OBJECTIVETo discuss the changes in Wnt pathway inhibiting factors in esophageal precancerosis lesions induced by methyl benzyl nitrosamine (MBNA) and the effect of Gexia Zhuyu decoction.

METHODWistar rats were subcutaneously injected with MBNA (3.5 mg x kg(-1) for twice per week to establish the model. Since the 1st day after the model establishment, they were orally administered with Gexia Zhuyu decoction (16, 8 mg x kg(-1)). At the 10th week, esophageal tissues were collected to observe the pathological changes of esophageal mucosa, detect SFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1, Axin2 and GSK-3β mRNA levels.by fluorescent quantitation PCR analysis and β-catenin protein level by Western blotting.

RESULTBeing induced by MBNA, rats in the model group showed slight atypical hyperplasia in the histopathological examination. Compared with the normal group, Gexia Zhuyu decoction dose high and low groups showed no significant pathomorphological and histological changes. The model group showed lower gene transcription levels of esophageal tissues sFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1 and Axin2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and higher β-catenin protein expression level (P < 0.01) than the normal control group. The Gexia Zhuyu decoction low dose group showed higher gene transcription levels of esophageal tissues sFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1 and Axin2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and lower β-catenin protein expression level (P < 0.01) than the normal control group.

CONCLUSIONUp-regulated β-catenin protein level and down-regulated Wnt pathway could enhance Wnt pathway activity of MBNA-induced esophageal precancerous lesions. Gexia Zhuyu decoction could down-regulate the β-catenin protein level and up-regulate the transcription level of Wnt pathway inhibiting factors, but could not block MBNA-induced esophageal precancerosis lesions.

Animals ; Axin Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Esophageal Diseases ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta ; Humans ; Male ; Necrosis ; Nitrosamines ; adverse effects ; Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Wnt Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; Aged ; Ciliary Body ; pathology ; Epithelium ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Uveal Neoplasms ; pathology

The aim of this study was to observe and compare the endogenous circadian rhythm and photoresponse of Clock gene transcription in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and pineal gland (PG) of rats. With free access to food and water in special darkrooms, Sprague-Dawley rats were housed under the light regime of constant darkness (DD) for 8 weeks (n=36) or 12 hour-light: 12 hour-dark cycle (LD) for 4 weeks (n=36), respectively. Then, their SCN and PG were dissected out every 4 h in a circadian day, 6 rats at each time (n=6). All animal treatments and sampling during the dark phases were conducted under red dim light (<0.1 lux). The total RNA was extracted from each sample and the semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the temporal mRNA changes of Clock gene in the SCN and PG at different circadian times (CT) or zeitgeber times (ZT). The grayness ratio of Clock/H3.3 bands was served as the relative estimation of Clock gene expression. The experimental data were analyzed by the Cosine method and the Clock Lab software to fit original results measured at 6 time points and to simulate a circadian rhythmic curve which was then examined for statistical difference by the amplitude F test. The main results are as follows: (1) The mRNA levels of Clock gene in the SCN under DD regime displayed the circadian oscillation (P<0.05). The endogenous rhythmic profiles of Clock gene transcription in the PG were similar to those in the SCN (P>0.05) throughout the day with the peak at the subjective night (CT15 in the SCN or CT18 in the PG) and the trough during the subjective day (CT3 in the SCN or CT6 in the PG). (2) Clock gene transcription in the SCN under LD cycle also showed the circadian oscillation (P<0.05), and the rhythmic profile was anti-phasic to that under DD condition (P<0.05). The amplitude and the mRNA level at the peak of Clock gene transcription in the SCN under LD were significantly increased compared with that under DD (P<0.05), while the value of corresponding rhythmic parameters in the PG under LD were remarkably decreased (P<0.05). (3) Under LD cycle, the circadian profiles of Clock gene transcription induced by light in the PG were quite different from those in the SCN (P<0.05). Their Clock transcription rhythms were anti-phasic, i.e., showing peaks at the light phase ZT10 in the SCN or at the dark time ZT17 in the PG and troughs during the dark time ZT22 in the SCN or during the light phase ZT5 in the PG. The findings of the present study indicate a synchronous endogenous nature of the Clock gene circadian transcriptions in the SCN and PG, and different roles of light regime in modulating the circadian transcriptions of Clock gene in these two central nuclei.
Animals ; CLOCK Proteins ; genetics ; Circadian Rhythm ; physiology ; Male ; Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate ; physiology ; Pineal Gland ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Suprachiasmatic Nucleus ; physiology ; Transcription, Genetic

The effects of different physical and chemical factors on hairy root growth and flavonoids production were studied in suspension culture of Saussurea medusa hairy root in 1/2 MS medium. The results showed that the following culture conditions, nitrogen concentratiaon (involved NH4+ and NO3-), 30 mmol/L; the ratio of ammonium to nitrate, 5:25; the combination of 2% sucrose and 3% glucose; 0.5 mg/L GA3; 0.5 mg/L IBA; initial pH 5.8; light cycle, 18 h/d (3500lx); temperature, 24 degrees C; shaker revolutions per minute, 100 r/min, were favourable to hairy root growth and flavonoids production. Under the above culture conditions, up to 12.8 g/L (DW) of hairy root and 1922 mg/L of flavonoids were obtained after 21 days of culture. The content of total flavonoids in hairy root was 15%, which was about 25 times as that in the wild plantlet.
Culture Media ; Flavonoids ; biosynthesis ; Plant Roots ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Saussurea ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Temperature ; Tissue Culture Techniques

OBJECTIVETo identify the anatomical variability of the left spermatic vein (LSV) and determine its effect on the induction of experimental left varicocele (ELV) in adolescent rats.

METHODSWe equally randomized 30 adolescent male SD rats to groups A (LSV collaterals fully ligated and the left renal vein constricted), B (only the left renal vein constricted), and C (sham operation), observed the courses of the LSVs and measured their diameters. At 30 days after operation, we analyzed the changes in the left kidneys and the diameters of the LSVs.

RESULTSIrregular collaterals were observed in 90% of the LSVs and no abnormal changes were found in the left kidneys after surgery. The postoperative LSV diameter was remarkably increased in group A as compared with the baseline ([1.47 +/- 0.15 ] vs [0.16 +/- 0.08] mm, P < 0.01), but showed no significant difference in group B ([0.31 +/- 0.49] vs [0.15 +/- 0.07] mm, P > 0.05) and C ([0.17 +/- 0.07] vs [0.16 +/- 0.06] mm, P > 0.05), and it was significantly longer in A than in B (P < 0.01). The success rate of ELV induction was 100% in group A and 10% in group B, but no varicocele was observed in group C.

CONCLUSIONCorrect identification of the anatomical course of the LSV and ligation of its irregular collaterals are essential for the establishment of a stable and consistent ELV model.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Kidney ; pathology ; Ligation ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatic Cord ; blood supply ; Varicocele ; Veins ; abnormalities

Objective To observes the change of early effective biomarkers of endothelial injury with lowarsenic exposure in drinking water. MethodsNinety rurad residents, who had lived in Yanhe village, Xuyi county and Jiangsu province for at least 10 years, were recruited by simple random sampling in this study. The level of arsenic in their household shallow well were divided into three groups, which were ＜ 10 (32 people), 10 - 50(28 people) and ＞ 50 μg/L(30 people). Blood samples from individuals were collected. Malondialdehyde(MDA) in human plasma, which is considered as the most important marker for monitoring lipid peroxidation, was determined as conjugate with tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulphate(TBA). The level of anti-superoxide anion radical(O-·2),C-reactive protein(CRP) and NO in human plasma was measured with colorimetry, turbidimetry and nitric acid reductase, respectively. The number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells(CEPCs) in peripheral blood was analyzed by CD133+/KDR+ antibodies and flow cytometry. Results Ninety cases underwent questionnaires. Between the groups, the difference of the levels of MDA (61.1, 65.5, 67.5 μmol/kg), O-·2 (4774.6, 5143.3, 4736.0 U/kg) ,CRP[(5.92 ± 2.44), (5.11 ± 2.40), (5.55 ± 2.96)mg/L], and NO[(659.8 ± 387.5), (667.4 ± 486.6), (762.1 ±763.2)μmol/kg], was not statistically significant (F =0.00, 0.46, 0.80, 0.47, all P ＞ 0.05). The difference of the number of CEPCs in different groups of arsenic in drinking water was statistically significant(0.96 x 10-5, 0.77 x 10-5,1.59 x 10-5, F=5.08, P＜ 0.05), where ＜ 10, 10 - 50 μg/L groups were significantly lower than ＞ 50 μg/L group (q =4.58, 6.65, all P ＜ 0.05). ConclusionsThe number of CEPCs in peripheral blood changes significantly with lower-arsenic exposure, whereas there are no obvious changes with the markers of oxidized damage and inflammation. This is the first human demonstration showing that lower-arsenic exposure may cause endothelial injury.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the value of fractional nitric oxide concentration in exhaled breath (FeNO) in assessing the level of asthma control in children.

METHODSA total of 226 asthmatic children were divided into controlled asthma (n= 86), partially controlled asthma (n=63), and uncontrolled asthma groups (n=77). Ninety healthy children were enrolled as controls. FeNO was measured for both asthmatic and healthy children using the Swedish-designed NIOX system.

RESULTSThe control group had an FeNO of 14±6 ppb, the controlled asthma group had an FeNO of 29±26 ppb, the partially controlled asthma group had an FeNO of 32±30 ppb, and the uncontrolled asthma group had an FeNO of 40±32 ppb. The three asthma groups showed significantly higher FeNO than the control group (P<0.05). The uncontrolled asthma group showed significantly higher FeNO than the controlled asthma group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in FeNO between the partially controlled and uncontrolled asthma groups and between the partially controlled and controlled asthma groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAsthmatic children have significantly higher FeNO than healthy children, and FeNO is correlated with the level of asthma control.

Adolescent ; Asthma ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Breath Tests ; Child ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; analysis

Objective To discuss the characteristic of brachial plexus root avulsion injury of high resolution MR imaging and the value in diagnosing of brachial plexus root avulsion injury early.Methods Fourty-five cases of brachial plexus root avulsion injury patients had being used for investigation to find the characteristic and diagnostic value of MR image of brachial plexus root avulsion injury,which all have pre-operative MR imaging and were diagnosed brachial plexus root avulsion injury by intra-operative exploration and electrophysiology form February 2006 to February 2011.Results Post-traumatic spinalmeningolceles were seen in 42 cases,the frequency was 93.3％; Displacement of spinal cord was seen in 25 cases,the frequency was 55.6％; Absence of anterior and posterior root of spinal nerve was seen in 8 eases,the frequency was 17.8％;Black line sign was seen in 18 cases,the frequency was 40.0％.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of MRI in diagnosing brachial plexus root injury were 95.7％,77.8％ and 94.6％ respectively.Conclusion Posttraumatic spinalmeningolceles are most often seen in MR of brachial plexus root avulsion injury,this sign can play an important role in diagnosing and treatment of brachial plexus root avulsion injury.

Objective To observe the types of posterior sclera shape (PSS) and macular shape (MS) in high myopia (HM) and its distributions in the pure HM and pathologic myopia (PM).Methods Together 90 patients with high myopia (163 eyes) in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were included in this study.The medical records from deep range imaging optical coherent tomography (DRIOCT) Atlantis and fundus photography examination were used to analyze the types and distributions of PSS and MS.Then all eyes were grouped into the pure HM group and MP group according to META-PM classification standard for comparing and analyzing the types and distributions of PSS and MS.Results Of all 90 patients (163 eyes),The type Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,ⅨX and Ⅶ PSS was in 44 eyes (27.0％),85 eyes (52.1％),15 eyes (9.2％),15 eyes (9.2％),4 eyes (2.5％),respectively.The type Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ horizontal MS was in 31 eyes (20.3％),23 eyes (15.0％),87 eyes (56.9％),12 eyes (7.8％),respectively.The type Ⅰ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ vertical MS was in 104 eyes (69.8％),28 eyes (18.8％) and 17 eyes (11.4％),respectively.As for horizontal MS combined with vertical MS,type Ⅲ + Ⅰ was in 62 eyes (38.8％),type Ⅰ + Ⅰ in 26 eyes (16.3％),type Ⅲ + Ⅲ in 22 eyes (13.8％),type Ⅱ + Ⅰ in 20 eyes (12.5％),and type Ⅳ + Ⅳ in 10 eyes(6.3％);the others 7 types were in 20 eyes (12.5％).There were statistically significant differences in distribution of PPS and horizontal MS between the pure HM and MP group (x2 =12.67,47.60;P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Patients with pure high myopia has mainly type Ⅰ,Ⅱ PPS,and type Ⅲ horizontal MS together with type Ⅰ vertical MS plus type Ⅲ + Ⅰ horizontal combined with vertical MS,while type]X PSS and type Ⅳ horizontal MS were commonly seen in PM.

Objective To study the efficacy and safety of T-614 in treating rheumatoid arthritis(RA). Methods Two hundred and eighty patients with active RA were randomly allocated to 3 groups:T-614 50 mg each day,25 mg each day or placebo.Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed at baseline,2,4,6,12, 18 and 24 weeks.Results The ACR response rate was significantly higher in the T-614 treatment group com- pared with the placebo group during the first 6 weeks.After 24 weeks,25 mg/d,50 mg/d dosage group and the placebo group showed 39.1%,61.3% and 24.2% in ACR20,23.9%,31.2% and 7.4% in ACR50 respectively.A time-response in ACR response after 24 weeks was observed,with clear superiority of the 25 mg/d and 50 mg/d dosage groups compared to the placebo,and 50 mg/d dosage group compared to 25 mg/d dosage group(P