Objective To investigate the effects of tetrandrine on myocardial hypertrophy in renohypertensive rats and its possible mechanism.Methods The myocardial hypertrophy models were established in two-kidney-one-clip (2K1C)renovascular hypertensive rats.Before renal artery constriction,all the rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=15 per group):(1) the sham-operated control group; (2) the 2K1C renohypertensive group; (3) the tetrandrine group,the two-kidney-one-clip renohypertensive rats were treated with tetrandrine at a dose of 50 ml/kg · d-1 from the post-operated 5th week; (4) the enapril group,the two-kidney-one-clip renohypertensive rats were treated with enapril at a dose of 6 ml/kg· d-1 from the post-operated 5th week.The standard tail-cuff method was used to measure blood pressure in conscious rats.After drug treatment for 8 weeks,the rats were killed and left ventricle was obtained to measure the ratio of left ventricle weight to body weight (LVW/BW),myocardial angiotensin Ⅱ content,and mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β).Results Compared with shamgroup[(14.90±3.31)kPa; (1.89±0.27)mg/g; (27.38±7.10)pg/mg; (0.72±0.10)and(0.65±0.10)fold of GAPDH expression],the untreated 2K1C renohypertensive rats exhibited a significant increase in blood pressure [(23.53 ± 3.40) kPa],LVW/BW [(2.83 ± 0.40) mg/g],angiotensin Ⅱ content [(43.51 ± 7.37) pg/mg],and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β [(1.47 ± 0.14) and (1.07 ± 0.11) fold of GAPDH expression].Treatment with tetradrine significantly attenuated the increase in blood pressure [(15.81 ± 3.12) kPa] and LVW/BW [(1.94 ±0.31) mg/g],angiotensin Ⅱ content [(31.31 ± 6.69) pg/mg],and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β [(0.76 ±0.11) and (0.63 ± 0.09) fold of GAPDH expression].Conclusion Long-term related to its inhibition of local production or release of angiotensin Ⅱ and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in the myocardium of renohypertensive rats.

The formation of physique was influenced by many factors and was closely related to the disease, especially by the social and cultural factors. According to the characteristics of physique, physique conditioning was conducive to rehabilitation of the disease. It was also the internal evidence for individualized treatment of rehabilitation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) rehabilitation advocated functional rehabilitation as the main treatment purpose. Attentions were paid to promoteqi circulation. The psychological characteristics of the rehabilitation subject were especially emphasized on, in order to improve the therapeutic effect of rehabilitation. There were many classifications of physical evaluations, which were widely used in a variety of clinical diseases rehabilitation. The pathological physique correction and adjustment cannot be ignored in rehabilitation. Therefore, the application of physical evaluation in the guidance of rehabilitation therapy can enrich the content of TCM rehabilitation evaluation. It further improved TCM physical evaluation system to meet the needs for clinical practice and TCM modernization.

BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2) production of targeted cells is promoted by transfection of adenoviral vectors containing gene, but there are some immune responses. Transfection with plasmid as vector holds promise.OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility to construct human bone morphogenetic protein-2 eukaryotic expression vector labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP).DESIGN: Single sample observation.SETTING: Tianjin Hospital.MATERIALS: The experiment was performed at the Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Tianjin Medical University from March 2006 to March 2007. pcDNA3.1/CT-hBMP2 plasmid containing full-length hBMP2 gene fragment was provided by Dr. Li; bicistronic eukaryotic expression vector pSELECT-GFPzeo-MCS and Zeo was provided by Invivogen; pTA2(R)-T Easy by Dingguo, China; restriction enzymes BamHI and NheI, T4 DNA ligase by Jingmei Biotech; PCR upstream and downstream primer synthesis and sequencing by Augct, Beijing.METHODS: With pcDNA3.1/CT-hBMP2 as template, hBMP2 target fragment was subcloned by PCR binding with designed specific primers. The fragment was bound with pTA2-T-easy and pSELECT-GFPzeo-MCS, separately, and transfected into DH5 α cells. pSELECT-GFPzeo-hBMP2 containing GFP was obtained after screening.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: hBMP2 sequence was identified by PCR; whether hBMP2 was cloned into pTA2-hBMP2 and pSELECT-GFPzeo-MCS was identified by digestion and sequencing.RESULTS: A target fragment of 1 216 bp was obtained by PCR amplification, and cloned into pTA2-T-easy and pSELECT-GFPZeo-MCS. The screening and sequencing results showed that the target fragment was 100% matched with BMP2cDNA sequence (NM-001200) from GenBank.CONCLUSION: hBMP2 eukaryotic expression vector labeled with green fluorescent protein is successfully constructed.

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and creatine kinase (CK) ratio(CK-MB/CK) and cardiac troponin I(cTnI) simultaneously in patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP) and the clinical value in disease condition judgment.Methods Eight hundred and sixty-eight AOPP patients without disease history of heart,lung,brain,kidney,muscle and other connective tissue were extracted 4 ml of fasting venous blood to determine CK,CK-MB and cTnI simultaneously at 2,12,24,48,96 and 120 hours after poisoning,and the CK-MB/CK was calculated.There were 279 mild poisoning cases (mild poisoning group),289 moderate poisoning cases (moderate poisoning group) and 300 severe poisoning group (severe poisoning group) ; and 208 cases with intermediate myasthenia syndrome (IMS)(IMS group) and 660 cases without IMS (non-IMS group).The result was compared with 288 healthy people (control group) in the same period.Results ( 1 ) The CK,CK-MB and cTnI of mild,moderate and severe poisoning groups between 2 to 12 h,13 to 24 h,25 to 120 h after poisoning were significandy higher than those in control group,CK-MB/CK was obviously lower (P ＜ 0.01 ).The CK,CK-MB,cTnI and CK-MB/CK had significant differences between each two of mild,moderate and severe poisoning groups (P＜ 0.01 or ＜ 0.05).The CK,CK-MB and cTnI of IMS group in 2 to120 h after poisoning were significantly higher than those in non-IMS group,and CK-MB/CK was lower (P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ).In IMS group,the rates of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) were 23.08％(48/208),37.50％(78/208) respectively,while 4.24％(28/660),9.85％(65/660) in non-IMS group.The incidence of SCD and MODS of two groups had statistical significance (P ＜ 0.01 ).(2) According to IMS and non-IMS group,discriminant equation with independent variables of cTnI (X1), CK (X2) and CK-MB/CK (X3) was established:Y =-0.0014X1 + 0.0225X2 + 65.2376X3,F=21.4911,P ＜ 0.01.The discriminant critical value(Y0) was 2.8124.If Y ＜ 2.8124 belonged to IMS group and Y ≥2.8124 was in non-IMS group,the contribution rates of X1,X2 and X3 were 34.5％,25.4％ and 40.1％ respectively.The coincident rate of return was 91.26％.ConclusionsCK-MB/CK change has negative correlation with poisoning degree of AOPP;cTnI level is positively correlated with AOPP poisoning degree.they may be used to assist the clinical classification,disease judgement and to guide the emergency,treatment and prognosis assessment of AOPP.The function equation with cTnI,CK and CK-MB/CK can be used as effective prediction indexes of IMS,MODS and SCD in early period.

Objective To construct green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled pSELECT-GFP zeohBMP2 eukaryotic expression vector. Methods The encoding fragment of hBMP2 gene was obtained from a recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1/CT-hBMP2 by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). hBMP2 gene was inserted into pTA2-T-easy and pSELECT-GFPzeo-MCS eukaryotic expression vector, and then transferred into competence DHSα cells. After screening, pSELEC-GFPzeo-hBMP2 was obtained and identified by sequence analysis. The recombinant vector pSELECT-GFP zeo-rhBMP2 was transfected into CHO cells. The successful trasfection was verified by fluorescence microscope in 48-72 hours. The RT-PCR and immunofluorescence was used to confirm the hBMP2 expression. Western Blotting was used to detect the secretion of hBMP2.Results A 1216 bp fragment was obtained by PCR, the same as expectant fragment. The recombined pSE-LECT-GFPzeo-hBMP2 eukaryotic expression vector was identified by restriction mapping and sequence analysis. The results were identical with that of reported hBMP2 sequence (Genebank NM-001200). The successful transfection was verified by fluorescence microscope in 48-72 hours. The stable expression in eukaryotic cells was confirmed by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR which showed an obvious band between 1000-2000 bp. Western Blotting identified the immunogenicity of recombinant human BMP2 with the molecular weight of about 17×103. Conclusion The pSELECT-GFPzeo-hBMP2 eukaryotic expression vector was constructed successfully.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the transcriptional regulation of pacemaker channel I(f) mediated by vasoactive peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes and its mechanism.

METHODSNeonatal rat ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated. I(f) current was recorded using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN) isoforms HCN2 and HCN4 were measured by quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSET-1 increased the expression of HCN2 and HCN4 mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These effects were blocked by specific ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 but not the ETB receptor antagonist BQ-788. The effects of ET-1 on HCN2 and HCN4 mRNA expression were not affected by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (SB-203580).

CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that ET-1 stimulates the expression of pacemaker channel I(f) in cardiomyocytes via ETA receptor through a p38 MAPK-independent signaling pathway, which might be linked to the intrinsic arrhythmogenic potential of ET-1.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels ; drug effects ; Endothelin-1 ; metabolism ; Imidazoles ; pharmacology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oligopeptides ; pharmacology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Piperidines ; pharmacology ; Pyridines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

In December 2019, a number of cases of pneumonia with unknown causes were successively reported in multiple hospitals in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The pathogen is a novel coronavirus, which can lead to novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) and even threaten the patients' lives. In the following, the COVID-19 epidemic is spreading rapidly in many provinces and cities. It is particularly important to summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients and to optimize the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment strategies. Therefore, we organized Chinese experts in the field of organ transplantation to draft this article according to the characteristics of lung infection of SOT recipients and the characteristics of current COVID-19 by referring to relevant guidelines and specifications at home and abroad, aiming to provide reference for transplant physicians in China. This management strategy will be revised at any time with the deepening understanding of the COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of erlong zuoci (ELZC) pills and its disassembled prescriptions (Shudi-huang-Zexie group and Zexie group) on the enzymatic activity and protein expression changes of the key apoptosis molecules in the gentamycin injured hair cells.

METHODThe model of gentamycin induced ototoxicity in mice cochlear primary cultures was copied. Cochlear organotypic cultures of postnatal day 3-5 (P3-P5) mice were treated with gentamycin alone or in combination with ELZC pills, Shudihuang-Zexie group or Zexie group respectively. The enzymatic activity of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was determined by means of fluorescence staining in situ. The protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the hair cell area was examined by immunofluorescence in normal and treated specimens.

RESULTAverage optical density analysis indicated that, compared to the normal group, 0.03 mmol x L(-1) gentamycin could significantly activate Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, downregulate the ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression. Compared to the gentamycin model group, ELZC pills significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of Caspase-9 and upregulated the ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression, showing inhibition trend toward the enzymatic activity of Caspase-3. Both Shudihuang-Zexie group and Zexie group could effectively inhibit the enzymatic activity of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, upregulate the ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression.

CONCLUSIONELZC pills, Shudihuang-Zexie group and Zexie group can effectively protect hair cells from gentamycin by correcting the abnormal changes of the mitochondrion-dependent signal transduction pathway.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Gentamicins ; adverse effects ; Hair Cells, Auditory ; cytology ; drug effects ; Male ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To study the type and corresponding clinical characteristics of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH) associated immune gene mutations in the refractory virus infection or HLH of unknown causes. Methods From December 2009 to July 2010, the patients with refractory virus infection or HLH of unknown causes were screened for the primary HLH associated immune genes mutations by DNA sequence analysis, including PRF1, UNC13D, STX11, STXBP2, SH2D1A and XIAP. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were followed up. Results Totally 25 patients with refractory virus infection or HLH of unknown causes were investigated for the 6 genes and 13 cases were found carrying gene mutations, composing of 6 of PRF1 mutation, 3 of UNC13D, and each one of STX11,XIAP, SH2D1A and STXBP2, respectively. Among the 13 cases with gene mutations, 5 suffered from Epstein-Barr virus associated HLH( EBV-HLH), 1 human herpes virus 7 associated HLH (HHV7-HLH),1 HLH without causes, 4 chronic activated EB virus infection (CAEBV) with 1 progressing to Hodgkin's lymphoma carrying abnormal chromosome of t ( 15; 17 ) (q22; q25 ) and hyperdiploid, 2 EBV associated lymphoma. Among the other 12 patients without gene mutation, 4 suffered from EBV-HLH with 1 progressing to peripheral T lymphoma, 8 suffered from CAEBV. Conclusions Primary HLH associated immune gene mutations are critical causes of refractory virus infection of unknown causes, most patients manifest as HLH,some cases appear in CAEBV and EBV associated lymphoma. DNA sequence analysis is helpful to early diagnosis and correct decision-making for treatment.

Objective To investigate the plasma protein concentration of S100B protein,hyperphosphorylated tau protein (P-tau) and β-amyloid (Aβ1-42) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and prevention of cognitive dysfunction of RA patients.Methods The subjects were consisted of three groups:RA patients with MCI,RA patients with normal cognitive function (NC) and healthy controls.The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)was used to test patients' cognitive function,generalized anxiety disorder scale-7 (GAD-7) scale and 9-item patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to exclude anxiety and depression of RA patients.The concentration of S100B protein,P-tau protein and Aβ1-42 protein in plasma was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),and the correlation among the concentration of S100B protein,P-tau protein and MoCA scores was analyzed by Pearson's chi-squared test.Results ① Cognitive scores showed that some RA patients had MCI.② The plasma levels of S100B (F=11.81,P＜0.05),P-tau (F=3.3,P＜0.05) protein in RA patients with MCI were higher than that in NC RA patients and the control group (P＜0.05).③ The clinical index analysis showed that the concentration of C reactive protein (CRP) in RA patients with MCI was higher than that in NC RA patients and healthy control,the difference was statistically significant (t=6.44,P＜0.05).④The levels of plasma P-tau (r=-0.539,P＜0.05),S100B (r=-0.346,P＜0.05),CRP (r=-0.358,P＜0.05) protein were negatively correlated with cognitive scores (P＜0.05).Conclusion CRP,S100B protein and P-tau protein are associated with the pathogenesis of RA patients with MCI.The consequences of plasma concentration test can be com-bined with cognitive assessment questionnaire to provide reference for clinical diagnosis of RA patients with MCI.