RESUMEN
Levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule, are reduced in the serum of individuals who smoke. We hypothesized that tobacco smoke influenced smooth muscle relaxation by decreasing H2S levels and this effect could also influence expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and sulfonylurea receptor-2 (SUR-2). The aim of this study was to explore the effect of tobacco smoke on H2S-mediated rat thoracic aorta relaxation and its possible mechanism. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (C) group, short-term smoker (SS) group, mid-term smoker (MS) group, and long-term smoker (LS) group. H2S concentrations in serum, action of H2S on rat aortic vascular relaxation, and expression of CSE and SUR-2 in thoracic aortic smooth muscle were measured. Although there was no significant difference in H2S between the C and the SS groups, concentration of H2S was significantly reduced in both the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.01). Furthermore, H2S was significantly lower in the LS than in the MS group (P<0.05). Rat aortic vascular relaxation was lower in all three treatment groups compared to the control, with the most significant decrease observed in the LS group (P<0.05 compared to the MS group). Expression of CSE and SUR-2 was reduced in the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.05), with the lowest levels observed in the LS group (P<0.05). Therefore, tobacco smoke reduced expression of CSE and SUR-2 in rat thoracic aorta, which may inhibit H2S production and vascular dilation.
Asunto(s)
Aorta Torácica/efectos de los fármacos , Endotelio Vascular/efectos de los fármacos , Sulfuro de Hidrógeno , Contaminación por Humo de Tabaco , Animales , Masculino , Modelos Animales , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule, are reduced in the serum of individuals who smoke. We hypothesized that tobacco smoke influenced smooth muscle relaxation by decreasing H2S levels and this effect could also influence expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and sulfonylurea receptor-2 (SUR-2). The aim of this study was to explore the effect of tobacco smoke on H2S-mediated rat thoracic aorta relaxation and its possible mechanism. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (C) group, short-term smoker (SS) group, mid-term smoker (MS) group, and long-term smoker (LS) group. H2S concentrations in serum, action of H2S on rat aortic vascular relaxation, and expression of CSE and SUR-2 in thoracic aortic smooth muscle were measured. Although there was no significant difference in H2S between the C and the SS groups, concentration of H2S was significantly reduced in both the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.01). Furthermore, H2S was significantly lower in the LS than in the MS group (P<0.05). Rat aortic vascular relaxation was lower in all three treatment groups compared to the control, with the most significant decrease observed in the LS group (P<0.05 compared to the MS group). Expression of CSE and SUR-2 was reduced in the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.05), with the lowest levels observed in the LS group (P<0.05). Therefore, tobacco smoke reduced expression of CSE and SUR-2 in rat thoracic aorta, which may inhibit H2S production and vascular dilation.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Masculino , Ratas , Aorta Torácica/efectos de los fármacos , Endotelio Vascular/efectos de los fármacos , Sulfuro de Hidrógeno , Contaminación por Humo de Tabaco , Modelos Animales , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Our study clarifies the role of the autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) gene in porcine preadipocyte differentiation. AMFR-siRNA was transfected into porcine preadipocytes and the preadipocytes were induced to differentiation. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was conducted to examine changes in mRNA expression of a series of genes in porcine preadipocytes, including AMFR, sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1a (SREBP1a), SREBP2, insulin-induced gene 1 (Insig1), and Insig2. Expression changes in the mRNA of genes regulating adipocyte differentiation were also analyzed using qRT-PCR, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the changes in AMFR protein expression in porcine preadipocytes. Additionally, morphological changes in differentiated porcine preadipocytes were examined by oil red O staining, and changes in optical density (OD) values were measured using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer. At 24 h after transfection with AMFR-siRNA, AMFR mRNA expression significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and AMFR protein expression markedly decreased (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of SREBP1a, SREBP2, Insig1, and C/EBPα was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), whereas the expression of KLF2 mRNA was significantly elevated (P < 0.01). After induction of preadipocyte differentiation, the number of lipid droplets decreased in the AMFR-silenced group, and the OD value markedly reduced (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of C/EBPα mRNA significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the expression of KLF2 mRNA considerably increased (P < 0.05). Taken together, silencing of the AMFR gene inhibits the differentiation of porcine preadipocytes.
Asunto(s)
Adipocitos/metabolismo , Diferenciación Celular , Receptores del Factor Autocrino de Motilidad/metabolismo , Adipocitos/citología , Animales , Proteína alfa Potenciadora de Unión a CCAAT/genética , Proteína alfa Potenciadora de Unión a CCAAT/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Silenciador del Gen , Factores de Transcripción de Tipo Kruppel/genética , Factores de Transcripción de Tipo Kruppel/metabolismo , PPAR gamma/genética , PPAR gamma/metabolismo , Receptores del Factor Autocrino de Motilidad/genética , Proteína 1 de Unión a los Elementos Reguladores de Esteroles/genética , Proteína 1 de Unión a los Elementos Reguladores de Esteroles/metabolismo , Proteína 2 de Unión a Elementos Reguladores de Esteroles/genética , Proteína 2 de Unión a Elementos Reguladores de Esteroles/metabolismo , PorcinosRESUMEN
We investigated the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) of 20 Hz/2 mT on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). Sprague Dawley rat BMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. The BMSCs of the third passage were obtained and stimulated by PEMFs of 20 Hz/2 mT. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured according to the ALP assay kit manufacturer instructions, the BMSC osteogenic and adipogenic indicators were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and oil red O staining was used to observe the adipose-induced adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. PEMFs of 20 Hz/2 mT significantly promoted the activity of ALP in the BMSCs (P < 0.01) and mRNA expression of osteogenic proteins (osteocalcin and osteopontin). The PEMFs inhibited the expression of adipogenic transcription factors such as adipokines and adipocyte-binding protein-2, and the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. PEMFs of 20 Hz/2 mT can promote osteogenic differentiation and inhibit adipogenic differentiation in BMSCs.
Asunto(s)
Adipogénesis , Células de la Médula Ósea/citología , Campos Electromagnéticos , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/citología , Osteogénesis , Adipogénesis/genética , Fosfatasa Alcalina/metabolismo , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Osteogénesis/genética , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Coloración y EtiquetadoRESUMEN
UNLABELLED: Only a few studies have focussed on the importance of routine investigation of childhood sexual abuse in outpatients attending adult psychiatric outpatient clinics. The aim of this study is to explore the association between having a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and attending adult Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics in Trinidad. METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted in twelve psychiatric outpatient clinics located throughout Trinidad A questionnaire covering demographic, social, and sexual abuse components was administered by semi-structured interview to 566 participants, of whom 242 were cases, 239 were controls and 85 had incomplete questionnaires. The cases were 242 patients attending psychiatric outpatient clinics in Trinidad and the controls were 239 non-physician staffmembers at the clinics. Results were analyzed using the Stastistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10. RESULTS: Chi-square analyses revealed several significant differences between the cases and control group. Sixty-three (26%) cases and 29 (12.1%) controls experienced CSA (p < 0.000). Twenty-five (39.7%) of the CSA cases had their experiences between the ages of 4 to 8 years and 13 (44.8%) of the CSA controls had their experiences between the ages of 9 to 12 (p < 0.01). Twenty-six (41.3%) of the cases and 3 (10.3%) of the controls had been abused at least 5 times (p < 0.000). Seventeen (58.6%) abused CSA controls reported having been sexually abused as a child only once. CSA with both force and manipulation was reported by 30 (47.6%) CSA cases while 6 (20.7%) CSA controls experienced CSA with force and manipulation (p < 0. 025). The abused CSA cases reported having a smaller social network of 2 persons compared to the abused CSA controls who had a social network of more than 4 persons (p < 0. 05). Of the 92 abused participants, 73.9% were women, and only 52.2% had told someone about the CSA. For the majority of CSA cases and CSA controls, the abuse involved one abuser. CONCLUSION: A positive correlation was established between earlier onset of CSA, repeated abuse (occurring more than 5 times), a limited social network in patients who had CSA and attending adult psychiatric outpatient clinics. Identifying CSA in psychiatric outpatients may lead to early intervention and aid patient management.
Asunto(s)
Abuso Sexual Infantil/estadística & datos numéricos , Trastornos Mentales/epidemiología , Servicios de Salud Mental/estadística & datos numéricos , Servicio Ambulatorio en Hospital/estadística & datos numéricos , Pacientes Ambulatorios/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Niño , Abuso Sexual Infantil/diagnóstico , Abuso Sexual Infantil/psicología , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Masculino , Trastornos Mentales/etiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Proyectos Piloto , Medición de Riesgo , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trinidad y Tobago/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Only a few studies have focussed on the importance of routine investigation of childhood sexual abuse in outpatients attending adult psychiatric outpatient clinics. The aim of this study is to explore the association between having a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and attending adult Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics in Trinidad. METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted in twelve psychiatric outpatient clinics located throughout Trinidad A questionnaire covering demographic, social, and sexual abuse components was administered by semi-structured interview to 566 participants, of whom 242 were cases, 239 were controls and 85 had incomplete questionnaires. The cases were 242 patients attending psychiatric outpatient clinics in Trinidad and the controls were 239 non-physician staffmembers at the clinics. Results were analyzed using the Stastistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10. RESULTS: Chi-square analyses revealed several significant differences between the cases and control group. Sixty-three (26%) cases and 29 (12.1%) controls experienced CSA (p < 0.000). Twenty-five (39.7%) of the CSA cases had their experiences between the ages of 4 to 8 years and 13 (44.8%) of the CSA controls had their experiences between the ages of 9 to 12 (p < 0.01). Twenty-six (41.3%) of the cases and 3 (10.3%) of the controls had been abused at least 5 times (p < 0.000). Seventeen (58.6%) abused CSA controls reported having been sexually abused as a child only once. CSA with both force and manipulation was reported by 30 (47.6%) CSA cases while 6 (20.7%) CSA controls experienced CSA with force and manipulation (p < 0. 025). The abused CSA cases reported having a smaller social network of 2 persons compared to the abused CSA controls who had a social network of more than 4 persons (p < 0. 05). Of the 92 abused participants, 73.9% were women, and only 52.2% had told someone about the CSA. For the majority of CSA cases and CSA controls, the abuse involved one abuser. CONCLUSION: A positive correlation was established between earlier onset of CSA, repeated abuse (occurring more than 5 times), a limited social network in patients who had CSA and attending adult psychiatric outpatient clinics. Identifying CSA in psychiatric outpatients may lead to early intervention and aid patient management.
Pocos estudios han centrado su atención en la importancia de la investigación de rutina en relación con el abuso sexual infantil en pacientes externos que asisten a las clínicas psiquiátricas ambulatorias para adultos. El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar la relación que existe entre poseer una historia de abuso sexual infantil (ASI) y asistir a las clínicas psiquiátricas ambulatorias para adultos en Trinidad. MÉTODOS: Se trató de un estudio de caso-control realizado en doce clínicas psiquiátricas para pacientes externos, diseminadas por toda Trinidad. Se administró un cuestionario que abarcaba componentes demográficos, sociales y sexuales, mediante entrevistas semi-estructuradas, a 566 participantes, de los cuales 242 fueron casos, 239 fueron controles, y 85 dejaron sus cuestionarios incompletos. Los casos fueron 242 pacientes que asistían a las clínicas externas de psiquiatría, y los controles fueron 239 miembros no médicos del personal en las clínicas. Los resultados fueron analizados usando la versión 10 del Paquete Estadístico para las Ciencias Sociales (SPSS). RESULTADOS: Los análisis de chi-cuadrado revelaron varias diferencias significativas entre los casos y el grupo de control. Sesenta y tres (26%) casos y 29 (12.1%) controles habían experimentado ASI (p < 0.000). Veinticinco (39.7%) de los casos de ASI tuvieron sus experiencias entre las edades de 4 a 18 años y 13 (44.8%) de los controles de ASI tuvieron sus experiencias entre las edades de 912 ( p < 0.01). Veintiséis (41.3%) de los casos y 3 (10.3%) de los controles habían sido víctimas de abuso por lo menos 5 veces (p < 0.000). Diecisiete (58.6%) de los controles víctimas de ASI, reportaron haber sido abusados sexualmente cuando niños, una sola vez. ASI con fuerza y manipulación, fue reportado por 30 (47.6%) casos de ASI mientras que 6 (20.7%) controles de ASi, experimentaron ASI con fuerza y manipulación (p < 0.025). Los casos de abuso de ASI, reportaron haber tenido una red social más pequeña de 2 personas, en comparación con los controles de abuso de ASI, que tenían una red social de más de 4 personas (p < 0.05). De los 92 participantes víctimas de abuso, 73.9% eran mujeres, y sólo 52.2% le habían contado a alguien sobre el ASI. Para la mayor parte de los casos de ASI y controles de ASI, en el abuso hubo un solo abusador implicado. CONCLUSIÓN: Se estableció una correlación positiva entre el comienzo más temprano del ASI, la repetición del abuso (que ocurría más de cinco veces), y una limitada red social en pacientes que fueron víctimas de ASI y asistían a las clínicas psiquiátricas ambulatorias. La identificación de ASI en pacientes psiquiátricos externos, puede conducir a una temprana intervención y tratamiento de ayuda al paciente.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Adolescente , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Servicio Ambulatorio en Hospital , Abuso Sexual Infantil/estadística & datos numéricos , Pacientes Ambulatorios/psicología , Servicios de Salud Mental , Trastornos Mentales/epidemiología , Entrevistas como Asunto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Factores de Edad , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Abuso Sexual Infantil/diagnóstico , Abuso Sexual Infantil/psicología , Medición de Riesgo , Proyectos Piloto , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos Mentales/etiología , Trinidad y Tobago/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the minimum volume of blood and the absolute number of organisms required for detection of bacteremia and fungemia by an automated colorimetric blood culture system (BacT/Alert, Organon Teknika). DESIGN: Common neonatal pathogens, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus (GBS): one American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strain and one clinical isolate), Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans, were seeded into blood to produce bacteremia or fungemia with low colony counts (1 to 3 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter) and ultra-low colony counts (<1 CFU/ml). For each organism, 96 culture bottles were inoculated with either 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 4.0 ml of the two seeded blood concentrations. Blood culture bottles were incubated in the BacT/Alert device for 5 days, and time to positivity was noted when applicable. All bottles were subcultured on plated media. DATA ANALYSIS: The Poisson statistic was used to calculate the probability of finding at least one viable CFU per inoculated culture bottle. The fraction of culture bottles with positive findings per group was divided by the probability of one or more organisms present to give the positivity index. RESULTS: Plated subculture identified no growth of organisms not detected by the colorimetric detection system. The false-positive rate for the automated device was less than 1%. The positivity index for the GBS clinical isolate was 1.13, for the GBS ATCC isolate 0.96, for S. epidermidis 0.94, for C. albicans 0.97, and for E. coli 0.95. There was a statistically significant difference with time to positivity and inocula volume (p <0.01), but the difference was not clinically important. CONCLUSIONS: If one or two viable colony-forming units are in the blood inoculated into culture media, the BacT/Alert system will detect growth rapidly. Because there appears to be a sizable subset of neonates who are at risk of sepsis with a colony count less than 4 CFU/ml, then a 0.5 ml inoculum of blood into the culture media is inadequate for sensitive and timely detection of bacteremia. One to two milliliters of blood should increase microorganism recovery in the face of low-colony-count sepsis.