OBJECTIVESWound healing in the skin is a multifarious orchestration of cellular processes and cigarette smoking may be a cause for delayed wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the plausible association between exposures of cigarette total particulate matter (TPM) and wound healing.

METHODSAn in vivo wound healing model of mice was established for determination of assorted events of wound healing, dermal matrix regeneration, re-epithelialization, and neovascularization. A total of 72 adult mice, separated in eight groups, were exposed to TPM for 12 days.

RESULTSA highly considerable diminution in wound closure (P < 0.001) was pragmatic among all TPM-treated mice from day 6 to day 8 post-wounding. Histological investigations unveiled a noteworthy impede in the outcome of re-epithelialization, dermal matrix regeneration and maturation of collagen bundles among all TPM-exposed wounds. Delayed commencement of neovascularization was pragmatic among all TPM-treated mice, on day 12 post wounding. Abbot curve, angular spectrum, and other different parameters of 3D surface behavior of wounds revealed a very highly significant reduction (P < 0.001) in angiogenesis on days 6 and 8 post-wounding, which points that application of TPM instigates extensive delay in trigging the progression of angiogenesis, resulting in delayed onset of wound healing.

CONCLUSIONOur annotations validate the damaging effects of TPM on wound healing and excessive use of TPM may lead to the production of chronic wounds and oral ulcers.

Animals ; Dermis ; blood supply ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Epithelium ; drug effects ; pathology ; Extracellular Matrix ; drug effects ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Particulate Matter ; pharmacology ; Regeneration ; drug effects ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

The effect of topically applied 1% sodium hyaluronate (Na-HA) on the healing of a standardized corneal alkali wound was studied. The healing of the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium was evaluated separately, using quantitative methods. Central corneal alkali wound was produced in one eye of the rabbits by applying a 5.5-mm round filter paper, soaked in 1 N NaOH, for 60 seconds. 1% Na-HA in the treatment group and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in the control group were given topically 4 times per day for 2 days, 1- and 3-weeks. Epithelial and endothelial healing was assessed morphometrically from standardized photographs and micrographs, respectively. Stromal healing was determined by counting polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and keratocytes in the central and marginal wound areas. A positive healing influence was observed in the epithelium. In stromal healing, 1% Na-HA treated corneas showed less PMNs and more keratocytes than the control group, suggesting that topically applied 1% Na-HA may suppress the stromal PMN infiltration and enhance the keratocyte repopulation during corneal alkali wound healing. However, no significant difference was found in morphometric evaluation of endothelial healing between the two groups.
Administration, Topical ; Animals ; Burns, Chemical/*drug therapy/etiology/pathology ; Cell Count ; Cornea/*drug effects/pathology ; Corneal Stroma/drug effects/pathology ; Endothelium, Corneal/drug effects/pathology ; Epithelium/drug effects/pathology ; Eye Burns/chemically induced/*drug therapy/pathology ; Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage/*pharmacology ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; Rabbits ; Sodium Hydroxide/toxicity ; Wound Healing/*drug effects

The loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with aging is related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced cell death in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, ARPE-19. Hydrogen peroxide was added at different concentrations to ARPE-19 cells and cultured. The cytotoxicity was assayed by mitochondrial function using 3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) testing. The patterns of cell damage were assessed using an acridine orange-ethidium bromide differential staining method, in situ end labeling (ISEL) assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Catalase, a major antioxidant, was used to prevent cell death. The cleavage of procaspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was determined by western blot analysis. Hydrogen peroxide significantly induced cell death in ARPE-19 cells, whereas pretreatment of the cells with catalase prevented cell death. Application of the ISEL assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining demonstrated that the H2O2-induced cell death occurred by an apoptotic mechanism at lower concentrations of H2O2 (400, 500, 600 microM), whereas higher concentrations of H2O2 induced necrosis rather than apoptosis. Caspase 3 was associated with the apoptotic pathway in human RPE cell death. Western blot analysis confirmed caspase 3 activation and cleavage of substrate proteins in ARPE-19 cells treated with an H2O2 concentration of 600 microM. These results indicate that treatment with H2O2 induces apoptotic and necrotic cell death in ARPE-19, and that caspase 3 is associated with apoptotic cell death. Therefore, H2O2 may induce the destruction of RPE cells in AMD by the combined effects of apoptosis and necrosis.
Apoptosis ; Caspases/metabolism ; Catalase/pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Enzyme Activation ; Human ; Hydrogen Peroxide/*pharmacology ; Necrosis ; Pigment Epithelium of Eye/*drug effects/enzymology/pathology/*physiology

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical effect of integrative Chinese and Western medicine in treating nontumorous vulval intraepithelial lesion (NIEL).

METHODSOne hundred patients of NIEL, with their diagnosis confirmed by pathologic examination, were equally assigned to two groups randomly, the treatment group and the control group. The treatment group was treated by Chinese recipe consisting of herbs for nourishing Gan-Shen, it was decocted for 3 times, the foregoing two decoctions for oral intake, and the latter one (500 mL) for hip bathing 5-10 min every night before sleep. Besides, the self-formulated preparation Jingan oil (composed of aureomycin and glycerine, etc. ), was locally applied twice every day. The control group was treated only by local applying of Jingan oil and a 5-10 min hip bathing with warm water every night. The course for both groups was 2 months. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed at the end of the therapeutic course and after a 2-month follow-up, depending on the changes of local lesion degree, vulval symptoms as pain and itching, estrogen and progestin receptors in the lesion, and the scores of symptoms.

RESULTSThe total clinical effective rate was 94% (47/50) in the treatment group and 66% (33/50) in the control group. The severity of local lesion degree, symptoms of pain and itching and the scores of symptoms were significantly improved in both groups, as compared with those before treatment (all P <0.01). However, comparison between groups showed that the improvement was better in the treatment group. The positive rates of estrogen and progestin receptors in the local lesions of the two groups showed insignificantly statistical difference.

CONCLUSIONThe integrative medical treatment can effectively alleviate the NIEL and improve the relevant clinical symptoms.

Adult ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Epithelium ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Integrative Medicine ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Vulvar Diseases ; drug therapy ; pathology

PURPOSE: Chronic use of topical hypotensive agents induces several side effects caused by preservatives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of prostaglandin analogs with varying concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), preservative-free (PF), and alternative preservatives on mouse corneal tissue. METHODS: Thirty-five, 8- to 10-week-old female C57BL/6 mice (five mice for each group) were used for this study. To the control group, we applied normal saline, and to each drug-treated group we applied 0.02% BAC, bimatoprost 0.01% (with BAC 0.02%), latanoprost 0.005% (with BAC 0.02%), travoprost 0.004% (with 0.001% polyquad) or tafluprost 0.0015% with/without 0.001% BAC, once a day (9 p.m.) for 4 weeks. Corneal fluorescein staining was evaluated in all groups. After harvest, the corneal tissues were embedded in paraffin and then Hematoxylin-Eosin stain was performed for histopathological examination. Immunofluorescence staining was done against TNF-alpha, IL-6, HLA DR, pJNK, and pAkt. RESULTS: In corneal fluorescein staining, severe punctate epithelial keratitis was seen in the groups of 0.02% BAC, 0.02% BAC containing bimatoprost 0.01% and latanoprost 0.005%. The surface desquamation, irregular surface, loss of cell borders, anisocytosis and stromal shrinkage were observed in the groups of BAC-containing eye drops. Moreover, the groups treated with BAC-containing eye drops have high inflammatory markers, significantly decreased cell viability-related signal, pAkt, and higher apoptosis-inducing signal, pJNK, than the control group. On the other hand, travoprost 0.004% and PF tafluprost 0.0015% have less cellular morphologic changes, lower inflammation, and higher cellular viability than BAC-containing formulations. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal damage, increased inflammation and apoptosis and low cell viability were observed in BAC-containing groups. PF or alternatively preserved glaucoma medications seem to be a reasonable and viable alternative to those preserved with BAC.
Animals ; Cell Survival ; Conjunctiva/drug effects/*pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Epithelium, Corneal/drug effects/*pathology ; Female ; Glaucoma/*drug therapy/pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; Preservatives, Pharmaceutical ; Prostaglandins, Synthetic/*administration & dosage

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effects of Erhuang Powder (EHP) in promoting the wound healing of cervical columnar epithelium ectopy after physiotherapy.

METHODSSixty-four patients with moderate and severe cervical columnar epithelium ectopy accompanied with contact bleeding were assigned to the treatment group (34 cases) and the control group (30 cases) according to table of random digit. Physiotherapy of the cervix was given to all patients. EHP was externally applied to the affected site of patients in the treatment group once every 3 days. Five times consisted as one therapeutic course, totally for 2 courses. The therapeutic effects, the wound healing time, the vaginal fluid quantity, the vaginal fluid discharge time, the wound infection, and adverse reaction were observed in the two groups.

RESULTSThe healing rate of the treatment group was 85.29% (29/34), higher than that of the control group (50%, 15/30) after 8 weeks of treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.1). The average wound healing time of the treatment group (3.2 - 0.8 weeks) was shorter than that of the control group (5.3 +/- 0.9 weeks), showing statistical difference (P < 0.5). The vaginal fluid quantity and the vaginal fluid discharge time in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.5, P < 0.1). Increased vaginal secretion accompanied with foreign odor or infection occurred in 2 patients of the control group. No adverse reaction or infection occurred in the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONSLocal application of EHP could promote the wound healing of cervical columnar epithelium ectopy after physiotherapy. It could improve its healing rate. Therefore, it was one ideal and reliable method, and worthy of clinical spreading.

Adult ; Cervix Uteri ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Endometriosis ; therapy ; Epithelium ; drug effects ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Physical Therapy Modalities ; Wound Healing

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of C. minima in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

METHODAn allergic rhinitis animal model induced by ragweed pollen was established. After treatment with an active extract of C. minima, histopathological changes in the nasal mucosa of guinea pig were observed by transmission electron microscope.

RESULTIn the allergeic rhinitis model group, there appear a large number of lysosomes in the nasal epithelium with organelles vacuolated and nucleus deformed. Cells in the proper lamina of connective tissue were disarranged with organelles damaged, and there was also infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in the connective tissue. However, in the treatment group receiving C. minima extract, the pathological changes mentioned above were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONC. minima is effective in treating allergic rhinitis.

Animals ; Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Epithelium ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Lysosomes ; drug effects ; Male ; Mitochondrial Swelling ; drug effects ; Nasal Mucosa ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Oils, Volatile ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; drug therapy ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo observe the contribution of Borneolum syntheticum to the intervention effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (, LDP) on experimental retinal degeneration, and initially investigate the mechanism of Borneolum syntheticum as meridian-lead-in drug.

METHODSA total of 180 sodium iodateinduced retinital degeneration rats were randomly divided into three groups, including distilled water group, LDP group, and LDP+Borneolum syntheticum (LDP+BS) group. Twenty normal rats were fed regularly without any treatment as normal control. On day 7 and 14 after treatment, histopathological study and transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) test were performed to evaluate the retinopathy. Claudin-5 expression at blood-retina barrier (BRB) was detected by Western blot at different time points from 0.5 to 8 h after gavage.

RESULTSOn day 7 and 14 after treatment, the retinal lesion grades were significantly different among the three groups (P<0.05). The grade in the LDP+BS group was significantly less than the LDP and distilled water groups (both P<0.05), no significant difference was observed between the LDP and distilled water groups (P>0.05). The apoptosis rates in the LDP+BS group was significantly less than the distilled water and LDP groups (both P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between LDP and distilled water groups (P>0.05). Expression of claudin-5 in LDP+BS group was significantly less than the other two groups at 0.5, 1 and 2 h after gavage (P<0.05). There was no apparent difference among the three groups at 4 and 8 h after gavage (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONBorneolum syntheticum could strengthen the effect of LDP on experimental retinal degeneration, indicated that Borneolum syntheticum might play the role of meridian-lead-in drug in the formula. The mechanism may be due to Borneolum syntheticum could promote the physiologically openness of bloodretina barrier through transiently affecting the expression of claudin-5.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Claudin-5 ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Retinal Degeneration ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Retinal Pigment Epithelium ; drug effects ; pathology ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Shugan Shuru Granule (SSG) on the p53 gene expression in patients with hyperplastic disease of breast (HDB) to indirectly explore the mechanism of SSG's effect on HDB on the molecular pathological level.

METHODSSixty-six patients with HDB were allocated in the treated group and the control group, with the former treated with SSG and the latter not. All patients underwent breast operation and their diseased mammary tissues were cut out, sectioned, and observed under microscopy with HE staining and immunohistochemical staining, with ABC method adopted to estimate the degree of hyperplasia and p53 gene expression. The severity of HDB was classified into normal, mild, moderate and severe grades (marked as 0 to III), according to the degree of hyperplasia in the mammary gland.

RESULTSHyperplasia in the control group mostly belonged to grade I-III before treatment, showing overgrowth of gland and proliferation of glandular epithelial cells, which were high columnar shaped, more stratified, with papillary or substantive dysplasia. While in the treated group, most belonged to grade 0-I after SSG treatment, with proliferated gland and dysplasia recovered to normal or disappeared. The positive rate of p53 gene expression in the treated group was 9.09%, and in the control group 39.39%, comparison between the two groups showing significant difference (P < 0.01), the intensity in the former was significantly weaker than that in the latter.

CONCLUSIONSSG could not only inhibit the proliferation of mammary duct epithelia and lobuli, but also inhibit the over-expression of P53. Therefore, it could be regarded as an effective remedy for treatment of HDB and prevention of mammary cancer genesis.

Adult ; Breast Diseases ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; Breast Neoplasms ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Epithelium ; pathology ; physiology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Mammary Glands, Human ; pathology ; physiology ; Middle Aged ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics

PURPOSE: To compare the short term effects of topical 0.05% cyclosporine (CsA) and a mixture of 0.08% chondroitin sulfate and 0.06% sodium hyaluronate (CS-HA) on dry eye ocular surfaces. METHODS: 36 patients with moderate to severe dry eye (5 mm/5 min or less with Schirmer's test or tear break up time (BUT) less than 6 seconds), were treated with topical application of CS-HA on one eye and CsA on the other 4 times a day for 6-8 weeks. BUT, Schirmer's test without anesthesia, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC; goblet cell density, nucleus to cytoplasmic ratio, and epithelial cell morphology) were evaluated and compared between eyes before and after treatment (repeated measurement of ANOVA). RESULTS: After treatment, BUT and tear wettings were significantly prolonged in each group. Topical CsA treated eyes had greater increase in BUT (p=0.026); there was no significant difference in tear wetting (p=0.132). While the 3 parameters of CIC improved in both groups, goblet cell density was significantly higher in eyes treated with CsA (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: While both CS-HA and 0.05% CsA eyedrops improve ocular surfaces, topical CsA may have a better effect on enhancing tear film stability and goblet cell density.
Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage ; Administration, Topical ; Cell Count ; Chondroitin Sulfates/*administration & dosage ; Conjunctiva/drug effects/pathology ; Cyclosporine/*administration & dosage ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Drug Combinations ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Dry Eye Syndromes/*drug therapy/metabolism/pathology ; Epithelium/drug effects/pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Goblet Cells/drug effects/pathology ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration & dosage ; Immunosuppressive Agents/*administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ophthalmic Solutions/administration & dosage ; Tears/drug effects/metabolism ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome