Objective To investigate the relationship among the levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the extent,prognosis of acute aortic dissection (AAD).Methods The serum levels of BNP were measured in 42 AAD cases.According to the increasing level of BNP,the patients were divided into two groups:group A ( BNP≥ 500 ng/L,n =23 ) and group B ( BNP ＜ 500 ng/L,n =19 ).The extent of the disease and cardiovascular events were compared between the two groups.Results All the patients have elevated levels of BNP.The incidence of lasting aortic dissection (47.83％ vs.15.79％,P =0.048 ) and mortality ( 26.09％ vs.0,P =0.024) were higher in group A compared with those of group B.Conclusion The lasting and higher levels of BNP predict the increasing risk of bad prognosis in acute aortic dissection.

Objectives:To investigate the effect of TP 5 on the immune function and infection rate in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) operation. Methods:Ninety four patients were divided into two groups to observe the effect of TP 5 on the immune function and infection rate. Results:The immunological parameters in the TP 5 group was better than the control group, and postoperative infection was prevented. Conclusions:TP 5 can improve patients' cell mediated immunity and reduce infection rate.

Objective To explore the protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury. Method Isolated and cultured rat eardiomyocytes were subjected to 2-hour hypoxia followed by 1 hour reoxygenation to establish model of HR injury. Cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham group, HR group, HR + EPO-treated group (EPO 10 U/ml), and HR + EPO + UO126-treated group (U0126 10?mol/L). The concentration of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in culture medium was detected by automatic biochemical analyzer; viability of eardiomyocytes was measured by MTT assay; apoptosis ratio was determined by TUNEL technology and Annexin-V-FITC with flow cytometer (FCM); level of extracellular signal- regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK_(1/2)) and phospho-ERK_(1/2) were measured by Western-blot analysis. Results EPO significantly decreased the leakage of LDH, enhanced activity, reduced apoptosis ratio, and increased level of phospho-ERK_(1/2).However, the effects were blocked by U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK. Conclusions EPO has the protective effects on cardiomyocytes against HR injury possibly via the mechanism of activation of ERK_(1/2) and inhibition of apoptosis.

OBJECTIVETo study the relation between the content of 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural (5-HMF) and the degree of floating sugar in root of Achyranthes bidentata.

METHODAn HPLC method was applied with a Waters Symmetry C18 3.9 mm x 150 mm (5 microm) column by using methanol-water (12:88) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1) and a UV detection of 280 nm.

RESULTAlong with the degree's deepening of floating sugar, the content of 5-HMF varied with the different shades of the sample. The content was 10 times higher in the black sample (highest degree of flowing suger) than that in the yellowish sample (normal). The concentrations of 5-HMT in five yellowish samples of roots of A. bidentata were 0.162 mg x g(-1) to 0.332 mg x g(-1).

CONCLUSIONThe content increasing of 5-HMF in the root of A. bidentata was related to the degree of flowing sugar.

Achyranthes ; chemistry ; Carbohydrates ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Furaldehyde ; analysis ; Plant Roots ; chemistry