Objective: To investigate the antihypertensive time-effect and dose-effect features of Sancao jiangya decoction(SCD).Methods: The blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats at different time points were measured after treatment with Sancao jiangya decoction of low,middle,high concentration by tailartery blood pressure measurement for conscious rats.Results: The blood pressure was decreased at 2 hours after drug taken,there were significant dose-effect relationship between the antihypertensive effect and the low,middle,high dose.At 4h after drug taken,the high,middle dose had dose-effect correlation,but the low-dose had no antihypertensive effect.Further research on the middledose shows that the blood pressure reduced at 1h after drug taken,and the stable antihypertensive effect was keeping during 1-4h,the blood pressure began to rise at 6h,and got back to the level before drug taken at 8h.Conclusion: To choose the Middle-dose(10.4g crude drug/kg body weight) and 2h after drug taken is appropriate for SCD's use.This result laid a substantial foundation for further research on effects evaluation and mechanism of antihypertensive medicine.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Down syndrome cellular adhesion molecule (DSCAM) on differentiation of rat marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into neurons in vitro.

METHODSMSCs from Sprague-Dawley rats were induced into neurons by baicalin. The expression of DSCAM before and after induction was evaluated by immunocytochemical staining and Western blot assay. After knockdown of DSCAM by siRNA transfection, the differentiation rate of neurons derived from MSCs was measured.

RESULTSBefore induction, the expression of DSCAM was not detectable in MSCs. After bFGF preinduction for 24 hrs, DSCAM was slightly expressed in MSCs (1.71+/- 0.67%). The DSCAM expression increased 6 hrs after baicalin induction (15.79+/- 4.24%), reached a peak at 3 days (53.16+/- 5.94%) and then decreased gradually. The DSCAM expression 6 days after baicalin induction (28.99+/- 6.72%) was significantly lower than that at 3 days (P<0.01). However, after DSCAM-siRNA transfection, the DSCAM expression in MSCs was significantly reduced. MSCs did not express neuron-specific beta-III-tubulin before induction. After baicalin induction for 6 hrs, 3 days and 6 days, the expression of beta-III-tubulin was 1.40+/- 0.79%, 41.59+/- 3.17% and 59.11+/- 4.76% respectively. But the beta-III-tubulin expression significantly decreased 3 and 6 days after DSCAM-siRNA transfection (28.57+/- 2.91% and 43.90+/- 12.31% respectively).

CONCLUSIONSDSCAM may play an important role in MSCs differentiation into neural cells.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; physiology ; Cell Differentiation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Neurons ; cytology ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of microRNA expression in cortex tissues in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD)and the possible roles of microRNA in the pathogenesis of HIBD. METHODS Rat HIBD model was prepared. The cortex tissues were obtained 14 days after the HIBD event. The microRNA expression profiles were measured using microRNA microarray. Expression of 9 microRNAs (miR-126,-26a,-674-5p,-21,-25,-290, miR-124,-125b-5p and microRNA-9a) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTShe results of microRNA expression profiles indicated that 27 pieces of microRNA were up-regulated more than 2 folds and 60 pieces were down-regulated more than 2 folds compared with the normal control group. The results of the 9 microRNAs detected by quantitative real-time PCR were consistent with those detected by microRNA microarray.

CONCLUSIONSHIBD rats have significant changes in microRNA expression, suggesting that microRNA expression may play important roles in the pathogenesis of HIBD.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; etiology ; genetics ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; physiology ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Adolescent ; Female ; Fistula ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Heart Atria ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Humans ; Pulmonary Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo establish an assay method for detecting the migration of transferred apoptotic cells into the recipient using flow cytometry.

METHODSSpleen lymphocytes were isolated and labeled with an intracellular amine dye, carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), to allow discrimination. The labeled cells were induced with dexamethasone to undergo apoptosis and transferred into recipient mice via tail venous transfusion. Flow cytometry and histological examination of different tissues were performed at different time points. The stability of CFSE labeling for apoptotic cells was also tested.

RESULTSThe CFSE-labeled apoptotic cells were highly fluorescent with a positive labeling rate of (98.0+/-1.9)%. The stability of CFSE-labeling was testified, and the CFSE-labeled apoptotic cells entering different tissues at different time points were detected by flow cytometry and verified by histological examination.

CONCLUSIONFlow cytometry using CFSE labeling is reliable, sensitive, precise and convenient for apoptotic cell tracing in vivo and in vitro.

Adoptive Transfer ; methods ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Dexamethasone ; pharmacology ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; methods ; Fluoresceins ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Fluorescent Dyes ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Lymphocytes ; chemistry ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Reproducibility of Results ; Spleen ; cytology ; Succinimides ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of different concentrations of glucose on the differentiation of 3T3-L(1) and the expression of insig-1 and insig-2 mRNA, and to explore the effect of insulin-induced gene in the differentiation and formation of adipocytes and lipogenesis. METHODS: The 3T3-L(1) cells were induced to differentiate in high glucose concentration (25 mol/L G.S), low glucose concentration (5.5 mol/L G.S), and mannitol (19.5 mol/L Mannitol +5.5 mol/L G.S), respectively. The differentiation of 3T3-L(1) cells was examined by oil red "O" straining, and the expression of insig-1,insig-2 mRNA and AP2 mRNA was examined by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: With the differentiation of 3T3-L(1) cells, the expression of insig-1 and insig-2 mRNA was gradually up-regulated. The expression of insig-1 and insig-2 mRNA significantly increased while AP(2) mRNA decreased in the low glucose concentration inducing group and mannitol inducing group. In the high glucose concentration inducing group, the cell differentiation was poor (P<0.05). There was no difference between the low glucose concentration and the mannitol group in the differentiation of 3T3-L(1) cells, and in the expression of insig-1 and insig-2 and AP(2) mRNA. CONCLUSION Different concentrations of glucose may influence the cell differentiation and the low glucose concentration promotes insig-1 and insig-2 gene expression, which may lead to the inhibition of the differentiation and lipogenesis of preadipocytes.
3T3-L1 Cells ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Glucose ; pharmacology ; Membrane Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Mice ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between serum level of bone morphogenetic proteins-2 (BMP-2) and heterotopic ossification (HO) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractures patients, providing the theoretical evidence for the clinical prevention of HO.

METHODSFrom December 2007 to January 2009, 145 with trama patients were selected. There were 96 closed primary traumatic brain injury patients, 1 penetrating primary traumatic brain injury, 29 fractures of the radius and ulna, 11 fractures of the humerus, 32 fractures of the tibia and fibula, 27 fractures of the femur. All patients were divided into three groups (i.e., group A, group B and group C) by the type of fracture. Fifty-seven patients in group A (TBI only), including 37 males and 20 females, ranged in the age from 29 to 61 years, with an average age of (43.91 +/- 11.09) years. The disease course was from 13 to 67 d, with an average duration of (18.96 +/- 10.46) d. Forty-eight patients in group B (fractures only), 25 males and 23 females, ranged in age from 31 to 54 years, with an average age of (41.73 +/- 8.41) years. The disease course was from 6 to 48 d, with an average duration of (16.02 +/- 8.71) d. Forty patients in group C (TBI combined with extremities fractures), including 23 males and 17 females, ranged in age from 30 to 60 years, with an average age of (45.87 +/- 14.15) years. The disease course was from 18 to 76 d, with an average of (21.28 +/- 13.02) d. Thirty-one extremities fractures with no significant separations or displacements of fragments were treated with traction reductions, cast immobilization or splint fixations. Sixty-eight fractures with significant separations and displacements of fragments were treated with intramedullary nail fixations or screw internal fixations. Sixty-three TBI patients were treated with open-skull surgeries immediately while 34 TBI patients were treated with stanching bleeding, reducing intracranial pressure and improving cerebral blood circulation. All patients were also divided into two groups (group D and group E) according to the 14-to 16-month follow-up X-ray film results. Seventeen patients in group D (HO had been found), including 11 males and 6 females, ranged in age from 29 to 55 years old, with an average age of (46.88 +/- 7.13) years. The disease course was from 6 to 30 d, with an average of (20.18 +/- 9.78) d. All 128 patients in group E (HO had been not found), including 74 males and 54 females, ranged in age from 33 to 61 years, with an average age of (43.31 +/- 12.94) years. The disease course was from 15 to 76 d, with an average of (18.42 +/- 11.58) d. The 49 subjects in group F (normal controls), 29 males and 20 females, ranged in age from 31 to 60 years, average (43.50 +/- 14.40) years. Peripheral blood samples were taken for the determination of BMP-2 in blood serum on 0.5, 3, 15 d and 30 d after fractures by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis of variance and least significant difference test were done with the help of SPSS 13.0 statistic software.

RESULTSThe incidence rates of HO between the TBI only patients (21.05%, 12/57) and the fractures only patients(4.17%, 2/48) were significant different (chi2=5.05, P<0.05). Serum levels of BMP-2 at 0.5, 3 d and 15 d between group A and group B were significant different. Serum levels of BMP-2 at 0.5, 3, 15 d and 30 d between group D and group E were significant different. Serum levels of BMP-2 at each time in each group were higher than the control group (51.30 +/- 23.41 ng/L) (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONHigh serum levels of BMP-2 in TBI only group is one of factors in causing HO. Serum level of BMP-2 at 15 d since fractures may be the obvervational index of HO prevention.

Adult ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; blood ; Brain Injuries ; blood ; complications ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Bone ; blood ; complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification, Heterotopic ; blood ; etiology

BACKGROUNDRecurrence or metastasis of myxomas is not rare and can lead to malignancy. We aimed to analyze the risk factors for postoperative cardiac myxoma recurrence and to summarize its clinical characteristics, treatments and classification.

METHODSThe clinical data of 5 patients with recurrent cardiac myxoma were retrospectively analyzed and our clinical experience was summarized. Moreover, the relevant literatures were reviewed.

RESULTSAll the five cases of primary myxomas were derived from atypical positions. One patient had early distant metastasis, one had family history, and two suffered malignant recurrence. The recurrence interval was (2.30 ± 2.16) years and the recurrent tumors were all found in different chambers from those of the corresponding primary tumors. Re-operation was performed after recurrence. One patient died of heart failure after malignant recurrence, and the other 4 cases had satisfactory therapeutic outcomes after re-operations. Our experience advocated a clinical classification of "typical" and "atypical" cardiac myxoma, the typical myxomas referred to the tumors locating at the left atria, with single pedicle, rooted at or around the fossa ovalis, involving no genetic causes, and the atypical myxomas included the familial tumors, tumors stemming from multiple chambers, rooted in abnormal positions of the left atrium, with evident genetic mutation, or with malignant tendency.

CONCLUSIONSPostoperative follow-up is of vital importance for patients with myxomas characterized by multi-chamber distribution, early distant metastasis, atypical origin, and family history. Once recurs, re-operation is necessary and should be performed immediately.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Heart Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myxoma ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo determine whether 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) is involved in rotenone-induced injury in PC12 cells, which is a cell model of Parkinson disease.

METHODSAfter rotenone treatment for various durations, cell viability was determined by colorimetric MTT reduction assay, and 5-LOX translocation was detected by immunocytochemistry. The effect of 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton was also investigated.

RESULTRotenone (0.3-30 μmol/L) induced PC12 cell injury, and zileuton (3-100 μmol/L) attenuated this injury. Rotenone also time-and concentration-dependently induced 5-LOX translocation into the nuclear envelope, and zileuton (1-30 μmo/L) significantly inhibited rotenone-induced 5-LOX translocation.

CONCLUSION5-LOX is involved in rotenone-induced injury in PC12 cells, and 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton can reduce rotenone-induced 5-LOX activation and cell injury.

Animals ; Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase ; metabolism ; physiology ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Hydroxyurea ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; PC12 Cells ; Rats ; Rotenone ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effects of carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis and occlusion.

METHODSFrom August 2005 to November 2008 moderate and severe carotid stenosis or occlusion were found in 16 patients by Doppler ultrasonography (DUS), MRA, CTA, DSA. The stenosis degree ranged from 60% to 99% in 14 patients and complete occlusion in 2 patients. Twelve patients underwent standard carotid endarterectomy (sCEA) in whom 2 patients were placed carotid shunt and 1 patient underwent carotid patch angioplasty. Four patients underwent eversion carotid endarterectomy (eCEA). All operations were performed by microscope.

RESULTSThere was no stroke, transient ischemic attack and mortality perioperatively and during follow-up from 1 month to 3 years. The ICA flow detected by follow-up duplex scan and MRA was unobstructed. The primary cerebral ischemic symptoms were obviously improved or disappeared after operation. The postoperative complications included one case of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and one case of hoarseness and bucking, which disappeared after medical treatment.

CONCLUSIONSCEA is an effective way for treating carotid stenosis. Different operative methods and techniques deal with different carotid lesions to achieve better effect. Microsurgical technique is useful for exposure of high ICA bifurcation and avoid effectively cranial nerve injury and other complications.

Adult ; Aged ; Carotid Stenosis ; surgery ; Endarterectomy, Carotid ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Microsurgery ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome