Objective To observe the effect of herbal medicines with the function of replenish qi and essence for the immune func- tion of patients after mammary cancer operation.Methods The 115 patients of mammary cancer after modified radical operation were randomized into treatment group and control group.The treatment group began to take the decoction of herbal medicines from 7 days before and from the 3rd day after operation.The control group had the same treatment but without taking herbal medicines.The im- mune indices of both groups were tested on the day 7 days before,one day and 14 days after operation respectively.Results In the treatment group,IgA,IgG,IgM were remarkably increased in comparison with the control group 14 days after operation;with the herbal treatment for 2 weeks,CD_4,CD_4/CD_8,IL-2 rised remarkably(P

Objective To investigate whether Ulinastatin (UTI) would minimize the systemic inflammatory response,lessen cardiac dysfunction and protect neurons against injury in hippocampus CA1area after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Methods Animal models of cardiac arrest were established in 24 New Zealand rabbits,and those animals were randomly (random number) divided into control group and UTI treated group after ROSC.Changes in the levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were assayed before cardiac arrest and 4,8,12 and 16 hours after ROSC.Cardiac function including FS,EF and E/A were observed with ultrasonography before cardiac arrest and 4,8,12 and 16hours after ROSC,and viable and apoptotic neurons in hippocampus CA1 area and infiltrations of MPO positive cells in myocardium,cerebrum,liver,kidney and intestine were counted 72 hours after ROSC.The t-test or Mann-Whitney rank sum test was used to verify the specified theoretical distribution functions of the biomarkers tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test,POST HOC test was used for the multiple comparisons,and Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between inflammatory cytokines and cardiac function. Results The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in UTI group were lower than those in control group as those data got 4,8,12 and 16 hours after ROSC (P ＜0.05).EF and E/A in UTI treated group were higher than those in the control group as those data got 4,8,12 hours after ROSC.FS values obtained 4 h and 8 hours after ROSC were higher in UTI group than those in control group ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 significantly correlated with EF after ROSC.The number of viable neurons in CA1 area of control group was ( 13.22 ± 0.97) which was lower than that in UTI group ( 16.89 ± 1.45 ) ( P =0.003 ),while the number of apoptotic neurons in hippocampus CA1 area was higher in control group than that in UTI group (15.67 ± 1.37) vs.(13.67 ± 1.03 ) (P =0.019).The numbers of MPO positive cells were significantly lower in liver,kidney and intestine in group UTI than those in control group. Conclusions UTI could inhibit the infiltration of MPO positive cells in liver,kidney and intestine,decreasing the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma,in turn lessening cardiac dysfunction and protecting neurons from injury in hippocampus CA1 area after ROSC of New Zealand rabbits.

OBJECTIVETo study the impact of the water extract from Codonopsis thalictrifolia Wall (CTW) on the reproductive

METHODSWe divided 32 male SD infant rats into four groups of equal number to be treated intragastrical-system of male infant rats. ly with distilled water (control) and CTW at 10 g/kg (low dose) , 20 g/kg (medium dose), and 40 g/kg (high dose), respectively, twice a day for 2 weeks. Then we killed the rats, measured the levels of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum, obtained the testis weight, body weight, testis visceral coefficient and sperm concentration, and detected sperm viability, sperm motility and the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the Leydig cells, followed by

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the low-dose, me-analysis of differences among different groups using the SPSS software. Medium-dose and high-dose CTW groups showed significant decreases in the serum T level ([3.09 +/-0.42] vs [1.22 +/-0. 32] , [1.06 +/- 0.29] and [0.57 +/-0.18] nmol/L, P<0.01), testis weight ([1.40 +/-0.16] vs [0.96 +/-0.09], [0.92 +/-0.11] and [0.91 +/- 0.08] g, P <0.01), and sperm concentration ([1.03 +/-0.16] vs [0.19 +/-0.07], [0.17 +/-0.08] and [0.16 +/-0.07] x 10(6)/ml, P <0.01), but a dramatic elevation in the testis visceral coefficient ([42.22 +/- 3.02] vs [51.39 +/- 3.09], [52.28 +/- 4.86] and [54.13 +/-6.06] mg/10 g, P <0.01); the medium- and high-dose CTW groups exhibited remarkable increases in the levels of serum LH ([13.62+/-0.89] vs [14.69 +/-0.12] and [14.93 +/-0.28] ng/L, P<0.01) and FSH ([4.32 +/-0.18] vs [4.77 +/-0.23] and [4.89 +/-0. 38] IU/L, P <0.05); all the three CTW groups showed markedly inhibited serum T secretion ([1.85 +/- 0.18] vs [1.42 +/-0.15], [1.12+/-0.18] and [0.88 +/-0.21] nmol/L, P<0.01) and intracellular cAMP ([5.51 +/-0.12] vs [4.39+/-0.06], [4.28 +/-0.07] and [4.11 +/- 0.10] nmol/L, P <0.01) in the Leydig cells.

CONCLUSIONThe water extract from CTW may reduce the synthesis of testosterone in the serum of male infant rats through the PKA pathway and consequently inhibit their testicular development and sperm production and affect the development of their reproductive system.

Animals ; Codonopsis ; chemistry ; Cyclic AMP ; metabolism ; Leydig Cells ; metabolism ; Male ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Testosterone ; blood ; Urogenital System ; drug effects

Objective To identify biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by proteomic technology and develop a diagnostic model for neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE).Methods CSF proteomic spectra of 27 patients with NPSLE before and after treatment,and 27 controls including 17 patients with scoliosis,and 10 SLE patients without neuropsychiatric manifestation (non-NPSLE) were generated by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) combined with weak cationic exchange (WCX) magnetic beads.Data were analyzed with t test,non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test or Wilcoxon sign-rank test.A decision tree model for NPSLE classification was built based on the discriminating peaks.In addition,CSF samples of 12 patients with NPSLE,12 patients with lumbar disc herniation and 9 patients with other neurological conditions were employed as blind test group to verify the accuracy of the model.Results Twelve discriminating mass-to-charge (m/z) peaks were identified between NPSLE and controls.The diagnostic decision tree model,built with a panel of m/z peaks 8595,7170,7661,7740 and 5806,recognized NPSLE with the sensitivity and specificity of 92.6％ and 92.6％ based on training group samples,91.7％ and 85.7％ based on blind test group,respectively.Conclusion Potential CSF NPSLE biomarkers are identified by proteomic technology,the novel diagnostic model is sensitive and relatively specific for the diagnosis of NPSLE.

AIM: To investigate the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and α-SMA in human lens epithelium cell (HLEC) line B3 after transfection by liposome-coated siRNA targeting CTGF.METHODS: HLECs were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CTGF,labeled with 5`-fluorescein isothiocyanate (5`-FITC) and coated with lipofectamine.The transfection ratio was evaluated via fluorescence intensity.Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to assess cytoviability of both non-transfected and transfected HLECs.Quantitative RT-PCR,cell immunochemistry and Western blot analysis were conducted to detect the expression changes of CTGF and α-SMA after transfection.RESULTS: A highly effective transfection ratio was observed in siRNA co-transfected with lipofectamine.The transfection ratio reached 95% at 24h.The proliferation of HLECs was inhibited by siRNA after 72h transfection.The expression of CTGF and α-SMA significantly decreased in HLECs after transfected by CTGF siRNA for 24h.This effect was not found in negative control siRNA.CONCLUSIONS: SiRNA targeting CTGF decreased CTGF and α-SMA expression in HLECs,which is a potential therapeutic strategy for posterior capsular opacification.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of ghrelin on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte, and study the possible mechanisms.

METHODS3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured in vitro. The proliferation potentials of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes that were treated with different concentrations of ghrelin were evaluated by MTT methods. The levels of c-myc and thymidine kinase mRNA were detected using RT-PCR. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into the matured adipocytes with insulin (INS) or ghrelin. The morphological changes of 3T3-L1 adipocytes were observed and the differentiation rate was assayed by oil-red O staining. Total RNA was extracted from adipocytes at various times, and the levels of peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and CAAT/enhancer binding protein(C/EBPalpha) mRNA expressions were detected using RT-PCR.

RESULTSGhrelin at concentrations of 10(-7) to 10(-15) mol/L significantly stimulated preadipocyte proliferation (p<0.05). The levels of c-myc and thymidine kinase mRNA significantly increased in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with 10(-9) mol/L and 10(-11) mol/L ghrelin treatment (p<0.01). The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with 10(-11) mol/L ghrelin had lots of lipid droplets in the cytoplasma, but the differentiation rate was lower than those treated with INS. Ghrelin of 10(-11) mol/L significantly increased the mRNA expression of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha in the course of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation, compared with the normal control group (p<0.05). The PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha mRNA expression increased with the prolonged differentiation of preadipocytes induced by ghrelin or INS. There were significant differences in the levels of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha mRNA expression between the 2nd and 8th days of differentiation(p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSGhrelin promotes the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes induced by ghrelin may be associated with increased c-myc levels. Ghrelin may promote differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by increasing mRNA expression of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha, thus enhances the sensitivity of adipocytes to INS.

3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Animals ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha ; genetics ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Genes, myc ; Ghrelin ; pharmacology ; Mice ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Thymidine Kinase ; genetics

OBJECTIVEThe human socio-economic development depends on the planet's natural capital. Humans have had a considerable impact on the earth, such as resources depression and environment deterioration. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of socio-economic development on the ecological environment of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, during the general planning period 2006-2020.

METHODSSupport vector machine (SVM) model was constructed to simulate the process of eco-economic system of Wuhan. Socio-economic factors of urban total ecological footprint (TEF) were selected by partial least squares (PLS) and leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV). Historical data of socio-economic factors as inputs, and corresponding historical data of TEF as target outputs, were presented to identify and validate the SVM model. When predicted input data after 2005 were presented to trained model as generalization sets, TEFs of 2005, 2006,..., till 2020 were simulated as output in succession.

RESULTSUp to 2020, the district would have suffered an accumulative TEF of 28.374 million gha, which was over 1.5 times that of 2004 and nearly 3 times that of 1988. The per capita EF would be up to 3.019 gha in 2020.

CONCLUSIONSThe simulation indicated that although the increase rate of GDP would be restricted in a lower level during the general planning period, urban ecological environment burden could not respond to the socio-economic circumstances promptly. SVM provides tools for dynamic assessment of regional eco-environment. However, there still exist limitations and disadvantages in the model. We believe that the next logical step in deriving better dynamic models of ecosystem is to integrate SVM and other algorithms or technologies.

China ; Environmental Pollutants ; Socioeconomic Factors

OBJECTIVETo study DNA damage of workers occupationally exposed to lead with flow cytometer assay.

METHODSThe lymphocytes were obtained from 41 workers occupationally exposed to lead (comparable group) and another 50 from control group. Flow cytometer (FCM) assay was used to detect DNA damage.

RESULTSDNA damage rate and geometric mean fluorescence intensity in the comparable group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the DNA damage and geometric mean fluorescence intensity between different age groups (P>0.05). The differences in correlation analysis between blood lead, urine lead, delta-ALA and DNA damage rate were not significant (P>0.05). The correlation analysis showed no statistical significance between concentration of blood lead, urine lead, delta-ALA and geometric mean fluorescence intensity (P>0.05). There was positive correlations not only between the high concentration of blood lead, delta-ALA and damage rate of DNA, but also between the high concentration of blood lead and geometric mean fluorescence intensity. The coefficient r showed statistical significance (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONOccupational lead exposure can cause DNA damage. Gamma H2AX flow cytometer assay is a sensitive, objective and effective method for detection of DNA damage of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

DNA Damage ; drug effects ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Lead ; adverse effects ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects

Objective: To evaluate the effects of office blood pressure(OBP)combined with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM)on the diagnosis of hypertension. Methods: The residents aged 35-79 years without hypertension history,whose casual OBP were 120~159 mm Hg/80~99 mm Hg,were enrolled from 4 communities of Hangzhou and Zhuji from 2015 to 2018. They were performed OBP measurements on other two days in 4 weeks and ABPM in a week. There were 2 criteria of OBP as elevated OBP on the first day or in 3 different days,and 4 criteria of ABPM as elevated mean BP in 24 hours, daytime, nighttime and either of the above time. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was employed to evaluate the effects of different OBP criteria combined with ABPM criteria on the diagnosis of masked hypertension(MH)and white-coat hypertension(WCH). Results: Taking 3-day-OBP as a golden standard,the 1-day-OBP with 4 ABPM criteria had the areas under the ROC curve(AUC)of 0.79-0.81,sensitivity of 57.58%-62.77% and specificity of 100.00% in MH;had the AUC of 0.95-0.98,sensitivity of 100.00% and specificity of 88.96%-96.80% in WCH. The Kappa values were all less than 0.6,known as low consistency. Taking either time of ABPM as a golden standard,24 hours,daytime and nighttime ABPM criteria with OBP had the AUC of 0.90-0.92,sensitivity of 79.17%-83.90% and specificity of 100.00% in MH(all Kappa>0.6),when with 1-day-OBP,the Kappa values were all more than 0.8,known as high consistency;had the AUC of 0.95-1.00,sensitivity of 100.00% and specificity of 89.54%-99.37% in WCH,the Kappa values of daytime ABPM were all more than 0.6,known as high consistency. Conclusions If limited by options, 1-day-OBP could be used instead of 3-day-OBP for detection of WCH or exclusion of MH yet with less accuracy; 24 hours or daytime ABPM instead of either time of ABPM was reliable.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of enalapril for renal interstitial fibrosis by observing the effect of enalapril on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1(TGF-beta1), p-Smad2/3 and Smad7 in renal tissuess of unilateral urethral obstruction (UUO) rat model. METHODS: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly subdivided into a sham-operated group, a model group and an enalapril treated group. UUO model was induced by ligating the left ureter of rats. All rats were sacrificed 14 days after UUO. Pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining, the protein expressions of Collagen I (ColI), TGF-beta1, p-Smad2/3 and Smad7 were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1 and Smad7 were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The renal interstitial damage index, the relative Collagen area and the expression of ColI in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01). Enalapril reduced these indexes. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1 and the protein expressions of p-Smad2/3 were low in the sham-operated group, but were strongly positive in the model group, and enalapril could decrease the expressions of TGF-beta1 and p-Smad2/3(P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of Smad7 in the model group were less than that in the sham-operated group(P<0.01),and enalapril could improve the expressions of Smad7(P<0.01). CONCLUSION Enalapril could inhibit the renal interstitial fibrosis by affecting TGF-beta1, p-Smad2/3 and Smad7 of TGF-beta/smads pathway in the renal tissues of UUO rats.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Enalapril ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fibrosis ; prevention & control ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Smad2 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Smad3 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Smad7 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Urethral Obstruction ; complications