Objective To investigate the effect of cyaniding?3?glucoside (Cy3G) on glucose and lipid metabolism in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods Seven?month?old APPswe/PS1ΔE9(PAP) mice were randomly divided into model group (PAP), Cy3G treatment group (PAPCy, 5 mg/kg/d) and negative?control group (nPAP). In addition, age?matched and normal wild?type of C57BL/6J mice were selected and divided into vehicle group (WT), Cy3G intervention group (WTCy, 5 mg/kg/d). Each group containing 12 mice, with equal number of male and female mice. After 8?week Cy3G supplementation, microPET/CT was used to measure cerebral glucose metabolism rate of mice in each group. Biochemical methods were used to detect the liver / kidney function as well as indicators associated with lipid metabolism. After weighting brain tissue, the brain coefficient was tested and pathological examination was used to observe tissues changes. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe neuropathological amyloid plaques deposition. Western?blot was used to determine protein levels of AKT and JNK. Results Compared with the WT group, PAP mice had low levels of 18 F?FDG uptake rates, especially in the regions of the frontal lobe and hippocampus accompanied by the decreased brain coefficient and amyloid plaques deposition in hippocampus. And levels of aspartate transaminase ( AST) and lactic dehydrogenase ( LDH) were also increased in PAP mice, but lipid metabolism index was relatively normal. In addition, the expression of JNK was decreased and AKT was increased in mice of PAP. However, in the PAPCy group, 18 F?FDG uptake rates were obviously increased in the regions of the frontal lobe and hippocampus compared with those in the PAP mice. And the reduction of brain atrophy and amyloid plaques deposition, normal lipid metabolism and no obvious liver/kidney toxicity were also observed. Cy3G also could reverse the changes of JNK and AKT protein. Conclusions Cy3G can improve glucose metabolism disorders instead of lipid metabolism, inhibit the senile plaques deposition in hippocampus and regulate insulin resistance and inflammatory reaction associated with JNK/AKT pathway. Thus, Cy3G has a good safety profile and may be used as an ideal alternative to traditional disease?modifying treatments against AD.

Objective To make it clear whether dust storms may produce same acute adverse impacts on community population. Methods 2 primary schools in Baotou City were selected. During the period of dust storm in March of 2004 an investigation among 918 pupils from third to fifth grades and 1 770 parents of them was conducted by questionnaires. Meanwhile the concentrations of PM2.5 were also determined. Results On the day of dust storms developed the concentrations of PM2.5 obviously increased (212.9 ?g/m3)then decreased rapidly(

Objective To study the quality difference of various processing methods about Angelica dahurica. Methods Samples were selected from different places, clean silt by washing and brushing, cut slices and cut blocks in equal division, dried and comminution, to determine total ash, ethanol thermal extract, imperatorin content and HPLC fingerprint similarity. Results The content of total ash was the lowest in “washed”and “washed & cut slice” sample, dilute ethanol thermal extract was the highest in“cut blocks”and“washed&cut blocks”sample, imperatorin content was the highest in“non-washed”and“non-washed & cut slice” sample. Conclusion Washed and cut process is not suitable in place of origin about Angelica dahurica.

Objective To investigate the correlation between ~(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and hypoxia inducible factor1α (HIF-1α) level,microvessel density (MVD) in human gliomas.Methods ~(18)F-FDG PET scan was performed preoperatively in 41 patients with gliomas (including 23 highgrade and 18 low-grade tumors).The ratios of maximum standardized uptake value(SUV_(max))between tumor (T)and contralateral white matter (WM) were calculated (T/WM).Immunohistochemical stain methods were used to evaluate the level of HIF-1α and measure the MVD in tumors.Correlation analysis between SUV_(max) of T/WM and HIF-1α level,MVD wag performed.The t-test,one-way ANOVA test,Spearman rank correlation and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were calculated using SPSS 11.5 software.Results (1)The SUV_(max) of T/WM,HIF-1α level and MVD in high-grade and low-grade tumors groups were 3.39±1.43,95.7% and 44.13±16.1 vs 1.46±0.55.55.6% and 18.83±7.07,respectively.The difierences of SUV_(max) of T/WM,HIF-1α level and MVD between two groups were statistically significant (t=-5.921,z=-3.938,t=-6.745,all P＜0.05).(2)Among 41 gliomas,the strong positive expression of HIF-1α was observed in 8,mederate in 9,weak in 15 and negative expression was found in 9,SUV_(max) of T/WM and MVD increased with increasing HIF-1α level.The differences of SUV_(max) of T/WM and MVD among 4 different groups were statistically significant (F=7.41,P＜0.05).(3) The MVD of all gliomas was ranged from 9.76 to 94.52,which correlated with SUV_(max) of T/WM(r=0.759,P＜0.05).Conclusions The SUV_(max) of T/WM correlates with HIF-1α level and MVD in gliomas.Therefore,~(18)F-FDG PET provides preoperatively a noninvasive assessment of hypoxia or angiogenesis in human glionma.

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion on serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and to explore the effects of moxibustion on inflammatory damaging factors in experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats; the relationship between the therapeutic effect of moxibustion on RA and the change in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway was analyzed using Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonists and agonists. Methods:Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion plus TLR4 agonist group (agonist group) and a moxibustion plus TLR4 antagonist group (antagonist group) according to the random number table, with 10 rats in each group. Except the normal group, rats in the other four groups were subjected to model preparation with the wind, cold and wet environmental factors plus Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Rats in the normal and model groups were not treated; rats in the moxibustion, agonist and antagonist groups started to be treated with the moxibustion (cigarette-type moxa) at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) from the 4th day after the successful modeling, for 20 min each time with a total of 10 d. Rats in the agonist and the antagonist groups were injected with TLR4 agonist or antagonist [0.1 mg/(kg·bw)] via the tail vein 30 min before moxibustion. The concentrations of serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the rat's right hind paw swelling was significantly obvious (P<0.01), there was a lot of inflammatory infiltration in the synovial tissues, the surface of the synovial membrane was unsmooth, the synovial membrane was hyperplasia and thicker, and the serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the paw swelling degrees of the rats in the moxibustion, the agonist and the antagonist groups reduced significantly (allP<0.01); the swelling degree in the antagonist group was milder than that in the agonist group, but the between-group difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05); inflammatory infiltration and synovial membrane hyperplasia in the synovial tissues of the moxibustion group and the antagonist group were all relieved differently; the decrease of synovial layer number in the moxibustion group was more obvious, and there were no obvious improvements in inflammatory infiltration and synovial thickness in the agonist group; the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the moxibustion group were decreased, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (allP<0.01); there was no significant between-group difference in the IL-8 concentration (P>0.05); the concentrations of serum IL-8 and TNF-α in the agonist group increased significantly (both P<0.01), while the IL-6 concentration decreased without significant difference (P>0.05); the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in the antagonist group decreased but the between-group differences were statistically insignificant (bothP>0.05), and the TNF-α concentration significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the moxibustion group, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased in the agonist group, and the differences in the IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (both P<0.01); the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α increased in the antagonist group, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); there was no significant difference in the IL-8 concentration between the groups (P>0.05). The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the antagonist group were lower than those in the agonist group (allP<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can reduce the joint swelling degree and inflammation in synovial tissue of RA model rats, decrease the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in RA model rats; the decreases of IL-6 and TNF-α are more significant than the decrease of IL-8; TLR4 agonist and antagonist can significantly attenuate the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, so that the change in TLR signaling pathway affects the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting the releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α.

Objective: To investigate the effects of oxLDL and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin on PKC activity, and level of cytosol ic free Ca 2+ in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Methods: Th e activity of PKC was determined by its ability to transfer phosphate from 32P-ATP to lysine-rich histone and level of cytosolic free calcium［Ca2+ ］i was measured by flow cytometric analysis loading with the Ca2+ dye F luo-3/Am. Results: oxLDL increased PKC total activity in a dose-de pendent manner and peaked after 12 min, then decreased slowly and maintained for at least 30 min, while oxLDL induced biphasic ［Ca2+］i responses includ ing the rapid initial transient phase and the sustained phase. Removal of extrac ellular Ca2+ did not inhibit the rapid transient phase, but abolished the sustained phase. When simvastatin was added, the activity of PKC wasmarkedly dec reased with no impairment to the initial peak response, but significantly reduce d the sustained phase. Conclusion: oxLDL can induced dynamic changes of signal transduction of PKC and level of cytosolic free Ca2+ in HUVEC, these 2 events are closely linked. The change of rapid initial transient phase i s the result of mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular pool and the chang e of sustained phase is from the influx of extracellular Ca2+. The inhibit ion of PKC activity induced by simvastatin may contribute to the changes of ［Ca 2+］i.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preparation of hydroxycamptothecine (HCPT)-loaded cubic crystal liquid embolic precursor solution, and evaluate its in vitro embolic efficiency. Phytantriol was used as cubic crystal liquid embolic material, and the optimal formulation was selected according to ternary phase diagram. Polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to characterize the cubic crystal structure. High performance liquid chromatography and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to investigate the lactone ring of HCPT. In vitro dissolution was preliminary evaluated, and the simulation embolic model was constructed to evaluate the embolic efficiency of precursor solution. Meanwhile, the gelation time and adhesion force were investigated. The results showed that HCPT-loaded precursor solution for embolization had been successfully prepared with low viscosity which was injectable. The precursor solution could transform into Pn3m structure liquid crystal phase gel rapidly when contracting with excess water. The formed HPCT gel remained its lactone form as the same in precursor solution, and expressed the good ability to block the saline flow, and HCPT could keep sustained releasing drug over 30 days. The prepared drug-loaded embolic precursor solution showed a promising potential for vascular embolization and application in clinical treatment of tumor.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; chemistry ; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Camptothecin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; chemistry ; Fatty Alcohols ; chemistry ; Liquid Crystals ; Scattering, Small Angle ; Water ; X-Ray Diffraction

OBJECTIVETo discuss the expression and significance of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDFN) receptor alpha 1 gene (GFR alpha 1) in the recovery spermatogenesis of mice.

METHODSAdult Kunming mice were injected intraperitoneally with 2 doses of busulfan (10 mg/kg) 24 days apart so as to establish the recovery spermatogenesis model. Testes were harvested 1 w, 2 w, 3 w, 4 w, 6 w, 8 w and 10 w after the second injection, and normal testes were used as control. The recovery spermatogenesis was observed by light and electron microscopy, and the GFR alpha 1 mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization.

RESULTSThe expression of GFR alpha 1 mRNA increased significantly at 1 w and reached its peak at 2 w after the second injection [(104.72 +/- 24.4)% vs normal control, P < 0.01]; its expression reduced significantly at 3 w and reached its valley at 4 w [(20.77 +/- 4.25)% vs normal control, P < 0.01], and then increased gradually and restored to the normal level at 10 w. GFR alpha 1 mRNA was mainly expressed by undifferentiated spermatogonia.

CONCLUSIONSIn the course of recovery spermatogenesis, the expression of GFR alpha 1 plays a key role in turning the spermatogonial stem cell reactivity to GDNF, which promotes self-renewal at a high level, or results in differentiation at a low level.

Animals ; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors ; In Situ Hybridization ; Male ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of retroviral vector containing shRNA targeting rat angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene (Ad5-AT1R-shRNA) on blood pressure and AT1R mRNA expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

METHODSRetroviral vector containing shRNA targeting rat AT1R gene was constructed and propagated further in 293 cells. SHR rats were randomly divided into SHR + Ad5-AT1R-shRNA (1.7 x 10(9) TCID(50)/ml) group and SHR (Ad5-EGFP, 7.9 x 10(9) TCID(50)/ml, n = 11 each) and 11 male Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) serve as normal controls (Ad5-EGFP, 7.9 x 10(9) TCID(50)/ml). Systolic blood pressure was measured before and after single intravenous injection of Ad5-AT1R-shRNA or Ad5-EGFP. Heart, liver, kidney, aorta and adrenal gland were removed after blood pressure measurement. Tissue Ad5-AT1R-shRNA expression was detected with fluorescence microscope and AT1R mRNA in liver, kidney and aorta was measured by fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTSAd5-AT1R-shRNA significantly reduced blood pressure compared with controls (-29 mm Hg, 1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa, P < 0.05) 24 hours after single injection and this antihypertensive effect could last for 5 to 7 days. Ad5-AT1R-shRNA expression detected with fluorescence microscope was significantly increased in heart, liver, kidney, aorta and adrenal gland post Ad5-AT1R-shRNA injection. AT1R mRNA in kidney and aorta (0.086 +/- 0.014, 0.051 +/- 0.023) were significantly decreased in Ad5-AT1R-shRNA treated rats compared with SHR control rats (0.362 +/- 0.042, 0.463 +/- 0.045, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that Ad5-AT1R-shRNA could inhibit the tissue AT1R mRNA expression and produce prolonged antihypertensive effects in SHR rats.

Adenoviridae ; Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Genetic Vectors ; Heart Rate ; Hypertension ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEHuman papillomavirus 6 (HPV 6) causes genital warts, a common sexually transmitted disease. L1-capsids protein is a highly promising vaccine candidate that has entered phase II clinical trial. But the existing methodologies for producing L1-capsids in insect cells is expensive for use in developing countries. As methylotrophic yeast,the Pichia pastoris expression system offers economy,and high expression levels. Over-expression of HPV6-L1 protein in P. pastoris was the purpose of this study.

METHODSThe whole L1 gene with preferred codons for P. pastoris was rebuilt and A-T rich regions were abolished, Cloning into pPIC3.5K,electroporation of KM71, in vivo screen of multiple inserts by G418 resistance, PCR analysis of pichia integrants, BMGY/BMMY are used for induction and expression of L1 proteins.

RESULTSThree clones were found to produce L1 protein which can be identified with Western blot. Compared with L1 protein from E.coli, pichia-produced L1 has some glycosylation. Reacting strongly with MabH6B10.5 in indirect immunofluorescence assay indicated that L1 protein expressed in pichia cell holds its native conformational epitopes which is important for vaccine use. A total 125 microg pure L1 protein could be obtained from 1L cultures through ion-exchange and Ni-NTA chromatography.

CONCLUSIONHPV type 6 L1 protein expressed in Pichia pastoris will facilitate the HPV vaccine development and structure-function study.

Capsid Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Cloning, Molecular ; Genes ; Papillomaviridae ; genetics ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Viral Proteins