Background:Cytapheresis has been used gradually in the treatment of ulcerative colitis( UC),however,its efficacy is still controversial. Aims:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of cytapheresis on UC. Methods:PubMed, Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP database were retrieved to collect the randomized controlled trials( RCTs)using cytapheresis for UC. Article selection,data extraction and quality evaluation were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5. 3 software. Results:A total of 20 RCTs involving 1 354 UC patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that cytapheresis was superior to conventional therapy or sham procedure in inducing clinical response(RR=1. 36,95% CI:1. 20-1. 55,P﹤0. 000 01), clinical remission(RR=1. 38,95% CI:1. 15-1. 66,P=0. 000 5)and maintenance of remission(RR=2. 92,95% CI:1. 40-6. 08,P=0. 004 ),and no differences in adverse events were found( RR =0. 37,95% CI:0. 11-1. 24,P =0. 110). Conclusions:Cytapheresis has porfound effect on induction of clinical response, clinical remission and maintenance of remission,and is safe as well. However,the conclusion should be verified by more large-scale and multi-center RCTs.

BACKGROUND:Mechanical, inflammatory, and biochemical factors, particularly matrix metaloproteinases and reactive oxygen lead to chondrocyte degeneration in osteoarthritis. Curcumin has been shown to be a potent antioxidant; however, its protective effects against chondrocyte degeneration in osteoarthritis remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of curcumin on articular cartilage of osteoarthritis in rats.
METHODS:A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into model group (positive control,n=15) and normal group (negative control,n=15). Rat models of traumatic osteoarthritis were established, and then cartilage cels were isolated from articular cartilage and culturedin vitro. Chondrocytes were treated with curcumin (curcumin group) or PDTC (an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B) for 24 hours. The expression level of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 in nucleus and cytoplasm in chondrocytes were determined by western blot assay and immunofluorescence. Moreover, mRNA expressions of type II colagen, matrix metaloproteinase-1 and -13 were analyzed using RT-qPCR.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Nuclear factor-kappa B P65 protein was mainly expressed in nucleus, but few in cytoplasm in positive control group; the reversed results were found in the curcumin group. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 was observed mainly in nucleus in the positive control group; however, that was observed mainly in cytoplasm in the negative control, curcumin, and PDTC groups. Matrix metaloproteinase-1 and -13 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased, while type II colagen mRNA expression was significantly increased in the curcumin group compared with the positive control group. These findings indicated that curcumin protect chondrocytes against degeneration through inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, suppressing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 and inhibiting the expressions of matrix metaloproteinase-1 and -13, which are responsible for upregulation of type II colagen expression.

Objective To investigate the change of 25-hydroxyl vitamin D level and its impact on glucose metabolism and bone mineral density in type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty-eight cases of type 2 diabetic patients in our hospital were collected.In accordance with 25 (OH) D =50 nmol/L for the critical values,they were grouped into vitamin D deficiency group ( n =192) and the relative lack of vitamin D group ( n =66).Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement of the lumbar vertebrae L2 - L4 and femoral neck bone mineral density were undertaking.Taking the total value of the lumbar spine,femoral neck and total value as judgment indicators,homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR),we collected and statistically analyzed glucose metabolism and bone metabolism indicators in patients with diabetes.Results Among 258 cases of type 2 diabetes,there were 57 cases of osteoporosis accounting for 22.1％.There was significant difference on the duration of diabetes [ (7.98 ± 1.09 ) years old vs (3.77 ± 1.21 ) years old,t =4.849,P ＜0.05],FINS [ (6.42 ± 1.30) mU/L vs (5.79 ± 1.08) mU/L,t =3.871,P ＜0.05] and HOMA-IR [ (2.35 ±0.54) vs ( 1.85 ±0.41 ),t =2.705,P ＜0.05],but no significant difference on the FPG and HbA1c ( P ＞ 0.05 ) between two groups.PTH [ ( 36.51 ± 7.59) ng/L vs ( 32.02 ± 6.89 ) ng/L,t =2.008,P ＜ 0.05 ],bone mineral density in the lumbar total value [ (0.87 ±0.14) g/cm2 vs (0.99 ±0.12) g/cm2,t =2.799,P ＜0.05 ],femoral neck Neck [ ( 0.70 ± 0.10 ) g/cm2 vs ( 0.79 ± 0.11 ) g/cm2,t =2.564,P ＜ 0.05 ] and Total [ (0.84 ± 0.14) g/cm2 vs (0.97 ± 0.15 ) g/cm2,t =3.340 P ＜ 0.05 ] were statistically different,but no significant difference on the rest of the indicators.Conclusion The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found in patients with diabetes.Vitamin D level could affect insulin resistance and glycemic control and bone mineral density level.Therefore,routine vitamin D testing to the diabetic patients and giving vitamin D replacement therapy to vitamin D deficiency patients in a timely manner were necessary.

Objective To observe the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-aza-CdR)on the normal epithelial specific-1 gene(NES1)and the growth of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice,and to explore the possible anti-tumor mechanisms and search for new treatment for gastric cancer.Methods Human gastric caner xenograft model in nude mice was established and treated with 5-aza-CdR.The growth of xenografts in nude mice was observed,and the status of methylation and protein expression of NES1 gene were detected by MSP and immunohistochemistry respectirely.Results After treatment with 5-aza-CdR,the growth of the xenografts in nude mice was greatly inhibited(P

Background:Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures and has significant psychological and social consequence for everyday living.Epilepsy affects various aspects of ones' social life.The present study aimed to investigate the influence of marital status on the quality of life of adult Chinese patients with epilepsy.Methods:This study surveyed 805 Chinese adults who have been clinically diagnosed with epilepsy for longer than 1 year in 11 hospitals in Beijing.In this survey,532 (66.1％) participants were married.All of them completed the case report form with enquiries on demographic data,social factors,and illness.The marriage status of adult epileptic quality of life was the dependent variable,and demographic data and clinical data were independent variables,analyzed through the multiple linear regression analysis methods.The patients' quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life in patients with Epilepsy-31 items (QOLIE-31) questionnaire,the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9),and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7).Results:The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores in the unmarried group (PHQ-9 =6.0 and GAD-7 =5.0) were significantly higher than that of the married group (PHQ-9 =4.0 and GAD-7 =3.0).The scores of married adult patients with epilepsy on QOLIE (61.8 ± 15.3) and social function (70.9 ± 22.7) were higher than the scores of the unmarried patients aged between 20 and 44 years.The scores of married adult epileptics on the QOLIE (58.4 ± 14.6) and the energy/fatigue (62.1 ± 20.4) were higher than the scores of the unmarried patients (QOLIE =58.4 ± 14.6 and the energy/fatigue =62.1 ± 20.4) aged between 45 and 59 years.For the adult epilepsy patients,depression,anxiety,seizures within the last year,disease course,medical expense category,and marriage* age are negatively correlated with the quality of life.Occupation,educational level,and average monthly income are closely related to the quality of life.Conclusions:Married adult epileptic patients have better quality of life than that of unmarried adult patients in young and middle-aged age groups.Unmarried adult patients with epilepsy are more anxious and depressed than married adult patients.

OBJECTIVETo examine the effects of H-ras gene silence on cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma -M (SACC-M) cell lines.

METHODSThe plasmid H-ras-shRNA, containing the sequence of shRNA targeting H-ras, and HK-shRNA (without interfering effect) were constructed and transfected into SACC-M cells. The cell line with shRNA plasmid stable expression was isolated by G418. The expression levels of H-ras were detected by RT-PCR and protein immunofluorescent assay; cell cycle and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The proliferation of cell was also determined by subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice.

RESULTSAfter transfection of H-ras-shRNA plasmid, the mRNA expression of H-ras in SACC-M cells was down-regulated by 61.80% and protein expression of H-ras was inhibited by 62.76%; the cell proliferation was inhibited obviously; the G0G1 phase cells were increased. The cell apoptosis rate of H-ras-shRNA group was significantly higher than that of HK-shRNA group (P <0.05). The volume of subcutaneous tumor in nude mice was significantly smaller in Hras-shRNA group than in control group.

CONCLUSIONSThe recombinant plasmid HRAS-shRNA could efficiently down-regulate the expression of H-ras gene and protein, induce apoptosis of SACC-M cells and simultaneously inhibit proliferation of these cells in vitro and in vivo.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; genetics ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Transfection

AIMTo investigate the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expressions in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the effect of beta-radiation.

METHODSTGF-beta1 and bFGF expression was studied by means of an immunohistochemical method in nine normal prostatic (NP) tissues, 15 hyperplastic prostatic tissues and 35 hyperplastic prostatic tissues treated with 90Sr/90Y.

RESULTSThe TGF-beta1 expression in the epithelium and stroma of normal prostatic tissues was 68.2 % +/- 10.5 % and 29.7 % +/- 4.6 %, respectively, while it was 64.8 % +/- 9.3 % and 28.6 % +/- 4.1 %, respectively, in hyperplastic prostatic tissues. Compared with the controls, TGF-beta1 expression in the epithelia and stroma of BPH treated with 90Sr/90Y increased significantly (P <0.01). The bFGF expression in epithelia and stroma of normal prostatic tissues was 17.4 % +/- 3.7 % and 42.5 % +/- 6.8 %, respectively, and was 46.3 % +/- 8.2 % and 73.2 % +/- 12.1 %, respectively, in hyperplastic prostatic tissues. Compared with the controls, expressions of bFGF in the epithelia and stroma of BPH treated with a 90Sr/90Y prostatic hyperplasia applicator decreased significantly (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONExposure of beta-rays had noticeable effects on BPH tissues, enhancing TGF-beta1 expression and inhibiting bFGF expression.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Beta Particles ; Case-Control Studies ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; radiotherapy ; Strontium Radioisotopes ; therapeutic use ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; Yttrium Radioisotopes ; therapeutic use

Objective To analyze three different classification criteria, the clinical characteristics of antiphospholipid syndrome(APS)in a cohort of Chinese patients. Methods From January 1996 to October 2006, APS patients diagnosed with different classification criteria were retrospectively studied. Results There were totally 120 APS patients fulfilled at least one criterion, One hundred and one patients fulfilled the 1988 Asherson criteria, 96 patients fulfilled the 1999 Sapporo criteria, and 115 patients fulfilled the 2006 Sydney criteria. The ratio of male to female in a cohort of 115 definite APS patients was 1 to 10.5. The mean period of the disease until entry into the study was 82.6 months, the mean age at study entry was(41?12)years. Ninety patients had thrombosis episodes, among which the most common presenting manifestations were deep venous thrombosis, stroke and skin vasculitis. Forty-six of 92 married women in our cohort had fetal morbidity. Catas- trophic APS occurred in 7 patients. The presence of anticardiolipin antibodies(aCL)was detected in 86 pa- tients, anti-beta-2 glycoproteinⅠantibodies in 58 patients and lupus anticoagulant(LA)in 27 patients. Conclusion The most common presenting manifestations are deep venous thrombosis, stroke and cutaneous manifestations. The sensitivity of Sydney classification criteria is improved by adding anti-beta-2 glycopreteinⅠantibody as one of the laboratory criteria. However, primary APS patients who only presented with thrombo- cytupenia and positive laboratory tests could not satisfy this criterion. In addition, the significance of autoanti- bodies to some coagulant factors in APS needs further study.

Sarcopenia and physical deconditioning are common complications in patients with liver cancer,which are frequently caused by insufficient physical activity and poor nutritional status,resulting in physical frailty and a significant impact on the patient's physical fitness.Notably,sarcopenia,frailty,and poor cardiopulmonary endurance have all been linked to higher mortality rates among patients with liver cancer.Exercise intervention significantly improves various health parameters in liver cancer patients,including metabolic syndrome,muscle wasting,cardiorespiratory endurance,health-related quality of life,and reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient.However,the link between physical exercise and liver cancer is commonly overlooked.In this article,we will examine the impact of exercise on liver cancer and present the most recent evidence on the best types of exercise for various stages of liver cancer.This article also summarizes and discusses the molecular mechanisms that control metabolism and systemic immune function in tumors.In brief,physical exercise should be considered an important intervention in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer and its complications.

OBJECTIVETo study the feature of apoptosis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) induced by recombined human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) in nude mice, and to evaluate the related genes expression of apoptosis.

METHODSTwelve SPF grade 4 approximately 5 weeks old female Balb/c nude mice were selected in this study. SACC-83 cells were collected to 6 x 10(7) per milliliter and injected subcutaneously. Group A and B were experimental group which was given 100 x 10(4) IU/kg TNF-alpha or 10 x 10(4) IU/kg TNF-alpha respectively. Group C was only given normal saline and used as normal control. The investigations were adopted by using both light and transmission electron microscope (LM and TEM), flow cytometer and In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit. The evaluations of bax and bcl-2 expression were utilized by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe percentage of apoptosis of transplanted tumors was much higher than that of the control (P<0.01). Apoptotic cells were calcified and grit bodies were formed. Apoptotic cells expressed and contained significantly higher proportions of both bax and bcl-2 proteins (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIt is suggested that calcification may be the obvious feature and the last outcome of the apoptosis of SACC transplanted tumors. Apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha can increase the expressions of bax and bcl-2.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; chemistry ; pathology ; therapy ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; analysis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology ; therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein