Cervical Resistance Research Articles

High Fat High Sucrose Diet Modifies Uterine Contractility and Cervical Resistance in Pregnant Rats: The Roles of Sex Hormones, Adipokines and Cytokines.

Background: In obesity, the adipose tissue becomes a very significant endocrine organ producing different factors called adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin and kisspeptin; however, no data are available about their actions on uterine contraction in obese pregnant rats. Our aim was to study the impact of obesity on pregnant uterine contraction in a rat model. Methods: Obesity was induced by the consumption of a high fat high sucrose diet (HFHSD) for 9 weeks, including pregnancy. Glucose tolerance, sex hormone, cytokine and adipokine levels were measured. Uterine contractions and cervical resistance, as well as their responses to adipokines, were tested along with the expressions of their uterine receptors. Results: HFHSD increased body weight, and altered glucose tolerance and fat composition. The uterine leptin and kisspeptin pathway affect increased. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were reduced, while the plasma level of progesterone was increased, resulting in weaker uterine contractions, and improving the uterine relaxing effects of adipokines. HFHSD reduced cervical resistance, but the core effect of adipokines is difficult to determine. Conclusions: Obesity in pregnant rats reduces uterine contractility and cytokine-induced inflammatory processes, and therefore obese pregnant rat methods are partially applicable for modelling human processes.

Intrathecal Injection of Ropivacaine Reduces Cervical Resistance in Late-Pregnant Rats.

PurposeNeuraxial (spinal and epidural) anesthesia is the cornerstone of ensuring the satisfaction rate of painless delivery; however, whether it prolongs the first stage of labor remains controversial. Although current clinical research results tend to be negative, the conclusions are not convincing due to the lack of basic research. This study was conducted to provide a theoretical reference for this controversy through basic research.Materials and MethodsA spinal anesthesia model was established by the intrathecal injection of 0.1% ropivacaine in late-pregnant rats (day 22). The cervical resistance test was used to measure the tension of different groups of isolated cervical tissues. Western blotting and cervical tissue cyclic AMP (cAMP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to clarify the possible related mechanisms.ResultsCervical resistance experiments showed that the intrathecal injection of ropivacaine decreased the cervical resistance, and norepinephrine injection reversed this effect. Western blotting showed that α2A adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) levels gradually increased over time in pregnant rats. The cAMP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the intrathecal injection of norepinephrine reversed the increase in cervical tissue cAMP concentration caused by ropivacaine injection.ConclusionRopivacaine relaxes the cervix. Further, α2-AR may be involved in the process of cervical contraction.

The intervention effect of nicotine on cervical fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation in lipopolysaccharide-induced preterm birth model through activating the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway

Currently, the clinical treatment of preterm birth, mainly using uterine contraction inhibitors, does not fundamentally reduce the incidence of premature birth (PTB). Premature cervical ripening is an important factor in PTB. We previously found that nicotine-treated pregnant murine had significant cervical resistance to stretch and higher collagen cross-links compared to the control animals, and nicotine prolonged gestation and inhibited cervical ripening. However, the regulatory effects of nicotine on premature cervical ripening and its role in PTB remain unclear. To investigate the effects of nicotine on cervical TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation regulated by this pathway in PTB-like models. Intraperitoneal injection with 15 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 200 μl PBS into pregnant mice was used to induce the PTB-like model. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, LPS-treated group, LPS + Nicotine co-treated group and LPS + Nicotine+α-BGT co-treated group. Pregnancy outcomes were monitored. The collagen content was assessed by Picrosirius red staining. Expressions of genes and proteins in the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway were detected by double immunofluorescence staining and quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). myofibroblast differentiation were investigated by double immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR. Ultrastructures were analyzed by conventional transmission electron microscopy. The rate of PTB and neonatal mortality at birth was significantly higher in the LPS-treated group than in the control group; collagen content also decreased remarkably; the expression of TGF-β1 in macrophages and p-Smad3 in fibroblasts were reduced; the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, markers for activated fibroblasts) was down-regulated while the expression of calponin and smoothelin (markers for fibroblasts at rest) was up-regulated. Nicotine improved pregnancy outcomes and inhibited collagen degradation, activated the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and promoted cervical fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation in PTB-like mice; such effects could be reversed by α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT). Nicotine inhibited premature cervical ripening in PTB-like models in relation with up-regulating the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway and promoting fibroblast to differentiate into myofibroblasts.

경부 저항운동과 안정화운동이 남성 만성 경부통환자들의 경부근력, 통증지수 변화에 미치는 영향

경부 저항운동과 안정화운동이 남성 만성 경부통환자들의 경부근력, 통증지수 변화에 미치는 영향

Local α1-adrenergic blockers: An alternative for sheep cervix dilation?

To facilitate transcervical artificial insemination in sheep, the effects of local treatment with α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists on cervix dilation and hemodynamics were evaluated. Ewes (n = 7) were subjected to oestrous synchronisation every 40 days and assigned to treatments in a Latin square experimental design (seven animals × seven periods) with a factorial treatment arrangement (A × B), Factors A (prazosin or tamsulosin) and B (1, 2, or 4 mg/animal). Ewes of the six treatment groups (P1, P2, P4, T1, T2, and T4) were administered α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists while those of the control group (CG) were administered only α1-adrenergic antagonist carrier agent. Distance that the transcervical catheter penetrated without cervical resistance, mean arterial pressure, and uterine artery dopplerfluxometry were evaluated before and after 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 10 h of treatment. Catheter penetration distance was greater in ewes of the T4 and P4 groups (P < 0.01), with there being a positive correlation between dose and distance (r = 0.243). The penetration distance was similar (P = 0.84) for treated groups, with the greatest penetration occurring 2, 4, and 6 h after treatment (P < 0.01). The passage into the uterine lumen was greater (P = 0.013) in ewes of the P4 (17.9 %) and T4 (19.6 %) groups. There were no effects on blood pressure or uterine blood flow (P> 0.05). These preliminary results indicate there are benefits of treatment with 4 mg/animal of tamsulosin or prazosin in catheter passage through the sheep cervix 2–6 h after administration without hemodynamic effects.

MiR-506 Affects Cervical Cancer Cell Resistance to Adriamycin (ADM) Through Regulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)

STAT3 is involved in the development and resistance of several tumors. Abnormal miR-506 expression is associated with cervical cancer. miR-506 was predicted to have a relationship with STAT3. Our study investigated miR-506's role in cervical cancer cell adriamycin (ADM) resistance. The ADM drug-resistant cell line, Caski/ADM was established followed by measuring miR-506 and STAT3 mRNA level by qRT-PCR and STAT3 protein expression by Western blot. The Caski/ADM cells were separated into miR-NC group and miR-506 mimic group followed by analysis of STAT3 and p-STAT3 level by Western blot, cell apoptosis and proliferation by flow cytometry. There was a targeted regulatory relationship between miR-506 and STAT3 mRNA. miR-506 in Caski/ADM cells was significantly downregulated compared to that in Caski cells, which further significantly reduced compared to HCerEpiC cells. Caski/ADM cells had highest STAT3 level followed by Caski cells and HCerEpiC cells. miR-506 mimic transfection significantly upregulated miR-506, decreased STAT3 and p-STAT3 level with increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation as well as resistance. miR-506 level regulates cervical cancer ADM resistance. Increasing miR-506 expression down-regulates STAT3 expression, inhibits proliferation of cervical cancer cells, promotes apoptosis and reduces ADM resistance.

α-Tocopherol Potentiates the Cervical Resistance Decreasing Effects of COX Inhibitors in Pregnant Rats: The Putative Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition.

Vitamin E and their analogs as antioxidant and lipid-soluble compounds can have diverse effects on the physiologic processes. By binding to receptors and enzymes, they may modify the action of drugs. It has been proved that α-tocopherol succinate modifies the effects of β 2 agonist terbutaline and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on rat trachea and myometrium. Our aim was to investigate how α-tocopherol and COX inhibitors may influence cervical resistance in rats. The cervical resistance of nonpregnant and 22 day-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats was determined in an isolated organ bath in vitro. α-Tocopherol-succinate (10-7 M) was used, whereas the COX-nonselective diclofenac (10-6 M), the COX-2-selective rofecoxib (10-6 M), and the COX-1-selective SC-560 (10-6 M) were applied as inhibitors. The COX activities of the cervices were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The modifying effect of single doses of COX inhibitors and tocopherol on the onset of labor was investigated in vivo. The cervical resistance of nonpregnant samples was not changed by either α-tocopherol or COX inhibitors. On pregnant cervices, tocopherol, diclofenac, or rofecoxib pretreatment decreased cervical resistance that was further reduced by COX inhibitors after pretreatment with tocopherol. α-Tocopherol elicited a significant COX-2 enzyme inhibition in cervical samples from pregnant rats. By coadministration of tocopherol and rofecoxib, the parturition was initiated earlier than in the other groups. It is supposed that COXs play a significant role not only in cervical ripening, but also in the contraction of the cervical smooth muscle a few hours before parturition. This latter action may be developed by COX-2-liberated prostaglandins.

RhoA and Rho-kinase inhibitors modulate cervical resistance: The possible role of RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway in cervical ripening and contractility

Improper cervical function may lead premature or late-term birth. The RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) signalling pathway takes part in cellular functions including smooth muscle contraction. No information is available about the cervical expression of the RhoA/ROCK system during pregnancy. Our aim was to detect the mRNA and protein expression of ROCK enzymes in rat cervices and to evaluate the effects of RhoA/ROCK inhibitors on cervical resistance.The mRNA and protein expressions of RhoA, ROCK I and II were measured in non-pregnant, pregnant and postpartum rat cervices and during parturition by Real-time qPCR and Western blot. The cervical resistance modifying effects of RhoA (simvastatin) and ROCK (fasudil, Y-27632) (10−6M) were investigated in tissue bath experiments.RhoA mRNA was increased on post-partum day 3, while the RhoA protein expression was decreased near and during parturition. ROCK I mRNA and protein expressions were fluctuating with a decrease in protein expression during parturition. ROCK II mRNA and protein expressions were sharply reduced during parturition. Simvastatin increased the cervical resistance on pregnancy days 20 and 22 while Y-27632 and fasudil reduced the resistance on pregnancy days 20.The decrease in RhoA/ROCK expression near parturition may take part in cervical ripening, especially in the final processes leading to delivery. ROCK inhibitors might be potential drug candidates to treat insufficient cervical ripening late-term pregnancies. The effect of simvastatin possibly due to its unique smooth muscle contracting activity in pregnant cervix. Compounds with simvastatin-like action might be new drug candidates for preterm cervical ripening.

Feasibility and Effect of Cervical Resistance Training on Head Kinematics in Youth Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Greater neck girth and strength may be associated with a lower risk of sport-related concussion due to mitigation of head accelerations by the neck. However, neck strengthening exercise remains unstudied in youth athletes. Therefore, this pilot study assessed the feasibility and effect of targeted neck strengthening exercises in youth athletes. Seventeen participants were allocated to perform 8-wk manual resistance-based neck strengthening (n = 13) or control resistance exercise (n = 4) programs. Before and after the intervention, participants completed laboratory-based assessments of neck size, strength, and head kinematics during standardized test loading in each plane of motion. Descriptive statistics were calculated to compare pre-post changes between the two groups. All participants safely and successfully completed the intervention. Neck girth and strength increased in both groups, with greater increases in the neck strengthening group. Across all planes of motion, overall changes in head linear and angular velocity decreased in both groups, with greater decreases in ΔV in the neck strengthening group and greater decreases in Δω in controls. These results suggest the potential for resistance exercise training to reduce youth athletes' risk for sport-related concussion by increasing neck girth and strength. Additional research is needed to determine optimal neck strengthening programs.

Elevated miR-101 Reduces Resistance of Cervical Carcinoma CaSki Cells to Cisplatin by Inhibiting the Expression of mTOR miR-101 and Cervical Cancer Cell Cisplatin Resistance

Elevated miR-101 Reduces Resistance of Cervical Carcinoma CaSki Cells to Cisplatin by Inhibiting the Expression of mTOR miR-101 and Cervical Cancer Cell Cisplatin Resistance

The Clinical Characteristics and Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Children with Mild Encephalitis with Reversible Isolated Corpus Callosum

Objective: To summarize the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) performance and clinical characteristics of children mild encephalitis with reversible isolated corpus callosum pressure (MERS), and analyze the possible etiology. Methods: The clinical data and MRI findings of 11 children with MERS in children's hospital of Shanxi Province from January 2012 to January 2015 were summarized, and then their clinical manifestations and characteristics were analyzed. Results: Among the 11 patients, 5 were male and 6 were female. The age range was 2- 14 years. Clinical manifestations include fever (7 cases, 63.6%), gastrointestinal symptoms (9 cases, 81.8%), drowsiness (5 cases, 45.5%), convulsions (6 cases, 54.5%), dizziness (2 cases, 18.2%), cervical positive resistance (1 case, 9.1%), carotid resistance suspicious (3 patients [27.3%]). The appearance of cerebrospinal fluid, white blood cell count, leukocyte classification, protein, glucose and chloride are all normal. MRI showed only abnormal signal in the corpus callosum pressure: a slightly longer T1 signal, a longer T2 signal, a high Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) signal, and a low signal of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC). Has 4 cases of nuclear magnetic head of abnormal signal in the middle of corpus callosum and ovoid, 6 cases, in the middle and a wide belt of corpus callosum, 1 case was located in the corpus callosum and diffuse wide strip. Eleven children were treated with anti-infective agents and other symptomatic treatment. All of the 11 children were recovered and discharged. The duration of the course is 8 d and the longest is 21 d. The results of MRI follow - up showed that the callosal pressure lesion disappeared. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of children's MERS include fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, drowsiness and convulsions, and their characteristic head MRI is a reversible cytotoxic edema with good prognosis.

Characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid in neonatal purulent meningitis

Objective To analyze the changes of WBC classification, sugar and protein in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) and pathogenic bacteria of neonatal purulent meningitis. Methods Thirty-one neonates with bacterial meningitis in our department of neonatology from June 2011 to June 2013 were enrolled, and the clinical features, pathogenic bacteria, laboratory examination of CSF were analyzed. Results Fever(90.3%), convulsions(67.7%) and changed consciousness(58.1%) were common clinical symptoms.The incidences of other nervous system abnormal signs such as gastrointestinal dysfunction(25.8%), abnormal breathing(16.1%), cervical resistance(16.1%), bulging fontanel(9.7%) were lower.The Gram-negative bacteria was more than Gram-positive in both blood and CSF culture.The escherichia coli was the most common bacteria, with positive rate of 38.1%(8/21)in blood culture and 55.5%(5/9)in CSF culture.The germiculture positive rate in CSF was lower than in blood culture (29.0% vs.67.7%). Polymorphonuclear leukocyte(PMN)[(79.61±12.06)%] was the most predominant cell of the leukocyte classification in CSF within 1 week in all cases, PMN was still predominant in 1 to 2 weeks in 7 cases, while only 2 cases in 2 to 3 weeks still dominated by PMN, PMN was not the predominant cell 3 weeks later. Conclusion In the typical neonatal purulent meningitis, PMN was the predominant cell in CSF within the first week, but the proportion of monocyte gradually increased and was dominant later.Escherichia coli was a common bacteria caused by this disease. Key words: Purulent meningitis; Neonate; bacteria; Cerebrospinal fluid; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Monocyte

Tocopherol inhibits the relaxing effect of terbutaline in the respiratory and reproductive tracts of the rat: The role of the oxidative stress index

AimsReactive oxygen species play a role in the signal transduction of beta-adrenergic receptors. We investigated whether an antioxidant (tocopherol) can reduce the effect of terbutaline in beta-2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR)-regulated smooth muscles. Main methodsContractility of the tissues from nonpregnant (trachea) and 22-day-pregnant (myometrium and cervix) rats was investigated in an isolated organ bath. The tracheal and uterine β2-AR expressions were increased by 17-beta-estradiol valerate (E2) and progesterone (P4), respectively. The accumulation of cyclic-AMP (cAMP), and the total oxidant (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were also measured. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was defined as the ratio of TOS and TAS. Key findingsTerbutaline (10−10–10−5M) decreased the contractions in the nontreated and the P4-pretreated myometria, but tocopherol (10−7M) did not alter these actions. Terbutaline (10−6M) increased the cervical resistance both in the nontreated and in the P4-treated samples, while tocopherol reduced this action only in the P4-treated cervices. Terbutaline (10−9–10−4M) reduced the tracheal tones both in the nontreated and in the E2-treated tissues, while tocopherol reduced these effects. The changes in the intracellular cAMP levels of the tissues were in harmony with the isolated organ results. The OSI was highest in the trachea and lowest in the pregnant myometrium. SignificanceA higher OSI is linked to a higher tocopherol sensitivity of beta-mimetic-induced relaxation. Our results suggest that the antiasthmatic effect of beta-mimetics may worsen, while their tocolytic effect may remain unchanged during parallel tocopherol administration.

Abstract B208: Reduction in P2X7 receptor expression is a marker of resistance to ATP treatment in human cervical carcinoma cell line.

Abstract Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. The high mortality rate is largely due to the lack of effective therapies for eliminating disease in women with high-grade cervical cancer and the lack of response to chemotherapy of inoperable disease. Thus, to understand the mechanisms involved on cervical cancer development and find a molecular target to prevent it is strongly desirable. Until now, researchers show that HPV infection and suppression of cell death mechanisms like apoptosis are the most important factors involving of cervical carcinogenesis. Anyway, the mechanism that leads cells infected by HPV escape to apoptosis remains unknown. A role for purinergic signaling on control of cell growth and death, mainly through P2X7 receptor activation by extracellular ATP, has been described. We hypothesized that a disruption in this signaling could be involved with cervical cancer resistance to apoptosis and development. Previous work, using human carcinoma cell line SiHa, showed that ATP 5mM induces cell death through apoptosis by P2X7 activation. However, the mechanism involved in this cytotoxic effect remained unclear. To answers this question, we investigate the role of P2X7 on ATP induce cell death. We started analyzing P2X7 protein expression in cells resistant to ATP treatment. In this case, SiHa cells were treated with ATP 5mM for 24, 48, and 72h, and the adherent survival cells were removed and analyzed by Western Blot. After, we knockdown P2X7 receptor in SiHa cell line and evaluate this effect on cell viability after ATP treatment. In addition, we studied the mechanistic way involved in this cell death pathway using EGTA and caspase-3 inhibitor previous to ATP treatment. Unexpectedly, SiHa wild type (WT) cells that remained adherent after treatment with ATP showed less expression of P2X7, suggesting a defense way to apoptosis. Corroborating with this, SiHa cells knockdown (KD) for P2X7 showed increased cell viability when compared to SiHa WT and SiHa KD control, after exposure to ATP 5mM for 24, 48, and 72h. The mechanism of ATP induces apoptosis through P2X7 don't seems to be by increase intracellular calcium and caspase-3 activation, but in an independent caspase way. These findings suggest that P2X7 receptor could be involved with death and resistance cell mechanisms, indicating a possible new target on therapeutical research in cervical cancer and on tumor aggressiveness. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B208. Citation Format: Paola de Andrade Mello, Eduardo Cremonese Filippi-Chiela, Jessica Nascimento, Franciele Cristina Kipper, Aline Beckenkamp, Danielle Bertodo Santana, Alessandra Nejar Bruno, Guido Lenz, Andréia Buffon. Reduction in P2X7 receptor expression is a marker of resistance to ATP treatment in human cervical carcinoma cell line. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B208.

Nicotine treatment prolongs gestation and inhibits cervical ripening in pregnant rats

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of nicotine treatment on the length of gestation, on fetal outcome, on cervical ripening, and on uterine contractility during pregnancy in rats. Pregnant rats were treated with various concentrations of nicotine (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg/d, subcutaneously). Delivery times and fetal weights were obtained. Cervical collagen cross-links were assessed invivo by collagen light-induced fluorescence (LIF), and cervical resistance to stretch was measured by invitro extensibility tests. Delivery time is significantly (P= .002) prolonged after high-dose nicotine treatments. There are no significant changes in pup weights and placenta weights after nicotine treatments. Cervical collagen LIF and extensibility progressively decrease throughout pregnancy in control rats. Nicotine-treated rats showed significant (P< .001) cervical resistance to stretch and higher LIF compared with the control rats. Nicotine treatment invitro had little effect on uterine contractility. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy prolongs gestation and inhibits cervical ripening, possibly by suppression of a cholinergic antiinflammatory response.

A randomized controlled trial for cervical priming using vaginal misoprostol prior to hysteroscopy in women who have only undergone cesarean section

To evaluate the efficacy of misoprostol administrated vaginally on cervical priming and its complications prior to diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy in women who have undergone at least one cesarean section and who have never delivered vaginally before and/or had other transcervical procedure. A total of 55 patients undergoing hysteroscopy for various intra-uterine lesions were included in this study and were randomly allocated to two groups finally. Thirty patients in the study group were given 200 μg misoprostol vaginally 12 h before the procedure, whereas 25 patients in the control group did not receive any cervical priming. The countered outcome included the cervical width detected with Hegar dilatators and complication rates. Mean cervical width was greater in the study group (6.6 ± 1.3) than in the control group (5.1 ± 0.9). Complications and failure rates were lower in the study group. Application of 200 μg misoprostol vaginally 12 h before hysteroscopy softens the cervix, reduces cervical resistance and consequently the need for cervical dilatation, with only mild side effects.

The outcome of cervical resistance index study and cervical cerclage in a tertiary referral centre – a retrospective cohort study

This retrospective cohort study reviews the patients who underwent cervical resistance index (CRI) study and cervical cerclage in a tertiary referral centre. The authors included patients in a period of...

Reversion of resistance to cisplatin induced by MG132 in cervical cancer line HCE1 multicellular spheroid

To investigate the effect of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway inhibitor MG132 on the natural resistance to cisplatin in the human cervical cancer line (HCE1) multicellular spheroid (HCE1/MCS) model and to probe it if MG132 could reverse the HCE1/MCS resistance to cisplatin, as well as the possible mechanism of drug resistance. (1) HCE1/MCS was obtained using liquid overlay and rotating technique. (2) Four groups were established (MG132 group, cisplatin group, MG132+cisplatin group, the control group). Cell viability were measured by trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. (3) The expression of nuclear factor (NF) kappaB of both HCE1 monolayer cells (HCE1/MC) and HCE1/MCS was detected by western blot, and the expression of B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (bcl-2) was detected by immunohistochemistry. (1) HCE1/MCS was established successfully. (2) Cell inhibited rate of HCE1/MC and HCE1/MCS was: in MG132 group, (11.67+/-2.34)% vs (10.78+/-1.17)% (P>0.05); in MG132+cisplatin group, (92.67+/-2.52)% vs (91.33+/-2.18)% (P>0.05); in cisplatin group, (45.01+/-7.44)% vs (9.45+/-5.98)% (P<0.05). (3) The rate of apoptosis of HCE1/MC and HCE1/MCS were: in MG132 group, 8.14% and 5.97%; in MG132+cisplatin group, 99.01% and 95.22%; in cisplatin group, 33.61% and 0.88%. (4) The expression level of NF-kappaB and the high expression rate of bcl-2 were: in HCE1/MCS of control group, 0.67 and 60%; in HCE1/MCS of cisplatin group, 0.85 and 83%; in HCE1/MCS of MG132 group, 0.39 and 20%; in HCE1/MCS of MG132+cisplatin group, 0.47 and 33%. (1) HCE1/MCS present natural resistance to cisplatin and may become a good model for the study of cervical cancer drug resistance in vitro. (2) MG132 could induce the inhibition and apoptosis of HCE1/MCS cells and partially reverse the natural resistance of HCE1/MCS to cisplatin, of which partially reverse the natural resistance may be in relation to the down-regulation of NF-kappaB and bcl-2 expression.

Cervical Cerclage in Scotland - 50 Years 0n

Since then the trend has been to perform cervical cerclage as a prophylactic procedure and relatively few rescue operations are now performed. The move to prophylactic cerclage led to a search for a test to confirm the diagnosis of cervical weakness. Most clinicians rely heavily on the history of the mid-trimester losses but in addition a number of diagnostics techniques have been investigated. The diameter of the cervical canal has been measured using Hegar dilators,5 hysterography,6 balloon studies,7 ultrasound8 and cervical resistance index.9 Ultrasound, to observe shortening or funnelling of the cervix, is used to monitor women at high risk of mid-trimester loss or pre-term delivery.

The roles of α 2-adrenoceptor subtypes in the control of cervical resistance in the late-pregnant rat

The roles of the α 2-adrenoceptor subtypes in the regulation of cervical resistance have previously not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to identify these receptors in the late-pregnant cervix and determine their functions in vitro in the rat. The expressions of the α 2-adrenoceptor subtypes were determined by means of RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques. The changes in cervical resistance due to subtype-selective antagonists were investigated in stretching tests. The cyclic AMP immunoassay technique was used to detect the level of cyclic AMP following stimulation of the α 2-adrenoceptors with or without pertussis toxin. On pregnancy days 18, 20, 21 and 22, the RT-PCR and Western blotting studies revealed the expressions of all three α 2-adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs and proteins. On days 18 and 20, noradrenaline increased and decreased the resistance, respectively. Its effect was blocked by each of the antagonists used, except ARC 239 on both days. On day 21, noradrenaline again increased the resistance, this effect being maintained only in the presence of spiroxatrine. Noradrenaline was ineffective on day 22. These results were supported by the changes in cyclic AMP levels. Pertussis toxin pretreatment eliminated the changes in the cyclic AMP level on days 18 and 21. We presume that the α 2A- and α 2C-adrenoceptors play predominant roles in the regulation of cervical resistance on days 18–21. Depending on the day of pregnancy, stimulation of these α 2-adrenoceptors could even result in opposite effects. This fluctuation can be explained by the changes in the G i/G s-coupling of the α 2A- and α 2C-adrenoceptors.