Objective To evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on the expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in the formation of hyperplastic scar in rabbit ears.Methods The ears of 20 New Zealand rabbits were used to construct an animal model for hyperplastic scar by operation.After the establishment of scar models,the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups and one control group with 4 mice (48 wound surfaces) in each group.The mice in the 4 experimental groups were treated with hyperbaric oxygen for 7,14,21 and 28 days,respectively,and those in the control group remained in normoxic environment after operation.Scar tissues were resected from all the rabbit ears on day 29 after operation.Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was conducted for the observation of morphological changes and calculation of scar elevation index,and immunohistochemistry to measure the expressions of HIF-1α and IGF-1R.Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance followed by least significant difference t-test.Results HE staining showed that both the number of fibroblasts and amount of collagen fibers were significantly reduced in the experimental groups compared with the control group.Scar elevation index was 4.28 ± 0.22 in the control group,3.64 ± 0.29,3.46 ± 0.21,3.29 ± 0.21,3.16 ± 0.15 in the 7-,14-,21-and 28-day experimental groups respectively,with significant differences among these groups (F =77.70,P ＜ 0.05).The expressions of HIF-1α and IGF-1R were significantly lower in these experimental groups than in the control group (all P ＜ 0.01),lower in the 14-day group than in the 7-day group (P ＜ 0.05),and lower in the 21-day group than in the 14-day group (P ＜ 0.05),with no significant differences between the 28-day group and 21-day group (both P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Hyperbaric oxygen can effectively down-regulate the expressions of HIF-1α and IGF-1R in scar tissue,and significantly inhibit the formation of hyperplastic scar in rabbit ears.

Objective To observe the change of capillary pericapillary cells in rats with myocardial infarction and the influence of supplementing qi and activating blood circulation herbs, and explore its mechanism of improving myocardial perfusion. Methods The rat model was established by ligaturing the left anterior descending coronary artery. On the base of ECG evaluation, successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, group treated with supplementing qi and activating blood circulation Chinese medicine (activating blood and supplementing qi group), group treated with Perindopril (Perindopril group), group treated with Tongxinluo Capsules (Tongxinluo group). The sham-operation group was taken as the control. There were totally 5 groups. The model group and the sham-operation group were treated with normal saline. The changes of myocardial capillary density (MCD) and number of pericapillary cells on the 7th, 28th day after medicinal administration were observed. Results On the 7th and 28th day, the MCD decreased significantly and the number of capillary pericapillary cells increased significantly in the model group compared with the sham-operation group (P<0.01). The MCD increased significantly in the activating blood and supplementing qi group, Perindopril group and Tongxinluo group compared with the model group (P<0.01). The number of pericapillary cells decreased significantly in the activating blood and supplementing qi group, Perindopril group and Tongxinluo group compared with the model group (P<0.01). Conclusion The supplementing qi and activating blood circulation herbs can improve regional myocardial blood supply by decreasing the number of pericytes and promoting regeneration of capillary.

This study examined the effects of over-expression of leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 3 (LRIG3) on the cell cycle and survival of human glioma cell line U87 and U251 and explored the possible mechanisms. The LRIG3 gene was transduced into U87 and U251 cells respectively by using lentivirus and the transduced cells were selected by puromycin. The changes in LRIG3 mRNA and protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The apoptosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double labeling and the cell cycle was flow cytometrically analyzed. Compared with control cells, LRIG3 mRNA expression in U251 and U87 cells transduced with pLVX-DsRed-LRIG3-Monomer-N1 were increased by 77.6% and 129.7%, and LRIG3 protein expression was raised by 141.3% and 322.7%, respectively. Cell cycle analysis showed that LRIG3 over-expression increased the percentage of cells at G(0)/G(1) phase (P<0.01). Over-expressed LRIG3 could significantly promote the apoptosis of U87 and U251 cells (P<0.05). These findings suggest that the over-expression of LRIG3 could arrest the cell cycle in G(0)/G(1) phase, and promote apoptosis of U87 and U251 cells.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anemia, Aplastic ; etiology ; therapy ; Benzene ; poisoning ; Bone Marrow Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Diseases ; etiology ; therapy ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects

Objective To explore the relationship between physical activity(PA) and the risk of colon cancer. Methods Cohort studies on physical activity and risk of colon cancer were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Chinese Bio-medicine and Chinese Wanfang databases from January 1979 to December 2009. Results from the individual studies were synthetically combined in our study. Inverse variance weighting was used in fixed effects model and the random effects estimate was based on the DerSimonian-Laird method. Variance-weighted least squares method was used for trend test of summarized dose-response data. Results A total of 28 studies were included in our analysis. An inverse association between physical activities and the risk of colon cancer was observed with the relative risks (RR) as 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-0.86] in males and 0.85(95%CI: 0.76-0.95)in females, respectively. However, the findings from those documents with high quality showed significant and borderline significant associations between PA and colon cancer in both males (RR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.90) and females (RR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.95-1.02). Meanwhile, the dose-response trend was not observed either in males (P=0.142) or in females (P=0.417). For men, the pooled RRs differed by subsites were 0.62(95%CI:0.45-0.85) and 0.74 (95%CI:0.56-0.99)for highest level PA, compared with lowest level PA in proximal colon and distal colon cancer,respectively. For women, the pooled RRs were 0.84 (95%CI: 0.69-1.01 ) in proximal colon and 0.75(95%CI: 0.53-1.05)in distal colon cancer, respectively. Conclusion These results added to the evidence for the protective effects in colon cancer among men and women.

Objective:To investigate the expression of fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) and related inflammatory factors in the serum of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:A case control study was conducted. The patients with AECOPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from November 2016 to January 2020 were enrolled. The patients were divided into mild group [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (FEV1/FVC) < 0.70, FEV1 percentage in predicted value (FEV1%) ≥ 80%], moderate group (FEV1/FVC < 0.70, 50% ≤ FEV1% < 80%), and severe group (FEV1/FVC < 0.70, 30% ≤ FEV1% < 50%) based on their lung function test results, with 20 patients in each group, and 20 patients with normal pulmonary function who underwent elective non-thoracic surgery such as gastrointestinal surgery and orthopedics surgery in the same period were selected as controls. The demographic data, FEV1/FVC, FEV1%, FVC, maximum mid-expiratory flow percentage in predicted value (MMEF%), 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score were recorded respectively. Serum levels of FGF7, interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between TNF-α and lung function.Results:Compared with the normal pulmonary function group, the levels of FEV1/FVC, FEV1%, MMEF% and 6MWT in the mild, moderate and severe groups were significantly decreased, and the SGRQ scores were increased, the indicators continued to deteriorate with the aggravation of the disease, the statistical differences were found between severe group and normal pulmonary function group [FEV1/FVC: 0.39±0.09 vs. 0.81±0.04, FEV1%: (38.80±6.28)% vs. (109.58±13.80)%, MMEF%: (0.34±0.14)% vs. (2.69±0.99)%, 6MWT (m): 279.00±41.61 vs. 402.85±53.97, SGRQ scores: 34.95±6.71 vs. 2.60±2.06, all P < 0.05]. Compared with the normal pulmonary function group, the levels of FGF7 in the mild, moderate and severe groups were significantly lowered (ng/L: 6.31±2.65, 6.10±1.39, 6.64±1.77 vs. 8.29±3.51, all P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found among the mild, moderate and severe groups (all P > 0.05). Compared with the normal pulmonary function group, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the mild, moderate and severe groups, and TNF-α increased with the aggravation of the disease, the statistical difference was found between severe group and normal pulmonary function group (ng/L: 7.42±2.28 vs. 3.83±0.92, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in IL-1β level between the normal pulmonary function group and the mild, moderate, severe groups. Correlation analysis showed that TNF-α was negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC and FEV1% ( r values were -0.350 and -0.527, respectively, both P < 0.01). Conclusion:In AECOPD patients, serum FGF7 was decreased, while IL-6 and TNF-α were increased; however, with the aggravation of the disease, there was no significant change in the level of FGF7 in the peripheral blood, but the TNF-α level might be increased, accompanied by severe damage of small airway function.

Objective To determine the electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of myocardial infarction (MI) evolution in rats and the intervention effect of Chinese herbs, and to provide basis for the establishment of the criteria for ECG diagnosis and assessment of drug therapeutic effects of rats MI. Methods Totally 140 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, replenishing qi group, activating blood group, replenishing qi and activating blood (1∶2) and (2∶1) group as well as Tongxinluo group, each group with 20 rats. The rat MI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The treatment groups were administrered with corresponding drugs by gavage from the first day after operation. The sham operation group and model group were given the same volume of distilled water. The 12-lead ECGs were recorded before, immediately after, 1st and 2nd week after operation respectively. The voltage value of ST segment deviation, the time limit of QRS complex and the number of animals with pathologic Q wave were evaluated for statistical analysis. Results Model group showed the elevation of ST segment, significantly prolonged time limit of QRS complex (P<0.01), and no pathologic Q wave showed immediately after operation compared with sham operation group. And all above observational indexes reached the peak at 1st week and declined at 2nd week after operation. Compared with model group at 2nd week after operation, replenishing qi and activating blood (1∶2) group and (2∶1) group all presented remarkable dropping of ST segment, shortening in time limit of QRS complex and reduction in number of rats with pathologic Q wave, of which 2∶1 group showed the most (P<0.01). Activating blood group only displayed decreases in time limit of QRS and number of rats with pathologic Q wave (P<0.05), and no significant decline in ST segment. Replenishing qi group demonstrated no significant changes in above three observational indexes (P>0.05). Thus, we proposed the criterion for the ECG diagnosis of rats MI as well as the criterion for the ECG assessment of drug therapeutic effects of rats MI. Conclusion ECG can overall and sensitively evaluate the evolution and drug therapeutic effects of MI in rats, thus providing a relatively objective and available assessment method for the experimental studies of myocardial ischemic diseases.

OBJECTIVETo culture rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells in vitro using a modified tissue culture method.

METHODSFifteen male rats were randomized into 3 equal groups, namely enzyme digestion group, tissue culture group, and modified tissue culture group. The penis of the rats was separated carefully and cut into small pieces, and seeded onto culture flasks and cultured in complete medium consisting of DMEM containing 20% fetal calf serum at 37 degrees C; in a humidified atmosphere with 5% carbon dioxide. The cells growth was observed under phase contrast microscope and the smooth muscle cell specific proteins alpha-SM-actin and desmin were identified immunohistochemically.

RESULTSThe alpha-SM-actin-positive cell rate was 96.3% in rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and 23.8% in the fibroblasts, and the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle contained 74.4% desmin-positive cells while the fibroblasts showed no desmin positivity. Significant difference was found in the positive cell rate for desmin among the 3 groups, with the highest positive cell rate occurred in modified tissue culture group.

CONCLUSIONDesmin may serve as a marker for identifying corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. The modified tissue culture method can result in highly purified corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells with intact structure and functions.

Actins ; analysis ; Animals ; Biomarkers ; analysis ; Cell Proliferation ; Desmin ; analysis ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth ; cytology ; Penis ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Culture Techniques

OBJECTIVETo investigate the method for culturing corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMs) derived from diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction (ED) for the study of ED caused by diabetes.

METHODSCCSMs were isolated from the corpus cavernosum of diabetic rats with ED and cultured using a modified method of adherent tissue culture. The cultured cells were identified by immunohistochemistry and the cell morphology and proliferation were observed.

RESULTSThe primary culture of CCSM was performed successfully, and the cells were seen to migrate from the small tissue pieces 3 days later, reaching nearly confluence in 16-18 days. A typical "hill-valley" growth pattern was noted in the cell passaging. Immunohistochemical staining for alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SM-actin) and desmin yielded positive results in the cells.

CONCLUSIONThe modified method for adherent tissue culture is convenient and reliable in establishing the in vitro cell culture model of CCSMs from diabetic rats with ED, and the cultured CCSMs display a faster proliferation than normal CCSMs. No obvious differences in the cell morphology can be found between diabetic and normal CCSMs under light microscope.

Animals ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Models, Biological ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; physiology ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo find out the perceived stress in general public during prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and its impact on health behavior.

METHODSA retrospective survey was conducted in Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Taiyuan according to the epidemic situations of SARS, and 2532 subjects were randomly selected from constructive industry, school, and commercial business and residents in urban and rural areas. The perceive stress was measured by Chinese perceived stress scale (CPSS), and health related behavior during SARS was tested by uniform and self-made questionnaire. EpiData 2.0 was used for data management and CPSS value was calculated according to answer to 14 questions contained in the scale. Health risk stress among different population group and health related behavior among low, medium and high stress state were analyzed by SPSS 11.5.

RESULTS2424 subjects were involved in the survey. The CPSS value was measured from 0 - 49 (22.7 +/- 6.8), M = 24.0. 39.3% (953/2379) subjects were under the health risk stress. The health related behaviors such as washing hands, opening the window for air, keeping away from others when cough and sneeze, doing exercises etc were reduced with the stress increased. Logistic regression indicated that compared with the persons with the thoughts of nothing serious of SARS, without any dread of SARS, and knowing nothing about prevention of SARS, the perceived stress was significantly related with perceiving of the thread to certain extent (beta = 0.41, Wald chi(2) = 4.84, P = 0.03), worrying little about the epidemic (beta = 0.50, Wald chi(2) = 6.69, P = 0.01), worrying about it to certain extent (beta = 1.39, Wald chi(2) = 48.59, P = 0.00) and scared so much (beta = 1.77, Wald chi(2) = 53.59, P = 0.00), and knowing little about the prevention (beta = 0.74, Wald chi(2) = 4.48, P = 0.03), knowing something about prevention (beta = -0.98, Wald chi(2) = 8.29, P = 0.00) and knowing the prevention very well (beta = -1.18, Wald chi(2) = 10.66, P = 0.00).

CONCLUSIONThe adoption of health related behaviors declined with increase of perceived stress. Opening connection to authority and government, enhancing the awareness of outburst affairs among general public and providing positive social support may be effective ways to reduce the population perceived stress.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Culture ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Occupations ; Retrospective Studies ; Rural Population ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; psychology ; Social Perception ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population ; Young Adult