Objective·To investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 on prion encoding gene (PRNP) expression and amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism of PC12 cells. Methods·After PC12 cells were treated with 20, 40, 80 ng/mL IGF-1 for 24 h, real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of PRNP, and Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of AKT, phosphorylation of AKT (pAKT), ERK and phosphorylation of AKT (pERK). The level of β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) in supernatant fluid was detected by ELISA. Results·Compared with the blank control group, the expression of PRNP mRNA in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model group was increased significantly (P<0.01). The expression of PRNP mRNA was significantly increased after cells were treated with 40 and 80 ng/mL IGF-1 for 24 h (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in APP protein expression among AD model group and three IGF-1 treatment groups (P>0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the level of Aβ42 in supernatant fluid of model group was decreased significantly with the increasing of IGF-1 concentration. The expression level of Aβ42 was decreased significantly in 40 and 80 ng/ml IGF-1 treatment group (P<0.05). The expression of AKT/pAKT, ERK/pERK in AD model group was significantly increased along with the increasing of IGF-1 concentration (P<0.05). Conclusion·IGF-1 could regulate the expression of PRNP gene and effect the metabolism of APP, which may be associated with PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the prognostic value for cardiovascular events of elevated NT-proBNP in coronary heart disease(CHD) patients with metabolic syndrome(MS).Methods The level of NT-proBNP was measured in 165 CHD patients with MS diagnosed by coronary angiography.After 2 years follow-up,we recorded the corresponding cardiovascular events in those patients.Results The NT-proBNP level was much higher in ACS group than that in SCHD group( P ＜ 0.01 ).There were totally 45 events after 2 years.After adjustment of traditional risk factors including hypertension,diabetes,smoking history and high sensitivity C reactive protein( hs-CRP),Cox proportional hazard analysis indicated that high NT-proBNP level( ＞ 111.58ng/L)was an independent risk factor for future events (relative risk 2.67,P ＜0.01 ).Conclusion Elevated NT-proBNP level might be one of the independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in CHD patiens with MS.

This study is to investigate the effect of artesunate on transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its possible mechanism. After the in vitro cultured RLE-6TN cells were treated with TGF-beta1 then artesunate intervened on it, after 24 h, expression of the markers of mesenchymal cell was assayed using Western blotting and real-time PCR analysis. Western blotting was also used to detect the effect of TGF-beta1 on the Smad3 and Smad7 expressions of RLE-6TN cells. Morphological alterations were examined by phase-contrast microscope, and ultrastructure changes by electron microscope. Incubation of RLE-6TN cells with TGF-beta1 resulted in the up-regulation of the expression of the mesenchymal cell markers, after artesunate intervened on it, resulted in the down-regulation of the expression. Meanwhile, incubation with artesunate intervened on RLE-6TN cells could lead to the apparent down-regulation of the expression of Smad3 and up-regulation of Samd7 and the transition of RLE-6TN cells to mesenchymal-like by TGF-beta1 induction, after artesunate intervened on it, RLE-6TN cells to epithelial-like. TGF-beta1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process; artesunate can inhibit TGF-beta1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, the possible mechanism is up-regulation of the expression of Smad7 and down-regulation of the expression of Smad3, meanwhile inhibits phosphorylation of Smad3.

Objective To study the function of the toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) signaling pathway in the synthesis and secretion of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of rats with COPD. Methods The primary pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of rats with COPD were digested, separated and purified. Then they were randomly divided into control group, LPS group, TLR4 inhibitor group (TAK242) and LPS + TLR4 inhibitor group. RT-PCR, Western blot were used to detect the expression level of TLR-4 and NF-κB among groups. The levels of IFN-γ and PDGF-AB in supernatant with PASMCs in each group were detected by ELISA. Results LPS increased the expression of TLR-4、 NF-κB and the levels of IFN-γ and PDGF-AB. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB and the levels of IFN-γ and PDGF-AB were significantly reduced after inhibiting the expression of TLR4(P < 0.05). Conclusion TLR-4 signaling pathway involved in the inflammatory response and pulmonary vascular remodeling which increased the synthesis and secretion of IFN-γ and PDGF-AB in PASMCs. It provides a theoretical approach for the early intervention of clinical with COPD.

0.05).The intimal thickness was decreased in high-dose DIM group compared with model group and low-dose DIM group(P

Objective To observe the effects of indole-3-carbinol on neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis of rat artery after balloon injury and the possible mechanisms.Methods Balloon dilation was used to establish the neointimal injury model of left carotid artery in rats.Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into single balloon dilation group(control group)and balloon dilation followed by indole-3-carbinol therapy group(therapeutic group).After balloon dilation,indole-3-carbinol(12.5,25,50 mg/d)was applied to the rats for 7 days respectively.The rats were killed two weeks after balloon dilation and the injured vascular specimens were harvested for pathologic examination and immunohistochemical staining.Results ①The neointimal thickness,neointimal area in the therapeutic groups were significantly less than that of the control group(P

ObjectiveTo study the characteristic of apoptosis and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),as well as relation between them after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods84 adult SD rats were randomly divided into three groups,and made into mild,moderate and severe acute SCI models.The rats were killed at 4h,8h,1d,3d,7d,14d and 21d after surgery.The histopathology changes in spinal cord tissue were observed with HE staining microscopic examination.The expression of iNOS was determined by immunohistochemistry and the apoptosis was labeled by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL).ResultsThe histopathology changes in spinal cord tissue deteriorated with increasing in injury degree.A little iNOS immunoreactivity (iNOS-IR) was detected in nerve cells,gliocytes,ependymocytes and blood vessel endotheliocytes of normal and vertebra shelf operated controls,increasing at 8 h, and in flood tide in 7 d. The expression of Bax and the rates of TUNEL positive cells were similar with that of iNOS after SCI. There was positive correlation between expression of iNOS and degree of primary SCI ,apoptosis index(r=0.414,P<0.01;r=0.854,P<0.01).Conclusions Expression of iNOS and Bax increase and a large number of TUNEL positive cells present after SCI in rats. There is positive correlation between expression of iNOS and degree of primary SCI,apoptosis index.

Objective To investigate the chnical effect of modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) on the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Methods Sixty-two patients with lumbar degenerative disease were treated by the modified TLIF from June 2007 to May 2009. The preoperative diagnosis was lumbar intervertebral disc herniation with spinal instability (28 cases), lumbar intervertebral disc herniation with lumbar stenosis (27 cases ), degenerative spondylohsthesis (7 cases ). Forty-eight cases were single-level and 14 cases were two-level. The patients were evaluated by observing the fusion rate and comparing the visual analog score( VAS ) and Japanese orthopaedics association (JOA) score of preoperation with those of postoperation. Results All the patients were followed up from 15 to 30 (22.77 ± 3.82)months,no nerve injury,leakage of cerebralspinal,infection,the broken of pedical screws and other complications. The fusion rate of segment was 96.8% at the follow-up after 1 year postoperatively. Judgement by JOA score,the rate of improvement was 93.5%(58/62),excellent in 34 cases,good in 24 cases,fair in 4 cases. The postoperative value of V AS and JOA score were higher than those of preoperation (P ＜ 0.05 ), the values when follow-up of 3 months was performed had no statistic al difference with those of final follow-up (P＞0.05). Conclusion The modified TLIF with fully decompression while reducing the accessing spinal canal complications have good clinical efficacy in treating lumbar degenerative disease.

Objective To summarize the initial experience in application of mesohepatectomy for the treatment of central liver tumors while focusing on its indication, short-term and long-term prognosis and especially outlining its technical details. Methods The clinical data of 3 patients receiving mesohepatectomy from December 2007 to March 2009 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The imaging characteristics were summarized to convey the indication details. The technique details of the operation were outlined so as to reduce blood loss or other complications during and after the operation. The post-operative course and follow-up data were also collected and analyzed. Results Two patients suffered from primary hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis and the other from giant hemangioma. The tumors were located in Couinaud yegment Ⅳ and/or Ⅷ. The average blood loss and operative duration were 800 ml and 7 h, respectively. Blood liver function tests returned to normal within 7 days postoperatively and the patients were discharged after that. No complications occurred. The follow-up for 7-15 months showed that there was no recurrence. Conclusion Mesohepatectomy is the principal choice of treatment for centrally located liver tumors. For the safety and avoidance of complications, the doctor should abide by the concept of segment-oriented hepatectomy and apply the updated techniques such as CUSA (Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator). For patients with compromised liver function, mesohepatectomy might be superior to extended bepatectomy. Thus, the application of mesohepatectomy should be expanded. Meanwhile, further investigation is needed for its full evaluation.

Objective To assess the clinical effect of tumor-type prosthesis replacement for treatment of giant cell tumors of bone near the joints. Methods Thirty-seven patients with giant cell tumors of bone near the joints from January 1998 to January 2008 were reviewed. 18 were males and 19 were females. The ages ranged from 19 to 64 and the median age was 32 years old. The anatomic site of the lesions spreaded at distal femur(23 cases) , proximal tibia(10 cases),proximal humerus(3 cases) and proximal femur(1 case). According to Companacci's staging system: 9 patients were classified as grade II and 28 as grade Ⅲ. All patients had been treated with block excision and reconstruction with prosthesis. The functional outcomes were evaluated by MSTS 93 score. Results According to the follow-up for 2 -9 years,1 patient (4. 3% ) had local recurrence and underwent amputation of the diseased limb. As for the complications, periprosthesis infection occurred in 1 patient, prosthesis loosening in 2 patients. The average MSTS 93 score was 22. 49 ±5. 16 in 3 years after surgery. The evaluated functional result revealed excellent or good performance in 89. 2% of the patients. Conclusions Tumor-type prosthesis replacement is an effective procedure to reduce the local recurrence,and to restore joint function.