Objective:To observe the effect of moxibustion on T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of rats with gastric cancer. Methods:Sixty healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week. By the random number table method, 10 rats were randomly selected as a blank group, and 12 rats were randomly selected to simulate the tumor transplantation process; after transplantation, 10 rats were randomly selected as a sham operation group. The remaining 38 rats were used to prepare gastric cancer models by gastric transplantation of the Walker-256 tumor tissue; 8 rats were randomly selected to verify the successful modeling after 7 d; the remaining 30 rats were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group and an infrared group by the random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. From the first day of enrollment, the rats in the moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) (the first group) and bilateral Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) (the second group), and the two groups of acupoints were alternated every other day. The rats in the infrared group received infrared radiation on the stomach area and the area on the back between the T12-T13 spinous processes, the two areas were alternated every other day. Rats in the moxibustion group and the infrared group were treated for 20 min each time, once a day for 21 d. Rats in the blank group, the sham operation group, and the model group were simultaneously grasped and fixed, and no other treatment was performed. After 21 d of intervention, the rats in each group were fasted for 12 h, and blood was collected from the orbits. The numbers of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry, and the ratio of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ was calculated. The rats were sacrificed and the thymus was dissected under sterile conditions to calculate the thymus index. Results:Compared with the blank group, the thymus index, peripheral blood CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratio in the sham operation group did not change significantly (allP>0.05). Compared with the blank group, the thymus index of the model group was increased (P<0.05), the CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes were increased (bothP<0.01), and the CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratio was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the thymus index of the moxibustion group was increased (P<0.01), and CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ in peripheral blood were increased (allP<0.05). Compared with the infrared group, the thymus index of the moxibustion group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the CD3+ and CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were significantly increased (bothP<0.01), and the CD3+CD8+ was increased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion can significantly increase the thymus index of gastric cancer-bearing rats and activate CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood.

Objective:To observe the lipid-lowering effect of different transdermal absorption enhancers applied to the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in hyperlipidemia model rabbits, and to explore the possible mechanism. Methods:Forty New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups using the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Rabbits in the blank group were fed routinely with normal diet; rabbits in the other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. Rabbits in the blank and the model groups were not treated. After the model was prepared, rabbits in the non-transdermal absorption enhancer group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion without transdermal absorption enhancer; rabbits in the laurocapram group and the borneol group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion with laurocapram or borneol respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, serum was collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the liver tissues were isolated for immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western-blotting (WB) detection. Results: Serum ELISA results showed that leptin was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the blank group (P＜0.05); compared with the model group, leptin was significantly increased in the non-transdermal absorption enhancer, the laurocapram and the borneol groups (all P＜0.05); compared with the non-transdermal absorption enhancer group, leptin was significantly increased in the laurocapram group and the borneol group (both P＜0.05); there was no significant difference in leptin between the laurocapram and the borneol groups (P＞0.05). The qPCR results of rabbit liver tissues showed that the mRNA expressions of leptin, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the model group were significantly lower than those in the blank group (all P＜0.05); compared with the model group, the mRNA expressions of leptin, leptin receptor (LR), JAK2 and STAT3 in the non-transdermal absorption enhancer, the laurocapram and the borneol groups were significantly increased (all P＜0.05); compared with the non-transdermal absorption enhancer group, the mRNA expressions of leptin, LR, JAK2 and STAT3 in the laurocapram and the borneol groups were significantly increased (all P＜0.05); compared with the laurocapram group, the mRNA expressions of leptin, LR, JAK2 and STAT3 in the borneol group were significantly increased (P＜0.05). The trend of immunohistochemistry and WB detection results was basically consistent with the qPCR assay results. The immunohistochemistry and WB detection results of phosphorylated JAK2 (phospho-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (phospho-STAT3) were basically consistent with those of JAK2 and STAT3. Conclusion: The molecular expression of Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in the hyperlipidemia model rabbits was decreased. The molecular expression of Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 pathway was significantly increased after the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion. The application of laurocapram and borneol, as transdermal absorption enhancers, in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion could more obviously up-regulate the factors of the Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 lipid-regulating pathway than the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion alone.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis and pathogenesis of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of spleen.

METHODSTen cases of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of spleen were retrieved from the archival file. Histochemical and immunohistochemical (EnVision method) studies were performed. Ultrastructural findings were also available in one of them.

RESULTSSclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation was characterized by micronodular appearance of vascular spaces lined by plump endothelial cells with interspersed ovoid spindle cells. Immunohistochemical study showed that the endothelial cells of vessels in the angiomatoid nodules had various expressions of immunologic phenotypes and could be mainly classified into 3 types: CD34(+)/CD31(+)/CD8⁻ endothelial cells of the capillaries, CD8(+)/CD31(+)/CD34⁻ lining cells of the sinusoids and CD31(+)/CD8⁻/CD34⁻ endothelial cells of the small veins. Collagen network and dilated lymphatic sinuses were evident under transmission electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONSSclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of spleen is a rare benign entity. It may represent a reactive condition and bears some relationship with splenic angioma. It needs to be distinguished from borderline or malignant vascular tumors of spleen.

Adult ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; CD8 Antigens ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hemangioendothelioma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hemangiosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; ultrastructure ; Humans ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Splenic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; ultrastructure

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship among intracellular glutathione S-transferase activity (GST), the expression of lung resistance-related proteins (LRP) in acute leukemia, and its clinical effects. METHODS: The GST activity of bone marrow mononuclear cells and LRP expression in 57 acute leukemia patients were detected by the spectrophotometry assay and immuno-cytochemistry (SABC), respectively. RESULTS: The GST activity of bone marrow mononuclear cells in the acute leukemia group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The GST activity of mononuclear cells in acute leukemia was positively correlated with the percentage of blast in the bone marrow (r = 0.30, P < 0.05). The GST activity of mononuclear cells in the untreated acute leukemia group was obviously higher than that of the complete remission group (P <0.01). The GST activity in the refractory or relapsed acute leukemia group was significantly higher than that of the complete remission group and untreated leukemia group (P <0.05). In post-chemotherapy 13 of 17 the LRP-positive patients were the non-remission, 12 of the 20 LRP-negative patients were the complete remission. The curative rate of the LRP-positive group was the significantly lower than the LRP-negative group (P < 0.05). The GST activities of non-remission patients in the LRP-positive and LRP-negative group obviously increased. CONCLUSION The increase of GST activity in the bone marrow mononuclear cells is related to the clinical curative effects and the proliferation of blast in acute leukemia. Detection of LRP and GST activities in acute leukemia may have a reference value in judging the leukemia with drug resistance and estimating the prognosis.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; Child ; Female ; Glutathione Transferase ; metabolism ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; metabolism ; Vault Ribonucleoprotein Particles ; biosynthesis

Objective: To observe the effects of laurocapram and borneol as transdermal penetration enhancers applied to herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on liver lipids, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase in hyperlipidemia rabbits.Methods: Forty New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups using the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Rabbits in the blank group were fed routinely with a normal diet; rabbits in the other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. Rabbits in the blank and the model groups were not given any intervention. After the model was prepared successfully, rabbits in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion without transdermal penetration enhancers; rabbits in the laurocapram group and the borneol group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion with laurocapram or borneol respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, the serum was isolated and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied for the detection of HSL and HMG-CoA reductase. The liver tissues were isolated, and total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were measured by enzymatic methods. One-step method was applied for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) detection, and transmission turbidimetry was for apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) detection. Results: The serum concentrations of the drugs in the laurocapram and the borneol groups were significantly higher than those in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group (both P<0.05); all drug penetrations in the borneol group were significantly higher than those in the laurocapram group (both P<0.05), except for tanshinone ⅡA. Compared with the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group, the HSL was significantly increased while the HMG-CoA reductase was significantly decreased in the laurocapram and the borneol groups (both P<0.05); between groups, the HSL in the borneol group was significantly higher than that in the laurocapram group (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the levels of LDL-C, TG, TC and Apo-B in rabbit liver were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the levels of LDL-C, TG, TC and Apo-B in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer, the laurocapram, and the borneol groups were significantly decreased (all P<0.05); between groups, the TG and TC in the laurocapram group and the LDL-C, TG, TC and Apo-B in the borneol group were significantly lower than those in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group (all P<0.05), and the TG, LDL-C and Apo-B in the borneol group were significantly lower than those in the laurocapram group (all P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the HDL-C and Apo-A1 were significantly decreased in the model group (both P<0.05), while compared with the model group, the HDL-C and Apo-A1 were significantly increased in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer, the laurocapram, and the borneol groups (all P<0.05). Between groups, the Apo-A1 in the laurocapram group, the HDL-C and Apo-A1 in the borneol group were significantly higher than those in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group (all P<0.05).Conclusion: The application of laurocapram and borneol, as transdermal penetration enhancers, in herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can promote the penetration of the drugs in the herbal cake, increase the levels of HDL-C and Apo-A1, improve the metabolism of HSL and HMG-CoA reductase, and also simultaneously reduce the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and Apo-B in the liver. The transdermal penetration enhancement effect of borneol is slightly better than or equivalent to that of laurocapram.

BACKGROUNDIn our previous study, we found that DAZAP2 was the most significantly down regulated gene when differential screening of complementary DNA (cDNA) chips were used to analyze mRNA isolated from bone marrow mononuclear cells from newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients without anticancer treatment. In this study, we observed DAZAP2 mRNA and protein expression in the mononuclear cells from MM bone marrow and investigated its role in the pathogenesis of MM.

METHODSThe full-length cDNA of DAZAP2 was cloned and sequenced from mononuclear cells from human bone marrow. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of DAZAP2 were analyzed using the ClustalW program. A dendrogram was constructed by multiple sequence alignment using ClustalW and amino acid sequence identity/similarity was derived based on comparisons attained using the MegAlign software. The recombinant pEGFP expression vector was constructed and the confocal microscopy was used for the localization of the DAZAP2 protein in transfected COS7 cells. The expression of DAZAP2 mRNA was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the expression level of DAZAP2 protein was detected by Western blotting analysis in MM samples.

RESULTSDAZAP2 proteins of vertebrates is highly conserved in evolution. It contains a proline-rich region, several potential SH2 and SH3 domain-binding motifs and a possible protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation site. We showed by confocal microscopy that the DAZAP2 protein predominantly resides in the cytoplasm with a discrete pattern of punctuated distribution. The expression of DAZAP2 was not detected in 24 of 36 MM samples by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In contrast, DAZAP2 expression was detected in all 30 normal controls. The expression level of DAZAP2 protein was assayed by Western blotting analysis, showing a robust down-regulation in MM patients (P < 0.001) that matched with the results of the RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONSDAZAP2 is downregulated in MM samples and it may be a signal molecule in MM cells. DAZAP2 is involved in the pathogenesis of MM and could be used as a genetic marker for MM.

Adult ; Aged ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Blotting, Western ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Multiple Myeloma ; etiology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; analysis ; chemistry ; genetics

Animals ; COS Cells ; Female ; Genetic Therapy ; Interleukin-12 ; genetics ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; immunology ; therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo study the pathologic features and immunophenotype of 3 cases of melanotic epithelioid clear cell tumor of kidney.

METHODSMore than 2000 cases of renal tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Three cases of melanotic epithelioid clear cell tumor were identified. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using the paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Electron microscopy was also performed in 1 case.

RESULTSAmongst the 3 cases studied, the male-to-female ratio is 1:2. Histologically, 2 cases showed a clear cell carcinoma-like pattern. Papillary structures covered by clear cells and eosinophilic cells were observed in 1 case. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells in all cases expressed HMB 45. Two of them were also positive for Melan A. The staining for epithelial markers and S-100 protein was negative. Melanosomes were not identified by ultrastructural examination.

CONCLUSIONSMelanotic epithelioid clear cell tumor is a rarely seen neoplasm of kidney. There are some histologic overlaps with renal cell carcinoma, epithelioid angiomyolipoma and melanoma. Immunohistochemical study is useful in confirming the diagnosis. The tumor represents a morphologic variant of epithelioid angiomyolipoma.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Angiomyolipoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Epithelioid Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; MART-1 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Melanoma-Specific Antigens ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDDefinitive treatment for heart attack is early reperfusion with either angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy, and the benefit is strictly time-dependent. Patient outcomes are improved with either therapy when initiated as soon as possible. Recognition of heart attack symptoms is logically tied to taking action to receive prompt emergency care. Inadequate knowledge of heart attack symptoms may prolong delay. The purpose of this study was to document knowledge about heart attack symptoms in Beijing residents and to identify the characteristics associated with increased knowledge of heart attack.

METHODSA structured survey was conducted in 18 communities in Beijing from March 1 through June 10 in 2006. Addresses and participants were selected randomly following a stratification. The survey was designed to collect knowledge of heart attack symptoms from sampled adults in each community.

RESULTSA total of 4627 respondents completed the questionnaires correctly, and 50.29% of them were female. Totally 64.15% of the respondents reported chest pain or discomfort (common symptoms) as a symptom of heart attack; 75.38% reported at least one of the following eight symptoms as a symptom of heart attack: back pain, shortness of breath, arm pain or numbness, nausea or vomiting, neck, jaw or shoulder pain, epigastric pain, sweating, weakness (less common symptoms); 20.36% correctly reported four or more heart attack symptoms, only 7.4% knew all the correct heart attack symptoms, and 28.94% knew about reperfusion therapy for heart attack; 31.7% reported to call 120 or 999 while having a heart attack themselves; however 89.6% reported to call 120 or 999 when someone else is suffering from a heart attack. Very old persons and those with health insurance coverage, high education level, high household income, longer living in Beijing and previous experience with heart disease had greater knowledge of heart attack symptoms.

CONCLUSIONSPublic knowledge of common heart attack symptoms as well as less common heart attack symptoms is deficient in Beijing residents. But their knowledge of calling emergency medical services when someone is having a heart attack is relatively adequate. Public health efforts are needed to increase the recognition of the major heart attack symptoms in both the general public and groups at high risk for an acute cardiac event, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups, including persons with low education level, low household income, and no health insurance coverage.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Knowledge ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; diagnosis ; Public Health ; Sex Characteristics ; Socioeconomic Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the gene mutation profile of primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) in neonates, and to provide a theoretical basis for early diagnosis and treatment, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis of PCD.

METHODSAcylcarnitine profile analysis was performed by tandem mass spectrometry using 34 167 dry blood spots on filter paper. The SLC22A5 gene was sequenced and analyzed in neonates with free carnitine (C0) levels lower than 10 μmol/L as well as their parents.

RESULTSIn the acylcarnitine profile analysis, a C0 level lower than 10 μmol/L was found in 10 neonates, but C0 level was not reduced in their mothers. The 10 neonates had 10 types of mutations at 20 different sites in the SLC22A5 gene, which included 4 previously unreported mutations: c.976C>T, c.919delG, c.517delC, and c.338G>A. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the four new mutations were associated with a risk of high pathogenicity.

CONCLUSIONSTandem mass spectrometry combined with SLC22A5 gene sequencing may be useful for the early diagnosis of PCD. Identification of new mutations enriches the SLC22A5 gene mutation profile.

Cardiomyopathies ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Carnitine ; deficiency ; genetics ; Computational Biology ; Genetic Counseling ; Humans ; Hyperammonemia ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Infant, Newborn ; Muscular Diseases ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Mutation ; Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5 ; genetics ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry