Aging,mitochondria,and neurodegenerative diseases:Aging is often viewed as the buildup of changes that lead to the gradual transformations associated with getting older,along with a rising likelihood of disease and mo...Aging,mitochondria,and neurodegenerative diseases:Aging is often viewed as the buildup of changes that lead to the gradual transformations associated with getting older,along with a rising likelihood of disease and mortality.Although organis m-wide deterioration is observed during aging,organs with high metabolic demand,such as the brain,are more vulnerable.展开更多
Brown spot(BS)of rice,caused by Bipolaris oryzae,is a serious concern that not only causes quantitative losses but also affects grain quality.To manage this disease,the use of resistant genetic sources and QTLs is an ...Brown spot(BS)of rice,caused by Bipolaris oryzae,is a serious concern that not only causes quantitative losses but also affects grain quality.To manage this disease,the use of resistant genetic sources and QTLs is an eco-friendly and economical option.In the current study,F_(3) progenies derived from a cross of susceptible parent PMS-18-B(PAU 10845-1-1-1-1)×resistant parent RP Path 77(RP patho-17)were used to identify potential QTLs linked to BS resistance and to associate this resistance with a temporal spike in defense-related enzymes.展开更多
Fear memory is crucial for survival and adaptation in complex and dynamically changing environments that enables individuals to avoid or escape from potentially dangerous situations.However,excessive fear memories can...Fear memory is crucial for survival and adaptation in complex and dynamically changing environments that enables individuals to avoid or escape from potentially dangerous situations.However,excessive fear memories can significantly contribute to emotional disabilities and mental disorders,including panic disorder,phobias,social anxiety disorder,and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).展开更多
Osteosarcoma(OS)is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents.Despite ongoing research efforts,the 5-year survival rate has remained stagnant for many years,highlighting the cri...Osteosarcoma(OS)is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents.Despite ongoing research efforts,the 5-year survival rate has remained stagnant for many years,highlighting the critical need for novel drug development to enhance current treatment protocols.ZiyuglycosideⅡ(ZYGⅡ),a triterpenoid saponin extracted from S.officinalis,has recently demonstrated antitumor properties.This study evaluates the antitumor effect of ZYGⅡon osteosarcoma and elucidates its mechanism of action through the co-regulation of p53 and estrogen-related receptor gamma(ESRRG),which inhibits disease progression.The research employs in vitro experiments using multiple established osteosarcoma cell lines,as well as in vivo studies utilizing a nude mouse model of orthotopic xenograft osteosarcoma.Additionally,ESRRG shRNA was used to construct stable ESRRG-reducing OS cell lines to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ZYGⅡexerts its anti-osteosarcoma effects through the co-regulation of ESRRG and p53.Results indicate that ZYGⅡadministration led to decreased OS cell viability and reduced tumor volumes.Furthermore,cell cycles were arrested at the G_(0)/G1 phase,while the proportion of apoptotic cells increased.Expression of p53,ESRRG,p21,Bax,Cleaved Caspase-9,and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins increased,while expression of CDK4,Cyclin D1,and Bcl-2 proteins decreased.Multiple ZYGⅡand ESRRG docking patterns were simulated through molecular docking.Comparing the pharmacodynamic response of ZYGⅡto OS cell lines with reduced ESRRG and normal expression demonstrated that ZYGⅡinhibits osteosarcoma progression,induces cell cycle arrest,and promotes cell apoptosis through the coordination of p53 and ESRRG.In conclusion,ZYGⅡinhibits osteosarcoma progression,leads to cell cycle arrest,and promotes cell apoptosis through synergistic regulation of p53 and ESRRG.展开更多
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is defined by the abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes.The prevalence of MASLD is significantly increased in the elderly population,suggest...BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is defined by the abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes.The prevalence of MASLD is significantly increased in the elderly population,suggesting that aging may be related to the occurrence of MASLD.Emerging evidences suggest that vitamin D receptor(VDR)may be implicated in the progression of MASLD.Therefore,additional researches are warranted to elucidate whether VDR plays a role in aging-related MASLD.AIM To investigate the relationship between aging and MASLD and explore the role and related mechanisms of VDR in aging-related MASLD.METHODS Cellular senescence models were established,and the senescence phenotype of telomerase RNA component knockout mice was validated.These mice were then used as a senescence model for subsequent studies.Changes in VDR expression in the livers of aging mice were examined.VDR knockdown models,including cell knockdown models and hepatic-specific VDR knockout mice,were constructed,and MASLD was established in these models.Additionally,vitamin D(VD)-supplemented models,including senescent liver cell lines and senescent mice,were constructed.RESULTS The steatosis in senescent liver cells was more severe than in normal cells(P<0.05).Moreover,hepatic steatosis was significantly more pronounced in senescence model mice compared to control group when the MASLD model was successfully induced(P<0.05).Therefore,we concluded that aging aggravated hepatic steatosis.The hepatic expression of VDR increased after aging.VDR knockdown in senescent liver cells and senescent mice alleviated hepatic steatosis(P<0.05).When senescent liver cells were stimulated with VD,cellular steatosis was aggravated(P<0.05).However,VD supplementation had no effect on aging mice.CONCLUSION Aging can lead to increased hepatic steatosis,and the hepatic-specific knockdown of VDR alleviated aging-related MASLD.VDR could serve as a potential molecular target for aging-related MASLD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis(LE)is an inflammatory condition that affects the limbic system,cerebellum,and peripheral nervous system.It causes a range of symptoms including short-term memory loss,impa...BACKGROUND Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis(LE)is an inflammatory condition that affects the limbic system,cerebellum,and peripheral nervous system.It causes a range of symptoms including short-term memory loss,impaired cognitive function,behavioral and psychological disorders,and seizures.Paraneoplastic LE can occur when an immune response is activated due to antibodies targeting gammaaminobutyric acid(GABA)B receptor(GABABR)interacting with antigens on tumor cells and the nervous system,resulting in tumors primarily as small cell lung carcinoma(SCLC).CASE SUMMARY We discuss two cases of GABABR antibody-related LE resulting from SCLC.The patients’symptoms were managed with immunotherapy but ended in premature death due to chemotherapy-related complications.CONCLUSION Paraneoplastic syndrome is a notable cause of LE.Early intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may lead to temporary remission.展开更多
BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an imp...BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an important mechanism of DCD.Blocking calcium overload and restoring calcium homeostasis are key steps in treatment.Transient receptor potential melastatin 7(TRPM7)is a novel player in causing calcium overload.Our previous studies have shown that genetic silencing of TRPM7 in type 1 diabetic rats leads to significant improvements in cognitive function,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.Troxerutin,extracted from the flowers of Sophora japonica,is one of the derivatives of rutin and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.However,its association with TRPM7 remains unclear.AIM To use animal and cellular models,we investigated whether TRPM7 mediated mitochondrial fission by upregulation of calcineurin(CaN)/dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)ser637 in DCD,and whether Troxerutin improved DCD by inhibiting TRPM7-mediated mitochondrial division.METHODS In this study,we used db/db mice and hippocampal neuronal cell lines(HT22)treated with high-concentration glucose as our study subjects.We evaluated cognitive function using Morris water maze,novel object recognition tasks,and Nesting tests.We observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy and measured mitochondrial energy metabolism indicators using a spectrophotometer.We also detected mRNA and protein expression of TRPM7,CaN,p-Drp1^(ser637),caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein,and B-cell lymphoma 2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and immunofluorescence.RESULTS In the db/db diabetic mice with cognitive dysfunction,as well as in hippocampal neurons exposed to high-concentration glucose,TRPM7 and CaN expression were upregulated,phosphorylated Drp1^(ser637)expression was downregulated,and mitochondrial fission was increased.By modulating(inhibiting or overexpressing)TRPM7,it was further validated that TRPM7 activates the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway,resulting in an increase in mitochondrial fission and neuronal cell apoptosis.Troxerutin downregulated TRPM7/CaN/Drp1^(ser637),reduced mitochondrial fission,and improved DCD.CONCLUSION TRPM7 promotes mitochondrial fission via the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway.Troxerutin improves mitochondrial function and reduces neuronal damage by inhibiting this pathway,suggesting TRPM7 as a potential therapeutic target for DCD.展开更多
The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptors （ER（（α ） and ER（β）） and androgen receptors （ARs） as prognostic factors for biochemical recurrence, disease progression and su...The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptors （ER（（α ） and ER（β）） and androgen receptors （ARs） as prognostic factors for biochemical recurrence, disease progression and survival in patients with pT3NOMO prostate cancer （PCa） in an urban Greek population. A total of 100 consecutive patients with pT3NOMO PCa treated with radical prostatectomy participated in the study. The mean age and follow-up were 64.2 and 6 years, respectively. The HSCORE was used for semi-quantitative analysis of the immunoreactivity of the receptors. The prognostic value of the ER（（α） and ER（β） and AR was assessed in terms of recurrence, progression, and survival. AR expression was not associated with any of the above parameters; however, both ERs correlated with the prognosis. A univariate Cox regression analysis showed that ER（α） positive staining was significantly associated with a greater hazard for all outcomes. Increased ER（β） staining was significantly associated with a lower hazard for all outcomes in the univariate analysis. When both ER HSCORES were used for the analysis, it was found that patients with high ER（α） or low ER（β） HSCORES compared with patients with negatively stained ER（α） and 〉1.7 hSCORE ER（β） had 6.03, 10.93, and 10.53 times greater hazard for biochemical disease recurrence, progression of disease and death, respectively. Multiple Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that the age, preoperative prostate specific antigen, Gleason score and ERs were independent predictors of all outcomes. ER expression is an important prognosticator after radical prostatectomy in patients with pT3NOMO PCa. By contrast, AR expression has limited prognostic value.展开更多
Summary： Immune-mediated inflammatory injury is an important feature of the disease aggravation of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF）. Toll-like receptors （TLRs） have been shown previ...Summary： Immune-mediated inflammatory injury is an important feature of the disease aggravation of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF）. Toll-like receptors （TLRs） have been shown previously to play a pivotal role in the activation of innate immunity. The purpose of this study was.to characterize the TLR4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） of ACLF pa- tients and its possible role in the disease aggravation. Twelve healthy subjects, 15 chronic HBV-infected （CHB） patients and 15 ACLF patients were enrolled in this study. The TLR4 expression in PBMCs and T cells of all subjects was examined by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. The correlation of TLR4 ex- pression on T cells with the markers of disease aggravation was evaluated in ACLF patients. The ability of TLR4 ligands stimulation to induce inflammatory cytokine production in ACLF patients was ana- lyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that TLR4 mRNA level was upregulated in PBMCs of ACLF patients compared to that in the healthy subjects and the CHB patients. Specifically, the expres- sion of TLR4 on CD4＋ and CD8＋ T cells of PBMCs was significantly increased in ACLF patients. The TLR4 levels on CD4＋ and CD8＋T cells were positively correlated with serum total bilirubin （TBIL）, direct bilirubin （DBIL）, international normalized ratio （INR） levels and white blood cells （WBCs）, and negatively correlated with serum albumin （ALB） levels in the HBV-infected patients, indicating TLR4 pathway may play a role in the disease aggravation of ACLF. In vitro TLR4 ligand stimulation on PBMCs of ACLF patients induced a strong TNF-α production by CD4＋ T cells, which was also posi- tively correlated with the serum markers for liver injury severity. It was concluded that TLR4 expression is upregulated on T cells in PBMCs, which is associated with the aggravation of ACLF.展开更多
AIM: To investigate serum levels of soluble CD146(s CD146) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) in patients with age-related macular degeneration(AMD). METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with exudativ...AIM: To investigate serum levels of soluble CD146(s CD146) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) in patients with age-related macular degeneration(AMD). METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with exudative AMD and 45 sex-and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study conducted in China. Serum samples was obtained from the patients with exudative AMD and from the controls. Serum sCD146 and VEGFR2 protein levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: We found that serum sCD146 and VEGFR2 protein levels were significantly higher in the patients with exudative AMD group than in the controls(t=3.859, P<0.001 and t=3.829, P<0.001, respectively). Serum sCD146 levels were significantly higher in patients with classic choroidal neovascularization(CNV) than in those with occult CNV(t=9.899, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in the trend for exudative AMD in the highest versus lowest quartile of circulating sCD146 levels(χ2=10.29, P=0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.696 for s CD146(95%CI: 0.601-0.791) with an optimum diagnostic cut-off value of 157.16 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 55.7%, and a specificity of 82.2%.CONCLUSION: The serum sCD146 level increases and may be a biomarker for exudative AMD.展开更多
Intermedin/adrenomedullin-2(IMD/AM2), a member of the calcitonin gene-related peptide/AM family,plays an important role in protecting the cardiovascular system. However, its role in the enhanced sympathoexcitation in ...Intermedin/adrenomedullin-2(IMD/AM2), a member of the calcitonin gene-related peptide/AM family,plays an important role in protecting the cardiovascular system. However, its role in the enhanced sympathoexcitation in obesity-related hypertension is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of IMD in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN) of the hypothalamus on sympathetic nerve activity(SNA), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced sympathetic activation in obesity-related hypertensive(OH)rats induced by a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Acute experiments were performed under anesthesia. The dynamic alterations of sympathetic outflow were evaluated as changes in renal SNA and mean arterial pressure(MAP) in response to specific drugs. Male rats were fed a control diet(12% kcal as fat) or a high-fat diet(42% kcal as fat) for 12 weeks to induce OH. The results showed that IMD protein in the PVN was downregulated, but Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) and plasma norepinephrine(NE, indicating sympathetic hyperactivity) levels, and systolic blood pressure were increased in OH rats. LPS(0.5 lg/50 nL)-induced enhancement of renal SNA and MAP was greater in OH rats than in obese or control rats. Bilateral PVN microinjection of IMD(50 pmol)caused greater decreases in renal SNA and MAP in OH rats than in control rats, and inhibited LPS-induced sympatheticactivation, and these were effectively prevented in OH rats by pretreatment with the AM receptor antagonist AM22-52.The mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signalregulated kinase(ERK) inhibitor U0126 in the PVN partially reversed the LPS-induced enhancement of SNA. However,IMD in the PVN decreased the LPS-induced ERK activation,which was also effectively prevented by AM22-52. Chronic IMD administration resulted in significant reductions in the plasma NE level and blood pressure in OH rats. Moreover,IMD lowered the TLR4 protein expression and ERK activation in the PVN, and decreased the LPS-induced sympathetic overactivity. These results indicate that IMD in the PVN attenuates SNA and hypertension, and decreases the ERK activation implicated in the LPS-induced enhancement of SNA in OH rats, and this is mediated by AM receptors.展开更多
We have identified 14 S _locus glycoprotein (SLG)_related protein kinase genes in a 323 kb contig of rice (Oryza sativa L.) chromosome 4 and we detected the transcription pattern of this gene cluster by reverse tra...We have identified 14 S _locus glycoprotein (SLG)_related protein kinase genes in a 323 kb contig of rice (Oryza sativa L.) chromosome 4 and we detected the transcription pattern of this gene cluster by reverse transcription_polymerase reaction (RT_PCR). RT_PCR results revealed that nine putative genes were transcribed in rice and these genes had the different expression patterns: two genes are expressed predominantly in reproductive tissues while the other seven genes are expressed in both reproductive and vegetative tissues. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequences demonstrated that the extracellular receptor domains are highly homologous to SLG of Brassica, whereas the cytoplasmic kinase domains contain conserved amino acids present in serine/threonine kinases.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(HBV-ACLF)is a syndrome with a high short-term mortality rate,and it is crucial to identify those patients at a high mortality risk clinically.AIM To ...BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(HBV-ACLF)is a syndrome with a high short-term mortality rate,and it is crucial to identify those patients at a high mortality risk clinically.AIM To investigate the clinical value of soluble mannose receptor(sMR)in predicting the 90-day mortality of HBV-ACLF patients.METHODS A total of 43 patients were diagnosed with HBV-ACLF between October 2017 and October 2018 at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University,and all of them were enrolled in this retrospective study.Their serum sMR levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Demographic and clinical data,including gender,age,albumin level,total bilirubin(TBIL)level,international normalized ratio,HBV-DNA level,HBV serological markers,procalcitonin level,interleukin-6 level,and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score were accessed at the time of diagnosis of HBV-ACLF.A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors for mortality.RESULTS Serum sMR level was significantly increased in HBV-ACLF patients compared with chronic hepatitis B patients and healthy controls(P<0.01).When compared with surviving patients,it was higher in those patients who succumbed to HBVACLF(P<0.05).Serum sMR level was positively correlated with MELD score(rs=0.533,P=0.001),HBV-DNA level(rs=0.497,P=0.022),and TBIL level(rs=0.894,P<0.001).Serum sMR level(odds ratio=1.007,95%confidence interval:1.004–1.012,P=0.001)was an independent risk factor for the 90-day mortality in the HBV-ACLF cases.The patients with HBV-ACLF were stratified into two groups in accordance with their serum sMR levels at the baseline(low risk:<99.84 pg/mL and high risk:≥99.84 pg/mL).The 90-day mortality rates were 27.3%in the low-risk group and 87.5%in the high-risk group.Furthermore,sMR level apparently improved the performance of MELD score for predicting the prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF.CONCLUSION Serum sMR level may be a predictor of the prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients.展开更多
Estrogen-related receptor alpha （ERRα） plays an important role in the development of hor- monezdependent cancers, but its roles in lung cancer remain elusive. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects ...Estrogen-related receptor alpha （ERRα） plays an important role in the development of hor- monezdependent cancers, but its roles in lung cancer remain elusive. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of ERRα on the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer A549 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of ERRor were detected in lung cancer A549 and MCF-7 cells and bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ERRor plasmid transfection and XCT-790 （an inverse agonist of ERRc0 were used to up-regulate or down-regulate ERRα expression in A549 cells, respectively. The viability of A549 cells was measured by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） and the motility of A549 cells by wound healing assay and Transwell migration/invasion assay. The epithelial markers E-cadherin （E-Cad） and zona occludin-1 （ZO-1）, the mesenchymal markers fi- bronectin （FN） and vimentin （Vim） and the transcription factors （Snail, Zebl Twist and Slug） were fur- ther detected at mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that ERRor promoted the growth of lung cancer A549 cells in vitro. XCT-790 significantly in- hibited the migration and invasion of A549 cells. Over-expression of ERRα promoted the epithe- lial-to-mesenchymal transition （EMT） of A549 ceils, down-regulated the epithelial makers E-Cad and ZO-1, and up-regulated the mesenchymal makers FN and Vim. Silencing of Slug, but not other tran- scription factors, significantly abolished the ERRs-induced EMT of A549 cells. It was suggested that ERRor promoted the migration and invasion of A549 cells by inducing EMT, and Slug was involved in the process. Targeting ERRor might be an efficient approach for lung cancer treatment.展开更多
Objective The present study aimed to explore the role of P2Y1 receptor in glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） production and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） secretion of astrocytes under isch...Objective The present study aimed to explore the role of P2Y1 receptor in glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） production and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） secretion of astrocytes under ischemic insult and the related signaling pathways. Methods Using transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion （tMCAO） and oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation for 2 h as the model of ischemic injury in vivo and in vitro, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, Western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） were used to investigate location of P2Y1 receptor and GDNF, the expression of GFAP and GDNF, and the changes of signaling molecules. Results Blockage of P2Y1 receptor with the selective antagonist N^6-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate diammonium （MRS2179） reduced GFAP production and increased GDNF production in the antagonist group as compared with simple ischemic group both in vivo and in vitro. Oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation and blockage of P2Y1 receptor caused elevation of phosphorylated Akt and cAMP response element binding protein （CREB）, and reduction of phosphorylated Janus kinase2 （JAK2） and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 （STAT3, Ser727）. After blockage of P2Y1 receptor and deprivation of oxygen-glucose-serum, AG490 （inhibitor of JAK2） reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 （Ser727） as well as expression of GFAP; LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3-K）, decreased phosphorylation of Akt and CREB; the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 （MEK 1/2） U0126, an important molecule of Ras/extracellular signal- regulated kinase （ERK） signaling pathway, decreased the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3 （Ser727）, Akt and CREB. Conclusion These results suggest that P2Y1 receptor plays a role in the production of GFAP and GDNF in astrocytes under transient ischemic condition and the related signaling pathways may be JAK2/STAT3 and PI3-K/Akt/CREB, respectively, and that crosstalk probably exists between them.展开更多
AIM：To elucidate the effect of rapamycin on regulating the production of interleukin（IL）-1β in Aspergillus fumigatus（A.fumigatus）-induced keratitis and to verify whether the expression of IL-1β in A.fumigatus k...AIM：To elucidate the effect of rapamycin on regulating the production of interleukin（IL）-1β in Aspergillus fumigatus（A.fumigatus）-induced keratitis and to verify whether the expression of IL-1β in A.fumigatus keratitis is associated with the mammalian target of rapamycin（mT OR）/Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4） signaling pathway.METHODS：Fungal keratitis mouse models of susceptible C57 BL/6 mice were established using A.fumigatus.The mice were subsequently treated with rapamycin.The protein levels of p-mT OR,TLR4,and IL-1β in normal and infected corneal tissue were measured by Western blot.The TLR4 and IL-1β m RNA levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）.RESULTS：In C57 BL/6 mice,rapamycin treatment decreased the clinical scores and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine,IL-1β.The expression of TLR4,stimulated by A.fumigatus,was reduced as well when the mT OR signaling pathway was suppressed by rapamycin.CONCLUSION：Rapamycin is beneficial for the outcome of fungal keratitis and has an inhibitory effect expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.The inhibitory effect on IL-1β expression can be associated with the mT OR/TLR4 signaling pathway in A.fumigatus infection in mice.展开更多
Environmental chemicals in drinking water can impact human health through nuclear receptors. Additionally, estrogen-related receptors （ERRs） are vulnerable to endocrine-disrupting effects. To date, however, ERR disr...Environmental chemicals in drinking water can impact human health through nuclear receptors. Additionally, estrogen-related receptors （ERRs） are vulnerable to endocrine-disrupting effects. To date, however, ERR disruption of drinking water potency has not been reported. We used ERRy two-hybrid yeast assay to screen ERRy disrupting activities in a drinking water treatment plant （DWTP） located in north China and in source water from a reservoir, focusing on agonistic, antagonistic, and inverse agonistie activity to 4-hydroxytamoxifen （4-OHT）. Water treatment processes in the DWTP consisted of pre-chlorination, coagulation, coal and sand filtration, activated carbon filtration, and secondary chlorination processes. Samples were extracted by solid phase extraction. Results showed that ERRγ antagonistic activities were found in all sample extracts, but agonistic and inverse agonistic activity to 4-OHT was not found. When calibrated with the toxic equivalent of 4-OHT, antagonistic effluent effects ranged from 3.4 to 33.1 μg/L. In the treatment processes, secondary chlorination was effective in removing ERRy antagonists, but the coagulation process led to significantly increased ERRy antagonistic activity. The drinking water treatment processes removed 73.5 % of ERRy antagonists. To our knowledge, the occurrence of ERRy disruption activities on source and drinking water in vitro had not been reported previously. It is vital, therefore, to increase our understanding of ERRγ disrupting activities in drinking water.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the expression and distribution of the members of the transient receptor potential （TRP） channel members of TRP melastatin （TRPM） and TRP vanilloid （TRPV） subfamilies in rat prostatic tissue...Aim： To investigate the expression and distribution of the members of the transient receptor potential （TRP） channel members of TRP melastatin （TRPM） and TRP vanilloid （TRPV） subfamilies in rat prostatic tissue. Methods： Prostate tissue was obtained from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） were used to check the expression of all TRPM and TRPV channel members with specific primers. Immunohistochemistry staining for TRPM8 and TRPV1 were also performed in rat tissues. Results： TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPMS, TRPV2 and TRPV4 mRNA were detected in all rat prostatic tissues. Very weak signals for TRPM1, TRPVI and TRPV3 were also detected. The mRNA of TRPM5, TRPV5 and TRPV6 were not detected in all RT-PCR experiments. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed that TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPMS, TRPV2 and TRPV4 were the most abundantly expressed TRPM and TRPV subtypes, respectively. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry indicated that TRPM8 and TRPV 1 are highly expressed in both epithelial and smooth muscle cells. Conclusion： Our results demonstrate that mRNA or protein for TRPM1, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPMS, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3 and TRPV4 exist in rat prostatic tissue. The data presented here assists in elucidating the physiological function of TRPM and TRPV channels.展开更多
Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor （CSF-1R） is an important regulator of monocytes/macrophages （MO/MФ）. Although several CSF-1R genes have been identified in teleosts, the precise role of CSF- 1R in ayu （Pleco...Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor （CSF-1R） is an important regulator of monocytes/macrophages （MO/MФ）. Although several CSF-1R genes have been identified in teleosts, the precise role of CSF- 1R in ayu （Plecoglossus altivelis） remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the CSF-1R homologue from P. altivelis, and named it PaCSF-1R. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that PaCSF-1R was most closely related to that of Japanese ricefish （Oryzias latipes）. Tissue distribution and expression analysis showed that the PaCSF-1R transcript was mainly expressed in the head kidney-derived MO/MФ, spleen, and head kidney, and its expression was significantly altered in various tissues upon Vibrio anguillarum infection. After PaCSF-1R neutralization for 48 h, the phagocytic activity of MO/MФ was significantly decreased, suggesting that PaCSF-1R plays a role in regulating the phagocytic function of ayu MO/M（P.展开更多
Chronic systemic treatment with blockers of angiotensin II type-1 （AT1） receptors inhibits ischemia-induced apoptosis and reduces ischemic neuronal damage. However, the molecular mechanisms of AT1 receptor blockers ...Chronic systemic treatment with blockers of angiotensin II type-1 （AT1） receptors inhibits ischemia-induced apoptosis and reduces ischemic neuronal damage. However, the molecular mechanisms of AT1 receptor blockers in modulating neuronal apoptosis remain poorly understood. Pretreatment with irbesartan significantly suppressed cell apoptosis at 1-7 days following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and elevated the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein （pCREB）/CREB in the ischemic cortex at 1 day after reperfusion, as well as suppressing caspase-3 activation. Cerebral ischemia increased the mRNA expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors in the ischemic cortex, whereas irbesartan blocked this increase in AT1 expression but potentiated the expression of AT2. Therefore, this AT1 receptor blocker was neuroprotective by increasing the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax and pCREB/CREB, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, inhibiting caspase-3 activation, and modulating AT receptor expression.展开更多
文摘Aging,mitochondria,and neurodegenerative diseases:Aging is often viewed as the buildup of changes that lead to the gradual transformations associated with getting older,along with a rising likelihood of disease and mortality.Although organis m-wide deterioration is observed during aging,organs with high metabolic demand,such as the brain,are more vulnerable.
基金supported by Punjab Agricultural University,Ludhiana,India,for providing the infrastructure and other facilities for conducting experiments.All other forms of support and financial assistance are duly acknowledged.
文摘Brown spot(BS)of rice,caused by Bipolaris oryzae,is a serious concern that not only causes quantitative losses but also affects grain quality.To manage this disease,the use of resistant genetic sources and QTLs is an eco-friendly and economical option.In the current study,F_(3) progenies derived from a cross of susceptible parent PMS-18-B(PAU 10845-1-1-1-1)×resistant parent RP Path 77(RP patho-17)were used to identify potential QTLs linked to BS resistance and to associate this resistance with a temporal spike in defense-related enzymes.
文摘Fear memory is crucial for survival and adaptation in complex and dynamically changing environments that enables individuals to avoid or escape from potentially dangerous situations.However,excessive fear memories can significantly contribute to emotional disabilities and mental disorders,including panic disorder,phobias,social anxiety disorder,and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFC3502100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82274197)+1 种基金the Cutting Edge Development Fund of Advanced Medical Research Institute Municipal Science and(No.GYY2023QY01)the Technology Project of Jinan City(No.202228099).
文摘Osteosarcoma(OS)is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents.Despite ongoing research efforts,the 5-year survival rate has remained stagnant for many years,highlighting the critical need for novel drug development to enhance current treatment protocols.ZiyuglycosideⅡ(ZYGⅡ),a triterpenoid saponin extracted from S.officinalis,has recently demonstrated antitumor properties.This study evaluates the antitumor effect of ZYGⅡon osteosarcoma and elucidates its mechanism of action through the co-regulation of p53 and estrogen-related receptor gamma(ESRRG),which inhibits disease progression.The research employs in vitro experiments using multiple established osteosarcoma cell lines,as well as in vivo studies utilizing a nude mouse model of orthotopic xenograft osteosarcoma.Additionally,ESRRG shRNA was used to construct stable ESRRG-reducing OS cell lines to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ZYGⅡexerts its anti-osteosarcoma effects through the co-regulation of ESRRG and p53.Results indicate that ZYGⅡadministration led to decreased OS cell viability and reduced tumor volumes.Furthermore,cell cycles were arrested at the G_(0)/G1 phase,while the proportion of apoptotic cells increased.Expression of p53,ESRRG,p21,Bax,Cleaved Caspase-9,and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins increased,while expression of CDK4,Cyclin D1,and Bcl-2 proteins decreased.Multiple ZYGⅡand ESRRG docking patterns were simulated through molecular docking.Comparing the pharmacodynamic response of ZYGⅡto OS cell lines with reduced ESRRG and normal expression demonstrated that ZYGⅡinhibits osteosarcoma progression,induces cell cycle arrest,and promotes cell apoptosis through the coordination of p53 and ESRRG.In conclusion,ZYGⅡinhibits osteosarcoma progression,leads to cell cycle arrest,and promotes cell apoptosis through synergistic regulation of p53 and ESRRG.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.820300089.
文摘BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is defined by the abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes.The prevalence of MASLD is significantly increased in the elderly population,suggesting that aging may be related to the occurrence of MASLD.Emerging evidences suggest that vitamin D receptor(VDR)may be implicated in the progression of MASLD.Therefore,additional researches are warranted to elucidate whether VDR plays a role in aging-related MASLD.AIM To investigate the relationship between aging and MASLD and explore the role and related mechanisms of VDR in aging-related MASLD.METHODS Cellular senescence models were established,and the senescence phenotype of telomerase RNA component knockout mice was validated.These mice were then used as a senescence model for subsequent studies.Changes in VDR expression in the livers of aging mice were examined.VDR knockdown models,including cell knockdown models and hepatic-specific VDR knockout mice,were constructed,and MASLD was established in these models.Additionally,vitamin D(VD)-supplemented models,including senescent liver cell lines and senescent mice,were constructed.RESULTS The steatosis in senescent liver cells was more severe than in normal cells(P<0.05).Moreover,hepatic steatosis was significantly more pronounced in senescence model mice compared to control group when the MASLD model was successfully induced(P<0.05).Therefore,we concluded that aging aggravated hepatic steatosis.The hepatic expression of VDR increased after aging.VDR knockdown in senescent liver cells and senescent mice alleviated hepatic steatosis(P<0.05).When senescent liver cells were stimulated with VD,cellular steatosis was aggravated(P<0.05).However,VD supplementation had no effect on aging mice.CONCLUSION Aging can lead to increased hepatic steatosis,and the hepatic-specific knockdown of VDR alleviated aging-related MASLD.VDR could serve as a potential molecular target for aging-related MASLD.
文摘BACKGROUND Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis(LE)is an inflammatory condition that affects the limbic system,cerebellum,and peripheral nervous system.It causes a range of symptoms including short-term memory loss,impaired cognitive function,behavioral and psychological disorders,and seizures.Paraneoplastic LE can occur when an immune response is activated due to antibodies targeting gammaaminobutyric acid(GABA)B receptor(GABABR)interacting with antigens on tumor cells and the nervous system,resulting in tumors primarily as small cell lung carcinoma(SCLC).CASE SUMMARY We discuss two cases of GABABR antibody-related LE resulting from SCLC.The patients’symptoms were managed with immunotherapy but ended in premature death due to chemotherapy-related complications.CONCLUSION Paraneoplastic syndrome is a notable cause of LE.Early intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may lead to temporary remission.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.H2021206187 and No.H2021206452.
