OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) and its disassembled recipes on rats' neurogenesis after focal cerebral ischemia and to investigate its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODSFocal cerebral ischemia model was induced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 90 min using the intraluminal filament model. Rats were divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the BYHWD group, the qi supplementing group, and the blood activating group. Medication was performed by gastrogavage 24 h after ischemia for 14 successive days. 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) (at 50 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected, once per day for 14 successive days. The neurological function was assessed using modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the corner test at day 1, 7, and 14 after ischemia. BrdU/Nestin, BrdU/NeuN, and BrdU/GFAP positive cells were examined by double immunofluorescence at day 14 after ischemia. The protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by Western blot at day 14 after ischemia.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the score of mNSS and the frequency of turning right significantly decreased in the BYHWD group and the qi supplementing group (P < 0.01), the number of BrdU/Nestin in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle, and BrdU/ NeuN and BrdU/GFAP positive cells in the peripheral ischemic cortex increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), protein expression of BDNF and VEGF increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In the qi supplementing group, there was no statistical difference in BrdU/GFAP. But there was no statistical difference in each index of the blood activating group (P > 0.05). Compared with BYHWD group, the number of BrdU/Nestin, BrdU/ NeuN, and BrdU/GFAP positive cells significantly decreased (P < 0.01), and the protein expression of BDNF and VEGF were significantly reduced in the qi supplementing group and the blood activating group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSBYHWD could significantly improve neurogenesis and neurological function recovery after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Its mechanisms might be related to up-regulating protein expression of BDNF and VEGF. Drugs for qi supplementing and drugs for blood activating had synergistic effects.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Neurogenesis ; drug effects ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) and elasticity in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH) using ultrasound radio-frequency data(RF-data) technology.Methods Twenty-seven PIH women(mean brachial blood pressure:108 mm Hg,1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)were included and thirty age- and gestational week-matched normal pregnant women served as controls.Carotid IMT and stiffness were evaluated using quality IMT(QIMT) and quantitative artery stiffness(QAS)techniques with color Doppler.Results Carotid IMT and elasticity parameters,including pulse wave velocity,pressure at T1,arterial augmented pressure(AP) and arterial augmented pressure index(AIx) were significantly higher in PIH group than in the normal group[IMT:(466.84±118.50)μm vs (386.58±125.79)μm;PWV:(7.09±1.97)m/s vs (5.95±1.11) m/s;PT1:(127.50±14.29) mm Hg vs (105.89±11.02)mm Hg;AP:(5.14±3.39) mm Hg vs (1.98±2.19)mm Hg;AIx:(7.58±8.73)% vs (-4.79±7.92)%)], and there were significant differences(t=2.660,2.660,3.460,3.460,3.460,all P＜0.01).Conclusions PIH women have significantly increased carotid IMT and decreased elasticity compared with normal pregnant women.Radio-frequency technique could reliably reflect the changes of the carotid arterial structure and elasticity in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Objective To assess the feasibility and clinical results of video-assisted high anterior transcervical approach (Smith-Robinson) in treatment of spinal lesions of the craniovertebral junction. Methods Between April 2007 to October 2009, nineteen consecutive patients with spinal lesions of the craniovertebral junction were included in the study. There were 9 males and 10 females aged from 16 to 62 years old with a mean of 32 years. The primary pathologies included 4 cases with chronic odontiod fracture, 2 cases with purely irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation, 6 cases with os odonteideum, 1 case with Marfan synd rome, 1 case with primary basilar invagination from Kippel-Feil syndrome, 3 case with axis tumor and 1 case with irreducible rheumatoid atlantoaxial dislocation. All of the patients underwent combined video-assisted high anterior transcervical procedure and posterior fixation at one-stage. The anterior procedure included atlantoaxil release and reduction (8 cases), odontoidectomy (8 cases), and intralesional extracapsular excision and reconstruction (3 tumor cases). The posterior technique were C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation (13 cases), C1-C3 pedicle screw fixation (2 cases), and occipitalcervical fusion (4 cases). Results Anatomical reduction was achieved in eight cases with anterior release and reduction. Tumors were completely removed in three cases with axial tumor. The mean follow-up was 14 months (6-36 months). All of them achieved solid bone fusion. In the 14 patients with symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction, the average Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA)score had improved from 9.1±3.3 preoperatively to 14.1±2.9 postperatively. The improvement rate was excellent for 7 cases, good for 5 cases, fair for lcase and poor for 1 case. One patient experienced leakage of cerebrospinal fluid which was resolved by bioprotein gelatin blocking and lumbar subarachnoid continuous drainage within 1 week. Dysphagia which occurred in 3 cases responded well to dexamethason and mannitol.No infection and hardware failure were observed. Conclusion Video-assisted high anterior transcervical procedure is a safe and effective alternative for treating spinal lesions in the craniovertebral junction.

Objective To analyze the risk of embolization of brain AVMs,study the angioarchitectural factors affecting the difference of embolization level,and to establish the angioarchitecture grading system for embolization of brain AVMs.Methods The clinical data,angioarchitectural features, embolism complication and embolism level were retrospectively analyzed.Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to determine if any of the variables was predictive of a poor outcome of embolization(death or permanent neurological deficit),and if any of the variables was predictive of the percentage obliteration achieved by embolization.Based on the above results,we established the angioarchitecture grading system.Results Endovascular procedures for embolization were performed 324 times in 189 patients during an 11-year period.Embolization was performed using N-butyl cyanoacrylate.In those patients,3(1.6%) died and 5(2.6%)had a permanent neurological deficit as a result of the embolization.The AVMs were given a score from 0 to 5 based on the size,number of the first grade feeding artery,and number of the second grade feeding artery.The assigned scores were as follows:nidus size(AVF=0,

AIMTo investigate the role of oxygen free radicals (OFR) in hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury (HI/RI) and effect of propofol on them.

METHODSThe rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n=10), sham operated group (Control), HIR group(I/R) and HIR + propofol group (PRO). Changes of several parameters which included malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), xanthine oxidase (XO) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) were measured before ischemia, 45 minutes after ischemia and 45 minutes after reperfusion in plasma. Meanwhile MDA concentration, SOD, XO activities and ALT value in liver tissue were measured, and the ultrastructure changes in liver tissue were observed under electron microscope at 45 minutes after reperfusion.

RESULTSAs compared with group control, XO, MDA and ALT increased and SOD decreased during HI/RI (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in plasma, and XO, MDA increased as well as SOD decreased at 45 minutes after reperfusion (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in liver tissue and there were abnormal changes of the hepatic ultrastructure at 45 minutes after reperfusion. Propofol reversed the results of mentioned indices as above markedly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONOFR is an important factor during HI/RI, propofol may attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by dropping OFR level (raising SOD activity and dropping XO activity) and antagonizing lipid pe-reoxidation (reducing MDA content).

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Free Radical Scavengers ; metabolism ; Liver ; blood supply ; ultrastructure ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; drug effects ; Propofol ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Rabbits ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Reperfusion Injury ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Xanthine Oxidase ; metabolism

AIMTo explore the role of ligustrazin on dynamic changes of lipid peroxidation in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) and its mechanism.

METHODSThe HIRI model was used. Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) and ligustrazin group (n = 10). The xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,malondialdehyde (MDA) content and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity in plasma were observed before ischemia and at ischemia 25 min, reperfusion 25 min, reperfusion 60 min and reperfusion 120 min.

RESULTSThe XO activity, SOD activity, MDA content and GPT activity of ligustrazin group, as compared with control group, showed significant differences (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) at total time points of reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONLigustrazin has notable anti-lipid peroxidation effect on HIRI, which is due to its inhibiting the generation of oxygen free radicals and its strengthening scavenging of oxygen free radicals.

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Female ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Xanthine Oxidase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of ligustrazine on the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in vitro.

METHODSBMSCs were in vitro isolated and cultured using whole bone marrow adherent method, and phenotypes [surface positive antigens (CD29 and CD90) and negative antigens (CD34 and CD45)] identified using flow cytometry. BMSCs were divided into the blank control group, 25, 50, 100 µmol/L ligustrazine group, and the GM6001 group (100 µmol/L ligustrazine +MMPs inhibitor GM6001 ). The migration of BMSCs was tested by Transwell chamber test and wound healing assay after treated with ligustrazine for 24 h. The protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSThe third passage BMSCs grew well in uniform morphology. The expression rate of CD29, CD90, CD34, and CD45 was 96.9%, 97.3%, 0.2%, and 3.0%, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, the number of migrated cells and relative distance of cell invasion increased, and the protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were elevated in each ligustrazine group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with 100 µmol/L ligustrazine group, the number of migrated cells and relative distance of cell invasion decreased in 25 and 50 µmol/L ligustrazine groups and the GM6001 group (P < 0.01). Protein expression of MMP-2 decreased in 25 and 50 µmol/L ligustrazine groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLigustrazine could promote the migration of BMSCs in vitro, and its mechanism might be related to up-regulating expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein.

Cell Movement ; Cells, Cultured ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) inducing angiogenesis on the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone and its mechanisms after focal cerebral ischemia.

METHODThe middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to mice for 30 minutes to establish the model. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, BYHWD group and endostatin group. BYHWD (20 g x kg(-1), ig) and endostatin (10 μg, sc) were administered 24 h after ischemia once a day for consecutively 14 days. At 14 d after ischemia, the density of micro-vessel and the number of neuroblasts in the ischemia border zone were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression of cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTCompared with the model group, BYHWD significantly increased the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), and significantly increased the SDF-1 and BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01). Compared with BYHWD group, endostatin significantly reduced the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), as well as the SDF-1, BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBYHWD could promote the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone via inducing angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia, the mechanism may be correlated with up-regulating the expression of SDF-1 and BDNF.

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; analysis ; genetics ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cerebral Ventricles ; pathology ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; analysis ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Neurons ; drug effects ; physiology

Objective To explore the value of quantitative measurement of carotid intima-media thickness and elasticity for evaluating the degree of coronary heart disease by radio frequency ultrasonography. Methods From February 2011 to June 2012, a total of 142 subjects in cardiovascular internal medicine of the fourth military medical university Tangdu hospital with suspected CAD were enrolled in this study and were divided into non CAD group (n=35), atherosclerosis group in which coronary stenosis rate was less than 50%and no hemodynamic changes were detected (n=33), single artery involved group in which coronary stenosis rate was more than 50% (n=36) and multi-artery involved group in which coronary stenosis rate was more than 50%(n=38) based on the results of the coronary angiography (CAG). Measure the left common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and blood vessel elasticity index including the left common carotid artery pulse wave velocity (PWV) and stiffness index (β). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate and compare the degrees of coronary heart disease, area under the curve of the left carotid artery elasticity parameters, cut-off value,sensitivity, speciifcity and Youden's index. Results LIMT, LPWV and Lβhad statistical signiifcance differences among four groups (F=3.621, 4.769 and 4.756, all P<0.05). The maximum values of parameter area under ROC curve were all observed in multi-artery involved groups and were 0.759 (LIMT), 0.770 (LPWV) and 0.764 (Lβ). The maximum value of Youden's index of the left common carotid artery intima-media thickness was observed in the coronary atherosclerosis group and was 0.513. The maximum value of Youden's index of the left common carotid artery pulse wave velocity and stiffnessβwere both observed in the multi-artery involved group and were 0.524 and 0.469. For diagnosing multivessel lesions, the sensitivities of LIMT, LPWV and Lβwere 71.0%, 77.4%and 71.0%, and the speciifcities were 73.4%, 74.7%and 75.9%. Conclusions The carotid elastic parameters have better predictive value for multivessel lesions. LPWV and Lβhave higher predictive value for coronary arterial disease than LIMT.

Objective:To investigate the associations between the hormone receptors,Ki67 expression and response to neoadjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.Methods:One hundred sixty-eight primary breast cancer patients received anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.The expression of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR),and Ki67 were determined by immunohistochemistry assay in core-needle biopsy specimens prior to the chemotherapy,and pathologic response was assessed by Miller & Payne grade(G1 to G5).Results:40%(67/168)of the patients had a good pathologic response,defined as complete pathologic response(pCR or G5)and minimal residual disease(G4).Among the patients,20%(33/168)had a complete pathologic response(G5).ER or PR status was significantly associated with pathological response.Patients with PR-negative tumors had a higher pathological response rate or pCR than those with PR-positive tumors(17/67 vs 45/90,P=0.002;6/67 vs 25/90,P=0.003,respectively),whereas patients with ER-negative tumors had a higher pathological response rate than those with ER-positive tumors.Moreover,Patients with both ER-and PR-negative tumors exhibited a remarkable pathological response as compared with those with any single factor(36/17 vs 26/86,P=0.009).No association between Ki67 expression and pathological was found in this cohort of patients.There was a linear correlation between the expression of Ki-67,ER or PR status and pathologic response.Conclusion:There is a significant association between the hormone receptors and pathological response to neoadjvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients,and patients with PR-negative tumors are more likely to respond to chemotherapy.