Objective To study the clinical significance of systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index(SLEDAI) in the treatement of SLE. Methods Disease activity of every patient with SLE 10 days before admission and before discharging was assessed using the SLEDAI system. The patients were treated separately with prednisone, pulse methylprednisolone and/or pulse cyclophosphamide according to their conditions. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. Results ①The difference of SLEDAI between the patients before admission and discharging was significant (P

We have found the parallel relationship between the live cell number of several tumor cell lines and the formation of MTT formazan with MTT colorimetric assay. The MTT colorimetric assay was compared with ~3H-Tdr incorporation assay for the proliferation of mouse spleen cells induced by mitogens or the activity of rat/mouse IL2,the results suggested that the ~3H-Tdr incorporation assay can be replaced by MTT colorimetric assay. MTT colorimetric assay have the advantages of simplicity, rapidity,save any radioisotope and no specific equivepment, etc, so under some conditions it would be a useful method for measuring cell proliferation or cytotoxicity in a laboratory.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the electrical activity property changes in nucleus accumbens (NAc) of heroin-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) rats during different stages of heroin dependence and to explore NAc's roles in the formation of drug dependence.

METHODSRecording electrodes were bilaterally embedded into the NAcs of rats with the aid of stereotaxic apparatus, followed by establishment of heroin-dependent rat model. The NAc electrical activity during 3 different stages of heroin dependence, including heroin pre-exposure, immediate post-exposure and heroin withdrawal, were respectively recorded using EEG wireless telemetry techniques. The frequency distribution (ranging from 0.5 to 30 Hz) and the amplitude of NAc electrical activity were analyzed and measured.

RESULTSHeroin-dependent rat models were successfully established and their withdrawal symptoms were evident. All rats showed a conditioned place preference (CPP) for the white box after 5-10 days of heroin-exposure, and displayed a maximum withdrawal symptoms on 2d after heroin- withdrawal. During all statges of heroin-dependence, the NAc electrical activity contained the highest proportion of delta rhythm and the lowest proportion of alpha2 rhythm. The discharge frequence band was similar across different stages. There was a significantly increased ratio of low-frequency discharges (delta rhythm) and decreased ratio of high-frequency discharges (beta rhythm) in NAc of rats during the immediate post- heroin exposure stage when compared with that during pre-exposure and heroin withdrawal stages. During the withdrawal stage, the ratio of at rhythm was significantly lower than during pre- and post-heroin exposure stages (P < 0.01). Further, the mean discharge amplitude in NAcs during immediate post-exposure and withdrawal stages was significantly increased relative to pre-exposure stage. However, the mean discharge amplitude during heroin withdrawal stage was significantly lower than during immediate post-exposure stage.

CONCLUSIONThe electrical activity properties in rat NAcs showed a significant change during different stages of heroin-dependence, which suggested that neuronal activities in NAcs might contribute to the modulation of drug-dependence.

Animals ; Conditioning, Operant ; Heroin ; pharmacology ; Heroin Dependence ; physiopathology ; Male ; Nucleus Accumbens ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Telemetry

Objective To improve the knowledge and diagnostic ability of imagiology on neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) computed radiograph(CR).Methods The doubtful patients were done to photographs bedside using the high resolution imaging plate, 50 cases of newborn with NRDS were selected whose clinical diagnosed clearly and had been treated and had the complete CR image documents.The CR change and clinical characteristics were observed dynamically.Results Nine of 50 cases were combined with aspirated pneumonia,8 cases with infective pneumonia,3 cases with intra-alveolar hemorrage,and 2 cases with pneumothorax.Accoding to X-ray manifestations,all cases were divided into four stages:Ⅰ stage(n=5), Ⅱ stage(n=20),Ⅲ stage(n=22),Ⅳstage(n=3).Typical CR signs included:the pulmonary lucency decreasd,wide-ranging net and grain shadowes of high density, and in companing with a lot of air brunchus sing.Conclusions Computed radiography is the most important imaging method in diagnosis of NRDS bedside ,and shall be improved the ability of diagnosis and differential of NRDS combined with the clinic.

OBJECTIVETo tentatively establish a diagnosis and treatment mode for effectively controlling the progress of cerebral microlesions (CM) and preventing the incidence of cerebral infarction (CI) by comparing different intervention modes for treating CM.

METHODSUsing a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled trial, 408 subjects with multiple CM were assigned to the Chinese medical pharmacy intervention group (Group A, 100 case), the aspirin intervention group (Group B, 104 cases), the negative control group (Group C, 100 cases), and the non-intervention group (Group D, 104 cases). No intervention was given to those in Group D. Patients in the other 3 groups were intervened by life style and routine therapies of vasculogenic risk factors. Those in Group A took Guizhi Fuling Pill (GFP) and earthworm powder additionally. Those in Group B took aspirin additionally. They were routinely followed-up. The CM, the changes of vasculogenic risk factors, and the incidence rate of CI were compared among the 4 groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate of CM was 66.67% in Group A, obviously higher than that of Group B (52.32%), Group C (42.86%), and Group D (37.04%), respectively. It was obviously higher in Group B than in Group D, showing statistical difference (P <0.01, P <0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of LDL-C, TC, and TG were obviously lower in Group A than in Group B (P <0.05); the serum levels of LDL-C and TC were obviously lower in Group A than in Group C (P <0.01); the systolic pressure was obviously lower in Group A than in Group D (P <0.05). The systolic pressure and the serum TC level were obviously lower in Group C than in Group D (P <0.05). The incidence rate of CI was 2.17% (2/92 cases) in Group A, obviously lower than that of Group C (11.36% ,10/88 cases) and Group D (14.44%, 13/90 cases), showing statistical difference (P <0.05). But there was no statistical difference between Group A and Group B (6.74% ,6/89 cases) (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONSGFP combined earthworm powder could treat CM, control vasculogenic risk factors, and finally prevent the incidence of CI. Standard Chinese medical intervention mode showed the optimal effects in treating CM and preventing the incidence of CI, and perhaps it could be spread clinically.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aspirin ; therapeutic use ; Brain ; pathology ; Cerebral Infarction ; drug therapy ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo objectively assess the clinical efficacy and safety of a new Pulian Ointment (, NPLO) in treating psoriasis of blood-heat syndrome of Chinese medicine.

METHODSA total of 108 patients with psoriasis of blood-heat syndrome were equally assigned, using a randomizing digital table, to the test group treated externally with NPLO and the control group treated with placebo; the medication was done using a singleblinded method twice a day. Meanwhile, all patients received by oral intake a conventional Chinese decoction for clearing heat and cooling blood; the therapeutic course was 4 weeks for both groups. The therapeutic efficacy, changes in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and various aspects of the lesion, including scaly eruption, erythema, infiltration, size, score of itching as well as adverse reactions were observed.

RESULTSThe trial was completed in 100 patients, 51 in the test group and 49 in the control group. The remarkably effective rate was 45.10% and the total effective rate was 84.31% in the test group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group, 12.24% and 51.02%, respectively, showing a significant difference between groups (P<0.01). The test group also showed better effects in the improvement of the PASI score of the lesions and scores on erythema, infiltration, size of lesion as well as itching. No adverse event was found in either group.

CONCLUSIONNPLO is a Chinese remedy for the external treatment of psoriasis of the blood-heat syndrome with a reliable therapeutic efficacy and good safety.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ointments ; Psoriasis ; drug therapy ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVETo determine the autocrine effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on epidermal keratinocytes HaCaT cells.

METHODSCultured HaCaT cells were treated with various concentrations of VEGF(165) (0,1,5,10,25,50,100 ng/ml) or Avastin (0,0.063,0.125,0.25,0.50,1.0,2.0 mg/ml) in vitro. HaCaT cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay and the cell migration was measured by migration assay. The effect of VEGF(165) (10 ng/ml) on phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was detected in HaCaT cells pretreated or not pretreated with Avastin (0.5 mg/ml).

RESULTSVEGF enhanced the proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner, while Avastin inhibited the effects of VEGF also in a dose-dependent manner. VEGF(165) (10 ng/ml) induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in HaCaT cells,but which was blocked by Avastin (0.5 mg/ml).

CONCLUSIONVEGF enhanced the proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner, while Avastin inhibited the effects of VEGF also in a dose-dependent manner. VEGF(165) (10 ng/ml) induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in HaCaT cells,but which was blocked by Avastin (0.5 mg/ml).

Autocrine Communication ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Epidermis ; cytology ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; cytology ; Skin ; cytology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases(GST) M1 with hepatitis beta-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSGenomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of HBsAg carriers, including 91 cases of HCC, 58 liver cirrhosis(LC), 63 chronic hepatitis B(CHB), and 134 normal controls. GSTM1 genotypes were detected by multiplex PCR.

RESULTSThe null genotype of GSTM1 was significantly frequent in patients with HCC compared with controls (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in frequency of GSTM1 null genotype among patients with liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B and normal controls. Subjects carrying null genotypes of GSTM1 had higher risk of developing HCC compared with those carrying positive genotype (OR=1.81.95% CI=1.05 approximately equals 3.12).

CONCLUSIONThe GSTM1-null genotype may be associated with an increased risk of HCC, but not of CHB and LC.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; etiology ; genetics ; virology ; Female ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase ; genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; genetics ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; etiology ; genetics ; virology ; Liver Neoplasms ; etiology ; genetics ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of rhizoma paridis total saponins(RPTS)on the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in blood serum of two-hit rat model induced by multiple fractures and lipopolysaccharide.

METHODSSixty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. The models were made in four groups (expect the blank control group) in accordance with the standard of two-hit animal model induced by multiple fractures and lipopolysaccharide. At 1 hour after models made,the rats in RPTS groups were given rhizoma paridis total saponins with different concentrations by intragastric administration. Six hours later, the concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 in the blood serum of all rats were detected by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay).

RESULTSThe concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 in blood serum of rats in the model group were remarkably higher than those in the blank control group (P<0.001), and these in the RPTS groups were remarkably lower than those in the model group (P<0001).

CONCLUSIONRPTS can decrease the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 and IL-1 beta in the blood serum of rats subjected to two-hit induced by multiple fractures and lipopolysaccharide.

Animals ; Cytokines ; blood ; Female ; Fractures, Bone ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; metabolism ; Male ; Multiple Trauma ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of Src kinase inhibitor ZD6474 on the growth of multidrug-resistant K562/A02 cells and its regulatory mechanisms.

METHODSThe possible mechanisms of drug-resistance were tested by Western blot. Proliferation assays and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by WST metric analysis. Western blot were used to investigate the mechanisms of antiproliferative activity induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD6474. The in vivo anti-tumor activity was evaluated in K562, K562/A02 xenografted nude mice by administration of ZD6474 (25 - 100 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1), PO).

RESULTSCompared with parental K562 cells, marked high levels of p-Src and Src expression were detected in K562/A02 cells. WST results showed that the IC(50) values of ZD6474 on K562 and K562/A02 after 48 hours incubation were (1.61 ± 0.07) µmol/L and (3.22 ± 0.21)µmol/L, respectively. ZD6474 caused an accumulation of cells in the G(0)/G(1) fraction and apoptosis by inhibiting the expressions of p-Src and Src kinase. Administration of ZD6474 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. 50 mg/kg ZD6474 produced the growth inhibition rates of 43.7% and 56.3%, respectively in K562 and K562/A02.

CONCLUSIONOur results indicated that inhibiting Src kinase could induce K562/A02 cells apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Piperidines ; pharmacology ; Quinazolines ; pharmacology ; src-Family Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors