Animals ; Antitussive Agents ; pharmacology ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; methods ; Mice

Objective To investigate the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) on the expression of brainderived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) and remyelination in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis ( EAE).Methods Twenty-four C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into UTI group (U),normal saline treated group (S) and normal control group (N,n = 8,respectively).Demyelinations in the spinal cord were observed by solochrome cyanin staining.The expression of BDNF,myelin basic protein (MBP),and 2',3 '-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) in brain tissue of each group were evaluated by Western blot.Results Average clinical scores in group U at the 12,13,14,22,23,31,33,34 and 35 days were 0,0.25,0.38,0.63,0.63,0.40,0.40,0.40 and 0.40 respectively.They were significantly lower than group S at the same time ( U= 16.00,15.00,14.50,7.50,0.00,14.50,14.50,12.00 and 14.50,all P ＜0.05).Solochrome cyanin staining showed that demyelination of spinal cord in group U was also significantly improved than group S.Expressions of BDNF ( 1.96 ± 0.29),MBP (2.67 ± 0.48 ) and CNP ( 1.75 ± 0.20) in group U were all significantly higher than group S ( There were 0.80 ± 0.15,1.36 ± 0.38 and 1.06 ± 0.18 respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions UTI has protective effect on EAE.The possible mechanism is that it could promote remyelination,and protect oligodendrocytes and neurons in EAE model by increasing BDNF expression in brain.

Background & Objective: Early life stresses, such as social isolation, have lasting effects on the development of emotion and behavior, in which vasopressin plays important roles. This study aimed to assess the possible association of central release of vasopressin with social isolation. Methods: The social isolation model was performed in male mice who endured 6-week social isolation after weaning. Vasopressin expression in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) was measured with immunohistochemistry. Released vasopressin from PVN was measured with radioimmunoassay. Results: Vasopressin immunoreactive cells number decreased in the PVN, medial parvocellular division in social isolation-reared mice, compared to the group-reared counterparts. Social isolation decreased short social exposure-induced vasopressin release from PVN. Isolation-reared mice exhibited anxiogenic profile and difficulty in social recognition. Conclusions: This study provides new evidence for the important role of vasopressin in the development of emotional and social behaviors.

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effects of internal fixation with Herbert screws for the treatment of Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2012, 23 patients with Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation by Herbert screws through Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Twenty-three patients (aged 18 to 52 years with a mean of 35.5 years, including 18 males and 5 females patients, 8 left hips and 15 right hips) with femoral head fractures and posterior hip dislocation. The fracture was classified according to Pipkin classification based on the radiographic findings, 5 patients had type I and 18 had type II fractures. The duration time from admission to the operation ranged from 6 to 72 h (averaged 32 h). The clinical and radiographic outcomes of the patients were measured using Thompson-Epstein scoring scale. The Harris hip score(HHS) was used to evaluate and compare hip functions at the latest follow-up between affected and healthy sides.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 20 to 48 months (averaged 30 months). According to Thompson-Epstein system, 12 patients got an excellent result, 6 good, 4 fair and 1 poor. The average HHS at the finial follow-up was 87.80 ± 8.46 (ranged from 66 to 95), which is similar to that in the healthy side 90.10 ± 6.35 (ranged from 72 to 98) (t = 1.044, P = 0.302). The complications such as deep infection, and deep vein thrombosis were not found. At the 3rd year during follow-up,4 patients had avascular necrosis of femoral head. At the 1st year of follow-up, 1 patient had hip pain after walking,screws loosening and shift after trauma,and serious complications of traumatic arthritis. All the 5 patients were treated with total hip arthroplasties.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of internal fixation with Herbert screws through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach is effective for Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fracture. The method is reliable and valuable for recommendation. However, such fracture may have avascular necrosis of femoral head and complication of traumatic arthritis, which should be observed carefully in clinic with preparation of the prevention and treatment measures.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of panax quinquefolius saponin(PQS) on blood glucose, blood lipid and insulin sensitivity in patients of coronary heart disease (CHD) with blood glucose abnormality (BGA).

METHODSEighty-four patients of CHD with BGA, namely CHD patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), were randomly assigned to the PQS group (43 cases) and the control group (41 cases), all were treated with routine Western medicine, but to patients in the PQS group PQS was given orally for 4 successive weeks in addition. Levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected both before and after treatment, and insulin sensitive index (ISI) as well as the insulin resistance index and function of beta cells of homostasis model (Homa-IR and Homa-beta) were calculated accordingly.

RESULTSAfter treatment, FPG decreased predominantly in both groups (P < 0.01), and the decrement in the PQS group showed a greater trend (25.80 +/- 12.72) % vs (20.89 +/- 12.17) %, but with no statistical significance; no obvious change in levels of FINS, ISI and Homa-IR was found in two groups (P > 0.05). Homa-beta value, which showed insignificantly difference before treatment, increased markedly in the PQS group after treatment from 3.48 +/- 0.76 to 4.19 +/- 0.79 (P < 0.01), which was higher obviously than the unchanged value of Homa-beta in the control group (3.82 +/- 0.77, P < 0.05). There was also decreasing of TC and LDL-C levels after treatment in the PQS group (P < 0.05), and the TC level in the PQS group (1.17 +/- 0.54) mmol/L was significantly lower than that in the control group [(1.42 +/- 0.49) mmol/L, P < 0.05) after treatment.

CONCLUSIONCompared with using it alone, routine Western medicine treatment, by combining with PQS showed superiority in lowering FPG, could significantly decrease the levels of TC and LDL-C, and might improve the beta-cell function in patients of CHD with BGA. It showed no effect on insulin sensitivity of patients, in spite of in combining or not with PQS.

Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Coronary Disease ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Ginsenosides ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Saponins ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To analyse incidence of the severe complications of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy and the influence on the outcome of pregnancy.Methods A retrospective study of 4107 cases among 71 020 cases who delivered in hospitals from 1995 to 2004 in Guangzhou was conducted. Results The morbidity of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy was 5.78%,in which the morbidity of severe pre-eclampsia was 27.78% (1141/4107),of mitis pre-eclampsia was 72.22% (2966/4107). Maternal mortality rate was 0.19% (8/4107),and the specific mortality rate was 11.26/100 000.The proportion of severe complications of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy from high to low was as follows:placental abruption 1.68% (69/4107),DIC 1.36% (56/4107),hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy induced cardiopathy(induced cardiopathy) 1.05% (43/4107),renal failure 0.97% (40/4107),cerebrovascular accident 0.58% (24/4107),and hemolysis,elevated liver enzymes and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome 0.51% (21/4107).Mortality caused by severe complications of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy were as follows:cerebrovascular accident 17% (4/24),HELLP syndrome 10% (2/21),DIC 5% (3/56) and induced cardiopathy 2% (1/43).The proportion of perinatal mortality from severe complications were as follows:placental abruption 43% (33/77),HELLP syndrome 42% (10/ 24),DIC 34% (22/64),renal failure 25% (11/44),cerebro vascular accident 24% (6/25)and induced cardiopathy 16% (8/49).Conclusions (1) The morbidity of severe complications from high to low are: placental abruption,DIC,induced eardiopathy,renal failure,eerebro vascular accident and HELLP syndrome.(2) The main causes of mortality for gravida and puerperant are:cerebro vascular accident, HELLP syndrome,DIC and induced cardiopathy.(3) The major complications harmful to perinatal newborns are in the order of:placental abruption,HELLP syndrome,DIC,renal failure,eerebro vascular accident and induced cardiopathy.

Objective To investigate the effects of maternal long-term exposure to low-dose trichlorfon on the serum paraoxonase (PON) activity of pregnant mice and development of embryos. Methods Female ICR mice (n=120) were randomly divided into control group and trichlorfon groups of different doses,and were managed by intragastric injection with trichlorfon of 0,2,10 and 50mg/kg,respectively. All the mice were managed once a day for a consecutive of 27 days,and were subjected to mating. The pregnant mice were continued to be managed with trichlorfon for 3 days,and were sacrificed on day 3 of gestation. The serum PON and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activities were detected,and the development of embryos was evaluated. Results The serum PON activity of 2,10 and 50mg/kg trichlorfon group were (14.15?1.22),(12.78?1.80) and (10.45?1.95)IU/mL,respectively,and that of 50mg/kg trichlorfon group was significantly lower than that of control group [(13.37?2.31)IU/mL] (P0.05),while the the percentage of abnormal embryos of 50mg/kg trichlorfon group had an increased tendency. Conclusion Long-term exposure to low-dose trichlorfon can inhibit serum PON and AchE activity in pregnant mice without obvious effect on the development of embryos.

Affinity chromatography is a chromatographic method for separating molecules using the binding characteristics of the stationary phase with potential drug molecules. This method can be performed as a high throughput screening method and a chromatographic separation method to screen a variety of active drugs. This paper summarizes the history of affinity chromatography, screening technology of affinity chromatography, and application of affinity chromatography in screening bio-active compounds in herbal medicines, and then discusses its application prospects, in order to broaden applications of the affinity chromatography in drug screening.
Animals ; Chromatography, Affinity ; methods ; trends ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; methods ; trends ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

This study aims to construct a eukaryotic expression system for envelope gene of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, observes its localization in 293T cells, and investigates the potential in inducing malignant transformation of NIH3T3 cells. By RT-PCR, the full-length cDNA of envelope gene of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV-env) was amplified from the extract of naturally infected sheep lung. The clone of target gene was sub-cloned into eukaryotic expression system pEGFP-C1, and validated by PCR, restriction endonuclease, and sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis concerning biological function and cellular localiza tion of exJSRV-env was also performed. The recombinant clone of exJSRV-env was transfected into 293T cells and NIH3T3 cells by Lipofectamine LTX. The expression and celluar localization in 293T cells were validated by confocal microscopy. Soft agar colony formation assay was employed to test the anchorage-independent growth of NIH3T3. DNA sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion with Kpn I and Hind III indicated the correct construction of the recombinant plasmid, which was named pEGFP-C1/exJSRV-env. Amino acid sequence alignment of exJSRV-env with reference sequences found 85%-100% homogeneity. A YRNM motif was discovered at the cytoplasmic tail of envelope gene, which is exclusively found in exogenous viruses. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that our clone of exJSRV-env clustered closely with pathogenic exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retroviruses. Fluorescence microscopy indicated typical membrane localization of exJSRV-env protein. NIH3T3 cells transfected with exJSRV-env lost contact inhibition, and acquired colony forming ability in soft agar. This study indicated that envelope protein of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus can induce malignant transformation of mouse fibroblast cell NIH3T3. Discoveries of this study provide a basis for further structural and functional research on Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus envelope protein.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Betaretrovirus ; chemistry ; classification ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; Phylogeny ; Retroviridae Infections ; veterinary ; virology ; Sequence Alignment ; Sheep ; Sheep Diseases ; virology ; Transformation, Genetic ; Tumor Virus Infections ; veterinary ; virology ; Viral Envelope Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the efficacy on low back pain of cold-damp pattern between electric-thermal Bian-stone therapy and moxibustion box therapy.

METHODSForty-one cases of low back pain of cold-damp pattern were randomized into an electric-thermal Bian-stone therapy group (group A, 26 cases) and a box moxibustion therapy group (group B, 15 cases). In the group A, the electric-thermal Bian-stone was placed over Shenshu (BL 23) and Weizhong (BL 40). The temperature of stone was adjusted in accordance with patient's comfort. In the group B, moxibustion box was used over Shenshu (BL 23) and Weizhong (BL 40). The treatment was given once every day or every two days. Ten treatments made one session. The symptom and physical signs score of low back pain and the score of cold-damp syndrome were observed before and after treatment in the patients.

RESULTSThe symptom and physical signs score of low back pain and the score of cold-damp syndrome were all improved in the two groups (all P < 0.01). The changing rate of symptom and physical signs and syndrome were (37.04 +/- 32.68)% and (22.85 +/- 29.95)% in the group A, and were (47.29 +/- 22.08)% and (23.89 +/- 22.53)% in the group B, respectively, without significant difference in comparison between the two groups (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe efficacy on low back pain of cold-damp pattern treated with the electric-thermal Bian-stone therapy is similar to that of moxibustion box therapy. This therapy is characterized as more convenient, safer operation and less pollution.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Low Back Pain ; therapy ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion