Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease among elders and athletes. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are molecules of stress sensitivity which play a significant role in the occurrence and development of OA. MAPKs are closely related with chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degradation. This paper reviewed the related studies between OA and MAPKs.

The effect of Taurine ( Tau)on 45Ca influx of isolated left ventricular muscles in rats has been investigated. The 45Ca influx of the preparations untreated with Tau, are affected by the concentrations of calcium in KH solution. when the concentration of calcium is 0.62; 1.25; and 1.87mmol/L respectively, the 45Ca influx is 1.02? 0.25; 1.37?0.14 and 1.45?0.14 ?mol/g wet tissue, respectively. After adding Tau, the situations above were changed significantly. It was shown that is 1.11 ? 0.11, 1.45?0.12, and 1.48 ? 0.09 ?mol/g wet tissue in low Ca2?; 1.19?0.07, 1.14 ? 0.23, and 0.97?0.24 ?mol/g wet tissue in normal Ca2?; and 1.12?0.05,0.58?0.18 and 0.53?0.10 ?mol/g wet tissue in high Ca2? treated with Tau 10, 20, and 40 mmol/L, respectively. The results show that the varied ,Ca2? concentrations in KH solution can affect 45Ca influx of cardiac muscles, but Taurine has a bisphasic modulation o,f calcium influx in the same tissue. The effects of modulating calcium may play an important role for anti-arrhythmic mechanism of Taurine.

Objective To construct the recombinant adenovirus of Angiotensin Ⅱ type 2 receptor (AT2R), and study the effect of AT2R on prevention of neointimal hyperplasia in rat carotid arteries after balloon angioplasty. Methods The recombinant adenovirus of AT2R with green fluorescent protein was constructed by using the method of homogenous recombination in bacteria. AT2R gene was transduced into rat carotid arteries with pAdCMV/AT2R after the reproduction of rat carotid balloon injury restenosis model. The expression and the transfection efficiency of AT2R gene were evaluated by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and confocal microscope. The intimal/medial area ratio was measured by digital analysis system. Results The titre of purified recombinant adenovirus was 1.5?10 12pfu/ml, and it was proved by PCR. pAdCMV/AT2R transfection efficiency in carotid artery was about 40% at day14, and localized to the neointima, as well as to the media and the adventitia. pAdCMV/AT2R delivered into injured rat carotid arteries significantly up-regulated AT2RmRNA and protein expression in neointima from day 7 to 21 after injury. Compared with pAd-GFP transfection group, pAdCMV/AT2R transfection reduced I/M ratio significantly on day 21(0.78?0.06 vs. 1.36?0.21 respectively, P

Objective To report an improved method, color-ultrasonography-guided inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement, for preventing the pulmonary embolism (PE) caused by the deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods Color-ultrasonography-guided IVC filter insertion was performed in 9 patients with DVT of lower limb, 1 of which also had PE accompanied with at the time of admission. Out of the 9 patients, 5 patients underwent embolectomy immediately after the filter placement while the other 4 patients were treated conservatively. Results The placements were all completed successfully. Follow-up observations for 1～7 months (mean 2 months) found no complications or occurrence of PE. No recurrence of PE was found in the patient already with PE. Conclusions The color-ultrasonography-guided IVC filter placement can effectively prevent PE caused by DVT. The method is suitable for severe, immovable patients, as well as patients with renal insufficiency and being allergic to intravenous contrast, and is safe, convenient, cheap and prone to popularization.

Objective To study the effect of rat angiotensin Ⅱ receptor (AT2R) gene transfer mediated by adenoviral vector on neointimal proliferation after rat carotid artery injury. Methods AT2R gene was transducted into the carotid artery by adenoviral vector with GFP after carotid balloon injury. Restenosis models were established in Wistar rats. Immunostaining was performed to examin the expression of AT2R in local arteries. Neointima/media area ratio at day 21 after gene transfer was measured by morphometric analysis. Results The transduction rate of AT2R gene in rat carotid arteries was 40% and the gene expressed constantly in the vessel walls. Neointima/media area ratio of the gene transduction group was significantly reduced (48%) compared with the control group at day 21 after gene transfer. Conclusion The results suggest the possibility that AT2R gene transfer can inhibit proliferation of arterial intima after balloon injury and it is a potential therapeutic approach to prevent neointimal hyperplasia.

Objective To evaluate the security and the reliability of ligating the cystic duct and the cystic ar- tery with common silk suture as the substitute for titanic or biological clamps in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) us- ing the suture and knot instrument developed by the authors. Methods One hundred and two laparoscopic chole- cystectomies were performed by the authors using the instrument. Results All patients were discharged in the post- operative fourth or fifth day without any complication. Conclusion The instrument used for LC was safe and reliable.

Objective To study the relationship between Bcl-2/Bax protein expression and the degree of malignancy of astrocytoma.Methods Bcl-2/Bax protein expression positive rate and apoptotic cell rate were determined using immunohistochemical technique and TUNEL, in 10 normal human brain tissues and 80 human astrocytoma specimens of differently malignant degrees confirmed by pathology separatively. Results Bcl-2/Bax protein positive expression was not found in normal human brain tissues, and apoptotic cell rate was only (0 6?0 1)%. The differences of Bcl-2/Bax protein expression positive rate and apoptotic cell rate were statistically significant in the differently malignant degrees(P

Objective To summarize the clinical application of the Tempofilter Ⅱ temporary caval filter.Methods The Tempofilter Ⅱ temporary caval filter was employed in 24 patients from April 2002 to August 2006.Before the implantation,we performed color ultrasonography to detect the extent of thrombus and the situation of inferior vena cava,renal vein,and access vein(right internal jugular vein).Under the guidance of color ultrasonography and X-ray fluoroscopy(free of contrast agent),the temporary filter was placed in the inferior vena cava distal of the renal vein orifice through a guide wire by using the Seldinger technique.Results The filter was successfully implanted and removed in all the 24 patients.The duration of placement was 5 days～6 weeks(mean,16.8 days).Filter thrombosis occurred in 4 patients at 3 days ～ 2 weeks after operation.The thrombi(

Objective: To construct recombinant adenovirus vector of Antisense BTEB2 cDNA and study the effect of antisense BTEB2 on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and neointimal hyperplasia.Methods:BTEB2 cDNA was prepared by RT PCR technique and was subcloned reversedly into shuttle plasmid pDC315 to constructed recombinant shuttle plasmid pDC315AS BTEB2.Then the recombinant shuttle plasmid and adenovirus genomic plasmid pBHGlox?E1,3Cre were cotransfected into 293 cell to obtain recombinant adenovirus. The PCR technique was used to detect target gene fragment and adenovirus genomic characteristic fragment. After the recombinant adenovirus infected vascular smooth muscle cells, antisense RNA expression of BTEB2 was detected by RT PCR. Results:There was recombinant adenovirus containing BTEB2 cDNA in the lysate of cotransfected 293 cells.The recombinant adenovirus infected 293 cells and replicated in 293 cells. The expression of BTEB2 antisense RNA was very obvious in vascular smooth muscle cells after infected by recombinant adenovirus. Conclusion:The construction of recombinant adenovirus vector of Antisense BTEB2 has been achieved, and Antisense RNA of BTEB2 can express in vascular smooth muscle cells. This study has paved the way for furthur research.

Objective To assess long-term outcomes of electrocoagulation for treating varicose veins of the lower extremities. Methods A retrospective review was made on clinical data of 426 cases of varicose veins of the lower extremities treatd by electrocoagulation from October 1996 to October 2001.Postoperative follow-ups were carried out with clinic checkups or questionnaires.Results Of the 426 cases,follow-ups for 4~9 years(mean,5.8 years) were completed in 364 cases(500 limbs) and a loss to follow-up was encountered in 62 cases,the follow-up rate being 85.4%.The cumulative rate of recurrent varicose veins was 10.4%(52/500),in which the recurrent varicose veins were cured with sclerosing agents in 50 limbs and with re-operations in 2 limbs.The relief rate of sensation of heaviness and tension was 95.1%(309/325).Accompanying venous ulcers in 20 limbs healed up within 2~8 weeks.The incidences of subcutaneous hematoma and saphenous nerve injury were 0.8%(5/594) and 1.2%((7/594),) respectively.Skin burns happened in 5 limbs(0.8%,5/594). Conclusions Electrocoagulation for varicose veins of the lower extremities is proved to be a novel minimally invasive method,with advantages of safety,effectiveness,low costs,and short hospital stay.