Activation of AR attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis-related pathway.

Previous studies in our lab have demonstrated that Adenosine A2a receptor (AR) gene-knockout mice were vulnerable to pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM). Inhibition of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis has been reported to protect the lungs from fibrogenesis in BLM-exposed mice. Little is yet known about the relationships between AR and the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

The effect of sevoflurane on the cognitive function of rats and its association with the inhibition of synaptic transmission.

To observe the effects of different concentrations of sevoflurane on synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) expression, synaptic long term depression (LTD), and paired pulse depression (PPD) in the rat hippocampus as well as to investigate the association between these effects and the cognitive function of rats. A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group (group A), which inhaled air; group B, which inhaled 0.65 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) sevoflurane for 2 h; and group C, which inhaled 1.

Dysregulated expression of microRNAs and mRNAs in myocardial infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major cause of mortality in the general population. However, the molecular phenotypes and therapeutic targets of AMI patients remain unclear. By profiling genome-wide transcripts and microRNAs (miRNAs) in a cohort of 23 AMI patients and 23 non-AMI patients, we found 218 dysregulated genes identified in the infarcted heart tissues from AMI patients relative to non-AMI controls.

Stem cells as cellular vehicles for gene therapy against glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadliest primary tumor in adults, with current treatments having limited specific and efficient delivery of therapeutic drugs to tumor sites or cells. Therefore, the development of alternative treatment options is urgently needed. Stem cells are considered as ideal cellular vehicles for gene therapy against glioblastoma.