The effects of linking loop structure between guanine ( G) repeats on G-quadruplex formation were investigated. The results show that the unfavorable effects of long linking loops on G-quadruplex formation can be overcome by introducing double-stranded structures in linking loop regions. This finding provides a new way for sensor design. The activity of G-quadruplex DNAzyme can be tuned by utilizing target-mediated formation of double-stranded structures in loops. As an example, T-T mismatches are introduced in loops to destroy double-stranded structures. The stabilization of Hg2+ to T-T mismatches promotes the reformation of double-stranded structures. Correspondingly, the oligonucleotide folds into G-quadruplex, which binds with hemin to form peroxidase-like G-quadruplex DNAzyme. Hg2+ sensor is designed based on this principle. Using this method, Hg2+ quantitation is achieved in the concentration range of 10-700 nmol/L, with a detection limit of 8. 7 nmol/L. Cysteine will compete with T bases to bind with Hg2+, releasing Hg2+from T-Hg2+-T base pairs. Thus cysteine can also be quantified with this system in the concentration range of 20-700 nmol/L, with a detection limit of 14 nmol/L.

Background Research showed that the morbidity rate of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) in Mongolian population is 3.02 times more than Han nationality population.To understand the cause and mechanism of PACG in Mongolia is of an important significance.Objective This study was to investigate the pathogenesis of Mongolian PACG.Methods Thirty-two eyes of 32 PACG patients in Mongolia and 40 eyes of 40 PACG patients of Han peoples were included in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital according to the diagnosis criteria of glaucoma group of Chinese Medical Ophthalmology Association (version 1987),and 13 eyes of 13 normal Mongolia and 17 eyes of 17 normal Han peoples who suffered with ocular truma were recruited as controls.Intraocular pressure(IOP) was measured before surgery.The trabecular meshwork tissue was obtained from all the eyes during the operation.Annexinv-FITC/PI double staining was performed and the apoptosis rate of trabecula cells was tested with flow cytometry.Written informed consent was obtained initial of the study.Results The IOP value in Mongolia PACG group,Han PACG group,Mengolia normal group and Han normal group was (35.97±7.11)mmHg,(38.70± 6.82) mmHg,(14.69 ± 2.91) mmHg and (13.59 ± 2.91) mmHg,respectively,showing a significant difference among the 4 groups(F=106.144,P=0.000),and the IOP was significantly higher in the Mengolia PACG group and Han PACG group than the normal groups(P＜0.05).The apoptosis rate of the cells was (7.14±0.67)％,(5.40±0.69) ％,(5.86±0.91) ％ and(2.29±0.65) ％ in the Mongolia PACG group,Han PACG group,Mongolia normal group and Han normal group,respectively,with a significant difference among them (F =174.888,P =0.000),and apoptosis rate of the Mongolia PACG group was significantly higher than that of the Han PACG group and the Mongolia normal group (P＜0.05).No significant difference was found between the Mongolia PACG group and the Han PACG group or between the Mongolia normal group and Han normal group (P＞0.05).The cell apoptosis rate was increased with the elevation of IOP (b =0.990,F=10.209,P =0.009) with the regression equition Y =2.788 +0.092X.Conclusions The apoptosis rate of trabecula cells in Mongolian is higher than Han people.If these results are associated with the high incidence of Mengolia PACG is worth of study.

Objective:To investigate the role of melatonin in calcium overload-induced heart injury.Methods:Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups:a control group (Control),a melatonin control group (Mel),a calcium overload group (CaP),and a calcium overload plus melatonin group (Mel+CaP).Isolated Sprague Dawley male rat hearts underwent Langendorffperfusion.Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) was calculated to evaluate the myocardial performance.Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was used to measure the infarct size of myocardium.Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the coronary flow was determined.The expressions of caspase-3 and cytochrome c were determined by Western blot.The pathological morphological changes in myocardial fiber were analyzed by HE staining.Results:Compared with the control group,calcium overload significantly induced an enlarged infarct size (P＜0.01),accompanied by the disordered arrangement of myocardial fiber,up-regulation of cytochrome c and caspase-3 (P＜0.01),and the increased activity of LDH (P＜0.01).T hese effects were significantly attenuated by 10 μmol/L melatonin (P＜0.01).Conclusion:Melatonin can alleviate calcium overload-induced heart injury.

Objective To evaluate the changes in mRNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its down-stream cytokines IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-a in incisional tissues from a rat with postoperative pain.Methods Incisional pain was induced in 74 male adult SD rats weighing 200-250 g.Paw mechanical withdrawal threshold (PMWT) around the wound on the operated and nonoperated sides was measured at 1 day before operation and at 0.5,1,2,6 and 12 hours as well as 1,2,3,5 and 7 days after operation.Skin incisional tissues were removed for determination of mRNA expressions of TLR4,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-a using real-time quantitative PCR at 1 day before operation and at 2 and 8 hours as well as 1,2,3,5 and 7 days after operation.Results Compared with the baseline value before operation,PMWT on the operated side was significantly decreased at 0.5 hours-5 days after operation,mRNA expression of TLR4 around the wounds on the operated side was down-regulated at 2 hours after operation followed by a gradual increase,mRNA expressions of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α on the operative side were up-regulated at 2 and 8 hours as well as 1,2,3 and 5 days after operation (P ＜ 0.05),but no significant changes were found in PMWT and mRNA expressions of TLR4,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α on the non-operated side(P ＞ 0.05).PMWT on the operated side was lowest at 6 hours after operation followed by the gradual increase,mRNA expression of TLR4 on the operated side peaked at 2 days after operation,and mRNA expressions of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-a respectively peaked at 2 hours,1 day and 3 days after operation (P ＜ 0.05).mRNA expressions of TLR4,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-a were negatively correlated with PMWT on the operative side (r =-0.501,-0.743,-0.893,-0.657,P ＜ 0.05),and mRNA expressions of IL-1 β,IL-6 and TNF-a were positively correlated with the level of TLR4 mRNA(r=0.764,0.283,0.667,P＜0.05).Conclusion mRNA expressions of TLR4 and its down-stream cytokines IL-1 β,IL-6 and TNF-a in skin incisional tissues are up-regulated,which may be involved in the development and maintenance of postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVETo compare the intervention effects of four traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with typical cold or hot property on body temperature and temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential ion channel proteins (TRPs) of rats with yeast-induced fever.

METHODThe pyrexia model was induced by injecting yeast suspension subcutaneously. Totally 108 male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the Rhei Radix et Rhizoma treated group, the Coptidis Rhizoma treated group, the Euodiae Fructus treated group, and the Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma treated group, with 18 rats in each group. At the 4 h, 8 h and 12 h after injection of yeast, the rats were sacrificed to collect their hypothalamus and dorsal root ganglion. The expressions of TRPV1 and TRPM8 were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot method.

RESULTCompared with the normal group, after injection of yeast, the temperature of rats in the model group notably increased, and reached the peak at 8 h (P < 0.01). The TRPV1 level in hypothalamus and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the model group significantly increased, whereas the TRPM8 level significantly reduced. Compared with the model group, the Rhei Radix et Rhizoma group and the Coptidis Rhizoma group showed significant decrease in the high body temperature of rats caused by yeast, down-regulation in the expression of TRPV1, and up-regulation in the expression of TRPM8 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Euodiae Fructus and Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma had no significant effect on either temperature or TRPs of fever rats.

CONCLUSIONRhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma, both are TCMs with cold property, can reduce the temperature of fever rats induced by yeast, which may be related to their effective regulation of TRPV1 and TRPM8 in hypothalamus and DRG, while Euodiae Fructus and Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma had no relevant effect.

Animals ; Antipyretics ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Body Temperature Regulation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Fever ; drug therapy ; immunology ; microbiology ; physiopathology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; immunology ; TRPM Cation Channels ; genetics ; immunology ; TRPV Cation Channels ; genetics ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism of Huogu I formula (I) in treating osteonecrosis of femoral head.

METHODSForty-eight healthy female Leghorn chickens were randomly divided into control group, model group and Huogu I group, and each group consisted of 16 chickens. At the meantime of model establishment, chickens of the Huogu I group were administrated with decoction, while the model and control group with distilled water by gavage. At the 8th and 16th week after medication, blood samples were obtained for blood lipid detection while both sides of femoral head were harvested for the rest of examinations. Specifically, expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ(1)), Smad4 and Smad7 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, while expression of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (OPG/RANKL) mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the model group rose significantly. Positive cell counting of BMP2, TGFβ(1), Smad4 and OPG in femoral head of the model group dropped prominently. Positive cell counting of Smad7 and RANKL increased dramatically. In contrast with the model group, levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in Huogu I group reduced significantly. Positive cell counting of BMP2, TGFβ(1), Smad4 and OPG in femoral head of the Huogu I group increased prominently. Indices of Smad7 and RANKL both decreased significantly. Especially at the 8th week, these variations were more significant.

CONCLUSIONHuogu I formula is effective in promoting repair of necrotic femoral head by regulating the expressions of BMP2, TGFβ(1), Smads and OPG/RANKL of osteoclast in femoral head.

Animals ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; metabolism ; Bone Regeneration ; drug effects ; physiology ; Chickens ; Chondrocytes ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Femur Head Necrosis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Lipid Metabolism ; physiology ; Osteocytes ; metabolism ; Osteoprotegerin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; genetics ; metabolism ; Smad4 Protein ; metabolism ; Smad7 Protein ; metabolism ; Steroids ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe effects of blood circulation promoting compounds combined with medicinal guides on content of bone glaprotein (BGP), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BPM-2) and expression of BMP-2 mRNA in rabbits with femoral head necrosis, and explore its mechanism.

METHODSNinety-eight healthy Spragur-Dawley male rabbits were collected and weighted 2.2 to 2.8 kg. Eighty-four rabbits were built femoral head necrosis model by freezing left femoral head in liquid nitrogen, then randomly divided into 6 groups, 14 in each group. The 6 groups included model group,promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction group,promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction combined with achyranthes bidentata group,radix angelicae pubescentis, asarum group, and platycodon grandiflorum group,other 14 rabbits were sham operation group. While drug groups were administrated corresponding Chinese herb after molding,model group and shamp operation group were given saline. Recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor ( 30 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1))were injected into all rabbits for 7 days. Samples were taken on the second and fourth week,the content of BGP and BMP-2 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELSA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), histopathological changes of left femoral head were observed by Hematoxylin and Eeosin staining (HE), and expression of BMP-2 mRNA were tested by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

RESULTSCompared with sham operation group, the rate of empty lacunae femoral head were obviously increased in model group, and the content of BGP were increased on the second week, and BMP-2 and BMP-2 mRNA were decreased on the fourth week. Compared with model group, the content of BGP, BMP-2 and BMP-2 mRNA were higher both of the second and fourth week in promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction group. The rate of empty la- cunae femoral head were lower in achyranthes bidentata group, BGP, BMP-2 and BMP-2 mRNA were higher on the fourth week. The rate of empty lacunae femoral head were lower in platycodon grandiflorum group, and BGP were decreased on the second and fourth week, BMP-2 were lower on the second week ,while BMP-2 mRNA were decreased on the fourth week; the content of BMP-2 and BMP-2 mRNA were increased in radix angelicae pubescentis group on the second week; while there was no change in asarum group.

CONCLUSIONRadix angelicae pubescentis can increase the content of BGP, BMP-2 and expression of BMP-2 mRNA ,which is an effective mechanism of preventing femoral head necrosis.

Animals ; Blood Circulation ; drug effects ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; analysis ; genetics ; Femur Head Necrosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Meridians ; Osteocalcin ; blood ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Rabbits

OBJECTIVETo evaluate and compare the histopathology effects and mechanisms of the methods of "invigorating spleen to remove phlem & promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction" and "invigorate the kidney & promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction" preventing hormone induced femoral head necrosis in hens.

METHODSSixty-four healthy hens were randomly divided into 4 groups: blank control group, model group, Jianpi group (with therapeutics of invigorating spleen to remove phlem), Bushen group (with the effect of warming kidney for duresis). All hens were injected intramuscularly with Medrat once a week for 16 weeks but normal saline in blank control group. Bilateral femoral heads were dissected on 8 weeks or 16 weeks. Paraffin tissue sections were prepared to detect histopathologic change with hematoxylin and eosin, or mason staining.

RESULTSHistological analysis showed that Huogu recipe I and Huogu recipe II can promote osteogenesis and repair osteonecrosis, increase blood circulation of bone marrow, and inhibit pimelosis of bone marrow. Compared with blank control group, the areas of adipose cells increased significantly (t = -12.9, P < 0.01), the area of immature collagen increased significantly (t = -2.0, P < 0.05) and the ratio of empty lacuna in medullary cavity (t = -3.7, P < 0.05). Compared with model group, both the area of adipose cells and the ratio of empty lacuna decreased in Jianpi group and Bushen group (F = 26.8, 13.5, P < 0.01), so it was with the Bushen group immature collagen (F = 4.6, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBoth the methods of "invigorating spleen to remove phlem & promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction" and "invigorate the kidney & promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction" can prevent hormone induced femoral head necrosis. The time taking effect in the method of "invigorating spleen to remove phlem" was shorter.

Animals ; Chickens ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Female ; Femur Head ; pathology ; Femur Head Necrosis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Glucocorticoids ; adverse effects ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of terazosin in the treatment of Chinese benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Methods A multicenter prospective postmarketing observational study was conducted from June 2007 to March 2008 in 32 urologic centers.Patients were given terazosin for 4 weeks according to the routine medical care procedures following instructions. Effectiveness evaluation included the primary endpoint focusing on the changes in IPSS total score at the end of 2nd and 4th week compared with the baseline. The secondary endpoints were the changes in Qmax and QOL at the end of 4th week, diastolic and systolic blood pressures at the end of 2nd and 4th week compared with the baseline and the discontinuation rate of terazosin within the four weeks. Safety was assessed by adverse events. Results There were 1006 patients included in this study (FAS) and 992 patients (PP) completed the study. Among them, there were 344 patients having hypertension. The total IPSS score reduced from 22.32±6. 13 at baseline to 16. 98±5.92 at the end of the 2nd week and to 14.00±5. 52 at the end of the 4th week in FAS population (P＜0. 01).The total IPSS score changed from 22.32±6.15 at baseline to 16. 96±5.93 at the end of the 2nd week and to 13. 95±5.52 at the end of the 4th week in the PP population (P＜0.01). The efficacy rate was 26.54% at the 2-week treatment and 60.64% at the 4-week treatment, which was defined as obtaining improvement by 30% compared with the baseline. Patient's IPSS in different age groups with different prostatic hyperplasia levels and patients combined with or without 5-α reductase inhibitors were all decreased significantly(P＜0.01). With 4-week treatment of terazosin, Qmax and QOL were improved significantly by 32% and 45% (P＜0.01). Terazosin decreased BPH patient blood pressure with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension (P＜0.05), but had little influence on normal blood pressure of those under control. The incidence of adverse reactions was low. The most common adverse event was dizziness (3.68%). At the end of the study, 960 subjects (95%) were taking drug continuously.Conclasions Terazosin can significantly improve the symptoms and quality of life in Chinese BPH patients with good safety and compliance.

Objective To verify the efficacy and safety of intravesical instillation of Cystistat in reducing complications caused by intravesical chemotherapy after TUR-BT in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients. Methods One hundred and twenty patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled into this multi-centered, randomized and blank controlled clinical study. Selected patients were randomized into the observation group and control group. TUR-BT was carried out in both groups followed by pirarubicin (THP) and Cystistat intravesical instillation in the observation group, and THP intravesical instillation alone in control group. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used as the primary efficacy variable. The secondary efficacy variables were assessments of hematuria and bladder irritation symptoms. Adverse events, laboratory tests and changes of vital signs before and after treatment were strictly observed during observation to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cystistat.Results Demographics and baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. The differences and the improvement rate of VAS score in the 2 groups were significant, both P＜0.01. The changes of VAS score and the improvement rate before and after treatment were (2. 24±1.70) and (92. 92±14.76) % in observation group and (0. 70±1.82) and (20. 59±87.34)% in control group respectively. According to the covariance analysis, there were significant differences in changes of VAS score between the observation group and the control group. Also, the improvement rate of VAS score was significant from visit 2. The urine frequency decreased from 9.06±4.09 to 6. 69±2.89 in observation group and increased from 8. 85±3. 32 to 10. 15±4.40 in control group, P＜0.01. There were also significant differences in changes of nocturia before and after treatment between these two groups (P＜0.01), the nocturia decreased from 2. 88±1.74 to 1. 47±1.62 in observation group and 3. 22±2.30 to 2.91±1.73 in control group, respectively. The changes of WHO assessment for hematuria,urgency and dysuria were not significantly different between the 2 groups. No Cystistat related adverse event was observed. Conclusions Cystistat combined instillation can significantly improve the VAS score of patients with chemotherapeutic agent instillation. Relief of bladder pain, frequency and nocturia are more rapidly and more durable in Cystistat combined instillation group. The improvement is more effective in patients with a high VAS score. Cystistat instillation with chemotherapeutics agents is both well tolerated and safe.