OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of clarithromycin on prostatitis induced by NG,CT and U?U.METHODS:56cases of venereal disease-related prostatitis were treated with oral clarithromycin in combination with prostatic massage and hip bath.7days after withdrawing drug,examination of prostatic secretion(EPS)and detection of pathogens were carried out.RESULTS:Total effective rate was82.1%;negative turn rate was92.9%;87.5%EPS routine came back to normal;no obvious ARDs were found.CONCLUSION:Clarithromycin is high in therapeutic effect,slight in ad?verse reactions and convenient in administration.It is suitable for treatment of venereal disease-related prostatitis.

The levels of urine thromboxane B, (TXB2) and 6-keto-PGF1a were measured by radioimmunoassay in 24 patients with lupus nephritis and 12 normal subjects. The results showed that the level of TXB2 and the ratio of TXB2/6- keto- PGF1x in urine were significantly higher, while the level of urine 6-keto-PGF1x( was lower in patients with lupus nephritis than that in normal group. The ratio of TXB2/6-keto-PGF1a in urine was correlated positively to the content of urine protein. These results indicate that there is TXA2-PGI2 imbalance in the kidney in patients with lupus nephritis. TXA2 can play an important pathogenetic role in the progression of lupus nephritis in patients. The ratio of TXB2/6-keto-PGF1x in urine may serve as a parameter in evaluating patients with lupus nephritis.

Objective To assess the feasibility and clinical results of video-assisted high anterior transcervical approach (Smith-Robinson) in treatment of spinal lesions of the craniovertebral junction. Methods Between April 2007 to October 2009, nineteen consecutive patients with spinal lesions of the craniovertebral junction were included in the study. There were 9 males and 10 females aged from 16 to 62 years old with a mean of 32 years. The primary pathologies included 4 cases with chronic odontiod fracture, 2 cases with purely irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation, 6 cases with os odonteideum, 1 case with Marfan synd rome, 1 case with primary basilar invagination from Kippel-Feil syndrome, 3 case with axis tumor and 1 case with irreducible rheumatoid atlantoaxial dislocation. All of the patients underwent combined video-assisted high anterior transcervical procedure and posterior fixation at one-stage. The anterior procedure included atlantoaxil release and reduction (8 cases), odontoidectomy (8 cases), and intralesional extracapsular excision and reconstruction (3 tumor cases). The posterior technique were C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation (13 cases), C1-C3 pedicle screw fixation (2 cases), and occipitalcervical fusion (4 cases). Results Anatomical reduction was achieved in eight cases with anterior release and reduction. Tumors were completely removed in three cases with axial tumor. The mean follow-up was 14 months (6-36 months). All of them achieved solid bone fusion. In the 14 patients with symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction, the average Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA)score had improved from 9.1±3.3 preoperatively to 14.1±2.9 postperatively. The improvement rate was excellent for 7 cases, good for 5 cases, fair for lcase and poor for 1 case. One patient experienced leakage of cerebrospinal fluid which was resolved by bioprotein gelatin blocking and lumbar subarachnoid continuous drainage within 1 week. Dysphagia which occurred in 3 cases responded well to dexamethason and mannitol.No infection and hardware failure were observed. Conclusion Video-assisted high anterior transcervical procedure is a safe and effective alternative for treating spinal lesions in the craniovertebral junction.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between angiotensinogen (AGT) gene M235T and TCM syndrome type in essential hypertension (ET) patients.

METHODSThe gene mutation frequency of AGT M235T in 168 ET patients and 42 nomotensive (NT) subjects were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique.

RESULTSThere was a significant difference in AGT M235T gene mutation between patients of Gan-fire exuberant type and those of yin-yang deficiency type (P < 0.01), homozygote type TT appeared with higher frequency. Multivariate regression linear analysis demonstrated that the genotypes of AGT M235T was correlated with the prognosis of ET to a certain degree.

CONCLUSIONGene mutation of AGT M235T may be associated with the genesis and development of ET, and the TCM syndrome type of ET has its own intrinsic molecular biological background.

Adult ; Aged ; Angiotensinogen ; genetics ; China ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Mutation ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Syndrome

Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the inflammatory response to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats.Methods The adult male Wistar rats were randomly (random number) divided into seven groups:control group (n =6),sham operation group (n =6),TBI group (n =24),sham operation + normal saline group (n =6),sham operation + Y320 (an immunomodulator acts as an inhibitor of IL-17A) group (n =6),TBI + normal saline group (n =6) and TBI + Y320 group (n =6).The TBI model of rat was established by using free-falling-body impact device.The levels of IL-17A and nuclear transcription factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) in the cerebral cortex were assayed by using Western Blot.The capability of leaming and memory of rats was assessed by Morris water maze.The beam balance test was employed to evaluating the neurological motor performance and the capability of balance.Results Compared with the sham operation group,the levels of IL-17A and NF-κB p65 in the cerebral cortex of TBI,TBI + saline and TBI + Y320 groups increased significantly (P ＜0.05) and peaked at the 3rd day after TBI.Compared with TBI + normal saline group,the level of NF-κB p65 was significantly down regulated by Y-320 (P ＜ 0.05) at the 3rd day after TBI in TBI + Y320 group.The lengths of latency time required for rats to escape to the platform area in TBI + normal saline group were (57.72±3.29) s,(55.63±3.85) s,and (55.02±3.92) sat the3rd,5th and7th days after TBI,respectively;while those in TBI + Y320 group were (35.45 ± 3.04) s,(30.98 ± 2.92) s,and (23.90 ±2.51) s at the 3rd,5th and 7th days after TBI,respectively.Thus,the capability of learning and memory of rats in TBI + Y320 group was improved significantly 3d,5d and 7 days after TBI (all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions This study shows IL-17A is involved in the process of secondary brain injury after TBI,and associated with inflammation by activating the NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.

Congenital cataract is a highly heterogeneous disorder at both the genetic and the clinical-phenotypic levels. A unique cataract was observed in a 4-generation Chinese family, which was characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and late-onset. Mutations in the 13 known genes (CRYAA, CRYAB, CRYBB1, CRYBB2, CRYGC, CRYBA1/A3, CRYGD, Connexin50, Connexin46, intrinsic membrane protein LIM2, cytoskeletal protein BFSP2, the major intrinsic protein-MIP and the heat shock factor HSF4) have previously been demonstrated to be the frequent reason for isolated congenital cataracts, but the exact molecular basis and underlying mechanisms of congenital cataract still remain unclear. This study was designed to find whether these 13 genes developed any mutation in the family members and to identify the disease-causing gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequence analysis were carried out to detect the 13 genes. The results showed that no mutation causing amino acid alternations was found in these potential candidate genes among all patients in the family, and only several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. A transitional mutation in the fourth intron of CRYBB2 and some silent mutations in the first exon of BFSP2 and CRYGD were found in the cataract family, but further study showed that these mutations could also be found in normal controls. It was concluded that some unidentified genes may underlie the occurrence of late-onset cataract in this family. A genome-wide screening will be carried out in the next study.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impacts of Xuezhikang (XZK) or pravastatin combined with antihypertensive drugs on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) in essential hypertensive (EH) patients.

METHODSEighty-eight EH patients were enrolled into the study and randomly assigned to the antihypertensive drug treatment group (ATH group, 29 cases), the pravastatin treatment group (PRA group, 29 cases) and the Xuezhikang treatment group (XZK group, 30 cases). Patients in the 3 groups were treated with routine antihypertensive drugs. In addition, pravastatin and Xuezhikang were given to the patients in the PRA group and XZK group, respectively. After an eight-week treatment, CEPCs were counted using a laser scanning confocal microscope, and their proliferation function was evaluated by the MTT colorimetric assay and the adherent cell number was counted to estimate the adhesion function.

RESULTSAfter the treatment, CEPCs in the PRA group (116.60+/-5.70) and XZK group (114.40+/-6.55) was significantly higher than that in the ATH group (88.00+/-6.32, P<0.01). CEPCs proliferation capability and the adhesion function in the PRA group (0.406+/-0.016, 33.60+/-4.26) and XZK group (0.415+/-0.018, 34.30+/-3.77) were obviously superior to those in the ATH group (0.333+/-0.021, P<0.01; 23.30+/-3.19, P<0.01). No significant difference was found between the pravastatin group and the XZK group.

CONCLUSIONSCombined use of XZK or pravastatin with the anti-hypertensive therapy could increase the CEPCs number and improve their function in EH patients with the blood pressure controlled by antihypertensive drugs, leading to benefits independent of pressure-lowering effects.

Aged ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Antidiuretic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Antihypertensive Agents ; administration & dosage ; Blood Cell Count ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; administration & dosage ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Integrative Medicine ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pravastatin ; administration & dosage ; Stem Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiology

Objective:To find the relationship between insulin-resistance and Syndrome Differentiation type (SDT) in hypertensive patients.Methods: Two hundred and nine patients of early stage hypertention with no complications of heart, brain or kidney were selected and classified into 4 types according to SDT, the Liver-Fire exuberant type (A), the Phlegm-Dampness abundant type (B), the Yin-Deficiency and Yang-Excess type (C) and the Deficiency of both Yin and Yang type (D). Their insulin sensitivity was examined and compared with that of 40 healthy subjects.Results:(1) Compared with the healthy subjects, all hypertensive patients had apparent insulin resistance (P<0.05).If the insulin sensitivity of healthy subjects was defined as 1.00, that of patients of type A, B, C and D were 0.54, 0.58, 0.65 and 0.80 respectively. (2) The insulin sensitivity of patients in the 4 SDT groups were compared and no significant difference was found in comparison between group A, B and C, while significant difference was found when the other three groups were compared with group D (P<0.05), the insulin sensitivity of type D was close to that of the healthy subjects. (3) The fasting blood insulin of type D was obviously lower and the insulin sensitivity of type D was obviously higher than that of the other three types as a whole (P=0.0001). (4) Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that insulin sensitivity was closely correlated with SDT (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Insulin resistance is one of the pathological basis for SDT in hypertension.

Two stable transformed lines containing antisense LeETR1 [corrected] or LeETR2 [corrected] sequences and their hybridized line were investigated to determine the effect of LeETR1 [corrected] and LeETR2 [corrected] specificity in the ethylene receptor family in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) on ethylene signaling. The transgenic line ale1 containing antisense LeETR1 [corrected] displayed shorter length of seedling grown in the dark and adult plant in the light, severe epinastic petiole, and accelerated abscission of petiole explant and senescence of flower explant, compared with its wild type B1. The transgenic line ale2 containing antisense LeETR2 [corrected] also exhibited shorter hypocotyls and slightly accelerated abscission. The phenotypes of cross line dale of LeETR1 [corrected] and LeETR2 [corrected] were close to ale1 in many aspects. These results suggested that LeETR1 [corrected] probably plays a relatively important role in ethylene signaling of tomato growth and development.
Ethylenes ; metabolism ; Gene Silencing ; physiology ; Lycopersicon esculentum ; physiology ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; physiology ; RNA, Antisense ; physiology ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo measure the percentage of free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) among the men without prostate diseases in Xi'an, and understand the age-related changes in percent fPSA and its association with the pathological grade and clinical stage of prostate cancer, so as to determine the reference range of percent fPSA in Chinese men.

METHODSA total of 829 men (including 775 men without prostate disease and 54 with prostate cancer) were enrolled into the study and the serum PSA and fPSA levels were measured for calculating the percent fPSA. The 775 prostate disease-free subjects were divided into 5 age groups to study the relations of PSA, fPSA and percent fPSA with age. In the 54 patients with prostate cancer, the relations of pathological grade and clinical stage with percent fPSA were investigated with reference to the related data of the men without prostate disease to establish the appropriate reference range of percent fPSA for Chinese men.

RESULTSSerum PSA or fPSA levels, but not the percent fPSA, were correlated to age. In patients with prostate cancer, the percent fPSA was also correlated to the pathological grade and clinical stage. Among the men without prostate disease we investigated, the percent fPSA was significantly lower than that reported in other countries. The reference range of percent fPSA for Chinese men was > or =15%.

CONCLUSIONThe percent fPSA is not correlated to age and has greater clinical value than PSA measurement in the detection of prostate cancer. The percent fPSA decreases in prostate cancer patients with lowered pathological grade, advanced clinical stage, and therefore increased malignancy. The reference range of percent fPSA reported in other countries does not apply to Chinese men, and according to our investigation, the reference range of percent fPSA> or =15% is appropriate for Chinese men.

Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; Reference Values