Objective To investigate the dynamic expressions of exchange protein directly activated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) (Epac) in rat model of hepatic fibrosis(HF).Methods Forty-two male SD rats were divided into control group (n = 6) and model group (n = 36)which was divided into six subgroups of day 4, week 1, week 2, week 4,week 6 and week 8 with six rats in each subgroup. The rat model of HF was established by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). The pathological changes of liver were observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson staining. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of Epac1, Epac2 and transforming gronth factor (TGF)β1 during the process of modeling and localization in the liver. The statistical analysis was done using one-factor ANOVA, LSD-t test,Dunnett T3 test and Pearson linear correlation analysis. Results Rat model of liver fibrosis was established successfully. In control group, Epac1 (0. 031 28±0. 008 96) and Epac2 protein (0.034 43±0. 002 45) mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. In model group, the level of Epac1 decreased at day 4 (0. 023 97±0. 003 81) and week 1 (0. 015 81±0. 002 48) ,then began to increase at week 2 of modeling and peaked at week 6 (0. 039 54±0. 001 43), which had statistical significance compared to the control group (t= 5.47,11.58 and - 6.18, respectively; all P＜0.05). Epac2 protein expression declined after modeling, reached the lowest level at week 4 (0. 011 21 ±0. 001 32), which had statistical significance compared to the control group (t= 24. 50, P＜0. 05). TGFβ1 protein expression increased after modeling and peaked at week 4 (0. 011 30±0.001 03) which had statistical significance (t= -23. 36, P＜0. 05) compared to the control group (0. 002 08 ±0. 000 18). The expressions of Epac1, Epac2 and TGFβ1 mRNA were consistent with the trend of protein levels.Correlation analysis showed that Epac1 protein was positively correlated with the course of HF (r =0. 703, P＜0.01 ), while Epac2 protein was negatively correlated (r = - 0. 409, P＜0.05). Conclusions During the progression of HF, Epac1 expression tends to decrease firstly and increase afterwards,while Epac2 expression declines continually. Epac may be involved in the pathogenesis of HF.

Objective To evaluate the relationships of the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and adiponectin with the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in senile metabolic syndrome (MS)patients. Methods The 74 cases with MS and 30 health controls (control group) were enrolled. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), digit-symbol test (DST), auditory verbal memory test (AVMT), trail making test(TMT), sunderland clock drawing test (CDT) and verbal fluency test (VFT) were applied to evaluate cognitive function. Based on the cognitive assessment, MS patients were divided into two groups: 39 cases with MCI (MS+MCI group) and 35 cases without cognitive impairment (MS group). The levels of MMP-9, ICAM-1 and adiponectin were measured by ELISA. Biochemical variables were measured by routine methods in all subjects. Results (1)MS+MCI group showed the higher levels of BMI, SBP, FBG and MMP-9 (all P＜0.05) and lower level of adiponectin (P＜0.05) than did the MS group. And MS group had higher levels of MMP-9 and ICAM-1 (P＜0.01) and lower adiponectin level (P＜0.01) than did the control group. (2)Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the serum levels of MMP-9 (r=-0.794, P＜0.001) and ICAM-l (r=-0.501, P＜0.001) were negatively correlated with adiponectin. However, MMP-9 was positively correlated with ICAM-1 (r=0.481, P=0.006). (3)Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that there was linear relationship of MoCA with MMP-9 (β=-3.438, P=0.0019), adiponectin (β=1.337, P=0.006), SBP (β=-0.058, P=0.003) and FBG (β=-0.227, P=0.049). (4)Stepwise logistic analysis showed that both high MMP-9 (OR=1.007) and low adiponectin (OR=0.359) were risk factors for the decline of cognitive function. Conclusions Elderly patients with MS may show deterioration in memory, calculation and visuospatial perception. Elevated inflammatory factors might contribute, in combination with abnormal metabolism, to MCI. MMP-9 might contribute to neuronal degeneration. However, adiponectin could strongly counteract the risk factors for cognitive impairment.

Objective To explore the feasibility of artificial silastic framework(SF)in repair of large area of tracheal wall defects.Methods Twenty healthy adult dogs with tracheal defects for 2.5 cm?6.0 cm-3.0 cm?6.0cm were randomly and equally divided into experimental group(repaired with SF combined with sternohyoid fasciae)and control group(repaired with T-silastie tubule combined with sternohyoid fascial flap).After the operation,the animals were sacrificed at the 4th,8th,16th,24th, and 48th weeks respectively for harvesting the tracheae that were used for tracbeoscopically observing in- flammatory reaction of the repaired defect area and light microscopically observing epithelium healing on the repaired defect area.Results In the experiment group,the repaired trachea was smooth,without proliferation of granulation;and at the 8th week,the repaired defect area was covered with epithelial cells,with good functional recovery of respiration,phonation and deglutition.In the control group,there was obvious proliferation of granulation on the tracheal surface near anterior and posterior ends of T-silas tic tubule.The animals were under asphyxia to die with extraction of T-silastic tubule.Conclusions SF has excellent tracheal skeletal function.In the meantime,SF combined with sternohyoid fasciae is a simple but effective method for repair of large area of tracheal wall defects.

Objective To investigate insulin sensitivity and beta cell function in female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with different glucose tolerances. Methods Insulin sensitivity and beta cell function were compared between SLE patients and non-SLE subjects in the states of normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)and diabetes mellitus (DM) respectively.Furthermore, risk factors for insulin sensitivity and beta cell function in SLE patients were analysed by linear regression. Results In NGT state, insulin sensitivity and beta cell function of newly diagnosed SLE patients without glucocorticoids treatment were not significantly different from those of normal control group ( P ＜0. 05). Compared with newly diagnosed SLE patients without glucocorticoids treatment and normal control group, HOMA insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) , In (HOMA-β), In (early phase insulin secretion index, EISI ) and In ( late phase insulin secretion index, LISI ) of SLE patients with glucocorticoids treatment were significantly higher( 1.91 ± 1.04 vs 0. 81 ±0. 75,0. 94 ±0. 27;5.05 ±0. 65 vs 4. 01 ±0. 63,4. 23 ±0.47;3. 14±0.81 vs 2.42 ±0.39,2.50±0.65;2.30 ±0.55 vs 1.62 ±0.57,1.56 ±0.43;P ＜0.05),while In ( Matsuda index, MI ) was significantly lower ( 4. 53 ± 0. 54 vs 5. 27 ± 0. 68,5. 18 ± 0. 38; P ＜0. 05). In IGT and DM state, HOMA-IR (2. 84 ± 1. 87 vs 1.82 ± 1.22, 3. 18 ±2. 29 vs 2. 94 ±2. 26) and In (HOMA-β) (5. 18 ±0. 93 vs 4. 06 ±0. 58, 3. 99 ± 1.04 vs 3.43 ±0. 83) were significantly higher in SLE patients with glucocorticoids treatment than those of non-SLE subjects ( P ＜ 0. 05 ) respectively. BMI and In (daily glucocorticords doses) were independent risk factors for insulin sensitivity, and age, the SLE disease activity index(SLEDAI) and In(daily glucocorticords doses) were related factors beta cell function.Conclusion In NGT, IGT and DM state,SLE female patients with glucocorticoids treatment have reduced insulin sensitivity and increased beta cell function, these changes are related to the use of glucocorticoids.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and side effects of the molecular targeted drug sunitinib in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma(mRCC). Methods Fifteen patients with histopathological confirmed mRCC,including 10 males and 5 females,were enrolled in the study.The median age was 56(range from 37 to 73 years).Fourteen cases of clear-cell RCC and 1 papillary RCC were diagnosed.Thirteen patients had prior nephrectomy,and 6 patients were treated with cytokines previously.All of the patients were given sunitinib at a dosage of either 50 mg daily(4 weeks on/2 weeks off)or 37.5 mg daily continuously.Objective response rate(ORR),progressive-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)were evaluated,and adverse events were also observed. Results The median follow-up was 13 months(2-24 months).According to RECIST,partial response could be evaluated in 8 patients and stable was found in another 5 patients.Only 2 patients were confirmed disease progression.The ORR was 53% with the disease control rate of 87%,However,the median PFS and OS were not yet available due to the short-term follow-up.During the treatment,the most common adverse events experienced by patients were hand-foot syndrome 11/15(73%),changes in hair color 10/15(67%),mucositis 9/15(60%),alopecie 9/15(60%),diarrhea 8/15(53%)and neutropenia 8/15 (53%). All of adverse events were manageable and reversible. Conclusions Sunitinib as a single agent in the treatment for Chinese mRCC patient is efficient and the side effects are reversible. Further long-term follow-up and expanded samples should be expected to confirm the efficacy and safety of sunitinib.

AIMTo investigate the expression and relationship of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) and NF-E2-related factor2 (NRR2) in lung of rat with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)in order to elucidate the possible important role of gamma-GCS and NRF2 in pathogenesis of COPD.

METHODSThe rat COPD model was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide twice and exposed to cigarette smoke daily. The gamma-GCS activity was measured, the expression of gamma-GCS mRNA in lung was examined by in situ hybridization (ISH) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the protein expressions of NRF2, gamma-GCS in lung were detected by immunohistochemical (IH) and Western blot respectively.

RESULTSThe gamma-GCS activity was higher in COPD group than that in control group. The expressions of gamma-GCS mRNA in COPD group was stronger than those in control group. ISH showed that the gamma-GCS mRNA was expressed in alveolar epithelium and bronchial smooth muscle cell in COPD. The protein expressions of NRF2, gamma-GCS were significantly higher than the control group. IH showed that NRF2, gamma-GCS proteins were expressed in alveolar and bronchial epithelium in the COPD group. There was a positive correlation between NRF2 and gamma-GCS and gamma-GCS mRNA.

CONCLUSIONNRF2 may play an important role in the mechanism of COPD oxidative stress vis up-regulation of gamma-GCS.

Animals ; Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective: To evaluate the surgical prediction accuracy of Proplan CMF software for zygomatic reduction surgery using L-shaped osteotomy. Methods: Pre-and-postoperative 1-year CBCT data of 26 patients with zygomatic arch hypertrophy were imported in Proplan CMF software during 2014 Jan. to 2016 Jun., the 3D models were reconstructed for simulation of L-shaped osteotomy, characteristic landmarks were selected and 3D point measurement system was established. The measurement result were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Meanwhile, the overlap color grading charts of preoperative and simulated images were also observed. Results: The facial width, bilateral zygomatic process angle and facial width index were [(128.56±2.72) mm, (106.87±2.53)°, (108.56±3.02)°and 1.41±0.03] in postoperative result, [(129.49±2.26) mm, (108.68±2.40)°, (108.85±3.02)°and 1.42±0.03]in simulated result and [(135.45±2.45) mm, (102.50±2.60)°, (103.41±2.56)°and 1.48±0.05] in preoperative result, with significant difference between preoperative and postoperative result, or between preoperative and simulated result (P<0.05), while no significance between postoperative and simulated result (P>0.05). The soft tissue zygomatic process distance was(153.25±2.58) mm in preoperative result, (150.23±2.76)mm in postoperative result , (149.36±3.27)mm in simulated result, with no significance between any of two groups result (P>0.05). The zygomatic process distance and bilateral zygomatic process tragal distance were (126.35±2.56) mm, (68.75±2.15) mm and(68.86±3.21) mm in postoperative result, showing significant differences compared with preoperative result [(120.16±3.18) mm, (74.58±3.19) mm and(76.14±3.15) mm] and simulated result [(118.86±3.45) mm, (73.85±3.57) mm and(76.87±2.58) mm] respectively(P<0.05), while zygomatic arch distance was not statistically different among the three groups(P>0.05). It indicated that predictive accuracy of facial width, facial width index, zygomatic process angle, soft tissue zygomatic arch distance was high but the soft tissue zygomatic process distance and zygomatic process tragal distance was relatively low. Meanwhile, the color overlay image showed that predictive accuracy was not good in the zygomatic region while the zygomatic arch area was high. Conclusions The predictive accuracy of Proplan CMF software for zygomatic arch hypertrophy is relatively high except for the zygomatic region. Further improvement of the CMF software is needed.

Objective:To compare the clinical and prognostic characteristics of ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (OEC) patients with synchronous endometrial lesions and patients with pure OEC.Methods:A retrospective review of the medical records of patients received initial treatment and a postoperative pathological diagnosis of OEC at Peking University People′s Hospital between August 1998 and December 2017 were performed. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 56 patients with OEC were included in the study, including 13 patients concurrent with simultaneous endometrial lesions (Group A) and 43 patients with pure OEC (Group B).Results:Patients with synchronous endometrial lesions accounted for 23% (13/56). Mean age of Group A at diagnosis was (44.9±8.3) years old, 2/13 of patients were postmenopausal, and no one had a history of hypertension, the first symptom of 5/13 people was irregular vaginal bleeding. Mean age of Group B patients at diagnosis was (52.7±10.2) years old, 53% (23/43) of patients were postmenopausal, and 28% (12/43) patients had the history of hypertension, the first symptom of 4 (9%, 4/43) people was irregular vaginal bleeding. The differences of age, menopause status, history of hypertension and initial symptoms between the two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in fertility history, dysmenorrhea history, age of menarche, history of endometriosis, preoperative and postoperative CA 125 level, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, tumor grade, metastatic site and platinum-based chemotherapy drug resistance between the two groups (all P>0.05). The overall 5-year survival rate of OEC patients was 91.6%, and the overall 5-year progression-free survival rate was 76.6%. Among them, the 5-year survival rate of the OEC concurrent with simultaneous endometrial lesions group was 80.2%, and the pure OEC group was 93.4%; the 5-year progression-free survival rate of the OEC concurrent with simultaneous endometrial lesions group was 74.1%, and the 5-year progression-free survival rate of the pure OEC group was 77.3%. There were no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the independent factors for the prognosis of OEC patients were FIGO stage ( P=0.006) and residual lesion size ( P=0.020). Conclusions:OEC patients have a high proportion of simultaneous endometrial lesions. OEC with simultaneous endometrial lesions are younger than patients with pure OEC. Synchronous endometrial lesions do not affect the prognosis of patients with OEC.

The chemical constituents of Safflower injection were isolated and purified by polyamide, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatographies and preparative HPLC. As a result, sixteen compounds have been isolated. Based on the spectral data analysis, their structures were elucidated as scutellarin (1), kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside(2), hydroxysafflor yellow A(3), rutin (4), coumalic acid(5), adenosine(6), syringoside(7), (3E)-4-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-3-buten-2-one(8), (8Z)-decaene-4, 6-diyne-1-Oβ-D-glucopyranoside(9), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (10), (2E, 8E) -tetradecadiene-4, 6-diyne-1, 12, 14-triol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), kaem-pferol-3-O-β-sophorose (12), uridine (13), roseoside (14), cinnamic acid (15), and kaempferol (16). Compounds 1,2,7,9,11 and 12 were isolated from the Safflower injection for the first time. The anti-platelet aggregation activities of the isolated compounds were assayed. The results indicated all tested compounds exhibited potent activity except for 5, while 2, 3, 9 and 12 showed strong activity against platelet aggregation.
Animals ; Blood Platelets ; drug effects ; physiology ; Carthamus tinctorius ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Rabbits ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

Objective To prove the interaction between hepatitis virus C(HCV)nonstruetural protein 4A(HCV NS4A)and calcium modulating cyclophilin tigand(CAML)with yeast-two hybrid- ization and coimmunoprecipitation.Methods The gene encoding CAML was cloned,and subcloned into the yeast expression vector pGADT7 and eucell expression vector pcDNA3.1/His-A.The back- cross test between HCV NS4A and CAML was performed in yeast cells.After that,the pCMV-Myc/ NS4A plasmid and pcDNA3.1/His-A-CAML plasmid were co transfected into 293 cells and,then, coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot were performed.Results The gene encoding CAML was cloned sucessfully,and then the gene was subcloned into yeast expression vectors,pGADT7.After the interaction between NS4A and CAML was ensured in yeast cells,the eukaryotic expression vec- tors of NS4A and CAML were constructed and their interaction was ensured again by Co-immunopre- cipitation.Conclusions The interaction between HCV NS4A and CAML is proved.CAML is one of the proteins involved in Ca~(2+)signaling,which suggests that the interaction of HCV NS4A and CAML may be a new clue of the chronic mechanism of HCV infection.Future studies will be required to de- fine the physiologic significance of this interaction.