Objective: To investigate the effect of PKG II (cGMP-dependent protein kinase II) on cell proliferation-related MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) downstream targets RSK1 (ribosomal S6 kinase 1) and proto-oncogenes c -Jun and c -Fos in gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. Methods: Gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were infected with Ad-LacZ and Ad- PKG II adenovirus, and then the PKG II was overexpressed in SGC-7901 cells. These cells were treated with PKG II specific activator - 8-pCPT-cGMP [8-(p-chlorophenylthio)-cyclic GMP], and then they were stimulated with EGF (epidermal growth factor). The proliferation of SGC-7901 cells was examined by MTT method, and the mRNAs expression levels of c-Jun and c-Fos and the protein expression levels of p-RSK1, c-Jun and c-Fos were examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The nuclear accumulation of p-RSK1 was observed under an immunofluorescence microscope. Results: EGF-induced increase of cell proliferation and the elevation of expressions of c-Jun and c-Fos mRNAs and proteins as well as p-RSK1 (Ser380-) protein in SGC-7901 cells which were infected with PKG II were significantly inhibited after treatment with 8-pCPT-cGMP. The phosphorylation of RSK1 (Ser380) was decreased, and the accumulation of p-RSK1 (Ser380) in nuclei of SGC-7901 cells was increased after stimulation with EGF, while it was decreased after treatment with 8-pCPT-cGMP. Conclusion: Activated PKG II can inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, phosphorylation of RSK1 (Ser380), nuclear accumulation of p-RSK1(Ser380) and the expressions of c -Jun and c -Fos genes which were induced by EGF. Copyright © 2012 by TUMOR.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between pulmonary vascular remodeling and expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in pulmonary vessels in neonatal rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH).

METHODSA neonatal rat model of HPH was established as an HPH group, and normal neonatal rats were enrolled as a control group. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was measured. The percentage of medial thickness to outer diameter of the small pulmonary arteries (MT%) and the percentage of medial cross-section area to total cross-section area of the pulmonary small arteries (MA%) were measured as the indicators for pulmonary vascular remodeling. The immunohistochemical reaction intensities for HIF-1α, ET-1 and iNOS and their mRNA expression in lung tissues of neonatal rats were measured. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between pulmonary vascular remodeling and mRNA expression of HIF-1α, ET-1 and iNOS.

RESULTSThe mPAP of the HPH group kept increasing on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 of hypoxia, with a significant difference compared with the control group (P<0.05). The HPH group had significantly higher MT% and MA% than the control group from day 7 of hypoxia (P<0.05). HIF-1α protein expression increased significantly on days 3, 5, 7 and 10 days of hypoxia, and HIF-1α mRNA expression increased significantly on days 3, 5 and 7 days of hypoxia in the HPH group compared with the control group (P<0.05). ET-1 protein expression increased significantly on days 3, 5 and 7 days of hypoxia and ET-1 mRNA expression increased significantly on day 3 of hypoxia in the HPH group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Both iNOS protein and mRNA expression were significantly higher on days 3, 5 and 7 days of hypoxia than the control group (P<0.05). Both MT% and MA% were positively correlated with HIF-1α mRNA expression (r=0.835 and 0.850 respectively; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPulmonary vascular remodeling is developed on day 7 of hypoxia in neonatal rats. HIF-1α, ET-1 and iNOS are all involved in the occurrence and development of HPH in neonatal rats.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Endothelin-1 ; analysis ; physiology ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hypoxia ; complications ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; analysis ; physiology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; analysis ; physiology ; Pulmonary Artery ; chemistry ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVENitric oxide (NO) is involved in many physiologic and pathologic processes. As an important biologic mediator, NO has been the focus of cancer study for its function in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and death. This study investigated the effect of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the growth and proliferation of gastric cancer cell line AGS.

METHODSThe growth inhibition of AGS cells was analyzed using MTT assay. The cell cycle was measured using flow cytometry. The changes of mRNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 were examined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the protein expressions of PCNA and caspase-3 were analyzed using Western blot.

RESULTSDose-dependent SNP inhibited cell growth and proliferation. When the AGS cells were treated with SNP at 100, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mumol/L for 24 h, the growth inhibition rates were (2.02 +/- 2.96)%, (10.82 +/- 2.21)%, (18.95 +/- 3.35)%, (26.88 +/- 2.54)%, and (42.57 +/- 1.27)%, respectively (P < 0.05). SNP altered the cell cycle in AGS cells. Compared with the control group, treatment with SNP at 100, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mumol/L for 24 h reduced the number of cells in the S phase by 2.29%, 7.8%, 11.34%, 20.49%, and 23.6%, respectively, and enhanced the number of cells in the G1/G0 phases by 3.33%, 9.3%, 13.46%, 21.37%, and 24.73%, respectively (P < 0.05). With the increasing concentration and action time of SNP, the expressions of PCNA mRNA and protein decreased. The expression of caspase-3 mRNA remained unchanged, but procaspase-3 was activated.

CONCLUSIONNO not only inhibits cell growth and proliferation, but also induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, and such effects of NO showed significant dose-dependent activity.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Enzyme Activation ; drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Nitric Oxide Donors ; pharmacology ; Nitroprusside ; pharmacology ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology

Trichomoniasis is an important sexually transmitted disease that is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and increased HIV transmission. Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis also results in local urogenital tract symptoms. Standard teaching is that trichomoniasis is an important cause of vaginitis in women, but that male sexual partners experience little or no morbidity. It is worth-while to summarize critical findings in a series of articles. The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in men represents an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of urethritis.
Animals ; Humans ; Male ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; epidemiology ; parasitology ; physiopathology ; Trichomonas Infections ; epidemiology ; parasitology ; physiopathology ; Trichomonas vaginalis ; Urethritis ; parasitology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the characteristics of autophagy in fibrotic and postoperative remnant liver.

METHODSMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group; fibrosis group, which received the solution of CCl4 in oil twice a week for 5 weeks; and hepatectomy group, which underwent 70% hepatectomy. Liver tissues and plasma were harvested 18 hours after the surgery. The rats' general conditions and plasma liver function were observed. Histopathological characteristics and regeneration were observed with microscope and transmission electron microscope. Qualitative analysis of autophagosome was made base on the data from transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, plasma total protein and albumin level significantly decreased in the fibrosis group (P < 0.01). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index was 85%-95% in the fibrosis group. Plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels significantly increased in the hepatectomy group compared with the control group (P < 0.01), while the autophagical index significantly decreased in both the fibrosis group and hepatectomy group compared with the control group (-95%, P < 0.01; -19%, P < 0.05, respectively). PCNA index was 20%-30% in the hepatectomy group.

CONCLUSIONSAutophagy is weakened after fibrosis and hepatectomy, although it differs between these two processes. Proper regulation of autophagy may help facilitate the recovery of the residual liver function after hepatectomy.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Autophagy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Liver Cirrhosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

BACKGROUNDExtensive atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is associated with an increased success rate of catheter ablation in chronic AF patients and an increased rate of atrial tachycardia (AT) during the procedure. The mechanism of these ATs varies in previous studies. Our study aimed to report the mechanism of organized AT occurring during the stepwise ablation procedure of chronic AF.

METHODSA prospective cohort of 86 consecutive patients who underwent an ablation procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) was investigated. The stepwise procedure was performed in the following order: circumferential pulmonary vein ablation, complex fractionated atrial electrograms ablation, mapping and ablation of AT. The endpoint was noninducibility of AF/AT after sinus rhythm (SR) was restored or the procedure time was beyond 6 hours.

RESULTSSixty-nine (80%) of patients converted to SR via AT. A total of 179 sustained ATs were observed in 69 patients during the procedure. There were 81% (n = 145) macroreentrant ATs which included 65 perimitral circuits, 48 peritricuspid tachycardia and 32 roof dependent circuits, 12% (n = 21) localized reentrant and 7% (n = 13) focal ATs. Thirty (15%) patients experienced significant left atrium (LA) and LA appendage (LAA) conduction delay or dissociation in the procedure or during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONSMost CAF patients converted to SR via ablation of organized AT occurring during the stepwise procedure. The mechanism of most of these ATs was macro-reentry.

Aged ; Atrial Fibrillation ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Electrophysiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the effect and indications of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring for frontal lobe contusion patients.

METHODSDuring January 2005-December 2008, 34 cases of frontal lobe contusion received ICP monitoring in our department (monitoring group). Different treatment protocols were adopted according to the results of ICP. Meanwhile 46 cases of same type of head-injured patients who did not undergo ICP monitoring served as control group.

RESULTSWe found that ICP elevated dramatically within 24 hours after head injury if the contusions were located in frontal longitudinal dehiscence, bilateral undersurface of frontal lobe or dispersed in bilateral lobe. After half a year follow-up and on the basis of Glasgow Coma Scale assessment, the monitoring group showed better outcome than the control group with good recovery in 24 cases (70.6%) , moderate disability in 7 cases (20.6%), severe disability in 2 (5.88%) and death in 1 (2.94%). The outcome of control group displayed good condition in 25 cases (54.3%), moderate disabilities in 8 (17.4%), severe disability in 7 (15.2%), and death in 6 (13.0%).

CONCLUSIONSFrontal lobe contusions are vulnerable and complex head injuries, especially when the contusions are located in frontal longitudinal dehiscence, bilateral undersurface of frontal lobe or diffused in bilateral lobes. These patients should undergo ICP monitoring regardless of their consciousness status. If ICP elevates over 25 mm Hg, the craniotomy is mandatory and will markedly reduce the mortality and disability of these patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Contusions ; physiopathology ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; physiopathology ; Female ; Frontal Lobe ; injuries ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Intracranial Pressure ; Male ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDIt is unclear whether a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) would impact the effect of catheter ablation on persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to compare the effect of catheter ablation on persistent AF with and without a history of PAF.

METHODSOne hundred and eighty-three patients underwent catheter ablation of persistent AF lasting for > 1 month and were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had a history of PAF or not. Group I consisted of persistent AF patients with a history of PAF, and group II consisted of persistent AF patients without such a history. All patients received catheter ablation focused on pulmonary vein isolation and were observed for arrhythmia recurrences, which were defined as documented episodes of AF or atrial tachycardia after a blanking period of 3 months.

RESULTSOne hundred and three patients (60.9%) in group I and sixty-six patients (39.1%) in group II were successfully followed and included in analysis. There were no significant differences in clinical and echocardiographic characteristics between both groups except for a younger age and more male patients in group II. After (15.5 ± 10.7) months of follow-up, 59 (57.3%) patients in group I and 49 (74.2%) patients in group II maintained sinus rhythm free of anti-arrhythmia drugs (P = 0.025). Multivariate analyses found left atrial anteroposterior diameter (P = 0.006) and persistent AF with a history of PAF (OR 1.792, 95%CI 1.019 - 3.152; P = 0.043) as the only independent statistical predictors of arrhythmia recurrences.

CONCLUSIONThe arrhythmia recurrence rate of catheter ablation based on pulmonary vein isolation in persistent AF with a history of PAF was higher than those without a history of PAF.

Adult ; Aged ; Atrial Fibrillation ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Pulmonary Veins ; surgery ; Recurrence

BACKGROUNDIliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS), the symptomatic compression of the left common iliac vein between the right common iliac artery and the vertebrae, is not an uncommon condition. The aim of this research was to retrospectively evaluate long-term outcome and the significance of endovascular treatment in patients with left IVCS.

METHODSBetween January 1997 and September 2008, 296 patients received interventional therapy in the left common iliac vein. In the second stage, 170 cases underwent saphenous vein high ligation and stripping. Two hundred and thirty-one cases were followed up over a period of 6 to 120 months (average 46 months) and evaluated for symptom improvement with color ultrasound and ascending venography.

RESULTSThe stenotic or occlusive segments of the left iliac vein were successfully dilated in 285 cases, of whom 272 received stent implantation therapy. Most of the patients achieved satisfactory results on discharge. During the follow-up period, varicose veins were alleviated in 98.7% of the patients, and leg swelling disappeared or was obviously relieved in 84% of cases. About 85% of leg ulcers completely healed. The total patency rate was 91.7% as evaluated with color ultrasound and 91.5% with ascending venography.

CONCLUSIONSEndovascular treatment of IVCS provides effective symptomatic improvement and good long-term patency in most patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Female ; Humans ; Iliac Vein ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peripheral Vascular Diseases ; pathology ; therapy ; Phlebography ; Stents ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDCatheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity has good effect, but whether iliac vein stent placement after thrombolytic therapy is still controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of stent placement in the iliac vein following CDT in lower extremity DVT.

METHODSThis was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. After receiving CDT, the major branch of the distal iliac vein was completely patent in 155 patients with lower extremity DVT, and 74 of these patients with iliac vein residual stenosis of >50% were randomly divided into a control group (n = 29) and a test group (n = 45). In the test group, stents were implanted in the iliac vein, whereas no stents were implanted in the control group. We evaluated the clinical indicators, including patency of the deep vein, C in CEAP classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ) Score.

RESULTSAll patients had postoperative follow-up visits for a period of 6-24 months. Venography or color ultrasound was conducted in subjects. There was a significant difference between the patency rate at the last follow-up visit (87.5% vs. 29.6%) and the 1-year patency rate (86.0% vs. 54.8%) between the test and control groups. The change in the C in CEAP classification pre- and post-procedure was significantly different between the test and control groups (1.61 ± 0.21 vs. 0.69 ± 0.23). In addition, at the last follow-up visit, VCSS and CIVIQ Score were both significantly different between the test and control groups (7.57 ± 0.27 vs. 0.69 ± 0.23; 22.67 ± 3.01 vs. 39.34 ± 6.66, respectively).

CONCLUSIONThe stenting of iliac vein obstruction following CDT in lower extremity DVT may increase the patency of the deep vein, and thus provides better efficacy and quality of life.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Catheterization, Peripheral ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Iliac Vein ; Lower Extremity ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stents ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; methods ; Venous Thrombosis ; therapy ; Young Adult