OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Liuwu Shengjing Decoction (LWD) in treating oligospermia and asthenospermia.

METHODSOne hundred and fourteen patients were randomized into two groups, the treated group administrated with self-formulated LWD, and the control group administrated with Wuzi Yanzong Pill (WYP). All were treated for 3 months. Patients' semen was analyzed before and after treatment, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 94.8% in the treated group, with a partner pregnant rate of 8.6% (5/58), while in the control group, they were 85.7% and 5.4% (3/56) respectively. The efficacy in the treated group was better (P = 0.03). Patients' sperm count and viability of sperm were improved in both groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but the improvement in the treated group was superior (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLWD could effectively improve the condition of male infertility with oligospermia and asthenospermia.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Male ; Oligospermia ; complications ; drug therapy ; Phytotherapy ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the regulative effect of opuntia powder on blood lipids in wistar rats and to explore its mechanism.

METHODForty normal rats were divided into four groups:control group (fed with basal feed), opuntia high, middle and low dosage groups (fed with basal feed and opuntia powder of high, middle and low dosage. The influence of opuntia powder on serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), arteriosclerosis index (AI), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed. (2) All of the hyperlipemia wistar rats for experiments were divided into four groups: model control group and other three groups (high, middle, low dosage groups respectively). Three weeks later, samples of blood were taken for survey of levels of TC, TG HDL-C, LDL-C, AI, MDA, SOD.

RESULTAfter opuntia powder treatment,the level of TC in nomal wistar rats was decreased. However, there was no significant difference comparing with control group (P > 0.05). The serum MAD level in the low, middle and high dosage groups were all obviously decreased, which were significantly lower than that in the control group. The SOD activities were all higher than that in the control group. The level of TC, LDL-C, AI (P < 0.01), TG (P < 0.05) were lower significantly in hyperlipemia wistar rats after treated by opuntia powder of high, middle and low dosage. The down-regulation of blood lipids was related with the dosage of opuntia powder.

CONCLUSIONThe opuntia powder may regulate the level of blood lipids in normal and hyperlipemia wistar rats. The effect is more obviously in hyperlipemia rats than that in normal rats.

Animals ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hyperlipidemias ; blood ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Mice ; Opuntia ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Powders ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; Triglycerides ; blood

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family G, Member 2 ; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Breast Neoplasms ; therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Mitoxantrone ; pharmacokinetics ; Neoplasm Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; pharmacology

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the cholinergic agonist carbachol-induced cardiovascular responses, changes of renin-angiotensin system were examined in fetal hormonal systems. In the ovine fetal model under stressless condition, the cardiovascular function was recorded. Blood samples were collected before (during baseline period) and after the intravenous administration of carbachol. Simultaneously, the levels of angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II) and vasopressin in the fetal plasma were detected by immunoradiological method. Also, blood gas, plasma osmolality and electrolyte concentrations were analyzed in blood samples. Results showed that in chronically prepared ovine fetus, intravenous infusion of carbachol led to a significant decrease of heart rate (P < 0.05), and a transient decrease followed by an increase of blood pressure (P < 0.05) within 30 min. After the intravenous infusion of carbachol, blood concentrations of Ang I and Ang II in near-term ovine fetus were both significantly increased (P < 0.05); however, blood concentration of vasopressin, values of blood gas, electrolytes and plasma osmolality in near-term ovine fetus were not significantly changed (P > 0.05). Blood levels of Ang I and Ang II in the atropine (M receptor antagonist) + carbachol intravenous administration group was lower than those in the carbachol group without atropine administration (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study indicates that the near-term changes of cardiovascular system induced by intravenous administration of carbachol in ovine fetus, such as blood pressure and heart rate, are associated with the changes of hormones of circulatory renin-angiotensin system.
Angiotensin I ; blood ; Angiotensin II ; blood ; Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Carbachol ; pharmacology ; Cholinergic Agonists ; pharmacology ; Fetus ; Heart Rate ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; Sheep ; Vasopressins ; blood

OBJECTIVETo develop a method to obtain and identify human coronary artery endothelial cells obtained during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

METHODSCoronary guide wires were used to obtain endothelial cells from coronary arteries in 28 patients undergoing PCI. The cells were eluted from the wire tips and then purified by magnetic beads coated with anti-CD146 antibody. von Willebrand factor (vWF) was used as an immunocytochemical marker for endothelial cells. The cellular viability was evaluated by observing cell membrane integrity and energy-dependent uptake of DiI-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein.

RESULTSAn average of 96 coronary artery endothelial cells with good viability per patient were obtained by one guide wire. vWF identification showed their endothelial morphology and immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSIONThe viable coronary endothelial cells could be obtained during routine percutaneous coronary interventions combined with magnetic beads isolation technique. These cells may be used for further cellular functional analyses (such as immunocytochemistry and molecular biology) and expand our understanding on mechanisms of coronary artery diseases.

Biopsy ; methods ; Coronary Vessels ; cytology ; pathology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDThe cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) is important for bone remodeling. In this study, we investigated the effects of CB2 selective antagonist (AM630) on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) ligand (RANKL) induced osteoclast differentiation and the underlying signaling pathway using a monocyte-macrophage cell line-RAW264.7.

METHODSRAW264.7 was cultured with RANKL for 6 days and then treated with AM630 for 24 hours. Mature osteoclasts were measured by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining using a commercial kit. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done to examine the expression of RANK, cathepsin K (CPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylation of ERK (P-ERK) and NF-κB production were tested by Western blotting. The effect of AM630 on RAW264.7 viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay.

RESULTSAM630 did not affect the viability of RAW264.7. However, this CB2 selective antagonist markedly inhibited osteoclast formation and the inhibition rate was dose-dependent. The dose of ≥ 100 nmol/L could reduce TRAP positive cells to the levels that were significantly lower than the control. AM630 suppressed the expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation and activation, such as RANK and CPK. An analysis of a signaling pathway showed that AM630 inhibited the RANKL-induced activation of ERK, but not NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONAM630 could inhibit the osteoclastogenesis from RAW264.7 induced with RANKL.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Indoles ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Osteoclasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RANK Ligand ; pharmacology ; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

BACKGROUNDWith potent suppressive effect on responder T cells, CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells have become the focus of attention only recently and they may play an important role in transplantation tolerance. However, the mechanism of action is not clear. This study was designed to assess the possibility of using CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) Treg cells to induce transplantation tolerance and to investigate their mechanism of action.

METHODSCD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) Treg cells were isolated using magnetic cell separation techniques. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were used to assess the ability of Treg cells to suppress effector T cells. Before skin transplantation, various numbers of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) Treg cells, which have been induced using complex skin antigens from the donor, were injected into the host mice either intraperitoneally [0.5 x 10(5), 1 x 10(5), 2 x 10(5), 3 x 10(5), 4 x 10(5), or 5 x 10(5)] or by injection through the tail vein [5 x 10(3), 1 x 10(4), 2 x 10(4), 5 x 10(4), 1 x 10(5), 2 x 10(5)]. Skin grafts from two different donor types were used to assess whether the induced Treg cells were antigen-specific. The survival time of the allografts were observed. Single photon emission computed tomography was also used to determine the distribution of Treg cells before and after transplantation.

RESULTSTreg cells have suppressive effect on mixed lymphocyte reactions. Grafts survived longer in mice receiving CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) Treg cell injections than in control mice. There was a significant difference between groups receiving intraperitoneal injection of either 2 x 10(5) or 3 x 10(5) CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) Treg cells and the control group (P < 0.05, respectively). Better results were achieved when Treg cells were injected via the tail vein than when injected intraperitoneally. The transplantation tolerance induced by CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) Treg cells was donor-specific. Analysis of the localization of Treg cells revealed that Treg cells mainly migrated from the liver to the allografts and the spleen.

CONCLUSIONSCD(4)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg cells can induce donor-specific transplantation tolerance. Cell-to-cell contact may be the primary mechanism by which Treg cells act on effector T cells.

Animals ; Graft Rejection ; Immune Tolerance ; Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin Transplantation ; immunology ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo report clinical application of Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory and heart failure in a child with severe pneumonia.

METHODA seven-year old male patient with severe pneumonia complicated with heart and lung function failure was admitted to PICU in 28th of December, 2008.Veno-artery access was set up via euthyphoria cannulation in operative incision. Blood was drained from the right atrium through a cannula introduced via femoral veins, and returned via femoral artery. The inter-surface of the ECMO equipment system was completely coated with heparin-coating technique. Anticoagulation was maintained with heparin to keep the activated clotting time (ACT) between 150 and 200 seconds and heparin usage dose was 10 U/(kg.h), mean blood flow was 1/2-2/3 of 80-120 ml/(kg.min) during ECMO assistant period. During ECMO, ventilator settings were gradually reduced to allow lung rest, i.e. peak inspiratory pressure less than 25 cm H2O (1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa), end expiratory pressure 8-10 cm H2O, rate 10-15 breaths per minute and FiO2 30%-40%.

RESULTSIn management of ECMO, the incipient blood flow was set at 0.8 L/min, the radio of oxygen and blood flow was 1:1, FiO2 60%. After ten minutes of ECMO working, the blood oxygen saturation of radial artery increased from 40 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) to 177 mm Hg, Lac decreased from 3.5 mmol/L to 2.8 mmol/L. Four hours later, blood gas analysis of radial artery showed PaO2 202 mm Hg, PCO2 44 mm Hg, Lac 1.5 mmol/L, blood flow was set at 0.6 L/min, FiO2 60%, PaO2 kept above 150 mm Hg. 96 hours after ECMO supporting, the blood flow was set at 0.4 L/min [20 ml/(kg.min)], the results of blood gas analysis of radial artery was PaO2 190 mm Hg, PaCO2 36 mm Hg, SaO2 100%, Lac 0.9 mmol/L, then the child weaned off successfully from ECMO. Two days later, the child was successfully extubated. After two weeks treatment, the patient was discharged. The main complication associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were bleeding.

CONCLUSIONECMO is an effective mechanical assistant therapy method for severe pulmonary and cardiac failure in a child.

Child ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; Heart Failure ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Pneumonia ; complications ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Research Report ; Respiration Disorders ; etiology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of three different Chinese medical principles in treating patients with male infertility (oligospermia/asthenozoospermia).

METHODSTotally 128 patients with male infertility were classified into 3 groups, i.e., Shen-essence deficiency syndrome, Pi-Shen deficiency syndrome, Shen-deficiency blood-stasis syndrome. They were assigned to the Chinese medical treatment group (96 cases) and the Western medical treatment group (32 cases) by stratified randomization in the ratio of 3: 1. Those in the Chinese medical treatment group were treated with Chinese drugs for Shen invigorating and blood activating, Shen invigorating and Pi supplementing, Shen-qi benefiting. Those in the Western medical treatment group were treated with Clomifene (at the daily dose of 25 mg per day, once daily). Three months consisted of one therapeutic course. The parameters of semen, the pregnancy rate, and adverse reactions were observed.

RESULTSTotally 24 patients dropped out in the two group, 17 in the Chinese medical treatment group (9 patients of Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome, 5 of Shen-Pi deficiency syndrome, and 3 of Shen-essence deficiency syndrome) and 7 in the Western medical treatment group. Compared with before treatment, there was no statistical difference in the improvement of semen amount at 3 months after treatment between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was statistical difference in the improvement of semen density, class A semen, class A +B semen, and 1-h activity ratio (P < 0.05). The improvement was most obvious in Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome, followed by Shen-Pi deficiency syndrome and Shen-essence deficiency syndrome. The improvement was the weakest in the Western medical treatment group. There was no statistical difference in the improvement of semen amount, semen density, class A semen, or 1-h activity ratio at 3 months after treatment between the two groups (P > 0.05). Best effect was obtained in improving class A + B semen quality in patients of Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome, showing statistical difference when compared with the other two syndrome types and the Western medical treatment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). No obvious adverse reaction occurred in the two groups during the treatment course.

CONCLUSIONShen invigorating and blood activating method could improve the semen density and semen activities, and it was superior to other therapeutic methods.

Adult ; Asthenozoospermia ; classification ; therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Oligospermia ; classification ; therapy ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; Semen Analysis ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEThe role of adjuvant radiotherapy to the regional nodes in women with T1 to T2 breast cancer and one to three positive nodes is controversial. This study compared and analyzed the prognosis of patients with T1-T2 breast cancer with one to three positive nodes after modified radical mastectomy with or without postoperative radiotherapy.

METHODSThe cases of 434 women patients with T1 to T2 breast cancer with one to three positive lymph nodes after modified radical mastectomy were reviewed, of which 196 patients received postoperative radiotherapy and 238 patients did not. The ipsilateral chest wall and supraclavicular fossa were irradiated with doses of 46-50 Gy in 23-25 fractions.

RESULTSFor all patients, the 3- and 5-year rates of overall survival (OS) were 94.7% and 85.7% respectively, local control (LC) 96.5% and 95.6%;, and disease-free survival (DFS) 89.3% and 82.3% respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS rates for patients without radiotherapy were 92.7% and 97.1% and for those with radiotherapy were 82.4% and 89.2%, both with significant differences (P = 0.039). The 3- and 5-year LC rates for patients without radiotherapy were 94.8% and 98.4% and for those with radiotherapy were 93.6% and 97.7%, again with significant differences (P = 0.041). The 3- and 5-year DFS rates for patients without radiotherapy were 87.8% and 91.3% and for patients with radiotherapy were 78.5% vs 86.1% (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONSPostoperative radiotherapy confers better rates of OS, LC, and DFS in patients with T1 to T2 breast cancer with one to three positive nodes after modified radical mastectomy.

Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Lobular ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Mastectomy, Modified Radical ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate