Objective To investigate the relationship between the exon 4 gene polymorphism of TIM-1 and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Han population from Hubei province.Methods Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the ins/del polymorphism of the exon 4 of TIM-1 from RA population and the normal con- trols.Rheumatoid factor (RF),anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody and anti-keratin antibody (AKA) were also detected.Results Two alleles,a wild type del and a variant allele ins were identified in the TIM-1 exon 4.The genotype frequencies of del/del,ins/del and ins/ins were 0.650,0.280 and 0.070 respec- tively in the normal controls and 0.616,0.302,0.082 respectively in RA population.There was a significant correlation between the positive ratio of AKA and the genotypes of the exon 4.Conclusion The polymorphism of the exon 4 of TIM-1 is not associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Han population from Hubei Province of China.The genotypes of the exon 4 may have an effect on the expression of AKA.

Objective To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms of surfactant protein C(SP-C)gene and respiratory distress syndrome(RDS)in the Han nationality newborns in Inner Mongolia and whether there is a mutation occurs on SP-C gene exon 4 and 5.Methods One hundred newborns with RDS(case group)and 100 newborns without RDS(control group)were selected.PCR gene analysis was used to establish the genotype and allele frequencies of exon 4 (T138N)and 5 (S186N)on SP-C.Results In the Han nationality newborns of Inner Mongolia region,there was no mutation on SP-C gene exon 4 and 5.Exon 4(T138N)on SP-C could be checked out three genotypes:namely AA,AC and CC.The genetic polymorphisms of exon 4 on SP-C were not statistically different between the case group and the control group(χ2 ﹦0.744,P ﹦0.689).Besides,exon 5(S186N)on SP-C could also be checked out three genotypes:namely AA,AG and GG.The genetic polymorphisms of exon 5 on SP-C were also not statistically different between the case group and the control group(χ2 ﹦0.770,P ﹦0.681 ).Conclusion There is no mutation on SP-C gene exon 4 and 5.The genetic polymorphism of exon 4 and 5 on SP-C displays no signifi-cant correlation with RDS of the Han nationality newborns in Inner Mongolia.

Wide- angle viewing system as an important auxiliary device can clearly observe the whole fundus field of vision in vitreous surgery, which enable vitreoretinal surgery more efficient, safer and more effective. So it has very high application value in ophthalmologic operation. In this paper, we studied the development and application of wide - angle viewing system in vitreoretinal surgery in recent years, from which we summed up the advantage of non - contact wide - angle viewing system in clinical field, and pointed out the shortcomings. The ultimate goal is to make the non -contact wide - angle viewing system better applied in vitreous surgery.

ObjectiveTo investigate the rule of changes of the soleus mass and expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms mRNA.Methods40 female Wistar rats were divided randomly into the control group and three spinal cord transection (ST) groups, ST7, ST15, and ST30 with 10 animals in each group. Rats in ST groups were subjected to a complete ST between T8 and T10 levels. The right soleus was dissected and weighed at 7, 15, 30 days after ST, and the expression of MHC mRNA isoforms was measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsThe Absolute and relative soleus masses in three ST groups were lower significantly than those of control group (P<0.05). The soleus mass in ST15 and ST30 groups were lower than that of ST7 group (P<0.05). The soleus of control group predominantly expressed MHC-I and some MHC-IIa, whereas the soleus began to express MHC-IIx and MHC-IIb after ST, except for MHC-I and MHC-IIa. ST induced consistently down-regulation of MHC-I mRNA and up-regulation of MHC-IIx and MHC-IIa at three time points after ST. The level of MHC-IIb mRNA expression was very low at three time points after ST.ConclusionST can influence the soleus mass at early stage after ST. ST induces a shift toward a faster muscle phenotype from slow to fast MHC isoform. MHC demonstrates plasticity in response to decrease neuromuscular activation.

Background and purpose:Ara-C is one of the most effective and common agents in the treatment of acute nonlyphocytic leukemia. Telomerase is a unique complex of ribonucleoprotein. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of cancer. In this study, we investigate the changes of mRNA expression of telomerase subunits in HL-60 cells induced by Ara-c and try to come up with a theory that could help to assess the efficacy of Ara-C. Methods:The combinations of various Ara-C concentration and the incubation time were used to treat HL-60. The ratios of apoptotic cell to necrosis cell were determined by flow cytometry and the expressions of telomerase subunits mRNA were evaluated by RT-PCR.Results:① There was no influence on transcription of telomerase subunits gene after HL-60 cells was cultured with 0~0.2ug/ml Ara-C for 12 hours;② 2ug/ml and 10ug/ml of Ara-C could down regulate the expression of hTERT from 0.80+0.07 to 0.50+0.04 and 0.39+0.03, not hTR and hTP1;③ with longer incubation with 10ug/ml of Ara-C, the percentage of apoptosis could be increased. The maximal induction of apoptosis (18.16+4.25%) could be reached at 12hrs treatment of Ara-C, then gradually decreased later on. The rate of necrosis increased with time, the maximal percentage(57.94+12.03%) of necrosis was observed at 48hrs of incubation time with drug. The mRNA level of hTERT gene also decreased along with the cultured time , the lowest value (0.18+0.03) has been documented at 48hrs time point, but not hTR、TP1.Conclusions:① Ara-C could down-regulate the expression of hTERT mRNA in a dose-and time-dependent manner, but not hTR、hTP1;② There might be no relationship between the percentage of apoptosis induced by Ara-C apoptosis and the expression of telomerase hTERT gene mRNA, but a close relationship between necrosis and the expression of hTERT mRNA has been found.

This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of lidamycin (LDM) and rituximab on human B cell lymphoma Ramos cells. Cell proliferation was measured using MTS assay, cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, the expression of apoptosis related proteins was analyzed by Western blotting, and the in vivo lymphoma inhibition was verified using BALB/c mice inoculated via tail vein using Ramos cells which stably expressed pEGFP-N1 plasmid. The results showed that, after the pretreatment with rituximab for 48 h, rituximab and LDM showed significantly synergistic effects on cell proliferation. Cells in combined treatment group had a higher apoptosis rate than that in LDM treatment group. Compared with the LDM treatment group, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Cleaved caspase-3, Cleaved caspase-7, Cleaved caspase-9 and Cleaved PARP in combined treatment groups increased, and expression of cIAP-2 and Bcl-2 decreased. The result of in vivo experiment showed that, in the combined treatment group, the survival time of BALB/c mice was significantly longer than the mice in control group and LDM treatment group, and the degree of tumor accumulation and metastasis to lymph nodes and spleen was lower.
Aminoglycosides ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Caspase 7 ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Enediynes ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; metabolism ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rituximab ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo observe features of Icariin in promoting osteogenic differentiation of SD rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro.

METHODS(1) SD rats' BMSCs were isolated and purified by mechanically isolated and cultured by whole bone marrow adherent method. Effects of various concentrations Icariin on serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were detected using amino antipyrine phenol determination method at day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21. Calcium nodes of each groups were detected using alizarin red staining. Roles of various concentrations Icariin in promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs were observed. (2) BMSCs were divided into the blank control group, the osteogenic induced group, and the Icariin group (0.5 microg/mL). ALP activities were detected at day 7, 14, and 21 of culture. Meanwhile, ALP positive staining rate and calcium nodes were detected at day 14 and 21 respectively. Additionally, mRNA expressions of Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) and Osteocalcin were detected at day 7, 14, and 21 by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.

RESULTS(1) 0.05-5.0 microg/mL Icariin could significantly elevate serum ALP activities. Of them, 0.2-2.0 microg/mL Icariin significantly increased calcium nodes numbers (P < 0.01). (2) When Icariin promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, Runx2 mRNA expression levels and ALP activities increased earlier and then decreased, while osteocalcin mRNA expression levels continued to increase (P < 0.01). Compared with the osteogenic induced group, ALP activities and ALP positive staining rate were both elevated after 14 days of Icariin treatment in the Icariin group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSIcariin could promote the differentiation of BMSCs to osteoblasts by up-regulating Runx2 mRNA expression levels. It also could promote the mineralization by increasing ALP secretion and Osteocalcin mRNA expression levels, thereby promoting mature of newly generated osteoblasts.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; physiology ; Osteoblasts ; Osteocalcin ; Osteogenesis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

In this paper, an analysis was made on the varieties and standards of labiatae medicinal plants used in Tibetan medicine. The results showed 71 species of labiatae plants in 21 genera (including varieties) recorded in relevant literatures, involving 44 varieties of medicinal materials. Specifically, seven species (9.9%) were intersected with traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), 19 varieties (43%) were recorded in Chinese medicinal material standards at all levels, and 27 species (38%) were source plants. In Tibetan medicine standards and literatures, there are great differences between Tibetan names and translated Chinese names and among varieties of source plants. Apart from a few of varieties intersected with traditional Chinese medicines had complete standards and regulations in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, most of species only had characters, microscopic, physical and chemical identifications in Standards Issued by Ministry of Health-Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medicine Standard and local standards. Therefore, the Tibetan medicinal material variety-source specification and quality standard system shall be promoted on the basis of literatures research, investigations for resources and current applications and modern pharmaceutical studies.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Lamiaceae ; chemistry ; classification ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; standards ; Phytotherapy ; standards ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; classification

Objective To evaluate the effects of mild hypothermia therapy on cerebral function and edema as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ) during the first 72 hours after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)in a porcine model.Methods Ventricular fibrillation was induced in 33 Inbred Wuzhishan miniature swine.After ventricular fibrillation untreated for 8 min,standard CPR was initiated and 30 animals got ROSC.The ROSC animals were randomly (random number)assigned to normothermia group (n=15 ) and hypothermia group (n =15 ).The hypothermia group immediately received endovascular cooling to regulate temperature to 33 ℃,which was maintained for 12 h,followed by passive rewarming at 0.5 ℃/h to 37 ℃.The two groups were scanned to get Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)at baseline (before experiment),6 h,12 h,24 h,and 72 h after ROSC.The statistical analysis was carried out with Student t test,One-way repeated-measures and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Results Compared with the normothermia group,the hypothermia group exhibited a higher 72-h survival rate (73.3% vs.40%,P<0.05),lower neurological deficit scores (43.81 vs.119.50;P<0.01),a lesser decrease in the apparent diffusion coefficient during DWI and milder cerebral edema on DWI image. Conclusions Cerebral edema occurred at early stage after ROSC.Cerebral edema was worst at 6 hours after ROSC and then subsided gradually.Hypothermia therapy could reduce cerebral edema and produce a protective effect on neurological function.MRI could effectively reflect the underlying trend of cerebral injury of swine within the first 72 h after ROSC,and demonstrated that hypothermia could reduce brain edema, increase cerebral blood flow,and reduce the production of toxic metabolites.DWI could monitor brain injury after resuscitation and could be used to evaluate the efficacy of hypothermia intervention dynamically.

To investigate the protective effect of retinoic acid (RA) on hyperoxic lung injury and the role of RA as a modulator on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), gastation 21 d Sprague-Dawley (SD) fetuses (term = 22 d) were delivered by hysterotomy. Within 12-24 h of birth, premature rat pups were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12 each): air-exposed control group (group I); hyperoxia-exposed group (group II), air-exposed plus RA group (group III), hyperoxia-exposed plus RA group (group IV). Group I, III were kept in room air, and group II, IV were placed in 85 % oxygen. The pups in groups III and IV were intraperitoneally injected with RA (500 microg/kg every day). All lung tissues of premature rat pups were collected at the 4th day after birth. Terminal transferase d-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used for the detection of cell apoptosis. The expression of PCNA was immunohistochemically detected. Western blot analysis was employed for the determination of phosphorylated and total nonphosphorylated ERKs, JNKs or p38. Our results showed that lungs from the pups exposed to hyperoxia for 4 d exhibited TUNEL-positive nuclei increased markedly throughout the parenchyma (P<0.01), and decreased significantly after RA treatment (P<0.01). The index of PCNA-positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and was significantly increased by RA treatment (P<0.01). The air-space size was significantly enlarged, secondary crests were markedly decreased in hyperoxia-exposed animals. RA treatment improved lung air spaces and secondary crests in air-exposed pups, but had no effect on hyperoxia-exposure pups. Western blotting showed that the amounts of JNK, p38 and ERK proteins in hyperoxia-exposure or RA-treated lung tissues were same as those in untreated lung tissues (P>0.05), whereas activation of these MAPKs was markedly altered by hyperoxia and RA. After hyperoxia exposure, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 were dramatically increased (P<0.01), whereas p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 were markedly declined and p-ERK1/2 was further elevated by RA treatment (P<0.01). It is concluded that RA could decrease cell apoptosis and stimulate cell proliferation under hyperoxic condition. The protection of RA on hyperoxia-induced lung injury was related to the regulation of MAP kinase activation.