OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and its mechanism. METHODS: Primary HSCs isolated from SD rats were cultured and treated with different concentrations (1, 3 or 10micromol/L) of ADMA for various periods (12 approximately 48h). Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and synthesis of type-I collagens in HSC were determined. Messenger RNA levels of the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta(1)) in the HSCs were determined using RT-PCR. Intracellular reactive oxidant species (ROS) production was measured using oxidant-sensitive fluorescent indicator. Activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS: ADMA could increase alpha-SMA-positive cells ratio and Type I collagens production of HSCs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, concomitant with the increase of the TGF-beta(1) mRNA level. Treatment with ADMA (10micromol/L) significantly increased the intracellular ROS production and activated NF-kappaB. Such effects of ADMA on the level of TGF-beta(1) mRNA could be markedly attenuated by pretreatment with antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (25micromol/L). CONCLUSION ADMA can induce the HSC activation by increasing TGF-beta(1) expression through ROS-NF-kappaB-dependent pathway. Therefore, ADMA should be a novel and endogenous activator of HSC, which may be involved in the development of liver fibrosis.
Actins ; biosynthesis ; Animals ; Arginine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the different effect on the expression of Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)and neuropeptide Y (NPY) between tissue engineered bone with vascular bundle graft in vivo and that with sensory nerve tract graft in vivo.

METHODThirty-six healthy New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups randomly and equally: vascular bundle group (A), sensory nerve tract group (B), tissue-engineering group (C). Group A segmental bone defect of 1.5 cm long was made at the right femur in each animal. After plate fixation, the defects were implanted respectively with the engineered bone prepared in the above-mentioned 3 methods. At 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively, the distribution of CGRP and NPY in the new bone were detected by immunohistochemistry and analyzed semi-quantitatively by image analysis software.

RESULTSCGRP and NPY immuno-histochemical results indicated their contents increased significantly in all 3 groups as time passed (P = 0.000). Compared with group B, the contents of CGRP and NPY in group A significantly increased at 3 months (P = 0.000), but there was no statistic difference between them at 6 or 12 months (P > 0.05). The expression of CGRP and NPY in both group A and B were significantly more than that in group C at 3, 6 or 12 months (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONImplantation of vascular bundle into tissue-engineered bone can significantly improve the CGRP and NPY contents at early 3 months comparing with Implantation of sensory tract into tissue-engineered bone, but the changes are not significant at 6 or 12 months post-operatively.

Animals ; Blood Vessels ; transplantation ; Bone Substitutes ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Femur ; injuries ; Male ; Neuropeptide Y ; metabolism ; Peripheral Nerves ; transplantation ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Tissue Engineering

OBJECTIVETo determine the mechanism of pseudo-tears of the lateral meniscus caused by the transverse geniculate ligament (TL) and the miniscofemoral ligament(MFL) and to investigate a method to differentiate pseudo-tears from true tear of the lateral meniscus.

METHODSForm June 2012 to February 2014, MR examinations of 72 knees (44 left knees and 28 right knees) without tear of the lateral meniscus verified by arthroscopy were performed in the sagittal and coronal plane. There were 41 males and 31 females in the group, with an average age of 33.7 years old (ranged from 25 to 61). The MR appearance of the TL and the MFL was carefully observed.

RESULTSThere existed fatty tissue in the gap between the TL and the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus and its central tendinous attachment. On the sagittal images, the fatty tissue formed a linear high-signal cleft between the TL and the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. This might be mistaken as an oblique tear within the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. It was called as pseudo-tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. In sagittal plane, the MFL was identified as a circle-like or short stick-like area of low signal intensity anterior or posterior to the posterior cruciateligament. Nevertheless, a belt-shaped area of low signal intensity from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to lateral facet of the medial femoral condyle was identified in the coronal plane. A linear area of high signal intensity between the MFL and the lateral meniscus was found in sagittal plane, which might be mistaken as an oblique tear within the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. It was called pseudo-tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. The occurrence rate of the TL was 34.7% (25/72). The prevaleribe of pseudo-tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus was 18 cases. The shape of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus was regular, and the course of the pseudo-tears cleft was oblique. The occurrence rate of the MFL was 73.6% (53/72), which included the anterior MFL 23.6% (17/72), the posterior MFL 70.8% (51/72) and the two ligaments coexisted 16.7% (12/72). The prevalence of pseudo-tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was 25 cases. All observed pseudo-tears had either in posteroinferiorly oblique direction (19/25) or in vertical direction (6/25).

CONCLUSIONBased on the location and direction of pseudo-tears and observation in the continuous sagittal plane and the coronal plane, pseudo-tears is easily differentiated from the true tear of the lateral meniscus

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Knee Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Menisci, Tibial ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries

OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnostic value of 3D-indirectmagnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in detecting meniscustears of the knees.

METHODSForm January 2013 to January 2014, routine plain MR of the knees followed by the 3D-indirect MR arthrography was performed in 42 patients with suspected meniscal tears clinically. There were 31 males and 11 females, with an average age of 38.4 years old (ranged, 21 to 67 years old). The duration of the course ranged from 2 h to 15 d. The clinical symptom was knee pain. All the patients got subsequently arthroscopic examination or operation. The sensitivity and specificity of routine plain MR and 3D-indirect MR arthrography were compared based on the results of arthroscopic examination or operation.

RESULTSThe signal intensity in the area of meniscal tears on image of 3D-indirect MR arthrography was obviously higher than that of routine plain MR. The sensitivity of 3D-indirect MR arthrography was 85.79% (87/102), while the routine plain MR was 52.94% (54/102), and the specificity improved from 67.78%(61/90) to 86.67%(78/90). The difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 25.90, P < 0.01; χ2 = 9.13, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIn comparison with the routine plain MR findings, 3D-indirect MR arthrography demonstrates meniscus tears of the knee with the better sensitivity and specificity.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthrography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Knee Injuries ; diagnosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries

Objective To study the expression and the relation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)and matrix metal proteinase-2(MMP-2)in rectal cancer and evaluate their roles in rectal carcinogen- esis and development.Methods The expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in 52 cases of rectal cancer was de- tected by immunohistochemical SP technique.12 cases normal rectal tissue served as the control group.Re- suits The expression of VEGF in rectal carcinoma(67.3 %)was much higher than that in control group(P

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the cause of disease, treatment and therapeutic effect in patients with rhegmatogenous retina detachment (RRD) combined with non-secondary glaucoma. METHODS: Clinical data of 28 patients with RRD combined with primary or congenital glaucoma were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five out of the 28 patients succeeded with one operation (89.3%). The intraocular pressure of post-operation:on the 1st day was 10 approximately 46 (28.1+/-6.5) mmHg, on the 7th day was (18.9+/-7.2) mmHg, and on the last re-examination day was (17.6+/-6.2) mmHg. Anti-glaucoma operation was performed in 10 patients after the retinal operation. Chroidal hemorrhage was found in 2 patients and 2 chroidal exudations were found after the retinal operation. CONCLUSION The proportion of primary open angle glaucoma is higher than that of primary angle closure glaucoma, and trauma or surgery before the retinal operation is an important cause in glaucoma patients with RRD. There is no obvious difference in the ratio of surgical success between non-secondary glaucoma with RRD and those RRD patients without glaucoma. Vitreotomy+ silicon oil injection or drainage of subretinal fluid+air injection+cryocoagulation+explants is recommended. Chroid is easily involved. It is important to control the intraocular pressure during and after the surgery. The final visual acuity is rather poor, which may be related to the glaucoma and intraocular pressure.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Glaucoma ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retinal Detachment ; complications ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Acuity ; Vitrectomy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis viruses in human population of Ganso province.

METHODSELISA was used for detecting anti-HAY IgG, HBsAg/HBsAb, anti-HCV IgG and anti-HEV IgG of the serum samples. All sample were collected in four areas of KL, LT, HN and ZhL of Gansu province in 2008.

RESULTS1977 samples were detected, The positive rates of anti-HAY, HBsAg/HBsAh, anti-HCV, and anti-HEY are 84.57% (1672/1977), 4.81% (95/1977) and 28.73% (568/1977), 0.46% (9/1977),and 13.10% (259/1977), respectively. The positive rate at different age group, for anti-HAY was 43.21% of c 9 years old, 80.23% of 10-19 years old, 93.02% of 20-29 years old, 95.55% of 30-39 years old, 95.60%-97.52% of 40-60 years old. For HBsAg/HBsAb were 2.09% or 29.27%, 3.02% or 21.81%, 6.20% or 36.43%, 5.93% or 31.16%, 6.43% or 3l.43%, 7.32% or 24.88%, 3.33% or 28.89% at the same age group, respectively, for anti-HCV, was 0.59% of 30-39 years old, 1.79% of 40-49 years old, 0.98% of 50-59 years old. For HEY-IgG was 3.48% of < or =9 years old, 6.05% of 10-19 years old, 8.53% of 20-29 years old, 19.29%-21.67% of 30- > or =60 years old.

CONCLUSIONSThe inoculation againt HAY and HBY is enhanced in the youngster population. HBsAg carrier and UCY infection is decreasing. The HEY infection in the Hid people is lower than the Han nationality.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Hepatitis A ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis B ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis C ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis E ; blood ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo determine the contents of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) in pancreatic cancer to provide a basis for the clinical use of capecitabine in pancreatic cancer patients.

METHODSThe contents of TP and DPD in pancreatic cancer and adjacent normal tissues from 20 patients were determined by ELISA and the TP to DPD ratios in the cancer and adjacent normal tissue were compared.

RESULTSTP content was 5- to 283-fold higher in tumor tissue (mean 74-fold) than in the adjacent normal tissue (P < 0.01). DPD in the cancer tissue increased significantly. So did the TP to DPD ratio, when compared to that in normal pancreatic tissue (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe increased TP to DPD ratio in pancreatic cancer suggests that capecitabine could be activated by the cancer, these capable of selectively kill the tumor cells.

Dihydrouracil Dehydrogenase (NADP) ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Pancreas ; enzymology ; Pancreatectomy ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; enzymology ; surgery ; Thymidine Phosphorylase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the biological features and the treatment efficacy and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia subtype M2 (AML-M2) patients with chromosome 8 and 21 translocation.

METHODSBy using Cox regression model and Kaplan-Meier analyses, prognostic factors in 54 cases of de novo adult AML with t(8;21) in our institute from 1990 to 2003 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTThe complete remission (CR) rates were 81.9% for all M2 patients, 82.4% for patients with normal karyotype, 88.5% for patients with t(8;21) [P > 0.05 for normal karyotype vs t(8;21)], 100.0% for 28 patients with t(8;21) alone and 75.0% for 24 patients with additional chromosome abnormalities (P < 0.01). The actuarial 3 year overall survival(OS) was 26% for M2 patients with normal karyotype, 25% for patients with t(8;21) [P > 0.05 for normal karyotype vs t(8;21)], in whole t(8;21) group, 46.4% for patients with t(8;21) alone and 0% for patients with additional chromosome abnormalities (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors showed that chromosome abnormalities besides t(8;21) was the only factor affecting CR, disease-free survival (DFS) and OS. DFS of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and intermediate-dose cytarabine/high dose cytarabine (IDAC) groups were better than the group received routine dose cytarabine as postremission therapy (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAML with t(8;21) is not a single defined AML subset, and patients with additional chromosome abnormalities have a worse prognosis. HSCT and IDAC could improve the outcome. HSCT is the best choice for patients with high risks, especially with additional chromosome abnormalities.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 ; genetics ; Female ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; genetics ; surgery ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Translocation, Genetic

For obtaining new structural compounds with unique resistance profiles or novel mechanisms of action on HIV-1 from natural products, anti-HIV-1 drug screening models were used in vitro. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative from cantharidin, was found to have inhibitory activities on HIV-1(IIIB) p24 antigen in lymphocyte lines MT-4, CEM and H9. It inhibited HIV-1 strain 018a (sensitive to zidovudine) from replicating with EC50 (50% effective concentration) of 14.9 micromol L(-1) and also inhibited HIV-1 strain 018c (resistant to zidovudine) from replicating with EC50 of 20.2 micromol L(-1) in primary lymphocytes peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Norcantharidin showed synergistic activity with zidovudine on HIV-1(IIIB) in MT-4 cells, the combination index was less than 0.3. But, it was not active on HIV-1 integrase, reverse transcriptase or protease in vitro. As the structure of norcantharidin is unique and different from that of all clinic drugs approved, it would be possible to obtain new and effective compounds against HIV-1 with low toxicities after modification of norcantharidin.
Anti-HIV Agents ; pharmacology ; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; Drug Synergism ; HIV Core Protein p24 ; metabolism ; HIV Integrase ; metabolism ; HIV-1 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; virology ; Peptide Hydrolases ; metabolism ; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; virology ; Virus Replication ; Zidovudine ; pharmacology