An experiment was conducted using cultivated Glycyrrhiza uralensis in age of one year to study the effects of abscisic acid (ABA) on chemical components content and color of G. uralensis. By using different concentrations of ABA spraying on leaves, the change of the chemical component content was analyzed within 45 d after ABA stimulation, and the effects on quality were studied combined with colorimetric analysis data. It turned out that in some sense the content of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin had increased within 45 d, especially for liquiritin. After high concentrations of ABA (3.96 mg · L(-1)) stimulating, the content of glycyrrhizic acid rose 52% while liquiritin up 392% within 30 d. Then they both showed a decline in the content of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin on 45 d. Color index values of a* and b* were all significantly higher than that of the control group within 45 d, which meant the color of powders turned toward red and yellow. The conclusion was that ABA (3.96 mg · L(-1)) stimulating could not only improve the quality in the traditional sense through the color of G. uralensis, but also in the modern sense by improving the content of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin.
Abscisic Acid ; pharmacology ; Color ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Flavanones ; analysis ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Glycyrrhiza uralensis ; chemistry ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Glycyrrhizic Acid ; analysis ; Plant Growth Regulators ; pharmacology

Objective To investigate the molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in China in 2005.Methods From January to December 2005,395 consecutive and non-repetitive isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were collected from 17 teaching hospitals in 14 cities.The genotypes of SCCmec were determined by multiplex PCR pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)was used to type the chromosome DNA of MRSA.Muhilocus sequence typing(MLST)was used to type the housekeeping genes.Fifty-three strains were selected for MLST typing according to the antimicrobials susceptibility patterns,PFGE types,SCCmec types and the distribution of the regions.The toxin gene was detected by PCR.Results Among 395 isolates of MRSA,SCCmec Ⅲ,untypeable type and type Ⅱ accounted for 61.5%(243/395),24.3%(96/395)and 14.2%(56/395)respectively.In Shenyang,60.7%(17/28)of the isolates were SCCmec Ⅱ,which was significantly higher than other areas. Twenty-four different types and 42 subtypes were found by PFGE typing.Clone A accounted for 50.1%, existing in 13 teaching hospitals in 12 cities and clone R accounted for 23.5%,existing in 9 teaching hospitals in 8 cities.Six sequence types(ST)were found in these isolates with ST239 and ST5 accounting for 75.5% and 17.0% among these isolates,respectively.The prevalence of pvl gene was 2.5% among 395 isolates of MRSA.Conclusions The most types of SCCmec in China were Ⅲ and Ⅱ,and distribution of SCCmec types differed among regions.MRSA outbreaks caused by epidemic multiple-drug resistant clones occurred in big teaching hospitals in China.Meanwhile,the same PFGE pattern may spread among areas. Several international epidemic MRSA clones may exist in China.

The effects of exogenous phytohormones on hairy root growth and biosynthesis of anthraquinones in the hairy root cultures of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. were studied. The results showed that the 2,4-D, NAA and 6-BA all have obvious effects on the growth of hairy root cultures and the biosynthesis of anthraquinones. The growth of hairy root and biosynthesis of anthraquinones were strongly restrained by 2,4-D. However, NAA and 6-BA of appropriate concentration were favourable to hairy root growth and anthraquinones production.
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid ; pharmacology ; Anthraquinones ; metabolism ; Benzyl Compounds ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Kinetin ; pharmacology ; Plant Growth Regulators ; pharmacology ; Plant Roots ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Polygonum ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Purines

Objective Type 1 diabetes mice model was established to investigate the changes of key enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis in testes of early diabetic mice.Methods Tatolly 20 male C57 mice were randomly divided into two groups:control and diabetic groups,and the diabetes mice were ip administered with a single dose of 150 mg/kg Streptozotocin.Four weeks after confirmation of diabetic model,the serum and testis were collected for further study.The qRT-PCR method was used to measure the expression of LHR and steroidogenesis synthetase StAR,P450scc,3β-HSD6,P450c17a1,and 17β-HSD3 mRNA.ELISA assay was performed to measure the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum,and the enzymatic activities of 3β-HSD1,1P450c17 and 17β-HSD3 in testis tissue.Results Compared to control group,the levels of testosterone and LH of diabetic group declined significantly (P ＜ 0.05) after four weeks.The mRNA levels of LHR,StAR,CYP11a1,Hsd3b6,CYP17a1 and Hsd17b3,and enzymatic activities of 3β-HSD6,P450c17 and 17β-HSD3 were also decreased significantly compared with control group (P ＜ 0.05,0.01 and 0.001).Conclusion Expression of key enzymes of testosterone synthesis in testis of early diabetic mice decreases significantly.

Objective To determine the protective role of keratinocyte growth factor 2 (KGF-2) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced murine colitis and investigate the mechanism of its effect on intestinal mucosal barrier.Methods A total of 36 male C57BL/c mice were divided into 4 groups:normal control group,DSS model group,model + KGF-2 (5 mg/kg) group and model + KGF-2 (10 mg/kg)group.Groups except the control were added 3.5 ％ DSS in drinking water.Disease activity index (DAD,weight change,colon length loss and histological score were detected to evaluate the protective effect of KGF-2 on colitis.Serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D) permeability were assayed by multiscan spectrum.In order to explore the protective role of KGF-2 on murine intestinal mucosal barrier,ZO-1 and occludin protein concentration were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.Meanwhile,cytokines including TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10,TGF-1β,IFN-γ and IL-1β in colonictissue were detected by ELISA.Results Compared with DSS-induced colitis model group,10 mg/kg KGF-2 significantly reduced DAI (P =0.021 1),weight loss (P =0.017 6),colon length loss (4.956 ±0.2583 vs.6.289±0.215 7,P =0.001 1),histologicalscore (12.17±1.222 vs.7.000±0.6325,P =0.001 1),and FITC-D permeability (168.5 ± 27.01 vs.14.62 ± 1.812,P =0.004 7) and reversed the downregulation of tight junction (TJ) proteins (ZO-1:0.158 6 ± 0.010 51 vs.0.387 9 ± 0.028 64,P＜0.000 1;occluding:0.300 5 ± 0.026 56 vs.0.445 0 ± 0.056 62,P =0.043 4).Significant decrease of TNF-α (68.93 ± 3.379 vs.40.41 ± 1.576,P＜0.000 1) and increase of IL-6 (3 755 ± 309.8 vs.5 640 ± 418.0,P =0.004 7) and IL-10 (304.0 ± 21.47 vs.521.2 ± 49.40,P =0.002 4) levels were noted in the 10 mg/kg KGF-2 treated mice.The effect of the KGF-2 was dose-dependent.Conclusions KGF-2 could ameliorate DSS-induced colitis and it may be associated with the decrease of the damage of mucosal barrier structure and funcntion by preventing ZO-1 and occludin from downregulating.The protective effect of KGF-2 on intestinal barrier function may also be exerted by inhibition of TNF-α and stimulation of IL-6 and IL-10 secretion.

The research aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Opuntia dillenii Haw polysaccharide (OPS) on atherosclerosis of rats. First atherosclerotic rat models were established by high-fat and high-calcium diet. Thirty days later, the rats were treated with low dosage of OPS (0.2 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) or high dosage of OPS (0.4 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) by intraperitoneal injection for 60 days continuously. At the end of treatment, thoracic aorta rings were prepared and vasorelaxation of rat thoracic aorta in different experiment groups were determined by using 620M multi wire myograph system in vitro. Blood and livers of rats were collected. Then plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) of rats were separately determined using whole automatic biochemical analyzer; protein level of hepatic apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and that of hepatic diglyceride acyltransferase (Dgat1) were measured by Western Blot technique. Results showed that the ability of rat thoracic aorta to relax decreased markedly in the model group compared with that in the normal group, and significant differences existed in vasorelaxation ratios induced by different concentrations of carbamylcholine chloride (Carb) between these two groups (P < 0.01). After OPS treatment, the ability of rat thoracic aorta to relax improved markedly, the vasorelaxation ratios induced by Carb at 5 and 10 μmol x L(-1) were respectively 0.34 ± 0.08 and 0.62 ± 0.15 in the group treated with low dosage of OPS, while the ratios induced by Carb at 1 and 5 μmol x L(-1) were respectively 0.54 ± 0.08 and 0.98 ± 0.02 in the group treated with high dosage of OPS, which were all significantly different with those in the model group (P < 0.01). Plasma contents of TC, TG and LDL reduced significantly by the treatments both with low and high dosages of OPS compared with those in the model group (P < 0.01). Protein level of hepatic ApoB and that of hepatic Dgat1 decreased significantly after the treatment with high dosage of OPS compared with those in the model group (P < 0.01). These results indicate that OPS can markedly improve the vasorelaxation of thoracic aorta of atherosclerotic rats and has significant anti-atherosclerotic effect; inhibiting the expression of ApoB and Dgat1 and thus decreasing the amounts of TC, LDL and TG serving as one of the molecular mechanisms of its antiatherosclerosis effect.
Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Opuntia ; chemistry ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin treatment on the functions of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and possible mechanisms.

METHODSBlood samples were obtained in 10 children with KD before and 7 days after the treatment by IVIG and aspirin. MTT method, modified Boyden chamber method and cell culture plate adhesion method were used to assess the functions of EPCs, including proliferation, adhension and migration activities. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also measured.

RESULTSThe functions of circulating EPCs 7 days after IVIG and aspirin treatment were significantly improved. IVIG and aspirin treatment significantly reduced plasma TNF-α and hs-CRP concentrations. There was a significant linear regression relationship between the reduced plasma TNF-α and hs-CRP levels and the increased functions of circulating EPCs.

CONCLUSIONSIVIG and aspirin treatment can improve the functions of circulating EPCs, possibly through reducing plasma concentrations of TNF-α and hs-CRP.

Aspirin ; administration & dosage ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous ; administration & dosage ; Infant ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; Stem Cells ; physiology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical data and result of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in high-risk children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) for better awareness of VUR, and to assess the usefulness of non-radioactive voiding ultrasonography (VUS) in the diagnosis of VUR.

METHODNinety-three high-risk children with VUR who were hospitalized from July 2007 to April 2010 were studied. The study included 58 cases of urinary tract infection (UTI) and 35 cases of fetal or postnatal hydronephrosis detected on a B ultrasound scan. The results of urinalysis, urine culture, renal function, B ultrasound and VCUG were evaluated. Part of patients underwent VUS followed by VCUG immediately.

RESULT(1) Sixty-two boys and 31 girls (aged 1 month to 11.5 years, mean age 2 years) were included. VUR was detected in 26 patients (28%) by VCUG. In terms of kidney-ureter units, VUR was detected in 36 of 186 kidney-ureter units, including 6 grade I, 3 grade II, 6 grade III, 15 grade IV and 6 grade V. (2) VUR was detected in 20 of 58 UTI patients (34.5%) by VCUG. The proportion of VUR in recurrent UTI group was 61.1%, much higher than that in first UTI group (22.5%). Thirteen of 20 VUR (65%) occurred in UTI patients under 1 year of age (M/F 10/3), with more bilateral VUR and severe grades of VUR than the older group. VUR was detected in 6 of 35 fetal or postnatal hydronephrosis patients (17.1%) by VCUG. (3) Twenty-two patients underwent both VUS and VCUG. VUR was detected in 4 patients and 6 kidney-ureter units by VCUG, while in 6 patients and 9 kidney-ureter units by VUS. Taking VCUG as the reference standard, VUS had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 92.1%, positive predictive value of 66.7%, and negative predictive value of 100%. There was a concordance rate of 93.2% between VUS and VCUG.

CONCLUSIONIt is important to early screen VUR in UTI, fetal or postnatal hydronephrosis patients. There are more VUR, especially more bilateral VUR and severe grades of VUR, occurred in UTI patients under 1 year of age compared to older children. The incidence of VUR in recurrent UTI group was much higher than that in first UTI group. VUS is an accurate, reliable and radiation-free technique for the detection of VUR. It could be used to screen high-risk children for VUR and do the evaluation in the follow-up of VUR.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Infant ; Male ; Ultrasonography ; Urinary Tract Infections ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Urography ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases among elderly men. As the old-age population is increasing recently, it is to our interest to observe the growing BPH within them. In BPH, the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acts as promotes prostate growth. It inhibits enzyme 5alpha-reductase that is involved in the conversion of testosterone to the DHT activity which reduces the excessive prostate growth. Through experiments, the effects of Phellius linteus water extract performed on the BPH rats were induced by testosterone treatments. For 12 weeks, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with testosterone for the induction of BPH. Rats were divided into four experimental groups: the not treated group (N), the testosterone injection and D.W treatment group (TN), the testosterone injection and Phellinus linteus treatment group (TP) and testosterone injection and finasteride treatment group (TF). Prostate weight, volume and weight ratio in the TP group and the TF group were significantly lower than the TN group. Testosterone and DHT levels in the TN group were significantly higher than that of the N group. And the TP group was significantly decreased than that of the TN group. While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation; the TP and TF groups showed trophic symptoms and were lined by flattened epithelial cells, thus, the stromal proliferation is relatively low as compared to the TN group. These suggest that Phellinus linteus water extracts may be an useful remedy for treating the benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Aged ; Animals ; Atrophy ; Dihydrotestosterone ; Epithelial Cells ; Finasteride ; Humans ; Male ; Prostate ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Testosterone ; Water

The aim of this study is to prepare cationic biodegradable dextran microspheres loaded with tetanus toxoid (TT) and to investigate the mechanism of protein loading. Positively charged microspheres were prepared by polymerization of hydroxylethyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (dex-HEMA) and dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) in an aqueous two-phase system. The loading of the microspheres with TT was based on electrostatic attraction. The net positive surface charge increased with increasing amounts of DMAEMA. Confocal images showed fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) could penetrate into cationic dextran microspheres but not natural dextran microspheres. TT loading efficiency by post-loading was higher compared with by pre-loading. Even though TT is incorporated in the hydrogel network based on electrostatic interaction, still a controlled release can be achieved by varying the initial network density of the microspheres.
Delayed-Action Preparations ; Dextrans ; chemistry ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Hydrogels ; chemistry ; Methacrylates ; chemistry ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microspheres ; Particle Size ; Polymerization ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; chemistry ; Tetanus Toxoid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry