异氟烷预处理对电磁脉冲辐射所致脑损伤的保护作用研究

目的:探讨异氟烷预处理对电磁脉冲辐射所致脑损伤的保护作用。方法:选取成年雄性SD大鼠48只,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为4组(n=12),分别为:假辐照组(CON组)、电磁辐照组(EMP组)、异氟烷预处理组(IP组)和异氟烷预处理+电磁辐照组(IP+EMP组)。EMP组场强为400 KV/m,脉冲为200次,连续辐照3天;IP组吸入2.0%异氟醚2h;IP+EMP组吸入2.0%异氟醚2 h,24 h后制备EMP损伤模型。于辐照后24 h处死大鼠,每组随机抽取3只大鼠,取脑组织,采用ELISA法检测大鼠海马IL-6和TNF-α的表达变化;尼氏染色法观察大鼠海马区神经元的凋亡;采用Western blot法检测大鼠海马区BDNF蛋白的表达情况;采用免疫荧光法检测大鼠海马区BDNF细胞水平的表达。结果:与CON组比较,EMP组、IP组、IP+EMP组的IL-6和TNF-α的表达增高,尼氏小体减少,BDNF蛋白及细胞水平的表达均下调(P0.05);与EMP组比较,IP组和IP+EMP组IL-6和TNF-α的表达降低,尼氏小体增多,BDNF蛋白及细胞水平的表达上调(P0.05)。结论:异氟烷预处理可减轻电磁脉冲辐射所致脑损伤,其机制可能与减轻大鼠炎症反应有关。     

大麻素Ⅰ型受体参与异氟醚预处理诱导的大鼠脑缺血耐受

目的:探讨大麻素Ⅰ型受体(CB1受体)是否参与异氟醚预处理诱导的大鼠脑缺血耐受.方法:48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为6组(n=8):假手术组SHAM:仅暴露颈总动脉,不结扎血管;对照组MCAO:阻塞大鼠大脑中动脉2h;异氟醚预处理组ISO:大鼠吸入异氟醚(1.5％)1 h/d,连续5d;溶剂+异氟醚预处理组(Vehicle+ISO)和CB1受体拮抗剂+异氟醚预处理组(AM251 +ISO):每日在吸入异氟醚前30 min分别给予溶剂(二甲基亚砜:Tween-80:生理盐水=1∶1∶18)3 mL/kg (ip)和AM251(i.p),连续5d;CB1受体拮抗剂组(AM251):每日腹腔注射(i.p.)AM251)1 mg/kg,连续5d.除SHAM组外其余各组均在最后一次预处理24h后行颈内动脉线栓法致大脑中动脉栓塞(2 h)模型,观察再灌注后24 h神经行为学评分,然后取大脑行2,3,5-氯化三苯四唑(TTC)染色以计算脑梗死容积百分比.结果:SHAM组神经行为学正常且未见梗死灶;ISO组和Vehicle+ISO组脑梗死体积百分比分别(29.3±4.2％)和(31.5±3.4)％,明显小于MCAO组、AM251组和AM251 +ISO组(P＜0.05);神经行为学评分ISO组(12.1±0.6)和Vehicle+ISO组(11.1±0.8)明显高于MCAO组(7.4±1.2)、AM251组(7.6±1.1)和AM251 +ISO组(8.6±1.2)(P＜0.05);而AM251组、AM251 +ISO组与MCAO组之间神经行为学评分和脑梗死体积百分比均无统计学意义.结论:CB1受体可能参与了异氟醚预处理诱导的大鼠脑缺血耐受.     

The COX-2/PGI2 Receptor Axis Plays an Obligatory Role in Mediating the Cardioprotection Conferred by the Late Phase of Ischemic Preconditioning

Background

Pharmacologic studies with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors suggest that the late phase of ischemic preconditioning (PC) is mediated by COX-2. However, nonspecific effects of COX-2 inhibitors cannot be ruled out, and the selectivity of these inhibitors for COX-2 vs. COX-1 is only relative. Furthermore, the specific prostaglandin (PG) receptors responsible for the salubrious actions of COX-2-derived prostanoids remain unclear.

Objective

To determine the role of COX-2 and prostacyclin receptor (IP) in late PC by gene deletion.

Methods

COX-2 knockout (KO) mice (COX-2^−/−), prostacyclin receptor KO (IP^−/−) mice, and respective wildtype (WT, COX-2^+/+ and IP^+/+) mice underwent sham surgery or PC with six 4-min coronary occlusion (O)/4-min R cycles 24 h before a 30-min O/24 h R.

Results

There were no significant differences in infarct size (IS) between non-preconditioned (non-PC) COX-2^+/+, COX-2^−/−, IP^+/+, and IP^−/− mice, indicating that neither COX-2 nor IP modulates IS in the absence of PC. When COX-2^−/− or IP^−/− mice were preconditioned, IS was not reduced, indicating that the protection of late PC was completely abrogated by deletion of either the COX-2 or the IP gene. Administration of the IP selective antagonist, RO3244794 to C57BL6/J (B6) mice 30 min prior to the 30-min O had no effect on IS. When B6 mice were preconditioned 24 h prior to the 30-min O, IS was markedly reduced; however, the protection of late PC was completely abrogated by pretreatment of RO3244794.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that targeted disruption of the COX-2 gene completely abrogates the infarct-sparing effect of late PC, and that the IP, downstream of the COX-2/prostanoid pathway, is a key mediator of the late PC. These results provide unequivocal molecular genetic evidence for an essential role of the COX-2/PGI2 receptor axis in the cardioprotection afforded by the late PC.     

Homer-1a蛋白在异氟烷预处理脑保护中的作用

目的：探讨Homer-1a蛋白在异氟烷（Iso）预处理脑保护中的作用。方法：60只雄性SD大鼠（250~270g）,随机分为三组：Sham组（n=20）,仅分离血管不留置线栓;IR组（n=20）采用线栓法栓塞大脑中动脉致局灶性脑缺血模型,2h再灌注;IP组（n=20）,接受1h的异氟烷预处理（2％异氟烷,98％氧）,预处理后24h制作Mcao模型,分别于24h、48h、72h、7天后观察动物神经行为学改变。用Westernblot于24h、48h、72h、7天后对Homer-1a蛋白表达量进行分析。结果：24h时,IR组Homer-1a蛋白表达量低于Sham组（P〈0．05）．IP组Homer—1a蛋白表达量明显高于Sham组（P〈0．01）,IP组Homer-1a蛋白表达量高于IR组（P〈0．05）;48h时,IP组Homer．1a蛋白表达量高于Sham组（P〈0．05）,IR组Home〉1a蛋白表达量低于Sham组,IP组Home-1a蛋白表达量与IR组没有统计学意义;72h时,Sham组与IR组、IP组之间均无统计学意义;7天时,Sham组与IR组、IP组之间均无统计学意义。结论：在局灶性脑缺血中异氟烷预处理提高了Home-1a蛋白表达。     

Phosphorylation of Mutationally Introduced Tyrosine in the Activation Loop of HER2 Confers Gain-of-Function Activity

Amplification, overexpression, and somatic mutation of the HER2 gene have been reported to play a critical role in tumorigenesis of various cancers. The HER2 H878Y mutation was recently reported in 11% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, its functional impact on the HER2 protein and its role in tumorigenesis has not been determined. Here, we show that HER2 H878Y is a gain-of-function mutation. Y878 represents a phosphorylation site, and phospho-Y878 interacts with R898 residue to stabilize the active conformation of HER2, thereby enhancing its kinase activity. H878Y mutant is transforming and the transformed cells are sensitive to HER2 kinase inhibitors. Thus, our study reveals the following novel mechanism underlying the tumorigenic function of the HER2 H878Y mutation: the introduction of a tyrosine residue into the kinase activation loop via mutagenesis modulates the conformation of the kinase, thereby enhancing its activity.     

Penehyclidine Hydrochloride Preconditioning Provides Cardioprotection in a Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

To investigate the impacts and related mechanisms of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced myocardial injury. A rat model of myocardial I/R injury was established by the ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by 3 h perfusion. Before I/R, the rats were pretreated with or without PHC. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography. The activities/levels of myocardial enzymes, oxidants and antioxidant enzymes were detected. Evans blue/TTC double staining was performed to assess infarct size. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay. The release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators was detected by ELISA. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of COX-2, IκB, p-IκB and NF-κB. Meanwhile, the rats were given a single injection of H-PHC before I/R. The effects of PHC on myocardial infarct and cardiac function were investigated after 7 days post-reperfusion. We found that PHC remarkably improved cardiac function, alleviated myocardial injury by decreasing myocardial enzyme levels and attenuated oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PHC preconditioning significantly reduced infarct size and the apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes. Administration of PHC significantly decreased serum TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and PGE₂ levels and myocardium COX-2 level. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-IκB and NF-κB were downregulated, while IκB expression was upregulated. H-PHC also exerted long-term cardioprotection in a rat model of I/R injury by decreasing infarct size and improving cardiac function. These results suggest that PHC can efficiently protect the rats against I/R-induced myocardial injury.     

Activation of Hypoxia Response in Endothelial Cells Contributes to Ischemic Cardioprotection

Small-molecule inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl 4-hydroxylases (HIF-P4Hs) is being explored for the treatment of anemia. Previous studies have suggested that HIF-P4H-2 inhibition may also protect the heart from an ischemic insult. Hif-p4h-2^gt/gt mice, which have 76 to 93% knockdown of Hif-p4h-2 mRNA in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes and normoxic stabilization of Hif-α, were subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Hif-p4h-2 deficiency resulted in increased survival, better-preserved left ventricle (LV) systolic function, and a smaller infarct size. Surprisingly, a significantly larger area of the LV remained perfused during LAD ligation in Hif-p4h-2^gt/gt hearts than in wild-type hearts. However, no difference was observed in collateral vessels, while the size of capillaries, but not their number, was significantly greater in Hif-p4h-2^gt/gt hearts than in wild-type hearts. Hif-p4h-2^gt/gt mice showed increased cardiac expression of endothelial Hif target genes for Tie-2, apelin, APJ, and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) and increased serum NO concentrations. Remarkably, blockage of Tie-2 signaling was sufficient to normalize cardiac apelin and APJ expression and resulted in reversal of the enlarged-capillary phenotype and ischemic cardioprotection in Hif-p4h-2^gt/gt hearts. Activation of the hypoxia response by HIF-P4H-2 inhibition in endothelial cells appears to be a major determinant of ischemic cardioprotection and justifies the exploration of systemic small-molecule HIF-P4H-2 inhibitors for ischemic heart disease.     

ALDH2 protects against stroke by clearing 4-HNE

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that metabolizes ethanol and toxic aldehydes such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE). Using an unbiased proteomic search, we identified ALDH2 deficiency in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) as compared with spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We concluded the causative role of ALDH2 deficiency in neuronal injury as overexpression or activation of ALDH2 conferred neuroprotection by clearing 4-HNE in in vitro studies. Further, ALDH2-knockdown rats revealed the absence of neuroprotective effects of PKCε. Moderate ethanol administration that is known to exert protection against stroke was shown to enhance the detoxification of 4-HNE, and to protect against ischemic cerebral injury through the PKCε-ALDH2 pathway. In SHR-SP, serum 4-HNE level was persistently elevated and correlated inversely with the lifespan. The role of 4-HNE in stroke in humans was also suggested by persistent elevation of its plasma levels for at least 6 months after stroke. Lastly, we observed that 21 of 1 242 subjects followed for 8 years who developed stroke had higher initial plasma 4-HNE levels than those who did not develop stroke. These findings suggest that activation of the ALDH2 pathway may serve as a useful index in the identification of stroke-prone subjects, and the ALDH2 pathway may be a potential target of therapeutic intervention in stroke.     

Detoxification of promutagenic aldehydes derived from methylpyrenes by human aldehyde dehydrogenases ALDH2 and ALDH3A1

Methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be metabolically activated via benzylic hydroxylation and sulpho conjugation to reactive esters, which can induce mutations and tumours. Yet, further oxidation of the alcohol may compete with this toxification. We previously demonstrated that several human alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH1C, 2, 3 and 4) oxidise various benzylic alcohols (derived from alkylated pyrenes) to their aldehydes with high catalytic efficiency. However, all these ADHs also catalysed the reverse reaction, the reduction of the aldehydes to the alcohols, with comparable or higher efficiency. Thus, final detoxification requires elimination of the aldehydes by further biotransformation. We have expressed two human aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH2 and 3A1) in bacteria. All pyrene aldehydes studied (1-, 2- and 4-formylpyrene, 1-formyl-6-methylpyrene and 1-formyl-8-methylpyrene) were high-affinity substrates for ALDH2 (K_m = 0.027–0.9 μM) as well as ALDH3A1 (K_m = 0.78–11 μM). Catalytic efficiencies (k_cat/K_m) were higher for ALDH2 than ALDH3A1 by a moderate to a very large margin depending on the substrate. Most important, they were also substantially higher than the catalytic efficiencies of the various ADHs for the reduction the aldehydes to the alcohols. These kinetic properties ensure that ALDHs, and particularly ALDH2, can complete the ADH-mediated detoxification.     

Preconditioning via Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Activation Improves Therapeutic Efficacy of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells for Cardiac Repair

Background

The therapeutic efficiency of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) autologous transplantation for myocardial infarction (MI) remains low. Here we developed a novel strategy to improve cardiac repair by preconditioning BMMNCs via angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) stimulation.

Methods and Results

Acute MI in rats led to a significant increase of AT2R expression in BMMNCs. Preconditioning of BMMNCs via AT2R stimulation directly with an AT2R agonist CGP42112A or indirectly with angiotensin II plus AT1R antagonist valsartan led to ERK activation and increased eNOS expression as well as subsequent nitric oxide generation, ultimately improved cardiomyocyte protection in vitro as measured by co-culture approach. Intramyocardial transplantation of BMMNCs preconditioned via AT2R stimulation improved survival of transplanted cells in ischemic region of heart tissue and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation at 3 days after MI. At 4 weeks after transplantation, compared to DMEM and non-preconditioned BMMNCs group, AT2R stimulated BMMNCs group showed enhanced vessel density in peri-infarct region and attenuated infarct size, leading to global heart function improvement.

Conclusions

Preconditioning of BMMNCs via AT2R stimulation exerts protective effect against MI. Stimulation of AT2R in BMMNCs may provide a new strategy to improving therapeutic efficiency of stem cells for post MI cardiac repair.     

原核表达的人乙醛脱氢酶2(ALDH2)的活性及稳定性研究

对由原核载体表达的人乙醛脱氢酶2(Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2,简称ALDH2)纯化工艺、酶活性改善、稳定性以及保存条件分别进行了参数的优化,以期为ALDH2商品化剂型开发提供理论依据。通过NAD(P)+酶活测定法,检测不同纯化工艺、金属离子以及不同保存条件对ALDH2的酶活性的影响。通过SDS-PAGE检测ALDH2在模拟胃液和胰液中的稳定性。结果显示,低离子磷酸盐缓冲液透析有利于ALDH2酶活性的恢复,且真空冷冻干燥处理可导致ALDH2酶活性下降。K+、Zn2+、Mg2+、Mn2+、Ca2+均能提高ALDH2酶活性。ALDH2在模拟胃液中稳定性良好,但在模拟胰液中迅速被降解。与此同时,ALDH2酶液在-20℃下能良好地保持其稳定性及酶活,但在4℃和30℃下保存一个月酶活急剧下降。以上结果表明,低离子磷酸盐缓冲液透析法、K+均能提高ALDH2的酶活性,同时该酶可耐受模拟胃液的降解作用,且添加山梨酸钾的ALDH2于-20℃可良好地保持其稳定性及酶活。     

Cytosolic HMGB1 Mediates Autophagy Activation in an Emulsified Isoflurane Anesthesia Cell Model

Neurochemical Research - Inhalation anesthetic isoflurane may cause an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Previous studies have indicated that this cognitive decline is associated with...     

Cardioprotection induced by cardiac-specific overexpression of fibroblast growth factor-2 is mediated by the MAPK cascade

Our laboratory showed previously that cardiac-specific overexpression of FGF-2 [FGF-2 transgenic (Tg)] results in increased recovery of contractile function and decreased infarct size after ischemia-reperfusion injury. MAPK signaling is downstream of FGF-2 and has been implicated in other models of cardioprotection. Treatment of FGF-2 Tg and wild-type hearts with U-0126, a MEK-ERK pathway inhibitor, significantly reduced recovery of contractile function after global low-flow ischemia-reperfusion injury in FGF-2 Tg (86 +/- 2% vehicle vs. 66 +/- 4% U-0126; P < 0.05) but not wild-type (61 +/- 7% vehicle vs. 67 +/- 7% U-0126) hearts. Similarly, MEK-ERK inhibition significantly increased myocardial infarct size in FGF-2 Tg (12 +/- 3% vehicle vs. 31 +/- 2% U-0126; P < 0.05) but not wild-type (30 +/- 4% vehicle vs. 36 +/- 7% U-0126) hearts. In contrast, treatment of FGF-2 Tg and wild-type hearts with SB-203580, a p38 inhibitor, did not abrogate FGF-2-induced cardioprotection from postischemic contractile dysfunction. Instead, inhibition of p38 resulted in decreased infarct size in wild-type hearts (30 +/- 4% vehicle vs. 11 +/- 2% SB-203580; P < 0.05) but did not alter infarct size in FGF-2 Tg hearts (12 +/- 3% vehicle vs. 14 +/- 1% SB-203580). Western blot analysis of ERK and p38 activation revealed signaling alterations in FGF-2 Tg and wild-type hearts during early ischemia or reperfusion injury. In addition, MEK-independent ERK inhibition by p38 was observed during early ischemic injury. Together these data suggest that activation of ERK and inhibition of p38 by FGF-2 is cardioprotective during ischemia-reperfusion injury.     

一氧化氮对心肌的抑制性保护作用

内皮型与神经型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS,nNOS)在心肌细胞内持续表达,而细胞应激可引起诱导型NOS(iNOS)表达.心肌细胞结构型eNOS与nNOS源性NO,在生理条件下对心肌主要发挥4方面的抑制作用:减缓心肌细胞搏动频率,轻度抑制心肌细胞收缩功能,加速心肌细胞舒张并增加顺应性,以及轻度抑制线粒体电子传递而增强氧利用效...     

Activation of Dopamine Signals in the Olfactory Tubercle Facilitates Emergence from Isoflurane Anesthesia in Mice

Neurochemical Research - Activation of dopamine (DA) neurons is essential for the transition from sleep to wakefulness and maintenance of awakening, and sufficient to accelerate the emergence from...     

Activation of extracellular transglutaminase 2 by thioredoxin

The mechanism of activation of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in the extracellular matrix remains a fundamental mystery in our understanding of the biology of this multifunctional mammalian enzyme. Earlier investigations have highlighted the role of a disulfide bond formed by vicinal Cys residues in maintaining calcium-bound TG2 in an inactive state. Here, we have shown that the redox potential of this disulfide bond is approximately -190 mV, a high value for a disulfide bond in proteins. Consistent with this observation, TG2 activity in a freshly wounded fibroblast culture depends upon the redox potential of the environment. We sought to identify a physiological mechanism for the activation of oxidized TG2. With a k(cat)/K(m) of 1.6 μm(-1) min(-1), human thioredoxin (Trx) was a highly specific activator of oxidized human TG2. Trx-mediated activation of TG2 was blocked by PX-12, a small molecule Trx inhibitor that is undergoing clinical trials as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent. In a mixed culture containing fibroblasts and monocytic cells, interferon-γ stimulated Trx release from monocytes, which in turn activated TG2 around the fibroblasts. Recombinant human Trx could also activate extracellular TG2 in cryosections of human and mouse small intestinal biopsies. In addition to explaining how TG2 can be activated by dietary gluten in the small intestinal mucosa of celiac sprue patients, our findings reveal a new strategy for inhibiting the undesirable consequences of TG2 activity in this widespread, lifelong disease.     

ALDH2 polymorphism for the risk of cervical carcinogenesis

To investigate the clinical significance of ALDH2 genetic polymorphisms in cervical carcinogenesis. ALDH2 polymorphisms together with human papillomavirus (HPV) types were examined in a total of 195 cervical smear in exfoliated cervical cell samples using Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) System. The frequency for the AG+AA genotype was seven in the normal group (70.0 %), 16 in the LSIL group (57.1 %), and 27 in the HSIL group (90.0 %). A significant difference was found between the LSIL and HSIL groups (P = 0.0064). Patients with HSIL lesions frequently had high-risk HPV infections and concurrently belonged to the AG+AA group. ALDH2 genotype in cervical cell samples may be associated with more severe precancerous lesions of the cervix in a Japanese population.