OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Liuweidihuang Pills in relieving cellphone electromagnetic radiation-induced histomorphological abnormality, oxidative injury, and cell apoptosis in the rat testis.

METHODSThirty adult male SD rats were equally randomized into a normal, a radiated, and a Liuweidihuang group, the animals in the latter two groups exposed to electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz cellphone frequency 4 hours a day for 18 days. Meanwhile, the rats in the Liuweidihuang group were treated with the suspension of Liuweidihuang Pills at 1 ml/100 g body weight and the other rats intragastrically with the equal volume of purified water. Then all the rats were killed for observation of testicular histomorphology by routine HE staining, measurement of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels by colorimetry, and determination of the expressions of bax and bcl-2 proteins in the testis tissue by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSCompared with the normal controls, the radiated rats showed obviously loose structure, reduced layers of spermatocytes, and cavitation in the seminiferous tubules. Significant increases were observed in the MDA level (P < 0.01) and bax expression (P < 0.01) but decreases in the GSH level (P < 0.01) and bcl-2 expression (P < 0.01) in the testis issue of the radiated rats. In comparison with the radiated rats, those of the Liuweidihuang group exhibited nearly normal testicular structure, significantly lower MDA level (P < 0.05), bax expression (P < 0.01), and bcl-2 expression (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLiuweidihuang Pills can improve cellphone electromagnetic radiation-induced histomorphological abnormality of the testis tissue and reduce its oxidative damage and cell apoptosis.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Cell Phone ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Electromagnetic Radiation ; Glutathione ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Radiation-Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Seminiferous Tubules ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Spermatocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Staining and Labeling ; Testis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiation effects

Objective To evaluate the role of adenosine A1 receptors in hippocampal neurons in the cognitive dysfunction caused by isoflurane anesthesia in aged mice.Methods Sixteen male adenosine A1 receptor gene knockout homozygote mice (gene knockout mice) and 16 male wild-type mice,aged 18-22 months,weighing 27-32 g,were studied.Each type of mice was randomly divided into 2 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and isoflurane anesthesia group (group Ⅰ).Mice inhaled 1.4％ isoflurane in 100％ O2 for 2 h in group Ⅰ,and 100％ O2 for 2 h in group C.All the mice underwent Morris water maze test at 24 h after isoflurane or O2 inhalation.After the test,the mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal tissues were harvested to determine the number of β-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42) plaques (using immunohistochemistry) and expression of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein,and 2B subunit-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NR2B) (by Western blot analysis).Results Compared with group C of wild type mice,the escape latency was significantly prolonged,the number of Aβ1-42 plaques was enlarged,the expression of p-tau protein was up-regulated,and the expression of N R2B was down-regulated in group Ⅰ of wild type mice.Compared with group Ⅰ of wild type mice,the escape latency was significantly shortened,the number of Aβ1-42 plaques was decreased,the expression of p-tau protein was down-regulated,and the expression of NR2B was up-regulated in group Ⅰ of gene knockout mice.There was no significant difference in the parameters mentioned above between group Ⅰ and group C of gene knockout mice.Conclusion Adenosine A1 receptors in hippocampal neurons mediate isoflurane anesthesia-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged mice,and the mechanism may be related to promotion of deposition of Aβ,phosphorylation of tau protein and inhibition of activities of NR2B.

To investigate the protective effect of curcumin on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rats, and explore the underlying mechanisms, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: sham-vehicle (S), sham-curcumin (C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-vehicle (L), and curcumin-lipopolysaccharide (C-L) groups. The wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio of the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid protein content were used as measures of lung injury. Neutrophil recruitment and activation were evaluated by BAL fluid cellularity and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in cell-free BAL and lung tissue. The levels of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-I (CINC-1) in lung tissues were measured by ELISA. The histopathological changes of lung tissues were observed by using the HE staining. Our results showed that lung injury parameters, including the wet/dry weight ratio and protein content in BALF, were significantly higher in the L group than in the S group (P<0.01). In the L group, higher numbers of neutrophils and greater MPO activity in cell-free BAL and lung homogenates were observed when compared with the S group (P<0.01). There was a marked increase in CINC-1 levels in lung tissues in response to LPS challenge (P<0.01, L group vs S group). Curcumin pretreatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced changes in these indices. LPS caused extensive morphological lung damage, which was also lessened after curcumin pretreatment. All the above-mentioned parameters in the C group were not significantly different from those of the S group. It is concluded that curcumin pretreatment attenuates LPS-induced lung injury in rats. This beneficial effect of curcumin may involves, in part, inhibition of neutrophilic recruitment and activity, possibly through inhibition of lung CINC-1 expression.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the morphologic changes of upper airway in obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) associated with micrognathism before and after orthognathic surgery and distraction osteogenesis, and subsequently to instruct clinical jobs effectively.

METHODSNine OSAHS patients associated with micrognathism (8 males, 1 female, mean age: 28.6 years) received orthognathic surgery and (or) distraction osteogenesis, and the curative effect was evaluated according to the subjective feelings and PSG. Upper airway structure before and after the treatment was measured by Somatom Sensation 16 CT scanner.

RESULTSAll 9 patients were clinically cured. The transverse length, the cross section area, and especially the sagittal length of the upper airway were obviously increased after the orthognathic surgery. The changes involved mainly in the velopharyngeal region and the laryngopharyngeal region, but not in the laryngopharyngeal region.

CONCLUSIONSThe orthognathic surgery and distraction osteogenesis can treat the OSAHS patients with microgonathism effectively by increasing their velopharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal sagittal length of upper airway.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Micrognathism ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Pharynx ; diagnostic imaging ; Polysomnography ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; surgery ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo primarily assess the surgical technique to correct incomplete Tessier No. 3 craniofacial cleft.

METHODSFrom 2009 to 2010, 3 male patients with incomplete Tessier No. 3 craniofacial clefts were treated. Preoperative CT examination of each patient was performed and the bony defect was evaluated. In the operation, van der Meulen rotation and advancement flap of the cheek and regional Z-plasty were used and the medial canthal ligament was repositioned.

RESULTSOne week after the operation, the sutures were removed and the facial incision healed well. The facial scar was not obvious 6 - 10 months after operation. The shape of medial canthal angle was acceptable, and the height of the medial canthal angle and the length of the palpebral fissure of both sides were symmetrical. The clinical results were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSFor the incomplete Tessier No. 3 craniofacial cleft, surgical treatment is mainly focused on the deformities of inner canthus and nasal alae. Medial canthal ligament reposition is the key procedure for correction of the medial canthal deformity and surgical results are stable and reliable.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Face ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Uighur medicine gu-jing-mai-si-ha tablet (GJMSHT) for treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) and to explore part of its mechanism.

METHODSThe condition of patients was scored by related questionnaire, and the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) was observed before and after GJMSHT treatment, with the blood levels of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) detected in PE patients as well. The results were compared with those in the control group.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the scores of PE and IELT, as well as the levels of NO and PGF2alpha, all increased significantly compared to those before treatment in the treated group (P<0.01), while in the control group, all the parameters were insignificantly changed (P>0.05). Therefore, the difference of these parameters between the two groups after treatment all showed statistical significance (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONGJMSHT could treat PE effectively, its mechanism is possibly by strengthening the coordination of the related smooth muscles through increasing the blood levels of NO and PGF2alpha, and the endurance of patients to the cavitary effect of prostatico-urethral pressure, thus postponing the arrival of urgent ejaculatory feeling.

Adult ; Dinoprost ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Ejaculation ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Tablets

AIMTo study the synthesis and antitumour activities of some aryl-substituted pteridines.

METHODSA series of aryl-substituted pteridines were synthesized from 4, 6-diamino-5-nitrosopyrimidines by cyclization with 4-aminophenylacetonitriles. The antitumour activities were tested by MTT method.

RESULTSNine new compounds (I-III) were synthesized and their structures were characterized by EA, IR, 1HNMR and MS spectra. Compounds I-III showed antitumour activities in vitro.

CONCLUSIONCompounds I-III showed remarkable antitumour activities in vitro. No interaction was determined between the title compounds and calf thymus DNA. It indicated that these compounds possibly inhibit dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) or other enzymes on which folic acid depends.

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Humans ; KB Cells ; drug effects ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; Molecular Structure ; Pteridines ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of overweight and obesity on physical function (including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse, weight vital capacity index) in children and adolescents.

METHODSThe data of 2010 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health was analyzed. The samples of overweight and normal-weight group were randomly selected from the data by matching gender, urban or rural for getting the same number sample size as obese group (10 601 each group). The students aged 7 - 18 years were classified into 3 groups by BMI percentiles (P₅, P₁₅, P₂₅, P₅₀, P₇₅, P₈₅ and P₉₅), to analyze the change of physical function along with BMI percentile.

RESULTSCompared to the normal-weigh group, SBP of the obese boys of all age groups increased by 8.0 - 12.0 mm Hg, DBP increased by 4.7 - 5.9 mm Hg, while SBP of the obese girls increased by 7.5 - 11.6 mm Hg, DBP increased by 4.7 - 6.1 mm Hg, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). In 13 - 15-year group, pulse of obese boys was 0.8 times/min higher than that of normal-weight. In 16 - 18-year group, pulse of obese boys was 1.1 times/min higher than that of overweight or normal-weight, while pulse of obese girls were 1.5 and 1.7 times/min higher than that of overweight and normal-weight, respectively (P < 0.05). Pulses in boys aged 7 - 9 years when BMI were P₅, P₅₀, P(95) were 87.63, 87.00, 87.83 times/min, and pulses in boys aged 10 - 12 were 85.66, 85.30, 85.43 times/min, respectively. Pulses in boys aged 13 - 15 years when BMI were P₅, P₅₀, P₉₅ were 82.60, 81.39, 82.34 times/min, and pulses in boys aged 16 - 18 years were 80.15, 79.00, 79.98 times/min. In both boys and girls of all age groups, weight vital capacity index had the trend of obese < overweight < normal-weight (P < 0.05). Compared to the normal-weight group, weight vital capacity index of overweight boys decreased by 6.4 - 8.4 ml/kg, that of obese boys decreased by 11.9 - 14.8 ml/kg, while that of overweight girls decreased by 5.3 - 7.7 ml/kg, that of obese girls decreased 11.0 - 11.5 ml/kg.

CONCLUSIONCompared to the normal-weight, overweight and obese children and adolescents had elevated blood pressure, increased pulse, decreased weight vital capacity index.

Adolescent ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Ethnic Groups ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; Overweight ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; Risk Factors ; Students

The aim of this study is to investigate the critical factor affecting the properties of PLGA microspheres fabricated by a solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) emulsion technique with BSA as a model protein. Prior to encapsulation, the BSA microparticles were fabricated by a modified freezing-induced phase separation method. The microparticles were subsequently encapsulated into PLGA microspheres by S/O/W emulsion method, then Motic BA200 biological microscope, confocal laser scanning microscope, scanning electron microscope were used to observe the structure of S/O/W emulsion and PLGA microspheres. The protein content extracted or released from BSA microspheres was measured by Bradford protein assay method. It was found that NaCl added in the outer aqueous phase effectively suppressed material exchange between the inner and outer phase of S/O/W emulsion. Then, the structure and permeability of obtained microspheres were influenced. As a result, with the increase of NaCl concentration in the outer aqueous phase, the encapsulation efficiency of microspheres significantly increased from 60% to more than 85%, the burst release of microspheres reduced from 70% to 20%, and the particle size decreased from 103 microm to 62 microm. Furthermore, the rehydration of encapsulated protein was also retarded and then integrity of BSA was successfully protected during encapsulation process. In vitro release test showed that BSA released from PLGA microspheres in a sustained manner for more than 30 days.
Delayed-Action Preparations ; Drug Compounding ; Emulsions ; chemistry ; Lactic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microspheres ; Oils ; Particle Size ; Polyglycolic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Sodium Chloride ; chemistry ; Water

OBJECTIVETo study the inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin (PAE) on TNF-α-induced TNF receptor type I (TNFR1)-mediated signaling pathway in mouse renal arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODSMouse AECs were cultured in vitro and then they were treated by different concentrations PAE or TNF-α for various time periods. Expression levels of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the low dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 0.8 μmo/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the middle dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 8 μmol/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 μmol/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL) with Western blot analysis. Nuclear translocation of transcription factor NF-κB (NE-κB) was detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 45-mm TNF-α 30 ng/mL), and the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 μmol/L plus 45-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL) by immunofluorescent staining. Expression levels of the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated (protein) kinase (ph-ERK) and p38 (ph- p38) were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media) and the high dose PAE group (2-h PAE 80 μmol/L culture) by Western blot. NF-κB inhibitor-α (IκBα) protein expressions were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 30-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 μmol/L plus 30-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the p38 inhibitor group (SB group, pretreatment with SB238025 25 μmol/L for 30 min, then treated by PAE 80 μmol/L for 2 h, and finally treated by TNF-α 30 ng/mL for 30 min), the ERK inhibitor group (PD group, treated by PD98059 50 μmol/L for 30 min, then treated by PAE 80 μmol/L for 2 h, and finally treated by TNF-α 30 ng/mL for 30 min) by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, ICAM-1 protein expression levels obviously increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the TNFα group, ICAM-1 protein expression levels were obviously inhibited in the high dose PAE group (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of ph-p38 and ph-ERK were obviously higher in the hIgh dose PAE group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, IκBα protein expression levels obviously decreased in the TNF-α group (P < 0.01). Compared with the TNFα group, TNF-α-induced IκBα degradation could be significantly inhibited in the high dose PAE group (P < 0.01); the inhibition of PAE on IκBα degradation could be significantly inhibited in the SB group (P < 0.05). NF-κB/p65 signal was mainly located in cytoplasm in the normal group. NF-κB/p65 was translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus after stimulated by 45 min TNF-α in the TNF-α group, while it could be significantly inhibited in the high dose PAE group.

CONCLUSIONSPAE inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of lCAM-1. Its action might be associated with inhibiting TNFR1/NF-κB signaling pathway. p38 participated and mediated these actions.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Mice ; Monoterpenes ; pharmacology ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology