Objective To construct small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid targeting rat opticin gene.Methods Four pairs of opticin oligonucleotides were synthesized and inserted into the plasmid vector, resulting into four plasmids: shRNA-1, shRNA-2, shRNA-3 and shRNA-4. Then the four constructed shRNA expression vectors and empty vector were transfected into rat ciliary non-pigment epithelium (NPE) cells by lipofectmaine 2000. Nontransfected NPE cells were set as control group.The expression of opticin mRNA and protein were measured by Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot respectively.Results The opticin mRNA expression of the shRNA-1,shRNA-2,shRNA-3,shRNA-4 group were decreased compared with the control group (F=10.239，P＝0.000)；the inhibitory rate were 85.7%，62.87%，54.87% and 48.77% respectively.The opticin protein expression of the shRNA-1,shRNA-2,shRNA-3,shRNA-4 group were also decreased compared with the control group (F=17.870，P=0.000)；the inhibitory rate were 78.7%，34.6%，31.1% and 16.8% respectively.Conclusions The shRNA-1 expression plasmid has most potent inhibitory effect on opticin expression in rat ciliary NPE cells.
Objective To investigate the effects of docosahexenoic acid (DHA) on large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels in normal retinal artery smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). Methods Cultured human RASMCs (6 th-8 th generations) were used to patch clamp experiment. The open probabihties (NP0) in BK channels with different concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 μmol/L) of DHA were recorded by patch clamp technique in single channel configuration. RASMCs were intervened by different concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 5.0 μmol/L) of DHA as control group, low and high doses of DHA groups, respectively. The protein expressions of β subunit of BK channels in RASMCs from three groups were measured by Western blot. Results The NP0 of BK channels were 0.044 4±0.001 2, 0.081 2±0.004 2, 0.209 0±0.006 1, 0.310 5±0.005 3, 0.465 0±0.007 8 and 0.497 7±0.014 5 with perfusate of 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 μmol/L DHA. DHA activated BK channels in a dose-dependent manner (F=2.621,P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the protein expression of control group, low and high doses of DHA groups (F=11.657,P＞0.05). Conclusion DHA can directly activate BK channels, no increasing in subunit expression of BK channels.
Objective To explore and evaluate the protective effects of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase recptor-1(sFlt-1) gene 2-3 and 2-4 transcellular region on retinal vascular leakage and phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway under hypoxia and/or hyperglycemia. Methods The plasmids pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-3) and pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-4) were constructed.. Two of these plasmids with carboxy methylation glucan (CMD) magnetic particles were transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which were cultured under hypoxia and/or hyperglycemia. The blood retinal barrier was evaluated by Evans blue permeation (EBP). Then the expression of p-Akt mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot separately. Results In the diabetic rabbits, The blood retinal barrier breakdown was detected by the retinal vascular leakage of EBP. The expression of p-Akt mRNA and protein in hypoxia and hyperglycemia groups were also obviously increased. These changes were largely prevented by transfection the plasmids pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-3) and pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-4) (P＜0.01 in both groups). Conclusion Both sFlt-1(2-3) and sFlt-1(2-4) can make the retinal blood vessels less leaky and may be beneficial in preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Objective To investigate the relationship between expression of retinal intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) rupture and therapeutic effect of intravitreous injection with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on blood-retinal barrier rupture in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods Diabetic model of Wistar rats was induced and were divided into normal control group, DM-4-month group and DM-6-month group. Each group was subdivided into immunohistochemcial staining and BRB measurement groups. BRB measurement group was further divided into non-TA treatment group, 1-week-TA treatment group, and 2-week-TA treatment group. The rats were intravitreously injected with 5 mu;l TA. The digested retinal preparation was stained by immunohistochemcial method to observe the expression of retinal ICAM-1 and morphological changes. The mean optic density (A) value of endothelial cells was measured by image-analyzing software to quantify the expression of ICAM-1. BRB changes were measured by content test of retinal Evans blue (EB). Results In the immunohistochemcial staining groups, there was no significant positive expression of ICAM-1 in retinal capillary in control group. Compared with the control, there was significant positive expression of ICAM-1 in DM-4-month group (P＜0.001) with some morphological changes such as irregular width of capillary caliber, and there was enhanced positive expression of ICAM-1 in DM-6-month group (P＜0.001) with aggravated morphological changes and even acellular capillary. In the BRB measurement groups, there was no significant difference of EB content(P＞0.05) among control groups. The EB content in two DM groups significantly increased compared with that in the controls (Plt;0.001), and higher in DM-6-month group than that in DM-4-month group (Plt;0.01). In TA treatment groups, the EB content in all the DM groups significantly decreased (Plt;0.001) but with no significant difference among the groups(P＞0.05). EB content in DM-4-month group after 2-week treatment almost reached to normal value (P＞0.05) while was higher in the rest of TA treatment groups than that in the control group (Plt;0.05). Rectilinear correlation between A value of endothelial cells and the retinal EB content(r=－0.959)was found. Conclusion There is a positive relation between the expression of ICAM-1 and BRB rupture in retina of DM rats, and intravitreous injection with TA can effectively alleviate BRB rupture. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2006, 22: 24-27)
Objective To establish a rapid in vitro culture method of human choroidal endothelial cells (HCEC) and the cellular Characteristics to provide an in vitro model for researches of choroiretinal diseases which involved the HCEC. Methods The human choroidal tissues were digested in two steps by trypsin and collagenase, and the HCEC were obtained and cultured after the digested cell suspension was sorted and purified with magnetic beads of CD31 Dynabeads. The characteristics of HCMEC were observed by the morphologic observation method, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining with FⅧ factor, CD31, and CD34. Results The cultured HCEC were polygonal and oval, and after amalgamation, the cells had slabstone-like appearance. After the subculture, the configuration of HCEC remained the same, and represented cobblestone appearance with less magnetic beads attached on the cellular surface after HCEC converged into a single layer. The Weibel-Palade body which is the characteristic marker of endothelial cells was found. The staining of FⅧ fatcor, CD31, CD34 were positive. Conclusion HCEC can be cultured in vitro successfully with our method, which is easy to get sufficient number of highly purified HCEC. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2007, 23: 126-129)
Objective To elucidate the new development, structural features and appl ication of the lumbar interspinous process non-fusion techniques. Methods With the review of the development course and important research works in the field of the lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion techniques, the regularity summary, science induction, and prospect were carried out. Results The lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion technique was a part of non-fusion insertof spinal division posterior surface. According to the design, it could be divided into two major categories: dynamic and static systems. The dynamic system included Coflex and device for intervertebral assisted motion; the static system included X-STOP, ExtenSure and Wall is. The lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion technique was a new technique of spinal division, it could reserve the integrated function of intervertebral disc and zygapophysial joint, maintain or recover the segmental movement to a normal level, and have no adverse effect on the neighboring segments. A lot of basic and cl inical researches indicated that lumbar inter-spinous process insert had extensive appl ication to curatio retrogression lumbar spinal stenosis, discogenic low back pain, articular process syndrome, lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and lumbar instabil ity and so on. Conclusion With the matures of lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion techniques and the increased study of various types of internal fixation devices, it will greatly facil itate the development of treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. But long-term follow-up is needed to investigating the long-term efficacy and perfect operation indication.
In recent years, a rapid development in non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have been witnessed in the field of rehabilitation. These techniques have gained significant attention from researchers in the field of brain dysfunction rehabilitation, holding great promise as a therapeutic modality to alleviate impairments in brain function. However, the efficacy of most NIBS treatment protocols often falls short of patients’ expectations in clinical practice. To address this gap, further research and practical efforts are necessary to delve into the mechanisms underlying NIBS effectiveness, devise strategies for enhancing efficacy, and address safety concerns associated with its application. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research advancements of NIBS in the context of brain dysfunction. Moreover, it offers insights into future development trends, intending to serve as a valuable reference for studies investigating the effectiveness and safety of NIBS, while guiding appropriate clinical practices in rehabilitation.
At present, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of various ophthalmological diseases, but there are still many problems. Due to the lack of standardized test sets, gold standards, and recognized evaluation systems for the accuracy of AI products, it is difficult to compare the results of multiple studies. When it comes to the field of image generation, we hardly have an efficient approach to evaluating research results. In clinical practice, ophthalmological AI research is often out of touch with actual clinical needs. The requirements for the quality and quantity of clinical data put more burden on AI research, limiting the transformation of AI studies. The prediction of systemic diseases based on fundus images is making progressive advancement. However, the lack of interpretability of the research lower the acceptance. Ophthalmology AI research also suffer from ethical controversy due to unconstructed regulations and regulatory mechanisms, concerns on patients’ privacy and data security, and the risk of aggravating the unfairness of medical resources.
Objective To compare the transfection effects on soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1) gene (2-4 transcellular region) mediated by carboxymethylated dextran coated nanoparticle and lipofectamineTM2000.Methods The plasmid pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-4) was constructed and assessed by enzyme cut, electrophoresis, and genetic sequencing. Three groups were divided: nanoparticle group, lipofectamine group, and non-transfected group. Twenty-four and 48 hours after the transfection, the distribution of cellular green fluorescence was oberved under the inverted phase contrast fluorescence microscope; the expression rate of green fluorescence was measured by flow cytometry; the expression of sFlt-1(2-4)mRNA and the protein was detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot; the growth of the cells was observed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetry and the relative growth rate (RGR) of the cells in each group was calculated; the cellular apoptosis in each group was detected by Hoechst staining.Results The sequence of sFlt-1(2-4) gene was equal to 915 base pair (bp).The transfection rate was 45% in nanoparticle group and 21% in lipofectamine group; the difference between the two groups was significant (t=2.541，Plt;0.05). Forty-eight hours after the transfection, the expression of sFlt-1（2-4）mRNA and protein was obviously higher in nanoparticle group than that in lipofectamine group (t=2.454，2.398；Plt;0.05) . Twenty-four and 48 hours after the transfection,the difference of RGR of the cells between nanoparticle and non-transfected group was not significant（t=1.436，Pgt;0.05）; the RGR in lipofectamine group differed much from that in non-transfected and nanoparticle group (t=2.412，2.545; Plt;0.05) ; the difference of cellular apoptosis was not significant between nanoparticle and nontransfected group (t=1.436，Pgt;0.05), but significant between nanoparticle and lipofectamine group (t=2.236，Plt;0.05). Conclusion The transfection rate of sFlt-1(2-4) mediated by carboxymethylated dextran coated nanoparticle was higher than that mediated by lipofectamineTM2000.
Objective To investigate the expression of Human leucocyte antigen(HLA)-DP, -DQ, -DR and CD40 in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, to determine their molecule expression in immune response process, and their abilities to stimulate T lymphocyte activation. Methods Human RPE cells were cultured with or without (IFN respectively. Expression of HLA-DP, -DQ, -DR and CD40 was measured by immunohistochemical staining. Meanwhile, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cocultured with RPE cells in vitro, and then the expression of activated lymphocytes CD69 was measured by fluorescence activated cell sorter(FACS). Results Expression of HLA-DP, -DQ, -DR and CD40 antigen were enhanced by gamma;-interferon inducement. Increasing amount of CD69 positive lymphocytes were found in the co-culture system of RPE cells and PBMC. Conclusion T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were activated by human RPE cells which is antigen presenting cells with immunological characteristics potential.