OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of six common Chinese medicinal herbs for promoting blood circulation, including Radix Paeoniae rubra (I), Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (II), Rhizoma Chuanxiong (III), Radix Notoginseng (IV), Semen Persicae (V) and wine steamed Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (VI), on blood lipids and inflammatory reaction of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE gene deficiency mice.

METHODSNinety mice, 6 - 8 weeks old, were divided into 8 groups, the model group, the control group (treated with simvastatin) and the six treated groups treated with the above-mentioned 6 Chinese medicinal herbs respectively. All the mice were fed with the diet of western kind for 13 weeks until the mature atherosclerotic plaques formed in them. Then they were treated with respective drugs for another 13 weeks except those in the model group. All the mice were sacrificed at the end of experiment, their blood was collected for lipids determination, heart and aorta were taken out for determining the level of CD68 in root of aorta, as well as the expressions of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) by immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTSAll the 6 Chinese herbs showed regulatory action on blood lipids. The positive expression of CD68 in the model group displayed the highest activity. As compared with the model group, the CD68 positive expressed cells in the control group and the groups treated with Chinese herbs II, III, and IV were lesser (P < 0.05), and the expression of inflammatory factors (MCP-1 and TNF-alpha) in atherosclerotic plaques was significantly lower in the control group and the group treated with Chinese herb VI (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONChinese medicinal herbs tested in this study can interfere the maturing progress of atherosclerotic plaques and stabilize the plaques in ApoE deficiency mice, the mechanisms may relate to its actions in regulating lipids metabolism and inhibiting inflammatory reaction. Different Chinese medicinal herbs for activating blood circulation of conventional dosage might show difference in potency and acting links.

Animals ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; Arteriosclerosis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Inflammation ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Phytotherapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Aged ; Biopsy, Needle ; methods ; Coal Mining ; Humans ; Lung ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; complications

Objective To study the neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin(EPO) on neonatal rats model with hypoxia-ischemia encephalopathy(HIE).Methods HIE was induced in rats on 7th day of postnatal age by ligation of right common carotid artery,followed by 2 h of hypoxia(80 mL/L O2).The subjects were divided into sham-operated group,control group and EPO group.EPO 4 000 U/(kg?day) was injected daily from day 2 pre-surgery for 9 to 16 days and PBS was injected in the control group.The neuroprotective effect of EPO on HIE model was detected by brain weight,the difference in weights between the ipsilateral(right) and contralateral(left) brain and the function test.In vitro study,the neural progenitor cell line C17.2 under gone apoptosis following an ischemia-like metabolic inhibition.The effect of EPO on the cell line ischemia modle 17.2 was evaluated by detecting Annexin V with flow cytometry.Results The signi-ficant and sustained brain injury in the hypoxia-ischemia and vehicle-treated group was observed and measured by reduction in relative weights of ipsilateral to contralateral and compromised sensorimotor functions in response to postural reflex test,compared with those of sham-operated animals(Pa

Objective: To explore a method for macrostomia repairment, in order to to achieve better physiological and aesthetic outcomes. Methods: 23 patients with macrostomia were treated by standard procedure: including orbicularis oris reconstruction, perioral expression muscles fixation, modiolus reconstruction, commissure point shift, and " w" shape incision. Results: 22 cases obtained both static and dynamic symmetrical outcomes. One case developed asymmetrically. Conclusions The macrostomia repairment following present standard procedure, is likely to achieve both static and dynamic satisfactory outcomes, due to balanced perioral muscles.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) gene polymorphism and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).

METHODSFifty patients with failed renal allografts and clinically and histopathologically confirmed CAN were enrolled in this study along with another 50 renal transplant recipients with normal graft function. The DNA extracted from whole blood of the patients was amplified with PCR with sequence-specific primers for determining TGF-beta1 genotypes (position +869, codon 10 and position +915, codon 25). According to documented descriptions, the patients were classified into high and moderate-to-low cytokine production genotypes. The distribution frequencies of high production genotypes was then compared between CAN and non-CAN groups. To eliminate interference in the analysis of the association between TGF-beta1 polymorphism and CAN, other possible risk factors for CAN were screened, including the patients' gender, age, HLA match, delayed graft function, acute rejection, immunosuppressive regimen, cytomegalovirus infection, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

RESULTSCAN patients showed significantly greater proportion of high cytokine production genotype than the non-CAN group [70% (35/50) vs 38% (19/50), Chi(2)=10.306, P=0.001). Of the screened risk factors for CAN, only acute rejection showed some difference between the two groups, but analysis after subgrouping according to acute rejection did not suggest its influence on CAN, which supports the result that the rate of high production genotype was significantly higher in CAN group than in the non-CAN group.

