Typical Pathological Changes Research Articles

Promotor Hypomethylation Mediated Upregulation of miR-23b-3p Targets PTEN to Promote Bronchial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Asthma.

Chronic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and irreversible airway remodeling. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a typical pathological change of airway remodeling. Our previous research demonstrated miR-23b inhibited airway smooth muscle proliferation while the function of miR-23b-3p has not been reported yet. Besides, miRNA is regulated by many factors, including DNA methylation. The function of miR-23b-3p and whether it is regulated by DNA methylation are worth exploring. Balb/c mice were given OVA sensitization to develop the asthmatic model. Expression of miR-23b-3p and EMT markers were measured by RT-qPCR, WB and immunohistochemistry (IHC). DNA methylation was detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and the MassARRAY System. Asthmatic mice and TGF-β1-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) showed EMT with increased miR-23b-3p. Overexpression of miR-23b-3p promoted EMT and migration, while inhibition of miR-23b-3p reversed these transitions. DNA methyltransferases were decreased in asthmatic mice. MSP and MassARRAY System detected the promotor of miR-23b showed DNA hypomethylation. DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5’-AZA-CdZ increased the expression of miR-23b-3p. Meanwhile, PTEN was identified as a target gene of miR-23b-3p. Our results indicated that promotor hypomethylation mediated upregulation of miR-23b-3p targets PTEN to promote EMT in chronic asthma. miR-23b-3p and DNA methylation might be potential therapeutic targets for irreversible airway remodeling.

HR-MS Based Untargeted Lipidomics Reveals Characteristic Lipid Signatures of Wilson's Disease.

Background and Aims: The diagnosis of Wilson’s disease (WD) is challenging by clinical or genetic criteria. A typical early pathological change of WD is the increased liver lipid deposition and lowered serum triglyceride (TG). Therefore, the contents of serum lipids may provide evidence for screening of biomarkers for WD. Methods: 34 WD patients, 31 WD relatives, and 65 normal controls were enrolled in this study. Serum lipidomics data was acquired by an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry system, and the data were analyzed by multivariate statistical methods. Results: Of all 510 identified lipids, there are 297 differential lipids between the WD and controls, 378 differential lipids between the relatives and controls, and 119 differential lipids between the patients and relatives. In WD, the abundances of most saturated TG were increased, whereas other unsaturated lipids decreased, including phosphatidylcholine (PC), sphingomyelin (SM), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), ceramide (Cer), and phosphatidylserine (PS). We also found many serum lipid species may be used as biomarkers for WD. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of PS (35:0), PS (38:5), and PS (34:0) were 0.919, 0.843, and 0.907. The AUCs of TG (38:0) and CerG1 (d42:2) were 0.948 and 0.915 and the AUCs of LPC (17:0) and LPC (15:0) were 0.980 and 0.960, respectively. The lipid biomarker panel exhibits good diagnostic performance for WD. The correlation networks were built among the different groups and the potential mechanisms of differential lipids were discussed. Interestingly, similar lipid profile of WD is also found in their relatives, which indicated the changes may also related to the mutation of the ATP7B gene. Conclusions: Lipid deregulation is another important hallmark of WD besides the deposition of copper. Our lipidomic results provide new insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic targets of WD.

Effects of Intravitreal Injection of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs on Ocular Blood Vessels and Blood Flow in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the major microvascular disease in diabetic patients,and it is also one of the main blinding eye diseases in the current population.The typical pathological change of DR in the eyes is vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-mediated neovascularization induced by retinal ischemic stimulation.Therefore,anti-VEGF drugs have gradually become one of the mainstream methods to treat DR and DR-induced diseases such as diabetic macular edema.Recent studies have proved that anti-VEGF drugs have certain effects on ocular blood vessels and blood flow in patients with DR,while the specific mechanism has not been fully elucidated.This article summarizes the research progress on the effects of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs on the ocular blood vessels and blood flow in patients with DR.

Research Progress on Mechanism of Neuroprotective Roles of Apelin-13 in Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Currently, more than 50 million people live with dementia worldwide, and this number is expected to increase. Some of the typical pathological changes of AD include amyloid plaque, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, secretion of inflammatory mediators, and neuronal apoptosis. Apelin is a neuroprotective peptide that is widely expressed in the body. Among members of apelin family, apelin-13 is the most abundant with a high neuroprotective function. Apelin-13/angiotensin domain type 1 receptor-associated proteins (APJ) system regulates several physiological and pathophysiological cell activities, such as apoptosis, autophagy, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation. It has also been shown to prevent AD development. This article reviews the research progress on the relationship between apelin-13 and AD to provide new ideas for prevention and treatment of AD.

Inflammasome Activation and Exosome Release in the Lung during Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Potential Therapeutic Target of Acupuncture

Exosomes are reported to play an important role in the regulation intercellular and intracellular signaling including the role in mediating the activation inflammation by secretion of inflammasome products such as IL-1β or IL-18. Increasing evidence has indicated that alterations of exosomes production or secretion may be a therapeutic target for treatment of diseases such as a variety of cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The present study tested a hypothesis that exosome-mediated release of NLRP3 inflammasome products is crucial for instigation of the inflammatory response in the lung during COPD and the inflammasome activation and inflammatory exosome release may be a target for acupuncture therapy of COPD. In a mouse model of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced emphysema, we found that the mouse lung tissue in the 4-week COPD group displayed key features of chronic lung injury including alveolar septal thickening, enlarged alveoli, interstitial edema, and inflammatory cells infiltration, indicating the typical pathological changes of COPD. We also observed that the colocalization of NLRP3 vs. ASC or Caspase-1 increased in both bronchial and alveoli, indicating the increased formation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Immunohistochemical staining showed that IL-1β, an NLRP3 inflammasome activating product was elevated. Confocal microscopy confirmed that IL-1β was secreted via exosomes as shown by increased colocalization of IL-1β vs. CD63 (exosome marker) in the lung during COPD. Nanoparticle tracking analysis also demonstrated that the secretion exosomes that were enriched with IL-1β significantly increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from mice with COPD. However, the deletion of ASM gene that controls inflammasome activation and exosome secretion was found to substantially attenuate COPD-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and exosomes release in the lung. Therapeutically, we demonstrated that IL-1β production in the lung during COPD was significantly reduced by electroacupuncture at the acupoint Feishu (BL13) and Zusanli (ST36), which was accompanied by decreased colocalization of NLRP3 vs. ASC or Caspase-1. The secretion of exosomes increased by COPD was also significantly suppressed in acupuncture-treated mice compared to their controls. These results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation with increases in exosome-mediated release of IL-1β or other inflammasome products importantly contribute to the development of lung inflammation and injury during COPD and that acupuncture of specific acupoints may act to produce beneficial action by inhibition of this inflammasome activation and exosome release, which may attenuate inflammatory response in the lung.

Bulbocodin D ameliorate cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic mice by modulating amyloid-beta burden, oxidative status and neuroinflammation.

Amyloid β peptide (Aβ) triggers a series of pathological events including microglial activation, oxidative stress, and inflammation-causing neuronal death and typical pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of bulbocodin D for AD in vivo. In this study, Morris water maze (MWM) analysis was used to detect the cognitive ability of APP/PS1 mice after gavage with bulbocodin D for 2 months. Levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, IL-1β, and TNF-α were evaluated by ELISA. Aβ plaques and biomarkers of neuroinflammation were also investigated through histological analysis. We established that bulbocodin D significantly improved cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and reduced the levels of amyloid plaque, Aβ40, and Aβ42. Bulbocodin D also reduced levels of microglial markers IbA1, GFAP, and antioxidant enzymes and reduced the products of lipid peroxidation and proinflammatory cytokines. In summary, the present study provides preclinical evidence that oral bulbocodin D can reduce AD pathology.

The Mechanism of Penehyclidine Hydrochloride and Its Effect on the Inflammatory Response of Lung Tissue in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease During Mechanical Ventilation.

BackgroundPenehyclidine hydrochloride is a selective antagonist of M1 and M3 receptors. Clinical studies suggest that it is a potential drug for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on the inflammatory response of lung tissue during mechanical ventilation in rats with COPD and explore the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) signaling pathway.MethodsEight-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 minutes every day for two months, and on the first and thirtieth days, 200 ug of lipopolysaccharide was injected into the trachea. Two months later, the rats were randomly divided into the control group (C), model group (M), model + normal saline group (N), and penehyclidine hydrochloride group (H) to undergo anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. In group H, 1 mg/kg of penehyclidine hydrochloride was injected intravenously.ResultsThe results showed that: ① Compared with group C, the other groups all showed typical chronic obstructive pathological changes in the lung tissue; their wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), TNF-α, JNK, and p-JNK levels increased (P < 0.05), and their interleukin (IL)-10 levels decreased (P < 0.05). ② Compared with group M, there was no significant change in the lung tissue indexes in group N (P > 0.05). ③ Compared with group N, the W/D, TNF-α, JNK, and p-JNK levels in group H decreased (P < 0.05), while the levels of IL-10 increased (P < 0.05).ConclusionPenehyclidine hydrochloride can alleviate the pulmonary inflammatory response in rats with COPD undergoing mechanical ventilation. The JNK/SAPK signaling pathway may be involved in this process.

Urantide decreases hepatic steatosis in rats with experimental atherosclerosis via the MAPK/Erk/JNK pathway.

Hepatic steatosis, an indicator of atherosclerosis (AS), is always accompanied by inflammatory responses and disturbances in lipid metabolism. The present study investigated the protective effect of urantide, a urotensin II (UII) receptor antagonist, on the liver of rats with AS with hepatic steatosis by regulating the MAPK pathway. AS was induced in rats via an intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3 and the administration of a high-fat diet. Urantide treatment was then administered to the rats. Pathology, liver index, lipid levels and liver function were measured to determine liver injury. The expression levels of UII and G protein-coupled receptor 14 (GPR14) were determined using immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. The expression levels of MAPK-related proteins in hepatocytes from each group were quantified using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Rats with AS had typical pathological changes associated with AS and hepatic steatosis, which were significantly improved by urantide treatment. Blood lipid levels, body weight, liver index and liver function were recovered in rats with AS after urantide treatment. Urantide downregulated the expression levels of UII and GPR14 in the livers of rats with AS; concurrently, the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and JNK was significantly decreased. Moreover, no significant changes were observed in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in AS rat livers. In conclusion, urantide inhibits the activation of Erk1/2 and JNK by blocking the binding of UII and GPR14, thereby alleviating hepatic steatosis in rats with AS, ultimately restoring lipid metabolism in the liver and alleviating AS lesions.

Autopsy findings after long-term treatment of COVID-19 patients with microbiological correlation

Between April and June 2020, i.e., during the first wave of pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), 55 patients underwent long-term treatment in the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Regensburg. Most of them were transferred from smaller hospitals, often due to the need for an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system. Autopsy was performed in 8/17 COVID-19-proven patients after long-term treatment (mean: 33.6 days). Autopsy revealed that the typical pathological changes occurring during the early stages of the disease (e.g., thrombosis, endothelitis, capillaritis) are less prevalent at this stage, while severe diffuse alveolar damage and especially coinfection with different fungal species were the most conspicuous finding. In addition, signs of macrophage activation syndrome was detected in 7 of 8 patients. Thus, fungal infections were a leading cause of death in our cohort of severely ill patients and may alter clinical management of patients, particularly in long-term periods of treatment.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Prevents H2O2-induced Lens Opacity

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the potential function of Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) against lens opacification. Methods: Eyeballs from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were enucleated and lenses were dissected for ex vivo culture under H2O2 treatment. Water soluble protein (WSP) content, the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and reduced GSH were detected by indicated assays. Cell viability was performed by Cell Counting Kit-8 experiment. Results Exposure of 0.2 mM H2O2 in lenses resulted in obvious cloudiness and typical pathological changes of cataract such as rupture of the lens capsule, degenerative lens epithelial cells (LECs), etc. Rg1 effectively prevented lens opacity caused by H2O2. After Rg1 treatment, lens WSP content, the level of SOD, total GSH, and reduced GSH were increased, while the level of MDA and oxidized GSH were decreased. In addition, MDA concentration of lens by Rg1 treatment only was found to be lower than the controls. Rg1 attenuated H2O2-induced cell injury at the concentration of 0.4 mM that it elevated cell activity, and peaked at 0.6 mM. Conclusions This study demonstrated that Rg1 might have the capability to protect lens against oxidative stress-induced cataract, at least by local administration. Abbreviations: LECs: lens epithelial cells; Rg1: Ginsenoside Rg1; SD: Sprague-Dawley; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SOD: Superoxide Dismutase; GSH: glutathione; MDA: Malonediadehyde; H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide

Preliminary Characterization of Dog Derived Pathogenic Strains of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Australis in Nanchang of Jiangxi Province, China.

Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira, and those infected animals will show a variety of clinical symptoms and even death. The discovery of endemic strains is crucial to produce effective vaccines. In this study, we report that a strain of Leptospira, isolated from a dog, is pathogenic. Using MLST analysis, the serovar of isolated Leptospira was identified and found it belongs to Leptospira interrogation Serovar Australis. Then, the virulence of this strain was researched by using hamsters. After infection, all the hamsters died within 4–5 days. Typical pathological changes were found in the liver, kidney, and lung of hamsters. These results all indicated that the isolated Leptospira was pathogenic. Thus, this study facilitates to identifying local Leptospira strains and develop a more targeted canine Leptospira vaccine.

Клинические проявления синдрома Вильямса у детей

Williams syndrome (WS), also known as Williams–Beuren syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder affecting many organs and caused by hemizygous deletions of the long arm of chromosome 7 (7q11. 23). In this article, we describe typical pathological changes in the cardiovascular, endocrine, urinary, digestive, and nervous systems, as well as phenotypic characteristics and psychological aspects of this disease. We also cover a correlation between clinical manifestations of WS and genes in the remote area. The article contains a summary of the main recommendations for the treatment of individual manifestations, i.e. pathological conditions associated with this syndrome. Key words: children, Williams syndrome, cardiovascular disorder, hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, growth retardation, mental retardation

Central Core Disease - A Disease That Is Easily Misdiagnosed as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

As a kind of congenital myopathy (CM), central core disease (CCD) is mainly characterized by low muscle tension, slow progressive or static proximal limb weakness. CM can be characterized by no symptoms to be unable to walk independently in the clinic, pathological changes can be manifested as only significant type 1 muscle fiber dominant type to typical central axial space structure, and there are also many genetic ways. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common congenital myopathy, which is mainly manifested in the typical pathological changes of early progressive myasthenia and muscular dystrophy. Both CCD and DMD show similar clinical symptoms and their serum creatine kinase can be increased, which is often difficult to distinguish them through clinical characterization and laboratory examination. In this study, we report the clinical and genetic characteristics of two patients with progressive muscle weakness with elevated creatine kinase. They are the product of a first-cousin marriage and seek medical treatment due to asymptotic walking difficulties, muscle atrophy, joint contracture, scoliosis, and elevated creatine kinase levels. It was previously suspected as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After that, the patient's DNA was sequenced by whole-exome sequencing (WES), and all coding regions were investigated. It was found that a new heterozygous missense mutation c.5092g > A in the RYR1 gene. Similar mutations have not been reported in the literature before. Bioinformatics software predicts that they have the possibility of pathogenesis, which is highly correlated with CCD. The purpose of this case is to report a new heterozygous mutation of the RYR1 gene, summarize the similarities and differences of clinical manifestations, genetic characteristics, and pathological changes of CCD and DMD, and provide a new idea for its differential diagnosis.

Effects of IL-18 on the proliferation and steroidogenesis of bovine theca cells: Possible roles in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Interleukin 18 (IL‐18) is a pleiotropic pro‐inflammatory cytokine and is associated with arrested follicle development and anovulation which are the typical pathological changes of PCOS. Theca cells (TCs) have a key role in follicular growth and atresia. But whether IL‐18 can directly affect ovarian TCs function is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of IL‐18 on proliferation and steroidogenesis of bovine TCs and to explore the biological effect of IL‐18 on folliculogenesis. This work revealed that at 300‐1000 pg/mL, IL‐18 led to a time‐ and dose‐dependently increase in cell proliferation (P < .05). IL‐18 increased 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP4) and androstenedione (A2) secretion with up‐regulation of key steroidogenesis‐related genes CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 (P < .05). Furthermore, our data demonstrated that the IL‐18R protein is predominantly expressed in small‐follicle (3‐6 mm) TCs than large follicles (8‐22 mm) by immunohistochemistry. We also found that the stimulation effects of IL‐18 on TCs can be reversed with the addition of IL‐18BP as early as at 4 hours of culture and reached the peak at 16 hours. We conclude that IL‐18 appears to target TCs in bovine, and suggest an important role for this cytokine in ovarian function. Present findings further validate potential effects of IL‐18 in the conditions associated with follicular dysplasia and excessive growth of ovarian TCs (such as PCOS). But additional research is needed to further understand the mechanism of action of IL‐18 in theca cells as well as its precise role in folliculogenesis.

Ginsenoside Rb1 alleviates colitis in mice via activation of endoplasmic reticulum-resident E3 ubiquitin ligase Hrd1 signaling pathway.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is regulated by ER-resident E3 ubiquitin ligase Hrd1, which has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) is the major ginsenoside in ginseng with multiple pharmacological activities. In this study we investigated the role of Hrd1 in IBD and its regulation by GRb1. Two mouse colitis models were established to mimic human IBD: drinking water containing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) as well as intra-colonic infusion of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Colitis mice were treated with GRb1 (20, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) or a positive control drug sulfasalazine (500 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) for 7 days. The model mice showed typical colitis symptoms and pathological changes in colon tissue. In addition to significant inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis in colon tissue, colon epithelial expression of Hrd1 was significantly decreased, the expression of ER stress markers GRP78, PERK, CHOP, and caspase 12 was increased, and the expression of Fas was increased (Fas was removed by Hrd1-induced ubiquitination). These changes were partially, or completely, reversed by GRb1 administration, whereas injection of Hrd1 inhibitor LS102 (50 mg·kg-1· d-1, ip, for 6 days) exacerbated colitis symptoms in colitis mice. GRb1 administration not only normalized Hrd1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, but also alleviated the ER stress response, Fas-related apoptosis, and other colitis symptoms. In intestinal cell line IEC-6, the expression of Hrd1 was significantly decreased by LPS treatment, but was normalized by GRb1 (200 μM). GRb1 alleviated LPS-induced ER stress and cell apoptosis in IEC-6 cells, and GRb1 action was inhibited by knockdown of Hrd1 using small interfering RNA. In summary, these results reveal a pathological role of Hrd1 in colitis, and provide a novel insight into alternative treatment of colitis using GRb1 activating Hrd1 signaling pathway.

Dissociation of axo-glial junction in anti-neurofascin 155 chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

A subset of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is characterized by the presence of anti-neurofascin 155 (anti-NF155) autoantibodies. In this paper, we investigated an anti-NF155 CIDP patient via clinical, electrophysiological, and neuropathological tests. The patient was a 15-year-old Chinese boy affected by distal limb weakness and tremor for a 6-month period. The patient was positive for serum anti-NF155 antibodies, high cerebrospinal fluid protein levels and symmetric hypertrophy of lumbosacral roots in MRI. Elongation of distal and F-wave latencies and decrease of compound muscle action potentials in motor nerves were recorded. Sensory nerve action potentials were absent. He accepted sural nerve biopsy. Sural nerve biopsy demonstrated the typical pathological change of loss of transverse bands with mild detachment of terminal myelin loop from axon at the paranode. Some thin myelinated fibers and axonal degeneration were recorded. Besides, we found some myelin balloon formations with compressed axons. We suggest that antibodies against F155 might be responsible for axo-glial junction disruptions leading to the dissociation of myelin and axon. Both conduction block and axonal impairment contributed to the neuropathy in anti-NF155 CIDP.

Comparison of Pathogenicity of Different Infectious Doses of H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus in Dogs.

The canine influenza virus (CIV) outbreaks have raised concerns as they pose a threat to the health of dogs. The successful construction of a canine influenza (CI) infection model is essential to study the CIV. Here we investigated the pathogenicity of different infectious doses of H3N2 CIV in Beagle dogs. Thirty-seven healthy Beagle dogs were used in the experiment and were infected with 103, 104, 105, and 106 50% egg-infectious doses (EID50). Compared to the dogs in the other three groups, those in the 106 EID50 group presented with obvious clinical symptoms, high virus titer, and typical pathological changes. Considering the ensemble of clinical scores, body temperature, virus shedding, lung lesions, pathological section scores, and visceral virus titers, we determined that 106 EID50 is the minimum infectious dose for the Beagle infection model. The other three infectious doses had almost no clinical symptoms. These results indicate that 106 EID50 is the minimum infectious dose of H3N2 CIV that can cause obvious clinical manifestations and pathological changes associated with CI in Beagle dogs. The theoretical framework developed in this research will guide the establishment of an infection model of CIV for future research.

Distribution of pathological features and inflammatory cells in patients with giant cell myocarditis

Abstract Background Giant-cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis, the etiology and pathophysiology of GCM remain largely unclear. Purpose Describe the distribution of GCM lesions, classify inflammatory cells, and explore the potential relationships of these features with clinical manifestations by examining the histopathological features of GCM in 8 patients who underwent heart transplantation. Methods Eight patients with pathological diagnoses with GCM underwent heart transplantation at our center. Hematoxylin- eosin (H-E) and Masson's tri-chrome staining were performed on biopsies of the free walls of the right and left ventricles and interventricular septa of the original hearts to determine the characteristic distribution of cardiac lesions and the composition of infiltrating immune cells. A multiplex immunohistochemistry and multispectral imaging analysis were applied to further classify the specific types of inflammatory immune cells. Results Inflammation found in a descending frequency gradually from the epicardium to the endocardium in the free wall of the left ventricle, but concentrated on the surface of right ventricular septum. Typical inflammatory infiltration and pathological changes were observed in the right-sided ventricular septum samples from all 8 patients. Numerous inflammatory immune cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, were detected in the lesion, which surrounded the emerging multinucleated giant cells. CD8+ T cells and a small number of regulatory T cells were scattered in the periphery. Conclusions In GCM, cardiac lesions appear to concentrate particularly beneath the epicardium of the left ventricular free wall and the right side of the ventricular septum. These findings provide a rationale for the diagnostic use of conventional endocardial biopsy. The findings further suggest that myocardial injury is mediated by a variety of lymphocytes, especially CD4+ T cells. Distribution of lesions in GCM Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Aldose Reductase Inhibitor Engeletin Suppresses Pelvic Inflammatory Disease by Blocking the Phospholipase C/Protein Kinase C-Dependent/NF-κB and MAPK Cascades.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common inflammation in the upper reproductive tract in women and may cause serious and costly consequences without effective treatment. Engeletin is a flavanonol glycoside and a naturally derived aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor that is widely distributed in vegetables, fruits, and plant-based foods. The present study investigated the anti-PID activity of engeletin in a mucilage-induced rat model of PID and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Engeletin significantly reduced inflammation and ameliorated the typical uterine pathological changes in PID rats. Engeletin also inhibited AR-dependent PLC/PKC/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, as indicated by the suppression of the phosphorylation levels of PLC, PKC, p38, ERK, and JNK and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In vitro studies demonstrated that engeletin significantly inhibited inflammatory mediator expression and enhanced the phagocytic ability of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. RNA interference of AR prevented the engeletin-induced inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Engeletin also inhibited AR-dependent PLC/PKC/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, which was consistent with the in vivo results. These findings support engeletin as a potential agent for prevention or treatment of PID.

Expression and localization of the MMP inhibitor RECK in a rat model of COPD: its involvement in the development of COPD.

To unravel the potential function of reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) as the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twelve specific pathogen-free Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control cohort (n = 6) or the COPD cohort (n = 6). COPD model was developed by tobacco smoke exposure. Functional residual capacity (FRC), static lung compliance (Cchord), ratio of forced expiratory volume in 0.1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV0.1/FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were detected by respiratory function tests. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the pathological changes as well as the expression and localization of RECK in pulmonary tissue. RECK expression was further quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot assays. COPD rats had significantly reduced FEV0.1/FVC% and PEF values but increased FRC and Cchord levels, as compared to the control cohort (p < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining indicated typical COPD pathological changes, including leukocyte infiltration, airway thickening, alveoli fusion, etc., in the COPD rats. IHC indicated reduced expression of RECK in the COPD cohort, which was mainly expressed on the epithelium and partly expressed on subepithelial cells and inflammatory cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot assays further revealed the significantly lower expression of RECK in lung tissue from the COPD cohort. RECK is mainly expressed on airway epithelial cells. COPD rats expressed significantly lower RECK levels, indicating that RECK exhibits a protective function in the development of COPD.