Objective: To observe the level of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in young and senile rats. Methods: POMC mRNA was determined with in situ hybridization, the hybridization signals and areas of POMC mRNA-positive cells were measured with computer image analysis system. Results: Compared with young rats, average gray values of POMC mRNA-positive neurons in the hypothalalmic arcuate nucleus and near region in the senile rats decreased, but the numbers of POMC mRNA-positive neurons did not change significantly. Conclusion: The decrease of POMC mRNA expression level in individual neurons in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of senile rats is one of the causes that decrease the expression of peptides-derived from POMC gene.

Objective To probe the imaging diagnostic characteristics of skull base-type pituitary adenoma (SBPA). Methods CT, conventional MRI, dynamic MRI, and pathological data of 16 patients with SBPA were analyzed. The manifestations of both CT and conventional MRI, the dynamic time-signal curve, time of peak enhancement, and average enhancement rate were compared between SBPA in the 16 patients and chordoma of the skull base (CSB) in another 9 patients. Results The CT appearances of both tumors were quite similar, offering no differential value. Both tumors were slightly hypointense on T 1 weighted images, but SBPA was mildly hyperintense and CSB was markedly hyperintense on T 2 weighted images. The T 2 weighted signal intensity between both tumors differed significantly (P5 min, (40?5) /min for CSB, respectively (P

Objective To summarize the types and imaging features of periosteal anomaly in osteosarcoma.Further to seek the feature of genesis and advancement of periosteal anomaly and its clinical significance.Methods One hundred and twenty-eight patients with osteosarcoma were enrolled in this study,which consisted of 76 males and 52 females aging from 5 to 66 years old with an average of 19 years.Both x-ray plain film and MR images were obtained in all patients.and DWI were done in 23 patients.CT scanning was conducted in 48 patients.which included post-contrast scanning done in 36.The pathological gross specimen,macrosection and point-to-point microsection were obtained in each of 14 cases to correlate the imaging findings of periosteal anomaly to the pathological outcome.Results The imaging and pathological finding:(1)Periosteodema,occurring in 96 patients.The sign was merely demonstratable on MR image and presented as loosened periosteal structure with no tumoral infiltration pathologically.(2)Periosteal lift and thickening,demonstratable on both CT and MR image,including 13 noted on CT and 42 on MR image.Pathologically,non-tumoral infiltration was noted in the thickened periosteum.(3)Periosteal destruction,occurring in 48 patients.Periosteal destruction was merely demonstratable on MR image and presented as localized or generalized tumoral infiltration of the periosteum.(4)Linear periosteal neo-bone formation,demonstrated in 42 cases on plain films,13 cases on CT and 22 on MR images,respectively.The linear periosteal neo-bone formation was pathologically regularly arranged periosteal neo-bone.(5)Laminar periosteal neo-bone fomarion,demonstrated in 21 cases on plain films,6 cases on CT and 21 on MR images,respectively.Pathologically,it appeared as multi-layer arrangement.(6)Radiated and spiculate periosteal neo-bone formation,demonstrated in 13 cases on plain films,7 cases on CT and 14 on MR images,respectively.On both plain film and CT,the closer to the center of the tumor,the longer and denser the spicule was.The interspiculate structure was tumoral tissue pathologically.(7)Periosteal neo-bone formation of mixed type,demonstrated in 7 cases on plain films,4 cases on CT and 8 on MR images,respectively.It was composed of 2 types or more of periosteal neo-bone.Conclusions (1)Multiform periosteal anomaly can be induced by osteosarcoma,and difierent periosteal anomaly possesses different imaging findings and different pathological basis.(2)The pathologically-based classification of periosteal anomaly generalizes the 3-modality imaging findings of various periosteal pathological alterations.(3)MR imaging enables to demonstrate periosteal anomaly more early,and periosteodema and periosteal destruction without neo-bone formation can only be demonstrated by MR imaging.MR imaging is more sensitive than CT in displaying periosteal thickening.

Imatinib mesylate has been commonly used in the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, a significant number of CML patients treated with imatinib developed thrombocytopenia. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) plays a significant role in the regulation of thrombopoiesis. It is suggested that imatinib may block the PDGF/PDGFR and PI3-K/Akt pathway, then inducing the apoptosis of megakaryocytes and developing thrombocytopenia in these patients. In this review, the potential molecular mechanism of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia in the treatment of CML patients is discussed, including imatinib and thrombocytopenia, PDGF/PDGFR and thrombopoiesis, potential mechanism of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia in treatment of patients with CML and so on.
Antineoplastic Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Benzamides ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Piperazines ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; Pyrimidines ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Signal Transduction ; Thrombocytopenia ; chemically induced ; Thrombopoiesis

Objective To explore the effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) mobilization on TH17/Treg cells and its impact on suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) gene expression in CD4+ T cells in donors' peripheral blood.Method Sixteen donors were injected subcutaneously with rhG-CSF 5 μg/kg every day for 5 consecutive days for peripheral blood stem cells mobilization.At the first 0,3,5 day,the mononuclear cclls (MNCs) in peripheral blood or graft and serum specimens were taken.The CD4 + T cells in MNCs were sorted using immuno-magnetic beads.The ratio of TH 17 and Treg cells in MNCs,cytokines concentrations of IL-17A,IL-21,ID23 and TGFβ1 in serum,and SODC3 gene expression in CD4+ T cells were detected by using flow cytometry,ELISA,and reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR),respectively.Results (1)The ratio of Th17 cells (CD3+ CD8 CD17+) and Treg cells (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+) in MNCs in peripheral blood and graft at the first 0,3 and 5 days after mobilization was (2.69 ± 0.81) ％,(0.91 ± 0.33) ％,(0.35 ± 0.12) ％,(0.21 ± 0.05) ％,and (0.56 ± 0.24) ％,(0.72 ± 0.22％),(1.59 ± 0.54) ％,(3.38 ± 0.52) ％,respectively,showing a significant declining and increasing trend respectively (P＜0.05); (2)The cytokine concentrations in serum at the first 0,3 and 5 days after mobilization were 7.33 ± 0.89,5.78 ± 1.03 and 3.32 ± 0.84 μg/L for IL-17A; 124.56 ± 15.18,117.12 ± 14.45 and 64.94 ± 11.25 μg/L for IL-21 ; 183.52 ± 59.35,280.49 ± 69.75 and 393.62 ± 57.25μg/L for TGF-β1 (P＜0.01) ; and 45.89 ± 6.95,46.25 ± 7.44 and 47.45 ± 10.75 μg/L for IL-23,respectively.The IL-17A and IL-21 concentrations showed significant declining trend,contrarily TGF-β1 with an increasing trend,while IL-23 concentration had no change.After rhG-CSF mobilization,the SOCS3 gene expression in CD4 + T cells of peripheral blood and graft at the first 0,3,5 days was gradually increased.Conclusion rhG-CSF suppresses Th17 cells and promotes regulatory T cells generation,meanwhile decreases IL-17A and IL-21 and elevates serum TGF-β1 concentrations,and contributes to CD4 + T cells differentiation to Tregs,probably by elevating SOSC3 gene expression in CD4+ T cells.

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy and safety of Qizhi Jiangtang Capsule (QJC) in treating stage 3b diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients with macroalbuminuria.

METHODSPatients who conformed to the diagnostic criteria of stage 3b DKD were randomly assigned to two groups according to random digital table, the experiment group and the control group, 84 in each group. All patients received a two-week elution period, and then were treated with basic Western therapy. Patients in the experiment group took QJC, 5 pills per time, 3 times a day, while those in the control group took Valsartan Capsule 160 mg each time, once daily. The observation period of follow-ups was limited within 6 months, and the time points were set as the baseline, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBS), 24 h urine protein quantitative (24 h UPQ), plasma albumin (ALB), and serum creatinine (SCr) were detected and recorded, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. The occurrence of hypoglycemic reaction, coagulation disorder, gastrointestinal tract reaction, allergy, hyperkalemia, doubling of creatinine, and overall adverse events were observed and recorded at same time.

RESULTSFinally 81 patients in the experiment group and 80 patients in the control group were effectively included. Compared with the baseline level, SBP and DBS obviously decreased in the control group at month 1 of treatment (P < 0.05), and more significantly decreased at month 6 of treatment (P < 0.01). SBP at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups; DBS at month 6 of follow-ups was lower in the control group than in the experiment group (P < 0.05). At month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups, 24 h UPQ of the experiment group was significantly lower than the baseline level (P < 0.01). It was also significantly lower than the level of the control group at the same time point (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in 24 h UPQ at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups between the control group and the baseline level (P > 0.05). ALB of the experiment group showed an increasing trend. It was significantly higher than the baseline level at month 6 (P < 0.05), which was also higher than that of the control group at same period (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the ALB level in the control group (P > 0.05). SCr of two groups showed an increasing trend. SCr of the experiment group was significantly higher at month 1, 3, and 6 follow-ups than the baseline level (P < 0.05). But the increment of SCr was higher in the control group than in the experimental group, and obviously higher than the baseline levels (P < 0.05). eGFR of both groups showed a decreasing trend. The decrement was higher in the control group than in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The proportion of progression of renal functions at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups in the experimental group was 0.0% (0 case), 9.55% (8 cases), and 21.4% (18 cases), while they were 8.3% (7 cases), 21.4% (18 cases), and 40.5% (34 cases) in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the proportion of progression of renal functions between the two groups at month 3 and 6 of follow-ups (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQJC could effectively reduce urinary protein of patients with stage 3b DKD, and delay the progression of renal functions.

Adult ; Albumins ; analysis ; Albuminuria ; drug therapy ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Creatinine ; blood ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tetrazoles ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Valine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Valsartan

Objective: To observe the level of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in young and senile rats. Methods: POMC mRNA was determined with in situ hybridization, the hybridization signals and areas of POMC mRNA-positive cells were measured with computer image analysis system. Results: Compared with young rats, average gray values of POMC mRNA-positive neurons in the hypothalalmic arcuate nucleus and near region in the senile rats decreased, but the numbers of POMC mRNA-positive neurons did not change significantly. Conclusion: The decrease of POMC mRNA expression level in individual neurons in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of senile rats is one of the causes that decrease the expression of peptides-derived from POMC gene.

Objective To analyze clinical characteristics of pemphigoid nodularis. Methods Seven cases of pemphigoid nodularis were included in this retrospective study. The clinicopathological features of pemphigoid nodularis were retrospectively analyzed, including patients′gender, age at onset, clinical manifestations, treatment and follow?up. Results Of the 7 patients, 4 were female and 3 were male, with the median age at onset being 59 years. Clinical manifestations mainly included markedly pruritic prurigo?like lesions and nodular lesions with or without blisters. The most common misdiagnoses were nodular prurigo and eczema. Pathology showed epidermal hyperplasia and subepidermal clefts, collagen hyperplasia in the papillary dermis, and perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the superficial dermis in all the patients. Direct immunofluorescence assay showed linear deposition of IgG and C3 in the basement membrane zone, and indirect immunofluorescence was positive in 2 patients. Glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants were effective in all the patients. Conclusions Pemphigoid nodularis is easy to be misdiagnosed, and immunopathology is helpful for its diagnosis. Glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants appear to be effective for its treatment.

Anal Canal/surgery* ; Anorectal Malformations ; Constriction ; Fecal Incontinence ; Humans ; Rectal Prolapse

OBJECTIVEIn aid of MR imaging diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), MRI findings of sacroiliac (SI) joints in volunteers were compared with those in patients with AS, with special reference to the fat findings.

METHODS18 normal volunteers and 52 AS patients underwent the MRI examinations with the same protocols, i.e., SE T1WI, FSE T2WI, GE T2*WI sequences were taken using a 0.3T imager. All the images were observed and analyzed by two radiologists.

RESULTSSymmetric or patchy distribution fat component either in sacrum and/or ilium was detected in 52.8% of SI joints of volunteers. Thin zone distribution of fat was seen in 35.6% of SI joints of AS patients, which was adjacent to the erosion and sclerosis. In another 25.0% of SI joints of AS patients, the distribution of fat component was found similar to that of the normal volunteers. Cartilage changes were detected in 85.6% of the SI joints of AS patients. In addition, bone erosion, sclerosis and subchondral bone marrow edema were also detected.

CONCLUSIONSubchondral fat infiltration associated with erosion and sclerosis should be considered as sacroiliitis. The knowledge of the characteristics of fat component could be helpful for evaluating sacroiliac joints.

Adipose Tissue ; pathology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sacroiliac Joint ; pathology ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; diagnosis ; pathology