Expression of IL-1α and TNF-α modified by Toll-like receptor 4 genetic polymorphism is associated with colorectal carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the association of D299G, T399I and A896G polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and colorectal carcinoma (CRC). METHODS:
The genotypes of these 3 loci among 268 patients with CRC and 268 healthy controls were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment lengthy polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The protein levels of IL-1α, IL-8, TGF-β and TNF-α in the homogenate of CRC biopsies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: No significant difference of the genotype frequencies of TLR4 A896G and D299G between the cases and the controls was observed. CT combined TT genotype of T399I was significantly associated with increased CRC risk. The individuals with the T allele of T399I showed a 1.843-fold increase in CRC risk as compared with the C allele. The concentrations of IL-1α and TNF-α in CRC biopsies were significantly elevated in the individuals with the genotype of T399I CT combined with TT as compared with the genotype of CC. CONCLUSION: TLR4 T399I promotes the development of CRC by modifying the expression of IL-1α and TNF-α in CRC tissues.     

The association of paraoxonase 2 gene 311Cys/Ser polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by coronary heart disease

AIM:To study the association of the human paraoxonase 2(PON2)311Cys/Ser polymorphism genotypes and coronary heart disease(CHD)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(type 2 DM)in Chinese subjects of north area. METHODS:PON2-311 cysteine(C type)/serine(S type)polymorphism was determined using PCR and restriction mapping with Dde Ⅰ,in 75 elder pat ients with type 2 DM,39 with CHD,36 without CHD,and 38 normal elder controls.RESULTS:There was significant difference in frequencies of genotypes between CHD in type 2 DM group and normal control group(P<0.05).S allele frequencies of PON2-311Cys/Ser polymorphism in CHD in type 2 DM group were higher than that in control groups.The S allele of PON2-311Cys/Ser was a risk for developing CHD in type 2 DM(OR=2.09,95%CI:1.04-4.22,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The S allele of PON2-311Cys/Ser polymorphism is associated with CHD in type 2 DM.The dif erence of PON2-311Cys/Ser among various races was observed.     

Serum levels of inflammatory factors and adiponectin in type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients

AIM: To investigate the serum levels of inflammatory factors and adiponectin in type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients.METHODS: One hundred and ten cases of type 2 diabetic patients were divided into 3 groups: no diabetic retinopathy group (DM, n=35), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (NPDR, n=45), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (PDR, n=30). Other 40 normal persons served as controls (NC group). The physical examinated was performed for each patient. Serum levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), 2 h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), adiponectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was also calculated.RESULTS: The systolic blood pressure, body-mass index, waist-hip ratio, serum levels of TG, LDL-C, FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, ICAM-1, TNF-α, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in DM group, NPDR group and PDR group than those in NC group (P<0.05). The systolic blood pressure, serum levels of ICAM-1, TNF-α, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR were higher in NPDR group and PDR group than those in DM group (P<0.05). The serum concentration of adiponectin was lower in DM group, NPDR group and PDR group than that in NC group (P<0.05), and that was also lower in NPDR group and PDR group than that in DM group (P<0.05). The negative correlations between adiponectin and ICAM-1 (r=-0.735,P<0.01), TNF-α (r=-0.781,P<0.01), hs-CRP (r=-0.768, P<0.01) or HOMA-IR (r=-0.752, P<0.01) were observed. The relationships between HOMA-IR and ICAM-1 (r=0.857,P<0.01), TNF-α (r=-0.906, P<0.01) or hs-CRP (r=-0.888,P<0.01) were positive.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that inflammatory refactors and adiponectin play important roles in the pathophysiology and progression of DR. The protective effects of adiponectin on DR may be related with its anti-inflammatory reactions to improve insulin resistant.     

Influence of 8-week swimming on peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic rats

AIM: To explore the influence of long-term swimming on peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were fed with a high-fat and high-fructose diet, and injected with streptozocin to establish a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: blank control group (C group), exercise control group (CE group), diabetes mellitus group (DM group) and diabetes mellitus+exercise group (DME group). The rats in CE group and DME group received 8-week swimming training (6 d/week). The training time was 20, 30 and 45 min in the first 3 d,respectively, and then it increased to 60 min a day. Eight weeks later, the motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in sciatic nerve tissues of the rats were measured. The morphological changes of the sciatic nerve were also observed under light microscope. RESULTS: Compared with DM group, 8-week swimming obviously accelerated the MNCV (P<0.05), decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP in DME group (but no significant difference, P>0.05). The obvious nerve injury in DM group was observed. However, the pathological change of the sciatic nerve in DME group was relieved. CONCLUSION: Eight-week swimming training significantly accelerates the MNCV, attenuates the nerve injury in diabetic rats and has protective effect on peripheral nerve, which may be correlated with relieving the inflammatory reaction.     

Alteration of serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and sICAM-1 in patients with pre-menstruation recurrent aphthous ulceration

AIM:To investigate the serum levels of interleeukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)in female patients with pre-menstruation recurrent aphthous ulceration(RAU).METHODS:Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and sICAM-1 in 21 pre-menstruation RAU patients were examined using ELISA technique, and compared to 10 healthy individuals and 22 the female RAU patients unrelated to menstrual cycle.RESULTS:The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α in patients with pre-menstruation RAU were not only significantly higher than that in the normal control group(P＜0.01), but also higher than that in the RAU patients without pre-menstruous recurrence (P＜0.01).The level of serum TNF-α in the RAU patients without pre-menstruous recurrence was slightly higher than that in the normal control group(P＜0.05).The level of sICAM-1 had not changed.CONCLUSION:The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α increase in pre-menstruation RAU patients, which might play a role in local lesion of RAU.     

Effect of HMGB1 expression knockdown on invasion ability of breast cancer cells induced by TNF-α

AIM:To investigate the effect of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) expression knockdown on the invasion ability of breast cancer cells induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). METHODS:HMGB1 siRNA was used to transfect into the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The expression of HMGB1 at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. After the MDA-MB-231 cells with HMGB1 expression knockdown were treated with TNF-α, the apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry, the cell invasion ability was measured by Transwell assay, and the cell migration ability was detected by cell scratch test. The protein expression of E-cadherin, MMP-2, N-cadherin, MMP-9 and Bax was determined by Western blot. RESULTS:The expression of HMGB1 at mRNA and protein levels in the MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with HMGB1 siRNA was significantly lower than that in the non-transfected cells (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate in the cells was increased after TNF-α treatment, and the cell invasion and migration abilities were also increased. The protein level of E-cadherin in the cells was decreased, the protein level of N-cadherin was increased, and the protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and Bax were also increased (P<0.05). After the MDA-MB-231 cells with HMGB1 expression knockdown were induced by TNF-α, the apoptotic rate was increased, the invasion and migration abilities were decreased, the protein levels of E-cadherin and Bax were increased, and the protein levels of N-cadherin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were decreased, as compared with the cells only induced by TNF-α without knockdown of HMGB1 expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Knockdown of HMGB1 expression enhances the apoptosis of breast cancer cells induced by TNF-α, and inhibited the cell invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by TNF-α. The mechanism may be related with the changes of protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and Bax.     

Genetic polymorphisms of RTN4 gene in Chinese Guangxi population

AIM: To investigate the distribution characteristics of rs2920891A/C and rs17046647A/G polymorphisms of RTN4 gene in Guangxi population, and to compare the differences among different populations. METHODS: The genotypes of RTN4 gene at rs2920891A/C and rs17046647A/G in 323 healthy persons of Guangxi were performed by the technique of SNaPshot and DNA sequencing. The results were compared with the alleles and genotypes of other populations (HapMap-CEU, HapMap-HCB, HapMap-JPT and HapMap-YRI in HapMap). RESULTS: In Guangxi population, 3 genotypes, AA, AC and CC, and 2 alleles, A and C, were found in rs2920891A/C. The allele frequencies between male and female showed significant differences (P<0.05). The genotype and allele frequencies compared with HapMap-JPT, HapMap-CEU and HapMap-YRI had differences with statistical significance (P<0.05). Three genotypes, AA, AG and GG, and 2 alleles, A and G, were found in rs17046647A/G. The genotype and allele frequencies between male and female showed no significant differences (P>0.05), but there were significant differences of the genotype and allele frequencies as compared with HapMap-JPT, HapMap-CEU and HapMap-YRI (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The rs2920891A/C and rs17046647A/G polymorphisms of RTN4 gene in Chinese Guangxi population are different from those in other races.     

TNF-α induces PIP3-mediated necroptosis in MLO-Y4 cells

AIM: To explore whether tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induces necroptosis in murine long bone osteocyte-like cell line MLO-Y4 and the possible mechanism. METHODS: The MLO-Y4 cells were divided into control group, TNF-α group, TNF-α+necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) group, TNF-α+Z-VAD group and TNF-α+receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3)-siRNA group. The death rate of MLO-Y4 cells was assessed by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The morphological features of the cells were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM). The protein levels of RIP1, RIP3 and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. Finally, the numbers of total cells and RIP1-RIP3-positive cells were observed under laser scanning confocal microscope. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells was measured by DCFH-DA staining. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the apoptotic or necroptotic rate of the cells induced by TNF-α was increased significantly (P<0.01). The increased apoptotic or necroptotic rate was dramatically reduced by treating with Nec-1, Z-VAD or RIP3-siRNA transfection (P<0.01). In TNF-α group and TNF-α+Z-VAD group, a lot of MLO-Y4 cells with typical necroptotic morphological features were observed under TEM. However, obvious necroptotic cells were not found in Nec-1 or RIP3-siRNA treatment group. The protein level of RIP1 in the cells treated with Nec-1 was sharply lower than that in TNF-α group (P<0.01). However, Z-VAD did not reduce the elevated levels of RIP1 and RIP3. RIP3-siRNA effectively down-regulated the protein level of RIP3 compared with TNF-α group (P<0.01). Nec-1 effectively down-regulated the protein levels of RIP1 colocalized with RIP3 compared with TNF-α group (P<0.01). However, Z-VAD did not reduce the levels of RIP1 colocalized with RIP3. Nec-1, Z-VAD and RIP3 siRNA significantly decreased the ROS levels (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: TNF-α induces the necroptosis of MLO-Y4 cells. RIP3 play vital roles in the cell necroptotic signal pathway. ROS may be the executor of necroptosis of MLO-Y4 cells.     

Levels of PEDF and TNF-α in PBMCs of type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients

AIM:To investigate the roles of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and TNF-α in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. METHODS:Fifty-two healthy persons were enrolled in the study as normal control group (NC group). Type 2 diabetic patients served as DM group (n=108), which were sub-divided into non-diabetic retinopathy group (NDR group, n=52) and diabetic retinopathy group (DR group, n=56) by angiography. The PBMCs were isolated by the technique of density-gradient centrifugation. The protein levels of PEDF, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and TNF-α in the PBMCs were determined by Western blotting. The levels of plasma PEDF and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. The content of serum uric acid (SUA) and white blood cell count were measured. RESULTS:The levels of PEDF, TNF-α and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in the PBMCs were statistically higher in NDR group and DR group than those in control group. The level of TNF-α increased significantly in DR group as compared with NDR group. The levels of PEDF and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 were slightly but not significantly higher in DR group than those in NDR group. The plasma levels of PEDF and TNF-α were evidently elevated in NDR group and DR group compared with NC group, and those were obviously higher in DR group than those in NDR group. In the diabetic patients, the plasma level of PEDF was positively correlated with the levels of TNF-α (r=3.39, P<0.05) and SUA (r=0.25, P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The expression of PEDF in PBMCs is markedly increased, accompanied with the elevation of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and TNF-α in type 2 diabetic patients especially with DR, suggesting that PEDF is possibly involved in the development of DR by inflammatory mechanism.     

Association of OPG gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han population

AIM：To investigate the association of osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 163A/G (rs3102735) and 245T/G (rs3134069), with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Chinese Han population. METHODS：A total of 205 patients with RA and 171 healthy control subjects were enrolled into this study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism and subsequently confirmed by DNA sequencing. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the risk genotypes and alleles. RESULTS：OPG gene polymorphisms 163A/G and 245T/G were conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The statistical differences in the genotypes of AA, AG and GG at 163A/G locus were found in RA and controls. The G allele was associated with an increased risk of RA, with OR of 1.219 (95％ CI: 1.066~2.339). No significant difference was observed between RA group and control group with respect to genotypic and allelic frequencies of OPG gene 245T/G (P>0.05）. CONCLUSION：The OPG gene 163A/G SNP may be associated with RA susceptibility, and G allele may be the risk factor for developing RA.     

Influence of Tangshenfang on diabetic liver injury and the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the liver tissue

AIM: To observe the effect of Tangshenfang (TS) on the liver protection and the levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisom proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in the liver tissue. METHODS: The rat model of diabetes mellitus (DM) was established by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ;30 mg/kg) after having the high fat/high glucose diets for 1 month. The diabetic rats were randomly divided into DM group, DM with high-dose TS (TS^Hi) group, medium-dose TS (TS^Med) group and low-dose TS (TS^Low)group. The normal rats were served as control group. There were 8 rats in each group. After treatment with TS for 12 weeks, the serum biochemical indices including fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were tested. Fasting insulin (FINS) was also detected by radioimmunoassay, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) were measured by ELISA. The activity of SOD and content of MDA in the liver tissues were measured by the methods of hydroxylamine and thiobarbituric acid. The liver pathological changes were observed under light microscope with HE and Masson staining. The protein expression of SIRT1and PGC-1α in the liver tissues was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: In DM group, serum FBG, TG, ALT, AST, FINS, HOMA-IR, TNF-α and IL-1 were obviously increased compared with the control group (P<0.01). The fatty changes, local necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver tissues were observed. The content of MDA in liver increased, while the activity of SOD decreased markedly. The protein expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α was decreased (P<0.05). In TS treatment groups, all these changes in DM rats were markedly reversed by TS, and the protein expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the liver tissues was markedly increased. CONCLUSION: TS may protect the rats from diabetic liver injury by increasing the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α, and thereby improving insulin resistance and oxidative stress.     

Role of NOX1 in TNF-α-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells

AIM: To explore the role of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells.METHODS: The mRNA and protein expression levels of NOX1 in alveolar epithelial cells after TNF-α treatment were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. NOX1 siRNA and its negative control were transfected into the alveolar epithelial cells. After the induction of TNF-α, NOX1 levels in the cells were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cells was detected by thiobarbituric acid method. Xanthine oxidation assay was used to detect the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cells. The contents of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6 and IL-1β in cell culture medium were examined by ELISA. The rate of apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the level of apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3.RESULTS: The expression of NOX1 at mRNA and protein levels in TNF-α-induced cells was increased after induction (P<0.05). After transfection of NOX1 siRNA, the expression of NOX1 at mRNA and protein levels in the cell was downregulated (P<0.05). Transfection of siRNA negative control had no effect on the expression level of NOX1 in the cells. The content of MDA in the cells after TNF-α treatment was increased, the activity of SOD was reduced, the releases of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β by the cells were increased, and the apoptotic rate and the level of apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3 were increased as compared with the cells that were not treated with TNF-α (P<0.05). The content of MDA in the cells with NOX1 knockdown induced by TNF-α was reduced, the activity of SOD elevated, and the releases IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β, the apoptotic rate and the level of apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3 decreased, as compared with the cells only treated with TNF-α induction (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: TNF-α induces the expression of NOX1 in the alveolar epithelial cells. Knockdown of NOX1 expression reduces cellular oxidative damage, releases of inflammatory factors, and cell apoptosis.     

Expression and function of TNF-α in dorsal root ganglion of rats with chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion

AIM: To investigate the role of TNF-α and NF-κB in the mechanism of neuropathic pain due to chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion (CCD).METHODS: Based on the CCD model, von Frey filaments were used to quantify behavior test. The expression changes of TNF-α and NF-κB were determined by Western blotting, and the correlation between the expression of TNF-α and the 50% paw withdrawal threshold was also analyzed. Moreover, the location of TNF-α in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was observed with immunofluorescence double staining.RESULTS: We found 50% paw withdrawal threshold of CCD decreased at the first day after operation. The mechanical allodynia was the most obvious at postoperative 7~14 d and lasted longer than 35 d. The expression of TNF-α and NF-κB increased significantly in DRG after operation (P<0.01), especially at 7~14 d, and then restored gradually. Moreover, there was a correlation between the protein expression of TNF-α and the changes of neuropathic behavior (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: TNF-α and NF-κB are involved in the mechanism of mechanical allodynia after chronically compressed DRG.     

Clinical evaluation of nimesulide for the treatment of chronic periodontitis

AIM:To evaluate the effect of nimesulide on chronic periodontitis. METHODS:The study population consisted of 136 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Following the scaling and root planning, nimesulide and metronidazole were respectively administrated to the patients in two groups, clinical examination and recordings of bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PLI), and probing depth (PD) were performed prior to treatment and 2 and 4 weeks following the mechanical periodontal treatment. The clinical effects of nimesulide and metronidazole on chronic periodontitis were assessed. RESULTS:The results showed that both nimesulide and metronidazole decreased the severity of periodontal inflammation. However, nimesulide was more effectivie in reducing the probing depth than metronidazole (P<0.05). Nimesulide also showed a higher efficiency on chronic periodontitis than metronidazole (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Nimesulide has a more significant effect on chronic periodontitis than metronidazole. A significant improvement is observed in probing depth following treatment with nimesulide.     

Effects of resveratrol on TNF-α-induced injury and expression of MCP-1 in isolated rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the possible mechanism of resveratrol (Res) on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in primary rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAECs).METHODS: RPAECs were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group, solvent (1% DMSO) group, TNF-α group and Res group. Each group was divided into 1 h, 4 h and 8 h subgroups (n=6 per time point). The TNF-α+C1142 (a rodent chimeric mAb that neutralizes rat MCP-1) group was set up at the 8 h time point. At each time point, the protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 was measured by Western blot and real-time PCR.RESULTS: Pretreatment of the RPAECs with C1142 significantly down-regulated the expression of MCP-1 (P<0.05). The protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 was markedly increased in TNF-α group (P<0.05). Notably, incubation with Res down-re-gulated the protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1, which was significantly lower than that in TNF-α group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: MCP-1 was involved in the process of TNF-α-induced injury of RPAECs. Res down-regulates the expression of MCP-1 in RPAECs, thus attenuating cell injury.     

Protective role of carnosine on cardiac dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus rat model

AIM:To explore the effects of carnosine (CAR) on cardiac dysfunction in type 1 diabetic mellitus rats and the underlying mechanism. METHODS:The SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:control (C) group, control+carnosine (C+CAR) group, diabetes mellitus (DM) group and diabetes mellitus+carnosine (DM+CAR) group (n=10). The rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The cardiac function was assessed by ventricular cannulation. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed by ELISA. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and IL-6 were measured by real-time PCR. The distribution of connexin 43 (Cx43) was examined by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of Cx43 and protein kinase C (PKC) were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with the C group, the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was increased whereas the left ventricular pressure maximum rise/fall velocity (±dp/dt_max) was decreased in the DM group (P<0.01). The activity of SOD decreased while the MDA increased in the left ventricular tissues (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased (P<0.01). The Cx43 distribution was irregular. The protein levels of phosphorylated Cx43 and PKCε were elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the DM group, the cardiac function of LVEDP and ±dp/dt_max in DM+CAR group was ameliorated (P<0.01), with increased SOD activity and decreased MDA content (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced (P<0.01). The Cx43 distribution was improved and the protein levels of phosphorylated Cx43 and PKCε were decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:CAR treatment can improve the cardiac function by its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation effects and suppression of Cx43 abnormalities through PKCε in DM rats.     

Effects of renal denervation on inflammatory factors in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis

AIM: To evaluate the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis. METHODS: New Zealand male rabbits were divided into control group, RDN+ high-fat diet (HFD) group (RDN group), sham+HFD group (sham group) and HFD group. The rabbits in later 3 groups were fed with 2% cholesterol for 8 weeks to establish an early atherosclerosis model. The blood samples were collected to test the levels of lipids, norepinephrine (NE), TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6. The protein expression of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. The levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Ang II 1 type receptor (AT1R) were evaluated by Western blot. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: After 1 d of RDN procedure, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.01). After 8 weeks, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group and HFD group (P<0.05), and triglyceride (TG) was lower in RDN group than that in HFD group (P<0.05). The protein expression of Ang II was decreased in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.01). The protein expression of NF-κB was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.05). The plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1α were reduced in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was reduced in RDN group compared with sham group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: RDN inhibits sympathetic activity, decreases the plasma level of TG, and alleviates inflammatory reactions in the rabbits with atherosclerosis.     

Association of S100B polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus in Guangxi population

AIM: To explore the association of rs9984765, rs2839356 and rs2186358 polymorphisms in S100B gene with the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: SLE patients (n=313) and age-and sex-matched healthy controls (n=396) were recruited in this study. The genotypes of the 3 sites were determined by single-base extension PCR (SBE-PCR) and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: No difference between the SLE patients and controls in the genotype and allele frequencies of rs9984765 and rs2186358 was observed. However, the frequency distribution of rs2839356 C allele was significantly different in the 2 groups (P=0.040). Stratification analysis showed that the frequency of rs2839356 C allele was higher in the patients with neurologic disorder than the patients without neurologic disorder (P=0.023).CONCLUSION: S100B gene rs9984765 and rs2186358 polymorphisms may not contribute to the susceptibility of SLE in Guangxi population. The rs2839356 C allele might be correlated with the SLE patients with neurologic disorder.     

草莓CIPK基因家族的鉴定与表达分析

从拟南芥数据库中获得CIPK基因家族注册号,运用生物信息学分析的方法,在蔷薇科森林草莓(Fragaria vesca)数据库中得到CIPK基因家族成员19个,可分为6个亚族。该基因家族分布在草莓7条染色体中的6条上。其编码蛋白的氨基酸数157～1 196,理论等电点3.91～9.34,分子量18 667.68～133 714.31 D。基因结构分析表明,有11条基因只有1个外显子,其余基因外显子数2～15。亚细胞定位结果表明,该基因家族成员主要在细胞质、细胞核和叶绿体上表达。蛋白质二级结构预测表明,该基因家族成员主要以α–螺旋、β–转角和不规则卷曲为主。对上游2 kb区域启动子顺式作用元件分析表明,该基因家族成员对逆境胁迫应答MYB响应明显,除FvCIPK02、FvCIPK15、FvCIPK17外,其他基因均对脱落酸应答元件ABRE响应明显。qRT-PCR数据分析表明,FvCIPK16、FvCIPK10和FvCIPK09分别在PEG、ABA和NaCl处理下,草莓试管苗中的相对表达量最高,分别是对照的18.4倍、29倍、13倍,说明FvCIPK16强响应干旱胁迫,FvCIPK10强响应A...