Abstract:The etiology of obesity involves many genetic factors, but fundamentally result from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure in both humans and animals. Obesity is a common risk factor for many diseases,including diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The study of animal models of obesity contributes substantial evidence that enables the translation of laboratory findings to clinical practice.

Abstract:Objective To determine the effects of diet-induced obesity and caloric restriction on blood glucose, insulin secretion, and islet β-cell morphology in mice. Methods Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to control, high-fat diet-fed obese, and calorie restriction groups. Their body masses and blood glucose concentrations were measured over a 12-week period. In addition, insulin tolerance testing (ITT), intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing (IPGTT), and pathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin-staining of the pancreas were used to evaluate the glucose and insulin tolerance, and islet β-cell function and morphology. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was also assessed in isolated islets. Results The body mass gain in the high-fat group was 55. 7%, higher than in the control group ( P <0. 05), but that of the caloric restriction group was 12. 8% less ( P <0. 05). Insulin sensitivity and GSIS were lower in the high-fat diet-fed than in control mice. In contrast, fasting insulin was lower in the caloric restriction group, and early phase insulin secretion and GSIS were normal. Conclusions Obese mice exhibit an insulin-secretory deficit and insulin resistance, whereas caloric restriction is associated with normal insulin secretion and a low fasting insulin concentration.

Abstract:Because of the well-characterized benefits of metabolic surgery for weight loss, glycemia, and metabolic status in patients, it has become widely used clinically. There are many surgical approaches, among which sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are the most commonly used at present. However, because the precise mechanisms of their therapeutic effects are yet to be fully established, it is important to study the potential mechanisms of the effects of metabolic surgery using animal models. This review summarizes the characteristics of the animal models of metabolic surgery used in medical research and the information they have yielded regarding such mechanisms.

Abstract:Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that arises as a result of complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, which underscores the importance of exploring and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.To provide insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity, animal models are indispensable research tools. This review summarizes the classification and characteristics of the available animal models of obesity, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of each. It thus provides a reference for the selection of an appropriate models for each study.

Abstract:Obesity is one of the commonest chronic metabolic diseases worldwide, and is often associated with comorbidities. The common clinical characteristics of the co-morbidities of obesity are described, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea/ hypopnea syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity-related glomerulopathy, polycystic ovary syndrome, depressive disorders, and obesity-associated neoplasia. The aim is that obesityrelated diseases should be recognized at an early stage by medical professionals, so that they can be diagnosed and treated early in their progression.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3, hyaluronic acid (HA), and parathyroid hormone-related protein ( PTHrP) on chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and to optimize the combination of culture conditions. Methods Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured in vitro for morphological examination, surface antibody detection, and adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Different combinations of cytokines were added to P3 generation cells for chondrogenic differentiation as follows: TGF-β3 on days 1-21 (G1), TGF-β3 on days 1-28 (G2), TGF-β3 on days 1-21 + HA on days 1-21 (G3), TGF-β3 on days 1-28 + HA on days 1-28 (G4), TGF-β3 on days 1-21 + HA on days 1-21 + PTHrP on days 14-21 (G5), TGF-β3 on days 1-28 + HA on days 1-28 + PTHrP (G6) on days 14-28, and TGF-β3 on days 1-28 + HA on days 1-28 + PTHrP on days 21-28 (G7). Results The expression levels of COL2α1, COL10α1, SOX9, and ACAN were higher in the TGF-β3 and TGF-β3/ HA groups at 28 than 21 days of culture.In addition, the expression levels of COL2α1, SOX9, and ACAN were higher and that of COL10α1 was lower in the TGF-β3/ HA/ PTHrP group. When cultured at the same times, the expression levels of COL2α1, SOX9, and ACAN were higher in the TGF-β3/ HA group than TGF-β3 group, and the expression levels of COL2α1, ACAN, and SOX9 were higher and that of COL10α1 was lower in the TGF-β3/ HA/ PTHrP group than TGF-β3/ HA group. The effect of PTHrP addition for 2 weeks was significantly more obvious than that for 1 week ( P <0. 05). The results of hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue staining were consistent with the results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Conclusions TGF-β3, HA, and PTHrP can promote chondrogenic differentiation to different extents. When TGF-β3 and HA were combined for 28 days and PTHrP was added on the 14th day (G6), this combination promotes best the chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and inhibits the cell hypertrophy.

Abstract:Objective To determine the effects of guanxinning (GXN),a traditional Chinese medicine, in mice with chronic heart failure (CHF) and to explore the mechanisms involved, with particular reference to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and related signaling pathways, to provide experimental evidence for the clinical use of GXN. Methods A mouse CHF model was established by surgical aortic arch constriction and mice with successfully-induced CHF were randomly allocated to a model control group, a low-dose (600 mg/ kg) GXN group, a high-dose (1,200 mg/ kg) group, and a positive control group (administered 12. 5 mg/ kg captopril). In addition, sham-operated mice were used as a control group. The survival rate was monitored during the experiment. Ultrasonography was performed after 3, 6, and 9 weeks of the study, when the ejection fraction (EF) of the mice was measured. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed and their hearts collected. Myocardial apoptosis was quantified using the TUNEL staining, the mRNA expression of BAX and BCL2 were quantified using RT-PCR, and the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and BAX/ BCL2 were measured using a fully-automated protein analyzer. Results The survival rate was 50% in the model control group, 60% in the lowdose GXN group, and 70% in the high-dose GXN group. Compared with the sham surgery group, the EF in the model group was significantly lower after 3, 6, and 9 weeks, while GXN administration induced to varying degrees of improvement. There was more myocardial apoptosis in the model than in the sham group, and GXN reduced this. The myocardial mRNA expression of BAX in the model group was significantly higher, and that of BCL2 was lower, which was consistent with the protein expression levels, and the PI3K and p-AKT protein levels were also significantly higher. Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of BAX and the protein expression levels of PI3K and p-AKT were lower in the myocardium of high-dose GXN-treated mice. Conclusions GXN improves the survival rate and cardiac function of mice with CHF. The mechanism may be involved with the upregulation of the PI3K/ AKT/ BAX signaling pathway, which reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis, thereby ameliorating the signs of heart failure in CHF mice.

Abstract:Objective This study was performed to establish a method of measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, and respiration in conscious Beagle dogs by an implantable physiological telemetry technique. Methods (1) The model dogs were established by surgical implantation of a vascular access port into one side of the carotid artery. After animal recovery, the blood pressure, ECG, and respiratory indexes of six model dogs were tested once a week for 4 weeks to verify the stability of the physiological telemetry system. (2) The differences in the blood pressure, ECG, and respiratory indexes between model dogs and anesthetized dogs were compared. (3) Model dogs were given positive drugs to verify the sensitivity of the physiological telemetry system. Results (1) No significant differences were found in blood pressure, ECG, or and respiratory indexes among the four measurement time points in model dogs, and the indexes were stable. (2) The blood pressure and heart rate were significantly higher, the PR interval was shorter, the QTc interval was significantly longer, and the respiratory frequency and respiratory amplitude were lower in the anesthetized dogs than in the model dogs. (3) The diastolic, systolic, and mean blood pressure of the model dogs were significantly lower after azilsartan administration. After terfenadine administration, the dogs’ heart rate decreased and the PR interval, QRS, and QTc interval were prolonged. Conclusions The herein-described physiological telemetry system is successfully established in Beagle dogs and shows good repeatability, high sensitivity, and reliable data. This system may be useful for pharmacological drug safety research.

Abstract:Objective To characterize the pathology of cerebrovascular disease in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, to explore its pathogenesis, and to provide a theoretical foundation for the use of the ZDF rat as a model of stroke. Methods Eight male ZDF rats aged 8-9 weeks were fed Purina #5008 feed for 12 weeks and another eight male Zucker lean (ZL) rats were fed standard chow. At the end of this period the body mass, blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of each group were compared. Cognitive function was evaluated using a Y-maze test. The morphology of the intracranial vessels was compared using magnetic resonance imaging. Following euthanasia, conventional histopathology and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the macrovascular and microvascular lesions in the brain, and immunofluorescence was used to identify albumin leakage and the expression of the tight junction protein zona occludens (ZO)-1. Results The body mass, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c of ZDF rats were significantly higher than in ZL rats at 20 weeks of age ( P <0. 01), and the time spent in the new arm in the Y-maze test was significantly lower ( P <0. 05). In addition, deformation and segmental stenosis was present in the large blood vessels of the brain, and there was cerebral microvascular occlusion, peripheral nerve fiber edema, albumin leakage around the cerebral blood vessels, and the expression of ZO-1 and occludin protein was lower ( P <0. 01) in the ZDF rats. Conclusions Cognitive dysfunction is present in 20-week-old ZDF rats, and both large and microvessels show vascular stenosis and occlusion in the brain, which is associated with peripheral nerve tissue lesions. The pathogenesis may involve the loss of tight junction proteins, leading to the loss of blood-brain barrier function and an increase in vascular permeability, with consequent functional deficits.

Abstract:Objective Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the main types of lung cancer. This study was performed to examine the mechanism of lung adenocarcinoma, predict the key genes related to tumor development, and evaluate their prognostic significance in patients. Methods We downloaded the gene expression profile dataset (GSE18842, GSE74706, GSE101929) from the GEO database, the DAVID online database for GO and KEGG analysis of differential genes, the STRING database for screening candidate genes, Oncomine for the study of protein interactions, GEPIA, and other databases. The distribution and prognostic significance of the key genes were analyzed. Results The candidate genes were BUB1B, CDCA8, CDC20, BUB1, KIF20A, and AURKB. The results showed that the candidate genes were significantly higher in lung adenocarcinoma cells than normal cells. Conclusions These six candidate genes are highly likely to participate in the development of lung adenocarcinoma. As biomarkers of cancer, they are related to the poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. These findings are anticipated to provide a reference for the study of lung cancer in future.

Abstract:Objective Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) is a method used to study the function of islet β- cells and blood glucose regulation. Fasting is necessary beforehand, but fasting and glucose-stimulated blood glucose concentrations and insulin concentrations differ according to the duration of fasting. This study aimed to identify the optimal fasting time prior to OGTT in the widely used KM mouse strain. Methods Clean grade male KM male mice aged 6-7 weeks were randomly allocated to four groups. After fasting for 4, 8, 10, or 12 h, OGTT was performed, blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured, and the concentration vs. time curves for each were compared. Results 1) The blood glucose and insulin concentrations of all the mice increased from their fasting values to a peak, and then decreased back to the baseline values. Compared with the fasting blood glucose concentration of mice that were fasted for 4 h, the fasting blood glucose concentrations of the other three groups were significantly lower ( P < 0. 01). (2) The blood glucose concentrations in the 4 h-fasted group were also the highest at each subsequent time point, and the area under the blood glucose curve was significantly different from those in the other groups ( P < 0. 05). (3)The fasting insulin concentration in the 4 h-fasted group was 4% higher than that of the 8 h-fasted group, which had a value about twice as high as the 12 hfasted group. The area under the insulin curve was lowest in the mice fasted for 8 h. Conclusions KM mice fasted for 8- 10 h prior to OGTT showed large differences in blood glucose and insulin concentrations, higher resolution, and larger changes in values. This made the arrangement of fasting time more reasonable, and the experimental plan is reasonable and efficient. When KM mice are used to establish a diabetes model, the effect of fasting time prior to OGTT should be considered.

Abstract:Objective This study was performed to determine the hematological parameters of 853 normal juvenile cynomolgus monkeys and establish a hematological reference range for laboratory cynomolgus monkeys from 1 to 4 years of age in Guangdong Province. Methods In total, 273 cynomolgus monkeys aged 1-2 years (1≤x<2)(124 females, 149 males), 307 cynomolgus monkeys aged 2-3 years (2≤x<3)(244 females, 63 males), and 273 cynomolgus monkeys aged 3-4 years (3≤x<4)(124 females, 149 males) were randomly selected. Hematological indicators were measured, and subgroups were compared by sex. Results The reference range of normal hematological parameters in various age groups of experimental cynomolgus monkeys was established. In the comparison between male and female animals, the platelet count and 7 other indicators were significantly different in the 1- to 2-year old animals ( P <0. 05 or P <0. 01), the red cell distribution width-standard deviation and 5 other indicators were significantly different in the 2- to 3-year-old animals ( P < 0. 05 or P <0. 01), and the white blood cell count and 11 other indicators were significantly different in the 3- to 4-year-old animals ( P <0. 05 or P <0. 01). Conclusions Juvenile cynomolgus monkeys are still in the developmental stages and their hematological parameters vary greatly at different ages, and obvious differences are present between males and females at the same age. This study provides hematological background data of normal juvenile cynomolgus monkeys, which can serve as a reliable reference for their application in the biomedical field.

Abstract:Objective To examine the effect of pretreatment with Alhagi extract on the survival rate of rats in a dry-heat environment. Methods Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 rats each: the normal control group (NC group), solvent control group (SC group), Alhagi low-dose group (AL group), Alhagi middledose group (AM group), and Alhagi high-dose group (AH group). Rats in the SC group underwent gavage of 0. 5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution once a day. Rats in the other Alhagi extract pretreatment groups underwent gavage with different doses of Alhagi extract (1. 00, 0. 33, and 0. 10 g/ kg, respectively) once a day for 7 consecutive days and were then placed in the experimental cabin (dry-heat environment). The temperature was(41±0. 5)℃, and the relative humidity was(10±1)%. The core temperature, body weight, and time of death were recorded at 0, 50, 100, and 150 min. Results During the Alhagi administration period, no significant differences in the daily body weight changes were found in each group ( P >0. 05). After exposure to the dry-heat environment for 50, 100, and 150 min, the core body temperature of rats in the AM and AH groups was significantly lower than that of rats in the NC and SC groups ( P <0. 05); however, no significant difference in the weight reduction rates was found among the groups ( P >0. 05). In the dry-heat environment, the survival time of rats in the AM group (242. 15±12. 72 min) and AH group (244. 90±12. 68 min) was significantly longer than that of rats in the NC group (225. 90±10. 32 min), SC group (228. 22±7. 59 min), and AL group (227. 90± 12. 25 min) ( P <0. 05). The survival curves were tested by the log rank method, which indicated that the survival rates of rats in the AM and AH groups were significantly higher than that of rats in the NC, SC, and AL groups ( P <0. 05). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that pretreatment with Alhagi extract can increase the thermotolerance and survival rate of rats in a dry-heat environment. This may occur through a delay in the increase of the core temperature; however, the exact mechanisms need to be further explored.

Abstract:Objective This database analysis was performed to analyze the expression and clinical significance of Ras protein activator like 1 (RASAL1) and Ras protein activator like 2 (RASAL2) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Using Oncomine, we comprehensively compared the differential expression of RASAL1 and RASAL2 genes in NSCLC and normal lung tissues. The relationship between the expressions of RASAL1 and RASAL2 and the prognosis of NSCLC was retrieved from the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Results In the Oncomine data analysis, RASAL1 was increased and RASAL2 was decreased in NSCLC ( P <0. 05 for both). The Kaplan-Meier plotter data analysis indicated that low expression of RASAL1 and high expression of RASAL2 were closely associated with a good prognosis, including overall survival and post-progression survival. Furthermore, low expression of RASAL1 was associated with a good prognosis in patients with NSCLC receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusions In NSCLC, RASAL1 is increased and RASAL2 is decreased, and they are associated with patients’ clinical prognosis. RASAL1 may promote and RASAL2 may suppress the development of NSCLC. The effect of RASAL1 on the prognosis of patients with NSCLC is also related to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and RASAL1 may thus be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in the repair of ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure (POF). Methods Thirty female specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: ten were used as the control group, and the other 20 rats used to establish a POF model. The POF model rats were divided into a model group (10 rats) and hUCMSCs transplantation group (10 rats). The changes in the follicles and ultrastructure of ovarian tissues were observed. The serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Mullerian hormone, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 8-hydroxy-2’deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results Pathological examination using hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that compared with the control group, the number of atretic follicles was increased and that the number of growth follicles decreased in the model group ( P <0. 05). The number of atretic follicles decreased and the number of growing follicles increased in the hUCMSCs transplantation group compared with the model group ( P <0. 05). The electron microscopy showed that after transplantation of hUCMSCs, the nuclei of ovarian cells appeared, the nuclear membrane gradually recovered, and a small number of organelles appeared. The ELISA results showed that the levels of serum LH, FSH, ROS, and 8-OHdG in the hUCMSCs transplantation group were significantly lower than those in the model group ( P <0. 05), while the levels of E2 in the hUCMSCs transplantation group were significantly higher than those in the control group and model group ( P <0. 05). The immunohistochemistry results showed that in the model group, the number of UCP-2-positive and SOD1-positive cells was increased, while those in the hUCMSCs transplantation group decreased. The western blot results showed that the expression levels of SOD1 and UCP-2 in the ovarian tissue of the model group were significantly increased compared with those in the control group ( P <0. 05). After transplantation of hUCMSCs, the protein levels of SOD1 and UCP-2 were significantly lower than those in the model group ( P <0. 05). Conclusions Transplantation of hUCMSCs can reduce the oxidative stress response by reducing the expression of SOD1 and UCP-2 and ultimately promote the repair the ovarian function in rats.

Abstract:Objective By establishing a schizophrenic rat model, to observe the changes in protein kinase A (PKA) and chemokine-5 (CCL5) expression in the prefrontal cortex, to clarify the mechanism of neurological injury, and to provide a reference for guiding clinical treatment. Methods The experimental rats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (received subcutaneous injection of normal saline, n = 15) and the schizophrenia model group (received daily intraperitoneal injection of amphetamine at 0. 5 mg/ kg to establish a model of schizophrenia, n = 15). Nuclear pyknosis of the prefrontal neurons was detected by pathological observation using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The rat model of schizophrenia was verified by the Sams-Dodd stereotype behavior scoring system and open field test. The expression levels of PKA and CCL5 mRNA were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain. The levels of PKA and CCL5 protein in experimental rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The interleukin (IL)- 1α, IL-1β, and IL-17 protein expression levels were detected by western blotting. Results The stereotypic behavior score was higher in the schizophrenia model group than control group (2. 38±0. 26 vs. 0. 85±0. 14, respectively), and the open field test score was higher in the schizophrenia model group than control group (326. 58± 15. 47 vs. 198. 55± 12. 58, respectively) ( P <0. 05). The expressions of PKA and CCL5 mRNA were higher in the schizophrenia model group than control group ( P <0. 05). The PKA and CCL5 contents were higher in the schizophrenia model group (4. 21±1. 05 and 3. 76±0. 51 mmol/ g, respectively) than in the control group (2. 46±0. 67 and 1. 35±0. 24 mmol/ g, respectively) ( P < 0. 05). The protein expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-17 were higher in the schizophrenia model group (2. 85±0. 35, 2. 15±0. 27, and 2. 16±0. 32, respectively) than control group (1. 02±0. 17, 0. 94±0. 13, and 1. 05±0. 25, respectively) ( P <0. 05). The schizophrenia model group had a higher proportion of positive cells than the control group, and the anterior frontal pyramidal cells showed more nuclear pyknosis and cytoplasmic eosinophilia. Red staining was enhanced in the schizophrenia model group ( P <0. 05). Conclusions The expressions of PKA and CCL5 in the prefrontal cortex are higher in rats with than without schizophrenia and induce cognitive impairment.

Abstract:Objective To study the effect of quinocyclohexanone on diabetic nephropathy and the expression of angiotensin II (Ang II) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the kidneys of rats. Methods Forty 8-week-old healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to a control group ( n = 10) or used to establish model of diabetic nephropathy (DN) ( n =30). Having confirmed the presence of DN, n =10 rats with DN were randomly allocated to a model group and n =20 rats were administered quinocyclohexanone at 5 mg/ kg, 10 mg/ kg, 15 mg/ kg, or 30 mg/ kg,respectively. The control and the model groups were administered the same volume of saline. Urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), glomerular filtration rate ( GFR), fasting blood glucose ( FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin ( HbA1c), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), 24-hour urinary microalbumin (24hU-mAlb), beta-2 microglobulin (beta-2-MG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), renal mononuclear chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA and agglutinin proteins, expression levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) mRNA, Ang II and VEGF were compared among the groups. Results When the dose was 15 mg/ kg, the levels of Uaer and GFR in rats approached the normal levels of UAER and GFR. Therefore, it was considered that 15 mg/ kg was the appropriate dose. The following studies were conducted at the dose of 15 mg/ kg.. FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, 24hU-mAlb, beta 2-MG, and BUN values in the model and quincyclohexanone groups were higher than those in the control group ( P < 0. 05). The renal expressions of MCP-1, LOX-1, Ang II, and VEGF in the model and quincyclohexanone groups was also higher than in the control group ( P < 0. 05). However, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, 24hU-mAlb, beta 2-MG, and BUN in the quincyclohexanone group were lower than in the model group ( P < 0. 05), as well the renal expression levels of MCP-1, LOX-1, Ang II, and VEGF ( P < 0. 05). Conclusions Quinocyclohexanone may ameliorate pathologic changes and defects in renal function in rats with dibetic nephropathy by inhibiting the expression of Ang II and VEGF. It appears to be renoprotective.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the dynamic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma-related indicators in the process of chemical induction of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Methods A total of 42 male C57BL/6J mice weighing 18 to 22 g were randomly divided into a treatment group and control group. Diethylnitrosamine combined with tetrachloride and olive oil was used to establish a mouse model of liver cancer. At weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 after treatment, the morphology, color, texture, and number of cancer nodules visible to the naked eye on the surface of the liver were evaluated in both the treatment group and control group. The liver and kidneys of the mice in each group were taken, the ratio of liver and kidney to body weight was determined, and hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed for pathological analysis. Changes of related blood indexes in the mice in each group were also determined. Results Compared with the control group, the body weight of the mice in the treatment group showed a trend of slow growth before 16 weeks and gradually decreased thereafter. Liver and spleen indexes were increased significantly with time. The serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, creatinine, and total bilirubin were increased significantly ( P <0. 05), while the serum levels of total protein, albumin, and urea nitrogen were decreased significantly ( P <0. 05). Pathological analysis also showed that as time progressed, the arrangement of hepatocytes in liver tissue gradually became irregular, and megakaryocytes and more obvious inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Conclusions The success rate of a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model induced by the optimized chemical method is high. Measurement of key indexes at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 weeks after treatment has practical significance for studying the dynamic changes of carcinogenesis and can reflect the development process of the relevant indicators of hepatocellular carcinoma in the model mice.

Abstract:Endothelial progenitor cells (Epcs) are precursors of endothelial cells and are mainly derived from bone marrow, with only 0. 01% content in peripheral blood. When a blood vessel is injured or otherwise stimulated, Epcs can migrate to the site of stimulation through the blood circulation to form new blood vessels. Epcs also have a high differentiation potential and can differentiate into endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, osteoblasts, or cardiomyocytes. Because Epcs can migrate to injured areas to form new blood vessels and have the potential to differentiate into many kinds of cells, they are often used as seed cells to repair damaged areas of blood vessels or differentiate into other cells to repair defects. However, Epcs are difficult to isolate and cultivate. Researchers have found factors related to enhancement of the biological characteristics of Epcs. This article reviews the factors related to the biological characteristics of Epcs.

Abstract:The choice of an appropriate mouse model of acne according to the experimental purpose is very important for the study of the pathogenesis of acne or the evaluation of the efficacy of anti-acne drugs. According to the principle of modeling, mouse models of acne were classified into three categories: Propionibacterium acne, chemical acne, and androgen-induced acne. Taking the classification of mouse acne models as its starting point, this paper summarizes the modeling method, the scope of their applications, and their advantages and disadvantages, to facilitate the selection of a suitable mouse model for acne research.

Abstract:Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a type of highly invasive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and one of the most rapidly growing malignant tumors. The etiology and pathogenesis of BL have not been fully elucidated. Previous studies have shown that BL may be related to c-myc translocation. The etiology of BL has been thoroughly studied in recent years, and some new tumorigenic mechanisms have been found in the field of gene mutation and epigenetic regulation. The aim of this review is to elucidate the pathogenesis of BL from the perspective of gene mutation and epigenetic regulation.

Abstract:Selection of suitable animal models of haze inhalation lung injury is important for studies of the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of haze inhalation lung injury. Animal models of haze inhalation lung injury are classified as physical, chemical, biological, and granular lung injury. In this article, the infusion method, reagents, and dose selection were reviewed to provide references for the construction of haze inhalation lung injury animal models.

Abstract:Endometriosis is a benign, chronic, and common gynecologic disease in the clinical setting. Antioxidants have been applied as drugs and health care products because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging properties. The antagonistic effects of antioxidants on endometriosis can reportedly be assessed by measurement of the total antioxidant status and total oxidant status, volumes of endometriotic tissues, levels of inflammatory cytokines, neovascularization, apoptosis, and other parameters, which might lead to the establishment of a novel treatment for endometriosis. However, further studies are needed to determine the exact effects and mechanisms.