OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of inner-heating acupuncture on apoptosis of chondrocytes and expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 32 rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a control treatment group and a treatment group by random number grouping method, 8 rats in each one. The rats in the normal group received no intervention. The rats in the remaining three groups adopted modified Videman method to develop KOA model, the ankle joint of left posterior leg was fully extended and fixed with a resin bandage for 6 weeks. After successful modeling, the rats in the model group received no intervention. The rats in the control treatment group were treated with medium-frequency pulse electrotherapy. The rats in the treatment group were treated with inner- heating acupuncture, 30 min each treatment, once a day, five days per week, and totally 3-week treatment was given. After 3 weeks, the damaged cartilage tissue was collected, and HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the cartilage tissue of the knee joint. ELISA was used to detect the content of cytochrome-C in the tissue homogenate supernatant. The chondrocytes in damaged cartilage tissue were isolated, flow cytometer was used to detect the changes of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential. The mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in chondrocytes were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the damage of cartilage tissue in the model group was significant, and the expression level of Cyt-C in the homogenate supernatant of damaged cartilage tissue was increased (<0.01); the chondrocyte apoptosis was increased significantly (<0.01); the chondrocyte mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased significantly (<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 was increased significantly (all <0.01). Compared with the model group, the cartilage injury in the control treatment group and the treatment group was significantly relieved; the expression level of Cyt-C in the supernatant of damaged cartilage tissue homogenate was decreased (both <0.01); the chondrocyte apoptosis was significantly reduced (both <0.01); the chondrocyte mitochondrial membrane potential was increased significantly (both <0.01). Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 was significantly reduced (all <0.01). Compared with the control treatment group, the treatment group was more effective in the treatment of KOA. CONCLUSION The inner-heating acupuncture could significantly improve the pathological changes of KOA rats, inhibit the apoptosis of chondrocytes, which may be closely related to the suppression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expression.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cartilage, Articular ; Caspase 3 ; Caspase 9 ; Chondrocytes ; Heating ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; Rats

Ethylene regulates sex expression in cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.). ACC synthase is a key factor during the ethylene biosynthesis. Pairs of PCR primers were synthesized corresponding to the conserved sequences of ACC synthase gene family. The 1 188 bp DNA fragment of ACC synthase gene (CS-ACS2) was amplified from genomic DNA of 8 different sexual phenotypes of cucumber respectively (GenBank accession number is DQ115884～DQ115886 and DQ115875～DQ115879). 8 SNPs have been identified by sequences analysis between 3 monoecious lines and 5 subgynoecious lines and gynoecious lines, which including 4 A←→G and 4 T←→C transition. Of these 8 SNPs, one locus is in intron and 7 loci in exons. Of the 7 SNPs located in exons, 3 SNPs are non-coding SNPs and 4 SNPs are coding SNPs (cSNPs) of which 3 induced changes of encoding amino acid of ACC synthase. The results of SNPs from subgynoecious lines and gynoecious lines suggest that single nucleotide mutation events of CS-ACS2 might be correlated with the development of subgynoecious lines and gynoecious lines in cucumber. Furthermore, CAPS marker C-MT705 was developed for identifying elite subgynoecious cultivar MT-705, which could be valuable in cucumber breeding. Besides, the SNPs and CAPS markers obtained in the study enriched molecular markers of cucumber.

Objective To analyze the effects of post-stroke depression on sleep quality and cognitive dysfunction, and to provide evidence for the intervention of post-stroke depression. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 712 patients with stroke in Shiyan region from October 2018 to October 2020. According to the occurrence of post-stroke depression, they were divided into experimental group (post-stroke depression, n=294) and control group (non-post-stroke depression, n=418). The experimental group was divided into mild group (n=89), moderate group (n=128) and severe group (n=77) according to the HAMD score. PSQI score and MOCA score were compared between the two groups. The Pearson correlation analysis of HAMD score with sleep quality and cognitive dysfunction was analyzed. Results THE PSQI score of the experimental group was significantly higher (t =40.961, P<0.05). The MOCA score of the experimental group was significantly lower (t =27.525, P<0.05). PSQI score in mild group was significantly lower than that in moderate and severe groups (t1 =19.988, t2 =22.634, P<0.05). The PSQI score of moderate group was significantly lower (t3 =7.157, P<0.05). MOCA evaluation in mild group was significantly higher than that in moderate and severe groups (t1 =8.180, t2 =14.568, P<0.05). The MOCA rating of moderate group was significantly higher than that of severe group (t3 =7.947, P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that post-stroke depression was significantly positively correlated with PSQI score (r=0.713 , P<0.05). Poststroke depression was negatively correlated with MOCA score (r = -0.691, P<0.05). Conclusion The patients with poststroke depression are often accompanied by sleep disorder and cognitive dysfunction. The higher the HAMD score, the more serious the sleep disorder and cognitive dysfunction.

CYP2E1 enzyme encoded by cyp2e1 gene plays an important role in metabolism of heterogeneous organics in mammalian liver cells. The transgenic plant with cyp2e1 can metabolize various low molecular weight organic pollutants. However, it is unclear the mechanism of expression control of cyp2e1 in transgenic plant. In this study, plasmid pSLD50-6 with cyp2e1 and pKH200 with gus as control were transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 separately. Then, the cyp2e1 or gus genes were transferred into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and the transgenic plants were regenerated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens method. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the cyp2e1 gene expression. The expression of cyp2e1 in transgenic tobacco with cyp2e1 decreased obviously treated by ethyl alcohol and reduced slightly by benzene and toluene, while it enhanced by acetone, formaldehyde and oxygen deficit in different levels. In addition, the gene expression of NADPH-P450 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b5 enzyme in the transgenic tobacco with cyp2e1 were increased significantly treated by benzene, which showed that NADPH-P450 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b5 enzyme in transgenic tobacco have relation with CYP2E1 detoxication process. It suggested that the NADPH-P450 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b5 enzyme in transgenic plant formed the requirement in mammalian and participated in the electron transport chain of CYP2E1 enzyme catalytic process.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens ; genetics ; Animals ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; genetics ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; Soil Pollutants ; isolation & purification ; Tobacco ; enzymology ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cellular compatibility of combined deproteinized bone(DPB) coated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and to observe the adherent effect of osteoblasts in response to HGF. METHODS: Osteoblasts were isolated from fetal rabbits. Osteoblasts were cultured with DPB coated with HGF and deproteinized bone as experimental group and contral group, respectively. The proliferation and alkalinephosphatase activity were tested. Their growth was examined by inverted phase contrast microscope and scanning electronmicroscope. RESULTS: The osteoblasts were attached to the outside and inside surfaces and grew well. HGF/DPB could stimulate the alkalinephosphatase activity of the osteoblasts and improve the proliferation of the osteoblasts. CONCLUSION HGF/DPB has good biocompatibility and bone induction. HGF could improve the adherent effect of DPB on osteoblasts, and it could be used as scaffold material for the bone tissue engineering.
Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; pharmacology ; Bone Substitutes ; metabolism ; Bone and Bones ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Fetus ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; Osteogenesis ; Pregnancy ; Rabbits ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds

BACKGROUND: Sweat secreted by eccrine sweat glands is transported to the skin surface through the lumen. The eccrine sweat gland develops from the initial solid bud to the final gland structure with a lumen, but how the lumen is formed and the mechanism of lumen formation have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lumen formation of eccrine gland organoids (EGOs). METHODS: Human eccrine sweat glands were isolated from the skin for tissue culture, and the primary cultured cells were collected and cultured in Matrigel for 14 days in vitro. EGOs at different development days were collected for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to observe morphological changes and for immunofluorescence staining of proliferation marker Ki67, cellular motility marker filamentous actin (F-actin), and autophagy marker LC3B. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Ki67, F-actin, and LC3B. Moreover, apoptosis was detected using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay kit, and the expression of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and Caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. In addition, 3-methyladenine (3MA) was used as an autophagy inhibitor to detect whether the formation of sweat glands can be effectively inhibited. RESULTS: The results showed that a single gland cell proliferated rapidly and formed EGOs on day 4. The earliest lumen formation was observed on day 6. From day 8 to day 14, the rate of lumen formation in EGOs increased significantly. The immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses showed that the expression of Ki67 gradually decreased with the increase in days, while the F-actin expression level did not change. Notably, the expression of autophagy marker LC3B was detected in the interior cells of EGOs as the apoptosis signal of EGOs was negative. Compared with the control group, the autophagy inhibitor 3MA can effectively limit the formation rate of the lumen and reduce the inner diameter of EGOs. CONCLUSION Using our model of eccrine gland 3D-reconstruction in Matrigel, we determined that autophagy rather than apoptosis plays a role in the lumen formation of EGOs.
Apoptosis ; Autophagy ; Eccrine Glands ; Epithelial Cells ; Humans ; Organoids

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the expression levels of JARID1B,Hes1 and MMP-9 genes and the stages of chronic myelogenous leukemia(CML) and the curative effect of imatinib mesylate (IM). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of 15 cases of CML in chronic phase and 10 cases of CML in progressive phase were collected from the Hematology Department of Taihe Hospital affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine and 15 cases of healthy people in the Physical Examination Center. CML patients were divided into effective group and ineffective group based on the efficacy after treatment with IM, then real-time PCR was used to detect the expression levels of JARID1B, Hes1 and MMP-9 mRNA, finally, the differences in the level of gene expression and their correlations with CML stages and IM curative efficacy were analysed. RESULTS: The expression levels of Hes1 and MMP-9 in initially diagnosed patients in chronic and progressive phase without IM treatment were significantly higher than those of health people（P＜0.05）. There was no significant difference in the expression level of JARID1B between chronic phase patients and health people（P＞0.05）, but the expression level of JARID1B in the progressive phase patients was higher than that of health people （P＜0.05）. The expression levels of JARID1B and Hes1 in the IM-effective group were not significantly different from those in the IM-ineffective group (P=0.85,P=0.82）, while the expression level of MMP-9 in the IM-effective group [JP2]was significantly lower than that in the IM-ineffective group（P＜0.05）. CONCLUSION The expression levels of JARID1B Hes1 and MMP-9 relate with the different phase of CML; The expression levels of JARID1B and Hes1 have not significant relationship with IM curative efficacy, the MMP-9 gene expression level relates with IM curative efficacy.
Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; therapeutic use ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; drug therapy ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Nuclear Proteins ; Repressor Proteins ; Transcription Factor HES-1

Objective: To investigate the efficiency and safety of domestic tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) dasatinib (Yinishu) as second-line treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP). Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data of CML-CP patients who received domestic dasatinib as second-line treatment in the CML collaborative group hospitals of Hubei province from March 2016 to July 2018 was performed. The optimal response rate, the cumulative complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), the cumulative major molecular responses (MMR), progression free survival (PFS), event free survival (EFS) and adverse effects (AEs) of the patients were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results: A total of 83 CML-CP patients were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up time was 23 months. The optimal response rates at 3, 6 and 12 months in 83 CML-CP patients treated with dasatinib were 77.5% (54/71), 72.6% (61/75) and 60.7% (51/69), respectively. By the end of follow-up, the cumulative CCyR and MMR rates were 65.5% (55/80) and 57.1% (48/73), respectively. The median time to achieving CCyR and MMR was 3 months. During follow-up time, the PFS rate was 94.0% (79/83) and the EFS rate was 77.4% (65/83). The most common non-hematological AEs of dasatinib were edema (32.5%), rash itching (18.1%) and fatigue (13.3%). The common hematological AEs of dasatinib were thrombocytopenia (31.3%), leukopenia (19.3%) and anemia (6.0%). Conclusion Domestic dasatinib was effective and safe as the second-line treatment of CML-CP patients and it can be used as an option for CML-CP patients.

Objective: To investigate the efficiency and safety of domestic tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) dasatinib (Yinishu) as second-line treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP). Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data of CML-CP patients who received domestic dasatinib as second-line treatment in the CML collaborative group hospitals of Hubei province from March 2016 to July 2018 was performed. The optimal response rate, the cumulative complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), the cumulative major molecular responses (MMR), progression free survival (PFS), event free survival (EFS) and adverse effects (AEs) of the patients were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results: A total of 83 CML-CP patients were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up time was 23 months. The optimal response rates at 3, 6 and 12 months in 83 CML-CP patients treated with dasatinib were 77.5% (54/71), 72.6% (61/75) and 60.7% (51/69), respectively. By the end of follow-up, the cumulative CCyR and MMR rates were 65.5% (55/80) and 57.1% (48/73), respectively. The median time to achieving CCyR and MMR was 3 months. During follow-up time, the PFS rate was 94.0% (79/83) and the EFS rate was 77.4% (65/83). The most common non-hematological AEs of dasatinib were edema (32.5%), rash itching (18.1%) and fatigue (13.3%). The common hematological AEs of dasatinib were thrombocytopenia (31.3%), leukopenia (19.3%) and anemia (6.0%). Conclusion: Domestic dasatinib was effective and safe as the second-line treatment of CML-CP patients and it can be used as an option for CML-CP patients.
Antineoplastic Agents ; Dasatinib/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy* ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Dasatinib/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase/drug therapy* ; Prognosis ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; Treatment Outcome