Biomedical subjects

Zhi-hong Wu

Publications and source records attributed to Zhi-hong Wu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Effect of probucol on HDL metabolism and class B type I scavenger receptor (SR-BI) expression in the liver of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is a major receptor for high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the liver. Overexpression of SR-BI attenuated experimental atherosclerosis in murine models, concomitant with a reduction in plasma HDL-cholesterol levels. Probucol is known to be a potent hypolipidemic drug to regress xanthoma formation and carotid atherosclerosis in conjunction with a marked reduction in HDL-cholesterol levels. However, the mechanism by which probucol affects atherosclerosis is not completely understood, and the effect of probucol on the expression of SR-BI was controversial. The aim of this study was to know the effect of probucol on HDL metabolism and SR-BI expression in the liver. METHODS: Sixteen rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: (1) high cholesterol group (n = 8): maintained high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks; (2) probucol group (n = 8): the same cholesterol diet plus 1% probucol for 6 weeks. Control group (n = 8) was fed with normal diet for 14 weeks. The classical in situ two steps perfusion of the liver with collagenase IV was used to isolate the parenchymal hepatocytes. The selective uptake of HDL by hepatocytes was performed using the double radiolabelled HDL. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to evaluate SR-BI expression in the liver. RESULTS: Compared with control group, rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet showed higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and HDL-C, all of which were significantly reduced by probucol treatment. The selective uptake of HDL CEs in probucol group (249.68 +/- 60.13 ng/mg cell protein) was about two folds higher as compared with the control group (122.47 +/- 54.06 ng/mg cell protein, P < 0.01) and high cholesterol group (104.92 +/- 47.91 ng/mg cell protein, P < 0.01), but it could not be reproduced in vitro. The expression of SR-BI were significantly decreased in the high cholesterol group (0.48 +/- 0.06) as compared with control group (0.65 +/- 0.06, P < 0.01). Probucol increased SR-BI expression (0.68 +/- 0.06, P < 0.01) as compared with high cholesterol group. The expression of SR-BI was positively associated with the selective CEs uptake (r = 0.47, P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Probucol up-regulates SR-BI expression and enhance the uptake of HDL CEs by hepatocytes, which may help us to understand the anti-atherogenic properties and the HDL-C-lowering effect of probucol.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Adaptation of salt-tolerant Myxococcus strains and their motility systems to the ocean conditions.

More and more studies have indicated that myxobacteria are able to live in seawater conditions, which, however, can decrease the fruiting body formation ability and also the adventurous (A) and social (S) motility systems of the myxobacteria. To learn the adaptation mechanism of the salt-tolerant myxobacteria to marine conditions, we analyzed 10 salt-tolerant Myxococcus strains of their fruiting body formation and motility. The isolates were from marine samples and possessed different levels of salt tolerance. They had the dual motility system and formed fruiting bodies in the presence of suitable seawater concentrations. Some high salt-tolerant strains even lost their fruiting abilities in the absence of seawater. In response to the presence of seawater, the S-motility was found to be increased in the high salt-tolerants but decreased in the low salt-tolerants. The A-motility, on the other hand, was observed in all the salt-tolerant Myxococcus strains, but increased or decreased in response to the presence of seawater. Perceived shifts of fruiting body formation abilities and motilities discovered in the salt-tolerant Myxococcus strains suggested an ecological adaptation of myxobacterial social behaviors to the marine environments.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2006

[An improved operation approach for bipedal rat model construction].

OBJECTIVE: To explore an improved operation approach to make up the ethical deficiency of classical bipedal rat model. METHODS: 20 SD rats were randomly divided into an improved group and a traditional group averagely. Improved group were operated with plexus brachialis nerve amputation, while traditional group with forelimbs amputation close to shoulder joint. Forelimb and shoulder joint movements were observed and electromyography of the peripheral muscles around shoulder joint were recorded to make certain the paralytic scope. Operation duration and axillary artery hurt probability of both the improved and traditional operation were compared to evaluate the operation risk of improved approach. Mean total upright time on 2 d, 1 w, 2 w, 4 w and 6 w post-operation and upright posture on 6 w post-operation were recorded to evaluate the human-upright-posture-simulating effect of bipedal rats operated with improved approach. RESULTS: Compared with classical amputation approach, improved approach exhibited simpler operation procedure, shorter operation duration and lower axillary artery hurt probability. Electromyography revealed that all forelimb muscles and most shoulder-peripheral muscles were denervated, forelimbs of the improved bipedal rats were absolutely paralyzed and shoulder joint reserved only slight abduction function. The mean total upright time of improved bipedal rats was longer than the classical ones after 2 w post-operation, while upright posture showed no difference with classical bipedal rats. CONCLUSIONS: The improved operation approach not only simplified operation procedures, but also achieved even better effect than classical amputation operation and exempted bipedal rat model from the ethical shadow.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Distribution and expression of collagen type II, transforming growth factor beta1 and basic fibroblast growth factor in articular process cartilages of scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: To look into the character of the expression of collagen type II and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the apical articular process cartilages of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and congenital scoliosis (CS) patients. METHODS: The articular processes of 22 AIS and 18 CS were collected. The techniques of HE staining, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were adopted in this research. By comparing the apical processes with the end processes, the convex processes with the concave processes, the AIS processes with CS processes, the pathological changes of the articular process cartilages of these patients and the distribution of collagen type II and TGF-beta1, bFGF in them were studied. The images of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were input into the image analysis system and were analyzed semi-quantitatively. The SAS software (8.01) was adopted, and P < 0.05 was defined as the significant level. RESULTS: The expression of collagen type II and TGF-beta1, bFGF in AIS was similar to CS: the concave sides of apexes were higher than the convex sides. The comparisons had statistical significance. There was no statistical significance between upper and lower end vertebrae in convex and concave sides, between convex and concave sides in upper and lower end vertebrae. The apical vertebrae were significantly higher than the ipsilateral sides of upper or lower end vertebrae for collagen type II. There was no statistical difference of the expression at the concave, convex, upper, lower end vertebrae between AIS and CS. CONCLUSIONS: The cartilages of the apical processes show some signs of regression and hypoplasia in scoliosis. The concave side is more severe than the convex side. Increase of collagen type II and TGF-beta1, bFGF in the concave sides of apical processes in scoliosis may be the results of reconstruction of extracellular matrix and the compensation reactions which are caused by abnormal biomechanical forces such as compressive stresses. Compressive stress on the concave sides has more influences on the expression of collagen type II than tensile stress on the convex sides.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Expressed genes related to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in spinal facet].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a subtractive cDNA library from the spinal facets of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patient with suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique and clone differentially expressed genes related to AIS in spinal facet. METHODS: mRNA was isolated separately from the convex side and concave side apical facets of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patient. Moreover, single-strand (ss) and double-strand (ds) cDNAs were synthesized in turn using SMART PCR cDNA synthesis technology. (ds) cDNAs then were digested with Rsa I and divided into two groups, and ligated to the specific adaptor 1 and adaptor 2R, respectively. After cDNAs were hybridized with each other twice and underwent two rounds of nested PCR, the PCR products were ligated with pDrive Cloning Vectors to set up the subtractive library. Sequence analysis was performed and the acquired data were aligned against the GeneBank nucleotide database. Furthermore, the spinal facets of 11 IS patients were collected. The techniques of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were adopted in order to approve the gene expression difference. The images of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were input to the image analysis system and were analyzed semi-quantitatively. RESULTS: A cDNA subtractive library of AIS in spinal facet was set up successfully with high subtractive efficiency. Beta2 Microglobulin (beta 2M) and calgranulin A (S100A8) were identified as highly differentially expressed genes in this study. CONCLUSION: All results confirm the effectiveness and sensitivity of SSH in detecting differentially expressed genes from a small amount of clinical samples. Information about such alterations in gene expression can be useful for elucidating the genetic events in the development of AIS.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Expression of calmodulin in the articular process of vertebrae of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of calmodulin in the articular process of vertebrae of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and congenital scoliosis (CS) patients and its possible effects on the pathogenesis of AIS. METHODS: Nine AIS patients aged 13 - 17, and 10 patients of CS, aged 11 - 18, underwent orthopedic surgery. Specimens of the inferior articular process from the apical vertebrae and upper end vertebrae discarded during operation were collected from the AIS patients and specimens of the. Inferior articular process from the upper end vertebrae wee collected from the CS patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of calmodulin, and in situ hybridization was adopted to examine the mRNA expression of calmodulin. RESULTS: Calmodulin were expressed in the bone cells. There was no difference between the expression of calmodulin at the concave side and convex side, or between the apical vertebrae and end vertebrae. The expression of calmodulin of the AIS group was significant lower than that of the CS group (P < 0.05). The result of immunohistochemistry and that of in situ hybridization corresponded with each other. CONCLUSION: The expression of calmodulin in the articular process of vertebrae of AIS patients is low, suggesting that it plays a role in the development and progression of AIS.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 and basic fibroblast growth factor in articular process cartilages of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of the expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the apical articular process cartilages of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. METHODS: The specimens of articular processes of 22 AIS patients and 18 congenital scoliosis (CS) patients were collected during operation. The pathology of the processes was observed with H.E staining. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were adopted to detect the expression of TGF-beta(1) and bFGF. The differences in the pathological changes, and expression of TGF-beta(1) and bFGF between the apical processes and the end processes, the convex processes and the concave processes, and the AIS processes and CS processes. The images of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were input into the image analysis system and were analyzed semi-quantitatively. The SAS (8.01) software was adopted and (128.1 +/- 50.6 vs 165.4 +/- 59.2, 126.5 +/- 47.0 vs 168.3 +/- 46.8; 76.6 +/- 29.9 vs 96.4 +/- 28.4, 73.7 +/- 31.6 vs 101.8 +/- 39.4; 77.1 +/- 52.2 vs 114.4 +/- 59.4, and 69.5 +/- 40.1 vs 109.8 +/- 51.0 (P < 0.05) was defined as the significant levels. RESULTS: The expression of TGF-beta(1) and the expression of bFGF were not significantly different between the AIS patients and the CS patients. The TGF-beta(1) expression in the concave side of the apical vertebrae of the AIS group was 165.4 +/- 59.2, significantly higher than that in the convex sides (128.1 +/- 50.6, P = 0.03), and the TGF-beta(1) expression in the concave side of the apical vertebrae of the CS group was 168.3 +/- 46.8, significantly higher than that of the convex side (126.5 +/- 47.0, P = 0.02). However, there was no statistically significant differences in the TGF-beta(1) expression between the concave and convex sides of the upper and lower end vertebrae and between the upper and lower end vertebrae. The bFGF expression in the concave side of the apical vertebrae of the AIS group, and the bFGF expression in the concave side of the apical vertebrae of the CS group was 101.8 +/- 39.4, significantly higher than that of the convex side (73.7 +/- 31, P = 0.02). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the bFGF expression between the concave and convex sides of the upper and lower end vertebrae and between the upper and lower end vertebrae. CONCLUSION: The cartilages of the apical processes show some signs of regression and hypoplasia in AIS patients, especially at the concave side in comparison with the convex side. Increase of TGF-beta(1) and bFGF in the concave sides of apical processes in AIS may be the results of reconstruction of extracellular matrix and the compensation reactions which are caused by abnormal biomechanical forces, especially compressive stresses.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[In vitro gene transfection into rabbit articular chondrocytes mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus vector].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vitro efficiency of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV2) vector-mediated gene transfection into the rabbit articular chondrocytes. METHODS: Articular chondrocytes were isolated from New Zealand rabbits, cultured, and transfected with rAAV2 containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene at different values multiplicity of infection (MOI). Successful transfection of chondrocytes was confirmed by detection of recombinant enhanced green fluorescent protein using inverted fluorescence microscopy. The transfection efficiency was determined using the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. A maximum level of 4.76% was set as the background autofluorescence in live, uninfected chondrocytes. RESULTS: The percentage of eGFP-positive chondrocytes increased in a vector dose-dependent manner. When the MOI value was <1 x 10(5) v.g./cell the transfection rate was positively linearly correlated with the dose. However, the MOI > 10(5) v.g./cell did not markedly increase the transfection rate. The greatest population of eGFP-expressing cells was 97.7% and the highest mean fluorescence intensity was 17.4 7 days after transfection. EGFP gene expression remained high until 56 days after transfection. CONCLUSION: The in vitro efficiency of rAAV2 vector-mediated eGFP gene transfection into rabbit articular chondrocytes was high. The eGFP expression can be maintained for a rather long time. EGFP gene is an ideal tracer for chondrocytes transduction.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Adipocyte: a potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Obesity is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, whereas the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Adipocytes may produce various adipokines with favorable and unfavorable cardiovascular effects. The dysregulated secretion of adipokines by adipocytes may contribute to obese associated atherosclerosis. Adipocytes can also function as phagocytes to uptake and degrade oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), suggesting that adipocytes possibly involve in clearance of Ox-LDL in blood. The dysfunctional adipocytes might be implicated in the atherogenesis. Some cardioprotective drugs mediate their cardiovascular benefits partly through their direct beneficial effects on adipocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that adipocytes might be potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2006

Probucol up-regulates paraoxonase 1 expression in hepatocytes of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an HDL-associated enzyme, has anti-oxidative property. Probucol, a hydrophobic antioxidant drug, inhibits progression of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. However, the mechanism by which probucol affects atherosclerosis is not completely understood. Sixteen rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: (1) starch group (n = 8): maintained high cholesterol diet plus starch (500 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks; (2) probucol group (n = 8): the same cholesterol diet plus probucol (500 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks. Control group (n = 8) was fed with normal diet for 14 weeks. The classic in-situ two-step perfusion of the liver with collagenase IV was used to isolate the parenchymal hepatocytes. The total activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and PON1 concentrations in serum were measured after 0, 8, and 14 weeks of feeding. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PON1. Compared with control group, rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet showed higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), all of which were significantly reduced by probucol. Probucol significantly decreased the MDA concentration but was ineffective on SOD activity. High cholesterol diet decreased serum PON1 concentration and down-regulated PON1 mRNA expression in hepatocytes. Probucol significantly increased serum PON1 level and up-regulated the mRNA expression of PON1 as compared with starch group (0.65 +/- 0.06 versus 0.46 +/- 0.05, P = 0.001). The PON1 concentration is negatively associated with MDA concentration (r = -0.86, P = 0.003) but not with the level of HDL-C. In conclusion, probucol decreased MDA concentration, and increased PON1 serum level as well as mRNA expression in hepatocytes, which may help us to understand its antioxidant and anti-atherogenic effects.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[The expression of collagen type I, II and TGF-beta1 in the articular processes of scoliosis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To look into the characteristic of the expression of collagen type I, II and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in the processes of scoliosis patients. METHODS: The articular processes of 9 IS patients and 10 CS patients were collected. The techniques of HE staining and immunohistochemistry were adopted in this research. The images of immunohistochemistry were analyzed semi-quantitatively. RESULTS: For collagen type I: The expression at the concave side of the apical vertebrae of both IS and CS patients is significantly higher than that of the convex side, 193 +/- 64 vs 151 +/- 45 and 199 +/- 86 vs 179 +/- 78, P < 0.05, and the apical vertebrae higher than the end vertebrae. In the lower end vertebrae of the IS patients, the expression at the concave side is significantly higher than that of the convex side; and the convex side of the apical vertebrae of IS patients is lower than that of CS patients. For collagen type II: The expression at the concave side in the lower end vertebrae of CS patients is higher than that of convex side; and for both IS and CS patients, the apical vertebrae is higher than the end vertebrae. For TGF-beta(1): The expression at the concave side of the apical vertebrae of both IS and CS patients is significantly higher than that of the convex side, 145 +/- 43 vs 112 +/- 50 and 120 +/- 61 vs 89 +/- 32, P < 0.05. For IS patients, the lower end vertebrae at the concave side is higher than concave side; the apical vertebrae is higher than the end vertebrae. For CS patients, the concave side of the apical vertebrae is higher than the end vertebrae; while for the apical vertebrae, IS patients higher than CS patients. CONCLUSION: Articular processes cartilage of the apical vertebrae of scoliosis patients shows degenerative sign. The expression of collagen type I, II and TGF-beta(1) is significantly higher at the concave side and the apical vertebrae of both IS and CS patients. Abnormal press and stress power may play a very important role.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

[The expression of collagen IX in the apical disc of idiopathic scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of collagen IX gene in the disc and to determine its role in the pathogeny of idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS: The data included apical disc and intermediate disc from 14 cases of adolescent IS, 26 discs from 13 cases of scoliosis of confirmed pathogeny (CPS), which included 10 cases of congenital scoliosis and neurofibromatosis scoliosis. Six discs were obtained from 3 cases of normal young man served as controls. The distribution of collagen IX was studied in the apical disc of IS by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) with RNA probe. The figure of collagen IX hybridization in the endplate cartilage was input to the figure analysis system. The mRNA content of collagen IX was compared between each group by SPSS software. RESULTS: Collagen IX was mainly distributed in the inner fibrous annulus, nucleus and endplate cartilage. Collagen IX was secreted by the little round chondrocyte-like cells, which was not expressed in the hypertrophic cells. There was significant difference of collagen IX mRNA content between the concave side of apical disc in the IS and the normal disc(P < 0.05), and also between intermediate vertebrae of CS group and normal. CONCLUSIONS: There is no obvious abnormal distribution of collagen IX in the disc of idiopathic scoliosis. Collagen IX may be related to the pathogensis of IS. More investigation such as quantity analysis and protein function determination is needed to confirm its role in the pathogenicity of IS.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Atorvastatin reduces serum leptin concentration in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Leptin may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. We evaluated the effect of atorvastatin on leptin secretion in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Sixteen rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks (n=8), and (2) the same cholesterol diet plus atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks (n=8). A control group (n=5) was fed with normal diet for 14 weeks. Subcutaneous adipose was collected for RNA analysis. The direct effect of atorvastatin on leptin release was assayed in primary rabbit adipocytes. Leptin levels in serum and adipocytes culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. RT-PCR was used to evaluate leptin mRNA expressions in adipose and adipocytes. RESULTS: Compared with control group, rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet showed higher levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and leptin, all of which were significantly reduced by atorvastatin treatment. Leptin mRNA expression of adipose was significant lower in rabbits treated with atorvastatin than those fed with high cholesterol diet continuously (0.81+/-0.31 vs. 1.23+/-0.36, P<0.05). Atorvastatin dose-dependently inhibited leptin secretion and mRNA expression in cultured adipocytes. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin can inhibit leptin release and mRNA expression, and reduces serum leptin level in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2005

Effect of atorvastatin on tumor necrosis factor alpha serum concentration and mRNA expression of adipose in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is an inflammatory cytokine involved in atherogenesis. Adipose tissue is an important source of endogenous TNFalpha production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on TNFalpha serum concentration and mRNA expressions of subcutaneous adipose in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Sixteen rabbits fed with a high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) the high-cholesterol group (n=8) was maintained on a high-cholesterol diet for 6 weeks; (2) the atorvastatin group (n=8) had the same high-cholesterol diet plus atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks. A control group (n=5) was fed with a normal diet for 14 weeks. Subcutaneous adipose was collected for mRNA analysis. Additionally, the direct effect of atorvastatin on TNFalpha release and mRNA expression was assayed in primary rabbit adipocytes. TNFalpha levels in serum and adipocyte culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. RT-PCR was used to evaluate TNFalpha mRNA expression in adipose and adipocytes. Serum TNFalpha concentration was significantly associated with serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (both P<0.01). Compared with the control group, rabbits fed with a high-cholesterol diet showed higher levels of TNFalpha serum concentration and mRNA expression of adipose, both of which were significantly reduced by atorvastatin treatment (both P<0.05). TNFalpha mRNA expressions of adipose were significantly correlated with circulating TNFalpha levels among the 3 groups (r=0.51, P<0.05). Atorvastatin dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNFalpha secretion and mRNA expression in cultured adipocytes. In conclusion, atorvastatin can directly inhibit TNFalpha expression and secretion in adipocytes. Atorvastatin reduced TNFalpha serum concentration in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, which might be because of its cholesterol-lowering effect and direct inhibition of TNFalpha expression in adipose.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

[The effect of UV-irradiation on telomerase activity and other stress-related proteins in human lens epithelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes and the role of telomerase activity and other stress-related proteins in the process of UV-induced DNA damage and repair in human lens epithelial cells. METHOD: Human lens epithelial cells were irradiated at UV-doses 0.0 (control group) and 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 mJ/cm(2) (treated 1-7 group). Telomerase activity was determined by Telomerase Repeat Amplification Protocol-Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (TRAP-ELISA), p53, growth arrest and DNA damage inducible (GADD45), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p16 protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULT: Telomerase activity in control group and treated 1-7 group showed increased tendency, the differences of telomerase activity in 8 groups were significantly (P < 0.01). The expression of p53, GADD45, PCNA, p16 proteins showed increased tendency in experimental group, comparing with the control group, there were significant difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: During UV-induced DNA damage and repair in human lens epithelial cells, telomerase activity was upregulated and the expression of stress-related proteins levels was increased. Upregulated telomerase activity may play both a protective and a proliferative role in human lens epithelial cells. Increased stress-related proteins level is critic in UV-induced DNA damage and repair in human lens epithelial. Increased telomerase activity is associated with increased levels of the stress-related proteins.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2005

[Expression of collagen type I in the articular processes of apex from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristic of the expression of collagen type I in the articular processes of apex from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. METHODS: The apical processes of 11 AIS patients were collected. The techniques of HE staining and In-cell Western were adopted in this research. We studied the pathological changes of the apical processes and collected and cultured the osteoblast from the apical processes on both sides in vitro separately. After cell identification, we compared the secretion of collagen type I in the osteoblast from concave side to that of convex side. RESULTS: The cartilages of the apical processes showed some signs of regression. The secretion of collagen type I of the osteoblast in vitro from the concave side of the apical articular process was significantly higher than that from the convex side (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant difference of the gene expression of the osteoblasts from the apical process exists between the concave side and the convex side.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

[Atorvastatin reduces the expression of COX-2 mRNA in peripheral blood monocytes in patients with acute myocardial infarction and modulates the early inflammatory response].

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effect of atorvastatin on COX-2 expression in monocytes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Forty patients with AMI (AMI group) and 18 patients with stable coronary heart disease (control group) were enrolled, and patients with AMI were randomly given routine therapy (n = 20) and routine therapy plus atorvastatin (20 mg/day, n = 20) for a week. Peripheral blood monocytes for each participant including patients with AMI were isolated and cultured for 24 hours. During the culture, monocytes in patients with pretreatment AMI were incubated with celecoxib in different concentration (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 micromol/L). COX-2 mRNA expression in monocytes was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in supernatant from monocytes and plasma hs-CRP levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: COX-2 expression in monocytes in patients with AMI (0.92 +/- 0.13) was significantly higher than that in the control subjects (0.19 +/- 0.08), and decreased by 66% after atorvastatin (compared with that on routine therapy, P < 0.05); IL-6 secretions of monocytes in the AMI group (204.8 +/- 45.6 ng/L) increased dramatically compared with those in the control group (40.9 +/- 1.2 ng/L, P < 0.05), and reduced dramatically by 58% when incubated with 10 micromol/L celecoxib (P < 0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner; plasma levels of CRP in the AMI group (43.3 +/- 14.9 mg/L) significantly increased compared with those in the control group (1.7 +/- 0.8 mg/L), and reduced by 62% after atorvastatin (compared with those in the routine therapy group, P < 0.05). COX-2 expression in monocytes in the AMI group was positively correlated with both secretions of IL-6 and plasma level of CRP (r = 0.636 and 0.662, respectively, both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is an inflammatory activation in peripheral blood monocytes in patients with early AMI, and the monocytes-derived COX-2 may play an important role in promoting early inflammatory process. Atorvastatin may decrease COX-2 expression in peripheral blood monocytes in patients with AMI and cyclooxygenase-dependent pathway might be correlated with the anti-inflammation mechanism of statin.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Clinic effect of alendronate sodium treatment in osteoporosis patients with hip fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and safety of alendronate sodium treatment in osteoporosis patients with hip fracture. METHODS: One year randomized, double-blind clinical trial was carried out in 77 osteoporosis patients with hip fracture. The bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar spine (L(2 - 4)), femoral neck (Neck), Wards triangle (Wards) and great trochanter (Troch) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometer (DEXA). RESULTS: In our study, alendronate sodium induced marked increases in BMD of the L(2 - 4) (7.0% +/- 13.0%), Neck (7.3% +/- 11.1%), Wards (4.6% +/- 5.9%), Troch (4.5% +/- 3.2%) (mean +/- s) versus decreases of 2.0% +/- 4.5%, -0.9% +/- 6.9%, 3.6% +/- 4.9% and 1.14% +/- 6.0% with placebo (P < 0.05). Blood Ca, P, ALP, BGP and Urine Pyd/C were no significant difference between before and after therapy. There were usually mild and transient side-effect, such as gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Alendronate is an efficacy and safety drug in treatment of osteoporosis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