Aldose reductase ( AR ) belonging to nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate ( NADPH ) -dependent aldehyde-keto reductase superfamily, is the key rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway which plays an important role in the body’s high-sugar metabolism. AR is widely present in the kidneys, blood vessels, lens, retina, heart, skeletal muscle and other tissues and organs, converts glucose to sorbitol which easy permeability of cell membranes, cause cell swelling, degeneration, necrosis, and have a close relationship with the development of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy ( DR ) is a multifactorial disease, the exact cause is currently unknown, but polyol pathway has been demonstrated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of DR. Clinical risk factors such as blood sugar control, blood pressure and other treatments for DR only play a part effect of remission or invalid, if we can find out DR genes associated with the disease, this will contribute to a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms and contribute to the development of new treatments and drugs. The current research progress of AR, AR gene polymorphism, Aldose reductase inhibitors to DR was reviewed in this article.

Objective To investigate the relationship between tumor location and the risk of developing bladder cancer in pafients treated by nephroureterectomy(NU)for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma(UUT-TCC).Methods The clinical data of 168 UUT-TCC patients who underwent NU were reviewed.Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out to determine the risk factors for intravesical recurrence after NU.Results The recurrence-free survival rate at 1,3 and 5 years after NU were 88%, 76%and 63%.All patients were followed up for a median period of 45(12-107)months During this period, a total of 49 patients developed bladder tamors after surgery,of which 28 cases were renal pelvic carcinoma, 2 cases were rniddle ureter carcinoma and 19 cases were distal ureter carcinoma.The recurrence-free survival of renal pelvic carcinoma and ureter carcinoma had no significant difference by Log-Rank test(P>0.05).On multivariate analysis,only locating in distal ureter carcinoma was the independent risk predictor for intravesical recurrence after NU (P<0.01).Conclusion Pafients with UUT-TCC at distal ureter carry a higher risk for intraeesieal recunerrce after NU than those with TCC at other location of upper urinary tract.

Objective To Validate the prognostic significance of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk tables in Chinese patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Methods According to the scoring standard of the EORTC system, 225 NMIBC patients were reviewed and divided into 3 groups: low, intermediate and high risk groups for recurrence and progression respectively. The probabilities of recurrence and progression at 1 year and 5 year for each group were calculated using life-table analysis and then compared with the EORTC risk tables. Log-Rank test and multivariable analysis were used to analyze the possible differences between risk groups and to find independent prognostic factors. Results For low (n= 32, 25), intermediate (n=109, 128) and high (n=84, 72) risk groups, the probabilities of recurrence and progression at 1 year were 15. 1%, 31.2%, 55.5% and 0. 3%, 2. 0%, 15.5% respectively. The probabilities at 5 year were 28. 2%, 55.2%, 75.0% and 1.4%, 12.9%, 54. 7%. All the results were similar to that of EORTC tables except the probability of progression at 5 year for the high progression risk group.The differences between different risk groups were significant (P＜0.01). In a multivariable analysis for recurrence and progression, the EORTC scores had independent significance (P＜0.01). Conclusions EORTC risk tables could stratify NMIBC patients effectively according to the risk of recurrence and progression. It could be a useful tool for Chinese urologists.

This study is to investigate the anti-allergic effect of anthocyanidin and to explore its possible mechanism. The experiments of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction (PCA) and colorimetry were used to determine the effect of anthocyanidin on degranulation of mast cells in vivo. For in vitro study, various concentrations of anthocyanidin (100, 50 and 25 micromol x L(-1)) were added to the culture medium of mast cells cultured with 100 microg x L(-1) of dinitrophenyl (DNP) specific IgE overnight. The azelastine (100 micromol x L(-1)) was selected as the positive control. The antigen (DNP-human serum albumin, DNP-HAS)-induced release of degranulation was measured by enzymatic assay, histamine was determined by EIA, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by Western blotting, separately. In addition, the effects of anthocyanidin on phosphorylation of NF-kappaB, p38MAPK and Akt were observed by Western blotting. The results showed that treatments with anthocyanidin (100 and 50 mg x kg(-1)) were followed by a decrease in PCA of rats. Anthocyanidin (100 and 50 micromol x L(-1)) obviously suppressed the degranulation from mast cells, whereas results from anthocyanidin (100 and 50 micromol x L(-1)) group indicated significant inhibitory effect on histamine, the calcium uptake, TNF-alpha, IL-6, phosphorylation of NF-kappaB, p38MAPK and Akt of mast cells induced by antigen. Anthocyanidin may suppress the anaphylactic reaction by inhibiting the action of mast cells. NF-kappaB, p38MAPK and Akt at least in part contribute to this event.
Animals ; Anthocyanins ; pharmacology ; Anti-Allergic Agents ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Degranulation ; drug effects ; Histamine Release ; drug effects ; Immunoglobulin E ; immunology ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Male ; Mast Cells ; immunology ; metabolism ; physiology ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; drug effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

