Objective To investigate the mechanism of a dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, saxagliptin, pro?moting the regeneration of islet beta cells in diabetic rats. Methods The male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups including control group (NC, n=10), diabetes group (DM, n=10) and diabetes treated with saxagliptin group (DM-S, n=10). DM-S group was treated with saxagliptin 1 mg/(kg·d) for twelve weeks. The pancreaticβcell function was analysed by hyperglycemic clamps. Immunohistochemistry with anti-PCNA was performed to observe the proliferation rate of pancreaticβcells. Immunofluorescence double staining with anti-insulin, anti-glucagon, anti-DPP-4 and anti-SDF-1 were performed to observe the expression of insulin, glucagon, DPP-4 and SDF-1 in pancreatic tissue. Western blot assay was performed to test the expression of Akt, p-Akt,β-catenin and free-β-catenin protein, and RT-PCR was performed to test the expressionlevels of c-myc and cyclinD1 mRNA in pancreatic tissue. Results Compared with NC group, there were significantly in?creased blood glucose, decreased islet function andβcell mass in DM group. Compared with DM rats, saxagliptin treatment significantly inhibited the expression of DPP-4, decreased the degradation of SDF-1, stimulated the proliferation ofβcells, and ultimately improved the islet function and histopathological changes of pancreas. Conclusion DPP-4 inhibitor saxa?gliptin can significantly improve islet function, which involved in the inhibition of the expression of DPP-4, the decreased degradation of SDF-1 and the stimulation of the proliferation ofβcells.

Objective To investigate the possible mechanisms of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ra) induced weight loss. Methods High fat diet induced obese c57BL/6 mice were divided into normal control group (N, n=8), high fat feeding group (HF, n=32) and GLP-1Ra group treated with GLP-1Ra (liraglutide 200μg/(kg·d) or 400μg/(kg·d) for 8 weeks). Changes of body weight, blood glucose and three acyl glycosides (TG) levels were observed in three groups. HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes. Immunofluorescence staining and real-time PCR were used to mea?sure the expression of UCP-1. Furthermore, the expression of PGC-1αin protein level was observed to explore the possible mechanism of GLP-1Ra induced browning in white fat (WAT). Results After 8-week liraglutide (Lira) administration, the body weights were significantly reduced in obese mice (P<0.05). The levels of blood glucose and TG were significantly high?er in HF group than those in N group, which reduced significantly in Lira (200μg·kg-1) and Lira (400μg·kg-1) administra?tion groups (P<0.05). HE staining showed adipocytes in perirenal and inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue partly acquired brown-like morphological characteristics. The expression levels of UCP-1 protein and mRNA and PGC-1αprotein were ele?vated in adipse tissues, which increased more in Lira (400) than those in Lira (200, P<0.05). Conclusion GLP-1Ra can induce weight loss through white fat browning by activation of UCP-1.

Objective To compare the difference between bone marrow stomal cell (BMSC) and adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) of liver fibrosis in rats.Methods BMSC and ADSC of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were isolated and purified.The stem cell markers were detected with flow cytometry.The coculture system was set up with 0.4 μm Transwell insert semipermeable membrane.ADSC or BMSC were co-cultured with hepatic stellate cells (HSC).Normal hepatocyte cell line of rat (BRL) was co-cultured with HSC as negative control group and HSC cultured alone was blank control group.After cultured for 72 hours,the proliferation of HSC was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method.The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) of HSC was detected by Western blotting.The apoptosis of HSC was examined by flow cytometry.After BMSC,ADSC and BRL cultured alone for 72 hours,expression level vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),interleukin-10 (IL-10),nerve growth factor (NGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the culture medium were detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.The rats model of liver fibrosis were established.The rats were divided into BMSC treatment group,ADSC treatment group,BRL group and culture medium group,six rats in each group,which were injected with 1.5 mL BMSC,ADSC and BRL cells suspension (5 × 106) through portal vein,respectively,and same volume of culture medium was injected to the rate of culture medium group,once every two weeks for four weeks.The pathological changes of liver tissue sections were observed and liver fibrosis markers were tested.T test was performed for comparison between two samples and analysis of variance was used for comparison among multiple groups.Results BMSC and ADSC were successfully isolated and cultured.The phenotype of BMSC and ADSC was similar.Compared with blank control group and negative control group,both ADSC and BMSC could inhibit the proliferation of HSC and promote apoptosis (proliferation,2.43±0.27,2.39±0.33,1.92±0.38 and 2.18±0.31,FBMSC =25.61,FADSC =38.63,both P＜0.05 ;apoptosis rate,(5.59 ± 0.40)％,(6.82±0.57)％,(8.31± 1.03) ％ and (9.36 ± 0.54) ％,FBMSC =73.69,FADSC =97.41,both P＜ 0.05).The effects of ADSC were more significant than those of BMSC (t=5.76 and 5.18,both P＜0.05).There was difference in the cytokine levels secreted by ADSC and BMSC (NGF,(7.46 ± 0.54) pg/mL vs (3.95 ± 0.71) pg/mL,t =10.92,P＜0.05; TGF-β1,(8.79 ±0.93) pg/mL vs (6.36±0.85) pg/mL,t=7.58,P＜0.05).The cell transplantation experiment indicated that both BMSC and ADSC had significant inhibitory effect on liver fibrosis.The activity index of inflammation and degree of fibrosis in BMSC treatment group and ADSCs treatment group were 9.87±2.07,4.17 ± 0.94 and 10.13 ± 1.81,3.98 ± 0.82,which were significantly lower than those in blank control group (13.78±2.53 and 5.09±1.15)and negative control group (13.34± 1.89 and 4.95± 1.22,FBMSC=51.26 and 32.29,P＜0.05; FADSC =46.73 and 40.94,P＜0.05).The level of hyaluronic acid ((191.5±33.2) μg/L and (178.8±28.2) μg/L),type Ⅲ collagen ((19.9±5.1) μg/L and (21.7± 3.3) μg/L) and hydroxyproline ((312.6±38.8) μg/g and (325.8±28.2) μg/g) of BMSC treatment group and ADSC treatment group were significantly lower than those of negative control group and blank control group (hyaluronic acid,(282.3 ± 18.7) μg/L and (287.5 ± 26.7) μg/L),F =73.51 ; type Ⅲ collagen,(35.3± 3.3) μg/L and (32.5±4.3) μg/L,F=76.19; hydroxyproline,(458.4 ± 38.1) μg/g and (473.9 ± 63.7) μg/g,F=60.37,all P＜0.05).However,there was no difference between BMSC treatment group and ADSC treatment (all P＜0.05).Conclusions ADSC and BMSC had similar stem cell characteristics.There was difference in inhibiting the activation of HSC between ADSC and BMSC.But there was no significant difference in inhibiting liver fibrosis of rats in vivo.

Objective To investigate the possible mechanisms of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ra) protection against hyperglycemic induced beta cell apoptosis through depression of NOX2-dependent ROS production. Methods The rat model of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was established by injecting small doses of streptozotocin (STZ) fol?lowed by 8-week high fat diet. The experimental animals were divided into three groups:normal control (N) group, diabetes (T2DM) group and GLP-1Ra group [treated with liraglutide 200 μg/(kg · d)for 12 weeks]. The blood glucose levels were compared before and after modeling, before treatment and 12-week after treatment with GLP-1Ra. The level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to de?tect levels of aspertate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CR) and urea nitrogen (BUN). The apoptotic rates of islets were determined by TUNEL method and cleaved caspase 3 was detected by immunohistochemistry. DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of islets. Levels of NADPH oxidase (NOX) catalytic subunit (NOX 2) in islets were measured by immunohistochemistry. Results At the end of the study, glycemic control (average blood glucose/week and HbA1c) and lipid situation were improved significantly in the GLP-1Ra group than those of N group (P<0.05). TUNEL staining and displayed thatβcell apoptotic and cleaved caspase 3 level were significantly decreased in GLP-1Ra group compared to those of T2DM group (P<0.05). ROS levels were significantly decreased in GLP-1Ra group than those of T2DM group before treatment with Apocynin, but no significant difference between GLP1-Ra group and N group (P>0.05). After application Apocynin for inhibition, there were no significant differences between three groups (P>0.05). The level of NOX2 was significantly lower in GLP-1Ra group compared to that of T2DM group (P<0.05). Conclusion GLP-1Ra can inhibit apoptosis ofβcells in diabetes rat, and the depression of NOX2-dependent ROS may be one of the important underly?ing mechanisms.

To study the inhibitory effect of RNA interference (RNAi) on MMP-9 gene expression in THP-1 cell line.To investigate the application of RNAi on the therapy of leukemia.Methods:Small interfering RNA ( siRNA) for MMP-9 gene was designed and transfected into THP-1 cells.MMP-9 mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR, and MMP-9 protein expression was tested by Western blot.MTT and trypan blue staining were used to observe the effect on the proliferation of THP-1 cells after RNAi.The changes in cell morphology were observed under the microscope.Results:The expressions of MMP-9 mRNA and protein were inhibited in THP-1 MMP-9 siRNA-transfected cells ,significantly lower than those of control cells.The results of MTT and trypan blue staining in-dicated that the proliferation ability of THP-1 cells obviously decreased after siRNA-transfected 48h and 72h.The growth of cells was in-hibited and the cells survival rate was significantly lower than that of control group ( P<0.05 ).The cells of control groups grew semi-quote wall under inverted microscope.The outline of cells was clear and the shape was uniform.The cells grew vigorously.While the growth of cells in siRNA group was inhibited.The morphology of siRNA group cells changed obviously by the Wright staining.Most cells expressed changes of apoptosis.Conclusion: siRNA for MMP-9 gene can not only reduce the expressions of MMP-9 mRNA and protein,but also inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of THP-1 cells.

Objective To investigate the clinical and histopathologic features of patients with primary gastrointestinal malignant lymphoma ( PGIML). Methods The clinical and histopathologic data of 22 patients with PGIML were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. All cases were confirmed with histological specimen obtained from endoscopic biopsies or surgery. Results Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom, seen in 15 of 22 patients (68.2% ). The incidence of PGIML was highest in stomach, seen in 12 of 22 patients (54. 5% ). Modularity of the mucosal surface was the most common endoscopic finding, seen in 15 of 21 patients (71. 4% ). The positive rate of endoscopic biopsy for the diagnosis of PGIML was 52. 6% (10/19 biopsy cases). All cases were non-Hodgkins lymphomas ( NHL). Twenty cases were muco-sa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and 13 of 20 cases were extra-nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT. Conclusions Abdominal pain is the most common symptom and the stomach was the most common location in PGIML. Extra nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT is the main histopathologic feature. The prognosis of PGIML is related to the surgical procedure and the post operative chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in periapical cyst and periapical granuloma by comparison with the expression in the normal periodontal tissue as control, and to identify their functional mechanism in the bone destruction of periapical cyst and granuloma.

METHODS20 periapical cyst tissues (cyst group), 20 periapical granuloma tissues (granuloma group), and 20 normal periodontal tissues (control group) were collected respectively. Immunohistochemical technology was performed to detect the expression of RANKL and OPG in above three groups.

RESULTSIn cyst group, granuloma group and control group, the expression of RANKL were 75.00 +/- 7.54, 68.40 +/- 6.74 and 29.40 +/- 2.46, respectively. The expression of OPG were 38.10 +/- 7.09, 47.65 +/- 13.85 and 58.60 +/- 5.88, respectively. The differences among the three groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). RANKL and OPG in cysts group were negatively correlated (r=-0.56, P=0.01) and were not correlated with granuloma and control group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONRANKL and OPG play roles in the bone absorption of periapical disease. In periapical disease, abnormal expression of RANKL and OPG are detected, RANKL significantly increase, OPG decrease, bone absorption accelerate and osteolytic lesion are observed. In periapical cyst, the bone absorption is more active compared with periapical granuloma.

Humans ; Male ; Osteoprotegerin ; Periapical Granuloma ; RANK Ligand ; Radicular Cyst ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B

Objective To study the effects of decoy strategy targeted to NF-KB on the development of trauma-associated liver inflammation in rats. Methods In this study, 108 Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups: control group, traumatic inflammation group and traumatic inflammation plus decoy ODN group. Rats were sacrificed on 3,6,12,24,48 and 72hrs in each group respectively. Liver functions and structural changes were examined and compared between the groups. DNA binding activity of NF-KB in liver tissue was measured by EMSA. TNF-α and IL-6 gene expressin in liver tissue was assessed by RT-PCR and TNF-α and IL-6 protein level was determined by ELISA. Results The DNA binding activity of NF-kB in liver rose at 3 hours after induction of liver inflammation following trauma and peaked at 12 hours. Correspondingly, both the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 elevated significantly, as well as the serum alanine aminotransferase level culminating at 24 hours after surgery. Hepatocytes was edematous, degeneration and necrosis, with dramatic destruction of lobular structures. All these changes were significantly inhibited with NF-KB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides. Conclusions Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides specifically inhibit the activity of NF-kB, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6 release from the liver in response to traumatic inflammation decrease, hence the injury on liver structures and functions were alleviated.

Objective To knockout the MATP gene of mouse melanoma cell line B16F10 using CRISPR/Cas9 system,and to lay foundation for the functional study of MATP gene.Methods Specific primers of MATP were designed according to the report in http://crispr.mit.edu/ website.The primers were linked to pCAS9/gRNA1 vector.Then the positive vector was transfected into mouse melanoma B16F10 cells,and monoclonal cell lines were obtained by the infinite dilution method.After the genomes of different monoclonal cell lines were extracted and sequenced,the cell lines with MATP gene cleavage were screened,and the expression of MATP in these cell lines was verified by Western-blot analysis.Results Three MATP gene knockout cell lines were successfully obtained.The western-blot results showed that the cell lines did not express MATP protein.Conclusions The knockout of MATP gene in B16F10 cell line can be successfully achieved using the pCAS9/gRNA1 vector.

BACKGROUNDBreast cancer has become one of the most common malignant tumors among females over the past several years. Breast carcinogenesis is a continuous process, which is featured by the normal epithelium progressing to premalignant lesions and then to invasive breast cancer (IBC). Targeting premalignant lesions is an effective strategy to prevent breast cancer. The establishment of animal models is critical to study the mechanisms of breast carcinogenesis, which will facilitate research on breast cancer prevention and drug behaviors. In this study, we established a feasible chemically-induced rat model of premalignant breast cancer.

METHODSFollowing the administration of the drugs (carcinogen, estrogen, and progestogen) to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, tumors or suspicious tumors were identified by palpation or ultrasound imaging, and were surgically excised for pathological evaluation. A series of four consecutive steps were carried out in order to determine the carcinogen: 7,12-dimethylbenzaanthracene (DMBA) or 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea, the route of carcinogen administration, the administration period of estrogen and progestogen, and the DMBA dosage.

RESULTSStable premalignant lesions can be induced in SD rats on administration of DMBA (15 mg/kg, administered three times) followed by administration of female hormones 5-day cycle.

RESULTSwere confirmed by ultrasound and palpation.

CONCLUSIONUnder the premise of drug dose and cycle, DMBA combined with estrogen and progestogen can be used as a SD rat model for breast premalignant lesions.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene ; Animals ; Breast Diseases ; chemically induced ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental ; chemically induced ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley