Apelin is a polypeptide consisting of 77 amino acids. Apelin receptors are found to be the angiotensin-like G protein coupled receptor (APJ). Apelin/APJ system is widely distributed in the peripheral and central nervous system. Apelin-13 is one of the subtypes of Apelin, which has strong biological activity. This study reviewed the new research prog?ress of Apelin-13 on physiological and pathological processes involved in the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, ner?vous system, digestive system and endocrine system.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of the 14-3-3 protein overexpression on the injury of PC12 cell induced by MPP~+ and its mechanisms.Methods For expression in mammalial cells, pcDNA3.1(+)-14-3-3 plasmid was constructed and transfeeted into PC12 cell with Lipofectamine~(TM)2000. The overexpression of transfected 14-3-3 gene in PC12 cell was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting.The effects of 14-3-3 overexpressing on the cells viability,apoptotie ratio and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)as well as glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)of PC 12 cell treated with MPP~+ were measured by MTT assay,flow cytometry analysis and microplate reader respectively.Results The expression of 14-3-3 protein in transfection group(1.19?0.06)increased evidently compared with control group(0.75?0.05).And the antioxidant enzyme activity assession,MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis shows that the overexpression of 14-3-3 protein elevates the activity of SOD(transfection group:(9.13? 0.41)U/mg protein,MPP~+ group:(6.45?0.52)U/mg protein)and GSH-Px(transfection group: (89.66?3.42)?mol/mg,protein MPP~+ group:(82.73?4.15)?mol/mg protein),increases the cell viability(transfection group:0.78?0.06,MPP~+ group:0.54?0.07),and inhibits cell apoptosis (transfeetion group:11.87%?3.26%,MPP~+ group:36.30%?2.39%)of PC12 induced by MPP~. Conclusion The overexpression of 14-3-3 protein could elevate the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,reduce oxidant stress,alleviate MPP~+ toxicity,and thus inhibit the apoptosis of PC12 cell induced by MPP~+.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of nourishing Yin, strengthening Qi and activating blood decoction on Fas/FasL in salivary glands of NOD mice with Sjogren's syndrome and their mRNA expression.

METHODThirty-two NOD mice were randomly divided into the model group, the traditional Chinese medicine group (TCM group, orally given 0.4 mL nourishing Yin, strengthening Qi and activating blood decoction as per 100 g x kg(-1) everyday), the hydroxychloroquine group (given 0.4 mL hydroxychloroquine as per 60 mg x kg(-1) everyday), the traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine group (TCM WM group, given nourishing Yin, Strengthening Qi and activating blood decoction 50 g x kg(-1) and hydroxychloroquine 60 mg x kg(-1), 0.4 mL everyday), with eight mice in each group. Eight Balb/C mice were selected as the normal control group (normal group). All of mice were killed after eight weeks, and their submaxillary glands were dissected. The expression levels of Fas/FasL were examined by immunohistochemical method, and the FasL mRNA was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTThe expression levels of Fas/FasL in salivary glands of the model group were higher than that of other groups (P < 0.05). The expression level of FasL of the normal group was much lower than that in the hydroxychloroquine group (P < 0.05). The relative expression level of Fas mRNA in salivary glands of the model group was higher than that in other groups, but the control group was notably lower than other groups (P < 0.05). The expression level of FasL mRNA in salivary glands of the model group was higher than that in TCM and TCM WM groups (P < 0.05). But the expression level in TCM WM group was notably lower than the hydroxychloroquine group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe nourishing Yin, strengthening Qi and activating blood decoction could down-regulate the expression level of Fas/FasL in salivary glands of NOD mice with Sjogren's syndrome and their mRNA expression, and had a better efficacy after being combined with hydroxychloroquine. The nourishing Yin, strengthening Qi and activating blood decoction might treat the Sjogren's Syndrome by reducing apoptosis which is regulated by Fas/FasL

Animals ; Fas Ligand Protein ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Qi ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Salivary Glands ; metabolism ; Sjogren's Syndrome ; blood ; genetics ; therapy ; Yin-Yang ; fas Receptor ; genetics

In order to obtain the drugs with broader antibacterial spectrum, better antibacterial effect and less side-effect, modifications with lipid solublity group at the position of piperazinyl of ciprofloxacin 13C NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. The lipid solublility of the new compounds was better than that of ciprofloxacin. The results of antibacterial activity in vitro showed that most of the target compounds possessed relatively high inhibiting activity on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of the target compound 3d was higher than that of ciprofloxacin against Escherichia coli.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Ciprofloxacin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Escherichia coli ; drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study therapeutic effects of retrograde locked intramedullary nail for the treatment of middle or distal fractures of humeral shaft.

METHODSFrom October 2002 to February 2005, 21 patients with middle or distal fractures of humeral shaft were treated with AO retrograde locked intramedullary nail. Among the patients, 13 patients were male and 8 patients were female, ranging in age from 23 to 56 years, with an average of 34.5 years. Nineteen patients were fresh fractures, and 2 patients were old fractures. Eleven patients had middle fractures of humeral shaft, and other 10 patients had distal fractures of humeral shaft. Two patients with old fractures were non-union and treated with autoallergic bone grafting; 5 patients combined with radial nerve injury underwent exploration. The therapeutic effects were evaluated according to Constant-Murley shoulder score and Mayo elbow score.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, ranging from 18 to 24 months, with an average of 20.8 months. The fractures were healed except 1 patient with old fracture and 1 patient with extremely distal acute fracture. The shoulders and elbows had satisfactory recovery except 1 patient with old fracture. The mean Constant-Murley score was (83.6 +/- 13.4) points (50-97), 12 patients got an excellent result, 5 good, 4 fair and no bad; the mean Mayo elbow score was (88.6 +/- 9.8) points (65-95), 13 patients got an excellent result, 5 good, 3 fair and no bad.

CONCLUSIONThe retrograde locked intramedullary nail offers an ideal treatment method for middle and distal fractures of humeral shaft. Strict operative indication, precise surgical techniques and stable locking are the keys to a successful treatment results.

Adult ; Bone Nails ; Elbow Joint ; physiopathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; methods ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood on the expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)/interleukin-4 (IL-4) in peripheral blood and disease activity in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) patients, and to study the relationship between the immune balance of Th1/Th2 and the disease activity.

METHODSA total of 66 pSS patients were randomized with tossing coins method into two groups: the integrative therapy group (34 cases) and the control group (32 cases); and 28 healthy subjects were taken as the normal group. The integrative therapy group was treated by Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood combined with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets and the control group was treated with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets. The treatment course was 3 months for both groups. The levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), IFN-γ and IL-4 in peripheral blood were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, the levels of IgG, ESR, IFN-γ and IL-4 were significantly increased in pSS patients (P<0.05). Remarkably, after 3 months of treatment, these levels were dramatically decreased in both the integrative therapy group and the control group, although still higher than the normal group. The levels of IgG, ESR, IFN-γ and IL-4 in the integrative therapy group were lower than the control group and the same group before treatment (P<0.05). The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 also significantly decreased after treatment. Moreover, the level of IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 in the integrative therapy group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). For all patients the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 before and after treatment was positive correlated with the levels of IgG and ESR.

CONCLUSIONChinese herbal medicine for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood can alleviate the disease activity of pSS by regulating the immune balance of Th1/Th2.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Sedimentation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Qi ; Sjogren's Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Th1-Th2 Balance ; drug effects ; Yin-Yang ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVESTo retrospectively study on malignant giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (MGCTTS) in the hand, and to evaluate its clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical features and biologic evolution.

METHODSBetween January 1991 and December 2001, 10 patients with histologically proven MGCTTS were treated. The clinical material, radiographs and hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were reviewed. Immunohistochemical studies and nuclear suspensions for flow cytometry were done on paraffin embedded tissue. All patients were followed up.

RESULTSThree of 10 patients in which the diagnosis of MGCTTS was originally considered were excluded after the slides reviewed and immunohistochemical examination performed. In the other 7 patients, one showed malignant and aggressive nature: the lesion recurred several times and the patient eventually died with pulmonary metastases. The immunohistochemical profile of the patient was similar to that reported in benign GCTTS, and the flow cytometry DNA analysis detected aneuploidy. Six cases presented histologic features of malignancy, 4 of them undertook the immunohistochemical examination and their profiles were similar to that reported in benign GCTTS. An aneuploidy DNA pattern was detected in one case on flow cytometry evaluation, diploidy DNA pattern was detected in 3 cases, and their S-phase fraction was 4.5%, 11.6% and 2.6% respectively. All of them had a benign clinical features, they were alive and without evidence of disease from 1.5 to 7.5 years (averagely, 4.5 years) after complete surgical excision or resections with wide surgical margins. None of them had received chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONSMalignant giant cell tumor of tendon sheath is an extremely rare malignant tumor, some cases have a poor outcome, the others, despite the histologically malignant features, have a good prognosis if wide surgical excision ablates the tumor completely.

Adult ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Follow-Up Studies ; Giant Cell Tumors ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Hand ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Tendons ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo observe three-dimensional space position change of nucleus pulposus and nerve root before and after treatment of lumbar disc herniation by spinal fixed-point rotating reduction, and explore the mechanisms.

METHODSTotally 52 patients with L5S1 lumbar disc hernation treated by spinal fixed-point rotating reduction were collected from April 2009 to June 2011. There were 33 males and 19 females with an average age of 34.6 years old (ranged, 19 to 55). Three-dimensional MRI were performed to observe relationship between nucleus pulposus and related nerve root,configuration change of spine and pelvic on coronary MRI.

RESULTSMRI showed relationship between nucleus pulposus and related nerve root mainly located on axillary, shoulder, front and surround. Vertebral displacement disappeared, lumbocrural pain alleviated after manipulative therapy. All patients were followed up from 2 to 28 months with an average of 12 months, and no recurred. All patients recovered work. Nucleus pulposus had no change,while lumbral spinal and pelvic curve changed before and after admission.

CONCLUSIONLumbar disc herniation combined with single (multiple) vertebral displacement,can cause biomechanical properties of nucleus puplosus and related nerve root, while spinal fixed-point rotating reduction can correct vertebral displacement, recover balance between inside and outside of spinal.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Rotation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of the treatment for sequestered type lumbar disk herniation (SLDH) with FENG's spinal manipulation.

METHODSForty-one patients (27 male, 14 female) were treated by FENG's spinal manipulation. The clinical results were measured by the Japanese and FENG's lumbar treatment standard and evaluated by scoring system for assessment of treatment for low back pain between pre- and post-treatment. To measure MRI sagittal index (SI) of lumbar disc herniation between pre- and post-treatment.

RESULTSThe score of subjective symptoms and clinical signs increased obviously after treatment. There was no statistical difference of SI between pre- and post-treatment (P<0.05). The outcome of treatment was satisfying.

CONCLUSIONThe major pathologic change of SLDH is the single/multiple vertebral subluxation. FENG's spinal manipulation can correct the vertebral subluxation which leading to the series of clinical manifestations. The good clinical outcome may due to the alleviation of distortion and tension of dura and nerve root with the recovery of the spinal column's stability.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; therapy ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Male ; Manipulation, Spinal ; methods ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) is a kind of nuclear hormone receptor, which plays important roles in regulating metabolisms. Recently, PPAR-γ was found to express in tumor tissues and cells (including lung cancer), which could be activated by its ligands and affect the differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between PPAR-γ expression and clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer, and to discuss the effect of PPAR-γ activators on lung cancer growth and the mechanisms of apoptosis induction for lung cancer.

METHODSExpression of PPAR-γ was detected in 15 non-cancerous pulmonary tissues and 64 lung cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry, and the average OD values were investigated by image analysis. Expression of PPAR-γ was detected in lung cancer cell lines by RT-PCR and Western blot. After treated with PPAR-γ activators, apoptosis of cells was detected by TUNEL, and caspase-3 activity was detected by using caspase-3 activity detection kit.

RESULTSExpression of PPAR-γ in lung cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in non-cancerous pulmonary tissues. Expression of PPAR-γ was closely related to histological classification, cell differentiation and TNM stages of lung cancer. PPAR-γ could express in two lung cancer cell lines, in which caspase-3 activity was significantly increased and obvious apoptosis was induced after treated with PPAR-γ activators.

CONCLUSIONSPPAR-γ is closely associated with clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer. Activated PPAR-γ can increase caspase-3 activity to induce apoptosis of cells. PPAR-γ may be a new target for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in the future.