Acanthosis Nigricans ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; Adolescent ; Antigens, CD ; genetics ; Biomarkers ; blood ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Donohue Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; genetics ; Male ; Mutation ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptor, Insulin ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of formula of removing both phlegm and blood stasis (TYTZ) in inhibiting the inflammatory reaction in Chinese mini-swine with coronary atherosclerosis.

METHODTotally 36 Chinese mini-swine were randomly divided to six groups: the normal control group, the model group, the Shujiangzhi group and TYTZ groups with does of 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5 g x kg(-1), and six each in every group. Except for the normal control group, all of other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 2 weeks. Interventional balloons are adopted to injure their left anterior descending artery endothelium. After the operation, they were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to prepare the coronary atherosclerosis model. In the 8th week after the operation and administration, the intravascular ultrasound was adopted to observe the coronary artery plaque burden of each group and the pathological morphology of coronary artery. Such inflammatory factors as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 were detected by ELISA. The expression of NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation was observed by the immunohistochemical method.

RESULTCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significant increase in the coronary artery plaque burden at the end of the experiment (P < 0.01), notably abnormal structural changes in atherosclerotic vascular tissues, luminal stenosis, a large number of foam cells and inflammatory cell infiltration, remarkable growth of hs-CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels (P < 0.01). The immunohistochemical staining also showed the significant increase in the NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation of coronary artery of Chinese mini-swine in the model group. Compared with the model group, TYTZ could significantly attenuate atherosclerotic plaque burden (P < 0.01), inhibit the coronary luminal stenosis, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, decrease such inflammatory cell factors as hs-CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in serum, and inhibit the NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation of coronary artery (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONTYTZ can reduce the downstream inflammatory reaction by controlling NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation, so as to inhibit the occurrence and development of coronary atherosclerotic plaque in Chinese mini-swine.

Animals ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Coronary Artery Disease ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Female ; Inflammation ; complications ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Mucous Membrane ; drug effects ; secretion ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVETo evaluate that the effect of formula of removing both phlegm and blood stasis in improving cardiac function of Chinese mini-swine with coronary heart disease of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome.

METHODTotally 36 Chinese mini-swine were randomly divided to six groups: the normal control group, the model group, the Danlou tablet group, and Tanyu Tonzhi Fang(TYTZ) groups with doses of 2. 0, 1. 0 and 0. 5 g kg-1, with six in each group. Except for the normal control group, all of other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 2 weeks. Interventional balloons are adopted to injure their left anterior descending artery endothelium. After the operation, they were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to prepare the coronary heart disease model of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome. After the operation, they were administered with drugs for 8 weeks. The changes in the myocardial ischemia were observed. The changes in the cardiac function and structure were detected by cardiac ultrasound and noninvasive hemodynamic method.

RESULTCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significant increase in myocardial ischemia and SVR and obvious decrease in CO, SV and LCW in noninvasive hemodynamic parameters (P <0.05 or P <0.01). The ultrasonic cardiogram indicated notable decrease in IVSd, LVPWs, EF and FS, and remarkable increase in LVIDs (P<0. 05 orP<0.01). Compared with the model group, TYTZ could reduce the myocardial ischemia, strengthen cardiac function, and improve the abnormal cardiac structure and function induced by ischemia (P <0. 05 or P <0. 01).

CONCLUSIONTYTZ shows a significant effect in improving cardiac function of Chinese mini-swine with coronary heart disease of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome. The clinical cardiac function detection method could be adopted to correctly evaluate the changes in the post-myocardial ischemia cardiac function, and narrow the gap between clinical application and basic experimental studies.

Animals ; Coronary Circulation ; Coronary Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Heart ; physiopathology ; Hemodynamics ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Mucus ; metabolism ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Shuangshen Tongguan Recipe (SSTG) on myocardial nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) signal pathway, expression of myocardial junction intercellular communication (MJIC) connexin 43 (Cx43), and infarcted myocardial size and weight of the rats' heart after acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage.

METHODSModel rat of I/R injury was established by coronary arterial ligating/ releasing. The infarcted myocardial size and weight were determined by N-BT staining, expression of NF-kappaB p65 in myocardial tissue and Cx43 were determined by immunohistochemical method, contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured by ABC-ELISA.

