AIM: To investigate the change of heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in vascular calcification, to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanimsm in vascular calcification.METHODS: Vascular calcification model was established in rats by using vitamin D 3 and nicotine. The relative content of HO-1 mRNA, immunochemistry (IH) for HO-1, HO activity, HbCO formation and content of cGMP in aorta were measured. RESULTS: Compared to those of control rats, the HO-1 mRNA level in vessels of rats in VDN group(vascular calcification group) were decreased by 34.9% ( P

AIM: To study alterations of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in cardiac sarcop lasmic reticulum from rats with myocardial calcification, and to explore the mec hanism of inhibition of SR function in the rats with myocardial calcification. METHODS: The myocardial calcification rat models were prepared by vit amin D3 plus nicotine for 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Cardiac SR was separated by centrifugating. T he nitric oxide (NO) production, NOS activity and NOS protein expression in the SR were perfor med. RESULTS: Compared with control, myocardial calcium content in t he 6 weeks i ncreased by 408%(P

AIM: To explore the effects of angiotensin II on aortic calcification in the rat. METHODS: Arterial calcification of Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by vitamin D_3 plus nicotine. Calcification was confirmed by Von Kossa staining, measurement of calcium content, [~(45)Ca~(2+)] accumulation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of vascular tissue. RESULTS: The results showed that calcium content, [~(45)Ca~(2+)] accumulation and ALP activity in calcified arteries increased significantly compared with those of control. Ang Ⅱ levels in plasma and aortic tissues and the amount of angiotensinogen mRNA in calcified aorta were also increased as compared with control. Captopril (inhibitor of ACE) and losartan (Ang Ⅱ receptor inhibitor) decreased significantly the content of calcium, [~(45)Ca~(2+)] uptake and ALP activity in calcified aorta. Ang Ⅱ levels in plasma and aortic tissues and the amount of angiotensinogen mRNA in aortic tissue were down-regulated by captopril. The amount of angiotensinogen mRNA and the content of Ang Ⅱ in the calcified aorta were also decreased by losartan. CONCLUSION: The captopril and losartan significantly alleviate the vascular calcification. [

AIM: To observe the changes of cystathionine-lyase/hydrogen sulfide(CSE/H_2S) in vivo in vascular calcification and to explore the role of CSE/H_2S in vascular calcification.METHODS: Vascular calcification model in rats was induced by administration of vitamin D_3 plus nicotine.The extent of calcification was estimated by assaying calcium content.[~(45)Ca~(2+)] deposition and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity were detected.CSE mRNA amount was determined by using competitive quantitative RT-PCR.The content of H_2S and activity of CSE in the plasma and cardiovascular tissues were also determined with biochemical methods.RESULTS: Calcium content in myocardium increased by 3.8 folds in a calcification model.Compared to control,calcium content,[~(45)Ca~(2+)] accumulation and ALP activity in calcified arteries increased by 6.8,1.4,and 1.9 folds,respectively(P

Objective To examine whether the two vascular paracrine/autocrine factors, angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) and endothelin, participate in the pathogenesis of arterial calcification. Methods Nicotine and vitamin D3 treated rats were studied. Vascular calcification was confirmed by using Von Kossa staining, measurement of calcium content,45Ca2+ uptake assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The plasma and vascular Ang Ⅱ and endothelin levels were measured by using radioimmunoassay. Angiotensinogen and endothelin mRNA levels were determined by RTPCR. Results The arterial calcium content, 45Ca2+ uptake and ALP activity were increased in calcification groups compared with control ( P ＜ 0.01 ). Administration of the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan, the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril reduced significantly the arterial calcium content, 45Ca2+ uptake and ALP activity. In addition, the plasma and aortic Ang Ⅱ and endothelin contents, and vascular angiotensinogen and endothelin mRNA expression were significantly up-regulated ( P ＜0.05).Conclusions These findings suggest that functional renin-angiotensin system and endothelin pathway are involved in vascular calcification, and that activation of these systems could potentiate pathogenesis of arterial calcification. ( J Geriatr Cardiol 2004;1(2) :108-113. )

This study aimed at investigating the utilization of TCM services and exploring the influencing factors,such as education,economic condition,health condition,attitude to TCM treatment and TCM health literacy,of TCM treatment-seeking behavior in the elders in Zhejiang Province.In this study,a cross-sectional study with stratified sampling was adopted for the further investigation of the elders over 55 years by questionnaire.The questionnaire contained four aspects:1.demographic information:gender,age,education,pension mode,medicare and self-evaluation of economic level;2.health status:self-evaluation of health and current diseases;3.attitude to TCM treatment:Would you accept the TCM health services? 4.health literacy:self-made KAB questionnaire including health knowledge,attitude and behavior.Nine hundred and fifty questionnaires were issued and 945 valid questionnaires were returned.Among them,four hundred and eighty-four cases were male and 461 were female.The average age was 72.0 ± 8.9 years with a low level of education,mainly junior high school or lower (88.3％).Over the past year,only 50.11％ elders sought for TCM treatment.Generally speaking,age,gender,education,pension mode and health behavior showed no significant association with TCM treatment.The elders seeking for TCM treatment over the past year held favorable attitude to TCM treatment and high economic status,yet,with poor health status,high prevalence and health literacy (or health attitudes).It was concluded that the utilization rate of TCM services in the elders in Zhejiang Province was not optimist,probably resulting from the lack of publicity and market competitiveness of TCM.Therefore,TCM services should be promoted to meet the health needs of the elders and enhance the utilization rate of TCM services for the achievement of a significant role in the aging society in China.

To study the mechanism of injection of sinomenine (Sinomenine,SIN)into Jiaji point in the treatment of L1-L5 segment Compression of fracture spine (VCF) in rabbits.Methods:54 rabbits were randomly divided into blank control group,model group and sinomenine group (group SIN)by the random number table.All the 2 groups established L1-L5 segment VCF model except the blank control group.After molding,the SIN group was injected SIN at both sides of the L1-L5 section of the vertebral column,the model group and the blank control group were injected the same volume of physiological saline as comparison.The 3 groups were treated for 4 weeks.Fracture of vertebral bone growth differentiation factor 2 (Growth differentiation,FACTOR2,GDF2),vascular endothelial growth factor (Vascular endothelial,growth factor,VEGF) and the expression of VEGF-mRNA were determined by immunohistochemical staining method;in venous blood,activities of nitric oxide (Nitric oxide NO),super oxide dissuade (Super oxide dims,unties,SOD) and bone protection Su (OPG) were detected by ELISA;immunofluorescence was used to measure two chitosan,image analysis method was used to detect spinal bone density in L1-L5 segment,the ELISA was used to detect inflammatory factor interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta),IL-6 beta,beta IL-17 in the spinal disc.Results:compared with the model group,in the SIN group,VEGF,VEGFmRNA and GDF2 in L1-L5 segment of spine were highly expressed,and the bone density increased (P＜0.05);two chitosan in intervertebral disc increased,IL-1beta,IL-6 beta,IL-17 beta,(P＜ 0.05);NO in venous blood decreased OPG,SOD increased (P＜0.05),the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:injection of SIN into Jiaji can promote the healing of VCF in L1-L5 segment in rabbits.

Objective To find out the distribution of drinking-tea-borne fluorosis in the six ethnics in Qinghai Province, and to provide basic data for prevention and control of the disease. Methods In 2010, according to the requirement of “The National Surveillance Program of Drinking-Tea-borne Fluorosis”, six ethnics accounted for 99.59% of total population in Qinghai Province were investigated in 28 counties having brick-tea drinking habit. Three townships and a town in each county, two administrative villages(residents’ committee) in each township and town were chosen and 50 adults in each administrative village and residents ’ committee were selected to check skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis, urine fluoride and daily drinking amount of tea water. Five to six samples of drinking tea water were determined. Dental fluorosis was examined by Deans method; the fluoride content of brick-tea and urine were determined by fluoride ion selective electrode; the skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed based on “Endemic Osteofluorosis Clinical Indexing Diagnosis Standard”( WS 192-2008 ) . Results A total of 10 335 adults were surveyed, the number of Tibetan, Han, Hui, Mongolian, Tu and Salar ethnics were 4 972, 3 063, 1 196, 634, 235 and 235, respectively. The daily drinking amounts of tea water in Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, Tu, Han and Salar ethnics were 2.53, 2.19, 1.74, 1.63, 1.22 and 1.07 L, respectively. Daily fluoride intakes in Tibetan, Mongolian, Tu, Hui, Han and Salar ethnics were 3.99, 2.78,2.27, 2.16, 1.78 and 1.28 mg, respectively. The medians of urinary fluoride concentration of the Tibetan, Tu, Hui, Han, Mongolian and Salar ethnics were 1.46, 1.19, 1.12, 0.98, 0.93 and 0.81 mg/L, respectively. The prevalence rates of dental fluorosis of the Hui, Han, Tibetan, Tu, Mongolian and Salar ethnics were 34.53%(413/1 196), 27.07%(829/3 063), 21.60%(1 074/4 972), 20.00%(47/235), 17.98%(114/634) and 6.38%(15/235), respectively. The incidence rates of clinical skeletal fluorosis of the Tibetan, Mongolian, Han, Hui, Tu and Salar ethnics were 13.42%(667/4 972), 11.04%(70/634), 9.31%(285/3 063), 7.61%(91/1 196), 5.53%(13/235) and 4.26%(10/235), respectively. Conclusions The distribution and prevalent status of drinking-tea-borne fluorosis in the six ethnics of Qinghai Province are different. Tibetan and Mongolian ethnics are the key population concerning the prevention and control of the disease.

Objective To establish several human umbilical vein endothelial cell ( HUVEC ) strains with over-ex-pression or low expression of receptor for activated C kinase 1 ( RACK1 ) , which will provide an effective tool for future studying the function of RACK1 in arrhythmia.Methods The full-length cDNA sequence of RACK1 gene was amplified and inserted into pIRES2-EGFP.At the same time, designed and synthesised complementary DNA sequences of 3 pairs of short hairpin structure and a pair of negative control sequence , then subcloned into the plas-mid pGenesil-1 .The HUVEC cells were transfected with these plasmids and screened by using G 418 .And the expression of RACK1 mRNA and protein in the cells were assayed by qRT-PCR and Western blot , respectively . Results RACK1 eukaryotic expression vector and siRNA expression vectors of RACK 1 were constructed success-fully.After a 48 h transfection of HUVEC cells with the recombinant vectors and G 418 selection, the positive cell clones were obtained .qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that over-expression vector and interference vectors could effectively enhanced and knocked-down RACK1 expression in HUVEC strains .Conclusions HUVEC cell strains with over-expression and low expression of RACK 1 have been successfully established .

Objective To observe the illness change trend of drinking water type endemic arsenic poisoning in Qinghai Province, comprehensively evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures, in order to provide a scientific basis for timely adjustment of the prevention and control measures. Methods From 2010 to 2013, according to the Drinking Water Type Endemic Arsenic Poisoning Monitoring Programs, 3 villages in 2 counties within Qinghai Province were randomly selected as monitoring sites. The arsenic content in drinking water of residents was measured, water improvement projects in all monitoring villages were investigated; at the same time an investigation of arsenic disease in resident population was conducted, and urinary arsenic content was monitored. Arsenic in drinking water and urine was determined by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry, and arsenic poisoning was diagnosed using Endemic Arsenic Poisoning Diagnostic Criteria (WS/T 211-2001). Results Of the three water improvement projects, two were water arsenic exceeded the standard, and one was intermittently operated. From 2010 to 2013, the arsenic poisoning detec tion rate in Baoning Village was 27.30% (193/707), 31.90%(245/768), 29.35%(221/753) and 28.22%(219/776); in Kecai Village was 32.62%(107/328), 34.83%(124/356), 31.26%(131/419) and 29.35%(118/402);and in Manimotai Village was 56.58%(43/76), 52.81%(47/89), 45.10%(46/102) and 34.69% (34/98), there was no significant difference statistically of the arsenic poisoning detection rates in the three monitored villages in the 4 years (χ2 =3.09, 0.04, 0.92, all P>0.05). From 2010 to 2013, women arsenic poisoning detection rate was 36.45%(203/557), 40.59%(246/606), 36.12%(225/623) and 34.77%(218/627), respectively;men was 25.27%(140/554), 28.01%(170/607), 26.57%(173/651) and 23.57%(153/649), respectively;women arsenic poisoning detection rates were higher than those of men (χ2 = 16.25, 21.32, 13.49, 19.38, all P < 0.05). Arsenic poisoning detection rate of people younger than 60 years old had a tendency to increase with age. In 2012 and 2013, 105 and 93 urine samples were tested, respectively; urinary arsenic geometric mean was 0.113 and 0.149 mg/L. Conclusions Water improvement projects and water quality are not optimistic, and prevalence of arsenic poisoning is still at a higher level. A sound long-term monitoring program should be established as soon as possible, the management and maintenance of water improvement projects should be strengthened, and the monitoring and prevention work should not be neglected.