microRNA-124-3p靶向调控STAT3抑制神经细胞中肠道病毒71型的复制

目的构建microRNA-124-3p表达上调和下调的SK-N-SH细胞,探讨microRNA-124-3p对肠道病毒71型(EV71)在SK-N-SH中的复制机制。方法构建过表达miRNA的miRNA mimic和敲低miRNA的miRNA inhibitor。检测miRNA-124-3p,EV71核酸,细胞病变效应(CPE),病毒滴度TCID₅₀,Ratio值,VP1、STAT3、P-STAT3、CC-ND2、MMP2蛋白表达。结果与miR-124-3p mimic NC组比,miR-124-3p mimic组miR-124-3p上升,LgTCID₅₀降低,EV71核酸的复制受抑,转染野生型miRSTAT3-WT质粒细胞活性被上调的miRNA-124-3p抑制,STAT3、P-STAT3、CC-ND2和MMP2降低(均P<0.05),与miR-124-3p inhibitorNC组比,miR-124-3p inhibitor组miR-124-3p降低,CPE增高,STAT3、P-STAT3、CC-ND2和MMP2升高(均P<0.05)。结论EV71感染SK-N-SH神经细胞,复制受抑,与microRNA-124-3p靶向抑制STAT通路分子STAT3、P-STAT3、CCND2和MMP2有关。     

蛋白质酪氨酸激酶2通过PI3K/AKT/Gsk3b信号调控Tau磷酸化

目的 探究蛋白质酪氨酸激酶2(protein tyrosine kinase, Pyk2)在学习记忆障碍小鼠模型中的表达及对神经元细胞Tau蛋白磷酸化的影响和分子机制。方法 免疫组化检测APPswe/PS1ΔE9(APP/PS1)双转基因AD和WT小鼠脑组织Pyk2蛋白表达;免疫印迹检测Pyk2、Tau5、Tau46、CP13、AT180、PHF-1、12E8和AT270蛋白表达;免疫印迹检测SHSY-5Y细胞共转染pcDNA6.2-Pyk2-GFP和pcDNA6.2-hTau(2N4R)-V5质粒24h后Tau5、Tau46、CP13、AT180、PHF-1、12E8和AT270蛋白表达;包装PLOK1-Pyk2 shRNA慢病毒,转染SHSY-5Y细胞构建Pyk2敲低细胞系,转染hTau(2N4R)质粒24h后,Western blot检测Tau5、Tau46、CP13、AT180、PHF-1、12E8、AT270、P110α、P110β、P85α、p-P85α、AKT、p-AKT(Ser473)、p-AKT(Thr308)、Gsk3β和p-Gsk3β(Ser9)蛋白表达。结果 与...     

miR-124-3p 靶向WISP1 对TNF-α诱导的大鼠脑动脉血管平滑肌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭的影响

目的:探讨miR-124-3p对肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)诱导的大鼠脑动脉血管平滑肌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭的影响及作用机制。方法:分离培养大鼠脑基底动脉血管平滑肌细胞,用100 ng/ml的TNF-α处理作为TNF-α组,正常培养的细胞作为对照组(Con);将miR-NC、miR-124-3p、anti-miR-NC、anti-miR-124-3p转染至大鼠脑动脉血管平滑肌细胞中,分别记为miR-NC组、miR-124-3p组、anti-miR-NC组、anti-miR-124-3p组;将miR-NC、miR-124-3p、si-NC、si-WISP1转染至血管平滑肌细胞后再用100 ng/ml的TNF-α处理,记为TNF-α+miR-NC组、TNF-α+miR-124-3p组、TNF-α+si-NC组、TNF-α+si-WISP1组;将miR-124-3p分别与pcDNA、pcDNA-WISP1共转染至血管平滑肌细胞后再用100 ng/ml的TNF-α处理,记为TNF-α+miR-124-3p+pcDNA组、TNF-α+miR-124-3p+pcDNA-WISP1组。实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测miR-124-3p和WISP1 mRNA表达水平;Western blot检测WNT1诱导信号通路蛋白1(WISP1)、细胞周期蛋白D1(CyclinD1)、细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制剂1A(p21)、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)、MMP-9表达水平;四甲基偶氮唑盐比色法(MTT)检测细胞活性;Transwell检测细胞迁移和侵袭;荧光素酶报告实验检测miR-124-3p和WISP1的靶向关系。结果:与对照组相比,TNF-α处理的大鼠脑动脉血管平滑肌细胞中miR-124-3p表达水平显著降低,WISP1表达水平显著升高,细胞活性显著升高,迁移、侵袭数显著升高,CyclinD1、MMP-2、MMP-9表达水平显著升高,p21表达水平显著降低(P0.05)。miR-124-3p过表达和干扰WISP1表达可抑制TNF-α诱导的血管平滑肌细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭。miR-124-3p靶向调控WISP1,WISP1过表达逆转了miR-124-3p过表达对TNF-α诱导的大鼠脑动脉血管平滑肌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭的抑制作用。结论:miR-124-3p可抑制TNF-α诱导的大鼠脑动脉血管平滑肌细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭,其机制可能与下调WISP1有关。     

miR-491-5p参与调节 人膀胱癌细胞系EJ对5-氟尿嘧啶的敏感性

目的探讨miR-491-5p对人膀胱癌细胞系EJ 5-氟尿嘧啶(5-fluorouracil,5-FU)敏感性的影响及初步机制。方法 RT-qPCR检测miR-491-5p在膀胱癌化疗敏感与耐药组织中表达水平。构建5-FU耐药的EJ/5-FU细胞系,并分别用RT-qPCR和Western blot检测miR-491-5p表达和AKT与STAT3磷酸化水平。将miR-491-5p抑制剂转入细胞系EJ或将miR-491-5p模拟物转入EJ/5-FU细胞,并在5-FU存在的条件下分别用CCK-8法、Annexin V-FITC/PI染色法、划痕法、Transwell小室法和Western blot检测细胞活性、凋亡、伤口愈合、迁移、侵袭和AKT与STAT3磷酸化水平。结果 miR-491-5p在化疗耐药组织和EJ/5-FU细胞系中表达显著降低(P0.01)。下调miR-491-5p表达后,5-FU对细胞系EJ的细胞活性、伤口愈合、迁移和侵袭的抑制作用和凋亡的促进作用均显著减弱(P0.01);上调miR-491-5p表达后,5-FU对EJ/5-FU细胞系的细胞活性、伤口愈合、迁移和侵袭的抑制作用和凋亡的促进作用均显著增加(P0.01)。AKT及STAT3磷酸化水平在EJ/5-FU细胞系中显著升高(P0.01);下调miR-491-5p后,细胞系EJ中AKT及STAT3磷酸化水平显著升高(P0.01);上调miR-491-5p后,EJ/5-FU细胞系中AKT及STAT3磷酸化水平显著降低(P0.01)。结论下调miR-491-5p表达降低细胞系EJ对5-FU的敏感性;上调miR-491-5p表达抑制EJ/5-FU细胞系对5-FU耐药性。miR-491-5p调节细胞系EJ 5-FU耐药性的过程中伴随着AKT及STAT3磷酸化的改变。     

miR-128-3p靶向TCF4抑制黑色素瘤A375细胞增殖、侵袭和上皮-间充质转化

目的:探究微小RNA-128-3p(miR-128-3p)对人黑色素瘤A375细胞增殖、侵袭和上皮-间充质转化的作用及其机制。方法:用miR-128 mimic和/或转录因子4(TCF4)表达质粒pcDNA-TCF4(pc-TCF4)转染A375细胞,RT-qPCR检测miR-128-3p的表达,Western blot法检测TCF4的表达,萤光素酶报告实验证明miR-128-3p和TCF4的靶向关系;Transwell检测细胞的侵袭能力;Western blot法检测上皮标志蛋白E-cadherin和间充质标志蛋白vimentin的表达及TCF4下游靶分子cyclin D和c-Myc的蛋白表达水平。结果:过表达miR-128-3p能显著抑制TCF4的表达(P0.01),而转染pc-TCF4能明显减弱miR-128-3p对TCF4表达的抑制作用,miR-128-3p能显著减弱TCF4野生型质粒的萤光素酶活性(P0.01);miR-128-3p能显著抑制A375细胞增殖(P0.01),显著减少侵袭细胞数(P0.01);除此之外,miR-128-3p还能显著降低vimentin、cyclin D和c-Myc的表达水平(P0.01),显著升高E-cadherin(P0.01)的表达水平。结论:miR-128-3p能抑制黑色素瘤A375细胞的增殖、侵袭和上皮-间充质转化,作用机制与靶向TCF4及抑制其下游靶基因的表达有关。     

miR-124a靶向TGFBR1基因对乳腺癌细胞增殖和侵袭的影响

目的探讨miR-124a对乳腺癌MDA-MB231细胞株增殖和侵袭的影响。方法 Real-time PCR法检测24例患者乳腺癌组织及邻近的癌旁正常组织中miR-124a的表达,用Western bolt法检测TGFBR1的表达。利用脂质体将pre-miR-124a或anti-miR-124a瞬时转染至乳腺癌MDA-MB231细胞,real-time PCR分析miR-124a与其调控的靶基因TGFBR1的表达调控关系。Western blot法检测转染后细胞中TGFBR1的表达水平,同时采用CCK-8和克隆形成实验检测转染后MDA-MB231细胞的增殖和侵袭情况。结果 miR-124a在乳腺癌组织中的表达水平明显低于癌旁组织(P0.01),TGFBR1在乳腺癌组织中的表达水平明显高于癌旁组织(P0.01)。过表达和抑制表达miR-124a能反向调控其靶基因TGFBR1及蛋白的表达;CCK-8和克隆形成实验结果显示,过表达miR-124a能明显抑制乳腺癌MDA-MB231细胞的增殖和侵袭(P0.01)。结论 miR-124a可以通过下调TGFBR1的表达抑制乳腺癌MDA-MB231细胞的增殖和侵袭。     

抑制miR-23a-3p表达对人白血病细胞株HL-60侵袭和迁移的调节作用

目的探讨抑制miR-23a-3p表达对人白血病细胞株HL-60侵袭和迁移的影响及其分子机制。方法转染miR-23a inhibitor到HL-60细胞抑制miR-23a-3p的表达。HL-60细胞分为3组:HL-60组(阴性对照组)、scramble组(转染对照组)和miR-23a inhibitor组。qRT-PCR技术检测MMP-9和VEGF mRNA水平,Transwell实验检测细胞侵袭,划痕实验分析细胞迁移。Western blot法检测MMP-9和VEGF蛋白表达。结果转染scramble后HL-60细胞miR-23a-3p表达无明显变化。转染miR-23a inhibitor后HL-60细胞miR-23a-3p表达显著下降(P0.01)。scramble组与阴性对照组每个视野下的侵袭细胞数目差异无统计学意义。miR-23a inhibitor组每个视野下的侵袭细胞数目显著低于阴性对照组(P0.01)。scramble组与阴性对照组细胞迁移无明显差异。与阴性对照组相比,miR-23a inhibitor组细胞迁移显著降低(P0.01)。转染scramble不会影响MMP-9和VEGF的表达。miR-23a inhibitor组MMP-9和VEGF的mRNA水平显著低于阴性对照组(P0.01)。与阴性对照组相比,miR-23a inhibitor组MMP-9和VEGF的蛋白水平显著下降(P0.001)。结论抑制miR-23a-3p表达可减弱人白血病细胞株HL-60的侵袭和迁移。     

低氧对SH-SY5Y细胞miR-124及BACE1蛋白表达的影响

目的研究低氧对培养细胞miR-124及β-淀粉样前体蛋白裂解酶1(BACE1)蛋白表达的影响。方法培养人神经母细胞瘤细胞(SH-SY5Y),分为对照组、氧-糖剥夺组、Aβ1-42处理组、过表达或抑制miR-124组,用实时定量PCR方法检测miR-124表达,Western blot法检测BACE1蛋白表达。结果氧-糖剥夺处理48 h,细胞内miR-124表达水平明显下降,仅为对照组的46.9%(P0.05),BAE1蛋白表达水平与较对照组增高36%(P0.01);转染miR-124过表达组组细胞内miR-124表达水平较对照组增高245倍(P0.01),为miR-124过表达对照组的219倍(P0.01),BACE1蛋白表达水平较对照组下降了29%(P0.05),较miR-124过表达对照组下降25%(P0.05)。转染miR-124抑制剂组miR-124表达水平下降至对照组的45.4%(P0.05),至miR-124抑制对照组的48%(P0.05),BACE1表达水平较对照组升高21%(P0.05),较miR-124抑制对照组升高40.3%(P0.01);细胞经Aβ1-42处理24 h,miR-124表达水平较对照组下降52%(P0.05),BACE1蛋白表达水平较对照组增高51%(P0.05)。结论低氧通过降低SH-SY5Y细胞miR-124表达进而升高BAEC1蛋白表达,且可能在阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)早期发病中发挥作用。     

miR-124靶向调节STAT3基因对甲状腺乳头状癌细胞增殖和侵袭的影响

目的探讨miR-124及STAT3在甲状腺乳头状癌组织中的表达,以及抑制或过表达miR-124对甲状腺乳头状癌细胞增殖和侵袭的影响。方法 Real-time PCR法检测17例患者甲状腺乳头状癌组织及对应的癌旁组织中miR-124的表达,Western bolt法检测STAT3蛋白的表达。将miR-124 inhibitors及miR-124 mimics转染至甲状腺乳头状癌Kl细胞株,Western blot方法检测转染后STAT3蛋白的表达变化,CCK-8方法和克隆形成实验检测转染后Kl细胞的增殖和侵袭情况。结果 miR-124在甲状腺乳头状癌组织中的表达明显低于癌旁组织,STAT3蛋白在甲状腺乳头状癌组织中的表达明显高于癌旁组织(P0.01)。转染miR-124 inhibitors的K1细胞增殖侵袭能力与对照组相比显著升高,细胞内STAT3蛋白表达亦明显升高(P0.01);转染miR-124 mimics的K1细胞增殖侵袭能力与对照组相比显著降低,细胞内STAT3蛋白表达亦明显降低(P0.01)。结论 miR-124抑制甲状腺乳头状癌Kl细胞的增殖和侵袭可能与下调STAT3的表达相关。     

miR-199a通过靶向ATP13A2抑制6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞氧化应激

目的:探究miR-199a通过靶向调节ATP13A2对6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞氧化应激的影响。方法:收集正常大鼠和帕金森(PD)模型大鼠脑组织,培养6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞,利用Real-time PCR检测miR-199a和ATP13A2的表达,Western Blot检测ATP13A2表达。分别转染miR-199a类似物和miR-199a抑制剂,利用ELISA检测ROS、MDA、SOD和GSH-Px的表达。双荧光素酶报告基因检测miR-199a与ATP13A2的靶向关系。Western Blot法检测ATP13A2和JNK/c-Jun表达的影响。MTT法检测细胞增殖的影响。结果:PD脑组织和细胞中miR-199a表达显著降低,ATP13A2表达显著升高(P0.01)。过表达miR-199a可显著降低6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞的ROS、MDA活性,升高SOD、GSH-Px活性(P0.01)。miR-199a过表达显著降低荧光素酶报告基因的荧光强度,而结合位点突变后荧光素酶活性不变(P0.01)。过表达miR-199a显著降低ATP13A2的表达并抑制JNK和c-Jun的磷酸化水平,茴香霉素则升高ATP13A2表达并激活JNK和c-Jun的磷酸化水平,过表达miR-199a且给予茴香霉素处理可使JNK和c-Jun的磷酸化水平恢复到6-OHDA-PC12组水平(P0.01)。过表达miR-199a抑制6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞增殖,茴香霉素则促进其增殖,过表达miR-199a且给予茴香霉素处理可使细胞增殖率恢复到6-OHDA-PC12组水平(P0.01)。结论:miR-199a可通过靶向调节ATP13A2抑制6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞氧化应激并抑制JNK/c-Jun活化。     

Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

Renal dysplasia and asplenia in two sibs

A family is reported in which two sibs, one male and the other female, both died within 24 hours of birth with enlarged polycystic kidneys. Postmortem histology in the second child showed gross renal dysplasia. In both children the pancreas was enlarged, nodular and cystic but the liver appeared macroscopically normal. In the second child, histological examination confirmed pancreatic fibrosis with cystic dilation of ducts, but showed portal fibrosis with bile duct proliferation in the liver.
This combination of findings is very reminiscent of those in a girl and her brother reported by Ivemark et al. (1959). The children reported here also showed absence or hypoplasia of the spleen, cardiac anomalies and other features of the Ivemark syndrome (Ivemark 1955), a quite different, usually sporadic, congenital disorder. It is suggested that the children described here have a distinct lethal congenital disorder, probably inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.     

The dominant diseases of modernized societies as omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome: Substrate beriberi

About 1900, modern food selection and processing caused widespread $\text{epidemics}$ of the B vitamin deficiency diseases of beriberi and pellagra which, for genetic reasons, often expressed as different diseases ranging from bowel and heart disease to dermatoses and psychoses. But the B vitamins merely help convert essential fatty acids (EFA) into the prostaglandin (PG) tissue regulators and it now turns out that, through hydrogenation, milling and selection of w3-poor southern foods, we have also been systematically depleting, by as much as 90%, a newly discovered trace Nordic EFA (w3) of special importance to primates and sole precursor of the PG3(4) series, even as a concurrent fiber deficiency increases body demand for EFA. Since substrate EFA is processed by many B vitamin catalysts, an EFA deficiency will mimic a $\text{panh}$ypovitaminosis B, i.e., a mixture of $\text{substrate}$ beriberi and $\text{substrate}$ pellagra resembling vitamin beriberi and pellagra but exhibiting as even more diverse $\text{endemic}$ disease. This would consitute a second stage of the Modern Malnutrition and explain why some workers now hold the dominant diseases of modermized societies to be new, nutritionally based, pellagraform yet lipid-related and to range, once again, from heart disease to psychosis. It is an assumption that our dominant diseases are unrelated to each other or are merely revealed by our diagnostic acumen and therapeutic success; and that hydrogenating millions of tons of food oils annually, to destroy the rancidity producing w3-EFA, is safe for $\text{primates}$. Extensive beriberiform disease is reported here in 32 typical cases taken from medical practice which responds strikingly to linseed oil supplements (60% w3-EFA) in confirmation of identical results in Capuchins.     

'Very sore nights and days': the child's experience of illness in early modern England, c.1580-1720

Sick children were ubiquitous in early modern England, and yet they have received very little attention from historians. Taking the elusive perspective of the child, this article explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of illness in England between approximately 1580 and 1720. What was it like being ill and suffering pain? How did the young respond emotionally to the anticipation of death? It is argued that children’s experiences were characterised by profound ambivalence: illness could be terrifying and distressing, but also a source of emotional and spiritual fulfilment and joy. This interpretation challenges the common assumption amongst medical historians that the experiences of early modern patients were utterly miserable. It also sheds light on children’s emotional feelings for their parents, a subject often overlooked in the historiography of childhood. The primary sources used in this article include diaries, autobiographies, letters, the biographies of pious children, printed possession cases, doctors’ casebooks, and theological treatises concerning the afterlife.     

Guidelines for the Validation and Use of Immunoassays for Determination of Introduced Proteins in Biotechnology Enhanced Crops and Derived Food Ingredients

Recent advancements in agricultural biotechnology have created a need for analytical techniques to determine introduced proteins in crops enhanced through modern biotechnology techniques. These proteins are expressed in plant tissues and may be present in food ingredients. Immunoassays are ideally suited for protein detection and may be used as both quantitative and threshold methods. Microplate ELISA and lateral flow devices are two of the most commonly used immunoassay formats for agricultural biotechnology applications. This paper provides general background information and a discussion of criteria for the validation and application of immunochemical methods to the analysis of proteins introduced into plants and food ingredients using biotechnology methods. It is the result of a collaborative effort of members of the Analytical Environmental Immunochemical Consortium. This collaborative effort represents the combined expertise of several organizations to reach consensus on establishing guidelines for the validation and use of immunoassays. Further, the paper offers developers and users a consistent approach to adopting the technology as well as aid in producing accurate and meaningful results.     

Ultracryotomy: development and application (with examples from the yeast cytology) (author's transl)

The preparation steps usually necessary for obtaining ultrathin frozen sections of biological material (chemical prefixation, enclosing, cryoprotective treatment, freezing, sectioning, and post-staining the sections for transmission electron microscopy) are submitted to a critical analysis. The application of cryo-ultramicrotomy, in particularly for cytochemical purposes, is reviewed. Fundamental considerations of chemical prefixation and poststaining are supported by examples from yeast cytology. Furthermore, the efficiency of the cryo-ultramicrotomy (electron optical resolution of ultrastructural details) is demonstrated on yeast cells and protoplasts.     

HLA in North Colombia Chimila Amerindians

HLA-A,-B,-C,-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles have been studied in Chimila Amerindians from Sabana de San Angel (North Colombian Coast) by using high resolution molecular typing. A frequent extended haplotype was found:HLA-A*24:02-B*51:10-C*15:02-BRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 (28.7%) which has also been described in Amerinndian Mayos Mexican population (Mexico, California Gulf, Pacific Ocean). Other haplotypes had already been found in Amerindians from Mexico (Pacific and Atlantic Coast), Peru (highlands and Amazon Basin), Bolivia and North USA. A geographic pattern according to HLA allele or haplotype frequencies is lacking in Amerindians, as already known. Also, five new extended haplotypes were found in Chimila Amerindians. Their HLA-A*24:02 high frequencies characteristic is shared with aboriginal populations of Taiwan; also, HLA-C*01:02 high frequencies are found in New Zealand Maoris, New Caledonians and Kimberly Aborigines from Australia. Finally, this study may show a model of evolutionary factors acting and rising one HLA allele frequency (-A*24:02), but not in others that belong to the same or different HLA loci.     

The case for allele‐specific recognition by the TCR

There is a sharp difference in how one views TCR structure–function–behaviour dependent on whether its recognition of major histocompatibility complex‐encoded restriction elements (R) is germline selected or somatically generated. The generally accepted or Standard model is built on the assumption that recognition of R is by the V regions of the αβ TCR, which is not driven by allele specificity, whereas the competing model posits that recognition of R is allele‐specific. The establishing of allele‐specific recognition of R by the TCR would rule out the Standard model and clear the road to a consideration of a competing construct, the Tritope model. Here, the case for allele‐specific recognition (germline selected) is detailed making it obvious that the Standard model is untenable.     

The universal muscular chamber. A basic unit of the genitourinary, cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, skeletal, cutaneous, respiratory and other systems, endocameral hypertension; and spasm, the key to their idiopathic diseases and arthropathies

Starting with the integument, we see many organs are contractile sacs or multiples thereof, which tubes or bags constitute the major part of the entire body. Recognition of this basic unit and its characteristics sheds new light, individually and collectively, on many disorders previously considered unrelated. Muscular tears and perforations develop in the walls of these chambers, being no way peculiar to those organs, wherein, hydrochloric acid occurs. So, it is not necessary to explain the absence of excessive acid from patients who exhibit holes in the gastric, uterine, aortic, duodenal, rectal, pulmonary, retina, and other walls. Muscle, not acid is the great common factor relating idiopathic disorders in the gastrointestinal tract to each other and to similar diseases in other systems. When the units are linked together, the lesions tend to appear as arthropathies, i.e. at the joints. Rephrasing common-place observations, frees us from conventional, conceptual cul-de-sacs. An observation is only as good as its interpretation, so all possibilities must be considered, otherwise, we will remain blinded by our misconceptions.