RESULTSThe myocardial infarcted size and weight, expression of NF-kappaB p65, contents of serum TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 of I/R injured rats in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while Cx43 degraded markedly after modeling. These changes were restored after treated with SSTG (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONSerious myocardial infarction occurs after ischemia/reperfusion injury, combined with NF-kappaB signal pathway activation and severe Cx43 degradation. SSTG could inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB, the over-excretion of TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 in serum, and the degradation of Cx43 to decrease the myocardial infarcted size and weight.

Animals ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; blood ; drug therapy ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; pathology ; NF-kappa B ; biosynthesis ; physiology ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction

BACKGROUND5-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (rhein) inhibits oxidoreduction induced by reducing nicotingamide adenine dinucleotide in the mitochondria and reducing reactive oxygen species, it also suppresses lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates. This study was to assess the effects of anthraquinone derivatives, rhein on synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer by intracellular recording.

METHODSThe excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) evoked by stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals in the presence of bicuculline (15 micromol/L) was depressed by application of rhein (0.3 - 30 micromol/L). The amplitude of the EPSP was restored within 20 minutes after removal of rhein from the supernatant. At a concentration of 30 micromol/L, rhein reduced the amplitude of the EPSP to 42% +/- 3.7% (n = 24) of the control. Subsequently, wavelet spectral entropy was used to analyze the EPSP.

RESULTSA strong positive correlation was observed between the wavelet spectral entropy and other parameters such as amplitude, slope of rising phase and slope of descending phase of the EPSP. The paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) of the EPSP was significantly increased by rhein (30 micromol/L). The inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) recorded in the presence of CNQX (20 micromol/L) and APV (40 micromol/L) is not altered by rhein (30 micromol/L).

CONCLUSIONSRhein (30 micromol/L) can decrease the frequency but not the amplitude of the miniature EPSP (mEPSP). It is suggested that rhein inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission by decreasing the release of glutamate in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Animals ; Anthraquinones ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Entropy ; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials ; drug effects ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Synaptic Transmission ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo establish the cervicothoracic spine finite element model with three-dimensional finite element method, verify the effectiveness of this model and explore the stress distribution.

METHODSDICOM image data of one normal healthy young male volunteer were obtained by spiral CT scan and processed with Mimics software. Datas were imported to ANSYS software to become a 3D entity. Disc structure and the main ligament were added. Disc structure was added using the shell-nuclear unit, representing the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. Ligament structure was established with 2-node cable element, the beginning and ending points of the ligament and the cross-sectional area were determined in accordance with references. C(6,7) and C7T1 facet joints were definded as the nonliner contact joints with friction coefficient. The lower surface of TI in all the directions was completely fixed in this model. In the model 2.0 Nm pure torque were imposed on C6, and the extension, flexion, axial rotation and lateral bending experiment were conducted. The experimental results were compared with the in vitro biomechanical tests.

RESULTSThe cervicothoracic spine finite element model included 169,317 nodes and 106,242 units, and consistent with the in vitro biomechanical tests. The three-dimensional finite element model was in good running under external force.

CONCLUSIONIt is a convenient and precise method for physicians to establish the finite element model of the cervicothoracic junction. This method facilitates the computer study on the biomechanical behavior of the local structures of the model under various pressure conditions.

Cervical Vertebrae ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Computer Graphics ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Anatomic ; Software ; Stress, Mechanical ; Thorax ; anatomy & histology ; physiology

BACKGROUNDThe concept of minimally invasive techniques is to make every effort to reduce tissue damage. Certainly, reducing skin incision is an important part of these techniques. This study aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility of Mast Quadrant-assisted modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with a small single posterior median incision.

METHODSDuring the period of March 2011 to March 2012, 34 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar disease underwent the minimally invasive modified TLIF assisted by Mast Quadrant with a small single posterior median incision (single incision group). The cases in this group were compared to 37 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar disease in the double incision group. The perioperative conditions of patients in these two groups were statistically analyzed and compared. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and sacrospinalis muscle damage evaluation indicators before operation and 3, 12 months postoperation were compared.

RESULTSA total of 31 and 35 cases in the single incision and double incision groups, respectively, completed at least 12 months of systemic follow-up. The differences in perioperative conditions between the two groups were not statistically significant. The incision length of the single incision group was significantly shorter than that of the double incision group (P < 0.01). The ODI and VAS scores of patients in both groups improved significantly at 3 and 12 months postoperation. However, these two indicators at 3 and 12 months postoperation and the sacrospinalis muscle damage evaluation indicators at 3 months postoperation did not differ significantly between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSMast Quadrant-assisted modified TLIF with a small single posterior median incision has excellent clinical feasibility compared to minimally invasive TLIF with a double paramedian incision.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects and mechanism of Shuangshen Tongguan (SSTG) serum, a formula composed of the active fractions of Chinese medicine, on calcium overload in cultured cardiomyocytes injured by hypoxia and reoxygenation.

METHODThe cardiomyocytes were deprived of oxygen and glucose to producl hypoxia reoxygenation injuried models. The changes of intracellular calcium fluorescence intensity induced by K+ and Thapsigargin were measured by fluorospectrophotometry and laster scanning confocal microscope respectively.

RESULTIntracellular calcium concentration was low in normal cardiomyocytes and was enhanced after hypoxia/reoxygenation (P < 0.05); SSTC drug serum reduced the intracellular calcium concentration and depressed the increase of calcium fluorescence intensity in singular cardiomyocyte due to K+ and Thapsigargin stimulation.

CONCLUSIONHypoxia/reoxygenation injury, K+ and Thapsigargin could induce calcium overload in cardiomyocytes. The effects of calcium antagonism of SSTG drug serum were achieved by inhibiting calcium inflow, promoting calcium re-absorption of calcium.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Corydalis ; chemistry ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Panax ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry ; Serum ; Thapsigargin ; antagonists & inhibitors

OBJECTIVEto compare the therapeutic effect of posterolateral fusion (PLF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and posterior circumferential fusion (PCF) for lumbar spondylolisthesis.

METHODSfrom January 2003 to December 2008, 232 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated with pedicle screw fixation and followed for reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups based on fusion method: group A (PLF, 66 case), group B (PLIF, 54 case)and group C (PCF, 112 case). The three groups were reviewed and compared for clinical outcome and fusion rate.

RESULTSthe mean follow-up period was 21 months (range, 6-60 months). The fusion rate was 80.1% for PLF, 92.5% for PLIF and 93.7% for PCF group (P > 0.05). As to isthmic spondylolisthesis or Meyerding grade degenerative II and III spondylolisthesis, the fusion rate was 60.7% for PLF group, 90% for PLIF group and 93.3% for PCF group (P < 0.05). Compare the fusion rate for PLF group and PLIF+ PCF group (P < 0.05), fusion rate for PLIF group and PCF group (P > 0.05). The rate of excellent and good together was 84.8% in PLF group, 90.7% in PLIF group and 93.6% in PCF group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSposterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior circumferential fusion are more consistent with bio-mechanics, have a higher fusion rate, for the treatment of spondylolisthesis they are the preferred surgical approaches.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Spondylolisthesis ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDIn recent years, a variety of minimally invasive lumbar surgery techniques have achieved desirable efficacy, but some dispute remains regarding the advantages over open surgery. This study aimed to compare minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion via MAST Quadrant retractor with open surgery in terms of perioperative factors, postoperative back muscle function, and 24-month postoperative follow-up results.

METHODSFrom September 2006 to June 2008, patients with single-level degenerative lumbar spine disease who were not responsive to conservative treatment were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized to undergo either minimally invasive surgery (MIS, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion via MAST Quadrant retractor, 41 cases) or open surgery (improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, 38 cases).

RESULTSThe MIS group had longer intraoperative fluoroscopy time than the open surgery group, and the open surgery group had significantly increased postoperative drainage volume and significantly prolonged postoperative recovery time compared with the MIS group (P < 0.05 for all). MRI scanning showed that the T2 relaxation time in the multifidus muscle was significantly shorter in the MIS group than in the open surgery group at 3 months after surgery (P < 0.01). Surface electromyography of the sacrospinalis muscle showed that the average discharge amplitude and frequency were significantly higher in the MIS group than in the open surgery group (P < 0.01). The Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale scores were better at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively than preoperatively in both groups. Both groups of patients met the imaging convergence criteria at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSMIS can effectively reduce sacrospinalis muscle injury compared with open surgery, which is conducive to early functional recovery. In the short term, MIS is superior to open surgery, but in the long term there is no significant difference between the two procedures.

Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Spinal Diseases ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Treatment Outcome