Objective To investigate the functional and histological changes in aging gerbil bladders.MethodsTwelve male gerbils were randomly divided into control group and aging bladder group,with 6 in each group.Experiment was conducted in gerbils of control group and aging bladder group 6 months and 24 months after normal feeding,respectively.Urodynamic examinations including irrigation volume,compliance and filling pressure of bladder were performed,bladder weight was obtained,bladder weight index was calculated,morphological observation was conducted with HE staining,ratio of amount of smooth muscle to collagen was obtained with double immunohistochemical staining,and electron microscope was used to evaluate the ultrastructure of bladder.ResultsCompared with those in control group,the irrigation volume and compliance of bladder significantly decreased in aging bladder group(P0.05).However,the bladder weight index was significantly lower in aging bladder group(P0.05).There existed degeneration in smooth muscle cells and organelles in aging bladder group.ConclusionThe function of aging bladder in gerbils is impaired,which may be related to the degeneration of bladder tissues.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BSHXR, a Chinese medicine recipe for Shen reinforcing and blood circulation activating) on the levels of urinary albumin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in chronic nephritis patients of Shen-deficiency blood-stasis syndrome.

METHODSForty-five patients were blocking assigned randomly to two groups, fifteen patients in the control group and thirty in the treatment group. All orally took Monopril 10 mg, once daily. But BSHXR was given additionally to patients in the treatment group after decocting,one dose per day (taken in two times). The treatment course for both groups was eight weeks. Besides, a normal control group consisting of six healthy subjects from health examination of Shuguang Hospital was set up. The 24-h urinary albumin and contents of TGF-beta1, IL-6 and MCP-1 in urine of all subjects were observed.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment the 24-h urinary albumin was obviously reduced in the treatment group, showing significant difference (P<0.01). The urinary 24-h albumin decreased in the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Statistical difference existed between the treatment group and the control group after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with before treatment, urinary levels of IL-6, TGF-beta1, and MCP-1 were all down-regulated in the treatment group and the control group after treatment (P<0.01), and the decreasing of IL-6 and TGF-beta1, levels was more significant in the treatment group statistically (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBSHXR could attenuate the albuminuria in patients of chronic nephritis. Its mechanism might be possibly correlated with its down-regulation of IL-6, TGF-beta1, and MCP-1 levels.

Adult ; Albuminuria ; drug therapy ; urine ; Case-Control Studies ; Chemokine CCL2 ; urine ; Chronic Disease ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; urine ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Nephritis ; drug therapy ; urine ; Phytotherapy ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; urine

OBJECTIVETaxus species are highly valued for the production of taxol. Based on high-throughput sequenceing, EST-SSRs were explored and studied in the transcriptome of Taxus cuspidata.

METHODT cuspidata leaf cDNA was extracted and sequenced by 454 GS FLX Titanium. High-quality sequences were assembled using Newbler Assembler Software, which produced unique sequences. SSRs motif was explored using simple sequence repeat identification tool (Perl Script). Primers were designed using PRIMER3.

RESULTA total of 81 148 high-quality reads from the needles of T. cuspidata were produced using the Roche GS FLX Titanium system. A total of 20 557 unique sequences were obtained. There were 753 simple sequence repeat motifs identified. Primers of PCR were obtained for 519 EST-SSRs, randomly selected cloning sequencing revealed that 87.5% of ESTs were the same as the results of Sanger sequencing.

CONCLUSIONThe results provide the first EST-SSRs collection in Taxus and are essential for future efforts of gene discovery, functional genomics, and genome annotation in related species.

DNA Primers ; genetics ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Gene Expression Profiling ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; methods ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Taxus ; genetics ; Transcriptome ; genetics

Objective To evaluate the effects of rebuilding stove and health education on preventing coal-burning fluorosis and arsenic poisoning in Shaanxi in 2005.Methods According to "Scheme of Impmving Stove in Preventing Coal-burning Fluorosis and Arsenic Poisoning of Shaanxi in 2005",the initial meeting was convened,while liability contracts were signed,leading and technical guiding groups were established,professional training was carried out.On the basis of the epidemiologic data,stoves were improved in 7 chosen counties in Ankang and Hanzhong City where the health education in several modalities was carried out.The project was checked and accepted when the work was completed.Thirty children in fourth grade were randomly selected in one primary school of each county.Fifleen adults aged 16 years old were chosen randomly in each village in each country.They were asked to answer the questionnaire about the health knowledge.Results There were 955 322 stoves improved in 7 countries in Ankang and Hanzhong City accounting for rebuilding stove was 100%(95 322/95 314).The awareness rates of health knowledge were 88%(444/508)in the adults and 100%(210/210)in children.Conclusions The government mangement leadership,the cooperation between the related departments, the participation of residents and the assufance of fund are the essentials in long lasting control of endemic diseases.

Aim To investigate the effect of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde ( HD) on intestinal fibrosis in mice based on mouse intestinal fibrosis model and in vitro EMT model,and to explore the underlying mechanism Methods HE staining, Masson staining, immunohisto-chemistry ,qPCR, Western blot and other experimental methods were used to verify the effect of HD on intestinal fibrosis in mice and the potential mechanism. Results In vivo experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the DSS-induced intestinal fibrosis model group had shortened colon, increased colon his-topathological score, increased collagen volume fraction, and significantly increased collagen I expression. After treatment with 4, 10, and 25 mg • kg

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and acting mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BHR) on the state of extracellular matrix in glomerulosclerosis (GS) rats model.

METHODSGS rat model was established by unilateral nephrectomy and adriamycin injection. Model rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal control group, the model group, the test group treated by BHR, and the positive control group treated with fosinopril sodium, with 11 rats in each group. The 24 h urinary protein and renal function of rats were observed, the contents of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in renal tissue and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in blood plasma, and renal tissue were detected.

RESULTSCompared with those in the normal control group, 24 h urinary protein was increased and renal function was deprived in the model group; TIMP-1 expression increased, MMP1 expression decreased in renal tissue of rats in the model group, showing statistical difference between groups (P < 0.05). As compared with the model group, the abnormal changes of TIMP-1 and MMP1 expressions were ameliorated in the two groups treated either by BHR or fosinopril (P < 0.05). The content of TGF-beta1 in the model group, either in blood or in renal tissue, was significantly higher than those in the normal control group respectively (P < 0.01), showing no significant change after BHR treatment.

CONCLUSIONThe protective effect of BHR on renal function in rats with GS is possibly by way of influencing expressions of TGF-beta1, TIMP-1 and MMP1 to regulate the state of extracellular matrix and lessen the matrix aggregation.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Kidney ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; blood ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS) and bladder function in the community-dwelling elderly females. Methods The questionnaires were administered,including complaints of LUTS,International Prostate Symptoms Score(IPSS) and quality of life assessment.Meanwhile,uroflowmetry was performed and volume of residual urine was measured. Results The total number of women surveyed was 359.According to IPSS,the prevalence of moderate to severe LUTS(IPSS≥8) was 39.0%.The prevalence in those with age of 50-59,60-69 and ≥70 years were 35.1%,46.2% and 54.8%,respectively(P=0.034).Of all the women surveyed,73.8% had predominantly irritative symptoms.The maximum flow rates(Qmax)were(24.5?11.5) mL/s,(22.7?11.0) mL/s and(14.5?8.2) mL/s,respectively for these age groups(P

OBJECTIVETo find new serum tumor markers for ovarian epithelial cancers by 2-DE DIGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF proteomic methods, in order to improve the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

METHODSSerum samples from 103 cases of ovarian epithelial cancers, 60 cases of healthy women, 63 cases of benign ovarian tumors and 63 cases of benign pelvic diseases were collected. Sera of 20 cases of ovarian epithelial cancers (A), 20 cases of ovarian benign tumors (B), 20 cases of pelvic benign diseases (C) and 20 cases of health control (D) were matched by age and pooled, respectively. After depletion of high abundance serum albumin and IgG, the samples were assayed by 2-DE DIGE. The test was repeated three times. Analysis with DeCyder software revealed significant differential protein spots which were identified by MAIDI-TOF/TOF. Western blot and ELISA were used to validate the candidate serum markers.

RESULTS1) There were 41 proteins having significant differences between the groups. MAIDI-TOF/TOF successfully identified 28 proteins. Haptoglobin (Hp) was the most significantly up-regulated protein, and transferrin (Tf) was the most significantly down-regulated protein. 2) Western blot and ELISA proved that there were significant differences in Hp and Tf between ovarian epithelial cancers and normal controls (P = 0.000), between ovarian epithelial cancers and ovarian benign tumors (P = 0.000), between ovarian epithelial cancers and benign pelvic disease sera (P = 0.000). 3) CA125 + Hp + Tf combined detection of ovarian cancer had higher sensitivity and specificity than CA125, Hp or Tf detection alone.

CONCLUSIONHp and Tf are differently expressed in the sera of patients with ovarian epitheliual cancers. They can be used as serum biomarkers for ovarian epithelial cancers. CA125 + Hp + Tf combined detection may improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of ovarian epithelial cancers.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell ; blood ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; blood ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous ; blood ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Endometriosis ; blood ; Female ; Haptoglobins ; analysis ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; blood ; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ; blood ; Proteins ; analysis ; Proteomics ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Teratoma ; blood ; Transferrin ; analysis

[Objective]To investigate the relationship between clopidogrel response , early neurological deterioration and CYP2C19 gene polymorphism in sICAS patients.[Methods]116 sICAS patients were divided into deterioration group and non-deterio?ration group by whether appear early nervous function deterioration. Record included the baseline data,the genotypes of CYP2C19, platelet maximum aggregation rate after 7 days of given clopidogrel,CYP2C19 genotype and clopidogrel reaction were compared be?tween two groups.[Results]The deterioration group combination with diabetes ,stroke/TIA were significantly higher than the non-de?terioration group(P<0.05);The frequency of CYP2C19*2 AA genotype and A allele were significantly higher than those in non-dete?rioration group. The frequency of GG genotype were significantly lower than non-deterioration group (27.27% vs 2.13%,50.00% vs 14.84%,27.27% vs 72.34%)(P<0.01);The poor metabolic genotype platelet maximum aggregation rate were significantly higher than that of the fast-metabolic genotype and middle metabolic genotype(P<0.01,P<0.05),Middle metabolic genotype platelet maxi?mum aggregation rate were significantly higher than fast-metabolic genotype(P<0.01);The deterioration group fast-metabolic geno?type were significantly lower than non-deterioration group ,poor metabolic genotype were significantly higher than non-deterioration group(22.73% vs 65.96%,36.36% vs 5.32%)(P<0.01);Clopidogrel resistance rate 59.09% were significantly higher non-deteriora?tion group 28.72%(P<0.05).[Conclusion]Clopidogrel response and early neurological deterioration in sICAS patients is associatedwith CYP2C19 gene polymorphism.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect and safety of perineal, crissal and progenital pruritus treated with acupuncture according to differentiation.

METHODSSelf-control method was applied in these 32 cases. Changqiang (GV 1), Huiyin (CV 1), Qugu (CV 2), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Ashi points etc. were punctured as main points, and adjunct points were added according to differentiation: Taichong (LR 3) and Ququan (LR 8) etc. were added for wind and heat excess of liver meridian, Xuehai (SP 10) and Quchi (LI 11) etc. were added for blood deficiency and wind dryness. Itchiness, skin lesions sign scores and therapeutic effects were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe total scores of itchiness before and after treatment were 6.06 +/- 1.46 and 2.19 +/- 1.71 respectively, and the total scores of skin lesions sign were 4.38 +/- 2.21 and 1.50 +/- 1.44, indicating that the scores and the total scores of itchiness and skin lesions sign reduced obviously after treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the cured and markedly effective rate was 73.4% (11/15) for wind and heat excess of liver meridian, and 70.6% (12/17) for blood deficiency and wind dryness, presenting similar therapeutic effect (P > 0.05). Hematoma or ecchymosis appeared in 2 cases, and disappeared spontaneously after 2-3 days, without obvious adverse reaction.

CONCLUSIONSimple perineal, crissal and progenital pruritus treated with acupuncture according to differentiation is effective, safe and applicable.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pruritus Ani ; therapy ; Pruritus Vulvae ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult