Objective To investigate the value of the levels of urinary NT-proBNP whether is similar with the levels of blood NT-proBNP for the diagnosis of chronic heart failure.Methods 79 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA Ⅰ~Ⅳ)as a research group,and 53 healthy people as a control group,the levels of urinary and blood NT-proBNP on two groups were measured respectively by Roche cobas h 232 cardiac markers detector and compared the difference of the levels of urinary NT-proBNP and blood NT-proBNP between the two groups.Results The levels of urinary and blood NT-proBNP in pa-tients with chronic heart failure were much higher than those in healthy subjects,respectively (P <0.01).The concentration of urinary NT-proBNP increased gradually with more severe symptoms.The level of urinary NT-proBNP was positively cor-related with the levels of blood NT-proBNP.Conclusion The levels of urinary NT-proBNP is a new candidate marker for the diagnosis of chronic heart failures and it provides a similar accuracy with the levels of blood.

BACKGROUND:Matrix metal oproteinases and their inhibitors are proteolytic enzymes contaning Zn+, and involved in extracel ular matrix degradation and tissue remodeling of a variety of tissues. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of matrix metal oproteinases in the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cel s induced by lipopolysaccharide. METHODS:MC3T3-E1 cel line was divided into four groups randomly:control group, low-dose lipopolysaccharide group (1μmol/L), moderate-dose lipopolysaccharide group (10μmol/L), and high-dose lipopolysaccharide group (100μmol/L). The proliferation rate in each group was analyzed. Matrix metal oproteinase 2, 3, 9 and matrix metal oproteinase inhibitor 1 and 2 expressions were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The proliferation rate was increased greatly after medication of lipopolysaccharide in time-dependent and concentration-dependent manners. Moreover, the expressions of matrix metal oproteinases and their inhibitors were apparently enhanced, and showed significant differences. Results indicate that the enhanced expressions of matrix metal oproteinases participated in the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cel s induced by lipopolysaccharide.

Background The signal pathway of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in the regulation of cell cycle.Rapamycin(RAPA) can inhibit the proliferation of cells by regulating of cell cycle.Objective This study was to investigate the effect of RAPA on the proliferation of Rhesus retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A).Methods RF/6A cell strains were cultured in vitro,and PBS,10 μg/L RAPA or 5 μg/L RAPA was added into the medium respectively.The expression of cyclin D1 protein in the RF/6A cells (absorbancy) were detected by Western blot.The cell cycle distribution after RAPA action was analyzed by flow cytometry.Matrigel was used in endothelial-cell tube formation to evaluate the effect of RAPA on angiogenesis.Results Western blot assay showed that the expressions of cyclin D z protein were 0.92±0.04,0.58±0.02 and 0.73±0.02 in the PBS group,10 μg/L RAPA group and 5 μg/L RAPA group,showing a significant difference among the three groups (F =246.320,P =0.000),and the relative expressing level of cyclin D1 protein in the l0 μg/L RAPA group and 5 μg/L RAPA group was significantly lower than that of the PBS group (both at P＜0.05).The proportion of G0/G1 cells were (42.13±0.57)％,(65.15±0.64)％ and (54.09± 0.78)％ respectively in the PBS group,10 μg/L RAPA group and 5 μg/L RAPA group,which was significantly different among the three groups (F=887.815,P=0.000).The number of endothelial-cell tubes were (9.67 ± 1.53)/field,(4.33 ± 0.58)/field and (6.33 ±0.58)/field respectively in the PBS group,10 μg/L RAPA group and 5 μg/L RAPA group,and the number of endothelial-cell tubes in 10 μg/L RAPA group and 5 μg/L RAPA group was less than that in the PBS group,with a significant difference among the three groups (F =21.778,P =0.002).Conclusions RAPA can inhibit the proliferation of RF/6A cells in vitro by down-regulating the expression of cyclin D1.

Background Chrysin has many biological activities,and its anti-inflammatory effect has been confirmed.However,whether it can treat experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is still not elucidated.Objective This study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of chrysin on EAU and explore the potential mechanism.Methods EAU animal models were established in 30 SPF C57BL/6J mice by the subcutaneous injection and ball pad injection of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein1-20 (IRBP1-20)/complete Freund adjuvant (CFA),and then the models were randomized into the model control group and chrysin-treated group.Chrysin solution dissolved by 10 μl dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)+140 μl PBS was administrated by gavaging in the mice with the dlose 25 mg/kg from 3 days before immunization through 21 days everyday in the chrysin group,and equal volume of solvent was used in the same way in the model control group.Retinas were examined by indirect ophthalmoscope once per day,and inflammation and pathological scores of retina were performed based on the criteria of Caspi on the 21st day after injection.The apoptosis of retinal cells was assayed by TUNEL staining,and the relative expressions of proinflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ),interleukin-17 A (IL-17A),IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1),STAT3,p-STAT1,p-STAT3 in mouse retinas were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the model control group,the inflammation scores and pathological scores of retinal inflammation were significantly reduced in the chrysin group (inflammation scores:0.50± 0.45 vs 1.58±0.92,t=2.600,P=0.026;pathologic scores:0.58±0.38 vs 1.83±0.75,t=3.638,P=0.005).The infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells,retinal vasculitis and granulomatous lesions were found in mouse retinas in the model control group,however,the morphology of mouse retinas in the chrysin group was normal based on hematoxylin-eosin staining.The number of apoptotic cells was remarkable lessened in the chrysin group compared with the model control group under the fluorescence microscope.Western blot assay resolved that significantly downregulation in the expressions of IFN-γ,IL-17A,IL-6 and TNF-α was seen in the chrysin group in comparison with the model control group (t =7.802,P =0.001;t =14.906,P =0.000;t =10.241,P =0.001;t =3.304,P =0.030),and the relative expression levels of STAT1,STAT3,p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 were considerably lower in the chrysin group than those in the model control group (t=8.965,P=0.001;t=8.358,P=0.001;t=4.864,P=0.031;t=4.730,P=0.009).ConclusionsChrysin or chrysin-like flavonoids ameliorate intraocular inflammatory symptoms in EAU mice by inhibiting the activity of STAT signal pathway.

Background Studies showed that traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) can activate and induce immuno-inflammatory response,while T helper cell 17 (Th17), a CD4+ T lymphocyte, is associated with immunoinflammatory response.However,the effects of Th17 on the development of TON are unclear.Objective This study was to observe the changes of Th17 lymphocytes in spleen and the expression of interleukin-17 (IL-7) in retina in TON rats.Methods Seventy male 4-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, sham operation group and TON 1-, 3-,7-, 14-and 28-day group according to random number table.The optical nerves of the right eyes were exposed and impacted at a 25° angle by using fluid percussion injury (FPI) device with the average force (699.1±60.8) kPa to create the TON models in the TON groups,and only optical nerves were exposed in the sham operation group.Flash visual evoked potential (F-VEP) was recorded and the amplitude and latency were measured to evaluate the function of optical nerves of the rats.The rat splenocyte suspension in various groups was prepared for the detection of Th17 cells by flow cytometry, and the expression of IL-17 protein was detected by immunochemistry.Results No significant differences were found in the amplitudes and latencies of P2 wave, proportion of Th17 cells and the IL-17 positive cell numbers in retina between the normal control group and sham operation group (P =0.829,0.830,0.856,0.496).The amplitudes of P2 wave were significantly lower, and the latencies of P2 wave were significantly longer in the TON groups than those in the sham operation group (all at P＜ 0.05).The proportions of Th17 positive CD4+ T lymphocytes were (0.94±0.13)％,(1.80±0.18)％,(1.98± 0.20)％ ,(2.34±0.20)％ ,(2.11±0.13)％ ,(1.92±0.18)％ in the sham operation group,TON 1-day group,TON 3-day group,TON 7-day group,TON 14-day group and TON 28-day group, respectively, showing significant differences between the sham operation group and various TON groups (all at P＜0.05).In addition, the IL-17 positive cell numbers in retina were 796.326 ± 100.028, 1 673.416 ± 188.021,1 892.431 ± 151.026,2 420.454 ± 256.024,1 996.429±177.022 and 1 629.410±127.023 in the sham operation group,TON 1-day group,TON 3-day group,TON 7-day group,TON 14-day group and TON 28-day group, respectively, showing significant differences between the sham operation group and various TON groups (all at P＜0.05).Conclusions In rats of TON, the proportion of Th17 cell in splenocytes and the expressions of IL-17 in retina are increased,suggesting that Th17 and IL-17 participate in the progression of TON.

AIM:To observe the effect of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens ( IOL ) implantation combined with goniosynechialysis on corneal endothelial cells for the treatment of primary angle closure glaucoma ( PACG ) combined cataract, and to analyze the relative factors.METHODS: Ninety-five eyes of 95 patients with PACG combined cataract were documented in this study. Twenty-two patients were male, and 73 were female. The age ranged from 46 to 85y old with a mean of(66±7) y. All patients were examined for endothelial cell count ( ECC ) , intraocular pressure ( IOP ) and best corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ) 1wk, 1, 2, 3 and 6mo after operation. Meanwhile, the range of anterior chamber closure and anterior chamber depth ( ACD ) were recorded before operation and postoperative 6mo.
RESULTS: The mean IOP was 36. 1±4. 3mmHg ( 28-42mmHg) preoperatively and 15. 8±3. 5mmHg ( 8-28 mmHg)(1mmHg=0. 133kPa) 6mo after operation. There was a decreasing trend in IOP after operation( t=17. 173, P<0. 01). There was an increased trend in BCVA after operation(Z=-8. 351, P<0. 01). The mean ACD was 1. 95±0. 34mm preoperatively and 3. 11±0. 33mm 6mo after operation. There was an increased trend in ACD after operation(t=11. 483, P<0. 01). There were 74 eyes in the range from 90o to 180o of anterior chamber and 21 eyes less than 90o before operation. There were 12 eyes in the range from 90o to 180o of anterior chamber and 83 eyes less than 90o postoperatively. The most of anterior chamber were open(Z=-9. 013, P<0. 01). ECC was 2304±135 cells/mm2 before operation and 2 243±152 cells/mm2 , 2 135±177 cells/mm2 , 2 028±172 cells/mm2 , 2 017±181 cells/mm2 , 2 006±143 cells/mm2 1wk, 1, 2, 3 and 6mo after operation respectively. ECC loss rates were 2. 6%, 7. 3%, 12. 0%, 12. 5% and 13. 0%. ECC had a decreased trend 2mo after operation(F=5. 568, P<0. 01) and then kept stable(P3mo=0. 067, P6mo=0. 073).
CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification and IOL -implantation combined with goniosynechialysis is an effective method to treat PACG combined cataract. It can increase BCVA and decrease IOP. ECC decreases after operation, but it is in the normal range. It is a safe and effective operation mode.

Objective To investigate if apoptosis induced by arsenic trioxide(As_2O_3)on bladder cancer T24 cell line is related to the alteration of protein kinase C and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (PKC-cAMP)and its possible mechanism.Methods Apoptosis was studied by TUNEL method.Radio- immunoassay and enzyme immunoassay methods were used to detect the PKC-cAMP alteration in apoptotic process.The expressions and activation of caspase3 were observed by immunocytochemical method and Western blot.Results Atter 24-h drug treatment,the cell apoptosis induced by different concentrations of As_2O_3 was detected by TUNEL method.In control group,the apoptosis rate was 0.86%;PKC level was 2.55 pmol?min~(-1)??g~(-1);cAMP concentration was 22.56 pmol/ml;the expression rate of caspase3 was 8.01%.Compared with control group,the apoptosis rates of 5?mol/L and 10?mol/L As_2O_3 groups increased 8.51-fold and 13.33-fold,respectively;PKC Level decreased 59.22% and 64.71%,respectively;cAMP in- creased 5.34-fold and 4.23-fold,respectively;expression rates of caspase3 increased 3.96-fold and 6.76- fold,respectively.The differences were significant(P＜0.05).Compared with As_2O_3 groups,apoptosis rates of 5?mol/L and 10?mol/L As_2O_3+100nmol/L phorbol 12-myristate 13-aectate(PMA)groups decreased 40.22% and 45.58%,respectively;PKC increased 1.00-fold and 0.76-told,respectively;cAMP decreased 8.37% and 31.46%,respectively;expression rates of caspase3 decreased 51.09% and 65.03%,respective- ly.Activation of caspase3 was detected in As_2O_3-treated groups and As_2O_3+100 nmol/L PMA-treated groups;and activations of caspase3 in PMA-treated groups were weaker than those in As_2O_3-treated groups. Conclusions The antitumor mechanism of As_2O_3 may be the induction of bladder cancer T24 cell apopto- sis by decreasing PKC and increasing cAMP level.

Objective To evaluate the effect of FTY720 on retinal leukocytes adhesion and vascular permeability in diabetic retinopathy (DR) model,and explore its mechanism.Methods Ninety male Wister rats were randomly divided into normal control group,diabetic group and FTY720 group,thirty rats in each group.Diabetes was induced by giving a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin.FTY720 group was administered with FTY720 at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg by oral gavage daily for 3 months after establishment of diabetes.All rats were used for experiments following intervention for 3 months in FTY720 group.Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression and distribution of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1),and the positive cells were counted.Real-time reverse transcription PCR was used to measure mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.Fluorescein isothiocyanate-Concanavalin A perfusion was used to detect retinal leukocytes adhesion.Evans blue (EB) perfusion was used to analyze retinal vascular permeability.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect retinal inflammatory cells infiltration.Results In diabetic group,both ICAM-1(t =12.81) and VCAM-1 (t=11.75) positive cells as well as their mRNA expression (t=16.14,9.59) were increased compared with normal control group,with statistical significance (P＜ 0.05).In FTY720 group,both ICAM-1(t=-9.93) and VCAM-1 (t=-6.61) positive cells as well as their mRNA expression (t=-15.28,-6.10) were decreased compared with diabetic group,with statistical significance (P＜ 0.05).Retinal leukocytes adhesion (t=16.32) and EB permeability (t=17.83) were increased in diabetic group compared with normal control group,while they were decreased in FTY720 group compared with diabetic group(t=-9.93,-11.82),with statistical significance (P＜0.05).There were many CD45 positive leukocytes infiltration in retina of diabetic group,including CD11b positive macrophage/activated microglia,while both of them were little in FTY720 group.Conclusions FTY720 can decrease retinal leukocytes adhesion,reduce retinal vascular permeability and inflammatory cells infiltration,which is associated with down-regulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of Niacin on blood-retina barrier (BRB) in diabetic rats and related mechanism.Methods The male Wistar rats (60) were divided into control (CON) group,diabetes (DM) group and Niacin-treated (NA) group,20 rats in each group.Rats diabetes models were induced with streptozotocin injection.Niacin (40 mg/kg · d) was administrated orally everyday in Niacin-treated group until sacrificed after 3 months.Pathological outcomes,total cholesterol (TC) and highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) were evaluated at month 3.Optical microscopy was used to observe the retinal structure.The integrity of BRB and the vascular permeability was quantified by analyzing albumin leakage using Evans blue (EB) method.The relative expressions of Claudin-5,Occludin,zonula occluden (ZO)-1 and GPR109A mRNA in rat retinas were detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and relative expression of GPR109A,tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 by Western blot.Results Compared to CON group,the TC content was increased and HDL content was decreased in DM group (t=4.034,5.831;P＜0.05).Compared to DM group,the TC content was decreased and HDL content was increased in NA group (t=6.868,3.369;P＜0.05).The retinal structure of CON group was normal.Pathological changes were found in the DM group,such as tumescent nuclei and disorganized structures.The retinal structure of NA group was similar to the control group.Evans blue dye that the microvascular leakage in DM group was increased compared with CON group (t=24.712,P＜0.05),while in NA group was decreased compared with DM group (t =16.414,P＜ 0.05).The mRNA expression of Occludin,Claudin-5,ZO-1 in DM group were decreased compared with CON group (t=11.422,12.638,12.060;P＜ 0.05),while in NA group were increased compared with DM group (t=5.278,3.952,8.030;P＜0.05).The mRNA expression of GPR109A in NA group were increased compared with DM group (t=5.053,P＜ 0.05).The protein expression of GPR109A,IL-6,TNF-αin DM group were increased compared with CON group (t=4.915,11.106,6.582;P＜0.05).Compared to DM group,the protein expression of GPR109A was increased (t=5.806,P＜0.05),while the protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased (t=10.131,5.017;P＜0.05).Conclusion Niacin has the protective effect for BRB by up-regulating GPR109A expression which may suppress inflammation.

0.05). The corneal endothelium density significantly decreased postoperatively in C 3F 8 or silicone oil injection group with broken posterior capsule ( P