Adolescent ; Cardiomyopathies ; complications ; genetics ; Female ; Heart Ventricles ; abnormalities ; Humans ; Pedigree ; Sick Sinus Syndrome ; complications ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced MAPK p42 silencing on the survival of HeLa cells.

METHODSTwo siRNAs targeting at the MAPK p42 gene and one random siRNA were synthesized respectively by Silencer siRNA Construction Kit and transfected into HeLa cells by Lipofectamin 2000. The expression of p42(MAPK) in the transfected HeLa cells was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and the morphology of cells were observed with electron microscope. TUNEL assay and Annexin V/PI staining were employed for detecting the cell apoptosis.

RESULTSThe expression of p42(MAPK) in the HeLa cells was remarkably suppressed after transfection with the two siRNAs, reduced by about 2.5 and 3.2 folds respectively in comparison with the negative control. Chromatin margination in the cell nuclei were observed in the transfected cells, and TUNEL assay and Annexin V/PI staining further confirmed the occurrence of cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONIn vitro MAPK p42 siRNA-1 and siRNA-2 transfection can specifically silence the gene expression and induce apoptosis of HeLa cells.

Apoptosis ; physiology ; Gene Silencing ; physiology ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo screen for siRNAs that inhibit the expression of p42(MAPK) in HeLa cell line.

METHODSThree p42(MAPK) siRNAs and one random siRNA were synthesized using Silencer siRNA Construction Kit, and labeled with Cy-3 for measurement of transfection effect. SiRNAs were transfected into HeLa cells by Lipofectamin 2000. The expression of p42(MAPK) was analyzed by Western blot. The biological effect of siRNAs on HeLa cell growth was monitored by MTT and flow cytometry.

RESULTSTwo siRNAs (siRNA-2 and siRNA-3) among three tested were identified to be able to downregulate the p42(MAPK) expression. A concurrent growth retardation of HeLa cell line was observed in comparison with the control.

CONCLUSIONInhibition of p42(MAPK) expression with siRNA technique can inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells.

Cell Cycle ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Flow Cytometry ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

This study was aimed to explore the effect of BCL11A gene on transcription of γ-globin gene in K562 cells. B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) gene was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression vectors in K562 cells (human erythroblastic leukemia cell line). Gamma-globin mRNA level in K562 cells was determined by RT-PCR. Association between the BCL11A gene and γ-globin gene transcription was explored by comparison of mRNA levels. The results indicated that the silence rate of the BCL11A gene in K562 cells by 4 siRNA expression vectors was 49.7%, 55.4%, 78.2%, and 84.1%, respectively. The siRNA expression vector with 84.1% silence rate was transfected into K562 cells, transcription level of γ-globin mRNA in K562 cells transfected with siRNA expression vector increased 2.4 times as compared with control K562 cells. It is concluded that level of γ-globin mRNA increases when the BCL11A gene is silenced. It indicates that the BCL11A gene may be a negative regulator for γ-globin gene expression.
Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Genes, Regulator ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transcription, Genetic ; Transfection ; gamma-Globins ; genetics

To investigate the possible mechanism of apoptosis induced by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) combined with horseradish peroxidase in leukemia cell line K562, cell proliferation and apoptosis of K562 cell were examined by MTT assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), respectively; the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the quantitative change of MDA were measured by biochemical method; changes of free radical were determined by 2, 7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe with confocal microscopy. The results showed that of MTT assay and TUNEL indicated that IAA/HRP could significantly inhibit cell proliferation (P < 0.05) and induce apoptosis of K562 cell (P < 0.01), at the same time a positive correlation was found between apoptosis rate and IAA concentration (r = 0.971, P < 0.01). The activity of SOD and the quantitative of MDA increased, accompanied with a rise in IAA concentration. Results detected by DCFH-DA probe indicated that the fluorescence intensity of intracellular free radical increased, as compared with control, and a positive correlation was found. It is concluded that IAA/HRP can inhibit proliferation of K562 cells and induce K562 cell apoptosis, its mechanism may be related with the increase of intracellular free radical due to the effects of IAA/HRP.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Synergism ; Horseradish Peroxidase ; pharmacology ; Humans ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Indoleacetic Acids ; pharmacology ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; metabolism ; pathology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Time Factors

Objective To provide the theoretical basis for the application of cortical somatosensory evoked potential (CSEP) in monitoring the function of the spinal cord to prevent postoperative neurological dysfunction. Methods Thirty-three New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups: 8 were chosen as control group to eliminate the influence of anesthesia and surgery on the evoked potential; the other 25 were assigned to 5 sub-experimental groups (n=5) according to the artery number being ligatured in the left renal arteries and the spinal arteries. Baseline evoked potential in each group was noted immediately after anesthesia; the CSEP were recorded at different time points (before vascular ligation, 30 min and 2 d after vascular ligation). Motor functions were assessed after narcotic conscious and 2 d after vascular ligation. The specimens were taken for HE staining. Results The latency was not sensitive to spinal cord ischemia and no significant difference of that was found between the experimental groups and the control group (P>0.05); except that, the changes of theamplitudes were very complex and the specificity of motor function was decreased. The amplitude reduced and then gradually restored in the 2, 3 and 4 levels of ligation. The changes of amplitude could indicate the degree of pathological damage in the spinal cord and its motor function. Conclusion Complex amplitude of somatosensory evoked potential can be found in the acute phase of ischemia in the spinal cord. Specificity of motor function is poor resulting from its signal averaging process. Motor evoked potential monitoring in the operation should also be added in the detection of the spinal cord.

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism of hepatic carcinoma cell apoptosis induced by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) P65 silencing.

METHODSHepatic carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells were exposed to liposome-mediated transfection with NF-kappaB P65 siRNA synthesized by in vitro transcription, and the cells with empty liposome transfection and those without particular treatment served as the control groups. The expression of NF-kappaB P65 in the cells was detected by Western blotting, the cell viability examined by MTT assay, and the cell apoptosis assessed by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax.

RESULTSsiRNA transfection significantly inhibited the expression of NF-kappaB P65 in SMMC-7721cells, with inhibition rates of 64.74% compared with the untreated cells and of 34.52% compared with the liposome-treated cells. The siRNA-treated SMMC-7721 cells also exhibited significant decrease in cell proliferation by 33.39% and 27.23% in comparison with the untreated and liposome-treated cells, respectively. NF-kappaB P65 siRNA induced obvious cell apoptosis with down-regulated Bcl-2 and up-regulated Bax expressions.

CONCLUSIONNF-kappaB p65 siRNA can induce SMMC-7721 cell apoptosis via the Bcl-2/Bax pathway.

Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Liposomes ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; pharmacology ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism ; Transfection ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between methylation of cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) promoter and clinicopathological features in colorectal cancer.

METHODSBisulfate sequencing PCR, real-time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the methylation of CpG island in CBS promoter of 95 sporadic colorectal cancers. Software SPSS PASW Statistics was used to analyze the data of the hypermethylation levels in the malignant tissues and the correlation with pathological parameters and clinical outcome.

RESULTSMethylation levels in tumor tissue of patients [(64.9 ± 14.3)%]with colorectal cancer were significantly higher than that in normal tissues[(27.5 ± 13.1)%, P < 0.001]. The CBS mRNA levels in the hypomethylation group (7.22 ± 1.91) were significantly higher than that in the hypermethylation group (2.78 ± 1.12, P < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that age, pT stage, pN stage, liver metastases, pTNM stage, and CBS hypermethylation level significantly correlated with the survival and recurrence rates of colorectal cancer patients (All P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that CBS hypermethylation level and liver metastasis were independent factors significantly correlated with the recurrence rate and overall survival of the patients (All P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSOur study indicates that methylation of CpG island in CBS promoter is correlated with the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer and plays a role in its tumorigenesis. It might serve as a useful marker for early diagnosis, targeted therapy and prediction of prognosis in colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; CpG Islands ; genetics ; Cystathionine beta-Synthase ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Grading ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the pathomorphology of the sciatic nerve and the role of P2X3 receptors in EA analgesia.

METHODSThe chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was adopted in this study. A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham CCI, CCI, CCI plus contralateral EA (CCI + conEA) and CCI plus ipsilateral EA (CCI + ipsEA). Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured. EA began at day 7 after the CCI operation and was applied to the Zusanli (ST 36) and Yanglingquan acupoints (GB 34). At day 14, the pathomorphologic changes of the operated sciatic nerve were demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from rats were examined by electrophysiological recording to determine if the P2X3 receptor agonists, adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium (ATP) and α,β-methylen-ATP (α,β-meATP) evoked inward currents.

RESULTSPain thresholds in the CCI group were obviously decreased post CCI surgery (P<0.01). In the EA groups, thermal and mechanical threshold values were increased after the last EA treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in light microscopic examination among the four groups (P>0.05). Current amplitude after application of ATP and α,β-meATP in DRG neurons were much larger in the CCI group compared to those obtained in sham CCI (P<0.05). ATP and α, β-meATP invoked amplitudes in the CCI + EA groups were reduced. There was no signififi cant difference between the CCI + conEA group and the CCI + ipsEA group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONEA analgesia may be mediated by decreasing the response of P2X3 receptors to the agonists ATP and α,β-meATP in the DRG of rats with CCI. No pathological changes of the sciatic nerve of rats were observed after EA treatment.

Adenosine Triphosphate ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Electroacupuncture ; Ganglia, Spinal ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hyperalgesia ; pathology ; Ion Channel Gating ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reaction Time ; drug effects ; Receptors, Purinergic P2X3 ; metabolism ; Sciatic Nerve ; injuries ; metabolism ; pathology ; Staining and Labeling

Objective To explore the distribution and disease characteristics of influenza virus A in severe pneumonia cases in Nanchang city, so as to provide evidence for clinical prevention and treatment of severe pneumonia cases. Methods The respiratory samples and clinical case data of severe pneumonia cases were collected and the etiology and epidemiology were analyzed in Nanchang from April 2013 to March 2018. Results From April 2013 to March 2018, 261 case patients of severe pneumonia from 17 medical institutions in Nanchang were enrolled. 77 cases was detected as positive for influenza A virus nucleic acid, accounting for 29.50% of the total cases, as follow: 39 cases of A (H1N1pdm) influenza, 13 A (H3), 16 H7N9 and 3 H10N8 avian influenza. Cases were mainly concentrated in winter and spring (from December to May of next year, with median age 48 of years, including 48 males and 31 females. 21 cases of human infection with H7N9/H10N8 avian influenza were reported in Nanchang during 5 years, with the fatality rate of 33.33%. 90.48% (19/21) cases were detected by unexplained pneumonia surveillance system. The median age was 69 years, most of them had underlying diseases and a clear history of poultry contact. Conclusions Nearly 30% of the severe pneumonia cases in Nanchang city were infected with influenza A virus, among which influenza A (H1N1pdm) virus was the main epidemic strain. All deaths were caused by avian influenza virus infection.