Objective To investigate the protective effect of theaflavins on thymus injury caused by total body irradiation (TBI).Methods Twenty-five C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group,4 Gy TBI group,4 Gy TBI + 25 mg/kg theaflavins group,4 Gy TBI + 50 mg/kg theaflavins group and 4 Gy TBI + 100 mg/kg theaflavins group.Thymus index and total number of thymocytes were detected at the 14th d post-irradiation to determine the optimal dose of theaflavins.According to this optimal dose,32 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group,theaflavins group,4 Gy TBI group and 4 Gy TBI + theaflavins group.Thymus histomorphology,CD4CD8 T cell subsets,and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in thymocytes were examined at the 14th d post-irradiation.Results The irradiated thymus exhibited decreased thymus index and total number of thymocytes (P ＜ 0.05),aberrant histomorphology and T cell subsets (P ＜ 0.05),and increased ROS level in thymocytes (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with 4 Gy TBI group,the thymus index and total number of thymocytes were significantly increased in 4 Gy TBI + 50 mg/kg theaflavins group (P ＜ 0.05).The total number of thymocytes was significantly higher in 4 Gy TBI + 50 mg/kg theaflavins group than that in 4 Gy TBI + 25 mg/kg theaflavins group (P ＜ 0.05).Therefore,50 mg/kg theaflavins was chosen as the optimal dose for subsequent experiments.Moreover,the aberrant histomorphology of irradiated thymus was alleviated by theaflavins.A decline in the percentage of CD4-CD8-T cells and an elevation of CD4+CD8-and CD4+CD8+ T cells were found in irradiated mice administered with theaflavins (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with 4 Gy TBI group,the ROS level was significantly decreased in 4 Gy TBI + theaflavins group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Theaflavins exhibits a protective effect on radiation-induced thymus injury.

Objective To investigate the effect of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell-derived Exosome on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSC)into cancer-associated myofibroblasts(CAF)and the impacts of CAF on liver cancer cell proliferation,migration,and invasion. Methods The protein expression of HepG2 cell-derived Exosome was detected by Western blotting. MSCs were separated from human adipose tissue and cultured with HepG2 cell-derived Exosome(100 ng/nl)to initiate differentiation. The expressions of mesenchymal markers and several interleukins were also detected by Western blotting. HepG2 cells were co-cultured with the conditioned media(CM),in which HepG2 Exosome induced the differentiation of MSC into CAF. The expressions of epithelial and mesenchymal markers were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed using MTS assay. Transwell chambers were used in the in vitro migration and invasion assay. Results HepG2 cell-derived particles expressed CD63,70 kilodalton heat shock proteins,and 90 kilodalton heat shock proteins. With the treatment of HepG2 cell-derived Exosome,the expressions of mesenchymal marker α-smooth muscle actin,fibroblast activation protein α,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,and IL-1β were up-regulated,while vascular endothelial growth factor had no significant change. The conditioned media which HepG2 Exosome induced MSC differentiation CAF(CAF-CM)could significantly promote HepG2 cells proliferation(1.075±0.104),compared to BSA control(0.874±0.066,P=0.023)and MSC-CM(0.649±0.034,P=0.0005). CAF-CM could significantly enhance cell migration [(42.5±9.1) cells vs.(18.5±3.1) cells,P=0.001] and invasion [(29.0±3.5) cells vs.(13.1±3.7) cells,P=0.009] compared to its control group. Moreover the conditioned medium which HepG2 Exosome induced MSC to differentiate into CAF could also promote the expressions of mesenchyme-related genes Smad interacting protein 1(P=0.040),β-catenin(P=0.038),fibronectin(P=0.029),and Vimentin(P=0.013)and inhibit the expression of epithelial related genes zonula ocdudens-1(P=0.010).Conclusions Exosome extracted from HepG2 cells can induce human adipose-derived MSC to differentiate into cancer-associated myofibroblasts. CAF-like cells can promote the migration of the liver cancer cell line HepG2.

Objective To optimize the ethanol extraction technology ofLichong ShengsuiDecoction.Methods An L9(34) orthogonal test was used in the study. The extraction rates of calycosin glycoside, icariin, baohuosideⅠ, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside, and ginsenoside Rd were set as indexes. The influence of ethanol concentration, extraction time, extraction temperature, and amount of ethanol on the yield of Lichong ShengsuiDecoction were detected by comprehensive scoring method.Results The optimal ethanol extraction technology forLichong ShengsuiDecoction was soaking for 2 h with ten times of 60% ethanol and then reflux extracting for two times; extraction time was 1.5 h each time at 80℃.ConclusionThe optimal extraction technology is efficient, stable and feasible, which can provides data for the further study ofLichong ShengsuiDecoction.

Objective To study the interobserver variabilities and the differential diagnosis value of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System-Ultrasound (BI-RADS-US) lexicon for small ( ≤ 2 cm) breast nodules. Methods Between January 2009 and December 2011, 289 patients with small (≤2 cm) breast nodules (n=317) were included. According to sizes, the lesions were divided into two groups, i.e., 0-1 cm (n=160) group and 1-2 cm (n=157)group. Each lesion was described independently by 3 radiologists using BI-RADS-US lexicon. Interobserver variabilities were assessed by Kappa test. Chi-square test was used to compare the frequency difference of the descriptors between malignant and benign lesions. Sensitivity, speciifcity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negtive predictive value were calculated. Results (1)Moderate agreements were obtained for lesion shape, orientation, margin, echo pattern, surrounding tissue and calciifcations (κ=0.44, 0.57, 0.48, 0.43, 0.51 and 0.57) in 0-1 cm group. Substantial agreements were obtained for lesion shape, orientation, margin and echo pattern (κ=0.65, 0.61, 0.64 and 0.63) in 1-2 cm group. (2)Irregular shape, non-parallel orientation, non-circumscribed margin, echogenic halo and microcalciifcations were more frequently found in malignant nodules than in benign nodules in 0-1 cm group [52.3% (34/65) vs 20.0% (19/95), 38.5%(25/65) vs 13.7%(13/95), 75.4%(49/65) vs 32.6%(31/95), 18.6%(12/65) vs 0 (0/95) and 10.8%(7/65) vs 2.1%(2/95);χ2=18.19, 13.08, 28.22, 16.39 and 3.95;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000 and 0.047]. Similarly, irregular shape, non-parallel orientation, non-circumscribed margin, echogenic halo, shadowing, changes of Cooper′s ligament and microcalciifcations were signiifcantly more frequent found in malignant nodules than in benign nodules in 1-2 cm group [74.2%(49/66) vs 12.1%(11/91), 36.3%(24/66) vs 5.5%(5/91), 93.9%(62/66) vs 22.0%(20/91), 37.9%(25/66) vs 3.3%(3/91), 30.3%(20/66) vs 7.7%(7/91), 15.2%(10/66) vs 0 (0/91) and 16.7%(11/66) vs 4.4%(4/91);χ2=62.59, 24.21, 79.40, 31.22, 13.73, 12.30 and 6.67;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000 and 0.010]. (3)In both groups, a good sensitivity was demonstrated (75.4%&93.9%) when using the non-circumscribed margin as a criterion for malignancy, and high speciifcity was achieved in two groups (80.0%-100%and 87.9%-100%) when other descriptors including irregular shape, non-parallel orientation, echogenic halo, shadowing, changes of Cooper′s ligament and microcalciifcations were used as differentiation criteria. Conclusions Good interobserver agreement can be achieved using the BI-RADS-US lexicon in the diagnosis of small breast nodules. Non-circumscribed margin are proved as the most valuable sign for screening malignant breast lesions ≤ 2 cm. High speciifcity was found for irregular shape, nonparallel orientation, echogenic halo, shadowing, Cooper′s ligament changes and microcalciifcations, which can help biopsy and preoperative diagnosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), dexamethasone (Dex), and insulin on the mRNA and protein expressions of GPR54 in the MCF7 cell line in vitro.

METHODSMCF7 breasr cancer cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of LPS (10 and 20 µg/ml), TNFα (20 and 100 ng/ml), IL-6 (10 and 20 ng/ml), Dex (10(-6) and 10(-7) mol/L), and insulin (0.01 and 0.1 IU/L). Those treated with culture fluid only served as controls. The mRNA and protein expressions of GPR54 were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively, after 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours of treatment.

RESULTSCompared with the blank con- trol, LPS (10 and 20 µg/ml), TNFα (20 and 100 ng/ml), IL-6 (10 and 20 ng/ml), Dex (10(-6) and 10(-7) mol/L), and insulin (0.01 and 0.1 IU/L) significantly increased the expressions of GPR54 mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLPS, TNFα, IL-6, Dex, and insulin evidently increase the expression of GPR54 in the MCF7 cell line, indicating their influence on the function of gonads by regulating the GPR54 level.

Blotting, Western ; Dexamethasone ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Glucocorticoids ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Gonads ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Insulin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-6 ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; MCF-7 Cells ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; drug effects ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, Kisspeptin-1 ; Time Factors ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo reveal the transmembrane signal pathway participating in regulating neuron functions of treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) by acupuncture.

METHODSSAMP8 mice was used for AD animal model. The effect of acupuncture method for qi benefiting, blood regulating, health supporting, and root strengthening on the amount and varieties of transmembrane signal proteins from hippocampal lipid rafts in SAMP8 mice was detected using HPLC MS/MS proteomics method.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, acupuncture increased 39 transmembrane signal proteins from hippocampal lipid rafts in SAMP8 mice, of them, 14 belonged to ionophorous protein, 8 to G protein, 8 to transmembrane signal receptor, and 9 to kinase protein. Totally 3 main cell signal pathways were involved, including G-protein-coupled receptors signal, enzyme linked receptor signal, and ion-channel mediated signal. Compared with the sham-acupuncture group, acupuncture resulted in significant increase of kinase signal protein amount. From the aspect of functions, they were dominant in regulating synapse functions relevant to cytoskeleton and secreting neurotransmitters.

CONCLUSIONThe cell biological mechanism for treating AD by acupuncture might be achieved by improving synapse functions and promoting the secretion of neurotransmitters through transmembrane signal transduction, thus improving cognitive function of AD patients.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Alzheimer Disease ; metabolism ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Male ; Membrane Microdomains ; metabolism ; Mice ; Proteomics ; Signal Transduction ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Objective To investigate the clinical,genetic and neuroimaging features by reporting a family with dyssynergia cerebellaris myoclonica. Methods The proband was examined clinically by neuroimaging,electromyography ( EEG),skin and muscles pathology and hematology.The patients with the illness in the family were followed up and the pedigree was drawn.Results There were 6 patients with dyssynergia cerebellaris myoclonica of the 27 family members in the family.All patients had disproportionate myoclonus,epilepsy,progressive cerebellar ataxia performance. Proband brain MRI showed cerebral atrophy.Cerebellar and cortical atrophy were more serious than other parts.There were long T,and long T2 signals in the white matter,high signal in T2FLAIR.EEG showed bursts of spike-low wave,polyspilke-low waves and polyspike waves distributing in the whole brain.Pathology of the skin and muscles was normal.Conclusions Dyssynergia cerebellaris myoclonica is an autosomal dominant disease,characterised by myoclonus,progressive cerebellar ataxia and epilepsy.Brain MRI shows cerebral cortical and cerebellar atrophy,abnormal signal in white matter.EEG showes spike and ware wave.The diagnosis is mainly based on family history,typical clinical manifestations,brain MRI and EEG changes.

Objective To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of recurrent gastric cancer. Methods The clinical data of 147 patients with recurrent gastric cancer was reviewed. Risk factors correlated with tumor recurrence and recurrent intervals were studied by logistic regression analysis. Survival analyses and comparisons were performed using Kaplan-Meier plots, the log rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results Patients were divided into an early recurrence group consisting of 86 patients (recurred within one year after surgery) and a late recurrence group of 61 patients (recurred one year or more after surgery). There were significant difference in size of primary tumor, Borrmann stage, type of gastrectomy, T stage, N stage, TNM stage between the two groups(P ＜0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the TNM stage and N stage independently influenced the recurrent time ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). In univariate survival analysis, post-gastrectomy chemotherapy(P ＜0. 05) , T stage (P ＜0. 05) , N stage(P ＜0.01) , TNM stage ( P ＜ 0. 01) , recurrence-free interval (P ＜ 0. 01) and reoperation (P ＜ 0.01) were significantly correlated with the prognosis. In multivariable analysis, TNM stage(P ＜0. 01) , recurrence-free interval ( P ＜ 0. 05 ) and reoperation ( P ＜ 0. 05 ) were independent factors predicting recurrence. Conclusions The TNM stage and N stage were the important factors predicting the time of recurrence after curative resection for gastric cancer. Patients with recurrent gastric cancer have poor prognosis and reoperation was associated with an improved survival in patients with recurrent gastric cancer.

Objective To investigate activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K)/protein kinase B(Akt)pathway in the endometrium of women with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)and its role in endometrium hyperplasia and carcinogenesis,and the factors affecting the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.Methods From Jan 2007 to Jun 2008,52 patients with PCOS who underwent dilatation and curettage were selected as experimental group matched with 32 non-PCOS patients as control group.Serous hormonal parameters,fasting blood glucose and insulin,body mass index(BMI),and endometrium pathology were measured and evaluated in all patients.The PCOS patients were divided into insulin resistance and non-insulin resistance group according to homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR).Meanwhile,the PCOS patients were grouped as normal,endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma depending on outcome of pathology.The expression of Akt and phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)were determined by western blot.Results(1)The expression of p-Akt was significantly higher in PCOS group [(46±18)％]than that in control[(33 ±9)％,P ＜0.01)].(2)The expression of p-Akt was significantly higher in group of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma[(56 ± 19)％]when compared with those in normal endometria group[(31 ± 12)％,P ＜ 0.05]; the expression of p-Akt was significantly higher in group of insulin resistance[(50 ± 19)％]compared with that in non-insulin resistance group [(34 ± 10)％,P ＜0.01].(3)There was a positive correlation between the expression level of p-Akt in endometrium with PCOS and HOMA-IR and BMI respectively(r =0.400,0.326,both P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The PI3K/Akt pathway was over activated in endometrium with PCOS which may be associated with the formation of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma in PCOS patients.Insulin resistance and obesity may be high risk factors for over-activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in endometrium with PCOS.

0.05).2.Neonates umbilical serum leptin concentration was positively correlated with body mass index(r=0.520 P