suppressed by AMD3100. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that catalpol exerts neuroprotective effects by promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway, suggesting the therapeutic potential of catalpol in treating cerebral ischemia.

Micro-RNA-451 Reduces Proliferation of B-CPAP Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells by Downregulating Expression of Activating Transcription Factor 2.

BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are novel biomarkers that are important in tumorigenesis and cancer treatment resistance. miR-451 is expressed in human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues and is associated with tumor progression. This study investigated the molecular mechanism associated with the effects of miR-451 on B-CPAP human PTC cells in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS Binding of miRNAs to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of messenger RNA (mRNA) was determined with a luciferase reporter assay. miRNAs and plasmids were transfected into human PTC B-CPAP cells with Lipofectamine 2000 Transfection Reagent. Cell viability was tested with a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. The levels of miRNAs and mRNA were determined with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein levels were analyzed with immunoblotting. RESULTS miR-451 bound to wild-type but not mutant 3'-UTR of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2). MiR-451 mimics inhibited the growth of B-CPAP cells and reduced mRNA and protein levels in ATF2, whereas miR-451 inhibitors promoted the growth of B-CPAP cells and increased mRNA and protein levels in ATF2. CONCLUSIONS miR-451 directly bound to the 3'UTR of ATF2, decreased mRNA and protein levels in ATF2, and inhibited growth of B-CPAP cells. Our findings suggest that miR-451 may be a potential therapeutic target for PTC.

Social support of Chinese patients with ovarian malignancies during chemotherapy: a cohort questionnaire survey.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the social support of patients with ovarian malignancies during chemotherapy and to explore changes over time and factors associated with social support. METHODS: Longitudinal Cohort study of 75 patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian malignancies using the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). RESULTS: At the first and third time point, all the subjects had average or good overall social support and 97% of subjects attained average or good overall social support at the second point. There was no significant difference of the total social support and the two subscales among three time points, whereas there was significant difference between intra-family and extra-family support at each time point. Stepwise multiple regression showed that only average economic status was related with intra-family support and extra-family support at the first time point. CONCLUSION: These findings give insights into the social support of Chinese women with ovarian cancer during chemotherapy. The importance of social support from the family perceived by Chinese cancer women has implications for nursing care. Nurses should acknowledge family members as a major social support resource the Chinese women can refer to and inspire positive and effective support from their family, including them in the entire caring process if possible.

Quality of life of Chinese patients with ovarian malignancies during chemotherapy under condition of no recurrence.

The purpose of this study was to describe the quality of life of patients with ovarian malignancies during chemotherapy under condition of no recurrence and to explore changes in quality of life during chemotherapy and factors associated with quality of life. It was a cohort study during treatment. Quality of life of 75 patients with ovarian malignancies at baseline, reduced to 63 and 61 patients at later points, was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovarian scale in the gynecologic wards of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated to Fu Dan University within 1 to 2 days after the second, fourth, and sixth cycles of chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, under condition of no recurrence, the overall quality of life was at the middle or upper level and improved significantly over time (P = .044). There were significant improvements in physical well-being and additional concerns, whereas there was significant deterioration in social well-being. Emotional and functional well-being showed a trend toward improvement (not statistically significant). The relationship with doctors showed a significant difference between the first time point and each of the other two. Economic condition and intrafamily support were key factors for predicting the quality of life of these patients in all assessments. These findings give insights into the quality of life of women with ovarian cancer during chemotherapy and imply that nurses and other medical professionals should provide continuing support to them in accordance with their needs. Furthermore, nurses should help prevent them from social isolation as a consequence of their illness and treatment and acknowledge family members as a major support resource.