Toll样受体3配体poly(I:C)干预对糖尿病大鼠视网膜病变的影响

目的探讨Toll样受体3(Toll-like receptor 3,TLR3)配体poly(I:C)干预对糖尿病(diabetes mellitus,DM)大鼠视网膜病变的影响。方法用链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)建立SD大鼠DM模型,4周后处死大鼠,收集视网膜,Real-time PCR法检测早期DM大鼠视网膜中TLR3和炎性因子(IL-6、IL-1α、TNF-α)mRNA的转录水平,Western blot检测大鼠视网膜中TLR3蛋白的表达水平。分别经正常和4周病程的DM大鼠玻璃体腔注射poly(I:C),48 h后处死大鼠,Real-time PCR检测大鼠视网膜中TLR3和IL-6、IL-1α、TNF-α基因mRNA的转录水平,Western blot检测TLR3蛋白的表达水平,HE染色观察大鼠视网膜结构的变化。结果早期DM组大鼠视网膜中TLR3基因mRNA的转录水平和蛋白的表达水平均显著高于NC组(P均0.01),IL-6、IL-1α、TNF-α基因mRNA的转录水平均显著高于NC组(P均0.01);经玻璃体腔注射poly(I:C),能显著上调大鼠视网膜中TLR3基因mRNA的转录水平和蛋白的表达水平(P0.05或P0.01)以及IL-6和TNF-α基因mRNA的转录水平(P0.05);病程4周时,DM组大鼠视网膜结构与正常大鼠比较,无明显异常,而DM干预组较正常干预组视网膜水肿显著加重,结构出现紊乱。结论 DM大鼠早期视网膜中TLR3的表达显著增加;经玻璃体腔注射poly(I:C)可加重正常和DM大鼠视网膜损伤,可能是通过激活TLR3信号通路,上调信号通路下游产物IL-6、IL-1α、TNF-α的表达水平实现的。     

阿魏酸钠对大鼠纤维化心肌组织中结缔组织生长因子表达的影响

目的探讨阿魏酸钠(Sodium ferulate,SF)对大鼠纤维化心肌组织中结缔组织生长因子(Connective tissue growth factor,CTGF)表达的影响。方法一次性皮下注射盐酸异丙肾上腺素(Isoproterenol,Iso)15mg/kg体重,复制Wistar大鼠心肌缺血性坏死模型,于不同时间点脱臼处死大鼠,取心脏,采用半定量RT-PCR法检测大鼠组织中CTGF基因mRNA的转录水平,免疫组化法检测CTGF蛋白的表达水平。再次复制大鼠心肌缺血坏死模型,同时注射SF进行同步干预,3周后检测大鼠心肌组织中CTGF基因mRNA的转录水平及蛋白的表达水平。结果注射Iso后24h,CTGF基因mRNA的转录水平达高峰,较正常对照组明显增加,3周时仍高于正常对照组;CTGF蛋白的表达随纤维化病变程度的加重而增加。SF干预后,CTGF基因mRNA的转录水平及蛋白的表达水平均明显下降。结论 CTGF的表达与大鼠心肌纤维化(Myocardial fibrosis,MF)程度密切相关,提示CTGF可能在MF中起重要作用;SF对CTGF的表达具有抑制作用。     

高脂、胰岛素抵抗合并高脂高糖对大鼠肝脏Angptl3和LPL基因mR-NA转录的影响

目的探讨高脂、胰岛素抵抗合并高脂高糖对大鼠肝脏血管生成素样蛋白3(Angptl3)和脂蛋白脂肪酶(LPL)基因mRNA转录的影响。方法建立高脂(HL)、胰岛素抵抗合并高脂高糖(IR-HLG)大鼠模型,采用自动分析仪检测模型大鼠空腹血糖(BG)、总三酰甘油(TG)和胆固醇(TC)含量,采用Realtime PCR定量检测各组大鼠肝组织Angptl3和LPL基因的mRNA转录水平。结果模型组大鼠血清TG、TC含量及肝脏Angptl3和LPL基因mRNA转录水平均较对照组明显升高;IR-HLG组大鼠的BG水平和Angptl3水平较对照组和HL组均明显升高,LPL水平较HL组明显下降。结论随血脂的增高,Angptl3和LPL的表达均增强;在高糖、胰岛素抵抗状态下,Angptl3的表达增高,而LPL的表达则部分受到抑制。     

Klotho基因高表达对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏的保护作用

目的观察Klotho基因高表达对糖尿病肾病(diabeticnephropathy,DN)大鼠肾脏的保护作用。方法采用RT-PCR法从健康Wistar大鼠肾脏中分段扩增Klotho基因,将两段基因连接后,亚克隆至腺病毒载体shuttle中,构建重组质粒shuttle/Klotho,与腺病毒骨架质粒共转染AD293细胞进行包装后,检测重组腺病毒的滴度。经Wistar大鼠腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)复制DN模型,将DN模型大鼠随机分成DN组、Ad组和Klotho组,从糖尿病(diabetes mellitus,DM)模型建立成功后2周开始,Ad组每只经尾静脉注射3×108 PFU不含Klotho基因的腺病毒,Klotho组每只经尾静脉注射3×108 PFU含Klotho基因的重组腺病毒,DN组每只经尾静脉注射等体积生理盐水;并设对照组(即Con组,制备糖尿病模型时,经腹腔注射等量柠檬酸缓冲液,治疗时经尾静脉注射等体积生理盐水)。各组均每2周注射1次。实验期间,每天观察各组大鼠一般情况。分别于糖尿病模型建立成功后第4、8、16周,称量大鼠体重并处死,取左侧肾组织称重,计算肾脏指数(renal index,RI);显微镜下观察肾脏的病理学改变;RT-PCR法检测大鼠肾脏组织中Klotho基因mRNA的转录水平;ELISA法检测尿微量白蛋白水平,比浊法检测血尿素氮和血肌酐水平。结果酶切及测序鉴定证实克隆的Klotho基因正确。含Klotho基因的重组腺病毒的滴度为4.2×108 PFU/ml。DN、Ad和Klotho组大鼠从DM模型建立成功后第2周开始毛色逐渐无光泽,体重降低,活动能力减弱,食量、饮水量增加,粪便偏稀,精神状态差;从第6周开始,Klotho组大鼠的上述症状均有所改善。DM模型建立成功后第4、8、16周,与Con组相比,DN和Ad组大鼠的RI、尿微量白蛋白、血肌酐和血尿素氮水平均显著增加(P0.01),而Klotho组RI和尿微量白蛋白水平显著低于DN和Ad组(P0.05或P0.01),血肌酐和血尿素氮水平也下降,且第8、16周DN和Ad组大鼠血肌酐和血尿素氮水平高于第4周,而Klotho组无此现象;DN和Ad组大鼠的肾小球体积明显增大,肾小球系膜细胞增生,系膜区明显增宽,基膜增厚、基质大量堆积,部分肾小球出现硬化,肾小管上皮细胞肿胀,而Klotho组大鼠肾脏上述病变较DN和Ad组减轻;DN和Ad组大鼠肾脏组织中Klotho基因mRNA的转录水平明显减少(P0.05或P0.01),Klotho组变化不明显,但高于DN和Ad组(P0.01)。结论 Klotho基因高表达可减轻DN大鼠的肾脏损伤,对肾脏具有保护作用。     

福辛普利对非酒精性脂肪性肝炎大鼠肝组织ACE和ACE2基因mRNA转录水平的影响

目的探讨福辛普利对高脂饮食诱导的非酒精性脂肪性肝炎(Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,NASH)大鼠肝组织ACE和ACE2基因mRNA转录水平的影响,为阐明NASH的发病机制及探索新的治疗策略提供实验依据。方法将40只雄性SD大鼠用普通饲料喂养1周后,随机分为4组:正常对照组(NC组,普通饲料+生理盐水1 ml灌胃)、高脂组(HC组,高脂饲料+生理盐水1 ml灌胃)、药物对照组[NF组,正常饲料+福辛普利3.6 mg/(kg.d)灌胃]和药物干预组[HF组,高脂饲料+福辛普利3.6 mg/(kg.d)灌胃],每组10只。给药24周后,分析各组大鼠肝组织病理学变化,检测各组大鼠血清中谷丙转氨酶(Alanine aminotransferase,ALT)、碱性磷酸酶(Alkaline phosphatase,ALP)、甘油三酯(Triglycerides,TG)、低密度脂蛋白(Low-density lipoprotein,LDL)、转化生长因子-β(Transforming growth factor-β,TGF-β)、血管紧张素转换酶(Angiotensin-convert ingenzyme,ACE)、ACE2、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngiotensinⅡ,AngⅡ)和Ang(-1-7)的水平;RT-PCR检测各组大鼠肝组织ACE和ACE2基因mRNA的转录水平;Western blot检测各组大鼠肝组织Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(CollagenⅠ)的表达水平。结果给药24周后,HF组非酒精脂肪性肝病活动度评分和肝纤维化程度与HC组相比,均明显下降(P<0.001);HF组血清中ALT、ALP、TG、LDL、TGF-β、ACE和AngⅡ的水平均明显低于HC组(P<0.05),而ACE2和Ang(-1-7)的水平均明显高于HC组(P<0.05);福辛普利可显著降低肝组织ACE基因mRNA的转录水平(P<0.001)和CollagenⅠ蛋白的表达水平(P<0.01),升高ACE2基因mRNA的转录水平(P<0.01)。结论福辛普利可能通过下调ACE和上调ACE2的生成和表达,从而降低AngⅡ和升高Ang(-1-7)的生成,具有改善NASH和抗肝纤维化作用。本实验为阐明NASH的发病机制及探索新的治疗策略提供了实验依据。     

冷应激大鼠体内miR-383-5p表达的变化及其功能的预测分析

目的探讨冷应激大鼠体内miR-383-5p表达的变化,并对其功能进行预测分析。方法将大鼠置(4±0. 05)℃冷暴露12 h,同时设对照组(24℃常温饲养),qRT-PCR法检测miR-383-5p在血清和肝脏中的表达水平。应用miRanda、TargetScan和miRDB 3种软件同时对miR-383-5p进行靶基因预测,并通过DAVID 6. 8软件对miR-383-5p肝脏靶基因进行GO和KEGG分析。qRT-PCR和Western blot法检测下调BRL-3A细胞中miR-383-5p表达对部分代谢相关靶基因mRNA转录及蛋白表达的影响。结果冷应激后小鼠血清及肝脏中的miR-383-5p相对表达量均显著下降(P 0. 05)。生物信息学方法预测出733个在大鼠肝脏表达的靶基因,GO富集分析结果显示这些靶基因主要与细胞氧化还原过程、增殖和凋亡相关,KEGG分析结果显示富集靶基因最多的信号通路是代谢通路。下调miR-383-5p表达使BRL-3A细胞中Mtor、Pfkfb1和Apbb3基因的mRNA的转录水平显著升高(P 0. 05),Pfkfb1蛋白的表达量显著升高(P 0. 05)。结论冷应激可降低大鼠肝脏中miR-383-5p的表达量,进而通过调节Pfkfb1等靶基因的表达参与细胞的代谢、增殖和凋亡。     

抑制乳腺癌耐药蛋白基因逆转肝癌多药耐药的体内实验

目的探讨小片段RNA干扰抑制乳腺癌耐药蛋白(BCRP)基因及其蛋白表达在裸鼠体内逆转人肝癌组织多药耐药(MDR)的可行性。方法建立裸鼠多药耐药肝细胞癌模型,随机分为A组和B组,A组(对照)注射生理盐水40μl+Lipo-fectamine200010μl,B组注射BCRP基因RNAi质粒pSUPER-BCRP40μl+Lipofectamine200010μl,两组均行瘤内注射1次。5d后,各组均经腹腔注射阿霉素5mg/kg化疗,每5d给药1次,共4次。彩色B超测量肿瘤体积;化疗结束后1周处死裸鼠,RT-PCR及Westernblot法检测各组裸鼠肿瘤组织中BCRP基因mRNA的转录水平及其蛋白的表达水平。结果B组每次化疗后肿瘤体积均明显缩小;除第1次化疗外,其余各次化疗后肿瘤体积均小于A组;化疗结束后,B组与A组相比,肿瘤组织中BCRP基因mRNA的转录水平和BCRP蛋白的表达水平均明显降低。结论BCRP基因RNAi质粒pSUPER-BCRP可有效降低裸鼠肝癌组织BCRP基因mRNA的转录水平及其蛋白的表达水平,在一定程度上逆转MDR,为从基因水平逆转MDR提供了初步的实验依据。     

二氢睾酮对大鼠视网膜神经节细胞-5神经突起再生及RhoA和神经突蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨二氢睾酮(dihydrotestosterone,DHT)对损伤后大鼠视网膜神经节细胞-5(retinal ganglion cell-5,RGC-5)神经突起再生及RhoA和神经突蛋白(neuritin)表达的影响。方法 RGC-5经十字孢碱诱导分化后,将细胞分为正常对照组、模型组[用连二亚硫酸钠(Na2S2O4)制备大鼠RGC-5神经突起氧糖剥夺/复氧损伤模型]和DHT干预组(终浓度分别为1、10、100 nmol/L),采用MTT比色法测定各组细胞的存活率;显微镜下观察神经突起长度和数量;RT-PCR和Western blot法分别检测RGC-5中RhoA和Neuritin基因mRNA的转录水平及蛋白的表达水平。结果与模型组比较,10和100 nmol/L DHT干预组及正常对照组的细胞存活率和神经突起数量均明显上升(P均0.05);1、10和100 nmol/L DHT干预组及正常对照组的神经突起长度、Neuritin基因mRNA转录水平和蛋白表达量均明显增加(P均0.05),RhoA基因mRNA转录水平及蛋白表达量均明显减少(P均0.05)。结论 RhoA和Neuritin可能是影响RGC-5神经突起再生的重要因子,DHT可能通过调节RhoA和Neuritin的表达,从而发挥神经保护作用。     

帕罗西汀对慢性不可预见温和刺激的抑郁症大鼠抑郁行为的影响及其机制

目的探讨帕罗西汀对慢性不可预见温和刺激(Chronic unpredicted mild stress,CUMS)的抑郁症大鼠抑郁行为的影响及其机制。方法将SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组(NG)、模型组(MG)、帕罗西汀模型组(PMG)及帕罗西汀对照组(PNG),MG组和PMG组采用孤养结合CUMS方式复制大鼠抑郁模型,每天PMG组和PNG组灌胃盐酸帕罗西汀1.8 mg/kg,NG组和MG组灌胃等体积的5%CMC-Na溶液。通过高架十字迷宫试验和糖水偏好试验评价大鼠的抑郁行为;采用常规生物化学方法测定大鼠大脑皮层丙二醛(Malonaldehyde,MDA)含量及超氧化物歧化酶(Superoxide dismutase,SOD)和过氧化氢酶(Catalase,CAT)活性;RT-PCR检测海马5-羟色胺转运体(5-Hydroxy-tryptamine transporter,5-HTT)和去甲肾上腺素转运体(Noradrenaline transporter,NET)基因mRNA的转录水平。结果与NG组相比,MG组大鼠进入开放臂的次数和停留时间显著减少(P<0.01或P<0.001),而在封闭臂停留的时间明显延长(P<0.01);糖水偏好百分率显著下降(P<0.001);大脑皮层MDA含量显著升高(P<0.01),SOD和CAT活性显著降低(P<0.05);海马5-HTT和脑桥NET基因mRNA的转录水平均显著降低(P<0.001)。帕罗西汀能明显抑制CUMS诱导的上述改变(P<0.05),而对正常大鼠无显著影响(P<0.05)。结论帕罗西汀能明显改善CUMS所致的大鼠抑郁行为,其机制与增强机体抗氧化应激能力、上调海马5-HTT和脑桥NET基因mRNA的转录水平有关。     

抑癌基因WWOX对Lewis肺癌细胞c-jun蛋白表达及其转录活性的影响

目的研究抑癌基因WWOX对Lewis肺癌细胞c-jun蛋白表达及其转录活性的影响,探讨WWOX基因的抑癌机制。方法采用脂质体转染法将WWOX基因重组真核表达质粒转染Lewis肺癌细胞,RT-PCR和Western blot法检测WWOX基因mRNA的转录水平和蛋白的表达水平;免疫组化法检测WWOX基因转染后Lewis细胞中c-jun蛋白的表达水平;半定量RT-PCR法检测c-jun调控的4种肿瘤相关基因p21、cyclinD1、FasL及VEGF mRNA的转录水平。结果重组真核表达质粒pcDNA4.0/Myc-His-WWOX转染Lewis细胞后,WWOX基因在mRNA和蛋白水平上均得到表达;与未转染细胞和空载体转染细胞相比,WWOX基因转染细胞胞浆中c-jun蛋白的表达量升高,而细胞核中c-jun蛋白的表达量未见明显差异;p21基因mRNA的转录水平升高,cyclinD1、FasL和VEGF基因mRNA的转录水平降低。结论WWOX基因可在Lewis细胞中表达,其转染Lewis肺癌细胞后,不直接调控c-jun蛋白的表达量,但可影响其转录活性。     

Exercise Preconditioning Protects against Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Upregulating Neuronal and Astroglial Heat Shock Protein 72

The heat shock protein 72 (HSP 72) is a universal marker of stress protein whose expression can be induced by physical exercise. Here we report that, in a localized model of spinal cord injury (SCI), exercised rats (given pre-SCI exercise) had significantly higher levels of neuronal and astroglial HSP 72, a lower functional deficit, fewer spinal cord contusions, and fewer apoptotic cells than did non-exercised rats. pSUPER plasmid expressing HSP 72 small interfering RNA (SiRNA-HSP 72) was injected into the injured spinal cords. In addition to reducing neuronal and astroglial HSP 72, the (SiRNA-HSP 72) significantly attenuated the beneficial effects of exercise preconditioning in reducing functional deficits as well as spinal cord contusion and apoptosis. Because exercise preconditioning induces increased neuronal and astroglial levels of HSP 72 in the gray matter of normal spinal cord tissue, exercise preconditioning promoted functional recovery in rats after SCI by upregulating neuronal and astroglial HSP 72 in the gray matter of the injured spinal cord. We reveal an important function of neuronal and astroglial HSP 72 in protecting neuronal and astroglial apoptosis in the injured spinal cord. We conclude that HSP 72-mediated exercise preconditioning is a promising strategy for facilitating functional recovery from SCI.     

Chrysin Suppressed Inflammatory Responses and the Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Pathway after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Chrysin (CH), a natural plant flavonoid, has shown a variety of beneficial effects. Our present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CH three days after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats and to probe the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. SCI was induced using the modified weight-drop method in Wistar rats. Then, they were treated with saline or CH by doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg for 26 days. Neuronal function was assessed with the Basso Beattle Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB). The water content of spinal cord was determined after traumatic SCI. The NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serums, as well as the apoptotic marker, caspase-3, of spinal cord tissues were measured using commercial kits. The protein level and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were detected by western blot and a commercial kit, respectively. NO (nitric oxide) production was evaluated by the determination of nitrite concentration. The rats with SCI showed marked reductions in BBB scores, coupled with increases in the water content of spinal cord, the NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, NO production and caspase-3. However, a CH supplement dramatically promoted the recovery of neuronal function and suppressed the inflammatory factors, as well as the iNOS pathway in rats with SCI. Our findings disclose that CH improved neural function after SCI in rats, which might be linked with suppressing inflammation and the iNOS pathway.     

Long-Term Effects of Neural Precursor Cell Transplantation on Secondary Injury Processes and Functional Recovery after Severe Cervical Contusion-Compression Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a devastating event without adequate treatment options despite decades of research. In this context, the usefulness of common preclinical SCI models has been criticized. We, therefore, aimed to use a clinically relevant animal model of severe cervical SCI to assess the long-term effects of neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation on secondary injury processes and functional recovery. To this end, we performed a clip contusion-compression injury at the C6 level in 40 female Wistar rats and a sham surgery in 10 female Wistar rats. NPCs, isolated from the subventricular zone of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing transgenic rat embryos, were transplanted ten days after the injury. Functional recovery was assessed weekly, and FluoroGold (FG) retrograde fiber-labeling, as well as manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI), were performed prior to the sacrifice of the animals eight weeks after SCI. After cryosectioning of the spinal cords, immunofluorescence staining was conducted. Results were compared between the treatment groups (NPC, Vehicle, Sham) and statistically analyzed (p < 0.05 was considered significant). Despite the severity of the injury, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality during the experiment, long-term survival of the engrafted NPCs with a predominant differentiation into oligodendrocytes could be observed after eight weeks. While myelination of the injured spinal cord was not significantly improved, NPC treated animals showed a significant increase of intact perilesional motor neurons and preserved spinal tracts compared to untreated Vehicle animals. These findings were associated with enhanced preservation of intact spinal cord tissue. However, reactive astrogliosis and inflammation where not significantly reduced by the NPC-treatment. While differences in the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) score and the Gridwalk test remained insignificant, animals in the NPC group performed significantly better in the more objective CatWalk XT gait analysis, suggesting some beneficial effects of the engrafted NPCs on the functional recovery after severe cervical SCI.     

Inhibition of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Reduces Neuroimmune Cascade and Promotes Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

Microglia/astrocyte and B cell neuroimmune responses are major contributors to the neurological deficits after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) activation mechanistically links these neuroimmune mechanisms. Our objective is to use Ibrutinib, an FDA-approved BTK inhibitor, to inhibit the neuroimmune cascade thereby improving locomotor recovery after SCI. Rat models of contusive SCI, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining imaging, flow cytometry analysis, histological staining, and behavioral assessment were used to evaluate BTK activity, neuroimmune cascades, and functional outcomes. Both BTK expression and phosphorylation were increased at the lesion site at 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after SCI. Ibrutinib treatment (6 mg/kg/day, IP, starting 3 h post-injury for 7 or 14 days) reduced BTK activation and total BTK levels, attenuated the injury-induced elevations in Iba1, GFAP, CD138, and IgG at 7 or 14 days post-injury without reduction in CD45RA B cells, improved locomotor function (BBB scores), and resulted in a significant reduction in lesion volume and significant improvement in tissue-sparing 11 weeks post-injury. These results indicate that Ibrutinib exhibits neuroprotective effects by blocking excessive neuroimmune responses through BTK-mediated microglia/astroglial activation and B cell/antibody response in rat models of SCI. These data identify BTK as a potential therapeutic target for SCI.     

Premarin Reduces Neurodegeneration and Promotes Improvement of Function in an Animal Model of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes significant mortality and morbidity. Currently, no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy is available for treating SCI. Previously, low doses of estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) were shown to improve the post-injury outcome in a rat SCI model. However, the range of associated side effects makes advocating its therapeutic use difficult. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the therapeutic efficacy of Premarin (PRM) in SCI. PRM is an FDA-approved E2 (10%) formulation, which is used for hormone replacement therapy with minimal risk of serious side effects. The effects of PRM on SCI were examined by magnetic resonance imaging, immunofluorescent staining, and western blot analysis in a rat model. SCI animals treated with vehicle alone, PRM, E2 receptor antagonist (ICI), or PRM + ICI were graded in a blinded way for locomotor function by using the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale. PRM treatment for 7 days decreased post-SCI lesion volume and attenuated neuronal cell death, inflammation, and axonal damage. PRM also altered the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in favor of cell survival and improved angiogenesis and microvascular growth. Increased expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ following PRM treatment and their inhibition by ER inhibitor indicated that the neuroprotection associated with PRM treatment might be E2-receptor mediated. The attenuation of glial activation with decreased inflammation and cell death, and increased angiogenesis by PRM led to improved functional outcome as determined by the BBB locomotor scale. These results suggest that PRM treatment has significant therapeutic implications for the improvement of post-SCI outcome.     

The Application of an Omentum Graft or Flap in Spinal Cord Injury

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a primary injury at the lesion site and triggers a secondary injury and prolonged inflammation. There has been no definitive treatment till now. Promoting angiogenesis is one of the most important strategies for functional recovery after SCI. The omentum, abundant in blood and lymph vessels, possesses the potent ability of tissue regeneration. Methods: The present work examines the efficacy of autologous omentum, either as a flap (with vascular connection intact) or graft (severed vascular connection), on spinal nerve regeneration. After contusive SCI in rats, a thin sheath of omentum was grafted to the injured spinal cord. Results: Omental graft improved behavior scores significantly from the 3rd to 6th week after injury (6th week, 5.5 ± 0.5 vs. 8.6 ± 1.3, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the reduction in cavity and the preservation of class III β-tubulin-positive nerve fibers in the injury area was noted. Next, the free omental flap was transposed to a completely transected SCI in rats through a pre-implanted tunnel. The flap remained vascularized and survived well several weeks after the operation. At 16 weeks post-treatment, SCI rats with omentum flap treatment displayed the preservation of significantly more nerve fibers (p < 0.05) and a reduced injured cavity, though locomotor scores were similar. Conclusions: Taken together, the findings of this study indicate that treatment with an omental graft or transposition of an omental flap on an injured spinal cord has a positive effect on nerve protection and tissue preservation in SCI rats. The current data highlight the importance of omentum in clinical applications.     

miR-29b Regulates TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition by Inhibiting Heat Shock Protein 47 Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells

Tissue remodeling contributes to ongoing inflammation and refractoriness of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). During this process, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in dysregulated remodeling and both microRNA (miR)-29b and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) may be engaged in the pathophysiology of CRS. This study aimed to determine the role of miR-29b and HSP47 in modulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT and migration in airway epithelial cells. Expression levels of miR-29b, HSP47, E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and fibronectin were assessed through real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted against miR-29b and HSP47 were transfected to regulate the expression of EMT-related markers. Cell migration was evaluated with wound scratch and transwell migration assay. miR-29b mimic significantly inhibited the expression of HSP47 and TGF-β1-induced EMT-related markers in A549 cells. However, the miR-29b inhibitor more greatly induced the expression of them. HSP47 knockout suppressed TGF-β1-induced EMT marker levels. Functional studies indicated that TGF-β1-induced EMT was regulated by miR-29b and HSP47 in A549 cells. These findings were further verified in primary nasal epithelial cells. miR-29b modulated TGF-β1-induced EMT-related markers and migration via HSP47 expression modulation in A549 and primary nasal epithelial cells. These results suggested the importance of miR-29b and HSP47 in pathologic tissue remodeling progression in CRS.     

Multifaceted Benefits of GDF11 Treatment in Spinal Cord Injury: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) initiates a series of cellular and molecular events that include both primary and secondary injury cascades. This secondary cascade provides opportunities for the delivery of therapeutic intervention. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, regulates various biological processes in mammals. The effects of GDF11 in the nervous system were not fully elucidated. Here, we perform extensive in vitro and in vivo studies to unravel the effects of GDF11 on spinal cord after injury. In vitro culture studies showed that GDF11 increased the survival of both neuronal and oligodendroglial cells but decreased microglial cells. In stressed cultures, GDF11 effectively inhibited LPS stimulation and also protected neurons from ischemic damage. Intravenous GDF11 administration to rat after eliciting SCI significantly improved hindlimb functional restoration of SCI rats. Reduced neuronal connectivity was evident at 6 weeks post-injury and these deficits were markedly attenuated by GDF11 treatment. Furthermore, SCI-associated oligodendroglial alteration were more preserved by GDF11 treatment. Taken together, GDF11 infusion via intravenous route to SCI rats is beneficial, facilitating its therapeutic application in the future.