No abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the role of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm children using an established BPD cell model. EA.hy926 cell cultures were divided into three groups: the air group as the blank control, the hyperoxia group as the experimental control and the APS group (2.5 mg/ml). The production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by biochemical assays. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the RNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65. Compared with the hyperoxia group, the ROS and MDA levels of the APS group were significantly reduced. By contrast, SOD production was significantly increased. The expression of IL-8, ICAM-1 and NF-κB p65 in the APS group was downregulated. APS acts as an antioxidant by stimulating SOD production while inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the EA.hy926 cells. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that APS retards the inflammatory response, as shown by the reduced expression of NF-κB p65, IL-8 and ICAM-1 when APS was added.

Shear wave elastography can evaluate the Young's modulus of carotid plaque stably, and could serve as an additional method for the detection of symptomatic carotid plaques, which, in combination with common ultrasound, can promote the efficiency of differentiating symptomatic carotid plaques.

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is the most common malignancy and third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The identification of a sensitive biomarker as well as effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of GC is of critical importance. microRNAs play significant roles in the development of cancer and may serve as promising therapeutic targets.MethodsThe mRNA and protein expression of CB1R were studied both in GC cells and tissues. GC cell lines with specific gene overexpression and knockdown vectors were constructed. CCK-8 assay, matrigel invasion and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation and invasion abilities. The binding and regulatory effects of miR-23b-3 and miR-130a-5p on CB1R mRNA were investigated using a luciferase reporter assay. Western blot analysis was performed to explore the potential interaction proteins of CB1R.ResultsIn the present study, it was demonstrated that the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) was overexpressed, and miR-23b-3p and miR-130a-5p were downregulated, in GC cells. In addition, the results revealed that these effects are associated with malignant biological behaviors exhibited by GC cells. Furthermore, miR-23b-3p and miR-130a-5p may regulate CB1R expression via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.ConclusionOur results suggested dysregulation of CB1R expression is closely related to the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells. miRNA/CB1R-based therapy may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of GC patients.