italic>Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. is a medicinal species belonging to the Orchidaceae, whose whole plant can be used as a medicinal herb, known as "JinXianLian". It has antidiabetic, liver-protecting, anti-inflammatory, etc. A. roxburghii has long been used as food and medicine in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. With the wide recognition of the concept of "medicine and food homology" and the surge of market demand, wild A. roxburghii has been far from meeting the supply. It is important to establish an artificial propagation system. Resource characteristics are the key basis for optimizing germplasm and propagation systems. Therefore, this paper summarizes the germplasm resource characteristics and propagation technologies of A. roxburghii in China to provide a reference for sustainable development and subsequent mechanistic research.

Based on ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), a rapid and simultaneous quantitative method for the measurement of seven components (kinsenoside; rutin; kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside; quercimeritrin; narcissin; isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside; quercetin) of A. roxburghii was established. The separation was performed over 8.0 minutes on a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH Shield RP18 (2.1 mm × 100 mm; 1.7 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile (A) and 0.1% formic acid water solution (B) with gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.2 mL·min^-1; the column temperature was 30 ℃ and the injection volume was 2 μL. Electrospray spray ionization source (ESI source) was used for mass spectrometry, and positive and negative ion modes were detected at the same time. The results showed good linearity (R² ≥ 0.998 0), with good precision, repeatability and stability, and the average recovery was 97.71%-103.33%. Through cluster heat map and redundancy analysis, we found that kinsenoside was mainly distributed in stems, followed by leaves, and the lowest content in roots. The content of kinsenoside increased significantly in the stems of plants 6 months, but less change was evident in the roots and leaves. Flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides were mainly distributed in leaves. The UHPLC-MS/MS method established in this paper can be used for the quality control of A. roxburghii and provides a reference for establishing a more comprehensive quality detection method for this medicinal.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction (BZD) containing serum on the apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by mechanics stimulus.

METHODSThe BZD containing serum was extracted. The chondrocyte nutritive media was divided into 3 groups, i.e., the common nutritive medium group, the blank rabbit serum medium group, and the BZD nutritive medium group. The apoptosis of chondrocytes was induced by continuing mechanics stimulus in 24 h. Then the chondrocytes were collected. The apoptosis rate of chondrocytes was determined by flow cytometry. The contents of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and nitric oxide (NO) in the corresponding media were determined.

RESULTSThe apoptosis of chondrocytes in the BZD nutritive medium group (19.55 +/- 7.98)% was lower than that of the common nutritive medium group (39.32 +/- 13.45)% and the blank rabbit serum medium group (37.87 +/- 9.67)%, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The contents of IL-1beta and NO were also lower in the BZD nutritive medium group with statistical difference when compared with those of the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBZD containing serum could protect mechanics stimulus induced apoptosis of chondrocytes.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cartilage, Articular ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Interleukin-1beta ; analysis ; Nitric Oxide ; analysis ; Rabbits ; Serum

AIMTo investigate the role of endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of neurogenetic pulmonary edema.

METHODSThe levels of endothelin-1 in plasma and lung were measured in rats which suffered from diffuse brain injury on Marmarous' model. The changes of endothelin-1 in the lungs were also detected using an immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSAfter heavy diffuse brain injury in rats, the levels of endothelin-1 in plasma and lung began increasing at 1 hour, and peaked at 6 hour. Though a little declining at 24 hour, it maintained a higher level within 48 hours (P < 0.05). Pulmonary pathology showed that after brain injury there were congestion, swelling in pulmonary microvessels with broadened pulmonary interstitial tissue, and leucocyte infiltration was dominated by neutrophils and monocytes from 1 hour on, which peaked at 6 hour. More serious congestion, swelling and protein effusion in pulmonary alveoli were observed at both 24 h and 48 h. Immunohistochemically, endothelin-1 had more significant expression and higher levels of OD in the experimental groups than that in the control's, the most significance of which was at 6 hour.

CONCLUSIONThe inflammatory injury mechanism caused by endothelin-1 may play an important role in neurogenic pulmonary edema.

Animals ; Endothelin-1 ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; Pulmonary Alveoli ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Edema ; etiology ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of continuous hemofiltration (CH) on the prognosis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in elderly patients.

METHODSThirty-four elderly patients with MODS after AMI admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) were grouped into continuous hemofiltration (CH) group and non-CH (NCH) group. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHEII) scores and Marshall scores were assessed upon admission in ICU and 7 days after the admission. The mortality rates of the patients within 28 and 90 days after admission to ICU were calculated, and the changes in APACHEII scores and Marshall scores were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe APACHEII scores and Marshall scores showed no significant difference between the two upon admission to the ICU, but significantly decreased in CH group 7 days after the admission (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively). The APACHEII scores increased significantly in NCH group (P<0.01) 7 days after the admission while the Marshall scores remained unchanged (P>0.05). The overall mortality rates at 28 and 90 days were 41.18% and 61.76%, respectively. A significant difference was noted in the mortality rate at 28 days between the two groups (P<0.05), but not in the rate at 90 days (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONCH can improve the organic functions and the short-term outcome of elderly patients with MODS after AMI, but has no positive effect on their long-term outcomes.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hemofiltration ; Humans ; Male ; Multiple Organ Failure ; complications ; therapy ; Myocardial Infarction ; complications ; therapy ; Prognosis

Objective To explore the distribution of water with high level arsenic and prevalence of arsenism along Huai'he River and the surrounding area of Hong'ze lake in Huai'an of Jiangsu. Methods Wate rsamples were collected and tested in 2008 from 18 villages of 6 towns according to history data in 3 counties like Xuyi,Jinhu and Hongze. Samples having arsenic level higher than 0.05 mg/L were investigated by epidemiological method and the patients were diagnosed by Standard of Diagnosis for Endemic Arsenism. Results All 5199 water samples were determined,and 260 water samples were exceeding the national drinking water quality level (0.05 mg/L) in 3 counties,the rates of exceeding diagnosis were 5.6%(247/4454),0.7%(4/597),6.0%(9/148) respectively. Total detected rate of endemic arsenic disease was 5.94%(128/2155). The detected rates of age group of 0 ～ ,20 ～,30 ～ ,40 ～ ,50 ～ ,60 ～ ,70 ～ ,80 ～ were 2.86%(1/35),2.11%(2/95),1.26%(3/239),3.10%(16/516),5.53% (32/579),10.07%(41/407),11.84%(27/228),10.71%(6/56) respectively. The detected rate of male (9.10%,78/857) was higher than that of female(3.85%,50/1298,χ~2 = 25.46,P < 0.01). Conclusions Huai'he River and the surrounding areas of Hong'ze lake like Xuyi,Jinhu and Hongze are identified existing endemic arsenic disease area. The prevention of arsenism should be strengthened in these areas.

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of green tea in decreasing the risks of gastric cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer among alcohol drinkers or cigarette smokers.

METHODSA population based case-control study was conducted in Taixing, Jiangsu province.

RESULTSIn Taixing city, identified cases of stomach, liver and esophageal cancers were chosen with informed consent. The numbers were 206, 204, 218 respectively. Controls were chosen from normal population having lived in the area for longer than 10 years, also with informed consent. Green tea drinking seemed to have decreased 81%, 78%, 39% risk for the development of gastric cancer, liver cancer and esophageal cancer among alcohol drinkers. It might also have decreased 16%, 43%, 31% on the risks of developing the three kinds of cancers among cigarette smokers. Interaction assessment showed that drinking green tea could significantly decrease the risk of gastric cancer and liver cancer among alcohol drinkers, with ORs of interaction item 0.23 (95% CI: 0.10 - 0.55) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.11 - 0.57) respectively.

CONCLUSIONHabit of drinking green tea seemed to have significant protective effects on the development of both gastric and liver cancer among alcohol drinkers while, green tea also having some protective effect on esophageal cancer among alcohol drinkers and on three kinds of cancers among cigarette smokers.

Adult ; Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; adverse effects ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Digestive System Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; etiology ; Female ; Flavonoids ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phenols ; administration & dosage ; Polyphenols ; Risk ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Stomach Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Tea ; chemistry

OBJECTIVEThe prostate apoptosis response factor-4 (Par-4) gene was originally identified by differential screening for genes that are up-regulated when prostate cells are induced to undergo apoptosis. Par-4 was found to possess potent apoptotic activity in various cellular systems in response to numerous stimuli. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Par-4 gene on the apoptosis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) exposed to glutamate.

METHODSPrimary culture of hBMSCs was carried out and siRNAs targeted Par-4 gene (Par-4-SiRNA) were chemically synthesized. Eukaryocytic expression vector was built and were transfected into hBMSCs with liposome. After selecting with G418, the stable cell clones were treated with glutamate. The expression of Par-4 mRNA was determined by real-time PCR. The apoptosis of hBMSCs was quantified by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of phosphorylated Akt1 (Thr308). Relative Caspase-3 activity was determined by colorimetric assay.

RESULTSThe Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-siRNA-2 could markedly down-regulate the mRNA levels of Par-4 gene in hBMSCs. With the transfections of Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2, the levels of Par-4 mRNA were respectively decreased by 88% and 67%. Both Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2 inhibited significantly the apoptosis of hBMSCs induced by glutamate, in which the percentages of apoptotic cells were respectively decreased to 38.80% +/- 3.97% (P < 0.01) and 45.49% +/- 4.32% (P < 0.01) from 60.30% +/- 6.82%. Western blot assays demonstrated that, glutamate down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated Akt1 proteins in hBMSCs (89.07 +/- 6.42 and 28.30 +/- 5.65, respectively, P < 0.01). However, Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2 could markedly recover the down-regulation of Akt1 proteins induced by glutamate (63.56 +/- 6.75 and 45.59 +/- 4.88, respectively, P < 0.01). And the relative Caspase-3 activity which was enhanced by the treatment with glutamate (0.1428 +/- 0.0495 and 0.8616 +/- 0.1051, P < 0.01), was suppressed by Par-4-SiRNA-1 and Par-4-SiRNA-2 (0.8616 +/- 0.1051 and 0.6581 +/- 0.0555, respectively, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSiRNA against Par-4 gene could inhibit the apoptosis of hBMSCs induced by glutamate, and its inhibitory effects may be mediated by the up-regulation of phosphorylated Akt1 and the suppression of the relative Caspase-3 activity.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; genetics ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between methyl-tetra-hydrofolic acid (MTHFR) 677 gene polymorphism and the risk of stomach cancer.

METHODSA population based case-control study was conducted and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to detect its genotypes.

RESULTSAmong cases with stomach cancer, the frequency of C/C, C/T, T/T genotype were 25.8%, 54.6%, 19.6%, compared with controls as 34.5%, 50.9%, 14.6% respectively. Using C/C genotype as reference, the OR of C/T or T/T genotype was 1.52 (95% CI: 1.04 - 2.23). 53.3% C and 46.7% T allele were distributed in stomach cancer cases, while 60.0% C and 40.0% T in controls. The OR for T allele in relation to C allele was 1.31 (1.02 - 1.69) when C allele was used as reference. In addition, the present study showed that MTHFR677 AnyT genotype might interact with smoking, moldy food intake, wheat porridge intake, eating salty food and Hp CagA infection to increase the risk of stomach cancer. No interaction was observed between MTHFR677 AnyT genotype and alcohol drinking or green tea intake.

CONCLUSIONMTHFR677 AnyT genotype, might increase the risk of stomach cancer development and the genotype might also interact with other environmental risk factors to increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Adult ; Alleles ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Life Style ; Male ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) ; genetics ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Stomach Neoplasms ; enzymology ; etiology ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of combined supplementation of glutamine (Gln) and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on the protein metabolism in severely burned patients.

METHODSSixty severely burned patients were enrolled in the study and were randomly divided into control (C, n = 20) and Gln with rhGH (Gln + rhGH, n = 20) groups. The patients in C group received glycine as the placebo, while those in Gln group took Gln orally in dose of 0.5 g kg(-1) d(-1) during 1-14 postburn days (PBDs). For the patients in Gln + rhGH group rhGH was administered subcutaneously in dose of 0.2 U kg(-1) d(-1) in addition to glutamine in same dosage beginning on the 7 PBD for 7 days. The plasma Gln concentration in the 3 groups of patients was determined on the 1st, 7th and 14th PBD and the plasma albumin level was determined on 14th and 21st PBD. The wound healing rate of the patients within 30 PBSs and the total hospital stay days were recorded.

RESULTSThe plasma Gln concentration in Gln + rhGH group of patients was evidently higher than that in C group after 7 PBD[(452.28 +/- 21.72) micromol/L vs(325.12 +/- 25.34) micromol/L, P < 0.05]. The plasma albumin level in Gln + rhGH group was obviously higher than that in C and Gln groups on the 21st PBD (P < 0.05). The wound healing rate in Gln + rhGH group was evidently higher than that in Gln and C groups on the 30th PBD (P < 0.05). The total hospital stay days in Gln + rhGH group were obviously less than that in C and Gln groups (P < 0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCombined administration of Gln and rhGH could be beneficial to the elevation of plasma Gln level in severely burned patients and the systemic protein synthesis was therefore enhanced and the wound healing rate was improved.

Adult ; Aged ; Burns ; metabolism ; therapy ; Female ; Glutamine ; administration & dosage ; blood ; therapeutic use ; Human Growth Hormone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recombinant Proteins ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing ; drug effects ; Young Adult