Objective:To study the inhibition of collagen-induced arthritis by an altered CⅡ263-272 peptide(sub268-270) with three consecutive substitutions of TCR-contacting residues.Methods:Arthritis was induced by bovine collagen type Ⅱ. The altered peptide sub268-270 was given intravenously with a dose of 90 ?g once a week. Peptide control and blank control were treated with similar approaches. The therapeutic effect of the altered peptide was evaluated by arthritis score index, radiological score and pathological score.Results:The arthritis score of rats treated with altered peptide, control peptide and blank control were 5.60?1.24, 11.20?1.21 and 11.80?1.22 respectively(P

Cardiovascular Diseases ; etiology ; Diet ; Glycemic Index ; Humans

Objective:To develop a catalytic system for the asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman ( MBH) reaction of conjugated ni-troalkene with activated aldehyde, and screen out the chiral catalysts with high activity and enantioselectivity. Methods: Totally 21 chiral organocatalysts were applied in the asymmetric MBH reaction ofβ-nitrostyrene with ethyl glyoxylate, and the ee value was deter-mined by chiral HPLC. The effects of temperature, solvent and substrate ratio on the catalytic reaction were investigated. Results: In the presence of cinchona alkaloid catalyst (DHQ)2AQN, β-nitrostyrene reacted with ethyl glyoxylate in toluene at 0℃ affording the MBH adduct in 60% yield with good enantioselectivity (up to 56.9% ee). Conclusion: The bis-cinchona alkaloids with aromatic bridging group are the efficient catalysts for the asymmetric MBH reaction ofβ-nitrostyrene with ethyl glyoxylate, and moderate isolated yield and enantioselectivity are obtained.

Objective To investigate the mRNA expression of UPA and MMP-9 in gastric carcinoma and their correlation with histological type, growth-type, differentiation, vessel invasion, metastasis and prognosis. MethodsIn situ hybridization was used to detect the mRNA expression of UPA and MMP-9. ResultsIn situ hybridization revealed that among 105 cases, the positive rates of UPA mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA were both 58.1%. There was no significant relationship between UPA mRNA and histological type( r _ s = 0.123, P =0.210)and differentiation ( r _ s =0.102, P =0.298)of the tumor. However, there was a significant difference between growth-type( r _ s =0.344, P =0.001),tumor invasion depth( r _ s =0.296, P =0.002),vessel invasion( r _ s =0.198, P =0.042),lymph node( r _ s =0.332, P =0.001)and distant metastasis( r _ s =0.530, P =0.001);there was no significant relationship between MMP-9 mRNA staining and histological type( r _ s =0.143, P =0.145)and differentiation( r _ s =0.102, P =0.298)of the tumor. However, there was a statistically significant difference between growth-type( r _ s =0.267, P =0.006),tumor invasion depth ( r _ s =0.335, P =0.001)、vessel invasion( r _ s =0.209, P =0.032),lymph node( r _ s =0.343, P =0.001)and distant metastasis( r _ s =0.468, P =0.001);There was a positive relationship between UPA mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA expression( r _ s =0.237, P =0.015). The mean survival time in cases with positive UPA mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA expression were significantly shorter than that of cases with negative expression. ConclusionThe mRNA expression of UPA and MMP-9 can predict the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma, They can be used as markers of prognosis of gastric carcinoma in clinical practice.

Asphyxia Neonatorum ; blood ; drug therapy ; Creatine Kinase, MB Form ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Naltrexone ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Peptide Fragments ; blood

Many species of genus Bupleurum L. have been pharmaceutically used mainly in Asia and Europe for thousand years. Their roots are the most popular ingredients in Chinese materia medica prescriptions for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and auto-immune diseases. A plenty of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from the species in Bupleurum L., such as saikosaponins, polysaccharides, volatile oils, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, lignins, and coumarins, most of which possess a variety of biological activities, especially for the hepatoprotective effect, antitumor activity, immunoregulation, and febrifuge efficacy. Therefore, the species in genus Bupleurum L. could be potential herbs of immunomodulator, antineoplastic, anti-oxidant, etc. Meanwhile, as potential toxicities have been discovered in some constituents, it is urgent to establish a comprehensive quality evaluation system to ensure the safety and efficiency of herbs. This paper reviews on the phytochemical and pharmacological studies, especially for the toxicology and quality control of the species in Bupleurum L., which is a reference for the species in this genus for safe usage and further development. © 2013 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines.

In order to investigate the comprehensive quality differences of the seeds harvested in different growing time, and offer theoretical guide for the optimization of seeds' production technology, we analyzed the apparent size, 1 000-grain weight, water absorbency, germination indexes, postharvest embryo rate change, relatively contents of coumarins and the yield of single plant of its seeds of different harvesting time, and compared their comprehensive quality by Topsis analysis. The results showed that there existed obvious differences in yield and quality between seeds of 3 harvesting times. While the harvesting time postponed, the yield of single plant raised, and the shrunken seeds rate decreased, the quality of seedlings increased, while the contents of coumarins showed a steady increase, and the germination rate decreased. The comprehensive quality of the seeds harvested in the black ripe time rank the first place, followed by the brown ripe time and the yellow ripe time. As the harvesting time delays, the seeds' comprehensive quality increases, therefore, we could put off the seeds' harvesting time properly for the high efficient seed production.
Bupleurum ; growth & development ; metabolism ; physiology ; Germination ; Plant Proteins ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Quality Control ; Seeds ; growth & development ; metabolism ; physiology ; Solubility ; Time Factors ; Water ; metabolism

AlM:To investigate the expression transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and heat shock protein 47 (HSP-47), in pterygium and normal conjunctiva tissues, in order to study the roles of these cytokines played in the pathogenesis in human pterygium.
METHODS:The expression difference of TGF-β1, HSP-47 between human pterygium and normal conjunctive tissues were compared by immuno - histochemistry technique.
RESULTS:The positive expression of TGF-β1, HSP-47 was stronger than in normal conjunctive tissues ( P <0. 05), the TGF-β1 expressed in all layers of pterygium, especially in the squamous epithelium, in the inflammation cells and vascular endothelial cells also expressed. The HSP-47 showed higher expressed in the lamina propria layer of pterygium, and weakly expressed in epithelial layer, no obvious expression in normal conjunctive tissues.
CONCLUSlON:Over-expression of TGF-β1 and HSP-47 in pterygium compared to the normal conjunctiva tissues may play a critical role during the occurrence, development and invasion of the pterygium.

Objective To observe the pathological changes of bone hydatid cyst of meriones meridianus after radiation therapy,and to investigate the clinical effect of radiotherapy on bone hydatid disease.Methods Ascus was dissected sterilely from sheep liver that naturally infected with Echinococcus granulomas,sheared and sac skin removed.Then it was washed and precipitated with 0.9％ sterile saline for 3 times,and scolex was HE stained and counted,from which a 20 ml suspension was made containing 12 × 106/L of scolex.Health meriones meridianus (referred to as gerbil) 140,male and female were in each half,aged 2 to 3 months,body weight(38 ± 6)g,were involved in the study.Gerbil was injected a 0.2 ml suspension containing Echinococcus granulomas scolex into hind tibial periosteum,and X-ray was taken 12 months after the injection.According to the bone destruction in the vaccination site,gerbil hindleg tibia with clear jagged bone destruction was treated as inclusion criteria,and 72 animal were selected as gerbil bone hydatid disease animal models,male and female were in each half.A tatal of 72 gerbils were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group,40 beequerel(Gy) group,50 Gy group and 60 Gy group,18 rats in each group,male and female in each half.The model animals were treated with radiotherapy for 5 times,with 2 d interval,and radiation dose was 300 cGy/min.Each group of gerbils was sacrificed after radiotherapy,bone Echinococcus granulomas cysts was taken out sterilely,and observed by light and electron microscope.Intracapsular cyst fluid was extracted,washed and precipitated with 0.9％ sterile saline repeatedly,and and the pellet was HE stained for observation of scolex morphology and activity by light microscope.Results The morphology and activity ofEchinococcus granulomas in cystic fluid in control group were normal; the morphology and activity of Echinococcus granulomas were still normal in the 40 Gy group,and Echinococcus granulomas was not stained red; but those were abnormal,deformation and atrophy and stained red in the 50 Gy group; and were stained red,deformed,fractured and were wrapped by unknown in the 60 Gy group.By light microscope,the germinal layer,cuticle layer,brood capsule and histological structure of protoscolex were basically normal in irradiated region in the control group.The pathological changes of hydatid cyst in the 40 Gy group were mainly degeneration,structure of hydatid cyst was abnormal,stratum corneum was extensive edema,germinal layer became thinner and the fertile cyst was rare.The main pathological change of hydatid cyst in the 50 Gy group was that corneous layer was widely fractured,and the germinal layer was edema,buckling folds,cells decreased,rare seen brood capsule and scolex; the main pathological changes of hydatid cyst were mainly necrosis in the 60 Gy group,cuticle was extensive fault,stratum corneum and germinal layer was separated,germinal layer was atrophy and disorder,no brood capsule and scolex.By electron microscope,cuticle structure of Echinococcus granulomas cyst was clear,microvillus arranged neatly,morphology and structure of the cell and organelle in cytoplasm were normal in the control group.There were many inflammatory cells infiltrating germinal layer of Echinococcus granulomas cyst,microfilament and contents in microfilament were reduced in the 40 Gy group.Microvillus of Echinococcus granulomas disappeared,nuclear membrane was unclear,endoplasmic and mitochon eclasis,lymphocyte nuclear chromatin was clumping and edge set and in circular permutation in the 50 Gy group.Microvillus disappeared,perinuclear membrane indistinct and ruptured,parts of nucleoli were fragmented and marinated,endoplasmic reticulum was extensive expansion,mitochondria was pyknosis and obvious vacuolization,lymphocyte nuclear chromatin clumping and edge set,lysosomes and macrophage emerge in the 60 Gy group.Conclusions Radiotherapy can destroy the morphology and structure of bone hydatid cyst,radioactivity at 50 Gy has a lethal effect on hydatid cyst.Radiation treatment of bone hydatid disease has a good clinical effect.

Molecular biology experiment is an important course for postgraduates in medical university.Through updating and optimizing what to teach(emphasizing study design,setting up comprehensive experiment and updating practical techniques),improving teaching mode(paying attention to experimental preparation,teacher qualification and postgraduates' capability training) and perfecting evaluation approaches(combining the experiment report with experimental summary and regular grades with experimental practice),good results have been obtained.