Objective To evaluate the effects of Prinsepia utilis Royle oil (PURO) on the synthesis of ceramide and expression of acid ceramidase N-acylsphingosine amidohydrolase 1 (ASH1),and to explore the mechanisms underlying its moisturizing and skin barrier-repairing effects.Methods Keratinocytes from human foreskin tissue were classified into 2 groups to be cultured in keratinocyte-serum free medium (K-SFM) with or without the presence of PURO.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the level of ceramide in the culture supernatant of keratinocytes at 0,3,8,24 and 48 hours.The back of nude mice was divided into 4 areas,i.e.,test area,matrix area,blank control area and negative control area.Acetone and ether were used to destroy the epidermal barrier in the test,matrix,and blank control areas,then,the former 2 areas were topically treated with emulsions containing 1％ PURO and matrix,respectively,and the blank control area remained untreated.The epidermal barrier remained intact and untreated in the negative control area.Noninvasive methods were used to determine transepidermal water loss (TEWL),epidermal moisture content and skin lipid content in these areas on day 0,1,3,and 7.Skin tissue was obtained from these areas on day 0 and 7 followed by an immunohistochemical study for the quantification of ASH1 expression.Results The level of supernatant ceramide increased with time in the PURO-treated keratinocytes,which was significantly higher at 24 hours and 48 hours than at 0 hour (1.3817 ± 0.100 and 1.3737 ± 0.047 vs.0.7630 ± 0.143,both P ＜ 0.05).The supernatant ceramide was also elevated in the PURO-treated keratinocytes compared with untreated keratinocytes at 24 and 48 hours (both P ＜ 0.05).Noninvasive skin tests showed a gradual decrease in the TEWL,but an increase in the epidermal moisture content and skin lipid content with time in the 3 epidermal barrier-destroyed areas.As far as the test area was concerned,TEWL value was significantly lower on day 3 and 7 than on day 0 (10.85 ± 0.64 and 8.01 ± 0.58 vs.12.65 ± 0.71,both P ＜ 0.05),while a significant increment was observed in the skin lipid content on day 3 and 7 compared with day 0 (29.14 ± 0.40 and 31.30 ± 0.88 vs.27.02 ± 0.65,both P ＜ 0.05),as well as in the epidermal moisture content on day 1,3 and 7 compared with day 0 (13.98 ± 0.28,15.00 ± 0.38 and 15.86 ± 0.18 vs.11.74 ± 0.62,all P＜ 0.05).On day 7,there was a statistical decline in TEWL value,but an elevation in epidermal moisture content,skin lipid content and ASH1 expression in the test area compared with the matrix area and blank control area (all P ＜ 0.05).Also,the expression of ASH1 was upregulated on day 7 compared with day 0 in the 3 barrier-destroyed areas (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PURO may exert skin-moisturizing and barrier-repairing effects by enhancing the synthesis of ceramide and expression of acid ceramidase ASH1.

Objective To investigate the correlation of epidermal distribution of lamellar bodies and expression of ceramidase with skin barrier dysfunction in polymorphous light eruption.Methods Forty-seven patients with polymorphous light eruption and 40 healthy volunteers were recruited into this study.Noninvasive instruments were used to measure skin sebum content,transepidermal water loss(TEWL)and water content in stratum corneum in all of the subjects.Then,tissue specimens were obtained from the lesions at sunexposed sites in the patients and normal skin of the healthy volunteers.The ultrastructure and distribution of lamellar bodies were observed with transmission electron microscopy in five lesion and control specimens.Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of ceramidase in the tissue specimens.Results Compared with the normal skin from healthy volunteers,the lesions from patients showed decreased number of lamellar bodies in the granular layer and prick cell layer with a disorganized arrangement.Ceramidase was positively expressed in 20 lesion specimens and 36 normal control specimens,weakly expressed in 21 lesion specimens and 4 normal control specimens,and negative in 6 lesion specimens; there was a significant difference in the expression of ceramidase between the lesion specimens and normal control specimens(P ＜ 0.01).The lesions also showed high TEWL(34.2191 ± 12.70 vs.16.8350 ± 6.50,P ＜ 0.01),lower water content in stratum corneum(22.7319 ± 8.71 vs.29.4250 ± 5.08,P ＜ 0.01)and similar skin sebum content compared with the normal skin.Conclusions There is a disturbance in the synthesis of ceramide in patients with polymorphous light eruption,which may contribute to the impairment of skin barrier.

ObjectiveTo seek experimental evidence of epidermal barrier dysfunction in psoriasis,and to provide a basis for adjuvant therapy of psoriasis.MethodsPhysiometric methods were used to determine the value of sebum content,transepidermal water loss(TEWL) and water content of stratum corneum in 60 patients with psoriasis and 48 normal human controls.The ultrastructure of lamellar bodies was observed with transmission electron microscopy,and the expression of acid ceramidase in normal skin and psoriatic lesions was detected by using immunohistochemical techniques.ResultsCompared with the normal skin,TEWL value was increased(P ＜ 0.01),but water content of stratum corneum decreased(P ＜ 0.01 ) in psoriatic lesions,and sebum content was similar between normal skin and psoriatic lesions.As electron microscopy showed,lamellar bodies in keratinocytes were reduced in number with a disorganized arrangement and irregular size in psoriatic lesions.The expression of acid ceramidase also decreased in psoriatic epidermis.Conclusions The function of epidermal barrier in psoriasis is impaired,and to restore epidermal barrier function and enhance hydration may serve as an important adjuvant therapy of psoriasis.

Objective To study the therapeutic effect of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab combined with vitrectomy for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Methods The clinical data of 21 NVG patients who had underwent vitrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab 0.5 mg, then were given the vitrectomy after 3 to 5 d after treatment. The whole retinal photocoagulation was performed during the operation. Cataract surgery was combined in 16 patients, and ciliary photocoagulation was combined in another 15 patients. All patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months, and the intraocular pressure, visual acuity and neovascularization of iris (NVI) were observed. Results The rate of NVI symptoms resolving completely 3 weeks after operation was 80.95％(17/21). The intraocular pressure 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation was significantly lower than that before operation: (18.6 ± 5.1), (14.3 ± 4.8), (12.8 ± 4.4), (15.1 ± 3.7) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. (42.8 ± 7.3) mmHg, and there was statistical difference (P<0.05). Two months after operation, 2 cases were not able to control by chemicals, and were treated with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Six months after operation, the intraocular pressure was completely controlled in 15 cases, and conditionally controlled in 6 cases. No ocular hypotension occurred. The visual acuity was not improved in 4 cases, but the rest were improved in different degrees. Conclusions For the patients of NVG combined with vitreous hemorrhage and obvious proliferation, intravitreal injection of ranibizumab in the first place, and then combined with vitrectomy, whole retinal photocoagulation and ciliary photocoagulation can obtain good effect.

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease characterized by lipid accumulation in the vascular wall and influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. To understand the mechanisms of molecular regulation related to atherosclerosis better, a protein interaction network was constructed in the present study. Genes were collected in nucleotide database and interactions were downloaded from Biomolecular Object Network Database (BOND). The interactional data were imported into the software Cytoscape to construct the interaction network, and then the degree characteristics of the network were analyzed for Hub proteins. Statistical significance pathways and diseases were figured out by inputting Hub proteins to KOBAS2. 0. The complete pathway network related to atherosclerosis was constructed. The results identified a series of key genes related to atherosclerosis, which would be the potential promising drug targets for effective prevention.
Atherosclerosis ; genetics ; Databases, Factual ; Humans ; Protein Interaction Mapping ; methods ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Software

