Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Q-switched Alexandrite laser at 752 nm in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Methods A total of 1985 cases of nevus of Ota were treated with the Q-switched Alexandrite laser PhotoGenica HT10, and then the ages, frequency of treatment and interval of treatment were analyzed. Results The excellent effective rate was 97.88 %, and the total effective rate was 100 % in 1985 cases. Most patients in all age group received the excellent effects, however, there was no significant difference between the groups. Most patients acheived the excellent effect after 4 to 5 treatments, and very few patients (0.8 %) needed over 10 treatments; the rate ofpatient who needed 1-3 treatments or 6-10 treatments was 18. 2 % and 25.8 %, respectively. The patients had the most excellent efficacy in the group that the interval of two treatments was 4 to 6months, however, there was no significant difference between the group of the interval of two treatments over 6 months. In our study, there were only a few cases (4.48 %) with slight side reaction,such as temporary pigmentation and hypopigmentation and scar. Conclusions 752 nm Q-switched Alexandrite laser is one of effective and safe treatments for nevus of Ota.

AIM: To establish human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to express green fluorescent protein (GFP), and to study the suppression of GFP by siRNA in HUVECs. METHODS: Using lipofectamine 2000 to transform plasmid pN_3-EGFP encoding GFP into HUVECs. The HUVEC containing pN_3-EGFP, named HUVEC-GFP, was screened and selected by antibiotic G418. Using in vitro transcription T7 kit, GFPsiRNA targeting GFP mRNA and control-siRNA used as control were synthesized. The siRNAs were transfected into HUVEC-GFP with oligofectamine. 48 h later, the expression levels of GFP protein and mRNA in HUVEC-GFP were determined. RESULTS: The HUVEC-GFP was screened to express GFP in the presence of G418. The agarose gel electrophoresis analysis showed that the siRNAs prepared were integrated. 48 h after transfection with siRNAs, compared to control group, the level of GFP fluorescence was obviously decreased in the HUVEC-GFP transfected with GFPsiRNA. The results of RT-PCR detection showed that GFP mRNA expression was obviously suppressed by GFPsiRNA at the rate of 40%, and no obvious suppression of GFP mRNA expression was found in the HUVEC-GFP transfected with control siRNA. CONCLUSION: The siRNA targeting GFP mRNA, synthesized in vitro, efficiently suppresses the GFP expression in HUVECs.

AIM: To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of Phellodendron amurense egtract on hippocampal nerve cells induced be Aβ

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; enzymology ; Male ; Pancreatic Elastase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To analyze the chemical compounds of Shenqi Dihuang decoction by the ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with linear quadrupole ion trap-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). Methods Warters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 mm ×100 mm, 1.8 μm) was used as chromatographic column with mobile phase: 0.1% formic acid water (A)-0.1% formic acid acetonitrile (B) with gradient elution, and flow rate was 0.3 ml/min. Electrospray ion source (ESI) and an electrostatic field orbital ion trap mass analyzer were adopted, which was used to collect mass spectrometry fragment information with positive and negative ion modes, by comparing with the relative retention time of the reference substance. In addition, the fragment information of the mass spectrum was used to identify the compounds. The accurate identification of the chemical components in Shenqi Dihuang decoction was confirmed with literature. Results The study found that UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS technology could be used to identify 62 chemical components, including 13 aromatic acids, 9 flavonoids, 8 saponins, and 5 aromatic amines, 3 keto acids, 2 phenols, 1 aromatic quinone and other ingredients in Shenqi Dihuang decoction. Conclusion The identification analysis method in this study was efficient and accurate, which could be applied to the identification and analysis of chemical components in Shenqi Dihuang decoction and provided the important experimental data for the research on the material basis and mechanism.

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism of Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) recipe against pulmonary fibrosis relating to MMP-2 activity and type IV collagen expression at lung tissue.

METHODThe pulmonary fibrosis model was induced by intratracheal instillation with bleomycin once in rats. The models were divided into 3 groups: model control, FZHY recipe treated, and methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) treated group, each group was of 14 model rats. Normal control group with 10 rats was intoxicated with the same amount of saline. From the second day of intoxication, FZHY recipe treated group orally took FZHY recipe at the dosage of 4.6 g x kg(-1) rat wt, methylprednisolone treated group received intraperitoneal injection with 15 mg x kg(-1) rat wt of methylprednisolone, while model and normal controls took the same volume of saline, 1 time each day and lasting for 4 weeks. Lung and body weights were weighed and the lung/body ratio was calculated. Collagens deposition was check with Masson stain, and lung hydroxyproline (Hyp) content was assayed with Jamall's method. Protein expressions of MMP-2/9 and type IV collagen at lung tissue were analyzed with Western blot and of MMP-2/9 activities by gelatin zymography.

RESULTCompared to normal rats, the model control rats had a high lung/body ratio, remarkable collagen deposition, increased Hyp content and the expressions of type IV collagen, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein at lung tissue, increased MMP-2 activity, in particular active MMP-2 activity, but decreased MMP-9 activity. Compared to model control, FZHY recipe and methylprednisolone obviously attenuated pulmonary collagen deposition, decreased lung/body ratio and Hyp content, downregulated MMP-2 protein expression and activity, in particular active MMP-2 activity, and FZHU recipe had some better actions than methylprednisolone on lung/body ratio, type IV collagen expression and active MMP-2 activity. But both drug groups had no influence on MMP-9 protein expression and activity.

CONCLUSIONFZHY recipe has a good action against experimental pulmonary fibrosis and its mechanisms are associated with the inhibition of MMP-2 protein and activity, and with the inhibition of over expression of type IV collagen at lung tissue.

Animals ; Bleomycin ; Collagen Type IV ; metabolism ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hydroxyproline ; metabolism ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the methods for assessing angiogenesis in experimental liver fibrosis.

METHODSMale C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal (unmodeled) group and a liver fibrosis model group.The model was established by a 4-week course of 10% CCl4 solution (in olive oil) intraperitoneal injection. Liver vasculature was observed by magnetic resonance (MR),computed tomography (CT),synchrotron radiation X-ray,and von Willibrand factor(vWF) immunofluorescence staining. Liver inflammation and fibrosis were observed by staining with hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red.The t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group,the model group had more robust inflammation and fibrosis in liver tissue.The liver tissue in the modeled mice showed significant deceases in MR signal intensity on T2WI before and after enhancement (386.67+/-69.04 vs.492.67+/-112.50,t =-2.456, P=0.026).The liver tissue in the modeled mice also showed significantly decreased enhancement CT values (P < 0.01).Synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging showed that the small vessels in the liver tissues of the modeled mice were significantly increased compared to that in the normal mice (P < 0.01).The MR T2W enhanced signal value (439.67+/-104.80, Pearson's r=0.714, P=0.009) and microvascular relative length (676.53+/-122.75, Pearson's r=0.791, P=0.002) were positive correlated with microvessel density (MVD) (14.50+/-5.95),as shown by detection of labeled vWF.The before and after CT enhancement difference (132.60+/-57.02, Pearson's r=-0.612, P=0.034) was negatively correlated with MVD.

CONCLUSIONs MR,CT and synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging can be used for assessing angiogenesis in liver fibrosis,and the findings from each are correlated with the traditional MVD detection method. The two-dimensional imaging of synchrotron radiation X-ray is more intuitive,and has been confirmed as an effective evaluation method for liver angiogenesis.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Inflammation ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; pathology ; Liver Function Tests ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Synchrotrons ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate simple and convenient methods for the treatment of severe open injuries of limbs.

METHODSFrom 2005.1 to 2008.3, 31 patients got limb salvage in 33 cases (Gustilo III B) from emergency, which were divided into two groups(A and B). The 16 patients in Group A (14 male and 2 female) were treated with emergency debridement, sequential dressing change, and finally with skin grafting or free flap. The 15 patients in Group B (11 male and 4 female) were treated with radical debridement (skin and muscle), decompression of fascial compartment routinely and repair of periosteal avulsion lesion. The patients in Group B were also treated with external application of Mangxiao postoperatively and dressing change for first time one week later. The clinical effects were assessed by the skin survival rate of degloving injury, the number of operative procedures (using free flap or not), the number of dressing changes in the first two weeks, body temperature and white cell count (48 h after the first debridement ). Statistical analysis was done with SPSS software. Chi-square analyses was used to compare the enumeration data, and compare means with independent samples T test for measurement data.

RESULTSAll the patients in Group A got limb salvage (10 patients were upper limb, 6 patients were lower limb), and the mean skin survival rate of degloving injury was (77.88 +/- 4.21)%. Five patients in Group A were finally treated with free flap. All the patients in Group B got limb salvage (10 patients were upper limb, 5 patients were lower limb) by a few secondary skin grafting, and the mean skin survival rate of degloving injury was (97.53 +/- 3.09)%. The mean skin survival rate of Group B was obviously better than that of Group A (P<0.01). The number of dressing changes in the first two weeks in Group B was absolutely less than that of Group A (P<0.01). Also, infection rate and the number of operative procedures of Group B was significantly less than that of Group A (P<0.01). All the patients were followed up for at least 3 months.

CONCLUSIONRadical debridement combined with external application of Mangxiao for the treatment of severe open fractures is simple, convenient and effective. It is better for a lot of people injured simultaneously in accident.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Debridement ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Extremities ; injuries ; Female ; Fractures, Open ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of salvianolic acid B (SAB) and curcumin, the extracts of Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Curcuma Longa, on the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), and the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) expression in it.

METHODSRat's HSC-T6 were cultured and treated by SAB or curcumin. The inhibitory effect on cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4, 5-dimthyl-2-2thiazoly)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetry, and the expression levels of alpha smooth actin (alpha-SMA), collagen type I, and ERK were determined by Western blot.

RESULTSSAB and curcumin inhibited the proliferation and activation of rat's HSC-T6 in dose-dependent fashion and significantly reduced the expression level of alpha-SMA (P < 0.01). Curcumin significantly reduced the expression of collagen type I (P < 0.05). Both SAB and curcumin showed insignificant effect on the ERK expression level, but they could significantly reduce the level of phosphorylated-ERK expression, showing significant difference as compared with that in the control group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively).

CONCLUSIONSAB and curcumin could significantly inhibit the proliferation, activation of HSC, and the production of type I collagen in HSC, the mechanism may be associated with their inhibition on ERK phosphorylation.

Animals ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Curcuma ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Extracellular Matrix ; drug effects ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Hepatocytes ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; drug effects ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Plant Extracts ; Rats ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of spinal manipulation (SM) on brain functional activity in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

METHODSEleven patients with LDH were recruited in the study. All patients received 6 times of lumbar SM treatment and then clinical efficacy was evaluated. All patients received brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans before and after SM treatment.

RESULTSThree subjects dropped out and 8 subjects completed the study, among whom 4 cases were effective and 4 ineffective after SM treatment. The required pressure value producing the same level (VAS 50) pain was (7.43 ± 1.47) kg and (10.53 ± 0.55) kg before and after SM treatment in effective patients(P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in ineffective patients (P>0.05). Compared to pre-treatment level, the brain functional activity in effective patients was mainly inhibited, the inhibited areas were located in the right side of prefrontal cortex and cerebellum; while the brain functional activity was generally enhanced in ineffective patients.

CONCLUSIONSM can affect the brain functional activity of patients with LDH, the inhibited areas is mainly located in prefrontal cortex and cerebellum when SM treatment is effective.

Brain ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; therapy ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Manipulation, Spinal