Objective Paraquat(PQ) is an effective herbicide which is widely used in agricultural production .PQ poisoning is frequently seen in humans with the lung as the target organ ,but the poisoning mechanisms is not very clear .Studies show that endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS) is closely associated with poisoning , but there are few reports on the relationship between ER stress and PQ poi-soning.This article was to investigate the effects of ERS-induced apoptosis and total flavonoids from astragalus complanatus (FAC) in a-cute lung injury(ALI) following paraquat poisoning in rats . Methods A total of 30 adult healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were ran-domly divided into 3 groups:control group, ALI group, ALI+FAC group and ALI+saline group.Biochemical method was applied to de-tect superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tisssue,TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay in observing lung apoptosis, Western blotting and real-time PCR(RT-PCR) in detecting the changes in expressions of C/EBP homologous peotein (CHOP), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP) following ALI, and HE staining in observing the pathological changes of lung tissue . Results Compared with control group , the expression of MDA content was enhanced in ALI group ([3.26 ±0.24] vs [5.04 ±0.36],P<0.01), along with significantly decreased activity of SOD and CAT ([300.26 ±35.69] vs [187.21 ±25.66]), ([5.78 ±1.28] vs [2.15 ±1.12],P<0.01), increased cell apoptosis , upregulated pro-tain level of CHOP ([0.74 ±0.20] vs [0.23 ±0.07],P<0.01) and mRNA expression of ATF4, XBP1 and CHOP.However, FAC sig-nificantly attenuated ALI following PQ , as showed by reduced MDA content , enhanced activity of SOD and CAT , decreased cell apopto-sis, inhibited protain level of CHOP and mRNA expression of ATF 4, XBP1 and CHOP ([5.04 ±0.36] vs [3.99 ±0.27],P<0.01). Furthermore, the activity of SOD and CAT were higher in FAC pretreatment group than those in ALI group ([ 0.74 ±0.20 ] vs [0.42 ±0.11],P<0.01). Conclusion From the research, ERS-induced cell apoptosis is involved in ALI following PQ , and the protec-tive role of FAC in lung tissue following PQ is due to its effect in atten-uating ERS-induced apoptosis .

Adult ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; blood ; genetics ; Pneumoconiosis ; blood ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain (PHDs) family is one of the most important regulatory factors in hypoxic stress. PHD2 plays a critical role in cells and tissues adaptation to the low oxygen environment. Its hydroxylation activity regulates the stability and transcriptional activity of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), which is the key factor in response to hypoxic stress. Subsequently, PHD2 acts as an important factor in oxygen homeostasis. Studies have shown that PHD2, through its regulation on HIF-1, plays an important role in the post-ischemic neovascularization. Furthermore, under hypoxic condition, PHD2 also regulates other pathways that positively regulate angiogenesis factors HIF-1 independently. Moreover, recently, several evidences have also shown that PHD2 also affects tumor growth and metastasis in a tumor microenvironment. Based on these facts, PHD2 have been considered as a potential therapeutic target both in treating ischemic diseases and tumors. Here, we review the molecular regulation mechanism of PHD2 and its physiological and pathological functions. We focus on the role of PHD2 in both therapeutic angiogenesis for ischemic disease and tumor angiogenesis, and the current progress in utilizing PHD2 as a therapeutic target.
Animals ; Humans ; Hydroxylation ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 ; metabolism ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Proline Dioxygenases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; physiology ; Neoplasms ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Vascular Diseases ; pathology ; therapy

To explore the correlation between the ecological factors and the contents of podophyllotoxin and total lignans in root and rhizome of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, podophyllotoxin in 87 samples (from 5 provinces) was determined by HPLC and total lignans by UV. A correlation and regression analysis was made by software SPSS 16.0 in combination with ecological factors (terrain, soil and climate). The content determination results showed a great difference between podophyllotoxin and total lignans, attaining 1.001%-6.230% and 5.350%-16.34%, respective. The correlation and regression analysis by SPSS showed a positive linear correlation between their contents, strong positive correlation between their contents, latitude and annual average rainfall within the sampling area, weak negative correlation with pH value and organic material in soil, weaker and stronger positive correlations with soil potassium, weak negative correlation with slope and annual average temperature and weaker positive correlation between the podophyllotoxin content and soil potassium.
Berberidaceae ; chemistry ; China ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Climate ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Ecosystem ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Podophyllotoxin ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Soil ; chemistry ; Temperature

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of large flow-through venous flap for salvaging the limb on the verge of amputation complicated with arterial defect.Methods Between March 2012 and January 2015,large flow-through venous flap was used in 10 patients with upper limb on the verge of amputation to reconstruct artery defect and large-area skin and soft tissue defect,including 6 males and 4 females with a mean age of 27.9 years (range,18 to 41 years).Injury was caused by machine crush in 4 patients,twisting belt pulley in 4,and traffic accident in 2.The dimension of skin defect ranged from 6.5 cm× 10.0 cm to 10.5 cm × 18.0 cm (mean,9.0 cm × 12.0 cm).Vascular defect length ranged from 6.0 to 16.0 cm (mean,12.3 cm).Time from injury to operation was 1.5-5.5 h (mean,3.5 h).After operation,flap survival,appearance,texture and sensation were recorded.Upper limb function was evaluated using the standard set up by hand surgery branch of Chinese Medical Association.Results The flap varied in size from 8.0 cm×12.0 cm-12.0 cm ×20.0 cm (mean,10.0 cm × 13.5 cm).One patient was amputated due to severe postoperative infection,and 9 patients were successfully operated.The flap showed small-area necrosis on the distal end in 2 patients,which was cured after dressing change,while survived completely in 7 patients.The donor wounds healed in one stage.After 12-27 months of follow-up (mean,13.7 months),the thickness,texture and appearance of the flap were close to the surrounding normal tissues and the skin protective sensation was restored.The functional results were excellent in 6 patients,good in 2 and poor in 1,with the excellent and good rate of 89％.Conclusion Large flow-through venous flap can reconstruct upper-limb vascular defect while repairing large-area wound,and has advantages of easy operation,less damage to the donor site and good appearance.

Objective To summarize the coronary artery pattem of arterial switch operation(ASO),operative skill and surgical results.Methods Between October 1999 to October 2005,102 patients underwent arterial switch operation.The mean age was(8? 16)months ranged from 3 days to 7 years.The mean body weight was(5.9?3.2)kg,ranged from 2.5 kg to 20.0 kg.Most com- monly(74/102),the aorta was more or less to the right of the pulmonary artery.In 10 patients,the aorta was directly anterior to the pulmonary artery,and in 11 patients,the aorta was to the left of the pulmonary artery.The great arteries were side by side in 7 pa- tients.We used Leiden classification for coronary artery pattern by operative descriptions.The most prevalent coronary pattern [1LCx2R]was found in 69(67.6%),abnormal coronary artery pattern in 33(32.3%).Intramural course of coronary artery was fotmd In three patients.The Leeampte maneuver was used in all cases.In most patients,the "open trap door" or "bay window" tech- nique for coronary osfia transfer.Results Total mortality rate was 14.7 %(15 eases),6 cases(8.7 %)with normal coronary pattem and 9(27.3%)deaths 33 patients with abnormal coronary pattern.3 cases with coronary event occurred in 5 deaths of simple rIGA, 4 cases with coronary event in 6 deaths of complex TGA and 3 eases with coronary event in 4 deaths of Taussing-Bing anomaly.Con- clusion Complex coronary artery anatomy increases the operative risk.With experience or improving surgical technique,we may get better results.

Objective To investigate the clinical,neuroimaging and myopathological features of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes(MELAS).Methods The clinical manifestations,neuroimaging and myopathological features of 31 patients with MELAS diagnosed in our Neuromuscular Center in the recent 7 years were retrospectively analyzed.A3243G point mutations were analyzed by RFLP method in 10 patients.Results ①Clinical features:There were 18 male patients and 13 female patients.The age of onset ranged from 3 to 43 years,averaging 21.9 years.The averaged duration was 4.9 years.Thirteen patients in this group had family history of maternal inheritance pattern.The main clinical manifestations included short stature(26 patients),recurrent headache and vomiting(24 patients), muscle weakness(22 patients),epileptic seizure(21 patients),cognitive decline(19 patients),visual disturbance(17 patients),sensorineural deafness(16 patients),ataxia(6 patients),psychiatric symptom (8 patients),external ophathalmoplegia(2 patients)and diabetes mellitus(9 patients).The serum CK level was slightly elevated in 6 patients,and the fasting blood lactic acid was increased in 15 of the 18 detected patients.②Neuroimaging features:The stroke-like lesions were mostly confined to cerebral cortex, including temporal lobe(24 patients),occipital lobe(21 patients),parietal lobe(12 patients)and frontal lobe(4 patients).Three patients had deep white matter involvement.Migrating stroke-like lesions were confirmed in 4 patients by repeated cranial CT/MRI examination.In addition,cerebral atrophy(17 patients)and bilateral basilar ganglion calcification(11 patients)were found.③Myopathological features: Scattered ragged red fibers(RRF)in various number were found in all the patients by MGT staining.Other founding included strongly SDH-reactive blood vessel(27 patients),COX enzyme deficiency(19 patients), and mild to moderate lipid storage in RRF(20 patients).④MtDNA analysis showed 9 patients with A3243G point mutation in all the detected 13 patients.Conclusion The clinical and neuroimaging features may offer important clue to the diagnosis of MELAS,but a definite diagnosis of MELAS relies on the myopathology and mtDNA mutation analysis.

OBJECTIVETo identify the expression characteristics of the 1700001022RIK (RIKEN cDNA 1700001022) gene in mice and explore its function by bioinformatic analysis.

METHODSUsing the expression profile of gene microarray, we detected the expression of a new testis-specific gene, 1700001022RIK, in mice. We analyzed its expression characteristics in the testis tissue and their changes in different developmental stages of the testis by RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We performed bioinformatic analysis using a bioinformatic software.

RESULTSThe 1700001022RIK gene was specifically expressed in the mouse testis in an age-dependent manner, most highly in the adult mice. The 1700001022RIK protein was mainly expressed in the spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids of the adult mice. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the 1700001022RIK protein amino acid sequence had a high similarity in human and mice, which indicated that this gene was highly conserved in mammals.

CONCLUSION1700001022RIK is a testis-specific gene mainly expressed in the spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids of seminiferous tubules, which might be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis.

Age Factors ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Computational Biology ; DNA, Complementary ; Gene Expression ; Genomics ; Male ; Mice ; Molecular Chaperones ; genetics ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Spermatids ; Spermatocytes ; Spermatogenesis ; genetics ; Spermatogonia ; Testis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Wuzi Yanzong Decoction (WYD) in treating Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

METHODSThirty patients of LHON up to the requirement were assigned to two groups, the treated group administered with WYD plus coenzyme Q10, and the control group with coenzyme Q10 alone, all for 3 months. Patients' visual acuity, visual field, vision evoked potential (VEP) and their Chinese medicine syndrome were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, all the above-mentioned indexes were improved to some extents in the treated group, but showed no evident change in the control group excepting visual acuity, comparison between groups showed the differences were significant in all items.

CONCLUSIONWYD shows certain clinical therapeutic effect for treatment of LHON.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Evoked Potentials, Visual ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Phytotherapy ; Ubiquinone ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Visual Acuity ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare clinical outcomes of swing shoulder and internal fixation in treating proximal humeral fractures.

METHODSFrom June 2007 to June 2012, totally 89 elderly patients with humeral proximal fractures were treated by swing of shoulder or internal fixation, and 81 patients were followed up. In swing shoulder group, there were 38 patients including 13 males and 25 females aged from 62 to 84 with an average of (67.11±6.18) years old; 27 cases were 2-part fractures and 11 cases were 3-part fractures according to Neer classfication. In internal fixation group, there were 43 patients including 16 males and 27 females aged from 60 to 80 with an average of (66.47±5.48) years old; and 29 cases were 2-part fractures and 14 cases were 3-part fractures according to Neer classfication. VAS score and complications were compared between two groups after treatment, and Constant-Murley functional scoring was used to evaluate shoulder function of patients.

RESULTSEighty-one patients were followed up from 13 to 26 months with an average of 18.3 months. There was no significant difference in preoperative VAS score between two groups. After treatment, VAS score in swing shoulder group was (3.11±0.95), and (3.88±1.14) in internal fixation group, and had significant difference between two groups (t=-3.313,P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Constant-Murley scores between swing shoulder group (79.53±3.73) and internal fixation group (77.98±4.11) (t=1.768,P>0.05). Postoperative complications in swing shoulder group was 18.4%(7/38), 39.5%(17/43) in internal fixation group, and had significant differences between two groups (χ2=4.313,P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSwing shoulder for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly has advantages of low cost, less complications and good recovery of joint function; while internal fixation has a good therapeutic effect but increased complications.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Shoulder Fractures ; therapy