OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of Xuebijing injection(XBJI, traditional Chinese medicine), in inhibiting TLR4--NF-kappaB--IL-1beta pathway of myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation in rats.

METHODSThirty six male SD rats (280 +/- 30) g were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6): normal group (N group), balanced perfusion group (BP group), model group (M group), low dose XBJI group (XBJI(L) group), middle dose XBJI group (XBJI(M) group), high dose XBJI group (XBJI(H) group). By Langendorff isolated heart perfusion device to establish the model of myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation in rats. ELISA was used to detect the concentration of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta); Western blot was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-kappaB p65) protein and toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein; and RT-PCR to determine the expression of NF-kappaB p65 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA;To observe microstructure changes of hypoxia/reoxygenation myocardial by light microscopy.

RESULTSCompared with M group, the IL-1beta concentration, NF-kappaB p65 and TLR4 protein,NF-kappaB p65 and TLR4 mRNA of XBJIL group, XBJI(M) group, XBJI(H) group expression decreased in varying degrees,and decreased most obviously all in XBJI(M) group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); Myocardical structural damage was serious in M group, and improved after treatment XBJI, the most obvious was the XBJI(M).

CONCLUSIONDifferent dose of XBJI can inhibit TLR4--NF-kappaB--IL-1beta signal transduction pathway and reduce several inflammatory reaction after myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, the 4 ml/100 ml of XBJI is the best.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Heart ; drug effects ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Male ; Myocardium ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; drug therapy ; Signal Transduction ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Jisuikang (Chinese characters) on Nogo-NgR gene expression, and to explore the protective effects and mechanism of Jisuikang (Chinese characters) on spinal cord injury in rats.

METHODSOne hundred eighty female rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups(30 rats per group). Sham group: T10 lamina was resected only and spinal cord was untreated. Model group: spine cord injury (SCI) was created with a modified impinger of Allen's by impacting on the T10 spinal cord. Prednisolone group: Prednisolone (0.06 g/kg) was given by intragastric administration at a time interval of 24 hours after operation. The Jisuikang (Chinese characters) high, moderate and low dose groups: Jisuikang (Chinese characters) was supplied with different dose (50 g/kg, 25 g/kg, 12.5 g/kg) by intragastric administration in rats after operation,for the first time at 30 min after surgery. Animals were killed 3, 7, 14 days after surgery. The expression levels of Nogo-A and NgR were observed by Western Blot and Real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe expression of Nogo-A and NgR was at the basic level at all time points in sham group. Compared with model group, the protein expression levels of Nogo-A and NgR in sham, prednisolone, Jisuikang (Chinese characters) moderate dose groups were statistically significant at all time points (P < 0.05). No difference was found in Jisuikang (Chinese characters) high and low dose groups (P > 0.05). Three days after surgery, the mRNA levels of Nogo-A and NgR in treatment group were significantly lower than that in model group (P < 0.01); 7 days after surgery,Nogo-A and NgR mRNA expression were dramatically upregulated and peaked; 14 days after operation, the expression was decreased, but still significantly higher than that in other treatment groups (P < 0.01). Prednisolone and Jisuikang (Chinese characters) moderate dose groups showed the most significant effects among all groups,but there was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe decoction Jisuikang (Chinese characters) can promote the nerve cell regeneration by regulating Nogo-A and NgR gene expression, activating Nogo- NgR signaling pathways after acute spinal cord injury.

Animals ; Female ; GPI-Linked Proteins ; analysis ; genetics ; physiology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Myelin Proteins ; analysis ; genetics ; physiology ; Nerve Regeneration ; drug effects ; Nogo Proteins ; Nogo Receptor 1 ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; analysis ; genetics ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; drug therapy ; metabolism

To observe a PPAR-alpha agonist effect of N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA) on CB2 (cannabinoid receptor 2), an anti-inflammatory receptor in vascular endothelial cell, healthy HUVECs and TNF-alpha induced HUVECs were used to establish a human vascular endothelial cell inflammatory model. Different doses of OEA (10, 50 and 100 micromol x L(-1)) had been given to HUVECs, cultured at 37 degrees C for 7 h and then collected the total protein and total mRNA. CB2 protein expression was detected by Western blotting and CB2 mRNA expression was assayed by real-time PCR. As the results shown, OEA (10 and 50 micromol x L(-1)) could induce the CB2 protein and mRNA expression, but not 100 micromol x L(-1). To detect if anti-inflammation effect of OEA is partly through CB2, CB2 inhibitor AM630 was used to inhibit HUVEC CB2 expression, then the VCAM-1 expression induced by TNF-alpha was detected, or THP-1 adhere to TNF-alpha induced HUVECs was examined. OEA (50 micromol x L(-1)) could inhibit TNF-alpha induced VCAM-1 expression and THP-1 adhere to HUVECs, these effects could be partly inhibited by a CB2 inhibitor AM630. The anti-inflammation effect of OEA is induced by PPAR-alpha and CB2, suggesting that CB2 signaling could be a target for anti-atherosclerosis, OEA have wide effect in anti-inflammation, it may have better therapeutic potential in anti-inflammation in HUVECs, thus achieving anti-atherosclerosis effect.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Atherosclerosis ; pathology ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Endocannabinoids ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Ethanolamines ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Indoles ; pharmacology ; Monocytes ; drug effects ; Oleic Acids ; pharmacology ; PPAR alpha ; antagonists & inhibitors ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism

With the development of molecular biology, the evidences of genetics has been used widely in forensic sciences. DNA technology has played an important role in individual identification and paternity testing, RNA technology is showing more and more wide application in prospect. This article reviews the application and progress of RNA in forensic science including estimation of postmortem interval, bloodstain age, wound age, as well as determination of cause of death and the source of body fluids.
Actins/metabolism* ; Animals ; Blood Stains ; Body Fluids/metabolism* ; Cause of Death ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Markers/genetics* ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Postmortem Changes ; RNA/genetics* ; RNA Stability ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics*

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this paper was to evaluate the treatment outcome of multimodal treatment for 196 patients with locoregional recurrent esophageal cancer after curative treatment and to determine the prognostic factors of recurrence.

METHODSOne hundred and ninety six patients with locoregional recurrent esophageal cancer curatively treated in our hospital were included in this study. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival rate. Log rank test was used to evaluate the difference between the groups. Multivariate survival analysis was conducted using a Cox proportional hazard regression model with a backward stepwise procedure.

RESULTSThe overall 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 29.8%, 5.9% and 4.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 8.0 months. The univariate analysis showed that ECOG PS, the interval between initial treatment and recurrence, the regimens of initial treatment and retreatment were independent prognostic factors. The multivariate analysis showed that the regimens of initial treatment and retreatment were independent prognostic factors. Retreatment methods significantly influenced the survival. The median survival time of chemoradiotherapy, radiation therapy alone, chemotherapy alone, EGFR-TKI and best supportive care were 13.0, 7.0, 6.0, 4.0 and 3.0 months, respectively (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSThe prognosis of patients with locoregional recurrent esophageal cancer after curative treatment is poor. The main prognostic factors are the regimens of initial treatment and retreatment. Multimodal treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy may improve the long-term survival of the patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; therapy ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; therapy ; Esophagectomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; therapy ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo study the stereoselective glucuronidation of carvedilol (CARV) by three Chinese liver microsomes.

METHODSThe metabolites of CARV were identified by a hydrolysis reaction with beta-glucuronidase and HPLC-MS/MS. The enzyme kinetics for CARV enantiomers glucuronidation was determined by a reversed phase-high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) assay using (S)-propafenone as internal standard after precolumn derivatization with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylisothiocyanate.

RESULTSTwo CARV glucuronides were found in three Chinese liver microsomes incubated with CARV. The non-linear regression analysis showed that the values of K(m) and V(max) for (S)-CARV and (R)-CARV enantiomers were (118+/-44) micromol/L, (2 500+/-833) pmol/(min.mg protein) and (24+/-7) micromol/L, (953+/-399) pmol/(min.mg protein), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggested that there was a significant (P<0.05) stereoselective glucuronidation of CARV enantiomers in three Chinese liver microsomes, which might partly explain the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of CARV.

Carbazoles ; metabolism ; China ; Glucuronic Acid ; metabolism ; Glucuronides ; metabolism ; Microsomes, Liver ; metabolism ; Propanolamines ; metabolism ; Stereoisomerism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pharmacokinetic and distribution character of scutellarin in plasma and tissues in rats, in order to provide some references for rational drug use in the clinic.

METHODThe solution of scutellarin was administered to rats (80 mg x kg(-1)) by oral gavage. A high performance liquid chromatography method determinated the scutellarin concentration in rat plasma and tissue. The plasma samples were performed by solid phase extraction method. The other biological samples were extracted by ethyl acetate.

RESULTThe range of scutellarin in plasma and tissue in rats were 10-1280 ng x mL(-1) (R2 > 0.99), 40-1280 ng x g(-1) (R2 > 0.99), respectively. The lowest detection of scutellarin were 10 ng x mL(-1) and 40 ng x g(-1), the precision were less than 8%. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of scutellarin were as follows: tmax, Cmax, AUC and MRT being (7.7 +/- 0.9) h, (288.0 +/- 75.2) microg x L(-1), (5.6 +/- 1.6) microg x mL(-1) x h(-1), (17.5 +/- 1.4) h(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThese methods applied the study of pharmacokinetics of scutellarin. After oral the scutellarin in rats, the concentration-time course doesn't obey any compartment model. The concentration-time curve is the double peaks.

Animals ; Apigenin ; blood ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Area Under Curve ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Female ; Glucuronates ; blood ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Distribution

Objective To investigate rickettsiae infection from host animals and vector arthropods in some areas of Yunnan Province. Methods Rat clip and cage traps were used to capture mice. Chiggers from body surface of mice and ticks from body surface of farm cattle were collected. DNAs were extracted from mice spleens, chiggers and ticks. Rickettsiae groEL segment were amplified by nested-polymerase chain reaction (nPCR), sequenced to analyze the homology with other known sequences. Results A total of 410 samples were collected for rickettsiae groEL segment detection with nPCR and 19 samples (4.63%) showed positive for rickettsiae groEL segment . Among them, 2.68%(11/410)were positive for Orientia tsutsugamsushi (Ot) groEL segment, and 1.22%(5/410)were positive for spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) groEL segment, and 0.49%(2/410)were positive for rickettsia mooseri (Rm) groEL segment, and 0.24%(1/410)were positive for rickettsia endosymbiont(Re) groEL segment. When analyzed the homology with other known sequences, 11Ot strains with 93.6%-100% similarities among them in this study shared the highest similarity with other Ot strains from GenBank respectively, reached up to 96.1%-100%; The groEL segments of 5 SFGR strains with 92.1%-99.5% similarities among them in this study shared highest similarity with other SFGR strains from other GenBank respectively, reached up to 98.9%-100%; In this study groEL segments of 2 Rm strains all showed 100% similarity with Wilmington strain (GenBank No:AE017197); One groEL segment of Re showed 98.9% similarity with Re strain (GenBank No:EU435143). Conclusion There were kinds of rickettsiaes infection in host animals and vector arthropods in Yunnan Province, so the monitoring and prevention of the Rickettsiosis should be strengthened.

Background The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prediabetes has increased in China,and at different rates in different locations.Therefore a community-based screening research was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of CKD and prediabetes,and to analyze associated risk factors of CKD and prediabetes in a city of Southern China.Methods A total of 7801 community residents aged 18 year and older from 6 communities were screened by a stratified random cluster sampling method.An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR),albuminuria,fasting plasma glucose (FPG),and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured.Age-standardized prevalence was calculated by the direct method with the use of data on the population distribution in China in 2006.Multivariate logistic analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of CKD and prediabetes,and association of insulin resistance (IR) with CKD and prediabetes was analyzed.Results The age-standardized prevalence of CKD was 12.5％,eGFR ＜60 ml.min-1.1.73 m-2 was 2.7％ and ACR (albumin to creatinine ratio) ＞30 mg/g was 10.3％.The age-standardized prevalence of prediabetes was 12.1％.Logistic regression suggests that IR was a common independent risk factor of CKD and prediabetes.Further analysis show that HOMA-IR was increased with the aggravation of kidney injury and FPG.Conclusion CKD and prediabetes have become a major public health problem in Zhuhai,Southern China; insulin resistance may be an important risk factor.

The paper is to establish an UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 19 components in Microctis Folium from different production areas. The 50% methanol was used as extraction solvent. The Agilent ZORBAX SB C18 (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) column was used; mobile phase was acetonitrile - 0.1% acetic acid with gradient elution, flow rate was 0.3 mL·min^-1, colume temperature was 30 ℃, and the injection volume was 2 μL; electrospray ionizaton source was used and detected in negative ion mode. The results showed that the established UPLC-MS/MS method could well separate the 19 components, and the methodological investigation results of 19 components were good. By means of orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), 28 batches of Microctis Folium samples from different production areas can be divided into three categories, Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan are each classified into one category, and 10 signature compounds which affecting the quality differences of different production areas were screened out. The established method is accurate, reliable, sensitive and reproducible. It can provide a basis for the establishment of the quality standard of Microctis Folium, as well as for safety and quality research.