Objective To explore the effect of protocatechuic acid on serum tumor necrosis factor-α( TNF-α) , interleukin-1β( IL-1β) and oxidative stress products levels in Parkinson rats.Methods 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group ( n=10 ) , model group (n=10), madopar group (n=20) and protocatechuic acid group (n=20).Rat model with Parkinson disease were builded in model group, madopar group and protocatechuic acid group.Madopar group and protocatechuic acid group were given corresponding drug with a consecutive treatment of two weeks.After treatment,the serum TNF-α,malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and IL-1βlevels were detected in all groups.Results Compared with normal control group, the serum TNF-α, IL-1βand MDA levels in model group were significantly higher, and SOD level was lower (P<0.05).Compared with model group, the serum TNF-α, IL-1βand MDA levels in madopar group pre-treatment were significantly lower, and SOD level was higher (P<0.05).There were no significant difference of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA and SOD levels between madopar group and protocatechuic acid group.Conclusion The protocatechuic acid could significantly reduce the serum TNF-α, MDA and IL-1βlevels in Parkinson model rats, enhance the activity of SOD, which has protective effect on oxidative stress injury induced by Parkinson disease.

Objective To synthesize 628F-Py-AMD3465,to investigate its biodistribution in mice and to perform the microPET/CT imaging on mice bearing human lung cancer cell (A549).Methods AMD3465 quaternary ammonium salt precursor was directly labeled with 18F,then 628F-Py-AMD3465 was synthesized through nucleophilic reaction,hydrolysis,neutralization and the product was purified using HPLC.The labeling yield and radiochemical purity were analyzed by HPLC.Fifteen Kunming mice were injected with 5.55 MBq of 628F-Py-AMD3465 and sacrificed at 5,20,40,60 and 120 min postinjection.The selected tissues were harvested and weighed,and the radioactivity in the tissues was measured by an automated γ-spectrometer.The ％ID/g was calculated.MicroPET/CT studies were performed on A549-bearing mice after injecting 6-18F-Py-AMD3465 through vena caudal.Paired t test was used.Results 6-18F-Py-AMD3465 was successfully synthesized with the labeling yield of (9.0±2.0)％,the total synthesis time was about 60 min,and the radiochemical purity was more than 98％.Biodistribution studies showed that the radiouptake was higher in the kidneys and bladder of normal mice,which demonstrated that 6-18 F-Py-AMD3465 was mainly excreted through the kidneys.Biodistribution in A549-bearing mice was similar to that in normal mice.The tumor/muscle ratio at 40 min was 5.0,but the radiouptake of the tumor was still lower than that of the normal lung:(8.05±0.35) ％ID/g vs (9.33±0.66) ％ID/g;t=5.26,P＜0.05.MicroPET/CT imaging showed that the high-uptake location of 6-18F-Py-AMD3465 in tumor-bearing mice was similar to the normal mice,and the tumor uptake reached the maximum level at 45 min post-injection (SUV 0.67).Conclusions 6-18F-Py-AMD3465 can be synthesized by a simple method.A lower uptake could be shown in the tumor compared to that in the lung and the tracer has limited diagnostic value for lung cancer.

Objective To investigate the influence of atorvastatin (Lipitor) on the expression of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) in human CD4+T lymphocytes in vitro. Methods Human CD4+T cells obtained from healthy individuals were activated with PHA and treated with atorvastatin. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PDCD4 were detected by real-time PCR and western-blot respectively. Results The stimulation of PHA obviously increased the mRNA and protein expression of PDCD4 and the secretion of those serum cytokines. The expression of PDCD4 and the production of serum TNF-α were significantly decreased, whereas the serum levels of IL-10 were significantly increased after treated by different concentration of atorvastatin. The serum secretion of TNF-α was positive correlation with the expression of PDCD4 through the linear related analysis (r=0.782, P<0.01), and the secretion of IL-10 was negative correlation with the expression of PDCD4 (r=-0.653, P<0.05). Conclusion The anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin are mediated by down regulating the expression of PDCD4 in CD4+T cells.

ObjectiveTo discuss the effects of apoptosis and invasion of RBE cells caused by miRNA 21 suppression and further investigate the potential role of miRNA-21 plays on target mRNA regulation. MethodsThe RNAi technology was employed to suppress the expression of RBE cells.The changes in RECK mRNA and protein expressions were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. Changes occurred in apoptosis was closely monitored by flow cytometry (FCM). The invasion of RBE cells was analyzed in vitro by invasion assay (transwell). ResultsThe expression of miRNA-21 was clearly suppressed while the RECK mRNA and protein were over-expressed. The rate of apoptosis was significantly accelerated and there was a dramatic decrease in RBE cells' ability to invade after miRNA-21 knockdown. ConclusionThrough miRNA-21 suppression, the rate of apoptosis of RBE cells was accelerated whereas their invasion ability was greatly reduced. RECK was found to be the target gene of miRNA-21 which participates in the regulation process of regulation.

Objective To investigate the effects of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destructionmediated MicroRNA-21 on cardiomyocyte apoptosis after coronary microembolization (CME) in swine.Methods Twenty Bama miniature swine were randomLy (random number) divided into sham-operated,CME,CME plus gene transfection and CME plus ultrasound mediated gene transfection groups (n =5 per group).The CME model was established by microcatheter-mediated injection of microspheres into the left anterior descending artery.The sham-operated group were made by injection of saline instead.The CME plus ultrasound mediated gene transfection group was made by injection of plasmid-microbubble mixture through the marginal ear vein 4 days before CME established.Meanwhile,ultrasound treatment was given to the myocardium through chest wall.The CME plus gene transfection group was made by injection of plasmidmicrobubble mixture through the marginal ear vein 4 days before CME established without exposure to ultrasound.Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was examined by cardiac ultrasound.Tissue biopsy was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and hematoxylin basic fuchsin picric acid (HBFP) to measure the size of infarction area.Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled gene expression was evaluated by fluorescent microscopy in frozen sections.Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL staining).The expression of PTEN mRNA was measured by fluorescent quantitative PCR.The levels of PTEN protein and Caspase-3 protein was measured by western blot.Results ①Compared to CME plus gene transfection group,the CME plus ultrasound mediated gene group had over eightfold expression of exogenous genes in myocardium (P ＜ 0.05) measured by using optical density of green fluorescence protein;② Compared with shamoperated group [(67.87 ±2.36)％],the LVEF of CME group [(50.94 ±3.52)％] and CME plus gene transfection group [(52.47 ±3.71)％] were markedly decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with CME group,the CME plus ultrasound mediated gene transfection group [(64.79 ± 2.95)％] improved CME-induced cardiac dysfunction as evidenced by increased LVEF (P ＜ 0.05);③Compared with sham-operated group,the expression of PTEN mRNA and levels of PTEN protein and Caspase-3 protein in the CME group increased significantly (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with CME group,the levels of PTEN protein and Caspase-3 protein and the expression of PTEN mRNA in CME plus ultrasound mediated gene transfection group was dramatically decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Ultrasound microbubble-mediated MicroRNA-21 transfection effectively improved CME-induced cardiac dysfunction by down-regulating the expression of targeted gene PTEN in myocardial cells,mainly reducing the post-CME myocardial cell apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of large dose of atorvastatin on the expression of Sprouty-1 in CD4 + T lymphocytes from unstable angina patients during perioperative period of PCI.Methods A total of 52 unstable angina patients enrolled were divided randomly (random number) into large-dose atorvastatin (80 mg/d,n =26) pretreated group and moderate-dose atorvastatin (20 mg/d,n =26) pretreated group.Circulating CD4 + T cells were obtained by magnetic cell sorting system (MACS) before PCI and 18-24h after PCI.For detecting the gene expression,the reverse transcription fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA in CD4 + T lymphocyte.The level of Sprouty-1 protein was detected with Western blot analysis and IL-2 was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results ①Compared with large-dose group before PCI,the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA and Sprouty-1 protein levels were dramatically increased in large-dose group after PCI (P ＜ 0.05).②Compared with moderate-dose group before PCI,the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA and protein levels were slightly increased in moderate-dose group after PCI,but there was no statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05).③Compared with large-dose group before PCI,the serum level of IL-2 was decreased in large-dose group after PCI (P ＜ 0.05).Whereas the serum level of IL-2 was slightly increased in moderate-dose group after PCI compared to moderate-dose group before PCI,there was still no statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Large-dose atorvastatin pretreatment reduced post-PCI myocardial inflammation through up-regulating the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA and level of Sprouty-1 protein in CD4 + T lymphocytes.

OBJECTIVETo study the flavone constituents in Chrozophora sabulosa (Xinjiang origin).

METHODThe compounds were extracted with 95% ethyl alcohol, isolated by various column chromatography and identified by spectroscopic methods.

RESULTSeven flavanoids were isolated and identified as quercetin (I), kaempferol (II), apigenin (III), chrysoerid (IV), isoquercitrin (V), chrysoerin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (VI) and quercetin-3-O-alpha-D-arabinfuranoside (VII).

CONCLUSIONAll of these seven compounds were obtained from this genus for the first time.

Apigenin ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Euphorbiaceae ; chemistry ; Flavones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Kaempferols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quercetin ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

Objective Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in mediating pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils .The aim of the study was to observe the expression of ICAM-1 and its potential regulators MK 2/HuR in pulmonary micro-vascular endothelial cells ( PMVEC ) in mice with acute respiratory distress syndrome ( ARDS) induced by lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) . Methods Ten 6-8 weeks old healthy C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into an LPS and a control group of equal number , the former injected intraperitoneally with LPS diluted in 100 μL PBS while the latter with PBS only , both at 5 mg per kg of the body weight .At 24 hours after injection , all the mice were sacrificed .Real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expressions of HuR and ICAM-1 in the PMVECs, Western bolt employed to detect the protein expressions of MK2, HuR and ICAM-1, and flow cytometry adopted to measure the ICAM-1 expression on the surface of the PMVECs and pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils . Results The W/D ratio in the lung tissue of the mice was significantly lower in the LPS than in the control group (3.61 ±0.28 vs 6.16 ±0.40, P<0.05), while the rate of neutrophil infiltration markedly higher in the former than in the latter ([13.92 ±3.23]%vs [3.24 ±1.24]%, P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expressions of ICAM-1 in the PMVECs were significantly elevated in the LPS group as compared with that in the control (P<0.05), and so was the mRNA expression of HuR (P<0.05).No remarkable changes were observed in the expressions of total MK 2 and HuR proteins, but phosphorylated MK2 (p-MK2) and cytoplasmic HuR were increased in the LPS-stimulated mice. Conclusion Specific blockage or reduction of the HuR expression in PMVECs may lower the expression of ICAM-1, reduce neutrophil infiltration , and lessen pathophysiological changes in mice with ARDS .

BACKGROUND: Coronary microembolization (CME) is a serious complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The use of metoprolol before PCI can significantly protect ischemic myocardium from myocardial damage, but the function of metoprolol in the treatment of CME is not entirely clear. This study was to explore the effect and significance of metoprolol on myocardial apoptosis and caspase-3 activation after CME in rats. METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups including sham-operation (control group), CME plus saline (CME group), CME plus metoprolol (metoprolol group), 10 rats for each group. The CME group was induced by injecting 3000 polyethylene microspheres (42 μm) into the left ventricle during a 10-second occlusion of the ascending aorta; the control group was injected with physiological saline instead of microembolization ball; the metoprolol or saline group was given three intravenous bolus injections before CME. Echocardiography, TUNEL staining, and Western blotting were used to evaluate cardiac function, proportion of apoptotic cells and activation of caspase-3 respectively at 6 hours after operation. RESULTS: Echocardiographic parameters displayed that the metoprolol group improved cardiac function significantly compared with the CME group (P<0.05). The myocardial apoptotic rate of the CME group as wel as the contents of activated caspase-3 increased significantly (P<0.05), both of which were ameliorated significantly by metoprolol treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that metoprolol can protect the myocardium during CME in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and improving cardiac function. These results suggest that the inhibition of apoptosis can be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CME.

A new approach based on online coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( LC-GC / MS ) was developed for the rapid determination of 4-( methylnitrosamino )-1-( 3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in mainstream cigarette smoke, in which a switching valve was employed to online switching between two-dimensional chromatography. The online LC-GC / MS system used in this study was built by using online gel permeation chromatography-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry except that the micro gel column was replaced by micro alkaline alumina column which was prepared by ourselves before. The NNK in mainstream cigarette smoke was collected by a Cambridge filter pad, then the pad was extracted with dichloromethane, and the extract was quantitatively analyzed by online LC-GC / MS with D4-NNK as an internal standard. Online LC-GC / MS allowed online pretreatment purification, and the sample was subjected to online LC-GC / MS without any prior purification, which reduced human error in analysis process. The injection volume of the present online LC-GC / MS could reach 40 μL, which was 20 times of that of the conventional GC / MS (2. 0 μL of injection volume), and thus significantly improved the sensitivity. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity ( r = 0. 9998) was obtained over the range of 1. 2 - 120 ng / mL. The recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 93. 9% to 96. 0% , and the limits of detection for qualitative and quantitative detection were 0. 25 ng / mL and 0. 9 ng / mL, respectively. All the results obtained by the present method are comparable to those of standard method recommend by China National Tobacco Company.