Objective To study the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and nerve growth factor(NGF) in the guinea pig cochlea of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, and to understand its protective role for the inner ear.Methods The animals were divided into normal group and experimental group with cisplatin. Sodium chloride was used for the control. All animals were sacrificed on the day 3, 5 and 7, and the cochlea were used for BDNF and NGF staining.Results The weak expression of BDNF and the moderate expression of NGF were observed in the cochlea in the normal group. The strongest expression of BDNF and NGF was observed in the animals with cisplatin.Conclusion The existence of NGF in the normal cochlea indicates that NGF plays an important role to maintain auditory physiology.BDNF and NGF may be involved in self-protection mechanism for the cochlea and auditory nerves from cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Aim To observe the optimal temperature and optimal pH of uricase-catalase liposomes(UCALP) and free uricase(UAE), and study the abilities of UCALP to reduce uric acid and hydrogen peroxide in mice with hyperuricemia.Methods UCALP were prepared by reverse phase evaporation, optimal temperature and optimal pH of UCALP and UAE were determined, respectively.Mouse model of hyperuricemia was established by intraperitoneally injection of uric acid, and the model mice were intravenously injected UCALP and UAE, respectively, then the serum concentration of uric acid and hydrogen peroxide in mice at different time points were measured by the assay kits, respectively.Results Optimal temperature of UCALP and UAE was 40℃, and optimal pH was 8.0 and 8.5, respectively.UCALP could more significantly lower uric acid level of hyperuricemia mice than that of UAE, and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in UCALP group was lower than in UAE group.Conclusion UCALP can effectively decrease the level of uric acid and control the level of hydrogen peroxide in mice with hyperuricemia.

Objective To explore the effect of vitamin K2 on β-glycerophosphate(β-GP)-induced rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification and and the mechanism.Methods VSMCs were obtained from rat aortic,and identified by immunocytochemistry,then randomly divided into control group,high phosphorus group,vitamin K2 group (the group was settled three subgroups according to the concentration of vitamin K2 based on the high phosphorus medium,namely 10 μmol/L,25 μmol/L,50 μmol/L) and noggin (bone morphogenetic protein pathway inhibitor) group.Calcification was visualized by Alizarin red staining,calcium load in cells was quantified by o-cresolphthalein complexone method and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured after stimulating 14 days,gene expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2),SMAD1,SMAD7 and Runx2 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR,Runx2 protein levels was detected by Western blotting after stimulating 3 days.Results Compared with the cells in control group,high phosphorus induced cell calcification,increased ALP activity,up-regulated the expression of BMP-2,SMAD1,Runx2 mRNA (P ＜ 0.05) and down-regulated the expression of SMAD7 (P ＜ 0.01),while compared with high phosphorus group,the calcium deposition,ALP activity and the expression of BMP-2,SMAD1,Runx2 mRNA were remarkably reduced in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with vitamin K2 (P ＜ 0.05) and the expression of SMAD7 was increased (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with high phosphorus group,SMAD1 and Runx2 expression in noggin group were remarkably reduced(P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Vitamin K2 inhibits β-glycerophosphate-induced VSMCs calcification which correlates with the suppression of the expression of osteoblast markers through the down-regulation of bone morphogenetic protein pathway.

Objective:To detect the effect of EphrinA1-Fc on the phosphorylation of EphA2 and extracellular signal-regulated ki-nase (ERK) in 786-O renal carcinoma cells (RCCs). Methods:The soluble ligand EphrinA1-Fc was used to inhibit the 786-O RCCs in vitro. Western blot analysis was used to examine the phosphorylation of EphA2 and ERK1/2 in the 786-O RCCs at different time points. Results:After the intervention with EphrinA1-Fc for 5, 10, 30, and 60 min, the expression of p-EphA2 increased (F=9.392, P=0.025) as well as that of p-ERK (F=4.428, P=0.041). No p-EphA2 and p-ERK expression was observed in the pre-intervention group. Conclusion:One of the possible mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of EphrinA1-Fc on tumor metastasis and recurrence involves the phosphorylation of EphA2 by EphrinA1-Fc, leading to the degradation of EphA2.

Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in mitochondrial displacement-loop (mtDNA D-loop) and renal cell carcinoma. Methods Fifty-nine patients with clear cell renal cell cancer (renal cancer group) and 68 healthy control (control group) were selected in this study. The mtDNA D-loop region was amplified and se-quenced using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were compared and analysed with the Revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS) in library of mitochondria. The difference in frequency analyses of mtDNA D-loop region was compared be-tween two groups. Results A total of 143 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of mitochondria D-Loop region were de-tected in renal cancer group and control group. Compared with control group, there were significantly higher frequencies of 262T and 16293G alleles in mitochondria D-loop region, and significantly lower frequencies of 16298C and 16319A alleles, in renal cancer group (P<0.05). Conclusion The analysis of genetic polymorphisms in the D-loop can be used as predic-tors of renal cell carcinoma and contribute to the early detection in patients of renal cell carcinoma.

Objective To explore the effects of the different concentrations of magnesium ions on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification in rats. Methods VSMCs were obtained from rat aortic, and were identified by immunocy-tochemistry. VSMCs were then randomly divided into control group, high phosphorus group and magnesium intervention group. VSMCs were cultured with 10%fetal bovine serum in control group. VSMCs were cultured with high phosphorus in high phosphorus group. VSMCs were cultured with different concentrations of magnesium chloride based on the high phos-phorus medium in magnesium intervention group (final concentrations of magnesium ions were 1, 2 and 3 mmol/L). The calci-um content and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity were measured after the stimulation for 7 days. The expression of Cbfα1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Results Compared with control group, calcium deposits were found significantly higher in high phosphorus group and magnesium intervention group. The calcified nodules gradually reduced with the increased magnesium ion concentration in the intervention group. The calcium contents were significantly lower in the intervention groups (2 and 3 mmol/L) compared with those of high phosphorus group (P<0.05), but no difference was found between 1 mmol/L magnesium intervention group and high phosphorus group. There were no significant differences in the ALP activity and Cbfα1 mRNA expression between intervention groups (2 and 3 mmol/L) and control group (P<0.05). The ALP activity and the expression of Cbfα1 mRNA were gradually decreased with the increased magnesium ion concentration in the inter-vention group, and which were lower than those of high phosphorus group (P<0.05). Conclusion Magnesium can reduce calcification and osteoblastic transdifferentiation, which may be achieved by reducing the expression of Cbfα1 in VSMCs.

Objective To explore the effect of different pH values on calcification of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 signaling pathway. Methods Healthy male SD rats aged 5-8 weeks were selected in the study. VSMCs from rat thoracic aorta were cultured in vitro, and then identified by immunocytochemistry. The VSMCs were randomly divided into 4 groups by random sampling method:normal group (pH 7.4), pH7.4+high phosphorus group, pH 7.1+high phosphorus group, and pH 7.7+high phosphorus group. Calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity were measured by alizarin red staining and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of BMP-2, Smad1 and Runx2 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Results Compared with the control group, the calcification staining was increased in pH 7.4+high phosphorus group, calcium content was increased and expressions of BMP-2, Smad1, Runx2 mRNA and AKP activity were also increased (P<0.05). While compared with the pH 7.4+high phosphorus group, calcification staining, calcium content, expressions of BMP-2, Smad1, Runx2 mRNA and AKP activity were decreased in pH 7.1+high phosphorus group (P<0.05). The calcification staining, calcium content, expressions of BMP-2, Smad1, Runx2 mRNA and AKP activity were increased in pH 7.7+high phosphorus group (P<0.05). Conclusion The extracellular acidic environment (pH 7.1) can inhibit high-phosphotus-induced VSMCs calcification, whereas extracellular alkaline environment (pH 7.7) induce high-phosphotus-induced VSMCs calcification. The mechanism is presumably that VSMCs calcification is induced by influencing BMP-2 pathway, which may be mediated by VSMCs phenotype transdifferentiation of BMP-2 signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of magnesium on calcification induced by hyperphosphate.Methods Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were primarily cultured in vitro and induced calcification by β-glycerophosphate (β-GP).VSMCs were randomly divided into control group,high phosphorus group (10 mmol/L β-GP),magnesium intervèntion group(10 mmol/L β-GP + 3 mmol/L MgSO4) and 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB,an inhibitor of magnesium transporter) intervention group(10 mmol/L β-GP+3 mmol/L MgSO4+ 10-4 mol/L 2-APB).Calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured by alizarin red staining,quantification of calcium and euzyme linked immunosorbent assay.RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to observe the expression of core binding factor α-1 (Cbfα-1) mRNA and protein,respectively.In vivo,male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were randomly divided into control group (methylcellulose+high phosphorous diet),vascular calcification group (adenine suspension + high phosphorous diet),high magnesium intervention group(adenine suspension+high phosphorous and magnesium diet).The aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured,and vascular calcification was determined by von Kossa stain and quantification of calcium.Cbfα-1 in aortic was measured by immunohistochemistry.Results In vitro,compared with high phosphorus group,calcification,ALP activity (P ＜ 0.05) and Cbfα-1expression in VSMCs were significantly decreased in magnesium intervention group after incubation for 14 days,but the addition of 2-APB might inhibit the protective effect of magnesium on VSMCs.Dynamic observation of Cbfα-1 showed that magnesium significantly inhibited the expression of Cbfα-1 (P ＜ 0.05) on the third day and the inhibitory role was obviously increased in a time-dependent manner.Consistent with the findings in vitro,the aortic PWV,calcification were all significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.05) in high magnesium intervention group with high serum magnesium level,when compared with vascular calcification group.Immunohistochemistry showed that hypermagnesemia downregulated obviously the expression of Cbfα-1 induced by hyperphosphatemia(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Magnesium protects against vascular calcification by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs.

Objective To evaluate the number and function of peripheral Vγ2Vδ2+T lymphocytes during Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infected individuals.Methods Seventy-six HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients co-infected with MTB were divided into active tuberculosis(TB)group(HIV+TB)and latent TB group(HIV+LTB).T cell subsets of peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry.Stimulated by protein purified derivative(PPD)and hydroxymethylbutenyl diphosphate (HMBPP),specific interferon(IFN)-γ producing T cells were detected using enzyme-linked immunospot(ELISPOT)and intracellular cytokine staining(ICS).Data were analyzed by t test.Results The absolute number of CD3'T cells and DroDortion of V72VB2'T cells in CD3+T cells in HIV+TB group were both significantly lower than those in HIV+LTB group(t=-3.67,P<0.01;t=-2.06,P<0.05).PPD-specific IFN-y-producing T cells and percentage of PPD-specific CD4+Tcells in CD3+T cells in HIV+LTB group were both similar with those in HIV+TB group.While HMBPP-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells and percentage of HMBPP-specific Vγ2Vδ2+T cells in CD3+Tcells in HIV+LTB group were both higher than those in HIV+TB group(t=2.71 and t=3.003,respectively;both P<0.0 1).Conclusion The number and function of Vγ2Vδ2+T cells were impaired in HIV/AIDS patients coinfected with active MTB infection,which indicates that Vγ2Vδ2+T cells may be the key immune cells against MTB in individuals with impaired CD4+T cells.

Objective To observe the role of intermediate conductance calcium?activated potassium channels (KCa3.1) in alkalinization and β?glycerophosphate induced vascular calcification. Methods Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and aortic rings were obtained from rat thoracic aorta, and then randomly divided into control group (pH was provided into 7.4, 8.0), high phosphorus groups (pH was provided into 7.4, 7.7 and 8.0, VSMCs in three groups were treated with 10 mmol/L β?glycerophosphate; HCl and NaHCO3 were used to adjust the pH) and TRAM?34 group (20 nmol/L was added into pH8.0 high phosphorus dulbecco's modified eagle's medium). Calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured by Alizarin red staining, calcium content and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay after cells were simulated for 12 days. Intracellular free Ca2 + was measured by ELISA. The expression of KCa3.1, runt?related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) were detected by RT?PCR and Western blotting 4 days after cells were stimulated. Calcium deposition was measured by von Kossa staining and calcium content after aortic rings were cultured for 12 days. The expressions of KCa3.1 and Runx2 were detected by immunohistochemistry after aortic rings were cultured for 4 days. Results Compared with control group, calcification in VSMCs and aortic rings were significantly increased in high phosphorus group (P<0.05) while decreased in TRAM?34 group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the expressions of KCa3.1, Runx2 and the activity of ALP in high phosphorus groups were increased (P<0.05) while decreased in TRAM?34 group (P<0.05). Besides, expressions of Runx2 and KCa3.1 were augmented as the pH was higher (P<0.05). The expression of Runx2 in aortic rings was the same situation. Besides, the Ca2+ influx was blocked by TRAM?34 (P<0.05). Conclusions Alkalinization contributes to β?glycerophosphate induced VSMCs calcification through increase of Ca2 + influx, up?regulation of KCa3.1 and promotion of osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation.