AIM: To investigate the effect of hyperhomo cysteine on endothelial cell function. METHODS: By establishing hyperhomocysteinemia model, 18 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into control group (control group) and high-methi o nine-diet group (M group). At the end of 3 weeks, M group was divided again into M+0 group (continuing high methionine-diet) and M+F group (high-methionine-diet plus folic acid, vitamin B 12). At the end of 6 weeks, isolated aortic rin g s were made and the maximum vasodilation of the aortic rings to Ach was investig ated. Meanwhile, the plasma concentrations of Hcy, NO, ET-1, Ang II at 0 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks and the contents of NO 2-/NO 3-, Ang Ⅱ, ET-1, NOS i n regional vascular tissue at 8 weeks were also measured. RESULTS: (1) In contrast to M+F group and control group, the max imum vasodilation to Ach were decreased (E max=26.73?4.51 vs 47.84 ?5.62, 56.42?7.82, P

Objective To explore the clinical effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization (PTVE) on the treatment of cirrhosis with esophageal gastric varices bleeding. Methods The data of 61 patients of liver cirrhosis combined with esophageal gastric varices bleeding who underwent the interventional treatment were included in the retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into two groups, PTVE treatment group (n=42), and TIPS treatment group (n=19). The success rate of clinical treatment, the rebleeding rate, the alleviation of varicose veins, the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, survival rate and liver function parameters were compared between two groups. Results Two groups of surgery were successful. The portal vein pressure decreased obviously in TIPS group. The rebleeding rate was higher in PTVE group (78.6%) than that in TIPS group (63.2%). The total alleviation rate of esophageal gastric varices was significantly lower in PTVE group (50.0%) than that in TIPS group (89.5%, P<0.05). The incidence rates of hepatic encephalopathy were 14.3% and 26.3% for PTVE group and TIPS group respectively. The two-year cumulative survival rates of PTVE group and TIPS group were 95.2% and 89.5% respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between two groups. After surgery, the liver function parameters were not significantly different from those determined before the treatment in PTVE group. At 1 month and 3 months after TIPS, the liver functions were declined obviously. At 6 and 12 months after the treatment, the liver functions were not significantly different from those determined before the treatment in PTVE group. Conclusion The surgery of TIPS is safe and ideal interventional treatment for cirrhosis with esophageal gastric varices bleeding, which has the lower rebleeding rate, better esophageal gastric varices alleviation rate and long term less influence in liver function.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Comet Assay ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Micronucleus Tests ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; Vincristine

Objective To investigate the effect of Ang-(1-7) on the apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by Ang Ⅱ.Methods HUVECs were isolated and cultured.Cultured HUVECs were incubated for 24 h with Ang-(1-7), Ang Ⅱ, Ang-(1-7) A-779, Ang-(1-7) + Ang Ⅱ, A-779 + Ang Ⅱ + Ang-( 1-7), respectively.Cultured HUVECs without incubating stimulator were chosen as controls.The apoptosis of endothelial cells were detected by flow cytometry.Results The apoptosis of endothelial cells in HUVECs were upregulated by AngⅡ ( 10-6 mol/L) (25.60% ±3.17% vs 2.32% ±0.24%, P ＜0.005).Compared with the AngⅡ group, Ang-(1-7) dose-dependently inhibited the apoptosis of endothelial cells in HUVECs ( (20.04% ± 2.21% ,16.04% ± 1.32 %, 10.04% ±2.05,7.79% ±1.50% vs AngⅡ group 25.60% ±3.17%, P ＜0.05 , P ＜0.05).The effects of Ang-(1-7) could be blocked by A-779 (23.37% ±0.75% vs 20.04% ± 2.21%, 16.04% ± 1.32,10.04% ± 2.05% ,7.79%± 1.50%, P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion Ang-(1-7) can attenuate the apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by Ang Ⅱ in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner.The effects of Ang-(1-7) could be blocked by A-779( P＜0.05).

Objective To screen the arsenic content situation of drinking water in lower reaches of Yellow River and survey the amount of threatened people drinking high arsenic water and the condition of endemic arsenism.Methods Four counties of Yuncheng,Jiaxiang,Dongchangfu and Boxing were selected to colleft the water samples by CroOSS-sectional survey method.The water arsenic content wag determined by semi-quantitative rapid kit.All water samples having arsenic were re-determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry.And the nurober of threatened people who drinking high arsenic water were investigated.Results In 4765 water wells screened,303 water samples had contained arsenic,arsenic content of 35 samples Was≥0.030 mg/L,12 samples were exceeding the international standard (arsenic content≥0.050 ms/L),they distributed in 3 counties of Dongchangfu,Yuncheng and Jiaxiang.The residents drinking water wells of arsenic content≥0.030 mg/L were surveyed by epidemiological investigation.And in the 28 villages 13 032 residents and 11 Bu8picious patient8 wlere checked out.Conclusion The wells with excesive water arsenic content are existing in the lower reaches of Yellow River and people suspicious of endemic arsenism need to be further identified.

The aim of this study is to establish the method of loop-mediated indirect PCR assay for detection of Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) infection and differentiation of highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) and lowly pathogenic PRRSV (LP-PRRSV). Based on the alignments of ORF2 gene sequences and ORFla gene sequences of PRRSV Chinese isolates deposited in GenBank, two pairs of specific probes were designed and labeled to both ends of the soybean Lectin gene fragment by PCR, respectively. The probe-labeled soybean Lectin genes were used to be reporter genes for detection and differentiation of PRRSV. After one round strand displacement reaction, the reporter genes were amplified by reverse PCR. The specific PCR products were 193bp, 355bp for HP-PRRSV and 193bp, 442bp for LP-PRRSV, respectively. The method could detect 5. 6 TCID50/mL LP-PRRSV RNA and 18 TCIDs0/ mL HP-PRRSV RNA, and co-infection did not affect detection sensitivity. No amplification was observed with other porcine originated pathogens including CSFV, PPV, PRV, PCV2, ETEC and Haemophilus parasui. Twenty clinical samples were used for comparative testing with conventional PCR. Fourteen samples were found positive for PRRSV by the loop-mediated indirect PCR, of which 4 were LP-PRRSV, 9 HP-PRRSV and 1 LP/HP-PRRSV co-infection, consistent with the conventional PCR test results. In conclusion, the loop-mediated indirect PCR is a simple, rapid, sensitive and specific etiologic diagnosis tool, and suitable for the differential diagnosis of HP/LP-PRRSV, especially for identification of mixed infection of HP/LP-PRRSV.
Animals ; Coinfection ; veterinary ; DNA Primers ; genetics ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Genes, Reporter ; Genetic Markers ; genetics ; Humans ; Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome ; diagnosis ; virology ; Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; veterinary ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Swine ; Time Factors ; Viral Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting angiotensin II Type 1 receptor (ATlR) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) on blood pressure and myocardial remodeling in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs).

METHODSSaline (control), adenovirus (Ad5) and recombinant adenoviral vectors (Ad5-ACE-shRNA, Ad5-AT1R-shRNA and Ad5-ACE-AT1R-shRNA expressing ACE, AT1R, ACE and AT1R gene-specific shRNA, respectively) were randomly administered by caudal intravasation to SHRs (n = 12 each group) at day 1 and 17. Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) served as normal controls. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the caudal artery was measured daily. Expression of ACE and AT1R at mRNA levels in ventricle and aorta were evaluated by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Angiotension II serum concentration was measured by ELISA at day 3 (n = 6 each group). The ratio of left ventricular to body weight (LVW/BW) and myocardial collagen content were measured, myocardial ultrastructure observed under transmission electron microscope at the study end.

