Na +/H + exchangers(NHE) are vital transmembrane proteins involved in multiple cellular functions including the regulation of intracellular pH, the control of cell volume and the onset of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of cells, hence associated with liver fibrosis due to mediating hepatic stellate cell(HSC) activation and collagen synthesis effects induced by cytokines and oxidative stress. NHE is expected to be a new important target for antihepatofibrosis.

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of curcumin on carbon tetrachloridlde (CCl 4) intoxicated primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Methods:The rat hepatocytes were separated by perfusion with collagenase solution. Curcumin was added to the culture medium after incubating the rat hepatocyte for 36 hours. At the same time, CCl 4 was added to induce hepatocyte injury for 1 h. The levels of ALT, LDH, NO, SOD, MDA and cell viability after cultivation for 3 h were determined, respectively. Results:Curcumin significantly improved cell viability, inhibited the decrease of SOD activity and increase of the ALT, LDH, MDA, NO levels. Conclusion: Curcumin protected effectively the primary cultured rat hepatocytes against injury induced by CCl 4.

Objective To review the three-dimensional characteristics and configuration of cranial base arteries of patients with intracranial berry aneurysms. Methods All the 70 patients with intracranial berry aneurysms (83 cases)were admitted from January to December in 2007. Their images of spiral computer angiography (CT) were presented and analyzed retrospectively. The site, size and figures of aneurysms were recorded, especially the variations of cranial base arteries were analyzed. Results Cerebral anterior communicating artery (ACoA) was the frequent site where aneurysms located. Incidence of ACoA aneurysms was 43.37%(36/83), that of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) was 28.92%(24/83), that of internal carotid artery was 9.64% (8/83), that of middle cerebral artery was 6.02% (5/83), that of A1-A3 was 3.61% (3/83), that of basilar artery was 3.61% (3/83), that of posterior cerebral artery was 2.41% (2/83), that of posterior inferior cerebellar artery was 1.20% (1/83),that of anterior choroidal artery was 1.20% (1/83).The shape of many berry aneurysms was regular. Mutational rate of cranial base arteries among aneurysms were 56.63% (47/83) and ACoA ancurysms with A1 dysplasia rate was 72.22% (26/36). Conclusions The solid shape and vascular variation of intracranial berry aneuryams can be optimally identified by spiral computer angiography. The occurrence of berry aneurysms might be associated with variation of cranial base arteries.

Objective To explore the anatomic positional relationship of bronchial artery(BA)with esophagus and main bronchus on 320-detector CTA.Methods Original and post-processed images of 142 patients were observed.Type,origin,opening direction of BA as well as its concomitant relationship with esophagus were recorded.The positional relationship of BA with main bronchus was also recorded by fusing the images of BA and bronchial tree together.Results In 122 patients,273 BA were identified (146 on the right and 127 on the left).Right BA mainly ran simultaneously along the right and posterior edge of the esophagus (49.3%),while left BA mainly ran far gradually on the left side of the esophagus (82.7%).The left and right BA mainly ran along the middle thoracic esophagus, accounting for 58.3% and 42.5% respectively.45.2% of the right BA ran across the posterior edge of the right main bronchus and 60.6% of left BA ran simultaneously on the posterior and up edge of the esophagus.The most dividing direction of BA from the tho-racic aorta was 9 to 12 o’clock with a frequency of 74.2%.Conclusion The concomitant relationship with esophagus of the BA and the positional relationship with main bronchus of the BA could clearly be demonstrated on 320-detector CTA,thus providing availa-ble information and help for pulmonary and mediastinal sugery.