Objective To observe the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE) plus atorvastatin treatment on matrix metalloproteinase-9 ( MMP-9) in experimental atherosclerosis rabbits and to explore its mechanism. Methods Thirty male New Zealand rabbits were randomized into five groups. The normal control group were fed with standard diet for 24 weeks. And the other groups were fed with standard diet containing 1 % cholesterol for 12 weeks. In the sequential 12 weeks, the model control group was fed with standard diet. The GSPE group was fed with standard diet containing 1% grape seed proanthocyanidin(GSP). The atorvastatin group was fed with standard diet containing atorvastatin(2. 5 mg · kg~(-1) · d~(-1)). The GSPE plus atorvastatin group was fed with standard diet containing 1% GSP and atorvastatin (2. 5 mg~(-1) · kg~(-1) · d~(-1)). Blood samples were drawn from ear middle arteries of rabbits just before the experiment and at the 12th and the 24th weekend of the experiment. All the rabbits were fasted for at least eight hours before the blood was drawn. The blood samples were analyzed for the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). All the rabbits were sacrificed at the 24th weekend, and the expression of MMP-9 was observed in the thoracic aortic tissue using immunohistochemistry technique. Results The serum level and aorta expression of MMP-9 were increased in model group compared to control group (all P< 0. 05). The severity of atherosclerosis was less in three drug groups than that in model control group. The GSPE,atorvastatin and GSPE plus atorvastatin groups versus model group showed less atherosclerotic lession, the decreased expression of aorta MMP-9 and the decreased serum level of MMP-9 C(1. 06±0. 21), ( 1. 07 ±0.20), (0.81 + 0.16) vs. (1. 32±0. 24)ng/ml,all P<0. 05]. The effect in the GSPE and atorvastatin group was most obvious. Conclusions GSPE plus atorvastatin group has the most efficacy of anti-atherogenesis, which is associated with its reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic results of expandable stent for treatment of atherosclerotic renovascular obstructive disease. Methods 15 patients (10 men and 5 women, 41～75 years old; mean age, 52 years) with renal arterial hypertension underwent renal stent agioplasty including renal arterial stenosis 89% (n=13) and fully obstruction without function in 2, of which 2 patients had bilateral involvement. The stenotic range of all arterial segments showed 60% to 90% width of the normal arterial diameter. 16 stents were implanted under the guidance of flouroscopy. The most of stents implanted were Palmaz (n=12, 75%) with regular clinial and angiographic follow up. Results Technical success (residual stenosis

Objective Dysfunction of cell cycle regulation is one of the key factors for cellular carcinogenesis .This paper aimed to study the expression and significance of cell cycle regulation protein Cyclin D 1-CDK4-p21 in scar cancer . Methods The expressions of Cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21 protains were detected in scar cancer group , pathological scar group and normal skin group respectively by using immunohistochemical staining (SP).The mRNA expression levels of Cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21 were detected by the use of nucleic acid-mediated in-situ hybridization .Correlation analysis was made on the indexes , and the average optical density and positive area were analyzed using image analysis . Results The expressions of Cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21 protains and the mRNA ex-pression levels of cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21 were high in scar cancer group, low in pathological scar group , and negative in normal skin group.The mean optical density and positive area in scar cancer group were significantly different from pathological scar group and normal skin group (P<0.01).But no significant difference was found be-tween pathological scar group and normal skin group (P>0.05).In terms of correlation analysis , the expressions of Cyclin D 1 and CDK4 as well as p21 and CDK4 in scar cancer tissue were both in posi-tive correlations. Conclusion The occurrence of scar cancer is related to the abnormal expression of Cyclin D 1 and CDK4.The complex formed by Cyclin D1 and CDK4 may promote the G1/S transition, proliferation and tumorigenesis of scar cancer .In scar canc-er, the inhibition of Cyclin D1-CDK4 complex might be caused by other members of CKI family or even inbibitors of other families apart from CDK family.

Object To study the chemical constituents of the whole plant of Selaginella stauntoniana Spring. Methods Various chromatographic techniques were employed for the isolation and purification of its constituents, and structurally identified by spectral analysis (IR, UV, MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR) and chemical evidence. Results Four compounds were identified from its extract as: emodin (Ⅰ), ginkgetin (Ⅱ), hinokiflavone (Ⅲ), amentoflavone (Ⅳ). Conclusion All the compounds were isolated in this plant for the first time; compound Ⅰ was found from the plants of Selaginellaceae Beauv. for the first time.

Objective To investigate the changes of capacitive arterial compliance(C1) and oscillatory arterial compliance (C2) in elderly patients with the coronary atherosclerosis and the coronary heart disease (CHD)and to study the association between Gensini Score and C1 or C2.MethodsElderly subjects (160 cases) were divided into three groups according to the results of selective coronary angiography: the normal,the coronary atherosclerosis and the CHD group. C1 and C2 were measured using a DO-2020 cardiovascular profiling instrument.The stenosis severity of coronary artery diseases was assessed using a scoring system called Gensini score. Bivariate analyses were performed to study the association between Gensini Score of coronary artery and each of C1 and C2.Results C2 in the coronary atherosclerosis group was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and higher than in CHD group. C1 had no statistically difference among the three groups. Gensini integral in the coronary atherosclerosis versus the CHD groups were ( 5.4+2.6) vs.( 51.3+ 32.1), respectively (t= 10.574, P＜0.01). Gensini Score in the coronary atherosclerosis group had no relation with C1, and was negtively correlated with C2. ConclusionsC2 is decreased in the early stages of the coronary artery atherosclerosis in elderly patients, and may help the identification of early coronary atherosclerosis.

Objective To investigate the association between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and composition of the ascending aorta in patients with coronary heart disease (CAD),Methods The study population comprised 60 consecutive CAD patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University.cfPWV vas measured using an automatic device (Complior,Artech,France).A quantitative study was conducted on ascending aorta specimens by histological observation (Masson staining and weigert's resorcin-fuchsin staining) and computer image analysis.Bivariate analyses were performed to study the association between composition of the ascending aortic media and cfPWV.Results cfPWV of the CAD patients was higher (14.2±2.0) m/s than that of the normal subjects.On Masson's-stained specimen slides,disorganization of smooth muscle and focal accumulations of collagen (44.1 ± 3.9)％ were visible alongthe medial aorta of the CAD patients.Weigert's-stained cross sections of the ascending aortic media in CAD patients frequently exhibited focal breakdown or discontinuous segments of elastic fibers(18.4±3.2)％,cfPWV had a positive correlation with relative contents of collagen in the ascending aorta(r=0.68,P＜0.01)and a negative correlation vith relative contents of elastin in the ascending aorta (r=-0.59,P＜0.01),but no relation with relative contents of smooth muscle(r=0.01,P＞0.05).Conclusions The reduced aortic elasticity in CAD patients can be partly ascribed to decreased elastin,increased collagen,and their disorganization.cfPWV can reflect the quantitative changes of collagen and elastin in the ascending aortic media in CAD patients.

Objective To explore the relationship between morphological features of carotid arterial atherosclerosis plaque and various cardiovascular risk factors in the aged.Methods The 321patients who underwent cerebral angiography were classified into two groups:256 patients with carotid arterial atherosclerosis and 65 patients without plaque.The relationships between carotid arterial plaque and cardiovascular risk factors including age,gender,cholesterol(TC),triglyceride (TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),C-reactive protein(CRP),homocysteine (HCY),hypertension,diabetes,smoking and drinking were analyzed.The relationships between morphological features,including the stenosis degree,surface fairing of plaque,and cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed.After 1 year follow-up,the prospective cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were analyzed in the two groups.Results Carotid atherosclerosis was connected with cardiovascular risk factors such as TC,LDL-C,uric acid,CRP,hypertension,diabetes,smoking and drinking.Positive correlation was showed between the stenosis degree of carotid artery and age,smoking and diabetes.Closely correlation was showed between surface fairing of carotid arterial plaque and LDL-C,CRP,smoking and diabetes.The stenosis degree of carotid artery only showed positive correlation with cerebrovascular events,but the morphological features of surface fairing of carotid arterial plaque equally showed positive correlations with cerebrovascular events and cardiovascular events.Conclusions The development of carotid arterial atherosclerosis plaque in the aged is closely related to cardiovascular risk factors.Morphological features of carotid arterial plaque may respond the level of general atherosclerosis better than stenosis degree,and it is also in close correlation with cerebrovascular events and cardiovascular events.

Objective To investigate the effect of hypertension on the large artery elasticity index (C1),the small artery elasticity index (C2) and the medial structure of the ascending aorta as well as the relationship between artery elasticity and the medial structure of the ascending aorta.Methods Sixty patients with CHD receiving coronary artery bypass graft surgery at our hospital were divided into two groups:30 patients in the hypertension group and 30 patients in the non-hypertension group.C1 and C2 were measured using the CVProfilor DO-2020 system.Sections of tissues taken from the anterior wall of the ascending aorta during the surgery were subjected to Masson's trichrome staining for the detection of vascular smooth muscle and collagen fibers and Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin staining for the detection of elastic fibers.The relative areas of vascular smooth muscle fibers,collagen fibers and elastic fibers of the ascending aorta were measured by a computer image analysis system under the light microscope.The linear correlations of C1 and C2 with the medial structure of the ascending aorta were analyzed.Results C1 in the non hypertension group was higher than that in thehypertensiongroup[11.9±1.8 (ml/mmHg×10) w 13.1±2.5 (ml/mmHg×10),t 2.22,P ＜0.05].In the media of the ascending aorta,the relative content of collagen fibers was higher,while the relative content of elastic fibers was lower in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group [(46.0±3.8)％ w (42.2±3.0)％,(17.5±3.5)％ vs.(19.3 2.7)％,respectively,t=4.24 and 2.20,P＜0.01 or 0.05].C1 was positively correlated with the relative content of elastic fibers but negatively correlated with the relative content of collagen fibers in both groups (r=0.52 and 0.39,respectively,P＜0.05 or 0.01).Conclusions The main pathogenic basis of hypertension-induced decline in arterial elasticity in CHD patients is increased collagen fibers and reduced elastic fibers with disorganization of the two types of components.C1 may accurately reflect the effect of hypertension on medial collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the ascending aorta.

Objective To observe the effects of Chinese medicinal herbs with the efficacy of invigorating spleen, upbearing the clear, and tonifying spleen on the obesity degree, fat hormones, and insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats;To choose better anti-obesity herbs from different Chinese medicinal herbs that can tonify spleen. Methods Among the 130 Wistar rats, 10 were chosen as the blank control group (fed with basal forage), and the remaining 120 were administered with high-fat high-nutrition forage for 13 weeks. According to weight, 50 DIO rats and 10 diet-induced obesity resistance (DIO-R) rats were obtained. DIO rats were divided into model group (normal saline), sibutramine group, invigorating spleen group (Atractylodix Rhizome and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), upbearing the clear group (Bupleuri Radix and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) and medicine for tonifying qi and spleen group (Astragali Radix). All groups received gavage with corresponding drugs. Rats in the blank control group and the DIO-R group received gavage with normal saline. The basal forage was administered to rats in the blank control group, while high-fat forage was continually given to rats in the other six groups. Insulin resistance index (IRI), blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and adiponectin were detected after blood withdrawing. TNF-α and adiponectin in the fat homogenate were examined. Results Compared with the blank control group, body weight, IRI, and cholesterol of rats in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01);adiponectin in homogenate reduced (P<0.01);serum and adipose homogenate TNF-α increased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, body weight, IRI, cholesterol of rats in DIO-R group significantly decreased (P<0.01);adiponectin in fat homogenate increased (P<0.01). Body weight and cholesterol of rats in the sibutramine group significantly decreased (P<0.01), while serum and adipose homogenates TNF-αdecreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Body weight, IRI and cholesterol of rats in upbearing the clear group decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01);serum and adipose homogenate TNF-α decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01);adiponectin increased in fat homogenate (P<0.05). IRI, cholesterol and serum TNF-αof rats in the invigorating spleen group decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01);adiponectin in serum and adipose homogenate increased (P<0.05). BMI, blood glucose, IRI and cholesterol of rats in Astragali Radix group decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01);TNF-α decreased and adiponectin increased in serum and adipose homogenate (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Astragali Radix could reduce obesity induced by high-fat forage, and its effects on improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorder and IR are better than the other TCM groups. Its mechanism is related to decreasing TNF-α and increasing adiponectin level.

Objective To provide new information for treatment and prognosis of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).Methods Through one case report and literature review of 48 BPDCN cases were reviewed retrospectively.The clinical characteristics,treatment choices and prognosis were analyzed.Results BPDCN patients were mainly elderly males,mostly presented as skin rash and bone marrow infiltration.Immunophenotype was characteristically expressed as CD4,CD56 and CD123.Lymphoid-like regimens could induce higher response rate,lower relapse rate and longer overall survival compared with myeloid-like regimens.Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may provide long-term survival.At the onset of the disease,The counts of white blood cells (WBC) and blood platelet (Plt) may be correlated with inferior overall survival.Conclusions BPDCN is a disease with distinct clinical characteristics and immunophenotype.Lymphoid-like regimen may be the better treatment of choice,while allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be taken into account in the first complete remission for longterm survival.