Chinese traditional patent medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis(PBCRBS) originated from traditional Chinese medicine theory and had approved efficacy and safety standards. However, its compatibility regularity and anti-thrombotic mechanism is not clear. To analyze the compatibility regularity and anti-thrombotic mechanism of Chinese traditional patent medicine for PBCRBS, a statistical and bioinformatics analysis was carried out using traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support system (TICMISS, V2.0) and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). The compatibility regularity analysis shows that the most commonly used herb combinations are Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.) and Honghua (Carthamustinctorius L.). The anti-thrombotic mechanism analysis reveals that 25 ingredients have an effect on 29 thrombosis related molecules which 23 molecules are related to inflammation response. Furthermore, there are 5 inflammation molecules (NOS2, PTGS2, IL6, TNF, IL1β) served as major targets. At the same time, Danshen, Chuangxiong and Honghua mainly used as sovereign herb or minister herb in the application of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, Chinese traditional patent medicine for PBCRBS probably has an effect on anti-thrombotic activity through inhibiting the inflammatory response. In summary, the most commonly used herb combinations of Chinese traditional patent medicine for PBCRBS are Danshen, Chuanxiong and Honghua. Inhibiting inflammatory response, especially inflammation related molecules (NOS2, PTGS2, IL6, TNF and IL1β), is probably a new starting point to clarify the anti-thrombotic mechanism of Chinese patent medicine for PBCRBS.

Objective To investigate the dynamic expression of the 20S proteasome in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of type 2 diabetic patients without vascular complications. Methods PBMCs were prepared from 30 type 2 diabetic patients and 30 nondiabetic controls. The general indexes including weight, height and blood pressure were recorded. Fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin were measured. The protein level of the 20S proteasome was measured by Western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of the 20S proteasome β1, β2 and β5 subunits were detected by real-time PCR. Results Compared with that in the nondiabetic controls, the protein level of the 20S proteasome was significantly increased in the diabetic patients and was positively associated with glycosylated hemoglobin. Conclusion Type 2 diabetic patients without vascular complications have an increased 20S proteasome expression, the significance of which needs to be explored by further study.

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analyze the influence of preoperative range of motion (ROM) and maximal flexion degree on the early clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODSFrom January 2000 to December 2003, 97 knees of 65 patients that were underwent total knee arthroplasty with Scorpio posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis were reviewed. There were 55 osteoarthritis patients (81 knees), and 10 rheumatoid arthritis (16 knees). Thirty-three patients were underwent unilateral TKA, 32 patients were underwent bilateral TKA. According to the preoperative ROM of knee, these patients were divided into two groups, one 90 degrees (range, 95 degrees - 140 degrees ). Finally the clinical outcomes of two groups (include ROM, maximal flexion degree, KSS score and function score) were evaluated. Three days later after operation, continuous passive motion (CPM) and active functional exercise of the knee were begun, and the wound healed well in all patients. All these operations were primary total knee arthroplasty.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for average 2 years 5 months (range, 10 months to 3 years 8 months). The average ROM of knee was improved to 101.6 degrees (range, 40 degrees - 140 degrees ) after operation from 84.2 degrees (range, 5 degrees - 140 degrees ) before operation (P = 0.000); the average maximal flexion degree was decreased from 103.5 degrees (range, 25 degrees - 140 degrees ) before operation to 101.6 degrees (range, 40 degrees - 140 degrees ) after operation (P = 0.439); KSS of knee joint was improved to 78.8 points after operation (range, 50 - 95 points) from 19.5 points (-24 - 62 points) before operation (P = 0.000). There was statistically difference between the clinical outcomes (ROM, maximal flexion degree, KSS score and function score) in the two groups before and after operation. Those knees with good preoperative ROM tend to lose flexion, while those with poor preoperative ROM gain flexion after TKA. No revision and deep infection happened.

CONCLUSIONSTKA is a complex operation, the clinical outcome of TKA is mainly determined by the good operation skill, abundant clinical experience and the familiarity with the prosthesis of the surgeon. At the same conditions such as same surgeon, same prosthesis and same physical therapy, preoperative range of motion of knee influence on the early clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty, knees that have good preoperative ROM have better clinical outcomes postoperatively than those with poor preoperative ROM.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; Knee Prosthesis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

ObjectiveTo evaluate the one-year follow-up of the therapeutic efficacy of human umbilical cord derived-mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) transplantations in decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with ascites.MethodsFifty-four liver cirrhosis patients with ascites in Research Center for Biological Therapy in 302 Military Hospital were divided into treatment group (n=38) and control group (n=16) in a prospective controlled single-blinded trial.UC-MSC (0.5-1.0) × 106/kg and saline were intravenously transplanted into patients monthly for 3 times in treatment group and control group,respectively.The liver function,hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level,ascites and the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)scores at different time points were compared between two groups.The comparison between groups was done by Mann-Whitney U test,and the data before and after transplantations were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank sum test.ResultsThere were no significant differences of alanine transaminase (ALT),total bilirubin (TBil),cholinesterase (CHE),HBV DNA positive rate and MELD scores at different time points between two groups (P＞0.05).However, the albumin ( A1b)level was significantly increased after 36 weeks of UC-MSC transplantation in treatment group, which were (28.47±4.45)g/L at week 0 and ( 34.82±4.50)g/L at week 48 (P=0.046). Meanwhile, the ascites reduced markedly in treatment group with (46.6 ±30.6) mm at week 0 and (6.6±13.6) mm at week 48,which were significantly different from control group at the end of follow-up (P =0.037). Conclusion UC-MSC transplantations may help to increase A1b level and reduce ascites in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Chinese traditional patent medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis(PBCRBS) originated from traditional Chinese medicine theory and had approved efficacy and safety standards. However, its compatibility regularity and anti-thrombotic mechanism is not clear. To analyze the compatibility regularity and anti-thrombotic mechanism of Chinese traditional patent medicine for PBCRBS, a statistical and bioinformatics analysis was carried out using traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support system (TICMISS, V2.0) and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). The compatibility regularity analysis shows that the most commonly used herb combinations are Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.) and Honghua (Carthamustinctorius L.). The anti-thrombotic mechanism analysis reveals that 25 ingredients have an effect on 29 thrombosis related molecules which 23 molecules are related to inflammation response. Furthermore, there are 5 inflammation molecules (NOS2, PTGS2, IL6, TNF, IL1β) served as major targets. At the same time, Danshen, Chuangxiong and Honghua mainly used as sovereign herb or minister herb in the application of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, Chinese traditional patent medicine for PBCRBS probably has an effect on anti-thrombotic activity through inhibiting the inflammatory response. In summary, the most commonly used herb combinations of Chinese traditional patent medicine for PBCRBS are Danshen, Chuanxiong and Honghua. Inhibiting inflammatory response, especially inflammation related molecules (NOS2, PTGS2, IL6, TNF and IL1β), is probably a new starting point to clarify the anti-thrombotic mechanism of Chinese patent medicine for PBCRBS.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Carthamus tinctorius ; Computational Biology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVETo probe into the mechanisms of thread implantation at Zusanli(ST 36) and Chinese herbs in treatment of chronic renal failure(CRF).

METHODSCRF rat model was made by Platt subtotal nephrectomy. They were divided into 5 groups, sham operation group, model group, Chinese herbs group, thread implantation group and thread implantation plus Chinese herbs group. After treatment of 8 weeks, serum parathyroid hormone (PHT), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression in residual renal cells, malondialdehyde(MDA) content in the residual renal tissue, serum urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine(Scr), protein in urine and pathological changes were investigated.

RESULTSThe above indexes after treatment by thread implantation at acupoint, Chinese herbs, and acupoint thread implantation plus Chinese herbs showed begin reversion, especially, the most obviously improvement in the acupoint thread implantation plus Chinese herbs treatment group.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanism of acupoint thread implantation and Chinese herbs in improvement of CRF is related with decrease of PTH, inhibition of TGF-beta1 expression, decrease of MDA content and resisting lesion of renal fibrosis.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; blood ; therapy ; Male ; Parathyroid Hormone ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; blood ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

OBJECTIVEThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) category IIIa chronic prostatitis syndromes (non bacterial chronic prostatitis) were common disorders but with few effective therapies. Alpha-blockers and bioflavonoids had recently been reported in randomized controlled trials to improve the symptom of these disorders in a significant proportion of men. The aim of this study was to confirm these findings in a prospective randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

METHODSForty-five men with category IIIa chronic non bacterial protatitis were randomized into three groups as follows: (1) placebo; (2) phenoxybenzamine-hydrochloride:10 mg two times a day for one month; (3) flavoxate HCI-neptumus: 200 mg three times a day for one month. The NIH chronic prostatitis symptom score was used to grade symptoms at the beginning and conclusion of the study.

RESULTSAll the patients in three groups completed the study except three dropout patients in placebo group because of sever symptoms. The three groups were similar in age, duration of symptoms and initial symptom score. Patients taking placebo had a mean improvement in NIH-CPSI from 21.85 to 19.55 (not significant), while the phenoxybenzamine-hydrochloride group had a mean improvement from 21.95 to 13.75 (P < 0.01), and those taking flavoxate HCI-neptumus had a mean improvement from 21.75 to 16.95 (P < 0.05). The decrease in NIH-CPSI was associated with significant improvement in patients' clinical manifestations.

CONCLUSIONTherapy with alpha-blockers was well tolerated with significant symptomatic improvement in most men having chronic non-bacterial chronic protatitis while the bioflavonoids group had no significant improvement. Mechanism of both medicines needs further study.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Flavonoids ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Flavoxate ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Parasympatholytics ; therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Hookworm infections are widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in low income regions. In the body, hookworms parasitize the proximal small intestine, leading to chronic intestinal hemorrhage and iron deficiency anemia. Occasionally, hookworms can cause overt gastrointestinal bleeding, but this is often ignored in heavily burdened individuals from endemic infectious areas. A total of 424 patients with overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were diagnosed by numerous blood tests or stool examinations as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy or double-balloon enteroscopy. All of the patients lived in hookworm endemic areas and were not screened for hookworm infection using sensitive tests before the final diagnosis. The patients recovered after albendazole treatment, blood transfusion, and iron replacement, and none of the patients experienced recurrent bleeding in the follow-up. All the 31 patients were diagnosed with hookworm infections without other concomitant bleeding lesions, a rate of 7.3% (31/424). Seventeen out of 227 patients were diagnosed with hookworm infections in the capsule endoscopy (CE), and 14 out of 197 patients were diagnosed with hookworm infections in the double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). Hookworm infections can cause overt gastrointestinal bleeding and should be screened in patients with overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in endemic infectious areas with sensitive methods. Specifically, the examination of stool specimens is clinically warranted for most patients, and the proper examination for stool eggs relies on staff's communication.
Albendazole ; Ancylostoma ; Ancylostomatoidea* ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Blood Transfusion ; Capsule Endoscopy ; Colonoscopy ; Diagnosis ; Double-Balloon Enteroscopy ; Eggs ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematologic Tests ; Hemorrhage* ; Hookworm Infections* ; Humans ; Intestine, Small ; Iron ; Necator americanus ; Ovum

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Hypercalcemia ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Hyperparathyroidism ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parathyroid Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of L-arginine on diabetic rats.

METHODSForty adult male Lewis rats were randomized equally into diabetic and normal control groups, and the former rats were treated intraperitoneally with streptozotocin to induce diabetes mellitus. Seven days later, half of the diabetic and normal rats were injected intraperitoneally with L-arginine at the daily dose of 1 g/kg, while the remainder were given saline instead. All the rats were euthanized on 10 days after L-arginine or saline treatment, and their body weight, plasma protein, arginine and sugar, food and water intake were analyzed.

RESULTSDiabetic rats had obviously decreased body weight, plasma protein and arginine but increased blood sugar and food and water intakes in comparison with the control rats. L-arginine significantly increased plasma protein and arginine, decreased food and water intakes, but failed to prevent weight loss and blood sugar increment in diabetic rats as compared to their saline-treated counterparts. L-arginine supplementation did not result in any changes other than arginine elevation in the control rats.

CONCLUSIONL-arginine supplementation can partially improve polydipsia and polyphagia and increase plasma protein in diabetic rats.

Animals ; Arginine ; administration & dosage ; blood ; therapeutic use ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Drinking ; drug effects ; Eating ; drug effects ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew