Losartan reduced connexin43 expression in left ventricular myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective: To assess the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist losartan on myocardium connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction (GJ) expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and investigate possible mechanisms. Methods: Sixteen 9-week-old male SHRs and 8 age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were included in this study. SHRs were randomly divided into two groups to receive losartan at 30mg/(kg·d) by oral gavage once daily for 8 weeks (SHR-L) or vehicle (0.9% saline) to act as controls (SHR-V); WKY rats receiving vehicle for 8 weeks served as normotensive controls. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and the hearts were removed. Expressions of Cx43 and nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in all three groups were observed and further investigations on the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (30mg/(kg·d), 8 weeks) on Cx43 expression were conducted with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. NF-κB p65 protein in nuclear extracts was determined by Western blot. Results: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was prominent in SHRs, Cx43 and NF-κB p65 protein expressions were obviously upregulated and Cx43 distribution was dispersed over the cell surface. Treatment with losarton reduced the over-expressions of Cx43 and NF-κB p65 in LV myocardium. The distribution of Cx43 gap junction also became much regular and confined to intercalated disk after losartan treatment. Conclusion: Cx43 level was upregulated in LV myocardium of SHR during early stage of hypertrophy. Angiotensin Ⅱ type l receptor antagonist losartan prevented Cx43 gap junction remodeling in hypertrophied left ventricles, possibly through the NF-κB pathway.     

Effects of β-Aescin on the expression of nuclear factor-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α after traumatic brain injury in rats

To investigate the inhibiting effect of β-Aescin on nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)activation and the expression of tumornecrosis factor-α(TNF-α)protein after traumatic brain injury(TBI)in the rat brain,62 SD rats were subjected to lateral corticalimpact injury caused by a free-falling object and divided randomly into four groups:(1)sham operated(Group A);(2) injured(Group B);(3)β-Aescin treatment(Group C);(4) pyrrolidine dithocarbamate(PDTC) treatment(Group D).β-Aescin was ad-ministered in Group C and PDTC treated in Group D immediately after injury.A series of brain samples were obtained directly 6h,24 h and 3 d respectively after trauma in four groups.NF-κB activation was examined by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay(EMSA);the levels of TNF-α protein were measured by radio-immunoassay(RIA);the water content of rat brain was measuredand pathomorphological observation was carried out.NF-κB activation,the levels of TNF-α protein and the water content of ratbrain were significantly increased(P＜0.0     

Expression and significance of cyclin D1, p27kip1 protein in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between expression of cell cycle-related protein cyclin D1, p27kipl and the pathogenesis of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) and the value of prediction of prognosis. Methods: Cyclin D 1 and p27kip 1 protein were detected by immunohistochemical En Vision method in 43 BACs. Results: The positivity of cyclin D 1 in BAC was 65.1% (28/43), which was significantly higher than that in normal pulmonary tissue (0/13), P＜0.01. No statistically significant association was found between cyclin D1 expression data and sex, age, tobacco-use history, histologic subtype (mucinous vs nonmucinous), stromal fibrosis, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage or postoperative survival period (P＞0.05), while cyclin D1 expression was found to be negatively correlated with tumor size (P＜0.05). The positivity of p27kipl in BACs was 51.2% (22/43), significantly lower than that in normal pulmonary tissue (12/13), P＜0.01. p27kipl expression level was not associated with sex, age, tobacco-use history, tumor size or histologic subtype (P＞0.05), but was negatively correlated with stromal fibrosis, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (P＜0.05); and positively associated with postoperative survival period (P＜0.01). The survival rate of p27kipl positive group was significantly higher than that of p27kipl negative group (P＜0.01). No statistically significant correlation was found between cyclin D 1 and p27kipl expression. Conclusions: Increased cyclin D1 expression and decreased p27kip 1 expression are related to the pathogenesis of BAC;decreased p27kipl expression is associated with metastasis progression; immunodetection ofp27kip 1 is useful for assessment of prognosis.     