Taking mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41 as a substrate, baicalin (BA) as template, acrylamide (AM) as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linking agent, ethanol as solvent, under thermal polymerization initiator of azobis isobutyronitrilo (AIBN) , a kind of selective recognition of baicalin surface molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized. The surface morphologies and characteristics of the MIPs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The adsorption properties of polymer microsphere for the template were tested by the dynamic adsorption equilibrium experiments and static adsorption equilibrium experiments. The experiment showed that the imprinting process was successfully and the well-ordered one-dimensional pore structure of MCM-41 was still preserved. Furthermore, molecularly imprinted polymers had higher selective ability for BA, then provided a new method for the efficient separation and enrichment of baicalin active ingredients from medicinal plants Scutellaria baicalensis.
Adsorption ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Imprinting ; Polymerization ; Polymers ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Porosity ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; chemistry

Herpetin (HPT) is an active monomer constituent isolated from lignanoid in seeds of Herpetospermum caudigerum. HPT shows inhibitory effects in hepatic injury and HBV-DNA and the replication. In the study, we successfully prepare herpetin liposomes by film dispersion method for the first time. The prescription process was optimized, with the entrapment efficiency as the index. According to the optimized prescription, the mass ratio of HPT: phospholipids: cholesterol was 2.44:78.05: 19.51, the hydration and de-molding process was performed with 0.5% F68 solution at 50 degrees C, and the water-bath ultrasonic time was 20 min. The HPT liposomes prepared by this method showed an average entrapment efficiency of (94.50 +/- 2.15)% and a particle size of (119.2 +/- 10.7) nm, which was consistent with the trial expectations and will lay a solid foundation for the hepatic targeting delivery system in future.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Cholesterol ; chemistry ; Drug Compounding ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Liposomes ; chemistry ; Phospholipids ; chemistry ; Ultrasonics

Objeetive To compare corneal densitometry measured by Pentacam in normal and keratoconic eyes,and assess the differences in densitometry values among the stages of keratoconus.Methods Densitometry values for 66 eyes (36 eyes from keratoconus group,30 eyes from control group) were obtained for the 0-2 mm,2-6 mm,and 6-10 mm zones of the anterior (up to 120 mm),posterior (posterior 60 mm),and central (between the anterior and posterior) cornea.The differences in densitometry values among the stages of keratoconus were compared.Pearson correlation analysis was used to access the relationship among Keratoconus optical density,cornea thickness and flat K values.1~l~ In total diameter,the corneal densitometry between keratoconus group (17.96 ± 3.23) and control group (17.39 ± 1.95) was not significant different(P =0.124),but there were significant differences between the groups for densitometry measurements in central 2.0 mm zones(anterior,central and total layers),annulus 2-6 mm(anterior layers) and anterior layers in total diameter (all P ＜0.05).Divided by different stage of keratoconus,the anterior layer in mild Keratoconus had no difference with control group(P ＞0.05),but therewere significant differences in moderate keratoconus group(all P ＜ 0.05).In severe Keratoconus group,a statistically significant difference was present at the 2 central annuli in total thickness and annulus 2-6 mm (anterior,central and total layers) with control group (P ＜ 0.05).The correlation between corneal densitometry and the other parameters,including cornea thickness and flat K values were significant (all P ＜ 0.05).Conelusion Compared with normal cornea,there is no change in mild keratoconus.The increase of corneal densitometry in moderate keratoconus group happens in the anterior layers of 0-2 mum zones.The anterior layers of 0-6 mm zones and central layers in 0-2 mm zones in severe keratoconus group are higher than those of control group.More advanced cases present a higher corneal densitometry.Corneal densitometry is an important characteristic of keratoconus,it can be used to detect the process and therapeutic effect of keratoconus.

Objective To investigate the correlation between chronic insomniacs' sleep quality and age,gender,education level,anxiety,depression and sympathetic skin response (SSR) in chronic insomniacs.Methods General information of 197 outpatients with chronic insomnia was recorded,including age,gender and education,etc.They were tested by Pittsburgh's Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),Hamilton's Anxiety Scale (14 item version) (HAMA14),Hamilton's Depression Scale (24 item version)(HAMD24) and Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR).Distribution properties of different age,gender and education groups were studied.Chronic insomniacs were divided into mild insomnia group (7 ≤ PSQI ＜ 14)and moderate-severe insomnia group (PSQI ≥ 14).Dependency relation analysis and stepwise linear regression analysis were conducted among indices of PSQI scores,HAMA14 scores and total score,HAMD24 scores and total score,SSR positive incidence.Results Among 197 chronic insomniacs (male,50 cases,25.4％;female,147 cases,74.6％),insomniacs aged over 40 accounted for 77.2％.Female patients were older than male patients with statistical significance,of whom those aged 40-60 years accounted for the highest proportion of 37.1％.Female patients with less education (junior high school and below)accounted for the highest proportion of 50.3％ (73/197),whose education level was generally lower than male patients.Among 197 chronic insomniacs,104 cases (52.8％,99/197) had mild insomnia and 93cases (47.2％) had moderate-severe insomnia.Total score of HAMA14 of patients with moderate-severe insomnia was significantly higher than that of patients with mild insomnia (16.47 ± 5.40 vs 12.51 ± 4.53;t =5.552,P＜0.01).There was statistically significanct difference in subitem HAMA14 scores of anxiety somatization factor (4.31 ± 2.26 vs 5.90-3.10,t =5.600,P ＜ 0.01) and spiritualized anxiety factor (10.5 ± 72.97 vs 8.20 ± 3.00,t =4.157,P ＜ 0.01) between mild and moderate-severe groups with insomnia.Total score of HAMD24 of patients with moderate-severe insomnia was significantly higher than that of patients with mild insomnia (18.04 ± 5.91 vs 13.41 ± 5.05;t=3.931,P＜ 0.01).There was statistically significanct difference in scores of most HAMD24 subitems including anxiety/somatization (3.56 ± 1.51 vs 2.94 ± 1.28;t =3.110,P =0.002),cognitive dysfunction (2.91 ± 1.68 vs 2.17 ± 1.57;t=3.191,P=0.002),retardation (2.331 ±1.31 vs 1.72 ±1.22;t=3.939,P=0.01),dyssomnia (4.51 ± 1.54 vs 3.01 ± 1.80;t =6.228,P ＜0.01) and hopelessness factor (2.29 ± 1.46 vs 1.66 ± 1.07,t =3.459,P =0.001;except body weight and diurnal variation factor) between groups with different degrees of insomnia.SSR abnormal incidences of moderate-severe insomniacs were significantly higher than that of mild insomniacs.The proportion of poorly differentiated waveform and not elicited waveform in SSR abnormal groups had statistically significant difference.The Pearson correlation analysis showed that PSQI scores in chronic insomnia patients and HAMA14,HAMD24 score as well as abnormal rate of SSR were positively correlated (r =0.439,0.465,0.249,all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Chronic insomnia was commonly seen in middle-aged women with education level of junor high school and below.The degree of sleep quality and anxiety,depression as well as the abnormal rate of SSR was positively correlated in patients with chronic insomnia.

Objective To investigate the effect of calcium antagonist verapamil on the function of rat?- cells and tolbutamide (D860)-induced insulin release.Methods Insulin released from isolated islets were measured in control,verapamil,D860,and verapamil+D860 groups.Furthermore,intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was conducted in acute experiments treated with verapamil and D860 respectively to assess?-cell function in rats with the same allocation as in vitro.Another IVGTT was performed in the end of 4 weeks' treatment.The insulin contents in pancreas were assayed and pancreas islets morphology were observed with immunohistochemistry.Results Verapamil could inhibit insulin release from isolated islets.Verapamil group was [(1.244?0.082)ng?ml~(-1)?islet~(-1)]and control group (2.623?0.226) ng?ml~(-1)?islet~(-1)(P0.05).Also,similar results were obtained in normal rats during acute experiments and verapamil reduce the hypoglycemic effect promoted by D860. However,above results were not observed in the end of 4 weeks experiments,and no difference for insulin content and morphological change in islets was found among four groups.Conclusion Treatment of verapamil chronically does not impair islet function and interfere with the hypoglycemic effect of D860 in rats .