OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of TCM therapeutic principles of tonifying Shen (TS), benefiting Qi (BQ), invigorating Pi (IP) and activating blood circulation (ABC) herbs in regulating the gene expression in senescence related cell cycle.

METHODSDrug sera containing TCM herbs of the above-mentioned principles were used to treat the aged human diploid fibroblast cell line 2BS. The effect of TCM on the senescence related cell cycle and its related gene expression (P16INK4, Cyclin D1 and PCNA) were examined by means of cell proliferative doublings, flow cytometry, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

RESULTSTCM herbs of TS and BQ could improve the cell cycle, down-regulate the P16 and Cyclin D1 mRNA/protein expression, up-regulate PCNA mRNA/protein expression, while TCM herbs of IP and ABC showed insignificant effect on these indexes.

CONCLUSIONTCM herbs of TS and BQ have effect in improving cell cycle, it may be achieved through promoting the P16 pathway of gene expression.

Aging ; genetics ; Animals ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Senescence ; genetics ; Cyclin D1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Lung ; cytology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation plus horse-riding squat exercise in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and optimize the combining protocol. Methods: Based on a 2×2 factorial design, 120 eligible KOA patients were randomized into a manipulation group (group A1B2), a manipulation plus horse-riding squat group (group A1B1), a sitting knee-adjustment group (group A2B2 group), and a sitting knee-adjustment plus horse-riding squat group (group A2B1), with 30 cases in each group. The intervention was conducted three times a week, lasting for four weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) was taken as the major measure for efficacy evaluation (including three component scores, pain, stiffness, and daily function, and total score). Results: The three component scores (pain, stiffness, and daily function) and the total score of WOMAC showed significant differences after the intervention in the four groups (P<0.05). There were significant inter-group differences in the WOMAC stiffness score amongst the four groups after the intervention (P<0.05). In group A1B1, the step length, stride, walking speed, and knee joint flexion angle changed significantly after treatment (P<0.05). After the intervention, the step length changed significantly in group A1B2 (P<0.05), and the walking speed changed significantly in group A2B1 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the step length, stride, walking speed, or knee joint flexion angle among the four groups (P>0.05). The extensor peak torque at 180 °/s changed significantly in group A1B2 after treatment (P<0.05). Neither the intra-group nor the inter-group comparisons of the four groups revealed significant differences in the other isokinetic muscle strength parameters (P>0.05). The main effect of manipulation showed significant in affecting the WOMAC pain and total scores (P<0.05). The main effect of horse-riding squat exercise showed significant in affecting the WOMAC pain and stiffness scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: The four treatment protocols all can improve the symptoms of KOA, for instance, relieving pain and stiffness, and enhancing daily function. Group A2B1 produces the most eminent effect in relieving joint stiffness. The main effects of both manipulation and horse-riding squat exercise are significant in reducing pain. Besides, the main effect of horse-riding squat exercise is significant in relieving joint stiffness.

Objective: To observe the effects of manganese( Ⅲ ) meso-tetrakis (N, N'-diethylimidazolium-2-yl) porphyrin (MnTDM) in treatment of early Parkinson's disease(PD) mouse model induced by subcutaneous injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP) and to discuss its possible mechanism. Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were evenly randomized into 4 groups: MPTP model group(subcutaneous injection of 25 mg/kg MPTP for 3 days), MnTDM+ MPTP group (15 mg/kg MnTDM was subcutaneously injected 1 h before MPTP injection), MnTDM control group, and normal saline group. Performance of animals in the pole and swimming test was observed 3 days after the last injection. Levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites(3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid [DOPAC] and homovanillic acid [HVA]) in the striatum of animals were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector(HPLC-ECD). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method was used to examine the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA). Results: Acute injection of MPTP could be used for establishment of PD model. The striatal levels of DA, DOPAC and HVA in MPTP group were significantly lower(P＜0.01)and the striatal level of MDA was significantly higher(P＜0.05) than those of the control group. MPTP had no obvious effect on the behavioral performance of the animals in a short term. MnTDM could partly inhibit the above effects of MPTP. Compared with MPTP group, MnTDM+ MPTP group had significantly higher DA, DOPAC, and HVA levels and significantly lower MDA level(all P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the behavioral indices of animals between the 4 groups. Conclusion:MnTDM can inhibit lipid peroxidation and promote DA production; it has preventive and therapeutic effects on MPTP induced PD.

Objective To investigate antimicrobial resistance among gram-positive cocci in China in 2009. Methods From June to December 2009, 1169 consecutive and non-repetitive gram-positive cocci were collected from 12 teaching hospitals at 9 cities. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibacterial agents was determined by agar dilution method. Results The prevalences of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS) were 45.3% (211/466) and 89. 5% (214/239), respectively. The isolation rate of MRSA was 33. 3%-68. 1% from different samples. All Staphylococci isolates were susceptible to vacomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid. Five point five percent (7/128) E. faecium strains were resistant to vacomycin. All E.faecalis strains were susceptible to vacomycin. About 99. 1% (108/109) of E. faecalis and E. faecium were susceptible to linezoild. The prevalence of penicillin-intermediate Streptococcus pneumoniae (PISP) was 21.6% (48/222). Only 1 (0. 5%, 1/222) Streptococcus pneumoniae strain was resistant to penicillin.Teicoplanin, vancomycin, linezolid and tigecycline were the most active agents against Streptococcus pneumoniae (susceptible rate 100% ). Conclusions The high prevalence of methicillin-resistance is among Staphylococcus strains. Different samples show a different MRSA prevalence. Teicoplanin, vancomycin and linezolid show very high activity to Staphylococci,E. faecalis, E. faecium and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Objective To investigate antimicrobial resistance among gram-positive cocci in China in 2008.Methods From June 2008 to December 2008,1171 consecutive and non-repetitive gram-positive cocci were collected from 12 teaching hospitals.The MICs of antibacterial agents was determined by agar dilution method.Results The prevalence of MRSA and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci(MRSCoN) was 49.9%(232/465) and 74.0%(179/242),respectively.The MRSA prevalence ranged from 33.3% to 65% in different regions.About 71.1%(108/152) of Staphylococcus aureus from respiratory tract specimens,48.3%(28/58) of Staphylococcus aureus from blood samples,and 36%(68/189) of Staphylococcus aureus from the pus,wound and sterile body fluid samples were resistant to methicillin.The susceptible rates of MRSA to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole(SXT) and chloramphenicol were 81.5%(183/232) and 89.7%(208/232).Susceptibility to gentamicin, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracyclines,rifampicin,and quinolones were from 3.9% to 35.0%.All Staphylococci isolates were susceptible to vancomycin,teicoplanin,and linezolid.Three vacomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains were found in this study.About 96.2%(101/105) of Enterococcus faecalis and 97%(130/134) of Enterococcus faecium were susceptible to linezoild.Fifty-one out of 105 of Enterococcus faecalis(48.6%)and 101 out of 134 Enterococcus faecium(75.4%)were resistant to high concentration gentaroicin.The susceptibility of Enterococcus faecalis to all the antibiotics except for chloramphenicol and tetracycline was higher than that of Enterococcus faecium.Enterococcus faecium isolates showed a high resistant prevalence to most of antibiotics except glycopeptides and linezolid.The prevalence of PISP among 225 isolates was was 36.6%(15/41),and the prevalence of PNSSP from the other patients ranged from 15.4% to 26.6%.The susceptible rates of PSSP to cefprozil,cefuroxime and cefaclor were 67.5%(114/169),66.3%(112/169) and 61.5%(104/169),respectively.All the PISP isolates were resistant to the above three antibiotics.Teicoplanin,vancomycin and linezolid were the most active agents against Staphylococcus pneumoniae(susceptible rate,100%).About 96.9%,97.8% and 98.2% Staphylococcus pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to gatifloxacin,levofloxacin,and moxifloxacin,respectively.The susceptible rates of Staphylococcus pneumoniae to ceftriaxone,chloramphenicol and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were 81.3%,77.3%,and 68.0%,respectively.The susceptibility of Staphylococci pneumoniae to macrolides,SXT and tetracycline ranged from 11.6% to 23.6%.Conclusions The prevalence of VRE is low in China.However,methicillin-resistance among Staphylococci isolates was high.The prevalence of PNNSP isolated from (≤)3 years children is higher than in the other age population.Teicoplanin,vancomycin,and linezolid remain high activity against Staphylococci,Enterococcus faecalis,Enterococcus faecium,and Staphylococcus pneumoniae.

Objective To investigate antimicrobial resistance among gram-positive cocci in China in 2006.Methods From Jun 2006 to Dec 2006,674 consecutive and non-repetitive gram-positive bacteria were collected from 7 teaching hospitals.The minimal inhibitory concentration(MICs)of antibacterial agents were determined by agar dilution method.Results The prevalence of penicillin.resistant(ease)and pemcllhn. intermediate S.pneumoniae(PISP)among 100 isolates was l%and 19%,respectively.Teicoplanin and vancomycin were the most active agents against S.pneumoniae.97% and 98% S.pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to levofloxacin and moxifloxacin,respectively.The susceptibility of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone and chloramphenicol are 96%,87% and 73%,respectively.The susceptible rates of penicillin. susceptible S.pneumoniae(PSSP)to cefprozil and cefaclor were 62% and 55.7%,respectively.All the PISP and PRSP isolates were resistance to the two antibiotics.The susceptibility to macrolides,trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline was lower than 35%.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and methicillin.resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci(MRSCON)was 48%(33%-84%)and 81%(69%-94%),respectively.The susceptible rates of MRSA to trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole,chloramphenicol,rifampin,and the other antibiotics in this study were 72%,66%and 45%,respectively.The susceptible rate of MRSA to marcrolides,aminoglycosides,tetracyclines and quinolones were not more than 18%.56%(30%-86%)of E.faecalis and 80%(50%.100%)of E.faecium were highly resistant to gentamicin.The susceptibility of E.faecalis to all the antibiotics except chloramphenicol and tetracycline were higher than E.faecium.All isolates of S.aureus,CoNS and E.faecalis tested were susceptible to vacomycin and teicoplanin.There were two vacomycin.resistant E.faecium strains isolated from Hangzhou.Conclusions Antimicrobial resistance patterns of gram.positive cocci differed in different regions.The resistance of gram-positive cocci to the antibiotics in this study this year was a little higher than the data of the year of 2005.Teicoplanin and vancomycin remained very high activity to gram-positive cocci.

Objective To observe the effects of rotating magnetic field on the tail-flick latency (TFL)and mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)of rats and analyze it from processing time and angular velocity.Methods Forty-eight female SD rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups(n=6),which would be determined by 8 different time points(before treatment,treating for 10,20,30 and 60 min,10,20 and 30 min after treatment).The magnetic plate rotated near the lumbar of the rat at an angular velocity of 7300 r/min and the TFL and MWT with yon Frey hair test were determined at each time point.The second experiment was carried out on 40 female rats at an angular velocity of 6300,6800,7300 and 7800 r/min,respectively;TFL and MWT were determined 30 min after treatment.The data were statistically analyzed.Results The first experiment was concluded as follows:compared with that before treatment,TFL was statistically increased at treating for 10,20,30 and 60 min(P<0.05).The TFL gradually became shorten after the treatment,but it was still significantly longer 10 and 20 min after the treatment as compared with that before treatment(P<0.05).MWT increased significantly at treating for 30 and 60 min,and 10 min after treatment as compared with that before treatment(P<0.05).The second experiment showed that TFL significantly went up as the angular velocity increased(P<0.05).Significantly difference on MWT was found between the angular velocity of 7800 and 6300 r/min.Conclusion Pain threshold can be increased by rotating magnetic field following the increase of processing time and the angular velocity at a certain range,indicating that the rotating magnetic field might be a potential non-invasive pain alleviating method.

OBJECTIVETo examine the neuroprotective effects of a novel manganese porphyrin, manganese (III) meso-tetrakis (N,N'-diethylimidazolium-2-yl) porphyrin (MnTDM), in the mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by paraquat (PQ).

METHODSMale C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected with either saline or PQ at 2-day intervals for a total of 10 doses, MnTDM was subcutaneously injected with the PQ 2 h before treatment. Performance on the pole and swim test were measured 7 days after the last injection and animals were sacrificed one day later. Levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in the striatum were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method was used to assay the lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons was estimated using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSPretreatment with MnTDM significantly attenuated PQ-impaired behavioral performance, depleted dopamine content in striata, increased MDA, and dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra.

CONCLUSIONSOxidative stress plays an important role in PQ-induced neurotoxicity which can be potentially prevented by manganese porphyrin. These findings also propose a possible therapeutical strategy for neurodegenerative disorders associated with oxidative stress such as PD.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; therapeutic use ; Antiparkinson Agents ; therapeutic use ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; Catalysis ; Corpus Striatum ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Dopamine ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Metalloporphyrins ; therapeutic use ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neuroprotective Agents ; therapeutic use ; Paraquat ; Parkinson Disease ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Substantia Nigra ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect and mechanism of sodium butyrate on expression of human clotting factor VIII in vitro.

METHODSMouse NIH/3T3 cell line was transfected with recombinant plasmid vector pRC/RSV-BDD-hFVIII, which enclosed B-domain deleted (760aa approximately 1 639aa) human factor VIII cDNA (BDD-hFVIII cDNA). Then cells were incubated in Dulbecco's modification of Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing sodium butyrate for 24 hours, hFVIII: C and hFVIII: Ag in the cell culture medium were measured by ELISA assay and one-stage method, respectively. In addition, the effect of sodium butyrate on transcription of cDNA encoding the whole hFVIII, heavy and light chain of hFVIII was also investigated by means of run-on assay.

RESULTSAfter stimulation of sodium butyrate, the levels of hFVIII: C and hFVIII: Ag increased 70% than those of control. Run-on assay showed that sodium butyrate enhanced the transcription of cDNA which encoded heavy chain of hFVIII.

CONCLUSIONSodium butyrate can improve the expression of hFVIII through enhancing the transcription of hFVIII heavy chain encoding cDNA. It demonstrated that sodium butyrate had potential utility in inducing the expression of hFVIII in vitro.

3T3 Cells ; Animals ; Butyrates ; pharmacology ; Factor VIII ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Mice

OBJECTIVETo investigate the application of the island flap based on the postfemur neurocutaneous nutrient vessel.

METHODSThe flap was designed and applied to repair the defects in the gluteal, popliteal fossa or the bilateral postfemur areas. A total of 11 cases (12 defects) were treated with this method. The size of the defects ranged from 4.0 cm x 7.8 cm to 8.3 cm x 16.6 cm.

RESULTSOf the 12 defects, 9 achieved complete success. Epidermal necrosis occurred in the distal part of the flap in 3 defects owing to venous stasis, which were cured with skin grafting. Postoperative follow-up for 8-19 months showed that the appearance, texture, and function of the flap were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSThe advantages of the flap lie in the reliable blood supply, constant anatomy, and without sacrificing a major artery. The key points for the flap survival are utilizing the "Superficial vein-nutrient vessel of the cutaneous nerve system" and retaining a comet tail-shaped soft-tissue pedicle in the flap creation.

Arteries ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Necrosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Skin ; injuries ; pathology ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; pathology ; transplantation ; Thigh ; Wound Healing