Objective: To study the influences of steam distillation (SD) on the isomerization of the essential oils of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diel. Methods: SD、GC、GC-MS. Results: The duration of the extraction of essential oils of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. by SD was about 14 h, and the yield of (Z)-ligustilide was about 67.1 percent of total (Z)-ligustilide. During the SD, it produced some new components in the essential oils, for example 4-hydroxy-3-methylacetophenone, 2,4,5-benzaldehyde,2,4,5-trimethyl-et al. Conclusion: The results suggested that the extraction of essential oils of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. by SD had some disadvantages.

Objective To obtain the expression pattern of multidrug resistance-associated gene in human small cell lung cancer(SCLC)MDR cell line SH77/CDDP and provide basis for further studying the mechanism of human SCLC MDR induced by cisplatin.Methods Total RNA was isolated from SCLC MDR cell line SH77/CDDP and its parental cells,and synthesized into double-stranded cDNA,then synthesized into biotin-labeled cRNA probe by in vitro transcription.The cRNA probes were separately hybridized with Affymetrix GeneChip and human U133 set chips(U133A and U133B,containing 39 000 transcripts,including 33 000 known human genes and 6 000 unknown cDNA expression sequence tags,ESTs),and the signals were scanned by the GeneArray Scanner.The results were analyzed by bioinformatics.Results Compared with the gene expression profile of parental SH77 cells,2 389(6.13%)genes were up-regulated in SCLC MDR cell line SH77/CDDP cells,of which 461(1.19%),89(0.23%),26(0.07%)and 7(0.02%)genes were separately up-regulated one-fold,two-folds,three-folds and four-folds.36 genes,including ABCC3,HSP70,CYP26B1,CYP4A11,IGF1R,LOX2,CAP2,LRP2BP,AKNA,ELTD1 and otherwise,were up-regulated 2.5-5.1 folds.According to Gene Ontology and Tree View analysis,these 35 genes were involved in transport,cell adhesion,signal transduction,transcription and ion binding and so on.Conclusion Many multidrug resistance-associated genes induced by cisplatin have been screened by high-throughput gene chip method.Validating their cellular functions will help to identify the mechanism of human SCLC MDR induced by cisplatin.

Objective To observe the chronic hepatotoxicity of the commonly used herbicide mixture in the mice. Methods Low doses herbicide mixture diluted in mice drinking water. The parameters related to hepatic function and ultrastructural changes of the hepatocytes were examined after 18 weeks and 24 weeks of treatment. Results No changes was observed in every parameter after 18 weeks of treatment compared with the control group. After 24-week of treatment, the electron microscope revealed the ultrastructural changes in the hepatocytes, rough endoplasmic reticulum showed dilatation, mitochondria showed matrix muddy with distortion and disappearance of inner crista and the serum transaminase were higher than those in the control group(P

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is characterized of chronic inflammation in airway, pulmonary parenchyma and pulmonary vessels. The mechanism of the increment and activity changes of these inflammatory cells is unclear at present.OBJECTIVE: To study the apoptotic character of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils(PMNs) and its relationship with COPD to provide a reference for early intervention and function surveillance for COPD patients.DESIGN: An observatory comparative study based on COPD patients and healthy population as controls.SETTING: Department of pulmonary medicine in a military medical university of Chinese PLA affiliated hospital.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 98 COPD patients were admitted by the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA between February 2003 and December 2003 due to COPD acute attack. Eighteen patients including 12 males and 6 females aged between 48 and 70 years old [mean of(56 ± 7) years old]were randomly selected into COPD group according to random number table.Totally 14 healthy adults including 10 males and 4 females aged between 50 and 70 years old [mean of (59 ± 8) years old] who were individuals came for physical check up in our hospital were selected in control group.METHODS: PMNs were separated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation. The dynamic changes of PMNs apoptosis in peripheral blood was observed by flow cytometer and TUNEL method.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of PMNs apoptotic rate in peripheral blood among groupsRESULTS: As indicated by flow cytometric analysis, PMNs apoptotic rate at early apoptotic phase in COPD patients at paracmasis was(8.5 ± 1.3)%,which was significantly lower than(12.5 ± 1.8)% of normal control group( t=6.25, P ＜ 0. 01); PMNs apoptotic rate was(5.1 ±0.6)% at acute aggravation stage, which was significantly lower than that of paracmasis group ( t =5.66, P ＜001). As indicated by TUNEL analysis, PMNs apoptotic rate at paracmasis was(12.42 ±2.7)% , which was significantly lower than (21.5±4.8)% of normal control group(t=5.76, P ＜ 0.01); PMNs apoptotic rate was(4. 9 ±0.4)% at acute aggravation stage, which was significantly lower than that of paracmasis group( t = 6. 12, P ＜ 0. 01 ) . PMNs changes at the late phase of apoptosis/necrosis had a contrary tendency, i. e.,PMNs rate at late apoptotic phase/necrosis was(2. 8 ± 0.5)% in COPD patients at paracmasis, which was significantly higher than(1. 3 ±0.4)% of normal control group ( t= 6. 37, P ＜ 0. 01 ); PMNs rate was (3.7 ± 0. 3) % at acute aggravation stage, which was significantly higher than that of paracmasis group(t=5.81, P ＜0.01).CONCLUSION: PMNs abnormal apoptosis might be an important reason that induces PMNs aggregation in airway and lung tissues in COPD. This process might have an important significance in the generation and development of chronic airway inflammation, which provides an etiologic basis for the primary rehabilitative intervention of COPD.

In this study,we have observed the effects of extract from mussel ( Mytilus edulis Linnaeus ) on experimental hyperlipidemia in rats.The results showed that the extract from mussel could reduce the levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride in blood serum of the experimental hyperlipidemic rats.

Objective To establish a small cell lung cancer (SCLC) multidrug resistance (MDR) cell line SH77/CDDP and analyze its biological properties. Methods The SCLC MDR cell line SH77/CDDP was established by increasing gradually the dose of cisplatin, the first line chemotherapeutic drug for lung cancer. The chemosensitivities of SH77/CDDP and its parental cell line to 7 chemotherapeutic drugs were tested. Changes in cellular morphology and ultrastructure were observed. The cell growth curve and cell cycle were also determined. Results SCLC MDR cell line SH77/CDDP having different drug resistance to the 7 chemotherapeutic drugs was established successfully. Compared with that of its parental cell, the size of MDR cell was a bit bigger. The ratio of nucleus to cell plasma decreased and mitochondria, Golgi bodies, rough endoplasmic reticulums and free ribosomes increased. The finger like apophysis was obvious. The rate of cell proliferation of SH77/CDDP was similar to that of SH77, but the number of cells in S phase increased( P

AIM: To investigate the effects of dexamethasone (DM) on expression of fas and bcl-2 mRNA and apoptosis in eosinophils (Eos) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in asthmatic guinea pig. METHODS: The guineas pigs were stimulated with ovalbumin (OVA) for 48 hours. Hypodense Eos (HEos) and normodense Eos (NEos) were purified from BALF by gradients of Percoll. Eos was cultured in PRMI-1640 medium and DM (10 -10-10 -5 mol/L) was added. The mRNA of fas and bcl-2 in Eos was measured by hybridization. Apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS: Eos was cultured under the condition of DM administration in vitro. Apoptotic Eos increased, fas mRNA expression increased and the bcl-2 mRNA expression decreased in a dose-dependent manner. There was significant correlation between Eos apoptosis and fas mRNA expression. The expression of bcl-2 mRNA was inversely correlated with Eos apoptosis. CONCLUSION: DM promoted Eos apoptosis, increased expression of fas and inhibited expression of bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. fas and bcl-2 might be one of mechanisms of DM promoting apoptosis in Eos.

Objective To explore the imaging characteristics and the diagnostic value of primary ureter cancer.Methods 24 cases of primary ureter carcinoma underwent ultrasound(US), intravenous pyelography(IVP),retrograde pyelography and CT scan.Those imaging features were analyzed retrospectively.Results The postive rate of US,IVP,retrograde pyelography and CT was 45.8%(11/24),37.5%(9/24),88.8%(16/18)and 62.5%(10/16).Conclusion Ultrasound(US) is a more value examination for making the choice of cases; IVP is an essential method for understood function of the kidneys, showing carcinoma; retrograde pyelography is most value in the diagnosis of primary ureter carcinoma;CT scan is more important diagnostic values in area,properties and extent of tumor.

Aim To investigate the effect of Aminophyllin e(AM) on expression of Interleukin-5 receptor ?(IL-5R?), IL-3R?, granulocy te- macrophage-colony-stimulating factor receptor ?(GM-CSFR?) and common ? receptor(?cR) in eosinophils(Eos) of BALF in asthmatic guinea pigs, and mech anism of AM promoting Eos apoptosis. Methods 18 guinea pigs wer e divided into three groups randomly, normal control group, asthma group and AM -treated group. Asthma model of guinea pigs was sensitized by ovalbumin. Hypode nse Eos(HEos) and normodense Eos(NEos) were purified from BALF by gradients of p ercoll. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. mRNA expression of IL-5R?, IL-3R?, GM-CSFR? and ?cR in Eos were measured by RT-PCR and hybridization.Re sults Apoptosis of HEos and NEos in asthma group(4?2,3?2) were low er than that in normal group(8?2,7?2)(P

Objective To explore the effect of Shugan Lifei prescription on expression of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1(TGF-β1) and Smad3 in asthma rats under chronic stress condition. Method The 40 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group, model group, dexamethasone group and Shugan Lifei group. Asthma model was established by inhaling atomized ovalbumin (OVA) passively and experiencing chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). From the 15th day of modeling, the treatment groups were intervened with dexamethasone drugs and Shugan Lifei prescription. Lung pathomorphology was observed via HE staining. The expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in lung tissue were measured by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR. Results Compared with control group, the wall area and the smooth muscle area in the model group significantly increased. While compared with asthmatic model group,the wall area and the smooth muscle area in the dexamethasone group and Shugan Lifei group were significantly lower. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR showed that in comparison with control group , the expression of TGF-β1/Smad3 protein and mRNA in lung tissues in the model group significantly increased(P<0.05), while the TGF-β1/Smad3 protein and mRNA in lung tissues in the dexamethasone group and Shugan Lifei group were detected to be significantly lower than model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Shugan Lifei method could improve airway remodeling in asthma rats under chronic stress condition , and this result is possibly achieved by reducing TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression levels.