Background Research demonstrated that mitochondrial pathway plays a key role in cell apoptosis.Purendan supermicropowder(PRD),a traditional Chinese medicine,may be a potentially effective therapy for neuron apoptosis in diabetic retina.Objective This study was carried out to investigate the effects of PRD on aldose reductase(AR)activity,neuron apoptosis and mitochondrial pathway in retina of diabetic rat.Methods Thirty-six clean male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group,diabetes model group,PRD treatment group randomly and 12 rats for each group.The diabetes models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/(kg · d)streptozotocin(STZ)for 3 consecutive days,and blood glucose ≥ 16.7 mmol/L was taken as the standard.PRD solution of 1.8 g/(kg · d)was lavaged in 12 models for 3 months.The eyeballs were enucleated for the preparation of retinal tissue homogenate and slice.AR activity in the retina was detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry,and neuron apoptosis in retina was assayed by TUNEL staining.Western blot was used to assess the expressions of bcl-2,bax,cyt-c and caspase-3 protein in the retina.The use of animals followed the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Committee(Version 1988).Results Statistically significant differences were found in AR activity and AI among the normal control group,diabetic group and PRD groups(F=90.115,165.540,P＜0.01),and those of diabetic group were evidently higher than the normal control group and PRD group(P＜0.01,P＜0.01).The positive TUNEL cells mainly located in inner nuclear layer and retinal ganglion cell layer.The expressions of bax,cyt-c,caspase-3,bcl-2 and bcl-2/bax in retina were obviously different among these three groups(F =51.332,41.262,25.888,38.564,47.870,P＜0.01),and the expression of bax,cyt-c and caspase-3 protein in diabetic group evidently elevated in comparison with the normal control group and PRD group(t ＝ 10.32,11.04,6.91,P ＜ 0.01)and the expressions of bcl-2 protein and bcl-2/bax value were significantly lower in diabetic rats than in the normal control rats(t =18.05,12.23,P＜0.01).AR activity by AI of retina,the expressions of bax,cyt-c and caspase-3 proteins in retina were obviously lower in PRD group than in diabetes model rats(P ＜ 0.01),and the expression of bcl-2 protein and bcl-2/bax value were significantly higher in PRD group than in diabetes group(P＜0.01).Conclusions PRD can protect retina against the damage caused by high glucose by suppressing AR activity by downregulating the expressions of bax,cyt-c,caspase-3 proteins,increasing the expressions of bcl-2 protein in retina of diabetic rats and further inhibiting the mitochondrial pathway and reducing cell apoptosis in retina of diabetic rats.

AIMTo investigate the effect of musk soluble components on the growth, the differentiation and the transfection efficiency of rat neural stem cell (NSC) in vitro.

METHODSThe growth and the differentiation of rat NSC were observed when musk soluble components were added into the culture medium of NSC. Meanwhile, the pEGFP-C1, which expressed the enhanced GFP protein, was transfected into the NSC by method of electro- transfection.

RESULTSWhen NSC was treated with musk soluble components, the neurites were outgrowth around NSC and attached to the plate, and the neural spheres were disassociated. The glia-like cells appeared at the concentration of 0.3 per thousand. When the concentration of musk soluble components was lower than 3 per thousand, the transformative cells could recover. Furthermore, the efficiency of transfection pEGFP into NSC was remarkably increased after the treatment with musk.

CONCLUSIONAfter the treatment of NSC with musk soluble components, the neural spheres were disassociated, and then attached to the plate. Musk soluble components could induce NSC differentiation into glia-like cells and improve the transfection efficiency of pEGFP-C1 in vitro.

Animals ; Brain ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media ; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated ; chemistry ; Female ; Fetus ; Male ; Materia Medica ; pharmacology ; Neural Stem Cells ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study how CCR5delta32, CCR5m303, CCR2-64I, SDF1-3'A gene polymorphisms affect the prognosis of Chinese HIV-1 carrier.

METHODSEpidemiologic survey was done to the HIV-1 carriers who were found in Shenzhen area. PCR/RFLP technology was applied to analyze CCR5delta32, CCR5m303, CCR2-64I, SDF1-3'A gene polymorphisms of the HIV-1 carriers. The plasma virus load and CD4+ cell counting was assayed. The incubation period of some carriers was estimated. SPSS11.0 software was used to analyze the data.

RESULTSNo persons with CCR5delta32 and CCR5m303 mutation genotype were found from 189 HIV-1 carriers. SDF1-3'A allele frequency was 26.14% and CCR2-64I allele 19.82%. The carriers were divided into high virus load group (virus load < 20,000 copies/ml) and low virus load group (virus load > or =20,000 copies/ml). It was found by one-way ANOVA analysis on the logarithm of virus load that there was no significant difference between CCR2-64I wild genotype and cross bred genotype (P=0.272). One-way ANOVA analysis on delitescence of some carriers showed that there was not significant difference between CCR2-64I wild genotype and cross bred genotype (P=0.662). One-way ANOVA analysis on the logarithm of virus load showed that there was significant difference among SDF1-3'A wild genotype, cross bred genotype and pure mutation genotype (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONCCR2-64I gene mutation may not significantly affect virus load of Chinese HIV-1 carriers, nor it affect the incubation period of HIV-1 carriers. SDF1-3'A gene mutation can decrease virus load, but it may not prolong the incubation period of HIV-1 carriers.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; genetics ; pathology ; virology ; Carrier State ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; China ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; HIV-1 ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Prognosis ; Receptors, CCR5 ; genetics

Male infertility is a common and complex disease in urology and andrology, and for many years there has been no effective surgical treatment. With the emergence of microsurgery and assisted reproductive medicine (IVF/ICSI), rapid development has been achieved in the treatment of male infertility. The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University has been playing an important leading role in developing microsurgical techniques for the management of male infertility. The development of microsurgical treatment of male infertility in China has experienced the 3 periods of emerging, making, and boosting ever since its systematic introduction from Weill Cornell Medical College 15 years ago. At present, many Chinese hospitals have adopted microsurgery in the management of male infertility, which has contributed to the initial establishment of a microsurgical treatment system for male infertility in China. However, some deficiencies do exist concerning microsurgical treatment of male infertility, as in normalized technical training programs for competent surgeons, unified criteria for evaluation of surgical outcomes, and detailed postoperative follow-up data. This article presents an overview on the 15-year development of microsurgical management of male infertility in China, points out the existing deficiencies, and offers some propositions for the promotion of its development.
China ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; surgery ; Male ; Microsurgery

Gastrodia elata Bl. is a famous and costful traditional Chinese medicine. Their genomic DNA fingerprints were investigated using a modified Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA method. DNA fragments common to all or to fine populations were identified and recovered. Five DNA fragments were proven not to be reported through DNA cloning, PCR identifying, nucleotide sequencing and bioinformatics analyses and were received in and recorded by NCBI GenBank. Gastrodine contents of the Gastrodia tuber samples were determined using high performance liquid chromatography technique. The distribution of the five DNA fragments in 9 Gastrodia elata Blue populations and the correlation with gastromedicine content were studied. The results show the distribution of these DNA sequences varied greatly among the populations whereby DNA Sequence 1 was the common and distinguishing molecular marker for all the populations studied and DNA Sequence 2 may relate to higher gastrodine content. In conclusion, these DNA marker sequences can be employed to identify genuine gastrodia tubers, better varieties and optimize their selection and cultivating.
Base Sequence ; Benzyl Alcohols ; analysis ; Cloning, Molecular ; Computational Biology ; DNA, Plant ; chemistry ; Gastrodia ; genetics ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Plant Tubers ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors for local recurrence and distant metastasis after radical anterior resection for rectal cancer.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 957 patients who underwent radical anterior resection for rectal cancer from 1983 to 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. The risk factors for local recurrence and distant metastasis were analyzed.

RESULTSThere were 150 recurrent or metastatic cases (15.7%) after radical resection during a median follow- up of 71 months. Recurrence and metastasis sites included pelvics(6.0%, n=57), liver (4.9%, n=47), lung (4.2%, n=40) and other sites (0.6%, n=6). The median recurrent interval was 18 months (2-85 months),with a median survival of 8 months (1-62 months) after recurrence. Re-resection of the tumors was performed in 23 patients(15.3% ), and the median survival of such patients was 30 months with a 5- year survival rate of 13.0%. There were significant differences in recurrence and metastasis considering age,family history of tumor,CEA level,T staging,lymph node metastasis,venous cancerous emboli and signet cell carcinoma or mucinous adenocarcinoma. Logistic regression analysis revealed that family history (P=0.001), high CEA level (P=0.033), T3- 4 (P=0.000), lymph node metastasis (P=0.000),venous cancerous emboli (P=0.001),and signet cell carcinoma or mucinous adenocarcinoma (P=0.012) were risk factors for recurrence and metastasis.

CONCLUSIONSThere are several risk factors for recurrence after radical anterior resection for rectal cancer. The main recurrent or metastatic sites are pelvis,liver and lung. Resection of recurrent tumor can prolong the survival.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; etiology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Rectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore the cellular immunology mechanism of infective endocarditis (IE), we investigated the effects of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on MCSF-1 and its receptor (c-fms) gene expression in cardiac valves.

METHODSThirty-two rabbits were divided into 4 groups: mitral or tricuspid valve artificial lesions with 5 x 10(4) CFU or 5 x 10(6) CFU S. aureus injection. Control rabbits (n = 7) received 5 x 10(6) CFU S. aureus injection. IE after operation were confirmed by naked eyes and electron microscope observations. MCSF-1, c-fms in mitral and tricuspid valves were detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSTwenty-six rabbits survived the operation and 14 rabbits developed IE (2 with 5 x 10(4) CFU and 12 with 5 x 10(6) CFU S. aureus injection) one day post operation. S. aureus injection alone did not induce IE. Compared to control rabbits, MCSF-1 mRNA was significantly upregulated and c-fms mRNA significantly downregulated after 5 x 10(4) CFU S. aureus injection with heart valve artificial lesion in mitral valves or tricuspid valves. MCSF-1 expression in mitral valves was further increased while remained unchanged in tricuspid valve after 5 x 10(6) CFU S. aureus injection compared to that in 5 x 10(4) CFU S. aureus injection group.

CONCLUSIONHigh dose bacterial invasion and heart valves lesion were the main factors for inducing infective endocarditis. Development of infective endocarditis was associated with valve MCSF-1/c-fms expression changes in this rabbit model.

Animals ; Endocarditis, Bacterial ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Mitral Valve ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Rabbits ; Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Staphylococcal Infections ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Staphylococcus aureus

OBJECTIVETo review the experience and assess the value of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer involving the left atrium.

METHODSFrom Jan. 1999 to Dec. 2002, lobectomy or pneumonectomy combined with partial resection of the left atrium were carried out in 52 such patients, which included 13 with assistance of CPB and 39 without.

RESULTSThere was one postoperative death in each of the CPB and non-CPB groups due to brbonchopleural fistula and pulmonary infection. Six patients in CPB and 14 in non-CPB groups developed postoperative cardiac complication including arrhythmia, pneumonia and heart failure. The 1-, 3-year survival rate of CPB and non-CPB groups was 69.3%, 66.7% and 38.5%, 38.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONCombined resection of locally advanced lung cancer with partially involved left atrium through cardiopulmonary bypass was safe and effective, and may not increase the postoperative complication and risk.

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Adult ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; surgery ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Atria ; pathology ; surgery ; Heart Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pneumonectomy ; adverse effects ; Survival Analysis

OBJECTIVETo study the distribution of DC-SIGN/DC-SIGNR alleles among drug user (DUs) populations with or without HIV/HCV infection in Shenzhen, and to evaluate the role of these alleles in the construction of genetic resistance to HIV or HCV and screen out the anti-HIV/HCV gene in Shenzhen.

METHODSAll 500 DU blood samples were collected from Shenzhen Detoxification Center, including 313 from injected drug users (IDUs). All samples were screened for HIV and HCV antibody by means of ELISA. The genomic DNA were extracted and amplified by PCR. The neck domain repeat regions of DC-SIGN/DC-SIGNR were sequenced directly from the PCR products to confirm the amplification for some samples and all positive PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTSOf 500 samples, 97 were found HIV positive, all of which were IDUs and HCV positive. The total positive rate of HCV among all HIV negative DU was 57.57% (232/403), and it was 63.89% (138/216) among IDUs; in comparing to the 50.26% (94/187) of DUs with other manners there showed significant difference (chi(2) = 7.61, P = 0.0058). Among HIV + DUs, there was a higher proportion of patient with the DC-SIGNR 5/6 and 5/8 (Fisher's exact, P = 0.043 and P = 0.034) with statistical significance; there was no statistically significant difference between HCV + and HCV-DUs and no significant difference between IDUs and other DUs for the DC-SIGNR polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONThe results might indicate that DC-SIGN/DC-SIGNR polymorphism might not influence the susceptibility to HCV. Genotype 5/6 might probably have a relation with HIV infection, but still need further investigation for the low frequency.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Alleles ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; genetics ; Drug Users ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; HIV Infections ; genetics ; HIV-1 ; Hepacivirus ; Hepatitis C ; genetics ; Humans ; Lectins, C-Type ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo review the experience in surgical treatment for tumors of trachea, carina and main bronchus.

METHODSFrom Jan. 1996 to Jun. 2004, 27 patients with tumor of trachea, carina or main bronchus underwent surgery including resection and reconstruction of trachea in 8, right/left pneumonectomy and carinal resection and reconstruction in 9 (6/3), right sleeve upper lobectomy and carnial resection with reconstruction of trachea and carina in 2, carina resection and reconstruction in 3, tumor removal through tracheal windows in 5. CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) was used in 2 patients during surgery.

RESULTSThere were 3 peri-operative deaths caused by acute respiratory failure in 2 and severe postoperative bleeding in 1 case. After follow-up of more than 6 months, no death or post-operative complication occurred.

CONCLUSIONResection and reconstruction for patients with tumor of trachea, main bronchus or carina can be performed with excellent results using effective surgical and anaesthetic methods with or without CPB assistance.

Adenocarcinoma ; mortality ; surgery ; Adult ; Aged ; Bronchi ; pathology ; surgery ; Bronchial Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; mortality ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumonectomy ; methods ; Survival Rate ; Trachea ; pathology ; surgery ; Tracheal Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery