This article was aimed to study the mechanism of Liu-Wei Bu-Qi (LWBQ) Capsules among rat models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accompanied with reduced lung function based on MMPs/TIMPs and Th1/Th2. A total of 75 rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, LWBQ group, Jin-Shui-Bao (JSB) group, spleen aminopeptidase group. Except the normal group, smoke plus lipopolysaccharide tracheal instil-lation method was applied among rats in other groups to establish COPD rat model. Medication was given on the 28th day after the model was established. The medication was given for 30 days. Observation was given on changes of lung histology, lung function, interleukin (IL)-4, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) and MMPs inhibitor 1(TIMP-1). The results showed that compared with the normal group, in the model group, lung tis-sues was damaged, and lung function was obviously reduced, while the level of inflammatory factor such as IL-1β, IFN-γ, Th1/Th2 were obvious increased (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01); while inflammation-inhibiting factors such as IL-4 and IL-35 were obviously decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); MMP-9 gene and protein expression of lung tissues were obviously increased (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01); TIMP-1 gene and protein expression were obviously decreased (P< 0.05 or P < 0.01). After medication, compared with the model group, in the LWBQ group, IFN-γ and Th1/Th2 were obviously decreased (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01); MMP-9 gene and protein expression were obviously decreased (P< 0.05 or P < 0.01); TIMP-1 expression was obviously increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Compared with the JSB group and spleen aminopeptidase group, the lung function and TIMP1 gene protein expression were increased, while MMP-9 and Th1/Th2 expression were obviously decreased (P < 0.05). It was concluded that LWBQ Capsules up-regulate IL-4 and TIMP-1, downregulate IFN-γ, Th1/ Th2 and MMP-9 expression, in order to reduce inflammatory response and improve lung function among COPD cases.

Objective To compare the one-year outcome between complete and incomplete revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with multivessel coronary disease. Methods From June 1995 to September 2004, a total of 2579 patients with multivessel coronary disease were treated by PCI in our centre, among them 2278 patients (88.3%) achieved complete revascularization (CR group) and 301 patients achieved incomplete revascularization (IR group). One-year outcome was compared between the two groups. Results The rates of triple vessel disease, complex type B2/C lesions, chronic total occlusion were significantly higher in IR group than those in CR group, and the target vessel stenostic degree before PCI was also more severe in IR group. The PCI success rates in CR group and IR group were 96.4% and 94.0% (P0.05). The rates of angina recurrence and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were significantly lower in CR group patients compared with the patients in IR group (5.7% vs 9.2%, P

Objective To observe the effects of Liuwei Buqi capsules on CD4+CD25+forkhead box protein 3+(Foxp3+)regulatory T cells(Tregs),helper T cells(Ths)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Eighty COPD patients admitted into the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2012 to May 2013 were randomly divided into a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)experimental group(40 cases)and a western medicine control group(40 cases);there were 40 research volunteers enrolled as healthy controls. After admission,both the TCM experimental group and western medicine control group were given conventional western medicine comprehensive treatment. Additionally,in the TCM experimental group,Liuwei Buqi capsules were given orally once 3 pills(0.4 g/pill)and twice a day,while in the western medicine control group nifedipine was given,once 10 mg and 3 times a day,30 days constituting one therapeutic course for both groups. BODE evaluation means that the body mass index(B),the degree of airflow obstruction(O),the scores of dyspnea(D)and excercise capacity(E)of COPD patients were evaluated. A spirometer was used to observe the changes in the patient's pulmonary function to detect the dyspnea score. The γ-interferon(IFN-γ),interleukin (IL-4 and IL-17)in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of Treg of peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry. Results Compared with healthy control group,lung function parameters,IL-4,CD4+CD25+Treg and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg of peripheral blood were increased,while dyspnea score,BODE score,the expressions of IFN-γ,Th1/Th2,IL-17 in serum were decreased significantly in the COPD group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). After treatment,compared with those before treatment in the two groups, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),FEV1/forced vital capacity(FVC),IL-4,CD4+CD25+Treg, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg were all increased,while dyspnea score,BODE score,IFN-γ,Th1/Th2,IL-17 were all decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the peak expiratory flow(PEF)was decreased in western medicine control group and increased in TCM experimental group. After treatment,the comparisons of ratio of FEV1/FVC〔(78.12±14.96)%vs.(67.52±10.39)%〕,BODE score(1.07±0.72 vs. 1.77±0.74),IL-17(μg/L:40.80±8.97 vs. 48.22±6.51) Th1/Th2(1.05±0.23 vs. 1.42±0.21)and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg〔(6.61±2.26)% vs.(5.25±2.03)%〕between the two groups were all of statistical significant difference(all P<0.05). Conclusion Liuwei Buqi capsules can improve COPD symptoms by up-regulating the expressions of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg,IL-4,and down-regulating the expressions of IFN-γ,IL-17 to correct the balance of Th1/Th2 in patients with COPD.

5 cm?5 cm) (n=6).All patiens with complications were successfully treated except 8 with side branch closure,who were failed to response but cured by drugs after procedure.Three elder patients died,from sudden death(n=1),stoke (n=1),and kidney failure (n=1) after PCI. Conclusion:The complication incidence in patients with CTO lesions is relatively low and most of the complications can be cured by proper management.Revascularization by PCI for patients with CTO is an effective and safe treatment method.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of taurine on HK-2 cells exposed to oxalate (Ox) and calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal (COM) in vivo.Methods HK-2 cells,a proximal tubular epithelial cell line,were cultured.Five groups were divided in this study:control group (only HK-2 cells) ; Ox and COM group (HK-2 cells + Ox + COM) ; Taurine group (HK-2 cells + Ox + COM + Taurine) ; Apocynin group (HK-2 cells + Ox + COM + Apocynin) ; Catalase group (HK-2 cells + Ox + COM +Catalase).After 6 hrs,the cultures medias from each group were tested for LDH,H2O2,8-isoprostane,and MCP-1 protein.Cellular expression of MCP-1 mRNA and P47phox mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.After 24 hrs,cells livability was investigated by MTT.Results Compared with the control,cells livability was reduced when exposed to Ox and COM (P ＜ 0.05),Treatment with Taurine,Apocynin and Catalase significantly increased the cells livability (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the control,the expression of LDH,H2O2,8-isoprostane,and cellular expression of MCP-1 mRNA and P47phox mRNA were increased following exposure to Ox and COM (P＜0.01,P＜0.01,P＜0.01,P＜0.01,P ＜0.05).Treatment with Taurine,Apocynin and Catalase significantly reduced the expression of LDH,H2O2,8-isoprostane,as well as the cellular expression of MCP-1 mRNA.Expression of P47phox mRNA in Taurine group was not reduced significantly (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions This study showed that Taurine protected the HK-2 cells from oxidative injury exposed to Ox and COM by the pathway that may not be in relation to the inhibition of P47phox mRNA expression.

Objective To observe the changes in forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3(Foxp3), regulatory T cells(Treg),retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma(RORγt)in rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods Twenty Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into normal control group and COPD model group,with 10 rats in each group. The COPD model was reproduced by smoke inhalation and tracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS),and no such treatment was conducted in normal control group. Twenty-eight days after the model reproduction,the pulmonary function was determined,the pathological changes of lung tissue were observed with haematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,interleukins(IL-6,IL-10)in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg of peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry,and the expressions of Foxp3,RORγt,IL-17 protein in lung tissue were assayed by Western Blot. Results Under light microscope,significal interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells was found in alveoli and interstitial tissue of the lung,and destruction of alveolar tissue,alveolar wall thinning,and even rupture to fuse into bullae,and bleeding into alveoli in different degress could be observed. Compared with the normal control group,forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second(FEV0.3),FEV0.3/FVC,peak expiratory flow(PEF)in model group were significantly decreased〔FVC(mL):8.04±2.03 vs. 9.97±2.14,FEV0.3(mL):6.16±2.23 vs. 8.84±2.12,FEV0.3/FVC:0.70±0.09 vs. 0.85±0.11,PEF(mL/s):33.56±4.76 vs. 40.14±5.64, P<0.05 or P<0.01〕. Serum IL-6 was obviously increased(ng/L:93.17±20.96 vs. 76.28±13.24,P<0.05), IL-10 was significantly decreased(ng/L:78.62±15.17 vs. 104.34±19.46,P<0.01),and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Treg was significantly diminished〔(2.75±0.83)% vs.(4.16±1.14)%,P<0.01〕in model group compared with those in the normal control group. The expression of Foxp3 protein in lung tissue in model group was significantly down-regulated compared with that in the normal control group(gray scale:0.38±0.15 vs. 0.63±0.11,P<0.01), and RORγt and IL-17 protein expressions were significantly up-regulated〔RORγt(gray scale):0.96±0.23 vs. 0.47±0.11,IL-17(gray scale):1.02±0.24 vs. 0.34±0.08,both P<0.01〕. Correlation analysis showed that FEV0.3 was positively correlated with Foxp3(r=0.585,P<0.05),and FEV0.3/FVC was negatively correlated with IL-6 and RORγt(r=-0.655,r=-0.607,both P<0.05). PEF was positively correlated with Treg(r=0.573, P<0.05),and negatively correlated with IL-17(r=-0.198,P<0.05). IL-6 was negatively correlated with Foxp3(r=-0.603,P<0.05),and positively correlated with RORγt(r=0.588,P<0.05). IL-10 was positively correlated with Treg(r=0.573,P<0.05). Treg was positively correlated with Foxp3(r=0.607,P<0.05), and negatively correlated with IL-17(r=-0.569,P<0.05). Foxp3 was negatively correlated with RORγt(r=-0.591, P<0.05). RORγt was positively correlated with IL-17(r=0.578,P<0.05). Conclusion There is a relationship among decreased pulmonary function,inflammation and imbalance of Foxp3/Treg and RORγt/Th17 in COPD.

Objective To analyse the risk factors and prognosis of new on-set postoperative atrial fibrillation in different age and gender groups.Methods The study is a retrospective analysis in 516 patients from a single center.All cases were divided into 5 groups by ages as:＜ 40 years (n =61),40-49 years (n =97),50-59 years (n =115),60-75 years (n =140),and ＞ 75 years(n =103).We retrospectively analysed the difference in the occurrence-and recurrence-rate of POAF,risk factors,feature of coronary artery in different age and gender groups.Results There were no statistics differences in the same age group.The major risk factors were smoking,family history of coronary artery disease and hyperlipaemia in age ＜40 years group and 40 ～ 49 years group.while the major risk factors were hypertension and diabetes in the 60-75 years group and age ＞ 75 years group.The percentage of smoking patients decreased along with adding age.There was obviously statistical difference in the recurrence-rate of POAF across all groups during 24 follow-up months (P ＜ 0.05).The number of coronary lesion was increased with age.There were more ostial lesions in the 60-75 years group and age ＞ 75 years group.Conclusion There are different risk factors and characteristics among POAF patients in different age and gender groups.It is of great significance for us that comprehensive clinical intervention measures are taken to prevent recurrence of AF.

Objective To investigate the mRNA and protein expression of E3 ubiquitin ligase Iduna in non-small-cell lung cancer tissue and para-neoplastic lung tissue,and the correlation of the Iduna expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis.Methods The expression levels of the Iduna mRNA and protein in non-small-cell lung cancer tissue and para-neoplastic lung tissue were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),Western-Blot and immunohistochemistry respectively,and the correlation of the Iduna expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was analyzed.Results RT-PCR and Western-Blot showed the expression levels of the Iduna mRNA and protein in non-small-cell lung cancer tissue (0.468 ± 0.086 and 2.554 ± 0.544) were significantly higher than those in para-neoplastic lung tissue (0.203 ± 0.070 and 1.570 ± 0.316),there were statistical differences (P ＜ 0.05).Immunohistochemistry results showed that Iduna was negative expression in the alveolar epithelium cells,negative or weak positive expression in normal bronchial and positive expression in different degrees in the non-small-cell lung cancer tissue.Iduna high expression rate was negative correlation with tumor differentiation (P =0.002),Iduna high expression rate was positive correlation with large tumor size (P =0.044),TNM staging (P=0.015) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.009).Iduna high expression of I stage non-small-cell lung cancer patients was correlated with poor post-operative survival (P =0.016).Conclusions High expression of Iduna may be related to the process of invasion and metastasis of nonsmall-cell lung cancer.It is possible that Iduna serve as potential markers for predicting prognosis in nonsmall-cell lung cancer.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ureteroscopic endo-incision and drainage in the treatment of renal cysts.Methods Thirty cases(19 females and 11 males)of renal cysts(1 1 parapelvie cysts,15 simple cysts.and 4 multiple cysts)were treated with ureteroscopic endo-incision and drainage.The renal cysts were located in renal pelvis,and opened and decompressed by electrotme with ureteroscope.Double J stent was placed afterwards.Urinary and blood biochemistry were tested post-operatively.Results All the operations were successfully completed with no severe complication.The cyst managing time ranged from 15 tO 45 min.Urinary biochemistry(urinary protein and glucose)turned normal 1 2 days after the surgery.Patients were followed up for 3 to 9 months.Renal cysts disappeared in 24 cases,diminished in 4 cases,and recurred in 2 cases.Conclusion Application of ureteroscopic technique in the treatment of renal cyst is safe,effective and minimally invasive.

BACKGROUND:More and more evidence suggests that macrophages and inflammation reactions are involved in the formation and development of nephrolithiasis. Previous studies have found that calculi crystals can stimulate macrophages to release high mobility group protein B1.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the synergistic effect of high mobility group protein B1 in calcium phosphate induced release of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factorαand monocyte chemotactic factor 1 from human macrophages.
METHODS:(1) The induced U937 cells were respectively stimulated with RPMI (blank), 100 mg/L calcium phosphate, 100μg/L high mobility group protein B1 and 100 mg/L calcium phosphate+100μg/L high mobility group protein B1 for 1, 2 and 4 hours to col ect cellsupernatant. (2) The induced U937 cells were respectively stimulated with 100 mg/L calcium phosphate, 100 mg/L calcium phosphate+10μg/L high mobility group protein B1, 100 mg/L calcium phosphate+50μg/L high mobility group protein B1, 100 mg/L calcium phosphate+100μg/L high mobility group protein B1 for 4 hours to col ect cellsupernatant. Levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factorαand monocyte chemotactic factor 1 were determined by ELISA.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factorαand monocyte chemotactic factor 1 in the cellculture supernatant of 100 mg/L calcium phosphate group and 100μg/L high mobility group protein B1 group were both higher than those in the blank group in a time-dependent manner (P<0.05). The levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factorαand monocyte chemotactic factor 1 in the cellculture supernatant of different concentrations of high mobility group protein B1 groups were al higher than those in the 100 mg/L calcium phosphate group in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). The results suggest that both calcium phosphate and high mobility group protein B1 can induce the release of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factorαand monocyte chemotactic factor 1 from human macrophages and the high mobility group protein B1 has the synergistic effect with calcium phosphate to induce interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factorαand monocyte chemotactic factor 1 from human macrophages.