Objective To investigate the impact of desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) on the proliferation of peripheral T lymphocytes from patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV).Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 12 patients with PV and 22 normal human controls,cultured with or without the presence of Dsg3 or phytohemagglutinin for 3 days.Flow cytometry was performed to detect the changes of T-lymphocyte subsets in PBMCs stimulated with Dsg3 and proliferation of T-lymphocytes.Results In patients with PV,the percentage of Th2 and Th1 cells was 12.17%±5.32% and 4.08%±1.50%,respectively in Dsg3stimulated PBMCs,9.84%±5.41% and 3.91%±1.38%,respectively in non-stimulated PBMCs.Increased percentage of Th2 cells was observed in Dsg3-stimulated and non-stimulated PBMCs from patients with PV compared with those from normal human controls (both P<0.05).After stimulation with Dsg3,there was a significant proliferation of T cells from patients,and the proliferation rate of CD4+T cells was 4.65%±3.28%,which was significantly higher than that from normal controls(P<0.05).Conclusion Dsg3 can induce the specific proliferation of CD4+T cells,especially Th2 type CD+4 T cells,from patients with PV.

Objective To investigate The Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 polarization in the peripheral blood of first degree relatives of pemphigus vulgaris(PV) and healthy control individuals, and to approach the mechanism of the Dsg3-specific autoimmunity in PV. Methods The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from first degree relatives and healthy control was stimulated for72 h with Dsg3 and without Dsg3. Th1/Th2, Tc1/Tc2 was assessed by four-color flow cytometry. Results The mean frequency of Dsg3-spe-cific Th2 cells for PV antibody positive first degree relatives was 10.13%±3.72%, compared with stimula-tion without antigen 7.28%±3.58%, the difference was significant (P<0.05). The percentage Dsg3-spe-cific Th2 was markedly higher in the PV antibody positive first degree relatives group than that in the control group(10.13%±3.72% vs 6.10%±2.82%, P<0.05) , Tc2 was markedly higher also (20.01%± 10.43% v514.91%±8.06%, 20.01%±10.43% vs 9.58%±5.49%, P<0.05). Conclusion When Dsg3 stimulated PBMC were used to stimulate autologous T cells an increased amount of Th2 and Tc2 was observed, it is implied that the imbalance of Th1/Th2, Tc1/Tc2 might play an important role in the initia-tion of PV.

Objective To study the expressions of Cx43,CD105 and VEGF in HBV related HCC tissues and the relationships between Cx43 expression and recurrence and prognosis after cancer radical resection in HCC patients stratified by serum AFP levels. Methods The expressions of Cx43,CD105,VEGF in 234 HBV related HCC tissues were examined by tissue microarray and two-step methods of PV-6000 of immunohistochemistry and the expressions of Cx43 in 20 frozen HCC specimens were examined by RT-PCR. Results Cx43 in HCC tissues was positive as examined by both immunohistochemistry and RTPCR methods.Positive Cx43 expression is correlated with lower early recurrence ( Log Rank P =0.001 ),longer disease free survival (Log Rank P =0.026 ) and overall survival( Log Rank P =0.000 ) as showed by the Kaplan-Meier analysis in patients with AFP ＜ 400 μg/L. The expression of Cx43 is an independent prognostic factor.The positive expression of Cx43 related with lower positive expression of CD105 and VEGF (P =0.018,0.023 ),and correlated with histological differentiation (P =0.002),the number of focus (P =0.033 ),blood vessel tumor embolism ( P =0.029 ). Conclusions The expression of Cx43 is correlative with the expression of CD105 and VEGF,and is predictive of HCC early recurrence and poor prognosis after radical hepatectomy in HBV related HCC patients with serum AFP ＜ 400 μg/L.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment block with dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for analgesia in the patients suffering from proximal femoral fractures.Methods Eighty emergency patients with proximal femoral fractures,aged 25-70yr,weighing 55-82 kg,of ASA physical status Ⅰ-[Ⅲ,were equally and randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table:ropivacaine group (group R) and dexmedetomidine mixed with ropivacaine group (group DR).All the patients underwent fascia iliaca compartment block described by Dalens.0.4％ ropivacaine 30 ml was injected in group R,and 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine 30 ml containing 0.4 ％ ropivacaine was injected in group DR.The severity of pain was assessed by VAS scores,and the level of sedation was assessed by Ramsay scores.At 30,60,90 and 120 min after injection (T1-4),VAS scores at rest and during activity were recorded,the effective analgesia (VAS scores at rest and during activity≤6) and satisfactory sedation (Ramsay scores 2-4) in group DR were also recorded,and the development of hemorrhage or hematoma at the puncture site,local anesthetic poisoning,adverse cardiovascular events and over-sedation was also recorded.Results Compared with group R,the rate of effective analgesia during activity was significantly increased at T2-4,and no significant change was found in the rate of effective analgesia at rest in group DR.In group DR,the rate of satisfactory sedation was 73 ％,88％,95％ and 95％ at T1-4,respectively,and no over-sedation occurred.No patients developed hemorrhage or hematoma at the puncture site,or local anesthetic poisoning in the two groups.Conclusion Fascia iliaca compartment block with 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with 4％ ropivacaine 30 ml can alleviate the early pain caused by passive activity without inducing obvious adverse reactions in the patients suffering from proximal femoral fractures.

Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine both belong to the traditional medicine, and have their unique background and theoretical systems. There are similar features and differences in diagnosis of disease, syndrome and treatment between Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine. Tibetan Zhenbu disease is common and frequently-occurring in plateau area with high morbidity, which is corresponding to rheumatoid arthritis in modern medicine and the category of Bi syndrome in Chinese medicine. During a long period of clinical efficacy verification, Tibetan treatment of Zhenbu disease presents to be little side effects, good curative effect, safe and economic etc. In the review, according to the introduction of Tibetan medicine and Chinese medicine, Zhenbu disease of Tibetan medicine and Chinese Bi syndrome will be compared in their pathogeneses and treatments to understand advantages and peculiarities of Tibetan medicine. The development of Tibentan medicine in the future will also be pointed out.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of CKJ Recipe (consisting of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide, amygdaloside, and gypenosides) containing serum on the activation of rat primary hepatic stellate cells (rHSCs) and to explore its pharmacological mechanism.

METHODSrHSCs were isolated form liver and cultured for four days. Then they were divided into the normal control group, the model group, and the CKJ group. rHSCs in the model group and the CKJ group were treated with 2.5 ng/mL transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in serum-free DMEM for 24 h. Serum free DMEM (containing no TGF-beta1) was taken as the control for the normal control group. rHSCs in the CKJ group were treated with 5% CKJ-containing serum for 24 h. rHSCs in the other two groups were treated with 5% blank serum for 24 h.The protein expression level of a smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was determined using high throughput screening (HCS) and Western blot. mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, collagen I (Col-I), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGF-betaR), TGF-beta1, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGF-betaR1), and transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGF-beta R2) were detected using quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the protein expression level of alpha-SMA, mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, Col-I, PDGF-betaR, TGF-beta1, TGF-betaR1, and TGF-betaR2 significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein expression level of alpha-SMA, mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, Col-I, PDGF-betaR, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1, and TGF-beta R2 significantly decreased in the CKJ group (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONCKJ containing serum could inhibit the protein expression level of o-SMA, which was probably related with inhibiting TGF-beta1 and its related receptors.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; metabolism ; Rats ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effectiveness of blind intubation through the Cookgas intubating laryngeal airway(CILA) or Fastrach intubating laryngeal mask airway(FT-LMA) for anticipated difficult tracheal intubation.

METHODSEighty-six patients with anticipated difficult tracheal intubation who were undergoing elective plastic surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into CILA group(n=43) and FT-LMA group(n=43) . After general anesthesia being induced and CILA or FT-LMA being inserted, the patients were treated with blind intubation through CILA or FT-LMA. In each case, the number and the time of intubating laryngeal airway(ILA) insertion and blind intubation attempts and ILA removal were recorded. The view of glottis under fiberoptic bronchoscope(FOB) via CILA or FT-LMA was recorded. In addition, noninvasive blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and after intravenous anesthetic induction, at ILA insertion, at intubation, at ILA removal and every minute thereafter for 5 minutes.

RESULTSCILA or FT-LMA was inserted successfully in all 86 patients. The rate of the first successful insertion was not significantly different between two groups(P>0.05) . In CILA group, the first intubation attempt succeeded in 35 patients;5 and 2 cases were intubated blindly at the second and the third attempt, one patient failed who was intubated successfully by FOB via CILA. In FT-LMA group, 32 patients were intubated successfully at the first attempt, 4 at the second attempt, 3 at the third attempt, and 4 cases failed, three of them were intubated smoothly with FOB through FT-LMA, one failed patient was intubated by FOB. The time of FT-LMA insertion(34.2∓13.9) s was significantly longer when compared with CILA(22.4∓18.9) s (P<0.05) . However, the time of blind intubation through CILA and FT-LMA [(46.0∓26.7) s vs.(51.8∓41.1) s]and the time of ILA removal[(39.3∓11.9) s vs.(35.3∓10.4) s] were not significantly different between groups(P>0.05) . Hemodynamic changes during blind intubation in the two groups showed no significant differences(P>0.05) .

CONCLUSIONSBlind intubation via CILA or FT-LMA is safe and effective for anticipated difficult tracheal intubation. Nevertheless, CILA is easier to be inserted, with relatively higher success rate of blind intubation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anesthesia, General ; Bronchoscopy ; Humans ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; instrumentation ; Laryngeal Masks ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Compound Xuanju Capsule on type III prostatitis.

METHODSA total of 242 patients with type III prostatitis diagnosed by the NIH criteria were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group of equal number, the former treated with Compound Xuanju Capsule + Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, and the latter with Quinolinone antibiotics + Tamsulosin and Hydrochloride, both for 6 months. After treatment, we assessed the therapeutic effects based on the NIH-CPSI scores and the improvement of relevant complications.

RESULTSAll the 242 patients completed the treatment. The total effectiveness rate was 77.69% (94/121) in the experimental group, 71.56% (78/109) in those with complications. In comparison, it was only 47.10% (57/121) in the control group, 31.78% (34/107) in those with complications. Both the NIH-CPSI scores and the improvement of complications were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCompound Xuanju Capsule has a good therapeutic effect on type III prostatitis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) pretreatment could protect multiple cell types from apoptosis induced by various damages including oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of HGF on rat cortical neurons against apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in culture, and then to explore whether HGF could influence the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Primary rat cortical neurons were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured in serum free medium containing 2% B27 and Neurobasal-A. To mimic the oxidative stress damage, cortical neurons were exposed to 100 mumol/L H2O2 for 4 h. To explore the effects of HGF on the neurons subjected to H2O2 injury, cells were pretreated with HGF 15, 30, 60 ng/mL for 24 h, respectively, and then exposed to 100 mumol/L H2O2 for 4 h. The cell viability was measured by MTT colorimetric assay and cell injury was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate. Apoptotic cells were detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double labeled flow cytometry. The caspase-3 activity was assessed by colorimetry. The alteration of transmembrane potential of mitochondria was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The expression of cytochrome C protein was measured by Western blot analysis. The results showed that H2O2 treatment significantly decreased the cell viability, increased LDH leakage rate and the percentage of apoptotic cells. Pretreatment of HGF at different concentrations (15-60 ng/mL) could remarkably increase the cell viability of neurons. Compared with that of H2O2 group (53.4%+/-7.4%), the cell viabilities of neurons treated with 15, 30, and 60 ng/mL HGF significantly increased to (69.3+/-6.4)%, (77.5+/-6.1)% and (82.9+/-9.3)% (P<0.05), respectively. HGF preincubation also evidently decreased the LDH leakage rate in cortical neurons damaged by H2O2. The results of Hoechst staining revealed that HGF pretreatment could significantly reduce the apoptotic rate of neurons. The apoptotic rate of H2O2 group was (62.8+/-7.1)%, while that of HGF groups decreased significantly to (34.8+/-8.4)%, (23.5+/-3.2)% and (18.6+/-4.5)% (P<0.05), respectively. The data from caspase-3 activity assay indicated that HGF preconditioning could also remarkably decrease the caspase-3 activity of neurons. In addition, in the presence of various concentrations of HGF, the decrease of transmembrane potential of mitochondria in neurons caused by H2O2 injury could be reversed. Moreover, as detected by Western blot analysis, HGF downregulated the expression of cytochrome C protein in neurons. These results suggest that HGF has a protective effect on rat cortical neurons against apoptosis induced by H2O2, which might be related to the inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and the suppression of the caspase-3 activity.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Brain ; cytology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytochromes c ; metabolism ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Mitochondria ; physiology ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the accuracy of radiographic examination, endoscopic examination and clinical response evaluation criteria in staging for esophageal carcinoma after preoperative chemoradiation therapy(pre-CRT).

METHODSTwenty-seven patients of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were involved. CT scan for cervical part, chest and abdomen, and endoscopic ultrasound(EUS), electronic fibrobroncoscopic examination were used to assess the tumor for staging before pre-CRT. The tumors were re-assessed using the same methods after the completion of CRT. Response evaluation criteria in solid tumors(RECIST) was used to assess the tumor response. Surgery was carried out 3 to 6 weeks after CRT. The clinical tumor response before surgery was compared with pathological tumor response after surgery. Micrometastasis detection was carried out for paraffin embedded lymph nodes using anti-keratin monoclonal marker AE1 and AE3 by immunohistochemical(IHC) method.

RESULTSThe accuracy of CT scan in staging after pre-CRT was 40.9%(9/22) for primary tumors and 68.2%(15/22)for lymph nodes, with overall accuracy of 40.9%(9/22) for TNM staging. The accuracy of EUS in staging was 38.5%(5/13) for primary tumors and 69.2%(9/13) for lymph nodes, with overall accuracy of 38.5%(5/13)for TNM staging. While CT scan combined with EUS, the accuracy for TNM staging was 46.2%(6/13). Five cases achieved CR, 14 cases achieved PR and 8 cases achieved SD according to RECIST. Among 5 clinical CR cases, 3 cases were confirmed by pathologic examination, 1 case was diagnosed as pT(3)N(1) disease by HE stain. One case with pT(0)N(0) disease by HE stain was detected with lymph node micrometastasis by IHC. Among 5 pathological CR cases, 3 cases were diagnosed as clinical CR, 2 cases were diagnosed as clinical PR before surgery. Among 15 cases of N(0) disease by HE stain, 3 lymph nodes from 2 cases were detected with micrometastasis by IHC.

CONCLUSIONSThe current examinations(barium swallow, CT scan,EUS, endoscopy guided biopsy) and RECIST are not accurate enough to assess the tumor response for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after pre-CRT. Surgery should be recommended for patients with clinical CR after pre-CRT.

Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Preoperative Care ; Radiography ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Treatment Outcome