To investigate the anti-cardiac hypertrophic mechanism of statins, thirty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups. Rats in model group received nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) 15 mg/(kg.d) by peritoneal injection. Rats in simvastatin treatment groups were given simultaneously L-NNA as those in model group and simvastatin 5 or 30 mg/(kg.d) intragastrically respectively. Rats in control group received the same volume of normal sodium. Left ventricular function, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), the content of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in plasma and myocardium, myocardial hydroxyproline and heme oxygenase activity were determined after 6 weeks. The results showed that rats in model group developed significant cardiac hypertrophy associated with reduced left ventricular function compared with the control group. However, compared with the model group, L-NNA-induced cardiac hypertrophy of rats was significantly relieved in simvastatin treatment groups, associated with improved left ventricular function, decreased LVMI, lower BNP levels in plasma and myocardium, lower content of myocardial hydroxyproline, and increased myocardial heme oxygenase (HO) activity. In cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, simvastatin (30 or 100 mumol/L) significantly increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA expression, HO activity as well as the production of CO in cardiomyocytes. Cultured with zinc protoporphyrin, a HO inhibitor, or simvastatin alone did not change [(3)H]leucine uptake of cardiomyocytes. However, cocultured with simvastatin significantly inhibited the cardiomyocyte [(3)H]leucine uptake induced by angiotensin II in a concentration-dependent manner. Cotreatment with zinc protoporphyrin significantly abolished the suppressive effect of simvastatin on cardiomyocyte [(3)H]leucine uptake. These data suggest that the activation of HO-1/CO pathway may be one of the important mechanisms by which statins inhibit cardiac hypertrophy caused by hypertension.
Angiotensins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Carbon Monoxide ; metabolism ; Cardiomegaly ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Cell Enlargement ; drug effects ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; metabolism ; Hypertension ; complications ; drug therapy ; Male ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Simvastatin ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the antidepressant components of Polygala tenuifolia.

METHODThe chromatographic method was used to isolate and purify the chemical constituents, their structures were identified by spectral analysis, MTT method was applied to investigate their cytotoxic activities.

RESULTNine compounds were isolated from the roots of P. tenuifolia. Their structures were identified as sibiricose A, (1), sibiricose A5 (2), tenuifoliside A (3) and 3', 6-disinapoyl sucrose (4), sibiricose A6 (5), 3, 4, 5-trimethoxycinnamate (6), polygalaxanthone III (7), tenuifolioses A (8), tenuifolioses H (9) and some compounds' activities to PC12 were observed.

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 was isolated from this plant for the first time. Compounds 2,3 could protect PC12 cells damage induced by P. tenuifolia.

Animals ; Antidepressive Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Esters ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Mice ; PC12 Cells ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Polygala ; chemistry ; Rats ; Sucrose ; chemistry

BACKGROUND: The application of coronary stents, especially drug-eluting stents (DESs), has made percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) one of important therapeutic methods for CHD. DES has reduced the in-stent restenosis to 5％–9％ and signifi cantly improved the long-term prognosis of patients with CHD. The study aimed to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of domestic drug-eluting stents (DESs) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: All patients with ACS who had undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2009 to December 2010 were included in this study. Patients were excluded from the study if they were implanted with bare metal stents or different stents (domestic and imported DESs) simultaneously. The included patients were divided into two groups according to different stents implanted: domestic DESs and imported DESs. RESULTS: In the 1683 patients of this study, 1558 (92.6％) patients were folowed up successfuly for an average of (29.1±5.9) months. 130 (8.3％) patients had major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including cardiac death in 32 (2.1％) patients, recurrent myocardial infarction in 16 (1％), and revascularization in 94 (6％). The rates of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, revascularization, in-stent restenosis, stent thrombosis and other MACEs were not significantly different between the two groups (allP>0.05). Multivarite logistic regression revealed that diabetes mellitus (OR=1.75, 95％CI: 1.09–2.82,P=0.021), vascular numbers of PCI (OR=2.16, 95％CI: 1.22–3.83, P=0.09) and PCI with left main lesion (OR=9.47, 95％CI: 2.96–30.26,P=0.01) were independent prognostic factors of MACEs. The Kaplan-Meier method revealed that there was no significant difference in cumulative survival rates and survival rates free from clinical events between the two groups (allP>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidences of clinical events and cumulative survival rates are not statistically different between domestic DESs and imported DESs. Domestic DES is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with ACS.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the reconstruction of skin defect after extended resection of malignant skin tumor in or adjacent to the genitals, and to investigate the recovery of the function of urinary system and sexual intercourse after the operation.

METHODSFrom February 1998 to August 2006, 17 patients with carcinoma of sweat gland or Paget's disease in or adjacent to the genitals were given standard radical resections including groin lymph node dissections. The deformation of penis were corrected with the split-thickness skin grafts.

RESULTSA large split-thickness skin to cover the wound gave a good result. More than 95% of the skin survived, and the shape and function were perfect.

CONCLUSIONSIt is a simple and easy way to repair the skin defect. And the patients have a normal shape and function of genitals. The erectile function and the ability of sexual intercourse is good.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paget Disease, Extramammary ; surgery ; Penile Neoplasms ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Scrotum ; Skin Neoplasms ; surgery ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo assess the application value of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in the diagnosis of chronic prostatitis.

METHODSTRUS and examination of prostatic secretion (EPS) were used in the diagnosis of 3 500 cases of chronic prostatitis from September, 2000 to May, 2006.

RESULTSLower resonance of the inner gland, low-level echo, uneven echo light spots, incomplete outlines and unsmooth borderlines were found in 2279 cases (65.1%), and the enlarged prostate in 1 084 cases (31.0%), with clear integrated amicula and enhanced echogenic spots at the juncture of the external and inner gland. No obvious changes were noted in 137 cases (4.0%), and in another 391 cases (11.2%) were detected alteration of the acoustic image of cystospermitis and blurred margins and uneven echoes of the seminal vesicle. The WBC count in EPS was < 10/HP in 132 cases (3.8%), 10-19/HP in 2 156 cases (61.6%) and > or =20/HP in 1212 cases (34.6%).

CONCLUSIONTRUS, as a diagnostic means for chronic prostatitis, can be easily performed and causes little pain and therefore is readily accepted by patients. Combined with EPS, TRUS can provide more definite diagnostic evidence, and for those who are afraid of pain and reject EPS, it is a desirable alternative in the diagnosis of chronic prostatitis.

Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Prostatitis ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Rectum ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography ; methods

BACKGROUNDAlthough antiangiogenesis therapy plays an important role in anti-neoplastic treatment with its recognized efficacy and slight adverse effect, there is no prospective clinical trial to define ideal markers for predicting efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy. This study was undertaken to investigate the changes of activated circulating endothelial cells (aCECs) and survivin after anti-angiogenesis therapy and their significance in predicting the efficacy of the therapy.

METHODSPatients of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with chemotherapy with or without Endostar were observed. The amount of activated CECs was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of survivin mRNA was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTSAfter treatment, the amount of activated CECs decreased significantly in clinical benefit cases (P = 0.021 in chemotherapy alone, P = 0.001 in chemotherapy plus Endostar), increased in disease progressive cases (P = 0.015 in chemotherapy alone, but P = 0.293 in chemotherapy with Endotatar). After therapy, the expression of survivin mRNA decreased in clinical benefit cases (P = 0.001) and increased in disease progressive cases (P = 0.018). A positive correlation was found between activated CECs and survivin in the chemotherapy group pre- and post-therapy (P = 0.001 and 0.021, respectively), but only in the chemotherapy with Endostar group pre-therapy (P = 0.030) rather than post-therapy. A positive correlation was found between the decreased activated CECs after therapy and time to progression (TTP) (r = 0.322, P = 0.012); a negative correlation was found between the amount of survivin mRNA in serum post-therapy and TTP (r = -0.291, P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONSActivated CECs and survivin may be ideal markers forecasting efficacy and prognosis of NSCLC. The former can reflect more sensitively antiangiogenic efficacy and the latter is more sensitive to shrinkage or swelling of tumors. Their combination can evaluate more accurately the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy of NSCLC.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Endostatins ; therapeutic use ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUNDTo determine if the attenuated Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus SA14-14-2 vaccine strain interacts efficiently with Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus, and further to acquire a new knowledge of its characteristics and safety for human beings.

METHODSLaboratory colonies of the two species of mosquitoes were set up and were inoculated intrathoracically with the attenuated vaccine virus and wild JE virus (Nak), both of which were used with different dilution from 10(-1) to 10(-9). Subsequently, the virus titers in the mosquitoes were detected by the plaque assay.

RESULTSInoculated with the vaccine strain, two species of mosquitoes were infected with the titers ranged from 10(0)-10(-3), and the maximum titers in Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus were 4.48 logPFU/ml and 5.63 logPFU/ml, respectively. Inoculated with wild JE virus, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus was infected with titers ranged from 10(0)-10(-5), and the maximum titer in the mosquitoes was 6.59; Culex tritaeniorhynchus was infected with titers ranged from 10(0)-10(-4) and the maximum titer was 5.74 logPFU/ml.

CONCLUSIONBy intrathoracic infection, the attenuated JE virus SA14-14-2 vaccine strain can replicate in both species of mosquitoes.

Animals ; Culex ; classification ; virology ; Encephalitis Virus, Japanese ; genetics ; growth & development ; immunology ; Encephalitis, Japanese ; virology ; Humans ; Insect Vectors ; virology ; Japanese Encephalitis Vaccines ; immunology ; Species Specificity ; Vaccines, Attenuated ; immunology ; Viral Plaque Assay

OBJECTIVETo discuss the diagnosis and treatment of non-specific granulomatous prostatitis (NSGP).

METHODSThirty-two cases of NSGP were diagnosed by puncture biopsy under transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and treated with antibiotics and other medicines from September, 2000 to May, 2006.

RESULTSPathomorphologically, NSGP was basically characterized by granuloma with vessels or grand alveoli in the center. The mean follow-up was 24 months. Urination irritation and obstruction were improved. Q(max) was increased to 15.0-24.0 ml/s, and in 3 cases of urinary retention, to 12.0, 14.5 and 16.5 ml/s, respectively. Digital rectal examination (DRE) indicated a reduced size and softened texture of the prostate induration. PSA was decreased to 1.3-11.5 microg/L. Four cases experienced relapse but were cured after retreated. No prostate cancer was observed.

CONCLUSIONNSGP can be definitely diagnosed by puncture biopsy under TRUS and effectively relieved by antibiotics with the alpha-receptor blocker. In case of serious obstruction complicated by urinary retention, transurethral electrotomy can be considered.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Follow-Up Studies ; Granuloma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatitis ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Rectum ; Ultrasonography ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of surgery treatment on serious penile lesions and malformation.

METHODSSixty-two patients, aged from 19 to 63 years old (mean 35 ys), were included in the study. Among them, 4 patients suffered from penis partial defection were respectively treated with restoring defective penis, penis lengthening and urethroplasty; three patients with penis completely missing were treated with penis reconstruction surgery; 22 cases with serious penile curvature were treated with the 16-dot plication technique (Lue's procedure); 15 cases with penile fracture were treated with conservative treatment for 1 case and with patch penis, corpus spongiosum, and deep penile dorsal vein ligation for 14 cases; 5 cases with post-operative complications of 3-pieces of penile prosthesis, including the prosthesis perforating to the urethra, water pump failure, broken connection tube, erection angle < 60 degrees and failure to expansion the corpus cavernosum, were treated by taking out prostheses, urethral repair cracks, replacement of the prostheses, excision of fibrosis scar and re-implantation prostheses respectively. Four cases with penis complete amputation were treated with the penis replantation; three cases of avulsion injury were treated with the replantation and free flap skin; 6 with Paget's disease of penises were treated with the lesion free skin buried in the scrotum and penis.

RESULTSAll these patients were followed up for 3 months to 4 years, with the average of 9 months. Among the 4 cases of penis partial defection, 2 patients were satisfied with the penile appearance and sexual function; 1 got some satisfactory and 1 was unsatisfied. Three cases with the loss of the penis completely were satisfied with both the postoperative appearance and urination, and 1 was not satisfied. Twenty-two cases of penile curvature deformities were corrected, and one case was recurrence. Fourteen of the 15 patients with penile fracture were followed, and all got the restoration of sexual function. Among them, 5 cases with post-operative complications, including mild bending, algopareunia, subcutaneous induration, poor hardness and poor sexual pleasure, were not further treated, and another case lost; Five cases with post-operative complications of three-pieces penile prosthesis were treated successfully, and 4 of their spouses were satisfied with their sexual function after operation, only 1 of their spouse not satisfied. Among four cases with complete amputation of penis, two cases of penis were replanted successfully while two necrosis. Three cases with avulsion were treated with skin grafting successfully. All 6 cases with penile Paget's disease were followed for 2 -4 years, and free skin grafts were all survival. One patient died of brain metastases 18 months after operation and five cases were disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONThe patients should be treated based on the procedure of andrological and urological surgery, together with microsurgical, flap or skin graft technique. The urologist should design personalized surgical procedure. Most of the patient's penis shape and erectile dysfunction can be reconstructed by our procedures, but some patients can not achieve the desired appearance or function of penis. New approaches of the treatment ought to be developed to restore both of the shape and function for those severe injury of the penis.

Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Implantation ; Penile Prosthesis ; Penis ; injuries ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods ; Young Adult

Some physiological and ethical problems make it difficult to obtain semen samples from adolescents with varicocele (VC) and to directly evaluate their fertility. Therefore we can only rely on indirect methods to assess the influence of VC on the future fertility of the adolescent patients. Most of the VC adolescents may have normal semen parameters in the adulthood. Thus whether and when to intervene in adolescent VC remain a controversy in andrology. Physical examination is the most common method for screening adolescent VC and ultrasonography is very effective for its diagnosis and evaluation. Other important diagnostic indicators include the widely accepted testicular atrophy index, recently proposed peak retrograde venous flow, total testis volume, and scrotal temperature. Based on the latest literature, this review offers some proposals for the evaluation and intervention of adolescent VC.
Adolescent ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Testis ; pathology ; Varicocele ; diagnosis