BACKGROUNDIt is known that excessive release of glutamate can induce excitotoxicity in neurons and lead to seizure. Dexamethasone has anti-seizure function. The aim of this study was to investigate glutamate-dexamethasone interaction in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, identify differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus of glutamate-induced epileptic rats by mRNA differential display, and observe the effects of dexamethasone on these genes expression.

METHODSSeizure models were established by injecting 5 microl (250 microg/microl) monosodium glutamate (MSG) into the lateral cerebral ventricle in rats. Dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at 30 minutes after MSG inducing convulsion. The rats' behavior and electroencephalogram (EEG) were then recorded for 1 hour. The effects of dexamethasone on gene expression were observed in MSG-induced epileptic rats at 1 hour and 6 hours after the onset of seizure by mRNA differential display. The differentially expressed genes were confirmed by Dot blot.

RESULTSEEG and behaviors showed that MSG did induce seizure, and dexamethasone could clearly alleviate the symptom. mRNA differential display showed that MSG increased the expression of some genes in epileptic rats and dexamethasone could downregulate their expression. From more than 10 differentially expressed cDNA fragments, we identified a 226 bp cDNA fragment that was expressed higher in the hippocampus of epileptic rats than that in the control group. Its expression was reduced after the administration of dexamethasone. Sequence analysis and protein alignment showed that the predicted amino acid sequence of this cDNA fragment kept 43% identity to agmatinase, a member of the ureohydrolase superfamily.

CONCLUSIONSThe results of the current study suggest that the product of the 226 bp cDNA has a function similar to agmatinase. Dexamethasone might relax alleviate seizure by inhibiting expression of the gene.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; Dexamethasone ; pharmacology ; Electroencephalography ; drug effects ; Epilepsy ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sodium Glutamate ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDBecause of lacking skills in scanning the normal fetal facial structures and their corresponding ultrasonic features, misdiagnoses frequently occur. Therefore, we studied the appearance features and improved displaying skills of fetal facial anatomy in order to provide basis for prenatal diagnosis.

METHODSTwenty fetuses with normal facial anatomy from induced labor because of other malformations except facial anomalies were immersed in a water bath and then scanned ultrasonographically on coronal, sagittal and transverse planes to define the ultrasonic image features of normal anatomy. The coronal and sagittal planes obtained from the submandibular triangle were used for displaying the soft and hard palate in particular.

RESULTSFacial anatomic structures of the fetus can be clearly displayed through the three routine orthogonal planes. However, the soft and hard palate can be displayed on the planes obtained from the submandibular triangle only.

CONCLUSIONSThe superficial soft tissues and deep bony structures of the fetal face can be recognized and evaluated by routine ultrasonographic images, which is a reliable prenatal diagnostic technique to evaluate the fetal facial anatomy. The soft and hard palate can be well demonstrated by the submandibular triangle approach.

Face ; diagnostic imaging ; embryology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo identify asthenozoospermia-associated proteins in seminal plasma by the shotgun proteomic strategy.

METHODSSix seminal plasma samples were collected by Percoll respectively from healthy fertile and asthenozoospermia volunteers, balanced, mixed, and then the mixture was separated by SDS-PAGE. The proteins in the gel were enzymolyzed, extracted and identified by the shotgun proteomic strategy. The identified proteins with the unique peptide count > or =2 or the unique peptide count=1 but the total count > or =4 were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSA total of 172 differential proteins were identified, of which, 89 were exclusively from the asthenozoospermia and 83 exclusively from the healthy fertile men. According to the molecular function, these differential proteins were mainly the types of signal transduction and catalytic activity.

CONCLUSIONFunctionally, 10 of the proteins are particularly important, which include annexin VI isoform 2, isoform 1 of interleukin-6 receptor subunit beta precursor, Mr 400,000 protein, cytosolic dynein heavy chain, alpha-actinin-4, receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase eta precursor, vitamin D-binding protein precursor, protein S100-A11, protein S100-A9 and ANXA4.

Adult ; Asthenozoospermia ; physiopathology ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Humans ; Male ; Proteomics ; Semen ; chemistry ; Seminal Plasma Proteins ; isolation & purification ; Vitamin D-Binding Protein ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo identify differential proteins in the seminal plasma of healthy fertile men and non-obstructive azoospermia patients by the shotgun proteomic strategy.

METHODSSix seminal plasma samples from 3 healthy fertile and 3 non-obstructive azoospermia volunteers were collected by Percoll isolation, balanced-mixed, and followed by separation of the mixture by SDS-PAGE. The proteins were subjected to in-gel enzymolysis and isolation of peptide fragments, and then identified by the shotgun proteomic strategy. Then comparative analyses were made between the two groups on the identified proteins with the unique peptide count > or = 2 and = 1 but with the peptide count > or = 4.

RESULTSA total of 213 differential proteins were identified, 133 in the non-obstructive azoospermia patients and 80 in the healthy fertile men. According to the molecular function, these differential proteins mainly fell into the types of signal transduction, cytoskeleton and catalytic activity, especially oxidoreductase activity in the latter type. Eighteen of the differential proteins were found to be of particular significance, including dynein heavy chain, fatty acid synthase, and tubulin alpha-6 chain.

CONCLUSIONThe differential proteins identified in this study were many in number and various in function, which not only demonstrated the value of the shotgun proteomic strategy in protein identification, but also suggested the complicated pathogenesis and varied types of non-obstructive azoospermia. The samples must be selected strictly based on their gene and histological types. Non-obstructive azoospermia was shown to be related with the M phase of the mitotic cell cycle at the protein level, but its specific mechanism remains unknown.

Azoospermia ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Proteome ; analysis ; Proteomics ; methods ; Semen ; chemistry ; Sperm Motility

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture on sepsis and explore its mechanism.

METHODSFifty cases were randomized into an observation group (26 cases) and a control group (24 cases). The therapeutic programs of anti-infection, anti-shock, respiratory support and nutritional support were provided, but the drugs that might affect gastrointestinal motility were not prescribed in two groups. In the observation group, on the basic treatment as above, electroacupuncture was applied to Zusanli (ST 36), Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39). The excretion ratio of lactulose to mannitol (L/M) in urine and serum D-lactic acid level were detected before and after treatment, as well as the time of target feeding of the patients in two groups. The efficacy was compared between two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment for 3 days, L/M was (0.083 +/- 0.020) and serum D-lactic acid was (0.155 +/- 0.196) mmol/L in the observation group, which were apparently reduced as compared with (0.123 +/- 0.034) and (0.193 +/- 0.377) mmol/L in the control group respectively (both P < 0.05). The time of target feeding was (93.69 +/- 27.58) h in the observation group, which was shortened apparently than (118.17 +/- 40.28) h in the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 80.8% (21/26) in the observation group, which was better than 54.2% (13/24) in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONConventional treatment combined with electroacupuncture can improve intestinal permeability in sepsis patients, recover intestinal function as quickly as possible to achieve target feeding.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Intestines ; metabolism ; Lactulose ; metabolism ; Male ; Mannitol ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Permeability ; Sepsis ; metabolism ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo identify proteins in the seminal plasma of healthy fertile men.

METHODSThree seminal plasma samples were collected from healthy fertile volunteers by Percoll isolation, and then the balanced mixture of the seminal plasma was separated by SDS-PAGE. The proteins in the gel band underwent enzymoloysis, and was extracted and identified by shotgun proteomic strategy.

RESULTSA total of 331 proteins were identified, with the molecular weight (MW) ranging from 8 000 to 572 068 and the isoelectric point (pI) from 4.36 to 11.05. Based on the molecular function and biological process of the proteins, 51 (15.4%) were classified as transport proteins, 11 (3.32%) as cell movement proteins, 63 (19.03%) as signal transduction proteins, 147 (44.4%) as proteases, 38 (11.5%) as enzyme regulator proteins, 21 (6.3%) as programmed cell death proteins, 12 (3.62%) as structural proteins and 59 (17.8%) as proteins with unknown molecular function.

CONCLUSIONShotgun proteomic strategy is a good method for protein identification. Annexin A, Annexin-associated proteins and the Ras-related protein Rab were the major members of the signal transducer proteins identified. Ca2+ and G protein signal pathways may play a most important role in the extracellular signal transduction into cells, but the interactions between these proteins remain unknown. The great quantity of enzymes and enzyme regulator proteins identified in the seminal plasma may be closely related with the maintenance of sperm motility and metabolism.

Adult ; Fertility ; Humans ; Male ; Proteomics ; methods ; Semen ; chemistry ; Seminal Plasma Proteins ; isolation & purification ; Sperm Motility

OBJECTIVETo examine the effect of exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) on the liver function of workers.

METHODSThe workers in a factory were selected as subjects, and the recent physical examination data of these workers were collected. The workers aged 20∼40 years and with more than 2 years' working experience were included for analysis; considering the intensity of electromagnetic field, the workers exposed to less electromagnetic radiation were assigned to exposure I group (n = 123), those exposed to more electromagnetic radiation to exposure II group (n = 229), and those not exposed to electromagnetic radiation to control group (n = 212). There were no significant differences in sex, age, height, and body weight between the three groups (P > 0.05). Physical examination, including measurements of direct bilirubin (DBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and albumin, was performed in a health examination center. The intensity of electromagnetic field was measured by EFA-300 power frequency electromagnetic field analyzer, and the intensity of noise by AWA5610D integrating sound level meter.

RESULTSThe intensities of electric field and the magnetic field in exposure II group were significantly higher than those in the exposure I group. The levels of ALT, ALP, AST, GGT and albumin in exposure II group were significantly higher than those in exposure I group and control group. However, the level of direct bilirubin in exposure II group was significantly lower than that in exposure I group and control group.

CONCLUSIONOccupational exposure to ELF EMFs may affect human liver function.

Adult ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Electromagnetic Fields ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the protective effects of intravitreal injection of pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF) gene-modified human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (PEDF-MSCs) on the pathological changes in retinal tissue of diabetic rats.Methods hUCMSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord tissue using tissue culture methods,and transfected with lentiviral vectors at a infection multiplicity of 50.Then diabetic model in rats was successfully induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.And the rats were divided into normal control (N),PBS treatment (D1),hUCMSCs treatment (D2) and PEDF-MSC treatment (D3) group according to different treatment methods.Three months after modeling,treatment began in D1,D2 and D3 group,but N group left untreated.Two weeks after treatment,the expression of PEDF-MSCs in the eye of rats was detected by fluorescence microscopy,and HE staining was performed to observe the changes in retinal structure and the full-thickness of the retina in each group.Results The expression of CD105,CD73,CD90 was observed,while the expression of CD34,CD45,CD11b,CD19 and HLA-DR did not present.After 2 weeks of treatment,it was in the vitreous cavity not the retina that clusters of red fluorescence appeared in D2 group with fluorescence microscope.There were clusters of green fluorescence in the vitreous cavity not in the retina of D3 group.HE staining showed that the retina had intact structure and clear layers as well as neatly arranged and stained evenly cells in N group.In D1 group,the nerve fibers layer (NFL) showed obvious edema,the blood vessels were dilated,the inner plexiform layer (IPL) were loose and the inner nuclear layer (INL) cells were disordered.In D2 group,the edema of NFL relieved.In D3 group,NFL edema was significantly alleviated,and the cells of INL and outer nuclear layer (ONL) arranged in regular.Full-thickness of retina was (103.82 ±4.15) μm in N group,(138.86 ±4.71) μm in D1 group,(131.17 ±3.89) μm in D2 group,and (112.24 ±4.22) μm in D3 group,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PEDF-MSCs can survive and continue to express in the vitreous cavity of diabetic rats for a long time.Meanwhile,intravitreal injection of PEDF-MSCs can ameliorate retinal edema and the retinal injury in diabetic rats.

Objective To explore the effect of music nursing on intravenous infusion in outpatient children with respiratory tract infection.Methods Pediatric outpatients with respiratory tract infection given intravenous infusion in our hospital spanning from 2006 to 2007 were selected as control group,while those spanning from 2008 to 2009 were selected as observation group.The control group was given psychological care and routine care.The observation group was given additional music nursing.Success rate of vein puncture,time consuming of operation,cases of repeated puncture and cases of admission were compared between the two groups.Results There were significant differences between the observation group and the control group in terms of the success rate of vein puncture and time consuming of operation (x2=6.712,7.613,respectively; P ＜ 0.05 ).Cases of repeated puncture and cases of admission in the observation group were lower than the control group.The differences were statistically significant (x2 =8.664,6.414,respectively; P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions Music nursing on pediatric outpatient during transfusion can improve the success rate of vein puncture,reduce time consuming of operation,ensure smooth transfusion,save nursing resources and alleviate negative emotional experiences of children,thus should be extended in clinical application.

BACKGROUNDProteasome subunits (PSMB) and transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) loci are located in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class II region play important roles in immune response and protein degradation in neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PSMB and TAP and Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODSA case-control study was conducted by genotyping SNPs in PSMB8, PSMB9, TAP1, and TAP2 genes in the Chinese population. Subjects included 542 sporadic patients with PD and 674 healthy controls. Nine identified SNPs in PSMB8, PSMB9, TAP1, and TAP2 were genotyped through SNaPshot testing.

RESULTSThe stratified analysis of rs17587 was specially performed on gender. Data revealed that female patients carry a higher frequency of rs17587-G/G versus (A/A + G/A) compared with controls. But there was no significant difference with respect to the genotypic frequencies of the SNPs in PSMB8, TAP1, and TAP2 loci in PD patients.

CONCLUSIONChinese females carrying the rs17587-G/G genotype in PSMB9 may increase a higher risk for PD, but no linkage was found between other SNPs in HLA Class II region and PD.

ATP-Binding Cassette Sub-Family B Member 2 ; genetics ; ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 3 ; genetics ; Adult ; Aged ; Antigen Presentation ; Case-Control Studies ; Cysteine Endopeptidases ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease ; genetics ; immunology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex ; genetics