Objective To explore the levels of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to explore the relationship between the levels of these inflammatory biomarkers and disease activity of MS. Methods Blood samples were collected from 21 MS patients of acute period (acute period of MS group), 20 MS patients of remitting period (remitting period of MS group) and 21 patients with non inflammatory and vascular neurologic disease (control group). The levels of sPLA2 and LPA in blood and cerebrospinal fluid were measured and compared. Results The levels of sPLA2 and LPA in blood and cerebrospinal fluid before treatment in acute period of MS group were significantly higher than those in remitting period of MS group (P<0.01) and in control group (P<0.01). The levels of sPLA2 and LPA in blood and cerebrospinal fluid after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment in acute period of MS group (P<0.01). The levels of sPLA2 and LPA in blood before and after treatment had correlations in acute period of MS group (r=0.962, P=0.000;r=0.848, P=0.000). The levels of sPLA2 and LPA in cerebrospinal fluid before and after treatment had correlations in the acute period group (r=0.968, P=0.000;r=0.850, P=0.000). Conclusions The levels of sPLA2 and LPA in blood and cerebrospinal fluid may be used as inflammatory biomarkers for disease activity in MS patients.

Objective To observe the effects of fructose,fibroblast growth supplement(FGS) and ethylamine sulfonic acid on the total number,the survival rate and the survival number of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial(hRPE) Cell.Methods Microencapsulated hRPE cells were plated and cultured in four kinds of mediums,which contained fructose,fibroblast growth supplement(FGS),ethylamine sulfonic acid or no extra ingredient respectively.The total cell number,survival rate and viable cell number of the microencapsulated hRPE cell on day 0th,1st,3rd,7th were calculated.Results After 7days of culture,the lowest cell survival rate of microencapsulated hRPE cells in the four groups was(75.00±3.00)%,but there were no significantly differences(Ps＞0.05) among the groups.The total number of cells in the fibroblast growth factor group([8.00±0.46]×104) and ethylamine sulfonic acid group([7.20±0.36]×104) were significantly higher than the blank group(([6.10±0.56]×104),Ps＜0.05),while no statistical difference was observed in the comparison between the fructose group([6.00±0.46]×104) and blank control(P＞0.05).Conclusion The FGS and ethylamine sulfonic acid can promote the proliferation of the microencapsulated hRPE cells.

Objective To investigate whether Bushen-Huoxue compound adjuvant therapy can be effective on mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease and the influence on plasma phospholipids(PLs) levels. Methods 87 PD patients were recruited and collected for the general information. The patients were evaluated by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale(UPDRS) Ⅲ and Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA). According to MoCA scores, patients with PD-MCI were divided into a Bushen-Huoxue compound treatment group and a control group(basic L-dopa or dopamine agonist). Reevaluating cognitive function by MoCA and plasma phopholipids levels at posttreatment 12 month and 18 month. Plasma PLs was assayed by measuring its inorganic phosphorus after separation by chromatograph.Results 39 cases in 87 PD patients(44.8%)were with PD-MCI.After 12 months or 18 months treatment period, MoCA scores was significantly higher in Bushen-Huoxue compound treatment group than in controls(P<0.05 or 0.01 respectively). Plasma PLs levels were significantly decreased in Bushen-Huoxue compound treatment group than in controls(P<0.01 or 0.01 respectively). Conclusions Bushen-Huoxue compound could be effective in the adjuvant treatment of PD-MCI, and could delay cognitive rate of decline in patients with PD. Meanwhile, Bushen-Huoxue compound could significantly decrease plasma PLs levels in PD-MCI. The evidence from present study suggested that Bushen-Huoxue compound have neuroprotective effects on patients with PD-MCI.

To study the inhibitory effect of Nogo-A shRNA on cell line PC12, the Nogo-A shRNA (short hairpin RNA, or shRNA) was designed and synthesized. The annealed shRNA template was inserted into plasmid pGenesil-1 containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene by gene cloning technique to generate eukaryotic expression vector. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into PC12 cells by lipofecamine2000 and the mRNA and protein expression level of Nogo-A gene was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting 48 h after the transfection. Gene sequencing showed that that the Nogo-A shRNA eukaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed. No significant change was found in the Nogo-A mRNA and protein expression level in empty vector-transfected group as compared with controls (P>0.05), while the expression level in shRNA-transfected group decreased significantly (P<0.05). It is concluded that the pGenesil-1/Nogo-AshRNA recombinant plasmid can effectively suppress the expression of Nogo-A gene in PC12 cells.
Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Knockdown Techniques/*methods ; Genetic Vectors ; Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics ; Myelin Proteins/*genetics ; Myelin Proteins/metabolism ; PC12 Cells ; Plasmids ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Transfection

This study investigated the effect of TNP-470 in combination with carmustine (BCNU) on the growth of subcutaneously implanted human glioblastoma xenografts in nude mice. Human glioblastoma U-251 cells (1×10(7)) were injected into 24 nude mice subcutaneously. The tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into 4 groups on the seventh day following tumor implantation: TNP-470 group, in which TNP-470 was given 30 mg/kg subcutaneously every other day 7 times; BCNU group, in which 20 mg/kg BCNU were injected into peritoneal cavity per 4 days 3 times; TNP-470 plus BCNU group, in which TNP-470 and BCNU were coadministered in the same manner as in the TNP-470 group and the BCNU group; control group, in which the mice were given 0.2 mL of the mixture including 3% ethanol, 5% acacia and 0.9% saline subcutaneously every other day 7 times. The tumor size and weights were measured. The tumor microvessel density (MVD) was determined by immunostaining by using goat-anti-mouse polyclonal antibody CD105. The results showed that on the 21th day following treatment, the volume of xenografts in the TNP-470 plus BCNU group was (108.93±17.63)mm(3), markedly lower than that in the TNP-470 group [(576.10±114.29)mm(3)] and the BCNU group [(473.01±48.04)mm(3)] (both P<0.01). And the xenograft volume in these 3 treatment groups was even much lower than that in the control group [(1512.61±470.25) mm(3)] (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the volume of xenografts between the TNP-470 group and the BCNU group (P>0.05). The inhibition rate of the tumor growth in the TNP-470 plus BCNU group was (92.80±11.37)%, notably higher than that in the TNP-470 group [(61.91±6.29)%] and the BCNU group [(68.73±9.65)%] (both P<0.01) on the 21th day following treatment. There was no significant difference in the inhibition rate of tumor growth between the TNP-470 group and the BCNU group (P>0.05). The MVD of xenografts in the TNP-470 plus BCNU group was decreased significantly as compared with that in the TNP-470 group or the BCNU group (both P<0.05). The MVD of xenografts in the 3 treatment groups was markedly reduced as compared with that in the control group (all P<0.05). No significant changes in weights were observed before and after the treatment in each group (all P>0.05). It was concluded that the combination of TNP-470 and BCNU can significantly inhibit the growth of human glioblastoma xenografts in nude mice without evident side effects.

Objective To investigate the effect of Miao medicine Jinwu Jiangu decoction containing serum freeze-dried powder on levels of IL-17,ACT1 and TRAF6 in human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast like synoviocytes (RA-HFLS).Methods Rabbits were randomly divided into blank control group (recieving normal saline of the same volume),Jinwu Jiangu decoction high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose group (intragastrically administrated with Jinwu Jiangu decoction at doses of 14.4,4.8 and 2.4 g·kg-1,respectively),tripterygium glycosides group and prednisone group (treated with human equivalent dosage).RA-HFLS primary cell model was established in the experiment.ELISA method was used to detect effect of lyophilized powder on IL-17 secretion.Expression of ACT1,TRAF6 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR.Results Compared with the blank control gorup,IL-17 in the supernatant of each medication administration group was significantly decreased (all P<0.01),and it was decreased most significantly in Jinwu Jiangu decoction high-dose and medium-dose group.IL-17 was down-regulated more significantly in high-dose group than that in tripterygium glycosides group (P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,TRAF6 and ACT1 mRNA expression level of each medication administration group were significantly decreased (all P<0.01),and in the high-dose group that were decreased most significantly,but not significantly different as compared with tripterygium glycosides group and prednisone group (P>0.05).Conclusion Freeze-dried powder of Jinwu Jiangu decoction can decrease the secretion of IL-17 and down-regulate expression of ACT1,TRAF6 with RA-HFLS.

Objective To investigate proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) mutations in six pedigrees with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD),and to provide prenatal consulting and prenatal diagnosis.Methods Subjects were six probands with PMD admitted in Department of Pediatrics,Peking University First Hospital from July 2006 to November 2011 and their family members.Genomic DNA sarnples were extracted from peripheral bloods of probands and their family members.Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique was used to detect PLP1 duplication mutation.Direct DNA sequencing was used to detect point mutation.Genetic diagnosis were based on PLP1 mutation genotype from probands.Prenatal diagnosis of nine fetuses were performed from seven PLP1 mutation female carriers by fetuses' DNA extracted from amniocytes or villus cells.Results PLP1 duplications were found in probands 1-4 (P1-4) whose mothers and the aunt of proband 1 (P1) were PLP1 duplications carriers.The two cases of point mutation,c.96C＞G(p.F32L) and c.623G＞T (p.G208V),were found in proband 5 (P5) and proband 6 (P6).Hcterozygous changes of the same mutations were found in P5' and P6' mothers with normal phenotypes.Seven female PLP1 mutation carriers were pregnant again.Prenatal diagnosis of PLP1 for nine fetuses presented one PLP1 duplication,one point mutation,one PLP1 duplication carrier,and six wildtypes.A segmental crossing over of X chromosome was detected in one male fetus of PLP1 wildtype.Conclusions PLP1 mutation analysis could help to diagnose PMD pedigree and to identify female PLP1 mutation carrier in the family.The following prenatal diagnosis and proper genetic counseling are very important to prevent PMD child from being delivered.

