Berberine Inhibits Intestinal Polyps Growth in Apc (min/+) Mice via Regulation of Macrophage Polarization

Antitumor effect of berberine has been reported in a wide spectrum of cancer, however, the mechanisms of which are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that berberine suppresses tumorigenesis in the familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) by regulating the macrophage polarization in Apc (min/+) mouse model. Berberine was given to Apc (min/+) mice for 12 weeks. Primary macrophages were isolated; after berberine treatment, the change in signaling cascade was determined. The total number and size of polyps were reduced remarkably in berberine group, compared with control group. A significant decrease in protein levels of F4/80, mannose receptor (MR), and COX-2 in stroma of intestinal polyps and an increase in the level of iNOS were observed after berberine treatment. The mRNA level of MR and Arg-1 in berberine group was significantly lower than those in IL-10 or IL-4 group, while no significant difference in mRNA levels of iNOS and CXCL10 was observed. The migration and invasiveness assaysin vitroshowed that berberine could reduce the capability of migration and invasiveness. These findings suggest that berberine attenuates intestinal tumorigenesis by inhibiting the migration and invasion of colorectal tumor cells via regulation of macrophage polarization.

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Human Uterine Decidual NK Cells in Women with a History of Early Pregnancy Enhance Angiogenesis and Trophoblast Invasion

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/6247526 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ningyi Jia ◽

Jian Li

Keyword(s):

Early Pregnancy ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Trophoblast Invasion ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Control Group ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

History Of ◽

And Migration ◽

Primiparous Women

Objective. The present study aimed to identify changes in decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and related cytokines in women who have undergone induced abortions (IAs). The effects of dNK cells on subsequent pregnancies remain unknown. Accordingly, we sought to investigate whether a history of early pregnancy can change dNK cells and facilitate their role in the regulation of angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion. Materials and Methods. dNK cells were obtained from primiparous women who had undergone IA(s) prior to this study and primiparous women who had never been pregnant before this IA (control). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IP-10, VEGF, and PLGF in dNK cells. The levels of these cytokines were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HUVEC and HTR-8/SVneo cells were used to evaluate the angiogenesis, migration, and invasion activities influenced by dNK cells. Results. In dNK cells, the mRNA level of IFN-γ was higher in the control group than that in the IA group. The secretion of IP-10 and VEGF was higher in the IA group compared to the control group. After coculturing with the dNK supernatant, the HTR-8/SVneo cells exhibited better invasiveness and migration in the IA group than those in the control group. Angiogenesis assay demonstrated that dNK cells from IA group might help HUVEC attain better tube formation ability. Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that a history of early pregnancy has an impact on dNK cells. These trained dNK cells can regulate angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion and migration by promoting the production of certain cytokines.

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Aligned Expression of IFI16 and STING Genes in RRMS Patients’ Blood

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530319666190729112246 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (6) ◽

pp. 878-886

Author(s):

Sobhan Helbi ◽

Behnam Ravanbakhsh ◽

Mohammad Karimi ◽

Wesam Kooti ◽

Nahid Jivad

Keyword(s):

Mrna Level ◽

Critical Role ◽

Control Group ◽

Case Group ◽

Common Disease ◽

Type I ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Dna Sensing ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Significant Difference

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The most common disease phenotype is Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). Beta interferons are the first line of RRMS patients’ treatment. Interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) as a DNA sensing molecule and its downstream complex stimulator of interferon genes (STING) play a critical role in the activation of type I interferons. Hence we aimed to evaluate the expression rate of IFI16 and STING in RRMS patients’ blood under a different type of IFNβ treatment. Methods: In the present study, 99 individuals participated. The participants were divided into 4 groups: 28 control subjects, 25 new cases of RRMS patients, 25 RRMS patients treated with IFNβ-1a (B1a), 21 RRMS patients treated with IFNβ-1b (B1b). The EDTA-treated blood samples were taken and transferred at standard conditions to the Cellular and Molecular Research Center of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, RNA was extracted and converted into cDNA. To evaluate the expression of IFI16 and STING, the Real-Time PCR method using SYBR Green/ROX qPCR master mix was performed done. The level of genes expression was measured using 2–ΔΔCt method. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS v22 software. Results: Comparison of the IFI and STING mRNA expression in blood samples in association with gender and age showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Also, the evaluation of IFI16 mRNA level revealed that the IFI16 genes’ expressions were remarkably higher in the new case group compared to the control group, however, STING expression did not show any significant difference. The mRNA levels of IFI16 and STING in IFNβ-treated groups were significantly lower than the new case group (p<0.001). Also, the genes’ expressions in both the IFNβ-treated groups were significantly lower compared to the control group (p<0.001). In the assessment of the correlation of IFI16 and STING expressions with age and sex in different research groups, no statistically significant differences were seen (p>0.05). Conclusion: Perhaps the IFNβ therapy decreases the IFI16 and STING expression in a STINGdependent pathway as a negative feedback mechanism for regulation of the immune system and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines production. The important role of DNA sensing molecules and STING-dependent pathway in MS gives a new insight into future treatment based on STING-direct therapies.

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mRNA Expression of CYP2E1, CYP2A19, CYP1A2, HSD3B, SULT1A1 and SULT2A1 genes in surgically castrated, immunologically castrated, entire male and female pigs and correlation with androstenone, skatole, indole and Improvac-specific antibody levels

Czech Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.17221/159/2018-cjas ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 64 (No. 2) ◽

pp. 89-97

Author(s):

A. Kubešová ◽

K. Šťastný ◽

M. Faldyna ◽

Z. Sládek ◽

I. Steinhauserová ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Mrna Expression ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Boar Taint ◽

Control Group ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Large White ◽

Specific Antibodies ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Entire Male

This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive look at the influence of castration on mRNA expression of the genes CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP2A19, HSD3B, SULT2A1 and SULT1A1 and their correlation with boar taint compounds (androstenone, skatole and indole) and Improvac-specific antibodies in a Czech commercial hybrid (Large White × Landrace (sow) × Duroc (boar)). Pigs were divided into groups of entire male pigs (NC), pigs castrated surgically (SC), pigs immunologically castrated and slaughtered 8 weeks (IM8) or 15 weeks (IM15) after the second dose of Improvac, and gilts (GI). Hepatic mRNA expression, measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, differed significantly between the control group (entire male pigs) and all groups of interest for CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP2A19. The mRNA level of the HSD3B gene differed significantly between the control group and the IM8, IM15 and GI groups. SULT1A1 gene expression was significantly different between the control group and the SC, IM8 and GI. In the case of SULT2A1, a significant difference was observed only between the control group and IM8 pigs. For all genes and treatment groups described above, expression was increased relative to the control. Significant differences for Improvac-specific antibodies between IM8 and IM15 groups were observed, indicating decrease of antibodies over time. Moreover, negative correlations between androstenone and mRNA levels of CYP2A19, CYP2E1 and SULT1A1 suggest that gene expression is suppressed.

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Evaluation of Plasma MMP-9 and VEGF-A mRNAs as Non-invasive Diagnostic Biomarkers in Women with Endometriosis

Gene Cell and Tissue ◽

10.5812/gct.118656 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol In Press (In Press) ◽

Author(s):

Sepideh Abdollahi ◽

Pantea Izadi ◽

Shahla Noori Ardebili ◽

Samaneh Chegeni ◽

Mir Saead Yekaninejad

Keyword(s):

Plasma Level ◽

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Diagnostic Biomarker ◽

Diagnostic Biomarkers ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Endometriosis is one of the common gynecological diseases and can lead to pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility in women. Thus, accurate and early diagnosis is a pivotal issue and an essential need for managing this disorder. At the present, the gold standard diagnostic method for endometriosis is laparoscopic surgery that is an invasive method and can lead to delay in diagnosis. Thus, there is an immediate necessity to search for non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, such as blood-based ones. Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) have essential roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the plasma mRNA levels of MMP-9 and VEGF-A, as potential non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis. Methods: This study included 48 women (24 cases and 24 controls) who underwent laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis. Preoperative plasma samples were collected, and after RNA extraction, the levels of MMP-9 and VEGF-A mRNAs were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: Plasma MMP-9 mRNA level was statistically higher in endometriosis patients compared with the control group (P value = 0.01). However, plasma VEGF-A mRNA level did not show a significant difference between the two groups (P value =0.5). Conclusions: It seems that the plasma level of MMP-9 mRNA in endometriosis patients is significantly higher than in non-endometriosis women. This finding can provide new insights regarding this mRNA’s applicability as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for discovering new cases of endometriosis (newly diagnosed). According to our results, despite the suggested role of VEGF-A in endometriosis pathogenesis, it seems that the plasma level of VEGF-A mRNA does not have the potential to be used as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker.

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Cisplatin Nano-Liposomes Promoting Apoptosis of Retinoblastoma Cells Both In Vivo and In Vitro

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Letters ◽

10.1166/nnl.2020.3127 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 536-542

Author(s):

Lijuan Zhao ◽

Fei Wang ◽

Wei Fan

Keyword(s):

Protein Expression ◽

Nude Mice ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Control Group ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Bax Protein ◽

Experimental Group

This study was established to investigate the effects of cisplatin nano-liposomes on the apoptosis of the human retinoblastoma (RB) cell line Y79 in vitro and in vivo. Y79 cells were cultured and then exposed to Annexin V/PI to test their apoptosis, tested with the Caspase-3 activity detection kit to examine the change in activity of Caspase-3, and subjected to western blotting to test Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression. Y79-cell-transplanted tumor model in nude mice was also established and divided into three groups, with five nude mice in each. Cisplatin nano-liposomes were applied to the experimental group, cisplatin was injected into the control group, while saline was administered to the blank group, after which the nude mice were killed and the tumor was removed. Tumor volumes and weights in the three groups were compared. Nucleic acid extraction from magnetic beads was adopted to extract DNA, RT-PCR was employed to test Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA levels in tumor tissues, and in situ cell death assay kit was applied to test apoptotic cells. In comparison to the cisplatin solution and DMSO groups, the cisplatin liposome group showed higher Y79 apoptotic rate, Caspase-3 activity, and Bax protein expression, and lower Bcl-2 protein expression (all P < 0 05). In comparison with the control and blank groups, the experimental group showed lower tumor volume, weight, and Bcl-2 mRNA level of nude mice. In addition, in comparison with the control group, the experimental group showed higher cellular apoptotic rate and Bax mRNA level. In terms of the clinical effects of cisplatin nano-liposomes on a tumor transplant in nude mice with cervical cancer, they were shown to promote tumor apoptosis.

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Comparative Study to Evaluate the Surface Detail Reproduction of Dental Stone after Immersion in Various Different Disinfectant Solutions, Under Stereomicroscope 10 X Magnification –An In-Vitro Study

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.25258/ijpcr.v9i3.8316 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Rathika Rai ◽

M. A. Easwaran ◽

K. T. Dhivya

Keyword(s):

Sodium Hypochlorite ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Immersion Method ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Surface Irregularities ◽

Disinfectant Solution ◽

Surface Detail ◽

Group B

Aim: To evaluate the surface detail reproduction of dental stone this is immersed in different disinfectant solution and studied under stereomicroscope. Methodology: Total number of 30 specimens of dental stone (Type III) were made with measurements of 1.5cm diameter and 1cm height .This samples are divided in to 3 groups group A,B,C. were A is immersed in Distilled water which was taken as control group ;B is immersed in 2% Glutaraldehyde and C is immersed in 5%sodium hypochlorite. Each specimen were immersed in the disinfectant solution for 15 minutes and dried under room temperature for 24 hrs. After 24 hrs each specimens are studied under stereomicroscope for surface details. Result: The results showed no significant difference in the surface irregularities and porosities for a group 1 and group 2 except group 3 which showed significant increase in the porosities, surface irregularities and erosions after disinfection with 5% NaHOCl by immersion method. Conclusion: The surface detail reproduction capacity of die stone was adversely affected when 5% Sodium hypochlorite was used as disinfectant solution when compare d to control group and 2% Glutaraldehyde

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YAP1 Overexpression Is Associated with Kidney Dysfunction in Lupus Nephritis

Pathobiology ◽

10.1159/000517575 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Ying Xie ◽

Yuanyuan Ruan ◽

Huimei Zou ◽

Yixin Wang ◽

Xin Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lupus Nephritis ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Kidney Tissue ◽

Mouse Kidney ◽

Experimental Comparison ◽

Control Group ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Protein Levels

Objective: The goal of the present study was to determine the expression of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in renal tissues of mice with lupus nephritis (LN) and elucidate its role in the progression of renal fibrosis. Methods: C57BL/6 mice and MRL/lpr mice were selected for experimental comparison. Mouse kidney tissues were removed and sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson’s trichome staining, Sirius staining, and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein levels of YAP1 in mouse kidney tissues were detected, and the correlation between YAP1 and fibronectin (FN) mRNA levels was analyzed. Mouse renal epithelial cells were used for in vitro experiments. After transfection and stimulation, the cells were divided into 4 groups, namely the C57BL/6 serum group (group 1), the MRL/lpr serum group (group 2), the MRL/lpr serum + siRNA-negative control group (group 3), and the MRL/lpr serum + siRNA-YAP1 group (group 4). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in each group were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary protein levels were detected and assessed for their correlation with YAP1 mRNA levels by Spearman’s analysis. Results: Compared to C57BL/6 mice, MRL/lpr mice exhibited obvious changes in fibrosis in renal tissues. In addition, YAP1 expression was significantly higher in the renal tissues of MRL/lpr mice than in those of C57BL/6 mice, and YAP1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with those of FN. YAP1 silencing in lupus serum-stimulated cells could effectively relieve serum-induced EMT. Finally, we observed that YAP1 mRNA levels in mouse kidney tissue were significantly and positively correlated with the degree of renal function injury. Conclusion: YAP1 expression in the kidney tissues of LN mice was higher than that observed in normal mice, indicating that YAP1 may play an important role in the occurrence and development of LN.

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Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored with Resin Fiber Post and Stainless Steel Post: An In Vitro Study

Dental Journal of Advance Studies ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1672019 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 03 (02) ◽

pp. 080-084

Author(s):

Vijay Singh ◽

Poonam Bogra ◽

Saurabh Gupta ◽

Navneet Kukreja ◽

Neha Gupta

Keyword(s):

Stainless Steel ◽

Fracture Resistance ◽

Testing Machine ◽

Compressive Force ◽

Control Group ◽

Fiber Post ◽

Endodontically Treated Teeth ◽

Group I ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractFracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with post. Aims: This study aims to compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with resin fiber and stainless steel post. Commercially available prefabricated resin fiber post(Dentsply Maillefer Easy Post), prefabricated stainless steel post(Coltene/Whaledent Parapost) were used. Methods and Material: Forty five maxillary central incisors were obturated and divided into 3 groups: Control Group (Group I) without any post (n = 15), Resin Fiber Post Group (Group II) (n = 15) and Stainless Steel Post Group (Group III) (n = 15). In all Groups except control group, post space was prepared; a post was cemented, and a core build-up was provided. All the specimens were subjected to compressive force under a universal testing machine until fracture. Statistical analysis used: The results were analyzed using the variable analysis test (ANOVA). Results: One-way analysis of variance revealed significant difference among test groups. The control group demonstrated highest fracture resistance (925.2183 N), followed by the resin fiber post group (486.7265 N) and stainless steel post group (423.539N). Conclusions: Teeth restored with resin fiber post showed higher fracture resistance values than prefabricated stainless steel post.

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Should fertile women quit drinking alcohol to produce better quality oocytes?

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199420000696 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Burcu Ozbakir ◽

Pinar Tulay

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Young Women ◽

Antral Follicle ◽

Antral Follicle Count ◽

Control Group ◽

Social Drinkers ◽

Antral Follicles ◽

Healthy Women ◽

Significant Difference

Summary Alcohol consumption has long been shown to affect both fetal health and pregnancy. In this study, antral follicle count, maturation level of oocytes including morphological assessment and number of metaphase I (MI), metaphase II (MII) and germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes obtained from young women (age < 30 years old) with or without alcohol consumption were investigated. In total, 20 healthy women who were social drinkers and 36 healthy women who do not consume alcohol were involved in this study. Women in both study and control groups were undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. The antral follicle count and the number and quality of the oocytes retrieved were evaluated and recorded. In total, 635 antral follicles, 1098 follicles and 1014 oocytes with 820 MII, 72 MI and 78 GV stage oocytes were collected from the social drinkers. In the control group, 628 antral follicles, 1136 follicles and 1085 oocytes with 838 MII, 93 MI and 102 GV stage oocytes were evaluated. The results of this study showed that the antral follicle count was very similar in both groups. The number of oocytes and MII stage oocytes was slightly higher in the control group, although it was not a significant difference. This study showed that although the consumption of alcohol may have adverse effects post-implantation, it may not have a solid effect during oogenesis in young women. The results of this study are especially important in clinical settings as some women who are social drinkers undergo in vitro fertilization treatments.

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Role of ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling module in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Lipids in Health and Disease ◽

10.1186/s12944-021-01446-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jianjun Jiang ◽

Yining Shi ◽

Jiyu Cao ◽

Youjin Lu ◽

Gengyun Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathway ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Scavenger Receptor ◽

Nuclear Factor Κb ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Irreversible Inhibitor ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation

Abstract Background This study aimed to explore the effects of ceramide (Cer) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and their underlying mechanisms. Methods Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in J774A.1 cells and THP-1 macrophages was used as an in vitro model of inflammation. Western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ASM assay kit and immunofluorescence were used to detect ASM activity and Cer content. Results Imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited LPS/ATP-induced activity of ASM and the consequent accumulation of Cer. Additionally, imipramine suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 at the protein and mRNA level. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced activation of TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activation and Cer formation. TXNIP siRNA and verapamil inhibited C2-Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, the pretreatment of cells with sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), an irreversible inhibitor of the scavenger receptor CD36, blocked Cer-induced upregulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, TXNIP expression, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Inhibition of NF-κB activation by SN50 prevented Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect CD36 expression. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway is involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The results documented that the CD36-dependent NF-κB-TXNIP signaling pathway plays an essential role in the Cer-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages.

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