Animals ; Arterioles ; cytology ; growth & development ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Lung ; anatomy & histology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective: To investigate the effect of a method for imaging lung cancer cells using nanotechnology and molecular beacon (MB) that identifies miR-155 and is delivered by chitosan nanoparticles (CS). Methods: The miR-155 MB modified by locked nucleic acids (LNAs) was designed and synthesized. The CS-MB complex was synthesized by self-assembly method and tested for its physicochemical properties including anti-DNase I features, particle size, zeta potential and so on. The miR-155 MB was transfected with CS as vectors. The abilities of miR-155 MB to identify miR-155 and thus to image lung cancer cells were determined by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the miR-155 expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR to validated the effect of miR-155 MB. The random sequence molecular beacon (RS MB) was set as a negative control. Results: The CS-MB complex at the weight ratio of 7:1 was best suited for transfection due to its high encapsulation rate, resistance to the degradation by DNase I, small particle size and positive charge. Relatively strong red fluorescence could be detected in the lung cancer cells after transfection of miR155 MB, while that could not be detected in the RS MB group (P<0.05). Moreover, the changing trend in the fluorescence intensity was consistent with that in the miR-155 expression levels. Conclusion: CS nanoparticles can be used as vectors to deliver miR-155 MB for miR-155 identification and lung cancer cell imaging, thus providing new ideas and novel technique for lung cancer diagnosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) overexpression on apoptosis of the rat pulmonary arterial microvascular smooth muscle celIs(RPMC)in vitro.Methods Primary RPMC obmined from the pulmonary artery and lung microvasculature were identified by imlnanofluorescence staining and electron microscope technique.The RPMC Was transient transfected with the pMEXneo-ET1 and pCDNA5-FRT-TO-ET1-3'UTR plasmids as well as the empty vector respectively via lipofectamine.Flow cytometry was used to assess the cell cycle and apoptosis of RPMC.Akt and Caspase-3 expressions were detected by Western blot and real time RT-PCR.Results The mRNA of ETA expression Was significantly hisher than that of ETB receptor in primary RPMC.Flow cytometry analysis revealed significanflv reduced apoptosis in ET-1 transfected RPMC compared to that in vehicle transfected RPMC.Orerexpression of ET-1 in RPMC also significantly increased the phosphorylation of Akt and reduced the cleaved Caspase-3 expression.Conclusions Overexpression of the ET-1 inhibited RPMC apoptosis and activated Akt/PKB-Caspase-3 signaling pathway,which might be responsible for ET-1 induced the pulmonary microvascular arteries remodeling.

Objective To investigate the specimen source and gene phenotype of ESBLs in ESBLs-producing Klebsiella pneumonia of people′s hospital of Sanya city,so as to provide basis for clinical use of drugs and nosocomial infection.Methods Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from specimens during January 2013 to December 2014,bacteria identification and susceptibility tests were detected by Phoenix-100 system biochemical,supplementary susceptibility test was confined by K-B method according to 2014 CLSI standards.WHONET 5.6was used in the statistical analysis of all data.Results Totally 213 strains Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated.The detection rates were 78.4％ of the respiratory secretions,8.92％ and 5.2％ respectively of the secretion and the midstream urine.The strains had a certain resistance to commonly used antimicrobial.The highest resistance rate was 98.1％ to cefotaxime,and the lowest resistance rate was 2.86％ to imipenem.There were 195 in 213 ESBLs producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strain were detect one or more drug resistance gene.The detecting rates of 6 p-lactamase gene of CMY,CTX,TEM,SHV,DHA1 and KPC were 6.10％,76.53％,59.62％,76.06％,12.21％ and 2.82％.Conclusion Klebsiella pneumoniae is mainly isolated from respiratory secretions in the hospital,has a certain resistance to commonly used antimicrobial.We should learn more about the distribution of resistance genes of ESBLs strains,improve the efficiency of the treatment of the infection and to control nosocomial infection and the incidence of multi-drug resistance.

Objective To observe the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B1 (Akt1) in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rat bones with fluorosis, and to reveal the mechanisms of the skeletal fluorosis. Methods Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (control group, low-dose fluorosis group, high-dose fluorosis group) and 12 rats were in each group according to body weight. The rats were fed with different concentrations of fluoride (NaF) to establish fluorosis models. Controls were fed with tap water( < 0.5 mg/L), experimental animals in low- or high-dose groups were fed with water containing NaF 5.0,50.0 mg/L, respectively. Rats were sacrificed after 6 months of treating with fluoride and the serum was kept for testing the bone metabolic markers of none gla protein(BGP) and cathepsin K(Cath-K) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the proteins and mRNA levels of PI3K and Akt1 in rat bones were detected by immunohistochemistry and real time PCR, respectively. Results Each group of serum BGP and Cath-k were compared, the difference was statistically significant(F = 73.45,39.36, all P < 0.05). The contents of BGP[(1.99 ± 0.62), (2.38 ± 0.16)μg/L] and Cath-K [(89.07 ± 19.66), (110.16 ± 9.81)pmol/L] in the low-and high-dose fluorosis groups were higher than those in the control group[(0.15 ± 0.03)μg/L,( 18.32 ± 2.27)pmol/L], and the high fluorosis group was obviously higher than the low fluorosis group (all P < 0.05). Each group of serum PI3K and Akt1 protein and mRNA were compared, the difference was statistically significant(F- 178.16,118.08,38.81,52.31, all P< 0.05). Compared to the control group (181.55 ± 4.24,188.46 ± 2.18,3.84 ± 1.69,4.33 ± 0.89), the protein and mRNA expressions of PI3K(171.66 ± 2.85,154.12 ± 4.15,11.31 ± 4.18,20.54 ± 6.68), Akt1(177.47 ± 3.16,156.42 ± 3.18,12.52 ± 3.13,19.43 ± 5.36) were higher in the low- and high-dose fluorosis groups (all P < 0.05), and the high fluorosis group was obviously higher than the low fluorosis group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions BGP and Cath-K contents could be used as bone metabolic indices in the endemic fluorosis disease. Fluoride can increase the expression of PI3K and Akt1 mRNA and protein in bone tissue of fluorosis rats, and PI3K/Akt1 signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of bone injury caused by fluoride.

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB)-related mRNA and protein in bone tissue of rats with chronic fluorosis.MethodsThirty-six healthy SD rats,weighting 100 - 120 g,were randomly divided into three groups (twelve in each group ).Rats of control group were fed with tap water (NaF ＜ 1 mg/L) and the experimental rats were exposed to NaF(low-dose group:5 mg/L,high-dose group:50mg/L) through drinking water.All rats were killed at the eight month and metaphysic of femoral was collected.Bone tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and observed under optical microscope.Bone fluorine was detected by ashing-fluorin ion selective electrode method.Serum content of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b(TRACP 5b)was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expressions of p50,p65 and IkBα's mRNA and protein in bone tissue was detected by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsBone sclerosis was observed under optical microscope.The contents of bone fluorine in both the low and high doses fluoride groups [(6.32 ± 1.23),( 10.89 ± 1.56) mg/kg] were significantly higher than that of the control [(3.06 ± 1.01 ) mg/kg,all P ＜ 0.05],and of that the high fluoride group was significantly higher than that of the low fluoride group(P ＜ 0.05).Serum content of TRACP 5b of the low fluoride group[(3.45 ± 1.85)U/L] was significantly higher than that of the control[(1.26 ± 0.23)U/L,P ＜ 0.05],but that of the high fluoride group[(2.74 ± 1.85)U/L] was lower than that of the low dose group(P ＜ 0.05).The mRNA expressions of p50 and IkBα in the low fluoride group(4.41 ± 0.44,1.15 ± 0.25) were significantly higher than that of the control(1.46 ± 0.10,0.26 ± 0.07,all P ＜ 0.05),but that of the high fluoride group(0.69 ± 0.09,0.14 ± 0.03) was lower than that of the low dose group(all P ＜ 0.05).The protein expressions of p50 and IkBα in the low fluoride group(152.96 ± 7.87,156.20 ± 9.75) were significantly higher than that of the control( 125.63 ± 9.85,118.97 ± 6.94,all P ＜ 0.05),but the high fluoride groups' ( 120.56 ±9.57,114.50 ± 7.61 ) was significantly lower than that of the low dose group(all P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionFluoride can lead to altered gene expression of NF-kB pathway,and the latter may be involved in fluoride induced bone damage.

Objective To investigate the relationship between change of relevant gene of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and osteoclast apoptosis in bone injury of rats with chronic fluorosis,and to reveal the mechanism of skeletal fluorosis.Methods Thirty-six healthy SD rats,weighting 100-120 g,were randomly divided into three groups(twelve in each group).Rats of control group were fed with tap water(NaF ＜ 1 mg/L) and the experimental rats were exposed to NaF(low-dose group:5 mg/L,high-dose group:50 mg/L) through drinking water to established chronic fluorosis model.All rats were killed at the eight month and metaphysic of femoral was collected.Bone tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and observed under optical microscope.Serum content of tartrateresistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Osteoclast was identified and counted by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining(TRAP).The expression of p50,IκBα,Bcl-2 and Bax's mRNA and protein of bone tissue was detected by Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry.Results Bone sclerosis was observed under optical microscope.The content of TRACP 5b in serum and the number of osteoclast in the low fluoride group[(3.45 ± 1.85)U/L,(6.75 ± 1.29)/slice]were significantly higher than that of the control[(1.26 ± 0.23)U/L,(3.92 ± 1.38)/slice,all P ＜ 0.05],but that of the high fluoride group [(2.74 ± 1.85)U/L,(3.33 ± 1.07)/slice]were lower than that of the low dose group(all P ＜ 0.05).The mRNA expressions of p50,IκBα,Bcl-2 and Bax in low fluoride group(4.41 ± 0.44,1.15 ± 0.25,2.02 ± 0.11,1.25 ± 0.22) were significantly higher than that of the control(1.46 ± 0.10,0.26 ± 0.07,1.00 ± 0.06,0.74 ± 0.09,all P ＜ 0.05),but the high fluoride groups' (0.69 ± 0.09,0.14 ± 0.03,0.95 ± 0.08,0.62 ± 0.08) were lower than that of the low dose group(all P ＜ 0.05).The protein expressions of p50 and IκBα in the low fluoride group (152.96 ± 7.87,156.20 ± 9.75) were significantly higher than that of the control(125.63 ± 9.85,118.97 ± 6.94,all P ＜ 0.05),but the high fluoride group(120.56 ± 9.57,114.50 ± 7.61) were lower than the low dose group(all P ＜ 0.05).The protein expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax(170.61 ± 6.60,160.77 ± 7.66) and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (1.07 ± 0.08) were higher than the control(l10.73 ± 5.27,114.64 ± 5.83,0.96 ± 0.04,all P＜ 0.05),but the high fluoride group(81.70 ± 8.00,99.93 ± 3.83,0.81 ± 0.08) were lower than that of the control and the low dose group (all P ＜ 0.05).There was a significant positive correlation between protein expression of p50,IκBα and Bcl-2/Bax (r =0.587,0.676,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Chronic fluorosis can cause change of the relevant gene of NF-κB in rat bone tissues and osteoclast apoptosis.The mechanism of skeletal fluorosis might be related to the abnormal of osteclast apoptosis caused by changes of NF-κB p50 and IκBα.

Objective: To reveal the dynamic changing regularity of microflora in the fermentation process of Sojae Semen Praeparatum (SSP) and lay the foundation for revealing the mechanism of SSP processing by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Methods: The dynamic changes of microflora, both bacteria and fungi in fermentation process were monitored by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. According to the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic average clustering, the samples of SSP in various stages were analyzed. Results: Bacterial flora had diversity, and Aspergillus was the major fungus in the first stage called "yellow cladding". The major bacteria was Lactobacillus, while the major fungus was Cryptococcus at the "secondary fermentation" stage. The major microorganism was Bacillus subtillis and Pseudomonas putida on day 1, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Sphingobacterium sp, and A. oryzae on day 3. Then on day 6, B. amyloliquefaciens, Aspergillus, and Trichosporon ovoides became the primary microorganisms. B. subtillis, T. ovoides, and A. niger were the major microorganism on day 3 of "secondary fermentation". On day 9 of this stage, the major strains were B. subtilis, L. concavus, L. nasuensis, and Cryptococcus randhawi. On day 15 of "secondary fermentation", they were B. subtilis, L. concavus, C. randhawi, Trichosporon, and two fungi cannot be cultured. Klebsiella oxytoca, B. subtilis, and L. concavus were dominant strains in the whole fermentation process. The composition of microflora in "yellow cladding" stage was different to that of the "secondary fermentation". The microbial community on day 3 and 6 was similar to 76.4%. While the lowest similarity between the samples on day 3 and 9, it was similar to 24.5% during samples on day 6 and 9 in "secondary fermentation" stage. The highest similarity of fungal composition was between day 3 and 6 samples, and the lowest one was between day 3 and 15 of "secondary fermentation", which was similar to 11.2% only. Conclusion: The results show that the unique flavor and function of SSP may be determined by the dynamic microbial communities and microbial flora in the fermentation process, and the secondary fermentation is proved to be irreplaceable from the microbiological point of view.

The purpose of this study was to establish an absolute quantitative method to detect IL-1β and Caspase-3 gene expressions in rat brain after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) using real-time PCR. Rats were randomized into the following groups: sham operation group, model group (cerebral I/R group), astragaloside IV (AST IV) group, chuanxiongzine-AST IV group and nimodipine group (n = 10 in each group). The rats in all the groups except sham operation group were subjected to cerebral I/R treatment. Sham operation and model groups were treated by normal saline (5 mL/kg). AST IV, chuanxiongzine-AST IV and nimodipine groups received 20 mg/kg AST IV, 10 mg/kg chuanxiongzine plus 20 mg/kg AST IV, and 10 mg/kg nimodipine treatments, respectively. The administrations of drugs were performed with intraperitoneal injections at 0 and 12 h, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, till to 7 d after I/R. A real-time quantitative PCR assay was developed for absolute quantification of the expressions of IL-1β and Caspase-3 genes. The absolute quantification approach relies on the construction of an accurate standard curve. Thus, two plasmids which contained rat IL-1β and Caspase-3 genes respectively were constructed. The cloned circular plasmids were then quantified using a spectrophotometer and used as standards. Standard curves were generated, and the copy numbers of IL-1β and Caspase-3 mRNA isolated from I/R-damaged brain tissue were also calculated by SYBR Green I dye method using specific primers. The results showed that melting curves exhibited sharp peaks, and PCR product also generated prominent band with expected size in agarose gel electrophoresis, which validated the optimization of the selected primer sets of IL-1β and Caspase-3 genes. The optimal annealing temperatures of IL-1β and Caspase-3 genes were 59 °C and 61.2 °C, respectively. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression of IL-1β and Caspase-3 genes in the model group was significantly elevated compared to that in the sham operation group. However, compared to those in the model group, IL-1β and Caspase-3 gene expressions were obviously decreased in AST IV, chuanxiongzine-AST IV and nimodipine groups. Especially in chuanxiongzine-AST IV group, those two genes showed the most significant expression down-regulation. These results suggest the absolute quantitative method established in the present study is capable of detecting the changes of IL-1β and Caspase-3 gene expressions in rat brain damaged by I/R.
Animals ; Brain ; metabolism ; Brain Ischemia ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Triterpenes ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) and serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in neonates with asphyxia and explore the role of NSE in the evaluation of hearing impairment following asphyxia.

METHODSFifty-two term neonates with asphyxia, including 38 cases of simple asphyxia (mild: 23 cases; severe: 15 cases) and 14 cases of asphyxia complicated by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), were enrolled. In the double-blind trial, BAEP and NSE were simultaneously detected 7 days after birth. The patients who did not pass BAEP test received another BAEP and NSE examinations 3 months after birth. Thirty healthy term neonates served as normal control group.

RESULTSOf the 52 neonates with asphyxia, 50.0% and 21.2% of patients failed the initial and the second BAEP tests, respectively. The detection rates of BAEP anomalies in the simple severe asphyxia group in the initial and the second tests (63.3% and 26.3%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the simple mild asphyxia group (36.9% and 5.9%, respectively)(P<0.05). The neonates with asphyxia complicated by HIE showed a higher detection rate of BAEP anomalies in the second test compared with the asphyxiated neonates without HIE (31.3% vs 16.7%; P<0.05). Mean serum NSE levels in asphyxiated neonates were significantly higher than those in normal controls (<0.01). There were significant differences in serum NSE levels between the neonates with mild and severe asphyxia (26.70+/-2.34 microg/L vs 17.18+/-3.16 microg/L; P<0.01). The asphyxiated neonates with HIE had serum NSE levels similar to the simple severely asphyxiated neonates. Serum NSE levels in patients who failed the initial BAEP test were significantly higher than those who passed the test (25.69+/-4.12 microg/L vs 17.15+/-3.09 microg/L; <0.01). Serum NSE levels had a positive correlation with wave V reaction threshold detected in the BAFP test (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe serum level of NSE is closely correlated with BAEP, and it may be useful to the evaluation of the hearing impairment and the outcome in neonates with asphyxia.

Asphyxia Neonatorum ; blood ; complications ; physiopathology ; Double-Blind Method ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Hearing Disorders ; etiology ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; etiology ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; blood