Septic shock is the most serious stage of sepsis and the main cause of the high mortality.So far,the scientists have paid more attentions on biomarkers for the early diagnosis and therapy monitoring of septic shock.As a kind of acute phase proteins, heparin-binding protein (HBP)has functions with increasing vascular permeability, sterilization, chemotaxis and regulating cell apoptosis.When the level of plasma HBP is high, it suggests that the patient has severe sepsis with edema and vascular collapse and can beapplied as a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis and therapy monitoring of septic shock.This review focuses on common inflammatory biomarkers for clinical application of sepsis, as well the structure and function of HBP and its clinical application of septic shock.

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, prolyl-4-hydroxylases (PH4) and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) in sacral ligament fibroblasts under stress, to understand the collagen synthesis and metabolism in stress situations change. Methods Eight patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy for uterine benign disease were enrolled in this study. Primary sacral ligament fibroblasts were isolated by explant. After mechanical loading, gene expression of type Ⅰ , Ⅲ collagen, PH4 and MMP-1 were measured. Results Stress of 8% continuing for 24 hours, collagen Ⅰ (1. 13 ± 0.24), collagen Ⅲ (1.05 ± 0. 31) mRNA expression and PH4 expression (1.11 ± 0. 31) compared with static groups (1) showed increasing trends;when the stress were 4% and 12%, collagen Ⅰ (0. 86 ± 0. 26 and 0. 85 ± 0. 25), collagen Ⅲ showed increasing trends (0. 74 ± 0. 29 and 0. 83 ± 0. 38) mRNA expression were decreased. After removal of the stress, in the stress of 4% for 1 hour, collagen Ⅰ (0.79±0.40, 0.97±0.24 and 1.46 ±0.75), collagen Ⅲ (0.86±0.40, 0.99±0.60 and 1.59±0.82) and PH4 (1.11 ±0. 51, 1.17 ±0. 54 and 1.37 ±0. 39) mRNA expression increased gradually. In 8% stress group, collagen Ⅰ mRNA expression (1.16 ± 0. 62, 1.01 ± 0. 51 and 1.05 ± 0. 80) reached the peak in day 1, and collagen Ⅲ (0.99 ±0.69, 1.59 ±0.55 and 1.03 ±0.91) and PH4 (1.05 ±0.31, 1.07 ±0. 80 and 0. 85 ±0. 31) mRNA expression reached the peak in day 2, then decreased. 4% and 8% of the stress with time after the change, MMP-1 mRNA expression have peaked at day 1. Conclusions Moderate stress could contribute to pelvic floor collagen synthesis, too much or too little stress is not conducive to the synthesis of collagen. Collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ on the stress response may be different, the former have faster reaction than the latter. PH4 were involved in the synthesis of collagen, while MMP-1 may play a role in collagen degradation.

Lots of studies have identified the relationship between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular diseases. Many factors affect the metabolism of uric acid, such as diet, drug, internal environment of organism, etc. However, the relationship between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular diseases is not quite clear. In this review, we present recently published data about the association between hyperuricemia and selected cardiovascular diseases.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid/pharmacology* ; Humans

BACKGROUND: The repair of periodontal tissue is dependent on the number and proliferation and differentiation abilities of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. PDL cells have the potentiality of multi-directional differentiation such as cementoblast,osteoblast and fibroblast to fonn cement, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament and finally achieve periodontal tissue regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Shuanghuangbu extract on the proliferation and differentiation of PDL cells.DESIGN:Observation trail.SETTING:Central Laboratory of Wuxi Third People's Hospital. MATERIALS: Periodontal tissue was provided voluntarily by the healthy young patients with deformity correction, and golden thread,skullcap,and rhizoma drynariae by the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products.METHODS: The experiment was conducted in the Central Laboratory of Wuxi Third People's Hospital from July to October 2003.The crushed golden thread.skullcap,and rhizoma drynariae were mixed with distilled water at ratio of 1:10 (m:V),and refluxed in boiling water for 5 hours.The extract was collected,and after colation,the residue was refluxed in boiling water for another 3 hours. Both extract was blended, rotary evaporated and condensed, finally the liquid extract of 3 kg/L was obtained.There were 8 groups in the study including golden thread group, skullcap group,rhizoma drynariae group,golden thread plus skullcap group,golden thread plus rhizoma drynariae group, skullcap plus rhizoma drynariae group, Shuanghuangbu group and control group. PDL cells were cultured/n vitro assisted with Shuanghuangbu.The proliferation of cells was detected with MTT method and the ratio of collagen content in total protein was evaluated with hydroxyproline (HP).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:A value of proliferated PDL cells and the proportion of collagen protein in total protein.RESULTS:①Proliferation of PDL cells:Except golden thread group,all Chinese medicine promoted the proliferation of PDL cells significantly compared with control group (P＜0.05). The A value of Shuanghuangbu group was significantly increased.A value was increased with time and reached the peak on day 5.There were significant differences among each group at different time (P＜0.05).②Ratio of collagen content in total protein:Except golden thread group,the percentage was significantly increased by other Chinese medicines compared with control group (P＜0.05), especially Shuanghuangbu. The percentage was increased with time and reached the peak on day 5. There were significant differences among each group at different time (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION:The findings suggest that as a traditional Chinese herb,Shuanghuangbu can significantly stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of PDL cells.and increase the proportion of collagen content in total protein.It may act as an ideal Chinese medicine helper factor for the regeneration of PDL cells.

Objective To explore the relationship between left atrial diameters (LAD) and prothrombotic state in senile patients with hypertension (HT) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Mcthods Totally 105 patients with cssential hypertension were divided into 65 patients with atrial fibrillation and 40 cases without atrial fibrillation,and then patients with atrial fibrillation were subgrouped into paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation groups.30 healthy people without hypertension and atrial fibrillation were used as control group.LAD was determined by M type ultrasound cardiogram.Fibrinogen (Fg),D-Dimer(D-Dimer),von willebrand (vwF) and haematocrit (HCT) were also measured as prothrombotic state and compared among the groups. Results In groups of HT with AF versus HT without AF versus control,LAD[(43.56 ± 6.72) mm vs.(36.28 ± 5.83) mm vs.(31.63±4.32)mm],Fg[(4.24±0.59)g/L vs.(3.09 ±0.49)g/L vs.(2.80± 0.46)g/L],D-Dimer [(0.43±0.13)mg/L vs.(0.28±0.]0)mg/L vs.(0.18±0.08)mg/L],vwF[(290.44±29.02)％ vs.(101.32±21.36)％ vs.(84.15±20.26) ％],HCT[(0.46±±0.07)vs.(0.37±0.05)vs.(0.34±0.03)]were significantly higher in HT patients with atrial fibrillation than those without atrial fibrillation and control ( all P＜ 0.05),and there were differences in LAD and D-Dimet (P＜＜0.05),but not in Fg,vwF and HCT (all P＞0.05) between patients without atrial fibrillation and control.LAD[(46.75±7.32)mm vs.(40.82±6.21)mm],Fg [(4.68±0.65)g/L vs.(3.85±0.53)g/L],D-Dimer [(0.48±0.16)mg/L vs.(0.40±0.12)mg/L],vwF [(384.96±29.75)％ vs.(209.43±28.63)％] and HCT [(0.49±0.08)vs.(0.43±0.06)] in persistent atrial fibrillation group were increased than those in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation group ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Fg ( r =0.683 ),D-Dimer ( r =0.735 ),vwF ( r=0.763) and HCT(r=0.759)were corrclated with LAD (all P＜0.01). Conclusions Increased LADmight he one of the elevated risks of atrial fibrillation and a higher prothrombotic state is increasing with larger LAD in senile hypertension.

Objective To observe changes of cognitive function and the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 10(IL-10) in hippocampus of diabetic rats,and assess the role of inflammation in the possible pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy (DE).Methods 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and diabetes mellitus group.After 4 weeks of feeding high fat diet,diabetes mellitus group according to 30mg/kg injected with streptozotocin to establish type 2 diabetic rat model.At the end of the experiment,cognition were evaluated using water maze test.The concentration of beta-amyloid(Aβ) in hippocampus of diabetic rats were detected through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,and the expression of TNF-α,IL-10 were detected by Western blotting.The expression of Aβ,TNF-α,IL-10 were observed through immunohistochemistry.Results Time spent in the target quadrant in diabetes mellitus group was shorter than that in control group ((38.21± 3.68)s vs (42.10±2.62)s,t=3.105,P＜0.01).The frequency of crossing original platform site was less than that in control group((2.62±0.77) vs(3.69±0.95),t=3.184,P＜0.01).Compared with control group the expression of Aβ,TNF-α were higher(BothP＜0.01),and IL-10 were lower(P＜0.01)in diabetes mellitus group.The positive expression of Aβ,TNF-α were obviously and IL-10 were less obviously observed in diabetes mellitus group according to immunohistochemistry.Conclusion The cognitive decline in diabetic rats is possibly related to inflammatory cytokines expressing out of balance.

Objective To evaluate the effect of duloxetine on the expression of Toll?like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the spinal dorsal horn in a rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). Methods Type 2 di?abetes mellitus was induced by high?fat and high?sucrose diet and intraperitoneal streptozotocin ( STZ) 35 mg∕kg in male Sprague?Dawley rats, aged 2 months, weighing 180-220 g. Seventy?five rats with type 2 di?abetes mellitus were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n=15 each ) using a random number table: group DNP, DNP + normal saline group (group DNP+NS), and DNP + duloxetine 5, 10 and 20 mg∕kg groups (DNP+D5, DNP+D10, DNP+D20 groups). Another normal 15 rats were selected and served as control group ( group C) . Duloxetine 5, 10 and 20 mg∕kg were injected intraperitoneally once a day for 14 consecu?tive days starting from 15 days after administration of STZ in DNP+D5 , DNP+D10 and DNP+D20 groups, respectively. The equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group DNP+NS. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency ( TWL) were measured on the day before STZ administration and 14, 17, 21 and 28 days after STZ administration. After the last measurement of pain threshold, the L4?6 segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of the expression of
TLR4 by immuno?histochemistry and Western blot. Results Compared with group C, the MWT was signif?icantly decreased, TWL was shortened, and the expression of TLR4 was up?regulated in DNP, DNP+D5, DNP+D10 and DNP+D20 groups (P<0?05). Compared with group DNP, the MWT was significantly in?creased, TWL was prolonged, and the expression of TLR4 was down?regulated in DNP+D5 , DNP+D10 and DNP+D2 0 groups ( P<0?05) , and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in group DNP+NS ( P>0?05) . Conclusion The mechanism by which duloxetine attenuates DNP is related to down?regulated expression of TLR4 in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.

Objective To identify and investigate B(A)02 allele in a patient. Methods Serological tests were performed with standard serological methods in a patient with B(A)02 allele. DNA sequences of all seven exons and exon-intron boundaries of ABO gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), direct DNA sequencing and sequencing after gene cloning. In order to analyze the allele, PyMOL software was used to establish 3D model of Glycosyltransferases B (GTB). Results The serological results showed the characteristics of B(A) phenotype. DNA analysis revealed that ABO gene of the individual was heterozygous of B(A)02/O01 allele. 700C>G mutation was identified in B101 allele, which resulted in the amino acid substitution P234A in GTB. Through the analysis of the 3D structure of GTB, it was speculated that the P234A replacement affected the intermolecular forces of the 234 amino acid and Met-266, thus changed the conformation of the donor-binding pocket of GTB,that made GTB capable of recognizing and tranferring the GalNac to the H antigen, which can lead to the formation of the weak A antigen on membrane of red blood cells. Conclusion The P234A replacement can affect the spatial conformation of the specific recognition region conformed by Met-266 and Ala-268 residues, which leads to the antigenicity change of the ABO blood group.

BACKGROUND:Epidemiologic reports have indicated that excessive weight-bearing exercise is one of important risk factors for lumbar degeneration, but the effects of weight-bearing activity on normal lumbar motion pattern are stil not clear. OBJECTIVE:To measure the changing characteristics and rules of position at the center of rotation of the lower lumbar spine during a weight-lifting activity of normal person. METHODS: Fourteen asymptomatic subjects with a mean age of (25±5) years were recruited for this study. The L4-5 and L5-S1 segments of each subject were CT-scanned to construct 3D models using dual X-ray imaging system and spiral CT examination combined technology in the aid of computer software. The physiological load and lumbar spinal 3D motion under the loading condition were reproduced when matching the flexion, neutrality and extension in the dual X-ray imaging system and on dual oblique lumbar X-ray image. Coordinate systems were established at the vertebral body of L4-S1 to obtain the center of rotation during flexion-to-neutral, neutral-to-extension and the ful flexion-extension motion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Under physiological load, the center of rotation of L4-5 of normal person was located about 1.0 mm anterior to the central axis of the vertebral body, and the center of rotation of L5-S1 was located about 0.7 mm anterior to the central axis of the vertebral body. (2) With weight loading, the center of rotation of both two segments shifted backward about 0.5 mm. There was no statistical difference between these two loading conditions. (3) When the center of rotation in flexion and extension was calculated respectively, the moving range of the center of rotation at both L4-5and L5-S1 became larger due to taking loads of 10 kg (P < 0.05). In flexion, the center of rotation at L5-S1 significantly shifted forward during a weight-lifting activity (P < 0.05). (4) These results confirm that compared with non-weight-bearing condition, the trajectory of the center of rotation was found to be increased when taking loads, especialy during the flexion-to-neutral motion.