The rate of corneal graft rejection is still high for high-risk keratoplasty although immune suppression drug is routinely used.The role of traditional Chinese medicine in corneal transplantation is concerned gradually.Heijingpaichitang on the prevention and treatment of rats with high-risk corneal allograft rejection needs further study.Objective This study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of heijingpaichitang on high-risk corneal transplantation immune rejection in rats.Methods Sixteen female SD rats were used as the donors and 32female Wistar rats were served as recipients.The high-risk corneal trasplantation models were established by corneal suture in 32 Wistar rats,and then homogeneity variant SD-Wistar corneal transplantation was performed.The recipients were randomized into model control group,cyclosporinc A (CsA)group,heijingpaichitang group and CsA +heijingpaichitang group.CsA,heijingpaichitang and CsA + heijingpaichitang was orally administered 4 days after operation once per day for 15 days,and normal saline solution was used at the same way in the model control group.Ocular anterior segment reaction was examined under the slit lamp and corneal opacification,edema and neovasculation were scored based on Larkin' s criteria.Rejection index of the corneal graft was recorded and the graft survival time was calculated.The pathological examination of the corneal graft was carried out in all rats,and the inflammatory cells in the corneas and CD4+ cells in the periphery blood were assayed using flow cytometry.The use of the animals complied with ARVO Statement.Results Corneal graft rejection occurred in 10 days after operation in the model control group,12-13 days in the CsA group and heijingpaichitang group and 22 days in the CsA +heijingpaichitang group.Compared with model control group,the scores of the corneal opacification,corneal edema and neovascularization were significantly lower in the CsA group,heijingpaichitang group and CsA+heijingpaichitang group (P＜0.05),and all the scores were declined in the CsA+ heijingpaichitang group compared with CsA group and heijingpaichitang group(P＜0.01),but no significant differences were seen in the scores between the CsA group and heijingpaichitang group(P＞0.05).The mean survival time of grafts was (10.38 ±1.69)days in the model control group,(22.50 ± 3.07) days in the CsA + heijingpaichitang group,with the significant difference (t =-9.790,P =0.000).The pathological examination of graft showed that the lymphocytes and new blood vessels were less in the CsA+heijingpaichitang group compared with CsA group and heijingpaichitang group 15 days after operation.Flow cytometry verified that the number of lymphocytes in graft,CD4+cells and CD4+/CD8+ in periphery blood were significantly lower in the heijingpaichitang group,CsA group and CsA+heijingpaichitang group compared with model control group (P＜0.05).Conclusions Heijingpaichitang can inhibit immune rejection to certain extent in high-risk corneal transplantation rat and has a similar effect to 0.1％ CsA.Heijingpaichitang and 0.1％ CsA have a synergistic effect.

During mammalian ontogeny, hematopoietic activity can be found in distinct anatomical sites, which con-tribute to primitive or definite hematopoiesis. The origin of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) has been a controversial issue in the field of hematopoiesis. It has long been believed that the origin derives from the extra-embryonic yolk sac. However, there is now considerable evidence that the first adult repopulating HSC is autonomously generated from a distinct region within the embryonic mesoderm, the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region. This review describes the origin and precise location of HSC in the embryo and in AGM region, the hematopoietic microenvironment and the hematopoietic regulatory mechanisms in AGM region.
Animals ; Aorta ; cytology ; embryology ; Gonads ; cytology ; embryology ; Hematopoiesis ; physiology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Hematopoietic System ; cytology ; embryology ; Humans ; Mesonephros ; cytology ; embryology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of garlicin on the levels of interferon gamma (INF-gamma) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in blood of allergic rhinitis rat model.

METHODSThirty healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, negative control group and experimental group, 10 rats for each group. Ten rats (experimental group) were sensitized and intranasally challenged by ovalbumin, aluminium hydroxide hydrate gel and Bordetella pertussis inactive microorganism suspension adjuvants, as allergic rhinitis models, and then injection of garlicin(0.4 ml) intraperitoneally per day for 10 days. Control group rats were immunized as experimental group, and then injection of physiological saline as equal volume as garlicin. Negative control group rats were investigated using physiological saline. Blood of intrajugular vein of rat was extracted for separated plasma Enzyme liked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to detect the serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-gamma.

RESULTSThe serum levels (x +/- s) of IL4 were (22.81 +/- 8.79) pg/L, (41.43 +/- 4.93) pg/L, (9.93 +/- 2.07) pg/L, and those of IFN-gamma were (22.32 +/- 11.20) pg/L, (11.35 +/- 2.45) pg/L and (21.69 +/- 5.93) pg/L, respectively, among experimental group, control group and negative control group. The serum level of IL-4 in experimental group rats was lower than value of control group rats (t = 3.22, P < 0.05), while higher than negative control group (t = 4.17, P < 0.05). The serum level of IFN-gamma was increased significantly in experimental group rats with significant difference when compared with value of control group rats (t = 3.84, P < 0.05), while no difference was shown between experimental group and negative control group (t = 1.47, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSGarlicin could increase serum level of INF-gamma and decrease serum level of IL4 significantly in allergic rhinitis rat model. It played an important role on regulating serum levels of cytokines of Thl and Th2.

Allyl Compounds ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Disulfides ; pharmacology ; Female ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; blood ; Th1 Cells ; drug effects ; Th2 Cells ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo analyze clinical characteristics in young and aged patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODSThe clinical and coronary angiographic data were compared between young (PCAD, male < 55 years old, n = 74, female < 65 years old, n = 71) and aged (CAD, male > 55 years old, n = 106, female > 65 years old, n = 111) patients. Seventy-one patients excluded with CAD by angiography served as controls (non-CAD). The traditional risk factors (including age, smoking, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, BMI, family history), coronary angiographic changes were analyzed and compared among various groups.

RESULTS(1) Compared with CAD group, PCAD patients had significantly higher rate of smoking (50.3% vs. 38.0%, P < 0.05), significantly higher positive CAD family history rate (29.7% vs. 19.9%, P < 0.05) and significantly higher TG level [(2.13 +/- 1.89) mmol/L vs. (1.78 +/- 1.14) mmol/L, P < 0.05], while had significantly fewer traditional risk factors (2.50 +/- 1.28 vs. 2.76 +/- 1.43, P < 0.05) and lower hypertension rate (59.3% vs. 73.3%, P < 0.05). There were significantly more PCAD patients with acute coronary syndrome (66.2% vs. 42.6%, P < 0.05), more PCAD patients had single vessel lesion (51.0% vs. 30.4%, P < 0.05), lower average lesion score (4.86 +/- 2.30 vs. 5.92 +/- 2.66, P < 0.05). (2) The logistic regression results showed that positive CAD family history (P = 0.029, OR = 1.766, 95% CI 1.060 - 2.940) and smoking (P = 0.066, OR = 1.561, 95% CI 0.971 - 2.510) are important independent risk factors for the development of PCAD.

CONCLUSIONSSmoking, positive family history and the increased TG might contribute to the pathogenesis of PCAD.

Adult ; Aged ; Coronary Artery Disease ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Triglycerides ; blood

To carry out the secretive expression of human laminin alpha4 chain LG4-5 module (hLNalpha4LG4-5), recombinant expression plasmid pPICZalphaA-LG45 was constructed by inserting of hLNalpha4LG4-5 cDNA into yeast expression vector pPICZaA. The hLNalpha4LG4-5 protein was expressed in GS115 Pichia yeast strain after induced by methanol, and purified target protein can obviously promote the expansion and adhesion of 293 cells.
Cell Line ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Laminin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification

To carry out the secretive expression of human 67 kD laminin receptor (67LR), recombinant expression plasmid pPIC9K-67LR was constructed by inserting of 67LR cDNA into yeast expression vector pPIC9K. The 67LR protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris after induced by methanol, and about 12.56 mg electrophoresis purity 67LR could be obtained after the purification of 1L culture using affinity chromatograph column. In vitro competitive binding assay showed that target protein has an excellent biological activity. The successful expression of 67LR has placed a solid foundation for the research on structure and functions of 67LR.
Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Receptors, Laminin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEAccording to test results of the Hospital of AIDS screening laboratory in 2008, after counting analysis to assess the prevalence of AIDS, we can early detect positive cases in the future and effectively control the spread of AIDS.

METHODSAll serum samples were screened by ELISA method and we reexaminated the samples by PA. As long as one result is positive by the two methods, then we sent the positive samples to Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention by Western Blot method to confirm the result.

RESULTSA total of 21 467 samples were detected and 29 (13.5% 0) were positive screening results. We confirm there were 7 (24.1%) positive samples and 12 (41.4%) suspected samples. We researched the epidemiology of the specimens by its source and age and sex.

CONCLUSIONApplication of ELISA method for HIV screening test has a practical significance, it is accurate and fit to record the results of the screening test for AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; blood ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; HIV Antibodies ; blood ; Hospitals ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of herb-partitioned fire therapy in treating stomachache due to cold-deficiency. Method Sixty patients with stomachache due to cold-deficiency were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 cases each. The control group was intervened by Western and Chinese medications, based on which, the treatment group was given herb-partitioned fire therapy. The clinical efficacies of the two groups were observed, as well as the symptoms scores before and after the treatment. Result There was a significant difference in the clinical efficacy between the two groups (P<0.01). The symptoms scores dropped after the intervention in both groups, and the score in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion Herb-partitioned fire therapy plus medication is effective in treating stomachache due to cold-deficiency, and it can produce a more significant efficacy than medication alone.

OBJECTIVE Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant primary tumor of the central nervous system and is associated with a very poor prognosis. No further improvements in outcomes have been reported since radiotherapy-temozolomide therapy was introduced.Therefore,de-veloping new agents to treat GBM is important. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of evodiamine (Evo) on GBM cells, and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS U251,LN229,HEB and PC12 cells were treated with various concentrations of evodiamine for 24 and 48 hours,cell viability was measured by MTT assay.The U251 and LN229 cells were treated with evo-diamine(0-10 μmol·L-1)for 24 h,and then stained with Hoechst 33258.An Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit was used to detect apoptosis in the cells.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was detected using dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. The changes in mitochondrial mem-brane potential (MMP) were assessed by JC-1 after cells were treated with evodiamine. The expres-sion levels of p-PI3K,PI3K,p-Akt,Akt,Bax,Bcl-2,p-p38,p38,p-JNK,JNK,p-ERK,ERK,Cytochrome c, Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-3, PRAP, and cleaved PARP were measured by Western blot analy-ses. RESULTS According to MTT assay results, Evo significantly inhibited the cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analyses revealed that Evo induced cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner.Moreover,Evo induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) disruption. Finally, Evo induced apoptosis in cancer cells by suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling and inducing MAPK phos-phorylation(p38 and JNK,but not ERK)to regulate apoptotic proteins(Bax,Bcl-2,Cytochrome c,Cas-pase-3, and PARP). CONCLUSION In summary, Evo inhibits cell proliferation by inducing cellular apoptosis via suppressing PI3K/AKT and activating MAPK in GBM;these results indicate that Evo may be regarded as a new approach for GBM treatment.

Objective To investigate the current conditions of water iodine,childrens'iodine nutrition and residents'edible circumstance of iodized salt in the villages with high iodine in drinking water and the adjacent three villages in Xiamen city of Fujian province.Methods Four natural villages of Qianbian,Donglian,Dazhong and Dongshan of Xiangan county were chosen as survey spots in 2008.In each village,one running water sample and all well water samples were collected to obtain the benchmark for each location.All children aged 7-13 year in the four villages underwent thyroid palpation and were selected to measure the urine iodine and the salt iodine.The water iodine and urine iodine were determined by As3+-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry digestion,salt iodine was determined by direct titration.Results In four investigated villages,iodine of four running water samples were all 1.5μg/L.The range of 237 well water iodine samples was from 0.1 μg/L to 506.0 μg/L.There were 18.6% (44/237)specimens in which the well water iodine less than 10 μg/L,73.4%(174/237)between 10 μg/L and 150 μg/L and 8%(19/237)more than 150μg/L.The median of urinary iodine was 153.3 μg/L in 79 urine samples,which was 114%(9/79)more than 200μg/L and less than 300μg/L,12.7%(10/79)equal or more than 300 μg/L and less than 500μg/L,7.6%(6/79)equal or more than 500μg/L and less than 800 μg/L in all samples.Seventy-nine students were examined by palpation and the total goiter rate of children measured was 11.4% (9/79).Seventy-one samples of iodine salt were detected and the coverage rate of iodized salt was 77.5%(55/71).Conclusions The well water iodine contents have a wide distribution in the investigated villages.We should enhance the community awareness by educating them on the damage of iodine excess and iodine deficiency.