[ABSTRACT]OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to analyze the screened miRNAs related to the chemosensitivity for the TPF regimen of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma by miRNA array, and provide a set of miRNAs that may be useful for the development of novel diagnostic markers and more effective therapeutic strategies from the screened miRNAs.METHODSA total number of 21 patients who underwent TPF induction chemotherapy for primary hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were recruited for miRNA array analysis. 12 patients are sensitive to chemotherapy, and 9 patients are not. Moreover, the selected putative regulated miRNAs were also validated by RT-PCR in another 24 patients (14 patients are sensitive to chemotherapy, and others are not).RESULTSThere were 24 miRNA significantly differencial to the sensitivity to chemotherapy, and 6 miRNAs were up-regulated in the TPF group while 18 miRNA were down-regulated (P<0.05). To identify typical miRNA, mirfocus 3.0 database selected four miRNAs hsa-miR-211-3p, hsa-miR-4253, hsa-miR-4443, and hsa-miR-193b-3p, which were significant down-regulated in TPF-sensitive group. QRT-PCR further validated that only three miRNA (hsa-miR-4253、hsa-miR-4443、hsa-miR-193b-3p) were under-expressed in TPF-sensitive group of another 24 tissue samples (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONMiRNA hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-4253, hsa-miR-4443 were identified in TPF-sensitive tissues by microarrays, and further validated by RT-PCR. These down-regulated miRNAs may act as novel biomarkers to classify TPF sensitivity of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients and will contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis of the chemosensitivity in the disease.

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of bladder saline perfusion before catheter removal in TURP patients. Methods From 2009 to 2011,140 patients received TURP were enrolled in this study.Patients were divided into perfusion group (70 cases with bladder saline perfusion before catheter removal) and control group (70 cases without perfusion). Results Comparing with the control group (33.1 ± 5.4) min,the time waiting for urination was shorter in perfusion group ( 3.7 ± 0.2 ) min ( P ＜0.05 ).The recovering time to normal urination was shorter in perfusion group (7.7 ± 1.2 ) d than in control group (11.7 ± 1.3) d (P ＜ 0.05 ) as well.In the first urine after catheter removal and first urine on the next day morning,white blood cell count of 2 groups (4.5 ± 0.1 ) vs ( 6.9 ± 3.5 ) ; ( 3.7 ± 0.2 ) vs (4.3 ±0.5) had significant differences ( P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion Bladder saline perfusion before catheter removal in TURP patients is simple and effective for the restoration of normal voiding.

Objective To discuss the clinical value of 99Tcm-sestamibi(99Tcm-MIBI) myocardial perfusion imaging on detecting myocardial ischemia in children with Kawasaki disease(KD) at convalescence period.Methods Twenty-one children wih KD at convalescence period were divided into 2 groups according to results of echocardiography.Four cases with coronary artery dilation,17 cases without coronary artery dilation.All cases accepted dipyridamole stress myocardial perfusion imaging.These patients who had positive results were given rest myocardial perfusion imaging again next day.Results Among 21 cases,9 cases(42.8%) were positive in perfusion imaging.Four cases with coronary artery dilation showed myocardial ischemia in different degree detected by myocardial perfusion imaging.Among 17 cases without coronary artery dilation,5 cases(29.4%) were positive.Conclusions Compared to echocardiography,99Tcm-MIBI myocardial perfusion imaging can objectively evaluate the location,extent and degree of myocardial ischemia of children with KD.It will be a routine test in observing its phase development.

Calcium hydroxide (CH) is applied to improve disinfection of root canals in most root canal retreatment. This study aimed to analyze the CH removal efficacy using 7 different root preparing files (K file, pre-curved K file, EndoActivator, Ultrasonic file, pre-curved ultrasonic file, F file and needle irrigation alone) with apical transportation. Standardized models of curved canal with such apical transportation or not were set up before applying CH to root canal for 7 days. Seven techniques described above were used for its removal. Then the roots were disassembled and digital photos were taken. The ratio of residual CH in the overall canal surface was calculated using the image analyzer image pro plus 6.0. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test. Results revealed that CH was effectively removed (P<0.05) by using all 6 mechanical methods except irrigation alone. In curved root canals with apical transportation, EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file were found to be more effective in removing CH than the other four file (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference among EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file groups (P>0.05). The percentage of residual CH in the canal with apical transportation was higher than that in the canal without apical transportation (P<0.05). In conclusion, CH can be hardly removed completely. Canal with apical transportation will result in insufficient CH removal. EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file are more effective in the curved root canal with apical transportation.

OBJECTIVETo determine the physiological role of D-bifunctional protein (DBP) in bile acid biosynthesis through investigating the effect of increasing activity of DBP on bile acid biosynthesis.

METHODSTwenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, hepatic DBP activity, and fecal bile acids were assayed. The mRNA levels of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), DBP, and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) were detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with control group, serum triglyceride level was decreased significantly and PPARalphamRNA level was increased significantly in DEHP group (P < 0.01). Together with a sharp induction of DBP mRNA expression and DBP activity in DEHP group (P < 0.01), the levels of CYP7A1 mRNA and fecal bile acids were significantly increased by 1.9 times and 1.6 times respectively compared to control group (P < 0.01). There was a significantly positive correlation between DBP mRNA level or DBP activity and CYP7A1 mRNA level (r = 0.89, P < 0.01; r = 0.95, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe up-regulation of DBP mRNA and activity in liver can result in the increase in CYP7A1 mRNA expression and bile acid biosynthesis, suggesting that DBP may be involved in bile acid biosynthesis together with CYP7A1.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bile Acids and Salts ; biosynthesis ; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase ; analysis ; Enoyl-CoA Hydratase ; metabolism ; Liver ; metabolism ; Male ; Multienzyme Complexes ; metabolism ; PPAR alpha ; analysis ; Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2 ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a disorder involving the pulmonary circulation resulting from a blockage of the pulmonary artery. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aspirin on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity in a rat model of APE. METHODS: A total of 108 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n=18 rats per group): control group, sham operation group, APE model group, and low-, medium- and high-dose aspirin groups. Six, 24, and 72 hours after the induction of APE, rats in the low-, medium- and high-dose aspirin groups were given aspirin at a respective daily dose of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg by gavage for three consecutive days. Rats in the other groups were treated with equal volumes of normal saline. Six rats in each group were anesthetized with 10％ chloral hydrate solution at each time point, and then the lung tissues were colected and analyzed using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Positive immunohistochemical staining was present in the bronchial epithelial cells, alveolar cells, macrophages, and surrounding bronchial smooth muscle cells. When compared with the APE model group, the number of positive cells was significantly lower in the other groups at each time point (P<0.001). Statistically significant differences were also observed among the aspirin-treated groups at 6 hours (P<0.05,P<0.001). Compared with the APE model group, NF-κB protein expression was reduced in the other groups at each time point (P<0.05,P<0.001). Rats from the APE model group had thrombosis, damaged alveolar walls, and pulmonary hemorrhage, along with different degrees of infl ammatory cellular infiltration at each time point. However, pathological changes such as pulmonary hemorrhage and infiltration of inflammatory cells were attenuated after the aspirin treatment. CONCLUSION: Aspirin can significantly inhibit NF-κB activity in the lung of rats with APE in a dose-dependent manner, and can alleviate lung injury after APE.

OBJECTIVETo study the expression changes of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-(alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and their correlation with obesity in 20 -50 years old population of phlegm-damp constitution (PDC) and of normal constitution (NC) using Luminex technique.

METHODSTotally 101 population were recruited from Health Examination Center of Puren Hospital from April to December 2011. Based on body mass index (BMI), the subjects were assigned to four groups, i.e., the obesity of PDC group (Group OBT, BMI > or = 24 kg/m2, 30 cases), the non-obesity of PDC group (Group NOBT, BMI < 24 kg/m2, 25 cases), the obesity of non-PDC group (Group OBNT, BMI > or = 24 kg/m2, 28 cases), the NC group (Group P, BMI < 24 kg/m2, 18 cases). The BMI and body fat percent (FAT%) were compared among the 4 groups. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, CRP, and MCP-1 were measured with Luminex technique.

RESULTSBMI was significantly higher in Group OBT and Group OBNT than in Group NOBT and Group P (all P < 0.05). The FAT% was significantly higher in Group OBT and Group OBNT than in Group P (P < 0.01). The serum TNF-alpha level in Group OBT was higher than in Group P (P < 0.01). The serum CRP and MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in Group OBT, NOBT, and OBNT than in Group P (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The score for PDC was positively correlated with TNF-alpha, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAbnormal higher levels of inflammatory factors exist in 20 -50 years old population of PDC. Chronic inflammation exists in population of PDC and obesity people.

Adult ; Body Mass Index ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Chemokine CCL2 ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Microchip Analytical Procedures ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; blood ; diagnosis ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of carbaryl on serum steroid hormone and function of antioxidant system in female Sprague Dawley rats.

METHODSCarbaryl was administrated to the adult female rats at doses of 0, 1.028, 5.140 and 25.704 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 30 d. Vaginal smears of rats were taken to determine estrous cycle. Serum 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured by spectrophotometry.

RESULTSThe number of estrous cycle in exposed groups were obviously lower than in control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Body weight gain in high dose group (25.704 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) was significantly lower than that in control. Meanwhile, the organ coefficient of ovary and uterus declined in a dose-dependent manner. Serum E(2) level [(19.93 +/- 2.21) nmol/L] in 25.704 mg group was lower than in control group [(28.76 +/- 6.12) nmol/L, P < 0.05], and P(4) level (1.21 +/- 0.40) nmol/L in 1.028 mg group was higher than that in control group [(0.63 +/- 0.39) nmol/L, P < 0.05]. The activity of SOD first reduced then rose in ovary, and first rose then reduced in serum. The contents of MDA increased in ovary, while decreased in the serum. GSH contents and GST activity increased in ovary, while in serum GSH contents decreased and GST activity first increased then decreased.

CONCLUSIONCarbaryl could disrupt estrous cycle and affect serum steroid hormone, and the function of antioxidant system in female SD rats.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Carbaryl ; toxicity ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Glutathione ; blood ; Glutathione Transferase ; blood ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Progesterone ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

AIMTo evaluate the joint action of phoxim and fenvalerate on the reproductive function in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODSThe 2 x 2 factorial analysis experiment was used in the study. The pesticides were orally given at daily doses of phoxim (Pho) 8.2 mg/kg, fenvalerate (Fen) 3.3 mg/kg and Pho 8.2+Fen 3.3 mg/kg (Pho:Fen = 5:2), 5 days a week for 60 days. Sperm motility was measured with computer-assisted sperm motility analysis (CASA) and daily sperm production estimated. Immunoenzymatic method and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the serum testosterone and the testicular morphology, respectively.

RESULTSThere were significant decreases in sperm motility parameters in the treated animals, including straight line velocity (VSL), beat cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR). After treated with Fen, significant decreases in VSL, LIN and STR were demonstrated. Significant decreases of daily sperm production were seen in animals treated with Pho and Pho+Fen in comparison with the controls. Serum testosterone levels were not significantly changed in the treated groups. Factorial ANOVA showed that no significant interactions were noted between Pho and Fen in sperm motility, sperm production and serum testosterone. Both the single and mixed pesticides caused various degrees of testicular lesions, involving vacuolation of endoplasmic reticulum and necrosis of Sertoli cells.

CONCLUSIONThe pesticides may cause sperm motility changes and testicular lesions in male rats. The action of Pho and Fen may be additive.

Animals ; Drug Interactions ; Insecticides ; pharmacology ; Male ; Nitriles ; Organothiophosphorus Compounds ; pharmacology ; Pyrethrins ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reproduction ; drug effects ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects ; Spermatozoa ; drug effects ; Testis ; cytology ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Testosterone ; blood

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to analyze the screened miRNAs related to tumorigenesis using miRNA array in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and provide a set of miRNAs that may be useful for the development of novel diagnostic markers and/or more effective therapeutic strategies from the screened miRNAs in LSCC. METHODS A total number of 5 patients who underwent surgery for primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were recruited for miRNA array analysis. LSCC tissues compared with corresponding adjacent non-neoplastic tissues were analyzed by the Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA Array 3.0 to screen effective miRNAs, and the raw dataset had been submitted to Gene Expression Omnibus. Then mirfocus 3.0 database was adopted to analyze putative regulated miRNAs related to MCM4, a gene related to tumorigenesis we had studied previously in LSCC. Moreover, the selected putative regulated miRNAs were also validated by qRT-PCR in another 21 patients diagnosed as LSCC. RESULTS Analyzed by the miRNAs arrays, there were 127 miRNAs significantly related to tumorigenesis, and 78 showed a higher expression in tumor than in non-tumor tissue while 49 presented the contrasting pattern (P<0.01). Then analyzed by mirfocus 3.0 database, there were 2 putative regulated miRNAs, hsa-miR-24-3p and hsa-miR-183-5p, related to the expression of MCM4. Another miRNA we should focus on was hsa-miR-30a-5p, which was down-expressed obviously analyzed by the miRNA array. The expression of the 3 putative regulated miRNAs were also validated by qRT-PCR in another 21 patients, and the result was the same with that in miRNA array (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The 3 putative miRNAs based on miRNA array analysis, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-183-5p and hsa-miR-30a-5p, could be considered as potential diagnostic and therapeutic markers in LSCC. The result will contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis of LSCC and help to improve the treatment.