0.05) while that in groups A and C differed from group B ( P

Objective To investigate the effect of estrogen on expression of matrix GLA protein (MGP)in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats and the role of estrogen in improving postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods Thirty-six SD female rats were allocated into 3 groups randomly,every 12 rats in ovariectomized group(OVX group),estrogen group(E group)and control group(sham group).Rats in OVX and E group all underwent bilateral ovariectomy,those rats in E group were given by estradiol benzoate intramuscularly after 3 weeks of ovariectomy.Rats in sham group underwent bilateral lipectomy near the ovary.All rats were kept the urine and the serum every three weeks and were sacrificed after 15 weeks.The pathology changes of uterus,lumbar vertebral bones were observed by immunohistochemistry.Bone mineral density(BMD)of lumbar vertebra of rats was determined by dual energy X ray absorptiometry(DEXA).The content of MGP in serum and urine was determined by ELISA.Expression of underearboxylated matrix GLA Protein(MGP)was detected by immunohistochemistry.Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra bone was detected by Fluorescent real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results(1)After 15 weeks of ovariectomized,the endometrium of uterus and lumbar vertebra exhibit remarkable pathologic changes in OVX group.The serum estrogen of(454±66)pmol/L in OVX group were lower than in(527 ±77)pmol/L in sham group and(556 ±80)pmol/L in E group significantly (P ＜ 0.05).The BMD of lumbar vertebra of(0.263 ± 0.030)g/cm2 in OVX group were lower than (0.295 ±0.024)g/cm2 in sham group and(0.279 ±0.024)g/cm2 in E group significantly(P ＜0.01).(2)The serum MPG protein in OVX group and E group showed decreased trends after ovariectomized,which were(104 ±64)ng/L in OVX group and(134 ±6)ng/L in E group at 9 weeks,which reached statistical difference(P ＜ 0.05).However,MGP in urine in sham group did not exhibit significant difference after 15 weeks of surgery(P ＞0.05).The MGP in urine of E group showed increased trends after 12 weeks of surgery,which reached(110.0 ±3.4)ng/L at 15 weeks,in the mean time,it was found that(86.5 ±2.5)ng/L of MGP in urine in OVX group,which showed significant difference(P ＜ 0.05).(3)MGP could be observed in lumbar vertebra in OVX group by immunochemistry staining.In the other two groups,the expression of MGP was not dominant.(4)Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra was defined as 1 in OVX group,when compared with 0.289 ±0.260 in E group and 0.103 ±0.098 in sham group,the difference showed statistically significant(P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Estrogen could increase the expression of MGP mRNA and protein in ovariectomized rats and might play an important role in improving postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Objective To explore the essence of polycystic ovary syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency,and to investigate the objective standardization of TCM syndrome diagnosis of the disease.Methods Among the 200 PCOS patients,the Chinese medicine syndrome pattern was differentiated as spleen-kidney yangdeficiency type (n=105 )and Non-spleen-kidney yang deficiency type (n=95).To measure and compare their levels ofBMI、WHR、sexual hormones、FINS、2 hINS,and HOMR-IR.Results The levels of BMI (24.4±2.8)、WHR (0.88±0.07)、LH/FSH (2.02±1.06)、E2 (55.84±23.87) pg/ml、HOMR-IR (2.95±1.52)、FINS (15.18±7.64) IU/ml、2hINS ( 59.53 ±40.61 ) IU/ml in the group of spleen-kidney yang deficiency type were obviously higher than those[ (22.2±2.2)、(0.80±0.06)、(3.50± 1.80)、(45.82±21.31) pg/ml、( 1.90± 1.50)、(9.93±6.59) IU/ml、(50.56±41.34) IU/ml respectively] in the group of Non-spleen-kidney yang deficiency type (P＜0.05＝,but T and FSH level showed no significant difference between two groups [FSH the group of spleen-kidney yang deficiency type=(6.46±0.95) IU/L、FSH the group of No-spleen-kidney yang deficiency type=(6.40±1.16) IU/L; T the group of spleen-kidney yang deficiency type=(0.81±0.15) μg/L、T the group of No-spleen-kidney yang deficiency type=(0.72±0.13) μg/L,P＞0.05].Conclusion BMI、WHR、LH/FSH、E2、FINS、2HINS,and HOMR-IR could be used as objective index in identifying the difference in between spleen-kidney yang deficiency type and Non-spleen-kidney yang deficiency type.

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 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 investigate the expressions of Engrailed-2 (EN2) and β-catenin in bladder urothelial carcinoma and explore their significance.

METHODSSixty bladder urothelial carcinoma samples of different grades and stages and 10 normal bladder mucosal tissues were examined for expressions of EN2 and β-catenin proteins and mRNA using immunochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR. RESULTS Compared to normal bladder mucosa, bladder urothelial carcinoma tissues showed significantly increased expressions of EN2 and β-catenin proteins (P<0.05), and the high-grade carcinoma tissues exhibited significantly stronger expressions than the low-grade ones (P<0.05); the expressions of the proteins increased also significantly with advanced pathological stages of bladder urothelial carcinoma (P<0.05). The expressions of EN2 and β-catenin mRNAs showed a consistent pattern of changes with their protein expressions.

CONCLUSIONThe expressions of EN2 and β-catenin are significantly increased in bladder urothelial carcinoma. EN2 may contribute to the development and progression of bladder urothelial carcinoma by activating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Homeodomain Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; metabolism ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the expressions of Engrailed-2 (EN2) and β-catenin in bladder urothelial carcinoma and explore their significance. Methods Sixty bladder urothelial carcinoma samples of different grades and stages and 10 normal bladder mucosal tissues were examined for expressions of EN2 and β-catenin proteins and mRNA using immunochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR. Results Compared to normal bladder mucosa, bladder urothelial carcinoma tissues showed significantly increased expressions of EN2 and β-catenin proteins (P<0.05), and the high-grade carcinoma tissues exhibited significantly stronger expressions than the low-grade ones (P<0.05);the expressions of the proteins increased also significantly with advanced pathological stages of bladder urothelial carcinoma (P<0.05). The expressions of EN2 and β-catenin mRNAs showed a consistent pattern of changes with their protein expressions. Conclusion The expressions of EN2 andβ-catenin are significantly increased in bladder urothelial carcinoma. EN2 may contribute to the development and progression of bladder urothelial carcinoma by activating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

Objective To investigate the expressions of Engrailed-2 (EN2) and β-catenin in bladder urothelial carcinoma and explore their significance. Methods Sixty bladder urothelial carcinoma samples of different grades and stages and 10 normal bladder mucosal tissues were examined for expressions of EN2 and β-catenin proteins and mRNA using immunochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR. Results Compared to normal bladder mucosa, bladder urothelial carcinoma tissues showed significantly increased expressions of EN2 and β-catenin proteins (P<0.05), and the high-grade carcinoma tissues exhibited significantly stronger expressions than the low-grade ones (P<0.05);the expressions of the proteins increased also significantly with advanced pathological stages of bladder urothelial carcinoma (P<0.05). The expressions of EN2 and β-catenin mRNAs showed a consistent pattern of changes with their protein expressions. Conclusion The expressions of EN2 andβ-catenin are significantly increased in bladder urothelial carcinoma. EN2 may contribute to the development and progression of bladder urothelial carcinoma by activating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

Tubular aggregates(TA)are ultrastructural abnormalities in muscle biopsies,which can be detected in muscle biopsy specimens from patients with a variety of hereditary and acquired disorders.A 34-year-old male patient diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)presented with intermittent muscle weakness localized to the proximal extremities of both lower limbs during prolonged oral administration of methylprednisolone,hydroxychloroquine and tacrolimus.Laboratory findings indicated normal creatine kinase levels,and anti-U1-RNP/Sm antibodies were elevated up to 49.45 RU/mL.Electromyography revealed myogenic lesions in the left iliopsoas muscle and muscle pathology demonstrated TA within the muscle fibers.Genetic testing excluded the possibility of hereditary disorders with tubular aggregas.Combined with literature review,the etiology and clinical characteristics of TA were discussed to increase the understanding of the diagnosis of diseases with TA.This case report demonstrates that SLE patients can have fluctuating muscle weakness and TA in muscle pathology.The symptoms of SLE can be partially relieved by adjusting SLE medications.

BackgroundCurrently， the problem of depressed mood in college students is becoming more prominent. The experience of childhood maltreatment is a significant contributor to depression among college students. Although the association between the two has been confirmed， the specific psychosocial mechanisms underlying how childhood maltreatment affects college students' mental health remain insufficiently evidenced. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression among college students， and to investigate the moderated effects of psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status， aiming to provide references for improving depressive symptoms in college students. MethodsOn 14 March 2024， a cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 751 college students from a university in Heilongjiang Province. Participants were assessed with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire （CTQ）， Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale （DERS）， Patients' Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item （PHQ-9）， 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale （CD-RISC-10） and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted to examine the correlation between the scores of scales. Model 4 and model 7 in Process 4.2 were used to test the mediating effects of emotional regulation difficulties and the moderated effects of psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status. Results① A total of 712 （94.81%） valid questionnaires were collected. ② College students' CTQ score was positively correlated with DERS score and PHQ-9 score （r=0.296， 0.507， P<0.01）， and negatively correlated with CD-RISC-10 score and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire score （r=-0.148， -0.229， P<0.01）. ③ The indirect effect value of difficulties in emotion regulation on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression was 0.091 （95% CI： 0.018~0.046）， accounting for 17.95% of the total effect. ④ The first half of the mediation model "childhood maltreatment → difficulties in emotion regulation → depression" （childhood maltreatment → difficulties in emotion regulation） was moderated by psychological resilience （β=-0.030， t=-6.147， 95% CI： -0.040~-0.020） and family socioeconomic status （β=-0.051， t=-3.929， 95% CI： -0.077~-0.026）. ConclusionChildhood maltreatment exerts both a direct effect on college students' depression and an indirect effect through emotion regulation difficulties. The childhood maltreatment → emotion regulation difficulties pathway in this mediation model is moderated by psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status. ［Funded by Qiqihar Medical University Graduate Student Innovation Fund Project （number， QYYCX2023-48）； Special Research Fund Project for Young Doctors of Qiqihar Academy of Medical Sciences （number， QMSI2021B-08）］