Objective To explore the anti-apoptotic mechanism of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) through exam?ine the postoperative change of adiponectin levels and expressions of pancreatic islets relative apoptotic protein. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly allocated to RYGB group (n=20), type 2 diabetes mellitus group (T2DM, n=20) and normal con?trol group (NC, n=20). Rats in the NC group were fed with normal diet. In order to make type 2 diabetic rat models, the rats in the T2DM and RYGB groups were fed with high fat diet (22.19 kJ/g) combined with administration of intraperitoneal strep?tozotocin injection (STZ, 30 mg/kg) on the 13th day of high fat diet. RYGB operation were performed in RYGB group and sham-operation were performed in the T2DM and NC groups when diabetic model was contructed. Rats were weight preoper?atively and at the 7th, 14th, 21st days after operations. Fasting plasma glucose and adiponectin (ELISA) were measured preoper?atively and at 21st day postoperatively. Protein expressions of Bcl-2,Caspase 8 and Caspase 9 in pancreatic islets were ex?amined by immunohistochemistry at the 21st day postoperatively. Results Body weights do not vary significantly among three groups preoperatively. Compared to rats in the NC group, fast plasma glucose level was higher but adiponectin was low?er in rats in RYGB and T2DM groups. Body weights of rats in RYGB group decreased significantly compared to those of rats in NC and T2DM groups postoperatively. Compared to rats in T2DM group, fasting glucose level was lower while adiponectin concentrations was higher in rats in RYGB group but no differences of these parameters were seen in rats in NC group at the 21st day postoperatively. Expression of Bcl-2 in RYGB group was significantly elevated while expressions of Caspase 8 and Caspase 9 were significantly decreased compared to those in T2DM group postoperatively. Conclusion Adiponectin levelswas elevated;expressions of Bcl-2 was increased;expressions of Caspase 8, Caspase 9 were decreased upon RYGB opera?tion in T2DM model. RYGB might reduce pancreatic islets apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms that mediate the anti-inflammatory activity of Eurycoma longifolia. METHODS: Kunming mouse models of xylene-induced ear swelling and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute pneumonia were used to compare the anti- inflammatory activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Eurycoma longifolia. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to identify the chemical composition in the ethanol extract of Eurycoma longifolia, based on which the potential antiinflammatory targets of Eurycoma longifolia were screened using the databases including SwissADME, SwissTargetPrediction, and Genecards. The String database was used to generate the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and Cytoscape was used for network topology analysis and screening the core targets. The enrichment of the core targets was analyzed using Metascape database, the core components and targets were docked with Autodock software, and the docking results were visualized using Pymol software. In a RAW264.7 cell model of LPS-induced inflammation, the Griess reagent was used to measure NO level, and Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of MAPK1, JAK2, and STAT3 proteins to verify the anti- inflammatory mechanism of Eurycoma longifolia. RESULTS: The ethanol extract (75%) of Eurycoma longifolia (ELE) was the active site, which contained a total of 37 chemical components. These chemical compounds and diseases had 541 targets, involving the JAK/STAT3, cAMP and other signaling pathways. Twelve indicator components were identified, which all showed good results of molecular docking with two core targets involved in the signaling pathways. In the cell validation experiment, treatment of the cells with low-, medium-, and high-dose ELE significantly reduced NO release in the cells, and ELE at the medium dose significantly decreased the cellular expressions of JAK2 and STAT3. CONCLUSION The anti-inflammatory activity of Eurycoma longifolia is attributed primarily to its active ingredients bitter lignin and alkaloids, which may regulate the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway by targeting JAK2 and STAT3.
Animals ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology ; Eurycoma ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Ethanol ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on cardiac insufficiency in diabetic rats and explore the underlying mechanism. METHOD: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomized equally into normal control group, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) group fed on a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 6 weeks with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection, metformin (MET) group with daily intragastric administration of MET (150 mg/kg) for 8 weeks after T2DM modeling, and dihydromyricetin (DHM) group with daily intragastric administration of DHM (250 mg/kg) for 8 weeks after modeling. The levels of fasting blood glucose, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of the rats were measured, and plasma levels of insulin and high mobility group protein-1 (HMGB1) were detected with ELISA. The cardiac function of the rats was assessed using color echocardiography, ECG was measured using a biological signal acquisition system, and myocardial pathology was observed with HE staining. The protein expressions of HMGB1, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the myocardial tissue were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the rats in T2DM group showed significant anomalies in cardiac function after modeling with significantly increased plasma HMGB1 level and expressions of HMGB1, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 proteins in the myocardial tissue (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Treatment with DHM significantly improved the indexes of cardiac function of the diabetic rats (P < 0.05 or 0.01), decreased plasma HMGB1 level and down-regulated the protein expressions of HMGB1 and p-NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P < 0.05 or 0.01). CONCLUSION DHM treatment can improve cardiac function in diabetic rats possibly by down-regulation of HMGB1 and phospho-NF-κB p65 expressions in the myocardium.
Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Flavonols ; HMGB1 Protein ; Heart Failure ; Male ; Metformin/therapeutic use* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To establish radiation?resistant lung carcinoma cell lines, and to investigate the changes in morphology, apoptosis, invasive migration, and epithelial?mesenchymal transition ( EMT) in cells. Methods The radiation?resistant lung carcinoma cell lines were obtained by exposure of lung carcinoma cell lines, A549 and H1299, to radiation with a low dose in fractions, a sublethal dose, or a gradually increasing dose. The morphological changes in cells, radiosensitivity, survival rates after exposure, apoptosis rates, changes in invasive migration, and expression of EMT marker proteins were evaluated using microscopy, colony formation assay, CCK?8 assay, flow cytometry, transwell migration assay, and Western blot, respectively. Results Radiation with a gradually increasing dose successfully induced the radiation?resistant cell lines, A549R and H1299R. The morphological study showed that the morphology of radiation?resistant cells was converted to the morphology of mesenchymal cells. Compared with A549 and H1299 cells, the values of D0 , Dq , and SF2 were significantly increased in A549R ( P=0.017,P=0.001,P=0.000) and H1299R (P=0.033,P=0.000,P=0.008) cells, respectively;the values of α and α/β were significantly reduced in A549R (P=0.018;P=0.007) and H1299R (P=0.001;P=0.009) cells, respectively. The survival rates in A549R and H1299R cells after exposure to radiation with various doses were significantly higher than those in the control groups (all P<0.05). After exposure, the apoptosis rates were significantly reduced in A549R and H1299R cells ( P=0.02,P=0.01);the invasion and migration rates were significantly increased in A549R (P=0.000;P=0.001) and H1299R (P=0.001,P=0.002) cells;the expression of E?cadherin was significantly down?regulated in A549R and H1299R cells (P=0.00,P=0.01), while the expression of vimentin was significantly elevated in A549R and H1299R cells ( P= 0. 02, P= 0. 01 ) . Conclusions The radiation?resistant lung carcinoma cell lines are successfully established. Both cell lines show enhanced invasion and migration, which may be associated with EMT.

Objective To observe the expression of matrix gla protein(MGP) mRNA in primary osteoblasts of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat in vitro after treatment with anti-osteoporosis agents [vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate],and to investigate the potential role of MGP in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.Methods Primary osteoblasts(OBs) were derived from sequential trypsin/collagenase-digested calvaria isolated from newborn SD rat (postnastal day 1-3).OBs of the second generation were identified by Van Gieson collagen staining,alkaline phosphatase(ALP) staining and calcified nodules staining.OBs of the fourth generation were selected to interfere with vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate,then cultured for 24 h in mediums which contained various concentrations of vitamin K2 (10-7,10-6,and 10-5 mol/L),PTH (10-9,10-8,and 10-7 mol/L),1,25 (OH) 2D3(10-10,10-9,and 10-8mol/L),alendronate(10-6,10-5,and 10-4mol/L).After being cultured for 24 h,total RNA was extracted and examined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR.Results The primary cultured cells had typical morphological characters of osteoblast.van Gieson collagen staining,ALP staining,and calcified nodules staining were all positive.Vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate could modulate the expression of MGP mRNA in osteoblasts in a dose-dependent fashion.MGP mRNA expressions were 2.56-fold,2.12-fold,and 1.57-fold with 10-5,10-6,and 10-7 mol/L of vitamin K2 treatment,respectively.The expressions were 6.78-fold,5.31-fold,and 2.23-fold with 10-7,10-8,and 10-9mol/L of PTH(1-34) treatment,8.93-fold,6.95-fold,and 3.47-fold with 10-8 10-9,and 10-10mol/L of 1,25 (OH)2D3 treatment,and 3.47-fold,2.49-fold,and 1.98-fold with 10-4,10-5,and 10-6mol/L of alendronate treatment.Conclusion Vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate all canregulate MGP mRNA expression in calvarial osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner.MGP seems to be a potent target of anti-osteoporosis agents,and involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of parathyroid hormone on expression of matrix GLA protein (MGP) in ovariectomized SD rats and primary osteoblast,and to study the role of MGP on the possible mechanism of postmenopausal osteoporosis.MethodsThirty-six Sprague-Dawley female rats were allocated into 3 groups,12 in each:sham operation group,ovariectomized group( OVX group),ovariectomized and parathyroid hormone treatment group.Animals in the parathyroid hormone group were injected parathyroid hormone (20 μg/kg,three times a week for 12 weeks) three weeks after ovariectomy.All rats were sacrificed after 18 weeks.Urine and serum were collected every three weeks.Lumbar vertebral bones were observed by immunohistochemistry.Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebra of rats was determined.The content of MGP in serum and urine was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Expression of undercarboxylated Matrix GLA Protein (ucMGP) was detected by immunochistochemistry.Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra bone was detected by Fluorescent real-time quantitative polymerause chain reaction.Results ( 1 ) 18 weeks after ovariectomy,BMD of lumbar vertebra in OVX group was lower than those in sham group and parathyroid hormone group significantly ( P＜0.05 ).(2) The content of MGP in serum and urine was dynamic variation after treatment hy parathyroid hormone,and it was significant compared with OVX group ( P＜0.05 ).( 3 ) Immunohistochemical localization of ucMGP was seen in lumbar vertebra in OVX group.(4) Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra in OVX group was increased significantly compared with other groups ( P＜0.01 ).( 5 ) parathyroid hormone ( 1-34 ) in 10-7mol/L,10-8mol/L,10-9 mol/L up-regulated MGP mRNA expression in primary osteoblasts about 6.78,5.31,and 2.23 times than control respectively.It was in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionThe effect of parathyroid hormone on the expression of matrix gla protein may play an important role in mechanism of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Objective To compare the knee function in patients with intraoperative medial collateral ligament(MCL)injury treated with or with?out increased prosthetic constraint. Methods The records of 19 cases who encountered with iatrogenic injury to the MCL during total knee arthro?plasty(TKA)between January 2005 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients(LCCK group)were treated with increased prosthetic constraint;the remaining 11 patients(LPS group)received increased prosthetic constraint between January 2005 and December 2010 served as controls. The MCL was repaired after TKA. The complications were observed after operation. Knee society scores(KSS)subjective knee scores were used to assess the knee function. No patient was lost for follow?up. The mean follow?up was 5 years. Results Until last follow?up(60 months),The KSS subjective score was 87.4 for LCCK group compared with 93.3 for the LPS group. No revisions for knee instability were per?formed in the 11 patients treated with non?prosthetic constraint;however,2 patients treated with increased prosthetic constraint were revised due to joint loosening. Conclusion The MCL tear should be repaired during TKA;the type of the prosthesis should not be increased when MCL injury is recognized during TKA.

Objective To determine the affinities of five oligopeptides specifically binding with DNA binding domain of NF-?B p65 subunit and identify their inhibiting effect on DNA binding activity of NF-?B. Methods By using biosensor the affinities were measured by means of kinetic analysis, and the inhibiting effects were determined by competitive ELISA. Results The results of biosensor showed that all of five oligopeptides really possessed the capability of specific interacting with NF-?B p65 subunit. The affinity constants of these oligopeptides were 2.67?10~ -7 mol/L, 9.02?10~ -6 mol/L, 1.07?10~ -6 mol/L, 8.03?10~ -6 mol/L, 9.83?10~ -7 mol/L respectively. The results of competitive ELISA indicated that five oligopeptides could inhibit NF-?B from binding with ?B motif, and their inhibiting effect depended on their concentration. Conclusion Five oligopeptides that were screened by yeast two-hybrid system method can really interact with p65, and possess the inhibiting effect on DNA binding activity of NF-?B. So it will be possible that these oligopeptides are regarded as model to design and develop novel anti-inflammatory peptide drug targeting NF-?B.

Objective To investigate the effect of liver kinase B1(LKB1) on the radiosensitivity of subcutaneous xenograft tumor of lung cancer H460 cells in nude mice.Methods Human lung cancer H460 cells were implanted into female nude mice (BALB/c-nu) to establish a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of lung cancer.A total of 24 female nude mice in which the model was successfully established were equally and randomly divided into four groups:pEGFP-Ctrl plasmid (empty vector plasmid) group, irradiation (IR)+pEGFP-Ctrl plasmid group, pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid (overexpressing LKB1) group, and IR+pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid group.The growth of xenograft tumors was observed and the tumor inhibition rate and enhancement factor (EF) were calculated.The expression of LKB1 in each group was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot to analyze the relationship between LKB1 and radiosensitivity.Results Compared with the pEGFP-Ctrl plasmid group, the IR+pEGFP-Ctrl plasmid group, pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid group, and IR+pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid group showed varying degrees of inhibition of tumor growth, particularly in the IR+pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid group, and the tumor inhibition rates were 31.30%, 14.78%, and 43.48%, respectively.The EF of LKB1 in the IR+pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid group was 1.18.The immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that LKB1 could be effectively expressed in the pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid group and IR+pEGFP-LKB1 plasmid group, but not in the other two groups.Conclusions The subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of human lung cancer H460 cells has been successfully established in nude mice.LKB1 has a radiosensitizing effect on the subcutaneous xenograft tumor of lung cancer H460 cells in nude mice.

Objective: To investigate clinicopathologic features and prognosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) involving external auditory meatus. Methods: The clinical presentation and follow-up data of 63 patients with ACC of external auditory canal were collected from January 2006 to February 2017 at PLA General Hospital and Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital. The clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of external auditory canal ACC were analyzed. Results: (1) There were 28 males and 35 females and the average age of the first diagnosis was 48.9 years (22-81 years). The tumors showed cribriform pattern in 35 cases (15 cases of late stage), tubular pattern in 14 cases (8 cases of late stage), and solid pattern in 14 cases (9 cases of late stage). Cases with solid pattern was relatively more frequent than that of cribriform pattern and tubular pattern, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). (2) The average follow-up time was 62.4 months (2-228 months) in the 57 available cases. Among the 33 cases with recurrence, 18 cases had local recurrence and 15 cases had distant metastasis. The mean recurrence time was 40.6 months (2-204 months). Nine patients died of ACC: 2 cases in early stage (died at 48 and 102 months after the first treatment), 7 cases in late stage and 57 with (died at 9, 30, 32, 60, 72, 94 and 228 months). (3) Among the 37 patients with perineural invasion, there were 21 cases of cribriform pattern, 4 cases of tubular pattern and 12 cases of solid pattern; the number of cases in early stage and late stage were 15 and 22, respectively; and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, 31 cases had otalgia among the 37 patients with perineural invasion, where differences were not significant (P>0.05). (4) Thirty of 45 cases with tumor resection or partial resection of temporal bone had recurrence, whereas 3 of 12 cases of tumor combined with superficial lobectomy of parotid gland had recurrence. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy was given in 19 cases, including 7 cases of early stage (2 cases of recurrence), and 12 cases of late stage (8 cases of recurrence), among which there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusions ACC occurring in external auditory canal frequently recurs. Superficial parotid lobectomy at the first operation is necessary to prevent tumor recurrence. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy has certain curative effect on patients with early stage tumor, but it does not affect the recurrence rate. Patients at late stage are more prone to perineural invasion than those in early stage. In addition, cribriform and solid patterns are more common that tubular pattern, and there is no significant correlation between perineural invasion and otalgia.