OBJECTIVETo study the effect and mechanism of berberine (BER) on the proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes.

METHODSThe proliferation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes was detected by XTT method. Lipid droplets accumulated in the cytoplasm of adipocytes in the differentiating process were observed by oil red O staining and quantified by colorimetry. The expressions of peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), CAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) mRNA and protein were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blotting respectively.

RESULTSIntervention with BER in concentration below 10 micromol/L for 24 h showed insignificant effect on the proliferation of adipocytes, as compared with that in the control group (P > 0.05); but that in concentrations 20, 40 and 80 micromol/L revealed significant suppressive effect; that in different concentrations acting for 48 h and 72 h could affect the proliferation and the effect displayed a dose-dependent manner, i. e. the higher the concentration of BER, the more apparent the suppression, showing significant difference as compared with those in the control group (P <0.05 or P <0.01). The pre-adipocyte treated with 10 micromol/L BER showed that the lipid droplets in the cytoplasm significantly lessened, so did the expression of differentiation related factor PPAR gamma mRNA as well as the expressions of C/EBPalpha mRNA and protein, as compared with those in the blank control group and the group intervened with rosiglitazone, the difference was significant (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSBER can suppress the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes, reduce the accumulation of lipid drops in the adipocyte differentiating process, which may be associated with its effects in decreasing the expressions of adipocyte differentiation related gene PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha mRNA and protein. The study provides a basis for applying BER on the prevention and treatment of such metabolic related diseases as obesity.

3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Animals ; Berberine ; pharmacology ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Mice ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in type 2 diabetes patients, by comparing the sexual function between type 2 diabetic women and non-diabetic women with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

METHODS115 type 2 diabetic women and 107 age-matched non-diabetes women were enrolled with similar backgrounds. Their sexual functions were evaluated with FSFI. Metabolic parameters such as body mass index, blood lipid profile, hemoglobin A1C, plasma glucose were also collected.

RESULTSTotal score of FSFI of the type 2 diabetic women were significantly lower than that of the non-diabetic controls (18.27±8.96 vs. 23.02±5.78, P=0.000). Scores of the FSFI domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain) of the type 2 diabetic group were also lower than those of the control group. According to the FSD criterion (FSFI<25) available in China, the percentage of FSD in the type 2 diabetic group was significantly higher than that of the control group (79.2%vs. 55.0%, P<0.001). These trends seemed more prominent in pre-menopause subgroups. The logistic regression analysis indicated that age and diabetes were independent risk factors of FSD. Body Mass Index (BMI) also had influence in the diabetes group.

CONCLUSIONFindings from this study showed that there are more FDS in Chinese type 2 diabetic women than in their non-diabetic counterparts, especially in pre-menopause participants.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological ; etiology

Objective To observe the influences of Ganfujian Formula on the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TβRII-mRNA, Smad2/3, Smad4 and Smad7 in rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by porcine serum.Methods The hepatic fibrosis model was established in SD rats by the intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum (0.5 mL, twice a week for 8 weeks). The rats then were given Ganfujian Formula orally in different doses (1.50 g/kg, 2.25 g/kg and 3.0 g/kg) and colchicines (0.154 g/kg) respectively until the end of 12th week. The expressions of TGF-β1 and TβRII-mRNA were detected by using RT-PCR and the expressions of Smad2/3, Smad4 and Smad7 were detected by applying Western blotting method.Results In the model group, compared with the normal control group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and TβRII-mRNA, Smad2/3 and Smad4 increased significantly and Smad7 expression decreased significantly. After the treatment with Ganfujian Formula the expressions of TGF-β1 and TβRII-mRNA were reduced in the treatment group compared with the model group. Ganfujian Formula regulated downward the expressions of Smad2/3 and Smad4, and regulated upward Smad7 expression at the same time.Conclusion Ganfujian Formula can inhibit the expressions of TGF-β1 and TβRII-mRNA, regulates downward the expressions of Smad2/3 and Smad4, and regulates upward Smad7 expression. It may be its one of the mechanisms for curing hepatic fibrosis that it has an obvious influence on hepatic TGF-β and Smad signal pathway.

The aim of this study was to explore application value of detecting platelet associated antibody and platelet membrane glycoprotein in the diagnosis and prognosis for immune thrombocytopenia. The platelet associated immunoglobulin (PAIg) and platelet membrane glycoprotein (CD41, CD61, GPIIb/IIIa) in 76 cases of immune thrombocytopenia and 30 healthy subjects were determined by FCM. The results showed that PAIg level in ITP patients included PAIgG (31.25 +/- 18.06)%, PAIgM (32.41 +/- 15.51)%, PAIgA (23.39 +/- 16.67)% which were remarkedly higher than in health control (10.48 +/- 5.05)%, (9.40 +/- 4.42)% and (7.23 +/- 3.61)% (P < 0.001). In patients with secondary immune thrombocytopenia (chronic aplastic anemia, SLE, Evans syndrome, liver cirrhosis hypersplenism, etc), PAIg level was higher than that in control group, while the platelet membrane glycoprotein in the blood of these patients was lower than that in control group. The level of PAIg decreased (P < 0.05) after treatment, but platelet membrane glycoprotein increased (P < 0.01). The result suggested that measurements for platelet membrane glycoprotein and platelet associated antibody by FCM were practical with high sensitivity, rapidity and simplicity used as a routine method in diagnosis and evaluation of the therapeutic effects in immune thrombocytopenia patients.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Platelets ; immunology ; Child ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; blood ; Integrin beta3 ; analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex ; analysis ; Platelet Membrane Glycoprotein IIb ; analysis ; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins ; analysis ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; blood ; diagnosis ; Thrombocytopenia ; blood ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo study the histopathological effect of hepatic arterial infusion of lipiodol on transplanted hepatoma in rats.

METHODSFourty-one rats bearing Walker-256 transplanted hepatoma were randomly divided into embolization group (n = 35, divided in 5 subgroups, with 7 rats in each) and control group (n = 6). Lipiodol (0.5 ml/kg)emulsified with 0.2 - 0.3 ml of 76% urografin (v:v = 1:1) was infused via gastroduodenal artery into hepatic artery in embolization group. Rats in the control group were given via the same route urografin only. Histopathological changes of the treated tumors were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTSIn the control rats treated with urografin alone, the average tumor size increased 2.8 fold on day 3, while that in the lipiodol treated rats increased 1.7 fold (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, on day 3, 5, 10 after embolization treatment, tumor necrosis was more extensive (P < 0.01). In one of the treated rats, the tumor was completely necrotic on day 10. Inflammatory reaction was marked in the early post-embolic period, but it was replaced by fibrous tissue encapsulation. From day 1 on, in 17 of the 18 treated rats, apoptotic cells, identified by typical morphology under light and electronic microscopes, were observed, mainly in the tumor periphery.

CONCLUSIONIn addition to cellular necrosis, apoptosis may be another important mechanism leading to cell death in hepatoma treated with transarterial embolization.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma 256, Walker ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Iodized Oil ; therapeutic use ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Necrosis ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the roles and differences of angiogenesis of different dermal scaffolds on wound contraction and apoptosis during full-thickness burn wound repair.

METHODSWounds were observed at different time after the collagen-sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold or collagen-chitosan porous scaffold or acellular dermal matrix were respectively transplanted on wounds of full thickness burn with debridement in Bama miniature pigs. At the same time, vessels and myo-fibroblasts expressing α-smooth muscle action(α-SMA) and apoptosis in wounds of different time were detected in situ by immunohistochemical staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling. The burn wounds without any scaffold transplantation were studied as the control.

RESULTSWounds with different scaffolds transplantation were different from granulation wounds. Vessels expressing α-SMA had been increasing continuously in the wounds from 1 to 3 weeks after different scaffolds transplantation and decreased in wounds after epidermis had been grafted for 2 weeks on surface of the scaffolds transplanted on wounds for 2 weeks. Vessels expressing α-SMA were the most in the wounds with collagen-sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold transplantation and the least in the control wounds without dermal scaffold at different time. Myo-fibroblasts expressing α-SMA was the least in the wounds with collagen-sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold transplantation and the peak of expressions was on the 2nd week, however, the peak in the wounds with the other two scaffolds transplantation and in the control wound without dermal scaffold was on the 3rd week. Myo-fibroblasts expressing α-SMA was the most in the control wounds. Apoptosis had been increasing continuously in the transplantation wounds from 2 to 4 weeks after different scaffolds transplantation, however, apoptosis had begun to increase continuously from 3 to 4 weeks in the control wounds. Apoptosis was the most in the wounds with collagen-sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold transplantation and the least in the control wounds without dermal scaffold from 3 to 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan can promote migration of reparative cells and angiogenesis, and it can repair full-thickness burn wound fast and well.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Burns ; pathology ; surgery ; Chitosan ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Collagen ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Skin Transplantation ; Skin, Artificial ; Swine ; Tissue Scaffolds

BACKGROUNDTo investigate the effect of Oxymatrine (OM) on serum cholinesterase (ChE) during the treatment of viral hepatitis and the relationship between the change of ChE and the change of albumin (ALB), prothrombin activity (PTA) and other liver function tests.

METHODSA total of 98 patients with viral hepatitis were divided into four groups. Group A consisted of 31 patients and were treated with OM intravenous infusion; Group B consisted of 30 patients, treated with OM orally; Group C consisted of 7 patients and were treated with OM intramuscular injection while Group D consisted of 30 patients, and were not treated with OM. ChE, ALB, PTA, liver function, renal function, soluble complement receptor-1 (sCR1) and erythrocyte innate immune adhesion function (EIIAF) were regularly determined.

RESULTSChE in Group A,B,C was dropped obviously during the treatment (P less than 0.001, less than 0.001, 0.023=. But there were no change in ALB, PTA, sCR1, EIIAF (P greater than 0.05), and remarkable improvement of ALT, AST, TBiL was seen during the treatment in Groups A, B, C. After the treatment with OM, the level of ChE recovered soon.

CONCLUSIONSerum level of ChE significantly declined during the treatment of viral hepatitis with OM, but no change was found in ALB, PTA, sCR1, EIIAF while liver function tests showed better results. So the drop of ChE does not mean deprivation of patient's liver disease.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alkaloids ; therapeutic use ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cholinesterases ; blood ; drug effects ; Female ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; Humans ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quinolizines

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of blinatumomab in treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).Methods:The data of 8 patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL treated with blinatumomab in Shanghai Zhaxin Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from September 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and their clinical characteristics, overall survival, lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, tandem transplantation and adverse reactions were analyzed.Results:The median follow-up time of 8 patients was 143 d (range: 41-534 d). Five of the 8 patients were alive; among them, 4 of 6 patients assessed to be in minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete remission (CR) and 1 of 2 patients assessed to be in non-remission at the time of belintuzumab discontinuation were alive. The median duration of treatment with belintuzumab was 28 d (10-56 d), and it was 23 d (10-56 d) for patients with MRD-positive at baseline and 28 d (25-31 d) for the 4 non-remission patients. Six patients achieved MRD-negative CR after treatment, of which 4 were assessed as MRD-positive at baseline and 2 were assessed as non-remission at baseline. All 4 patients with MRD-positive CR achieved MRD-negative CR after treatment with belintuzumab, including 1 patient with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph +) ALL bridged to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 1 patient with Ph + ALL and 1 patient with Ph - ALL received sequential allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and had persistent MRD-negative CR. Two of the 4 non-remission patients achieved MRD-negative CR after treatment with belintuzumab, including 1 patient with Ph + ALL bridged to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 1 patient with Ph - ALL received sequential allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the 2 patients had persistent MRD-negative CR. Leukocyte counts and neutrophils decreased in both MRD-positive CR and non-remission patients after receiving belintumomab. The proportion and absolute number of CD3 + T and CD3 + CD8 + T lymphocytes in patients with MRD-positive CR were higher than those in patients without remission, and both decreased after drug administration. Median interleukin-6 (46.23, 1.42 pg/ml), interleukin-8 (17.85, 2.10 pg/ml), interleukin-10 (7.43, 1.49 pg/ml) and interferon-γ (11.82, 0.39 pg/ml) levels were elevated in MRD-positive CR and non-remission patients at week 3 of treatment. Grade 1 cytokine release syndrome occurred in 1 case with clinical manifestations of fever, which improved after drug suspension. Three cases developed infections, 2 of which were pulmonary and 1 of which was upper respiratory tract infection. No immune effector cell-associated neurotoxic syndrome was observed. Conclusions:Belintumomab is effective for MRD clearance in relapsed/refractory B-ALL with manageable adverse reactions, providing an effective therapeutic option for bridging hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to prolong the survival of patients.

Objective This study aims to systematically evaluate the experiences of patients with hematologic neoplasm undergoing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)therapy and nursing care,and to provide a reference basis for healthcare providers to develop personalized intervention strategies.Methods PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,CINAHL,Cochrane Library,PsycINFO,Scopus,Australia Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI)EBP Database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,VIP Database,and China Biology Medicine(CBM)Database were systematically searched for qualitative studies on the experiences of patients with hematologic neoplasm undergoing CAR-T therapy and nursing care.The search period extended up to September 2023.The quality of the literature was reviewed according to the JBI Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument,and a pooled analysis was applied to integrate the results.Results A total of 15 studies were included,generating 76 findings,which were then organized into 8 categories,resulting in 3 integrated findings.(1)Patients experienced conflicting emotions,with expectations often at odds with reality,leading to emotional fluctuations:expectations about treatment were entangled with concerns about risks;emotions fluctuated with expectations and actual experiences.(2)Patients experienced physical and social functional impairments,but as the disease eased,normal functioning recovered:rapid decline and improvement in physical functions;loss and recovery of social functions.(3)Patients desired access to professional guidance and psychosocial support.Conclusion Patients undergoing CAR-T therapy often contend with emotional conflicts.Changes in physical and social functions after the completion of treatment result in needs for seeking comprehensive medical and nursing support.It is recommended that healthcare providers conduct dynamic assessments and interventions regarding patients'emotional states before treatment,focus on early identification and management of adverse reactions after treatment,and offer continuous nursing services after discharge to enhance patients'confidence in participating in CAR-T therapy and improve their overall quality of life.

Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Shengmai San has the effects of enhancing immunity and improving blood circulation, and Curcumae Longae Rhizoma(Jianghuang) has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation and other functions. Shengmai San combined with Jianghuang is a new research direction in the study of anti-tumor of traditional Chinese medicines. The main treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is radiation therapy, but radiation therapy can cause a variety of side effects, and it also changes the composition of the intestinal flora. In this study, the 16 s rDNA sequencing platform was used to perform macro-sequence sequencing of the intestinal flora samples of nude mice bearing the veins of Shengmai Jianghuang San, and then the results of intestinal flora data were analyzed to investigate the effect of Shengmai Jianghuang San on tumors. The results showed that Shengmai Jianghuang San combined with irradiation could enhance the therapeutic effect of tumor treatment. Radiation therapy would reduce the total number and diversity of intestinal flora in nude mice, and also change the structure of the flora. Shengmai Jianghuang San could protect the diversity of colonies, and also partially restore the colony imbalance caused by irradiation. This study provides a research idea for Shengmai Jianghuang San as a sensitizing adjuvant for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; radiotherapy ; Radiation Tolerance ; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents ; pharmacology