OBJECTIVETo determine the effect of acupuncture on chronic prostatitis.

METHODSWe retrieved all the case-control studies on acupuncture for chronic prostatitis before August 2007 in MEDLINE and CNKI databases, screened the eligible literature according to the selection and exclusion criteria, and performed meta-analyses of the included studies with the software Revman 4. 2.

RESULTSThirteen eligible reports were identified in this study, including 861 cases and 738 controls. The effectiveness and cure rates were significantly higher in the acupuncture therapy group than in the control, with pooled RR as 1.20 (95% CI, 1.14, 1.25; P < 0.01) and 1.85 (95% CI, 1.63, 2.11; P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture therapy exhibited a definite effect in the treatment of chronic prostatitis.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Case-Control Studies ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatitis ; therapy

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Aged ; Antigens, CD20 ; analysis ; CD79 Antigens ; analysis ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of triptolide (TPL) on the renal tissue of diabetic rats and its possible mechanisms.

METHODSSD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (as the normal group), the diabetic model group (the model group), the low dose TPL treatment group (the low dose TPL group, TPL 0.2 mg/kg by gastrogavage), the high dose TPL treatment group (the high dose TPL group, TPL 0.4 mg/kg by gastrogavage). Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the normal group and the model group. Five rats were randomly selected from each group at week 4, 8, and 12 of the experiment to detect body weight, kidney weight, 24 h urinary albumin (24 h UAL), plasma glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), total triglyeride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The mRNA and protein expression of regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in the renal tissue was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The renal tissue was pathologically stained by HE, PAS, and Masson staining. The glomerular and renal tubular interstitial lesions were observed at each time point. The glomerular sclerosis index (GSI) was observed by PAS staining, and the renal interstitial filrosis index (RIFI) was calcutated.

RESULTSCompared with the same group at week 4, the expression of 24 h UAL, RANTES, GSI, and RIFI at week 12 significantly decreased in two TPL groups (P <0.01). Compared with the same group at week 8, the expression of 24 h UAL, RANTES, GSI, and RIFI at week 12 also significantly decreased in the two TPL groups (P <0. 05, P <0.01). Compared with the normal group, body weight and the kidney weight obviously decreased at week 4, 8, and 12 in the model group (P <0. 01); 24 h UAL, FBG, TG, TC, HbA1c, RANTES, GSI, and RIFI were obviously elevated (P <0.01). Compared with the model group, 24 h UAL, RANTES, GSI, and RIFI also decreased in the two TPL treatment groups (P <0.01). Compared with the low dose TPL group, they were attenuated in the high dose TPL group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01).

CONCLUSIONTPL could not only inhibit the over-expression of RANTES, but also improve the glomerular sclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis in the renal tissue of diabetic rats.

Animals ; Chemokine CCL5 ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; Diterpenes ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; metabolism ; Epoxy Compounds ; pharmacology ; Glycated Hemoglobin A ; metabolism ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Kidney Diseases ; drug therapy ; Kidney Glomerulus ; metabolism ; Kidney Tubules ; metabolism ; Phenanthrenes ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats

Objective To study the microbiology of root surface caries in elderly patients. Methods Seventy-five elderly people (aged 60～77 years) were divided into 2 groups:Control group of patients without root caries (n=30) and root caries group of patients with root caries without apicitis and pulpitis (n=45).Plaque samples were collected,cultured in selective and non-selective media.After the bacteria were isolated,the total count and the detection rates and bacterium numbers of porphyromonas,pervotella,streptococcus mutants group,actiomyces and lactobacillus were compared between the groups of control and root caries.Results The count of total bacteria, streptococcus mutants group,actinomyces,lactobacillus and of root caries group were significantly higher that those of the control group(4.73?0.75)lg(CFU/ml+1)vs(4.17?0.47)lg(CFU/ml+1), (3.89?0.89)lg(CFU/ml+1) vs (2.84?1.14) lg (CFU/ml+1),(3.24?1.89) lg (CFU/ml+1) vs (2.19?0.11)lg(CFU/ml+1),(3.24?1.11)lg(CFU/ml+1)vs(2.43?0.95)lg(CFU/ml+1), (2.67?0.70)lg(CFU/ml+1)vs (3.24?0.21)lg(CFU/ml+1),(P

The contents of adenosine, gastrodin, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, parishin and sulfur dioxide residue were compared in differently-processed Gastrodiae Rhizoma to provide the basis for a reasonable processing method of Gastrodiae Rhizoma. The analysis was performed on a Merck Purospher STAR column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) under gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). The eluates were detected at 270 nm, and the column temperature was 35°C. The content of adenosin, gastrodin, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and parishin in processing of boiling or sulfur-fumigated were lower than that of in processing of steaming. Furthermore, the sulfur dioxide residue of sulphur-fumigated groups exceed 400 mg x kg(-1). This stable and reliable method will contribute to the quality control of different processed Gastrodiae Rhizoma.
Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Gastrodia ; chemistry ; Sulfur Dioxide ; analysis ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

To investigate the mechanism of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of K562 leukemia cells by lithium chloride (LiCl), after K562 cells were treated with LiCl (30 mmol/L) cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry (FCM) and the expression of bcr/abl fusion gene mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR. The intracellular Li(+) concentrations of K562 cells were determined at different time after treated with 30 mmol/L LiCl and the effects of TTX and FSK on intracellular Li(+) concentrations of K562 cells were also detected by atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of TTX and FSK on LiCl-induced growth inhibition of K562 cells were determined by cell counting in liquid culture. The results showed that LiCl (30 mmol/L) caused a sustained arrest in G(2)/M cell cycle and down-regulated the bcr/abl mRNA expression in K562 cells, the intracellular Li(+) concentration of K562 cells increased at 30 minutes after treated with 30 mmol/L LiCl and reached apex at 2 hours, thereafter, gradually decreased and balanced at 4 hours after the treatment. If either Na(+) channel was pre-blocked with TTX or K(+) channel was pre-blocked with FSK, the intracellular Li(+) concentrations of K562 cells treated with 30 mmol/L LiCl were higher than that in the cells just treated with LiCl without pre-blocking. Furthermore, after pre-blocking either Na(+) channel with TTX or K(+) channel with FSK, the inhibition rate of K562 cell growth by 30 mmol/L LiCl could be increased. It is concluded that the mechanism of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of K562 leukemia cells induced by LiCl is probably related with the G(2)/M cell cycle arrest, the bcr/abl mRNA expression down-regulation and the status of Na(+), K(+), or Li(+) ion channels on K562 leukemia cells.
Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Colforsin ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lithium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Potassium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sodium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Tetrodotoxin ; pharmacology

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)gene susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)by familial studies.Methods PCR-based re- striction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP)was applied to genotype single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) G261T of the ACE gene.A total of 119 patients with SLE from 119 families were recruited.In addition,316 family members of these patients were also genotyped.A family-based association study was carried out to ex- plore the association between gene polymorphism and SLE.We studied the SNP encoding non-synonymous substitution in the ACE gene with respect to genetic susceptibility to SLE.Results Among 119 SLE patients. the frequency of ACEG261TG,T alleles was 44.8%.55.2% respectively,the frequency of ACEG261T GG,GT and TT genotypes was 13.9%,62.0%,24.1% respectively,Univariate(single-marker)family-based association test(FBAT)demonstrated that variant alleles at the SNP,rs4303,exon 5 of ACE gene were significantly asso- ciated with genetic susceptibility to SLE in Additive Model(Z=2.877,P=0.004),Dominant Model(Z=2.557, P=0.011).Recessive Model(Z=2.202,P=0.028).Transmission-disequilibrium test(TDT)and sib transmission -disequilibrium test(STDT)showed an excess of the allele of T from heterozygous parents to affected offspring or higher frequency of the allele of T in the patients than their normal siblings(X~2=11.66,P=0.001).Conclu- sion Our findings suggest that the ACE gene may he the susceptible gene to SLE in Chinese population,and the individuals carrying ACE-261T allele is significantly associated with susceptibility to SLE.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Spearmint oil on inflammation, oxidative alteration and Nrf2 expression in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).

METHODSCOPD model was induced by intratracheal instillation of Klebsiella pneumonia and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 12 weeks in rats, and COPD rats were treated with Spearmint oil for 3 weeks. After COPD was induced, the pathological changes, changes in leucocyte number in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), MDA in lung homogenate and Nrf2 expression were observed. The effects of Spearmint oil on these changes were determined.

RESULTSpearmint oil 100 mg*kg(-1)significantly reduced leucocyte numbers in BALF, and attenuated bronchiolitis, pulmonary interstitial inflammation and inflammation cell infiltration. Spearmint oil 30-300 mg*kg(-1)decreased the destruction of pulmonary alveolus and the thickness of bronchioles walls, and inhibited goblet cell proliferation. Spearmint oil significantly reduced MDA in lung homogenate, and decreased the expression of Nrf2 protein in lung tissues.

CONCLUSIONSpearmint oil has protective effect on lung injury in COPD rats, since it improves pulmonary inflammation,oxidative alteration, and enhances Nrf2 protein expression.

Animals ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Male ; Mentha spicata ; chemistry ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; metabolism ; Oils, Volatile ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; drug therapy ; etiology ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of synthetic drug QTY06 on chronic airway inflammation and mucoprotein expression induced by intratracheal (i.t) instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODSChronic airway inflammation was induced by i.t instillation of LPS in rats. Phospholipids content and the number of leucocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pathological and immunochemical changes were examined 3 weeks after LPS instillation. The effect of QTY06 on chronic airway inflammation was observed.

RESULTAfter treatment with QTY06, phospholipids in BALF was significantly increased, and the percentages of neutrophils and lymphocytes were decreased as well as the total number of leucocytes. Compared with the model group, pathological examination showed that tracheitis, bronchitis and pulmonary interstitial inflammation in QTY06 groups were significantly attenuated; epithelial damage was alleviated, infiltration of inflammatory cells reduced and the number of goblet cells decreased. QTY06 significantly decreased MUC5ac expression in trachea and bronchiole epithelium, and reduced the optical density and mucins area (%) as detected by image analysis in rats with chronic airway inflammation.

CONCLUSIONQTY06 can reduce and inhibit the chronic airway inflammation induced by LPS in rats, and increase the content of phospholipids in pulmonary surfactant and inhibit the hypersecretion of airway mucins.

Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Bronchitis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Male ; Mucin 5AC ; secretion ; Phospholipids ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Respiratory Mucosa ; drug effects ; secretion

Objective To explore the effects of PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone and inhibitor T0070907 on apoptosis and anti-tumor in renal carcinoma A498 cells.Methods A498 cells were divided into three groups and PBS, rosiglitazone (50 μmol/L) and T0070907 50 (μmol/L) were added respectively of 24 h incubation completely. each group of cell proliferation was determined by MTT method and Western Blot analysis and RT-qPCR were applied to detect the expression level of BAX, Caspase 3, Cyt C and Bcl-2. A498 cell morphological changes were observed under light microscope and fluorescence microscope. Results MTT experiment results showed that rosiglitazone and T0070907 could significantly inhibit A498 cell proliferation rate (P＜0.05), increased the protein and mRNA expression levels of Caspase 3, Cyt C and Bax in A498 cell, and decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 (P＜0.05); Microscopic observation and Hochest staining also found that rosiglitazone and T0070907 could promote apoptosis of A498 cells. Conclusion Rosiglitazone and T0070907 can inhibit the proliferation of renal cell carcinoma A498 cells and induce apoptosis. The anti-tumor mechanism may be related to PPARγ mediation.