OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of total flavonoids of Herba Epimedium (FHE) on BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway in promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

METHODSPassage 3 BMSCs were randomly divided into the control group, the experimental group, and the inhibitor group. BMSCs in the control group were cultured in 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide + Osteogenuxic Supplement (OS) fluid + DMEM/F12 culture media. BMSCs in the experimental group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE. BMSCs in the inhibitor group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE and 1 microg/mL NOGGIN recombinant protein. At day 9 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured. Calcium nodules were stained by alizarin red staining and the density was observed. The transcription expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins (type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin) and related factors of BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway was assayed by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, ALP activities were enhanced and the density of calcium nodules significantly increased; type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin expression levels were increased in the experimental group. The expression of osteogenesis-related transcription factor was also increased in the experimental group. Noggin recombinant protein inhibited FHE promoting BMSCs osteogenesis in the inhibitor group. Compared with the experimental group, ALP activity decreased (P < 0.05), the density of calcium nodules was lowered, expression levels of type I collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the inhibitor group.

CONCLUSION20 microg/mL FHE promoted osteogenic differentiation process of BMSCs by BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epimedium ; chemistry ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Osteopontin ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Sp7 Transcription Factor ; Transcription Factors ; metabolism

The clinical therapeutic effect of acupoint catgut-embedding for simple obesity was systemically analyzed to provide reference and assistance for its clinical treatment and research. By searching in the CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, Pubmed, Springer and Medline databases, clinical randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupoint catgut-embedding for simple obesity published from Jan, 2009 to July, 2013 were collected while Revman 5. 2 software was applied to perform the Meta-analysis. Totally 19 articles were acquired with 1 658 cases involved. The effective rate was selected as primary outcome measure in 19 articles. The Meta-analysis was performed among homogeneous researches. The results indicated that compared with other therapies, pooled OR of acupoint catgut-embedding was 2.45 with 95% CI [1.81, 3.32]; in the test for overall effect, Z = 5.81, implying the efficacy difference of two therapies was significant in the treatment of simple obesity (P < 0.01). In subgroups analysis, in the event of treatment session with more than 3 months, compared with other therapies, pooled OR of acupoint catgut-embedding was 2.61 with 95% CI [1.53, 4.46]; in test for overall effect, Z = 3.51, implying the efficacy difference of two therapies was significant in the treatment of simple obesity (P < 0.01); in the event of treatment session with less than 3 months, compared with other therapies, pooled OR of acupoint catgut-embedding was 2.38 with 95% CI [1.65, 3.44]; in test for overall effect, Z = 4.46, implying in the treatment of simple obesity the efficacy difference of two therapies was significant (P < 0.01). Compared with electroacupuncture, OR of acupoint catgut-embedding was 1.79, 95% CI [1.08, 2.95] (P = 0.02). Compared with acupuncture, OR of acupoint catgut-embedding was 1.89, 95% CI [1.16, 3.09] (P = 0.01), which explained that compared with electroacupuncture and acupuncture, the efficacy of acupoint catgut-embedding was significantly different. In a word, the clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut-embedding is superior to other therapies in the treatment of simple obesity.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Catgut ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Obesity ; therapy ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) on the quality of oocytes, reproductive hormones, and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients.

METHODSSixty infertility patients who prepared for IVF-ET were assigned to two groups according to the treatment order, the treatment group [20 cases, treated with BTR + controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH)] and the control group (treated with COH alone, 40 cases). Age, the time limit for infertility, basal follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) concentration, usage days and the dosage of gonadotropins (Gn), serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteotropic hormone (LH), and progesterone (P) on the HCG injection day, the number of retrieved occytes, the fertilization rate, the number of embryos, the high quality embryo rate, and the clinical pregnancy rate were compared. Concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH, E2, testosterone (T), and P in the follicular fluid were detected via chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. The mRNA and protein expression of BMP-15 in mature granulosa cells was detected by real-time fluorescent PCR and Western blot.

RESULTSThirty-two patients were pregnant and the total pregnancy rate was 53.3%. Of them, 19 were pregnant and the total pregnancy rate was 47.5% in the control group, while 20 were pregnant and the total pregnancy rate was 65.0% in the treatment group. But there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the Gn dosage was lower and the high quality embryo rate was higher in the treatment group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in serum concentrations of E2, LH, or P on the HCG injection day, the number of retrieved oocytes, or the fertilization rate (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, FSH concentrations in the follicular fluid were significantly lower and LH concentrations were significantly higher in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The LH concentrations in the follicular fluid were significantly higher in pregnant patients than non-pregnant patients, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).There was no statistical difference in E2, T, or P concentrations (P > 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of BMP-15 in granulosa cells was higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). It was also higher in pregnant patients than non-pregnant patients, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDuring the IVF-ET process, BTR could elevate the quality of oocytes, and increase the sensitivity of ovarian follicles to exogenous Gn, which was correlated with the mRNA and protein expression of BMP-15 in granulosa cells, and changing concentrations of FSH and LH.

Adult ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Embryo Transfer ; Estradiol ; blood ; metabolism ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; metabolism ; Follicular Fluid ; metabolism ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; metabolism ; Oocytes ; drug effects ; Pregnancy ; Progesterone ; blood ; metabolism ; Testosterone ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the development trend of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu Province,and to provide the basis for further prevention and treatment of the disease.Methods In 2009,eight major counties were chosen,and in each county all diseased villages were classified into light,moderate and severe disease types according to water fluorine content based on historical data,and one village was chosen from each type.In monitoring villages with improved water,one source water and three tap water samples were collected,respectively.Five water samples were collected in water unimproved monitoring villages according to water well locations of the east,the west,the south,the north and the center.The fluorine content in water was determined according to the Standard Testing Methods for Drinking Water (GB/T 5750-2006).Children aged 8 to 12 were examined for dental fluorosis by Dean method.Residents over the age of 16 were examined for clinical osteofluorosis,and two monitoring counties were chosen,then one village was respectively chosen in each county,and clinically diagnosed patients with skeletal fluorosis were examined again by X-ray.Both clinical and X-ray diagnosis were on the basis of Diagnostic Criteria of Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis (WS 192-2008).Urine samples of 30 children aged 8 to 12 and of 20 adults over the age of 16 were randomly collected and urinary fluoride was determined by F-ion selective electrode method(WS/T 89-1996).Results Of all the 24 villages of 8 counties,20 villages were water improved,and water-improvedprojects ran normally in 18 villages,while scrapped in the rest 2 villages.One hundred and two samples were tested,and the mean of water fluoride in water-improved villages was 1.10 mg/L,while in water unimproved villages and villages with water improved projects scrapped was 1.90 mg/L.The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 42.51％(854/2009).The prevalence of clinical skeletal fluorosis was 23.23％ (2024/8713) and the X-ray detection rate was 32.00％ (24/75).Six hundred and sixty-four urine samples of children were determined,and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 1.59 mg/L,while 370 adult urine samples were determined,and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 2.20 mg/L.Conclusions Endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu Province has not been fully controlled and there are signs of recovery.We must pay attention to water improvement measures to reduce fluoride and the management and maintenance of water improvement projects,and further strengthen the prevention and control of endemic fluorosis.

Objective To evaluate the effect of health education on endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu province,and to provide reference data for further prevention and control of the disease.Methods In 2011,according to history prevalence of endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu province,a total of 10 countries were selected,and 3 townships were chosen in each county.Health educational activities were carried out in the classes of grade 4 - 6 in thecentral primary school.In the meantime,3 villages were chosen in each selected township where the health educational activities in the community were carried out.Before and after the health education activities,questionnaire surveys on knowledge of endemic fluorosis were conducted in each county.Thirty students in one classof the fifth grade in the central primary school were randomly selected,and 15 housewives near the central primaryschool were also randomly selected.Results After the health educational activities,the rates of knowledgeawareness in the students and the housewives were 95.90％ (2946/3072) and 92.85％ ( 1752/1887 ),respectively,and increased significantly compared with those before the intervention[71.53％(2015/2817),77.40％( 1384/1788 ) ],and the difference was statistically significant(x2 =657.337,174.894,all P ＜ 0.01 ).Before the health educational activities,the rates of knowledge awareness in the students were lower than those in the housewives,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =6.120,P ＜ 0.05 ).After the health educational activities,the rates of knowledge awareness in the students were higher than those in the housewives,and the difference was statistically significant(x2 =21.847,P ＜ 0.01 ).ConclusionsThe rates of knowledge awareness in the students and the housewives are increased significantly after the health educational activities.The consciousness and activity of the target people to take part in preventing and controlling of the endemic fluorosis have been enhanced greatly.The good behaviors in the target people are gradually formed,the desired effect is achieved.

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophil (Eos) percentage,levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) in induced sputum in elderly patients with late onset asthma (LOA) during the remission period. Methods Fifty-eight elderly patients with LOA during the remission period were selected.Bronchial challenge test was performed and the percentage of Eos and levels of ECP and IL-5 in induced sputum were measured by Wrights' stain,immuno-CAP system and ELISA,respectively.Twenty-five elderly patients with LOA during their exacerbation period and 15 healthy elderly subjects were selected as control.Results In fifty-eight LOA patients during their remission period,49 cases (84.5%) showed positive bronchial challenge test and 9cases(15.5%) negative.The percentage of Eos,levels of ECP and IL-5[(9.3?3.1)%],[(144.2?68.1)?g/L]and [(20.3?6.3)?g/L],in induced sputum in patients with LOA during their remission period were lower than those[(21.1?9.8)%, (399.3?172.5)?g/L and[(50.6?10.7)?g/L,respectively]in LOA group during the exacerbation period,and higher than those[(1.3?0.7)%,(48.7?21.9)?g/L and (10.3?3.2)?g/L]in healthy group(all P

Objective To investigate the state of endemic fluorosis, running status of water improvement project to reduce fluoride in Jiangsu province, and to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of endemic fluorosis. Methods In 2008, in the ten key counties of endemic fluorosis (zone), in Xuzhou,Lianyungang and Suqian, a stratified sampling method was employed to select 40 diseased villages according to their past water fluoride survey data. All children aged 8 to 12 were examined dental fluorosis, and all adults over 16 years were examined clinical skeletal fluorosis. Thirty per cent of the 40 diseased villages were selected, and 20 adults over the age of 16 in each selected village were examined by X-ray, respectively;50% of the 40 diseased villages were selected, and 30 any time urine samples of children aged 8 to 12 in each diseased village were tested urine fluoride. In each city, select a county, the status of water improvement project to reduce fluoride, water supply capacity and coverage in the county were investigated. Results A total of 3560 children aged 8 to 12 were examined, the detection rate of dental fluorosis was 38.51% (1371/3560), tooth defect rate was 5.34% (190/3560), and dental fluorosis index was 0.8. Seven hundred and eight urine samples were tested, the median urinary fluoride was 1.47 mg/L and the range was 0.08 ~ 10.08 mg/L. Clinical detection of skeletal fluorosis was 21.3% among adults over the age of 16, and X-ray detection rate of skeletal fluorosis was 39.2% (123/314).Investigated a total of 248 facilities of centralized water improvement projects, no funds to run or damaged 49, the water fluoride > 1.0 mg/L was 18. Conclusions Endemic fluorosis in Northern Jiangsu province has not been controlled completely, but has a rising trend, we should further strengthen the supervision of water fluoride reduction.

Objective To evaluate the effect of health education on drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning in Jiangsu province in 2010.Methods Nine villages(townships) were selected from high-arsenic regions of Jiangsu province,and one primary school in each village(township) and one village from the 9 villages(townships)were selected as investigation points.Thirty pupils in the same class of grade 5 in each school,and 15 housewives in each village were chosen as research subjects.Referring to the health education questionnaire in Technique Scheme of Endemic Disease Prevention Granted by the Central Government in 2010,5 questions were selected.The reason,harm and prevention measures were reflected by the first,second and third questions.The way of knowledge acquisition and the situation of family drinking water were reflected by the forth and fifth questions.The awareness of prevention knowledge of drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning in pupils and housewives were investigated by calculating the awareness rate.Results Three hundred and nine pupils in the fifth grade and 144housewives were investigated in the baseline survey.Thenumber of response was 927 and 432,respectively; the number of correct answer was 537 and 234,respectively; the awareness rate was 57.93％(537/927) and 54.17％(234/432),respectively.Two hundred and seven pupils in the fifth grade and 135 housewives were investigated in the evaluation survey.The number of response was 810 and 405,respectively; the number of correct answer was 778 and 386,respectively; the awareness rate was 96.05％ (778/810) and 95.31％ (386/405),respectively.Conclusions Health knowledge of drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning has been improved among pupils and housewives in these areas.

The experimental SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (Con group),diabetic ulcer model group (DM group) and Celastrol group (Cel group).Except the control group,diabetic ulceration rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin along with skin scald.And then,each group was treated by spraying the saline solution on the affected skin with (Cel group) or without (Con group and DM group) Cel (q.d.×14 d).Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic analysis was applied to detect metabolic characteristics,accompanied by healing rate calculation and HE and Masson staining to study therapeutic effect of celastrol on accelerated healing of skin wounds of diabetic ulceration rats,which could be used to elucidate therapeutic effects of celastrol on the rat diabetic ulceration and its mechanism.The results showed that celastrol could induce epithelial regeneration of the rat ulcer wound,regulate the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the distribution of collagen fibers,and promote the healing of the ulcer wound.About 20 endogenous potential differential metabolites were screened and identified by partial least square analysis.Metabolic pathway analysis was carried out to show that celastrol can significantly recovery the level of the tricarboxylic acid cycle,promote its energy supply,accelerate the protein synthesis,improve mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress,and accelerate the self-repair ability of skin tissue.Celastrol can promote the healing of ulcers skins of the diabetic rats,which contribute to experimental basis of the drugs for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of acupuncture on quality of life (QOL) in post-ischemic stroke patients with dysphagia.

METHODSSixty-six patients with dysphagia were randomly assigned to 3 groups, the 23 patients in the electro-acupuncture (EA) group treated by EA, 18 in the control group received rehabilitation training combined with acupoint percutaneous electric stimulation, and 25 in the acupoint token puncturing (TP) group received rehabilitation training combined with acupoint TP, once every day for 20 days in total. Changes in QOL scale specified for dysphagia of patients before and after treatment were compared.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 69.6% in the EA group, 50.0% in the control group and 64.0% in the TP group with insignificant difference among them (P > 0.05), but the improvements dealing with patients' general condition, time for taking food, frequency of uneasiness, emotion, appetite, social intercourse ability, fatigue, sleep and mental health, etc. in the EA group were superior to those in the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture could improve the QOL of patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Deglutition Disorders ; complications ; therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ischemia ; complications ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Quality of Life ; Stroke ; complications ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome