Objective To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and protein kinase Bβ (Akt2) in the skeletal muscles of insulin-resistant (IR) rats. Methods Twentyfour male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group. The rats of the model group and the EA group were fed with high fat diets to establish a model of insulin resistance. The rats in the EA group were then treated with electroacupuncture for 2 weeks, while those in the model group were not. Blood samples were collected to evaluate fasting insulin (FINS) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) to calculate the insulin sensitivity index (ISI). GLUT4 and Akt2 mRNA in the skeletal muscles were determined with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) after 2 weeks of EA treatment. Results Compared with the control group, the FINS in the model group increased significantly, and ISI decreased significantly. Compared with the model group, the FINS in the EA group decreased significantly and ISI increased significantly. The expression of GLUT4 and Akt2 mRNA in the model group was significantly lower than in the control group or the EA group. Conclusion Electroacupuncture might improve the condition of IR rats, probably by enhancing the transposition of GLUT4 in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that nanosilver-containing biomaterials produce bad biological effects after they directly contact with or are implanted into human body.OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether nanosilver yields potential adverse biological effects on human body and to evaluate its bioiogical safety.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: An animal experiment observation was performed at the Medical Device Center of National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products from June 2005 to August 2006.MATERIALS: Nanosilver particles and microsilver particles were purchased from Sigma Company, USA.METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 5 male and 5 female rats per group: nanosilver, microsilver, and blank control. Nanosilver and microsilver particles were respectively and subcutaneously implanted for subchronic toxicity test.The nanosilver and microsilver groups were given 0.33 g/kg nanosilver and microsilver, respectively. Rats from the blank control group received identical procedure, with the exception of drug application. Four rats were selected from each group for determination of silver content in serum and some organs by plasma mass spectrometry.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: serum biochemical indices, organ coefficient, and silver content.RESULTS: There was significant difference in individual organ coefficient between each drug application group and blank control group. But no significant difference in absolute mass was found between each drug application and the blank control group.These findings suggested no clinical significance of organ coefficient. Other organ coefficients were in the normal range, and there was no significant difference between each drug application group and the blank control group. Patho-histological changes related to toxicity were not found. Rats from the nanosilver group did not show toxic reaction.CONCLUSION: Nanosilver produces potential adverse biological effects after implanted into human body.

Objective To explore diagnosis value of spiral CT on intracranial dermoid cyst based on retrospective analysis.Methods 10 cases of intracranial dermoid cyst were enrolled in and confirmed by surgery and pathology.The retrospective analysis was based on the CT manifestations,causes,pathological and clinical features.Results Among the 10 cases,5 lesions were located in the posterior cranial fossa,3 in besides saddle,1 in up saddle and 1 in the temporal fossa.The morphology of nidus was round or round like with clear boundary.There was no edema around the nidus.Fat was found in 7 cases appeared hypodensity with insufficiency uniformity on CT,and the density was lower than that of cerebrospinal fluid with CT value ranged from-6 HU to 80 HU.There was a few calcification on the edge in 1 case.Hyperdensity irregular and lumpy hair-liked shadow was found in 2 hypodensity cases.1 lesion closed to the cranial plate was compressed thin and buckled.Conclusions Intracranial dermoid cyst has typical CT manifestations.It will be an accurate diagnosis based on clinical analysis and CT manifestations.

Objective To investigate the expressions of intermedin /adrenomeduliin 2 (IMD/AM2) and its receptor calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) in the kidney of rats after renal ischemia reperfusion injury(IRI). Methods Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into two groups: sham group and operation group. Renal IRI model was induced by clamping both renal arteries. Blood and kidney were harversted at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after reperfusion, respectively. Renal histological changes were semi-quantitated. Expressions of IMD and CRLR in the kidney were detected by Western blot, and the content of IMD in serum was measured by radioimmunity at 12 h, 48 h, 72 h after repeffusion. Results Kidneys of renal IRI model rats displayed significant pathologic changes, and the changes were much severer at 48 h after reperfusion. The expressions of IMD and CRLR in kidney were significantly up-regnlated at 12 h, 48 h, 72 h after renal IRI (P<0.01). The level of IMD in serum increased at 12 h, 48 h, 72 h after renal IRI (P<0.05). Conclusion The expressions of IMD and its receptor are up-regulated in the kidney after renal IRI, which may participate in the pathophysiological changes induced by renal IRI.

Objective To investigate the effect of intermedin (IMD) on renal ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) injury after the up-regulation of IMD. Methods A total of 24 healthy Wistar male rats were randomly divided into four groups,sham-operated group,I/R group,IMD gene transfection +I/R group and empty plamid +I/R group.All the animals were killed at the end of 24 h of reperfusion.Histological changes and renal function were estimated.The expression and site of IMD were determined by Immunohistochemistry method,semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting.The protein expressions of endothelin 1 (ET-1),tumor necrosis factor αt (TNF-α) were detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with sham-operated group,tubulointerstitial pathological injury was significant aggravated in I/R group (7.6±2.3) and empty plamid +I/R group (7.0±1.8),and such injury was improved in IMD+I/R group (1.5±0.8) (P＜0.05).Compared with I/R group and empty plamid +I/R group,the renal dysfunction of IMD +I/R group was obviously lessened [BUN:(7.73±1.03) mmol/L vs (10.13±2.14) mmol/L,(9.77±1.92) mmol/L; Scr:(58.50±3.27) μmol/L vs (80.33±7.15) μmol/L, (75.67±7.58) μmol/L,all P＜0.05].IMD expression was weak in the plasma of tubulointerstitial cells in sham-operated group,and was up-regulated in I/R group. Compared with I/R group, immunohistochemical IMD expression increased obviously (262.03±67.89 vs 175.57±48.06,P＜0.01).The mRNA expression of IMD in IMD+I/R group was up-regulated significantly by 60.7％,66.1％ and the protein expression of IMD in IMD+I/R group increased significantly by 51.4％,55.9％ as compared to I/R and empty plasmid +I/R group.Meanwhile,the protein expressions of ET-1 and TNF-αt in IMD+I/R group were obviously lower compared with those in I/R group (ET-1:0.08±0.02 vs 0.17±0.02; TNF-α:0.21±0.04 vs 0.35± 0.02,all P＜0.05). Conclusion IMD gene transfected into kidneys of rats prior to I/R surgery can attenuate the over-expressions of both ET-1 and TNF-o in I/R injured rat kidneys as well as the damages to the structure and function of the kidneys.

Objective To assess the efficacy of different sequential therapy regimens according to the theory of cell cycle on adriamycin-induced nephropathy (AIN) rats. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into five groups:control group (n=8),AIN model group (n=8),MP+ CsA+MMF group (n=8),MP+CsA+CTX treated group (n=8) and MP+FK506+Rapa group (n=8).The levels of 24-hour urinary protein,serum total protein (TP),albumin (Alb),cholesterin (Chol),triglyeride (TG),serum urea nitrogen (BUN),serum creatinine (Scr) were measured.The renal pathological changes were observed by light microscope.The expressions of nephrin and podocin were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR.The expression of CTGF was detected by Western blotting. Results (1)Compared with control group,the levels of 24-hour urinary protein in AIN model group were obviously increased at 2nd,4th,8th and 12th week (all P＜0.01).The level of 24-hour urinary protein were obviously decreased in treatment groups at 8th and 12th week than those in AIN model group (all P＜0.05). (2)The levels of TP and Alb were significantly lower in AIN model group than those in control group (all P＜0.01),and the levels of TG and Chol were significantly higher in AIN model group than that in control group (all P＜0.01).The levels of TP and Alb were significantly higher and the levels of TG and Chol were significantly lower in treatment groups than those in AIN model group (all P ＜0.05). (3)The results of immunohistochemistry indicated the expressions of nephrin and podocin in treatment group rats were obviously higher than those in AIN model group (all P＜0.01). (4)The results of Western blotting indicated the expression of CTGF in treatment group rats was higher than that in AIN model group (P＜0.05).The effect of inhibitting fibrous degeneration in MP +FK506 +Rapa group was more greater than other treatment groups. Conclusions Sequential combined regimens according to the cell cycle can improve the pathological change in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats,reduce the urine protein,increase the levels of TP and Alb,decrease the levels of TG and Chol,increase the expression of nephrin and podocin,and ameliorate kidney fibrosis.

Objective To construct eukaryotic expression vector encoding rat IMD gene and deliver it into rat renal tissue via ultrasound-mircobubbles. Methods IMD gene was inserted into pCDNA3.1 ( + )between Hind Ⅲ and EcoRI enzyme sites. The recombinant plasmid designated as IMD-pCDNA 3.1 wasconfirmed by restrictive enzyme digestion and sequencing. Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomized into 3groups, which were treated with no transfection, empty vector transfection and IMD transfection, respectively, in renal tissue via ultrasound-microbubbles. RT-PCR and Western blotting were applied to detect the expression level of IMD. Results Enzyme- digestion and sequencing data showed that IMD-pCDNA 3.1 was correctly constructed. The differences in ALT, AST, BUN and SCr were not significant; No obvious damage in the glomerular, tubular and interstitial was observed in all the treated groups;Compared with non-transfection group and empty vector-transfection group, IMD mRNA and protein expression in IMD transgenic renal tissue were significantly increased. Conclusion IMD-pCDNA 3.1 expression vector was successfully constructed and well expressed in rat kidney.

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between serum load level of HBV-DNA and therapeutic effect of oxymatrine in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

METHODSForty-four patients of chronic hepatitis B were divided into two groups, the treated group was treated with oxymatrine 0.4 g/d by intramuscular injection for 3 months, the control group was treated with some liver protecting agents to estimate the therapeutic effect. The serum level of HBV-DNA was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe seroconversion rate of HBV-DNA and HBeAg in the treated group was 43.47% and 43.47% respectively, which was obviously better than those in the control group respectively (P < 0.05), the quantity of HBV-DNA decreased after treatment from 10(6.83 +/- 1.27) copy/ml to 10(3.35 +/- 3.08) copy/ml. Among them, in patient with HBeAg negative conversion, the pretreatment quantity of HBV-DNA was 10(6.30 +/- 1.42) copy/ml, while in those with no HBeAg negative conversion, it was 10(7.23 +/- 1.23) copy/ml, the difference was significant.

CONCLUSIONOxymatrine is effective in treating chronic hepatitis B. The therapeutic effect is better for patients with lower quantity of serum HBV-DNA.

Adult ; Alkaloids ; therapeutic use ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; virology ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Quinolizines

Objective To determine the relationship of the expression of aquaporin 5 (AQP5)with clinicopathology and prognosis of colorectal cancer.Methods We collected data from 45 patients with primary colorectal cancer without any adjuvant therapy before operation.The expression of AQP5 was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC).Then we analyzed the correlation between AQP5 expression and clinicopathological parameters (including age,tumor size,clinical staging,tumor location,lymph node and pathological type)and the connection between AQP5 expression and prognosis based on follow-up data.Results Of the 45 tumor specimens,14 (31.1%)had a high level of AQP5 expression,29 (64.4%)exhibited a moderate level of staining,and 2 (4.4%)had an absence of AQP5 staining.AQP5 was only occasionally detected in para-neoplastic [3/45 (6.67%)]and normal tissues [3/45 (6.67%)].The overexpression of AQP5 was also positively associated with TNM stage (P =0.002),lymph node metastasis (P =0.01 6),and distant metastasis (P =0.000).However,it had no significant association with age, gender,histologic grade or tumor size (P > 0.05 ).Conclusion AQP5 may be used as a novel biomarker for predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer.

Objective To determine the reference intervals for thyroid function tests during the second half of pregnancy (20-40 gestational weeks),and to assess the relationship between thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels and the incidence of gestational thyroid diseases.Methods Levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),free thyroxine (FT4),TPOAb and urinary iodine excretion were determined in 4 729 pregnant women,who received prenatal health care at First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2011 to August 2013.Among these women,2 568 were selected using the recommendations of the American National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry,and were divided into five groups according to their gestational age:≥ 20 to ＜24 weeks (682 cases),≥ 24 to ＜28 weeks (1 322 cases),≥ 28 to ＜32 weeks (178 cases),≥ 32 to ＜36 weeks (185 cases) and ≥ 36 to ≤ 40 weeks (201 cases).Reference intervals of thyroid function tests in the second half of pregnancy were calculated.The reference values of thyroid functions in different gestational weeks were compared,and the reference intervals of thyroid functions in the second half of pregnancy were determined.The effects of maternal age and positive TPOAb on gestational thyroid diseases were analyzed.A non-parametric test,analysis of variance or Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results (1) Reference intervals for maternal thyroid function in the second half of pregnancy in our hospital were established [TSH:0.65-5.27 mU/L and FT4:8.74-14.84 pmol/L].(2) The percentage of thyroid diseases was higher using the non-pregnancy reference intervals (TSH:0.27-4.20 mU/L and FT4:12.00-22.00 pmol/L) than using the pregnancy reference intervals [64.0％ (3 025/4 729) vs 16.1％ (763/4 729),x2=47.465,P ＜ 0.01],which manifested as a higher rate of clinical hypothyroidism and simple hypothyroxinemia [5.4％ (255/4 729) vs 0.4％ (20/4 729),x2=14.321;54.1％ (2 560/4 729) vs 9.1％ (429/4 729),x2=47.108;both P＜0.01] and a lower rate of subclinical and clinical hyperthyroidism [1.2％ (58/4 729) vs 3.3％ (155/4 729),x2=6.650;0.3％ (13/4 729) vs 0.6％ (27/4 729),x2=2.062;both P＜0.05].(3) The incidence of clinical hypothyroidism and simple hypothyroxinemia in pregnant women aged ＞30 years was higher than in those aged ≤ 30 years [0.7％ (10/1 377) vs 0.3％ (10/3 352),x2=4.257;11.7％ (161/1 377) vs 8.0％ (268/3 352),x2=16.102;both P＜0.05].The incidence of clinical hypothyroidism and clinical hyperthyroidism in TPOAb positive women was higher than that in TPOAb negative women [2.7％ (9/335) vs 0.3％ (11/4 394),x2=44.009;3.9％ (13/335) vs 1.2％ (52/4 394),x2=16.784;both P＜0.01].Conclusions The established pregnancy-specific reference ranges of thyroid function tests can reduce the missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of gestational thyroid diseases.Maternal age ＞30 years and positive TPOAb may increase the risk ofgestational thyroid diseases.