OBJECTIVETo study the protective effect of alcohol extract of Plumula Nelumbini (AEPN) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic fibrosis rats and to explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSTotally 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the high dose AEPN group, and the low dose AEPN group, 8 in each group. 1,000 mg/kg AEPN was given to rats in the high dose AEPN group by gastrogavage at 10 mL/kg, once daily, while 500 mg/kg AEPN was given to rats in the low dose AEPN group by gastrogavage at 10 mL/kg, once daily. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin (ALB) were examined using automatic biochemical analyzer. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the hepatic tissue were determined using colorimetry. The degree of liver fibrosis was observed by HE staining and Masson staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS(1) Compared with the normal control group, serum levels of ALT and AST obviously increased and the serum ALB level obviously decreased in the model group (all P < 0.05). After treated by AEPN, serum levels of ALT and AST were lowered. and the serum ALB level was higher (all P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the normal control group, collagen deposition was obviously seen in rats' livers of the model group, and pseudolobule had formed; inflammatory activities and fibrosis degrees were serious; contents of Hyp also increased (P < 0.05).After treated by AEPN, collagen deposition was obviously reduced with no obvious pseudolobule; inflammatory activities and fibrosis degrees were alleviated; contents of Hyp were also lowered (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the normal control group, contents of MDA in the liver tissue obviously increased, while activities of SOD obviously decreased (P < 0.05) in the model group. After treated by AEPN, contents of MDA in the liver tissue decreased and the serum SOD level significantly increased (all P < 0.05). (4) Compared with the normal control group, the expression of α-SMA was obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.05). After treated by AEPN, its expression was obviously lowered (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAEPN could fight against CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in rats. Fighting against lipid peroxidation and inhibi- ting activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells might be possibly main mechanism.

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Collagen ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Ethanol ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; Hydroxyproline ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Rats ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

Adult ; Exons ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the feasibility of using a novel docetaxel-loaded polycaprolactoneTween 80 (PCL-Tween 80) nanoparticles for glioma therapy.Methods Two types of docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles were made from commercial polycaprolactone (PCL) and a self-synthesized PCL-Tween 80 copolymer using a modified solvent extraction/evaporation method.A C6 glioma cell line was used to investigate the uptake of polymeric nanoparticles by brain cancer cells.In vitro cancer cell viability was assessed using MTT toxic assay.Results The nanoparticles were found by FESEM to have a spherical shape and be around 200 nm in diameter.The copolymers could encapsulate 10% of the drug in the nanoparticles and release 34.9% of the encapsulated drug over 28 days.The drug-loaded PCL-Tween 80 nanoparticles showed better in vitro cytotoxicity towards C6 cancer cells than Taxotere at the same drug concentration.Conclusion Nanoparticles using PCL-Tween 80 copolymer as drug delivery vehicles may have a promising outcome for glioma patients.

Acute Disease ; Animals ; Astrocytes ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cats ; Dimethoate ; analogs & derivatives ; poisoning ; Female ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; metabolism ; Male ; Poisoning ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Jingjielianqiao Decoction in promoting leg ulcer in rabbits.

METHODSNine adult male New Zealand albino rabbits with chronic leg ulcers were randomized into 3 groups, namely group A treated with Jingjielianqiao Decoction, group B with Shengjiyuhong Decoction, and group C with normal saline. Gross observation of the wounds was carried out regularly for evaluating the changes in the ulcerous area, depth and wound surface excretion. After 3 weeks of treatment, the tissues on the edge of the ulcer were sampled and prepared for routine pathological examination, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34. The number of blood vessels and their areas were also recorded.

RESULTSThe wounds showed no significant differences between the 3 groups by gross observation during the treatment, but after completion of the 3-week treatment, routine pathological examination and electron microscopy revealed significant differences between the groups. Immunohistochemistry for VEGF and CD34 yielded comparable results between groups A and B (positive control), but showed significant differences between group C and the other two groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONJingjielianqiao Decoction and Shengjiyuhong Decoction can obviously promote the healing of leg ulcer in rabbits.

Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Immunohistochemistry ; Leg Ulcer ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Phytotherapy ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Skin ; drug effects ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and function of PKD1 and PKD2 in different kidney tissues and cell lines.

METHODSImmunoprecipitation, Western blotting, In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining methods were used to observe the expression of PKD1 mRNA and PKD2 mRNA and their protein abundance in different kidney tissues and cell lines.

RESULTSCoordinate expressions of PKD1 and PKD2 were found in all kidney tissues and cell lines. Distribution of PKD1 mRNA and PKD2 mRNA and their protein polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 in normal human adult kidney tissue were mainly expressed in the medullary collecting ducts and distal tubules. Positive staining was also found in the majority of cyst-lining epithelial cells of PKD1 cystic kidney tissue, PKD1 cyst-lining epithelia cell line and LLC-PK1. The expression level of them in cystic epithelia of ADPKD kidney tissue was much higher than that in adult renal tubules (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSimilar expression pattern of PKD1 and PKD2 and their different tissue distribution in different kidney tissues show that the molecular mutuality of PC-1 and PC-2 might be the base of their functional correlation. Polycystins might play an important role in the maintenance of tubular architecture.

Adult ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Kidney Tubules, Collecting ; metabolism ; Kidney Tubules, Distal ; metabolism ; Kidney Tubules, Proximal ; cytology ; Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Swine ; TRPP Cation Channels ; metabolism

The first genetic linkage map of Salvia miltiorrhiza was constructed in 94 F1 individuals from an intraspecific cross by using simple sequence repeat (SSR), sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 93 marker loci in the linkage map, consisting of 53 SSR, 38 SRAP and 2 ISSR locus were made up of eight linkage groups, covered a total length of 400.1 cm with an average distance of 4.3 cm per marker. The length of linkage groups varied from 3.3 -132 cm and each of them included 2-23 markers, separately. The result will provide important basis for QTL mapping, map-based cloning and association studies for commercially important traits in S. miltiorrhiza.
Chromosome Mapping ; Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Markers ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the epidemiology of dental caries and its correlated factors of 12-year-old children in Dongxiang, Baoan and Yugu races.

METHODSAccording to the method of third national oral health epidemiologic investigation, 448 12-year-old children in Dongxiang, Baoan and Yugu races were randomly collected and the epidemiological investigation of dental caries, oral bacteriological detection and oral hygiene behavior were carried out.

RESULTS1) The caries prevalence rate of Dongxiang, Baoan and Yugu races were 40.52%, 44.29%, 46.45%, respectively. The average caries of Dongxiang, Baoan and Yugu races were 0.92, 0.90, 1.13, respectively. 2) The main ranks of Streptococcus mutans in saliva were class 2 and class 3 in Dongxiang and Baoan races. However, it was class 0 or class 1 in Yugu race. The level of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque was higher in Dongxiang and Baoan races than in Yugu race. 3) The children's everyday brushing rate was higher in Yugu race than in Dongxiang and Baoan races (P<0.01). But there were no difference between Dongxiang and Baoan races.

CONCLUSIONThe caries prevalence rates of 12-year-old children in Dongxiang, Baoan and Yugu races are high. The main factors of high caries prevalence rate were low brushing rate and dental plaque couldn't be removed effectively. Oral health education should be strengthened in the three race areas.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; China ; Dental Caries ; Dental Plaque ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Oral Hygiene ; Prevalence ; Saliva ; Streptococcus mutans

OBJECTIVETo investigate the sexual function and the quality of sexual life in patients with chronic prostatitis (CP), and to analyze the correlated factors and their influence on the quality of life (QOL) of the CP patients.

METHODSWe randomly selected 148 CP patients as the CP group and 71 healthy men as controls, asked them to fill out a questionnaire on sexual function and the quality of sexual life, obtained their scores on NHI-CPSI, and comparatively analyzed the results. We also made analyses on the influence of age, disease course, CP symptom scores and EPS level on sexual function and the quality of sexual life, as well as the impact of CP symptoms, sexual dysfunction and sexual life quality on the QOL of the CP patients.

RESULTSNo retro-ejaculation was found in either of the two groups. The mean score on sexual function and sexual life quality was 38.1 +/- 7.9 and 47.8 +/- 3.1 in the CP and the control group, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Compared with the controls, the CP patients showed significantly decreased scores on libido, erectile function, ejaculation, orgasm frequency, self-confidence in sexual life, sexual satisfaction, and the partners' orgasm frequency and sexual satisfaction (P < 0.05). The indexes of sexual function and the QOL score were significantly correlated with CP symptoms, but not with the disease course and the WBC and lecithin counts in the prostatic fluid. The age of the patients was significantly correlated with the score of libido but not with other indexes of sexual function. CP symptoms, including pain, micturition and reduced sexual function and sexual life quality, along with the decreased orgasm frequency and sexual satisfaction of the patients' spouses, remarkably influenced the patients' QOL.

CONCLUSIONCP symptoms significantly decrease the indexes of sexual function of the patients and, in turn, their sexual life quality and QOL. Sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual life quality of CP patients are significantly correlated with CP symptoms, but not with the course of the disease, the age of the patient and the results of EPS detection.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatitis ; physiopathology ; Quality of Life ; Sickness Impact Profile ; Spouses ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of Huafenqinutang combined with vardenafil for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) with erectile dysfunction.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-eight cases diagnosed as CP/CPPS with erectile dysfunction were randomized into trial group (70 cases) and control group (68 cases) for treatment with Huafenqinutang for 8 weeks, and in the former group, vardenaffil was added since the fifth weeks. All the cases were evaluated according to NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5 scores at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively.

RESULTSAt the end of the fourth weeks, NIH-CPSI score was 13.1-/+4.7 in the trial group and 13.3-/+4.5 in the control group, which were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05) but significantly decreased compared with the pre-treatment scores in both groups (P<0.01). IIEF-5 score was also similar between the two groups (14.1-/+3.3 vs 14.3-/+5.0, P>0.05) but significantly increased compared with the pre-treatment scores in both groups (P<0.01). At the end of the eighth week, NIH-CPSI score was 7.8-/+2.2 and IIEF-5 score 20.1-/+4.4 in the trial group, which were significantly different from those at the end of the fourth week (P<0.01). In the control group, NIH-CPSI score was 12.7-/+2.3 and IIEF-5 score 14.3-/+4.5 at the eighth week, similar to those at the end of the fourth week (P>0.05). There were significant differences in NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5 scores between the 2 groups (P<0.01), and the change of NIH-CPSI score was negatively correlated with IIEF-5 score in the trial group (r=-0.89, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONFor patients with CP/CPPS with erectile dysfunction, Huafenqinutang treatment in combination with vardenafil can effectively improve the erectile functions and decrease the NIH-CPSI score to favor the recovery from CP/CPPS.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Pain ; drug therapy ; Phytotherapy ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; Sulfones ; therapeutic use ; Triazines ; therapeutic use ; Vardenafil Dihydrochloride