Objective To observe the apeptosis in liver injury following limbs ischemia-reperfusion(IR) in rats and the protective effects of taurine.Methods The model of limbs ischemia-reperfusion injury was established.30 Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups: control group,IR group and tanrine + reperfusion group (TR group) (n = 10 for each group).The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthineoxidas (XOD), calcium and myeloper-oxidase (MPO) in the liver tissue were measured.DNA fragmentation was observed and analyzed by agarose gel e-lectrophoresis.Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL methods.The morphologic changes were observed with HE stai-ning.Results Compared with control group,the values of MDA, XOD, MPO, calcium in liver tissue were increased significantly in IR group (P<0.01), but the values of those in TR group were lower than in IR group (P<0.01).The percentage of apeptosis cell was higher in IR group than in control group(P<0.01).Compared with IR group, the percentage of apoptosis cell was lower in TR group (P<0.01).IR group presented DNA ladder pattern, while TR group showed no specific DNA ladder pattern in agarose gel electrophoresis.Conclusion Apoptosis participates in the liver injury after limb ischemia-reperfusion.Taurine can mitigate the liver injury and apoptosis after limb is-chemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Objective To investigate the expression of SOX4 and C/EBPα mRNA in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and their clinical significances. Methods Bone marrow samples from 68 cases of CML including 57 newly diagnosed patients and 11 patients treated with imatinib were collected, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 30 healthy people were collected as healthy control. The expression of SOX4 and C/EBPαmRNA and protein levels were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The relations between the expression of SOX4 and C/EBPα and the influences of imatinib on SOX4 and C/EBPα were analyzed. Results The expression level of SOX4 mRNA was increased in newly diagnosed CML patients compared with that of normal control group (6.545 5±1.495 2 vs. 0.059 6±0.018 8, t=3.139, P=0.002 3), but the expression level of C/EBPαmRNA was significantly decreased (0.238 8±0.033 8 vs. 0.810 5±0.056 2, t=9.240, P<0.000 1). The expression levels of SOX4 and C/EBPαmRNA had no significant correlation with age, gender, white blood cell count (WBC) and bcr-abl of newly diagnosed patients (all P>0.05). The expression level of SOX4 mRNA in 5 patients treated with imatinib was decreased (0.120 6 ±0.044 9 vs. 0.557 9±0.144 8, t=2.885, P=0.020 4), and the expression level of C/EBPαmRNA was increased (0.330 3±0.042 4 vs. 0.150 5±0.046 5, t=2.855, P=0.021 3). The expression level of SOX4 mRNA in 6 patients who developed blast phase during the treatment of imatinib was increased (0.469 9±0.123 0 vs. 0.050 2±0.036 6, t=2.370, P=0.039 3), and the expression level of C/EBPα mRNA was decreased (0.197 9 ±0.064 7 vs. 0.378 7±0.042 9, t=2.327, P=0.042 3). The expression of SOX4 mRNA was negatively correlated with C/EBPα mRNA (t=-0.554 6, P=0.002 8). Conclusions In newly diagnosed CML, the expression level of SOX4 is increased, C/EBPα is decreased compared with that of healthy control, and both have negative correlation. In the patients in blast phase after imatinib treatment, SOX4 gene is up-regulated, and C/EBPα is down-regulated. C/EBPα-SOX4 axis may play a role in the occurrence and development of CML. SOX4 may be a new molecular target for the treatment of CML.

A anaerobic hydrogen-producing strain HR-1 was isolated from compost. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequence similarity indicates that strain HR-1 is the closest relative to Clostridium ace- tobutylicum ATCC 824, with the similarity of 96%. Biological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene indicate that HR-1 is a new species named Clostridium sp. HR-1. Cells are Gram-positive, mobile rod-shaped. Spores and flagellums were no observed. Temperature range for growth is 10?C to 45?C (optimum temperature 37?C~39?C), and range pH for growth is 4.0 to 10.0 (optimum pH 7.5~8.0). H2, CO2, acetate, butyrate and a little ethanol are the end products of PYG fermentation. Strain HR-1 has the ability to use organic nitrogen and inorganic nitrogen sources for growth and hydrogen production, and yeast extract is the optimum nitrogen source for hydrogen production. Strain HR-1 produces hydrogen from xylose (3 g/L) at 37?C and initial pH 6.5, the hydrogen yields and maximal hydrogen production rate are 1.84 mol-H2/mol-xylose and 10.52 mmol-H2/h?g-cdw, respectively. Strain HR-1 is able to utilize glucose, galactose, fructose, mannose and cellobiose for hydrogen production and the hydrogen yields from glucose is 2.36 mol-H2/mol-glucose.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling(SOCS)-3 and caspase-3 and their correlative significance in endometriosis.

METHODSImmunohistochemical EnVision method was used to detect the SOCS-3 and caspase-3 protein expression in ectopic and eutopic endometrium (n = 32) of patients with endometriosis, as well as normal endometrium (n = 30) of women without endometriosis.

RESULTSSOCS-3 and caspase-3 proteins were expressed in all three groups and not affected by the menstrual cycles. The expression of SOCS-3 in ectopic endometrium (5.54 ± 2.12) was significantly lower than that in eutopic (7.39 ± 1.09, P = 0.001) and control group (7.48 ± 1.26, P < 0.01), but without difference between the eutopic and control group (P = 0.756). SOCS-3 expression in ectopic and eutopic endometrium was significantly lower in III/IV stages than that in I/II stages of endometriosis (P < 0.05). Significantly lower expression of caspase-3 protein was found in ectopic (3.20 ± 1.24) and eutopic endometrium (3.88 ± 1.93) as compared with the control group (6.49 ± 1.85, P < 0.01), however ectopic and eutopic endometrium showed no significant difference (t = 1.66, P = 0.10). There was no significant difference of the expression of caspase-3 in ectopic and eutopic endometrium at different disease stages (P > 0.05). Positive correlation was found between the expression of SOCS-3 and caspase-3 proteins in ectopic endometrium (r = 0.655, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSOCS-3 may be involved in the development of endometriosis through inhibition of apoptosis of ectopic endometrial cells.

Adult ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Endometriosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Endometrium ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Menstrual Cycle ; Middle Aged ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins ; metabolism ; Uterine Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Qingfei Peiyuan Micro-pill (QPM) on HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of phlegm heat obstructing lung syndrome (PHOLS).

METHODSTotally 141 HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of PHOLS were randomly assigned to the treatment group (94 cases) and the control group (47cases). On the basis of Western medicine, patients in the treatment group took QPM. The therapeutic course for all was 28 days. The improvement of symptoms and signs was observed. The body temperature (BT), chest X ray, and white blood cells (WBCs) were detected.

RESULTSThe Chinese medical syndrome score was lower in the treatment group than in the control group at the 7th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The efficacy was better in the treatment group than in the control group at the 7th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The BT was lower in the treatment group than in the control group on the 7th day. There was no statistical difference in the patient number with normal WBCs on the 7th day (P > 0.05). But there was statistical difference in the patient number with normal WBCs on the 14th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the patient number with normal chest X ray on the 7th and 28th day of treatment (P > 0.05). But there was statistical difference in the patient number with normal chest X ray on the 14th and 21 st day of treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQPM had certain complementary effect on HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of PHOLS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; complications ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; complications ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Background and Objective Keshan disease is clinically characterized as a dilated eardiomyopathy. We analyze the prevalence trend during last decade of hypertension and Keshan-disease in Yangzhuang village which was a Keshan-disease epidemic area.Method The survey including medical history,blood pressure and ECG were carried out every two years during the follow up 13 years.Results During follow up period,the total detection rate(hypertension:13.4 % vs Keshan-disease:10.7 %,?~2=8.555,P=0.002)and the accumulative rate of hypertension were higher than those of Keshan-disease,which was on the contrary to that before 1993,when increasing rate of Keshan-disease was higher than hypertension.Furthermore,the accumulative increasing rate of hypertension was 240.0%,which was higher than the national average level during corresponding period with no significant differences between female and male.Conclusion The detection rate of hypertension in Keshan disease epidemic area was higher than the average rate nation-wide.Whether the hypertension prevalence was re- lated to Keshan-disease needs further investigation.

OBJECTIVETo observe the antagonist effect of Curcuma Aromatica (CA) on renal tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1).

METHODSNormal renal tubular epithelial NRK-52E cells in vitro cultured were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e., the normal control group (Group C), the TGF-beta1 induced model group (Group T), the low dose CA treated group (Group E1), the moderate dose CA treated group (Group E2), the high dose CA group (Group E3), and the Benazepril Hydrochloride Tablet treated group (Group Y). Except Group C, corresponding medication (with an action of 48 h) was administered to cells in the rest groups after they were induced by TGF-beta1 for 24 h. The morphological changes were observed by inverted phase contrast microscope. The distribution of beta-actin protein was detected by immunohistochemical assay. The mRNA expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and E-cadherin (E-cad) were detected by real-time PCR. The concentration of fibronectin (FN) was detected by ELISA.

RESULTSAfter induced by TGF-beta1 for three days, hypertrophy and elongated cells in fusiform-shape occurred,with increased expressions of beta-actin protein in the cytoskeletal structure (P < 0.05), bundle fibrous structure occurred inside cytoplasm with significantly up-regulated intracellular alpha-SMA mRNA expressions (P < 0.05), E-cad mRNA expression decreased (P < 0.05), the FN content in the supernate increased (P < 0.05) in Group T. Compared with Group T, partial cells in Group E1, E2, and E3 showed fibrous changes, accompanied with decreased expression of beta-actin protein and FN concentration (P < 0.05). The expression of alpha-SMA mRNA increased and the expression E-cad mRNA decreased in Group E2 and E3 (both P < 0.05). But there was no statistical difference in the expression levels of E-cad and alpha-SMA mRNA (P > 0.05). Compared with Group E1, the expression of beta-actin protein and FN concentration decreased in Group E2 and E3 (P < 0.05). The expressions of alpha-SMA mRNA decreased and E-cad mRNA increased in Group E3 (P < 0.05). Compared with Group Y, the expression of beta-actin mRNA and FN concentration increased in Group E1 (P < 0.05); the expression of beta-actin mRNA increased in Group E3 (P < 0.05); the expression of E-cad mRNA decreased in Group E3 (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the expression of alpha-SMA mRNA among Group E1, E2, and E3 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCA could inhibit the occurrence of TGF-beta1 induced EMT, which could be used as an effective drug for treating chronic renal insufficiency.

Animals ; Cell Transdifferentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Curcuma ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Kidney Tubules ; cytology ; Male ; Myofibroblasts ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

This study was aimed to investigate the distribution feature of HLA-DR/DQ gene linkage disequilibrium in Chinese Han population and to improve the accuracy of HLA matching results. Genotyping of HLA-DR and HLA-DQ gene locus was performed using PCR-SSP typing in Chinese Han population receiving kidney transplantation. The results showed that there were 29 new linkage combinations in 1799 patients, in which DR13-DQ5, DR11-DQ8 and DR8-DQ8 were discovered for 11, 8 and 7 times respectively while DR9-DQ8, DR12-DQ6 and DR14-DQ4 were both discovered for 6 times. The linkage disequilibrium parameters of these haplotypes were negative, showing that these linkages were uncommon. It is concluded that this study not only enriches the classical HLA-DR/DQ linkage combinations, but also indicates the national relevance of combination distribution, and it has great importance in improving the accuracy of HLA matching experiments and reducing unnecessary repeated work.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; HLA-DQ Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DR Antigens ; genetics ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Linkage Disequilibrium

OBJECTIVETo study the inhibition of the expression of bcl-xL gene induced by RNA interference in CNE-2Z cell line in addition to the inhibition of its proliferation and apoptotic induction.

METHODSSmall interfering RNAs targeting bcl-xL gene were synthesized by using web design software provided by Amnion and the silencer short interfering RNA (siRNA) construction kit; fluorescein-labeled siRNAs were done by FAM-silencer siRNA labeling kit; siRNAs were transfected into CNE-2Z cells by using lipofectamine 2000 reagent; siRNA transfection efficiencies were analyzed by fluorescent microscopy; down-regulation of bcl-xL was detected by RT-PCR; thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay was used to assess the cell growth; apoptosis of CNE-2Z cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTSGreen fluorescence in the cells was seen clearly in FAM-labeled siRNA transfected group under the fluorescent microscope while none in the untransfected group. Different down-regulations of bcl-xL mRNA expression were found in the transfected groups. The expression of bcl-xL mRNA decreased by 10% - 70% in the siRNAs transfected CNE-2Z by RT-PCR scan analysis. The inhibitory rate of cell proliferation depended on time and concentrations to some extent. Different cell apoptosis could be induced by different concentrations of siRNA4.

CONCLUSIONSThe synthesized siRNAs in vitro were able to down-regulate the expression of bcl-xL There were different capabilities of the specific siRNAs down-regulation. The transient transfected bcl-xL siRNA4 could effectively inhibit the growth of the cancer cells and induce theirs apoptosis. It was suggested that the siRNA technique provide not only an extremely powerful tool for the functional analysis of genome but also a new method for anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma gene therapy.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Transfection ; bcl-X Protein ; genetics

Objective To explore the clinical significance of prenatal diagnosis for absence of fetal cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) by ultrasonography. Methods The ultrasonographic characteristics were retrospectively analyzed in 63 fetuses, whose CSPs were not detected in prenatal two and three dimensional ultrasonography in Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital. Results In 63 fetuses with absent CSP, the related malformations included:(1) Five cases were diagnosed as agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC, including four complete ACC and one partial ACC);(2) Twenty-seven cases were diagnosed as holoprosencephaly (HPE, including 18 alobar HPE, ifve semilobar HPE and four lobar HPE);(3) One case was diagnosed as schizencephaly;(4) Two cases were diagnosed as porencephaly;(5) Five cases were diagnosed as hydranencephaly;(6) Twenty-three cases were diagnosed as severe hydrocephalus, among which ifve cases were caused by aqueductal stenosis and the other 18 cases were caused by open spina biifda (Chiari Ⅱ malformation). These absent CSP fetuses had other abnormalities including one case of Dandy-Walker Malformation, one case of Dandy-Walker Variation, 14 cases of median cleft lip, ifve cases of single naris, two cases of proboscis nose, three cases of talipes foot and four cases of single umbilical artery, etc. These 63 cases were all followed up after prenatal ultrasonography but 4 cases were missed and one case of septo-optic dysplasia was misdiagnosed as lobar HPE. The diagnoses of other 58 fetuses by ultrasonography were conifrmed by follow up. Conclusions CSP is considered as an essential part in prenatal evaluations of the fetal central nervous system during second-and third-trimester. Absence of CSP is always accompanied with an extremely wide spectrum of fetal neuroanatomic malformations, including prosencephalon diseases, intracranial midline anomalies, etc. Prenatal ultrasonography is the best choice for the observation of CSP.