Objective To investigate the impact of Qizhi Jiangtang Capsule (QZJT) on renal damage in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice via NOD like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3/caspase-1/ Gasdermin D (NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. Methods Mice were randomly allocated into six experimental groups: a normal control group (NC), a diabetic nephropathy model group (DN), a low-dose QZJT treatment group (L-QZJT), a high-dose QZJT treatment group (H-QZJT), a positive control group administered Shenqi Jiangtang Granules (SQJT), and an ML385 group (treated with an inhibitor of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf2). Upon successful model induction, therapeutic interventions were commenced. Renal function impairment in the mice was evaluated through quantification of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-hour urinary albumin (UAlb), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the kidney-to-body mass ratio (K/B). Renal tissue pathology was evaluated using HE and PAS staining. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified by ELISA. Levels of podocyte markers and proteins involved in relevant pathways were assessed using Western blot analysis. Results Compared with the NC group, FBG, 24 h UAlb, SCr, and BUN were increased in the DN group, and the K/B mass ratio was also increased. In contrast, compared with the DN group, FBG, 24 h UAlb, SCr, and BUN in both the low-dose (L-QZJT) and high-dose Quanzhou Jintang (H-QZJT) groups were decreased, and the K/B mass ratio was decreased as well. The therapeutic efficacy of H-QZJT was comparable to that of Shenqi Jiangtang Granules. QZJT ameliorated renal histopathological injury in DN mouse, increased the protein levels of Nephrin (a podocyte marker), and decreased the protein levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), pro-caspase-1, and GSDMD-N. After ML385 treatment, renal cells exhibited swelling and morphological changes, the inflammatory infiltrate area was enlarged, the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and GSDMD-N were up-regulated, and the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were increased. Conclusion QZJT may inhibit podocyte pyroptosis by acting on the Nrf2 to regulate the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway, thus improving renal damage in DN mouse.
Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies/pathology* ; Podocytes/pathology* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Caspase 1/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Phosphate-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Kidney/pathology* ; Gasdermins

Objective:To study the changes of early (i.e., within post injury day (PID) 14) coagulation function in patients with severe burns.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. From December 2018 to December 2019, 50 severe burn patients who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University. According to the severity of burns, the patients were divided into severe burn group (17 cases, including 12 males and 5 females) and extremely severe burn group (33 cases, including 26 males and 7 females). The platelet count (PLT), and conventional coagulation indexe and thromboelastogram index levels of patients were collected at admission, post injury hour (PIH) 48 and 72, and on PID 7 and 14. The conventional coagulation indexes included prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer levels. The thromboelastogram indexes included coagulation angle (i.e., α angle), coagulation composite index (CI), MA value, R value, and K value (reflecting maximum amplitude, coagulation reaction time, and blood agglutination time, respectively). Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and chi-square test. Verification of the mixed effect model was performed on each index data of patients in the two groups, while the repeated measures analysis of variance was performed on PLT. Pearson correlation analysis or Spearman correlation analysis were performed to analyze the correlation between the thromboelastogram index data (except CI) and the PLT and conventional coagulation index data, respectively. Results:At admission, PIH 48 and 72, and on PID 7 and 14, PLT of patients in severe burn group were (203±91), (148±70), (123±63), (203±62), (402±140)×10 9/L, respectively, PLT of patients in extremely severe burn group were (235±116), (145±71), (109±52), (235±106), (455±138)×10 9/L, respectively. In overall comparison, only the difference of the main effect of time factor was statistically significant ( F=92.55, P<0.05). In severe burn group, statistically significant differences were only identified in comparison of patients' PLT between PID 7 and the adjacent two time points (at PIH 72 and on PID 14, with both P values <0.05). The differences in PLT of patients between all the adjacent time points in extremely severe burn group were statistically significant ( P<0.05). In the overall comparison of PT, TT, and FIB level of patients in the two groups at each time point, only the difference of main effect of time factor was statistically significant (with F values of 6.04, 8.45, and 32.90, respectively, all P values <0.05), and APTT and FIB level of patients in extremely severe burn group within PID 14 were higher than those in severe burn group. There were statistically significant differences in MA value, α angle, K value, and CI of patients in the two groups at each time point (with F values of 18.82, 11.38, 9.11, and 9.42, respectively, all P values <0.05). MA value was moderately correlated with PLT ( r=0.69, P<0.05), weakly correlated with TT and FIB level (with r values of -0.29 and 0.30 respectively, P<0.05), and very weakly correlated with D-dimer level ( r=-0.15, P<0.05); α angle was moderately correlated with PLT ( r=0.58, P<0.05), and weakly correlated with FIB level and TT (with r values of 0.26 and -0.29, respectively, P<0.05); R value was weakly correlated with APTT and FIB level (with r values of 0.24 and 0.31, respectively, P<0.05), and very weakly correlated with PT and TT (with r values of 0.16 and 0.14, respectively, P<0.05); K value was moderately correlated with PLT ( r=-0.59, P<0.05), and weakly correlated with FIB and TT (with r values of -0.29 and 0.32, respectively, P<0.05), and very weakly correlated with D-dimer level ( r=-0.15, P<0.05). Conclusions:Severe burn patients are already characterized with coagulation function changes in early stage, including insufficiency of coagulation function, enhanced platelet aggregation ability and enhanced FIB function. There is a certain correlation between conventional coagulation indexes and thromboelastogram indexes, but they cannot replace each other.

Objective To investigate the expression level and clinical significance of melanoma antigen gene A (MAGEA) in osteosarcoma patients. Methods Compare gene expression profiles in osteosarcoma cell lines and osteoblasts with gene microarrays. Validation of differentially expressed genes was carried out by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Corresponding protein levels were measures by Western blot analysis in osteosarcoma cell lines and by immunohistochemistry in osteosarcoma tissues. The staining intensity of immuno-histochemistry was correlated with clinical outcome , and its prognostic significance was analyzed. Results Sev-eral genes belonging to MAGEA increased significantly in all osteosarcoma cell lines and tumor tissue , but not in normal osteoblast cell. Patients with MAGEA expression has higher risk of lung metastasis (relative risk 2.79, 95% confidence interval, 1.12-6.93; P = 0.028) and lower five-year survival rates (39.6% ± 8.4% vs. 80% ± 8.9%, P = 0.01) compared with patients without MAGEA expression. Conclusions The expression of MAGEA increased in osteosarcoma , which inversely correlating with outcome of osteosarcoma patients.

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of SCUBE3 in human osteosarcoma cell lines and surgical specimens of osteosarcomas and investigate its association with the patients' prognosis.

METHODSThe expression of SCUBE3 protein was detected in 5 osteosarcoma cell lines using Western blotting. CCK8 assay was used to assess the effect of SCUBE3 suppression mediated by two specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on the proliferation of U2OS osteosarcoma cells, and the cell cycle changes were detected using flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of SCUBE3 in 60 osteosarcoma tissues, and Kaplan-Meier method was performed for survival analysis of the patients.

RESULTSCompared with osteoblast hFOB1.19 cells, the osteosarcoma cell lines all showed significantly higher expressions of SCUBE3. In U2OS cells, suppression of SCUBE3 expression by siRNA significantly inhibited the cell proliferation (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with high SCUBE3 expression had worse prognosis than those with low SCUBE3 expression (P=0.036).

CONCLUSIONSCUBE3 is up-regulated in the 5 osteosarcoma cell lines and in primary osteosarcoma tissues to promote the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. A high SCUBE3 expression in osteosarcoma tissues is associated with a poor prognosis of the patients, suggesting that SCUBE3 can serve as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Osteosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prognosis ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Up-Regulation

Objective To detect the expression of SCUBE3 in human osteosarcoma cell lines and surgical specimens of osteosarcomas and investigate its association with the patients' prognosis. Methods The expression of SCUBE3 protein was detected in 5 osteosarcoma cell lines using Western blotting. CCK8 assay was used to assess the effect of SCUBE3 suppression mediated by two specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on the proliferation of U2OS osteosarcoma cells, and the cell cycle changes were detected using flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of SCUBE3 in 60 osteosarcoma tissues, and Kaplan-Meier method was performed for survival analysis of the patients. Results Compared with osteoblast hFOB1.19 cells, the osteosarcoma cell lines all showed significantly higher expressions of SCUBE3. In U2OS cells, suppression of SCUBE3 expression by siRNA significantly inhibited the cell proliferation (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with high SCUBE3 expression had worse prognosis than those with low SCUBE3 expression (P=0.036). Conclusion SCUBE3 is up-regulated in the 5 osteosarcoma cell lines and in primary osteosarcoma tissues to promote the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. A high SCUBE3 expression in osteosarcoma tissues is associated with a poor prognosis of the patients, suggesting that SCUBE3 can serve as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Objective To detect the expression of SCUBE3 in human osteosarcoma cell lines and surgical specimens of osteosarcomas and investigate its association with the patients' prognosis. Methods The expression of SCUBE3 protein was detected in 5 osteosarcoma cell lines using Western blotting. CCK8 assay was used to assess the effect of SCUBE3 suppression mediated by two specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on the proliferation of U2OS osteosarcoma cells, and the cell cycle changes were detected using flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of SCUBE3 in 60 osteosarcoma tissues, and Kaplan-Meier method was performed for survival analysis of the patients. Results Compared with osteoblast hFOB1.19 cells, the osteosarcoma cell lines all showed significantly higher expressions of SCUBE3. In U2OS cells, suppression of SCUBE3 expression by siRNA significantly inhibited the cell proliferation (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with high SCUBE3 expression had worse prognosis than those with low SCUBE3 expression (P=0.036). Conclusion SCUBE3 is up-regulated in the 5 osteosarcoma cell lines and in primary osteosarcoma tissues to promote the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. A high SCUBE3 expression in osteosarcoma tissues is associated with a poor prognosis of the patients, suggesting that SCUBE3 can serve as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of CXCL14 in human osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues and investigate its association with the prognosis of the patients.

METHODSRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of CXCL14 in 4 osteosarcoma cell lines and in 40 pairs of osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent muscular tissues. CCK8 assay and colony formation assay was used to assess the effect of CXCL14 suppression mediated by two specific siRNAs on the proliferation of U2OS osteosarcoma cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of CXCL14 in 58 osteosarcoma tissues, and Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were performed for survival analysis of the patients.

RESULTSSignificant up-regulation of CXCL14 expression was found in the osteosarcoma cell lines and in osteosarcoma tissues compared with the adjacent muscles (P<0.01). In U2OS cell, suppression of CXCL14 expression by siRNA significantly inhibited the cell proliferation (P<0.01) and colony formation rate (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with high CXCL14 expression had worse prognosis than those with low CXCL14 expression (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONCXCL14 is up-regulated in both osteosarcoma cell lines and primary osteosarcoma tissues to promote the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. A high CXCL14 expression in osteosarcoma tissues is associated with a poor prognosis, suggesting the that CXCL14 serve as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Chemokines, CXC ; metabolism ; Humans ; Osteosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prognosis

Objective To study the affect and the related molecular mechanism of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the proliferation of osteosarcomaand its value in the target therapy of osteosarcoma.Methods The expression level of p-GSK-3β(Ser9)and GSK-3β were detected in human osteoblast cell and osteosarcoma cells by western blot.Observe the effect of GSK-3β inhibitors and siRNA interference on the GSK-3β regulate osteosarcoma cells using apoptosis protein chip.Evaluate the valueof GSK-3β target therapy on osteosarcoma in vivo.Results The expression level of p-GSK-3β (Ser9)was lower in osteosarcoma cells.LiCL,GSK inhibitor Ⅸ,siRNA knockdown could inhibit the cell viability and up-regulated the apoptosis-related protein cleaved-caspase3.The results of the protein array showed that downstream proteins of NF-κB downregulated significantly.The results were validated by western blot,while the downregulation of p-Iκ-Bα and nuclear NF-κB p65 were also observed after LiCL treatment.Inhibition of GSK-3β by either LiCl or specific siRNA resulted in a significant reduction of NF-κB luciferase reporter activity.Furthermore,the NF-κB luciferase reporter activity was significantly increased in CA cell lines,but not in KD cell lines.By contrast,NF-κB-luciferase reporter activity was significantly decreased in stably GSK-3β knockdown cells.GSK3β inhibitor LiCL and shRNA knock down demonstrated a strong cytotoxicity effect on osteosarcoma cells in vivo.Conclusion GSK-3β is in the state of relative active in osteosarcoma in osteosarcoma and important in cell proliferation.GSK-3β regulates cell survival partially through the NF-κB pathway.It is a promising therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.