Calcitonin ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Medullary ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chromogranin A ; metabolism ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary ; metabolism ; pathology ; Synaptophysin ; metabolism ; Thyroglobulin ; metabolism ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transcription Factors

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group and an acupuncture-moxibustion group by random digits table, 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the acupuncture-moxibustion group were injected with papain in the right posterior knee joint to prepare the models. The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in rat synovium of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 2 weeks of treatment. The level of TGF-β1 was determined by Motic B5 Micro-camera system. Results:The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the cartilage of the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (allP<0.01); the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The level of TGF-β1 in cartilage tissues of the model group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.01); the level of TGF-β1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but it was lower than that in the blank control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively recover the abnormal expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in KOA model rats and somewhat up-regulate TGF-β1, which may be one of its mechanisms of acupuncture plus thunder-fire for KOA.

Objectives:To evaluate the use of needle catheter jejunostomy for early enteral nutrition in liver transplant recipients . Methods:Five liver transplant recipients who had indication were performed with needle catheter jejunostomy before abdominal wall closure.The Flocare jejunokath was inserted on the small bowel at the point 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz,continued to go ahead in the wall of the bowel for a distance of about 4～5 cm,and then pierced into bowel lumen.Enteral nutrition was given through jejunostic tube at postoperative 1st day. Results:The time for placing needle catheter jejunostomy during operation was (9.2?2.3)min.The jejunostic tube was used well and pulled out from 14 to 46 days after operation.One patient occurred with jejunostic tube obstruction, and the tube was reused after treatment.No other complication occurred associated with needle catheter jejunostomy. Conclusions:Needle catheter jejunostomy may become the preferable method for early enteral nutrition in indicated liver transplant recipients.

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1)/CD31 around the cerebral infarction focus in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats and the possible mechanism, thus to provide a new strategy for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke by acupuncture. Methods:A total of 180 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group, 45 rats in each group. MCAO model was established using the modified line-embolus method in all rats except for those in the sham operation group; rats in the acupoint group were treated with EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23); rats in the non-acupoint group were treated with EA at the control points; rats in other 2 groups were only subjected to bundling without treatment. Ten rats in each group were randomly selected on the 3rd day, the 14th day and the 21st day after acupuncture stimulation to test the neurological function impairment. The expression levels of CD31 and VEGF were also detected. Results:Compared with the model group and non-acupoint group, the neurological function score of the acupoint group was decreased at each time point, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expressions of VEGF and CD31 in each group were the lowest on the 3rd day, reached the peak on the 14th day and still remained at high level on the 21st day. And the differences among groups were statistically significant both on the 14th day and the 21st day (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group, the expressions of VEGF and CD31 in the acupoint group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (allP<0.05). Conclusion: EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) can significantly improve the neurological function score of MCAO model rats, and shows protective effect on cerebral ischemia. The protective mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of CD31 and VEGF expression around the cerebral infarction focus in the MCAO model rats and induction of angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of adenovirus delivered tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (Ad-TIMP-3) on the biological behaviors of cervical cancer cell lines and to evaluate its potential application in cervical cancer gene therapy.

METHODSWe transferred Ad-TIMP-3 into cervical cancer cells. The TIMP-3 mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR, and the TIMP-3 and p53 protein expressions were assessed with Western blot. The apoptotic changes of cells were illustrated with morphology and DAPI staining. The viability of cells was determined with MTT assay. The abilities of in vitro invasion and adhesion were evaluated by the invasion and adhesion assays respectively.

RESULTSAfter infection, the TIMP-3 mRNA and protein were significantly upregulated in a time-dependent manner. Overexpression of TIMP-3 markedly increased p53 protein level in spite of the backgrounds of p53 gene in cells. Ad-TIMP-3 infection induced massive apoptosis of cervical cancer cells with a marked bystander effect. The abilities of in vitro invasion and adhesion were inhibited significantly (P < 0.01). The cytotoxicity of Ad-TIMP-3 was significantly stronger than that of Ad-p53 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSAd-TIMP-3 infection has cytotoxic effects on cervical cancer cells and can inhibit the expressions of these malignant phenotypes. Ad-TIMP-3 may be a potentially useful agent for cervical cancer gene therapy.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Apoptosis ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; Female ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Humans ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; biosynthesis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

OBJECTIVETo establish a method through which murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be induced into hepatocytes in vitro.

METHODSA conditioned medium of injured hepatocytes (with CCl4 in vivo) was used to culture the isolated MSCs. The differentiated cells were identified by morphological observation, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence assay (for AFP, Albumin, and CK18) and periodic acid schiff reaction (PAS) for glycogen.

RESULTSThe differentiated cells showed characteristics of hepatocytes. PT-PCR detected AFP mRNA on day 5 and it increased gradually until day 15, and then decreased; CK18 mRNA was detected on day 10; TAT was detected on day 20. Immunofluorescence assay for AFP, albumin and CK18 showed positive staining reactions on day 20. PAS positive glycogen granules appeared in the cytoplasm of the differentiated cells.

CONCLUSIONMSCs of adult mice cultured in a conditioned medium of injured hepatocytes can differentiate into hepatocytes. This method can be used in further studying of the mechanism of transdifferentiation of MSCs into hepatocytes.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR

BACKGROUNDTricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequently associated with severe mitral stenosis (MS), the importance of significant TR was often neglected. However, TR influences the outcome of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) procedure in rheumatic heart disease patients with mitral valve (MV) stenosis and tricuspid valve regurgitation.

METHODSTwo hundred and twenty patients were enrolled in this study due to rheumatic heart disease with MS combined with TR. Mitral balloon catheter made in China was used to expand MV. The following parameters were measured before and after PBMV: MV area (MVA), TR area (TRA), atrial pressure and diameter, and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). The patients were followed for 6 months to 9 years.

RESULTSAfter PBMV, the MVAs increased significantly (1.7 ± 0.3 cm 2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.3 cm 2 , P < 0.01); TRA significantly decreased (6.3 ± 1.7 cm 2 vs. 14.2 ± 6.5 cm 2 , P < 0.01), right atrial area (RAA) decreased significantly (21.5 ± 4.5 cm 2 vs. 25.4 ± 4.3 cm 2 , P < 0.05), TRA/RAA (%) decreased significantly (29.3 ± 3.2% vs. 44.2 ± 3.6%, P < 0.01). TR velocity (TRV) and TR continue time (TRT) as well as TRV × TRT decreased significantly (183.4 ± 9.4 cm/s vs. 254.5 ± 10.7 cm/s, P < 0.01; 185.7 ± 13.6 ms vs. 238.6 ± 11.3 ms, P < 0.01; 34.2 ± 5.6 cm vs. 60.7 ± 8.5 cm, P < 0.01, respectively). The postoperative left atrial diameter (LAD) significantly reduced (41.3 ± 6.2 mm vs. 49.8 ± 6.8 mm, P < 0.01) and the postoperative right atrial diameter (RAD) significantly reduced (28.7 ± 5.6 mm vs. 46.5 ± 6.3 mm, P < 0.01); the postoperative left atrium pressure significantly reduced (15.6 ± 6.1 mmHg vs. 26.5 ± 6.6 mmHg, P < 0.01), the postoperative right atrial pressure decreased significantly (13.2 ± 2.4 mmHg vs. 18.5 ± 4.3 mmHg, P < 0.01). The pulmonary arterial pressure decreased significantly after PBMV (48.2 ± 10.3 mmHg vs. 60.6 ± 15.5 mmHg, P < 0.01). The symptom of chest tightness and short of breath obviously alleviated. All cases followed-up for 6 months to 9 years (average 75 ± 32 months), 2 patients with severe regurgitation died (1 case of massive cerebral infarction, and 1 case of heart failure after 6 years and 8 years, respectively), 2 cases lost access. At the end of follow-up, MVA has been reduced compared with the postoperative (1.4 ± 0.4 cm 2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.3 cm 2 , P < 0.05); LAD slightly increased compared with the postoperative (45.2 ± 5.7 mm vs. 41.4 ± 6.3 mm, P < 0.05), RAD slightly also increased compared with the postoperative (36.1 ± 6.3 mm vs. 28.6 ± 5.5 mm, P < 0.05), but did not recover to the preoperative level. TRA slightly increased compared with the postoperative, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The PAP and left ventricular ejection fraction appeared no statistical difference compared with the postoperative (P > 0.05), the remaining patients without serious complications.

CONCLUSIONSPBMV is a safe and effective procedure for MS combined with TR in patients of rheumatic heart disease. It can alleviate the symptoms and reduce the size of TR. It can also improve the quality-of-life and prognosis. Its recent and mid-term efficacy is certain. While its long-term efficacy remains to be observed.

Adult ; Aged ; Balloon Valvuloplasty ; methods ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve Stenosis ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Rheumatic Heart Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy

BACKGROUND:At present,most of the experiments on the treatment of skin wound by mesenchymal stem cells have been performed in rats,mice and rabbits,while the research on skin wound treatment by canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem calls is less reported.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem calls on skin wound healing.METHODS:A 3 cmx3 cm wound was made on the both sides of the scapula and buttocks of the dog,with the right side as experimental group and the left side as control group.After the wound was made,allogeneic canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem calls suspension was injected subcutaneously around the wound in the experimental group on the 1st and 3rd days.The control group was injected subcutaneously around the wound with mesenchymal stem call culture medium on the 1st and 3rd days after the wound was made.Wound healing was observed dynamically in both groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the 1st week,there were pale yellow inflammatory substances in the wound of two groups indicating obvious inflammations.Compared with the control group,the inflammatory substances were fewer and the growth rate of the granulation tissue was faster in the experimental group.From the 2nd week until the wound healing,epithelialization on the wound became obvious following the formation of the granulation tissue,which was mainly displayed by the formation of fresh epithelial tissues from the surrounding to the wound center.The epithelialization time of the experimental group was earlier than that of the control group,and the wound area of the experimental group was smaller than that of the control group.In the 3rd week,the wound in the experimental group healed completely,and became smoother than that in the control group.The wound area of the experimental group was slightly smaller than that of the control group on the 8th and 12th days after cell transplantation,and the healing speed of the experimental group was slightly faster than that of the control group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups.Our findings indicate that the transplantation of canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells has the possibility or trend to promote skin wound healing.

BACKGROUNDIt is important to choose an appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED) to manage partial epilepsy. Traditional AEDs, such as carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA), have been proven to have good therapeutic effects. However, in recent years, a variety of new AEDs have increasingly been used as first-line treatments for partial epilepsy. As the studies regarding the effectiveness of new drugs and comparisons between new AEDs and traditional AEDs are few, it is determined that these are areas in need of further research. Accordingly, this study investigated the long-term effectiveness of six AEDs used as monotherapy in patients with partial epilepsy.

METHODSThis is a retrospective, long-term observational study. Patients with partial epilepsy who received monotherapy with one of six AEDs, namely, CBZ, VPA, topiramate (TPM), oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), or levetiracetam (LEV), were identified and followed up from May 2007 to October 2014, and time to first seizure after treatment, 12-month remission rate, retention rate, reasons for treatment discontinuation, and adverse effects were evaluated.

RESULTSA total of 789 patients were enrolled. The median time of follow-up was 56.95 months. CBZ exhibited the best time to first seizure, with a median time to first seizure of 36.06 months (95% confidential interval: 30.64-44.07). CBZ exhibited the highest 12-month remission rate (85.55%), which was significantly higher than those of TPM (69.38%, P = 0.006), LTG (70.79%, P = 0.001), LEV (72.54%, P = 0.005), and VPA (73.33%, P = 0.002). CBZ, OXC, and LEV had the best retention rate, followed by LTG, TPM, and VPA. Overall, adverse effects occurred in 45.87% of patients, and the most common adverse effects were memory problems (8.09%), rashes (7.76%), abnormal hepatic function (6.24%), and drowsiness (6.24%).

CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated that CBZ, OXC, and LEV are relatively effective in managing focal epilepsy as measured by time to first seizure, 12-month remission rate, and retention rate.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anticonvulsants ; therapeutic use ; Carbamazepine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; China ; Epilepsies, Partial ; drug therapy ; Female ; Fructose ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Piracetam ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Triazines ; therapeutic use ; Valproic Acid ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo preliminarily investigate the long-term structural and functional injuries of mitochondria in rat brain caused by sepsis.

METHODSWistar rats were randomly assigned into sepsis and control groups. A rat model of sepsis was prepared by an intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of gram-negative bacteria, and the survival assay was performed. Eight rats in the sepsis group were sacrificed at 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours after LPS injection, while rats in the control group were sacrificed after an intraperitoneal injection of an equal volume of normal saline. Mitochondria were extracted from rat brain tissue. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial swelling level were determined by flow cytometry, and the activities of electron transport chain complexes (I-V) were measured using enzyme assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and electron microscopy were used to observe morphological changes in brain tissue and mitochondria.

RESULTSThe sepsis group had a significantly lower survival rate than the control group (P<0.01). The MMP and activities of electron transport chain complexes (I-V) in the sepsis group, which were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), were reduced to the lowest levels at 48 hours and partially recovered at 72 hours. The mitochondrial swelling level in the sepsis group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), increased to the peak level at 48 hours and partially recovered at 72 hours. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining revealed substantial damages in the structure of brain tissue, and electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, and vacuolization in a few mitochondria.

CONCLUSIONSIn the rat model of LPS-induced sepsis, both structural and functional injuries are found in cerebral mitochondria, and achieve the peak levels probably at around 48 hours.

Animals ; Brain ; pathology ; physiopathology ; ultrastructure ; Lipopolysaccharides ; toxicity ; Male ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; Mitochondria ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sepsis ; chemically induced ; mortality ; physiopathology