BACKGROUND: Our previous study showed that the activation of local renin-angiotensin system in heart and vessels contributed to hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling. However, whether oxygen free radical plays an important role in this process is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interventional effects of Ebselen, a kind of anti-oxidative drug, on rats administered by Nw-Nitro-L-arginine methyl easter (L-NAME) (L-NAME), inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) for a long term, and probe into the role of oxygen free radicals (OFR) in hyper- tension and cardiovascular remodeling of NO-deficient rats. DESIGN: A randomized grouping and controlled animal trial. SETTING: Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Institute of Cardiology, Nanchang University. MATERIALS: The experiment was completed from January 2002 to March 2003 at the Animal Experimental Lab, Institute of Cardiology, Nanchang University and the Key Molecular Medical Lab of Jiangxi Province. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided to three groups according to the random number table method: normal control group (n=8), L-NAME group (n=8), L-NAME + Ebselen group (n=8). METHODS: ①Normal control group: The rats could eat and drink routinely, and they were administrated by skim milk ball (net weigh = 4 g) before feed every night. ② L-NAME group: The rats received L-NAME in the dose of 50 mg/kg mixed in one skim milk ball everyday before feed every night. ③ L-NAME + Ebselen group: The rats were admin istered by one skim milk ball (net weigh = 2 g) mixed with L-NAME (50 mg/kg) and one skim milk ball (net weigh = 2 g) mixed with ebselen (30 mg/kg). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was detected before LNAME was given and at the ends of the 1st, 2nd, 4th,6th and 8th weeks respectively. The rats were killed under anesthesia at the end of the 8th week, the plasma and homogenate of myocardium of apex were taken to detect the biochemical indexes, the other heart tissues were used for the histological detections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: ① Dynamic changes of blood pressure were observed. The levels of NO and malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma and myocardium of apex were measured. The production of superoxide anion and the levels of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R) protein expression in myocardium of apex were determined. ③ The pathomor- phological indexes were determined. RESULTS: All the 24 rats were involved in the analysis of results without deletion. ① SBP: At the ends of the 1st, 2nd, 4th 6th and 8th weeks, SBP elevated gradually in the L-NAME group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group at the same time (P ＜ 0.05-0.01). At the end of the 8th week, the SBP was significantly lower in the L- NAME + Ebselen group than in the L-NAME group (P ＜ 0.05). ② Bio chemical indexes in plasma and homogenate of myocardium of apex: The NO level and SOD activity in myocardial tissue were significantly lower in the L-NAME group than in the normal control group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01), but significantly higher in the L-NAME + Ebselen group than in the L- NAME group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01). The production of superoxide anion, ACE activity and level of AT1R expression were all significantly higher in the L-NAME group than in the normal control group (P ＜ 0.05), but signifi- cantly lower in the L-NAME + Ebselen group than in the L-NAME group. ③ Pathomorphological indexes: The ratio of cardiac mass to body mass, thickness of left ventricle and ratio of thickness to lumen diameter of small artery were all significantly higher in the L-NAME group and L- NAME + Ebselen group than in the normal control group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01), and the thickness of left ventricle and ratio of thickness to lumen diameter of small artery were significantly lower in the L-NAME + Ebselen group than in the L-NAME group (P ＜ 0.05) CONCLUSION: Ebselen, an anti-oxidative drug, enable to attenuate the development of hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling in NO-deficient rats. By activating renin-angiotensin system (RAS), OFR may accelerate the formation of hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling, and the increased production of OFR may contribute to the development of cardiovascular remodeling. It is indicated that RAS may play an important role in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling induced by NO-deficiency

Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pharyngeal Neoplasms ; Pharynx ; Teratoma

OBJECTIVETo study the numbers and locations of spermatic veins, testicular arteries, and lymphatic vessels in the spermatic cord of the varicocele patient under the laparoscope.

METHODSFifty-seven varicocele patients received laparoscopic ligation of spermatic veins, during which we recorded the numbers and observed the locations of spermatic veins, testicular arteries, and spermatic lymphatic vessels.

RESULTSDuring the surgery, we identified 3.3 ± 1.2 spermatic veins, 1.4 ± 0.9 testicular arteries, and 4.3 ± 1.1 spermatic lymphatic vessels. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two side in the numbers of the spermatic veins, testicular arteries and spermatic lymphatic vessels (P > 0.05). The testicular arteries were seen on the exterior of the spermatic veins and winding around them, while the spermatic lymphatic vessels mostly between the veins.

CONCLUSIONThe spermatic veins, testicular arteries, and lymphatic vessels in the spermatic cord of the varicocele patient have their specific anatomic characteristics. Laparoscopic identification of these vessels may contribute to the surgical treatment of varicocele.

Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Ligation ; Male ; Spermatic Cord ; anatomy & histology ; Testis ; Varicocele ; pathology ; Veins ; anatomy & histology

Objectives To study the level and development of serum specific antibody against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV)of different populations in SARS pestilence district after SARS outbreak in a general hospital.Discuss SARS sub-clinical infection and protective action of the IgG antibody.Methods Seroepidemiology method,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)and indirect immunfluorescence assay(IFA)were employed to investigate the changing level of serum antibody to SARS-associated coronavirus in non-SARS population in SARS pestilence district during and after SARS outbreak.The development of IgM and IgG antibody in patients with SARS in 6 weeks after the onset of SARS was studied qualitatively.The level changing of IgG antibody in con- valescent patients with SARS in 82 weeks after the onset was observed dynamically.Results The ELISA test outcome of IgG antibody was negative in 200 non-SARS people who were random samples of normal mass in SARS pestilence district and common community.The positive rate was 0.41% in 487 SARS high risk population tested by ELISA,but showed negative when retested by IFA.The A value level of IgG antibody existed significant difference in non SARS mass during and after SARS outbreak and the later's was higher them the former's(P

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy of combined treatment with lamivudine and famciclovir on chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

METHODSNinety patients with chronic HBV infection were divided into 3 groups. Group one had 28 patients and was treated with combination of lamivudine (0.1 g/d, PO) and famciclovir (1.5 g/d,PO) for 24 weeks. Group two and three had 30 and 32 cases, respectively, and were treated with lamivudine 100 mg/day PO and famciclovir (1.5 g/d,PO) alone. All the patients had positive markers of HBsAg, HBeAg and anti-HBcAg in serum assayed by ELISA and of HBV DNA tested by PCR.

RESULTSThree strategies of treatment had no different effects on the change of patients' ALT levels. The serum HBV DNA became negative after treatment in 89.3% (25/28) of patients treated with combination of lamivudine and famciclovir, 66.7% (20/30) of patients treated with lamivudine, and 40.6% (13/32) of patients treated with famciclovir. The rate of serum HBeAg loss in 3 groups were 28.6% (8/28), 23.3% (7/30) and 21.9% (7/32), respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination treatment of lamivudine and famciclovir for chronic HBV infection is safer than and superior to that of either drug alone.

2-Aminopurine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical characteristics and preventive measures of liver failure with nosocomial septicemia.

METHODSRetrospective analysis of nosocomial septicemia seen between 2001 and 2002 was carried out in our hospital.

RESULTSIncidence of nosocomial septicemia was 0.61%, mortality was 14.29%, the main pathogen was Escherichia coli, the drug resistance occurred in most pathogens to the commonly used antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONIn order to reduce nosocomial septicemia, antibiotics should be used rationally, should be paid attention to bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity, and preventive measures should be taken.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Ampicillin ; therapeutic use ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Bacteremia ; epidemiology ; etiology ; mortality ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross Infection ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Escherichia coli Infections ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Klebsiella Infections ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; drug effects ; Liver Failure ; complications ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate the proliferation effects of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma-2 (ACC-2) cells in vitro and to study the role of Survivin on the apoptosis of ACC-2 induced by As2O3.

METHODSACC-2 cells were treated with different concentration of As2O3 for different time. The inhibitory effects on cell's viability were assayed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) test. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of Survivin mRNA and protein were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain raction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis respectively.

RESULTSCell viability after As2O3 treatment was markedly suppressed and exhibited as a dose- and time-dependent pattern. The apoptotic index showed the similar trend. The results of RT-PCR revealed gene expression of Survivin was suppressed significantly. Through Western blot analysis, a negative correlation between concentration and amount of protein product of Survivin was determined.

CONCLUSIONAs2O3 might markedly suppressed ACC-2 cell's viability in vitro. The inhibition of Survivin gene expression may play a critical role on ACC-2 cell apoptosis induced by As2O3.

Antineoplastic Agents ; Apoptosis ; Arsenicals ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Oxides

OBJECTIVETo explore the distribution and clinical significance of HBV genotypes in patients with HBV infection in China.

METHODSerum samples were collected from 2922 patients with HBV infection. HBV genotyping was performed with type-specific primers polymerase chain reaction, and the virological and biochemical markers were detected, which differences in the genotypes distribution between various regions and liver function and virological markers between various HBV genotyping were analyzed.

RESULTThe genotype B, C, B + C, D of 2922 patients with HBV infection accounted for 15.9%, 83.5%, 0.41%, 0.21% respectively. In Northern China, genotype C was most prevalent, accounting for 90% of all cases, while it was less common in Southern China; genotype C was present in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, but genotype B was comparatively more common in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces. B, C genotype HBV infection patients in the sex difference was not statistically significant; B genotypes compared with C genotype HBV infection patients, the average age of is less (P < 0.001); HBeAg positive rate of C genotype HBV infection patients are higher than that of B genotype (P = 0.023); Viral load of genotype C HBV infection patients is higher than that of genotype B (P = 0.038); Cholinesterase and Albumin levels of genotype C HBV infection patients are lower than that of genotype B (P values were 0.016, <0.001).

CONCLUSIONThere were HBV genotype B, C, B + C and D in Chinese patients with HBV infection, with genotype B and C being the major ones. Mainly in northern regions of genotype C, C genotype significantly reduced the southern region, some of the southern region dominated by B genotype. Genotype C HBV infection patients are older, and their HBeAg-positive rate is higher, and their liver damage is more severe, but their viral load is less.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Viral ; immunology ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Genotype ; Hepatitis B ; epidemiology ; immunology ; virology ; Hepatitis B virus ; classification ; genetics ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between HBV genotype and chronic/severe liver disease with HBV infection in Chinese patients.

METHODSSerum samples were collected from 2922 patients with HBV infection. HBV genotyping was performed with type-specific primers polymerase chain reaction, and the virological and biochemical markers were detected, which differences in the genotypes between various clinical types of HBV infection and liver function and virological markers between various HBV genotyping were analyzed.

RESULTSThe genotype B, C, BC combinations, D of 2922 patients with HBV infection accounted for 15.9%, 83.5%, 0.41%, 0.21% respectively. The ratio of genotype B in acute hepatitis group was higher (P = 0.003), which the ratio of genotype C in the cirrhosis group and the hepatocellular carcinoma group was higher (P = 0.000, 0.000). The difference in ratio of genotype C was not statistically significant between acute-on-chronic liver failure group and chronic hepatitis group. HBeAg-positive rate, viral load and liver function markers of B, C genotype group in acute hepatitis group and chronic hepatitis group were not significant different. HBeAg-positive rates of genotype C in acute-on-chronic liver failure group, cirrhosis group, hepatocellular carcinoma group were higher than that of genotype B (P = 0.000, 0.024, 0.003). Viral load of genotype C in hepatocellular carcinoma group was higher than that of genotype B (P = 0.025). Cholinesterase levels of genotype C in the acute-on-chronic liver failure group and the hepatocellular carcinoma group was lower than that of genotype B (P = 0.0004, 0.02).

CONCLUSIONThere were HBV genotype B, C, B/C combinations and D in Chinese patients with HBV infection, with genotype B and C being the major ones. Compared with HBV genotype B, genotype C in Chinese patients with HBV infection was more likely to chronic infection, evolved to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but genotype difference was not observed in occurrence of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Genotype was not significant effect in acute and chronic hepatitis B, but HBeAg-positive rate/viral load was higher and liver damage was more severe in severe and end-stage genotype C HBV infection patients.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Animals ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Cricetinae ; End Stage Liver Disease ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Hepatitis B ; virology ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; virology ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; genetics ; Liver Diseases ; genetics ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sex Factors

Action Potentials ; Animals ; Electromyography ; Environmental Exposure ; Hypothermia ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Seawater ; Thigh ; physiology ; physiopathology