Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes and clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1,MMP-3,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP),interleukin (IL)-1,tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods Thirty-two JIA subjects and 28 controls (traumatic arthritis patients) were included into this study.The MMP-1,MMP-3,TIMP,IL-1,TNF-α and TGF-β level in the serum and synovia were assessed by ELISA.The WBC count,the level of CRP,ESR,RF were also detected.Independent t-test and Pearson's analysis were adopted for data analysis.Results ① The level of MMP-1,MMP-3,IL-1 and TNF-α in the serum was (158±67) ng/ml,(212±89) ng/ml,(39±19) pg/ml,(26±10) pg/ml respectively,which was significantly higher than that of the control group (all P＜0.05) ; the ratio of MMP-3/TIMP-1 (0.86±0.32) was higher in the study group than that of the control group (P＜0.05),while the value of TIMP-1,TGF-β was (248±88),(17±9) ng/ml respectively,which was lower than that of the control group (P＜0.05).The value of seral MMP-3,MMP-3/TIMP-1 was positively correlated with that of WBC,CRP,ESR in the JIA group (all P＜0.05).② The value of MMP-1,MMP-3,IL-1 and TNF-α in the synovia was (216±78) ng/nl,(766±291)ng/ml,(56±21) pg/ml,(36±14) pg/ml respectively,which was higher than that of the control group (all P＜0.05); the ratio of MMP-3/TlMP-1 (2.68±0.89) was higher than that of the control group (P＜0.05),while the value of TIMP-1,TGF-β was (286±88) ng/ml,(12±4) ng/ml respectively,which was lower than that of the control group (all P＜0.05).③ The value of MMP-1,MMP-3,TIMP-1,IL-1 and TNF-α in the synovia was higher than that in the serum (all P＜0.05),while the value of TGF-β was lower than that in the serum (P＜0.05).Conclusion The value of MMP-1,MMP-3,IL-1 and TNF-α increases both in the serum and synovia,while the value of TIMP-1 decreases.The value of TGF-β decreases,which may have protective effect on JIA.The ratio of MMP-3/TIMP-1 in the serum is positively correlated to inflammation parameters,which may be used to judge the activity of illness in JIA.

Mitral valve disease is one of the most popular heart valve diseases. Precise positioning and displaying of the valve characteristics is necessary for the minimally invasive mitral valve repairing procedures. This paper presents a multi-resolution elastic registration method to compute the deformation functions constructed from cubic B-splines in three dimensional ultrasound images, in which the objective functional to be optimized was generated by maximum likelihood method based on the probabilistic distribution of the ultrasound speckle noise. The algorithm was then applied to register the mitral valve voxels. Numerical results proved the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Algorithms ; Heart Valve Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Likelihood Functions ; Mitral Valve ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Patient Positioning ; Probability ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of Rho/Rho kinase of cardiac muscle in heart failure rats caused by pressure overload and the effects of fasudil on heart failure.

METHODSThe heart failure models were successfully induced by coarctation of ascending aorta after 20 weeks in this study. Thirty female Wistar operated rats were divided randomly into three groups (n = 10) for 4 week treatment. (1) Sham operation group: normal saline, 0.1 ml, i.p,Bid. (2) Heart failure group: normal saline, 0.1 ml,i.p,Bid. (3) Fasudil group: fasudil 5 mg/kg, i.p, Bid. The hemodynamic parameters, the ratio of LV weight to body weight, the expressions of RhoA and Rho kinase mRNA, and the concentration of calcium ion same as [Ca(2+)](i) were investigated in the three groups.

RESULTSHemodynamic parameters were significantly changed in heart failure group than those in sham operation group, such as left ventricular diastolic end pressure increased [(13.00 +/- 0.30) mm Hg vs (3.78 +/- 0.31) mm Hg, P < 0.01], left ventricular systolic pressure decreased [(97.20 +/- 7.21) mm Hg vs (129.45 +/- 7.52) mm Hg, P < 0.01]. Those results could be significantly changed by use of fasudil, P < 0.01. The ratio of LV weight to body weight was significantly increased in heart failure group than that in sham operation group [(4.77 +/- 0.08) mg/g vs (2.51 +/- 0.12) mg/g, P < 0.01]. Fasudil could significantly decrease the ratio of LV weight to body weight compared with that in heart failure group [(4.05 +/- 0.08) mg/g vs (4.77 +/- 0.08) mg/g, P < 0.01]. Cardiac muscle RhoA, Rho kinase mRNA level and [Ca(2+)](i) were higher in heart failure group than those in sham operation group [Ca(2+)](i) (475.93 +/- 28.22) nmol/L vs (79.25 +/- 3.33) nmol/L, P < 0.01. Compared with those in heart failure group, the expressions of RhoA, Rho kinase mRNA level decreased significantly, P < 0.01, and the levels of cardiomyocyte [Ca(2+)](i) had no change in fasudil group [(462.78 +/- 16.72) nmol/L vs (475.93 +/- 28.22) nmol/L, P > 0.05].

CONCLUSIONSThese results indicated that heart failure was probably related to activating of RhoA, Rho kinase. Fasudil may contribute to the observed beneficial effects on heart failure such as the decrease of RhoA, Rho kinase mRNA expression and not increase of [Ca(2+)](i) level. Rho/Rho kinase may be a novel, potent signaling of heart failure.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Female ; Heart Failure ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; rho-Associated Kinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the inhibitory effect of Tongxinluo (TXL) on coronary vaso spasm in small swine in vivo, and to investigate its possible acting mechanism.

METHODSThe model of coronary atherosclerosis in 16 male small swines was established by left thoracotomy after anesthesia, isolated the sections of left anterio-descending branch and proximal end of rotator branch with similar outer diameter, and encapsulated them with paper-towel holding 2.5 microg interleukin-1beta. Two weeks later, the condition of coronary vasospasm induced by catheter intra-coronary injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 10 microg/kg) was observed through coronary artery contrast examination. The 12 swines with successfully formed coronary vaso spasm were randomly divided into 2 groups, the TXL group and the control group. They were fed with special diet, but TXL 1 g/(kg d) was administered additionally to the TXL group for 4 weeks. The observation on coronary vasospasm was repeated 1 week after discontinuation of TXL treatment, then the animals were sacrificed, their vascular sections enclosed with IL-1beta was taken to conduct the pathologic examination and to detect the expressions of Rho kinase mRNA and its substrate myosin- binding subunit phosphorylation (MBS-P) by RT-PCR and Western blot method.

RESULTSCoronary artery contrast showed that local coronary stenosis occurred in the 12 model swines to different extents (20% - 30%, and vascular spasm on them could be induced by 5-HT. At the time of repeating examination, 11 vascular sections in the control group still maintain their positive spasm reaction to 5-HT, but only 2 in the TXL group did so, the reaction turned to negative in 1 and 10 in the two groups respectively. Pathological examination showed that different degrees of macrophage aggregation could be found in both groups. The degree of lumen stricture and endometrial hyperplasia in the TXL group was obviously attenuated than those in the control group. The expressions of Rho kinase mRNA and MBS-P in the control group were up-regulated obviously. As compared with those in the control group, they were inhibited significantly in the TXL group, as (71.5 +/- 2.4) vs (98.2 +/- 7.7)% and 16,633 +/- 1,390 vs 25,818 +/- 4,745, respectively (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTXL could obviously inhibit the coronary intimal hyperplasia mediated by IL-1beta and coronary vasospasm induced by 5-HT, one of its mechanisms is possibly the inhibition on the intracellular Rho kinase mRNA expression in the IL-1beta enclosed vascular section to decrease the level of MBS-P.

Animals ; Coronary Vasospasm ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Serotonin ; adverse effects ; Swine ; rho-Associated Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism

AIMTo discuss the effect of Pitavastatin on angiogenesis in vivo and its mechanism in Klotho heterozygous deficient mice.

METHODSThe heterozygous deficient Klotho mice (kl +/-) and wild mice (kl +/+) from the same litter were used to establish the animal model of hind-limb ischemia and grouped into control and Pitavastatin group, respectively. Hind-limb blood flow was evaluated using Laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI) before treatment and after operation of hind-limbs. The capillaries in muscle of limbs were counted by means of CD-31 labeled immuno-fluorescence. The phosphorylation of Akt (Protein kinase B) in cells was measured by direct immunohistochemical technique. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in muscle of limbs was assessed using Western blotting.

RESULTSAfter treatment of Pitavastatin, the blood flow in ischemic limbs of the Kl +/- and wild mice improved obviously, the ratio of blood flow area in ischemic limb to that in non-ischemic limb increased and the density of capillaries increased in ischemic limbs of the Kl +/- and wild mice. Pitavastatin enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt and the expression of VEGF in ischemic limbs of the Kl +/- and wild mice.

CONCLUSIONPitavastatin has the pro-angiogenesis effect in vivo and the VEGF-p-Akt-NO pathway may be involved in the mechanism of the effect of Pitavastatin.

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Heterozygote ; Ischemia ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; Quinolines ; pharmacology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEVasoconstriction and vascular hypersensitivity to serotonin were previously shown in animal models of adventitia injury. We investigated the contribution of angiotensin II (AngII)/AngII receptors and oxidative stress to vascular contractility and reactivity in this model.

METHODSWistar Kyoto rats were divided into 3 groups: normal (n = 6, no any intervention, only for measuring the serum AngII concentration), vehicle (n = 12, collared), and valsartan (n = 12, collared + valsartan 30 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1)). After one week of treatment, adventitia injury was induced by positioning a silicone collar around the right carotid artery for one week. Blood flow and vascular reactivity to serotonin were determined one week after injury, the blood from left ventricle was taken to measure the serum AngII concentration by ELISA, and carotids were harvested for morphometry and Western blot analysis.

RESULTSAdventitia injury induced lumen cross-sectional area reduction (-44% vs. -5%), media diameter increase (62% vs. 10%), blood flow reduction [(2.79 ± 0.22) vs. (4.33 ± 0.84) ml/min] were significantly attenuated by valsartan. The increased vascular reactivity sensitivity to serotonin in vehicle group was also significantly reduced in valsartan group. Serum AngII concentration was significantly increased in vehicle group [(45.21 ± 4.52) pg/ml vs. (19.83 ± 0.5) pg/ml in normal rats, P = 0.0148] and the expression of AngII type 1 (AT(1)) receptor, AngII type 2 (AT(2)) receptor, as well as p22(phox) in collared arteries were significantly upregulated. Valsartan did not affect the AT(1) receptor expression but further increased serum AngII concentration [(89.73 ± 20.44) pg/ml vs. (45.21 ± 4.52) pg/ml, P = 0.001], and AT(2) receptor expression, while downregulated p22(phox) expressions.

CONCLUSIONSCollar-induced adventitia injury resulted in chronic vasoconstriction and vascular hypersensitivity to serotonin via increased serum AngII level, upregulated AngII receptors expression in the vascular well, and activated local oxidative stress. These changes could be blocked by valsartan suggesting a crucial role of AngII/AngII receptors on vascular contractility and reactivity changes in this model.

Angiotensin II ; metabolism ; Animals ; Carotid Arteries ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Connective Tissue ; pathology ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Receptors, Angiotensin ; metabolism ; Tetrazoles ; pharmacology ; Valine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Valsartan ; Vasoconstriction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the distribution of deep inferior epigastric perforator vessel and application of the expanded perforator flap for large scar on hand and forearm.

METHODS20 healthy adults were selected to detect the distribution of deep inferior epigastric perforator vessel. 10 cases with cicatricial constriction on hand and forearm were treated with expanded perforator flap.

RESULTS425 perforator points were detected on the skin surface of abdomen in 20 adults. 80% of the points are located within the area which is 1.1 -5.8 cm far from the mid-line of abdomen. According to the Rand method, the percentage of the points in zone I , II , III were 26%, 43%, and 30%, respectively. There were few points in zone IV. The area around navel had a high density of points. The points were distributed asymmetrically at the two sides of abdomen. 10 cases were treated. Vascular deficiency happened at the distal end of one flap. All the other 9 flaps survived.

CONCLUSIONSThe expanded deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is thin and has a large size. It is very suitable for large scar on forearm or hand.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Burns ; complications ; Contracture ; etiology ; surgery ; Epigastric Arteries ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Tissue Expansion ; Young Adult

To clear the effect of the wound to the growth of the larva of the host to the Ophiocordyceps sinensis, the wounds of same severity at the same position were made artificially to the larva and which were artificial fed at the same environment and condition. The results indicated that, over the winter, the survival rate of the wounded of the infection larva was lower than that of the healthy larva, but the weight had no significant difference between the wounded and the healthy larva. The survival rate of the wounded of the no infection larva was lower than that of the healthy larva, but except with black skin, the wounded larva with offwhite and dusty red had no influence on the variety of the weight. In summery, wound had no advantage to the survival rate, but had no influence to the weight. The result had provided theoretical basis to the reforming of the system of the artificial culture O. sinensis.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Breeding ; methods ; Hypocreales ; growth & development ; Larva ; Moths ; growth & development ; microbiology

OBJECTIVEWe investigated the effects of pitavastatin on angiogenesis and perfusion in C3H/He mice with unilateral hind limb ischemia.

METHODSC3H/He mice treated with saline (n = 15) or pitavastatin (1 mg.kg(-1).d(-1), n = 15) per gavage for 1 week underwent unilateral hind limb ischemia surgery and were treated for another 5 weeks. Hind-limb blood flow was measured by Laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI, ischemic/nonischemic limb, %) at baseline, immediately after ischemia and weekly thereafter for 5 weeks. Endpoints included local vessel counts by immunofluorescence, phospho-Akt positive cell counts by immunoenzyme histochemical technique, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) expression in ischemic limbs by Western blot and serum nitric oxide metabolite (NOx) by chrome dioxide Griess method.

RESULTSLower extremity perfusion was significantly improved in pitavastatin treated mice vs. controls as measured by LDPI% at 1 week post ischemia and thereafter (P < 0.05). Pitavastatin treatment was associated with significantly increased capillary count [(47 +/- 11) vs. (26 +/- 14)/per high-power field (x 200), P < 0.05] and greater percentage of phospho-Akt positive cells [(6 +/- 1) vs. (2 +/- 0)/per high-power field (x 200), P < 0.05] in ischemic limbs. Serum NOx [(77.3 +/- 21.8) vs. (52.1 +/- 11.2) mol/L, P < 0.05) and VEGF protein expression in ischemic limbs were also significantly increased in pitavastatin group than those in control group.

CONCLUSIONSPitavastatin enhances angiogenesis and perfusion in CsH/He mice with limb ischemia.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ischemia ; physiopathology ; Lower Extremity ; blood supply ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C3H ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Quinolines ; pharmacology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors ; metabolism

UNLABELLEDTo study the effects of the integrated pest control techniques on growth of host larvae of Cordyceps sinensis.

METHODThe integrated pest control techniques were compared with conventional techniques to evaluate the effects on growth of host larvae.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe results showed that the techniques had broken the balance of the microbial living in the material, produced effective inhibition on the pests, raised the survival rate and promoted the growth of the host larvae at the same time.

Animals ; Cordyceps ; physiology ; Larva ; growth & development ; microbiology ; Moths ; growth & development ; microbiology ; Pest Control, Biological ; methods