Animals ; Male ; Methyl Chloride ; therapeutic use ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Organothiophosphorus Compounds ; poisoning ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

AIM: To explore correlation,consistency and comfort between traditional tear film examination methods and Oculus Keratograph.METHODS: A retrospective study.Totally 101 cases (101 eyes) were diagnosed myopia and then accepted LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis).Non-invasive tear film break-up time(NIBUT),lower tear meniscus height(LTMH) were measured with Oculus Keratograph,fluorescein tear film break-up time(fl-BUT) and Schimer Ⅰ test (SⅠt) were performed on all cases.The correlations analysis between NIBUT and fl-BUT,LTMH and SⅠt were performed by Spearman rank correlation,consistency check between NIBUT and fl-BUT by Bland-Altman analysis.Visual analogue scale(VAS) was applied on evaluating the comfort of two kinds of examination methods.RESULTS: LTMH and SⅠt showed positive correlation (rs=0.346,P=0.001).NIBUT and fl-BUT showed positive correlation (rs=0.393,P=0.001),95% consistency limits range-9.62 to 14.18 in Bland-Altman Figure.There was significant difference between VAS of NIBUT and VAS of fl-BUT(z=-2.324,P=0.020).There was significant difference between VAS of LTMH and VAS of SⅠt (z=-8.845,P=0.001).CONCLUSION: Oculus Keratograph can objectively measure NIBUT and LTMH,and was more comfortable than traditional tear film examination methods.It can effectively assess tear film function before corneal refractive surgery.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the modulation of pilose antler extract (PAE) on rat osteogenic cells UMR-106 in vitro.

METHODComponent P2 of PAE was isolated by Sephacryl S-200HR gel filtration chromatography. The proliferative effects of P2 and other components isolated by Sephacryl S-200HR on UMR-106 cells were investigated by MTT assay.

RESULTThe P2 could significantly increase the proliferation rate of osteogenic cells. When the protein concentration of P2 was between 0.972 mg x L(-1) and 97.2 mg x L(-1), it could inhibit the proliferation of UMR-106 cells. But while the concentration was equal to or greater than 97.2 mg x L(-1), the P2 could increase the proliferation rate of cells, especially 477.92% at 9.72 g x L(-1), which was approximated to 499.62% of PAE. The molecular weight of the P2 was about 59 kDa determined by SDS-PAGE. On the other hand, inhibition was also observed in the sample of the P3, P4 and P5.

CONCLUSIONThose regulative factors in PAE which have different molecular weight can affect the proliferation of UMR-106 cells two-wayly. And this adjustment also relies on the dose of those factors. This finding may help us to understand the possible mechanism of Chinese traditional medicine from animal materials.

Animals ; Antlers ; chemistry ; Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Deer ; Materia Medica ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Osteosarcoma ; pathology ; Rats ; Tissue Extracts ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVEThe activity of deer serum albumin on proliferation of rat osteogenic-like cells UMR-106 and the IGF-I secretion were investigated in order to elucidate pilose antler's bone-strengthening mechanism.

METHODDeer serum albumin was isolated from freeze-dry pilose antler powder extract. The methods were Sephacryl S-200HR gel filtration, POROS 20QE ion-exchange and TSK G3000SW chromatographies. The effect of deer serum albumin on proliferatio of UMR-106 cells was assaied by MTT, and the secretion of IGF-I of UMR-106 cells was assaied by RIA.

RESULTDeer serum albumin, with the molecular weight of 56.3 kDa, significantly increased the proliferation rate of the osteoblast-like UMR-106 cell and IGF-I secretion. When concentration of deer serum albumin reached 0.149 microg x mL(-1), UMR-106 cell proliferation rate was 241.03% and IGF-I secretion was 66.89 ng x mL(-1).

CONCLUSIONThe concentration of deer serum albumin, from 14.9 ng x mL(-1) to 14.90 microg x mL(-1), significantly increased the proliferation rate of the osteoblast-like UMR-106 cell and IGF- I secretion.

Animals ; Antlers ; chemistry ; Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Deer ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; secretion ; Materia Medica ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Osteosarcoma ; pathology ; Rats ; Serum Albumin ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin (PAE) on TNF-α-induced TNF receptor type I (TNFR1)-mediated signaling pathway in mouse renal arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODSMouse AECs were cultured in vitro and then they were treated by different concentrations PAE or TNF-α for various time periods. Expression levels of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the low dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 0.8 μmo/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the middle dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 8 μmol/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 μmol/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL) with Western blot analysis. Nuclear translocation of transcription factor NF-κB (NE-κB) was detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 45-mm TNF-α 30 ng/mL), and the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 μmol/L plus 45-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL) by immunofluorescent staining. Expression levels of the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated (protein) kinase (ph-ERK) and p38 (ph- p38) were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media) and the high dose PAE group (2-h PAE 80 μmol/L culture) by Western blot. NF-κB inhibitor-α (IκBα) protein expressions were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 30-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 μmol/L plus 30-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the p38 inhibitor group (SB group, pretreatment with SB238025 25 μmol/L for 30 min, then treated by PAE 80 μmol/L for 2 h, and finally treated by TNF-α 30 ng/mL for 30 min), the ERK inhibitor group (PD group, treated by PD98059 50 μmol/L for 30 min, then treated by PAE 80 μmol/L for 2 h, and finally treated by TNF-α 30 ng/mL for 30 min) by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, ICAM-1 protein expression levels obviously increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the TNFα group, ICAM-1 protein expression levels were obviously inhibited in the high dose PAE group (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of ph-p38 and ph-ERK were obviously higher in the hIgh dose PAE group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, IκBα protein expression levels obviously decreased in the TNF-α group (P < 0.01). Compared with the TNFα group, TNF-α-induced IκBα degradation could be significantly inhibited in the high dose PAE group (P < 0.01); the inhibition of PAE on IκBα degradation could be significantly inhibited in the SB group (P < 0.05). NF-κB/p65 signal was mainly located in cytoplasm in the normal group. NF-κB/p65 was translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus after stimulated by 45 min TNF-α in the TNF-α group, while it could be significantly inhibited in the high dose PAE group.

CONCLUSIONSPAE inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of lCAM-1. Its action might be associated with inhibiting TNFR1/NF-κB signaling pathway. p38 participated and mediated these actions.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Mice ; Monoterpenes ; pharmacology ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

Acute Disease ; Animals ; Ginkgo biloba ; Glutathione ; analysis ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; Paraquat ; toxicity ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Poisoning ; drug therapy ; Rats ; Superoxide Dismutase ; analysis ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the scope and degree of short-term adverse reactions of peginterferon alfa-2a in treatment of chronic hepatitis in adults and children to provide basis for anti-viral treatment in clinical practice. Methods A prospective study was conducted in adults and children with chronic hepatitis treated with pegintefferen aifa-2a. Meanwhile, the reactions in the patients were recorded with a table designed by ourselves and statistically analyzed. Results The short-term adverse reactions included increase in body temperature and aching pain in joints and muscles. The increase in body temperature was the major reaction and accounted for 54.11%. The increase in body temperature began to appear in 47.6% of the patients. The body temperature was 37.3℃-38.9℃ in most of the patients and mediate and low increase was found in 85.4% of the patients, which was decreased to 70% in the 4th week. However, the percentage of patients with high temperature was increased from 14.5% in the 1st week to 30% in the 4th week. The increase of body temperature began to appear in 9-12 h and 3-5 h after injection of peginterferon alfa-2a in the 1st and later, respectively. The duration of fever was 3-4 h in most of the patients. It appeared once in 1 week after the rejection in most of the patients. For management of fever, coohng with medication was conducted in 45.5% of the patients. Conclusion The short-term adverse reactions in patients with chronic hepatitis treated with pegintefferon alfa-2a include the increase in body temperature etc. The severity of the adverse reactions gradually reduces with continuation of the treatment. Of the adverse reactions, the increase in body temperature is the major (47.6%) and others only account for 1%- 16.9%. The increase in body temperature is mainly transient and no management is needed in 50% of the patients. Since the "ladder-type" dose-adding method is used for administration of peginterferon alfa-2a in group of patients, the adverse reactions is low in number and mild in degree.

OBJECTIVETo investigate NF-kappaB activity and the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK protein in lung tissue of acute paraquat poisoned rats and the effect of MT.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups: poisoned group, MT group and control group. On the 1st, the 3rd, the 7th and the 14th day after exposure, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were detected, NF-kappaB activity in the lung tissues was assessed by electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA), the expression of the phosphorylated p38 MAPK was evaluated by Western blot method, the lung pathological changes of rats were observed.

RESULTSThe level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum increased significantly in poisoned group on the 1st day (4.45 +/- 1.23), the 3rd day (3.77 +/- 1.12) and the 7th day (2.84 +/- 0.96) nmol/ml compared with that in control group (1.36 +/- 0.52) nmol/ml (P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in MT group on the 1st day (2.68 +/- 0.85), the 3rd day (1.97 +/- 0.74) and the 7th day (1.53 +/- 0.62) nmol/ml compared with poisoned group (P < 0.05). The expression of the phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB activity in lung tissue of poisoned group significantly increased compared with control group (P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in NF-kappaB activity and expression of the phosphorylated p38 MAPK in the lung tissues in MT group compared with poisoned group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONNF-kappaB and p38 MAPK could play an important role in lung injury of poisoned rats. MT may inhibit the expression of NF-kappaB and phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and therefore might have the therapeutical effect on acute paraquat poisoning.

Acute Lung Injury ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Paraquat ; poisoning ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

Objective To observe the relationship between serum uric acid and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) in Beijing community individuals.Methods This epidemiological survey was performed in residents of two communities from Shijingshan District in Beijing from 2007 to 2008.Cardiovascular risk factors and ba-PWV were measured. Two thousand five hundred and forty three individuals with both ba-PWV and serum uric acid measurements were included.Ba-PWV ≥ 1400 cm/s was defined as abnormal.The individuals were divided into four groups (Q1,Q2,Q3 and Q4 group) according to the gender-specific quartiles of serum uric acid. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relation between various cardiovascular risk factors and ba-PWV abnormality.Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relation between serum uric acid and ba-PWV abnormality after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors.Results Body mass index,triglyeride and prevalence of hypertension increased with increasing levels of serum uric acid (all P ＜0.01 ).Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age,gender,smoking,hypertension,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,diabetes,body mass index,total cholesterol,triglyeride and estimated glomerular filtration rate were related with ba-PWV abnormality( all P ＜0.01 ).Compared with Q1 group,ba-PWV abnormality OR value of Q4 group was 1.73 (95％ CI:1.34- 2.22,P ＜0.01 ).Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ba-PWV abnomality OR value of Q4 group was 1.66 (95％ CI:1.16 -2.37,P＜0.01 ) after adjusting for age,gender,smoking,hypertension,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,diabetes,body mass index,total cholesterol,triglyeride and estimated glomerular filtration rate when compared with Q1 group and OR values were 1.55 (95％ CI:0.88 -2.74,P＞0.05) and 1.65 (95％ CI:1.04-2.64,P＜0.05) in male and female respectively.Conclusion Increased serum uric acid was independently associated with ba-PWV abnormality in Beijing community residents.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of therapy of clearing heat,percolating dampness and lowering turbidity combined with Silibin Meglumine Tablets in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)patients with abnormal alanine aminotransferase(ALT)level of damp-heat accumulation type.Methods A retrospective study was conducted.According to the medication,80 patients with NASH with abnormal ALT level of damp-heat accumulation type were divided into control group and observation group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Silibin Meglumine Tablets,and the observation group was treated with therapy of clearing heat,percolating dampness and lowering turbidity on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment covered 12 weeks.The changes of liver function indicators of ALT,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT),blood lipid indicators of total cholesterol(CHOL)and triglyceride(TRIG),and the degree of hepatic steatosis in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 95.00%(38/40),and that of the control group was 77.50%(31/40).The curative effect of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the levels of ALT,AST and GGT in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of ALT,AST and GGT in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the levels of CHOL and TRIG in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of CHOL and TRIG in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the degree of hepatic steatosis in the two groups was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of the degree of hepatic steatosis in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(5)During the treatment,no obvious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups,indicating high safety.Conclusion The therapy of clearing heat,percolating dampness and lowering turbidity combined with Silibin Meglumine Tablets exerts certain effect in the treatment of NASH patients with abnormal ALT level of damp-heat accumulation type,and the therapy can significantly enhance the clinical efficacy of Silibin Meglumine Tablets alone for NASH.