OBJECTIVETo evaluate the inhibitory effect and its mechanism of celecoxib combined with capecitabine on the growth of implanted H22 hepatoma in mice.

METHODSTumor model was established by hypodermical injection of H22 cells in BALB/c nude mice. Forty mice were equally randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, celecoxib group (receiving 100 mg/kg celecoxib), capecitabine group (receiving 755 mg/kg capecitabine), and combined treatment group (receiving 100 mg/kg of celecoxib and 755 mg/kg of capecitabine). From the third post-implantation day, each mouse was given relevant drug (or normal saline) by oral gavage. Fifteen days later, all mice were sacrificed and the tumor tissues were measured. The mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-ΚB) p65 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in tumor tissues were detected by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTSThe tumor inhibition rate was 30.2% in celecoxib group and 49.9% in capecitabine group, which was significantly lower than that (75.4%) in the combined treatment group (P<0.01,P<0.05, respectively). qPCR showed a significant decrease of the mRNA expression of COX-2 in celecoxib group and combined treatment group when compared with control group (P<0.001), but no significant change in NF-ΚB p65.Capecitabine had no significant effects on the mRNA expression of COX-2 and NF-ΚB p65. Western blotting showed that celecoxib and combined treatment significantly inhibited the protein expression of COX-2 and NF-ΚB p65(P<0.05), but not capecitabine.

CONCLUSIONCelecoxib can enhance the antitumor effect of capecitabine by inhibiting the expressions of COX-2 and NF-ΚB p65 in mice bearing H22 implanted tumor.

Animals ; Capecitabine ; Celecoxib ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Deoxycytidine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Drug Synergism ; Fluorouracil ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Pyrazoles ; therapeutic use ; Sulfonamides ; therapeutic use ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neuron induced by 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) to screen for RF EMF-responsive genes and the effect of different exposure times and modes on the gene expression in neuron.

METHODSTotal RNA was extracted immediately and purified from the primary culture of neurons after intermittent exposed or sham-exposed to a frequency of 1.8 GHz RF EMF for 24 hours at an average special absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg. Affymetrix Rat Neurobiology U34 array was applied to investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neuron. Differentially expressed genes (Egr-1, Mbp and Plp) were further confirmed by semi-quantitative revere transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). The expression levels of Egr-1, Mbp and Plp were observed at different exposure times (6, 24 h) and modes (intermittent and continuous exposure).

RESULTSAmong 1200 candidate genes, 24 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated genes were found by using Affymetrix microarray suite software 5.0 which are associated with multiple cellular functions (cytoskeleton, signal transduction pathway, metabolism, etc.) after functional classification. Under 24 h and 6 h intermittent exposure, Egr-1 and Plp in experiment groups showed statistic significance (P < 0.05) compared with the control groups, while expression of Mbp did not change significantly (P > 0.05). After 24 h continuous exposure, Egr-1 and Mbp in experiment groups showed statistic significance (P < 0.05) compared with the control group, while expression of Plp did not change significantly (P > 0.05). Under the same exposure mode 6 h, expression of all the 3 genes did not change significantly. Different times (6, 24 h) and modes (intermittent and continuous exposure) of exposure exerted remarkable different influences on the expression of Egr-1, Mbp, Plp genes (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe changes of many genes transcription were involved in the effect of 1.8 GHz RF EMF on rat neurons; Down-regulation of Egr-1 and up-regulation of Mbp, Plp indicated the negative effects of RF EMF on neurons; The effect of RF intermittent exposure on gene expression was more obvious than that of continuous exposure; The effect of 24 h RF exposure (both intermittent and continuous) on gene expression was more obvious than that of 6 h (both intermittent and continuous).

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Down-Regulation ; radiation effects ; Electromagnetic Fields ; Neurons ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Rats ; Up-Regulation ; radiation effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the metabolite of leflunomide, A771726,on proliferation and collagen synthesis of hepatic stellate cell (HSC).

METHODSHSC and Kupffer cells were isolated from the rat liver by collagenase IV and pronase perfusion, and purified by density gradient separation. The effects of A771726 on cell proliferation and collagen synthesis were examined by 3H-thymidine and 3H-proline incorporation assays, respectively. The TGF-beta, TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels in Kupffer cell conditioned medium (KCCM) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSHSC and Kupffer cells in rat liver were well separated. The KCCM of CCl4-injured rats had significant stimulation effect on proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC in primary culture. Addition of A771726 (0.001-10 micromol/Lein HSC culture stimulated by KCCM significantly inhibited proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC. Furthermore, the elevated TGF-beta, TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels in KCCM of CCl4-injured rats were significantly reduced in A771726 treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONA771726 has markedly inhibitory effect on proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC and secretion of TGF-beta,TNF-alpha and IL-1 from Kupffer cells.

Aniline Compounds ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; biosynthesis ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; Hydroxybutyrates ; pharmacology ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-1 ; metabolism ; Isoxazoles ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Kupffer Cells ; cytology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effect of atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation for treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation.

METHODSSixteen patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were treated from Dec. 2005 to June 2007, included 10 males and 6 females, aged from 38 to 45 years old (means 40.5 years). Among them 12 patients combined with nerve injury, according to ASIA grade: there were 3 cases in grade B, 5 cases in grade C, 4 cases in grade D. All patients received preoperative CT, radiograph and skull traction. Intraoperative posterior approach general spine pedicle screw-rod orthopaedics fixation system used and iliac bone block were implanted in space of posterior atlantal arch and axial vertebral plate. The outcome and complications were observed in the near future.

RESULTSThere was no vascular or neural injury found. The patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (means 18 months). All head pain, acid storm symptoms were improved after operation. According to the Odom's clinical efficacy evaluation standard, 12 cases were excellent, 4 were good. Eleven cases of 12 with nerve injury recovered significantly. By ASIA classification: 1 cases was in grade B, 2 cases were in grade C, 5 cases were in grade D, 4 cases were in grade E. No looseness or breakage of screw occurred. Bony fusion was achieved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONPosterior approach atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation have the advantages of direct screw placement, short-segment fusion, intraoperative reduction, fixation reliable, high fusion rate, and it can restablish the upper cervical vertebrae stability and help to recover the spinal cord and nerve function.

Adult ; Atlanto-Axial Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

Adult ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Biopsy, Needle ; Ferritins ; blood ; Hemochromatosis ; blood ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Humans ; Jaundice ; blood ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the factors of long-turn survival of liver cancer after surgical treatment.

METHODSFive hundred and twenty-two cases of liver cancer that received surgical treatment in 14 years were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSComparison between the small liver cancer (< 5 cm) and the greater one (> 10 cm) revealed that the small liver cancer had a higher survival rates than the greater one [3 year (61.25 +/- 4.41)% versus (45.90 +/- 6.98)%; 5 year (53.84 +/- 5.68)% versus (30.21 +/- 10.23)%]. There were same results between single-nodule and two or more than two nodule [3 year (61.86 +/- 3.69)% versus (38.31 +/- 4.97)%; 5 year (55.40 +/- 4.91)% versus (28.01 +/- 6.31)%], between child I and child II or more than II [3 year (60.68 +/- 3.68)% versus (49.88 +/- 4.13)%; 5 year (50.99 +/- 5.10)% versus (36.39 +/- 7.58)%], and between single segmentectomy of the liver and two or more than two segmentectomy [3 year (68.65 +/- 4.95)% versus (49.88 +/- 4.13)%; 5 year (65.38 +/- 5.69)% versus (37.98 +/- 5.70)%].

CONCLUSIONSSmall liver cancer, single-nodule, good hepatic function and minor resection were important factors to prolong survival further.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neurons induced by 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) and to screen for the RF EMF-responsive genes.

METHODSNewly-born SD rats in 24 hours were sacrificed to obtain cortex and hippocampus neurons. The cells were divided randomly into two groups: the experiment group (the irradiation group) and the control group (the false irradiation group). In the irradiation group, after twelve days' culture, neurons were exposed to 1.8 GHz RF EMF modulated by 217 Hz at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg for 24 hours (5 minutes on/10 minutes off) while in the false control group, the neurons were put in the same waveguide as in the irradiation group, but were not exposed to any irradiation. The total RNA was isolated and purified immediately after exposure. The affymetrix rat neurobiology U34 assay was used for detecting the changes in gene expression profile according to the manufacturer's instruction. RF EMF-responsive candidate gene was confirmed by using ribonuclease protection assay (RPA).

RESULTSAmong 1200 candidate genes, the expression levels of 34 genes were up or down regulated. Microtubule associated protein 2 (Map2) gene was selected as the candidate and subjected to further analysis. RPA data clearly revealed that Map2 was statistically significantly up-regulated after neurons were exposed to the RF EMF (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe modulation of gene expression and function of Map2 as a neuron specific cytoskeleton protein is crucial to maintain the normal framework and function of neurons. The finding that 1.8 GHz RF EMF exposure increases the expression of Map2 might indicate some unknown effects of RF EMF on neurons.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cell Phone ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Down-Regulation ; Electromagnetic Fields ; Female ; Gene Expression ; radiation effects ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Neurons ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Radio Waves ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Up-Regulation

BACKGROUND: Compared with conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA), for patients with genu varum or genu valgus, indications, prosthesis choice, surgical accuracy and perioperative management during TKA should be paid more attention. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effectiveness of iASSIST-assisted TKA and traditional TKA in the treatment of genu varum or genu valgus. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with genu varum or genu valgus undergoing TKA were selected, and were then randomized into two groups: iASSIST-assisted TKA (group A) or traditional TKA (group B). The surgical accuracy was compared between two groups by measuring the knee valgus angle of patients, and the angle between prosthesis components on the coronal and sagittal planes. Besides, the intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage, restored alignment, postoperative complications, hospitalization time, as well as Visual Analogue Scale and American Knee Society scores were recorded to assess the clinical effectiveness. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The deviation of hip-knee-ankle angle, frontal femoral component angle, frontal tibial component angle, lateral femoral component angle and lateral femoral component angle in the two groups was less than 3°, and the group A exhibited better corrective efficacy. (2) The operation time in the group A was significantly longer than that in the group B; the hospitalization time in the group was significantly shorter than that in the group B; the restored alignment in the group A was significantly superior to that in the group B;the postoperative drainage, as well as Visual Analogue Scale and American Knee Society scores at 1 day and 1 week postoperatively in the group B were significantly superior to those in the group A (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the intraoperative blood loss, incidence of complications, as well as Visual Analogue Scale and American Knee Society scores at postoperative 2 weeks and 1 and 3 months between two groups (P > 0.05). (3) These results manifest that for the patients with genu varum or genu valgus, both iASSIST-assisted TKA and traditional TKA can obtain satisfactory surgical accuracy, and the former has advantage in restricting the alignment of lower limbs. However, the long-term efficacy needs to be explored in depth.

Objective　To investigate the genomic methylation pattern of a malignant glioma cell line in the process of differentiation induced by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). Methods　Methylation-sensitive arbitrarily primed PCR was used to study the genomic methylation changes. Results　Fragments of genomic DNA of PCR products in control groups digested with MspⅠ were smaller than those with HpaⅡ. No large fragment could be identified and at least three fragments of different sizes were demonstrated in the control group. In NDGA treatment group, comparing MspⅠ digestion with HpaⅡ digestion, the amount of PCR products was smaller with more DNA bands. The amount of PCR products in NDGA treatment group was increased with more DNA bands compared with that in the control groups. Conclusion　The genomic methylation level in SHG-44 cells was increased by NDGA in the differentiation process of SHG-44 cells. It suggests that genomic methylation pattern may be one of the targets for glioma cell differentiation induced by NDGA.

Objective To investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neurons induced by 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) and to screen RF EMF-responsive genes. Methods The rat primary cultured neuronal cells were divided into two groups, the radiation group and control group, from which the total RNA was extracted immediately and purified after intermittently (5min on/10min off) exposed or U34 array was applied to detect the changes of gene expression in rat neurons. Results Among 1200 candidate genes, 24 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated genes which are associated with multiple cellular functions (cytoskeleton, signal transduction pathway, metabolism, etc.) after functional classification were found by using Affymetrix microarray suite software 5.0. Although the changes in gene expression were less than 2 folds, they had statistical significance (P<0.01). Conclusion RF radiation of 1.8GHz induce the changes of many genes transcription in rat neurons, some of which indicate the negative effects of RF radiation on neurons.