Retinal ganglion cells are crucial in the formation of vision. Injury or death of retinal ganglion cells may lead to irreversibly damage of visual function. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and other blind leading diseases can cause the damage or progressively apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells. Currently, there is no specific treatment to restore vision damage caused by those diseases. Scholars at home and abroad focus on stem cells transplantation in order to recover the visual function of patients. Two categories are mainly involved in stem cell transplantation, one is the replacement therapy based on stem cells, the other is to promote the secretion of some factors to protect ganglion cells through stem cell transplantation. In this review, we aim to summarize the potential of stems cell transplantation to treat retinal ganglion cells related diseases, and discuss the differentiation of different types of stem cells to retinal ganglion cells.

Background5-Nitro-2-(3-styrene-acrylic amine) benzoic acid ( NPPB),a chloride channel inhibitor,has a promoting effect on cell apoptosis in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion of domestic rabbit.The CIC chloride channel has been found in the ocular trabecular cells.However,the effect of NPPB on the shape and function of trabecular cells is unclear. Objective This study was performed to investigate the effect of NPPB on the proliferation,cell cycle progression and apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells.MethodsThe immortalized human trabcular cell strain was cultured,and logarithmic-phase cells were incubated in 96-well plates at a density of 1 ×106/ml.Different concentrations of NPPB (10,50,100 μ mol/L) were added to the medium,and the MTT assay was used to assess the growth and proliferation of the cells.Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell cycle.Then,100 mg/L 5-FU or 100 mg/L 5-FU + 100 μmol/L NPPB was used to induce cell apoptosis,which was assessed by Annexin V-PI.The membrane potential of mitochondria was examined using rhodamine 123 (△ψm).Results After 48 hours of treatment with NPPB,the abosorbency (A value) of the cells was gradually lowered with the increasing dose of NPPB,with significant differences among the 4 groups (F =7.230,P =0.006).Compared with the 10 μmol/L NPPB group,the A values were significantly declined in the 50 and 100 μmol/L NPPB groups (t =1.610,P =0.025 ;t =12.270,P =0.001 ).Forty-eight hours after exposure to NPPB,the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase was increased and that in the S phase was decreased.The percentages of cells in different phases of cell cycle were significantly different in comparison with their control groups (without NPPB)( P＜0.05 ).Twenty-four and 48 hours after the treatment with 100 mg/L 5-FU,the apoptosis rates of the cells were raised in the 100 mg/L 5-FU group and 100 mg/L 5-FU + 100 μmol/L NPPB group compared to the without NPPB group (t24h =2.130,P =0.023;t48h =4.810,P=0.011 ) ;while that in the 100 mg/L 5-FU+100 μmol/L NPPB group was higher than the 100 mg/L 5-FU group ( t24 h =1.980,P =0.037 ; t48 h =1.290,P =0.028 ),and the mitochondrial membrane potential was lowered ( t24h =1.580,P =0.029 ; F48 h =6.200,P =0.015 ).Conclusions NPPB suppresses the proliferation of human trabecular cells and promotes the cells to enter S phase via the G1/S check point.In addition,ClC might be involved in an anti-apoptosis mechanism through the internal mitochondrial pathway.

Objective To investigate the expression of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9),and the relationship of osteopontin and MMP9 in malignant melanoma.Methods Expression of osteopontin and MMP9 was measured by immunohistochemical SP method in 23 patients with primary cuta- neous malignant melanoma,17 patients with metastatic melanoma and 20 patients with pigmented nevus. Results Osteopontin and MMP9 were expressed respectively in 87.5% and 75.0% of 40 malignant melanoma specimens,15.0% and 10.0% of 20 pigmented nevus specimens.The expression of both osteo- pontin and MMP9 was significantly higher (both P＜0.05) in malignant melanoma than in pigmented ne- vus.There was no correlation between the expression of osteopontin and MMP9,with age,sex,lymph node metastasis or location of lesions (P＞0.05).Twenty-nine cases were positive for both osteopontin and MMP9,4 negative for either osteopontin or MMP9.Conclusion Both osteopontin and MMP9 were over- expressed in malignant melanoma,but neither was related to lymph node metastasis.

Objective To establish a closed-chest pulmonary embolism-reperfusion animal model by Swan-Ganz catheter and to explore the mechanisms of pulmonary embolism(PE)-reperfusion injury(RI). Methods Experiments were made on 14 mongrel dogs,ranging in weight from 15 to 18 kg,anesthetized with 3% pentobarbital sodium.The dogs were intubated with I.D.7 endotracheal tubes.Under sterile conditions,a 7 F Swan-Ganz catheter via the external jugular vein was positioned in the unilateral pulmonary diaphragmatic lobe(DL)artery.Occlusion/reperfusion of the DL artery was controlled with 1.2 ml diluted contrast agent filled into/drawn from the balloon.After the 24 h PE,the balloon was deflated to result in 4 h reperfusion of the DL.Measurements of blood gases and tumor necrosis factor-?(TNF-?)were made at normal condition,at 24 h PE and at 4 h reperfusion.Thin-section CT scans were performed at normal condition,24 h PE,30 min,1,2,3 and 4 h reperfusion,respectively.At the end of each experiment, tissue specimens of bilateral diaphragmatic lobes were obtained for both wet/dry(W/D)weight ratio and for pathological study.Results Reperfusion pulmonary edema(RPE)was an acute,mixed,noncardiogenic edema that was observed in all 14 dogs who had been successfully established as PE/RI animal models.RPE demonstrated heterogeneous ground-glass opacifications that predominated in the areas distal to the recanalized vessels.It manifested pathologically as an edematous lung infiltrated by inflammatory cells.The mean ofPaO_2 and TNF-? of 4 h reperfusion was(81?4)mm Hg(l mm Hg=0.133 kPa)and(16.0? 2.5)pg/ml,which were significantly different(P

The purpose of this study is to prepare galactosyl modified lipid bilayer-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (GPEM) to enhance the antitumor efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The irinotecan (CPT-11) loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was coated with the Gal-P123 modified functional lipid bilayer by thin-film dispersion method. Nanoparticles were characterized with particle size, zeta potential, morphology and drug release in vitro. Afterwards, the cell uptake, intracellular concentration of CPT-11, cell apoptosis rate and cytotoxicity were evaluated on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7. The results showed that MSNs were coated with intact lipid bilayers and the nanoparticles had clear core-shell structure. GPEM is stable with the mean particle size of (78.01 +/- 2.04) nm. The low leakage rate in normal physiological conditions in vitro is contributed to the protection of stable lipid bilayer, and the fast drug release in acid environment due to the destruction of the lipid bilayer. On the cell level, the vector could improve the intracellular CPT-11 concentration by 4 times because of the functional lipid bilayer. The high CPT-11 concentration led to the increasement of apoptosis rate by 48.6%, and the reduction of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of CPT-11 by 2 times, indicating stronger cell cytotoxicity.
Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Apoptosis ; Camptothecin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; methods ; Humans ; Lipid Bilayers ; chemistry ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Silicon Dioxide ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate DNA repair in CHL cells and HeLa cells after DNA damage induced by different oxidative agents.

METHODSCHL cells and HeLa cells were exposed to various damaging agents, CHL cells: H(2)O(2) for 25 min, K(2)Cr(2)O(7) for 105 min, doxorubicin (Dox) for 75 min HeLa cells: H(2)O(2) for 25 min, K(2)Cr(2)O(7) for 105 min; then cells were continuously cultured for 0-3 h after washing. Alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (ASCGE) assay was used to detect DNA strand breaks.

RESULT(1) DNA strand breaks were induced in CHL cells after exposure to H(2)O(2) K(2)Cr(2)O(7) or Dox, which were repaired evidently after continuous culture for 1 h(P<0.01). The damages induced by H(2)O(2) or K(2)Cr(2)O(7) were repaired completely after culture for 2-3 h. However, the demage induced by Dox was repaired incompletely. (2) DNA strand breaks were induced also in HeLa cells after exposure to H(2)O(2) or K(2)Cr(2)O(7), which were repaired evidently after continuous culture for 0.5 h(P<0.01),and completely after culture for 1 h. (3) The regression coefficient related to the rate of comet cells and repair time was statistically different (P<0.05) between CHL cells and HeLa cells.

CONCLUSIONDNA damage induced by Dox is repaired more difficult than that induced by H(2)O(2) or K(2)Cr(2)O(7). The repair initiates immediately after DNA damage in both of cells, but more rapidly in HeLa cells than in CHL cells.

DNA ; metabolism ; DNA Damage ; DNA Repair ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; toxicity ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Regression Analysis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in tissues angiogenesis. The adaptation of animals to hypoxic environment is relative to the microvessel density (MVD) in tissues. To further explore the adaptation mechanisms of plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) to the hypoxic-hypercapnic burrows, the VEGF mRNA and the MVD in cerebral tissues of the plateau zokor were studied. Total RNA was isolated from liver, and VEGF cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR, then the VEGF cDNA was cloned and sequenced. The coding sequence of plateau pika (Ochotona curzniae), rat (Rattus norvegicus) and mouse (Mus musculus) VEGF cDNA are obtained from GenBank, and the nucleotide and amino acid sequence homology of plateau zokor VEGF cDNA coding sequence with that of plateau pika, rat and mouse were analyzed and compared by using of bioinformatics software. The VEGF mRNA was detected by real-time PCR, and the MVDs in cerebral tissues of the plateau zokor, plateau pika and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat were measured by immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that the open reading frame of the plateau zokor VEGF was 645 bp, and the coding sequence of the plateau zokor VEGF cDNA shared 92.1%, 93.6% and 93.8% nucleotide sequence homology to that of the plateau pika, rat and mouse, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of the plateau zokor VEGF cDNA was composed of 188 amino acids and the amino acids from 1 to 26 were signal peptide sequence. The plateau zokor VEGF188 was 90.2%, 94.9% and 94.4% homologous to that of plateau pika, rat and mouse. The level of VEGF mRNA in brain of the plateau zokor was significantly lower than that of SD rat, but there was no obvious difference in VEGF mRNA level between plateau zokor and plateau pika. The MVD in brain of the plateau zokor was markedly higher than that of plateau pika and SD rat. In conclusion, plateau zokor enhances its adaptation to the hypoxic environment by increasing the MVD. The level of VEGF mRNA in the brain of plateau zokor is lower than that of SD rat, which may be as a result of inhibition by the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the burrow.
Adaptation, Physiological ; physiology ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Arvicolinae ; physiology ; Base Sequence ; Brain ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Microvessels ; anatomy & histology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Species Specificity ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism

AIM:To investigate the effect of phosphatidylinostiol 3-kinase ( PI3K) inhibitor GDC-0032 on cell viability, cell cycle and DNA damage in human glioma U 251 cells.METHODS:The cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay.The cell cycle distribution of U251 cells was examined by flow cytometry .The protein expression was examined by Western blot.The expression and localization of γ-H2AX were determined by laser-scanning confocal microscopy .RE-SULTS:GDC-0032 inhibited the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner .U251 cells showed G 1 phase arrest accompa-nied with upregulation of p 27 protein after exposure to GDC-0032, while the expression of cell division cycle protein 2 (Cdc2) was inhibited.GDC-0032 treatment increased the formation of γ-H2AX foci and histone H2AX phosphorylation in the U251 cells.In addition, GDC-0032 upregulated the phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases , inclu-ding extracellular signal-regulated kinase ( ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase ( JNK) , in the glioma cells , while the ex-pression of survivin was inhibited .CONCLUSION:GDC-0032 inhibits U251 cell growth by inhibition of cell viability and cell cycle progression.GDC-0032 also induces DNA damage of U251 cells.The anticancer activity of GDC-0032 is associ-ated with increasing the activity of ERK and JNK and downregulating the expression of survivin .

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in the proliferation and migration of human ovarian cancer cells (CAOV-3) after knocking down COX-2 gene by RNA interference.

METHODSThe recombinant plasmid of pGenesil-1-siRNA-COX-2 was constructed and transfected into CAOV-3 cells. The transcription of COX-2 gene was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the protein expression of COX-2 was determined by Western blotting . MTT assay was used to investigate the proliferation of the transfected CAOV-3 cells, and the cell migration was evaluated using a transwell migration assay.

RESULTSCOX-2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced after pGenesil-1-siRNA-COX-2 transfection into CAOV-3 cells, which showed obvious reduction in the cell proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSIONRNA interference allows obvious COX-2 gene knocking down in human ovarian cancer cells to result in lowered cell growth rate and migration ability. COX-2 gene may become a new therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Shenluotong Decoction (SD) on serum levels of aldosterone, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), α-smooth muscle protein (α-SMA), and nuclear factor-KB (NF-κB) in obstructive nephropathy rats, and to explore the initial mechanism of SD for inhibiting renal interstitial fibrosis.

METHODSTotally 48 healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into the sham-operation group (n =12) and the model group (n =36). Renal interstitial fibrosis rat model was established by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). After successful modeling, 36 rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Chinese medicine group, and the Western medicine group, 12 in each group. Eplerenone was added in the forage at the daily dose of 100 mg/kg for rats in the Western medicine group. Chinese medicine was added in the forage at the daily dose of 26 g/kg for rats in the Chinese medicine group. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the sham-operation group and the model group. All medication was performed once daily. The obstructive kidneys were extracted ten days after medication. The pathomorphological changes were observed. The contents of serum aldosterone and MCP-1, and the protein or mRNA expression of MCP-1, α-SMA, and NF-KB were detected.

RESULTSCompared with the sham-operation group, infiltration of a large amount of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition significantly increased, serum contents of aldosterone and MCP-1 obviously increased (P < 0.01), the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated (P <0.01), the protein expression of α-SMA and NF-KB were significantly enhanced in the model group (P <0.01). Com- pared with the model group, infiltration of inflammatory cells and renal collagen deposition were attenua- ted in the Chinese medicine group and the Western medicine group, the serum MCP-1 level were reduced, and the mRNA and protein expression of MCP-1 were significantly down-regulated (P <0.01), the protein expression of α-SMA and NF-KB were obviously inhibited (P <0. 01). At the same time, serum aldosterone level was reduced in the Chinese medicine group (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONSinflammatory lesions of the renal tissue could promote the progress of interstitial fibrosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy. SD could attenuate interstitial fibrosis through reducing serum contents of aldosterone and MCP-1, down-regulating MCP-1/ NF-KB, and inhibiting the expression of α-SMA.

Animals ; Chemokine CCL2 ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fibrosis ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Kidney Diseases ; drug therapy ; genetics ; NF-kappa B ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ureteral Obstruction ; drug therapy ; genetics