Detergents ; Immunohistochemistry ; instrumentation ; Oxalic Acid ; Potassium Permanganate ; Staining and Labeling ; instrumentation

Objective To observe the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) in different stages of diabetic rats and investigate the potential role of BMP-7 in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods Wistar rats were divided into diabetes mellitus(DM) group induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) , and normal control group injected with citrate buffer. The rats were sacrificed at day 30,60,90,120,150 and 180 following injection, respectively. The blood glucose,Scr, urinary albumin and urinary creatinine were measured in each rat before sacrifice. The renal pathological changes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (HE),periodic acid-silver-methenamine staining (PASM) and protein expression of collagenⅣ(ColⅣ). The mRNA and protein expression of BMP-7 and TGF-?1 in kidney were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-RCR) and immunohistochemical staining respectively, and were quantified by computer image analysis system. Results The levels of blood glucose and urinary albumin in diabetic group were remarkably higher than those in control group (P

Objective To investigate the differences in clinical, laboratory and therapeutic aspects of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) between young/middle-age group and old group.Methods The 84 pSS patients were divided into the young and middle-age group (n=54) and the old group (n = 30). The differences in clinical features, laboratory indices and drug therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results The positive incidences of xerostomia, dry eye symptom and rampant teeth were 80.0%, 76.7% and 43.3%respectively in the old group. And they were all significantly higher than in young and middle-aged group (57.4%, 51.9% and 20.4%, all P＜0. 05). The positive rates of rheumatoid factor (RF)elevation, antiRo/SSA and antiLa/SSB antibodies were 13. 0%, 36.7% and 16.7% in the old group,and significantly lower than in young and middle-age group (44.4%, 59.3% and 42.6%, all P＜0.05). The incidences of leukopenia and thyroid gland involvement were much lower in the aged group (13.3% and 10.0%) than in the young and middle-age group (48. 1% and 37.0%, P＜0. 05). The percentage of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine as the main medicine was much lower in the aged group than in the young and middle-age group (16.7% vs. 40. 7%, P＜0. 05), while percentage of treatment with exclusive glucosides of Paeony Capsules was much higher (33.3% vs. 14.8%, P＜0.05). There were no statistical differences between two groups in ophthalmological examination,immunoglobulin level and sialography. Conclusions Those pSS patients with late onset exhibit more abnormalities in clinical parameters, but fewer in immunological parameters, which may be helpful in estimating prognosis and pathogenetic factors in pSS.

To observe the effect of calycosin on the proliferation and activation of primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in rats, and prove calycosin shows the effects through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The results indicated that calycosin could inhibit HSC proliferation and expressions of activation marker smooth muscle actin-α and type I collagen. With the increase in HSC activation time, FXR expression reduced, but with no notable impact from calycosin. Calycosin could up-regulate PPARγ expression and its nuclear transition in a concentration-dependent manner. Its prohibitory effect on HSC activation could be blocked by PPARγ antagonist. In conclusion, calycosin could inhibit HSC activation and proliferation, which may be related with the up-regulation of PPARγ signal pathway.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Male ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; drug effects

ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence and clinical features of hyperuricemia and its influencing factors in elderly male people aged 90 years and above. MethodsOne hundred elderly male people aged 90 years and above who underwent routine health examination in our hospital in 2007 were selected in the study. Serum uric acid level was examined by uricase-peroxidase method, and all patients were divided into hyperuricemia group and control group according to the serum uric acid level. Clinical and biochemical indications were compared between the two groups, and logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of hyperuricemia in elderly people. ResultsThe serum uric acid level was increased in 20% of the elderly people, and the prevalence of gouty arthritis was 1%. The levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were higher in hyperuricemia group than in control group[(10. 98±4.29) mmol/L vs. (6. 87± 1.86) mmol/L, (125.2±25.9)μmol/L vs. (93. 4±19. 8)μmol/L;both P<0.05)3. The patients in hyperuricemia group had a higher prevalence of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia, and a higher proportion of diuretic application than patients in control group(P<0. 05). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum uric acid level had the most remarkable correlation with serum creatinine(OR= 1. 969), followed by fasting blood glucose (OR= 1. 310)and blood urea nitrogen(OR = 1.161). There was negative correlation between serum uric acid level and plasma cholesterol level(OR = 0. 802). ConclusionsThe prevalence of hyperuricemia is high in elderly people aged 90 years and above, while the incidence of gouty arthritis is low. Renal function impairment, metabolic syndrome and thiazide diuretic are the major factors for hyperuricemia.

Objective To explore the clinico-biological characteristics, treatment and prognosis of salivary duct carcinoma. Methods This study included 12 cases of salivary duct carcinoma treated in our hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for patients admitted between April 1995 and October 2006. The clinical characteristics, histological features, imaging, therapy methods and prognosis were analyzed. Results Of 12 salivary duct carcinoma, there were 10 males, 2 females. The age of onset ranged from 53 to 73 year old and the average was 56 year old. Physical examination revealed a firm and unboundary mass accompanied by nerve infiltrating symptom. The histological appearance was characterized by solid cell nests with ductal structures and central comedonecrosis. Extensive resection and radical neck dissection was performed in 11 patients, postoperation radiation done in 10 patients and chemotherapy in 3 patients. One year survival rate was 83. 33% , that of 3 years was 41. 67% , and of 5 years was 25. 00% , the median survival time was 36 months. Conclusion Salivary duct carcinoma is a rare malignant salivary tumor and most patients are men. Regional extensive resection and postoperative radiation or chemotherapy are the mainstay of therapy. Lymph node metastases in level Ⅰ ,Ⅱ , Ⅲ are a common finding in patients with SDC and the prognosis is poor.

Objective To observe the effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on type 2 diabetic rats, and to explore the possible mechanism. Methods Type 2 diabetic rats were induced by high-fat diet combined with a low dosage of streptozotocin ( STZ, 25 mg/ kg). After 3 × 106 hMSCs suspended in 1 ml PBS or 1ml 10-fold concentrated hMSC supernatant were intravenously infused into the rats via the tail vein, the blood glucose levels were measured every day. One week later, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were performed to evaluate the effects of hMSCs on diabetic rats. Pancreatic tissues were collected for insulin/ glucagon immunofluorescence staining. Results After hMSCs infusion, blood glucose level and homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index were significantly decreased in type 2 diabetic rats(both P<0. 01). The glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were greatly alleviated by hMSCs(all P<0. 01). Intravenously infused 1ml 10-fold concentrated hMSC supernatant showed a similar result to hMSCs. Conclusion In type 2 diabetic rats, hMSCs are able to effectively lower the blood glucose level, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase the number of β cells, which seems to be mediated by their secreted molecules.

Objective To evaluate the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism and depression risk.Methods Available studies containing genotype frequencies of MTHFR C677T were chosen,and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95％ confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the association.Results Twenty-five eligible studies including 4 048 cases and 12 827 controls were identified.Meta-analysis showed a significant effect in the co-dominant model (T vs.C:OR 0 =1.25; Z=3.82,P=0.000;TTvs.CC:OR1=1.55,Z=3.79,P=0.000 ; except CT vs.CC:OR2=1.13; Z=1.78,P=0.076).Stratified analysis denoted that there was significantly higher risk in depression onset before 60 years old than depression onset after 60 years old.In subgroup analysis stratified by regressive meta-analysis,MTHFR C677T variant was statistically significantly relevant to depression risk in Chinese populations (OR 0 =1.58,Z=3.95,P=0.000; OR 1 =2.55,Z=3.92,P=0.000; OR 2 =1.43,Z=2.72,P=0.007),but not in no-Chinese populations (OR 0 =1.12,Z=2.10,P=0.035 ; OR 1 =1.23,Z=2.23,P=0.025 ; OR 2 =1.06,Z=0.74,P=0.456).Evidentiary strength rated by GRADE showed that 1 study moderate,3 studies low and 7 stdudies very low.Conclusion Our study provides evidence for a hereditary association between the MTHFR C677T variant and depression susceptibility,whereas there is an obvious variety in different regions,ethnicities and onset age.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of femoral neck fracture fixed with 7.5mm QWIX screws and to find out risk factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head postoperatively.Methods From January 2009 and March 2013, 53 patients underwent closed or open reduction of femoral neck fracture with 7.5mm QWIX screws.Healing process of fracture, complications of internal fixation, Harris hip score and avascular necrosis of the femoral head were followed up.The data reviewed were age, gender, injury patterns, fracture type, preoperative waiting time, reduction ways, reduction condition, and others.Unilateral and multivariate Logistic analysis were applied to identify factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head.Results All patients were followed up for 2-5 years (mean, 3.4 years).There was no non-union at follow-up, and all the screws were in the original site without loosening, cut-out or penetration.Mean Harris score was 91.2 points (range, 68 to 100 points) 2 years after operation, including 42 excellent, 6 good, 1 fair and 4 poor results with the excellent-good rate of 91％.Four patients (8％) had avascular necrosis 12 to 15 months after operation.With Logistic regression analysis, fracture anatomic type was identified as the only factor for avascular necrosis of the femoral head.Conclusions The 7.5 mm QWIX fixation screw provides rigid fixation, high healing rate and low incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, appearing to be a good hardware to repair femoral neck fracture.Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is associated with the anatomic type of femoral neck fracture after operation.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of liver X receptor ( LXR ) agonist on expression of fatty acid synthase( FAS) in diabetic kidney. Methods In the part of in vivo study, immunostaining was used to detect the FAS protein expression in kidney. 16-week-old male db/db mice on C57BL/6 background were administered via gavage a LXR synthetic agonist, TO901317, at a dose of 3 mg · kg-1 · d-1 or vehicle ( 0. 5%Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium, CMC-Na) alone for 7 d;Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein levels of FAS and SREBP-1. In the part of in vitro study, MCT cell(a mouse murine proximal tubule cell line)was treated with 10μmol/L TO901317 for 24 h or transfected with active SREBP-1c expression vector (SREBP-1cN). HEK293 cells(a human renal tubule cell line)were transfected with mFAS-(1. 7 kb)-luc, LXR expression vector or SREBP-1cN for 12 h. Quantitative RT-PCR and luciferase reproter assay were utilized to examine FAS mRNA level and FAS promoter activity. Results FAS was abundantly expressed in renal cortex, with low expresson in renal glomeruli. The mRNA and protein expressious of FAS in kidney of db/db mice were lowered compared with db/m mice. TO90137 treatment increased FAS mRNA expression by 1. 3-fold. TO901317 increased expression of SREBP-1 in kidneys of db/m and db/db mice by 5. 1-fold and 17-fold, respectively. TO901317 and overexpression of SREBP-1c increased expression of FAS in MCT cells by 1. 5-fold and 1. 8-fold. Transcription activity of FAS were induced by TO901317, LXR, and SREBP-1cN overexpressions in HEK293 cells. Conclusions Both direct(LXRE)and indirect(SREBP-1c)mechanisms may contribute to the up-regulation of FAS expression by LXR in renal proximal tubule cells.