UNLABELLEDOBJECTIVE To study the in vitro effect and mechanism of Ginkgo biloba Extract 50 (GBE50) for inhibiting beta-amyloid (Abeta)-induced oxidative stress in rats' hippocampal neurons.

METHODSThe primary hippocampal neurons were cultured in vitro and divided into 4 groups, i. e. the normal control group (Ctrl), the Abeta group, the propanediol control group (PDO), and the six GBE50 concentrations groups (5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 microg/mL). Excepted the Ctrl group, neurons were induced to oxidative stress by 20 gmolLAbeta25-35. The MTT and fluorescent probes labeling were used to observe the effect of GBE50 with different concentrations on the cell viability and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neurons. Furthermore, Western blot was used to detect the cytoplasmic/total cytochrome C (Cyto C) ratio and total intracytoplasmal Cyto C, and the effect of the expression of oxidative stress-related protein Cyto C and activated Caspase-3 in three GBE50 concentrations groups (25, 50, and 100 microg/mL).

RESULTSCompared with the Ctrl group, the cell vitality was obviously lowered and intracellular ROS generation significantly increased after induction of 20 micromol/L Abeta25-35 (both P < 0.05). Compared with the Abeta group, the cell vitality was evidently improved after treated with different GBE50 doses. Except for 10 microg/mL, the cell vitality could be obviously elevated along with increased drug concentrations (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the intracellular ROS generation decreased significantly in each GBE50 dose groups (P < 0.05). Abeta could increase the cytoplasmic/total Cyto C ratio and enhance the activated Caspase-3 expression significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the Abeta group, among the three concentrations of GBE50, the Cyto C ratio was obviously lowered in the 100 microg/mL GBE50 group (P < 0.05), and the expression of activated Caspase-3 significantly decreased in 50 microg/mL and 100 microg/mL GBE50 groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS20 micromol/L Abeta25-35 could induce the generation of intracellular ROS in hippocampal neurons. GBE50 could inhibit Abeta induced intracellular oxidative stress of neurons through lowering the cytoplasmic/total Cyto C ratio and inhibiting the activation of apoptosis protein Caspase-3 expression.

Amyloid beta-Peptides ; toxicity ; Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytochromes c ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Neurons ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Peptide Fragments ; toxicity ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Hainantoxin-IV (HNTX-IV) purified from the venom of the spider Selenocosmia hainana is a potent antagonist that acts on tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TrX-S) sodium channels. It is a 35-residue polypeptide and includes three disulfide bridges. In order to investigate the structure-function relationship of HNTX-IV, two mutants (S12A-HNTX-IV and R29A-HNTX-IV) of HNTX-TV in which Ser12 and Arg29 were replaced by Ala respectively, were synthesized by solid-phase Fmoc chemistry, followed by oxidative refolding of purified peptides under the optimal conditions. The synthetic mutants were analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and electrophysiological experiments for molecular weight, conformation and physiological activity, respectively. The results show that the mutants and native HNTX-IV (nHNTX-IV) have almost identical three-dimensional structures. The bioactivity level of S12A-HNTX-IV is also about the same as that of nHNTX-IV, suggesting that Ser12 does not play any important role for the bioactivity of this toxin. The bioactivity of R29A-HNTX-IV is reduced by at last 155 times, indicating that Arg29 is a key residue relative to the bioactivity of HNTX-IV. It is presumed that the decrease in activity of R29A-HNTX-IV is due to the changes of the property in the binding site rather than the change in the basic conformation of the molecule.
Amino Acid Substitution ; Animals ; Mutation ; Sodium Channel Blockers ; Sodium Channels ; drug effects ; physiology ; Spider Venoms ; chemical synthesis ; genetics ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Tetrodotoxin ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationships between quality of life, negative life events, social support and suicide ideation among undergraduates in colleges.

METHODS3517 undergraduates in colleges were recruited by multistage stratified random clustered sampling method. Factors associated with suicide ideation were analyzed with logistic regression by scores of Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation(BSSI), Generic Quality of Life Inventory (GQOLI), Adolescent Self-rate Life Events Checklist (ASLEC), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and a questionnaire on background information.

RESULTSThe rate of suicide ideation within 7 days was 14.1%, especially in females (15.96%), with single parent (23.79%) and disabled undergraduates (25.00%). The primary risk factors for suicide ideation were with low psychological function, material life, family/social support, lower availability of support and more negative life events.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of suicide ideation among these undergraduates was high, appropriate measures focusing on these risk factors should be implemented.

China ; epidemiology ; Cluster Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Self-Injurious Behavior ; epidemiology ; Students ; psychology ; Suicide ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To determine the status of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the association of multiple ACEs with both parental alcoholism and later personal alcohol abuse among Chinese medical students with a view of improving adolescent health and reducing alcohol abuse among them. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 2073 Chinese medical students completed a survey on ten categories of ACEs in Anhui province of China. The association of parental alcoholism with ACEs and personal lcohol abuse was assessed by logistic regression analyses. Results The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for each category of ACEs in the subjects whose parents (either fathers or mothers or oth) had alcohol abuse was 2 to 14 times higher than that inthose with parental alcoholism (P<0.05). Subjects with i-parental alcoholism had the highest likelihood of ACEs. Compared with the subjects without ACEs, the risk of personal alcohol abuse was increased by 2-4-folds in the subjects with ACEs, irrespective of parental alcoholism (P<0.05). The total number of ACEs (ACE score) had a graded relationship to 4 categories of personal alcohol abuse with or without parental alcoholism. The prevalence of personal alcohol abuse among the subjects with parental alcoholism was higher, which was ndependent of ACE scores. Conclusion The prevalence of ACEs is generally serious in China. Efforts should be made to prevent and treat children with ACEs and subsequently to reduce alcohol abuse and later problems.

BACKGROUNDNerve growth factor (NGF) is well-known for its important role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. Along with its neurotrophic role, NGF has been detected in the testis of mouse, rat and human, suggesting an additional non-neurotrophic effect in the male reproductive system. The expression of β-NGF in the undescended testes (cryptorchidism) has not been detected at present. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of β-nerve growth factor mRNA and protein in experimental cryptorchidism.

METHODSA unilateral mechanical cryptorchidism model in the Sprague-Dawley rat was established and the expression of β-NGF with histologic changes in experimental cryptorchidism were investigated using one step quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization histochemistry, immunofluorescence and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

RESULTSThe expression of β-NGF mRNA and protein were both significantly decreased in the development of unmarred testis and cryptorchidism-induced testis, and the decrease of β-NGF in cryptorchidism-induced testis was far greater than that in uninjured testis.

CONCLUSIONFrom this investigation, we confirmed a lower expression of β-NGF in undescended testes than in the development of testis.

Animals ; Cryptorchidism ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Nerve Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the vasorelaxant effect of puerarin in rat aortic rings and the mechanism.

METHODThe isolated thoracic aortic rings of male Sprague-Dawley rats were mounted on the organ bath and the contractile responses of the vessel were recorded.

RESULTPuerarin completely relaxed the contractions induced by phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat aorta, but it had no effect on those preconstricted by a high concentration of potassium chloride (KCl, 60 mmol x L(-1)). The relaxant effect of puerarin was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of endothelium-denuded aorta with potassium channel antagonists tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine but not glibenclamide.

CONCLUSIONPuerarin induces an endothelium-independent relaxation in rat aortic rings. The mechanisms may involve the reduction in Ca2+ influx through the calcium channels operated by alpha-adrenergic receptor and the activation of the potassium channels (Kv and BKca, but not KATP).

4-Aminopyridine ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; physiology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Isoflavones ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Male ; Phenylephrine ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Potassium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Potassium Channels ; drug effects ; Pueraria ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tetraethylammonium ; pharmacology ; Vasoconstriction ; drug effects ; Vasodilation ; drug effects ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate risks and clinical effects of operative treatment for cervical vertebral fracture and dislocation associated with unilateral vertebral artery injury.

METHODSThis group consisted of 76 cases of closed cervical spine trauma combined with unilateral vertebral artery injury (23 cases of bilateral facet dislocation, 28 unilateral facet dislocation and 25 fracture). All patients underwent prospective examination of cervical spine MRI and vertebral artery two-dimensional time-of-flight (2D TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and anterior cervical decompression. The healthy vertebral artery paths were evaluated before the surgery, and were protected during the surgery according to the anatomical signs.

RESULTSThere were no acute or chronic clinical damage symptoms in 76 cases after surgery. No neural damage symptoms were observed in patients with normal neural functions. The neural functions of incomplete paralyzed patients were improved in different grades.

CONCLUSIONSReliable anterior operation can produce good results for cervical fracture and dislocation with unilateral vertebral artery injury. Detecting the course of uninjured vertebral artery before operation and locating the anatomical site during operation are effective to avoid damaging vertebral artery of uninjured side.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Vertebral Artery ; injuries ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of six Kaixin San formulas on simulated cells model of depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

METHODThe in vitro simulated cells model of depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease was established by injuring SH-SY5Y cells with corticosterone (0.4 mmol x L(-1)) , injuring PC12 cells with neurotoxic amyloid peptide (Abeta25-35) (20 micromol x L(-1)) and injuring SH-SY5Y cells with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) (250 micromol x L(-1)). The cell survival rate was assayed with MTT method and the degree of cell injury was detected with LDH.

RESULT100, 500 mg x L(-1) Dingzhixiao Wan prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang could significantly increase the survival ratio of SH-SY5Y cells injured by corticosterone and reduce LDH concentration released. All of the Kaixin San formulas could significantly increase the survival ratio of PC12 cells injured by Abeta25-35 and reduce LDH concentration released. Particularly, Kaixin San (10, 100, 500 mg L(-1)) prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang shown the best effect. And 500 mg x L(-1) Fushen Wan prepared as mentioned in Gujin Luyan could significantly increase survival ratio of SH-SY5Y cell injured by MPP and reduce LDH concentration released.

CONCLUSIONDingzhixiao Wan prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang could protect corticosterone-induced SH-SY5Ycells injury, showing a potential antidepressant effect. All of the six Kaixin San formulas could protect Abeta25-35-induced PC12 cells injury, but Kaixin San prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang shown the best potential effect for Alzheimer's disease. Fushen Wan prepared as mentioned in Gujin Luyan could protect MPP(+)-induced SH-SY5Y cells injury to some extent.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ; toxicity ; Alzheimer Disease ; drug therapy ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; toxicity ; Animals ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; PC12 Cells ; Parkinson Disease ; drug therapy ; Peptide Fragments ; toxicity ; Rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of myocardial viability on left ventricular function after elective revascularization in patients with myocardial infarction by 99Tcm-MIBI and 18F-FDG dual-isotope simultaneous acquisition (DISA) myocardial perfusion-metabolic imaging. Methods Ninety-one patients clinically confirmed of myocardial infarction underwent DISA imaging. Based on the results of echocardiography, the patients were divided into heart failure group (group A) and normal cardiac function group (group B). After PCI, left ventricular function was measured by echocardiography in 1, 3 and 6 months. The t-test and χ2-test were used to compare the difference between the two groups using SPSS 13.0. Results The average number of diseased segments by myocardial perfusion imaging was 9.8±3.5 and 5.4±2.6 in groups A and B, respectively (t=6.87, P<0.01). The average number of diseased segments by myocardial metabolic imaging was 7.5±3.4 and 4.6±2.8 in groups A and B, respectively (t=4.46, P<0.01). There were 173 segments with viable myocardium (173/458: 37.8%) in group A and 188 segments with viable myocardium (188/307: 61.2%) in group B (χ2=40.61, P<0.001). The summed perfusion score (SPS), summed metabolism score (SMS) and summed difference score (SDS=SMS-SPS) were 28.43±11.86 vs 21.36±9.54, 20.17±8.52 vs 15.19±5.74 and 0.39±3.17 vs -12.72±4.55, respectively in groups A and B (t=3.15, P<0.01; t=3.32, P<0.01; t=15.59, P<0.01). The mean change of LVEF (ΔLVEF) and the mean change of left ventricular end-diastole dimension (ΔLVEDd) of the patients with more than 4 viable myocardial segments in group A were significantly more than those in group B( (12.81±2.62)% vs (5.90±1.91)%, t=16.33, P<0.001; (-13.13±4.20) mm vs (-7.75±2.31) mm, t=6.86, P<0.001). However, the ΔLVEF and ΔLVEDd of the patients with less than 4 viable myocardial segments in group A were significantly less than those in group B (t=3.25, P<0.01; t=4.92, P<0.001). Conclusion The amount of viable myocardium in infarct myocardium is an important factor for left ventricular function recovery after elective revascularization.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; metabolism ; Male ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar