Objective To evaluate the effects of different concentrations of sevoflurane anesthesia on longterm learning and memory abilities in neonatal rats.Methods Twenty-seven neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes,aged 7 days,weighing 12-20 g,were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n =9 each):control group (C group),2％ sevoflurane group (S1 group) and 3％ sevoflurane group (S2 group).Groups C,S1 and S2 inhaled air,2 ％ sevoflurane and 3 ％ sevofluran for 4 h,respectively.The neonatal rats were reared to 35 days old and underwent open field test,to 36 days old and underwent Morris water maze test,and to 42 days old and underwent continuous multiple-trail inhibition avoidance training.Results Open field test:There was no significant difference in the movement time,movement speed and the time the animals spent in the central square among the 3 groups (P ＞ 0.05).Morris water maze test:Compared with C group,the looking for platform latency on 2nd-5th days in S2 group and on 2nd-3rd days in S1 group was significantly prolonged,and the percentage of time of staying at the platform quadrant was decreased in S1 and S2 groups (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).The looking for platform latency on 3rd4th days in S2 group was significantly longer than that in group S1 (P ＜ 0.05).Continuous multiple-trail inhibition avoidance training:The latency detected at 24 h after training was significantly shorter in S1 and S2 groups than in group C (P ＜ 0.05),and in group S2 than in S1 group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Sevoflurane anesthesia decreases the long-term learning and memory function in neonatal rats in a concentration-dependent manner.

High altitude polycythemia (HAPC) had become one of the main common chronic diseases, which had seriously threatened the health of Plateau people. In the Tibetan medicine classic bookSi-Bu Yi-Dian, there were recordings on HAPC treatment methods and medications, which had the unique advantages of identified therapeutic effect with little side effect. This article analyzed Tibetan medicine in the prevention and treatment of HAPC from aspects such as etiology and pathogenesis, clinical treatment advantages and modern innovation study. Questions were also raised on lacking of standardization on HAPC clinical effectiveness, as well as Tibetan medicine compound material basis and action mechanisms were unclear. It was proposed that based on the inheritance of Tibetan medicine theoretical basis and clinical therapeutic effect, the Tibetan medicine original thinking should be combined with modern science and technology, in order to strengthen the analysis of ancient literature collection in HAPC treatment and data mining in medication experiences. The clinical treatment standards and medication plan should be standardized. Methods of systems biology, such as metabolomics, can be used in the further study of the scientific connotation of HAPC treatment by Tibetan medicine.

Objective To investigate the changes of traditional Chinese medical constitution types with menstrual cycle of sub-health state women, thus to explore the affectability of diseases during menstrual cycle. Methods Sub-health State Questionnaire and Menstruation State Questionnaire established in our previous study were used for the epidemiological survey of 330 women outpatients aged 20-45 years admitted by the disease-preventive department of Tianhe District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Results In 330 cases, the cases of sub-health state accounted for 64.5%, in which 21.5%had pure sub-health state without any chronic diseases, and 43.0% had sub-health state together with some diseases. The diseases of hyperplasia of mammary glands, vaginitis, cervical spondylosis, hyperlipemia, chronic appendagitis, and uterus myoma had higher morbidity rate in order. At premenstrual phase, constitution types of Qi stagnation, damp heat, and blood stasis had the higher incidences; at menstruation phase, Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and damp heat had the higher incidences; at postmenstrual phase, yang deficiency, Qi deficiency, and damp heat had the higher incidences. Most of the sub-health state women had the complex constitution types, accounting for 93%. Conclusion Traditional Chinese medical constitution types are correlated with menstral cycle of sub-health state women, and show some effects on the affectability and progress of diseases. The investigation results of dynamic changes and the distribution of traditional Chinese medical constitution types during menstrual cycle will supply some evidence for the prevention and treatment of irregular menstruation and sub-health state of the women with Chinese medine.

Objective To explore the status of depression in patients with advanced schistosomiasis and its influencing fac-tors,so as to provide the evidence for improving psychological interventions. Methods A total of 206 patients with advanced schistosomiasis were investigated with the self-designed general information questionnaire,the Self-Rating Depression Scale,and WHOQOL-BREF Form. Results Among the 206 cases,the incidence of depression was 69.4%,and depression was negatively related to the quality of life(P = 0.000). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the times of hospitalization(β=0.442,P=0.007)was a risk factor for depression,while the high education levels(β=-0.583,P=0.011)and the history of por-tal hypertension operation(β=-0.917,P=0.000)were the protective factors. Conclusion The incidence of depression in ad-vanced schistosomiasis patients is high,and it is influenced by various factors. Therefore,we should take corresponding interven-tions to reduce its occurrence.

AIM:To study the telomere maintenance mechanism in mesenchymal stem calls(MSCs).METHODS:MSCs were isolated from healthy human bone marrow by their adherence to plastic and then were checked with CD14-FITC,CD45-FITC,CD44-FITC,HLA-DR-FITC,CD34-PE,CD29-PE and CD166-PE.Telomere length and ECTR DNA in MSCs were detected by Southern blotting.The localization of TRF1 and promyelocytic leukemia(PML)in MSCs were detected with immunofluorescence staining.TRAP protocol was performed to detect the telomerase activity in MSCs and MSCs-derived adipocytes.Western blotting and TRAP protocol were applied to measure telomerase activity of MSCs,which were synchronized by serum starvation and aphidicolin treatment.RESULTS:The telomere in length seemed shorter and relatively more homogeneous in MSCs and HeLa cells than that in WI-38-2RA cells.TRF1 did not concide with PML nuclear body in MSCs and HeLa cells while it exclusively did in WI-38-2RA cells.ECTR DNA was negative in MSCs and HeLa cells but positive in WI-38-2RA cells.Telomerase was negative in MSCs but it was positive in MSCs-derived adipocytes detected by TRAP.Moreover,a cell cycle-dependent expression profile of telomerase was found in MSCs when they were synchronized by serum starvation and aphidicolin treatment.Untreated MSCs expressed very low level of telomerase probed by Western blotting with 2C4 mAb,but the telomerase level had significantly increased when these cells were trapped in S phase.CONCLUSION:The telomere of MSCs is maintained by telomerase pathway instead of alternative lengthing of telomere(ALT)and the level of telomerase expression is associated with cell cycle stage.[

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of noise on bioactivity of norepinephrine (NE) and cardiovascular system.

METHODSA total of 130 workers exposed to the occupational noise in one enterprise were selected as noise exposure group, and 134 workers not exposed to the occupational noise and other poisons served as control group. Fasting venous blood was drawn to determine the content of NE in peripheral blood with ELISA. According to Occupational Health Surveillance Manage regulations, the occupational noise exposures crowd was examined.

RESULTSThe average of NE in exposure group was (0.1387 +/- 0.099) ng/ml, and (0.1019 +/- 0.080) ng/ml in control group. There was significant difference in NE between exposure and control group. There was significant difference in the detection rate of BP, HR and ECG between exposure and control group.

CONCLUSIONThe occupation noise can increase the NE in peripheral blood, and maybe affects the cardiovascular system in this way.

Adult ; Blood Pressure ; physiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Rate ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Noise, Occupational ; adverse effects ; Norepinephrine ; blood

BACKGROUND:In recent years, the application of stem cel s to treat autoimmune diseases has become a hot spot. But, studies on umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation for the treatment of polymyositis/dermatomyositis are rarely reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the immunologic mechanism of Th cytokines on the occurrence and development of polymyositis/dermatomyositis by observing the changes in serum interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 in patients after umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation. METHODS:Eighty-one polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients were selected and divided into conventional therapy group (n=44) undergoing glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants therapy and cel transplantation group (n=37) undergoing intravenous infusion of umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s at a density of (3.5-5.2 )×107 . Dosing regimen was same in the two groups. After fol ow-up of 1, 3, 6 months, the changes of creatine kinase and myodynamia were evaluated;after fol ow-up of 3 and 6 months, lung imaging was evaluated;in the cel transplantation group, interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 levels were detected before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 1, 3, 6 months after treatment, the creatine kinase level was significantly decreased, and the muscle force grade was significantly increased in both groups (both P<0.001). Compared with the conventional therapy group, the creatine kinase level was lower and the muscle force grade was higher in the cel transplantation group (both P<0.001). Results from lung imaging test showed a remarkable improvement after cel transplantation, and it indicated that umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation had good stability. At 6 months after transplantation, the level of interferon-γwas significantly increased, while the interleukin-4 level was decreased significantly (both P<0.01);at 3, 6 months after cel transplantation, the levels of interleukin-17 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Levels of interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 were positively correlated with the level of creatine kinase at 6 months after cel transplantation (r=0.467, 0.488, both P<0.05), but there was no obvious correlation between the levels of interferon-γand creatine kinase (r=0.213, P>0.05). These findings indicate umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation combined with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants therapy can adjust immune network effects and improve the immune tolerance in polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients, which is safe and effective.

Objective To investigate the potential protective effects of valproic acid (VPA) on gut barrier function after major burn injury in rats and its mechanism.Methods Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into sham + normal saline (NS),sham + VPA,scald + NS,and scald + VPA groups,with 10 rats in each group.Rat with 55％ total body surface area (TBSA) third-degree severe-bums model was reproduced by immersing into 80 ℃ water,and the rats in sham groups were given sham-bums by immersing into 37 ℃ water.The rats after severebums were immediately treated with 0.25 mL of 300 mg/kg VPA or NS by subcutaneous injection.Rats were sacrificed at 2 hours and 6 hours after injury,and abdominal aortic blood and ileal tissue were harvested.The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The intestinal permeability was evaluated by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran) determination.The histomorphological changes in gut barrier were evaluated by Chiu grading system.Levels of acetylated lysine at the ninth position of histone 3 protein (Ac-H3K9),hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α),zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) were determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot.Results Compared with sham + NS group,rats in scald + NS group showed intestinal mucosal damage 2 hours after bum injury,as well as increased mucosal permeability,protein expression levels of HIF-1 α,VEGF,MLCK,and lowered levels of AC-H3K9 and ZO-1.These changes were much more prominent at 6 hours after injury.VPA treatment significantly attenuated the bum-induced intestinal damage.Compared with scald + NS group,the protective effects in scald + VPA group was not evident at 2 hours after injury;however,intestinal damage was much less severe at 6 hours after injury (Chiu score:2.03 ± 0.27 vs.3.12 ± 0.15),intestinal permeability was significantly decreased [FITC-dextran (μg/L):709 ± 76 vs.1138 ± 75],histone acetylation was enhanced [Ac-H3K9 (gray value):1.55 ± 0.12 vs.0.48±0.12],ZO-1 degradation was significantly inhibited (gray value:0.69 ± 0.12 vs.0.43 ± 0.16),the protein expression levels of VEGF and MLCK were significantly down-regulated [VEGF (ng/mg):51.7±3.7 vs.71.2±4.3,MLCK (gray value):1.98±0.20 vs.2.80±0.24],while the HIF-1 α protein expression levels were significantly reduced at both 2 hours and 6 hours after injury (gray value:2.50±0.39 vs.3.88±0.42 at 2 hours,1.83±0.42 vs.4.42±0.41 at 6 hours,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Severe bum injury can induce histone deacetylation,ZO-1 degradation and intestinal barrier dysfunction.VPA can improve the levels of histone acetylation and ZO-1,and protect intestinal epithelial barrier function.These may probably be mediated through inhibiting HIF-1α and its downstream gene VEGF and MLCK.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the polymorphism of T(1) locus allele in ADAM33 gene and bronchial asthma in South China Han population.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing were used to determine the polymorphism of T(1) locus allele in ADAM33 gene in 160 unrelated patients with asthma and 95 unrelated healthy controls from South China Han population.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in T(1) locus allele distribution frequency in populations of UK, US, Germany, Korea, and South China (Chi(2)=9.085, P=0.109). The frequencies of the genotypes (TT, TC, CC) were 80.6% (n=129), 16.9% (n=27) and 2.5% (n=4) in the 160 asthmatic patients and 94.7% (n=90), 3.2% (n=3) and 2.1% (n= 2) in the 95 controls, respectively, showing a significant difference in the distribution of the genotypes (TT, TC, CC ) between asthmatic patients and healthy controls (Chi(2)=10.955, P<0.05). The frequencies of the alleles (T, C) were 0.891 and 0.109 in the asthmatic patients and 0.963 and 0.037 in the controls, respectively, showing also a significant difference in the allele frequency between them (Chi square =8.299, P<0.05). The presence of C allele of ADAM33 gene T1 locus was found to be a greater risk factor in asthmatic patients than in the healthy controls. The odds ratio (OR) of TC and TC+CC were 6.279 (1.849-21.328) and 4.326 (1.620-11.550), respectively, with P value of 0.001 and 0.002, respectively, in comparison with TT genotype.

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphism of T(1) locus allele in ADAM33 gene is associated with the susceptibility to asthma in South China Han population.

ADAM Proteins ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Asthma ; genetics ; China ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of pravastatin on the proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and expression of syndecan-4 protein induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

METHODSVSMCs cultured in vitro were exposed to 20 ng/ml TNF-alpha, 10 micromol/ml pravastatin, 20 micromol/ml pravastatin, 10 micromol/ml pravastatin with 20 ng/ml TNF-alpha, or 20 micromol/ml pravastatin with 20 ng/ml TNF-alpha for 24 h. The proliferation of the VSMCs was determined by non-radioactive MTS/PMS assay and the expression of syndecan-4 protein was detected by Western blotting using anti-syndecan-4 antibody.

RESULTSCompared to the control group, TNF-alpha at 20 ng/ml significantly stimulated the proliferation of rat VSMCs (P<0.05). Pravastatin alone produced no obvious effect on VSMCs growth (P>0.05), but significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced VSMC proliferation (P<0.05). The expression of syndecan-4 protein in the VSMCs was significantly enhanced by 20 ng/ml TNF-alpha (P<0.01). Pravastatin alone did not affect the expression of syndecan-4 protein (P>0.05), but significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced enhancement of syndecan-4 protein expression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONPravastatin can inhibit the proliferation and syndean-4 protein expression in rat VSMCs induced by TNF-alpha in vitro.

Animals ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; pharmacology ; Aorta, Thoracic ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; metabolism ; Pravastatin ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Syndecan-4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology