BACKGROUND: Ginsenoside Rb1 has been extensively used in the protection and treatment of heart, encephalon, lung, kidney and liver damage. However, its application in skin flap is rare.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intraperitoneal injection of ginsenoside Rb1 on the survival of the dorsal random-pattern skin flap with large length-to-width ratio in rats.METHODS: Healthy adult SD rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. A caudally based dorsal random pattern skin flap, 80 mmx20 mm (length: width = 4:1), was symmetrically made. Ginsenoside Rb1 (2 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the experimental group rats, and the same volume of normal saline was injected into the control group. Malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) level of the flaps were tested 1 day after operation; the amount of viable tissues of the flaps were examined by planimetry 10 days after operation. Specimens from the proximal, middle and distal flaps were harvested for HE staining to examine the microstructure.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: At the first day after operation, NO level was higher in the experimental group than the control group (P< 0.01), while MDA level was lower than the control group (P< 0.01). At the 10th day after operation, the survival rate of the flap was significantly greater in the experimental group than the control group (P < 0.001). Histological observation showed that compared with the control group, the edema and inflammatory cells infiltration were less, while the fiber hyperplasia and the microvascular growth were more obvious in the experimental group. Results show that intraperitoneal injection of ginsenoside Rb1 can enhance the blood supply of the flaps and improve the survival of the random-pattern skin flaps with large length-to-width ratio in rats. This may involve its effects of improving NO activity, decreasing lipid peroxidation, and promoting angiogenesis of skin flaps.

Objective To compare the rates of clearance of different solutes during continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) between pre-dilution and post-dilution.Methods A study in vitro was carried out using model CRRT system with AN69 filter used,which was applied to perform CVVHDF for solutes clearance.The removed amounts of different solutes including potassium ion (K +),creatinine (Cr),vancomycin,insulin,and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined in the groups of control (without dilution),pre-dilution and post-dilution during CVVHDF at the same substitution fluid amount.Each group was repeated 4 times (n =4).Results Post-dilution mode increased K +,Cr,vancomycin and insulin clearances significantly.There was no difference in clearance of IL-6 between the pre-and post-dilution groups.In the control group,insulin and IL-6 levels were decreased extremely.Conclusions In general,the rate of clearance using post-dilution of CVVHDF is higher than that using pre-dilution.Among high molecular weight solutes,the difference in clearance is not significant.The control group demonstrates insulin and IL-6 adsorbed by the filter.

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to clarify the significance of DNA methylation in the expression of runt-related transcription factor 3 (Runx3) gene.

METHODSReverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression level of Runx3 mRNA in paired samples of primary gastric cancer and corresponding non-cancerous gastric mucosa, taken from surgical specimens of 70 gastric cancer patients. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of Runx3 gene. The promoter methylation status of Runx3 gene was detected by methylation specific PCR (MSP). Furthermore, RT-PCR was used to mesure the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmtl) mRNA . The correlation of Runx3 expression and methylation with Dnmt1 mRNA expression was analyzed.

RESULTSThe mRNA expression level of Runx3 gene was significantly lower in gastric cancer than that in the matched normal gastric mucosa (0.5740 +/- 0.3580 vs. 1.7250 +/- 0.4080, P < 0.05), and the Runx3 protein expression level in gastric cancer was also significantly lower than that in the matched normal gastric mucosa (P < 0.05). Promoter hypermethylation of Runx3 gene was detected in 50.0% (28/56) of the gastric cancer samples, which resulted in a reduced expression of Runx3 mRNA. It was found that the mRNA expression level of Dnmt1 gene was significantly higher in the gastric cancer tissues with methylated Runx3 gene than that in the ones without. There was a significant correlation of Runx3 gene methylation with increased expression of Dnmtl mRNA (r = 0.64, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe promoter hypermethylation may be one of the predominant inactivation mechanisms of the runt-related transcription factor 3 gene, and may be associated with carcinogenesis of human gastric cancer. Reduced Runx3 expression in gastric cancer may be partially correlated with a high level of DNA methyltransferase 1.

Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Adult ; Aged ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; DNA Methylation ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the characteristics of ocular movement disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and explore the clinical application of videonystagmograph (VNG) exami?nation in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MS. Methods Sixteen MS ,10 NMO and 30 control ( sudden deafness ) patients were enrolled prospectively. Ocular movement disorders including saccades, gaze fixation, smooth pursuits, opto?kinetic nystagmus and spontaneous nystagmus were evaluated by using VNG. Results The positive rate of ocular motility disorders in MS patients detected by VGN was 68.75%. The incidences of abnormalities in saccades, smooth pursuits and optokinetic nystagmus were significantly higher in MS than in control groups (P= 0.000, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). The positive rate of ocular motility disorders in NMO patients detected by VGN was 80.00%. The incidences of abnormal?ities in saccades, gaze fixation, smooth pursuits and optokinetic nystagmus were significantly higher in NMO than control groups (P=0.000, 0.012, 0.000 and 0.002, respectively). The positive rate of ocular motility disorders was not significant? ly different in MS and MS patients (68.5%vs. 80%,P>0.05). Compared with bedside physical examination, VNG showed a notable higher sensitivity in the detection of ocular motility disorders(68.75% vs. 37.50%). Furthermore, VNG disor?ders might indicate brain lesions undetected by MRI. Conclusion This small sample research indicates that VNG is a valuable tool in the detection of ocular motility disorders as well as brain lesions in MS and NMO patients. However, its role in the differential diagnosis between MS and NMO is not confirmed.

Objective To analyzed the treatment of intracranial aneurysms by mierosurgical clipping, endovascular embolization and embolization combined clipping therapy.In order to explore the ideal and effec- tive treatment plan of intracranial ruptured aneurysm.Methods The clipped group of 30 aneurysms.The embolized group of 34 aneurysms.The combined group of 15 aneurysms.Results Clipped group:All of aneurysms was clipped well,no recurrence,mortality 6%(2/30).Embolized Group:complete embolization rate 70.6%(24/34),recurrence rate 17.6%(6/34),mortality 11.8%(4/34).Combined group:no recur- rence,mortality 6.7%(1/15).All patients of three groups were evaluated by Glasgow Outcome Scale one month later and the rate of recovery well was 80.0%,79.4%and 80.0%.Following up for six months the data were 90.0%,88.2%and 86.7%.Conclusion Microsurgical clipping aneurysm(?)neck is still an ef- fective therapy.Meanwhile it has an absolute advantage of high completely cure rate and low recurrence rate, furthermore it is an available remediation method for those cases that failure of embolization,and for those re- currence aneurysms that have been embolized,microsurgical clipping should be,taken as soon as possible in case of aneurysms re-ruptured.For the patients the aneurysms are narrow shape,irregular shape,small(≤3 nun)or with cerebral hematomas microsurgical clipping is a fitting choice.

A patient with skin rash, skin denudation, anuria, general dropsy and dyspnea for unknown etiology underwent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for 3 consecutive days. The biochemical indexes were monitored during the therapy and biopsy was performed on the right thigh. Pathological examination of the biopsy sample established the diagnosis of polymyositis(PM) and dermatomyositis(DM). After the start of CRRT, the patient's heart, liver, kidney and lung injuries showed obvious improvement, and the urine volume (UV) increased and serum creatinine (Cr), urea, total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels all decreased promptly. The patient showed progressive improvement of the physiological condition even after CRRT, and was discharged 10 days later. This case suggests the efficacy of CRRT in the management of severe PM/DM and its value as a good option for treatment of severe autoimmune disease, especially systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
Adult ; Dermatomyositis ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Polymyositis ; therapy ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the significance of HSP47 gene in the development of pathological scar.

METHODSThe nude mice were used to reconstruct animal model of pathological scar. 16 days later, the mixture of recombinant HSP47siRNA and liposome was injected into the pathological scar in experimental group. In the control group, 0.25 ml PBS was injected intraperitoneally. 7 days after injection, the specimens were collected for detection of mRNA of HSP47, the collagen and for immunohistochemical study.

RESULTSIn the control and experimental group, the collagen content was (91.71 +/- 1.24)% and (82.12 +/- 4.79)%, respectively; the expression of HSP47mRNA was 1 042 862.01 +/- 604 194.36 and 306 123.68 +/- 105 857.08, respectively; the expression of collagen I mRNA was 10 228 614.70 +/- 2 532 879.04 and 6 011 841.97 +/- 2 886 897.17, respectively;the scar volume was (255.60 +/- 21.34) mm3 and (132.99 +/- 24.06) mm3, respectively. All the above results showed significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe collagen production can be reduced through suppression of the expression of HSP47 gene. It indicates that HSP47 gene enhance the development of keloid and could be used as the target of treatment.

Animals ; Cicatrix ; genetics ; pathology ; therapy ; Collagen ; biosynthesis ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; HSP47 Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; therapeutic use ; Liposomes ; therapeutic use ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; therapeutic use

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a central mediator of angiogenesis, not only plays an important role in the pathogenesis of leukemia, but also is an independent prognostic factor in patients with hematologic malignancies, like those in solid tumors. However, the importance of VEGF during differentiation or apoptosis of leukemia cells remains to be elucidated. In order to assess the alternation of VEGF gene expression in the process of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced differentiation of NB4 acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line, and a competitor DNA fragment, VEGF gene competative template (T-VEGFDelta) was constructed by using gene recombinant technologies, and a competitive quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (cQRT-PCR) method was developed. A standard curve was obtained by co-amplification of serial dilutions of the target nulecules with constant amount of competitive template and this curve was used to detect molecular number of target gene in measuring sample. The surface expression of CD11b antigen and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction rate of NB4 cells were also assayed at different time points. The results showed that cQRT-PCR was a sensitive, reliable tool for analysis of VEGF gene expression with a detectable range from 1 x 10(4) to 2 x 10(5) molecules. The number of VEGF gene transcripts detected by means of cQRT-PCR assay was 42.3 x 10(5), 12.6 x 10(5), 3.6 x 10(5), and less than 1.0 x 10(5)/microg total RNA at 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours after ATRA treatment, respectively. This rapid down-regulation of VEGF gene expression, during ATRA-induced NB4 cell differentiation, was accompanied by the up-regulation of CD11b expression and an increased NBT reduction rate. In conclusion, cQRT-PCR method was successtully constructed, confirming that ATRA efficiently repressed VEGF, at the same time, the ATRA might exert an antileukemic effect, other than induction of differentiation via inhibition of angiogenesis.
Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; CD11b Antigen ; genetics ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; genetics ; pathology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Tretinoin ; pharmacology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of different interventional strategies, namely controlled high-concentration oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation, on respiratory response and work of breathing (WOB) in canine models of early-stage acute lung injury (ALI).

METHODSAfter successful duplication of ALI models with oleic acid (diagnostic criteria: Pa(O2)/Fi(O2)

RESULTSBiPAP resulted in the most significant effects in reducing the respiratory rate (RR) and f/V(T) (P<0.001), followed by CPAP and O2 interventions (P<0.001). None of the 3 treatments showed obvious effects on V(E) (P>0.05), which maintained the level of early ALI/ARDS stage. BiPAP greatly improved V(T) and V(T)/Ti, showing better effects than CPAP and O2. No significant differences were noted among the 3 groups in T(I)/T(tot) (P>0.05). BiPAP showed superior effect to CPAP in lowering the peak transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi). CPAP and BiPAP both effectively counteracted intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure (PEEPi) (P<0.01), while O2 produced no obvious such effects (P>0.05). BiPAP showed the most evident effects, followed by CPAP, in reducing WOB, but oxygen therapy produced no obvious effects. CPAP (P<0.01) and BiPAP (P>0.05) both effectively reduced the proportion of ingredients in WOB related to PEEPi.

CONCLUSIONBiPAP and CPAP can produce favorable effects in relieving dyspnea, reducing WOB and improving respiratory response to control the deterioration of ARDS. BiPAP has more significant therapeutic effects than CPAP and oxygen therapy.

Acute Disease ; Animals ; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ; Dogs ; Female ; Lung Diseases ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Male ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy ; Positive-Pressure Respiration ; Respiration ; Respiration, Artificial ; methods ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore feasible and reliable methods for estnbolishment and of acute lung injury model in animal models.

METHODSTwenty-four healthy adult mongrel dogs with oleic acid-induced acute lung injury were evaluated for early-stage physiological response to acute lung injury using a balloon catheter system for measuring esophageal and gastric pressure.

RESULTSIn canine models of early-stage oleic acid-induced acute lung injury that sustained spontaneous breathing, in terms of respiratory mechanics, some parameters obviously increased including the respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), peak inspiratory volume (Vinsp, peak), mean inspiratory volume (VT/Ti), inspiratory airway resistance (Raw, insp) (P<0.001 for all the parameters), with also significantly increased peak transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi, peak, P=0.0185). The tidal volume (VT) and dynamic lung compliance (CL,dyn), however, were significantly decreased (P<0.001), and significant variation occurred in the ratio of inspiratory time to duration of one breath (Ti/Ttot, P=0.163). In terms of gas exchange, the pH, PaO(2), SaO(2), PaO(2)/FiO(2), and end tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PETCO(2)) all evidently declined (P<0.001), but PaCO(2) and ratio of alveolar dead space to tidal volume [VD(alv)/VT] increased significantly (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONApplication of balloon catheter system for measuring esophageal and gastric pressures allows objective evaluation of the various physiological responses in early stage of acute lung injury.

Acute Lung Injury ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Animals ; Catheterization ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dogs ; Esophagus ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Male ; Pressure ; Reproducibility of Results ; Respiratory Mechanics ; physiology ; Stomach ; Time Factors