Objective To explore the expression of GATA-3 in pulmonary tissue of asthmatic mice and the inhibitory effect of dexamethsone(Dex)on it.Methods The Blab/c mice asthma model was induced by ovalbumin(OVA) with classic method.Twenty-four male mice were randomly divided into control group,asthmatic group and Dex treated group.The expression of GATA-3 protein was measured by immunohistochemical staining.The expression of GATA-3 mRNA was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The level of IL-4 in mice spleen CD4 T cell was measured by flow cytometry.The airway inflammation was evaluated by HE staining.Results The percentages of postive GATA-3,GATA-3 mRNA and IL-4 protein of asthmatic group were significantly higher than those of control group(P

Objective To investigate the influences of mutation at precore and basic core promoter(BCP) region in hepatitis B virus(HBV) on the immune response of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTL) in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Methods The number of specific CTL in peripheral blood mononuclear(PBMC) of CHB patients were tested by cytokine flow cytome- try(CFC) and HBV core18-27 peptide.HBV precore and BCP fragments were directly sequenced. Results Twenty-one(38.9%) samples were HBV precore G1896A mutation.Twenty-six(48.1%) samples were BCP region 1762/1764 combined mutation.Thirteen(24.1%) stains were three sites mutated simultaneously.Stimulated with HBV core 18-27 in vitro,the specific CTL level was signifi- cantly higher in the patients with G1896A mutation and BCP region mutation [(0.41?0.09)%, (0.36?0.08)%,(0.48?0.08)%,respectively]than those without mutation[(0.11?0.06)%, P

Objective To evaluate the role of early cleavage embryo in combination with embryo growth rate and morphology scoring in embryo selection in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. Methods Six hundred and ten IVF/ICSI cycles were randomly assigned to group A(269 cycles) and group B(341 cycles). In group A, transferred embryos were chosen according to embryo growth rate and morphology scoring by 72 h(D3) after fertilization, while early cleavage embryo was added to the selecting system in group B. The pregnancy rate and implantation rate were compared between two groups, and the clinic outcomes were compared between transfers with early cleavage embryos and without early cleavage embryos in group B. Results The pregnancy rate and implantation rate in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P < 0.05). Transfers with early cleavage embryos also achieved much higher pregnancy rate and implantation rate in group B (P < 0.01). Conclusion Compared with embryo growth rate and morphology scoring, early cleavage embryo in combination with embryo growth rate and morphology scoring can improve the clinical outcomes in IVF/ICSI cycles.

Cognitive impairment is a common complication of diabetes. Hippocampus plays an important role in cognitive function. In hyperglycemia, synaptophysin, a crucial synaptic vesicle membrane protein in hippocampus neuron is found to be down-regulated. Recent evidences have shown that angiotensin IV can facilitate memory acquisition and recovery. However, whether it can also improve cognitive functions of diabetic rats with cognitive disorder, and the possible mechanisms are uncertain. Hence, the objectives of this study. Forty fi ve Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control, diabetic group and diabetes with angiotensin IV treatment group. The cognitive functions, mainly learning and memory of the rats were evaluated using Morris water maze task. The synapses ultrastructure, relative mRNA concentrations and protein expression levels of synaptophysin in hippocampus CA1 area were estimated using transmission electron microscope, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting, respectively. Our study showed that in the diabetic rats with angiotensin IV treatment, the cognitive impairment as measured by Morris water maze task improved, the ultrastructure of synapses in hippocampus reversed, the relative mRNA concentrations and protein levels of synaptophysin in hippocampus signifi cantly increased, when compared with diabetic rats. We conclude that angiotensin IV plays an important role in improving cognitive function of diabetic rats. The possible mechanisms are up-regulating the expression of synaptophysin and normalizing the ultrastructure of synapses in hippocampus.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of drug-containing serum of Chinese herbal compounds [Xiongshao Capsule (XS, for activating blood) and Huanglian Capsule (HL, for dispelling toxin)] on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced adherence between human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), inflammatory reaction and expression of related proteins in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

METHODSThirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 in each group) using random digit table: the blank control group treated with distilled water, the test group I treated with Chinese herbal compound of XS (0.135 g/kg), the test group II treated with Chinese herbal compound of HL (0.135 g/kg), and the test group Ill treated with Chinese herbal compound of XS (0.135 g/kg) and HL (0.135 g/kg). All medication was given by gastrogavage once a day for a week. Rats' blood serum was harvested 1 h after the last administration to prepare drug-containing serum. HUVECs were exposed to TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL) to induce cell injury model and incubated with corresponding drug-containing serum (10%) for 24 h. Normal rats' serum was given to cells in the blank control group and the model group, while XC + HL containing serum was given to cells in the rest 3 groups. The adherence of HUVECs and PMN cells was detected by using rose bengal strain. Levels of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1P) in the supernatant of cultured HU-VECs were determined by ELISA. Protein expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 (p38MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 12) were determined by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, HUVECs were seriously injured; PMN adherence amount significantly increased; levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and IL-1beta increased; expression levels of p-p38MAPK and p-ERK 1/2 in the supernatant of HUVECs significantly increased in the model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, HUVECs-PMN adherence amount decreased (P < 0.05); levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and IL-1 beta in the supernatant of HUVECs decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); expression levels of p-p38MAPK and p-ERK 1/2 of endothelial cells decreased in the test group I, II, and III (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSDrug-containing serums of activating blood, activating blood and dispelling toxin could attenuate TNF-alpha induced injury of HUVECs, inhibit HUVECs-PMN adherence and the release of adhesion factors. Its mechanism might be involved with protein phosphorylation of p38MAPK and ERK 1/2 in the MAPK pathway.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; E-Selectin ; Endothelial Cells ; physiology ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; Neutrophils ; Rats ; Serum ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Animal experiments showed that recruitment maneuver (RM) and protective ventilation strategy of the lung could improve oxygenation and reduce extravascular lung water. This study was to investigate the effects of RM on respiratory mechanics and extravascular lung water index ( EVLWI) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Thirty patients with ARDS were randomized into a RM group and a non-RM group. In the RM group, after basic mechanical ventilation stabilized for 30 minutes, RM was performed and repeated once every 12 hours for 3 days. In the non-RM group, lung protective strategy was conducted without RM. Oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), Plateau pressure (Pplat), static pulmonary compliance (Cst) and EVLWI of patients before treatment and at 12, 24, 48, 72 hours after the treatment were measured and compared between the groups. Hemodynamic changes were observed before and after RM. One-way ANOVA, Student's t test and Fisher's exact test were used to process the data. RESULTS: The levels of PaO2/FiO2 and Cst increased after treatment in the two groups, but they were higher in the RM group than in the non-RM group (P<0.05). The PIP and Pplat decreased after treatment in the two groups, but they were lower in the RM group than in the non-RM group (P<0.05). The EVLWI in the two groups showed downward trend after treatment (P<0.05), and the differences were signifcant at all time points (P<0.01); the EVLWI in the RM group was lower than that in the non-RM group at 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with pre-RM, hemodynamics changes during RM were significantly different (P<0.01); compared with pre-RM, the changes were not significantly different at 120 seconds after the end of RM (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RM could reduce EVLWI, increase oxygenation and lung compliance. The effect of RM on hemodynamics was transient.

Objective: To understand the relationship between mental health status and vision-related quality of life( VRQL ) of students with moderate and high myopia, and to provide basis for the optimization of VRQL. Methods: Using convenient sampling method, the 8-18 years old students with moderate and high myopia were selected from Sichuan, Chongqing and Zhejiang. The mental health status and VRQL of students with moderate and high myopia were evaluated with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Quality of Life Scale for Ametropia. The multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for VRQL. Results: A total of 360 questionnaires were sent out and 354 were effectively recovered, with an effective rate of 98.33%. There were 116 ( 32.77% ) boys and 238 ( 67.23% ) girls; the median age was 16.65 years old. There were 211 ( 59.60% ) cases of moderate myopia and 143 (40.40%) cases of high myopia.There were 141 ( 39.83% ) found to be anxious and 176 ( 49.72% ) depressed. The median score of Quality of Life Scale for Ametropia was 64. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex ( β＇= -0.179 ), diopter ( β＇= 0.208 ), eyesight with glasses ( β＇= -0.229 ) and anxiety ( β＇= 0.439 ) were influencing factors for VRQL. Conclusion The mental health problems of the students with medium and high myopia are prominent; anxiety has a significant impact on the VRQL of the students.

Objective To investigate the status of hypnotic agents administation in hospitalized elderly patients, and the relativity between incidents and the hypnotics consuming, in order to reduce the side effects of hypnotics in the clinics. Methods Investigated the outflow status of hypnotics in the clinical pharmacy, and status of the category, volume , consuming time of the old patients, and whether or not they received evaluation of sleeping quality before they taking the hypnotics was also investigated, and the factors affect the result of hypnotics and its negative consequences were educated. Results The mainly used of hypnotics in clinics was benzodiazepines, with various category and quantity, depending on different disease the individuals suffering from. There still existed hidden danger of consuming hypnotics, such as many patients hadn' t not received sleeping quality evaluation before taking them. There were also some factors affected the quality of patients sleep after taking medicines. Conclusions The health education of doctors, nurses and patients should be strengthened. It' s also recommended that early non-medicine intervention and reduction of the circumstance affecting factors would be benefit for the less use of hypnotics therefore reduce its side effects. The evaluation of sleep quality is also essential in the instruction of hypnotics using in clinics.

Objective:Tacrolimus prolonged-release(PR) formulation is a new once-daily formulation of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus,which is currently used in adult liver or kidney transplant patients,and is also gradually widely used in children with nephrotic syndrome.The present study was undertaken to preliminarily investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of tacrolimus PR in pediatric nephrotic syndrome recipients.Methods:This single-center open-label prospective study was performed in pediatric nephrotic syndrome recipients.Pharmacokinetic samples were collected from eight pediatric subjects with nephrotic syndrome from Department of Pediatric Nephrology in Peking University First Hospital between June and August 2011.They followed administration of single oral doses of tacrolimus PR formulation at 0.02 mg/kg (n =2),0.05 mg/kg (n =2) and 0.10 mg/kg (n =4).Blood samples were taken before the dose and 1,2,4,6,8,10,12 and 24 h after drug intake.No other medicines or interacting food or drinks were taken during the study period.Blood concentrations were measured using an enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique.Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using WinNolin Phoenix software Version 6.0 (Pharsight,Cary,NC,USA).Results:The pharmacokinetic data were best described by a non-compartment model.Pharmacokinetic parameters of tacrolimus PR formulation in the 3 ascending doses groups (0.02 mg/kg,0.05 mg/kg and 0.10 mg/kg) were as follows:the maxi mum drug concentrations (Cm=/D) were (1.7 ± 1.0) μg/L,(3.1 ± 1.9) μg/L,(8.0 ± 3.5) μg/L,respectively;Areas under the drug concentration-time curve (AUCo-∞/D) were (47.2 ± 47.1) h · μg/ L,(84.0 ± 13.1) h · μg/L,(175.6 ± 107.1) h · μg/L,respectively;Oral clearance rates were (0.8±0.9) L/(h·kg),(0.4±0.1) L/(h · kg),(1.9 ±1.3) L/(h · kg),respectively;Body weight normalized distribution volumes were (7.0 ± 3.4) L/kg,(12.4 ± 8.4) L/kg and (73.6 ± 68.6) L/kg,respectively.Both mean Cmax normalized level for the administered dose (Cmax/D) and mean AUC0-∞ normalized level for the administered dose (AUC0-∞/D) were higher in the 0.05 mg/kg dosage group than in the 0.02 and 0.10 mg/kg dosage group.There were two peaks in the drug concentrations in every dose group;a primary peak appeared at the end of about 2 h followed by a small secondary peak at h 12,which was more noticeable in the 0.10 mg/kg dose group than in the two lower dosages.Conclusion:The pharmacokinetic characteristics of tacrolimus PR formulation were initially explored in pediatric patients with nephritic syndrome.The data presented form a basis for subsequent larger scale studies on pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus PR formulation in nephritic syndrome children.

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ) on rat myocardial cells infected by Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) and its signal transduction mechanism.

METHODSThe cultured myocardial cells of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly treated with CVB3, CVB3+TMPZ (100 micromol/L), TMPZ (100 micromol/L) (negative control) or DMEM (blank control). After treatment, the beating rate of myocardial cells and the LDH activity in the culture fluid were measured. Cell viability was ascertained with MTT assay. Western blot was used to study the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) protein in myocardial cells.

RESULTSThe beating rate of myocardial cells in the untreated CVB3 infection group was significantly lower than that in the TMPZ-treated CVB3 infection group (32.0+/-3.6 bpm vs 84.3+/-3.5 bpm, P<0.01). The LDH activity and NF-kappaB expression in the TMPZ-treated CVB3 infection group was significantly reduced when compared with untreated CVB3 infection group (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively). Cell viability 7 days after CVB3 infection in the TMPZ-treated group was higher than that in the untreated CVB3 infection group (86.7+/-2.7% vs 35.3+/-3.4%; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSTMPZ can provide protective effects on rat myocardial cells infected by CVB3, possibly by an inhibition of the activity of NF-kappaB in myocardial cells.

Animals ; Cytoprotection ; Enterovirus B, Human ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Myocardial Contraction ; drug effects ; Myocarditis ; drug therapy ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; virology ; NF-kappa B ; analysis ; physiology ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; physiology