OBJECTIVE: The investigation of curing liver disease with stem cell makes a notable performance. This article intends to review the status of clinical and empirical study of stem cell transplants. DATA SOURCES: A computer-based search was conducted in Pubmed for English articles about bone marrow stem cells cure liver ailment published between January 1995 and June 2006 with the Keywords of "bone marrow stem cell, hemopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, hepatic fibrosis". Meanwhile, relevant Chinese articles were searched in Chinese Journal Full-text Database with the key words of "bone marrow stem cell, hemopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, hepatic fibrosis". STUDY SELECTION: Data were checked in the first trial and articles about the bone marrow stem cell and liver disease therapy are selected, while obvious unrelated literatures or repetitive study were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: A total of 58 related English articles and 40 Chinese articles were collected, including 36 studies about bone marrow stem cells, 24 researches on mesenchymal stem cells and 14 about hemopoietic stem cells, 30 literatures of them in accordance with the inclusion criteria were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: There are all kinds of stem cells in bone marrow that can differentiate other kinds of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and hemopoietic stem cells. Both animal trials and clinical researches show that hemopoietic stem cells can differentiate into liver cells and hepatic oval cells and is mature to participate in the liver regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells are homogeneous cells with multi-differentiation potentials and can be differentiated into liver cells and bile duct cells. Bone marrow stem cell therapy has many merits than traditional methods, for example simple materials, culture in vitro, passage and easy amplification, indicating a great achievement in clinic. CONCLUSION: We can use bone marrow stem cell therapy for all kinds of refractory hepatopathy, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatoma etc. It will not only improve haematogenesis and immune function, but also replace necrosis and lost hepatic cell, leading a perfect boundary of hepatopathy therapy.

Objective To search for the distinctive diagnostic features of Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis in clinical manifestations with methods widely used clinically.Methods A retrospective study enrolled 33 Crohn's disease and 34 intestinal tuberculosis inpatients in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 1996 to 2007.The clinical characteristics and key points of differential diagnosis were analyzed.All the pathological sections were studied again.Results The total duration of symptoms in patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease was longer than that in patients with intestinal tuberculosis ( P < 0.05 ).The incidence of eolectomy is significantly higher in Crohn' s disease than in intestinal tuberculosis because of intestinal obstruction or undefined diagnosis ( P < 0.05 ).Hematochezia,extra-intestinal manifestation and ileus occurred significantly more in Crohn's disease than in intestinal tuberculosis( P < 0.05 ).Night sweating and hypoalbuminemia occurred significantly more in intestinal tuberculosis than in Crohn's disease( P <0.05 ).The positive rate of serum antibodies to mycobacterium and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate is higher in intestinal tuberculosis than in Crohn's disease(P < 0.05).Cobblestone sign and fissure-shape ulcers were only found in Crohn's disease,while circular ulcer occurred significantly more in intestinal tuberculosis( P <0.05).The involvement of stomach,jejunum or ileum was significantly more in Crohn's disease than in intestinal tuberculosis( P < 0.05 ).Granulomas were more common in intestinal tuberculosis than in Crohn's disease( P < 0.05 ) and the site of granulomas was valuable for differential diagnosis.In all the Crohn's disease specimens,lymphoid aggregates in the lamina propria or submucosa were significantly more in surgically reseeted specimens than in endoscopic biopsies (P <0.05).Conclusions There are definitely some different features between the two diseases.It is essential to review the whole clinical data of the patient.The frequency of granulomas and the distribution of chronic inflammation are identified as histological parameters that can be used to differentiate tuberculosis and Crolm's disease.

Objective To investigate the change characteristics of serum ferritin(SF)and parathormone (PTH)levels in differ-ent stages of chronic kidney disease(CKD)and their correlation with serum beta 2-microglobulin(β2-MG).Methods The levels of serum PTH,SF andβ2-MG in different stages of CKD were detected and the detection results were compared with those in the con-trol group.The correlation between serum SF and PTH withβ2-MG in each stage of CKD was analyzed.Results The level of ser-um PTH,SF andβ2-MG in the compensation group had no statistical difference compared with the control group (P >0.05),while which had statistical differences among the decompensation group,renal failure group and uremia group (P <0.05)The correlation analysis showed that serum PTH was positively correlated with serumβ2-MG in 145 cases(r=0.92,P <0.05),and the serum SF level was also positively correlated with serumβ2-MG level(r=0.92,P <0.05).Conclusion Detecting serum PTH,SF andβ2-MG levels possesses the important clinical significance for understanding CKD condition and prognosis.

Objective To determine levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, interleukin (IL)-10, and visfatin in adipocytes treated by different degrees of intermittent hypoxia (IH), and to investigate the mechanism of IH leading to insulin resistance (IR). Methods The cell model of intermittent hypoxia/re-oxygenation (IH/ROX) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was established. Differentiation mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, were randomly divided into 10 groups including four different-frequency intermittent hypoxia groups(IH1-4, fixed intermittent hypoxia scheme for 1.5%O2 45 s and then re-oxygen 21%O2 for 2 min 15 s, 4 min 15 s, 5 min 45 s and 8 min 45 s, 60 times circulation), and their normal oxygen control groups (SC1-4, instead each IH group 1.5%O2 to 21%O2, the rest groups were treated as same as IH group), continuous hypoxia group (CH, 10%O2 for 6 h) and normal oxygen control group (CC, 21%O2 for 6 h). ELISA method was used to determine the levels of IL-10 and visfatin in the supematant of adipocytes. Western blot method was used to determine the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and visfatin. Real-time PCR method was used to determine the mRNA levels of IL-10 and visfatin. Results The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-10 were significantly lower in IH group and CH group than those of control groups (P<0.01). The levels of NF-κB p65 protein were significantly increased in IH group and CH group than those of control group. The protein and mRNA expressions of visfatin were significantly higher in IH1, IH2 and CH groups than those of control group (P<0.01). Conclusion As a prominent feature of OSA pathophysiology, IH may take part in insulin resistance of OSA patients by abnormally secreting NF-κB, IL-10 and visfatin in adipocytes.

Objective To evaluate clinical effect of rabeprazole combined with teprenone capsules in treatment of gastric ulcer by marking targeting biopsy and leptin.Methods A total of 118 patients with active gastric ulcer confirmed by endoscopy were randomly divided into two groups.Patients in the treatment group (n=60) were given rabeprazole 10 mg,bid,and teprenone capsules 50 mg,tid.Patients in the control group (n=58) were given rabeprazole 10 mg,bid.Both groups were treated continuously for 56 days.Before and after treatment,2 groups were labeled with biopsy,the clinical efficacy and the healing rate of two groups were recorded,the quality of healing and the expression of leptin were compared.The level of leptin was tested after treatment.Results After 10 days,the difference of clinical curative effect was not statistically significant (P>0.05).After 56 days,the difference of clinical curative effect was statistically significant (P<0.05);ulcer healing rate (93.33%)in treatment group was higher than that of control group (72.41%);ulcer healing quality (93.33%) in treatment group was higher than that of control group (58.62%);leptin level of treatment group was lower than that of the control group;gastric ulcer recurrence rate (3.8%) in treatment group was lower than that of the control group (24.0%) (all P<0.05).Conclusion Rabeprazole combined with teprenone in the treatment of gastric ulcer is better than rabeprazole.Marking targeting biopsy and leptin can be used to evaluate the healing quality of gastric ulcer more accurately,which can be an evaluation index of the quality of gastric ulcer healing and used as an indicator of the quality of gastric ulcer healing.

Objective To explore the different concentrations of glycyrrhizin on hepatic stellate cell proliferation and its regulation mechanism.MethodsHepatic stellate cell proliferation rate of three different concentrations of glycyrrhizin was detected by MTT assay.The expression of cyclin E was detected by immunocytochemistry.ResultsMTT assay was used to detect the cell proliferation inhabitation in different concentration groups,from control group 0.8 mg/L glycyrrhizin group to 1.2 mg/L glycyrrhizin group and 1.6 mg/L glycyrrhizin group.The cell proliferation inhibited rates were 0,2.73%,14.75 % and 25.96%.The difference was significant (P＜0.05).The numbers of Cyclin E positive cells in different concentrations of glycyrrhizin group were significantly different compared with control group,and it was concentration dependently decreased (P＜0.01).ConclusionsGlycyrrhizin concentration dependently inhibited rat hepatic stellate cells proliferation and it could reduce the expression of cyclin E and inhibit the proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells.

Objective To analyse the expression of alpha-fetoprotein variant-L3(AFP-L3)and glypican-3(GPC-3)in primary he-patic carcinoma(PHC)with different concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP),so as to provide references for the diagnosis of PHC.Methods 240 cases of outpatients,inpatients and individuals on physical examination were selected as subjects and serum levels of AFP-L3 and GPC-3 were detected.All of the subjects were divided into negative group(0≤AFP<20 ng/mL),low concen-tration group(20≤AFP<400 ng/mL)and high concentration group(AFP≥400 ng/mL)according to the serum levels of AFP.Ser-um levels of AFP-L3 and GPC-3 were compared among the three groups.And the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of single de-tection of AFP-L3 or GPC-3 and those of combined detection of AFP-L3 and GPC-3 were compared as well.Results The serum levels of AFP-L3 and GPC-3 in the low concentration group and high concentration group were both higher than those in the nega-tive group,and those in the high concentration group were also higher than those in the low concentration group,had statistically significant differences(P < 0.05 ).The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of combined detection of AFP-L3 and GPC-3 were 84.4%,95.9% and 93.8% respectively,which were higher than those of single detection of AFP-L3 or GPC-3.Conclusion Com-bined detection of AFP-L3 and GPC-3 could improve the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy for diagnosis of PHC,which has clinical significance for the diagnosis of PHC.

Objective To elucidate the prevalence and risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and to investigate the associated problems in treatment. Methods A total of 254 PD patients in our division were enrolled in this study. CVD history, laboratory measurements, examinations of carotid atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy by ultrasonography were collected and associated factors were analyzed. The median follow-up time was 49 months. Results The overall prevalence of CVD was 37% (93/254). Diabetes, longer dialysis duration, hypertfiglyceridemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoprealbuminemia were commonly found in the patients with new CVD event. The patients without pre-existing CVD had the higher Ccr, Kt/V, D/Pr, nPCR, serum albumin level. In those with pre-existing CVD, the hypertriglyceridemia and the duration of dialysis were independent predictors of progression of CVD. Differences of LAD, LVST, LVMI and IMT were significant between with and without pre-existing CVD groups. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the presence of CVD was the independent risk factor of survival. Alb<330 g/L, LAD>39.6 mm and peritonitis were risk factors of CVD. Conclusion The prevalence of CVD in PD patients is quite high. CVD history should be realized, dialysis adequacy should be maintained, and peritonitis should be prevented.

Objective To differentiate proteinuria due to non-diabetic renal diseases(NDRD)from that of diabetic nephropathy(DN)in type 2 diabetic patients,and to evaluate the prevalence of NDRD.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on diabetic patients who had undergone renal biopsy between Jan 1,2003 and Dec 3 1,2006.The data including history of diabetes,cardiac color ultrasound,color Doppler ultrasound of the carotid artery,retinal changes,examination of ocular fundus,giomerular filtration rate,hepatic and renal function,lipid profile,blood glucose,HbA1c,and urine protein were collected.Results Among 46 patients,22 cases (47.8%)were distinctly diagnosed as diabetic nephropathy(DN),while the other 24(52.2%)as NDRD.Focal segmental glomeruloselerosis Was the most common lesion found in patients with NDRD.In DN group,the fasting blood glucose was higher than that of NDRD group,as well as ejection fraction,carotid plaque,and intimamedia thickness(IMT)showed significant differences between 2 groups.Patients with NDRD were less frequently associated with diabetic retinopathy.Diabetic retinopathy showed hiigh sensitivity(72.7%)and specificity (91.7%)in diagnosing DN.Conclusions Blood glucose,ejection fraction,carotid plaques and IMT,and retinopathy may be helpful in differential diagnosis of diabetic patients with overt proteinuria.Renal biopsy is an important step lo establish the diagnosis.

Objective To investigate the effects ofWenyujinessential oil on tau protein phosphorylation in mice with Alzheimer Disease (AD); To discuss the relevant mechanism of action.MethodsSixty Kunming mice were divided into six groups randomly: sham-operation group, model group,Wenyujin essential oil low- and high-dose group, donepezil group andShenzhiling group.β-Amyloid protein (Aβ25-35) was infused into the hippocampal of mice. Mice in each group were given relevant medicine for gavage for 15 d. After the last administration, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of tau protein phosphorylation points (Ser 404 and Thr 231). Western blot was used to detect tau protein phosphorylation points and the expression of PI3K/Akt protein. Results Compared with sham-operation group, tau protein phosphorylation points in the model group increased (P<0.05), but the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, tau protein phosphorylation (Thr231 and Ser404) inWenyujin essential oil high-dose group decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt increased(P<0.01). ConclusionWenyujinessential oil can inhibit tau protein phosphorylation in mice. The possible mechanism may be related to the PI3K/Akt signal pathway.