Background Growth factor-induced proliferation and migration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are the major pathological changes of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).Arsenic trioxide ( As2O3 ) is an active ingredient of Chinese traditional medicines,which has an inhibition on proliferation and migration of tumor cells.However,it is not clear whether As2O3 could inhibit growth factor-induced proliferation and migration of RPE cells. Objective This study was to explore the effects of As2O3 on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced proliferation and migration of ARPE-19 cells. Methods RPE cell line (ARPE-19 cells) were cultured.Different concentrations of As2O3(0,0.5,1.0,2.0,5.0,10.0,20.0 μmol/L) were added in the culture plate to treat ARPE-19 cells with or without 10 mg/L EGF in serum-free group for 24 and 48 hours,respectively.The MTT colorimetric assay was used to check the cell viability and evaluate the drug toxicity.The effects of As2O3 on EGF-induced proliferation of ARPE-19 cells were analyzed to get an effective and avirulent concentrations of As2O3.The effects of As2O3 on EGF-induced migration of ARPE-19 cells were observed by scratch-wound assay and the Boyden chamber assay.Results MTT assay showed that the A values were gradually declined with the increase of As2O3 concentrations after As2O3 treatment without EGF for 24 hours and 48 hours ( Fgroup =38.269,P =0.000 ; Ftime =0.874,P =0.358 ).Compared with the control group,no significant differences were seen in the A values of ARPE-19 cells in 0.5-5.0 μmol/L groups (all P＞0.05).Meantime,As2O3 reduced the A values of ARPE-19 cell with 10 mg/L EGF in dose- and time-dependent manner ( Fgroup =152.155,P =0.000 ; Ftime =51.649,P =0.000 ).There were not significant differences in 10 mg/L EGF-induced cell growth after 0.5,1.0,2.0 μmol/L As2O3 was added for 24 and 48 hours ( Fgroup =2.215,P =0.126 ;Ftime =2.230,P =0.155).However,when 5.0-20.0 μmol/L As2O3 added,the A values of 10 mg/L EGF-induced ARPE-19 cells lowed,showing a significant difference in comparison with the control groups ( all P＜0.05),with the cellular inhibiting rate 12％,32％,37％ in 24 hours and 39％,44％ and 53％ in 48 hours.Scratch-wound assay showed that EGF-induced horizontal migration of ARPE-19 cells was slow after 0.5-2.0 μmol/L As2O3 treated,and the same results also appeared in cell lognitudinal migration by Boyden chamber assay,with the inhibitory rates 22％,33％ and 46％ respectively. Conclusions As2O3 is avirulent on ARPE-19 cells within definite concentration range.At ≤ 2.0 μmol/L concentrations,As2O3 dose not affect EGF-induced proliferation of ARPE-19 cells,but it suppresses EGF-induced cell migration.At ≥ 5.0 μmol/L concentrations,As2O3 plays an inhibitory role to EGF-induced proliferation of ARPE-19 cells.

Background Oxidative damage plays an important role in pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration( AMD ),and its mechanism is the destroy of blood-retinal barrier.Müller cells is a primary component to stabilize the inner barrier of the blood-retina.Researches showed that epidermal growth factor(EGF) can promote the proliferation and migration of animal Müller cells,but less study was found in the effect of EGF on human Müller cells. Objective The present study was to investigate the effects of EGF on the proliferation and migration of human Müller cells and its molecular mechanism. Methods Human Müller cell line MIO-M1 cells were cultured and incubated,and cultured cells were identified using glial fibrillory acidic protein (GFAP),factor Ⅷ,α-smooth muscle actin( α-SMA ),keratin and S-100.Different concentrations of EGF( 0,1,10,30,100 mg/L)was added in freeserum DMEM,and the positive rate of the cells was calculated using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine(BrdU) method.The cells were divided into EGF group,H2 O2 group,EGF + H2 O2 group,glucose oxidase ( GO ) group,GO + EGF group,EGF + LY294002+H2O2 group according to the different intervention,and the effects of LY294002 on the proliferation of Müller cells (A590 )were detected by colorimetric assay for cellular growth and survival( MTT assay).The scratch test of Müller cells was used to assess the influence of EGF(0,1,10,30,100 mg/L)on H2 O2-induced damage of human Müller cell.Western blot was used to detect the cell proliferation under the protection of EGF on co-cultured cells using LY294002 and H2O2 and the activation of Akt signal pathways. Results The proliferative rates of the cells were 28.0％,32.9％,39.0％ in 10,30,100 mg/L EGF groups respectively and obviously higher than those in 0,1 mg/L EGF groups (24.5 ％,26.2 ％ ).Under the H2O2 culture,GO culture,respectively,the A570 value of the Müller cell in high concentrations of EGF groups was significantly increased in comparison with lower concentrations EGF groups with the statistical significance among the groups( F=23.582,P=0.000).Compared with EGF+H2O2 group,the A570value of the Müller cells was lowed in EGF+LY294002+H2O2 group.The maximum migration rate of Müller cells was found in 10 mg/L EGF group.Western blot revealed that the presence of H2O2 reinforced the expression of Akt in Müller cells,however,pretreatment with 100 mg/L EGF antagonized the harmful effect of H2O2 on Müller cells.Meanwhile,pretreatment with EGF and LY294002 reduced the expression of Akt in Müller cells. Conclusions EGF can induce the proliferation and migration of human Müller cells with the strongest effect in 10 mg/L.100 mg/L exogenous EGF has a stronger protection to the Müiller cells against H2O2-induced cell damage by activating the PI3KAkt cell survival pathway.

Objective:To predict and identify HLA-A * 0201 restricted CD8+ CTL epitopes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigen Ag85C, so as to provide evidence for epitope-based study for tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. Methods: The online database SYFPEITHI was applied to predict the potential HLA-A * 0201 restricted epitopes from Ag85C, an antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. T2 cell line was used to assay the affinity between the predicted peptides and HLA-A * 0201 molecules. The specific CTL lines were induced from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HLA-A * 0201 positive TB patients and PPD+ healthy donors by peptides with high binding affinity to HLA-A * 0201 molecules. IFN-?production, in vitro proliferation and cytotoxicity of peptide-induced CTL were determined to screen HLA-A * 0201 restricted CD8+ CTL epitopes from those candidates. Results: Fourteen potential epitopes were identified from the SYFPEITHI database. After binding affinity assay, 3 of the 14 peptides (170-178 aa, 317-325 aa, and 144-153 aa) were found to have high binding affinity to HLA-A* 0201 molecules. However, only one peptide (144-153 aa) stimulated its specific CTL to release IFN-y, proliferate in vitro and produce specific cytotoxicity. Conclusion: We have successfully identified a HLA-A * 0201 restricted CD8+ CTL epitope of Mtb Ag85C-FLTREMPAWL( 144-153 aa) , which might be a candidate epitope for TB vaccine designing. Our findings provides a basis for developing novel and effective anti-TB vaccine.

Aim To study the effects of harpagide on hippocampal neurons, mitochondrial function and caspase-independent apoptosis pathway after cerebral ischemia in mice. Methods The middle cerebral ar-tery occlusion (MCAO ) was employed to establish MCAO model. After that,the mice were given harp-agide (4,8,12 mg·kg - 1 )and edaravone (3. 2 mg ·kg - 1 )by tail vein injection after MCAO immediate-ly,and the model and control mice were given equal a-mounts of saline by the same way. After MCAO for 6 h,the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neuron and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)of MCAO mice were detected by flow cytometry. We observed the clarity of inner and outer membrane of the hipp-ocampal neuronal mitochondrial,the integrity of the mitochondrial cristae,the changes of matrix electron density of mitochondria,and mitochondria swelling by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of apoptosis in-duced factor (AIF)and endonuclease G (Endo G)in mitochondrion and pro-caspase-3 in endochylema. qPCR was employed to determine the expression of AIF and Endo G. Results Compared with control group, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neuron of MCAO mice significantly increased(P < 0. 01),the MMP of hippocampal neuron significantly decreased and the mi-tochondrial ultrastructure of cerebral ischemic area was severely damaged, loosely arranged and obviously swollen;the expression of AIF and Endo G in mito-chondria of cerebral tissue of MCAO mice significantly decreased,and the releases of AIF and Endo G signifi-cantly increased(P < 0. 01);the expressions of AIF, Endo G mRNA were evidently up-regulated (P <0. 01). Compared with model group,each dose of harpagide could significantly decrease the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons of mice brain (P < 0 . 05 ,P < 0. 01);MMP markedly increased in hippocampal nerve cells(P < 0. 01);the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria was obviously improved. Compared with model group,harpagide (8,12 mg·kg - 1 )could sig-nificantly increase the expression of AIF and Endo G protein in mitochondria of mouse brain,and the release of mitochondrial AIF and Endo G protein decreased(P< 0. 05,P < 0. 01);harpagide (4 mg·kg - 1 )could significantly increase the expression of Endo G protein in mitochondria of mouse brain,and the release of En-do G protein markedly decreased (P < 0. 05);harp-agide (8,12 mg·kg - 1 )could significantly decrease the expression of AIF and Endo G mRNA in hippocam-pus of mice(P < 0. 05,P < 0. 01). Conclusion The protective effect of harpagide on MCAO may be related to the protective effects on cerebral nerve cells,the ac-tivity of the mitochondria and the inhibition of caspase-independent apoptotic signaling pathways.

We established a fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR)method for the detection of Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus),and replaced the method of smear staining which has subjective influence on the detection of C.abortus inactivated vaccine titer.According to the conserved sequence of the large cysteine-rich periplasmic protein(envB)of C.abortus,a specific primer was designed and the EnvB-PMD19T positive plasmid was used as the reference standard,optimization condition,sensi-tivity assay,specificity assay,repeatability assay and the bacteria loads of organs from mouse have been done.The results showed that the standard curve established with positive plasmid had a liner response from 1×102copies/μL to 1×106copies/μL with the correlation coefficient of 97%,sensitive for detecting C.abortus with the detection limit of 10 copies/μL,and re-peatable and stable with the coefficients of variation less than 2%.According to the result,the established method can detect the bacteria loads in organ of mouse,which provide a reliable method for evaluation of inactivated C.abortus vaccine.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the fibrogenetic effects induced by rush-mat dust in rats.

METHODSSD rats were treated with 50 mg of rush-mat dust per rat by intra-tracheal instillation, sacrificed 3, 6, and 12 months respectively after exposure. The lung tissue and lung lymph-node were taken out for pathological and electron microscopic examination. The content of collagen and ceruloplasmin (CP) in lung tissues were also determined.

RESULTSAfter treatment for 12 months, fresh wet lung weight in rush-mat dust group [(2.69 +/- 0.22) g] was higher than those in saline group [(1.87 +/- 0.25) g], TiO(2) group [(2.25 +/- 0.26) g], but lower than that in SiO(2) group [(11.41 +/- 1.63) g]; dry lung weight in rush-mat dust group [(0.47 +/- 0.03) g] was higher than those in saline group [(0.32 +/- 0.03) g], TiO(2) group [(0.41 +/- 0.08) g], but lower than that in SiO(2) group [(2.06 +/- 0.28) g]; lung collagen content in rush-mat dust group [(103.08 +/- 14.79) mg] was higher than those in saline group [(75.96 +/- 13.91) mg, TiO(2) group [(85.84 +/- 17.62) mg], but lower than that in SiO(2) group [(497.50 +/- 100.80) mg]; CP content in rush-mat dust group [(18.03 +/- 1.87) U/L] was higher than those in saline group [(15.05 +/- 2.24) U/L], TiO(2) group [(16.92 +/- 1.67) U/L], but lower than that in SiO(2) group [(25.37 +/- 3.58) U/L], P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. Pathological examination showed lung macrophage alveolitis, broadening of alveolar interval, one to two grade of silicotic nodes and increased amount of type II epithelial cell in alveolar as well as slight collagenous fibrosis in lung tissue of rush-mat dust group. Under electron microscope, primary and secondary lysosome and medullary sheath-like phagocytic residual body were found in lung tissue of rush-mat dust group, meanwhile the amount of type II alveolar epithelial cell and collagen fiber were slightly increased but these changes were less than those of quartz group.

CONCLUSIONThe rush-mat dusts have slight pulmonary fibrogenetic effect on rat.

Animals ; Ceruloplasmin ; analysis ; Dust ; Environmental Pollutants ; toxicity ; Fibrillar Collagens ; analysis ; Lung ; chemistry ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; etiology ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Silicon Dioxide ; toxicity ; Titanium ; toxicity

OBJECTIVETo analyze the correlations between increased spinal cord signal intensity on magnetic resonance images (MRI) and the clinical prognosis of compressive cervical myelopathy.

METHODSSixty-six patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent surgeries through the anterior approach. In all the patients, the diagnoses were established on the basis of both neurological examination and MRI findings that showed spinal cord compression. The patients were divided into two groups according to preoperative MRI, namely isointense MRI T1/T2 signal group and iso/hyperintense MRI T1/T2 group. The JOA scores of the patients were evaluated before and at 6 and 12 months after the operation.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for 12 to 38 months after the operation (mean 21 months), and no statistically significant difference were found in the pre- and postoperative JOA scores between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe peoperative hyperintense signals on T2 weighted MRI does not correlate to the prognosis of patients with compressive cervical myelopathy, who may also have favorable clinical outcomes after the operation.

Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Spinal Cord Compression ; diagnosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Spinal Osteophytosis ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of serum folate level with the severity of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB).

METHODSClinical data of WMH patients from the second affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University school of Medicine during July 2011 and February 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. According to Fazekas score based on T2-Flair images, patients were classified into mild WMH (0-3) and severe WMH (4-6). The presence of CMB was assessed on susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI). Binary logistic analysis was conducted to identify the independent predictors for severe WMH and the presence of CMB.

RESULTSTwo hundred and twenty eight patients with WMH were included, among whom 149(65.35%)had severe WMH. In patients with high folate (≥ 15.68 nmol/L), low folate (6.8-15.67 nmol/L) and folate deficiency (<6.8 nmol/L), the proportions of severe WMH were 52.88%, 73.33% and 89.47%, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with high folate group, severe WMH was more common in groups with low folate (=2.109, 95%:1.112-4.001,<0.05) and folate deficiency (=6.383, 95%:1.168-34.866,<0.05). Eighty-eight(48.09%) of 183 patients receiving SWI scan presented with CMB. Although the subjects with CMB had lower serum folate level than those without CMB(13.42 vs 16.51 nmol/L,<0.01), binary logistic regression analysis did not reveal the independent association between serum folate level and the presence of CMB after adjusting for hyperhomocysteinemia (>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLower serum folate level is independently associated with severe WMH, but not with the CMB concurrence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the gingival thickness and gingival biotype of gingival recession teeth of Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 112 non-molar teeth with gingival recession in 34 patients were included. Direct measurement, cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) measurement and periodontal probe method were used to evaluate gingival thickness and biotype. Gingival thickness was measured at 2 mm apical to the gingival margin. Direct measurement was performed with a caliper of 0.01 mm resolution and anesthesia needles attached to silicone disk stops. Gingival biotype was assessed by sulcus probing, if the periodontal probe was visible through the gingival tissue, the gingival biotype was thin; If not visible, the gingival biotype was thick. The differences of gingival thickness among different gingival biotype, tooth site and gingival recession type were analyzed respectively. Besides, the results of CBCT measurement was analyzed compared with the direct measurement. RESULTS: The average gingival thickness of non-molar recession teeth was (1.17±0.41) mm. The average gingival thickness of thick and thin biotype group were (1.38±0.4) mm and (0.97±0.30) mm, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The median of gingival thickness was 1.1 mm. Using 1.1 mm as the cut-off value of thick and thin gingival thickness group, the results matched well with the gingival biotype classification results by periodontal probe method (P=1.000). The average gingival thickness of maxillary teeth was significantly thicker than that of the mandibular teeth. They were (1.39±3.44) mm and (1.01±0.31) mm, respectively (P<0.001). The mean gingival thickness of MillerI, II and III degree gingival recession teeth were (1.15±0.34) mm, (0.83±0.17) mm and (1.26±0.56) mm, respectively, without statistically significant difference (P=0.205). The gingival thickness measurement results between CBCT method and direct measurement were without statistically significant difference (P=0.206). CONCLUSION In the non-molar gingival recession teeth, the cut-off value of gingival thickness to classify thick and thin biotype of Chinese population was 1.1 mm. The average gingival thickness of the maxillary teeth was significantly thicker than that of the mandibular teeth. Besides, CBCT measurement was an accuracy method for evaluating facial gingival thickness.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Gingiva ; Gingival Recession ; Humans ; Incisor ; Maxilla

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and its effect on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin 1β(IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) between short needling (close-to-bone needling) and conventional acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with blood stasis obstruction. METHODS: A total of 68 KOA patients with blood stasis obstruction were randomized into a short needling group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a conventional acupuncture group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off). The same acupoints (Dubi [ST 35], Neixiyan [EX-LE 4], Binzhong [Extra], Liangqiu [ST 34], etc. on the affected side) were selected in the two groups. In the short needling group, short needling technique was adopted, the needles were slowly inserted and the needle bodies were shaken, thus gradually penetrated to the bone. In the conventional acupuncture group, conventional acupuncture was adopted, the needles were penetrated to the muscle. After qi-arrival, Dubi (ST 35) and Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Liangqiu (ST 34) were connected with CMNS6-1 electronic acupuncture instrument, with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, the current intensity was based on patients' feeling, the needles were retained for 30 min, at the same time, the knee joint was irradiated for 30 min with a special electromagnetic wave apparatus in the two groups. Once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score, knee joint pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, inflammatory response related indexes (serum TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6 and PGE₂) and knee joint ultrasound were observed，and the clinical effect was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment，the pain, stiffness, function scores and total scores of WOMAC were decreased as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), except for the pain score, the changes of above scores in the short needling group were greater than the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores, serum levels of TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE₂ and knee joint synovium thickness, intra-articular effusion were decreased as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), the levels of TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6 in the short needling group were lower than the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the short needling group was 87.1% (27/31), which was superior to 83.9% (26/31) in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Short needling could improve the knee joint function, relieve the pain and inflammatory response, improve the knee joint synovium inflammatory response, reduce the knee joint intra-articular effusion for KOA patients, its effect is better than conventional acupuncture.
Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy* ; Pain ; Prostaglandins E