Objective To investigate the differences of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma b (Gpnmb) expression between M1 and M2 bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMφs) in mouse.Meth-ods Primary BMMφs were cultured and then identified by immunofluorescence staining for F 4/80 and flow cytometry testing of CD11b.Interferon-γand lipopolysaccharide were used to induce differentiation of BMMφs towards M1 macrophages and interleukin-4 was adopted to induce differentiation of M 2 macropha-ges.Realtime PCR was performed to analyze mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), induc-ible NO synthase (iNOS), macrophage mannose receptor (MMR), arginase-1 (Arg-1) and Gpnmb.Pro-teins of Gpnmb and MMR were detected by double immunofluorescence staining , Western blot and flow cy-tometry.Results (1) Immunofluorescence staining showed high expression of F 4/80 in BMMφs and flow cytometry results showed that CD11b was expressed in 92.7%±6.1% of BMMφs, suggesting that primary BMMφs were successfully cultured.(2) Compared with M0 BMMφs, mRNAs of TNF-αand iNOS were highly up-regulated in M1 BMMφs (both P<0.01), and mRNAs of MMR and Arg-1 were highly up-regula-ted in M2 BMMφs (both P<0.01), indicating that differentiation of BMMφs towards M1 and M2 BMMφs were successfully induced .(3) Expressions of Gpnmb mRNA and Gpnmb protein were predominantly up-regulated in M2 BMMφs in comparison with those in M0 and M1 BMMφs (both P<0.01).Gpnmb and MMR were co-expressed in M2 BMMφs and 83.2%±9.7% of MMR positive BMMφs expressed Gpnmb. Conclusion Gpnmb expression is significantly increased in M 2 macrophages than that in M 1 macrophages in vitro, indicating that Gpnmb which takes part in the differentiation of macrophages might be used as a marker for identification of M 1 and M2 macrophages .

Objective To observe the expression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (Gpnmb) in the kidney and urine after ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI),and explore the relationship between Gpnmb and macrophage phenotypes in the IRI kidney.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group (n =4),sham group (n =4) and IRI group (n =12).Both renal pedieles of mice in IRI group were identified and occluded with microvascular clamps for 30 min.Renal pathological injury was observed by PAS staining.The expression of Gpnmb was examined by real-time PCR and immunofluoresence staining.The location of Gpnmb was observed by flow cytometry and double immunofluoresence staining with F4/80.The mRNA expressions of Gpnmb,CD40,CRR7,CD163 and MMR were examined by real-time PCR.The expression of Gpnmb in the urine was examined by Western blotting and ELISA.Results PAS-stained IRI kidney section showed desquamative epithelia,necrosis debris and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration.Real-time PCR results showed that there was little expression of Gpnmb in the kidney of control group and sham group.However,the Gpnmb mRNA level in IRI kidneys was highly up-regulated at day 1 and day 2 (both P ＜ 0.01) and followed by a decrease that was similar to the control level at day 3.Double immunofluoresence staining of kidney sections from IRI mice revealed that Gpnmb was predominantly detected in F4/80 positive macrophages.The mRNA expression of Gpnmb was not correlated with M1 macrophage phenotypes CD40 and CCR7,but positively correlated with M2 macrophages phenotypes CD163 and MMR.Western blotting and ELISA result showed that there was significant increase of Gpnmb expression in the urine from IRI mice compared to those of the control group and the sham group (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Gpnmb expression is up-regulated in IRI kidney and is associated to M2 macrophages.It may play a role in the process of acute kidney injury.Gpnmb expression is also increased in urine after IR injury and it may be a new biomarker to diagnose AKI.

Objective To evaluate the regulatory role of mTOR signaling in activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and the potential effect on interstitial fibrosis. Methods 8-week old female C57BL/6 mice (n=30) underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) to induce renal interstitial fibrosis. Animals were randomly divided into rapamycin (2 mg·kg-1· d-1) group and UUO group (vehicle-treated) (n=15 each group). Daily intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin or saline was applied to animals from day 1 before operation to the end of experiment.Three mice were sacrificed at day 1,3,7,14 respectively and kidneys were harvested for further analysis.NIH3T3 cells were stimulated by TGF-β for 12 hours with the presence or bsence of rapamycin (100 nmol/L). Results Immunofluorescent co-staining revealed that active fibroblasts highly expressed pS6K and α-SMA in kidney interstitium.Administation of rapamycin significantly inhibited activation of mTOR signaling in fibroblasts and ameliorated interstitial fibrosis of obstructed kidneys.Real-time PCR confirmed that rapamycin decreased the mRNA expression of FSP1,TGF-β,CTGF and Col4A1 in fibrotic kidneys. In vitro experiment revealed that TGF-β induced highly expression of pS6K and αSMA in cultured NIH3T3 cells,which could be markedly inhibited by rapamycin. Conclusions mTOR signaling highly activates in interstitial fibroblasts during kidney fibrosis.Inhibition of mTOR signaling by rapamycin decreases the activation of fibroblasts and ameliorates interstitial fibrosis.

Objective To study the effects of keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleucine-calcium on(human mesangial cells)HMCs. Method HMCs were stimulated by keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleucine-calcium. The AT1R and TGF-β1 were detected. MTr method was used to measure the proliferation of HMCs, and cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry. Results The expression of AT1R and TGF-β1was increased in the experiment groups compared with negative and DMSO control groups. Cell cycle G1 attest and cell apoptosis were observed in the experiment groups. Conclusions 10mM keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleueine-calcium have multiple effects on HMCs in vitro, which not only increased the expression of AT1R,but also the expression of TGF-β1.Furthermore,keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleucine-calcium can induce cell cycle G1 arrest and cell apoptosis.

Esophageal cancer is a unique malignant disease in China. A fundamental difference exists between the Chinese population and the western population on esophageal cancer in terms of epidemiology, histogenesis, and carcinogenic risk factors. Therefore, ap-plying the western academic achievements to Chinese is difficult. Thus, Chinese scientists have the responsibility to conquer esopha-geal cancer in China. This article reviews the progress of esophageal cancer focused on the molecular mechanism for interactions of ge-netic and environmental risk factors and human esophageal multistage carcinogenesis.

Objective To lay a foundation for the clinical application and tissue engineering research of hypertrophic scar (HS)-derived DMSCs by comparing the biological characteristics of dermis mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) from human maturing-phase HS and normal skin.Methods Twenty maturing-phase HS specimens (scar group) and 20 normal skin specimens (control group) were selected to extract and sort DMSCs by two-step enzyme digestion.When cells in both groups were subcultured to 3rd generation,cell morphology and growth curve were observed; expressions of cell surface proteins CD29,CD49 and vimentin were tested by immunocytochemistry; cells with positively expressed surface proteins CD34,CD73,CD90,and CD105 were examined by flow cytometry; expressions of genes Oct4 and Nanog were tested by RT-PCR; cell potential to differentiate into lipoblasts,osteoblasts,and chondroblasts was assayed in inductive medium.Results DMSCs in both groups showed similar shape and growth curve.Cell markers CD29,CD49 and vimentin expressed positively.Of scar and control groups,expressions of CD34,CD73,CD90,and CD105 were (0.60±0.03)％ vs (0.61 ±0.02)％,(98.90±0.80)％vs (99.00±0.70)％,(98.30±0.30)％vs (98.20±0.40)％,and (93.10± 0.40) ％ vs (93.00 ± 0.20) ％ respectively (P ＞ 0.05) ; expressions of genes Oct4 and Nanog were 0.506±0.024 vs0.512±0.024 and 0.496 ±0.018 vs 0.494 ±0.023 (P＞0.05).Both types of DMSCs were able to differentiate in vitro into lipoblasts,osteoblasts,and chondroblasts in invitro conductive medium.Conclusion DMSCs exist in maturing-phase HS and present biomechanical characteristics basically similar with those of normal human skin.

AIM: To observe the effects of different doses of L-dopa on the rotational behavior and amounts of cells expressing D_2 receptors in striatum in hemiparkinsonian rats.METHODS: A hemiparkinsonian model was established in rats by pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine.The D_2 receptor expression were detected by immunohistochemical staining.The numbers of rotations induced by apomorphine was counted within 30 min before and after L-dopa(10 mg?kg~(-1)?d~(-1),50 mg?kg~(-1)?d~(-1) or 100 mg?kg~(-1)?d~(-1),ip) was introduced to Parkinson's disease(PD) model rats for 15 days.RESULTS: In successful PD model rats,the increased percentage of D_2 receptor in lesioned side compared with intact side was associated linearly with the numbers of rotations within 30 min(r=0.927,P

AIM:To examine the expression profiles of both genes and proteins in hippocampus of rats with temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE)for revealing the molecular mechanisms of TLE and looking for the candidate targets and new therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.METHODS:Rat temporal lobe epilepsy was induced by administration of lithium chloride and pilocarpine(LiCl-PILO).The expression spectra of genes and proteins were constructed through the techniques of cDNA microarray,two-dimensional(2D)electrophoresis and Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS).Subsequently,the differentially expressed genes and proteins were identified and analyzed.RESULTS:There were 192 genes of differential expression observed in hippocampal tissues of LiCl-PILO-induced temporal lobe epilepsy,and 159 genes have been registered in Genbank database,in which 84 genes were up-regulated while 75 genes were down-regulated.78 protein spots of differential display were screened out,in which 31 proteins were detected to be down-regulated and 47 were up-regulated.Finally,5 proteins were identified.CONCLUSION:These genes and proteins found in our study may play pivotal roles in the pathogenic mechanisms of epilepsy and may promise new therapeutic targets for refractory epilepsy in the future.

Objective To evaluate the nephrotoxicity induced by radiographic contrast media with different osmolality in rats with hypercholesterolemia, and to explore the protective effect of pentoxifylline. Methods Forty-eight healthy SD male rats were randomly divided into normal dietary group (NN, n =8) and high cholesterol supplemented dietary group (H, 4% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid, n=40). At the end of 8th week, the rats with high cholesterol diet were randomly divided into five subgroups (n=8, respectively): high cholesterol diet group(HN), high cholesterol plus iso-osmolar contrast media (iodixanol, IOCM) group (HI), high cholesterol plus low-osmolar contrast media (iohexle, LOCM) group (HL), high cholesterol diet plus high-osmolar contrast media (diatrizoate, HOCM) group (HH) and high cholesterol plus HOCM plus pentoxifylline group (HHP). Forty-eight hours after contrast media injection, the rats were executed and blood samples were prepared to determine total cholesterol, triglyceride, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance(Ccr), fractional excretion of sodium and potassium(FeNa, FeK), and angtension Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) levels. The renal injury was assessed by HE staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. The expression of NF-κB protein in the renal tissue was detected by using immunohistocbemical method. Results An increase of cholesterol was observed in all the rats with high cholesterol diet. Scr, FeNa%, FeK% and Ang Ⅱ levels of rats in HH group were obviously higher than those in HL and HI groups respectively. Ccr in HH group [(0.11±0.02) ml·min-1·(100 g)-1] was significantly lower than that in HHP group [(0.43±0.03) ml·min-1·(100 g)-1], HL group [(0.25±0.02) ml·min-1·(100 g)-1] or HI group [(0.27±0.03) ml·min-1,(100 g)-1] (P<0.05). TUNEL staining showed that the pewentage of apoptotic cells in HH group [(89.60±6.40)% ] was higher than that of the other groups [NN (2.40±0.77)%, HN (5.60±1.08)%, HHP (8.91±1.44)%, HL (63.34±11.97)% and HI (61.50±9.40)%]. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the average gray value of NF-κB positive cells in HH group decreased (P<0.05). There were no significant differences of all indices between HL and HI groups (P0.05). Conclusions Contrast media can cause kidney injuries in the rats with hypercholesterolemia. PTX can protect the renal tissue from nephrotoxicity induced by HOCM in hypercholesterolemia.

Objective To detect EPPB41L3 methylation frequency difference between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and the normal tissues and between ESCC patients′plasma and healthy volenteers′plasma, and to analyze the correlation with clinicopathological parameters. Methods We collected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues (n = 42 patients) and adjacent surrounding normal tissues (n = 42 patients), and plasma from 42 patients with ESCC and from 50 healthy individuals. We used methylation specific PCR (MSP) combined with agarose gel electrophoresis to detect the methylation status of the EPB41L3. We used the SPSS 13.0 software for statistical analysis by χ2 test and Fisher′s exact test. Results EPB41L3 frequency of methylation was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in the adjacent tissues (59.5% vs. 4.8%), the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 28.873, P < 0.001). For plasma, EPB41L3 methylation frequency was 31.0%in cancer patients, while was not detectable in the healthy volunteers. Methylation of EPB41L3 in tissues was more frequently found in patients with tumor size of ≥ 5 cm or T3 than in patients with tumor size of < 5 cm or T1-2. Conclusions The methylation frequency of EPB41L3 is higher in ESCC tissues than in control normal tissues, and higer in plasma from ESCC patients than that from the healthy volunteers. EPB41L3 methylation is more frequently found in patients with more advanced disease.