Objective By detecting the variation of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) DNA methylation in preeclampsia-like mouse models generated by different ways, to explore the roles of multifactor and multiple pathways in preeclampsia pathogenesis on molecular basis. Methods Established preeclampsia-like mouse models in different ways and divided into groups as follows: (1) Nw-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) group: wild-type pregnant mouse received subcutaneous injection of L-NAME;(2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group:wild-type pregnant mouse received intraperitoneal injection of LPS; (3) apolipoprotein C-Ⅲ (ApoC3) group: ApoC3 transgenic pregnant mouse with dysregulated lipid metabolism received subcutaneous injection of L-NAME;(4)β2 glycoprotein I (β-2GPI) group:wild-type pregnant mouse received subcutaneous injection ofβ-2GPI. According to the first injection time (on day 3, 11, 16 respectively), the L-NAME, LPS and ApoC3 groups were further subdivided into:pre-implantation (PI) experimental stage, early gestation (EG) experimental stage, and late gestation (LG) experimental stage.β-2GPI group was only injected before implantation. LCHAD gene methylation levels in placental were detected in different experimental stage. Normal saline control groups were set within wild-type and ApoC3 transgenic pregnant mice simultaneously. Results (1) CG sites in LCHAD DNA:45 CG sites were detected in the range of 728 bp before LCHAD gene transcription start site, the 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 43 CG sites were complex sites which contained two or more CG sequences, others were single site which contained one CG sequence. The 3, 5, 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 28 sites in L-NAME, LPS, ApoC3 and β-2GPI groups showed different high levels of methylation; the 16, 25, 31, 42, 44 sites showed different low levels of methylation; other 32 sites were unmethylated. (2) Comparison of LCHAD gene methylation between different groups:the methylation levels of LCAHD gene at 3, 11, 13, 14, 18 sites in L-NAME, LPS, ApoC3 andβ-2GPI groups were significantly higher than those in the normal saline control group (P<0.05); and the methylation levels of 42, 44 sites in these groups were significantly lower than those in the normal saline control group (P<0.05). (3) Methylation of LCHAD gene at the same site between different experimental stages: ① The 3, 11, 18 sites of EG experimental stage was significantly lower than PI and LG experimental stage in L-NAME group (P<0.05);the 3, 11, 18 sites of PI experimental stage was significantly lower than EG and LG experimental stage in LPS group (P<0.05);these sites of PI experimental stage was significantly higher than EG and LG experimental stages in ApoC3 group (P<0.05).②The methylation of site 5 in L-NAME and LPS groups were significantly higher than that of the normal saline control group (P<0.05), and the LG experimental stages were significantly higher than other stages, but in ApoC3 group , only PI and EG stages were significantly higher than the normal saline control group (P<0.05).③At site 6 in L-NAME group which showed high methylation level was significantly higher than the same site in other groups which showed low methylation level (P<0.05).④At 13, 14 sites, earlier preeclampsia onset caused a lower methylation level in L-NAME group, but PI experimental stage was significantly higher than EG and LG experimental stages in LPS group (P<0.05), EG experimental stage was significantly higher than PI and LG experimental stages in ApoC3 group (P<0.05). ⑤ At site 28, earlier preeclampsia onset caused a higher methylation level in L-NAME group, but PI experimental stage was significantly lower than EG and LG experimental stages in LPS group (P<0.05), EG experimental stage was significantly higher than PI and LG experimental stages in ApoC3 group (P<0.05).⑥The 16, 25, 31 sites in ApoC3 group were significantly higher than other groups (P<0.05). ⑦ At site 42 in β-2GPI group was unmethylated, but it in other groups showed low methylation level, the methylation level of site 42 inβ-2GPI group was significantly lower than that in other groups (P<0.05). Conclusions The methylation of 6 and 42 CG sites may be related to LCHAD gene expression in placenta of L-NAME and β-2GPI induced preeclampsia-like models respectively;LCHAD gene expression and DNA methylation may not have obviouscorrelation in LPS and ApoC3 induced preeclampsia-like models. Differences exist in LCHAD DNA methylation in preeclampsia-like models generated by different ways, revealed a molecular basis to expand our understanding of the multi-factorial pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Objective To develop the human colon carcinoma(HT-29) liver metastasis model in nude mice,and to detect the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptases(hTERT) mRNA in liver of nude mice. Methods Liver metastases were established in 30 Balb/c nude mice by intrasplenic injection of colonic cancer cells(HT-29),and the spleens were resected.After being sacrificed,the tumor growth was observed,and the pathological examinations were performed.The expression of hTERT mRNA in the livers of nude mice was detected by RT-PCR technique. ResultsHuman colon carcinoma(HT-29) liver metastasis model was developed in all the 30 nude mice,with the liver metastasis rate of 100%.The pathological results revealed the occurrence of liver metastases,and the expression of hTERT mRNA was positive in the liver tissues. Conclusion Intrasplenic injection of HT-29 cell is a reliable way for producing colonic cancer liver metastasis model,and the positive expression of hTERT mRNA in liver tissues indicates the significance of hTERT in the early diagnosis and treatment of colon carcinoma liver metastasis.

Objective To explore the protective effect of selenium, an antioxidant, on fluoride-induced renal injury in rats and find out the optimal level of selenium against fluoride toxicity and its valid molecular target.Methods All 80 male weanling SD rats were randomly divided into 8 groups by body weight as follows: normal control group(drinking tap water), fluoride exposed group (drinking water containing 50 mg/L of NaF), low, middle,high selenium exposed groups(drinking water containing 0.375, 0.750, 1.500 mg/L of Na2SeO3) and low, middle,high Se-fluoride groups (drinking water containing both 50 mg/L NaF and three doses of Na2SeO3 as abovementioned, respectively). After 6 months, the rats were killed then the oxidation level and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)expression level in kidney were measured. Results The weight of the fluoride exposed group[(695.95 ± 55.89 )g]was significantly deceased than the controls[(782.69 ± 56.12)g, P ＜ 0.01]. Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity of fluoride exposed group[(55.86 ± 5.09)U/mgprot] was not significantly different but decreased. Tatal antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity in fluoride exposed group [(7.54 ± 1.35)U/mgprot] significantly decreased than the controls[(9.03 ± 0.37 )U/mgprot, P ＜ 0.05]. In addition, a significant increase of malondialdehyde ( MDA )in fluoride exposed group[(3.86 ± 0.31 )mnol/mgprot, P ＜ 0.05] was observed than the controls[(3.14 ± 0.32)nmol/mgprot, P ＜ 0.05]. GSH-Px activity of high Se-fluoride group[(74.99 ± 8.41 )U/mgprot] was significantly higher than the fluoride exposed group[(55.86 ± 5.09)U/mgprot, P ＜ 0.05] and its MDA level[(3.17 ± 0.20)nmol/mgprot] was lower than the fluoride exposed group[(3.86 ± 0.31 ) nmol/mgprot, P ＜ 0.05]. NF-κB expression levels of fluoride group, high selenium group and low Se-fluoride group(0.360 ± 0.015,0.367 ± 0.007,0.376 ± 0.006,respecyively) were obviously increased compared with the controls(0.312 ± 0.022, P ＜ 0.05); it was significantly lower in high Se-fluoride group(0.312 ± 0.005) than in fluoride exposed group(0.360 ± 0.015, P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions Na2SeO3 of 1.5 mg/L is the optimal dose against chronic fluorosis on kidney injury under this experimental condition.NF-κB is likely to be a target molecule of the selenium as an antagonist on fluorosis.

To study the relation between drug release and the drug status within curcumin-loaded microsphere, SPG (shirasu porous glass) membrane emulsification was used to prepare the curcumin-PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres with three levels of drug loading respectively, and the in vitro release was studied with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The morphology of microspheres was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the drug status was studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared analysis (IR). The drug loading of microspheres was (5.85 ± 0.21)%, (11.71 ± 0.39)%, (15.41 ± 0.40)%, respectively. No chemical connection was found between curcumin and PLGA. According to the results of XRD, curcumin dispersed in PLGA as amorphous form within the microspheres of the lowest drug loading, while (2.12 ± 0.64)% and (5.66 ± 0.07)% curcumin crystals was detected in the other two kinds of microspheres, respectively, indicating that the drug status was different within three kinds of microspheres. In the data analysis, we found that PLGA had a limited capacity of dissolving curcumin. When the drug loading exceeded the limit, the excess curcumin would exist in the form of crystals in microspheres independently. Meanwhile, this factor contributes to the difference in drug release behavior of the three groups of microspheres.
Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Curcumin ; chemistry ; Drug Liberation ; Lactic Acid ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microspheres ; Polyglycolic Acid ; X-Ray Diffraction

The development status of standardization of Chinese medicine and acupuncture in Australia and New Zealand is respectively introduced from 3 levels-national standard, regional standard and association standard. A national registration standard for Chinese medicine has been implemented since July 1, 2012 in Australia. The Oceania Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies was also founded in capital of New Zealand. Four characteristics are revealed from researches and analyses: people's needs and the relevant system are the foundations of national standards of Chinese medicine; legislation on Chinese medicine is the guarantee for setting and implementing national standards, where necessity, scientificity, vitality, diversity and breakthroughs are embodied; registration standards are the key in international standardization of Chinese medicine; and international organizations are major force in promoting standardization of Chinese medicine and acupunc ture.
Acupuncture Therapy ; standards ; Australasia ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; standards ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; standards ; Oceania ; Reference Standards

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of six individual strains of fungi on the reduction of gossypol levels and nutritional value during solid substrate fermentation of cottonseed meal (CSM). Six groups of disinfected CSM substrate were incubated for 48 h after inoculation with either of the fungi C. capsuligena ZD-1, C. tropicalis ZD-3, S. cerevisae ZD-5, A. terricola ZD-6, A. oryzae ZD-7, or A. niger ZD-8. One not inoculated group (substrate) was used as a control. Levels of initial and final free gossypol (FG), crude protein (CP), amino acids (AA) and in vitro digestibility were assayed. The experiment was done in triplicate. The experimental results indicated that microbial fermentation could greatly decrease (P<0.05) FG levels in CSM. The detoxification efficiency differed between the species of microorganisms applied. From the perspective of reducing CSM potential toxicity, C. tropicalis ZD-3 was most successful followed by S. cerevisae ZD-5 and A. niger ZD8. They could reduce FG levels of CSM to 29.8, 63.07 and 81.50 mg/kg based on DM (dry matter), respectively, and their detoxification rate were 94.57%, 88.51% and 85.16%, respectively. If crude protein, amino acids content and their in vitro digestibility were also taken into account, A. niger ZD-8 may be the best choice. The CP content of CSM substrate fermented by C. tropicalis ZD-3 and A. niger ZD-8 were improved by 10.76% and 22.24%; the TAA (total amino acids) contents were increased by 7.06% and 11.46%, and the EAA (essential amino acids) were raised by 7.77% and 12.64%, respectively. Especially, the levels of methionine, lysine and threonine were improved greatly (P<0.05). The in vitro CP digestibility of CSM fermented by C. tropicalis ZD-3 and A. niger ZD-8 was improved by 13.42% and 18.22%, the TAA were increased by 17.75% and 22.88%, and the EAA by 16.61% and 21.01%, respectively. In addition, the in vitro digestibility of methionine, lysine and threonine was also improved greatly (P<0.05).
Amino Acids ; analysis ; Cottonseed Oil ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Digestion ; Fermentation ; Fungi ; metabolism ; Gossypol ; analysis ; Nutritive Value ; Plant Proteins ; analysis

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid compound isolated from licorice. It possesses excellent antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the alleviatory effect of ISL on energy metabolism imbalance caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used in in vivo experiments. The high-fat-high-glucose diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was applied to establish T2DM animal model. All animal experiments were performed in accordance with the Institutional Guidelines of Laboratory Animal Administration issued by the Committee of Ethics at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. HepG2 cells were used in in vitro experiments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to examine the protein and mRNA levels of mitochondrial function-related targets. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HepG2 cells were measured by the flow cytometry. Additionally, the molecular docking of ISL and key target proteins was analyzed. It was found that ISL significantly inhibited the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I and increased the protein levels of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in the livers of mice and HepG2 cells. It also obviously decreased the ROS levels and increased the MMP levels in cultured HepG2 cells. In addition, ISL promoted mitochondrial biogenesis by activating proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) and enhanced mitophagy by upregulating Parkin. It also improved mitochondrial fusion by increasing the mRNA and protein levels of mitofusin 2 (MFN2). In conclusion, ISL alleviates energy metabolism imbalance caused by T2DM through suppression of excessive mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, and fusion.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is an active chalcone compound isolated from licorice. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. In our previous study, we uncovered a great potential of ISL in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study aims to reveal the mechanism underlying the alleviatory effects of ISL on T2DM-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. High-fat-high-sugar diet (HFD) combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM mice model. All animal experiments were carried out with approval of the Committee of Ethics at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. HepG2 cells were used in in vitro experiments, and sodium palmitate (SP) was applied to establish insulin resistance (IR) model cells. The effects of ISL on body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and pathological changes in the livers of mice were examined. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were applied to detect the regulatory effects of ISL on key targets involved in glucolipid metabolism. Additionally, molecular docking and analytical dynamics simulation methods were used to analyze the interaction between ISL and key target protein. The results indicate that ISL significantly downregulates the transcriptional levels and inhibits the activities of key enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, including pyruvate carboxylase (PC), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBP). It also downregulates the transcriptional and protein levels of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), the two transcriptional factors involved in gluconeogenesis. Thus, ISL inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis in T2DM mice. In addition, ISL reduces total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels in the livers of T2DM mice. Moreover, ISL downregulates the mRNA levels of lipogenesis genes and upregulates those of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, lipid uptake, and lipid export. In conclusion, ISL suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis, promotes lipolysis, and restrains lipogenesis in T2DM mice, thereby improving the abnormal glycolipid metabolism caused by T2DM.

OBJECTIVETo select the best preparation method of vincristine transfersomes (VCR-T) and predict its possibility of being a new formulation of VCR.

METHODOrthogonal design was used to optimize the preparation methods on the basis of single factor pretests; and the permeation tests in vitro were performed in modified Franz diffusion cells.

RESULTThe optimum formula was: pH was equal to 7.3, the ratio of lecithin to sodium deoxycholate is 70/20, the weight of VCR is 10 mg, hydrating time is 30 minutes. The optimized solution was light yellow and transparent colloid solution. The VCR-T are spherical and smooth with average diameters of 94 nm and an encapsulation ratio of 90%. The test in vitro showed that VCR-T could permeat through mouse skin at zero rate with the cumulative penetrating quality amounting to 63.8%.

CONCLUSIONTransfersomes may become a promising carrier of VCR for clinic use.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Deoxycholic Acid ; Drug Carriers ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Mice ; Particle Size ; Phosphatidylcholines ; Skin Absorption ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Vincristine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics

BACKGROUNDPreeclampsia is a multifactorial disease during pregnancy. Dysregulated lipid metabolism may be related to some preeclampsia. We investigated the relationship between triglycerides (TGs) and liver injury in different preeclampsia-like mouse models and their potential common pathways.

METHODSPreeclampsia-like models (Nw-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester [L-NAME], lipopolysaccharide [LPS], apolipoprotein C-III [Apo] transgnic mice + L-NAME, β2 glycoprotein I [βGPI]) were used in four experimental groups: L-NAME (LN), LPS, Apo-LN and βGPI, respectively, and controls received saline (LN-C, LPS-C, Apo-C, βGPI-C). The first three models were established in preimplantation (PI), early-, mid- and late-gestation (EG, MG and LG). βGPI and controls were injected before implantation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), 24-hour urine protein, placental and fetal weight, serum TGs, total cholesterol (TC) and pathologic liver and trophocyte changes were assessed.

RESULTSMAP and proteinuria were significantly increased in the experimental groups. Placenta and fetal weight in PI, EP and MP subgroups were significantly lower than LP. Serum TGs significantly increased in most groups but controls. TC was not different between experimental and control groups. Spotty hepatic cell necrosis was observed in PI, EG, MG in LN, Apo-LN and βGPI, but no morphologic changes were observed in the LPS group. Similar trophoblastic mitochondrial damage was observed in every experimental group.

CONCLUSIONSEarlier preeclampsia onset causes a higher MAP and urine protein level, and more severe placental and fetal damage. Preeclampsia-like models generated by varied means lead to different changes in lipid metabolism and associated with liver injury. Trophoblastic mitochondrial damage may be the common terminal pathway in different preeclampsia-like models.

Animals ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Fetal Weight ; physiology ; Liver ; injuries ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; blood ; pathology ; Placenta ; metabolism ; Pre-Eclampsia ; blood ; pathology ; Pregnancy ; Triglycerides ; blood ; Trophoblasts ; pathology