Objective: To investigate the repair effect and JNK/NF-κB,SOX9 mechanisms of vibration exercise with different frequencies on articular cartilage in rats with early knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Forty-eight adult male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=8):model control group(MC),high frequency vibration group 1 (GP₁,60 Hz),high frequency vibration 2 group (GP₂,40 Hz),medium frequency vibration group (ZP,20 Hz),minor frequency group(DP,10 Hz)and normal control group(NC). Except for NC group,the rats in each group were made into early knee osteoarthritis model after six weeks of knee joint cavity injection of papain solution and 2% mixture l-cysteine on the 1^st,4 ^th and 7^th day. Each exercise group was subjected vibration to 40 minutes a day with amplitude of 2～5 mm and 5 days a week. Four weeks later, the articular cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle of the both back leg knee joints were detected by HE staining,serine O staining and Mankin scores for morphological observation. The expression levels of JNK,NF-κB p65 and Sox9 mRNA in articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle were detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein expressions of JNK,NF-κB p65 and Sox9 were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the NC group,the Mankin score in other groups was significantly higher (P＜0.01). Compared with the MC group,the Mankin score of each vibration group was significantly lower(P＜0.05),the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK and NF-κB p65 in each vibration training group were significantly lower (P＜0.01),the expressions of Sox9 mRNA and protein in vibration training group were increased significantly (P＜0.01). Compared with the higher frequency group,the Mankin score,the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK and NF-κB p65 of lower frequency group were significantly lower (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). But the expressions of Sox9 mRNA and protein were significantly higher (P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusion: Vibration exercise of different frequencies may present varying degrees of cartilage repair impact in rats with early knee osteoarthritis,and the cartilage repair by low-frequency vibration training is better than that by high-frequency vibration. This can be one of the mechanisms on controlling collagen synthesis by down-regulating JNK/NF-κB expression and increasing SOX9 activity of OA articular cartilage.
Animals ; Cartilage, Articular/metabolism* ; MAP Kinase Kinase 4 ; Male ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; SOX9 Transcription Factor ; Vibration

The vagina contains at least a billion microbial cells,dominated by lactobacilli.Here we perform metagenomic shotgun sequencing on cervical and fecal samples from a cohort of 516 Chinese women of reproductive age,as well as cervical,fecal,and salivary samples from a second cohort of 632 women.Factors such as pregnancy history,delivery history,cesarean section,and breastfeeding were all more important than menstrual cycle in shaping the microbiome,and such information would be necessary before trying to interpret differences between vagino-cervical micro-biome data.Greater proportion of Bifidobacterium breve was seen with older age at sexual debut.The relative abundance of lactobacilli especially Lactobacillus crispatus was negatively associated with pregnancy history.Potential markers for lack of menstrual regularity,heavy flow,dysmenor-rhea,and contraceptives were also identified.Lactobacilli were rare during breastfeeding or post-menopause.Other features such as mood fluctuations and facial speckles could potentially be predicted from the vagino-cervical microbiome.Gut and salivary microbiomes,plasma vitamins,metals,amino acids,and hormones showed associations with the vagino-cervical microbiome.Our results offer an unprecedented glimpse into the microbiota of the female reproductive tract and call for international collaborations to better understand its long-term health impact other than in the settings of infection or pre-term birth.

In the central nervous system, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are essential to maintain normal neuronal function. Recent studies have shown that HCN channels may be involved in the pathological process of ischemic brain injury, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Autophagy is activated in cerebral ischemia, but its role in cell death/survival remains controversial. In this study, our results showed that the HCN channel blocker ZD7288 remarkably decreased the percentage of apoptotic neurons and corrected the excessive autophagy induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion (OGD/R) in hippocampal HT22 neurons. Furthermore, in the OGD/R group, p-mTOR, p-ULK1 (Ser), and p62 were significantly decreased, while p-ULK1 (Ser), atg5, and beclin1 were remarkably increased. ZD7288 did not change the expression of p-ULK1 (Ser), ULK1 (Ser), p62, Beclin1, and atg5, which are involved in regulating autophagosome formation. Besides, we found that OGD/R induced a significant increase in Cathepsin D expression, but not LAMP-1. Treatment with ZD7288 at 10 μmol/L in the OGD/R group did not change the expression of cathepsin D and LAMP-1. However, chloroquine (CQ), which decreases autophagosome-lysosome fusion, eliminated the correction of excessive autophagy and neuroprotection by ZD7288. Besides, shRNA knockdown of HCN2 channels significantly reduced the accumulation of LC3-II and increased neuron survival in the OGD/R and transient global cerebral ischemia (TGCI) models, and CQ also eliminated the effects of HCN2-shRNA. Furthermore, we found that the percentage of LC3-positive puncta that co-localized with LAMP-1-positive lysosomes decreased in Con-shRNA-transfected HT22 neurons exposed to OGD/R or CQ. In HCN2-shRNA-transfected HT22 neurons, the percentage of LC3-positive puncta that co-localized with LAMP-1-positive lysosomes increased under OGD/R; however, the percentage was significantly decreased by the addition of CQ to HCN2-shRNA-transfected HT22 neurons. The present results demonstrated that blockade of HCN2 channels provides neuroprotection against OGD/R and TGCI by accelerating autophagic degradation attributable to the promotion of autophagosome and lysosome fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation of IL-37 with T lymphocytes subsets and NK cells in ITP patients, and to explore its possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. METHODS: Forty-five patients with newly diagnosed ITP(newly diagnosed group), 32 patients of complete remission (remission group) and 22 healthy persons(control group) were selected. The serum level of IL-37 in 3 groups was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of IL-37, IL-17 and IL-18 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells（PBMNC） in 3 groups was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The number of IL-18RαCD4 T cells and Tim-3NK cells in the peripheral blood in 3 groups was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: The serum level of IL-37 in the peripheral blood of ITP patients in the newly diagnosed group was significantly higher than that in the control group and the remission group(P＜0.01) . The expression level of IL-37 in PBMNC of the ITP patients in newly diagnosed group was higher than that in the control group and the remission group(P＜0. 05). The expression level of IL-17 and IL-18 in PBMNC of the ITP patients in newly diagnosed group was higher than that in the control group and the remission group(P＜0. 01); the expression of IL-18Rα in CD4 T cells in newly diagnosed group was significantly higher than that in both the control and the remission group(P＜0.01).The expression of Tim-3 in NK cells in ITP patients was significantly lower than that in the control group (P＜0. 01). In ITP patients, the serum IL-37 level and IL-18RαCD4T cells ratio both negatively correlated with Plt count (r=-0.58, r=-0.48) moreo-ver the serum IL-37 level also negatively correlated with amount of CD4 T cells and NK cells (r=-0.29, r=-0.28), but positively correlated with amount of CD8 T cells (r=0.329). CONCLUSION The IL-37 and its receptors may play an immunoregulatory role in CD4 T cells and NK cells, the IL-37 may be a therapeutic target for ITP patients.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Interleukin-1 ; immunology ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets

OBJECTIVETo analyze the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSC) and the level of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) in the bone marrow of adult ITP patients, and to explore their possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.

METHODSTwenty-five patients of newly diagnosed ITP, 25 patients of complete remission group and 15 patients of control group were selected. The number of MDSC in the bone marrow between 3 groups was detect by flow cytometry (FCM). The serum level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in 3 groups was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relative expression of IFN-γ mRNA in bone marrow mononuclear cells was measured by real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in each groups.

RESULTSThe number of MDSC in the complete remission group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05); the number of MDSC in the newly diagnosed group was higher than that in the control group; the number of MDSC in the complete remission group was higher than that in the newly diagnosed group. The serum level of PGE2 in bone marrow of ITP patients in the newly diagnosed group was higher than that of the control group（P<0.05）. The serum level of PGE2 in the bone marrow of ITP patients of the complete remission group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05）. The level of PGE2 in bone marrow serum of ITP patients of the newly diagnosed group was lower than that in the complete remission group(P<0.05）. The relative expression level of IFN-gamma in bone marrow mononuclear cells of the ITP patients in newly diagnosed group was higher than that in the control group and the complete remission group（P<0.001）. The relative quantification (RQ) of IFN-γ in bone marrow mononuclear cells was 2.60 between the newly diagnosed group and the complete remission group.

CONCLUSIONWhen adult ITP disease is remitted, the number of MDSC rises and correlates with the therapeutic response and PGE2 level in the bone marrow.

Adult ; Bone Marrow ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; RNA, Messenger

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression pattern of HOXA9 in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and its relation with clinical characteristics and treatment response.

METHODSThe mRNA and protein expression levels of HOXA9 in bone marrow cells from 33 cases of MDS, 12 cases of AML, 20 cases of ITP and 18 normal controls were detected by real-time guautitative PCR(RT-PCR) and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTSThe percentage of HOXA9(+)/CD34(+) and HOXA9(+)/CD34(+)CD38(-) in MDS patients were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of HOXA9 in MDS patients had a similar trend. The percentages of HOXA9(+)/CD34(+) and HOXA9(+)/CD34(+)CD38(-) before decitabine treatment were (50.64±27.59)% and (55.67±28.57)% respectively, which were both higher than those in control group (P<0.05). After decitabine treatment, expression of HOXA9 significantly decreased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONHOXA9 is overexpressed in MDS patients and associated with several clinical characteristics. The detection of HOXA9 expression may have guide roles for diagnosis and treatment of MDS patients.

Bone Marrow Cells ; Flow Cytometry ; Homeodomain Proteins ; Humans ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes

PURPOSETo enhance the awareness of rare complications of pelvic fracture and describe the correct diagnosis and effective treatment.

METHODSA total of 188 cases of pelvic fractures were retrospectively reviewed, and four patients who suffered from four types of rare pelvic fracture complications were described, namely ureteral obstruction caused by retroperitoneal hematoma-induced abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), bowel entrapment, external iliac artery injury, and open scrotal sac injury.

RESULTSWe demonstrated that combined measures should be employed to prevent the occurrence of ACS following major pelvic fractures. Ureteral catheter support may be a good option at an early stage when ACS occurred. Contrasted computed tomography examination and sufficient awareness are keys to a correct diagnosis of bowel entrapment following pelvic fractures. Recognition of risk factors, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment of suspected injury of the external iliac artery are keys to patient survival and to avoid limb loss. Scrotal and/or testicular injury complicated by pelvic fractures should be carefully treated to maintain normal gonad function. Additionally, establishment of a sophisticated trauma care system and multi-disciplinary coordination are important for correct diagnosis and treat- ment of rare complications in pelvic fractures.

CONCLUSIONSRare complications of pelvic fractures are difficult to diagnose and negatively impact outcome. Recognition of risk factors and sufficient awareness are essential for correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Adult ; Female ; Fractures, Bone ; complications ; Humans ; Iliac Artery ; injuries ; Intra-Abdominal Hypertension ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Bones ; injuries ; Scrotum ; injuries ; Testis ; injuries ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo determine the effectiveness and safety of Xinfeng Capsules (XFC) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with decreased pulmonary function.

METHODSThis was a randomized controlled clinical trial of 80 RA patients. Participants were assigned to the trial group (40 cases) and the control group (40 cases) by block randomization. The trial group was treated with XFC, three pills each time three times daily for 2 months. The control group was treated with tripterygium glycoside (TPT), two pills each time three times daily for 2 months. Both groups were followed up after 2 months. The clinical effects, changes in joint and pulmonary function, and quality of life before and after treatment were observed; safety indices were also evaluated.

RESULTSPain, swelling, tenderness, and duration of morning stiffness of joints were obviously decreased after treatment in both the trial and the control groups compared with baseline (P<0.01). Compared with before treatment, hand grip strength increased significantly after treatment in the trial group (P=0.0000); pulmonary function parameters such as forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), 50% of the expiratory flow of forced vital capacity (FEF50), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) were increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05); measures of quality of life such as role-physical, body pain, vitality and mental health were also improved after treatment in the trial group (all P<0.05). Joint swelling in the trial group decreased compared with the control group (P=0.0043), while hand grip strength was increased after treatment (P=0.0000). The increase in FEF50, DLco, and the dimensions of quality of life such as vitality and mental health were all significantly greater in the trial group than the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSXFC not only relieved joint pain in RA patients, but also significantly improved the ventilation and diffusion function of the lungs. Therefore, XFC could improve the whole body function and enhance the quality of life of RA patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Joints ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome

The dry seeds of Cassia obtusifolia were carried by the "ShenZhou 8" satellite and sowed after landing. Based on our pri- or study on SP1, the characteristics of plants growth, physiological index and content of effective components were examined. The results showed that the QC10, QC29 strains matured 5 d earlier compared with control. The plant height, across diameter and ground diameter of QC10, QC29, QC46 strains was superior to the control at whole growth period. The branch number increased ranging from 4 to 11 and the number of pods reached 321, 313,281, respectively, which was dramatically higher than the control (246). The yield of QC10, QC29, QC46 strains increased noticeably from 31.4 to 63.2 g. The 1000-seed-weight of QC10, QC29, QC46 strains was 25.86, 25.88, 24.06 g, while the control was 23.69 g. Compared to the control, the mass fraction of chlorophyll was enhanced 1.098, 1.016, 0.297 mg. There was no significant difference in aurantio-obtusin and chrysophanol content of seeds. Through two years research, three high-yield mutant strains were obtained. This study indicates that spaceflight-induced mutants could provide new germplasm for C. obtusifolia breeding and offers the theoretical basis for further utilization of spaceflight-induced mutation to breed high-quality C. obtusifolia strains.
Cassia ; chemistry ; genetics ; growth & development ; Mutation ; Space Flight