Molecular medicine reports
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a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) with thrombospondin type 1 motif 12 (ADAMTS12) is a degradative enzyme that interacts with the degradable fragments of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, which is a prominent non-collagenous matrix component in articular cartilage. ADAMTS12 has been observed in the cartilage, synovial fluid and serum of arthritic patients, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arthritis. In the present study, we investigated whether genetic polymorphisms of ADAMTS12 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ The other two SNPs (rs1364044 and rs25754) were not associated with the development of RA. However, we did not find any association between the three tested SNPs and RA patients according to clinical features, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, rheumatoid factor (+ and -) and bone erosion (+ and -). Our results suggest that ADAMTS12 may be a susceptibility gene for RA development.
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Despite advancements in research made over the past decades, the prognosis of gliomas remains dismal. Fas/Fas ligand (Fas-L)-related immunotherapy may be regarded as a treatment of choice as it can induce the apoptosis of glioma cells, and has shown promising results in experimental studies. Over the years, brain glioma stem cells (BGSCs) have been accepted as the origin of gliomas and determine their biological features. ⋯ The results showed that the Fas and Fas-L mRNA expression levels in BGSCs were lower compared to those in primary cultured glioma cells, which were statistically significant (P<0.001). These results indicate that immunotherapy involving Fas/Fas-L may not eradicate the BGSCs, which would result in the relapse of glioma. However, further research is required to investigate the mechanisms involved and define the prospect of Fas-involved immunotherapy against gliomas.
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The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein plays an important role in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), a heat shock protein 72 inducer, has been reported to reduce myocardial I/R injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective mechanism of GGA during myocardial I/R injury in rats. ⋯ GGA also significantly inhibited the increase in MDA levels and the decrease in SOD levels (both P<0.05). Meanwhile, GGA considerably suppressed the expression of HMGB1 induced by I/R. The present study suggests that GGA is capable of attenuating myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting HMGB1 expression.
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Selenium is an essential biological trace element. Adult daily intake of selenium should be approximately 100 µg per day. This compound has a two-sided effect depending on its concentration. ⋯ A lower redox state caused by selenium may be implicated in toxic diseases, such as alkali disease and blind staggers. Collectively, selenium seems to have both harmful and beneficial attributes. The aim of this review is to summarize the various biological functions of selenium and to illustrate its opposite roles as a pro-oxidant and an antioxidant.
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Early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) remains very difficult, partly due to the fact that useful markers of early small bowel ischemia have not yet been identified. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of serum intracellular enzymes in the tissues and organs in a controlled animal model of mesenteric intestinal ischemia. Forty-eight New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups including the control, artery ligation, vein ligation, and both artery and vein ligation groups. ⋯ However, after 3 h of superior mesenteric venous (SMV) ligation, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels in the blood were considerably higher compared to the control group. Six hours after SMV ischemia, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly elevated compared to those pre-ligation. Serum enzyme levels during intestinal ischemia are not able to provide sufficient information as regards the extent and reversibility of intestinal ischemia, although, they may be able to reflect the presence of injury.