Objective To study helper T lymphocyte cell(Th)1/Th2 imbalance in rats′ model of asthma and the modulation of lentinan(LNT) on the airway inflammation and Th1/Th2 imbalance.Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into control,asthma and LNT groups.In the experiment,the rat model of asthma was established by the ovalbumin(OVA) challenge methods.Eosinophils(Eos) number and differentiated cell number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were counted by different count fluids.The levels of IL-4 and IFN-? in BALF were measured by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results 1.The Eos count in BALF and the ratio of eosinophils to the total cell number(Eos%) of asthma group were significantly higher than those of the control group(t=21.94,12.81 Pa

Background:Fanconi anemia( FA ),an autosomal or x-linked recessive inherited disease,is caused by gene mutation related to FA pathway of DNA damage and with the clinical features of congenital malformation,bone marrow failure and susceptibility to cancer. Aims:To investigate the expression of Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2)in colorectal cancer and its correlation with prognosis. Methods:Fifty-six surgical resected specimens of colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue from May 2012 to September 2013 at Guangzhou First People’s Hospital were obtained. Ninety-three patients with colorectal cancer from January 2008 to April 2009 at Guangzhou First People ’s Hospital were enrolled and the specimens of colorectal cancer tissue were obtained. The expression of FANCD2 mRNA in 56 specimens of colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue was determined by qPCR. The expression of FANCD2 protein in 49 of 56 specimens of colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue and 93 specimens of colorectal cancer tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Follow up was conducted in 93 patients and the correlation between the expression of FANCD2 and prognosis was analyzed. Results:Expression of FANCD2 mRNA was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissue than that in para-cancer noncancerous tissue [0.102(0.047,0. 163)vs. 0. 051(0. 025,0. 095)](P =0. 007). Expression of FANCD2 mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and Dukes stage( P <0. 05 ). Positivity rates of FANCD2 protein expression in colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue were 77. 6%(38/49)and 22. 4%(11/49),respectively. Expression of FANCD2 protein was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and Dukes stage(P<0. 05). The overall 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with positive expression of FANCD2 protein than that in patients with negative expression of FANCD2 protein(35. 5% vs. 71. 0%)(P<0. 01). Conclusions:FANCD2 is associated with malignant potential of colorectal cancer and could be a potential marker for prognosis.

Objective To establish and compare HPLC fingerprint chromatograms of Dipsaci Radix decoction pieces, aqueous decoction and formula granules.Methods The HPLC analysis was carried out in Wondasil C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid by gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min; the detection wavelength was set at 212 nm; the column temperature was kept at 30℃. Results The fingerprint chromatograms from 12 batches of Dipsaci Radix decoction pieces, aqueous decoction and formula granules were established respectively. 14 common peaks in the fingerprint chromatogram in the formula granules could be tracked in the aqueous decoction, and 13 common peaks in the fingerprint chromatogram could be tracked in the decoction pieces. 2 chemical compounds were identified, such as asperosaponinⅥ and chlorogenic acid.ConclusionThe method of HPLC fingerprint chromatograms is stable and with good repeatability. Dipsaci Radix decoction pieces, aqueous decoction and formula granules are basically the same chemical composition.

Objective To observe the clinical curative effet and survival condition of sorafenib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods Sixty-six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma during January 2013 to January 2015 in Chang'an Hospital were included.All patients were randomly divided into transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) group (n =33) and sorafenib + TACE group (n =33) according to the random digital table method.Followed up for 2 years,we observed the clinical curative effect,including 6-months survival rate,1-year survival rate,the changes of serum alpha fetoprotein level before and after the treatment,survival time and related adverse reactions.Results The disease control rate of sora-fenib + TACE group was 84.85％ (28/33),which was significantly higher than that of TACE group (60.61％,20/33),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =4.889,P =0.027).The median survival time of patients with sorafenib +TACE group was 20.30 months,which was longer than that of TACE group (12.50 months),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =29.570,P =0.000).The 6-months and 1-year survival rates in patients with sorafenib + TACE group were 93.93％ and 75.76％,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of TACE group (84.85％,51.52％).The rate of 1-year recurrence and metastasis of sorafenib + TACE group was 21.21％,which was lower than that of TACE group (39.39％),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =2.908,P =0.041).After 6 months treatment,the serum level of alpha fetoprotein in patients with sorafenib + TACE group was (1 911.53 ± 457.86)ng/ml,which was signi-ficantly lower than that of TACE group [(2 979.83± 842.71)ng/ml],and the difference was statistically significant (t =11.996,P =0.001).The median survival time of patients with Child-Pugh A was significantly longer than that of patients with Child-Pugh B (20.50 months vs.13.95 months),with a significant difference (x2 =3.973,P =0.046).Patients in sorafenib + TACE group and TACE group had adverse reactions including nausea,vomiting and abnormal liver function,and there was significant difference in the incidence of untoward effects (87.88％ vs.60.61％;x2 =6.418,P =0.011).Conclusion The application of sorafenib the-rapy in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma based on TACE can effectively improve the disease control rate,prolong the survival time of patients and improve the survival rate of patients.

