We studied the function of connexin 43 (Cx43) gene in Xiao Meishan swine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) resulting from overexpression. Cx43 eukaryotic expression vector (pEGFP-Cx43) was constructed and transfected into BMSCs by nucleofector, after detecting the transfection efficiency; the expression of Cx43 was verified by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting. Furthermore, we detected its cell cycle and apoptosis through flow cytometry. Our results show that pEGFP-Cx43 plasmid was successfully constructed, and green fluorescence in pEGFP-Cx43 transfected BMSCs was highly expressed with 60% transfection efficiency. In transgenic Xiao Meishan swines BMSCs, the expression level of Cx43 mRNA and protein were up-regulated. Meanwhile, the ability of cell proliferation was significantly increased, and the apoptosis rate was significantly reduced. Taken together, Cx43 overexpression could promote the proliferation of Xiao Meishan swine's BMSCs and markedly reduce their apoptosis, which provides evidence for in vivo research.
Animals ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Genetic Vectors ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; Swine ; genetics ; Transfection

To monitor the trans-differentiation from adult stem cells to germ cells, we analyzed the vasa expression of goat testicular tissues in different ages and constructed the germ cell specific reporting vector pVASA-EGFP. The expression of vasa was verified by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The vector pVASA-EGFP was constructed by molecular technology, then transfected into goat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by Lipofectamine 2000. Moreover, we observed the expression of the vector through green fluorescent protein (GFP). Immunofluorescence results show that Vasa was expressed in all groups of goat testicular tissues, RT-PCR results show that the levels of vasa mRNA in 3-month group and 10-month group were significantly higher than that in 10-day group. Sequencing and restriction enzyme results show that the vector was successfully constructed. After transfection and RA treatment, GFP expression was observed, which proved the validity of our reporting system. All the results proved that vasa was expressed in different ages in goat testicular tissues, and the vector pVASA-EGFP is efficient in monitoring the trans-differentiation in vitro, which paves the way for further characterization and screening of the trans-differentiation of goat BMSCs.
Animals ; Cell Transdifferentiation ; Genes, Reporter ; Genetic Vectors ; Germ Cells ; cytology ; Goats ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; RNA, Messenger ; Testis ; metabolism ; Transfection

Aim To pick out the siRNA which could most effectively inhibit the expression of TLR4 in microglial cells and to detect the cytotoxicity of the transfection complex.Methods Five siRNAs were chemicaly synthesized:four of them were used to inhibit TLR4 expression in microglial cells,the rest was fluorescence-labeled mismatch siRNA as a nagative control.They were all transfected into microglial cells,respectively.TLR4 mRNA was detected 24 h after transfection by RT-PCR and its protein expression wasobserved by Western blot 48 h later.The cytotoxicity of complex was detected using MTT.Results ① The transfection rate was high enough in microglial cells with siRNA(40 pmol)and LipofectamineTM 2000(1 μl).② The TLR4 siRNA pool reduced TLR4 mRNA by 85%(siRNA_(439)),73%(siRNA_(312)),67%(siRNA_(1495))and 33%(siRNA_(2062))respectively compared with mismatch siRNA-treated group 24 h after transfection in a microglial cell line.③ The TLR4 siRNA439 was the most effective siRNA(P<0.01).④ The cell survival rates were above 85% in the groups of Lipofectamine~(TM) 2000 1 μl compound less than 40 nmol·L~(-1) siRNA.Conclusions ① The TLR4 siRNA_(439) can inhibit TLR4 expression most effectively in microglial.② 40 nmol·L~(-1) siRNA and 1 μl Lipofectamine~(TM) 2000 have low cytotoxicity,which are suitable for transfection.

Objective To evaluate the changes in expression of NF-κB, IL-6 and TNF-α in spinal cord in a rat model of bone cancer. Methods Seventy-two female SD rats weighing 150-180 g were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 24 each): control group (group C);sham operation group (group S) and bone cancer pain group (group BP). Bone cancer was induced by intra-tibial inoculation of 1 × 105 Walker 256 breast cancer cells. Paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation was measured with yon Frey filaments. The expression of NF-κB p65, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA in the spinal cord was determined by RT-PCR and the expression of NF-κB p65 by immuno-histochemistry and NF-κB p65 positive cell count was determined. Results The paw withdrawal threshold was significantly lower and the expression of NF-κB p65, NF-κB p65 mRNA, IL-6 mRNA, TNF-α mRNA and NF-κB p65 positive cell count in the spinal cord were significantly higher in group BP than in group C and S ( P ＜0.05 or 0.01 ). Conclusion Intra-tibial inoculation of Walker 256 breast cancer cells activates NF-κB in the spinal cord, leading to the increased release of IL-6 and TNF-α and mechanical hyperalgesia.

Objective: To investigate the effects of micronutrient supplementation for the elderly on plasma homocysteine level and cognitive function in institutional older adults. Methods: A total of 98 older adults with the score≤11 by mini nutritional assessment short-form aged 65-100 years were enrolled and assigned to either intervention group or control group (n=49 each), with either a package of micronutrient pack or placebo daily, for three months. Fasting blood samples were collected both at baseline and the end of study to detect serum vitamin B₁₂, folate and plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. Global cognitive function was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). The paired t test was used to compare the continuous variables between the two groups after intervention. The relationship between changes in MMSE score and changes in plasma Hcy concentrations was examined by least-squares linear regression. Results: Eighty-two patients completed the study, and 17 patients withdrew from the study due to diarrhea and hospital discharge with the drop rate of 17.3%. Compared to the control group, concentrations of serum vitamin B₁₂ (128.8±34.8 vs 13.3±16.0 pmol/L, P=0.003) and folate (21.1±1.6 vs 0.6±0.5 nmol/L, P<0.01) significantly increased in the intervention group over 3-month supplementation, while plasma Hcy levels were remarkably reduced (-5.3±0.7 vs 1.7±0.3 μmol/L, P<0.01). The incidences of deficiency of folate, deficiency of serum vitamin B₁₂and high Hcy all decreased in intervention group. Although individual item scores in MMSE were not changed markedly, change of total MMSE score in intervention group were higher than that in the control group (1.2±3.0 vs -0.2±2.5, P<0.05). Conclusions The supplementation of the micronutrient pack in long-term care facilities can reduce the incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia, and improve the total MMSE score.