OBJECTIVETo explore the intervention of baicalin on signal transduction and activating transcription factor expression of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

METHODSRecruited were UC patients at Outpatient Department of Digestive Disease, Inpatient Department of Digestive Disease, Center for Digestive Endoscopy of College City Branch, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Southern Hospital affiliated to Southern Medical University from June 2010 to January 2011. They were assigned to the UC group (33 cases) and the diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) group (30 cases). Another 30 healthy subjects were recruited as a healthy control group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro intervened by different concentrations baicalin were taken from UC patients. IL23R gene expressions in vitro intervened by different concentrations baicalin were detected using Q-PCR. Expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) , STAT6, phosphorylated-STAT4 (p-STAT4), and p-STAT6 were detected using Western blot. Serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Effects of different concentrations baicalin on expressions of PBMCs, and levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 of UC patients were also detected.

RESULTSCompared with the negative control group, 40 µmol baicalin obviously decreased IL23R gene expression of UC patients (P <0. 01). Compared with the healthy control group and the IBS-D group, p-STAT4/STAT4 ratios increased, p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios decreased, levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 all increased in the US group (all P <0. 05). Compared with the negative control, 5 and 10 µmol baicalin groups, 20 and 40 moL baicalin obviously decreased p-STAT4/STAT4 ratios (all P <0. 05); 20 and 40 µmoL baicalin obviously increased p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios (all P <0. 05); 20 and 40 µmoL baicalin obviously lowered levels of IFN-γ and IL-4, and elevated IL-10 levels (all P <0. 05).

CONCLUSION40 µmoL baicalin could in vitro inhibit p-STAT4/STAT4 ratios, adjust p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios and related cytokines, thereby balancing the immunity and relieving inflammatory reactions of UC.

Activating Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; therapeutic use ; Blotting, Western ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phosphorylation ; STAT6 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of rhein on reducing starvation-induced autophagic protein expression in renal tubular epithelial ( NRK-52E) cells.

METHODHank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) was used to induce NRK-52E cells to be in the state of starvation. After the intervention of HBSS for 0, 0.5,1, 2 and 6 hours, firstly, the protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3 I/II), which is a key protein in autophagy, was detected. Secondly, the protein expressions of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and phosphorylated-mTOR Ser2448 (p-mTOR S2448) were examined. And then, after the co-treatment of rhein (5 mg x L(-1)) and HBSS (1 mL) without or with mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin (100 nmol x L(-1)), the protein expressions of LC3 I/II, mTOR and p-mTOR S2448 were tested, respectively.

RESULTHBSS could induce the up-regulation of LC3 II and the down-regulation of p-mTOR S2448 at protein expression level in NRK-52E cells. The co-treatment of rhein and HBSS could reversely regulate the protein expressions of LC3 II and p-mTOR S2448 in NRK-52E cells significantly. The co-treatment of rapamycin, rhein and HBSS could recover the level of LC3 II protein expression in HBSS-intervened NRK-52E cells.

CONCLUSIONHBSS induces autophagy in renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting mTOR signaling pathway activation. Rhein reduces the autophagic protein expression in renal tubular epithelial cells through regulating mTOR signaling pathway activation, which is the possible effects and molecular mechanisms.

Animals ; Anthraquinones ; pharmacology ; Autophagy ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Isotonic Solutions ; pharmacology ; Kidney Tubules ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; genetics ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; physiology

Objective To explore the effects of valsartan and MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 on atrial fibrosis and connexin40 (Cx40) remodeling in rats treated with isopreterenol (ISO).Methods 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (A),ISO (5 mg · kg-1 · d-1 for7 days) + DMSO group (B),ISO + U0126 (0.5 mg · kg-1 · d-1 for 28 days) group (C,U0126 was dissolved in DMSO),ISO +valsartan (30 mg · kg-1 · d-1 for 28 days) + DMSO group (D).Rats were sacrificed after 28 days.The AngⅡ content in myocardial tissue was measured by radioimmunoassay,P-MEK1/2,P-ERK1/2 and Cx40 was detected by immunohistochemistry,atrial fibrosis was determined on HE and Masson stained heart sections.Results The content of Ang Ⅱ was significantly higher in group B,C and D compared with group A [ (368.243 ±6.283 ) ng/L,( 357.175 ± 5.944 ) ng/L,( 359.908 ± 2.496 ) ng/L vs ( 250.380 ± 4.261 )ng/L,P ＜0.01 ] ; the degree of atrial fibrosis was significantly lower in group C and D compared with group B [CVF(10.260 ±0.525)％,(10.238 ±0.524)％ vs (78.710 ± 1.587)％,P＜0.01 ] while there was no atrial fibrosis in group A [ CVF(9.025 ± 0.456)％ ] ; the expression of P-MEK1/2 and P-ERK1/2 was significantly upregulated in group B compared with group A ( P-MEK1/2:0.311 ± 0.007 vs 0.203 ± 0.009,P ＜0.01 ; P-ERK1/2:0.259 ±0.003 vs 0.173 ±0.006,P ＜0.01 ) and significantly lower in group C and D compared with group B (P-MEK1/2:0.212 ± 0.004,0.213 ± 0.005 vs 0.311 ± 0.007,P ＜0.01,P-ERK1/2:0.178 ±0.004,0.175 ±0.007 vs 0.259 ±0.003,P ＜0.01 ).The content of Cx40 was obviously reduced and the distribution of Cx40 was disordered in group B compared with A (0.199 ±0.007 vs 0.241 ±0.004,P＜0.01) which could be partly reversed in group C and D ( 0.239 ±0.037,0.235 ±0.006 vs 0.199 ± 0.007,P ＜ 0.01 ).All parameters in group C and D were similar ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion The chronically elevated Ang Ⅱ content in myocardium may be related to atrial fibrosis and Cx40 remodeling in this model,valsartan and U0126 were equivalent on attenuating atrial fibrosis and Cx40 remodeling by inhibiting ERK pathways at different levels.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ; diagnostic imaging ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

To investigate the absorption kinetics of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs in rat different intestinal segments and compared with the absorption of Cu B suspension. The in vitro everted gut sacs model was established to study the absorption characteristics of Cu B-SDC/ PLC-MMs in rat duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon, and the content of cucurbitacin B was detected by HPLC method, and the effects of concentrations on intestinal absorption were evaluated as well. The results showed that the absorption of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs was linearity at different intestine segment and different concentrations (R2 > 0.9), which was consistent with zero order rate process. The Ka of different intestine segments showed a concentration-dependent increasing along with the raised concentration of Cu B-SDC/ PLC-MMs, indicating that it was likely to be a mechanism of passive absorption. The best absorption site of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs was ileum, and its absorptions in different intestinal segments were superior to cucurbitacin B suspension. SDC/PLC-MMs could significantly enhance the intestinal absorption of cucurbitacin B, and the study of intestinal absorption kinetics of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs had gave a support to its further reasonable solidfication.
Animals ; Deoxycholic Acid ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Intestinal Absorption ; Kinetics ; Male ; Micelles ; Nanoparticles ; Phospholipids ; administration & dosage ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Triterpenes ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics

In order to increase the SNR of the prostate image, we have designed a RF endorectal coil. Its properties have been evaluated using a network analyzer. Moreover the images got with a special phantom show that the coil has much higher SNR at the region of interest (ROI).
Algorithms ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Image Enhancement ; instrumentation ; methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; instrumentation ; methods ; Male ; Phantoms, Imaging ; Prostate ; anatomy & histology ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method which processes RHCE genotyping with PCR. METHODS: Using PCR-SSP to detect RHCE genotype in 200 cases of Han population in north of China and Li population in south of China and detecting 5 samples of parentage testing at the same time. RESULTS: The results of RHCE genotyping in individuals of two populations are completely accorded with the results of serology typing. And the distribution of RH genotypic frequency in Han population in north China is: RHCCEE 1, RHCCEe 3, RHCCee 88, RHCcEE 4, RHCcEe 20, RHCcee 54, RHccEE 1, RHccEe 22, RHccee; The distribution of RH genotypic frequency in Li populatin in south China is RHCCEE 2, RHCCEe 2, RHCCee 106, RHCcEE 7, RHCcEe 62, RHCcee 10, RHccEE 3, RHccEe 8. The results of RHCE genotype detecting of parentage testing samples are accorded with the results of associated identification of 13 STR loci. CONCLUSION PCR-SSP technology can exactly detect RHCE genotype in individuals of Han population in north China and Li population in south China.
Alleles ; Asian People/genetics* ; China/ethnology* ; DNA/blood* ; DNA Primers ; Gene Frequency ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/genetics*

OBJECTIVETo observe the histopathologic characteristics of 2 micron continuous wave laser transurethral partial cystectomy for the treatment of bladder tumor.

METHODSA total of 54 patients with 65 bladder tumors underwent 2 micron laser via transurethral by caudal or surface anesthesia from October 2007 to December 2008. It included 41 male and 13 female cases, and the age ranged from 27 to 81 years old with a mean of (66.2 +/- 12.4) years old. The operation evaporated and exsected the wall of urinary bladder, including tumor, submucosa and all muscular layers. Specimens were sent for pathology examination. The histomorphologic changes of raw surfaces were observed 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperation by cystoscopic and pathologic examinations.

RESULTSAll the patients tolerated in the operation. Clinical stages of the tumor: T1 for 42 cases, T2 for 12 cases. All cases were followed-up for 1 to 14 months, with a mean of 8.5 months. Tumor recurrences were found in 2 cases, no one had recurrence in situ. The tumor, submucosa and all muscular layers can be resected completely by 2 micron continuous wave laser transurethral partial cystectomy. Pathologic staging can be judged correctly. The umbilication raw surface were infiltrated by fibrous connective tissue and chronic inflammatory cells 1 week postoperation. The umbilication changed shallow and transitional epithelial cells began to cover it 1 month postoperation. The umbilication disappeared and transitional epithelial cells cover the raw surface 3 months postoperation. There was no difference between the raw surface and normal bladder mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS2 micron continuous wave laser for the treatment of bladder tumor can get the same clinical result as partial cystectomy. The pathologic staging can be judged correctly by the specimens.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cystectomy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo summarize and analyze the clinical features of bladder tumor patients who received transurethral partial cystectomy by 2 microm continuous wave laser, in 1 year post operation follow-up visits.

METHODSFrom December 2007 to May 2008, 47 bladder carcinoma patients were treated with 2 microm laser transurethrally under sacral block. Operation characteristics, operation time, intraoperative hemorrhages and postoperative complications, and pathology staging of the tumor were observed and postoperative follow-up visits were performed.

RESULTSAll of the operation procedures were successful. The surgery time was 5 to 15 minutes. Blood loss in the operation was minimal. There was no obturator nerve reflection, and no hemorrhaging was detected after the operation. The pathological stages can be judged correctly with the obtained specimens. There was one case with peritoneum perforation. The patients received 12 to 17 months of postoperative follow-up visits, and there was no recurrence at the resection site. The survival rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONSTransurethral partial cystectomy in the treatment of bladder tumor by 2 microm continuous wave laser is a safe, efficient and effective method. The tumor and all the basal part of bladder wall could be excised completely and the pathological stages can be judged correctly using these specimens to fulfill partial cystectomy for the treatment of bladder carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cystectomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical characteristics of partial cystectomy in treatment of bladder tumor by 2 microm continuous wave laser.

METHODSA total of 18 patients with 21 bladder tumors treated by 2 microm laser via transurethral under sacral block. The diameters of tumors were between 1-3 cm. In the operation, we vaporized and cut whole wall of bladder, dissected the muscular layers from connective tissue, and sent them for pathology inspection. We reviewed these following variables: operation time, blood loss, complications during and after the operation, pathology staging of the tumor and follow-up visit.

RESULTSAll the patients were tolerated in the operation. The mean operative time was (7.4 +/- 3.3) min (range, 5-12 min). Blood loss in the operation was minimal. No patient experienced an obturator nerve reflection or a hemorrhage after the operation. One case has urine leakage. The pathology staging of the tumors were as follows: T1 stage 15 cases, total 18 tumors; and T2 stage 3 cases, total 3 tumors. The followup periods were between 3 to 6 months, and the mean period was 4.5 months. There was no recurrence in situ.

CONCLUSIONSThe 2 microm laser not only can vaporize and cut the wall of bladder finely, but also can dissect the muscular layers from connective tissue efficiently. So it can be partial cystectomy in the treatment of bladder tumor.

Adult ; Aged ; Cystectomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; surgery