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 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

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

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.

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

Ischemic stroke is a common clinical emergency, with thrombolysis and neuroprotection as its cardinal treatment, and nowadays the latter is more and more stressed by stroke researchers. On the basis of pathophysiology and ischemic cascade of ischemic stroke, we now try to analyze the conceivable mechanism of intervention by tradition Chinese medicine (TCM) and hopefully provide experience for experimental and clinical research in the future.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Ischemia ; complications ; drug therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Stroke ; drug therapy ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect of mild hypothermia on severe traumatic brain injury.

METHODSEighty-six in-patients with severe traumatic brain injury treated ordinarily were consecutively randomized into two groups: a hypothermia group (n=43) and a normothermia group (the control group, n=43). In the hypothermia group, the core temperature (i.e., nasopharyngeal or brain temperature) of the patient was reduced to and maintained at 33-35 degrees C with a systemic cooling blanket. Natural rewarming began after 3-5 days (mean: 4.3 days) of hypothermia treatment. In the control group, the patient received no hypothermia treatment. The vital sign, extradural pressure and serum superoxide dismutase were observed and measured during treatment, and the complications as well as the Glasgow outcome scale were evaluated at 2 years after injury.

RESULTSThe mean extradural pressure in the hypothermia group (27.38 mm Hg +/- 4.88 mm Hg at 24 hours, 29.40 mm Hg +/- 4.50 mm Hg at 48 hours and 26.40 mm Hg +/- 4.13 mm Hg at 72 hours after injury) was much lower than that in the control group (32.63 mm Hg +/- 3.00 mm Hg, 34.80 mm Hg +/- 6.00 mm Hg and 31.81 mm Hg +/- 4.50 mm Hg respectively at 24, 48 and 72 hours, P<0.05). The mean serum superoxide dismutase levels in the hypothermia group on days 3 and 7 (583.7 microg/L +/- 99.6 microg/L and 699.4 microg/L +/- 217.3 microg/L, respectively) were much higher than those in the control group at the same time period (446.6 microg/L +/- 79.5 microg/L and 497.1 microg/L +/- 101.2 microg/L, respectively, P<0.01). The recovery rates at 2 years after injury were 65.1% in the hypothermia group and 37.2% in the control group (P<0.05). The mortality rates were 25.6% in the hypothermia group and 51.2% in the control group (P<0.05). The complications, including pulmonary infections, thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 x 10(9)/L), hemorrhage in the digestive tract, electrolyte disorders and renal malfunction, were managed without severe sequelae.

CONCLUSIONSMild hypothermia is a safe and effective therapeutic method, which can lower the extradural pressure, increase the serum superoxide dismutase and improve the neurological outcomes without severe complications in the patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Adult ; Aged ; Analysis of Variance ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; therapy ; Decompression, Surgical ; Female ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Intracranial Pressure ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Therapeutics

AIMTo look for new active constituents from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L.

METHODSVarious column chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation and purification of the ingredients. The structure were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidences and chemical reaction.

RESULTSFive compounds were obtained and identified as 23-O-acetylshengmanol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 23-O-acetylshengmanol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (2), 25-anhydrocimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (3), cimigenol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (4), cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (5).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2 and 4 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Cimicifuga ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification