Objective To investigate the relationships among free triiodothyronine( FT3 ), free thyroxine (FT4 ), and thyroid-stimulating hormone( TSH) in both plasma and breast milk of patients with thyroid diseases. Methods A total of 102 female subjects with hyperthyroidism(GD), normal thyroid function(NC), and Hashimoto′s hypothyroidism(HT or hypothyroidism)were enrolled. Their plasma and breast milk were collected for measurement of FT3 and FT4 , and TSH. Meanwhile, 11 infants of patients with hyperthyroidism and another 11 infants of patients with hypothyroidism were selected, blood FT3 , FT4 , and TSH content were determined during lactating period and 2 months after lactation. Results (1) FT3 and FT4 contents in breast milk among 3 groups were different[(1. 48 ± 0. 81), (7. 79 ± 3. 56), and (0. 77 ± 0. 42)pg/ ml; (2. 94 ± 1. 43), (14. 78 ± 7. 40), and (1. 51 ± 0. 40)pg/ ml, P<0. 05], TSH in breast milk was similar between hyperthyroidism and normal groups(P>0. 05). (2) FT3 ratio of breast milk to plasma of the hyperthyroidism group was different to other 2 groups(0. 42 ± 0. 04 vs 0. 35 ± 0. 03, 0. 36 ± 0. 03, P<0. 05), but no difference existed in FT4 and TSH among 3 groups(both P>0. 05). (3)Blood FT3 , FT4 , and TSH contents from infants of patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were different, both during lactating period and 2 months after lactation[(5. 06 ± 1. 76)vs (6. 51 ± 2. 23)pg/ ml, (17. 39 ± 2. 78)vs (19. 87 ± 3. 26)pg/ ml, (1. 34 ± 1. 33)vs (0. 74 ± 0. 78)mIU/ L; (1. 43 ± 0. 74)vs (1. 83 ± 0. 91)pg/ ml, (4. 28 ± 1. 55)vs (5. 00 ± 1. 75)pg/ ml, (6. 48 ± 2. 70) vs (5. 49 ± 2. 39) mIU/ L; all P<0. 05]. (4) FT3 and FT4 contents were positively correlated in plasma and breast milk(all P<0. 05), while TSH contents were positively correlated only in hypothyroidism group(P<0. 05). Conclusion FT3 , FT4 , and TSH in blood and breast milk are correlated.

Statins are collectively referred to as hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors.They exert powerful cholesterol-lowering effects by inhibiting key steps in the sterol biosynthetic pathway.At present,nearly 200 million people worldwide use statins.As clinical research progresses,the pleiotropic effects of statins are gradually discovered,especially those in the prevention and treatment of diseases of the circulatory system,nervous system and digestive system with high incidences in the elderly.We should to be alert to the adverse effects of statins and pay attention to the pleiotropic effects of statins in the elderly at the same time.

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of tenascin in normal and fibrotic rat liver.

METHODSLiver fibrosis induced in rat with CCl(4) were divided into three stages: the stage of hepatic injury (4 weeks), early stage of hepatic fibrosis (8 weeks) and later stage of hepatic fibrosis (12 weeks). Tenascin expression in liver tissue was observed by immunohistochemical method and in situ hybridization using digoxigenin-labelled DNA probe.

RESULTSIn normal rat liver there was a weak staining for tenascin. In both liver injury stage and early stage of hepatic fibrosis, both mRNA signal and immunostaining for tenascin were significantly increased as compared to that in normal liver. In later stage of hepatic fibrosis, mRNA signal and immunostaining for tenascin were decreased compared with that in early stage of hepatic fibrosis. The cellular source of tenascin in liver mainly restricted in mesenchymal cells.

CONCLUSIONSTenascin is a component of the extracellular matrix of liver tissue. Plays a role in early matrix organization during liver fibrogenesis.

Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Disease Models, Animal ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Liver Cirrhosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tenascin ; biosynthesis ; genetics