Effects of Acupuncture on Expressions of the Transcription Factors NF-E2,YB-1,LRG47 in the SAMP10 Mice

To explore the mechanism of acupuncture for delaying aging. Methods: Using the senescence accelerated mouse pattern SAMP10 and the normal aging mice SAMR1 as models and applying RT-PCR and digoxin (DIG)-labeled Northern blot technique to observe expressions of NF-E2,YB-1,LRG47 genes in the forebrain,cortex and hippocampus in a 8-month old SAMR1 control group,a 8-month old SAMP10 control group,a 8-month old SAMP10 acupuncture group and a 8-month old SAMP10 non-point stimulation group.Results: In the SAMP 10 control group,the expressions of NF-E2,YB-1 and LRG47 were down-regulated in the forebrain,cortex and hippocampus,and after acupuncture they were up-regulated and tended to normal. Conclusion: The brain aging of the SAMP10 mice is related with abnormal expressions ofNF-E2,YB-1 and LRG47 genes; and acupuncture can regulate the expressions of NF-E2,YB-1 and LRG47 genes,strengthening the functions of erythrocyte series,increasing the proliferation of cells and enhancing the cellular immune function in anti-bacteria,hence delaying aging.     

Cystic fibrosis heterozygotes do not have increased platelet activation

INTRODUCTION: We have previously demonstrated platelet hyperreactivity in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Carriers of one CF mutation (heterozygotes) have been shown to have abnormalities related to the presence of only one-half the normal amount of CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein. Platelet hyperreactivity in CF heterozygotes would be an important cardiovascular risk factor, since approximately 1 in 25 Caucasians is a CF carrier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used highly sensitive assays of platelet activation to assess the difference between 16 CF heterozygotes and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without CF mutations. RESULTS: We found no difference in platelet activation between CF heterozygotes and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The 50% reduction in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein in heterozygotes is insufficient to cause platelet activation.     

Inhalation of Moli1901 in patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND: In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, the absence or dysfunction of the chloride channel CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) results in reduced chloride ion transport in respiratory epithelial cells. Moli1901 stimulates an alternative chloride channel and may thus compensate for the CFTR deficiency in the airway epithelium of CF patients. METHODS: A phase II, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, single-center, multiple (5 consecutive days), rising-dose (daily dose, 0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 mg of Moli1901) study was conducted to investigate the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of aerosolized inhaled Moli1901 in 24 patients with CF and stable lung disease. RESULTS: Moli1901 was well tolerated in all but one CF patient, in whom a transient significant decrease in FEV(1) developed following inhalation, which resolved spontaneously, and in a second patient in whom transient throat numbness developed during drug inhalation. A significant improvement of FEV(1) was observed in the group receiving treatment with 2.5 mg/d Moli1901 compared to the group receiving placebo (p = 0.01 [Wilcoxon test]). Moli1901 was not detected in the plasma of the highest dose group. CONCLUSIONS: The inhalation of Moli1901 up to a total cumulative dose of 12.5 mg appears to be safe in adult patients with CF. In addition, Moli1901 had a sustained beneficial effect on pulmonary function, which supports further studies of its efficacy in CF patients.     

Lectin conjugates as potent, nonabsorbable CFTR inhibitors for reducing intestinal fluid secretion in cholera

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Inhibitors of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel are predicted to prevent intestinal fluid secretion in cholera. We previously discovered low- affinity glycine hydrazide (GlyH) CFTR inhibitors that block CFTR at its external pore. The goal of this study was to develop potent CFTR inhibitors that are minimally absorbed and washed out of the intestinal lumen for application as antisecretory agents in cholera. METHODS: GlyH analogs (malonic hydrazides, MalH) were chemically conjugated to various lectins ("MalH-lectin") and purified. CFTR inhibition potency was measured by short-circuit current analysis, mechanism of action by patch-clamp, and antidiarrheal efficacy in closed-loop and suckling mouse models. RESULTS: By lectin conjugation, we improved CFTR inhibitory potency by approximately 100-fold (to 50 nmol/L) and retarded washout. High-affinity CFTR inhibition was abolished by MalH-lectin heat denaturation, protease digestion, or competition by mannose or unconjugated lectin. Patch-clamp analysis indicated CFTR inhibition by an external pore occlusion mechanism. Fluorescently labeled MalH-lectin remained membrane bound for >6 hours after washout, whereas washout occurred in a few minutes without the lectin. MalH-ConA and MalH-wheat (IC50 50-100 pmol) blocked cholera toxin-induced intestinal fluid secretion in closed intestinal loops in mice and greatly reduced mortality in a suckling mouse model of cholera. CONCLUSIONS: The high potency of MalH-lectin conjugates results from "anchoring" the CFTR-blocking MalH to cell surface carbohydrates by the lectin. The high-affinity, slow washout, and external site of action of the MalH-lectin conjugates support their further development as antisecretory drugs for enterotoxin-mediated secretory diarrheas.     

Regulation of Cl− secretion by AMPK in vivo

Previous in vitro studies suggested that Cl(-) currents produced by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR; ABCC7) are inhibited by the alpha1 isoform of the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-stimulated kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a serine/threonine kinase that is activated during metabolic stress. It has been proposed as a potential mediator for transport-metabolism coupling in epithelial tissues. All previous studies have been performed in vitro and thus little is known about the regulation of Cl(-) secretion by AMPK in vivo. Using AMPKalpha1(-/-) mice and wild-type littermates, we demonstrate that phenformin, an activator of AMPK, strongly inhibits cAMP-activated Cl(-) secretion in mouse airways and colon, when examined in ex vivo in Ussing chamber recordings. However, phenformin was equally effective in AMPKalpha1(-/-) and wild-type animals, suggesting additional AMPK-independent action of phenformin. Phenformin inhibited CFTR Cl(-) conductance in basolaterally permeabilized colonic epithelium from AMPKalpha1(+/+) but not AMPKalpha1(-/-) mice. The inhibitor of AMPK compound C enhanced CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion in epithelial tissues of AMPKalpha1(-/-) mice, but not in wild-type littermates. There was no effect on Ca(2+)-mediated Cl(-) secretion, activated by adenosine triphosphate or carbachol. Moreover CFTR-dependent Cl(-) secretion was enhanced in the colon of AMPKalpha1(-/-) mice, as indicated in Ussing chamber ex vivo and rectal PD measurements in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that epithelial Cl(-) secretion mediated by CFTR is controlled by AMPK in vivo.     

A case study of “disorganized development” and its possible relevance to genetic determinants of aging

In 1932, Bidder postulated that senescence results from “continued action of a (genetic) regulator (of development) after growth ceases (maturation occurs).” A 16-year-old girl who physically appears to be an infant has not been diagnosed with any known genetic syndrome or chromosomal abnormality. The subject's anthropometric measurements are that of an 11-month-old. Coordinated development of structures for swallowing/breathing has not occurred resulting in dysfunctional digestive and respiratory systems. Brain structure, proprioception and neuroendocrine functions are infantile. Dental and bone ages are pre-teen, while telomere length and telomerase inactivity suggest a cellular age at least comparable to her chronological age. Sub-telomeric microdeletions known to be responsible for developmental delay and chromosomal imbalances are not present. Findings suggest that the subject suffers from “developmental disorganization” resulting from spontaneous mutation of Bidder's putative “regulator” of development, thereby providing an opportunity to locate and identify developmental gene(s) responsible for ensuring integrated and coordinated change in form and function from conception to adulthood. If their continued expression beyond maturation erodes internal order to promote senescence then further study of her DNA and testing of homologous genes in animal models may provide clues to genetic determinants of aging and human life span.     

Negative growth regulators of the cell cycle machinery and cancer

Cell cycle dysregulation is a critical feature of tumor cells. Numerous cell cycle regulators act either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and their aberrations result in proliferative advantage for cancer cells. Many molecular targets and their use in either abrogating the growth advantage of oncogenic mediators or enhancing the growth suppressive activity of tumor suppressors, have been filed for patents. The molecular targets associated with cell cycle inhibition are of particular interest because they are potential therapeutic agents of promise in the control of inappropriate cellular proliferation. This review focuses on the recent discovery of potential molecular targets involved in cell cycle inhibition and their evaluation as therapeutic agents for cancers. In this review, the strategies employed to control oncogenesis and their possible clinical applications are discussed.     

FRⅢ型功能调节器治疗安氏Ⅲ类错的临床研究

目的评价FRⅢ型功能调节器治疗安氏Ⅲ类错的效果。方法选择15例替牙期或恒牙早期安氏Ⅲ类错畸形患者,戴用FRⅢ型功能调节器6～12月,观察口腔发育状况,对矫治前后软硬组织变化行X线头影测量分析。结果患者均取得满意疗效。代表上下颌骨位置关系的SNA、SNB、NP-FH矫治前后改变有统计学意义（P﹤0.05）;ANB、U1-SN、L1-MP矫治前后改变有高度统计学意义（P﹤0.01）;鼻唇角趋于正常,软组织外貌得到改善。结论 FRⅢ型功能调节器对替牙期及恒牙初期安氏Ⅲ类错畸形有较好的疗效。     

RGS5和ATP1B1基因与原发性高血压的相关性研究

目的 探讨中国汉族人群中G蛋白信号调节因子5（RGS5）和ATP1B1基因功能区标签单核苷酸多态性（SNP）与原发性高血压的相关性及变异位点间的交互作用。方法 选择启动子、外显子和3’UTR区符合最小等位基因频率在中国北京汉族人群中>5%、R2≥0.80的SNP。对906例原发性高血压患者（EH组）进行SNP位点的基因分型,以性别和年龄与EH组匹配的894名血压正常者作为正常对照组。观察不同基因型和等位基因频率在EH组和对照组中的分布,并采用MDR软件分析各位点之间的交互作用。结果 最终3个标签SNP入选。EH组与对照组SNP位点基因型分布和等位基因频率比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;由2个基因SNP位点组成的单倍型,在EH组和对照组的分布比较差异也无统计学意义（P>0.05）。交互作用分析显示,2个或3个位点模型比较差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 3个标签SNP与EH无明显相关性,并且可能不存在交互作用。