OBJECTIVETo observe anti-cancer effects of Jianpi Jiedu Recipe (JJR) on liver cancer (LC) rats with Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) and its relation with the third complementary-determining region gene spectratyping of TCRVβ-chain (TCRVβCDR3).

METHODSRats were divided into 8 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the blank control group (normal), the PDS group, the LC model group, the LC-PDS group, high, middle, and low dose JJR groups (75.00, 37.50, 18.75 g/kg, respectively by gastrogavage, once per day), the thymus pentapeptide group (5 mg/kg, intramuscular injection, twice per week), 8 in each group. Rats in the normal group were administered with physiological saline by gastrogavage once per day. PDS rat model was prepared by bitter-cold purgation. LC model was prepared by orthotopic transplantation method. Twenty gene subfamilies of TCRβCDR3 in the thymus, liver, and LC tissues were detected by Gene Scan.

RESULTSHigh and middle dose JJR could postpone the growth of LC volume (P < 0.05), with equivalent liver index and thymus index to those of the normal group (P > 0.05). In thymus and liver tissue of the normal group, the number of clones (20 and 19), gene fragment number (220 and 113), Quasi-Gaussian distribution ratio of TCRVβCDR3 gene repertoire (100.0% and 42.1%), and fragment fluorescence peak area (6,539 ± 2,325 and 1,238 ± 439) were at the highest level among the 8 groups. TCRVβCDR3 expressions in thymus and liver tissue of high and middle dose JJR groups were approximate to those of the normal group. They were in the middle of the thymus pentapeptide group, the PDS group, the LC model group, and poorest in the LC-PDS group. TCRVβCDR3 in liver tissue expressed the best in the thymus pentapeptide group.

CONCLUSIONJJR might inhibit the growth of LC cells, and its mechanism might be related to enhancing TCRVβCDR3 spectratype expression.

Animals ; Complementarity Determining Regions ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, T-Cell Receptor beta ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats

Objective To investigate the current situation of the prevention and contml of iodine deficiency disorders(IDD)in Hubei Province,SO as to provide a policy.making basis for controlling work of IDD. Methods Using the method of proportional population sampling(PPS),30 eounties were seiected in Hubei Province.In each selected county,1 primary school was chosen.In every primary school,40 pupil8 aged 8～10 years were selected to examine thyroid size,intelligent quotient(IQ),and salt iodine contents at their home.In the selected pupils,2 boys and 2 girls were chosen to determine their urinary iodine contents in each age grouD.Twenty pupils in the above school and 5 housewives ileal"to this school were tested in health education questionnaire. Results The median of salt iodine was 30.1 mg/kg,and the rate of comsuming qualified iodized salt was 96.2% (1154/1200).The rates ofchild goiter were 6.5%(78/1200)by palpation and 4.1%(49/1200)by B ultrasound.The median of urinary iodine Was 358.4μg/L and mean of the IQ was 105.3±14.4.The rate of qualified scores of both students and housewives Was 25.5%(153/600)、90.7%(136/150).Conclusions The current Bituation of iedine nutrition is good.The goal of eliminating IDD has been achieved in Hubei Province.

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between Pi and Shen by observing the relationship between the metabolism of aristolochic acid (AA) and mRNA and protein expression levels of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp) superfamily member 2a1 and 2 b1 (oatp2al and oatp2bl) in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) model rats.

METHODSTotally 46 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the blank group (n = 12), the PDS group (n = 22), the AA-I group (n = 6), and the PDS AA-I group (n = 6). PDS model was established by subcutaneously injecting Reserpine at the daily dose of 5 mg/kg for 16 successive days. Carotid intubation was performed in 6 rats selected from the blank group and the PDS group. Pharmacokinetics of AA-I were detected at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. AA-I concentrations in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of 10 rats selected from the PDS group were determined. Normal saline was administered to 6 rats selected from the PDS group and the blank group by gastrogavage. Renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues were collected in the AA-I group and the PDS AA-I group at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. mRNA and protein expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in each tissue were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) and Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the blank group, plasma concentrations of in vivo AA-I were obviously higher in the PDS group at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of AA-I were obviously decreased at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I; AA-I concentrations in renal and large intestinal tissues were elevated; AA-I concentrations in small intestinal tissues were obviously reduced in the PDS group. There was no statistical difference in mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in the aforesaid three tissues of rats between the blank group and the PDS group. Compared with the blank group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 decreased in small intestinal tissues of the AA-I group, and the mRNA expression level of oatp2a1 in large intestinal tissues significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the PDS group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 increased in renal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05); mRNA expression levels of oatp2b1 increased in large intestinal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe difference in AA-I metabolism might be associated with changed expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues under Pi deficiency induced loss of transportation. Shen and Dachang played important roles in substance metabolism under Pi deficiency state, which proved Pi-Shen correlated in Chinese medical theories.

Animals ; Anions ; Aristolochic Acids ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Kidney ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Organic Cation Transport Proteins ; metabolism ; Peptides ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To confirm the distribution of high arsenic drinking water and the situation of endemic arsenism in Hubei Province, to provide reference basis for prevention and control of endemic arsenic disease. Methods Using typical investigation and sample investigation in 2006 and 2007, the arsenic content of water was detected sampled from 19 counties(cities or communities). And those water samples which were close to or exceeded the stipulated standard were rechecked by the national standard method. Furthermore, the situation of endemic arsenism was investigated in the cities having high arsenic contents of water. Results In 2006,10 028 water samples of 446 villages in 6 counties (cities or communities) were tested, the wells of high arsenic (> 0.05 mg/L) were found in 5 counties (cities or communities) and the proportion of the well that exceeded stipulated standard was 5.29%(530/10 028); In 2007,19 086 water samples of 1282 villages in 17 counties(cities or communities) were tested, the wells of high arsenic were found in 11 counties(cities or communities), and the proportion of the well that exceeded stipulated standard was 1.74%(333/19 086). In these two years, 29 114 water samples were tested, in which 863 water samples were exceeding the stipulated standard. The 2.96% of total wells exceeded stipulated standard and mainly distributed in 179 villages of 12 counties(cities or communities). And the highest arsenic content of water sample was 2.012 mg/L. In the endemic arsenism area, 2 critical, 1 moderate and 1 mild arsenism patients had been found. Conclusions The water of high arsenic content are scattered in Hubei Province and the situation of endemic arsenism disease is mild. Improving water aiming at decreasing arsenic and establishing patient files should be carried out immediately.

OBJECTIVETo investigate prospectively the effectiveness of kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system in treatment of compression fracture of thoracic/lumbar vertebrae and correction of the deformity.

METHODSTwenty-five patients with thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture were admitted to our hospital between March 2007 and March 2008, and treated by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system. Patient's pain status was rated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score system 1 day before and 1 hour, 48 hours, 6 months, 12 months after surgery. In addition, Rolland-Morris and Oswestry disability questionnaires (RDQ and ODI) were used for survey 1 day before and 1, 6, 12 months after surgery. Pre- and post-operative vertebral heights and Cobb's angles were measured based on the X-ray films and statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThere were 27 fractured vertebrae in these 25 patients. After SKY kyphoplasty, the Cobb's angles (9.8 degree ± 9.76 degree) were significantly reduced compared with preoperative angles (17.18 degree ± 9.35 degree P < 0.05), and the average improvement rate was 39%. Patients'pain VAS scores were also greatly improved after operation (P < 0.05). Moreover, postoperative RDQ and ODI scores were significantly smaller than preoperative values (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSKyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system provides an effective method for treating thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture, with the advantages of small surgical wound and short duration. It can effectively recover the anterior and medial heights of fractured vertebrae (33% and 50%, respectively), reduce the Cobb's angle, quickly alleviate pain and improve patients'quality of life in a relatively short time period.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fractures, Compression ; surgery ; Humans ; Kyphoplasty ; methods ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Tissue Expansion Devices

OBJECTIVETo investigate the growth of craniopharyngioma involving the third ventricular floor with regard to the hypothalamus by detecting expressions of leukocyte common antigen (CD45) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in the tumor tissue.

METHODSThe expressions of CD45 and ICAM-1 proteins in 30 craniopharyngioma samples with third ventricular floor involvement were detected by SP immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe inflammations labeled by CD45 were identified commonly in the craniopharyngioma tissues involving the third ventricular floor. The expression of ICAM-1 was mainly in the inner tumor cells and interstitial cells, but not detected in the basilar tumor cells growing toward the third ventricular floor. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas showed markedly higher CD45 and ICAM-1 expressions than squamous papillary tumors (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONInflammatory adhesion largely characterizes the growth of the craniopharyngioma tissues involving the third ventricular floor toward the hypothalamus without the tendency of invasion. The difference in the inflammation between the two types of craniopharyngioma may affect the prognosis of the patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Child ; Craniopharyngioma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Hypothalamus ; metabolism ; pathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis ; Leukocyte Common Antigens ; biosynthesis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Third Ventricle

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy of Shenfu Qiangjing Decoction (SQD) in the treatment of non-inflammatory and non-liquefied semen in infertile males with kidney-yang deficiency.

METHODSSixty cases of male infertility caused by non-inflammatory and non-liquefied semen with kidney-yang deficiency were equally and randomly divided into an SQD and a control group, the former given oral SQD and the latter vitamin C tablets plus intramuscular chymotrypsin. Both groups were observed for sperm viability, sperm motility, serum testosterone, seminal plasma PSA and improvement of kidney-yang deficiency symptoms before and after the medication. The therapeutic effects were evaluated according to the semen liquefaction within 60 min.

RESULTSStatistically significant differences were observed in the improvement of kidney-yang deficiency symptoms after the medication between the SQD and control groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) , and in sperm viability and motility of the SQD group before and after the treatment (P < 0.01) as well as between the two groups after the medication (P < 0.05). The levels of serum T and seminal plasma PSA also showed significant differences before and after the treatment in the SQD group (P < 0.01) and between the two groups after the medication (P < 0.05). The rate of total effectiveness was 93.3% in the SQD and 76.7% in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSQD can shorten the semen liquefaction time in patients with non-inflammatory and non-liquefied semen and restore semen liquefaction to normal in over 90% of the patients. Meanwhile it can also improve the low testosterone level resulting from various kidney-yang deficiency symptoms.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; drug therapy ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Motility ; Yang Deficiency ; drug therapy ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo research the effect of a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication in patients with HCC of post-TACE.

METHOD45 patients with HCC of post-TACE, as the treatment group, were treated by a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication and routine methods of protecting liver. Other 37 patients, as the control group, with the same clinical feature were treated by routine methods of protecting liver only. In the later 1 month, accumulated points of clinical symptom, hepatic function and AFP were observed in all of the patients. And the clinical effect of the two groups was compared.

RESULTOne week later, in the treatment group, there is no improvement in anorexia but nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude were improved more obviously than pretherapy in both a week and one month later (P < 0.01 or P <0.05). In the control group, anorexia were improved a week later (P <0.05), but there is no improvement in nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude at the same time, and one month later all of the indexes above improved (P <0.01 or P <0.05). Accumulated points of clinical symptom was decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group in both a week and one month later (P <0.05). At the end of the therapy, in the both groups, ALT, TBIL and AFP all improved except ALB, (P <0.01 or P <0.05). And TBIL improved more obviously in the treatment group than in the control one month later (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONThis complex prescription of Chinese crude drug can lighten the adverse reaction of post-TACE. And also it can promote the recovery of liver function and evaluate the quality of lives of such patients.

Anorexia ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Fatigue ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Function Tests ; Liver Neoplasms ; therapy ; Male ; Nausea ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Treatment Outcome ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo research the treatment effect of complex prescription of Chinese crude drug in BALB/c athymic mice with human liver cancer, which were built by Bel-7402.

METHOD48 male BALB/c athymic mouse models were built by Bel-7402 with an indirect method. After 24 hours of postoperation, the 48 athymic mice were distributed randomly into 4 groups which were treated by intragastric administration with complex prescription of Chinese crude drug that had been deliquated into 3 groups by the different density as the low, middle, and high and FT207 (Tegafur) for 4 weeks. At last, athymic mice were put to death and PTEN was detected in hepatic tissue, latero-cancer tissue and cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry (PowerVision Two-Step Histostaining Reagent).

RESULTAll of the 48 athymic mice survived 12 to 28 days (Ms 24 days) and every mouse with liver cancer demonstrated by dissection. The result of immunohistochemistry represents that the intensity of PTEN in latero-cancer tissue is the highest, and then the hepatic tissue, the lowest is cancer tissue, P < 0.01. It also represents that the intensity of PTEN in treatment groups (A, B, C) is more higher than the control group (D), P < 0.05 or P < 0.01, and group B is the highest in the treatment groups, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. However, there is no significant statistic difference between group A and group C.

CONCLUSIONThe higher expression of PTEN in the laterocancer tissue can represent the protective reaction of stress of the organism. And anticancer effect of this complex prescription of Chinese crude drug relates to an eligible density of it. Mechanisms of this complex prescription of Chinese crude drug healing HCC may partially be explained by enhancing the expression of PTEN in liver.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Liver ; drug effects ; enzymology ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; metabolism ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

OBJECTIVETo analyze the factors contributing to the occurrence of diabetes insipidus after operations for craniopharyngiomas.

METHODSA total of 121 cases of diabetes insipidus following surgeries for craniopharyngiomas were retrospectively analyzed and the factors associated with postoperative diabetes insipidus were analyzed.

RESULTSThe incidence of diabetes insipidus was 27.3% (33/121 cases) before the operation, 89.9% (107/1119) early after the operation and 39.8%(37/93) in later stages after the operation. The occurrence of early postoperative diabetes insipidus showed a significant relation to the classification and calcification of the craniopharyngioma. Patients with supradiaphragmatic and extraventricular tumors had the lowest incidence of postoperative diabetes insipidus. Late postoperative diabetes insipidus was closely correlated to such factors as age, classification of craniopharyngioma, and intraoperative treatment of the pituitary stalk, but not to the scope of tumor resection or tumor calcification. Late diabetes insipidus was more frequent in children and patients with severed pituitary stalk. The incidence of late postoperative diabetes insipidus was significantly higher in patients with supradiaphragmatic and extra-intraventricular tumors than in those with tumors beneath the diaphragma sellae and extraventricular tumors.

CONCLUSIONSPostoperative diabetes insipidus following surgeries for craniopharyngiomas is closely related to the tumor classification, calcification and pituitary stalk protection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Craniopharyngioma ; pathology ; surgery ; Diabetes Insipidus ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; methods ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; blood ; etiology ; Regression Analysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Sella Turcica ; Young Adult