Objective To investigate the effects ofWenyujinessential oil on tau protein phosphorylation in mice with Alzheimer Disease (AD); To discuss the relevant mechanism of action.MethodsSixty Kunming mice were divided into six groups randomly: sham-operation group, model group,Wenyujin essential oil low- and high-dose group, donepezil group andShenzhiling group.β-Amyloid protein (Aβ25-35) was infused into the hippocampal of mice. Mice in each group were given relevant medicine for gavage for 15 d. After the last administration, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of tau protein phosphorylation points (Ser 404 and Thr 231). Western blot was used to detect tau protein phosphorylation points and the expression of PI3K/Akt protein. Results Compared with sham-operation group, tau protein phosphorylation points in the model group increased (P<0.05), but the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, tau protein phosphorylation (Thr231 and Ser404) inWenyujin essential oil high-dose group decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt increased(P<0.01). ConclusionWenyujinessential oil can inhibit tau protein phosphorylation in mice. The possible mechanism may be related to the PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Objective To observe the effects of Jianpi Huoxue Prescription on the subcutaneous transplantation of tumor cell apoptosis and angiogenesis; To discuss its possible mechanism of action. Methods SMMC-7721 hepatoma mice models were established. 60 tumor bearing male mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, 5-Fu group, Jianpi Huoxue Prescription high-, medium- and low-dosage groups, with 10 rats in each group. Model group and Jianpi Huoxue Prescription high-, medium- and low-dosage groups were given medicine with relevant concentrations for gavage, once a day. 5-Fu group was given 5-Fu for intraperitoneal injection every other day. The weight, tumor weight and tumor inhibitory rate of each group were compared two weeks later. The protein expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) were calculated, and the expressions of Survivin and Caspase-3 mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR. Results Compared with model group, protein expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-2, MVD, Caspase-3 and Survivin mRNA decreased in Jianpi Huoxue Prescription high-, medium- and low-dosage groups, and the most obvious differences were in 5-Fu group and Jianpi Huoxue Prescription high-dosage group (P<0.05). Conclusion Jianpi Huoxue Prescription can inhibit tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis and inducing apoptosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of oxidative stress on the expression of endothelialleukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) in porcine trabecular meshwork cells and to elucidate the relationship between the expression of ELAM-1 and IL-1alpha.

METHODSPrimary cultured porcine trabecular meshwork cells were cultured without serum and treated with 1 mmol/L H2O2 with or without pretreatment of IL-1ralpha of different concentrations. The expression of ELAM-1 was tested by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTSELAM-1 immunocytochemistry staining was positive in the H2O2-treated porcine trabecular meshwork cells. It was negative in the porcine trabecular meshwork cells pretreated with IL-1alpha of high concentrations (180 microg/ml and 600 microg/ml).

CONCLUSIONSOxidative stress can induce the expression of ELAM-1 in porcine trabecular meshwork cells. In the in vitro cell system, IL-1ralpha of high concentration can inhibit the expression of ELAM-1 induced by oxidative stress.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; E-Selectin ; biosynthesis ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein ; pharmacology ; Oxidative Stress ; Swine ; Trabecular Meshwork ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the travel, divisions, and the lengths, diameters, branches, artery supplies of the main segments of maxillary nerve.

METHODSFifty formalin-preserved adult half-head specimens with intravascular injection of red color emulsion were used for the gross and microanatomical studies of maxillary nerve. The lengths, diameters, branches and artery supplies of four main segments of maxillary nerve were observed. SPSS 11.5 software was used to analyze the data.

RESULTSThe length and diameter of cranial middle fossa segment of maxillary nerve were (10.70 ± 1.31) mm and (4.01 ± 0.52) mm respectively, which was supplied by inferior-lateral cavernous sinus artery. The length and diameter of pterygopalatine fossa segment were (16.21 ± 1.80) mm and (3.27 ± 0.62) mm respectively, in which one zygomatic branch, one to three posterior superior alveolar nerves, two ganglion branches and tuberal descending branches; were given off, and the segment was supplied by foramen rotundum artery. The length and diameter of infraorbital segment were (25.73 ± 2.03) mm and (3.30 ± 0.52) mm and it gave off middle superior alveolar nerve (64%) and anterior superior alveolar nerve and was supplied by infraorbital artery. Facial segment gave off superior labial branches, internal and external nasal branches, inferior palpebral branches, buccal branch and zygomatic branch and these branches were supplied by infraorbital artery and superior labial and angular artery originating from facial artery.

CONCLUSIONSUnderstanding of travel and artery supply of maxillary nerve is helpful to regional anaesthesia and surgery for maxillary nerve. Foramen rotundum, sphenopalatine foramen and infraorbital nerve are important marks for endoscopic surgery in pterygopalatine fossa.

Adult ; Cavernous Sinus ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Maxillary Artery ; anatomy & histology ; Maxillary Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; blood supply

Objective To survey the highly risk iodine deficiency regions of Shandong Province and to provide reference basis for further executing urgent iodine supply. Methods The annual document of cretinism in Licheng District in Jinan City and Shouguang City, the two iodine deficiency regions, were referred. Forty children aged 8-10 years of 2 targeted schools from 3 towns out of every targeted region underwent palpation, ultrasonography and As3+-Ce4+catalyzing speetrophotometry for ultra iodine examination. Twenty women aged 18-40 years from 2 villages sampled from every targeted town received ultra iodine examination and edible salt examination of iodine with direct titration. Results No new cretinism and suspected cretinism was found since 1995 in the regions. The goiter rates of children of the two regions detected with palpation and ultrasonography were 7.5% (18/241),6.2% (15/241) and 5.0% (13/259), 1.2% (3/259), respectively. Two hundred forty and 249 urine samples were respectively collected in school children, in which the median urinary iodine was 226.3,282.7 μg/L. One hundred twenty urine samples were respectively collected from the two group of women, resulting a median urinary iodine of 187.2,321.7 μg/L. Eight and 2 salt samples were free of iodine in 120 salt samples collected each region, respectively. The rate of qualified iodized salt was 100%. Conclusions It is not necessary to urgently implement iodine supply in Shouguang City and Licheng District. However, reinforcement of supervise on salt industry and eliminating the hazard from non-iodized and disqualified iodized salt remains in need.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety of secreted interferon in treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

METHODSA multi-center randomized open-label controlled clinical trial was carried out. The patients of the study group were treated by secretory human interferon alpha-2a, and the patients of the control group were treated with an ordinary interferon.

RESULTSALT normalization rate in the secreted interferon group was 48.3% and it was higher at the end of treatment than that of the control group, but there was no difference between the two groups at the end of the follow-up. HBV DNA dropped more in the study drug group, but there was no difference in the normalization rate between the two groups. HBeAg seroconversions in secreted interferon group and in the control interferon group were 19.0% and 18.4% respectively. The safety of the two types of interferon was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSSecreted interferon was superior to ordinary interferon in ALT normalization and HBV DNA drop at the end of treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients, but there was no difference at the end of the follow-up. There was also no difference in HBeAg negative and HBeAg seroconversion between the two groups.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatitis B virus ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Recombinant Proteins ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE To study the differentiation of PC12 cells induced by total salvianolic acid (Tsa) and the mechanism. METHODS MTT assay was used to detect the effect of Tsa 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 μg·L-1on proliferation of PC12 cells and on the cells damaged by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD).The number of projections of PC12 cells was statistically analyzed.Western blotting was applied to detect the levels of microtubule-associated protein2 (MAP-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1/2(MEK1/2) and p-MEK1/2 proteins.MEK inhibitor U0126 was examined for its effect on expressions of p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 protein in PC12 cells induced by Tsa 1.0 μg·L-1.RESULTS Compared with normal control group, Tsa 1.0 μg·L-1could promote PC12 cell proliferation, and the survival rate was increased by 90%, but the survival rate of PC12 cells was not affected by Tsa 0.01 or 0.1 μg·L-1. Compared with OGD injured group,PC12 cells injured by OGD could be repaired by Tsa 0.1 or 1.0 μg·L-1,and the survival rate was increased to (47.7±1.8)% and (63.2±13.0)%, respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with normal control group,Tsa 0.01,0.1 and 1.0 μg·L-1could promote the growth of PC12 cell projections (P<0.01). Western blotting results showed that Tsa could promote the expressions of MAP-2, p-ERK1/2 and p-MEK1/2 proteins, and this effect could be blocked by U0126 inhibitor (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Tsa can induce the proliferation and differentiation of PC12 cells, the mechanism of which is possibly the activation of p-MEK and p-ERK1/2.

Objective To investigate the awareness rate,treatment rate and control rate of mineral and bone disorder in patients with moderate or advanced stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods The awareness rate,treatment rate and control rate of mineral and bone disorder were evaluated based on a questionnaire and related laboratory examinations in 503 CKD stage 3 to 5 patients. Results The awareness rate of mineral and bone disorder in patients with moderate or advanced stage CKD was highest in hemodialysis patients,moderate in peritoneal dialysis patients and lowest in non-dialyzed patients (all P ＜0.01).The total scores of the questionnaire were lowest in non-dialyzed patients [6 (5,8)] and were significantly higher in peritoneal dialysis [11 (9,12)] and hemodialysis patients [13 (11,15)] (P＜0.01).The extent of awareness was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.11,P＜0.05),and positively correlated with educational background (r=0.226,P＜0.01),duration of CKD (r=0.597,P＜0.01) and duration of dialysis (r=0.366,P＜0.01).The source of knowledge was mainly from publicity and education made by medical staff,which accounted for 94.0％,79.5％ and 69.4％ respectively in nondialyzed,peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients.The treatment rate was significantly higher in peritoneal dialysis (88.6％) and hemodialysis patients (96.9％) than that in non-dialyzed patients (58.2％) (all P＜0.01).According to K/DOQI guideline,the control rate of serum calcium,phosphorus,calcium and phosphorus product and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were much better in non-dialyzed patients as compared to dialyzed ones.The percentage of number of lab indicators meeting the standard was significantly higher in non-dialyzed patients as compared to dialyzed ones (P＜0.01).According to KDIGO guideline,the control rate of serum phosphorus was significantly lower in hemodialysis patients (23.6％) than that in peritoneal dialysis (36.9％) and non-dialyzed patients (46.7％) (P＜0.01). Conclusions In non-dialyzed patients with moderate or advanced stage CKD,the awareness rate and treatment rate of mineral and bone disorder are relatively low,and the control rate is relatively high.Whereas in dialyzed patients,the awareness rate and treatment rate are relatively high,and the control rate is relatively low.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this research was to study the genetic diversity of F-ATPase subunit gene uncEBF derived from Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) clinical isolates, furthermore to investigate the relationship between the genetic diversity of F-ATPase and S. mutans aciduric ability.

METHODS38 S. mutans strains included 18 high acid tolerance strains and 20 low acid tolerance strains. Gene uncEBF of these isolates were amplified with specific primers from S. mutans genomic DNA, and the PCR products were analyzed by RFLP and sequenced. SPSS 11.0 statistic software assayed the results.

RESULTSIt was testified that two genotypes A and B of PCR-RFLP were revealed when digested with Alu I and Dde I digested fragments of uncEBF displayed two different patterns C and D. Fisher exact two-tail test showed that the distributions of A and B genotype strains with different acidurance were different (P < 0.05), and the proportion of A genotype strains from high acidurance group was higher than that from low acidurance one. Some of these amplified uncEBF genes from different genotype were sequenced and testified that there existed variation of Alu I and Dde I recognized sites.

CONCLUSIONThis study indicated that uncEBF gene of S. mutans F-ATPase obviously exhibited genetic diversity.

Adenosine Triphosphatases ; Dental Caries ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Streptococcus mutans

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic diversity and the gene expression of membrane-bound proton-translocating ATPase (F-ATPase) subunit gene uncG derived from Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) clinical isolates.

METHODS38 S. mutans strains derived from caries-active and caries-free individuals including 18 strains displaying high acid tolerance and 20 strains displaying low acid tolerance. Gene uncG was amplified with specific primers from S. mutans genomic DNA, then the PCR product was analyzed by RFLP and sequenced. The relative expression quantity of uncG gene against the housekeeping gene recA was determined by using RT-PCR method. A gel documentation system and QUANTITY ONES software were used to analyze the data results.

RESULTSIt was testified that four genotypes A, B, C and D of PCR-RFLP were revealed when respectively digested with Alu I and Bsr I, but the distributions of the four genotype strains showed no difference (P > 0.05). The differences of uncG gene transcript quantities derived from different genotype or different aciduranc strains had no significance (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThis study indicated that uncG gene of F-ATPase obviously displayed genetic diversity and existed polymorphism at mRNA expression level, while the Alu I-RFLP genotypes and the expression levels would not be responsive to different acid tolerance of S. mutans strains.

Adenosine Triphosphatases ; Dental Caries ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; RNA, Messenger ; Streptococcus mutans