Objective To study the molecular mechanism and biological significance of GPR30 activating HER2 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells with low expresses HER2.Methods Western blot was adopted to examine the phosphorylation of HER2 and the downstream signaling molecular ERK1/2 after 17-β-estradiol(E2),4-OHT(the active metabolite of tamoxifen) or G-1 (the GPR30 agonist) treatment in MCF-7 cells.After different inhibitors such as G-15 (the GPR30 antagonist),AG1478(EGFR tyrosine inhibitor),AG825 (HER2 tyrosine inhibitor),PP2 (Src family kinase inhibitor)or GM6001 (MMP inhibitor) pretreated for 2 h,the phosphorylation of HER2 and ERK1/2 were further analyzed.Finally,the altered migration and invasive capability of MCF-7 cells were detected by Transwell method.Results HER2 and ERK1/2 were activated in MCF-7 cells after E2,4-OHT or G-1 treatment and these changes could be inhibited by G-15,AG1478,AG825,PP2 or GM6001 pretreatment.The enhancement of G-1-induced migration and invasion ability in MCF-7 cells could also be inhibited by those inhibitors too.Conclusion GPR30 promotes the migration and invasion of MCF-7 cells through activating HER2-ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway.

OBJECTIVEThis research explores the regulatory role of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in the expression of sclerostin in OCCM-30 cementoblast.

METHODSOCCM-30 cementoblasts were treated with 50 and 100 ng · mL⁻¹ BMP2 for 3, 5, and 7 days. SOST mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blot analysis was employed to detect the sclerostin levels in the nucleus. Five groups were prepared for the experiments: control, BMP2, BMP2+dorsomorphin, BMP2+SB202190, and BMP2+PD98059. OCCM-30 was pretreated with BMP2 for 3 and 5 days, and then the sclerostin and SOST mRNA levels were measured.

RESULTSRT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that BMP2 upregulated the expression of SOST in a concentration-dependent manner. SOST expression increased with time (P < 0.05). Moreover, sclerostin levels of BMP2+dorsomorphin, BMP2+SB202190, and BMP2+PD98059 groups were lower than that of the BMP2 group, and the sclerostin level in BMP2+dorsomorphin group was lowest (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe upregulation of SOST by BMP2 in OCCM-30 is mainly mediated by the BMP2/Smad signal pathway.

Blotting, Western ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; metabolism ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; metabolism ; Dental Cementum ; metabolism ; Genetic Markers ; Signal Transduction ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVEPeriodontal tissue remodeling includes remodeling of alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. Cementoblast plays a main role in repairing root resorption. Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling can promote the odontogenic differentiation in osteoblast. However, the mechanism on how the orthodontic force influences the function of cementoblast and the relationship between the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Runx2 of cementoblast are not yet known. The aim of this study is focus on this relationship.

METHODSOCCM30 cementoblasts were subjected to mechanical strain by four-point bending system with tension stress for 0, 3, 6, and 12 h. They were pretreated with different concentrations of Dikkopf-1 (DKK1) for 48 h. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the β-catenin levels in the nucleus. Runx2 mRNA was observed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). OCCM30 cementoblasts were then pretreated with 150 ng · mL(-1) DKK1 for 48 h and subjected to mechanical strain by FX4000T system with tension stress for 12 h. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the β-catenin levels in the nucleus, and Runx2 mRNA was observed by RT-PCR.

RESULTSOCCM30 cementoblasts had significantly higher Runx2 mRNA and β-catenin levels after being loaded with mechanical stress. The amount of Runx2 mRNA in OCCM30 cementoblasts was significantly decreased by DKK1. When OCCM30 cemento-blasts were pretreated with DKK1 without stress, their β-catenin level was significantly decreased by DKK1 and Wnt signaling was blocked. When they were not pretreated with stress, the β-catenin level with DKK1 was lower than that without DKK1. Without DKK1, the β-catenin level in OCCM30 cemento- blasts increased afterbeing loaded with mechanical stress. With DKK1, the β-catenin level in OCCM30 cementoblasts, which were loaded with mechanical stress, was higher than that without mechanical stress.

CONCLUSIONCementoblasts had higher Runx2 mRNA expression under mechanical stress because of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway effect.

Cell Differentiation ; Dental Cementum ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Osteoblasts ; Signal Transduction ; Stress, Mechanical ; Wnt Proteins ; beta Catenin

Objective To observe the influence of different extraction technologies on baicalin content in QinShao tablet. Methods Determine the changes of baicalin content in two different decocting methods: 1 to decoct Baical Skullcap Root together with other Chinese medicines, and 2 to decoct Baical Skullcap Root after other medicines. Results The result showed the later decocting method (decoct baical skullcap root later) can increase the content of baicalin by 5.2mg/g. Conclusion To decoct Baical Skullcap Root after other medicines in QinShao tablet can increase the content of baicalin and thus enhance its clinical therapeutic effects.

Objective To explore the relationship between cervical bone age and male juvenile mandibular second molar (Msm) root growth ,and to provide evidence for the development of bone and teeth in patients with orthodontic treatment . Methods The CBCT and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 114 cases of 9 .5 to 15 .5 years old children in Chongqing city and ad‐olescents cervical vertebral bone and MSM root length were measured ,using statistical analysis to explore the relationship between cervical vertebral bone ,tooth root length change of age and Msm .Results By Pearson correlation analysis ,Msm root length chan‐ges and cervical vertebral bone were positively correlated(r= 0 .737 ,P< 0 .01) .Msm root length changes showed a positive correla‐tion with age(r= 0 .681 ,P< 0 .01) .Msm root length changes was positively related with dental age(r = 0 .795 ,P< 0 .01) .Conclu‐sion The root growth of the mandibular second molar was highly correlated with cervical vertebral bone in male children .When the growth and development of patients were judged by orthodontic treatment ,we can adopt the mandibular second molar root length forecast growth level of male adolescents .

AIM: To discuss the relationship between prostate specific membrane antigen(PSMA) and prostate cancer and to seek a target for diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer.METHODS: A pair of primers was designed according to the published PSMA mRNA sequence.Total RNA was extracted from prostate cancer tissues and was reversely transcribed into cDNA,which was used as a template for PCR to amplify the PSMA gene.The recombinant was sequenced and the result was analyzed by BLAST.The PSMA5 gene specific primers were designed to identify its expression in different cells and prostate tissues.RESULTS: A new alternatively spliced variant of PSMA named PSMA5 was discovered when sequencing the recombinant.PSMA5 showed well pathological tissue-specificity,and its expression rate in prostate cancer,benign prostatic hyperplasia of prostate,and normal prostate tissue were 92.6%,78.8% and 10.0%,respectively.It expressed specifically in Pca cell line LNCaP,not in cell lines of PC3,bladder carcinoma,renal carcinoma,or hepatoma.CONCLUSION: A new alternative spliced variant of PSMA named PSMA5 was discovered,which was well correlated with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.This finding may give a new clue to the evolution of prostate cancer and may provide a target for the diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer.

AIM: To find out the gene structure and diversity of protate specific membrane antigen(PSMA) alternative spliced variants, and probe into the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.METHODS: 5'-RACE and 3'-RACE methods were used to amplify the 5' and 3'end of alternative spliced variant and then those viariants were sequenced for analyzing the gene stucture and diversity of PSMA alternative spliced variants of prostate cancer tissues.RESULTS: Four new alternative spliced variants of PSMA were discovered from prostate cancer tissues.Compared with reported PSMA alternative spliced variants,different insertions and deletions existed in different sites of those new variants.CONCLUSION: The discovery of the new variants confirms the diversity of PSMA spliced variants and provides the clues for seeking the target of diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer.

AIM: To amplify from leader peptide region an d obtain human monoclonal anti-D variable region gene with high specificity and affinity, and analyze the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences.ME THODS: The total RNA was extracted from an Epstein-Barr-virus-transforme d cell line secreting monoclonal anti- (rhesus D) antibody. The leader region pri mers containing a ribosome recognition site were designed. By using PCR method, the cDNA of human anti-(rhesus D) antibody (IgM ?) variable region gene was amp lified. Cloning and subsequent sequence analysis of the variable region gene was performed. The deduced amino acid sequence was also compared and analyzed with previ ously published sequences.RESULTS: A band of approximate 440 and 410 base pairs were amplified using heavy chain primers and light chain primer s, respectively. Sequence analysis indicated that the deduced amino acid sequenc e w as in agreement with the characterization of the amino acid present in the human Ig variable region. CONCLUSION: The cloning and sequencing of a human anti- (Rhesus D) antibody variable region cDNA will make benefits for pro duction of recombinant anti-(Rhesus D) antibody and prevention of Rh haemolytic disease in newborns.

AIM: To obtain eukaryotic expression vector of Chinese prostate-specific membrane antigen. METHODS: Chinese prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR from prostate cancer tissues, then cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3 0 and sequenced. RESULTS: Seven bases in Chinese PSMA cDNA sequence were found different from those reported by Israeli, which lead to two different amino acids. CONCLUSION: We have obtained the PSMA cDNA, and the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed. The study lays foundation for DCs vaccine modified by PSMA gene for the treatment of prostate neoplasms.

Objective:To investigate the association of plasma EBV-DNA copy number, serum cytokines and B symptoms in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL), unravel the mechanism and assess the prognostic value of clinical indicators.Methods:Clinical data of 173 newly-diagnosed ENKTL patients (116 male, 57 female; median age: 43, 4 to 71 years)were retrospectively analyzed. According to Ann Arbor stage, 126 cases were classified as stage I-II and 47 cases of stage Ⅲ-IV. The primary sites of tumors included nasal cavity (n=100), extranasal upper aerodigestive tract (extranasal UADT, n=34), and extra-upper aerodigestive tract (extra-UADT, n=39). Prior to treatment, 91 patients had B symptoms and 82 cases of without B symptoms. According to plasma EBV-DNA copy levels, all patients were divided into the negative group (n=36), low load group (<10 4 copies/ml, n=73) and high load group (≥10 4 copies/ml, n=64). Serum cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were detected. Correlation analysis was performed by Cochran-Armitage trend test and Spearman correlation analysis. Survival analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate Cox regression hazard analysis and survival curves were derived from Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results:The incidence of B symptoms and fever showed a significant upward trend with the increasing plasma EBV-DNA copy levels. In addition, serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines were higher in patients with B symptoms than those without B symptoms (all P<0.05). Serum IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were also positively correlated with plasma EBV-DNA copy number. The occurrence of B symptoms was associated with high-risk clinical features including advanced stage, primary tumor invasion, regional lymph node involvement, and elevated pre-treatment LDH. Survival analysis showed that stage, B symptoms, plasma EBV-DNA, and the above serum cytokines affected the prognosis of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (all P<0.05). However, multivariate analysis showed that the occurrence of B symptoms was not an independent prognostic factor of ENKTL patients. Conclusion:This exploratory study suggests that the incidence of B symptoms is associated with increasing levels of EBV-DNA copies and cytokines, and these indicators are also important factors influencing the prognosis of ENKTL patients.