Adult ; Angiomyolipoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; MART-1 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Melanoma-Specific Antigens ; metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism

Objective • To investigate whether methylene blue-mediated photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT) can induce the apoptosis of macrophages in periodontitis, and simultaneously reduce the bone absorption. Methods • For in vitro treatments, cells were divided into three experimental groups: control group, no treatment; MB group, methylene blue treatment; MB-PDT group, MB and laser irradiation treatment. Then apoptosis and apoptosis related genes were detected in each group. For in vivo treatments, periodontal disease in SD rats was orthodontic ligature and periodontal pathogen induced at the first maxillary molar. After 6 weeks, the ligature was removed and all animals received scaling and root planning(SRP) and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP group, saline solution; MB group, phenothiazinium dye; and MB-PDT group, MB and laser irradiation, once a week. All animals in each treatment were killed after 3 weeks. Immunofluorescence and Micro CT analyses were used to detect the apoptotic macrophages and alveolar bone resorption in periodontal tissues of rats in each group. Results • In vitro experiments showed that the combination of 10 μmol/L MB and 40 J/cm2 light dose could kill more than 50% macrophages, and the apoptosis of macrophages induced by MB-PDT in this mode was most obvious. Meanwhile, MB-PDT increased the expression ratio of proapoptotic gene Bax /antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 in macrophages. In vivo experiments showed that the macrophages infiltrated in tissues with periodontitis were apoptotic after MB-PDT treatment, while no obvious apoptosis of macrophages infiltrated in the periodontal tissues of SRP and MB rats was found. Micro CT analysis showed that the alveolar bone resorption in MB-PDT rats was less than that in SRP and MB rats (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between SRP rats and MB rats. Conclusion • MB-PDT can induce the apoptosis of hyperproliferating macrophages in periodontitis and reduce the bone absorption. Compared with SRP, MB-PDT is an effective adjunctive treatment of periodontitis.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Ovarian Diseases ; diagnosis ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Pregnancy

Objective:To compare and explore the effects of needling acupoints at different nerve segmentson the oxytocin (OT) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) and the intragastric pressure, and discuss the possible mechanisms. Methods: Thirty-two healthy adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were numbered and divided into 4 groups according to the random number table, a Zusanli (ST 36) group, a Neiguan (PC 6) group, a Weishu (BL 21) group and a control group, with 8 rats in each group. Except the control group, rats in the other three groups received acupuncture at the corresponding acupoints. To observe the differences in double-labeled OT neurons and c-fos neurons of the hypothalamic PVN and the intragastric pressure after acupuncture among the three groups of needling acupoints at different nerve segments. Results:Compared with the control group, the numbers of double-labeled cells in the PVN of the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Neiguan (PC 6) group decreased significantly, while the intragastric pressure increased significantly (allP<0.05), and the inter-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The intragastric pressure in the Weishu (BL 21) group decreased significantly, and the inter-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the Weishu (BL 21) group, the numbers of OT/c-fos double-labeled cells in PVN of the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Neiguan (PC 6) group decreased significantly, and the intragastric pressure increased significantly, the inter-group differences were statistically significant (allP<0.01). Conclusion:Acupoints at different nerve segments have different regulation effects on intragastric pressure. The difference may be related to the different nerve conduction pathways by acupoints at different nerve segments in regulating the intragastric pressure. The PVN may be one common integration center for the regulation of gastric function in the three acupoints [Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Weishu (BL 21)] at different nerve segments.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ceramide on progesterone production and apoptosis in rat luteal cells in vitro. Luteal cells were prepared from the ovaries of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) primed female Wistar rats and incubated with cell permeable C2-ceramide. The effects of ceramide on progesterone production and apoptosis in luteal cells were assessed by radio immunoassay (RIA) and flow cytometry analysis. In addition, changes in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production by luteal cells treated with C2-ceramide were also evaluated. Ceramide was found to reduce hCG-stimulated progesterone production in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it had little effect on basal progesterone content. Spontaneous apoptosis in luteal cells was observed after a 12-hour incubation in vitro and 5 μmol/L of ceramide significantly increased the apoptotic rate (P<0.05). Enhanced apoptotic peak was seen in the histogram by flow cytometry. Moreover, 50 μmol/L of C2-ceramide significantly increased NOS activity (P<0.01) and NO production (P<0.001). It is suggested that ceramide may serve as an important signaling molecule mediating certain ovarian processes, such as luteal regression.

AIMTo observe the expression of Presenilin-1 (PS-1) and production of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in hippocampus of female senile rats and to investigate the effect of vitamin E(VE) on preventing Alzheimer's disease after menopause.

METHODSThe animal model was established using female senile rats. Experimental groups (n=8) were respectively given different doses of VE(5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg) per day. The expression of PS-1 in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry, the level of Abeta in hippocampus was measured by Radioimmunoassay, and neuronal ultrastructure in hippocampal DG area was observed using transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSThe expression of PS-1 in rat hippocampus of senile control group was stronger than that of adult control group. PS-1 expressed weakly in three medication groups along with augmentation of dosage. The levels of Abeta were found to correlate statistically with the expression of PS-1. The content of Abeta in VE groups was significantly decreased compared to that in senile control group (P < 0.01). There were some changes in the neuronal ultrastructure of senile rats. Neurons were gradually recovered in VE groups.

CONCLUSIONVE may depress the production of Abeta by regulating the expression of PS-1, reducing neuronal injuries. VE may play a role in neuronal protection.

Aging ; Alzheimer Disease ; metabolism ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; metabolism ; Animals ; Female ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Presenilin-1 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Vitamin E ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) on contraction of intestinal tract smooth muscle induced by motilin receptor agonist.

METHODSTwo kinds of smooth muscle segments were isolated from the duodenum and colon of rabbit. Both kinds of smooth muscle were divided into two groups: group a (normal ICC group of duodenum); group c (impaired ICC group of duodenum); group b (normal ICC group of colon); group d (impaired ICC group of colon), each group contained 20 segments. The impairment of ICC was induced by selectively destroying ICC in the smooth muscle via treatment with methylene blue plus light. Then the frequency and amplitude of contraction of group a and c, group b and d was compared. Then motilin receptor agonist (ABT-229) was added into the Krebs solution, the frequency and amplitude of smooth muscle contraction before and after adding ABT-229 were recorded and compared.

RESULTSThe electron microscopy demonstrated that ICC in methylene blue plus light group were destroyed; the smooth muscle cells and neuron scattered close to ICC were normal. In group a, the contraction frequency, (17.89 +/- 1.88) times/min, was significantly lower as compared with that measured after ABT-229 was added [(18.76 +/- 1.18) times/min (P > 0.05)]; the amplitude of group a was (343 +/- 28) mg, which was lower as compared with that after adding ABT-229 [(597 +/- 68) mg (P < 0.001)]; in group b, the frequency was (5.89 +/- 1.03) times/min, the amplitude was (724 +/- 85) mg, after ABT-229 was added, the construction frequency increased to (8.45 +/- 0.69) times/min (P < 0.001), and the amplitude was (897 +/- 89) mg (P < 0.05), which was not affected by pretreatment with TTX, however it could be weakened by nifedipine significantly. In group c and d, the rhythmic contraction almost disappeared: in group c the contraction frequency was (1.06 +/- 0.24) times/min, and the amplitude were (50 +/- 10) mg. In group d, the amplitude and frequency significantly decreased as compared with the normal group (P < 0.001), in group c, and d, no significant difference in amplitude and frequency was found between the values measured before and after adding ABT-229 (P > 0.05). After Ach (100 micromol/L) was added, both group c and d could generate contraction.

CONCLUSIONICC may play an important role in the rhythmic contraction of intestinal tract. The promoting effect of motilin receptor agonist on intestinal tract may be mediated by ICC. ICC deficiency may cause functional impairment of gastrointestinal tract motivation. The medication may become ineffective when the number of ICC is reduced to a certain extent or the network of ICC is incomplete.

Animals ; Erythromycin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; drug effects ; physiology ; Interstitial Cells of Cajal ; physiology ; Male ; Rabbits ; Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone ; agonists ; Receptors, Neuropeptide ; agonists

There are sex differences in some brain areas in mammalians. Parkinson's disease (PD), caused by the mesencephalic substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neuronal loss, displays sexual difference, i.e., the incidence is higher and the symptoms are more intense in males than that in females. However, it has not been known whether sexual dimorphisms exist in the SN. Sixty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) Female intact group (F-INT group); (2) Male intact group (M-INT group); (3) Ovariectomized group (OVX group); (4) Castration group (CAST group); (5) Ovariectomized + estrogen-replaced group (OVX-E(2) group): The rats received sequentially physiological dose of estrogen for 3 d from the 7th day after ovariectomization. P50 auditory evoked potential (P50) was recorded for 14 d from electrodes inserted in the rat right SN in quiet and awake state. After recording, the brain tissues were dissected and the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing neurons in the compact zone of the SN were counted using immunohistochemical method. The results showed that the number of TH-positive (TH(+)) cells in the SN of normal male animals was less than that in normal female rats (P<0.05), and the T/C ratio of P50 in normal males was significantly less than that in normal females (P<0.01), indicating that there exists sexual difference in function and structure in the SN. No differences in the T/C ratio of P50 or the number of TH(+) cells were found between M-INT and CAST groups. The T/C ratio of P50 and the number of TH(+) cells in the SN in OVX group were reduced significantly compared with those in F-INT group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the T/C ratio of P50 and the number of TH(+) cells in the SN between OVX- E(2) and F-INT groups 15-20 d after estrogen replacement, suggesting that estrogen can promote the survival and functional recovery of dopaminergic neurons in the SN. The results suggest that there exist sex-specific differences in the dopaminergic neurons in the SN structurally and functionally. The difference of estrogen level in cerebra between male and female animals may account for the sexual differences. Endogenous estrogen plays an important role in maintaining the integrity and modulating the functional activity of dopamine system in the SN.
Animals ; Dopaminergic Neurons ; cytology ; Estrogens ; pharmacology ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory ; Female ; Male ; Orchiectomy ; Ovariectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sex Characteristics ; Substantia Nigra ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of antisense oligonucleotides (ASODN) targeting protein kinase C alpha (PKCalpha) on the proliferation of A549 cells.

METHODSPKCalpha ASODN and random oligonucleotides (RODN) were transfected into A549 cells mediated by polyethyleneimine, and the proliferation and clone formation of A549 cells were detected by CCK-8 and clone formation assay, respectively. The expression of PKCalpha in the transfected cells was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTSCompared with those in the control group, PEI group and PEI-RODN group, the proliferation and clone formation of A549 cells treated with ASODN targeting PKCalpha were significantly inhibited (P<0.05). The expressions of PKCalpha mRNA and protein in PKCalpha ASODN-transfected A549 cells were significantly lower than those in the other 3 groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe PKCalpha ASODN mediated by PEI down-regutates the expression of PKCalpha gene and suppress the proliferation and clone formation of A549 cells.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Protein Kinase C-alpha ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

BACKGROUND: Cancellous bone, as an important part of bone, is a kind of porous, inhomogeneous, anisotropic and viscoelastic structure, which plays a critical role in load transmission and energy absorption. Therefore,research on its mechanical properties is of great significance.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the compressive properties of cancellous bone at different stress rates and its creep behaviors at different stress levels.METHODS: The fresh cancellous bone from pig femur was used as the material, and subjected to different stress until the compressive strain of sample was up to 5%. The constant compressive stress levels were loaded on the surface of cancellous bone for 7200 s to observe its creep behaviors.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In the uniaxial compression test, the stress values and Young's modulus increased with the stress rate increasing under the same strain value. (2) The stress-strain curves of cancellous bone were different at different loading rates, indicating that the mechanical properties of cancellous bone depend on the loading rate. (3) In the creep test, the creep strain increased with the increase of stress level, but the creep compliance decreased with the increase of stress level. (4) These results suggest that the stress rate and stress level have significant influence on compressive properties of cancellous bone, which provide reference for avoiding cancellous bone injury.