China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Rickettsia Infections ; epidemiology ; Seroepidemiologic Studies

It is now well established that inflammation plays an important role in the development of numerous chronic metabolic diseases including insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Skeletal muscle is responsible for 75% of total insulin-dependent glucose uptake; consequently, skeletal muscle IR is considered to be the primary defect of systemic IR development. Our pre- vious study has shown that rutaecarpine (Rut) can benefit blood lipid profile, mitigate inflammation, and improve kidney, liver, pan- creas pathology status of T2DM rats. However, the effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines in the development of IR-skeletal muscle cells have not been studied. Thus, our objective was to investigate effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines interleukiri (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in insulin resistant primary skeletal muscle cells (IR-PSMC). Primary cultures of skeletal muscle cells were prepared from 5 neonate SD rats, and the primary rat skeletal muscle cells were identified by cell morphology, effect of ru- taecarpine on cell proliferation by MTT assay. IR-PSMC cells were induced by palmitic acid (PA), the glucose concentration was measured by glucose oxidase and peroxidase (GOD-POD) method. The effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in IR-PSMC cells were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results show that the primary skeletal muscle cells from neonatal rat cultured for 2-4 days, parallel alignment regularly, and cultured for 7 days, cells fused and myotube formed. It was shown that Rut in concentration 0-180. 0 μmol x L(-1) possessed no cytotoxic effect towards cultured primary skeletal muscle cells. However, after 24 h exposure to 0.6 mmol x L(-1) PA, primary skeletal muscle cells were able to induce a state of insulin resistance. The results obtained indicated significant decrease (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α production by cultured IR-PSMC cells when incubating 24 hours with Rut, beginning from 20 to 180.0 μmol x L(-1). IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in the Rut treated groups were dose-dependently decreased compared with that in the IR-PSMC control group. Our results demonstrated that the Rut promoted glucose consumption and improved insulin resistance possibly through suppression of inflammatory cytokines in the IR-PSMC cells.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Female ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Indole Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; Inflammation ; metabolism ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Quinazolines ; pharmacology ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo introduce the double scanning for producing computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) zirconia crowns, and to compare Procera with Everest CAD-CAM system by observing clinical effects of the crowns.

METHODSForty CAD-CAM zirconia crowns (10 crowns by Procera, and 30 crowns by Everest) were evaluated, and the examination criteria included: marginal fit, aesthetics, gingival health, retention, and fracture. All of the zirconia copings were produced using double scanning. Procera system and Everest system use contact scanner and optical scanner respectively.

RESULTSThe observation time for the crowns ranged from 6 to 24 months. The results of clinic evaluation were acceptable in all restorations.

CONCLUSIONSDouble scanning could be used to produce complicated zirconia copings by CAD-CAM in order to get proper symmetrical porcelain length. It was easier to make complicated coping with contact scanner than with optical scanner.

Adult ; Aged ; Computer-Aided Design ; Crowns ; Dental Porcelain ; Dental Prosthesis Design ; Dental Restoration Wear ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photometry ; Surface Properties ; Zirconium

AIM: To study the chemical constituents of Siegesbeckia pubescens. METHODS: The chemical constituents were isolated by extraction, crystallization and various chromatographic methods, and the chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of compound 1 was evaluated using human lung cancer cell A 549. RESULTS: Four compounds were obtained, and their structures were identified as (E)-3-(3-oxobut-1-enyl)phenyl dimethylcarbamate (1), ent-2-oxo-15, 16, 19-trihydroxypimar-8(14)-ene (2), 16-acetylkirenol (3), 3, 7-dimethylquercetin (4). CONCLUSION Compound 1 is a new carbamate, and the IC(50) in MTT method of compound 1 was 58 μg·mL(-1).
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Carbamates ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Molecular Structure ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Quercetin ; analogs & derivatives ; isolation & purification

Adolescent ; Altitude ; Brain ; drug effects ; Codonopsis ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Tablets

OBJECTIVETo investigate the in vivo gene expression of adenovirus-mediated human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (hTFPI) and its inhibition effects on intimal proliferation in rabbit carotid arteries after balloon injury.

METHODSRabbits underwent carotid artery balloon injuries were treated with Ad-TFPI (n = 25), Ad-LacZ (n = 25) or PBS (n = 10), respectively. Sham operated rabbits (n = 10) serve as normal controls. The expressions of human TFPI at mRNA and protein levels were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA respectively on the 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 28th day after operation. Intimal proliferation was detected by angiograms and morphometric analysis.

RESULTSTFPI mRNA and protein expressions were detected at 3 days and peaked at the 10th and 14th day after TFPI gene transfer. The expressions were still detectable on the 28th day. There was no TFPI expression in Ad-LacZ group. The carotid angiogram results indicated that the minimal lumen diameter in TFPI group was significantly larger and the lumina stenosis percentage was significantly lower in TFPI group compared those in Ad-LacZ and PBS groups (all P < 0.05). The morphometric analysis showed that the intimal area, the ratio of the intimal/media area, the lumina stenosis percentage in TFPI group were all significantly reduced compared with those in Ad-LacZ and PBS groups (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe TFPI gene could be effectively transferred by adenovirus vector to injured carotid arteries and transferred Ad-TFPI could significantly attenuate intimal proliferation in balloon injured carotid arteries in rabbits.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Carotid Arteries ; metabolism ; Carotid Artery Injuries ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; genetics ; Male ; Rabbits ; Transfection ; Tunica Intima ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles on hemogram in rats with gastric ulcer.

METHODSPhysicochemical properties of TiO₂ nanoparticles were characterized. Twenty-four clear class SD male rats, aging 8 week-old, were randomly divided into 4 groups, 6 rats for each group. 20% acetic acid were injected into the rats' stomach on the border of gastric body and pyloric antrum, and hereby established the gastric ulcer model. The rats in 4 groups were exposed to TiO₂ nanoparticles through intragastric administration at 0, 10, 50 and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively for 30 days. Afterwards, the rats were conducted blood routine test and blood coagulation test for analysis.

RESULTSTiO₂ nanoparticles were anatase crystals, closely spherical shape, whose average grain diameter was (75 ± 15) nm. The levels of white blood cell (WBC) count ((8.48 ± 3.28)×10⁹/L), lymphocyte (LYM) ((6.85 ± 2.53)×10⁹/L), monocyte (MOD) ((0.27 ± 0.12)×10⁹/L), granulocyte (GRN) ((1.37 ± 0.86)×10⁹/L), red blood cell (RBC) ((8.20 ± 0.49)×10⁹/L) and hematocrit (HCT) ((45.3 ± 1.4)%) in the 200 mg/kg dose group were significantly higher than those in the control group ((2.63 ± 0.34)×10⁹/L, (2.25 ± 0.26)×10⁹/L, (0.05 ± 0.06)×10⁹/L, (0.33 ± 0.26)× 10⁹/L, (4.87 ± 2.37)×10⁹/L and (27.2 ± 13.3)%, respectively; t values were -3.449, -3.825, -3.554, -3.097, -2.972 and -2.936 respectively, P values all < 0.05). The levels of WBC ((6.88 ± 3.06)×10⁹/L), MOD ((0.20 ± 0.07)×10⁹/L), RBC ((7.79 ± 0.48)×10⁹/L) and HCT ((42.7 ± 2.8)%) in 50 mg/kg dose group were also statistically higher than those in the control group (t values were -2.507, -2.367, -2.605 and -2.511 respectively, all P values < 0.05). There was no statistically difference found in other blood routine index and coagulation index between the three experimental groups and control group.

CONCLUSIONThe long term intake of TiO₂ nanoparticles caused a statistically increase in the amount of WBC and RBC in rats with gastric ulcer; however, there was no obvious changes found in blood platelet and coagulation index.

Animals ; Hematologic Tests ; Male ; Metal Nanoparticles ; adverse effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stomach Ulcer ; blood ; Titanium ; adverse effects

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish a method for analyzing the PTEN-induced kinase 1 gene (PINK1) exon copy number and apply it to the analysis of PINK1 gene exon copy number variation (CNV) in patients with autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinsonism (AREP).

METHODSReal-time PCR was used to analyze the exon copy number in 22 probands with AREP from unrelated Chinese Han families and 30 healthy controls.

RESULTSCopy numbers of exons 1-8 of the PINK1 gene were analyzed, and satisfactory reaction conditions and primers for exons of the PINK1 gene were obtained. No exon CNV in the PINK1 gene was detected in this group.

CONCLUSIONAn analytical method for PINK1 gene exon copy number was established. The exon CNV in the PINK1 gene was rare in Chinese patients with AREP.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Dosage ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Parkinsonian Disorders ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Protein Kinases ; genetics ; Young Adult

To investigate the expression of phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) in mouse embryonic tissues, serial tissue sections were prepared routinely for immunocytochemistry for PLC-gamma1. The results showed that PLC-gamma1 was expressed in the cartilage, skeletal muscles, myocardium, the collecting tubule of the kidney, connective tissues and the brain, suggesting the important role PLC-gamma1 and the related signal pathway may play in the development of mouse embryonic tissues.
Animals ; Brain ; embryology ; enzymology ; Cartilage ; embryology ; enzymology ; Embryo, Mammalian ; enzymology ; Female ; Fetal Heart ; enzymology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kidney ; embryology ; enzymology ; Mice ; Muscle, Skeletal ; embryology ; enzymology ; Phospholipase C gamma ; biosynthesis ; Pregnancy