BackgroundCorneal graft reject is a major cause of corneal transplantation failure.Although many immune-suppressing drugs have been utilized to reduce the reject response,their adverse effects on organ and tissue are still insoluble.The tolerance induction of natural killer T (NKT) cells is currently under investigation.However,the study on the application of NKT cells in high risk corneal transplantation is seldom.ObjectiveThe present study was to explore the effects of α-GalCer-activated NKT cella on allografts survival after high-risk corneal transplantation surgery via retro-bubar injection.Methods The lymphocytes were picked up from the spleen of SPF Lewis rats and cultured in RPMI 1640 medium with 100 mg/L α-GalCer.After one week,NKT cells were sorted by the FACSVantage system as CD161+ TCR-α+ cell from the lymphocytes with the cell densities 5×106/ml.Ten SPF Fisher344 rats were used to prepare the donor corneas,and 20 Lewis rats served as recipients.The high risk corneal transplantation models were created by corneal suturing in 20 recipient rats.Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was performed in the model rats.0.1 ml NKT cells or the same volume of normal saline solution were retro-bubarly injected at the end of surgery respectively.The corneal allografts were observed and scored based on Holland criteria at the three-day interval under the slit lamp for 30 days.Two weeks after surgery,three rats from each group were sacrificed by excessive anesthesia method and the eyeballs were obtained for histopathological examination.The inflammatory cell infiltration ( CD4+ and CD8+ ) in grafts was evaluated by immunochemistry and flow cytometry.The use of the animals complied with the Statement of ARVO.ResultsThe mean survival time of the allografts was (7.90± 1.37) days in normal saline solution group and (14.70± 1.49) days in NKT cell group,showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups ( t =10.61,P =0.00 ).Two weeks after surgery,all the allografts showed the severe opacity with lots of new blood vessels and edema in normal saline solution group.However,the corneal grafts were clear in NKT cell group.Abundant CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes were seen in the allografts in normal saline solution group,but the inflammatory cells were obviously less in NKT cell group.The percentage of NKT cells in the spleen was (5.67±0.25)％ in NKT cell group and ( 1.21±0.19)％ in normal saline solution group ( t =8.43,P =0.00 ).Conclusionsα-GalCer-activated NKT cells can prolong the survival time of allografts in high-risk corneal transplantation.Retro-bubar injection of α-GalCer-activated NKT cells probably is a new approach to the prevention of the rejection of corneal transplantation.

The formulation for sustained release tablet of Epinedium component was selected and the evaluation equation of in vitro release was established. The liquidity of component was improved with the help of colloidal silica aided by spray drying, which would be the main drug in the sustained release tablets. Dissolution was selected as an evaluation index to investigate skeletal material type, fillers, impact porogen, lubricants and other materials on the quality of sustained release tablet. The sustained release tablets were prepared by dry compression. Formulation of sustained release preparations was main drug 35%, HPMC K(4M) 20% and HPMC K(15M) 10% as skeleton material, MCC 31% as filler, PEG6000 2% as porogen and magnesium stearate 2% as lubricant. The sustained release tablets released up to 80% in 8 h. The zero order equation, primary equation and Higuchi equation could simulate the release characteristics of sustained release tablets in vitro, the correlation coefficients r were larger than 0.96. The primary equation was most similar in vitro release characteristics and its correlation coefficient r was 0.9950. The preparation method is simple and the results of formulation selection are reliable. It can be used to guide the production of Epimedium component sustained release preparations.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Epimedium ; chemistry ; Kinetics ; Tablets ; chemistry

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects on serum homocysteine(Hcy) level,vascular function and carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) in metformin-treated diabetic patients with or without supplementation with folate and Vitamin B12.MethodsA total of 100 newly diagnosed diabetic type 2patients were divided into two groups by random digits table with 50 cases each,90 patients completed study.Forty-seven participants (control group) received a 6-month course of metformin treatment,43 patients (treatment group) received mefformin,folate and Vitamin B12 treatment.The levels of serum Hcy,endothelin-1 (ET-1),carotid IMT,large or small arterial elasticity index (C1,C2),flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery were evaluated before and after treatment.ResultsThe level of serum Hcy in control group significantly increased compared with before treatment[ (13.4 ± 2.7)μ mol/L vs.(11.1 ± 1.9)μ mol/L],hut the level of serum Hcy in treatment group significantly decreased compared with before treatment [ (9.2 ± 1.8 ) μ mol/L vs. ( 11.3 ± 2.0) μ mol/L ],there was significant difference(P ＜ 0.05 ).A beneficial effect was observed in the serum ET-1,FMD,carotid IMT and C2 in treatment group[ (20.0 ± 6.2)ng/L,( 15.8 ± 7.6)％,(0.8 ± 0.2) mm,(4.1 ± 2.1 ) ml/mm Hg ( 1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa) × 100 vs. (31.3 ±10.1 ) ng/L,(9.7 ± 4.5)％,( 1.1 ± 0.4) mm,(2.3 ± 1.0) ml/mm Hg × 100 ] (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of ET-1,FMD,carotid IMT and C2 after treatment in control group [ (24.8 ± 6.8) ng/L,( 12.9 ± 6.3 )％,(0.9 ± 0.3)mm,(3.0 ± 1.4) ml/mm Hg × 100] had significant difference compared with before treatment [ (30.6 ± 8.7)ng/L,(9.8 ± 4.6)％,( 1.0 ± 0.3) mm,(2.2 ± 0.9) ml/mm Hg × 100](P＜ 0.05).However,the results were improved significantly in treatment group than those in control group (P ＜0.05).In treatment group,significant correlation were detected between changes of Hcy and ET- 1 (r =0.43,P ＜ 0.05 ),carotid IMT(r =0.56,P ＜ 0.05),FMD (r =-0.54,P ＜ 0.05 ),C2 (r =-0.37,P ＜ 0.05 ).ConclusionsAdministration of folate and Vitamin B12 can reduce the levels of serum Hcy and ET-1 in metformin-treated type 2 diabetic patients,which exert beneficial effect on carotid IMT,FMD and C2.

Objective To develop paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles from poly (ε-caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL),and to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity as well as in vivo antitumor activity against EMT-6 tumor breast cell.Methods Paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles were prepared by thin-film hydration and ultrasonic method.The physical status of paclitaxel inside the polymeric micelles was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).In vitro cytotoxicity of paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles against EMT-6 cell line was assessed by MTT assay.In vivo anticancer activity was evaluated against EMT-6 tumorbearing mice,with commercially available Taxol injection as control.Results Paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles exhibited homogeneous spherical shapes with apparent core-shell morphology.The average diameter of paclitaxelloaded polymeric micelles was 93 nm.DSC study indicated that paclitaxel was in solid amorphous state after being encapsulated in the polymeric micelles.In vitro cytotoxicity demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxelloaded polymeric micelles was lower than that of Taxol injection at the same paclitaxel content.Paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles showed greater tumor growth-inhibition effect in vivo on EMT-6 breast tumor in comparison with that of Taxol injection,with tumor growth inhibition of 85.79％ and 63.37％,respectively (P＜0.05).Conculsions The prepared paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles showed high anti-tumoral efficacy and low toxicity,and might have the potential to be developed as an effective anticancer drug-delivery system for cancer chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism by which Biejiajian pills inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma in a nude mouse model bearing HepG2 cell xenograft.

METHODSThe inhibitory effect of Biejiajian pills on the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice was observed. Immunohistochemical method was used to examine proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in HepG2 cell xenograft, and TUNEL method was employed to detect the cell apoptosis; the expression levels of β-catenin and Tbx3 were measured by Western blotting.

RESULTSBiejiajian pills significantly suppressed the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice. The tumor-bearing mice treated with a high and a moderate dose of Biejiajian pills showed significantly increased apoptosis rate of the tumor cells [(22.9±1.220)% and (14.7±0.50)%, respectively] compared with the control group [(5.5±0.90)%, P<0.05]. Treatment with Biejiajian pills significantly decreased the expressions of PNCA, β-catenin, and Tbx3 in the cell xenograft (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBiejiajian pills can inhibit the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice and promote tumor cell apoptosis possibly by inhibiting PNCA expression and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; T-Box Domain Proteins ; metabolism ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the late results of using posterior restoration and three-column fixation to treat lumbar spondylolisthesis.

METHODSOne hundred and eighty-four patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis were collected from March 1999 to May 2007, they were treated by posterior restoration and fixation with single nail-grooved tail steel plate and fixed with cage (WDFC). Among these cases, 87 cases were fixed with one WDFC, 97 cases were used two WDFCs.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 8 to 69 months(averaged 23 months). According to Nakai standard, the results was excellent in 142 cases, good in 34, fair in 8, the excellent and good rates were 95.6%. Seventy-nine vertebraes with I degree spondylolisthesis were reduced after surgery. Eighty-seven vertebraes with II degree spondylolisthesis were reduced except 9 with I degree spondylolisthesis left. Twenty-one with III degree spondylolisthesis were reduced except 5 with I degree spondylolisthesis left; In 2 with IV degree spondylolisthesis, one with I degree spondylolisthesis left and the other with II degree spondylolisthesis left. The follow-up results showed that there was no statistical significance in the height of intervertebral space between preoperation and post-operation, and no recurrence was observed and no single nail-grooved tail steel plate and WDFC were loose or crashed.

CONCLUSIONPosterior restoration and three-column fixation is a positive modus operandi to treat lumbar spondylolisthesis,which can reduce excellently,keep the height of intervertebral space and stabilization of segment, obtain high rate of fusion, and cut down complication.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; Spondylolisthesis ; surgery

Small cell carcinoma does originate from APUD cells of any parts of the body. Usually the cases discovered in the lung and have poor prognosis. In esophagus only about 100 cases are reported world widely after McKneown reports in 1952 and only 2 cases were reported in Korea. There was a cese of small cell carcinoma developed multiple lesions in esophagus but no reports said that small cell carcinoma developed syncronously in esophagus and other organs. We are to report a case that showed a multiple lesions in esophagus and cardia. The patient 60 yeata old man, has suffered from the substernal discomfort and significant weight loss for one month.
APUD Cells ; Carcinoma, Small Cell* ; Cardia* ; Esophagus* ; Humans ; Korea ; Lung ; Prognosis ; Stomach ; Weight Loss

ObjectiveTo investigate the etiology and management of male urethral stricture at 8 medical centers in China during the period from 2004 to 2009 years,and to investigate whether there were any changes in etiology and management of urethral stricture with time change.MethodsThe database on 3455 male patients with urethral stricture who underwent treatment at 8 medical centers in China between January 2004 and December 2009 were prospectively collected.The databases were analyzed for possible cause of stricture and treatment techniques for urethral stricture,and for the changes in etiology and management with time change.ResultsThere were 3455 operations for urethral stricture during the study period.The main causes of urethral strictures were traumas in 1833 patients (53.05％),among which pelvic fractures were in 1327 (38.41％) and perineal trauma in 506 (14.65％).The second cause was iatrogenic causes in 1181 patients (34.18％ ),among which transurethral operations or examinations were in 602 (17.42％),hypospadias surgery in 291 (8.42％) and urethral catheterization in 164 (4.75％ ).Less common causes were urethritis in 201 patients (5.82％),lichen sclerosus in 149 (4.31％),undefined in 91 (2.63％).The treatments of urethral strictures were endourological surgery including internal urethrotomy and dilation and open urethroplasty including end-to-end urethroplasty and the substitude urethroplasty etc.The ratios of using various techniques in total number of patients were obviously different by time.The most application technique for treatment of urethral stricture was endourological surgery ( 709 ) during 2004 -2006 and occupied 52.67％ in total number of patients.It was gradually decreased during 2007 -2009 (726) and only occupied 34.42％ (P ＜0.01 ).Open urethroplasty gradually increased during 2007 -2009 ( 1243,58.94％ ) compared with the first three years (563,41.83％ ) (P ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusions During the recent years there was an increase in the incidence of urethral stricture being trauma and iatrogenic causes.The main treatments of urethral strictures were endourological surgery and open urethroplasty.Endourological surgery was significantly decreased in total number of patients,while open urethroplasty were significantly increased during the late three years.

Obej ctive Abnormal proliferation of T cells plays an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases. The article aimed to study the inhibitory effect of small molecule compound BD691 on T cell proliferation and its mechanism. Methods Human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes were isolated and purified by the immunomagnetic microbeads,then T cells were ac-tivated with anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs or alloantigen.The inhibitory effect of BD691 on activated T cell proliferation, the cytotoxic effect BD891 on resting T cells and the expression of activated T cells marker CD25 were measured by flow cytometry.Furthermore, ELISA was used to detect the secretion of cytokines associated with T cell differentiation. Results BD691 significantly inhibited the prolif-eration of T cells being stimulated by anti-CD3/CD28 mAb or alloantigen in a dose-dependent manner, and IC50 values are (8.5 ± 1.5)μmol/L and (7.2 ±1.3)μmol/L, respectively.However, BD691 had no obvious cytotoxic effects on resting T cells and periph-eral blood mononuclear cells, even at a high concentration ( up to 100μmol/L) .In T cells which were not activated by anti-CD3/CD28 mAb, the percentage of CD25+T cells is only 1.6%of the total cells, while the number increased to 68% after activating treatment.Mean-while, in T cells which were activated by 0, 3.3, 10, 30μmol/L BD691, no obvious change of CD25 expression were observed, while immunosuppressant FK506 (0.1μmol/L) significantly decreased the expression of CD25 +T cells (14.9%).In unactivated T cells, 95.6%cells were at G0/G1 phase, while after activation, the percentage of cells at G0/G1 phase reduced to 57.7%.In addition, BD691 inhibited the secretion of IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-17 in activated T cells, but had no effects on the secretion of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10. Co nclusion BD691 exerts no effects on T cell activation, but it inhibits T cell proliferation by inducing T cell cycling arrest at G0/G1 phase.Moreover, BD691 inhibits the secretion of key cytokines (such as IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17) closely related to the differ-entiation of Th1 and Th17 cells.The results suggest that BD 691 is a potential lead compound to develop a new immunosuppressant for the inhibition of abnormal proliferation and differentiation of T cells.

The objective of this study was to screen out the effective shRNA which can inhibit the gene expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), to construct the recombinant plasmid and to determine its sequence so as to provide the new approach for searching gene therapy of TNF-alpha related diseases. The primary macrophages were added into 15% DMEM, then cells were adjusted as 2 x 10(7) cells/L and were inoculated in 6-well plate with 3 ml/well, and were cultured at 37 degrees C in a fully humidified atmosphere with 5% CO(2). Cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the concentration of TNF-alpha in the supernatant at different time points was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The 5 synthesized DNA sequences which can be transcripted into shRNA were transfected into cells with lipofectamine 2000, then the cells were stimulated with LPS for 24 hours. The concentration of TNF-alpha in the supernatant and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA were determined by ELISA and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively. The most effective shRNA was inserted into plasmid, and the recombinant plasmid was identified by sequence analysis. The results showed that the concentration of TNF-alpha in the supernatant reached peak after the stimulation with LPS for 24 hours. In the RNA interference group, the shRNA 1 was the most effective one, which could inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha by 59.46% and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA by 61.2%. The recombinant plasmid was cloned and the sequence of interest was obtained. In conclusion, the most effective shRNA targeting TNF-alpha was successfully screened out and the recombinant plasmid was constructed. The recombinant plasmid may be helpful to search new gene therapy for TNF-alpha related disease.
Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Macrophages ; cytology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Plasmids ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Recombination, Genetic ; Transfection ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics