7.Effect of Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) on AMD-like lesions in ApoE-deficient mice.
Jun-Ru, PAN ; Chen, WANG ; Qi-Lin, YU ; Shu, ZHANG ; Bin, LI ; Jun, HU
Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Medical Sciences) 2014;34(3):408-14
The role of methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) in an ApoE-deficient mouse model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was investigated. Eight-week-old Mbd2/ApoE double deficient (Mbd2(-/-) ApoE(-/-)) mice (n=12, 24 eyes, experimental group) and MBD2 (wt) ApoE(-/-) mice (n=12, 24 eyes, control group) were fed on Western-type diet for 4 months. The mice were sacrificed, and total serum cholesterol levels were analyzed and Bruch's membrane (BM) of the eyes was removed for ultrastructural observation by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) immunoreactivities were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy in sections of the eyes in both groups for further understanding the function mechanism of MBD2. There was no significant difference in the total serum cholesterol levels between control group and experimental group (P>0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that AMD-like lesions, various vacuoles accumulated on BM, notable outer collagenous layer deposits and dilated basal infoldings of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were seen in both groups, and the BM in control group was significantly thickened as compared with experimental group (P<0.05). Fluorescence micrographs exhibited the expression of ICAM-1 in choroid was higher in control group than in experimental group. We are led to conclude that MBD2 gene knockout may lead to accumulation of more deposits on the BM and influence the pathogenesis of AMD via triggering endothelial activation and inflammatory response in choroid, improving microcirculation, and reducing lipid deposition so as to inhibit the development of AMD-like lesions. Our study helps to provide a new therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of AMD.
8.Investigation on and analysis of iodine nutritional of targeted population in the high-risk areas of iodine deficiency disorders in Chongqing
Xin-shu, LI ; Wen-fang, LIAO ; Jun, XIE ; Fei, LUO ; Jing, CHEN ; Qian-ru, ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2009;28(5):531-533
Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of targeted population in the high-risk areas of iodine deficiency disorders in Chongqing, so as to provide scientific evidence for establishing prevention and remedial measures. Methods Six towns were selected in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties to found suspected dementia patients born after first Jan, 1997. Two hundred children aged 8-10 years were investigated in every town. The thyroid volume, intelligence quotient(IQ) and urinary iodine of the children were examined. Forty women (pregnant and nursing women) were investigated in every town. The iodine content of salt from their home was measured. The thyroid volume was examined by palpation and B-uhrasound. IQ was measured by combined Raven Test in China(CRT-RC2). Urinary iodine was determined using the acid digest arsenic-cerium contacting method, and iodined salt was detected using direct titration method. Results Six suspected dementia patients were found in the local town hospital. Five eases were excluded. There was 1 case born in other place. The rates of goiter by palpation and B-ultrasound were 9.58%(92/960) and 8.89%(65/731), respectively. The median of urinary iodine of children and women was 319.15 μg/L and 248.42 μg/L, respectively. The mean of IQ of the children was 103.32. The coverage rate of iodine salt from residents was 98.82%(336/340). Conclusions The iodine nutrition of children was good and there is no newly occurred cretinism in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties. Goiter rate and median of urinary iodine aged 8-10 years and of women, coverage rate of iodine salt from resident has meet the standard set for basical elimination iodine deficiency disorders.
9.Screening of Marine Mold Activity and Having Antifungi Primary Research
Shu-Bin LI ; Guang-Xin LU ; Ru-Mei LIN ; Jin-Jie WU ; Weng-De CAI ;
Microbiology 1992;0(02):-
More than one hundred strains of marine molds have been isolated from the sediment and the sample of seawater collected from the South China Sea. By the first screening, more than 30 strains of marine molds which can inhibit tested fungi such as Candida albicans and Fursarium sp. were obtained.The results of the second screening showed those strains designed as B 4#-6、B 4#-3、1-B 6-6、1-B 6-10-5、1-B 6-22、C 2#-5、A 2-9 and 1-B 6-10 can produced extracelluar antifungi metabolic products and the crude extract of the strains 1-B 6-10-5 and B 4#-3 can inhibit the growth of many other species of fungi.
10.Effects of Cadmium on Rat Sperm Motility Evaluated With Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis
LI-CHUN XU ; SHU-YI WANG ; XIAO-FANG YANG ; XIN-RU WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2001;14(4):312-317
Objective To study effects of cadmium on rat sperm motility evaluated with computer assisted sperm analysis. Methods Different doses of cadmium chloride (0.2,0.4,0.8mg Cd/kg BW) were administrated ip to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Control animals received the same volume of 0.9% NaCl solution. After 7 days, the rats were sacrificed with their testes removed. A part of one testis was used for testicular sperm head counts and daily sperm production observation. The motility of spermatozoa obtained from cauda epididymides using the “diffusion”method was measured by computer assisted sperm analysis(CASA). Results The sperm head counts and daily sperm production decreased significantly in the high dose group. The motility of spermatozoa in the middle dose group was reduced significantly. No motile sperm was found in the high dose group. The results suggest that germinal epithelium was impaired irreversibly in a short time to produce toxic effects on spermatogenesis at high cadmium doses. Conclusion Cadmium may reduce sperm motility at a dose far below the dose affecting sperm production at this time point. The motility of sperm is an early and sensitive endpoint for the assessment of cadmium toxicity on male reproduction.