OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 21 (rhFGF21) on the proliferation and mineralization of cementoblasts and its mechanism. METHODS: Hematoxylin eosin, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and distribution of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in rat periodontal tissues and cementoblasts (OCCM-30), separately. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the proliferation of OCCM-30 under treatment with rhFGF21. Alkaline phosphatase staining and Alizarin Red staining were used to detect the mineralization state of OCCM-30 after 3 and 7 days of mineralization induction. The transcription and protein expression of the osteogenic-related genes Runx2 and Osterix were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis. The expression levels of genes of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway in OCCM-30 were detected through PCR array analysis. RESULTS: FGF21 was expressed in rat periodontal tissues and OCCM-30. Although rhFGF21 had no significant effect on the proliferation of OCCM-30, treatment with 50 ng/mL rhFGF21 could promote the mineralization of OCCM-30 cells after 7 days of mineralization induction. The transcriptional levels of Runx2 and Osterix increased significantly at 3 days of mineralization induction and decreased at 5 days of mineralization induction. Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression levels of Runx2 and Osterix increased during mineralization induction. rhFGF21 up-regulated Bmpr1b protein expression in cells. CONCLUSIONS rhFGF21 can promote the mineralization ability of OCCM-30. This effect is related to the activation of the TGFβ/BMP signaling pathway.
Humans ; Rats ; Animals ; Dental Cementum ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/pharmacology*

Objective　To study the functional condition of α2-adrenergic receptors in patients with major depression. Methods　Sleep EEG of 15 depressed patients diagnosed according to CCMD-2-R was compared with that of 15 normal controls. Clonidine hydrochloride was administered intravenously within 10 minute after the first rapid eyemovement (REM) sleep period. Results　The percent of REM in depressive patients was higher than in controls at baseline. There was no significant differences between the two groups in NREM after clonidine administration, but the percent of REM, frequency of REM and time of REM decreased in the two groups. The interval between the first and the second REM period (REM1-REM2) decreased more in patients with depression than in controls(P<0.01). It was suggested clonidine had little influence on the NREM sleep, but significantly effected on the REM lantency, total REM period, and interval between REM1 and REM2, and REM sleep response to clonidine bluntly in depression. Conclusion　It indicates there may be deficiency of α2-adrenergic receptors in major depression.

Objective　To study the functional condition of α2-adrenergic receptors in patients with major depression. Methods　Sleep EEG of 15 depressed patients diagnosed according to CCMD-2-R was compared with that of 15 normal controls. Clonidine hydrochloride was administered intravenously within 10 minute after the first rapid eyemovement (REM) sleep period. Results　The percent of REM in depressive patients was higher than in controls at baseline. There was no significant differences between the two groups in NREM after clonidine administration, but the percent of REM, frequency of REM and time of REM decreased in the two groups. The interval between the first and the second REM period (REM1-REM2) decreased more in patients with depression than in controls(P<0.01). It was suggested clonidine had little influence on the NREM sleep, but significantly effected on the REM lantency, total REM period, and interval between REM1 and REM2, and REM sleep response to clonidine bluntly in depression. Conclusion　It indicates there may be deficiency of α2-adrenergic receptors in major depression.

Objective: To evaluate the defense mechanisms most frequently used by Chinese patients with panic disorder.Methods: Forty-seven panic patients with or without agoraphobia,and thirty-senven controls participated in the study.The Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD,Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA) and global assessment function(GAF) were applied to assess the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms and social and occupational function,respectively.Defensive Style Questionnaire(DSQ-88) was used to evaluate defense mechanisms.Results: Compared with controls,panic patients had higher scores in projection,splitting,regression,somatization and total scores of immature defenses and higher scores in idealization,pseudo-altruism,omnipotence-devaluation,attiliation and total scores of neurotic defenses(P