0.05).The expression of NF-?Bp65 protein in epithelial ovarian cancer was significantly correlated with FIGO stage(P0.05).There was obviously negative correlation between KISS- 1 and MMP-9 expression in ovarian cancer(rs=-0.547,P

Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive ; pathology ; Orbital Neoplasms ; pathology

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually takes many years from preclinical phase to prodromal phase characterized by mild symptoms before the onset of dementia. Once diagnosed with AD, the brain is already severely damaged and the disease will process quickly to the most severe stages since there is no medications that reverse the neuronal injuries in the brain. Thus, simple, inexpensive, and widely available methods for detecting potential AD patients during their preclinical phases are urgently needed. In such case, olfactory testing may offer a chance for early diagnosis of AD. However, there are limitations in these olfactory tests due to the complexity of the brain areas it extends to and the frequently olfactory fatigue occurred in the behavioral olfactory tests. Great efforts have been done epidemiologically to investigate the correlation between olfactory functions and possibility of developing AD. Different patterns of olfactory dysfunction have been found in AD at early stages and even mild cognitive impairment (MIC), but the cause of the dysfunction remained unclear. Various kinds of AD animal models have been used in the field to clarify the existence of olfactory dysfunctions and thus study the underling mechanism of the dysfunction. In this review we discuss (1) the function of Tau physiologically and pathologically; (2) the genetic background and biological characteristics of the most commonly used Tau transgenic mice; (3) the structural and molecule basis of olfaction; (4) the possible relationship between Tau pathology and olfactory dysfunction. Finally, we suggest that the tau transgenic mouse models may be helpful in studying the possible mechanisms of the dysfunction.
Alzheimer Disease ; physiopathology ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Olfaction Disorders ; physiopathology ; tau Proteins

0.05).Conclusions ATP-TCA could be used to individualize chemotherapy by selecting agents for particular patients of cervical cancer.The expression of GST-? and TS protein might be useful biomarkers to predict the resistance to DDP and 5-FU in patients with cervical cancer.

By using whole blood selenium, 24 hr urinary selenium and hair selenium contents as the indices of assessing human selenium status, it was found that the populations in the endemic areas of Keshan disease were practically in a selenium poor status. The selenium contents in locally grown staple grains and daily diets in the endemic areas were also lower than those in the non-endemic areas. In an area covering a cross section of Keshan disease geographic belt in our country, the hair selenium contents of agricultural populations were measured. The results indicated that all the hair selenium contents in the endemic sites were always at a lower level, whereas those in the non-endemic sites distant from the endemic areas were generally at a higher level; they decreased gradually until the endemic areas were reached; and finally, along the contiguous region of the endemic and non-endemic areas they were insignificantly different.The hair selenium contents among the agricultural populations were significantly lower than those among the non-agricultural ones in the same endemic areas. However, no regular correlation had been observed between the seasonal prevalence of Keshan disease and the variation of hair selenium contents in the same populations living in the same endemic sites.It is considered that the endemic areas of the disease seem to be a Se-deficiency belt, and Se-deficiency probably might be a pathogenic geo-gen in the prevalence of Keshan disease.

Objective To discuss a real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) wether if can be used to detect Brucella. Methods According to the BCSP31 gene sequences specific for Brucella, one pair of primers and one TaqMan probe were designed. A real-time PCR was developed with the BCSP31 fragments cloned into PMD18-T vector. The standard cure was established and the sensitivity, the species specificity and the stability of the assay were evaluated. The clinical blood specimens were detected by QT-PCR and compared with clinical diagnosis. Results The standard curve was established with the standard template and the relationship between the Ct and the DNA copy number was linear(r=0.999). The sensitivity of the real-time PCR was 5 copies/μl. The sensitivity of the common PCR was 5×102 copies/μl. The sensitivity was about 100 times higher than common PCR. Species specificity of this FQ-PCR assay evaluated using genomic DNA from 6 Bmcella strains and 5 non-Brucella strains and strong fluorescence was detected in all Brucella strains. The CV of intra-assay and inter-assay reproducibility were 0.71%,7.23%, reprectively. Twenty-four specimens from clinical brucellosis cases, 19 showed positive, the positive coincident rate was 79%(19/24). The negative results were obtained for all 31 negative control, and the negative coincident rate was 100%(31/31). Two were positive from all 30 specimens clinically suspected. Conclusions Highly specific, sensitive, repeatable and coincidental with clinic, this FQ-PCR is quite useful for rapid detection of tiny DNA of Brucella in various samples and laboratory diagnosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the nephrotoxic effects of methyl cantharidimide tablets on urinary protein and enzymes in Beagle dogs.

METHODBeagle dogs were randomly divided into negative control group(blank tablet), methyl cantharidimide tablets group (6.11,12.21, 24.42 mg x kg(-1)), continuously 30 days of oral adminiStration, once a day. The drug and control group were collected and determined fresh urine in 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of the administration; Serum urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Crea), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) as well as sodium, potassium, chloride electrolyte were determined on 15 and 30 days of the administration; Urine albumin (mAlb), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin( NGAL), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), clusterin, beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-MG), alanine aminopeptidase( AAP) and im- munoglobulins IgG were tested on 15 and 30 days of the administration.

RESULTCompared with the control group, urine protein and white blood cells was significantly increased in each dose group. On 15 days of the administration, mAlb were higher in each dose group, KIM-1, NGAL, clusterin, NAG and AAP were significantly higher in high-dose group, while the middle and low dose group had no significant difference, as well as blood SCr and BUN no obvious abnormalities. On 30 days, mAlb, KIM-1, clusterin, NAG, AAP were increased in each dose group, appearing dose-effect relationship, beta2-MG and NGAL levels were significantly increased in high-dose group. Contents above indicators were increased with significant dose and time relationship, and serum BUN, Scr were correlated, suggesting that urine mAlb, KIM-1, clusterin, NAG and AAP indicators that can sensitively respond the changes of proteins and enzymes in urine.

CONCLUSIONMethyl cantharidimide tablets has a renal toxicity, urine mAlb, KIM-1, clusterin, NAG and AAP can be used as the early nephrotoxic biomarkers of methyl cantharidimide tablets.

Animals ; Biomarkers ; urine ; Dogs ; Female ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Kidney Diseases ; chemically induced ; Male ; Proteins ; metabolism ; Tablets ; adverse effects ; Urine ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Qiling Decoction (QD) combined highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on expression levels of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells in HIV/AIDS patients.

METHODSTotally 55 HIV/AIDS patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (28 cases) and the combination group (27 cases). Besides, 21 HIV negative patients were recruited as the healthy control group. Those in the treatment group received HARRT alone, while those in the combination group received HAART combined QD. The observation lasted for 24 weeks. Meanwhile, according to peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts before treatment, HIV/AIDS patients were assigned to three subgroups. For patients in subgroup 1, 1 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 100 cells/microL; For patients in subgroup 2, 101 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 200 cells/lL; For patients in subgroup 3, 201 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 350 cells/microL. Expression of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells, and number of CD4+ T cell counts were detected using flow cytometry (FCM)in HIV/AIDS patients at the pre-treatment baseline, week 4, 12, and 24, as well as those in the healthy control group.

RESULTSCompared with the healthy control group, CD4+ T cell counts and the baseline expression level of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of HIV/AIDS patients significantly decreased, the expression level of Treg cells significantly increased P < 0.01). Compared with before treatment in the same group, CD4+ T cell counts all increased at week 4, 12, and 24 in the two treatment groups, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the effective rate at various CD4+ T cell levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in expression levels of Th17 and Treg cells between the combination group and the treatment group at any time point (all P >0.05). The Th17/Treg ration significantly increased in the combination group after 24 weeks of treatment, showing statistical difference when compared with the treatment group (U = 2.135, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONQD could improve the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells, which might be one of its mechanisms for improving HIV/AIDS patients' immunity.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Adult ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Case-Control Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; cytology ; Th17 Cells ; cytology

Objectivc To investigate the protective effect of simvastatin on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) after optic nerve crush (ONC).Methods Together 50 Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal group,sham group,ONC group and simvastatin protection group.The mice in the normal group were untreated,the sham group was treated with the exposure of the optic nerve without injury,the ONC group mice underwent ONC operation on the left eyes,followed by intravitreal administration of equilibrium solvent [50 mg · mL-1 ethanol plus 1 mol · L-1 NaOH,which were activated by 1 mol · L-1 HC1 (pH 7.2)],and the simvastatin protection group was intravitreally injected different concentrations of simvastatin (0.5 g · L-1,1.0 g · L-1,1.5 g · L-1) after ONC operation.Brn3a immunofluorescence staining,HE staining and toluidine blue staining were used to detect the apoptosis of RGC and pathological changes of optic nerve.Results On day 7 after operation,in the ONC group,the apoptosis of RGC was observed obviously,with the survival rate dropping to (35.1 ± 3.9) ％,and the thickness from the retinal ganglion cell layer to outer nuclear layer was decreased from (123.13 ± 1.04) μm to (97.48 ± 2.33) μm,which was significantly thinner than that in the control group (P ＜ 0.01);moreover,the fibrous bundle of optic nerve disappeared,and the neuroglial cells were clustered into groups,as well as the axons showed swelling and serious degeneration,but after intravitreal injection of 1.0 g · L-1 simvastatin,the survival rate of retinal ganglion cells increased to (76.3 ± 3.7) ％ (P ＜ 0.05),and the aforementioned thickness was increased to (111.39 ± 4.06) μm,which was statistically significant when compared with the ONC group (P ＜ 0.01).The degeneration of optic nerve was improved,and the structure of neuroglial cell axons and the nerve fibers became normal.Conclusion Simvastatin can reduce the optic nerve degeneration and improve the survival rote of retinal ganglion cells.

AIMTo observe expressions and changes of Tau protein, pSer202 and Tau protein's contents during the differentiation process of bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into neural cells, and discuss Tau's effects on it.

METHODSEGF and bFGF were combined for the induction of 4th, 8th, and 12th-MSCs into neural cells. Expressions of Tau protein and pSer202 were tested by immunocytochemistry. ELISA assay was applied for testing Tau protein's contents during differentiation process.

RESULTSPositive rates of Tau protein in uninduced MSCs of 4th, 8th, and 12th-MSCs were under < 6%; After 14-day induction, the cellular morphologic characteristics in different passages were very similar to neurons, positive rates of Tau protein had no significant differences between passages (P > 0.05), but had differences with their uninduced groups (P < 0.05). There hadn't had expression of pSer202 in uninduced and induced groups of passages. ELISA assay indicated that there was an upward tendency in Tau protein's contents during the 14-day induction process, those in the 14th day had no significant differences between passages too (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe increase in Tau protein's expressions and its non-phosphorylated state may make for MSCs differentiating into normal neural cells and formation of neuronal processes.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Guinea Pigs ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Neurons ; cytology ; tau Proteins ; metabolism