This study was aimed to investigate the effect of modifiedYin-Chen-Hao (YCH) decoction on the expression of aquaporin-8 (AQP8) mRNA and protein in rats with estrogen-induced cholestasis, in order to explore the potential mechanism of YCH decoction in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy. A total of 50 SD female rats, which were weighed between 180 g to 200 g, were randomly divided into the normal group (N,n = 10) and the model group (M’,n = 40). The animal model of intrahepatic cholestasis was induced by subcutaneous injection of 17-α-ethinylestradiol (5 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 5 days of rats in M’ group. The same volume of propylene glycol was subcutaneously injected to rats in N group. Five days later, rats in M’ group were divided into the model group (M,n = 10), high-dose (Zg,n = 10), middle-dose (Zz,n = 10) and low-dose (Zd,n = 10) modified YCH decoction group. The intragastric administration of normal saline, high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose modified YCH decoction were given to each group for 7 days, respectively. Then, rats were sacrificed and the liver tissues were removed and stored in liquid nitrogen. The expression of AQP8 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting analysis. The results showed that compared with the normal group (N), the expression of AQP8 mRNA and protein in liver tissues of rats in the model group (M) were decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group (M), the high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose modified YCH decoction can increase the expression of AQP8 mRNA and protein in liver tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, along with the dose increasing of modified YCH decoction, the upregulation of AQP8 mRNA and protein was increased. It was concluded that the molecular mechanism of modified YCH decoction in treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy may be through the increasing of AQP8 mRNA and protein in liver tissues.

Objective To evaluate the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) singling pathway in reduction of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury by zinc sulfate preconditioning in rats.Methods SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 250-280 g,aged 16-20 weeks,were used in this study.After the animals were anesthetized,their hearts were immediately removed and retrogradely perfused with an oxygenated K-H solution at 37 ℃ in a Langendorff apparatus.Forty isolated rat hearts were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10 each):control group (group C),I/R group,zinc sulfate preconditioning group (group Zn) and zinc sulfate preconditioning plus Nrf2/ARE singling pathway blocker luteolin group (group Zn+Lut).After 20 min of equilibration,the hearts were continuously perfused for 100 min in group C,the hearts were perfused with 4 ℃ St.Thomas′ cardioplegic solution before ischemia and then subjected to 40 min global ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion to establish the model of I/R in group I/R,200 μmol/L zinc sulfate 1.5 ml/kg was injected intraperitoneally,and 24 h later the model of I/R was established in group Zn,and in group Zn+Lut,the hearts were perfused for 3 min with K-H solution containing luteolin 50 μmol/L starting from the time point immediately before ischemia,and the other treatments were similar to those previously described in group Zn.Heart rate (HR),left ventricular end diabetic pressure (LVEDP),left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and the maximum rate of increase of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax) were recorded at the end of equilibration and reperfusion.Coronary effluent was collected at the end of reperfusion to measure the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA).The expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1),quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1),superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and Nrf2 in myocardial tissues was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,HR,+dp/dtmax and LVDP were significantly decreased,LVEDP was increased,and the levels of LDH and MDA in coronary effluent were increased at the end of reperfusion in I/R and Zn+Lut groups,and the expression of NQO1,HO-1,Nrf2 and SOD1 was up-regulated in I/R,Zn and Zn+Lut groups (P<0.05).Compared with group I/R,the HR,+dp/dtmax and LVDP were significantly increased,LVEDP was decreased,and the levels of LDH and MDA in coronary effluent were decreased at the end of reperfusion,and the expression of NQO1,HO-1,Nrf2 and SOD1 was up-regulated in group Zn (P<0.05).Compared with group Zn,HR,+dp/dtmax and LVDP were significantly decreased,LVEDP was increased,and the levels of LDH and MDA in coronary effluent were increased at the end of reperfusion,and the expression of NQO1,HO-1 and SOD1 was down-regulated(P<0.05),and no significant change was found in Nrf2 expression in group Zn+Lut (P>0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which zinc sulfate preconditioning reduces myocardial I/R injury is related to activation of Nrf2/ARE singling pathway in rats.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Zhimu and Huangqi on increasing heart rate and cardiac hypertrophy, and its bradycardia effect, to evaluate the exercise capacity and response to stimulation and to discuss the use of Zhimu in treating heart failure.

METHOD1. Rats were treated with isoproterenol 1.25 micrograms.kg-1 i.p., and then the increasing of heart rate and the bradycardia effect were measured after administrated with Zhimu or Huangqi for 3 days. 2. Mice cardiac hypertrophy model was established by s.c. ISO 1 mg.kg-1, 2 times per day for 14 days and heart-weight-index was measured after Zhimu and Huangqi was given orally alone or jointly for 14 days. 3. Abdominal aorta banding operation was done in mice and 3 weeks after operation, they were administrated for 2 weeks, and then run-time(exercise capacity), quiet heart rate, ISO response heart rate after i.p. isoproterenol and heart-weight-index were measured. 4. Cardiac hypertrophy model (inject ISO 14 days) mice were administrated for 12 days, and the mortality and dying time of mice in cold (-20 degrees C) and heat(45 degrees C) stimulative condition were observed.

RESULTZhimu could cut down the increasing of heart rate induced by ISO, decrease significantly heart-weight-index in cardiac hypertrophy mice, reduce the quiet heart rate and prolong the run time in abdominal banding model. Zhimu combined with Huangqi could also improve the ISO response in abdominal banding model mice, reduce the mortality and delay dying time of mice in stimulative condition.

CONCLUSIONZhimu combined with Huangqi can slow down heart rate, enhance the reserve force of the heart, and improve the response capacity of cardiac hypertrophy mice in stimulative condition.

Anemarrhena ; chemistry ; Animals ; Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; Cardiomegaly ; physiopathology ; Cardiotonic Agents ; pharmacology ; Cold Temperature ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Female ; Heart Rate ; drug effects ; Hot Temperature ; Isoproterenol ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Male ; Mice ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Physical Stimulation ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Zhimu and Huangqi used singly or combinatively on improving experimental cardiac dysfunction, and mainly to observe zhimu's effect on restraining sympathetic nerve and blocking beta-adrenergic-recepter and huangqi's effect of improving hemodynamics on heart failure.

METHODTwo-clib one kidney operation was done to make renal hypertension rat model, 8 weeks after operation, rats were divided into groups and medicated for 6 weeks, and then their heart rate and blood pressure were measured, left ventricle was cannulated to estimate heart function, and heart-weight-index and left-ventricle-weight-index were measured.

RESULTZhimu could slow rats heart rate obviously, prevent cardiac remodeling, but did not affect cardiac function remarkably; Huangqi could reduce blood pressure, heighten +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax remarkably; the combined use of the two drugs could decrease plasma catecholamine concentration, adjust myocardium cAMP content, and improve heart function obviously.

CONCLUSIONZhimu and Huangqi can protect experimental cardiac dysfunction, and the combined use is better than the single use, which shows it better to use the two drugs combinatively in treating heart dysfunction.

Anemarrhena ; chemistry ; Animals ; Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Cardiotonic Agents ; pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Heart Failure ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Heart Rate ; drug effects ; Hypertension, Renovascular ; complications ; physiopathology ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective: To understand characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) who applied for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" column of a WeChat official account named "Dark Blue Public Health Center" in Tianjin City, so as to provide insights into exploring online modes of HIV antibody self-testing for MSM. Methods: Data of MSM who were 18 years old or above, currently lived in Tianjin City, had sex with men in the past six months and applied for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" column from May 2018 to December 2022 were collected. Demographic characteristics, results return and positive findings were descriptively analyzed. Results: Data of 2 064 MSM were collected, including 1 052 MSM aged 20 to 29 years (50.97%), 1 522 unmarried MSM (73.74%), 545 workers (26.41%), 1 385 MSM with college education or above (67.10%), and 315 MSM without testing for HIV antibody in the past (15.26%). A total of 6 470 self-testing reagents were applied, and 5 942 testing results were returned, with a return rate of 91.84%. There were 33.28% (687/2 064) of the applicants applying for 66.32% (4 291/6 470) reagents multiple times. There were 73 MSM with positive results, accounting for 1.23%. Conclusions The MSM applying for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" are mainly young and highly educated, including some who have never tested for HIV. However, attention should be paid to duplicate applications and the return rate should be increased.

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic metastasis from gastrointestinal stromal turnor(GIST).Methods The clinical data of 16 patients with GIST who had been admitted to our hospitalfrom December 1993 to May 2007 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Of all patients,14 underwent radical resection and 2 underwent palliative operation.Two patients with palliative operation and 3 with radical resection were administered with imatinib postoperatively. All patients were followed up for 3-161 months,and GIST metastasis and invasion was observed in 8 of the 14 patients who received radical resection.Of the 7 patients with hepatic metastasis.3 were treated with hepatic artery chemoembolization,1 was administered with imatinib,2 received reoperation and 1 did not receive any treatment. Reoperation was carried out on 1 patient who had abdominal wall metastasis.The 1-and 3-year survival rates of the 16 patients were 92%and 74%,respectively.Conclusions The recurrence rate of GIST after hepatectomy is high.Complete surgical resection is the best curative treatment for hepatic metastasis from GIST and GIST recurrence.The combination of surgical resection and imatinib administration may help to improve the prognosis of patients with hepatic metastasis from GIST.

Objective To investigate the reproducibility and consistency in contouring parotid gland volume based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiotherapy.Methods Twenty-seven patients with nasopharyngeal cancer in Shandong Cancer Hospital from December 2012 to May 2013 were randomly enrolled and underwent intensified CT and MR imaging before radiotherapy.The parotid gland were contoured with unified standard on both CT and T1-MR images by 11 radiotherapists.Specifically,one radiotherapist sketched the parotid gland on CT and MR images for ten times as intra-group comparison,the other ten were asked to sketch the parotid gland on CT and MR images only once as inter-group comparison.The intra-and inter-group's variations of parotid gland volumes were analysed.Results The average volumes of intra-group on CT and MR images were (33.8 ±9.4) cm3(L),(33.2±7.6) cm3(R) and (24.4 ±7.6) cm3(L),(22.5 ±7.4) cm3(R).As well,for inter-group the average volumes were (34.6 ± 12.1) cm3 (L),(34.3 ± 9.0) cm3 (R) and (24.6 ± 7.6) cm3 (L),(23.2 ± 8.1) cm3(R),respectively.The volume variable ratios on CT images were (6.8 ± 1.5)％ (L),(6.3 ± 1.5) ％ (R) for intra-group and (18.0 ± 4.8) ％ (L),(17.4 ± 4.6) ％ (R) for inter-group.Similarly,the intra-and inter-group ratios for contouring on MR images reached (2.3 ±0.4)％ (L),(2.1 ±0.7)％ (R) and (4.7 ±0.7)％ (L),(5.0±0.6)％ (R),respectively.Conclusion Parotid gland contouring based on MR images has a better reproducibility and consistency than that based on CT images.It is beneficial to get a more objective and true indicator to estimate the radiation injury of parotid gland.

Objective To analyze and evaluate the effects of the tissue engineering bladder reconstruction on the upper urinary tract structure and function.Methods The 8 male beagles were randomly divided into the two groups:sham-operation group (group A,n=4)and the collagen scaffold repair group (group B,n=4).The bladder defect animal model was established in the group B by using the collagen scaffold materials to repair the bladder.The renal function related biochemical indicators were detec-ted and the renal Doppler ultrasonic examination was performed in each group before repair and in 23 weeks after repair.The speci-mens from the two groups were performed the gross morphology observation and the histology examination on postoperative 24 weeks.Results The renal Doppler ultrasound examination showed the normal kidney morphology and normal blood flow signal.In the general observation,no calculi and neoplasm were found in the kidney and ureter of the experimental dogs.The renal function related biochemical indicators had no statistically significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05).The histological exami-nation indicated that the organization structure was integrity,the nephrons in each group had no obvious pathological changes.Con-clusion Using the collagen scaffold materials to reconstruct the canine bladder has no adverse influence on the upper urinary tract structure and function,this tissue engineering approach has good feasibility.

Forensic Medicine ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases

DNA microarrays have been acknowledged to represent a promising approach for the detection of viral pathogens. However, the probes designed for current arrays could cover only part of the given viral variants, that could result in false-negative or ambiguous data. If all the variants are to be covered, the requirement for more probes would render much higher spot density and thus higher cost of the arrays. Here we have developed a new strategy for oligonucleotide probe design. Using type I human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) tat gene as an example, we designed the array probes and validated the optimized parameters in silico. Results show that the oligo number is significantly reduced comparing with the existing methods, while specificity and hybridization efficiency remain intact. The adoption of this method in reducing the oligo numbers could increase the detection capacity for DNA microarrays, and would significantly lower the manufacturing cost for making array chips.