OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of baicalein on the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the TM4 Sertoli cells of the mouse testis and its related mechanism.

METHODSWe measured the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of baicalein on the TM4 Sertoli cells in the mouse testis by MTT, detected the fluorescence transfer of the TM4 Sertoli cells by parachute assay, and determined the expression of the protein connexin 43 ( Cx43) in the baicalein-treated cells by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTSBaicalein produced no obvious cytotoxicity on the TM4 Sertoli cells at the concentration below 60 µmol/L but significantly increased their GJIC at 0-20 µmol/L (P < 0.01). Western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that 0-20 µmol/L baicalein remarkably elevated the expression of Cx43 in the TM4 cells (P < 0.01) and on the membrane of the TM4 cells.

CONCLUSIONBaicalein at the concentration of 0-20 µmol/L can significantly enhance GJIC in mouse TM4 Sertoli cells by increasing the expression of the Cx43 protein.

Animals ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Flavanones ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; Male ; Mice ; Sertoli Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure

We have constructed an immunotoxin(Ng76-TCS),which was composed of a monoclonalantibody directed against human melanoma and trichosanthin(TCS)——a single chain ribosomeinactivating protein.The cultured human melanoma cells(M21)were inhibited effectively byNg 76-TCS.The cytotoxicity of Ng76-TCS to M21 cells was 2,000-fold higher than that of free TCS and Ng76 mixture.A conjugate,which was prepared with normal mice immunoglobulinand TCS(NIgG-TCS),was 160-fold less cytotoxic to M21 cells.Meanwhile Ng76-TCS was125-fold less cytotoxic to nontarget cells Hela.These results showed that the immunotoxinNg76-TCS was a potent and specific anti-human melanoma agent.

OBJECTIVETo enlarge the ratio of length to width of a prefabricated random skin flap in a short period, in order to meet a special clinical need.

METHODSA white rat and a white mini-pig was chosen for an animal model for the experiment. They were divided into the experimental group and the control. The prefabricated flap was formed as the planned design. In the experimental group, the flaps were treated with a desired pressure in certain intervals at the planned part of the flap. We estimated and inspected the digitized perfusion of flap microcirculation, and made overcong and wide random skin flap survive within 24 hours, and this technique was finally used for the clinical wound treatment.

RESULTSAs expected, the survival area of the flap in the experimental group was significantly larger than the control. This technique was successfully used to repair the defects of the special sites in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

CONCLUSIONThe method of quickly prefabricated random flap could enlarge the ratio of length to width of the flap and put the flap in shape in short time. With the digitized estimating and inspecting, this method could obviously improve the survival area of the random flap and could also be very useful for the clinical treatment.

Adult ; Animals ; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; metabolism ; pathology ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; supply & distribution ; Time Factors ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the expression changes of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-(alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and their correlation with obesity in 20 -50 years old population of phlegm-damp constitution (PDC) and of normal constitution (NC) using Luminex technique.

METHODSTotally 101 population were recruited from Health Examination Center of Puren Hospital from April to December 2011. Based on body mass index (BMI), the subjects were assigned to four groups, i.e., the obesity of PDC group (Group OBT, BMI > or = 24 kg/m2, 30 cases), the non-obesity of PDC group (Group NOBT, BMI < 24 kg/m2, 25 cases), the obesity of non-PDC group (Group OBNT, BMI > or = 24 kg/m2, 28 cases), the NC group (Group P, BMI < 24 kg/m2, 18 cases). The BMI and body fat percent (FAT%) were compared among the 4 groups. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, CRP, and MCP-1 were measured with Luminex technique.

RESULTSBMI was significantly higher in Group OBT and Group OBNT than in Group NOBT and Group P (all P < 0.05). The FAT% was significantly higher in Group OBT and Group OBNT than in Group P (P < 0.01). The serum TNF-alpha level in Group OBT was higher than in Group P (P < 0.01). The serum CRP and MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in Group OBT, NOBT, and OBNT than in Group P (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The score for PDC was positively correlated with TNF-alpha, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAbnormal higher levels of inflammatory factors exist in 20 -50 years old population of PDC. Chronic inflammation exists in population of PDC and obesity people.

Adult ; Body Mass Index ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Chemokine CCL2 ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Microchip Analytical Procedures ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; blood ; diagnosis ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood ; Young Adult

The natural isoflavones biosynthetic pathway is only limited in legumes plant. To study the isoflavone in bacteria by metabolic engineering requires transformation of multi-gene of the whole pathway into the host strain to resembling the expression and metabolism of the genes. The multi-gene transformation and expression strategy become necessary because of this. This article talks about the multi-gene transformation strategy using one or many vectors, taking the five genes of isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway to E. coli. The recombinant bacteria carry five genes with two vectors, the whole Isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway was constructed into E. coli. Fermented with L-tyrosine as substrate and IPTG as an inducer, the recombinant bacteria can produce a new isoflavone related metabolite showed on HPLC analysis profile.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Base Sequence ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; genetics ; Enzymes ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Engineering ; methods ; Isoflavones ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Oxygenases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Soybeans ; chemistry ; Transformation, Bacterial

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of primary gastric lymphoma (PGL).

METHODSThe clinical data of 204 patients with PGL was reviewed and analyzed. There were 106 males and 98 females, their age were 19 to 85 years (average age was 53.7 years). The Focal areas included gastric fundus lesions 41 cases (20.1%), stomach body lesions 127 cases (62.3%), distal gastric lesions 105 cases (51.5%), cardia lesions 13 cases (6.4%), duodenal bulb lesion 1 cases (0.5%). The clinical characteristics and the outcomes in patients with influence were analysed.

RESULTSIn 204 PGL patients, the most common complaints were abdominal pain (62.3%) and weight loss (52.9%). Most of the PGL patients appeared ulcerative (76.0%) and results showed that 62.7% patients involved single location. As to the factors of cellulate grading and pathological characteristics, most patients (87.7%) show low-grade or intermediate-grade lymphoma, Musshoff stages I and II (74.0%). In 186 patients with complete follow-up data, survival rates of 1-, 3- and 5-year were 75.8%, 63.4% and 60.2% respectively. The median overall survival time was 50.0 months. In univariate survival analysis, age (χ(2) = 5.030), level of LDH (χ(2) = 40.084), cellulate grading (χ(2) = 35.238), Musshoff stage (χ(2) = 71.601), tumor diameter (χ(2) = 12.018) and option of managements (χ(2) = 14.140) were obviously correlated with the prognosis (all P < 0.05). Musshoff stage (RR = 2.230, 95%CI: 1.372 - 3.625) and cellulate grading (RR = 1.892, 95%CI: 1.010 - 3.543) were independent prognostic factors in multivariable analysis (both P < 0.05). There was no prognostic difference between surgery and chemotherapy in stage I and II (χ(2) = 1.223, P = 0.542).

CONCLUSIONSMusshoff stage and grade malignancy are independent prognostic factors. For patients with stage I and II, surgical resection is not the first-choice for clinical therapy.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 protein expression of and cell apoptosis following focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODSA rat models of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion using modified filament method. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of P-JAK2 and P-STAT3 proteins, and TUNEL assay was employed to examine the cell apoptosis.

RESULTSP-JAK2 and P-STAT3 protein expression increased significantly after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. The immunoreactivity was prominent in the peripheral of the ischemic region and reached the peak level at 24 h of reperfusion, followed by slight decrement. The apoptotic cells increased obviously after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, also reaching the peak level at 24 h of reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 may be involved in the ischemic cellular events including apoptosis. JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a role in the pathophysiological process of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion cell injury and repair.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; physiopathology ; Janus Kinase 2 ; metabolism ; Male ; Phosphorylation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; genetics ; physiopathology ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal arteriovenous anastamoses between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. These fistulas may be classified by cause (spontaneous or traumatic), flow velocity (high or low), or pathogenesis (direct or indirect). The most commonly adopted classification is that described by Barrow based on arterial supply. Traumatic CCFs are almost always direct shunts between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the cavernous sinus. General features of CCFs, which may be apparent with any lesion, including bruit, headache, loss of vision, altered mental status and neurological deficits. Some fistulae may present primarily with hemorrhage before any evaluation can be performed. However, hemiparesis has been rarely observed. Only a literature review of Murata et al reported a case of hemiparesis caused by posttraumatic CCF, in which the fistula resulted in venous hypertension and subsequent brainstem congestion. While in our case, cerebral infarction was caused by total steal of the blood flow. The patient recovered after occlusion of the fistula with a detachable balloon.
Adult ; Balloon Occlusion ; methods ; Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Cerebral Angiography ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; complications ; diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Paresis ; complications ; diagnosis ; Recovery of Function ; Risk Assessment ; Severity of Illness Index ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating ; complications

Radix Astragali, a Chinese herbal medicine possessing important cardiovascular pharmacologic effects, is widely applied for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) in clinical practice. This paper summarizes briefly the researches in the last 10 years on its chemical compositions, effective ingredients for improving cardiac function, dose-effect relationship in treating CHF, and adverse reactions that occurred in clinical practice.
Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Heart Failure ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; trends ; Research ; trends

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) and aminophylline on small airway smooth muscle cell (SASMC) apoptosis and the Fas/FasL expression in the papain induced emphysema model rats.

METHODSEmphysema model in rat was established by a single intratracheal instillation of papain. Apoptosis and Fas/FasL expression of SASMC were examined by immunohistochemical SABC and TUNEL assay at 1, 3, 5, 7, 15 and 30 days after modelling, and the effect of SMI and aminophylline on them were observed.

RESULTSFas, FasL expressions in normal SASMC were very low with a positive rate of (2.31 +/- 0.05)% and (1.28 +/- 0.47)% respectively. After papain instillation, the positive rates increased along with the prolonging of instillation time. SMI showed an inhibition on SASMC Fas and FasL expression but aminophylline didn't show. SASMC apoptosis was very low in normal rats with a rate of (0.87 +/- 0.32)%, it also raised after papain instillation and increased progressively along with the instillation time. SMI treatment could lower the apoptosis rate but aminophylline couldn't.

CONCLUSIONFas and FasL participated the SASMC apoptosis modulation in emphysema formation. SMI shows a definite treatment effect on emphysema by influencing the Fas and FasL protein expression and reducing SASMC apoptosis through inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediator.

Aminophylline ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Bronchi ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cells, Cultured ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Emphysema ; metabolism ; pathology ; Fas Ligand Protein ; Female ; Male ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth ; cytology ; metabolism ; Neuropeptides ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Papain ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; fas Receptor