Objective To approach the correlation between angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) levels and degree of lung injury and prognosis and its clinical significance in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods A prospective observation was conducted. Fifty-three ARDS patients admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2012 to March 2014 were enrolled. According to the criteria of the Berlin Definition of ARDS,the patients were divided into mild group (n=15),moderate group(n=22)and severe group(n=16). Meanwhile,ARDS patients were further divided into survival group(n=29)and non-survival group(n=24)according to 28-day outcomes. Twenty cases of non-ARDS patients were served as control. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ)score,sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score,oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2),lung injury score(LIS)were recorded within 24 hours after admission. And the plasma levels of Ang-2,interleukin-6(IL-6)and C-reaction protein (CRP)were measured. The independent risk factors of ARDS were analyzed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was plotted to evaluate the value of Ang-2 in predicting ARDS. Results Compared with non-ARDS group,APACHEⅡ score,SOFA score,LIS score,mortality were significantly increased,PaO2/FiO2 was significantly decreased,and plasma Ang-2,IL-6,CRP were significantly elevated〔APACHEⅡscore:20.7±5.0 vs. 14.1±5.3,SOFA score:7.7±3.5 vs. 3.5±2.1,LIS score:1.69±0.71 vs. 0.28±0.27,PaO2/FiO2(mmHg,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa):159.5±61.3 vs. 394.0±63.2,mortality:45.3%(24/53) vs. 20.0%(4/20),Ang-2(μg/L):4.73(2.59,6.99)vs. 1.22(0.61,1.52),IL-6(ng/L):56.50(27.15,139.90)vs. 13.05(4.38,15.55),CRP(mg/L):95.75(41.74,189.72)vs. 10.56(3.92,21.36),P<0.05 or P<0.01〕. Each index increased or decreased more significantly with the aggravation of the disease. It was shown by correlation analysis that the plasma levels of Ang-2 was significantly positive correlated with IL-6(r=0.468,P=0.000),CRP(r=0.492,P=0.000),APACHEⅡscore(r=0.560,P=0.000),SOFA score(r=0.508,P=0.000)and LIS score (r=0.588,P=0.000),significantly negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2(r=-0.685,P=0.000). Factors, APACHEⅡ score,LIS score,PaO2/FiO2,Ang-2 and IL-6 founded statistical significance in univariate analysis were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. High APACHEⅡscore at admission〔odds ratio(OR)=1.316, 95% confidence interval(95%CI)=1.040-1.633,P=0.022〕and increased plasma Ang-2 levels(OR=1.287, 95%CI=1.041-1.760,P=0.038)were the independent prognostic factors for the 28-day mortality in ARDS. The area under the ROC curve of Ang-2 was 0.964,the optimal critical value of Ang-2 was 1.79μg/L,the specificity was 90.0%,and sensitivity was 92.5%. Plasma levels of Ang-2 was better in predicting ARDS than APACHEⅡscore, SOFA score and IL-6. Conclusions The plasma level of Ang-2 was significantly increased in patients with ARDS. The plasma level of Ang-2 was correlated with the severity of acute lung injury and had important prognosis evaluation.

Objective To investigate the effect of Pingfei Oral Liquid (POL) on the distribution of mast cells (MCs) and the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the lung tissue of radiation pneumonia rats. MethodsForty-five SD rats were randomized into 3 groups : normal control,model group and POL group. The rat model of radiation lung fibro-sis was set up by a single X-ray dose of 20Gy irradiation over the whole chest of the rats. POL (20 g·kg-1·d-1,once a day, five times a week) was given orally one week before irradiation and the treatment lasted 5 weeks. MCs in the lung tissue were stained with toluidine blue firstly and then were counted 2, 4 and 8 weeks after irradiation. IL-6 protein expression of lung tissue was measured by immunohistochemical assay 8 weeks after irradiation, and mRNA ex-pression was determined with RT-PCR 4 weeks after irradiation. ResultsIt's showed the aggregation of large amount of pulmonary mast cells and increase of IL-6 protein expression 8 weeks after irradiation (P < 0.01).IL-6 mRNA expression in the irradiated lung of rats increased 4 weeks after irradiation (P < 0. 01). POL could reduce the aggrega- tion of MCs (P < 0. 01) and the expression of IL-6 protein (P < 0. 01) and mRNA (P < 0. 05) in the lung tissue. ConclusionPOL can prevent radiation pneumonia in rats by reducing the aggregation of mast cells and inhibiting IL-6 expression in the lung tissue.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB)during surgery of breast cancer. MethodsRadioactive colloid and blue dye were injected intradermally around the tumor seperately before the operation and the SLN were detected first by lymph scintigraphy. SLN was detected and located using ?-finder and the blue dye. Axillary lymph node dissection(ALND)was performed routinely after the SLNB. Results Among 116 breast cancer patients,this procedure was successful in 98.3% of cases. The sensitivity, accuracy and false negative rate were 93.6%, 97.4% and 6.4%, respectively. Conclusions SLNB is a simple, safe and reliable technique.Routine ALND could be raplaced by SLNB in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Objective To investigate the direct inhibitory effects of 153Sm- DTPA-c (Cys-Gly-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gly-Gly-Ser-Cys) NH2 ( 153 Sm-DTPA-c (CGRRAGGSC)) on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Methods 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) was synthesized by the reaction of 153SmCl3 with DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) using indirect synthesis method. PC-3 cells in vitro culture were divided into four study groups, groug A ( the control, with PBS only), group B with 1.5 mg/L c ( CGRRAGGSC), group C with 370 kBq 153 SmCl3 and group D with 370 kBq 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC). PC-3 cell growth was assayed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl ) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression changes of interleukin 11 (IL11 ) and IL11 receptor (IL1 1 R) in PC-3 cells were examined by Western Blot. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired-t test were applied for statistic analysis. Results The labeling yield of 153Sm-DTPA-c (CGRRAGGSC) was 85% and the radiochemical purity was 95.8%. The specific activity of 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) was 1.32 × 105 MBq/μmol. Significant inhibitory effects on the growth of PC-3 cells were found in both group C and D, with a time-dependent manner. However, no obvious inhibition was found either in group A or in group B. After 48 h,significant differences of sub-G1 peak area were found among groups, (0. 98 ± 0. 18)%, (0. 35 ±0. 10)%, (4.05 ±0.28)% and (13.38 ±0. 89)% for group A, B, C and D, respectively. Furthermore,sexpression of ILl 1R in group D was significantly lower than that in group B and C with absorbance values 0. 339 ~ 0.014, 0.338 ~ 0.019, 0.226 ~ 0. 015 for group B, C and D, respectively. Absorbance values in groups B and C were not significantly different after treatment, compared with those before treatment; however, there was difference between absorbance values after and before treatment in group D ( t = 0. 405,1. 163,135.989,P>0.05 >0.05, <0.05). Conchluion 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) can directly in hibit the cell growth and expression of human prostate cancer cells PC-3.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preparation of hydroxycamptothecine (HCPT)-loaded cubic crystal liquid embolic precursor solution, and evaluate its in vitro embolic efficiency. Phytantriol was used as cubic crystal liquid embolic material, and the optimal formulation was selected according to ternary phase diagram. Polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to characterize the cubic crystal structure. High performance liquid chromatography and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to investigate the lactone ring of HCPT. In vitro dissolution was preliminary evaluated, and the simulation embolic model was constructed to evaluate the embolic efficiency of precursor solution. Meanwhile, the gelation time and adhesion force were investigated. The results showed that HCPT-loaded precursor solution for embolization had been successfully prepared with low viscosity which was injectable. The precursor solution could transform into Pn3m structure liquid crystal phase gel rapidly when contracting with excess water. The formed HPCT gel remained its lactone form as the same in precursor solution, and expressed the good ability to block the saline flow, and HCPT could keep sustained releasing drug over 30 days. The prepared drug-loaded embolic precursor solution showed a promising potential for vascular embolization and application in clinical treatment of tumor.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; chemistry ; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Camptothecin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; chemistry ; Fatty Alcohols ; chemistry ; Liquid Crystals ; Scattering, Small Angle ; Water ; X-Ray Diffraction

Objective To explore the effects and safety of hemoperfusion(HP) therapy on tetramine poisoning in infants.Methods Thirty-five infants with tetramine poisoning were divided into two groups: HP group(n=18) and non HP group(n=17).The changes of blood tetramine concentration and clinical symptom improving of both groups after the treatment were observed together with the adverse effects of HP group.Results The average blood tetramine concentration of HP group was higher than that of non HP group(342.2?333.4 vs 117.9?50.8 ?g/L,P

The discovery of drug targets plays a crucial role in drug research. Accurate information of small molecule drug-protein interaction can be provided by label-free target discovery technology without any structural modification at the small molecule. So, the label-free drug target discovery technology had become the powerful tool to discover the targets of drugs. Due to the “multi-component and multi-target” characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the research on its targets and mechanism had been restricted. Based on potential of the label-free target discovery technology in the research of TCMs, this paper summarized the label-free target discovery technology and its application in TCMs research. It will provide a reference for the discovery of targets of TCMs and a new view for promoting the modernization of TCMs.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between SREBP-1c and the risk of liver disease associated with the triacylglyceride lipase PNPLA3 I148M variant using a human hepatoma cell line model transfected with recombinant lentiviruses.

METHODSHuh7 cells were transfected with control lentivirus or lentivirus containing the PNPLA3 I148M variant (variant). The two cell groups were compared to assess differences in triglyceride content (using oil red O staining), levels of triglyceride and cholesterol (using automated biochemical analyzer), expression of SREBP-lc mRNA (using fluorescence quantitative PCR), and expression of SREBP-1c protein (using western blot.

RESULTSCells expressing the PNPLA3 I148M variant showed higher triglyceride content (0.54+/-0.03 mmol/L vs. control cells: 0.23+/-0.02 mmol/L; t=22.58, P<0.001), cholesterol level (0.28+/-0.03 mmol/L vs. control cells: 0.13+/-0.02 mmol/L; t =11.83, P<0.001), SREBP-1cmRNA expression (13.59+/-0.60 vs. 11.81+/-0.82; [The abstract and text in the paper say variant increases, but the data shown says the higher value is in the control cells. Please correct to properly express the data.] P=0.001), and SREBP-1c protein expression. The level of SREBP-1c was positively correlated with serum triglyceride in the cells expressing the PNPLA3 I148M variant (r=0.912, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe risk of liver disease associated with the PNPLA3 I148M variant, which increases lipogenesis, may involve SREBP-1c and a pathway that increases triglycerides.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Lipase ; Liver Diseases ; Membrane Proteins ; Risk Factors ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 ; Triglycerides

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between GLI3 gene and pathogenesis of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (ICTEV).

METHODPotential mutations in the coding region of GLI3 were detected among 84 patients with ICTEV by denaturing gradient electrophoresis. Expression of GLI3 in the ICTEV patients' disease tissues was assessed by reverse transcription PCR. Following generation of rat model for ICTEV, mRNA and protein levels of GLI3 were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

RESULTSNo mutation was found in exons 1 - 8 and 13 of GLI3 gene among the 84 ICTEV patients. No expression of GLI3 gene was detected in the flexor hallucis longus of ICTEV patients or normal controls. Expression of Gli3, in terms of both mRNA and protein, was stronger in the hindlimb of ICTEV rat embryos compared with normal controls.

CONCLUSIONMutation in the coding region of GLI3 may not be responsible for the occurrence of ICTEV. However, there may still be connection between abnormal expression of the gene and pathogenesis of ICTEV.

Animals ; Clubfoot ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Mutation ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Zinc Finger Protein Gli3

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Stragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin levels of intestinal mucosa in reperfusion injury after hemorrhage shock.

METHOD32 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low dosage group, (treated with Astragalus membranaceus 10 g x kg(-1)); high dosage group (treated with Astragalus membranaceus 20 g x kg(-1)). Models of hemorrhagic shock for 60 minutes and reperfusion for 90 minutes were created. The animals were administrated 3 mL therapeutic solution before reperfusion. At the end of study, intestinal pathology was observed, and the concentration of lactic acid (LD), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET) of intestinal mucosa were detected.

RESULTThe intestinal pathology showed that intestinal mucosa epithelial cells damage in model group was severe, in low dosage group was medium, in high dosage group was slight, and no obvious damage was found in normal group. The concentration of LD and NO of small intestine mucous membrane in model group and low dosage group were significantly higher than those in high dosage group and normal group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between high dosage group and normal group (P > 0.05). The concentration of ET of small intestine mucous membrane in model group was the highest of the four groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of ET in low dosage group was significantly higher than that in high dosage group and normal group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between high dosage group and normal group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONStragalus membranaceus injection can reduce small intestine mucous damage by protecting endothelium function in injury after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion.

Animals ; Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Endothelins ; metabolism ; Ileum ; metabolism ; pathology ; Injections, Intravenous ; Intestinal Mucosa ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lactic Acid ; metabolism ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Shock, Hemorrhagic ; complications