OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Chinese drugs of Jianpi Huayu (JPHY, strengthening Pi and dissolving stasis) on healing quality of gastric ulcer and its mechanism.

METHODSThe gastric ulcer model was established by subserous injection of ethanoic acid in rats. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, the blank group, the model group, the ranitidine (RT) group and the JPHY group. Quantity of regenerative mucosa of healed gastric ulcer was determined using HE stain, epidermal growth factor (EGF) content in serum and stomach mucosa was detected by RIA and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThickness of regenerated mucosa in the CHM group was higher than that in the model group and the RT group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); EGF content in mucosa in the JPHY group and the RT group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.01) and EGFR protein expression in the JPHY group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONJPHY could improve the proliferation of epithelial cells, inhibit gastric acid, improve microcirculation of gastric mucosa through the mediation of EGFR, so as to elevate the healing quality of gastric ulcer, display its anti-ulcer action.

Acetic Acid ; Animals ; Anti-Ulcer Agents ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Gastric Mucosa ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Stomach Ulcer ; chemically induced ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic ACTH syndrome.

METHODSClinical data of 32 cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome, recruited from January 1990 to April 2003 in our hospital, was analyzed.

RESULTSAll of the 32 cases presented with clinical and biochemical evidences of Cushing's syndrome. Ten cases were definitively diagnosed as ectopic ACTH syndrome by finding ectopic tumors; 4 cases were highly suspected as ectopic ACTH by blood sampling from femoral vein and infra-petrosal vein and 18 cases were suspected as ectopic ACTH by imaging examinations. Fifteen cases (47%), without identified source of ectopic hormone, were treated with bilateral or unilateral total adrenalectomy, with 1-year survival rate of 60%. Seven cases (22%), with possible source of ectopic hormone, underwent no intervention, with 1-year survival rate of 0. Ten cases underwent radical resection of tumor, 6 of which were bronchial carcinoids and 4 of which were thymic carcinoids, with 1-year survival rate of 60%.

CONCLUSIONIt is very difficult to localize the tumor of ectopic ACTH syndrome patients. Bilateral adrenalectomy followed by hormonal replacement is effective for most of the patients without identifying source of ectopic hormone.

ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic ; diagnosis ; mortality ; therapy ; Adolescent ; Adrenalectomy ; methods ; Adult ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Survival Rate

Adult ; Foreign Bodies ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography ; Stents ; adverse effects ; Ureter

OBJECTIVETo develop a real-time fluorescent PCR protocol suitable for the routine screening of AZFc/DAZ microdeletions on the Y chromosome in azoospermic and oligozoospermic male infertility patients.

METHODSA set of real-time fluorescent PCR was established. Eighty-seven azoospermic and ligozoospermic patients undergoing ICSI in the IVF center and 30 azoospermic men undergoing testicular biopsy in the clinic of urology surgery were screened for AZFc/DAZ microdeletions of Y chromosome.

RESULTSEleven cases (9.4%) of AZFc/DAZ microdeletions were found in 117 cases of azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients by screening of realtime fluorescent PCR. Four cases (6.6%) were found in 61 oligozoospermic patients, and 7 cases (12.5%) were found in 56 azoospermic patients.

CONCLUSIONThe real-time fluorescent PCR protocol presented in this study is an easy and reliable method for detection of AZFc/DAZ microdeletions on the Y chromosome, which yields identical results to those of the multiplex PCR.

Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; Deleted in Azoospermia 1 Protein ; Fluorescence ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the quantities of monocyte-derived dendritic cell precursors (pDC1) and plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors (pDC2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients before and after immune suppressive therapy (IST), the ratio of the pDC1 to pDC2, and the expression of co-stimulating molecules (CD80, CD86, CD40) on dendritic cells (DC) and B cells in SAA patients.

METHODSBy means of three color monoclonal antibody labeling technology, the quantities and ratio of pDC1 and pDC2 in PBMC were detected in 26 SAA patients at active phase, 13 at recovery phase and 15 normal controls respectively. The aforementioned parameters of 10 SAA patients were tested before and 2 months after IST. The expression of CD80, CD86 and CD40 on DC and B lymphocytes were detected in 16 SAA patients and 15 normal controls.

RESULTSThe percentages of pDC1 and the ratio of pDC1/pDC2 of controls were (0.41 +/- 0.05)% and 1.58 +/- 0.18 respectively, and those of SAA patients at active phase were (0.67 +/- 0.13)% and 2.70 +/- 0.32 respectively, [pDC1 (P < 0.05); pDC1/ pDC2 ratio (P < 0.01)]. The aforementioned parameters in convalescent SAA patients decreased to (0.43 +/- 0.10)%, and 1.78 +/- 0.36 respectively, being no difference from those of normal controls. The percentages of pDC1 and pDC2 in 10 SAA patients were (0.87 +/- 0.31)%, and (0.35 +/- 0.09)%, before IST, and (0.24 +/- 0.09)%, (0.14 +/- 0.04)%, after IST, being significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The percentages of CD86 expression on DC of controls was (11.97 +/- 4.31)%, and that of SAA patients was (29.84 +/- 3.02) % (P < 0.05). The percentages of CD80, CD40 and CD86 expression on lymphocytes of controls were (2.57 +/- 0.44)%, (7.34 +/- 1.22)% and (1.86 +/- 1.11)%, respectively, and those of SAA patients were (5.17 +/- 0.68)%, (8.85 +/- 2.94)% and (5.98 +/- 0.96)% respectively (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The percentage of CD86 expression on B lymphocytes in controls was 8.04 +/- 0.66%, and in SAA patients was (20.46 +/- 2.78)%, (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe pDC subtypes were abnormal and the percentage of pDC1 is increased in SAA patients, which are associated with stage of this disease. DC and B Lymphocytes in SAA patients upregulated expression of costimulatory molecules (CD86) which cause the T lymphocyte abnormally activated.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anemia, Aplastic ; immunology ; B-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; metabolism ; B7-1 Antigen ; blood ; B7-2 Antigen ; blood ; CD40 Antigens ; blood ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Convalescence ; Dendritic Cells ; immunology ; metabolism ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of intrathecal ouabain and tizanidine injection for treatment of neuropathic pain in rats.

METHODSMale SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6), namely the control group, ouabain group, tizanidine group, combined ouabain and tizanidine injection group, and the antagonist group. Intrathecal catheter was implanted 7 days before spinal nerve ligation to establish the neuropathic pain model. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) before and after intrathecal administration of the agents was recorded in the rats. Isobolographic analysis was performed to evaluate the interactions between the agents.

RESULTSIntrathecal injection of ouabain (0.25-5 microg) or tizanidine (0.5-5 microg) alone produced dose-dependent analgesic effect against the neuropathic pain (P < 0.05). Isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic interaction between ouabain and tizanidine. Intrathecal pretreatment with atropine (5 microg) or yohimbine (20 microg) antagonized the effects of ouabain and tizanidine administered alone or in combination (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIntathecal injection of ouabain or tizanidine produces dose-dependent analgesic effects against neuropathic pain, and their synergistic effect after combined injection probably involves the cholinergic transmission and alpha2 receptor.

Analgesics ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Clonidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Injections, Spinal ; Ouabain ; administration & dosage ; Pain ; drug therapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Nerves ; injuries

OBJECTIVETo develop a multiplex PCR protocol, which could be suitable for routine screening of microdeletions on the Y chromosome in azoospermic and oligozoospermic male infertility patients.

METHODSFive multiplex sets were established. Eighty-seven azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center and 30 azoospermic men undergoing testicular biopsy in the clinic of Urology Surgery were screened for microdeletions of Y chromosome.

RESULTSA total of 19 (16.2%) cases of microdeletions were found in 117 azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients by screening of Y chromosome microdeletions. Of these, 11 cases (18.0%) were found in 61 oligozoospermic patients, and 8 cases (14.3%) were found in 56 azoospermic patients.

CONCLUSIONThe multiplex PCR protocol presented in this study is an easy-to-do and reliable method for detecting microdeletions on the Y chromosome. Routine screening of microdeletions on the Y chromosome for azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients is essential.

Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; methods ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the abnormal hematopoietic clone burden of the patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and its clinical implication.

METHODSThe ratio of the metaphase with abnormal karyotypes to the total was regarded as the index of MDS clonal burden. Thirteen parameters were assayed and the correlations between these parameters and MDS clone burden were analysed.

RESULTSThe clonal burden of MDS patients was (67.4 +/- 36.2)%. It correlated positively with bone marrow blasts (r = 0.483, P < 0.05), negatively with hemoglobin level (r = -0.445, P < 0.05). The number of blasts, hemoglobin and erythrocytes in high clonal burden (>50%) and low clonal burden (< or = 50%) groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). CD4+ T lymphocytes of MDS patients and normal controls were (274.18 +/-71.85) x 10(6)/L and (454.82 +/- 205.88) x 10(6)/L (P < 0.05) respectively. CD8+ T lymphocytes between MDS patients and normal controls had no difference. The serum level of IL-2 of MDS patients and normal control groups were (6.29 +/- 3.58) g/L and (3.11 +/- 1.40) microg/L (P < 0.05) respectively; but no difference in the serum level of TNF between MDS and control groups. The ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ in high clonal burden patients was 1.90 + 0.52, and in low clonal burden patients was 0.97 +/- 0.44 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe clonal burden and deficient T cell immunity are the indicators for predicting MDS patients clinical progression.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Cells ; pathology ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; genetics ; immunology ; pathology ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo analyse the proportion of hepatitis associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and its clinical features of HAAA.

METHODSAll newly diagnosed SAA cases in our department in the recent 5 years were analyzed. A case-control study was undertaken to investigate the differences of clinical and laboratory features between HAAA and non-hepatitis associated SAA (non-HASAA) patients.

RESULTSThe proportion of HAAA in SAA was 3.3%. There was no significant difference in PB cell counts, bone marrow hematopoiesis status and the amount of blood transfusion between HAAA and non-HASAA patients. Sera from 13 patients with HAAA were tested for antibodies to hepatitis viruses A, B, and C and hepatitis B surface antigen. Twelve (92.3%) of them had negative serologic results for the tests and only one (7.7%) had a positive result for HBsAg and HBeAg. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were decreased prior to the diagnosis in twelve (92.3%) of the 13 HAAA patients. The percentage of CD4(+) cells in HAAA patients was significantly lower than that in non-HASAA patients (P < 0.05). HAAA patients had higher percentages of CD8(+) cells (P < 0.05) and lower ratios of CD4(+)/CD8(+) (P < 0.05). The early infection rate of the HAAA patients was significantly higher than that of non-HASAA patients (84.6% vs 42.3%, P < 0.05), with different mortalities (61.5% vs 15.4%, P < 0.05). The 2-year survival rate of HAAA patients was significantly lower than that of non-HASAA patients (16.6% vs 83.2%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe proportion of HAAA in SAA was 3.3%. Most of HAAA were associated with non-A, non-B and non-C hepatitis virus. Compared with that of non-HASAA, the abnormality of T cell immunity of HAAA was more severe, with a higher frequency of early infection and a higher mortality rate.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anemia, Aplastic ; blood ; complications ; pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepacivirus ; immunology ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis A virus ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis B virus ; immunology ; Hepatitis C Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human ; blood ; complications ; virology ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prognostic value of quantitative chromosomal abnormality in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

METHODSChromosomal karyotypes in seventy-one MDS patients' were analyzed quantitatively. Based on the number of abnormal metaphase in 20 counted metaphases, the patients were divided into three groups: no abnormal karyotypes, abnormal metaphases less than or equal to five, and that more than five. The leukemia transformation rate, death rate and survival time between these three groups were compared.

RESULTSForty-four cases (62.0%) had abnormal karyotypes. The incidences of abnormal karyotypes in RA, RCMD and RAEB were 76.9%, 55.8% and 75.0%, respectively, being no significant difference (P > 0.05). Among the abnormal karyotypes, complex abnormality with two or more abnormal karyotypes was most common and accounted for 47.7%. The frequencies of trisomy 8, monosomy 7 and del 20q were 18.2%, 4.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Other kinds of abnormal karyotypes totally accounted for 25%. There were 27 cases of group 1, 28 of group 2 and 16 of group 3. Eighteen cases (25.4%) transformed to acute leukemia. The incidences of leukemia transformation in group 1, 2 and 3 were 18.5%, 25% and 37.5%, and the death rates were 29.6%, 42.9% and 56.3%, respectively. The median survival times were 60, 47 and 24 months respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe quantitative chromosome abnormality has prognostic value in MDS.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; genetics ; Prognosis