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Biomedical subjects

Dong Zhou

Publications and source records attributed to Dong Zhou.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

LncRNA Profiling and ceRNA Network Construction of Intrauterine Exosomes in Goats During Embryo Implantation.

Exosomes have been shown to play an important role in embryo implantation, but the mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functional roles of lncRNAs in intrauterine exosomes in goat pregnancy. We used RNA-seq to identify the lncRNA profiles of exosomes obtained from goat uterine rinsing fluid at 5, 15, and 18 days of gestation. In addition, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis based on differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and lncRNAs (DELs). Functional enrichment analyses of gene modules were conducted using Gene Ontology classification (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed based on predictive interaction derived from miRTarBase, miRDB and RNAhybrid databases. Altogether, 831 DELs were identified. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the target genes were enriched in processes associated with embryo implantation, such as signaling receptor activity, binding and immune response. Nine functional co-expression modules were enriched in various biological processes, such as metabolic pathways, protein transport, cell cycle and VEGF signaling pathway. Additionally, 12 lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks were constructed. Our results demonstrate that exosomal lncRNAs in uterine flushing fluid exhibit dynamic changes across gestational stages and play an important role in regulating the uterine microenvironment during embryo implantation. These findings provide a foundational basis for screening exosome-derived lncRNAs that influence embryo implantation and contribute to elucidating the mechanistic roles of lncRNAs in exosome-mediated processes during early pregnancy.

embryo implantation↗

Synthesis, radiolabeling, and in vivo evaluation of an 18F-labeled isatin analog for imaging caspase-3 activation in apoptosis.

A non-peptide-based isatin sulfonamide analog, WC-II-89, was synthesized and its inhibition toward recombinant human caspase-3 and other caspases was determined. This compound showed high potency for inhibiting caspase-3 and -7, and high selectivity against caspases-1, -6, and -8. [(18)F]WC-II-89 was synthesized via a nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding mesylate precursor in high yield and radiochemical purity. Biodistribution studies using [(18)F]WC-II-89 revealed higher uptake in liver and spleen of cycloheximide-treated rats, an animal model of apoptosis, relative to control animals. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of activated caspase-3 in the liver and spleen of cycloheximide-treated animals. MicroPET imaging studies revealed a high uptake of the radiotracer in the liver of a cycloheximide-treated rat relative to the untreated control. These data suggest that [(18)F]WC-II-89 is a potential radiotracer for imaging caspase-3 activation in tissues undergoing apoptosis.

Animals↗

Bromine- and iodine-substituted 16alpha,17alpha-dioxolane progestins for breast tumor imaging and radiotherapy: synthesis and receptor binding affinity.

Progesterone receptors (PRs) are present in many breast tumors, and their levels are increased by certain endocrine therapies. We describe the synthesis and PR binding affinities of a series of bromine- and iodine-substituted 16alpha,17alpha-dioxolane progestins, some of which, when appropriately radiolabeled, are potential agents for diagnostic imaging of PR-positive breast tumors using positron emission tomography (PET) and for radiotherapy. These compounds were synthesized from halogenated furanyl, phenyl, and thiophenyl aldehydes and a progestin 16alpha,17alpha,21-triol (5) in the presence of HClO4 or Sc(OTf)3 in high yields under optimized conditions. A new reagent, perfluoro-1-butanesulfonyl fluoride (PBSF), was used to convert the C-21 OH to F in high yields. The relative binding affinities (RBAs) of the most promising compounds for the PR (RBA of R5020 = 100) were 16alpha,17alpha-[(R)-1'-alpha-(5-bromofurylmethylidene)dioxyl]-21-hydroxy-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (endo-6; RBA = 65 and moderate lipophilicity), 21-fluoro-16alpha,17alpha-[(R)-1'-alpha-(5-iodofurylmethylidene)dioxyl]-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (endo-14; RBA = 40) and 21-fluoro-16alpha,17alpha-[(S)-1'-beta-(4-iodophenylmethylidene)dioxyl]-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (exo-16; RBA = 34).

Animals↗

Novel mutation in the ceruloplasmin gene causing a cognitive and movement disorder with diabetes mellitus.

In a Chinese woman who had diabetes mellitus, undetectable ceruloplasmin, hand tremor, neck dystonia, and cognitive disturbances, genetic analyses revealed a novel homozygous mutation (848G > C or W283S) in exon 5 in the ceruloplasmin gene. Another member with a milder phenotype was also affected by this mutation. The healthy sister was heterozygous at the same position. Aceruloplasminemia has not yet been reported in China. This case suggests that increased awareness should be paid to this disorder in the presence of the typical symptoms.

Ceruloplasmin↗

[Expression of Merlin in cortex of temporal lobe and in hippocampal CA1 region of the Kindling Model of Epilepsy induced by corciaria lactone in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between merlin and hippocampal sclerosis of temporal epilepsy. METHODS: The kindling model of epilepsy induced by corciaria lactone (CL) in rats was used. The expression of merlin in neuron of cortex of temporal lobe and hippocampal CA1 region was observed using immunohistochemistry method. Comparison of the amount of neuron with expression of merlin in the two locations was made between the kindled group, non-kindled group and control group. RESULTS: The expression of merlin in neuron of cortex of temporal lobe and hippocampal CA1 region of the kindled group was higher than the expression of the other two groups (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the expression in the non-kindled group and that in the control group (P > 0.05). The expression of merlin in glial cell of the same region of all groups was seldom seen. CONCLUSION: The super-expression of merlin in neuron of cortex of temporal lobe and hippocampal CA1 region of the kindled rats may be involved in the process of neuronal apoptosis and hippocampal sclerosis.

Animals↗

[Effect of dachuanxiongwan on the expression of vascular epithelial growth factor in rats with cerebral ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Dachuanxiongwan on the expression of vascular epithelial growth factor in the rats after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: The ischemia and reperfusion model was established by blocking the middle cerebral artery of the rats with a nylon thread for two hours. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were randomly divided into two groups. One of the group of rats were administered with DCXW, 4.13 g/kg x d, twice a day for 3 days by gavaging, while other group were given the same volume of saline as a control. Seventy-two hours after reperfusion, the neuropathological function of the rats were evaluated according to Longa. The rats were then sacrificed and the samples of cerebrum were processed and embedded in paraffin and cut into sections. The expression of VEGF was determined by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The score of the neuropathological function of the DCXW treated group (1.5 +/- 0.71) was lower than that of the control group (2.3 +/- 0.82, P = 0.032). More VEGF-positive cells were found in the rats treated with DCXW than those in the control group (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: DCXW upgrades the expression of VEGF and may have a positive effect on the cerebrum following ischemia and reperfusion.

Animals↗

A multicentral randomized control study on clinical acupuncture treatment of Bell's palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on Bell's palsy. METHODS: 480 cases from 4 hospitals were enrolled for this study, among whom 439 cases completed the whole course of the study. The patients were randomly divided into the following 3 groups, a control group(treated with prednisone, vitamin B1, vitamin B12 and dibazol), an acu-moxibustion group (treated with filiform needle plus moxibustion), and a basic treatment plus acu-moxibustion group (treated with oral medicine like those in the control group plus acupuncture, and with moxibustion like in the acu-moxibustion group). The whole treatment course lasted 4 weeks. The therapeutic effects were evaluated according to the symptoms and signs, House-Brackmann grading scale and facial disability indexes(FDI). RESULTS: All the 4 centers (hospitals) completed this study well, with no statistically significant difference found among the 4 centers in therapeutic effects. The patients with different conditions were well distributed in the 3 groups, thus the basic general data were comparable (P > 0.05). The therapeutic effects of the two treatment groups were better than the control group (respectively P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), and it was the best in the acu-moxibustion group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion may exert definite therapeutic effects on Bell's palsy, better than that of the basic treatment group or the basic treatment plus acu-moxibustion group.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Direct detection of dimethylstannylene and tetramethyldistannene in solution and the gas phase by laser flash photolysis of 1,1-dimethylstannacyclopent-3-enes.

The photochemistry of 1,1-dimethyl- and 1,1,3,4-tetramethylstannacyclopent-3-ene (4a and 4b, respectively) has been studied in the gas phase and in hexane solution by steady-state and 193-nm laser flash photolysis methods. Photolysis of the two compounds results in the formation of 1,3-butadiene (from 4a) and 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene (from 4b) as the major products, suggesting that cycloreversion to yield dimethylstannylene (SnMe2) is the main photodecomposition pathway of these molecules. Indeed, the stannylene has been trapped as the Sn-H insertion product upon photolysis of 4a in hexane containing trimethylstannane. Flash photolysis of 4a in the gas phase affords a transient absorbing in the 450-520-nm range that is assigned to SnMe2 by comparison of its spectrum and reactivity to those previously reported from other precursors. Flash photolysis of 4b in hexane solution affords results consistent with the initial formation of SnMe2 (lambda(max) approximately 500 nm), which decays over approximately 10 micros to form tetramethyldistannene (5b; lambda(max) approximately 470 nm). The distannene decays over the next ca. 50 micros to form at least two other longer-lived species, which are assigned to higher SnMe2 oligomers. Time-dependent DFT calculations support the spectral assignments for SnMe2 and Sn2Me4, and calculations examining the variation in bond dissociation energy with substituent (H, Me, and Ph) in disilenes, digermenes, and distannenes rule out the possibility that dimerization of SnMe2 proceeds reversibly. Addition of methanol leads to reversible reaction with SnMe2 to form a transient absorbing at lambda(max) approximately 360 nm, which is assigned to the Lewis acid-base complex between SnMe2 and the alcohol.

Journal Article↗

[Expression of Nestin following focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expession of Nestin after focal ischemia-reperfusion in rats. METHODS: The model of acute reperfusion injury after cerebral ischemia in rat was made by middle cerebral artery occlusion. All animals were allowed 2 h ischemia and sacrificed after different durations of reperfusion (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 72 h, 7 d, 14 d). The expression of Nestin was detected with an immunohistochemical approach. RESULTS: The number of Nestin- immunoreactive cells at 6 h after reperfusion in the ischemic side started to increase markedly and showed significant difference, compared with the Sham group (P < 0.05). The expression of Nestin and the number of Nestin positive cells with Brdu labeled peaked at 7 d after reperfusion and then were down-regulated at 14 d. CONCLUSION: The study implies cerebral ischemia could upregulate the expression of Nestin and induce the proliferation of nervous stem cells.

Animals↗

[Expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1alpha in different brain areas of the kindled epilepsia models of rats by Coriaria lactone].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 1alpha (MGLUR1alpha) in the different brain areas of the kindled epilepsia models of rats by Coriaria Lactone (CL). METHODS: Thirty male SD rats were divided into 3 groups and were given intramuscular injections of 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 ml/kg Coriaria Lactone respectively. 5 rats in the control group were given intramuscular injection of 1.0 ml/kg saline. After the kindling models were completed, the EcoG of all groups were recorded with the multi-electrophysiology recorder to view whether the EcoG of kindled rats accord with their seizures and to know whether there are differencees in EcoG among the kindled, non-kindled and control groups. The coronary sections of brain tissue were HE stained and MGLUR1alpha immunohistochemistry stained, and were observed under light microscope. RESULTS: The kindled rats had all grade (Simialowski scale) seizures after CL injection and their seizures accorded with their EcoG features. The MGLUR1alpha expression of kindled rats in hippocampus and temporal cortex outside hippocampus was stronger than that of non-kindled and control rats (P < 0.05); the strong expression was noted to be of no obvious difference between neuron and glia. CONCLUSION: The MGLUR1alpha expression of kindled rats in hippocampus and temporal cortex outside hippocampus is stronger than that of non-kindled and control. It is possible that MGLUR1alpha participates in epileptic seizures.

Animals↗

In vitro and in vivo immunotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of nonsupplemented and selenium-supplemented cigarette smoke condensate.

Cigarette smoke condensate has been evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo immunotoxic and immunomodulatory properties. It was found that cigarette smoke condensate used in vitro at concentration from 6.6 to 20 microg/ml exerted pronounced inhibitory effects upon cell surface antigen-presenting major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression and immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis. In vivo, i.p. administration of cigarette smoke condensate to C57BL/6 mice before challenging with ovalbumin (OVA) antigen, has led to a decrease of anti-OVA specific antibody response. This inhibition affected more Ig protein synthesis than membrane bound MHC-I expression. Supplementation with selenium (Se) significantly reduced the inhibitory effects both in vitro and in vivo.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Modulation of the primary and the secondary antibody response by tobacco smoke condensates.

Cigarette smoke condensate administered to C57BL/6 mice led to a decrease in the primary antibody response to OVA (hen egg albumin) antigen. Selenium (Se)-supplementation allowed to relieve significantly this inhibition. Moreover, even being not supplemented with Se, a preparation was found devoid of inhibitory effects. Furthermore, the presence of Se-supplemented tobacco smoke condensate at the time of antigen priming, contributed to an enhanced secondary antibody response.

Animals↗

Aetiology of epilepsy in surgically treated patients in China.

The aim of this retrospective, multicenter clinical study was to evaluate the aetiology of epilepsy in surgically treated patients in China. The detailed clinical records of all intractable partial epilepsy (IPE) were reviewed in five tertiary referral centres from June 1991 to June 2000. 1650 patients (927 males, 723 females) were recruited. 41.4% had aetiological factors, including the histories of major brain trauma (20.9%), febrile seizure (6.5%), meningitis (5.4%), encephalitis (5.0%), prenatal distress (2.1%), birth trauma (0.8%) and family history of seizure (0.7%). The pathological lesions were divided into eight groups according to the nature of the lesion: scar (19.2%), vascular malformations (VM) (17.7%), hippocampal sclerosis (HS) (16.2%), tumours (15.0%), gliosis (12.1%), neuronal migration disorders (NMDs) (7.4%), intracranial infection (4.5%), and other lesions (7.9%). In conclusion, effective management of these aetiological factors and pathological lesions may be essential to deal with IPE. Scar, HS, VM, NMDs are the most likely consequences of antecedent morbid events.

Brain Neoplasms↗

[Effectiveness of urokinase used in combination with batroxobin (DF-521) in rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion].

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to use urokinase (UK) in combination with batroxobin in thrombolytic therapy so as to see whether batroxobin(DF-521) would be effective for neuroprotection. METHODS: The model of right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in male SD rats was established. 120 rats were randomized into 9 groups, namely control group, sham control group, and groups that were treated with batroxobin and urokinase together or separately. Each group comprised 15 rats. Intracranial bleeding, infarct volume ratio and neurological function were observed. RESULTS: Intracranial bleeding was found in 5 rats of the UK 5000 U/kg group, in 4 rats of the UK 5000 U/kg (2 h) + DF-521 5 BU/kg (2 h) group, and in only 1 rat of the UK 5000 U/kg (2 h) + DF-521 5 BU/kg (1 h) group. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was obviously reduced in 5 BU/kg batroxobin group. No difference was observed in neurological deficit scores. CONCLUSION: 5000 U/kg urokinase increased the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in rat MCAO model. Batroxobin either used separately or in combination with urokinase would not increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in rat MCAO model.

Animals↗

[Neovascularization after ischemic stroke].

After ischemic stroke, there is neovascularization around the infarcted area, which is called penumbra. Angiogenesis and arteriogenesis are responsible for the new vessel formation. Until recently, vasculogenesis has been proved to involve mechanisms in postischemic neovascularization, which was thought to be restricted to embryonic development. New blood vessels' formation is a complex pathologic process after ischemic stroke, in which many factors are properly involved. There are factors stimulating neovascularization, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and angiopoietin; there are also factors inhibiting neovascularization, such as thrombospondin. Functional recovery was found after stroke, which may contribute to angiogensis in the periinfarct tissue. Thus, therapeutic angiogenesis has been initially studied in animal models, but there is still a long way to go for therapeutic angiogenesis to be used in the treatment of stroke patient.

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents↗

Efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating Bell's palsy: a multicenter randomized controlled trial in China.

BACKGROUND: Bell's palsy involves acute facial paralysis due to inflammation of the facial nerve. Acupuncture and moxibustion (acu-moxi) is beneficial in treating facial palsy. In order to verify the efficacy of acu-moxi on Bell's palsy, a randomized single-blind, multicenter clinical trial was performed. METHODS: A total of 480 patients from four clinical centers were involved in this trial, of whom 439 completed the trial and 41 did not. All patients were randomly assigned to either the control group or to one of two treatment groups. The control group was treated with prednisone, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and dibazole; the treatment groups were treated either with acu-moxi alone or in combination with prednisone, Vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and dibazole. Symptoms and signs, the House-Brackmann scale, and facial disability index (FDI) scores were assessed and determined both pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment methods. RESULTS: The characteristics of the control and two treatment groups were comparable without statistically significant differences before treatment. There were significant differences between the control and treatment groups after treatment (chi(2) = 15.265, P = 0.018). According to evaluations based on the House-Brackmann scale and FDI scores, the effectiveness of treatment in the two treatment groups was better than in the control group and was most effective in patients receiving acu-moxi treatment alone (Z = -2.827, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of acu-moxi treatment for Bell's palsy is verified scientifically.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

A kindling model of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy in Sprague-Dawley rats induced by Coriaria lactone and its possible mechanism.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a new animal model of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by repeated intramuscular injection of Coriaria lactone (CL) at subthreshold dosages and to explore the mechanisms that might be involved. METHODS: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 160) were randomized into four groups during the kindling process: three groups (n = 50 for each group) received CL injection at subthreshold dosages (1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 mg/kg, respectively), and ten received normal saline (NS) injection as a control group. The maximal human adult dosage of carbamazepine (CBZ), valproate (VPA), and phenytoin (PHT) was administered as monotherapy to different groups of kindled rats for 1 month (n = 20 for each group). Changes in EEG recording, seizure number, intensity (expressed as grade 1-5 according to Racine stage), and duration, including spontaneous seizures during different interventions, were compared. The expression of P-170, a multiple drug resistance gene (MDR1) encoding P-glycoprotein, was measured in brain samples from different groups of experimental rats by using an image analysis and measurement system (ImagePro-Plus 4.0). RESULTS: A total of 70 (46.7%) rats were fully kindled with a median of 15 (seven to 20) CL injections. Electrocorticogram (ECoG) including hippocampal (EHG) monitoring revealed the temporal lobe origins of epileptiform potentials, which were consistent with the behavioral changes observed. Spontaneous seizures occurred with frequency and diurnal patterns similar to those of human TLE. The antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) tested lacked a satisfactory seizure control. The maximal P-170 expression was in the kindled rats with AED treatment; the next highest was in the kindled rats without AED intervention. Nonkindled SD rats with CL injection also had increased P-170 expression compared with control SD rats. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided a simple and stable animal TLE kindling model with pharmacoresistant properties. The pharmacoresistance observed in the kindled rats to CBZ, VPA, and PHT at maximal human adult dosages together with the increased P-170 expression was a distinct feature of this model. This model might be used in further investigations of the mechanisms involved in pharmacoresistant TLE and for developing new AEDs.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

[The effect of batroxobin on atherosclerosis].

To study the effect of batroxobin(DF-521) on atherosclerosis, we divided 50 Japanese big ear rabbits into control group and high-lipid group. After the atherosclerosis model was successfully established, the high-lipid rabbits were divided into 3 groups(placebo group, treatment group 1 and treatment group 2). Batroxobin was injected in the treatment groups, and saline was injected in placebo group and control group. Getting the aorta before, inter and after treatment, dyeing the lipid, endothelium, smooth muscle, collagen fibers of the vascular plaque(the elastic fibers are of autofluorescence), we observed them with the light microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope. From the results, we found that the atherosclerotic plaque in the treatment groups, tended to be static four weeks later, but there was no obvious difference between treatment group 1 and treatment group 2. These implied that batroxobin possessed the action of stabilizing the atherosclerotic plaque, but the dosage-effect was not clear and the principle needed more study.

Animals↗