OBJECTIVETo observe changes of gonad functions of Gan-qi stagnation (GS), Pi deficiency (PD), Gan-qi stagnation Pi deficiency (GSPD) model rats, and the effect of Chaishu Sijun Decoction (CSD) on them.

METHODSRats were randomly divided into 7 groups according to romdom digit table, i.e., the normal control group, the GS model group, the GS medication group, the PD model group, the PD medication group, the GSPD model group,and the GSPD medication group, 10 in each group. Rats in the GS model group, the PD model group, and the GSPD model group were treated with chronic restraint, improper diet +excessive fatigue, chronic restraint +improper diet +excessive fatigue. The model was established for 4 successive weeks. Starting from the 15th day of modeling, CSD at the daily dose of 3.57 g/kg was given by gastrogavage to them for 14 successive days. Equal volume of distilled water was given by gastrogavage to rats in each model group and the normal control group for 14 successive days. The blood contents of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were detected in rats of each group.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, there was statistical difference in GnRH, T, E,, and FSH in the GS, PD, and GSPD model groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The content of LH was elevated in the GS model group (P < 0.05) and declined in the GSPD model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the GS model group, the contents of FSH, LH, and T decreased and E2 increased in the PD model group (all P < 0.05); the contents of FSH and LH also declined in the GSPD model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the PD model group, the T content increased and FSH decreased in the GSPD model group (all P < 0.05). Compared with each corresponding model group, the FSH content decreased (P < 0.01) and LH increased in the GS medication group; the T content increased, E2 and LH decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in the PD medication group; the T content decreased (P < 0.01), GnRH, E2, FSH, and LH increased (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01) in the GSPD medication group.

CONCLUSIONSThere exist different degrees of abnormal function of the gonad axis in the GS, PD, and GSPD models. CSD had certain regulatory effect on the 3 syndromes. Of them, it showed a more comprehensive role in improving the gonad function axis. Results of this experiment had provided the experimental evidence for higher correlation between CSD and GSPD syndrome.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; blood ; Gonads ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To investigate the role and the mechanism of NgR (310)ecto-Fc in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods EAE models were successfully induced in 90 Lewis rats and equally randomized into group A (without treatment), group B (giving NgR(310)ecto-Fc treatment 1 d after the success of model making) and group C (giving NgR(310)ecto-Fc treatment right after onset of the disease). The clinical scores, pathological changes of the animals were observed and compared before and after treatment. Changes of NgR expression and counts of NgR(310)ecto-Fc positive cells in the myeloid tissue were tested by immunohistochemistry before and after treatment.Results Clinical scores in group B (3.020±1.017, 1.365±0.127) and group C (2.853±0.958, 1.275±0.092) were significantly lower than those in group A (4.476± 1.525, 1.894+0.135) on the 15th and 25th d of success of model making (P＜0.05), while no significant differences on the clinical scores were noted between group B and group C. NgR expression was observed in the myeloid tissue of all groups; the counts of NgR(310)ecto-Fc positive cells in the myeloid tissue in group B (79.07± 10.31, 45.89±4.77) and group C (70.47±7.40, 40.63±4.15) were obviously decreased as compared with those in group A (101.12±11.97, 62.95±7.11) on the 15th and 25th d of success of model making (P＜0.05); while no significant differences on the counts of NgR (310)ecto-Fc positive cells were noted between group B and group C (P＞0.05). Conclusion NgR (310)ecto-Fc can alleviate the clinical symptoms of EAE by suppressing the expression of NgR, leading to no activation of myelin-related inhibitory factor (Nogo-A, MAG and OMgp), and inducing the growth of axons in EAE.

OBJECTIVETo compare changes of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) in different rat models of Gan stagnation (GS), Pi deficiency (PD), Gan stagnation Pi deficiency (GSPD) syndromes, and to observe interventional effect of Chaishu Sijun Decoction (CSD, capable of soothing Gan-qi invigorating Pi) on them.

METHODSSeventy Wistar rats were divided into the normal control group (group 1), the GS group (group 2), the PD group (group 3), the GSPD group (group 4), the GS intervention group (group 5), the PD intervention group (group 6), and the GSPD intervention group (group 7) according to random digit table, 10 in each group. Rats in group 1 received no treatment. Rats in group 2 and 5 were modeled by chronic restraint method. Rats in group 3 and 6 were modeled by excess fatigue plus alimentary abstinence method. Rats in group 4 and 7 were modeled by chronic restraint, excess fatigue, and alimentary abstinence method. At the 2nd weekend of modeling, CSD at 2.86 g/kg was fed to rats in group 5, 6, and 7 by gastrogavage for 2 successive weeks. Equal volume of distilled water was given to rats in the rest 4 groups. On the 29th day, rats were killed, adrenal weight weighed, and adrenal index calculated. Levels of plasma and hypothalamus corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), plasma and pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and plasma corticosterone (CORT) were determined using radioimmunity.

RESULTSCompared with group 1, adrenal index significantly decreased in group 2, 3, and 4 (P < 0.05). Of them, plasma and hypothalamus CRH, plasma CORT increased significantly in group 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Besides, plasma and pituitary ACTH increased in group 4 (P < 0.05). Plasma and pituitary ACTH, as well as plasma CORT decreased significantly in group 3 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 2, 3, and 4, adrenal index increased significantly in group 5, 6, and 7 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 2, plasma CORT, hypothalamus CRH, and pituitary ACTH decreased significantly in group 5 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 3, plasma ACTH and CORT increased significantly in group 6 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 4, plasma CRH, ACTH, CORT, hypothalamus CRH, and pituitary ACTH decreased in group 7 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe function of HPA .axis was damaged to varying degrees in rats of the three models in this experiment. Hyperactivity of HPA axis existed in GS syndrome and GSPD syndrome. Impairment of feedback regulation in hypothalamus and pituitary was accompanied in GSPD syndrome. Hypofunction of HPA axis existed in PDS. CSD, capable of soothing Gan-qi invigorating'Pi, showed improvement on disarranged HPAA, but with optimal effect on GSPD syndrome. CSD had higher correlation with GSPD syndrome.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; metabolism ; Animals ; Corticosterone ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System ; metabolism ; Hypothalamus ; metabolism ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Models, Animal ; Pituitary Gland ; metabolism ; Pituitary-Adrenal System ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

AIM To observe the curative effects of Modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (Codonopsis Radix,Astragali Radix,Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma,ect.) on perioperative period of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with Qi deficiency and blood stasis type.METHODS One hundred and twenty cases of elderly intertrochanteric fractures were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,60 cases in each group.All patients underwent closed fracture reduction and proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) fixation.During the perioperative period,the control group only received conventional treatment,while the treatment group received conventional treatment and Modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction once a day.The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6),interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) of both groups in preoperative and in the 1st day,the 7th day,the 14th day of postoperative were observed and compared.The complications and the curative effects according to the Harris score also were observed and compared between the two groups.RESULTS In preoperative,there was no significant difference in levels of IL-6,IL-10 and TNF-α between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the 1 st day of postoperative in the control group were significantly higher than those in the treatment group (P ＜0.05,P ＜0.01).And the levels of IL-10 were similar between the two groups (P ＞0.05).In addition,in the 7th day and the 14th day of postoperative,the levels of IL-6,IL-10 and TNF-α in both groups were all decreased,moreover,the descent degree in treatment group was more significant than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).The treatment group had the lower incidence of complications and the higher curative effects than those in the control group,both differences were statistically significant (P ＜0.05).CONCLUSION Modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction applying to the perioperative period of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with Qi deficiency and blood stasis,can effectively reduce the perioperative inflammatory response,reduce the incidence of postoperative complications,and improve the curative effects.So it has a positive effect on the rehabilitation for the traumatic patients and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To observe the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects of Dilmang Heji(DHHJ),a compound traditional Chinese medicinal preparation,in patients with multiple sclerosis(MS)and explore the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods Forty MS patients were randomized into prednisone treatment and prednisone+DHHJ group for the corresponding treatments.Another 20 surgical patients without immune or inflammatory diseases undergoing lumbar anesthesia served as the control group.Glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and S100B levels in the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)and the peripheral blood of these subjects were detected using ennzynle-linked immtmosorbent assay(ELISA), and the numbers 0f CD4+ and CD8+ cells were detected by flow cytometry.The ambulation index(AD,expanded disability status scale(EDSS)and 9-hole PEG test (9HPT)were used to assess the patients'clinical symptoms.All the patients were followed up for3 years to record the number of times of MS relapse. Results GFAP and S100B levels in the CSF were significantly higher in the MS patients than in the healthy subjects,but lower in MS patients treatedwith prednisone plus DHHJ thanin those with prednisone treatment only(P<0.05).In the MS patients,AI and 9HPT scores were correlated to the GFAP and S100B levels in the CSF.Irednisone plus DHHJ treatment was associated with significantly reduced MS relapse in comparison with prednisone treatment alone(P<0.05).Before the treatment,the MS patients showed increased CD4+ cell number and decreased CD8+ cell number especially in the CSF;atter the treaRnents,the CD4+ ceils decreased and CD8+ cells increased,and this effect was stronger with prednisone plus DHHJ treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions DHHJ produces anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting glial cell activation and modulating immune balance in MS,thus alleviating the symptoms of MS and reducing MS relapse.DHHJ may provide anideal adjuvanttherapy for MS.

Objective To study the expression of nuclear factor-kB (NF-KB) and COX-2 and their relationship in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), and investigate their role in the pathogenesis of EAE. Methods All rabbits were classified three groups in according to making models by different immunogens: group A is immuned without immunogen, group B is immuned with R-SCH, group C is immunod with C-SCH. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed for morphological observations of the brain tissues in all animals, and then the activity of NF-KBp65 was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The expressions of NF-KBp65 and COX-2 were observed in brain issues with EAE. Significant differences were found in the number of cells positive for NF-KBp65 and COX-2 between EAE groups and the control group. NF-KBp65 and COX-2 expressions were associated with the symptoms of EAE. In addition, significantly increased activity ofNF-kBp65 was noted in EAE, which is immuned with R-SCH. Conclusion NF-KB and COX-2 are expressed in rabbits with EAE and play important roles in the pathogenesis of EAE.

Objective To determine the changes of NGF receptor trkA content and investigate the role and the pathway of PG490 on trkA expression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)models.Methods Fourty-eight rabbit models were induced and randomized into model group,PG490 intervention group 1(giving PG490 at the onset)and PG490 intervention group 2(giving PG490 at the recurrence).The clinical scores and pathological changes were observed and the expression changes of trkA in the brain tissue were tested by ELISA methods before and after the treatment with PG490.Results The recurrence in the model group was an extremely slow process.The mean clinical scores in the PG490 intervention groups were significantly lower as compared with those in the model group(P<0.05).No obvious differences of the trkA content were found between the model group and the PG490 intervention group 1(P>0.05);however,significant differences of the trkA content were noted between the model group and the PG490 intervention group 2(P<0.05).Conclusion PG490 can improve the clinical symptoms in EAE models by adjusting the trkA content.

In order to study the roles of integrin beta6 in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus infection, pig integrin beta6 was firstly molecularly cloned from RNA of the tongue and lung of recovered pig infected experimentally with foot-and-mouth-disease virus (FMDV), and was compared with the beta6 gene of other animals available in GenBank at nucleotide and amino acid leves. GeneBank association number of the beta6 gene is EF432729. Pig integrin beta6 gene (2367bp) encodes a polypeptide of 788 amino acids consisting of 9 potential N-linked glycosylation sites, 3 Glycosaminoglycan attachment sites, a cGMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site, 10 Protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, 2 EGF-like domains and 2 cysteine-rich regions. Pig integrin beta6 subunit has a 26-residue putative signal peptide, a 681-residue ectodomain, a 29-residue transmembrane domain, and a 52-residue cytoplasmic domain. 11 mutant nucleotides were found in beta6 gene coding region and 9 amino acids were changed. The nucleotide sequence similarity of integrin beta6 gene between rheses monkey, mouse, Norway rat, dog, guinea pig, human, bovine, sheep is 79.5%, 84.9%, 85.4%, 85.2%, 88.7%, 90.1%, 91.9% and 91.9%, and the amino acid sequence similarity is 93.5%, 88.2%, 88.5%, 88.3%, 91.0%, 92.8%, 93.3% and 93.4% respectively. This study will lay a foundation for understanding the interactions of FMDV with receptors.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus ; pathogenicity ; Integrin beta Chains ; genetics ; metabolism ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics ; metabolism ; Sequence Analysis ; Swine ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the hemodynamic response to passive leg raising (PLR) indicates fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock.

METHODSTwenty patients with septic shock, considered for fluid challenge (FC), were enrolled in the study from June 2009 to May 2010. Hemodynamic changes were determined by pulse-contour derived cardiac index at baseline, before and after PLR, return to baseline for 10 min, before and after fluid challenge (250 ml saline for 10 min). An increase of SV after fluid challenge (FC-ΔSV) ≥ 10% were defined responders.

RESULTSTwenty patients with septic shock were included in the study. PLR and fluid challenge were performed 46 instances, among which 15 instances were defined as response group. SV and pulse pressure induced by PLR (PLR-ΔSV and PLR-ΔPP) were increased significantly in response group [(76 ± 19) ml vs. (65 ± 18) ml, (73 ± 20) mmHg vs. (62 ± 20) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa), P < 0.05], while in nonresponse group there were no significant change. PLR-ΔSV and PLR-ΔPP were correlated with FC-ΔSV (r = 0.51, P = 0.001; r = 0.45, P = 0.006), central venous pressure (CVP) were unrelated with FC-ΔSV. Area under curve (AUC) for PLR-ΔSV, PLR-ΔPP and stroke volume variation (SVV) were 0.846, 0.791 and 0.708. PLR-ΔSV ≥ 12.5% predicted fluid responsiveness with sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 93.5%. PLR-ΔPP ≥ 9.5% predicted fluid responsiveness with sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 83.9%.

CONCLUSIONSPLR-ΔSV and PLR-ΔPP can predict fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. PLR-ΔSV and PLR-ΔPP have a greater ability in predicting volume responsiveness than CVP and SVV.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; physiology ; Humans ; Leg ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Posture ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Shock, Septic ; physiopathology

BACKGROUNDNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the major cause of chronic liver injury. Intestinal barrier plays an important role in the pathogenis of NAFLD. The aim of this article was to assess intestinal immune barrier function during the development of NAFLD.

METHODSTotally 60 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 2 groups: normal diet (ND) group and high-fat diet (HFD) group. NAFLD rat model was established in the HFD rat group. Portal blood endotoxin level was assessed by limulus test. The percentage of CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymphocytes in Peyer's patches (PP) were analysed by flow cytometry. Intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) level was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Paired Student's t test was used for the statistic analysis.

RESULTSHFD rats presented with simple steatosis at the 4th and 8th week and progressed to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis at the 12th week. Elevated lipopolysaccharides (LPS) level in HFD rats was observed at the 8th week ((1.54 ± 0.30) times of ND group, P < 0.01). CD4/CD8 ratios in PBMC and PP of HFD rats were increased at the 4th week ((1.50 ± 0.47) and (1.63 ± 0.34) times of ND group, P < 0.05) and decreased at the 8th week ((0.50 ± 0.16) and (0.61 ± 0.26) times of ND group, P < 0.05). At the 12th week, CD4/CD8 ratio ((1.47 ± 0.46) times, P < 0.05) in PP increased to levels observed in the 4th week. Intestinal SIgA expression of HFD rats was remarkably up-regulated at 12th week ((2.70 ± 1.65) times, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLiver-gut axis in rats with NAFLD may mediate and improve intestinal immune function by increased CD4/CD8 ratio in PP and increased production of SIgA.

Animals ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; Diet, High-Fat ; adverse effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fatty Liver ; chemically induced ; etiology ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory ; immunology ; Intestines ; immunology ; Male ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley