Background Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) has been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD),therefore VEGF is a target for the treatment of wet AMD.However,the mechanism of VEGF in the pathogenesis of AMD is not clearly understood.Studying the correlation between VEGF gene polymorphism and AMD is becoming a new research hotspot,but relevant studies on Han Chinese have not been performed.Objective This study was to investigate the association between the VEGF +936C/T gene polymorphism and AMD in the Chinese population.Methods A pilot prospective and nonrandomized controlled trial was designed.This protocol complied with Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethic Committee of Chinese PLA Second Artillery General Hospital.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to entering the study.Two hundred AMD patients and 200 age-and gender-matched normal controls were enrolled in this study.The genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples of the subjects,and analysis of the VEGF polymorphisms at the +936 position in the promoter and 3＇-untranslated regions was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method.Frequencies of the VEGF+936C/T genotype were compared between the two groups,and the risk of the VEGF+936C/T gene polymorphism in pre-disposing AMD was evaluated.Results No significant differences were seen in the incidence rates of smoking(P ＝ 0.76),hypertension(P ＝ 0.84),hyperlipidemia (P=0.71),diabetes mellitus (P=0.86) and cardiovascular disease(P=0.89) between the AMD group and the normal control group,and BMI was matched between the two groups (P =0.18).The prevalence of the TT genotype was 9.0％ (18/200)in the AMD group,but that in the normal control was 3.5％ (7/200),showing a significant difference between the two groups (P =0.03).The odds ratio (OR) was 2.73 with a 95％ confidence interval(CI) of 1.11 to 6.68 for AMD in this genotype.The CC and CT genotypes were not significantly different between the two groups (P =0.52,P =0.57).The genotype frequency and allele frequency conformed to HardyWeinberg equilibrium law.There were no significant differences found in the CC,CT,TT genotype frequencies among the early AMD,geographic atrophy AMD and choroidal neovascular AMD (all at P＞0.05).Conclusions The VEGF+936TT genotype is associated with AMD in Han Chinese population.

OBJECTIVETo determine the suitable conditions for extracting alkaloidals from Aconitum carmichaili.

METHODUsing methods in Chinese Pharmacopeia for determining yields of extraction, which include spectrometry and single-factor tests, we investigated vavious factors that would affect the extraction of alkaloids from Aconiti.

RESULTThe suitable extractant was 85% ethanol, starting material was medium-size powder of aconiti, 10 times of the volume of the solvent was used in extraction for twice 1.75 h each time. The extraction yield was 1.21%, with a content of 0.33% alkaloids.

CONCLUSIONExtraction conditions determined with single factor test was consistent and feasible.

Aconitum ; chemistry ; Alkaloids ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Ethanol ; Particle Size ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Powders ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Time Factors

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cadherins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Ki-67 Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; physiopathology ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

AIM:To investigate the effects and mechanism of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) assisted pars plana vitrectomy ( PPV) in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy ( PDR) . ·METHODS: A total of 92 patients ( 92 eyes ) with PDR treated by PPV were divided into the simple PPV group (41 patients with 41 affected eyes) and the combined treatment group ( 51 patients with 51 affected eyes ) according to whether the patient underwent intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab ( IVR) . The combined treatment group was treated with IVR at 5-7d before PPV. The surgical time, times of electrocoagulation, silicone oil filling rate, the incidence of postoperative complications, LogMAR BCVA of affected eyes, levels of VEGF and pigment epithelium derived factor ( PEDF ) in aqueous humor and vitreous body were compared between the two groups. ·RESULTS:The surgical time was shorter, the times of electrocoagulation was less, the silicone oil filling rate and the incidence rates of iatrogenic retinal hole and vitreous body hematocele were lower in the combined treatment group than in the simple PPV group (P<0. 05). Levels of VEGF and PEDF in aqueous humor and vitreous body of the combined treatment group during PPV were lower than those in the simple PPV group (P<0. 05). The LogMAR BCVA of the affected eyes of the combined treatment group in 3mo after surgery was better than that of the simple PPV group (P<0. 05). ·CONCLUSION:IVR combined with PPV can reduce the perioperative levels of VEGF and PEDF, reduce the times of electrocoagulation and the incidence of iatrogenic retinal hole and vitreous body hematocele, and improve the visual acuity of patients with PDR.

In order to obtain higher L-lactic acid yield industrial strain, the original strain Rhizopus oryzae PW352 was mutated by means of N+ ions implantation and a mutant strain Rhizopus oryzae RE3303 was obtained. Its lactic acid yield was increased by 75% than that of the original one. The acid producing condition was optimized by orthogonal design. The concentration of L-lactic acid reached to 131～136g/L and the conversion rate of glucose was as high as 86%～90% under the optimum condition.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of CKJ Recipe (consisting of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide, amygdaloside, and gypenosides) containing serum on the activation of rat primary hepatic stellate cells (rHSCs) and to explore its pharmacological mechanism.

METHODSrHSCs were isolated form liver and cultured for four days. Then they were divided into the normal control group, the model group, and the CKJ group. rHSCs in the model group and the CKJ group were treated with 2.5 ng/mL transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in serum-free DMEM for 24 h. Serum free DMEM (containing no TGF-beta1) was taken as the control for the normal control group. rHSCs in the CKJ group were treated with 5% CKJ-containing serum for 24 h. rHSCs in the other two groups were treated with 5% blank serum for 24 h.The protein expression level of a smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was determined using high throughput screening (HCS) and Western blot. mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, collagen I (Col-I), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGF-betaR), TGF-beta1, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGF-betaR1), and transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGF-beta R2) were detected using quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the protein expression level of alpha-SMA, mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, Col-I, PDGF-betaR, TGF-beta1, TGF-betaR1, and TGF-betaR2 significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein expression level of alpha-SMA, mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, Col-I, PDGF-betaR, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1, and TGF-beta R2 significantly decreased in the CKJ group (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONCKJ containing serum could inhibit the protein expression level of o-SMA, which was probably related with inhibiting TGF-beta1 and its related receptors.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; metabolism ; Rats ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore ginseng fermentation process by Lactobacillus plantarum, and to make part of total saponins transformed into more reactive ginsenoside Rd.

METHODMicrobial fermentation was carried out by still dark culture. Total saponins were extracted by Soxhlet extraction, and determined by UV visible spectrophotometry with colours reaction by vanillin-sulfuric acid. Ginsenoside Rd was determined by HPLC method.

RESULTThe fermentation process was: MRS medium, 35 degrees C, pH 5.0, cultured for 2 days. The content of total saponins was inhance 32%, and the content of ginsenoside Rd was increased 4.864 mg x g(-1).

CONCLUSIONThe fermentation system's process was reasonable, and it's suitable for mass production, important significance for ginsenoside microbial transformation.

Biotransformation ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Ginsenosides ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Lactobacillus plantarum ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Molecular Structure

ObjectiveTo investigate the quality of life (QOL) of the epilepsy patients and the factors affected the QOL.Methods200 cases were investigated using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory 10 (QOLEI-10) and the Washington Psychosocial Seizure Investigate (WPSI). 200 healthy persons were chosen as normal control group. ResultsThe QOL of the patient group were significantly poor as compared with that of normal control group(P<0.01). The factors that the patients always faced with were disability in the attack control, short in money, unemployment, restriction of movement, disability in intercommunication, psychological disorder (depress, strain, anxiety, dread, shame feel, cognitional dysfunction, etc.), as well as the difficult to get professional curtains, taking medicine improperly and side effects of the medicine. Conclusions The factors mentioned, which were usually neglected by many doctors, do affect the QOL of epilepsy patients, and hinder the epilepsy treatment effectively.

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on iron-induced toxicity in rat hearts. Langendorff perfused rat heart and enzymatically isolated cardiomyocytes were used. It was shown that lipophilic Fe-HQ reduced the contractile amplitude, velocity and end-diastolic cell length in the cardiomyocyte, while the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), +/-dp/dt(max), heart rate and coronary flow showed biphasic alterations, which increased in the first 2 min and then was followed by a decline in isolated perfused rat heart; the contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in the coronary effluent and the malondialdehyde (MDA) in the myocardium were increased. L-arginine (L-Arg), an NO precursor, reduced the contractile amplitude and end-diastolic cell length in the cardiomyocyte; but reversibly increased LVDP, +/-dp/dt(max), and coronary flow in isolated perfused rat heart. Pretreatment with L-Arg aggravated the Fe-HQ-induced decrease in contractile amplitude, velocity and end-diastolic cell length in the cardiomyocyte; LVDP, +/-dp/dt(max), heart rate and coronary flow were significantly reduced in the perfused heart, and the levels of LDH and CK increased in the coronary effluent. In contrast, the NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) blocked the Fe-HQ induced change in contractile amplitude, velocity and end-diastolic cell length in the cardio- myocyte; it inhibited the decrease in LVDP, LVEDP and +/-dp/dt(max), and reduced the LDH and CK. Removing endothelial cells in coronary vessels attenuated the increase in LVDP and +/-dp/dt(max) at the beginning of Fe-HQ perfusion. It is suggested that L-Arg aggravates the iron-induced cardiac dysfunction, NO can mediate the iron-induced toxicity in heart, and endothelial cells in coronary vessels play an important role in the early stage of the effect of iron.
Animals ; Arginine ; pharmacology ; Coronary Vessels ; cytology ; Creatine Kinase ; metabolism ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; Heart ; drug effects ; Iron ; toxicity ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; pharmacology ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of HER2/neu, Ki-67 and TK1 protein in meningiomas in correlation with tumor grades and recurrence.

METHODSTwenty cases of each of the following types of meningiomas were selected for the study, namely: the benign non-recurrent, recurrent benign, atypical and malignant, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) histological classification of nervous system, 2007. Immunohistochemistry study for HER2/neu, Ki-67 and TK1 protein was performed. HER2/neu gene amplification was detected using FISH. Cases with HER2 protein overexpression were studied by immunohistochemistry staining. The results of the biomarker assays were also used to study the correlationship with the tumor grades and tumor recurrency.

RESULTSImmunohistochemistry showed that the positive rates of HER2 expression in non-recurrence benign group, recurrence benign group, atypical group and malignant group were 3 cases (15%), 6 cases (30%), 7 cases (35%), and 10 cases (50%), respectively (P < 0.05). A higher tumor grade was correlated with a higher rate of HER2/neu expression. The Ki-67 and TK1 labeling index (LI) in non-recurrence group were lower than those in the atypical or malignant group (P < 0.05), whereas the atypical group had lower LI than that of the malignant group (P < 0.05). Higher levels of LI of Ki-67 and TK1 were correlated with higher tumor grades and recurrence of the benign meningiomas (P < 0.05). Expression of HER2 was positively correlated with Ki-67 and TK1 (r = 0.445, P < 0.01; r = 0.501, P < 0.01, respectively), and there was a positive correlation between Ki-67 and TK1 (r = 0.450, P < 0.01) as well. HER2/neu gene copy amplification in 7 of 26 cases (26.9%) of HER2 immunopositive meningiomas. The rates of HER2/neu gene amplification were 0 in tumors with 1+ immunopositivity, 4/6 in tumor with 2+ immunopositivity and 3/4 in tumor with 3+ immunopositivity. HER2/neu gene amplification in 3+ and 2+ immunopositive cases had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Aneuploidy of chromosome 17 existed in 9 of 26 of HER2 immunopositive meningiomas (34.6%). However, the rates of chromosome 17 aneuploidy had no significant difference among tumors with variable HER2/neu imumopositivity (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSHigh levels of HER2 and Ki-67 or TK1 expression correlate with the increase of tumor grades and tumor recurrence. HER2/neu gene amplification is seen in a subset of meningiomas with the protein expression (26.9%). A combination of biomarker study including HER2/neu, Ki-67 and TK1 may be useful in predicting the biological behavior of meningiomas.

Aneuploidy ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; Female ; Gene Amplification ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Meningeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Meningioma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Thymidine Kinase ; metabolism