BACKGROUND: Studies have found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans degradation with chondroitinase canpromote the migration of Müller cells on the retina, but whether it could promote the migration of adipose-derivedmesenchymal stem cells in retinal degeneration rats is unclear.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans degradation with chondroitinase on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment for retinal degeneration in rats.METHODS: Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured. A retinal degeneration ratmodel was established followed by administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells+chondroitinase into thesubretinal space. The migration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and retinal cell apoptosis in rats aftertransplantation were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells could be successfully cultured.The labeling rate of BrdU to the human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells was more than 90.0%. At 7 days aftermodeling, the outer nuclear layer of the retina was collapsed, and a large amount of photoreceptor cells were dissected.The outer nuclear layer was attached to the Bruch''s membrane, and the retina was arched. The central retina andperipheral retina were damaged. In normal rats, the retinal layers were clear, and the photoreceptor cells arrangedregularly; and the retinal pigment epithelium was complete. The migration rate of adipose-derived mesenchymal stemcells in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells+chondroitinase group was higher than that in adipose-derivedmesenchymal stem cells group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the apoptotic rate of retinal cellsbetween the two groups (P > 0.05). These experimental findings show that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans degradationwith chondroitinase can enhance the migration ability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the retina.

OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of Erdong granules on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.METHODS:Type 2 diabetes mellitus model was induced by giving high-fat and high-calorie diet with intraperitoneal administration of streptozotcin for eight weeks.Model rats were divided into normal group,model group,streptozotcin group and erdong granules high-dose,middle-dose and low-dose groups.The levels of FBG,LDL-C,FFA,SOD and MDA were detected and immunohistochemistry method was used to determine the morphology change of islet cell.RESULTS:The serum levels of FBS,MDA,FFA and LDL-C in Erdong granules high-dose and low-dose group were significantly decreased while the activity of SOD was increased.Erdong granules could protect islet cell.CONCLUSION:Erdong granules can notably improve glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism,antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibit oxidative stress so as to protect islet cells of type 2 diabetic mellitus rats.

OBJECTIVETo study the impacts of exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on liver function in rats.

METHODSTwenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group and radiated group. The rats in normal group were not radiated, those in radiated group were exposed to EMR 4 h/ d for 18 consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed immediately after the end of the experiment. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and those of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in liver tissue were evaluated by colorimetric method. The liver histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and the protein expression of bax and bcl- 2 in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemical method. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick and labelling (TUNEL) method was used for analysis of apoptosis in liver.

RESULTSCompared with the normal rats, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the radiated group had no obvious changes (P>0.05), while the contents of MDA increased (P < 0.01) and those of GSH decreased (P < 0.01) in liver tissues. The histopathology examination showed diffuse hepatocyte swelling and vacuolation, small pieces and focal necrosis. The immunohistochemical results displayed that the expression of the bax protein was higher and that of bcl-2 protein was lower in radiated group. The hepatocyte apoptosis rates in radiated group was higher than that in normal group (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone 4 h/d for 18 days could induce the liver histological changes, which may be partly due to the apoptosis and oxidative stress induced in liver tissue by electromagnetic radiation.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Phone ; Electromagnetic Radiation ; Liver ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; Proteomics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Staining and Labeling

Objective To evaluate the effect of Eucommia on hyperlipidemia and related indexes in rats, and provide animal data useful for the clinical experimental studies on hyperlipidemia.Methods Seventy-two healthy male SD rats were used in this study.One group of 12 rats fed with normal diet was chosen as normal control group, and other 60 rats were fed with high fat diet for two weeks to generate rat models of hyperlipidemia.48 of the hyperlipidemic model rats were taken and divided randomly into 4 groups, including model group, high dose Eucommia, moderate dose Eucommia, and low dose Eucommia groups.The last three groups were gavaged different dose of Eucommia, respectively.Druing this period, the other groups except the normal control group were fed with high fat diet continuously.The levels of serum TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C of rats were measured on day 30 and 45.Results The serum levels of TC and LDL-C of the rats in the model group were obviously higher than those in the normal control group.The rat models of hyperlipidemia were established successfully.The three dose groups had a tendency of lowing blood lipid after 30 days.At 45 days, the levels of serum TC and LDL-C in the low and high dose groups were lower than those in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05), (P<0.01, P<0.01).TG in the high, moderate and low dose groups were lower than that in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01), but the level of the serum HDL-C was not significantly lower than that in the model group (P>0.05, P>0.05, P>0.05).Conclusions Eucommia in a dose of 0.43 g/kg, 0.86 g/kg and 1.71 g/kg administered for 30 days have a tendency to reduce the level of serum TC, TG, and LDL-C.When Eucommia is administered in a dose of 0.43 g/kg, 1.71g/kg and 3.42 g/kg for 45 days, it shows an adjuvant hypolipidemic effect.

OBJECTIVETo explore the potential molecular mechanisms for Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) improving the endocrine function of ovarian granular cells by observing the effect of BTR containing serum on follicle stimulating hormone/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (FSH/ cAMP-PKA) pathway in in vitro cultured human ovarian granular cells.

METHODSThe primary ovarian granular cells collected from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer patients were cultured for 24 h. The human and rat serum containing different concentrations of BTR (low, medium, high dose), and their normal serums were co-incubated with ovarian granular cells for 48 h respectively, and then they were divided into the low, medium, high dose BTR groups and the control group. The levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the culture medium were measured by radioimmunoassay. The protein expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells was detected by Western Blot. The mRNA expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and P450 aromatase (P450arom) in ovarian granular cells were detected by Real-time PCR.

RESULTSIn human BTR containing serum groups: Compared with control group, the levels of E2 and cAMP in the culture medium were higher (both P < 0.05) in the medium and high dose BTR groups; the levels of P in the culture medium decreased in the medium dose BTR group (P < 0.01). The protein and mRNA expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells increased (all P < 0.01), the mRNA expressions of P450arom in ovarian granular cells were higher (P < 0.05, P< 0.01) in the medium and high dose BTR groups. In rat BTR containing serum groups: Compared with the control group, the levels of E2 in the culture medium were higher (all P < 0.01), cAMP in the culture medium were higher (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in the medium and high dose BTR group; the levels of P in the culture medium decreased in the medium dose BTR group (P < 0.01). The protein and mRNA expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells were higher (all P < 0.01), the mRNA expression of P450arom in ovarian granular cells increased in the medium and high dose BTR groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBTR could possibly improve the endocrine function of ovarian granular cells by regulating main effector molecules FSHR, cAMP, P450arom, and E2 in FSH/cAMP-PKA pathway of ovarian granular cells.

Cells, Cultured ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type I ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; metabolism ; Granulosa Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Serum ; chemistry ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of resvaratrol derivatives on spontaneous HR and CF of isolated guinea pig atrium.

METHODThe dose-effect curve of resvaratrol was observed. The possible mechanism of potassium channels responsible for changes of CF and HR after administering with resvaratrol was measured.

RESULTResvaratrol reduced the spontaneous HR and weakened the CF in a dose-dependent manner ranging from 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) (P < 0.05). As compared with Res group, the effects were partly blocked by Gli (P < 0.05) and TEA (P < 0.01), but not blocked by 4-AP, BaCl2, Atropine.

CONCLUSIONResvaratrol can induce negative chronotropic action and negative (inotropic action. The mechanism(s) may relate to the opening of K(ATP) and Kc(Ca).

Animals ; Barium Compounds ; pharmacology ; Cardiotonic Agents ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Chlorides ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Glyburide ; pharmacology ; Guinea Pigs ; Heart Rate ; drug effects ; In Vitro Techniques ; KATP Channels ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Male ; Myocardial Contraction ; drug effects ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Potassium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Stilbenes ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Tetraethylammonium ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo observe the protective effects of resveratrol (RES) on the heart function of the rats with adriamycin-induced heart failure.

METHODThirty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control (NC) group, adriamycin (ADR) group, RESL + ADR group, RES(H) + ADR group and RES group. RES of 30, 120, 120 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) was given intraperitoneally (ip) once a day for 3 days in RES(L) + ADR group, RES(H) + ADR group and RES group respectively. The other two groups were given the same amount of normal saline the same way. On the 4h day,ADR of 10 mg x kg(-1) was given intraperitoneally once to induce myocardium injury model. After twenty-four hours, the pathological and biochemical changes of the myocardium were examined.

RESULTAs compared with NC group, the MDA, NO and NOS of the ADR group were significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the SOD of the ADR group were markedly lower (P < 0.05). As compared with ADR group, the indexes in RES(L) + ADR group, RES(H) + ADR group were exactly opposing, and took on dose dependance (P < 0.05). Light microscopic morphometry of the heart samples of the rats in ADR + RES(L, H) groups revealed typical diminishing of damage.

CONCLUSIONRES can relieve the toxic effects of ADR on myocardium, and the cardioprotective effects may be correlated with its antioxidant activity and downregulation of NO.

Animals ; Doxorubicin ; Heart ; physiopathology ; Heart Failure ; chemically induced ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; blood ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stilbenes ; pharmacology ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of rosuvastatin and simvastatin in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Methods The database including CNKI, VIP, Wanfang data base and CBM were retrieved to search the clinical randomized controlled trials (RCT) of rosuvastatin and simvastatin in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, and the data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.2. Results Eighteen RCTs were included with a total sample size of 1819 cases with hyperlipidemia, in which there were 917 patients in rosuvastatin group and 902 in simvastatin group. The Meta-analysis results showed that there were significantly lower serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and significantly higher level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in rosuvastatin group compared with those of simvastatin group [(MD=-0.15, 95%CI:-0.22--0.09, P<0.01), (MD=-0.18, 95%CI:-0.25--0.11, P<0.01), (MD=-0.23, 95%CI:-0.28--0.19, P<0.01) and (MD=-0.11, 95%CI:-0.06--0.15, P<0.01)]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reaction between the two groups. Conclusion The current clinical evidences show that rosuvastatin has a better effect on the treatment of hyperlipidemia, and has no adverse reactions.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and its components play a role in the field of anti-hepatocarcinoma. The definition of its mechanism of action in autophagy contributes to the development of TCM in the field of anti-hepatocarcinoma. In this paper, we summarized reports on the autophagy of liver cancer cells induced by TCM and its active ingredients, including those on promoting apoptosis and cycle inhibition induced by autophagy and inhibiting autophagy to block tumor cell cycle, but with a lack of systematic summarization. In this paper, according to different effect of TCM on autophagy induced by hepatocarcinoma, the TCM and its components were inductively analyzed in four aspects:inducing killing autophagy, inhibiting protective autophagy, inducing protective autophagy in liver cancer, and inducing unclear autophagy. According to the findings, TCMs and components that cause killing autophagy can inhibit the occurrence of autophagy, arrest cell cycle, induce cell senescence or promote apoptosis. TCMs and components that inhibit protective autophagy can inhibit protective autophagy and hepatoma cell proliferation. TCMs and components that induce protective autophagy have a significant anti-hepatocarcinoma effect, shall be considered to be combined with autophagy inhibitors to enhance the lethality of drugs on liver cancer cells, and become a new way for such drugs to treat liver cancer. TCMs and components with an unclear inductive effect shall be first identified for their type of autophagy, then combined with autophagy agonists or blockers according to the type of autophagy to enhance their anti-liver cancer effect, and provide a new clinical therapeutic approach for liver cancer. In the aspect of autophagy, this study not only reveals the molecular mechanism of anti-hepatocarcinoma of TCM, but also makes it a new way to study anti-hepatocarcinoma by TCM.

BACKGROUNDRecombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) (rhPTH (1-34)) given by injection is a new seventh class drug of biological products, which is prepared by adopting gene recombination technique. rhPTH (1-34) is mainly used to treat osteoporosis, especially for postmenopausal women. This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of rhPTH (1-34) with elcatonin for treating postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in 11 urban areas of China.

METHODSTwo hundred and five women with osteoporosis were enrolled in a 6-month, multicenter, randomized, controlled study. They were randomized to receive either rhPTH (1-34) 20 microg (200 U) daily or elcatonin 20 U weekly. Lumbar spine (L1-4) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), as well as biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured. Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTSrhPTH (1-34) increased lumbar BMD significantly more than did elcatonin at 3 months and 6 months (2.38% vs 0.59%, P < 0.05; 5.51% vs 1.55%, P < 0.01), but there were no significant increases of BMD in these two groups at femoral neck. There were larger mean increases in bone markers in the rhPTH (1-34) group than in the elcatonin group at 3 months and 6 months (serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) 36.79% vs 0.31%; 92.42% vs -0.17%; urinary N-telopeptide/creatinine (NTX/Cr) 48.91% vs -5.32%; 68.82% vs -10.86%). Both treatments were well tolerated and there were no significant differences detected between the two groups in the proportion of any adverse events and any serious adverse events (67.0% vs 59.0%; 0 vs 0).

CONCLUSIONSrhPTH (1-34) has more positive effects on bone formation, as shown by the larger increments of lumbar BMD and bone formation markers, than elcatonin, with only mild adverse events and no significant change in the liver, kidney or hematological indices.

Aged ; Calcitonin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal ; drug therapy ; Parathyroid Hormone ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use