Objective To study the relationship between environmental chemical elements,vires infection and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods In 2008,233 patients with DCM(case group)and 150 patient with stable angina(control group)were chosen in Liaocheng People's Hospital and Yanggu People's Hospital,Shandong province.Population distribution and disease history were surveyed in the two groups.Human myocardial antibody IgG(AMA-IgG),Coxsackie B virus IgG(CBV-IgG),Adenofirus antibody IgG(ADV-IgG)were detected by ELISA in both the case group and the control group.Serum trace elements were detected in the two groups.The general chemical and toxicological indicators in drinking water of the high-and the low-incidence aireas of the disease were control group[60.00%(90/150),χ2=13.80,P<0.01)].Per capita annual income(Yuan,RMB)in the case group (3207.82±618.51)was lower than that of the control group[(5086.61±886.12),t=24.40,P<0.01].Personal alcohol consumption in the case group[(175.00±160.50)g/d]was higher than that of the control group[(110.22±100.03)g/d,t=4.40,P<0.01)].The rate of myocarditis in the case group[5.15%(12/233)]was higher than ADV-IgG in the cage group were 7.78%(7/90),6.67%(6/90)and 6.67%(6/90),respectively.Compared with those in the control group[3.33%(2/60),5.00%(3/60)and 5.00%(3/60),χ2=1.26,0.18,0.18,all P>0.05],no mg/L]in drinking water of the high-incidence areas were significantly higher than that of iron[(0.39±0.67)mg/L,t=2.11,P<0.05]and that of manganese[(0.15±0.14)mg/L,t=3.01,P<0.01]in the low-incidence arefas.The content of semm iron[(69.1±57.8)μmol/L]in the case group evidently exceeded the normal range(15.6-35.9 μmol/L)and obviously higher than that in the control group[(20.0±17.5)μmol/L,t=5.04,P<0.01].Conclusions Theso data do not support that DCM is related with persistent virus infection and autoimmunization.DCM is probably related with low incomes,high alcohol consumption,myocarditis,high iron and manganese contents in drinking water and high content of serum iron.

INTRODUCTIONBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common form of adult congenital heart disease. When compared to patients with a normal trileaflet aortic valve, dilatation of the aortic root and the ascending aorta (Asc Ao) are the common findings in patients with BAV, with consequent higher risk of developing aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and rupture. We aim to determine the site of the Asc Ao where maximum dilatation occurs in Asian adult patients with BAV.

MATERIALS AND METHODSAll subjects underwent full echocardiography examination. The diameter of the Asc Ao was measured at 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm from the level of aortic annulus to the Asc Ao in 2D from the parasternal long-axis view.

RESULTSA total of 80 patients (male/female: 45/35; mean age: 45.3 ± 16.2 years) with congenital BAV and 30 normal control group (male/female: 16/14; mean age: 45.9 ± 15.1 years) were enrolled. The indexed diameters of the Asc Ao were significantly larger than the control group. In patients with BAV, maximum dilatation of Asc Ao occurred around 6 cm distal to the aortic annulus.

CONCLUSIONIn patients with BAV, dilatation of Asc Ao is maximal at the mid Asc Ao region around 6 cm distal to the aorta annulus.

Adult ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; epidemiology ; Aorta ; diagnostic imaging ; Aortic Aneurysm ; epidemiology ; Aortic Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Aortic Rupture ; epidemiology ; Aortic Valve ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Case-Control Studies ; Comorbidity ; Dilatation, Pathologic ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology

Objective To further study the regulatory mechanisms of uncarboxylated osteocalcin on the glucose metabolism,rat uncarboxylated osteocalcin fusion protein was expressed,purified and identified.Methods The rat osteocalcin gene (BGLAP) was cloned into pSumo-Mut expression vector.The pSumo-BGLAP plasmid was obtained and identified.Through transformed in prokaryotic host bacterium and induced by isopropyl 3-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) and 11 ℃ low temperature,the Sumo-BGLAP fusion protein was expressed.The purification and activity identification of the fusion protein was performed by Ni2+ affinity chromatography and insulin secretion experiments,respectively.Results The enzyme digestion and sequencing results of the plasmid showed that the recombinant plasmid pSumo-BGLAP was constructed successfully,which matched the target gene and protein.After the transformation,induction and purification,the high purity Sumo-BGLAP fusion protein was obtained.The data from insulin secretion experiments show that the fusion protein can promote insulin secretion under 16.7 mmol · L-1 glucose conditions [(37.64 ± 3.80)μU· L-1at 16.7 mmol · L-1glucose,(63.91 ±4.67) μU · L-1 at 16.7 mmol · L-1 glucose +0.03 ng· mL-1 Sumo-BGLAP,(68.47 ±5.83) μU · L-1 at 16.7 mmol · L-1 glucose +0.3 ng· mL-1 Sumo-BGLAP,P ＜ 0.01)].Conclusion The rat uncarboxylated osteocalcin fusion protein is successfully achieved and purified.The fusion protein with biological activity can be used to further study the regulatory mechanisms of uncarboxylated osteocalcin on the glucose metabolism.

AIMTo investigate the roles of serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) in sleep.

METHODSStereotaxic, microinjection and polysomnography (PSG) were used in the experiment.

RESULTSMicroinjection of L-glutanate (L-Glu) into the DRN decreased slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), and increased wake (W). Microinjection of kainic acid (KA) and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) respectively into the DRN, SWS and PS were promoted, and W was reduced.

CONCLUSIONSerotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei involved in the regulation of sleep. Sleep was reduced when the serotonergic neurons were excited, and when the neurons were inhibited. sleep was increased

Action Potentials ; Animals ; Male ; Neurons ; physiology ; Polysomnography ; Raphe Nuclei ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serotonin ; physiology ; Sleep ; physiology

BACKGROUNDCortical spreading depression can cause migraine attack, and up-regulate matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in animal. This study aimed to determine the impact on the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier by measuring plasma MMP-9 levels in patients at the acute and late stages of migraine attacks in order to elucidate the pathological mechanisms involved.

METHODSWe recruited a case-control cohort of 38 adult migraine patients and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Five milliliter blood samples were collected at the acute and late stages of migraine (days 1 - 7), and also from the control subjects. Solid phase double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine plasma MMP-9 levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS version 9.1.

RESULTSInitial plasma MMP-9 levels of migraine patients were significantly higher than those of controls ((12.612 ± 0.016) µg/L vs. (6.069 ± 0.023) µg/L, respectively, P < 0.05). High MMP-9 expression was observed during days 1 - 6 of migraine attacks, with highest expression occurring on day 3 ((17.524 ± 0.035) µg/L). During attacks, MMP-9 levels were similar in migraine patients with and without aura (P > 0.05); in addition, levels were not correlated with degree of headache pain (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSWe hypothesize that migraine could lead to increased plasma MMP-9 levels resulting in blood-brain barrier damage. MMP-9 levels increase during days 1 - 6 of migraine attacks, peaking on day 3. Therefore, MMP-9 could be used as a biological marker to guide treatment of migraine attacks.

Adult ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Migraine Disorders ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the functional brain localization with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after acupuncturing the Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST).

METHODSThe study was performed in 30 healthy volunteers who underwent acupuncture at Yuan-Source acupoint (Chongyang, ST42) and He-Sea acupoint (Zusanli, ST36) (ST group). Ten of these were also underwent acupuncture at the non-acupoints as the control group. Blood oxygenation level dependent functional MRI was performed.

RESULTSIn the ST group, signal increasing areas were demonstrated in bilateral superior temporal gyri (Broadmann 22), bilateral supramarginal gyri (Broadmann 40), bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, bilateral cingulate gyri and isthmus of cingulate gyri (Broadmann 32, 30), bilateral superior parietal lobules (Broadmann 7); signal decreasing areas were shown in bilateral orbital gyri (Broadmann 11), bilateral temporal pole (Broadmann 38), right inferior frontal gyrus (Broadmann 47) and right medial occipitotemporal gyrus (Broadmann 36). In the control group, signal increases areas were demonstrated in superior temporal gyri, precentral gyri, cingulate gyri, thalamus, insula and cerebellum. The size, signal intensity and number of increasing areas in control group are less than in ST group.

CONCLUSIONCombined acupuncture of Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of ST can activate and decrease the multiple brain regions of "splanchnic brain" and thus reach a new functional balance to relieve pain.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Brain ; physiology ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Meridians ; Young Adult