OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of chronic psychological stress on vascular endothelial dysfunction rats and to explore the intervention and mechanism of Tongxinluo (TXL) on it.

METHODSForty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (with no modeling), the endothelial dysfunction group (the HCY group), the psychological stress group (the model group), and TXL group, ten in each group. Rats in the latter three groups were fed with 3% high methionine diet to duplicate vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) model. In addition, chronic psychological stress was applied in VED rats using repeated binding method. TXL at the dose of 1.2 g/kg body weight was given by gastrogavage. The plasma endothelin (ET) and angiotensin II (Ang II), serum cortisone (CORT) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The serum nitric oxide (NO) was detected by nitrate reductase. Ultrastructural changes of aortic endothelial cells were observed by transmission electron microscope. Serum levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSCompared with the plasma ET level and the serum NO level in the HCY group (161.70 +/- 13.96 pg/mL and 26.82 +/- 13.03 micromol/L), the plasma ET level obviously increased (178.25 +/- 21.85 pg/mL) (P < 0.05) and the serum NO level decreased (24.91 +/- 9.95 micromol/L, P > 0.05), levels of CORT, NE, and E obviously increased in the model group (all P < 0.05). Ultrastructural changes of aortic endothelial cells were obviously injured. Compared with the model group, the plasma ET level (154.74 +/- 13.27 pg/mL), Ang II, CORT, NE, and E obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), the serum NO level obviously increased (34.44 +/- 18.35 micromol/L, P < 0.05). Ultrastructural changes of aortic endothelial cells were obviously improved.

CONCLUSIONSChronic psychological stress could obviously aggravate endothelial injury in VED rats. TXL showed protection on the vascular endothelial structure and function.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Endothelin-1 ; blood ; Endothelium, Vascular ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stress, Psychological ; drug therapy

Diagnosis, Differential ; Fibroadenoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Keratins ; metabolism ; Lipoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucin-1 ; metabolism ; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Thymoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Thymus Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Vimentin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dc), a methylation inhibitor, on cisplatin-resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549/DDP and to explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSMTT assay was used to test the cytotoxicity of 5-Aza-dc on A549/DDP cells, and the IC(50) and cisplatin resistance index of A540/DDP cells at 48 hours after 5-Aza-dc (0 µmol/L, 20 µmol/L, 40 µmol/L) treatment at different concentrations. MSP, fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (real-time RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the hMLH1 methylation status, mRNA and protein expressions, respectively.

RESULTSThe IC(50) value of cisplatin in A549/DDP cells was 30.15 ± 0.76 µmol/L. The MTT assay results demonstrated that during the 5-Aza-dc treatment for 48 hours, the dose of 20 µmol/L was non-toxic and 40 µmol/L was low-toxic. 5-Aza-dc at those two doses reduced IC(50) value of cisplatin to 16.54 ± 0.35 µmol/L (RI = 1.82) and 6.82 ± 0.16 µmol/L (RI = 4.42), respectively. MSP, real-time RT-PCR and Western blot showed that 5-Aza-dc at non-toxic and low-toxic doses removed the partial hMLH1-hypermethylation, and up-regulated hMLH1 mRNA and protein expressions.

CONCLUSIONSLow dose 5-Aza-dc can partially reverse the cisplatin-resistance in A549/DDP cells, which may be achieved through removal of hMLH1 hypermethylation and increased expression of hMLH1 gene. 5-Aza-dc may have a role in increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy for patients whose tumors are lack of hMLH1 expression because of hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; genetics ; metabolism ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Azacitidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; DNA Methylation ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; MutL Protein Homolog 1 ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of acupoint application on lipid metabolism in elderly diabetics with hyperlipidemia.Methods60 elder diabetics were divided into two groups.In the drugs group,patients were purely treated with simvastatin or lipanthyl.In the acupoint group, patients received acupoint application.The serum total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipeprotein (HDL-C), aPoprotein A(ApoA) and apoprotein B(ApoB) ere measured respectively.Adverse events were observed.ResultsThe levels of TC、TG、LDL-C、ApoB were significantly dechned(all P ＜0.01 ～0.05).However,the rates of reduce lipid had no significant difference in two groups(P ＞0.05).The levels of HDL-C and ApoA were increased in the drugs group,but the homologous levels in the acupoint group showed no significantly change(all p ＞ 0.05).The adverse reaction in the acupoint group was significantly lower than that in the drugs group(P ＜0.05).ConclusionAcupoint application could decrease the blood lipid spectrum in the senile diabetics with hyperlipidemia.This therapeutics could reduce adverse drug reactions.

Objective To investigate the changes in the glutamate transporter EEAC1 mRNA expression and the injured nerve cell apoptosis after rat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is treated with mild hypothermia. Methods The middle cerebral arteries(MCA)of Sprague-Dawley rats were occluded for 30 minutes,and reper- fused for 90 minutes.Using DIG-labeled CRNA probe and TUNEL,the positive rate of glutamate transporter EE- AC1 mRNA expression and apoptotic cell rate were determined in the sham-operated group,the control group and the mild hypothermia group,respectively.Results The positive rate of EEAC1 mRNA expression and apoptotic cell rate were significantly lower in sham-operated group than those in the control group(P

Objective To analyze the classification,MR manifestations,and the pathological basis of solitary necrotic nodule of the liver(SNN)in order to evaluate MRI as a diagnosing tool Methods The MR appearances of 9 cases with pathologically proved SNN were analyzed and correlated with the classification and pathological appearances.Relevant literature was reviewed.Results(1)Simple coagulative necrosis type(5 cases):The signal of lesions was hypo-intense or iso-intense on both T_1-and T_2- weighted images.After Gd-DTPA administration,the internal part of the lesions showed no enhancement,while the thin capsule of the lesions demonstrated mild or moderate delayed enhancement. These lesions,proved by pathology,were composed of central coagulative necrotic core and a peripheral hyaline fibrosis capsule.(2)Coagulative necrosis aceompanied by liquefactive necrosis type(1 case):On T_1-weighted images,the signal of hypo-intensity was found within these lesions and even lower signal intensity was found in the central area of larger lesions.On T_2-weighted images,the lesions had a bright core and a peripheral hypointensive or isointensive area.After Gd-DTPA administration,the internal part of the lesions showed no enhancement,while the thin capsule of the lesions demonstrated mild or moderate delayed enhancement.These lesions had a central coagulative necrosis core interleaved by slit- like liquefactive necrosis foci,and peripherally a thin capsule of hyaline fibrosis proved by pathology.(3)Multi-nodular fusion type,(3cases):On T_1-weighted images,the lesions were of hypointensive or isointensive signal and had multiple septa of isointensive signal.On T_2-weighted images,the lesions were of hypointensive or isointensive signal and had multiple septa of hyperintensive or isointensive signal.After Gd-DTPA administration,No enhancement was found except mild or moderate delayed enhancement found in the thin capsule and septa.These lesions were composed of central coagulative necrosis area and a peripheral hyaline fibrosis capsule with multiple internal septa proved by pathology.Conclusion MRI apperances can reflect the classification and pathological features of solitary necrotic nodule of the liver.

OBJECTIVETo observe the ultrastructure changes of cerebral cortex neuron and endothelial cell in hypoxia preconditioning mice and the effects of Tongxinluo (TXL, Chinese traditional medilihe) on them.

METHODSMice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, hypoxia group, hypoxia preconditioning (HP) group and Tongxinluo (TXL) group. The hypoxia preconditioning mice were exposed by repetitive hypoxia for 5 runs. The animal's tolerance time of each hypoxia run was recorded. The ultrastructure change of cerebral neuron and endothelial cell were studied by electron microscope.

RESULTSThe hypoxic tolerance time in HP and TXL groups were significantly increased run by run. Compared with HP group, the tolerance time of TXL group were increased in every run. The ultrastructure of cerebral neuron and endothelial cell in hypoxia group changed obviously, mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum destroyed. However they were slighter in HP group than those in hypoxia group. The change in TXL group had no obvious differentce with control group and were slighter than those in HP group.

CONCLUSIONHypoxia preconditioning shows that organism has a strong self-repairing ability. Tongxinluo self-repairing; could increase self-repairing ability and adaptive ability of mice to hypoxia obviously.

Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; Cerebral Cortex ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; ultrastructure ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Hypoxia, Brain ; physiopathology ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; methods ; Male ; Mice ; Neurons ; drug effects ; ultrastructure

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) on function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and its nitric oxide (NO) secretion.

METHODSTotal mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by ficoll density gradient centrifugation and inoculated on the human fibro-ligandin encrusting plate. After 7 days of in vitro culture, adherent cells were collected and incubated with SBP for 24 h. The proliferation, migration, adhesive activity, vasculogenesis capacity and NO secretion of EPCs were assayed using MTT, Transwell chamber, adhesion determination, in vitro vasculogenesis kit and nitrate reductase method, respectively.

RESULTSEPCs incubated with SBP showed the capacities higher than those of control in proliferation, migration, adhesion, in vitro vasculogenesis, and with a higher NO concentration in the culture supernatant.

CONCLUSIONSBP can improve the function of EPCs, which might be a novel mechanism of its effects in improving vascular endothelial function and promoting angiogenesis.

Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether myocardial bridging (MB) is independently associated with coronary atherosclerosis proximal to MB in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) identified by computed tomographic coronary angiography (CCTA).

METHODSFrom March 2011 to December 2012, patients (n=9 862) with suspected coronary disease underwent CCTA using dual-source CT scanner. The baseline clinical characteristics (age, gender, smoking history, presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, family history of heart attack, and body mass index) and the results of CCTA were reviewed. Two radiologists evaluated the coronary artery for MB and coronary atherosclerosis stenosis (CAS) in LAD and made a diagnosis by consensus. Significant independent risk factors for CAS were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSA total of 3 182 (32.3%) cases of MB and 3 359 cases of CAS of LAD were identified. No patient with CAS in the tunneled segment was found. The mean length of bridges and the mean thickness of the overlying myocardium was (17.3±5.2) mm and (1.2±0.9) mm, respectively. There were 1658 MB cases in 3 359 cases of LAD stenosis and 1 524 MB cases in 6 503 cases of no LAD stenosis (χ(2)=681.12, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that MB in the LAD were significantly associated with CAS in the proximal LAD (OR=3.07, 95%CI=2.81-3.37, P<0.001), and after final adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, family history of heart attack, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and resting heart rate (OR=2.86, 95% CI=2.60-3.16, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONMB in the LAD is independently associated with CAS in the proximal segment to MB.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Coronary Stenosis ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Bridging ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Risk Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between cardiac Cerebrovascular disease and serum uric acid(SUA) in the coastal inhabitant, and try to provide base for prevention of the local metabolic disease and cardiac Cerebrovascular disease.

METHODWe got 3111 local people who had participated in the annual physical examination in the perch hospital for the research on the level of SUA and the relative risk factor. According to SUA level we divided the cases into two groups. One is hyperuricemia group and the other is control group.

RESULTS(1)The average SUA level was (380.2-/+62.58) micromol/L in the males, while (290.82-/+60.32) micromlo/L in the female. The sick rate of hyperuricaemia rate, was 21.8% for male, and the 17.6% of female. This disease affected more men than women. It has significant difference (P<0.01); (2)The SUA level of the showed a positive correlation with the indexes of the total cholesterol, the triglyceride, the blood pressure and the body weight index. The SUA level in overweight/obesity people was obviously higher than that of the normal weight people.

CONCLUSIONS(1)The sick rate of hyperuricaemia is high in Zhongshan coastal area, which due to many related factors. As far as, few people know it, so we should adopt the synthesis measure to prevent and control it to reduce the sick rate; (2)the rise of The SUA level possibly becomes one of the independent dangerous and predictive factor for the heart cerebral von disease.

Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; blood ; epidemiology ; pathology ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sex Distribution ; Uric Acid ; blood ; Young Adult