Background Free-flap Epi-LASIK surgery show a fast epithelial healing and mild trauma responses.Its mechanism is notable. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the corneal epithelial healing response following photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)and flap-free Epi-LASIK surgery. Methods Twelve experimental rabbits were randomly assigned to high cutting group(-10.00 D)and low cutting group(-3.00 D),and 2 normal matched rabbits were used as controls.PRK was performed in lateral eyes and flap-free epipolis laser in situkeratomileusis(Epi-LASIK)surgery was curried out in the fellow eyes.The corneal wound healing response in early stage of post-operation was examined under the slim lamp,and the inflammatory cells infiltration in cornea,basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and nuclear transcription factor(NF-KB)expressions in corneal stroma were detected by hematine-eosin staining and immunohistochemstry in the seventh day after operation. Results The inflammatory reaction was milder in the eyes with Epi-LASIK than ones of PRK under the slim lamp.No significant difierences were found in numbers of inflammatory cells in cornea.expressions of bFGF and NF-κB in corneal stroma between two types of surgeries in low cutting group(P＞0.05).In high cutting group,the numbers of inflammatory cells were(12.25±1.22)/400 field in PRK eyes,and those of free-flap Epi-LASIK eyes were(6.67±0.31)/400 field,showing obvious difference between them(t=-8.87,P＜0.01).Expressions of NF-κB(A value)in cornea were 6.11±1.36 and 41.82±8.7 1 in PRK eyes of low cutting group and high cutting group.and those in free-flap Epi-LASIK were 3.01±0.81 and 11.59±4.55.indicating a drastically increase in PRK eyes(P＜0.05).The expressions of bFGF(A value)in corneal stroma were 33.59±6.98 and 123.68±18.81 in PRK eyes and those in free-flap Epi-LASIK eyes were 69.20±8.85 and 123.68±1 8.81 in low cutting group and high cutting group,presenting a considerably decrease in PRK eyes (P＜0.05).The corneal epithelial healing was faster in free-flap Epi-LASIK eyes than that in PRK eyes.and deeper cutting slowed the healing procedure. Conclusion In low cutting group,healing time of corneal epithelium is close between PRK and flap-free Epi-LASIK.But in high cutting group,epithelial healing is faster and inflammatory reaction is lighter in flap-free Epi-LASIK compared with PRK.

Cardiovascular disease is the first cause of death in Chinese residents. Arterial elasticity is an important and independent predictor for mortality of cardiovascular disease, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the most frequently used measurement index. It has been widely used in clinical practice. Traditional methods detecting PWV have some disadvantages, such as arteries distribution not clear, branch affect and only obtain global and average, instead of regional PWV. Now, the measurement of local pulse wave velocity has played an important role in the study of arterial elasticity. The common methods of detecting regional pulse wave velocity include echo tracking technique, UltraFast imaging technique and pulse wave imaging technique. This article reviews the recent advances in pulse wave velocity evaluating vascular elasticity.

Objective: To study the feasibility of evaluating the adequacy of hemodialysis using neural calculating method. Methods: The adequacy of hemodialysis patients were evaluated using Daugirdas, TACurea and neural calculating method respectively, the results of the 3 method; were compared with the clinical assessment of the patients. Results: The coincidence rate among the 3 methods was 84.6%, coincidence rate between neural calculating method and the clinical outcome of the patients was 92.3%, which was significantly higher than that of Daugirdas method (76.9%) and of TACurea (80.8%). Conclusion: Neural calculating method has higher accuracy in assessing the adequacy of hemodialysis patients and is clinically practical.

Objective:To investigate the effect of the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) on residual renal function (RRF). Methods: The relationship between iPTH and calcium, phosphorum, product Ca?P, hypertension, triglycende, cholesterol,left ventricular mass index(LVMI) and RRF in 120 hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure. Results: The results showed that 95. 9% of the hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure had secondary parathyroldism. It was found that iPTH was positively correlated with SBP,DBP, product Ca?P, triglycende and LVMI, and negatively correlated with endogenous creatinine clearance rate and KT/V. RRF had positive correlation with KT/V and SBP,DBP, calcium, product Ca?P, triglyceride, cholesterol and LVMI. Conclusion: iPTH level is elevated in hemodialysis patients, which may lead to RRF loss.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Polygonatum sibiricum on Yin deficiency model rats induced by long-term overload swimming.

METHODExcept for the normal group, all of the remaining rats performed the long-term overload swimming for eight weeks, with five days every week and once every day, to establish the Yin deficiency model. The daily swimming time increased from 10 min to 180 min at the end of the 7th week, with the water depth of 60 cm and the water temperature at 30 degrees C. After the success of the modeling, the rats were orally administered with different doses of aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum (2.5, 10 g x kg(-1)) for eight weeks. After the final administration, their blood were collected from orbits to measure immunoglobulin A, G and M (IgA, IgG, IgM), interleukin 2 and 6 (IL-2, IL-6) and cAMP, cGMP contents in plasma General behavioral indicators (weight, facial temperature, pain threshold and holding power) of rats were observed during the drug administration.

RESULTCompared with the model control group, aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum was given for eight weeks to significantly increase the rat weight and holding power of Yin deficiency model rats, decrease the facial temperature and the sensitivity of pain threshold, and increase IgA, IgG, IgM and IL-6 content and IgG content in serum, but without statistical difference. Aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum (10 g x kg(-1)) could also increase IL-2 content in serum, and decrease cAMP content and cAMP/cGMP ratio.

CONCLUSIONP. sibiricum could improve the general behavioral indicators (weight, holding power, pain threshold and facial temperature), immunologic functions (IgA, IgG, IgM) and cyclic nucleotide (cAMP, cAMP/cGMP), so as to ameliorate such Yin deficiency symptoms as dysphoria in chestpalms-soles, weight loss, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, immunologic dysfunction and cyclic nucleotide system disorders.

Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polygonatum ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Swimming ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo study the endothelioid differentiation effect of Epimedin C on murine embryonic mesenchymal stem cells (C3H/10T1/2).

METHODSC3H/10T1/2 cells were cultivated in vitro. The cytotoxicity of Epimedin C at different concentrations was determined by MTT assay and crystal violet assay. Morphological changes were observed under microscope after treated with Epimendin C. The effect of Epimendin C on the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. mRNA expression levels of endothelial markers, such as CD31, CD34, vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (Vezf1), angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) were detected by semi-quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of platelet endothelial adhesive molecule 1 (CD31), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), and integrin β5 were determined by immunocytochemical (IHC) staining.

RESULTSEpimedin C could not affect the survival rate of C3H/10T1/2 cells at 1-30 μmol/L. Its cell cycle distribution was not significantly changed after treated by 30 μmol/L Epimedin C for 24 h. C3H/10T1/2 cells were differentiated to vascular endothelial cells by Epimedin C treatment, with significant morphological changes (whirlpool-like structure). PCR results indicated that mRNA levels of classic endothelial mark- ers, namely CD34, Vezf1, Ang1, and Ang2 were significantly increased in C3H/10T1/2 cells after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Protein expression levels of CD31, CD73, and ESM-1 were also positively expressed after treated with Epimedin C for 5 days, showing statistical difference when compared with those of the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEpimendin C could induce C3H/10T1/2 cells to differentiate into endothelioid cells.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; physiology ; Mice ; RNA, Messenger

In order to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of triptolide (TP) on 4T1 mice breast cancer cell line in vitro and in mouse model, as well as the possible mechanisms, we detected the effect of TP on cell proliferation by MTT assay or Crystal Violet Staining in our research. Flowcytometry combined with FITC-Annexin V/PI staining were used for detecting TP induced 4T1 cell apoptosis. The protein expression of ERalpha, p-ERalpha, ERbeta, p-ERbeta, ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38, SAPK/JNK, and p-SAPK/JNK was tested by western blotting. We also compare TP with chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in 4T1 tumor bearing BLAB/c mice model, the Xenogen bioluminescence imaging, H&E, and IHC result indicated that TP exhibits an anticancer proliferation activity. As a result, TP in 100, 10, 1, 0.1 micromol x L(-1), all inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 cells by MTT assay and Crystal Violet Staining. TP which concentrations is 10, 1, 0.1 micromol x L(-1) could induce the apoptosis of 4T1 cells and reduce the cell proliferation. TP in 200 microg x kg(-1) could inhibit the tumor growth in vivo. The anticancer proliferation of TP was involved in its effect on reducing expression of ERalpha, p-ERalpha, ERbeta, and p-ERbeta, but nothing to do with the activation of MAPK signaling pathway.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Diterpenes ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Epoxy Compounds ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Phenanthrenes ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Receptors, Estrogen ; metabolism ; Tumor Burden ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Qianyang Recipe (QYR) on the Gan-yang hyperactivity syndrome (GYHS), the blood pressure, and correlated vascular regulatory factors of hypertension rat.

METHODSThirty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the model group, and the QYR group, ten in each. Hypertension rat model of GYHS was prepared using Aconiti Praeparata Decoction plus ephedrine plus salt water. Rats in the QYR group orally took QYR physic liquor, while distilled water was given to rats in the normal control group and the model group. They were medicated for 28 successive days. The facial temperature, the grip strength, and the systolic pressure were determined once every 7 days. Rats' irritable degree and feather color were observed and recorded once every 14 days. After the last administration the plasma renin (PR), angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone (ALD), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (cGRP) were determined.

RESULTSCompared with the model group of the same phase, the facial temperature of rats in the QYR group significantly decreased on the 14th, 21th and 28th day after administration. The systolic pressure obviously decreased on the 21st day after administration. On the 28th day after administration symptoms such as irritability, dry hair were improved, and the Ang II level decreased. There was significant difference in all these changes (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSQYR could relieve GYHS rats' symptoms such as facial hotness, irritability, dry hair, and so on, and decrease the systolic pressure. Decreased Ang II level might be one of its mechanisms.

Aldosterone ; blood ; Angiotensin II ; blood ; Animals ; Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; blood ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hypertension ; blood ; diagnosis ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Renin ; blood

Objective To investigate the effects of mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathway on the development of insulin resistantce. Methods 20 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into normal diet group (NC) and high fat diet group (HF).HF mice were fed with high fat diet for 14 weeks and insulin resistance was confirmed in all mice. We observed the morphology of pancreatic islet by HE staining. Serum insulin concentration was also evaluated by ELISA. Northern blot, Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect mTOR and S6K1 mRNA and protein expression in skeletal muscle. Results As compared with NC group,HF group showed that the body weight and fasting serum insulin level were increased by 21.99%(P＜0.05) and 181.82%(P＜0.01) respectively;the area of pancreatic islet was significantly increased;glucose tolerance was impaired;expressions of mTOR mRNA (125.61±10.43 vs 100.00, P＜0.05) and protein (137.41±7.86 vs 100.00, P＜0.01) were significantly increased. And we also found an significant increase in total S6K1 mRNA (154.98±16.26 vs 100.00, P＜0.01) and protein (137.36±3.08 vs 100.00,P＜0.01) as well as pS6K1 protein (390.15±69.62 vs 50.59±16.65,P＜0.01)expression in HF group as compared with NC group.Conclusions mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of higt fat diet induced insulin resistance.

Objective:To test the expression of Minichromosome maintenance complex component 7(MCM7) protein in hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC) of different species including human, rat and tree shrew (tupaia) by cross-species oncogenomics approach, and to investigate the relationship between the expression of MCM7 and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical significance. Methods:Western blot and Immunohistochemistry were applied to detect the expression levels of MCM7 protein in HCC tissues,corresponding HCC-adjacent liver tissues and normal liver tissues collected from different species including human, rat and tree shrew, respectively. The clinicopathologic factors were also analyzed with the results of Immunohistochemistry. Results:Western blot analysis showed that the expression of MCM7 protein in HCC tissues of human and rat were higher than that in corresponding HCC-ad-jacent liver tissues and normal liver tissues, respectively and significantly (P<0.05). However, the expression of MCM7 protein in HCC tissues of tree shrew were also higher than that in corresponding HCC-adjacent liver tissues and normal liver tissues, but no significant difference was found among three types of tissues (P>0.05).There was also no significant difference between HCC-adjacent liver tis-sues and normal liver tissues in three species (P>0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that MCM7 protein was mainly ex-pressed in nucleus of HCC cells, and the positive rate of MCM7 protein in HCC tissues of human, rat and tree shrew were significantly higher than that in corresponding HCC-adjacent liver tissues and normal liver tissues, respectively (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between HCC-adjacent liver tissues and normal liver tissues (P>0.05). Moreover, the protein level of MCM7 was intimately related to patient's HCC stage, extrahepatic metastases and postoperative recurrence (P<0.05). Conclusion:MCM7 protein might play a pivotal role in hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, it was probably related to patient's HCC stage, extrahepatic metastases and postoperative recurrence. It seems very likely that MCM7 may be applied as a new molecular target in HCC prevention and treat-ment.