Objective To study the effects of tetrandrine on apoptosis of HeLa cervical cancer cells qualitatively and quantitatively. Methods We measured tetrandrine-induced inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation at different concentrations and time points by MTT assay. The rate of Hela cell apoptosis induced by tetrandrine was detected by flow cytometer and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Results Tetrandrine inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells in dosage- and time-dependent manners. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate was (51.8±0.97)% at the concentration of 15μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (24.3±1.23)% (P<0.05). The cells treated with tetrandrine showed typical apoptotic morphology under CLSM. Conclusion Tetrandrine can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of HeLa cervical cancer cells.

AIMTo determine six effective components (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, rhaponticin, physcion and chrysophanol) in Rheum.

METHODSUsing buffer solution containing 20 mmol.L-1 borax, 20 mmol.L-1 sodium deoxycholate (SDC), 20 mmol.L-1 sodium taurocholate (STC), 15 mmol.L-1 beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and O-phthalic acid as the internal standard, the six components were determined by cyclodextrin modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography.

RESULTSIn less than 25 min, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, rhaponticin, physion and chrysophanol were separated. The separation conditions were optimized by adjusting buffer pH, concentrations of SDC, STC and beta-CD. The linearity ranges of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, rhaponticin, physcion and chrysophanol were 4-34, 5-40, 4-60, 5-80, 6-90 and 5-85 micrograms.mL-1 respectively. Relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method was less than 2.2%. The recoveries of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, rhaponticin, physcion and chrysophanol were 100.0%, 98.3%, 100.4%, 94.6%. 95.2% and 93.8% respectively. Raw Rheum, Mongolian Rheum and Rheum tanguticum samples were analyzed.

CONCLUSIONThis method can be an effective one for identification of Rhubarb.

Anthraquinones ; analysis ; Chromatography, Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary ; methods ; Cyclodextrins ; chemistry ; Emodin ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Rheum ; chemistry ; Stilbenes ; analysis

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have confirmed that ethanol can promote adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and up-regulate the expression of PPARγ and aP2 in the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) signaling pathway. As a member of the ZIP protein family, Zrt/Irt-like protein 1 (ZIP1) is closely related to bone metabolism and osteogenic differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of BMSCs transfected by ZIP1 on TNF-α signaling pathway in the process of adipogenic differentiation.METHODS:The BMSCs from rabbits were isolated and cultured under different concentrations of alcohol (0.03, 0.09,0.15, 0.21 mol/L), followed by transfection by ZIP1 siRNA and ZIP1 expression vector.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After culture in alcohol, the expression levels of aP2 and PPARγ proteins were both significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the level of triglyceride was increased in all alcohol groups except for 0.03 mol/L alcohol group (P < 0.05). After siRNA transfection, the expression levels of aP2 and PPARγ as well as the level of triglyceride were increased significantly in all the alcohol groups (P < 0.05); however, ZIP1 transfection decreased the expression levels of aP2 and PPARγ proteins (P < 0.05). To conclude, ZIP1 siRNA could promote the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the activation of TNF-α signaling pathway.

Myeloid differentiation factor MyD88 is a critical adaptor molecule that integrates and transduces intracellular signals in inducing the differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs).The domain regions within MyD88 was searched,it could potentially affect the function of dendritic cells and found that MyD88 aa155-171 motif not only regulate the activity of transcription factor NF-?B, but also control the production of cytokines and expression of costimulatory molecules. Indeed, aa155-171 motif deleted type MyD88 (MyD88155-171) transfected RAW264.7 cells exhibited the reduced NF-?B and AP-1 activity and interrupted the expression of CD86 and B7H1. Meanwhile, lower level expression of cytokines such as IL-12,IFN-? were also observed by means of cytokine array in MyD88-/-DC trasfected with MyD88155-171 as compared to the MyD88 transfected cells. Thus, aa155-171 motif inside MyD88 could affect the expression of costimulatory molecules, production of cytokines and transduction of Toll like receptor signal pathway, suggesting that this motif may play an important role in regulating responses of innate immune system.

AIMTo study the determination of dopamine (DA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) using poly (isonicotinic acid) film modified electrode.

METHODSThe cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to study the electrochemical behavior of DA at the poly (isonicotinic acid) film modified electrode.

RESULTSThe poly (isonicotinic acid) film modified electrode showed an electrocatalytic effect on DA, and shifted the oxidation of AA to negative potential. The difference between the oxidation potentials of DA and AA was 204 mV, thus, AA did not interfere with the determination of DA. The linear range between the anodic currents and DA concentration was: 1.0 x 10(-7)-2.0 x 10(-5) and 2.0 x 10(-5)-1.0 x 10(-4) mol.L-1. The detection limit was 8.0 x 10(-9) mol.L-1.

CONCLUSIONThe useful life period of the modified electrode is three weeks at least. The modified electrode can be used to the determination of DA in the sample.

Ascorbic Acid ; analysis ; Dopamine ; analysis ; Electrochemistry ; methods ; Electrodes ; Isonicotinic Acids ; chemistry

Objective:To investigate the relationship between cognitive function and brain event-related potential in patients with lacunar cerebral infarction.Methods:A total of 464 patients with lacunar cerebral infarction admitted to the Department of Neurology, Kailuan General Hospital from 2014 to 2019 were prospectively selected as observation subjects (case group). According to mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score, the patients in the case group were divided into 352 cases of lacunar cerebral infarction with normal cognition and 112 cases of mild cognitive impairment. At the same time, 100 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. All subjects were assessed by simple intelligent mental state, Zung self-rating anxiety scale, Zung self-rating depression scale and brain event-related potential P3a and P3b. The measurement data of normal distribution adopts one-way ANOVA, the measurement data of non normal distribution adopts Kruskal Wallis H test, and the counting data adopts χ2. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed by unconditional Logistics (stepwise method). Results:The proportions of smokers in control group, lacunar cerebral infarction cognitive normal group and lacunar cerebral infarction mild cognitive impairment group were 20.00% (20/100), 38.07% (134/352) and 46.42% (52/112), respectively. The proportions of drinkers were 18.00% (18/100), 33.24% (117/352), 33.93% (38/112), respectively. The proportions of hypertension were 38.00% (38/100), 58.24% (205/352), 59.82% (67/112), respectively. The proportions of hyperhomocysteinemia were 19.00% (19/100), 34.00% (120/352) and 68.75% (77/112), respectively, and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 15.66, 7.91, 11.86 and 54.57, respectively; P<0.001, 0.019, 0.003, <0.001). The peak latency CZ leads of visual P3b wave group N2 were (271.48±40.65), (285.67±44.08) and (290.57±68.41) ms, respectively. PZ leads were (276.70±50.92), (287.86±43.28) and (312.16±62.75) ms. P3b peak latency FZ leads were (392.67±42.50), (405.82±52.43) and (410.34±64.27) ms. CZ leads were (395.04±42.44), (412.51±55.86) and (433.28±66.32) ms. PZ leads were (398.24±40.93), (411.17±49.48) and (435.78±67.69) ms. N2 amplitude CZ leads were (-3.99±2.81), (-3.60±3.00) and (-2.70±2.37) μV, PZ leads were (-3.18±2.69), (-2.91±2.62) and (-1.87±2.89) μV, respectively. Leads P3b amplitude of FZ were 5.27 (3.27, 7.40), 4.21 (2.31, 6.49) and 3.12 (1.61, 5.08) μV. CZ leads were 4.81 (2.78, 6.71), 4.15 (2.76, 6.16) and 3.51 (1.75, 5.15) μV. PZ leads were 5.17 (3.03, 6.97), 4.40 (2.89, 6.12) and 3.43 (1.52, 5.34) μV. There were statistically significant differences among the 3 groups ( F=3.29, 14.49, 3.95, 11.73, 14.06, 5.66 and 3.57, H=18.23, 10.33,18.25; P=0.027, <0.001, 0.025, <0.001, <0.001, 0.004, 0.042, <0.001, 0.006, <0.001). The peak latency FZ leads of visual P3a wave group N2 were 265.00 (256.00, 286.00), 277.00(260.00,300.00), 282.00(270.00,304.00) ms, respectively. CZ leads weres 274.00(255.00,305.00), 285.00(262.00,329.00), 293.50(270.00,346.00) ms. P3a peak latency FZ leads were (413.83±49.58), (429.83±55.38) and (449.04±54.79) ms, CZ leads were (441.53±61.78), (457.12±69.29) and (460.23±72.24) ms. PZ leads were (430.14±54.53), (462.31±69.2) and (470.02±74.92) ms. N2 amplitude FZ leads were (-6.34±3.13), (-5.72±2.96) and (-4.92±2.05) μV, respectively. Leads P3a amplitude of FZ were 4.00 (2.28, 5.55), 3.15 (2.14, 4.91) and 2.80 (2.19, 4.19) μV. CZ lead were 3.37 (1.98, 4.66), 2.73 (1.70, 3.97) and 2.41 (1.64, 3.45) μV. There were statistically significant differences among the three groups ( H=13.92, 8.65, 9.17, 10.02, F=8.18, 6.33, 10.73, 4.62, P =0.001,0.013,0.010,0.007, <0.001,0.002, <0.001,0.010). Logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption, P3b peak latency and wave amplitude PZ lead, N1 wave amplitude of visual P3a group FZ lead were the influencing factors of MMSE ( OR=0.04, 1.01, 0.76, 1.51, 95% Cl were 0.00-0.30, 1.00-1.03, 0.59-0.97, 1.08-2.10, P=0.002,0.007,0.029,0.016). Conclusion:The peak latency and amplitude of endogenous psychological cognitive potentials N2, P3b and P3a of event-related potentials P3b and P3a in patients with lacunar cerebral infarction were prolonged and decreased. At the same time, with the occurrence of clinical cognitive impairment, the peak latency and amplitude of these cognitive potentials were further prolonged and decreased more significantly. Alcohol consumption, P3b peak latency and PZ lead of visual P3b wave group, and FZ lead of N1 wave of visual P3a wave group were the influencing factors of simple intelligent mental state.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells, TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral blood of prostate cancer (PCa) patients, and analyze the role of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of PCa and their relationship with TGF-beta 1 and COX-2.

METHODSWe used flow cytometry to calculate the percentage of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells in the CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 30 PCa patients (11 localized and 19 non-localized cases) and 20 healthy volunteer controls, determined the expressions of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the serum by ELISA, and analyzed their correlation with the CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells in the PCa patients as well as the differences between the localized and non- localized cases.

RESULTSCD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells accounted for (18.32 +/- 7.49) % in the CD4+ T cells in PBMCs from the PCa patients, significantly higher than (7.77 +/- 1.86) % from the controls (P < 0.05), but with no statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatment in the PCa patients (P > 0.05). The expressions of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral blood were (215.97 +/- 55.16) ng/ml and (6.88 +/- 5.14) ng/ml in the PCa patients, in comparison with (149.75 +/- 47.11) ng/ml (P < 0.05) and (6.88 +/- 5.14) ng/ml (P > 0.05) in the controls. Multiple linear regression analysis showed no significant correlation between the expression of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells in PBMCs and those of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral blood of the PCa patients. There were no significant differences between the localized and non-localized PCa groups in the expressions of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells, TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells in in PBMCs are involved in the pathogenesis of PCa. The proliferation of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells is not significantly correlated to the expressions of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral blood, but maybe to the tumor itself and the local tumor microenvironment.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; blood ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of palmitic acid (PA) on human hepatocytes and its mechanism.

METHODSWe administered a mimic hyperlipidemia condition of 0.2-0.4 mmol/L PA to human hepatoma cell line, HepG2 cells. Cell viability was determined by Trypan blue staining. Cell cycle and early apoptosis were determined by propidium iodide and/or Annexin V staining, and the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTSAn inhibition of cell growth was observed at a dose- and time-dependent manner in HepG2 cells after the treatment of PA. An apoptosis with appearance of sub-G1 fraction determined by cell cycle analysis significantly increased after the treatment of PA for 4 days. Bcl-2 level slightly decreased; in contrast, Bax level elevated markedly, which resulted in a significant decrease of Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

CONCLUSIONPA may induce cell death on hepatocytes via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by reducing the level of Bcl-2/Bax.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Palmitic Acid ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the modulatory effect of substance P (SP) on proton-gated current in the membrane of rat trgeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and its underlying mechanism. Methods Neurons were isolated mechanically and enzymatically from TG of rat. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used for recording the proton-gated current in freshly isolated neurons. Results Proton-gated currents recorded from rat TG neurons could be classified into 4 distinct types: T-type, S-type, B-type and O-type in the present study. Co-application of SP and proton potentiated S-type proton-gated currents in a concentration-dependent manner, and the potentiation was not blocked by SP receptor antagonist, GR82334; co-application of SP and proton potentiated B-type proton-gated currents, and GR82334 and intracellular dialysis of GDP-β-S blocked the potentiation of SP. Pre-application of SP inhibited B-type proton-gated current, especially the transient component. The inhibition could not be reversed by pretreatment wit-h GR82334. Conclusions The mechanisms of modulation of proton-gated current by SP is associated with the difference of their makeup of subunits of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), and there may be an allosteric position of SP in the outside framework of ASICs in neuronal membrane.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and long-term clinical efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with in-stent chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) lesions. Metheds: This is a retrospective analysis. Patients with IS-CTO who underwent PCI in Fuwai hospital from January 2010 to December 2013 were enrolled. A total of 212 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the IS-CTO group, 212 matched patients with primary CTO lesions were included in the de novo CTO group. The incidence of complications and the success rate of PCI were compared between the two groups. Successful PCI was defined as successfully implantation of stent(s) at target CTO lesions. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite event of cardiac death and myocardial infarction (MI). Secondary endpoints including PCI success, all-cause death, cardiac death, MI, target vessel related MI, revascularization, target vessel revascularization, heart failure for rehospitalization. The patients were followed up for 5 years after PCI. Results: A total of 424 cases were included. The mean age was (57.8±10.5) years, there were 364 males in this cohort. The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower ((58.7±9.2)% vs. (61.0±7.7)%, P=0.01) and the SYNTAX scores was significantly higher (19.4±8.3 vs. 15.3±10.0, P<0.01) in IS-CTO group than that in de novo CTO group. The proportion of patients with target CTO lesions in left anterior descending artery was significantly higher (42.9% (50/212) vs. 23.6% (91/212), P<0.01) in IS-CTO group than that in de novo CTO group. The rate of successful PCI (71.7% (152/212) vs. 69.8% (148/212), P=0.70) and complication (40.6% (86/212) vs. 36.3% (77/212), P=0.37) was similar between the two groups. The incidence of primary endpoint at 5 years was significantly higher in IS-CTO group (10.8% (23/212) vs. 4.7% (10/212), P=0.02), which was driven by higher incidence of MI (9.0% (19/212) vs. 4.2% (9/212), P=0.05). There were a trend of higher secondary endpoints in IS-CTO group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The safety and effectiveness of PCI are acceptable in patients with IS-CTO, but the risk of long-term cardiac death and MI is higher among patients with IS-CTO as compared to patients with primary CTO lesions.