OBJECTIVETo explore the ultrastructural changes of hepatocyte fibrogenesis in cholelithiasis in biliary tract.

METHODSl0 liver biopsies were taken from the patients suffered from gallstone and choledocholithiasis during surgical treatment and the ultrastructural changes were observed under electromicroscope.

RESULTSThere were plentiful collagenous microfibrils (CMFs) grown within some hepatocytes. These CMFs distributed locally or diffusely in cytoplasm even extended into nucleus. In 7 cases numerous megamitochondrias appeared in several hepatocytes, the inclusions mimicking fibrils could be frequently seen and grew beyond the envelope. Furthermore, typical CMFs could be seen in the large microbodies, and several vesicular or cystic structures similar as fibroblast were presented in marginal areas of the hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONSWe deduce that the fibrosed hepatocytes may be remained and take part in the hyperplasia of hepatic fibrous tissue.

Adult ; Cholelithiasis ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged

To explore the growth and development and analyze the quality of the parthenocarpy fruit induced by exogenous hormones of Siraitia grosvenorii. the horizontal and vertical diameter, volume of the fruit were respectively measured by morphological and the content of endogenous hormones were determined by ELISA. The size and seed and content of mogrosides of mature fruit were determined. The results showed that the fruit of parthenocarpy was seedless and its growth and development is similar to the diploid fruit by hand pollination and triploid fruit by hand pollination or hormones. But the absolute value of horizontal and vertical diameter, volume of parthenocarpy fruit was less than those of fruit by hand pollination, while triploid was opposite. The content of IAA, ABA and ratio of ABA/GA was obviously wavy. At 0-30 d the content of IAA and ABA of parthenocarpy fruit first reduced then increased, content of IAA and GA parthenocarpy fruit was higher than that of fruit by hand pollination. Mogrosides of parthenocarpy fruit was close to pollination fruit. Hormones can induce S. grosvenorii parthenocarpy to get seedless fruit and the fruit shape and size and quality is close to normal diploid fruit by hand pollination and better than triploid fruit by hormone or hand pollination.
Cucurbitaceae ; chemistry ; drug effects ; genetics ; growth & development ; Diploidy ; Fruit ; chemistry ; genetics ; growth & development ; Plant Growth Regulators ; pharmacology

PURPOSE: Hemophilia A (HA) is the most common X-linked inherited bleeding disorder. In some patients with HA, particularly those with severe HA, replacement therapy results in the production of high-responding clotting factor VIII inhibitors. The economic burden of this complication is the highest reported for a chronic disease. Our aim was to investigate the direct medical expenditure burden of high-responding inhibitors in patients with HA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database, utilizing data covering the period of 2004-2007. RESULTS: In total, 638 males with HA, including 37 patients with high-responding inhibitors were evaluated. Over 99% of the annual median medical expenditure was attributable to the cost of clotting factor concentrates (CFCs) in patients with high-responding inhibitors. The annual median expenditure related to CFCs of the total medical care and outpatient care were US$170611 and US$141982, respectively, and were 4.6- and 4.3-fold higher in these patients during the study period, respectively. In patients with high-responding inhibitors, the median hospitalization expenditure and daily hospitalization cost with or without surgical procedures were 3.0- and 2.4-fold higher, respectively, and 4.3 and 5.6-fold higher, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data reveal higher medical expenditures burden for patients with HA and high-responding inhibitors in Taiwan. Future research is encouraged to evaluate the impact of this burden on patient quality of life.
*Cost of Illness ; *Drug Resistance ; Factor VIII/immunology/therapeutic use ; Hemophilia A/*complications/drug therapy/economics ; Hospitalization/economics ; Humans ; Male ; *Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Taiwan

OBJECTIVESTo investigate targeted blockage of BCR/ABL oncoprotein mediated cell transformation by STAT5 decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), its effect on the growth and proliferation inhibition of K562 cells and the related molecular mechanisms.

METHODSSTAT5 decoy ODN, designed and synthesized in vitro, was transfected into K562 cells by cationic lipid. The cell growth curve and colony formation assay were used to reflect the growth and proliferation capacity of K562 cells, RT-PCR to detect the expression of three genes downstream STAT5.

RESULTSConfocal microscopy demonstrated that STAT5 decoy ODN was successfully transfected into K562 cells (95.2% positive cells). STAT5 decoy ODN inhibited the growth of K562 cells (inhibition rate 77.7%) and their colony formation capacity (Decoy ODN treated group 8.3% vs control group 35.7%, P < 0.05) after the treatment with STAT5 decoy ODN, the expressions of c-myc, bcl-X(L), cyclin D1 mRNA were down-regulated by 15.4%, 30.8%, 29.1%, respectively in the K562 cells.

