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

OBJECTIVE: To establish the preparation process and the quality control standards for Jinhuanglidan Granules (JHLD). METHODS: Rheum Officinale, Rhizoma Coptis, Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Scutellariae were identified by TLC. The content of berberine hydrochloride in the preparation was determined by TLCS. RESULTS: Rheum Officinale, Rhizoma Coptis, Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Scutellariae could be identified by TLC. Berberine hydrochloride showed a good linearity in the range of 0 .05 985ug- 0. 29 925ug, r = 0. 9 996(n = 5). The average recovery was 99. 64%, RSD = 2. 54%. CONCLUSIO- N: This method is simple, accurate and specific. It can be used for the quality control of JHLD.

Objective To determine the resistance reversion of mitomycin (MMC) by 3′-Keto-bmt 1-val 2-cyclosporin (SDZ PSC 833) in human cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Metheds A xenografted mitomycin resistant mice model of cervical cancer was devolped. The reversion of mitomycin resistance by SDZ PSC 833 (1 or 3 mg/L) was detected from human cervical cancer cell (Hela) and its resistant subline Hela/MMC in vitro and in vivo. Studies in vitro include drug resistance reversion experiment and the changes of morphology. Studies in vivo including tumor volume and tumor related histopathological changes in the autopsied specimen were evaluated by comparing random sections of each group. Results Nontoxic doses of SDZ PSC 833 could result in almost partial reversion of MMC-resistance of Hela/MMC.In vivo studies also showed SDZ PSC 833 augmented the growth inhibitory effect of mitomycin on Hela/MMC xenografted in nude mice. Conclusion SDZ PSC 833 can overcome mitomycin resistance of Hela/MMC in vitro and in vivo ,so SDZ PSC 833 will be a better candidate clinically for reversing multidrug resistance.

Objective To investigate the diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Methods Fifty-two patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma who were admitted in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between 1997 and 2002 were analyzed retrospectively,and their diagnostic methods and the survival rates were compared. Results The positive diagnostic rate of pelvic examination,CA 125 and ultrasound examination was 73.1%,84.6% and 53.8%,respectively to the recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The median survival time of group A(surgery+chemotherapy) and group B ( chemotherapy) was 11 and 12 months,respectively. Conclusions The diagnostic methods should include pelvic examination,CA 125 and ultrasound examination. We could not know the exact role of surgery to the management and prognosis of recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Chemotherapy may have an important role to the management and prognosis of recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

To study the expression of the bFGF and its receptor in the mouse bone marrow by treatment with acute radioactive injury and Ligustrazine, 56 mice were divided into 3 groups: normal group, radiation-injured group and Ligustrazine group. After irradiation by 6.0 Gy 60Co gamma-ray, each mouse was orally given 0.1 ml Ligustrazine twice a day for 13 days in Ligustrazine group, and each mouse in radiation injured group was orally given equal amount of saline. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th day after irradiation, bone marrow mono-nuclear cells (BMMNC) were counted, and the expression levels of bPGF and bFGFR in bone marrow were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis respectively. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th day after irradiation, expression of bFGF in bone marrow were significantly lower than in normal group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Expressions of bFGF and bFGFR were much higher in Ligustrazine treated group than that in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Ligustrazine potentiate the expression of bFGF and bFGFR in bone marrow MNC to recover the bone marrow hematopoiesis inductive microenvironment, which is one of the mechanisms by which Ligustrazine rebuild the bone marrow hematopoiesis after acute radioactive injury.
Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/*biosynthesis ; Hematopoiesis/drug effects ; Pyrazines/*pharmacology ; Radiation Injuries, Experimental/*metabolism ; Radiation-Protective Agents/pharmacology ; Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor/*biosynthesis

Prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain (PHDs) family is one of the most important regulatory factors in hypoxic stress. PHD2 plays a critical role in cells and tissues adaptation to the low oxygen environment. Its hydroxylation activity regulates the stability and transcriptional activity of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), which is the key factor in response to hypoxic stress. Subsequently, PHD2 acts as an important factor in oxygen homeostasis. Studies have shown that PHD2, through its regulation on HIF-1, plays an important role in the post-ischemic neovascularization. Furthermore, under hypoxic condition, PHD2 also regulates other pathways that positively regulate angiogenesis factors HIF-1 independently. Moreover, recently, several evidences have also shown that PHD2 also affects tumor growth and metastasis in a tumor microenvironment. Based on these facts, PHD2 have been considered as a potential therapeutic target both in treating ischemic diseases and tumors. Here, we review the molecular regulation mechanism of PHD2 and its physiological and pathological functions. We focus on the role of PHD2 in both therapeutic angiogenesis for ischemic disease and tumor angiogenesis, and the current progress in utilizing PHD2 as a therapeutic target.

BACKGROUND:Epimedium has been used in the treatment of osteoporosis and repair of bone defects. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of epimedium on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
METHODS:A database search was performed to retrieve literatures addressing epimedium effects on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Then, the papers meeting the criteria were selected for in-depth analysis. During the osteogenic differentiation induced by epimedium, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin, transforming growth factorβ, bone morphogenetic proteins, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein were detected in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to understand the underlying mechanism of epimedium in proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Epimedium effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are shown in a dose-dependent manner. During the early induction, icari n can increase cellphosphatase activity;in the late induction, icari n can increase calcified nodules, promote osteocalcin secretion, significantly improve the expressions of transforming growth factorβ1, bone morphogenetic protein 2, insulin-like growth factor-1, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. Epimedium, which can be used as an excellent osteoinductive factor, improves the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Objective To discuss the pathological and clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of prostatic duct adenocareinoma. Methods The clinical data of nine cases of prostatic duct adeno-carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed, with the average age of 76 (59-106) years. Six cases were presented with dysuresia and/or nocturia, and two of them had the painless gross hematuria. Two pa-tients presented painless gross hematuria as the first symptom. One case was detected the elevated ser-um PSA in a routine healthy examination. Radical prostatectomy (RP) was performed in 1 case;RP and bilateral orchidectomy and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) were performed in 1 case;5 cases underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) combined with photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) by green laser and bilateral orchidectomy;1 case underwent TURP combined with PVP;1 case underwent bilateral orchidectomy combined with EBRT. Eight cases took flutamide for 3-45 months. All patients were followed-up according to the scheduled time. Results The op-erations were successfully performed in all 9 patients. The papillary or cauliflower-like tumors infiltra-ted colli culus seminalis and prostate duct nearby. The glands were coated with tall pseudostratified columnar cells. The nuclei were large, dark stained with more frequent mitoses. The positive rates of immunolabelling antibody PSA, AR, PAP were found to be 89%(8/9), 100%(5/5), 100%(5/5) re-spectively. The distribution of Gleason score was 6-7(3 cases), and≥8(6 cases), and a coexisting acinar carcinoma component was identified in 5 cases of the group. Nine cases had a mean follow up for 20(3-48) months. Five cases have developed biochemical recurrence, of whom 3 died of bone metas-tasis and multiple organ failure, and 1 developed lung and bone metastasis. Three cases remained alive without recurrence. The remaining 1 case survives during the follow-up survey for 6 months until now, without examinations due to the old age. Conclusions Duct adenocarcinoma of the prostate presents the low incidence and lacks of typical symptoms in the early stage. Diagnosis was confirmed mainly on the basis of pathology. The tumors tend to have a more advanced stage and a very short term survival rate. The treatment options and management are similar to that of high-grade adenocar-cinoma of the prostate;meanwhile, close follow-up survey should be performed.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of AlumaTM functional aspiration controlled electrothermal stimulation (FACES) radiofrequency in the treatment of skin wrinkles and laxity on the face and neck. Methods A total of 30 volunteers with aging skin were recruited in the study. All volunteers were treated with AlumaTM FACES radiofrequency for 6 times at 2-week interval. Photographs were taken for volunteers before every treatment and 1 month after the last treatment. Improvement in lesions was objectively assessed by two separate physicians based on the photographs of volunteers taken before the first,fourth and sixth treatment, and 1 month after the last treatment. Patient satisfaction was measured by ques-tionnaire. Adverse effects were recorded. Results Totally, 24 volunteers completed the treatment. Improve-ment of lesions was achieved in 66.7% of the volunteers after 3 treatments, 90.5% after 5 treatments, and 94.4% one month after the last treatment. About 50% of the volunteers were satisfied with the effect after 3 treatments, 90.5% after 5 treatments, and 100% one month after the last treatment. Slight purpura was the most common side effect. Conehusion Radiofrequency therapy is effective for skin wrinkles and laxity on the face and neck, without obvious side effect.

Objective To study the effects of exogenous hormones,gibberellin(GA3)and indole-3-acetic acid(IAA),on growth and tanshinones accumulation in the radix of Salvia miltiorrhiza.MethodsThe herb characters and contents of tanshinones(cryptotanshinone,tanshinone Ⅰ,and tanshinone ⅡA)in the radix of S.miltiorrhiza with different hormone treatments were investigated and compared in the combination of trail pot and indoor analysis.Results It promoted aboveground biomass in the radix of S.miltiorrhiza increasing with single GA3.But it inhibited underground biomass increasing.The exogenous addition of low-level and high-level GA3 was benefit for tanshinones accumulation,whereas the middle-level GA3 wasn't.The aboveground and underground biomass in the radix of S.miltiorrhiza increased indistinctively with the increasing of IAA concentration and then decreased.And the IAA solutions also increased plant height and root length indistinctively.in a whole,it was benefit for tanshinones accumulation when applying low-level IAA(0.5 mg/L)singly.With the increasing of IAA concentration,the content of cryptotanshinone increased,but the contents of tanshinone Ⅰ and tanshinone ⅡA decreased.It promoted S.miltiorrhiza radix growth and three tanshinones contents increasing obviously with the combined application of two low-level hormones.Conclusion The applying of GA3 and IAA is benefit for the growth and three tanshinones accumulation in the radix of S.miltiorrhiza.