Objective To construct a new type of self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffolds—RGDmx, and to study the cell compatibility of the new scaffolds and the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of precartilaginous stem cells(PSCs) in scaffolds. Methods PSCs were separated and purified from newborn Sprague Dawley rats by magnetic activated cell sorting and indentified by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent staining. The RGDmx were constructed by mixing KLD-12 and KLD-12-PRG at volume ratio of 1 ∶ 1. PSCs at passage 3 were seeded into the KLD-12 scaffold (control group) and RGDmx scaffold (experimental group). The proliferation of PSCs in 2 groups were observed with the method of cell counting kit (CCK) -8 after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after culture. The RGDmx were constructed by mixing KLD-12-PRG and KLD-12 at different volume ratios of 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% and the prol iferation of PSCs was also observed. The complete chondrogenic medium (CCM) was used to induce chondrogenic differentiation of PSCs in different scaffolds. The differentiation of PSCs was observed by toluidine blue staining and RT-PCR assay. Results PSCs were separated and purified successfully, which were identified by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent staining methods. The results of CCK-8 showed that the absorbance (A) value in the experimental group increased gradually and reached the highest at 7 days; the A value in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 7 days and 14 days (P lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the A value in the RGDmx scaffold with a volume ratio of 40% was significantly higher than those in others (P lt; 0.05). After 14 days of induction culture with CCM, the toluidine blue staining results were positive in 2 groups; the results of RT-PCR showedthat the expression levels of collagen type II and the aggrecan in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold—RGDmx is an ideal scaffold for tissue engineer because it has good cell compatibility and more effective properties of promoting the differentiation of PSCs to chondrocytes.
ObjectiveTo compare the effect of ileal transposition (IT) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) on blood glucose and expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MethodsThirty male GK rats were randomized divided into three groups:IT group (n=10), RYGBP group (n=10), and Sham group (n=10). The mortality and complication were observed after surgery. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and GLP-1 were determined before operation, and 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months after operation in the GK rats of 3 groups. Results① Mortality and morbility. There was no death and complication occurred in IT group and Sham group, only 5 rats of RYGBP group suffered from complication, and 2 of them died. The mortality and morbility were higher in RYGBP group than those of IT group and Sham group (P < 0.05). ② FBG. Compared with before operation in the same group, the FBG levels of IT group and RYGBP group in 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months after operation were all lower (P < 0.05). In 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, FBG levels of IT group and RYGBP group were all lower than those of Sham group at the same time point (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between IT group and RYGBP group at the 6 time points (P > 0.05). ③ FINS and HbA1c. Compared with before operation in the same group, the FINS levels of IT group and RYGBP group in 3 months and 6 months after operation were higher than those of Sham group (P < 0.05), HbA1c levels of IT group and RYGBP group were both lower at the 2 time points (P < 0.05). In 3 months and 6 months after operation, FINS levels of IT group and RYGBP group were both higher, and HbA1c levels were both lower than corresponding indexes of Sham group at the same time point (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between IT group and RYGBP group at the 2 time points (P > 0.05). ④ GLP-1. Compared with before operation in the same group, the GLP-1 levels of IT group and RYGBP group in 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months after operation were all higher (P < 0.05). In 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, GLP-1 levels of IT group and RYGBP group were both higher than those of Sham group at the same time point (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between IT group and RYGBP group at the 6 time points (P > 0.05). ConclusionIT and RYGBP have a significant hypoglycemic effect on non-obese T2DM GK rats, but IT has lower mortality and morbility, which is more effective and safer, comparing with RYGBP.
Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease driven by multiple factors such as genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and neuroendocrine system disorders. In recent years, the prevalence of obesity in China has been increasing year by year, and a series of obesity-induced diseases are a serious threat to public health. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, as a representative of the new weight loss drugs, have shown a therapeutic effect close to that of weight-loss metabolic surgery in clinical trials by targeting central appetite and metabolism and other synergistic effects, but they still face key problems such as significant differences in individual efficacy, limited evidence of the safety of long-term treatment, and regaining body weight after discontinuation of the drug. The mechanism of action and clinical evidence of several obesity drugs approved and listed in China are summarized, and the progress and challenges of obesity drug therapy in China in combination with recent advances in the development of multi-target agents internationally are discussed, with a view to providing a scientific basis for the clinical drug management of obesity and providing ideas for the research and development of obesity drugs in China as well as for the clinical transformation.
Objective To investigate and analyze the relationships among glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level, chronic inflammation, and atherosclerosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods From October 2016 to February 2017, using cross-sectional investigation, the GLP-1 level, chronic inflammation, and atherosclerosis were investigated in 80 subjects (40 NAFLD patients in NAFLD group, and 40 non-fatty liver disease participants in control group) who underwent physical examination at Xi’an Road Community Hospital. Results Compared with those in the control group, GLP-1 fasting level in patients with NAFLD [(9.09±1.03) vs. (9.15±1.06) pmol/L, P=0.807] and postprandial plasma GLP-1 [(15.96±3.37) vs. (17.46±4.76) pmol/L, P=0.108] had no changes. The correlations of GLP-1 level with chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) were not significant either. The increased risk of carotid intima-media thickness related cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the NAFLD group was greater than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant [22 (55.0%)vs.13 (32.5%), P=0.043]. When the plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 level increased, the risk of NAFLD increased [odd ratio (OR)=1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.02, 1.32), P=0.023]. Plasma ceramide kinase (CERK) in the NAFLD group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant [(12.36±2.45) vs. (18.33±3.71) ng/mL, P<0.001]. When the plasma CERK level of the fasting plasma was elevated, the risk of NAFLD decreased [OR=0.30, 95%CI (0.12, 0.78), P=0.014]. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the NAFLD group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (2.46±2.53 vs. 1.11±0.66, P=0.002). The Matsuda index in the NAFLD group was less than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (5.88±4.09 vs. 10.46±7.90, P=0.002). When HOMA-IR increased, the risk of NAFLD increased [OR=2.75, 95%CI (2.49, 3.12), P=0.036]. Conclusions Plasma GLP-1 level is not a sensitive indicator of chronic inflammation and IR in patients with NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD are in an increased risk of atherosclerosis and CVD. It suggests that NAFLD might be involved in chronic inflammation and IR. Chronic inflammation can cause IR, and then chronic inflammation and IR can cause NAFLD and subclinical atherosclerosis. In return for this, NAFLD increases chronic inflammation and IR.
ObjectiveTo study the hydrophilicity and the cell biocompatibility of the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) coated with a fusion protein polyhydroxyalkanoates granule binding protein (PhaP) fused with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide (PhaP-RGD). MethodsPHBV and PHBHHx films were fabricated by solvent evaporation.Scanning electronic microscope (SEM) was used to study the morphology of the films.PhaP-RGD fusion proteins were expressed and purified by the technology of protein engineering; PHBV and PHBHHx films were immersed in the PhaP-RGD with an amount of 3.5 mg/mL protein/per sample respectively.The hydrophilicity of the surface were detected by the contact angle measurements.Septal cartilage cells obtained from human septal cartilage were cultured in vitro.The 2nd passage chondrocytes were incubated on PHBV unmodified with PhaP-RGD in group A1,PHBV modified with PhaP-RGD in group A2,PHBHHx unmodified with PhaP-RGD in group B1,PHBHHx modified with PhaP-RGD in group B2,and on the cell culture plates in group C.After cultured for 3 days,the proliferation of cells was detected by the DAPI staining; the proliferation viability of cells was detected by the MTT assay after cultured for 3 and 7 days; after cultured for 7 days,the adhesion and morphology of the cells on the surface of the biomaterial films were observed by SEM and the matrix of the cells was detected through the toluidine blue staining. ResultsSEM observation showed that PHBV and PHBHHx films had porous structures.The contact angle of the surface of the PHBV and PHBHHx films modified with PhaP-RGD fusion proteins were significantly reduced when compared with the films unmodified with PhaP-RGD fusion proteins (P<0.05).Chondrocytes of human nasal septal cartilage incubated on the films could grow in all groups.After 3 days of cultivation in vitro,the cell proliferation and viability of group B2 were the strongest among all groups (P<0.05); the cell proliferation after cultured for 7 days was significantly stronger than that after cultured for 3 days in groups A1,A2,B1,and B2 (P<0.05); and the cell proliferation was significantly stronger in groups B1 and B2 than groups A1,A2 and C,in group B2 than group B1,and in group A1 than group A2 (P<0.05).The results of toluidine blue staining showed that blue metachromasia matrixes were observed in groups A1,A2,B1,and B2; group A1 and group A2 had similar staining degree,and the staining of group B2 was deeper than that of group B1.The adhesion of cells in all groups was good through SEM observation; and the connection of cells formed and stretched into the pores of the materials. ConclusionThe biomaterial films of PHBHHx modified with PhaP-RGD fusion protein can promote its biocompatibility with chondrocytes.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most frequent complications of diabetes (T2DM), which is the main eye disease causing blindness in adults in recent years. At present, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have become the main drugs used in the treatment of diabetes due to its superior hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, hypertensive and cardiovascular effects. A large number of studies have shown that GLP-1RA drugs can protect retinal microvascular and optic nerves in the treatment of diabetes through various ways, but some studies have found that GLP-1RA drugs represented by semaglutide may lead to the progress of DR. Therefore, GLP-1RA should be used cautiously for patients who with severe non-proliferative DR or proliferative DR. Regardless of whether T2DM patients are complicated with DR, the fundus retinal condition should be monitored regularly after the use of GLP-1RA drugs, and timely countermeasures should be taken when DR occurs and develops. The benefits of GLP-1RA used by diabetes patients are obvious to all, and scientific and rational drug use can prevent the occurrence and progress of DR, which can better benefit DR Patients.
ObjectiveTo analyze the phasic changes of bone mass, bone turnover markers, and estrogen levels at different time points after glucocorticoid (GC) intervention in rat and their correlation. MethodsThirty-four female 3-month-old Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following 3 groups:baseline group (n=6), dexamethasone (DXM) group (n=14), and control group (n=14). Rats were injected with DXM at the dose of 0.75 mg/kg, twice a week for 12 weeks in DXM group, with salt solution lavage in control group, and no treatment was given in baseline group. The body mass, adrenal weight, and uterus weight were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone area (BA) of lumbar vertebral and femurs were detected by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Meanwhile, the serum levels of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), and estrogen levels were determined by ELISA before experiment in baseline group and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after experiment in control and DXM groups. At last, the correlation was analyzed among body weight, BMD, PINP, β-CTX, estrogen levels, and GC intervention duration of DXM group. ResultsThe body mass, adrenal weight, and uterus weight in DXM group were significantly lower than those in baseline group and control group at all the time points (P<0.05). The levels of PINP and β-CTX elevated slowly in DXM group, significant difference was found at 12 weeks (P<0.05), but no significant difference at the 4 and 8 weeks (P>0.05) when compared with those in baseline group and control group. The estrogen level in DXM group was significantly lower than that in baseline group and control group at all the time points (P<0.05). BMD, BMC, and BA of lumbar vertebral and femurs in DXM group were significantly lower than those in control group at all the time points after GC intervention (P<0.05). Loss of bone mass of L2 and femoral trochanteric region in DXM group was the lowest of all ranges of interest (ROIs). BMC and BA of lumbar vertebrae and BA of femoral shaft in DXM group at 4 weeks were significantly lower than those in baseline group (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in BMD, BMC, and BA of other lumbar vertebrae and femurs' ROIs between DXM group and baseline group at all the time points (P>0.05). After GC intervention, BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femurs had negative correlation with PINP and β-CTX (P<0.05) and positive correlation with estrogen level (P<0.05). ConclusionThe bone mass decreases rapidly at the early stage after GC intervention and then maintains a low level with time, the levels of bone turnover markers show a progressive increase, and the estrogen levels show a decrease trend. In addition, body weight, the levels of bone turnover markers and estrogen are associated with the change of bone mass.
Objective To investigate the role of plasma neuropeptide Y ( NPY) level in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome ( OSAHS) . Methods The patients underwent polysomnography ( PSG)monitoring in the sleep disorder center of Zhongda Hospital from January 2008 to December 2009 were analyzed. Plasma NPY levels were compared between different groups allocated according to apnea-hypopnea index ( AHI) and body mass index ( BMI) . Plasma NPY levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results The plasmaNPY levels in the severe and moderate OSAHS groups were significantly higher than the groups withoutOSAHS of the same weight degree ( P lt;0. 05) . The plasmaNPY levels in the severe OSAHS groups were significantly higher than the groups with mild and moderate OSAHS of the sameweight degree. In the severe OSAHS patients, the plasma NPY level of the obese group was significantly higher than the overweight group and the normal weight group( P lt;0. 05) . In the non-OSAHS and mild to moderate OSAHS patients, there was no significant difference among different groups of weight ( P gt;0. 05) .Plasma NPY level in the OSAHS patients was correlated positively with AHI ( r =0. 667, P lt;0. 05) and BMI( r =0. 265, P lt;0. 05) , but negatively with LSaO2 ( r = - 0. 523, P lt; 0. 05) and MSaO2 ( r = - 0. 422, P lt;0. 05) . Conclusion Plasma NPY level is correlated with OSAHS, and increases with the severity of OSAHS. Plasma NPY level has no correlation with obesity.
Objective To investigate the correlation between plasma aminoterminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods NSTEMI patients presenting to the Emergency Department and Department of Cardiology from January 2013 to March 2017 were divided into four groups: thrombosis without stenosis, single vessel disease, double vessel diseases, and three vessel diseases. The general situation of the patients, the plasma NT-proBNP, troponin T, echocardiogram and coronary angiography results were analyzed. Results A total of 88 patients were included including 6 in thrombosis without stenosis group, 20 in single vessel disease group, 31 in double vessel diseases group, and 31 in three vessel diseases group. The NT-proBNP level, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, and coronary Gensini score in three vessel diseases group differed much from those in the other groups (P<0.05). The correlation of NT-proBNP with coronary Gensini score in all the patients was positve (t=0.663, P<0.05). Conclusion The level of plasma NT-proBNP in patients with NSTEMI is related to the severity of coronary artery disease.
To observe the change of morphology and neuropeptide in the spinal neurons in order to clarify the functional state after injury of peripheral nerves is especially in the late stage. Sciatic nerves were cut with their proximal segments in the preparation of a model of peripheral nerve injury. Combination of horseradish peroxidase retrograde tracing immunohistochemistry and computer image analysis the changes in the morphometry of the perikarya of ventral horn neurons of the spinal cord, the quantitative changes of substance P (SP). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in dorsal horn and CGRP and choline acetyransferase (CHAT) in ventral horn of the spinal cord were examed. The results showd: (1) At the 3rd week after injury, swollen perikarya of the ventral horn neurons were observed, subseauently the swelling of perikarya was decreased tile the 6th week the neurons recovered to their normal size. At the 12th week the neurons were generally stable in their size, shortening of the dendrites was seen in 27% of the neurons. (2) The dendrites of the neurons progressively contracted till at the 12th week 53% of them were degenerated. The results of the 24th week were similar to the that at the 12th week. (3) CGRP in the ventral horn of the spinal cord was elevated to the highest point after 1 week of injury, that lasting for 4 weeks and 8 weeks later, the lever of CGRP returned to normal. From 20th to 24th week, there was no obvious changes of CHAT in the ventral horn of the spinal cord during observation. (4) SP went to the lowest point in the dorsal horn during 2-6 weeks, then recovered slowly, and beiny normal again after 16 weeks, however, CGRP was changed slightly. The results indicated that although a series of degenerating changes occurred in the neurons of the spinal cord during the late peripheral nerve injury, but the functional activity of the central meurons still was maintained at a certain level.