Objective To investigate the protective effect of adenosine A1 receptor agonist (2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, CCPA) delayed preconditioning on myocardial ischemia reperfu-sion injury and the potential mechanism in rabbits. Methods Thirty New Zealand male white rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups:a control group, an I/R group, and a CCPA group. CCPA group was given CCPA 0.1 mg/kg before the myocardial ischemia. Twenty-four hours later I/R group and CCPA group underwent 40 min of coronary occlusion followed reperfusion for 2 h. At the end of the reperfusion, blood samples were taken from the arterial line for determining the plasma level of malondialdhyde and superoxide dismutase activity. The infarct size and area at risk were de-fined by Evans and TIC staining. The heart was harvested and levels of metallothionein (MT) were determined by Western blot, and ultrastructures were observed under the electron microscope. Results The MT level of CCPA group was significantly higher than that of the I/R group (P<0.05). CCPA significantly reduced the infarct size (22.1%±3.8% in the CCPA group) of the left yen-tricular area at risk as compared with the control (41.8%±4.3% in the I/R group,P<0.05). The injury of I/R group was worse than that of the CCPA group under the light microscope. CCPA group had higher superoxide dismutase and lower malondialdhyde than those of the I/R group. Con-clusion CCPA can increase the level of metallothionein during ischemia-reperfusion, which may be part of the molecular mechanism of CCPA delayed preconditioning on cardioprotection.

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint(SCJ) is a rare condition and accounts for 0.5％-1.0％ of septic arthritis.SCJ infections often require surgical intervention.Diabetes mellitus,rheumatoid arthritis,intravenous drug use,intraarticular injection and immunosuppressive disorders are predisposing factors.Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common bacteriologies.Early diagnosis of SCJ infection requires a high index of suspicion and a confirmatory CT or MRI scan.The characteristic imaging features include intramedullary and soft tissue gas,sequestra,soft tissue swelling and destruction or widening of joint space.Management strategies have ranged from conservative antibiotic therapy to en-bloc resection of the sternoclavicular joint with or without ipsilateral pectoralis major muscle transposition.The shoulder function in most patients were well preserved.

Objective To investigate the association between interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene promoter microsatellite polymorphisms and the susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection in Han,Yi and Yao ethnicities in GuiZhou province.Methods 500 volunteers were selected from Guizhou province.Ailelic frequency of IL-10.G and IL-10.R loci was identified by short tandom repeat polymerase chain reaction.The relativity between allelic frequency and HBV infection was analyzed.Results Genotype data from H-W analysis on all the IL-10 polymorphisms indicated that it was a random distribution.Very high HBV infection rates were found in the native ethnic minorities of Guizhou province.The overall HBV infection rate among the total population was 67.00％,with the HBV infection rates of Yi nationality in Weining,Yi nationality in Qianxi,Yao nationality in Libo and Han nationality in Libo as 51.85％,42.86％,79.52％ and 84.30％,respe~vely.The polymorphisms distribution of IL- 10.G and IL- 10.R were statistically different among the ethnic groups (P＜ 0.05 ).The polymorphisms distribution of IL-10.R had no significant difference between HBV infection group and non-infection group,as well as among HBV natural removal group and non-infected group in all the ethnic groups.The frequency of IL-10.G 459 bp (19CA) was significantly higher in non-infection group than in the infected group (P＜ 0.05 ).The frequency of IL-10.G 471 bp (25CA) was significantly higher in the non-infection group than in the HBV natural removal group(P＜0.05).The polymorphisms distribution of IL-10.G did not show significant difference between the HBV infection group and the HBV natural removal group in all the ethnic groups.We did not find any differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies of IL-10.G between infection group and non-infection group in Yi nationality in Weining,and Yao nationality in Libo (P＞0.05),as well as HBV natural removal group and non-infected group (P＞0.05).Conclusion The polymorphisms distribution of IL-10.R and IL-10.G did not show significant difference in Yi,Yao and Han ethnics population living in Guizhou province.IL-10.G seemed to influence the susceptibility of HBV infection in Han,Yao and Yi ethnics population of Guizhou province.

Objective To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on advanced glycation end products (AGE) induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)and whether this effect could be linked to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).Methods Grouping: (1)Blank control group;(2)BSA group;(3)AGE group:cells were incubated with different concentrations of AGE(10-4,10-3, 10-2 and 10-1g/L)for 24 hours; (4)AGE+Atorvastatin group: cells were incubated with different concentrations of atorvastatin(0.1,1,10 μmol/L)for 1 hour,then incubated with AGE (10-1 g/L) for 24 hours; (5)PPAR-γ agonist(15 d-PGJ2)group: cells were incubated with 15 d-PGJ2(10 μmol/L)for 1 hour,then incubated with AGE (10-1g/L) for 24 hours;(6)PPAR-γ inhibitor(GW9662)group:cells were incubated with GW9662(5000 nmol/L)for 1 hour,then incubated with atorvastatin (1 μmol/L)and AGE (10-1g/L) for 24 hours. Collagenase was used to isolate the endothelial cell from human umbilical vein;RT-PCR was performed to examine the mRNA expression of MCP-1 and PPAR-γ;Western blot was performed to detect NF-κB p65 protein.Results (1) The expression of MCP-1 mRNA was increased in proportion with increasing concentrations of AGEs which could be blocked by atorvastatin in a dose-dependent manner. (2) AGE(10-1g/L)significantly downregulated the expression of PPAR-γ mRNA(0.22±0.08 vs. 0.69±0.09, P<0.01) while upregulated the expression of phospho-NF-κB p65 protein (0.78±0.06 vs. 0.31±0.01,P<0.01) and nonphospho-NF-κB p65 protein (1.61±0.16 vs. 0.59±0.14,P<0.01) comparaed with the control group which could be significantly attenuated by atorvastatin. (3) PPAR-γ agonist decreased the expression of phospho-NF-κB p65 protein (0.21±0.01 vs. 0.78±0.06, P<0.01),nonphospho-NF-κB p65 protein (0.67±0.14 vs. 1.61±0.16,P<0.01)and MCP-1 mRNA (0.17±0.02 vs. 0.93±0.12, P<0.01)compared with AGE(10-1g/L)group. (4) PPAR-γ inhibitor antagonized the effect of atorvastatin on the expression of phospho-NF-κB p65 protein, nonphospho-NF-κB p65 protein and MCP-1 mRNA stimulated by AGE in HUVECs(P<0.01).Conclusion The anti-inflammatory properties of atorvastatin in AGE stimulated HUVECs may partly be attributed to the effect on upregulation of PPAR-γ and downregulation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Using naproxen as model drug, the formulation of microemulsion vehicle for transdermal delivery was optimized by genetic algorithm. The ranges of microemulsion composed of Tween 80, IPM, alcohol and water, were defined through construction of the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Systematic model microemulsions containing naproxen 1.12% were prepared by a three-factor, three-level center design method, and their diffusion studies via excised rabbit skin were performed. Using the quadratic regression model of steady-state permeation rate (Js) of naproxen as objective function, the consequence of center design experiment was optimized by genetic algorithm, and the formulation of microemulsion with highest permeation rate for naproxen was screened. The optimum formulation was composed of 21.41% Tween 80, 15.17% alcohol, 4.14% IPM, and 59.28% water, and the anticipated Js was 183.57 microg x cm(-2) x h(-1). The results of back substitution test showed the steady-state permeation rate of naproxen microemulsion prepared according to optimum formulation was 189.43 microg x cm(-2) x h(-1), which was higher than anticipated value. This result demonstrated optimizing formulation of microemulsion for transdermal delivery by genetic algorithm is feasible, reliable and reasonable.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Algorithms ; Animals ; Models, Genetic ; Naproxen ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Rabbits ; Skin Absorption

UNLABELLEDGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzymopathy. To date, about 126 mutations in the G6PD gene have been detected, among which 17 mutations were found in Chinese. The most common mutations are: 1376 G-->T and 1388 G-->A, both in exon 12; 95 A-->G in exon 2, which amounted to more than 50% of mutations representing various regions and ethnic groups in China. A large-scale screening and genotypic analysis was held in Shui people in Sandu of Guizhou. To investigate the incidence and the molecular basis of G6PD deficiency of Guizhou Shui people, NBT qualitative and G6PD/6PGD quantitative methods were used to detect G6PD deficiency in 1,090 Shui people from the general people belonging to Sandu of Guizhou. By means of mis-matched primers amplified the G6PD gene, the products were 234 bp, 280 bp and 345 bp in length, then restriction enzyme analysis was used to detect the most common Chinese G6PD mutations, 1376 G-->T, 1388 G-->A and 95 A-->G. The results showed that out of the 1,090 samples, 98 G6PD deficiency samples were found. The incidence of G6PD deficiency was 8.99%. 24 cases of 1376 G-->T, 12 cases of 1388 G-->A, 9 cases of 95 A-->G were detected. A sample with 1376 G-->T and 95 A-->G mutation was found in a girl. It was reported for the first time.

IN CONCLUSION1376 G-->T, 1388 G-->A, 95 A-->G mutations are the common G6PD mutations in Shui people in Sandu of Guizhou. The results indicates that different national minorities of Chinese may originated from a common ancestor.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency ; enzymology ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Point Mutation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of clusterin protein in bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC) and it's association with tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis.

METHODSA tissue microarray (TMA) containing 87 informative cases of BTCCs was constructed firstly. The methods of immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end-labeling were then used to examine the expression of clusterin and Ki-67 protein and the status of cell apoptosis in BTCC, respectively, and the correlations between different markers and the clusterin expression associated with patients' clinico-pathological features were evaluated.

RESULTSIn TMA of 87 BTCCs, 37 (43%) cases were observed overexpression of clusterin. A significant association of clusterin expression with BTCC's pathological grade, as well as with tumors clinical stage was observed (P < 0.01), where the frequency of overexpression of clusterin in poor differentiated BTCCs (G(3), 71%) and tumors in more advanced stage (T(2-4), 62%) was significantly higher than that in well differentiated BTCCs (G(1-2), 29%) and tumors in early stage (T(a-1), 28%). In addition, a significant correlation between clusterin expression and tumors apoptotic index (AI) was evaluated (P < 0.01), in which 57% of BTCCs with overexpression of clusterin were observed a lower AI, while 72% of tumors with normal expression of this protein showed a higher AI, but no correlation between clusterin and Ki-67 expression.

CONCLUSIONSThe overexpression of clusterin is associated positively with BTCC's malignant clinical phenotypes including tumor's differentiation and invasive depth, and it is correlated inversely with AI of tumor cells.

Apoptosis ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Clusterin ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo study isolation, identification and differentiation characteristics of dermal multipotent stem cells from human of different age in vitro culture.

METHODSSkin samples( 1 cm x 1 cm) were harvested from fetus, infant, adult and elderly. The original clones were screened in stem cell medium. The diameter and number of clones were recorded. Analysis of each clone and determination of the expression of various related proteins were carried out.

RESULTSThe number of suspended clones from normal skins of fetus, infant, adult and the elderly were (20. 1 +/-2. 5) x 102 , (15. 8 +/-5. 7) x 102, (10. 8 +/-1.3) x 10(2), (6.2 +/- 1.4) x 10(2), respectively ( P <0.01), while the diameter of the clones from them were (83 +/-12) microm, (55 +/- 10) microm, (46 +/- 12) Lm, (42 +/-8) microm, respectively ( P <0.05). Cloned cells from fetus, infant, adult and elderly could differentiate into neuron cell , neuroglia cell, smooth muscle cell, and adipocyte. The clones from fetus were inclined to differentiate into neuron cells, but those from infant were inclined to differentiate into neuroglia cells, and those from adult and elderly were inclined to differentiate into adipocytes. After 1 month of culture, the clone forming rate of the cells from fetus, infant, adult and elderly were 41. 1% , 25.5% ,17.7% ,15.2% , respectively. The individual clone cells also showed ability of multidirectional differentiation. Nestin, fibronectin, c-Myc, STAT3 and hTERT protein were expressed in all clones.

CONCLUSIONMultipotent stem cells with multi-direction differentiation and proliferation can be efficiently isolated from dermis of human of different age in stem cell culture medium. The number, proliferation and differentiation of dermal multipotent stem cells can be affected by age.

Aborted Fetus ; cytology ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dermis ; cytology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multipotent Stem Cells ; cytology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impact of the extent of gastric resection on the prognosis of patients with middle one-third gastric cancer.

METHODSFrom January 1998 to December 2005, 222 patients with middle one-third gastric cancer underwent D2 radical resection in the Affiliated Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University. Among them, 66 underwent distal gastrectomy (DG group), while 156 underwent total gastrectomy (TG group). The 5-year survival rates were compared between two groups. The prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTSThe 5-year survival rates of DG group and TG group were 63.9% and 49.8% respectively, with significant difference (P<0.05). Nevertheless, compared to DG group, the tumors in TG group had bigger size, later TNM stage, and higher proportion of locating lesser curvature of stomach (all P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and TNM classification were independent prognostic factors (all P<0.05), but the extent of gastric resection was not (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONIf curative resection can be performed, the long-term prognosis of patients with middle one-third gastric cancer is not affected by the extent of gastric resection, and distal gastrectomy is feasible.

Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the serum proteome of rat endotoxemia treated by figwort root (FR).

METHODThe differences of serum proteome among rats treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), FR, LPS + FR and saline respectively were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) assay.

RESULTThe volumes of sixteen serum proteins (xPr) in LPS induced-endotoxemia group were greatly changed compared with those of the control group. Among them, the volumes of xPr 16, 19 were significantly decreased, and the volumes of xPr 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 23 were significantly increased. When treated with FR, the volumes of xPr 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 23 were significantly decreased, and the volumes of xPr 8, 9, 11, 12, 23, 14 were back to normal level. Two factors statistic analysis showed that FR had interaction with LPS for xPr 1, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and FR might be the functional antagonist of LPS. We also observed that the volumes of xPr 10, 13, 15, 20, 21, 22 were found to change significantly only in FR treated group but not in LPS treated group or control group. Interestingly, the volume of xPr 13, 20, 21, 22 were increased and the volume of xPr 10, 15 were decreased.

CONCLUSIONThe molecular basis of therapeutic effect of FR on endotoxemia might be through the regulation of xPr 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 23. We can use proteomic techniques to study the molecular mechanisms of diseases treated by functional Chinese herbs and the combination of different herbs is necessary for the treatment of endotoxemia, as FR can not regulated all the changed proteins induced by LPS.

Animals ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Endotoxemia ; blood ; chemically induced ; Injections, Intravenous ; Lipopolysaccharides ; administration & dosage ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Proteome ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Scrophularia ; chemistry