OBJECTIVETo explore the effect and mechanism of Danshao Granule (DSG) in treating Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in children.

METHODSThe 63 patients with HSPN were randomly divided into two groups. The 32 patients in the treated group were treated with DSG and the 31 patients in the control group were treated with Tripterygium polyglycosides tablet and composite Salviae tablet. The therapeutic course for both groups was one month. The skin purpura, macroscopic hematuria, hypertension and edema subsidence time, 24 hrs urinary protein content, serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSTherapeutic effect in the treated group was better than that in the control group in curing skin purpura and macroscopic hematuria (P < 0.05). The 24 hrs urinary protein content and serum levels of IgA, SOD and MDA were improved after treatment in both groups significantly (P < 0.01). However, the improvement of 24 hrs urinary protein, serum SOD and MDA in the treated group was more significant than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDSG can alleviate the injury of free radicals in organism, so it is an ideal remedy for treatment of HSPN.

Adolescent ; Child ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Nephritis ; blood ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Phytotherapy ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

OBJECTIVETo observe the growth effect of somatostapin on human pancreas cancer lines Bxpc-3.

METHODSThe Bxpc-3 pancreas cancer cells were treated with Somatotropin. The cells hyperplasia were detected by MTT and were observed apoptosis cells determinated quantitatively by TUNEL, quantify immune fluoresence double marked the proliferation cells and apoptosis cells, the expression of Cyclin D1 detected by immunohistochemical.

RESULTSThe growth effect of pancrea cancer cells were limited by 10(-7) M, 10(-8) M, 10(-9) M Somatotropin on 2 day. The limited effect was decreased from 3 day. The cells proliferation were increased by somotostapin on 4day to 5day. The relationship between the expression of Cyclin D1 and apoptosis was negative correlation and the cells hyperplasia was positive correlation in Bxpc-3 cell line.

CONCLUSIONFrom the cell study we knew the expression of Cyclin D1 reflected the prolefiration of pancreas cancer cells.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin D1 ; biosynthesis ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Growth Hormone ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Time Factors

BACKGROUNDCathespin-B (cath-B) is an important proteolytic enzyme involved in the disease course of invasion in many types of cancer. Cath-B expression in subcutaneous heteroplastic pancreatic carcinoma in nude mice has not been studied. We investigated the role of cath-B in a model of heteroplastic pancreatic carcinoma in BALB/c nude mice.

METHODSThirty-two six-week-old female BALB/c nude mice were equally divided into four groups. PANC-1 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the left axillary region. Besides volume, weight of subcutaneous tumor, and change in body weight, cath-B expression in each group was measured by immunohistochemical staining, PCR and Western blotting. Its relationship to microvessel density (MVD), CD44v6, and placenta growth factor (PLGF) was also examined. CA-074Me, a specific inhibitor of cath-B, was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at different stages of tumor growth in group B and C. Gemcitabine (GEM), was also injected (i.p.) in group D to compare anti-tumor efficacy with CA-074Me.

RESULTSExpression of cath-B at different levels was related to tumor growth, MVD, and PLGF expression. In group A (control group), cath-B expression was enhanced more than that seen in other groups. CA-074Me clearly inhibited cath-B expression and tumor growth in group B. There was no difference between group C and D with respect to anti-tumor effect.

CONCLUSIONSCath-B correlates with the growth and angiogenesis of tumors, but not with the adhesion induced by CD44v6. CA-074Me clearly inhibited cath-B expression and demonstrated an anti-neoplastic and anti-angiogenesis effect.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Blotting, Western ; Body Weight ; Cathepsin B ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Dipeptides ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Placenta Growth Factor ; Pregnancy Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transplantation, Heterologous

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety and efficacy of close reduction and percutaneous needle fixation for the treatment of anterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed with 6 cases of anterior sternoclavicular dislocation by close reduction and percutaneous needle fixation with Kirschner wire treated from January 2001 to February 2009, including 5 males and 1 female aged from 19 to 45 with an average of 28.8 years old. Among the 6 cases, 4 were on right lateral and 2 were on left lateral. The time from injured to treatment was from 6 hours to 12 days (averaged 4.5 days). The clinical effects were evaluated according to Rockwood scoring and the complications were observed.

RESULTSAll 6 patients were followed-up for 3 to 13 months (averaged 6 months). According to Rockwood scoring,the preoperative score was (7.00 +/- 0.89) points, postoperative score was (13.17 +/- 1.72) points; the results showed excellent in 5 cases and good in 1 case. No local infection, postoperative pain,recurrent dislocation,broken needle, and other complications were observed in this study.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation with Kirschner wire minimally invasive fixation is an easy, reliable fixation with less complications.

Adult ; Bone Wires ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Radiography ; Sternoclavicular Joint ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the roles of JAK/STATs signal pathway on anti-proliferative effects induced by IFN-alpha in MHCC97.

METHODSAn IRF9 expression vector was transfected into MHCC97 with Dosper. The expression of IRF9, cycle regulating proteins and the forming of ISGF3 complex were detected using Western blot and EMSA, respectively. Cell proliferation and distribution were monitored using MTT and flow cytometry.

RESULTSHigh expression of IRF9 restored the anti-proliferative response of MHCC97 on IFN-alpha treatment and delayed the cell transition from S phase to G2 phase induced by IFN-alpha.

CONCLUSIONThe integrity and functions of JAK/STATs signal pathway played an important role in mediating the anti-proliferative effects of IFN-alpha in MHCC97.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; Interferon-Stimulated Gene Factor 3, gamma Subunit ; genetics ; Interferon-alpha ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Janus Kinases ; genetics ; physiology ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; STAT Transcription Factors ; genetics ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive achilles tendon lengthening and system rehabilitation for the treatment of contracture of achilles tendon.

METHODSFrom January 2002 to December 2010, 27 patients (31 feet) with contracture of achilles tendon were treated with minimally invasive achilles tendon lengthening and system rehabilitation. There were 11 males and 16 females with an average age of 35.5 years (ranged 3 to 65 years). Right foot was in 13 cases, left foot was in 10 cases, both feet were in 4 cases. Course of disease was from 1 to 5 years with an average of 2.3 years. The cause of contracture included postoperative complication of tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing in 7 feet, sequelae of lower leg compartment syndrome in 11 feet, congenital talipes equinovarus in 13 feet (both feet in 4). Before operation, all the patients walked with limping, plantar flexion anomaly was from 15 degrees to 50 degrees with an average of 35.5 degrees. The strength of quadriceps muscle of thigh was grade V in 27 feet, grade IV in 4 feet, the strength of musculus triceps surae was grade V in 24 feet, grade IV in 7 feet.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed-up for 6-24 months with an average of 11.3 months. According to standard of Arner-Lindholm to evaluate function of ankle joint, 29 feet obtained excellent results and 2 feet good. No infection, re-rupture or re-contracture was found.

CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive achilles tendon lengthening and system rehabilitation in treating contracture of achilles tendon has advantage such as simple operation, less complication, lower recurrence rate, which is favourable for thoroughly rehabilitation of patients. But, the case in which the strength of quadriceps muscle of thigh or musculus triceps surae still less than grade III after preoperative rehabilitation care should not choose the method.

Achilles Tendon ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Lengthening ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Contracture ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods

OBJECTIVETo examine the expression of tumor necrosis factor in placenta of pregnant rats with chronic periodontitis.

METHODSTwenty Wistar female rats were randomly divided into two groups, control (n = 8) and experimental group (n = 12). The periodontitis model was established in the experimental group. The females and males in the two groups got together four weeks later. Nineteen days after pregnancy all rats were executed and placenta collected. The delivery time and neonatal birth weight were recorded and the pathological changes of periodontal tissue observed. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression was examined in placenta by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTSThe animal model of chronic periodontitis was successfully established. Experimental group delivered 30 offspring and the control group 56 offspring. The average number of pups born alive per litter in experimental group (4.1 ± 2.2) was significantly lower than that in control group (9.2 ± 2.2), P < 0.05. The birth weight of pups in experimental group [(5.01 ± 0.43) g] was significantly lower than that in the control group [(5.79 ± 0.53) g], P < 0.05. The relative quantitative expression of TNF was (1.807 ± 0.265) in experimental group the and (1.003 ± 0.021) in the control group (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSChronic periodontitis may be related to preterm low birth weight.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Birth Weight ; Chronic Periodontitis ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Fusobacterium nucleatum ; Placenta ; metabolism ; Porphyromonas gingivalis ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Prevotella intermedia ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (, BHR) in the treatment of murine autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF).

METHODSThe recombinant porcine zona pellucida 4 (pZP4) was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) strain within prokaryotic plasmid pET28a (+), purified by Ni-affinity chromatography and verified by Western blot. Murine autoimmune POF model was established by immunization with pZP4 of female BALB/c mice. Fifty POF mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, which were respectively given low (3.75 mg/kg), moderate (7.5 mg/kg), and high dose (15.0 mg/kg) of BHR by gastrogavage once daily for 20 days, with 17-β-estradiol (0.13 mg/kg) and normal saline as positive and negative control. Estrous cycles were analyzed through vaginal smears, serum estradiol (E) levels, and anti-pZP4 antibody titers were detected by ELISA. The proliferative responses in vitro of spleen lymphocytes to pZP4 antigen restimulation were measured by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation, and the histomorphology changes of ovary were evaluated by optical microscope.

RESULTSThe purified pZP4 was visible as a single lane with 14.4 kD in SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The murine POF model with lengthening estrous cycles, decreased levels of serum E2, high titers of serum anti-pZP4 antibody, and reduced ovarian follicles and corpus lutea were established by immunization with recombinant pZP4. Treatment with moderate and high dosage BHR significantly increased ovarian follicles and reduced the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes to the pZP4 antigen of POF mice (P <0.05). However, only the high dosage BHR administration significantly improved the estrous cycles, elevated the serum E levels (P <0.01), and decreased the serum anti-pZP4 antibody titers of model mice P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe recombinant pZP4 could evoke the antigen-specific immune response in mice and induce the autoimmune ovarian injury. It has been demonstrated that BHR was able to increase the serum E levels and protect ovarian functions from the autoimmune injury in murine POF model.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Egg Proteins ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Immunization ; Immunocompetence ; drug effects ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Ovary ; drug effects ; immunology ; pathology ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency ; drug therapy ; immunology ; pathology ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Recombinant Proteins ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Sus scrofa ; Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinic characteristic and treatment of senile chronic submandibular sialadenitis.

METHODSThe clinical records of the patients over 50 years old whose final diagnosis was chronic submandibular sialadenitis were reviewed. The patients were diagnosed as neoplasm of submandibular gland before operation, There was no radiographic sign of sialolithiasis, no clinical and laboratory signs of Sjögren syndrome or related autoimmune disease.

RESULTSThirty-five patients were presented in masses in the submandibular space, which was not related to eating. Histopathologic study showed destruction of acinus, infiltration of inflammatory cell, and micro-calcification in the intercalated duct.

CONCLUSIONSThe diagnosis of senile chronic submandibular sialadenitis should be considered if a mass in the submandibular space occurs in the old patients and radiographic study shows no sialolithiasis and neoplasm. Resection of the submandibular gland is not necessary for these patients.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sialadenitis ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Submandibular Gland Diseases ; diagnosis ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo obtain egg yolk antibody in hen eggs laid by hens immunized with the protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). To generate, purify IgY against Pg (anti-Pg-IgY) and identify its specificity.

METHODSPgATCC33277 was cultured under standard anaerobic conditions and harvested after proliferation. Then Pg was extracted by sonication until the cell pellets were shattered completely. After centrifugatiton, the supernatant was collected. Five-month-old Roman hens were immunized for egg antibody production. The antibody was inoculated intramuscularly and subcutaneously in the breast from multiple spot with 1.0 ml of a vaccine consisting of oil-adjuvant protein which was mixed with 1 ml protein of Pg and 1 ml Freund's adjuvant complete every 10 days, for 4 times. The eggs were collected after the first immunization and stored at 4°C. The anti-Pg-IgY was extracted and purified. The protein concentration was tested by bicinchoninic acid (BCA), the specificity of IgY analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), the titre of IgY and its physicochemical character were evaluated by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSThe concentration of obtained anti-Pg-IgY was 2.05 g/L. SDS-PAGE analysis of the anti-Pg-IgY showed that the molecular weight of IgY was consistent with the theoretical value. Protein of anti-Pg-IgY appeared approximately 5 days after the first immunization, and reached the peak at 50 - 55 days. Antibody titres reached 1:100 000. Each egg produced more than 10 mg IgY, and its purification was up to 95% as well.

CONCLUSIONSLayer hens immuned by Pg may provide specific IgY of high titre and high concentration. The antibody has high purity and is heat, acid and alkali-resistant.

Animals ; Antibodies ; chemistry ; immunology ; Chickens ; immunology ; Egg Yolk ; chemistry ; immunology ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Immunization ; Immunoglobulins ; chemistry ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Porphyromonas gingivalis ; immunology