Animals ; Benzodiazepines ; pharmacology ; Ducks ; physiology ; Growth Hormone ; blood ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; metabolism ; Serum ; metabolism ; Weight Gain ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic mechanism of Tiaoxin Recipe (TXR) and Bushen Recipe (BSR) in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODSSixty patients with AD were divided into 3 groups according to their MMSE and ADL scores before treatment, using randomized block design. They were treated separately with TXR, BSR and Donepezil (Dp) for 12 weeks. The changes of MMSE score, ADL score, neuro-psychology amount table score, including FOM, RVR, DS and BD, as well as the overall operational evaluation before and after treatment were analyzed.

RESULTSThe recognition and daily life capacity of patients in the 3 groups were improved after treatment. MMSE score in the TXR group increased from 16.10 +/- 1.94 scores before treatment to 17.90 +/- 2.59 scores after treatment, in the BSR group, from 16.15 +/- 2.16 to 17.50 +/- 2.59, and in the Dp group, from 17.35 +/- 1.90 to 19.60 +/- 3.39, all showed significant difference (all P < 0.01). Change of ADL score showed that in TXR from 43.10 +/- 3.86 to 41.50 +/- 4.40, in the BSR group from 43.30 +/- 4.53 to 41.60 +/- 4.12 and in the Dp group, from 42.95 +/- 3.58 to 40.60 +/- 5.23, which also showed significant difference (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Moreover, increase of FOM, RVR and DS score was shown in the TXR and the Dp group, and increase of RVR and BD score was shown in the BSR group with significant difference in comparison of corresponding score before and after treatment, inter-groups comparison showed significant difference of FOM score between the BSR and the Dp group (P < 0.01). Overall operational evaluation (total effective rate) in the TXR group was 70%, in the BSR group 65% and in Dp group 75%, with no significant difference among them.

CONCLUSIONTXR and BSR are effective TCM drugs in treating AD.

Aged ; Alzheimer Disease ; drug therapy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy

Objective To summarize our experience in prevention and treatment of stricture after esopageal burns in the past thirty years.Methods There were 168 cases in this series.Of them,158 cases underwent surgical management in this study.Modified intraluminal stenting was used in 34 cases, colon interposition without resection of strictured esophagus in 77 cases,gastric transposion with resection of the stricture in 27,repair of cervical stricture with platysma myocutaneous flap in 22,and miscellane- ous operation in 12.Eleven cases experienced operation twice or more at our department.Results Twenty-nine cases recovered after treatment with intraluminal stenting,and 5 re-experienced stricture after stent removal.One of the 5 cases with failed stent responded to bougienage,and the remaining 4 cases re- quired esophageal reconstruction later.Of the 77 colon interpositions,5 cases died postoperatively,and complications of cervical anastomotic fistula occurred in 14 cases,anastomotic stenosis in 4,and abdomi- nal incision dehiscence in 2 cases.In the 27 cases with gastric transpositions,postoperative complications of anastomotic stricture occurred in 2 cases and empyema in 1 patient.There was a cervical leak in 3 ca- ses of the 22 cases treated with the repair of cervical esopageal or anastomotic stricture with a platysma myocutaneous flap.In the 12 cases treated with miscellaneous operation,one died of intestinal obstruc- tion.All the survivors had regular diet after discharge.Conclusions Intraluminal stenting can prevent the formation of caustic esophageal stricture.The location of the cicatricial esophagus dictates whether to perform concomitant esophagectomy during esophageal reconstruction.Platysma myocutaneous flap repair is an excellent method for the treatment of severe cervical esophageal or anastomotic stricture.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of different administrations of antibodies against adipocyte plasma membrane proteins on growth and fat deposition in rats.

METHODNinety six female SD rats that weighed approximately 140 g were allotted randomly into four groups which were given negitive control yolk and positive yolk containing antibody (IgY) against adipocyte plasma membrane (APM) proteins by intragastric administration (i.g.) and subcutaneous injection (s.c.) respectively. Rats were given 1 ml of yolk for every three days in i.g. groups. Rats were given 1 ml of yolk for 4 consecutive days, and the procedure was repeated after one month. The trial lasted for 75 days after which rats were slaughtered for carcass analysis and sampling.

RESULTSThe body weight gain and food intake of rats were not different between treatment and control groups. In i.g. goups, positive yolk decreased mesemteric fat index, paramertrial fat index and perirenal fat index (P < 0.05), reduced serum triglycerides (P < 0.05) and increased serum free fatty acids (FFA) (P < 0.01), and also decreased serum leptin, insulin and TNF-alpha levels ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but did not affect gastrocnemius muscle index and serum cholesterol. In s.c. groups, positive yolk increased gastrocnemius muscle index (P < 0.05), reduced serum triglycerides and serum leptin (P < 0.01), increased serum TNF-alpha (P < 0.05), but did not affect adipose tissue depots, serum FFA, cholesterol and insulin.

CONCLUSIONAdministration of yolk antibody against APM proteins could effectively improve body composition of rats, and the treatment by intragastric administration could give better effect than by subcutaneous injection.

Adipose Tissue ; growth & development ; Animals ; Antibodies ; pharmacology ; Body Composition ; Egg Yolk ; immunology ; Female ; Growth and Development ; physiology ; Immunization ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; immunology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of targeted population in the high-risk areas of iodine deficiency disorders in Chongqing, so as to provide scientific evidence for establishing prevention and remedial measures. Methods Six towns were selected in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties to found suspected dementia patients born after first Jan, 1997. Two hundred children aged 8-10 years were investigated in every town. The thyroid volume, intelligence quotient(IQ) and urinary iodine of the children were examined. Forty women (pregnant and nursing women) were investigated in every town. The iodine content of salt from their home was measured. The thyroid volume was examined by palpation and B-uhrasound. IQ was measured by combined Raven Test in China(CRT-RC2). Urinary iodine was determined using the acid digest arsenic-cerium contacting method, and iodined salt was detected using direct titration method. Results Six suspected dementia patients were found in the local town hospital. Five eases were excluded. There was 1 case born in other place. The rates of goiter by palpation and B-ultrasound were 9.58%(92/960) and 8.89%(65/731), respectively. The median of urinary iodine of children and women was 319.15 μg/L and 248.42 μg/L, respectively. The mean of IQ of the children was 103.32. The coverage rate of iodine salt from residents was 98.82%(336/340). Conclusions The iodine nutrition of children was good and there is no newly occurred cretinism in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties. Goiter rate and median of urinary iodine aged 8-10 years and of women, coverage rate of iodine salt from resident has meet the standard set for basical elimination iodine deficiency disorders.

Objective:To explore the expression of N-cadherin and its correlations with the clinicopathological features of human ovarian carcinoma.Methods:The expression of N-cadherin in 281 cases of ovarian carcinoma tissues were determined by immunohistochemical method.The correlations of N-cadherin expression with the clinicopathological features of human ovarian carcinoma were analyzed.Results:There was higher expression of N-cadherin in the metastatic lesions than its paired primary lesions (P =0.018).The expression level of N-cadherin in ovarian carcinoma was correlated with the FIGO stage (P =0.034),histological type (P ＜0.001) and tumor grade (P =0.004).Conclusions:High expression of N-cadherin might positively correlate with the invasion and migration ability of ovarian carcinoma cells,which was more common in the the advanced (FIGO Ⅱ-Ⅳ) ovarian carcinoma,high-grade serous carcinoma,and high grade ovarian carcinoma.N-cadherin might be useful in estimating the biological behavior of human ovarian carcinoma.

Objective:To investigate association of the new polymorphism G352A in the dopaminetransporter gene(DAT1)exon 15 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)in Han Chinesechildren.Methods:The new mutant polymorphism G352A in the dopamine transporter gene(DAT1)ex-on 15 was found by the fluorescently-labeled dye-terminators assay.The study samples were comprised of337 ADHD children,207 unrelated controls and 201 integrated ADHD trios(included proband and bio-logical parents).Associations of polymorphisms with ADHD and its subtypes were examined by:(i)comparing cases and controls;and(ii)using family-based association study in transmission-disequilibri-um test(TDT).Results:The allele frequencies at the DAT1 G352A locus in the control samples were79.5% for 352G and 20.5% for 352A respectively.Association studies revealed no association betweenG352A in exon 15 of DAT1 and ADHD.But after a stratification by gender,there was possible associationbetween G352A and ADHD girls:the 352G allele had a tendency to be preferentially transmitted toADHD girls.Conclusion:There is no association between G352A,the new polymorphism,in exon 15 ofDAT1 and ADHD.The 352G allele has a tendency to be preferentially transmitted to ADHD girls,but thefindings require replication before drawing a definitive conclusion.

To further uncover the scientific significance and molecular mechanism of the Chinese herbs with pungent hot or warm natures, endogenous and exogenous expression systems were established by isolation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and transfection of HEK293 cells with TRPV1 channel gene separately. On this basis, the regulation action of capsaicin, one main ingredient from chili pepper, on TRPV1 channel was further explored by using confocal microscope. Besides, the three-sites one-unit technique and method were constructed based on the brown adipose tissue (BAT), anal and tail skin temperatures. Then the effect of capsaicin on mouse energy metabolism was evaluated. Both endogenous and exogenous TRPV1 channel could be activated and this action could be specifically blocked by the TRPV1 channel inhibitor capsazepine. Simultaneously, the mice's core body temperature and BAT temperature fall down and then go up, accompanied by the increase of temperature of the mice's tail skin. Promotion of the energy metabolism by activation of TRPV1 channel might be the common way for the pungent-hot (warm) herbs to demonstrate their natures.
Adipose Tissue, Brown ; drug effects ; physiology ; Animals ; Capsaicin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Energy Metabolism ; Ganglia, Spinal ; cytology ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; Neurons ; drug effects ; physiology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; TRPV Cation Channels ; physiology ; Temperature ; Thermogenesis

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Shenyin Oral Liquid (SOL) in relieving mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and decreasing the Alzheimer's disease (AD) transformation rate.

METHODSOne hundred and seventeen MCI patients were randomly assigned to the Chinese medicine group (42 cases), the vitamin E group (38 cases) and the placebo group (37 cases). The treatment course was 12 months and a 6-month follow-up was conducted after ending the treatment course.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the scores of clock drawing test (CDT), nonsensical figure recognition and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) raised significantly in the Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), the activity of acetylcholine esterase in erythrocytic membrane was lower in the Chinese medicine group than that in the placebo group and the Vitamin E group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Six months after the treatment, there were 2 and 5 cases in the placebo group and the vitamin E group which were diagnosed as AD, respectively, and none in the Chinese medicine group.

CONCLUSIONSOL has an effect similar to cholinesterase inhibitor, it could improve cognitive function in MCI patients and reduce the AD transformation rate in them.

Aged ; Alzheimer Disease ; prevention & control ; Cognition Disorders ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory ; drug effects ; Mental Status Schedule ; Middle Aged ; Nootropic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Phytotherapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to examine the in vitro effects of fenvalerate on steroid production and steroidogenic enzymes mRNA expression level in rat granulosa cells.

METHODSUsing primary cultured rat granulosa cells (rGCs) as model, fenvalerate of various concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25, 125, 625 micromol/L) was added to the medium for 24 h. In some cases, optimal concentrations of 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (25 micromol/L), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, 2 mg/L), or 8-Bromo-cAMP (1 mmol/L) were provided. Concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol(E2) and progesterone (P4) in the medium from the same culture wells were measured by RIA and the steroidogenic enzyme mRNA level was quantified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSFenvalerate decreased both P4 and E2 production in a dose-dependent manner while it could significantly stimulate rGCs proliferation. This inhibition was stronger in the presence of FSH. Furthermore, it could not be reversed by 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol or 8-Bromo-cAMP. RT-PCR revealed that fenvalerate had no significant effect on 3 beta-HSD, but could increase the P450scc mRNA level. In addition, 17 beta-HSD mRNA level was dramatically reduced with the increase of fenvalerate dose after 24 h treatment.

CONCLUSIONFenvalerate inhibits both P4 and E2 production in rGCs. These results support the view that fenvalerate is considered as a kind of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The mechanism of its disruption may involve the effects on steroidogenesis signaling cascades and/or steroidogenic enzyme's activity.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases ; analysis ; metabolism ; 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Estradiol ; analysis ; metabolism ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; pharmacology ; Granulosa Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Hydroxycholesterols ; pharmacology ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; Progesterone ; analysis ; metabolism ; Pyrethrins ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; metabolism ; Rats ; Steroids ; metabolism