BACKGROUNDGlucocorticoid signaling exerts major roles in inflammation, metabolism and depression, which are three crucial factors accompanying or underlying coronary heart disease. Although accumulating evidence indicates the influence of glucocorticoids on the pathology and treatment of coronary heart disease, there is still a dearth of pharmaceutical mechanisms for this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the influence of drug treatment on glucocorticoid receptor levels in coronary heart disease.

METHODSEighty hospitalized patients (average age (59.0 +/- 7.5) years, 46 male and 34 female) with coronary heart disease were categorized into four groups with 20 members in each according to one of the four drugs they were treated with. The four drugs were: nitrated derivative isosorbide dinitrate, the beta-adrenergic receptor blocker metoprolol, the calcium antagonist nifedipine, and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin. Glucocorticoid receptor protein levels of peripheral blood lymphocytes were tested using immunoblotting analysis before and after one month of treatment.

RESULTSImmunoblotting analysis showed increased glucocorticoid receptor levels after treatment with metoprolol and nifedipine. There were no statistically significant changes of glucocorticoid receptor levels after treatment with isosorbide dinitrate or lovastatin, although there were trends of up-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression after both treatments.

CONCLUSIONSBoth the beta-blocker and the calcium blocker can increase glucocorticoid receptor levels after chronic administration. This effect suggests a mechanism for their anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic roles for coronary heart disease and comorbid disorders.

Aged ; Blotting, Western ; Coronary Disease ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Isosorbide Dinitrate ; therapeutic use ; Lovastatin ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Metoprolol ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Nifedipine ; therapeutic use ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDLactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a crucial regulator of energy metabolism in many organs including the heart. Lovastatin is widely used in prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease and is a drug with substantial metabolic influences. Our study aimed to determine the activities of the lactate dehydrogenase A and B (LDHA and LDHB) genes following lovastatin treatment.

METHODSThe rat myocardial cell line H9c2(2-1) in culture was exposed to 100 nmol/L lovastatin for 24 hours or for five days. The functions of the LDHA and LDHB genes were examined at the transcriptional (mRNA) level with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR), and at the translational (protein) level with immunoblotting.

RESULTSWhen compared with control levels, the LDHA mRNA went up by (151.65 ± 16.72)% (P = 0.0132) after 24 hours and by (175.28 ± 56.54)% (P = 0.0366) after five days of lovastatin treatment. Although 24 hours of lovastatin treatment had no significant effects on LDHB mRNA levels, when the treatment was extended to five days, LDHB mRNA levels were significantly down-regulated to (63.65 ± 15.21)% of control levels (P = 0.0117). After 24 hours of treatment with lovastatin, there were no significant changes in protein levels of either LDHA or LDHB. When treatment time was extended to five days, the protein levels of LDHA were up-regulated by (148.65 ± 11.81)% (P = 0.00969), while the protein levels of LDHB were down-regulated to (64.91 ± 5.47)% of control levels (P = 0.0192).

CONCLUSIONSLovastatin affects gene activities of LDHA and LDHB differently, which may reveal novel pharmacological effects of lovastatin.

Animals ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; pharmacology ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Isoenzymes ; genetics ; metabolism ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lovastatin ; pharmacology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Rats ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathological features of the Chinese hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and its germline mutation of hMLH(1) and hMSH(2).

METHODSThirteen typical Chinese hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPC)C kindreds and 19 non-typical HNPCC families were registered and followed up. The germline mutation of the hMLH(1) and hMSH(2) of 12 index cases of 6 typical and 6 non-typical HNPCC were screened by PCR-SSCP. Samples with abnormal mobility were sequenced directly.

RESULTSThe average age of typical HNPCC was 47, no difference existed between sexes. Location of the tumors of typical HNPCC represented 44.7% on the right half colon and non-typical HNPCC 65.8% on the rectum. The rate of the metachronos cancer was 11.5%. The 3-, 5-and 10-year survival rate was 64.0%, 45.3% and 31.2% respectively. Among 12 cases, 8 showed abnormal mobility. Except for an intron polymorphism, six exons abnormalities were found in 5 of 12 proband. Sequencing showed 4 missense, 7 insertion and a nonsense mutations.

CONCLUSIONSChinese HNPCC is early onset, more common on proximal colon and better prognosis. Mutation of hMSH(2) is dominant in the Chinese typical HNPCC, but mutation of hMLH(1) is more common in the non-typical group.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis ; genetics ; pathology ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Germ-Line Mutation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; MutL Protein Homolog 1 ; MutS Homolog 2 Protein ; genetics ; Mutation, Missense ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

·AMI:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the segmented bifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) SBL-3. ·METHODS:Totally 26 cases (26 eyes) of age-related cataract who received phacoemulsification and implantation of MIOL SBL-3 were enrolled from February 2016 to June 2017 in our hospital as the SBL-3 group. And 28 cases (28 eyes) of age-related cataract who received phacoemulsification and implantation of single focus intraocular lens intraocular lens TecnisZA9003 were enrolled as control group. At postoperative 3mo, the uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction were compared between two groups. ·RESULTS: At preoperative, there was no statistical difference in uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity between two groups (P > 0. 05). At postoperatively 3mo, the uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity in patients of both groups were significantly improved (P < 0. 05). At postoperative 3mo,the uncorrected intermediate and near visual acuity, distance-corrected intermediate and near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity at different spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12, 18c/d) and patient satisfaction in SBL- 3 group were significantly better than those of control group (P<0.05). ·CONCLUSION:The MIOL SBL-3 not only could provide preferable distance visual acuity, but also could provide better intermediate visual acuity, near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity,and greatly increase the visual quality and satisfaction at postoperative in cataract patients.

·AIM: To compare the visual quality after different multifocal lens (MIOL) implantation in cataract patients. ·METHODS: Totally 78 cases (78 eyes) of cataract patients who receiving phacoemulsification and implantation of different MIOL were enrolled from February 2016 to June 2017 in our hospital. According to the different type of implanted MIOL, the 78 cases (78 eyes) were divided Group A,B and C,each group was 26 cases (26 eyes). Patients in the Group A were implanted regional refraction MIOL SBL-3; patients in the Group B implanted step progressive diffraction MIOL SN6AD1;patients in the Group C implanted all - optical plane diffraction MIOL Tecnis ZMB00. The visual acuity, contrast sensitivity,defocus testing,contrast visual acuity and satisfaction of visual quality were compared in 3 groups at postoperative 3mo. · RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative adverse reactions between the three groups (P>0.05). There was statistical difference in uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity, distance - corrected intermediate visual acuity and distance- corrected near visual acuity in 3 groups (P < 0. 05), and those in the Group C were significantly worse than those of Group A and B (P<0.05). There was statistical difference in contrast sensitivity at four spatial frequencies (3,6,12,18c/d) in light and light glare and three spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12c/d) in dark and dark glare in 3 groups (P<0.05), and those in the Group A were significantly better than those of Group B and C (P<0.05). According to the defocus testing of 3 groups,the visual acuity at -1.5D,-2.0D and-2. 5D in Group A and B was significantly higher than Group C (P<0. 05). There was statistical difference in contrast visual acuity at 20% and 9% of contrast ratio in 3 groups (P<0.05),and those in Group A were significantly better than Group B and C(P<0.05). There was statistical difference in visual quality satisfaction in 3 groups (P<0.05), and that in the Group A was significantly better than that of Group B and C (P<0.05). ·CONCLUSION:The region refraction MIOL SBL-3 not only could provide better distant, intermediate and near visual acuity, but also could provide better contrast sensitivity and contrast visual acuity, thereby greatly increase visual quality satisfaction.

AIMTo look for new active constituents from Chinese medicine "Sheng-ma", rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida L.

METHODSThe compounds were separated and purified by chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20. Their structures were determined by spectral analysis and chemical reaction.

RESULTSEight compounds were obtained and identified as cimicifugic acid (1), esculetin (2), caffeic acid methyl ester (3), 4-O-acetyl-caffeic acid (4), sinapic acid (5), caffeic acid (6), ferulic acid (7), isoferulic acid (8).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2-7 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Caffeic Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Cimicifuga ; chemistry ; Coumaric Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Hydroxybenzoates ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Phenylacetates ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Umbelliferones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

AIMTo look for new active constituents from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L.

METHODSVarious column chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation and purification of the principles. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidences.

RESULTSFive 9,19-cycloartane triterpenoid saponins and one sitosterol saponin were obtained and identified as cimifoetiside I [12 beta-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactoyranoside, (1)], cimifoetiside II [(23R,24R) cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, (2)], cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (3), 12 beta-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (4), 12 beta-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (5), daucosterol (6).

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1 and 2 are new and compounds 4 and 5 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Cimicifuga ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Sitosterols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

BACKGROUNDRathke's cleft cyst (RCC) is one of the most common incidentally discovered sellar lesions, while symptomatic cases are relatively rare. Surgical treatment is recommended for symptomatic patients to drain the cyst content and to remove the capsule safely. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical features, surgery considerations and therapy outcomes of symptomatic RCCs.

METHODSTotally 42 patients (19 males and 23 females) were retrospectively reviewed with the diagnosis of RCCs under surgery resection at the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University between January 2005 and December 2010.

RESULTSPatients' age ranged from 6 to 67 years (mean of 41.6 years). The duration of symptoms ranged from 4 days to 10 years. Headache (69%), visual impairment (36%), and pituitary dysfunction (10%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The maximum diameter of cysts ranged from 6.0 to 46.7 mm (mean of 20.07 mm). Of the 42 patients, 36 underwent endonasal transsphenoidal approach and the others underwent transcranial approach. Thirty patients had a subtotal resection and decompression, while 12 patients had a total cyst resection. Cysts of 28 patients were lined by simple cubical or columnar epithelium, and cysts of 34 patients were filled by amorphous colloid material, that was the characteristic of RCCs. The majority of patients presented with a simple headache, and 93% of this group experienced a complete improvement after surgery. Twelve of 15 patients (80%) with preoperative visual deficits experienced an improvement in their vision after surgery. All of those patients with pituitary dysfunction experienced an improved endocrine status. The endocrinological complication usually was diabetes insipidus, and postoperative transient diabetes insipidus occurred in 13 (31%) patients without any permanent diabetes insipidus. The overall recurrence rate was 7% at a mean follow-up of 22 months (range 12 - 60 months).

CONCLUSIONSSurgical treatment is to drain the contents of the cyst and to remove the capsule as much as possible under the precondition that does not increase the complications. Biopsy and decompression procedures are recommended for most cases.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Central Nervous System Cysts ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo find new active constituents from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida.

METHODVarious column chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation and purification of the principles. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidences.

RESULTFour 9,19-cycloartane triterpenoid saponins were obtained and identified as Cimifoetiside III (25-anhydrocimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, 1), 25-O-acetyl-cimigenol xylopyranoside (2), 25-O-acetyl-cimigenol galactopyranoside (3), 7 beta-hydrocimigenol xylopyranoside (4).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 is new and compound 4 was isolated from this plant for the first time.

Cimicifuga ; chemistry ; Galactosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Lanosterol ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo find new active constituents from Rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida.

METHODVarious column chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral and chemical evidences.

RESULTFour triterpenoid compounds were isolated and identified as 7,8-didehydro-27-deoxyactein(1), 24-O-acetylshengmanol-3-O-beta-D-xyl (23R, 24R)[2], cimigenol(3), cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xyl(4).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 is a new compound, 2-4 were obtained from this medicinal material for the first time. The antiosteoporosis activity screening in vitro(by the method of SRB) indicates that Compounds 1, 2 and 4 can promote the proliferation for rat Osteoblastoma cell line (UMR106) at the concentration of 10(-9) kg.L-1.

Animals ; Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cimicifuga ; chemistry ; Lanosterol ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; Osteoblastoma ; pathology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology