1.Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Wnt signal pathway-related genes with high myopia genetic susceptibility in Chinese Han population
Peipei XIE ; Jie PENG ; Guangqi AN ; Liping DU
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):986-992
AIM: To evaluate whether Wnt pathway-related genes previously implicated in high myopia(HM)could serve as candidate genes for HM in the Chinese Han population, and to identify risk loci associated with HM susceptibility.METHODS: A case-control association analysis was conducted, involving 530 HM patients(HM group)and 1 087 healthy controls. The test efficacy was estimated using Quanto software. Peripheral blood DNA was extracted using the magnetic bead method, and seven candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY system, including HIVEP3 rs17365632, rs35134694, rs11210537, CTNNB1 rs13072632, CAMK2N1 rs10753502, TCF4 rs41396445 and Wnt7B rs73175083. Differences in allele and genotype frequencies between the HM and healthy control groups were compared under different inheritance models. Haplotype analysis was performed using SHEsis plus.RESULTS: All 7 SNPs had a genotyping detection rate exceeding 90%, and were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(P>0.05). The test efficacy of the sample size was above 90.13%, indicating that the samples were representative of the population. In the HM group, the A allele frequency of HIVEP3 rs11210537 was significantly reduced(Pc=0.003, OR=0.889). Conversely, the G allele frequency was significantly elevated(Pc=0.003, OR=1.176). In an additive genetic model(AA vs GG), the AA genotype frequency was significantly lower than the GG genotype frequency(Pc=0.003, OR=0.583). Additionally, the frequency of the CCA haplotype of rs17365632, rs35134694, and rs11210537 in HIVEP3 was decreased in the HM group compared to the control group(Pc=0.008, OR=0.791).CONCLUSION: The SNP locus rs11210537 in the HIVEP3 gene is associated with genetic susceptibility to HM in the Chinese Han population, with the G allele identified as risk genetic markers. The CCA haplotype of rs17365632, rs35134694, and rs11210537 in the HIVEP3 gene represents a protection haplotype for HM.
2.Construction and evaluation of a multi-base collaborative training system for anticoagulation specialty clinical pharmacists
Shujie DONG ; Liping DU ; Yatong ZHANG ; Zheng DING ; Wenxing PENG ; Zinan ZHAO ; Xiaoxiao LI ; Li YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(15):1837-1840
OBJECTIVE To enhance the training quality of anticoagulation specialty clinical pharmacists, address the resource limitations of a single training base, and promote homogenization of training quality. METHODS A multi-base joint training system for anticoagulation specialty clinical pharmacists in the Beijing area was established. A mixed research method was employed, collecting data through performance comparisons, questionnaires, and qualitative interviews to compare the differences between the joint training model (experimental group, n=16) and traditional teaching model (the control group, n=17). RESULTS The established joint training system encompassed a unified joint training teaching plan, the formation of a joint training teaching team, the establishment of joint theoretical teaching courses, the implementation of joint case discussions and literature presentations, as well as strengthening the assessment throughout the joint training process. Compared to the control group [theoretical assessment of (76.44±3.66) points, case assessment of (84.31±3.27) points], the experimental group students achieved higher scores in theoretical assessment ([ 79.85±4.64) points] and case assessment ([ 88.70±5.51) points] (P<0.05). Through questionnaires and qualitative interviews, the trainees in experimental group were highly satisfied with the joint training model in terms of theoretical learning, communication skills, and teaching interaction. CONCLUSIONS The multi-base collaborative training system for anticoagulation specialty clinical pharmacists can integrate advantageous resources and significantly enhance the training effectiveness of anticoagulation specialty clinical pharmacists, offering value for wider promotion.
3.Relationship between school bullying and non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorders: the pathways of self-esteem and alexithymia
Liping LIU ; Min ZHANG ; Yingyi CHEN ; Binglan XU ; Lei DU ; Zhaoyuan XU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):327-332
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors are common among adolescents with depressive disorders, and school bullying is recognized as a major risk factor. Previous research has shown that self-esteem and alexithymia are closely associated with both school bullying and NSSI. However, the mediating roles of self-esteem and alexithymia in the link between school bullying and NSSI are unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating roles of alexithymia and self-esteem in the relationship between school bullying and NSSI behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorders, in order to inform intervention strategies targeting NSSI in this population. MethodsA total of 335 adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorders and treated at the First Psychiatric Hospital of Harbin from July 2023 to October 2024 were enrolled. Assessments included a self-developed demographic questionnaire, Adolescent Non-suicidal Self-injury Assessment Questionnaire-Behavior (ANSAQ-B), Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale-Student (DBVS-S), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and 26-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26). Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship among variables. Controlling for gender and age at onset of depressive symptoms, mediation analysis was performed using the “mediation” package in R 4.4.2. ResultsScores on DBVS-S and TAS-26 were positively correlated with ANSAQ-B score (r=0.408, 0.417, P<0.01), while RSES scores were negatively correlated(r=-0.300, P<0.01). Regression analysis showed that school bullying and alexithymia significantly positively predicted NSSI behaviors (B=0.212, 0.333, P<0.01), while self-esteem negatively predicted NSSI behaviors (B=-0.368, P<0.01). Alexithymia was found to mediate the relationship between school bullying and NSSI behaviors, with an indirect effect of 0.040 (95% CI: 0.018~0.069) ,account for 17.17% of the total effect. The indirect effect through self-esteem was not statistically significant (95% CI: -0.004~0.069). ConclusionExposure to school bullying and high levels of alexithymia are important predictors of NSSI behavior in adolescents with depressive disorders, and school bullying may indirectly influence NSSI behavior through alexithymia. [Funded by Scientific Research Project of Health Commition of Heilongjiang Province,(number, 20230303090154]
4.Associations between statins and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among peritoneal dialysis patients: A multi-center large-scale cohort study.
Shuang GAO ; Lei NAN ; Xinqiu LI ; Shaomei LI ; Huaying PEI ; Jinghong ZHAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Zibo XIONG ; Yumei LIAO ; Ying LI ; Qiongzhen LIN ; Wenbo HU ; Yulin LI ; Liping DUAN ; Zhaoxia ZHENG ; Gang FU ; Shanshan GUO ; Beiru ZHANG ; Rui YU ; Fuyun SUN ; Xiaoying MA ; Li HAO ; Guiling LIU ; Zhanzheng ZHAO ; Jing XIAO ; Yulan SHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xuanyi DU ; Tianrong JI ; Yingli YUE ; Shanshan CHEN ; Zhigang MA ; Yingping LI ; Li ZUO ; Huiping ZHAO ; Xianchao ZHANG ; Xuejian WANG ; Yirong LIU ; Xinying GAO ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Hongyi LI ; Shutong DU ; Cui ZHAO ; Zhonggao XU ; Li ZHANG ; Hongyu CHEN ; Li LI ; Lihua WANG ; Yan YAN ; Yingchun MA ; Yuanyuan WEI ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Yan LI ; Caili WANG ; Jie DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2856-2858
5.WW domain-containing ubiquitin E3 ligase 1 regulates immune infiltration in tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer.
Xiaojuan GUO ; Ruijuan DU ; Liping CHEN ; Kelei GUO ; Biao ZHOU ; Hua BIAN ; Li HAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1063-1073
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the association of the expression of WW domain-containing ubiquitin E3 ligase 1 (WWP1) with immune infiltration in tumor microenvironment (TME) of ovarian cancer.
METHODS:
Ovarian cancer patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to analyze the association of WWP1 expression with patient prognosis. TISCH2 was utilized to analyze the changes in immune cell subtypes in TME of metastatic tumor and after chemotherapy. The impact of WWP1 on immune cell infiltration, somatic copy number alterations of WWP1 and evolution of immune cell subtypes was evaluated using TIMER and TIGER pseudo-time analysis. A deep learning model was used to analyze TCGA pathological images to investigate the effect of WWP1 on TME of ovarian cancer. RNA-seq analysis was conducted to identify the differentially expressed genes in WWP1-overexpressing SKOV3 cells and validate immune infiltration. Multicolor immunofluorescence assay was used to analyze the immune markers in SKOV3 and SKOV3/DDP cell xenografts in nude mice.
RESULTS:
The patients with high WWP1 expression levels had significantly lower overall survival rate (P=0.0012). High WWP1 expression levels and Stage IV disease were both associated with a poor prognosis (P<0.05). In metastatic ovarian cancer or after chemotherapy, the percentages of malignant tumor cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts increased in the TME, accompanied by elevated WWP1 levels. WWP1 expression level was positively correlated with pro-tumorigenic immunosuppressive cells (r=0.1323-0.3955, P<0.05) and negatively with tumor-inhibiting immune cells (r=-0.1949- -0.1333, P<0.05). Specific copy number alterations of WWP1 also influenced CD8+ T cell percentage and neutrophil infiltration levels in the TME. RNA-seq analysis of WWP1-overexpressing SKOV3 cells and immunofluorescence assay of the tumor-bearing mice yielded findings consistent with those of bioinformatics analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
WWP1 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and a potential target for immune regulation in the TME of ovarian cancer.
Female
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Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics*
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Humans
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Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism*
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Tumor Microenvironment/immunology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Mice, Nude
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Prognosis
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
6.Prenatal fear stress impairs cognitive development in offspring rats by disrupting placental amino acid transport.
Zhixin DU ; Yueyang WANG ; Liping YANG ; Junlin HOU ; Jianhua SUN ; Pengbei FAN ; Yaohui WANG ; Xiaolin LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1581-1588
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the impact of prenatal fear stress on placental amino acid transport and emotion and cognition development in offspring rats.
METHODS:
Thirty pregnant Wistar rats were randomized equally into control and fear stress (induced using an observational foot shock model) groups. In each group, placental and serum samples were collected from 6 dams on gestational day 20, and the remaining rats delivered naturally and the offspring rats were raised under the same conditions until 8 weeks of age. Emotional and cognitive outcomes of the offspring rats were assessed with behavioral tests, and placental structure was examined using HE staining. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify differentially expressed placental transporter genes under fear stress. The expressions of system A and system L amino acid transporters, along with other specialized transporters, were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Fetal serum amino acid concentrations were determined by HPLC. The correlations between fetal amino acid levels and behavioral outcomes of the offspring rats were analyzed.
RESULTS:
The dams with fear stress showed reduced open-field activity and increased freezing behavior with significantly decreased placental weight, fetal weight, and fetal-to-placental ratio. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 28 differentially expressed transporter genes involved mainly in amino acid transport. In the fear stress group, fetal serum amino acid levels were significantly lowered and Slc38a1, Slc43a1, Slc43a2, Slc7a8, Slc6a6, Slc1a1 and Slc6a9 mRNA and protein expressions were all downregulated. The offspring rats in fear stress group exhibited decreased novel object preference and spontaneous alternation with reduced open arm exploration and increased immobility in emotional tests. Lower early-life amino acid levels was found to correlate with impaired adult cognition.
CONCLUSIONS
Prenatal fear stress in rats impairs placental amino acid transporter expression and reduces fetal serum amino acid levels, potentially contributing to long-term cognitive deficits in the offspring rats.
Animals
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Female
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Pregnancy
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Placenta/metabolism*
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Fear
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
;
Cognition
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Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
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Stress, Psychological
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Amino Acids/blood*
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Amino Acid Transport Systems/metabolism*
7.Preparation, optimization, and in vitro evaluation of Pediococcus acidilactici HRQ-1 microcapsules.
Ruiqin HAN ; Song XU ; Xinyuan WANG ; Jingjing WANG ; Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Liping DU ; Zhiyong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1415-1427
We have isolated an intestinal probiotic strain, Pediococcus acidilactici HRQ-1. To improve its gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, transportation and storage stability, and slow-release properties, we employed the extrusion method to prepare the microcapsules with P. acidilactici HRQ-1 as the core material and sodium alginate and chitosan as the wall material. The optimal conditions for preparing the microcapsules were determined by single factor and orthogonal tests, and the optimal ratio was determined by taking the embedding rate, survival rate, storage stability, gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, and release rate as the evaluation indexes. The results showed that under the optimal embedding conditions, the embedding rate reached (89.60±0.02)%. Under the optimal formula of freeze-drying protective agent, the freeze-drying survival rate reached (76.42±0.13)%, and the average size of the microcapsules produced was (1.16±0.03) mm. The continuous gastrointestinal fluid simulation experiments confirmed that the microcapsules ensured the viable bacterial count and can slowly release bacteria in the intestinal fluid. The curve of the viable bacterial count during storage at 4 ℃ and room temperature indicated that the prepared microcapsules achieved strains' live number protection. The formula and preparation process of P. acidilactici microcapsules may provide a technological reserve for the preparation of more live bacterial drugs in the future.
Pediococcus acidilactici/chemistry*
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Probiotics/chemistry*
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Capsules/chemistry*
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Alginates/chemistry*
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Chitosan/chemistry*
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Drug Compounding/methods*
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Glucuronic Acid/chemistry*
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Hexuronic Acids/chemistry*
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Freeze Drying
8.A truncated N protein-based ELISA method for the detection of antibodies against porcine deltacoronavirus.
Dongsheng WANG ; Ruiming YU ; Liping ZHANG ; Yingjie BAI ; Xia LIU ; Yonglu WANG ; Xiaohua DU ; Xinsheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2760-2773
This study aims to establish an antibody detection method for porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV). The recombinant proteins PDCoV-N1 and PDCoV-N2 were expressed via the prokaryotic plasmid pColdII harboring the N gene sequence of the PDCoV strain CH/XJYN/2016. The reactivity and specificity of PDCoV-N1 and PDCoV-N2 with anti-PEDV sera were analyzed after the recombinant proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and purified by the Ni-NTA Superflow Cartridge. Meanwhile, Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay were carried out separately to validate the recombinant proteins PDCoV-N1 and PDCoV-N2. Finally, we established an indirect ELISA method based on the recombinant protein PDCoV-N2 after optimizing the conditions and tested the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the method. Then, the established method was employed to examine 102 clinical serum samples. The recombinant protein PDCoV-N2 showed low cross-reactivity with anti-PEDV sera. The optimal conditions of the indirect ELISA method based on PDCoV-N2 were as follows: the antigen coating concentration of 1.25 μg/mL and coating at 37 ℃ for 1 h; blocking by BSA overnight at 4 ℃; serum sample dilution at 1:50 and incubation at 37 ℃ for 1 h; secondary antibody dilution at 1:80 000 and incubation at 37 ℃ for 1 h; color development with TMB chromogenic solution at 37 ℃ for 10 min. The S/P value ≥ 0.45, ≤0.38, and between 0.45 and 0.38 indicated that the test sample was positive, negative, and suspicious, respectively. The testing results of the antisera against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), and African swine fever virus (ASFV) showed that the S/P values were all less than 0.38. The testing results of the 800-fold diluted anti-PDCoV sera were still positive. The results of the inter- and intra-batch tests showed that the coefficients of variation of this method were less than 10%. Clinical serum sample test results showed the coincidence rate between this method and neutralization test was 94.12%. In this study, an ELISA method for the detection of anti-PDCoV antibodies was successfully established based on the truncated N protein of PDCoV. This method is sensitive, specific, stable, and reproducible, serving as a new method for the clinical diagnosis of PDCoV.
Animals
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods*
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Swine
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Antibodies, Viral/blood*
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Recombinant Proteins/genetics*
;
Deltacoronavirus/isolation & purification*
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Coronavirus Infections/virology*
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Swine Diseases/diagnosis*
;
Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins
;
Sensitivity and Specificity
9.The role of lncRNA MALAT1 and NEAT1 in neuroprotection of hypoxia preconditioning mouse hippocampus cell
Haidong HOU ; Lei YAN ; Liping WANG ; Jing YANG ; Yucheng GUI ; Yongqiang DU ; Guo SHAO
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;21(8):525-536
Objective To explore the expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid(lncRNA)metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1(MALAT1)and nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1(NEAT1)in the hippocampus and HT22 cells of hypoxia pre-acclimated(HPC)mice and their relationship with neuroprotection.Methods(1)Thirty-six male Institute of Cancer Research(ICR)mice were randomly divided into three groups according to the random number table method of complete randomization:the control group,the hypoxia group and the hypoxia preconditioning group,with 12mice in each group.Mice in the control group were not exposed to hypoxia,mice in the hypoxia group were exposed to hypoxia once,and mice in the hypoxia preconditioning group were exposed to hypoxia four times.Immediately after the end of hypoxia treatment,all mice were decapitated and killed and hippocampal tissues were isolated and preserved in groups.(2)HT22 cells were cultured in medium containing 10%foetal bovine serum and 100 U/ml penicillin-streptomycin.When cell confluence was greater than 90%,they were transferred to 24-well plates for culture and then processed in 2 batches.6 pmol disordered small interfering RNA(siRNA),MALAT1 siRNA(siMALAT1),NEAT1 siRNA(siNEAT1),siMALAT1+siNEAT1 were transfected into the negative control group,siMALAT1 group,siNEAT1 group,and siMALAT1+siNEAT1 group of the first batch of HT22 cells one by one by transfection reagent,and the blank group did not have any treatment;then they were cultured under normal conditions(5%CO2 and 95%air)for 48 h.In the second batch of HT22 cells,6 pmol of disordered siRNA,disordered siRNA,siMALAT1,siMALAT1,siNEAT1 and siNEAT1 were transfected one by one correspondingly to the negative control group and the negative control+oxygen-glucose deprived/reoxygen(OGD/R)group,siMALAT1 group,siMALAT1+OGD/R,siNEAT1 group,siNEAT1+OGD/R group.48 h after transfection,HT22 cells of negative control group,siMALAT1 group and siNEAT1 group were cultured under normal conditions(5%CO2 and 95%air),and the cells of negative control+OGD/R group,siMALAT1+OGD/R group and siNEAT1+OGD/R group were treated with OGD/R.That is,under low oxygen conditions(1%O2+5%CO2+94%N2)exposure for 8 h,and then culture under normal conditions for 16 h.(3)The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and Western blot was used to determine the expression of MALAT1,NEAT1,N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B(NR2B)messenger RNA(mRNA)and NR2B protein in the hippocampus of mice,the relative expression levels of NR2B mRNA and NR2B protein after transfection of HT22 cells in each group,and the relative expression levels of haemoglobin breakdown products and activated cysteine protease protein 3 after transfection and OGD/R of HT22 cells in each group.The survival rate of HT22 cells in each group was calculated.Results(1)The differences in relative expression of MALAT1(F=43.92),NEAT1(F=506.4),NR2B mRNA(F=50.64)and NR2B protein(F=41.24)in the hippocampus of mice in the three groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The relative expression of MALAT1([1.68±0.06]vs.[1.00±0.08]),NR2B mRNA([1.26±0.06]vs.[1.00±0.01]),and NR2B protein([1.47±0.05]vs.[1.00±0.01])was increased in the hypoxia group as compared to the control group(all P<0.05),whereas the relative expression of NEAT1([1.02±0.10]vs.[1.00±0.03])were not statistically significant(P>0.05),and the relative expression of MALAT1([1.12±0.13]vs.[1.00±0.08])and NEAT1([2.88±0.10]vs.[1.00±0.03])were increased in hypoxic preconditioned group.Compared with hypoxia group,the relative expression of NR2B mRNA([0.54±0.07]vs.[1.26±0.06])and NR2B protein([1.17±0.07]vs.[1.47±0.05])were decreased(both P<0.05).(2)The differences in the relative expression of NR2B mRNA(F=36.92)and NR2B protein(F=56.98)after transfection of HT22 cells in the five groups were statistically significant(both P<0.05).Compared with the negative control group,siMALAT1 group(NR2B mRNA:[2.04±0.08]vs.[0.94±0.04],NR2B protein:[1.72±0.13]vs.[0.93±0.02]),siNEAT1 group(NR2B mRNA:[2.15±0.13]vs.[0.94±0.04],NR2B protein:[1.87±0.46]vs.[0.93±0.02]),siMALAT1+siNEAT1 group(NR2BmRNA:[2.09±0.16]vs.[0.94±0.04],NR2B protein:[2.07±0.30]vs.[0.93±0.02])showed the relative NR2B mRNA and NR2B protein expression were increased(all P<0.05).(3)Differences in relative expression of haematopoietin breakdown product(145/150 kDa)protein(F=12.43),haematopoietin breakdown product(120 kDa)protein(F=7.15),and activated cysteamine protease protein 3 protein(F=6.61)were statistically significant in the 6 groups of HT22 cells transfected and treated with OGD/R(all P<0.05).Compared with the siMALAT1 group,the siMALAT1+OGD/R group had 145/150kDa([1.42±0.48]vs.[0.85±0.34]),120 kDa([1.33±0.37]vs.[0.52±0.19])haematopoietin catabolism products and activated cysteamine protease protein 3([2.43±0.35]vs.[1.15±0.24])relative expression increased(all P<0.05);compared with the negative control+OGD/R group,the siMALAT1+OGD/R group showed an increase in 145/150kDa([1.42±0.48]vs.[1.23±0.17]),120 kDa([1.33±0.37]vs.[0.80±0.21])relative expression of haematopoietin breakdown products and activated cysteamine protease protein 3([2.43±0.35]vs.[1.46±0.39])increased(all P<0.05);compared with the siNEAT1 group,the siNEAT1+OGD/R group had a higher expression of 145/150 kDa([1.28±0.44]vs.[0.87±0.32]),120 kDa([0.81±0.36]vs.[0.63±0.16])relative expression of haematopoietic proteolytic products and activated cysteamine protease protein 3([1.51±0.45]vs.[1.01±0.27])increased(all P<0.05).(4)The difference in HT22 cell survival rate among the 6 groups was statistically significant(F=5.54,P<0.05).Compared with the negative control group,HT22 cell survival was decreased in the siMALAT1,siNEAT1,siMALAT1+OGD/R and siNEAT1+OGD/R groups([0.65±0.40],[0.76±0.35],[0.24±0.17],[0.23±0.16]vs.[0.84±0.04],all P<0.05);cell viability was reduced in the siMALAT1+OGD/R group compared with the siMALAT1 group([0.24±0.17]vs.[0.65±0.40],P<0.05);and cell viability was reduced in the siNEAT1+OGD/R group compared with the siNEAT1 group([0.23±0.16]vs.[0.76±0.35],P<0.05).Conclusion HPC increased the expression of MALAT1 and NEAT1 in the hippocampus of mice,and MALAT1 and NEAT1 may participate in the neuroprotective effect of mice after ischemia and hypoxia by affecting the expression of NR2B.
10.Impact of maternal stress during pregnancy on placental glucose transporters
Qi SONG ; Zhixin DU ; Liping YANG ; Junlin HOU ; Jiajia ZHAO ; Yongye WU ; Yaohui WANG ; Xiaolin LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(7):828-835
Objective To investigate the effect of fear-induced stress during pregnancy on the expression of glucose transporters(GLUT)in the placenta,providing evidence for the theory of fetal damage caused by fear-induced stress during pregnancy.Methods Twenty pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and a model group of 10 rats each.In the model group,a fear-induced stress model was established using the modified bystander electroshock method for 20 days.After the experiment,the number of offspring and the weights of the placenta and fetal rats were measured,and the placental efficiency was calculated.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes of placental cells.Bioinformatics analysis was performed to screen for differential genes in placentas affected by pregnancy stress-phobia,and gene set enrichment analysis was performed.Protein immunoblotting(Western Blot),Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR),and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression levels of GLUT1,GLUT3,GLUT6,and GLUT7 proteins and genes.Results The placental efficiency was significantly reduced in the model group compared with that in the control group.The result of transmission electron microscopy in the model group showed that the placental microvilli were sparse and short and that the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were swollen.Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that placental genes were significantly enriched in cellular glucose homeostasis in the model group compared with those in the control group.The result of Western Blot,Real-time PCR,and immunohistochemistry indicated a decrease in both the protein and gene expression levels of GLUT1,GLUT6,and GLUT7 in the placenta of pregnant rats.Conclusions Prenatal exposure to fear-induced stress may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes.These adverse outcomes are potentially associated with reduced levels of three key GLUTs in the placenta:GLUT1,GLUT6,and GLUT7.

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