Lycii Cortex, a popular herb medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat different inflammation-related diseases. The aim of our work is to find the key constituents inhibiting NF-kappaB, a key regulator of inflammation. In the investigations of cell-based in vitro assays of extracts, we found that both ethyl acetate extract and methanol extract of Lycii Cortex inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified 4 phenolic amides including trans-N-(p-coumaroyl) tyramine (1), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (2), trans-N-caffeoyltyramine (3), and dihydro-N-caffeoyltyramine (4). Four phenolic amides showed differently inhibitory activities on TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation. Trans-N-caffeoyltyramine (3) was identified as the key component with an IC50 of 18.41 micromol x L(-1). It was suggested that the hydroxyl group at C-3 in trans-N-caffeoyltyramine might be a key binding site and its C-7,8-double bond might play an important role on NF-kappaB inhibitory activities as the link of the conjugation of pi electrons leading to a partial planar conformation. It might be inferred that the biological activity of compound 3 is attributed to the structure of Michael reaction acceptor containing alpha, beta-unsaturated ketones and benzene along with hydroxyl group in o-diphenol.
Biological Assay ; Cell Line ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Inflammation Mediators ; antagonists & inhibitors ; immunology ; Lycium ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; NF-kappa B ; antagonists & inhibitors ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of different strength intermittent treadmill training of growth period rats on the bone metabolism, so as to provide the training intensity of teenagers to set theory support.

METHODSSelect 70 male four weeks Wistar rats according to body weight randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10): the control group and the exercise group. According to the VO2max the exercise group was divided into 6 groups: 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% and 90% group. Nine weeks treadmill training, training six days a week, each group of training three times, each time not less than 10min, the interval was 30 min. The last movement after 24 h, took the femur and blood to measured the bone mineral density (BMD), bone mass (BMC) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), resist tartaric acid acidic phosphatase (Str-ACP).

RESULTS1. The femoral BMD (0.1393 +/- 0.0031), BMC (0.4525 +/- 0.0335) of 70% group were significantly higher than those in the control group (BMD: 0.1200 +/- 0.0095, BMC: 0.3238 +/- 0.0485) and the other sports group (65% BMD:0.1339 +/- 0.0062, BMC: 0.4058 +/- 0.0492, 75% BMD: 0.1296 +/- 0.0015, BMC: 0.3869 +/- 0.0254, 80% BMD: 0.1223 +/- 0.0082, BMC: 0.3454 +/- 0.0483, 85% BMD: 0.1250 +/- 0.0044, BMC: 0.3731 +/- 0.0381, 90% BMD: 0.1171 +/- 0.0047, BMC: 0.3051 +/- 0.0286) (P < 0.05), the femoral BMD, BMC of 90% group were lower than those of the control group, the other in the exercise group were higher than those in the control group; 2. Serum AKP in the exercise group were significantly higher than those in the control group, the group of 65% (41.015 +/- 2.114), 70% (46.035 +/- 2.611), 75% (43.834 +/- 3.155), and 80% (38.043 +/- 4.073) were very significantly higher than those in the control group (26.875 +/- 1.188) (P < 0.01); 70% group and 75% group were significantly higher than those in the 80% group , 85% group and 90% group, while 70% group serum AKP level were significantly higher than those in 65% group (P < 0.05), it showed that 70% of the VO2 max training intensity of osteoblasts was most active. The serum Str-ACP of exercise group were significantly higher than those in the control group, along with the increase of the training intensity, serum Str-ACP level was rising and the group of 80% (22.430 +/- 1.591), 85% (23.990 +/- 1.870), and 90% (28.009 +/- 1.839) serum of Str-ACP were significantly higher than those in the group of 65% (18.503 +/- 2.429), 70% (16.447 +/- 2.120) and 75%(17.769 +/- 1.642) ( P < 0.05), the group of 90% serum Str-ACP were significantly higher than those in the group of 80% and 85% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe training of 70% of the VO2max, moderate intensity intermittent running, make the growth period rat bone mass and bone mineral density to increase obviously.

Animals ; Bone Density ; Bone Development ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; Male ; Physical Conditioning, Animal ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Resistance Training

Objective To study the correlation between the deformation and displacement trend of the lumbosacral vertebra (L1-S1) for two typical scoliosis spines under vertical loads,so as to provide the mechanical basis of treatment and prevention of scoliosis in clinic.Methods The X-ray computed tomography (CT) images of two typical scoliosis spines (Lenke-4AN type and Lenke-5CN type) were converted into 3D models,and their finite element models were then established and verified.The internal stress distribution and displacement variation of the models were calculated by the finite element software;the correlation between the lumbosacral vertebral structure and displacement of the spine was analyzed.Results Under the same boundary conditions and load cases,the stress and displacement for two kinds of lumbosacral vertebral models showed different trends.Due to its leftleaning and forward convex bending deformation as well as the relatively large lordosis angle (60°) and smaller left-leaning angle (17.37°),the Lenke-4AN type lumbosacral spine produced slightly small forward convex displacement (8.18 mm) and relatively large left-leaning displacement (0.97 mm).The Lenke-5CN type lumbosacral spine showed left-leaning and forward convex bending deformation as well,with relatively large lordosis angle(59°) and left-leaning angle (26.97°),so it produced more severe left-leaning displacement (20.65 mm) andforward convex displacement (9.22 mm).Conclusions The deformation trend of lumbosacral vertebra is closelyrelated to its structural characteristics,and different scoliosis lumbosacral vertebral structures will cause the corre-sponding deformation trend.The research findings are important for the prevention and treatment of scoliosis.

Biomarkers, Tumor ; Bronchi ; metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; Genes, p16 ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Mucous Membrane ; metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) gene polymorphism with the development of early-onset schizophrenia.

METHODSA single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6119954) of DNMT3B gene was genotyped in 279 early-onset schizophrenic patients and 395 healthy controls, using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. To detect the interaction between the DNMT3B gene and environmental factors, the prenatal information of the patients was collected.

RESULTSGenotype distribution of the rs6119954 locus was significantly different between patients and controls (Chi-square = 12.27, P< 0.01). The frequency of the G allele of this locus was significantly higher in patients than in controls (Chi-square = 12.76, P< 0.01). The G allele was highly associated with an earlier age of onset (P= 0.026). No interaction between the DNMT3B gene and environmental factors was found.

CONCLUSIONDNMT3B gene is associated with early-onset schizophrenia and rs6119954 may plays an important role in age of onset of schizophrenia.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Child ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; genetics ; Environment ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; genetics ; Pregnancy ; Schizophrenia ; genetics ; Young Adult

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Qingzao Jiufeitang on the expression of adenosine 5′-monophosphate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， and UNC-51-like kinase 1 （ULK1） in lung cancer cells after the application of AMPK inhibitor （compound C）. MethodMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a model group， a cyclophosphamide （CTX） group （50 mg·kg^-1）， a Qingzao Jiufeitang group （11 g·kg^-1）， an AMPK inhibitor group （10 mg·kg^-1）， and a Qingzao Jiufeitang combined with AMPK inhibitor group （combination group） （11 g·kg^-1+10 mg·kg^-1）. Lewis lung cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into the right axilla to induce a tumor-bearing model. 24 hours after modeling， the mice in the CTX group were intraperitoneally injected once every other day for seven times in total. The mice in the AMPK inhibitor group and the combination group received intraperitoneal injection of compound C， once a day for 14 days. The mice in the Qingzao Jiufeitang group and the combination group were administered orally at the set dose for 14 days before and after modeling. At the end of the experiment， the mice in each group were sacrificed. The tumor-bearing tissues were collected， and the tumor weight of each group was counted. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was used to observe the formation of autolysosomes in lung cancer tissues of each group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of AMPK， phosphorylated AMPK （p-AMPK）， mTOR， phosphorylated mTOR （p-mTOR）， ULK1， phosphorylated ULK1 （p-ULK1）， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B （LC3B）， and p62. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung cancer in each group. ResultCompared with the model group， the Qingzao Jiufeitang group showed decreased tumor weight （P<0.01）， the formation of autolysosomes under the electron microscope， increased protein expression of p-AMPK， p-ULK1， LC3B， LC3B-Ⅱ， and p-AMPK/AMPK， p-ULK1/ULK1， and LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰratios （P<0.01， P<0.05）， and reduced protein expression of p-mTOR， p62， and p-mTOR/mTOR ratio （P<0.05）. Compared with the Qingzao Jiufeitang group， the combination group showed no autolysosomes formation under the electron microscope， decreased protein expression of p-AMPK， p-ULK1， LC3B， LC3B-Ⅱ， and p-AMPK/AMPK， p-ULK1/ULK1， LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰ ratios （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and increased p62 protein expression （P<0.05）. HE staining results showed that the pathological changes of lung cancer tissues in the groups with drug intervention were improved compared with those in the model group. ConclusionQingzao Jiufeitang can promote the elevation of LC3B-Ⅱ and decrease the expression of p62 protein， thus inducing autophagy. The mechanism of autophagy initiation may be achieved by the AMPK/ULK1 pathway instead of the mediation by the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway.

