Various pathologic mechanisms and types of lesion have participated in cognitive impairment in patients with vascular dementia.A number of medications have been used in the treatment of patients with vascular dementia in clinical practice,including cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methy-D-aspartate receptor antagonists,calcium channel blockers and neurotrophic drugs. This article reviews the progress in research on the pharmacotherapy of vascular dementia.

OBJECTIVETo report a case with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A review of the literature and possible mechanisms were presented.

METHODSCase report and literature review.

RESULTSThe patient received large dose of immunosuppressants after allo-BMT appeared CMV infection. There were bleeding and effusion around the ocular vessels. The patient improved after anti-CMV therapy.

CONCLUSIONPatients who undergone allo-BMT were in immunosuppressed condition, when continuous CMV antigenemia and antigenuremia were detected, associated with characteristic change in retinitis, CMVR could be diagnosed.

Adult ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Transplantation, Homologous

Human ScFv against botulinum neurotoxin serotype A(BoNTa) was modified by fusing human IgG1 Fc to C terminal of ScFv. ScFv-Fc fusion protein was expressed at high level over 30% of total host cell proteins in E.coli. Recombinant protein existed in inclusion body form. Renatured ScFv-Fc was purified to 90%~95% by Protein G Sepharose column. In vitro ScFv-Fc could bind specific to toxiod BoNTa in ELISA. Recombinant ScFv-Fc had similar relative affinity to parent ScFv and had improved stability.

OBJECTIVETo investigate effects of dahuang zhechong pill ( DHZCP) on the cell cycle and the related signal pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) with the method of serum pharmacology.

METHODSDNA synthesis in VSMCs was examined by detecting 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation with the immunocytochemical method. The cycle of VSMCs was evaluated with flow cytometry. Expressions of cyclin D1, p27, protein kinase Cα (PKCα), and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were quantified by Western blot method.

RESULTSDHZCP containing serum significantly inhibited DNA synthesis of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, arrested the cells in G G(1) phase, modulated the protein expressions of cyclin D D(1) and p27, and suppressed the activation of PKCα and ERK1/2.

CONCLUSIONDHZCP containing serum inhibits VSMCs proliferation via modulating the expressions of cell cycle proteins to arrest the cell in G G(1) phase, which is attributed to, at least in part, suppressing PKCα-ERK1/2 signaling in VSMCs.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; cytology ; Blood Proteins ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27 ; metabolism ; DNA ; biosynthesis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; G1 Phase ; drug effects ; physiology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; physiology ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Protein Kinase C-alpha ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate and compare the effects and mechanisms of three functional parts of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DHZCP), including drugs with the function of removing blood stasis and promoting blood circulation (FP-I), drugs with the function of expelling heat and moistening dryness (FP-II), and drugs with the function of nourishing yin and replenishing blood (FP-III) of DHZCP, on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation with the method of serum pharmacology.

METHODSVSMCs proliferation of rat was assayed by measuring the cell viability with the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. DNA synthesis in VSMCs was examined by detecting 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation with the immunocytochemical method. Cycle of VSMCs was evaluated with flow cytometry. Expression of cyclin D1, p27, PKCα, and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was quantified by the Western blotting method.

RESULTSThe FP-I and FP-III containing serum was capable of inhibiting PDGF-stimulated proliferation and DNA synthesis of VSMCs, arrested VSMCs in G phase, downregulated cyclin D1, and upregulated p27 expression (P <0.01 or P <0.05). The FP-I and FP-III containing serum also inhibited the PDGF-induced phosphorylation of tyrosine of ERK1/2 and PKCα expression (P <0.01 or P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONSFP-I and FP-III of DHZCP are able to inhibit VSMCs proliferation via interrupting PKCα-ERK1/2 signaling, modulating the expression of cell cycle proteins to result in arresting the cells in G phase. The inhibitory effect is mainly related to the function of removing blood stasis and promoting blood circulation, slightly to the function of nourishing yin and replenishing blood, but not to the function of expelling heat and moistening dryness.

Animals ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27 ; metabolism ; DNA ; biosynthesis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Enzyme Activation ; drug effects ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; drug effects ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Protein Kinase C-alpha ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serum ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients after intra--coronary stent implantation.Methods A retrospective and case control study was done with data analysis in 325 patients who underwent intra-coronary stent implantation from January 2010 to March 2011.The patients were divided into two groups as per the criteria of AKI identified on the 7th day after implantation of stent.The variables to be studied included:(1) age,gender,hypertension,diabetes,cerebrovascular disease,left ventricular insufficiency,peripheral angiopathy,creatinine,urea nitrogen,estimated glomerular filtration rate,hyperuricemia,proteinuria,emergency operation,hydration,and medication (ACEI/ARB,statins) before operation; (2) dose of contrast media,operation time,hypotension during intra-operative period; and (3) postoperative:hypotension.The variables were analyzed with the process of One-way ANOVA and multivariate Logistical regression analysis.Consequently,the independent risk factors of AKI in patients after intra-coronary stent implantation could be found.Further,the prognosis of AKI patients was analyzed.Results Of the 325 patients,51 (15.7％) developed AKI.Compared the normal group,hospital stay (P ＜ 0.01 ) and in-hospital mortality (P ＜ 0.05) increased significantly in the AKI group.Monofactorial analysis showed that age,pre-operative laboratory and clinical data including left ventricular insufficiency,peripheral angiopathy,creatinine,urea nitrogen,estimated glomerular filtration rate, hyperuricemia, proteinuria, hydration and emergency operation, and intraoperative information such as operation time and hypotension,and postoperative hypotension in AKI patients group were significantly different in comparison with control group ( P ＜ 0.05 ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that elderly age (OR =0.253),pre-operative proteinuria (OR =5.351 ),preoperative left ventricular insufficiency ( OR =8.704),eGFR ≤ 60 ml/ ( min · 1.73 m2 ) ( OR =6.677 ),prolonged operation time ( OR =1.017),intra-operative hypotension ( OR =25.245 ) were independent risk factors of AKI ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions AKI is a common complication and associated with increase in mortality after intra-coronary stent implantation.Increase in age,pre-operative proteinuria,pre-operative left ventricular insufficiency,pre-operative low estimated glomerular filtration rate,prolonged operation time,intra-operative hypotension are the independently risk factors associated with AKI.

AIM: To explore the mutual effect of co-culture of wild-type astrocytes (ASC) and motor neurons VSC4.1 (VSC) on the respective ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). METHODS: The inhibition rates of cell growth in ASC and VSC in co-culture or independent culture was detected after exposed to excitatory stimulus by MTT method. Real-time observation of ROS production by ASC and VSC labeled with Hoechst 33342 was detected by confocal microscopy under the conditions of co-culture or independent culture. RESULTS: Higher concentration of glutamate induced a higher inhibition rate in mixed cell growth than that in ASC alone, while lower concentration of glutamate induced a higher inhibition rate in mixed cell growth than that in VSC only. Real-time observation by confocal microscopy showed that ROS production by VSC under the condition of co-culture, which showed a notable increase at 15 min, was significant less than that in independent culture, which peaked at 5 min and was gradually decreased. ROS production by ASC in co-culture began to increase significantly at 10 min. CONCLUSION: Compared to independent culture, ASC reduces the resting ROS production by co-cultured with VSC, while ASC prolongs the duration of ROS production by VSC after exposed to excitatory stimulus.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of moxibustion with seed-sized moxa cone at "Ganshu" (BL 18) on liver furiction and morphology in rat with precancerous lesion of hepatic cellular cancer MCC).

METHODSA total of 60 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group (10 rats), a model group (20 rats), a 20-day treatment group (15 rats) and a 40-day treatment group (15 rats). HCC model was established by intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Rats in the normal group received no treatment. Rats in the model group were treated with fixation. Rats in the 20-day treatment group and 40-day treatment group were treated by moxibustion with seed-sized moxa cone at "Ganshu" (BL 18), once every other day, for 20 days and 40 days, respectively. Blood sample in each group was collected 1 d before model establishment, 20 d, 40 d and 84 d after model establishment. Chemical method was applied to test the activity of ALT (alamine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transaminase) and GGT (glutamyl transpeptidase); at the end of model establishment, all the rats were sacrificed to observe the liver morphology changes.

RESULTSAfter the first therapeutic course, the. content of ALT and AST in the 20-day treatment group was significantly lower than that in the model group (all P<0. 05); after the second therapeutic course, the content of ALT, AST and GGT in the 40-day treatment group was insignificantly lower than that in the model group (all P>0. 05). Under light microscope, the slice of liver tissue indicated that primary tumor was induced in the model group, and the tumor cells were stained and irregular; the cytoplasm in the 20-day treatment group was even, and the tumor cells were few with several nodules alone. In the 40-day treatment group the liver morphology was normal and the staining was even; the tumor cells were few without nodules or a few. Conclusion Moxibustion with seed-sized moxa cone at "Ganshu" (BL 18) could reduce the serum content of ALT, AST and GGT in rats with HCC, which could protect the liver and: delay the DEN-induced precancerous lesion on some levels.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Moxibustion ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Chinese herbs for nourishing yin and removing fire (NYRF) on gene expressions of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the epiphyseal growth plate of the female pubertal rats.

METHODSThe rats were randomly divided into the control group and the intervened group. Immunohistochemistry and realtime-PCR methods were used to measure the gene expression of ER alpha, IGF-1R and EGFR and their protein synthesis in epiphyseal growth plate.

RESULTSAfter being intervened with NYRF, the gene expressions of ER alpha and IGF-1R were down-regulated and their protein synthesis markedly reduced, while those of EGFR were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONNYRF can modulate the development and maturation of bone by regulating the expressions of ER alpha and IGF-1R in the epiphyseal growth plate.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Growth Plate ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Protein Biosynthesis ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptor, IGF Type 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Yin-Yang

Objective: To explore the relationship between expressions of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors and syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in gastric carcinoma and to establish prognostic indicators for gastric carcinoma. Methods: A total of 72 patients with gastric carcinoma were divided into six groups according to TCM syndrome differentiation. Specimens were collected after operation and ER and PR protein expressions were detected by EnVision immunohistochemical method. Results: The common syndromes in female patients with gastric carcinoma were disharmony between liver and stomach, yin impairment due to stomach heat, and insufficiency of both qi and blood; while in males, interior retention of stagnant toxin, interior retention of phlegm and dampness, and deficiency-cold in spleen and stomach were common. Different TCM syndromes were related with gender (P<0.01), pathology (P<0.01), cell differentiation (P<0.05), infiltration depth (P<0.01), lymphaden metastasis (P<0.05), distant metastasis (P<0.05), and TNM stage (P<0.01). Deficiency and excess syndromes were associated with gender (P<0.05), pathology (P<0.05), tumor location (P<0.01) and TNM stage (P<0.05). The deficiency syndromes were common in female patients. The total positive rates of ER and PR expressions were 8.33% and 37.5% respectively. There was a significant difference in PR expression among different TCM syndromes (P<0.01). PR expression was significantly higher in the syndrome of yin deficiency due to stomach heat than in the other syndromes. The PR expressions in deficiency syndromes were significantly higher than those in excess syndromes (P<0.01). No correlation was found between ER expression and different TCM syndromes. Conclusion: There is a correlation between PR expression and different TCM syndromes in gastric carcinoma.