Pseudomonas sp. M18 is one of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria capable of producing two kinds of anti-fungal agents: phenazine-1-carboxilic acid (PCA) and pyoluteorin (Plt). The pqsR gene, which encodes a LysR family member PqsR, was amplified from chromosomal genome of strain M18. Using the homologous recombination technique, a chromosomal pqsR inactivated mutant strain M18PRG was constructed in Pseudomonas sp. M18. To study the effect of pqsR gene on Plt biosynthesis, the dynamic curves of Plt production by strains M18 and M18PRG was measured in KMB media. As a result, Plt production of the pqsR mutant was three to four folds higher than that of its parent strain M18. The Plt production was restored to the wild-type level when strain M18PRG was complemented with pqsR gene in trans. The regulation of pqsR gene on Plt production was further confirmed by the pltA′-′lacZ translational fusion analysis. These results indicate that pqsR gene negatively controls the Plt biosynthesis. Additionally, by analyzing the growth curves of wild type strain M18 and pqsR mutant, wecan readily find that PqsR has a negative influence on cell growth. It was also shown that the production of red pigments in strain M18 required the expression of pqsR gene. In conclusion, the data presented in this study clearly demonstrate that PqsR acts as a global regulator involved in many physiological activities in Pseudomonas sp. M18.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the molecular mechanism of dermal damage in heat shock-induced skin aging by observing the expressions of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) in retinoic acid-treated cultured human fibroblasts with heat shock.

METHODSCultured human fibroblasts were treated with tazarotene or all-trans-retinioic acid (at-RA) after heat shock for 30 min in 43 degrees celsius; water bath. Twenty-four hours later, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 contents in the supernatant of the cell culture medium were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSBoth tazarotene and at-RA dose-dependently reduced the expression of MMP-1 and increased the expression of TIMP-1 in cultured human fibroblasts exposed to heat shock, and tazarotene produced stronger effect than at-RA.

CONCLUSIONRetinoic acid can reduce the expression of MMP-1 and increase the expression of TIMP-1 in cultured human fibroblasts, suggesting its therapeutic potential for heat shock-induced skin aging.

Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; Heat-Shock Response ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nicotinic Acids ; pharmacology ; Skin Aging ; radiation effects ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tretinoin ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue Fang (BSHX) on the apoptosis of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system of rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its possible action mechanism.

METHODSOne hundred 3- month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of equal number (control, castrated, BPH model, and BSHX). BPH models were made by subcutaneous injection of testosterone following castration; the rats in the BSHX group were treated intragastrically with BSHX at 2.34 g/ml after modeling, while those in the other two groups with equal volume of saline, all for 37 days. On the 38th day, all the rats were sacrificed and their prostates harvested for detection of the distribution of TGF-beta1 and alpha-actin and the count of positive cells in the prostatic ductal system by immunohistochemical staining. The apoptosis rate of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system was determined by TUNEL assay.

RESULTSThe expression of TGF-beta1 was significantly increased in the rats of the BSHX group as compared with the BPH models in both the proximal prostatic duct ([15.28 +/- 4.30]% vs [36.42 +/- 8.10]%, P < 0.01) and the distal prostatic duct ([4.42 +/- 2.07]% vs [8.71 +/- 2.28 ]%, P < 0.05), while the expression of alpha-actin in the proximal duct was remarkably higher in the BSHX-treated rats than in the models ([28.14 +/- 7.43]% vs [18.28 +/- 4.07]%, P < 0.01), but lower than in the control animals ([33.57 +/- 6.85]%, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the BPH models and BSHX-treated rats both exhibited markedly decreased apoptosis of epithelial cells in the proximal prostatic duct ([39.42 +/- 9.20]% vs [3.86 +/- 1.34]%, P < 0.01, and [31.14 +/- 5.64]%, P < 0.01) and distal prostatic duct ([17.60 +/- 4.86]% vs [3.07 +/- 1.14]%, P < 0.01, and [12.37 +/- 2.25]%, P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system was significantly higher in the BSHX-treated rats than in the BPH models (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBy upregulating the expression of TGF-beta, BSHX can suppress the reduction of smooth muscle cells in the proximal prostatic duct, promote the apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cells, and thus effectively inhibit benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Actins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

Objective Aselectivitystudywasconductedthroughtheexaminationofradionuclides137Cs(Cesium-137)for foodbasedondifferentdetectionconditions.Methods Atotalof48foodsampleswereselectedfromthreeareasincluding Qinshan nuclear power plant,Sanmen nuclear power plant and Hangzhou and Zhoushan respectively.1 37 Cs of these samples were determined by γspectrometry and Phosphoric acid ammonium molybdate method.The level of 48 foods were statistically analyzed,and then the time consuming,sample size requirements,influence factors were comprehensively discussed,thustheselectionreferenceproposaloftheexaminationmethodcouldbeprovided.Results Therewereno significant difference for the data of two examination method (P>0.05 ).The limit of detection of the γspectrometry was lower (P <0.05 ).Compared with Phosphoric acid ammonium molybdate method,γspectrometry had lower limit of detection,and could detect a variety of radionuclides at a time,but need more sample and time-consuming when multi-sample were detected.The limit of detection of the Phosphoric acid ammonium molybdate method was high,and the chemicalprocessingstepswerecumbersomeandwaseasytobeinterferedby134Cs.Conclusion Thelimitofdetectionof the γspectrometry is low,and the sensitivity of the Phosphoric acid ammonium molybdate method is high.Most food are recommended to be detected by γspectrometry in the practical work,and the food which were difficult collected,less ash or low content,are recommended to be detected by Phosphoric acid ammonium molybdate method.

Objective To evaluate the MRI features of central neurocytoma (CNC). Methods Thirteen patients with CNC (7 males and 6 females, aged 18-28), admitted to our hospital fiom January 2007 to January 2010, were chosen; preoperative plain and contrast enhanced MRI scans were performed on these 13 patients and 1 also received CT scan. The clinical and imaging data and pathological features of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results The largest tumor enjoyed its maximum diameter of 3.2-8.5 cm; the CNC in 12 patients located at the lateral ventricle and that in 1 patient at the parenchyma of the left frontal and temporal lobes. Lobulated solid tumors were noted in these lesions,showing T1 isointense and T2 hyperintense in MRI; some multiple, scattered cystic lesions showed stronger T1 and T2 signal than the former ones; vascular "flow void" signal was shown in 6 patients in T2WI, and slightly weak T1 signal was shown in 8. All the tumors demonstrated inhomogeneous enhancement and the tumor vessels in 6 patients were noted under contrast MRI. Focal calcification was found. Conclusion CNC in the lateral ventricle enjoys typical location; considering the age of patients, non-contrast and contrast MRI findings, correct diagnosis of CNC can be made; however, CNC outside the lateral ventricle is hard to diagnose.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the level of the patients perceived control of asthma (PCA) in South China and analyze the risk factors contributing to inadequate PCA.

METHODSA total of 150 asthmatic out-patients consisting of 86 males and 64 females aged 19-65 (38.6∓11.7) years were enrolled in this investigation. The patients were asked to complete questionnaires of the demographic data, perceived control of asthma (PCAQ-6) scales, asthma control test (ACT) scales and Standard asthma-specific quality of life [AQLQ(S)] scale. The data of spirometric measurements, blood cell count and induced sputum cell count were also collected.

RESULTSAll the 150 asthmatic out-patients recruited completed the questionnaires and examinations. The PCAQ-6 scores ranged from 10 to 26 (18.75∓3.42) in these patients (18.6∓3.28 in male and 18.95∓3.6 in female patients), significantly lower than those reported in other countries (P<1). PCA was positively correlated to the level of asthma control (r(p)=0.377, P=0.000) and AQLQ(S) scores (r(p)=0.675, P=0.000). Multiple linear regression showed that PCA was positively correlated to FEV1% and blood neutrophil counts, and inversely to asthma duration.

CONCLUSIONThe level of the PCA appears inadequate in South China. The PCA can affect the level of asthma control and asthma-specific quality of life. The factors contributing to inadequate PCA include primarily asthma duration, lung function and blood neutrophil counts.

Adult ; Aged ; Asthma ; blood ; prevention & control ; psychology ; China ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neutrophils ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the predictive value of portal vein flow rate preoperative for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after periesophagastric devascularization in hepatitis B cirrhosis-related portal hypertension.

METHODSFrom January 2007 to July 2008, 45 patients with portal hypertension caused by hepatitis B cirrhosis were performed splenectomy with peri-esophagogastric devascularization in the same medical group in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The portal vein flow rate and the diameter of portal vein were measured with doppler sonography respectively before and after the operation. At the same time, the level of PT and PLT were detected. The weight of spleens were measured after operation.

RESULTSThirteen cases suffered from PVT postoperatively. Portal vein flow rate was significantly lower in patients with PVT postoperation than that in patients without PVT (P < 0.01). In patients with PVT (n = 13) postoperation, the preoperative portal vein flow rate was (19.5 +/- 5.3) cm/s. Among the 13 cases, there were 12 cases whose flow rate were lower than 25 cm/s, and 1 case whose flow rate was 32. 3 cm/s; In patients without PVT (n = 32), the preoperative portal vein flow rate was (9.6 +/- 8.0) cm/s. In patients with lower rate (n = 17), the incidence rate of PVT was 70.6%; in patients with higher rate (n = 28), the incidence rate of PVT was 3.6%. The incidence rate of PVT in patients with lower rate was significantly lower than patients with higher rate (P < 0.01). The diameter of portal vein in patients with PVT was significantly wider than patients without PVT. The diameter of portal vein was negative correlative with the portal vein flow rate. The value 25 cm/s was of diagnostic efficiency, the sensitivity was 92.3%, and specificity was 70.6%.

CONCLUSIONSThe portal vein flow rate preoperative can be used as an early predictor of portal vein thrombosis after periesophagastric devascularization in hepatitis B cirrhosis-related portal hypertension to give a guide to clinical work.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; etiology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portal Vein ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Postoperative Complications ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Preoperative Care ; Risk Factors ; Splenectomy ; Ultrasonography ; Venous Thrombosis ; diagnosis ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between the plasma homocysteine (HCY) level and the polymorphism of N(5), N(10)-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C667T in liver cirrhosis.

METHODS112 normal subjects and 87 liver cirrhosis patients were recruited in the study. Their plasma HCY levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and polymorphisms of their MTHFR gene were analyzed using PCR-RFLP.

RESULTSThe mean level of plasma HCY was significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis (21.71+/-4.86) micromol/L than that in healthy individuals (8.34+/-3.59) micromol/L. There were three kinds of MTHFR genotypes: +/+ (TT, homozygous mutation), +/- (CT, heterozygous mutation) and -/- (CC, wild type). The frequencies of the three genotypes were as follows: +/+, 29.9%; +/-, 52.9%; -/-, 17.2% in cirrhosis patients and +/+, 19.6%; +/-, 33.9%; -/-, 46.4% in normal subjects. The frequency of homozygous or heterozygous mutation was significantly higher in cirrhosis patients than that in the normal control. Moreover, plasma homocysteine level was markedly higher in patients with MTHFR genetic mutation than those without mutation.

CONCLUSIONSHyperhomocysteinemia may be an independent risk factor for liver cirrhosis. MTHFR is the main enzyme related to homocysteine metabolism. The genetic mutation of MTHFR C667T is possibly an important mechanism of hyperhomocysteinemia in liver cirrhosis. The level of plasma homocysteine may be an early indicator for liver cirrhosis.

Female ; Homocysteine ; blood ; Humans ; Hyperhomocysteinemia ; complications ; genetics ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; genetics ; Male ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NAD+) ; genetics ; Point Mutation ; Polymorphism, Genetic

BACKGROUNDTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in children and young adults worldwide. Therefore, we investigated the role of AG490 in regulating brain oedema, expression of CD40 and neurological function after TBI.

METHODSSprague Dawley rats (n = 240) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, TBI+saline group and TBI+AG490 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) group. Members of each group were euthanized at 6, 12, 24 or 72 hours after injury. Neurological severity score (NSS) was used to evaluate the severity of neurological damage. Brain water was quantitated by wet/dry weight method. The expression of CD40 was assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTSIn both the TBI+saline group and the TBI+AG490 group, the brain water content was elevated after TBI, reached a peak at 24-hour and remained high for the rest of the period investigated; the expression of CD40 reached a peak 24 hours after TBI; the NSS was elevated after TBI and then decreased after 6 hours. Elevations in the level of CD40, degree of brain edema and NSS after TBI were significantly reduced in TBI+AG490 group.

CONCLUSIONInhibition of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway reduces brain oedema, decreases the expression of CD40 and exerts neuroprotective effects after TBI.

Animals ; Brain Edema ; metabolism ; Brain Injuries ; drug therapy ; CD40 Antigens ; analysis ; Flow Cytometry ; Janus Kinases ; metabolism ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; STAT Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Tyrphostins ; therapeutic use

AIM:Endothelial cell senescence has been proposed to be involved in endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis.This study aims to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rb1,a major constituent of ginseng,on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced endothelial cell senescence,and to explore the expression and production of caveolin-1 in H2O2-induced premature senescence.METHODS:The senescence of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was induced by H2O2 as judged by morphology inspection,senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining and cell cycle detection.The protein expression of caveolin-1 was determined by Western blot and confocal laser-scanning microscopy.RESULTS:Treatment of the HUVECs with H2O2 at 60 μmoL/L induced premature senescence,as judged by enlarged,flattened cell morphology,increased SA-β-Gal activity and sustained growth arrest.H2O2 effectively increased caveolin-1 level.Pretreatment of the HUVECs with Rb1 was found to reverse endothelial cell senescence,as witnessed by a significant decrease in senescent cell numbers and a decreased percentage of G0/G1 phase cells.Furthermore,Rb1 administration reversed the H2O2-increased protein level of caveolin-1.CONCLUSION:Ginsenoside Rb1 antagonizes H2O2-induced endothelial cell senescence through caveolin-1 modulation.