BackgroundWith the number of diabetics increases,people pay more attention to the diabetic keratopathy.The major mechanism leading to diabetic keratopathy is diabetic corneal neuropathy.So it is significant to observe pathologic mechanism of diabetic corneal neuropathy. Objective To investigate the protective effects of edaravone( a free radical scavenger) on corneal nerve of rats with experimental diabetic corneal neuropathy,then explain the effects of oxidative stress in the pathologic mechanism of diabetic corneal neuropathy. Methods Seventy Sprague-Daxley male rats were taken as experimental subjects and 20 of them were used as normal control group.The remaining 50 were induced to be diabetic mellitus by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and divided into 2 groups randomly:edaravone treated group and diabetic control group.In the edaravone treated group,edaravone(0.2 g/L) eye drops were used 3 times a day until the animal was killed.Five rats in each group were sacrificed at 6,8,10 and 12 weeks respectively.Then the corneal sensation,number of corneal nerve fibers,morphology,content of malondialdehyde(MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) in the corneal tissue were detected.ResultsIn the diabetic control group,the corneal sensation and the number of corneal nerve fibers were decreased,the density of neural network for cluster was sparse,the nerve activity was decreased,the content of MDA in the corneal tissue was significantly increased,the activity of SOD in the corneal tissue was significantly decreased (P＜0.01 ).Accompany with the course of disease,the above change was obvious day after day.Compared with the diabetic control group,the corneal sensation and the morphological abnormalities in corneal nerve of edaravone group were improved significantly which had the partial branches to the 12th week,the content of MDA in the corneal tissue was significantly decreased,the activity of SOD in the corneal tissue was significantly increased (P＜0.01).Conclusions Edaravone can lower diabetic corneal nerve of rats with experimental diabetic corneal neuropathyinjury,Oxidative stress may be a critical pathologic mechanism of diabetic corneal neuropathy.

Objective To investigate the effect of valsartan,an angiotensinⅡtype 1 receptor (AT1 R)blocker,on radiosensitivity,invasive potential and proliferation activity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells(CNE-2)in vitro. Methods Radiosensitization of valsartan on CNE-2 cells in vitro was investigated by colony forming assay.Effect of ATl R blocker combined with radiation on invasive potential of CNE-2 cells was evaluated using 24-well Matrigel invasion chambers(Transwell).Apoptosis-inducing effect of valsartan combined with radiation on apoptosis of CNE-2 was identified by flowcytometry(FCM). Resuits When valsartan was given at 10-9.10-8 and 10-7 mol/L combined with radiation,sensitivity enhancement ratios (SER)were 1.10,1.20 and 1.36.and the invasive inhibition rates were 8.11%,16.49%and 16.77%,respectively.The SER of valsartan on CNE-2 distinctly increased when the exposure time was increased.After 24 h exposure to 10-8 mol/L valsartan combined witIl radiation.the apoptosis rate was 1.89%±0.09%,which was higher than 1.62%±0.06%in radiation alone group(t=4.79.P＜0.05). Conclusions AT1 R blocker valsartan combined with radiation can significantly inhibit the proliferation activity of nasophar,cngeal carcinoma cells in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner.Valsartan combined with radiation can potently inhibit the invasive potential of CNE-2.which may be involved in the mechanism of valsartan treatment in vivo.

BACKGROUND:Isoflurane cannot only induce a wide range of large neuronal apoptosis, but also inhibit hippocampal neurogenesis in neonatal rats, thereby resulting in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory defects.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the isoflurane effect on proliferation and differentiation of the hippocampal neural stem cels.
METHODS:Twenty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into air group and isoflurane group (n=13 per group). Rats in the isoflurane group were subjected to 2.5% isoflurane inhalation for 3 minutes folowed by 1.5% isoflurane inhalation for 4 hours. Rats in the air group only breathed in air. After the intervention, blood glucose and arterial blood gas changes were detected in the two groups. Additionaly, rats in the two groups were given intraperitoneal injection of 5-bromodeoxyuridine before and after intervention. At 24 hours after the last injection of 5-bromodeoxyuridine, brain tissues were taken to make frozen sections for immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were no significant difference in pH, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3, BE and SaO2 levels between the two groups (P> 0.05). Compared with the air group, the number of BrdU+ cels was significantly less in the isoflurane group (P < 0.05), while the number of NeuroD+/BrdU+ cels was significantly higher in the isoflurane group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 23% in the isoflurane group, which was significantly higher than that in the air group (7.7%;P < 0.05). These findings indicate that isoflurane can inhibit the proliferation of neural stem cels in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and promote their differentiation into neurons.

Objective To explore the expression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) in cervical carcinoma and its significance. Methods The pathological specimens were collected from 62 female patients, who were admitted to 307 Hospital of PLA from Jan. 1999 to Mar. 2005, including 31 cases of cervical carcinomas, 15 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and 16 cases of normal cervix. Surgery or biopsy was performed. Expression of COX-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between COX-1 and clinicopathological feature was analyzed. Results The major sites of COX-1 expression were localized in cytoplasm, and next in cell membrane. Strongly positive expression of COX-1 was observed in cervical carcinomas, and weakly positive expression of COX-1 in cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia, with positive rates of 81% and 13%, respectively. There was no COX-1 expression in normal cervix. A significant difference was observed among these specimens. No obvious correlation was found between COX-1 expression and patient's age, tumor differentiation degree snd clinical stages. Conclusion Expression of COX-1 may serve as an auxiliary parameter for diagnosis, therapeutic scheme option, and prognosis of patients with cervical carcinoma.

Objective To explore the impact of berberine on serum levels of insulin resistance and cytokines in schizophrenia patients treated with risperidone. Methods Sixty-four schizophrenia patients treated with risperidone were randomized to berberine group (n=31) and control group (n=33). The fasting plasma blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (Fins) were detected before and after treatment in two groups. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay before and after the treatment. Results Compared with control group and pre-treatment group, the levels of FBG, Fins, HOMA-IR, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased after treatment in berberine group (P<0.05). The FBG level was significantly higher, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-αwere significantly lower, after treatment in control group (P < 0.01). There were no significant changes in Fins and HOMA-IR after treatment (P > 0.05). There was positive correlation between HOMA-IR and IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in berberine group (r=0.316, 0.351 and 0.401, P<0.01). Conclusion Berberine can significantly decrease FBG, Fins, HOMA-IR, IL-
1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in schizophrenia patients treated with risperidone. The HOMA-IR level is closely correlated with IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-αlevels.

PurposeTo study the patterns of the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and evaluate the relationship between the expression and nerve invasion and lymph node metastasis. MethodsThe immunohistochemical location of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was evaluated by using Envision immunoperoxidase technique. Studies were performed in 53 surgical excised specimens. The immunohistochemical staining results were densitometrically semiquantitatived. ResultsThe expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma were 67.92 % and 79.25 % respectively. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma with nerve invasion were much higher than those without invasion(P＜ 0.05, P＜ 0.05 respectively), and the percentage of lymph node metastasis rose with the change of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P ＜ 0.05, P ＜ 0.05 respectively). ConclusionsThe results indicate that the rise of MMP-2 and MMP-9 correlate with the nerve invasion and lymph node metastasis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the contribution of the GJB6 gene [encoding connexin 30 (C?30)] mutations in Chinese population with sporadic non-syndromic hearing impairment. METHODS PCR reactions were performed with two pair of primers for the coding sequence of GJB6 gene and for the deletion of GJB6. PCR products bidirectional sequencing was subsequently applied in 214 patients with hearing loss and 86 normal controls. RESULTS A novel heterozygous mutation-233(C→A) was found, which results in amino acid change, A78D. This mutation wasn't detected in the control subjects. The altered valine residue lies within the second conserved transmembrane domain. The large deletion△(GJB6/ D13S1830)] of GJB6 was not found in this group. CONCLUSION The large deletion of GJB6 was not found in the Chinese deafness population. A novel heterozygous mutation of GJB6 was found. These results indicated GJB6 mutations are not a major cause of hearing loss in the Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Ac-hE-18A-NH2 on TNF-α secretion and mRNA expression in ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and to elucidate the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Macrophages were incubated in the medium containing various concentrations of Ac-hE18A-NH2 (1-50 μg/mL) with ox-LDL (50 μg/mL) stimulated. The TNF-α level and intracellular cholesterol content were measured by commercially available quantitation kits following the manufacturer's instructions. TNF-α and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mRNA expression were detected by real-time PCR. ABCA1 and IκB protein -expression in the macrophages were determined by Western blot. NF-κB activity was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS: Ox-LDL stimulation induced a significant increase in TNF-α secretion, mRNA expression, cholesterol accumulation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity in RAW264.7 macrophages. Ac-hE-18A-NH2 reduced TNF-α secretion and mRNA expression, up-regulated the ABCA1 mRNA and protein expression, reduced the intracellular cholesterol content, and inhibited NF- κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. Under the same condition and the same concentration, Ac-hE-18A-NH2 was more efficient than D-4F (apoA-I mimetic peptide) in inhibiting the inflammatory response induced by ox-LDL in the macrophages. CONCLUSION Ac-hE-18A-NH2 may suppress TNF-α secretion and mRNA expression in ox-LDL stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via IκB-NF-κB signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory effect of Ac-hE-18A-NH2 is better than that of apoA-I mimic peptide D-4F.
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1 ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; I-kappa B Proteins ; metabolism ; Inflammation ; metabolism ; Lipoproteins ; pharmacology ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Mice ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Peptide Fragments ; pharmacology ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Abstract: Objective　A survey on the plague foci in Qiaojia County of Jinsha River Basin was conducted to understand the composition of plague host vectors and the prevalence of plague among animals, to explore the occurrence and epidemic risk of plague, and to provide scientific basis for plague monitoring and control in this area. Methods　Seven villages and towns in Qiaojia County were selected as the research areas, and the cage night method and the clamp line method were used to investigate the small mammals and their surface parasitic fleas. The host animal organs, serum and surface parasitic flea's samples were collected. The plague indicator animal serum was collected simultaneously on the spot, and the collected host animal organs and flea's samples were cultured and detected for Yersinia pestis. The indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) was used to detect the fraction 1 capsular antigen (F1) antibody of the host animal and the indicator animal serum samples. Results　A total of 525 small mammals belonging to 3 orders, 6 families, 12 genera and 23 species were captured. The dominant species in farming areas were Apodemus chevrieri (31.05%), Niviventer confucianus (13.90%) and Anourosorex squamipes Milne-Edwards (11.43%). The dominant species in residential areas were Rattus norvegicus (66.67%) and Rattus tanezumi (20.00%). The rat densities in agricultural and residential areas were 20.98% and 1.00%, respectively. A total of 277 external parasitic fleas belonging to 15 species, 13 genera, 5 families were collected. The dominant species were Palaeopsylla remota (22.02%), Neopsylla specialis specialis (20.58%), Frontopsylla diqingensis (18.77%) and Ctenophthalmus (Sinoctenophthalmus) quadratus (11.55%), and the rat fleas index was 0.53. No Yersinia pestis was isolated from all rodent organs and flea samples. A total of 167 serum samples from dogs and 15 serum samples from rats were collected, and plague F1 antibody was detected by IHA. IHA detection of plague F1 antibody were negative. Conclusions　Qiaojia County has the distribution of the main host and main vector of plague, and the rat density is high, but the rat body flea index is low. There is no positive detection of plague host animals, vector fleas and indicator animals. It can be considered that the risk of plague occurrence and epidemic in the region is not high in the near future. It is necessary to further strengthen the monitoring and control of plague and other rodent-borne diseases in the region.

Objective To evaluate cerebral parenchymal atrophy of patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD)through the compara-tive analysis of the volume and morphology of the brain ventricle between patients with AD and normal elderly.Methods 20 patients with AD and 20 normal elderly people were scanned at 3.0T MR,and lateral ventricle section images were achieved,and the lateral ventricle volume and the anterior horn,posterior horn and temporal horn of the lateral ventricle were calculated by analyzing the re-construction of section images with MIMICS software from Belgian.Results As compared with normal elderly group,the patients with AD exhibited significantly increased the volume of left ventricular volume(LV),right ventricular volume (RV)and total vol-ume (TV)(P<0.05).Angle of bilateral anterior horn and temporal horn but not posterior horn of the lateral ventricle in patients with AD were significantly higher than that in normal elderly (P<0.05).The volume of the left,right and total cerebral ventricle, the angle of the anterior horn of the left and right lateral ventricle and the angle of the temporal horn of the left and right lateral ven-tricle were negatively correlated with MMSE (P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with AD exhibites significantly greater volume and an-gle of the lateral ventricular than normal elderly people.These related data measured can predict brain parenchymal atrophy of pa-tients with AD more conveniently and accurately.