Objective To evaluate the plasma level of miR-21 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and its clinical diagnostic significance .Methods Case-control study was used .The plasma level of miR-21 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR.The relative expressions of miR-21 were calculated. This study included 60 cases of patients with HCC , 71 patients with liver cirrhosis ( LC ) , 52 healthy volunteers ( HV) from January to June in 2014 in Henan Province People′s Hospital.The receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of miR-21 expression levels in HCC diagnosis. Differences between groups were assessed by the t-test.Results Plasma microRNA-21 level in the 60 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ( 2.6 ±1.1 ) was significantly higher than in patients with chronic hepatitis (1.6 ±0.9) and healthy volunteers (1.0 ±0.6) (t=5.322,P=0.004;t =8.349, P =0.000 3, respectively ) .Plasma microRNA-21 level in the HCC patients were positively correlated with tumor size and differentiation (tdif=3.366,P=0.019;tsize =3.490,P=0.012). ROC analysis of plasma microRNA-21 yielded an AUC of 0.796 with 70.0% sensitivity and 65.3%specificity when differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma from chronic hepatitis , and an AUC of 0.934 with 89.5% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity when differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma from healthy volunteers.Conclusion The plasma level of miR-21 in HCC patients has high specificity , and maybe help to diagnose of HCC.

Objective To observe the influence of Qizhi Yifei containing serum on the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA in lung fibroblasts, and explore its mechanism. Methods Trypsin digestion method was used to extract fibroblasts from lung tissue in rats. All fibroblasts were cultured and trained to the fourth generation. Then they were randomly divided into control group, model group and drug serum group. The model group and drug serum group were firstly treated by DMEM with 0.002 5 μg/mL TGF-β1. The control group was treated by DMEM only. The control group and model group were then treated by DMEM with blank drug serum in concentration of 5%, and the drug serum group was treated by DEME with Qiahi Yifei containing serum in same concentration. After 48 and 72 hours, RT-PCR was performed to test the expression of MMP-9 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA of each group. Results After 48 hours, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA were significantly increased in model group and drug serum group compared with control group. There was no difference between model group and drug serum group. After 72 hours, MMP-9 mRNA was up-regulated in model group and was decreased in drug serum group compared with control group. There was no significant difference among the three groups on the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA. Conclusion Qizhi Yifei containing serum can decrease the up-regulated expression of MMP-9 mRNA in lung fibroblasts stimulated by TGF-β1.

Objective To observe the effects of Fuzheng Huayu Capsule on the expressions of the main roles, Rock1 and Rock2, in RhoA/Rock signal transduction pathway in rats with myocardial infarction (MI);To explore the possible mechanism of Fuzheng Huayu Capsule to improve ventricular remodeling in myocardial fibrosis. Methods The MI model was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery. Rats with MI were randomly divided into the model group, Fuzheng Huayu group and Fasudil hydrochloride group. A sham-operation group threading without ligation was setting as a control group, with eight rats in each group. The rats were treated with corresponding medicine for 4 weeks from the second day after modeling. The expression of Rock1, Rock2 and its mRNA were detected by immunohistochemical and real-time PCR method. Results The protein expression of Rock1 and Rock2 in model group were significantly higher than those in the sham-operation group (P<0.05). The protein expression of Rock1 and Rock2 in the Fuzheng Huayu group and Fasudil hydrochloride group were lower than those in the model group. The mRNA expression of Rock2 was significantly higher in the model group than that in the sham-operation group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of Rock1 in the Fasudil hydrochloride group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of Rock2 in the Fuzheng Huayu group and Fasudil hydrochloride group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Fuzheng Huayu Capsule can decrease the expression of Rock1, Rock2 and Rock2 in the marginal zone of myocardial infarction in rats with MI. The anti ventricular remodeling mechanism of Fuzheng Huayu Capsule maybe related with this.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impacts of genetic and environmental factors on the internalizing behaviors of children using quantitative genetic analysis designed for twin study.

METHODSOne hundred and eighty nine twin pairs aged 6-16 years were studied using parental information of Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-II and General Health Questionnaire-12. The heritability of the internalizing behavior of children was also estimated.

RESULTS(1) The heritability of the internalizing behavior of the children was 0.54, which differed in different age and sex. (2) Family adaptability and parental mental health status had significant correlation with the internalizing behavior of children (r=-0.213, 0.250, 0.309, respectively, Ps <0.001),especially the mental health status of the mother (OR=2.483, P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONThe internalizing behavior of children was influenced by genetic and environmental factors including family function and parental mental health status. It differed in different age and sex.

Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Behavior ; Child ; Environment ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Twins ; genetics ; psychology

Objective:To investigate the effect of atorvastatin preconditioning on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice and the relationship with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase (Akt) signaling pathway.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 18-22 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), I/R group, atorvastatin preconditioning group (A group), atorvastatin plus PI3K inhibitor LY294002 group (AL group). Atorvastatin 10 mg/kg was given by intragastric gavage for 3 consecutive days in A and AL groups, and in addition LY294002 0.3 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before the last administration of atorvastatin in AL group.Intestinal I/R was produced by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 45 min followed by 2 h reperfusion in anesthetized mice.The superior mesenteric artery was only isolated but not clamped in S group.The mice were sacrificed at the end of reperfusion, and small intestinal tissues were taken for determination of the pathological changes with a light microscope after HE staining and for determination of wet to dry weight ratio(W/D ratio) and expression of PI3K, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅰ (LC3Ⅰ) and LC3Ⅱ.The intestinal damage was assessed and scored according to Chiu.The ratio of LC3Ⅱ expression to LC3Ⅰ expression (LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ) was calculated. Results:Compared with S group, Chiu′s scores and W/D ratio were significantly increased, the expression of PI3K and p-Akt was down-regulated, the expression of Beclin-1 was up-regulated, and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio was increased in I/R, A and AL groups ( P<0.05). Compared with I/R group, Chiu′s scores and W/D ratio were significantly decreased, the expression of PI3K and p-Akt was up-regulated, the expression of Beclin-1 was down-regulated, and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio was decreased in A group ( P<0.05). Compared with A group, Chiu′s scores and W/D ratio were significantly increased, the expression of PI3K and p-Akt was down-regulated, the expression of Beclin-1 was up-regulated, and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio was increased in AL group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Atorvastatin preconditioning can mitigate intestinal I/R injury in mice, and the mechanism is related to activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting the level of autophagy.

Objective:To evaluate the role of nuclear factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway in atorvastatin-induced reduction of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 18-22 g, were divide into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), intestinal I/R group (I/R group), atorvastatin group (ATV group) and atorvastatin+ Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group (AM group). Intestinal I/R was produced by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion.In ATV and AM groups, atorvastatin 10 mg/kg was given by gavage for 3 consecutive days daily at 3 day before establishment of the model, while the equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage in S and I/R groups.Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 1 h before establishment of the model in group AM.The mice were sacrificed at 2 h of reperfusion, and intestine tissues were obtained for examination of the pathological changes of intestinal tissues (with a light microscope) which were scored according to Chiu, for determination of wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), for detection of the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (by xanthine oxidase method and thiobarbituric acid condensation method) and for determination of the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 (by Western blot). Results:Compared with S group, the Chiu score, W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was up-regulated in the other 3 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with the group I/R, the Chiu score, W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly decreased, the SOD activity was increased, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes were significantly attenuated in group ATV, and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in AM group ( P>0.05). Compared with the group ATV, the Chiu score, W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly increased, the SOD activity was decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes were significantly aggravated in group AM. Conclusion:The mechanism by which atorvastatin reduces intestinal I/R injury is related to activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in mice.

Objective:To evaluate the role of peroxidase proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in sodium butyrate-induced reduction of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods:Thirty-two SPF-grade healthy adult male C57BL/6J mice, aged 7-9 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), intestinal I/R group (IIR group), sodium butyrate group (NaB group) and PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 group (GW9662 group). The model of intestinal I/R was established by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery for 45 min followed by 2-h reperfusion in anesthetized animals.GW9662 2 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 1 h before ischemia in GW9662 group, and sodium butyrate 500 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before ischemia in NaB and GW9662 groups.Blood samples were obtained via cardiac puncture at 2 h of reperfusion, and the animals were then sacrificed.The intestinal tissues were removed for determination of diamine oxidase (DAO), tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) and interleukins 6 (IL-6) concentrations in serum (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and the expression of PPAR and NF-κB p65 (by Western blot). The damage to intestinal mucous membrane was assessed and scored according to Chiu. Results:Compared with group Sham, the Chiu′s score was significantly increased, levels of DAO, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and intestinal tissues were increased, expression of PPARγ was down-regulated, and expression of NF-κB p65 was up-regulated in group IIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group IIR, the Chiu′s score, levels of DAO, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and intestinal tissues were decreased, and expression of PPARγ was up-regulated in group NaB, and expression of NF-κB p65 was up-regulated in NaB and GW9662 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group NaB, the Chiu′s score, levels of DAO, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and intestinal tissues were increased, and expression of PPARγ was down-regulated, and expression of NF-κB p65 was up-regulated in group GW9662 ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which sodium butyrate reduces intestinal I/R injury may be related to activating PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammatory responses in mice.

OBJECTIVEThe goals, prospects and methods of the Prospective Twin Registry in Southwestern China (TRiSC) are described. The aim of this study is to measure children's behavioral development and psychopathology from phenotypic, genetic and environmental perspectives.

METHODSThe children's self-report, as well as parental and teachers' informant report were used to measure the children's behavior and psychopathology, and the latter was related to the children's general cognitive abilities, and to the parenting style. Other variables of interest such as children's temperament and parental health status were also used.

RESULTSNine thousand and three hundred thirty nine pairs of 0-16 years old twins have been registered, 324 pairs of them were monozygotic based on DNA samples as well as the detailed information on behavioral and cognitive aspects.Analysis has been performed for the influences of genetic and environmental factors on children's behavior and cognition.

CONCLUSIONSchool-based twins recruitment is a helpful method in child and adolescent twin study. TRiSC has been a valuable resource for research on the development of children's behavior and cognition.

Adolescent ; Adolescent Development ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Behavior ; Child ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Cognition ; Environment ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genetics, Behavioral ; Human Development ; physiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mental Health ; Prospective Studies ; Registries

AIM: To evaluate the effect of SLC7A11 in dexmedetomidine pretreatment induced reduction of ferroptosis caused by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (II/R) injury in mice. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy meal SPF C57BL/6J mice, aged 8 weeks, weighing 22-25 g, were randomly divided into Sham operation group (S group), intestinal I/R group (II/R group), dexmedetomidine group (DEX group) and dexmedetomidine plus SLC7A11 inhibitior group (DIKE group), with 6 mice in each group. Intestinal ischemia was induced by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min followed by 30 min of reperfusion to establish the model of II/R injury. In DEX and DIKE groups, Dexmedetomidine 25 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before clamping the superior mesenteric artery. The same amount of normal saline was injected in the S group and the II/R group. In DIKE group, SLC7A11 inhibitior Imidazole ketone erastin 50 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 90 min before ischemia. Mice were sacrificed 30 min after reperfusion, and small intestinal tissues in length 5 cm away from the ileocecal valvum were obtained for microscopic examination of pathological changes of intestinal mucosa and for determination of contents of Fe

AIM: To observe the effect of paricalcitol on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and to explore the relationship with HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. METHODS: Twenty-four SPF-grade healthy adult male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups (n=6) by random number table: sham operation group (S group), paricalcitol pretreatment+sham operation group (SP group), intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group (IR group) and paricalcitol ischemic preconditioning group (P group). S group and SP group were separated the superior mesenteric artery, IR group and P group were clamped the superior mesenteric artery for 45 minutes and then followed by reperfusion for 2 hours to establish the intestinal ischemia-reperfusion model; SP group and P group were intraperitoneally injected with 0.3 μg/kg paricalcitol 24 hours before surgery, and the other two groups were given equal volume of normal saline. The mice were sacrificed at 2 h after reperfusion, and the intestinal tissue was obtained 5 cm from the terminal ileum. The pathological results were observed under light microscope. The intestinal mucosal injury was scored according to the Chiu's scoring standard. The intestinal tissue diamine oxidase (DAO) and tumor were detected by ELISA. Necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) content; Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 protein in small intestine tissues.RESULTS: Compared with S group and SP group, Chiu's score was increased, the expression of Dao, TNF-α and IL-6 were increased, as well as the expression of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 protein increased significantly in IR group (P< 0.05); Compared with IR group, Chiu's score was decreased, the expression of Dao, TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased, as well as the expression of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 protein decreased significantly in P group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Paricalcitol can alleviate intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and playing an anti-inflammatory role.