OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of water extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus (CREF) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric carcinoma cells (SGC-7901) and determine the optimal proportion of Coptidis rhizoma to Evodiae fructus.

METHODSThe growth inhibition of SGC-7901 cells treated with the water extracts of CREF of varying proportions was tested with MTT assay. The cell apoptotic rate and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed with flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe water extract of CREF with Coptidis Rhizoma: Evodiae Fructus proportions at 1:6, 2:5, 3:4, 4:3, 5:2, and 6:1 all significantly inhibited the growth of SGC-7901 cells after a 24-h or 48-h treatment (P<0.05). The growth inhibition and cell death ratio both exhibited a dose-dependent pattern of Coptidis Rhizoma. Flow cytometry analysis showed that, after treatment of the cells with CREF at the proportions of 1:6, 2:5, 3:4, 4:3, 5:2, and 6:1, the apoptotic rate were (8.50 ∓ 1.59)%, (9.90 ∓ 1.01)%, (17.15∓1.68)%, (21.55 ∓ 1.97)%, (34.10 ∓ 1.06)% and (34.40 ∓ 1.02)%, respectively, all significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.69 ∓ 1.91)%, P<0.05]. JC-1 Kit staining showed that mitochondrial membrane potential of SGC-7901 cells was decreased and the ratio of green to red fluorescence increased significantly after incubation with CREF.

CONCLUSIONCREF can inhibit the growth and induce apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells, and the strongest effect is achieved at the optimal proportion of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus at 6:1.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Drug Compounding ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Evodia ; chemistry ; Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology

Objective To study the influence on the tumor after percutaneous intra-tumor injection of ~(32)P-GMS in liver cancer as well as its suitable dose.Methods 24 New Zealand rabbits were used to establish the animal model of VX-2 liver cancer,and divided into A,B,C and D groups with individually 37,74,111 and 148 MBq of ~(32)P-GMS being injected,respectively;and then pathological changes of tumor were observed by light and electron microscope respectively.Result The dose of ~(32)P-GMS was obviously correlated with the radioactivity damage of tumor cells.In the A and B groups,the tumor cells were not observed to disappear completely after injection of ~(32)P-GMS,but in C group,tumor cells were almost completely disappeared and surrounded by a lot of connective tissue.Although the tumor cells were found to disappear completely in D group,normal liver tissues were also involved.Conclusion Percutaneous intra-tumor injection of ~(32)P-GMS with suitable dose that may induce the tumor tissue to be maximally damaged and may also provide some significances to prevent the tumor metastasis.

Objective To investigate the CT findings of Madelung's disease in the head and neck region,and to evaluate the value of CT in demonstrating the Madelung's disease in the head and neck region.Methods CT findings of Madelung's disease in the head and neck region in 7 cases were analyzed retrospectively.All were males,with the age from 36 to 60 years,mean 51 years.All patients were underwent CT native scan,and enhanced CT scan was performed on 3 of them.Results CT images in the neck of all patients showed accumulation of nonencapsulated fat within the subcutaneous tissue and(or) deep to the platysma,and(or)within the spaces between the muscles.The fat deposits were ill-defined and symmetrical.In most cases the fat deposits involved the anterior part of the neck(infrahyoid and suprahyoid),submandibular region,the subcutaneous tissue of the nape and deep to the stenomastoid muscles.Conclusions Madelung's disease in the head and neck region have characteristic CT findings,and CT has great value in qualitative and quantitative diagnosis in Madelung's disease.

AIM:To investigate the expression and localization of autophagy related protein microtublule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) at various stages of follicular development and atresia in the mice.METHODS:On 0,1,2,3,4 and 5 day after intraperitoneal injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG),expression and positioning situation of autophagy related protein LC3 and apoptosis related protein cleaved caspase-3 were examined by the method of immunohistochemical staining.The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and LC3 were determined by Western blot in cultured mouse granulosa cells after incubation under serum-free conditions in the absence or presence of FSH.LC3 subcellular localization in granulosa cells were studied by the method of immunofluorescence.RESULTS:The LC3 protein expressed in granulosa cells during all developmental stages mainly.Granulosa cells of atretic follicles that showed intense staining of cleaved caspase-3 and LC3.The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and LC3-Ⅱ in the granulosa cells significantly decreased at 1 d and 2 d after intraperitoneal injection of PMSG (P ＜ 0.05).The protein levels of cleaved caspase3 and LC3-Ⅱ in the granulosa cells increased in turn on 3,4 and 5 day after intraperitoneal injection of PMSG.The positive correlation between LC3-Ⅱ and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels was observed (r2 =0.8299,P ＜ 0.05).The LC3-Ⅱ protein expressed with punctuate structures in granulosa cell cytoplasm cultured under serum-free conditions in the presence of FSH.CONCLUSION:LC3 is expressed in the follicular granulosa cells with cell specificity and regional specificity.Autophagy is induced mainly in granulosa cells during folliculogenesis and shows positive correlation with apoptosis.Ovarian granulosa cell autophagy and apoptosis are gonadotropic hormone dependent.

Objective To explore the nursing measures of patients complicated with esophago-tracheal fistula treated by the implantation of self-expansion membrane-covered esophageal stent. Methods Observed postoperative complications of 62 patients with advanced carcinoma of middle third of esophagus after the implantation surgery of self-expansion membrane-covered esophageal stent under direct vision of gastroscopy.Results The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in patients complicated with esophago-tracheal fistula than in the others. Conclusions The enhancement of postoperative nursing measures, especially the instruction of cough, could decrease the incidence of postoperative complications effectively.

OBJECTIVETo explore the choice and effect of internal fixation in treating upper cervical vertebrae instability through anterior approach.

METHODSFrom March 2000 to September 2010,83 patients with upper cervical vertebrae instability were treated with internal fixation through anterior approach. There were 59 males and 24 females with a mean age of 42 years old (ranged, 20 to 68). Among these patients, 36 patients were treated with odontoid screw fixation, 16 patients with C1,2 transarticular screw fixation, 23 patients with C2,3 steel plate fixation, 5 patients with odontoid screw and transarticular screw fixation,2 patients with odontoid screw and C2.3 steel plate fixation, 1 patient with C1,2 transarticular screw and C2,3 steel plate fixation.

RESULTSOne patient with completely cervical vertebrae cord injury died of pulmonary infection after C1,2 transarticular screw fixation. Other patients were followed up from 8 to 36 months with an average of 15 months. Upper cervical vertebrae stability were restored without vertebral artery and spinal cord injury. Thirty-six patients were treated with odontoid screw fixation and 5 patients were treated with screw combined with transarticular screw fixation obtained bone union in the dentations without bone graft. Among the 16 patients treated with C1,2 transarticular screw fixation, 13 patients obtained bone union after bone graft; 1 patient died of pulmonary infection after surgery; 1 patient with comminuted odontoid fracture of type II C and atlantoaxial anterior dislocation did not obtain bone union after bone graft,but the fibrous healing was strong enough to maintain the atlantoaixal joint stability; 1 patient with obsolete atlantoaxial anterior dislocation were re-treated with Brooks stainless steel wire fixation and bone graft through posterior approach, and finally obtained bone union.

CONCLUSIONIt could obtain satisfactory effects depending on the difference of cervical vertebrae instability to choose the correctly surgical method.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged

Animals ; Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Osteosarcoma ; pathology ; secondary

OBJECTIVETo investigate the hepatotoxic effects of accidental intravenous diethylene glycol (DEG.) poisoning in patients with liver disease.

METHODSClinical data and liver function results were obtained from 64 patients with liver diseases who had been accidentally treated with diethyl glycol-contaminated agent and 45 cases with hepatorenal failure. The hepatotoxic effects of diethylene glycol DEG on the patients with liver diseases were assessed by multivariable logistical regression analysis.

RESULTSOf the 64 cases with liver diseases, 15 cases (23.4%) developed toxic presentations following the accidental administration of DEG. All affected cases were male. Twelve of the 15 poisoned patients (80%), died within 7 days of exposure to DEG. The most common clinical manifestations included kidney damage, renal failure, metabolic acidosis, and nerve system disturbances. The intravenous administration of DEG resulted in only mild liver function impairment. In terms of risk factors, both gender (r = 4.266, P less than 0.05) and the severity of jaundice prior to DEG administration were related to the occurrence of toxin-induced renal failure (r = 7.640, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSDEG may worsen liver damage in patients with liver diseases.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; etiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ethylene Glycols ; poisoning ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Diseases ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Medication Errors ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo screen the differentially expressing genes between silicotic lung tissue and normal lung tissue, to identify the differentially expressing genes of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) and Cathepsin E and to explore the roles of those genes in silicosis development.

METHODSThirty male SD rats were divided randomly into two groups: control group (6 rats) and exposure group (24 rats) which was exposed to SiO2 by intra-tracheal perfusion. On the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th days after exposure, 8 rats in model group and 2 rats in control group were executed and the lung tissues were obtained. The morphologic changes of lung tissues were observed with HE staining and VG staining under a light microscope. The gene microarrays were used to identify differentially expressing genes of lung tissues in rats exposed to SiO2 for 60 days. Two significantly up-regulated genes, MMP-12 and Cathepsin E, were validated using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot assay.

RESULTSA total of 338 differentially expressing genes were identified from the 26 962 genes between silicotic rats and normal rats, including 267 up-regulated genes and 71 down-regulated genes. The results of RT-PCR showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th days, the mRNA expression levels of MMP-12 were 4.306, 5.338, 6.713 times higher than those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of Cathepsin E were 1.434, 2.974, 3.889 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. The results of immunohistochemical showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30th, 60th and 90th days, the mRNA expression levels of MMP-12 were 1.435, 1.746, 2.069 times higher than those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of Cathepsin E were 1.372, 1.663, 2.103 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. The results of immunohistochemical showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30th, 60th and 90th days, the expression levels of MMP-12 protein were 1.214, 1.531, 1.959 times higher than those in the control group, the expression levels of Cathepsin E protein were 1.262, 1.828, 1.907 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-12 and Cathepsin E in lung tissues of exposure group were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe differentially expressing genes in rat lung tissues screened by gene chip were validated, which suggested that a complex gene regulatory network may be contributed to occurrence of silicosis. MMP-12 and Cathepsin E genes may be involved in the development of silicotic pulmonary fibrosis by degrading the basement membrane of alveolar wall and participating in the immune response.

Animals ; Cathepsin E ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Silicosis ; genetics ; metabolism

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Urban Population ; Young Adult