Objective To explore the relationship between dynamic changes in ultra-micro-structural of pulmonary arteries and endogenous hydrogen sulfide in rats with left-right shunt.Methods Rats in shunt group were subjected to an abdominal aorta-inferior vena cava shunt to create an animal model of pulmonary artery structural remodeling. After 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks and 8 weeks of experiment, the ultra-micro-morphologic changes of pulmonary arteries of rats were observed under electronic microscope and H_2S concentration in serum was evaluated by modified sulfide electrode method.Results The changes of ultra-micro-structure of pulmonary arteries were progressively exacerbated, endothelial cells became swollen and large in size on 3 days, smooth muscular cells increased in size as well as the change of endothelial cells in 1 week, and they changed from contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype in 4 weeks.Conclusions Shunt exhibited changes of ultra-micro-structure of pulmonary arteries are accompanied by the changes of endogenous H_2S. It is suggested that endogenous H_2S might play a protective role in changes of ultra-micro-structure of pulmonary artery.

To study relevant risk factors of Shenmai injection induced adverse reactions by using Logistic model and ROC curve, and made the prediction for the occurrence of relevant adverse reactions/events. Case data of patients treated with Shenmai injection were collected by using the prospective, multi-center, large-sample, nested-case control method, in order to analyze the risk factors of Shenmai injection-induced adverse reactions/events, establish the logistic model and draw the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for risk factors. During the study, 7632 patients (including 3 477 males and 4 155 females) were included, and eight of them suffered adverse reactions/events. Based on a multi-factor Logistic model analysis, the age (> or = 50 years) (OR = 5.061, 95% CI: 2.197-7.924; P = 0.001), the total number of medication days (OR = -1.020, 95% CI: -l.652 - 0.388; P = 0.002) and the single dose (OR = 0.245, 95% CI: 0.127-0.364; P = 0.000) were significant independent risk factors for Shenmai injection-induced adverse reactions/events. According to the results, ROC curves were drawn with age (> or = 50 years), the total number of days of inedication and single dose; The area under ROC curves the joint predictor (0.9753, 95% CI: 0.9443-1.000, P < 0.005) was larger than that of the other three single indexes, with a higher risk prediction value. The independent risk factors for Shenmai injection-induced adverse reactions/events included the age (> or = 50 years), the total number of days of medication and single dose. In clinical practice, the age (> or = 50 years), the total number of days of medication and the medication dose can be substituted in the joint predictor calculation formula (P = 1 / [1 + e(-(-21.58 + 5.061 x Xage - 1.020 x Xd + 0.245 x X(mL)] to predict the potential adverse reactions of patients and adjust the dosage regimen.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Risk Factors ; Young Adult

The mature fruit of Lycium ruthenicum Murr.is purple black.It is a kind of pharmaceutical/food resource functional foods,playing an important role in the national medicine of China.Lycium ruthenicum Murr.contains anthocyanin,procyanidins,polysaccharides,flavones and other physiologically active ingredients.They can effectively scavenge free radicals,inhibit lipid peroxidation and protect cells from injury.Lycium ruthenicum Murr.not only has antioxidant,anti-fatigue and anti-aging functions,but also can regulate blood glucose and lipid,prevent from atherosclerosis,and enhance immune function.This article will review its physiologically active ingredients and functions.

OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal enucleation (ESE) for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) originated from muscularis propria.

METHODSA total of 116 patients with gastric SMT originated from muscularis propria underwent ESE in Department of Gastroenterology of the Taizhou Hospital between July 2006 and March 2011. The occurrence of intra-operative and post-operative complications and corresponding treatment were recorded. After the treatment of ESE, the patients were followed up endoscopically.

RESULTSThe success rate of operation was 96.6%. The mean time of the procedure was (51.9±16.3) min. Complications included intra-operative bleeding (n=9, 7.8%), perforation (n=20, 17.2%), and post-operative bleeding (n=3, 2.6%). Among them, 5 cases (4.3%) required surgical intervention. None of patient had other complications such as peritoneal abscess or peritonitis. The mean hospitalization time after ESE was 6.1 days. The median follow-up period was 12 months (range, 3-48 months) and there was no residual tumor or recurrence.

CONCLUSIONESE is a safe and feasible treatment for patients with gastric SMT originated from muscularis propria.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Gastroscopy ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo focus on the study of the effect on proliferation and apoptosis of human aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC) by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector carrying antisense thrombin receptor (ATR) and p21 double gene co-expression system.

METHODSCultured human AMSC was infected with recombinant AAV containing ATR, p21 single gene and AP double gene respectively. The integration and expression of genes were confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The anti-proliferation effect was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptotic cell counts were measured through Flow Cytometry. The rate of apoptotic cells was examined with acridine orange/ethidium bromide(AO/EB) stain.

RESULTSRT-PCR indicated that the exogenous genes had been integrated into ASMC. The rates of cell survival were decreased by 16.67%, 21.60%, and 29.4% and the cell counts of G0/G1 phase were (61.8 +/- 2.9)%, (82.5 +/- 4.0)%, (80.4 +/- 6.1)% in ATR, p21 and AP group respectively after rAAV infected 4 days. The level and area of apoptotic peak were greater in AP double gene than ATR and p21 single gene. Cell stain indicated that apoptotic cells were (7.2 +/- 3.3)%, (10.7 +/- 5.6)%, and (18.3 +/- 2.7)% in each transgene group compared with (1.5 +/- 0.8)% in control group.

CONCLUSIONAP double gene co-expression system has powerful effect for inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis ASMC than ATR and p21 single gene and that is a superior way for gene therapy to restenosis.

Adenoviruses, Human ; genetics ; Antisense Elements (Genetics) ; Aorta ; cytology ; Apoptosis ; Cell Division ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; Cyclins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Fetus ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Receptors, Thrombin ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Female ; Hearing Disorders ; etiology ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Neonatal Screening ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG in adults of 4 cities in China.

METHODSSerum samples were collected from 2390 local residents aged between 20 to 88 years from Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and Guangzhou. The anti-HAV IgG in sera was detected with a microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA).

RESULTSThe anti-HAV IgG seroprevalence in female of 30 to 39 years in Beijing (64.58%, 62/96) was higher than that in male (45.57% 36/79)) (x(2) = 6.358, P = 0.012). It increased with age in adults of Beijing and Guangzhou. The rates were 54.22 % (90/166), 56.00% (98/175) and 67.18% (88/131) for the 20-, 30- and 40-49 age groups in Beijing (x(2) = 4.76, P = 0.03); and 52.83% (56/106), 52.50% (63/120), 82.46% (94/114), 89.80% (88/98) and 96.77% (60/62) for the 20-, 30-, 40-, 50- and 60-88 age groups in Guangzhou, respectively (x(2) = 72.58, P less than 0.01). This trend was not found in Shanghai and Wuhan (x2 = 0.96, 2.99; P = 0.33, 0.08 respectively). The seroprevalence rates of anti-HAV IgG in the 20 to 39 age group of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Wuhan were 55.13% (188/341), 63.93% (429/671), 52.65% (119/226) and 78.37% (308/393), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe seroprevalence rates of anti-HAV IgG in young adults aged 20 to 39 years of the four cities are relatively low, and HAV vaccination should be suggested for the susceptible population of this age group in China.

Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Hepatitis A ; epidemiology ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis A Virus, Human ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Sex Distribution ; Urban Population ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the features of pulmonary dysfunction in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with different chest imaging findings.

METHODSThe clinical data from 215 children with MPP were reviewed. These patients were grouped based on chest image findings (bronchopneumonia, n=125; lobar pneumonia, n=69; interstitial pneumonia, n=21). Lung function parameters including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and the maximum mid-expiratory flow rate (MMEF 25%-75%) were compared between the groups.

RESULTSIn the acute stage, patients with bronchopneumonia had significantly lower PEF values (measured value and measured value/predicted value) than the other two groups of patients, children with lobar pneumonia had a significant lower MMEF 25%-75% than other patients, and children with interstitial pneumonia had a significantly lower FVC. All patients experienced an improvement in lung function parameters except FEV1 of the lobar pneumonia group in the recovery stage.

CONCLUSIONSVarious features of pulmonary dysfunction can be observed among children with MPP with different chest imaging findings. Patients with bronchopneumonia mainly exhibit large airway dysfunction. The ones with lobar pneumonia mainly suffer small airway dysfunction, and those with interstitial pneumonia demonstrate both airway obstruction and restrictive ventilatory dysfunction.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Lung ; physiopathology ; Male ; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; physiopathology ; Radiography, Thoracic

BACKGROUNDVascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation following arterial injury plays a critical role in a variety of vascular proliferative disorders, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) and E. coli cytosine deaminase (CD)/5-fluorocytosine (5-Fc) suicide gene systems have been successfully employed in cardiovascular gene therapy, respectively. We reasoned that coexpression of both HSV-TK with CD suicide genes would lead to increased cell killing. To test this imagine, the adenoviral vectors expressing TK and/or CD genes were developed and tested on vascular smooth muscle cells.

METHODSAdenoviral vectors, including Ad-EF1alpha-CD-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-TK coexpressing both CD and TK double suicide genes, Ad-EF1alpha-CD and Ad-CMV-TK expressing CD and TK respectively, and control vector Ad-CMV-LacZ, were constructed and prepared with homologous recombination in RecA + E. coli cells. Integration and expression of CD and/or TK gene were identified by PCR and Western blot. Primary cultured VSMCs were infected at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 20 with exposure to their matching prodrugs 5-Fc and GCV. Cell mortality was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect cell death. Apoptotic cells were analyzed using Hoechst 33342 fluorescence dye as a DNA probe. Genomic DNA cleavage of apoptotic VSMCs was tested by agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTSRecombinant adenovirus expressing CD and/or TK suicide genes were successfully constructed. Both single and double suicide genes could be integrated into adenoviral genome and expressed. Cytotoxic effects of Ad-EF1alpha-CD-CMV-TK double suicide genes combined with 5-Fc and GCV were higher than those of Ad-CMV-TK and Ad-EF1alpha-CD single gene groups. The rate of cell survival was only (9 +/- 3)% in the Ad-EF1alpha-CD-CMV-TK group, but (37 +/- 3)% in the Ad-CMV-TK and (46 +/- 4)% in the Ad-EF1alpha-CD groups (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the killing mechanisms of the groups were different. Necrosis and apoptosis were involved in the mechanism of the double gene group. Based on the DNA stainability with Hoechst 33342, the apoptotic rates of VSMCs in the Ad-EF1alpha-CD-CMV-TK [(11.0 +/- 2.1)%] and Ad-CMV-TK [(12.0 +/- 2.2)%] groups were higher than those in Ad-CMV-LacZ [(1.2 +/- 0.11)%] and Ad-EF1alpha-CD [(5.0 +/- 1.8)%] groups (P < 0.05, respectively). DNA smear could be observed in both Ad-CMV-TK and Ad-EF1alpha-CD-CMV-TK groups after administration of prodrugs.

CONCLUSIONSThe killing effect on rat VSMCs mediated by adenoviral CD/TK double suicide genes is superior to that of single suicide gene. The killing mechanism of recombinant adenovirus coexpressing CD/TK double suicide genes is mainly through cytotoxic effect and apoptosis.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytosine Deaminase ; genetics ; Flow Cytometry ; Genetic Therapy ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Thymidine Kinase ; genetics

Natural product is an important source of new drug research and development (R&D). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) innovation is the key step for its modernization and internationalization. However, due to the complexity of TCM, there are many difficulties and confusions in this process. Target-based drug discovery is the mainstream model and method of R&D. TTD, short for therapeutic target database, is developed by National University of Singapore. Besides a large amount of information on drug targets, the database also contains considerable information related to natural products. This paper briefly introduces the TTD, analyzes the natural products derived drugs/compounds recorded in TTD, which we think might provide some inspiration for the innovation of TCM.
Databases, Factual ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Drug Discovery ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Singapore