Aims To study the changes of serum me-tabolites in systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ) mice ( MRL/lpr) by treatment of Qinghao-Biejia and to ex-plore the pathogenesis of SLE and mechanism of drug action. Methods The serum samples of control group, SLE model group and Qinghao-Biejia treatment group ( low and high dose ) were collected, the metabolic profile of samples was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry system ( HPLC-Q-TOF/MS ) . Software of Mass Hunter and Mass Profiler Professional ( MPP ) were used to process the data. A supervised mode of partial least squares-discriminant analysis ( PLS-DA ) was applied to recognize the data pattern. Results There were obvious disorders of lipid metabolism in SLE model. Compared with control group, Qinghao-Biejia treatment group improved lipid metabolism, af-fected the thrombosis development of SLE; and Qing-hao-Biejia treatment group reduced the pathological damage by improving inflammatory acute phase of SLE in mice. Conclusion Qinghao-Biejia treatment plays a therapeutic role in repairing the imbalance by multidi-mensional metabolic pathways in SLE mice.

Objective To investigate the life quality in infants with food allergy before and after treatment by using of Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire - Parent Form(FAQLQ - PF). Methods The severity of eczema in 46 children with food allergy was determined by eczema area and severity index(EASI). The life quality of such infants was assessed by the FAQLQ - PF after 2 - months treatment. Results (1)Among the 50 subjects,46(92% )respon-ded to the tests;the average age was(4. 78 ± 1. 48)months. Twenty - nine(63. 04% )subjects had family history of allergic disease. Egg(73. 91% )was the most common allergen,followed by cow milk(43. 48% ),fish and shrimp (8. 70% ),and carrot(4. 35% ).(2)The scores of EASI,FAQLQ - PF in children with food allergy before treatment were 13. 20 ± 12. 86 and 2. 12 ± 1. 33,respectively,the scores after treatment declined(2. 02 ± 4. 40 and 1. 33 ± 1. 08, respectively),there was a statistical significance(t = 28. 070,4. 014,all P ﹤ 0. 05).(3)Compared with pre - treat-ment,the scores of emotional impact subscale and food anxiety subscale declined,from 2. 10 ± 1. 47 and 2. 63 ± 1. 83 to 1. 30 ± 1. 09 and 1. 68 ± 1. 37,respectively,and there were statistically significant differences(t = 5. 204,8. 818,all P ﹤ 0. 05).(4)There was a positive correlation between the EASI and FAQLQ - PF scores(ρ = 0. 205,P ﹤ 0. 05). Conclusions Food allergy adversely affects the quality of life in infants. The poor life quality is associated with more severe symptoms. The life quality in infants and parents can be improved by standardized treatment.

Huperzine A is a potent,reversible,and blood-brain barrier permeable acetylcholinesterase irhibitor.The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics,tolerability,and bioavailability of two formulations with the established reference formulation of huperzine A in a fasting,healthy Chinese male population.This was a randomized,single-dose,3-period,6-sequence crossover study.The plasma concentrations of huperzine A were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.Tolerability was assessed based on subject interview,vital sign monitoring,physical examination,and routine blood and urine tests.The mean (SD) pharmacokinetic parameters of the reference drug were Cmax,1.550 (0.528) ng/mL;t1/2,12.092 (1.898) h;AUC0-72h,17.550 (3.794) ng.h/mL.Those of the test formulation A and test formulation B were Cmax,1.412 (0.467),1.521 (0.608) ng/mL;t1/2,12.073 (2.068),12.271 (1.678) h;AUC0-72h,15.286 (3.434) ng.h/mL,15.673 (3.586) ng.h/mL.The 90％ confidence intervals for the AUC0-72h and Cmax were between 0.80 and 1.25.No adverse events were reported by the subjects or found with results of clinical laboratory test.The test and reference products met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence in these fasting,healthy Chinese male volunteers.All three formulations appeared to be well tolerated.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influences of verapamil preconditioning on cardiac function in vitro and intracellular free Ca2+ and L-type calcium current (I(Ca-L)) in rat cardiomyocytes post ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODSThe isolated rat hearts in control group (37 degrees C Tyrode solution perfusion for 30 min, n = 6), I/R group (no flow for 30 min followed 30 min reperfusion with 37 degrees C Tyrode solution, n = 7) and verapamil preconditioning group [37 degrees C Tyrode solution perfusion for 10 min, adding verapamil (20 micromol/L) to Tyrode solution and perfusion for another 30 min, followed then by 30 min no flow and 30 min reperfusion, n = 7] using Langendorff perfusion system. The fluorescence intensity of intracellular Ca2+ was detected with Fluo-3/AM loading by the laser scanning confocal microscope. The I(Ca-L) was recorded via whole-cell patch clamp technique in enzymatically dissociated single rat ventricular myocytes.

RESULTSAs expected, arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction were shown post I/R injury. The fluorescence intensities of intracellular free Ca2+ in cardiomyocytes were significantly increased compared with control group (P < 0.01). By voltage clamp protocol, peak current densities of I(Ca-L) was significantly reduced and I-V curve significantly elevated. Post I/R injury compared with control group (P < 0.01) which could be reversed by Verapamil preconditioning. Verapamil preconditioning also significantly improved diastolic and systolic functions, and reduced the incidence of arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONSMyocardial I/R injury might significantly impair heart functions and induce arrhythmias via cellular Ca2+ overload. Verapamil preconditioning could prevent heart I/R injury and reduce arrhythmias by decreasing influx of I(Ca-L), thereby stabilizing cardiomyocytes in myocardial stunning and avoiding occurrence of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release during I/R injury.

Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Channels, L-Type ; drug effects ; Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial ; methods ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Verapamil ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVEBacterial meningitis is a kind of central nervous system infection with a high incidence, disability and fatality in children. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are associated with an improved prognosis. Low positive rate of bacterial cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) makes it difficult to make a definite diagnosis. This experiment aimed to investigate a proteome profile of normal CSF of Chinese children by two-dimensional polyacrydamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and to sieve the disease-specific proteins of Staphylococcus epidermidis meningitis (SeM) to provide basis for early diagnosis and treatment of SeM.

METHODSFour mL CSF samples were obtained respectively from SeM and normal children. The separated proteins with immobile pH gradient (IPG) 2-DE technology and protein spots were visualized by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining. The stained 2-DE gels were scanned on the Imagescanner and pictures were obtained through Labscan software. The images were analyzed with PDQuest software and the differences of protein spots were compared between the SeM and normal children.

RESULTSMean protein spots of the 2-DE gels were 438 and 425 in the SeM and normal groups respectively. Twenty-five protein spots only occurred in normal CSF and 12 spots only occurred in the SeM group. The expression of 6 protein spots showed up-regulation and that of 19 showed down-regulation in the SeM group compared with that in the normal group.

CONCLUSIONSA 2-DE profile of CSF proteome was successfully established in SeM and normal children through proteomic technique. By the differentiated analysis of these CSF 2-DE gels, the differences of CSF proteome profiles were found between SeM and normal children. Future analysis and identification of these spots will contribute to find out the disease specific proteins of SeM and to provide basis for early diagnosis and therapy of this disorder.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins ; analysis ; Child ; Humans ; Meningitis, Bacterial ; cerebrospinal fluid ; Pilot Projects ; Proteomics ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; Staphylococcal Infections ; cerebrospinal fluid ; Staphylococcus epidermidis

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of blood-brain barrier-tight junction (BBB-TJ) proteins ZO-1, occludin and actin following hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in order to explore the possible mechanism of permeability increasing of blood-brain barrier (BBB) induced by HI.

METHODSBBB models were established by co-culture of cell ECV304 and astrocytes (AS) in vitro, then randomly assigned to control and HI groups. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the changes of BBB-TJ. The distribution of actin was determined by direct-immunofluorescence microscope. Definite permeability of BBB models by 125I-BSA was detected by gamma events-per-unit-time meter. Expression of actin, ZO-1 and occludin was detected by Western blot.

RESULTSAfter 10-day culture, endothelial cells connected tightly, with plenty of TJ which was smooth, continuous and of high density, in the BBB models. After 5 hrs of HI, the TJ was opened with intercellular gaps formation. The direct immunofluorescence showed that the peripheral filament bands became blurred, the cell-cell junction loosened and fissure appeared in the HI group. The permeability of 125I-BSA in the HI group increased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.01). Expression of ZO-1 decreased markedly, while expression of actin and occludin was not different in the HI group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONSThe changes in occludin distribution and decreased expression of ZO-1 lead the reorganization of BBB-actin protein, which may be one of the mechanisms of permeability increasing of BBB following HI.

Actins ; analysis ; physiology ; Animals ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Female ; Hypoxia ; metabolism ; Ischemia ; metabolism ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; analysis ; physiology ; Occludin ; Permeability ; Phosphoproteins ; analysis ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tight Junctions ; ultrastructure ; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein

OBJECTIVETo investigate the frequency of different variant of API2-MALT1 fusion gene in extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated tissue(MALT1) lymphoma and the correlation between API2-MALT1 transcript and apoptosis of MALT lymphoma.

METHODSThe API2-MALT1 fusion transcripts were detected in 62 cases of MALT lymphoma by reverse transcription-polymeras chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Nested PCR. Five cases with reactive proliferation of lymph node were in use for negative control, and beta-actin was regarded as internal control; the apoptosis index, mRNA and protein of API2 were assayed in all samples by means of TUNEL, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively.

RESULTSAPI2-MALT1 transcript was detected in 28 of 62 cases with MALT lymphoma (45.16%). Two kinds of API2-MALT1 variants (A1446-M1123 and A1446-M814) were detected. Variant A1446-M1123 was detected more frequently as compared with A1446-M814. The frequency of API2-MALT1 transcript was lower in thyroid MALT lymphoma(1/12) but similar in pulmonary and gastrointestinal MALT lymphoma. In the group of API2-MALT1(+), the apoptosis index was higher and the API2 mRNA and protein were lower when compared against those in the group of API2MALT1(-). But no significant differences in the levels of apoptosis and API2 were observed between the group of A1446-M1123(+) and A1446-M814(+).

CONCLUSIONAPI2-MALT1 transcript displayed variable frequency in MALT lymphomas of different sites. A1446-M1123 was noted to be probably the main type of API2-MALT1 variant in MALT lymphoma of Chinese. API2-MALT1 transcript was confirmed to be associated with the levels of apoptosis and API2 of MALT lymphoma.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo study the role and possible mechanisms of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) involved in mesangial cell (MC) proliferation which could be inhibited by bufalin.

METHODSRat mesangial cells were cultured in vitro. The effect of bufalin on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced MC proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The function of GJIC was detected by Lucifer Yellow scrape loading and dye transfer (SLDT). mRNA levels of Cx43, Cx45 and Cx40 were measured by RT-PCR. Intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) were examined in laser scanning confocal microscopy after loading by Fura-3/AM.

RESULTSMTT indicated that bufalin could inhibited PDGF-BB-induced MC proliferation (P<0.01). Compared with the hormal control group, PDGF-BB inhibited GJIC function, increased the expression of Cx45 and Cx40 (P<0.01) without altering the Cx43 (P>0.05) in gene level and also increased [Ca(2+)]i. However, bufalin treatment enhanced GJIC function, decreased Cx45 mRNA and Cx40 mRNA expression (P<0.01), and reduced [Ca(2+)]i (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSBufalin inhibits PDGF-BB-induced MC proliferation, and its possible mechanisms may be related to regulation of Cx45 and Cx40 expression in the gene level, reduction of [Ca(2+)]i and enhancement of GJIC function.

Animals ; Bufanolides ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; Mesangial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis ; pharmacology ; Rats

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion in treating knee osteoarthritis (KO) and analyze its cost-effectiveness.Method Fifty-eight KO patients were randomized into a moxibustion group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 29 cases in each group. The two groups were treated 3 times a week, for successive 4 weeks. The knee joint function and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for knee joint pain were scored before and after the treatment, and the two groups were analyzed by using health economic methods.Result The knee joint function scores were significantly changed after the treatment in the two groups (P<0.05); the excellent rate was 96.6％ in EA group versus 75.9％ in moxibustion group, and the general excellent rate in EA group was markedly higher than that in moxibustion group (P<0.05); the total effective rate for pain was 93.1％ in moxibustion group versus 96.6％ in EA group, and the between-group difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio was 6.42 in moxibustion group versus 16.86 in EA group; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 298.55 in EA group. Conclusion Moxibustion and EA both can effectively improve knee joint function and mitigate knee joint pain, while compared with EA, moxibustion has a higher health economic value.

BACKGROUNDGenioglossal dysfuntion takes an important role in pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in which chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the major pathological origin. Recent studies have suggested genioglossal injury induced by CIH might be improved by adiponectin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adiponectin on genioglossus contractile properties in rats exposed to CIH.

METHODSThirty-nine healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (NC), CIH and adiponectin supplement (CIH+Ad) with 13 rats in each. Rats in NC were kept breathing normal air, while rats in CIH and CIH+Ad experienced the same CIH environment eight hours per day for 35 successive days. Rats in CIH+Ad were given intravenous adiponectin of 10 µg twice a week for 30 successive days. Rats in the NC and CIH were injected with normal saline as a control. After 35 days' CIH exposure, the levels of serum adiponectin and genioglossus contractile properties were compared.

RESULTSSerum adiponectin level was significantly lower in CIH than in NC (1210 ng/ml vs. 2236 ng/ml). Serum adiponectin level in CIH+Ad (1844 ng/ml) was significantly higher than CIH but lower than NC. Twitch tension, time to peak tension, half relaxation time and tetanic tension were significantly lower in CIH than NC and improved in CIH+Ad. All mean tetanic fatigue indices decreased more rapidly in the first 20 seconds than during the subsequent 100 seconds. Tetanic fatigue indices in NC and CIH+Ad were significantly higher compared to CIH.

CONCLUSIONSCIH could lead to hypoadiponectinaemia, impaired genioglossus contractile properties and decreased fatigue resistance in rats. Such changes could be partially offset by supplementation of adiponectin.

Adiponectin ; blood ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Hypoxia ; blood ; physiopathology ; Male ; Muscle Contraction ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology