Objective To investigate the expressions of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),and to explore the mechanism of pathogenesis in COPD.Methods A total of 40 patients undergoing lung resections for pulmonary tumor were selected.Patients were divided into 2 groups according to COPD diagnostic criteria:the control group [patients without COPD,13 males,7 females,with an average age of (61.7±8.8) years] and the COPD group [patients with COPD,15 males,5 females,with an average age of (60.5 ± 9.4) years].Peripheral lung tissues from tumor lesions were detected in this study.The qualitative and quantitative expressions of NF-κB were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot,respectively.TGF-β31 mRNA level was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results The levels of TGF β1 mRNA and NF-κB protein and the NF-κB nucleus positive rate were significantly higher in the COPDgroup than in the control group [(0.42±0.11) vs.(0.34±0.13),(0.24±0.08) vs.(0.12±0.04),57.9％ vs.26.7％,respectively,all P＜0.05].The TGF-β31 mRNA level was positively correlated with the NF-κB protein expression in the 2 groups (r=0.497,0.618,both P＜0.01).The ratio of 1 second forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV1/ FVC) was negatively correlated with TGF-β1 mRNA level and NF-κB protein expression (r=-0.624,r=-0.659,both P ＜0.01) in the COPD group.Conclusions The expression levels of NF-κB and TGF-β1 are significantly increased in patients with COPD,and there is a positive correlation between TGF-β1mRNA level and NF-κB protein expression.NF-κB may participate in regulating TGF-β1 mRNA expression and in contributing to the airway remodeling,thereby in effecting pulmonary function.

Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the proliferation of air?way smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (CEBPα) and calreticulin. Meth?ods (1) The ASMCs were stimulated with different concentrations of CSE for twenty-four hours. According to the concentra?tions of CSE,the cells were divided into control group, 2.5%CSE group, 5%CSE group and 10%CSE group. The prolifera?tion of ASMCs was measured by MTT colrimetric method. The CEBPαmRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR. Western bloting as?say was performed to detect the levels of CRT and CEBPαprotein. (2) In 10%CSE group, transfection of the siRNA respec?tively for negative control or calreticulin was performed in accordance with instructions. The cell proliferation and the expres?sion of calreticulin and CEBPαwere compared in negative control siRNA group and calreticulin siRNA group. Results (1) With the increasing of the concentrations of CSE, the protein expression of CEBPαdecreased gradually (P<0.05), while the proliferation of ASMCs and the protein expression of calreticulin increased (P<0.05), but the expression of CEBPαmRNA in ASMCs showed no significant difference in groups with different concentrations of CSE (P>0.05). (2) Under the 10%CSE, the expression of CEBPαwas significantly higher in CRT siRNA group than that in negative control group (P<0.05),but the cell proliferation and CRT were significantly lower in the calreticulin siRNA group than those in negative control siRNA group (P<0.05). Conclusion The CSE exposure contributes to the expression of calreticulin protein,and then inhibits the translation of CEBPαmRNA,thus promotes the proliferation of ASMCs.

AIM:To observe the change of insulin-like growth factor-2(IGF-2)in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS),and to explore the relationship of IGF-2,OSAHS and cardiovascular disease complicated with it.METHODS:The level of serum IGF-2 in 40 OSAHS patients and 20 healthy controls was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of IGF-2 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS:The serum level of IGF-2 and the expression of IGF-2 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were significantly higher in OSAHS group than those in control group(P

OBJECTIVETo study changes of left ventricular remodeling (LVR) in hypertension patients with carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) of phlegm-dampness syndrome (PDS).

METHODSDoppler ultrasonography data of CAS were observed in 223 hypertension patients with CAS (as the hypertension group, including 119 patients of the PDS group and 104 of the non-PDS group), 81 CAS patients with non-hypertension, and 19 non-hypertension non-CAS patients (as the control group). The difference in the degree of LVR was compared among the above groups.

RESULTSThe left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), inter ventricular septum thickness (IVS), E/A were higher in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group (P < 0.05). The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), stroke volume (SV) were higher in the soft plaque hypertension group and the soft plaque non-hypertension group than in the hard plaque group, the thickening intimal group, and the normal intimal group (P < 0.01 , P < 0.05). The LVEDD, LVESD, and SV were higher, and the ejection fraction (EF) was lower in the PDS hypertension group than in the non-PDS hypertension group (all P < 0.05). Of them, LVEDD, LVESD, and SV were higher in the soft plaque group than in the hard plaque group (P < 0.01), the thickening intimal group (P < 0.01) and the normal intimal group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in PDS hypertension between the soft plaque group and the hard plaque group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe hypertension patients with CAS of PDS might be correlated to LVR, and LVR was more obviously in the soft plaque patients.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carotid Artery Diseases ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography ; Ventricular Remodeling

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) by ethanol on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the kidney of diabetic rats.

METHODSEightheen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): normal control group, diabetes group and ethanol + diabetes group. After 8 weeks, 24 h urine samples from rats were collected to detect urinary protein content. The kidney was isolated and the ratio of kidney weight/body weight (index of kidney weight) was detected. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured. Morphological changes of renal tissue were observed by optical microscope. The protein expressions of ALDH2 and JNK in renal tissue were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control rats, the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the index of kidney weight were increased markedly in diabetic rats. The expression of ALDH2 protein was decreased, while p-JNK, JNK protein expressions and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were increased. The morphological observation was shown that the amount of glomerular mesangial matrix were increased, basement membrane were thickened and capillary lumen were narrowed. However,in ethanol + diabetes group, renal function was improved and the damage of renal structure was attenuated. The expression of ALDH2 protein was increased, while p-JNK, JNK and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were decreased.

CONCLUSIONEnhanced ALDH2 expression can protect kidney in diabetic rats, which may be relevant with inhibitting the activity of JNK pathway.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; physiology ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; enzymology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Kidney ; enzymology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To observe neurophysiological changes and pulmonary function in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and analyze their inter-relationship. Methods Sixty OSAS patients were studied. Their lung function and phrenic motor nerve conduction (PNC) were examined. Thirty cases without respiratory disorder served as controls. The lung function tests included percentage of the predicted value of vital capacity ( VC% ), percentage of the predicted value of maximal voluntary ventilation ( MVV% ), percentage of the predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second ( FEV1% ), inspiratory capacity ( IC), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV). The phrenic nerve was stimulated electrically, and the latent period and the diaphragmatic compound muscle action potential (dCMAP) were recorded. Results The VC%, MVV%, FEV1% , IC and ERV of the patients with OSAS were significantly lower than those of the controls. There was no significant difference between the patients and the controls with regard to their PNC latency. In the OSAS patients the amplitude ratio of their dCMAPs was positively correlated with VC% , MVV% , FEV1% , IC and ERV, and negatively with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI).Conclusions PNC examination can provide valuable information for evaluating diaphragmatic dysfunction in those with abnormal lung function. Decreased dCMAP might be associated with abnormal lung function.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-inflammatory effects on the vessel wall of rosuvastatin in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

METHODSEight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a normal chow diet were treated with vehicle or various doses of rosuvastatin (1, 5, or 20 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection for 2 or 6 weeks prior to sacrifice. Endothelial adhesiveness for monocytes was determined by functional binding assay. The expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the vessel wall were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSEndothelial adhesiveness for monocytes was significantly attenuated after 2 or 6 weeks treatments with 5 or 20 mg/kg rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin also significantly reduced the expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the vessel wall.

CONCLUSIONThe anti-inflammatory effects of suvastatin might be responsible for attenuating the pathogenesis of atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Animals ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; Fluorobenzenes ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Monocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Pyrimidines ; pharmacology ; Rosuvastatin Calcium ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effects of close reduction and proximal femoral locking plate fixation for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults.

METHODSFrom August 2010 to 2014 August, 54 patients with displaced femoral neck fracture were treated with closed reduction and proximal cannulated screw locking plate fixation. There were 34 males and 20 females, aged from 18 to 55 years with an average of 39.8 years. The informations of fracture healing and complications were recorded after operation. According to Harris criteria, the function of hip joint was evaluated.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 4 to 24 months with an average of 11.3 months. Three cases occurred fracture nonunion, fracture union rate was 94.4%(51/54), union time was from 3 to 6 months with an average of 4.1 months. Among the healed 51 cases, the median of femoral neck shorten was 0.8 mm with the mean of (0.48±0.46) mm. No complications such as infection, internal fixation displacement were found during follow up. According to Harris criteria, 40 cases obtained excellent results, 9 good, 2 fair, 3 poor.

CONCLUSIONSClose reduction and proximal femoral locking plate fixation is an effective method in treating femoral neck fracture in young adults, it has advantages of avoiding the femoral neck crispation, reliable fixation, high rate of fracture union and good functional recovery.

OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of short message system (SMS) and internet usage in patients visiting the SingHealth Polyclinics and to measure patients' acceptance of using these technologies in healthcare delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODSA representative sample of patients visiting the 9 SingHealth Polyclinics were interviewed in-person by trained medical students. Collected information included demographic characteristics, access to and usage of mobile phone/SMS and internet, as well as acceptance and concerns on using these technologies in primary healthcare delivery.

RESULTSAmong 705 patients surveyed (mean age: 54.6 years, female: 50.6%, response rate: 92%), 407 (57.7%) were SMS users and 158 (22.4%) were internet users. Two hundred and eighty-four of 412 SMS and/or internet users (40.3% of the entire sample) were comfortable with the use of these technologies in healthcare delivery. Malay or Indian ethnicity, better education, and visiting the clinic for acute symptoms or screening were factors positively associated with willingness to use such technologies. The main concerns associated with the use of SMS and internet in healthcare delivery were preference for in-person consultation with a doctor (23.5%), reduced patient-doctor interaction (23.0%), and increased healthcare cost (20.8%).

CONCLUSIONThe present prevalence of SMS and internet usage among patients visiting the SingHealth Polyclinics and their concerns towards use of these technologies in healthcare delivery do not support current widespread implementation of services entailing SMS and internet in the study sites.

Adult ; Aged ; Attitude to Computers ; Communication ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Delivery of Health Care ; Female ; Humans ; Internet ; utilization ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patients ; Physician-Patient Relations ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources share many similar characteristics, they also exhibit individual properties. OBJECTIVE: To compare the biological characteristics of MSCs derived from umbilical cord and decidua parietalis. METHODS: Growth curve, cell doubling time, clone formation rate, immune phenotype, differentiation capacity and secreted cytokine levels were analyzed in MSCs derived from umbilical cord and decidua parietalis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: MSCs from umbilical cord and the decidua basalis exhibited similar morphology, spiral growth, S-shaped growth curve, immunophenotype, and differentiation potentials to osteogenesis and adipogenesis. For two kinds of MSCs, the positive rates of CD73, CD90 and CD105 were over 95% and the positive rates of CD34 and CD45 were below 1%. The growth rate, cell doubling time and clone formation rate of umbilical cord derived MSCs at passages 2 and 5 were significantly higher than those of decidua parietalis derived MSCs at passages 2 and 5 (P < 0.05). The level of epidermal growth factor secreted from umbilical cord MSCs was significantly higher that that from decidua basalis derived MSCs, while the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and stem cell growth factor from umbilical cord derived MSCs was significantly lower those from decidua basalis derived MSCs (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that MSCs from both sources have similar biological properties, but umbilical cord derived MSCs are deemed to have better application prospects.