BMP信号通路在华法林诱导的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞钙化中的作用

目的探讨骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)信号通路在华法林诱导的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)钙化中的作用。方法体外分离培养大鼠胸主动脉VSMC,将其随机分为正常对照组、高磷组、华法林(10μmol/L)干预组及华法林(10μmol/L)+维生素K(10μmol/L)干预组。对细胞进行钙含量和碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性检测,茜素红染色检测钙结节,Western blot检测细胞中Runx2蛋白的表达变化,RT-PCR检测细胞中骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP-2)、Smad1及Runx2的表达变化。结果茜素红染色结果显示,与正常对照组和高磷组相比,华法林干预组钙化结节明显增多;钙含量测定结果与茜素红染色结果基本一致。与正常对照组和高磷组相比,华法林干预组ALP活性明显增加(P0.05),Runx2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平及BMP-2、Smad1 mRNA表达明显增高(P0.05);与华法林干预组相比,华法林+维生素K干预组细胞钙含量、ALP活性及BMP-2、Smad1、Runx2的表达均明显降低(P0.05)。结论BMP信号通路参与了华法林促进的大鼠VSMC钙化,其可能的作用机制是介导了VSMC的表型转化。     

氟骨症骨转换过程中转化生长因子-β超家族成员的表达

目的探讨氟中毒大鼠的骨转换调控过程,分析转化生长因子-β(transforming growth factor-β, TGF-β)超家族成员骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)在氟骨症骨转换过程中的作用。方法4周龄雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组和氟化钠组,氟化钠组饮用含氟(F-)150 mg／L的水溶液,对照组饮用自来水。每4周处死一批动物,共计6次,采用RT-PCR方法、免疫组织化学方法以及Western blot等方法,分析氟中毒大鼠长骨组织TGF-β超家族成员BMP-2、BMP-7、TGF-β1 mRNA及蛋白的表达情况。结果氟中毒大鼠骨组织中BMP-2、BMP-7、TGF-β1mRNA表达持续高于对照组,蛋白主要表达在骺板软骨增生期和肥大期细胞、关节软骨细胞、成骨细胞以及韧带细胞等部位。结论氟中毒大鼠骨组织中TGF-β超家族成员通过调控成骨过程而参与了骨转换过程     

骨形成蛋白-7及其受体mRNA在大鼠肾间质纤维化模型中的表达

骨形成蛋白-7(bone morphogenetic pmtein-7，BMP-7)属于转化生长因子β(TGF-β)超家族，是一个重要的肾脏保护细胞因子，目前有关BMP-7及其受体在肾间质纤维化中的表达国内尚未见报道。本实验观察单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠肾脏BMP-7及其受体的动态表达，为以后研究提供实验依据。     

内质网应激介导了高糖引起的血管平滑肌细胞钙化

目的探讨内质网应激是否介导了高糖引起的血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)钙化。方法体外高糖(35μmol/L D-葡萄糖)处理VSMC模拟糖尿病环境,观察高糖是否引起VSMC内质网应激反应和凋亡,探索高糖是否引起VSMC表型转化(收缩型转变为成骨样细胞),观察内质网应激诱导剂和抑制剂对VSMC钙化的影响,碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性、钙沉积和骨分化转录因子(Runx2和Osterix)通过比色法、O-cresolphthalein法和Western blot测定。结果应用35μmol/L D-葡萄糖分别处理VSMC不同时间,可以上调VSMC内质网应激标志蛋白表达、ALP活性、钙沉积和骨分化标志蛋白;然而,4-PBA预处理抑制VSMC内质网应激反应的同时,也能阻断高糖引起的VSMC钙化,表现为ALP活性、钙沉积和骨分化标志蛋白下降。结论高糖可以激活VSMC的内质网应激和凋亡,进而促VSMC钙化的发生,提示可能内质网应激介导了此激活过程。     

骨形态发生蛋白-4在乳腺癌侵袭及转移中作用的研究进展

骨形态发生蛋白4（BMP-4），又名BMP-2B，是转化生长因子-β（TGF—β）超家族成员之一，不但有促进人体胚胎发育及细胞增殖、分化、凋亡的能力，而且在肿瘤增殖、侵袭及转移中起有重要作用。该文结合最新研究进展，分析BMP4和BMP4受体在乳腺癌中的表达及其信号通路的影响因素和作用，为了解乳腺癌的发生发展，提供可能的分子机制。     

