OBJECTIVETo observe the expression of Ginkgo biloba Tablet (GbT) on scavenger receptor A (SRA) of the aortic wall and changes of serum inflammatory factors in atherosclerotic rats, and to explore its new mechanism for fighting against atherosclerosis (AS).

METHODSTotally 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the GbT group, 15 rats in each group. Levels of blood glucose, blood lipids, blood calcium, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (slCAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were measured in all rats. The expression of SRA in the aortic wall of atherosclerotic rats was observed by immunohistochemical assay. The correlation between the expression of SRA and levels of in-flammatory factors was also observed.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, blood glucose and blood calcium obviously increased (P < 0.05); levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C were significantly elevated (P < 0.01); neointimal areas were significantly thickened, increased intima percentage was significantly enlarged, narrowed lumen index was significantly reduced; levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were significantly elevated in the model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, blood glucose and blood calcium obviously decreased (P < 0.05); levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the GbT group. Aortic lumens were obviously narrower in the model group than in the GbT group (P < 0.05). SRA expressed at the aortic wall. The aforesaid 3 indices were significantly improved in the GbT group than in the model group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were significantly decreased in the GbT group than in the model group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were positively correlated with the percentage of SRA positive expression area (r = 0.701, 0.604, 0.581, all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSerum levels of inflammatory factors in atherosclerotic rats were elevated, and the expression of SRA in the aortic wall was enhanced. The expression of SRA was closely correlated with serum levels of inflammatory factors. GbT could decrease serum levels of inflammatory factors and inhibit the expression of SRA.

Animals ; Aorta ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Calcium ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Scavenger Receptors, Class A ; metabolism ; Tablets ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood

Objective To observe the expression of synaptotagmin I(syt I)protein in the prefrontal cortex of adult-onset hypothyroidism rats and the effects of replicated therapy in different doses of thyroid hormone on the syt I protein.Methods All 44 aduh male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups randomly according to their body mass:hypothyroidism group,routine dosage thyroxine treatment group,high dosage thyroxine treatment group and control group.The adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were replicated to the adult-onset hypothyroidism and treatment models with propyhhiouracil(PTU).The levels of serum T3,T4 were assayed by the radioimmunoassay method and the level of the syt I protein in the molecular layer,external granular layer,external pyramidal layer,internal granular layer and internal pyramidal layer in prefrontal cortex was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.Results In the hypothyroidism group,the levels of serum T3 and T4[(0.34±0.04),(43.01±2.95)nmol/L]were significantly lower than those in the control group[(0.65±0.15), (55.20±3.56)nmol/L, F value: 6.026,5.940,4.503,P<0.05 or <0.01 ], the levels of the syt I protein in the molecular layer(0.018±0.010), external granular layer (0.020±0.007), external pyramidal layer(0.013±0.008), internal granular layer(0.011±0.005), internal pyramidal layer(0.024±0.013) of prefrontal lobe were significantly lower compared to the control group[(0.028±0.010,0.031 ± 0.010,0.028 ± 0.010,0.022 ± 0.008,0.038 ± 0.013), F value: 5.697,8.965,14.668,13.597,6.807,P<0.05 or <0.01 ]. In the routine dosage of the thyroxine treatment group, the levels of serum T3,T4 [(0.63 ±0.05), (55.04 ± 3.77)nmol/L] were not significantly different compared to the control group(F value: 3.162,0.367,all P>0.05), and the level of the syt I protein in the molecular layer, external granular layer, external pyramidal layer, internal granular layer and internal pyramidal layer in prefrontal cortex showed a significant improvement of the syt I protein(0.027 ± 0.013,0.025 ± 0.009,0.022 ± 0.008,0.020 ± 0.010,0.033 ± 0.010), which were similar to that of the control group(F value: 0.094,2.208,2.467,0.350,0.693, all P>0.05). In the high dosage thyroxine thyroid hormone treatment group, the levels of serum T3 and T4[ (1.11 ± 0.10), (96.68 ± 6.42)nmoL/L] were higher than the control group(F value: 6.291,12.031, all P<0.01), the expression of the syt I protein(0.028 ± 0.008,0.031 ±0.011,0.026 ± 0.012,0.023 ± 0.011,0.038 ± 0.010) were not significantly different compare to the control group (F value: 0.001,0.019,0.111,0.061,0.001, all P>0.05). Conclusions The expression of the syt I protein in the prefrontal cortex of adult-onset hypothyroidism can be decreased, which can be reversed by routine dosage of thyroxine treatment.

ObjectiveTo study the protective effects of tert-butylhydroquinone(tBHQ) on sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative injuries. Methods Chang liver cells were pretreated with tBHQ[0(control), 5, 25 μmol/L]for 24 h, and then co-treated with tBHQ(5 μmol/L) together with NaAsO2[0(control),30, 40, 50, 60 μmol/L] for another 24 h, and Alamar blue reduction rates were used to evaluate cell viability,the results were expressed as the relative ratio of Alamar blue reduction rates between the experimental group and the control group. On the other hand, Chang liver cells were pretreated with tBHQ[0(control), 5, 25 μmol/L] for24 h,and then co-treated with tBHQ(5 μmol/L) together with NaAsO2[0(control), 40, 50 μmol/L] for another 24 h,and the levels of cellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) were detected by staining cells with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate(DCFH-DA), the results were expressed as the relative ratio of mean fluorescence intensity between the experimental group and the control group. ResultsCell viability decreased dramatically by treatment with NaAsO2(30, 40, 50, 60 μmol/L), while relieved to some extent by pretreatment with 5, 25 μmol/L tBHQ, the main effects of NaAsO2 and tBHQ, as well as their interaction were all statistically significant(F =566.57, 55.09, 14.50,all P ＜ 0.05) ; the cell viability of NaAsO2(30, 40, 50, 60 μmol/L) pretreated with tBHQ(5, 25 mol/L) were 0.75 ±0.02, 0.70 ± 0.04, 0.59 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.03 and 0.75 ± 0.02, 0.73 ± 0.03, 0.65 ± 0.02, 0.50 ± 0.02, respectively,all significantly higher than corresponding NaAsO2 alone groups(0.70 ± 0.03, 0.64 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.03, 0.33 ±0.01, all P ＜ 0.05), the cell viability of NaAsO2(50, 60 μmol/L) pretreated with 25 μmol/L tBHQ was higher than corresponding 5 μmol/L tBHQ pretreatment groups(all P ＜ 0.05). On the other hand, 40, 50 μmol/L of NaAsO2 significantly induced hepatocellular ROS generation, while tBHQ(5, 25 μ mol/L) pretreatment significantly decreased NaAsO2-induced intracellular ROS levels, the main effects of NaAsO2 and tBHQ, as well as their interaction were all statistically significant (F =181.78, 60.55, 4.93, all P ＜ 0.05) ; the ROS levels of NaAsO2(40, 50 μ mol/L) pretreated with tBHQ(5, 25 μmol/L) were 1.87 ± 0.09, 1.80 ± 0.07 and 1.36 ± 0.11, 1.44 ± 0.12,all significantly decreased than corresponding NaAsO2 alone groups(2.30 ± 0.18, 2.18 ± 0.17, all P ＜ 0.05),the ROS levels of NaAsO2(40, 50 μmol/L) pretreated with 25 μmol/L tBHQ decreased than corresponding 5 μmol/L tBHQ pretreatment groups (all P ＜ 0.05). ConclusiontBHQ has a certain antagonism on arsenic induced cytotoxicity and oxidative injuries.

OBJECTIVETo observe the activity of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) derived macrophage scavenger receptors (MSR) and changes of serum inflammatory factor in peripheral blood in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on the MSR activity, to explore the relationship between inflammatory factor and scavenger receptors activity as well as the possible mechanism of GBE in stabilizing the atheromatous plaque.

METHODSNinety-seven CHD patients with normal blood lipids were classified into the stable angina group, the unstable angina group and the acute myocardial infarction group, and 29 healthy persons were taken as control. Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in all subjects were determined. And their PBMs were isolated, cultured in vitro, and transferred into macrophage to observe the effect of GBE on the expression of scavenger receptors.

RESULTSThe levels of MSR activity, CRP, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in patients with acute myocardial infarction > unstable angina > stable angina > control.

CONCLUSIONGBE could down-regulate the MSR activity in CHD patients, which was positively correlated with levels of CRP, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. MSR activity could be taken as a monitoring criteria for active degree of vulnerable atherosclerosis plaque. GBE has the effect of suppressing MSR activity.

Adult ; Aged ; Angina Pectoris ; blood ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monocytes ; metabolism ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; drug therapy ; Phytotherapy ; Receptors, Immunologic ; blood ; Receptors, Scavenger ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood

Female ; Gastroscopy ; Humans ; Infant ; Intestinal Obstruction ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Currently,the quick development of information technology is enriching the traditional teaching.As a new form of teaching resource,a micro-lecture focused on a specific topic is a good combination of information technology and traditional teaching.It not only increases the vividness and visualization of teaching,but also boosts the learning interest of students in the course.What's more,it helps to show an integral time-consuming experiment in 5-10 minutes'micro-vedio,which broadens the contents of the course and offers convenience of self-teaching for students.In this article,we took the example of micro-lecture"Western blot"in the course of immunologic technology to post-graduates in Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to clarify the advantages and the procedures of a typical micro-lecture,and to discuss about it.The experience achieved from the construction of this micro-lecture may offer a new idea of modern information education reform.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Canada split influenza virus vaccine.

METHODSCluster samples were by randomly chosen and divided into split vaccination group and homoimported influenza vaccination group.

RESULTSAfter injection, fever-reaction and local reaction rates of 'trial' group were found as 3.69% and 1.75% respectively, but no statistical significance was found when compared with 'control' group. However the antibody positive rates of 'trail' and 'control' groupsappeared statistically significant (H1N1: 96.8% vs. 92.3%, H3N2: 95.8% vs. 90.2%, B: 52.3% vs. 62.3%). For geometric mean titer (GMT) of type H1N1, H3H2 and B antibody, 'trial' group and 'control' group increased 22.4, 16.8, 8.2 and 21.2, 12.5 and 7.4 times respectively. The antibody protective rates of type H1N1, H3N2 and B were 99%, 99% and 53.9% for 'trial' group, and 96.2%, 98.4% and 62.3% for 'control' but with no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONInfluenza split vaccine made in Shire company in Canada was safe and with good immunogenicity.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Antibody Formation ; immunology ; Canada ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Injections ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthomyxoviridae ; immunology ; Time Factors ; Viral Vaccines ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; immunology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of atorvastatin on expressions of scavenger receptor A and secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in foam cells.

METHODSTHP-1 cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages by PMA and treated with 0.1% BSA (control), ox-LDL (100 mg/L) or ox-LDL plus atorvastatin (5, 10, 20 micromol/L) for 24 hours. MCP-1 concentration in cell substratum was measured by ELISA. Scavenger receptor A expression was observed under fluorescent microscope after incubated with DiI-Ac-LDL. The relationship between concentration of MCP-1 and the activity of scavenger receptor A was also analyzed.

RESULTSCompared to the control cells, MCP-1 concentration in ox-LDL treated cells was significantly increased after 6 hours, peaked at 12 hours and was still significantly increased after 24 hours (all P < 0.05 vs. baseline). The activity of scavenger receptor A was also significantly increased in ox-LDL treated cells (P < 0.01 vs. control). The activity of scavenger receptor A proteins correlated positively to the concentration of MCP-1 in ox-LDL treated cells (r = 0.683, P < 0.01). Atorvastatin significantly attenuated these changes in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONSScavenger receptor A and MCP-1 expressions were significantly increased in the course of monocyte lines THP-1 differentiating into macrophages and foam cells. The anti-atherosclerosis effect of atorvastatin might be partly achieved by inhibiting the secretion of MCP-1 and expression of scavenger receptor A in foam cells.

Atorvastatin Calcium ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Foam Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Heptanoic Acids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Monocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Pyrroles ; pharmacology ; Scavenger Receptors, Class A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic mucous resection with transparent cap (EMR-Cap) and endoscopic multi-band mucosectomy (MBM) in the treatment of early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesion.

METHODSA retrospective study was performed to review 30 EMR-Cap cases from December 2008 to December 2009 and 32 MBM cases from January 2010 to January 2011 of early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions. The differences between these two techniques in efficacy, safety, and cost were compared.

RESULTSIn EMR-Cap group, the median resection time was 26(10-56) min and median procedure time was 43(22-81) min, significantly longer than those in MBM group [10(7-18) min and 32(28-45) min, P=0.036 and 0.038, respectively]. There were no significant differences between the two groups in total thickness and depth of resected lesions (P>0.05). In EMR-Cap group, the median cost was significantly higher than that of MBM group [(5466±354) vs. (4014±368) RMB, P=0.008)].

CONCLUSIONSEMR-Cap and MBM are minimally invasive, safe and effective methods in the treatment of early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions. Compared to the EMR-Cap, MBM is simple with shorter treatment time and lower cost.

Aged ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucous Membrane ; surgery ; Precancerous Conditions ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the anti-tumor angiogenesis effect of soluble VEGF receptor fragment by blocking the combination of VEGF and its receptor in vivo and in vitro.

METHODSRT-PCR technique was used to amplify Flk-1/KDR fragment from embryo mouse liver, which was recombinated to expression vector pET-28b(+) and retrovirus vector PLXSN, which was induced to be expressed, purified and identified with EcoR I and Hind III. Mouse endothelial cells were separated, cultured and identified by immunocytochemistrical staining using VIII factor-related antigen antibody. The expressed product was analyzed about its effect on endothelial cell's growth in vitro with MTT method. The retrovirus vector was transfected to tumor cell lines S180 and B16 by liposome method to observe the biological specificity in vitro after gene transfection.

RESULTS1000 bp size sVEGFR fragment was amplify from E9, E11 embryo mouse liver tissues, which was recombinated to TA clone vector and identified by sequence analysis. This fragment was cloned to expression vector pET-28b(+), the expressed product was purified and identified correctly. The in vitro study showed this expressed product can effectively inhibit endothelial cell(s), growth and proliferation. The fragment was then cloned to retrovirus vector PLXSN and transfected to tumor cell lines S180 and B16 successfully with RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE. The experiments in vivo showed that the weight of tumor smaller, the size decreased significantly, the microvessel density was fewer and Flk1 protein expression were higher in the group of gene transfection than that of control.

CONCLUSIONSoluble VEGFR fragment is a kind of effective gene engineer product for anti-tumor angiogenesis gene therapy and the development of anti-tumor drug.

Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cloning, Molecular ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Genetic Vectors ; Melanoma, Experimental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Retroviridae ; genetics ; Sarcoma 180 ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; physiology