Objective To observe the anti-atherosclerosis effects of Guizhi Fuling Capsule. Methods 50 healthy SD male rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: normal group (n=12) and AS model group(n=38). The model of experimental AS rats was established by feeding high cholesterol diet and intraperitoneal injecting VitD3. The normal control group was fed by ordinary diet. AS model group was further divided into 3 groups randomly: AS group(n=12), control group (n= 12), and therapy group(n= 12). The therapy group was given Guizhi Fuling Capsule by intragastric administration.The control group was given simvastatin and captopril by intragastric administration. 0.9% NaCl was given to the AS group instead of Guizhi Fuling Capsule. The rats were killed at the 16th weekend, and their aorta arch and breast aorta were observed.Blood fat and serum levels of Endothelin-1 (ET-1), Nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were detected respectively. Immunohistochemistry technology was used for observing the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule- 1 (ICAM- 1 ) in breast aorta. Results The values of ET- 1, NO, hs-CRP and the amount of ICAM- 1 were (142.61 ±25.67)ng/ml, (66.05 ± 8.63) μmol/L, (2.86±0.40)mg/L, (0.29±0.05) in the normal group; (182.38±22.96)ng/ml, (28.70±4.49)μmol/L, (5.60±0.49)mg/L, (0.58±0.06)in the AS group; (154.37±21.11)ng/ml, (45.88±11.36)μmol/L, (3.66±0.34)mg/L, (0.37±0.04)in the control group and (152.13±23.23)ng/ml, (57.67±8.96)μmol/L, (3.70±0.40)mg/L, (0.36±0.04) in the therapy group respectively. The levels of ET-1, NO, hs-CRP and the amount of ICAM-1 have significant difference between the AS group and the normal group(P=2.47E-4, 6.02E-19, 1.11E-12, 2.51E-18). There was also significant difference between the control group and the AS group(P=0.005, 1.59E-14, 1.87E-5, 3.87E-14). The level of NO in the therapy group was higher than that in the control group (P=0.002). The levels of ET-1, hs-CRP and the amount of ICAM-1 did not have significant difference between the therapy group and the control group(P=0.81, 0.81, 0.48) Conclusion Guizhi Fuling Capsule has effects of Anti-atherosclerosis on rats with AS.

Urotensin II (U II ) is currently the most potent vasoconstrictor. G-protein coupled receptor 14 ( GPR-14) is its specific receptor. This review mainly discribes the structure and distribution of U II and GPR14, the activities that U II and GPR14 stimulates proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and vasoconstriction, as well as its mechanism.
Animals ; Arteriosclerosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Hypertension ; etiology ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; chemistry ; metabolism ; physiology ; Urotensins ; chemistry ; metabolism ; physiology ; Vasoconstrictor Agents ; chemistry ; metabolism ; pharmacology

A new approach based on online coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( LC-GC / MS ) was developed for the rapid determination of 4-( methylnitrosamino )-1-( 3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in mainstream cigarette smoke, in which a switching valve was employed to online switching between two-dimensional chromatography. The online LC-GC / MS system used in this study was built by using online gel permeation chromatography-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry except that the micro gel column was replaced by micro alkaline alumina column which was prepared by ourselves before. The NNK in mainstream cigarette smoke was collected by a Cambridge filter pad, then the pad was extracted with dichloromethane, and the extract was quantitatively analyzed by online LC-GC / MS with D4-NNK as an internal standard. Online LC-GC / MS allowed online pretreatment purification, and the sample was subjected to online LC-GC / MS without any prior purification, which reduced human error in analysis process. The injection volume of the present online LC-GC / MS could reach 40 μL, which was 20 times of that of the conventional GC / MS (2. 0 μL of injection volume), and thus significantly improved the sensitivity. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity ( r = 0. 9998) was obtained over the range of 1. 2 - 120 ng / mL. The recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 93. 9% to 96. 0% , and the limits of detection for qualitative and quantitative detection were 0. 25 ng / mL and 0. 9 ng / mL, respectively. All the results obtained by the present method are comparable to those of standard method recommend by China National Tobacco Company.

With global warming, mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases are spreading rapidly in many regions across the world and producing substantial morbidity and mortality.According to recent studies, mosquito population structure, density and distribution in urban environment are under dynamical changes with continuous urbanization and the consequent environment changes.Surface sewers and under-ground catch basins are becoming major mosquito breeding habitats. Population structure in surface sewers varies with the environment, Aedes albopictus is the dominant species in residential areas.Charac-terized with high population density and mobility, residential areas are easier for mosquito-borne disease spreading, so more attention should be paid to Aedes albopictus control in urban residential areas.Increased underground garages and subway traffic generated new breeding habitats and over wintering sites for mosquitoes in urban environment, control measures should be taken for such environments, since urban underground spaces are always the transit hub of vehicles, which may facilitate the spread of mosquito and its vectored virus, particularly, Culex molestus, Aedes albopictus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus can all be found breeding in underground catch basins.Frequent reports of Culex tritaeniorhynchus breeding in urban surface and underground environment suggest that Culex tritaeniorhynchus is gradually adapted to the new urbanized habitats, which may produce great effect for mosquito population structures in urban environment.Breeding habitats management is the most effective measures for mosquito control, qualified mosquito surveillance can help understand the fluctuation of mosquito species and provide timely warning, at the same time, regular risk assessment for mosquito-borne disease is essential for disease control and prevention.

Objective: To investigate the influence of depression symtoms and related occupational stress on workers in chip manufacturing industry. Methods: By using cluster sampling method, 2 251workers in electronic manufacturing industry were selected as study subjects in July-December 2016. The simple Occupational Stress Questionnnaire and The Chinese version of Effort-reword imbalance questionnaire (ERI) Questionnnaire were used to investigate and evaluate their job demand-control-support questionnaire (JDC) and ERI Occupational stress stiuation respctively. Depression symptoms were measured by the depression module of the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) . Results: Among the 2 251 workers, 77.03% workers were found high level of depression symptom.486 workers were the highest level depression.1 248 workers were the higher level depression. The scores of depression symptoms in the related influceing factors JDC and ERI occupational stress were different (P<0.05) . The multivariate logistic analysis results indicated the main positve factors of depression were above college degree, more than 1 years of working age and high input (P<0.05) . The main protective factors of depression were non migrant workers and high return (P<0.05) . Conclusion The rate of depression of workers is relatively higher in chip manufacturing factory. Enterprises should pay special attention to workers who were above college degree, more than 1 years of working age and high input, ERI occupational stress.

Background The diagnosis and treatment of fungal keratitis are knotty.There is no quantitative method to identify the disease and judge the therapeutic effect of the antifungal agent.Studies have determined that serum (1,3-) β-D-glucan level can sensitively and specifically reflect the state of systemic mycotic-causing diseases.However,whether (1,3-) β-D-glucan level in tear can monitor and diagnose mycotic keratitis is unclear.Objective Purpose of this study was to investigate the change of tear (1,3-) β-D-glucan level following the administration of antifungal drug in fungal keratitis patients,and evaluate the diagnosis and monitor value of (1,3-) β-D-glucan in tears for fungal keratitis.Methods Sixty patients who were diagnosed as fungal keratitis by fungal culture were analyzed in Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College from July 2010 to May 2012.The patients received the topical administration of antifungal drug for 28 days.Thirty healthy volunteers without eye disease served as normal controls.The tear of 50 μl was collected from each subject for the detection of (1,3)-β-D-glucan before the therapy,7,14,28 days after therapy and 7 days,14 days after the drugs were stopped,respectively.The dynamic changes of (1,3-) β-D-glucan levels in tears were evaluated and compared with the manifestation of the lesions under the laser scanning confocal microscope.The patients without hyphal by the laser scanning confocal microscopy and tear (1,3-)β-D-glucan level less than 20 ng/L were subsequently treated for another 7 days,and the following-up duration was 2 months.The informed consent was obtained before any medical examination was performed from each subject.Results (1,3-)β-D-glucan level in tears (Log value) was (6.37 ±0.48)ng/L in the patient group,and was significantly higher than (2.00±0.31) ng/L in the normal control group (t =2.89,P＜0.01).The lesion was smaller with the gradually clear border,and the number of mycelia was decreased under the laser scanning confocal microscope 7 days after treatment.(1,3-) β-D-glucan level in tears was gradually declined in a time-dependent manner after treatment.The (1,3)-β-D-glucan level in tears (Log) was (5.19 ± 0.42),(4.16 ± 0.33),(2.99 ±0.42),(2.91 ±0.39),(2.80±0.40) ng/L 7,14,28 days after treatment,and 7 days,14 days after the drugs were stopped,respectively,with a statistically significant difference in comparison with (6.37±0.48)ng/L before treatment (P＜0.01).(1,3)-β-D-gluean level in tears remained a lower level till the end of follow-up,and no recurrence of lesion was found in the patient group.Conclusions Detecting (1,3)-β-D-glucan level in tears is of good diagnosis and monitor value in the evaluation of fungal keratitis.

Objective To study the apoptosis of facial motor neurons and the expression of apoptosis-related genes, Bcl-2 and Bax, in the animal model of viral facial paralysis. Methods Total of 84Balb/c mice were divided into viral inoculation group and nerve transaction group. The animals were executed 1, 3, 7, 10, 15, 20 and 30 days after being operated respectively. The histopathological features of facial neurons in brain stem were observed by HE and Nissl stain. The changes of facial neuronal apoptosis were observed by TUNEL The changes of expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes in facial neurons were observed by immunohistochemistry staining. Results After nerve transection, increased apoptotic cells were found in homolateral facial motor neucleus and the peak appeared at 10 and 15 days. The level of Bcl-2 expression inneurons declined while the expression of Bax increased gradually. Correspondingly, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax declined. In the viral inoculation group, no visible change of apoptosis and Bax expression, but the level of Bcl-2 and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax increased gradually. Conclusions Comparing to axotomy, facial motor neucleus in HSV-1 infective animal model are free of apoptosis. Both the mild form of lesion and the ability to block apoptosis of HSV-1 are likely to be involved into the phenomenon. Bcl-2 and Bax might interfere with the apoptotic response.

AIM: To investigate the chemical constituents from the leaves of Broussonetia papyrifera. METHODS: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by macroporous adsorptive resin D101, silica gel, and ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR analyses. In addition, their cytotoxic activity against human hepatoma carcinoma cells (HepG-2) were evaluated by the MTT method. Furthermore, RP-HPLC and colorimetric methods were used for the analysis of cosmosiin and total flavonoids. RESULTS: A new lignan, together with five known compounds were obtained, and their structures were characterized as (+)-pinoresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-4″-O-β-D-apiofuranoside (1), cosmosiin (2), luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), liriodendrin (4), 3, 5, 4'-trihydroxy-bibenzyl-3-O-β-D-glucoside (5), and apigenin-6-C-β-D-glucopyranside (6). Furthermore, RP-HPLC and colorimetric methods were established for the analysis of cosmosiin and total flavonoids. CONCLUSION Compound 1 was a new lignan, and compounds 5 and 6 were isolated for the first time from the title plant. Compounds 1, 4 and 6 showed definite activities against HepG-2, while the other compounds didn't show inhibitory effects. The optimal harvest time of B. papyrifera (L.) Vent. is September.
Broussonetia ; chemistry ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cytotoxins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Lignans ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry

OBJECTIVESTo identify significantly differentially expression genes of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis (SINFH) of rats by gene chip, and to find out the potential factors and molecular mechanisms that oxidative stress originate or strengthen the SINFH.

METHODSTwenty Wistar rats were divided into experimental group and control group randomly. E. coli endotoxin was given to all rats at a dose of 20 µg/kg body weight by daily i.p. for two times. Then methylprednisolone (40 mg/kg) or saline was daily injected into the left gluteus muscle of the rats in experimental group and control group respectively. Six weeks later, the mRNA was extracted from the femoral head of rats in every group, and the cDNA were obtained by inverse transcript, then carried out microarray detection. The quantitative RT-PCR was used to confirm the result of microarray, and the differentially expressed genes were analyzed for the functional annotation by gene ontology (GO).

RESULTSCompared to the control group, 190 genes in the experimental group were differentially expressed, with 52 up-regulated and 138 down-regulated. Of these genes, 102 are known (have deposited in GeneBank), while 88 of them are unknown. The known genes can be divided into several families according to their biological functions, such as: oxidative stress, apoptosis, signal transduction, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, lipid metabolism, and gene transcription related genes. The results of quantitative RT-PCR are consistent with gene-chip results.

CONCLUSIONSThe occurrence of SINFH is a complicated process affected by multiple factors and signaling pathways. Our findings indicate that many genes which are involved in different signaling pathways were differentially expressed between SINFH rats and normal rats.

Animals ; Endotoxins ; toxicity ; Female ; Femur Head Necrosis ; chemically induced ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Genomics ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Prednisolone ; adverse effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of total alkaloids of Tripterygium hypoglaucum Hutch (THH) on the tk gene of mouse lymphoma cells.

METHODL5178Y cells were infected with total alkaloids of THH with different concentrations and put into single-cell wells at different time phases. Then the numbers of positive wells were counted and the cell plating efficiency, relative suspension growth and mutation frequency were determined.

RESULTTotal alkaloids of THH (0.1-2.0 g x L(-1)) induced tk locus mutation with mutation frequency 2-9 times higher than that of spontaneous mutation frequency of L5178Y cells. There were two different phenotypes of mutation colonies, large colony and small colony, but the main colony was large colony. This phenomenon might be related with the mutagenesis of THH.

CONCLUSIONTotal alkaloids of THH can exert toxicity and mutagenic effects on tk gene in L5178Y cells, and there may be range limit in gene mutation.

Alkaloids ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Leukemia L5178 ; enzymology ; genetics ; pathology ; Mice ; Mutagens ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Point Mutation ; Thymidine Kinase ; genetics ; Tripterygium ; chemistry