Objectives To investigate the impact of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on dynamics of homing of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) after renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IR).Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups after right-side kidney nephrectomy:for sham-operated rats,lumbotomy without vascular clamping was performed; IR rats were clamped renal blood vessels for 40 minutes while IPC rats were pre-treated with 15 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion.At 3,12,24 h,and 3 days after reperfusion,the pool of circulating,kidneys,lungs and spleens were harvested.The extent of renal injury was assessed by biochemical and histological examination.The dynamics of homing of EPCs was observed by flow cytometry.Results The rats in IPC group exhibited significant improvements in renal function and morphology.Compared with IR group and sham group,the number of EPCs in blood was increased in the IPC group at 12 h and 24 h after reperfusion (P ＜ 0.05).The number of EPCs in kidney was increased at all times pointin the IPC group and IR group as compared to the sham group (P ＜ 0.05.In addition,EPCs number was increased in IPC group compared with the IR group at 12 h and 24 h [(11.36±0.66)％ vs (6.37±0.69)％,(6.31±0.70)％ vs (4.40±0.60)％,all P＜ 0.05].Compared with IR group and sham group,the number of EPCs in the lung was increased in the IPC groups at 12 h after reperfusion [(2.95±0.66)％ vs (1.78±0.59)％,(1.66±0.61)％,all P ＜ 0.05].The number of EPCs in spleen was increased in the IPC group at 72 h as compared with the IR group and sham group [(0.55±0.06)％ vs (0.34±0.07)％,(0.31±0.06)％,all P ＜ 0.05].Conclusions Endogenous EPCs may home to injured kidney after IPC.EPCs can also gather in the lungs and spleen.

Objective To investigate the anatomic characteristics of the nasolabial fold and to give an accurate description and definition of it in order to to provide theoretical basis for plastic, cosmetic and maxillofacial surgery. Methods Ten (20 sides) adult fresh bodies with vascular perfusion of formalin fixed after morphological observation under a 10 × magnifying len. Results Nasolabial fold was a border between fat-rich zone and non-fat zone in the midfacial region. The nasolabial fold derived from nasal alar skin point in the transverse portion of nasalis, and ended at the outer skin point of zygomaticus major muscle in the mouth. From the anatomy point of view, the nasolabial fold was divided into three segments: the upper, the middle and the under. The upper segment ( Ⅰ ) was the transverse portion of nasalis, (20. 38± 0. 74) mm in length; the middle section ( Ⅱ ): levator labii superioris,(17.13 ± 0.57) mm in length; the under segment (Ⅲ ): modiolus, (20. 81 ±0. 70) mm in length. The nasolabial fold was a connecting region where seven mimetic muscles inserted into the skin point. Superficial musculoapneurotic system (SMAS) and the nasolabial fold were composed of seven mimetic muscles belonging to the same layer. Conclusions The nasolabial fold is a region where the seven mimetic muscles insert into the skin point for connection, and regardless of age, it is an eternal existence. The nasolabial fold is different from the nasolabial wrinkle formed with facial aging and the nasolabial ridges formed by facial mimetic muscles changes.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) plus surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) plus surgery in the treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:Clinical controlled trials of comparing the treatment of NCRT plus surgery with NCT plus surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were electronically searched from the databases including PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, WanFang and VIP from the inception of databases to January, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. And then, a meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:A total of 8 clinical control studies were included, including 995 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the NCT group, the R 0 resection rate was significantly higher ( OR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.03-4.45, P=0.040) and the pathological complete response (pCR) rate was significantly higher ( OR=4.19, 95% CI: 1.71-10.28, P=0.002) in the NCRT group. The incidence of postoperative complications ( OR=1.37, 95% CI: 0.76-2.48, P=0.300) and the risk of perioperative death ( OR=1.28, 95% CI: 0.58-2.83, P=0.54) were not significantly different between two groups. The long-term survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the NCRT group was significantly better compared with that in the NCT group ( HR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.64-0.92, P=0.005). Conclusions:Compared with NCT plus surgery for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, NCRT plus surgery has higher R 0 resection rate and pCR rate, does not significantly increase the risk of perioperative complications or perioperative death, and significantly improves the long-term survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibition effects of Tianshen Yizhi Recipe (TSYZR), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on decreased expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and the neurotoxicity as well as lipid peroxidation induced by beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. METHODS: The SH-SY5Y cells were treated by a certain concentration of TSYZR, and then exposed to Abeta(25-35). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium reduction assay was carried out to understand the influences of the drugs on cellular viability. Expressions of nAChR subunits (alpha3 and alpha7) at protein and mRNA levels were detected by Western-blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was measured by thiobarbituric acid to observe the capacity of antioxidant of the drugs. RESULTS: TSYZR at a safe concentration could increase alpha7 protein in the cells, inhibit decreased expressions of alpha3 and alpha7 nAChR subunit proteins, prevent lower expression of alpha7 mRNA in SH-SY5Y cells induced by Abeta, reduce the neurotoxicity and lipid peroxidation resulting from Abeta, but had no significant effect on the lower expression of alpha3 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: TSYZR can up-regulate the expression of alpha7 nAChR subunit protein and prevent decreased expressions of nAChRs and neurotoxicity as well as lipid peroxidation induced by Abeta. This drug may play an important therapeutic role in treatment of Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of uncoupling protein-2 mRNA in brown adipose tissue, white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of diet-induced obesity-resistant (DIO-R) rats.

METHODSFifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group and a high-fat group and fed with basic diet and high-fat diet respectively for 13 weeks. DIO-R and DIO rats were selected according to their body weight. The change of body weight and the intake of total calorie were observed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of UCP2 mRNA in rat.

RESULTSBody weight and total calorie intake in DIO-R rats (425.1 +/- 27.1) g, (31,693 +/- 946) kJ were significantly lower than those in DIO rats (489.7 +/- 20.5) g, (34,363 +/- 1465) kJ. The peak area of UCP2 mRNA in white adipose tissue in DIO-R rats was 352 +/- 30 and in DIO rats was 101 +/- 12. The peak areas of UCP2 mRNA in skeletal muscle in DIO-R and DIO rats were 130 +/- 15 and 170 +/- 12, respectively. The peak areas of UCP2 mRNA in brown adipose tissue of DIO and DIO-R rats were 124 +/- 14 and 147 +/- 19, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of UCP2 mRNA in white adipose tissue of DIO-R rats increased significantly. These results suggest that obesity-resistance was associated with a tissue-specific increase in UCP2 expression.

Adipose Tissue ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Dietary Fats ; administration & dosage ; Gene Expression ; genetics ; Ion Channels ; Male ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; genetics ; Muscle, Skeletal ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Obesity ; etiology ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Uncoupling Protein 2

OBJECTIVETo compare the sensitivity of Brown Norway rats (BN) with Guinea pigs (GP) as allergen assessment animal models.

METHODBN rats and GP were randomly assigned to 1 control group, 2 Bovine serum albumin group (BSA), respectively. Animals in BSA groups of BN rats and GPs were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% BSA 1 ml on day 1, 3, 5, respectively, and irritated by intravenous injection of 2.4% BSA 1 ml on day 7 and day 14 after the last sensitization, while the same volume of normal saline was given to control group on each time point mentioned above. The allergic reactions were scored within 1 h after each irritation treatment, and the sera of both BN rats and GPs were collected to detect IgE concentration by using ELISA. The sera were also applied for passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test (PCA test) in SD rats.

RESULTNo obvious allergic reactions were observed in BSA group of GPs after each irritation treat, however, the score of allergic response in BSA group of BN rats was evidently higher than that in control group after first irritation. PCA test by using sera from BSA group of BN rats after both irritations showed the strong positive result characterized as large amount of subcutaneous effusions of Evans blue in SD rats, however, the sera from BSA group of GP were negative in PCA test. Serum IgE concentration did not increase after each irritation in BSA group of both BN rats and GP.

CONCLUSIONBN rats were more sensitive than GPs on initiative systemic anaphylaxis test and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. Meanwhile, BN rats has an advantage in experimental treatment compared with Guinea pigs.

Allergens ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Anaphylaxis ; chemically induced ; Animals ; Guinea Pigs ; Hypersensitivity ; etiology ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred BN ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and post-operation stability of extreme lateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (E-TLIF) and other traditional surgical approach via bio-mechanical test.

METHODSThere were 24 normal lumbar spine segment of swine were divided into the following four groups: control group, standard group (internal fixed with pedicle screws only), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) group and E-TLIF group. The specimen in anteflect, hypsokinesis, lateral flexion and rotate movements were tested respectively with bio-mechanical devices to study on the load-straining changes and biomechanics index.

RESULTSAfter TLIF or E-TLIF, specimen turned out more steady than normal control group (t = 4.17 - 4.53, P < 0.01). Compared with TLIF group [linear displacement (3.98 ± 0.22) mm, angular displacement 3.03° ± 0.18°], specimen after E-TLIF [linear displacement (3.40 ± 0.09) mm, angular displacement 2.57° ± 0.12°] were more stable in biomechanics index on lateral flection movement (t = 2.61, P < 0.05), but no difference on axial or rotational movements (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONE-TLIF is a safe and more efficient operation approach.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of survivin and PI3K/AKT pathway in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris (PV).

METHODSPlaque-like lesions collected from 22 patients with PV in progressive stage and 18 normal control skin specimens were examined using immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR for expressions of survivin, PI3K and AKT in the keratinocytes, and their correlation was analyzed. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down AKT in cultured HaCaT cells, and Western blotting was used to detect the changes in the expression of survivin. RESULTS Compared with normal skin, PV lesions showed obviously up-regulated expressions of survivin, PI3K and AKT in the keratinocytes. Survivin expression was positively correlated with PI3K (r=0.4510, P=0.0351) and AKT (r=0.4423, P=0.0393) in the keratinocytes in PV lesions. In cultured HaCaT cells, siRNA-mediated knockdown of AKT caused down-regulation of survivin expression.

CONCLUSIONSurvivin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may participate in the occurrence and progression of PV.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of icariin on the streptozocin (STZ)-induced epididymis impair in rats.

METHODSThe epididymis impair was induced by injection of streptozocin at dosage of 60 mg/kg ip in SD rats. Animals were randomly divided into six groups (n = 14): normal control, model group, three icariin treated group with different dosages (P.O, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg especially) and rosiglitazone group (P.O, 3 mg/kg), 12 weeks later, animals were sacrificed. The level of serum glucose, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT), alpha-glucosidase activity as well as sialic acid (SA), fructose level in the epididymis were determined. The pathological examination was performed under microscope after the epididymis was fixed by 4% poly-formalin and stained by HE.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control, the activity of LDH, ACP, gamma-GT and alpha-glucosidase in the epididymis revealed a decline, with lower level of SA and fructose. Histological examination showed that mature spermatocytes in the epididymis markedly decreased. These alterations were ameliorated in the groups with the treatment of icariin at 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, but not at 20 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONIcariin ameliorated the signs of epididymis in diabetic rats induced by streptozocin, this effect might carry out by promoting the elevation of special enzyme and energy metabolism in the epididymis.

Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Blood Glucose ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; physiopathology ; Epididymis ; drug effects ; enzymology ; physiopathology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Fructose ; metabolism ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Male ; N-Acetylneuraminic Acid ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; alpha-Glucosidases ; metabolism ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects of terpenes from fructus corni (TFC) on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM).

METHODSDiabetes was produced by a single injection of alloxan (220 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. The fasting blood glucose of mice were tested 15 days later and that greater than 13.9 mmol/L were regarded as the diabetic mice which were divided randomly into the model and TFC groups. TFC dissolved by physiological saline (P.O, 80 mg/kg) was administrated to the TFC group for successive 8 weeks since the 15th day.

RESULTSCompared to the control group, the weight index increased significantly. The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was markedly decreased and malondialdehyde(MDA), the inflammatory factors (TNF-alpha, IL-6) were obviously increased in myocardium. The histopathological examination suggested that myocardial cells disarranged, swelling and the intercellular space increased in model group. It also showed the infiltration of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts in TFC group. The above change was improved significantly.

CONCLUSIONTFC ameliorated the alterations of cardiomyopathy in diabetic mice induced by alloxan. the mechanism might be related to decrease blood glucose, antioxidative stress and inflammatory factors.

Alloxan ; adverse effects ; Animals ; Cornus ; chemistry ; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Terpenes ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism