The biological effects mediated by vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR) are involved in the regulation of multiple pathophysiologic processes,including calcium phosphorus metabolism,immune regulation,anti-inflammation,anti-infection and cancer prevention,etc.Autophagy is a eukaryotic cell lysosome-mediated catabolic pathway,which is classified into 3 different types:macroautophagy,microautophagy,and chaperone-mediated autophagy.Since autophagy is vital to maintain energy and metabolism in cells,autophagy dysfunction is closely associated with various pathological processes such as inflammation,infection and tumor.Studies have shown that vitamin D/VDR can affect the different stages of autophagy and regulate inflammation in autophagy.Moreover,vitamin D/VDR and autophagy play an important role in autoimmune disease,diabetes,cardiovascular disease,cancer and other inflammatory diseases.

In order to investigate the therapeutic effect of traditional chinese medicine "Re Du Qing" on silicosis, the cultured and purifiel peritoneal macrophages in five groups obtained from mice were observed dynamically with cytochemical me- thods and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the survival times of cell cultures were 2-3 weeks, 24-48, 72, 48-72 and 48-72 hr in normal, silica, "Re Du Qing", P204 and joint action group respectively in vitro. The characteristics of cell morphology with a series of cell surface ultrastructural changes in different times of culturd and the stages of various function were different in five groups. The cell surface ultrastructural changes of "Re Du Qing" group were similar to the normal group. The macrophages in the silica group phagocytosed silica dusts rapidly died and broken down much earlier than the cells in "Re Du Qing" group. The cell surface ultrastructural changes in P204 group were less than that of the cells in silica group, whereas the eell surface ultrastructural changes in joint action group were between the cells in "Re Du Qing" and P204 groups. The activities of intracellular acid phosphatase (AcP) and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) in silica group were also much lower than that of "Re Du Qing" one. This study suggested that traditional chinese medicine "Re Du Qing" is evidently more effective on therapy of experimental silicosis.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of CD8+ stem memory T cells (CD8+Tscm) in patients with chronic HIV-1 infection before and after antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to analyze their associations with progression of HIV-1 infection.Methods Thirty-six patients with chronic HIV-1 infection and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study.Flow cytometry was performed to detect the percentages and absolute numbers of CD8+Tscm in patients with chronic HIV-1 infection before and after antiretroviral therapy (ART) as well as in healthy subjects.Correlation analysis was used to demonstrate the relationships between CD8+Tscm and markers for progression of HIV-1 infection (CD4+T cell count, HIV-1 viral load and level of activated T cells).Results The percentages and the absolute numbers of CD8+Tscm in patients with chronic HIV-1 infection had no significant change before and after ART.They were respectively positively correlated with the percentages and the absolute numbers of CD4+Tscm.The percentage of CD8+Tscm was proportional to the percentage of CD8+ central memory T cells (CD8+Tcm), but was inversely proportional to the percentage of CD8+ effector memory T cells (CD8+Tem).In addition, the percentages of CD8+Tscm in patients with HIV-1 infection were negatively correlated with the viral loads before ART.Conclusion CD8+Tscm are responsible for maintaining the homeostasis of other CD8+T cell subsets.CD8+Tscm play an important role in inhibiting viral replication.

Objective To upgrade the current X-ray vehicle.Methods Modern digital X-ray radiography was analyzed and 3 kinds of X-ray detectors were compared.Canon CXDI digital X-ray detector was used to update field X-ray vehicle into a field digital X-ray radiography vehicle.Results Real-time X-ray signal synchronization was realized.Digital images could be edited and labeled with detection information.Conclusion The working efficiency is enhanced and the support ability is improved.

Objective To prospectively study the main risk factors of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Methods Fifty-seven patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices who had never experienced variceal bleeding were followed up for 12 months. The patients underwent measurements of esophageal variceal pressure by non-invasive endoscopic balloon technique. The endpoint of the study was the presence of a variceal hemorrhage. The relationship between variceal hemorrhage and endoscopic findings including varices, variceal pressure, Child-Pugh status, ascites, and etiology of cirrhosis was studied. Results Thirty-four patients (59.6% ) developed a variceal hemorrhage. In univariate analysis, the level of variceal pressure (P= 0. 001), the size of varices (P=0. 006), and the endoscopic red color sign on the variceal wall (P=0. 012) predicted higher risks of variceal hemorrhage. The multiple logistic regression revealed that variceal pressure was a major predictor of the risk for a first variceal bleeding (OR=2. 817, P=0. 003). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of variceal pressure for predicting variceal bleeding was 0. 98, and the variceal pressure cutoff value was 25.3 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0. 133 kPa) with both specificity and sensitivity of 91 %. Conclusion The level of variceal pressure is a major predictor for variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Objective To investigate the impact of adding folic acid and vitamin B12 combined with standard antihypertensive medication on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA),serum NO and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) of essential hypertensive patients.Methods One hundred and fifty-six patients with essential hypertension were divided into control group and experimental group with 78 cases by random digits table method.Control group received conventional antihypertensive therapy,while experimental group were treated with folic acid and vitamin B12 based on the treatment of control group.Plasma Hcy and ADMA,serum NO and eNOS levels were observed at baseline 2 and 12 weeks after treatment.Results In control group,the level of Hcy and ADMA showed no significant difference before and 2,12 weeks after treatment (P ＞ 0.05).The level of Hcy and ADMA before treatment was significantly higher than that 2,12 weeks after treatment in experimental group (P＜ 0.05).The level of NO and eNOS 12 weeks after treatment in experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group[(77.35 ± 9.55)μmol/L vs.(64.26 ± 11.49) μ mol/L,(30.05 ±6.88) μ mol/L vs.(19.92 ± 10.24) μ mol/L,P ＜ 0.05].The level of ADMA was positively correlated with Hcy at baseline(r =0.612,P ＜ 0.05),and was negatively correlated with NO and eNOS (r =-0.557,-0.529,P ＜0.05).Conclusions Supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 helps to improve endothelial function and reduce plasma Hcy and ADMA levels as well as improve serum NO and eNOS levels in patients with essential hypertension,which helps to prevent from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of normal hematopoietic and without causing the increase of relapse rate of amifostine in patients with acute myeloid chemotherapy.Methods One hundred and forty-two acute myeloid leukemia(AML) patients were selected and divided into combination group(n =56) and chemotherapy alone group (n =86).Hematological toxicity and non-hematologic toxicity,response rate,duration of response of patients were prospective,non-randomized,case-control study.Results Fifty-six patients in combined group included 30 male and 26 female patients,and 18 patients in high risk stage and 32 patients in intermediate risk stage and 6 patients in low risk.The median age was (35.14 ± 14.42) year in combination group.Chemotherapy alone group included 58 male 28 female patients,and 14 patients in high risk and 64 patients in intermediate risk and 8 patients in low risk.The median age was (46.58 ± 16.99) year.There were no significant difference between two groups in terms of gender (P =0.318) and risk stage(P =0.262).But more young patients were in combination group compared with chemotherapy alone group and there was significant difference(P =0.004).In combination group,42.9％ (24 cases)patients got high Ara-C dose and 32.1％ (18 cases) patients got high HAA dose chemotherapy compared with control group (14.9％ (12 cases)and 20.9％ (18 cases)).The during periods of platelet with ＜20 × 109/L in combination was 0(0,7) day,lower than that in chemotherapy alone group (9 (4,14),P =0.01).Meanwhile the volume of platelet infusion in combination group was less than that in chemotherapy alone group and the nadir of platelet4(0(0,3) U vs.4(1,6) U,P =0.02).No statistic difference was found in two groups regarding of non-hematological side effects and the relapse rate (before and after treatment,combination group:96.4％ (54/56) ; Chemotherapy alone group:98.8 ％ (85/86) ; P=0.062).Conclusion Amifostine may provide protection for AML patients,can short duration of thrombocytopenia,reduce platelet transfusions,and other side effect was no significant difference.

Objective To implore the characteristics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in human prostate cancer stem progenitor (S/P) cells isolated from LNCaP cell lines.Methods The S/P cells were obtained through florescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).Western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect the S/P cells' EMT markers expression,such as E Cadherin,N Cadherin,Vimentin and Snail.Soft agar assay was used to detect the tumorigenesis ability of S/P cells.Cell migration assay was used to detect the migration ability of S/P cells.Results Compared with non S/P cells,the expressions of EMT markers,such as N Cadherin,Vimentin and Snail,were increased in S/P cells,while the expressions of epithelial marker and E Cadherin were decreased in S/P cells.After cultured for three weeks,S/P cells and non S/P cells both clonally grew.The colony numbers were (18.34±1.21) and (82.27±7.54),respectively (t =8.617,P =0.001).After cultured for 48 hours,the migration cells number was (25.33±5.13) in non S/P cells and (74.33±7.64) in S/P cells (t =7.953,P =O.001).Conclusions Human prostate cancer S/P cells isolated from LNCaP cell line have some characteristics of EMT,such as stronger tumorigenesis and migration ability,which could promote tumor invasion and metastasis.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of the transluminal radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for malignant esophageal obstruction.Methods The retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted.The clinicopathological data of 52 patients with malignant esophageal obstruction who underwent transluminal RFCA at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Academy of Medical Science between March 2013 and March 2016 were collected.Patients received the bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under dualchannel endoscopy and X-ray.Observation indicators:(1) intra-and post-operative situations:operation situations,operation time,time of RFA,postoperative complications and duration of postoperative hospital stay,(2) follow-up.Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect the subsequent treatment,survival of patients and recurrence of esophageal obstruction up to June 2016.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as average (range).Results (1) Intra-and post-operative situations:52 patients underwent successful RFCA,without the occurrence of aspiration,asphyxia,hemorrhage and perforation.Esophageal obstruction was disappeared after treatment,X-ray findings showed a smooth esophagus.Average operation time and time of RFCA were respectively 58 minutes (range,20-71 minutes) and 23 minutes (range,8-42 minutes).Patients took liquid food at postoperative day 2 and normal food at postoperative day 3,without the sensations of esophageal obstruction.Of 52 patients,1 with postoperative hypotension returned to normal level through rehydration and increasing blood volume.Five patients with postoperative substernal pain were improved after 2-day symptomatic treatment.And other 46 patients didn't have postoperative complications.Average duration of postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (range,1-5 days).(2)Follow-up:52 patients were followed up for 3-24 months,with a median time of 13 months.Of 52 patients,17 underwent single intravascular interventional therapy,15 underwent intravascular interventional therapy combined with single systemic chemotherapy,14 underwent single systemic chemotherapy and other 6 didn't undergo antineoplastic therapy.During the follow-up,9 patients didn't have esophageal obstruction and 26 were complicated with esophageal obstruction again.Esophageal obstruction of 26 patients was respectively occurred at 3-8 months postoperatively,20 patients were improved after bipolar transluminal RFCA under dual-channel endoscopy and X-ray and 6 received parenteral nutrition support therapy due to extreme exhaustion.Seventeen patients died of cachexia caused by terminal malignant tumors.Conclusion Transluminal RFCA is safe and effective for malignant esophageal obstruction,with a good short-term outcome.

OBJECTIVETo confirm the inhibitory effect of Chinese herbs of acid taste on melanin synthesis.

METHODSActive ingredients of 22 kinds Chinese herbs of acid tastes were extracted by alkali extraction and acid precipitation, alcohol extraction, and water extraction, respectively, which was then dispensed into 25.00, 12.50, and 6.25 g/L suspension. Their effects on activities of tyrosinase were detected using mushroom-tyrosinase-DOPA speed oxidation. Their inhibition rates on activities of tyrosinase were respectively compared with inhibition rates of 1.0, 0.5, and 0.1 mmol/L arbutin.

RESULTSThe 22 kinds Chinese herbs of acid taste included Cornus Officinalis, Crataegus pinnatifida, dark plum fruit, Schisandra Chinensis, Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne, Reynoutria japonica Houtt, Achyranthes Bidentata, Sanguisorba officinalis L., Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, Herba Ecliptae, blueberry, immature bitter orange, submature bitter orange, Prunus mume Var, Hovenia acerba Lindl., Fructus Mori, Pomegranate Rind, white paeony root, Rosa laevigata Michx., Portulaca oleracea L, Terminalia chebula Retz, Rhus chinensis Mill. Their alkaline extractions showed inhibition to activities of tyrosinase to different degrees except Herba Ecliptae. Of them, the highest inhibition rate (88.49% ± 9.98%) was got by dark plum fruit at 25 g/L, while the lowest inhibition rate (11.22% ± 3.36%) was got by immature bitter orange at 6.25 g/L. Their alcohol extractions showed inhibition to activities of tyrosinase to different degrees except Herba Ecliptae. Of them, the highest inhibition rate (75.92% ± 5.57%) was got by Hovenia acerba Lindl. at 25 g/L, while the lowest inhibition rate (9.60% ± 1.15%) was got by submature bitter orange at 6.25 g/L. Their water extractions all had inhibition on activities of tyrosinase. Of them, the highest inhibition rate (54.23% ± 3.56%) was got by Fructus Mori at 25 g/L, while the lowest inhibition rate (10.25% ± 1.83%) was got by Semen Ziziphi Spinosae at 6.25 g/L. Compared with 1 mmol/L arbutin water solution, alkaline extractions of dark plum fruit, Schisandra Chinensis, Rhus chinensis Mill., Rosa laevigata Michx., blueberry, Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne, Portulaca oleracea L, Fructus Mori, Achyranthes Bidentata, Pomegranate Rind; alcohol extractions of dark plum fruit, Rhus chinensis Mill., Pomegranate Rind, Hovenia acerba Lindl., Crataegus pinnatifida, Achyranthes Bidentata; water extractions of Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne, blueberry, and Fructus Mori at 25 g/L got obviously higher inhibition rates (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with 0.5 mmol/L arbutin water solution, alcohol extraction of Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne and alcohol extraction of dark plum fruit at 12.5 g/L got obviously higher inhibition rates (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONChinese herbs of acid taste could inhibit melanin synthesis, and its mechanism was related to inhibiting activities of tyrosinase.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Melanins ; metabolism ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Schisandra ; Taste