The findings support the view that plastic changes in the female brain occur during relatively short-term periods across the menstrual cycle. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“microRNA-122a (miR-122a) is a liver-specific miRNA that is frequently downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The exact functional role of miR-122a and its target in HCC remain largely unknown. We developed a lentiviral vector for the expression of pre-miR-122a (Lenti-miR-122a). Lenti-miR-122a inhibited HCC cell growth and induced apoptosis in vitro. We employed proteomic profiling
to identify the target proteins of miR-122a. In total, ten proteins with differential expression in HCC cells infected with Lenti-miR-122a were identified. Amongst them, downregulation of peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDXII) by miR-122a was validated by Western blotting. Using bioinformatics analysis, predictable this website target sites of miR-122a were identified in the 5′-UTR of PRDXII mRNA. Luciferase
reporter assay confirmed the regulation of miR-122a on 5′-UTR of PRDXII. In conclusion, PRDXII was identified to be the new target of miR-122a.”
“Objective: Amniotic membrane, as a natural Romidepsin chemical structure biomaterial, has many advantages, such as low immunogenicity, anti-inflammation, antifibrosis, and rich extracellular matrix components, which make it a promising source for vascular tissue engineering. This study assessed the feasibility of constructing a vein conduit from the amniotic membrane and implanting it in the external jugular vein of juvenile sheep.
Methods: Human amniotic membrane was prepared using fresh human placenta. For construction of a tube such as a vein, the membrane was rolled around a tube and amniotic membrane-constructed conduits A-769662 ic50 were interposed to the external jugular vein by end-to-end anastomosis. Grafts were assessed for patency at weeks 5 and 48 and explanted for evaluation with histologic and microscopic techniques.
Results: At 5 weeks after implantation, the grafts were completely patent and displayed no signs of dilation. The
internal surface was smooth and shiny, without any evidence of thrombus formation. After 48 weeks, grafts were still completely patent and displayed no signs of intimal thickening, dilation, or stenosis. No inflammation or fibrosis was evident. Histologic evaluation of the explanted grafts demonstrated a monolayer of endothelial cells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a confluent layer of cells with normal endothelial cell morphology. A monolayer of cells positive for von Willebrand factor was detected in histology sections.
Conclusions: The findings of this study confirm that the amniotic membrane can be a proper substitute for vascular tissue engineering. (J Vasc Surg 2012; 56: 1098-104.