文摘BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an important mechanism of DCD.Blocking calcium overload and restoring calcium homeostasis are key steps in treatment.Transient receptor potential melastatin 7(TRPM7)is a novel player in causing calcium overload.Our previous studies have shown that genetic silencing of TRPM7 in type 1 diabetic rats leads to significant improvements in cognitive function,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.Troxerutin,extracted from the flowers of Sophora japonica,is one of the derivatives of rutin and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.However,its association with TRPM7 remains unclear.AIM To use animal and cellular models,we investigated whether TRPM7 mediated mitochondrial fission by upregulation of calcineurin(CaN)/dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)ser637 in DCD,and whether Troxerutin improved DCD by inhibiting TRPM7-mediated mitochondrial division.METHODS In this study,we used db/db mice and hippocampal neuronal cell lines(HT22)treated with high-concentration glucose as our study subjects.We evaluated cognitive function using Morris water maze,novel object recognition tasks,and Nesting tests.We observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy and measured mitochondrial energy metabolism indicators using a spectrophotometer.We also detected mRNA and protein expression of TRPM7,CaN,p-Drp1^(ser637),caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein,and B-cell lymphoma 2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and immunofluorescence.RESULTS In the db/db diabetic mice with cognitive dysfunction,as well as in hippocampal neurons exposed to high-concentration glucose,TRPM7 and CaN expression were upregulated,phosphorylated Drp1^(ser637)expression was downregulated,and mitochondrial fission was increased.By modulating(inhibiting or overexpressing)TRPM7,it was further validated that TRPM7 activates the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway,resulting in an increase in mitochondrial fission and neuronal cell apoptosis.Troxerutin downregulated TRPM7/CaN/Drp1^(ser637),reduced mitochondrial fission,and improved DCD.CONCLUSION TRPM7 promotes mitochondrial fission via the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway.Troxerutin improves mitochondrial function and reduces neuronal damage by inhibiting this pathway,suggesting TRPM7 as a potential therapeutic target for DCD.
文摘The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptors （ER（（α ） and ER（β）） and androgen receptors （ARs） as prognostic factors for biochemical recurrence, disease progression and survival in patients with pT3NOMO prostate cancer （PCa） in an urban Greek population. A total of 100 consecutive patients with pT3NOMO PCa treated with radical prostatectomy participated in the study. The mean age and follow-up were 64.2 and 6 years, respectively. The HSCORE was used for semi-quantitative analysis of the immunoreactivity of the receptors. The prognostic value of the ER（（α） and ER（β） and AR was assessed in terms of recurrence, progression, and survival. AR expression was not associated with any of the above parameters; however, both ERs correlated with the prognosis. A univariate Cox regression analysis showed that ER（α） positive staining was significantly associated with a greater hazard for all outcomes. Increased ER（β） staining was significantly associated with a lower hazard for all outcomes in the univariate analysis. When both ER HSCORES were used for the analysis, it was found that patients with high ER（α） or low ER（β） HSCORES compared with patients with negatively stained ER（α） and 〉1.7 hSCORE ER（β） had 6.03, 10.93, and 10.53 times greater hazard for biochemical disease recurrence, progression of disease and death, respectively. Multiple Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that the age, preoperative prostate specific antigen, Gleason score and ERs were independent predictors of all outcomes. ER expression is an important prognosticator after radical prostatectomy in patients with pT3NOMO PCa. By contrast, AR expression has limited prognostic value.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project for Infectious Diseases of China(No.2012ZX10004503)
文摘Summary： Immune-mediated inflammatory injury is an important feature of the disease aggravation of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF）. Toll-like receptors （TLRs） have been shown previously to play a pivotal role in the activation of innate immunity. The purpose of this study was.to characterize the TLR4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） of ACLF pa- tients and its possible role in the disease aggravation. Twelve healthy subjects, 15 chronic HBV-infected （CHB） patients and 15 ACLF patients were enrolled in this study. The TLR4 expression in PBMCs and T cells of all subjects was examined by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. The correlation of TLR4 ex- pression on T cells with the markers of disease aggravation was evaluated in ACLF patients. The ability of TLR4 ligands stimulation to induce inflammatory cytokine production in ACLF patients was ana- lyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that TLR4 mRNA level was upregulated in PBMCs of ACLF patients compared to that in the healthy subjects and the CHB patients. Specifically, the expres- sion of TLR4 on CD4＋ and CD8＋ T cells of PBMCs was significantly increased in ACLF patients. The TLR4 levels on CD4＋ and CD8＋T cells were positively correlated with serum total bilirubin （TBIL）, direct bilirubin （DBIL）, international normalized ratio （INR） levels and white blood cells （WBCs）, and negatively correlated with serum albumin （ALB） levels in the HBV-infected patients, indicating TLR4 pathway may play a role in the disease aggravation of ACLF. In vitro TLR4 ligand stimulation on PBMCs of ACLF patients induced a strong TNF-α production by CD4＋ T cells, which was also posi- tively correlated with the serum markers for liver injury severity. It was concluded that TLR4 expression is upregulated on T cells in PBMCs, which is associated with the aggravation of ACLF.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81670881)
文摘AIM: To investigate serum levels of soluble CD146(s CD146) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) in patients with age-related macular degeneration(AMD). METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with exudative AMD and 45 sex-and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study conducted in China. Serum samples was obtained from the patients with exudative AMD and from the controls. Serum sCD146 and VEGFR2 protein levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: We found that serum sCD146 and VEGFR2 protein levels were significantly higher in the patients with exudative AMD group than in the controls(t=3.859, P<0.001 and t=3.829, P<0.001, respectively). Serum sCD146 levels were significantly higher in patients with classic choroidal neovascularization(CNV) than in those with occult CNV(t=9.899, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in the trend for exudative AMD in the highest versus lowest quartile of circulating sCD146 levels(χ2=10.29, P=0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.696 for s CD146(95%CI: 0.601-0.791) with an optimum diagnostic cut-off value of 157.16 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 55.7%, and a specificity of 82.2%.CONCLUSION: The serum sCD146 level increases and may be a biomarker for exudative AMD.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81000106 and81470539)
文摘Intermedin/adrenomedullin-2(IMD/AM2), a member of the calcitonin gene-related peptide/AM family,plays an important role in protecting the cardiovascular system. However, its role in the enhanced sympathoexcitation in obesity-related hypertension is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of IMD in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN) of the hypothalamus on sympathetic nerve activity(SNA), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced sympathetic activation in obesity-related hypertensive(OH)rats induced by a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Acute experiments were performed under anesthesia. The dynamic alterations of sympathetic outflow were evaluated as changes in renal SNA and mean arterial pressure(MAP) in response to specific drugs. Male rats were fed a control diet(12% kcal as fat) or a high-fat diet(42% kcal as fat) for 12 weeks to induce OH. The results showed that IMD protein in the PVN was downregulated, but Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) and plasma norepinephrine(NE, indicating sympathetic hyperactivity) levels, and systolic blood pressure were increased in OH rats. LPS(0.5 lg/50 nL)-induced enhancement of renal SNA and MAP was greater in OH rats than in obese or control rats. Bilateral PVN microinjection of IMD(50 pmol)caused greater decreases in renal SNA and MAP in OH rats than in control rats, and inhibited LPS-induced sympatheticactivation, and these were effectively prevented in OH rats by pretreatment with the AM receptor antagonist AM22-52.The mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signalregulated kinase(ERK) inhibitor U0126 in the PVN partially reversed the LPS-induced enhancement of SNA. However,IMD in the PVN decreased the LPS-induced ERK activation,which was also effectively prevented by AM22-52. Chronic IMD administration resulted in significant reductions in the plasma NE level and blood pressure in OH rats. Moreover,IMD lowered the TLR4 protein expression and ERK activation in the PVN, and decreased the LPS-induced sympathetic overactivity. These results indicate that IMD in the PVN attenuates SNA and hypertension, and decreases the ERK activation implicated in the LPS-induced enhancement of SNA in OH rats, and this is mediated by AM receptors.
文摘We have identified 14 S _locus glycoprotein (SLG)_related protein kinase genes in a 323 kb contig of rice (Oryza sativa L.) chromosome 4 and we detected the transcription pattern of this gene cluster by reverse transcription_polymerase reaction (RT_PCR). RT_PCR results revealed that nine putative genes were transcribed in rice and these genes had the different expression patterns: two genes are expressed predominantly in reproductive tissues while the other seven genes are expressed in both reproductive and vegetative tissues. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequences demonstrated that the extracellular receptor domains are highly homologous to SLG of Brassica, whereas the cytoplasmic kinase domains contain conserved amino acids present in serine/threonine kinases.
基金Supported by the Class A Project of the Key Research and Development Programs of the Science and Technology Department of Anhui Province,No.1804h08020236the Key Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province,No.KJ2018A0206
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(HBV-ACLF)is a syndrome with a high short-term mortality rate,and it is crucial to identify those patients at a high mortality risk clinically.AIM To investigate the clinical value of soluble mannose receptor(sMR)in predicting the 90-day mortality of HBV-ACLF patients.METHODS A total of 43 patients were diagnosed with HBV-ACLF between October 2017 and October 2018 at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University,and all of them were enrolled in this retrospective study.Their serum sMR levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Demographic and clinical data,including gender,age,albumin level,total bilirubin(TBIL)level,international normalized ratio,HBV-DNA level,HBV serological markers,procalcitonin level,interleukin-6 level,and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score were accessed at the time of diagnosis of HBV-ACLF.A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors for mortality.RESULTS Serum sMR level was significantly increased in HBV-ACLF patients compared with chronic hepatitis B patients and healthy controls(P<0.01).When compared with surviving patients,it was higher in those patients who succumbed to HBVACLF(P<0.05).Serum sMR level was positively correlated with MELD score(rs=0.533,P=0.001),HBV-DNA level(rs=0.497,P=0.022),and TBIL level(rs=0.894,P<0.001).Serum sMR level(odds ratio=1.007,95%confidence interval:1.004–1.012,P=0.001)was an independent risk factor for the 90-day mortality in the HBV-ACLF cases.The patients with HBV-ACLF were stratified into two groups in accordance with their serum sMR levels at the baseline(low risk:<99.84 pg/mL and high risk:≥99.84 pg/mL).The 90-day mortality rates were 27.3%in the low-risk group and 87.5%in the high-risk group.Furthermore,sMR level apparently improved the performance of MELD score for predicting the prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF.CONCLUSION Serum sMR level may be a predictor of the prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds of the Central Universities(No.21613316)
文摘Estrogen-related receptor alpha （ERRα） plays an important role in the development of hor- monezdependent cancers, but its roles in lung cancer remain elusive. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of ERRα on the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer A549 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of ERRor were detected in lung cancer A549 and MCF-7 cells and bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ERRor plasmid transfection and XCT-790 （an inverse agonist of ERRc0 were used to up-regulate or down-regulate ERRα expression in A549 cells, respectively. The viability of A549 cells was measured by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） and the motility of A549 cells by wound healing assay and Transwell migration/invasion assay. The epithelial markers E-cadherin （E-Cad） and zona occludin-1 （ZO-1）, the mesenchymal markers fi- bronectin （FN） and vimentin （Vim） and the transcription factors （Snail, Zebl Twist and Slug） were fur- ther detected at mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that ERRor promoted the growth of lung cancer A549 cells in vitro. XCT-790 significantly in- hibited the migration and invasion of A549 cells. Over-expression of ERRα promoted the epithe- lial-to-mesenchymal transition （EMT） of A549 ceils, down-regulated the epithelial makers E-Cad and ZO-1, and up-regulated the mesenchymal makers FN and Vim. Silencing of Slug, but not other tran- scription factors, significantly abolished the ERRs-induced EMT of A549 cells. It was suggested that ERRor promoted the migration and invasion of A549 cells by inducing EMT, and Slug was involved in the process. Targeting ERRor might be an efficient approach for lung cancer treatment.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30500189)
文摘Objective The present study aimed to explore the role of P2Y1 receptor in glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） production and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） secretion of astrocytes under ischemic insult and the related signaling pathways. Methods Using transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion （tMCAO） and oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation for 2 h as the model of ischemic injury in vivo and in vitro, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, Western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） were used to investigate location of P2Y1 receptor and GDNF, the expression of GFAP and GDNF, and the changes of signaling molecules. Results Blockage of P2Y1 receptor with the selective antagonist N^6-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate diammonium （MRS2179） reduced GFAP production and increased GDNF production in the antagonist group as compared with simple ischemic group both in vivo and in vitro. Oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation and blockage of P2Y1 receptor caused elevation of phosphorylated Akt and cAMP response element binding protein （CREB）, and reduction of phosphorylated Janus kinase2 （JAK2） and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 （STAT3, Ser727）. After blockage of P2Y1 receptor and deprivation of oxygen-glucose-serum, AG490 （inhibitor of JAK2） reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 （Ser727） as well as expression of GFAP; LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3-K）, decreased phosphorylation of Akt and CREB; the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 （MEK 1/2） U0126, an important molecule of Ras/extracellular signal- regulated kinase （ERK） signaling pathway, decreased the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3 （Ser727）, Akt and CREB. Conclusion These results suggest that P2Y1 receptor plays a role in the production of GFAP and GDNF in astrocytes under transient ischemic condition and the related signaling pathways may be JAK2/STAT3 and PI3-K/Akt/CREB, respectively, and that crosstalk probably exists between them.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81470609No.81500695)
文摘AIM：To elucidate the effect of rapamycin on regulating the production of interleukin（IL）-1β in Aspergillus fumigatus（A.fumigatus）-induced keratitis and to verify whether the expression of IL-1β in A.fumigatus keratitis is associated with the mammalian target of rapamycin（mT OR）/Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4） signaling pathway.METHODS：Fungal keratitis mouse models of susceptible C57 BL/6 mice were established using A.fumigatus.The mice were subsequently treated with rapamycin.The protein levels of p-mT OR,TLR4,and IL-1β in normal and infected corneal tissue were measured by Western blot.The TLR4 and IL-1β m RNA levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）.RESULTS：In C57 BL/6 mice,rapamycin treatment decreased the clinical scores and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine,IL-1β.The expression of TLR4,stimulated by A.fumigatus,was reduced as well when the mT OR signaling pathway was suppressed by rapamycin.CONCLUSION：Rapamycin is beneficial for the outcome of fungal keratitis and has an inhibitory effect expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.The inhibitory effect on IL-1β expression can be associated with the mT OR/TLR4 signaling pathway in A.fumigatus infection in mice.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863) of China(No. 2007AA06Z414)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 50778170)
文摘Environmental chemicals in drinking water can impact human health through nuclear receptors. Additionally, estrogen-related receptors （ERRs） are vulnerable to endocrine-disrupting effects. To date, however, ERR disruption of drinking water potency has not been reported. We used ERRy two-hybrid yeast assay to screen ERRy disrupting activities in a drinking water treatment plant （DWTP） located in north China and in source water from a reservoir, focusing on agonistic, antagonistic, and inverse agonistie activity to 4-hydroxytamoxifen （4-OHT）. Water treatment processes in the DWTP consisted of pre-chlorination, coagulation, coal and sand filtration, activated carbon filtration, and secondary chlorination processes. Samples were extracted by solid phase extraction. Results showed that ERRγ antagonistic activities were found in all sample extracts, but agonistic and inverse agonistic activity to 4-OHT was not found. When calibrated with the toxic equivalent of 4-OHT, antagonistic effluent effects ranged from 3.4 to 33.1 μg/L. In the treatment processes, secondary chlorination was effective in removing ERRy antagonists, but the coagulation process led to significantly increased ERRy antagonistic activity. The drinking water treatment processes removed 73.5 % of ERRy antagonists. To our knowledge, the occurrence of ERRy disruption activities on source and drinking water in vitro had not been reported previously. It is vital, therefore, to increase our understanding of ERRγ disrupting activities in drinking water.
文摘Aim： To investigate the expression and distribution of the members of the transient receptor potential （TRP） channel members of TRP melastatin （TRPM） and TRP vanilloid （TRPV） subfamilies in rat prostatic tissue. Methods： Prostate tissue was obtained from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） were used to check the expression of all TRPM and TRPV channel members with specific primers. Immunohistochemistry staining for TRPM8 and TRPV1 were also performed in rat tissues. Results： TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPMS, TRPV2 and TRPV4 mRNA were detected in all rat prostatic tissues. Very weak signals for TRPM1, TRPVI and TRPV3 were also detected. The mRNA of TRPM5, TRPV5 and TRPV6 were not detected in all RT-PCR experiments. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed that TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPMS, TRPV2 and TRPV4 were the most abundantly expressed TRPM and TRPV subtypes, respectively. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry indicated that TRPM8 and TRPV 1 are highly expressed in both epithelial and smooth muscle cells. Conclusion： Our results demonstrate that mRNA or protein for TRPM1, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPMS, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3 and TRPV4 exist in rat prostatic tissue. The data presented here assists in elucidating the physiological function of TRPM and TRPV channels.
基金Foundation items： This project was supported by the Program for the National Natural Science Foundation of China （31372555）, Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China （LZ13C190001）, Scientific Research Foundation of Graduate School of Ningbo University （G15063）, and KC Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University
文摘Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor （CSF-1R） is an important regulator of monocytes/macrophages （MO/MФ）. Although several CSF-1R genes have been identified in teleosts, the precise role of CSF- 1R in ayu （Plecoglossus altivelis） remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the CSF-1R homologue from P. altivelis, and named it PaCSF-1R. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that PaCSF-1R was most closely related to that of Japanese ricefish （Oryzias latipes）. Tissue distribution and expression analysis showed that the PaCSF-1R transcript was mainly expressed in the head kidney-derived MO/MФ, spleen, and head kidney, and its expression was significantly altered in various tissues upon Vibrio anguillarum infection. After PaCSF-1R neutralization for 48 h, the phagocytic activity of MO/MФ was significantly decreased, suggesting that PaCSF-1R plays a role in regulating the phagocytic function of ayu MO/M（P.
基金the Science & Technology Planning Project of Nanjing City,China,No.200801090
文摘Chronic systemic treatment with blockers of angiotensin II type-1 （AT1） receptors inhibits ischemia-induced apoptosis and reduces ischemic neuronal damage. However, the molecular mechanisms of AT1 receptor blockers in modulating neuronal apoptosis remain poorly understood. Pretreatment with irbesartan significantly suppressed cell apoptosis at 1-7 days following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and elevated the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein （pCREB）/CREB in the ischemic cortex at 1 day after reperfusion, as well as suppressing caspase-3 activation. Cerebral ischemia increased the mRNA expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors in the ischemic cortex, whereas irbesartan blocked this increase in AT1 expression but potentiated the expression of AT2. Therefore, this AT1 receptor blocker was neuroprotective by increasing the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax and pCREB/CREB, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, inhibiting caspase-3 activation, and modulating AT receptor expression.
