AIM: To investigate the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), fosinopril, captopril and angiotensin II AT 1 antagonists, valsartan on tissue factor (TF) expression on monocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: Mononuclear leukocytes from normal delivered female umbilical veins were incubated with bacterial LPS in presence or absence of different ACE inhibitors .At the end of incubation, the cells were disrupted by 3 freeze-thaw cycles. TF procoagulant activity was assessed by a one-stage clotting assay. RT-PCR was used to check TF mRNA expression, and GAPDH mRNA was used for parallel assay. RESULTS and CONCLUSION: The results showed that increased expression of TF mRNA induced by LPS was inhibited by fosinopril, captopril and valsartan, respectively, and the procoagualant activity of monocytes was also reduced. [

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Huoxuezhitong recipe on the pathway of mitochondrial apoptosis and the expression of related gene (Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2) in epidural scar tissue.

METHODSA total of 60 New Zealand rabbits, ranging in weight from 2.5 to 3.0 kg, were randomly divided into sham operative group (group A), control group (group B), sodium hyaluronate group (group C), Huoxuezhitong recipe group (group D, included Danggui 20 g, Chishao 20 g, Honghua 20 g, Ruxiang 15 g, Myrrh 15 g etc.) with 15 rabbits in each group. Except for group A, L4,5 vertebral plate were resected leading to 1.0 cm x 1.0 cm dura mater exposed area, which were covered with 0.5 ml sodium hyaluronate in group C, covered with same amount of saline in group B and D. At 2 weeks after operation, the rabbits of group D were administered with Huoxuezhitong recipe (2.5 ml/kg, once a day, continuous 14 d). Five rabbits of each group were selected randomly and were killed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after operation; and the expression of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 in scar tissue were surveyed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThe results by RT-PCR showed significant different in expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 of group A and others groups at each period (P < 0.01). At 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation, compared with group B, the expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bcl-2 in group C and D were decreased (P < 0.05), but the expression of Bax in group C and D were increased (P < 0.05). At 8 weeks after operation, the expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 in group D was significant decreased compared with group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHuoxuezhitong recipe can regulate the levels of expression of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 mRNA and further induce the pathway of mitochondrial apoptosis, thereby, achieve the effect of prophylaxis for the proliferation and conglutination of epidural scar tissue.

Actins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Carthamus tinctorius ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Genes, bcl-2 ; drug effects ; genetics ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

AIM To conduct a metabolic research for a better understanding of nephrogenic edema and to assess the integral efficacy of Mori Cortex in rat model.METHODS The serum creatinine,urea nitrogen,albumin and urinary protein levels in rats were detected.UPLC-QTOF-MS was used to detect the urine metabolites changes,Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA)were used to screen potential biomarkers,after whose quantification,Mev software was adopted for heat map draw-ing and hierarchical cluster analysis.RESULTS The model rats manifested significantly increased levels of serum creatinine,urea nitrogen and urinary protein,decreased albumin level,and an obviously excessive amino acid metabolism as well.The 41 identified biomarkers were mainly related to disturbances in phenylalanine,pyrimidine,arginine and proline,glycine,serine and threonine,tryptophan,cysteine and methionine metabolism,and biosynthesis of pantothenic acid and coenzyme A.A reversal trend in aforementioned levels of biochemical indexes and most biomarkers due to the intervention by Mori Cortex signaled an improvement in the metabolic disorder,renal dysfunction and edema.CONCLUSION The metabolic study demonstrates the pathological status of nephrogenic edema and assesses the effect of Mori Cortex from an overall perspective,highlighting a new approach for illustrating Chinese medical syndrome and the underlying mechanism in the management of traditional Chinese medicine.

OBJECTIVESTo study the effect of Houxue Zhitong decoration on the expression of the mitochondria-initiated apoptosis pathway and transmembrane protein I an II of the epidural scar tissue.

METHODSA total of 60 New Zealand rabbits (weight: 2.5-3.0 kg) were randomly divided into four groups, sham operation group (D, n=15), control group (B, n=14), sodium hyaluronate group (C, n=15), Houxue Zhitong decoration group (D, n=15). Except for group A, 1.0 cm x 1.0 cm dura mater uncovered area laminectomy was performed at I (4) and I(5), covered with 0.5 ml sodium hyaluronate in group C, covered with same amount of saline in group B and D. First 2 weeks after operation, animals in group D were lavaged with 2.5 ml/kg Houxue Zhitong decoction by one a day for 14 days. Five rabbits of each group selected randomly were killed in the 2,4,8 weeks after laminectomy. The specimens were prepared for determination of the expression of Fas and FasL, at scar tissue by semiquantitative reserve transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The degree of scar adhesion was evaluated according by Rydell method.

RESULTSThe adhesion area in group B was larger than of group C and D in the 4th and 8th week. However, the number of fibroblasts and inflammantory cells in group D was the least among the three groups in the 8th week. At 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation, as compared with group B the expression of Fas, FasL of group C and D were decreased (P < 0.05). Especially, at 2 weeks, as compared with group B the expression of this two cytokines of group D was significant decreased (P < 0.05), too. In group C and D the duramater adhesion was decreased (P < 0.05). The proliferation of fibroblast and fibroblastic function were inhibited (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHuoxue Zhitong is able to down-regulated the expression of Fas, FasL, which inhibited the proliferation of fibroblast, the fibroblastic function and the synthesis of extracellular matrix in the epidural scar tissue. It is an effective way of reducing peridural scar formation and prevent the failed back surgery syndrome.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cicatrix ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epidural Space ; pathology ; Fas Ligand Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Rabbits ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; fas Receptor ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the epidemiology, peritoneal dialysis (PD) related complications and survival outcomes of 236 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in our center from January, 2004 to November, 2009.

METHODSThe data including patient gender, age, time of PD initiation, addresses, types of medical reimbursement, primary diseases, modes of PD catheter placement surgery, types of PD catheter, PD-related complications, and time of drop out were retrospectively analyzed. PD catheter migration rate, peritonitis rate, drop out rate (DOR), length of the time of PD therapy (TOT), and survival rate were calculated and compared with those of patients in other PD centers.

RESULTSThe number of newly introduced patients increased gradually in the years from 2004 to 2009. The mean age of newly introduced patients was 47-/+16 years, and patients with age below 60 years accounted for 77.96%. Patients who paid for their own expenses accounted for 67.37% of all, and the rate of these patients decreased gradually. Similar to that in Asian-Pacific region, chronic glomerulonephritis was the most frequent cause of ESRD followed by diabetic nephropathy. The number of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis or obstructive nephropathy as the primary diseases was greater in this center than that reported in the Asian-Pacific region, accounting for 54.66% and 11.02% of all patients, respectively. In contrast, the patients with diabetic nephropathy or benign arteriolar renal sclerosis were less, accounting for 12.29% and 10.17% of all, respectively. PD catheter migration rate (8.05%) and peritonitis rate (1:44.22 patient-months) were both lower than those reported. The patient survival rates at 1, 2, 3 years were 83.65%, 51.59% and 29.81%, respectively, lower than those of other centers in the developed countries but higher than the mean levels in China. DOR decreased gradually to 11.56% in 2009, and TOT increased to 23.61 months.

CONCLUSIONThe above characteristics of the patients are related to many factors, including the "PD first" principle, high prevalence of urinary calculosis in the primary source regions of most patients, preventive partial omentum resection in some patients, education and follow-up for patients, and increased expense cover by medical insurance.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis ; complications ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; etiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory ; adverse effects ; statistics & numerical data ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify the clinical characteristics and risk factors of frequent peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted in the peritonitis patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in our hospital. Frequent PD-related peritonitis was defined by two or more onsets in one year, and the patients with only one onset served as the control group. The clinical and laboratory data of the two groups were compared and the risk factors of PD-related peritonitis analyzed.

RESULTSForty-four episodes of peritonitis were recorded in the 16 patients with frequent PD-related peritonitis, as compared to 53 episodes in the 45 control patients. Compared with those in the control group, the patients with frequent peritonitis had significantly higher blood pressure (P0.05). Variables identified to be associated with an increased likelihood of frequent PD-related peritonitis included hemoglobulin<70 g/L (OR=0.135, P

CONCLUSIONCompared with the patients with only one annual occurrence of peritonitis, the patients with frequent PD-related peritonitis have severer malnutrition and water overload, which are probably correlated to the high rates of PD catheter removal and poor prognosis. Severe anemia and proteinemia are risk factors and also predictive factors of frequent PD-related peritonitis. Measures to ameliorate anemia and proteinemia and effective management of celiac endogenous infection may help prevent and control frequent PD-related peritonitis.

Adult ; Anemia ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Hypoproteinemia ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory ; adverse effects ; Peritonitis ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively investigate the distribution in kidney transplantation for fifteen years in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

METHODSWe conducted a descriptive research counting up the number of patients who received kidney transplantation each year in our hospital during 1995 and 2010.

RESULTSThe first kidney transplantation in our hospital occurred in the 1960s. The number of kidney transplantation increased until reaching a maximum of 47 grafts in 2001; since then the number fell.

CONCLUSIONSWith the decreased number of kidney transplantation, we have realized the shortage of transplantable organs is very serious. The continuing transplant shortage requires major efforts to expand the donor pool. Donation after cardiac death offers the potential to enlarge the donor pool, but we need to strictly control the criteria for potential donors.

China ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; trends ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Time Factors ; Tissue Donors ; statistics & numerical data ; Tissue and Organ Procurement ; statistics & numerical data ; trends ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats and the mechanism of exercise-induced proteinuria. METHODS: Thirty-six male SD rats, aged 6 weeks, were divided into two groups, including a control group(C,=12)and an overtraining group(M,=24). After the rats adapted to feeding for 4 d, group C did not carry out any exercise, and the M group did 6-week of increasing load swimming, 6 days a week, once a day. Started with the load of 1%weight at the beginning of the 4 week,and gradually increased (to 6% weight). Took a single urine from both groups 30 min after the end of the training. Blood was taken from the main ventral vein, and the bilateral kidneys were to be tested. The levels of tested urine protein, microalbumin and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin(NGAL) was determined by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assaytest. The content of urine creatinine was tested with alkaline picric acid method,. The serum levels of colorimetric method to determine serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were determined by colorimetric method. The expression of Nephrin in renal tissue was detected by Western blot and the radioimmunoassay was used to test serum testosterone, corticosterone and renin-angiotensin system related index. RESULTS: Compared with group C, the serum testosterone/cortisone(T/C) of group M was decreased significantly (<0.01). The urine total protein(TP), microalbumin (mAlb), microalbumin/creatinine (mAlb/CRE), NGAL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine(SCr) were increased significantly (<0.01). The abnormality of glomerular structure was obvious, and the paller scores were higher. The protein expression of Nephrin was obviously down decreased (<0.01). The renin activity (Ra) and angiotension Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) in renal and circulating blood were decreased significantly (<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The effects of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats and the mechanism of exercise-induced proteinuria may be that overtraining can induce the continuous excitation of Reninrenin activity in renal and circulating blood, down-regulated the expression of Nephrin, lead to abnormality of renal structure and function, and proteinuria.
Animals ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Corticosterone ; blood ; Creatinine ; blood ; Kidney ; physiopathology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Physical Conditioning, Animal ; adverse effects ; Proteinuria ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; Testosterone ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of irbesartan on the renal expressions of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGEs) in rats with early diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the renoprotection mechanism of irbesartan.

METHODSRat DN models established by a single injection of streptozotocin were randomly divided into the model group and irbesartan treatment group. With normal rats as the control, all the rats received daily gavage for 8 weeks. The 24-h urinary protein excretion and contents of AGEs in the serum and kidney tissues were measured. The expressions of RAGEs and RAGEs protein and mRNA in the kidney tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The pathological changes of the kidney were also assessed microscopically.

RESULTSIrbesartan significantly reduced the 24-h urinary protein excretion and the contents of AGEs in the serum and kidney tissues of DN rats, resulting also in decreased expressions of RAGEs and RAGEs protein and mRNA levels in the kidney. The treatment obviously alleviated the pathological changes in the kidney of the DN rats.

CONCLUSIONIrbesartan offers renoprotection against DN possibly by reducing the serum and renal contents of AGEs and inhibiting the renal mRNA expressions of RAGEs and RAGEs.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Biphenyl Compounds ; therapeutic use ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Glycation End Products, Advanced ; genetics ; metabolism ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products ; Receptors, Immunologic ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tetrazoles ; therapeutic use

The near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique has been applied in many fields because of its advantages of simple preparation, fast response, and non-destructiveness. We investigated the potential of NIR spectroscopy in diffuse reflectance mode for determining the soluble solid content (SSC) and acidity (pH) of intact loquats. Two cultivars of loquats (Dahongpao and Jiajiaozhong) harvested from two orchards (Tangxi and Chun'an, Zhejiang, China) were used for the measurement of NIR spectra between 800 and 2500 nm. A total of 400 loquats (100 samples of each cultivar from each orchard) were used in this study. Relationships between NIR spectra and SSC and acidity of loquats were evaluated using partial least square (PLS) method. Spectra preprocessing options included the first and second derivatives, multiple scatter correction (MSC), and the standard normal variate (SNV). Three separate spectral windows identified as full NIR (800approximately2500 nm), short NIR (800approximately1100 nm), and long NIR (1100approximately2500 nm) were studied in factorial combination with the preprocessing options. The models gave relatively good predictions of the SSC of loquats, with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) values of 1.21, 1.00, 0.965, and 1.16 degrees Brix for Tangxi-Dahongpao, Tangxi-Jiajiaozhong, Chun'an-Dahongpao, and Chun'an-Jiajiaozhong, respectively. The acidity prediction was not satisfactory, with the RMSEP of 0.382, 0.194, 0.388, and 0.361 for the above four loquats, respectively. The results indicate that NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy can be used to predict the SSC and acidity of loquat fruit.
Eriobotrya ; chemistry ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Least-Squares Analysis ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; methods ; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared ; methods