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 .

Objective To investigate the expression level of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and evaluate the prognostic value of LPL in CLL Methods Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed in 62 CLL patients, 10 normal controls using Taqman probe system. Association between LPL and other known prognostic factors, such as IgVH mutation status, ZAP-70 and CD38 expression, was determined using the Spearman correlation analysis. ROC curve was used to determine the cut-off value of LPL expression level, the positive and negative predictive value of IgVH mutation status. Results The correlation coefficients of the standard curves in qRT-PCR were not less than 0.990. The coefficients of variation (CV) of interrun assay and intramn assay were < 5%, and the sensitivity can reached 102 copies/μg RNA. The median LPL mRNA expression level was 0.006 0 (0-0.737 0) in 62 CLL patients, whereas in 10 normal controls LPL mRNA expression level was extremely low with the median level of 0 (0-0.000 4). The expression levels of LPL in three CLL samples after miniMACS-sorted CD19 positive B cells were 0.036 0, 0.075 0 and 0.197 0, which were similar to the levels before miniMACS-sorted (0.024 0, 0.074 0 and 0.225 0). LFL expression was significantly associated with IgVH mutation status (r=0.45, P<0.05) . LPL expression level in IgVH unmutated patients [0.006 0 (0.000 7-0.110 0)] was significantly higher than the level in IgVH mutated patients [0.002 0(0.000 2-0.027 0)] (U=96.5, P<0.05). LPL expression was also significantly associated with ZAP-70 (r=0.38, P<0.05), CD38 expressions (r=0.43, P<0.05). According to ROC curve, the cut-off of LPL mRNA expression level was 0.036, with a 66.7% specificity, a 72.4% sensitivity, a 51.8% positive predictive value (IgVH unmutated), and a 83.3% negative predictive value (IgVH mutated) for IgVH mutation status. Conclusions The qRT-PCR assay is reliable and sensitive. LPL mRNA expression significantly correlates with IgVH mutation status, ZAP-70 and CD38 expression, and could be a predictive marker of IgVH mutation status. Our data confirms a role for LPL as a novel prognostic indicator in CLL.

Apoptosis of abnormal oocytes is essential for defective oocyte elimination during prepubertal ovary development, and the ubiquitin system regulates the cell apoptosis via the degradation of specific proteins. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) is a component of the ubiquitin system, and the UCH-L1-dependent apoptosis is important for spermatogenesis. In the present study, the change in the number of follicles and the expression of UCH-L1 in oocytes were determined in prepubertal mouse ovaries by immunohistochemical techniques. A significant decrease in the follicular pool was found in prepubertal mouse ovaries during the period of day 21 to day 28 after birth, and accordingly, the UCH-L1 protein expression was increased, to some degree in association with Jun activation domain-binding protein 1 (Jab1) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kipl). The increased UCH-L1 protein, together with the corresponding changes of Jab1 was detected in morphologically abnormal oocytes of prepubertal ovaries. Through the immunofluorescent colocalization, UCH-L1 was shown concentrating in abnormal oocytes, and a parallel change in Jab1 was also seen. The affinity analysis confirmed the interaction between UCH-L1 and Jab1 in ovaries. These results suggest that UCH-L1 plays an important role, possibly in association with Jab1 and p27(Kipl), in selective elimination of abnormal oocytes during mouse prepubertal development.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Female ; Mice ; Oocytes ; cytology ; Ovary ; enzymology ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the anti-cataract effect of gigantol combined with syringic acid and their action mechanism.

METHODH202-induced lens oxidative injury in vitro rat model was establish to observe the impact of gigantol combined with syringic acid on lens transparency under a dissecting microscope. D-galactose-induced cataract rat model was established to observe the impact of gigantol combined with syringic acid on lens transparency under a slit-lamp. UV spectrophotometry was adopted to detect the inhibitory activity of gigantol combined with syringic acid against AR. Molecular docking method was used to detect binding sites, binding types and pharmacophores of gigantol combined with syringic acid in prohibiting aldose reductase.

RESULTBoth in vitro and in vivo experiments showed a good anti-sugar cataract activity in the combination of gigantol and syringic acid and a better collaborative effect than single component-gigantol and syringic acid and positive control drug Catalin. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation showed their collaborative AR-inhibiting amino acid residue was Asn160 and the major acting force was Van der Waals' force, which formed common pharmacophores.

CONCLUSIONGigantol combined with syringic acid shows good anti-cataract, their action mechanism is reflected in their good collaborative inhibitory effect on AR.

Aldehyde Reductase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Animals ; Bibenzyls ; Cataract ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Gallic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Guaiacol ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lens, Crystalline ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To observe the possible association of serum adiponectin level with testosterone level in patients with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(IHH).Methods The diagnosis of IHH was made,based on clinical presentations,laboratory examinations of hormones and GnRH stimulation test.Serum adiponeetin and testosterone levels were measured in 23 IHH patients and 15 normal men.Results After matched for weight,blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio,serum testosterone level in IHH group was significantly lower than that in control group [(0.23?0.18 vs 4.20?1.90)?g/L,P

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of treatment of open apices teeth with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) compared with apexification using Vitapex in the adult.

METHODSThe root canals of 41 anterior teeth and premolars with single canal and open apices in adults were cleaned and shaped, and then disinfected with calcium hydroxide. The apical root canals of 21 teeth in experimental group were filled with MTA to create a 3-5 mm apical barrier. The remainder of the canals was filled with AH plus and Obtura II gutta-percha. The canals of 20 teeth in control were treated with Vitapex. The root canals were then filled with Obtura II gutta-percha when the apical barrier could be detected. The visit times, period and result of the treatment were recorded for all cases.

RESULTSGood result was achieved in the most cases in the experimental group. The postoperative X-ray films showed that the canals of 15 teeth were obturated well. 6 teeth showed over-filling by 0.5-2 mm. The recalled patients declared their teeth to be asymptomatic except one. The recall radiographs indicated that the apical radiolucent areas of the teeth with pre-existing apical lesion decreased apparently or disappeared completely, except one tooth with large apical radiolucency. No new radiolucency was found around the roots. In the control group, the apexification of 11 teeth succeeded, and 9 failed. The average visit times was 3.5 in experimental group and 6.0 in control. The average period of the whole endodontic treatment was 11.8 days in experimental group and 306.8 in control.

CONCLUSIONMTA is more effective and quicker than apexification in treatment of teeth with open apices in adults.

Adult ; Aluminum Compounds ; Calcium Compounds ; Calcium Hydroxide ; Drug Combinations ; Gutta-Percha ; Humans ; Oxides ; Root Canal Filling Materials ; Silicates ; Silicones ; Tooth Apex

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcome of periapical endodontic surgery for teeth that can't be treated by nonsurgical endodontic methods.

METHODSSixty-two affected teeth were chosen for surgical endodontic treatment, of which 31 teeth underwent periapical curettage and the others were treated by root-end resection, retrograde preparation and filling. A radiography was taken immediately after surgery and was compared with those taken at 12 and 24 months. The results of two groups were analyzed using the chi2 test.

RESULTSThe success rate for retrograde filling was higher (85% after 12 months, 88% after 24 months) compared with that of periapical curettage (52% after 12 months, 45% after 24 months). The difference in success rate between the two groups was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONSUltrasonic root-end preparation and retrograde filling is a good choice of treatment when the teeth can't be treated appropriately by nonsurgical treatment.

Apicoectomy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrograde Obturation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and configuration of the isthmuses in the apical 6 mm of the mesial and distal roots of Chinese mandibular first molar by means of micro-computed tomography.

METHODSThirty-six extracted human mandibular first molars were selected. Specimens were subject to micro-CT and a slice thickness of 30 microm was obtained in the apical 6 mm of the roots examined. The number of sections showing isthmuses at each apical level was recorded. Three-dimensional images of isthmuses of mandibular first molars were reconstructed and observed.

RESULTSThe mesial roots of human mandibular first molars had a high incidence of isthmus. The isthmus incidence was greatest 4-6 mm from the apex in human mandibular first molar, with prevalence figures of 49.5%-66.1% and 17.3%-17.8% in mesial and distal roots, respectively. The chi-square test indicated a significant difference in the distribution of isthmuses between the two roots (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe mesial roots of human mandibular first molars have a high incidence of isthmus, which may have clinical implications especially when surgical endodontics is performed on the mesial roots of mandibular molars.

Adult ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Mandible ; diagnostic imaging ; Molar ; diagnostic imaging ; Root Canal Therapy ; Tooth Root ; diagnostic imaging ; X-Ray Microtomography

Health self-management group adopts the mode of chronic disease self-management and offers a series of courses for community residents in order to help them carry out health self-management. For healthy people, the program aims at disease prevention by means of improving health literacy, acquiring health knowledge and skills, and developing a healthy lifestyle.While for patients, the program aims to prevent or slow the progression of diseases by means of helping them deal with their condition, achieving disease self-management. By nearly ten years of exploration and practice in Shanghai communities, with the program a working system had been established which was dominated by patriotic health campaign committee office at the levels of city and district, and technologically supported by centers for disease control and prevention with support and cooperation of the town government.The program was implemented by community health service centers and neighborhood ( village ) committee.A large-scale and whole-society promotion had been really achieved in community residents with health self-management. By the end of 2015, health self-management groups had covered all of the city's streets ( town ) and neighborhood ( village ) committee, 26 thousand groups set up and nearly 440 thousand community residents participated in group activities.

Objective To discuss the optimal clinical diagnosis and treatment of ectopic ACTH syndrome with occult tumors. Methods Clinical features, imaging examinations and treatment of 17 patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome were described and compared. Results All patients illustrated the typical clinical features of Cushing’s syndrome. They had hypokalemic alkalosis, elevated serum cortisol and plasma ACTH levels. In the high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests, most patients failed to suppress serum cortisol and 24-hour urinary cortisol. CT and MRI are useful imaging modalities to localize the ACTH-secreting tumor in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome. The patients with overt ACTH-secreting tumors had surgical curative resection soon after diagnosis. Among patients with occult ACTH-secreting tumors, three underwent subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy, two underwent right adrenalectomy, four received inhibitor of steroidogenesis aminoglutethimide. Their hypercortisolism was controlled. Conclusion Surgical curative resection is the optimal treatment of ectopic ACTH syndrome with overt ACTH-secreting tumor. Bilateral adrenalectomy, right adrenal ectomy or chemotherapy to control hypercortisolism is an available treatment of ectopic ACTH syndrome with occult ACTH-secreting tumors.