Objective To investigate the association between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and serum uric acid (SUA) level in patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases .Methods Three hundred and sixty-three patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM ) were divided into hyper-tension group (n=189) ,hypertension plus DM group (n=123) ,and DM group (n= 51) .Their ABI was assayed ,SUA level was measured ,and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were detected such as BMI ,systolic and diastolic pressure ,serum levels of TG ,TC ,HDL-C ,LDL-C and HbA1c .Association of SUA level and ABI with other clinical indexes was analyzed by partial cor-relation analysis .Results The systolic and diastolic pressure ,serum levels of TG ,HDL-C and HbA1c were significantly different in 3 groups (P<0 .05) .The ABI was significantly higher in hypertension group and DM group than in hypertension plus DM group ,and negatively related with SUA level after adjustment for hypertension and DM history ,age ,gender ,BMI ,serum levels of TG ,TC ,HDL-C ,LDL-C and HbA1c ,systolic and diastolic pressure (r= -0 .235 ,P=0 .012) . Conclusion ABI is associated with SUA level in patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases .

Aim To observe the changes of diaphragm contractility and cytoskeletal proteins titin,nebulin and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca~(2+)-ATPase gene expressions in adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity in rats.Methods The animal models of diaphragm damage were duplicated by injecting adriamycin into abdominal cavity one time.Forty male sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10):Three groups received adriamycin in low,middle and high dosage(10,20 and 40 mg·kg~(-1))respectively.Meanwhile,the normal saline was given to rats in control groups.Three days later,these rats were killed,and the diaphragm was removed by thoracotomy.The diaphragm contractility was assessed in isolated diaphragm strips perfusion by these paramemters including peak twitch tension(Pt),maximum tetanic tension(Po),time to peak contraction(CT),half relaxaion time(1/2RT),maximal rates of contraction(+dt/dt_(max))and maximal rates of relaxation(-dt/dt_(max)).The expressions of titin,nebulin and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca~(2+)-ATPase(SERCA)at mRNA level were detected by RT-PCR analysis.Results In contrast to those in control group,Po,Pt,±dt/dt_(max) in the adriamycin group were lower(P<0.01);CT,1/2RT in the adriamycin group increased significantly(P<0.01).The levels of titin,nebulin and SERCA gene expressions in middle-dose group were lower than those in control group(P<0.01).Conclusions The mRNA levels of titin,nebulin and SERCA of diaphragm are down-regulated in adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity in rats.It may be associated with the decline of diaphragm contractility.

Aim To observe the effects of liver cirrho-sis on the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 ( TGF-β1 ) and ColⅠin rat myocardium and interven-tion of erythropoietin ( EPO ) . Methods Thirty-six male Sprague-Dasley rats were randomly divided into three groups:control group, liver cirrhosis group and EPO group, then the cardic hemodynamic parameters in vivo and levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH ) as well as creatine kinase isoenzyme ( CK-MB) were measured. With Masson′s trichrome stain, changes of collagen formation of myocardial tissue in different groups were observed. Also the mRNA ex-pressions of TGF-β1 and ColⅠin myocardium were de-tected by RT-PCR. Results In contrast to control group, rats in liver cirrhosis group showed a decline in systolic and diastolic function of left ventricule, rising myocardial enzyme, a distinct increase of cardiac colla-gen deposition, as well as an elevation of TGF-β1 and ColⅠmRNA expressions. In contrast to liver cirrhosis group, rats in EPO group demonstrated an improve-ment in systolic and diastolic function of left ventricule as well as in cardiac collagen deposition, and a de-crease in both myocardial enzyme and TGF-β1 and ColⅠmRNA expressions. Conclusion Liver cirrhosis can lead to the changes of myocardial structure and function in rats,and it can accelerate myocardial inter-stitial fibrosis; EPO can protect the myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis rats.

This research was aimed to find the skin irritation and burns treatment effect of wound dressing with mi- crospheres containing levofloxacin. We used reference GB/T16886. 10-2005 to evaluate the dressing skin irritation. We prepared rabbit models divided into three groups. The control group was rapped with Vaseline gauze bandage, while the positive control group was rapped with the wounds of nano-silver paste bandage. The experimental sample group was rapped with wound dressing with microspheres containing levofloxacin. We measured the wound without healing area and the hydroxyproline content at the ends of 3 d, 6 d, 9 d, 14 d, 21 d, 28 d. and meanwhile performed histopathological examination. The experimental results showed that the dressing primary irritation index was 0. The nonhealing wound area of theexperimental sample group and positive control group at the ends of 6 d, 9 d, 14 d, 21 d were less than that of the control group (P<0. 05). The nonhealing wound area of the experimental sample group at the ends of 9 d and 14 d was significantly lower than that of the positive control group (P < 0.05). The hydroxyproline content of the experimental sample group at the ends of 6 d, 9 d and 14 d was significantly higher than that of the positive control group and blank control group (P<0. 05). The pathology observed of the experimental sample group at 21 d were the earliest appendages. The wound dressing with microspheres containing levofloxacin has minimal skin irritation, effectively promote wound healing of burn.
Animals ; Bandages ; Burns ; therapy ; Hydroxyproline ; chemistry ; Levofloxacin ; therapeutic use ; Microspheres ; Rabbits ; Silver ; Wound Healing

Objective To observe the effects of eye acupuncture and body acupuncture on tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) expression in the cerebral cortex of rats after ischemia-reperfusion injury,in order to investigate the differences in therapeutic function between eye acupuncture and body acupuncture against acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Method 48 Rats established by suture method were randomly divided into control group,sham operation group,model group,eye-acupuncture in point area group,eye-acupuncture outside point area group and body acupuncture group. After reperfusion 24 h,the neurophysical behaviours were accessed by ZeaLonga neurophysical impairment marks;the levels of plasma TNF-αwere determined by ELISA method;the expression of ischemic cerebral cortex TNF-αmRNA was measured by RT-PCR method;the expression of ischemic cerebral cortex TNF-αprotein was detected by western blot. Results After reperfusion 24 h,compared with control group,neurologic impairment marks of eye-acupuncture therapy in point area group and body acupuncture group both decreased obviously (P<0.01),however there were no significant differences between the eye-acupuncture in point area group and body acupuncture group;the levels of plasma TNF-αin rat cerebral cortex after the eye acupuncture therapy and body acupuncture therapy were obviously decreased (P<0.01),however there were no significant differences between the eye-acupuncture in point area group and body acupuncture group; the expressions of TNF-α mRNA and protein in rat cerebral cortex after the eye acupuncture therapy and body acupuncture therapy were also obviously down-regulated (P<0.01),however there were no significant differences between the eye-acupuncture in point area group and body acupuncture group.Conclusion The eye and body acupuncture therapy show the same effects on treating cerebral ischemia reperfusion. The mechanisms of these two therapies may be related to up regulating TNF-αexpression in rat cerebral cortex with ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective To explore the effects of HINT1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human melanoma cell line A375.Methods Three cell clones were used in the experiment.including A375 cells that were previously transfected with eukaryotic expressing vector pcDNA.3.1/myc-His(-)A-HINT1 and highly expressed HINTI(HINT1-A375),A375 cells transfected with pcDNA.3.1/myc-His(-)A empty vector(neo-A375)and untransfected A375 cells.M3T assay,flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotjdyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)were performed to detect the proliferation,cell cycle and apoptosis of the three kinds of cells,respectively.The relative activity of Caspase 3,8 and 9 was measured by spectrophotometry,and the protein expression of Bcl-2,Bax,Cytoehrome C and p53 by Western blot. Results Compared with neo-A375 and untransfected A375 cells,HINT1-A375 cells grew more slowly(P<0.05)with an increase in G1-phase population(73.17%±3.99%,F=25.65,P<0.05).a decrease in S-phase population(16.75%±1.62%,F=75.48,P<0.01),and a pronounced late apoptosis(23.57%±9.58%,F=11.71,P<0.01).A significant increase was also observed in the percentage of apoptotic cells(12%±1%,F=358.02,P<0.01)as well as in the relative activity of Caspase 9(0.45±0.03,F=135.62,P<0.01)and Caspase 3(0.46±0.04,F=90.28,P<0.01)in HINT1-A375 cells compared with the other two kinds of cells.Western blot showed upregulated expressions of Bax,Cytochrome C and p53 but downregulated expres-sion of Bel-2 in HINT1-A375 cells.Conclusions The overexpression of HINT1 could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of A375 cells with cell cycle arrest in G1 phase,hinting that HINT1 may be a tumor suppressor gene in human melanoma.

Objective To study the effects of imatinib mesylate on the apoptosis in human melanoma cell line M14.Methods M14 cells were cultured in vitro in the presence of imatinib mesylate at three concentrations(5,10 and 20 μmol/L)for 96 hours.Sebsequeutly,annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide(PI)double staining flow cytometry and terminal deoxvnucleotidvl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)were used to detect the cell cycle and apoptosis,respectively,DAPI staining to observe the mot-phological changes.and Western blot to measure the protein expressions of bcl-2 and bax in cells.Results Imatinib mesylate of the three concentrations could induce an evident increase in the apoptosis in M14 cells.Compared with untreated M14 cells,an increase of cell population in S phase was observed in imatinib mesylate.treated cells(P<0.05),along with a decline in cell population in G2/M phases(P<0.01).Annexin V/PI double staining and TUNEL revealed a significant increase in the rate of early apoptosis and in the acount of apoptotic cells,respectively,in M14 cells treated with imatinib mesylate of the three concentrations(all P<0.01).After treated with imatinib mesylate of 20 μmol/L.there was a morphological change characteristic of apoptosis in M14 cells,together with an upregulated expression of bcl-2(t=15.46,P<0.01)and downregu-lated expression of bax(t=25.53,P<0.01).Conclusions Imatinib mesylate can interfere with the process of cell cycle of and induce the apoptosis in M14 cells,which may be mediated through mitochondrial pathway.

Aim To investigate the role of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 ( ALDH2) in the cardio-protection of ischemic postconditioning in isolated rat hearts. Methods Hearts isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused on a langendorff apparatus and subjected to 30 min of regional ischemia( occlusion of left anterior descending artery) followed by 120 min reperfusion. Ischemic postconditioning was achieved by 6 cycles of 10 s reperfusion/10 s global ischemia starting at the beginning of reperfusion. The ventricular hemodynamic parameters and lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH) release during reperfusion were measured. The infarct size was measured by TTC staining method. The expressions of ALDH2,Bcl-2 and Bax at mRNA level of left anterior myocardium were detected by RT-PCR analysis. Results In contrast to ischemia and reperfusion,ischemic postconditioning improved the recovery of left ventricular developed pressure,rate pressure product during reperfusion,and reduced LDH release and infarct size. The expressions of ALDH2 mRNA level and the ratio of Bcl-2 /Bax were increased. Adminis-tration of ALDH2 antagonist cyanamide at the beginning of reperfusion attentuated the role of ischemic postconditioning. Conclusion Ischemic postconditioning plays a role in the cardioprotection partially through increasing mitochondrial ALDH2 mRNA expression.

Objective To investigate and analyze the clinical and imageological features of skull base erosion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma( NPC). Methods 67 NPC patients proved by pathology were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent both CT and MRI plain plus enhancement scan. Scan slices were performed from oral pharynx (lower border of second cervical vertebra) to suprasellar cistern by axial CT scans and axial, sagittal and coronal MRI scans. Results (1) 52 patients with skull base erosion were found with MRI, and only 35 patients with CT. The following structures and figures were difined with CT and MRI respectively: pterygoid plates 8,14; clivus 22,25 ; petrous apex 25 ,28 ; sphenoid body or sinus 19,25; sphenoid wing 9, 12; cavernous sinus 14,17. The display difference between CT and MRI had statistical significance ( x2= 9. 47 , P = 0. 02). (2) CT- defined skull base erosion was most bone destruction , however, not only bone destruction but also tumor crossing skull base structure could be defined by MRI. (3) The incidence of headache was 82.7% (43/52) , cranial nerve palsy was 67. 3% (35/52) , both headache and cranial nerve palsy was 57. 7% (30/52). Conclusion Headache and cranial nerve palsy are primary characteristics of the skull base erosion in NPC. MRI is superior to CT in defining both bone erosion and brain tissue abnormality.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) by ethanol on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the kidney of diabetic rats.

METHODSEightheen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): normal control group, diabetes group and ethanol + diabetes group. After 8 weeks, 24 h urine samples from rats were collected to detect urinary protein content. The kidney was isolated and the ratio of kidney weight/body weight (index of kidney weight) was detected. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured. Morphological changes of renal tissue were observed by optical microscope. The protein expressions of ALDH2 and JNK in renal tissue were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control rats, the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the index of kidney weight were increased markedly in diabetic rats. The expression of ALDH2 protein was decreased, while p-JNK, JNK protein expressions and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were increased. The morphological observation was shown that the amount of glomerular mesangial matrix were increased, basement membrane were thickened and capillary lumen were narrowed. However,in ethanol + diabetes group, renal function was improved and the damage of renal structure was attenuated. The expression of ALDH2 protein was increased, while p-JNK, JNK and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were decreased.

CONCLUSIONEnhanced ALDH2 expression can protect kidney in diabetic rats, which may be relevant with inhibitting the activity of JNK pathway.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; physiology ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; enzymology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Kidney ; enzymology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley