Accidents, Occupational ; prevention & control ; Occupational Diseases ; prevention & control ; Occupational Health Services ; organization & administration ; Risk Assessment ; methods ; organization & administration

OBJECTIVETo explore the differential proteomic expression in human liver cells L-02 after exposure to HQ.

METHODSSubcultured L-02 cells were treated by HQ for 24 h at a 1 x 10(-4) mol/L concentration and a blank group was set as the control. Immediately after the treatment, total cellular proteins were extracted and separated by 2-DE, and the images were analyzed by PDQuest software. The experiment was totally repeated 3 times with 3 repetitions for each group every time. The well repeated spots were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and then searched in NCBI human protein database with Mascot.

RESULTSAbout 1,000 spots per gel were found. Compared with the control group, 17, 18 and 24 spots were significantly altered in 3 separate experiments. The 4 well repeated spots were identified by MALDI-TOF MS as Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor GDI alpha, 6-phosphogluconolactonase, erbB3 binding protein EBP1 and lamin A/C, isoform 1 precursor. They were involved in cell skeleton, signal transduction and energy metabolization in functional classification.

CONCLUSIONHydroquinone can change the protein expression in liver cells, which provides clues for exploring the toxic mechanism.

Cell Line ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Hepatocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hydroquinones ; toxicity ; Mass Spectrometry ; Proteomics ; Reproducibility of Results

Base Sequence ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Enhancer Elements, Genetic ; genetics ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; Luciferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Simian virus 40 ; genetics ; Telomerase ; genetics ; Transcription, Genetic ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the toxic and DNA damaging effect of acrylamide (AA) on human keratinocytes and its mechanism.

METHODS(1) After the keratinocyte cell line HaCaT cells were exposed to AA with different concentrations for 44 hours, cell survival rate was detected by MTT method. (2) The effects of DNA damage of exposed cells were detected by comet assay. (3) After treating the cells with 2.00 mmol/L of AA plus 0.50 mmol/L of 1-aminobenzotriazole (1-ABT), an inhibitor of cytochrome P-450 enzymes (CYP-450), for 4 hours, the relationship between DNA damage and CYP-450 was studied.

RESULTS(1) Cytotoxicity measurement of AA showed that cell survival rate decreased significantly after 44-hour treatment. (2) Cytotoxicity was not detected after 4-hour AA treatment, but significant DNA damage was observed in all treatment groups, and the degree of damage increased with the concentration of AA. Moreover, the tail lengths of comet cells were in dose-effect relationship. As for cells treated by 1-ABT with 2 mmol/L AA, comet rate and tail length were 15.4% and (8.2 +/- 2.0) micro m respectively, which were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) when compared with 2 mmol/L AA treatment group [80.6% and (44.3 +/- 4.0) micro m].

CONCLUSIONSAcrylamide has significant cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on HaCaT cells. AA-induced DNA damage may be related to the oxidative metabolite(s) of AA through CYP-450.

Acrylamide ; toxicity ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors ; DNA Damage ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; drug effects ; enzymology

Objective To investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neurons induced by 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) and to screen RF EMF-responsive genes. Methods The rat primary cultured neuronal cells were divided into two groups, the radiation group and control group, from which the total RNA was extracted immediately and purified after intermittently (5min on/10min off) exposed or U34 array was applied to detect the changes of gene expression in rat neurons. Results Among 1200 candidate genes, 24 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated genes which are associated with multiple cellular functions (cytoskeleton, signal transduction pathway, metabolism, etc.) after functional classification were found by using Affymetrix microarray suite software 5.0. Although the changes in gene expression were less than 2 folds, they had statistical significance (P<0.01). Conclusion RF radiation of 1.8GHz induce the changes of many genes transcription in rat neurons, some of which indicate the negative effects of RF radiation on neurons.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neurons induced by 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) and to screen for the RF EMF-responsive genes.

METHODSNewly-born SD rats in 24 hours were sacrificed to obtain cortex and hippocampus neurons. The cells were divided randomly into two groups: the experiment group (the irradiation group) and the control group (the false irradiation group). In the irradiation group, after twelve days' culture, neurons were exposed to 1.8 GHz RF EMF modulated by 217 Hz at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg for 24 hours (5 minutes on/10 minutes off) while in the false control group, the neurons were put in the same waveguide as in the irradiation group, but were not exposed to any irradiation. The total RNA was isolated and purified immediately after exposure. The affymetrix rat neurobiology U34 assay was used for detecting the changes in gene expression profile according to the manufacturer's instruction. RF EMF-responsive candidate gene was confirmed by using ribonuclease protection assay (RPA).