Effect of dietary fatty acids on serum parameters, fatty acid compositions, and liver histology in Shaoxing laying ducks

The effects of different fatty acid (FA) contents in diet on serum parameters, FA compositions of eggs and meat, and liver morphological changes were studied in Shaoxing laying ducks. A total of 264 ducks at 17 weeks were fed a control diet or a diet containing 30 g/kg fish oil (FO), 25 g/kg sunflower oil (SO), or 30 g/kg palm oil with 20 g/kg beef tallow (PBO). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver and the serum of ducks fed the PBO diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of ducks fed the other diets. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in ducks fed the FO diet. Serum TC also was lower in ducks fed the SO diet. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was also affected by diets. The contents of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) in eggs and meat were significantly higher (P<0.001) in ducks fed the FO and SO diets than in ducks fed the control diet. The level of C22:6 (n-3) FA in ducks fed the FO diet was significantly higher than that in ducks fed the other diets. However, the conversion efficiency of the longer-chain C20:5 (n-3) FA was higher than that of C22:6 (n-3). Ducks fed the PBO diet exhibited lipid droplet accumulation in the liver. These results demonstrate that a diet enriched with different FAs has strong effects on serum lipid levels and the deposition of PUFAs into tissue lipids.     

大蒜素对肉鸡生产性能和消化酶活性的影响

135只1日龄AA鸡随机分成A、B、C3组,每组设3个重复,每个重复15只。A为空白对照组,饲喂基础日粮,B为抗生素组,在基础日粮中添加50mg／kg洛克沙生和750mg／kg10％金霉素,C为试验组,在基础日粮中添加160mg／kg25％大蒜素,以研究大蒜素对肉鸡生产性能和十二指肠消化酶活性的影响。试验结果表明,A、B、C3组肉鸡平均体重和平均日增重差异不显著（P〉0．05）,与A组相比,42日龄时C组料重比差异显著（P〈0．05）。在21日龄和42日龄时,C组淀粉酶活性较A组提高了122．87％（P〈0．01）和40．50％（P〈0．01）,脂肪酶活性较A组提高了89．98％（P〉0．05）和33．33％（P〉0．05）,总蛋白酶活性较A组提高了10．29％％（P〉0．05）和1．7％（／9〉0．05）。本结果提示在肉鸡饲料中添加大蒜素能够提高饲料效率和肠道淀粉酶活性。     

Tei指数评价原发性高血压患者左室功能障碍的临床研究

目的：探讨Tei指数原发性高血压患者心脏功能的临床应用价值。方法：原发性高血压患者176例．按Ganau分类法将原发性高血压分为4型；正常构型（A组，46例）、向心性重构（B组，53例）、向心性肥厚（C组，40例）、离心性肥厚（D组，37例）；正常对照组35例。以常规超声心动图检查测量舒张末期室间隔、左室后壁厚度及左室内径（IVS、LVPW、LVDed），二尖瓣血流频谱图舒张早期与舒张晚期血流峰值比（E／A），左室射血分数（EF）及Tei指数，进行对比分析。结果：1.一般资料的比较：各组同年龄、性别差异均无显著性意义，C、D组病程有显著性差异，C、D组收缩压最高（P〈0．05），B、C、D组脉压最高（P〈0．05）；2．各组超声心动图结构参数比较：C组、D组LA最大（P〈0．05）；B组LVDS最小（P〈0．05），D组LVDS最大（P〈0．05）；C组IVS、LVPW最厚（P〈0．05）；B组、D组IVS、LVPW轻度增厚（P〈0．05）；C组RWT明显厚于其它各组（P〈0．01）；C组、D组LVMI质量显著增加（P〈0.01），但C组、D组之间无统计学意义；3．各组超声心动图功能参数比较：高血压各组的E／A值均减低（P〈0．05），EF只有D组与对照组比较有显著性意义；高血压各组Tei指数均较对照组增加，呈递增趋势，各组间有显著性意义。结论：Tei指数可以客观、真实的评价高血压患者不同左室构型的心功能情况，对于评估疾病的治疗效果和预后具有很高的临床应用价值。     

Expression and significance of cyclin D1, p27kip1 protein in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma

INTRODUCTION Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a par-ticular subtype of pulmonary adenocarcinoma de-rived from clara cell and type II pneumocyte. BAC cells grow along and within alveolar spaces while the alveolar framework of the lung is preserved. The incidence of BAC appears to be rising recently. The etiology and pathogenesis of this unique neoplastic disease are still unclear; many studies of oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression include BAC with all adenocarcinoma o…     

Influence of low protein diets on gene expression of digestive enzymes and hormone secretion in the gastrointestinal tract of young weaned piglets

To investigate dietary protein level effects on digestive mechanisms, weaned piglets were fed for 45 d with diets containing 20%, 17%, or 14% crude protein (CP) supplemented to meet requirements for essential amino acids. This article describes the influence of dietary protein on gastrointestinal hormones and expression of an array of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in expression of enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, except for maltase in the duodenum. In the jejunum, amylase expression in pigs fed 20% CP was much higher than that in pigs fed other diets (P<0.05) and maltase expression in those fed 17% CP was higher than that in other treatments (P<0.05). Although there were no remarkable differences in expression of aminopeptidase in the small intestine or carboxypeptidase in the pancreas (P>0.05), there was a trend towards higher expression of various proteases in pigs fed 17% CP. The duodenal expression of enteropeptidase in diets with 14% and 17% CP was significantly higher than that with 20% CP (P<0.05), but treatment differences did not existed in jejunum (P>0.05). The expression of GPR93 as a nutrient-responsive G protein-coupled receptor in 14% and 17% CP diets was significantly higher than that in 20% CP diet in the small intestine (P<0.05). The expressions of genes for pancreatic enzymes, lipase and elastase, were significantly higher in pigs fed diets with low CP, while similar trends occurred for carboxypeptidase, chymotrypsin and amylase. Conversely, the gastric expressions of pepsinogen A and progastricsin were lower with the 17% CP diet. Differences between treatments were found in the gastric antral contents of cholecystokinin and somatostatin: both increased in pigs fed 17% CP, accompanied by decreased content of motilin, which was also seen in plasma concentrations. These patterns were not reflected in duodenal contents. In general, 17% dietary CP was beneficial to the digestion of nutrient substance in the gastrointestinal tract.     

Effects of fish protein hydrolysate on growth performance and humoral immune response in large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.)

We investigated the effects of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) on growth performance and humoral immune response of the large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.). One thousand and two hundred large yellow croakers [initial average weight: (162.75±23.85) g] were divided into four groups and reared in floating sea cages (3 m×3 m×3 m). The animals were fed with 4 diets: basal diet only (control) or diets supplemented with 5%, 10% and 15% (w/w) FPH. The results show that dietary FPH levels significantly influenced the growth and immunity of the large yellow croaker. Compared with the control group, total weight gain (TWG) in all treatment groups, relative weight gain (RWG) and specific growth rate (SGR) in fish fed with diets supplemerited with 10% and 15% FPH were significantly increased (P＜0.05). Similar results were observed in immune parameters [lysozyme activity, serum complements, immunoglobulin M (IgM)]. Lysozyme activity, complement C4 and IgM were also significantly increased (P＜0.05) in fish fed with diets supplemented with 10% and 15% FPH, while complement C3 level was significantly increased (P＜0.05) in all treatment groups. In general, with the supplementation of FPH, particularly at dose of 10%,the growth performance and immunity of the large yellow croaker can be improved effectively.     

Research on the protection effect of pioglitazone for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） in rats

Objective： The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） has markedly increased. Insulin resistance has been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. This study was aimed at observing the relationship between insulin resistance and NAFLD, and evaluating the role of pioglitazone （PGZ） acting as insulin-sensitizing agents in the prevention and treatment of rat fatty liver induced by high fat feeding. Methods： The rats were separated randomly into 6 groups： model group Ⅰ were fed high fat diet for 8 weeks, PGZ prevention group were given PGZ 4 mg/（kg.d） simultaneously, while control group Ⅰ were fed normal food for 8 weeks; model group Ⅱ were fed high fat diet for 16 weeks, PGZ treatment group were given PGZ 4 mg/（kg.d） orally simultaneous with high fat diet for 8 weeks after high fat feeding for 8 weeks, control group Ⅱ were fed normal food for 16 weeks. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks and 16 weeks respectively. Liver weight, body weight, serum activities of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, alkaline phosphatase （ALP）, tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）, fasting blood glucose （FBG）, fasting plasma insulin （FINS）, HOMA （homeostasis model assessment） insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR）, and the liver histology of rats of all groups were assayed. Results： After 8 weeks, the liver in model group Ⅰ showed typical steatosis, accompanied with mild to moderate lobular inflammatory cell infiltration, liver indexes and serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TNF-α were significantly increased （P〈0.05） compared with control group Ⅰ. Whereas, the degree of hepatic injury was attenuated in PGZ prevention group, liver indexes and serum levels of ALT, ALP were significantly decreased （P〈0.05） compared with model group Ⅰ. After 16 weeks, notable steatosis, and lobular inflammation were observed in model group Ⅱ rat liver, while the degree of hepatic injury was attenuated in the PGZ treatment group. Liver index, serum levels ofALT, AST, ALP, FINS and HOMA-IR were significantly increased （P〈0.05） in model group Ⅱ compared with control group Ⅱ. Whereas, in PGZ treatment group, serum levels of AST and FINS showed decreasing tendency, liver indexes, serum levels of ALT, ALP, TNF-α and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased compared with model group Ⅱ. Conclusion： Insulin resistance plays a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in rats. Pioglitazone can attenuate insulin resistance and biochemical and histological injury in high fat-induced fatty liver in rats.     

腐植酸钠对AA肉鸡屠宰性能及肌肉品质的影响

探讨腐植酸钠对AA肉鸡屠宰性能及肌肉品质的影响。方法:240只1日龄AA肉鸡,公母各半,随机等分4组,每组2个重复,每个重复30只。Ⅰ组为空白对照,饲喂基础日粮;Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组为试验处理,饲喂基础日粮并分别添加1.0g/kg、1.5 g/kg、2.5g/kg的腐植酸钠。42日龄每个重复随机抽取4只,测定屠宰率、半净膛率、全净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率、腹脂率、瘦肉率及肌肉(胸肌、腿肌)色度、嫩度、失水率。结果:1)Ⅲ组的全净膛率显著(P<0.05)高于对照组,其余各指标各组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。2)Ⅱ组胸肌失水率显著大于对照组(P<0.05);各试验组腿肌失水率都极显著(P<0.01)大于对照组;其余各指标各组间无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:1)AA肉鸡日粮中添加腐植酸钠可显著提高全净膛率(P<0.05),对屠宰率、半净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率、腹脂率、瘦肉率均表现出一定的改善趋势。2)添加腐植酸钠对AA肉鸡肌肉品质有一定的负面影响。     

Learning curves of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in transforaminal approach at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels: a comparative study

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the learning curves of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in a transforaminal approach at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the first 60 cases at the L4/5 level (Group I) and the first 60 cases at the L5/S1 level (Group II) of PELD performed by one spine surgeon. The patients were divided into subgroups A, B, and C (Group I: A cases 1–20, B cases 21–40, C cases 41–60; Group II: A cases 1–20, B cases 21–40, C cases 41–60). Operation time was thoroughly analyzed.

Results

Compared with the L4/5 level, the learning curve of transforaminal PELD at the L5/S1 level was flatter. The mean operation times of Groups IA, IB, and IC were (88.75±17.02), (67.75±6.16), and (64.85±7.82) min, respectively. There was a significant difference between Groups A and B (P<0.05), but no significant difference between Groups B and C (P=0.20). The mean operation times of Groups IIA, IIB, and IIC were (117.25±13.62), (109.50±11.20), and (92.15±11.94) min, respectively. There was no significant difference between Groups A and B (P=0.06), but there was a significant difference between Groups B and C (P<0.05). There were 6 cases of postoperative dysesthesia (POD) in Group I and 2 cases in Group IIA (P=0.27). There were 2 cases of residual disc in Group I, and 4 cases in Group II (P=0.67). There were 3 cases of recurrence in Group I, and 2 cases in Group II (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the L5/S1 level, the learning curve of PELD in a transforaminal approach at the L4/5 level was steeper, suggesting that the L4/5 level might be easier to master after short-term professional training.

     

Science Letters:Effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on the growth performance and humoral immune response in Miichthys miiuy

INTRODUCTION It is well known that antibiotics are used as ef-fective agents to control diseases and as growth promoters in domestic animals. However, the con-tinuous use of antimicrobials increases the bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is essential to find effective and non-resistance replacements. Probiotics are vi-able cell preparations that have beneficial effects on health of the host by improving its intestinal balance (Fuller, 1989) via producing nutrients, enhancingimmune respo…     

决明子对鸡蛋胆固醇含量的影响

选择体重、产蛋率相近的430日龄健康罗曼褐蛋鸡48只,随机分为2组,每组4个重复,每个重复6只鸡,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮中添加1%决明子粉,预试期1周,试验期6周。研究决明子对罗曼褐蛋鸡生产性能、鸡蛋胆固醇含量及血清生化指标的影响。结果表明,日粮中添加1%决明子鸡蛋中的蛋白质、脂肪含量分别比对照组提高10.54%(P0.05)和9.86%(P0.05);每克蛋黄胆固醇含量比对照组降低27.00%(P0.01),每枚鸡蛋胆固醇含量比对照组降低32.85%(P0.01);添加决明子对蛋鸡的生产性能没有显著影响(P0.05),但降低了蛋鸡血清中低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)(P0.01)、总胆固醇(TC)(P0.01)和甘油三酯(TG)(P0.05)的含量,增加了血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)(P0.01)的浓度量。说明决明子具有显著降低鸡蛋胆固醇含量,改善鸡蛋品质的作用。     

Allograft rejection-related gene expression in the endothelial cells of renal transplantation recipients after cytomegalovirus infection

Objective: To explore the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on rejection-related gene expression in the endothelial cells of renal transplantation recipients. Methods: Endothelial cells (ECs) were cultured and stimulated by a variety of factors: A, normal control group; B, inactivated human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection group; C, HCMV infection group; D, HCMV supematant infection group; and E, ganciclovir HCMV group. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and major histocompability complex (MHC) class Ⅰ and class Ⅱ antigens was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) and immuno-histochemistry. Results: We found characteristic CMV-infected ECs in this study. There were no significant differences among groups A, B and D (P>0.05). Although the expression levels of ICAM-1 were not significantly different between groups C and E (P>0.05), the ICAM-1 expression in these two groups was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). ICAM-1 expression was detected in groups C and E, while there was no expression in groups A, B and D. Furthermore, there was no significant difference of ICAM-1 mRNA expression between groups C and E (P>0.05). Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-ABC expression was detected in all the groups, while HLA-DR expression was only detected in groups C and E. There were no significant dif-ferences of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression among groups A, B and D (P>0.05). However, the HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression levels in groups C and D were higher than those of the remaining groups previously reported (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression levels in group E were lower than those of group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: CMV could up-regulate the expression levels of ICAM-1 and MHC antigens, which was closely related to allograft rejection.     

低聚壳聚糖对肉仔鸡生长性能及免疫器官发育的影响

480羽1日龄AA肉鸡,随机分为4组,每组120羽,设6个重复,其中空白对照组饲喂玉米-豆粕型基础日粮,抗生素组基础日粮添加50mg/kg金霉素,试验Ⅰ组(低聚壳聚糖剂量组)和试验Ⅱ组(黄芪多糖高剂量组)分别添加20mg/kg和40mg/kg低聚壳聚糖,试验期42d,研究低聚壳聚糖对肉仔鸡生长性能及免疫器官发育的影响。结果显示,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组肉仔鸡的平均体重、日增重、免疫器官重量及其指数均不同程度高于同期空白对照组和抗生素组,其中平均体重与日增重多差异显著(P<0.05),部分免疫器官重量与指数有统计学意义(P<0.05);平均料重比均较明显地低于同日龄空白对照组和抗生素组。试验结果表明,基础日粮添加20、40mg/kg低聚壳聚糖对肉鸡的生长性能及免疫器官发育具有较明显的促进作用,可提高肉鸡的平均日增重和饲料转化率,增强机体的免疫功能。     

复方中草药对AA肉鸡肌肉抗氧化能力的影响

目的:研究复方中草药对肉鸡肌肉抗氧化能力的影响。方法:选用健康1日龄AA肉鸡400羽,随机分为对照组和试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组,每组100羽。对照组饲喂玉米-豆粕基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别在基础日粮中添加0.5%、1.0%和1.5%的复方中草药,试验期42 d。结果:21日龄时,与对照组相比,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组肉鸡胸肌和腿肌SOD和T-AOC活性及GSH-PX含量不同程度升高,MDA含量不同程度降低,其中试验Ⅱ组胸肌T-AOC活性和GSH-PX含量显著升高,胸肌MDA含量显著降低(P0.05);试验Ⅰ和Ⅲ组胸肌SOD活性和试验Ⅲ组腿肌SOD活性和GSH-PX含量也显著升高(P0.05);而各试验组腿肌MDA含量均显著降低(P0.05)。42日龄时,与对照组相比,各试验组胸肌MDA含量均显著降低(P0.05),而试验Ⅱ组胸肌GSH-PX含量显著升高(P0.05),且各试验组腿肌T-AOC活性也均有不同程度的提高。结论:添加不同剂量的复方中草药可不同程度提高肉鸡胸肌和腿肌抗氧化酶活性,降低MDA含量,其中以添加1.0%的复方中草药提高胸肌抗氧化能力效果最好,而添加1.5%的复方中草药提高腿肌抗氧化能力效果较好。     

大豆黄酮对草杂鸡消化系统发育的影响

为了研究大豆黄酮对草杂鸡消化系统发育的影响。选用300只1日龄健康草杂鸡,分别随机分为5组,即Ⅰ组和4个试验组。Ⅰ组饲喂基本日粮,在Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ组基础日粮中分别添加10mg/kg,20mg/kg,30mg/kg,40mg/kg的大豆黄酮。试验表明:与Ⅰ组相比,(14日龄)DaⅣ的回肠长度表现差异显著(P<0.05);(28日龄)DaⅣ和DaⅤ的空肠长度表现差异显著(P<0.05);DaⅤ的空肠和回肠的重量均表现差异显著(P<0.05),(42日龄)DaⅡ的十二指肠,空肠,盲肠的长度均表现差异显著(P<0.05),其中回肠的长度表现差异极显著(P<0.01);DaⅤ的空肠重量表现差异显著(P<0.05)。此外(28日龄)DaⅡ的腺胃重量表现差异显著(P<0.05);DaⅤ的鸡体重表现差异显著(P<0.05),其他各组差异不显著。但是整体观察,28日龄和42日龄草杂鸡体重是随添加Da的量的增加而增加。说明大豆黄酮对草杂鸡消化系统的发育有一定的影响。     

Yimu San improves obstetric ability of pregnant mice by increasing serum oxytocin levels and connexin 43 expression in uterine smooth muscle

Prolonged farrowing remains one of the critical challenges in intensive pig farming. This study aims to explore the effects and mechanism of Yimu San (YMS), a Chinese veterinary medicine micro mist, on delivery ability with mouse models. Thirty-two pregnant mice were randomly divided into a control group and low-YMS, med-YMS, and high-YMS groups. The labor process time and stillbirth rate were recorded, the levels of serum oxytocin and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Contractility measurements of the isolated uterus and the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in uterine smooth muscle were evaluated. The results showed that compared with the control group, the birth process time and stillbirth rate in the med-YMS and high-YMS groups were remarkably lower. The in vitro uterine contractions, levels of oxytocin, PGE₂, and Cx43 in the med-YMS and high-YMS groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The differences of the above measurements between the low-YMS group and the control group were not obvious. It can be speculated that YMS could significantly promote labor in pregnant mice by enhancing the levels of oxytocin, Cx43, and PGE₂.     

Effects of rosuvastatin on the production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells induced by homocysteine

Objective: To test the influence of homocysteine on the production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and on cell migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Also, to explore whether rosuvastatin can alter the abnormal secretion and activation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 and migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine. Methods: Rat VSMCs were incubated with different concentrations of homocysteine (50–5 000 μmol/L). Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to investigate the expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in VSMCs in culture medium when induced with homocysteine for 24, 48, and 72 h. Transwell chambers were employed to test the migratory ability of VSMCs when incubated with homocysteine for 48 h. Different concentrations of rosuvastatin (10⁻⁹–10⁻⁵ mol/L) were added when VSMCs were induced with 1 000 μmol/L homocysteine. The expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were examined after incubating for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the migration of VSMCs was also examined after incubating for 48 h. Results: Homocysteine (50–1 000 μmol/L) increased the production and activation of MMP-2 and expression of TIMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. However, when incubated with 5 000 μmol/L homocysteine, the expression of MMP-2 was up-regulated, but its activity was down-regulated. Increased homocysteine-induced production and activation of MMP-2 were reduced by rosuvastatin in a dose-dependent manner whereas secretion of TIMP-2 was not significantly altered by rosuvastatin. Homocysteine (50–5 000 μmol/L) stimulated the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, but this effect was eliminated by rosuvastatin. Conclusions: Homocysteine (50–1 000 μmol/L) significantly increased the production and activation of MMP-2, the expression of TIMP-2, and the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Additional extracellular rosuvastatin can decrease the excessive expression and activation of MMP-2 and abnormal migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine.