OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of curcumin on TGF-β2 regulated peroxisome proliferater activated receptor y (PPAR-γ)/platelet derived growth factor β (PDGF-β) signaling pathway in lung fibroblasts of mice.

METHODSC57BL/6 mouse lung fibroblasts were in vitro cultured with TGF-β2, curcumin, or TGF-β2 plus curcumin. The cell proliferation was detected by cell growth counting in the blank control group, low, middle, and high dose curcumin groups (5, 25, 50 μmol/L), the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) group, TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin (5, 25, 50 μmol/L) groups. mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β), fibroblast growth factor R1 (FGFR1) were detected using reverse transcription PCR. Protein levels of PPAR-γ and collagen-1 were detected using Western blot and ELISA in the blank control group, the TGF-β2 group, the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, curcumin 50 μmol/L showed the most significant inhibition on cell proliferation at 48 h and 72 h. Compared with the TGF-β2 group, TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 mol/L also showed the most significant inhibition on cell proliferation at 48 h and 72 h. Compared with the blank control group, mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ and PDGF-β, as well as protein expression of PPAR-γ increased, the collagen-1 expression also increased in the TGF-β2 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the TGF-β2 group, mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ obviously increased in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group and the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group, higher than that in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 5 [μmol/L group (P < 0.05). mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ was higher in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group than in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group (P < 0.05). mRNA expressions of PDGF-β was lower in TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin groups than in the TGF-β2 group (P < 0.05). Besides, PDGF-β mRNA expressions were lower in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group than in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 5 μmol/L group and the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in FGFR1 mRNA expressions between the TGF-β2 group and 3 TGF-β2 plus curcumin groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the TGF-β2 group, PPAR-γ protein expressions increased and collagen-1 protein expressions decreased in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μLmol/L group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSCurcumin not only could inhibit TGF-β2 induced proliferation of lung fibroblasts, but also could inhibit the synthesis of collagens. These might be associated with up-regulating PPAR-γ expressions and down-regulating PDGF-β expressions. Therefore, curcumin might inhibit the occurrence and developing of lung fibrosis through blocking PPAR-γ/PDGF-β signaling pathway.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Collagen ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; PPAR gamma ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; metabolism

Phytoestrogens are bioactive substances existing in natural plants. They have similar molecular structure to those of estrogens. In this article we introduced their classification and sources, and elucidated their effects on heart from aspects involving cardiac function and myocardial electrophysiology. By regulating serum lipid metabolism, arterial vessels, cytokine levels, and coagulation/fibrinolysis system, phytoestrogens possess the effects of anti-atherosclerosis and may be used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.
Arteriosclerosis ; prevention & control ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; prevention & control ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Phytoestrogens ; pharmacology ; Phytotherapy

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Jiuqiang Naoliqing(JNQ)-containing serum on secretion of nitric oxide(NO) and endothelin-1(ET-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs), in order to explore the effect of JNQ on regulation of vascular active factors in HUVECs.MethodsThe HUVECs were explored to different volume fractions of JNQ containing serum after being isolated and cultured. The levels of cultured medium of NO and ET-1 were measured.ResultsThe cultured medium content of NO and ET-1 in different volume fractions of JNQ containing serum was significantly increased compared with normal serum control (P<0.05), while the ratio of NO to ET-1 were increased in comparison with normal control (P<0.05).Conclusion JNQ can be promoted secretion of NO and ET-1 in HUVECs, preserving endothelial function, and maintaining the balance of NO/E-1.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of Yufeining, a traditional Chinese medicine, on induced sputum interleukin-8 (IL-8) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the stable phase.

METHODSThirty-six patients with COPD were divided into trial group (18 cases) and control group (18 cases) randomly. The trial group was treated with Yufeining pills taken orally for half a year; the control group was not given any medicine. Routine lung function was recorded before and after treatment. Total cell count (TCC), differential cell counts (DCCs) and IL-8 in induced sputum were determined at the baseline and 6 months later.

RESULTSThe indices of lung function improved significantly after 6 months' treatment in trial group (P < 0.05); TCC and absolute neutrophil count decreased significantly compared with baseline in the trial group (P < 0.05); Sputum IL-8 concentration dropped significantly after 6 months' treatment, from a mean of 5.216 +/- 2.914 microg/L to 4.222 +/- 2.140 microg/L (P < 0.05). There were insignificant changes in the parameters in the control group between baseline and 6 months later.

CONCLUSIONYufeining could improve lung function, decrease sputum TCC, absolute neutrophil count and IL-8 concentration, and relieve airway inflammation in patients with COPD in the stable phase.

Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-8 ; analysis ; immunology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Sputum ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol (alpha-ZAL) on normal human breast.

METHODSTen specimens of normal human breast tissues were subcutaneously implanted into 30 athymic nude mice aged 9-10 weeks, one for 3 mice. These mice were then randomly divided into three groups: control group (without hormone treatment, n = 10), 1 mg/kg alpha-ZAL group (n = 10), and 5 mg/kg alpha-ZAL group (n = 10). All breast tissues were taken out 6 weeks later. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), inhibiting apoptosis gene Bcl-2, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression levels of estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) mRNA and bridging integrator protein-1 (BIN1) mRNA. Morphological features of grafts before and after treatment were also observed.

RESULTSAlpha-ZAL had no significant effects on Bcl-2, PCNA, ER, and PR expression of mammary epithelial cells in graft specimens. Alpha-ZAL upregulated BIN1 mRNA expression in grafts, but had no significant effect on ESTmRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONSAlpha-ZAL does not affect the morphology, proliferating, and apoptosis of epithelial cells in normal human breast tissues implanted into nude mice, but it may increase the gene expression of tumor-inhibiting BIN1, suggesting that alpha-ZAL may have potential proteotive effect on normal human breast.

Adult ; Animals ; Breast ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Phytoestrogens ; pharmacology ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; analysis ; Random Allocation ; Receptors, Estrogen ; analysis ; Receptors, Progesterone ; analysis ; Zeranol ; pharmacology

Abstract?AlM: To observe the effects of Shuangdanmingmu capsule on VEGF expression and retinal vascular morphology in rats with diabetic retinopathy ( DR) .?METHODS: DR rats were fed with Shuangdanmingmu capsule. By comparing with the normal group, the model control group, and positive control group, the effect of Shuangdanmingmu capsule on retinal tissue of DR rats was observed under electron microscopy. After HE staining, retinal structure was observed under the light microscope. lmmunohitochemical staining was used to detect the VEGF expression in retina.?RESULTS:Two months after treatment, the layers tissue of retina presented mild edema, capillary pericytes performed edema, mitochondria showed mild swelling and less clear structure, some endothelial cells showed slight proliferation in Shuangdanmingmu group. Compared with the normal group, the expression level of VEGF in retina increased in the other groups, especially in model control group. A significant differential in expression of VEGF was found between Shuangdanmingmu group, positive control group and model control group (P<0. 01).? CONCLUSlON: Shuangdanmingmu capsule can effectively improve the retinal microvascular, reduce edema and necrosis of each layer of retina, improve the ultrastructure of retina's tissue and inhibit VEGF expression in DR rats.

A strategy based on immunomagnetic nanospheres ( IMNs ) for rapid, efficient and accurate detection of lymphnode metastasis carcinoma cells ( LNMCCs ) was developed in this study. First, IMNs processing magnetism and biological targeting were fabricated by the approach developed by our group previously. Then, LNMCCs in lymph node fine needle aspiration ( LNFNA) specimens were separated and enriched by the immunomagnetic isolation using IMNs. At last, the captured cells were identified with Wright's staining and immunocytochemistry ( ICC) . The separation and enrichment of LNMCCs with immunomagnetic isolation could reduce the background interference of LNFNA specimens effectively; the identification with Wright ' s staining and ICC offered more reliable information for accurate diagnosis, so the sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy had an obvious improvement compared with the conventional cytologic diagnosis. Besides, the simple and rapid incubation of LNFNA specimens with IMNs needed just 5 min, so the cytomorphology of captured LNMCCs could be intactly retained, which enabled to provide important basis for classifying lymphnode metastasis carcinoma ( LNMC ) and the subsequent pathological study. Moreover, the specific capture of epithelial carcinoma cells in LNFNA specimens with IMNs could make a definite diagnosis of the captured cells as LNMCCs, thus realizing the differentiated diagnosis of LNMC and malignant lymphoma. Additionally, this strategy exhibited successful LNMCCs detection in LNFNA specimens from 110 patients and had higher sensitivity ( 98 . 0%) , specificity ( 100 . 0%) , and overall diagnostic accuracy (98. 2%) than the conventional cytologic diagnosis. Therefore, it was a new attempt to use IMNs for detection of LNMCCs in LNFNA specimens from LNMC patients, and offered new ideas for LNMC diagnosis and study.

BACKGROUNDAcute gout is an intensely painful, inflammatory arthritis. Although the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for this condition, the efficacy is based on only a few studies, particularly in China. We tried to assess the safety and efficacy of etoricoxib in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis in China.

METHODSA randomized, double-blind, active comparator study was conducted at 10 sites in China. Patients (n = 178; ≥ 18 years of age) with acute gouty attack (< 48 hours) were treated for 5 days with etoricoxib (120 mg/d; n = 89) or indometacin (75 mg twice daily; n = 89). The primary efficacy end point was self-assessed pain in the affected joint (0-4 point Likert scale) from days 2 - 5. Secondary end points included investigator assessments of tenderness and swelling, patient/ investigator global assessments of response to therapy, and patients discontinuing treatment. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs).

RESULTSEtoricoxib and indometacin had comparable primary and secondary end points. Mean change difference from baseline from days 2 - 5 was 0.03 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.19 to 0.25; P = 0.6364), which fell within the prespecified comparative bounds of -0.5 to 0.5. No severe AEs were associated with etoricoxib use. Non-severe AEs were mainly digestive and general, and most (73.7%) were mild, although they caused withdrawal of two subjects in the etoricoxib group, due to bilateral renal calculi and uronephrosis of the left kidney (unrelated to etoricoxib) and fever and chills (potentially etoricoxib-related). Overall, AEs were similar, although the absolute number of AEs in the etoricoxib group (n = 31) was less than the indometacin group (n = 34).

CONCLUSIONSEtoricoxib (120 mg once daily) is effective in treating acute gout, is generally safe and well-tolerated, and is comparable in efficacy to indometacin (75 mg twice daily).

Adult ; Aged ; Arthritis, Gouty ; drug therapy ; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Indomethacin ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pyridines ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Sulfones ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use