The growth and development of plant is affected by environmental factors that include light,temperature and water. Many cis-elements that are response to these elicitors interact with transcription factors, and regulate the expression of target genes. It concludes by pointing out recent studies of cis-elements and transcription factors in the plant environmental response promoters, such as light, temperature and water inducible promoter. The molecular mechanisms of gene expression regulated by environmental factors was discussed. This is important to study the mechanisms that plant adapt the environment.

In this study, the 5' -flanking proximal region of stress-induced gene encoding betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase was isolated by Adaptor-PCR and TAIL-PCR from halophyte Suaeda liaotungensis. 1993 bp sequence was obtained by sequencing. The transcription start site, which localized at 62 bases upstream of the start ATG, was predicted using TSSP-TCM program. The functional elements were analysed by PLACE programm. The SlBADH gene promoter contains the basic elements: TATA-box, CAAT-box, and stress-induced elements: salt responsed element, cold, dehydration, ABA and frozen responsed elements, WUN responsed elements and HSE. Obtaining the promoter of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase gene from Suaeda liaotungensis provides a foundation for analyzing the stress-induced promoter elements, studying the relationship between structure and founction of the promoter, and investigating the molecular mechanism of BADH gene regulation.
Base Sequence ; Betaine-Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Chenopodiaceae ; enzymology ; genetics ; Cold Temperature ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Genes, Plant ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Salts ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Transcription Initiation Site

Objective To investigate the effects of sufentanil on stress hormone and hemodynamic parameters in patients with sepsis in ICU. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was carried out to select 46 patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU of Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital from October 2014 to August 2016. The patients were randomly divided into the control group(group C), fentanyl group (group F) and sufentanil group (group S). Patients in group C were given active treatment of the primary disease, and anti-infection, nutritional support, maintenance of electrolyte balance and other comprehensive treatment. Patients in group F and group S were treated in the same way as group C, while fentanyl and sufentanil were applied separately into them. The analgesic goal was behavioral pain scale (BPS) ≤3 points. The changes of stress hormone [adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), glucocorticoids (GC), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E)] and hemodynamic parameters [heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and central venous pressure (CVP)] before and after treatment were compared, and adverse drug reactions were recorded. The quantitative data were compared by analysis of variance or t test, and the repeated measurement data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. The enumeration data were compared by Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method. Results There were no significant changes in the levels of NE and E before treatment and at 2 and 6 h after the treatment in the three groups (P>0.05). Compared with before treatment, there were no significant changes in ACTH and GC levels at 2 and 6 h after treatment in group C (P>0.05), and ACTH and GC levels decreased in group F and group S at 2 and 6 h after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with group C, the levels of ACTH and GC in group F and group S were lower than those in group C at 2 and 6 h after treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group F and group S (P>0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of HR were decreased at 2 and 6 h after the treatment in the three groups (P<0.05). Compared with group C, the levels of HR in group F and group S was lower than that in group C at 2 and 6 h after treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group F and group S (P>0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of MAP increased in different degrees at 2 and 6 h after treatment in the three groups; Except for group F, there was significant difference between group C and group S (P<0.05). The levels of MAP in group F were lower than those in group C and group S at 2 and 6 h after treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group S and group C (P>0.05). Conclusions Sufentanil has certain advantages in alleviating stress response in patients with sepsis in ICU. Its efficacy and safety are similar to that of fentanyl. What' more, it has more stable hemodynamics.

This study was aimed to detect the methylation status of FHIT gene promoter region in the DNA from plasma of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and to investigate the demethylating effect of decitabine. Methylation-specific PCR method was used to detect the methylation status of FHIT gene promoter region in the DNA from plasma of 4 patients with MDS before and after treatment with decitabine plus semis CAG therapy (among them, 1 case of newly diagnosed MDS, 3 cases progressed into acute leukemia). The results indicated that 3 cases were found to have an increased methylation in the promoter region. After treatment with decitabine plus semis CAG, increased methylation was reversed in 2 cases. In 4 cases, 2 cases displayed clinical response. It is concluded that FHIT gene hypermethylation is associated with MDS pathogenesis. Decitabine has demethylating effect on the FHIT gene hypermethylation of plasma from MDS patients. Detecting the methylation status of FHIT gene in DNA from plasma may play a role in MDS auxiliary diagnosis or prognosis.
Acid Anhydride Hydrolases ; genetics ; Adult ; Aged ; Azacitidine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; DNA ; blood ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; blood ; drug therapy ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic

Background: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are bioactive substances extracted from P. notoginseng that are widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and interstitial diseases. PNS have the functions of scavenging free radicals, anti-inflammation, improving blood supply for tissue and so on. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PNS on the oxidative stress of immune cells induced by porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Using an oxidative stress model of PCV2 infection in a porcine lung cell line (3D4/2 cells) and mice, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), total glutathione (T-GSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) were determined to evaluate the regulatory effects of PNS on oxidative stress. Results: PNS treatment significantly reduced the levels of NO and ROS, the content of GSSG and the activities of XOD, MPO, and iNOS (p < 0.05), while significantly increasing GSH and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in infected 3D4/2 cells (p < 0.05).Similarly, in the in vivo study, PNS treatment significantly decreased the level of ROS in spleen lymphocytes of infected mice (p < 0.05), increased the levels of GSH and T-GSH (p < 0.05), significantly decreased the GSSG level (p < 0.05), and decreased the activities of XOD, MPO, and iNOS. Conclusions PNS could regulate the oxidative stress of immune cells induced by PCV2 infection in vitro and in vivo.

Objective:To study the effect of curcumin on enterocyte apoptosis and its protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in septic rats.Methods:Eighty-seven 3-month male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into Sham group, model group and curcumin group by random number table method, with 29 rats in each group. The septic rat model was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). 4 mL dimethyl sulfoxide solution were intraperitoneally injected in both Sham group and model group, 200 mg/kg curcumin dissolved by 4 mL dimethyl sulfoxide solution were intraperitoneally injected in curcumin group 10 minutes after operation. The blood samples (15 rats in each group) were collected 2, 12, 24 hours after operation, and the levels of serum procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), D-lactic acid and diamine oxidas (DAO) were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ileum tissues were collected 12 hours, 24 hours after operation in three groups, water content was tested by weighting, pathologic structure was observed by light microscope, the enterocyte apoptosis was tested by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end labeling method (TUNEL). The 7-day survival rate was observed in three groups (14 rats in each group).Results:The serum levels of PCT, TNF-α, D-lactic acid and DAO were higher in model group at 2, 12, 24 hours after operation than those in Sham group, PCT, TNF-α levels were significantly higher in model group than those in Sham group 2 hours after operation [PCT (μg/L): 1.89±0.17 vs. 0.10±0.02, TNF-α (ng/L): 216.51±1.47 vs. 85.25±8.20, both P < 0.01], D-lactic acid, DAO levels were significantly higher in model group than those in Sham group 12 hours after operation [D-lactic acid (mg/L): 40.53±7.76 vs. 11.29±1.28, DAO (ng/L): 1 120.40±302.35 vs. 330.02±81.28, both P < 0.01]. Compared with model group, the levels of serum PCT, TNF-α, D-lactic acid and DAO were lower in curcumin group 2, 12, 24 hours after operation, the statistical difference appeared from 12 hours after operation [PCT (μg/L): 5.37±0.44 vs. 8.67±0.64, TNF-α(ng/L): 211.12±4.31 vs. 313.30±18.46, D-lactic acid (mg/L): 29.74±1.41 vs. 40.53±7.76, DAO (ng/L): 810.71±201.41 vs. 1 120.40±302.35, all P < 0.05], curcumin group had lower water content in ileum tissues 12 hours, 24 hours after operation [(68.34±0.68)% vs. (70.55±0.87)%, (69.41±0.59)% vs. (71.69±0.87)%, both P < 0.05]. The pathologic structures of intestinal villus were normal in Sham group, however, in model group intestinal villus were atrophic, edematous and shorten 12 hours after operation, it was further exacerbated 24 hours after operation. Compared with model group, the pathologic structures of intestinal villus in curcumin group were relived 12 hours, 24 hours after operation. The number of apoptotic enterocytes were significantly increased in model group compared with Sham group 24 hours after operation (cells: 25.48±6.10 vs. 4.00±2.04, P < 0.05), and the number of apoptotic enterocytes was lower in curcumin group than that in model group at the same time (cells: 15.48±3.75 vs. 25.48±6.10), the difference was statistically significant (both P < 0.05). Seven-day survival rate was significantly lower in curcumin than that in model group [42.9% (6/14) vs. 50.0% (7/14)], however, the difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Curcumin can protect the intestinal mucosal barrier by inhibiting enterocyte apoptosis in septic rats.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression features of glypican-3 (GPC-3) and its diagnostic and differential values in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSRat hepatoma models were made and the dynamic expression features of GPC-3 protein and its gene were investigated by Western blotting and RT-PCR respectively. Liver specimens from 36 HCC patients were collected by self-control method and the expression and clinicopathological features of GPC-3 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Serum GPC-3 levels were quantitatively detected by ELISA and its efficiency for HCC diagnosis was evaluated in patients with liver diseases.

RESULTSThe incidence of GPC-3 was 0% in control, 83.3% in degeneration, 100% in precancerosis and 100% in canceration during dynamic formation of rat hepatoma, respectively. The positive GPC-3 was brown granule- like staining localized in membrane and cytoplasm in human HCC.

CONCLUSIONSThe GPC-3 positive rates were 80.6% in HCC, 41.7% in surrounding tissues and none in distal tissues (P < 0.01), respectively. No positive relationship presented between GPC-3 and differentiation grade or the number of tumor except of tumor size (Z = 2.941, P < 0.01). The incidence of serum GPC-3 was 52.8% in HCC patients except of one patient with cirrhosis. No significant differences were found between GPC-3 and sex, age, AFP, tumor number, Child classification or extrahepatic metastasis except of tumor size (χ² = 6.318, P < 0.05) and HBV infection (χ² = 23.362, P < 0.01). Combined detection of GPC-3 and AFP could rise up diagnosis of HCC. GPC-3 expression closely associated with HCC and might be useful for early diagnosis of HCC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Glypicans ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Young Adult

To investigate oral health status in the residents of Sichuan Province, southwest China, a cross-sectional study was performed using the latest Oral Health Survey Basic Methods recommended by the World Health Organization. A multistage stratified random cluster-sampling method was used to enroll participants from the following three groups: children aged 3–5 years, adolescents aged 12 years, and people aged 65–74 years. In these three groups, the mean numbers of teeth that were affected by caries were 3.28, 0.86 and 5.13, respectively, resulting in a prevalence of 63.47%, 37.20%and 83.20%, respectively. Relative to the high rate of decayed teeth, the prevalence of fillings was very low in all age groups (0.97%, 7.24% and 5.43%, respectively). In the 12-year-old adolescent group, only 3.61%had good pit and fissure sealing. In addition, the rate of dental fluorosis was 24.80%, and the Community Fluorosis Index value was 0.39. In the elder group, the community periodontal index was 2.92. The prevalence in the elderly of having lost at least one tooth was 75.54%. Additionally, 4.44%of these participants were edentulous. The incidence of dental prosthesis was 51.75%, the proportion with a removable partial denture, a fixed denture, full dentures, dental implants and an informal fixed bridge was 21.59%, 11.45%, 4.64%, 0 and 16.67%, respectively. In this study, 8.2%of the elderly participants were affected by different types of oral mucosal lesions. Among such lesions, recurrent aphthous ulcers were most prevalent (2.69%) and oral lichen planuses were second (1.6%). The conclusion presented in this survey is that oral diseases, especially dental caries and periodontal disease, are frequent and common in Sichuan province, China. Moreover, the treatment rate is very low, and primary prevention and treatment options are therefore urgently needed in this population.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of p57 and p53 immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of hydropic abortion, partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole.

METHODSImmunohistochemical stains (EnVision method) for p57 and p53 were performed in tissue samples of normal placenta chorionic villi (n=10), abortion chorionic villi (n=12), partial hydatidiform (n=23) and complete hydatidiform moles (n=20).

RESULTSThe expression of p57 was predominantly localized in the nuclei of villous cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells. The positive rates of p57 in normal placenta, hydropic abortion and partial hydatidiform mole were 10/10, 12/12, and 100% (23/23), respectively, with no significant difference among the groups (P>0.05). However, none of the complete hydatidiform moles analyzed exhibited p57 positivity in cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells. There was a significant difference between partial and complete hydatidiform moles (P<0.05). The expression of p53 was observed in the nuclei of cytotrophoblastic cells and intermediate trophoblasts. No p53 expression was seen in normal placenta and only 1 of 12 hydropic abortion showed p53 positivity. The positive rates of p53 expression in partial and complete hydatidiform mole were 60.9% (14/23) and 85.0% (17/20) respectively. It was significantly higher in partial hydatidiform mole than that in hydropic abortion. A significant difference was also found between partial and complete hydatidiform moles (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSOur findings confirm that p57 immunohistochemistry assists the differential diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole from partial hydatidiform mole. Expression of p53 may be helpful in distinguishing partial hydatidiform mole from hydropic abortion.

Abortion, Spontaneous ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p57 ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Hydatidiform Mole ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Pregnancy ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Trophoblasts ; metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism ; Uterine Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology

Objective:To investigate the effect of Guizhi Fulingwan on ovulation dysfunction in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance （PCOS-IR） induced by letrazole combined with high fat emulsion. Method:A total of 72 female SD rats were randomly divided into control group， model group， metformin group and Guizhi Fulingwan low， medium and high dose groups， with 12 rats in each group. Except for control group， rats were given letrozole 0.001g·kg^-1 combined with high-fat emulsion 15 mL·kg^-1 for 21 consecutive days to establish model of PCOS-IR. Guizhi Fulingwan low， medium and high-dose groups were administrated with Guizhi Fulingwan 0.31， 0.62， 1.24 g·kg^-1 respectively， metformin group was administrated with metformin 0.27 g·kg^-1， control group and model group were administrated with 12 mL·kg^-1 of normal saline daily for 30 days. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining was used to observe ovarian tissue pathology morphology， and enzyme-linked immunoassay method （ELISA） was used to detect serum follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， testosterone （T）， fasting insulin （FINS） level，and LH/FSH and insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） were calculated． Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy key molecular Atg6 yeast homologue （Beclin-1）， autophagy related gene 5（Atg5）， microtubule associated protein light chain 3 （LC3） Ⅱ proteins in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/rapamycin target protein （PI3K/Akt/mTOR） signaling pathway and autophagy related indicators in rat ovarian tissue. Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. Result:Compared with control group， the thickness of follicles and follicular granulosa cells in the ovary of the model group also decreased， and the number of corpus luteum significantly decreased， while the white membrane thickness of the ovary increased， and the number of atresia follicles and cystic dilatation follicles increased significantly. Serum T， LH， LH/FSH， FINS， FINS， HOMA-IR were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Phosphorylated （p） -PI3K， p-Akt， and p-mTOR proteins in ovarian tissue were all decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The relative expression levels of autophagy-related protein LC3Ⅱ and Beclin-1 were significantly increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with model group， the number of follicles in the low， medium and high dose Guizhi Fulingwan group and the metformin group decreased， the number of follicles in atresia and atresia increased， and the follicular granulosa cell layer thickness increased. Serum T， LH， LH/FSH， FINS and HOMA-IR of Guizhi Fulingwan group were significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and serum FINS and HOMA-IR of metformin group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expressions of p-PI3K， p-Akt， and p-mTOR proteins were increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression levels of LC3Ⅱ， Atg5 and Beclin-1 in the medium and high dose groups were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Conclusion:Guizhi Fulingwan can activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway of granular cells， inhibit excessive autophagy of granular cells， improve ovarian function and insulin resistance， and restore ovulation， and the effect is better with high dose.