AIM: The effects of ZX-5, as nitric oxide (NO) donor, on ocular blood flow has been investigated using colored microsphere technique in previous study. The relationship between the production of NO by ZX-5 and ocular blood flow has been evaluated. ZX-5 has been shown to have strong positive effect on increasing choroidal blood flow. However,the effect of ZX-5 on retinal function recovery, the effects of its optical isomers, (R, R)-ZX-5 and (S, S)-ZX-5, on choroidal blood flow and retinal function recovery have not been studied and merit investigation.METHODS: Colored microsphere technique was used for in vivo experiments to determine choroidal blood flow of ocular hypertension (40mmHg) in rabbit eyes. Electroretinography was used to measure the b-wave recovery as an indication of retinal function recovery.RESULTS: (R, R)-ZX-5 increased choroidal blood flow at 10g/L, 50μL instillation into eyes at all time points (P＜0.05).(S, S)-ZX-5 was not effective in increasing choroidal blood flow. ZX-5 and (R, R)-ZX-5 showed significant effects in retinal function recovery after ischemia of the retina at all time points (P＜0.05); whereas (S, S)-ZX-5 did not show significant effect on recovery of b-wave after ischemia at most time points except at 120 and 240 minutes.CONCLUSION: ZX-5 and (R, R)-ZX-5 have high potency in increasing the choroidal blood flow and improving the retinal function recovery. It is hoped that they could be used for the prevention/treatment of ocular blood flow related eye diseases.

OBJECTIVEA R1210C mutation of complement factor H (CFH) gene has been associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Caucasian population. This study was to verify above association in Han Chinese population.

METHODSThe mutation was detected by direct sequencing in 258 patients with wet AMD and 426 matched controls.

RESULTSThe R1210C mutation has not been identified in either sample.

CONCLUSIONThe R1210C mutation in CFH gene is not associated with AMD in Han Chinese population.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Complement Factor H ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Macular Degeneration ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether resveratrol (RES) plays a protective role in hypothermic preserved isolated rat hearts and whether it is mediated by regulation of silent information regulator protein-1 (Sirt-1) expression.

METHODSThe Langendorff model of isolated rat heart was used. After stored in different Celsior solution at 4 degrees C for 9 h, SD rat hearts were randomly divided into 7 groups: blank control group;9 h group (soley hypothermic preservation for 9 h); RES group (3, 10, 30 micromol/L RES treatment plus hypothermic preservation for 9 h ), niacinamide (NAM) group (40 micromol/L NAM added in Celsior solution plus hypothermic preservation for 9 h), RES + NAM group (30 micromol/L RES and 40 micromol/L NAM were added in Celsior solution plus hypothermic preservation for 9 h). The morphological changes of cardiomyocytes were detected by the HE staining with the light microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Sirt-1 were detected by Real-Time PCR and Western blot respectively.

RESULTS(1) Compared with the blank control group, myocardiocytes were injured remarkably in the 9 h group and the Sirt-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were decreased significantly (P < 0.01); (2) Compared with the 9 h group, rat myocardial injury was alleviated gradually in 3, 10, 30 micromol/L RES group and the Sirt-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05); (3) The above protective effects of RES were attenuated by Sirt-1 inhibitor NAM.

CONCLUSIONRES can protect myocardiocytes from injury caused by long range hypothermic preservation and this protective effect maybe mediated by upregulation of Sirt-1 expression.

Animals ; Cryopreservation ; Heart ; drug effects ; Male ; Organ Preservation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sirtuin 1 ; metabolism ; Stilbenes ; pharmacology

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of sodium nitrite (SN) on alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice. Forty male C57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. Acute alcohol-induced liver injury group were injected intraperitoneal (ip) with alcohol (4.5 g/kg); SN preconditioning group were pretreated with SN (16 mg/kg, ip) for 12 h, and received alcohol (4.5 g/kg, ip) injection; Control and SN groups were treated with saline and SN, respectively. After the treatments, liver index (liver/body weight ratio) was determined. Colorimetric technique was performed to measure the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) activities, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The pathological index of liver tissue was assayed by HE and TUNEL fluorometric staining. Using Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein was detected. The results showed that, compared with acute alcohol-induced liver injury group, pretreatment with low doses of SN decreased liver index and serum levels of ALT and AST, weakened acute alcohol-induced hepatocyte necrosis, improved pathological changes in liver tissue, increased live tissue SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities, reduced MDA content and apoptosis index of hepatocytes, and up-regulated HIF-1α protein level in liver tissue. These results suggest that the pretreatment of SN can protect hepatocytes against alcohol-induced acute injury, and the protective mechanism involves inhibition of oxidative stress and up-regulation of HIF-1α protein level.
Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Alcohols ; adverse effects ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; metabolism ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; drug therapy ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Hepatocytes ; drug effects ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oxidative Stress ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Sodium Nitrite ; pharmacology ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of the expression of PPAR-gamma gene in the adipogenesis in hemangioma evolution.

METHODSRoutine immunohistochemistry staining of Perilipin A, the marker antigen of adipocytes, was performed to observe the adipogenesis in hemangioma. Immunofluorescence staining of PPAR-gamma, the important transcription factor in promoting adipogenesis, was carried out to observe its location in hemangioma tissue, with the co-staining of alpha-SMA and CD31. And RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of PPAR-gamma gene in hemangioma in different stages.

RESULTSIn the evolution of hemangioma, the number of adipocytes increased continuously. And the tumor was replaced by fibrofatty tissue finally. PPAR-gamma was located in the nuclei of perivascular cell in hemangioma tissue. The expression of PPAR-gamma gene in hemangioma increased in the evolution of hemangioma, but still was lower than that in normal fat tissue from children.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of PPAR-gamma in the perivascular cells suggests that they may contribute to the adipogenesis in hemangioma involution.

Adipogenesis ; Adipose Tissue ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hemangioma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; PPAR gamma ; metabolism

Objective:To construct a satisfaction evaluation indicator system based on patients′experiences of medical services .Methods: A questionnaire was designed by expert interview and literature review and 400 copies were randomly handed out to inpatients and outpatients from five 3A-public hospitals in Shanghai .The patient′s evaluation of importance of various factors in medical services was analyzed and the mean and weight of indicators in terms of recognition , importance and evaluation were determined to establish a satisfaction evaluation indicator system .Results: A total of 396 valid questionnaires were retrieved , with an effective response rate of 99%.By analyzing survey data , the patient satisfaction evaluation indicator system was constructed with 5 primary indicators ( hospital environment , medical procedures , attitude, and quality of care and patient rights ) and 25 secondary indicators ( convenient hospital environment , auxiliary facilities , reasonable arrangement , clearly mark, convenient appointment , simple procedures, short time, the attitude of medical staff, solutions of medical dispute , medical technology , treatment, medical equipment , medical expenses, respect, patient privacy, etc.).Conclusion:A patient satisfaction evaluation indicator system has been established based on patients′experience of medical services in the study , which may be applicable to measure patients′satisfaction and to improve medical services in hospitals .

OBJECTIVE: To explore expression of β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathway in synovial tissue of rats with different degrees of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Forty-eight SPF male rats weighed (200±20) g were randomly divided into three groups, namely model group (32 rats), sham operation group (8 rats) and control group (8 rats). KOA model rats were established by Hulth method, and 8 rats were killed at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks respectively after modeling, in order to establish KOA model rats with moderate, early, mild and severe degree. Sham operation group was only cut off capsule of knee joint and suture to exclude interference factor, control group was untreated. Behavior, synovial hyperplasia and cartilage degeneration of rats among each group were observed. Expression of NF-κB and signaling pathway and β-catenin in synovial tissue of rats were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: KOA rat model was successfully established, and synovial hyperplasia was observed in KOA model at mild and early degree, and then gradually decreased; while cartilage degeneration in the early moderate and severe KOA model was significantly expressed, and gradually aggravated with time. The results of PCR showed that expression of β-catenin in 4-week group (8.57±0.46) and 8-week group (4.23±0.09) were higher than those in control group (<0.05); expression of TLR-2 in 2-week group (12.04±4.02) and 4-week group (8.54±2.13) were higher than those in control group(<0.05), and TLR-4 in 2-week group(5.04±0.93), 4-week group (3.29±0.58) and 8-week group (1.63±0.12) were higher than those in control group; expression of NF-κB was significantly higher in 2-week group (10.15±2.04), 4-week group (15.97±4.17), 8-week group (7.69±1.48) and 12-week group (6.70±1.58) than that in control group (<0.05), and expression of IL-1β was significantly higher in 4-week group (2.79±0.25) and 8-week group (2.46±0.32) than that of control group (<0.05). CONCLUSIONS On the RNA expression level, both of β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathways are involved in synovial inflammation in KOA model rats, and they play a regulatory role in expression of IL-1β, degeneration of KOA.
Animals ; Inflammation ; Male ; NF-kappa B ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; beta Catenin

Objective To investigate the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCLP) who born in Gansu Province from 2010 to 2016, and to establish a predictive model for developing the strategies for the prevention and control of NSCLP. Methods Spatial epidemiological research method and geographical information systems (GIS) were used to conduct thematic mapping, spatial correlation analysis, high/low clustering analysis, hotspot analysis and Kirging interpolation prediction for NSCLP patients in Gansu Province from 2010 to 2016. Results From 2010 to 2016, the aggregation trend of NSCLP incidence in 89 counties in Gansu Province was different obviously, the southeast area was high and the northwest was low. Based on the data of the cumulative incidence of NSCLP from 2010 to 2016 in Gansu, the spatial distribution of NSCLP presented positive spatial correlation (Moran’I=0.274，Z=7.814，P<0.001) and the aggregation type was high-high cluster(Getis Gi=0.000 003，Z=4.381，P<0.001), with 22 hot spots. The Kirging interpolation prediction results showed that the main prevalence trend of NSCLP in Gansu extended from Longdong to Longxi and Longnan areas. Conclusions The geographical distribution of NSCLP had a positive spatial correlation and a high-high aggregation type in Gansu from 2010 to 2016. The high aggregation area is concentrated in Longdong, Longxi and Longnan of Gansu, which suggest that it is essential to focus on prevention and control in these areas.

Objective To evaluate the hypersusceptibility of Astragaloside injection on animal,and provide reference for clinical use with active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA),passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and determination of serum sample titer.Methods ASA:Guinea pigs was ip with 0.4,1.6 mg/kg Astragaloside injection five times every other day.On the eleventh day after the last administration,the test substance was quickly injected to fore limb vein,and animal allergy symptoms were observed within 30 min.PCA:Astragaloside injection was ip injected to rats five times every other day and antiserum was collected.The antiserum was appropriately diluted,and sc injected to another group rats for passive sensitization.About 48 hours later,Astragaloside was quickly iv to rats,and the skin allergy was observed.Meanwhile,the antibody titer of the antiserum was determined.Results ASA:Astragaloside injection of 0.4,1.6 mg/kg in guinea pigs did not show any allergic reaction,that is,ASA was negative;PCA:Astragaloside injection of 0.5,2.0 mg/kg in rats did not show any allergic reaction,and Astragaloside specific antibodies were not determined in serum samples.That is,PCA was negative.Conclusion The results of ASA and PCA were negative in the experimental dose,and there was no specific antibody against Astragaloside in the serum prepared by PCA,which indicated that the possibility of hypersensitivity reaction was weak in clinical use.

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of neonatal renal pelvis ureteraljunction obstruction(PUJO),and to analyze its preliminary experience.Methods From Jun.2009 to Apr.2012,11 neonates(9 boys and 2 girls) were recruited in this study.They were all detected by prenatal ultrasound and renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter was more than 3 cm.One week after birth,emission computed tomography(ECT) showed that split function of hydronephrotic kidneys were lower than 40％.All patients underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty.Results All successful underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty,no conversion to open surgery or additional Trocar,no intraoperative complications.The mean time of operation was 80 min,and blood loss was less than 10 mL,the mean postoperative hospital stay was 9 days.All patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months with ultrasound and ECT.The thickness of renal parenchyma increased,and 8 kidneys turned almost normal,the other's renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter was about 1.5 cm,renal pelvis anteroposterior was significantly reduced,and the scar was not obvious.Conclusions Laparoscopic ureteroplasty in the treatment of neonatal hydronephrosis is safe and feasible,and it is worthy of application in a large scale.Qperators need mastering laparoscopic suture technology,and then apply the technique from older children to neonates gradually.