Yinlai Decoction Protects Microstructure of Colon and Regulates Serum Level of D-Lactic Acid in Pneumonia Mice Fed with High-Calorie and High-Protein Diet.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Yinlai Decoction (YD) on the microstructure of colon, and activity of D-lactic acid (DLA) and diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum of pneumonia mice model fed with high-calorie and high-protein diet (HCD). METHODS: Sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups by the random number table method: normal control, pneumonia, HCD, HCD with pneumonia (HCD-P), YD (229.2 mg/mL), and dexamethasone (15.63 mg/mL) groups, with 10 in each group. HCD mice were fed with 52% milk solution by gavage. Pneumonia mice was modeled with lipopolysaccharide inhalation and was fed by gavage with either the corresponding therapeutic drugs or saline water, twice daily, for 3 days. After hematoxylin-eosin staining, the changes in the colon structure were observed under light microscopy and transmission electron microscope, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the protein levels of DLA and DAO in the serum of mice. RESULTS: The colonic mucosal structure and ultrastructure of mice in the normal control group were clear and intact. The colonic mucosal goblet cells in the pneumonia group tended to increase, and the size of the microvilli varied. In the HCD-P group, the mucosal goblet cells showed a marked increase in size with increased secretory activity. Loose mucosal epithelial connections were also observed, as shown by widened intercellular gaps with short sparse microvilli. These pathological changes of intestinal mucosa were significantly reduced in mouse models with YD treatment, while there was no significant improvement after dexamethasone treatment. The serum DLA level was significantly higher in the pneumonia, HCD, and HCD-P groups as compared with the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum DLA was significantly lower in the YD group than HCD-P group (P<0.05). Moreover, serum DLA level significantly increased in the dexamethasone group as compared with the YD group (P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in the serum level of DAO among groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: YD can protect function of intestinal mucosa by improving the tissue morphology of intestinal mucosa and maintaining integrity of cell connections and microvilli structure, thereby reducing permeability of intestinal mucosa to regulate the serum levels of DLA in mice.

A survey of caregiver burden for stroke survivors in non-teaching hospitals in Western China.

The social factors that moderate stroke caregiver burden have been found to be culture- and gender-specific. We examined the factors that influence the social support and self-efficacy of caregivers of stroke survivors and the burden of caregiving in China. To determine the caregiver burden of stroke survivors, their social support, and their self-efficacy. A total of 328 stroke survivors and their caregivers were recruited from 4 tertiary medical centers to participate in this cross-sectional study. The sociodemographic and stroke-related characteristics of the participants were obtained. Perceived social support and self-efficacy were assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale and General Self-efficacy Scale, respectively. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview Scale. Relationships between the variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation, the chi-square test, and a paired t test. A total of 27.4% of the caregivers reported receiving adequate social support, while 20.7% reported high levels of self-efficacy. A total of 67.1% of the caregivers experienced varying degrees of care burden, while the remaining 32.9% felt no burden. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics (age, daily care time, self-rated health, and financial situation) were significantly related to caregiver burden, social support, and self-efficacy (P < .001). The findings indicate an inverse relationship between caregiver burden, social support and self-efficacy. Adequate social support and self-efficacy can reduce stroke caregivers' burden. Hospital departments should provide assistance to stroke caregivers through educational programs and group training to increase their social support and self-efficacy, thereby alleviating their burden.

Prevalence of schizophrenia and its association with socio-demographic correlates in an agricultural region of China.

