OBJECTIVETo discuss the effect of taurine (Tau) on the proliferation of hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and study whether the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signal pathway participated in the Tau-inhibited PASMC proliferation process and the possible molecular mechanism.

METHODThe primary culture was performed for PASMCs in rats. The second to fifth generations were adopted for the experiment. The Tau concentration was 80 mmol x L(-1). The concentration of ERK1/2 blocker (PD98059) was 50 micromol x L(-1). The drug administration time was 24 h. The effect of Tau on the PASMC proliferation was detected by MTT assay, immunofluorescence staining method and western blot under different conditions. The PASMCs were growing were divided into four groups: the normoxia group, the normoxia + Tau group, the hypoxia group and the hypoxia + Tau group. The Western blot was adopted to detect whether the ERK1/2 signal pathway participated in the Tau-inhibited PASMC proliferation process. Subsequently, the PASMCs were divided into five groups: the normoxia group, the hypoxia group, the hypoxia + Tau group, the hypoxia + Tau + PD98059 group and the hypoxia + PD98059 group.

RESULTHypoxia could induce the PASMC proliferation. Under the conditions of normoxia, Tau had no effect on the PASMC proliferation. Under the conditions of normoxia and hypoxia, Tau had no effect on the expression of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) among PASMCs. Tau could reverse the expression up-regulation of hypoxia-induced proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) (P < 0.01) and Cyclin A (Cyclin A) (P < 0. 05). Under the conditions of normoxia, Tau had no effect on the expression of phosphoryl extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2). Hypoxia could up-regulate the p-ERK1/2 expression (P < 0.01). Tau could reverse the up-regulation of the hypoxia-induced p-ERK1/2 expression(P < 0.01). Both PD98059 and Tau could inhibit the up-regulated expressions of PCNA, Cyclin A and p-ERK1/2. According to the comparison between the single addition of Tau and PD98059 under conditions of hypoxia, the hypoxia + Tau + PD98059 group showed more significant down-regulation in the expressions of PCNA, Cyclin A and p-ERK1/2.

CONCLUSIONTau could inhibit the hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation, and may regulate it through ERK1/2 pathway.

Animals ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; drug effects ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Artery ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Taurine ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate retrospective analysis on serological detection of hepatitis viruses in physical examination population.Methods Hepatitis A virus (HAV)IgM,HBsAg,HCV IgG,HDV IgM,HEV IgM and HEV IgG were detected by ELISA assay in physical examination population during 2009~2014.Results The positive rate of HAV IgM was 0.15%(2/1 315)in 1 315 physical examinees and that of HBsAg was 2.83% (3 360/109 965)in 109 965 ones during 2009~2014. The positive rates of HBsAg decreased trend in the last 6 years in general (χ2 =63.070,P =0.001).There was no signifi-cant difference for HBsAg positive rate among male physical examinees in last six years (χ2 =4.804,P =0.441),but the positive rate of HBsAg in female population decreased trend in the last 6 years in general (χ2 =18.046,P =0.003),moreo-ver the positive rate of HBsAg in male popolation was significantly higher than that in female ones (χ2 =126.9,P =0.000). The positive rate of HCV IgG was 0.79% (333/41 898)in 41 898 physical examinees during 2009~2014 and that decreased trend in last 6 years (χ2 = 18.380,P =0.003).There was no HDV IgM detected in 1 079 physical examinees serum.The positive rate of HEV IgM and IgG were 0.25% (3/1 195)and 3.93% (47/1 195)respectively in 1 195 physical examinees. Conculsion The physical examination population during 2009~2014 were mainly infected by HBV and HCV and the infec-tion rate decreased trendly in last 6 years,which provided important data for epidemiology of serological hepatitis viruses in Shaanxi provice.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of losartan on angiotensin (Ang)Ⅱ-induced the generation of oxidative stress and expression of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsNRK-52E cells, a rat proximal tubular epithelial cell line, were applied to explore the antioxidationand antifibrosis of losartan. The expression of three subunits of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, including p47phox, Nox-4, p22phox, and TGF-β1 were determined by real-time RT-PCR and/or Western blot. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by DCF fluorescence analysis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the supernatant was measured by colorimetric method. Results10-7 mol/L Ang Ⅱ up-regulated p22prox, p47phox and Nox-4 mRNA and protein expression, and the mRNA increased by 5.57-fold, 5.55-fold and 9.41-fold at 24 h (P<0.01, respectively) and the protein increased by 4.53-fold, 4.17-fold and 6.50-fold at 24 h (P<0.01, respectively) as compared with control. Losartan greatly reduced the mRNA elevation of p22prox, p47phox and Nox-4 by 2.71-fold, 2.18-fold and 5.23-fold (P<0.01, respectively) and reduced the protein elevation by 3.20-fold, 2.30-fold and 4.30-fold (P<0.01, respectively) as compared with control. Losartan also inhibited ROS generation induced by Ang Ⅱ in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells. SOD level in the supernatant was markedly decreased after Ang Ⅱ stimulation, while losartan could increase SOD levels (P<0.01). Furthermore, losartan signficantly inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced TGF-β1 mRNA up-regulation by 64% (P<0.01). ConclusionsLosartan acts as an anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic agent via the mechanisms of blocking NADPH oxidase-dependent oxidative stress and inhibiting TGF-β1 expression.

Objective To explore the unique relationship between Willis circle and cerebral watershed infarction in a Chinese population. Methods A retrospective analysis of cerebral CT angiography was conducted in 471 non-cere?bral watershed infarctions and 93 MRI-diagnosed cerebral watershed infarctions (CWI)(including External CWI and In?ternal CWI)in Department of Neurology of our hospital and compare the related variations and types of Willis circle be?tween these groups. Results Compared with non-cerebral watershed infarctions, the prevalence of Uni-FTP (short for“fetal type of the Posterior cerebral artery”) in E-CWI (36.4%, P<0.05) and Bi-FTP in I-CWI (0%, P<0.05) was signifi?cantly higher in cerebral watershed infarctions. Conclusion FTP is probably an unique risk factor in Chinese patients with CWI.

The hexane extract from marine actinomycetes 124092 showed potent inhibition on B16 cell line by MTT assay. The hexane extract was fractionationed on silica gel column by vacuum liquid chromatography to afford 6 fractions(Fr1~Fr6), and Fr6 showed cytotoxic activity. To determine the bioacitve components of hexane extract, Fr6 was analyzed by GC/MS. The main components were identified as palmitic acid (11.76%), oleic acid (12.16%), linoleic acid (14.77%), and lactobacillic acid (61.31%). It have been reported that palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid possess cytotoxic activity on rat ascites tumor cells and linoleic acid have suppressive effect on human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

ObjectiveTo investigate the iodine nutritional status of residents in Shanxi province,and to provide a scientific basis for adjustment of control strategies and measures to iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).MethodsIn the 11 cities and 119 counties(cities,districts),except high water iodine townships,9 townships were selected in each county according to their sub-area positions of east,west,south,north and center,4 villages were sampled in each chosen township,and 8 households were selected in each chosen village in every chosen county (cities,districts ) with 9 or more townships.In every chosen county (cities,districts) with 6 to 9 townships,1 township was selected respectively in east,west,south,north and center sub-areas of the township,4 villages were sampled in each chosen township,and 15 households were selected in each chosen village.In the county (cities,districts) with 5 or less townships,all township were selected,4 villages were sampled in each chosen township,and 15 households were selected in each chosen village.Edible salt samples from these households were collected; iodized salt was determined by direct titration.In the 119 counties(cities,districts),1 township was selected,respectively,in east,west,south,north and center sub-areas in each county,and 20 children aged 8 - 10 in each of the selected townships were selected to collect urine samples and urinary iodine was determined by As-Ce catalytic spectrophotometry.Evaluation criteria:median urinary iodine ＜ 100 μg/L was iodine deficiency,100 - 199 μg/L as appropriate,200 - 299 μg/L as more than appropriate,and ≥ 300 μg/L as iodine excess.ResultsMedian iodine of the 34 808 household salt samples was 31.55 mg/kg.The coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 99.18％(34 521/34 808) and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.12％(33 805/ 34 808).In the 11 cities,119 counties(cities,districts),the median of urinary iodine of 11 967 children aged 8 -10 was 244.0 μg/L,of which ＜ 50 μg/L acoounted for 2.6％(312/11 967),50 - 99 μg/L accounted for 6.9％(823/11 967),100- 199 μg/L accounted for 26.3％(3145/11 967),200 - 299 μg/L accounted for 28.7％(3440/11 967),and 300 μg/L or higher accounted for 35.5％(4247/11 967).The medians of urinary iodine in the 9 municipal cities were 200 - 300 μg/L,and other 2 cities were 300 - 400 μg/L At the county level,the medians urinary iodine of children of the 119 counties(cities,districts) were 100 - 199 μg/L that accounted for 15.1％(18/119),200 - 299 μg/L accounted for 63.9％(76/119),and 300 μg/L or higher accounted for 21％(25/119).Conclusions The iodine nutrition level of residents in Shanxi province is more than appropriate.The salt iodine concentration in Shanxi province needs to be reduced,but the space is not wide.

As an important part of Chinese medicinal materials, uncommon-territorial herbs are also the most complex parts in the herbal medicine markets. Through years of investigation on the key markets of Chinese herbal medicine, the meaning of uncommon-territorial herbs, their historical evolution, origin and characteristics were clarified in this paper, and some countermeasures were put forward for its development.
Biological Evolution ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; history ; Herbal Medicine ; history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; History, Ancient ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; history ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; growth & development

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of renal scintigraphy for the estimation of glomerular filtration rates (dGFR) in patients with diabetic nephropathy as compared to the conventional dual-plasma sample clearance method (pscGFR). Methods Forty-six patients with diabetic nephropathy underwent both dynamic renal scintigraphy and dual-plasma sample measurement after 99Tcm-DTPA injection. Paired student t-test and correlation analysis were performed to compare dGFR and pscGFR (normalized to body surface area,1.73 m-2). Results The mean dGFR was higher than mean pscGFR ((51.08±26.78)ml·min-1vs (44.06±29.43)ml·min-1,t=4.209,P=0.000). The dGFR correlated with pscGFR ( r=0.923,P=0.000) linearly (regression equation:pscGFR=1.015×dGFR-7.773,F=254. 656,P=0.000).Conclusions dGFR correlated well with pscGFR. Although it could not absolutely replace the latter in patients with diabetic nephropathy,dGFR could reasonably evaluate the filtration function for these patients.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the risks of anti-TNF-αtreatment-associated infection, severe infection and tuberculosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to reduce the infection incidences associated with anti-TNF-αtherapy. Methods:We used Meta analysis to systematically review randomized controlled trials on anti-TNF-αtreatment associated risks of infecion, severe infection and tuberculosis in AR patients.Results:Although no statistically significant differences were detected in TB risk between anit-TNF-αtreatment and the control group (0.5%vs 0.07%;P=0.27, OR=1.85, 95%CI:0.62-5.52), there still existed a clinically obvious elevation of TB risk in monoclonal anti-TNF-αtreatment, which was illustrated by the results that no TB case was reported in the etanercept group, but 11 TBs in 2050 infliximab-treated cases, and 3 TBs in 722 adalimumab-treated cases. The total infection and severe infection risks were also signiifcantly higher in patients receiving anti-TNF-αtreatment (P<0.05). Subanalysis revealed that etanercept showed no signiifcantly higher infection or severe infection risk than control group (P>0.05), while both kinds of monoclonal antibodies of TNF-αblockers showed a signiifcantly elevated infection or severe infection risks (P<0.05). High doses of anti-TNF-αtreatment were associated with statistically increased risks of severe infection (6.0%vs 2.8%, P=0.04, OR=1.68, 95%CI:1.02-2.78). Conclusion:The TB risk of anti-TNF-αtreatment deserves close attention, especially in places with high rate of BCG vaccination and MTb infection. Monoclonal anti-TNF-αtreatment brings higher risks of infection and severe infection than soluble TNF-αreceptor.

Objective To identify biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by proteomic technology and develop a diagnostic model for neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE).Methods CSF proteomic spectra of 27 patients with NPSLE before and after treatment,and 27 controls including 17 patients with scoliosis,and 10 SLE patients without neuropsychiatric manifestation (non-NPSLE) were generated by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) combined with weak cationic exchange (WCX) magnetic beads.Data were analyzed with t test,non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test or Wilcoxon sign-rank test.A decision tree model for NPSLE classification was built based on the discriminating peaks.In addition,CSF samples of 12 patients with NPSLE,12 patients with lumbar disc herniation and 9 patients with other neurological conditions were employed as blind test group to verify the accuracy of the model.Results Twelve discriminating mass-to-charge (m/z) peaks were identified between NPSLE and controls.The diagnostic decision tree model,built with a panel of m/z peaks 8595,7170,7661,7740 and 5806,recognized NPSLE with the sensitivity and specificity of 92.6％ and 92.6％ based on training group samples,91.7％ and 85.7％ based on blind test group,respectively.Conclusion Potential CSF NPSLE biomarkers are identified by proteomic technology,the novel diagnostic model is sensitive and relatively specific for the diagnosis of NPSLE.