Objective To determine the expression of cathepsin D (CD), cathepsin H (CH) and cathepsin L (CL) in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to investigate their mechanisms. Methods The protein expression of CD, CH and CL in hepatic specimens consisted of control (n = 17), HCC (n = 37) and paracancerous (n = 28) tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The relative values of CD, CH and CL protein expression were examined with absorbent density analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS11. 5 software. The univariate analysis was used to compare the difference among groups. Results The mean absorbance of CD, CH and CL proteins in HCC tissues (1.21± 0.33, 0. 89 ± 0.22 and 1.16± 0. 25, respectively) were significantly higher in comparison with those in control tissues (0. 19 ± 0. 07, 0. 24 ± 0. 12 and 0. 28 ± 0. 14,respectively) and in paracancerous tissues (0.27±0.13,0. 31± 0.14 and 0. 36±0.15)(all P values =0.0001). Whereas there was no difference between control and paracancerous tissues with respect to CD, CH and CL proteins (P ＞0. 05). Three proteins immunohistochemically appeared as a lot of diffused spots and stripes staining in cytoplasma of HCC tissues,but only a few scatted spots staining was found in control and paracancerous tissues. Conclusion The high expression of CD, CH and CL protein in primary HCC may be important markers for carcinogenesis and malignant progress.

Objective To explore the association of Crohn's disease (CD) with T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) gene polymorphisms in patients of Zhejiang Han population in China.Methods A total of 308 CD patients and 573 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in our study.Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Tim-3 (rs1036199 and rs10515746) were examined by the improved multiple ligase detection reaction technique (iMLDR).Analyses of linkage disequilibrium and haplotype were also performed by Haploview 4.2 software in all study subjects.Results In general,the allele and genotype frequencies of Tim-3 (rs1036199 and rs10515746) were not statistically different between CD patients and the controls (all P ＞0.05).According to the Montreal Classification,CD patients were divided into different subgroups.The variant allele (C) and genotype (AC + CC) of rs1036199 were more frequent in CD patients with penetrating diseases than in the controls (10.4％ vs 1.7％,P =0.002;20.8％ vs 3.5％,P =0.023).Similar conclusions were also drawn for the variant allele (A) and genotype (CA + AA) of rs10515746 in patients with penetrating diseases when compared with the controls (10.4％ vs 2.2％,P =0.000;20.8％ vs 4.2％,P =0.033,respectively).The two SNPs of Tim-3 were in strong linkage disequilibrium (D'=1.0,r2 =0.928).The haplotype (AC) formed by their wild-type alleles (A) and (C) was decreased in patients with penetrating CD compared with the controls (89.6％ vs 98.3％,P =0.000).However,the haplotype (CA) formed by their variant alleles was more frequent in patients with penetrating CD than in the controls (10.4％ vs 1.6％,P =0.000).Conclusions Tim-3 (rs1036199 and rs10515746) variations might be correlated with the enhanced risk of penetrating diseases in CD patients.Furthermore,the haplotype (AC) and (CA) formed by the two SNPs might be a protective and a risky factor for penetrating CD respectively.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） constitution in the progression of abnormal glucose metabolism among community population. MethodsA total of 393 community residents who participated in community diabetes screening from 2019 to 2021 and had complete physical examination data at baseline and at the 2nd year follow-up were selected. According to the results of glucose tolerance tests， community residents were divided into the abnormal glucose metabolism progression group and non-progression group， and were matched at the ratio of 1∶2 using the propensity score matching. The influencing factors related to diabetes at baseline were collected for both groups. The traditional Chinese medicine constitution was determined among population in two groups. The differences of influencing factors and traditional Chinese medicine constitution between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for the progression of abnormal glucose metabolism. ResultsFinally， 131 patients were included in the progression group and 262 patients in the non-progression group. Compared to the non-progression group， the progression group had significantly higher proportion of hyperlipidemia history ， hyperglycemia history， phlegm-dampness constitution， and blood stasis constitution （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the history of hyperlipidemia （P=0.011）， history of hyperglycemia （P＜0.001）， the family history of diabetes （P＜0.001）， yin-deficiency constitution （P=0.047）， phlegm-dampness constitution （P=0.011） and blood-stasis constitution （P=0.008） were risk factors for the progression of abnormal glucose metabolism. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the history of hyperglycemia （P＜0.001）， yin-deficiency constitution （P=0.026） and blood-stasis constitution （P=0.032） were independent risk factors for the progression of abnormal glucose metabolism. ConclusionThe history of hyperglycemia， yin-deficiency constitution and blood-stasis constitution may be the risk factors for the progression of abnormal glucose metabolism.

Objective To investigate the relationship between expression of DAS-1 in gastric cardia intestinal metaplasia(CIM)and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA). Methods The cancerous tissues and CIM tissues (2 cm apart from caneer) obtained from 65 patients with GCA were examined for the expression of DAS-1 protein using immunohistoehemistry. The CIM tissues (<2 cm below Z line) obtained from 15 outpatients and inflammatory mucosa from 25 outpatients were also examined for expression of DAS-1 protein. Results The type Ⅲ IM was accounted for 55.4% (36/65) in GCA patients, which was significantly higher than that in outpatients [13.3% (2/15), P<0.01]. The positive rate of DAS-1 expression in cancerous tissues [78.5 % (51/65)] was also significantly higher than that in CIM tissues [38.8 %(30/80), P<0.01]. The expression of DAS-1 protein in IM tissues was gradually increased from type Ⅰ (0%) to type Ⅲ (71.1%) with positive correlation (P<0.01). Conclusions The type Ⅲ IM with over-expression of DAS-1 is closely related to GCA, which might be one of important precancerous lesions for GCA.

Objective To explore the ischemic myocardial perfusion and viability.Methods Ten successful pigs with myocardial infarction model underwent MRI first-pass myocardial perfusion examinations preoperatively and 24 hours,72 hours and one week postoperation.After MRI examinations,the experimental pigs were executed and the samples underwent TTC staining and pathological examination.Results The preoperative myocardial perfusion in the all of the 10 pigs was nomal,but there were myocardial perfusion decrease and defects in 8 experimental pigs after operation,the perfusion curves in the area with perfusion defects had no obvious peak,but there was gradual increase in the end of the performance.The perfusion peak of the area with perfusion decrease was lower than that of normal inferior and lateral myocardial wall(P＜0.05) and the peak perfusion time was delayed compared with that of normal inferior and lateral myocardial wall (P＜0.05).There was myocardial necrosis in the perfusion defects areas that was certified by TTC staining and pathological examination.The intersititial edema and myocardial degeneration could be seen in the perfusion reduced areas.Conclusion MRI fist-pass myocardial perfusion imaging combined with perfusion curve analysis can evaluate the perfusion changes of the regional myocardial microcirculation.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Fuzheng Huayu Recipe (FHR) on rat's renal interstitial fibrosis induced by mercuric chloride (HgCl2), and to explore preliminarily its mechanism of action.

METHODSRats were randomly divided into four groups: the normal group, the model group, the FHR group and the vitamin E group, the latter two were treated respectively by FHR 4.6 g/kg and vitamin E 100 mg/kg. Rats model was established by oral administration of 8 mg/kg HgCl2 for 9 weeks. Serum creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) content were tested with corresponding test kits; hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in kidney was assayed with hydrochloric acid hydrolysis; renal histologic change was observed with HE, Masson and methenamine silver (PASM) staining; and collagen type I (Col I), as well as protein expressions of fibronectin (FN) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was determined with Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the kidney/body weight ratio, serum levels of Cr and BUN, kidney Hyp content, and severity of renal interstitial fibrosis in the two treated groups were significantly lower (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the improvements were more significant in the FHR group than those in the vitamin E group; Col I and FN protein expression was also weaker in the two treated group (Col, P<0.05; FN, P<0.01); while the expression of alpha-SMA was lower in the FHR group (P<0.01), but it wasn't in the vitamin E group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONFHR could improve the HgCl2-induced renal function injury in rats, decrease extracellular matrix deposition and restrain renal interstitial fibrosis, the mechanism of action might be related with its inhibitory effect on myofibroblast activation.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; Kidney Diseases ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Mercuric Chloride ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Shenxie Zhitong capsule in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy（DPN） of stagnant blockade of collaterals， and evaluate its effectiveness and safety. Method:The 104 patients were randomly divided into the Shenxie Zhitong capsule treatment group （the treatment group， 53 patients） and the alpha lipoic acid group （control group， 51 patients）， and two groups were compared by random and contrast test. The changes of the Toronto clinical scoring system （TCSS）， utah early neuropathy scores （UENS）， traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）syndrome scores， visual analysis scale （VAS）， ankle brachial index （ABI）， vibrating perception threshold （VPT） before and after treatment were compared between two groups， and the endpoint events， such as foot ulcers， percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI）， death and composite endpoint events， related indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism and safety indicators were recorded among patients. Result:Compared with the data before treatment， the scores of TCSS， UENS， and TCM syndromes in two groups were significantly reduced （P<0.01） after treatment， and VAS and glycosylated haemoglobin A1c （HbA1c） were significantly reduced （P<0.05）， during follow-up visit， the levels of right ABI，total cholesterol （TC）， and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） in two groups were significantly reduced （P<0.05）， and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） level was significantly increased （P<0.05）. control group in control group， the 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose （2 h PG） and HbA1c levels were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with control group， the VAS of the treatment group after treatment was significantly reduced （P<0.05）. After treatment and during follow-up visit， compared with control group， the 2 h PG levels of the right toe in the treatment group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in endpoint events and safety indicators between two groups， but the incidence trend of composite endpoint events in the treatment group was lower than that in control group. Conclusion:Shenxie Zhitong capsule has definite clinical curative effect in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy， which is more safe and effective than alpha lipoic acid in improving pain symptoms.

OBJECTIVETo study clinical significance of vertebral artery magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to vertebral artery type of cervical spondylosis' diagnosis and treatment.

METHODSThere were two groups in the study, which were observation group and control group. There were 53 patients in observation group,including 19 males and 34 females,with a mean age of (52.51 +/- 11.29) years. There were 30 subjects in control group,including 10 males and 20 females,with a mean age of (48.11 +/- 12.21) years. Based on the vertebral artery MRA picture,the course and caliber of vertebral artery were compared between two groups.

RESULTSThe abnormal incidence of course and caliber of vertebral artery in observation group was higher than that of control group, which had statistic difference (P=0.000). Furthermore, the patterns of abnormal course and caliber of vertebral artery in observation group were complicated and diverse, but the regional circuity and stegnosis was the most common pattern,about 47.18%(25/53). The cause of circuity and stegnosis was vertebra Gu-Cuofeng,about 43.41% (23/53).

CONCLUSIONThe vertebral artery MRA provides a guidance for the diagnosis of abnormal course and caliber of vertebral artery in vertebral artery cervical spondylosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; blood supply ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Spondylosis ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Vertebral Artery ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Acupuncture Points ; Anesthesia ; Thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of articulatio atlantoepistrophica sublaxation on the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis, and provide a thread for diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylosis with manipulation.

METHODSThere were two groups in the study, which were non cervical spondylosis group and cervical spondylosis group. There were 333 patients in cervical spondylosis group, included 119 males and 214 females with the mean age of(48.11±12.21) years old. The patients were recruited from clinic service of orthopaedics in Shuguang Hospital between March 2006 and December 2008. There were 73 subjects in non cervical spondylosis group, included 18 males and 55 females with the mean of(45.99±11.47) years old. The subjects were recruited from undergraduate students, postgraduate, advanced study persons, and community personnel. The position relation of the atlanto axial joint was observed by cervical X rays with opening position, and the incidence rate of articulatio atlantoepistrophica sublaxation was compared between two groups, and their clinical characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTSThe incidence of articulatio atlantoepistrophica sublaxation in cervical spondylosis group was 81.38%(271/333)and was more than non cervical spondylosis group(<0.01). Furthermore, the pattern of the articulatio atlantoepistrophica sublaxation in cervical spondylosis group was complicated and diversified, which was 50.55% (137/271)with single moving sublaxation, 7.01%(19/271) with revolving sublaxation, 42.44%(115/271) with single moving and revolving sublaxation.

CONCLUSIONSThe articulatio atlantoepistrophica sublaxation may be a X ray diagnostic indication to the cervical spondylosis, which should be grouping studied in clinic. It will provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylosis.