Objective To observe changes of cognitive function and the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 10(IL-10) in hippocampus of diabetic rats,and assess the role of inflammation in the possible pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy (DE).Methods 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and diabetes mellitus group.After 4 weeks of feeding high fat diet,diabetes mellitus group according to 30mg/kg injected with streptozotocin to establish type 2 diabetic rat model.At the end of the experiment,cognition were evaluated using water maze test.The concentration of beta-amyloid(Aβ) in hippocampus of diabetic rats were detected through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,and the expression of TNF-α,IL-10 were detected by Western blotting.The expression of Aβ,TNF-α,IL-10 were observed through immunohistochemistry.Results Time spent in the target quadrant in diabetes mellitus group was shorter than that in control group ((38.21± 3.68)s vs (42.10±2.62)s,t=3.105,P＜0.01).The frequency of crossing original platform site was less than that in control group((2.62±0.77) vs(3.69±0.95),t=3.184,P＜0.01).Compared with control group the expression of Aβ,TNF-α were higher(BothP＜0.01),and IL-10 were lower(P＜0.01)in diabetes mellitus group.The positive expression of Aβ,TNF-α were obviously and IL-10 were less obviously observed in diabetes mellitus group according to immunohistochemistry.Conclusion The cognitive decline in diabetic rats is possibly related to inflammatory cytokines expressing out of balance.

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of AMPK on apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress in COPD rats.Methods:the rats were divided into three groups:control group,model group,AICAR intervention group,establishment of rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by smoking smoke inhalation and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide.The HE staining of rat lung tissue pathological observation,immunohistochemical detection of p-AMPK /AMPK,western blot the expression of Caspase-3,ORP 150,and CHOP.Apoptosis were detected by TUNEL method.Results:the HE staining showed that the model group of pulmonary bullae formation,inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory ceils in AICAR group was lower than that of model group.Compared with the normal control group,immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that p-AMPK/AMPK and ORP150 protein expression decreased in the model group,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05),and AICAR in the intervention group p-AMPK/AMPK and ORP150 protein expression were significantly increased compared with the model group,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Endoplasmic reticulum stress related apoptosis The expression of CHOP and caspase-3 apoptosis index increased significantly in the model group,there was significant difference compared with normal group (P＜0.05),while in group AICAR,apoptosis index down significantly compared with the model group.Conclusion:AMPK can protect alveolar epithelial cells from cigarette smoke induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis,it was possible to achieve its protective effect the increase of ORP150.

Phytoestrogens, which can bind with estrogen receptor and produce estrogen-like effects, are a kind of nonsteroidal compound in plant. Phytoestrogens chemically include isoflavones, coumarins, lignans and other compounds. Phytoestrogens are selective estrogen receptor modulator, and have therapeutical effects on breast cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and other disease, however, do not produce stimulatory hyperplasia effects on uterus, mammary glands and other tissues and organs with positive estrogen receptor. Long-term exposure or excessive use of phytoestrogens maybe affects male reproductive system and hematopoietic function of fetus. Some questions need to be further studied, such as evaluation criteria on biological activity, adverse effects, and action mechanism of phytoestrogen. This review covers plant sources, chemical structure, pharmacological activity and safety of phytoestrogens. It will provide a useful reference for intensive research and rational utilization the phytoestrogens.
Animals ; Humans ; Phytoestrogens ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo observe therapeutic effect of acupuncture on peripheral diabetic neuropathies in the African area.

METHODSFive Shiu points on the four limbs were selected. Jing (well-point) was needled by pricking method for blood letting, and acupuncture was given at points Xing (spring-point), Shu (stream-point), Jing (river-point) and He (sea-point), and after arrival of qi, the needles were retained for 30 min, once every other day, for 2 therapeutic courses.

RESULTSForty-five cases were markedly effective and 68 cases were effective, the total effective rate being 89.68%.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture has obvious therapeutic effect on diabetic neuropathies in the African area.

Acupuncture ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Diabetic Neuropathies ; Humans ; Hypesthesia

Objective: To compare tea polysaccharides(TPS) characteristics and their role in scavenging free radicals and reducing blood glucose(BG) in diabetic mice(DM). Methods: TPS was extracted from green,Oolong and black tea which were made from the same fresh leaves from Hubei,Fujian and Yunnan. Then the recovery rate of TPS, contents of neutral sugar, uronic acid and protein were analysed, and scavenging rate of -2Oand 稯H in vitro and hypoglycemic effect were also determined. Results: 1. The yield and contents of neutral sugar, uronic acid and protein of green tea TPS were the highest, and those of black tea TPS were the lowest. Oolong tea TPS acted the best in scavenging-2O and 稯H . 2. The hypoglycemic effect of TPS from Hubei tea was the best . The effect of TPS extracted from semi-fermented Oolong tea and fermented black tea was better than that of non-fermented green tea. 3. There were obvious differences in yield, free radical scavenging rate and effect of reducing BG among TPS extracted from tea in different regions. TPS extracted from Fujian tea had the best effect in reducing BG,but that from Yunnan tea had not. Conclusion: There was remarkable effect of region and process on physico-chemical characteristics,effect of scavenging radical and reducing blood sugar TSP.

Objective To study the adjuvant immunoactivity of polysaccharides from Panax japonicus by alcohol of different concentrations;To discuss its part with the strongest adjuvant immunoactivity. Methods Polysaccharides from Panax japonicus was sunk with alcohol of different concentrations, and 30%alcohol compound, 60%and 90%alcohol polysaccharide were obtained. Different segments of polysaccharide and OVA protein were injected to mice once a week for three times for immunity. Five days after the last immunity, the mice were executed to collect blood, and the antibody titer was determined. The three parts of alcohol compound were scanned by infrared spectrum to determine the type of polysaccharide preliminarily. Results Compared with the control group, the antibody titer of different segments of polysaccharide obviously increased, especially the polysaccharide sunk by 60%alcohol. Infrared spectrum analysis showed that polysaccharides from Panax japonicus contained pyranose ring structure. Conclusion Polysaccharides from Panax japonicus has significant adjuvant immunoactivity, and polysaccharide sunk by 60%alcohol has the strongest adjuvant effects.

To develop a core-shell structure pDNA-CaPi-PLGA nanoparticles (CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs), calcium phosphate-pDNA nano complexes (CaPi-pDNA) were encapsulated inside of PLGA shells. The characteristics of the nanoparticles, including morphology, average particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, loading efficiency, stability in medium, pDNA protection ability from nuclease degradation, in vitro release, cytotoxicity and cell transfection were investigated and compared with the embedded structured CaPi modified PLGA nanoparticles (embedded-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs). The results showed that the obtained CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs were spherical in shape with an average particle size of (155 +/- 4.5) nm, zeta potentials of (-0.38 +/- 0.1) mV, entrapment efficiency of (80.56 +/- 2.5)% and loading efficiency of (1.16 +/- 0.04)%. The CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs were stable in the release media and could protect pDNA against nuclease degradation. And they also exhibited sustained release of pDNA in vitro. The highest gene transfection efficiency of the CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs in vitro reached (24.66 +/- 0.46)% (after 72 h transfection), which was significantly higher than that of free pDNA [(0.33 +/- 0.04)%, P < 0.01] and the pDNA-PLGA-NPs [(1.5 +/- 0.07)%, P < 0.01]. Besides, the transfection lasted for longer time than that of embedded-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs and the cytotoxicity of it was significantly lower than that of PEI (P < 0.01). These results indicate that CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs are a promising non-viral gene vector. Key words: gene delivery system; polylactic-co-glycolic acid; calcium phosphate; nanoparticle
Calcium Phosphates ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; DNA ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Drug Carriers ; Genetic Vectors ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Lactic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Nanoparticles ; Particle Size ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Polyglycolic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Transfection

Fibronectin containing extra domain A (EDA+ FN),a functional glycoprotein participating in several cellular processes,correlates with chronic liver disease.Herein,we aim to investigate the expression and secretion of EDA+ FN from hepatocytes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the underlying mechanisms.Circulating levels of EDA+ FN were determined by ELISA in clinical samples.Western blotting and flow cytometry were performed on L02 and HepG2 cell lines to analyze whether the levels of EDA+ FN were associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related cell death.Circulating levels of EDA+ FN in NAFLD patients were significantly higher than those in control subjects,and positively related with severity of ultrasonographic steatosis score.In cultured hepatocytes,palmitate up-regulated the expression of EDA+ FN in a dose-dependent manner.Conversely,when the cells were pretreated with 4-phenylbutyrate,a specific inhibitor of ER stress,up-regulation of EDA+ FN could be abrogated.Moreover,silencing CHOP by shRNA enhanced the release of EDA+ FN from hepatocytes following palmitate treatment,which was involved in ER stress-related cell damage.These findings suggest that the up-regulated level of EDA+ FN is associated with liver damage in NAFLD,and ER stress-mediated cell damage contributes to the release of EDA+ FN from hepatocytes.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODSA total of 446 consecutive patients with CKD undergoing PCI in Guangdong general hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into hyperuricemic group (n = 205) and normouricemic group (n = 241).Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid > 420 µmol/L for male, > 357 µmol/L for female. CIN was defined as ≥ 44.2 µmol/L or ≥ 25% increase from baseline Serum creatinine within 48-72 hours after contrast medium exposure, and that was not attributable to other causes.In hospital incidences of CIN and the major adverse cardiac events were compared between the two groups. The relationship between the incidence of CIN and hyperuricemia was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSCIN occurred in 16.6% (74/446) of patients, and incidence of CIN was significantly higher in the hyperuricemic group than in the normouricemic group [23.9% (49/446) vs. 10.4% (25/446) , P = 0.000]. Patients who developed CIN had higher in hospital mortality [14.9% (11/74) vs. 1.3% (5/372), P = 0.000]. Need for renal replacement therapy, acute heart failure, intra-aortic balloon pump use and the hypotension after PCI were significantly higher in the hyperuricemic group compared with normouricemic group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) . Multivariate analysis indicates that hyperuricemia (OR = 1.9, 95%CI:1.1-3.5, P = 0.037), age > 75 years (OR = 3.2, 95%CI:1.8-5.7, P = 0.000) , emergent PCI (OR = 2.9, 95%CI:1.6-5.1, P = 0.000) and anemia (OR = 2.1, 95%CI:1.2-3.8, P = 0.012) were predictors of CIN in patients with CKD.

CONCLUSIONHyperuricemia is the independent risk predictor of CIN in patients with CKD undergoing PCI.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Contrast Media ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperuricemia ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; complications ; therapy ; Risk Factors

Objective:To preliminarily verify the cross talk between tissue factor/active coagulation factor Ⅶ (TF/FⅦa) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways in human colon cancer cells in culture.Methods:FⅦa was treated to HT-29 (KRAS-wild type) and LoVo (KRAS-mutant) colon cancer cells to activate TF/F Ⅶa pathway,qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG),ligands of EGFR on mRNA and protein levels,respectively.After knocking down expression of TF by TF-targeted siRNA transfection,FⅦa was treated and mRNA expressions of AREG and EREG were detected to see whether the FⅦa-induced effects were dependent on TF.Expressions of mRNA of TF and FⅦwere detected by qRT-PCR following the activation of EGFR pathway by treatment with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to HT-29 and LoVo cells.Results:After TF/FⅦa pathway was activated,for HT-29 cells,expressions of AREG (on mRNA level) and EREG (both on mRNA and protein level) were significantly down-regulated versus those of control group,gene expressions of AREG and EREG were 0.55 ± 0.09 vs.0.99 ± 0.09,0.67 ± 0.10 vs.1.02 ± 0.02,protein expressions of EREG were 0.54 ± 0.09 vs.1.04 ± 0.13,all P ＜ 0.05.For LoVo cells,expressions of AREG (both on mRNA and protein level) and EREG (on protein level) were significantly up-regulated versus those of control group,gene expression of AREG were 1.87 ± 0.39 vs.0.93 ± 0.23,protein expressions of AREG and EREG were 3.09 ±0.73 vs.1.11 ±0.21,1.53 ±0.19 vs.0.97 ± 0.23,all P ＜0.05.The regulating effect of AREG and EREG mRNA expression by FⅦa in HT-29 and LoVo cells could both be partly blocked by knocking down TF expression.For HT-29 cells,activation of EGFR pathway induced no significant TF mRNA expression,F Ⅶ mRNA expression was not detected.However,for LoVo cells,activation of EGFR pathway induced significantly higher mRNA expressions of both TF and FⅦ,expressions were 1.53 ± 0.23 vs.1.00 ± 0.23,53.20 ± 6.08 vs.1.00 ± 0.15,all P ＜0.05.Conclusion:In colon cancer cell LoVo,when activated,TF/FⅦa pathway and EGFR pathway could interact through upregulating the other pathway's effectors,and mutant KRAS might play a critical role in the two pathways'cross talk.