Animals ; Evoked Potentials, Motor ; physiology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Spinal Cord ; physiology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pure total flavonoids from Citrus(PTFC) on the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in mice with high-fat/high-fructose diet induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH), and discuss its anti-NASH mechanism. METHODS: Fifty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, PTFC low-dosage group, medium-dosage group and high-dosage group, 10 in each group. A high-fat/high-fructose diet was given for 16 weeks to establish the NASH models, and the PTFC groups were administrated with PTFC at the dosage of 25, 50, 100 mg•kg-1•d-1 from the 5th week, respectively. Histopathologic changes of the liver tissue were observed by HE and oil red O staining; serum CHOL, TG, ALT, AST were detected by biochemical method; the levels of NLRP3, ASC, Casp1 and IL-1β mRNA in the liver tissue were determined by Realtime-PCR; the protein expression of NLRP3 and Casp1 was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Sixteen weeks administration of high-fat/high-fructose diet induced significantly higher weight, increased NAFLD activity score (NAS) of the liver tissue, higher level of serum CHOL, ALT and AST, lower level of serum TG, increased expression of NLRP3, ASC, Casp1 and IL-1β mRNA in liver, and increased protein expression of Casp1. After PTFC administration, the mice, especially the PTFC high dosage group, exhibited (compared with the model group) marked lower NAS, decreased serum ALT and AST level, increased TG level, impaired NLRP3, ASC, Casp1 and IL-1β mRNA expression, and decreased protein expression of NLRP3 and Casp1. CONCLUSION: The NLRP3 inflammasome pathway may play a key role in the development and progress of NASH in mice, and PTFC prevents the development of NASH through suppressing this pathway.

Acetamides ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Bridged-Ring Compounds ; poisoning ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Troponin I ; blood

Objective To analyze the levels and speciation of arsenic metabolites in urine of rats treated with sodium arsenite and sodium arsenate in order to investigate the different aspects of metabolism between sodium arsenite and sodium arsenate,thus to understand further the basic data about relationship between it's metabolism and mechanism of toxicity. Methods Seventy Wistar rats,weighting 80-120 g,were divided into 7 groups of 10 each,such as normal control group,high,middle and low sodium arsenite group and high,middle and low sodium arsenate group. After the animals were fed for one month,the urine was collected by metabolic cage in 12 hours. Applying the high efficiency liquid chromatography and hydride genesis atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (HPLC-HGAFS),the levels and speciation of arsenic metabolites were determined in urine of rats. Meanwhile,the recovery rate of dimethyl arsinic acid(DMA) would be determined to estimate the degree of accuracy of results. Results The levels of iAs~(3+),iAs~(5+) and DMA in middle sodium arsenite group[(121.66±1.26),(10.26±2.68),(200.91±0.56) μg/L]were higher than the high sodium arsenite group[(113.20±0.75),(5.16±1.32),(147.70±μ0.77)μg/L,all P < 0.05]and low sodium arsenite group[(79.35±2.12),(5.13±2.25),(56.35±1.23)μg/L,all P < 0.05]. The levels of iAs~(3+) and DMA in middle sodium arsenate group[(315.81±1.69),(245.12±1.18)μg/L]were higher than the high sodium arsenate group[(85.03±0.56),(110.34±1.04)μg/L,all P< 0.05]and low sodium arsenate group[(22.97±2.67),(15.75±2.15)μg/L,all P < 0.05]. Compared with sodium arsenate group,the levels of iAs~(3+) and DMA in high and low sodium arsenite group were higher(all P < 0.05) ; and the levels of iAs~(3+) and DMA in middle sodium arsenite group were lower(all P < 0.05). Meanwhile,the average urinary recovery rate of DMA of rats in different sodium arsenite group were 94.80%-102.70%,and the average urinary recovery rate of DMA of rats in different sodium arsenate group were 95.33%-108.40%. Conclusion The speciation and levels of arsenic are influenced by the external exposure dose,and some distinction appeared in the metabolism and metabolic path between sodium arsenite and sodium arsenate in urine in vivo.

Transverse fracture is the most common in patella fracture and tension band fixation is one of the most effective methods. Surgical wire tension band technique is simple, the use of materials is also simple, but it is not strong and difficult to promote. Kirschner tension band technique can get satisfactory reduction with reliable fixation, but it is easy to complicate with steel wire breakage and Kirschner loosening. Screw tension band technique inherits the traditional advantages of simple manipulation and reliable fixation, also overcomes the disadvantages of early activity limitations caused soft tissue irritation of tension band around knee, the slippage and breakage of internal fixation, and the technique can be popularized generally.
Bone Wires ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Patella ; injuries ; surgery ; Stress, Mechanical

Objective To screen for the potential protein biomarkers in serum for the diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) using proteomic fingerprint technology. Methods Proteomic fingerprint technology combining weak cation exchange (WCX) magnetic beads with MALDI-TOF-MS was used to identify and compare the serum proteins from 61 patients with idiopathic PD, 29 patients with other neurodegenerative diseases (OND) and 30 healthy blood donors. Model of biomarkers and proteomics patterns associated with PD was analyzed by Biomarker Patterns Software. The model also was validated by 40 newly recruited PD cases. Results A total of 17 discriminating M/Z peaks which were related to PD were identified ( nonparametric test, Z:-4.039--2.633, P<0.01 ). Five biomarkers with M/Z of 6121, 5234, 2961,4309 and 8170 respectively generated an excellent model of distinguishing between PD and healthy groups. The sensitivity was 98.4% and the specificity was 83.1%. Blind testing in 40 newly recruited cases demonstrated a sensitivity of 85.0% (17 of 20 PD) and a specificity of 70. 0% (14 of 20 controls). Conclusions Combination of WCX magnetic beads with MALDI-TOF-MS is a useful method in establishing proteomic patterns associated with PD. It also may be used to construct a diagnostic model with PD Biomarkers. Although this model of biomarkers fails to distinguish between PD and OND controls, it is able to differentiate PD from healthy controls.

Objective To explore the effects of sodium arsenie on Metallothionein(MT) isoforms genes expression,and to study the relevance between the MT expression and cell survival percentage. Methods Healthy persons blood was extracted aseptically and the lymphocytes were separated. The lymphocytes were treated by 0 (control) ,2,5,10,15,30,60 μmol/L sodium arsenites, respectively. The cell survival percentage was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) reduction assay at 24,48,72 h intervals, while the expression of MT-1 and MT-2 were examined by RT-PCR in 72 h. Results The cell survival percentage in 2,5μmoL/L groups were (115.50± 11.80)% and (130.49±8.28)%,which were all higher than those in the control group [(100.00±0.00)%,all P < 0.05]at any intervals. In 10,15,30,60 μmol/L groups,the cell survival percentage[(78.12±9.33)%,(71.62± 10.82)%,(52.06±3.05)%,(40.98±5.41)%]increased along with the decrease of concentration,which showed a significant difference between these groups and the control group and 2,5μmol/L groups(all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference on MT-1 expression after exposed to different concentration sodium arsenites (0,2,5,10,15,30,60 μmol/L) for72 h(0.925±0.123,1.082±0.504,1.103±0.170,0.927±0.056,0.730±0.307,0.604± 0.173,0.540±0.075,all P > 0.05). The expression of MT-2 in 2,5μmol/L groups(1.503±0.212,1.557±0.377) was up regulated compared with that in control group(0.702±0.112) and MT-2 also expressed more than that in other groups(all P < 0.05). However,the expression of MT-2 declined when the concentraion was 10,15,30,60 μmol/L(0.814±0.139,0.679±0.201,0.607±0.229,0.533±0.102). There was no significant difference among the groups (all P > 0.05). The expression level oE MT-1,MT-2 was positively correlated with the cell survival pereentage(r = 0.955,0.909,all P < 0.05). Conclusions The sodium arsenite at concentration of 10 μmoL/L might inhibit the expression of MT of lymphocytes and low concentration sodium arsenite (2,5 μmol/L) might stimulate the lymphocytes to regulate the expression of MT-2 to higher levels,which can increase the cell survival percentage and exert the function of protecting cells.

OBJECTIVETo compare the biomechanical performances of different wires and cable fixation devices in posterior instrumentation for atlantoaxial instability, and test the effect of different fixation strengths and fixation approaches on the surgical outcomes.

METHODSSix specimens of the atlantoaxial complex (C0-C3) were used to establish models of the normal complex, unstable complex (type II odontoid fracture) and fixed complex. On the wd-5 mechanical testing machine, the parameters including the strength and rigidity of anti-rotation, change and strength of stress, and stability were measured for the normal complex, atlantoaxial instability complex, the new type titanium cable fixation system, Atlas titanium cable, Songer titanium cable, and stainless wire.

RESULTSThe strength and rigidity of anti-rotation, change and strength of stress, stability of flexion, extension and lateral bending of the unstable atlantoaxial complex fixed by the new double locking titanium cable fixation system were superior to those of the Songer or Atlas titanium cable (P<0.05) and medical stainless wire (P<0.05). Simultaneous cable fastening on both sides resulted in better fixation effect than successive cable fastening (P<0.05). Better fixation effect was achieved by fastening the specimen following a rest (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe fixation effects can be enhanced by increased fastening strengths. The new type double locking titanium cable fixation system has better biomechanical performance than the conventional Songer and Atlas titanium cables. Fastening the unstable specimens after a rest following simultaneous fastening of the specimen on both sides produces better fixation effect.

Atlanto-Axial Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Wires ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Joint Instability ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Orthopedic Fixation Devices

This study was purpose to investigate the difference of Id4 gene promoter methylation between healthy individuals and acute leukemia patients. MS-PCR methods were used to detect the status of Id4 gene methylation in healthy individuals and acute leukemia patients. The results showed that Id4 gene was unmethylated in bone marrow samples from healthy individuals. In new diagnosed AML and ALL patients, the rate of Id4 gene methylation was 84% and 86% respectively. Id4 gene methylation was found in all 8 cases of relapsed acute leukemias. In 14 ALL-CR patients with Id4 gene methylation, 8 patients relapsed within 12 months, while in 9 ALL-CR patients with Id4 gene unmethylation only 1 patient relapsed within 12 months. In AML-CR patients, the 12-months relapse rate in patients with Id4 gene methylation was 62.5%, while it was 10% in Id4 gene unmethylation patients, there was significant difference between them. The rate of Id4 gene methylation in ALL-CR patients was 64.3%, while it was 28.6% in AML-CR patients, there was significant difference between them. In the all 39 new diagnosed AL patients, Id4 gene methylation could be detected in 33 patients. In all 8 relapsed AL patients Id4 gene methylation was found, out of 58 AL-CR cases, 24 patients was found with Id4 gene methylation. It is concluded that as compared with healthy individuals, Id4 gene in acute leukemia patients was methylated in different degrees. The percentage of Id4 gene methylation in AL-CR group is lower than that in AL-non remission group. The change of Id4 gene methylation is thought to be associated with occurrence of acute leukemia.
Acute Disease ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins ; metabolism ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference of Id4 gene promoter methylation in patients with different subtypes of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). By using MS-PCR method, the methylation status of Id4 gene was detected in 50 patients with different subtypes of MDS. Id4 methylation was also detected in bone marrow samples from patients with iron deficiency anemia which served as control. The results showed that Id4 gene was unmethylated in all of bone marrow samples from controls. In various subtypes of MDS patients, the rate of Id4 gene methylation was different. No Id4 methylation was found in 6 cases of RA, 2 cases of RARS and 4 cases of MDS-U. Id4 methylations was found in 2 out of 18 patients with RCMD. Id4 methylation in 3 out of 12 patients with RAEBI and other 3 out 8 patients with RAEBII were found. In groups with blast ratio lower or higher than 5%, the incidence of Id4 gene methylation were 6.7% and 30% respectively, so that there was significant difference. In tentative conclusion, Id4 gene methylation possibly is found in MDS patients with higher ratio of blast cells.
Adult ; Aged ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; classification ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic