Aged ; Anthracosis ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retinoblastoma Protein ; metabolism

Objective To observe the effects of low frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) on the proliferation of endogenous brain neural stem cells (NSCs) and on the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in rats with acute cerebral infarction; to explore the therapeutic mechanism of LFES in improving neural function. Methods Fifty-four rats were randomly divided into a LFES group, a placebo stimulation group and a sham-operated group. Each group was further divided into 3rd day, 7th day and 14th day subgroups, with 6 rats in each subgroup. An acute cerebral infarction model was induced in the rats of the LFES and placebo stimulation groups by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Three days after the operation, rats in the LFES group began LFES treatment (frequency 30 Hz, pulse width 250 μs, current intensity 3 mA, 10 min/d) ,while the placebo stimulation group was treated identically but without electricity. The rats in the sham-operated group had no special treatment. The expression of nestin positive cells in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of bFGF, EGF proteins and mRNA in the ischemic hemisphere was detected by Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis. A screen test was applied to evaluate motor function. Results Nestin-positive cells in the subgranular and subventricular zones of rats in the LFES group increased significantly more than in the placebo stimulation group at the 7th and 14th day. The expression of bFGF, EGF proteins and mRNA in the ischemic hemisphere was up-regulated compared to the placebo stimulation group at the 7th and 14th day. At the 14th day a difference in motor function was observed in rats in the LFES group compared with the placebo stimulation group. Conclusion LFES can promote the proliferation of endogenous brain NSCs and the expression of bFGF and EGF in rats with acute cerebral infarction. It can also improve motor function and enhance neural plasticity in the brain.

Objective To investigate the effect of combined Metformin and esomeprazole therapy on plasma levels of gastrin,blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) and insulin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled study of 41 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes was conducted.Patients were randomly assigned into treatment group(combination therapy with Metformin 0.5 g,bid or tid and Esomeprazole 20 mg,qd,for 12 weeks)and placebo group(Metformin monotherapy 0.5 g,bid or tid,for 12 weeks).Fasting blood samples were taken from vein before and after treatment.Fasting serum levels of gastrin,glucose,HbA1c,insulin,lipids,liver and renal functions were compared between the two groups.The homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) and insulin secretion index (HOMA-β)were calculated,and complications were recorded.Results There were no significant differences in body mass index and waist circumference between the two groups.Serum gastrin level was slightly increased in the treatment group 12 weeks after treatment,but without statistically significance [(127.20±9.21)ng/L vs.(131.53±7.84)ng/L,P＞0.05],and serum gastrin level had no significant differences in the placebo group before and after treatment [(128.42±4.58)ng/L vs.(127.51±3.47)ng/L,P＞0.05].However,there were no significant differences in the changes of blood glucose,HbA1c,insulin,HOMA-β and HOMA-IR before versus after therapy,and between the two group(all P＞0.05).Conclusions Combined Metformin and insulin therapy cannot increase serum gastrin and insulin levels and has no significant effect on reducing blood glucose and HbA1c levels in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

First with the qualified rate of granules as the evaluation index, significant influencing factors were firstly screened by Plackett-Burman design. Then, with the qualified rate and moisture content as the evaluation indexes, significant factors that affect one-step pelletization technology were further optimized by Box-Behnken design; experimental data were imitated by multiple regression and second-order polynomial equation; and response surface method was used for predictive analysis of optimal technology. The best conditions were as follows: inlet air temperature of 85 degrees C, sample introduction speed of 33 r x min(-1), density of concrete 1. 10. One-step pelletization technology of Biqiu granules by Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken response surface methodology was stable and feasible with good predictability, which provided reliable basis for the industrialized production of Biqiu granules.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of pure total flavonoids from Citrus (PTFC) on the hepatic fatty degeneration, inflammation, oxidative stress and SIRT1/PGC-1alpha expressions in mice with non-alcohol steatohepatitis (NASH), and discuss the action mechanism of PTFC on NASH.

METHODMice were given high-fat diet for 16 weeks to induce the NASH model. Since the seventh week after the model establishment, the mice were intervened with 100, 50 and 25 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) PTFC for 10 weeks. The pathologic changes in hepatic tissues were observed with HE staining. The contents of TG, CHOL in hepatic tissue, as well as the levels of AST, ALT in serum were detected by using the biochemical process. The expression of SIRT1, PGC-1alpha and MnSOD mRNA in hepatic tissues were detected with Real-time PCR assay. SIRT1, PGC-1alpha protein and 8-OHdG expressions were determined with the immunohistochemical method. The SOD level in hepatic tissues was tested by the xanthine oxidase method. The MDA content in hepatic tissues was examined by the thiobarbituric acid method.

RESULTThe contents of TG, CHOL, NAFLD activity scores and ALT level in serum in hepatic tissues of mice in the model induced by fat-rich diet were obviously higher than that of the normal group (P < 0.010. The SIRT1, PGC-1alpha, MnSOD mRNA and protein expression in hepatic tissues were significantly lower than that of the normal group (P < 0.01). The expression of 8-OHdG and the content of MDA in hepatic tissues were obviously higher than that of the normal group (P < 0.01). After the intervention with different doses of PTFC, the NAFLD activity scores, the content of TG and the level of AST in serum were notably lower than that of the normal group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); whereas the SIRT1, PGC-1alpha, MnSOD mRNA and protein expression were obviously higher than that of the normal group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), with the significant decrease in the expression of 8-OHdG and the content of MDA (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONOxidative stress/lipid peroxidation enhancement in in NASH mice induced by high-fat diet may be related to the changes in SIRT1/PGC-1alpha signal transduction pathway. PTFC could enhance the anti-oxidant capacity in liver, relieve the damage of reactive oxygen during the fatty acid metabolic process, and prevent NASH from the occurrence and development by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1alpha signal pathway.

Animals ; Citrus ; chemistry ; Fatty Liver ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; genetics ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha ; Sirtuin 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic effect of Shenle capsule (SLC) in treating mesangial proliferating glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) and to explore its therapeutic mechanism and clinical indication.

METHODSAdopting case control method, taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (benazepril) as control agent, the 142 cases of MsPGN were randomly divided into 3 groups, treated with SLC (Group A, n = 36), SLC plus benazepril (Group B, n = 68) and benazepril alone (Group C, n = 38) respectively. Changes of fibrinogen, lipids, renal function and urinary protein were observed.

RESULTSThe total effective rate in Group A was higher than that in Group C, but with insignificant difference. The total effective rate in Group B after 3 courses of treatment was 89.74%, which was higher than that in Group C and Group A (P < 0.05). Levels of cholesterol (CH), triglyceride (TG), serum creatinine, fibrinogen and urinary protein (UP) were significantly lowered in Group A after treatment, with the levels of CH, TG and UP lower than those in Group C, while CH, TG and fibrinogen were unchanged in Group C after treatment.

CONCLUSIONSLC is superior in higher efficacy and less side-effects in treating MsPGN, its effect is related with the degree of kidney pathological changes, it is more effective in treating patients with mild pathological change than in those with severe change. The outcome of combined use of SLC and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor would be better.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Benzazepines ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Proteinuria ; drug therapy ; Triglycerides ; blood

With inlet temperature, specific gravity, feeding speed as independent variables, the comprehensive evaluating indexes of content of schisandrin and arctiin as dependent variable, the experimental data were fitted to a second order polynomial equation. Based on establishing the mathematical relationship between the comprehensive evaluating indexes and respective variables, Box-Benhnken central composite test and response surface analysis method was employed to optimize the spray drying technology of Biqiu granules ethanol extract. The optimal drying parameter was as follows: the inlet temperature was 175 degrees C, the specific gravity was 1.10, feeding speed was 32 r x min(-1). Under these conditions, the comprehensive evaluating indexes of spraying dry processes was 92.68, which was close to the model prediction. The spraying dry technology of Biqiu granules ethanol extract optimized by response surface methodology was accurate and feasible, which provided theoretical experiment basis for the industrialization production.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Ethanol

Objective To investigate the clinical role of central venous pressure(CVP) to evaluate fluid responsiveness in septic shock patients. Methods 66 septic shock patients were studied, every patient was administered a volume challenge, before and after it, CVP, intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI),global end-diastolic volume index(GEDVI), cardiac index(CI), stroke volume index(SVI) were measured by PiCCO method. All the obtained values were analyzed by statistics method. Results Initial CVP in responders is significantly different from that in nonresponders; △ITBVI, △GEDVI, △CI, △SVI, △HR (△:changes) before and after volume challenge in responders were significantly different from those in nonresponders; the significance of △ITBVI, AGEDVI to predict volume responsiveness was strong indicated by high values of areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (0.674 and 0.700, respectively).If patients were regrouped by CVP≤11 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) and CVP > 11 mm Hg, initial ITBVI and GEDVI in responders were not significantly different from that in nonresponders; △ITBVI,△GEDVI, △CI, △SVI before and after volume challenge in responders were significantly different from those in nom'esponders. Conclusion In septic shock patients, CVP play a guidance role to predict and evaluate volume responsiveness and when CVP was > 11 nun Hg, a positive response will be less likely. Initial volumetric parameters(intrathoracic blood volume and global end-diastolic volume) play a questionable role in predicting and evaluating volume responsiveness, changes before and after volume challenge maybe helpful.

Objectlve To research and analyze the hemod)rnamic status of refractory septic shock associated cardiac dysfunction.Methods 70 refractory septic shock patients were studied.In the duration of pulmonary artery catheter(PAC)-directed hemodynamic optimization,the patients were divided into a cardiac dysfunction group and a control group.Hemodynamic parameters,arterial blood lactate concentration and APACHE II scores were obtained instantly after the placement of a PAC,then lactate clearance in 24 hours was surveyed and calculated.Subsequently the two groups of patients were regrouped by nonsurvivor and survivors respectively.All the obtained values were analyzed with statistic methods.Results 37% of the refractory septic shock patients was complicated with cardiac dysfunction.The age of the patients complicated with cardiac dysfunction was significantly higher than that of the patients of the control group.Central venous pressure(CVP),pulmonary artery obstruction pressure(PAOP),pulmonary artery pressure (PAP),systemic vascular resistance index(SVRI),pulmonary vascular resistance index(PVRI)and oxygen extraction ratio(O2ext)in the cardiac dysfunction group were significantly different from those in the control group.Cardiac output(CO),cardiac index(CI),oxygen delivery index(DO2I)and mixed venous oxygensaturation(S-v O2)were significantly lower than those of the patients in the control group.S -v O2 had a strong correlation witIl CI.If the patients were regrouped by nonsurvivors and survivors.in the patients complicated with cardiac dysfunction APACHE II scores were significantly higher in the nonsurvivors than survivors:the lactate clearance in 24 hours(median-25%)of the nonsurvivors was significantly lower than that of nonresponders(median 22%),P＜0.05.Conclusion (1)In refractory septic shock patients,cardiac dysfunction maybe the main reason leading to bad outcome.(2)Higher CVP and PAOP and lower S -v O2 indicate the onset of cardiac dysfunction.(3)The patients with significantly high initial arterial blood lactate level and the low lactate clearance in 24 hours had bad outcome.

Objective To evaluate the usefulness of serum galactemannan(GM) for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in critically ill patients. Methods Study was conducted between February 2007 and July 2008. Included patients on admission ICU who suffer from suspected IPA. GM test and culture were collected 2 weekly. Chnical feature, mycological evidence and optical density index (ODI) were noted. Clinically invasive fungal infection(IFI) were defined proven, probable and possible. The patients were classified into neutropenia, non-neutropenia and treated with immunosuppressive agents, non-neutropenia and non-immunosuppressive agents. To compared of the sensitivity and specificity of GM in different patients. Results 94 patients were included, 4 patients were proven, 29 patients were probable, 34 patients were possible IFI, 27 patients were non-IPA. The positive rate of the GM was 31.9% (30/94). The sensitivity and specificity of GM in proven cases and probable cases are 66.7% and 92.6%. GM assay tended to become positive earlier than the culture 2-10(5.33±2.17)d. We found that differences in patient diagnosis and selection might account for the disparities seen for positive rate for the GM test. There was positive in three of the four patients with proven, the positive rate of GM was 65.5% for probable cases, for possible cases was 17.6%, for non-IPA cases was 7.4% (P=0.001). For patient with neutropenia , treated with immunosuppressive agents and without immunosuppressive agents, the positive rate of GM was 52.9%vs 41.7% vs 34. 6% (P=0.015) ;the sensitivity was 80.0% vs 70. 0% vs 53.8% (P=0.011), the ODI was 1.365 (0.582-6.736) vs 1. 123 (0. 623-6.868) vs 0.554 (0.522-0.823), P=0. 005, respectively. Conclusion These results show that GM test is useful for early diagnosis IPA in critically ill patients. Differences in patient selection and diagnosis might account for the disparities seen for positive rate and sensitivity for the GM test. It has been higher sensitivity and ODI in the patient treated by immunosuppressive agents.