Objectve To evaluate the serum level of antimicrobial peptide human cationic antimicrobial protein 18 (hCAP18) in colorectal patients and it auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis value.Methods Case-control study was used.The serum level of hCAP18 was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) in 68 cases with colorectal patients of department of gastrointestinal surgery and 40 cases healthy people of department of physical examination from January 2014 to Junc 2015 in Tongji Hosptial of Tongji University.The concentrations of hCAP18 in serum of colorectal patients before and surgery were analyzed.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect hCAP18 expression in colorectal carcinoma.The effect of hCAP18 on colon carcinoma cell proliferation was detected by BrdU-ELISA and soft agar colony formation assay.The sensitivity and specificity of serum hCAP18 for the diagnosis of eolorectal were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curves(ROC).Date was analyzed by using the ttest and one-way analysis of variance.Results hCAP18 serum levels in colon cancer of stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ,llⅢ and Ⅳ patients were (0.46 ± 0.18) mg/L,(0.65 ± 0.45) mg/L,(1.26 ± 0.68) mg/L and (2.35 ± 1.06)mg/L.Mean value was(1.16 ±0.88) mg/L,which was significantly higher than in normal people (0.19 ±0.07) mg/L (t =5.290,P ＜ 0.05).hCAP18 levels had significantly decreased in serum of colorectal patients after 30 d surgery compared to preoperative results [from (1.16 ± 0.88) mg/L to (0.26 ± 0.06) mg/L;t =3.971,P ＜ 0.05].Immunohistochemistry results showed hCAP18 was high expression in colon cancer tissue compared with adjacent tissues;BrdU-ELISA assay results showed HCTll6 and SW480 cell proliferation increased significantly after 0.05-1 mg/L of hCAP18 treatment;Soft agar clone formation experiment proved hCAP18 could significant enhance clone formation of HCT116 and SW480 colon cancer cell lines.The size of clonal cluster of HCT116 was increased from (145.40 ± 35.20) μm to (370.80 ± 32.65) μm (t =10.50,P ＜ 0.05) and SW480 was increased from (101.00 ± 27.10) μm to (369.00 ± 27.29) μm (t =15.58,P ＜0.05);The numbers of clonal cluster of HCT116 was increased from 8.50 ± 2.30 to 42.80 ± 6.60 (t =3.945,P ＜ 0.05) and SW480 was increased from 6.20 ± 1.70 to 46.00 ± 7.20 (t =4.775,P ＜ 0.05).ROC analysis of serum hCAP18 yielded an AUC (area under the ROC curve) of 0.93 (95％ CI =0.859-0.999)with 91.17％ sensitivity and 80.00％ specificity,which was higher than the CEA[0.78 (95％ CI =0.699-0.933)].Conclousions Detection of serum hCAP18 shows a good sensitivity and specificity for the auxiliary diagnosis of colon cancer.It is possible to be potential detection index for noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring progression of colon cancer.hCAP18 could promote the proliferation of colon cancer cells,it played an important role in the progression of colon cancer.

Objective To analyze the risk factors of respiratory depression occurring during recovery period in patients after having undergone general anesthesia and laparoscopic operation.Methods A total of 374 patients after general anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2015 to June 2016 were enrolled, they were divided into with or without the incidence of respiratory depression two groups by whether or not respiratorydepression, with the incidence of respiratory depression group 52 cases, without the incidence of respiratory depression group 322 cases. The patients' gender, age, body mass index (BMI), operation time, anesthesia maintenance mode, artificial airway mode, operative type and medication used in operation, intra-operative hypotension presence or absence, and type of operation were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors of respiratory depression occurring in the recovery period after general anesthesia; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of age, intraoperative medication, and age combine with intraoperative medication respectively in the occurrence of respiratory depression during recovery period after general anesthesia and lapatoscopic operation.Results Univariate analyses showed that there were no statistical significant differences in gender, BMI, operation time, anesthesia maintenance mode, artificial airway mode, intra-operative hypotension presence or absence, type of operation, etc. compared between patients with and without the incidence of respiratory depression groups (allP > 0.05); while the differences were statistically significant in age and drug used in the operation (dezocine, flurbiprofen, dexmedetomidine or dezocine combined with dexmedetomidine, allP < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that age and medication used in operation were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of respiratory depression during the anesthesia recovery stage (P values being 0.000, 0.002 respectively). ROC curve showed that age, intra-operative medication and age combine with intraoperative medication respectively had certain predictive value for the occurrence of respiratory depression during the recovery period after general anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of age combine with intraoperative medicationfor prediction of occurrence of respiratory depression during recovery period after anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery was significantly larger than that of single age or single intraoperative medication (0.826 vs. 0.668, 0.750,P < 0.01), 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of age, intraoperative medication and age combined with intraoperative medication were 0.598-0.738, 0.670-0.830, 0.764-0.888, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of age combine with intraoperative medication were 53.8%, 94.4% and 88.8%, respectively.Conclusion Elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia and laparoscopic operation and dezocine, dexmedetomidine or dezocine combined with dexmedetomidine being applied in the laparoscopic operation are more easily associated with incidence of respiratory depression during recovery period of anesthesia.

Objective To investigate the association between cumulative exposure blood to pressure (cum BP) and new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods In this prospective cohort study,101 510 employees of Kailuan Group receiving annual health examination during 2006 to 2007 were observed.The participants received the second,third,and fourth annual health examinations during 2008 to 2009,2010 to 2011,and 2012 to 2013 year respectively.Their urinary and serum creatinine were tested,and participants with incomplete SBP,DBP data and CKD were excluded.Further excluding those who somehow failed to take annual health examination,with incomplete data,or new-onset CKD 27 809 participants were selected in the analysis.According to cum BP exposure quintile grouping:Q1 ＜ 3.70 scores;Q2:3.70-6.16 scores;Q3:6.17-8.45 scores;Q4:8.46-10.95scores;Q5 ≥ 10.96 scores.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between cum BP level and new-onset CKD by cum BP exposure quintile grouping.Results The rise of cum BP exposure level caused the increased incidence of CKD.The incidences of CKD in the five quintile groups were 2.59％,3.11％,4.19％,5.81％,and 7.73％ respectively (P＜ 0.01).Compared with Q1 group,multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after the adjustment of age,gender,education,income,smoking,drinking,BMI,FBG,TC,TG,LDL,HDL,UA and CRP,the incidences of CKD gradually increased in the Q2,Q3,Q4,and Q5 cum BP quintile groups,and OR(95％CI) values were 1.08(0.86-1.35),1.26(1.01-1.58),1.57(1.27-1.95),1.78(1.43-2.21) respectively (P for trend ＜0.01).Similar results were obtained in different genders.For each single point increase of cum BP exposure level,the incidence of CKD increased 6％ in the general population (P for trend ＜ 0.01),increased 8％ in male (P for trend ＜ 0.01),and 3％ in female (P for trend=0.12).Conclusion As the cumulative exposure to blood pressure increases,the risk of CKD incidence rises,especially in men.

Objective To study the effect and mechanism of dexmedetomidine combined with sufentanil on postoperative analgesia in elderly patients with abdominal surgery. Methods Ninety-six elderly patients having undergone abdominal surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2016 to June 2017 were enrolled, and they were divided into a control group and an observation group by random number table method, 48 cases in each group. General anesthesia was performed in the operation, and after surgery venous analgesic pump was used for analgesia in both groups. Analgesic method: the control group was given sufentanil 2 μg/kg and tropisetron 5 mg; the observation group was given dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg, sufentanil 2 μg/kg and tropisetron 5 mg. The changes of pain and sedation score, conventional indexes [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)], oxidative damage indexes [lipid peroxide (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD)], stress response indexes [cortisol (Cor), epinephrine, norepinephrine (NE)], platelet activation indexes granule membrane protein-140 (GMP-140), thromboxane A2(TXA2) and the incidence of adverse reactions were observed in both groups. Results ① After surgery the visual simulation score (VAS) and Ramsay score in both groups were higher than those before surgery, and showed a tendency firstly increased and then decreased, and reached to peak value 2 hours after operation [VAS score:the control group was 3.24±0.98 vs. 1.95±0.93, observation group was 3.19±1.03 vs. 1.98±0.95; Ramsay score:the control group was 3.26±0.51 vs. 1.90±0.45, observation group was 3.77±0.53 vs. 1.92±0.42], began to decline 6 hours after operation, reached to valley value 48 hours after operation, and there was no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups (2.02±0.64 vs. 1.98±0.95), Ramsay score was significantly higher in observation group than that in control group (2.59±0.41 vs. 2.10±0.21). ② Since 2 hours after the operation, the SBP, DBP, HR and RR in the observation group began to be lower than those in control group, 12 hours after surgery their values reached their valleys [SBP (mmHg, 1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa): 113.2±13.5 vs. 122.1±10.3, DBP (mmHg): 67.5±9.9 vs. 76.4±8.6, HR (bpm): 64.5±6.9 vs. 71.4±7.5, RR (bpm): 14.8±1.1 vs. 15.8±0.8, all P < 0.05]; while SpO2did not change a great deal. ③ LPO, Cor, epinephrine, NE, GMP-140, TXA2of two groups after operation were higher than those before operation, GSH-Px and Cu-Zn SOD were lower than those before operation. However, LPO, Cor, epinephrine, NE, GMP-140, TXA2in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group [LPO (μmol/L): 6.4±0.8 vs. 9.8±1.1, Cor (ng/L): 148.2±19.1 vs. 239.3±27.8, epinephrine (μg/L): 124.2±13.9 vs. 207.1±23.5, NE (μg/L): 109.2±14.8 vs. 183.3±21.6, GMP-140 (μg/L): 27.13±3.82 vs. 39.06±4.83, TXA2(ng/L): 422.30±53.74 vs. 610.43±73.21, all P < 0.05], GSH-Px and Cu-Zn SOD in observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group [GSH-Px (U/L): 426.7±58.7 vs. 307.9±51.2, Cu-ZnSOD (μg/L): 311.3±42.5 vs. 231.6±34.1, all P < 0.05].④ The incidence of adverse reaction nausea in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [4.17% (2/48) vs. 37.5% (18/48)]. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine combined with sufentanil used in elderly patients after abdominal surgery has significant analgesic effect, can effectively inhibit platelet activation, and decrease the contents of GMP-140 and TXA2.

Objective:To conduct a scoping review of health behavior-related assessment tools for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods:A total of 6 Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Web of Science Core set and Embase, were systematically searched by the terms of “gestational diabetes mellitus”，“health behavior”，“assessment”. The relevant contents of GDM health behavior-related assessment tools were retrieved for systematic analysis, and the results were normalized reported. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to February 1, 2023.Results:A total of 2 657 literatures were retrieved, and 41 literatures were finally included after screening, including 16 literatures on the development and verification of assessment tools, 2 literatures on localization of assessment tools, and 23 literatures on the application of the assessment tools. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 18 assessment tools, including 16 original assessment tools and 2 localized assessment tools, spanning the years 1987 to 2020. The assessment content covered dietary behavior, physical activity behavior, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring behavior, treatment adherence, self-management behavior, and health-promoting lifestyles. Among them, 7 assessment tools were validated for reliability and/or validity in pregnant women with GDM. Among the 23 studies that covered the implication of the assessment tools, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Ⅱ were the most commonly utilized tools for assessing health behaviors in pregnant women with GDM.Conclusions:There is a wide variety of assessment tools related to health behaviors in pregnant women with GDM, and the assessment content is relatively rich. However, most of the assessment tools have not been validated for their reliability and validity within the GDM population, limiting their clinical application and promotion.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of tissue damage caused by neutrophil matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in Fusarium keratitis. Methods:A total of 108 male C57BL/6J SPF grade mice, 6-8 weeks old, were selected to establish a model of Fusarium keratitis (FK) in the right eyes.Corneal inflammation in mice was observed and scored under a slit lamp microscope.Based on the corneal inflammation scores, the modeling eyes were divided into 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72-hour groups post-modeling.At the corresponding time points, mice were euthanized, and corneal tissues were collected.The expressions of MMP-8, adenylate-activated protein kinase (AMPKα) and its serine 172-site phosphorylated form (p-AMPKα) proteins in corneal tissues were detected by Western blot.The neutrophil count in mice corneal tissues at each time point was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining.The co-localization of neutrophils and MMP-8 protein in the cornea was observed by immunofluorescence staining.In the in vitro corneal collagen degradation experiment, corneal tissues were divided into MMP-8 group, buffer group, and normal saline group, which were treated with 100 μl of activated recombinant MMP-8, detection buffer, and normal saline, respectively.Hydroxyproline content in corneal tissues was determined using a hydroxyproline assay kit, and the mass fractions of hydroxyproline were compared among the groups.Peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated from human blood samples, and Fusarium spores were collected for experiments.Human neutrophils were divided into four groups, negative control group (cultured neutrophils), co-culture group (neutrophils co-cultured with spores), AICAR-treated group (neutrophils co-cultured with spores and treated with p-AMPK protein kinase activator AICAR), and compound C-treated group (neutrophils co-cultured with spores and treated with the inhibitor compound C).The MMP-8 protein expression levels in each group of human neutrophils were assessed via immunofluorescence staining.The use and care of animals complied with the ARVO statement and Regulations for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals.The animal experiment protocol was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Henan Eye Hospital (No.HNEECA-2017-04-02).One healthy adult volunteer was selected and 10 ml of peripheral venous blood was collected.The clinical study protocol was approved by the Clinical Ethics Committee of Henan Eye Hospital (No.HNEECKY-2019[16]). Results:At 24 hours post-modeling, corneal opacification was observed in the modeling eyes, and corneal perforation occurred in 72-hour post-modeling group.The corneal inflammation scores in 24, 48, and 72-hour post-modeling groups were all higher than those in 12-hour post-modeling group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.001).The relative expression levels of MMP-8 protein in the cornea were higher in 12, 24, and 48-hour post-modeling groups compared to 0-hour group, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001).There was a moderate positive correlation between the relative expression level of MMP-8 protein in the cornea and the inflammation scores of the modeling eye ( rs=0.50, P<0.05).In the cornea, the p-AMPKα (Thr 172)/AMPKα ratio was higher in 24, 48, and 72-hour post-modeling groups than in 0-hour group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05).The p-AMPKα(Thr 172)/AMPKα ratio in the cornea was moderately positively correlated with the relative expression level of MMP-8 protein ( r=0.54, P<0.01).The number of neutrophils in the cornea was significantly higher in 24, 48, and 72-hour post-modeling groups than in 0-hour group, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001).The number of neutrophils in the cornea was strongly positively correlated with the inflammation score ( rs=0.77, P<0.001), and was moderately positively correlated with the relative expression level of MMP-8 protein ( r=0.56, P<0.05).MMP-8 protein expression in the cornea of the modeling eyes showed a high degree of co-localization with neutrophils.The hydroxyproline content in the cornea was (0.52±0.02)μg/mg, (0.51±0.03)μg/mg, and (0.27±0.02)μg/mg in buffer group, normal saline group and MMP-8 group, respectively, with a significant overall difference among them ( F=156.63, P<0.01).The corneal hydroxyproline content was lower in MMP-8 group compared to buffer and normal saline groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05).In the experiment involving the infection of cultured Fusarium spores with human neutrophils, the fluorescence intensity of MMP-8 expression was significantly higher in AICAR-treated group than in negative control group and compound C-treated group, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:The MMP-8 secreted by neutrophils in mice with fungal keratitis can degrade corneal stromal collagen fibers, leading to corneal opacification or perforation.The variations in MMP-8 protein expression levels in human neutrophils may be associated with AMPK activation.

Objective:To investigate the expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in corneal epithelial cells and the effects of fungus on AMPK phosphorylation and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in corneal epithelial cells.Methods:The human immortalized corneal epithelial cell line was selected.The safe concentration range of AMPK agonist 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) (100, 300, 500, 1 000 μmol/L) and inhibitor Compound C (10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, 20.0 μmol/L) on corneal epithelial cells was screened by multi-function real-time unlabeled cell analyzer.Corneal epithelial cells without any treatment were used as the normal control group, and those co-cultured with spores were used as the spore control group.Corneal epithelial cells co-cultured with spores were treated with AICAR and Compound C for 4 hours in the AICAR group and Compound C group, respectively.The expression of phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) and AMPK in corneal epithelial cells was detected by Western blot, and the concentration of IL-6 in the culture supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:After treatment with different concentrations of AICAR for different periods, there was no statistical significance in the cell index of corneal epithelial cells (all at P>0.05). The cell index of corneal epithelial cells was increased with 10.0 μmol/L and 12.5 μmol/L Compound C treatment compared with that of the normal control group.The expression levels of p-AMPK were 0.67±0.15, 2.57±0.12, 3.67±0.58 and 1.50±0.50, respectively, in the normal control group, spore control group, AICAR group and Compound C group, showing a statistically significant difference among them ( F=32.820, P<0.001). The expression level of p-AMPK was significantly higher in the spore control group compared with the normal control group ( P<0.001). The expression level of p-AMPK in the AICAR group was higher than that in the spore control group, and the expression level of p-AMPK in the Compound C group was lower than that in the spore control group, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P=0.010). There was no significant difference in the relative expression level of AMPK among the four groups ( F=0.120, P=0.950). The expression levels of IL-6 concentration in the normal control group, spore control group, AICAR group and Compound C group were (107.81±17.15), (156.32±9.94), (167.96±14.16) and (127.42±19.75)pg/ml, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference among them ( F=15.210, P<0.001). The IL-6 concentration of the spore control group was higher than that of the normal control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). The IL-6 concentration of the AICAR group was higher than that of the spore control group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.260). The IL-6 concentration of the Compound C group was lower than that of the spore control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.010). Conclusions:In corneal epithelial cells, AMPK phosphorylation is found, which is enhanced after fungal spores stimulation, and the secretion of IL-6 increases.

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of cigarette smoking (CS)-induced lung cancer growth in mice.

METHODSRelA/p65⁻/⁻ mice and WT mice were used to establish mouse models of lung cancer. Both mice were divided into two groups: air group and CS group, respectively. Tumor number on the lung surface was counted and maximal tumor size was evaluated using HE staining. Kaplan Meier (K-M) survival curve was used to analyze the survival rate of the mice. Expression of Ki-67, TNF-α and CD68 in the tumor tissue was determined by immunohistochemical analysis, and cyclin D1 and c-myc proteins were examined by Western blot. Apoptosis of tumor cells was analyzed using TUNEL staining. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and KC in the mouse lung tissues were evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTSCompared with the WT air group, the lung weight, lung tumor multiplicity, as well as maximum tumor size in the WT mice exposed to CS were (1.5 ± 0.1)g, (64.8 ± 4.1) and (7.6 ± 0.2) mm, respectively, significantly increased than those in the WT mice not exposed to CS (P < 0.05 for all). However, there were no statistically significant differences between RelA/p65⁻/⁻ mice before and after CS exposure (P > 0.05 for all). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that CS exposure significantly shortened the life time of WT mice (P < 0.05), and deletion of RelA/p65 in myeloid cells resulted in an increased survival compared with that of the WT mice (P < 0.05 for all). The ratios of Ki-67 positive tumor cells were (43.4 ± 2.9)%, (60.6 ± 5.4)%, (12.8 ± 3.6)% and (15.0 ± 4.2)% in the WT air group, WT CS groups, RelA/p65⁻/⁻ air groups and RelA/p65⁻/⁻ CS groups, respectively. After smoking, the number of Ki-67-positive cells was significantly increased in the WT mice (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the RelA/p65⁻/⁻ groups before and after smoking (P > 0.05). The apoptosis rate of WT air, WT CS, RelA/p65⁻/⁻ air and RelA/p65⁻/⁻ CS groups were (11.6 ± 1.7)%, (13.0 ± 2.0)%, (13.2 ± 2.0)% and (11.0 ± 1.4)%, respectively, with no significant difference among them (P > 0.05). Expression of cyclin D1 and c-myc was induced in response to CS exposure in lung tumor cells of WT mice. In contrast, their expressions were not significantly changed in the RelA/p65⁻/⁻ mice after smoke exposure. CS exposure was associated with an increased number of macrophages infiltrating in the tumor tissue, in both WT and RelA/p65⁻/⁻ mice (P < 0.05). The concentrations of IL-6, KC and TNF-α were significantly increased after CS exposure in the lungs of WT mice (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCigarette smoking promotes the lung cancer growth in mice. Myeloid cell RelA/p65 mediates CS-induced tumor growth. TNFα regulated by RelA/p65 may be involved in the lung cancer development.

Animals ; Cytokines ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Lung Neoplasms ; chemically induced ; Macrophages ; Male ; Mice ; Myeloid Cells ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; metabolism ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of antibacterial peptide hCAP18/LL-37 on ovarian cancer microenvironment and the regulatory mechanism of its expression.

METHODSWe assessed the effect of macrophage-promoted ovarian cancer cells invasion using BioCoat Matrigel invasion chamber. The expressions of hCAP18/LL-37 and versican V1 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. SKOV3 cells were transfected with shRNA plasmid to abrogate the expression of versican V1, and then the expression of hCAP18/LL-37 in macrophages and the invasiveness of SKOV3 cells were assayed.

RESULTSThe Matrigel invasion assay showed that after co-culture with macrophages for 4 days, the number of penetrated SKOV3 cells was 112.8±17.1/per high power field, significantly higher than that in the SKOV3 cells cultured alone (8.2±1.9/per high power field) (P<0.05). Addition of hCAP/LL-37 neutralizing antibody into the co-cultured macrophage-SKOV3 cells markedly inhibited the macrophage-promoted SKOV3 cells invasion. The penetrated SKOV3 cells was 22.2±5.6/per high power field, significantly lower than the 100.6±25.2/per high power field in the control macrophage- SKOV3 co-cultured cells (P<0.05). The expressions of hCAP18/LL-37 mRNA and protein in macrophages were remarkably enhanced upon co-culture with SKOV3 cells, but not changed in SKOV3 cells cultured alone. The expression and secretion of versican V1 in the ovarian cancer cells were also significantly increased after co-cultured with macrophages. Knockdown of versican V1 in SKOV3 cells by small interfering RNA significantly reduced the expression of hCAP18/LL-37 mRNA and protein in the macrophages, as well as decreased the invasiveness of SKOV3 cells (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIn the cancer microenvironment, the macrophage-secreted hCAP18/LL-37 promote the invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells, and the hCAP18/LL-37 expression is regulated by versican V1 protein released by ovarian cancer cells.

Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Coculture Techniques ; Collagen ; Drug Combinations ; Female ; Humans ; Laminin ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Plasmids ; Proteoglycans ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; Tumor Microenvironment ; drug effects ; Versicans ; metabolism

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Anmeidan （AMD） on cognitive function， cytochrome C （Cyt C） signaling pathway protein expression， and apoptosis in a geriatric sleep deprivation model. MethodSixty aged C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， AMD high， medium， and low dose （26.26， 13.13， 6.565 g·kg^-1·d^-1） groups， and a melatonin group （1.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， with 10 mice in each group. Continuous sleep deprivation was performed for 4 weeks using a homemade sleep deprivation box. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze， and morphological changes in pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Nissl staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the mitochondrial morphology and structure of hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect Cyt C， cysteine-aspartate protease-3 （Caspase-3）， cysteine-aspartate protease-9 （Caspase-9）， brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM）， and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 （VDAC1） protein expression. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect protein expression levels of Cyt C， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9， and immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed prolonged platform latency （P<0.01）， reduced number of platform crossings， and reduced time and distance in the target quadrant （P<0.01）. The mitochondrial structure was damaged， with disappearance or breakage of cristae， and increased swelling and deformation. The protein expression levels of Cyt C， Caspase-3， Caspase-9， Bax， and VDAC1 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while BDNF， TFAM， and Bcl-2 protein expression levels were decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the AMD high， medium， and low dose groups improved spatial exploration and navigation abilities in geriatric sleep-deprived mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated mitochondrial damage， and increased the number of Nissl bodies. Additionally， the expression levels of Cyt C， Caspase-3， Caspase-9， Bax， and VDAC1 proteins were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression levels of BDNF， TFAM， and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAMD improved the cognitive function of geriatric sleep-deprived mice， and its effect may be related to the reduction of apoptosis mediated by the Cyt C signaling pathway.