OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of astragaloside on oxidative low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) mediated oxidative damage of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).

METHODSPeripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and EPCs were identified by flow cytometry. Adherent cells were collected after seven-day incubation and randomly divided into the normal control group, the Ox-LDL group (as the model group, at the dose of 100 microg/mL), the low, middle, and high astragaloside groups (with 100 microg/mL Ox-LDL plus 2, 10, and 50 microg/mL astragaloside). Twenty-four h later, the proliferation and adhesion capabilities of EPCs were observed using MTT colorimetry and the adhesion capability detection. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) in the cell supernate of each group were determined.

RESULTSAfter Ox-LDL damage, the proliferative and adhesive capacities of EPCs were significantly injured (53 +/- 8 vs 42 +/- 6, 0.49 +/- 0.12 vs 0.37 +/- 0.02, both P<0.05). The SOD content obviously decreased (21.95 +/- 1.43 vs 14.76 +/- 3.99, P<0.01), the MDA content obviously increased (3.72 +/- 0.30 vs 5.57 +/- 0.64, P<0.01). After intervened by astragaloside for 24 h, the proliferative and adhesive capacities of EPCs were significantly improved. The SOD contents of astragaloside intervention groups were obviously improved and the MDA content obviously lowered.

CONCLUSIONSAstragaloside showed significant protection on Ox-LDL damaged EPCs. Its mechanism might be correlated with antioxidative damage.

Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; metabolism ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; metabolism ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Triterpenes ; pharmacology

Objective To investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin(GA)on the spasticity of hemiplegic spasticity in stroke rats by regulating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)signaling pathway.Methods A rat model of post-stroke spasm(PSS)was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).Rats were divided into control group,sham operation group,model group,GA-L group,GA-H group and baclofen group.Rats in the model group,sham operation group and control group were intragastrically administered with the same amount of 0.9％NaCl every day,GA-H group was given 10.8 g·kg-1 GA by gavage daily,GA-L group was given 5.4 g·kg-1 GA by gavage every day,baclofen group was intragastrically administered with 5.4 mg·kg-1 baclofen every day for 4 weeks.Muscle tone was assessed by modified Ashworth scale.The volume of cerebral infarction was analyzed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining.The protective effect of GA on neuronal injury after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was observed by Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy.The expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)and phosphorylated GSK3β(p-GSK3β)in cerebral infarction and peripheral brain stem were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results The volume of cerebral infarction in sham operation group,model group,GA-L group,GA-H group and baclofen group were 0,(34.23±1.21)％,(24.12±1.03)％,(18.26±1.08)％and(26.38±1.35)％,respectively.The contents of Nissl bodies in control group,sham operation group,model group,GA-L group,GA-H group were(126.23±8.13)％,(131.14±9.62)％,(52.21±6.11)％,(84.29±6.17)％and(112.24±8.21)％,respectively.At 4 weeks,the expressions of p-PI3K in sham operation group,model group,GA-L group,GA-H group and baclofen group in brain tissue surrounding cerebral infarction were 5.45±0.44,4.89±0.34,5.54±0.42,20.59±1.35,25.34±1.46 and 6.47±0.45;the expression of p-PI3K in the brain tissues around brain stem were 14.47±1.48,10.82±1.24,15.39±1.45,13.51±1.32,25.55±1.49 and 8.84±0.74;the expression levels of p-AKT in brain tissue surrounding cerebral infarction were 6.47±0.41,6.18±0.32,5.58±0.51,19.54±1.48,28.56±1.48 and 14.39±1.56;the expression of p-Akt in the surrounding brain tissue were 6.45±1.41,8.09±1.32,6.05±1.12,13.63±1.45,16.58±1.61 and 10.75±1.01;the expression levels of p-GSK3β in brain tissue surrounding cerebral infarction were 8.64±0.52,5.18±0.61,18.54±1.45,39.56±1.63,43.57±1.59 and 18.43±1.48;the expression of p-GSK3β in the surrounding brain tissue were 8.04±1.39,6.91±1.01,6.82±1.16,15.59±1.33,15.65±1.18 and 5.18±0.47.Compared with model group,the expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-GSK3β in cerebral infarction and peribrainstem brain tissue of rats in GA-L and GA-H groups were significantly up-regulated(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The inhibitory effect of GA on spasticity in PSS rats may be related to the up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway,which may be a supplementary treatment strategy for PSS.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of distraction osteogenesis on correction of craniofacial dysostosis.

METHODSLe Fort III osteotomy was applied through coronal route on patients with craniofacial dysostosis such as Crouzon and Apert syndrome. The procedures included disconnecting the skeletal midface from base of cranium, setting up a RED II distraction device, and directing the device bars. The distraction was started 5 days after the surgery, with a rate of 1 mm forward per day. When midface approaching the right position, i.e. a slightly over correction of occlusion was reached, stopped distraction and kept the device for 2 - 4 months.

RESULTSEight cases completed all the therapy. The average blood lose was 300 ml and the average operation time was 3.5 hours. The midface had been moved averagely 9 mm forwardly and 1.5 mm downwards. The features had been improved obviously and the occlusion reached nearly normal. No serious complications occurred except for 1 case of seroma and 1 case of infection around pin on scalp. No recurrence was found in the 5 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSMidface distraction osteogenesis is propitious to teenage or severe cases of craniofacial dysostosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Craniofacial Dysostosis ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Osteotomy, Le Fort ; methods ; Treatment Outcome