OBJECTIVETo observe the expression profiles of osteoblast-related genes in human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow during osteogenic differentiation.

METHODSMSCs were induced to differentiate with MSC osteogenic differentiation medium for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days respectively. Alizarin Red staining was used to detect matrix mineralization. Expression of osteoblast-related genes, including osteocalcin, osteopontin, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase and collagen type 1, was assessed with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSOn day 14 after induction of differentiation, cells were stained positively with Alizarin Red. The expression levels of these genes exhibited an upward trend as induction time was prolonged. Exposure to osteogenic differentiation medium less than 21 days did not significantly induce osteocalcin expression; osteocalcin expression levels in the differentiated cells induced for 21 and 28 days were 1.63 and 2.46 times as high as the undifferentiated cells respectively (all P<0.05). Stimulation with MSC osteogenic differentiation medium over 14 days significantly enhanced bone marrow-derived MSCs to express osteopontin and Runx2 genes (all P<0.05). Osteogenic differentiation medium could significantly induce the expressions of alkaline phosphatase and collagen type1 genes (all P<0.05). Their expressions reached the peak levels on day 21, which were increased more than 4- and 3-fold respectively.

CONCLUSIONHuman bone marrow-derived MSCs could exhibit the sequential expression pattern of osteoblast marker genes during osteogenic differentiation in vitro.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; genetics ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit ; genetics ; Genetic Markers ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Osteocalcin ; genetics ; Osteogenesis ; Transcriptome

AIM: To study the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate(EP) on hepatocytes in septic mice.METHODS: The cecal ligation-perforation was made in mice as septic model.Ringer's ethyl pyruvate solution(REPS) and Ringer's lactic solution(RLS) were used to resuscitate septic mice.Anti-oxidative capacity of hepatic tissue and liver function were detected in different groups.RESULTS: Anti-oxidative capacity in septic mice was significantly lower than that in sham group(P

Objective To observe the expression profiles of osteoblast-related genes in human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow during osteogenic differentiation.
Methods MSCs were induced to differentiate with MSC osteogenic differentiation medium for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days respectively. Alizarin Red staining was used to detect matrix mineralization. Expression of osteoblast-related genes, including osteocalcin, osteopontin, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase and collagen type Ⅰ, was assessed with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Results On day 14 after induction of differentiation, cells were stained positively with Alizarin Red. The expression levels of these genes exhibited an upward trend as induction time was prolonged. Exposure to osteogenic differentiation medium less than 21 days did not significantly induce osteocalcin expression;osteocalcin expression levels in the differentiated cells induced for 21 and 28 days were 1.63 and 2.46 times as high as the undifferentiated cells respectively (all P<0.05). Stimulation with MSC osteogenic differentiation medium over 14 days significantly enhanced bone marrow-derived MSCs to express osteopontin and Runx2 genes (all P<0.05). Osteogenic differentiation medium could significantly induce the expressions of alkaline phosphatase and collagen typeⅠ genes (all P<0.05). Their expressions reached the peak levels on day 21, which were increased more than 4-and 3-fold respectively.
Conclusion Human bone marrow-derived MSCs could exhibit the sequential expression pattern of osteoblast marker genes during osteogenic differentiation in vitro.

To study the effect of alpha1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM1) polymorphism on the concentration of free nortriptyline in serum, genotyping analysis was employed in ORM1 by sequencing. Eighteen unrelated male adults were chosen and given a single dose of 25 mg nortriptyline orally, then the blood samples were taken at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96 and 168 hours after drug administration. Nortriptyline and 10-OH-nortriptyline in serum and ultrafiltrate were detected for the total and free concentration by using HPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared among different ORM1 genotypes. No significant differences were shown in the pharmacokinetic parameters of total nortriptyline and 10-OH-nortriptyline. The mean AUC(0-infinity) of free nortritpyline in ORM1 * F/ * F1 subjects was significantly higher than that in ORM1 * F1/ * S and ORM1 * S/ * S subjects [(119.1 +/- 74.4) ng x mL(-1) x h vs (51.4 +/- 23.2) ng x mL(-1) x h and (42.4 +/- 11.6) ng x mL(-1) x h]. The percentage of protein binding in subjects with ORM1 * F1/ * F1 genotype at 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after administration was slightly lower than in those with ORM1 * F1/ * S and ORM1 * S/ * S genotypes while the distinct difference was shown at 4 h (P < 0.05). Different ORM1 genotypes might affect the protein binding percentage and the concentration of serum free nortriptyline. The ability binding to the drug was higher in subjects with ORM1 * S/ * S genotype than in those with other two genotypes, so as to cause the lower concentration of free nortriptyline.
Adult ; Area Under Curve ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Nortriptyline ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Orosomucoid ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Protein Binding

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of surgical device closure of doubly committed sub-arterial ventricular septal defect via left sub-axillary.Methods A total of 45 patients diagnosed as doubly committed sub-arterial ventricular septal defect (dcVSD) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) were enrolled from June 2014 to August 2016 in Henan Children Heart Center,Henan Provincial People's Hospital.There were 39 males and 6 females,with the mean age of (2.2 ±2.1) years old(0.5-8.0 years),the body weight (13.8 ± 7.1) kg(7.0-34.1 kg),the defect size (4.5 ± 1.0) mm (3.0-8.0 mm).After general anesthesia,the patients were in supine and evaluated by TEE which indicated whether they were fit to closure.Then,they were turned to the right lateral position while this technique was determined.A vertical incision of 2-3 cm was made between the third and the fifth intercostal space and invasion in thoracic space via fourth intercostal space.Puncture was done at the anterior surface of right ventricular outlet tract to build a delivery tract.The occluder was released and the VSD was occluded under transesophageal echocardiography guidance.Results Forty-one patients had a successful surgical dcVSD closure with asymmetric occluders sized (6.0 ± 1.5) mm(4-10 mm).Among 4 failure cases,2 cases (4.4％) were switched to open-heart surgical repair,1 case (2.2％) due to device related aortic regurgitation,the rest 1 case (2.2％) experienced a dislocation of occluder into pulmonary artery and was converted to surgical repair after retrieve of occluder.Trivial residual shunt was detected in 2 cases (4.4％) postoperatively,a spontaneous closure was observed by 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-ups,respectively.All the patients were discharged 5 to 8 days after the operation.With a follow-up of (10.4 ±5.0) months [3-24 months],there were no complications such as pericardial effusion,displacement of device,atrioventricular block or new valvular dysfunction.Conclusions Minimally invasive device closure of doubly committed sub-arterial ventricular septal defect via left sub-axillary is a feasible and safe treatment for closure of dcVSD.This technique has advantages of minor wound,less exudation,covert incision,however,long term follow-up is necessary.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with pathological stage pN3 gastric cancer.

METHODSA retrospective study of 310 patients with histologically confirmed pN3 stage gastric cancer undergoing radical gastrectomy from January 2000 to December 2006 in our department was performed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival. Log-rank test and Cox regression model were carried out for univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 2 to 103 (mean 35.7) months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 14.6%. There were 201 cases with stage pN3a and 109 cases with stage pN3b, and the 5-year survival rates were 16.8% and 10.3% respectively (P=0.013). Univariate analysis showed that tumor location, Borrmann type, depth of tumor invasion, surgical method, metastatic lymph node ratio, and pN stage were associated with postoperative survival (all P<0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that depth of tumor invasion, surgical method and metastatic lymph node ratio were independent prognostic factors, while the pN stage was not. The difference of 5-year survival rate between pN3a and pN3b subgroups was significant in pT4a patients (16.1% vs. 12.8%, P=0.001), while such difference was not significant in pT4b patients (8.6% vs. 3.1%, P=0.137).

CONCLUSIONSPrognosis of patients with pN3 stage gastric cancer after radical resection is poor. Depth of tumor invasion and surgical method are independent prognostic factors for pN3 stage gastric cancer. Metastatic lymph node ratio is valuable to predict the prognosis of pN3 stage patients. The pN3 staging of the 7th UICC provides a more accurate prediction of prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors for the prognosis in patients with node-negative gastric cancer.

METHODSClinicopathological characteristics of 138 patients with node-negative gastric carcinoma undergoing curative gastrectomy from January 2000 to December 2005 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSThe overall 5-year survival rate was 62.4%. The univariate analysis revealed that tumor size, tumor location, cell differentiation, invasive depth, operative type and Lauren histologic type had significant effects on the survival. The independent prognostic factors of these patients were tumor size, cell differentiation, and serosal involvement in multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONFor node-negative gastric cancer patients, tumor size, poor differentiation and serosal involvement are important markers to evaluate prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Survival Rate

Clinical reports on cardiac syndrome X (CSX) have been increasing in recent years. In general, CSX does not increase the cardiovascular mortality, but it can affect the patient's quality of life (QOL) and increase the incidence rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Although a variety of drugs and therapies have been utilized in the clinical treatment, the management of CSX still represents a major challenge due to its unclear pathogenesis. It is necessary to explore more effective treatment programs. Many attempts have been made on trials of the Chinese medicine (CM) treatment for CSX and proved that CM has a certain advantage in efficacy to improve clinical symptoms and QOL. CM may provide a new approach for the effective treatment of CSX.
Humans ; Integrative Medicine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Metabolic Syndrome ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVETo explore the protective effect of allicin on nicotine-induced oxidative damage to human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs).

METHODS(1) Establish nicotine-induced oxidative damage model on HPDLCs. Use water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) colorimetric method to find out the nicotine concentration (X) that could inhibit HPDLCs' growth for the following experiments. (2) HPDLCs of the fifth passage were divided into 5 groups: The control group, the nicotine group and the nicotine+allicin groups(the concentration of allicin was 15, 30, and 60 microg x mL(-1) respectively). Different kinds of culture media were added. Similarly, use WST colorimetric method to choose the allicin concentration (Y) that could significantly improve the survival rate of HPDLCs. (3) HPDLCs were divided into 3 groups: The control group, the nicotine group, the nicotine+allicin group and different media were added. The glutathion (GSH) concentrations in HPDLCs were determined in 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24h respectively.

RESULTS0.8 mg x mL(-1) nicotine could inhibit the HPDLCs survival rate significantly (77% of the control, P < 0.05). But 60 microg x mL(-1) allicin could prevent the inhibition effects evidently, improving the survival rate to 112% of that of the nicotine group (P < 0.05) and reaching the survival rate level of control group (P > 0.05). The GSH concentrations of nicotine+allicin group were higher than that of the nicotine group always (P < 0.05) and by 82% at 8 h after culture, but had no difference with that of the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION60 microg x mL(-1) allicin can protect the HPDLCs against oxidative damage induced by nicotine.

Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media ; Humans ; Nicotine ; Periodontal Ligament ; Sulfinic Acids

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of acupuncture in treating cervical spondylosis with different syndrome types.

METHODSOne hundred and seventeen patients were randomized into the treated group: (59 cases), treated with normal acupuncture, and the control group (58 cases), treated with sham acupuncture, operated once every other day, 9 times in total (in 18 days) as one therapeutic course, and a succeeding 3-month follow-up study was carried out after terminating the therapy. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated with the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the scores gained in patients with different syndrome types were analyzed with a general linear model.

RESULTSThe NPQ and VAS: scores showed a linear decreasing tendency in both groups at the time of ending treatment and the 1st month of follow-up, but showed a secondary curve increasing tendency in the 3rd month of follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed the difference was of statistical significance (P<0.05). However, the analysis through lead-in of syndrome type as an individual influencing factor showed that syndrome type exerts a significant influence on VAS score (P<0.05), but has insignificant influence on the NPQ score (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture shows: good immediate effect in treating cervical spondylosis, but its long-term effect is not satisfactory. The difference in syndrome type may have some impact on the effects of acupuncture in alleviating pain, but exerts no evident influence on the comprehensive effect.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pain Measurement ; Spondylosis ; physiopathology ; therapy