OBJECTIVETo explore the role of Compound Danshen Injection (CDI) in regulating the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in human amnion epithelium cells (hAECs), and to study the relation between c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal pathway and AQP3.

METHODShAECs were isolated and primarily cultured from term pregnancy with normal amniotic fluid volume and from term pregnancy with oligohydramnios, and then hAECs were further divided into four groups, i.e., the blank control group (A), the SP600125 group (B), the CDI group (C), and the SP600125 +CDI group (D). The cell viability was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8). The expression of total JNK, phosphorylated JNK, and AQP3 were determined by Western blot.

RESULTS(1) In hAECs with normal AFV or with oligohydramnios: There was no statistical difference in the cell viability or the expression of total JNK among the 4 groups (P > 0.05). But there was statistical difference in the expression of p-JNK (P < 0.05). Compared with A group, the expression of p-JNK was obviously down-regulated in B group, but obviously up-regulated in C group (P < 0.05). The expression of p-JNK was significantly lower in D group than in C group, but higher than that in A group or B group (P < 0.05).The AQP3 expression in the hAECs with normal amniotic fluid volume of C group and D group were higher than that in the A group (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the AQP3 expression between C group and D group (P > 0.05). In hAECs with oligohydramnios, the expression of AQP3 obviously decreased in B group, but up-regulated in C group (both P < 0.05). The expression of AQP3 was lower in D group than in C group, but higher than in B group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCDI could regulate the AQP3 expression in hAECs with oligohydramnios via activating the JNK signal pathway.

Amnion ; cytology ; drug effects ; Aquaporin 3 ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; physiology

AIM:To investigate the safety and effect of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with Cionni modified capsular tension ring (MCTR) implantation in the management of traumatic lens subluxation.METHODS: Totally 11 patients (11 eyes) with traumatic lens subluxation were divided into three groups according to the severity of lens dislocation, ranging from 90° to 120° (4 eyes), 120° to 180° (5 eyes) and 180° to 270° (2 eyes).The contact LenSx femtosecond laser cataract surgery platform was applied to create the capsulotomy, prepare nuclear fragmentation and make corneal wound creation.Anterior vitrectomy was performed in some patients during the surgery.After capsular retractors insertion and phacoemulsification, the MCTR was inserted to the capsular bag and fixed to the sclera.Finally, the IOL was implanted into the capsular bag.Postoperative visual acuity, intra-and post-operative complications, anterior capsular opening, IOL and MCTR position and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed.RESULTS:The duration of follow-up was 2mo.All the operations were completed successfully.Five eyes underwent cataract surgery combined with anterior vitrectomy.Four eyes had been inserted with 2-eyelet MCTR and seven eyes with 1-eyelet MCTR.The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after operation was better than 0.5 in 4 eyes, between 0.3 and 0.5 in 3 eyes, between 0.1 and 0.3 in 3 eyes, and less than 0.1 in 1 eye.Compared with preoperative BCVA, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).All the IOLs were stably centered and the eyelet of MCTR was fixated steadily between the iris and the anterior capsule.The common intra-and post-operative complications were subconjunctival hemorrhage, incomplete capsulotomy, residual cortex, secondary glaucoma and posterior capsular opacification.CONCLUSION:Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery can improve the success rate of capsulorhexis, and reduce the difficulty of nuclear fragmentation.Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery combined with MCTR implantation is an ideal surgical method for traumatic lens subluxation.

BackgroundChoriodal neovascularization is an important ocular manifestation of angiogenesis in eyes,which derives from the choroid capillaries.Recent studies have found that complement activation is playing a key role in the laser-induced CNV.Because of the key position of CFB in the alternative pathway,bytargeting CFB and blocking the alternative pathway may provide an approach to observe the role of this alternative pathway in the generation of CNV.Objective This study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of reconstructed complement factor B (CFB)-small interfering ribonucleicacid(siRNA)on choroidal neovascularization (CNV)and its mechanism. Methods Experimental CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation in 96 eyes of 48 clean Brown Norway rats.The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups.25,50 and 75 μg B factor siRNA were injected via caudal vein on 1 day,3,5 days after photocoagulation in different dose groups,and normal saline solution was injected at the same way in experimental control group.Other 12 normal rats were used as blank control group.Fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA) was performed on 3,7,14,21,28 days after injection of CFB-siRNA and CNV was scored.The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and factor Ⅷ in choroid were detected by immunochemistry.The expressions of CFB-siRNA,VEGF,transforming growth factor β2( TGF-β2 )proteins in choroid were determined using immunochemistry in 7,14,21,28 days,and the expressions of mRNA of CFB-siRNA,VEGF,TGF-β2 were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). ResultsFFA revealed that the CNV rates in various doses of CFB-siRNA groups were significant lower than those of experimental control group in various time points(P＜0.05),and those in 75 μg B factor siRNA were decreased in comparison with 25 μg B factor siRNA (P＜0.05).Immunochemistry showed that the intensities of the VEGF and factor Ⅶ expression in various doses of CFB-siRNA groups were weaker than the blank control group ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared with the control group,the expression of CFB reduced in 7 days,and then approached to the level near the control group.Fourteen to twenty-one days after injection of CFB-siRNA,VEGF and TGF-β2 depressions in different doses of CFB-siRNA groups were lower than blank control group( P＜0.05 ).CFB expression in choroid showed the lower levels in CFB-siRNA injection group compared with blank control group in from 7 through 21 days (P＜0.05).RT-PCR displayed the gradual increase of CFB mRNA and curve-like changes of VEGF and TGF-β2 with time prolong. Conclusions Recombinated CFB-siRNA can effectively inhibit laser-induced CNV by down-regulating the expression of VEGF and factor Ⅷ.Alternative pathway of complement plays an important role in the production of CNV.

Objective To understand the healthy psychogenic states of priapism and to explore the relative factors to provide the references for nursing intervention. Methods Twenty-five patients with priapism were selected and evaluated by using the self-report symptom inventory (Symptom checklist 90 or SCL-90 ) and self-designed scale. The results were analyzed. Results In somatization, interpersonal relationship,depression, phobic anxiety, anxiety, hostility, psychoticism, the factor score were higher than domestic norms.The patients in the different age and educational background were different in the level of the psychogenic health. The top ten symptoms of priapism among patients were penis swelling and pain, moving difficult, feeling of serious physical problems, too concern about, psychentonia, dysuria, sleeping disorder, worries about relatives' attitude, nervousness, anxiety, worries about prognosis, feeling of shame. Conclusions The patients with priapism have physical problems as well as psychological and social problems. It is important to enhance the psychological nursing for those patients.

BACKGROUND:Functional graded biomaterials promote the development of human hard tissue replacement.OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of functional graded biomaterials in human hard tissue replacement.METHODS:The first author retrieved the PubMed and CNKI databases for relevant articles published from January 2010 to April 2017 using the keywords of "functional graded biomaterial,hard tissue replacement implants,preparation methods,performance evaluation,dental implants,osseous tissue" in English and Chinese,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Functional graded biomaterials refer to a kind of heterogeneous composite materials with controllable and programmable gradient properties on account of continuous or quasi-continuous changes in the structure and chemical composition.Hydroxyapatite is the primary choice for the material surface.Serving as an emerging biomaterial,the functional graded biomaterial has unique structure mechanism and excellent properties.It gives full play to the performance advantages of each component and reduces internal stress interface between components.Therefore,the functional graded biomaterial will be an issue of concern in the future because of the optimization of its design,preparation and performance.

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference between J-hook and micro-implant anchorage in the treatment of patient with bimaxillary protrusion.

METHODSThirty patients with bimaxillary protrusion were divided into two groups (J-hook and micro-implant groups) and treated with MBT appliance. Four first premolars were extracted in all patients. Cephalometric analyses were carried out before and after treatment.

RESULTSIn J-hook group and micro-implant group,computerized cephalometric analysis revealed that before treatment U6C-PP was (12.4 +/- 0.2) mm and (12.5 +/- 0.1) mm, respectively,and after treatment U6C-PP was (12.6 +/- 0.1) mm and (12.8 +/- 0.1) mm,respectively. The difference between J-hook group and microimplant group was significant (P < 0.01). The other differences of cephalometric analyses between J-hook group and micro-implant group was not significant.

CONCLUSIONSBoth J-hook and micro-implant could provide adequate anchorage in the treatment of patients with bimaxillary protrusion.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion, Angle Class I ; therapy ; Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures ; instrumentation ; Orthodontic Appliances ; Orthodontics, Corrective ; instrumentation ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the role and possible mechanisms of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) involved in mesangial cell (MC) proliferation which could be inhibited by bufalin.

METHODSRat mesangial cells were cultured in vitro. The effect of bufalin on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced MC proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The function of GJIC was detected by Lucifer Yellow scrape loading and dye transfer (SLDT). mRNA levels of Cx43, Cx45 and Cx40 were measured by RT-PCR. Intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) were examined in laser scanning confocal microscopy after loading by Fura-3/AM.

RESULTSMTT indicated that bufalin could inhibited PDGF-BB-induced MC proliferation (P<0.01). Compared with the hormal control group, PDGF-BB inhibited GJIC function, increased the expression of Cx45 and Cx40 (P<0.01) without altering the Cx43 (P>0.05) in gene level and also increased [Ca(2+)]i. However, bufalin treatment enhanced GJIC function, decreased Cx45 mRNA and Cx40 mRNA expression (P<0.01), and reduced [Ca(2+)]i (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSBufalin inhibits PDGF-BB-induced MC proliferation, and its possible mechanisms may be related to regulation of Cx45 and Cx40 expression in the gene level, reduction of [Ca(2+)]i and enhancement of GJIC function.

Animals ; Bufanolides ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; Mesangial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis ; pharmacology ; Rats

BACKGROUNDVisfatin, a visceral fat-derived adipocytokine, plays a significant physiological function in lipid metabolism. However, the precise function of visfatin and its regulation by thyroid hormones are still unknown. This study observed the plasma visfatin concentrations in subjects with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in vivo, and investigated the possible regulation mechanism between visfatin and tri-iodothyronine (T3) in vitro as a further interpretation.

METHODSThe experiment in vivo included clinical subjects (57 patients with thyroid dysfunction and 29 euthyroid healthy volunteers) and an animal model (24 Wistar rats). All subjects were divided into hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and euthyroidism groups, with plasma thyroid hormones, thyrotropin, visfatin and triglyceride concentrations determined. Visfatin mRNA expression in visceral fat and liver of rats was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The experiment in vitro studied 3T3-L1 cells and visfatin mRNA expression under nine different T3 concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 100 nmol/L) using quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTSClinical subjects and animal models showed elevated plasma visfatin concentrations in the hyperthyroidism group (20.466 ng/ml (15.263, 26.795 ng/ml) and (1209.164±165.292) ng/L) and hypothyroidism group (12.457 ng/ml (11.115, 15.454 ng/ml) and (1205.425±109.200) ng/L) compared to euthyroidism group (6.891 ng/ml (5.888, 8.803 ng/ml) and (926.650±54.002) ng/L, P<0.001). For animal models, visfatin mRNA expression in visceral fat in the hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism groups increased about 3.33-fold and 1.98-fold compared to the euthyroidism group (P<0.001), which was positively correlated with plasma visfatin concentrations (r=0.713, P<0.001). However, no significant group difference (P>0.05) and correlation (r=0.121, P=0.572) was found in the liver. T3 induced a remarkable increase of visfatin mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 cells at low concentrations (0-0.5 nmol/L T3) followed by a sharp decrease at higher concentrations (0.5-100 nmol/L T3), with an inflection point at 0.5 nmol/L T3.

CONCLUSIONElevated circulating visfatin levels in subjects with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are possibly due to an increase of visfatin mRNA expression in visceral fat, and a nonlinear regulation mechanism on visfatin mRNA expression under various T3 concentrations might be involved.

3T3-L1 Cells ; Adult ; Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; blood ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hypothyroidism ; blood ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Middle Aged ; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Triiodothyronine ; blood

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of exogenous connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the collagen III synthesis of human renal tubular epithelial cell line HK2 in vitro.

METHODSCultured HK2 cells were randomly assigned to three groups: placebo-control, low-dose CTGF-treated (2.5 ng/mL) and high-dose CTGF-treated groups (20 ng/mL). Cell morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope. Collagen III alpha mRNA expression was detected using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to assess the levels of intracellular collagen III alpha protein.

RESULTSAfter 48 hrs of low- or high- dose CTGF treatment, the appearances of HK2 cells were changed from oval to fusiform. High-dose CTGF treatment increased collagen III alpha mRNA expression (0.4461+/-0.0274 vs 0.2999+/-0.0115; P<0.05) as well as the protein expression of collagen III alpha (0.4075+/-0.0071 vs 0.3503+/-0.0136; P<0.05) compared with the placebo-control group.

CONCLUSIONSCTGF can induce morphological changes of human renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro. High concentration of CTGF may increase the synthesis of collagen III alpha.

Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type III ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immediate-Early Proteins ; pharmacology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; pharmacology ; Kidney Tubules ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis

· AIM:To investigate the incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants.· METHODS:The wide-field digital pediatric Retinal imaging system was used to screen 2203 preterm infants with gestational age ＜ 37wk or birth weight ≤ 2000g in NICU and the Ophthalmology Department of Northwest Women and Children Hospital from January 15,2015 to October 15,2017.The screening results were used to calculate the incidence of ROP and to analyze the risk factors.· RESULTS:Totally 367 infants (621 eyes) were diagnosed as retinopathy among 2203 premature infants and the incidence of ROP was 16.66％;236 cases (399 eyes) of ROP (26.61％) were detected in 887 cases of premature infants in accord with screening standard of the Chinese Premature Retinopathy Screening Guidelines (2014),and 131 cases (222 eyes) of ROP (9.95％) was detected in 1316 cases of premature infants outside the screening standard.In our research,the incidence of ROP was related with gestational age,birth weight,oxygen duration and mechanical ventilation.However,the relationship had not been found with artificial insemination,caesarean birth,gender,polyembryony,acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),hypertensive disorders in pregnancy,gestational diabetes mellitus,intrauterine infection,intrauterine distress,premature rupture of membrane.The incidence of ROP was statistically significant between different gestational age groups,different birth weight groups and different oxygen groups (P＜ 0.05).Logistic analysis showed that gestational age,birth weight,oxygen duration and mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors of ROP.· CONCLUSION:The incidence of ROP is 16.66％ in this study,and there is still a certain proportion outside the screening standard of the Chinese Premature Retinopathy Screening Guidelines (2014).Gestational age,birth weight,oxygen duration and mechanical ventilation are high risk factors for ROP.