Objective To observe the changes of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and serum of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after treated by Qingfeitang and investigate its clinical value. Methods 52 ARDS patients receiving mechanical ventilation at intensive care unit (ICU) were divided into the Qingfeitang treatment group and the control group, with 26 cases in each group. The EBC were collected by Ecoscreen condenser within 24 h after diagnosis of ARDS and on the 5th day of medication, and the venous blood were collected at the same time. The levels of ET-1 and PGE2 in the EBC and serum of different period were measured by EIA. Results (1) After treatment, The levels of ET-1 in EBC and serum of the Qingfeitang treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group. (2) After treatment, the levels of PGE2 in serum of the Qingfeitang treatment group were significantly lower than that of the control group. (3) The oxygenation index difference before and after treatment of Qingfeitang in the treatment group was higher than in the control group. (4) The duration of mechanical ventilation of the Qingfeitang treatment group was significantly less than that of the control group. Conclusions Qingfeitang could be an effective method for alleviating acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective To investigate the change of 25-hydroxyl vitamin D level and its impact on glucose metabolism and bone mineral density in type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty-eight cases of type 2 diabetic patients in our hospital were collected.In accordance with 25 (OH) D =50 nmol/L for the critical values,they were grouped into vitamin D deficiency group ( n =192) and the relative lack of vitamin D group ( n =66).Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement of the lumbar vertebrae L2 - L4 and femoral neck bone mineral density were undertaking.Taking the total value of the lumbar spine,femoral neck and total value as judgment indicators,homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR),we collected and statistically analyzed glucose metabolism and bone metabolism indicators in patients with diabetes.Results Among 258 cases of type 2 diabetes,there were 57 cases of osteoporosis accounting for 22.1％.There was significant difference on the duration of diabetes [ (7.98 ± 1.09 ) years old vs (3.77 ± 1.21 ) years old,t =4.849,P ＜0.05],FINS [ (6.42 ± 1.30) mU/L vs (5.79 ± 1.08) mU/L,t =3.871,P ＜0.05] and HOMA-IR [ (2.35 ±0.54) vs ( 1.85 ±0.41 ),t =2.705,P ＜0.05],but no significant difference on the FPG and HbA1c ( P ＞ 0.05 ) between two groups.PTH [ ( 36.51 ± 7.59) ng/L vs ( 32.02 ± 6.89 ) ng/L,t =2.008,P ＜ 0.05 ],bone mineral density in the lumbar total value [ (0.87 ±0.14) g/cm2 vs (0.99 ±0.12) g/cm2,t =2.799,P ＜0.05 ],femoral neck Neck [ ( 0.70 ± 0.10 ) g/cm2 vs ( 0.79 ± 0.11 ) g/cm2,t =2.564,P ＜ 0.05 ] and Total [ (0.84 ± 0.14) g/cm2 vs (0.97 ± 0.15 ) g/cm2,t =3.340 P ＜ 0.05 ] were statistically different,but no significant difference on the rest of the indicators.Conclusion The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found in patients with diabetes.Vitamin D level could affect insulin resistance and glycemic control and bone mineral density level.Therefore,routine vitamin D testing to the diabetic patients and giving vitamin D replacement therapy to vitamin D deficiency patients in a timely manner were necessary.

To observe BAG-1, EGFR, and PARP-1 expressions in invasive breast cancer and its correlation with clini-cal pathological indicators, as well as to evaluate their clinical significance. Methods:The BAG-l, EGFR, and PARP-1 expressions in a tissue microarray of invasive breast cancer and peritumoral tissues were detected through immunohistochemical staining. The clinical and pathological significance of BAG-1, EGFR, and PARP-1 were evaluated. Results:The BAG-1, EGFR, and PARP-1 expression lev-els are higher in invasive breast cancer tissues than in peritumoral tissues (P<0.05). BAG-1 expression in invasive cancer tissues is not related to age, tumor site, lymph node metastases, and clinical TNM staging of patients, but is related to size, grade, ER, PR, and HER-2 expressions and molecular subtype (P<0.05). EGFR expression is related to size, clinical TNM staging, and molecular subtype (P<0.05). PARP-1 expression is related to grade, lymph node metastases, ER, and molecular subtype (P<0.05). BAG-1 expression is not significantly correlated with EGFR and PARP-1 in all cases, but BAG-1 and PARP-1 expressions are positively correlated in tri-ple-negative breast cancer tissues (P<0.05). Results of the univariate analysis revealed that the BAG-1 and PARP-1 expressions and the molecular subtypes are associated with the prognoses of breast cancer patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that BAG-1 and PARP-1 expressions are factors that are independent of the prognosis. Conclusion: BAG-1, EGFR, and PARP-1 overexpressions in human breast tissues suggest that BAG-1, EGFR, and PARP-1 are related to breast cancer development. BAG-1, EGFR, and PARP-1 are poten-tial biomarkers of breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical significance of nitric oxide (NO) and 8-isoprostane (8-isoPG) changes in exhaled breath condensate ( EBC) of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients after treated by Qingfei Decoction (QD).

METHODSTotally 48 ARDS patients receiving mechanical ventilation were equally assigned to the QD treatment group and the control group by random digit table. EBC specimens were collected by modified Ecoscreen breath condensate collector (German JAEGER Company) on the first day and the fifth day after confirmed diagnosis of ARDS. Concentrations of NO and 8-isoPG in EBC were measured by ELISA. The oxygenation index and APACHE II scores were recorded at the same time.

RESULTS(1) The fatality rate in the QD treatment group was lower than that in the control group (8.3% vs 37.5%, P < 0.05). (2) After treatment NO and 8-isoPG concentrations in EBC were lower in the QD treatment group (34.49 ± 5.67 µmol/L, 30.09 ± 7.89 ng/L) than in the control group (39.78 ± 9.27 µmol/L, 35.65 ± 8.90 ng/L; P < 0.05). (3) After treatment improved oxygenation index value was higher in the QD treatment group than in the control group (120.88 ± 35.16 vs 101.50 ± 37.70, P < 0.05). After treatment APACHEII scores was lower in the QD treatment group than in the control group (6.21 ± 3.51 vs 10. 26 ± 4.33, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTreatment of ARDS patients by QD was favorable in controlling inflammation, alleviating lung injury, and improving clinical efficacy.

Breath Tests ; Dinoprost ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Nitric Oxide ; analysis ; Respiration, Artificial ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo examine the effects of H-ras gene silence on cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma -M (SACC-M) cell lines.

METHODSThe plasmid H-ras-shRNA, containing the sequence of shRNA targeting H-ras, and HK-shRNA (without interfering effect) were constructed and transfected into SACC-M cells. The cell line with shRNA plasmid stable expression was isolated by G418. The expression levels of H-ras were detected by RT-PCR and protein immunofluorescent assay; cell cycle and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The proliferation of cell was also determined by subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice.

RESULTSAfter transfection of H-ras-shRNA plasmid, the mRNA expression of H-ras in SACC-M cells was down-regulated by 61.80% and protein expression of H-ras was inhibited by 62.76%; the cell proliferation was inhibited obviously; the G0G1 phase cells were increased. The cell apoptosis rate of H-ras-shRNA group was significantly higher than that of HK-shRNA group (P <0.05). The volume of subcutaneous tumor in nude mice was significantly smaller in Hras-shRNA group than in control group.

CONCLUSIONSThe recombinant plasmid HRAS-shRNA could efficiently down-regulate the expression of H-ras gene and protein, induce apoptosis of SACC-M cells and simultaneously inhibit proliferation of these cells in vitro and in vivo.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; genetics ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVELeft ventricular remodeling (LVR) following myocardial infarction (MI) is a key pathophysiological process in which MI develops into heart failure. The exact mechanism of LVR remains unclear. We performed differential proteomic analysis on the myocardia of rats with LVR after MI, to explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling after MI.

METHODSIn the LVR group (n = 12), after the anterior descending coronary artery was ligated, the rats were fed for four weeks before the LVR models were established. Rats in the sham-operated group (n = 11) underwent thread-drawing without ligation. The hemodynamic parameters, pathological findings, and proteomics were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSIn the LVR group, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased, the maximal left ventricular pressure increase/decrease ratio decreased significantly, and the left ventricular systolic pressure decreased. H-E staining and Masson staining of cardiac muscle tissues of the LVR group showed myocytolysis, disarray, and collagen proliferation. Twenty-one differentially expressed proteins were detected by proteomic analysis. We validated two proteins using western blot analysis. The differentially expressed proteins could be divided into six categories: energy metabolism-related proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, protein synthesis-related proteins, channel proteins, anti-oxidation- related proteins, and immune-related proteins.

CONCLUSIONThese differentially expressed proteins might play key roles in LVR following MI.

Animals ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; complications ; pathology ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proteome ; analysis ; Proteomics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Ventricular Remodeling

OBJECTIVETo study the feature of apoptosis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) induced by recombined human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) in nude mice, and to evaluate the related genes expression of apoptosis.

METHODSTwelve SPF grade 4 approximately 5 weeks old female Balb/c nude mice were selected in this study. SACC-83 cells were collected to 6 x 10(7) per milliliter and injected subcutaneously. Group A and B were experimental group which was given 100 x 10(4) IU/kg TNF-alpha or 10 x 10(4) IU/kg TNF-alpha respectively. Group C was only given normal saline and used as normal control. The investigations were adopted by using both light and transmission electron microscope (LM and TEM), flow cytometer and In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit. The evaluations of bax and bcl-2 expression were utilized by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe percentage of apoptosis of transplanted tumors was much higher than that of the control (P<0.01). Apoptotic cells were calcified and grit bodies were formed. Apoptotic cells expressed and contained significantly higher proportions of both bax and bcl-2 proteins (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIt is suggested that calcification may be the obvious feature and the last outcome of the apoptosis of SACC transplanted tumors. Apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha can increase the expressions of bax and bcl-2.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; chemistry ; pathology ; therapy ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; analysis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology ; therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein

OBJECTIVETo detect the possible relationship between PARKIN gene and the Chinese pedigree with autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson's disease(AREP).

METHODSClinical examination was carried out in 6 patients from 3 Chinese pedigrees with AREP and their 23 family members. PCR amplification of all exons of PARKIN gene was performed. The PCR products were analyzed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography(DHPLC) to screen for point mutation and polymorphism. And in the samples with abnormal DHPLC result, further sequencing was conducted to confirm the type of mutation and polymorphism.

RESULTSAll exons of PARKIN gene from the research subjects were successfully amplified. A heterozygous point mutation (Gly284Arg) in exon 7 was found in one pedigree. A polymorphism (Ser167Asn) in exon 4 was found in another pedigree. All the patients had the past history of exposure to environmental poison.

CONCLUSIONWhen acting together with risky environmental factors, the heterozygous mutation Gly284Arg in PARKIN gene may cause AREP. The polymorphism Ser167Asn in PARKIN gene increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and may cause AREP when acting together with hydrargyrism.

Age of Onset ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Genes, Recessive ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the resuscitation promoting role of resuscitation promoting factor and the initial bacteria amount of dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

METHODSMycobacterium tuberculosis (dormant bacteria) was cultured for 100 days, then diluted into 1 mg/ml concentration with 7H9, and further diluted into 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, and 0.03125 mg/ml. Twelve new tubes added with 5 ml 7H9 and divided into two groups: the first group was added with the resuscitation-promoting factor protein, and the second group as control was added with 7H9. In each group the above diluted solutions were added. The tubes were located at 37 degrees C for culture. Optical density (OD) was detected on day 15, 25, 30, and 35. From each tube 1 microl culture solution was plated on 7H11 medium for colony counting.

RESULTSOD detection showed that bacteria proliferation in each group had positive linear correlation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), indicating that the resuscitation-promoting factor played a similiar role in solutions with different dilution concentrations. 7H11 results and the OD results show that these two detection methods in each group had linear correlation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), indicating that these two methods showed consistent test results.

CONCLUSIONThe resuscitation-promoting factor has no effect on the resuscitation of dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its initial bacteria amount.

Bacterial Proteins ; metabolism ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; physiology ; Resuscitation

OBJECTIVETo establish a rapid, inexpensive, and simple drug susceptibility test (DST) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) and evaluate its feasibility.

METHODWe used nitrate reductase combined with mycobacteriophage assay (PhaB-NRA) to test 49 clinical M. tb isolates of, and the results were compared with those of PhaB-NRA and traditional absolute concentration method.

RESULTSThe sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PhaB-NRA for rifampicin were 89.1%, 91.67%, and 89.8%; on the contrary, those of isonicotinyl hydrazide were 86.21%, 90.0%, and 87.8%, respectively. The coincidence between PhaB-NRA and traditional assay were 0.746 for rifampicin and 0.750 for isonicotinyl hydrazide.

CONCLUSIONSPhaB-NRA is an inexpensive, rapid, and simple DST method. It is a promising rapid screening technique for DST of M. tb.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Biological Assay ; methods ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; methods ; Mycobacteriophages ; physiology ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; drug effects ; Nitrate Reductase ; metabolism ; Rifampin ; pharmacology ; Sensitivity and Specificity