Objective To investigate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on tumor growth and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of human gastric carcinoma xenografts in nude mice with different expressions of growth hormone receptor (GHR). Methods Immunocytochemical method was used to pick out one GHR-positive and one GHR-negative cell line. Then the cells were subcutaneously injected into 24 nude mice separately. The nude mice bearing two different kinds of human gastric caicinoma were equalges of body weight and tumor volume of nude mice were recorded. Serum concentrations of VEGF in peripheral blood were analyzed by ELISA. VEGF protein and mRNA expression in tumor tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. Results We chose SGC-7901 as GHR positive group, and MKN-45 as the negative one. For nude mice bearing GHR + SGC-7901 xenografts, the tumor volumes were significantly larger in rhGH groups than in control group (P ＜ 0.05), and the high-dose rhGH group revealed greater effect (P ＜ 0. 05).Body weights were not significantly different among three groups (P ＞ 0. 05). Serum VEGF concentration was (252.94 ± 15.32) ng/L in the high-dose rhGH group, which was significantly higher than that in control group [(49.94 ± 5.73) ng/L] and low-dose rhGH group [(167.60 ± 9.54) ng/L] (P ＜ 0.05). Moderate positive staining with VEGF was observed in the control group, while VEGF staining was strong in rhGH administration groups. The relative expression of VEGF mRNA for the high-dose rhGH group was 0. 6470 ± 0. 0447, which was significantly higher than that in control group (0. 3230 ± 0. 0258)and low-dose rhGH group (0. 412 ± 0. 0351)(P ＜ 0.05). While for nude mice bearing GHR-MKN-45 xenografts, the body weights of the rhGH-administrated groups were significantly higher than that of control group (P ＜ 0.05), while tumor growth, serum VEGF concentration, and the expressions of VEGF mRNA and protein in tumor tissue were not significantly different (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions rhGH can promote tumor growth and increase the expression of VEGF in the GHR-highly-expressed SGC-7901 xenograft tumor model. However, such effects do not exist in GHR-negatively-expressed MKN-45 xenograft tumor model. The existence of GHR may be a key target where rhGH influences the secretion of VEGF.

The chemical properties and nutritive value of five of tissue fat, the retro-peritoneal fat (Ⅰ), bone marrow fat (Ⅱ), bone marrow fat+worm wax (pai la) (400:1) (Ⅲ), scrapped fat from the inner surface of the skin (Ⅳ) and the omentum fat (Ⅴ), have been investigated. Fat Ⅰ, the ordinary lard habitually used in Chengtu is used as a control.The melting point of Ⅰ(35.4℃), Ⅲ (37.4℃) and Ⅴ (38.4℃) are higher than those of Ⅱ (25.7℃) and Ⅳ (25.7℃). The addition of a small quantity of worm wax into the bone marrow fat can obviously raise the melting point of the latter, and thus improving its organolyptic properties.The saponification values of the five kinds of fats are about the same, and there is significant difference in their iodine values. The degree of unsatura-tion of fat Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ are higher than those of Ⅰ and Ⅳ.The ash contents of the fat Ⅳ and Ⅴand the acid value of the fat Ⅰ are somewhat lower.Feeding experiments with albino rats show that there is no difference in the digestibilities and the growth promoting effects of the five kinds of fats incorporating with the soy bean basal diet.It is concluded that the use of the by-products from the butcheries for the preparation of the edible fat are not only entirely permissible but also economically beneficial.The addition of worm wax into the bone marrow fat for the improvement of the organolyptic properties (color, consistency) is a economical waste.

Objective To elucidate the influence of fetal genotype in both non-diabetic gravidas and pregnant women on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) through analysis of the genotype discrepancy between maternal and fetal Pro12A1a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARG2) genes.Methods Pregnant women,who delivered in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from October 2005 to February 2007,and their newborn babies were selected,and were divided into GDM and control group.The GDM group consisted of 55 gravidas with GDM and 40 newborns born to the GDM mothers,and the control group consisted of 173 healthy gravidas and their 50 neonates.Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography was applied to detect the distribution of PPARG2 Pro12Ala alleles in all subjects.The concentrations of plasma fasting blood sugar (FBS) and several bio-markers of lipids,including total cholesterol,triglyceride,apoprotein A,high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein,were also tested for the mothers.Results (1) No significant difference was found in the frequencies of Pro/Pro genotype between the GDM mothers and control mothers (94.6% vs 90.8%,P > 0.05),nor between the GDM offspring and control offspring (95.0% vs 94.0%,P >0.05) or between the GDM mothers and GDM offspring (P > 0.05).The same was shown in the frequencies of Pro/Ala genotype both between the GDM mothers and control mothers (5.5% vs 9.2%,P >0.05) and between the GDM offspring and control offspring (2.5% vs 3.0%,P > 0.05).(2) Within both GDM and control group,the maternal FBS and various lipids concentrations of Pro/ Pro genotype gravidas showed no significant difference compared to those of Pro/Ala genotype mothers (P > 0.05).(3) Based on the four possible PPARG2 genotype pairs between the mothers and fetuses,Pro/Pro mother and her Pro/Pro fetus,Pro/Ala mother and her Pro/Ala fetus,Pro/Ala mother and her Pro/Pro fetus,and Pro/Pro mother and her Pro/Ala fetus,less Pro/Pro pairs and more Pro/Ala pairs were found in the GDM group than in the control (72.5% vs 92.0%,P=0.014; 27.5% vs 6.0%,P< 0.05).Conclusions Neither the maternal nor the offspring's Pro/Ala genotypes is associated with the genesis of GDM.However,the discrepancy of PPARG2 Prol2Ala polymorphism between mother and her fetus implies a possible cause of GDM.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and side effects of the molecular targeted drug sunitinib in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma(mRCC). Methods Fifteen patients with histopathological confirmed mRCC,including 10 males and 5 females,were enrolled in the study.The median age was 56(range from 37 to 73 years).Fourteen cases of clear-cell RCC and 1 papillary RCC were diagnosed.Thirteen patients had prior nephrectomy,and 6 patients were treated with cytokines previously.All of the patients were given sunitinib at a dosage of either 50 mg daily(4 weeks on/2 weeks off)or 37.5 mg daily continuously.Objective response rate(ORR),progressive-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)were evaluated,and adverse events were also observed. Results The median follow-up was 13 months(2-24 months).According to RECIST,partial response could be evaluated in 8 patients and stable was found in another 5 patients.Only 2 patients were confirmed disease progression.The ORR was 53% with the disease control rate of 87%,However,the median PFS and OS were not yet available due to the short-term follow-up.During the treatment,the most common adverse events experienced by patients were hand-foot syndrome 11/15(73%),changes in hair color 10/15(67%),mucositis 9/15(60%),alopecie 9/15(60%),diarrhea 8/15(53%)and neutropenia 8/15 (53%). All of adverse events were manageable and reversible. Conclusions Sunitinib as a single agent in the treatment for Chinese mRCC patient is efficient and the side effects are reversible. Further long-term follow-up and expanded samples should be expected to confirm the efficacy and safety of sunitinib.

Objectives To isolate the cardiogenic fraction, which can enhance cardiogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(MSC)from Geum iaponicum.The therapeutic effeet of the isolated cardiogenic fraction was further tested in a rat myocardial infaretion (MI)model.Method Bioassay guided fractionation method was used for the isolation of the cardiogenic fraction,named as heart repair fraction(HRF).MI was induced by a permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery.The rats exhibiting similarly decreased values of left ventricle ejection fraction(LVEF) and fraction shortening(LVFS)were used.The rats in test group(n=10)were subject to HRF treatment(20 mg·kg-1·d-1)through gastric gavage daily for 4 weeks.Water alone(2 ml/d) was given through gastric gavage to rats in the control group(n=10).The cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography at different time points.Masson trichrome staining was used for evaluation of the infarct size.Morphological and immunohistochemical studies were performed to investigate the HRF mediated myocardial regeneration.Results LVEF(66.2%±6.9%)and LVFS(46.8%±5.8%)were significantly increased two weeks post HRF treatment compared with the values(LVEF:55.7%±6.0%and LVES:36.4%±5.2%)in control rats(a11 P<0.01).The improved heart function was further restored 4 weeks post HRF treatment(P<0.01).Furthermore,the treatment of acute MI with this HRF significantly reduced the infarct size(19.0%±6.1%)compared with that(31.1%±8.6%)in control rats(P<0.01).Substantial regeneration of cardiomyoeytes in infarcted region of the HRF treated heart was also observed that replaced a considerable part of the infarcted heart tissues resulting in remarkable reduction of the infarct size.Conclusion The properties of this HRF isolated from Geum japonicum in stimulating substantial regeneration of myocardium in infarct region with consequently improved cardiac function appear to be new and represent a new approach for the treatment of MI.

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) in intervening diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) based on calcium-activated chloride channel. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including a normal control group (group A), a model group (group B), an EA group (group C) and a metoclopramide group (group D), with 10 rats in each group. A single intraperitoneal injection of 2％ streptozotocin (STZ) combined with 8-week high-glucose high-fat diet was used to establish a DGP rat model. After intervention, gastrointestinal propulsive rate was observed; the expression level of transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) was examined by immunohistochemistry; the Ca2+ concentration in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) was detected by immunofluorescence; and whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to detect the current intensity of calcium-activated chloride channel (ICaCC) in ICCs in gastric antrum. Results: After modeling, the blood glucose levels in group B, group C and group D were significantly increased compared with group A (all P<0.01); after intervention, compared with group B, the blood glucose levels in group C and group D were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the intra-group comparison of blood glucose level between after modeling and after intervention found significant difference only in group C (P<0.01). The gastrointestinal propulsive rates in group B, group C and group D were significantly different from that in group A (P<0.01 or P<0.05); the gastrointestinal propulsive rates were markedly higher in group C and group D than in group B (P<0.01, P<0.01). The expressions of TMEM16A in group B and group C were decreased compared with group A (P<0.01, P<0.05); the expressions of TMEM16A in group C and group D were increased compared with group B (P<0.01, P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of Ca2+ was significantly lower in group B than in group A (P<0.01); the fluorescence intensity of Ca2+ was significantly higher in group C and group D than in group B (P<0.01, P<0.05). ICaCC in ICCs in group B was significantly decreased compared with group A; ICaCC in group C and group D were increased compared with group B. Conclusion: EA at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can significantly improve gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats by up-regulating the ICaCC in ICCs.

The objective of the present study was to establish a method based on principal component analysis (PCA) for the study of transdermal delivery of Chinese medicinal formulae, and to choose the best penetration enhancers for Qingfei Xiaocuo gel depend on this method. Using improved Franz type diffusion cell and excised rat skin in vitro as transdermal barrier, the receptive solution fingerprint was established by HPLC, harvesting the areas of the common peaks in the fingerprint, then the total factor scores of the concentrations at different times were calculated using PCA and were employed instead of the concentrations to compute the cumulative amounts (Q12) and enhancement ratio (ER), the latter of which were considered as the indexes for optimizing penetration enhancers. Compare to the control group, the ER of the other groups increased significantly and furthermore, 2.5% azone with 2.5% menthol manifested the best effect. PCA represent most information in the receptive solution, the method above could choose the best penetration enhancers, it could be a reference for the study of transdermal delivery of Chinese medicinal formulae.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; pharmacokinetics ; Gels ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mice ; Principal Component Analysis ; Skin ; metabolism

Objective　To compare the effects of mild hypothe rmic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypas s in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods　A total of 118 cas es of less than 3 years of age that had undergone open heart surgery were review ed, in which 46 patients received moderate hypothermic CPB(group 1) and 72 patie nts received mild hypothermic CPB(group 2). The CPB duration, incidence of low c ardiac output and postoperative concentration of CK-MK, etc, were compared with each other betwee n the two groups. Results　Duration of bypass and postoperative mechanical respiratory assistance of group 2 was shorter than that of group 1 ( P<0.05). Transfusion requirements, incidence of low cardiac output syndrome, concentration of CK-ME and percentage of metabolic acidosis were lower in grou p 2 than in group 1 (P<0.05), while the index of oxygenation was higher in g roup 2(P<0.05). Conclusion　The mild hypothermic CPB is saf er and more effective and therefore is superior to moderate hypothermic CPB in p ediatric cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury directly impacts the individual's lower limb function. It is very important for althelets whether rehabilitation training after ACL reconstruction is reasonable, effective and can restore the normal function of the knee joint.OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of rehabilitation training on graft healing and knee joint function recovery after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: An elite rugby player was enrolled and subjected to phased rehabilitation training after ACL reconstruction. MRI examination was done before and after rehabilitation training. Then, the following indicators were tested, including joint flexion of knee, leg circumference degrees, isokinetic muscle strength of the lower limb, feedback test, the test of YBT, the Balance Error Scoring System, feedforward test, static balance test on one foot, dynamic balance test on the feet, Lysholm knee score, anaerobic work of the upper extremity, torso strength, to analyze the graft healing, body shape, the knee joint function and physical quality improvement after ACL reconstruction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After 10 months of phased rehabilitation training, the graft healed well; the knee flexion degree was back to normal; knee joint swelling basically eliminated; the muscle strength of the extensor flexor of the knee joint was back to over 95% of the normal level; the function of the injured knee joint was good and returned to a higher level; the Lysholm knee score was 85 points; the anaerobic work of the upper limbs and trunk strength reached to 120% of the normal level; and the quality of the body was greatly improved. To conclude, a great improvement in graft healing, knee joint function, recovery of muscle strength and physical qualities has been achieved in athletes who receive rehabilitation training after ACL reconstruction.

BACKGROUND:Stroke is the leading cause of death and long-term disability. This study was undertaken to investigate the factors influencing daily activities of patients with cerebral infarction so as to take interventional measures earlier to improve their daily activities. METHODS:A total of 149 patients with first-episode cerebral infarction were recruited into this prospective study. They were admitted to the Encephalopathy Center, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College in Zhejiang Province from August 2008 to December 2008. The baseline characteristics of the patients and cerebral infarction risk factors on the first day of admission were recorded. White blood cell (WBC) count, plasma glucose (PG), and many others of laboratory targets were col ected in the next morning. Barthel index (BI) was calculated at 2 weeks and 3 months respectively after onset of the disease at the outpatient clinic or by telephone cal . Lung infection, urinary tract infection and atrial fibrillation if any were recorded on admission. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and the GCS scores were recorded within 24 hours on and after admission, at the second week, and at the third month after the onset of cerebral infarction respectively. RESULTS:The factors of BI at 2 weeks and 3 months after onset were the initial PG level, WBC count and initial NIHSS scores. Besides, urinary tract infection on admission was also the factor for BI at 3 months. CONCLUSION:Active measures should be taken to control these factors to improve the daily activities of patients with cerebral infarction.