CONCLUSIONMost CAN patients have high TGF-beta1 production genotype, which might be a risk factor for CAN after renal transplantation. TGF-beta1 genotyping can be of value in predicting the risk of CAN after renal transplantation.

Adult ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Graft Rejection ; genetics ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; genetics ; Kidney Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Risk Factors ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVETo study the value of detection of both preoperative soluble CD30 (sCD30) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) level 5 days after transplantation in the diagnosis of acute rejection of renal allograft.

METHODSPreoperative serum sCD30 levels and HGF level 5 days after transplantation were determined in 65 renal-transplant recipients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recipients were divided according to the sCD30 levels positivity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the value of HGF level on day 5 posttransplantation for diagnosis of acute renal allograft rejection, and the value of combined assay of the sCD30 and HGF levels was also estimated.

RESULTSAfter transplantation, 26 recipients developed graft rejection and 39 had uneventful recovery without rejection. With the cut-off value of sCD30 of 120 U/ml, the positivity rate of sCD30 was significantly higher in recipients with graft rejection than in those without (61.5% vs 17.9%, P<0.05). Recipients with acute rejection showed also significantly higher HGF levels on day 5 posttransplantation than those without rejection (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that HGF levels on day 5 posttransplantation was a good marker for diagnosis of acute renal allograft rejection, and at the cut-off value of 90 ug/L, the diagnostic sensitivity was 84.6% and specificity 76.9%. Evaluation of both the sCD30 and HGF levels significantly enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of acute graft rejection.

CONCLUSIONCombined assay of serum sCD30 and HGF levels offers a useful means for diagnosis of acute renal allograft rejection.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Graft Rejection ; blood ; diagnosis ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; blood ; Humans ; Ki-1 Antigen ; blood ; Kidney Transplantation ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Transplantation, Homologous

Objective To summarize the experience of long-term survival in patients after simulta- neous kidney-pancreas transplantation(SKPT)with modified enteric drainage(ED).Methods From October 2001 to July 2004,6 patients with end-stage renal disease due to Type 1 diabetes underwent SKPT with modified ED,ie,side-to-side anastomosis between the duodenum of donors and jejunum of recipients. The medication regimen included:mycophenolic acid 500 mg and tacrolimus 2 mg before operation;methyl- prednisolone(MP)1.0 during operation;and 2-dose anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody(2 cases)or antihuman thymocyte globulin(ATG)(4 cases)for immune induction therapy;MP was used on the first 3 d after transplantation,triple immunosuppressive therapy(tacrotimus,mycophenolic acid and prednisone)was used on the second d after transplantation.Anticoagulants such as low molecular heparin or alprostadil were used for 7-10 d to prevent thrombosis in pancreas graft.Somatostatin was used as prophylaxis for graft pan- creatitis.Ganciclovir was used to prevent cytomegalovirus infection when renal graft gradually recovered 3 to 5 d after transplantation.The follow-up was from 1 year and 3 months to 4 years and 1 month.Results Transplantation was successful in all 6 cases.The blood sugar levels were 6-16 mmol/L.Low-dose insulin was used for 5-10 d,then the blood sugar levels returned to normal range.One of 6 patients experienced nephrotoxicity because of high tacrolimus blood concentration at 7 d after operation;after 3 dialyses and re- duction of tacrolimus dose,the renal allograft regained normal function.Three cases experienced alimentary tract hemorrhage at 14,20 and 22 d,respectively,after operation;the bleeding was stopped after treatment. There were no complications such as pancreatic fistula,intestinal fistula and thrombosis early after operation. All the patients are now alive,specifically,1 survived over 4 years,3 over 3 years,1 over 2 years,and 1 over 1 year.All had normal blood sugar free of insulin use.Five cases had normal renal graft function,with normal sCr,and 1 had sCr＞400?mol/L. Two cases were admitted to hospital due to upper respiratory infection and furuncles in the skin of head 6 months and 2 years,respectively,after operation.They were both cured.No complications such as urinary infection,metabolic acidosis and dehydration occurred.Conclusions SKPT is effective for the treatment of end-stage renal disease due to Type 1 diabetes.SKPT with modified ED are relatively simple with physiological compatibility and fewer complications.High quality of donated organs, HLA matching,pancreatic drainage pattern,rational periopcrative medications and infection late after trans- plantation are important factors affecting the long-term survival of the patients.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate association between DNA methylation of MAL, CDKN2A, and MGMT in stool and development of colorectal cancer, and to evaluate the screening value of these biomarkers in colorectal cancer and pre-malignant lesions.

METHODSMorning stool specimens were collected from 69 patients with colorectal cancer, 24 with colon adenoma, 19 with hyperplastic polyps, and 26 healthy controls. DNA was extracted and treated with bisulfite. Methylation-specific PCR(MSP) was performed for methylation analysis of MAL, CDKN2A and MGMT in DNA samples. Associations between clinicopathological features and gene methylation were analyzed. The sensitivity of diagnosis by combining three methylation markers was compared with fecal occult blood test(FOBT).

RESULTSThe methylation frequencies of MAL, CDKN2A and MGMT were 78.3%, 52.5% and 55.1% in colorectal cancer, 58.3%, 41.7% and 37.5% in colon adenomas, 26.3%, 15.8% and 10.5% in hyperplastic polyps, and 3.8%, 0 and 3.8% in healthy controls, respectively. Significant differences in three genes were found between colorectal cancer and hyperplastic polyp, colorectal cancer and healthy control, colon adenoma and hyperplastic polyp, colon adenoma and healthy control(all P<0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity by combining three methylation markers was 92.8% in colorectal cancer, 70.8% in colon adenomas, significantly higher than FOBT examination (29.0% in colorectal cancer and 25.0% in colon adenomas, all P<0.05). No significant associations existed between three genes methylation of the three genes and clinical characteristic including sex, age, tumor location, lymph node metastases and TNM stage (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONDNA methylations levels of MAL, CDKN2A, and MGMT in stools are significantly higher in colorectal cancer and colon adenoma, which may serve as an noninvasive approach for the screening of colorectal cancer and pre-malignant lesions.

Adult ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; genetics ; DNA Methylation ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Feces ; chemistry ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase ; genetics ; Precancerous Conditions ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the biological function of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) on the survival and proliferation of cat corneal endothelial cells so as to provide bases for further studies of its role in wound repair and its clinical application.

METHODSTotal RNA was extracted from the placenta tissues of healthy pregnant women undergoing hysterotokotomy and PDGF cDNA was obtained with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The prokaryotic expression vector pET-PDGF-B was constructed and expressed the recombinant PDGF-B in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 (DE3). After purification and refolding on Ni2+-chelation affinity chromatography (NTA) column, it was used to culture cat corneal endothelial cells. Cell proliferation was tested by modified tertrazolium salt (MTT) and flow cytometer. And the morphologic change and the ultrastructure were observed under an inverted phase contrast microscope, a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electon microscope, respectively.

RESULTSPDGF-B chain peptide (PDGF-BB) gene was successfully inserted into the prokaryotic expression vector, pET-28a (+). The purified recombined protein pET-PDGF-B showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electropheresis (SDS-PAGE) with the molecular weight of about 27 u, which was in agreement with the deduced value. MTT and flow cytometry showed that PDGF-BB promoted the survival and proliferation of cat corneal endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONSThe construction of recombinant prokaryotic expression vector pET-PDGF-B and the preparation of PDGF-BB protein provide a foundation for further study of the function of PDGF-BB and producing biological PDGF-BB protein. The expressed PDGF-BB promotes the proliferation of cultured cat corneal endothelial cells.

Animals ; Cats ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cloning, Molecular ; Endothelium, Corneal ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; analysis ; Protein Folding ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis ; chemistry ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effects of salidroside on injury induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia in cultured SH-SY5Y cell.

METHODApoptosis and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured by flow cytometry, morphological changes and neuronal necrosis were observed with fluorescence microscope, and the lactic dehydrogenate (LDH) release was measured by LDH kits.

RESULTHypoxia/hypoglycemia cultures for 2 hours induced neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. They were 18.59% (P < 0.01) and 4.94% (P < 0.01) respectively. There were morphological changes including chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and formed apoptotic bodies after exposed to hypoxia/hypoglycemia for 2, 4, 6, 12 hours. After 2 hours of hypoxia/hypoglycemia, neuronal [Ca2+]i and the release of LDH were significantly increased. They were 8.46 nmol/L (P < 0.01) and 16.59% (P < 0.01) respectively. The effects were enhanced with the extending time of hypoxia/hypoglycemia. Salidroside might have significantly decreased the percentage of neuronal apoptosis and necrosis, reduced neuronal [Ca2+]i and the release of LDH. The effects of salidroside were strengthened with the increasing of Salidroside dosage.

CONCLUSIONSalidroside has effect of anti-neuronal apoptosis. This effect might be related to its function of decreasing intracellular free calcium concentration.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; metabolism ; pathology ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Neurons ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Phenols ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhodiola ; chemistry