[Research progress of abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated tau protein and of the targeted inhibition of the phosphorylation].

Progressive dementia is described as the first and most prominent symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and hyperphosphorylation of microtubule associated Tau protein (MAPT) plays a key role in neurodegeneration and neuronal dysfunction in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This paper reviews several protein kinases and phosphatases which can phosphorylate/dephosphorylate Tau protein, and evaluates a therapeutic strategy based on targeted inhibition of Tau kinases and activation of Tau phosphatases.

[A device for measuring the burning rate of light and thin homogeneous solid under low barometric pressure and in enriched oxygen].

Oxygen enrichment of room air is an effective way to resist hypoxia at high altitude, but it may introduce a potential fire hazard. In common, the burning rate of light and thin homogeneous solid in oxygen enriched atmosphere was used to assess the fire hazard. For the purpose of measuring the burning rate of light and thin homogeneous solid in oxygen enriched atmosphere, we used the methods of laser contact ignition and direct calculation of burning rate, and invented a device that includes mixing gas system, ignition equipment, system of measuring the burning rate and self-made specimen frame. By using the homemade device, we studied the burning rate of filter paper under low pressure and in oxygen-enriched atmosphere and in that of the oxygen concentration of reached stationary burning rate. The results showed that this device was simple, and could obtain the burning rate of light and thin homogeneous solid quantitatively.

Performance Differences Between High and Low Empathy Ability in Conflicts of Interest: An ERP Study.

Objective: Empathy is negatively correlated with high levels of conflict behaviors, such as aggression. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there were still differences in the performance of high and low empathy ability under the general level of conflict. Methods: The Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI-C) was distributed to 250 undergraduate students. The subjects were classified as the high-empathy group (n = 38) and the low-empathy group (n = 37). An improved ultimatum paradigm was used to create a relatively realistic general-intensity conflict situation. A total of 29 undergraduate students (15 in the low-empathy group) were subjected to conflicting or non-conflicting proposals. Event-related potential technology was used to record the EEG of the high- and low-empathy groups during the processing of different proposal types. Results: The high-empathy group had longer response times and lower rejection rates under different proposal types compared to the low-empathy group. The low-empathy group evoked more negative MFN amplitude under conflicting proposals than under non-conflicting proposals, while the difference was not significant in the high-empathy group. The low-empathy group induced greater LPP under non-conflicting proposals than under conflicting proposals, while the difference was not significant in the high-empathy group. Conclusion: High-empathy individuals showed more altruistic behaviors, and fewer conflict tendencies compared to low-empathy individuals. Low-empathy individuals had greater negative evaluations of conflicting offers, while high-empathy individuals weakened their negative evaluations of conflicting proposals because of their relatively high empathy. Compared to high-empathy individuals, low-empathy individuals showed stronger motivation to converge on non-conflicting proposals.

Distract or Reappraise? The Mechanism of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Choice and Its Influential Factors.

Previous research on emotion regulation has focused more on the regulation effects corresponding to a particular emotion regulation strategy, yet the same regulation strategy may produce different regulation effects in different contexts. Similarly, one regulation strategy may not be applicable to all situations. Emotion regulation choice refers to the process by which individuals choose different regulation strategies in different contexts. Executive control and the level of engagement-disengagement considerations are the cognitive mechanisms of emotion regulation choice, while the neural mechanisms of emotion regulation choice still need to be explored more directly and deeply. Studies have found that affective, cognitive, and motivational factors have different degrees of influence on emotion regulation choice. However, there is still a lack of a reliable framework to systematically investigate the relationship between these influences and the outcome of their combined effect on emotion regulation choices. Future research needs to further explore the neurophysiological basis of emotion regulation choice by using different techniques and constructing a complete model based on multiple factors to more accurately grasp the dynamic process of emotion regulation choice.

Luteolin protects against reactive oxygen species-mediated cell death induced by zinc toxicity via the PI3K-Akt-NF-κB-ERK-dependent pathway.

Zinc ion elevation contributes to acute excitotoxic brain injury and correlates with the severity of dementia in chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Downstream control of zinc-triggered signals is believed to be an efficient countermeasure. In the current study, we examined whether the flavonoid luteolin (Lu) could protect human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against zinc toxicity. We found that Lu suppressed overproduction of reactive oxygen species and protected against apoptotic cell death induced by zinc. By using specific inhibitors, we found that zinc strongly triggered Akt and ERK1/2 activation via a PI3K-Akt-NF-κB-ERK1/2-dependent pathway. Furthermore, Lu completely blocked this activation. Our study strongly supports the hypothesis that Lu might protect SH-SY5Y cells against ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death induced by zinc in part by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt-NF-κB-ERKs pathway.

[Research on the association between glutathione S-transferase P1 genic polymorphism and heart rate and blood pressure].

Oxidative stress may reduce cardiovascular function. Glutathione Stransferases(GSTs) play an important role in cell defending against oxidative stress. Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene is one of the most intensively investigated glutathione S-transferase genes in epidemiologic studies. The GSTP1 gene displays a polymorphism at codon 105 (Ile105 Val), which results in an enzyme with altered substrate affinity. To date, there have been few studies evaluating whether Ilel05Val polymorphism of GSTP1 gene has an effect on cardiovascular function in the broad masses of people. In this study, we investigated the relationship between Ile105 Val polymorphism of GSTP1 gene and heart rate and blood pressure in 197 unrelated adult males of Han nationality. It was found that there were two types of the GSTP1 genotypes, Ile105/Ile105 and Ile105/Val105, but genotype Val105/Val105 was not found, and the frequencies of IleIes/Ileos and Ile105/Val105 genotypes were 78% and 22% respectively. Comparison with individuals with lie105/Val105 genotype showed that those with Ile105/Ile105 genotype had higher rest heart rate and maximal heart rate mean values. However, whether for rest heart rate and maximal heart rate or for heart rate reserve, no significant differences were found between the two genotype groups (P>0.05). Compared with individuals with Ile105/Val105 genotype, those with Iler105/Ile105 genotype had higher systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure mean values and lower diastolic blood pressure mean value. However, for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, no significant differences were found between the two genotype groups (P>0.05). The results suggested that Ile105 Val polymorphism of GSTP1 gene may not be associated with heart rate and blood pressure in the broad masses of people.

[Newest research progress in hypoxia genetic adaptation to high altitude].

The genetic adaptation of Plateau residents to hypoxia of low-pressure has been the hot spot for study. In terms of physiology, the adaptation involves the regulation responses of blood vessels, the changes in blood cells, antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism, as well as the hypoxia-induced changes in nuclear transcription. Physiological adaptation is heritable, so people who have already adapted themselves to high altitude are bound to be different, in regard to gene level, from the crowd who have not yet adapted themselves to high altitude environment. For this reason, researchers have studied a great deal of gene related-enzymes, the receptors, polypeptide, as well as transcription factors in body, and they found a number of the DNA polymorphism sites in the people who have adapted themsevles to high altitude being different from those in the people who do not get acclimatized. In this paper is reviewed the newest advance in research of these gene polymorphisms. The data could serve as references for further study of hypoxia genetic adaptation to high altitude.

[Comparison of visual evoked related potentials in healthy young adults of different COMT genotypes by using a 3-back paradigm during a continuous mental arithmetic task].

To explore the change of numerical working memory ability in healthy young adults, continuous mental arithmetic task were performed for 3 hours and a numerical working memory paradigm was determined at 5 min intervals according to different COMT genotypes of young adults. Twenty subjects of different genotypes were chosen from 115 healthy young adults, P3 event-related potentials was utilized to observe the relationship between this COMT polymorphism and cortical physiology in a continuous working memory task. The results demonstrate that subjects bearing the Val/Val homozygote have significantly higher mean P3 amplitudes than Val/Met heterozygote (P<0.01), however, insignificant differences in comparison to Met/Met homozygote. Mean P3 amplitudes tended to sharply increase among different genotype subjects are observe in different Blocks. We suggest that numerical working memory ability was associated with P3 amplitude evoked from centro-parietal area of brain, which indicate the degree of influence of task on different subjects.

Heme oxygenase-carbon monoxide pathway is involved in regulation of respiration in medullary slice of neonatal rats.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a novel biological messenger molecule. It is well known that CO can be synthesized in mammalian cells. In addition, CO is also demonstrated to participate in many physiological processes, such as vasomotion, thermoregulation and respiratory regulation. The purpose of our present study was to investigate the role of heme oxygenase-carbon monoxide (HO-CO) pathway in central regulation of respiration. The experiments were carried out on the medullary slices of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats. The discharge activity of the hypoglossal rootlets was recorded to indicate the central rhythmic respiratory activity and its duration (DD), interval (DI), frequency (DF) and integrated amplitude (IA) were analyzed. The slices were perfused with ZnPP-9 (a potent inhibitor of heme oxygenase), CO and hemin (substrate of heme oxygenase), respectively, to observe their effects on respiratory activity. The results obtained were as follows: ZnPP-9 could decrease DD, DI and IA, and increase DF (P<0.05); exogenous CO caused a decrease in DD and DF, and an increase in DI and IA (P<0.05); in response to hemin, DI and IA decreased, DF increased (P<0.05), and DD did not change significantly (P>0.05); administration of both ZnPP-9 and hemin could decrease DI, and increase DF (P<0.05), but did not affect DD and IA significantly (P>0.05). It can be concluded from the results above that the HO-CO pathway may be involved in the regulation of rhythmic respiration at the level of medulla oblongata.

[Association of polymorphisms of 1772 (C-->T) and 1790 (G-->A) in HIF1A gene with hypoxia adaptation in high altitude in Sherpas].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 1772 (C-->T) and 1790 (G-->A) in exon 12 of hypoxia-inducible factor 1, alpha subunit gene (HIF1A) with hypoxia adaptation in high altitude in Sherpas. METHODS: The blood samples were chosen from 148 Sherpas in Tibet high altitude and 90 Han nationality healthy people in Guangdong province, and from which genomic DNA was extracted. The single nucleotide polymorphisms of 1772(C-->T) and 1790(G-->A) in exon 12 of HIF1A gene were examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). RESULTS: The genotype frequency of HIF1A gene 1790 (G-->A) in Sherpas and Han nationality was 57.43% versus 75.56% in GG genotype, 37.84% versus 21.11% in GA genotype and 4.73% versus 3.33% in AA genotype. GG genotype frequency in Sherpas was lower than that in Han nationality (P<0.01), while GA genotype frequency in Sherpas was higher than that in Han nationality (P<0.01). No significant difference in CC, CT and TT genotype frequency of 1772(C-->T) was shown between two groups respectively. The total frequency of CC + GA, CT + AA, TT + GA and TT + AA in Sherpas was higher than that in Han nationality. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of HIF1A gene 1790 (G-->A) are associated with hypoxia adaptation in high altitude in Sherpas. GA and AA genotype may be benefit to hypoxia adaptation, and it is worthy of deep-going investigation.

[Role of sGC-cGMP pathway in CO-mediated regulation of respiratory rhythm].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the role of soluble guanylyl cyclase-cyclic guanine monophosphate (sGC-cGMP) pathway in the carbon monoxide (CO) mediating regulation of respiratory rhythm from the medulla oblongata. METHODS: Medullary slices of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared for the experiment. The electrophysiological experiment comprised 5 groups (each with 8 slices), each of which were perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF control group), CO (exogenous CO group), 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (a specific inhibitor of sGC, ODQ group), ODQ+CO (ODQ+CO group), and dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle of ODQ, DMSO group), respectively. The burst frequency (BF) of hypoglossal rootlets was recorded as an index of rhythmic respiratory activity. Radioimmunoassay was employed to determine cGMP levels of the medullary slices of the ACSF control group, exogenous CO group, ODQ group and ODQ+CO group (n=6/ group). RESULTS: The exogenous CO decreased the BF (P < 0.05) and increased the cGMP level (P < 0.05). The ODQ increased the BF (P < 0.05) and decreased the cGMP level (P < 0.05). No significant changes were found in the BF and cGMP levels when CO and ODQ applied simultaneously (P > 0.05), but the BF increased (P < 0.05) after the drug perfusion ended. CONCLUSION: sGC-cGMP pathway may play an important role in the CO mediated regulation of respiratory rhythm from the medulla oblongata.

[Relationship between adaptation to high altitude hypoxia environment and glucose transport 1 gene polymorphism].

This investigation was conducted to explore the relationship between the polymorphism of gene of glucose transport 1(GLUT1) and the human body adaptation to high altitude hypoxia environment. The data on glucose transport 1 gene polymorphism in Tibetan mountaineers (high altitude group) were analyzed and compared with the data from the level-land Guangdong Hans (control group). The genotype of 86 Tibetan mountaineers and 90 level-land Hans as controls were tested with polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for GLUT1 gene. The results showed that, in the high altitude mountaineer group, the frequencies of +22999 locus genotypes GG, GT and TT were 44.2%, 46.5% and 9.3% respectively, and such frequencies in the control group were 66.7%, 31.1% and 2.2% respectively. The frequencies of + 22999 polymorphic genotypes and alleles showed statistically significant difference between the high altitude group and the control group (P<0.05). Genetic single nucleotide polymorphism in GLUT1 G+22999T may be associated with the adaptation to high altitude hypoxia.

[Association between polymorphisms of HIF-1alpha C1772T and G1790A and hypoxic acclimation in high altitude in Tibetans].

In this study the blood sample was collected from eighty-six athletes in Tibetan mountaining team and Tibetan mountaining sports school and ninety healthy Han nationality people in Guangdong province, and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocyte. The allele frequency distribution and the genotypes combination distribution of hypoxia-inducible factor-la gene (HIF-1alpha)exonl2 C1772T and G1790A were examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR (PCR-RFLP) in order to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HIF-1alpha C1772T and G1790A with hypoxic acclimation in high altitude in Tibetans. The results indicated that the genotype frequency of HIF-1alpha C1772T in Tibetan and in Han nationality was 13.95% versus 16.67% in genotype CC, 38.37% versus 41.11% in genotype CT and 47.68% versus 42.22% in genotype TT. No significant difference in CC, CT and TT genotype frequency of HIF-1alphaC1772T was shown between Tibetans and Han nationality respectively, while GA genotype frequency of HIF-la G1790A in Tibetans was higher than that in Han nationality. The GA genotype of HIF-1alpha G1790A may be involved in the hypoxic acclimation of high altitude , and it is worth of deep-going investigation.

[An association study between the insertion/deletion polymorphism of angiotensin I converting enzyme gene and human speed endurance].

This study was conducted to research the association between the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene and human speed endurance. Fourty subjects of Han nationality, healthy, with similar sports history were included. The I/D polymorphism of ACE gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The score of 800m run and the concentrations of the whole blood lactic acid were mensurated. Cluster analysis of the grade was made according to the result of cluster analysis. The subjects were divided into two groups: high speed endurance group and low speed endurance group. We found that both the distributions of the ACE genotypes and the distributions of the ACE alleles there were no significant difference between high speed endurance group and low speed endurance group (P > 0.05); Whether at rest state, or after 800m run or the difference value between rest and after 800m run,the concentrations of the whole blood lactic acid did not exist significant difference among three kinds of genotypes groups (P > 0.05). There was on association with I/D polymorphism of ACE gene and human speed endurance.

[Quantitative detection of GSTP1 gene sin the lung tissue of hypobaric hypoxia modeling rats].

We have investigated the susceptibility of rat lung's GSTP1 gene to hypobaric hypoxia and explored its role in the body's possible adaptation mechanism at the moleuclar lever. Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups(0,1,3,5 and 7 d) and were exposed for 12 h per day at a simulating altitude of 7000 +/- 50 m in a hypobaric hypoxia chamber with 1 h's rest after 6 h's exposure. Then the expression of GSTP1 mRNA in the lung tissue of SD rats was examined using fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. Meanwhile the activity of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzyme and the change of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) in the lung tissue of SD rats were determined using spectrophotometer. In comparison with the non-exposure group,the expression of GSTP1 gene showed statistically significant differnce from the first to the seventh day (P<0.05). The level of GSTs decreased and MDA increased from the first to the seventh day (P<0.05). In conclusion, GSTP1 gene is susceptible to hypobaric hypoxia and may be a new marker of gene screening for the body's adaptation to special environment.

[Effects of electric stimulation on circadian rhythm of plasma cortisone in soldiers].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electric stimulation on the circadian rhythm of plasma cortisone in soldiers. METHODS: Electric stimulation or phototherapy was respectively performed in the popliteal region (behind the knee) of the soldiers at different time points and radio immunal assay was utilized to examine the plasma cortisone concentration. RESULTS: The plasma cortisone concentration exhibited obvious circadian rhythmicity. At the 3 time points before the lowest core temperature occurred, treatments with electric stimulation or phototherapy resulted in delayed phase of circadian cortisone rhythm, while the same treatments given at the 3 time points after the lowest core temperature caused earlier arrival of the phase. No changes in the rhythm phase in response to treatments at other time points. CONCLUSION: Both of electric stimulation and phototherapy can adjust the phase of the cortisol circadian rhythmicity, and the phase curve displayed photic response to the treatments.

[An analysis system of physical training workload based on Polar Sports Tester].

The polar sports tester made in Finland as one of the most widespread instruments in physical training is of importance for sports training. In this paper, we have developed a set of system for analysis of physical training workload using the measured data of the Polar Sports Tester, and have established a set of analysis indices and reports of the physical training workload, including five categories and 127 quantitative indices. It can reflect the distribution of physical workload and provide a series of parameters for coaches to direct scientific training and raise sport level.

[Fuzzy control of the physical training intensity based on neural-network].

Using computer technique, artificial neural network and fuzzy control theory, we have explored a real-time control method for the athlete's physical workload intensity in order that the goal of physical training can be reached effectively in accordance to the exercise plan. The technique could be useful for improving the efficiency of scientific physical training.

[The effects of electrostimulation upon soldier's circadian of melatonin in plasma].

Physiological and behavioral rhythms are governed by an endogenous circadian clock. In this paper are reported the studies on soldier's circadian of melatonin concentrations by means of electricity and light pulses presented to the popliteal region (behind the knee). The results showed that the phase of melatonin concentrations can be regulated by both the electricity pulses and the light pulses. A systematic relation was found between the timing of the electro-stimulating and the magnitude and direction of phase shifts, resulting in the generation of a phase response curve. The phase response curve displayed photic model. These findings have implications for the development of more effective treatments for sleep and circadian rhythm disorders.

GSTM1 polymorphism modifies the effect of smoking on calcaneal quantitative ultrasound in young men.

Evidence suggests that smoking adversely affects bones. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are important in the detoxification of tobacco smoke compounds. This study investigated the influence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms on the effects on bone induced by tobacco smoking in young men. In total, 231 Chinese men aged 20-39 years were assessed by a cross-sectional study. Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) was measured. Smoking information was obtained using a questionnaire. Genotypes were determined for null alleles of GSTM1 and GSTT1. Smoking was inversely associated with speed of sound (SOS) and bone quality index (BQI) among subjects with GSTM1 null genotype (ß = -0.28, 95% CI, -34.01 to -8.65 and ß = -0.30, 95% CI, -16.41 to -4.49, respectively), but not among those with the allele present (ß = -0.02, 95% CI, -15.01 to 12.59 and ß = -0.09, 95% CI, -8.75 to 3.02, respectively). P for interaction = 0.04 for SOS and 0.08 for BQI. No interaction was found between the GSTT1 polymorphism and smoking. The results showed that GSTM1 deficiency may increase the adverse effect of smoking on calcaneal QUS in young men, suggesting an interaction between metabolic genes and tobacco smoke in bone detoxification.