OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Chinese medicine and pharmacy (CMP) on the mortality of senile HIV/AIDS patients as adjunctive therapy.

METHODSHIV/AIDS patients of a certain rural area of Hanna Province, who were recruited in national CMP HIV treatment trial program (NTCMTP) in 2004, were enrolled as the CMP treatment group. HIV/AIDS patients in the same village without recruiting in NTCMTP were enrolled as the non-CMP treatment group. Data related to subjects were collected from the database of NTCMTP and National HAART Reporting System. Multiple regression analysis under Cox proportional hazard model was applied to examine the risk factors for death of senile HIV/AIDS patients.

RESULTSA total of 436 HIV/AIDS were enrolled in this study, 204 in the CMP treatment group and 232 in the non-CMP treatment group. There were 70 AIDS-relative deaths in the CMP treatment group, with 8-year mortality rate of 37.74%. There were 111 AIDS-relative deaths in the non-CMP treatment group, with 8-year mortality rate of 48.34%. The 8-year mortality rate was higher in the non-CMP treatment group than in the CMP treatment group (chi2 = 5.136, P < 0.05). Results of univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed the hazard ratio in the non-CMP treatment group was 1.41 times that of the CMP treatment group (P < 0.05). Result of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed the hazard ratio in the non-CMP treatment group was 1.44 times that of the CMP treatment group (P < 0.05). Besides, gender and marital conditions were significantly associated with death of HIV/AIDS patients.

CONCLUSIONCMP treatment was favorable to lower the mortality rate of senile HIV/AIDS patients, and its objective evaluation awaits for further prospective study.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Alzheimer Disease ; therapy ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; Communicable Diseases ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Humans ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Objective To evaluate the relevance and accuracy of fibrinogen (Fib) detection by using PT-der assay and Von-Clauss assay on Sysmex CA-1500 Automated Coagulation Analyzer .Methods PT-der assay and Von-Clauss assay on Sysmex CA-1500 Automated Coagulation Analyzer were employed to detect the plasma Fib concentrations of 755 blood samples .The dilution ratios of samples with high Fib concentration were 1∶8 ,2∶7 ,3∶6 ,4∶5 ,5∶4 ,6∶3 ,respectively .The dilution ratios were served as the abscissa ,and the Fib concentrations measured by two methods as the ordinate ,a simple linear regression analysis was per-formed .Results When Fib concentration was in 2 .0- <6 .0 g/L ,the Fib value obtained by Von-Clauss assay was higher than that by PT-der assay(P<0 .01) .When Fib concentration was below 2 .0 g/L or above 6 .0 g/L ,the Fib value obtained by PT-der assay was higher than that by Von-Clauss assay(P<0 .01) .The linear regression equations of PT-der assay and Von-Clauss assay were Y=4 .537 7X+1 .551 3(R2 =0 .897 3) ,Y = 7 .792 2X+ 0 .290 0(R2 =0 .980 5) ,respectively .Conclusion Von-Clauss assay can better reflect the Fib level of human body which has a blood clotting function .

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents of the dried sorophore of cultured Cordyceps militaris.

METHODCompounds were isolated and purified by macroporous adsorption resin and silica gel column chromatography. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral data (IR, FAB-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR).

RESULTNine compounds were isolated and identified as: ergosta-4, 6, 8 (14)-tetraen-3-one (1), citrostadienol (2), tetracosanoic acid 2, 3-dihydroxypropyl ester (3), ergosterol (4), ergosterol peroxide (5), ergosta-7, 22-dien-3beta, 5alpha, 6beta-triol (6), cordycepin (7), adenosine (8), N-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1-3, 6, 9 were separated from the sorophore of cultured C. militaris for the first time.

Cordyceps ; chemistry ; Culture Techniques ; Fruiting Bodies, Fungal ; chemistry

Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) has high morbidity and mortality and is a serious threat to public health. The flavonoid compound vitexin is known to exhibit anti-tumor activity. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of vitexin in GC and its underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: The viability, migration, and invasion of GC cells were determined using MTT, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Target molecule expression was determined by western blotting. Tumor growth and liver metastasis were evaluated in vivo using nude mice. Protein expression in the tumor tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Vitexin inhibited GC cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a dose-dependent manner. Vitexin treatment led to the inactivation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway by repressing HMGB1 expression. Vitexin-mediated inhibition in proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of GC cells were counteracted by hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway or HMGB1 overexpression. Finally, vitexin inhibited the xenograft tumor growth and liver metastasis in vivo by suppressing HMGB1 expression. Conclusions Vitexin inhibited the malignant progression of GC in vitro and in vivo by suppressing HMGB1-mediated activation of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. Thus, vitexin may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of GC.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the regional anatomy between the abdominal autonomic nerves including the abdominal aortic plexus (AAP) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), and explore the safe ligation point on the IMA and the optimal dissection method to avoid autonomic nerve injuries.

METHODS AND RESULTSDissections and observation were carried out on 16 fixed male cadavers. The AAP located in the thin fascia layer covering the surface of the aorta and its branches. No autonomic nerves were found in the area around the root of the IMA, and the point where the IMA and the left trunk of the AAP intersected was highly variable. The left trunk of the AAP adhered more closely to the IMA than to the aorta.

CONCLUSIONSIn view of autonomic nerve preservation, the only safe site for ligation of the IMA is at its origin, and no other such sites are available along the IMA trunk and its branches. The IMA and the posterior fascia layer containing the autonomic nerves constitute the optimal surgical plane for IMA ligation, which should be performed following skeletonization of the IMA with careful preservation of the integrity of the posterior fascia layer.

Autonomic Pathways ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Cadaver ; Dissection ; methods ; Humans ; Ligation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Mesenteric Artery, Inferior ; surgery ; Preservation, Biological ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Rectum ; surgery ; Trauma, Nervous System ; etiology ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo determine the effects of KH2PO4 on the odonto- and osteogenic differentiation potential of human stem cells from apical papillae (SCAP) in vitro.

METHODSSCAP were isolated and cultured respectively in alpha minimum essential medium (α-MEM) or α-MEM containing 1.8 mmol/L KH2PO4. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to examine the odonto and osteogenic potential of SCAP in the two media.

RESULTSSCAP cultured in α-MEM containing 1.8 mmol/L KH2PO4 exhibited a higher ALP activity [(0.370 ± 0.013) Sigma unit×min(-1)×mg(-1)] at day 3 than control group [(0.285 ± 0.008) Sigma unit×min(-1)×mg(-1)] and KH2PO4-treated SCAP formed more calcified nodules at day 5 [(0.539 ± 0.007) µg/g] and day 7 [(1.617 ± 0.042) µg/g] than those in normal medium [(0.138 ± 0.037) µg/g, P < 0.01]. The expression of odonto- and osteogenic markers were significantly up-regulated after the stimulation of KH2PO4 at day 3 and 7 respectively, as compared with control group.

CONCLUSIONS1.8 mmol/L KH2PO4 can promote the odonto and osteogenic differentiation potential of human SCAP.

Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dental Pulp ; cytology ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism ; Phosphates ; pharmacology ; Phosphoproteins ; metabolism ; Potassium Compounds ; pharmacology ; Sialoglycoproteins ; metabolism ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct the delta-pIRES2-EGFP plasmid and investigate its expression in HEK293 cells.

METHODSFull length cDNA of rat delta opioid receptor gene amplified from rat brain tissues using reverse transcription and nested PCR was cloned into pMD20 T vector. The delta cDNA was inserted into pIRES2-EGFP plasmid to construct the recombinant eukaryotic plasmid delta-pIRES2-EGFP, which was transfected into HEK293 cells via Lipofectamine2000. The expression of delta was examined under fluorescence microscope.

RESULTSThe recombinant delta-pIRES2-EGFP plasmid was successfully constructed, and high expression of delta was detected in HEK293 cells transfected by the plasmid.

CONCLUSIONdelta-pIRES2-EGFP has been successfully cloned, which shows high expression of delta in HEK293 cells.

Animals ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Plasmids ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Opioid, delta ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and its relationship with mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression and microsatellite instability (MSI) in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

METHODSA total of 28 cases of colorectal adenoma and 14 cases of colorectal carcinoma were collected between July 2003 and July 2007 from 33 HNPCC families. Sporadic colorectal adenoma (n=32) and carcinoma patients (n=24) served as controls. With samples of tumor tissues and normal colonic mucosa collected from the patients, the protein expressions of COX-2 and MMR (hMLH1, hMSH2, and hMSH6) were examined with immunohistochemical assay. Frequency of MSI in five standard MSI loci BAT25, BAT26, D2S123, D5S346, and D17S250 were analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSThe rate of COX-2 high-expression was 53.6% (15/28) and 42.9% (6/14) in HNPCC adenoma and carcinoma; 62.5% (20/32) and 91.7% (22/24) in sporadic adenoma and carcinoma, respectively. That rate was lower in HNPCC carcinoma than in sporadic carcinoma (Pü0.05). MMR-deletion rate and percentage of high-frequency MSI (MSI-H) in HNPCC carcinoma were higher than those in sporadic colorectal carcinoma [both 71.4% (10/14) vs. 12.5% (3/24), both Pü0.01]. Among the 10 MMR-deficient HNPCC carcinoma patients, COX-2 low-expression was observed in 8 cases (80.0%), while COX-2 high-expression was observed in all of the 4 MMR-positive HNPCC carcinoma cases (Pü0.05). In comparison to MMR positive HNPCC carcinoma, HNPCC adenoma, and sporadic carcinoma, COX-2 expression was significantly lower in corresponding MMR-deficient cases (all Pü0.05). The rates of COX-2 low-expression in HNPCC adenoma, HNPCC carcinoma, and sporadic carcinoma with MSI-H were significantly higher than those in the cases with microsatellite stability (all Pü0.05).

CONCLUSIONCOX-2 is expressed at a low level in HNPCC carcinoma, different from the high COX-2 expression in sporadic carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Base Pair Mismatch ; Base Sequence ; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis ; genetics ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; DNA Primers ; DNA Repair ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the protective effects of Sapindus saponins in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms.

METHODSThirty-two 16-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 in each group): model group (placebo), positive control group (27 mg/kg of Captopril Tablets), Sapindus saponins groups (27 mg/kg and 108 mg/kg, respectively). Another 8 healthy Wistar-Kyoto strain (WKY) rats were used as the normal group. The animals were treated for 8 weeks. Blood pressure of rats was determined by non-invasive blood pressure meter (BP-6). Furthermore, the contents of angiotensin II (Ang II) in plasma and myocardial tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the gene expression of receptor angiotensin type 1 (AT1R) in aorta was determined by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and AT1R in heart was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The protein expression of p-phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38MAPK) was determined by Western blotting. The contents of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. And the histopathological and morphological changes of aorta and heart tissue samples were assessed semi-quantitatively by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) or Masson staining.

RESULTSThirty minutes after single or continuous treatment, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was reduced significantly in Sapindus saponins groups. And the contents of AngII, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, the expression of AT1R mRNA, p-p38MAPK and TGF-β1 were significantly suppressed dose-dependently (P<0.05 or P<0.01). With the Sapindus saponins treatment, compared with those of the model group, the cardiac and aortic pathological changes were ameliorated significantly.

CONCLUSIONSOur findings suggest that Sapindus saponins might have protective effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of which might be relevant to the regulation of inflammatory responses mediated by p-p38MAPK signal pathway based on activated Ang II and AT1R.

Angiotensin II ; metabolism ; Animals ; Aorta ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Female ; Hypertension ; blood ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; physiopathology ; Interleukin-1 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; metabolism ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; drug effects ; Sapindus ; chemistry ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism