Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides ( LPS) , major component of out wall in Gram-negative bacteria. Often they are considered as "prime criminals" of triggering systemic inflaming reaction such as sepsis, bacteremia and so on. It was found in recent years that bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein, a 55kDa member of lipid-related protein family, was a kind of natural molecule of anti-infection and it has special endotoxin-neutralising activity and antibacterial activity. Comprehensive phase II/III clinical trials demonstrated the feasibility and safety of recombinant BPI. So pharmaceutical corporations are attracted to try to apply it to therapy.

Aim To investigate the protecting role and mechanisms of crude flavones of pueraria loblata(FP) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) in high glucose medium.Methods ①HUVECs were incubated in 20% FCS RPMI-1640 culture medium containing 0,5,10,30,60,90,120 mmol?L~(-1) glucose for 48 hours.The proliferation of HUVEC was analyzed with MTT method(490 nm).② HUVECs were incubated in 20% FCS RPMI-1640 culture medium containing 0 or 30 mmol?L~(-1) glucose,either alone or in the presence of FP(final concentration 10~(-3),10~(-4),10~(-5),10~(-6) mol?L~(-1) respectively) for 48 hours.At the same time,30 mmol?L~(-1) mannitol was added.The proliferation of HUVEC was analyzed using MTT method.The cell cycle of HUVEC was analyzed using flowcytometry.The contents of SOD,NO and ICAM-1 in HUVEC supernatant were measured using test kits.Results HUVEC in 5 mmol?L~(-1) glucose medium proliferated well,but the proliferation of HUVEC in 10,30,60,90 and 120 mmol?L~(-1) glucose media was disturbed,showing a negative correlation.Proliferation of HUVEC was inhibited in 30 mmol?L~(-1) glucose,compared with that in 0 mmol?L~(-1) glucose and 30 mmol?L~(-1) mannitol(P

BACKGROUND: Many studies have suggested that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEI) protect blood vessels through anti-atherosclerosis independent of lowering blood pressure, but its mechanism is still unclear.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of ACEI by observing the effects of Enalapril on lipoprotein(a) and oxygen free radicals in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) .DESIGN: A controlled study based on the observation of the patients with AMI.SETTING: Second Department of the South Building, General Hospital of Chinese PLAPARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five inpatients with AMI(19 males and 16 females, aged 42 -75 years old, and averaged (62 ± 9) years old and hospitalized at the Department of Cardiology of Tianjin Harbor Hospital from April 2001 to August 2002 were chosen. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: the therapeutic group(20 cases) and the control group(15cases). Inclusion criteria: the diagnosis of patients with AMI was confirmed by WHO criteria. Exclusion criteria: patients with renal dysfunction, shock,hypotension, a history of allergy to ACEI, and a history of severe cough induced by ACEI. All patients had not taken ACEI in the past 2 weeks and agreed to participate in this study.METHODS: On early morning of the third day after AMI, patients in the treatment group took 5 mg of Enalapril one time. If they had no first-dose reaction of hypotension, on the fourth day after AMI, the patients of the treatment group were given a dose of 5 mg twice per day for the following 2 weeks. Then, they were given the drug at a dose of 10 mg twice per day for 2 weeks. The patients in the control group were not given Enalapril. Blood samples were taken respectvely prior to the administration and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the administration in the two groups. Serum content of lipoprotein(a), oxygen free radicals, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol, Apo(a) were measured.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We compared the level of serum of lipoprotein (a), oxygen free radicals (OFR), triglyceride, total cholesterol,HDL cholesterol, Apo(a) pre-treatment and post-treatment respectively in patients of the two groups.RESULTS: Serum levels of OFR were significantly lowered in the treatment group, which were(1 423.14±216.23), (1 076.62±287.12) and (566.57 ± 138.02) U/mL respectively 2 weeks and 4 weeks before and after the treatment(t =2. 937, 3. 571, P ＜0. 01), but there were no significant changes in serum concentrations of lipoprotein(a) and lipids( P ＞ 0.05) .CONCLUSION: Enalapril improved the prognosis of patients with AMI by antioxidation, but not by lowering the serum levels of lipoprotein(a) and lipids. The study can serve as a theoretical reference that the mechanism of Enalapril might inhibit atherosclerosis in patients with AMI.

Objective To investigate the relationship between carotid artery plaque formation and blood pressure(BP),pulse pressure(PP),mean blood pressure(MBP) in elderly men.Methods A total of 1461elderly men were divided into carotid artery plaque group(n =1012)and non-carotid artery plaque group(n =449) according to vascular ultrasound examination.Systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP) were recorded by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM),at the same time pulse pressure (PP)and mean arterial blood pressure(MBP)were calculated.The relationship between carotid artery plaque formation and SBP,DBP,PP,MBP were analyzed.Results The age in carotid artery plaque group was significantly higher than that in non-carotid artery plaque group[(80.5±5.4) years old vs(77.3±5.9) years old,t =-4.233,P ＜ 0.01];The levels of SBP,PP and M BP in artery plaque group were significantly higher than those in non-carotid artery plaque group[SBP:(132.2±17.0) mm Hg vs(127.5±16.0) mm Hg,t =-4.893,P ＜ 0.001; PP:(60.8±13.4) mm Hg vs(55.9±12.5) mm Hg,t =-5.021,P ＜0.001) ;MBP:(92.6±10.3)mm Hg vs(91.0±9.9)mm Hg,t =-3.897,P ＜ 0.01].The incidence of carotid artery plaque was closely related to age(OR =1.061,P =0.0001),myocardial infarction(OR =1.896,P =0.0135),hypertension grades(OR =1.177,P =0.0019),high cholesterol(OR =1.353,P =0.0335),reduced systolic function(OR =2.466,P =0.0001),lower extremity arterial plaque(OR =5.453,P =0.0001).Conclusion In elderly men,formation of the carotid artery plaque is closely related to increased SBP,PP and MBP,but independent to DBP.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on expressions of Mir-132,mir-134 in the different regions of rat brain.MethodsAll the male SD rats were divided into control group ( normal sleep group),sleep deprivation (SD).The modified multiple platform method (MMPM) was used to establish sleep deprivation model.Mir-132,mir-134 level was detected by real time PCR.ResultsMir-132 were significantly increased in SD groups in hippocampus compared with the control groups ( 51.87 ± 8.13 vs 67.25 ± 7.59 ) (P ＜0.01 ).Mir-134 were significantly decreased in SD groups compared with the control groups( 1.82 ±0.15 vs 1.45± 0.12 )(P ＜ 0.01 ).There were no statistically significant differences in cortex and thalamus (P ＞ 0.05 ).Cortex mir-132 level in SD group and control group was 1.57 ±0.10,1.48 ±0.11 respectively,and it was 1.37 ±0.09,1.36 ±0.11 in thalamus;Cortex mir-134 level in SD group and control group was 98.26 ± 5.17,100.80 ±4.15respectively,and it was 97.56 ± 6.28,91.01 ± 4.07 in thalamus.ConclusionThe upregulation of mir-132 and downregulation of mir-134 implies that two miRNAs did opposite actions in the processes of sleep deprivation.This findings indicate that hippocampus mir-132,mir-134 levels in the SD rat may reflect associated depressive patho-physiological processes.

Objective To analyze and evaluate the characteristics of enzyme kinetics of CTX-M-14 type extended-spectrum β-lactamase(ESBL) with Pro167 residue substitution. Methods By molecular cloning and PCR techniques, CTX-M-14 gene was directionally cloned into plasmid pET28a( + ) from a clinical E. coli isolate and formed an expression vector to transform competent E. coli BL21 (DE3 ). Prol67 residue substitutions of P167G, P167Q, P167S and P167T were introduced to CTX-M-14 by site-directed muta-genesis based on overlap extension PCR with the former recombinant plasmid as PCR template, respectively.The wild-type CTX-M-14, recombinant CTX-M-14 protein and its variants were expressed and purified, then their steady-state kinetic parameters (Kcat, Km and Kcat/Km ) against β-lactam antibiotics were determined.Results The kinetic parameters of wild-type and recombinant CTX-M-14 had no statistically significant differences (P>0.1). The 1/Km, Kcat and Kcat/Km values of P167S variant against ceftazidime were 16-fold, 2.87-fold and 43.6-fold higher than those of recombinant CTX-M-14, respectively, and the Kcat/Km value of P167S variant against penicillin, ampicillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime decreased( < 0.05). Compared with the kinetic parameters of recombinant CTX-M-14, the kinetic parameters of P167T variant against ceftazidime had no significant change, but the Kcat values of P167Q and P167G variants decreased dramatically(P<0.01). Conclusion There was no difference between the enzyme activities of wild-type and recombinant CTX-M-14. P167S variant could not only promote the enzyme affinity of CTX-M-14 to ceftazidime but also improve the conversion rate of enzyme-substrate complex in the ceftazidime hydrolysis. The comparison of the kinetic parameters of CTX-M-14 and its variants with Pro167 residue substitution showed that the increased activity of CTX-M ESBL variants against ceftazidime could not be simply explained with the enlarged cavity in active site that may be caused by the replacement of Pro167 residue by smaller amino acids.

Objective To compare the dosimetric difference between RapidArc and fixed gantry angle dynamic IMRT (dIMRT) for central-type lung cancer radiotherapy. Methods Therapy for 10 patients previously treated with dIMRT was replanned with RapidArc. Dose prescription was 66 Gy/33 fraction. Comparative endpoints were planning target volume (PTV) dose, doses to surrounding structures,number of monitor units, and treatment delivery time. Results There was no significant dosimetric difference between RapidArc and dIMRT. Compared with dIMRT, RapidArc slightly elevated target volume dose, lung V5, V10. The average values of lung V20, V30 and heart V30 were larger in dIMRT than those in RapidArc. The number of monitor units was reduced by 32% and the treatment time by 66% in RapidArc.Conclusions Both RapidArc and dIMRT plans could meet the clinical therapy needs. RapidArc could achieve similar target coverage and sparing of organs at risk, with fewer monitor units and shorter delivery time than dIMRT.

Aim To investigate the effect of Ajuga decumbens(HBG), Poria cocos(FL) and their combination on the metastasis of invasive breast cancer cells and the related mechanisms.Methods We conducted several assays including cell adhesion assay, scratch assay and transwell invasion assay.Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression of associated proteins of EMT and MAPK signaling pathway.Results FL,HBG and their combination could significantly inhibit the adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cells.HBG and FL had markedly synergistic effect, and the best compatibility ratio was 10 ∶1.HBG, FL and their combination could reverse EMT of breast cancer cells, which increased the levels of epithelial biomarkers, such as β-catenin, E-cadherin and ZO-1, and reduced the levels of mesenchymal biomarkers, such as vimentin.Moreover, treatment of the cells with HBG, FL and their combination resulted in marked inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and p38.Conclusions The combination of HBG and FL have the ability to inhibit breast cancer cell invasion by targeting the expression of MAPK pathway as well as suppressing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

BACKGROUND: Many data demonstrate that the components of soybean can lower blood lipid,suppress the growth of cancer cells and exert weak estrogenic activities. However,little is known about the effect of isolated soybean protein on the lifespan of the organism.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of isolated soybean protein on the lifespan of drosophila melanogasters and investigate the mechanism of effective anti-aging and anti-oxidation action.DESIGN: A controlled trial based on drosophila melanogasters.SETTING: Department of nutrition and food hygiene in a university.MATERIALS: The experiment was conducted in the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene,Public Health College of Xinjiang Medical University from March to June 2002. A total of 400 drosophila melanogasters of American wild type with half for each gender were provided by the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Public Health College of Xinjiang Medical University.METHODS: The 400 drosophila melanogasters were divided into control group(normal culture) and three-dosage experiment groups(normal culture contained isolated soybean protein 0.2%,1.0% and 5.0%,respectively).From the second day on, the number of living and dead drosophila melanogasters was observed and counted until all died. Meanwhile, mean lifespan,half death time and maximal lifespan were calculated.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURFS: Mean lifespan, half death time and maximal lifespan of the drosophila melanogasters.RESULTS: Compared with that of control group, the lifespan of male and female drosophila melanogasters in experiment groups was prolonged by isolated soybean protein and responded in a dose-dependent manner,especially in high-dosage group. The mean lifespan, half death time and maximal lifespan of both female and male drosophila melanogasters were prolonged by 24.5% and20.7%,27.1% and22.0%,and 13.9% and 10.6%,respectively.CONCLUSION: Isolated soybean protein may have anti-aging and lifespan-prolonging effects on drosophila melanogasters.

Objective To study the effects of hVEGF on the expression of fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(flt-1)and thrombospondin 1(TSP-1)during the healing process of rats' full-thickness cutaneous defect which covered by genetically membrane planted by fibroblast integrated with hVEGF recombinant.Methods Wounds with full-thickness cutaneous defect were produced on the dorsum of the SD rats.Eighty rats were divided into four groups at random,20 rats each.For the rats in the experimented group A,the wounds were covered with hVEGF genetically engineering membrane and Tegaderm membrane.In the control group B,the wounds were covered with membrane planted by the fibroblasts integrated with blank plasmid and Tegaderm membrane.In the control group C,the wounds were covered with blank membrane and Tegaderm membrane.In control group D,the wounds were only covered with Tegadern membrane.Specimens were obtained at the 3,7,14 and 29 days after injury,immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to observe the expression of flt-1 and TSP-1.Results The expression of flt-1 in vascular endothelial cells was increased obviously in the experimental group.There was significant difference between the experimental group and other groups at 3,7 and 14d after injury(P