Objective To study the damage of rat articular cartilage induced by different doses of T-2 toxin, and to explore the relationship between mini-dose T-2 toxin and articular cartilage damage. Methods A total of 120 Wistar rats, weighing 50 - 70 g, were randomly divided into four groups according to their body weights: T-2 toxin group 0(control), 100, 200, 300 μg/kg, 30 rats in each group. Animals in the control group were fed standard rat chow, and animals in the three T-2 toxin groups were fed T-2-toxin-contaminated chow (the dose was 100, 200, 300 μg/kg, respectively). After 6 months, rats were euthanized by ether asphyxiation. The bilateral knee joints were collected and section prepared. The articular cartilage was examined by light and electronic microscope. Results Light microscope showed, the rat articular chondrocytes were clear and arranged orderliness in the control group. The rat articular chondrocytes were disarranged in 100 μg/kg T-2 toxin group.Degeneration and necrosis were found in 200 μg/kg group. Chondrocytes were shrunken with hypereosinophilia cytoplasm and fragmented pyknotic nuclei, extensive areas of chondrocyte loss and chondrocyte clones were visible in 300 μg/kg group. Scanning electronic micrograph(SEM) showed, the rat articular chondrocytes were clear, well formed and arranged tidy in the control group. The surface of articular cartilage was rough in 100 μg/kg group.Collagen fasciculi ruptured and stacked up in 200 μg/kg group. Presented a typical articular dryness phenomenon,the cartilage surface collapsed and many pits appeared in 300 μg/kg group. Transmission electronic microscope (TEM) showed that chondrocytes were abundant with cytoplasm, well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum in the control group; agglomerate chromatin scattered along the karyotheca, nuclear membrane was thickening, with vacuolar degeneration of the endoplasmic reticulum in the 100 μg/kg group; endoplasmic reticulum expended, with protein retention and organelles breaks in the 200 μg/kg group. A large number of chondrocytes lost organdles, the membrane structures disrupted and the cartilage matrix stromatolyzed in the 300 μg/kg group. Conclusions Within the range of 100 - 300 μg/kg, T-2 toxin induces dose-related articular cartilage injury, the greater the dose, the more serious damage.

This study took geo-authentic medicinal material Rhizoma Coptidis as an example and analyzed soil characteristics of the growing environment of Rhizoma Coptidis . The methods of ISSR, HPLC, 1H-NMR and NIR were respectively used for exploring its genotype and investigating on its chemitype . In the respects of an-ti-endotoxin, anti-bacterial activities and insulin resistance that was related to the treatment of diabetes, the pharmacodynamic type was studied and the relationship was comprehensively analyzed . The quality evaluation of geo-authentic medicinal materials was preliminarily established based on ecotype , genotype chemitype and phar-macodynamic type of Rhizoma Coptidis . Simultaneously, quality standards of Rhizoma Coptidis were set up in combination with genuine character , which provided the scientific basis for establishing Chinese medicine char-acteristic methods of quality evaluation of Rhizoma Coptidis .

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy and safety of Qizhi Jiangtang Capsule (QJC) in treating stage 3b diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients with macroalbuminuria.

METHODSPatients who conformed to the diagnostic criteria of stage 3b DKD were randomly assigned to two groups according to random digital table, the experiment group and the control group, 84 in each group. All patients received a two-week elution period, and then were treated with basic Western therapy. Patients in the experiment group took QJC, 5 pills per time, 3 times a day, while those in the control group took Valsartan Capsule 160 mg each time, once daily. The observation period of follow-ups was limited within 6 months, and the time points were set as the baseline, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBS), 24 h urine protein quantitative (24 h UPQ), plasma albumin (ALB), and serum creatinine (SCr) were detected and recorded, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. The occurrence of hypoglycemic reaction, coagulation disorder, gastrointestinal tract reaction, allergy, hyperkalemia, doubling of creatinine, and overall adverse events were observed and recorded at same time.

RESULTSFinally 81 patients in the experiment group and 80 patients in the control group were effectively included. Compared with the baseline level, SBP and DBS obviously decreased in the control group at month 1 of treatment (P < 0.05), and more significantly decreased at month 6 of treatment (P < 0.01). SBP at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups; DBS at month 6 of follow-ups was lower in the control group than in the experiment group (P < 0.05). At month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups, 24 h UPQ of the experiment group was significantly lower than the baseline level (P < 0.01). It was also significantly lower than the level of the control group at the same time point (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in 24 h UPQ at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups between the control group and the baseline level (P > 0.05). ALB of the experiment group showed an increasing trend. It was significantly higher than the baseline level at month 6 (P < 0.05), which was also higher than that of the control group at same period (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the ALB level in the control group (P > 0.05). SCr of two groups showed an increasing trend. SCr of the experiment group was significantly higher at month 1, 3, and 6 follow-ups than the baseline level (P < 0.05). But the increment of SCr was higher in the control group than in the experimental group, and obviously higher than the baseline levels (P < 0.05). eGFR of both groups showed a decreasing trend. The decrement was higher in the control group than in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The proportion of progression of renal functions at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups in the experimental group was 0.0% (0 case), 9.55% (8 cases), and 21.4% (18 cases), while they were 8.3% (7 cases), 21.4% (18 cases), and 40.5% (34 cases) in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the proportion of progression of renal functions between the two groups at month 3 and 6 of follow-ups (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQJC could effectively reduce urinary protein of patients with stage 3b DKD, and delay the progression of renal functions.

Adult ; Albumins ; analysis ; Albuminuria ; drug therapy ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Creatinine ; blood ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tetrazoles ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Valine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Valsartan

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of extract from Tibetan medicine Berberis Cortex (TMBC) on expressions of protein kinase C (PKC-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) in the retina of diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were established by one time intraperitoneal injection of strepto-zocin (STZ). Rats were randomly divided into the model group, low-dose TMBC group, medium-dose TMBC group, high-dose TMBC group, metformin group, calcium dobesilate group, berberine group and the normal control group. Intragastric administration was given. The medication amounts of TMBC in the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose group were 5, 10, and 20 times to the adult medication dose. In the metformin group and the berberine group, 10 times of the adult medication dose were given. Distilled water was given in the model group and the normal con-trol group. After 6-week intragastric administration, all experimental rats were sacrificed. The expressions of PKC-β, VEGF and HIF-1α were examined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay and western blot. HIF-1α ex-pression was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that compared with the normal control group, the mRNA and protein expression of PKC-β, VEGF and HIF-1α increased obviously in the retina of diabetic rats ( P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of PKC-β, VEGF and HIF-1α in the high-dose and medium-dose TMBC group reduced obviously (P< 0.01). The protein expression levels of PKC-β, VEGF and HIF-1α were also obviously reduced (P< 0.05). The expressions of PKC-β, VEGF and HIF-1α in the low-dose TMBC group were obviously reduced (P < 0.05). It was concluded that TMBC can depress the expressions of HIF-1α, PKC-β and VEGF in the retina of diabetic rats, which can be served as a protective effect to prevent progress of di-abetic retinopathy.

Objective To prepare natural anti-keratin IgM monoclonal antibody. Methods Spleen cells of BALB/c mice raised in specific pathogen free conditions were directly fused with Sp2/0 myeloma cells. The hybridoma supernatants were tested by ELISA using pre-extracted keratin. The natural IgM obtained was further identified by immunochemistry and immunoblot methods. Results The cell fusion rate was about 60% without pre-immunization. About 14% supernatants reacted with the keratin antigen. Three hybridoma strains secreting natural IgM monoclonal antibody against keratin were obtained. The immunochemistry results showed that the natural anti-keratin IgM was able to bind to epidermis, sebaceous gland, hair follicule, and muscle tissues. Conclusion B lymphocytes in normal BALB/c mice spleen can produce natural antibody against kerain.

Objective To find out association mapping of loci related to bipolar disorder on chromosome 4 with microsatellite markers in DNA pooling samples from bipolar disorder cases and normal controls in Shandong province. Methods A total of 22 microsatellite markers on chromosome 4 spaced at approximately 10 cM were selected and two separated DNA pooling samples consisting of 104 bipolar disorder cases and 1000 normal controls were genotyped respectively. Statistic analysis was performed by Chi-square method with CLUMP software to compare the difference in the ratio of each allele in these loci between the two pooling samples. Result Significant statistic differences were found at D4S1592 and D4S402 on chromosome 4 between cases and controls(P＜0.01 ).( D4S1592:x2 = 15.968, P=0.006; D4S402:x2 =31.553, P=0.002). Conclusion The loci of D4S1592 and D4S402 on chromosome 4 are found to be associated with bipolar disorder patients in Shandong province, further screening of the susceptibility genes around these loci is needed.

Yeast strains with improved ethanol yield are important for efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass for fuel ethanol.Candida shehatae CICC1766 was adapted to 4%(v/v)ethanol,and then subjected to UV mutagenesis.One respiration deficient mutant Rd-5 with improved xylose fermentation capability was selected.Protoplasts of Rd-5 were inactivated by UV treatment,followed by the PEG-mediated protoplast fusion with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain with good ethanol-fermenting capability.The xylose fermenting capability of the fusants was investigated,and the fusant F6 demonstrated good ethanol fermentation performance,producing 18.75g/L ethanol from 50g/L xylose with an ethanol yield of 0.375 or 73.4% of its theoretical value of 0.511.Comparing with its parent Candida shehatae strain,the ethanol yield of F6 was increased by 28%.

Objective To investigate the children's body environmental Se and T-2 toxin level in their staple food in Kaschin-Beck disease(KBD)relative active regions in Aba state of Sichuan province in 2008.Methods We took X-ray photograph of the right hand on children aged 7-13 years in 48 villages from 11 counties in Aba state.The relative active regions of KBD were chosen according to the X-ray result and historical status of KBD.The children's urine and hair,drinking water and their staple food werr sampled.Selenium contents in urine,hair,water and food samples were determined by naphthalene fluorescence,and T-2 toxin in staple food samples were detected by ELISA kits.Results In 2145 X-ray films,66 films were positive,and the children's KBD positive rate was 3.08%(66/2145).The KBD positive rate was respectively 10.98%(29/264)and 8.52%(19/223)in Maerkang county,Jinchuan county and it was 0.75%(3/400)in Rangtang county,historically serious endemic area.The selenium content in urine of children aged 7-13 years in Maerkang county,Jinchuan county and Rangtang county was (10.41±4.67), (10.11±3.65), (8.42±2.68)μg/g Cr, respectively, there was no statistical difference among three counties(F=0.901, P>0.05). The selenium content in hair of children aged 7-13 years in Maerkang county[(0.18±0.04)mg/kg] was lower than that in Jinchuan county[(0.21±0.04)mg/kg, P<0.05].The selenium content in water in Jinchuan county [(0.225±0.124 )μg/L ] was lower than that in Maerkang county and Rangtang county[(0.320±0.092), (0.339±0.105)μg/L, all P<0.05]. The selenium content in staple food in Jinchuan county(0.0033 mg/kg) was lower than that in Maerkang county and Rangtang county(0.0258,0.0137mg/kg, Z=-6.146,-3.042, all P<0.017). The T-2 toxin level in flour in three counties was 19.60,17.95,26.25 ng/g,respectively,there was no statistical difference among three counties(X2=5.623, P>0.05).The T-2 toxin level in grain Maerkang county (10.72 ng/g) was higher than that in Jinchuan county and Rangtang county (3.74,3.30 ng/g, Z=-6.315,-4.407,all P<0.017). T-2 toxin contamination in flour was more severe than that in grain (Z=-6.690,-5.493,-3.676, all P<0.05). Conclusions In 3 relative active KBD regions of Aba state,the children's selenium nutritional status and the T-2 toxin contamination level in their staple food is consistent with the distribution of KBD.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) guided radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy (RF-TR) in treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN).

METHODSFrom 1999 to 2001, 18 patients with ITN were treated with percutaneous controlled RF-TR. Intraoperative 3D-CT scanning was performed to guide the trajectory of the puncture. After correction of the needle tip according to the CT scans and stimulation effects, 2 to 5 lesions were made for a duration of 60-90 seconds at a temperature of 60 degrees C to 75 degrees C depending on the pain distribution and the age of patient.

RESULTSThe needles located in foramen ovale. Pain alleviated immediately with no serious complication in all patients. The patients were followed up for an average of 31.5 months (range 24-41 months). Acute pain relief was experienced by 17 patients after the procedure, reaching an initial success rate of 94.4%. Early (< 6 months) pain recurrence was observed in 2 patients (11.1%), whereas late (> 6 months) recurrence was reported in 3 patients (16.7%). Thirteen patients had complete pain control, with no need for medication thereafter. Five cases experienced partial pain relief, but required medication at a lower dose than in the preoperative period.

CONCLUSION3D-CT foramen ovale locations can raise the successful rate of puncture, enhance the safety, and reduce the incidence rate of complication.

Adult ; Aged ; Catheter Ablation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Rhizotomy ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Trigeminal Neuralgia ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of curcumin (Cur) on radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE-2 and its mechanism.

METHODThe effect of curcumin on radiosensitivity was determined by the clone formation assay. The cell survival curve was fitted by Graph prism 6. 0. The changes in cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The differential expression of long non-coding RNA was detected by gene chip technology. Part of differentially expressed genes was verified by Real-time PCR.

RESULTAfter 10 micro mol L-1 Cur had worked for 24 h, its sensitization enhancement ratio was 1. 03, indicating that low concentration of curcumin could increase the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells; FCM displayed a significant increase of G2 phase cells and significant decrease of S phase cells in the Cur combined radiation group. In the Cur group, the GUCY2GP, H2BFXP, LINC00623 IncRNA were significantly up-regulated and ZRANB2-AS2 LOC100506835, FLJ36000 IncRNA were significantly down-regulated.

CONCLUSIONCur has radiosensitizing effect on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cells. Its mechanism may be related to the changes in the cell cycle distribution and the expression of long non-coding IncRNA.

Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; genetics ; Radiation Tolerance ; drug effects