scholarly journals Reduced Expression of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Type-1α in Human Preeclamptic and Growth-Restricted Placentas

2003 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 363-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Karteris ◽  
A. Goumenou ◽  
E. Koumantakis ◽  
E. W. Hillhouse ◽  
D. K. Grammatopoulos

Placentally derived CRH seems to play a major role in the mechanisms controlling human pregnancy and parturition, via activation of specific receptors widespread in reproductive tissues. In the human placenta, CRH seems to modulate vasodilation, prostaglandin production, and ACTH secretion. It has also been suggested that CRH might act as a placental clock, determining the length of gestation. In addition, maternal plasma CRH concentrations are further elevated in pregnancies associated with abnormal placental function, such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In this study, we sought to investigate the expression of CRH-R1α levels in placentas from women who have undergone normal deliveries (control group) and patients who have been diagnosed as having preeclampsia or IUGR. Results showed that placental CRH-R1α mRNA levels (as shown by quantitative RT-PCR) and protein levels (shown by Western blotting analysis) were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in all of the complicated pregnancies. In contrast, levels of the angiotensin II receptor were elevated in preeclampsia and reduced in IUGR subjects, as shown by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. These findings might suggest that changes in receptor expression may contribute toward dysregulation of the dynamic balance controlling vascular resistance.

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Cristiane Gennari Bianchi ◽  
Eduardo Rochete Ropelle ◽  
Carlos Kiyoshi Katashima ◽  
José Barreto Campello Carvalheira ◽  
Luiz Roberto Lopes ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: To study if the pre-radiotherapy physical activity has radio-protective elements, by measuring the radio-induced activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines as interleukin-6 (il-6), transforming growth factor -β (tgf -β), tumor necrosis factor -α (tnf-α) and protein beta kinase β (ikkβ), through western blotting analysis. METHODS: A randomized study with 28 Wistar hannover rats, males, with a mean age of 90 days and weighing about 200 grams. The animals were divided into three groups: (GI, GII and GIII). GIII group were submitted to swimming for eight weeks (zero load, three times a week, about 30 minutes). Then, the groups (except the control group) were submitted to irradiation by cobalt therapy, single dose of 3.5 gray in the whole body. All animals were sacrificed by overdose of pentobarbital, according to the time for analysis of cytokines, and then a fragment of the lower lobe of the right lung went to western blotting analysis. RESULTS: The cytokines IKK β, TNF-α and IL-6 induced by radiation in the lung were lower in the exercised animals. However, exercise did not alter the radiation-induced increase in tgf-β. CONCLUSION: The results show a lower response in relation to inflammatory cytokines in the group that practiced the exercise pre-radiotherapy, showing that exercise can protect tissues from tissue damage due to irradiation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Xie ◽  
Donghao Liu ◽  
Haoyi Wang ◽  
Haitao Long ◽  
Yong Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract The exact mechanism of Masquelet technique is unknown. This study intends to explore the effects of topical mechanical stability on the formation of Masquelet membrane. Segmental radius shaft defect was created in all rabbits, which were filled with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in Non-fixation group, and with PMMA fixed with plates in Fixation group, and subjected to no disposal in control group. The topical stability of PMMA and plates were monitored via X-ray and mechanical test. And the membranes were excised for further Histological, IHC and Western-Blotting analysis 4 and 6 weeks post-operatively. X-ray revealed no sign of plates loosening, or shift of PMMA. Mechanical tests revealed superior topical stability by plates. Pathological examinations suggested that vascularized and osteogenic membranes were formed around PMMA. IHC and Western-Blotting analysis revealed that both Fixation and Non-fixation group exerted significant effects on the expression of Ki67, COL I, and CD31 positive cells, as well as the protein expression of osteogenic (RUNX2, ALP) and angiogenic (VEGFA, TGF-β1) factors. And compared with membrane in Non-fixation group, Fixing PMMA spacer with plates caused a significant increase in osteogenic and angiogenic expression. This study indicates that rigid fixation provided by plate in Masquelet technique positively alters the quality of membrane formed surrounding PMMA, in terms of significantly osteogenic and angiogenic potential.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1918-1918
Author(s):  
Patricia M.B. Favaro ◽  
Samuel S. Medina ◽  
Fabiola Traina ◽  
Gislaine B. Oliveira ◽  
Irene L. Metze ◽  
...  

Abstract Recently, we have cloned a new human gene (GenBank Accession No. AY278319), belonging to the formin family. This new gene, called for us human leukocyte formin, presents the common domains found in formin-related proteins: FH1, FH2 and FH3 domains. Western Blotting analysis has demonstrated that the protein encoded by this gene is overexpressed in lymphoid malignancies and cancer cell lines. Based on this pattern of expression, our objective was to investigate the expression of human leukocyte formin protein, by Western blotting analysis, in mononuclear cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients, isolated on a Ficoll-Hypaque gradient. We studied 18 CLL patients with median age of 65 y.o. (range, 45 to 86) out of treatment for at least three months (Rai 0 n=8; Rai 1 n=6; Rai 2 n=1; Rai3 n=1; Rai 4 n=2). As normal control we used 6 blood donors. Our data showed an overexpression of the human leukocyte formin in the CLL group when compared with the control group (p= 0.0354), as well as a positive correlation of this protein and ZAP-70 in the CLL group (Spearman test, p= 0.0107). The expression of ZAP-70 has been associated with rapid progression and poor survival and can be used as a prognostic marker. Previously we had described that human leukocyte formin protein associates with Akt, a critical survival regulator in many different cell types. The association was observed in a protein extract of Jurkat cell line and in peripheral blood leukocytes from CLL patients. In an attempt to confirm the association between Akt and human leukocyte formin, we performed cotransfections in 293 cells using an expression vector pEGFP containing FH2 or FH3 domains, and an expression vector of pCMV-HA containing the full length of Akt. The results showed that both FH2 and FH3 domains are involved in the association with Akt. The correlation of human leukocyte formin and ZAP-70 expression, and the association of human leukocyte formin protein with Akt suggest that this new protein may be involved in the signaling pathway of leukemia cell survival and is possibly a new prognostic marker.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Ye ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Jiulu Fu ◽  
Yi Zou ◽  
Wei Zhao ◽  
...  

The purpose of this experiment is to establish a rat model of thin endometrium and to explore the effect of ligustrazine on the thin endometrium of rats. The thin endometrium model was made by using infusing absolute ethyl alcohol into the uterine cavity. The thickness of endometrium was measured. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of endometrium. The mRNA levels of VEGF, VEGFR-2, PI3K, and AKT were detected by RT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of VEGF, VEGFR-2, PI3K, and AKT in endometrial tissue. The thickness of endometrium in the model group was significantly thinner than that in the control group. Compared with the model group, the thickness of endometrium in ligustrazine group was increased. HE staining shown that ligustrazine restored the histopathological changes of endometrium. RT-PCR and Western Blotting results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF, VEGFR-2, PI3K, and AKT in the model group were significantly decreased compared with the control group, while ligustrazine restored the changes. Ligustrazine can improve the morphology of endometrium, can promote the growth of endometrium, and has obvious therapeutic effect. Its mechanism is related to the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through upregulation of VEGF and VEGFR-2 expression to induce the repair of thin endometrium in rats.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Yilan Huang ◽  
Bin Yu ◽  
Qinhui Liu ◽  
Xuping Yang ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
...  

Background: Previous work has indicated Hyaluronic acid-mediated motor receptor (HMMR) plays an important role in regulating tumor metastasis. However, few researchers address the clinical significance of HMMR and its underlying mechanisms for regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study focuses on the underlying effect of HMMR in the development and prognosis of HCC. Materials and Methods: In the present study, data of RNA and miRNA sequencing array were obtained from Oncomine dataset or The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, the distinctive genomic patterns associated with HMMR expression and its correlation with prognosis were analysed by using R package. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on genes expressed aberrantly. We also performed Reverse Transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and Western blotting analysis to evaluate the expression of HMMR in liver cancer cell lines or 12 HCC samples from The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University. Results: A total of 407 tumor tissue samples in TCGA dataset were evaluated, combined with analysis in Oncomine dataset, we found HMMR expression was increased in HCC compared to normal tissues. Higher expression of HMMR was correlated with poorer overall survival and disease-free survival outcomes. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that HMMR expression was an independent risk factor for overall survival (HMMR: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.154, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.080-1.233, p<0.001). Consistently, RT-PCR, IHC staining and Western blotting analysis further confirmed that HMMR expression was increased in HCC compared with patient-matched adjacent normal liver tissues. Notably, GSEA analysis revealed that differential gene expression in HMMR-high patients (compared with HMMRlow patients) were enriched in cell proliferation and p53 signaling pathway. Moreover, comprehensive analysis showed a strong correlation between HMMR upregulation and miRNA changes. Conclusion: The high expression of HMMR is a poor prognostic factor in HCC and might serve as a potential target of therapy in patients with HCC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Zhao Gao ◽  
Li Lu ◽  
Xinghua Chen

Objective. Acute kidney injury (AKI) usually occurs during sepsis. Inflammation factors, such as high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), are dramatically upregulated under septic conditions. In our current work, the functions of HMGB1 in AKI were explored. Methods. An AKI model was induced by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in C57 mice. Podocytes were challenged by LPS for different durations. Subsequently, podocytes transfected with HMGB1 siRNA were exposed to LPS for 24 h. The expressions of supernatant HMGB1 and cellular active caspase-3 were examined by Western blotting analysis. To explore the effect of HMGB1 on tubular epithelial cells (TECs), HK-2 cells were exposed to HMGB1 at various concentrations for 24 h. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HK-2 cells was evaluated by Western blotting analysis. Mitochondrial division and apoptosis of HK-2 cells were assessed by MitoTracker Red and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Results. Compared with the sham control group, the expression of HMGB1 was increased in the kidney of AKI mice. Moreover, the expression of supernatant HMGB1 was increased in LPS-challenged podocytes compared with the control group. Knockdown of HMGB1 attenuated LPS-induced podocyte injury. Besides, EMT in TECs was triggered by HMGB1. Mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of HK-2 cells exposed to HMGB1 were markedly elevated compared with the control group. Conclusions. Collectively, HMGB1 release in podocytes was induced by LPS, subsequently leading to exacerbated AKI.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-214
Author(s):  
Qing Han ◽  
Lianghui Zheng ◽  
Zhaodong Liu ◽  
Jinying Luo ◽  
Rongxin Chen ◽  
...  

Objectives To investigate the expression of β-catenin in chorionic villi, and to explore its roles in placenta accreta and placenta previa. Methods We compared β-catenin expression in the control group, placenta accreta group (lesion area and normal zones), and placenta previa group (placental central and placental edge zones) by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-PCR techniques. Results Compared with the normal group, the placenta accreta group had a longer length of stay, greater bleeding volume, and lower newborn birth weight. Further, the expression of β-catenin was lower in both placenta previa and placenta accreta groups than in the control group, as measured by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, expression of β-catenin was significantly lower in the placenta previa and placenta accreta groups by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Importantly, the level of placental β-catenin was significantly different when compared between the lesion and normal zones of placenta. Conclusion The expression of β-catenin in placenta accreta might play an important role in the regulation of placental cell invasion; low expression of β-catenin in placenta accreta might be responsible for excessive trophoblastic invasion.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
haiyan huang ◽  
Chaochao Zhang ◽  
Haijun Gao ◽  
Ziqiang Liu ◽  
Jiacheng Lai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Toosendanin (TSN) is a triterpenoid compound mainly used as an ascaris repellant. Recent studies have shown that it possesses antitumor effects in many types of tumor cells. However, the effects of TSN on glioma cells have rarely been reported. Methods: Different assays were performed to investigate the effects of TSN on the different glioma cell lines including U87MG and LN18. The assays included colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Furthermore, Hoechst 3342 staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting analysis were performed to investigate the apoptotic activities of TSN. Finally, the results were confirmed using a xenograft tumor model that comprised of nude mice. Results: In vitro, the CCK-8 and colony formation assays showed that TSN effectively inhibited glioma cell proliferation. Moreover, the inhibitory effects on glioma cell migration and invasion were demonstrated through the wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting assays demonstrated the significant effect of TSN in the apoptosis induction of glioma cells. Furthermore, the anti-glioma effect of TSN was exerted through the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways as demonstrated by western blotting analysis. In addition, the effects of TSN on glioma cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, migration, and invasion were reversed by 740Y-P, a PI3K activator. Finally, the mouse xenograft model confirmed the suppressive effect of TSN on tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: Our results suggest that TSN is a promising chemotherapeutic drug for patients with glioma.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 030006052094379
Author(s):  
Yanshan Li ◽  
Yunxiuxiu Xu ◽  
Ruomei Wang ◽  
Wenxin Li ◽  
Wenguang He ◽  
...  

Objective To investigate whether the Notch–Hif-1α signaling pathway is involved in liver regeneration. Methods Rats were divided into two groups and treated with daily intraperitoneal injections of saline (control) or the gamma-secretase inhibitor, Fli-06, for 2 days. Two-thirds of the rat livers were resected and rats were later euthanized at specific time points post-resection to analyze the remnant livers. Each group's liver/body weight ratio was calculated, and immunostaining and western blotting were used to determine the cell proliferation marker, PCNA and Ki-67 expression. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to compare the mRNA expression of Notch homolog-1 ( Notch1), hairy and enhancer of split-1 ( Hes1), and vascular endothelial growth factor ( Vegf), and the protein expression of NICD and HIF-1α, respectively. Results The liver/body weight ratios and number of Ki-67- and PCNA-positive cells were significantly lower in the experimental group than the control group, indicating lower levels of liver regeneration following the disruption of Notch signaling by Fli-06. The Hes1 and Vegf mRNA levels and NICD and HIF-1α protein expression levels were all down-regulated by Fli-06 treatment. Conclusion Notch–Hif-α signaling pathway activation plays an important role in liver regeneration, where it may contribute toward liver cell proliferation.


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