Objective To study the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Astragaloside-Ⅳ (ASG-Ⅳ) on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the rat diabetic model. Methods Forty SD(Sprague-Dawley)healthy rats were used. The diabetic retinopathy rats model were induced by STZ, 45 mg/kg, 3d. Another 10 were injected the same amount of citrate buffer as a control group. Fasting blood glucose was measured with SureStep Plus detector 72 h later. The blood glucose of the diabetes model was ≥16.7 mmol/L. And 12 weeks later, DCM rats were divided into 4 groups randomly in the experiment, includes: DCM, ASG-Ⅳ-L (10 mg/kg), ASG-Ⅳ-M (30 mg/kg), ASG-Ⅳ-H (60 mg/kg)groups. After give dugs 4 weeks, the phosphokinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and LDH level were tested, the cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by HW/BW and LVW/BW. Activity of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase were determined in left ventricular tissues by ATPase ELISA Assay Kit. The content of FFA was measured and myocardial pathological examination was performed. Results Compared with the control group, blood and urine glucose were higher than experimental animal in diabetic model group, were significantly increased (P<0.05). LDH and Phosphokinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) level were significantly increased, the HWI and LVWI ratio were enhanced in DCM group (P<0.05). ASG-Ⅳ could reduce the ratio of HWI and LVWI, decrease the level of CK-MB and LDH, improve the pathomorphological changing of DCM rat model (P<0.05). Moreover, compared with DCM group, ASG-Ⅳ could restore the Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activity, reduced the content of FFA (P<0.05). Conclusion ASG-Ⅳ plays therapeutic effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy might via restore the Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activity, reduce the content of FFA, protect the myocardial energy metabolism in DCM.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat (PQ),and the effect of Xuebijing injection in treatment of PQ poisoning.Methods Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group,PQ poisoning group,and Xuebijing intervention group,with 24 rats in each group.Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by single garage at the dosage of 50 mg/kg of PQ,while 1 mL of distilled water was given by gavage in control group.Xuebijing injection at the dosage of 4 mL/kg were given intraperitoneally at 30 minutes after exposure to PQ in Xuebijing group,and it was repeated every 12 hours; same amount of physiological saline was given intraperitoneally in PQ group and control group.The experiment lasted for 14 days.Six rats in each group were sacrificed on 1,3,7,14 days,respectively,after insult,and 30 minutes after the last intervention.The lung tissues were harvested,the changes in pathology in lung tissue and the degree of pulmonary fibrosis were observed with optical microscope with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson stain.The ultrastructure changes in lung tissues were observed with transmission electron microscopic,and the content of hydroxyproline (HYP) in the lung tissue was determined by alkaline hydrolysis.The expression of mitochondrial fusion protein 2 (Mfn2) was determined by Western Blot.Results ① HE staining:in PQ group,inflammation was most marked on the 3rd day.On the 7th day,exudates in the alveoli started to be organized,and hypertrophic fibroblasts were seen to secrete slim collagen fibers,and fibrosis could be seen in alveoli.On the 14th day,intensive hyperplasia of fibroblasts could be observed,and the alveolar structure was destroyed and collapsed,with deposition of collagen deposited with formation of pulmonary fibrosis.At the same time,pathologic changes were milder in Xuebijing group than those in PQ group.② Masson staining:the degree of inflammation in alveoli and pulmonary fibrosis were less marked in Xuebijing group than those of PQ group on the 14th day.③ Under the transmission electron microscopy,it was found that the mitochondria of lung tissue cells was relatively less in number on the 14th day in PQ group,and the majority of them underwent degeneration,swelling and damage.Basement membrane became folded,alvcoli were collapsed,and fibrosis was obvious.These changes were less serious in Xuebijing group.④ Content of HYP (μg/g):contents of HYP in lung tissues on the 3rd day in PQ group and Xuebijing group were significantly higher than those in control group (743.3 ± 50.2,718.1 ± 34.0 vs.665.8± 6.6,both P＜0.05),it then increased gradually,but the contents of HYP in Xuebijing group were significantly lower on the 7th day and 14th day than those in PQ group (790.5 ± 23.8 vs.876.7 ± 42.0,812.9 ± 72.3 vs.931.3 ± 33.0,both P＜0.05).⑤ Expression of Mfn2:the expression of Mfn2 in control group was relatively lower.The expression of Mfn2 in PQ group was increased gradually under stress,but its rate was low.The expression of Mfn2 (A value) in Xuebijing group was significantly higher than that in PQ group on the 1st day (0.731 ±0.035 vs.0.618 ±0.029,P＜0.05),and it was elevated steadily,reaching the peak on the 7th day (0.732 ± 0.037 vs.0.669 ± 0.034,P＜0.05),but it was lower than that of PQ group on the 14th day (0.708 ± 0.034 vs.0.765 ± 0.041,P＜0.05).Conclusions Xuebijing reduces lung inflammatory reaction and pulmonary fibrosis as a result of PQ poisoning.The mechanism is that Xnebijing regulates and increases expression of Mfn2 in lung tissue.

Objective To investigate the pathological features,diagnosis and treatment of primary malignant melanoma in esophagus (PMME).Methods The clinical data of 3 patients with PMME who were admitted to the Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2008 to June 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients received esophageal barium radiography,electronic fiberesophagoscopy,esophageal endoscopic ultrasonography,computed tomography,and underwent surgery.Adjuvant therapy and immunotherapy were applied postoperatively.Results The results of barium radiography showed irregular filling defect presentation in the distal esophagus.The results of endoscopy showed a purple black tumor with a length of 3-8 cm in the esophagus.The results of endoscopic ultrasonography showed that the tumor was derived from the mucosal layer with low echo density.The results of computed tomography showed thickness of the lower segment of the esophagus.All the 3 patients received left thoracic approach esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy.Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed malignant melanoma.The expressions of Mart-1,HMB-45 and S-100 antigen were positive.The survival time of 2 patients was longer than 3 years,and 1 patient died of metastasis 6 months after operation.Conclusions PMME is a kind of rare and malignant tumor with dismal prognosis.Surgical management is the first choice,adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy are hopeful to increase the survival time of the patients.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and dosimetric features of a volume modulated arc therapy (VMAT)-configured model in knowledge-based optimization of fixed-field dynamic intensitymodulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans based on the Varian RapidPlan system.Methods ① A dose-volume histogram prediction model was trained with 81 qualified preoperative VMAT plans for rectal cancer and then statistically verified.② For clinically approved 10 IMRT plans with the same dose prescription,the above model was used to automatically generate new optimization parameters and dynamic muhileaf collimator (MLC) sequences with field geometry and beam energy unchanged.③ In order to rule out the disparities between different versions,a single algorithm was used to calculate the absolute doses of the original and new plans.④ Statistical analyses were performed on dosimetric parameters after comparable target dose coverage was achieved in the two plans by appropriate normalization.Results On the basis of similar target dose homogeneity and coverage,RapidPlan significantly reduced the doses to the urinary bladder (D50％ by 9.01 Gy,P =0.000;Dmean by 8.08 Gy,P =0.005) and the femoral head (D50％ by 4.20 Gy,P =0.000;Dmean by 3.84 Gy,P=0.005) but significantly elevated the mean total number of monitor units (1211±99 vs.771±79,P=0.000) and the number of fields with multiple MLC carriage groups.The knowledge-based semi-automated optimization caused a significantly larger number of high-dose hotspots but a similar D2％ (52.54 vs.52.71 Gy,P=0.239).Conclusions The VMAT model can be used for the knowledge-based semi-automated optimization of IMRT plans to enhance the efficiency and OAR protection.However,the resulting high-dose hotspots need further manual intervention.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of DTI for prostate cancer.Methods From October 2009 to December 2010,44 patients suspected of prostate cancer received MRI and DTI.The data of MRI and DTI were analyzed retrospectively.By histopathology,prostate cancer was proved in 16 patients,and benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) was proved in 28 patients.Differences in ADC and FA values between prostate cancer and BPH were compared by independent samples t test.Diagnostic accuracy of FA value and ADC value for prostate cancer was analyzed by using ROC curve,and the diagnostic threshold of FA value and ADC value for prostate cancer was determined.Results The mean FA value of the tumor regions and BPH were 0.308 +0.084 and 0.203 ±0.029,respectively.The mean ADC value of the tumor regions and BPH were (0.883 +0.192) × 10 -3 mm2/s and ( 1.408 ±0.130) × 10-3 mm2/s,respectively.There were statistically significant differences in ADC and FA values between tumor regions and BPH (t values were 4.833 and 10.779 respectively,P＜0.01).The ADC value area under curve of ROC was 0.996 (95％ CI was 0.984 to 1.007) ; the FA value area under curve of ROC was 0.904(95％ CI was 0.812 to 0.996) ; Combined the FA and ADC value area under curve of ROC is 0.996(95％ CI was 0.984to 1.007) ; Using the ADC value of 0.725 × 10 3 mm2/s as the ROC cut off point,the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100.0％ and 96.0％,respectively; Using the FA value of 0.311as the ROC cut off point,the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 100.0％ and 68.7％,respectively.Conclusion DTI imaging can provide valuable information for prostate cancer diagnosis and differential diagnosis,and improve the diagnosis ability of prostate cancer.

Objective To evaluate the PSD-007-mediated photodynamic effect on mouse osteosarcoma cell line LM-8, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods LM-8 cells were incubated with different concentrations of PSD-007 for 4 hours and then followed different laser irradiations. After photodynamic therapy (PDT), cell viability was measured using MTT assay and the optical density in each experiment was measured at 450 nm with a micro plate reader. The inhibition rate of cell growth was calculated. Four-week-old female C3H mice were used for implantation of LM-8 cells. When the diameter of tumor reached up to 7-8 mm, the mice were randomly divided into following groups: 1) control group, including untreated control, saline with laser irradiation, PSD-007 without laser irradiation; 2) PDT group, PSD-007 (5 and 10 mg/kg) was injected intravenously into the mice, and the tumor site was irradiated with laser light 6 hours after injection. Seven days after PDT, the size and weight of the tumors were measured. The inhibition rate of tumor was calculated, and all tumor specimens were taken for pathologic examination. After the diameter of tumor was 10-12 mm, the tumors were performed a marginal resection and subsequently followed 3 different treatments: without PDT (control), PDT with 240 J/cm2 or 360 J/cm2 laser irradiation. After 4 weeks treatment, the tumor recurrence rates were analyzed. Results MTT assay revealed that the cytotoxic effect of PDT on the LM-8 cells was positively correlated with the concentration of PSD-007 and the level of laser irradiation. When the concentration exceeded 4μg/ml, and the energy exceeded 6 J/cm2, the inhibition ratio was over 50%. No anti-tumor effect was observed in the cells treated with only laser irradiation or PSD-007 injection. Compared with the control group, the size and weight of the tumors were obviously decreased after PDT. PDT performed after marginal resection of the tumor reduced the rate of local recurrence. Conclusion PDT with PSD-007 showed cytotoxic effect on the LM-8 cells, and which performed after marginal resection of the tumor reduced the rate of local recurrence.

Objective To explore the Monte Carlo calculation methods for the absolute dose calibration and output factor of 6 MV flattening-filter ( FF) and flattening-filter free ( FFF) photon beams based on TrueBeam accelerator .Methods The BEAMnrc code was used to model the LINAC head of FF and FFF modes.The BEAM_up covers the components from the target to the monitor chamber , and BEAM_down includes the structures beneath the chamber , the dose deposit to the monitor chamber contributed by the incidence electrons and scattered particles from the secondary collimators were calculated respectively .The incidence electron-induced dose at certain depths on the central axis were simulated by means of the DOSXYZnrc code .By means of dose calibration equation , the calibration factor for the standard field (10 cm ×10 cm) and the output factors for various fields (1 cm ×1 cm-40 cm ×40 cm) were computed respectively .Results For the 6 MV FF and FFF beams under the standard 10 cm ×10 cm field, 1 MU equals to 7.747 ×1013 ±3.099 ×1011 and 3.248 ×1013 ±1.624 ×1011 electrons to the target , respectively , which deposited 21.53 and 35.01 cGy to the monitor chamber of the virtual accelerator respectively .The difference between the simulated and calculated output factors were 0.72%±1.4%and 0.56%±0.78%for FF and FFF , respectively .Conclusions The model generated and measured output factors agree well , indicating the good accuracy of the dose calculation by the model , which would provides basis for further clinical dosimetric studies .

Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of HAA induction regimen consisted of homoharringtonine (HHT),cytarabine (Ara-C) and aclacinomycin (ACM) in naive and refractory relapsed acute myeloid leukemia.Methods Data from 66 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases hospitalized and treated with HAA induction regimen was analyzed retrospectively.Results 45 of the 66 cases suffered from naive AML,and 21 were refractory relapsed.HAA efficacy in naive AML was evaluated in 41 cases with 36 in complete remission (CR) and 1 in partial remission (PR).The efficiency of HAA induction regimen was 90.2 ％ (37/41)in naive AML group and 42.9 ％ (9/21) in refractory relapsed group,respectively.There were no differences (P ＞ 0.05) when considering patient' s gender,age,disease subtype and white blood cell count at onset.14 patients in CR with naive AML were followed-up for a median time of 9 months (2-17 months),and 5 cases relapsed (35.7 ％) in a range of 2-8 months.The median myelosuppression period was 14 days (3-23 days).Nausea and vomiting [20 ％ (13/66)] were the major side effects of HAA regimen,and the other side effects were abdominal pain and diarrhea [9 ％ (6/66).After chemotherapy,53 ％ (35/66) of the cases experienced infection/fever due to neutropenia.Other severe non-hematological side effects did not occur.Conclusion HAA regimen may be an ideal choice for the induction chemotherapy of naive and relapsed refractory AML.

Objective To study the role of Med19 in bladder cancer by analyzing the effects of lentivirus-mediated suppression of Med19 expression on T24 bladder cancer cells in vitro.Methods The lentivirus vectors containing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to target Med19 were constructed.After T24 bladder cancer cells were infected,real-time PCR and Western-blotting were used to study the Med19 expressions in the CON group (non-infected cells),the NC group (Lv-NC-infected cells) and the KD group (Lv-shMed19-infected cells).The influence of Med19 on the proliferation of bladder cancer cells were assessed using MTT,BrdU,colony formation assay and tumorigenicity experiment in mice.Cell cycle was analyzed with flow cytometry assay.Results Med19 relative mRNA level (0.35 ± 0.03) and Med19 protein expressing in the KD group were significantly inhibited (P ＜ 0.05).The KD group displayed an increased proportion of cells (77.50 ± 0.29)％ in the G0/G1 phase compared with the CON group (69.81 ± 0.81)％and NC group (67.53 ± 0.67) ％ (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the CON group and the NC group,the KD group displayed a significant cell proliferation defect by MTT and BrdU assay and the number of colonies (91.33 ± 6.11) was significant decreased (P ＜ 0.05).On the day 24,the tumor volume (596.64 ± 485.36) mm3 and weight (0.57 ± 0.44) g of the KD group mice were decreased after inoculation into nude mice (P ＜ 0.05).Specific lentivirus-mediated knockdown of Med19 significantly impacted the cell cycle and proliferation of bladder cancer cells.Infected T24 cells nearly lost their tumorigenicity when being inoculated into nude mice.Conclusion Our results provide new evidence of an important role for Med19 in the development of bladder cancer,suggesting that lentiviruses delivering shRNA against Med19 may be a promising tool for bladder cancer therapy.

OBJECTIVETo confirm diagnosis of a special case with chief complaints of abdominal pain and dyskinesia of lower extremities.

METHODSThe clinical symptoms, signs, MRI, pathological findings and the results of blood test for microfilaria were analyzed.

RESULTSThe patient was a 6-year old girl who had abdominal pain for 10 days dyskinesia of lower extremities for 6 days accompanied by difficulty in urination and defecation. There was tenderness on T7-9 spinous process, sensory dullness below the umbilicus. Babinski's and Oppenheim's sign were bilaterally positive, and ankle clonus was positive. MRI showed space occupying change in the vertebral canal at T7-9 level. The mass of 2 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm size was removed by surgical operation and histopathological study showed obvious fibrous tissue proliferation accompanied by eosinophil, lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration around a worm-like structure. Night time blood test performed at 23:00 confirmed the presence of microfilaria.

CONCLUSIONThe diagnosis of filariae in vertebral canal could be confirmed.

Animals ; Child ; Female ; Filariasis ; blood ; cerebrospinal fluid ; complications ; Filarioidea ; Humans ; Spinal Canal ; parasitology ; pathology ; Spinal Diseases ; etiology ; parasitology