OBJECTIVETo investigate the biological characters of human skin fibroblasts in fibroblast populated collagen lattice (FPCL).

METHODSThe human fibroblasts were cultured in 3D and the collagen of the rat tail was also prepared. They were examined with the comprising cell cycle and apoptosis, mRNA expression of TGF beta1, and fibronectin, and cell morphology.

RESULTSThe flow cytometry showed that the G0/G1, stage cells were 79% +/- 3%, 87% +/- 2% after the 7 days and 14 days separately, and there were not apoptosis peak observed. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of TGF beta1, and fibronectin had no difference between human skin fibroblasts cultured in 3D and 2D. Electron microscope showed the cells were plenty of chromatin and organelles.

CONCLUSIONSThe proliferation of the human skin fibroblasts in FPCL is slow, but its biological viability is better.

Animals ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Division ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen ; Extracellular Matrix ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Humans ; Rats ; Skin ; cytology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate three dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D-DCE MRA) in diagnosis of cavernous transformation of portal vein (CTPV).

METHODSTwenty-four patients with CTPV underwent 3D-DCE MRA examinations and the reconstructed images were retrospectively analyzed. A series of clinical, laboratory and imaging studies were performed on all these cases. Among all cases 14 underwent operations and 2 with hepatocellular carcinoma complicated portal thrombosis received transhepatic artery chemoembolization.

RESULTThe CTPA was located in the main trunk in 10 cases, in both the main trunk and left/right branches in 8, and in left or right branches of the portal vein in 4. In the remaining 2 cases CTPA was located at the level of superior mesenteric vein. MRA revealed multiple circuitous collateral veins striding over obstruction to extend into the liver in 9 cases,and in 7 it simultaneously showed streaky or dot-like low signal intensities representing thrombi in the extensively dilated network of portal system. MRA did not clearly demonstrate the structure of the portal vein but only showed multiple sinuous network of venous collaterals strangling together in 6 cases. In 15 cases it also showed the route and distribution of multiple hepatofugal venous collaterals.

CONCLUSION3D-DCE MRA can provide adequate information about the site and severity of CTPA.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Contrast Media ; Female ; Hemangioma, Cavernous ; diagnosis ; etiology ; pathology ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Liver Neoplasms ; complications ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portal Vein ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Venous Thrombosis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; pathology

Abdomen ; Hernia ; Humans ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthesis Implantation ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of montelukast on atherosclerosis and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model.

METHODSThirty four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into four groups including normal control group (n = 6), placebo group (n = 8), atorvastatin group (1.5 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10) and montelukast group (1 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10). Rabbits except those in normal control group were fed a high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. Serum lipids were measured at 0, 8 and 12 weeks after intervention. The intima/media ratio, percentages of macrophages or smooth muscle cells in intima and the expression of MCP-1 mRNA were examined.

RESULTSAtherosclerosis was evidenced in placebo group and atorvastatin or montelukast treatment significantly reduced neointima (0.32 +/- 0.12 and 0.34 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.12 +/- 0.36, P < 0.05) and macrophage content [(9.8 +/- 4.6)% and (11.2 +/- 3.7)% vs. (34.6 +/- 8.8)%, P < 0.05], increased SMC content [(18.6 +/- 6.9)% and (19.2 +/- 8.6)% vs. (5.2 +/- 2.3)%, P < 0.05] and inhibited expression of MCP-1 mRNA (0.42 +/- 0.08 and 0.40 +/- 0.06 vs. 2.36 +/- 0.48, P < 0.01). Montelukast had similar anti-atherogenetic effects as atorvastatin but had no influence on plasma lipids.

CONCLUSIONSMontelukast could attenuate atherosclerosis in this hypercholesterolemic rabbit model which might be attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; metabolism ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Tunica Intima

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of exogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), batimastat, in the lung injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in dogs.

METHODSThirty healthy mongrel puppies were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, low-dose group [batimastat 10 mg/(kg.d) for 3 days before operation] and high-dose group [batimastat 30 mg/(kg.d) for 3 days before operation]. The off-pump puppies' model of acute lung injury was established, and hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were monitored. The preoperative and postoperative alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (A-aDO(2)) and respiratory index (RI) were calculated. From the beginning of surgery, blood samples were taken at the time 0, 60, 120, and 270 min. Plasma concentrations of MMP-9 were measured by ELISA, and blood MMP-9 mRNA expressions were determined by RT-PCR. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of centrifugal bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured by Colorimetry. And MMP-9 activity was determined by Gelatin zymography. Light and electronic microscope were used to observe the morphological changes of lung tissue. A small piece of left lung tissue was taken, weighed and baked to calculate the wet weight (W/D) index.

RESULTSAfter cardiopulmonary bypass, the concentrations of MMP-9 and mRNA expressions of the control group were increased significantly, and lung injury was apparent. At 270 min, the MMP-9 plasma concentration of high-dose group (17.36 +/- 1.18) microg/L was significant reducing than control group (30.47 +/- 2.22) microg/L (P < 0.05). After operation, A-aDO(2) and RI of high-dose group were significantly improved than control group (P < 0.05). The W/D index of the high-dose group (2.8 +/- 0.48) was significantly lower than that of control group (4.7 +/- 0.6) (P < 0.05). And the pathological changes of lung tissue were significantly improved in the high-dose group. However, there was no significant difference in the MMP-9 mRNA expression in three groups.

CONCLUSIONSBatimastat plays a role in the protection of the lung injury of CBP by reducing the concentration and activity of MMP-9, the degradation of the cell membrane and pulmonary neutrophil infiltration and reduction of pulmonary edema.

Acute Lung Injury ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Animals ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dogs ; Lung ; pathology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors ; Phenylalanine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Thiophenes ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of different treatment options for the flat type of sudden hearing loss.

METHODSProspective, multi-center clinical study was carried out using internationally used standardized clinical research method. Patients with the flat type of sudden hearing loss between 18 and 65 years old, within two weeks duration, and without any medical treatment were recruited. Treatment options were randomly selected according to the designed random table.

RESULTSFrom August 2007 to October 2011, 402 patients with the flat type of sudden hearing loss who met the criteria (account for 39.26% of the total number of patients) from the 33 hospitals were collected; the total effective rate was 82.59%, and no significant difference was detected between different treatments, (χ(2) = 10.95, P = 0.28). In the 402 cases, 139 were cured (34.58%); 118 were markedly improved (29.35%); 75 were effective (18.66%); 70 were invalid (17.41%).

CONCLUSIONSThe therapeutic efficacy of flat type of sudden hearing loss overall is good; the treatment of improving the inner ear blood rheology and/or reducing blood fibrinogen has clinical significance; the therapeutic efficacy of using glucocorticoid systemically is good as well; there is no obvious difference between combination and single medication.

Adult ; Aged ; Ear, Inner ; Glucocorticoids ; therapeutic use ; Hearing Loss, Sudden ; therapy ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the access to the frontal recess by identifying the agger nasi cell and uncinate process.

METHODSForty-seven patients (85 sides) who underwent endoscopic frontal sinus surgery in our department constituted the study population. Computed tomographic (CT) scans of the sinuses were obtained in coronal and axial views. The frontal ostium was identified by using agger nasi cell approach or identifying the uncinate process.

RESULTSThe frontal sinus ostium was identified in 100% of patients (85 sides). After an average follow-up of 9 months, 41 sides of 49 sides (84%) had endoscopically healed sinuses by using agger nasi cell approach. And 21 sides of 36 sides (81%) had endoscopically healed sinuses by identifying the uncinate process.

CONCLUSIONSThe agger nasi cell approach to the frontal recess gives an access and allows identification of the frontal ostium. In addition, it provides direct visualization with a 0 degree endoscope into the frontal recess.

Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Cavity ; Nose ; surgery ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Sinusitis ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the Chinese medical formula Qubi Zhentong Recipe(, QZR) on the synovial gene expression profile in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats.

METHODSTen rats were randomly chosen from 60 rats as the control group, and the other 50 rats were used for the CIA models. The CIA model group was constructed by bovine injection of type II collagen through the rats' neck and tail. Twenty rats were randomly chosen from 34 successful CIA models and randomly assigned into two groups: the model group (n =10) and the QZR group (n=10). The QZR group was fed intragastrically with QZR 22.9 g/(kg·d) (10 times the clinical adult dose), and the CIA model group was given the same dose of normal saline. Both model and QZR groups were administered treatment once a day. Total RNA was collected from the knee joint synovium after 30 days. The change in gene expression profile was analyzed by a whole gene chip.

RESULTSA total of 76 genes showed a difference in expression between CIA model group and the control group; 35 genes were down-regulated and 41 were up-regulated. A total of 67 genes showed a difference in expression between the model group and the QZR group; 48 genes were down-regulated and 19 were upregulated.

CONCLUSIONSQZR may affect CIA by stimulating multiple genes and targets, which are related to oncogenes, apoptosis, metabolism, the immune system, ion channels, and transport proteins.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; genetics ; Cattle ; Disease Models, Animal ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel ; Extremities ; pathology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Synovial Membrane ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transcriptome ; Up-Regulation ; drug effects ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of c-Jun NH (2)-terminal kinase (JNk) in insulin resistance after burn and its mechanism.

METHODSTwenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control, burn and burn + anisomycin groups. The rats in control group received sham burn trauma, and burn and burn + anisomycin groups received 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full thickness burn injury. Anisomycin (5 mg/kg) together with 250 microl dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was injected to the rats in anisomycin group intravenously, and only 250 microl DMSO in the other two groups. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps was performed 2 hours after the injection. The changes of phospho-serine 307, phospho-tyrosine of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and phospho-JNK in muscle tissues were determined and compared using immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry in the three groups.

RESULTSThe infusing rates of total 10% glucose (mg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) in control, burn and burn + anisomycin group were 12.3 +/- 0.4, 6.6 +/- 0.3, 6.5 +/- 0.4, respectively. The level of IRS-1 Serine 307 phosphorylation and phospho-JNK in muscle increased significantly, while insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 decreased markedly after burn.

CONCLUSIONSThe activation of JNK elevates the level of IRS-1 phospho-serine 307 and might play a role in insulin resistance after burn in rats.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; metabolism ; Animals ; Anisomycin ; administration & dosage ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; administration & dosage ; Blotting, Western ; Burns ; enzymology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; administration & dosage ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Glucose Clamp Technique ; Immunohistochemistry ; Injections, Intravenous ; Insulin ; administration & dosage ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins ; Insulin Resistance ; physiology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Male ; Muscles ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serine ; metabolism ; Tyrosine ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role and mechanism of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNk) inhibitor (SP600125) in amelioration of insulin resistance after scald.

METHODSTwenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into sham (the process of scald was mimicked by water at room temperature) , scald, scald and SP600125 groups. The rats were inflicted with 30% TBSA full-thickness scald in the latter two groups. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp experiment was carried out 4 days after scald. SP600125 was administered to the rats in scald and SP600125 2 hrs before Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp was performed. Changes in the phospho-Serine307 and phospho-tyrosine of IRS-1 activity, as well as expression of phospho-JNK in muscles were determined.

RESULTSEuglycemic-Hyperinsulinemic Glucose Clamps experiment showed that the infusion rate of 100 g/L glucose in sham, scald, scald and SP600125 groups were (12. 33 +/-0. 42) , (6. 61 +/-0. 27) , (11. 11 +/-0. 68) mgx kg(-1) x min(-1) , respectively ( P <0.01). The level of IRS-1 Serine307 phosphorylation and JNK activity in muscles were significantly increased, while insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 decreased markedly after scald. Compared with scald group, the level of IRS-1 Serine307 phosphorylation and JNK activity in scald and SP600125 group were decreased but tyrosine phosphorylation was elevated.

CONCLUSIONSP600125 can partially ameliorate insulin resistance after scald by inhibition of JNK activation, and decrease the level of IRS-1 phospho-serine307.

Animals ; Anthracenes ; pharmacology ; Burns ; complications ; metabolism ; Hyperinsulinism ; etiology ; Insulin ; metabolism ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins ; metabolism ; Insulin Resistance ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Phosphorylation ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley