Objective To investigate the effects of cryopreservation on the growth and osteogenesis capa- bility of human bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)on demineralized bene matrix(DBM).Methods Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from the lilac crests of three donors.The BMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation.Cells of passage 3 were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 24 hours,and then re- covered.The non-cryopreserved BMSCs were used as the control,The cryopreserved and control BMSCs were cul- tured in osteogenic media,collected and labeled with Dil to be seeded onto the DBM when cells were confluent.The percentage of BMSCs adhered to the DMB was detected.The cell morphology and matrices secreted by BMSCs on the DBM were observed by the inverted phase-contrasted microscope,fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope(SEM).The growth and viability of BMSCs on the DBM were determined using the modified MTT ashy. The osteogenesis ability of BMSCs on the DBM was determined by assessment of the alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity and osteocalcin(OCN)content.Results The percentages of the cryopreserved and control cells adhered to DBM were(97.25?1.17)% and(97.00?1.09)% respectively.The cells adhered well to the DBM and grew rapidly.Large amounts of matrices on the DBM were observed by the light microscope and SEM.The cells embedded in the matrices could be observed by fluorescence microscope.There were no significant differences in the assay values of MTT,ALP and OCN between the cryopreserved and control BMSCs on the DBM.Conclusion Since cryopreservation does not affect the growth and osteogenesis capability of BMSCs on DBM,the cryopreserved BMSCs can be used as a cell source in bone tissue engineering.

Objective To observe the expression of bcl-2 gene in cell apoptosis of neonatal rats followed by hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD) and investigate the mechanism of neuronal apoptosis after HIBD.Methods Fifty-four neonatal SD rats were used in 1 sham-operated group and 8 trial groups. The models of HIBD were established in neonatal rats by inhaling the mixed gases of 92 % N 2 and 8 % O 2, the animals were sacrificed by dislocation their heads at different time points(0.5,1,3,6,12,24,48,72 h), the hippocampus were dissected for morphological analysis. The neuronal apoptosis and the expression of bcl-2 gene in hippocampus were detected by the methods of immunohistochemistry. Results The apoptotic cells appeared at the time point of 3 h, and reached the peak at 48 h, then decreased. The positive cell of bcl-2 protein increased from the time point of 30 min and reached the peak at 6 h and then decreased gradually following HIBD. Conclusion The expression of bcl-2 gene plays a role in the process of neuronal apoptosis following HIBD.

Objective To establish a new murine model of experimental autoimmune myositis by immunizing with MYBPC2 protein. Methods The purified Myosin-binding protein C, fast type (MYBPC2) was emulsified with complete Freundˊs adjuvant, then C57BL/6 mice were immunized by multi-point subcutaneous injection (0, 7 days), and intraperitoneal injection of pertussis toxin 2 μg simultaneously. The pathological changes of mice with different immunizing dose at the preconceived time were ex-plored. Mean-while, mice were immunized with 600 μg each time, and the muscle endurance was tested on the 21th day. The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-Ⅰ and the surface biomarkers of the inflammatory cells in muscle tissues were observed. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. Results ① With the increase of immunizing dosage, muscle damage and inflammation tended to be more serious. On the 21th and 28th day, muscle lesions were most significant. Muscle fiber degeneration and necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration could be seen in the experimental group. ② Compared with the control group, muscle endurance of mice in the experimental group decreased significantly [(6.1 ±1.3) min versus (9.2±1.6) min, U=2.00, P=0.017]. The MHC class-Ⅰ on the muscle fiber surface of the experimental group was positive, scattered infiltration of CD4 +, CD8+ T ly-mphocytes and CD68 + macrophages between muscle fibers and around the vascular areas could be observed, and CD20+B lymphocytes mainly distributed in the area around the blood vessels, nevertheless rarely seen between muscle fibers. Conclusion Exper-imental autoimmune myositis models of mice have been successfully induced by immunizing with MYBPC2 in China for the first time, and similar clinical and pathological features of human polymyositis could be observed. This new model can be used for studying the pathogenesis of autoimmune myositis.

OBJECTIVETo measure the vertical height of mesio-distal marginal ridge to cusp in posterior teeth, which may be helpful to brackets positioning.

METHODSThe study groups comprised of 60 patients (30 men, 30 women, mostly aged 12-14 years) who underwent orthodontic treatment without tooth extraction and matched the Andrews normal occlusion standard after treatment. Study model of each patient was made. Three-dimensional laser measurer was used to evaluate the vertical height of mesio-distal marginal ridge to mesial cusp in posterior teeth. The data were stored in a personal computer and submitted to statistical analysis of paired t test.

RESULTSNo statistical significant difference was found in the same teeth between men and women. Not only in maxilla but also in mandible, there was no significant difference between the left and the right (P>0.05). The average vertical height of maxillary first premolars was (1.70+/-0.50) mm, the maxillary second premolars was (1.24+/-0.45) mm, and for maxillary first molars, the result was (0.83+/-0.40) mm. The difference between each result was statistically significant (P9< 0.01). The average vertical height of mandibular first premolars was (2.25+/-0.45) mm, the mandibular second premolars was (1.55+/-0.45) mm, and for mandibular first molars, the result was (1.18+/-0.40) mm. The difference between each result was statistically significant (P<0.0 1).

CONCLUSIONThe vertical height of brackets position in posterior teeth should be considered to guarantee that mesio-distal marginal ridges of deferent posterior teeth located in the same plane, so that satisfying goal could be achieved, If the vertical height in the first molar was X mm, the vertical height in the second premolar should be (X+0.5) mm, and (X+1.0) mm might be suit for the first premolar.

Bicuspid ; Dental Occlusion ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Molar ; Tooth ; Tooth Extraction ; Tooth Movement Techniques

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effect of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.

METHODSFrom February 2005 to February 2010, 73 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation were treated with intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 males and 32 females, aged from 19 to 80 years old with an average of 56.5 years; courses of disease ranged from 1 to 25 months with an average of 4.5 months. The main symptom was low back pain and sciatica, especially the sciatica was seriously. Herniation level was in L3,4 of 9 cases, L4,5 of 49 cases, L5S1 of 15 cases. Preoperative, 2 weeks after operation, final follow-up, conditions of pain relief were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS); total life quality of patients were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before operation and last follow-up.

RESULTSAll operations were performed successfully, operative time was from 40 to 115 min (mean of 50 min); and blood loss was from 50 to 150 ml (mean of 110 ml). Incision infection had 1 case and incomplete nerve root injury had 1 case. All patients were followed up from 3 to 8 years with an average of 4.5 years. Postoperative VAS and ODI had obviously improved (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe technique of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy is a feasible and effective method for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diskectomy ; methods ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

AIMTo study the effects of FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway and FAK antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and adhesion stimulated by fibronectin (FN).

METHODSMigration and adhesion of cultured SMCs were stimulated by different concentrations of FN, FAK, ERK1/2. And their phosphorylation were detected by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. FAK antisense ODNs were transfected into SMCs by cationic lipid to investigate its modulatory effects on tyrosine phosphorylation, SMCs migration and adhesion were also measured by modifing Boyden Chamber and morphological enumeration, respectively.

RESULTSFAK were expressed when SMCs adhesion and migration were successfully simulated by FN (5, 10, 20, 40, 60 micrograms.mL-1), high contents of FAK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were detected by 20 micrograms.mL-1 FN or more. FAK antisense ODNs were transfected efficiently by cationic lipid. FAK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were inhibited magnificently after FAK antisense ODNs transfection. Cell migration stimulated by FN 10, 20, 40 and 60 micrograms.mL-1 were reduced by 23.26%, 21.63%, 19.31% and 17.88% respectively (P < 0.05). SMCs adhesive spreading in 5-60 micrograms.mL-1 FN groups were reduced by 17.89%-27.67% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONFAK-ERK1/2 mediated signal transduction play important roles in SMCs migration and adhesion stimulated by extracellular matrix. The process can be inhibited by FAK antisense ODNs effectively.

Animals ; Aorta ; cytology ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibronectins ; pharmacology ; Focal Adhesion Kinase 1 ; Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; drug effects ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of telaprevir combined with peginterferon alfa (Peg-IFNa) plus ribavirin (RBV) (collectively, TPR therapy) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) using a meta-analysis approach.

METHODSThe Pubmed literature database was searched for randomized controlled trials of TRP therapy in CHC patients published between 2009 and 2011. The following outcome data was extracted for meta-analysis of efficacy: sustained virological response (SVR), defined as serum HCV RNA of less than 1000 copies/ml at end-of-treatment (week 24); rapid virological response (RVR), defined as serum HCV RNA of less than 1000 copies/ml at treatment week 4; recurrence, defined as serum HCV RNA of less than 1000 copies/mL at end-of-treatment and more than 1000 copies/ml at follow-up (week 24 after treatment completion). The pooled odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) were calculated, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Chi-squared test based on the Q statistic.

RESULTSSix studies of TPR triple therapy, representing a total of 2677 CHC patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Among the 1850 patients who received TPR, 56.3% (n = 1041) achieved RVR, 66.8% (n = 1235) achieved SVR, and 12.1% (n = 176/1460) experienced recurrence. Among the 827 patients who received PR double-therapy, 7.0% (n = 58) achieved RVR, 35.8% (n = 296) achieved SVR, and 32.3% (n = 145/449) experienced recurrence. The TRP group had significantly higher rates of RVR (OR = 29.83, 95% CI: 16.16 to 55.05) and SVR (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 2.58 to 6.11) than the PR group (both P less than 0.01), and significantly lower rate of recurrence (RR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.56, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of research group is better than that of control group, suggesting that ornithine aspartate combined with naloxone treatment in hepatic encephalopathy is worthy of promoting.

Drug Therapy, Combination ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Oligopeptides ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Ribavirin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo observe different effects of moxibustion on extracellular potassium ion in acupoint under physiological and pathological status and provide experimental evidence for exploring action mechanism of moxibustion on acupoint local.

