Objective To explore the best time point for the ipsilateral hepatocellular apoptosis and the contralateraI hepatic hypertrophy after selective portal vein embolization(SPVE)in rabbit.Methods In a randomized study design,forty rabbits were divided into 5 groups with 8 rabbits per-group,including one as the control and the other 4 were treated with SPVE during open surgery.The rabbits were killed postoperatively,in 3,7,14,21 days respectively after the embolization.The hepatic lobes volume,the ipsilateral hepatocellular necrosis rates and apoptosis index,and liver functions were determined as well. Results In the treatment groups,the average amount of the right liver volumes decreased from 46.4 cm~3 preoperatively to 46.0,44.4,42.0,39.7 cm~3 in groups of 3,7,14,21 days postoperatively;meanwhile,the left liver volumes increased from 54.0 cm~3 preoperatively to 54.5,56.3,61.7,63.9 cm~3 respectively during 3, 7,14,21 days after the procedures.The rates of future remaining live volumes(FRLV)increased from 53.8% preoperatively to 54.2%,55.9%,59.0%,61.0% at 3,7,14,21 days postoperatively.The apoptosis indexes of hepatocells from group A to E were 8.1%,12.2%,19.4%,20.1%,14.2% respectively.Conclusions SPVE leads to atrophy of the ipsilateral hepatic lobe and hypertrophy of contralateral lobe,indicating that hepatocytes undergone apoptosis,rather than necrosis.The time point is 7 to 14 days.

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is the pathogen of banana bunchy top disease (BBTD); it seriously disserves the banana production. This paper reviewed the separation and purification methods, classifying and taxonomy status of BBTV; the genome structure and function of each encode protein of the virus; and the present problems that should be further clarified.

BACKGROUNDIncreasing evidence suggests that many neurons may die through apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in this process of neuronal cell death. One promising approach for preventing AD is based upon anti-apoptosis to decrease death of nerve cells. In this study, we observed the memory improving properties of curcumin in mice and investigated the neuroprotective effect of curcumin in vitro and in vivo.

METHODSThe mice were given AlCl(3) orally and injections of D-galactose intraperitoneally for 90 days to establish the AD animal model. From day 45, the curcumin group was treated with curcumin for 45 days. Subsequently, the step-through test, neuropathological changes in the hippocampus and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were carried out to evaluate the effect of curcumin on the AD model mice. In cultured PC12 cells, AlCl(3) exposure induced apoptosis. The MTT assay was used to measure cell viabilities; flow cytometric analysis to survey the rate of cell apoptosis; DNA-binding fluorochrome Hoechst 33258 to observe nuclei changes in apoptotic cells and Western blot analysis of Bax, Bcl-2 to investigate the mechanisms by which curcumin protects cells from toxicity.

RESULTSCurcumin significantly improved the memory ability of AD mice in the step-through test, as indicated by the reduced number of step-through errors (P < 0.05) and prolonged step-through latency (P < 0.05). Curcumin also attenuated the neuropathological changes in the hippocampus and inhibited apoptosis accompanied by an increase in Bcl-2 level (P < 0.05), but the activity of Bax did not change (P > 0.05). AlCl(3) significantly reduced the viability of PC12 cells (P < 0.01). Curcumin increased cell viability in the presence of AlCl(3) (P < 0.01). The rate of apoptosis decreased significantly in the curcumin group (P < 0.05) when measured by flow cytometric analysis. Curcumin protected cells by increasing Bcl-2 level (P < 0.05), but the level of Bax did not change (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates that curcumin improves the memory ability of AD mice and inhibits apoptosis in cultured PC12 cells induced by AlCl(3). Its mechanism may involve enhancing the level of Bcl-2.

Aluminum Compounds ; toxicity ; Alzheimer Disease ; drug therapy ; psychology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chlorides ; toxicity ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Learning ; drug effects ; Memory ; drug effects ; Mice ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; PC12 Cells ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of (18)F-FDG and (11)C-MET PET-CT scan in differentiation of brain ringlike-enhanced lesions on MRI imaging.

METHODSForty-one brain ringlike-enhanced lesions on MRI imaging including 30 brain tumors and 11 non-neoplastic lesions confirmed pathologically or clinically underwent (18)F-FDG and (11)C-MET PET-CT brain scan. Among them, 15 patients who were suspected to have brain metastasis received body scan by (18)F-FDG PET-CT. Both images were analyzed visually and semi-quantitatively.

RESULTSVisual analysis: for brain tumors the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET-CT was 53.3%, 72.7%, 58.5%, versus 96.7%, 90.9%, 95.1% of (11)C-MET PET-CT, respectively. All the primary foci in 9 patients with brain metastases were detected by body (18)F-FDG PET-CT scan. Semiquantitative analysis: There was a significant difference in the uptake between highly differentiated malignant and poorly differentiated tumors as well as non-neoplastic lesions for both tracers (P < 0.01), while between low-grade malignant tumors and non-neoplasm lesions, there was a difference in uptake only by (11)C-MET (P < 0.01). No significant difference between the uptakes in brain metastasis and glioblastomas was found by both tracers (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBoth (18)F-FDG and (11)C-MET PET-CT are useful in differentiation of brain ringlike-enhanced lesions on MRI imaging. (11)C-MET PET-CT is more helpful than (18)F-FDG PET-CT in differential diagnosis of low-grade neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions. Combination of (18)F-FDG and (11)C-MET PET-CT scans can improve the accuracy of differential diagnosis for brain ringlike-enhanced lesions on MRI imaging.

Acetates ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Abscess ; diagnosis ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; secondary ; Carbon ; Carbon Radioisotopes ; Child ; Craniopharyngioma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; secondary ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Glioblastoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; secondary ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; secondary ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Young Adult

Acrylic Resins ; adverse effects ; Adult ; Breast Implantation ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Middle Aged

Objective To investigate the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the expressions of plasma membrane calcium ATPasel (PMCA1) of human lens epithelial cell B-3 (HLEB-3) at both mRNA and protein levels in the presence and absence of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation.Methods HLEB-3 was cultured in RPMI 1640 medium,and the cytotoxic effect of different concentrations of ZnO (0 μg · mL-1,2.5 μg · mL-1,5.0μg · mL-1,10.0 μg · mL-1) on HLEB-3 was investigated in the presence and absence of UVB irradiation.DAPI staining was used to monitor the effect of ZnO on HLECB-3 nuclei,and cell apoptosis was evaluated using annexin V-FITC/PI staining in the presence and absence of UVB irradiation.In addition,the intracellular calcium ion (Ca2 +)levels were assayed using Fluo-3/AM staining,and the expression levels of both PMCA1 mRNA and protein within HLEB-3 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.Results DAPI staining showed that the ZnO-treated HLEB-3 displayed a concentration-dependent apoptosis,and UVB irradiation could further aggravate the cytotoxic effect of ZnO on HLEB-3.In addition,in the presence of UVB irradiation,concentration gradient of ZnO (2.5 μg · mL-1,5.0 μg · mL-1,10.0 μg · mL-1) increased the intracellular calcium ion levels [from (156.34 ±4.59) nmol · L-1 to (173.88 ±7.17)umol · L-1,(289.02 ± 9.09) nmol · L-1,(488.36 ± 48.16) nmol · L 1,respectively] and upregulated HLEB-3 apoptosis,with statistical difference (all P ＜ 0.05).Moreover,the expression level of PMCA1 in the 2.5 μg · mL-1,5.0 μg · mL-1,10.0 μg · mL-1 ZnO-treated epithelial cells was accordingly 0.75,0.57 and 0.41 as much as that in the 0μg · mL-1 ZnO-treated cells in the absence of UVB irradiation (all P ＜ 0.05),and was accordingly 0.64,0.24 and 0.09 in the present of UVB irradiation,with significant difference (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Both ZnO nanoparticle and UVB irradiation can exert cosuppression effect on HLEB-3 via calcium-mediated signaling pathway,indicating it has great potential for the treatment of posterior capsular opacification with UVB irradiation.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of adipose stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFs) with VEGF on the neovascularization of free fat transplantation.

METHODSSVFs were obtained from subcutaneous fat and labelled with DiI. 0.3 ml autologous fat tissue was mixed with 0.2 ml cells: 1) autologous SVFs with VEGF (Group A); 2) autologous SVFs (Group B); 3) complete DMEM (Group C) And then the mixture was injected randomly under the back skin of 12 nude mice. The transplanted fat tissue in three groups was harvested at 2 months after implantation. Wet weight and diameter of fat grafts was measured. After HE and CD31 staining,blood vessel density, viable adipocytes and fibrous proliferation were observed.

RESULTSTrace of SVFs labeled by DiI in vivo could be detected by fluorescent microscope. The wet weight of fat grafts was (191.90 +/- 9.81) mg in group A, (177.01 +/- 10.50) mg in group B, and (92.05 +/- 8.30) mg in group C (P<0.01). The diameter of fat grafts was (0.49 +/- 0.24) cm in group A, (0.40 +/- 0.26) cm in group B, and (0.32 +/- 0.28) cm in group C (P<0.01). Histological analysis showed the blood vessel density was (14.58 +/- 2.06)/HPL in group A, (11.55 +/- 2.18)/HPL in group B, (7.87 +/- 1.55)/HPL in group C. Compared with group B and group C, group A had more adipose tissue with less fat necrosis and fibrosis and had significantly higher capillary density.

CONCLUSIONSThe autologous adipose stromal vascular fraction cells with VEGF could improve the neovascularization of free fat significantly. It indicates a wide clinical application in the future.

Adipocytes ; Adipose Tissue ; anatomy & histology ; blood supply ; transplantation ; Animals ; Capillaries ; Graft Survival ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; physiology ; Organ Size ; Stromal Cells ; transplantation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; therapeutic use

BACKGROUNDActivating on mammalian and human body LDR is thought to induce adaptive response, enhance immune function and increase anti-tumor ability. This study was designed to assess the effect of low-dose radiation on tumor growth and on erythrocyte immune function and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in tumor-bearing mice.

METHODSMale Kunming mice were subcutaneously implanted with S180 sarcoma cells in the right inguen to create an experimental in situ animal model. Six hours before implantation, the mice were given 75 mGy X-ray radiation, over the body. Tumor size was observed 5 days later while tumor volume was calculated every other day, allowing for the creation of a graph depicting tumor growth. Fifteen days after implantation, the mice were killed to measure tumor weight and observe the necrotic areas and the location of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Erythrocyte immune function and SOD activity were also determined.

RESULTSMice pre-exposed to low-dose radiation had a lower tumor formation rate than did those receiving no radiation (P < 0.05). Tumor growth was significantly lower in the mice pre-exposed to low-dose radiation; after 15 days, the average tumor weight in the mice pre-exposed to low-dose radiation was also lower (P < 0.05). Areas of tumor necrosis and infiltration of TILs were larger in the low-dose radiation group than in the non-radiation group. Erythrocyte immune function and SOD activity were higher in the low-dose radiation group than in the non-radiation group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLow-dose radiation can markedly increase the anti-tumor ability of an organism and improve erythrocyte immune function and red blood cell SOD activity as well, suggesting that low-dose radiation might be useful in the clinical treatment of cancer.

Animals ; Biopsy ; Erythrocytes ; enzymology ; immunology ; radiation effects ; Free Radicals ; Male ; Mice ; Sarcoma 180 ; blood ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the capability of the bone regeneration of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate/sol-gel bioactive glass (PHBV/SGBG) composite porous scaffold.

METHODSPHBV/ SGBG composite porous scaffold was implanted into the segmental radial bone defect of the New Zealand white rabbits, PHBV/hydroxylapatite (PHBV/HA) as experimental control. The degradability, biocompatibility, and bone regeneration capability of the implants were evaluated through radiological, histological, computerized graphic, and biomechanical analysis.

RESULTSThe new bone formation occurred as early as 4 weeks after implantation of PHBV/SGBG composite porous scaffold. The defect was filled with new bone 8 weeks after the implantation, and was completely repaired 12 weeks after operation. The new bone had normal bone structure and the medullar cavity regenerated. The biomechanical study showed that the anti-compression force of radial specimen in PHBV/SGBG groups was significantly higher than in PHBV/ HA groups (P < 0.05), but no significant difference existed between PHBV/SGBG group and autograft bone group (P>0.05). The PHBV/SGBG composite porous scaffold degraded no sooner than 4 weeks after the implantation and most of scaffold was absorbed after 12 weeks. The proportion of the scaffold to new bone decreased from 60% by week 4 to 8% by week 12.

CONCLUSIONSPHBV/SGBG composite porous scaffold is a degradable bone substitute. It can achieve early bone generation and complete repair. It can be used as an ideal scaffold for tissue-engineering bone.

Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; therapeutic use ; Bone Substitutes ; therapeutic use ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Fracture Healing ; physiology ; Male ; Osteoblasts ; pathology ; Polyesters ; therapeutic use ; Rabbits ; Radius ; pathology ; surgery ; Radius Fractures ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene A218C in intron 7 and 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT) gene variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in intron 2 and gene-linked polymorphic region (LPR) deletion/insertion polymorphism and essential hypertension (EH) in Chinese northern Han population.

METHODSA total of 280 EH patients and 200 normotensive controls were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the frequencies of the genotypes and alleles of TPH gene A218C and 5-HTTVNTR between EH patents and controls (all P > 0.05). The genotype frequencies of SS, LS and LL in the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was 68%, 29% and 3% in EH patients, 53%, 37% and 10% in the controls respectively (P < 0.01). The frequencies of allele S and L of the 5-HTTLPR were 82% and 18% in EH patients, 72% and 28% in the controls respectively (P < 0.01). Compared with the carriers of L allele (LS + LL), the EH risk was significantly higher in the SS homozygote (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.31 - 2.77, P = 0.001). After adjustment of age, gender, body mass index, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose and blood uric acid level, the binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that SS genotype in the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was significantly related to occurrence of EH (OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.06 - 2.04, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONSThe SS genotype of the 5-HTTLPR might be a susceptible gene to EH, while the TPH gene A218C and 5-HTTVNTR polymorphism is not associated with EH in Chinese northern Han population.

Adult ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Tryptophan Hydroxylase ; genetics