AIM:To characterize the effect of estradiol on proliferation,differentiation and extracellular matrix(ECM) accumulation in stromal cells through regulation of BPH-1 paracrine.METHODS:BPH-1 cells were stimulated with different concentrations of estradiol.Conditioned media(CM) were harvested and their effects on stromal cell cultures were tested.Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay.mRNA of smoothelin,fibronectin,collagen Ⅳ and transforming growth factor ?1(TGF-?1) were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR.Western blotting was used to determine smooth muscle myosin heavy chain(SMMHC).ELISA and radioimmunoassay were respectively used to measure fibronectin,TGF-?1 and collagen Ⅳ protein expressions.RESULTS:Estrodiol stimulated the expression and secretion of TGF-?1 in BPH-1 cells.The proliferation of stromal cells increased when they were cultured with CM harvested from estrogen treated BPH-1 cells.The mRNA levels of collagen Ⅳ and smoothelin increased in stromal cells treated with CM from BPH-1 cells.The results of radioimmunoassay also showed that the collagen Ⅳ protein level up-regulated in the supernatants and cell extracts of CM-treated stromal cells.A neutralizing antibody to TGF-?1 inhibited the stimulation of collagen Ⅳ and SMMHC by BPH-1 CM.The expression of fibronectin was only marginally changed in stromal cells cultured in the presence of BPH-1 CM.CONCLUSION:The BPH-1 cells increase ECM accumulation and differentiation of stromal cells through TGF-?1.Estradiol stimulate differentiation of stromal cells by induction of TGF-?1 expression.Estradiol stimulate proliferation by influencing the factors secreted from prostatic epithelial cells.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of laparoscopie intervention for congenital obstructive megaureter in children. Methods Eleven children with congenital obstructive megaureter(left in 4,right in 7)underwent laparoseopie ureteroplasty.One had congenital ureter oririce stenosis,9 had been diagnosed as simple congenital ureter orifice stricture,1 had recurrent ureter orifice stricture after open ureterovesical reimplantation.B-ultrasound and IVU showed severe hydronephrosis in 7 cases and moderate in 4. Results The operation was successful in all cases and none had urine leakage.The mean operating time was 103.0±35.3 min(range 70-190 min).The mean blood loss was 18.0±9.5 ml(range 10-40 ml)and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.0±1.4 d(range 7-10 days).The double J stent was removed 6 weeks after operation.The patients were followed up for 3-24 months(mean,6 months).Cystography showed no reflux in all cases during follow-up. Conclusion Laparoscopical ureteroplasty could be a minimal invasive,less suffering technique for the treatment of congenital obstructive megaureter in children.

BACKGROUND:Gemcitabine hydrochloride is a water-soluble anticancer drug that induces apoptosis in tumor cells, but it has an excessive release in vivo. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) electrospun fiber membranes carrying gemcitabine hydrochloride on the growth of human osteosarcoma cell lines MG-63. METHODS:PLA electrospun fiber members with (experimental) or without (control) gemcitabine hydrochloride were fabricated and characterized. Two kinds of fiber membranes were immersed in low-glucose DMEM medium, and the supernatants were collected in the two groups at 3, 5, 7 days, respectively. Passage 5 human osteosarcoma cell lines MG-63 were inoculated into 96-well plates containing low-glucose DEME with 15％ fetal bovine serum, and divided into seven groups. Groups 1-3 were cultured in the experimental supernatants of 3, 5, 7 culture days, and groups 4-6 were cultured in the control supernatants of 3, 5, 7 culture days, respectively. The remaining group acted as the negative control with no supernatant. Thereafter, cell counting kit-8 was used to detect cell proliferation, and RT-PCR was used to measure expression of Bcl-2 and Bax at 3 days of culture. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) No obvious particle was found on the smooth and even surface of the fiber members in the experimental and control groups. There was no significant difference in fiber diameter, contact angle and tensile strength between the two kinds of fiber membranes. (2) The results of cell counting kit-8 showed that compared with the negative control group, the supernatant released from the control group had no effect on the MG-63 proliferation at different time points, while the supernatant released from the experimental group could inhibit the MG-63 proliferation at different time points (P<0.05), and the inhibitory effect became more and more obvious with the prolongation of release time. (3) RT-PCR findings showed that compared with the control group, the supernatant released from the experimental group could increase Bax mRNA expression and decrease Bcl-2 mRNA expression at the same time point. To conclude, the PLA electrospun fiber membranes carrying gemcitabine hydrochloride can sustainably inhibit MG-63 proliferation and promote cell apoptosis.

OBJECTIVETo study the function of the SP3111 protein in fertilization and early embryo development through in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments following anti-SP111 antibody (Ab2438) blocking.

METHODSSperm samples collected from male mice were divided into an experimental, a blank control and a negative control group before IVF. The sperm of the experimental group was incubated with Ab2438 for 1 h followed by IVF and observed for the rates of fertilization and embryo fragmentation at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 22 h. Then the fertilized eggs were incubated with Ab2438, and the rates of fertilization embryo fragmentation were observed at 22 h.

RESULTSAfter the sperm was incubated with Ab2438, the incidences of embryo fragmentation were 5.26, 8.77, 23.25, 43.42 and 59.21% at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 22 h, respectively, with significant differences from the control groups (P < 0.01). After 22 h Ab2438 incubation of the fertilized eggs, the rates of normal and fragmented embryos of the experimental group were 23.64 and 63.64%, respectively, significantly different from those of the control groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAnti-SP3111 antibodies remarkably affected fertilization and early embryo development in mice. The SP3111 protein may be a signal molecule and plays a role in fertilization and early embryo development together with other proteins. Further studies on the function of the SP3111 protein in reproduction may offer a new insight into the molecular mechanism of infertility.

Animals ; Antibodies ; immunology ; Embryonic Development ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Spermatozoa ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathway and mechanism of noise exposure induced out hair cells (OHC) apoptosis.

METHODSThe cochleae of control and noise exposure group were dissected. The activity of caspase 3, an important mediator of apoptosis, in OHC, was examined with carboxyfluorescein-labeled fluoromethyl ketone (FMK)-peptide inhibitors. The apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) translocation from mitochondria in OHC were further examined by immunohistology method. The nuclei were labeled with PI and the mitochondrion was labeled with Mito-tracker. Whole mount organ of Corti was prepared. Morphological and fluorescent change was observed use confocal microscope.

RESULTSIn the normal OHC, AIF is distributed where the mitochondria were located and no activated caspase 3 was observed. After the animals exposed to broadband noise at 122 dB in 4 h/day for 2 days, both apoptosis and necrosis were appeared in OHC. AIF translocated from mitochondrion to nuclei in apoptotic and necrotic OHC following noise exposure. The noise exposure triggered activation of caspase 3 in apoptic hair cells. But no caspase 3 activation appeared in necrotic OHC.

CONCLUSIONSThese findings indicated that the caspase-dependent pathway is an important pathway in noise exposure induced apoptosis. And AIF also involves OHC death pathway following noise exposure.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Inducing Factor ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Noise

OBJECTIVETo explore the neutralization capacities of different types of human serum to measles virus epidemic strains and vaccine strain.

METHODSNeutralization antibody (NT) to Shanghai 191 and measles virus isolates in 2005 were tested using acute and convalescent serum samples from diagnosed measles patients, children serum samples collected before and after vaccination and serum samples of migrant residents, from 3 different regions. Additionally, animal immune serum referring to vaccine strain and 3 epidemic strains were prepared and used to undergo crossing neutralization test with corresponding strains mentioned-above. Antigenic ratios were calculated.

RESULTSGMT value of NT of after-immune serum to vaccine strains was 50.82,1.86 times higher than that to MVi/ZJ/05/7 (GMT was 27.35), whereas GMT value of convalescent serum to MVi/ZJ/05/7 (GMT was 386.95) was obviously higher than that to vaccine strain (GMT was 1:151.83),and GMT value of migrant residents' serum in 3 regions to MVi/ZJ/05/7 were 2.22-4.17 times lower than that to vaccine strain. Meanwhile,the antigenic ratios between MVi/ZJ/ 99/1, MVi/ZJ/04/1, MVi/ZJ/05/7 and vaccine strain were found to be 4.28,5.24 and 5.66 respectively. Additionally,low NT titers to vaccine strain were found in patients' acute sera and GMT value was over 1:4.

CONCLUSIONThere were obvious differences on neutralization antibody of different types of serum to measles vaccine strain and epidemic strains which indicating the antigenic diversity of epidemic strains had influenced the protective effectiveness of vaccine antibody to epidemic strains. It was of significance to carry on research projects on the antigenic diversity and effectiveness of measles vaccine.

Animals ; Antibodies, Neutralizing ; blood ; immunology ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; immunology ; Antigens, Viral ; genetics ; immunology ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Measles ; epidemiology ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Measles Vaccine ; immunology ; Measles virus ; genetics ; Neutralization Tests ; Vaccination

OBJECTIVETo determine the effects of Chinese herbal monomers such as baicalin, berberine, and matrine on the androgen receptor (AR) mRNA expression in SZ95 sebocytes in vitro and to explore the possible mechanism of using traditional Chinese medicines to treat acne.

METHODSSZ95 sebocytes were cultured and then treated with berberine, baicalin, matrine, and 13-cis-retinoic acid for 24 hours. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect the changes of AR.

RESULTAR mRNA was downregulated by 13-cis-retinoic acid of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L and 1 x 10(-6) mol/L, and by baicalin of 1 x 10(-4) mol/L (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION13-cis-retinoic acid and baicalin may exert antiandrogenitic action by inhibiting AR mRNA expression in human sebocytes.

Androgen Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Receptors, Androgen ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Skin ; cytology

BACKGROUNDAn increasing incidence of Crohn's disease has been found in China in recent years. Our study has been focused on evaluating the diversity of the clinical manifestations of Crohn's disease in order to improve early diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy.

METHODSThirty patients with active Crohn's disease were enrolled and their clinical data, including diagnostic and therapeutic results, were analyzed. Endoscopy combined with histological examination of biopsy specimens provided characteristic features of the disease. Transabdominal bowel sonography (TABS) was used for detecting intestinal complications. Nutritional supportive therapy was given to 20 subjects with active cases of the disease.

RESULTSMost patients were young adults with a higher proportion of females to males (ratio: 1.14:1). The disease affects any segment or a combination of segments along with the alimentary tract (from the mouth to the anus). In this study, the colon and small bowel were the major sites involved. Recurrent episodes of abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant and watery diarrhea were the most common symptoms. Granulomas were identifiable in nearly one-third (30.8%) of all biopsy specimens. In moderate cases of the disease, remission was achieved more quickly through the use of oral prednisone therapy than with SASP or 5-ASA. Beneficial effects on the host's nutritional status were observed. Immunosuppressives were used on an individual basis and showed variable therapeutic effects. Sixteen patients had surgery due to intestinal obstruction or failure to respond to drug therapies. Rapid improvement after surgery was reported.

CONCLUSIONEndoscopy (with biopsy) and TABS were both crucial procedures for diagnosis. SASP (or 5-ASA) and prednisone were effective as inductive therapies. Azathioprine has demonstrable benefits after induction therapy with prednisone. Surgery, as an alternative treatment, provided another effective choice in selected patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Azathioprine ; therapeutic use ; Biopsy ; Child ; Crohn Disease ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mesalamine ; administration & dosage ; Middle Aged ; Prednisone ; administration & dosage ; Sulfasalazine ; administration & dosage ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo compare results of the growth and development of the upper dental arch and the velopharyngeal closure of the cleft patients treated by two methods.

METHODSThe dental cast of patient and X-ray films were measured and the statistical medical records were analyzed.

RESULTSThe transverse distance of upper dental arch was found to be wider in group A than in group B. The anterior-posterior distance of the dental arch in bilateral cleft group was shorter in group A than in group B. The difference of the two groups were gradually lessened as age increases. Bony bridge in alveolar gap was 63% and 83.3% in unilateral and bilateral cleft group respectively. 15% of cases in group A and 35.2% in group B needed pharyngeal flap.

CONCLUSIONSThe stable upper dental arch in group A can opposes the pressure from the lip muscles, this maintains the width of the arch. But A-P distance of upper dental arch in BCLP in group A should be followed up after the age of 9 years. Pharyngeal flap is needed less in group A than in group B.

Alveolar Process ; growth & development ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cleft Lip ; surgery ; Cleft Palate ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Orthodontics, Corrective ; Palate, Soft ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effects of CaMKIIN on acute myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 to explore a novel therapeutic target of leukemia.

METHODSHuman CaMK II N gene expression vector pcDNA3.1/hCaMKIIN or empty vector pcDNA3.1/myc-His (-) B was transfected into HL-60 cells by Lipofectamine 2000. Human CaMK II N proteins of transfected cells were detected by Western blot. Cell proliferation affected by human CaMKIIN was determined by MTT. Colony-forming assay was performed by soft agar growth system. The cells transfected with CaMKIIN were stained with Hoechst 33342 to detect the apoptotic proportion under fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTSHuman CaMKIIN was stably transfected into HL-60 cells, and overexpression of human CaMKIIN inhibited the proliferation of HL-60/CaMKIIN cells compared to HL-60/mock cells and HL-60 cells [(0.44 ± 0.03) vs (0.94 ± 0.05) vs (0.94 ± 0.04), P<0.01]. The colony formation of HL-60/CaMKIIN was also markedly smaller[(21.00 ± 3.05)/500] than that of mock-transfected [(111.00±4.58)/500]] and control cells [(119.00±6.09)/500] (P<0.01). After 72 hrs-culture, the apoptotic proportion in cells transfected with CaMK II N was obviously higher than of cells transfected with mock DNA or control [(22.49 ± 2.15)% vs (7.17 ± 0.72)% vs (6.40 ± 0.55)%, P<0.01]. Up to (82.97 ± 2.90)% human CaMKIIN/HL-60 cells were arrested at G0/G1 phase, which was more than mock-transfected [(40.53 ± 2.38)%] and control cells [(41.63 ± 2.27)%] (P<0.05). Human CaMKIIN could down-regulate expression of Bcl-2 in transfected cells.

CONCLUSIONCaMK IIN up-regulation could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia cell HL-60.

Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Genetic Vectors ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Up-Regulation