CONCLUSIONSSTAT5 decoy ODN inhibits the growth and proliferation of K562 cells. The mechanisms may be that decoy ODN blocks the transcriptional activation potent of STAT5 and down-regulates the expression of these tumor related genes downstream STAT5.

Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D1 ; genetics ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Liposomes ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; STAT5 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; physiology ; Transfection ; bcl-X Protein ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo present a new mini-invasive surgery for compressive optic neuropathy (CON) in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) by adequately decompressing the orbital apex and correcting proptosis, and to analyze its results.

METHODSA retrospective chart was reviewed in 29 patients receiving orbital decompression for the treatment of CON secondary to GO from October 2006 to May 2011. All patients diagnosed CON were in stable and inactive phase of GO at least for 6 months. All patients received endoscopic transethmoid medial orbital wall decompression to reduce the compression on the orbital apex. In the meanwhile, an endoscopic transethmoid intraconal fat-removal orbital decompression was performed to remove parts of intraconal fat with a special aspiration/cutting instrument to further reduce the proptosis. All patients were followed up periodically.

RESULTSof improvement of visual acuity (VA), color vision, and amount of proptosis reduction and incidence of induced diplopia 9 months after surgery was recorded for analysis its feasibility.

RESULTSForty-five orbits of 29 patients were included in the study. At the 9 months review, 44 of 45 eyes (97.8%) improved their VA from -0.65±0.30 (x±s) preoperatively to -0.24±0.22, with a mean improvement of 0.55±0.17 (t=-13.012, P<0.001), 23 of 29 eyes (79.3%) had improved color vision (P<0.001), and the mean reduction in proptosis was (7.07±1.59) mm (range 4-11 mm). Postoperative symmetry to within 2 mm were achieved in all patients. Except 1 patient complaining of deterioration in diplopia following surgery, no patients presented new on-set diplopia postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONThe endoscopic transethmoid medial orbital wall decompression combined with the endoscopic transethmoid intraconal fat-removal orbital decompression is an effective treatment with minimal morbidity for both visional recovery and improvement of proptosis for CON in GO.

Adipose Tissue ; surgery ; Adult ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Endoscopy ; Ethmoid Bone ; surgery ; Female ; Graves Ophthalmopathy ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orbit ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Siraitia grosvenorii is a traditional Chinese medicine also as edible food. This study selected six candidate reference genes by real-time quantitative PCR, the expression stability of the candidate reference genes in the different samples was analyzed by using the software and methods of geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, Delta CT method and RefFinder, reference genes for S. grosvenorii were selected for the first time. The results showed that 18SrRNA expressed most stable in all samples, was the best reference gene in the genetic analysis. The study has a guiding role for the analysis of gene expression using qRT-PCR methods, providing a suitable reference genes to ensure the results in the study on differential expressed gene in synthesis and biological pathways, also other genes of S. grosvenorii.
Cucurbitaceae ; genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S ; genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Reference Standards

OBJECTIVETo investigate the change of expression level of metastasis suppressor gene Kiss-1 in the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 after radiation, and to determine its association with the proliferation and apoptosis of SW480 cells.

METHODSSW480 cells were divided into control group (0 Gy) and study groups (2, 4, 6, 8 Gy). Cells in the study groups were irradiated by 6-MV X-ray radiation for 48 hours. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR methods were used to investigate the influence of radiation on Kiss-1 gene expression of SW480. Colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation of SW480. Flow cytometry-Annexin- V/PI assay was used to observe the change of the apoptosis rate.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, Kiss-1 protein expression increased after radiation of 6, 8 Gy (P<0.05), but no significant changes were observed after radiation of 2, 4 Gy(P>0.05). Kiss-1 gene mRNA level increased after radiation of 2, 4, 6 Gy, while no obvious change was observed for 8 Gy radiation. The apoptosis rates increased for 4, 6, 8 Gy radiation(P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference for 2 Gy radiation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONRadiation may increase Kiss-1 gene expression in SW480 cells, which results in decreases proliferation and increases apoptosis in residual surviving cells.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Kisspeptins ; genetics ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; X-Rays

PURPOSE: Hemophilia A and B (HA, HB) are the most common X-linked inherited bleeding disorders. The introduction of factor concentrates has allowed for control of the lifelong chronic disease. However, no studies have been published regarding the epidemiology of hemophilia in Taiwan. Our aim was to determine the prevalence, incidence, and mortality rate, as well as trends in the use of factor concentrates, in individuals with hemophilia in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database between 1997 and 2007. RESULTS: We identified 988 males with hemophilia (HA : HB ratio=5.4 : 1). The mean prevalence per 100000 males was 6.7+/-0.1 for HA and 1.2+/-0.1 for HB. The estimated mean annual incidence per live male birth was 1 in 10752 for HA and 1 in 47619 for HB. Standardized mortality ratios for males with hemophilia (all severities) or severe hemophilia were 1.3- and 2.1-fold higher than that of the general male population, respectively. Mean factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) usage was 1.5003+/-0.4029 and 0.3126+/-0.0904 international units (IUs) per capita, respectively. Mean FVIII and FIX usage per patient with hemophilia (all severities) or severe hemophilia was 44027+/-11532 and 72341+/-17298, respectively, and 49407+/-13015 and 74369+/-18411 IUs per person with HA or HB, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data revealed epidemiologic and factor concentrate usage trends in males with hemophilia in Taiwan, highlighting a need for improvements in the mandatory National Health Insurance registry. A better-designed, patient-centered registry system would enable more detailed patient information collection and analysis, improving subsequent care.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Databases, Factual ; Factor IX/therapeutic use ; Factor VIII/therapeutic use ; Hemophilia A/*drug therapy/*epidemiology/ethnology ; Hemophilia B/*drug therapy/*epidemiology/ethnology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Registries ; Retrospective Studies ; Taiwan/epidemiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEReduced arterial elasticity is a hallmark of aging in healthy humans independently of diseases and endothelial-cell injury and dysfunction may be responsible for this fall in arterial elasticity. We hypothesized that circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in endothelial repair and that lack of EPCs contributes to impaired arterial elasticity.

METHODSA total of 56 healthy male volunteers were divided into young (n = 26) and elderly (n = 30) groups. Large and small artery elasticity indices were non-invasively assessed by using pulse wave analysis. Flow cytometer was used to count the number of circulating CD34(+) mononuclear cells (MNCs), which were isolated from peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and then the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. EPCs were characterized as adherent cells double positive staining for DiI-acLDL uptake and lectin binding with using fluorescent microscope.

RESULTSC(1) (large artery elasticity index) and C(2) (small artery elasticity index) were significantly reduced in the elderly group compared with those in the young group (11.73 +/- 1.45 vs 16.89 +/- 1.69 ml/mm Hg x 10, P < 0.001; 8.40 +/- 1.45 vs 10.58 +/- 1.18 ml/mm Hg x 100, P < 0.001 respectively). In parallel, the number of circulating EPCs was significantly reduced in the elderly group compared with the young group (0.13 +/- 0.02 vs 0.17 +/- 0.04%, P < 0.05). The number of circulating EPCs correlated with C(1) large and C(2) small artery elasticity indices (r = 0.47, P < 0.01; r = 0.4, P < 0.01). Fluorescent microscope was used to identify EPCs, which were double positive staining for DiI-acLDL uptake and lectin binding.

CONCLUSIONThe present findings suggested that the fall in circulating EPCs with subsequently impaired endothelial-cell repair and function might contribute to reduced arterial elasticity in humans with aging. The decrease in circulating EPCs could serve as a surrogate biologic measure of vascular function and human age.

Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; physiology ; Arteries ; physiology ; Elasticity ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the change in endothelium-dependent vasodilation and arterial elasticity and the association between them in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODSThirty patients with CAD and thirty control subjects were recruited for this study. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery was evaluated by ultrasound Doppler flow method. They also underwent a non-invasive assessment of C(1) large artery and C(2) small artery indices by using pulse wave analysis.

RESULTSFMD was significantly reduced in CAD group compared with that in control group [(5.17 +/- 2.13)% vs (11.1 +/- 4.36)%, P < 0.05], C(1) large artery elasticity index was similar between the two groups [(11.59 +/- 4.56) ml/mm Hg x 10 vs (12.11 +/- 3.82) ml/mm Hg x 10, P > 0.05]. However, C(2) small artery elasticity index was significantly reduced in CAD group compared with that in control group [(4.20 +/- 1.80) ml/mm Hg x 100 vs (6.26 +/- 2.36) ml/mm Hg x 100, P < 0.05]. There was a positive association between reduced C(2) small artery elasticity index and impaired FMD (r = 0.53, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere were impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and reduced C(2) small artery elasticity index in the patients with CAD, which were closely correlated with each other. The present study suggested that the measurement of C(2) small artery elasticity might be used as a novel index for the determination of endothelial function.

Aged ; Arteries ; physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease ; physiopathology ; Elasticity ; Endothelium, Vascular ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vasodilation ; physiology