Objective To study the causes, clinical feature,diagnoses and prognosis of pseudoprecocious puberty. Methods Thirty-eight cases with pseudoprecocious puberty were diagnosed by the serum LH and FSH of GnRHa stimulation test, pelvic ultrasonography and bone age assessment; they were treated and followed up. Results Peaks of LH were(0.49?0.48) IU/L, peaks of FSH were(0.54?0.78) IU/L, the level of E2 in 26 cases increased (36.11?15.70) ng/L,17-hydroxyprogesterone of 1 case was beyond 266 nmol/L. All cases showed hysterauxesis (3.98?1.18) mL. Cases of wrong contraceptive intake were 29,5 cases of McCune-Albright syndrome,2 cases of ovarian cyst, 1 case of ovarian granular cell tumor,1 case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Conclusions The causes of pseudoprecocious puberty are multifactors. Early diagnosis,therapy,follow-up are very important for prognosis.

This study is to explore new lead compounds by inhibition of Pin1 for anticancer therapy using temperature sensitive mutants. As Pin1 is conserved from yeast to human, we established a high-throughput screening method for Pin1 inhibitors, which employed yeast assay. This method led to the identification of one potent hits, 8-11. In vitro, 8-11 inhibited purified Pin1 enzyme activity with IC50 of (10.40 +/- 1.68) micromol x L(-1), induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis, showed inhibitory effects on a series of cancer cell proliferation, reduced Cyclin D1 expression, was defined as reciprocally matched for protein-ligand complex in virtual docking analysis and reduced cell migration ability. In vivo, we could observe reduction of tumor volume after treatment with 8-11 in xenograft mice compared with vehicle DMSO treatment. Altogether, these results provide for the first time the involvement of 8-11 in the anticancer activity against Pin1.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor ; methods ; G1 Phase ; High-Throughput Screening Assays ; methods ; Humans ; Mice ; NIMA-Interacting Peptidylprolyl Isomerase ; Neoplasms ; pathology ; Peptidylprolyl Isomerase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Temperature ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Yeasts

The primary object of this fundamental research was to survey the synergistic cardiovascular effects of iptakalim, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) opener, and clinical first-line antihypertensive drugs, such as calcium antagonists, thiazide diuretics and β receptor blockers by a 2 x 2 factorial-design experiment. It would provide a theoretical basis for the development of new combined antihypertensive therapy program after iptakalim is applied to the clinic. Amlodipine besylate, hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol were chosen as clinical first-line antihypertensive drugs. Blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and cardiac functions were observed in anesthetized normal rats by an eight-channel physiological recorder. The results showed that iptakalim monotherapy in a low dose could produce significant antihypertensive effect. There was no interaction between iptakalim and amlodipine on the maximal changes of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (P > 0.05). However, the effects of combination iptakalim/amlodipine on the maximal changes of SBP, DBP, MABP, LVSP and LVEDP were more obvious than those of iptakalim or amlodipine monotherapy. And there was strong positive interaction between iptakalim and amlodipine on the maximal changes of HR (P>0.05). According to the maximal changes of DBP, MABP, LVSP and LVEDP (P < 0.05) of combination iptakalim with hydrochlorothiazide, there was strong positive interaction between them. But there was no interaction between iptakalim and hydrochlorothiazide on the maximal drop of SBP and HR (P > 0.05). According to the maximal drops of DBP, MABP of combination iptakalim with propranolol, there was strong positive interaction between them (P < 0.05). But there was no interaction between iptakalim and propranolol on the maximal changes of SBP, LVSP, LVEDP and HR (P > 0.05). In conclusion, it was the first time to study the effects of amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide or propranolol, which had different mechanisms of action from iptakalim, on cardiovascular effects of iptakalim in anesthetized normal rats. This study proved that the combination of iptakalim with hydrochlorothiazide or propranolol respectively had significant synergism on lowering blood pressure, while the combination of iptakalim/amlodipine had additive action on lowering blood pressure. Meanwhile the antihypertensive effect was explicit, stable and long-lasting. Iptakalim thus appears suitable for the clinical treatment of hypertensive people who need two or more kinds of antihypertensive agents.
Amlodipine ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Heart Rate ; Hydrochlorothiazide ; pharmacology ; Hypertension ; Propranolol ; pharmacology ; Propylamines ; pharmacology ; Rats

Zanthoxyli Radix is a traditional Chinese medicine. It can be used for the treatment of wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, muscle and bone pain, fall fracture, hernia, sore throat, toothache and other diseases. Due to possessing many excellent and mild pharmacological properties, there are lots of reports about Zanthoxyli Radix worldwide. At present, more than 100 bioactive components have been extracted and purified from Zanthoxyli Radix. Nitidine chloride (NC), one of the most important alkaloids in Zanthoxyli Radix, has the activities of anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, etc. In this review, we summarize the chemical components of Zanthoxyli Radix, pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of NC to provide references for further research and utilization of Zanthoxyli Radix.

OBJECTIVETo compare therapeutic effects of acupuncture at "cervical three points" combined with cake-separated moxibustion and routine acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) on cervical hyperosteogeny.

METHODSSingle blind, randomized and controlled methods were used and 91 cases were divided into an observation group of 46 cases and a control group of 45 cases. The observation group was treated by acupuncture at "cervical three points" combined with cake-separated moxibustion, i.e. acupuncture at Chonggu (EX), Dazhui (GV 14), Taodao (GV 13) and moxibustion at pain points with cake made by Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae and Radix Paeoniae Alba; the control group was treated with acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2). Changes of sourness and pain of the neck, the shoulder and back, pressure pain and cervical activity scores were used for assessment of therapeutic effects.

RESULTSThe markedly cured rate of 76.1% in the observation group was better than 42.2% in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of all the items were significantly improved in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the observation group in sourness and pain of the neck, the shoulder and back, and cervical activity were better than the control group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of acupuncture at "cervical three points" combined with cake-separated moxibustion on cervical hyperosteogeny is superior to routine acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2).

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Spinal Osteophytosis ; therapy

BACKGROUNDHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may induce autoimmune response and autoantibodies can be detected in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. However, the reported positive rate of autoantibodies in CHC patients in China varies considerably. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-liver-kidney-microsome type 1 autoantibodies (anti-LKM-1) in a large cohort of CHC patients, and analyzed the factors related to the presence of the autoantibodies.

METHODSA total of 360 CHC patients were enrolled in this study. Serum ANA and anti-LKM-1 were detected by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Clinical analysis was performed to disclose the related factors to autoantibody production.

RESULTSThe prevalence of ANA and anti-LKM-1 in CHC patients was 12.5% (45/360) and 2.5% (9/360), respectively. Women had a higher prevalence than men (18.9% vs 11.4%, P = 0.046). Patients with positive autoantibodies had lower HCV RNA levels (1.2 x 10(7) copies/L vs 7.2 x 10(7) copies/L, P < 0.05). Positive ANA was associated with higher serum globulin (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis showed that there were no significant differences in age, HCV genotype, disease course, clinical stage, prevalence of cirrhosis and interferon therapy between autoantibody-positive and -negative subgroups.

CONCLUSIONAutoantibodies can be induced in the course of CHC, and some CHC patients can even develop autoimmune hepatitis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antibodies, Antinuclear ; blood ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; blood ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pharmacological effects of Liangyuan Pipagao on cough reflex and ciliary action. Liangyuan Pipagao is a compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicine. METHODS: Cough was induced by aerosol citric acid in guinea pigs and aerosol capsacin in mice. Excretion function of the airway in mice was determined by phenol red method. Ciliary movement function of frog esophagus was examined by a migration method of charcoal granules. RESULTS: Liangyuan Pipagao inhibited both the citric acid-induced cough in guinea pigs and capsacin-induced cough in mice. ID(50)value 2.64 g/kg (95%Cl1.12 approximately 6.19) and 11.40 g/kg (95%Cl5.76 approximately 22.58) respectively. Further, Liangyuan Pipagao increased phenol red excretion in mice airways and stimulated ciliary action of frog esophagusin a dose-dependent fashion. ED(50) value 7.70 g/kg (95%Cl 4.62 approximately 12.83) and EC(25) value 1.07 X 10(-4) (95% Cl 0.394 approximately 2.92x10(-4)) respectively. CONCLUSION: Liangyuan Pipagao a traditional Chinese medicine may have anti-tussive as well as expectorant actions.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical and pathological features, diagnosis and treatment of cystic lymphangioma of the spermatic cord.

METHODSOne case of cystic lymphangioma of the spermatic cord in a 71-year-old patient was retrospectively analyzed and the relevant literature was reviewed.

RESULTSThe patient, presented with spermatic cord hydrocele, was treated by local excision of the tumor, which was pathologically diagnosed as cystic lymphangioma. No relapse was found during a 3-month follow-up after the operation.

CONCLUSIONLymphangioma of the spermatic cord is a benign tumor. Preoperation ultrasonography and CT are important for determining the location and nature of lymphangioma. Surgical excision is an effective option for the treatment of cystic lymphangioma of the spermatic cord.

Aged ; Genital Neoplasms, Male ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Lymphangioma, Cystic ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Spermatic Cord ; pathology ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To evaluate the effects of small interfering RNA(siRNA)against Ki67 gene on the proliferation and apoptosis of human renal carcinoma cell line 786-0 cells.Methods The human renal carcinoma 786-0 cells were treated with Ki67-siRNA(100 nmol/L).The mRNA expression of Ki67 was detected by RT-PCR.The protein expression of Ki67 was detected by Western blot and immunohisto- chemical technique,respectively.The proliferation of 786-0 cells was detected by MTT assay.The apoptosis of 786-0 cells was detected by TUNEL assay.Results RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the Ki67 mRNA and Ki67 protein expression levels of the 786-0 cells treated with Ki67-siRNA were(37.6?1.9)% and(46.4?0.9)% ,respectively,which were significantly lower than those of controls [(97.3?0.9)% and(95.3?0.9)%,P＜0.01],The Ki67 positive expression rate of 786-0 cells treated with Ki67-siRNA by immunohistochemical technique was 52.5?2.3,which was significantly lower than that of controls(114.5?4.9 ,P＜0.01).The proliferation-inhibiting rate and apoptosis rate of the 786-0 cells trea- ted with Ki67-siRNA were( 63.6?1.6)% and(41.7?0.6)% ,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of controls [(2.8?0.2)% and(10.3?1.4)%,P＜0.01].Conclusions siRNA against Ki67 gene can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis by blocking Ki67 expression of hu- man renal carcinoma 786-0 cells.The inhibition of Ki67 expression by siRNA may be a promising approach in gene therapy for renal cancer.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), is acquired by dietary intake or the in vivo conversion of α-linolenic acid. Many enzymes participating in LCPUFA synthesis are regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Therefore, it was hypothesized that the tissue accretion of endogenously synthesized DHA could be modified by PPARα. MATERIALS/METHODS: The tissue DHA concentrations and mRNA levels of genes participating in DHA biosynthesis were compared among PPARα homozygous (KO), heterozygous (HZ), and wild type (WT) mice (Exp I), and between WT mice treated with clofibrate (PPARα agonist) or those not treated (Exp II). In ExpII, the expression levels of the proteins associated with DHA function in the brain cortex and retina were also measured. An n3-PUFA depleted/replenished regimen was applied to mitigate the confounding effects of maternal DHA. RESULTS: PPARα ablation reduced the hepatic Acox, Fads1, and Fads2 mRNA levels, as well as the DHA concentration in the liver, but not in the brain cortex. In contrast, PPARα activation increased hepatic Acox, Fads1, Fads2 and Elovl5 mRNA levels, but reduced the DHA concentrations in the liver, retina, and phospholipid of brain cortex, and decreased mRNA and protein levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in brain cortex. CONCLUSIONS: LCPUFA enzyme expression was altered by PPARα. Either PPARα deficiency or activation-decreased tissue DHA concentration is a stimulus for further studies to determine the functional significance.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Clofibrate ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; Fatty Acid Desaturases ; Liver ; Mice ; Peroxisomes ; PPAR alpha ; Retina ; RNA, Messenger