Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture at Shenting (DU24) and Baihui (DU20) on learning and memory ability, as well as the nerve cell and the expression of mRNA of Bcl-2 and Bax in the hippocampus of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly diveded into sham group (n=15), control group (n=15) and electroacupuncture group (n=15). The latter 2 groups were modeled with middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2 h and reperfusion. The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at Shenting and Baihui for 7 days. They were tested with Morris water maze, and then, their hippocampus was observed under Nissl staining and the level of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA were determined with RT-PCR. Results The escape latency decreased (P<0.001) and the frequence the platform was crossed increased (P=0.001) in the electroacupuncture group compared with the model group, with less damage of the nerve cell and the expression of Bax mRNA, and more of Bcl-2 mRNA (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can prevent learning and memory ability from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats, which may associate with adjustment of expression of apoptosis-related gene to inhibit apoptosis of nerve cell.

Objective To investigate the expression of angiotensinⅡ (Ang Ⅱ ) and its type 1 receptor (AT1) in circulation, placenta and kidney of the rots preeclampsia. Methods Preedampsia rat model was developed by inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME). The systolic blood pressure (SBP), 24 h urine protein, hepatic and renal function were compared among the precelampsia group, the normal pregnant group and nonpregnant control group. The kidney tissue was observed by light microscopy. ELISA and radioimmunoassay were used to detect Ang Ⅱ in rat plasma and kidney homogenate respectively. Placental AT1 was measured by Westem blot. The level of kidney AT1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results In preeclampsia rats, SBP and 24 h urine protein were significantly higher compared with control groups. Compared to normal pregnant group, plasma Ang Ⅱ of preeclampsia rats was much higher [(0.706±0.086) ng/L vs (0.540±0.085) ng/L, P＜0.05]; placental AT1 was increased by 46%(P＜ 0.05); kidney Ang Ⅱ was decreased signigicantly [(65.543±40.634) ng/g vs (165.543±33.078) ng/g, P＜0.05]. The expression of ATI in kidney of preeclampsia rats was reduced evidently,which was only 33% of normal pregnancy group and 59% of nonpregnant control greup,respeetively (P＜0.05). Conclusions In preeclampsia rat model, the circulating Ang Ⅱ is increased, the placental RAS isactivated, while the kidney BAS is suppressed. The underlying mechanism of proteinuria and kidney damage associated with this phenomenon in preeclampsia needs further research.

BACKGROUND:There are a variety of methods for establishing osteoarthritis animal model, and different methods and different animals have their own characteristics.
OBJECTIVE:To review the status of the research on osteoarthritis animal models.
METHODS:The relevant articles to the osteoarthritis animal models were searched in Medline database from January 2002 to October 2011, with the key words of“animal model, osteoarthritis”in English by the computer. Similarly, Chinese Journal Ful-text Database was retrieved for related articles published in Chinese from January 2002 to October 2011, with the key words of“animal model, osteoarthritis, research development”in Chinese. Total y 423 relevant articles were col ected and 128 of them conformed the standard. At last 40 articles were included to review after ful-text reading.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The artificial induced animal models are the principal means to establish animal models of osteoarthritis and they have been widely used in the study of osteoarthritis pathogenesis, drug efficacy, cartilage physiology and pathology. Spontaneous osteoarthritis animal models have great advantages in the study addressing the initial mechanism of osteoarthritis, the biochemical changes of articular cartilage and the comparison of prevention and cure effects. Transgenic animal models have great application prospects on studying cartilage repairing mechanisms and testing a gene to prevent, delay or reversal the morphological changes. Accordingly the choice of models should be based on research needs.

Objective To discuss the effects of silencing of iASPP gene on human bladder cancer cells. Methods RNAi silencing of iASPP gene in bladder cancer cell 5637 and T24 cells were used by lentiviral mediated interfering short hairpin RNAs. Cell proliferation was tested by MTT assay, and rate of colony was tested by colony formation assay. Cell cycles were tested by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Results Down-regulation of iASPP could inhibit the growth and proliferation of human bladder cancer cells (P＜0.05). iASPP know-down could decrease the colony formation of 5637 and T24 cells (P＜0, 05). Knocking down of iASPP in 5637 and T24 cells showed cell arrested at G1. Conclusions Silencing of iASPP gene could inhibit proliferation and colony formation of bladder cancer, iASPP might be an important target for gene therapy of bladder cancer.

Objective To explore the effects of electroacupuncture at Shenting (DU24) and Baihui (DU20) on learning and memory ability in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats and its possible mechanism. Methods 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n=15), ischemia group (n=15) and electroacupuncture group (n=15). The latter 2 groups were modeled as focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at Shenting (DU24) and Baihui (DU20) for 7 days. They were tested with Morris Water Maze, observed with Nissl's staining. The protein expression of RhoA was detected with Western blotting. Results The learning and memory ability improved in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05), the injury of the neurons reduced (P<0.05) and the expression of RhoA in hippocampus decreased compared with the ischemia group (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture could ameliorate the learning and memory ability in ischemia- reperfusion rats, which may relate with the inhibition of the expression of RhoA in hippocampus.

Objective To explore the central mechanism of acupuncture at Baihui (GV20) for memory impairment after stroke. Methods 32 stroke patients were randomized to receive acupuncture at Baihui (GV20) (as observation group) and acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB34) (as control group) for 8 weeks. At the meantime, all participants received routine treatment including physical and occupational therapies. They were scanned with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to find functional connectivity and assessed with Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) before and after treatment. The results of WMS and functional connectivity were analyzed with Pearson's correlation. Results The memory scores and memory quotient improved significantly after treatment in the observation group (P<0.05). The functional connectivity significantly increased occurred in the left hippocampus to right inferior frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus; and right hippocampus to left middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus and left parietal lobe. Significant correlations were found between memory quotient and functional connectivity of hippocampus to frontal lobe and left parietal lobe in the observation group. There was no statistical significance in memory scores and memory quotient in the control group. The functional connectivity significantly decreased in left hippocampus to right middle occipital gyrus, and right hippocampus to right superior temporal gyrus and right posterior lobe of cerebellum. There was no statistical correlation between functional connectivity and results of WMS. Conclusion The acupuncture at Baihui can improves memory ability of stroke patients, which may associate with the increase of functional connectivity of hippocampus with frontal lobes and parietal lobes.

Objective To investigate the expression and distribution of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) in peripheral blood and lesions of psoriatic patients. Methods Peripheral blood and skin samples were obtained from 30 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 20 normal controls. Flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular c-FLIP protein in peripheral T and B lymphocytes, immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of c-FLIP in lesional tissue. Results Based on the positivity rate of c-FLIP, there was a significant increase in T lymphocytes in active psoriasis compared with regressive psoriasis and normal controls (6.32%±1.17% vs 2.64%±0.74% and 2.28%±0.54%, P＜0.01 and 0.05, respectively), while no significant difference was found in B lymphocytes among these three groups (0.78%±0.16%, 0.71%±0.32%, 0.69%±0.18%, respectively, P＞0.05). The expression intensity of c-FLIP in keratinocytes was also higher in active psoriasis than in regressive psoriasis and normal controls (89.73±5.24 vs 117.40±7.50,121.58±7.93, P＜0.01 and 0.05 respectively), and there was no difference between regressive psoriasis and normal controls (P＞0.05). Conclusions c-FLIP is highly expressed in lesions and peripheral T lymphocytes of patients with active psoriasis, suggesting the possible involvement of c-FLIP in the proliferation of T lymphocytes in psoriasis.

Objective To investigate the association of the expressions of glomerular nephrin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) with proteinuria in preeclampsia rats. Methods A rat model of preeclampsia was developed by inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24 h urine protein were compared among the normal female group (n=6), the normal pregnant group (n=8), nonpregnant control group (n=6) and preeclampsia group(n=8). The kidney biopsies of each group were observed by light and electron microscopy. The glomerular nephrin was detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of WT1. The level of glomerular VEGF and VEGFR (Flt-1 and Flk-1) were evaluated by Western blotting. Results The level of glomerular nephrin protein in the rats with preeclampsia (0.0726±0.0074) was significantly lower compared with normal female group (0.3795±0.0509), normal pregnant group (0.2361±0.0437) and nonpregnant control group (0.7265±0.0503) (P＜0.01, respectively), while the levels of nephrin mRNA were not significantly different among 4 groups. The expression of WT1 was not significantly different among 4 groups as well. The level of glomerular VEGF in preeclampsia group (1.5429±0.0898) was significantly higher compared with normal female group (1.1870±0.1160), normal pregnant group (1.3741 ±0.1165) and nonpregnant control group (1.0155±0.0742)(P＜0.01,respectively). VEGFR (Flt-1 and Flk-1) was also significantly higher in preeclampsia rats compared with other control groups (P＜0.05, respectively). Conclusions In preeclampsia rats, nephrin is decreased significantly and the glomerular VEGF-VEGFR is increased significantly compared with the other control groups. The abnormal expression of nephrin and VEGF-VEGFR may be involved in the preeclampsia proteinuria. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon needs further research.

Co-processed excipients withgelatinized or non-gelatinized starch were prepared by spray drying. Powder and tablet properties of corocessed excipients prepared were compared with those of physical mixtures and spray-dried lactose. Their applicability in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) powder tableting was tested on two TCM extracts, i.e., the gardenia extract and the Herba Sedi extract. It was shown that gelatinizing starch before co-spray drying with lactose could improve the performance and efficiency of starch as a binder, resulting in remarkable improvement in physicomechanical properties of co-processed excipients prepared. Conpared to self-made and commercially available spray-dried lactose, co-processed excipients achieved better compactability and higher drug loading for TCM extracts. In conclusion, the lactose-gelatinized starch co-processed excipient, with excellent physicomechanical properties, is promising to be explored as a new excipient for direct tableting.
Excipients ; chemistry ; Lactose ; chemistry ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Powders ; chemistry ; Starch ; chemistry ; Tablets ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the CT spectral imaging features of pancreatic serous oligocystic adenoma and mucinous cystic neoplasms and to assess the value of spectral CT in differentiating between pancreatic serous oligocystic adenoma and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Methods From Feb.2010 to Dec. 2010, 27 patients with cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (group one with 15 serous oligocystic adenomas and group two with 12 mucinous cystic neoplasms) underwent dual-phase CT spectral imaging followed by surgery. Quantitative values (age, tumor size, CT value change as function of photon energy,effective-Z, iodine-water concentration, and calcium-water concentration) were compared with independent samples t test and Mann-Whitney test and non-quantitative parameters (gender, symptom, and tumor location) were compared with Chi-square test (Fisher exact). The parameters with significant differences between two groups were analyzed further and the performance of multiple parameters for joint differential diagnosis was evaluated with discriminant analysis. Results Compared to patients with mucinous cystic neoplasms, patients with serous oligocystic adenoma had younger age, lower frequency of being symptomatic and smaller tumor size. The CT values on 40 keV to 60 keV( with 10 keV increment) in late arterial phase [(36±13)HU vs. (62±23)HU, (26 ±8)HU vs. (40±15)HU, and (19±6)HU vs. (27±10)HU respectively] and 40 keV to 50 keV (with 10 keV increment) in portal venous phase [ (43 ± 14 )HU vs.(61 ±25)HU and (30 -10)HU vs. (40 ± 16)HU respectively], effective-Z (late arterial phase 7.80 ± 0. 16 vs. 8.05 ± 0. 21, and portal venous phase 7. 87 ± 0. 15 vs 8.02 ± 0. 22 ), concentration of calcium (water) [late arterial phase (5 ±3) g/L vs. (11 ±4) g/L, t= -3.836, P=0.001 and portal venous phase (7 ± 3 ) g/L vs. ( 10 ± 5 ) g/L, t = - 2.071, P = 0. 049 ] and iodine (water) [ late arterial phase (0.38 ±0.24) g/L vs. (0.78 ±0.32) g/L, t = -3.755, P=0.001 and portal venous phase (0.48 ± 0. 24) g/L vs. (0. 72 ± 0. 34 ) g/L, t = - 2. 161, P = 0. 041 ] were lower in serous oligocystic adenoma than those in mucinous cystic neoplasms. In discriminant analysis, multiple parameters [ age, symptom,tumor size, CT values on 40 keV to 50 keV, effective-Z, concentration of iodine (water) in late arterial phase and concentration of calcium (water) in portal venous phase] showed high accuracy (100%, 27/27 )of joint diagnosis between serous oligocystic adenoma (100%, 15/15 ) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (100%, 12/12). Conclusions The serous oligocystic adenoma and mucinous cystic neoplasms had distinct characteristic findings on CT spectral imaging. CT spectral imaging is highly accurate in the differential diagnosis between serous oligocystic adenoma and mucinous cystic neoplasms.