As a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is widely used in the clinical treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases, but the mechanism of its action is still unclear. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of different frequencies of magnetic stimulation (MS) on neuronal excitability and voltage-gated potassium channels in the
Action Potentials ; Animals ; Magnetic Phenomena ; Mental Disorders ; Mice ; Neurons ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) neurons serve as central respiratory chemoreceptors, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain undefined. The present study investigated the expression of acid-sensitive ether-à-go-go-gene-like (Elk, Kv12) channels in the NTS of mice. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the distribution and cellular localization of the Kv12 channels in NTS neurons. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to evaluate protein and mRNA expression levels of Kv12 channels. The results showed that all of the three members (Kv12.1, Kv12.2, Kv12.3) of the Kv12 channel family were expressed in NTS neurons, and their expressions were co-localized with paired-like homeobox 2b gene (Phox2b) expression. The expression of Kv12.1 mRNA was the largest, whereas the expression of Kv12.3 was the least in the NTS. The results suggest Kv12 channels are expressed in Phox2b-expressing neurons in the NTS of mice, which provides molecular evidence for pH sensitivity in Phox2b-expressing NTS neurons.
Animals ; Mice ; Neurons ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; Solitary Nucleus ; Transcription Factors/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the effect and molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). METHODS: The hPDLSCs of normal periodontal tissues were isolated and cultured. The mineralized solution induced the osteoblast differentiation of hPDLSCs. The down-regulation of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1, the overexpression of anti-miR-24-3p on the proliferation and the levels of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of hPDLSCs were investigated. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the levels of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1, miR-24-3p, OCN, OPN, and ALP. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to detect cell viability and activity. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT. Western blot was used to detect protein expression. The targeted relationship between lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 and miR-24-3p was detected by double-luciferase experiment. RESULTS: The expression level of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 increased, and that of miR-24-3p decreased during the osteogenesis of hPDLSCs ( CONCLUSIONS Down-regulation of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 inhibited the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by targeting the up-regulated expression of miR-24-3p.
Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Osteogenesis ; Periodontal Ligament/cytology* ; Potassium ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics* ; Stem Cells/cytology*

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis ; genetics ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to analyze the relation of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 expression levels with clinicopathological features.

METHODSA total of 68 patients with AML were enrolled in the study, 48 out of them were suffered from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 20 reached to complete remission (CR), 30 age-matched patients with iron-deficient anemia were included in control group, the peripheral blood samples of all the patients were collected, and the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1, meanwhile, the correlation of its expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis was analyzed.

RESULTSThe expression of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 in AML patients was significantly higher than that in the patient with complete remission and iron-deficient anemia (F=14.67, P<0.01). The expression of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 was not significantly different between 20 cases of AML-CR and 30 cases of iron-deficient anemia (P>0.05). The expression of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 was associated with NCCN risk grade and survival status in patients with AML. The median overall survival time was significantly shorter in patients with high expression of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 than that in patients with low expression(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONLncRNA KCNQ1OT1 may be involved in the regulation of AML. Expression of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 and NCCN risk score can be used as biomarkers of prognosis in the patients with AML and may be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for AML patients.

Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; Prognosis ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; Remission Induction

PURPOSE: Abnormal potassium channels expression affects vessel function, including vascular tone and proliferation rate. Diverse potassium channels, including voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, are involved in pathological changes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Since the role of the Kv1.7 channel in PAH has not been previously studied, we investigated whether Kv1.7 channel expression changes in the lung tissue of a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model and whether this change is influenced by the endothelin (ET)-1 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways. METHODS: Rats were separated into 2 groups: the control (C) group and the MCT (M) group (60 mg/kg MCT). A hemodynamic study was performed by catheterization into the external jugular vein to estimate the right ventricular pressure (RVP), and pathological changes in the lung tissue were investigated. Changes in protein and mRNA levels were confirmed by western blot and polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. RESULTS: MCT caused increased RVP, medial wall thickening of the pulmonary arterioles, and increased expression level of ET-1, ET receptor A, and NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4 proteins. Decreased Kv1.7 channel expression was detected in the lung tissue. Inward-rectifier channel 6.1 expression in the lung tissue also increased. We confirmed that ET-1 increased NOX4 level and decreased glutathione peroxidase-1 level in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). ET-1 increased ROS level in PASMCs. CONCLUSION: Decreased Kv1.7 channel expression might be caused by the ET-1 and ROS pathways and contributes to MCT-induced PAH.
Animals ; Arterioles ; Blotting, Western ; Catheterization ; Catheters ; Endothelins ; Glutathione ; Hemodynamics ; Hypertension* ; Jugular Veins ; Lung ; Models, Animal* ; Monocrotaline ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; NADPH Oxidase ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Potassium ; Potassium Channels ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated* ; Pulmonary Artery ; Rats* ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; RNA, Messenger ; Ventricular Pressure

Autoimmune limbic encephalitis is a rare cause of encephalitic disease. It is associated with various target antigens and is difficult to diagnose, and experience with its treatment is limited. This case report describes a 69-year-old man, who presented with life-threatening hyponatremia and confusion, following several months of gradually worsening faciobrachial dystonic seizures. Faciobrachial dystonic seizures are a well-described feature classically observed in voltage-gated potassium channel autoimmune encephalitis. The presence of chronic hyponatremia without cognitive dysfunction, eventually culminating in an acute episode of encephalopathy and severe hyponatremia, is a pattern of natural history not previously documented in this condition.
Aged ; Brain Diseases ; Dystonia ; Encephalitis* ; Humans ; Hyponatremia* ; Limbic Encephalitis ; Natural History ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated* ; Seizures*

OBJECTIVETo assess the association of KCNE1 (rs1805127) and KCNE4 (rs12621643) polymorphisms with atrial fibrillation (AF) among ethnic Uygur and Han Chinese in Xinjiang.

METHODSA case-control study was carried out. The patients and controls were selected based on ethnicity, gender and age with an 1:1 ratio. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Genotypes of KCNE1 (rs1805127) and KCNE4 (rs12621643) were determined with a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

RESULTSMultivariate Logistic regression analysis showed KCNE1 (rs1805127) to be an independent risk factor for AF among Uygurs, while KCNE4 (rs12621643) was a risk factor for both Uygur and Han patients with AF (P < 0.05). The population attributable risk percentage (PARc%) of obstructive sleep apnea hpoventilation syndrome, obesity, hypertension, cholesterol, Hcy, hs-CRP, IL-6, KCNE1 (rs1805127) and KCNE4 (rs12621643) were 9.68%, 12.06%, 15.76%, 6.91%, 11.37%, 17.78%, 9.31%, 11.27% and 6.46% among the Uygurs, respectively. The PARc% of drinking, hypertension, cholesterol, Hcy, hs-CRP, IL-6, and KCNE4 (rs12621643) were 12.94%, 14.48%, 7.24%, 8.49%, 17.29%, 9.49% and 7.41% among Hans.

CONCLUSIONThe KCNE1 (rs1805127) appears to an independent risk factor for AF in the Uygur population. And the KCNE4 (rs12621643) was an independent risk factor for AF among both Uygurs and Hans. Management of the risk factors of AF based on testing of "risk genes" may have an impact on the prevention and treatment of AF.

Atrial Fibrillation ; etiology ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; ethnology ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; genetics ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUNDAdenomyosis (AM) has impaired contraction. This study aimed to explore the expression of potassium channels related to contraction in myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs) of AM.

METHODSUterine tissue samples from 22 patients (cases) with histologically confirmed AM and 12 (controls) with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were collected for both immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of large conductance calcium- and voltage-sensitive K + channel (BKCa)-α/β subunits, voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) 4.2, and Kv4.3. Student's t-test was used to compare the expression.

RESULTSThe BKCa-α/β subunits, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3 were located in smooth muscle cells, glandular epithelium, and stromal cells. However, BKCa-β subunit expression in endometrial glands of the controls was weak, and Kv4.3 was almost undetectable in the controls. The expression of BKCa-α messenger RNA (mRNA) (0.62 ± 0.19-fold decrease, P < 0.05) and Kv4.3 mRNA (0.67 ± 0.20-fold decrease, P < 0.05) decreased significantly in the MSMCs of the control group compared with the AM group. However, there were no significant differences in BKCa-β subunit mRNA or Kv4.2 mRNA.

CONCLUSIONSThe BKCa-α mRNA and the Kv4.3 mRNA are expressed significantly higher in AM than those in the control group, that might cause the abnormal uterus smooth muscle contractility, change the microcirculation of uterus to accumulate the inflammatory factors, impair the endometrium further, and aggravate the pain.

Adenomyosis ; metabolism ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; metabolism ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; metabolism ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Shal Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Uterine Contraction ; physiology ; Uterine Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Uterus ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the expression of voltage-gated potassium channel Kv3.4 and to determine its significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and precancerous lesions.

METHODSImmunohistochemical SP methods were performed to detect the expression of Kv3.4 at tissue level on 57 paraffin-embedded samples collected from Pathology Department of Anhui Province Stomatological Hospital during January 2013 to June 2014. The relationships between the expression of Kv3.4 and precancerous lesion and clinical pathologic factors of oral squamous cell carcinoma, such as pathologic classification, clinical stage and lymph node metastasis, were also analyzed. Totally 6 samples of normal oral mucosa tissue, 23 samples of OSCC and 13 samples of precancerous lesions were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University during May 2014 to March 2015. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of Kv3.4 in these 42 samples at molecular and protein levels.

RESULTSReal-time quantitative PCR showed the relative expression quantity of Kv3.4 in normal oral mucosa, precancerous lesions, and OSCC tissues were 0.85±0.48, 3.50±2.51 and 18.48±7.70, respectively. The relative expression quantity of Kv3.4 in OSCC and precancerous lesions were higher than that in normal group, the differences were both statistically significant (P=0.002, P=0.029). The relative expression quantities of Kv3.4 protein in precancerous and OSCC tissues were 0.87±0.14 and 0.35±0.03 respectively by Western blotting, and both were higher than that in normal tissues (0.18±0.10). The differences were statistically significant (P=0.002). In 57 paraffin-embedded samples, the positive expression rates of Kv3.4 in normal, precancerous and OSCC tissues were 2/6, 13/18 and 95% (37/39), respectively. The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). However, the expression of Kv3.4 did not show obvious correlation with patients' genders, presence of lymph node metastasis and clinical stages (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of Kv3.4 is positively correlated to OSCC's occurrence and development. Detection of the expression of Kv3.4 may be used for early diagnosis and prognostic judgment of oral squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Mouth Mucosa ; metabolism ; Mouth Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; metabolism ; Precancerous Conditions ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prognosis ; Sex Factors