Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents in the branch of Cleastrus hindsii from Yunnan province. Methods: The compounds were separated and purified by column chromatography with silica gel, RP C18, Sephadex LH-20 columns, and preparative TLC. Their structures were elucidated by the basis of spectroscopic methods and chemical evidences. Results: Four flavanes were isolated from 80% ethanol extract from the branch of C. hindsii and identified as (2S)-7, 3'-dimethoxy-6, 4'-dihydroxyflavan (1), 6, 7, 3'-trimethoxy-4'-hydroxyflavan (2), 6, 7-dimethoxy-3', 4'-dihydroxyflavan (3), and (2S)-7, 3'-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxyflavan (4), respectively. Conclusion: Compounds 1-3 are new flavanes with X-ray data, named hindsiflavane A-C, and compounds 2 and 3 are a couple of enantiomers, respectively. Compound 4 is isolated from this plant for the first time.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Meningeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Meningioma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Mucin-1 ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vimentin ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression on apoptosis of thymocyte in burn rats, and to explore the relationship between NO and pathological lesion of the thymus gland in burn rats.

METHODSFifty-six male Wistar rats were enrolled in the study and randomized into control( C, n = 8,without treatment) , burn ( B, n = 24) , and S-methylisothiourea( SMT, n = 24) groups. Equal amount of isotonic saline solution and SMT(7. 5 mg/kg) were respectively intravenously infused into the rats in B and SMT groups after being inflicted with 30% TBSA full-thickness burns. The weight of thymus gland in each group were weighed, and thymocyte apoptosis and iNOS expression were determined with TUNEL method and immunohistochemistry, respectively at 6,24,72 postburn hours( PBH) , with 8 rats at each time-point. The number of apoptotic cells and the density of iNOS positive cells in thymus was measured by stereological method.

RESULTSThe weight of thymus in B group at 24 and 72 PBH [ (153+/- 14) , (91+/-22) mg] were obviously heavier than those in C group, but much lighter than those in SMT group ( P < 0.01). A few apoptotic cells and iNOS positive cells were observed in cortex and medulla of thymus in C group, while they were observed in B group at 6 PBH, and the number of cells began to increase at 24 PBH, distributing in medulla,parenchyma, the boundary of cortex, and medulla under capsule. The iNOS positive cells in B group at 24 PBH were distributed around the interlobular septum. A large number of cortical cells with brown staining were observed in B group at 72 PBH, and the number of iNOS positive cells also increased, with scattered distribution and clear cell boundary. Fewer positive cells with uneven distribution, no iNOS positive cells, and few apoptotic foci were observed in SMT group after burns. The density of apoptotic cells in B group at 24 and 72 PBH was (2. 428 +/-0. 728) x 10(-5)/microm(3) and (5. 586 +/- 1.233) x 10(-5)/microm(3), respectively, which was obviously higher than that in C and SMT group. The density of iNOS positive cells in B group was increased in a time-dependent manner( P <0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThe apoptotic rate of thymocyte in severely burn rats increases early after burns. The up-regulation of iNOS expression in thymus can promote apoptosis of thymocytes, while SMT can partially ameliorate this phenomenon.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Burns ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Isothiuronium ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; metabolism ; Organ Size ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Thymus Gland ; cytology ; metabolism

The effects of mangiferin on uric acid excretion, kidney function and related renal transporters were investigated in hyperuricemic mice induced by potassium oxonate. Mice were divided into normal control group, and 5 hyperuricemic groups with model control, 50, 100, and 200 mg x kg(-1) mangiferin, and 5 mg x kg(-1) allopurinol. Mice were administered by gavage once daily with 250 mg x kg(-1) potassium oxonate for seven consecutive days to create the model. And 3 doses of mangiferin were orally initiated on the day 1 h after potassium oxonate was given, separately. Serum uric acid, creatinine and urea nitrogon levels, as well as urinary uric acid creatinine levels were measured. Mouse uromodulin (mUMOD) levels in serum, urine and kidney were determined by ELISA method. The mRNA and protein levels of related renal transporters were assayed by RT-PCR and Western blotting methods, respectively. Compared to model group, mangiferin significantly reduced serum uric acid, creatinine and urea nitrogon levels, increased 24 h uric acid and creatinine excretion, and fractional excretion of uric acid in hyperuricemic mice, exhibiting uric acid excretion enhancement and kidney function improvement. Mangiferin was found to down-regulate mRNA and protein levels of urate transporter 1 (mURAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (mGLUT9), as well as up-regulate organic anion transporter 1 (mOAT1) in the kidney of hyperuricemic mice. These findings suggested that mangiferin might enhance uric acid excretion and in turn reduce serum uric acid level through the decrease of uric acid reabsorption and the increase of uric acid secretion in hyperuricemic mice. Moreover, mangiferin remarkably up-regulated expression levels of renal organic cation and carnitine transporters (mOCT1, mOCT2, mOCTN1 and mOCTN2), increased urine mUMOD levels, as well as decreased serum and kidney mUMOD levels in hyperuricemic mice, which might be involved in mangiferin-mediated renal protective action.
Animals ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Creatinine ; blood ; Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hyperuricemia ; blood ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; urine ; Kidney ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Octamer Transcription Factor-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Organic Anion Transport Protein 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Organic Anion Transporters ; genetics ; metabolism ; Organic Cation Transport Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Organic Cation Transporter 2 ; Oxonic Acid ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5 ; Uric Acid ; blood ; urine ; Uromodulin ; blood ; urine ; Xanthones ; pharmacology

Objective To investigate the constitution,density changes and carrier rate about Yersinia pestis of rodents in plague foci,and to provide the scientific evidence for plague prevention.Methods According to the program of national monitoring plague,two survey procedures,namely quadrat of single-ha for 24 h and 5 m mouse jam,were used to monitor the host animals; culture and identification of Yersinia pestis in liver or spleen of the experimental animals was carried out by using self-made medium in the north of Beiyuanzi village in Dingbian town Shaanxi province.Results One hundred twelve rodents were captured using the first procedures and the rodent average density was 8.62 ind./hm2 and six species of rodents were found namely Meriones unguiculatus ( 100 individuals),Microtusfortis(5 individuals),Ochotona daurica(3 individuals),Meriones meridianus (2 individuals),Mus musculus Linnaeus (1 individual) and Cricetulus barabensis (1 individual).One hundred seventy-three field mouses were captured using the second procedures including Mus musculus Linnaeus (136 individuals),Cricetulus barabensis (36 individuals),and Microtus fortis ( 1 individual ).Among them,Microtus fortis was found in the salt marshes in the southern edge of Ordos Plateau steppe in plague area of Dingbian county.Yersinia pestis was not identified in all animals.Conclusions Microtus fortis is found in natural foci of plague in Shaanxi province for the first time,and a new geographic region was found.Its epidemiological significance needs further study.

Objective To research the morphological classification of inferior angle of scapula based on CT 3D reconstruction and its clinical significance. Methods A total of 290 scapular bones data were collected from People's Hospital of Lu Xian County and measured based on CT 3D reconstruction. The scapular bones images were reconstructed by CT 3D technique. Reference points; g was the inferior scapular angle, n was the inferior glenotubular nodule, m was the intersection of the scapular ganglion and the medial edge of the scapula, k was the upper scapular angle, r was the notch of the scapular glenoid, h was the intersection of point g to mr. The parameters of inferior angles of 290 scapular bones, including the thickness of point g (the thickest part of inferior angle of the scapula), the length of the line gn, line gm, and line gh, and the angle of ∠ ngm, ∠ gmk (the projection of the scapular coronal plane), and ∠ gmk' (the projection of the scapular sagittal plane) were observed and measured by CT 3D technique. Results Under the CT three-dimensional reconstruction, the inferior angle of scapula was classified into three types; accessory angle-type ( 175, 60. 34%), U-type ( 81, 27. 93%) and V-type (34, 11. 73%). In addition, there was a significant difference between the auxiliary angle type and the V type on the thickest part of the g point and gn (P<0.05); U-type and V-type with paragonai gm-significant difference (P<0.05); There was a significant difference between the auxiliary angle type and the U shape on gh (P<0.05); there was a significant difference between the auxiliary angle type and the U shape on ∠ gmk' (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the inferior angle of the bilateral scapula on mngm (P<0.05). Conclusion Based on the result of CT three-dimensional reconstruction, the inferior angle of scapulae have three anatomical types, with the accessory angle-type as the main type, and the morphology and classification of it are of certain clinical implication.

The epieardial adipose tissue in 210 subjects with or without metabolic syndrome (MS) was measured by echocardiography.The thickness of epicardial adipose tissue in male with MS group was significantly greater than that in men without MS [(9.10?3.59) mm vs (6.82?3.00) mm,P

OBJECTIVETo observe monocyte (Mo) development in wild type C57BL/6 mice and apoE gene knockout (apoE(-/-)) mice, and to evaluate the immuno-regulatory effect of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HJD) on peripheral Mo development in apoE(-/-) mice.

METHODSFour, 8, 12, and 16 weeks old female C57BL/6 mice were set up as control groups of different ages, while 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks old female apoE(-/-) mice were set up as hyperlipidemia groups of different ages. Four-week old female C57BL/6 mice were recruited as a blank group. Four-week old female apoE(-/-) mice were randomly divided into the control group, the Western medicine group, and the Chinese medicine group by paired comparison, 5 in each group. Equivalent clinical dose was administered to mice according to body weight. Mice in the Western medicine group were administered with Atrovastatin at the daily dose of 10 mg/kg by gastrogavage, while those in the Chinese medicine group were administered with HJD at the daily dose of 5 g/kg by gastrogavage. Body weight was detected each week. After 4 weeks blood lipids levels (such as TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C), and the proportions of Mo and Ly6c(hi) were detected.

RESULTSCompared with 4-week-old homogenic mice, the proportion of Mo decreased in 16-week-old C57BL/6 mice (P < 0.05). Levels of TC and TG, and the proportion of Ly6c(hi) subtype increased, but the proportion of Mo de- creased in 8-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P <0. 05). Levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C increased in 12-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05). Levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C increased in 16-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with 8-week-old homogenic mice, the proportion of Mo decreased in 16-week-old C57BL/6 mice (P < 0.05); levels of TC and LDL-C increased in 12-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05); levels of TC and HDL-C increased in 16-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with C57BL/6 mice of the same age, TC and TG increased, HDL-C decreased (P < 0.01) in 4-and 8-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.01); levels of TC, TG, LDL-C increased, and HDL-C level decreased in 12- and 16-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the proportion of Mo increased in 4-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05); proportions of Mo and Ly6c(hi) increased in 8-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C, proportions of Mo and Ly6c(hi) increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), but HDL-C level decreased (P <0. 01) in the control group after intervention. Compared with the control group, body weight gained less in the Western medicine group and the Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05); the proportion of Ly6c(hi) subtype decreased in the Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIn development process blood lipids levels in apoE(-/-) mice are not only associated with age. Blood lipids levels induced growth changes in natural immune system are also correlated with age. In early stage of lipids development HJD intervention could correct this special immune disorder in apoE(-/-) mice.

Animals ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Hyperlipidemias ; Lipids ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Monocytes ; physiology

With the advent of Twenty-First century, more and more genome-wide association studies (GWAS) showed that idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were closely related with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, such as the associations of abacavir-HLA-B*5701, allopurinol-HLA-B*5801, and carbamazepine-HLA-B*1502, etc. To explore the mechanisms of these idiosyncratic drug reactions, hapten hypothesis, danger signal hypothesis, pharmacological interaction (P-I) concept and autoimmune mechanism are proposed. In this paper, recent GWAS studies on the HLA-mediated adverse drug reactions and underlying mechanism are reviewed in detail.
Alleles ; Allopurinol ; adverse effects ; Anti-HIV Agents ; adverse effects ; Anticonvulsants ; adverse effects ; Carbamazepine ; adverse effects ; Dideoxynucleosides ; adverse effects ; Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome ; etiology ; immunology ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; genetics ; immunology ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; adverse effects ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; HLA Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-B Antigens ; immunology ; HLA-B15 Antigen ; immunology ; Humans ; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome ; etiology ; immunology

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E(2)) on the structure and relaxation and contraction activity of thoracic aortas in ovariectomized rats with insulin resistance induced by fructose. Ovariectomized mature female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with high fructose diet for 8 weeks to induce insulin resistance. Physiological dose of 17beta-E(2) (30 mug/kg) was injected subcutaneously every day for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by use of tail-cuff. Serum nitric oxide (NO), estradiol (E(2)), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and fasting serum insulin (FSI) were measured respectively in each group. The insulin sensitive index (ISI) was calculated. The thoracic aortas were fixed in formalin, sliced and HE dyed. The structure of thoracic aortas, lumen breadth, media thickness, media thickness/lumen breadth ratio and media cross-section area were measured. The contraction response of thoracic aorta rings induced by L-phenylephrine (PE) and the relaxation response of thoracic aorta rings induced by ACh and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were measured. To explore the mechanism, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was used. The results obtained are as follows: (1) 17beta-E(2) protected against the effect of high fructose diet, which caused an increase in SBP, hyperinsulinemia and a decrease in ISI in ovariectomized rats. (2) The structure of thoracic aortas had no significant difference among the groups. (3) Compared with the ovariectomized group (OVX) or fructose fed group (F), serum nitric oxide was significantly reduced, the contraction response of thoracic aorta rings to PE was enhanced and the relaxation response to ACh was depressed significantly in ovariectomized+fructose fed group (OVX+F). The effect of high fructose was reversed by 17beta-E(2). After pretreatment with L-NAME, the effect of 17beta-E(2), which enhanced the relaxation response of thoracic aorta rings to ACh in ovariectomized+fructose+17beta-E(2) group (OVX+F+E(2)), was partly blocked. (4) The relaxation response of thoracic aorta rings to SNP had no significant difference among the groups. (5) The contraction response of thoracic aorta rings without endothelium to PE had no significant difference among the groups. These findings suggest that 17beta-E(2) may provide protection against the effect of high fructose diet, which causes hypertension, dysfunction of endothelial cells and insulin resistance. The mechanism of this effect of 17beta-E(2) could be partly associated with the increase of NO by NOS pathway, or associated with the decrease in the level of systolic blood pressure and serum insulin, and the improvement of insulin resistance.
Animals ; Aorta ; physiology ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fructose ; Insulin Resistance ; physiology ; Ovariectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vasoconstriction ; drug effects ; Vasodilation ; drug effects ; Vasomotor System ; drug effects