The biomolecular mechanisms that regulate tooth root development and odontoblast differentiation are poorly understood. We found that Atp6i deficient mice (Atp6i^-/-) arrested tooth root formation, indicated by truncated Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) progression. Furthermore, Atp6i deficiency significantly reduced the proliferation and differentiation of radicular odontogenic cells responsible for root formation. Atp6i^-/- mice had largely decreased expression of odontoblast differentiation marker gene expression profiles (Col1a1, Nfic, Dspp, and Osx) in the alveolar bone. Atp6i^-/- mice sample RNA-seq analysis results showed decreased expression levels of odontoblast markers. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in Smad2/3 activation, inhibiting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in Atp6i^-/- odontoblasts. Through treating pulp precursor cells with Atp6i^-/- or wild-type OC bone resorption-conditioned medium, we found the latter medium to promote odontoblast differentiation, as shown by increased odontoblast differentiation marker genes expression (Nfic, Dspp, Osx, and Runx2). This increased expression was significantly blocked by anti-TGF-β1 antibody neutralization, whereas odontoblast differentiation and Smad2/3 activation were significantly attenuated by Atp6i^-/- OC conditioned medium. Importantly, ectopic TGF-β1 partially rescued root development and root dentin deposition of Atp6i^-/- mice tooth germs were transplanted under mouse kidney capsules. Collectively, our novel data shows that the prevention of TGF-β1 release from the alveolar bone matrix due to OC dysfunction may lead to osteopetrosis-associated root formation via impaired radicular odontoblast differentiation. As such, this study uncovers TGF-β1 /Smad2/3 as a key signaling pathway regulating odontoblast differentiation and tooth root formation and may contribute to future therapeutic approaches to tooth root regeneration.
Female ; Animals ; Mice ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; Odontoblasts ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; Cell Differentiation ; Signal Transduction ; Disease Models, Animal ; Tooth Root

Objective:To investigate the characteristics and change law of influenza in Fuling District of Chongqing in 2010-2019, and to provide a scientific basis for the pre-control of influenza.Methods:We performed an epidemiological analysis on the data of influenza-like illness reported by Fuling District influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Chongqing in 2010-2019.Results:In 2010-2019, a total of 42 169 cases of influenza-like illness were reported in Fuling District, with an average treatment rate of 1.22%. The activity of influenza-like illness peaked in winter, spring, and summer. There were 22 788 cases in the group of cases aged < 5 years, accounting for 50.4%. In 2010-2019, a total of 8049 pharyngeal swabs were collected to screen for influenza-like illness, with a positive rate of 14.52%. Influenza virus A H3 positive rate was highest, accounting for 37.98%, followed by influenza virus B BV positive rate, accounting for 30.80%. The highest influenza virus-positive rate was reported in January (26.34%), followed by November (24.85%).Conclusion:Influenza in the Fuling district of Chongqing mainly occurs in winter, spring, and summer. Influenza virus A H3 is the dominant strain. Children and school students are prone to develop influenza-like illnesses. We should continue to strengthen the monitoring of influenza strains, greatly promote vaccination, and strengthen the monitoring and prevention of influenza-like illness among susceptible populations.

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of long-acting pegylated interferon-α-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) (Y shape, 40 kD) injection (180 μg/week) in the treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, with standard-dose Peg-IFN-α-2a as positive control. Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, and positive-controlled phase III clinical trial. Eligible HBeAg-positive CHB patients were screened out and randomized to Peg-IFN-α-2b (Y shape, 40 kD) trial group and Peg-IFN-α-2a control group at a ratio of 2:1. The course of treatment was 48 weeks and the patients were followed up for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Plasma samples were collected at screening, baseline, and 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 weeks for centralized detection. COBAS® Ampliprep/COBAS® TaqMan® HBV Test was used to measure HBV DNA level by quantitative real-time PCR. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with Elecsys kit was used to measure HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe). Adverse events were recorded in detail. The primary outcome measure was HBeAg seroconversion rate after the 24-week follow-up, and non-inferiority was also tested. The difference in HBeAg seroconversion rate after treatment between the trial group and the control group and two-sided confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and non-inferiority was demonstrated if the lower limit of 95% CI was > -10%. The t-test, chi-square test, or rank sum test was used according to the types and features of data. Results: A total of 855 HBeAg-positive CHB patients were enrolled and 820 of them received treatment (538 in the trial group and 282 in the control group). The data of the full analysis set showed that HBeAg seroconversion rate at week 72 was 27.32% in the trial group and 22.70% in the control group with a rate difference of 4.63% (95% CI -1.54% to 10.80%, P = 0.1493). The data of the per-protocol set showed that HBeAg seroconversion rate at week 72 was 30.75% in the trial group and 27.14% in the control group with a rate difference of 3.61% (95% CI -3.87% to 11.09%, P = 0.3436). 95% CI met the non-inferiority criteria, and the trial group was non-inferior to the control group. The two groups had similar incidence rates of adverse events, serious adverse events, and common adverse events. Conclusion In Peg-IFN-α regimen for HBeAg-positive CHB patients, the new drug Peg-IFN-α-2b (Y shape, 40 kD) has comparable effect and safety to the control drug Peg-IFN-α-2a.

Objective To analyze the associations of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter-1082G/A and-819C/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum level of IL-10 with intracranial aneurysm (IAs). Methods The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA direct sequencing methods were used to detect IL-10 gene promoter district two SNP site,-1082G/A and-819C/T genotype frequency and allele frequency in 206 patients with IAs and 187 controls. Chi-square test was used to analyze differences between two groups. The serum level of IL-10 was analyzed by ELISA, and t-test was used to analyze significant differences between two groups. Results There were significant differences in genotypes of GG and GA+AA, as well as the alleles G and A, in-1082G/A locus between IAs group and control group (P<0.01). There were higher frequencies of genotype GA+AA and the allele A in IAs group than those in control group (P<0.01). There was higher risk of suffering IAs in patients with genotype GA+AA (OR=4.137, 95%CI:2.476-6.914) and the allele A (OR=3.368, 95%CI:2.476-4.583). There were higher frequencies of the genotype CT+TT and the allele T in-819C/T locus in IAs group than those of control group (P<0.01). There was higher risk of suffering IAs in patients with genotype CT+TT (OR=3.393, 95%CI:1.952-5.900) and the allele T (OR=3.764, 95%CI:2.730-5.192). The serum level of IL-10 was significantly lower in IAs group than that of control group (P<0.01). Conclusion The IL-10 promoter SNP influences the expression of IL-10. IL-10 promoter-1082G/A and-819C/T polymorphisms are correlated with the formation of IAs.

Objective To evaluate the clinical values of acoustic radiation force impulse(ARFI) elastography for liver fibrosis on hepatopath patients.Methods ARFI elastography was prospectively performed on 99 patients prepared to undergo hepatic surgery to get a shear wave velocity(Vs) which was the representative of liver stiffness.The fibrosis stages,inflammation grades and steatosis grades were evaluated histologically after surgery.Values of Vs were compared with the histological results.Results Values of Vs with fibrosis stage 0-4 was (1.14 ± 0.22) m/s,(1.30 ± 0.22) m/s,(1.36 ± 0.38) m/s,(1.47 ± 0.37)m/s and (1.87 ± 0.08) m/s,respectively.A significant difference was observed among them (P ＜0.001).There was a certain correlation between Vs and fibrosis stage(r =0.541,P ＜0.001).Vs was a significant predictor of stage ≥3 fibrosis with an area under the ROC curve of 0.812,sensitivity 73.2％ and specificity 81.4％ when 1.40 m/s was the cutoff value (P ＜ 0.001).Values of Vs with inflammation grade 0-3 was (1.17 ± 0.16)m/s,(1.43 ± 0.36) m/s,(1.59 ± 0.53) m/s and (1.89 ± 0.59) m/s,respectively,which were significantly different (P ＜ 0.001).A certain correlation was observed between Vs and inflammation grade(r =0.383,P ＜0.001).Values of Vs with steatosis grade 0-4 was (1.61 ±0.42) m/s,(1.47±0.58) m/s,(1.56 ± 0.71)m/s,1.13 m/s and (0.94 ± 0.95) m/s.Obvious difference didn't exist between Vs and steatosis grade (P =0.286).Obvious correlation wasn't observed between them,either (r =-0.177,P =0.080).Conclusions ARFI elastography has a certain value for the evaluation of liver fibrosis,while inflammation grade may affect its performance.

Background C57BL/6andB10R Ⅲareroutinemurinespeciesusedinexperimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU).The inflammation is light for mouse after immunization whereas it is prominent for B10R Ⅲ.ObjectiveThis study was to observe the killing effect of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) 1-20-specific T cells on mouse retinal astrocyte.Th1 and Th17 cells effect in the EAU mechanism was discussed.MethodsB10RllⅢ mice and C57BL/6 mice were immunized with IRBP 161-180 and IRBP 1-20 in complete Freund adjuvant (CFA).The infiltrating cells of diseased B10R Ⅲ eyes were analyzed by flow cytometry.IRBP 1-20-specific T cells were isolated from the drainage lymph node and spleen and cultured in IL-2 or IL-23 for Th1 and Th17 cells polarization,respectively.Th1 and Th17 cells cultured for 5 days were seeded on the mouse retinal astrocyte monolayer pretreated with gamma interferon.Cell interaction was observed and the quantity of TNF-α was tested by ELISA.Every test was repeated 6 times and the mean was calculated.The maintenance of experimental animals complied with the Statement of ARVO.ResultsThere were lots of infiltrating cells in the eyes of B10Rm mice after immunization,including 9.5％ IFNγ+ cells,5.1％ IL-17+cells and 41.4％ CD45+ cells.Six days after IRBP1-20 stimulation and cultured by IL-2 and IL-23,44.0％ and 8.0％ cells were IFNγ+,and 1.0％ and 26.0％ cells were IL17+.Twentyfour hours after the interaction between Th1 or Th17 and retinal astrocyte,retinal astrocyte died and detached.The killing effect of Th17 was stronger than Th1.48 hours after co-culture of Th1 or Th17T cells with astrocytes,the concentrations of TNF-α were ( 500± 10 ) and ( 801 ±24 μg/L) μg/L,respectively,with a significant statistical difference (t =-20.36,P =0.00).ConclusionsBoth Th1 and Th17 can kill retinal astrocyte,but Th17 plays a key role in the EAU pathogenesis process.The killing effect is caused by intercellular contact and interaction under the induction of cytokines.

Objective To investigate the effect of TGFβ1 siRNA on hepatic satellite cells (HSCs) activation, proliferation and extracellular matrix production. Methods The TGFβ1, siRNA plasmid was transfected into HSCs with Lipofectamine 2000. The supernatant and HSCs were collected after incubation for 72h. The expression of TGFβ1, and a-SMA protein in HSCs was detected by. Western blotting. The expression of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The cell proliferation was assayed by MTT method. Contents of typeⅣ collagen and hyaluronic acid in supernatant were determined by radioimmuno-assay.Results Compared with scrambled control group, the TGFβ1, and a-SMA protein expression,the activity of HSCs proliferation,the expression of typeⅠ and Ⅲ collagen mRNA,and the contents of type Ⅳ collagen and hyaluronic acid in supernatant were reduced in TGFβ1, siRNA group by (79±5)%,(55±4)%, (25±4)% ,(63±6)% ,(57±4)% ,(53±8)% ,(46±8)% ( P<0.01),respectively.Conclusion TGFβ1, siRNA could significantly reduce the expression of TGFβ1,inhibited HSC activation,proliferation and extracellular matrix production.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that cellular apoptosis might be related with the pathological process of diabetic penis erection function disorder. OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of apoptosis inhibiting gene Bcl 2 and apoptosis inducing gene Bax in the penis cavernosal tissue of diabet ic rats based on the diabetic rat model. DESIGN: A randomized controlled experimental study. SETTING: The Central Laboratory of Jiamusi University. MATERIALS: Fifty male adult Wistar rats were selected. The rats wererandomly divided into normal control group (n=10) and the model group(n=40). The rats in the model group were divided into subgroups according to whether they had diabetes mellitus, namely alloxan medicine control group (n=9) and diabetes mellitus group (n=12). METHODS: The experiment was conducted at the Central Laboratory of Jiamusi University. 20 g/L Alloxan was injected intravenously into the tails of the rats in the model group at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Urine and blood sugar were examined 48 hours after the injection. Diagnosis of diabetes was established when urine sugar was (+++)～ (++++) and blood sugar was above 16.67 mmol/L. The rats in the alloxan group (n=9) were not found to have diabetes mellitus. The rats in the diabetic group were found to have diabetes mellitus, and dead rats were excluded. The blood sugar and urine sugar were measured before experiment and 48 hours, 2, 4, 6and 8 weeks after the experiment. After 8 weeks, the penises were harvested and fixed in 10% neutral formaldehydum polymerisatum. The remaining structures were thoroughly embedded in paraffin, and sections were obtained. Then, apoptosis and the protein of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected in the erectile tissues. 0.5 cm of the middle-section of bulbocavernosus body was collected, and it was then fixed in 10 g/L neutral formaldehydum polymerisatum at 4 ℃ for 24 hours. Then, 5-7 μ m paraffin sections were obtained. The cellular apoptosis was detected with in situ end labeling method. Bcl-2 and Bax gene expressions were detected with histochemical staining. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cellular apoptosis in the erectile tissues of the rats and genes Bcl-2 and Bax expressions. RESULTS: Nineteen rats died after model establishment and 31 rats entered the stage of the result analysis. ①Cellular apoptosis of the erectile tissues of the rats: The apoptosis rate in the diabetic group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group and alloxan group (16.26±6.63)%,(0.38±0.02)%, (0.40±0.03)%,(q=4.45, P ＜ 0.01). ② Expression of Bcl-2gene of the erectile tissues of the rats: Bcl-2 gene expression of the diabetic group was significantly lower than that in the normal control group and alloxan group [(12.04±2.30)%,(20.88±3.02)%,(21.23±2.58)%,q=4.45,P＜0.01].③Expression of Bax gene in the erectile tissues of the rats: Bax gene expression of the diabetic group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group and alloxan group [(18.35±2.00)%, (9.33±0.56)%,(10.32±0.63)%, (q=4.45, P ＜ 0.01)]. ④ The ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax: The ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax of the diabetic group was significantly lower than that in the normal control group and alloxan group. CONCLUSION: That the cellular apoptosis of the erectile tissues in rats with diabetes mellitus increased suggests that cellular apoptosis is related with diabetic erectile dysfunction. Also, Bcl-2/Bax was down-regulated,and this indicates that Bcl-2 and Bax cooperates in the cellular apoptosis in the diabetic erectile tissues.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the penis cavernosal tissues of diabetic rats.

METHODSFifty male adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 10 as normal control and 40 used to induce diabetes by intravenous injection of alloxan (AXN) (50 mg/kg). After 8 weeks, their penises were harvested. Apoptosis was evaluated by means of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated d-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the protein of Bcl-2 and Bax.

RESULTSCompared with those in the control group, apoptotic cells were more in number (P<0.01) and the expression of Bcl-2 was absent in the penis cavernosal tissues of the diabetic rats. However, there was upregulation of Bax and decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the diabetic group.

CONCLUSIONThe high rate of apoptosis in diabetic rats may play a role in the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction. The change in Bcl-2 and Bax activities may be responsible for apoptosis in diabetic penis erectile tissues.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; DNA, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Expression ; Male ; Penis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics