OBJECTIVETo observe Smads protein expression in lung tissue of quartz exposed mice and to explore its association with pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis.

METHODSThe experimental mice were divided into control and quartz groups. 0.2 g/kg weight of quartz was injected intratracheally in quartz group. Samples were collected at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th and 28th day after injection. Immunohistochemical methods with quantitative image analysis were used to assay the protein expression of transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), Smad 2/3, Smad 4, and Smad 7 protein levels. Protein expression level is presented by positive unit (PU).

RESULTSSmad 2/3 protein expression increased from day 3, reaching its peak level in day 14 [(42.2 +/- 2.4) PU], and decreased gradually. The elevation of Smad 4 protein level began from day 5, and the highest degree came into day 14 [(40.0 +/- 1.8) PU], decreased thereafter. The expression of Smad 7 presented a decreasing tendency at the beginning and reaching the lowest level in day 14 [(33.5 +/- 3.3) PU]. It seemed to elevate in day 28, but was still lower than the controls. There were positive correlation between Smad 2/3, Smad 4 and TGF-beta(1) (r = 0.91, r = 0.71, respectively, P < 0.05) and also between Smad 2/3 and hydroxyproline contents of lung tissue (r = 0.85, P < 0.05) except Smad 7.

CONCLUSIONSmad protein may have certain association with pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis.

Animals ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; immunology ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Quartz ; toxicity ; Smad2 Protein ; Smad3 Protein ; Smad4 Protein ; Smad7 Protein ; Trans-Activators ; immunology ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Changji'an Capsule (CA) on mRNA expressions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the hypothalamus and colon and serum levels of adreno-cortico-tropic hormone (ACTH) in rats of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) model rats.

METHODSTotally 48 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the Pinaverium Bromide group (PB, 0.018 g/kg), the high dose CA group (2.812 g/kg), the medium dose CA group (1.406 g/kg), and the low dose CA group (0.703 g/kg), 8 in each group. The IBS-D rat model was established by using separation of breast milk + stimulation of acetic acid + constraint of four limbs. Normal saline was given to rats in the normal control group and the model group. All medication lasted for 14 successive days by gastrogavage. The serum content of ACTH was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of NPY mRNA in the colon and the hypothalamus were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the serum ACTH content significantly increased (P < 0.01), the NPY mRNA expression in the colon and the hypothalamus obviously decreased (P < 0.01) in the model control group. Compared with the model group, the serum ACTH obviously decreased in the high dose CA group, the medium dose CA group, and the PB group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The NPY mRNA expression in the colon and the hypothalamus were obviously up-regulated in the high dose CA group, the medium dose CA group, the low dose CA group, and the PB group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCA could modulate the abnormity of brain-gut axis of IBS-D rats possibly by up-regulating NPY mRNA expressions in the hypothalamus and the colon and down-regulating the ACTH content in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; blood ; Animals ; Colon ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hypothalamus ; metabolism ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; metabolism ; Male ; Neuropeptide Y ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in lung tissues of silica-treated mice.

METHODSThe experimental mice were divided into control and silica group. 0.2 g/kg body weight of silica was injected intratracheally in silica group. Samples of lung tissue were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 d after injection. RT-PCR method was used to analyze the gene expression of TGF-beta(1) in lung tissue of silica-treated mice.

RESULTSThe expression of TGF-beta(1) gene in lung tissue elevated from the 3rd day (1.20 +/- 0.15) and the peak value was on the 7th day (1.74 +/- 0.19). Then the expression decreased from the 14th to 28th day. But there was still higher than control until the 28th day.

CONCLUSIONTGF-beta(1) may play an important role in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Animals ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; etiology ; pathology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Time Factors ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protein expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in lung tissues of silica-treated mice.

METHODSThe experimental mice were divided into control and silica groups. 0.2 g/kg body weight of silica was injected intratracheally in mice of silica group. Samples of lung tissue were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 d after injection. The immunohistochemical method was used to analyze the protein expression of TGF-beta(1).

RESULTSIn control mice, the expression of TGF-beta(1) in lung tissue was slightly positive while it was markedly increased in silica-treated mice. The expression was significantly elevated from the 7th day to 14th day. The expression in alveolar macrophages reached the peak on the 5th day [(93.4% +/- 2.8%) vs (42.2% +/- 12.0%), P < 0.01].

CONCLUSIONTGF-beta(1) may play an important role in early development of silicosis.

Animals ; Immunohistochemistry ; methods ; Lung ; chemistry ; drug effects ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; etiology ; pathology ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Silicosis ; etiology ; pathology ; Time Factors ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo research the effects of Qingyang Toujie Mixture (QTM) in combination with prednisone tablet on the balance of Th1 and Th2 (Th1/Th2) of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients of yin deficiency syndrome (YDS).

METHODSTotally 42 patients with SLE were recruited from clinics of internal medicine and hospitalization department of First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2009 to March 2011. They were randomly assigned to the treatment group (22 cases) and the control group (20 cases) according to the random digit table. Another 12 healthy subjects were recruited as the healthy control group from employees of First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and healthy students in physical examinations. All patients took prednisone tablet. The dosage was adjusted according to the severity of SLE activity index and the condition: 40 -60 mg per day for severe active stage; 20-40 mg per day for moderate active stage; 15 -20 mg per day for light active stage; and less than 15 mg per day for those in the stable stage, respectively. When patients' condition had been stabilized for 1 to 2 weeks, the dosage was gradually reduced according to the method of hormone reduction. In case of the recurrence of symptoms or when complicated with lupus nephritis or lupus encephalitis uncontrollable, standard shock therapy with Cyclophosphamide Injection (0.5-1 g/m2 body surface area, intravenous dripping, once every 4 weeks) was performed. Patients in the treatment group took QTM additionally, one dose daily, taken in two portions, once in the morning and once in the evening. Those in the control group took placebos additionally, one dose daily, taken in two portions, once in the morning and once in the evening. The therapeutic course was 6 months for all. No measure was taken for those in the healthy control group. Venous blood was withdrawal before and after treatment. Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-12) and Th2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-4) were detected by ELISA.

RESULTSCompared with the healthy control group, the serum Th1 cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-gamma, Th2 cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-4 increased, the Th1/Th2 ratios such as IFN-gamma/IL-4 and IL-12/IL-10 decreased in the treatment group and the control group before treatment (P < 0.01). Compared with before treatment in the same group, the serum Th1 cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-gamma decreased, the serum Th2 cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-4 decreased, the ratios of Th1/Th2 cytokines such as IFN-gamma/IL-4 and IL-12/IL-10 increased in the treatment group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, IL-4 decreased, and the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 increased in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Fewer patients suffered from adverse reactions in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONQTM in combination with prednisone tablet was effective to improve the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines, and alleviate the toxic and adverse reactions of hormone or immune inhibitors.

Adult ; Cytokines ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Male ; Prednisone ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Th1-Th2 Balance ; drug effects ; Young Adult

Caliciviridae Infections ; epidemiology ; China ; epidemiology ; Diarrhea ; epidemiology ; virology ; Humans ; Norovirus ; Rotavirus ; Rotavirus Infections ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the treatment outcome and risk factors for intractable seizures in children with tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC)complicated by epilepsy.

METHODSThe medical data of 66 cases of TSC were retrospectively studied.

RESULTSOf the 66 children with TSC, 47 cases were available for follow-up. The follow-up period ranged from 7 months to 9.3 years (average 4.5 + or - 2.6 years). The patients' present average age was (7.7 + or - 4.1) years (median 8 years). Among the 47 cases, 19 (40%) had infantile spasms, 24 (51%) had tonic seizures, 15 (32%) had partial seizures, and 3 (6%) had tonic-clonic seizures, and additionally, multifocal seizures, atonic seizures, atypical absence seizures and hypomotor seizures each appeared in 1 case (2%) respectively. The average number of antiepileptic drugs used was 1.9 + or - 0.86 (median 1). Among the 47 patients, 12 (26%) still had epileptic seizures and 33 (70%)were seizure-free, and 4% were dead. Three cases underwent surgery and continued to receive medication after surgery. The three patients were seizure-free in a 1.5 years follow-up. Among the 30 children over 7 years old, 17 cases (57%) were enrolled in ordinary schools, 3 cases (10%) in special schools and the other 10 cases were off-school for disabilities of intelligence and speech. The non-conditional logistic regression showed that the age of onset (RR=1.8, 95% CI 1.0- 3.2, P=0.050), administration of multiple antiepileptic drugs (RR=4.8, 95% CI 1.2-18.6, P=0.024), tonic seizures (RR=0.003, 95% CI 0.0- 0.2, P=0.04) and sex (RR=0.016, 95% CI 0.0-0.5, P=0.017) were risk factors for intractable seizures.

CONCLUSIONSThe majority (70%) of children with TSC complicated by epilepsy can be seizure-free with suitable treatment. The risk factors of poor outcome in seizure control may involve in the early onset age, tonic seizures and the administration for multiple anti-epileptic drugs.

Adolescent ; Child ; Epilepsy ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Tuberous Sclerosis ; complications

OBJECTIVETo provide a scientific basis for standardizing the cultivation method for Curcuma longa.

METHODPlant heights and seeding numbers were sampled periodically, the plot yields were counted a tharvested.

RESULTThe effects of seeding method on yields, plant height and number were significant. The effects of different sowing ways on the yields were very little.

CONCLUSIONThe hole seeding method using mother tuber or blastostyle bearing three to four knots was shown to be the best may, worthy to be widely applied in production.

Curcuma ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Pharmacognosy ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Rhizome ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Seedlings ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and treatment of benign infantile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (BICG).

METHODSThe clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were observed in 40 children with BICG. The antigen and antibodies of rotavirus and calicivirus in stool and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were tested by the golden standard method and ELISA. The neurological outcome was evaluated by a follow-up of six months or more.

RESULTSAll of the 40 children had mild gastroenteritis with or without minor dehydration. Cluster convulsions were observed in these children. There were normal findings in blood biochemistry (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-, HCO3-, glucose) and cerebral CT or MRI examinations. The interictal EEG showed sprinkle central or frontal epileptiform discharges in 8 children; clear central and parietal epileptiform discharges in 1 child; and no abnormal findings were observed in the other 31 children. Positive rotavirus antigen was detected in 11 children and positive calicivirus antigen in stool samples in 4 children. Positive antibodies of rotavirus and calicivirus in CSF were not seen. Seizures recurred in 22 of 28 children who received prophylactic injections of phenobarbital(5-10 mg/kg). In a 6 months follow-up, one child developed epilepsy and the other 39 children had no seizures and neurological sequelae.

CONCLUSIONSThe digestive system manifestations are mild in children with BICG. Convulsions are always clustered in these children. The mechanism underlying convulsions is not clear. Conventional dose of phenobarbital is not effective for prevention of seizures. Most of children with BICG have a good prognosis.

Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastroenteritis ; complications ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Seizures ; drug therapy ; etiology