BackgroundOur previous study determined that tetrandrine (Tet) has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human Tenon capsule fibroblasts ( TCFs ) in vitro,but its mechanism is poorly understood.ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the effect mechanism of Tet on human TCFs.MethodsHuman TCFs were isolated and cultured from scleral tissue of donor using explant technique.The cells were identified by vimentin antibody staining and morphology.The third generation of cells were seeded in the culture plate at the density of 1 × 105 cells/ml.Twenty-four hours after inoculation,the Tet of 1 × 10-5 mol/L was added in the well of culture plate,and the cells cultured only in 1640 medium served as the control group.The apoptosis of the cells was assessed by TUNEL,and the expressions of bax,bel-2,transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2 ) in TCFs were detected using immunochemistry.Results The cultured cells showed the features of the fibroblasts in shape with the positive response for vimentin.A number of TUNEL positive cells were seen in Tet group and no TUNEL positive response was found in control group.The expression levels (A value) of bax,bcl-2 and TGF-~ protein in TCFs were 0.577 ± 0.009,0.430±0.012 and 0.341 ±0.017 in Tet group,and those in control group were 0.320±0.015,0.819±0.021 and 0.624±0.014 respectively,showing statistically significant differences between two groups( t =33.277,-35.356,-28.093,P＜0.01 ).Conclusions Tet suppresses the proliferation of human TCFs through up-regulating the expression of bax and down-regulating the expressions of bcl-2 and TGF-β2 in vitro.

Background Excimer laser corneal refractive surgery is widely used because it reduces the dependency of refractive error eye to glasses.However,the adverse effects of anti-inflammatory drugs is a problem after operation.Lotemax eyedrops is a kind of steroidal anti-inflammatory drug,with a good effect on the operative eye.But its influence on intraocular pressure(IOP) after long-term topical administration is less studied.Objective This study was to investigate the influence of lotemax eyedrops on IOP after long-term topical administration in myopic eyes received excimer laser corneal refractive surgery.Methods An one-month retrospective case serial study was adopted.The case history data of 1552 eyes from 1552 Patients who received excimer laser corneal refractive surgery were collected in Tangshan Eye Hospital from 2011 January to 2012 January,including 321 eyes with laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK),608 eyes with sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK) and 623 eyes with femtosecond laser for flap excimer laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).Lotemax eyedrops was topically administered after operation 4 times per day initial and then decreased 1 time weekly for 1 month.IOP was measured in before,1 week,2 weeks,3 weeks,4 weeks after operation with non-contact tonometer.The increasing range of IOP was divided into ＜5 mmHg,5-15 mmHg and ＞ 15 mmHg after operation.Optical head parameters were measured by Heidelberg retina tomography when IOP increasing after operation.Results Within 1 month,elevated IOP was found in 47 of 1552 eyes after administration of lotemax eyedrops,including 3.12％ (10/321) in the LASIK group,3.29％ (20/608) in the SBK group and 2.73％ (17/623) in the FS-LASIK group,without significant difference among them(x2 =1.95,P＞0.05).The IOP elevated 1 week after operation and remained normal after that till drug withdrawal in all eyes.There were no significant differences in the disk area (1.65 ±0.44) mm2 vs.(1.66 ±0.44) mm2,disk volume (0.40 ±0.09)mm3 vs.(0.39±0.08) mm3 and mean nerve fiber layer thickness (0.28 ± 0.08) mm vs.(0.29 ± 0.07) mm in IOP elevation duration compared with 1 month after IOP recovery(t =0.34,0.81,0.48,P＞0.05).Conclusions Topical administration of 0.5％ lotemax eyedrops after excimer laser corneal refractive surgery leads to reversible high IOP.It is very important to monitor the IOP during use of the drug.

Objective To analyze the mutations of causal genes in sixteen Chinese patients with suspicious Bartter syndrome,and follow up their treatment results.Methods Mutations were identified by the next generation sequencing and the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA).Clinical and biochemical features at the first presentation as well as follow-up results were reviewed.Results 15 different CLCNKB gene mutations were identified in sixteen patients with BS,including 11 novel ones.A novel missense mutation and a novel small deletion were found from SLC12A1 gene.A novel gross deletion was found in CLCNKA gene.A recurrent missense mutation was identified from BSND gene.The whole gene deletion mutation of CLCNKB gene was the most frequent mutation (32％),and the rate of gross deletion was up to 50 percent in this group of Chinese patients.The most common clinical manifestations were development retardation (15/16),polydipsia and polyuria (15/16).All of the patients were detected with hypokalemia,hypochloremia and metabolic alkalosis.Indomethacin treatment had significant improvement to the stature and weight restoration.Conclusion The present study has found 19 mutations,including 14 novel ones,which enriches the human gene mutation database (HGMD) and provides valuable references to the genetic counseling and diagnosis of Chinese population.

Sodium channel provides a new idea for the study of painful diabetic neuropathy.Based on the research status of sodium channel and painful diabetic neuropathy at home and abroad,five sodium channels with high correlation with diabetic painful neuropathy were selected,and the characteristics of these sodium channels were summarized.The expression status of sodium channel in diabetic painful neuropathy model was summarized,and the role of sodium channel in the pathogenesis of diabetic painful neuropathy was summarized.The relationship between sodium channel and diabetic painful neuropathy was analyzed,as well as the difficulties facing the current research,in order to provide references for the research and application of sodium channel in the treatment of diabetic painful neuropathy.

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on the protein expression of c-fos in fastigial nucleus (FN) and lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) in rats with acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), and to explore the role and mechanism of FN and LHA in EA at the Heart Meridian fighting against acute MIRI reaction. Methods: Seventy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an EA-Heart Meridian group and an EA-Lung Meridian group, with 14 rats in each group; an LHA lesion plus EA-Heart Meridian group (LHA+EA-Heart Meridian group) and a FN lesion plus EA-Heart Meridian group (FN+EA-Heart Meridian group), with 7 rats in each group. Except the sham operation group, the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery was ligated to establish acute MIRI rat models in the other 5 groups. In the three groups with EA-Heart Meridian treatment, Shenmen (HT 7) and Tongli (HT 5) were selected; Taiyuan (LU 9) and Lieque (LU 7) were selected in the EA-Lung Meridian group. All the EA groups received EA stimulation prior to modeling, with 1 mA in current intensity and 2 Hz in frequency, 20 min each time, once a day for a total of 7 d. The sham operation group and the model group did not receive EA stimulation. The electrocardiogram was observed in the rats to analyze the ST-segment deviation and cardiac arrhythmia score. The expression of c-fos protein in FN and LHA was detected by immunohistochemistry method. Results: Compared with the sham operation group, the ST-segment deviation, cardiac arrhythmia score and the expression of c-fos protein in the FN and LHA increased significantly in the model group (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ST-segment deviation, cardiac arrhythmia score and the expression of c-fos protein in FN and LHA decreased significantly in the EA-Heart Meridian group (all P<0.05). Compared with the EA-Heart Meridian group, the ST-segment deviation and cardiac arrhythmia score increased significantly in the EA-Lung Meridian group, LHA+EA-Heart Meridian group and FN+EA-Heart Meridian group (all P<0.05); the expression of c-fos in FN increased significantly in the EA-Lung Meridian group and LHA+EA-Heart Meridian group (both P<0.05); the expression of c-fos in LHA increased significantly in the EA-Lung Meridian group and FN+EA-Heart Meridian group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: FN and LHA are involved in the mechanism of EA at Heart Meridian to improve the acute MIRI reactions, and the cerebellum may participate in the improvement of cardiac function by EA through the cerebellum-hypothalamus projection.

Objective:To investigate the effect of paraformaldehyde fixation on measuring the protein-protein interaction by fluorescence resonance energy transfer(FRET)to resolve the problem of FRET efficiency calculation in excess-movement cells.Methods:The C terminals of TCR ? chain(TRA)and TCR ? chain(TRB)genes,which were ideal for protein-protein interaction research,were fused with ECFP and EYFP gene respectively by fusion PCR and transferred into target cell.A grou Pcells were fixed in paraformaldehyde(0.5%)for 0.5~1h and another left alive,then these cells were subject to ECFP/EYFP FRET calculation with confocal laser scanning microscope.The ECFP/EYFP FRET efficiencies in live and fixed cell were analyzed and compared.Results:There is no significant statistical difference between the ECFP/EYFP FRET efficiencies of live cell and cell fixed with lower paraformaldehyde concentration and shorter incubation time.Conclusion:fixation with low-concentration paraformaldehyde and short-time incubation has no distinct influence on measuring protein-protein interaction,and facilitated the FRET calculation in excess-movement cells.

BACKGROUNDThe vertebral artery (VA) and atlantoaxial joint (AAJ), with complicated structures, are located in the depths of the head-neck boundary area, the regional anatomy of which cannot be shown globally and directly. This study aims to evaluate three-dimensional CT angiography (3DCTA) in displaying the AAJ, atlantoaxial segment of the vertebral artery (ASVA) and the identification of their interrelations.

METHODSSixty-eight subjects without pathology of the ASVA and AAJ were selected from head-neck CTA examination. All the 3D images were formed with volume rendering (VR) together with techniques of separating, fusing, opacifying and false-coloring (SFOF). On the 3D images, the ASVA and AAJ were observed, and their interrelations were measured.

RESULTSAll the 3DCTA images were of high quality and up to our requirements. They could clearly and directly show the ASVA, ascending along the AAJ. There were 5 curves in the course of the ASVA, of which 2 curves were away from the atlantoaxial joint, one in the 2nd curve of 0.0 mm - 5.4 mm, the other in the 4th of 2.6 mm - 9.2 mm. There was no significant difference in the measurements between left and right (P > 0.05). The curved parts of the ASVA slightly expanded, with the biggest diameter of 5.6 mm in the 4th curve. Statistical comparison shows that the left ASVA is larger than the right (P < 0.05). Variations of the ASVA were found in 8 cases and of the AAJ in 12.

CONCLUSIONS3DCTA can globally and directly demonstrate the structures of the AAJ, ASVA and their interrelations. The 3D imaging data make up and enrich the research contents of regional anatomy and lay the foundation for related study and applications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Atlanto-Axial Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Vertebral Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic ; metabolism ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; metabolism ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Sclerosis ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology

Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor arising from the undifferentiated cells of the primitive neural crest. We report a case of malignant paraganglioma originating from the left kidney. The 55-year-old female patient was admitted for intractable cough for a month and the presence of a solid mass in the left lung detected by computer tomography (CT). Sonography revealed a mass in the left kidney after admission. Complete surgical resection of the tumor was performed and the diagnosis of malignant paraganglioma originating from the left kidney was established pathologically. During the follow-up for 12 months, the patient showed a good general condition and sonography revealed no evidence of recurrence. Based on these findings, we discussed the diagnosis of this disease using medical imaging modalities.
Female ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; Middle Aged ; Paraganglioma ; pathology ; secondary ; surgery ; Radiography

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of Zaozhu Yinchen Recipe (ZZYCR) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, and to explore its effect on serum free fatty acid (FFA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).

METHODSTotally 120 patients with NASH were randomly assigned to the treatment group (60 cases, treated with ZZYCR, one dose per day) and the control group (60 cases, treated with Silibin Meglumine Tablets, 20 mg each time, thrice per day). The therapeutic course for all was 24 weeks. Serum levels of ALT and AST activities, TC and TG levels were detected before and after treatment. Peritoneal CT was performed in all patients, and CT ratios of liver and spleen calculated. NAFLD activity score (NAS) and degree of hepatic fibrosis were assessed using pathological examinations of liver tissue, and efficacy also evaluated. Serum contents of FFA and TNF-alpha were also detected.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment in the same group, activities of ALT and AST, serum levels of TC, TG, FFA, and TNF-alpha, NAS, scores of symptoms and signs all obviously decreased, degree of hepatic fibrosis was obviously improved in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). These changes were more obviously seen in the treatment group (P < 0.05). After 24-week treatment, the total effective rate and total clinical efficacy were 80.00% (48/60 cases) and 85.00% (51/60 cases) in the treatment group, obviously higher than those in the control group [60.00% (36/60 cases) and 73.33% (44/60 cases) respectively], with significant difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONZZYCR could improve the clinical efficacy of NASH patients, and its mechanism might be associated with inhibiting serum levels of FFA and TNF-alpha.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ; blood ; Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood