The regulation of hypoxic response elements on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） gene transfected to primary cultured rat skeletal myoblasts under hypoxic environment was investigated. pEGF...The regulation of hypoxic response elements on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） gene transfected to primary cultured rat skeletal myoblasts under hypoxic environment was investigated. pEGFP-C3-9HRE-CMV-VEGF vector was constructed with molecular biology technique and transfected to primary cultured rat skeletal myoblasts by lipofectamine in vitro. Gene expression of transfected myoblasts was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot and fluorescence microscope under different oxygen concentrations and different hypoxia time. The results showed that in hypoxia group, the VEGF gene bands were seen and with the decrease of oxygen concentrations and prolongation of hypoxia time, the expression of VEGF mRNA was obviously increased. Under hypoxic environment, the expression of VEGF protein in the transfected myoblasts was significantly increased. EGFP was expressed only under hypoxic environment but not under normoxic environment. It was concluded that hypoxia promoter could be constructed with HRE and regulate the expression of VEGF gene under hypoxic and normoxic environment, which could enhance the re- liability of gene therapy.展开更多
Aim： To characterize the matrix metalloproteinases （MMP）-2 promoter and to identify androgen response elements （AREs） involved in androgen-induced MMP-2 expression. Methods： MMP-2 mRNA levels was determined by r...Aim： To characterize the matrix metalloproteinases （MMP）-2 promoter and to identify androgen response elements （AREs） involved in androgen-induced MMP-2 expression. Methods： MMP-2 mRNA levels was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. MMP-2 promoter-driven luciferase assays were used to determine the fragments responsible for androgen-induced activity. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assays （EMSA） were used to verify the identified AREs in the MMP-2 promoter. Results： Androgen significantly induced MMP-2 expression at the mRNA level, which was blocked by the androgen antagonist bicalutamide. Deletion of a region encompassing base pairs -1591 to -1259 （relative to the start codon） of the MMP-2 promoter led to a significant loss of androgen-induced reporter activity. Additional deletion of the 5＇-region up to -562 bp further reduced the androgen-induced MMP-2 promoter activity. Sequence analysis of these two regions revealed two putative ARE motifs. Introducing mutations in the putative ARE motifs by site-directed mutagenesis approach resulted in a dramatic loss of androgen-induced MMP-2 promoter activity, indicating that the putative ARE motifs are required for androgen-stimulated MMP-2 expression. Most importantly, the androgen receptor （AR） interacted with both motif-containing promoter regions in vivo in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay after androgen treatment. Furthermore, the AR specifically bound to the wild-type but not mutated ARE motifs-containing probes in an in vitro EMSA assay. Conclusion： Two ARE motifs were identified to be responsible for androgen-induced MMP-2 expression in prostate cancer cells.展开更多
Background Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma （PPARγ） is a kind of ligand-activated transcription factors binding to peroxisome proliferator response element （PPRE）, a specific recognition site. It ...Background Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma （PPARγ） is a kind of ligand-activated transcription factors binding to peroxisome proliferator response element （PPRE）, a specific recognition site. It is thought to play a critical role in glucose and lipid metabolism and in inflammation control. The aim of this study was to establish a new cellular model for the quick screening of lipid-lowering drugs, which may be effective as PPAR-γ ligands on the PPRE-mediated pathway regulatory system. Methods Two plasmids were constructed： pXOE-PPARγ, in which the human PPARγ gene was in the downstream of TF Ⅲ A gene promoter, and pLXRN-PPRE-d2EGFP, in which the enhanced green fluorescent protein （EGFP） gene was subcloned into PPRE. The xenopus oocytes were injected with these two plamids, and consequently treated with prostaglandin E1, pioglitazone, and different kinds of lipid-lowering drugs. After 3 days, the oocytes were observed under a fluorescence microscope. To confirm the drug action,we injected pXOE- PPARγ plasmid into the oocytes, which then treated with prostaglandin E1 and Hawthorn flavonoids. The mass of expressed lipoprotein lipase （LPL） in the cells was determined by enzyme labeling linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results The expression of EGFP was only induced by prostagalandin E1, pioglitazone, Hawthorn flavonoids. A concentration-response relationship was seen between expressed EGFP and Hawthorn flawonids. The levels of LPL in both Hawthorn flaworvoids groups and PPARγ ligand prostagalandin E1 group injected with pXOE-PPARγ plamid increased significantly （ P 〈 0. 001 ） compared with controls, and a cocentration-response relationship was observed between LPL mass and Hawthorn flavonoids. Conclusions It is possible to establish a PPRE regulatory EGFP reporter system in xenopus oocytes to monitor the activity of PPARγ ligand. Hawthorn flavonoids can in increase the expression of gene downsteam of PPRE by effect on the PPRE pathway regulatory system.展开更多
AIM: To study the contribution of tonicity response element binding protein(Ton EBP) in retinal ganglion cell(RGC) death of diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 mice by five consecutive in...AIM: To study the contribution of tonicity response element binding protein(Ton EBP) in retinal ganglion cell(RGC) death of diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 mice by five consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin(STZ). Control mice received vehicle(phosphate-buffered saline). All mice were killed 2mo after injections, and the extent of cell death and the protein expression levels of Ton EBP and aldose reductase(AR) were examined.RESULTS: The Ton EBP and AR protein levels and the death of RGC were significantly increased in the retinas of diabetic mice compared with controls 2mo after the induction of diabetes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)-mediated d UTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)-positive signals co-localized with Ton EBP immunoreactive RGC. These changes were increased in the diabetic retinas compared with controls.CONCLUSION: The present data show that AR and Ton EBP are upregulated in the DR and Ton EBP may contribute to apoptosis of RGC in the DR.展开更多
At 8 weeks after intragastric administration of icariin to senescence-accelerated mice （P8 strain）, Morris water maze results showed that escape latency was shortened, and the number of platform crossings was increa...At 8 weeks after intragastric administration of icariin to senescence-accelerated mice （P8 strain）, Morris water maze results showed that escape latency was shortened, and the number of platform crossings was increased. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay detected significantly increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein These results suggest that icariin upregulates phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein levels and improves learning and memory functions in hippocampus of the senescence-accelerated mouse.展开更多
BACKGROUND： cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB） is a key modulator of various signaling pathways. CREB activation initiates a series of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival. OBJE...BACKGROUND： cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB） is a key modulator of various signaling pathways. CREB activation initiates a series of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the regulatory effects of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） on cerebral neuronal CREB expression following ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An immunohistochemical detection experiment was performed at the Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, between October 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS： A total of 60 healthy, adult, Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operated （n =12）, ischemia/reperfusion （n = 24）, and bFGF-treated （n = 24）. Rabbit anti-rat CREB （1： 100） and biotin labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG were purchased from the Wuhan Boster Company, China. MetaMorph-evolution MP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system was provided by China Medical University, China. METHODS： Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were developed using the suture method for right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Two-hour ischemia was followed by reperfusion. Rats from the bFGF-treated and ischemia/reperfusion groups were intraperitoneally administered endogenous bFGF （500 IU/mL, 2 000 IU/kg） or an equal amount of physiological saline. Rats from the sham-operated group underwent a similar surgical procedure, without induction of ischemia/reperfusion injury and drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After 48-hour reperfusion, hippocampal and parietal cortical neuronal CREB expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the absorbance of hippocampal CREB-positive products was determined using MetaMorph-evolutionMP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system. RESULTS： The sham-operated group exhibited noticeable CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, the CREB expression was discrete and neurons were poorly arranged. The bFGF-treated group exhibited increased CREB expression and better neuronal arrangement compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group. The mean absorbance of CREB-immunoreactive products in the hippocampus and parietal cortex was significantly higher in the ischemia/reperfusion group than in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）, and significantly higher in the bFGF-treated group than in the ischemia/reperfusion group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： bFGF significantly upregulates CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons following ischemia/reperfusion injury.展开更多
The colloidal properties of biogenic elemental sulfur（S^0）cause solid–liquid separation problems,such as poor settling and membrane fouling.In this study,the separation of S^0 from bulk liquids was performed using ...The colloidal properties of biogenic elemental sulfur（S^0）cause solid–liquid separation problems,such as poor settling and membrane fouling.In this study,the separation of S^0 from bulk liquids was performed using flocculation.Polyaluminum chloride（PAC）,polyacrylamide（PAM）and microbial flocculant（MBF）were compared to investigate their abilities to flocculate S^0 produced during the treatment of sulfate-containing wastewater.A novel approach with response surface methodology（RSM）was employed to evaluate the effects and interactions of flocculant dose,pH and stirring intensity,on the treatment efficiency in terms of the S^0 flocculation and the supernatant turbidity removal.The dose optimization results indicated that the S^0 flocculation efficiency decreased in the following order PAC〉MBF〉PAM.Optimum S^0 flocculation conditions were observed at pH 4.73,a stirring speed of 129 r/min and a flocculant dose of 2.42 mg PAC/mg S.During optimum flocculation conditions,the S^0f locculation rate reached 97.53%.Confirmation experiments demonstrated that employing PAC for S^0 flocculation is feasible and RSM is an efficient approach for optimizing the process of S^0 flocculation.The results provide basic parameters and conditions for recovering sulfur during the treatment of sulfate-laden wastewaters.展开更多
A dynamic finite element method combined with finite element mixed formula for contact problem is used to analyze the dynamic characteristics of gear system. Considering the stiffness excitation, error excitation and ...A dynamic finite element method combined with finite element mixed formula for contact problem is used to analyze the dynamic characteristics of gear system. Considering the stiffness excitation, error excitation and meshing shock excitation, the dynamic finite element model is established for the entire gear system which includes gears, shafts, bearings and gearbox housing. By the software of I-DEAS, the natural frequency, normal mode, dynamic time-domain response, frequency-domain response and one-third octave velocity grade structure borne noise of gear system are studied by the method of theoretical modal analysis and dynamic response analysis. The maximum values of vibration and structure borne noise are occurred at the mesh frequency of output grade gearing.展开更多
The micro-mechanical response of asphalt mixtures was studied using the discrete element method. The discrete element sample of stone mastic asphalt was generated first and the vehicle load was applied to the sample. ...The micro-mechanical response of asphalt mixtures was studied using the discrete element method. The discrete element sample of stone mastic asphalt was generated first and the vehicle load was applied to the sample. A user-written program was coded with the FISH language in PFC3 D to extract the contact forces within the sample and the displacements of the particles. Then, the contact forces within the whole sample, in asphalt mastic, in coarse aggregates and between asphalt mastic and coarse aggregates were investigated. Finally, the movement of the particles in the sample was analyzed. The sample was divided into 15 areas and a figure was drawn to show how the balls move in each area according to the displacements of the balls in each area. The displacements of asphalt mastic balls and coarse aggregates were also analyzed. The experimental results explain how the asphalt mixture bears vehicle load and the potential reasons why the rutting forms from a micro-mechanical view.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Neuronal necrosis and apoptosis play important roles in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and resulting cognitive impairment. However, inhibition of neuronal necrosis and apoptosis has been shown t...BACKGROUND： Neuronal necrosis and apoptosis play important roles in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and resulting cognitive impairment. However, inhibition of neuronal necrosis and apoptosis has been shown to attenuate cognitive impairment following cerebral ischemia. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of sevoflurane on cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein （CREB）, phosphorylated CREB （pCREB）, and Livin expression in the cortex and hippocampus of a rat model of vascular cognitive impairment.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed in the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology between June 2007 and July 2008.MATERIALS： Sevoflurane was provided by Abbott Laboratory, UK; Morris water maze was provided by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; goat anti-rat CREB, goat anti-rat pCREB and goat anti-rat Livin antibodies were provided by Biosource International, USA. METHODS： A total of 42 female, Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups： sham operation, vascular cognitive impairment, and sevoflurane treatment. The vascular cognitive impairment rat model was established by permanent bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries, and 1.0 MAC sevoflurane was immediately administered by inhalation for 2 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression was measured in the cortex and hippocampus by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Behavior was evaluated with Morris water maze. RESULTS： CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression in the sevoflurane treatment group was significantly greater than the vascular cognitive impairment group （P 〈 0.01）. However, expression of CREB and pCREB was significantly less in the sevoflurane treatment and vascular cognitive impairment groups, compared with the sham operation group （P 〈 0.01）. Livin expression in the sevoflurane treatment and vascular cognitive impairment groups was significantly greater than the sham operation group （P 〈 0.01）. Learning, memory, and behavior disorders were observed in the vascular cognitive impairment group. Sevoflurane treatment significantly improved these observed disorders. CONCLUSION： Sevoflurane improved cognitive impairment due to permanent bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries. Improved function was associated with increased CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression in the cortex and hippocampus.展开更多
Objective:Gastric cancer(GC)is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide.Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy.Long...Objective:Gastric cancer(GC)is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide.Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy.Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)and their downstream regulators are regarded to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of malignancies.Studies have shown that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4(SNHG4)serves as a tumor promoter in various malignancies,while its function in GC has yet to be characterized.Therefore,our study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SNHG4 in GC.Methods:We used qRT-PCR to analyze SNHG4 expression in GC tissues and cells.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the correlation between SNHG4 expression and the survival rate of GC patients.Cellular function experiments such as CCK-8,BrdU,colony formation,flow cytometry analysis,and transwell were performed to explore the effects of SNHG4 on GC cell proliferation,apoptosis,cell cycle,migration,and invasion.We also established xenograft mouse models to explore the effect of SNHG4 on GC tumor growth.Mechanically,dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between SNHG4 and miR-409-3p and between miR-409-3p and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1(CREB1).Results:The results indicated that SNHG4 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines,and was linked with poor survival rate of GC patients.SNHG4 promoted GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion while inhibiting cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro.The in vivo experiment indicated that SNHG4 facilitated GC tumor growth.Furthermore,SNHG4 was demonstrated to bind to miR-409-3p.Moreover,CREB1 was directly targeted by miR-409-3p.Rescue assays demonstrated that miR-409-3p deficiency reversed the suppressive impact of SNHG4 knockdown on GC cell malignancy.Additionally,miR-409-3p was also revealed to inhibit GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by targeting CREB1.Conclusion:In conclusion,we verified that the SNHG4 promoted GC growth and metastasis by binding to miR-409-3p to upregulate CREB1,which may deepen the understanding of the underlying mechanism in GC development.展开更多
Objective To explore the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）/cAMP response element binding protein （CREB） pathway in the induction of long-term potentiation （LTP） in the anterior cingulate co...Objective To explore the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）/cAMP response element binding protein （CREB） pathway in the induction of long-term potentiation （LTP） in the anterior cingulate cortex （ACC） that may be implicated in pain-related negative emotion. Methods LTP of field potential was recorded in ACC slice and the expressions of phospho-ERK （pERK） and phospho-CREB （pCREB） were examined using immunohistochemistry method. Results LTP could be induced stably in ACC slice by high frequency stimulation （2-train, 100 Hz, 1 s）, while APv （an antagonist of NMDA receptor） could block the induction of LTP in the ACC, indicating that LTP in this experiment was NMDA receptor-dependent. Bath application of PD98059 （50 μmol/L）, a selective MEK inhibitor, at 30 min before tetanic stimulation could completely block the induction of LTP. Moreover, the protein level of pERK in the ACC was transiently increased after LTP induction, starting at 5 rain and returning to basal at 1 h after tetanic stimulation. The protein level of pCREB was also increased after LTP induction. The up-regulation in pERK and pCREB expressions could be blocked by pretreatment of PD98059. Double immunostaining showed that after LTP induction, most pERK was co-localized with pCREB. Conclusion NMDA receptor and ERK-CREB pathway are necessary for the induction of LTP in rat ACC and may play important roles in pain emotion.展开更多
The HIV-1 LTR controls the expression of HIV-1 viral genes and thus is critical for viral propagation and pathology. Numerous host factors have been shown to participate in the regulation of the LTR promoter. Among th...The HIV-1 LTR controls the expression of HIV-1 viral genes and thus is critical for viral propagation and pathology. Numerous host factors have been shown to participate in the regulation of the LTR promoter. Among them is the thyroid hormone (T3) receptor (TR). TR has been shown to bind to the critical region of the promoter that contain the NFbB and Sp1 binding sites. Interestingly, earlier transient transfection studies in tissue culture cells have yielded contradicting conclusions on the role of TR in LTR regulation, likely due to the use of different cell types and/or lack of proper chromatin organization. Here, using the frog oocyte as a model system that allows replication-coupled chromatin assembly, mimicking that in somatic cells, we demonstrate that unliganded heterodimers of TR and RXR (9-cis retinoic acid receptor) repress LTR while the addition of T3 relieves the repression and further activates the promoter. More importantly, we show that chromatin and unliganded TR/RXR synergize to repress the promoter in a histone deacetylase-dependent manner.展开更多
The copper-regulated gene expression system has been developed to control spacial and temporal expression of transgene in plant. It comprises two parts: (1) ace I gene encoding copper-responsive transcription factor u...The copper-regulated gene expression system has been developed to control spacial and temporal expression of transgene in plant. It comprises two parts: (1) ace I gene encoding copper-responsive transcription factor under the control of a constitutive or organ-specific promoter, and (2) a gene of interest under the control of a chimeric promoter consisting of the CaMV 35S (-90 to +8) promoter linked to the metal responsive element (MRE) carrying activating copper-metallothionein expression (ACE1)-binding sites. Here, the effectiveness of two different ACE1-binding cis -elements which derive from 5'-regulatory region of yeast metallothionein gene was investigated in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. W38). The results revealed that the MRE (-210 to -126) could increase the system inducibility by 50% - 100% compared with the previously reported MRE (-148 to -105). It is potential to use the copper-inducible system to control valuable gene traits in plant biotechnology.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on regulation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)-antiox-idant response element (ARE) pathway in liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS...AIM: To investigate the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on regulation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)-antiox-idant response element (ARE) pathway in liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS: Rats were divided randomly into four ex-perimental groups: control, SFN control, intestinal I/R and SFN pretreatment groups (n = 8 in each group). The intestinal I/R model was established by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 h and 2 h reperfu-sion. In the SFN pretreatment group, surgery was performed as in the intestinal I/R group, with intraperitoneal administration of 3 mg/kg SFN 1 h before the op-eration. Intestine and liver histology was investigated. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Liver tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were assayed. The liver transcription factor Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were determined by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting analysis.RESULTS: Intestinal I/R induced intestinal and liver injury, characterized by histological changes as well as a signif icant increase in serum AST and ALT levels (AST: 260.13 ± 40.17 U/L vs 186.00 ± 24.21 U/L, P < 0.01; ALT: 139.63 ± 11.35 U/L vs 48.38 ± 10.73 U/L, P < 0.01), all of which were reduced by pretreatment with SFN, respectively (AST: 260.13 ± 40.17 U/L vs 216.63 ± 22.65 U/L, P < 0.05; ALT: 139.63 ± 11.35 U/L vs 97.63 ± 15.56 U/L, P < 0.01). The activity of SOD in the liver tissue decreased after intestinal I/R (P < 0.01), which was enhanced by SFN pretreatment (P < 0.05). In ad-dition, compared with the control group, SFN markedly reduced liver tissue MPO activity (P < 0.05) and elevat-ed liver tissue GSH and GSH-Px activity (P < 0.05, P < 0.05), which was in parallel with the increased level of liver Nrf2 and HO-1 expression.CONCLUSION: SFN pretreatment attenuates liver injury induced by intestinal I/R in rats, attributable to the antioxidant effect through Nrf2-ARE pathway.展开更多
Electroacupuncture improves depressive behavior faster and with fewer adverse effects than antidepressant medication. However, the antidepressant mechanism of electroacupuncture remains poorly understood. Here, we est...Electroacupuncture improves depressive behavior faster and with fewer adverse effects than antidepressant medication. However, the antidepressant mechanism of electroacupuncture remains poorly understood. Here, we established a rat model of chronic unpredicted mild stress, and then treated these rats with electroacupuncture at Yintang （EX-HN3） and Baihui （DU20） with sparse waves at 2 Hz and 0.6 mA for 30 minutes, once a day. We found increased horizontal and vertical activity, and decreased immobility time, at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Moreover, levels of neurotransmitters （5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, and y-aminobutyric acid） and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-related proteins （TrkB, protein kinase A, and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein） were increased in the hippocampus. Similarly, protein kinase A and TrkB mRNA levels were increased, and calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase lI levels decreased. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture increases phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels by regulating multiple targets in the cyclic adenosine rnonophosphate response element binding protein signal- ing pathway, thereby promoting nerve regeneration, and exerting an antidepressive effect.展开更多
Taurochenodeoxycholic acid(TCDCA)is one of the main effective components of bile acid,playing critical roles in apoptosis and immune responses through the TGR5 receptor.In this study,we reveal the interaction between ...Taurochenodeoxycholic acid(TCDCA)is one of the main effective components of bile acid,playing critical roles in apoptosis and immune responses through the TGR5 receptor.In this study,we reveal the interaction between TCDCA and TGR5 receptor in TGR5-knockdown H1299 cells and the regulation of inflammation via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-protein kinase A(PKA)-cAMP response element binding(CREB)signal pathway in NR8383 macrophages.In TGR5-knockdown H1299 cells,TCDCA significantly activated cAMP level via TGR5 receptor,indicating TCDCA can bind to TGR5;in NR8383 macrophages TCDCA increased cAMP content compared to treatment with the adenylate cyclase(AC)inhibitor SQ22536.Moreover,activated cAMP can significantly enhance gene expression and protein levels of its downstream proteins PKA and CREB compared with groups of inhibitors.Additionally,TCDCA decreased tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,IL-8 and IL-12 through nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB)activity.PKA and CREB are primary regulators of anti-inflammatory and immune response.Our results thus demonstrate TCDCA plays an essential anti-inflammatory role via the signaling pathway of cAMP-PKA-CREB induced by TGR5 receptor.展开更多
Shuganjieyu capsule has been approved for clinical treatment by the State Food and Drug Ad-ministration of China since 2008. In the clinic, Shuganjieyu capsule is often used to treat mild to moderate depression. In th...Shuganjieyu capsule has been approved for clinical treatment by the State Food and Drug Ad-ministration of China since 2008. In the clinic, Shuganjieyu capsule is often used to treat mild to moderate depression. In the rat model of depression established in this study, Shuganjieyu capsule was administered intragastrically daily before stress. Behavioral results conifrmed that depressive symptoms lessened after treatment with high-dose （150 mg/kg） Shuganjieyu capsule. Immunohistochemistry results showed that high-dose Shuganjieyu capsule signiifcantly increased phosphorylation levels of phosphorylation cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA3 area. Overall, our results suggest that in rats, Shuganjieyu capsule effec-tively reverses depressive-like behaviors by increasing expression levels of neurotrophic factors in the brain.展开更多
AIM To investigate the effects of herb-partitioned moxibustion(HPM) on phosphorylation of mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(MEK)1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2 and c AMP response...AIM To investigate the effects of herb-partitioned moxibustion(HPM) on phosphorylation of mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(MEK)1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2 and c AMP response element binding protein(CREB) in spinal cord of rats with chronic inflammatory visceral pain(CIVP), and to explore the central mechanism of HPM in treating CIVP.METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal, model, HPM, sham-HPM, MEK-inhibitor and dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) groups. The CIVP model was established using an enema mixture of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and ethanol. HPM was applied at bilateral Tianshu(ST25) and Qihai(CV6) acupoints in the HPM group, while in the sham-HPM group, moxa cones and herb cakes were only placed on the same points but not ignited. The MEK-inhibitor and DMSO groups received L5-L6 intrathecal injection of U0126 and 30% DMSO, respectively. Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR), mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL) were applied for the assessment of pain behavior. The colonic tissue was observed under an optical microscope after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of phosphor(p)MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB in rat spinal cord was detected using Western blotting. The levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the AWR scores were increased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.05) in the model, sham-HPM and DMSO groups. Compared with the model group, the AWR scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were increased significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-HPM and DMSO groups, the AWR scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were increased significantly(P < 0.05) in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups. Compared with the normal group, the expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were increased significantly in the model, sham-HPM and DMSO groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were reduced significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared with the sham-HPM and DMSO groups, expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were reduced significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). CONCLUSION HPM down-regulates protein phosphorylation of MEK1, ERK1/2 and CREB, and m RNA expression of MEK, ERK and CREB, inhibiting activation of the MEK/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in the spinal cord of CIVP rats, which is possibly a critical central mechanism of the analgesic effect of HPM.展开更多
Sodium butyrate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that affects various types of brain damages.To investigate the effects of sodium butyrate on hippocampal dysfunction that occurs after whole-brain irradiation in anim...Sodium butyrate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that affects various types of brain damages.To investigate the effects of sodium butyrate on hippocampal dysfunction that occurs after whole-brain irradiation in animal models and the effect of sodium butyrate on radiation exposure-induced cognitive impairments,adult C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally treated with 0.6 g/kg sodium butyrate before exposure to 10 Gy cranial irradiation.Cognitive impairment in adult C57BL/6 mice was evaluated via an object recognition test 30 days after irradiation.We also detected the expression levels of neurogenic cell markers(doublecortin)and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor.Radiation-exposed mice had decreased cognitive function and hippocampal doublecortin and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.Sodium butyrate pretreatment reversed these changes.These findings suggest that sodium butyrate can improve radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction through inhibiting the decrease in hippocampal phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.The study procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Korea Institute of Radiological Medical Sciences(approval No.KIRAMS16-0002)on December 30,2016.展开更多
基金a grant from National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 30872542).
文摘The regulation of hypoxic response elements on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） gene transfected to primary cultured rat skeletal myoblasts under hypoxic environment was investigated. pEGFP-C3-9HRE-CMV-VEGF vector was constructed with molecular biology technique and transfected to primary cultured rat skeletal myoblasts by lipofectamine in vitro. Gene expression of transfected myoblasts was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot and fluorescence microscope under different oxygen concentrations and different hypoxia time. The results showed that in hypoxia group, the VEGF gene bands were seen and with the decrease of oxygen concentrations and prolongation of hypoxia time, the expression of VEGF mRNA was obviously increased. Under hypoxic environment, the expression of VEGF protein in the transfected myoblasts was significantly increased. EGFP was expressed only under hypoxic environment but not under normoxic environment. It was concluded that hypoxia promoter could be constructed with HRE and regulate the expression of VEGF gene under hypoxic and normoxic environment, which could enhance the re- liability of gene therapy.
基金Acknowledgment We thank Dr Etty N. Benveniste （University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA） for the truncated MMP-2 promoter-driven luciferase constructs and Ms Donna Barnes for excellent secretarial assistance. This study was supported by KU William L.Valk Endowment and Kansas Mason＇s Foundation, and a grant from KUMC Lied Foundation to Dr Ben-Yi Li. This study was also partially supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30370509 and No. 30370645） to Dr Ping-Yi Xu.
文摘Aim： To characterize the matrix metalloproteinases （MMP）-2 promoter and to identify androgen response elements （AREs） involved in androgen-induced MMP-2 expression. Methods： MMP-2 mRNA levels was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. MMP-2 promoter-driven luciferase assays were used to determine the fragments responsible for androgen-induced activity. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assays （EMSA） were used to verify the identified AREs in the MMP-2 promoter. Results： Androgen significantly induced MMP-2 expression at the mRNA level, which was blocked by the androgen antagonist bicalutamide. Deletion of a region encompassing base pairs -1591 to -1259 （relative to the start codon） of the MMP-2 promoter led to a significant loss of androgen-induced reporter activity. Additional deletion of the 5＇-region up to -562 bp further reduced the androgen-induced MMP-2 promoter activity. Sequence analysis of these two regions revealed two putative ARE motifs. Introducing mutations in the putative ARE motifs by site-directed mutagenesis approach resulted in a dramatic loss of androgen-induced MMP-2 promoter activity, indicating that the putative ARE motifs are required for androgen-stimulated MMP-2 expression. Most importantly, the androgen receptor （AR） interacted with both motif-containing promoter regions in vivo in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay after androgen treatment. Furthermore, the AR specifically bound to the wild-type but not mutated ARE motifs-containing probes in an in vitro EMSA assay. Conclusion： Two ARE motifs were identified to be responsible for androgen-induced MMP-2 expression in prostate cancer cells.
文摘Background Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma （PPARγ） is a kind of ligand-activated transcription factors binding to peroxisome proliferator response element （PPRE）, a specific recognition site. It is thought to play a critical role in glucose and lipid metabolism and in inflammation control. The aim of this study was to establish a new cellular model for the quick screening of lipid-lowering drugs, which may be effective as PPAR-γ ligands on the PPRE-mediated pathway regulatory system. Methods Two plasmids were constructed： pXOE-PPARγ, in which the human PPARγ gene was in the downstream of TF Ⅲ A gene promoter, and pLXRN-PPRE-d2EGFP, in which the enhanced green fluorescent protein （EGFP） gene was subcloned into PPRE. The xenopus oocytes were injected with these two plamids, and consequently treated with prostaglandin E1, pioglitazone, and different kinds of lipid-lowering drugs. After 3 days, the oocytes were observed under a fluorescence microscope. To confirm the drug action,we injected pXOE- PPARγ plasmid into the oocytes, which then treated with prostaglandin E1 and Hawthorn flavonoids. The mass of expressed lipoprotein lipase （LPL） in the cells was determined by enzyme labeling linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results The expression of EGFP was only induced by prostagalandin E1, pioglitazone, Hawthorn flavonoids. A concentration-response relationship was seen between expressed EGFP and Hawthorn flawonids. The levels of LPL in both Hawthorn flaworvoids groups and PPARγ ligand prostagalandin E1 group injected with pXOE-PPARγ plamid increased significantly （ P 〈 0. 001 ） compared with controls, and a cocentration-response relationship was observed between LPL mass and Hawthorn flavonoids. Conclusions It is possible to establish a PPRE regulatory EGFP reporter system in xenopus oocytes to monitor the activity of PPARγ ligand. Hawthorn flavonoids can in increase the expression of gene downsteam of PPRE by effect on the PPRE pathway regulatory system.
基金Supported by the Basic Research Program of the Korea Science & Engineering Foundation (No. 2009-0068732)the Basic Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (No.2011-0020163)+1 种基金the Bio-Industry Technology Development Program funded by the Korea Institute of Planning & Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture Forestry & Fisheries (No.112005-3)the BK21 Program and by the MRC program of KRF (R13-2005-012-01001-1)
文摘AIM: To study the contribution of tonicity response element binding protein(Ton EBP) in retinal ganglion cell(RGC) death of diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 mice by five consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin(STZ). Control mice received vehicle(phosphate-buffered saline). All mice were killed 2mo after injections, and the extent of cell death and the protein expression levels of Ton EBP and aldose reductase(AR) were examined.RESULTS: The Ton EBP and AR protein levels and the death of RGC were significantly increased in the retinas of diabetic mice compared with controls 2mo after the induction of diabetes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)-mediated d UTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)-positive signals co-localized with Ton EBP immunoreactive RGC. These changes were increased in the diabetic retinas compared with controls.CONCLUSION: The present data show that AR and Ton EBP are upregulated in the DR and Ton EBP may contribute to apoptosis of RGC in the DR.
文摘At 8 weeks after intragastric administration of icariin to senescence-accelerated mice （P8 strain）, Morris water maze results showed that escape latency was shortened, and the number of platform crossings was increased. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay detected significantly increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein These results suggest that icariin upregulates phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein levels and improves learning and memory functions in hippocampus of the senescence-accelerated mouse.
基金Scientific Research Foundation of Liaoning Provincial Education Department for Higher Education Institutions, No.05L442
文摘BACKGROUND： cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB） is a key modulator of various signaling pathways. CREB activation initiates a series of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the regulatory effects of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） on cerebral neuronal CREB expression following ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An immunohistochemical detection experiment was performed at the Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, between October 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS： A total of 60 healthy, adult, Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operated （n =12）, ischemia/reperfusion （n = 24）, and bFGF-treated （n = 24）. Rabbit anti-rat CREB （1： 100） and biotin labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG were purchased from the Wuhan Boster Company, China. MetaMorph-evolution MP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system was provided by China Medical University, China. METHODS： Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were developed using the suture method for right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Two-hour ischemia was followed by reperfusion. Rats from the bFGF-treated and ischemia/reperfusion groups were intraperitoneally administered endogenous bFGF （500 IU/mL, 2 000 IU/kg） or an equal amount of physiological saline. Rats from the sham-operated group underwent a similar surgical procedure, without induction of ischemia/reperfusion injury and drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After 48-hour reperfusion, hippocampal and parietal cortical neuronal CREB expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the absorbance of hippocampal CREB-positive products was determined using MetaMorph-evolutionMP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system. RESULTS： The sham-operated group exhibited noticeable CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, the CREB expression was discrete and neurons were poorly arranged. The bFGF-treated group exhibited increased CREB expression and better neuronal arrangement compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group. The mean absorbance of CREB-immunoreactive products in the hippocampus and parietal cortex was significantly higher in the ischemia/reperfusion group than in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）, and significantly higher in the bFGF-treated group than in the ischemia/reperfusion group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： bFGF significantly upregulates CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons following ischemia/reperfusion injury.
基金supported by the National High-Tech Research and Development Program(863)of China(No.2011AA060904)the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.51225802)+3 种基金the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51121062)the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2010BAC67B02)the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(No.AUGA5710055514)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51176037,1308147,51308147 and 51408591)
文摘The colloidal properties of biogenic elemental sulfur（S^0）cause solid–liquid separation problems,such as poor settling and membrane fouling.In this study,the separation of S^0 from bulk liquids was performed using flocculation.Polyaluminum chloride（PAC）,polyacrylamide（PAM）and microbial flocculant（MBF）were compared to investigate their abilities to flocculate S^0 produced during the treatment of sulfate-containing wastewater.A novel approach with response surface methodology（RSM）was employed to evaluate the effects and interactions of flocculant dose,pH and stirring intensity,on the treatment efficiency in terms of the S^0 flocculation and the supernatant turbidity removal.The dose optimization results indicated that the S^0 flocculation efficiency decreased in the following order PAC〉MBF〉PAM.Optimum S^0 flocculation conditions were observed at pH 4.73,a stirring speed of 129 r/min and a flocculant dose of 2.42 mg PAC/mg S.During optimum flocculation conditions,the S^0f locculation rate reached 97.53%.Confirmation experiments demonstrated that employing PAC for S^0 flocculation is feasible and RSM is an efficient approach for optimizing the process of S^0 flocculation.The results provide basic parameters and conditions for recovering sulfur during the treatment of sulfate-laden wastewaters.
基金Funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 50675232)the Natural Science Foundation of CQ CSTC (2006BB3008)
文摘A dynamic finite element method combined with finite element mixed formula for contact problem is used to analyze the dynamic characteristics of gear system. Considering the stiffness excitation, error excitation and meshing shock excitation, the dynamic finite element model is established for the entire gear system which includes gears, shafts, bearings and gearbox housing. By the software of I-DEAS, the natural frequency, normal mode, dynamic time-domain response, frequency-domain response and one-third octave velocity grade structure borne noise of gear system are studied by the method of theoretical modal analysis and dynamic response analysis. The maximum values of vibration and structure borne noise are occurred at the mesh frequency of output grade gearing.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51108237 and 51178112)
文摘The micro-mechanical response of asphalt mixtures was studied using the discrete element method. The discrete element sample of stone mastic asphalt was generated first and the vehicle load was applied to the sample. A user-written program was coded with the FISH language in PFC3 D to extract the contact forces within the sample and the displacements of the particles. Then, the contact forces within the whole sample, in asphalt mastic, in coarse aggregates and between asphalt mastic and coarse aggregates were investigated. Finally, the movement of the particles in the sample was analyzed. The sample was divided into 15 areas and a figure was drawn to show how the balls move in each area according to the displacements of the balls in each area. The displacements of asphalt mastic balls and coarse aggregates were also analyzed. The experimental results explain how the asphalt mixture bears vehicle load and the potential reasons why the rutting forms from a micro-mechanical view.
文摘BACKGROUND： Neuronal necrosis and apoptosis play important roles in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and resulting cognitive impairment. However, inhibition of neuronal necrosis and apoptosis has been shown to attenuate cognitive impairment following cerebral ischemia. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of sevoflurane on cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein （CREB）, phosphorylated CREB （pCREB）, and Livin expression in the cortex and hippocampus of a rat model of vascular cognitive impairment.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed in the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology between June 2007 and July 2008.MATERIALS： Sevoflurane was provided by Abbott Laboratory, UK; Morris water maze was provided by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; goat anti-rat CREB, goat anti-rat pCREB and goat anti-rat Livin antibodies were provided by Biosource International, USA. METHODS： A total of 42 female, Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups： sham operation, vascular cognitive impairment, and sevoflurane treatment. The vascular cognitive impairment rat model was established by permanent bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries, and 1.0 MAC sevoflurane was immediately administered by inhalation for 2 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression was measured in the cortex and hippocampus by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Behavior was evaluated with Morris water maze. RESULTS： CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression in the sevoflurane treatment group was significantly greater than the vascular cognitive impairment group （P 〈 0.01）. However, expression of CREB and pCREB was significantly less in the sevoflurane treatment and vascular cognitive impairment groups, compared with the sham operation group （P 〈 0.01）. Livin expression in the sevoflurane treatment and vascular cognitive impairment groups was significantly greater than the sham operation group （P 〈 0.01）. Learning, memory, and behavior disorders were observed in the vascular cognitive impairment group. Sevoflurane treatment significantly improved these observed disorders. CONCLUSION： Sevoflurane improved cognitive impairment due to permanent bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries. Improved function was associated with increased CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression in the cortex and hippocampus.
