Objeetive To observe the damage of human lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by ultraviolet (UV) B radiation and the expression changes of glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2) in the cells,and to investigate the protective effects of Grx2 on human LECs against UVB-induced apoptosis.Methods Human LECs (HLE-B3) were cultured and exposed to different energy of UVB (0,10,30,50 mJ/cm2) with the wavelength of 297 nm.The morphology of the cells was examined under the optical microscope 2,4,8,12 and 16 hours after irradiation of UVB.The survival rate of the cells was evaluated with cell counting kit 8 (CCK8).The apoptosis rate of the cells was detected by TUNEL assay.Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expressions of Grx2 mRNA and Grx2 protein in the cells,respectively.The cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-Grx2 plasmid by lipofectamine 2000 as the Grx2 transfected group,and pcDNA3.1 plasmid was transfected into cells as the empty plasmid group.The cells were irradiated by 50 mJ/cm2 for 4 hours,and the apoptosis rate of human LECs was detected by TUNEL assay.Results Cultured cells grew well with the green fluorescence for Grx2 expression in the non-UVB exposure group,and shrinkage and death of the cells were found after UVB irradiation.The survival rate of the cells was gradually reduced after irradiation of 10,30,50 mJ/cm2 UVB as the increase of UVB energy and lapse of time.The expression level of Grx2 mRNA were 2.53±0.48 and 3.53±0.14 in the 10 mJ/cm2 UVB group and 30 mJ/cm2 UVB group 4 hours after irradiation,which were significantly higher than 1.01±0.08 and 1.00±0.09 in the non-UVB exposure group (all at P＜0.05).The expression level of Grx2 mRNA in the cells was 15.30±3.01 at 1 hour after irradiation in the 50 mJ/cm2 UVB group,which was significantly higher than 1.00 ±0.07 in the non-UVB exposure group (P＜0.05).The expression levels of Grx2 protein showed the same tendency to Grx2 mRNA.The apoptosis rate of the cells in the Grx2 transfected group was (15.34± 1.71) ％,and that in the empty plasmid group was (22.11 ± 2.46) ％ at 4 hours after 50 mJ/cm2 UVB irradiation,with a significant difference between them (t =3.189,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions UVB irradiation induced damage of human LECs in dose-and time-dependent manner.However,the expression of Grx2 in human LECs is up-regulated transiently after exposure of UVB,which has a protective effect on the cells against the UVB-induced apoptosis.

Objective To observe the influences of hyperoxia on the migration of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and the inhibitory effects of glutathione 2 (Grx2) on excessive migration of HLECs induced by hyperoxia.Methods The HLECs were divided into the hyperoxic model group and normoxic control group.HLECs were cultured in 80％ oxygen mixture for 2 days to establish the oxidative damage model of HLECs induced by hyperoxia in vitro (hyperoxia model group),and cultured in normoxia mixture as the normoxic control group.Cell migration was observed by scratch test,cytoskeleton morphology was observed by phalloidin staining,and Grx2 mRNA level was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.HLECs in the hyperoxic model group and the normoxic control group were subdivided into empty plasmid transfection group and Grx2 plasmid transfection group,respectively.The migration behavior and cytoskeleton changes of hyperoxic model cells in different transfection groups were observed.MitoSOX staining was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) content of mitochondria under flow cytometry,and JC-1 staining was used to observe the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential under laser-scanning confocal microscopy.Results In the process of cell culture,the cells grew well.Twenty-four hours and 48 hours after scratching,the scratch distance of the hyperoxic model group was smaller than that of the normoxic control group,with significant differences between them (both at P＜0.05).The cell circumference of the hyperoxic model group was increased compared with that of the normoxic group,with a significant difference between them (t =-2.254,P＜0.05).After 2 days culture,the relative expression level of Grx2 mRNA in the hyperoxic model group was 0.54±0.11,which was significantly lower than that in the normoxic control group (t =7.128,P＜0.01).The transfection efficiency of Grx2 was higher than 90％.At 24 hours and 48 hours after scratching,the scratch distance in the Grx2 transfected hyperoxic model group was wider than that in the empty plasmid transfected hyperoxic model group,with significant differences between them (both at P ＜ 0.05).The relative expression level of Grx2 mRNA in Grx2 transfected cells was up-regulated compared with that in empty plasmid transfected cells,with a significant difference between them (P＜0.01).Compared with the normoxic control group,the cell circumference of the hyperoxic model group was decreased,with a significant difference between them (P＜0.05).The relative mean fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial ROS in the Grx2 transfected hyperoxic model group was lower than that in the empty plasmid transfected hyperoxic model group,with a significant difference between them (P＜0.05).Under the hyperoxic condition,the red/green fluorescence intensity of Grx2 transfected group was higher than that of the empty plasmid transfected group,with a significant difference between them (P＜0.01).Conclusions Grx2 may inhibit the excessive migration of HLECs under hyperoxia by regulating oxidative stress in mitochondria.

Recent epidemiological studies have increasingly found that pregnant women who are exposed to air pollutants (for example airborne particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and sulfur dioxide) increase the risk of various birth defects in their offspring, such as congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, and hypospadias. Hypospadias not only impairs the sexual function of infants but also causes major social and psychological problems during their growth period, therefore, the prevention and treatment of hypospadias infant carry substantial public health importance. However, the association between prenatal exposure to air pollution and hypospadias remains controversial. The study reviews the epidemiological research progress and potential biological mechanisms of prenatal maternal exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and the risk of hypospadias in offspring. The study also summarizes the limitations of previous research and looks forward to future research directions, to provide scientific evidence for creating a healthy living environment for pregnant women, and reducing the risk of hypospadias in offspring.

Recent epidemiological studies have increasingly found that pregnant women who are exposed to air pollutants (for example airborne particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and sulfur dioxide) increase the risk of various birth defects in their offspring, such as congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, and hypospadias. Hypospadias not only impairs the sexual function of infants but also causes major social and psychological problems during their growth period, therefore, the prevention and treatment of hypospadias infant carry substantial public health importance. However, the association between prenatal exposure to air pollution and hypospadias remains controversial. The study reviews the epidemiological research progress and potential biological mechanisms of prenatal maternal exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and the risk of hypospadias in offspring. The study also summarizes the limitations of previous research and looks forward to future research directions, to provide scientific evidence for creating a healthy living environment for pregnant women, and reducing the risk of hypospadias in offspring.

Objective:To explore the role of Grx2 in the pathogenesis of cataract by establishing Grx2 knockout (KO) and knockin (KI) mouse models. Methods:Ten black C57BL/6J mice were selected to make Grx2 KO model ( n=5) and Grx2 KI model ( n=5) using CRISPR/Cas9 system.The offspring mice were sequenced by tail clipping and included in the corresponding experimental group according to the genotype.The general condition and lens opacity was recorded.After the mice were sacrificed, the pathological changes of lens were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The relative expression levels of Grx2, glutathione (GSH), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) , glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in mice lens were assayed.The use and feeding of experimental animals were in accordance with the Regulations on the Management of Experimental Animals issued by the State Science and Technology Commission.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (No.2020-125). Results:The offspring of Grx2 KO and Grx2 KI homozygous and heterozygous mice were confirmed by tail cutting nested PCR and gene sequencing.Compared with the wild type (WT) mice of same age, the lens opacity of Grx2 KO heterozygous mice occurred earlier, while the lens of Grx2 KI homozygous mice remained transparent all the time.A large number of gaps and vacuoles were found in the lens fibers of 5-month-old Grx2 KO mice.The 8-OHdG content and ROS fluorescence intensity in the lens of 5-month-old Grx2 KO mice were (3.886±0.326)ng/ml and 1 594±132, which were significantly higher than (3.531±0.250)ng/ml and 1 157±123 in WT mice ( t=2.711, P=0.033; t=3.384, P=0.028).The relative expression levels of Grx2, GSH and Bcl-2 in the lens of 5-month-old Grx2 KO mice were 0.23±0.01, 0.70±0.06 and 0.32±0.03, which were significantly lower than 0.52±0.02, 1.04±0.08 and 0.49±0.04 of WT mice ( t=2.815, P=0.020; t=2.457, P=0.033; t=2.279, P=0.041). Conclusions:Grx2 KO and Grx2 KI mouse models are successfully established in this study.The occurrence and development of age-related cataract are accelerated in Grx2 KO mice.

Objective: To summarize the diagnosis and prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma in children. Methods: Medical records of 10 pediatric patients with adrenocortical cancer treated in Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2010 to March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, and their clinical manifestation, laboratory, auxiliary, and pathological examination results, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: The average age of all patients (5 male and 5 female pediatric patients) was (53.3+48.4) months. Clinical mani-festations included abdominal mass, hypertension, cortisol level, and peripheral precocious puberty. Laboratory tests showed that lactate dehydrogenase, neuroenolase, and cortisol levels were high in some patients, and sex hormones were abnormal. Auxiliary examination using the abdominal computed tomography enhancement showed irregular an adrenal gland, uneven density, necrosis, mass calcification, and some infiltration into the surrounding tissue. Pathological examination suggests tumor cell pleomorphism, more frequent pathological division, high mitotic index, abundant interstitial sinusoid, necrosis, tumor infiltration, vascular invasion, and Weiss score of≥3 points. Lactate acid dehydrogenase and cortisol levels; Weiss score; and tumor size, staging, and resection rate were not statistically different among prognostic factors. Conclusions: For pediatric patients with adrenal masses, the survival rate should be improved by combining the clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, and auxiliary examination for the early diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma and to select the appropriate treatment. Combined with pathological results, adrenocortical carcinoma can be well differentiated from other adrenal masses.

Objective To analyze the prognostic factors of adrenal tumor in children under 12 years of age. Methods A total of 90 children with 97 adrenal tumors admitted from June 2006 to August 2017 were selected in Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.The age distribution,tumor type,biochemistry and tumor indicators, treatment,stage classification and prognosis were analyzed.Results There were 46 males and 44 females in 90 cases. Ages ranged from 4 days to 11 years and 1 month,with an average of (38.1 ± 31.3)months.The main clinical mani-festations were abdominal mass,fever and abdominal pain.Eighty cases (82.5%)underwent surgery,while 17 cases (17. 5%)did not.Open resection was performed in 48 cases,open partial resection in 11 cases,laparoscopic surgery in 10 cases,and just biopsy in 11 cases.The pathological examination showed 43 cases with neuroblastoma,13 cases with ganglioneuroblastoma,8 cases with ganglioneuroma,5 cases with adrenocortical carcinoma,3 cases with teratoma,1 case with pheochromocytoma,1 case with malignant rhabdoid tumor.Statistical analysis revealed that neuron－specific eno-lase(NSE)value of neuroblastoma and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)value of cortical cancer increased significantly. The age was correlated with tumor stage,and patients had older age on stage Ⅳ.Complete resection in surgery was correlated with the stage of the tumor,as tumor in lower tumor stage seemed easier to be completely removed.Fifty－three cases (58.9%)were followed up for 2 months up to 11 years and 4 months.Forty－four cases survived and 9 ca-ses died.Higher tumor stage predicated worse prognosis.Conclusions Adrenal gland tumors need early diagnosis and active treatment.Earlier onset of age,complete surgical resection with patients have better prognosis.Complete resection of the disease was a key factor in the prognosis.