Effect of amber powder on endometrial ultrastructure and MAPK pathway in endometriosis model rats

Purpose: To explore the therapeutic role of amber powder in endometriosis by investigating its effect on endometrial ultrastructure, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and NF-κB mRNA pathways and CSRC/EFR/ERK1/2 proteins. Methods: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into blank group, disease model group (untreated), amber powder high-dose group, amber powder medium-dose group, amber powder lowdose group and danazol group. Morphological changes in endometrial cells were studied using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and NF-κB mRNA in endometrial tissues of each group was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry was utilized for the measurement of C-SRC/EFR/ERK1/2 pathway protein expression. Results: The endometriosis rats treated with a high-, medium- and low-dose amber powder showed a decrease in the volume of ectopic lesions, compared with the untreated disease model group. The expressions of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, NF-κB mRNA, and C-SRC/EFR/ERK1/2 protein were higher in the eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues in untreated disease group than those in normal control group. Moreover, treatment of endometriosis rats with amber powder revealed a reduction in the expressions of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, NF-κB mRNA and C-SRC/EFR/ERK1/2 proteins in eutopic and ectopic endometrium tissues. Conclusion: Amber powder reduces ectopic lesions and slows down the development of endometriosis, probably via inhibition of MAPK pathway genes in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues

Complete mitochondrial genome sequences of Physogyra lichtensteini (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851) and Plerogyra sinuosa (Dana, 1846) (Scleractinia, Plerogyridae): characterisation and phylogenetic analysis

In this study, the whole mitochondrial genomes of Physogyra lichtensteini and Plerogyra sinuosa have been sequenced for the first time. The length of their assembled mitogenome sequences were 17,286 bp and 17,586 bp, respectively, both including 13 protein-coding genes, two tRNAs, and two rRNAs. Their mitogenomes offered no distinct structure and their gene order were the same as other typical scleractinians. Based on 13 protein-coding genes, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis showed that Physogyra lichtensteini and Plerogyra sinuosa are clustered in the family Plerogyridae, which belongs to the “Robust” clade. The 13 tandem mitogenome PCG sequences used in this research can provide important molecular information to clarify the evolutionary relationships amongst stony corals, especially at the family level. On the other hand, more advanced markers and more species need to be used in the future to confirm the evolutionary relationships of all the scleractinians

Observation of integer and fractional quantum anomalous Hall states in twisted bilayer MoTe2

The interplay between strong correlations and topology can lead to the emergence of intriguing quantum states of matter. One well-known example is the fractional quantum Hall effect, where exotic electron fluids with fractionally charged excitations form in partially filled Landau levels. The emergence of topological moir\'e flat bands provides exciting opportunities to realize the lattice analogs of both the integer and fractional quantum Hall states without the need for an external magnetic field. These states are known as the integer and fractional quantum anomalous Hall (IQAH and FQAH) states. Here, we present direct transport evidence of the existence of both IQAH and FQAH states in twisted bilayer MoTe2 (AA stacked). At zero magnetic field, we observe well-quantized Hall resistance of h/e2 around moir\'e filling factor {\nu} = -1 (corresponding to one hole per moir\'e unit cell), and nearly-quantized Hall resistance of 3h/2e2 around {\nu} = -2/3, respectively. Concomitantly, the longitudinal resistance exhibits distinct minima around {\nu} = -1 and -2/3. The application of an electric field induces topological quantum phase transition from the IQAH state to a charge transfer insulator at {\nu} = -1, and from the FQAH state to a generalized Wigner crystal state, further transitioning to a metallic state at {\nu} = -2/3. Our study paves the way for the investigation of fractionally charged excitations and anyonic statistics at zero magnetic field based on semiconductor moir\'e materials

Bidirectional regulation of angiogenesis and miR-18a expression by PNS in the mouse model of tumor complicated by myocardial ischemia

BACKGROUND: Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) is the major class of active constituents of notoginseng, a natural product extensively used as a therapeutic agent in China. Tumor when accompanied by cardiovascular disorders poses a greater challenge for clinical management given the paradoxical involvement of angiogenesis, therefore gaining increased research attention. This study aim to investigate effects of PNS and its activity components in the mouse model of tumor complicated with myocardial ischemia. METHODS: Tumor complexed with myocardial ischemia mouse model was first established, which was followed by histological and immunohistochemistry examination to assess the effect of indicated treatments on tumor, myocardial ischemia and tissue specific angiogenesis. MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling was further carried out to identify potential miRNA regulators that might mechanistically underline the therapeutic effects of PNS in this complex model. RESULTS: PNS and its major activity components Rg1, Rb1 and R1 suppressed tumor growth and simultaneously attenuated myocardial ischemia. PNS treatment led to decreased expression of CD34 and vWF in tumor and increased expression of these vascular markers in heart. PNS treatment resulted in reduced expression of miR-18a in tumor and upregulated expression of miR-18a in heart. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated for the first time that PNS exerts tissue specific regulatory effects on angiogenesis in part through modulating the expression of miR-18a, which could be responsible for its bidirectional effect on complex disease conditions where paradoxical angiogenesis is implicated. Therefore, our study provides experimental evidence warranting evaluation of PNS and related bioactive component as a rational therapy for complex disease conditions including co-manifestation of cancer and ischemic cardiovascular disease