A lipid droplet-specific fluorescence probe for atherosclerotic plaque imaging.

The dysregulation of lipid droplets (LDs) is closely related to certain metabolic diseases, while the role of LDs during pathological processes remains mysterious. It would be of great value to monitor the dynamic changes of LDs in a visible way so as to study their biological functions. In this study, we report a LD-specific fluorescence probe TBI for precise LD-targeting imaging in cells and atherosclerotic tissues. TBI exhibited great biocompatibility, remarkable oil-enhanced fluorescence emission, good photostability and impressive intracellular and tissular LD-specific imaging performance. Importantly, TBI could efficiently stain the LDs at a low concentration of 50 nM, and the motion tracking of LDs could be observed via fluorescence imaging. Moreover, TBI could efficiently light up the LD distribution in mouse atherosclerotic plaques with high resolution, which revealed the ultra-structure of atherosclerotic plaques. In conclusion, these results imply that TBI could be a potential tool for investigating the physiological and pathological role of LDs.

HSF1 is involved in suppressing A1 phenotype conversion of astrocytes following spinal cord injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Two activation states of reactive astrocytes termed A1 and A2 subtypes emerge at the lesion sites following spinal cord injury (SCI). A1 astrocytes are known to be neurotoxic that participate in neuropathogenesis, whereas A2 astrocytes have been assigned the neuroprotective activity. Heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) plays roles in protecting cells from stress-induced apoptosis and in controlling inflammatory activation. It is unknown whether HSF1 is involved in suppressing the conversion of A1 astrocytes following SCI. METHODS: A contusion model of the rat spinal cord was established, and the correlations between HSF1 expression and onset of A1 and A2 astrocytes were assayed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. 17-AAG, the agonist of HSF1, was employed to treat the primary cultured astrocytes following a challenge by an A1-astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) containing 3 ng/ml of IL-1α, 30 ng/ml of TNF-α, and 400 ng/ml of C1q for induction of the A1 subtype. The effects of 17-AAG on the phenotype conversion of astrocytes, as well as underlying signal pathways, were examined by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The protein levels of HSF1 were significantly increased at 4 days and 7 days following rat SCI, showing colocalization with astrocytes. Meanwhile, C3-positive A1 astrocytes were observed to accumulate at lesion sites with a peak at 1 day and 4 days. Distinctively, the S100A10-positive A2 subtype reached its peak at 4 days and 7 days. Incubation of the primary astrocytes with ACM markedly induced the conversion of the A1 phenotype, whereas an addition of 17-AAG significantly suppressed such inducible effects without conversion of the A2 subtype. Activation of HSF1 remarkably inhibited the activities of MAPKs and NFκB, which was responsible for the regulation of C3 expression. Administration of 17-AAG at the lesion sites of rats was able to reduce the accumulation of A1 astrocytes. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these data reveal a novel mechanism of astrocyte phenotype conversion following SCI, and HSF1 plays key roles in suppressing excessive increase of neurotoxic A1 astrocytes.

Identification and candidate gene mining of HvSS1, a novel qualitative locus on chromosome 6H, regulating the uppermost internode elongation in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

KEY MESSAGE: A novel qualitative locus regulating the uppermost internode elongation of barley was identified and mapped on 6H, and the candidate gene mining was performed by employing various barley genomic resources. The stem of grass crops, such as barley and wheat, is composed of several interconnected internodes. The extent of elongation of these internodes determines stem height, and hence lodging, canopy architecture, and grain yield. The uppermost internode (UI) is the last internode to elongate. Its elongation contributes largely to stem height and facilitates spike exsertion, which is crucial for final grain yield. Despite the molecular mechanism underlying regulation of UI elongation was extensively investigated in rice, little is known in barley. In this study, we characterized a barley spontaneous mutant, Sheathed Spike 1 (SS1), showing significantly shortened UI and sheathed spike (SS). The extension of UI parenchyma cell in SS1 was significantly suppressed. Exogenous hormone treatments and RNA-seq analysis indicated that the suppression of UI elongation is possibly related to insufficient content of endogenous bioactive gibberellin. Genetic analysis showed that SS1 is possibly controlled by a qualitative dominant nuclear factor. Bulked segregant analysis and further molecular marker mapping identified a novel major locus, HvSS1, in a recombination cold spot expanding 173.44-396.33 Mb on chromosome 6H. The candidate gene mining was further conducted by analyzing sequence differences, spatiotemporal expression patterns, and variant distributions of genes in the candidate interval by employing various barley genomic resources of worldwide collections of barley accessions. This study made insight into genetic control of UI elongation in barley and laid a solid foundation for further gene cloning and functional characterization. The results obtained here also provided valuable information for similar research in wheat.

Genetic and molecular characterization of determinant of six-rowed spike of barley carrying vrs1.a4.

KEY MESSAGE: Decisive role of reduced vrs1 transcript abundance in six-rowed spike of barley carrying vrs1.a4 was genetically proved and its potential causes were preliminarily analyzed. Six-rowed spike 1 (vrs1) is the major determinant of the six-rowed spike phenotype of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Alleles of Vrs1 have been extensively investigated. Allele vrs1.a4 in six-rowed barley is unique in that it has the same coding sequence as Vrs1.b4 in two-rowed barley. The determinant of row-type in vrs1.a4 carriers has not been experimentally identified. Here, we identified Vrs1.b4 in two-rowed accessions and vrs1.a4 in six-rowed accessions from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at high frequency. Genetic analyses revealed a single nuclear gene accounting for row-type alteration in these accessions. Physical mapping identified a 0.08-cM (~ 554-kb) target interval on chromosome 2H, wherein Vrs1 was the most likely candidate gene. Further analysis of Vrs1 expression in offspring of the mapping populations or different Vrs1.b4 and vrs1.a4 lines confirmed that downregulated expression of vrs1.a4 causes six-rowed spike. Regulatory sequence analysis found a single 'TA' dinucleotide deletion in vrs1.a4 carriers within a 'TA' tandem-repeat-enriched region ~ 1 kb upstream of the coding region. DNA methylation levels did not correspond to the expression difference and therefore did not affect Vrs1 expression. More evidence is needed to verify the causal link between the 'TA' deletion and the downregulated Vrs1 expression and hence the six-rowed spike phenotype.

[A novel CD36 mutation T538C (Trp180Arg) results in CD36 deficiency and establishment of a genotyping method for the novel mutation based on sequence-specific primer PCR].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis for a CD36 deficiency individual and distribution of CD36 gene mutation in Guangxi population. METHODS: A female individual was studied. CD36 phenotype was detected by monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens assay (MAIPA) and flow cytometry (FCM). The coding regions of the CD36 gene were sequenced. A DNA-based polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) assay was used to verify the identified mutation. Cell lines expressing the mutant and wild-type CD36[CD36(MT) and CD36(WT)] were established, with the expression of CD36 determined by Western blotting. The distribution of CD36 gene mutation was investigated among 1010 unrelated individuals with the PCR-SSP assay. RESULTS: Both MAIPA and FCM assays showed that the patient had type II CD36 deficiency. DNA sequencing showed that she has carried a heterozygous mutation T538C (Trp180Arg) in the exon 6 of CD36. Sequencing of cDNA clone confirmed that there was a nucleotide substitution at position 538 (538T>C). Western blotting also confirmed that the CD36 did not express on the CD36(MT) cell line that expressed the 538C mutant, but did express on the CD36(WT) cell line. The novel CD36 mutation T538C was further verified with 100% concordance of genotyping results by DNA-based PCR-SSP assay and 1010 unrelated individuals. No CD36 538C allele was detected among the 1010 individuals. CONCLUSION: This study has identified a novel CD36 mutation T538C(Trp180Arg)(GenBank: HM217022.1), and established a genotyping method for the novel sequence-specific primer PCR. The novel mutation is rare in Guangxi and can cause type II CD36 deficiency.

Extract of Nanhaia speciosa J. Compton & Schrire alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via the NF-κB/Nrf2/AQPs pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Nanhaia speciosas J. Compton & Schrire (the name Nanhaia speciosas J. Compton & Schrire has been accepted by the World Checklist of Vascular Plants https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001444004) is a traditional Zhuang medicine that have been widely used for centuries. It has been used in the treatment of lung inflammation, tuberculosis, rheumatic pain, lumbar muscle strain, and various other ailments, such as chronic hepatitis, menoxenia, leukorrhea, and injuries. In addition, N. speciosa has also been used to treat acute lung injury (ALI). AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the effects of various constituents present in N. speciosas extract (NSE) on ALI and the related mechanisms while also elucidating the potential active monomeric components. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NSE was extracted using an AB-8 macroporous resin column, and five fractions (Fr. 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 95%) were obtained. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of the five fractions were evaluated in an A549 cell-based in vitro model, with the aim of evaluating their potential therapeutic effects. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of NSE were assessed in a murine model of ALI induced by intratracheal injection of LPS. We utilized an in vitro model to analyse the critical molecular mechanisms through which NSE ameliorates ALI. The chemical composition of the optimal fraction was analysed and confirmed using UHPLC/MS. RESULTS: Different fractions (especially Fr. 75%) significantly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in A549 cells. Fr.75% abrogated LPS-induced pathological alterations and decreased the lung W/D ratio, total protein concentration in BALF, and the levels of the proinflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. Moreover, Fr.75% reduced MPO and MDA concentrations and elevated SOD and GSH concentrations in pulmonary tissues. Additionally, it decreased the pulmonary tissue inflammation caused by LPS by downregulating the expression of p-NF-κB p65 and upregulating the expression of Nrf2, AQP1 and AQP5. Fr. 75% decreased p-NF-κB p65 protein levels; increased Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, AQP1 and AQP5 protein levels; and promoted the entry of Nrf2 into the nucleus. After UHPLC/MS analysis was conducted, the flavonoid Maackiain was determined to potentially play a pivotal role in this process. CONCLUSION: Fr.75% alleviates ALI by regulating the NF-κB/Nrf2/AQPs signalling pathway. The flavonoid Maackiain may also play an important role in this process. Overall, N. speciosas may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of ALI.

An intelligent probe with dual-emission in water and oil for lipid droplet specific imaging in human fibrocalcific aortic valvular leaflet.

Lipid droplets (LDs) have been regarded as potential marker for study the pathologic processes and diagnosis of valvular heart disease. While conventional imaging strategy fail to precisely locate LDs in pathological tissues. Herein, a LDs specific probe ECPID with special feature of single-excitation but dual-emission in oil (520 nm) and water (628 nm) was prepared for LDs imaging. ECPID exhibited good biocompatibility, great performance in intracellular and tissular LDs imaging, which would help to reveal the pathologic process of human fibrocalcific aortic valvular leaflet. Our work offers a novel approach for accurate imaging LDs in situ and paves a way to study the pathologic processes of valvular disease.

Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of compound kushen injection in the treatment of breast cancer using in vitro experiments: Coupling network pharmacology with GEO database.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women and poses a serious threat to their health. Compound Kushen injection (CKI) has shown therapeutic effects on a variety of cancers, including BC, and it can significantly improve the lives of patients. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear and needs to be fully elucidated. Methods: The active constituents of CKI were identified through a literature review, and the anti-BC targets of CKI were determined using multiple databases and a ChIP data analysis. Subsequently, the target was analyzed on the DAVID database through GO and KEGG to identify the key pathway that CKI affects to exhibit anti-BC activity. In addition, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with CKI for 24 and 48 hours at five concentrations, and the effects of CKI on cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured using MTT and annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays, respectively. The genes and protein identified to be involved in this pathway were verified using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot(WB) in BC cells. Results: Twelve CKI anti-BC targets were obtained by a comprehensive analysis of the targets collected in the databases and results from the ChIP analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed for 12 targets. KEGG analysis showed that the 12 targets were mainly related to the VEGF, ErbB, and TNF signaling pathways. We focused our study on the VEGF signaling pathway as the p-value for the VEGF signaling pathway was the lowest among the three pathways. In vitro experiments showed that CKI significantly inhibited the proliferation of BC cells and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, qPCR and WB experiments showed that the expression of VEGF signaling pathway genes PIK3CA and NOS3 were significantly increased meanwhile SRC was significantly decreased after CKI intervention. Conclusion: CKI significantly inhibited the proliferation of BC cells and induced apoptosis. The main mechanism for the anti-BC effect of CKI may be that it regulates the VEGF signaling pathway by increasing the expression of PIK3CA, SRC, and NOS3. Macrozamin and lamprolobine may be the main active components of CKI against BC.

[The effect of RhoA and proteasome inhibitor MG132 on angiogenesis in tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of RhoA to VEGF, HIF-1alpha and MVD (microvascular density) and the effect of MG132 to RhoA. METHODS: The constitutively-active mutant vectors of RhoA (pCEFL-GST-V14RhoA) were transfected into gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 by Lipofectamine 2000, single clones were selected by G418 and identified with western blot. The content of VEGF in the conditioned media was detected by ELISA. Constitutively-active RhoA nude mice models were established and treated with MG132. The effect of RhoA and MG132 on expression of HIF-1alpha, VEGF and CD31 were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Cell line of stable-transfected constitutively-active RhoA was established and constitutively-active RhoA could stimulate secretion of VEGF but MG132 inhibited that. Constitutively-active RhoA could obviously induce growth of tumor (P < 0.05), but MG132 inhibited it (P < 0.05). Constitutively-active RhoA could promote protein of HIF-1alpha, VEGF and CD31 but MG132 inhibited the function of RhoA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our studies indicates that MG132 could affect angiogenesis of tumors through inhibition the regulating function of RhoA on HIF-1alpha, VEGF and CD31.

[The affect of Si-Rac1b on the malignant biological behaviors of colorectal cancer cell].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the affect of Small interfering RNA Rac1b (Si-Rac1b) on the malignant biological behaviors of colorectal cancer cell including the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of the cells. METHODS: Mediated by lipofectamine 2000, Si-Rac1b was transfected into colorectal cancer cell line SW1116 (with overexpression of Rac1b). The expression of Rac1b was detected by Western blotting and RT-PCR. The CCK-8 assay was used to analyze the cell proliferation, the Wound-healing assay and invasion assay were respectively applied to analyze the cell migration and invasion, and the Hoechst 33258 was used to evaluate the apoptotic index. RESULTS: Si-Rac1b can knock down the Rac1b but not Rac1 both in the level of mRNA and protein. In addition, Si-Rac1b could singnificantly facilitate the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and control the cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Si-Rac1b could partically reverse the malignant phenotypes of colorectal cancer cell.

[The effect of small GTPase Cdc42 on the multidrug resistance of oxaliplatin-resistant colon cancer cell lines].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of cell division cycle42 (Cdc42) on the multidrug resistance of oxaliplatin-resistant human colon cancer cells. METHODS: The protein expression levels of Cdc42 in oxaliplatin-resistant colon cancer cells and parental cells were examined with Western blot. pDEST26-His-Cdc42 was transfected by lipofectamine 2000 into SW480 and Colo320 cells with low expression of Cdc42. Cdc42 siRNA was transfected by lipofectamine 2000 into SW480/L-OHP and Colo320/L-OHP cells with high expression of Cdc42. The expression of Cdc42 in these cell lines were examined by Western blot and RT-PCR 48 hours after transfection. The sensitivity of colon cancer cells to antitumor drugs was evaluated using CCK-8 assay. The concentration of each drug that caused a 50% reduction in the numbers of cells (IC50) was calculated. The expression of P-gp, MRP1 in SW480/Cdc42 and Colo320/ Cdc42 cells were examined with Western blot. RESULTS: Cdc42 was over-expressed in the SW480/L-OHP and Colo320/L-OHP cell lines. Over-expression of Cdc42 significantly enhanced the resistance of colon cancer cells to multiple antitumor drugs and up-regulated the expression of P-gp and MRP1. CONCLUSION: Cdc42 enhances the resistance of colon cancer cells to several antitumor drugs. It might become a potential target for reversing multidrug resistance of colon cancer.

[The effect of RhoE on CD44 promoter and the malignant behaviors of colorectal cancer cell].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of RhoE on the transcriptional regulation of cd44 and in vivo tumorigenicity of nude mice. METHODS: cd44 promoter was amplified from human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells with PCR and insert into Dual-Luciferase Reporter plasmid pGL3-Basic. After confirmed with sequence analysis, the generated recombinant was transfected into SW480 and LoVo cells to monitor their activity. Colon cancer SW480 and LoVo cells were cotransfected with pGL3-CD44 promoter along with pcDNA3. 1-RhoE and pcDNA3. 1 respectively. SW480 and LoVo cells were stably transfected with pcDNA3. 1-RhoE and the control group and were inoculated into nude mice to observe tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry assay was applied to observe the morphology of tumor cells and the expression of CD44 molecules. RESULTS: The cd44 promoter sequence was amplified correctly, Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay showed that the constructed reporter gene has promoter activity. The expression of cd44 promoter sequence containing reporter gene in pcDNA3. 1-RhoE expression positive LoVo cells was inhibited; HE staining demonstrated that the pcDNA3. 1-RhoE transfected tumor cells was significantly smaller than that in the control group, and consistent size and shape tumor cells were observed but no tumor giant cells, the corresponding volume of the tumor nuclei were also small. CONCLUSION: RhoE could partially reverse the malignant biological behavior of tumors by inhibiting the transcriptional regulation of cd44 promoter.

[Serological Identification and FUT1 Gene Mutation Analysis of 8 Individuals with Para-Bombay Phenotypes in Guangxi].

OBJECTIVE: To study the serological characteristics and molecular biological basis of 8 individuals with Para-Bombay phenotypes in Guangxi area. METHODS: Serological tests were used to identify the blood groups of red cells. Molecular biological methods, including PCR-SSP for ABO genotyping and DNA sequencing for FUT1, were used to detect the genotypes of ABO and FUT1 which determined the expression of H antigen. RESULTS: Eight individuals in the study were all the Para-Bombay phenotypes, including 4 cases of Bmh and 4 cases of Amh. The DNA sequencing for FUT1 showed that 6 cases were h3h3 [c.658C>T (p.Arg220Cys) homozygous mutation], 1 was h832h832 [c.832G>A (p.Asp278Asn) homozygous mutation], and 1 was h328h3 [compound heterozygous mutations of c.328G>A (p.Ala110Thr) and c.658C>T (p.Arg220Cys)]. CONCLUSION: There are varieties of molecular genetic mechanisms for Para-Bombay phenotypes. In this study, the FUT1 mutations that cause Para-Bombay phenotypes in Guangxi area are mainly h3, h328, and h832, among which h3 is the most common mutant.

A neural network model for constructing endophenotypes of common complex diseases: an application to male young-onset hypertension microarray data.

MOTIVATION: Identification of disease-related genes using high-throughput microarray data is more difficult for complex diseases as compared with monogenic ones. We hypothesized that an endophenotype derived from transcriptional data is associated with a set of genes corresponding to a pathway cluster. We assumed that a complex disease is associated with multiple endophenotypes and can be induced by their up/downregulated gene expression patterns. Thus, a neural network model was adopted to simulate the gene-endophenotype-disease relationship in which endophenotypes were represented by hidden nodes. RESULTS: We successfully constructed a three-endophenotype model for Taiwanese hypertensive males with high identification accuracy. Of the three endophenotypes, one is strongly protective, another is weakly protective and the third is highly correlated with developing young-onset male hypertension. Sixteen of the involved 101 genes were highly and consistently influential to the endophenotypes. Identification of SLC4A5, SLC5A10 and LDOC1 indicated that sodium/bicarbonate transport, sodium/glucose transport and cell-proliferation regulation may play important upstream roles and identification of BNIP1, APOBEC3F and LDOC1 suggested that apoptosis, innate immune response and cell-proliferation regulation may play important downstream roles in hypertension. The involved genes not only provide insights into the mechanism of hypertension but should also be considered in future gene mapping endeavors.

[Two Novel Mutations at the CD36 Gene Splicing Sites and Their Molecular Basis for the CD36 Deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To study two novel CD36 gene mutations at the CD36 splicing sites found in Guangxi population, as well as the molecular basis and population incidence of them. METHODS: DNA sequencing and cDNA clonal sequencing were used to detect CD36 exon sequence and the protein coding region sequence of CD36 mRNA for 2 CD36 deficient individuals (HHC and WGM) found in Guangxi population. Eukaryotic expression cell lines were established for the discovery of CD36 mRNA abnormal transcripts and Western blot assay was used to verify the effect of abnormal CD36 mRNA transcripts on CD36 expression. A DNA PCR-SSP genotyping method was established for the two CD36 novel mutations, and the population distribution was investigated among 110 CD36 deficient individuals in Guangxi region and 296 random individuals in Guangxi population. RESULTS: Novel mutation of c.430 -1G>C was found at the CD36 splicing site in HHC and WGM individuals, and novel mutation of c.1006 +2T>G at the CD36 splicing site was also found in the WGM individual. CD36 cDNA clonal sequencing showed that CD36 c.430 -1G>C could lead to the production of the two CD36 mRNA transcript variants: c.429_430insï¼»430-17_430-2;Cï¼½(p.Ala144fsTer1) and c.430_609del(p.Ala144_Pro203del)(GenBank:HM 217023.1); and CD36 c.1006 +2T>G could lead to the production of CD36 mRNA transcript variant of c.819_1006 del (p.Ser274GlufsTer16) (GenBank: HM217025.1). It was verified that all the three transcript variants could lead to CD36 deficiency by establishment of eukaryotic expression cell lines and Western blot assay. A study of the population incidence of two novel CD36 splicing site mutations found showed that in 110 CD36 deficient individuals and in 296 random individuals in Guangxi region, the mutation rate of CD36 c.430 -1G>C was 10.91% (12/110) and 1.35% (4/296), respectively, while CD36 c.1006 +2T>G was 2.73% (3/110) and 0 (0/296), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study identifies two novel CD36 mutations at CD36 splicing site, and preliminary clarified their molecular basis for the CD36 deficiency and the distribution characteristics in Guangxi population as well. It provides an experimental and theoretical basis for studying the molecular mechanism and characteristics of CD36 deficiency in Chinese population.

Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides promotes migration of Schwann cells via NOX4/DUOX2-dependent ROS production in rats.

Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides (ABPP), an active polypeptides isolated from the aqueous extract of Achyranthes bidentata Blume, contributes to the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves by promoting migration of Schwann cells (SCs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the ABPP-induced migration of primary cultured rat SCs. Transwell migration assays indicated that ABPP promoted SCs migration in a concentration-dependent manner by inducing production of NADPH-oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inhibition of ROS production by NOXs inhibitor apocynin (APO) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) partially blocked ABPP-mediated SCs migration. Furthermore, by using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and siRNA interference technique, we verified the participation of NOX subunit 4 (NOX4) and dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) in ABPP-induced ROS production and consequential SCs migration. Taken together, these results demonstrated that ABPP promoted SCs migration via NOX4/DUOX2-activated ROS in SCs.

17ß-Estradiol Enhances Schwann Cell Differentiation via the ERß-ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway and Promotes Remyelination in Injured Sciatic Nerves.

