Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods The clinical data of 88 female patients who underwent cholecystectomy at the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from May to November, 2009 were retrospectively analysed. Among all the patients, 32 received transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy ( NOTES group) and the remaining 56 patients received laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Thirty-two patients who received LC at the same period were selected (LC group)acccording to age, body mass index, type and severity of disease to conduct a matched case-control study. The differences in time span of postoperative pain, anodyne dose, enterokinesia recovery time, operation time, out-ofbed activity time, average hospital stay and hospitalization expenses between the two groups were compared using the paired t test. Results Cholecystectomies were successfully carried out for all the patients. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, degree of pain, anodyne doses, enterokinesia recovery time, out-of-bed activity time,average hospital stay and hospitalization expenses were (5.7 ± 1.5 ) ml, ( 76 ± 27 ) minutes, 2.2 ± 0.6, ( 10 ±6) mg, (25±5) hours, (9±3) hours, (2.1 ±1.2) days and (1.12±0.34) ×104 yuan in NOTES group, and they were ( 13.9 ± 3.1 ) ml, (38 ± 16) minutes, 6.7 ± 1.5, (28 ± 8) mg, (45 ± 8) hours, (26 ± 6) hours,(4.3 ± 2.1 ) days and ( 1.54 ± 0.18 ) × 104 yuan in the LC group. There were significant differences between the two groups (t = 5.098, - 4.712, 2.417, 3.203, 3.089, 4.136, 4.786, 3.917, P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion Transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and feasible, and it is superior to tranditional LC.

Exploring the influence of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB) on the proliferation, apoptosis of ACC-2 cell in lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma and analyzing the influence of EGB on the gene expression of Survivin and TIP30 based on the levels of the gene and protein. ACC-2 cell in human with ACC of lacrimal gland disposed by EGB of different concentration was in vitro cultured. MTT method was used for cell proliferation detection. Annexin V/PI double-staining flow cytometer was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Survivin and TIP30 gene expression together with protein expression were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. And it is indicated that EGB has inhibitory effect on the proliferation of ACC-2 cell in vitro. Furthermore, the dose-effect relationship was significant. Compared with the control group, it had statistical difference (P <0.01). The inhibitory concentration 50% (ICso) is 88 mg . L-1. By flow cytometer examination, it was indicated that EGB can gradually increase ACC-2 cell in G0-G1 stage and decrease it in G2-M and S stage. With the increase of dose, the apoptosis rate of ACC-2 cell obviously increased (P <0.05 or P <0.01). Both of the expression results of RT-PCR and Western hybrid proteins have showed that the concentration of EGB increased, it could be seen a significant decrease in Survivin gene expression (P <0.01). Meanwhile, the TIP30 gene expression got a significant increase. Therefore, EGB can effectively inhibit ACC-2 cell Survivin gene expression in human with adenoid cysistic carcinoma of larcrimal gland as well as promoting TIP30 gene expression, inducing the ACC-2 cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, which provided a certain theoretical and experimental basis for the application of Chinese herbal medicinal ingredient in the treatment of tumors.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; drug therapy ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Gene Expression ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus ; drug effects ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

Objective To investigate the correlation between retinal deformation degree and retina thickness (RT) detected by optic coherent tomography (OTC) in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM). Methods The 66 eyes (56 patients) with IMEM diagnosed by OCT were retrospectively analyzed in this study. After best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular fundus and OCT examination, patients were divided into three groups (mild, medium and severe) according to retinal deformation degrees. The RT value was measured manually. Results There were significant differences in RT values between mild, moderate and severe groups:(311.95 ±51.78) μm, (447.13±41.95) μm and (560.00± 58.23) μm (P<0.05). The values of BCVA were 0.78±0.16, 0.38±0.12 and 0.27±0.14 for mild, moderate and severe groups, there were significant differences between them (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between RT and BCVA in mild group (r=-0.352,P=0.128). There was negative correlation between RT and BCVA in medium group and serious group (r=-0.768 and-0.482,P<0.05). Conclusion The retinal deformation degree and RT are two objective indicators to assess visual performance in patients of IMEM. When RT is more than 400 μm, it can be used as objective criteria for surgical intervention.

Objective Previous studies indicated that activation of Toll-like receptor4 (TLR4) was involved in the progression and instability of atherosclerotic plaque.Anti-inflammatory effects were shown in statins. However,the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been well explored.We test the hypothesis that a por- tion of these anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by regulation of TLR4 expression.Methods One hundred twenty-one subjects (22 normal persons,17 patients with stable angina and 82 patients with ACS) were recruited. 41 patients with ACS were randomized to atorvastatin 10 mg/d or atorvastatin 40 mg/d on top of routine anti-anginal treatment.Serum level of hsCRP,blood lipids,TLR4 expression on CD_(14)~+ monocytes were measuered before and after one month treatment.TLR4 expression on CD_(14)~+ monocytes were quantified via flow-cytometry.Results hsCRP and TLR4 expression on CD_(14)~+ monocytes in patients with ACS were higher than patients with stable angina and normal persons(hsCRP,ACS:11.1?14.3 vs stable angina:2.5?2.7 mg/L vs normal:2.3?4.2 mg/L,P

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and safety of a new method of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES) -totally transtracheal endoscopic thyroidectomy(TTET) .Methods:Three miniature swines and 6 beagle dogs were underwent TTET.Under general anesthesia,special designed endotracheal tube with 2-channel was used and endoscope and instruments were inserted through the respective channel.Incision of tracheal anterior wall was accomplished and partial or subtotal thyroidectomy was performed.Finally,the defects in the trachea were sutured with ENDO STITCH instrument.Results:Partial thyroidectomy was successfully accomplished on 3 pigs and subtotal thyroidectomy was done on 6 dogs.No serious complications such as anoxia,asphyxia,airway obstruction and death occurred during the operation.Animals were sacrificed 2h after the procedure and incision of trachea was found to be closely sutured.There were no subcutaneous emphysema and haematoma formation.Conclusion:Preliminary experimental results showed the feasibility and safety of TTET.Transtracheal access maintains the integrity of cervical tissues and achieves an optimal cosmetic outcome.TTET may open up a new field of NOTES on thyroid surgery.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of insulin-like growth factor- I (IGF- I) on the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under three-dimensional (3D) culture system.

METHODSThe hPDLCs were cultured from periodontium of human teeth by the outgrowth method. Rotary cell culture system (RCCS) was enrolled to set 3D culture system. Samples were set to four groups: Negative control group, positive control group (3D group, IGF-I group), and experimental group (3D with IGF- I group). Proliferation was tested with methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), and ALP activity was assayed by spectrophotometer at 1, 3, 5, 7 d respectively.

RESULTSCompared with that of negative control group, cell proliferation increased significantly in 3D with IGF-I group since 3 d (P < 0.05). Besides, the cell proliferation of 3D with IGF-I group was significantly higher than that of 3D group (P < 0.05). ALP activity of 3D with IGF- I group was significantly higher than that of negative control group, and 3D group at 3, 5, 7 d (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIGF-I significantly promotes the proliferation and ALP activity of hPDLCs under 3D culture system.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Periodontal Ligament ; Somatomedins

OBJECTIVETo develop a method for determining plasma and renal tissue concentrations of cisplatin (DDP) after subcutaneous DDP implantation in mice.

METHODSDDP was extracted from the plasma and tissue of mice receiving subcutaneous DDP implantation and reacted with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC). The product Pt (DDTC)(2) extracted by diethyl ether was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the mobile phase of water and methanol at the ratio of 25:75 and the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The derivatives of DDP and nickel chloride were detected at the wavelength of 254 nm.

RESULTSThe linear range of DDP was 0.1-10 microg/ml (r=0.9998 for plasma and 0.9993 for kidney). The intra-day and inter-day RSD was below 10%, and the minimum concentration detectable was 50 ng.

CONCLUSIONThe method is accurate and effective for determining plasma and tissue DDP levels after subcutaneous DDP administration and can be used in pharmacokinetic study of DDP.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice

BACKGROUNDTreating metastatic osteosarcoma has been challenged in past decades. Extracelluar matrix (ECM) proteins play an important role in the progression of osteosarcoma as they are pivotal components of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we identified potential genes belonging to the ECM and characterized the roles of these genes in the progression of osteosarcoma and their association with outcomes.

METHODSOsteosarcoma parental cell line MG63 and its derivative MG63-A1 with a high metastatic potential underwent oligonucleotide microarray analysis. Gene ontology analysis was used to screen deregulated genes between the 2 cell lines which were either upregulated or downregulated by more than 4 fold, particularly focusing on mRNAs encoding extracellular matrix proteins. The expression of resulting candidate genes was then validated by reverse transcription-PCR for mRNA expression as well as Western blotting for protein expression. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 37 osteosarcoma specimens to examine the potential role of the candidate genes in a clinical context.

RESULTSMicroarray data and gene ontology analysis showed that Tenascin-C, a critical component of the ECM, is significantly down-regulated in the highly metastatic cell line MG63-A1 compared with the parental osteosarcoma cell line MG63-wt. This finding was validated at mRNA and protein levels. Immunohistochemical analysis found that Tenascin-C is located in the intercellular space in osteosarcoma specimens. Furthermore, low-grade Tenascin-C expression (less than 20%) in osteosarcoma specimens was associated with poor survival.

CONCLUSIONSTenascin-C expression level correlates with the survival of osteosarcoma patients. Its biological functional role and underlying molecular mechanisms in the progression of osteosarcoma needs further investigation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; mortality ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Osteosarcoma ; metabolism ; mortality ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Tenascin ; analysis ; genetics

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Carvacrol (CAR) has demonstrated the potential to mitigate dyslipidemia. This study aims to investigate whether CAR can modulate blood glucose and lipid levels in a T2DM rat model by regulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the GPR41/43 pathway. The T2DM rat model was induced by a high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozocin injection and treated with oral CAR and/or mixed antibiotics. Fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance tests were assessed. Serum lipid parameters, hepatic and renal function indicators, tissue morphology, and SCFAs were measured. In vitro, high glucose (HG)-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with CAR, and optimal CAR concentration was determined. HG-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with SCFAs or/and GPR41/43 agonists. CAR significantly reduced blood lipid and glucose levels, improved tissue damage, and increased SCFA levels in feces and GPR41/43 expression in colonic tissues of T2DM rats. CAR also attenuated HG-induced apoptosis of IEC-6 cells and enhanced GPR41/43 expression.Overall, these findings suggest that CAR alleviates blood lipid and glucose abnormalities in T2DM rats by modulating SCFAs and the GPR41/43 pathway.

Objective To explore the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on liver injury induced by cadmium chloride. Methods The cadmium chloride solution was administrated i.v. to develope rat model of liver injury. Rats were randomized divided into three groups;control group, model group, Astragalus polysaccharides intervention group. After the 5 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the livers were weighted, alanine aminotrans ferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), the contents of cadmium(Cd) was checked by plasma mass spectrometerthe(ICP-MS), the contents of interleukin-2(IL-2) and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) was measured by ELISA, the the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was observed by immunohisto-chemistry staining method. Results The liver weight was increased in model group, the level of ALT, AST and LDH were also ascended in model group, the contents of Cd, TGF-β1 and the protein expression of Bax all increased in mode group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The content of IL-2 and the protein expression of Bcl-2 were decreased in mode group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Compared with the model group, the liver index was decreased in Astragalus polysaccharides intervention group, the levels of ALT, AST and LDH were also reduced in Astragalus poly-saccharides intervention group, the contents of Cd, TGF-β1 and the protein expression of Bax were all dropped in Astragalus polysaccharides intervention group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The content of IL-2 and the protein expression of Bcl-2 increased in Astragalus polysaccharides intervention group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusions Astragalus polysaccharides may reduce the oxidative stress injury of rats liver cells indued by cadmium chloride, and its mechanism may be explained by regulation of Bcl- 2/Bax protein expression.