Establishment of a novel myocarditis mouse model based on cyclosporine A

Zhao Tian Hao,Jiang Yi Xuan,Chen Kai Qin,Qiu Dan,Xu Yan Zhe,Ye Chun,Ren Ting,Zhang Bo,Dai Bin,Hu Jue,Lu Jun,Zhou Fang Liang,Xiao Rong,Lu Fang Guo,Wei Ke 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.12

Background: Myocarditis is a myocardial injury that can easily cause adolescent death. Traditional research models of animal invasion with viral components, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or porcine myocardial myosin, among others, have the shortcomings of potential biological safety hazards and high animal mortality. Objective: To explore the construction of a novel myocarditis model with cyclosporine A and the potential genes and pathways associated with it. Methods: BALB/c mice were used in this study, and cyclosporin A and LPS were injected into the peritoneal cavity of mice. The successful establishment of the model was assessed by detecting serum myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors levels, HE, IHC staining, and RT-qPCR methods. Key genes were obtained using the GSE35182 dataset from the GEO database and validated with the RT-qPCR method. Results: We found that a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the myocardium of mice in each group of Cyclosporin A constructed model, while the expression of inflammatory factor indicators was increased, and this model has the characteristics of high degree of local inflammation in myocardial tissue, low mortality, and safe and non-toxic treatment. Using GSE35182 data, we selected 18 Hub genes and validated Hub genes in myocardial tissue with RT-qPCR and found that multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-likereceptor signaling pathway(TLRs), Rap1 signal pathway(Rap1), and Chemokine signaling pathway may be involved in the development of myocarditis. Conclusion: Cyclosporin A can construct a new myocarditis model, and TLRs, Chemokines and Rap1 signaling pathways may be the core pathways of myocarditis.

Acupuncture for Osteoporosis: a Review of Its Clinical and Preclinical Studies

Tian Yimiao,Wang Lili,Xu Tianshu,Li Rui,Zhu Ruyuan,Chen Beibei,Zhang Hao,Xia Bingke,Che Yiwen,Zhao Dandan,Zhang Dongwei 사단법인약침학회 2022 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.15 No.5

Acupuncture has gained growing attention in the management of osteoporosis (OP). However, a comprehensive review has not yet been conducted on the efficacy and challenges of acupuncture in preliminary research and clinical trials. Therefore, an extensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed), CNKI (www.cnki.net), and Web of Science, for studies published from the beginning of 2000 to the end of May 2022. Combinations of synonyms for OP, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, clinical trial, preclinical study, and animal experiments were searched. A total of 290 papers were consulted, including 115 reviews, 109 clinical observations, and 66 preclinical studies. There is accumulating evidence to support the beneficial role of acupuncture in preserving bone quality and relieving clinical symptoms based on clinical and preclinical investigations. The top ten most commonly used acupoints are BL23, ST36, BL20, BL11, CV4, GV4, SP 6, KI3, BL18, and GB39. The underlying mechanisms behind the benefits of acupuncture may be linked with the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (adrenal) axis and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathways. In summary, strong evidence may still come from prospective and well-designed clinical trials to shed light on the potential role of acupuncture in preserving bone loss. Future investigations are needed to explore the potential underlying mechanisms, long-term clinical efficacy, and compliance of acupuncture in OP management.

Whole Exome Sequencing in the Male Breast Cancer with Prolactinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Shuai Hao,Miao Huang,Wuguo Tian,Yi Chen,Jianjie Zhao,Donglin Luo 한국유방암학회 2020 Journal of breast cancer Vol.23 No.6

Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare and accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases worldwide. Previous studies have suggested that several factors significantly increase the risk of MBC. Prolactinoma has the highest incidence rate among patients with functional pituitary tumors. However, whether prolactinoma is involved in the onset and progression of breast cancer remains unclear. To date, there are only five case reports globally on MBC with concurrent prolactinoma. We hereby describe the first case of MBC with prolactinoma in China. We also explored the patient's genetic profile using whole exome sequencing. Our findings may help advance our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MBC. Further molecular analyses of such cases are warranted to improve auxiliary molecular diagnostic methods and targeted therapy for MBC.

Evaluation of Antioxidative Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum with Fuzzy Synthetic Models

( Jichun Zhao ),( Fengwei Tian ),( Shuang Yan ),( Qixiao Zhai ),( Hao Zhang ),( Wei Chen ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2018 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.28 No.7

Numerous studies suggest that the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on oxidative stress in vivo are correlated with their antioxidative activities in vitro; however, the relationship is still unclear and contradictory. The antioxidative activities of 27 Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from fermented foods were determined in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical scavenging abilities, reducing activity, resistance to hydrogen peroxide, and ferrous chelating ability in vitro. Two fuzzy synthetic evaluation models, one with an analytic hierarchy process and one using entropy weight, were then used to evaluate the overall antioxidative abilities of these L. plantarum strains. Although there was some difference between the two models, the highest scoring strain (CCFM10), the middle scoring strain (CCFM242), and the lowest scoring strain (RS15-3) were obtained with both models. Examination of the antioxidative abilities of these three strains in D-galactose-induced oxidative stress mice demonstrated that their overall antioxidative abilities in vitro could reveal the abilities to alleviate oxidative stress in vivo. The current study suggests that assessment of overall antioxidative abilities with fuzzy synthetic models can guide the evaluation of probiotic antioxidants. It might be a more quick and effective method to evaluate the overall antioxidative abilities of LAB.

Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA to Predict Neoadjuvant Therapy Effectiveness and Breast Cancer Recurrence

Shuai Hao,Wuguo Tian,Jianjie Zhao,Yi Chen,Xiaohua Zhang,Bo Gao,Yujun He,Donglin Luo 한국유방암학회 2020 Journal of breast cancer Vol.23 No.4

Purpose: Real-time detection and intervention can be used as potential measures to markedly decrease breast cancer mortality. Assessment of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may offer great benefits for the management of breast cancer over time. However, the use of ctDNA to predict the effectiveness of neoadjuvant treatment and recurrence of breast cancer has rarely been studied. Methods: We prospectively recruited 31 breast cancer patients with 4 subtypes. Three time points were set in this study, including before any therapy (C1), during surgery (T), and six months after surgery (C2). We collected peripheral blood samples from all 31 patients at C1, tumor tissue from all 31 patients at T, and peripheral blood samples from 25 patients at C2. Targeted 727-gene panel sequencing was performed on ctDNA from all blood samples and tissue DNA from all tissue samples. Somatic mutations were detected and analyzed using a reference standard pipeline. Statistical analysis was performed to identify possible associations between ctDNA profiles and clinical outcomes. Results: In total, we detected 159, 271, and 70 somatic mutations in 30 C1 samples, 31 T samples, and 12 C2 samples, respectively. We identified specific genes, such as PIK3CA, TP53, and KMT2C, which were highly mutated in the tissue samples. Furthermore, mutated KMT2C observed in ctDNA of the C2 samples may be an indicator of breast cancer recurrence. Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential of ctDNA analysis at different timepoints for assessing tumor progression and treatment effectiveness, as well as prediction of breast cancer recurrence.

Effectiveness and Safety of Dabrafenib in the Treatment of 20 Chinese Children with BRAFV600E-Mutated Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Ying Yang,Dong Wang,Lei Cui,Hong-Hao Ma,Li Zhang,Hong-Yun Lian,Qing Zhang,Xiao-Xi Zhao,Li-Ping Zhang,Yun-Ze Zhao,Na Li,Tian-You Wang,Zhi-Gang Li,Rui Zhang 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.1

Purpose We sought to investigate the effectiveness and safety of dabrafenib in children with BRAFV600E-mutated Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 20 children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH who were treated with dabrafenib. Results The median age at which the patients started taking dabrafenib was 2.3 years old (range, 0.6 to 6.5 years). The ratio of boys to girls was 2.3:1. The median follow-up time was 30.8 months (range, 18.9 to 43.6 months). There were 14 patients (70%) in the risk organ (RO)+ group and six patients (30%) in the RO– group. All patients were initially treated with traditional chemotherapy and then shifted to targeted therapy due to poor control of LCH or intolerance to chemotherapy. The overall objective response rate and the overall disease control rate were 65% and 75%, respectively. During treatment, circulating levels of cell-free BRAFV600E (cfBRAFV600E) became negative in 60% of the patients within a median period of 3.0 months (range, 1.0 to 9.0 months). Grade 2 or 3 adverse effects occurred in five patients. Conclusion Some children with BRAFV600E-mutated LCH may benefit from monotherapy with dabrafenib, especially high-risk patients with concomitant hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and intolerance to chemotherapy. The safety of dabrafenib is notable. A prospective study with a larger sample size is required to determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate attenuates angiotensin II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts in vitro

Le Yang,Xiao-Jing Zou,Xiang Gao,Hao Chen,Jin-Long Luo,Zhao-Hua Wang,Qian-Sheng Liang,Guang-Tian Yang 생화학분자생물학회 2009 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.41 No.7

Cardiac fibrosis occurs after pathological stimuli to the cardiovascular system. One of the most important factors that contribute to cardiac fibrosis is angiotensin II (Ang II). Accumulating studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antioxidant action. We therefore examined whether STS depresses Ang II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, Ang II significantly enhanced collagen type I expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, Ang II depressed matrix metalloproteinase- 1 (MMP-1) expression and activity. These responses were attenuated by STS. Furthermore, STS depressed the intracellular generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase activity and subunit p47phox expression. In addition, N-acetylcysteine the ROS scavenger, depressed effects of Ang II in a manner similar to STS. In conclusion, the current studies demonstrate that anti-fibrotic effects of STS are mediated by interfering with the modulation of ROS. Cardiac fibrosis occurs after pathological stimuli to the cardiovascular system. One of the most important factors that contribute to cardiac fibrosis is angiotensin II (Ang II). Accumulating studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antioxidant action. We therefore examined whether STS depresses Ang II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, Ang II significantly enhanced collagen type I expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, Ang II depressed matrix metalloproteinase- 1 (MMP-1) expression and activity. These responses were attenuated by STS. Furthermore, STS depressed the intracellular generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase activity and subunit p47phox expression. In addition, N-acetylcysteine the ROS scavenger, depressed effects of Ang II in a manner similar to STS. In conclusion, the current studies demonstrate that anti-fibrotic effects of STS are mediated by interfering with the modulation of ROS.

Physiological Characteristics of Lactobacillus casei Strains and Their Alleviation Effects against Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Yang Liu ),( Yifeng Li ),( Xinjie Yu ),( Leilei Yu ),( Fengwei Tian ),( Jianxin Zhao ),( Hao Zhang ),( Qixiao Zhai ),( Wei Chen ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.1

Lactobacillus casei, one of the most widely used probiotics, has been reported to alleviate multiple diseases. However, the effects of this species on intestinal diseases are strain-specific. Here, we aimed to screen L. casei strains with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-alleviating effects based on in vitro physiological characteristics. Therefore, the physiological characteristics of 29 L. casei strains were determined, including gastrointestinal transit tolerance, oligosaccharide fermentation, HT-29 cell adhesion, generation time, exopolysaccharide production, acetic acid production, and conjugated linoleic acid synthesis. The effects of five candidate strains on mice with induced colitis were also evaluated. The results showed that among all tested L. casei strains, only Lactobacillus casei M2S01 effectively relieved colitis. This strain recovered body weight, restored disease activity index score, and promoted anti-inflammatory cytokine expression. Gut microbiota sequencing showed that L. casei M2S01 restored a healthy gut microbiome composition. The western blotting showed that the alleviating effects of L. casei M2S01 on IBD were related to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. A good gastrointestinal tolerance ability may be one of the prerequisites for the IBD-alleviating effects of L. casei. Our results verified the efficacy of L. casei in alleviating IBD and lay the foundation for the rapid screening of L. casei strain with IBD-alleviating effects.

Coefficient of Earth Pressure at Rest of a Saturated Artificially Mixed Soil from Oedometer Tests

Jun-Jie Wang,Yang Yang,Jiping Bai,Jian-Yun Hao,Tian-Long Zhao 대한토목학회 2018 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.22 No.5

The present study focuses on the coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K0) of a saturated crushed binary soil mixture. The mixture isartificially mixed by crushed sandstone and mudstone particles according to presupposed weight ratios and particle size distributioncurves. The oedometer tests are performed to determine the coefficient K0. From test data, the values of coefficient K0, which rangefrom 0.242 to 0.381, with a mean value of 0.300, are obtained. Just as other mechanical parameters of soils, the K0 value is affectedby many factors. The effects of the properties of test specimen and material are discussed on the basis of the test data. Strong negativecorrelation between the values of K0 and initial dry bulk density of test specimen, one between the values of K0 and median particlesize diameter of test material, and one between the values of K0 and gravel content by weight of test material, respectively, areobserved from the test data. The mudstone particle content by weight of the mixture may also affect the value of K0. The effects ofthese factors on the K0 value may exhibit interlocking effect. Higher interlocking effect results in higher shear strength, and thereforeresults in lower K0 value.

Synergistic Protective Effects of Different Dietary Supplements Against Type 2 Diabetes via Regulating Gut Microbiota

Leilei Yu,Xingting Zhou,Hui Duan,Ying Chen,Shumao Cui,Yuzheng Xue,Renmei Guo,Yuzheng Xue,Fengwei Tian,Jianxin Zhao,Hao Zhang,Qixiao Zhai,Wei Chen 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.3

Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem, and its prevalence continues to increase. Dietary supplements, including probiotics, prebiotics, and plant extracts, have been shown to alleviate diabetes. In this study, the synergistic effects of two types of dietary supplements were investigated in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sixty mice were divided into the following six groups: control, model (induced by a high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin), drug (metformin), probiotic (Lactobacillus spp.), formula A (probiotics, plant extracts, and soybean peptide), and formula B (probiotics, prebiotics, and soybean peptide). All three dietary interventions (probiotic, formula A, and formula B groups) significantly reduced the blood glucose level and oral glucose tolerance level and effectively improved some biochemical parameters (e.g., chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood lipid level) and regulated gut microbiota. Notably, formula B exhibited a better ability on reducing the blood glucose level, regulating the gut microbiota, and increasing the short-chain fatty acid levels compared with the probiotics alone and formula A. Thus, formula B may exert synergistic protective effects against T2DM through a mechanism involving probiotics and prebiotics of gut microbiota regulation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of probiotic dietary supplements to the treatment of T2DM.