Abstract:Occupational diseases have become a great challenge to economic development, social harmony, andstability all over the world. According to statistics from the International Labor Organization, nearly 160 million peopleworldwide suffer from occupational diseases, which cost approximately US $ 1. 25 trillion, accounting for ~ 4% of globalGDP. In China, the number affected by occupational disease has exceeded those suffering from production safety accidents and traffic accidents. The increasing harm caused by occupational disease not only damages the health of workers, but also causes a serious economic burden to employers and the country. Developed countries have started to attach great importance to occupational health and established good management systems. However, occupational health in China lags a long way behind that in some other developing countries. Along with improvements in economic and social development in China, we are starting to become more aware of occupational health and safety requirements and to promote them by issuing many laws and regulations. The National Standards Committee and China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment also put forward requirements for occupational health management. However, how to establish an effective and enforceable occupational health system in an economic way is still difficult to determine at many experimental animal institutions. This paper shares the author’s extensive experiences in establishing occupational health systems in experimental animal institutions and provides some relevant suggestions and references.

Abstract:The environmental health and safety (EHS) management system is a unified management system that combines the organizational structures of environment, health, and safety, and the related responsibilities, processes, and resources. Biosafety is an important part of the EHS management system. This review summarizes the EHS management system, the occupational risk analysis of laboratory animal practitioners, and biosafety training. Moreover, it describes in detail the importance of biosafety management and training in the EHS management system of laboratory animal practitioners.

Abstract:Effective disinfectants can not only strictly control microorganisms in laboratory animal facilities and ensure the authenticity of experimental result, but also improve the working efficiency and reduce the cost of production. In the daily use of disinfectants, owing to their improper use, the disinfection can be inadequate and even detrimental to the occupational health of employees. This study focused on the use of different kinds of disinfectant in experimental animal facilities, providing a reference for the scientific and rational use of disinfectants for employees.

Abstract:Objective To help organizations choose the appropriate respiratory protective equipment for employees, we assessed the air dust and ammonia concentrations during the use of bedding filling and dumping equipment under normal working conditions. Methods Dust testing was performed in a bedding storage room where the bedding filling machine was in use and in a soil bedding dumping area where the dumping machine was in use. On a random working day, we collected samples based on standard method and conducted air ammonia testing using a handheld ammonia testing machine. Both employees and the equipment were under normal working conditions. The samples were collected three times at 30, 45, and 60 min after starting the equipment for filling and dumping. Air dust was tested in a laboratory based on a standard method . Results The test result showed that the average concentration of ammonia in the air was 0. 19 mg/ m³, and the average air dust concentrations were 0. 55 mg/ m³and 0. 27 mg/ m³in the bedding filling area and bedding dumping area, respectively. All concentrations were lower than the allowed working area hazard concentration. Conclusions The N95 mask might not be needed when working with bedding filling machines and bedding dumping machines. Reevaluation is suggested for all those using production units.

Abstract:Objective To design and manufacture exhaust treatment equipment for laboratory animal facilities and determine its actual effectiveness. Methods The exhaust treatment equipment was developed and manufactured based on both MnOx?TiO₂ photocatalysis and gas?liquid turbulence. On the roof of a laboratory animal facility in Xian, the equipment was evaluated regarding the capacities for NH3 , H2 S, and stench clearance according to national standards. Results The equipment clearly decreased the concentrations of NH3 , H2 S, and stench at both boundary and exhaust port. Conclusions The exhaust treatment equipment based on photocatalysis and gas?liquid turbulence effectively eliminated the main odorous pollutants exhausted by laboratory animal facilities.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the changes of liver regeneration capacity after partial hepatectomy in ob/ ob mice with leptin gene defect and the effects of genipin on their liver regeneration. Methods Twenty ob/ ob mice were randomly divided into two groups: genipin (obG) and PBS groups (obP). They were randomly divided into 2? and 10?d groups according to the time elapsed after hepatectomy. C57BL/6J mice served as a control group. Serum and liver samples were collected from the mice. The rate of liver regeneration was calculated, the rate of positivity for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was determined by immunohistochemical staining, and the DNA content of hepatocytes was determined by Feulgen staining. Moreover, the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was determined by Western blotting and liver function indicators were tested by serum biochemical method. Results Compared with those in C57BL/6J mice, the liver cells were filled with lipid droplets of varying sizes, and exhibited ballooning degeneration and focal necrosis in ob/ ob mice; the liver regeneration rate ( P < 0. 05), number of PCNA?positive cells ( P < 0. 01), and hepatocyte DNA content ( P < 0. 01) decreased significantly in the latter mice. Compared with the levels in the solvent group, the degree of hepatocytic lesions was reduced and the number of binucleated hepatocytes was significantly increased in the genipin group. In addition, the liver regeneration rate ( P < 0. 05), number of PCNA?positive cells ( P < 0. 01), and DNA content of hepatocytes ( P < 0. 01) in the genipin group were higher than those in the PBS group. The levels of ALT, AST, and LDH in the genipin group were lower than in the PBS group ( P <0. 05), while the expression of p?STAT3 in the genipin group was increased ( P < 0. 05). Conclusions Fatty liver ob/ob mice exhibit delayed liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Genipin promotes liver regeneration and improves liver function in ob/ ob mice.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the feasibility of using polypyrrole/ poly(lactic acid) (PPy/ PLA) combined with bone marrow stromal cells to treat spinal cord injury. Methods The PPy/ PLA scaffold material was prepared. BMSCs were extracted from rat bone marrow and cultured and expanded in vitro. Rat spinal cord was completely transected, after which PPy/ PLA or PPy/ PLA/ BMSCs were transplanted. Six weeks later, rats were sacrificed, the growth of axons and blood vessels of the different groups was analyzed, and the therapeutic effects of cells, materials, and the combined transplantation were assayed. Results Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy showed that the combination of PPy/PLA/ BMSCs not only promoted axonal and vascular growth, but also provided neuroprotective effects. Conclusions PPy/PLA/ BMSC combined therapy can repair injured nerves after spinal cord injury. Based on these result , we conclude that PPy/ PLA and BMSCs can provide axonal regeneration and neuroprotection by promoting vascular formation.

Abstract:Objective To detect three kinds of enterovirus in mouse cecal contents by nucleic acid detection techniques, and analyze the result of nucleic acid detection compared with serological tests to determine the applicability of nucleic acid detection for the health monitoring of mice. Methods Samples of mouse cecal contents from our laboratory were randomly selected to extract nucleic acids. Real?time PCR was used to detect the three enteroviruses MHV, Reo?3, and MNV in these samples. Nucleic acid detection result and serological antibody test result were correlated and analyzed. Results Among the 272 samples, the nucleic acid?positive rates for MHV, Reo?3, and MNV were 17. 3%, 18. 8%, and 16. 9%, respectively. From the detected amounts of nucleic acid of MHV and Reo?3 in samples, they were mostly in a low?copy state. Correlation analysis showed that the nucleic acid detection result were not completely correlated with the result for detecting antibodies to the three viruses. Conclusions It is possible for mice as experimental animals to carry the three viruses MHV, Reo?3, and MNV. As a supplement to serological antibody detection technology, nucleic acid detection can be used as a highly sensitive method to monitor the health of experimental animals.

Abstract:Objective To screen and optimize microsatellite primers of the laboratory domestic ferret and analyze its population genetic diversity. Methods A total of 30 domestic ferrets were randomly chosen and their genomic DNA was extracted from blood using Easy Pure Blood Genomic DNA Kit; subsequently, microsatellite DNA was amplified by standard polymerase chain reaction. The products of amplification were tested by STR scanning after 2% agarose gel and 6% PAGE electrophoresis. Data processing and genetic analysis were completed using Popgene 1. 32 software. Results A total of 21 pairs of microsatellite loci showed genetic polymorphism and 49 alleles were detected. The number of alleles was 1 -4, with an average of 2. 3. The average observed heterozygosity was 0. 3216, the average expected heterozygosity was0. 3394, the average Xianglong index was 1. 0768, and polymorphic information was 0. 5485. Conclusions We analyzed 21 pairs of microsatellite primers for laboratory domestic ferret, PCR amplification steady, microsatellite primers were shown as polymorphism and in the expected value range, and there was no significant deviation from Hardy?Weinberg equilibrium.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of the local injection of simvastatin?loaded PLGA microspheres on intervertebral disc degeneration in a rat model. Methods The simvastatin?loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared by a double emulsion method ; at the same time, the characteristics and drug release in vitro of the microspheres were observed. The intervertebral disc degeneration models were injected with simvastatin?loaded PLGA microspheres (experimental group) or saline solution (control group). The rats were sacrificed and evaluated by radiological, histological, and molecular biology analyses at predetermined time points. Results The morphology of the microspheres was homogeneous, with a smooth surface and an average size of about 1. 52 ± 0. 54 μm. Drug loading efficiency and the rate of drug loading of the microspheres were approximately 90. 4 ±2. 6% and 23. 3 ±1. 3%. The drug release rate of the microspheres within the first 24 h was about 45%. In addition, the cumulative release rate was more than 81. 2% in the subsequent 144 h. A single dose of simvastatin?loaded PLGA microspheres injected into the intervertebral disc showed a tendency to increase the mRNA levels of bone morphogenetic protein?2 (BMP?2), collagen type II, proteoglycan, and hypoxia?inducible factor?1α (HIF?1α). The disc height index% (DHI) and MRI scores of the experimental group were all significantly different from those in the control group in the same period. In addition, simvastatin treatment also improved histological changes induced by needle puncture. Conclusions Simvastatin?loaded PLGA microspheres hold great promise for use as a drug?delivery system. The injection of simvastatin?loaded PLGA microspheres into degenerated intervertebral disc may result in the retardation of disc degeneration. Moreover, the expression of collagen type II and proteoglycan was also increased, the mechanism of which might be related to the increased expression of HIF?1α and BMP?2.

Abstract:Objective To establish a model of acute and chronic oviduct inflammatory infertility in rats infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Methods A 4 × 10 ⁹ / mL S. aureus suspension was prepared. A total of 108 rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and a control group, with 36 rats in each. The model group was injected in the fallopian tube with the S. aureus suspension, and the control group was injected with saline in the fallopian tube. The morphology of the fallopian tube was observed on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after surgery, and S. aureus culture and pathological examination were also performed. Results After the injection of S. aureus into the fallopian tube, acute oviduct inflammation emerged on postoperative days 7 and 21 to form chronic tubal inflammatory models, and on day 28 to form an oviduct inflammatory model of infertility. Conclusions The injection of 4 ×10 ⁹ / mL S. aureus into rat oviduct successfully established an acute salpingitis and chronic tubal phlogistic sex infertility rat model.

Abstract:Objective To construct a mouse model with mammary tissue?specific modification of the BRCA1, BRCA2, and CDH1 genes using the CRISPR/ Cas9 system. Methods Single?stranded RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting the exons of the mouse BRCA1, BRCA2, and CDH1 genes were designed and synthesized, and the biological function of each sgRNA was validated in HEPA cells. Three sgRNAs were successively linked to the pX330?spCas9?U6?gRNA coexpression vector, and the CBh promoter was replaced by the mammary tissue?specific promoter WAP. The obtained final vector was linearized by the restriction endonuclease SbfI, after which it was injected into mouse zygotes to generate transgenic mice. Results A total of 190 zygotes were injected and 130 positive zygotes were implanted into four recipient mice. There were 42 offspring of F0 mice, while 11 mice were identified to have modified transgenes; the positive rate of transgenic mice was 26. 19%. A total of 39 F1 mice were obtained by F0 generation breeding and 9 F1 transgenic mice were detected. Conclusions Transgenic mice were successfully generated by constructing a mammary tissue?specific coexpression vector.

Abstract:Objective To observe the effect of Shenfukang VI decoction combined with prednisone on Adriamycin nephropathy model rats and their glomerular electrostatic barrier, to investigate the mechanism of action of Shenfukang VI in adriamycin nephropathy. Methods Rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a Chinese medicine group, a prednisone group, and a combination group. Except for the normal group, adriamycin was injected into the tail vein to establish an adriamycin nephropathy model, and the other groups were given the corresponding drugs. The 24?h urinary protein level of each group was determined every week. Four weeks after administration, serum albumin, renal pathological changes, and PCX, HSPG, and HPA protein expression levels were determined. Results Compared with that in the normal group, the 24?h urinary protein level increased in the model group ( P < 0. 05). Compared with that in the model group, the 24?h urinary protein level was decreased in the drug intervention group ( P < 0. 05). In addition, optical microscopy revealed mild hyperplasia in the membrane cells and stroma, the protein tube type was found in the renal tubules, and renal interstitial edema was severe in the model group. The degree of pathological change in renal tissue was significantly reduced in each treatment group. The expression of PCX on GBM was not continuous and the expression of HPA on glomerular endothelium and epithelial cells was high in the model group. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of PCX in renal tissue was increased ( P < 0. 05), the expression of HSPG showed no significant difference ( P > 0. 05), and the expression of HPA was decreased ( P < 0. 05) in the other treatment groups. Conclusions Shenfukang VI decoction can improve the general condition of rats and reduce the 24?h urinary protein level. This decoction can also reduce the severity of kidney disease. This may be related to lowering the expression level of HPA and raising the expression level of PCX protein to improve the glomerular electrostatic barrier.

Abstract:Objective Some research on the brain?protective effects of single?taste drugs has been performed, but there is a lack of research comparing them. The purpose of this research was thus to explore the protective effects and mechanism of action of the effective components of resuscitation?inducing herbs, namely, β?asarone, borneol, muscone, and Styrax naphtha, on acute incomplete cerebral ischemia model rats. Methods This model was established by temporarily ligaturing the common carotid arteries bilaterally. The changes of cerebral water content and SOD, MDA, GSH?Px, ET?1, and CGRP activities in the serum were determined, and brain tissue was used to detect Bcl?2 and Bax proteins. Results Compared with those in the model group, cerebral water content decreased significantly in the β?asarone borneol, and Styrax naphtha groups; serum content of SOD markedly increased in the borneol group; serum content of MDA markedly decreased in the muscone and Styrax naphtha groups; serum content of GSH?PX increased in all drug groups; serum content of ET?1 decreased in all drug groups; and serum content of CGRP increased in all drug groups compared with the levels in the sham?operated and model groups, although no significant differences were noted. The level of Bcl?2 protein in the brain tissues of each drug group increased, while that of Bax protein decreased, with the Bcl?2/ Bax ratio being higher than in the model group. Conclusions Resuscitation?inducing herbs can improve ischemia reperfusion brain injury as revealed by different measures. Borneol significantly reduced the cerebral water content. Styrax naphtha showed the strongest reduction of oxidative stress damage. Muscone clearly increased Bcl?2 and reduced Bax protein, which may prolong the process of apoptosis. β?asarone effect centered. Overall, the studied components have certain protective effects against cerebral ischemia injury. Active components of the four resuscitation?inducing herbs reduce the degree of cerebral edema caused by ischemia, oxidative stress injury, cerebral ischemic neuron injury, and inhibition of apoptosis, which may have protective effects against cerebral ischemia injury.

Abstract:Objective To test the antiviral and antibacterial effects of Xiaoer Resuqing syrup. Methods The cell culture method was used to calculate the half?inhibition rate of Xiaoer Resuqing syrup against the virus, and the animal model of pneumonia was established to calculate the effect of Xiaoer Resuqing syrup on the lung index and lung inhibition rate of pneumonia mice. Twofold dilutions of syrup were analyzed in vitro in terms of the minimal inhibitory concentration and cumulative inhibitory rate on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Beta?hemolytic Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. To test the effect of Xiaoer Resuqing on mortality of mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus in vivo. Results In vitro antiviral experiments showed that Xiaoer Resuqing syrup completely inhibited cytopathic effects induced by influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus when diluted 32 times. In vivo studies also showed that the administration of 20 and 40 mL/ kg Xiaoer Resuqing syrup to influenza virus?infected mice had significant effects on lung injury ( P < 0. 05). An in vitro antibacterial experiment showed that twofold dilution of Xiaoer Resuqing syrup reduced the numbers of six bacteria by more than 90%. In mice infected by Staphylococcus aureus and administered the syrup at 40 mL/ kg, mortality was completely avoided. Conclusions The antipyretic and antibacterial result of Xiaoer Resuqing syrup showed that this syrup has certain antiviral and bacteriostatic effects both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract:Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of rose and cream on fiber pressure ulcer granulation tissue in rat models of pressure ulcer in terms of adhesion protein (fibronectin, FN) and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) levels and their associated mechanisms. Methods A total of 128 SD rats were randomly selected for groups as follows: 32 in the sham operation group and the other 96 for groups with rat bilateral gluteal muscle implanted under the external magnetic disk compression cycle method of ischemia reperfusion to establish stage III model. After 4 days, these 96 were randomly divided into a model group, a positive control group, and a rose and cream group. The sham operation group and model group were treated with physiological Shiomizu Sabu, the positive control group was treated with hydrocolloids, and the rose and cream group had Guiji cream gauze applied to bedsores. At the end of treatment, bedsore wound healing rate and healing speed were analyzed upon treatment for 3, 7, 14, and 21 d, along with determination of the levels of rat tail vein blood serum inflammatory cytokines interleukin?1 beta ( IL?1β), IL?6, and C?reactive protein (CRP), and ELISA for FN and BFGF to determine the level of pressure ulcer granulation tissue, by the solid?phase sandwich method . Results The effective time and healing time of the rose and cream group were shorter than those of the positive control group, and the healing rate and healing speed of the cream group were higher than those of the positive control group ( P < 0. 05). Upon treatments for 14, 21, and 28 d, the rose and cream group venous blood CRP, IL?1β, and IL?6 levels were significantly lower than those of the model group and the positive control group ( P < 0. 05), while BFGF and FN were significantly higher than those of the model group and positive control group ( P < 0. 05). Conclusions Rose and cream may reduce wound injury by inhibiting the inflammation caused by the ulcer wound inflammatory mediators IL?6 and IL?1β, increasing the synthesis of BFGF and FN to promote cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of stromal cells, promoting wound granulation tissue of newborns, and accelerating wound tissue repair.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of miR?206 overexpression on the invasion and migration of the liver cancer cell line HepG2. Methods HepG2 cells were divided into four groups: HepG2 (control) group, miR?206 mimic group, pc?VEGFA group, and miR?206 mimic + pc?VEGFA group. The expression of miR?206 and level of VEGFA mRNA were analyzed by quantitative real?time reverse?transcription PCR. A luciferase experiment was used to confirm the targeting of VEGFA by miR?206. The expression of VEGFA, vimentin, N?cadherin, and fibronectin was detected by western blotting. Cell invasion was measured by a Transwell assay. Cell migration was determined by a scratch assay. Results After transfection with miR?206 mimic in HepG2 cells, the expression of miR?206 was increased with declined mRNA level of VEGFA ( P < 0. 001). VEGFA was a direct target of miR?206. Compared with control group, the protein level of VEGFA, the number of invasive cells per field and scratch healing rate in miR?206 mimic group was reduced ( P < 0. 01). The protein level of VEGFA, the number of invasive cells per field and scratch healing rate in pc?VEGFA group was higher than control group ( P < 0. 01). Compared with pc?VEGFA group, the protein level of VEGFA, the number of invasive cells per field and scratch healing rate in miR?206 mimic + pc?VEGFA group was decreased ( P < 0. 01). The expression of vimentin, N?cadherin and Fibronectin in miR?206 mimic group was lower than control group ( P < 0. 01). The expression of vimentin, N?cadherin and Fibronectin in pc?VEGFA group was higher than control group ( P < 0. 01). Compared with pc?VEGFA group, the expression of vimentin, N?cadherin and Fibronectin in miR?206 mimic + pc?VEGFA group was reduced ( P < 0. 01). Conclusions The overexpression of miR?206 inhibits the invasion and migration of liver cancer HepG2 cells by targeting VEGFA.

Abstract:Objective To establish a rapid method for obtaining Vav1 gene knockout stable cell lines. Methods Specific targeting vectors for the mouse Vav1 gene were constructed and transfected into the mouse melanoma cell line B16 using liposomes. GFP?positive single cells were sorted by flow cytometry. Genomic DNA was collected by directly lysing GFP?positive single cells and used for fluorescent PCR. The PCR product was loaded for capillary electrophoresis and the result were analyzed for rapid determination of the genotype. Results By using this method, a large number of GFP?positive single cells were obtained in a short time. Sixteen GFP?positive single cells were randomly selected and their genotypes were detected by fluorescence PCR; the result showed that the knockout efficiency was 87. 5%. Some of the single?cell genotypes were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and the result showed that the genotype result obtained by fluorescence PCR were completely correct. Conclusions The combination of the CRISPR/ Cas9 gene editing system, flow cytometry monoclonal sorting, fluorescence PCR, and high?throughput DNA sample processing technology enables a large number of Vav1 gene knockout stable monoclonal cells to be obtained in a short time in the mouse melanoma cell line B16.

Abstract:Objective To explore a sTable. method for common carotid artery intubation in New Zealand rabbits that is secure and enables continuous and regular blood collection. Methods The left common carotid artery of anaesthetized rabbits was dissected after successful puncture using a BD closed venous indwelling needle (type Y), followed by ligation and fixing with silk suture. Then, the sternocleidomastoid muscle and sternohyoid muscle were sutured in the front, middle, and back of the needle to stop the intubation from exiting. The catheter was routed close to the skin around the neck and sutured at the skin at the back of the neck. Results The rate of blocking of the carotid artery catheter in the control group was 35%, while that in the other group was 5%. In the control group, the rate of falling off the carotid artery catheter was 30%, while it did not fall off in the experimental group. There were significant differences in the incidence rate between the two groups in terms of common carotid artery catheter embolism and falling off. Conclusions Suturing and fixing a BD needle of the left common carotid artery in New Zealand rabbits at three different points was effective for stably restricting movement of the BD needle in all directions. This approach is durable and enables continuous blood collection, providing a foundation for successful experiments.

Abstract:To analyze the causes of the fluctuation in relative humidity at the ABSL?2 laboratory and propose countermeasures. According to the ABSL?2 laboratory humidification, dehumidification, air humidity, automatic control, sensor working principle. Owing to inconsistency of the air supply in various laboratory areas, humidified steam is not continuously supplied, and excessive dehumidification time and humidity sensor monitoring error occur, resulting in the fluctuation of relative humidity. The influences of these factors were analyzed one by one to establish an effective method of humidity stabilization. Through real?time regulation of air valves, continuous and stable steam supply, establishment of a two?level surface cooler, regular maintenance and updating of humidity sensors, and appropriate management practices, we further improved the stability of the relative humidity index of the ABSL?2 laboratory. Improve the level of laboratory biosafety, and provide information for the future design and management of air?conditioning systems in laboratory animal centers.

Abstract:Stroke is a common disease in the elderly. The high morbidity, mortality and disability of stroke have threatened human health seriously. So far, thrombolytic therapy is the most effective treatment for cerebral ischemic stroke, and tPA is the only thrombolytic drug for the treatment of stroke which has been approved by the US FDA. However, the time window of tPA is only 4. 5 hours and very few people could receive thrombolysis during this period. Moreover, when the therapeutic time window of tPA is more than 4. 5 hours, the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation will significantly increase, then leads to the rapid increase of the mortality of stroke. Clinically, the method of combination therapy is usually used to prolong the therapeutic window of tPA, which is in order to reduce the adverse effects of thrombolysis. HT is one the most serious complications of patients who take the tPA thrombolytic therapy and it limits the clinical application greatly. This article reviews the therapeutic drugs that can be used in combination therapy to expand the therapeutic time window of tPA and at the same time don’t increase the probability of hemorrhagic transformation during animal experiment. We aim to provide a research basis for improving the overall effect of tPA.

Abstract:Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of normal physiological processes in humans, while also participating in the development and progression of different cancers. Investigations have indicated that the deregulation of lncRNAs is involved in diverse malignant cellular processes, such as proliferation, anti?apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial?to?mesenchymal transition. A major lncRNA candidate for involvement in cancer is MIAT, the aberrant expression of which has been observed in multiple cancers and functions as an oncogenic factor, including in lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, and prostate cancer. MIAT thus has immense potential value in clinical applications, holding promise as a biomarker and therapeutic target. This work summarizes current knowledge of the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of MIAT in the development and progression of cancers.

Abstract:The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that recognizes signaling molecules released from damaged cells and pathogens and mediates caspase?1 activation, thereby cleaving the activated cytokines IL?1β and IL?18. IL?1β is a pro?inflammatory cytokine that amplifies the inflammatory response via positive feedback. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome requires two signals and therefore needs a higher activation threshold. This activation is closely related to the pathogenesis of liver disease. It has been demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays an important role in liver cell injury, cell activation, and liver fibrosis in different etiologies and experimental animal models. These studies should help to transform the clinical treatment of liver disease. In this review, we explore the function of the inflammasome, its activation mechanism, and its biological function in different liver injuries. Meanwhile, based on the latest reports published both domestically and internationally, we review the effect of the NLRP3 inflammasome on alcoholic liver disease, non?alcoholic liver disease, chronic HCV infection, and liver fibrosis.

Abstract:It is important to establish sensitive and reliable method for genotoxicity tests for evaluating the potential mutagenicity of chemicals. In recent years, a new in vivo genotoxicity test based on Pig?a gene mutation has been developed and recognized to be useful for regulatory safety assessment because of its potential for clinical translation, its remarkable sensitivity to mutagenic agents, its relatively low cost, and its potential for integration with other in vivo tests as well as for reducing animal use. This paper mainly reviews the application and development of the Pig?a gene mutation assay.