RESULTSAmong 1200 candidate genes, the expression levels of 34 genes were up or down regulated. Microtubule associated protein 2 (Map2) gene was selected as the candidate and subjected to further analysis. RPA data clearly revealed that Map2 was statistically significantly up-regulated after neurons were exposed to the RF EMF (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe modulation of gene expression and function of Map2 as a neuron specific cytoskeleton protein is crucial to maintain the normal framework and function of neurons. The finding that 1.8 GHz RF EMF exposure increases the expression of Map2 might indicate some unknown effects of RF EMF on neurons.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cell Phone ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Down-Regulation ; Electromagnetic Fields ; Female ; Gene Expression ; radiation effects ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Neurons ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Radio Waves ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neuron induced by 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) to screen for RF EMF-responsive genes and the effect of different exposure times and modes on the gene expression in neuron.

METHODSTotal RNA was extracted immediately and purified from the primary culture of neurons after intermittent exposed or sham-exposed to a frequency of 1.8 GHz RF EMF for 24 hours at an average special absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg. Affymetrix Rat Neurobiology U34 array was applied to investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neuron. Differentially expressed genes (Egr-1, Mbp and Plp) were further confirmed by semi-quantitative revere transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). The expression levels of Egr-1, Mbp and Plp were observed at different exposure times (6, 24 h) and modes (intermittent and continuous exposure).

RESULTSAmong 1200 candidate genes, 24 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated genes were found by using Affymetrix microarray suite software 5.0 which are associated with multiple cellular functions (cytoskeleton, signal transduction pathway, metabolism, etc.) after functional classification. Under 24 h and 6 h intermittent exposure, Egr-1 and Plp in experiment groups showed statistic significance (P < 0.05) compared with the control groups, while expression of Mbp did not change significantly (P > 0.05). After 24 h continuous exposure, Egr-1 and Mbp in experiment groups showed statistic significance (P < 0.05) compared with the control group, while expression of Plp did not change significantly (P > 0.05). Under the same exposure mode 6 h, expression of all the 3 genes did not change significantly. Different times (6, 24 h) and modes (intermittent and continuous exposure) of exposure exerted remarkable different influences on the expression of Egr-1, Mbp, Plp genes (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe changes of many genes transcription were involved in the effect of 1.8 GHz RF EMF on rat neurons; Down-regulation of Egr-1 and up-regulation of Mbp, Plp indicated the negative effects of RF EMF on neurons; The effect of RF intermittent exposure on gene expression was more obvious than that of continuous exposure; The effect of 24 h RF exposure (both intermittent and continuous) on gene expression was more obvious than that of 6 h (both intermittent and continuous).

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Down-Regulation ; radiation effects ; Electromagnetic Fields ; Neurons ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Rats ; Up-Regulation ; radiation effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of B7-H1 expression in IL-10 production, the B7-H1 and IL-10 expression levels in pancreatic carcinoma tissues and to analyze the correlation between B7-H1 expression and IL-10 level.

METHODSThe mRNA and protein levels expressions of B7-H1 and IL-10 in 35 cases of pancreatic cancer and corresponding paracarcinoma tissues and 5 cases of normal pancreas tissues were detected by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry respectively.

RESULTSThe findings for the first time provided the evidences that there was a clear trend for B7-H1 and IL-10 expressions to be most highly expressed in carcinoma tissue, intermediately expressed in paracarcinoma tissue, and expressed at the lowest level in normal pancreatic tissue at mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in B7-H1 and IL-10 expression between pancreatic carcinoma tissues, corresponding paracarcinoma tissues and normal pancreatic tissues at mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry indicated that there were high expression levels of B7-H1 (60.5% +/- 12.7%) and IL-10 (65.3% +/- 16.2%) in pancreatic carcinoma tissues while there were no significant expressions in normal pancreatic tissues. Meanwhile, correlation analysis revealed that B7-H1 expression was significant associated with IL-10 level in tumor tissues at mRNA (P = 0.008, r = 0.841) and protein levels (P = 0.007, r = 0.838).

CONCLUSIONSOver-expression of B7-H1 may be responsible for the increasing IL-10 production in pancreatic cancer, which caused reduced immune response to tumor cells and contributed to pancreatic carcinoma escape from immune attack.

Antigens, CD ; immunology ; B7-H1 Antigen ; Humans ; Immune Evasion ; Interleukin-10 ; immunology ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; immunology

BACKGROUND: Chinese medicine is effective for preventing and treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. DKK1, an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, can be up-regulated by glucocorticoid. Thereafter, DKK1 is an important target in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore the regulatory effect of Zuogui pill on DKK1 in the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. METHODS: Eighteen three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, model group and Zuogui pill group. Rats in the model and Zuogui pill groups received the subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone to establish the model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The Zuogui pill group rats were administrated Zuogui pill extracts, and the control rats were given the same volume of normal saline. At 1 month after modeling, the lumbar vertebrae were removed to test the bone mass and microstructures by micro-CT scanning. The biomechanical properties were detected by compression test. The mRNA expression levels of DKK1, Runx2 and CTSK were determined by Qpcr. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity was tested. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, in the model group, the volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume fraction, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness were significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05), the trabecular separation and structure model index were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05). The serum alkaline phosphatase activity was on a decline. The mRNA expression level of DKK1 showed a significant up-regulation (P ＜ 0.05). The mRNA expression level of Runx2 showed a down-regulated trend while mRNA expression level of CTSK showed an up-regulated trend. Compared with the model group, the Zuogui pill group showed significantly enhanced volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume fraction, and trabecular number (P ＜ 0.05); the structure model index was significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05); the trabecular separation was reduced; the serum alkaline phosphatase activity was enhanced; the mRNA expression level of DKK1 showed a significant down-regulation (P ＜ 0.05); the mRNA expression level of Runx2 showed an up-regulated trend while mRNA expression level of CTSK showed a down-regulated trend. The vertebral compressive strength in the Zuogui pill group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P＜0.05). In summary, Zuogui pill prevents and treats glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis possibly through the down-regulation of mRNA expression of DKK1.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib plus temozolomide for recurrence/progression patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases after whole brain radiotherapy.Methods A total of 68 EGFR gene mutation NSCLC patients with brain metastases of intracranial recurrence/progression after whole brain radiotherapy were selected from August 2013 to June 2018 in Baoji Central Hospital of Shaanxi Province and Xintai People's Hospital of Shandong Province.All the patients were randomly divided into erlotinib group and combined treatment group (erlotinib combined with temozolomide) using random number table method.The patients in erlotinib group (34 cases) were treated with oral erlotinib 150 mg/d until progression or unacceptable adverse reaction,and the patients in combined treatment group (34 cases) were given erlotinib and oral temozolomide 150 mg/(m2 · d) for 1-5 day,every 28 days was a cycle,temozolamide for 6 cycles.Comparison was made on curative effects and occurrence condition of adverse reactions between the two groups.Results The overall response rates in the erlotinib group and combined treatment group were 11.8％ (4/34)and 32.4％ (11/34) respectively,and the disease control rates in the two groups were 35.3％ (12/34) and 64.7％ (22/34) respectively,with significant differences (x2 =4.191,P =0.041;x2 =5.882,P =0.015).The median progression-free survival in the erlotinib group and combined treatment group were 3.22 months and 5.29 months respectively,and the median overall survival in the two groups were 5.60 months and 7.90 months respectively,with significant differences (x2 =9.269,P =0.002;x2 =11.005,P =0.001).The incidence of nausea and vomiting in combined treatment group was significantly higher than that in erlotinib group [67.6％ (23/34) vs.14.7％ (5/34)],with a significant difference (x2 =19.671,P ＜ 0.001),but there were no significant differences in the incidences of other adverse reactions (all P ＞ 0.05).The patients in the two groups had no more than grade Ⅲ of adverse reactions.Conclusion The curative effect of erlotinib combined with temozolomide is better in the treatment of recurrence/progression patients with EGFR gene mutation in NSCLC with brain metastases after whole brain radiotherapy,with mild adverse reactions and good patients' tolerance.