Objective: To observe the characteristics of dynamic changes of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its relationship with cerebral vasospasm (CVS) and to explore the pathogenesis of CVS. Methods: Sixty-seven patients with SAH diagnozed by clinical and accessory examinations were selected. The LPA levels in CSF were measured at 24 hours, day 7,14, and 28 respectively after the onset of symptoms,and they were compared with a control group. The correlation between LPA levels and CVS on the time course was also observed at the same time. Results: Of the 67 patients with SAH, a total of 29 patients (43.3%) occurred CVS, the average time of occurrence was 6. 6 days. There was no significant difference between the LPA levels in CSF in patients with SAH and the control group at 24 hours after the onset of symptoms; they were significantly higher than the control group at day 7 (P ＜0. 001); they were significantly higher than the control group at day 14 (P ＜ 0. 001), but they were significantly lower than those at day 7 (P ＜ 0. 01); they decreased to baseline at day 28, and there was significant difference compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the LPA levels in the CVS group and those in the non-CVS group at 24 hours, they were significantly higher than those in the non-CVS group at day 7 (P ＜0. 001), they were still significantly higher than those in the non-CVS group at day 14 (P ＜0. 01); and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups at day 28. Conclusions: The LPA levels in CSF in patients with SAH increased significantly from day 7 to day 14 after the onset of symptoms, and they had obvious association with CVS on the time course. The detection of the LPA levels in CSF may have important significance in predicting the occurrence of CVS.

Objective To investigate the incidence and etiological factors of hyponatremia following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and analyze the relationship between hyponatremia and the patient’s age, gender, type of injury, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), operation and computerized tomography (CT) scan of head. Methods Clinical data of 136 pa-tients with moderate or severe TBI in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively, including patient’s age, gender, type of injury, GCS, operation, brain edema and basal skull fracture. The relationship between clinical data and hyponatremia were analyzed statistically by Chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results There were 56 pa-tients with hyponatremia in 136 patients (81 males) with moderate or severe TBI. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hyponatremia secondary to TBI was not associated with patient’s age, gender, type of injury and operation or not. However, there was a high correlation between hyponatremia following TBI and clinical characteristics of TBI at ear-ly stage, such as GCS, brain edema and basal skull fracture. Conclusions Patients with TBI is more likely to develop hy-ponatremia when they have the following clinical factors, such as GCS≤8, brain edema or basal skull fracture. Preven-tive measures should be given to these patients in advance.

Objective To analyze the clinical data and TUBB4A mutation of hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (HABC)in a family,thus to provide accurate genetic counseling and prenatal diagno-sis for this family with HABC,and also to provide clinical experience for the diagnosis of HABC in China.Methods The clinical data of the proband and her family members were collected at the Department of Pediatrics,Peking Univer-sity First Hospital,December 201 4,including medical history,physical signs,and brain MRI,biochemical tests and metabolic disease screening.The associated gene of hereditary leukoencephalopathy was screened for the proband and her family members were screened by targeting -high -throughput sequencing technology,and then the genetic varia-tions were verified by Sanger sequencing.With those detection methods,the gene mutation was confirmed,and then ge-netic features were analyzed.Results Clinical features were as follows:nystagmus as the first symptom,and motor and mental retardation,dystonia and ataxia followed.Brain MRI indicated hypomyelination of white matter and atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum.The clinical diagnosis of HABC was established based on the clinical features and brain MRI features above.Genetics features showed that one novel TUBB4A c.974G >T heterozygous missense muta-tion was found from the proband,which caused an amino acid change from the Trp into Leu (p.Trp325Leu).Both of her parents with normal phenotype were of wild -type in this site.Conclusions The proband from this family was diagnosed clinically based on her clinical data.One novel TUBB4Ac.974G > T (p.Trp325Leu)was founded in this study.Therefore,the spectrum of TUBB4A mutation will be expanded.In addition,this study elucidated clinical and genetic characteristics in this family with HABC,which may lay a solid foundation for the accurate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.This study reported the first case of HABC caused by TUBB4A mutation in China.