文摘Objective:Gastric cancer(GC)is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide.Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy.Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)and their downstream regulators are regarded to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of malignancies.Studies have shown that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4(SNHG4)serves as a tumor promoter in various malignancies,while its function in GC has yet to be characterized.Therefore,our study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SNHG4 in GC.Methods:We used qRT-PCR to analyze SNHG4 expression in GC tissues and cells.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the correlation between SNHG4 expression and the survival rate of GC patients.Cellular function experiments such as CCK-8,BrdU,colony formation,flow cytometry analysis,and transwell were performed to explore the effects of SNHG4 on GC cell proliferation,apoptosis,cell cycle,migration,and invasion.We also established xenograft mouse models to explore the effect of SNHG4 on GC tumor growth.Mechanically,dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between SNHG4 and miR-409-3p and between miR-409-3p and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1(CREB1).Results:The results indicated that SNHG4 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines,and was linked with poor survival rate of GC patients.SNHG4 promoted GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion while inhibiting cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro.The in vivo experiment indicated that SNHG4 facilitated GC tumor growth.Furthermore,SNHG4 was demonstrated to bind to miR-409-3p.Moreover,CREB1 was directly targeted by miR-409-3p.Rescue assays demonstrated that miR-409-3p deficiency reversed the suppressive impact of SNHG4 knockdown on GC cell malignancy.Additionally,miR-409-3p was also revealed to inhibit GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by targeting CREB1.Conclusion:In conclusion,we verified that the SNHG4 promoted GC growth and metastasis by binding to miR-409-3p to upregulate CREB1,which may deepen the understanding of the underlying mechanism in GC development.
基金supported by National Natural Science Fundation of China (No.30870835,30821002,and 30900444)National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2007CB512303,2007CB512502,and 2006CB500807)Postdoctoral Fundation of China (No.20080440578)
文摘Objective To explore the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）/cAMP response element binding protein （CREB） pathway in the induction of long-term potentiation （LTP） in the anterior cingulate cortex （ACC） that may be implicated in pain-related negative emotion. Methods LTP of field potential was recorded in ACC slice and the expressions of phospho-ERK （pERK） and phospho-CREB （pCREB） were examined using immunohistochemistry method. Results LTP could be induced stably in ACC slice by high frequency stimulation （2-train, 100 Hz, 1 s）, while APv （an antagonist of NMDA receptor） could block the induction of LTP in the ACC, indicating that LTP in this experiment was NMDA receptor-dependent. Bath application of PD98059 （50 μmol/L）, a selective MEK inhibitor, at 30 min before tetanic stimulation could completely block the induction of LTP. Moreover, the protein level of pERK in the ACC was transiently increased after LTP induction, starting at 5 rain and returning to basal at 1 h after tetanic stimulation. The protein level of pCREB was also increased after LTP induction. The up-regulation in pERK and pCREB expressions could be blocked by pretreatment of PD98059. Double immunostaining showed that after LTP induction, most pERK was co-localized with pCREB. Conclusion NMDA receptor and ERK-CREB pathway are necessary for the induction of LTP in rat ACC and may play important roles in pain emotion.
文摘The HIV-1 LTR controls the expression of HIV-1 viral genes and thus is critical for viral propagation and pathology. Numerous host factors have been shown to participate in the regulation of the LTR promoter. Among them is the thyroid hormone (T3) receptor (TR). TR has been shown to bind to the critical region of the promoter that contain the NFbB and Sp1 binding sites. Interestingly, earlier transient transfection studies in tissue culture cells have yielded contradicting conclusions on the role of TR in LTR regulation, likely due to the use of different cell types and/or lack of proper chromatin organization. Here, using the frog oocyte as a model system that allows replication-coupled chromatin assembly, mimicking that in somatic cells, we demonstrate that unliganded heterodimers of TR and RXR (9-cis retinoic acid receptor) repress LTR while the addition of T3 relieves the repression and further activates the promoter. More importantly, we show that chromatin and unliganded TR/RXR synergize to repress the promoter in a histone deacetylase-dependent manner.
文摘The copper-regulated gene expression system has been developed to control spacial and temporal expression of transgene in plant. It comprises two parts: (1) ace I gene encoding copper-responsive transcription factor under the control of a constitutive or organ-specific promoter, and (2) a gene of interest under the control of a chimeric promoter consisting of the CaMV 35S (-90 to +8) promoter linked to the metal responsive element (MRE) carrying activating copper-metallothionein expression (ACE1)-binding sites. Here, the effectiveness of two different ACE1-binding cis -elements which derive from 5'-regulatory region of yeast metallothionein gene was investigated in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. W38). The results revealed that the MRE (-210 to -126) could increase the system inducibility by 50% - 100% compared with the previously reported MRE (-148 to -105). It is potential to use the copper-inducible system to control valuable gene traits in plant biotechnology.
基金Supported by The grants of Chinese National Natural Science Foundation, No. 30872449the grants of the Dalian Scientific Research Foundation, No. 2008E13SF217
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on regulation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)-antiox-idant response element (ARE) pathway in liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS: Rats were divided randomly into four ex-perimental groups: control, SFN control, intestinal I/R and SFN pretreatment groups (n = 8 in each group). The intestinal I/R model was established by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 h and 2 h reperfu-sion. In the SFN pretreatment group, surgery was performed as in the intestinal I/R group, with intraperitoneal administration of 3 mg/kg SFN 1 h before the op-eration. Intestine and liver histology was investigated. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Liver tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were assayed. The liver transcription factor Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were determined by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting analysis.RESULTS: Intestinal I/R induced intestinal and liver injury, characterized by histological changes as well as a signif icant increase in serum AST and ALT levels (AST: 260.13 ± 40.17 U/L vs 186.00 ± 24.21 U/L, P < 0.01; ALT: 139.63 ± 11.35 U/L vs 48.38 ± 10.73 U/L, P < 0.01), all of which were reduced by pretreatment with SFN, respectively (AST: 260.13 ± 40.17 U/L vs 216.63 ± 22.65 U/L, P < 0.05; ALT: 139.63 ± 11.35 U/L vs 97.63 ± 15.56 U/L, P < 0.01). The activity of SOD in the liver tissue decreased after intestinal I/R (P < 0.01), which was enhanced by SFN pretreatment (P < 0.05). In ad-dition, compared with the control group, SFN markedly reduced liver tissue MPO activity (P < 0.05) and elevat-ed liver tissue GSH and GSH-Px activity (P < 0.05, P < 0.05), which was in parallel with the increased level of liver Nrf2 and HO-1 expression.CONCLUSION: SFN pretreatment attenuates liver injury induced by intestinal I/R in rats, attributable to the antioxidant effect through Nrf2-ARE pathway.
基金supported by the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81273847
文摘Electroacupuncture improves depressive behavior faster and with fewer adverse effects than antidepressant medication. However, the antidepressant mechanism of electroacupuncture remains poorly understood. Here, we established a rat model of chronic unpredicted mild stress, and then treated these rats with electroacupuncture at Yintang （EX-HN3） and Baihui （DU20） with sparse waves at 2 Hz and 0.6 mA for 30 minutes, once a day. We found increased horizontal and vertical activity, and decreased immobility time, at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Moreover, levels of neurotransmitters （5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, and y-aminobutyric acid） and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-related proteins （TrkB, protein kinase A, and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein） were increased in the hippocampus. Similarly, protein kinase A and TrkB mRNA levels were increased, and calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase lI levels decreased. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture increases phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels by regulating multiple targets in the cyclic adenosine rnonophosphate response element binding protein signal- ing pathway, thereby promoting nerve regeneration, and exerting an antidepressive effect.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31160518)the Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease(No.B20161012919)。
文摘Taurochenodeoxycholic acid(TCDCA)is one of the main effective components of bile acid,playing critical roles in apoptosis and immune responses through the TGR5 receptor.In this study,we reveal the interaction between TCDCA and TGR5 receptor in TGR5-knockdown H1299 cells and the regulation of inflammation via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-protein kinase A(PKA)-cAMP response element binding(CREB)signal pathway in NR8383 macrophages.In TGR5-knockdown H1299 cells,TCDCA significantly activated cAMP level via TGR5 receptor,indicating TCDCA can bind to TGR5;in NR8383 macrophages TCDCA increased cAMP content compared to treatment with the adenylate cyclase(AC)inhibitor SQ22536.Moreover,activated cAMP can significantly enhance gene expression and protein levels of its downstream proteins PKA and CREB compared with groups of inhibitors.Additionally,TCDCA decreased tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,IL-8 and IL-12 through nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB)activity.PKA and CREB are primary regulators of anti-inflammatory and immune response.Our results thus demonstrate TCDCA plays an essential anti-inflammatory role via the signaling pathway of cAMP-PKA-CREB induced by TGR5 receptor.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81071093,81171268
文摘Shuganjieyu capsule has been approved for clinical treatment by the State Food and Drug Ad-ministration of China since 2008. In the clinic, Shuganjieyu capsule is often used to treat mild to moderate depression. In the rat model of depression established in this study, Shuganjieyu capsule was administered intragastrically daily before stress. Behavioral results conifrmed that depressive symptoms lessened after treatment with high-dose （150 mg/kg） Shuganjieyu capsule. Immunohistochemistry results showed that high-dose Shuganjieyu capsule signiifcantly increased phosphorylation levels of phosphorylation cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA3 area. Overall, our results suggest that in rats, Shuganjieyu capsule effec-tively reverses depressive-like behaviors by increasing expression levels of neurotrophic factors in the brain.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81273843 and No.81674073National Key Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)+1 种基金No.2015CB554501Project of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning,No.20144Y0153 and No.2017BR047
文摘AIM To investigate the effects of herb-partitioned moxibustion(HPM) on phosphorylation of mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(MEK)1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2 and c AMP response element binding protein(CREB) in spinal cord of rats with chronic inflammatory visceral pain(CIVP), and to explore the central mechanism of HPM in treating CIVP.METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal, model, HPM, sham-HPM, MEK-inhibitor and dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) groups. The CIVP model was established using an enema mixture of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and ethanol. HPM was applied at bilateral Tianshu(ST25) and Qihai(CV6) acupoints in the HPM group, while in the sham-HPM group, moxa cones and herb cakes were only placed on the same points but not ignited. The MEK-inhibitor and DMSO groups received L5-L6 intrathecal injection of U0126 and 30% DMSO, respectively. Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR), mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL) were applied for the assessment of pain behavior. The colonic tissue was observed under an optical microscope after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of phosphor(p)MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB in rat spinal cord was detected using Western blotting. The levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the AWR scores were increased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.05) in the model, sham-HPM and DMSO groups. Compared with the model group, the AWR scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were increased significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-HPM and DMSO groups, the AWR scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were increased significantly(P < 0.05) in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups. Compared with the normal group, the expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were increased significantly in the model, sham-HPM and DMSO groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were reduced significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared with the sham-HPM and DMSO groups, expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were reduced significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). CONCLUSION HPM down-regulates protein phosphorylation of MEK1, ERK1/2 and CREB, and m RNA expression of MEK, ERK and CREB, inhibiting activation of the MEK/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in the spinal cord of CIVP rats, which is possibly a critical central mechanism of the analgesic effect of HPM.
基金supported by the Nuclear Research and Development Program(NRF-2012M2A2A7012377,NRF-2015M2B2B1068627 and NRF-2015R1C1A2A01053041)of the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Korean Government Ministry of Science,ICT&Future Planning
文摘Sodium butyrate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that affects various types of brain damages.To investigate the effects of sodium butyrate on hippocampal dysfunction that occurs after whole-brain irradiation in animal models and the effect of sodium butyrate on radiation exposure-induced cognitive impairments,adult C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally treated with 0.6 g/kg sodium butyrate before exposure to 10 Gy cranial irradiation.Cognitive impairment in adult C57BL/6 mice was evaluated via an object recognition test 30 days after irradiation.We also detected the expression levels of neurogenic cell markers(doublecortin)and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor.Radiation-exposed mice had decreased cognitive function and hippocampal doublecortin and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.Sodium butyrate pretreatment reversed these changes.These findings suggest that sodium butyrate can improve radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction through inhibiting the decrease in hippocampal phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.The study procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Korea Institute of Radiological Medical Sciences(approval No.KIRAMS16-0002)on December 30,2016.
