Abstract:Objective To study the tumor targeting ability and application of farnesylthiosalicylic Acid (FTS) and heptamethine carbocyanine fluorescent dye-mediated near-infrared imagine in living animals, and confirm the inhibitory effect of this compound on growth of tumor cells. Methods Human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, glioma cell line U251 and prostate cancer cell line PC3 were cultured to logarithmic growth phase, and different concentrations of FTS and FTS-IR783 were added, respectively. We observed the inhibitory effect of those two compounds on the growth of tumor cells. Under fluorescence microscopy, specific accumulation of FTS-IR783 in these tumor cells was observed. The tumor cells (1×10⁶) were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice. These mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of FTS-IR783 (10 nmol/mouse) two weeks later. In the in vivo imaging, near infrared fluorescence signal and tumor volume were measured and their correlation was analyzed. Results Compared with FTS, FTS-IR783 significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7, U251 and PC3 cells in vitro. FTS-IR783 was specifically uptaken by these three kinds of tumor cells, showing strong near infrared fluorescence in cell agglomerates. After subcutaneous injection of FTS-IR783, the correlation between fluorescence intensity and tumor volume was 0.987, 0.998 and 0.971, respectively. Conclusions The compound of FTS conjugated with near infrared fluorescent dye IR-783 can specifically recognize tumor cells, in both in vitro and in vivo imaging. At the same time, the compound can significantly inhibit the growth of tumor cells, and may be expected to become a new potential targeted drug.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the accelerating role of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (PTH) in bone fracture repair. Methods 2-month old male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent closed unilateral femoral fracture and intramedullary nail fixation. The rats were divided into 2 equal groups randomly:the treatment group receiving subcutaneous injection of rhPTH(1-34) 10 μg/(kg·d) immediately after operation and for 2,7,14,21 and 42 d,respectively, and the control group receiving subcutaneous injection of normal saline in the same volume. X-ray and micro-CT were conducted at 2, 7, 14, 21 and 42 days after surgery. Results The continuity of porosis between fracture sides was better and fracture line has been blurred in the PTH-treated group at 21 days after fracture compared with the control group, the bone volume (BV),BV/TV, bone mineral density(BMD)and trabecular pattern factor (Tb.Pf) were significantly higher, and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and degree of anisotropy (DA) were significantly lower in the PTH-treated group at 42 days after fracture. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a low dose recombinant human parathyroid hormone can accelerate the bone fracture healing, probably through improving the BV, BV/TV, Tb.P and BMD, and decreasing the Tb.Sp and DA..

Abstract:Objective To observe the morphological structures of WHBE rabbit brain in vivo based on 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI), accumulate the basic biological data of WHBE rabbit brain imaging, and provide a background information to further expand the WHBE rabbit application. Methods Nine healthy adult male WHBE rabbits were intravenously anesthetized with 3% pentobarbital sodium. 3.0 T MRI plus rabbit brain dedicated coil was used to perform routine transverse and sagittal scans, and the size of brain structures were measured. Results MRI scanning can be successfully performed to obtain sagittal and transverse T2WI or T1WI images of WHBE rabbit brain in vivo, and can be clearly observed the basic structures of WHBE rabbit brains in vivo, such as olfactory bulb, cerebrum, cerebellum and pituitary gland. In addition, high signal was found in the hippocampus of the left and right temporal lobes in 4 rabbits with T2WI, but also low signal appeared in the corresponding regions in T1WI, and the others were not abnormal. Meanwhile, the reference data of frontal lobe, hippocampus, cerebrum, lateral ventricles, pituitary gland and other related anatomical structures were also obtained. Conclusions Using the 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging system and rabbit brain coil,the morphological and anatomical structures of rabbit brain can be clearly observed, and the basic imaging data of WHBE rabbits brain have been established preliminarily.

Abstract:Objective To observe the protective effect of growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11) on myocardial injury and the changes of myocardial apoptosis in type 2 diabetic C57BL/6J mice. Methods Sixty male C57BL/6J mice weighing 20-25 g were randomly divided into three groups:control group (control), type 2 diabetes mellitus group (DM) and GDF11 intervention group (DM + GDF11). To establish mouse model of type 2 diabetes, the mice were fed with high fat and high sugar diet for 4 weeks, and i.p. injected consecutively three times of streptozotocin (STZ) in a dose of 60 mg/kg. After the continuous high-fat and high-sugar diet for 4 weeks, the cardiac function was detected by small animal ultrasound, TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis in myocardium, and the expressions of cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax were measured. Results Diabetic injury significantly reduced the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular short axis shortening rate, and increased myocardial apoptosis. Recombinant GDF11 protein significantly improved cardiac function and reduced myocardial apoptosis. Conclusions Exogenous GDF11 can significantly reduce myocardial apoptosis and improve heart function after diabetic injury.

Abstract:Objective To purify asprosin protein expressed in Escherichia coli expression system and to study its effect on cardiac function. Methods Coding sequence of asprosin was obtained from GenBank. Codon optimization was performed according to the codon preference of E. coli. After gene synthesized, recombinant plasmid was made. Asprosin was then induced and purified by Ni-affinity purification. The mouse model of impaired cardiac function was established by ligating and relaxing the left anterior descending coronary artery. 30 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:sham operation group (sham), cardiac dysfunction group (MI/R) and cardiac dysfunction plus injection of recombinant asposin protein group (MI/R+rAsp). The left ventricular function was detected by echocardiography to determine the improving effect of recombinant asprosin protein on cardiac function. Results After prokaryotic expression and purification, the purity of the target protein was higher than 95%, and the endotoxin content was less than <0.1 EU/μg protein, which was suitable for cell and animal studies. After the recombinant asprosin protein was given, the left ventricular function of the mice was improved significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions Asprosin acts as a myocardial protective molecule to improve cardiac function.

Abstract:Objective To study the content of monoamine neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex in anxious depression rats, and explore the possible pathogenesis. Methods 60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, vehicle group, anxiety group, depression group, and anxious depression group, 12 rats in each group. Chronic restraint stress combined with corticosterone injection was used to establish anxiety and depression model, the modeling time was 21 d. After modeling, elevated plus maze test, open field test, and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior, HPLC-ECD was used to detect the content of 5-HT, NE, and DA in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex of rats. Western-blotting was used to detect the expression of BDNF and NT-3 in rats. Results Rats in anxious depression model group were comparable to the anxiety group in time and frequency entering open arm time, and number of locomotor activity in open field, and it had a significant difference when compared with the control and depression groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Immobile time in anxious depression model rats was increased significantly when compared with the control and anxiety groups (P<0.01). Meanwhile, compared with the control group, 5-HT in hippocampus and 5-HT, NE in amygdala or prefrontal cortex were significantly decreased in the depressive rats with anxiety (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Moreover, the content of BDNF and NT-3 was significantly decreased in each brain regions compared with the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and BDNF levels were obviously decreased compared with the anxiety group (P<0.05). Conclusions Rats of anxious depression have significant anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Its mechanism may be associated with the down-regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex region.

Abstract:Objective To compare the differences in behavior characteristics among SHR, WKY and SD rat models of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and explore an ideal control model of SHR rats. Methods Using open field test to analyze the rat movement distance, speed, wearing numbers and the number of grooming to evaluate the spontaneous movement in SHR, WKY and SD rats. Using the Morris water maze to test the learning and memory ability among the three rat groups. Results The result of open field test showed that the SHR rats had significantly increased (P< 0.01) total amount of exercise, average speed and wearing numbers than WKY and SD rats. Compared with the WKY rats, SD rats had a significantly higher movement distance (P< 0.01), slightly higher movement speed and wearing number (P< 0.05). In the Morris water maze hidden platform period test, the SD rats had a significantly longer latency than the SHR rats (P< 0.05). SD rats showed longer latency distance on the first, third and fourth days of training, as compared with the SHR rats (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Compared with the WKY group, SD rats showed a shorter latency distance in each training time (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). In the probe trial period, the SD rats showed shorter time and distance ratio to the target quadrant than SHR rats (P< 0.05), while significantly longer than the WKY rats (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Conclusions There are significant behavioral differences between SHR and WKY rats, showing certain disadvantages in comparison of the two types of rats. To add SD rats as a control group for SHR rats can improve the comparability of behavior characteristics of SHR rats, and to get more objective evaluation of the behavior characteristics of SHR rats.

Abstract:Objective Subcutaneous transplantation Lewis lung carcinoma model is commonly used in experimental studies. Researchers often choose different transplantation sites to create the models while little attention was paid on the effect of different inoculation sites on the formation of transplanted tumors. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of tumor cell inoculation at different sites on tumor formation in mice. Methods Lewis lung adenocarcinoma (ll2-luc-m38) cells stably expressing luciferase protein were subcutaneously injected into C57 BL/6 mice at the right armpit, right groin, or footpad, respectively. An IVIS spectrum in vivo imaging system was used to observe the tumor and metastasis formation. The survival time and mortality were recorded. H-E stained pathology was performed to examine the histological changes of the lung tissues and tumor metastesis. Results The tumor formation time was earlier in the armpit and groin groups, both with a tumor formation rate of 100%, while the tumors occurred later, with a tumor formation rate of 33% in the footpad group. The pulmonary metastasis rate was 70% in the groin group, 50% in the ampit group, and 0% in the footpad group, at the 21st day after inoculation. The footpad group had a high mortality. The tumors in the groin group and armpit group can be surgically resected, with a postoperative survival rate of 100%. Conclusions In this mouse model of subcutaneously transplanted Lewis adenocarcinoma, the groin and ampit groups have advantages such as a high tumor formation rate, good tolerance of tumor resection, low surgical mortality rate, easy to monitor, simple operation and high reproducibility. The axillary group has an even higher metastasis rate.

Abstract:Objective To explore the proliferation-promoting effect of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (BMECs) co-cultured with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in serum-free culture mediuum. Methods Bovine UC-MSCs and BMECs were selected for co-culturing in direct or indirect contact. In the direct contact culture groups, UC-MSCs and BMECs were co-cultured at concentration ratios of 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, and 1:10, respectively. In the indirect contact culture group, the supernatant of UC-MSCs was used as the conditioned medium to re-suspend BMECs. In the control groups, UC-MSCs and BMECs were cultured alone. The cell growth status in each group was observed at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 h after culture, and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Results At 48 h, the optical density of the conditioned medium-BMECs group was significantly higher compared with the control groups (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the optical density in the direct contact group at a concentration ratio of 1:2 reached the peak, which was extremely significantly higher compared with the control groups (P<0.01) and significantly higher compared with the other direct contact culture groups and the conditioned medium-BMECs group (P<0.05). Conclusions Co-culture of UC-MSCs and BMECs in serum-free culture medium is capable to promote the proliferation of BMECs, and the co-culture by cell-to-cell contact has a better effect. The optimal concentration ratio of UC-MSCs to BMECs is 1:2, and the optimal culture time is 48 h.

Abstract:Objective To establish a mouse model of aorta dissection (AD) by β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) in drinking water + subcutaneously pumped angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) infusion. Methods Forty 3-week-old C57B1/6J male mice were randomly divided into two groups. All animals received 0.1 g/kg/d BAPN in drinking water for 4 weeks. Then the BAPN drinking + saline infusion group and BAPN drinking + Ang Ⅱ infusion group received continuous saline or Ang Ⅱ (1,000 ng/kg/min) infusion, respectively, via subcutaneous osmotic minipump for 72 hour. The mice were restricted in a noninvasive computerized tail-cuff system and their arterial systolic blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. Autopsy was performed if a mouse died during the experiment. At the end of the experiment, mice were sacrificed by injection with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital and the aortas were harvested. The formation of aortic false lumen was observed by pathology using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results The overall incidence of AD in the BAPN drinking administration +Ang Ⅱ infusion group was 95%, whereas the incidence of AD in the BAPN drinking administration +saline infusion group was only 5%. The mortality from dissecting aneurysm rupture was 24% in the BAPN drinking administration +Ang Ⅱ infusion group during the experiment. Pathological examination of the aortic cross-sections clearly showed the formation of blood-filled false lumens induced by Ang Ⅱ. Conclusions A mouse model with high incidence of aortic dissection is successfully established.

Abstract:Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of SLA class Ⅱ genes in Canadian SPF Yorkshire and Landrace pigs. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 15 SPF Yorkshire and 22 Landrace pigs for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells respectively, and the DQB1, DRB1 and DQA genes were amplified by PCR after reverse transcription. SLA class Ⅱ genes were obtained by analyzing the direct and cloning result. The polymorphism of alleles was analyzed using the DNAsp 5.0 software. Results A total of 25 alleles were identified at three genes, including eight DQB1, ten DRB1 and seven DQA, and three alleles were submitted the complete sequences for the first time. The official allele names were assigned as SLA-DQB1*0212 (KU754590), SLA-DQB1*0203 (KU754591) and DRB1*06:07(KU754601) by the SLA Nomenclature Committee. Three novel DQA alleles were discovered. Five of the 15 amino acids, one of the 16 amino acids and 11 of the 19 amino acids, which bind processing antigens, showed well conserved among the alleles of DQB1, DRB1 and DQA genes in the SPF Yorkshire and Landrace pigs, respectively. Neighbor-joining tree showed that the three genes were divided into two clusters, respectively. There was a close relationship between SPF Yorkshire and Landrace pigs and foreign Yucatan miniature pigs, and it showed no obvious genetic distance with other pigs. Conclusions A total of 25 SLA class Ⅱ alleles have been identified successfully in this study, and there are more abundant polymorphism for them. There is a widely distribution for SLA class Ⅱ alleles identified in this study in other pig breeds. It is critical for the eventual future use of SPF Yorkshire and Landrace pigs as classical laboratory animal models.

Abstract:Objective To develop a better method for preparation of porcine model of acute myocardial infarction by permanent occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery and minimally invasive surgery, evaluate its validity and stability, and explore its application in experimental studies of ischemic heart diseases. Methods 25 healthy female 3-month-old Bama minipigs, body weight 25±3 kg, were used in this study. The porcine model of myocardial infarction was established by minimally invasive surgery and the left circumflex artery ligation at the site of OM1 posterior position under general anesthesia. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography at 15 min before surgery, 1 hour and 4 weeks after surgery. Pathological examination was performed at 4 weeks after the left circumflex artery occlusion. The mortality and cause of death were statistically analyzed. Results The 1-hour and 4-week postoperative cardiac function was considerably decreased, showing a decreased ejection fraction from 64.2±4.6% to 48.2±5.3% (1hour after MI) and 49.7±6.1% (4 weeks after MI) (P<0.01). Pathological examination revealed that the ventricular wall was thinner and the amount of collagens was increased in the infracted area. The ventricular fibrillation rate at 1-hour after myocardial infarction was 17.3% and the infarction area was 19.2%. Conclusions A pig model of acute myocardial infarction can be prepared by our modified left circumflex coronary artery ligation at the obtuse marginal artery (OM1) and minimally invasive surgery. This model exhibits advantages such as minimal surgical trauma, high stability of the model, and low mortality, therefore, provides an ideal and economic animal model for experimental studies on acute ischemic heart diseases.

Abstract:Objective To establish a tree shrew model of Fusarium solani keractitis by injecting Fusarium solani conidia into the corneal stroma. Methods Fusarium solani was inoculated into Sabouraud culture medium and incubated at 26℃ for 7 days. Fungal suspension was collected and the number of spores was adjusted to 1×10¹⁰ CFU/mL on the blood cell count plate. Forty healthy tree shrews were randomly divided into experimental group (n=30) and control group (n=10). In the experimental group, 50 μL of fungal spore suspension was injected into the cornea center with a 29G needle, and 50 μL saline was injected in the control group. The models were evaluated by anterior segment photography, in vivo confocal microscopy, histopathology, and corneal tissue culture. Results The fungal infiltration, the degree of edema of corneal epithelial and endothelial cells, and the number of mycelium were positively correlated with time. The number of infiltrating inflammatory cells, mainly, neutrophils, reached a peak on the 7th day after modeling. The mycelial growth was parallel to the stromal fibers. After the successful establishment of the model, the corneal tissue culture showed the growth of Fusarium solani. The successful rate of modeling was 86%. Conclusions The tree shrew model of Fusarium solani keratitis is established by injecting spores of Fusarium solani into the cornea.

Abstract:Objective The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of alcohol extracts of Narcissus bulb on melanogenesis in zebrafish embryos. Methods Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations of alcohol extracts of Narcissus (0, 50, 100, 200, and 500 μg/mL), and then the formation of melanin was observed. Furthermore, we measured the enzyme activity of tyrosinase (TYR), which plays a pivotal role in melanogenesis. Meanwhile, the spatial and temporal pattern of melanin-specific marker genes were detected. Arbutin (Ar) was used as a positive control in all these experiments. Results The treatment of alcohol extracts of Narcissus bulb inhibited melanogenesis in the zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of melanin-related genes such as tyrosinase (TYR), silver (SILV) and Mitfa were significantly reduced after treatment with different concentrations of Narcissus extracts by in-situ and semi-quantitative PCR. Finally, the enzyme activity of tyrosinase was also gradually decreased with increasing concentrations of the alcohol extracts. Conclusions Narcissus alcohol extracts can effectively inhibit the production of melanin in zebrafish embryos. This study provides potential evidence and approaches for the screening of natural whitening compounds using zebrafish models.

Abstract:Objective To establish an accurate TaqMan probe real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)method for detection of Theiler's-like virus of rats (TLV). Methods Primers and TaqMan probes specific to 3622~3729 nt region were designed according to the whole genomic sequence of TLV representative strain. Using a synthesized plasmid as DNA standard template, the stability, specificity, and sensitivity of the qPCR method were determined. Results In the standard curve, R² value was 0.99 with a high specificity. The sensitivity of the real-time PCR was less than 10 copies/μL, which was 100 times higher than the ordinary PCR method. No cross reactions appeared to the other rat viruses. Conclusions The TaqMan probe qPCR method established in this study has advantages such as simple to use, high sensitivity and specificity.

Abstract:Objective To study the application of implantable telemetry and whole-body plethysmography to observe the changes of circadian rhythm in conscious rats and evaluate the pharmacological safety of doxofylline, and to provide a basis for the future application of this technological system for drug safety evaluation. Methods Eight healthy SPF Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study, 4 males and 4 females. The rats were implanted with telemetry transmitters by surgery to establish a telemetry system combined with plethysmography to observe the changes of 24 h physiological parameters and circadian rhythm in conscious rats at 14 d after operation, including heart rate (HR), blood pressure, the time interval from the Q wave to point A in the ECG of the aortic pressure wave (QA interval), respiration, activity, body temperature and pulmonary function parameters. The rats were divided into 3 groups:normal control group, doxofylline 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg groups, and the performance was validated by aerosolizing saline, doxofylline 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg inhalation, respectively, to observe the changes in physiological parameters after the drug administration. Results The physiological parameters of rats showed obvious changes in circadian rhythms at 14 d after operation. Compared with the normal control group, the doxofylline 40 mg/kg-treated group showed significantly increased changes of HR, tidal volume (TV), minute ventilation (MV), 50% expiratory flow (EF50), peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.01), significantly decreased respiratory frequency, QA interval and enhance pause (Penh) (P<0.05, P<0.01), but no significant differences in the blood pressure, activity and body temperature (P>0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the group treated with doxofylline 80 mg/kg had significantly increased HR, blood pressure, TV, MV, EF50, PIF and PEF (P<0.01), significantly decreased respiratory frequency, QA interval and Penh not (P<0.01), but not significantly changed activity and body temperature (P>0.05). Conclusions The application of implantable telemetry and whole-body plethysmography in this study does not obviously affect the circadian rhythm, and can sensitively monitor the relevant cardiovascular and respiratory parameters in conscious rats. It can be used in drug safety pharmacological research of cardiovascular and respiratory systems in conscious rats.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of glucose supplement on AMPK activation in myocardium of exercised rats by measuring the myocardial AMPK activation and glycogen content after acute exercise training. Methods Rats were subjected to an acute endurance exercise and glucose supplement in varying doses and time points before and after exercise. The dynamic changes of myocardial AMPK activities was measured with Western blotting, changes of myocardial glycogen content were measured with Anthrone method. Results AMPK activation in myocardium of exercised rat was increased significantly throughout the exercise, and remained at a higher level 1 hour after acute exercise. However the level of AMPK activity was not significantly increased in exercised rat with glucose supplement. Glycogen content was not significantly changed after exercise. Rats subjected to lower dose glucose supplement did not show significant changes in glycogen content neither. But glycogen content was significantly increased in rats at 24 hours after exercise, subjected to higher dose of glucose supplement. Conclusions 1) Acute exercise induces a significant increase in AMPK activation in myocardium of exercised rats. Glucose supplement significantly inhibites the activation of AMPK induced by acute exercise. (2) Higher dose glucose supplement significantly increases glycogen content in the rat myocardium 24 h after exercise.

Abstract:Objective To improve the resistance exercise apparatus of climbing ladder with load on rats, and to observe the technological, athletic training and biological response to the improved experimental apparatus. Methods Thirty-six healthy SPF male Sprague-Dawley were randomly divided into control and exercise groups. The climbing ladder and weight bearing device were separately improved to develop a new resistance exercise apparatus of climbing ladder with load on rats. The exercise group took an 8-week incremental exercise program using this improved device. To observe the operation effect of this improved exercise apparatus. To observe the dynamic changes of average maximum load on SD rats from the exercise group during 8 weeks. To compare the effect of climbing ladder exercise with load on body weights of SD rats between the two groups. Results The improved climbing ladder was marked by the prioritization technique of architecture stabilization, weight bearing and easy cleaning. The improved bearing device has the advantages of being sturdy and durable, and simplemethod to calculating load. Moreover, the new experimental apparatus can be operated by one person during the exercise program. The average maximum load was successfully increased to 756 g after an 8-week exercise using the improved apparatus. Compared with the control group, the body weights of SD rats from the exercise group after training were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusions The improved resistance exercise apparatus of climbing ladder with load can provide a more endurable and repeatable process in the study of rat strength training and it is recommended to use this new device in future experimental research.

Abstract:Objective To study the effects of PM_2.5 on reproductive hormone levels and pregnancy outcome in female rats. Methods Thirty healthy 4-week old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group (normal saline), low dose of PM_2.5(1.5 mg/kg) group and high dose of PM_2.5 (37.5 mg/kg) group. After the blood samples were collected, the animals were exposed to PM_2.5for 10 days, and then the rats were mated. On the 19^th day of pregnancy, the rats were sacrificed for pregnancy outcome observation and blood samples were collected for hormone test. The blood hormone levels were detected using an ELISA kit. Results The live fetus rates in the control, low dose PM_2.5 and high dose PM_2.5 groups were 90.77%, 59.49% and 60.27%, respectively (P<0.05). The live fetus rates in the low dose PM_2.5 and high dose PM2.5 groups were significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). PM_2.5 decreased the levels of E2, PROG, CG and LH (P<0.05), compared with that in the control group. Although the blood levels of FSH were not significantly different between the low dose and control groups (P>0.05), the level of FSH in the high dose group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions PM_2.5may affect pregnancy outcome through influencing the hormone levels.

Abstract:Neurodegenerative diseases are threating our health seriously. Inflammation plays an important role in the initiation and development of neurodegenerative diseases, and its primary characteristics are the activation of microglia and the increasing level of inflammation cytokines. This review describes the relationship between neuroinflammation and several neurodegenerative diseases, and the models in vivo and in vitro. In addition, combining with traditional Chinese medicines knowledge of encephalopathy, we summarizes pharmacological effects and mechanisms of multiple herb extracts and monomer compounds in preventing the activation of microglia and inhibiting neuroinflammation, thus, to provide the basis for gradually revealing the related rules and characteristics of treating encephalopathy by traditional Chinese medicine, and improving the accuracy of the clinical drugs, as well as developing new drugs for the prevention and control of encephalopathy.