Little is known about the epidemiology of schizophrenia in the agricultural regions of China. This study examined the 1-month and lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and their association with socio-demographic factors in Hebei province which is an important agricultural region of China. A multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling method was adopted. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was ascertained with the validated Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders-Patient Edition (SCID-I/P/C). Altogether, 23,675 subjects were screened, of whom, 20,884 were included for analyses. The weighted 1-month and lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia were 0.5 % [95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.4-0.5 %] and 0.6 % (95 %CI: 0.5-0.7 %), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses found that unmarried marital status [P < 0.001, Odd Ratio(OR)=2.670, 95 %CI:1.767-4.036], lower education level (primary school or below: P = 0.042, OR=2.447, 95 % CI: 1.034-5.933; secondary school: P = 0.002, OR = 4.261, 95 % CI:1.692-10.730), unemployment (P = 0.006, OR=1.870, 95 % CI:1.198-2.920), lower income (P < 0.001, OR=4.017, 95 % CI:2.207-7.310) and family history of psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001, OR=16.278, 95 % CI:10.435-25.393) were independently associated with a higher risk of schizophrenia, while age above 60 years (P = 0.004, OR=0.440, 95 % CI:0.253-0.765) was associated with a lower risk of schizophrenia. The prevalence of schizophrenia appeared to be lower in Hebei province compared to other regions of China or other countries. Socioeconomic factors should be further examined to inform the public health surveillance and policies relevant to schizophrenia in the agricultural regions of China.

Corrigendum: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Poor Mental Health Among Older Adults in Agricultural Areas of China.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.549148.].

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Poor Mental Health Among Older Adults in Agricultural Areas of China.

Objective: Poor mental health is associated with impaired social functioning, lower quality of life, and increased risk of suicide and mortality. This study examined the prevalence of poor general mental health among older adults (aged 65 years and above) and its sociodemographic correlates in Hebei province, which is a predominantly agricultural area of China. Methods: This epidemiological survey was conducted from April to August 2016. General mental health status was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results: A total of 3,911 participants were included. The prevalence of poor mental health (defined as GHQ-12 total score ≥ 4) was 9.31% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.4-10.2%]. Multivariable logistic regression analyses found that female gender [P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.29-2.07], lower education level (P = 0.048, OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.00-1.75), lower annual household income (P = 0.005, OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.17-2.51), presence of major medical conditions (P < 0.001, OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 2.19-3.96) and family history of psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001, OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.02-6.17) were significantly associated with poor mental health. Conclusion: The prevalence of poor mental health among older adults in a predominantly agricultural area was lower than findings from many other countries and areas in China. However, continued surveillance of mental health status among older adults in China is still needed.

Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of poor sleep quality among older adults in Hebei province, China.

Poor sleep quality is associated with negative health outcomes and high treatment burden. This study investigated the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its socio-demographic correlates among older adults in Hebei province, which is a predominantly agricultural region of China. A large-scale cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted from April to August 2016. The study used a multistage, stratified, cluster random sampling method. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A total of 3,911 participants were included. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (defined as PSQI > 7) was 21.0% (95% CI 19.7-22.2%), with 22.3% (95% CI 20.9-23.8%) in rural areas and 15.9% (95% CI 13.4-18.4%) in urban areas. Multivariable logistic regression analyses found that female gender (P < 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.00-2.82), rural areas (P = 0.002, OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.14-1.86), presence of major medical conditions (P < 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.02-2.96) and family history of psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.60-4.39) were independently associated with higher risk of poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was common among older adults in Hebei province of China. Regular assessment of sleep quality and accessible sleep treatments for older population should be provided in agricultural areas of China.

Prevalence and correlates of bipolar disorder in the adult population of Hebei province, China.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have estimated the prevalence and correlates of bipolar disorder (BP) in agricultural areas of China. This study examined the one-month and lifetime prevalence of BP, its subtypes and socio-demographic factors in the adult population of Hebei province, a predominantly agricultural area of China. METHODS: A multistage, stratified, cluster random sampling method was used to estimate the prevalence and correlates of BP in adults in Hebei province, China. The expanded version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders-Patient Edition (SCID-I/P/C) were administered to establish the diagnosis of BP. RESULTS: A total of 20,884 participants were screened. The weighted lifetime prevalence of BP, BP type I (BP-I), type II (BP-II), and BP not otherwise specified (BP-NOS) were 0.20% (95% CI: 0.14-0.26%), 0.13% (95% CI: 0.08-0.18%), 0.03% (95% CI: 0.009-0.06%) and 0.03% (95% CI: 0.009-0.06%), respectively. The weighted one-month prevalence estimates were 0.12% (95% CI: 0.08-0.17%) for BP, 0.07% (95% CI: 0.04-0.11%) for BP-I, 0.03% (95% CI: 0.006-0.05%) for BP-II, and 0.02% (95% CI: 0.003-0.04%) for BP-NOS. Multiple Poisson regression analysis revealed that positive family history of any psychiatric disorder (P<0.001, OR=6.48, 95% CI: 2.53-16.56) was significantly associated with greater risk of BP. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BP in Hebei province appears lower than in most areas of China and other countries. Continued surveillance of BP in China along with the development of primary and tertiary preventative interventions for psychiatric disorders is indicated.

Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of major depressive disorder in older adults in Hebei province, China.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common among older adults. The epidemiology of MDD is greatly influenced by sociocultural and economic factors. This study examined the 1-month and lifetime prevalence of MDD and its socio-demographic correlates in older adults living in Hebei province, an agricultural area of China. METHODS: Multistage, stratified, random sampling was administered between April and August 2016. The diagnosis of MDD was established with the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) Axis I Disorders. RESULTS: A total of 3911 participants were enrolled. The 1-month and lifetime prevalence of MDD in older adults was 2.0% (95%CI: 1.6-2.4%) and 3.4% (95%CI: 2.8-4.0%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that female gender [P < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.6, 95%CI: 1.53-4.53], presence of comorbid major medical conditions (P < 0.001, aOR = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.17-10.39) and family history of psychiatric disorders (P = 0.013, aOR = 3.4, 95%CI: 1.30-8.96) were independently and significantly associated with higher odds of MDD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MDD in older adults in Hebei province, China, was lower than most findings in China and other countries. Nevertheless, continued surveillance of elderly depression in China along with the development of primary, secondary and tertiary preventative interventions for the elderly with MDD is indicated.

Prevalence of major depressive disorder and its socio-demographic correlates in the general adult population in Hebei province, China.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder which is associated with significant disability and psychosocial factors. There are only few epidemiological studies of MDD in economically underdeveloped regions of China. This study examined the 1-month and lifetime prevalence of MDD and their sociodemographic correlates in Hebei province, China. METHODS: Using multistage, stratified and random sampling, the study was conducted between April and August 2016. The diagnosis of MDD was established using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders-Patient Edition. RESULTS: The weighted 1-month and lifetime prevalence of MDD were 0.9% (95%CI: 0.8-1.1%) and 1.6% (95%CI: 1.4-1.8%), respectively in the sample of 14,654 adult participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the age group of 45-59 years (P < 0.001, OR=3.206, 95%CI:1.693-6.072), female gender (P < 0.001, OR=2.171, 95%CI: 1.522-3.097), married marital status (P < 0.001, OR=0.328, 95%CI: 0.198-0.545), college educational level or higher (P = 0.006, OR=0.145, 95%CI: 0.037-0.573), employment (P = 0.010, OR=2.305, 95%CI: 1.220-4.353), major medical conditions (P < 0.001, OR=3.758, 95%CI: 2.607-5.418) and family history of psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001, OR=3.947, 95%CI: 2.203-7.071) were significantly associated with MDD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MDD in Hebei province was found to be lower than in most areas of China and other countries. Further studies are warranted to confirm the low prevalence of MDD in other economically underdeveloped regions of China.

Intraocular pressure control of a novel glaucoma drainage device - in vitro and in vivo studies.

AIM: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) control of an artificial trabeculum drainage system (ATDS), a newly designed glaucoma drainage device, and postoperative complications in normal rabbit eyes. METHODS: Pressure drops in air and fluid of 30 ATDS were measured after being connected to a closed manometric system. Twenty of them were then chosen and implanted randomly into the eyes of 20 rabbits. Postoperative slit-lamp, gonioscopic examination and IOP measurements were recorded periodically. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-scan ultrasonography were also used to observe the complications. Eyes were enucleated on day 60. RESULTS: Pressure drops of 4.6-9.4 mm Hg were obtained at physiological aqueous flow rates in the tests in vitro. The average postoperative IOP of the experimental eyes (11.6-12.8 mm Hg) was lower than the controls significantly (P<0.05) at each time point. Complications of hemorrhage (n=1), cellulosic exudation (two cases) and local iris congestion (two cases) were observed. The lumina of the devices were devoid of obstructions in all specimens examined and a thin fibrous capsule was found around the endplate. CONCLUSION: ATDS reduce IOP effectively. However, further studies on the structure are needed to reduce complications.

Effects of Low-dose Triamcinolone Acetonide on Rat Retinal Progenitor Cells under Hypoxia Condition.

BACKGROUND: Retinal degenerative diseases are the leading causes of blindness in developed world. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) play a key role in retina restoration. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is widely used for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of TA on RPCs in hypoxia condition. METHODS: RPCs were primary cultured and identified by immunofluorescence staining. Cells were cultured under normoxia, hypoxia 6 h, and hypoxia 6 h with TA treatment conditions. For the TA treatment groups, after being cultured under hypoxia condition for 6 h, RPCs were treated with different concentrations of TA for 48-72 h. Cell viability was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was employed to examine the expression of cyclin D1, Akt, p-Akt, nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, and caspase-3. RESULTS: CCK-8 assays indicated that the viability of RPCs treated with 0.01 mg/ml TA in hypoxia group was improved after 48 h, comparing with control group (P < 0.05). After 72 h, the cell viability was enhanced in both 0.01 mg/ml and 0.02 mg/ml TA groups compared with control group (all P < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed that there were more cells in S-phase in hypoxia 6 h group than in normoxia control group (P < 0.05). RPCs in S and G2/M phases decreased in groups given TA, comparing with other groups (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total Akt protein expression among different groups, whereas upregulation of p-Akt and NF-κB p65 protein expression and downregulation of caspase-3 and cyclin D1 protein expression were observed in 0.01 mg/ml TA group, comparing with hypoxia 6 h group and control group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-dose TA has anti-apoptosis effect on RPCs while it has no stimulatory effect on cell proliferation.

Tumor necrosis factor-α G-308A (rs1800629) polymorphism and aggressive periodontitis susceptibility: a meta-analysis of 16 case-control studies.

Association between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) G-308A (rs1800629) polymorphism and susceptibility to aggressive periodontitis (AgP) were inconsistent, hence we performed this meta-analysis to clarify the association between them using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software. 16 case-control studies were searched from the PubMed, Embase and CNKI databases up to February 2, 2015. The meta-analysis showed a significantly increased risk in A vs. G (OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.04-1.44), AA vs. GG (OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.11-3.87), and AA vs. AG+GG genetic models (OR = 2.09, 95%CI = 1.13-3.86); however, the non-significantly increased risk was shown in AG vs. GG (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.85-1.32) and AA+AG vs. GG genetic models (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.85-1.31). Cumulative analysis showed that the association changed from non-significant to significant with new studies accumulated and the CIs became more and more narrow, sensitivity analysis indicated results were statistically robust. Stratified analyses of confirmed of HWE, Asians, Caucasians, and population-based controls obtained results similar to that of overall analysis. There was no evidence of publication bias. In summary, current evidence demonstrates that TNF-a G-308A polymorphism might be associated with AgP susceptibility, especially in Asians and Caucasians.

Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release trazodone in major depressive disorder: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, flexible-dose trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy, safety, and clinical benefit of prolonged-release trazodone (Trittico) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: In this study, 363 Chinese patients with MDD were randomized 1:1 to receive either prolonged-release trazodone (150-450 mg) or placebo treatment for 6 weeks. The primary efficacy measurement was the change of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) total score from baseline to the end of the study. The secondary efficacy measurements were the response and remission rates, the Clinical Global Impression - Improvement of Illness (CGI-I) score at the end of the study, and the change of the HAMD-14 total score and quality of sleep [evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale] during the study period. RESULTS: The mean maximum daily dose was 273.11 mg for the trazodone group and 290.92 mg for the placebo group. At the end of the study, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the HAMD-17 change score (trazodone vs. placebo: -11.07 vs. -8.29, p < 0.001). Trazodone showed advantages at 1 week of treatment, and the effect lasted until the end of the study (week 6). The response and remission rates of the trazodone group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group (response rate: 59.6 vs. 37.2%, p < 0.001; remission rate: 35.5 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.005). The majority of the adverse reactions of trazodone were mild to moderate, and the most frequent adverse reactions (≥5%) were dizziness, dry mouth, somnolence, and nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged-release trazodone was more effective than placebo in MDD and was well tolerated.

[Effects of transforming growth factor-ß2 on transdifferentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis and connective tissue growth factor expression of human lens epithelium cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of transforming growth factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2) on the transdifferentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in human lens epithelium cells (HLEC) in vitro. METHODS: HLEC were incubated with different concentrations of TGF-ß2 (0.0, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 µg/L) for 24 h in vitro. The morphological changes of HLEC were observed under inverted phase-contrast microscope. The expression of CTGF and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, as a landmark protein of epithelial mesenchymal transition) in HLEC was measured by immunofluorescence method. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of CTGF, α-SMA, fibronectin (Fn) and COL-I (as the major components of extracellular matrix) after stimulating by TGF-ß2. RESULTS: Normal HLEC presented polygonal shape and were anchorage-dependent. After incubated with different concentrations of TGF-ß2 for 24 h, the morphology of polygonal HLEC was changed into fibroblast-like shape and changed from monolayer and to multilayer cells, and the intercellular space became bigger. CTGF and α-SMA were expressed in the cytoplasm after induction of TGF-ß2. Expression of CTGF in HLEC was increased with increasing concentrations of TGF-ß2 (CTGF protein expression: 0.53 ± 0.03, 0.73 ± 0.01, 0.65 ± 0.03 in cells cultured with 0.1, 1.0 and 10 µg/L TGF-ß2, respectively; CTGF gene induction: 1.00 ± 0.00, 7.18 ± 0.41, 12.88 ± 0.45, 32.84 ± 1.61 in cells cultured with 0.0, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 µg/L TGF-ß2, respectively) (F = 77.55, P < 0.05; F = 379.0, P < 0.05). TGF-ß2 could induce HLEC transdifferentiation and accelerate. α-SMA expression was increased by TGF-ß2 dose-dependently (protein expression: 0.48 ± 0.01,0.78 ± 0.04, 0.69 ± 0.04; gene induction: 1.00 ± 0.00, 2.30 ± 0.22, 3.1 ± 0.21, 3.86 ± 0.10) (F = 62.73, P < 0.05; F = 80.22, P < 0.05). TGF-ß2 also promoted expression of Fn and COL-I in a dose-dependent manner (COL-I gene induction: 1.00 ± 0.00, 5.52 ± 0.96, 18.31 ± 1.2, 82.51 ± 1.45;COL-I protein expression: 0.78 ± 0.05, 1.15 ± 0.11, 2.16 ± 0.14; Fn gene induction: 1.00 ± 0.00, 2.36 ± 0.25, 3.27 ± 0.24, 4.25 ± 0.24; Fn protein expression: 0.64 ± 0.01,0.95 ± 0.02, 1.23 ± 0.14) (F = 1881.52, 105.30, P < 0.05; F = 64.44, 51.81, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TGF-ß2 induces the expression of CTGF by HLEC, promotes transdifferentiation of and extracellular matrix synthesis by HLEC.

Modification of carbon nanotube transparent conducting films for electrodes in organic light-emitting diodes.

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) transparent conducting films (TCFs) were fabricated for the electrodes of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs); three types of film were studied. The as-prepared SWCNT TCFs displayed a relatively low sheet resistance of 82.6 Ω/sq at 80.7 T% with a relatively large surface roughness of 30 nm. The TCFs were top-coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to obtain PEDOT:PSS-coated TCFs. The PEDOT:PSS cover improved the conductivity and decreased the surface roughness to 12 nm at the cost of film transmittance. The SWCNT TCFs mixed with PEDOT:PSS (PM-TCFs) exhibited a high conductivity (70.6 Ω/sq at 81 T%) and a low surface roughness (3 nm) and were thus selected as the best TCFs for OLEDs. Blue flexible OLEDs with 4,4'-bis(2,2'-diphenylvinyl)-1,1'-biphenyl (Dpvbi) as the emitting layer were fabricated on TCFs with the same structures to evaluate the performances of the different types of SWCNT films for use in OLEDs. Of these three types of OLEDs, the PM-TCF devices exhibited the optimal performance with a maximum luminance of 2587 cd m(-2) and a current efficiency of 5.44 cd A(-1). This result was explored using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to further study the mechanisms that are involved in applying SWCNT TCFs to OLEDs.

Application of sustained delivery microsphere of cyclosporine A for preventing posterior capsular opacification in rabbits.

AIM: To explore the inhibitory effect of a sustained cyclosporin A (CsA) delivery microsphere (CsA-MS) on posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in rabbit eyes after cataract extraction. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits accepted cataract extraction plus intraocular lens implantation and their left eyes were intraoperatively injected CsA-MS prepared using polymer polylactioglycolic acid (PLGA) as a carrier and their right eyes were injected with empty MS. The changes in cornea, anterior chamber reaction, intraocular pressure, PCO and CsA concentration in aqueous humor were examined postoperatively and all the eyes were enucleated 3 months after surgery for histopathological and morphological examination with light microscopy and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, intraocular pressure and anterior chamber response of experimental and control eyes were similar, while PCO in CsA-MS injected eyes was greatly improved compared with that in control eyes. Posterior capsules in CsA-MS injected eyes were smooth and lens epithelial cells (LEC) did not proliferate significantly (P>0.05), while LEC in posterior capsule of control eyes had different degrees of proliferation and cortical regeneration. LEC in CsA-MS injected eyes were not functionally active and underwent apoptosis, whereas LEC in control eyes were functionally active (F-test, P=0.025). In addition, the corneal ultrastructure showed no differences between CsA-MS and MS injected eyes. CONCLUSION: CsA-MS has high bioavailability in rabbit eyes and could inhibit postoperative PCO occurrence and development during the study period, suggesting that CsA-MS may be a promising, effective and safe administration route to prevent PCO in clinic.

Effects of transforming growth factor ß2 and connective tissue growth factor on induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix synthesis in human lens epithelial cells.

AIM: To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor ß2 (TGF-ß2) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on transdifferentiation of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) cultured in vitro and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM). METHODS: HLECs were treated with TGF-ß2 (0, 0.5, 1.0, 5, 10µg/L) and CTGF (0, 15, 30, 60, 100µg/L) for different times (0, 24, 48, 72h) in vitro and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the main component of the extracellular matrix type I collagen (Col-1) and fibronectin (Fn) were measured by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western-blot. RESULTS: TGF-ß2 and CTGF significantly increased expression of α-SMA mRNA and protein (P<0.05, P<0.001), Fn mRNA and protein (P<0.001), Col-1 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). TGF-ß2 could induce HLECs expression of CTGF mRNA and protein in dose-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.001). TGF-ß2 and CTGF could induce HLECs to express α-SMA, Fn and Col-1 in time-dependent manner. Each time of TGF-ß2 and CTGF induced HELCs expression of α-SMA, Fn, Col-1 mRNA and protein was significant increase compared with control (P<0.05, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: TGF-ß2 and CTGF could induce HLECs epithelial mesenchymal transition and ECM synthesis.

[Mechanism of inhibition of apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by oxidized-low density lipoprotein by erythropoietin].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect of erythropoietin (EPO) against oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in an ox-LDL induced apoptosis model. METHODS: Third-sixth passage of cultured HUVECs were used, and they were divided into two groups. The cells were pretreated with different concentrations (6.25, 50, 100 kU/L) of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) for 24 hours, then they were exposed to ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 48 hours; another group of cells were pretreated with antisense to 0.5 micromol/L LOX-1 mRNA or 0.5 micromol/L sense for 24 hours, and then HUVECs were exposed to ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 12 hours. Apoptosis was assessed by the apoptosis ratio, cell viability, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio. RESULTS: As compared to untreated controls, pretreatment with rhEPO led to increased cell survival of HUVECs and decreased cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (all P<0.05). Consistently, the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were also increased in a similar fashion. The ratio of apoptosis protein Bcl-2/Bax was increased in the antisense LOX-1 mRNA group than that of ox-LDL group (P<0.05), but the one in the sense LOX-1 mRNA group was not significantly different from that of ox-LDL group. CONCLUSION: The ox-LDL can induce apoptosis in HUVECs by regulating LOX-1 mRNA, and rhEPO can increase Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibit ox-LDL-induced apoptosis of HUVECs.

Adenovirus-mediated delivery of p27(KIP1) to prevent wound healing after experimental glaucoma filtration surgery.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of adenovirus-mediated p27(KIP1) (Ad-p27) expression on wound healing after filtration surgery and to investigate the inhibition of cell proliferation induced by Ad-p27. METHODS: We constructed the adenovirus recombinant vector Ad-p27 and administered it to a rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery by subconjunctival injection; phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and mitomycin C (MMC) were used as controls. Intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb scores, and anterior chamber depths were observed during a 28-d period. Histological examinations, fluorescence observations and Western blot analyses were evaluated. RESULTS: Ad-p27 enhanced the surgical outcome and inhibited cell proliferation when compared with PBS. Bleb scores in the Ad-p27-treated eyes were higher than those in the PBS-treated eyes on d 7 (P<0.01), 14 (P<0.01) and 21 (P<0.05). On d 28, IOP remained significantly decreased in the Ad-p27 group compared with the PBS group (P<0.05). However, no differences in bleb scores or IOPs were observed between the Ad-p27 and MMC groups. Histological analysis showed that total cell numbers were markedly reduced, and less scar tissue was observed at the surgical site in eyes treated with Ad-p27. The number of fibroblasts was decreased in Tenon's capsule in Ad-p27-treated eyes; however, a marked and diffuse signal from the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was observed in fibroblasts. Western blot analysis revealed a high level of p27(KIP1) expression in conjunctival epithelium (P<0.01), relatively high expression in superficial scleral stroma (P<0.01), and low expression in corneal epithelium in the Ad-p27 group. CONCLUSIONS: Ad-p27 administration significantly improves the outcome of filtration surgery and inhibits postoperative proliferation in rabbit eyes. These findings suggest that p27(KIP1) is a potential adjunctive agent for inhibition of wound healing after filtration surgery.

[Effect of erythropoietin on the caspase-3 subfamily in preventing apoptosis of endothelial cell].

OBJECTIVE: To explore effect of erythropoietin on the caspase-3 subfamily in preventing apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). METHODS: Third-sixth passages of HUVECs were used. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, there was a blank control group, ox-LDL control group (100 mg/L, incubated for 48 hours), and low, medium, and high recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) groups (6.25, 25.00, 100.00 kU/L rhEPO incubated for 24 hours+100 mg/L ox-LDL incubated for 48 hours). Another experimental protocol consisted of groups of the cells pretreated with either caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-CHO, or caspase-8 inhibitor z-IETD-fmk, or caspase-9 inhibitor z-LEHD-fmk of 25 micromol/L for 24 hours, then HUVECs were exposed ox-LDL (100 mg/L) incubated for 48 hours. The activity of caspase-3, caspase-8, or caspase 9 was determined by caspase colorimetric assay. The cell survival rate was assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The positive expression rate of caspase-3 and apoptotic rate were measured by flow cytometer. RESULTS: The activity of caspase-3 was significantly decreased and cell survival rate was increased in the caspase-3 inhibitor group (both P<0.05). The activity of caspase-8 was decreased in the caspase-8 inhibitor group (P<0.05), but the cell survival rate was not significantly different from that of ox-LDL group (P>0.05). The activity of caspase-3 or caspase-9 was lower and cell survival rate was higher in the caspase-9 inhibitor group than that of ox-LDL group (all P<0.05). The pretreatment with rhEPO led to decreased activity of caspase-3, caspase-9, positive expression rate of caspase-3 and apoptotic rate in a dose-dependent manner compared with ox-LDL group (all P<0.05), but the activity of caspase-8 showed no significant difference from rhEPO pretreatment groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that rhEPO can significantly inhibit the activity of caspase-3 or caspase-9 in endothelial cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of caspase-3 or caspase-9 is involved in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs apoptotic signaling pathway, but caspase-8 is not involved.