Objectives: To compare the effect of 2 different occlusion devices for treating cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients combining patent foramen ovale (PFO) and large right-to-left shunt (RLS). Methods: A total of 123 CS patients combining PFO and large RLS treated in our hospital from 2013-05 to 2016-08 were enrolled. All patients received percutaneous PFO interventional closure, based on different occlusion devices, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder group, n=80 and Amplatzer PFO occluder group, n=43. CS diagnosis was confirmed by 3 experienced neurologists via medical imaging examination; PFO and large RLS were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography and right heart contrast echocardiography. The baseline features, clinical symptoms, operation and follow-up data were reviewed to observe the efficacy of 2 occlusion devices. Results: Each group had 1 patient suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after the operation; 1 patient in Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder group had inguinal hematoma. No stroke recurrence, no death during follow-up period; the residual shunt was similar between 2 groups. Conclusions: PFO occlusion was beneficial for preventing stroke recurrence in CS patients combining PFO and large RLS. The safety and efficacy were similar in Cardi-O-fix and Amplatzer PFO occlusion devices.

OBJECTIVETo examine vibrio cholera (V.C) in aquatic products of littoral area, Zhejiang Province and to provide scientific evidence for administration of aquatic products and cholera epidemic control.

METHODSAll 990 samples of aquatic products collected from local markets, eateries and aquafarms in three chosen areas. Samples were proliferated in alkaline liquid medium, and purified in NO: 4 medium, the isolations were identified biochemically, and phenotype of strains were defined by phagocyte and coagulation with V.C. diagnostic serum. Three virulence genes (ctx, ace, zct) of the isolated strains were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTSThere were 1.41% samples caught by V.C., having a carrying rate highest in turtles of 8.9%. 14 strains were defined as three serogroups, and the numbers of Inaba, Ogawa, and Hikojima types were 2, 2, 10 respectively. Virulence genes had detected in 9 of 12 stains. All genes were detected in 5 strains, only ZOT genes in 3 strains, and both CTX and ACE genes in 1 strain.

CONCLUSIONSAquatic products from inshore in Zhejiang Province caught with V.C. strains might be divided into three serogroups. Most of them should be virulence genes. Cholera epidemic outbreak might be caused by those contaminated products.

China ; Food Microbiology ; Genes, Bacterial ; Seafood ; microbiology ; Vibrio cholerae ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Virulence Factors ; genetics

BACKGROUNDRecent studies suggest that circulating DNA may be a potential tumor marker for lung cancer, but most of these studies are conducted between healthy controls and lung cancer patients, with few or no benign lung disease patients included. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of plasma DNA quantification in discriminating lung cancer from the healthy and benign lung disease.

METHODSPlasma DNA was extracted with a QIAamp DNA Blood Midi kit and quantified by a PicoGreen dsDNA quantitation kit in 44 healthy individuals, 36 benign lung disease patients and 67 lung cancer patients. Discrimination power was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTSPlasma DNA values were significantly increased in lung cancer patients, especially in those with metastases, and in benign lung disease patients compared with that in the healthy individuals (P < 0.001, respectively). The values in lung cancer patients were significantly increased compared with that in the benign lung disease patients (P < 0.001). The area under the curve was 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 - 0.99] for the healthy versus lung cancer, 0.73 (95% CI 0.64 - 0.83) for lung cancer versus benign lung disease, and 0.86 (95% CI 0.80 - 0.91) for lung cancer versus the healthy and benign lung disease.

CONCLUSIONSPlasma DNA quantification has a strong power to discriminate lung cancer from the healthy and from the healthy and benign lung disease, less power to discriminate lung cancer from benign lung disease. Plasma DNA quantification may be useful as a screening tool for lung cancer.

DNA ; blood ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging

The paradigm of a real world study has become the frontiers of clinical researches, especially in the field of Chinese medicine, all over the world in recent years. In this paper, ethical issues which probably exist in real-world studies are raised and reviewed. Moreover, some preliminary solutions to these issues such as protecting subjects during the process of real-world studies and performing ethical review are raised based on recent years' practices to enhance the scientificity and ethical level of real-world studies.
Biomedical Research ; ethics ; methods ; Humans