Resveratrol possesses a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, induction of apoptosis, etc., but its poor drug properties, rapid metabolism, low target selectivity and bioavailability limit its application value. Studies have shown that modification of the structure of natural compounds can improve their pharmacological activities. To improve the bioavailability of resveratrol, many researchers have undertaken the synthesis and activity evaluation of resveratrol derivatives and analogues. They have modified the phenolic hydroxyl groups, double bonds and benzene ring of resveratrol so as to further understand the interactions among functional groups and its structure-activity relationship. In this paper, we review the chemical structures, synthetic methods and mechanisms of biological activity of resveratrol monomer derivatives as well as their related therapeutic applications, especially in the anticancer area over the last decade. This will provide some reference value for the further research and development of resveratrol-related drugs.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the performance of AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin for adsorption and desorption of flavones in liquorice.

METHODSThe concentration of flavones in liquorice was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and the adsorption behavior of AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin to flavones in liquorice was examined for the adsorption capacity and the volume of solution loaded.

RESULTSOptimal adsorption of flavones was achieved with the sample pH of 5, total flavones concentration in the solution of 0.85 mg/ml, sample flow velocity of 3 BV/h, and washing with 60% ethanol at the flow velocity of 3 BV/h.

CONCLUSIONAB-8 macroporous adsorption resin can be well applicable for enrichment of flavones in liquorice.

Adsorption ; Flavones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Glycyrrhiza ; chemistry ; Macromolecular Substances ; chemistry ; Porosity ; Resins, Synthetic ; chemistry ; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

OBJECTIVETo explore the procedures of dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC) and their application in the diagnosis and classification of venous erectile dysfunction (VED).

METHODSThis study included 103 ED patients, aged 20 to 43 years, highly suspected of VED, with disease courses of 4 months to 6 years. DICC was performed and analyses were made on the results, especially the parameters of flow-to-maintain (FTM) and pressure decay (PD) in the corpus cavernosum.

RESULTSBased on the parameters of FTM and PD, 21 of the patients were normal, 5 were suspected of VED, 39 had mild VED, 25 had moderate VED, and 13 had severe VED. Penile subcutaneous hematoma was found in 4 of the patients, all recovered after 3 to 5 days, with no other complications.

CONCLUSIONDICC is a reliable, safe and minimally invasive method for the diagnosis and classification of VED.

Diagnostic Techniques, Urological ; adverse effects ; Hematoma ; etiology ; Humans ; Impotence, Vasculogenic ; classification ; diagnosis ; Male ; Penile Diseases ; etiology ; Penis ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography ; Veins

Objective To identify the expression of DLK1 protein in different types of renal cell carcinomas and its correlations with pathological characteristics and metastasis. Methods Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of DLK1 protein in 94 cases of primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma, 76 cases of papillary renal cell carcinoma, 45 cases of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, 71 cases of distal metastatic and 24 cases of lymph node metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, as well as 18 cases of normal renal tissue. The correlations of DLK1 protein expression with pathological characteristics were analyzed. Results DLK1 protein was expressed in proximal and distal renal tubular epithelial cells in all the normal renal cases. In contrast, DLK1 protein expression was lower in different types of renal cell carcinoma. The low or negative expression of DLK1 protein in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma was 33.0% (31/94), 27.6% (21/76) and 33.3% (15/45), respectively. Compared to normal renal tissue, DLK1 protein expression was significantly down-regulated in renal cell carcinomas (P＞0.05), whereas there was no significant difference on DLK1 protein expressions among the different types (P＞0.05) of renal cell carcinomas. DLK1 protein expression was not correlated with sex (60 male and 34 female cases), age (≥55, 50 cases and 55, 44 cases), grade (41 cases in grade I, 9 cases in grade II, 21 cases in grade III and 23 cases in grade Ⅳ respectively) and lymph node metastasis (76 cases with and 18 cases without lymph node metastasis) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (P＞0.05). There was also no significant difference among primary, lymph node and distal metastatic lesions of clear cell carcinoma (P＞0.05). Conclusions DLK1 protein expression is commonly down-regulated in different types of renal cell carcinomas. Down-regulation of DLK1 protein expression is not associated with pathological characteristics and metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Objective To investigate the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2),and heme oxidase 1 (HO-1) expression in acute lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning in rats and explore the mechanism of lipoic acid acting on protection of lung from paraquat poisoning.Methods Seventy-two adult healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups with different treatments designated as:control group (control group,n =12),paraquat group (PQ group,n =30) and paraquat + lipoic acid group (LA group,n =30).PQ group and LA group were randomly divided into five subgroups (n =6 in each) according to 6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h and 72 h after modeling and treatment.The rats in PQ group and PQ + LA group were treated with intra-peritoneal injection (ip) of PQ (25 mg/kg),while the rats in control group were treated with the equal volume of saline instead.Half an hours after intra-peritoneal injection of PQ,lipoic acid (100 mg/kg) was injected into caudal vein of rats once a day until they were sacrificed.The body weight was measured everyday.The rats of each group were sacrificed at the given intervals,and lung tissues were harvested to measure lung coefficient of rats.The same part of left lung of rats in each group was taken for HE staining and immunohistochemistry in order to detect the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1.The right lung of rats in each group was taken for the detection of GSH-Px and SOD activity.All data were analyzed by using the One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and SNK-q test.Results The body weight reduction in LA group (191.02 ± 0.82) g,(183.37 ± 7.74) g was significantly less than that in PQ group (183.85 ± 2.07) g,(173.13 ± 4.34) g at 48 h and 72 h after PQ poisoning,respectively (P ＜ 0.01,P ＜ 0.05).The lung coefficient in LA group (6.83 ± 0.48) mg/g,(7.61 ±0.28) mg/g,(8.29 ±0.36) mg/g was less compared with PQ group (7.39 ±0.53) mg/g,(8.48±0.23) mg/g,(9.06±0.10) mg/g at 24 h,48 h,and 72 h,respectively (P＜0.01,P＜ 0.05).The immunohistochemical expressions of Nrf-2 in LA group (3.99 ±0.50),(3.51 ±0.12) were higher than those in PQ group (1.33 ±0.22),(1.62 ±0.41) at 48 h and 72 h.The immunohistochemical expression of HO-1 in LA group (1.76 ±0.17) was higher than that in PQ group (1.31 ±0.15) at 72 h.The levels of GSH-Px activity in LA group were significantly higher in comparison with PQ group at 24h,48h,and 72h (P ＜0.01,P ＜0.05).The levels of SOD activity in the LA group were significantly higher in comparison with PQ group at 6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h,and 72 h after PQ administration (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning,and lipoic acid may protect acute lung injury in rats induced by paraquat poisoning through Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.

Objective To study the possibility of establishment of an animal model of hydronephrosis by ureteropelvic junction obstruction,and to evaluate the value of CT perfusion imaging in assessment of the renal function in the animal models. Method Fifty 10-week-old male New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups:sham-operated group with separation of the left ureter (20 rabbits),and model group (30 rabbits) with the left ureter embedded at the ureteropelvic junction under the psoas major muscle. The left kidney function in the two groups was confirmed to be normal by SPECT before operation. CT perfusion and SPECT imagings were performed to assess the left kidney function in the two groups at three months after surgery,and the results were compared with that of pathological examination. Statistical analysis was performed on the parameters of SPECT and CT perfusion imaging and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Results The success rate of model establishment was 70%,showing pathological changes of chronic hydronephrosis. CT perfusion demonstrated that BF,BV,PS of the left renal cortex and medulla were decreased,and had a good positive correlation with the changes of GFR. Conclusions It is feasible to establish a rabbit model of chronic hydronephrosis by embedding the left ureter at ureteropelvic junction under the psoas major muscle,and CT perfusion imaging parameters can be used to evaluate the renal function in the animal models.

Objective To investigate the role of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in synovitis and cartilage destruction by comparing the expression of LOX in synovial fluid and synovium of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and active osteoarthritis (OA).Methods LOX in the synovium was detected by immunohistochemistry from 14 patients with active RA,24 patients with active OA and 20 patients with knee injury (the control group).LOX in the synovial fluid was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from 14 patients with active RA and 24 patients with active OA.T-test was used for statistical analysis.Results The level of LOX expression in active RA synovium (0.012±0.007) was similar to that in active OA synovium (0.013±0.011,P＞0.05).But the expression of LOX in synovium of active RA and active OA was significantly higher than that in synovium of the control group (0.003±0.004,P＜0.01).The amount of LOX in the synovial fluid of active RA [(1.9±1.4) μg/ml] was significantly higher than that of active OA [(1.0±0.4) μg/ml,P＜0.05].Conclusion High expression of LOX in the synovial fluid and synovium of active RA and active OA suggest that LOX may be involved in chronic synovitis and cartilage destruction,and may be related with the extent of synovitis and cartilage destruction.

Objective To evaluate the prognosis in patients with hepatocarcinoma by examining the expression of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des γ prothrombin (DCP).Methods Retrospectively analyzed the expression of AFP and DCP in 105 patients received curative hepatectomy.Divided the patients into three groups as follow:the tumor markers were both negative pre-and post-operation (Group N) ; the tumor markers decreased to normal after operation (Group D) ; the tumor markers kept positive or decreased but still higher positive after operation (Group P).Then combined the two markers and divided the patients into 4 groups:two markers both negative(AFP + DCP +)(Group A) ; AFP + DCP-(Group B) ; AFP-DCP + (Group C) ; AFP-DCP-(Group D).Results High AFP and DCP levels were significantly associated with poor tumor-free and overall survival.The presence of large size and advanced stage were significantly associated with Group P.Overall survival in the AFP-N group was significantly better than that of other groups and overall survival in DCP-N group were significantly better than that of the P group.After the combination,Group A had the best overall and tumor free survival rate while the D group had the worst.The differences between B and C group were not significant.Conclusions AFP and DCP can be both used solely as tumor markers and the expressions of them are associated with the prognosis.The combination of two markers can be used for better prediction of hepatocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a 15-plex rapid STR multiplex amplification system. METHODS: Fourteen auto-chromosome loci and one sex-chromosome were selected to compare the situations of allelic losses and nonspecific amplication under different conditions. FastStart Taq DNA polymerase and DNA standard sample 9947A were used during amplification and optimization process.15-plex rapid STR amplification system was achieved by performing various experiments including selection of amplification conditions and the volume of DNA polymerase, adjustment of inter-locus balance, optimization of rapid amplification, screening of reaction buffers, selection of reaction volume, and a variety of additives. RESULTS: Using 10 μL rapid PCR system, including 1 ng DNA templates, 0.4 μL polymerase and 10xFastStart high fidelity reaction buffer, a complete and well-balance DNA profile of 15 STR loci for standard genomic DNA was obtained in 32 minutes, without the allele drop-out and non-specific amplicons. Meanwhile, 5% glycerinum, 0.01% gelatin, 0.05% gelatin and 5 mmol/L ammonium sulfate could be used as the reactive additive during the amplification procedure. CONCLUSION The 15-plex rapid STR multiplex amplification system can be used to decrease reaction time and enhance sample throughput.
Alleles ; Chromosome Mapping ; DNA/genetics* ; DNA Fingerprinting/methods* ; Forensic Genetics/methods* ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Racial Groups/genetics* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tandem Repeat Sequences

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects and complications of subinguinal microscopic ligation, laparoscopic transperitoneal varicocelectomy, laparoscopic retroperitoneal varicocelectomy, open retroperitoneal high ligation, and interventional embolotherapy in the treatment of varicocele.

METHODSWe conducted a retrospective study that included 632 varicocele patients treated by subinguinal microscopic ligation (group A, n = 79), laparoscopic transperitoneal varicocelectomy (group B, n = 120), laparoscopic retroperitoneal varicocelectomy (group C, n =137), open retroperitoneal high ligation (group D, n = 283), and interventional embolotherapy (group E, n = 13). We compared the baseline and 3-month postoperative semen parameters, postoperative complications, and pregnancy rate among the five groups of patients.

RESULTSThe operation time was longer in groups A ([2.02 ± 1.25] h) and E ([2.17 ± 1.02] h) than in the other three groups, while the postoperative hospital stay was the shortest in group E ([1.1 ± 0.1] d). Intestinal injury or incision bleeding occurred intraoperatively in 2 cases in group B and 1 case in group E. Postoperative scrotal edema developed in 3.7, 17, 10, and 19% of the patients in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, but not in group E. The rate of 1-year recurrence was the lowest in group A (1.6%) and highest in group E (22%). Sperm concentration and the percentages of progressively motile sperm and morphologically normal sperm were improved postoperatively in all the patients (P < 0. 05), but there were no statistically significant differences among the five groups either in the above three parameters or in the postoperative pregnancy rate (P > 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONIn the surgical treatment of varicocele, laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach involves short operation time and few complications, subinguinal microscopic ligation has the advantages of little injury, rapid recovery, and few complications but requires specialized microsurgical techniques, and interventional embolotherapy leaves no incision scar and needs only local anesthesia and 1-day postoperative hospital stay, which is uitable for those with a contraindication to anesthesia.

Embolization, Therapeutic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Length of Stay ; Ligation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Male ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Recurrence ; Retroperitoneal Space ; Retrospective Studies ; Sperm Count ; Urogenital Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Varicocele ; surgery ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; methods