AIM: To find whether lipoxin A_4 (LXA_4) inhibits cell proliferation induced by TNF-? in rat mesangial cells, and to explore the molecular mechanisms of signal pathways of LXA_4 actions. METHODS: Cultured rat mesangial cells were growth-arrested and exposed to TNF-? with or without preincubation with LXA_4. Proliferation of mesangial cells was measured by MTT methods. Activities of STAT_3 were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Expression of cyclin E mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR. Cyclin E proteins were determined by Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: TNF-?-induced proliferation and increased mRNA and protein expression of cyclin E in mesangial cells were inhibited by LXA_4 in a dose-dependant manner. TNF-?-stimulation of the STAT_3-binding activities in mesangial cells was down-regulated by lipoxin A_4. CONCLUSION: Inhibitory effect of LXA_4 on TNF-?-induced mesangial cell proliferation is mediated by Jak_1/STAT_3 signal pathway.

AIM: To examine whether lipoxin A_4 (LXA_4) induces apoptosis of rat renal interstitial fibroblasts and explore the mechanisms. METHODS: Rat renal interstitial fibroblasts (NRK-49F cells) were incubated in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum and exposed to LXA_4 at the concentration of 10 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L or 1 ?mol/L for 24 hours. Prior to experiment, some cells were transfected with calpain 10 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. Apoptosis of cells was recognized by double staining using fluorescent dye acridine orange and ethidium bromide, observed under laser scanning confocal microscopy and counted by flow cytometry following propidium iodide and annexin staining. Activity of caspase-3 was measured by colorimetric assay. The expression of calpain 10 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: LXA_4 at the concentration of 100 nmol/L or 1 ?mol/L induced 9.83% or 33.82% apoptosis of cells, respectively. Treatment of cells with LXA_4 up-regulated the expression of calpain 10 mRNA and increased the activity of caspase-3. The transfection of the cells with calpain 10 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibited the LXA_4-induced apoptosis, activity of caspase-3 and expression of calpain 10. CONCLUSION: LXA_4 at high concentration induceds apoptosis in rat renal interstitial fibroblasts via up-regulating of calpain 10 mRNA expression.

BACKGROUND:Studies have indicated that melatonin can promote the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cels into neurons, and the effect of melatonin on the osteoblasts form adipose-derived stem cels is rarely reported.
OBJECTIVE:To observe the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cels and the effect of melatonin on the bio-viability of differentiated cels.
METHODS:(1) Adipose-derived stem cels were isolated and purified from the inguinal fat of Kunming mice by type I colagenase digestion and differential adhesion method, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining of CD44 was used as a quality control. (2) Osteogenic induction medium was added to induce osteogenic differentiation of passage 2 adipose-derived stem cels. Alkaline phosphatase staining and von Kossa method were combined to evaluate differentiation condition. (3) Melatonin at variable concentrations was added to treat mature osteocytes originated from adipose-derived stem cels and MTT was applied to determine their viability at 24 and 48 hours after culture respectively to find out optimal condition of melatonin treatment. (4) Melatonin at the optimal concentration was used to treat differentiated cels and detect alkaline phosphatase activity after 3 days and 6 days respectively.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After seeding for 48 hours, most cels were adherent, and after 4 days, the cels displayed multiple shapes and colonies of different sizes formed. After subculture, cel morphology homogenized as spindle shape. Cels positive for CD44 were brownish yelow, and localized mainly on the cel membrane. (2) Differentiated cels were positive for von Kossa staining and black sediments scattered in the extracelular matrix. Alkaline phosphatase expressed positively, and brown-black particles, appeared within cels. (3) Melatonin supplement improved the viability of differentiated cels; and 1, 10 and 100 μmol/L was observed as the optimal concentrations both at 24 and 48 hours. (4) The intracelular alkaline phosphatatse activity was increased with time in al the groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the blank group, the intracelular alkaline phosphatase activity in Melatonin groups (1, 10 and 100 μmol/L) had nochanges at 3 days, but significantly increased at 6 days (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that melatonin can enhance the proliferation of osteocytes differentiated from adipose-derived stem cels, and improve the activity of intracelular alkaline phosphatase.

Objective To examine whether lipoxin A4(LXA4) has an antagonistic effect on interleukin (IL)-1?-induced synthesis of IL-6 in glomerular mesangial cells, and to explore its mechanism. Methods Cultured glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) of rat were treated with IL-1?, with or without preincubation with LXA4. Protein secretion of IL-6 in supernatants was examined analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of IL-6 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. The expression of Src homology 2 (SH2) containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) was assessed by immunoblotting. Activities of DNA-binding of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-?B) were measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results The secretion of protein and expression of mRNA of IL-6 in GMCs stimulated by IL-1? were inhibited by LXA4 in a dose-dependent manner. LXA4 reduced the phosphorylation of SHP-2 and activities of NF-?B. Pretreatmnet of GMCs with NF-?B inhibitor pyrrolidine dithio-carbamate (PDTC) blocked both the secretion of IL-6 protein and activation of NF-?B induced by IL-13- Conclusion LXA4 antagonists IL-1?-induced synthesis of IL-6 in GMCs through the pathway of SHP-2/NF-?B signal transduction.

Objective To examine whether lipoxin A4(LXA4) induces apoptosis of rat renal interstitial fibroblasts and explore the mechanism concerned.Methods Rat renal interstitial fibroblasts (NRK 49F cells)were incubated in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 5%fetal calf serum and exposed to LXA4 at the concentration of 10 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L or 1 ?mol/L for 24 hours. Prior to experiment,some NRK 49F cells were transfected with Smac antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. Apoptosis of NRK 49F cells was recognized by double staining using fluorescent dye acridine orange and ethidium bromide,and observed under laser scanning confocal microscopy and counted by flow cytometry following propidium iodide and annexin staining. Activity of caspase 3 was measured by colorimetric assay. The expression of Smac was determined by Western blotting analysis.Results LXA4 at the concentration of 100 nmol/L or 1 ?mol/L induced apoptosis of 9 83%or 33 82%of NRK 49F cells respectively, and reduced the cells of S and G2～M phase and increased the cells of G0～G1 phase in a dose dependent manner. Treatment of NRK 49F cells with LXA4 up regulated the expression of Smac protein and increased the activity of caspase 3. The transfection with Smac antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibited the LXA4 induced apoptosis and expression of Smac in NRK 49F cells. Conclusion LXA4 at high concentration can induce apoptosis of rat renal interstitial fibroblasts via the up regulation of Smac expression.

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of different routes of administration of tranexamic acid on coagulation function and amount of bleeding in patients with one stage posterior surgery of thoracic tuberculosis. METHODS:40 patients suffered from thoracic tuberculosis in our hospital from Jan. 2011 to Dec. 2013 were randomly divided into intravenous group(5% Glucose injec-tion 100 ml+tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg,through an intravenous drip at 30 min before closing the wound) and topical application group(5% Glucose injection 10 ml and tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg,through soaking the wound before closing the wound)with 20 cases in each group. Other 15 cases suffered from the thoracic tuberculosis in our hospital from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2010 were includ-ed in control group. 3 groups received one stage posterior surgery of thoracic tuberculosis,interbody fusion and internal fixation. The difference of hemoglobin,coagulation function and the amount of suction drainage were observed before and after surgery, and followed up. Bone graft fusion and therapeutic condition of tuberculosis were observed in the study. RESULTS:There was no statistical significance in postoperative suction drainage between intravenous group and topical application group (P>0.05),but their decrease was more significant than control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). There was no statistically difference in fiber protease,prothrombin time or activated partial thromboplastin time among 3 groups(P>0.05). The difference value of he-moglobin in control group before and after operation was significantly higher than in intravenous group and topical application group,with statistical significance (P<0.05);there was no statistical significance between intravenous group and topical applica-tion group(P>0.05). 55 patients were all followed up and bone graft of all cases were fused,and all patients were cured and no case recurred. CONCLUSIONS:Tranexamic acid by intravenous application or topical application can reduce hemorrhage and ane-mia after operation of thoracic tuberculosis,and has no effect on blood coagulative system.

Objective To investigate the effects of eritoran on the expressions of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-[ (IFN-β) mRNA in the basilar artery after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rabbits.Methods Atotal of 36 healthy adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups:SAH (n =12),normal saline (n =12) and eritoran (n =12) groups.A SAH model was induced by injection of autologous arterial blood into cisterna magnatwice.An equal amount of cerebrospinal fluid was displaced with the saline in the normal saline group.An equal amount of autologous non-heparinized arterial blood was injected immediate after the replacementof cerebrospinal fluid in the SAH group.Eritoran 1.5 mg/kg was injected intravenously immediately after the blood injection via the cisterna magna each time in the eritoran group.The food intake and neurological deficit were assessed.The expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α and IFN-β mRNA in the basilar artery were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The food intake scores (1.20 ± 0.41 vs.2.20 ±0.61; t =53.073,P =0.002),the neurological deficit scores (1.46 ± 0.32 vs.2.6 ± 0.08; t =306.431,P =0.001),the expressions of IL-1β (1.22 ±0.48 vs.2.38 ±0.06,P =0.000),TNF-α (1.39 ±0.07 vs.3.32 ±0.21,P =0.000) and IFN-β (1.51 ±0.08 vs.2.18 ±0.05,P =0.000) in Eritoran group were all significantly lower than those in the SAH group.Conclusions Eritoran may downregnlate the expressions of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,TNF-α and IFN-β mRNA in the basilar artery after SAH in rabbits,increasing food intake,and improving neurological deficits.

Objective To investigate changes in high mobility group box-1 protein ( HMGB1 ) level in brain tissues with severe sepsis, and the relationship between HMGB1 and septic brain injury.Methods Forty wild C57BL/6 mice were randomly ( random number) divided into 4 groups: sham group, sepsis group, cerebroventricular injection control group, and sepsis with BoxA ( HMGB1 inhibitor) cerebroventricular injection group.Septic model was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture, and the cerebroventricular catheterization model was established by motorized mice brain stereotaxic instruments.After septic challenge, 1 μg BoxA was injected into the ventricle of brain via cerebroventricular catheter immediately.Mice were sacrificed and brains were harvested at 24 h after sepsis, and hippocampus tissue was separated immediately.Expressions of brain HMGB1 and caspase-3 changed in apoptotic neurons and brain injury were determined by brain tissue immunofluorescence, Western blotting, TUNEL and HE staining respectively.One-way analysis of variance ( ANOVA) for analyzing inter-group differences, student t test for comparing difference between two groups . Results (1) HMGB1 expression in hippocampus was significantly enhanced in the septic group compared to the sham group [ (22.74 ±9.29) vs.4.57 ±2.18, P<0.01].(2) Compared to the sham group, neuronal apoptosis [ (35 ±9.17) vs.(1.67 ±1.53) , P<0.01) and caspase-3 expressions [ (16.79 ±8.17) vs.( 3.39 ±2.09), P<0.05] were significantly increased in hippocampus with aggravated brain injury in the septic group.(3) Cerebroventricular injection of BoxA significantly inhibited HMGB1 in hippocampus [ (2.66 ± 2.06) vs.( 22.74 ±9.29), P<0.01];(4) Cerebroventricular injection of BoxA obviously alleviated acute brain injury, and decreased neuronal apoptosis [ ( 12 ±4.36 ) vs.( 35 ±9.17 ) , P <0.01 ] as well as caspase-3 activity [ (4.10 ±2.11) vs.(16.80 ±8.17), P<0.05].Conclusions The elevated expression of brain HMGB1 is closely related to pathogenesis and development of septic brain injury, and treatment with antagonist towards brain HMGB1 can markedly attenuate acute brain injury following severe sepsis.

Objective To investigate the suppressive effects of collagen from Cyanea nozakii on adjuvant induced arthritis inrat.Methods Rats with adjuvant arthritis received different do- ses of Cyanea nozakii collagen by intragastric administration for two weeks.Incidence and severity of arthritis were assessed by calculation of mean arthritis index,the concentrations of NO,MDA and activity of SOD in the serum were examined.Results Cyanea nozakii colla- gen at different doses could ameliorate the adjuvant induced arthritis,suppress the concen- trations of NO,MDA and increase the activity of SOD in the serum.Conclusion Cyanea noza- kii collagen has therapeutic efficacy in treatment of adjuvant arthritis rats,and the mecha- nism of Cyanea nozakii collagen is probably related to the antioxidation.

Objective To build the experimental basement for the clinical use of cytokines induced killer(CIK)cells from the cord blood mononuclear cells(CBMNC)in tumor adoptive cellular immunotherapy, an effective protocol for their proliferation in vitro and cytotoxicity of CIK cells was established.Methods The lymphocytes from umbilical cord blood were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and suspended in medium with CD_3 mAb,rIL-2,rIL-1 and IFN-? as inducing agents to prepare CIK cells.At the same time, the lymphokine activated killer(LAK)and CBMNC were set as controls,which were only added IL-2 and not any cytokines during the whole culture.The changes of CIK cells before and after induction were observed with microscope and the phenotypes of the cells were analyzed by using flow cytometry.The proliferation of CIK cells were determined by trypan blue exclusion assay and the cytotoxic activity to lung cancer cell were tested with MTF method.Results According to the experiment,combining use of four types of cytokines could generate a great deal of CIK cells possessing highly cytotoxicity.From day 5 CIK cells became to prolif- erate and reached the peak at day 14.During the whole period,the relative percentage of CD_3~+ CD_(56)~+ cells in- creased significantly.Compared with LAK cells,which reached the proliferation peak at day 7 and then showed no evident proliferation.The control cells(CBMNC)showed no evident change of phenotypes and proliferation.CIK cells showed a higher antitumor activity on the tumor cells than LAK cells and CBMNC in vitro.Conclusion Umbilical cord blood can generate a great deal of CIK cells combining used with cy- tokines.Compared with classic LAK cells,umbilical cord blood CIK cells have the advantages of rapid prolif- eration speed and powerful cytotoxicity.CIK cells will be promising as a new strategy for the adoptive cellular immunotherapy of tumor.