BACKGROUND: Some studies have presented that vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor system may take part in onset and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN).OBJECTIVE: To further verify the interventional effects of irbesartan on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its Flk-1 receptor expressions in kidney of diabetes mellitus (DM) rat, and the possible mechanism of irbesartan.DESIGN: Randomized control animal study.SETTING: West China Hospital of Sichuan University.MATERIALS: Eighteen male closed colony SD rats weighing 150-200 g were cared in standardization.METHODS: This study was performed at Laboratory of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from August 2006 to April 2007. All rats were randomly divided into a DN group, an irbesartan group and a normal control group, with 6 rats in each group. 10 g/L streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to establish models; rats in the control group were administrated with the same dosage of citric acid buffer solution; rats in the irbesartan group were administrated with 3 mg/(kg·d) irbesartan after model establishment. VEGF and FIk-1 expressions were detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry technique; while, urine protein level, area and volume of renal glomerulus were detected, and correlations of data were analyzed.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①Renal pathological indicators, urine protein level, area and volume of renal glomerulus; ②VEGF and Flk-1 expressions;③renal immunohistochemical examination;④ correlation analysis.RESULTS:① Renal pathological examination by HE staining indicated that renal glomerulus was remarkably enlarged in the DN group; mesangial matrix was increased; mesangial cells were also increased; renal tubule was expanded. The lesions in the irbesartan group were milder compared to the DN group. Urine protein level in the DN group was significantly higher compared to the control group (P ＜ 0.01); renal weight/body mass, area and volume of renal glomerulus were significantly higher compared to the control group (P ＜ 0.01); urine protein level, renal weight/body mass, area and volume of renal glomerulus in the irbesartan group were significantly lower compared to the DN group (P ＜ 0.01). ② By the 16th week,VEGF and Flk-1 expressions in the DN group were significantly up-regulated compared to control group (P ＜ 0.05); while,VEGF and Flk-1 expressions in the irbesartan group were also up-regulated compared to the control group by the 16th week (P ＜ 0.05) but down-regulated compared to the DN group (P ＜ 0.05). ③ VEGF staining in the DN group was darker compared to control group (P ＜ 0.01), while the staining in the irbesartan group was also darker compared to the control group (P ＜0.01), but the staining in the irbesartan group was lighter compared to the DN group (P ＜ 0.01). Flk-1 staining was similar to the VEGF. ④ VEGF and Flk-1 were positively correlated, with urine protein level, area and volume of renal glomerulus (P ＜0.05).CONCLUSION: VEGF and its Flk-1 receptor play important roles in DN pathogenesis. Over expressions may cause renal injury, but irbesartan (angiotensin Ⅱ receptor antagonist) has the protective effects on kidney through inhibiting abnormal expression of VEGF and Flk-1.

Animals ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Pulmonary Artery ; cytology ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Swine

Background Placement of an orbital implant is a main way to prevent orbital atrophy with aging.But its mechanism is under clear.Researchs showed that bone growth factors play important role during the development and repair of bone,especially transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1).Objective Present study was to investigate the expression of TGF-β1 protein in orbital bone after enucleation or enucleation with placement of an orbital implant and its function in the mechanisms of preventing and treating the orbital malformed development after enucleation with placement of an orbital implant.Methods Twenty-one age- and weight-matched New Zealand white young rabbits were randomly divided into the enucleation,implant and control groups,and each group including seven rabbits.Eyeball nucleation surgery was performed in the left eyes of 7 1-month-old rabbits,and a spherical orbital implant was inserted after enucleation of the left in matched rabbits in implant group.The left eye of normal rabbits served as controls.The rabbits were sacrificed in 1 month after surgery.The expression of TGF-β1 protein in the left orbital bone was detected using enzyme immunoassay and FITC labelling immunoassay technique in the sections of zygomatic bones.The content of TGF-β1 protein in the left orbital bone tissue was measured by ELISA method.This use of animals complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results The height and width of orbital in enucleation group were significantly lower than those of implant and normal control groups(height:P=0.00,P=0.00;width:P =0.00,P=0.00).The positive bone cells of both enzyme immunoassay and FITC staining were increased in the implant and control groups in comparison with enucleation group,but the positive response intensity for TGF-β1 was resembled between implant group and control group.ELISA result revealed that the content of TGF-β1 protein in bone tissue was significantly lower in the enucleation group than in implant and control groups(P=0.00,P=0.00).The expression and content of TGF-β1 protein in bone tissue is similar between the implant group and the control group(P=0.41). Conclusion The experiment results indicate that TGF-β1 protein participate in the orbital development.TGF-β1 played important role in the prevention and treatment of enucleation-induced orbital malformation in the eye with placement of an orbital implant.

UNLABELLEDOBJECTIVE To study the effects of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on respiratory system, circulatory system and renal function in rats. To investigate the difference between the direct measure and indirect measure methods (via inferior vena cava and bladder) for IAP.

METHODSSixty Sprague-Drawly (SD) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with different IAP (IAP value of 1-5 groups was 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mm Hg,respectively) and healthy control group, 10 rats in each group. The parameters of respiratory system, circulatory system, renal function, and IAP value were recorded. The correlation between direct and indirect measurement methods was also analyzed.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in above parameters between IAPI and healthy control groups. Compared with those in healthy control group, PaO2 significantly decreased (P < 0.05), SCr and BUN increased significantly in IAP2 group (P < 0.05). Other indexes in IAP3, IAP4 groups increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) except for respiratory frequency(RF) and MAP (P > 0.05). PaO2 and MAP decreased (P < 0.01), and other indexes increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in IAP5 group. The values obtained from the indirect measure method were positively correlated with that from the direct measure method (r = 0.937, 0.955, P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSIAP can affect respiratory system, circulatory system and renal function in different degrees in rats. The indirect measure method can replace the direct measure method for IAP measure with little injuries.

Abdomen ; physiology ; physiopathology ; Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiovascular System ; Compartment Syndromes ; Female ; Kidney Function Tests ; Male ; Pressure ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Respiratory System

Objective To investigate the effect of Jiawei Naotaifang on neuronal apoptosis and the mechanism in ovariectomized rats with cerebral ischemia. Methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats(n=40)were randomly divided into sham group(n=10),model group(n=10),es-trogen group(n=10)and Jiawei Naotaifang group(n=10).The model group,estrogen group and Jiawei Naotai-fang group were ovariectomized.Eleven days after ovariectomy,the estrogen group and Jiawei Naotaifang group were given estrogen and Jiawei Naotaifang respectively intragastrically for three days.14 days after ovariecto-my,the model group,estrogen group and Jiawei Naotaifang group were modeled cerebral ischemia with Langa's method.24 hours after modeling,the apoptosis rate of neurons was detected with TUNEL,and the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK)in hippocampus were de-tected with Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, the apoptosis rates decreased in Jiawei Naotaifang group and the estrogen group(P<0.001),with more activation of ERK1/2(P<0.01)and less activation of JNK(P<0.01). Conclusion Jiawei Naotaifang can protect neuron from apoptosis by promoting the activation of ERK1/2 and inhibiting the activation of p-JNK.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of auditory neuropathy under pure tone audiometry and acoustic immitance examination.Methods Seventeen patients (32 ears) diagnosed as having auditory neuropathy were examined for audiology features by pure tone audiometry and acoustic immitance.Results Bilateral and symmetrical hearing loss was found in 15 patients and low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss was noted in 26 ears.Seventeen ears with a course of disease less than 5 years presented light or moderate dysaudia,and those with more than 5 years presented grave loss of aural comprehension.16 patients (31 ears) in the acoustic immitance examination showed type A tympanogram,and absence of stapedius muscle reflex was found in 15 patients (30 ears).The threshold of acoustic stapedius reflex increased in 2 patients (2 ears).Conclusion Auditory neuropathy primarily presents bilateral and symmetrical hearing loss,low-frequency hearing loss at the initial stage and total-frequency hearing loss finally,absence of stapedius muscle reflex and type A tympanogram,and absence of loudness recruitment phenomenon.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of baicalin on the experimental periodontitis in rats, as well as the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9.

METHODSTwenty-seven adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, with 9 rats in each group. A nylon thread was placed around the lower first molars of rats, which were sacrificed after 7 days. Baicalin (200 mg/kg) was administered to the experimental group by oral gavage, starting one day before the induction of periodontitis. The negative control group received vehicle (0.5% carboxymethylcellulose) alone. The blank control group did not get induction of periodontitis. The alveolar bone loss (ABL) and the area fraction (AA% ) occupied by collagen fibers were assessed. MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expressions in the gingiva were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSBaicalin treatment significantly decreased ABL compared with the negative control group (P = 0.009). AA% of collagen fibers was significantly higher in baicalin-treated group than in the negative control group (P = 0.047). Baicalin treatment significantly down-regulated the protein expression for MMP-1 (P = 0.023) and MMP-9 (P = 0.042) and decreased the expression for MMP-2 (P = 0.099) compared with the negative control group.

CONCLUSIONSBaicalin protects against tissue damage in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats, which might be mediated in part by its inhibitory effect on the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Animals ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Gingiva ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; metabolism ; Periodontitis ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of cyclic biaxial mechanical stimulation on adhesion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma(SACC) extracellular matrix (ECM) and expression of E-cadherin/cateninin complex in the SACC high metastasis cell lines ACC-M, SACC low metastasis cells line ACC-2, we observed the functions of mechanical stimulation in the adhesion of SACC cell-ECM and investigate the mechanism in the adhesion of ACC.

METHODSMechanical stimulation were applied to the cells for periods of 1, 3 and 6 hours every day, lasting for 2 days. The amplitude of mechanical stimulation applied to the cells were 1000, 4000 micro strain, at a frequency of 3 Hz. Unstrained cells were used as control. The expression of E-cadherin/cateninin complex on the cell of ACC-M, ACC-2 were studied with laser scanning confocal microscope and image analysis. SACC cell-ECM adhesion was assayed by MTT technique.

RESULTSThe results showed that expressions of alpha, beta, gamma-cateninin on the cell of ACC-2 were obviously higher than that ACC-M and E-cadherin on the cell of ACC-M were obviously higher than that ACC-2 without mechanical stimulation. Mechanical stimulation can change the expression of E-cadherin/cateninin complex on the cell of ACC-2 and ACC-M with time. The results also showed that cell-ECM adhesion on the cell of ACC-2 were obviously higher than that of ACC-M without mechanical stimulation. Mechanical stimulation can change the cell-ECM adhesion of ACC-2 and ACC-M with time.

CONCLUSIONMechanical stimulation can change the adhesion of the SACC cell-ECM and expression of E-cadherin/cateninin complex of the SACC cell. We think it played an important role in metastasis of the cancer.

Cadherins ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; Humans ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms

OBJECTIVETo analyze the outbreak patterns of acute schistosomiasis in Anhui province in 2003.

METHODSThe criteria of emergency event for schistosomiasis issued by the Ministry of Health were applled in this study. Epidemiological data of acute schistosomiasis outbreak in Anhui province in 2003 were collected, checked and analyzed.

RESULTSIn 2003, there were 6 episodes of acute schistosomiasis outbreaks in Anhui which had met the criteria of being emergency events, issued by the Ministry of Health. The preplanning was initiated in 5 outbreaks to respond to the outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis. All of the acute schistosomiasis cases received timing treatment, except those misdiagnosed cases coming from the non-endemic areas. There were no deaths or follow-up cases during the outbreaks. Health education, preventive treatment for people living in high risk villages were conducted in order to timely control the epidemics of schistosomiasis.

CONCLUSIONThe implementation of preplanning has played an important role in early cases-finding, timing report and response to the outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Cattle ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Disease Reservoirs ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Snails ; parasitology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of vascular bundle implantation in autogenous bone graft on angiogenesis.

METHODSThirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were evaluated in this study. A portion of bilateral radial bones of a rabbit were removed as free bone grafts, whose periostea were peeled off. In test group, the external maxillary artery bundle was passed through the marrow cavity of the bone. In control group, there was no vascular bundle implantation. Each bone was placed in masseter muscle separately. The rabbits were sacrificed and the specimens were procured at 3 days, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery for histological observation, Chinese ink perfusion and CD34 immunohistochemistry. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed in order to evaluate angiogenesis of autogenous bone grafts.

RESULTSThe bone grafts were found revascularization in 3 days after surgery in the test group, whereas at 2 weeks in the control group. In 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks after surgery, the MVD of test group was significantly higher than that of control group. In 4 weeks after surgery, angiogenesis of test group reached to peak.

CONCLUSIONVascular bundle implantation improved angiogenesis in non-vascularized autogenous bone graft in this study.

Animals ; Bone Transplantation ; Bone and Bones ; Prostheses and Implants ; Rabbits