RESULTSThe caudal artery pressure of saline and Ad5 group was equally increased by about 26 mm Hg(1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) compared to baseline (both P < 0.05). Ad5-ACE-shRNA, Ad5-AT1R-shRNA and Ad5-ACE-AT1R-shRNA injection significantly reduced SBP (-24 mm Hg, -22 mm Hg and -26 mm Hg respectively, all P < 0.05 vs. baseline) and the antihypertensive effect could last at least 15 days post each injection. SBP was not affected by saline and Ad5 injections. ACE and AT1 mRNA expressions at ventricle and aorta were significantly decreased in Ad5-ACE-shRNA, Ad5-ACE-AT1R-shRNA and Ad5-AT1R-shRNA, Ad5-ACE-AT1R-shRNA treated SHRs compared to those in saline and Ad5 groups (all P < 0.05) and was comparable to that in WKY group (P > 0.05). The LVW/BW ratio [(2.22 +/- 0.18) microg/mg, (2.23 +/- 0.19) microg/mg, (2.17 +/- 0.16) microg/mg] and myocardial collagen content [(1.291 +/- 0.019) microg/mg, (1.298 +/- 0.019) microg/mg, (1.276 +/- 0.019) microg/mg] in Ad5-ACE-shRNA, Ad5-AT1R-shRNA and Ad5-ACE-AT1R-shRNA treated SHRs were also significantly lower than those in saline treated [(3.23 +/- 0.13) microg/mg and(1.683 +/- 0.013) microg/mg, both P < 0.05] and Ad5 treated SHRs [(3.25 +/- 0.12) microg/mg and(1.693 +/- 0.013) microg/mg, both P < 0.05], but still higher than those of WKY group [(2.06 +/- 0.12) microg/mg and (1.258 +/- 0.019) microg/mg, both P < 0.05]. Myocardial ultrastructure was also significantly improved in all SHRs underwent RNAi treatments compared to saline and Ad5 treated SHRs.

CONCLUSIONRNAi targeting ACE and AT1R gene significantly inhibited myocardial and aortic ACE and AT1R mRNA expressions and resulted in prolonged antihypertensive effects and myocardial ultrastructure improvements in SHRsl. The RNAi technology may be a potential new strategy of gene therapy for hypertension.

Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Gene Silencing ; Heart Rate ; Hypertension ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Male ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Ventricular Remodeling

To investigate the effects of lanosterol (1), inotodiol (2) and trametenolic acid (3) from Inonotus obliquus against oxidative damage induced by CCl4 in mice, 1, 2 and 3 (20, 10 and 5 mg x kg(-1)) were respectively administered to mice, once a day for 3 days. Then the mice were induced to oxidative damage by CCl4 on the third day 30 min after the administration. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reductive glutathione (GSH) in serum and liver homogenate were determined. And the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration in serum were detected. The results showed that treatment with compound 1, 2 and 3 could significantly increase the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-PX in serum and liver homogenate. Furthermore, the content of GSH in serum and liver homogenate increased and MDA content decreased markedly. In addition, compound 1, 2 and 3 could significantly inhibit the activities of ALT and AST in serum, and decrease the IL-6 concentration in serum remarkably. So, compound 1, 2 and 3 can protect mice against oxidative stress injury induced by CCl4. Furthermore, compound 1, 2 and 3 can protect cells from damage through inhibition on ALT, AST and the expression of IL-6.
Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Catalase ; blood ; metabolism ; Female ; Glutathione ; blood ; metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; blood ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Lanosterol ; analogs & derivatives ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Liver ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; metabolism ; Mice ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Polyporaceae ; chemistry ; Protective Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; metabolism ; Triterpenes ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo determine the interaction between 2450-MHz microwaves (MW) radiation and mitomycin C (MMC).

METHODSThe synergistic genotoxic effects of low-intensity 2450-MHz microwave and MMC on human lymphocytes were studied using single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay (comet assay) and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) test in vitro. The whole blood cells from a male donor and a female donor were either only exposed to 2450-MHz microwaves (5.0 mW/cm2) for 2 h or only exposed to MMC (0.0125 microgram/mL, 0.025 microgram/mL and 0.1 microgram/mL) for 24 h; and the samples were exposed to MMC for 24 h after exposure to MW for 2 h.

RESULTSIn the comet assay, the comet lengths (29.1 microns and 25.9 microns) of MW were not significantly longer than those (26.3 microns and 24.1 microns) of controls (P > 0.05). The comet lengths (57.4 microns, 68.9 microns, 91.4 microns, 150.6 microns, 71.7 microns, 100.1 microns, 145.1 microns) of 4 MMC groups were significantly longer than those of controls (P < 0.01). The comet lengths (59.1 microns, 92.3 microns, 124.5 microns, 182.7 microns and 57.4 microns, 85.5 microns, 137.5 microns, 178.3 microns) of 4 MW plus MMC groups were significantly longer than those of controls too (P < 0.01). The comet lengths of MW plus MMC groups were significantly longer than those of the corresponding MMC doses (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) when the doses of MMC were > or = 0.025 microgram/mL. In the CBMN, the micronucleated cell (MNC) rates of MW were 5@1000 and 6@1000, which showed no difference compared with those (4@1000 and 4@1000) of controls (P > 0.05). The MNC rates of 4 MMC groups were 8@1000, 9@1000, 14@1000, 23@1000 and 8@1000, 8@1000, 16@1000, 30@1000 respectively. When the doses of MMC were > or = 0.05 microgram/mL, MNC rates of MMC were higher than those of controls (P < 0.05). MNC rates of 4 MW plus MMC groups were 12@1000, 13@1000, 20@1000, 32@1000 and 8@1000, 9@1000, 23@1000, 40@1000. When the doses of MMC were > or = 0.05 microgram/mL, MNC rates of MW plus MMC groups were much higher than those of controls (P < 0.01). MNC rates of 4 MW plus MMC groups were not significantly higher than those of the corresponding MMC doses.

CONCLUSIONThe low-intensity 2450-MHz microwave radiation can not induce DNA and chromosome damage, but can increase DNA damage effect induced by MMC in comet assay.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; adverse effects ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Chromosome Aberrations ; chemically induced ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; Male ; Micronucleus Tests ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Mitomycin ; adverse effects ; Mutagenicity Tests

OBJECTIVETo study the combined damage-effects of low-intensity 2,450 MHz microwave (MW) with three chemical mutagens on human lymphocyte DNA.

METHODSDNA damage of lymphocytes exposed to microwave and(or) with chemical mutagens were observed at different incubation time (0 h or 21 h) with comet assay in vitro. Three combination-exposure ways of MW with chemicals were used: MW irradiation before chemical exposures, simultaneously exposed to MW and chemicals and MW irradiation after chemical exposures. The three chemical mutagens were mitomycin C (MMC, DNA crosslinker), bleomycin (BLM, radiometric agent), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS, alkylating agent). The exposure time of MW and chemical mutagens were 2 h and 3 h respectively.

RESULTSThe differences of comet tail length between MW group and control group were not significant when lymphocytes were incubated for 0 h or 21 h (P > 0.05). However, when lymphocytes were incubated for 21 h with 30.00 micro mol/L of MMC, the comet tail lengths of MW + MMC group, MW-MMC group and MMC + MW group were (18.00 +/- 5.96), (21.79 +/- 11.47) and (22.32 +/- 8.10) micro m respectively; while with 3.00 micro mol/L of MMC, the comet tail lengths were (8.99 +/- 3.75), (12.40 +/- 5.35) and (14.00 +/- 5.38) micro m respectively, which were significantly higher than those of corresponding MMC groups [(9.42 +/- 3.34) and (6.50 +/- 2.89) micro m, P < 0.01 or P < 0.05]. The DNA damage of MW plus BLM groups and MW plus MMS groups were not significantly different from the corresponding BLM and MMS groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION2 450 MHz MW (5 mW/cm(2)) did not induce DNA damage directly, but could enhance the DNA damage effects induced by MMC. The synergistic effects of 2 450 MHz MW with BLM and MMS were not obvious.

Bleomycin ; pharmacology ; Comet Assay ; DNA ; drug effects ; genetics ; radiation effects ; DNA Damage ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Methyl Methanesulfonate ; pharmacology ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Mitomycin ; pharmacology ; Mutagens ; pharmacology ; Time Factors