OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Epimedium davidii on the content of testosterone, substance metabolism and anti-fatigue ability of rats. METHODS: High-intensity endurance training rat model was used. Fifty 6-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups, with 15 in each group(the rats which did not meet the requirement were removed): still ig water group (C group), exercise ig water group (T group), and exercise ig Epimedium davidii group (TM group). Gavage was performed using professional device once a day. The rats in TM group were administered at a dose of 5 g · kg-1 with ig volume of 5 mL · kg-1. The rats in C and T groups were given saline of same volume. After 42 d of exhaustive swimming training, body weight, swimming time and serum testosterone and other biochemical markers were measured. RESULTS: The body weights of the rats in TM group were greater than those in T group (P < 0.05), and the swimming time was longer than T group (P < 0.01). Exhaustive swimming led to decreased serum testosterone, for which T group decreased by 28.85% more than C group(P < 0.01). Compared with T group, TM group increased by 28.21% (P < 0.01)in serum testosterone; the serum corticosterone levels in each group showed no significant differences, and the serum testosterone/corticosterone ratios changed in line with testosterone; liver glycogen and muscle glycogen reserves decreased. Compared with C group, the T groups glycogen decreased by 26.40% (P < 0.01), muscle glycogen decreased by 54.83% (P < 0.01). Compared with T group, TM group had 20.68% higher liver glycogen(P < 0.05) and 82.76% higher muscle glycogen(P < 0.01); FSH had no significant difference; blood urea increased and hemoglobin decreased compared with C group. Blood urea of T group increased by 66.32% (P < 0.01), and the hemoglobin decreased by 35.89% (P < 0.01); compared with T group, TM group had 27.85% lower blood urea (P < 0.01) and 41.23% higher hemoglobin (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Epimedium davidii can alleviate the impact of high-intensity exercise on serum testosterone, and maintain it at normal physiological level; it can also promote protein synthesis, inhibit degradation of amino acid and protein, and increase hemoglobin and glycogen reserves in rats receiving exercise training. Copyright 2013 by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo on the rats substance metabolism and anti-exercise fatigue capacity in the exercise training. METHODS: High-intensity endurance training rat was as a model. Divided the 6-week-old male (42 d age) Wistar rats 55 into 5 groups of 10 (removed the rats, which are not meeting the requirement): still group (group C), exercise group (group T), exercise ig low-dose Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo group of (group TML), exercise ig middle-dose of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo group (group TMM), exercise ig high-dose of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo group (group TMH). Gavage using professional device ig once a day, group TML, Group TMM, group TMH ig dose was 1.5, 3, 4. 5 g · kg-1 · d-1, the ig volume 5 mL · kg-1, Group C and group T were added to ig the same amount of saline. For 24 h after the last training, measured weight, exhaustive swimming time, Hemoglobin and other biochemical markers. RESULTS: The TM each weight no significant differences, and greater than the group T(P < 0.05) less than group C(P < 0.05). TM swimming time is longer than the group C and group T(P < 0.01), and the dose increased and extended. Prolonged exhaustive exercise lead to liver glycogen, muscle glycogen reserves decreased(group T(P < 0.01), groups TM(P < 0.05) lower than in group C. TM each group of liver glycogen [P < 0.05), inositol the original (P < 0.01] higher than the group T, no significant differences between each group of the TM, with the dose increase and higher). In addition, blood urea nitrogen rise[group T(P < 0.01) and groups TM(P < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen higher than in group C. Groups TM is lower than the group T(P < 0.05), TM each non-significant difference]. Hemoglobin decreased [group T(P < 0.01), groups TM(P < 0.05) lower than in group C. Groups TM is higher than the group T(P < 0.05), no significant difference between the TM each]. CONCLUSION: Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo supplement can promote protein synthesis, inhibition of amino acid and protein degradation, thereby increasing the hemoglobin content and glycogen reserves, enhanced resistance to fatigue, it has a multi-target, multi-channel features.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Herba Cistanches on the content of testosterone, substance metabolism and the ability of resisting exercise-induced fatigue of rats. METHODS: High-intensity endurance trained rats were used as the model. Sixty-five 7-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, with 15 in each group: still ig administration of water group (C group), still igadministration of Cistanche group (M group), exercise ig administration of water group (T group), and exercise ig administration of Cistanche group (TM group). Gavage was done using professional device once a day. M and TM group were dosed at 6.01 g · kg-1 with volume of 5 mL · kg-1, while C and T group were given saline of the same volume. After 42 d exhaustive swimming training, body weight, swimming time, serum testosterone, and other biochemical markers were measured. RESULTS: The body weights and swimming time of the rats in TM group were greater than those in T group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Exhaustive swimming led to decreased serum testosterone. The serum testosterone levels of T group decreased by 40.53% (P<0.01) compared with C group. Compared with T group, the serum testosterone levels of TM group increased by 44.35% (P<0.01). The serum corticosterone levels in each group showed no significant differences, and the serum testosterone/corticosterone ratios changed in line with changes of testosterone. Liver glycogen and muscle glycogen reserves failed. Compared with C group, T group's glycogen decreased by 25.85% (P<0.01), and muscle glycogen decreased by 44. 94% (P<0.01). Compared with T group, TM group had 19.41% higher liver glycogen (P<0.05) and 58.05% higher muscle glycogen (P<0.01); FSH had no significant change; compared with C group, the blood urea of T group increased by 59.30% (P<0.01), and the hemoglobin decreased by 28.72% (P<0.01); compared with T group, TM group had 20.70%) lower blood urea (P<0.05) and 24.22% higher hemoglobin (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma can reduce the impact of high-intensity exercise on serum testosterone, and maintain it at normal physiological level. It can promote protein synthesis, inhibit amino acid and protein degradation, and increase hemoglobin and glycogen reserves in rats receiving exercise training.

The sequences of ITS, matK, rbcL and psbA-trnH of 9 Gynostemma species or variety including 38 samples were compared and analyzed by molecular phylogeny method. Hemsleya macrosperma was designated as outgroup. The MP and NJ phylogenetic tree of Gynostemma was built based on ITS sequence, the results of PAUP phylogenetic analysis showed the following results: (1) The eight individuals of G. pentaphyllum var. pentaphyllum were not supported as monophyletic in the strict consensus trees and NJ trees. (2) It is suspected whether G. longipes and G. laxum should be classified as the independent species. (3)The classification of subgenus units of Gynostemma plants is supported.
Gynostemma ; classification ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Objective To explore the abilities and personal qualities that medical undergraduates need for their future clinical work, and develop their competency model. Methods The self-made ques-tionnaire survey on medical undergraduates' competencies was conducted among the 1326 medical under-graduates in a medical university by using the cluster sampling method, and the 1099 effective question-naires were collected with effective rates of 82.88%. The exploratory factor analysis was used to analyze the internal structure of competency item and to build the competency model. The rating method was used to calculate the weight of each competency item. Results The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the competency questionnaire was 0.965, and the coefficient of each dimension was above 0.832. The KMO statistic value was 0.970, and the probability associated with Bartlett test statistic was P=0.000, showing that the questionnaire has high reliability and validity. The competency model of medical undergraduates covers six aspects, namely, craftsmanship, personal qualities, professional learning, interpersonal communication, psychological adaptation and the pursuit of excellence, which contain 49 factors. The cumulative variance contribution rate was 54.729%. The weights of these six aspects in the model were 0.204 4, 0.202 1, 0.175 3, 0.158 8, 0.137 6 and 0.121 8 respectively. Conclusion The competency model of undergraduate medi-cal students has a certain scientific and practical value, which can provide new evaluation methods and ideas for medical education objectives, quality assurance, teaching evaluation, medical personnel selection and training.

To study the protective mechanism of Danhong injection on brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) injured by hypoxic. In the experiment, primary suckling mouse's rBMECs cells were collected and identified with factor VIII to establish the 4 h injury model. Meanwhile, rBMECs were given Danhong injection (25, 50, 100 mL . L-1), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level were detected by the biochemical method. Cell MMP-9, ICAM-1 and P53 mRNA expression levels were detected by RT-PCR method. Changes in cells' microscopic structure were observed by transmission electron microscope. According to the results, primary rBMECs were notably injured by hypoxia. Compared with model group, Danhong injection (50, 100 mL . L-1) could remarkably resist the injury induced by hypoxic, increase intracellular SOD activity, decrease MDA level and significantly down-regulate ICAM-1, MMP-9 and P53 mRNA expressions. Danhong injection (100 mL . L-1) could protect the cells' normal morphology and microscopic structure, maintain the close intercellular junction, and inhibit the hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis. The results showed that Danhong injection plays a significant role in protecting rBMECs injured by hypoxia. Its mechanism may be related to the enhancement of cells' antioxidant capacity, the inhibition of inflammatory response and the cell apoptosis.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Brain ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Injections ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics

To study the protective effect of combined administration of active ingredients of Danhong on cultured primary mice's brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) injured by hypoxia. Primary mice's brain micro-vascular endothelial cells were cultured to establish the 4 h hypoxia model. Meanwhile, active ingredients (protocatechuic aldehyde, salvianolic acid B, hydroxysafflor yellow A and tanshinol) of Danhong were administered in rBMECs. The non-toxic dosage was determined by MTT. The leakage of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and MDA level were detected by the colorimetric method. The expressions of ICAM-1, MMP-9, P53 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR method. Changes in rBMECs cell cycle and early apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Danhong's active ingredients and prescriptions 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 could be combined to significantly restrain LDH in hypoxic cells supernatant. Prescriptions 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 could significantly enhance SOD activity in anoxic cells; Prescriptions 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 could significantly decrease the MDA level; Prescriptions 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 could significantly inhibit the early rB-MECs apoptosis induced by hypoxia. After hypoxia, the up-regulated P53 mRNA expression could cause retardation in G, phase and promote cell apoptosis. This proved that the regulatory function of P53 gene lay in monitoring of calibration points in G, phase. Prescriptions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 could significantly down-regulate the P53 mRNA expression; Prescriptions 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 could significantly down-regulate the ICAM-1 mRNA expression; Prescriptions 1, 3, 6, 9 could significantly down-regulate the MMP-9 mRNA expression. The combined administration of Danhong's active ingredients showed a significant protective effect on primary cultured rBMECs injury induced by hypoxia Its mechanism may be related to the enhancement of cellular antioxidant capacity and the inhibition of inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. This study could provide ideas for researching prescription compatibility, and guide the clinical medication.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Brain ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; Hypoxia ; drug therapy ; Microvessels ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo establish the deep cervical lymph node metastasis model of tongue VX2 carcinoma in rabbits and to observe its metastatic features.

METHODSThe VX2 carcinomas were transplanted into the left ventral submucosa of tongues of 16 rabbits by injecting carcinoma mass suspension. According to the time the rabbits were killed after the transplantation of VX2 carcinoma, they were divided into four groups, or 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-day groups, and 4 rabbits in each group. The specimens of transplanted tongue carcinomas and cervical lymph nodes in the rabbits were examined histopathologically after they were killed.

RESULTSAll rabbits developed VX2 tongue carcinomas at the transplanted sites, which were confirmed with pathological examination, and the mean diameters of tongue carcinomas of 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-day groups were (0.74 +/- 0.06) cm (average +/- s), (1.62 +/- 0.06) cm, (1.82 +/- 0.04) cm and (2.52 +/- 0.07) cm respectively. No cervical lymph node was palpable at bilateral necks in each rabbit of 7-, 14- and 21-day groups, and only 4 rabbits of 28-day group had palpable lymph nodes at ipsilateral necks. The histopathological examination revealed no lymph node metastasis in the rabbits of 7-day group. Ipsilateral deep cervical lymph node metastases were confirmed histopathologically in each rabbit of 14-, 21- and 28-day groups, which located beside larynx-trachea. Two of 4 rabbits in 28-day group occurred bilateral deep cervical lymph node metastases. The mean diameters of the ipsilateral deep cervical lymph nodes of 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-day groups were (0.52 +/- 0.03) cm, (0.78 +/- 0.04) cm, (0.82 +/- 0.03) cm and (1.42 +/- 0.08) cm respectively. No metastasis from the transplanted tongue carcinomas was found in superficial cervical lymph nodes and submandibular lymph nodes in all rabbits.

CONCLUSIONSThe deep cervical lymph node metastasis develops at 2 weeks after the transplantation of tongue VX2 carcinoma and a deep cervical lymph node metastasis model of tongue VX2 carcinoma can be established.

Animals ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Neck ; Rabbits ; Tongue Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo screen the candidate TSGs on 22q13 involved in sporadic colorectal cancer.

METHODSThe DNA samples of 83 cases with colorectal carcinoma and normal tissues were analyzed using eight fluorescent labeled polymorphic microsatellite markers by PCR. PCR products were electrophoresed on an ABI 377 DNA sequencer. Genescan 3.7 and Genotype 3.7 software was used for LOH scanning and analysis. Comparison between LOH frequency and clinicopathological factors were performed by chia2 test.

RESULTSThe prevalence of LOH was 35.58%, and the average hereditary distance was 1.9 cM. The highest frequency of LOH (D22S1160 locus) and the lowest (D22S1170 locus) were 64.71% and 20%, respectively. Two obvious LOH regions were detected: One between D22S1171 locus and D22S274 locus (about 2.7 cM); another between D22S1160 and D22S1149 locus (about 1.8 cM). Furthermore,significant differences were observed between the frequency of LOH on D22S1171 locus and tumors location (P=0.020), the frequency of LOH on D22S114 locus and liver metastasis (P=0.008), the frequency of LOH on D22S1160 locus and lymph node metastasis (P=0.016). No significant differences were found between LOH on other loci and those factors above. Gene function screening revealed that ARHGAP8 and PPARA gene were involved in carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSIONSTwo obvious high frequency LOH regions are detected by refined deletion mapping. One locates between D22S1171 locus and D22S274 locus (about 2.7 cM); another locates between D22S1160 and D22S1149 locus (about 1.8cM), ARHGAP8 and PPARA gene may be TSGs which contribute to carcinogenesis and progression of sporadic CRC on 22q13 region.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Loss of Heterozygosity ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Deletion

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of hypoxia on iron metabolism of skeletal muscle. Rat L6 skeletal muscle cells were randomly divided into three groups which were exposed to hypoxia (1% O(2)) for 0, 12, 24 h, respectively. Iron isotope tracing method was used to determine iron uptake and release. Iron content of labile iron pool (LIP) was investigated by flow cytometry, and the expressions of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), ferroportin 1 (FPN1), hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 (HIF-1) in L6 cells were observed by Western blot. The results showed that, compared with 0-hour hypoxia group, 12-hour hypoxia group exhibited significantly increased iron uptake and LIP (P < 0.05), as well as decreased iron release (P < 0.01). Not only iron uptake and release, but also LIP in 24-hour hypoxia group were significantly decreased, compared with those in 0- and 12-hour hypoxia groups (P < 0.01). The expressions of HIF-1, DMT1 (IRE), DMT1 (non-IRE) and TfR1 in 12-hour hypoxia group were significantly increased compared with those in 0-hour hypoxia group (P < 0.01). On the contrary, the expressions of DMT1 (IRE), DMT1 (non-IRE) and FPN1 in 24-hour hypoxia group were significantly decreased compared with those in the other two groups. However, TfR1 expression in 24-hour hypoxia was higher than those in 0- and 12-hour hypoxia groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). These results suggest hypoxia plays an important role in iron metabolism of skeletal muscle cells. Moderate hypoxia can increase iron uptake and decrease iron release, resulting in higher LIP, but a prolonged hypoxia induces a disordered iron metabolism of skeletal cells.
Animals ; Cation Transport Proteins ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cell Line ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Iron ; metabolism ; Muscle, Skeletal ; cytology ; metabolism ; Oxygen ; physiology ; Rats ; Receptors, Transferrin ; metabolism ; Time Factors