Animals ; Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase ; metabolism ; Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

ObjectiveTo identify the framework for assessing health related quality of life(HRQOL) of Kaschin-Beck disease(KBD),in order to reflect the impact of KBD on quality of life in patients with the disease.MethodsQualitative descriptive research was adopted.Semi-open ended questions were developed by using the World Health Organization(WHO) definitions of health and quality of life.Group interview and face to face interviews were conducted on 48 patients with KBD and 29 health care experts on KBD in Linyou and Yongshou counties,Shaanxi province,which were higher prevalence areas of KBD.Content template analysis was conducted and the template was based on the WHOQOL-100's framework.ResultsThe framework of HRQOL for KBD included four domains:physical activity,familial/social support,economic and psychological state.There were also eleven facets which were:pain and discomfort,physical function and activity limitation,diet and sleeping,social relationship,concerns of family responsibilities,social support,economic,housing and the surrounding environment,appearance concerns,mental health,and general state of health.The total entries were 69.ConclusionsThe framework for assessing HRQOL of KBD is established.The framework highlights the impact of KBD on the patients' quality of life with higher specificity.

The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory function of interleukin-6(IL-6) on human Th17 cells. Human peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells were purified from healthy donors by anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated microbeads. The experiment was divided into 2 groups. Test group in which CD4(+) T cells (1 × 10(6)/ml) were stimulated by human recombined IL-6 (20 ng/ml) for 4 days; control group in which CD4(+) T cells did not stimulated by IL-6. The concentrations of IL-17 protein in the supernatants were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantity of Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that as compared to control group, IL-17 protein level in the supernatants of CD4(+) T cells significantly increased in IL-6 stimulated group: (337.05 ± 189.09 pg/ml; vs 15.07 ± 12.70 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of Th17 cells in cultures of CD4(+) T cells stimulated by IL-6 was significantly higher than that in control group (4.05% ± 0.30% vs. 2.81% ± 0.44%)(p < 0.01). It is concluded that IL-6 promotes the expansion of Th17 cells in vitro.
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; pharmacology ; Lymphocyte Activation ; immunology ; Th17 Cells ; drug effects ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate relationship between glucose metabolic disorders and expression of insulin receptor (IR) and tyrosine protein kinase (TPK) in posthepatitic cirrhosis hepatocyte and HBV DNA expression in pancreatic cells.

METHODSTo detect HBV DNA in paraffin-embedded pancreatic and hepatic tissues from 12 posthepatitic cirrhosis patients with positive serum HBV markers by using in situ hybridization (ISH) with a digoxigenin labelled probe. The amount of IR and TPK have been evaluated by immunohistochemical quantitative analysis using image analyzer in hepatocyte of 12 patients positive for HBV markers with posthepatitic cirrhosis in serum. Immunofluorescent histochemical double staining technique was used. HBsAg and IR were observed under confocal laser scanning microscope.

RESULTSEleven of 12 cirrhosis patients? hepatocytes were HBV DNA positive, including 7 patients (7/7) with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 4 patients (4/5) with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Eight of 12 pancreatic cells were HBV DNA positive, including 7 patients (7/7) with IGT, but only one patient (1/5) with NGT-HBV DNA was found positive in pancreatic cells in significantly more subjects in IGT group than in NGT group (P less than 0.01).IR and TPK amount in hepatocyte of IGT was significantly less than that of NGT patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis (P less than 0.01). IR amount was closely related to the TPK in cirrhosis hepatocyte r=0.82597(P less than 0.01). HBV DNA was mainly localized in the nuclei of hepatocyte and pancreatic acinar and islet cells. Immunofluorescent histochemical double-staining showed that HBsAg was partly localized in the IR positive areas of hepatocytes and pancreatic islet cells.

CONCLUSIONHBV can invade acinar cells of pancreas and islet cells, which might be a direct cause of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus-like the disorder and insulin absence after HBV infection. Decrease of IR and TPK might be main cause of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus-like disorder after having hepatitis or posthepatitic cirrhosis.

DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Female ; Glucose Metabolism Disorders ; complications ; metabolism ; virology ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Hepatocytes ; metabolism ; virology ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; metabolism ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreas ; cytology ; virology ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; metabolism ; Receptor, Insulin ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the imaging methods,characteristics,diagnostic value of multi- slice CT urography(MSCTU)in congenital abnormities of urinary system.Methods To collect 33 urinary congenital abnormities cases in three years and to analyses these MSCTU images.All examinations were performed with a multi-slice spiral CT scanner.The patients were intravenously injected with 90 ml of Iohexol 300 with a power injector at the rate of 3 ml/s.Nephrographic-phase images were obtained at 75 s after initiation of the injection of contrast material,the appropriate delay time is according to Kidney's enhancement extent and nephrohydrosis degree.Excretory-phase images were obtained through the abdomen and pelvis from 10 min.to 23 h after initiation of the injection of contrast material without abdominal compression.Excretory-phase images were transferred to the workstation and performed maximun intensity projection(MIP),multiplanar reconstruction(MPR),volume rendering(VR),and virtual cystoscopy (VC).Results The urinary congenital abnormities diagnosed by MSCTU in 33 cases,including 1 ectopic kidney,1 horseshoe kidney,1 renal malrotaion,2 supernumerary kidneys,2 ureteral valves,2 retrocaval ureters,4 congenital megaureters,6 ureteropelvic junction stenosis,9 pelviureteric duplication malformations and 5 bladder diverticula.The displaying rate of ureter was 91%(61/66).The scanning time of excretory-phase was less than 20 seconds in All cases.The average CT value of contrast media in displayed ureter lumens was 520 HU.The postprocessing images had clear,dimensional feature and It was satisfy the diagnosis.Conclusion MSCTU has clear,dimensional feature and has strong ability of displaying total anatomy shape and tiny pathology change of congenital abnormities in the urinary system.It is a very useful method for detecting the congenital abnormities in the urinary system.

Objective To investigate the balance control abilities and cortical activation characteristics of elderly individuals under different sensory strategies. Methods From January to May,2023,19 healthy young adults and 20 elderly individuals were recruited in Changzhou as control group and experimental group,respectively.Both groups wore functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)caps and performed balance control tasks on a balance platform under three different sensory strategies.Test A was 40 seconds of standing on a stable surface with eyes closed,Test B was 40 seconds of standing on an unstable surface with eyes open,and Test C was 40 seconds of standing on an unstable surface with eyes closed.Before and after the tests,both groups performed 40 seconds of standing on a stable surface with eyes open.The overall stability index(OSI)and cortical activation β values of the regions of interest(ROI)were measured and compared between two groups.The ROIs included the left premotor cortex(LPMC),right premotor cortex(RPMC),left sensorimotor cortex(LSMC),right sensorimotor cortex(RSMC),left prefrontal cortex(LPFC)and right prefrontal cortex(RPFC). Results There was no significant difference in OSI and β values of each ROI in Tests A and B between two groups(P>0.05).In Test C,there was a lower OSI in the experimental group(Z=-2.056,P<0.05),and there were signifi-cant differences in the β values of RSMC(t=2.623,PFDR<0.05),LPMC(Z=-2.360,PFDR<0.05)and LPFC(t=3.202,PFDR<0.05)between two groups. Conclusion Elderly individuals experience a decline in balance control abilities,accompanied by increased activation in related brain regions,when both vision and proprioception are restricted.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of PEG-interferon α (PEG-IFN α) treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B and HBV genotypes and liver tissues effect of HBeAg seroconversion.Methods 54 cases confirmed by liver biopsy,genotype clear HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients according to body weight,respectively,subcutaneous injection of PEG-IFN-α2a 135 μg or 180 μg,or PEG-IFN-α2b 50 μg,80 μg or 100 μg once weekly treatment for 48 weeks and followed for 24 weeks after discontinuation.Statistics of HBeAg seroconvertion,HBV genotypes and liver histology e antigen seroconversion after the end of treatment.Results 54 patients were followed up at the end of HBeAg seroconversion rate was 29.63％ (16/54).Genotype B patients with HBeAg seroconversion rate was 35.29％,27.03％ higher than the C-type patients,but the difference was not statistically significant (x2 =0.382,P =0.537).Inflammation of the liver activity highter(＞ G2),the degree of fibrosis heavier(＞ S1)HBeAg seroconversion rate (50.00％ vs.25.00％,40.90％ vs.21.88％),but were not statistically significant(x2 =1.391、1.444,P =0.238、0.229).Activity of HBV genotype,liver inflammation,liver fibrosis and other factors by multivariate Logistic regression analysis,only liver inflammation activity of the important factors of HBeAg seroconversion.Conclusion Important factors,liver inflammation activity of PEG-interferon αt treatment of HBeAg-position chronic hepatitis B patients and HBV genotypes and liver fibrosis may be of little significance.

Objective To observe the effect of postconditioning (PostC) on the expression of platelet-leukocyte aggregation (PLA) during the process of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in rats, and to explore the mechanisms of ischemic postconditioning (PostC) alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups:sham,reperfusion injury(I/R),postconditioning(PostC),SP600125(inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase,I-JNK),anisomycin and postconditioning(Ani+PostC)and anisomycin(Ani)groups.After constructing the model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion in rats,the levels of myocardial injury markers were detected by using the CK-MB kits and TnI kits. The levels of PLA at different time points were detected by using flow cytometry.The myocardial infarction area were measured by using 2.3.5-Triphenyte-trazoliumchloride(TTC)staining,and the level of phosphorylation of JNK(P-JNK) was determined by using Western blot method. Results (1) The levels of CK-MB, TnI and the infarct size were significantly higher in the I/R group than those in the Sham group(P<0.05).The levels of CK-MB,TnI and the infarct size were significantly lower in the PostC group and I-JNK group than those in the I/R group(P<0.05).Compared with the PostC group,the levels of CK-MB,TnI and the infarct size were significantly higher in the Ani+PostC group and Ani group(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the Sham group,the expression levels of PLA significantly increased in the I/R group at different time points after ischemia (P<0.05). At different time points of MIRI, the expressions of PLA increased gradually in I/R group, Ani+PostC group and Ani group (P<0.05). At the time point of reperfusion for 60 minutes and reperfusion for 3 hours,the expressions of PLA were significantly lower in the PostC group and I-JNK group compared with those of I/R group (P<0.05).Compared with the PostC group,the expressions of PLA were significantly higher in the Ani+PostC group and Ani group (P<0.05). (3) Compared with the Sham group, the expression levels of P-JNK were significantly higher in the I/R group(P<0.05).PostC and I-JNK inhibited the production of P-JNK(P<0.05),while Ani promoted the increase of P-JNK (P<0.05).Compared with the PostC group,the expression levels of P-JNK were significantly higher in the Ani+PostC group and Ani group (P<0.05). Conclusion PostC can reduce the expression of PLA during reperfusion by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK,thereby reducing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUNDCystic echinococcosis due to Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) is one of the most important chronic helminthic diseases, especially in sheep/cattle-raising regions. The larval stage of the parasite forms a cyst that grows in the liver, lung, or other organs of the host. To ensure a long life in the host tissues, the parasite establishes complex inter-cellular communication systems between its host to allow its differentiation toward each larval stage. Recent studies have reported that this communication is associated with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in helminth parasites, and in particular that these protein kinases might serve as effective targets for a novel chemotherapy for cystic echinococcosis. The aim of the present study investigated the biological function of a novel ERK ortholog from E. granulosus, EgERK.

METHODSDNA encoding EgERK was isolated from protoscolices of E. granulosus and analyzed using the LA Taq polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach and bioinformatics. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was used to determine the transcription level of the gene at two different larval tissues. Western blotting was used to detect levels of EgERK protein. The expression profile of EgERK in protoscolices was examined by immunofluorescence.

RESULTSWe cloned the entire Egerk genomic locus from E. granulosus. In addition, two alternatively spliced transcripts of Egerk, Egerk-A, and Egerk-B were identified. Egerk-A was found to constitutively expressed at the transcriptional and protein levels in two different larval tissues (cyst membranes and protoscolices). Egerk-A was expressed in the tegumental structures, hooklets, and suckers and in the tissue surrounding the rostellum of E. granulosus protoscolices.

CONCLUSIONSWe have cloned the genomic DNA of a novel ERK ortholog from E. granulosus, EgERK (GenBank ID HQ585923), and found that it is constitutively expressed in cyst membrane and protoscolex. These findings will be useful in further study of the biological functions of the gene in the growth and development of Echinococcus and will contribute to research on novel anti-echinococcosis drug targets.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Computational Biology ; DNA, Helminth ; genetics ; Echinococcus granulosus ; enzymology ; genetics ; Genome, Helminth ; genetics ; Helminth Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis on host liver cell proliferation in vivo using a BALB/c mouse alveolar hydatid infection model.

METHODSSixty-five 8-10-week-old female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 25) and administered an abdominal injection into the left liver lobe of E. multilocularis protoscolices in saline solution or saline solution alone, respectively. At post-injection day 2, 8, 30, 60, and 90, liver samples were collected for analysis of lesions and lesion-adjacent tissue by hematoxylin-eosin staining and differential expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, cyclin A, and cyclin B1 by immunohistochemical staining. The significance of intergroup differences was assessed by Student's t-test.

RESULTSThe control group showed normal liver histology at all time points. The experimental group developed E. multilocularis lesions that showed increased severity of pathological features, such as inflammatory cell invasion, steatosis and fibrous connective tissue hyperplasia, over time. At post-injection days 2 and 8, enlarged, binuclear and apocyte hepatocytes were observed close to the lesions. At post-injection days 30, 60, and 90, the number of hepatocytes expressing PCNA progressively increased in the experimental group, and the numbers were significantly higher than in the control group (7.01 +/- 1.89 vs. 1.03 +/- 0.52, 8.41 +/- 2.80 vs. 0.93 +/- 0.31, and 13.4 +/- 4.43 vs. 1.07 +/- 0.94; all P < 0.05). The same progressively increasing trend was seen in the number of hepatocytes expressing CyclinD1, but was only significantly different from controls at post-injection days 30 and 60 (6.73 +/- 2.52 vs. 0.48 +/- 0.43 and 8.22 +/- 3.09 vs. 0.55 +/- 0.34; both P < 0.05). In contrast, the number of hepatocytes expressing cyclin A was significantly increased at post-injection day 30 and then showed a decreasing trend at days 60 and 90, although the numbers of expressing cells remained significantly higher than control levels at all time points (7.75 +/- 3.05 vs. 0.69 +/- 0.36, 3.42 +/- 1.80 vs. 1.14 +/- 0.42, and 3.03 +/- 1.50 vs. 0.69 +/- 0.31; all P < 0.05). The number of hepatocytes expressing CyclinB1 in the experimental group was less robust than the other cyclins (with a general temporal trend of increase followed by decrease), but the differential expression was not significantly different from the control levels at any time point.

CONCLUSIONE. multilocularis infection may promote the expression of host factors related to proliferation and anti-apoptosis in liver. This pathogen-mediated modulation of host cell-survival mechanisms may provide a rationale explanation for the clinical observations of hepatomegaly and the unexpected survival of alveolar echinococcosis patients following major hepatic resection.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Proliferation ; Echinococcosis ; pathology ; Echinococcus multilocularis ; Female ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; pathology ; Liver ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C