Objective To study the influence of fluoride on the expression of Runx2 in suckling rat osteoblasts. Methods Osteoblasts obtained from calvarium of suckling Wistar rats were cultured in the media supplemented with NaF at different doses(0, 1,2 and 4 rag/L), and Runx2 Mrna expression and protein expression were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results Runx2 Mrna expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro significantly increased after exposure to NaF for 48 h at different doses (0.613±0.055, 0.773±0.070 and 0.775±0.070 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L,respecfively) compared to the control (0.482±0.043 ,P< 0.05). Runx2 Mrna expression further increased after 72 h exposure to NaF(0.969±0.048,1.229±0.061,1.255± 0.063 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L, respectively) ,which is significantly higher than the control(0.724±0.036,P<0.05) and corresponding groups at 48 h. NaF doses and exposure time exhibited a significant synergistic effect on Runx2 Mrna expression (P<0.05). Similarly, NaF also enhanced Bunx2 protein expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro. Significant differences were observed between groups exposed to NaF (1,2 and 4 rag/L) and control at48 h post-exposure (0.141±0.007, 0.143±0.008, 0.143±0.011 vs 0.129±0.012, P<0.05) as well as 72 h post-expesure(0.156±0.014, 0.168±0.018, 0.162±0.0100 vs 0.137±0.016, P<0.05). In addition, Runx2 protein expression at 72 h post-exposure was significantly higher than that at 48 h. Conclusions The results suggested that NaF could increase Runx2 expression in suckling rat osteoblasts with a synergistic effect between the doses and exposure time.

Objective To improve the diagnosis and treatment of ureteral cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis of 24 cases of primary ureteral cancer treated from January 1990 to March 2005 was performed.The diagnostic value of ultrasound,IVU,CT,MRU and the patients' outcomes were reviewed. There were 19 males and 5 females aged 38-72 years(mean,59 years).The tumors were on the left side in 16 cases and on the right in 8.Of the 24 cases,17(71%)had gross hematuria and 7(29%)had micro- scopic hematuria.Urine cytology was performed in 16 cases with a positive rate of 6.3%.B-ultrasonic exami- nation showed hydronephrosis in 19 cases(79%)and low-echo space-occupying disease of middle-inferior ureter in 3(12%).IVU demonstrated hydronephrosis in 20 cases(83%)and filling defect of the diseased ureter in 3(12%).Retrograde pyelography showed filling defect of the diseased ureter in 16(76%)of 21 cases(5 cases had failure of intubation).CT scan was performed in 20 cases,indicating thickening of the ureteral wall and infiltration of the cancer in 14(70%).In 3 cases who had undergone spiral CT thin layer scan and 1 of 3 cases who had undergone MRU,the definite diagnosis was made.Results All the 24 pa- tients underwent surgical treatment.Among them,nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff or partial resection were performed in 18 cases,and nephrectomy and partial ureterectomy in 6 cases.Postoperative pathology showed transitional cell carcinoma in 23 cases,and adenoma in 1.Of the 14 cases during 1990-1999 peri- od,1,5,3,2,2 and 1 cases had survival time of 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 years,respectively.Of the 10 cases during 2000-2005 period,3 were lost to follow-up;2 survived for 3 years and 2,for 1 year;the other 3 who have survived near 5 years have been followed till now.Conclusions IVU and retrograde urography are the most common diagnostic measures for primary ureteral cancer.They can be used in combination with other imaging study to reduce missed diagnosis rate.The 5-year survival rate was lower because of late pathologic stage of the tumors in the patients of this series.

Objective To discuss methods of decoration reconstruction for finger defect in emergency and to observe the elinical effects.Methods Of the 41 cases of finger injuries of different degrees,15 were repaired with part of the skin flaps of the big toenails or skin flaps of the second toenalis,8 were repaired with part of the skin flaps of the big toenails,7 were reeonstructed with the second tiptoes,11 were repaired with the abdominal skin flaps of the big toes or lateral flaps of the second toes.Results All the 41 fingers sur- vived.One skin flap of the big toe was somewhat swelling and a decorating operation was performed.The 4～18 months of follow-up visitation of the rest cases revealed good function and shapes.No obvious functional ab- norality was found in the donating feet.Conclusion Various kinds of decoration reeonstruetion for finger defects are available to recover the hand shape and function as much as possible.

Objective To observe the expression of fibronectin in bone of fluorosis rats and in vitro cultured osteoblast,and to study the role of fibronectin in pathogenesis of chronic fluorosis.Methods Male and female Wistar rats 144 were randomly divided into four groups,which were designated as the control group(normal diets,n =36),fluoride group(normal diets + 100 mg/L fluoride,n =36),lower calcium monophagia group (synthetic diets,n =36) and lower calcium monOphagia with fluoride group(synthetic diets + 100 mg/L fluoride,n =36).Rats were sacrificed 4 and 8 months after beginning of the experiment,respectively,and femur tissue was fixated and paraffin-embedded.The osteoblast isolated from calvaria of neonatal rats was treated with different dose of fluoride(0,1,2,4 mg/L fluoride,respectively) for 48 and 72 h,cell culture supernatant and cells were collected,respectively.The cranial osteoblasts were cultured in vitro and divided into four groups according to different concentration of fluoride added,which were 0(control group),0.01,1.00,and 10.00 mg/L groups.These cells were treated with mineralized induced medium at day 2 and cultured for 3 more weeks whereafter,and then the slides were fixed in alcohol.The expression of fibronectin in rat femur tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC),and fibronectin mRNA expression was determined by in situ hybridization; the fibronectin levels in supernatant of cultured osteoblast was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the expression of fibronectin mRNA in osteoblasts was detected with RT-PCR; skull mineralized nodule formation of osteoblasts was observed under a light microscopy after stained with 0.1％ red alizarin liquid.Results Little expression of fibronectin (brown granules under light microscope) could be seen in femur tissue of fluorosis rats of control group and lower calcium monophagia group; but abundantly expressed in fluoride group and lower calcium monophagia with fluoride group; the fibronectin was also expressed in osteoblasts,bone cells and bone marrow cells with less red particles in the control group and lower calcium monophagia group,but more in the fluoride group and lower calcium monophagia with fluoride group.The expression of fibronectin protein in supernatant of cultured osteoblasts was significantly increased in the group of 4 mg/L fluoride at 48 h(0.108 ± 0.042,t =0.764,P＜ 0.05) compared with control group(0.081 ± 0.010); the value was also significantly increased in 1,2,4 mg/L groups at 72 h(0.089 ± 0.010,0.087 ± 0.012,0.098 ± 0.023; t =0.765,0.704,0.996; all P ＜ 0.05) compared with control group (0.070 ± 0.014) ; the expression of fibronectin mRNA was much higher in 1,2,4 mg/L groups at 48 h (0.61 ±0.06,0.77 ± 0.07,0.77 ± 0.07) and 72 h(1.61 ± 0.14,2.54 ± 0.20,2.75 ± 0.22) compared with control group [0.48 ± 0.04(t =0.111,0.182,0.182,all P ＜ 0.05),0.97 ± 0.08(t =0.093,0.109,0.108,all P＜ 0.05) ].A lot of mineralized nodules could be seen under light microscope in 1.00 and 10.00 mg/L groups.Conclusions The expression of fibronectin in bone of fluorosis rats and in vitro cultured osteoblasts are increased,and fluoride also promotes the mineralization nodules formation of osteoblasts.These results suggest that fibronectin may regulate the process of bone mineralization,and possibly play a role in the development of skeletal fluorosis.

In the criminal cases of driving under the influence (DUI), DNA evidence can be collected from the deployed airbag of the motor vehicle and submitted to the crime lab for touch DNA analysis. The evidence can be acquired when the skin cells are observed on the surface of the airbag in a traffic accident. However, the low quantity or quality of the evidence collected from a crime scene prevents further identification analysis in many cases. In the current study, we reported a case of identifying touch DNA extraction from the shed skin cells from the deployed airbag of a motor vehicle. We managed to collect DNA evidence from the shed skin cells in an airbag using a proper approach of collection and extraction. The 5.87 ng of extracted DNA was sufficient for genotyping and forensic identification, which helped to identify the driver of the car in collision with a pier in the street. In DUI cases and other traffic accidents, therefore, the amount of touch DNA extracted from the deployed airbag can be sufficient for DNA marker genotyping and further analysis.
Accidents, Traffic ; Air Bags ; Alcoholic Intoxication ; Crime ; DNA/analysis* ; Genotype ; Humans ; Motor Vehicles ; Skin/cytology* ; Touch

Objective To study the influence of fluoride on the expression of osteoprotegerin(OPG) mRNA and protein in suckling rat osteoblasts. Methods Osteoblasts obtained from calvarial of suckling Wistar rats were cultured in vitro in the media supplemented with NaF at a series of doses[O(control), 1,2 and 4 mg/L groups], and OPG mRNA expression and protein were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA methods, respectively. Results OPG mRNA expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro significantly increased after exposure to NaF for 48 h and 72 h(F=333.48,808.34,P<0.05). OPG mRNA expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro after exposure to NaF for 48 h at different doses(0.810±0.003, 0.819±0.031 and 0.870±0.044 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L groups, respectively) compared with that of control (0.800±0.040, all P<0.05). OPG mRNA expression further increased for 72 h exposure to NaF(0.933±0.047,1.031±0.051,1.240±0.062 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L, respectively), significantly higher than that of the control (0.805±0.020,all P<0.05) and corresponding groups at 48 h. NaF doses and time exposure exhibited a significant synergistic effect on OPG mRNA expression(F=2004.16, P<0.05). NaF also enhanced OPG protein expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro. Significant differences were observed only in 4 mg/L group(0.228±0.014,0.277±0.048) and control(0.205±0.012,0.229±0.010) at 48 h and 72 h (P<0.05). In addition, OPG protein expression at 72 h post-exposure was higher than that at 48 h,but there was no synergistic effect between concentration and time(F=1.21,P>0.05). Conclusions The results suggested that NaF could increase OPG mRNA and protein expression in suckling rat osteoblasts with a synergistic effect between the doses and exposure time.