Aim To observe the protective effects of probiotics on alcoholic liver injury in rats .Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the follow-ing three groups: control group , normal diet with nor-mal (5 ×108 CFU· kg -1· d -1) treatment group.Ex-cluding the rats in the normal control group , the other animals were initially received intragastric administra-tion with 56%( V/V) ethanol 5.5~11.0 mL· kg -1 · day -1 for 8 weeks.Then the rats’ faeces were collect-ed, and the liver and the small intestine were obtained for pathologic and ultrastructural observation .Serum ALT, AST and ALP was measured by method of bio-chemistry .Serum DAO and D-LA was measured by en-zyme linked immunosorbent assay .The expression of FOXO4 in small intestine was detected by immunohis-tochemistry .The intestinal flora genome DNA was ex-tracted from faeces and the sequence of 16 S rDNA was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technologies . Results Hepatic steatosis was obviously improved in probiotics treatment groups compared with ethanol-trea-ted group , and the ultrastructural such as mitochondri-al and rough endoplasmic reticulum pathological chan-ges was significantly alleviated . The ultrastructural changes in intestinal were better in probiotics treatment group than in the ethanol-treated group .And ethanol-induced rats ’ serum ALT, AST, ALP, D-LA and DAO levels showed a significant reduction in the probi-otics treatment groups compared with the ethanol-trea-ted group ( P<0.05 ) .The FOXO4 expression was in-creased obviously in the probiotics treatment groups compared with the ethanol-treated group ( P <0.05 ) . And the intestinal flora diversity was impacted after feeding alcohol , and probiotics had a certain regulative action in helping the intestinal flora back to normal state; At phylum level , the Firmicutes quantity was lower and the Bacteroidetes quantity was higher in eth-anol-treated group than those in the control group ( P<0.05 ) , and the conditions were improved after supple-menting probiotics .At genus level , the percent of ge-nus abundance was similar to normal control group in the probiotics treatment groups compared with the etha-nol-treated group .Conclusion Probiotics can relieve liver injury induced by alcohol in rats , and the mecha-nism may be related to the modulation of probiotics on the intestinal flora distribution and intestinal barrier .

0.05).In group Ⅱand Ⅲ,the carotid artery IMT was thicker and the amount of plagues were larger than those in group Ⅰ(P

Action Potentials ; Animals ; Electromyography ; Environmental Exposure ; Hypothermia ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Seawater ; Thigh ; physiology ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the characteristics of antibiotic poly (D, L-lactide) (PDLLA) coating of implants, including its quantity, mechanical stability, sterility and antibiotic release in vitro.

METHODSThe weight of the total coating mass was determined with an electronic semimicro balance before and after coating. Thickness of the coating was documented by scanning electronic microscopy. The stability and the loss of coating mass after implantation and extraction into the intramedullary canal was measured by electronic semimicro balance and the regularity and possible damage of the coating was examined by scanning electronic microscopy. Sterility of the coating procedure was tested by bacteria incubation. A group of coated implants were incubated in PBS to test the coating decrease and the release of gentamicin at different time points.

RESULTSThe quantification of the total coating mass was (7.2 +/- 0.9) mg and the thickness of coating was (13.5 +/- 1.7) microm. After explantation of the coated implants from the tibia medullary, the mean loss of coating mass was (3.5 +/- 1.3)%. Scanning electronic microscopy confirmed no defects of the coating layer extending to the metallic surface in any implant. None of the tested samples presented bacterial growth after incubation on blood agar and tryptic soy broth. The PDLLA depicted a weight reduction of about 6.4% after 6 weeks. Within the first 4 h, the release of gentamicin experienced an initial peak period, then a constant and gradual release was found for at least 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSThe antibiotic PDLLA coating on implants can meet the demands of the mechanical stability and sterility, and gentamicin releases quickly in the first hour and the release can last at least 6 weeks. These characteristics undoubtedly justify the feasibility of the coating usage in clinics.

Absorbable Implants ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; Drug Carriers ; Gentamicins ; In Vitro Techniques ; Internal Fixators ; Materials Testing ; Polyesters

This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) combined with cyclosporine A (CsA) and to analyse the efficacy-related factors in children with aplastic anemia (AA). Twenty five AA children treated with r-ATG [3.5 mg/(kg·d)×5 days] combined with CsA were analyzed retrospectively. The lymphocyte subgroups, CD4(+)/CD8 ratio and expression of CD55, CD59 on surface of neutrophils and erythrocytes in peripheral blood were detected by direct immunofluorescence method and flow cytometry; the responsive time, effective rate, adverse effects and infections after immunosuppressive therapy (IST) were analyzed; the distribution of T-lymphocyte subgroups in IST-effective and IST-uneffective groups was compared, and therapeutic efficacy-related factors were evaluated. The results showed that the response to treatments was found in 21 out of 25 cases, the total responsive rate was 84.0%; the response time was 3 - 6 months, average of 4 months; the effective rates in month 3, 6, 9, 12 after treatment were 56.0%, 72.0%, 80.0% and 84.0% respectively. The AA children with age ≥ 5 years old, course of disease < 6 months and absolute neutrophil value ≥ 1.5 ×10(9)/L on 30 days after IST had good curative effect; the effective rate in AA children with age ≥ 5 years old, course of disease < 6 months, high or reverse ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) and absolute neutrophil value ≥ 1.5×10(9)/L after IST was higher than that in AA children with age < 5 years old, course of disease ≥ 6 months, normal ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) and absolute neutrophil value after IST < 1.5×10(9)/L (94.4% vs 57.1%, 90.4% vs 50.0%, 94.1% vs 62.5%, 94.1% vs 62.5%) (P < 0.05). The high effective rate was observed in AA children with decrease of CD55 and CD59 expression, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) as compared with normal expression of CD55, CD59. It is concluded that the treatment using r-ATG (3.5 mg/kg·d × 5 d) combined with CsA is a safe and effective for children with AA. Age, course of disease and absolute neutrophil value on 30 days after IST are the main factors affecting curative affect.
Adolescent ; Anemia, Aplastic ; drug therapy ; Antilymphocyte Serum ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cyclosporine ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocyte Count ; Lymphocyte Subsets ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution of -63A/C polymorphism of human glutathione S-transferase M3(GSTM3) gene in Chinese Han population and the association of -63A/C polymorphism with essential hypertension (EH).

METHODS-63A/C polymorphism of GSTM3 gene was examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 234 patients with EH and 328 healthy controls. The genotypes were confirmed partially by DNA sequencing.

RESULTSThe distribution of GSTM3 -63A/C was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The CC genotype frequency in EH group (6%) was significantly higher than that in control group(1.8%) (P < 0.05). After adjustment for age, body mass index, and other risk factors, the CC genotype was independently associated with hypertension (OR=3.447, 95%CI: 1.19-7.63; P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONThe GSTM3 -63A/C polymorphism was associated with EH in Chinese Han population, the C allele might be a risk factor for EH in Chinese Han nationality.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Case-Control Studies ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase ; genetics ; Humans ; Hypertension ; genetics ; pathology ; Isoenzymes ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics ; Regression Analysis

Purpose To investigate the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of oncocytic variant of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).Methods Morphological,immunohistochemical findings on 3 oncocytic variant of MTC cases and electron microscopic findings on 2 of these 3 cases were studied,with review of the relevant literatures.Results The cytoplasm was abundant,eosinophilic and granular with defined margins.The nuclei were enlarged,round to oval.Prominent nucleoli were identified in some cells.Tumor cells formed sheets,trabeculae or follicles with infiltrative pattern.Immunohistochemically,thyroglobulin (TG) was negative in all 3 cases.Calcitonin was positive in 2 cases and negative in 1 case.Ultrastructurally,a large number of mitochondria and various neuroendocrine granules were found in the 2nd and 3rd cases.Conclusion Oncocytic variant of MTC is very rare with variable histopathologic appearances.It should be considered in diagnosing oncocytic lesions of thyroid.A definite diagnosis can be rendered based on comprehensive findings of the immunohistochemistry,serology study and electron microscopy.It needs to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

BACKGROUNDCarcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) encompasses a heterogeneous group of tumors with varying clinical features. The management of patients of CUP remains a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical applications of integrated (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) information in patients with CUP, including detecting the occult primary tumor and effecting on disease therapy.

METHODSOne hundred and forty-nine patients with histologically-proven metastases of CUP were included. For all patients, the conventional diagnostic work-up was unsuccessful in localizing the primary site. Whole-body PET/CT images were obtained approximately 60 minutes after intravenous injection of 350 - 425 MBq of (18)F-FDG.

RESULTSIn 24.8% of patients, FDG PET/CT detected primary tumors that were not apparent after conventional workup. In this group of patients, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of FDG PET/CT in detecting unknown primary tumors were 86.0%, 87.7%, and 87.2%, respectively. FDG PET/CT imaging also led to the detection of previously unrecognized metastases in 29.5% of patients. Forty-seven (31.5%, 47 of 149) patients underwent a change in therapeutic management.

CONCLUSIONSFDG PET/CT is a valuable tool in patients with CUP, because it assisted in detecting unknown primary tumors and previously unrecognized distant metastases, and optimized the management of these patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Radiography ; Reproducibility of Results

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) has been shown to play an important role in several steps of cancer development. The -1306C/T polymorphism of the MMP2 gene displays a strikingly lower promoter activity than the T allele, and the CC genotype in the MMP2 promoter has been reported to associate with the development of several cancers. To assess the contribution of the MMP2 -1306C/T polymorphism to the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we conducted a case-control study and analyzed MMP2 genotypes in 370 patients with NPC and 390 frequency-matched controls using real-time PCR-based TaqMan allele analysis. We found that subjects with the CC genotype had an increased risk (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.05-2.27) of developing NPC compared to those with the CT or TT genotypes. Furthermore, we found that the risk of NPC was markedly increased in subjects who were smokers (OR = 15.04, 95% CI = 6.65-33.99), heavy smokers who smoked ≥ 20 pack-years (OR = 18.66, 95% CI = 7.67-45.38), or young (<60 years) at diagnosis (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.01-2.29). Our results provide molecular epidemiological evidence that the MMP2 -1306C/T promoter polymorphism is associated with NPC risk, and this association is especially noteworthy in heavy smokers.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Carcinoma ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; genetics ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo study the regulating effects of a novel CpG oligodeoxynuleotide and the synergistic effect of chitosan-nanoparticles (CNP) with CpG on immune responses of mice, which were used to develop a novel immunoadjuvant to boost immune response to conventional vaccines.

METHODSA novel CpG ODN containing 11 CpG motifs was synthesized and its bioactivities to stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes of pig in vitro were detected. Then it was entrapped with CNP prepared in our laboratory by the method of ionic cross linkage, and immunized Kunming mice were co-inoculated with paratyphoid vaccine. The peripheral blood was collected weekly from the tail vein of inoculated mice to detect the contents of IgG, IgA, IgM, and specific antibody against salmonella as well as the levels of interleukin-2 (IL2), IL-4, and IL-6 by SABC-ELISA assay. The numbers of leucocytes, monocytes, granuloytes, and lymphocytes were calculated separately using the routine method. The experimental mice were orally challenged with virulent salmonella 35 days after inoculation.

RESULTSThis CpG ODN could remarkably provoke the proliferation of lymphocytes of pig in vitro in contrast with the control (P < 0.05). Compared with those of the control, immunoglobulins, including IgG, IgA, IgM, and specific antibodies to paratyphoid vaccine, increased significantly in sera from the CpG or CpG-CNP-vaccinated mice (P < 0.05). IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 increased remarkably in sera from immunized mice (P < 0.05). The leucocytes, monocytes, granuloytes, and lymphocytes of the mice immunized with CpG or CpG-CNP were also increased in number (P < 0.05). After the challenge, these immunity values were elevated in the mice vaccinated with CpG or CpG-CNP. The immunized mice all survived, while the control mice fell ill with evident lesions with diffuse hemorrhage in stomach, small intestine, and peritoneum.

CONCLUSIONSCpG ODN entrapped with CNP is a promising effective immunoadjuvant for vaccination, which promotes humoral and cellular immune responses, enhances immunity and resistance against salmonella by co-administration with paratyphoid vaccine.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Cell Proliferation ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Immunoglobulin Isotypes ; blood ; Interleukins ; blood ; Lymphocyte Activation ; drug effects ; Lymphocytes ; cytology ; Mice ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Paratyphoid Fever ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Salmonella ; physiology ; Salmonella Infections, Animal ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Swine ; immunology ; Typhoid-Paratyphoid Vaccines ; immunology