Objective To observe the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE) plus atorvastatin treatment on matrix metalloproteinase-9 ( MMP-9) in experimental atherosclerosis rabbits and to explore its mechanism. Methods Thirty male New Zealand rabbits were randomized into five groups. The normal control group were fed with standard diet for 24 weeks. And the other groups were fed with standard diet containing 1 % cholesterol for 12 weeks. In the sequential 12 weeks, the model control group was fed with standard diet. The GSPE group was fed with standard diet containing 1% grape seed proanthocyanidin(GSP). The atorvastatin group was fed with standard diet containing atorvastatin(2. 5 mg · kg~(-1) · d~(-1)). The GSPE plus atorvastatin group was fed with standard diet containing 1% GSP and atorvastatin (2. 5 mg~(-1) · kg~(-1) · d~(-1)). Blood samples were drawn from ear middle arteries of rabbits just before the experiment and at the 12th and the 24th weekend of the experiment. All the rabbits were fasted for at least eight hours before the blood was drawn. The blood samples were analyzed for the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). All the rabbits were sacrificed at the 24th weekend, and the expression of MMP-9 was observed in the thoracic aortic tissue using immunohistochemistry technique. Results The serum level and aorta expression of MMP-9 were increased in model group compared to control group (all P< 0. 05). The severity of atherosclerosis was less in three drug groups than that in model control group. The GSPE,atorvastatin and GSPE plus atorvastatin groups versus model group showed less atherosclerotic lession, the decreased expression of aorta MMP-9 and the decreased serum level of MMP-9 C(1. 06±0. 21), ( 1. 07 ±0.20), (0.81 + 0.16) vs. (1. 32±0. 24)ng/ml,all P<0. 05]. The effect in the GSPE and atorvastatin group was most obvious. Conclusions GSPE plus atorvastatin group has the most efficacy of anti-atherogenesis, which is associated with its reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase.

Humans ; Root Resorption

Objective To observe the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choriocapillary blood flow area (CBFA) in the patients with idiopathic macular hole (IMH).Methods This is a prospective clinical study.Thirty-two patients with unilateral IMH (4 in stage 2,17 in stage 3,11 in stage 4) and 32 age-and sexmatched normal controls were enrolled in this study.All eyes were divided into three groups,including group A (32 affected eyes),group B (32 fellow eyes) and group C (32 normal eyes of controls).There was no significant difference in age (t=0.865) and gender (x2=0.000) in IMH patients versus normal control subjects (P＞0.05).There was no significant difference in refraction (F=0.957) and ocular axial length (F=0.562) between group A,B and C.The SFCT was detected by enhanced depth imaging of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).The CBFA was detected by OCT angiography.The differences of SFCT and CBFA in three groups were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and non-parametric test.Results The mean SFCT was (182.53 ±64.52) μtm in group A,(199.21 t73.07) μtm in group B and (254.21 ±56.85) μtm in group C respectively.The SFCT was thinner in group A and B than that in group C (Z=-4.362,-3.190;P＜0.05),but was the same in group A and B (Z=-1.171,P＞0.05).The mean CBFA was (5.09±0.31) mm2 in group A,(5.41 ±0.20) mm2 in group B and (5.39±0.15) mm2 in group C respectively.The CBFA was reduced in group A than that in group B and C (Z=-4.467,-4.048;P＜0.05),but was samc in group B and C (Z=0.420,P＞0.05).Conclusion SFCT and CBFA are both reduced in IMH eyes.

Objective: To evaluate the quality consistency of the original product ( DIOVAN ) and generic valsartan capsules ( VSC) . Methods:The dissolution of the two capsules in four media was monitored by the UV method described in Chinese Pharmaco-poeia ( ChP 2010 edition) . The f2 similarity factor approach was used to evaluate the dissolution similarity between DIOVAN and VSC and the production quality of the enterprises. Meanwhile, the homogeneity in the same batch was studied by dissolution precision and the reproducibility in the different batches were also evaluated by a similar equivalent limit method to show the production quality of the manufacturers. Results:The dissolution of VSC and Diovan in pH 6. 8 phosphate buffer medium was both above 85% in 15 min. The f2 similarity factors in the other three media ( water, pH 4. 5 acetate buffer and 0. 1 mol·L-1 HCl) were all above 50. The relative standard deviation ( RSD) of precision in the same batch was less than 10%. Among the different batches, dissolution limit value ( Q) was within the range of the upper and lower limit value of probability levels (δ) . Conclusion:The f2 similarity factor results indicate the in vitro dissolution of the reference drug ( DIOVAN) and generic drug ( VSC) is consistent in the four media. The production quali-ty of generic manufacturer is also good with promising homogeneity and reproducibility evaluation results.

Ranibizumab is a recombinant rat monoclonal antibody fragment of the second generation humanized VEGF. Ranibi-zumab can bind all of active VEGF-A to inhibit the bond between VEGF-A and VEGFR1 or VEGFR2. As the results, the vascular en-dothelial proliferation and vascular permeability can be reduced, and the new vessels angiogenesis can be prevented. The article sys-tematically searched and summarized the relative literatures to offer high-quality evidences for the recent clinical application of ranibi-zumab in ophthalmology.

Objective To study the effect of astragaloside on TGF-β1,SMAD2/3,and α-SMA expression in the kidney tissue of diabetic KKAy mice,and evaluate its potential role in renal interstitial fibrosis.Methods 20 type 2 diabetic KKAy mice were randomly divided into model group and astragaloside group,while 10 male C57BL/6J mice were selected as the control.Astragaloside at 40 mg · kg-1 · d-1 was given when the KKAy mice fed with high-fat diet to 14 weeks old.The mice in the control and model group received normal saline at 40 mg · kg-1 · d-1.Blood glucose meter was used to detect the blood glucose value of each mice at 16th,20th and 24th week.The mice were killed at 24 weeks old and the kidney tissue samples were collected.Pathology morphological changes were observed.Results (1) blood glucose value:cmpared with the control group,the blood glucose value of KKAy mice at 14 week increased significantly,and that of model group also increased significantly at 16th,20th and 24th week (P＜0.05);the blood glucose value of astragaloside group decreased compared with control group (P＜0.05).(2) Morphology of kidney:in the control group,the glomerular and tubular had clear structure,there was no renal interstitial fibrosis;in the model group,the renal glomerular mesangial matrix had broaden,mesangial cell had increased,renal tubular epithelial cell cytoplasm showed vacuole degeneration,renal interstitial inflammatory cell had increaised.In astragaloside group,there were few renal tubular epithelial cell cytoplasm,and there was no obvious fibrosis.(3)TGF-β1,SMAD2/3,and α-SMA expression levels of the kidney issuse:compared with control group,mice in model group up-regulated TGF-β1,SMAD2/3 and α-SMA expression (P＜ 0.05).TGF-β1,SMAD2/3,and α-SMA expression levels in astragaloside group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P＜0.05).There was few phosphorylated SMAD2/3 expression in renal tubular and glomerular nuclei,while that of model group increased (P＜0.01),and compared with model group,that of the astragaloside group decreased (P＜0.05).Conclusion Astragaloside can delay the renal fibrosis process in diabetic mice by influencing the TGF-β/SMADS signaling pathway and down-regulating TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression,thus to relieve renal fibrosis in diabetic mice.

Objective To study the expression of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM)CD150 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)isolated from adult non-responders to recombined yeast gene hepatitis B vaccine.Methods A total of 202 cases were recruited.All these subjects had been immunized with recombined yeast gene hepatitis B vaccine for more than one standard scheme in two years(from Sep 2007 to Dec 2009)and remained negative for hepatitis B markers(HBsAg,anti-HBs,HBeAg,anti-HBe and anti-HBc).After recruitment,all 202 subjects received another standard scheme(0,1 and 6 month)revaccination.The blood samples were collected 7 months later after the first injection of revaccination to detect anti-HBs titer.The PBMCs were isolated from 18 adult non-responders(anti-HBs titer<10 mIU/mL)and 18 adult responders(antiHBs titer≥100 mIU/mL).CD150 expression on cell surface was analyzed by flow cytometry.SAS package was used for t test and spearman rank correlation analysis.Results After rHBsAg stimulation,the percentage of PBMCs expressed CD150 was significantly higher in non-responders (39.20%±10.66%)than responders(23.73%±12.41%)(t=2.1947,P<0.05).The same trend was also observed in rHBsAg stimulated C133+CD4+T cells,but the difference was not statistically significant(49.64%±11.94%vs 37.73%±11.02%)(t=1. 7175,P>0.05).After phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)stimulation,the percentage of CD150-positive PBMCs was also significantly higher in non-responders (39.21%±7.37%)than responders(23.18%±12.68%)(t=2.2835,P<0.05).CD150 expressions in both PBMCs and CD3+CD4+T cells were negatively correlated with anti-HBs titer after rHBsAg stimulation (r=-0.726,P<0.05).Conclusion Activation of CD150 may contribute to the non-response to hepatitis B vaccine.

Objective To evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on the activity of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and c-fos in the spinal dorsal horn in a rat model of neuropathic pain.Methods Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =18 each):sham operation group (group S),chronic neuropathic pain group (group C) and dexmedetomidine group (group D).The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10％ chloral hydrate 350 mg/kg.The sciatic nerve was exposed and 4 ligatures were placed on the right sciatic nerve at 1 mm intervals with 4-0 silk thread in C and D groups.In group D,dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day starting from the end of operation until 1 day before the animals were sacrificed,while the equal volme of normal saline was injected instead of dexmedetomidine in S and C groups.Paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation with yon Frey filament (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency to thermal stimulation (TWL) were measured on 1 day before operation and 3,7 and 14 days after operation.The animals were sacrificed after measurement of MWT and TWL.Their lumbar segments (L4-6) of the spinal cord were removed for measurement of the expression of phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) and c-fos by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with group S,MWT was significantly decreased,TWL was shortened,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was up-regulated on 3,7 and 14 days after operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group C,MWT was significantly increased,TWL was prolonged,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was down-regulated on 3,7 and 14 days after operation in group D (P ＜ 0.05).MWT was significantly lower,and TWL was shorter on 3,7 and 14 days after operation than on 1 day before operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).MWT was significantly lower,TWL was shorter,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was higher on 7 and 14 days after operation than on 3 days after operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).MWT was significantly higher,TWL was longer,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was lower on 14 days after operation than on 7 days after operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which dexmedetomidine reduces neuropathic pain is related to inhibition of the activity of CREB and c-fos in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.

Objective To investigate the effects of Sulfotanshinone Sodium Injection (SSI) on neuropathic pain in rats.Methods One hundred and eight adult male Wistar rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =36 each):sham operation group (group S) ; chronic constrictive injury (CCI)group; group SSI.The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10% chloral hydrate 350 mg/kg.In groups CCI and SSI,4 ligatures were placed on the right sciatic nerve at 1 mm intervals with 4-0 silk thread according to the method described by Bennett et al.In group S,the right sciatic nerves were exposed,but not ligated.In group SSI,SSI 25 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day starting from the end of operation until one day before the animals were sacrificed,while the rats received the equal volume of normal saline (5 ml/kg) instead of SSI in groups S and CCI.Twelve animals in each group were chosen at 1 day before operation and 3,7 and 14 days after CCI (T1-4) to measure mechanical paw withdrawal threshold to yon Frey stimuli (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency to thermal nociceptive stimulus (TWL).Six rats in each group were sacrificed at T2-4 after measurement of pain threshold,and their lumbar segnents (L4-6) of the spinal cord were immediately removed for determination of Bcl2 and caspase-3 expression in spinal dorsal horn (by immune-histochemistry),and MDA content and SOD activity (by spectrophotometry) in spinal cord.Results Compared with group S,PWT was significantly decreased,PWL was shortened,the expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 was up-regulated,MDA content was increased and SOD activity was decreased at T2-4 in groups CCI and SSI (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group CNP,PWT was significantly increased,PWL was prolonged,the expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated,the expression of caspase-3 was downregulated,MDA content was decreased and SOD activity was increased at T2-4 in group SSI (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion SSI can mitigate neuropathic pain in rats and inhibition of oxidative stress in spinal cord tissues and reduction of apoptosis in spinal dorsal horn neurons are involved in the mechanism.

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetornidine on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the spinal cord in rats with neuropathic pain (NP).Methods One hundred and eight male Wistar rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n =36 each):sham operation group (group S),NP group and dexmedetomidine group (group D).NP was induced by chronic constrictive injury in anesthetized rats.Sciatic nerve was exposed and 4 loose ligatures were placed on the sciatic nerve at 1 mm intervals with 4-0 silk thread.In group S,the right sciatic nerves were exposed,but not ligated.Dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day from the onset of operation to one day before the rats were sacrificed in group D,while the equal volume of normal saline was injected in groups S and NP.Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal pain threshold (TPT) were measured on the day before operation (T0) and 3,7,and 14 days after operation (T1-3).After measurement of pain threshold at T1,T2 and T3 after operation,the L4-6 segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of the expres-sion of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA (by RT-PCR) and the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in spinal dorsal horn (by immuno-histochemistry).Results Compared with group S,MWT and TPT were significantly decreased and the expression of TLR4,NF-κB and TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA was up-regulated after operation in groups NP and D (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group NP,TPT and MWT were significantly increased and the expression of TLR4,NF-κB,TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA was significantly down-regulated after operation in group D (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which dexmedetomidine attenuates NP in rats is related to inhibition of the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in rat spinal cord.