1.Relation Between Iodide Transporters and Thyroid Diseases
Heng ZHANG ; Jingqiang ZHU ; Zhihui LI
Chinese Journal of Bases and Clinics in General Surgery 2003;0(03):-
Objective To investigate the clinical significance of the three iodide transporters in thyroid diseases. Methods Literatures about the Na+/I-symporter (NIS), pendrin and human apical iodide transporter (hAIT) in recent years were reviewed and their expressions in different thyroid diseases were also analyzed. Results NIS proteins express at the basolateral membrane of thyrocytes in normal thyroid tissue, while pendrin and hAIT proteins are limited to the apical membrane of thyrocytes lining in the follicular lumen. In the tissues of thyroid carcinomas, it was found that the NIS proteins expressed in the cytoplasm and their expressions decreased; The mutation of NIS gene may be one of the main causes of congenital hypothyroidism. The expression of prendrin protein may be related to the function of follicles: its expression level increased significantly both in Graves diseases and toxic adenomas, but significantly decreased in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. However, the correlation between the decrease and the degrees of differentiation of carcinoma cell line are still disputable. The expression of hAIT protein does not significantly altered in hyperfunctioning tissues. It only slightly decreased occasionally in hypofunctioning adenomas, but it decreased significantly in thyroid carcinomas. Conclusion The abnormal expressions of the three iodide transporters may be related closely with the type of thyroid diseases. However, their pathogenic mechanisms and the causes of their abnormal expression are still unknown, which need to be studied further.
2.Study on The Use of Harmonic Scalpel vs Conventional Knot Tying in Open Thyroid Surgery
Tao WEI ; Zhihui LI ; Jingqiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Bases and Clinics in General Surgery 2003;0(05):-
Objective To compare the disadvantages and advantages of open thyroid surgery when using the harmonic scalpel (HS) vs conventional hemostasis (CH). MethodsOne hundred and fifty-one patients and 70 patients underwent thyroid surgery with HS or CH respectively. The tumor diameter, incisional length, the total operative time, thyroidectomy time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume and surgical complications were compared. The incisional length and the surgical complications in and after learning curve with harmonic scalpel were compared. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the HS and CH group at baseline. Incisional length, total operative time, thyroidectomy time, intraoperative bleeding volume and postoperative drainage volume in HS group were significantly lower than those of CH group (P0.05); the incisional length after learning curve was shorter than that in learning curve in HS group (P
3.Real-Time Monitoring of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Thyroid Reoperation
Tao WEI ; Zhihui LI ; Jingqiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Bases and Clinics in General Surgery 2008;0(08):-
Objective To assess the value and usage of real-time monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid reoperation by RLN monitor. Methods One hundred and one patients were under general anesthesia and thyroidectomy. NIM-Response electromyographic (EMG) monitor system was used for assistant of dissection,exposure and protection of the RLN during the surgical procedures. Results There were 192 RLN were exposed during the surgeries in all 101 patients. The unilateral RLN injured in 10 patients was not specially explored the same side nerve. Among them 190 nerves were confirmed intact,the rest 2 nerves were resected because of tumor involving. Conclusion s NIM-Response electromyographic monitor system is sensitive and accurate for preserving the integrity of RLN during the thyroid reoperations. It is valuable for protecting RLN against iatrogenic injury. This system deserves general utilization for thyroid surgery,especially reoperation.
4.Treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis of left lower extremity accompanied with Cockett syndrome
Dalin LI ; Jingqiang YAN ; Yunhui CHEN ; Kun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 1997;0(06):-
Objective To explore the effective treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis(DVT) of left lower extremity accompanied with Cockett syndrome.Methods The data of 16 patients with acute DVT of left lower extremity accompanied with Cockett syndrome,who were admitted to our hospital from August,2004 to January,2008,were analyzed retrospectively.Inferior vena caval filters were inserted and thrombectomy was done to all of the 16 patients;PTA and stent insertion were done in 13 patients and PTA only in the other 3 patients.Anticoagulation,thrombolysis and antiplatelet therapy were given postoperatively to all the patients.Results There was no death or pulmonary embolism in all 16 patients;Forteen patieats had good outcome,2 had acute DVT of left lower extremity one day after surgery,and limbs swelling subsided after anticoagulation,thrombolysis and antiplatelet treatment before their discharge.Forteen patients were followed up from 1 month to 25 months(average 11 months),and 2 patients had post-DVT syndrome,but the others had no swelling or varicose veins of the lower extremity.Conclusions Most patients with acute DVT of left lower extremity accompanied with Cockett syndrome could get satisfactory outcome with thrombectomy,PTA and stent insertion.
5.Investigation of Value of Na~+/I~- Symporter Expression on Diagnosis of Thyroid Carcinoma and Prediction of ~(131)Ⅰ Therapeutic Effects
Heng ZHANG ; Jingqiang ZHU ; Ying TANG ; Zhihui LI ; Tao WEI
Chinese Journal of Bases and Clinics in General Surgery 2003;0(05):-
Objective To study the clinical value of Na+/I-symporter(NIS)expression on thyroid carcinoma diagnosis and 131I therapeutic effects prediction.Methods Thirty-one cases of thyroid carcinomas enrolled in this hospital from 1998 to 2006 were included.Using immunohistochemical method,NIS expression location,positive cell staining and expression intensity were observed,which was calculated by immunohistochemical scores(IHS)and NIS expression level was compared between primary and metastatic carcinoma.Results NIS was over-expressed on the basolateral membrane in positive control——Grave disease tissue,and showed no staining in negative control.NIS was expressed in cytoplasm in all 31 primary carcinomas,and IHS was over or equaled to 4 in 80.65% of them.Except for 2 no staining,NIS was expressed in cytoplasm in the rest 28 metastatic carcinomas.NIS expression was related to the pathological type of thyroid carcinoma,the strongest in PTC,then FTC,and the weakest in fvPTC.NIS expression in metastatic carcinoma was related to that in primary carcinoma.Conclusion NIS is over-expressed in cytoplasm in most thyroid carcinoma,and the iodide uptaking defect is mainly due to its wrong location.It has great potential to be applied in clinic by that it can help with the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid diseases,especially between FTA and FTC,and that it can help predict the therapeutic effects of 131I therapy following thyroid operation.
6.Diagnostic value of needle stereotaction marking by steel wire under mammography for nonpalpable breast carcinoma
Hongjiang LI ; Yangbing ZHAO ; Guojing CHEN ; Zhe FENG ; Jingqiang ZHU ; Jing JING ; Zhiyu LI ; Peizhen CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 1994;0(05):-
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of needle stereotaction marking by steel wire(NSMSW) under mammography for nonpalpable early stage breast carcinoma (BC). Methods 29 patients with nonpalpable breast lesions were performed NSMSW under mammography,and the lesions were removed for biopsy to make the diagnosis. Results Nine patients(31.0%) were definited as early stage BC and twenty(69.0%) benign disease.The pathologic results in freezing sections and in parafin sections were the same. Conclusions NSMSW under mammography can resolve the problem of accurate location of nonpalpable breast lesions during operation .It is a credible, useful and practical method for diagnosis of nonpalpable early stage BC.
7.Surgical strategies for type Ⅱ a hepatolithiasis
Wei AN ; Shuang LIU ; Jingqiang ZHOU ; Xianguang FENG ; Fangshui YUAN ; Li LIANG ; Jingchun LI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2017;23(6):414-416
The clinical data of 143 patients with type Ⅱ a hepatolithiasis with normal function of the sphincter of Oddi were analyzed.The patients were divided into two groups at random.The data of the 2 groups of patients were compared on the operating time,hospitalization,rates of complication,residual stone rates and recurrence rates.The A group patients underwent laparoscopic video choledochoscopic hepaticocholangiolithotomy,T-tube drainage and choledochoscopic lithotomy.The B group patients underwent laparoscopic video hepatectomy and choledochoscopic lithotomy.For most of the patients in the A group,the treatment had the advantages of less trauma,less complications and quicker recovery.There was no significant differences in residual stone rates and recurrence rates between the two groups.As it was difficult to remove stones in the caudate lobes of Ⅱ a type patients in A group due to the sharp angle between the hepatic duct and bile ducts of the caudate lobe,individualized programs should be adopted according to the location of stones on individual patients.
8.Immunosuppresive, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of Xiahuoluo pills
Jingqiang PAN ; Liuying XIAO ; Dan ZHANG ; Chao HAN ; Jieru LIN ; Linying ZHENG ; Boping LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2006;10(47):183-188
BACKGROUND: Xiaohuoluo pill can expel pathogenic wind, remove dampness and activate collaterals. It is used for treatment of Bi-syndrome due to wind-cold-dampness, pain and numbness in limbs.OBJECTIVE: To observe the pharmacological effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on secondary immune response, specific immunity (including cellular immunity and humoral immunity), non-specific immunity [including complement 3(C3), mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) and red blood cell (RBC)adhesion function] and free radical injury as well as pain and many other inflammations in mice.DESIGN: A randomized controlled stratified trial.SETTING: Guangzhou Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Materia Medica; Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.MATERIALS: Totally 628 NIH and ICR mice of 6 to 8 weeks were involved in this trial. Xiaohuoluo pills (components: Dannanxing, Zhichuanwu, Zhicaowu, Dilong, Ruxiang and so on; Chenli Pharmaceutical Factory,Guangzhou; Brach No. 19980612) were used in this trial. Rabbit antimouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) and C3 antiserum reagent kit (Guangzhou Institute of Medicine and Health) and reagent kit for measuring the antioxidizing activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (Jiancheng Institute of Bioengineering, Nanjing) were used.METHODS: This trial was carried out in the Guangzhou Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Materia Medica; Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Institute of Medicine and Health during September 1998 to December 1999. ① To observe the suppressive effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on cock red blood cell (CRBC)-induced secondary immune response: Eight-four ICR mice, male and female in half, were selected.Twenty of 84 mice served as blank controls; The other 64 mice were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophos-phamide (CY) of 0.2 g/kgonce. On the 4th and 12th days, CRBC was intraperitoneally injected into the mice twice to induce immunoenhancing pathological models to form secondary immune response. Mice served as blank controls were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of normal saline; The immunoenhanced mice were assigned into 3 groups by a lot: CY group (n=20, CY, 40 mg/kg, intragastric administration, I.g.), Xiaohuoluo pills (n=21, Xiaohuoluo pills suspension, 5.54 g/kg, I.g.) and model group (n=20, distilled water, the same volume as other groups, I.g.); once a day within 7 successive days. 19 days later, the levels of serum IgG and C3 were measured with single immunodiffusion method, and the level of circulating immune compound (CIC) was measured with polyethylene glycol precipitation method. ② To observe the suppressive effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH): Fifty-four ICR mice, male and female in half, were selected. On the 1st day, the mice were sensitized by subcutaneous injection of 10 g/L 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzen e (DNFB) of 50 μL for each. On the 4th day, the sensitized mice were assigned into 3 groups by a lot: Prednisone group (n=18, prednisone, 0.01 g/kg, I.g.), Xiaohuoluo pills (n=18, Xiaohuoluo pills suspension, 5.54 g/kg, I.g.), model group (n=18, distilled water, the same volume as other groups, I.g.), all once a day within 7 successive days. 11 days later, 10 g/L DNFB of 25μL was spread on the right ear of each mouse in each group. The swelling degree was calculated 24 hours later (The mass difference between right ear and left ear). ③ To observe the suppressive effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on immune adhesion function of RBC of mouse: Thirty-six NIH mice, male and female in half, were selected and assigned into 3 groups by a lot: CY group (n=12, CY, 20 mg/kg,I.g.), Xiaohuoluo pills (n=12, Xiaohuoluo pills suspension, 5.54 g/kg, I.g.)and blank control group (n=12, distilled water, the same volume as other groups, I.g.), once a day within 7 successive days. 7 days later, blood was taken from the orbit of mice for calculating the rosette rate of RBC-C3b receptor and the rosette rate of RBC immune compound. ④ To observe the suppressive effect o20 Mg/kg, I.g.),Xiaohuoluo pills group (Xiaohuoluo pills suspension, 5.54 g/kg, I.g.) , once a day within 7 successive days; IgM-type hemolytic concentration (HC50)was measured at 2 hours after the last administration on the 7th day [ (Sample absorption / Absorption at HC50 of CRBC) ×diluted time]. The levels of serum C3 and MDA and the activity of SOD were measured according to the method from corresponding reagent kit. ⑥ To observe the suppressive effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on agar granulation tissue hyperplasia in mice:Fifty-nine NIH mice were selected and given subcutaneous injection of 20 g/L agar of 0.5 mL for each. 24 hours later, the mice were assigned into 3 groups by a lot: diclofenac group (diclofenac, 10 mg/kg,I.g..), Xiaohuoluo pills group (Xiaohuoluo pills suspension, 5.54 g/kg, I.g.) and model group (distilled water, the same volume as other groups, I.g.), once a day within 7 successive days; On the 8th day, the mice were sacrificed. The hyperplasiainhibiting effect was presented in the form of the mass of agar granulation tissue in one kilogram body mass ⑦ To observe the suppressive effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on acetic distortion reaction: Sixty-three NIH mice were se lected and assigned into 3 groups by a lot: diclofenac group (diclofenac,50 mg/kg, I.g.), Xiaohuoluo pills group (Xiaohuoluo pills suspension, 5.54 g/kg,I.g.) and model group (distilled water, the same volume of other groups, I.g.),once a day within 2 successive days. At 2 hours after the last administration, the mice were given intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mol/L acetic acid of 0.2 mL for each one. The times of distortion of mice within 20 minutes were counted. ⑧ To observe the effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on the acute exudative inflammation evoked by dimethylbenzene, croton oil and carrageenan, and the level of prostaglandin E in the inflammatory exudates:Totally 219 NIH mice were selected and assigned into 3 groups by a lot:diclofenac group (diclofenac, 50 mg/kg, I.g.), Xiaohuoluo pills group (Xiaohuoluo pills suspension, 5.54 g/kg, I.g.) and model group (distilled water, the same volume of other groups, I.g.) once a day within 2 successive days. At 2 hours after the last administration, dimethylbenzene of 25 μL was spread on the right ear for 20 minutes, or croton oil of 25 μL was also spread on the right ear, 4 hours later, the swelling of right ear was calculated (mass of right ear-mass of left ear). 10 g/L carrageenan of 20 μL was subcutaneously injected into the right foot, 3 hours later, the swelling degree was calculated (The difference of right foot and left foot); and the level of prostaglandin E in the inflammatory exudates was measured. ⑨ t test(t' test for heteroscedasticity) was used for comparing the difference in measurement data among groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pharmacological effect of Xiaohuoluo pills on secondary immune response, specific immunity, non-specific immunity and free radical injury as well as pain and many other inflammations in mice.RESULTS: Totally 628 NIH and ICR mice were involved in result analysis. ① The level of IgG and CIC of mice in the model group was significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups respectively (P < 0.01),while the level of C3 was significantly lower than that in the other 3 groups (P < 0.05 to 0.01). ② The swelling degree of mice in the diclofenac group and Xiaohuoluo pills group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group respectively ( both P < 0.01). ③ The rosette rate of RBC-C3b receptor and RBC immune compound in the blank control group was significantly higher than that in the other 2 gro ups respectively (P < 0.01). ④ The phagocytic index (K value )in the diclofenac group and Xiaohuoluo pills group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group, respectively (both P < 0.01).⑤ IgM-type HC50 and the level of serum MDA of CY group and Xiaohuoluo pills group were obviously lower than those in the immune control group (P < 0.01),while the level of C3 was higher than that of immune control group, there was no significant difference in the activity of serum SOD between CY group or Xiaohuoluo pills group and immune control group (P > 0.05). ⑥The ratio of agar granulation tissue mass to body mass in the diclofenac group or Xiaohuoluo pills group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P < 0.01).⑦ The times of distortion of mice within 20 minutes in the diclofenac group or Xiaohuoluo pills group were signifi cantly less than those of model group(P < 0.01,0.05).⑧The ear swelling degree of dimethylbenzene-induced inflammatory models and croton oil-induced inflammatory models,and foot swelling degree of carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory models as well as the level of prostaglandin E in the inflammatory exudates in the diclofenac group were significantly milder or lower than those in the model group(P < 0.05 to 0.01),and the level of prostaglandin E in the inflammatory exudates in the Xiaohuoluo pills group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Xiaohuoluo pills possess pharmacological effects of immunosuppression, anti-proliferative inflammation, analgesia and antioxidation.
9.Effects of rosiglitazone on antagonizing insulin resistance and adipose liver damnification in hyperlipemic rats
Linying ZHENG ; Jingqiang PAN ; Jieru LIN ; Liuying XIAO ; Boping LI ; Chao HAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2007;11(16):3189-3192,3200
BACKGROUND: Some experiments indicated that applying rosiglitazone on diabetic animals lacking of insulin could not increase insulin and lower blood glucose obviously, which showed that rosiglitazone did not stimulate the excretion of rosiglitazone. The action of rosiglitazone in improving insulin resistance and the effects on the functions of liver and kidneys need more investigations.OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether rosiglitazone can improve the insulin resistance of rats with hyperlipemia, and analyze the possible mechanism.SETTINGS: Guangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Guangzhou Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Materia MedicaDESIGN: A stratified randomized controlled animal trial.MATERIALS: Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (Batch No. 2002A024), SPF grade, half male and half female,weighing 150 to 180 g, aged 6 to 8 weeks were purchased from Guangdong Medical Experimental Animal Center.Normal feed (total quantity of heat 6.9 kJ/g) was enriched with 23% protein, 53% carbohydrate and 5% fat. High fat emulsion (total quantity of heat 15.5 kJ/g) was enriched with 200 g/L lard, 200 g/L cholesterol, 10 g/L bile salt ox,200 g/L propylene glycol, 200 g/L tween-80. High fat and sugar feed (total quantity of heat 21.0 kJ/g) was enriched with 15% protein, 51% carbohydrate and 30% fat after adding 100 g/L glucose, 200 g/L lard and 100 g/L yolk powder then mixing and baking. Rosiglitazone was from GlaxoSmithKline Co Ltd. (Tianjin) (5 mg/tab, Batch No.02110012). Gliclazide was from Servier International and Tianjin Hua Jin Pharmaceutical Factory (100 mg/tab, Batch No.00232).METHODS: The experiment was carried out in Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April to July in 2003. ① Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats, 16 of which were randomly sampled as the normal control group and had been fed with normal feed for 6 weeks. The others were modeled after medical literatures, each one was administered with high fat emulsion (10 mL/kg) by gavage once a day for 14 days. Rats whose FBG≥6.1 mmol/L or 2hBG≥7.8 mmol/L were selected, randomized into 3 groups according to body mass and blood glucose, i.e., negative control (model)group, rosiglitazone group and gliclazide group, there were 16 rats in each group. Except the normal control group, rats in the rosiglitazone group and gliclazide group were gavaged with rosiglitazone for 5 mg/kg and gliclazide for 100 mg/kg respectively, and those in the model group were gavaged with distilled water. All of the rats were fed with high-fat feed once a day for 28 days. From the 21st day, high fat emulsion was added once a day for 7 days. After fasting for 18 hours from the last administration, all the rats were recorded for FBG and administered dextrose 2.78 mol/10 mL .kg or dextrose and drug mixture 10 mL/kg by body mass. Two hours'later, 2hBG was recorded. ② Blood samples were collected from orbital plexus and serum was prepared for detecting the biochemical indexes and immunological indexes in serum, i.e., fasting serum glucose(FSG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST),blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and fasting insulin (FINS). The insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated: ISI=ln [1/ (FINS content×FBG content)]. After the rats were killed, their liver suspension was prepared for measuring the levels of TG, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① FBG and 2hBG; ② FSG, blood lipids, TNF-α, FINS and ISI in serum; ③ TG, GSH, SOD and MDA in liver cells; ④ ALT, AST, BUN and Cr in serum. RESULTS: ① Results of FBG and 2hBG: The FBG and 2hBG in the rosiglitazone group [(3.2±0.3), (6.3±1.2) mmol/L]were lower than those in the modelcontrol group [(3.8±0.5), (8.1±2.1) mmol/L, P < 0.01]. The FBG in the gliclazide group [(3.3±0.7) mmol/L] was lower than that in the model control group. ② Results of FSG, blood lipids, TNF-α, FINS and ISI: The FSG, TNF-α and FINS in the rosiglitazone group were (4.2±1.2) mmol/L, (246±45) μg/L and (133±45) pmol/L respectively, which were lower than those in the model control group [(6.6±1.5) mmol/L, (294±65) μg/L, (264±76) pmol/L,P < 0.05-0.01], whereas ISI was higher than that in the model control group (-6.33±0.46, -7.46±0.95, P < 0.01). The FSG and TNF-α in the gliclazide group [(4.1±1.1) mmol/L, (251±62) μg/L] were lower than those in the model control group (P < 0.05-0.01). ③ Results of TG content, GSH deposit, SOD activity and MDA content in liver cells: The TG and MDA contents in liver cells in the rosiglitazone group [(1.00±0.38), (40±17) mmol/g] were lower than those in the model control group [(2.40±0.60), (171±63) mmol/g, P< 0.01], the GSH deposit and SOD activity [(51±14) mg/g, (583.45±50.01 ) nkat/g] were higher than those in the model control group [(2.40±0.60) mg/g, (450.09±66. 68) nkat/g, P < 0.05-0.01].The TG and MDA contents in the gliclazide group [(1.20±0.38), (100±30) mmol/g] were lower than those in the model control group, whereas the GSH deposit [(46±15) mg/g] was higher than that in the model control group. ④ Results of ALT, AST, BUN and Cr in serum: The serum contents of BUN and Cr in the rosiglitazone group [(14.3±3.8) mmol/L,(33±9) μmol/L] were lower than those in the model control group [(19.2±5.6) mmol/L, (45±13) μmol/L, P < 0.05].CONCLUSION: Both rosiglitazone and gliclazide can improve the insulin resistance induced by high fat feed.Rosiglitazone is superior to gliclazide in decreasing the high insulin level, decreaseing serum levels of BUN and Cr,improving reduced GSH deposit and enhancing SOD activity.
10.Effects of silibinin in improving liver function of rats with alcoholic fatty liver
Jizhi LIANG ; Jieru LIN ; Hairong TAN ; Qian WU ; Jingqiang PAN ; Liuying XIAO ; Chao HAN ; Linying ZHENG ; Boping LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2006;10(7):183-185
BACKGROUND: Silibinin has broad pharmaceutical effects, such as anti-free radicals, anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-lipoid oxidase, anti-glutathione (GSH) depletion, anti-neoplastic and serum lipid-lowering effects. Clinically, silibinin is often used in treating alcoholic liver disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of silibinin for alcoholic fatty liver in rats. DESIGN: Randomized and controlled study.SETTING: Guangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.MATERIALS: The experiment was conducted at the Animal Experimental Laboratory of Guangdong Pharmaceutical Institute from August to October 2003. Totally 57 SD rats, without unusual bacteria, weighting (150±10)g and of either gender, were selected. Yiganling tablets containing 38.5 mg silibinin were produced by Zhuzhou No.3 Pharmaceutical Factory (Batch No. 20020808).METHODS: Among the 57 SD rats, 18 rats were regarded as normal control group. Rats in normal control group were administered with normal saline by gavage, and fed with normal food and distilled water in place of alcohol for 10 weeks. Rats in model group and silibinin group were fed with high-calorie food and 100 mL/L alcohol for 6 weeks to establish model of rat alcoholic fatty liver. The other rats were divided into model control group (n=18) and silibinin group (n=21). Rats in model control group were treated with distilled water while those in silibinin group were treated with 100 mg/kg silibinin. Meanwhile, 100 mL/L ethanol and hyperalimentation feed were given for 4 weeks. After animals were killed, TG, SOD, GSH and MDA levels were measured with liver suspension.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Contents of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α , and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1.RESULTS: All the 57 rats entered the final analysis. Silibinin could inhibit the activities of serum AST, ALT and AKP [(2 550.5±400.1), (533.4±100.0), (2 217.1±750.2)nkat/L], and the differences were significant as compared with those in model control group [(3 600.7±666.8), (800.2±100.0), (2 900.6±1 333.6) nkat/L, P < 0.05-0.01]. Contents of TG, LDL-C, TNF-α and TGF-β1 in silibinin group [(1.8±0.8), (0.17±0.04), (6.66±1.38), (24.1±4.1) mmol/L] were lower than those in model group [(2.8±1.4), (0.20±0.05), (7.81±1.06), (28.8±6.3) mmol/L] with significant differences (P < 0.05-0.01). Silibinin could increase the content of HDL-C but decrease the contents of TG and MDA (P < 0.05-0.01), and improve SOD activity as well as hepatocyte and fatty degeneration (P < 0.01).However, it had no obvious effect on the content of reduced estathion (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: Silibinin can inhibitthe formation of alcoholic fatty liver in rats. The pharmacological mechanism of silibinin may involve anti-oxidation, removing free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, regulating blood lipid component, reducing fatty sediment in liver, and anti-immunoinflammation and anti-hyperplasia effects.