Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed in the streptozotocin- and high fat-induced diabetic rats and normal rats.The results of RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression of 11?- hydroxysleroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11?-HSD1) was higher in the diabetic rats than that in control and was correlated with fasting plasma glucose,insulin and AUC-I/G with respective correlation coefficient (r) of 0.870, - 0.799,- 0.850,suggesting that increased expression of 11?-HSD1 appears to damage?-cell function through magnifying the local effect of glucocorticoids.

BACKGROUND5-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (rhein) inhibits oxidoreduction induced by reducing nicotingamide adenine dinucleotide in the mitochondria and reducing reactive oxygen species, it also suppresses lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates. This study was to assess the effects of anthraquinone derivatives, rhein on synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer by intracellular recording.

METHODSThe excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) evoked by stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals in the presence of bicuculline (15 micromol/L) was depressed by application of rhein (0.3 - 30 micromol/L). The amplitude of the EPSP was restored within 20 minutes after removal of rhein from the supernatant. At a concentration of 30 micromol/L, rhein reduced the amplitude of the EPSP to 42% +/- 3.7% (n = 24) of the control. Subsequently, wavelet spectral entropy was used to analyze the EPSP.

RESULTSA strong positive correlation was observed between the wavelet spectral entropy and other parameters such as amplitude, slope of rising phase and slope of descending phase of the EPSP. The paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) of the EPSP was significantly increased by rhein (30 micromol/L). The inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) recorded in the presence of CNQX (20 micromol/L) and APV (40 micromol/L) is not altered by rhein (30 micromol/L).

CONCLUSIONSRhein (30 micromol/L) can decrease the frequency but not the amplitude of the miniature EPSP (mEPSP). It is suggested that rhein inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission by decreasing the release of glutamate in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Animals ; Anthraquinones ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Entropy ; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials ; drug effects ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Synaptic Transmission ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo set up a new process to access the preparation of decellularized artery grafts. And to evaluate the feasibility of decellularized artery allografts was evaluated.

METHODSThis study compared the effects of four extraction chemicals [1% t-octyl-phenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-100), 1% tri (n-butyl) phosphate (TnBP), and 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and trypsin (0.125, 0.25%) on thoracic artery vascular for 24 h (except trypsin for 2 h). At the base of it, a four-step process, including hypotonic, hypertonic solutions and combining with 1% Triton X-100 and 1% SDS detergents, were performed in rabbit thoracic artery vascular. Histological examination, tensile tests and expanding-burst tests were done on the samples. The decellularized carotid artery allografts were transplanted in other rabbits.

RESULTSTreatment with 1% SDS or 1% Triton X-100 for 24 h could remove most cells with retention of near normal structure. A four-step process could remove all cells with the extracellular matrix well conserved. The pulling mechanical properties and burst pressure of decellularized carotid artery were similar to the control. The decellularized carotid artery allografts (diameter of 2 mm) were patent at explanting up to 2 months.

CONCLUSIONSThe acellular artery vascular graft matrix is well prepared with four-step process including detergents, such as TritonX-100, SDS without compromising the graft structure or mechanical properties significantly. The carotid artery allografts (diameter of 2 mm) decellularized by the process are patent at explanting up to 2 months.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; cytology ; Bioprosthesis ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; Carotid Arteries ; cytology ; transplantation ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Male ; Protease Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate ; pharmacology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy of Bushen Huoxue Sanyu Decoction (BHSD) in treatment of adenomyosis (AM) patients.

METHODSSeventy AM patients of Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome (SDBSS) were randomly assigned to two groups, the CM treatment group (50 cases) and the Mirena group (20 cases). Patients in the CM treatment group were treated with BHSD, one dose per day. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena) was placed in the uterine cavity of those in the Mirena group. The therapeutic course for all was 3 months. Changes of dysmenorrhea, menstrual quantity, SDBSS, CM syndrome, uterine volume, and serum CA125 levels were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment in the same group, scores for dysmenorrhea integral, scores for menstrual quantity, scores for SDBSS, and scores for CM syndrome all decreased in the two groups after treatment (P < 0.01). Compared with before treatment in the same group, the uterine volume was reduced after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05) and serum carbohydrate antigen CA125 levels decreased between the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the Mirena group, scores for dysmenorrhea integral increased and scores for SDBSS decreased in the CM treatment group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the uterine volume or serum carbohydrate antigen CA125 levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBHSD could effectively alleviate main symptoms of AM patients of QSBSS such as dysmenorrhea, profuse menstrual blood volume, and increased uterine volume, and lower scores for QSBSS and the total score for CM syndrome.

Adenomyosis ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Dysmenorrhea ; Female ; Humans ; Levonorgestrel ; therapeutic use

To compare the efficacy and safety of Lamivudine (LAM) plus Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) combination therapy and Entecavir (ETV) monotherapy for chronic hepatitis B patients. 120 patients with chronic hepatitis B managed in a single-centre clinical practice (median 96 weeks) were split into 2 cohorts, one was treated with de-novo combination Lamivudine (100 mg/day) plus Adefovir (10 mg/day) (LAM+ADV), the other with Entecavir (0.5 mg/day) monotherapy. Serum levels of ALT, creatinine, HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV viral load, together with genotypic resistence were analyzed at 0, 12, 24, 48, 96 weeks, respectively. HBV DNA was determined by real-time PCR. HBsAg and HBeAg were assessed by chemiluminescence. Serum levels of ALT and creatinine were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. HBV genotypic resistence was tested by direct sequencing. (1) At the time point of 96 weeks, a total of 99 patients (51 cases in combination therapy cohort and 48 case in monotherapy cohort) were compared. The baseline characteristics as for HBV viral load, median age, serum levels of ALT and creatinine were compatible between combination therapy cohort and monotherapy cohort. (2) The rates of HBV DNA values is less than 300 copies/ml and HBV DNA values is less than 1000 copies/ml had no significant difference between LAM + ADV and ETV cohorts by the 12 and 24 weeks (P more than 0.05). (3) At the time point of 48 weeks, the rates of HBV DNA is less than 1000 copies/ml, HBeAg seroconversion, and ALT normalization were similar in both cohorts, though the rate of HBV DNA values is less than 300 copies/ml was obviously higher in combination therapy cohort than that of monotherapy cohort (90.7% vs 76%, P values is less than 0.05). (4) At the time point of 96 weeks, the rates of HBV DNA values is less than 300 copies/ml (96.1% vs 79.2%), HBV DNA values is less than 1000 copies/ml (98% vs 87.5%) and the HBeAg seroconversion (41.7% vs 16.7%) were markedly higher in combination therapy cohort than those of monotherapy cohort statistically (P values is less than 0.05 for all). The mean values of decreases for HBV viral loads and HBsAg levels were smilar in both cohorts at 48 and 96 weeks. (5) Elevated serum creatinine not be found in both cohorts at the end of treatment. (6) No virological breakthrough occurred in combination therapy cohort at the end of treatment. Four patients in monotherapy cohort were found with virological breakthrough at 96 weeks and three cases among were confirmed to be of variants associated with ETV resistance (rtL180M + T184L + M204V). Present study suggests that Lamivudine plus Adefovir dipivoxil de-novo combination therapy was more efficacious than Entecavir monotherapy for CHB patients and the tolerance is compatible.

OBJECTIVETo establish rhesus haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation model by nonmyeloablative conditioning, and examine the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in haploidentical transplantation.

METHODSThe recipient haploidentical rhesus monkeys were conditioned with a nonmyeloablative regimen consisted of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, 200 cGy total body irradiation, and rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin. Cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and anti CD25 antibody were used for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Rhesus monkeys in one group were given hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) only, while in the other group HSC combined with MSC. The differences in hematopoiesis recovery, chimerism level, and GVHD between the two groups were evaluated.

RESULTSStable chimerism could be achieved in recipient monkeys. Hematopoiesis recovery was mainly related with chimerism level. MSC seemed capable of facilitating HSC engraftment, as there were more mixed chimerism and less GVHD occurrence in the HSC combined with MSC recipient group.

CONCLUSIONA rhesus haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation model is successfully established by nonmyeloablative conditioning. MSC was of great benefit to haploidentical transplantation.

Animals ; Chimerism ; Graft vs Host Disease ; prevention & control ; Haploidy ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Macaca mulatta ; genetics ; surgery ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Models, Animal ; Transplantation Conditioning

Objective：This study was designed to investigate the outcome of double autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(Double AHSCT) in hematological malignancies. Methods: The clinical data of 12 patients who underwent Double AHSCT between January 1995 and January 1999 were analyzed retrospectively and the outcome were compared with that of 17 patients who received single autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Single AHSCT) in the same period. Results: The duration of continuous remission in 12 patients undergoing Double AHSCT ranged from 6 to 68 months(mean 27 months). Among them, eight patients (66.7％ ) were still alive without relapse up to now. While one patient had relapsed 6 months after second grafting. Three patients died from diseases related to graft. The patients who received Single AHSCT had a continuous remission of 1－ 36 months after graft (mean 12 months). Six of the 17 patients were still alive in good condition. Eight patients relapsed and 3 patients died from diseases related to graft. Conclusion: Good outcome were showed in Double AHSCT for the treatment of hematological malignancies. The 18 month survival rate in Double AHSCT tended to be better than that in Single AHSCT.

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analyze the curative effects and prognostic factors of HLA-matched sibling donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for chronic myelogenous leukemia patients (CML).

METHODSOf the 35 CML patients, 26 were males and 9 were females, with a median age of 32 (12 - 50) years. 30 patients were in chronic phase of CML, 5 patients were in accelerated phase. Allo-HSCT from HLA identical siblings was performed for 35 patients, of whom 11 received bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and 24 peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Conditioning regimens was TBI (total-body irradiation) + CY (CTX) protocol in 8 patients and BU/CY protocol in 27 patients. The average follow-up was 48 months (range 7 - 108 months).

RESULTS34 (97.1%) patients were successfully engrafted. Among them, 21 patients (60.0%) had three years disease-free (DFS) survival. The overall 5-year survival (OS) was 57.1%. Two patients (5.7%) relapsed. Transplant-related mortality occurred in 12 patients. Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) occurred in 5 patients and HVOD was observed in 1 patient. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) occurred in 18 patients (51.4%), among them 7 patients (20.0%) were of grade III-IV. Chronic GVHD was in 17 patients (48.5%). There was no significant difference in 3-years DFS between BMT group and PBSCT group (54.5% vs. 62.5%, P > 0.05). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 42.9% in TBI/CY group and 55.6% in BU/CY group (P > 0.05). In univariate prognostic analysis model, the DFS at 3 years is 75% and 47.4% for < or =30 years patients and >30 years patients, respectively, P < 0.05. The 3-year DFS of patients with first chronic phase is higher than patients with advanced diseases (61.3% vs. 40%, P < 0. 05). The 3-year DFS in patients of grade I - II GVHD was higher than that in patients of grade III-IV GVHD (81.8% vs. 14.3%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe patients who had transplantation done within 1 year after diagnosis during their first chronic phase of disease and who had low-grade GVHD have better prognosis. Those patients who had III-IV acute GVHD are prone to incorporate severe infection, which was a worse prognostic factor of allo-HSCT for chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Child ; Cystitis ; etiology ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Graft vs Host Disease ; etiology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; mortality ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Siblings ; Survival Rate ; Transplantation Conditioning ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVETo explore the potential risk factors of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in China.

METHODA case-control study including 317 patients with pathologically confirmed ICC and 634 healthy individuals was conducted. The cases and controls were matched in age, sex and inhabitancy. Data were statistically analyzed by Chi-square test and conditional logistic regression.

RESULTSUnivariate analysis showed significant difference in HBsAg seropositivity, liver cirrhosis, hepatolithiasis, choledocholithiasis and schistosomiasis between ICC patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that HBsAg seropositivity, liver cirrhosis, hepatolithiasis and hepatic schistosomiasis were associated with ICC, and their adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) were 10.265 (6.676-15.783), 13.101 (5.265-32.604), 18.242 (3.580-92.958), 18.435 (1.930-176.082), 15.102 (4.607-49.499) and 11.820 (3.522-39.668), respectively. The incidence of hepatic cyst, cholecystolithiasis, hepatic hemangioma, fatty liver, diabetes mellitus, smoking and drinking were not significantly different between ICC patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONSThe HBV infection, liver cirrhosis, hepatolithiasis and hepatic schistosomiasis may be the risk factors for ICC in China.

Adult ; Aged ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; Case-Control Studies ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Cholelithiasis ; complications ; epidemiology ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; complications ; epidemiology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; epidemiology ; Liver Diseases ; complications ; epidemiology ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Risk Factors

Objective To evaluate the role of miniprobe endoscopic ultrasonography ( EUS) in assessing the depth of tumor invasion in early gastric cancer and to analyze the factors affecting the accuracy of EUS.Meth-ods This retrospective study included 59 cases of pathologically confirmed early gastric cancer diagnosed and hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in the period of March 2010 to December 2012.They all received miniprobe EUS for predicting the depth of invasion before endoscopic or surgical resection.We assessed the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS by comparing the pre-treatment EUS results with the postoperative histopathological findings.The endoscopic features and pathological factors possibly influencing the accuracy of EUS were also analyzed.Results The overall diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS in assessing the depth of early gastric cancer invasion were 79.7%, 81.4%and 79.7%, respectively.The sen-sitivity, specificity and accuracy for mucosal layer lesion were 66.1%, 80.0% and 79.7%, respectively; and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for submucosal lesion were 80.0%, 81.6% and 81.4%, respectively, showing no significant diference ( P>0.05 ) .The overgrading rate of EUS was 16.9%, and the overgrading mainly happened in leisons located in upper third (20.0%) and middle third (27.3%) of the stomach, with a superficial appearance of elevated type (0-Ⅰ:25.0%, 0-Ⅱa:38.5%) or with ulcers (33.3%).The above mentioned lesions were also associated with a relatively lower diagnostic accuracy of EUS.The undergrading rate of EUS was 3.4%.Conclusions Miniprobe EUS has a fairly high diagnostic accuracy in assessing the depth of gastric cancer invasion, which helps the planning of treatment strategy.The location, macroscopic type of lesions and coexisting ulcer would affect the dignostic accuracy of EUS.