AIM: IL-12 acts upon T lymphocytes and activates its receptor complexes of ?1/?2 ,and so IL-12 can regulate TH1/TH2 balance. Our study is aimed at IL-12-inducing apoptosis of T cells and expression and signal conduction of Bcl-2 during T cell apoptosis. METHODS: The apoptosis of T cells was detected by Annexin V staining cytometry and the expression of Bcl-2 under different inhibitors were detected by the method of semi-quantitative PCR. RESULTS: IL-12 can induce the human leukemic T cell line(TIB-152) and the human lymphoma T cell line(HTB-176) and the normal human T cells to undergo apoptosis. The Bcl-2 expression at 6 hours of treatment with IL-12 increased aparently,and reached the max at 24 hours. But IL-12 did influence Bcl-2 expression. IL-12 can induce T cells to undergo apoptosis which is characterized by early membrane changes. CONCLUSION: The inducing effect is correlated with the concentration of IL-12 and the maturation of T cells. Bcl-2 takes part in the progression of T cells' apoptosis as a apoptosis mediator.

Objective To observe the effects of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced acute epilepsy and the dynamic expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in hippocampus. To explore the role of IL-1β in the pathogenesis of epilepsy by regulating AQP4. Methods All rats were randomly divided into control group, IL-1β group, PTZ group, IL-1ra + PTZ group and dexamethasone + PTZ group. Observe the behavior of the rats within 60 minutes after injection and record seizure score in each group. Then immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of AQP4 at at 6 , 12, 24 and 36 h. Results Almost of rats in IL-1β group and PTZ group showed severe degree seizure. The rats in control group and dexamethasone + PTZ group showed no obvious seizure. The seizure of rats were more remarkable serious in PTZ group than that in the IL-1ra + pentylenetetrazole group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR Show: the expression of AQP4 in hippocampus in PTZ group increased gradually after 12 h (P < 0.05), then reached in the peak after 24 h (P < 0.001). The expression of AQP4 in IL-1ra + PTZ group was lower compare with PTZ group in each time (P < 0.05). Although the expression of AQP4 in dexamethasone + PTZ group higher than the control group, it was not significantly different (P < 0.05). Conclusion The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β break the balance of water in brain and increasing the concentration of extracellular excitatory amino acids or ions by upregulate the expression of AQP4 in order to promote the excitatory of neurons.

Objective:To investigate the effects of various concentrations of recombinant human WISP2 protein(WISP2)on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells.Methods:HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations(0, 0.4, 1 and 2 μg/L)of recombinant human WISP2 for 48 hours.Cell viability was detected by Cell-Titer, and enzymatic hydrolysis methods were used to measure intracellular triacylglycerol(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)levels.The mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR(RT-qPCR)and protein expression in HepG2 cells was detected by western blot.Results:Compared with the control group, the WISP2 groups treated with various concentration did not significantly reduce the viability of HepG2 cells.TG and TC in HepG2 cells were significantly increased by recombinant human WISP2 treatment(all P<0.05).The concentrations of TG in the 0.4, 1 and 2 μg/L recombinant human WISP2-treated groups were 1.254±0.039, 1.216±0.028 and 1.174±0.014)times the concentration in the untreated group, respectively( F=6.791, P=0.006).The concentration of TC in the untreated group was 1.264±0.057, 1.394±0.101 and 1.392±0.077), respectively, times the concentration in each of the treated groups( F=7.045, P=0.005).Further experiments found that the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1(SREBP1), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase(HMGCR), acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC), type 2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase(DGAT2)and the protein expression of SREBP1, ACC and fatty acid synthase(FAS)were significantly increased in the recombinant human WISP2-treated groups, compared with the control group(all P<0.05).However, the expression of lipid transporters such as the low-density lipoprotein receptor(LDLR), ApoB and ApoE and adipose triglyceride lipase(ATGL), a key lipolysis protein, was not significantly affected. Conclusions:Human recombinant WISP2 protein increases lipid levels in hepatocytes and the key underlying mechanisms may be through promoting lipid synthesis.

Objective:To investigate the regulatory effect of WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 2(WISP2)on macrophage polarization in palmitic acid(PA)and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation.Methods:The macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was treated with different concentrations of WISP2 protein, and cell viability was determined by means of luminescence assay using Cell-Titer Glo to determine the concentration of WISP2.The cells were divided into control group, palmitic acid group, palmitic acid combined with different concentrations of WISP2 group(10 μg/L and 100 μg/L)and lipopolysaccharide group, lipopolysaccharide combined with different concentrations of WISP2 group(10 μg/L and 100 μg/L). mRNA expression of M1 and M2 macrophages phenotype of each group were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The protein expression of important inflammatory factors, TNF-α and IL-6, were evaluated by ELISA.Results:Compared with the control group, both 10 μg/L and 100 μg/L WISP2 groups had no effect on the activity of RAW264.7 cells, but significantly up-regulated the expression of various inflammatory factors, including Tnfα(1.877±0.039, 2.202±0.034, F=309.7, P<0.001), Il6(1.418±0.056, 1.506±0.059, F=81.39, P<0.001), Mcp1(1.620±0.014, 1.982±0.125, F=71.45, P<0.001), Ccl3(1.892±0.118, 1.942±0.132, F=32.93, P<0.001), and iNos(1.691±0.201, 1.548±0.090, F=13.60, P<0.05). mRNA in macrophages, and significantly down-regulated the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, including Tgfβ(1.376±0.025, 2.152±0.107, F=1.846, P<0.05), CD206(2.123±0.031, 3.139±1.663, F=8.037, P<0.05), Il4(2.098±0.464, 2.494±0.141, F=48.68, P<0.01), and Il10(1.303±0.216, 1.574±0.274, F=5.774, P<0.05)mRNA, causing M1 type macrophage polarization.Compared with the control group, 100 μmol/L palmitic acid could mildly but significantly increase the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 at the transcriptional and protein levels.Compared with palmitic acid stimulation alone, the combination of palmitic acid and WISP2 further promoted the protein expression of macrophage inflammatory factors TNF-α[(589.4±17.0)ng/L, (692.6±83.4)ng/L, F=56.38, P<0.05], IL-6[(15.13±1.14)ng/L, (13.33±1.22)ng/L, F=23.32, P<0.001]and the mRNA expression of chemokines Mcp1(160±9.796, 140±18.91, F=141.1, P<0.0001)and C cl3(17.76±1.92, 14.41±1.27, F=125.2, P<0.0001). Compared with the control group, 100 μg/L lipopolysaccharide strongly stimulated the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α[(3444±423)ng/L, F=71.20, P<0.0001]and IL-6[(497.0±41.2)ng/L, F=63.50, P<0.0001]in macrophages at the protein level.Compared with lipopolysaccharide stimulation alone, the combination of lipopolysaccharide and WISP2 further significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of chemokines Mcp1(106.8±8.7, 118.7±4.6, F=251.5, P<0.0001)and Ccl3(35.3±12.5, 116.4±4.5, F=160.1, P<0.0001). Conclusions:The adipokine WISP2 can promote M1 macrophage polarization in palmitic acid and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, and it had distinct regulation in macrophage polarization under different inflammatory response conditions.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of echinococcosis cases reported in the National Notifiable Disease Report System in Henan Province from 2010 to 2011, so as to provide insights into for echinococcosis control and surveillance. Methods The data pertaining to reported echinococcosis cases in Henan Province from 2010 to 2021 were retrieved from the National Notifiable Disease Report System, and a descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed using the software SPSS 22.0. Results A total of 150 echinococcosis cases were reported in Henan Province from 2010 to 2021, including 88 confirmed cases (58.67%) and 62 clinically diagnosed cases (41.33%), 77 cases reported by Henan Province (51.33%) and 73 cases reported by other provinces (48.67%). Echinococcosis cases were reported in each month, with 8 to 21 cases reported in each month, and the number of reported echinococcosis cases appeared no remarkable temporal changes. The echinococcosis cases were reported across 18 cities of Henan Province, with the highest number of cases reported in Zhoukou (17.33%) and Nanyang cities (17.33%) and the lowest number reported in Sanmenxia City (0.67%). The reported echinococcosis cases had a male to female ratio of 1.17:1, and the cases were found at each age group, with the the highest number of cases seen at ages of 20 to 59 years (73.33%). Farmer was the predominant occupation (63.33%), followed by housekeepers and the unemployed (12.67%). Of all reported echinococcosis cases, there were 25 local cases (16.67%) and 125 imported cases (83.33%), 144 cases reported by medical institutions (96.00%) and 6 cases reported by centers for disease control and prevention (4.00%). Conclusions Although imported echinococcosis cases were the predominant source of echinococcosis cases reported in the National Notifiable Disease Report System in Henan Province from 2010 to 2021, there were still sporadic local cases, and the emergence of local sources of infection cannot be excluded. Further expanded field surveys and surveillance of echinococcosis are required.

Detection and identification standard of hookworm—Hookworm larvae coproculture techniques (WS/T 791—2021) is the first recommended technical standard for hookworm detection and species identification using the hookworm larvae coproculture technique in China. This standard was issued on November 23, 2021, and had been in effect since May 1, 2022. This article provides a detailed interpretation pertaining to the background, drafting process, main contents, and dos and don’ts for better understanding and application of this standard among professionals working in disease control and prevention institutions and medical institutions.

Objective To understand the distribution of novel coronaviruses in the external environment of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Methods Environmental surface swab specimens such as bed rails, doorknob, closestool, hand washing sink, table, locker,ward pager, mobile phone, cup, clothes, were collected from the sentinel hospital of COVID-19, and samples were collected for the nucleic acid detection by RT-PCR. Results A total of 150 environmental samples were collected from 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 6 samples were determined to be novel coronaviruses postive (positive rate 4.00%). The total 14 mobile phone showed 3 novel coronaviruses positive.Among the 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 6 cases (positive rate 20.00%)were found novel coronaviruses in the external environment. Conclusions Novel coronaviruses exists in external environment of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which indicates the potential risk of COVID-19 infection.

Objective: To detect 20 common deafness gene mutations in non-syndromic hearing loss patients in China using the melting curve method, and analyze and summarize the mutation data to explore the clinical value of this method. Methods: The real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method was used to detect 20 common mutations of four deafness genes(GJB2,GJB3,SLC26A4 and mtDNA) in 492 patients with non-syndromic hearing loss recruited between March 2014 and September 2016 from the Otolaryngology Department of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University(283 males and 209 females, the age ranged from 1 to 48 years old). The Sanger sequencing method was used to compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and total coincidence rate of the deafness mutation detected by the real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method. Results: A total of 492 samples were detected. 193 wild-type samples, 93 homozygous mutant samples, 145 heterozygous mutant samples, 59 composite heterozygous mutant samples and 2 samples with unknown mutations were detected using the real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method within the range of 20 gene mutations, whichwere identical to the Sanger sequencing results.The two samples were detected as unknown mutations by the real-time fluorescent PCR melting curve method were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, including a composite heterozygous mutant sample and a homogenous mutation sample. GJB2 c.235delC and SLC26A4 c.919-2 A>G were the most common hotspot mutations in this study, followed by mtDNA m.1555 A>G. Compared with the Sanger sequencing method, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and total coincidence rate of the real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method were 100%, the Youden′s index was 1.0, and the Kappa value was 1. Conclusions The real-time fluorescence PCR melting curve method is suitable for the detection of deafness gene mutations. It has the advantages in terms of simple, rapid, high sensitivity and strong specificity and can accurately detect the 20 gene mutations of 4 common deafness genes in Chinese population, which is expected to be used for the clinical detection of deafness genes in the future.

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is generally regarded as a major contributor to dental caries because of its ability to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that aid in the formation of plaque biofilm. The VicRKX system of S. mutans plays an important role in biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vicK gene on specific characteristics of EPS in S. mutans biofilm. We constructed single-species biofilms formed by different mutants of vicK gene. Production and distribution of EPS were detected through atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microcosmic structures of EPS were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cariogenicity of the vicK mutant was assessed in a specific pathogen-free rat model. Transcriptional levels of cariogenicity-associated genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that deletion of vicK gene suppressed biofilm formation as well as EPS production, and EPS were synthesized mostly around the cells. Molecular weight and monosaccharide components underwent evident alterations. Biofilms formed in vivo were sparse and contributed a decreased degree of caries. Moreover, expressional levels of genes related to EPS synthesis were down-regulated, except for gtfB. Our report demonstrates that vicK gene enhances biofilm formation and subsequent caries development. And this may due to its regulations on EPS metabolism, like synthesis or microcosmic features of EPS. This study suggests that vicK gene and EPS can be considered as promising targets to modulate dental caries.
Animals ; Biofilms ; Dental Caries ; Dental Plaque ; Rats ; Streptococcus mutans/genetics*