Objective:To investigate the effect of scutellarin on P-gp protein expression and activity in Caco-2 cells. Methods:Scutellarin(25,50 and 100 μmol·L-1 )was incubated with Caco-2 cells respectively for 24 h,48 h and 72 h. The expression of P-gp was determined by western blot assay and the activity of P-gp was determined by Rhodamine-123 assay. Results:P-gp protein ex-pression levels were significantly increased by scutelarin. After the incubation for 24 h with scutellarin,P-gp protein expression was up-regulated 2. 34-,2. 65-and 2. 00-fold in Caco-2 cells. After the incubation with scutellarin for 48 h,P-gp protein expression was up-regulated 2. 70-,4. 66-and 3. 13-fold. After the incubation with scutellarin for 72 h,P-gp protein expression was up-regulated 2. 82-, 2. 62-and 1. 84-fold. The intracellular accumulation of rhodamine-123 was significantly decreased by scutellarin,indicating that the ef-flux transport activity of P-gp was increased by scutellarin in Caco-2 cells. Conclusion:Scutellarin can significantly up-regulate P-gp protein expression and increase the efflux transport activity of P-gp in Caco-2 cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between the polymorphism of genotype of site-1296 in alpha2A-AR receptor gene and the susceptibility of vestibular function. METHOD: Ninety-four blood samples were collected from pilot cadets, consisting of susceptible and tolerance groups to vestibular function. Genomic DNA was isolated, and the coding region of alpha2A-AR receptor gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were analyzed by gene sequencing. Gene frequency was calculated, and, the coincidence between the polymorphism of alpha2A-AR receptor gene in the groups and Hardy-Weinberg balance was evaluated. The allele frequency of the two groups was compared by Chi square test. RESULT: G/C polymorphism was existed in Site-1296 of alpha2A-AR gene regulation zone, including GG, GC, CC. The express of GG Genotype in susceptible group exceeded that of the other group. There were significance differences in both genotype constituent ratio and alleles frequency of the two groups. CONCLUSION The polymorphism of genotype of site-1296 in alpha2A-AR receptor gene is possibly correlated with the susceptibility to vestibular function.
Adult ; Alleles ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 ; genetics ; Vestibular Function Tests ; Vestibule, Labyrinth ; physiology ; Young Adult

ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rat and to observe the changes in behavior, brain edema and tissue structure during absorption of the hematoma.MethodsAn animal model of ICH was established by stereotactically infusing 100 μl (the first time 20 μl, the second time 40 μl, the third time 40 μl) of autologous caudal artery blood into caudate nucleus in the rats. The behavior of rats with ICH was assessed by Bederson score, beam-walking test, bilateral forepaws grasp and measurement of forelimb placing. The brain edema and the change in histology were observed.ResultsThe successful ratio of this model was 75%. There were significant behavioral changes and brain edema at 6 h after the ICH in rats of the experimental group compared to those of the control group. The worse behavioral changes and brain edema was at 48～72 h after hemorrhage. In the earlier period, the nerve cells were swelling. A lot of glial cells appeared around the hematoma in the late period.ConclusionThis ICH model is reproducible, and the obvious behavioral change and histological changes are similar to clinical patient with ICH.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of behavioral training on the learning and memory abilities and changes of NR2B and GluR1 expressions in the hippocampus of offspring rats with fetal growth retardation (FGR).

METHODSA FGR model was established in SD rats by passive smoking. The offspring rats were divided into FGR group and control group, each then randomized into training and untrained group. Morris water maze behavioral training was carried out in postnatal months 2 and 4, and the learning and memory abilities of the young rats were assessed using dark-avoidance test and step-down test. NR2B and GluR1 expression in the hippocampus of the rats were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSIn the dark-avoidance and step-down tests, the FGR rats showed deteriorated learning and memory performance in comparison with the control group, but behavioral training resulted in improved performance of the rats. The performance in FGR group was much improved after behavioral training, and the model factor and the training factor showed a significant interaction (P<0.05). The expression of NR2B and GluR1 in CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus decreased in FGR group, then the their expressions in the CA1 region increased after training in both FGR and control groups, and the increment was especially obvious in GluR1 expression in the CA1 region at postnatal month 2. The two factors showed a significant interaction (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONBehavioral training can improve the learning and memory abilities of FGR offspring rats, the mechanism of which is probably related to increased expression of NR2B and GluR1 in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Avoidance Learning ; Behavior, Animal ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Male ; Memory ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, AMPA ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution

BACKGROUND: It was thought that there was no regeneration capacityin central nerves. Recent research shows that regeneration capacity of injured neural axons and recovery of some neurological functions can be achieved by changing local surroundings after spinal cord injury (SCI).OBJECTIVE: To probe into whether the transplantation of fetal olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) in recovering the neurological functions of patients with chronic SCI is safe, feasible, and effective.DESIGN: Auto-control observation before and after surgery.SETTING: Neurological Research and Treatment Center of Beijing Xishan Hospital; Second Department of Neurosurgery in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences; Second Department of Neurosurgery in Naval General Hospital.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 171 patients with chronic spinal cord injury were selected from the Second Department of Neurosurgery in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences and the Second Department of Neurosurgery in Naval General Hospital betweenNovember 2001 and February 2003, of which there are 147 patients with complete injury and 24 ones with incomplete injury. Post-injury period ranged from 0.5 to 18 years. Process of treatment is discussed and permitted by relevant Medical Ethics Committees. Cells were obtained from voluntary donors and patients agreed to receive the treatment.METHODS: ① Fetal olfactory bulbs were cultured for 12-17 days after being digested into single cells. ② Fetal OECs were transplanted into sites rostral and caudal to the epienter. ③ Neurological functions of all patients 2-8 weeks before and after operation were evaluated according to the scoring standard of ASIA.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Status of functional recovery in spinal cord of patients after transplantation of OECs. ② Harmful events and side effects.RESULTS: A total of 171 patients were involved in the analysis of results.①Status of functional recovery in spinal cord of patients with OECs transplantation: Partial neurological functions of 171 patients rapidly recovered,whose motor function score increased from (34.5±20.3) points before operation to (42.0±20.0) points (P ＜ 0.001) after operation, score of light touch increased from (47.2±24.0) points to (61.8±23.0) points (P ＜ 0.001) after operation,score of pain sense increased from (48.6±23.5) points to (64.0±22.8) points (P ＜ 0.001). ②Harmful events and side-effects: Early manifestations of spinal cord injury induced by infection in surgical area of one patient aggravated; two patients suffered from serious pulmonary infection,one patient from thalamic hemorrhage. Three patients mentioned above died of serious respiration and circulatory failures.CONCLUSION: OEC transplantation can rapidly promote partial neurological function of patients with chronic SCI, while the mechanism needs further observing.

OBJECTIVETo explore the operative method for the treatment of syndesmosis injury in ankle fractures.

METHODSA retrospective study was done on 21 ankles of 20 patients included male 11 and female 9;the range of age were from 27 to 52 years with an average of 36 years) with syndesmosis injury in closed ankle fractures from September 2005 to December 2007. All patients with ankle fractures and syndesmosis injury were diagnosed by the history, physical examination and radiology, then treated with open reduction, internal fixation, and syndesmotic stabilization with a three-cortices syndesmotic screw according to the Lauge-Hansen classification system. Radiological evaluation comprised tibiofibular overlap, total clear space and medial clear space. The clinical effects were evaluated according to modified Baird-Jackson standard.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 1.0 to 2.2 years with an average of 1.3 years. Radiographic measurements were detailed as follows: tibiofibular overlap averaged (0.46 +/- 3.56) mm in preoperative and (7.14 +/- 0.62) mm in postoperative; mean total clear space (5.69 +/-0.88) mm in preoperative and (3.28 +/- 0.39) mm in postoperative; medial clear space averaged (5.67 +/- 1.23) mm in preoperative and (3.12 +/- 0.33) mm in postoperative; tibiofibular overlap in mortise view averaged (-0.87 +/- 0.96) mm in preoperative and (2.91 +/- 0.30) mm in postoperative. There was significant difference above data between preoperative and postoperative (P < 0.01). Four cases were confirmed minor tibiofibular diastasis through CT scans during postoperative. The modified Baird-Jackson scoring was from 62 to 98 scores with an average of (86.24 +/- 13.26) score at the final review. Of them, 13 ankles had not pain; 16 ankles reported no instability complaints; 11 ankles gained normal walking ability; 8 ankles could run normally; 11 ankles could return work without any restrictions. Activity of ankle in dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion were respectively (21.05 +/- 5.00) degrees, (33.57 +/- 5.76) degrees, (19.48 +/- 4.57) degrees and (24.05 +/- 4.86) degrees. Three cases had radiological and clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis, but no breakage of syndesmotic screw in all cases. There were excellent results in 12 cases, good in 2, fair in 4, poor in 3.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment for the syndesmosis diastasis with a three-cortices screw fixation in ankle fractures is effective. Good functional outcome can be obtained with anatomical restoration of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. The repair of deltoid ligament is important for stability of the lower tibiofibular syndesmosis. Removal of the screw before weight loading should be performed to avoid possible screw breakage.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tarsal Bones ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo analyze the characteristics of cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) and the methods of diagnosis and treatment.

METHODSA retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the clinical and pathological data of 15 patients with MDA treated from 1992 to 2007.

RESULTSThe average age of the 15 patients was 42.3 years. The main symptoms were increased discharge and irregular vaginal bleeding. Preoperative Pap smears showed adenocarcinoma in 3 cases (27.3%). The diagnosis of MDA was confirmed in 8 cases by cervical punch biopsies (53.3%) and 2 cases by conization. Several cysts were noted in sections of the endocervix. Microscopic examination showed glands irregular in size and shape. However, the deviation of tumor cells was minimal. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression of CEA and alpha-SMA. The mean follow-up time was 51.0 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 85.7%. Four cases experienced recurrence in the vagina and pelvis at 2 years after operation. Three cases died of the disease relapse with an average survival time of 36.3 months.

CONCLUSIONCervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma is rare, with minimal deviation of cell shape from the normal cervical cells and difficult in diagnosis. A deep biopsy or conization is necessary when punch biopsy is not sufficient for diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry is helpful to make an accurate diagnosis. Surgery is the first choice for cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma. Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy should be given if needed. The prognosis can be improved if a proper treatment plan is carried out.

Actins ; metabolism ; Adenocarcinoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; metabolism ; Cervix Uteri ; pathology ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Conization ; Epirubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Papanicolaou Test ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Vaginal Smears

OBJECTIVETo investigate therapeutic effects of minimally invasive arthroscopic internal fixation with plates and screws in treating tibial plateau fractures.

METHODSA retrospective study from December 2006 to June 2010 was done on 69 patients with tibial plateau fractures. According to Schatzker classification, 5 patients were type I, 5 patients were type II, 25 patients were type III, 20 patients were type IV, 9 patients were type V and 5 patients were type VI. Thirty-six patients were treated with arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation, including 21 males and 15 females, ranging in age from 17 to 59 years (averaged, 34.2 years); another 33 patients were treated with small incision and fixed with plates and screws,including 19 males and 14 females, ranging in age from 18 to 62 years (averaged, 35.4 years). The operation time, blood loss during operation,drainage volume of blood, healing time, weight-bearing time and function of effected knee were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up,and the duration ranged from 6 to 12 months (averaged, 10.3 months). All the patients had no complications such as infection, articular collapse, re-fracture and joint stiffness. There were no significant differences in weight-bearing time, complications and Rasmussen scores between two groups (P>0.05); but there were significant differences in the operative time, blood loss, drainage volume of blood, hospital stay time, the healing time between two groups (P<0.05). The results showed that arthroscopy-assisted technique was better than minimally invasive internal fixation in operation duration, blood loss during operation and the healing time.

CONCLUSIONDifferent types of fracture of tibial plateau should be treated with different surgical treatments. Arthroscopic technique for reduction of fractures, which has less influence on bony union and minimally invasive, and can provide a good clinical outcome.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arthroscopy ; methods ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical results of arthroscopy-assisted open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of acute Lauge-Hansen stage IV ankle fractures.

METHODSA prospective cohort of study was done in 42 patients of acute ankle fractures treated with arthroscopy-assisted open reduction and internal fixation from January 2008 to December 2009. According to Lauge-Hansen classification, there were 26 supination-eversion stage IV fractures, including 11 females and 15 males; with an average age of (36.8 +/- 11.7) years; and there were 16 pronation-eversion stage IV fractures, including 6 females and 10 males, with an average age of (37.6 +/- 11.2) years. All the patients were treated with arthroscopy-assisted open reduction and internal fixation,and intra-articular disorders were observed. Syndesmotic diastasis was treated with three-cortices syndesmotic screw, and osteochondral injuries were disposed by Cheng-Ferkel staging system. The clinical effects were evaluated according to AOFAS scores.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 1 year. At the final review,the mean AOFAS score was (92.00 +/- 9.32). Twenty-eight patients got an excellent result, 11 good, 3 fair. Lesions of the cartilage were found in 31 cases. The AOFAS scores of patients with osteochondral lesions were higher than those of patients without osteochondral lesions. The AOFAS scores of patients with osteochondral lesions below C grade were higher than those of patients with osteochondral lesions above C grade. The AOFAS scores of patients with osteochondral lesions were higher than those of patients with osteochondral lesions above C grade. The AOFAS scores of patients with syndesmosis fixation were lower than those of patients without syndesmosis fixation.

CONCLUSIONIntra-articular disorders are common in Lauge-Hansen stage IV ankle fractures, and osteochondral lesion and sydesmosis diastasis are the most important prognostic factor that leads to unsatisfactory ankle functions. Arthroscopy-assisted open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of acute ankle fractures is not only helpful to anatomical reduction of the articular surface, but also can improve the clinical results with effective diagnosis and treatment of combined intra-articular disorders.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Ankle Joint ; surgery ; Arthroscopy ; methods ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Summary: The effect of target-directed regulation of the uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) gene expression on the ischemia-reperfusion injury of hepatocytes under different conditions was investigated. The expression plasmid and RNAi plasmid targeting UCP-2 gene were constructed and transfected into normal hepatocytes and fatty liver cells, respectively. The expression of UCP-2 mRNA was detected by real time PCR. The cells were divided into normal cell group (NCG), group of normal cells transfected with empty vector (EVNCG), group of normal cells transfected with expression plasmid (EPNCG), fatty liver cell group (FCG) and group of fatty liver cells transfected with RNAi plasmid (RPFCG). The ischemia-reperfusion model in vitro was established. One, 6, 12 and 24h after reperfusion, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry was used to measure cell necrosis rate, apoptosis rate and survival rate. Simultaneously, the intracellular ATP, ROS and MDA levels were determined. The resuits showed that 1, 6, 12 and 24h after ischemia-reperfusion, the intracellular ROS, MDA and ATPlevels and cell survival rate in EPNCG were significantly lower, and cell necrosis rate significantly higher than in NCG and EVNCG, but there was no significant difference in apoptosis rate among NCG, EVNCG and EPNCG (P005). Six, 12 and 24h after reperfusion there was no significant difference in ROS, MDA levels and apoptosis rate between FCG and RPFCG (P0.05), but the ATP level and survival rate of cells in RPFCG were higher than in FCG (P<0.05). It was concluded that down-regulation of the UCP-2 gene expression in steatotic hepatocytes could alleviate the ischemia-reperfusion injury of liver cells.