Objective To examine the effect of metformin on serum thyrotropin (TSH) level in diabetic patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).Methods The long-term effects of metformin on thyroid axis hormones were assessed in 55 diabetic patients with primary SCH who were untreated with L-T4(study group),as well as in 31 diabetic patients with normal thyroid function (control group).According to using metformin or not,patients of study group were divided into the metformin group (group 1,n =28),and the non-metformin group(group 2,n =27).Serum TSH levels were compared between baseline and follow-up in patients receiving metformin treatment.Results After 30 weeks of metformin administration,a significant TSH decrease(t =2.91,P ＜ 0.05) was observed in group 1 [from(6.98 ± 1.92) to(2.44 ± 0.61) mIU/L].After stopping metformin therapy,the level of TSH at 52 weeks fol low-up was back to the baseline level [(6.99 ± 1.76) mIU/L,P ＞ 0.05].There was no significant difference in TSH level between baseline and after 30 weeks follow-up in group 2[(6.01 ± 1.63) mIU/L vs(6.21 ± 1.71) mIU/L,P ＞0.05].At the end of 30 weeks follow-up,no significant differences were found in body mass index and thyroid func tion in both metformin group and non-metformin group.In control group,metformin administration for 30 weeks had no effect on TSH level(P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Metformin administration influences TSH without change of FT4 level in type 2 diabetic patients with primary SCH.

The effect and mechanism of mulberry leaves extracts (MLE) on glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells in vitro was explored. The insulin resistant models of HepG2 were induced by high concentration of insulin for 24 h. The models were incubated in a buffer containing mulberry leaves extracts. The glucose consumption was detected by glucose assay kits and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt activation was examined by Western blotting. Mulberry leaves polysaccharides, mulberry leaves flavonoids and mulberry leaves extracts advanced glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells; Mulberry leaves extracts enhance phosphorylation of AMPK. Mulberry leaves extracts do not change the phosphorylation status of Akt. The glucose consumptions of insulin resistant model of HepG2 were promoted by mulberry leaves extracts. MLE stimulates HepG2 cell AMPK activity acutely without changing the Akt activity.

Humans ; Language Development Disorders ; complications ; Presbycusis ; complications

Xanthine oxidase (XOD), catalyzing purine metabolism, is the key enzyme in uric acid (UA) biosynthesis, and becomes an important target for hyperuricemia treatment. The inhibition on XOD plays an important role in the treatment of hyperuricemia-related diseases, such as gout, as well as oxidative stress-induced tissue injury. Here, studies on the natural products with XOD inhibition are reviewed.

Objective To study the changes of serum NO, TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-17 Levels and study of the efficacy of Bismuth - containing quadruple and standard triple therapy for patients with Hp positive peptic ulcer. Methods 109 cases of peptic ulcer treated in our hospital were retrospectively selected, and Hp test was positive. According to different dosing regimen, the patients were divided into two groups. There were 54 patients in the control group, using standard triple therapy, and the regimen was lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and metronidazole. 55 patients in the study group were treated with bismuth-based western therapy with bismuth potassium citrate, rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and furazolidone. Two weeks after treatment were regarded as the observation period, and the levels of serum NO, TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-17 in the two groups were compared before and after treatment. The effective rate of ulcer healing, Hp clearance rate and incidence of adverse reactions were compared. Results The level of serum NO, TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-17 was significantly lower than that in the control group (P <0.05). The effective rates of ulcer healing and Hp clearance in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). There was no significant differences between the study group and the control group in the incidence of adverse reactions. Conclusion Western medicine with bismuth in the treatment of Hp peptic ulcer patients, the serum NO, TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-17 levels of indicators have significantly improved, and has obvious advantages in clinical treatment, and it is a reasonable dosing regimen of high efficiency and low recurrence.

The purpose of this study is to prepare galactosyl modified lipid bilayer-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (GPEM) to enhance the antitumor efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The irinotecan (CPT-11) loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was coated with the Gal-P123 modified functional lipid bilayer by thin-film dispersion method. Nanoparticles were characterized with particle size, zeta potential, morphology and drug release in vitro. Afterwards, the cell uptake, intracellular concentration of CPT-11, cell apoptosis rate and cytotoxicity were evaluated on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7. The results showed that MSNs were coated with intact lipid bilayers and the nanoparticles had clear core-shell structure. GPEM is stable with the mean particle size of (78.01 +/- 2.04) nm. The low leakage rate in normal physiological conditions in vitro is contributed to the protection of stable lipid bilayer, and the fast drug release in acid environment due to the destruction of the lipid bilayer. On the cell level, the vector could improve the intracellular CPT-11 concentration by 4 times because of the functional lipid bilayer. The high CPT-11 concentration led to the increasement of apoptosis rate by 48.6%, and the reduction of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of CPT-11 by 2 times, indicating stronger cell cytotoxicity.
Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Apoptosis ; Camptothecin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; methods ; Humans ; Lipid Bilayers ; chemistry ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Silicon Dioxide ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics,the diagnosis and therapy of synchronous multiple primary esophageal carcinoma.Methods Thirty-two cases of synchronous multiple primary esophageal carcinoma were collected from January 1980 to December 2010 and their clinic data were retrospectively analysised.Results In the whole group,there were totally 66 lesions in 30 cases of double primary lesion and 2 cases of three primary lesion.The length of the lesions were 1 cm to 6.5 cm,and there were 22 lesions in cervical esophagus,10 in upper thoracic esophagus,19 in midthoracic esophagus and 15 in lower thoracic esophagus.Within the 66 lesions,65 lesions were squamous cell carcinoma and 1 was adenocarcinoma.The mucosa between the lesions were normal,with a distance of 4 cm to 9.5 cm,average 7.1 cm.Thirty-two patients with synchronous multiple primary esophageal carcinoma received surgery.Among 32 cases,26 of them were given definite diagnosis before operation.Four of them had exploratory operation,one patient underwent palliative resection,27 patients underwent radical resection.Two cases of the pathologic results of esophageal stump showed carcinoma after operation.The complications occurred in 8 patients.Twenty-eight cases were followed up after operation,the 1,3 and 5-survival rate were 76.9％,43.3 and 14.8％,respectively.Conclusion General pre-operation examination can significant helpful for the definite diagnosis of synchronous multiple primary esophageal carcinoma and surgical treatment is better choice for this disease.

Objective To explore the effects of combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)and western medicine on a variety of allergen induced severe perennial seasonal allergic rhinitis patients who were treated invalidly with antihistamines and intranasal flixonase for more than two years.Methods 16 patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis who were uncontrolled with antihistamines and intranasal flixonase for one week were treated by combination with TCM of Xin-Yi-Qing-fei San or Gyokubeifu-san mixed formula for two weeks.Nasal symptoms,its effects on the quality of daily life,and telephone follow-up half a year later were evaluated.Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini-RQLQ) and Nocturnal Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (NRQLQ) were used to evaluate the quality of life.Results After 2 weeks combination-treatment,the nasal symptoms of congestion,rhinorrhea,sneezing,nasal itching,and nasal obstruction were significantly improved compared with combination-before [(52.0± 11.1)％,(69.1±5.3)％,(68.3±12.3)％,(55.5±10.0)％to (10.9±2.4)％,(8.9±3.2)％,(12.5±4.3)％,(13.2±5.3)％,respectively].The before and after treatment of nasal function of nasal minimum cross-sectional area (MCA),nasal cavity volume (V5) and nasal airway resistance (R75 and R150) respectively were (0.58±0.12)cm2,(0.38 ± 0.23) Pa/cm3 · s-1,(0.44 ± 0.32) Pa/cm3 · s-1,(3.50 ± 2.33) cm2 to (0.48 ± 0.23) cm2,(0.31 ±0.33) Pa/cm3 · s-1,(0.31 ±0.37)Pa/cm3 · s-1,(2.24± 1.03) cm2 (P＜0.01).In addition,findings of patients with nasal symptoms by half year follow-up were significantly better than those of before.Conclusion The interventionof TCM can effectively control the perennial and seasonal severe symptoms of patients with AR,and improve the quality of life of patients.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility,safety and efficacy of peratrial device closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) through a right parasternal approach.Methods Between May 2011 and July 2012,47 patients (peratrial group),aged 7 months to 37 years,underwent peratrial device closure of VSD through a right parasternal approach.According to the same inclusion criteria,47 patients who underwent perventricular device closure of VSD were randomly chosen as the control group (perventricular group).In the peratrial group,a 1.5 to 2.0 cm parasternal incision was made in the right fourth or third intercostal space.The pericardium was incised and cradled.Two parallel pursestring sutures were placed at the right atrium near the atrioventricular groove.After puncture,a specially designed hollow probe was inserted into the right atrium.The probe was passed through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle.Under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance,the tip of the probe was adjusted to point to or cross the defect.A flexible guidewire was rapidly inserted into the left ventricle through the channel of the probe to establish a delivery pathway,and the delivery sheath was introduced through the defect over the wire.Then the device was deployed to close the defect.Results Successful implantation of the device was achieved in both groups of patients (100％).In the peratrial group,the entrance and the exit diameter of the VSD were (7.4 ±4.1) mm (range,2.0 to 20.0 mm) and (3.4 ± 1.2)mm (range,2.0 to 7.0 mm),respectively.The mean device size was (6.3 ± 1.5)mm (range,4.0 to 12.0 mm).The mean intracardiac manipulation time is longer in the peratrial group [(15 ± 13) min] than in the perventricular group[(8 ± 5)min],P ＜ 0.01.But the procedure time is shorter in the peratrial group[(56 ± 24) min] than in the perventricular group [(72 ± 16) min],P ＜ 0.01.During the follow-up period of 1 to 12 months,no device-related complications were found.Conclusion The peratrial device closure of VSD is feasible,safe,and efficacious.It has the advantages of less invasiveness,better cosmetic results,and a shorter procedure time.

Objective To investigate the effects of low frequency pulsed magnetic fields (LF-PMFs) on proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, cytoskeleton formation and nitric oxide (NO) secretion in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). Methods LF-PMFs with rectangular and triangular waveforms at 15 Hz were tested. The CMECs were randomly divided into a control group, 0.6 mT group, 1.2 mT group, 1.8 mT group and 2.4 mT group. Except for the control group, the CMECs were exposed to LF-PMFs 4 h/day for 5 days. Results After 5 days of intervention with rectangular wave LF-PMFs the proliferation of CMECs accelerated and NO secretion was enhanced significantly. The percentages of cells at ( S+G2 ) phase increased significantly, whereas apoptosis rates were significantly lower than in the control group. The migration of CMECs was facilitated, stress fibers increased and cytoskeleton components were reorganized. After 5 days of intervention with triangular wave LF-PMFs proliferation of CMECs accelerated and NO secretion was significantly enhanced. The percentages of cells at(S+G2)phase and migration increased, while apoptosis was inhibited. Cytoskeleton components were reorganized after exposure to 0.6 mT and 2.4 mT triangular waveform LF-PMFs. No significant change was detected with 1.2 mT and 1.8 mT triangular waveform LF-PMFs with regard to these variables. Conclusions The effects of LF-PMFs on proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, cytoskeleton formation and NO secretion function of CMECs were infiuenced by the waveform in addition to it's intensity and frequency.