OBJECTIVETo investigate the impact of hyperglycemia on the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling pathway in rat penile tissue and its relationship with erectile function.

METHODSTwenty healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into groups A (4-week healthy control), B (4-week diabetes mellitus model), C (6-week healthy control) and D (6-week diabetes mellitus model). The rats in groups B and D were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin at 50 mg/kg to induce diabetes mellitus, while those in groups A and C with the same volume of normal saline. The animals were killed at 4 (groups A and B) and 6 weeks (groups C and D) after treatment for measurement of the maximal intracavernous pressure/mean arterial blood pressure (ICP(max)/MAP) by electrostimulation, determination of the H2S concentration in the plasma and penile tissue, and detection of the expressions of cystathionine-beta-synthetase (CBS) and cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) in the penile corpus cavernosum by immunohisto- chemistry and Western blot.

RESULTSWith electrostimulation of the pelvic ganglia at 5V and 7 V, ICP(max)/MAP was significantly reduced in groups B (0.19 +/- 0.03 and 0.29 +/- 0.04) and D (0.14 +/- 0.04 and 0.25 +/- 0.04) as compared with A (0.46 +/- 0.07 and 0.68 +/- 0.09) and C (0.43 +/- 0.07 and 0.65 +/- 0.16) (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in the level of serum testosterone either between groups A and B ([469.19 +/- 126.46] ng/dl vs [359.08 +/- 60.06] ng/dl, P > 0.05) or between C and D ([470.44 +/- 209.28] ng/dl vs [297.01 +/- 96.58] ng/dl, P > 0.05). Groups B and D showed remarkable reduction in the H2S concentration (P < 0.05) and the expressions of CBS and CSE (P < 0.05) in comparison with A and C, and the CBS and CSE expressions were even more significantly decreased in D than in B (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe reduced concentration of H2S and decreased expressions of CBS and CSE in the penile corpus cavernosum of the diabetic rats suggested that the H2S signaling pathway might be involved in hyperglycemia-induced erectile dysfunction.

Animals ; Blood Pressure ; physiology ; Cystathionine gamma-Lyase ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Electric Stimulation ; methods ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; Humans ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; metabolism ; Hyperglycemia ; metabolism ; Lyases ; metabolism ; Male ; Penis ; enzymology ; physiology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Testosterone ; metabolism

Objective To study the gene expression of Wnt signal transduction pathway in experimental liver fibrosis and to investigate its role in liver fibrosis. Methods Liver fibrosis model was induced with carbon tetrachloride in 8 SD rats. Another 8 healthy rats were served as control. The gene expression in liver tissues of models and controls were examined using real time PCR array. The differential gene expression was identified as either up- or down-regulated 2-fold. The expressions of smooth muscle actin (SMA), Wnt4, Frizzled2 and β-catenin in the tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results The examination confirmed that 36 genes were differentially expressed, including 25 genes up-regulated and 11 genes down-regulated. Compared with the controls, the expressions of Wnt4, Wnt5 a and W nt11 were up-regulated more than 13.9-, 16.5-and 2.17-fold respectively, while the expressions of Wntl and Wnt3 were down-regulated more than 2.32- and 2.15-fold respectively in fibrotic liver. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that the expressions of SMA, Wnt4 and Frizzled2 in fibrotic liver were remarkably higher than those in normal controls. While the level of phosphorylated β-catenin was decreased. Conclusion Both canonical and noncanonical Wnt signal transduction pathway may involve in the mechanism of liver fibrogenesis.

Object To assess the genetic diversity among ten natural populations in Ophiopogon japonicus (L f ) Ker Gawl and O. bodinieri Levl (Liliaceae) in Sichuan Province Methods Forty random decamer primers were screened for Random Amplified Polymophic DNA (RAPD) fragments Results Based on cluster analysis of 515 DNA bands amplified by 11 primers, a DNA molecular dendrogram was established, and the relationship of the populations and seeds between O japonicus and O bodinieri was set up Conclusion 1 Distinct genetic differences and extensive genetic diversity are presented among the samples The genetic differences are related to morphological differences, but not to geographic regions; 2 Quite genetic differences are presented between O japonicus and O bodinieri, it suggests that they have farther relationships

AlM:To compare the clinical results of different surgical methods for diabetic antipathy.
METHODS: Eighty cases ( 102 eyes ) with diabetic antipathy were selected in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2013. Thirty-eight cases (48 eyes) in group A received joint surgical treatment, 42 cases (54 eyes) in group B took staging of surgical treatment. The clinical effect was observed in both groups.
RESULTS: The vision after surgery was improved than that of before surgery in two groups, there were no significant differences ( P > 0. 05 ). A postoperative complication rate was 16. 7% in group A and 22. 2% in group B, showed no significant difference (P>0. 05).
CONCLUSlON: Surgery and staging joint surgery are both feasible for diabetic retinopathy patients, can, improve the visionr. Both of them are worthy of clinical application.

Objective To assesse the quality of life of patients after cardiac pacemaker implantation using the Chinese version of SF-36.Methods Ninety-eight patients with permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation were investigated before and after the operation in terms of quality of life by using the Chinese version SF-36.Results Successful surgery was performed on all the 98 patients.The previous symptoms of the patients were improved to vari- ous extend after the operation.The quality of life of the patients was significantly improved after operation as demon- strated by the significant difference of the scores in 9 domains of SF-36 when compared with those before the operation (P

Background Researches showed that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) modulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (MMP/TIMP) in cells,but the association of expression of MMP/TIMP in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and the dose and active time of PDGF is unclear.Objective This study was to observe the effects of PDGF on the expressions of MMP-2,MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in cultured RPE cells in vitro.Methods RPE cell line,ARPE-19,was calculated in vitro,and the cells were divided into 5 groups when they reached 70％-80％ confluence.Different concentrations (0,0.1,1,10,50 mg/L) of PDGF was added into the medium respectively for 36 hours,and the expressing levels of mRNA and protein of MMP-2,MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay.In addition,RPE cells in PDGF group were treated with 10 mg/L PDGF for 24,36,48 hours respectively to detect the expressions of mRNA and protein of MMP-2,MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the cells and to compare with the control group without PDGF.Results PDGF stimulated proliferation of RPE cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.As the increase of the PDGF concentrations,the expression values of MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA in RPE cells were gradually elevated,with a statistically significant difference among various groups (MMP-2 mRNA:F=79.304,P=0.000;MMP-9 mRNA:F =8.465,P=0.003),and the expressions of MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA were significantly higher in the 1,10,50 mg/L PDGF groups compared with 0 mg/L PDGF normal control group (all at P＜0.05).Also,the expression values of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in RPE cells were gradually elevated with the increase of PDGF concentrations,showing statistically differences among the groups (MMP-2:F=26.550,P=0.000;MMP-9:F=80.993,P=0.000).Compared with the 0 mg/L PDGF group,MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels in the 1,10,50 mg/L PDGF groups were significantly up-regulated (all at P＜ 0.05).However,the expression levels of TIMP-1 mRNA and protein group in the cells were not significantly different among various groups (mRNA:F =0.143,P =0.962 ; protein:F =1.955,P =0.178).The expression levels of M MP-2 mRNA,M MP-9 mRNA in the cells were increased in the PDGF group compared with the control group at different time points (MMP-2 mRNA:Ftime =83.250,P=0.002 ; MMP-9 mRNA:Ftime =6.785,P =0.019).Also,the expression values of MMP-2 and MMP-9proteins in RPE cells were increased in the PDGF group compared with the control group at different time points (MMP-2:Ftime =1 l.185,P =0.041 ; MMP-9:Ftime =968.413,P =0.000).The expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNAs and proteins were significant between the two groups at different time points (all at Pgroup =0.000;all at Ptime＜0.05).While the expression changes of TIMP-1 werc not significant between the two groups and among various time points (all at P＞0.05) Conclusions PDGF up-regulates MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in RPE cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.But,PDGF dose not alter the expression of TIMP-1.These results indicate that PDGF disrupt the balance of MMP/TIMP,which may damage the extracellular matrix and therefore facilitate the migration of RPE cells in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the results of two-part surgical neck fractures of proximal humerus treated with locking intramedullary nail for proximal humerus, and to discuss the indication, surgical technique and the effectiveness.

METHODSThe data of the 22 patients with two-part surgical neck fractures fixed with proximal humeral nail was retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 57 years. X-ray film and visual analogue scale (VAS), American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system and simple shoulder test (SST) questionnaire were used to evaluate the patients' shoulder function recovery at final follow-up.

RESULTAll the patients were followed up with an average time of 13 months. All fractures united within 8 weeks postoperatively. No infection, avascular necrosis or complications which concerning with hardware was found during follow-up. The average active forward flexion was 147.8 degrees , the average external rotation was 45.5 degrees and the average internal rotation was T10. The mean VAS score was 1.5. The mean ASES score, Constant-Murley score, UCLA score and SST score were 81.2, 85.4, 29.9 and 9.5 respectively. Eighteen patients were rated as "excellent" or "good", while 4 others were rated "poor". All patients were satisfied with their results.

CONCLUSIONWith good indication control, meticulous intraoperative management and strict postoperative rehabilitation, close reduction and internal fixation with proximal humeral nail can be an effective method for the treatment of two-part surgical neck fracture.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Nails ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Humerus ; surgery ; Internal Fixators ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder Fractures ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the indications and clinical results of displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by locking proximal humeral plate (LPHP).

METHODSFrom September 2004 to March 2006, 75 patients which were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with LPHP were available to follow-up, with an average time of 17 months (12 - 30 months). There were 60 fresh fractures and 15 delayed fractures. The range of motion, muscle strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) score, Constant-Murley, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system and simple shoulder test (SST) for function evaluation were all recorded.

RESULTSThe average forward flexion was (147.3 +/- 17.7) degrees , external rotation was (30.5 +/- 16.2) degrees and internal rotation was to T9. The mean ASES was 86.7 +/- 12.7, Constant-Murley was 87.4 +/- 10.5, UCLA was 30.1 +/- 4.2. The total good or excellent rate was 89.3%. Compare with fresh fractures, the delayed group showed significant less forward flexion and ASES (P = 0.021 and 0.036 respectively). In 9 patients with late complications, there were significant differences regarding ASES, UCLA scoring system and Constant-Murley compared with patients without any complication.

CONCLUSIONWith strict indication control and appropriate surgical technique, satisfactory results can be expected for the displaced proximal humeral fractures treated with locking proximal humeral plates.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Shoulder Fractures ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To evaluate the CT findings and classification of the Le Fort fracture. Methods Sixty-two cases with Le Fort fractures were studied with thin-slice high-resolution CT scanning and analyzed with three-dimensional(3D)imaging reconstruction.Results Of the 62 patients,10 had Le Fort type Ⅰ fracture,9 had Le Fort type Ⅱ fracture,8 had Le Fort type Ⅲ fracture,and 35 had various combinations of the three types of Le Fort fractures,including 18 Le Fort Ⅰ+Ⅱ fracture,7 Le Fort Ⅰ+ Ⅱ+Ⅲ fracture and 10 Le Fort Ⅱ+Ⅲ fracture.Fifty-five cases had associated multiple fractures in the maxillofacial region.On 2D CT images,Le Fort fracture manifested as multiple and complex fractures. Though 2D image was better than 3D image in accurately defining tiny fractures and fractures of deep structures,the diagnosis of Le Fort fracture could not be correctly made solely on 2D image.3D CT clearly and stereoscopically demonstrated the entire shape and orientation of Le Fort fracture,thus facilitating the correct classification of Le Fort fracture.Conclusion 3D CT image is important in providing information about the space relationship of Le Fort fracture,thus very valuable for the preoperative planning.

Nanocarriers generally made of natural or artificial polymers ranging in size from about 10-1 000 nm, possess versatile properties suitable for drug delivery, including good biocompatibility and biodegradability, potential capability of targeted delivery and controlled release of incorporated drugs, and have been extensively used in the development of new drug delivery systems (DDS). These types of nano-DDS have considerable potential to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and recently have attracted increasing efforts on the TCM research and development. In this review, the recently published literature worldwide is covered to describe the latest advances in the applications as TCM delivery carriers, and to highlight the characteristics and preparation methods of some selected examples of promising nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanomicelles and nanoliposomes.
Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Nanostructures ; chemistry ; Nanotechnology ; methods