Objective To examine the expression of toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)in peripheral blood monocytes and explore its association with disease stages and clinical manifestations and to explore the patho- genesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods The expression of toll-like receptor 2 in peripheral blood monocytes from 47 RA patientis(27 in active stage and 20 in stable stage)and 18 normal individuals were de- tected by flowcytometry and RT-PCR.Results The expression of toll-like receptor 2 in peripheral blood monocytes in patients with active disease was significantly increased compared to non-active patients and nor- mal individuals,The expression was found to correlate with the Disease Active Score(DAS),serum C-reactive protein(CRP)level and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),but not correlate with rheumatoid factor (RF)and the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide(CCP)antibody.Conclusion The expression of toll-like recep- tor 2 in peripheral blood monocytes of patients with active RA is significantly increased.And the expression is correlated with disease activity index.The innate immune system is activated in patients with active disease. And the increased expression may promote the activities of monocytes.

To provide accurate information on geographic distribution of crude drug Sailonggu in the plateau, we identified zokor species (Eospalax spp.) in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau using molecular methods. Based on the mitochondrial cytochrome B (cytb) gene sequences, we then extracted haplotypes from these sequences and reconstructed phylogenetic trees for the haplotypes using both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. Based on the trees, the species of each sample were determined. Five hundred and three samples from 35 populations were sequenced and their whole cytb sequences (1140 bp) were obtained. From these sequences 150 haplotypes were detected, in which, 126 were Eospalax baileyi, 20 were E. cansus, and 4 were E. smithi of the 35 populations, 28 were E. baileyi type, 5 were E. cansus type, and the remaining 2 were mixed of E. baileyi + E. cansus (DT2) and E. baileyi + E. smithi (ZN3). The results showed that, the regions around the Qinghai lake and near the upper stream of Yellow River started at Guide could be viewed as the producing area of authentic Sailonggu, and also, the cytb gene is a powerful molecular marker to determine the species of zokors as well as for the authentication of geographic distribution of Sailonggu.
Animals ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; Haplotypes ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; Phylogeny ; Rodentia ; classification ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-arthritic effect of bee venom in adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two male SD rats were enrolled in the experiment. Six were treated as negative controls and 20 AIA models were randomly divided into 3 groups: model controls (n=6), sodium chloride treatment group (n=6), and bee venom treatment group (n=8). The rats in the model control were killed before the treatment and the peripheral blood and synovium samples were collected for pre-treatment controls. The rats in the bee venom treatment group were injected hypodermically with bee venom for 14 days, while those in the sodium chloride treatment group were treated with the same volume of sodium chloride. During this period, the circumference of the affected joints and the total scores of the joints in all groups were measured every 2 days and X ray examinations were performed before and after the treatment. At the end of the treatment, all the rats were killed and their peripheral blood and synovium samples were collected for measurements of tumor necrosis factor TNF-alpha and interleukin IL-1 beta and histological studies, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the sodium chloride group, the rats in the bee venom treatment group were less swollen in joints and circumference of joints and lower joint scores decreased (P<0.05). At the same time, the bone erosion and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the synovium were also significantly reduced in the bee venom treatment group. In addition, the serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta were significantly lower in rats of the bee venom treatment group than those of the sodium chloride group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION Bee venom is effective in treating AIA by reducing synovitis, downregulating the serum concentrations of cytokine TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta and alleviating the bone erosion.
Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Bee Venoms ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-1beta ; blood ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Synovial Membrane ; pathology ; Synovitis ; drug therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Cholelithiasis is one of the clinically common and frequently encountered diseases. In this paper, the Chinese Meteria Medica and prescriptions utilized to treat cholelithasis were discussed in four aspects. In addition, we discussed the clinical effect and mechanism of actions of these drugs in order to provide some reference for future drug development in this area.
Animals ; Cholelithiasis ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo prepare the trimeric subunits of recombinant human mannan-binding lectin (MBL) with biological activities.

METHODSA prokaryotic expression vector containing human MBL N-terminal deletant (rhMBLδN) gene we previously constructed was transformed into E. coli for efficient expression of rhMBLδN fusion protein. Based on the principle that the collagen polypeptides tend to self-assembly into the tertiary structure of proteins by forming a triple helix due to the characteristic properties of the collagen proteins, rhMBLδN fusion protein was limitedly hydrolyzed with thrombin. The obtained rhMBLδN polypeptide was repeatedly dialyzed in 50 mmol/L PBS (pH7.2) and ddH(2)O, and the final product was analyzed for its bioactivities using a ligand-binding assay and a C4d deposition assay.

RESULTSrhMBLδN polypeptide with a relative molecular mass of about 20 000 was obtained by limited proteolysis of rhMBLδN fusion protein with thrombin. Repeated dialyses of rhMBLδN polypeptides in 50 mmol/L PBS and ddH(2)O resulted in the isolation of the trimeric subunit trhMBLδN (with a relative molecular mass of about 50 000), which contained a collagen-like helix. The trhMBLδN protein had a higher ligand-binding activity than rhMBLδN polypeptide, and acquired the activity to initiate the lectin pathway of complement activation, but the activities were lower than those of natural MBL.

CONCLUSIONWe have successfully obtained the bioactive trimeric subunit of rhMBL, trhMBLδN, and this structural subunit is also the functional subunit of the MBL molecule.

Complement Activation ; Escherichia coli ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Mannose-Binding Lectin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo understand the effects of moderate lead poisoning on the hippocampus tissue of rabbits in juvenile stage.

METHODSSixteen 45-day-old male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank group and lead-exposed group,8 for each group. Rabbits in the lead-exposed group were treated with 5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) lead acetate in their forage for 6 weeks to establish a moderate lead poisoning animal model. The blood lead levels and the lead contents in the hippocampus were determined by atomic absorption spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry respectively. Histopathology and ultra-microstructure in the hippocampus tissue were observed by light microscope and electron microscope. The NR1, NR2A and NR2B protein expressions in the CA1 hippocampal region were analyzed through immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSCompared with those of blank group, the blood lead levels of lead-exposed group were significant increased, (428.63 +/- 9.46) vs (66.38+/-3.93) microg/L (t = 100.08, P<0.01); and lead contents of hippocampus was significantly increased, (44.57+/-2.03) vs (21.20+/-1.53) ng/g, (t = 26.05, P<0.01); the hippocampus wet weight were significant decreased, (0.735 +/-0.012) vs (0.808+/-0.010), (t =12.97, P<0.01); the coefficient of hippocampus wet weight, was (0.458 +/-0.004) vs (0.476+/-0.005), (t =7.87, P<0.01). The significant declines in both the positive rate of NR1 and NR2A in the CA1 hippocampal region for NR1: (37.44 +/- 2.05)% vs (41.81+/-2.50)% (t = 3.82, P<0.01) and for NR2A: 21.97+/-1.08 vs 25.48+/-1.30 (t =5.89, P<0.01) were also observed. With light microscope and electron microscope, the histopathology and ultra-microstructure of neuron and glial cell in the hippocampus tissue were changed.

CONCLUSIONThe impairment of hippocampus of rabbits in juvenile stage with chronic moderate lead poisoning were observed, and the histopathology and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor protein expressions in the hippocampus tissue were changed.

Animals ; Chronic Disease ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lead Poisoning ; metabolism ; Male ; Rabbits ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; metabolism

Objective:To investigate the technique and efficacy of PTES for treatment of L5/S1 disc herniation.Methods:PTES was performed on 52 cases of L5/S1 herniations without spinal instability and central spinal canal stenosis,including 24 cases of high iliac crest,from November 2012 to April 2013.The operation duration,frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy,blood loss and hospitalization days were recorded.Leg pain was evaluated by using the visual analog scale(VAS)Preoperatively and immediately,1 week,1 month,2 months,3 months,6 months,1 year and 2 years after surgery.The results were determined to be excellent,good,fair,or poor according to the Macnab classification,and complications were observed at 2-year follow-up.Objective:The mean operation duration was(56.3 ±11.5)min per segment.The median frequency of intraoperatively fluoroscopy was 5(3-14)times.The median blood loss was 5(2-20)mL.The median hospital stay was 3(2-4)days.The average postoperative follow-up was(26.2±2.0)months.The median preoperative VAS score of leg pain was 9(6-10),1(0-3)immediately after the operation and 0(0-3)2 years after operation,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).There were 3 cases of lower limb rebound pain 1 week after operation,which were relieved within 2 months after operation.The rate of excellent and good curative effect was 98.1％(51/52)2 years after operation.No complications such as nerve injury,infection,abdominal organ damage and rupture of large vessels occurred.No recurrence occurred.Conclusions:PTES for L5/S1 disc herniation including the cases with high iliac crest is an easy,effective and safe technique.The method has the advantages of simple positioning,easy puncture,simple steps and less fluoroscopy,and the learning curve is not steep for surgeons.

OBJECTIVEVasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuro-peptide that can modulate immunity. Previous studies indicated that VIP can attenuate the deleterious consequences of severe sepsis and septic shock by regulating production of inflammatory cytokines in immune activated cells. The signaling induced by bacterial components occurs primarily through Toll like receptors (TLRs). TLRs have been recognized to play a key role in pathogen recognition and innate immunity. It was convincingly demonstrated that lung is one of early suffered disaster organ and may trigger multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in sepsis. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of VIP on TLR2/4 mRNA expressions on acute lung injury of endotoxic shock induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat.

METHODForty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, i.e., LPS shock group (n = 16), LPS + VIP group (n = 16), and control group (n = 8). LPS shock model was established by LPS (E. coli O(55)B(5) 10 mg/kg) with tail intravenous injection. The rats in LPS + VIP group were given a bolus of 5 nmol VIP intravenous injection follow by LPS. The rats in control group were given normal saline. The rats were sacrificed at 6 h, 24 h after being injected. The lung tissues were collected. The TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR from the lung tissues. Pathological changes of the lungs were observed by light microscope and electron microscope 24 h after LPS injection.

RESULT(1) Lung histopathology: the alveolar space was full with leukocyte, necrotic cells, segmental hemorrhage and protein effusion. Partial alveolar space was enlarged, lung interstitial edema were observed in LPS shock group. However, pathological changes of LPS + VIP group were milder than those in LPS shock group. (2) The expressions of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA were significantly higher in LPS shock group compared with those of the control group (F = 16.638, P = 0.000; t = 5.876, P = 0.000), TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA expression on 24 h was down-regulated in LPS + VIP shock subgroup than those in LPS shock subgroup (F = 16.676, P = 0.000; t = 3.946, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONExpressions of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA were up-regulated on LPS induced lung injury in rats. VIP mitigated lung injury induced by LPS, which may be related to TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA down-regulation of expression. The effect of VIP may suggest a protective mechanism in sepsis. VIP may play a potential protective role in severe infection.

Acute Lung Injury ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Animals ; Down-Regulation ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDMany clinical studies have been published involving the use of a high hip center (HHC), achieved good follow-up. However, there is a little anatomic guidance in the literature regarding the amount of bone stock available for initial implant coverage in this area of the ilium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thickness and width of the human ilium and related acetabular cup coverage for guiding acetabular component placement in HHC.

METHODSA total of 120 normal hips in 60 cases of adult patients from lower extremities computer tomographic angiography Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data were chosen for the study. After importing the data to the mimics software, we chose the cross sections every 5-mm increments from the rotational center of the hip to the cephalic of the ilium according the body sagittal axis, then we measured the thickness and width of the ilium for each cross section in axial plane, calculated the cup coverage at each chosen section.

RESULTSAt the acetabular dome, the mean thickness and width of the ilium were 49.71 ± 4.88 mm and 38.92 ± 3.67 mm, respectively, whereas at 1 cm above the dome, decreased to 41.35 ± 5.13 and 31.13 ± 3.37 respectively, and 2 cm above the dome, decreased to 31.25 ± 4.04 and 26.65 ± 3.43, respectively. Acetabular cup averaged coverage for 40-, 50-, and 60-mm hemispheric shells, was 100%, 89%, and 44% at the acetabular dome, 100%, 43.7%, and 27.5% for 1 cm above the dome, and 37.5%, 21.9%, and 14.2% for 2 cm above the dome.

CONCLUSIONSHHC reconstructions within 1 cm above the acetabular dome will be an acceptable and smaller diameter prosthesis would be better.

Adult ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Hip Prosthesis ; Humans ; Ilium ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography

Objective:This article analyzes the cognition and satisfaction evaluation of patients in medical alli-ance. Under the medical alliance mode,the present study tries to explore the choice of medical treatment of patients, the first diagnosis of primary health care institutions and its influencing factors, in order to provide reference for the construction of medical alliance. Methods:With the help of stratified sampling method,eighteen (18) medical alli-ances were selected from 16 districts and counties in Beijing. The survey questionnaire was designed to be used as the tool for data collection. A total of 1 280 patients in medical alliance participated in this study. The Chi-square Test and binary logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis. Results:59.12% of patients understand the medical association and related policies. 39.12% of the patients are satisfied with the medical association,51.44% of patients are willing to take first diagnosis at primary health care institutions. The distribution of medical resources in various districts is uneven. The type of hospital visited,the degree of understanding of medical alliance,the expe-rience of medical alliance and the satisfaction toward medical alliance will have an impact on the willingness about basic initial diagnosis,and the influence make a significant statistical sense. Conclusions:The Medical alliance con-struction in Beijing has achieved a certain effect,as first visit at primary health care institutions will be the initial for-mation. But the unbalanced distribution of medical resources in various districts,the service capacity of primary care institutions which does not meet the needs of patients,the insufficient sensitization of relevant policy and the current health insurance policy are seen as limiting factors to the development of medical alliance.