Objective To evaluate the effect of health education in controlling the iodine deficiency diserders(IDD) in order to provide reference data for the further prevention and control. Methods Each village of 3 towns in Congjiang County was selected in 2007, where the health education lasting for 10 months had been implemented in the school students of 3-6 grade and the villagers. The school students of 3-6 grade and 30 housewives in the villagers were investigated for their IDD control knowledge, the salt consuming conditions as well as the sales of both rough and fine salt at a salt retail site in each village before and after the health education was implemented. Results The awareness rate of the knowledge of IDD control in the students and housewives was 91.4% (581/636) and 78.3% (282/360), respectively after intervention, which significantly increased (χ2= 532.044, 326.117, both P < 0.01) compared with the rate of 28.2% (184/652) and 11.4% (41/360) before intervention. The proportion of consuming fine salt was 91.8%(146/159) and 95.6%(86/90), significantly inereased(χ2= 236.623, 135.350, both P < 0.01) compared with 6.1%(10/163) and 7.8% (7/90) found before intervention. The selling proportion of fine salt at the salt retail site in the village was 60.0%(900/1500), significantly increased(χ2= 824.176, P < 0.01) compared with 10.0%(150/1500) before intervention. Conclusions Health education and promotion is solid foundation for effectively controlling IDD, through which the students and villagers are actively and voluntarily involved in the program and hence have formed good living and hygiene habits, thus expected effect has been obtained.

OBJECTIVETo demonstrate the changes of PAI-1 activity and mRNA expressions induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or minimally modified low-density lipoprotein (mmLDL) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODSThe PAI-1 activity in HUVECs culture medium was measured by chromogenic assay. The PAI-1 mRNA expressions were determined by Northern blot. The mitogen-activated protein kinase-kinase (MAPKK) inhibitor and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor were used to intervene the inductions by TNF-alpha or mmLDL.

RESULTSThe PAI-1 activity and mRNA level were increased when HUVECs were exposed to TNF-alpha or mmLDL. The MAPKK inhibitor (PD98059, 60 mumol/L) could markedly inhibit PAI-1 activity and mRNA expression induced by TNF-alpha (100 U/ml) or mmLDL (50 micrograms/ml). But Staurosporine (10 nmol/L) and H7 (15 mumol/L), which were the PKC inhibitors, had no significant inhibition effect.

CONCLUSIONS(1) TNF-alpha or mmLDL could induce PAI-1 activity and mRNA expression in HUVECs. (2) Increase of PAI-1 activity induced by TNF-alpha and mmLDL was related to its mRNA expression. (3) The MAPK pathway may play a role in PAI-1 expression induced by TNF-alpha or mmLDL.

Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; pharmacology ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

We revisited the "Xiao Chaihu Decoction event (XCHDE)" occurred in late 1980s in Japan and the Bupleuri Radix related adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports in China After careful review, comparison, analysis and evaluation, we think the interstitial pneumonitis, drug induced Liver injury (DILI) and other severe adverse drug envents (ADEs) including death happened in Japan is probably results from multiple factors, including combinatory use of XCHDE with interferon, Kampo usage under modern medicine theory guidance, and use of XCHD on the basis of disease diagnosis instead of traditional Chinese syndrome complex differentiation. There are less ADE case reports related to XCHD preparation in China compared to Japan, mostly manifest with hypersensitivity responses of skin and perfuse perspiration. The symptoms of Radix Bupleuri injection related ADEs mainly manifest hypersensitivity-like response, 2 cases of intravenous infusion instead of intramuscular injection developed hypokalemia and renal failure. One case died from severe hypersensitivity shock. In Chinese literatures, there is no report of the interstitial pneumonitis and DILI associated with XCHDG in Japan. So far, there is no voluntary monitoring data and large sample clinical research data available. The author elaborated the classification of "reevaluation" and clarified "re-evaluation upon events" included the reaction to the suspected safety and efficacy events. Based on the current status of the clinical research on the Radix Bupleuri preparations, the author points out that post-marketing "re-evaluation upon suspected event" is not only a necessity of continuous evaluation of the safety, efficacy of drugs, it is also a necessity for providing objective clinical research data to share with the international and domestic drug administrations in the risk-benefit evaluation. It is also the unavoidable pathway to culture and push the excellent species and famous brands of TCM to the international market, in that it enhances the pharmaceutical manufactures the ability to control enterprise risk and eliminate the negative impact on traditional Chinese medicine. With the widely used and ADR report concentrated Radix Bupleuri injection as an example, the author provide a new approach to post-marketing clinical research.
Bupleurum ; chemistry ; Drug Compounding ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Product Surveillance, Postmarketing ; methods ; Safety

Objective To explore the effect of iodine on the pathogenesis of postpartum thymiditis.Methods Forty-four female C57BL/6J mice,8-week old,fed by low iodine dietary(the concentration of iodine≤35 μg/kg),were randomly divided into 4 groups:non-pregnancy experimental autoimmune thymiditis(non-pregnancy EAT)group with 8 mice,EAT of mice was induced by immunization with pig's thyroglobulin(Tg)in the presence of complete Freund's adjuvant.Six mice in non-pregnancy EAT group survived at the end of experiment;normal iodine-PPT(NI-PPT)group,10-fold high iodine-PPT(10HI-PPT)group and 50-fold high iodine-PPT(50HI-PPT)group with 12 mice in each group.The last 3 groups mice,who received the same immunization schedule as the above,were mated with adult male mice followed by induction of EAT.In the end,7,6 and 6 mice were noticed to be pregnant in each group.All animals were killed 4 weeks after postpartum.Histological severity of thyroid specimens was evaluated.The serum level of thyroglobulin antibody(Tg-Ab),thyroid pomxidase antibody(TPO-Ab),TT3 and TT4 were measured by radioimmunoassay(RIA).The expression level of IFN-γ/IL-4 mRNA in spleenwere assayed by RT-PCR.Results Pathological examination showed the infiltration of inflammatory cells.epithelial cell applanation,follicle atrophy or destruction.The severity of inflammation in non-pregnancy EAT bgroup.NI-PPT group and 10HI-PPT group was less serious than that in the 50HI-PPT group,the difference has bstatistical significance(P＜0.05).The level of TPO-Ab in non-pregnancy EAT group,NI-PPI-group,10HI-PPTgroup and 50HI-PPT group wag(14.32±8.85)%,(64.45±10.52)%,(38.46±5.57)%and(90.09±9.98)%.respectively the difference being statistically significant between any two groups(P＜0.05).There was no statisticaldifference(F＝0.484,P＞0.05)of Tg-Ab among non-pregnancy EAT group[(33.74±3.71)%],NI-PPT group [(29.65±2.06)%],10HI-PPT group[(37.21±3.87)%]and 50HI-PPT group[(33.87±4.17)%].There was no statistical difference(F＝1.596,P＞0.05)of TT3 among non-pregnancy EAT group (2.47±0.69)%,NI-PPT group(1.57±0.25)%,10HI-PPT group[(1.60±0.28)%]and 50HI-PPT group[(1.82±0.75)%].The level of TT4 in 50HI-PPT group[(66.68±5.47)%]was lower than that in non-pregnancy group,NI-PPT group and 10HI-PPTgroup[(99.87±5.97)%,(89.13±7.64)%and(91.05±5.82)%],the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).The expression level of IFN-γ mRNA was increasing,being 1.02±0.10,1.37±0.10,1.39±0.12 and 1.68±0.06 in non-pregnancy EAT group,NI-PPT group,10HI-PPT group and 50HI-PPT group.The difference had a statistical significance between any two groups except for NI-PPT group and 10HI-PPT group(P＜0.05).The expression level of IL-4 mRNA in 10HI-PPT group(0.49±0.04)and 50HI-PPT group(0.53±0.06)were all higher than non-pregnancy EAT group(0.24±0.05)and NI-PPT group(0.35±O.05),the differences being statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusions Adequate iodine supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum period is necessary,but iodine excess could induce postpartum thyroiditis.So iodine supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum should be adequate and reasonable.

OBJECTIVETo explore the associated risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Jiangsu province, China.

METHODSUsing identical protocol and questionnaire, an epidemiological study was carried out in a population of 5888 adults in 12 counties in Jiangsu. Anthropometric test and blood sampling were conducted at the time of interview. IDF (2005) was used as the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome . The prevalence and age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model were used to identify associated risk factors.

RESULTSThe prevalence and age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Jiangsu were 19.07% (11.10% in males and 25.72% in females) and 17.48% (11.49% in males, 22.86 % in females), respectively. Among the potential risk factors of metabolic syndrome as gender, age, education level, occupation, income, physical activity, smoking, alcohol drinking, disease family history, data from univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that gender (OR = 1.91), age (OR = 1.15), physical inactivity (OR = 1.94), with hypertension family history (OR = 1.99) and with obesity family history (OR = 6.24) could significantly increase the risk of disease development.

CONCLUSIONMetabolic syndrome has become a significant public health problem among the adults in Jiangsu province.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; adverse effects ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; blood ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity ; physiology ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of nuclear transcription factor AP-1 on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or minimal modified low density lipoprotein (mmLDL)-induced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in human vascular endothelial cells.

METHODSUsing gene recombination techniques, four luciferase reporter gene plasmids containing different length of human PAI-1 gene promoter were constructed. Through the transient transfection analysis, the roles of AP-1 element (from -823 bp to -553 bp) in PAI-1 promoter have been determined. In order to further verify the role of AP-1 element, the three site-directed mutants were recovered using PCR and sequencing assay.

RESULTSThe induction by TNF-alpha or mmLDL were decreased markedly when the three AP-1 elements in PAI-1 promoter had been mutated respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that the AP-1 element in PAI-1 promoter may have important role in PAI-1 gene transcriptions in endothelial cells induced by TNF-alpha or mmLDL.

Base Sequence ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Transcription Factor AP-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; metabolism ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the changes in mTOR activity and survivin expression in liver cancer cell line HepG2 cells treated with tamoxifen.

METHODSSurvivin transcription level and p70S6K was demonstrated by PCR, dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis, respectively, and the apoptosis in the HepG2 cells was detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTSTamoxifen leads to apoptosis of the cells and reduction in survivin expression, as well as a dramatic reduction in the activated form of p70S6K. Treating HepG2 cells with rapamycin, a specific mTOR inhibitor, significantly reduced the survivin protein level but not affected the survivin transcription, indicating that tamoxifen and rapamycin were synergistic in regards to down-regulation of survivin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that tamoxifen down-regulates survivin expression in HepG2 cells and it is mediated by transcriptional and post-transcriptional level via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to induce apoptosis.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Down-Regulation ; Drug Synergism ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 70-kDa ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Sirolimus ; pharmacology ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Tamoxifen ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of esophageal mucosa injury in children with reflux esophagitis (RE).

METHODSEsophageal mucosal samples from 36 children with RE (7 months to 16 years of age) were obtained by gastroscopy. The parameters of oxidative stress, including the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the esophageal mucosa as well as the protein content of the esophageal mucosa, were measured. Twenty children (3 to 16 years of age) without esophageal mucosal injury by gastroscopy served as controls.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in the protein content of the esophageal mucosa between the RE and the control groups. The content of MDA in the RE group (15.36+/- 16.67 nmol/mg) was significantly higher than that in the control group (7.51+/- 6.17 nmol/mg) (P<0.01). The activity of T-SOD in the RE group (30.43+/- 35.09 U/mg) was statistically lower than that in the control group (56.34+/- 51.73 U/mg) (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in GSH and NO contents between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe MDA content increases and the SOD content decreases in the esophageal mucosa in children with RE. This suggests that oxidative stress seems to be an important mediator in generation of esophageal mucosal injury.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Esophagitis, Peptic ; complications ; metabolism ; Esophagus ; metabolism ; Female ; Glutathione ; metabolism ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; Mucous Membrane ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Oxidative Stress ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and practicality of laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatic hemangioma.

METHODSCandidate for laparoscopic liver resection were 18 cases of hepatic hemangioma from January 2002 to October 2006. The portal bloods stream was blocked by the laparoscope portal blood blocker. The Electric-cautery and ultracision were used for liver transection. Operative procedures included anatomical left hepatectomy in 2 cases, non-anatomical left hepatectomy 1 case, left lobectomy 5 cases, local liver resection 10 cases. Two cases of hepatic hemangioma associated with gallbladder stone were performed cholecystectomy synchronously, 1 case associated with chronic appendicitis were performed appendectomy synchronously.

RESULTSLaparoscopic left liver resection was successfully performed in all 18 cases. The operative duration was (185.4 +/- 55.7) min. The quantity of blood lost during the operation was (416.2 +/- 128.8) ml. The postoperative recovery was smooth and good. No critical complications occurred. The duration for hospitalization was (6.2 +/- 1.0) d.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscope hepatectomy for hepatic hemangioma is safe and feasible.

Adult ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Hemangioma ; surgery ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the roles of enteric nervous system neurotransmitters, nitric oxide (NO), substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the colon in slow transit constipation in rats.

METHODSThirty-two healthy Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control and constipated groups. In the constipated group, the rats were daily administered with diphenoxylate (8 mg/kg) to develop slow transit constipation, while the control rats were fed with water. The number and the weight of fecal granule and the body weight of rats were recorded every 5 days for 90 days. Transit functions of intestinal movement were examined by an activated charcoal suspension pushing test one week after stopping the administration of diphenoxylate. The levels of NO and SP in the colonic mucosa were measured by nitrate reductase methods and ELISA respectively. The distribution of VIP and ICC positive cells confirmed with symbolic c-kit+ cells in the colonic wall were observed by immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTSThe daily number of fecal granule in the constipated group was significantly less than that in the control group (P<0.01). The mean weight of each fecal granule in the constipated group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). The discharge time of the first granule of black faeces in the constipated group (430.2+/- 132.1 min) was significantly longer than that in the control group (337.2+/- 74.7 min; P<0.05). There were no significant differences in NO and SP levels and the density of VIP positive cells in the distal colonic segment between the two groups. The number of c-kit+ cells in the distal colonic wall in the constipated group was significantly reduced compared with that in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe reduction of ICC number in the distal colon may be contributed to the pathogenesis of slow transit constipation in rats.

Animals ; Body Weight ; Coiled Bodies ; Colon ; cytology ; innervation ; Constipation ; etiology ; Male ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; physiology ; Nitric Oxide ; analysis ; physiology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Substance P ; analysis ; physiology ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; analysis ; physiology