BackgroundOur previous study determined that tetrandrine (Tet) has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human Tenon capsule fibroblasts ( TCFs ) in vitro,but its mechanism is poorly understood.ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the effect mechanism of Tet on human TCFs.MethodsHuman TCFs were isolated and cultured from scleral tissue of donor using explant technique.The cells were identified by vimentin antibody staining and morphology.The third generation of cells were seeded in the culture plate at the density of 1 × 105 cells/ml.Twenty-four hours after inoculation,the Tet of 1 × 10-5 mol/L was added in the well of culture plate,and the cells cultured only in 1640 medium served as the control group.The apoptosis of the cells was assessed by TUNEL,and the expressions of bax,bel-2,transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2 ) in TCFs were detected using immunochemistry.Results The cultured cells showed the features of the fibroblasts in shape with the positive response for vimentin.A number of TUNEL positive cells were seen in Tet group and no TUNEL positive response was found in control group.The expression levels (A value) of bax,bcl-2 and TGF-~ protein in TCFs were 0.577 ± 0.009,0.430±0.012 and 0.341 ±0.017 in Tet group,and those in control group were 0.320±0.015,0.819±0.021 and 0.624±0.014 respectively,showing statistically significant differences between two groups( t =33.277,-35.356,-28.093,P＜0.01 ).Conclusions Tet suppresses the proliferation of human TCFs through up-regulating the expression of bax and down-regulating the expressions of bcl-2 and TGF-β2 in vitro.

Vitamin C precusor-2-keto-L-gulonic acid can be prepared directly by mixed culture of Ghiconobacter oxy-dans SCB329 and Guconobacter subaxydans SCB110. To obtained its high yield, firstly, the proportion of the two micro- organisms, the ingredients of medium and the initial pH were optimized in shake flaskd, then L9 (34) orthogonal experiment confirmed that urea, C. S. L had high degree statistical meaning. Based on these data, an optimized fermentation media was obta ined: D-Sorbitol 9g, C. S.L1.5g, Urea1.5g, KH2PO40.1g, CaCO30.2g. By-product can be inhabited to the greatest extent and the yield increases by 20%.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and the imaging features of patients with hemichorea associated with hyperglycemia in primary diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations and the neuroimaging features of 2 patients with hemichorea induced by hyperglycemia in primary DM, admitted to our hospital on 9 and 29 October 2010; the related literatures about this disease were reviewed. Results These 2 patiewnts were both old female diabetics with acute onset of symptomatic hemichorea. One had an outbreak during using insulin to control blood glucose and the other did without using insulin; at first,case 2 symptom of one side chorea was showed,and then both sides were noted.CT findings indicated T1-high-density shadow in the contralateral caudate nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus (CT values in 50 Hu or so); MR imaging indicated that T1WI showed high-signal in the contralateral caudate nucleus,putamen and globus pallidus,while T2WI showed low-signal; partial light atrophy but no strengthening phenomenon in lesion location were noted. These patients were treated effectively with haloperidol and clonazepam.Conclusion Hemichorea induced by hyperglycemia often involves diabetic patients with poor glucose control. Characteristic imaging changes in the contralateral basal ganglia; blood glucose control is the foundation of treatment; haloperidol and clonazepam are helpful in controling hemichorea.

AIM: To explore the histochemical changes o f diabetic skin and the pathogenesis of impaired wound healing in diabetes. METHODS: 54 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats weighing 200-220 g wer e randomized into control and STZ-induced diabetic groups. The shaved skin speci mens from the back of rats were collected in 4, 8 and 12 weeks post STZ-inductio n, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin dye was used for histological examination. Me a nwhile, the skin glucose contents were measured by Beckman's autoanalyzer. Skin AGEs concentrations were assessed by detecting total fluorescence in tissue coll agen and immunohistochemistry assay. RESULTS: The skin thickness in diabetic animals was decreased, w ith the features of multilayer epithelium structure disappeared in epidermis and collagen fibers atrophied, swollen and degenerated in dermis; The inflammatory responses in the dermis of diabetic animals were increased obviously. The result s also revealed that skin glucose contents in diabetic rats [(2.64?1.03)mg/ g skin] were 2-3 times higher than those in the controls [(0.74?0.33)mg/g s kin] (P

Objective To determine the effect of iron deficiency on hemoglobin A2(HbA2) expression in patients with β-thalassemia.Methods The participants were recruited from the out-patient clinics of the Pediatrics Department and Obstetrics Department of Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College and from some β-thalassemia major families.Blood samples from the participants were used for blood smear tests and hemoglobin electrophoresis and to analyze serum ferritin (SF),3 alpha-globin gene deletions,and 17 beta-globin point mutations.Results Of the 408 individuals,304 were assigned to group A (normal controls),26 to group B (iron deficiency),56 to group C (β-thalassemia),and 22 to group D (β-thalassemia combined with iron deficiency). The results for the comparison of the mean HbA2 values among pairs of groups were as follows: group A vs group B,q=5.074 7,P<0.05; group A vs group C,q=37.650 8,P<0.05; group A vs group D,q=16.043 0,P<0.05;group C vs group D,q=7.682 9,P<0.05; Group B vs group D,q=15.806 6,P<0.05. There were no significant correlation between SF and HbA2 in all 4 groups.Conclusions Iron deficiency decreased the HbA2 level in both controls and individuals with β-thalassemia. HbA2 levels decreased significantly in individuals with both β-thalassemia and iron deficiency as compared with β-thalassemia group alone. However,they remained significantly higher than both the control and iron-deficient groups. Therefore,the elevation of HbA2 could be used to diagnose β-thalassemia reliably even in the presence of iron deficiency.

Objective To observe the changes of immunological parameters and the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP),schonlein-Henoch purpura(HSP) and mucocutaneoas lymph node syn-drome(kawasaki disease, KD).Methods T cell subsets and serum immunoglobulins and complements were measured with the flow cytometry and enhanced trubidimetric immunoassay. Routine therapy combined with IVIG. Results CD3+ CD4+ T cells were de-creased in children with ITP accompanied by increased serum IgG;Serum IgA and CD3+ T cells were increased in children with HSP; CD3+ CD8+ T cells were decreased in children with KD. Clinical features were markedly improved after treatment with IVIG. It was noted that the incidence of damage to coronary artery decreased after the use of IVIG. Conclusions T cell subsets, serum immunoglobulins should undergo the clinical routine examinations in ITP,HSP and KD. Early administration of IVIG might be important to improve disease prognosis and shorten its course of treatment in children with three kinds of immunology related diseases.

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of 6 h 99mTc-diethyl iminodiacetic acid (99mTc-EHIDA) planar hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS),6 h tomographic HBS and 24 h planar HBS in diagnosis on biliary atresia(BA).Methods Seventy cases(32 male,38 female) with continuous jaundice received planar and tomographic HBS in Beijing Friendship Hospital from Jan.2005 to Dec.2007.The mean age was 48.7 d (29 d-4 months).According to final diagnosis,all cases were divided into BA group (45 cases) and non-BA group (25 cases).All cases fasted at least 4 hours before HBS.The equipment was 3 head IRIX from Philips company with low energy high resolution collimator.The tracer was 99mTc-EHIDA and the radiochemistry purity was more than 95 percent.The dosage was 7.4 MBq/kg.All diagnosis demonstrated by operation pathology and clinical follow-up.All cases received HBS at 5,10,15,20,30 min and 1,6 h after tracer injection.HBS would ended if radioactivity appeared in gallbladder or intestine.These cases would received tomographic HBS and 24 h HBS if radioactivity did not appear in gallbladder or intestine at 6 h post injection.All these images were analyzed by 2 or more nuclear medicine physicians.Results There were not radioactivity appearing in gallbladder and intestine on planar and tomographic HBS of 27 cases,which suggested the BA.There were radioactivity appearing in gallbladder and intestine on planar and tomographic HBS of 30 cases,which suggested the non-BA.Positive rate of 6 h tomographic HBS was significantly higher than that of 6 h planar HBS and there was significantly difference between the 2 methods.Positive rate of 6 h tomographic HBS was significantly higher than that of 24 h planar HBS and there was significant difference between the 2 methods.Conclusions 99mTc-EHIDA HBS is a noninvasive,safety,valuable examing method and has definitely clinical value in the diagnosis on BA.The clinical value of 6 h tomographic HBS is significantly higher than that of 6 h planar HBS and 24 h planar HBS.

OBJECTIVETo compare the effect and impact of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and 120-W thulium: YAG vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) on erectile function in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed 93 cases of symptomatic BPH treated by HoLEP or 120 W ThuVEP. We made comparisons between the two groups of patients in the baseline and postoperative clinical and surgical indexes as well as their IPSS, quality of life (QOL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), and IIEF-EF scores before surgery and during the 12-month follow-up.

RESULTSThuVEP, in comparison with HoLEP, achieved a significantly shorter operation time ([57.6 +/- 12. 8] vs. [70.4 +/- 21.8] min, P = 0.001) and a higher laser efficiency ([0.71 +/- 0.18] vs. [0.62 +/- 0.19] g/min, P = 0. 021). At 1, 6, or 12 months of follow-up, no significant differences were observed in IPSS, OOL, Omax, and PVR between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both the HoLEP and ThuVEP groups showed low incidences of complications and remarkably improved IIEF-EF scores at 12 months postoperatively, but with no significant differences (both P > 0.05). However, in those with relatively normal erectile functions before operation, the mean IIEF-EF score was reduced from 22.8 +/- 2.2 preoperatively to 21.0 +/- 2.7 after HoLEP, (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONBoth HoLEP and 120W ThuVEP are effective and safe in the treatment of BPH. Compared with HoLEP, 120 W ThuVEP has even a higher laser efficiency. However, neither can significantly improve erectile function, and HoLEP may have a short-term negative impact on the relatively normal erectile function of the patient.

Aged ; Holmium ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Lasers, Solid-State ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Erection ; Prostatectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; surgery ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Thulium ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; Treatment Outcome ; Urine

Rutaecarpine (Rut) is a type of indole quinazoline alkaloid exracted from Ruticarpum. Studies showed that Rut has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-hypertension, anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-thrombus formation. Currently, many scholars are committed to developing it into a new antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory drug with all new mechanisms. But studies found that Rut is a highly fat-soluble drug with low water and oil solubility. Its high insolubility is the main obstacle in its oral absorption and application, which greatly reduced its bioavailability. Therefore, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) was used as the inclusion material to prepare Rut-HP-beta-CD inclusion complex in this experiment, in order to increase its water solubility and bioavailability. In this experiment, the inclusion complex was prepared by the stirring-freeze-dry method. The preparation process was optimized by the orthogonal test, with the inclusion rate as the index, and molar ratio between host and guest molecules, inclusion temperature, time and stirring speed as the impacting factors. Moreover, the inclusion complex was verified by detecting the apparent solubility, thin layer chromatography, microscopic identification, melting point detection and dissolution study. The results showed that under the conditions of the molar ratio between Rut and HP-beta-CD of 1: 1, temperature at 60 degrees C, inclusion time of 4h and stirring speed at 600 r x min(-1), the inclusion rate of Rut-HP-beta-CD reached 91.04%. Therefore, the preparation process of Rut-HP-beta-CD inclusion under the optimum conditions is simple and feasible, with a highest inclusion rate and reproducibility, and could significantly improve Rut's solubility and bioavailability, and provide a reliable experimental basis for its clinical application.
2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin ; Alkaloids ; chemistry ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Rutaceae ; chemistry ; Solubility ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry

AIM To investigate the anti-neuroinflammation effects of 4-hydroxybenzyl aldehyde (4-HBAL) from Gastrodia elata Blume on acute cerebral ischemic injury in rats and its nechanism of action.METHODS The rat model of acute cerebral ischemic injury was induced by injecting arachidonic acid via intracarotid artery.Brain tissue samples were taken from the animals 3 h after the model of acute cerebral ischemic injury.Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were detected in brain tissue to evaluate the effects of 4-HBAL in vivo.Lipopolysaccharid (LPS)-induced activation of BV-2 microglia cells model was used to explore the anti-neuroinflammation mechanism of 4-HBAL.RESULTS The experimental results showed that 4-HBAL had a significant protective effect on acute cerebral ischemic injury.It could significandy decrease the contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β),and obviously inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO),prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cell,and increase the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β) in BV-2 cell.CONCLUSION The mechanism of 4-HBAL may be related to the suppression of the excessive activation of microglia after cerebral ischemia and the promotion of the transformation of microglia into anti-inflammatory phenotype.