[Effect of oral glutamine on intestinal barrier function in young rats with endotoxemia].

Objective: To study the effect of glutamine on intestinal barrier function by examining the changes of plasma D-lactic levels and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels in plasma and intestinal tissue after glutamine intervention in young rats with endotoxemia.

Methods: Eighty 18-day-old rats were randomly divided into endotoxemia and glutamine intervention groups (n=40 each). Endotoxemia was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.

[NF-κB levels in the liver of young rats with endotoxemic liver injury].

Objective: To study hepatic NF-κB level following endotoxemic liver injury, and its relationship with hepatic TNF-α and IL-6 levels in young rats.

Methods: Forty 18-day-old rats were randomly assigned to a normal control and an endotoxemia group. Endotoxemia was induced by lipopolysaccharide injection (LPS, 5 mg/kg).

Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Shenlong Decoction on mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in lung tissue of rats with pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin.

Objective: To observe the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in rats with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) induced by bleomycin, and to explore the mechanisms of Shenlong Decoction in preventing and treating PF.

Methods: A total of 230 Wistar rats were divided into normal control group, untreated group, prednisone group, and low-, medium- and high-dose Shenlong Decoction groups. Wistar rats were intratracheally injected with bleomycin to induce PF.

Cell transplantation for articular cartilage defects: principles of past, present, and future practice.

As articular cartilage has very limited self-repair capability, the repair and regeneration of damaged cartilage is a major challenge. This review aims to outline the past, present, and future of cell therapies for articular cartilage defect repair. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has been used clinically for more than 20 years, and the short, medium, and long-term clinical outcomes of three generation of ACI are extensively overviewed.

Phenotype prediction of non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms in human ATP-binding cassette transporter genes.

A large number of non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) have been found in human genome, but there is poor knowledge on the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of these nsSNPs. Human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are able to transport a number of important substrates including endogenous and exogenous compounds. This study aimed to predict the phenotypical impact of nsSNPs of human ABC transporter genes, and the predicted results were further validated by reported phenotypical data from site-directed mutagenesis and clinical genetic studies.

Rhabdastrellic acid-A induced autophagy-associated cell death through blocking Akt pathway in human cancer cells.

Background: Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved protein degradation pathway. A defect in autophagy may contribute to tumorigenesis. Autophagy inducers could have a potential function in tumor prevention and treatment.

Phenotype prediction of deleterious nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in human alcohol metabolism-related genes: a bioinformatics study.

Nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) are thought as potential disease modifiers because they alter the encoded amino acid sequence and are likely to affect the function of the proteins accounting for susceptibility to disease. Distinguishing the functionally significant nsSNPs from tolerant nsSNPs is helpful to characterize the genetic basis of human diseases and assess individual susceptibility to diseases. Many nsSNPs have been found in alcohol metabolism-related genes but there is poor knowledge on the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of nsSNPs in these genes.

Electrospun nanofibrous matrix improves the regeneration of dense cortical bone.

Numerous in vitro studies have indicated the potential of using electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue regeneration. However, few reports have demonstrated their utility in real tissue repair models. The present investigation tested the hypothesis that electrospun poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibrous membrane leads to dense cortical bone regeneration and improves the efficacy of currently-used collagenous guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane.

Tongxinluo reduces myocardial no-reflow and ischemia-reperfusion injury by stimulating the phosphorylation of eNOS via the PKA pathway.

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether pretreatment with single low loading dose of tongxinluo (TXL), a traditional Chinese medicine, 1 h before myocardial ischemia could attenuate no-reflow and ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) via the PKA pathway. In a 90-min ischemia and 3-h reperfusion model, minipigs were randomly assigned to the following groups: sham, control, TXL (0.05 g/kg, gavaged 1 h before ischemia), TXL + H-89 (a PKA inhibitor, intravenously infused at a dose of 1.

Hydrogen peroxide regulates glucose-regulated protein 78 expression via a cyclooxygenase-2 dependent mechanism.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress marker glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in endothelial cells and reveals the possible role of cyclooxygenase in this effect. The porcine endothelial cell line was cultured in 1640 medium. Western blot and immunocytochemistry were used to detect the expression of GRP78.

EGb761 protects motoneurons against avulsion-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Background: Root avulsion of the brachial plexus causes an oxidative stress reaction in the spinal cord and induces dramatic spinal motoneuron death, while EGb761 is a natural free radical cleaning agent. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of intraperitoneally injected EGb761 against neural damage following brachial root avulsion.

Methods: The effect of EGb761 on avulsion-induced motoneuron injury was studied in 26 total groups of (n) rats, treated as follows.

[Relationship between gene polymorphisms in MMP-9 and Helicobacter pylori-related upper gastrointestinal disease in children].

Objective: To investigate the relationship of the promoter of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and clinical features of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer in children.

Methods: One hundred children with chronic gastritis, 32 children with duodenal ulcer and 102 healthy children were enrolled.

[Effect and mechanism of ropivacaine on the isolated human umbilical artery].

Objective: To investigation the effect of ropivacaine on the contraction of the isolated human umbilical artery and the mechanisms involved.

Methods: Endothelium-denuded human umbilical artery rings obtained from healthy full-term parturients were prepared. Using isometric force transducers and a fluorometer, the effect of ropivacaine in cumulative concentration on the contraction response induced by KCl in the presence or absence of verapamil, or verapamil plus ruthenium red or verapamil plus heparin was observed.

Mesenchymal stem cell seeded knitted silk sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence remains a worldwide problem affecting patients of all ages. Implantation of suburethral sling is the cornerstone treatment. Current slings have inherent disadvantages.

Identification of molecular targets associated with ethanol toxicity and implications in drug development.

Alcohol dependence is a major disease burden of adults in modern society worldwide. There is no cure for alcohol dependence. In this study, we have examined the molecular targets of ethanol-induced toxicity in humans based on a systematic review of literature data and then discussed current and potential therapeutic targets for alcohol abuse and dependence.

Multidrug resistance protein 3 R652G may reduce susceptibility to idiopathic infant cholestasis.

Aim: To evaluate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of idiopathic infant cholestasis.

Methods: We performed a case-control study, including 78 infants with idiopathic infant cholestasis and 113 healthy infants as controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood leukocytes using phenol chloroform methodology.

[Mechanism of cardioprotection induced by noninvasive limb ischemic preconditioning].

Objective: To verify the inhibitory effect of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in remote preconditioning-induced cardioprotection.

Methods: By occlusion and reperfusion of left anterior descending artery, the rat hearts were subjected to 30 min regional ischemia and 120 min reperfusion in vivo. Thus the ischemic reperfusion model was established.

[Gelatin microspheres containing vascular endothelial growth factor enhances the efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in a swine model of myocardial infarction.].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) with gelatin microspheres containing vascular endothelial growth factor in ischemic regions in infracted swine hearts.

Methods: Twelve Chinese mini swines with infarction were randomized to receive autogenetic MSC injection to the peri-infarction area of left ventricular wall (MSC group, n = 6) or MSC transplantation with gelatin hydrogel microspheres incorporating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-MSC group, n = 6). Three weeks later, left ventricular function was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Predicted trends of core-shell preferences for 132 late transition-metal binary-alloy nanoparticles.

Transition-metal alloyed nanoparticles with core-shell features (shell enrichment by one of the metals) are becoming ubiquitous, from (electro-)catalysis to biomedical applications, due to their size control, performance, biocompatibility, and cost. We investigate 132 binary-alloyed nanoparticle systems (groups 8 to 11 in the Periodic Table) using density functional theory (DFT) and systematically explore their segregation energies to determine core-shell preferences. We find that core-shell preferences are generally described by two independent factors: (1) cohesive energy (related to vapor pressure) and (2) atomic size (quantified by the Wigner-Seitz radius), and the interplay between them.

Local delivery of autologous platelet in collagen matrix simulated in situ articular cartilage repair.

Bone marrow released by microfracture or full-thickness cartilage defect can initiate the in situ cartilage repair. However, it can only repair small cartilage defects (<2 cm(2)). This study aimed to investigate whether autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) transplantation in collagen matrix can improve the in situ bone marrow-initiated cartilage repair.

Stepwise differentiation of human embryonic stem cells promotes tendon regeneration by secreting fetal tendon matrix and differentiation factors.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are ideal seed cells for tissue regeneration, but no research has yet been reported concerning their potential for tendon regeneration. This study investigated the strategy and efficacy of using hESCs for tendon regeneration as well as the mechanism involved. hESCs were first induced to differentiate into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which had the potential to differentiate into the three mesenchymal lineages and were positive for MSC surface markers.

Curcumin ameliorates high glucose-induced acute vascular endothelial dysfunction in rat thoracic aorta.

1. The aims of the present study were to explore the protective effect of curcumin against the acute vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose and to investigate the possible role of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in this protective action. 2.

Prediction of deleterious non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes related to ethanol-induced toxicity.

Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) that cause amino acid changes are believed to have a large impact on protein function. It is important to distinguish those deleterious nsSNPs that affect protein function from those that are functionally neutral. Ethanol causes organ toxicity with involvement of a number of genes encoding functional proteins.

ExcisaninA, a diterpenoid compound purified from Isodon MacrocalyxinD, induces tumor cells apoptosis and suppresses tumor growth through inhibition of PKB/AKT kinase activity and blockade of its signal pathway.

Isodon diterpenoids have received considerable phytochemical and biological attention for their strong antitumor activity with low toxicity. In this study, ExcisaninA, a diterpenoid compound purified from Isodon MacrocalyxinD, was tested on human Hep3B and MDA-MB-453 cell lines and Hep3B xenograft models. The results showed ExcisaninA could inhibit the proliferation of Hep3B and MDA-MB-453 cells via induction of apoptosis, with the evidence of increasing AnnexinV-positive cells and characteristic morphologic changes of apoptosis in the nucleus.

Differences in c-jun and nNOS expression levels in motoneurons following different kinds of axonal injury in adult rats.

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), root avulsion causes motoneuron degeneration, but the majority of motoneurons can survive axotomy. In order to study the mechanism of motoneuron degeneration, we compared the expression patterns of c-jun and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), the well-known molecular players in PNS regeneration and degeneration, among adult rats having undergone axotomy (Ax), avulsion (Av), or pre-axotomy plus secondary avulsion (Ax + Av) of the brachial plexus. Our results showed that the highest and longest-lasting c-jun activation occurred in Ax, which was much stronger than those in Av and Ax + Av.