Remyelination is critical for nerve regeneration. However, the molecular mechanism involved in remyelination is poorly understood. To explore the roles of 17ß-estradiol (E2) for myelination in the peripheral nervous system, we used a co-culture model of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants and Schwann cells (SCs) and a regeneration model of the crushed sciatic nerves in ovariectomized (OVX) and non-ovariectomized (non-OVX) rats for in vitro and in vivo analysis. E2 promoted myelination by facilitating the differentiation of SCs in vitro, which could be inhibited by the estrogen receptors (ER) antagonist ICI182780, ERß antagonist PHTPP, or ERK1/2 antagonist PD98059. This suggests that E2 accelerates SC differentiation via the ERß-ERK1/2 signaling. Furthermore, E2 promotes remyelination in crushed sciatic nerves of both OVX and non-OVX rats. Interestingly, E2 also significantly increased the expression of the lysosome membrane proteins LAMP1 and myelin protein P0 in the regenerating nerves. Moreover, P0 has higher degree of colocalization with LAMP1 in the regenerating nerves. Taking together, our results suggest that E2 enhances Schwann cell differentiation and further myelination via the ERß-ERK1/2 signaling and that E2 increases the expression of myelin proteins and lysosomes in SCs to promotes remyelination in regenerating sciatic nerves.

[Anti-CD36 Mediated Platelet Transfusion Refractoriness and Related Cases After Stem Cell Transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the cases of platelet transfusion refractoriness after received HLA-matched unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, to analyze and identify the phenotype and genotype of CD36 in both the patient and stem cell donor, as well as the characteristic of antibody induced platelet transfusion refractoriness, and to analyse the efficacy of matched CD36-deficiency platelets transfusions. METHODS: The CD36 expression on platelet and monocyte was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM) in both patient and donor. Polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) was used to analyze the exons sequence of CD36 and HPA. Fast monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigen (F-MAIPA) and FCM were used to identify platelet antibodies in the patient. Short tandem repeat polymerase chain reaction (STR-PCR) was applied to monitor engraftment evidence. The platelet level was monitored. CD36- deficiency donor's platelets were selected from CD36- deficiency donor blood bank. RESULTS: The donor was CD36 positive and the patient was typed I CD36 deficiency. The anti-CD36 antibody was identified in patient's serum (after transplantation), while the HLA and HPA-related antibodies were excluded. Sequence analysis of CD36 exon in the patient showed Exon 6 -1G>C(Change in splicing site) homozygote, which was a novel CD36 mutation. STR, HPA and CD36 of the patient (complete chimerism) were conversed to that of donor gene types on day 18 after allo-HSCT. The positive CD36 expression on platelet and monocyte in the patient was observed on day 96 after allo-HSCT. The patient showed the platelet transfusion refractoriness which was significantly improved after platelets transfusions from CD36 deficiency donors. CONCLUSION: Stem cell transplants resulted in anti-CD36 and caused platelet transfusion refractoriness, that was first reported in China. To ensure the efficacy of platelet transfusion, the CD36-deficiency patient should receive CD36 deficiency platelets for transfusion.

Platelet Immunology in China: Research and Clinical Applications.

Immunization against human platelet alloantigens (HPAs) is associated with a number of clinical complications. The detection and identification of clinically relevant platelet antibodies are important for the diagnosis and management of patients affected with immune-mediated thrombocytopenias. Human platelet alloantigen frequencies and the characteristics of antiplatelet antibodies vary widely between ethnic groups. Since 2008, the importance of platelet immunology in the field of transfusion medicine has gained greater recognition by clinical laboratories in China. Laboratories in China have established and improved methods for platelet antibody detection and HPA genotyping techniques, which are used for the diagnosis of alloimmune platelet disorders in clinic and research environments. Research has revealed the frequencies of HPA alleles in different Chinese ethnic groups and compared the differences in HPA gene frequencies between the Chinese Han and other ethnic groups of the world. Production of anti-CD36 isoantibodies is an important risk factor for immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in the Chinese population. Advances in research and clinical application of platelet immunology have significantly improved the clinical diagnosis, treatment including transfusion support, and prevention of alloimmune platelet disorders in the Chinese population.