Objective To evaluate the relationship between placental expression of Gab1 and neonatal birth weight in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods From the singleton and full-term cesarean delivered women in Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University between October 2014 and May 2015,30 macrosomia babies with maternal GDM were selected as GDM macrosomia group,30 cases of GDM with normal neonatal birth weight as GDM normal group,30 cases without GDM but with macrosomia as normal macrosomia group,and 30 cases without GDM and with normal neonatal birth weight as the normal control group.Gab1 protein and mRNA expression in placentas were detected using immunohistochemistry,Western blot and real-time quantitative-polymerase chain reaction.Analysis of variance,LSD,Dunnett's T3,Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results (1) Gab 1 protein location and positive expression rate:Gab 1 protein expression in human placenta tissue was located in the nucleus.The positive epression rate of Gab 1 protein in the GDM macrosomia group was higher than in the GDM normal group and normal macrosomia group [93％(28/30),73％(22/30) vs 73％(22/30)] and those in the normal macrosomia group and GDM normal group were higher than in the normal control group[47％(14/30)](x2=4.320,4.320,4.444 and 4.444,all P＜0.05).(2) The expression levels of Gabl protein and mRNA:The expression level of Gab1 protein in the GDM macrosomia group was higher than in the GDM normal group and normal macrosomia group (1.43 ± 0.58 vs 1.05 ± 0.67 and 0.95± 0.59),and that in the normal macrosomia group and GDM normal group were higher than in the normal control group (0.64±0.38) (LSD test,all P＜0.05).The expression levels of Gab1 mRNA showed the same trend as the expression levels of Gab1 protein in the four groups.(3) Gab 1 protein expression level was positively associated with neonatal birth weight (r=0.320,P=0.320).Conclusions The expression of Gab1 in placenta is involved in the regulation of birth weight in GDM mothers.

Objective To explore the the expression of Klotho mRNA and protein in placenta of macrosomia and its relationship with the birth weight of neonates. Methods The cases were from November 2014 to March 2015 in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, divided into 4 groups:the gestational diabetes with macrosomia group (GM), the gestational diabetes with normal birth weight group (GN), the normal pregnancy with macrosomia group (NM) and the normal pregnancy with normal birth weight group (NN). Klotho mRNA and protein expression in the placenta were detected by immunohistochemistry SP method, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively, and were compared among the 4 groups. Results (1) Immunohistochemical detection showed the positive rate of Klotho protein was significantly higher in the placenta of GM (93%,28/30) than in the GN (73%,22/30;P<0.05). The positive rate was significantly higher in the placenta of NM (97%,29/30) than in the NN (80%,24/30;P<0.05). (2) Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR showed the Klotho mRNA expression was significantly higher in the placenta of GM (4.3 ± 3.1) than in the GN (2.1 ± 2.4;P<0.05). The Klotho mRNA expression was also significantly higher in the placenta of NM (4.8 ± 3.4) than in the NN (2.6 ± 3.3;P<0.05). (3) Western blot showed the Klotho protein expression was significantly higher in the placenta of GM (1.27±0.90) than in the GN (0.64±0.24;P<0.05). It was also significantly higher in the placenta of NM (2.51±3.52) than in the NN (0.77±0.37;P<0.05). (4) There were no significant differences in the expression of Klotho mRNA and protein between GM and NM, GN and NN (P>0.05). Conclusions The up-regulation of Klotho gene may be associated with macrosomia. The relationship is not affected by the complication of gestational diabetes.

Objective To construct plasmid vectors of calmodulin(CaM)Mg2+binding site mutants,and to express,purify and identify the mutant proteins. Methods Three kinds of cDNAs coding for the mutated CaM were cloned into pGEX?6P?3 plasmid vectors. These recombinant plasmids were transfected into Escherichia coli BL21 to express GST fusion proteins of CaM mutants. The fusion proteins were purified with Glutathione?Sep?harose 4B beads and PreScission protease. Results Both enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequence identification proved the successful con?struction of the CaM mutant plasmids. SDS?PAGE results showed the high purity of each CaM mutant protein. The concentrations of three CaM mu?tants were around 1.0 mg/mL. Conclusion Prokayotic expression vectors of CaM Mg2+binding site mutants were successfully developed,and the eli?gible CaM mutant proteins were obtained. This study provided an important basis for further study on CaM’s biological function.

Objective To investigate a method for the purification of the N?terminal peptide fragment(NT)of the myocardial calcium channel Cav1.2,and characterize its interaction with calmodulin(CaM). Methods EscherichiacoliBL?21 cells were transformed with plasmid pGEX?6p?3/NT harboring the NT?GST fusion gene. The cells harboring pGEX?6p?3/NT were cultured and protein expression was induced with isopropyl?β?D?thiogalactoside(IPTG). Then,the GST?NT fusion protein was purified by using glutathione Sepharose 4B(GS?4B)beads. GST was cleaved off with the PreScission protease,and SDS?PAGE was performed to detect the purity and relative molecular weight of the purified peptide. Further, GST pull?down assay was performed to characterize the interaction of the NT peptide with CaM. Results SDS?PAGE analysis showed that the NT peptide was successfully purified,with high purity. Results of the GST pull?down assay showed that the NT peptide could interact with CaM. Conclusion This study establishes a method for the purification of the NT peptide and lays the foundation for further research on the interaction partners and biological functions of NT.

Objective To construct a CaME141G fusion protein-expressing plasmid,and to express,purify,and identify the activity of the recombinant protein. Methods The 141st site of the wild type CaM,E (GAG),was mutated to G (GGG),using site-specific mutagenesis technology. Escherichia coli BL-21 was transformed with the mutant plasmid. The GST-CaME141G fusion protein was mass-cultured and induced for expression. Subsequently,the GST-CaME141G fusion protein was purified using GS-4B beads. PreScission protease was applied to remove the GST,the Bradford method used to determine the concentration of purified protein,and SDS-PAGE used to detect its relative molecular weight and purity. The GST pull-down assay was used to study the protein's biological activity. Results The CaME141G protein was successfully purified at a high concentration and purity. The protein could interact with PreIQ protein fragments from the myocardial CaV1. 2 calcium channel C terminal,in a CaME141G concentration-dependent manner. Therefore,CaME141G has the ability to bind with the CaV1. 2 calcium channel. Conclusion This study successfully constructed a CaME141G fusion protein-expressing plasmid and purified the CaME141G protein. This lays a foundation for regulating the function of CaM mutations in the myocardial CaV1. 2 calcium channel,and for the study of its relationship with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Objective To construct a prokaryotic expression vector of of the long QT syndrome(LQTS)associated C-terminal lobe of calmodulin(CaM)mutant E141G(C-lobeE141G)and to identify the expression,purification,and activity of C-lobeE141G.Methods A cDNA fragment was inserted into a PGEX-6p-3 plasmid vector and transferred into Escherichia coli BL21 receptor cells,and glutathione-S-trans-ferase(GST)fusion protein was induced by isopropyl thio-β-D galactoside(IPTG).Glutathione-Sepharose 4B beads were used to separate and purify GST-C-lobeE141G.After removing the GST label with protease,the purity and concentration of purified C-lobeE141G were detected using SDS-PAGE and BCA,respectively.The activity of purified C-lobeE141G was detected using the GST pull-down method and patch clamp technique.Results GST-C-lobeE141G fusion protein was highly expressed,and C-lobeE141G with high purity and concentration was obtained.The purified C-lobeE141G protein not only bound to CaV1.2 calcium channels,but also rescued the channel activity from run-down in the ventricular myocytes of rat hearts.Conclusion This study successfully constructed a prokaryotic expression vector of C-lobeE141G,which provides a material basis for the study of the mechanism of LQTS mediated by C-lobe mutations in CaM.

Objective:To explore the effect of NOD-like receptor thermal protein 3 ( NLRP3) knockout in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area on improving cognitive dysfunction in mice after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods:Forty-eight healthy male NLRP3 flox/flox mice weighing 25-28 g were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n=12): sham-operated+control virus group (SV group), sham-operated+ NLRP3 specific knockout group (SG group), TBI+control virus group (TV group), TBI+ NLRP3 specific knockout group (TG group). TBI in the TV and TG groups was established by free-fall method, while surgical procedures such as scalp incision and cranial window opening without impact were given to the SV and SG groups. Adenovirus was injected into the hippocampal CA1 area of SG and TG groups 21 d before TBI to induce NLRP3 specific knockout in GABA-ergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area; empty virus was injected into the CA1 area of SV and TV groups. Cognitive function was evaluated using novel object recognition test 30 and 31 d after TBI, and learning and memory functions were assessed using Morris water maze test 32-36 d after TBI. Field potentials in the hippocampal CA1 area were recorded during novel object recognition 31 d after TBI. After behavioral tests, these mice were sacrificed. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the fluorescent intensity of microtubule-associated protein2 (MAP2), glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampal CA1 area, as well as percentage of pyroptosis-associated inflammatory factor interleukin-18 (IL-18)/GAD67 double-positive neurons in total GAD67 positive neurons. Results:Compared with the SV and SG groups, the TV and TG groups had decreased novel object recognition index, decreased number of platform crossings during the experimental period, increased escape latency on day 3 and day 4 of the training period in Morris water maze test, decreased θ and γ oscillation power in the hippocampal CA1 area during novel object recognition, decreased fluorescent intensity of MAP2, GAD67, and PSD95 in the hippocampal CA1 area, increased percentage of IL-18/GAD67 double-positive neurons, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with the TV group, the TG group had increased novel object recognition index, increased number of platform crossings in Morris water maze test, decreased escape latency during the training period, increased θ and γ oscillation power in the hippocampal CA1 area during novel object recognition, increased fluorescence intensity of MAP2, GAD67, and PSD95 in the hippocampal CA1 area, decreased percentage of IL-18/GAD67 double-positive neurons, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Specific inhibition of NLRP3 expression in GABA-ergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area can improve cognitive dysfunction in mice after TBI, whose mechanism may be related to inhibited GABA-ergic neuronal pyroptosis in the hippocampal CA1 area.

AIM: To establish an ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the determination of micafungin in plasma of critically ill patients. And to establish a model for estimating the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of micafungin by limited sampling strategy. METHODS: Patients with severe infection were administrated with micafungin once a day, 1 h for each infusion. The blood samples were collected before administration and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 h after administration and were measured by UPLC. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Phoenix winnonlin 6.4, and the drug concentrations at 2-4 blood collection points were analyzed with SPSS 22.0 to establish limited sampling models. RESULTS: The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 1.0 to 50 μg/mL (r

Objective·To establish a mouse model with dormant cancer and no obvious metastasis by combining the preimmune strategy with the mVenus-p27K-cell G0 phase indicator system,the DTR-HSV/TK suicide gene system,and the Luc2-tdTomato tracer system.Methods·The KPC1199 mouse pancreatic cancer cell line was transfected with the mVenus-p27K-cell G0 phase indicator system,the DTR-HSV/TK suicide gene system,and the Luc2-tdTomato tracer system to construct a stable expression cell line,KPC1199-PDL.After being cultured in the serum-free condition,KPC1199-PDL cells were sorted into mVenus(+)cells and mVenus(-)cells by flow cytometry,and the expression of G0 phase-related genes was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qPCR).Sensitivity of KPC1199-PDL cells to diphtheria toxin(DTX)and ganciclovir(GCV)was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.A transsplenic portal vein-hepatic metastasis model was constructed in wild-type C57BL/6 mice to validate the function of KPC1199-PDL cells in vivo by immunofluorescence technology.The KPC1199-PDL cells were injected subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice,followed by in situ injection of DTX and GCV to ablate subcutaneous tumors 5 d later,to obtain preimmunized mice.The transsplenic portal vein-hepatic metastasis models were constructed in these mice.Bioluminescence imaging was used to evaluate subcutaneous tumor ablation and hepatic metastasis in the mice,and immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the distribution and dormant state of tumor cells in the livers of preimmunize mice.Results·The three tool systems were stably expressed in KPC1199-PDL cells,and their proliferative ability was not affected.In the serum starving condition,some KPC1199-PDL cells expressed the mVenus protein,indicating entry into the G0 phase;the mVenus(+)cells sorted out by flow cytometry exhibited significantly higher expression of G0 phase-related genes(all P<0.05)and significantly lower expression of the proliferation-related gene compared with mVenus(-)cells(P<0.05).The CCK-8 assay demonstrated high sensitivity of KPC1199-PDL cells to DTX and GCV.In vivo experiments confirmed that KPC1199-PDL cells could be effectively traced through tdTomato protein expression,and could indicate entry into the G0 phase through mVenus protein expression.Following subcutaneous tumor implantation and drug ablation,preimmunized mice were successfully obtained.In the subsequent transsplenic portal vein-hepatic metastasis model,no metastatic signals were observed in the liver by bioluminescence imaging,but single or small clusters of G0 phase tumor cells expressing both mVenus and tdTomato,not expressing the proliferation marker Ki67,were detected in liver tissue sections by immunofluorescence analysis.Conclusions·A recognizable and traceable dormant cancer model is constructed with the combination of the preimmune mouse model of pancreatic cancer,the mVeneus-p27K-indicator system,the DTR-HSV/TK suicide gene system,and the Luc2-tdTomato tracer system.

Anesthesia, General/adverse effects* ; Hypertension/etiology* ; Humans