ObjectiveTo explore the differential expressed lncRNA genes associated with formation of cholesterol gallstone, and analyze the biological functions of differential expressed lncRNA through bioinformatics.MethodsA total of 24 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (n=8) and lithogenic group (n=16), which were treated with chow diets and lithogenic diets respectively for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks, mice of the lithogenic group were randomly divided into model control group (n=8) and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group (n=8). Afterwards, mice of the normal control group were still fed with chow diets, mice of the model control group were fed with lithogenic diets, mice of the ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group were fed with ursodeoxycholic acid. After 2 weeks, collected liver tissues and gallbladder bile from the three groups, and observed gallbladder gross sample and analyzed lipids component of gallbladder bile, meanwhile detected the differential expressed lncRNA and analyzed the biological functions of differential expressed lncRNA through bioinformatics, including Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis.ResultsWe successfully constructed the mice model of cholesterol gallstone. Total cholesterol level of gallbladder in the model control group had significantly higher than those of the normal control group and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group (P<0.05), yet there was no significant difference between the normal control group and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group (P=0.59). The levels of total bile acid, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin had no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). There were 49 kinds of common overlapped difference lncRNA between the ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group and the model control group through differential expression analysis of lncRNA in liver tissues of the mice in three groups. GO and KEGG path analysis were performed separately by differential expressed lncRNA, and 88 kinds of GO terms and 18 kinds of pathways were significantly enriched from the model control group and the normal control group, 205 kinds of GO terms and 20 kinds of pathways were significantly enriched from the ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group and the normal control group.ConclusionsUrsodeoxycholic acid has therapeutic effect for cholesterol gallstone. Differential expressed lncRNAs play an important regulatory role in the formation of cholesterol gallstone and the prevention of gallstone formation by ursodeoxycholic acid treatment, which further lay the foundation in discussing specific mechanism regulated by lncRNA.
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of perindopril on expression level of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and lung function in rats with obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),and investigate the therapeutic effects of perindopril on COPD. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group,a COPD group,and a perindopril group,with 20 rats in each group. The rat model of COPD was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysachride and exprosure to cigarette smoke in the COPD group and the perindopril group. The rats in the perindopril group were intragastricly infused with perindopril additionally. All rats were sacrificed after 28 days. The lung function was observed and PI3K protein expression was detected using Western blot method. The pathologic changes of the lung tissue and airway were observed by HE staining. ResultsHE staining revealed that the rat COPD model was successfully established. The COPD group appeared obvious emphysema which was allievated significantly in the perindopril group. Pulmonary function indices in the COPD group and the perindopril group were significantly decreased compared with the control group with VE value decreased by 40% and 22%,PEP value decreased by 33% and 15%,and FEV0.3 value decreased by 18% and 7%,respectively. The expression of PI3K was significantly increased in the COPD group and the perindopril group than the control group,but more significantly in the COPD group (P<0.05). ConclusionPerindopril can significantly improve lung function in rats with COPD possibly through down-regulation of PI3K expression in the lung.
Objective To explore the construction of a canine model of vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation (vASCT) and preliminarily evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Sixteen female Beagle dogs aged 8-12 months were randomly selected, with 8 dogs serving as donors for the harvesting of spinal cord tissue with a vascular pedicle [dorsal intercostal artery (DIA) at the T10 level and accompanying vein]. The remaining 8 dogs underwent a 1.5-cm-length spinal cord defect at the T10 level, followed by transplantation of the donor spinal cord tissue for repair. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was applied to both ends to spinal cord graft; then, using a random number table method, the dogs were divided into an experimental group (n=4) and a control group (n=4). The experimental group received immunosuppressive intervention with oral tacrolimus [0.1 mg/(kg∙d)] postoperatively, while the control group received no treatment. The operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time of two groups were recorded. The recovery of hind limb function was estimated by Olby score within 2 months after operation; the motor evoked potentials (MEP) was measured through neuroelectrophysiological examination, and the spinal cord integrity was observed through MRI. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time between the two groups (P>0.05). All dogs survived until the completion of the experiment. Within 2 months after operation, all dogs in the control group failed to regain the movement function of hind limbs, and Olby scores were all 0. In the experimental group, the movement and weight-bearing, as well as walking abilities of the hind limbs gradually recovered, and the Olby scores also showed a gradually increasing trend. There was a significant difference between the two groups from 3 to 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05). Neuroelectrophysiological examination indicated that the electrical signals of the experimental group passed through the transplanted area, and the latency was shortened compared to that at 1 month after operation (P<0.05), showing continuous improvement, but the amplitude did not show significant improvement (P>0.05). The control group was unable to detect any MEP changes after operation. MRI examination showed that the transplanted spinal cord in the experimental group survived and had good continuity with normal spinal cord tissue, while no relevant change was observed in the control group. ConclusionThe vASCT model of dogs was successfully constructed. This surgical procedure can restore the continuity of the spinal cord. The combination of tacrolimus anti-immunity is a key factor for the success of transplantation.
ObjectiveTo explore the expressions of transthyretin(TTR) mRNA and its protein in tissues of human gallbladder with cholesterol gallstones, and to explore its role in the formation of cholesterol gallstones. MethodsGallbladder were got from cases of cholesterol gallstones(cholesterol gallstones group, n=25) and cases underwent liver transplantation with normal gallbladder(normal control group, n=9) respectively, who were treated in Ren Ji Hospital and Huashan Hospital. Real time PCR(RT-PCR) and Western blot method were used to determine the expressions of TTR mRNA and its protein respectively. In addition, 2 kinds of artificial model bile system were established to test nucleation time(NT) and nucleation activity, which added TTR and albumin(ALB). ResultsThe expression levels of TTR mRNA and protein in cholesterol gallstones group were 1.51±0.78 and 3.95±0.09 respectively, which were both higher than those of normal control group(P<0.05). The NT were(14.5±1.3)d and(18.0±0.8)d in TTR group and ALB group in small model bile system(P<0.01), which was similar with comprehensive model bile system[(13.5±0.6)d vs. (18.5±1.3)d]. The nucleation activity were 0.81 and 0.73 in small model bile system and comprehensive model bile system respectively. ConclusionsExpression of TTR up-regulates in human gallbladder tissues of patients with cholesterol gallstones, and TTR plays role of nucleation in model bile system, which is related to the formation of cholesterol gallstones.
Objective To investigate the polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR)TaqⅠin relation to diabetic retinopathy. Method Fragment length discrepant allele specific PCR(FLDAS-PCR) were used to determine VDR genetypes in 158 patients with diabetic retinopathy and in 198 normal subjects. Results The frequency distribution of VDR genotypes in diabetic retinopathy patients was 106 (67.1%) in TT, 33(20.9%) in Tt, 19(12.0%) in tt; and in normal persons was 165 (83.3%) in TT, 23(11.6%) in Tt, 10 (5.1%) in tt. There was a significant difference between diabetic retinopathy patients and normal persons in distribution of VDR gene TaqⅠgenotypes(Plt;0.05). Conclusions There is some distribution alterations of VDR gene polymorphism in diabetic retinopathy patients. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2006, 22: 94-96)
ObjectiveTo understand the research status of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway in the thyroid cancer (TC), as well as its role in the occurrence, cell differentiation, invasion, and metastasis of the TC, so as to find potential targets for treatment of TC. MethodThe literature about the research of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the TC was searched and summarized. ResultsThe PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was abnormally activated directly or indirectly in the TC, resulting in inhibition of cell apoptosis, malignant proliferation, accelerated cycle progression, invasion, and metastasis, etc., which promoted the occurrence and development of the TC. There were also some tumor suppressor genes, microRNAs, long chain non-coding RNAs, etc., which indirectly inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, or directly acted on it inhibiting its activity to inhibit the occurrence and development of the TC. ConclusionsFor the TC, some proteins, genes, microRNAs, and long chain non-coding RNAs directly or indirectly activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through different targets to promote the occurrence and development of TC. At the same time, many targets inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which inhibits the malignant proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of TC. At present, there have been studies trying to use PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a breakthrough for the treatment of TC. In-depth exploration of the role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in different TC is of great significance to find new targets for the treatment of TC.
Objective To investigate the effect of steroid receptor coactivator family in initiation, development, treatment and prognosis of breast cancer. Methods The literatures in recent years which have related to the effect of steroid receptor coactivators in breast cancer are reviewed. Results Steroid receptor coactivators are essential for several kinds of steroid hormones binding to steroid receptors, so they are important accessory factors that induce the initiation, development and recurrence of breast cancer, and predictive factors that estimate the prognosis of breast cancer. Conclusion Inhibition of the expression and signaling pathway of steroid receptor coactivators may be effective for breast cancer prevention and treatment.