Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Phytotherapy

This article was aimed to study the correlation between iron content inCornus officinalis leaves and its yield as well as quality. The method of microwave digestion atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the content of iron element inCornus officinalis leaves. HPLC was used to determine the content of loganin and ursolic acid in fruits. Correlation analysis was made among the content of iron element, yield of fruits, loganin and ursolic acid in fruits. The results showed that iron element in leaves of different yield level cornus officinalis was different. It also had some correlation with yield and quality of fruits. It was concluded that the research can improve relations of source-sink inCornus ofifcinalis, adjust source-sink balance, guide farmers to master the period of spraying iron fertilizer, and increase production and quality ofCornus ofifcinalis.

Objective To evaluate the significance of ST/TP relative value in electrocardiogram in diagnosis of hypocalcemia.Methods ST/TP relative value in electrocardiogram in 61 children with hypocalcemia and 31 normal children were detected by NIHOH KOHDEN CardiofaxQ ECG-9130P electrocardiogram machine designed by Japanese futian company.Calcium ion was checked out by clinic electrolyte equipment.Results There was significant difference of ST/TP relative value between patients with hypocalcemia and normal children(P

Objective To analyze the CT findings of melamine induced urinary calculi.Methods Nineteen children with a history of ingestion of melamine contaminated infant formula milk were studied, including 12 males and 7 females, age ranged from 50 days to 5 years.Results CT demonstrated renal pelvic and ureteral stones in 13 cases, with urinary obstruction in 9 of them.The size of the stones ranged from 0.3 cm × 0.3 cm to stag-horn calculus.The density of the stones measured from a low of 40-70 HU up to a high of 410 HU with an average density of 160 HU.Conclusion CT scan is an excellent modality in demonstrating urinary tract calculi caused by melamine. It is the method of choice when ultrasound examinations are equivocal.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue factor (TF) secreted by cultured monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM) from patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in vitro, and to evaluate the intervenient effect of puerarin (Pur) on them.

METHODSA total of 40 patients were enrolled, including 12 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 16 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 12 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP). Besides, 8 healthy subjects with normal coronary arteriograph were set as controls. Monocytes acquired from their peripheral blood were incubated for 48 h and induced to differentiate into macrophages by phorbolester 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), the contents of MMP-9 and TF in supernatant were assayed, and the relationship of them with patients' age, risk factors of CHD and coronary artery lesion scores were analyzed. HMDMs randomly from selected 12 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were arranged for observing the intervenient effects of different concentrations of Pur on the levels and activity of MMP-9 and TF.

RESULTSThe levels of MMP-9 and TF in UAP and AMI patients were significantly higher than those in SAP patients and healthy subjects (P < 0.01), but no statistical correlation was found between levels of MMP-9 and TF with different CHD risk factors, as well as patients' age and coronary artery lesion scores. The levels and activity of MMP-9 and TF in the 12 ACS patients were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner after Pur intervention when compared with the controt group.

CONCLUSIONThe levels of MMP-9 and TF secreted in vitro by HMDM from CHD patients could be taken as indexes for evaluating patient's condition of ACS. Pur can inhibit the expression and the activity of MMP-9 and TF secreted by HMDM, stabilize the plaque and improve the vulnerability of blood to certain extent.

Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Coronary Disease ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; secretion ; Monocytes ; pathology ; Thromboplastin ; secretion ; Vasodilator Agents ; therapeutic use

Objective To investigate the effects of intrathecal morphine remote preconditioning (MRPC) on protein-serine-threonine kinases-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Akt/eNOS) signaling pathways and cardiac myocyte apoptosis in rats.Methods Male SD rats weighing 280-320 g were used in this study.A needle was inserted through a surgically created hole into the sub-dural space of spinal cord.Thirty-six rats in which intrathecal needle was successfully placed without complication were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =12 in each).In group Ⅰ sham operation was performed (Sham).In group Ⅱ myocardial I/R was produced (I/R).In group Ⅲ morphine was given intrathecally in 3 repeated doses of 1 μg/kg at 5 min intervals before ischemia (MRPC).Myocardial I/R was produced by occlusion of left anterior descending branch (LAD) of coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion.The animals were then sacrificed and hearts removed for measurement of area at risk (AAR) and infarct size area (IS).IS/AAR ratio was calculated.Myocardial apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and apoptotic index (the number of apoptotic myocardial cells/the total number of myocardial cells) was calculated.The levels of Akt,phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and eNOS was determined by Western blot.Results The infarct size,myocardial cell apoptotic index and pAkt level were higher and eNOS level was significantly lower in I/R group than those in group Sham (P ＜ 0.01).MRPC significantly reduced the infarct size and myocardial cell apoptotic index,and pAkt and eNOS level up-regulated in group RMPC compared with group I/R (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Akt/eNOS signaling pathways probably participate in the protective effects of intrathecal morphine remote preconditioning against myocardial I/R injury and myocardial cell apoptosis in rats.

BACKGROUND:Cytokines and neurotrophic factors secreted from human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells secrete have neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, but there are few reports about intranasal administration of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cellconditioned medium in the treatment of stroke.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effects of intranasal administration of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium on neurologic function of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
METHODS:Adult rats were subjected to 2 hours of right middle cerebral artery occlusion and the human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from the postpartum human cord. We made the conditioned medium of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Ischemic rats were randomized and assigned to three groups and were treated by intranasal routine starting 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion with:(1) saline for control group;(2) Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium/Ham’s nutrient mixture F-12 medium for medium control group;(3) conditioned medium treatment group (10mL/kg) daily for 14 days. Behavioral tests (foot fault test, and modified Neurological Severity Score) were performed before and at 1, 7, 14 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no difference in the behavioral tests among the three groups at postoperatively 1 day (P>0.05). Compared to the control and medium control group rats, respectively, rats in the conditioned medium group significantly improved functional outcome after stroke in days 7 and 14 (P<0.05). There was also no significant difference in functional tests between the control group and medium control group in days 7 and 14 (P>0.05). These results suggest that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium via intranasal administration can significantly improve neurologic functional outcome after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

AIM: To investigate the effect of hypercapnia on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and the changes of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and extracellular matrix collagen cross-links in the rat.METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normoxia group, hypoxia group, hypercapnia group and hypoxia+hypercapnia group.LOX activity was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry.LOX protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The mRNA expression of LOX in the pulmonary artery was detected by real-time PCR.RESULTS: The levels of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), RV/(LV+S) and WA/TA in hypoxia group were significantly higher than those in normoxia group (P<0.01).Moreover, the levels of mPAP and RV/(LV+S) in hypoxia+hypercapnia group were significantly lower than those in hypoxia group (P<0.01).However, no significant difference of mPAP and RV/(LV+S) between hypercapnia group and normoxia group was observed.In hypoxia group, the collagen cross-links in the lung tissue was significantly higher than that in normoxia group and hypercapnia group (P<0.01).Importantly, collagen cross-links in the lung tissue of hypoxia+hypercapnia group was significantly lower than that in hypoxia group (P<0.01).There was no significant difference in collagen cross-links between hypercapnia group and normoxia group.The expression of LOX at mRNA and protein levels and its activity in the pulmonary arteries of hypoxia group were significantly increased as compared with normoxia group (P<0.01).Furthermore, the expression of LOX at mRNA and protein levels and its activity in the pulmonary arteries in hypoxia+hypercapnia group were lower than those in hypoxia group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Hypoxia not only up-regulates LOX but also promotes collagen cross-linking in the rat lung, which contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension.Hypercapnia inhibits hypoxia-induced LOX expression and collagen cross-linking, therefore impairing the progress in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Background Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an important cause of visual impairment and graft rejection after allograft corneal transplantation in inflammatory corneal diseases. The mechanisms and therapy relating to CNV are intensely investigated at all times. Objective This study was to evaluate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on CNV induced by alkali cauterization and its mechanism. Methods The animal models of corneal neovasculation were induced in the right eyes in 72 Sprayue-Dawley rats by putting a piece of 3 mmfilter paper with 1 mol/L NaOH at the center of the cornea for 30 seconds. The rats were then divided randomly into the 0.02 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,0.03 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,model group (24 rats) and normal group (6 rats). EPA of 0.04 ml with doses of 0.02 mg or 0. 03 mg or saline solution of 0. 04 ml was injected subconjunctivally in model rats and immediately after cauterization. The presence of CNV and corneal edema were observed daily by slit lamp biomicroscope. 1,4,7 and 14 days after operation, corneal histopathological examination was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The vascular endothelial cells were stained with CD34 by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of IL-1α,IL-6 mRNA and the nuclear factor-κBp65 ( NF-κBp65 ) proteins was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The use of animals complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by Hebei Province( version 1998 ). Results Under the slit lamp, CNV grew slowly from days 2-4 with obvious corneal edema and defect of epithelium. Larger CNV area and less edema were seen from days 7-10. Maximal vessel growth was observed 14 days after injury with thinner vessels in the model group. Histological examination showed that part of the corneal epithelium was damaged;serious corneal edema, more inflammatory cells and a lot of CNV in the stroma were presented in the model group. However, repairing of the corneal epithelium without CNV ,light corneal edema and less inflammatory cells were found in both the 0. 02 mg EPA and 0. 03 mg EPA treatment groups 7 days after alkali cauterization. The relative area of CNV in the 0. 02 mg EPA treatment group was ( 15.80±6.43 )% and ( 11.06±2. 14)% ,and that in the 0. 03 mg EPA treatment group was (16. 10±7.41 )% and (11.06±2. 51 )%, showing significant reduction in comparison with the model group [ (84. 74±7.77)% and (89.63±7.50) % ] 7 days and 14 days after operation ( P＜0. 05 ). Stronger expression of CD34 in the vascular endothelial cells of the cornea stroma was observed in the model group and an absence of CD34 was observed in the EPA-treated groups on the 7th day. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of IL-1α mRNA and IL-6 mRNA was lower in the EPA treatment groups than the model group ( P＜0. 05 ), and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of NF-κB/p65 in the corneas in the EPA treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the model group on the 4th day after operation (P＜0.05).Conclusion Topical application of EPA suppresses CNV induced by alkali burn possibly by inhibiting the expression of NF-κB,IL-1α and IL-6.

OBJECTIVETo observe clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture for pattern of liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) and its impact on cell factors.

METHODSForty cases were selected and divided into an acupuncture group (21 cases) in which acupuncture was applied and a medicine group (19 cases) in which oral administration of dicetel and bifidobacterium lactobacillus triple viable capsules were applied. The symptom scores, level of Th1-type cytokine (IFN-gamma, IL-2) and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4, IL-10) and ratio of IFN-gamma to IL-4 were compared in two groups before and after treatment to analyze acupuncture effect.

RESULTSThe clinical symptoms were improved after one-week treatment in the acupuncture group (P<0.05), which had faster onset than the medicine group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.48% (19/21) in the acupuncture group, which was superior to 78.95% (15/19) in the medicine group (P<0.05). Compared with medicine treatment, imbalanced condition of Th1/Th2 was turning towards the direction of Th2 after acupuncture, indicating a tendency to recover the balance.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical efficacy of acupuncture for D-IBS has close relationship with effectively improving balance of Th1/Th2 in patients with liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Cytokines ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; immunology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spleen ; physiopathology ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology ; Young Adult