BACKGROUNDAdrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas account for approximately 7% - 14% of all pituitary adenomas, but its pathogenesis is still enigmatic. This study aimed to explore mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

METHODSWe used fiber-optic beadarray to examine gene expression in three ACTH-secreting adenomas compared with three normal pituitaries. Four differentially expressed genes from the three ACTH-secreting adenomas and three normal pituitaries were chosen randomly for validation by reverse transcriptase-real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We then analyzed the differentially expressed gene profile with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway.

RESULTSFiber-optic beadarray analysis showed that the expression of 28 genes and 8 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were significantly increased and the expression of 412 genes and 31 ESTs were significantly decreased. Bioinformatic and pathway analysis showed that the genes HIGD1B, EPS8, HPGD, DAPK2, and IGFBP3 and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway may play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that numerous aberrantly expressed genes and several pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Fiber-optic beadarray combined with pathway analysis of differential gene expression appears to be a valid method of investigating tumour pathogenesis.

ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma ; etiology ; genetics ; Adenoma ; etiology ; genetics ; Adult ; Disease Progression ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; physiology ; Female ; Fiber Optic Technology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Transforming Growth Factor alpha ; physiology

Objective:To summarize and compare the characteristics of oral microbiota in women during the preconception period and the third trimester.Methods:This retrospective cohort study involved 55 women who were recruited in the Preconceptional Offspring Trajectory Study (PLOTS) conducted by Fudan University and followed up to the third trimester in the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Jiading District of Shanghai from September 2016 to December 2019. A total of 110 unstimulated saliva samples were collected in the preconception period ( n=55) and the third trimester ( n=55). Features of oral microbiota in the samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing. Moreover, the related factors were also analyzed. Paired t test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test were used to analyze the differences in α-diversity during preconception and the third trimester; t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test for comparison between groups with different characteristics and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PerMANOVA) for β-diversity were used; Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe 1.0) was used to identify the iconic oral flora. Results:(1) The Ace index of oral microbiota was significantly lower in the third trimester than that in the preconception period [661.14(578.15-752.85) vs 730.64 (632.40-911.00), T=1 077.00, P=0.010]. There was also a significance difference in β-diversity ( F=12.539, R2=0.104, P=0.001). Some species such as Saccharibacteria_TM7_G3, Prevotella_7, Absconditabacteria_SR1_G1, Porphyromonas, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella_2, Alloprevotella, Parvimonas, Solobacterium and Eubacterium_nodatum_group in saliva were statistically more abundant in the third trimester than those in the preconception period (all P<0.05). (2) The third-trimester Shannon index was lower among those with lower income [5.44 (5.08-5.77) vs 5.75 (5.44-6.12), U=219.00, P=0.029] and those with gargle habit after meal or dessert [5.36 (4.91-5.48) vs 5.72 (5.44-6.05), U=374.00, P=0.046]. Conclusions:The features of oral microbiota vary in women during the preconception period and the third trimester. There is a significant increase in the abundance of oral pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria in the third trimester.

To develop a more efficient antithrombotic way after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the anticoagulant effects were compared of human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) gene transfection and aspirin oral administration (traditional method) on vein grafts. An eukaryotic expression plasmid pCMV-(Kozak) TFPI was prepared. Animal model of carotid artery bypass grafting was constructed. In operation, endothelial cells of vein grafts in TFPI group and empty plasmid control group were transfected with pCMV-(Kozak) TFPI and empty plasmid pCMV respectively, while no transfection was conducted in aspirin control group. After operation, aspirin (2 mg.kg(-1).(-1)) was administered (i.g.) in aspirin control group. Three days later, grafts (n=10) were harvested for RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses of exogenous gene expression and for pathological, scanning electron microscopic observation of thrombus. Thirty days later, the patency rates of remnant grafts (n=10) were recorded by vessel Doppler ultrasonography. Human TFPI gene products were detected in gene transferred vein grafts. Three days later, thrombi were found in 7 animals of aspirin control group and in 8 animals of empty plasmid control group, but in only 1 of TFPI group (P<0.01). Thirty days later, 5 grafts were occluded in empty plasmid control group, but none of grafts was occluded in the other groups (P<0.05). The endothelial surfaces of grafts in both of the control groups were covered with aggregated erythrocytes and platelets, and it were not seen in TFPI group. It was suggested that the anticoagulant effects on vein grafts of human TFPI gene transfection are better than those of aspirin.
Administration, Oral ; Anticoagulants/*metabolism ; Aspirin/*administration & dosage ; Aspirin/metabolism ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Disease Models, Animal ; Lipoproteins/*metabolism ; Plasmids/metabolism ; Tissue Transplantation/*methods ; Transfection ; Ultrasonography, Doppler/methods ; Veins/*transplantation ; Venous Thrombosis/metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the polymorphisms distribution of genes related with mental diseases, such as proline dehydrogenase gene (PRODH) and serotonin 2A(5-HT(2A)) receptor gene, among Korean-Chinese and Han nationality in Chinese Yanbian area.

METHODSBy utilizing techniques of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), the polymorphisms for -1945 region of the PRODH gene and -1438 region of the 5-HT(2A) receptor gene were analyzed.

RESULTSThe PRODH genotype frequencies of MM, Mm and mm in Korean-Chinese population were 61.4%,34.4%,4.2% respectively, the allele frequencies were 0.786 for M and 0.214 for m respectively, and those in Han population were 55.2%,38.5%,6.3%, 0.745 and 0.255 respectively. The 5-HT(2A) receptor gene genotype frequencies of AA, AG and GG in Korean-Chinese population were 15.6%,67.7%,16.7% respectively, the allele frequencies were 0.495 for A and 0.505 for G respectively, and those in Han population were 11.5%,65.6%,22.9%, 0.443 for A and 0.557 for G.

CONCLUSIONAll of the genotype distribution of both loci in Chinese Korean and Han nationality in Yanbian area meet Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and show stronger ability in human identity. The data obtained can be used in human identity, paternity testing and Chinese Korean ethnic group study.

Adult ; Animals ; China ; Electrophoresis ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Korea ; ethnology ; Male ; Mental Disorders ; genetics ; Mice ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Proline Oxidase ; genetics ; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of three different spinal rotation manipulations for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

METHODSFrom September 2011 to April 2013,180 patients diagnosed as lumbar disc herniation were randomly divided into seat fixed rotation group (A), lateral position rotation group (B) and supine position rotation group (C) by using a digital table. Finally 10 patients were excluded and dropped, 170 patients were included in the study. There were 57 patients in group A, 57 patients in group B and 56 patients in group C. Baseline demographic characteristics of patients, clinical findings and indexes of health status had no statistically differences among three groups (P > 0.05). The manipulation was performed every other day, and the treatment duration for all patients was 3 weeks. Body pain (BP), Physical function (PF) in SF-36, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and adverse reactions were observed statistically 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, one year and two years after finishing treatment.

RESULTSBP, PF scores in 3 groups were significantly improved and ODI scores were significantly lower than those before treatment and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05); However, there was no significant difference among three groups in the BP, PF and ODI scores (P > 0.05). There were no obvious and serious adverse reactions among these groups.

CONCLUSIONBased on the theory of dislocation of bone joints in TCM, three kinds of spinal rotation manipulations can be used safely for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, and the efficacy was similar.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Male ; Manipulation, Spinal ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Rotation ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of P53 protein and its clinical significance in prostatic carcinoma.

METHODSFormalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 45 cases of prostatic carcinoma (PCa) and 10 cases of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) were analyzed retrospectively with immunohistochemical Elivision staining method. The relationship of P53 expression with prostate cancer stage, grade, PSA, endocrine therapeutic effect and prognosis was evaluated.

RESULTSThe positive staining rates of p53 protein expression were 51.1% and 10.0% respectively in patients with PCa and BPH (P < 0.05); 70.0% and 25.0% in PCa patients at pathological stage D and stages A approximately C respectively (P < 0.05); 14.3% and 56.7% in those with Gleason score < or = 7 and > 7 (P < 0.05); 20.0% and 60.0% in those with PSA < or = 10 microg/L and PSA > 10 micro/L (P > 0.05 ); 25.0% and 72.3% in those who responded to endocrine therapy and those who failed to respectively (P < 0.05). Log Rank analyses showed that the survival time of the PCa patients with negative P53 expression was obviously longer than those with the positive (P < 0.05 ).

CONCLUSIONThere were correlations between P53 expression and tumor grade, tumor stage and survival time, so the expression of P53 could be regarded as a prognostic molecular marker and a predictor of endocrine therapeutic effect for prostate cancer.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; metabolism ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Staining and Labeling ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; biosynthesis

microRNAs (miRNAs) are 20-24 nucleotide (nt) RNAs that regulate eukaryotic gene expression post-transcriptionally by the degradation or translational inhibition of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). To identify miRNA target genes will help a lot by understanding their biological functions. Sophisticated computational approaches for miRNA target prediction, and effective biological techniques for validating these targets now play a central role in elucidating their functions. Owing to the imperfect complementarity of animal miRNAs with their targets, it is difficult to judge the accuracy of the prediction. Complexity of regulation by miRNA-mediated targets at protein and mRNAs levels has made it more challenging to identify the targets. To date, only a few miRNAs targets are confirmed. In this article, we review the methods of miRNA target prediction and the experimental validation for their corresponding mRNA targets in animals.
Animals ; Computational Biology ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Validation Studies as Topic

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship among perceived stress,sleep and fatigue status; and to analyze the effect of sleep status in mediating and regulating perceived stress and fatigue status in soldiers that were acutely exposed to high altitude for the first time. METHODS: A total of 700 soldiers that were acutely exposed to high altitude for the first time were investigated with convenient sampling. They were evaluated using Perceived Stress Scale,Sleep Status Self-evaluation Test,and Fatigue Scale-14. The mediating effect was analyzed by structural equation model,and the moderating effect was analyzed by hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: The total score of fatigue among soldiers that often took part in recreational activities was significant lower than that who did not( P < 0. 01). The total score of fatigue among soldiers that had training injury was significant higher than that who had not( P < 0. 01). The total score of fatigue among soldiers that had high training expectations was significant higher than that that didn't have high training expectations( P < 0. 01). Sleep status,sense of overload and training expectations had remarkable predicting effect on fatigue status among soldiers that were acutely exposed to high altitude for the first time( P < 0. 01). Sleeping status has a complete mediating effect on the sense of prediction,sense of overload and fatigue status( P < 0. 01),and has a moderating effect on the sense of control,sense of overload and fatigue status( P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION:s Perceived stress and sleeping status had close relationship with fatigue status among soldiers that were acute exposed to high altitude for the first time. Sleeping status has intermediary and regulating effect between senses of overload and fatigue state.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence of the temporary and permanent sensory disturbance of the inferorbital nerve (ION) after Le Fort I osteotomy.

METHODSThirty patients with 60 inferorbital nerves were examined preoperatively, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6-months after the operation of the Le Fort I osteotomy by using sharp-blunt testing, 2-point discrimination, electric pain response test (ZGK-1 electrometer).

RESULTSThe incidence of the temporary nerve impairment was 75% (45 of 60) and the obvious recovery was found after 1 to 3 months after the operation. No permanent sensory disturbance was found in the patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe inferorbital nerve injury after Le Fort I osteotomy is usually temporary and the sensory recovery was in 1 to 3 months after the operation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cranial Nerve Injuries ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Osteotomy, Le Fort ; adverse effects ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Time Factors

UNLABELLEDThis study is conducted to explore an effective culture method for supporting the embryo development. The cattle fetal ear fibroblasts and the goat fetal ear fibroblasts are transplanted into the enucleated cattle oocytes separately by oocyte intraplasmic nuclear injection method to construct bovine cloned embryos and goat-bovine cloned embryos. The embryos are first cultivated in modified charles rosenkrans 2 amino acid medium (mCR2aa) and modified synthetic oviduct fluid medium (mSOF) separately. Then BSA (8 mg/mL) or FBS (10%) can be added to mSOF according to the different culture period. The supplements and orders, added during the first three days and after three days are as follow: BSA and BSA, BSA and FBS, FBS and BSA, FBS and FBS. On the basis of the cleavage rate, 8/16-cell rate, blastocysts rate and total cell number of blastocysts, the best culture way can be screened out.

RESULTFirst, cleavage rate, 8/16-cell rate, blastocysts rate and total cell number of blastocysts, cultivated in mSOF solution are all higher than those cultivated in mCR2aa( P < 0.05). Second, the cleavage rate and 8/16-cell rate, adding BSA and FBS into mSOF, are in turn 79.8% +/- 7.1%, 49.7% +/- 3.5%, 21.5% +/- 1.8%, and 115.2 +/- 4.3 in bovine cloned embryo, and 40.1% +/- 6.3%, 29.2% +/- 2.0%, 13.4% +/- 2.1% and 100.1 +/- 3.0 in goat-bovine cloned embryo, which are significant higher than other culture groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe goat-bovine cloned embryo can be cultivated by the optimized culture measure of bovine cloned embryo. The best culture ways of bovine cloned embryo and goat-bovine cloned embryo are all to use mSOF supplemented BSA in the first three days and then use mSOF supplemented FBS in the next five days.

Animals ; Cattle ; embryology ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Cloning, Organism ; veterinary ; Ear, External ; cytology ; Embryo Culture Techniques ; methods ; veterinary ; Embryonic Development ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; transplantation ; Goats ; embryology ; physiology ; Nuclear Transfer Techniques ; Oocytes ; cytology