Aim To explore the ethanol-induced apoptosis effect on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells and its relationship to the expression of apoptosis associated genes, bax and bcl-2. Methods The cytotoxic effect of 20～ 100 mL/ L ethanol on HCC cell line HCC-9204 was tested by thiazolyl-blue (MTT) assay. Then apoptosis of HCC-9204 cells was induced with 60 mL/ L of ethanol for 6 h. The morphological change, DNA breakage and the change of DNA content of different cell cycles of the apoptotic cells were detected by May-Grunwald Giemsa(MGG) staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and flow cytometer respectively. The changes of expression level of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were detected by immunocytochemical staining and image analysis. Results The higher the concentration of ethanol was, the stronger the cytotoxic effect on HCC-9204 cells was. 60 mL/ L of ethanol could lead to obviously morphological apoptotic changes of HCC-9204 cells, and majority of the cells were TUNEL positive by TUNEL labeling assay. Typical apoptotic sub G1 peak was observed by flow cytometer. The level of Bax protein expression increased significantly after induced with 60 mL/ L of ethanol for 6 h, no expression of Bcl 2 were found before and after induced with ethanol. Conclusion Low dose of ethanol can induce apoptosis of HCC-9204 cells obviously, and occurance of the apoptosis is related to the increase of the level of Bax protein expression.

Objective: To prepare the conjugate of supcrantigen (SAg) staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and monoclonal antibody (McAb) against human hepatocellular carcinoma HAbl8 F(ab' )_(2) fragment and to investigate the anti-human hepatoma effect of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) targeted by HAbl8 F(ab' )i-SEA. Methods: McAb HAbl8 was extracted and its F(ab' )_(2) fragment was prepared with papain; the conjugate HAblS F(ab' )_(2)-SEA was prepared with N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP); eveny collected peak after purification was identified with gel chromatography; the activity of antibody in the conjugate was identified with immunohistocheinical ABC method; the anti-hepatoma effect of PBMC targeted by HAbl8 F(ab' )_(2)-SEA was observed with MTT method. Results: The conjugate HAbl8 F(ab' )_(2)-SEA was prepared successfully and it had obvious effect of targeting PBMC to kill hepatoma cells, and this effect is correlated positively with the dose of HAbl8 F(ab')_(2)-SEA. Control groups had no such effect. Conclusion: Targeting therapy of hepatoma with McAb-SAg conjugate might be a kind of hopeful model of hepatoma im-munotherapy.

Objective Mechanisms of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation remain controversy.This study aimed to investigate the impact of PVI on vagal modulation to atria.Methods Eighteen adult mongrel dogs under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups.Bilateral cervical sympathovagal trunks were decentralized and sympathetic effects was blocked by metoprolol administration.Atrial electrical remodeling (AER) was established by rapid right atrial pacing at the rate of 600 bpm for 30 minutes.PVI was performed in group A.Atrial effective refractory period (ERP),vulnerability window (VW) of atrial fibrillation,and sinus rhythm cycle length (SCL) were measured at baseline and during vagal stimulation before and after atrial rapid pacing with and without PVI at fight atrial appendage (RAA),left atrial appendage (LAA),distal coronary sinus (CSd) and proximal coronary sinus (CSp).Results (1) Effects of PVI on vagal modulation:Shortening of SCL during vagal stimulation decreased significantly after PVI compared with that before PVI in group A (P＜0.001).Shortening of ERP during vagal stimulation decreaseed significantly after PVI compared with that before PVI (P＜0.05).VW of atrial fibrillation during vagal stimulation decreased significantly after PVI compared with that before PVI (P＜0.05).(2) Effects of PVI on AER:shortening of ERP before and after atrial rapid pacing increased significantly at baseline and vagal stimulation in group B compared with that in group A (P＜0.05).VW during vagal stimulation increased significantly after atrial rapid pacing in group B (P＜0.05).Conclusion PVI attenuates the vagal modulation to the atria,thereby decreases the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation mediated by vagal activity.PVI releases AER,which maybe contributes to the vagal denervation.Our study indicates that PVI not only can eradicate triggered foci but also modify substrates for AF.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2008;5:28-32)

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristic of the T peak-end interval (Tpe) in dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) patients with heart failure and its significance in evaluation of global dispersion of ventricular repolarization.MethodsFifty-three inpatients were enrolled in this study,which included 28patients with DCM and heart failure (DCM group),and 25 patients with supraventricular tachycardia and without structural heart disease (control group).The Tpe and the dispersion of QT interval (QTd) from the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram(ECG) were acquired and measured,and consequently the corrected numerals of the average of Tpe (Tpe-AVEC),the maximal Tpe (Tpe-MAXC) were acquired.ResultsThe levels of Tpe-AVEC,Tpe-MAXC and QTd in DCM group were significantly higher than those in control group [ ( 106.31 ±26.34) ms vs.(82.72 ± 10.01 ) ms,(234.05 ± 69.75) ms vs.( 119.15 ± 11.55 ) ms,( 119.17 ± 67.62) ms vs.( 39.74 ± 17.04 ) ms ] ( P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ).ConclusionsThe global dispersion of ventricular repolarization is significantly increased in patients with DCM and heart failure.The Tpe-AVEC and Tpe-MAxc are recommended to be used for evaluating the dispersion of ventricular repolarization as the prognostic index in patients with DCM and heart failure.

Objective To detect the gene mutation of thyroid hormone receptor β ( TRβ ) in a family with thyroid hormone resistance syndrome.Methods The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes of the patient and his 5 family members.The exons 1-10 ofTRβ gene were amplified by PCR.The products of PCR were sequenced directly to detect the gene mutation.Results Two members of this family were confirmed to have the C y A transition mutation at nucleotide 1642 site within exon 10 of TRβ gene,which was a missense mutation causing the substitution of Proline to Threonine (P453T).The mutation was Heterozygous.Conclusions It was confirmed that the patient has TRβ gene mutation P453T in exon 10.The mutation may lead to the occurrence of thyroid hormone resistance syndrome.

Objective To explore the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds incorporating ADM-PLGA microspheres in repairing large bone defects of rabbit femoral condyle. Methods Animal models of bone defects were induced in 21 New Zealand white rabbits by drilling holes in bilateral femoral lateral condyles , and the rabbits were equally divided into 3 groups:group A as the control group with the defects untreated , group B treated by filling with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds (NHAC), and group C treated by filling with the nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds incorporating ADM-PLGA microspheres (ADM-PLGA-NHAC). At week 12 after implanting , the rabbits were all sacrificed for the implanted scaffolds , which were then examined by X-ray , and Micro-CT 3D reconstruction and in histology for evaluation of the new bone formation. Results X-ray, Micro-CT and the measurement and analysis of BMD indicated thatthere was no significant differencein the new bone formation between group B and group C (P > 0.05). The histological examination revealed that. 12 weeks after operation an evident number of new born bones were seen on the implanted scaffolds in groups B and C , while very few were seen scattering in group A. Conclusion The nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds incorporating ADM-PLGA microspheres is effective in repairing bone defect without influencing the prosthetic process.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the initial results of a hybrid procedure for treating descending thoracic aortic disease that involves distal aortic arch.It also intends to report our initial experience in performing this procedure.Methods A total of 45 patients(35 males and 10 females) with descending thoracic aortic disease underwent a hybrid procedure,namely,thoracic endovascular aortic repair(TEVAR) combined with supra-arch branch vessel bypass,in our center from April 2009 to August 2014.Right axillary artery to left axillary artery bypass(n =20) or right axillary artery to left common carotid artery and left axillary artery bypass(n =25) were performed.The conditions of all patients were followed up from the 14th month to the 77th month postoperative[mean(38.0 ± 17.1) months].Mortality within 30 days,complications such as endoleak after the hybrid procedure,and stenosis or blockage of the bypass graft during the follow-up period were assessed.Results One case of death and one case of cerebral infarction were reported within 30 days.Two patients underwent open surgery beacuse of endoleak.And a newly formed intimal tear was observed in one patient and the patient underwent a second TEVAR during the follow-up period.Condusion Initial results suggest that the one-stage hybrid procedure is a suitable therapeutic option for thoracic aortic pathologies that involve distal aortic arch.However,this procedure is not recommended for type-B aortic dissection,in which a tear is located in the greater curvature or near the left subclavian artery,because of the high possibility of endoleak occurrence.

Objective To study the effect of Du meridian electroacupuncture on growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) expression in rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods The SCI models were established with MASCIS Impactor at T11 segment in Sprague-Dawley rats. They were equally divided into control group (group A, n=18) and Du meridian electroacupuncture group (group B, n=18). Group B received electroacupuncture once a day since 1 week after SCI. They were evaluated with the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score 1, 2, 4, 8 weeks after SCI. The mRNA and protein of GAP-43 was detected with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry 2, 4, 8 weeks after SCI. Results Compared with group A, the BBB score, the expression of GAP-43 mRNA and protein increased in group B after SCI (P<0.01). Conclusion Du meridian electroacupuncture can promote the expression of GAP-43 after spinal cord injury.

0.05]. Conclusion:Besides the enlargement of LA,the volume of LAA and the area of LAA ostium were significantly increased in AF patients.Preprocedural assessment of LAA ostium should be helpful for the selection of occlusion devices.Because LAA is be very close to LCX,the selection of AF ablation strategies should be carefully taken to avoid possible damage of LCX.

Background Atrial electrical remodeling(AER)plays an important role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of atrialfibrillation.However,little is known about modulation of vagal activilty to AER.This study aimed to investigate the relationshipbetween vagal moduation and AER. Methods Twenty four adult mongrel dogs under general anesthesia were randomized into 3groups.Sympathetic activity was blocked by administration of metoprolol in 3 groups.The changes in vagal modulation to atria afterAER were observed in 10 dogs without vagal interruption in group A.The effects of vagal intervention on AER were investigated in 8dogs with administration of atropine in group B.The impact of aggressively vagal activity on AER was studied in 6 dogs with bilateralcervical vag sympathetic trunLks stimulation during AER in group C.Bilateral cervicall vagosympathetic trunks were decentralized.Multipolar catheters wereplaced into high right atria(RA),coronary sinus(CS)and rightventricle(RV).AER was induced by 600 bpmpacing through RA catheter for 30 minutes.Attial effective refractory period(ERP)and vulnerability window (VW)of atrial fibrillationwere measured with and without vagal stimulation before and after AER.Results In group A,ERP decreased significantly at baselineand during vagal stimulation after AER compared with that beforeAER(all P＜0.05).In group B,ERP remaind unchanged at baselineand vagal stimulation after AER compared with tbat before AER (all P＞0.05).In group C,ERP shortened significantly at baseline andvagal stimulation after AER compared with that before AER(all P＜0.05).ERP shortening after AER in Groups A and C increasedsignificantly than that in group B (all P＜0.05).Atrial fibrillation could not be induced at baseline(VW close to 0) before and after AERin three groups.VW became widen significantly during vagal stimulation after AER compared with that before AER in Groups A and C(all P＜0.05),while VW remained unchanged in group B (VW close to 0).Conclusions Short-term AER results in the decrease inERP.AER is accompanied by the increases in atrial vagal modulation.The increased vagal activity and vagal stimulation promote AER,thereby increase the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation.The interrupted vagal activity attenuates AER.thereby suppresses the atriaIfibrillation mediated by vagal stimutlation.