Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) has been used as traditional medicine in Asian countries for more than 2,000 years. P. ginseng contains many active components such as ginsenosides, peptides, essential oil and polysaccharides, among which, P. ginseng polysaccharides were reported to have immunomodulating, anti-cancer, anti-adhesive and antioxidant activities. For better understanding of the structures and biological activities of all the ginseng polysaccharides, here the recent research achievements were reviewed. This review would be helpful for the relevant researchers to get useful information.
Antineoplastic Agents ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Immunologic Factors ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Medicine, Traditional ; Panax ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; Polysaccharides ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

Objective To evaluate the curative effect of different operative methods for duodenal diverticulum. Methods Articles of operations for duodenal diverticulum that were published between January 2000 to August 2006 were retrieved from China Journal Full-text Database, and the symptom remission rate and complication rate were underwent Meta-analysis. All data were analyzed by chi-square test. Results There was significant difference in symptom remission rate between Billroth Ⅱ subtotal gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy and diverticulectomy, diverticulum inverting suture, sphincteroplasty of Oddi (χ~2= 21.269, 4.285, 12.914, 19.266, 3.938, P < 0.05). The difference in complication rate between Billroth Ⅱ subtotal gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy and diverticulectomy, diverticulum inverting suture reached statistical significance (χ~2 =4.164, 9.166, 7.926,4.659, 4.858, P < 0.05). Conclusion For duodenal diverticulitis and the related complications which can not be effectively managed by internal medical treatment and with obvious symptom, Billroth Ⅱ subtotal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostumy are safe and effective.

Some studies on nocardiosis in cultured fish were critically reviewed,including pathogenic bacterium,taxonomy,pathogenicity,histopathologically,diagnosis,controlling method and immunology. Some problem and advice on this disease were suggested.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of internal fixation with screw through femoral epiphyseal plate on growth in- hibition via an experimental study.

METHODSForty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups and 10 rabbits in each group. Epiphyseal plate was injured by penetrating of screws, and the size of damage area was controlled by changing the number of threads. Group A: blank group; group B: injury area accounted for 4% of the epiphyseal plate; group C: injury area accounted for 6%; group D: injury area accounted for 8%. The internal fixation was removed after 2 weeks, and the results were observed with X-ray film for 4 groups to judge the complications such as early closure of epiphyseal.

RESULTSIn each group, there were no statistical differences in the length of the femoral neck, the diameter of femoral neck, the diameter of the femoral head, and the epiphyseal plate closure time. The growth speed of the length and diameter of the femoral neck, as well as the diameter of femoral head, were quicker on the early phase, and the speed was slowest when the epiphyseal plate was being closed.

CONCLUSIONThe injury area of epiphyseal plate under 8% is safe for its growth. Because no evidences demonstrate the growth inhibition of epiphyseal plate, the screws can be used for rabbit epiphyseal plates.

Animals ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Femur Head ; growth & development ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Growth Plate ; growth & development ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Rabbits ; Salter-Harris Fractures

Objective To study the influence of sub-chronically exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)on heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression in rat hippocampus. Methods Forty eight healthy adult male SD rats were randonly divided into 6 groups: blank control, olive control and four B[a]P-treated groups, which were exposed intra-peritoneally to B[a]P at the doses of 0.5, 1.5, 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg for 90 days. The learning and memory function was measured by Morris water maze. The expression level of Hsp70 and hsp70 mRNA in rat hippocampus were detected by Western-blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the Hsp70 expression levels in hippocampus CA1, CA2, CA3, DG regions, which were reflected by average gray values of Hsp70 immunoreactive products measured by image analysis system. Results The results of Morris water maze test showed the escape latencies and total distances of navigation in 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P groups were significantly higher than those in two control groups and 0.5 or 1.5 mg/kg B[a]P groups (P＜0.05).The duration of the third quadrant of the space search experiment in 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P group was significantly lower than those in two control groups and 0.5 mg/kg B[a]P group (P＜0.05). The expression levels of Hsp70 and hsp70 mRNA in rat hippocampus decreased with the B[a]P dose. The expression levels of Hsp70 in 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P groups were significantly lower than those of two control groups and 0.5 mg/kg B[a]P group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ). The expression levels of hsp70 mRNA in 0.5, 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P groups were significantly lower than those in two control groups (P＜0.01) and the expression level of hsp70 mRNA in 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P group was significantly lower than those in other B[a]P groups. The results of immunohistochemistry examination indicated that the average gray values of Hsp70 immunoreactive products in CA1, CA2, CA3, DG regions decreased with dose of B[a]P. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a negative correlation between the expression of Hsp70 protein in hippocampus and the average escape latency (r=-0.428, P＜0.05). There was a negative correlation between the expression of hsp70 mRNA in hippocampus and the average escape latency,the total distance of the third quadrant (r=--0.677 and r=-0.594, P＜0.01 ). There was a positive correlation between the expression of hsp70 mRNA in hippocampus and the average total duration of the third quadrant (r=0.597, P＜0.01). Conclusion Sub-chronic exposure to B[a]P could inhibit the expression of Hsp70 in rat hippocampus, which was related to the ability of learning and memory of rats and the inhibition effects did not have the region-specificity.

Objective To study the influence of sub-chronically exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)on heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression in rat hippocampus. Methods Forty eight healthy adult male SD rats were randonly divided into 6 groups: blank control, olive control and four B[a]P-treated groups, which were exposed intra-peritoneally to B[a]P at the doses of 0.5, 1.5, 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg for 90 days. The learning and memory function was measured by Morris water maze. The expression level of Hsp70 and hsp70 mRNA in rat hippocampus were detected by Western-blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the Hsp70 expression levels in hippocampus CA1, CA2, CA3, DG regions, which were reflected by average gray values of Hsp70 immunoreactive products measured by image analysis system. Results The results of Morris water maze test showed the escape latencies and total distances of navigation in 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P groups were significantly higher than those in two control groups and 0.5 or 1.5 mg/kg B[a]P groups (P＜0.05).The duration of the third quadrant of the space search experiment in 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P group was significantly lower than those in two control groups and 0.5 mg/kg B[a]P group (P＜0.05). The expression levels of Hsp70 and hsp70 mRNA in rat hippocampus decreased with the B[a]P dose. The expression levels of Hsp70 in 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P groups were significantly lower than those of two control groups and 0.5 mg/kg B[a]P group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ). The expression levels of hsp70 mRNA in 0.5, 4.5 and 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P groups were significantly lower than those in two control groups (P＜0.01) and the expression level of hsp70 mRNA in 10.0 mg/kg B[a]P group was significantly lower than those in other B[a]P groups. The results of immunohistochemistry examination indicated that the average gray values of Hsp70 immunoreactive products in CA1, CA2, CA3, DG regions decreased with dose of B[a]P. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a negative correlation between the expression of Hsp70 protein in hippocampus and the average escape latency (r=-0.428, P＜0.05). There was a negative correlation between the expression of hsp70 mRNA in hippocampus and the average escape latency,the total distance of the third quadrant (r=--0.677 and r=-0.594, P＜0.01 ). There was a positive correlation between the expression of hsp70 mRNA in hippocampus and the average total duration of the third quadrant (r=0.597, P＜0.01). Conclusion Sub-chronic exposure to B[a]P could inhibit the expression of Hsp70 in rat hippocampus, which was related to the ability of learning and memory of rats and the inhibition effects did not have the region-specificity.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of subchronic exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) on the mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (bax, bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-9) and the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 in the hippocampal neurons of rats and to investigate the neurotoxic mechanism by which B[a]P induces the apoptosis of neurons.

METHODSFifty-two healthy SD rat were randomly divided into five groups according to preliminary neurobehavioral test results: blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0, 2.5, and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups; the rats in exposure groups were intraperitoneally injected with B[a]P every other day for 90 days. The Morris water maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats; flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptosis ratio of hippocampal neurons; real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-related genes; spectrophotometry was used to measure the activities of their en-coded proteins.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group, the 2.5 and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups hada significantly longer mean escape latency period (P < 0.05) and a significantly increased number of times of platform crossing (P < 0.05), and the 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group had significantly lower length and percentage of time spent in the platform quadrant (P < 0.05). The early apoptosis ratio rose as the dose of B[a]P increased (P trend < 0.05); the early apoptosis ratios of 1.0, 2.5, and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups were significantly higher than those of blank control group and solvent control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups, the 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group had significantly increased Bax expression (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased Bcl-2 expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P < 0.05). The 2.5 and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups had significantly higher expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-6 than the blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group (P < 0.05). The activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 were significantly higher in the 2.5 and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups than in the blank control group and solvent control group (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 and early apoptosis ratio of hippocampal neurons in rats (r = 0.793, P = 0.019; r = 0.886, P = 0.006; r = 0.773, P = 0.025). There were no significant differences in the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 among these groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSubchronic exposure to B[a]P can induce apoptosis of hippocampal neurons; its mechanism may be related to the fact that B[a]P can induce upregulated expression of Bax, inhibit expression of Bcl-2, lead to decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, induce upregulated expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-6, and cause increase in the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Benzo(a)pyrene ; toxicity ; Caspases ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; drug effects ; Male ; Neurons ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate therapeutic results of radiofrequency endovenous obliteration (RFO) for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs. Methods Fifty six cases (56 limbs) of primary greater saphenous vein tributary varicose veins were randomly assigned to RFO group (n=28) and conventional stripping operation group (n=28). In RFO group, the wall of the greater saphenous vein was treated at 85℃ with the catheter to occlude the whole length of the vein. The other 28 cases underwent stripping procedure. The scattered superficial varicose veins in calf in both groups were managed by phlebectomy. The number of surgical incision, postoperative pain, average hospital days and the short-term results were compared. Results Patients in RFO group have less surgical incisions and less postoperative pain, without subcutaneous hematoma. The average hospital stay was 2.5?1.00 days in RFO group compared to 4.14?0.85 days in stripping operation group. Conclusions RFO effectively obliterates the whole length of the great saphenous vein and is of less trauma,faster recovery, and less scars.

Objective To explore the treatment of left renal entrapment syndrome. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the treatment of left renal entrapment syndrome. Diagnosis was established with ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography ( MRA) and left renal venography. The transposition of the superior mesenteric artery(SMA) was performed in three cases, the transposition of left renal vein( LRV) in two, and the stent implantation of the LRV in 15. Results Ultrasonography showed that the flow velocity of the proximal end of the LRV at horizontal position accelerates remarkably, and the acceleration is more obvious after standing for 15 minutes; The inner diameter ratio of the broadest place to the narrowest of the LRV at horizontal position is 4. 4?1. 6, while it is 8. 1?1.7 after standing for 15 minutes. MRA illustrated the angle between the abdominal aorta and the SMA was (30?5)?, the control was (64?16)?. The average pressure difference between the LRV and the inferior vena cava (IVC) was ( 14?5) mmHg and (2. 9?1. 4) mmHg before and after stent implantation. The surgical and interventional therapy was successful in all 20 cases. Follow-up from 6 months to 6 years revealed that macroscopic hematuria and symptom disappeared in all patients. Conclusion Ultrasonography, MRA and renal venography are decisive for the establishment of final diagnosis of left renal entrapment syndrome. The stent implantation is the choice of therapy because of less invasion.

Objective To summarize our preliminary experience on diagnosis and treatment of aorta pseudoaneurysms due to deceleration injury. Methods Retrospective analysis was made on 8 cases of aorta pseudoaneurysms due to deceleration injury regarding its clinical findings, imagines and surgical operations or endografting treatment. Results Diagnosis was confirmed by imaging examinations. Among two cases who refused a surgery one died and the other lost follow-up after discharge. Surgery was successful in the remaining six cases including two cases treated by open surgery and four cases by intervensive endografting. Conclusions Aorta pseudoaneurysms due to deceleration injury can be correctly diagnosed by imaging examinations. Aorta pseudoaneurysms should be treated timely since spontaneous cure is almost impossible. Traditional surgical operations is effective, however, endografting is a relatively safe, less traumatic procedure.