骨形态发生蛋白与血管钙化研究进展

近年血管钙化的细胞分子机制研究结果表明,血管钙化形成过程是一个与骨发育相似的,主动的,可预防和可逆转的高度可调控的生物学过程。1965年Urist发现骨形态发生蛋白（bonemorphogeneticproteins,BMPs）．到目前为止,已发现30余种成员,其中以BMP-2的作用最为重要。它们是一类唯一能够单独诱导骨组织形成的局部生长因子,     

过氧化体增殖物激活型受体γ抑制转化生长因子β1诱导的血管平滑肌细胞钙化

目的探讨过氧化体增殖物激活型受体γ(PPARγ)对转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)诱导的大鼠主动脉血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)钙化的作用。方法体外培养大鼠主动脉VSMC,先分为正常对照组、不同浓度TGF-β1组(1、2、4、8μg/L),观察TGF-β1对VSMC的影响;再分为正常对照组、钙化组(TGF-β1 4μg/L)、罗格列酮(RSG,20μmol/L)组、钙化+罗格列酮(RSG,20μmol/L)组,观察PPARγ激动剂罗格列酮对VSMC钙化后的作用,对细胞进行钙含量和碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性检测,茜素红S染色检测钙化结节的形成情况,Western blot检测VSMC标志物α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、PPARγ、成骨样细胞标志物Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)的蛋白表达情况。结果与正常对照组相比,TGF-β1处理后的VSMC钙盐沉积和ALP活性明显升高(P0.05),且TGF-β1浓度为4μg/L时作用最明显,成骨样细胞标志物Runx2表达明显升高(P0.05),同时平滑肌细胞标志物α-SMA表达减少(P0.05)。而加入罗格列酮后,VSMC的钙盐沉积和ALP活性明显降低(P0.05),α-SMA、PPARγ表达明显上升(P0.05),相反,Runx2的表达则明显受到抑制(P0.05)。结论 TGF-β1可以诱导VSMC向成骨样细胞分化和钙化,而PPARγ激动剂罗格列酮可以抑制TGF-β1诱导下VSMC钙化的发生。     

高磷对大鼠胸主动脉血管环中骨形成蛋白2表达的影响

目的:探讨骨形成蛋白-2(Bone morphogenetic protein 2,BMP-2)在高磷诱导的大鼠胸主动脉血管环钙化中的作用。方法:选取8~10周龄健康雄性SD大鼠,体外培养大鼠胸主动脉血管环,血管环按随机数字表法随机分为2组:正常对照组和高磷组。血管环培养7d和14d后,采用von Kossa染色及邻甲酚酞络合酮比色法检测大鼠胸主动脉血管环钙化情况;免疫组织化学方法检测血管环BMP-2的表达。体外采用组织块贴壁法培养原代大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞,利用10mmol/Lβ-甘油磷酸制备血管平滑肌细胞钙化模型,细胞随机分为2组:正常对照组、高磷组(10mmol/Lβ-甘油磷酸)。采用茜素红染色及邻甲酚酞络合酮比色法检测细胞钙化情况,RT-PCR和Western blot方法检测细胞培养7d和14d的BMP-2mRNA及蛋白表达,并观察短时间内不同时间点BMP-2蛋白表达情况。结果:体外血管环培养7d、14d后,与正常对照组相比,高磷组钙含量明显增加(P0.05);与7d高磷组血管环钙含量相比,14d高磷组血管环钙含量明显增加(P0.05)。免疫组织化学结果显示,与正常对照组相比,高磷组BMP-2表达增加(P0.05);与7d高磷组相比,14d高磷组血管环钙含量明显增加(P0.05)。细胞培养7d、14d后,与正常对照组相比,高磷组钙盐沉积及钙含量明显增高(P0.05);RTPCR和Western Blot显示,与正常对照组相比,高磷组BMP-2mRNA及蛋白表达增加。进一步动态观察BMP-2蛋白的表达变化,结果显示正常对照组及高磷组BMP-2蛋白表达随时间延长呈增强趋势(P0.05)。结论:BMP-2可能参与了高磷诱导的血管钙化的发生发展。     

血清BMP-2、BMP-4检测在慢性肾脏病大鼠主动脉钙化中的意义

目的建立慢性肾脏病(CKD)大鼠主动脉钙化模型,探讨血清骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP-2)、骨形态发生蛋白4(BMP-4)与主动脉钙化程度的相关性。方法 55只SD大鼠随机分为对照组(20只)和CKD组(35只,由于预实验中CKD组大鼠后期存在死亡现象,为保证实验过程每个时间的实验样本量充足,因此CKD组样本量较对照组多),分别于第2、4、6、8周收集血液、尿液、主动脉、肾脏;肾脏HE染色评估肾脏病理改变;茜素红染色法、钙含量测定评估主动脉钙化程度; ELISA测定大鼠血清BMP-2、BMP-4水平;免疫组织化学检测主动脉BMP-2、BMP-4蛋白表达。结果与对照组各时间点相比,CKD组大鼠24 h尿蛋白定量、血清尿素氮、肌酐、胱抑素C水平明显增加(P0.05)。肾脏HE染色显示,自第2周起,肾小管出现扩张,小管内棕黄色物质沉积,随时间进展,逐渐出现间质纤维化,肾小球部分萎缩,血管减少,炎性细胞浸润。茜素红染色随时间进展,第8周出现大量橘红色颗粒物沉积伴钙结节形成。CKD组钙含量明显增加且与血清BMP-2 (r=0.929,P0.01)及BMP-4 (r=0.702,P0.01)明显正相关。同时,自模型成功建立第4周,主动脉BMP-2、BMP-4蛋白表达即明显增加。结论血清BMP-2、BMP-4表达增加可作为CKD血管钙化的血清标志物。     

骨碎补总黄酮对大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化过程中TGF-β1、BMP-2分泌的影响

将大鼠分为空白对照组、经典组和骨碎补组,采用全骨髓贴壁法分离纯化大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs),检测BMSCs成骨分化过程碱性磷酸酶活性、矿化结节、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)和骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP-2)的分泌.结果显示,骨碎补总黄酮促进成骨分化同时增加TGF-β1、BMP-2分泌(均P＜0.05).骨碎补总黄酮可能通过上调二者的表达促进成骨,对骨质疏松症可能有积极的治疗意义.     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Language of CTO interventions – Focus on hardware

The knowledge of variety of chronic total occlusion (CTO) hardware and the ability to use them represents the key to success of any CTO interventions. However, the multiplicity of CTO hardware and their physical character and the terminology used by experts create confusion in the mind of an average interventional cardiologist, particularly a beginner in this field. This knowledge is available but is scattered. We aim to classify and compare the currently used devices based on their properties focusing on how physical character of each device can be utilized in a specific situation, thus clarifying and simplifying the technical discourse.     

High prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy in antiretroviral-treated and untreated people with HIV in Tanzania

Objectives To describe the prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), a complication of both advanced HIV disease and of antiretroviral therapy (ART), amongst Tanzanians with HIV, on and off ART (including stavudine) with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/μl. Methods We recruited participants attending ART clinic into four groups: >6 months ART exposure and (i) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or (ii) CD4 > 200 cells/μl (ART/CD4 < 200 and ART/CD4 > 200, respectively); ART‐naïve and (iii) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or iv)CD4 > 200 cells/μl (noART/CD4 < 200 and noART/CD4 > 200, respectively). Primary outcome was DSP, as defined by presence of at least one symptom and one sign. Results Of 326 evaluable participants, 81 (32 men, median age 38 years, median CD4 142 cells/μl) were enrolled in the ART/CD4 < 200 group, 78 (17 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 345 cells/μl) in ART/CD4 > 200, 81 (30 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 128 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 < 200 and 86 (22 men, median age 33 years, median CD4 446 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 > 200. Numbness was the most commonly reported symptom. DSP prevalence ranged from 43.2% in ART/CD4 < 200 to 20.9% in noART/CD4 > 200. DSP was more common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.3) and older participants (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.2 for age 40 + vs. <30 years). Conclusion Distal sensory polyneuropathy is common amongst those attending this clinic, even those with no ART exposure and a CD4 count above 200 cells/μl. Stavudine and didanosine expose HIV‐infected patients to an additional avoidable risk of DSP. Access to non‐neurotoxic ART regimes as well as earlier HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART is needed.