Background Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a main cause for visual acuity decline after modern extracapsular cataract surgery.Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rapamycin on PCO formation following phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in rabbit eyes.Methods Thirty New Zealand albino rabbits were randomized into three groups according to the difference in the implanted IOLs:conventional IOL without modification,IOL coated by a polymer material and IOL with sustained released rapamycin.Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation surgery was performed in the left eye.The anterior ocular segment and PCO formation in the rabbit eyes were examined by slit lamp biomicroscope 1-7 days after operation,and the flare and inflammatory response of the anterior chamber as well as the degree of PCO severity were graded based on the criteria of Yang.The differences in examination outcomes were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis H test.The animals were sacrificed 12 days after surgery and eye specimens were prepared for histopathological examination to evaluate the biological behavior of lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the posterior capsule.Results The coated area of the implanted lens was semi-transparent with a smooth surface.The number of eyes with aqueous flare at grades 3 and 4 insignificantly increased but those with an inflammatory response at grades 3 and 4 significantly increased in the conventional IOL group and the polymer modified IOL group,compared with the rapamycin modified IOL group on the first day after operation (H =4.038,P =0.133 ; H =8.604,P =0.014).On the seventh day,the number of eyes with aqueous flare at grades 3 and 4 and inflammatory response at grades 3 and 4 significantly increased in the conventional IOL group and the polymer modified IOL group,compared with the rapamycin modified IOL group (H =8.891,P =0.012 ; H =7.664,P =0.0220).The histopathological examination showed that marked proliferation of LECs appeared between the anterior and posterior capsule in the conventional IOL group and the polymer modified IOL group;however,less LECs and regenerative cortex were seen in the rapamycin modified IOL group.Conclusions IOL loaded with rapamycin can inhibit the inflammatory response and alleviate the severity of PCO after phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation.The implantation of IOL loaded with rapamycin may be a new approach to the prevention and treatment of PCO.

Objective To explore the changes of serum lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and the level of lipids in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Methods A total of 94 candidates with sleep disorders between January-July 2011 at outpatient department were monitored with polysomnography.According to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI),they were divided into mild-to-moderate OSAHS (5 ≤ AHI ≤ 30) (n =27),severe OSAHS (AHI ＞ 30) (n =37) and normal control groups (AHI ＜ 5) (n =30).After polysomnography,their blood samples were obtained to measure the levels of serum LOX-1,triglycerides (TG),cholesterol (TC),high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C).Results The serum level of LOX-1 in severe OSAHS group was significantly higher than that in the mild-to-moderate and control groups (P ＜ 0.01).The serum level of LOX-1 in OSAHS patients was positively correlated with AHI and longest apnea time (LAT)(r =0.645 & 0.501 respectively,both P ＜ 0.01) and was negatively correlated with SaO2 (r =-0.647,P ＜0.01).No significant difference existed in serum lipids in all groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Intermittent hypoxia caused by OSAHS increases the level of LOX-1 to further promote the formation and development of atherosclerotic in patients with OSAHS.The levels of lipid can not effectively predict the severity of lipid metabolism disorder in patients with OSAHS.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Equipment Design ; Female ; Femur Neck ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

Erythrocyte Count ; Erythrocytes ; Longevity

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of miR-124-1 on neuronal differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

METHODSMSCs cells were assigned into three groups: control (uninfected and untransfected), miR-124-1+ (infected with miR-124-1), and miR-124-1- (transfected with Anti-rno-miR-124* Inhibitor). MSCs were induced by β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) to differentiate into neurons. The fluorescence expressed by infected MSCs was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope. MTT method was used to measure cell survival rate after transfection or infection. Immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to detect the expression of β3 tubulin, MAP-2 and GFAP 6 days after β-ME induction.

RESULTSThe expression of miR-124-1 in the miR-124-1+ group was significantly higher 2 days after infection of lentivirus vector compared with the control group (P<0.01). In the miR-124-1- group, the cell survival rate and the miR-124-1 expression level decreased significantly 24 hrs after transfection of anti-rno-miR-124* inhibitor (P<0.01). After 6 days of β-ME induction, the protein and mRNA expression levels of β3 tubulin and MAP-2 in the miR-124-1+ group were much higher than the other two groups (P<0.01); while the expression levels of β3 tubulin and MAP-2 in the miR-124-1-group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). The expression of GFAP in the three groups was weak (<1%).

CONCLUSIONSmiR-124 might promote neuronal differentiation of rat MSCs.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Female ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; analysis ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; MicroRNAs ; physiology ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; analysis ; Neurons ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tubulin ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on expression of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) in rat fetus with cleft palate, and the effects of RA on proliferation and apoptosis of osteoblasts.

METHODSAll-trans RA (ATRA) was used to induce congenital cleft palate in Wistar rat BMP-7 mRNA expression in maxillary bone tissue of fetal rats was measured by Northern blotting analysis. Flow cytometry and MTT assay were used to measure the apoptosis and proliferation of ATRA-treated MC-3T3-E1 cells. BMP-7 mRNA and protein expressions in ATRA-treated MC-3T3-E1 cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis.

RESULTSATRA could induce cleft palate of rat fetus. The incidence rate of cleft palate induced by 100 mg/kg AT-RA (45.5%) was significantly higher than 50 mg/kg ATRA (12.5%, P < 0.05). BMP-7 mRNA expression decreased in maxillary bone tissue of rat fetus with cleft palate. MC-3T3-E1 cells proliferation treated with 1 x 10(-6) mol/L ATRA decreased by 60%, the cell apoptosis increased by 2 times. BMP-7 mRNA and protein levels in MC-3T3-E1 cells treated with 1 x 10(-6) mol/L ATRA decreased by 60% and 80%, respectively, compared with ATRA-untreated cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBMP-7 may play an important role in embryonic palate development RA may possess the ability to down-regulate cell proliferation through regulation of BMP-7 gene expression.

3T3 Cells ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Base Sequence ; Blotting, Northern ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cleft Palate ; genetics ; DNA Primers ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Female ; Mice ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tretinoin ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the environmental carcinogenic factor-TCDD (2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) on cell apoptosis and gene regulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP-6) in osteogenic sarcoma (SaOS-2) cells.

METHODSThe SaOS-2 cells were cultured with TCDD (1 x 10(-9), 1 x 10(-8), 1 x 10(-7) mol/L) for 24 hours. The MTT reduction assay and flow cytometry were used to measure the cell proliferation and the cell apoptosis in TCDD-treated SaOS-2 cells. The Nitrophenol phosphate salt method was used to measure activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in SaOS-2 cells. The IGFBP-6 mRNA and protein in SaOS-2 cells were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting analysis.

RESULTSSaOS-2 cell proliferation was up-regulated with TCDD (1 x 10(-9), 1 x 10(-8), and 1 x 10(-7) mol/L) about 20%, 47% and 93% (18.4 +/- 4.5, 22.5 +/- 3.6 and 29.4 +/- 4.2), respectively. The synthesis of ALP was up-regulated about 28%, 95%, and 142% (1.12 +/- 0.28, 1.58 +/- 0.14 and 1.96 +/- 0.17), respectively (P < 0.05). The cell apoptosis was down-regulated in dose-dependent biological manner about 5%, 26% and 52%, respectively (P < 0.05). The expression of IGFBP-6 mRNA and protein was decreased in 1 x 10(-7) mol/L TCDD-treated SaOS-2 cells about 76% and 72% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTCDD at low concentration may have the negative effect on cell apoptosis and down-regulation on gene expression of IGFBP-6 in SaOS-2 cells.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Osteosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins ; toxicity ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics

AIM To observe the effect of Yinao Jieyu Granules (Curcumae Radix,Schisandrae chinensis Fructus,Gardeniae Fructus,etc.) on rats depression induced by olfactory bulbectomy (OB).METHODS The model rats randomly divided into model group,Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Capsules group,Yinao Jieyu Granules groups (7.29,3.65 and 1.82 g crude drug/kg) went on with their corresponding intragastric administration once per day (the same volume of purified water for the model group) for 2 weeks.The weight,food intake,liquid consumption,open field test,killing test,light/dark transition test and step-down test were checked every week before and after the administration.The blood sample and brain tissue were procured within 2 hours after the final administration.The serum CRH,ACTH and CORT concentration and the content of hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters 5-HT,DA and NE were tested by ELISA method.RESULTS Compared with the model group,rats of Yinao Jieyu Granules groups (7.29-3.65 g crude drug/kg) displayed a better sucrose consumption improvement (P ＜ 0.05);more content increase of hippocampal tissue 5-HT (P ＜ 0.05);longer duration time in the dark and on the platform before the error making (P ＜ 0.05);less horizontal and vertical movement,and more significant content decrease of the serum CRH (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION Yinao Jieyu Granules can relieve the depression behaviors of OB animals,and the mechanism may associate with its efficacy on 5-HT and CRH modulation.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of rhubarb Tangluo pill on liver injury in type 2 diabetic rats.Methods ZDF(fa/fa)rats were given high-fat diet to induce type 2 diabetes model,and were randomly divided into model group,positive control group(0.18 g·kg-1 metformin)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(0.54,1.08 and 2.16 g·kg-1 rhubarb Tangluo pill),with 8 rats in each group.Eight ZDF(fa/+)rats were selected as control group.The control group and model group were given equal volume of pure water once a day for 12 weeks.An oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed after administration.Fasting blood glucose level,body mass and liver mass of rats were measured and liver index was calculated.The contents of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT),glutamic oxalacetic transaminase(GOT),triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)in serum were detected.The histomorphologic changes of liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and Masson staining.The protein expression of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1(p-IRS1),phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt)and glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)were detected by Western blotting.Results After administration,the fasting blood glucose levels of control group,model group,positive control group and experimental-H group were(4.71±0.45),(29.9±2.97),(15.28±4.52)and(13.84±1.55)mmol·L-1,respectively;the liver index were 2.31±0.46,4.03±0.18,3.37±0.23 and 3.38±0.24;the relative expression level of p-IRS1 protein were 1.00±0.36,4.00±0.11,1.62±0.27 and 1.90±0.17,respectively;the relative expression levels of p-Akt protein were 1.00±0.25,0.21±0.04,0.73±0.15 and 0.54±0.04,respectively;GLUT4 protein relative expression levels were 1.00±0.11,0.40±0.08,0.86±0.04 and 0.70±0.06,respectively.Compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H group were statistically significant(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusion Rhubarb Tanglu pill can effectively improve glycolipid metabolism and liver injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of IRS1/Akt signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the molecular mechanisms of icariin (ICA) in regulating the bone formation of osteoblasts and the bone resorption of osteoclasts.

METHODSPrimary osteoblast cell cultures were obtained from newborn rat calvarial. Calcified nodules were stained by alizarin red. The mRNA levels of osterix (OSX), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Collagen1, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-ΚB ligand (RANKL) were analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, the protein levels of OPG, RANKL, and Collagen1 were examined by Western blotting, and the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of osteoblasts was measured on a flow cytometer using the Cellquest program.

RESULTSCompared with control group, ICA markedly promoted bone formation by significant up-regulating the gene expressions of OSX, Runx-2,ALP, and Collagen1, the protein expression of Collagen1(all P<0.01), and the Ca(2+) concentration. Furthermore, ICA remarkably inhibited bone resorption by significant up-regulating the mRNA and protein expressions of OPG as well as the OPG/RANKL ratio.

CONCLUSIONSICA could promote bone formation of osteoblasts through inducting the gene expressions of OSX,Runx-2, ALP and Collagen1, and the protein expressions of Collagen1, and by increasing the Ca (2+) concentration. Moreover, ICA could inhibit bone resorption of osteoclasts through regulating OPG/RANKL signal pathway.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bone Resorption ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression ; Osteoblasts ; drug effects ; Osteoclasts ; drug effects ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Osteoprotegerin ; metabolism ; RANK Ligand ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; metabolism ; Transcription Factors ; metabolism