METHODSForty female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a blank-moxibustion group, a model group and a model-moxibustion group, 10 cases in each one. The complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) was adopted to establish model of adjuvant arthritis (AA) in the model group and model-moxibustion group. No treatment was given in the blank group and model group while moxibustion was applied at "Zusan-li" (ST 36) for 30 min in the blank-moxibustion group and model-moxibustion group. The tissue fluid in "Zusanli" (ST 36) was collected with microdialysis and real-time analyzed by electrolytic analyzer. The change of concentration of potassium ion in "Zusanli" (ST 36) was observed.

RESULTS(1) Under physiological status, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion in the blank group was not changed within 150 min (P > 0.05); before the moxibustion, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion in the blank-moxibustion group was (1.21 +/- 0.31) mmol/L, and after treatment it was gradually increased and reached its peak at (2.38 +/- 0.42) mmol/L after 60 min (P < 0.05), then it was reduced. 150 min after the treatment, concentration of potassium ion was slightly higher than that before moxibustion as well as that in the blank group. The concentration in the blank-moxibustion group at 60 min was statistically significant compared with that in the blank group (P < 0.05). (2) Under pathological status, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion in the model group was not changed within 150 min, differences of which at each time point was not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Before the moxibustion, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion was (1.09 +/- 0.12) mmol/L in the model-moxibustion group, and it was immediately increased to (1.96 +/- 0.18) mmol/L after moxibustion. 60 min and 90 min after the moxibustion, it still maintained a higher level, which was (1.87 +/- 0.29) mmol/L and (1.59 +/- 0.16) mmol/L respectively (both P < 0.05). The differences of each time point after moxibustion in the model-moxibustion group were statistically significant compared with those in the model group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe moxibustion could increase the concentration of potassium ion in rat's acupoint local under physiological status but time of effect is short; with moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) under pathological status, the concentration of local potassium ion is obviously increased and maintains for a long time.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; metabolism ; therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; Potassium ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo discuss the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines reducing phlegm and resolving masses in treatment of iodine deficiency-induced goiter by observing the expression of growth factors and the balance-regulating mechanism of proliferation and apoptosis.

METHOD180 four-week-old Wistar rats were selected to establish the iodine deficiency model. After the modeling, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal control group, the model control group, the iodine group, the phlegm compound group, the L-T4 group and the phlegm compound and L-T4 group. At the 21st day and 77th day after administration, 15 rats in each group were killed to collect specimens. Doses were calculated and adjusted according to body surface area and body weight. TT3, TT4 radioimmunoassay, TSH, immunoradiometric method were adopted. Fas, FasL and PCNA protein expressions are detected using immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTCompared with the normal group and the model group, the expressions of fas and FasL in the phlegm Group significantly increased, the expressions of fas and FasL in the phlegm and L-T4 group were also increased significantly. The expression of fas in the L-T4 Group was significantly lower than that of the L-T4 group and the phlegm compound and L-T4 group. Compared with the normal group, the expression of PCNA of the phlegm group and the phlegm and L-T4 group was significantly lower. Compared with the model group, the expression of PCNA of the iodine group, the phlegm groups and the phlegm and L-T4 group were significantly lower. Compared with the normal group, the expression of VEGF in the iodine group significantly decreased after treatment. Compared with the iodine group, the expression of VEGF in the phlegm group and the L-T4 group significantly reduced. Compared with the normal group, the expression of TGF-beta1 in the model group and the phlegm group significantly increased. Compared with model group, the expression of TGF-beta1 in the iodine group significantly reduced. Compared with the phlegm group, the expression of TGF-beta1 in the phlegm compound and L-T4 group was significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONTraditional Chinese medicines reducing phlegm and resolving masses can completely recover goiter by promoting apoptosis of thyroid cells, inhibiting their proliferation and the expression of growth factors and enhancing the expression of TGF-beta, without causing injury on thyroid cells.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Goiter ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Thyroid Hormones ; secretion ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) therapy on the syuaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP8) by examining the changes in neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression, and explore the mechanism behind the therapeutic effect of EA on Alzheimer's disease (AD) in view of neural cell adhesion. Methods Twenty-four SAMP8 mice as the animal model of AD were randomized equally into the model group and EA treatment group, with 12 senescence-accelerated resistant mice (SAMR1) mice as the blank control group. EA on Baihui (Du20) and Yongquan (Kid1) was administered once daily for 21 consecutive days in mice in the EA group. The expressions of NCAM and NF-κB mRNA and proteins in the hippocampal neurons were detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Results Compared with the model group, the mice in EA group showed significantly increased expression of NCAM and NF-κB mRNA and proteins (P<0.05). Conclusion EA can increase the expression of NCAM and NF-κB in mouse hippocampal neurons. EA can promote the cell adhesion and synapse plasticity of the neurons possibly by upregulating NF-κB expression to induce increased NCAM production.