OBJECTIVE: To explore the anti-inflammatory effects of ethyl lithospermate in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine-derived macrophages and zebrafish, and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assays were performed to investigate the toxicity of ethyl lithospermate at different concentrations (12.5-100 µ mol/L) in RAW 264.7 cells. The cells were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/mL) for 12 h to establish an inflammation model in vitro, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to ascertain the protein expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3, Tyr705), inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) α, and phospho-I κB α (p-IκB α, Ser32), and confocal imaging was used to identify the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and p-STAT3 (Tyr705). Additionally, the yolk sacs of zebrafish (3 days post fertilization) were injected with 2 nL LPS (0.5 mg/mL) to induce an inflammation model in vivo. Survival analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, observation of neutrophil migration, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to further study the anti-inflammatory effects of ethyl lithospermate and its probable mechanisms in vivo. RESULTS: The non-toxic concentrations of ethyl lithospermate have been found to range from 12.5 to 100 µ mol/L. Ethyl lithospermate inhibited the release of IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.05 or P<0.01), decreased IκBα degradation and phosphorylation (P<0.05) as well as the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and p-STAT3 (Tyr705) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells (P<0.01). Ethyl lithospermate also decreased inflammatory cells infiltration and neutrophil migration while increasing the survival rate of LPS-stimulated zebrafish (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, ethyl lithospermate also inhibited the mRNA expression levels of of IL-6, TNF-α, IκBα, STAT3, and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated zebrafish (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Ethyl lithospermate exerts anti-Inflammatory effected by inhibiting the NF-κB and STAT3 signal pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages and zebrafish.
Animals ; Mice ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Zebrafish ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use*

Objective: To explore the relationship between DNA methylation and occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Methods: A case-control study was conducted. People with hearing loss induced by occupational noise were recruited as the case group and those with normal hearing but still exposed to occupational noise were recruited as the control group. A total of 60 participants were included, of which 30 participants were in the case group and 30 in the control group. The methylation level was detected by 850k genome-wide DNA methylation chip technology. The significance of differential methylated position (DMP) was tested by R-packet 'Champ'. The differential methylated region (DMR) was analyzed by using Champ's Bumphunter algorithm. Cluster profiler was used to analyze the gene list for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment. Results: There was significant difference between two groups in binaural high-frequency average hearing threshold (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in age, smoking, drinking, hypertension, physical exercise and cumulative noise exposure. The results of DMP and DMR analysis showed that 713875 sites were detected in the case group and the control group, and 439 methylation sites with significant difference, accounting for 0.06%; 650 regions were detected, and 72 methylation regions with significant differences, accounting for 11.08%. Compared with the control group, the results of GO enrichment analysis showed that the case group had statistically significant differences in four pathways: axogenesis of projection neurons in the central nervous system, neuronal development in the central nervous system, axogenesis of neurons in the central nervous system and neuronal differentiation in the central nervous system. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that there were significant differences in sphingolipid metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway between the case group and the control group. Conclusion: The occurrence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss may be related to the regulation of gene expression related to axogenesis of projection neurons in the central nervous system, development of neurons in the central nervous system, axogenesis of neurons in the central nervous system, differentiation of neurons in the central nervous system, sphingolipid metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, primary bile acid biosynthesis and gene methylation related to metabolism.
Aldosterone ; Bile Acids and Salts ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA Methylation ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/genetics* ; Humans ; Noise, Occupational/adverse effects* ; Occupational Diseases ; Occupational Exposure ; Sphingolipids

BACKGROUND: As a reliable biomechanical model, human fresh isolated cervical specimens provide the basis for studying the pathogenesis of cervical vertigo from the perspective of blood flow of vertebral artery.There is a lack of an in vitro cervical model that can simulate the physiological state of the cervical vertebrae and achieve complex posture, as well as can measure the blood flow of vertebral artery. OBJECTIVE:To study the influence of variant position of human fresh isolated cervical vertebrae on the blood flow of vertebral artery in vitro through constructing the fresh specimen of cervical vertebral artery determination model. METHODS: Six human fresh isolated cervical specimens were selected for constructing the vertebral artery determination model. The pressure of human vertebra artery was simulated by pressure pump. The change of normal saline height was measured by digital motion capture system dynamically under different positions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Eight vertebral arteries in the six models were in good condition. (2) The vertebral artery flow under neutral position was significantly richer than that under contralateral rotation-anteflexion and ipsilateral/contralateral rotation-postexion (P <0.05). (3) The vertebral artery flow under contralateral rotation-anteflexion and rotation-postexion was significantly poorer than that under natural position, ipsilateral rotation and ipsilateral rotation-anteflexion (P < 0.05). (4) In summary, the cervical vertebral artery determination model is constructed successfully that can simulate the influence of the position on vertebral artery flow. Additionally, different positions of rotation make a different effect on vertebral artery flow.

OBJECTIVEIn this study, we aimed at exploring the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and work organization based on a case-control study.

METHODSA total of 1938 workers who claimed to suffer from WMSDs were selected from Beijing, Henan, Hubei, and the Guangdong province. The control group consisted of 2009 workers employed in similar industries without severe disease or musculoskeletal discomforts. We used a modified version of the questionnaire developed by the NMQ and the DMQ to investigate individual and work-related factors.

RESULTSA total of 13 variables (P<0.1) were selected by the chi-square test and finally, 7 variables entered into the equation, with 6 variables reaching statistical significance (P<0.05). The odds ratios (OR) of 'work changing with season' and 'sufficient rest time' did not reach 1 (0.749 and 0.441, respectively). In addition, 'sufficient rest time' seemed to be the stronger protective factor according to its higher standardized coefficient. And 'repetitive work every minute', 'constantly repetitive work' (every day), 'shortage of site personnel', and 'often switching shifts with others' seemed to be the risk factors.

CONCLUSIONWork organization may have comprehensive effects on the occurrence of WMSDs. This pattern of associations suggests that further investigation into the mechanism of how work organization affects the prevalence of WMSDs is required.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Chi-Square Distribution ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Cumulative Trauma Disorders ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Demography ; Ergonomics ; standards ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Occupational Diseases ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling ; organization & administration ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Work Schedule Tolerance ; physiology ; Workplace ; organization & administration ; Young Adult

To establish an analytical method for determination of four bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPF, and BPS) and two alkylphenols (4-n-OP, 4-n-NP) in water by ultra performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS). The water samples were extracted and condensed with solid-phase extraction (SPE) using C18 cartridges and eluted by acetonitrile. Separation was carried out with Acquity BEH C8 column and detection were performed by UPLC/MS/MS. Quantification was calculated by using the internal standard BPA-d16 and 4-n-NP-d8. The linear correlation coefficients of these compounds in the range of 1.0-100.0 μg/L were all over 0.999. The minimum detectable concentrations were 0.75-1.0 ng/L, and the recoveries ranged from 87.0% to 106.9%. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were between 1.26% and 3.67%. Applying this method to detect the source water of Chaohu Lake and drinking water of Hefei, six target compounds were detected in different levels. This method is simple with high sensitivity and selectivity, could be suitable for the determination of these compounds in source and drinking water.
Chromatography, Liquid ; Endocrine Disruptors ; analysis ; Phenols ; analysis ; Solid Phase Extraction ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; analysis

This study was aimed to explore the expression of CD34 in patients with biphenotypic acute leukemia (BAL) and its relation with the prognosis of BAL. The flow cytometry was used to detect leukemia-associated antigen. The used monoclonal antibodys (McAb) included CD10, CD19 and CD34 for B lymphocyte lineage, CD2, CD3 and CD5 for T lymohocyte lineage, MPO, CD13 and CD33 for myeloid lineage. The finally results were respectively analyzed. The results indicated that 9 out of 216 cases of leukemia was diagnosed as BAL (4.2%). Among 9 cases of BAL, 6 cases showed the common expression of myeloid and T lymohocyte lineages (66.7%), 3 cases showed the common expression of myeloid and B lymohocyte lineages (33.3%). 4 cases of BAL displayed CD34 positive expression (44.4%). As compared with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the BAL patients showed higher CD34 positive expression (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the BAL patients show a poor prognosis, as compared with AML or ALL patients. The therapeutic effect of BAL may negatively correlate with the CD34 positive expression.
Aged ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Leukemia, Biphenotypic, Acute ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Prognosis

Argonaute 1 (AGO1) is a core component of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) which plays a crucial role in small RNA-mediated gene silencing. AGO1 gene has been characterized in various plants, such as Arabidopsis and rice. However, there is no information about AGO1 in the medicinal plant species, Panax ginseng. Using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends technology (RACE), we cloned full-length PgAGO1 cDNA from Panax ginseng. It is 3 776 bp in length, including 204 bp of 5' UTR, 254 bp of 3' UTR, and 3 318 bp of ORF encoding 1106 amino acids. The molecular weight (MW) and theroretical isoelectric point (pI) of the deduced PgAGO1 protein is 122.22 kDa and 9.71, respectively. PgAGO1 shares 91.72% similarity with Arabidopsis AtAGO1 and contains three consered domains, including DUF1785, PAZ and Piwi, suggesting it is an authentic AGO. PgAGO1 was expressed in all of the tissues analyzed with the highest level in flowers and the lowest level in roots. The results provide useful information for further elucidating the function of AGO1 in Panax ginseng.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Argonaute Proteins ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Genes, Plant ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Panax ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics ; Sequence Alignment

OBJECTIVETo study the biological exposure index of carbon disulfide in China.

METHODSHigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the levels of 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) in the urine of the workers after working shift end, Gas chromatography was used to detect the concentrations of the carbon disulfide in the workplace air. The relationship between the urine TTCA levels and the concentrations of the carbon disulfide was analyzed, the biological exposure index and judgement result from PC-TWA were compared.

RESULTSThe levels of TTCA in urine of workers occupationally exposed to carbon disulfide were closely and positively related with the concentrations of the carbon disulfide in the workplace air. The regression equation was Y = 0.265X - 0.165, The biological exposure index of carbon disulfide were calculated by regression equation according to occupational exposure limits of carbon disulfide in China.

CONCLUSIONThe biological exposure index of CS(2) in China might be revised for 1.2 mg/g Cr.

Carbon Disulfide ; analysis ; Chromatography, Gas ; Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Thiazolidines ; urine ; Threshold Limit Values ; Workplace

OBJECTIVEEstablishment of determination method of 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) in urine with HPLC.

METHODSA volume of 0.5 ml hydrochloric acid (2 mol/L) and 0.5 ml pure water was added into 1 ml urine, and then extracted by 4 ml of diethyl ether by shaking for 2 min. Remove the water phase in a tube with plug and extract again, mix the two extraction diethyl ether together, take 4 ml by adding 2 ml borax-monopotassium phosphate buffer and shaking for 2 min to extract, then take the water phase to detect. A C(18) column and UV detector were used for separating and detecting. The wavelength was 273 nm, the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min, and the injection volume was 20 µl.

RESULTSTTCA has a good linearity (r = 0.9995) over the concentration of1 1 ∼ 10 µg and the minimum detectable concentration of TTCA in urine was 0.1 µg/ml. The within-day precision (RSD) were 8.4%, 3.0% and 1.7%, the between-day precision (RSD) were 11%, 3.8%, 1.9%, respectively. The extraction recovery were between 80% ∼ 102%.

CONCLUSIONThe method was accurate and sensitive to detect TTCA in urine.

Carbon Disulfide ; urine ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Humans ; Thiazolidines ; urine

OBJECTIVEEstablishment of determination method of carbon disulfide in charcoal tube with low toxicity solvents desorption-gas chromatography.

METHODSFour types of solvent with low toxicity are applied respectively as substitution of benzene to desorb the carbon disulfide in samples of charcoal tube. The signal strength and desorption efficiency of the detector are compared by using different solvents.

RESULTSChloroform has been considered as the best alternative solvent of benzene. Carbon disulfide has a good linearity (R = 0.9997) over the concentration of 0 ∼ 54.7 µg/ml, detection limit can reach 0.2 µg/ml. When the sampling volume is 3.0 L, the minimum detectable concentration is 0.07 mg/m(3).

CONCLUSIONWith the use of chloroform, the health hazard to laboratory personnel and environment pollution as well as the costs of experiments are reduced.

Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Carbon Disulfide ; analysis ; Chromatography, Gas ; methods ; Solvents ; analysis ; Workplace