OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of melatonin on residual hair follicle cells of scald rats at early stage.

METHODSEighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into scald group, treatment group, sham group , with 6 rats in each group. The rats in scald group and treatment group were subjected to 30% TBSA partial thickness scald on the back, and were resuscitated with balanced solution after 1 hour, while those in sham group were immersed in water at 37 degrees C for 25 s to simulate scald, and did not receive fluid replacement. Rats in treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg melatonin solution at 1 minute, 8 hours and 12 hours after scald, while those in sham group and scald group were given equal volume of 1% alcohol sodium-isotonic saline instead. Tissue samples were harvested at 6, 12 and 24 post scald hours (PSH) for determination of MDA and GSH levels. Apoptosis of residul hair follicle was detected by TUNEL method and immunohistochemistry of caspase-3.

RESULTSThe level of MDA in scald group at each time point was much higher than that in sham group (P < 0.01) and treatment group (P < 0.05), and it peaked at 12 PSH. The changes in GSH were just opposite to that of MDA. Under fluorescence microscope, the residual hair follicle cells were blue, and the apoptotic cells appeared green. The apoptosis rate in scald group at 6, 12, 24 PSH was obviously higher than that in sham (P < 0.01) and treatment groups (P < 0.05), which was (20.2 +/- 3.4)% vs (4.3 +/- 2.3)% vs (10.9 +/- 3.2)%, (31.2 +/- 3.6)% vs (5.1 +/- 2.5)% vs (19.1 +/- 3.7)%, (22.4 +/- 2.7)% vs (4.1 +/- 2.4)% vs (13.1 +/- 3.4)%, respectively. The score of caspase-3 positive cell in scald group was higher than those in sham group (P < 0.01) and treatment group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere is obvious correlation between oxidative stress and apoptosis rate of hair follicle cells in rats with partial thickness scald. Early administration of melatonin may have anti-apoptosis ability for residual hair follicle cells by attenuation of oxidative stress.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Burns ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Hair Follicle ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Melatonin ; therapeutic use ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the midterm follow-up results of extended release of posterior clearance in total knee arthroplasty.

METHODSA total of 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis were equally randomly assigned to the experimental group and control group, and underwent unilateral TKA from March 2010 to March 2012. In experimental group, there were 21 males and 39 females with an average age of (62.2±10.9) years old. In the control group, there were 25 males and 35 females with an average age of (64.9±11.4) years old. All the patients were performed using the anterior knee approach. During operation, after osteotomy of the tibia and the femoral condyle, extended release of the posterior knee clearance were taken in experimental group, while only the clearance of osteophyte in the posterior condyle were performed in the control group. The KSS scores including knee functional score and knee clinical score,as well as the range of motion (ROM) of patients, were compared between the two groups at midterm follow-up.

RESULTSTotally 49 patients in the experimental group and 54 patients in the control group were followed up, and the median follow-up time was 46 months. The knee functional score of patients in the experimental group was 91.3±3.4, which was better than 86.4±3.9 of patients in the control group; initiative ROM of flexion of patients in the experimental group was (133.2±5.9)°, which was better than (126.9±7.4)° of patients in the control group. There were no significant difference of knee clinical score between 86.9±4.6 of patients in the experimental group and 85.7±5.1 of patients in the control group, and the initiative ROM of extension between (0.5±1.1)° and (0.3±1.2)°.

CONCLUSIONExtended release of the posterior knee clearance contributes to the knee function and initiative flexion ROM during a midterm follow-up and patients benefit.

Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; methods ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular

OBJECTIVETo investigate effect of Xiongshao Capsule (XSC) combined with ischemic postconditioning (IPoC) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) contents as well as inflammatory cell infiltration (ICI) in myocardium of rat with ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODSSeventy-five Sprague-Dawley rats were equally randomized into 5 groups, the sham-operated group (A), the I/R group (B), the IPoC group (C), the fosinopril sodium plus IPoC group (D), and the XSC plus IPoC group (E). Excepting rats in Group A, all animals received I/R injury through a 30-min occlusion of left anterior descending artery followed by 1-h reperfusion. Additionally, IPoC (3 cycles of 10 s reperfusion/10 s of ischemia) was applied on rats in Group C before 1 h of reperfusion; while rats in Groups D and E were pretreated for 14 days with 0.9 mg/kg fosinopril sodium and 0.135 g/kg XSC respectively via gastrogavage, and the I/R injury with IPoC applied 2 h after the final gavage. Serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were detected by colorimetric method, myocardial infarction size was measured by nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) staining, MCP-1 and TNF-alpha contents in myocardial tissue were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ICI was detected by HE staining.

RESULTSCompared with Group B, myocardial enzymes and infarction size were significantly decreased (P<0.01), contents of MCP-1, TNF-alpha and ICI in myocardial tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in Group C. Compared with Group C, further reduced infarction size and release of myocardial enzyme CK-MB (P<0.01) were seen in Group E, and contents of MCP-1 and TNF-alpha as well as ICI in myocardial tissue in Group E were also significantly lower (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONXSC could enhance the protective effect of IPoC on rat with myocardial I/R injury, and the mechanism may be related to its inhibition on MCP-1 and TNF-alpha expressions as well as ICI suppression.

Animals ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Ischemic Postconditioning ; methods ; Male ; Myocardial Ischemia ; physiopathology ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

AIMThe anti-gastric ulcer constituents from the roots of Crepis napifera (Franch) Babc (Compositae) were studied.

METHODSSolvent partition, Si gel and Rp-18 column chromatography, crystallization and spectral methods were used to extract, isolate and identify two compounds. The activity of compound 1 was tested on the rat stomach by determining the effect on aspirin-induced gastric lesions and on histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion.

RESULTSTwo sesquiterpene lactone glycosides, taraxinic acid-1'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 11,13-dihydro-taraxinic acid-1'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) were obtained. Compound 1 at the dose of 80 mg.kg-1 p.o. inhibited significantly the development of aspirin-induced gastric lesions in the rat and at an i.v. dose of 70 mg.kg-1 did not affect histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in the lumen-perfused rat stomach.

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 is the active component of the plant which protects gastric mucosa and exhibits anti-gastric ulcer action.

Animals ; Anti-Ulcer Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Aspirin ; Crepis ; chemistry ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Gastric Acid ; secretion ; Gastric Mucosa ; secretion ; Male ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats, Wistar ; Sesquiterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Stomach Ulcer ; chemically induced ; drug therapy

AIMIn order to seek the marks of the genes, the relation between the influence of endurance training on aerobic ability and ACE Gene I/D Polymorphisms were studied.

METHODS102 army recruits of Han nationality from North China for an 18 week en durance training of 5000m distance. Their VO2(max), VT and the left ventricular structure and function were measured before and after the training. We also tested their ACE Gene I/D Polymorphisms with PCR-AFLP method.

RESULTSThe compliance of VO2(max), VT and left ventricular structure and function had improved after the training; the deltaVO2(max) of ID and II type was obviously higher than that of DD type (P < 0.05); there was obviously diference of deltaVO2(VT) in different ACE genotype (P < 0.05), the deltaVO2(VT) of type II was obviously higher than that of DD type (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONI allele has obviously hereditary advantage on the sensitivity to aerobic training in VO2(max) and VT, and type II has relation on the sensitivity to aerobic training in VT; there is no relation between I/D polymorphism and the sensitivity to aerobic training on the structure and function of left ventricle.

Adolescent ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; Physical Endurance ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; genetics ; Ventricular Function, Left ; physiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of a valved stent on closure patent ductus arteriosus in a Chinese miniswine model.

METHODSSelf-expandable nitinol stents were made of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy (9 mm in diameter). Bovine pericardium was shaped and sutured onto the stents. Fluid passing test, pre-releasing test and static test of pressure in tube were performed in all devices before use. In eight Chinese miniswine, vascular grafts (PTFE vascular prosthesis) were surgically inserted between the descending thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery for establishment of patent ductus arteriosus model. Valved stents were deployed to occlude the patent ductus arteriosus. Echocardiography was performed two hours post operation. Aortic angiography was made 30 days post operation in survived animals. Animals were then sacrificed for autopsy and electron microscopy examinations.

RESULTSIn vitro testing showed that the closure of the valved stent leaflets was satisfactory and fluid flows were not restricted in the opposite direction. The valved stents could be released through catheter, expanded completely, rapidly fixed in the tube. Closure of patent ductus arteriosus was succeeded in 6 out of 8 animals. One animal died of respiratory failure 2 hours post operation, another one died of pulmonary embolism due to valved stent displacement. Resident shunt was not evidenced by echocardiography, aortic angiography and dissection examinations in the remaining 6 animals. The new endothelial tissue fully covered the pulmonary and aortic sides of patent ductus arteriosus in 4 and 3 animals respectively. The electron microscopic observation revealed endothelial coverage of dives.

CONCLUSIONThe valved stent could effectively close artificial patent ductus arteriosus in vivo with satisfactory new intima covering on both sides of patent ductus arteriosus.

Animals ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Materials Testing ; Stents ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature

OBJECTIVETo explore the roles of intracellular cholesterol metabolism in neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation of prostate cancer based on an androgen-independent prostate cancer NE cell model induced by androgen deprivation.

METHODSLNCaP cells were cultured in androgen-depleted medium, and NE phenotypes were identified by observing the changes in cell morphology, molecular markers (SgIII, NSE and CgA) and cell proliferation. The expression and distribution of cholesterol and Sg III were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of the key genes LDL-R, SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe LNCaP cells showed shrinking bodies and extending axons after androgen deprivation, and all the molecular markers, such as Sg III, NSE and CgA, significantly increased in a time-dependent manner, while the cell proliferation was obviously inhibited (P < 0.05). The cholesterol distribution in the LNCaP cells after NE differentiation presented remarkable aggregation at the axon terminals. However, there were no significant differences in the expression of cholesterol between the two types of cells, nor in the changes of the expressions of key genes LDL-R, SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTransient androgen depletion could successfully induce NE differentiation of LNCaP cells, and the intracellular cholesterol could re-distribute into axon terminals to enhance the formation of neurosecretory granules.

Androgens ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Neurosecretory Systems ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, LDL ; metabolism ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 ; metabolism ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively investigate the difference in survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients treated by radical surgery with or without adjuvant radiation therapy.

METHODSForty-four patients with pancreatic cancer underwent surgical resection with a curative intent, and were divided into two groups: surgery alone (n = 24) or surgery combined with postoperative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (n = 20). Survival as an endpoint was analyzed between the two groups.

RESULTSAll 44 patients completed their scheduled treatment. The median survival time of the patients treated with radical resection alone was 379 days versus 665 days for those treated with combined therapy. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of the patients treated with radical resection alone were 46.3%, 8.3%, 4.2% versus 65.2%, 20.2%, 14.1% for the patients treated with combined therapy, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.017). The failures in local-regional relapse were significantly lower in the postoperative EBRT group than that in the surgery alone group (P < 0.05), while the additional postoperative radiation therapy did not increase the complication rate (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPostoperative external beam radiation therapy can improve the survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pancreatectomy ; methods ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Postoperative Period ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo discuss the risk and strategy of dental implantation in patients with periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes.

METHODSRetrospective analysis was performed of dental implantation results in 248 patients with periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes from 2000 to 2008. The survival rate was evaluated and the data statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThe Nobel implant system and CDIC implant system were used. The operation applied flapless and bone expanding techniques. A total of 1190 implants were inserted (333 Nobel Replace implants and 857 CDIC implants). 0.5% (6 implants) lost during the first 6 months healing stage. The 1-year, 5-year and 8-year survival rate were 98.4% (1165/1184), 95.3% (487/511) and 89.2% (91/102) respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe patients with periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes are suitable for implant treatment with satisfactory results under the conditions that the indication and risk factors are evaluated and controlled strictly.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chronic Periodontitis ; complications ; surgery ; Dental Implantation, Endosseous ; methods ; Dental Implants ; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported ; Dental Restoration Failure ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tooth Extraction

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical value of magnifying endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of colorectal benign neoplastic lesions.

METHODSSeventy-eight colorectal lesions in 61 patients were examined with magnifying colonoscopy after indigo carmine dyeingìand pit pattern diagnosis was made for every lesion according to Kudos classification to differentiate neoplastic lesions from non-neoplastic lesions. The lesions were resected by endoscopic polypectomy and mucosectomy or surgical treatment. The diagnoses made by magnifying colonoscopy were compared with pathologic results.

RESULTSThe diagnostic sensitivity of magnifying endoscopy for neoplastic lesions was 98.4% and specificity was 85.7%. The overall accuracy for adenoma and early colorectal cancer was 96.2%. 89.7% of adenomatous lesions were treated by endoscopic resection.

CONCLUSIONThe magnifying colonoscopy can provide instantaneous and accurate diagnosis of neoplastic lesions in colon and rectum,as well as minimally invasive treatment.

Adult ; Aged ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Coloring Agents ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged