Hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF) plays a key role in the adaptation of tumour cells under hypoxic circumstance,there are some advances in the literatures regarding HIF as an important target for anticancer agents and gene therapy.In this review,the molecular mechanism and clinical significance of compounds targeting on hypoxia- inducing factor was summarized.

To study photosynthetic characteristics and its influencing factors in leaves of medicinal plant Mirabilis himalaica, and provide an evidence for guiding artificial planting and improving the quantity. The light-response and diurnal photosynthesis course of leaves at the booting stages of 1-3 year old M. himalaica were measured with LI-6400 system. The Results showed that the light response curves were fitted well by non rectangle hyperbola equation (R2 > or = 0.98). The values of the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and light use efficiency of three-year old M. himalaica leaves were higher than those of 1-2 year old individuals. The diurnal variation of net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs) of 2-3 year old M. himalaica were typical double-peak curves determinately regulated by stomatal conductance. However, transpiration rate (Tr) of 1-3 year old plants leaves were single-peak curve, which was self-protection of harm reduction caused by the higher temperature at noontime. Correlation analysis showed that the changes between photosynthetic active radiation (PFD), air temperature (T ) and Pn, were significant positive related. Therefore, M. himalaica is a typical sun plant, which should be planted under the sufficient sunshine field and prolong the growing ages suitably in order to improve the yield.
Breeding ; Mirabilis ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Models, Biological ; Photosynthesis ; Temperature ; Time Factors

Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of MMP-7 in peripher- al blood and esophageal cancer.Methods By using Real time RT-PCR, blood samples from 82 cases with postoperative esophageal cancer were detected.Results 37.8 %(32/82)patients were positive for MMP-7 mRNA expression.MMP-7 mRNA positivity significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis,stage,and hematogeneous metastasis.Recurrent disease was found in 28 of 82 cases. Of 28 patients experiencing re- lapse,15 patients were serially follow-up in every three months.The number positive of MMP-7 mRNA be- fore detection by imaging,at the same time of detection by imaging,and after detection by imaging was 5 cas- es,8 cases and 2 cases respectively.Conclusion Examination of MMP-7 mRNA in peripheral blood during follow-up is useful for early detection of occult recurrence.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility , safety, therapeutic effects and adverse reactions of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA)for adrenocortical adenoma with Cushing's syndrome.Methods From Jan.2009 to Dec.2013, 24 patients with 24 tumors diagnosed as adrenocortical adenoma with Cushing's syn-drome received CT-guided percutaneous RFA.The average tumor size was(2.1 ±0.7)cm(ranging from 1.1 to 3.9 cm) .RFA was performed under real-time computed tomography guidance .Technical success was defined as disappearance of tumor enhancement on contrast CT imaging 1 week after RFA .Clinical success was defined as improvement in serum cortisol, adreno-cortico-tropic-hormone(ACTH)and symptoms within the follow-up.Patho-logical diagnosis was acquired through the needle biopsy after RFA procedure .Results RFA was technically successful in all the 24 patients.No conversion occured.During operation, patients suffered blood pressure fluc-tuation but no one experienced a hypertensive crisis .Mild postoperative lumbar pain occurred in 6 patients . Tumor enhancement disappeared in CT scan .The mean follow-up was 18 months, ranging from 3 to 36 months. Both serum cortisol and ACTH basically returned to normal levels , and the symptoms related to Cushing's syn-drome gradually disappeared .No severe complications occurred during this procedure .Histopathology results showed all were adrenal cortical adenomas .No serious complication occurred to any patient during RFA .Conclu-sion CT-guided RFA for adrenocortical adenoma with Cushing's syndrome is a feasible , safe, effective and mini-mally invasive treatment with few complications .

Objective:To observe the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) in rabbits with atherosclerosis.Methods:Thirty-six male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and a simvastatin group according to the random number table method,with 9 rabbits in each group.Rabbits in the model group,the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the simvastatin group were modeled by high fat feeding method which took 12 weeks.After verification of the successful model,rabbits in the normal group were not treated,in the model group were bundled,in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion,and those in the simvastatin group were treated with simvastatin,all for a total of 4 weeks.At the end of the experiment,the aorta and liver were observed for pathological changes;serum and liver were used to detect lipid levels;Western blot (WB) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect LXRα protein and mRNA expression levels,respectively.Results:Compared with the normal group,the structure of aorta was disordered,the wall was rough and thick,the intima was unsmooth,and the vascular smooth muscle cells were arranged closely and disorderly in the model group,which was consistent with the characteristics of the rabbit model of aortic atherosclerosis.Compared with the model group,the aortic structure was clear,the degree of hepatocyte degeneration was reduced,the serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly decreased (all P＜0.01),the high-density lipoprotein level was elevated (P＜0.01),and the total liver cholesterol was decreased significantly (P＜0.01) in the rabbits of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the simvastatin group;compared with the model group,the protein (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05) and mRNA (P＜0.01) expressions of rabbit LXRα in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the simvastatin group were increased.Conclusion:Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can improve the aortic and hepatic lesions,regulate blood lipid and liver lipid levels,increase the expression of liver cholesterol reverse transport nuclear receptor LXRα,promote reverse cholesterol transport in the rabbits with aortic atherosclerosis,therefore produces an antiatherogenic effect.

OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnosis and treatment of a case of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia purpura (NAITP) caused by anti HPA-3a antibody.

METHODSThe platelet counts and purpuric symptom in the newborn were clinical examined. The HPA-1-21bw genotypes of the newborn and his parents were detected by multiple DNA-PCR, gene sequencing and genotyping. The HPA specificity antibody in the sera of newborn and his mother were detected by flow cytometry (FCM), and the HPA specificity antibody was identified by monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA).

RESULTSThe newborn had the typical symptom of NAITP, multiple subcutaneous petechia, hematuria and coffee-like vomitus. The HPA genotype of the newborn was HPA-3ab, while that of his mother and his father were HPA-3bb and HPA-3aa, respectively. The sera of newborn and his mother existed antibody against the platelet of newborn's father. The HPA antibody of the newborn and his mother were identified as anti HPA-3a. The newborn was approved a patient of NAITP caused by anti HPA-3a antibody.

CONCLUSIONThe diagnosis and treatment for NAITP newborn caused by anti HPA-3a antibody in this study was the first domestic report. It could provide successful experiences and references for the similar cases.

Antibody Specificity ; immunology ; Antigens, Human Platelet ; immunology ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Isoantibodies ; adverse effects ; immunology ; Male ; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune ; etiology ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relationship between the incidence of abnormal thyroid function of newborns and maternal hyperthyroidism with antithyroid drug therapy.

METHODThe clinical data of 35 neonates born to mothers with hyperthyroidism from 1983 to 2003 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to the maternal thyroid function and the antithyroid drugs taken during pregnancy, subjects were divided into different groups.

RESULTSThe proportion of abnormal thyroid function in newborn was 48.6% (17/35). The prevalences of primary hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroxinemia, and central hypothyroidism were 29.4%, 29.4%, 35.3%, and 5.9%, respectively. The incidence of abnormal thyroid function of neonates whose mothers did not take the antithyroid drugs (ATDs) until the third trimester of pregnancy was significantly higher than those without and with ATDs during the first or second trimester (P < 0.01). The incidence of abnormal thyroid function significantly increased in premature neonates, neonates whose mothers with modest or heavy pregnant hypertension, or neonates whose core serum thyroid-stimulating hormone or serum anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies levels were abnormal.

CONCLUSIONThe risk of abnormal thyroid function of infants whose hyperthyroid mothers did not take ATDs until the third trimester of pregnancy may be increased. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnant women are essential for the prevention of neonatal thyroid functional abnormality.

Adult ; Antithyroid Agents ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; complications ; drug therapy ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications ; drug therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Diseases ; congenital ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical validity of anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-TgAb).

METHODSerum levels of anti-TPOAb and anti-TgAb were assayed using chemiluminescence immunoassay in 434 subjects, including 51 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 58 with Graves' disease, 68 with nodular goiter, 56 with thyroid adenoma and carcinoma, 56 with subacute thyroiditis, 65 with euthyroid non-thyroid endocrine disease, 35 with euthyroid non-thyroid autoimmune diseases, and 45 euthyroid controls.

RESULTSThe highest level and most positive results of serum anti-TgAb and anti-TPOAb were observed in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (median 373 and 6 974 U/ml, positive rate 84.3% and 86.3%), followed by patients with Graves' disease (median 84 and 1 369 U/ml, positive rate 44.8% and 72.4%). Serum anti-TgAb and anti-TPOAb were also more common in patients with subacute thyroiditis and other autoimmune diseases than in the controls.

CONCLUSIONThe assay of serum anti-TPOAb and anti-TgAb by chemiluminescence immunoassy are useful in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Adenoma ; blood ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Female ; Graves Disease ; blood ; Hashimoto Disease ; blood ; Humans ; Iodide Peroxidase ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thyroglobulin ; immunology ; Thyroid Gland ; immunology ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; blood ; Thyroiditis, Subacute ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the incidence, clinical features and related factors of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hepatic injury in patients with hyperthyroidism.

METHODSA prospective study were carried out in 70 patients of hyperthyroidism with normal liver function. Every patient was treated with PTU 300 mg/d until the thyroid functions recovered to normal, following by decease and maintenance PTU dose in period of six months. Liver function, including serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL), thyroid function (serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine and thyrotropin) and blood routine items were measured before therapy and once a month for six months after PTU therapy was begun.

RESULTSSixty-four cases of 70 patients completed the therapy for 6 months. Hepatic injury developed in 33 patients (51.6%). Asymptomatic, transient hepatic injury was shown in 22 patients (34.4%). Slight symptomatic hepatic injury occured in 6 cases (9.4%) and overt hepatic injury in 5 patients (7.8%) after PTU administration. However, all the patients who developed overt hepatic injury did not stop PTU. Hepatic function returned normal one month after stopping PTU. No one finally suffered from viral hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis in patients of symptomatic and overt hepatic injury.

CONCLUSIONSPTU-induced symptomatic hepatic injury is not rare and usually develops within the first few months of PTU administration. Its clinical course is relatively benign. However, it may be difficult to predict its development, so all patients should be monitored for liver function test during the administration in early stage.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antithyroid Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; drug therapy ; Liver ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Liver Diseases ; physiopathology ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Propylthiouracil ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies

Objective To observe the influence of dexmedetomidine applied in combined acupuncture-medication anesthesia on vomiting after thyroidectomy. Method Seventy patients who were going to receive thyroidectomy were randomized into group A and B, with 35 cases in each group. Combined acupuncture-medication anesthesia [electroacupuncture at Hegu (LI4), Neiguan (PC6) and Futu (ST32) plus intravenous infusions of sufentanil citrate injection (0.3 mg/kg) 20 minutes before operation]was adopted in both groups. Group A was additionally intervened by constantvelocity micropump infusion of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection (0.5 mg/kg) within 10 minutes before operation and remaining 0.4 mg/kg/min during operation, while group B was intervened by infusion of normal saline 10 minutes before operation. The observer's assessment of awareness/sedation (OAA/S) scores at different time points[lying in bed for 5 minutes before operation (T0), before the beginning of the operation (T1), 30 minutes after operation (T2), 60 minutes after operation (T3) and at the end of operation (T4)] in the two groups were observed. The additional times and total dose of sufentanil during operation, the number of cases using esmolol and urapidil, and the number of vomiting cases occurred within 2 hours after operation and 2～24 hours after operation in the two groups were recorded.Result The additional times and total dose of sufentanil during operation in group A were significantly different from those in group B (P<0.01). The utilization rate of esmolol and urapidil were respectively 31.4％ and 14.3％ in group A versus 77.1％ and 65.7％ in group B, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The incidence of vomiting within 2 hours after operation and 2～24 hours after operation were respectively 20.0％ and 17.1％in group A versus 54.3％ and 42.9％ in group B, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The OAA/S scores at different time points (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in group A were significantly different from those in group B (P<0.01). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine applied in combined acupuncture-medication anesthesia can reduce the additional times and total dose of sufentanil during thyroidectomy, and it can reduce the incidence of postoperative vomiting as well.