Anti-Inflammatory Components of the Starfish Astropecten polyacanthus

Inflammation is important in biomedical research, because it plays a key role in inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, allergies, asthma, and even cancer. In the present study, we describe the inhibitory effect of crude extracts and steroids isolated from the starfish Astropecten polyacanthus on pro-inflammatory cytokine (Interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Among those tested, compounds 5 and 7 showed potent inhibitory effects on the production of all three pro-inflammatory cytokines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.82 ± 0.11 to 7.00 ± 0.16 μM. Potent inhibitory activities were also observed for compound 1 on the production of IL-12 p40 and IL-6 with values of 3.96 ± 0.12 and 4.07 ± 0.13 μM, respectively, and for compounds 3 and 4 on the production of IL-12 p40 with values of 6.55 ± 0.18 and 5.06 ± 0.16 μM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 2 (IC₅₀ = 34.86 ± 0.31 μM) and 6 (IC₅₀ = 79.05 ± 2.05 μM) exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on the production of IL-12 p40, whereas compounds 3 (IC₅₀ = 22.80 ± 0.21 μM) and 4 (IC₅₀ = 16.73 ± 0.25 μM) moderately inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6, respectively.     

miR-142-3p在MCF-7细胞中靶向调节AKT pathway活性机理

为探究miR-142-3p在MCF-7细胞中作用机理,采用RNA免疫共沉淀技术和双荧光素酶报告基因技术筛选及验证miR-142-3p作用靶基因;蛋白质免疫印迹技术验证靶基因及其介导的PI3K-AKT-mTOR信号通路蛋白表达量及通路活性;应用实时荧光定量PCR验证靶基因PTEN对miR-142-3p调节关系。结果表明,miR-142-3p靶向调节AKT和PTEN表达;miR-142-3p过表达组中PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路活性显著降低;miR-142-3p抑制组中PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路活性显著上升;抑制PTEN表达显著提高miR-142-3p表达量。因此miR-142-3p靶向调节AKT和PTEN表达继而抑制PI3K-AKT-mTOR信号通路活性,PTEN与miR-142-3p存在调节关系。     

马铃薯低温响应的ScmiR390-5p及其靶基因表达与结构分析

【目的】研究马铃薯富含亮氨酸重复序列(leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase LRR-RLK)类受体蛋白激酶基因SCLRRK1受miR390（ScmiR390-5p）调控响应非生物胁迫的机理。【方法】通过低温响应马铃薯miRNA测序分析与靶基因预测,发现ScmiR390-5p通过调控1个可能的LRR类受体蛋白激酶基因对低温做出响应;利用实时荧光定量PCR技术（Quantitative Real-time PCR,RT-qPCR）验证ScmiR390-5p和SCLRRK1响应低温胁迫的表达情况;利用RLM-5′RACE确定ScmiR390-5p作用于SCLRRK1的切割位点;利用PCR技术克隆得到SCLRRK1的DNA序列和CDS序列,生物信息学分析SCLRRK1的结构和功能;利用RT-qPCR分析ScmiR390-5p/SCLRRK1在马铃薯各组织中的表达情况及其响应各种非生物胁迫的表达情况。【结果】RT-qPCR结果表明,低温诱导ScmiR390-5p表达,SCLRRK1的表达则受到低温的抑制,ScmiR390-5p和SCLRRK1的表达在低温胁迫下呈负相关性;RLM-5′RACE分析表明,ScmiR390-5p作用于SCLRRK1的切割位点是ATTCCT//CCTGAGTT,马铃薯ScmiR390-5p/SCLRRK1调控模块在低温响应中起作用。克隆结果表明SCLRRK1的CDS序列长度为2 685 bp,编码894个氨基酸,DNA序列长度为3 549 bp,含有1个内含子、2个外显子、3′非编码区和5′非编码区,ScmiR390-5p的靶位点位于SCLRRK1 CDS序列内部（960—981 bp,GGAACTATTCCTCCTGAGTTT）。生物信息学显示SCLRRK1是1个富含亮氨酸重复序列(leucine-richrepeat,LRR)的类受体蛋白激酶基因,编码的蛋白属于跨膜分泌蛋白。马铃薯组织表达RT-qPCR分析显示,ScmiR390-5p在叶中的表达量最高,根次之,茎中（地上茎、块茎和匍匐茎）表达量较低;而SCLRRK1的表达情况与ScmiR390-5p相反,其在叶中的表达最低,在茎中表达最高（匍匐茎>块茎>地上茎）。多种非生物胁迫结果显示,ScmiR390-5p和SCLRRK1表达在NaCl胁迫下呈负相关,ScmiR390-5p受到NaCl胁迫诱导表达。与对照相比,ABA和6-BA处理下ScmiR390-5p表达先下降之后呈波浪小幅回调;6-BA处理下SCLRRK1表达持续升高,ABA处理下SCLRRK1表达先上升后下降。GA₃、PEG和IAA处理8 h时,ScmiR390-5p的表达达到峰值,GA₃、PEG和IAA处理都能诱导SCLRRK1表达,但其变化趋势与ScmiR390-5p相关性不强。【结论】SCLRRK1具备编码LRR类受体蛋白激酶的核酸、氨基酸序列和结构基础,是ScmiR390-5p的靶基因;ScmiR390-5p/SCLRRK1调控模块在马铃薯组织器官中具备明显作用;ScmiR390-5p在转录后水平通过抑制马铃薯SCLRRK1的表达对低温胁迫做出响应,同时,马铃薯ScmiR390-5p/SCLRRK1调控模块在NaCl和6-BA胁迫响应中起作用,但不对ABA、GA₃、IAA和PEG胁迫做出响应,ScmiR390-5p和SCLRRK1分别在转录水平受到ABA、GA₃、IAA和PEG胁迫信号调控。     

Upgrading a 1/20,000 soil map with an apparent electrical conductivity survey

Despite their shortcomings, choropleth soil maps remain the most widespread source of information on soil resources. Since most nationwide soil surveys were conducted in the second half of the previous century, a need for upgrading emerges. We evaluated the potential of detailed observations made by a mobile, non-invasive proximal soil sensor to upgrade a part of the 1/20,000 choropleth soil map of Belgium. This study was conducted on a 14 ha area which had been mapped twice in the 1950s: first, during the national soil survey yielding a 1/20,000 soil map, and second, during a detailed investigation resulting in a 1/5000 map. The first map failed to identify the presence of a Tertiary clay substratum at variable depths, while the second map indicated this substratum to be present within 1.2 m below the soil surface for about a third of the area. A recent survey with the EM38DD soil sensor provided 9192 measurements of the apparent electrical conductivity (EC_a) within the study area. The depth of the substratum (D_ts) was noted at 60 calibration locations by augering and the relationship between EC_a and D_ts was modelled by an exponential curve with an R² of 0.80. This allowed the detailed mapping of D_ts by regression kriging. The predictions were validated using 46 independent observations of D_ts indicating a reasonable average error of 0.24 m and a very good correlation coefficient between observed and predicted values of 0.94. A map accuracy assessment indicated that even after classification, the D_ts classes were better predicted by the sensor data than the 1/5000 map which was based on many more auger observations. Finally an upgraded 1/20,000 soil map was presented, illustrating the potential of combining existing soil maps with proximal soil sensing technology.     

Reconstructing the paleotopography beneath the loess cover with the aid of an electromagnetic induction sensor

During the last glacial period (Weichselian), wind-blown loess was deposited over the undulating landscape of central Belgium, which had been formed in surfacing Tertiary marine sediments. Since valleys were filled up with a thicker loess layer than hill tops, the present topography is much smoother. This smoothing was enhanced by subsequent erosion processes. Reconstructing the paleolandscape at a detailed scale is almost impossible by conventional procedures based on soil augerings. Therefore, the use of the electromagnetic induction sensor, EM38DD, was evaluated as an alternative for mapping the depth to the Tertiary clay substrate. On our 2.7 ha study site, located in the loess belt of central Belgium, a strong non-linear relationship (R² = 0.86) was found between the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa), measured by the vertical dipole orientation of the EM38DD and the depth to a Tertiary clay substrate. These predictions were validated by independent observations of the depth to the Tertiary clay and a correlation coefficient of 0.83, with an average error of 0.22 m, was found. So, our dense ECa measurements (2 by 2 m resolution) allowed us to build a three-dimensionall surface of the depth to the Tertiary substrate, reconstructing the paleotopography beneath the loess cover. This paleotopography revealed distinct erosion patterns on the surface of the Tertiary clay. The continuity of these was confirmed by an analysis of surface flow patterns conducted on the reconstructed paleotopography. The non-invasive, time- and cost-effective electromagnetic induction sensor was found to offer new perspectives to reconstruct and analyse in detail the Quaternary paleotopography beneath the loess cover.     

不同处理褐煤腐殖酸对磷吸附特性的研究

采用吸附等温线的试验方法,研究了平衡溶液中磷浓度、反应时间及介质pH对不同处理的2种褐煤腐殖酸吸附磷的影响及其规律性。结果表明:在试验pH范围内,pH的升高减缓了吸附反应进行的速度,对于未经硝酸处理的样品S1,在pH为4.7时,吸附量和分配系数有一最大值,而样品S2,随着pH的升高,吸附量和分配系数一直减小;经硝酸处理后,样品对磷的吸附能力降低,一定条件下其单位吸附量仅为处理前的5.33%。适宜的固液比例可提高2个不同处理供试样品对磷的单位吸附量,其等温吸附规律可用Langmuir方程来加以描述;其吸附动力学用Elovich方程描述最佳。     

绵羊甲状腺miR-370-3p靶向COL4A3基因调控繁殖力性状的初步研究

为探讨小尾寒羊甲状腺组织中与繁殖功能相关的miR-370-3p与COL4A3的靶向关系,本研究利用miRDB与Targetscan网站预测了miR-370-3p的靶基因,并取其交集进行功能富集分析,通过RNAhybrid与Targetscan网站预测绵羊miR-370-3p与候选靶基因的结合位点;随后检测了miR-370-3p与COL4A3基因在小尾寒羊甲状腺组织中的相对表达量。构建psiCHECK2-COL4A3-3′UTR-野生型/突变型双荧光素酶载体,并将其与miR-370-3p mimics/mimics NC共转染至HEK293T细胞并检测荧光活性。结果显示：1)miR-370-3p的靶基因可富集到孕酮介导的卵母细胞成熟、卵母细胞减数分裂、HIF-1信号通路、MAPK信号通路、mTOR信号通路、Ras信号通路和FoxO信号通路等与动物繁殖有关的信号通路中。2)miR-370-3p可与COL4A3基因3′UTR区域结合,且两者在小尾寒羊甲状腺组织中表达呈相反趋势。3)共转染psiCHECK2-COL4A3-3′UTR-野生型和miR-370-3p mimics组的荧光素酶活性显...     

Ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae attenuates mouse acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride via modulation of NF-κB pathway

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae on acute liver injury, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS:Acute liver injury in mice was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 25% carbon tetrachloride (olive oil solubilization). The effective parts of ethanol extract from Cortex Albizziae against acute liver injury were screened. The pathological changes of the liver tissues were examined by pathological sections with HE staining. The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of the liver tissues were detected, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were mea-sured by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of NF-κB p65, Bcl-2 and Bax in the liver cells of the mice in each group were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with model group, the serum levels of AST and ALT in low-dose n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae (AB-L, 4 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group and high-dose n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae (AB-H, 8 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group were significantly decreased. The necrosis extent and degree of the hepatocytes and infiltration of inflammatory cells were significantly lower than that in model group. Compared with model group, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in AB-H group and AB-L group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The protein level of NF-κB p65 in the nuclei of mouse liver cells in AB-H group and AB-L group were also decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the protein expression of Bax was decreased, the protein expression of Bcl-2 was increased, and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased in AB-L group and AB-H group. CONCLUSION:The n-butanol phase of ethanol extract from Cortex Albiziae may protect the liver by reducing the activation of NF-κB p65, inhibiting the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and decreasing hepatocyte apoptosis via regulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression.     

Effect of DNA methylation of miR-30a-5p promoter region on hepatic injury induced by homocysteine

AIM: To explore the role of DNA methylation of microRNA-30a-5p(miR-30a-5p) promoter region in hepatic injury. METHODS: Four-week-old normal mice and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) single gene knockout mice were used and divided into normal (CBS^+/+, n=12) group and single gene knockout (CBS^+/-, n=12) group, and the mice were fed with high methionine diet for 8 weeks. HL-7702 hepatic cells were routinely cultured in vitro and divided into control group, homocysteine (Hcy) group and Hcy+5-azacytidne (AZC) group. Serum Hcy, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of ALT and AST in the cells culture medium were determined by the microplate method. Hepatic injury in the mice were observed with HE staining. Cell viability staining was used to measure the viability of hepatocytes. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-30a-5p in the liver tissues and hepatocytes. The correlation between the expression of miR-30a-5p and serum ALT and AST levels was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. DNA methylation level of miR-30a-5p promoter region in the liver tissues and hepatocytes was detected by nested landing methylation-specific PCR (nMS-PCR). RESULTS: Compared with the CBS^+/+ mice, the serum levels of Hcy, ALT and AST in the CBS^+/- mice were significantly increased (P < 0.05). HE staining showed the hepatocyte swelling and nuclear fragmentation and dissolution. The expression level of miR-30a-5p in the liver tissues was decreased (P < 0.01). Besides, the expression level of miR-30a-5p in the mice was negatively correlated with serum ALT and AST levels (r²=0.4557, P=0.0003, r²=0.4626, P=0.0003), and the DNA methylation of miR-30a-5p promoter region was increased (P < 0.01). In the HL-7702 cells, compared with control group,the ALT and AST levels were increased in Hcy group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the cell viability was remarkablely decreased. DNA methylation of miR-30a-5p promoter region was increased (P < 0.01), which decreased after treated the cells with AZC (P < 0.05), while the expression level of miR-30a-5p in the cells was increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypermethylation of miR-30a-5p promoter region may play an important role in hepatic injury.     

Effect of Linc00152 targeting miR-376c-3p on viability,apoptosis and radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of Linc00152 on the viability, apoptosis and radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of Linc00152 and microRNA-376c-3p(miR-376c-3p) in human cervical cancer HeLa cells and SiHa cells, and normal cervical Ect1/E6E7 cells. The cervical cancer HeLa cells with low Linc00152 expression or miR-376c-3p over-expression were established. MTT assay, flow cytometry, colony formation assay and Western blot were used to determine the cell viability, apoptosis, radiosensitivity and related protein expression. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the regulatory relationship between Linc00152 and miR-376c-3p in the HeLa cells. RESULTS: Compared with the Ect1/E6E7 cells, Linc00152 was up-regulated in the HeLa cells and SiHa cells, and miR-376c-3p was down-regulated (P < 0.05). Low expression of Linc00152 or over-expression of miR-376c-3p inhibited the viability of HeLa cells, induced apoptosis, enhanced the radiosensitivity, inhibited the protein expression of cyclin D and Bcl-2, and promoted the protein expression of P21 and Bax (P < 0.05). Linc00152 negatively regulated miR-376c-3p expression in the HeLa cells, and inhibition of miR-376c-3p expression reversed the effect of low expression of Linc00152 on HeLa cell viability, apoptosis and radiosensitivity. CONCLUSION: Linc00152 is highly expressed in the cervical cancer cells. Linc00152 affects the viability, apoptosis and radiosensitivity of HeLa cells by targeting miR-376c-3p, which is a potential diagnosis and treatment target for cervical cancer.