Objective To investigate the effects of artesunate( Art) on renal function and the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rats with type 2 diabetic nephropathy(DN). Methods Thirty six male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups, six rats in each, as the normal control, model control, low-dose Art, middle-dose Art, high-dose Art groups which were intragastrically administrated with Art at the dose of 10, 20 and 30 mg·kg-1 ·d-1 for consecutive 8 weeks, enalapril group, which were intragastrically administrated with enalapril 10 mg·kg-1 ·d-1 for consecutive 8 weeks. Rats were injected with low dosage streptozotocin and fed with high fat and high sugar diets to establish type 2 diabetic nephropathy rat model. After 8 weeks’ treatment, the plasma glucose, 24-hour urine protein, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were measured to evaluate renal function. The pathological morphology of rats was performed. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) were performed to examine the expression levels of MCP-1 and TNF-α,respectively. Results Compared with the model control group, 24-hour urine protein, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and blood glucose were significantly decreased in the treatment groups (P<0. 01). Art significantly decreased the serum expressions of MCP-1 and TNF-α in low-, middle-, high-dose Art group ( 157. 47 ± 38. 53, 138.65±18.03,105.09±12. 64 and 3. 14±0. 38,2. 58±0. 11,2. 25±0. 16) pg·mL-1, compared with model control group (181.71±23.06 and 3. 98±0. 24) pg·mL-1(P<0. 05). Conclusion Art has beneficial effects on type 2 diabetic nephropathy. The mechanism of which may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory factor MCP-1 and TNF-α,further relive the pathological injury of kidney and delay the progress of diabetic nephropathy to some extent.

Objective To investigate the effect of Shenfu injectio on insulin resistance in rabbits undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) . Methods Thirty New Zealand white rabbits of both sexes weighing 2.2-2.5 kg were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10 each): group I sham operation (group S); group Ⅰ CPB and group Ⅰ CPB + Shenfu injectio (group SFI). In group IE (group SFI) Shenfii injectio 10 ml/kg was injected intraperitoneally (IP) once a day for 2 days and at 30 min before anesthesia. In group Ⅱ and Ⅲ the duration between aortic cross-clamping and unclamping was 60 min. MAP was maintained at 50-60 mm Hg during CPB. The plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured immediately after induction of anesthesia (T_1), immediately after aortic cross-clamping (T_2) , and at 5, 35 and 75 min after aortic unclamping (T_3, T_4 , T_5) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase (PI3Kp85) and glucose transporters (CLUT4) in skeletal muscle was detected at 150 min of CPB by immuno-histochemistry. Results Compared with the baseline values at T_1 , plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR were significantly increased at T_(2-5) in all 3 groups ( P < 0.05) . CPB significantly increased the plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR at T_(2-5) in group Ⅱ and Ⅲ as compared with group S ( P < 0.05). The expression of PI3Kp85 and GLUT4 in muscle was significantly decreased in group Ⅱ and Ⅲ as compared with group S ( P < 0.05). Shenfu injectio significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration and HOMA-IR and increased plasma insulin concentration in group fD as compared with group Ⅱ . Shenfu injectio significantly attenuated the CPB-induced changes in IRS-1, PI3Kp85 and GLUT4 expression in muscle. Conclusion Shenfu injectio can ameliorate CPB-induced insulin resistance and the mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of insulin signal transduction molecules in skeletal muscle.

Objective To investigate effect of artesunate on expressions of Toll-like receotor-4 (TLR4) and interleu?kin-8 (IL-8) in renal tissue of diabetic nephropathy rats. Methods Male SD rats of over 200 g in body weight (n=45) were injected with low dosage streptozotocin and fed with high fat and sucrose diets to establish diabetes nephropathy (DN) model. Among all rats of successful model, thirty-two were randomly selected and divided into four groups (n=8 in each group), Mod?el group (Group B), Artesunate at high dose treatment group [30 mg/(kg · d)] (Group C), Artesunate at low dose treatment group [10 mg/(kg·d)] (Group D), Enalapril treatment group [10 mg/(kg·d)] (Group E). Another eight rats without STZ injec?tion whose body weight is under 200 g were assigned as Normal group (Group A). Then, rats in Group A and B were given the same volume of normal saline [10 mg/(kg·d)] while rats in Group C, D and E were given 30 mg/(kg·d) Artesunate, 10 mg/(kg·d) Artesunate and 10 mg/(kg · d) Enalapril respectively intragastrically for consecutive 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, kidney index, 24-hours proteinuria, serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Expression level of TLR4 in renal tissue of rats were examined by Western blot;ELISA was used to quantify the concentration of IL-8 in serum and renal tissue of rats. Results Compared with rats in Group A, the levels of Fasting blood glucose, kidney index , 24-hours proteinuria, Cr and BUN as well as the level of TLR4 in kidney, levels of IL-8 in serum and kidney all significant?ly increased in rats in Group B, C, D and E(P<0.05). On the other hand, body weight were decreased in rats of Group B, C, D and E compared to rats in Group A(P<0.05). The level of TLR4 in kidney, levels of IL-8 in serum and kidney, 24-hours proteinuria, Cr and BUN in rats of Group C, D and E were significantly lower than those in rats of Group B(P<0.05). Furthermore, compared with rats in Group D, the levels of TLR4 in kidney, IL-8 in serum and kidney, 24-hours proteinuria, Cr and BUN were decreased in rats in Group C and E(P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression lev?el of TLR4 positively correlated with IL-8 level in serum (r=0.969, P<0.05), IL-8 level in kidney (r=0.972, P<0.05), 24-hours proteinuria(r=0.965, P<0.05), Cr(r=0.944, P<0.05)and BUN(r=0.903, P<0.05). IL-8 level in kidney positively correlated with 24-hours proteinuria(r=0.962, P<0.05), Cr(r=0.929, P<0.05)and BUN(r=0.940, P<0.05). Conclu?sion Artesunate decreases expression of TLR4 and IL-8, reduce 24-hours proteinuria, inhibits the inflammation of the DN,relives the pathological lesions of nephron rats with diabetic nephropathy.

Objectives To investigate the factors influencing long-term quality of life (QOL)of patients with first-episode ischemic stroke(IS)and partial side limb dysfunction.Methods 126 cases of the first ischemic stroke patients with partial side limb dysfunction admitted to hospital from November 2012 to July 2013 in Shanghai First People's Hospital were selected.General information of patients was collected and evaluated using NIH Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and Modified Rankin Scale(MRS).Following-up was conducted using NIHSS,MRS,stroke specific quality of life (SS-QOL) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) during 2-3 years after stroke Factors related to long-term QOL were screened by single factor analysis,then factors influencing QOL by multiple stepwise regression analysis.Results The average QOL score of patients with first IS partial side limb dysfunction was(181.5 ± 46.4)points scale.In each single scoring,the scale was(10.4±4.3)points in energy,(10.8±4.2)points in family roles,(21.8±6.2)points in language,(22.5 ±7.6) points in activity,(18.5±6.3)points in mood,(10.1±4.4)in personality,(19.2±5.9)points in self-care ability,(16.1 ± 7.0) points in social roles,(11.65 ± 3.31) points in thinking,(19.1 ± 6.6) points in upper limb function,(14.0 ± 2.0) points in visual acuity,(8.7 ± 4.1) points in work.The multiple regression analysis showed that the influencing factors of life quality included long-term NIHSS evaluation(β=-0.376,P＜0.01),HAMD evaluation(β=-0.375,P＜0.01),hypertension history(β=-0.178,P＜0.05).HAMD evaluation affected 9 fields of QOL,and NIHSS as long-term evaluation affected 6 fields of QOL.Conclusions Predictive factors for declined QOL of first-episode ischemic stroke patients with partial side limb dysfunction include higher NIHSS score,severer depression after long-term stroke and combined hypertension in the early stage.These indicate that recovering of body structure and function injury,control of hypertension,effective prevention and treatment of post-stroke depression maybe important measures for improving life quality of ischemic stroke patients with partial side limb dysfunction.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of adductor canal block combined with infiltration anesthesia for postoperative analgesia in the patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Methods Sixty pa?tients of both sexes, aged 65-80 yr, weighing 40-80 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physi?cal statusⅠ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective unilateral total knee arthroplasty, were divided into 3 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table: single?injection adductor canal block + infiltration anesthesia group ( group A) , single?injection femoral nerve block+infiltration anesthesia group ( group F) , and infil?tration anesthesia group ( group I) . Ultrasound?guided adductor canal block and femoral nerve block were performed with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml before induction of anesthesia in A and F groups, respectively. Af?ter completion of the block, all the patients were ventilated through the laryngeal mask airway under general anesthesia. After installation of the knee prosthesis, local infiltration anesthesia was conducted with 0.2%ropivacaine 50 ml around the knee joint. Acetaminophen oxycodone capsule was taken orally one pill every 6 h starting from the morning on 1st day after surgery. When visual analogue scale ( VAS) score > 5, tram?adol 100 mg was injected intramuscularly as rescue analgesic. At 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery, VAS scores at rest and during activity were recorded, the quadriceps strength was measured, and the re?quirement for analgesic drugs and development of adverse reactions were recorded. Results Compared with
group I, VAS scores at rest and during activity were significantly decreased at 4, 8, and 24 h after surger?y, and the consumption of tramadol was significantly decreased after surgery in A and F groups ( P<0.05) . The quadriceps strength at 4 and 8 h after surgery was significantly higher in A and I groups than in group F ( P<0.05) . No patients developed serious adverse reactions in the three groups. Conclusion Adductor ca?nal block combined with infiltration anesthesia provides reliable efficacy for postoperative analgesia with little influence on the quadriceps strength in the patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

Objective To investigate the effects of artesunate (Art) on cell apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression induced by high glucose in rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E). Methods NRK-52E cells were cultured and divided into normal control group, high glucose group, high glucose with different concen?trations of Art (10 mg/L, 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L) groups, and high glucose with Ena (5 mg/L) group. MTT assay was used to de?tect the cell proliferation. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by flow cytometry with AnnexinV-FITC/PI double stains. The pro?tein levels of TNF-αand IL-8 in the cell culture supernatant were determined using ELISA. Results High glucose inhibit?ed NRK-52E proliferation, induced its apoptosis, and the expressions of TNF-αand IL-8 in the supernatant. Application of Art obviously abolished the effects of high glucose, and the effects of Art were showed in dose-dependent manner. Conclu?sion Art can suppress high glucose-stimulated cell apoptosis, enhance TNF-αand IL-8 expression in NRK-52E cells. The anti-inflammatory action and immune regulation of Art could be a novel approach of treating diabetic nephropathy.

Aim To evaluate the endothelial dysfunction level of different arteries at different stages of SHR,and the recovery after administration.Methods SHR model was used,captopril(3.375 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) was administered from week 7 to week 24 and the effects were observed continuously until 8 weeks post treatment.Pathological changes of aorta,mesenteric and apex cordis arteries were examined at the time points of 6,18,24,32 wk,and the endothelial-dependent relaxation of the former two preparations were tested by acetylcholine(ACh)(n=6).Results There were pathological changes in the thoracic aorta,mesenteric artery and arteriole at 18 wk,and aggravated along the age.The thoracic aorta demonstrated the most severe pathological changes appearing endothelial cells ablated and tunica media thickening.The significant decline of endothelium-dependent relaxation in aorta,and mesenteric arteries of SHR reflected an aging dependent change of vascular function with the most severe situation in the aorta(P=0.10,18 wk,P<0.01 24,32 wk);captopril increased the aorta vasodilatation of SHR at 18 wk time point,without the effect in mesenteric artery(P<0.05 vs SHR).Conclusions During the progress of SHR,endothelial damages have been observed in all three kinds of vasculatures together with the reduced endothelial-dependent relaxation.The aorta presents earlier and deeper damage than middle and small size vessels,and is sensitive towards the antihypertensive therapy such as the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.

Objective:To study the abnormal suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells ( Tregs) to effector cells,Th17 cells and Th9 cells in patients with mild to moderate asthma attack.Methods: Recruited asthmatic patients (n=30) and healthy control (n=30),collected peripheral venous blood from healthy control and asthmatic patients in mild to moderate attack stage respectively,and then isolated CD4+CD25+CD127-/low Tregs and CD4+CD25-T effect cells with immunomagnetic beads method ( purity was above 90%).The effect cells were cultured with PHA stimulation with or without Tregs.Measured the proliferation (3H-Thymidine), expression of RORC and PU.1 ( RT-PCR) genes,production of IL-17 and IL-9 ( LUMNEX) in effect cells with or without Tregs inter-vention.Analyzed the abnormality of Th17 and Th9 cells and the supressive capacity of Tregs on Th17 and Th9 cells in patients with asthma attack,comparing with control group.Results:Tregs of asthmatic patients could suppress the proliferation of effector cells,but less effectively than healthy control (P=0.03).In asthmatic patients,RORC expression and IL-17 production increased (P<0.05), and the suppressive capacity of Tregs to RORC expression decreased, when compared with healthy group ( P<0.05 ) .In asthmatic patients,IL-9 production of effector cells increased significantly (P<0.05),but PU.1 expression was higher than healthy group only with intervention of Tregs ( P=0.04 ) .And the suppressive capacity of Tregs to the expression of PU.1 and production of IL-9 in patients with asthma attack did not decrease (P>0.05).Conclusion:The suppressive capacity and amount of Tregs decreased,but the specific gene expression and cytokines production of Th17 cells and Th9 cells were upregulated in patients with mild to moderate asthma attack.This deficiency for the suppressive capacity of Tregs to Th17 but not Th9 cells may indicate some pathogenesis of asthma devel-opment.

OBJECTIVETo observe the neurological protection effects of "paraplegia-triple-needling method" on rats with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), so as to make a preliminary exploration on its mechanism.

METHODSA total of 45 SD rats were randomly divided into a paraplegia-triple-needling method group (group A), a regular acupuncture group (group B) and a model group (group C), 15 rats in each one. The rats model of incomplete spinal cord injury was established by modified Allen's method. The acupoints of governor vessel and back-shu points next to the vertebras of upper end and lower end of injured segment as well as motor points in key muscle of lower extremities were treated with acupuncture in the group A; the acupoints of governor vessel and back-shu points next to the vertebras of upper end and lower end of injured segment as well as "Huantiao" (GB 30), "Housanli" (ST 36), "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) and "Genduan"(Extra) were treated with acupuncture in the group B; rats in the group C received no treatment after model establishment but grabbing and immobilization. The needles were retained for 15 min in the group A and group B, once a day for 14 times. 1 d, 7 d and 14 d after model establishment, Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scores were observed in each group; the morphologic change of injured spinal cord and expression of positive cells of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were observed. Results (1) One day after SCI, there was no significant difference of BBB scores among three groups (P> 0. 05); 7 days and 14 days after SCI, BBB scores in the group A and group B were significantly superior to those in the group C (all P<0. 05), and the BBB scores in the group A were superior to those in the group B ( both P<0. 05). (2) There was expression of CGRP positive cells in all three groups, and that in the group A and group B was significantly higher than that in group C (both P<0. 05); 14 days after treatment, the expression in the group A was higher than that in the group B (P<0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThe "paraplegia-triple-needling method" could obviously! improve the motor function of rats with SCI, especially the expression of neuroprotective factor CGRP, which is likely to be one of the mechanisms of neurological protection effect.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Animals ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy

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