Cough ; etiology ; Eye ; Female ; Foreign Bodies ; complications ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Nose

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of the platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) on the phenotypic transformation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMC) in SD rats.

METHODSCCSMCs were primarily cultured in the modified tissue sticking medium and subjected to immunofluorescence assay. The cells were divided into a blank control and four PDGF-BB groups, the latter exposed to 5, 10, 20, and 40 ng/ml of PDGF-BB, respectively, for 24 hours, and the cells in the 20 ng/ml PDGF-BB group treated for 24, 48, and 72 hours. The the relative expressions of α-SMA, SMMHC, calponin, and OPN mRNA were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR).

RESULTSThe α-SMA positive rate of the CCSMCs was over 95%. Compared with the blank control group, the expression levels of α-SMA, SMMHC, and calponin mRNA were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while that of OPN mRNA remarkably increased (P < 0.05) in the PDGF-BB groups. The 20 ng/ml PDGF-BB group also showed significantly downregulated expressions of α-SMA, SMMHC, and calponin mRNA (P < 0.05) and upregulated expression of OPN mRNA (P < 0.05) at 24, 48, and 72 hours.

CONCLUSIONPDGF-BB can induce the transformation of the phenotype of CCSMCs in SD rats from the contractile to the synthetic type.

Actins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Male ; Microfilament Proteins ; metabolism ; Muscle Contraction ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; metabolism ; Penis ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Phenotype ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Time Factors

To determine the immunoreactive pattem of human papillomavirus (HPV) antigen and p53 protein in condylomata acuminatum (CA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of penis. Methods: Immunohistochemistry for HPV and p53 were performed in 40 specimens of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissues using a polyclonal (rabbit) antibody against HPV and a monoclonal (mouse) antibody against human p53 protein. Twenty one cases of CA and nineteen cases of SCC were examined. Results: HPV antigen was detected in all 21 CA and 2 penile SCC. p53 protein overexpression was observed in 12 of 19 (63%) SCC in which 6 cases were strong positive. Five of 21 CA (24%)showed low-grade p53 protein overexpression. Conclusion: CA is related to HPV infection and some cases show p53 protein low-grade overexpression. In contrast, p53 protein overexpression is common in penile SCC, which is seldom related to HPV infection.

With an objective to provide an experimental basis for scientific officinal of Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus, this research uses UPLC-TQ/MS method to analyze 7 different kinds of lignan in 70 batches of Schisandra sphenantherae Fructus samples from 9 regions. The results showed that in the area south of Qinling mountains, Schisandrae sphenantherae Fructus from Zhashui county and Shanyang county of Shangluo mainly contained schisantherin A and deoxyschizandrin. However, Schisandrae sphenantherae Fructus from Mei county of Baoji, Shiquan county and Ningshan county of Ankang, and Lueyang county of Hanzhong, mainly contained anwuligan. Samples from Ningshan county also consists relatively high level of deoxyschizandrin. In the central area of Qinling mountains and the Daba mountains, Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus from Nanzheng county of Hanzhong mainly contained schisanhenol and deoxyschizandrin. In conclusion, the kinds and level of lignan differ significantly in Schisandrae sphenantherae Fructus produced in different regions. In practical application, Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus produced in different regions should be distinguished and differently applied based on their main effective components corresponding to different diseases, which can lead to the best clinical use.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Lignans ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Schisandra ; chemistry

AIMTo explore a role of G6PD in replenishment of intracellular GSH during oxidative stress.

METHODSIn vitro Raji cell was cultured, intracellular GSH levels and G6PD, GR, GPX activities were determined at different time points after PMS treatment when G6PD activity was inhibited or not by DHEA.

RESULTSIntracellular GR, GPX, G6PD activities elevated significantly combined with GSH level decreased dramatically before 30 minutes, replenished gradually after 30 minutes and restore normal levels about 6 h after PMS treatment when G6PD was not inhibited. No change in GR and significant increase in GPX activity were shown following depleted GSH after PMS treatment when G6PD was inhibited by DHEA.

CONCLUSIONG6PD contributes to replenish intracellular GSH and is a critical factor regulating GSH levels during oxidative stress.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Glutathione ; metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Humans ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Oxidative Stress ; Receptors, Peptide ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo understand the process of Cistanche tubulosa.

METHODThe process of seed germination and parasitism was observed using stereomicroscope.

RESULTSeedling of C. tubulosa sprouted after forty day without host root's contact in fields, a tube-like-organ formed and grew auger-type from host root, the tuber apex where touches host root swelled and formed haustorium. Haustorium intruded host root epidermis and vascular bundles, and released brown substances. Then, embryo bud with six or more young leaves formed, finally the swelled tuber-like-organ broken and seed coat shed. Due to the parasitism of C. tubulosa, the host root near stem site swelled, but the other part, shrunk and disappered gradually.

CONCLUSIONSeed of C. tubulosa could germinate indepently in fields. Tuber-like-organ formatin, haustorium formation and bud formation are key steps of C. tubulosa seedling development.

Cistanche ; growth & development ; Germination ; Plants, Medicinal ; growth & development ; Seeds ; growth & development ; Symbiosis ; Tamaricaceae ; growth & development

Objective To explore the activation and regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)on transcription of cytokines in cultured lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced nasal epithelial cells. Methods Normal sphenoid mucosa epithelium from 11 patients who accepted pitaitary tumor surgery via trans-sphenoid approach was separated and cultured without serum. The epithelium of the third or the forth passage was induced with LPS. Wedelolactone, a blocking agent of NF-κB was used at the same time. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to detect DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate mRNA of interleukin-1β( IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor ( GM-CSF), regulated on activation,normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), eotaxin, eotaxin-2, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1 ), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( ICAM-1 ), inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS ) and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17.0 software. Results DNA binding activity of NF-κB and mRNA of IL-1β, IL-8 and COX-2 increased in cultured LPS-induced nasal epithelial cells (relative values were 1. 013 ±0. 144, 0, 0, 0 respectively in control group and relative ones of LPS-induced were 2. 050 ±0. 305, 1. 057 ±0. 041,0. 950 ±0. 042, 0. 117 ±0. 012 respectively). There was significant difference between the control group and LPS-induced nasal epitherial cells group( P values were 0. 004, 0. 000, 0. 000, 0. 000 respectively). Corresponding expression of NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-8 and COX-2 decreased after the addition of Wedelolactone(relative values were 0. 917 ±0. 188, 0. 180 ±0. 008,0, 0 respectively). There was significant difference between the LPS-induced nasal epithelial cells group and the Wedelolactone-addition group ( P values were 0. 002, 0. 000, 0. 000, 0. 000 respectively ). But the expression of mRNA of other factors were 0 in all groups. Conclusions The NF-κB signal transduction pathway was involved in the transcriptional regulation of IL-1β, IL-8 and COX-2 in cultured LPS-induced nasal epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVETo explore the satisfactory rate in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) after cosmetic surgery.

METHODSWe designed a questionnaire to investigate the postoperative satisfactory rate in patients with BDD and without BDD.

RESULTSThere was significant difference in postoperative satisfactory rate between patients with BDD and without BDD.

CONCLUSIONThe patients with BDD have a lower satisfactory rate, which is even worse after repeated surgery.

Adult ; Body Dysmorphic Disorders ; psychology ; Body Image ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Surgery, Plastic ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVESTo define the role of high transthoracic approach in the treatment of cervicothoracic and high thoracic tumor, and analyze the problem encountered during tumor resection and reconstruction of this technique and oncological results of patients who received this type of surgery.

METHODSTwenty-one patients with cervicothoracic and high thoracic tumor (T(1 - 4)) were treated with high transthoracic approach. This series included metastatic tumor 11 patients, eosinophilic granuloma of bone 2 patients, osteosarcoma 1 patient, Ewing's sarcoma 2 patients, chondrosarcoma 2 patients, giant cell tumor 2 patients, lymphoma 1 patient. High transthoracic approach was applied to these patients for tumor resection and spinal cord decompression. Reconstruction method included artificial vertebrae implantation or bone graft implantation combined with anterior internal fixation.

RESULTSChest-back pain of all patients relieved significantly after operation. Paraplegia of 3 patients was improved from grade A to grade D according to Frankel grading system, the other 2 patients recovered completely. Pulmonary infection and pulmonary atelectasis occurred in 2 patients; cerebrospinal fluid leakage happened in 1 patient; thoracic aorta rupture happened in 1 patient. The follow-up period was 11 - 58 months, 9 patients died, including 7 patients with metastatic cancer, 1 patient with Ewing's sarcoma, 1 patient with osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSIONSHigh transthoracic approach is a satisfactory method in dealing with the lesion of cervicothoracic and high thoracic vertebrae, especially with the lesion involving the vertebrae and single vertebral arch. The thoracic canal can be decompressed effectively by this approach.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Scapula ; surgery ; Spinal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Thoracic Surgical Procedures ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

AIMTo study the chemical constituents of the stem of Cassia siamea.

METHODSThe compounds were isolated by chromatography on silica gel, and identified on the basis of spectral analysis.

RESULTSFive compounds were isolated and identified as: beta-sitosterol (I), sucrose (II), n-octacosanol (III), 2-methyl-5-(2'-hydroxypropyl)-7-hydroxy-chromone-2'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (IV) and piceatannol (V).

CONCLUSIONCompound IV is a new compound. Compounds II, III and V were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Cassia ; chemistry ; Chromones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Fatty Alcohols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Monosaccharides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Stilbenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification