Animals ; Carps ; physiology ; Galvanic Skin Response ; drug effects ; physiology ; Skin ; cytology ; Strychnine ; pharmacology ; Synaptic Transmission ; drug effects ; physiology

Objective: To explore the relationship of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs) expression in the ovarian granulosa cells and cortisol regeneration in the ovary of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In accordance with the revised Rotterdam inclusion/exclusion criteria (2003), 24 patients in the PCOS group were included, meanwhile 21 patients in the control group were included. Follicular fluid and luteinized granulosa cells were collected from patients underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Renji Hospital. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the cortisol concentration and the cortisone levels of follicular fluid. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure 11β-HSDs abundance in the luteinized granulosa cells. The expression of 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 in the luteinized granulosa cells were verified by immunofluorescence. The correlation of local cortisol level in the ovary with 11β-HSDs expression in the luteinized granulosa cells was further analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, the cortisol level in the follicular fluid was elevated in the PCOS group [(477.3±35.3) nmol/L vs (292.0±36.4) nmol/L, P=0.014], while no change was observed in the cortisone levels in two groups. Both 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 were detected in the luteinized granulosa cells. Compared with the control group, the 11β-HSD1 mRNA abundance (P=0.033) and reductase activity (P=0.006) were increased significantly in the PCOS group, and there was no significant difference in the 11β-HSD2 expression and oxidase activity between two groups. Consistently, Pearson correlation analysis showed that the 11β-HSD1 but not 11β-HSD2 mRNA levels in the luteinized granulosa cells was correlated with the cortisol level in the follicular fluid (r2=0.347 6, P=0.001). Conclusion: Elevation of local cortisol in the ovary of PCOS patients may be related to the increased expression of 11β-HSD1 and reductase activity in the ovarian granulosa cells.

ObjectiveTo explore the etiology, comolication a nd causes of death of hospitalized preterm infants. MethodsM aternal and neonatal medical records of 834 hospitalized preterm infants from Ja nuary 1991 to Decembre 2001 were reviewed.ResultsThe statist ics showed that there was an increased tendency of hospitalized preterm infants year by year. Most of them have a definite etiology of prematurity. There were m ore cases hospitalized in winter than in other seasons. 87.6% of preterm infants were associated with different complications. The morbidity of cold injury, pne umonia, recurrent apnea and intracranial hemorrhage declined in last 6 years. Si xty-four babies died, the mortality rate was 7.7%. The smaller the gestational age and birth weight was, the higher the mortality would be. The risk factors of death were birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score at 1 minute after birth, pulmonary hemorrhage and hyaline membrane disease.Conclusion It is important to enforce the perinatal health care and the co-operation of ob stetricians and pediatricians to reduce the complications of prematurity. We sho uld set up a well organized district perinatal transport system, raise the effic iency of rescue management, reduce the mortality and improve the prognosis of pr eterm infants.

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on the protein expression of c-fos in fastigial nucleus (FN) and lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) in rats with acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), and to explore the role and mechanism of FN and LHA in EA at the Heart Meridian fighting against acute MIRI reaction. Methods: Seventy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an EA-Heart Meridian group and an EA-Lung Meridian group, with 14 rats in each group; an LHA lesion plus EA-Heart Meridian group (LHA+EA-Heart Meridian group) and a FN lesion plus EA-Heart Meridian group (FN+EA-Heart Meridian group), with 7 rats in each group. Except the sham operation group, the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery was ligated to establish acute MIRI rat models in the other 5 groups. In the three groups with EA-Heart Meridian treatment, Shenmen (HT 7) and Tongli (HT 5) were selected; Taiyuan (LU 9) and Lieque (LU 7) were selected in the EA-Lung Meridian group. All the EA groups received EA stimulation prior to modeling, with 1 mA in current intensity and 2 Hz in frequency, 20 min each time, once a day for a total of 7 d. The sham operation group and the model group did not receive EA stimulation. The electrocardiogram was observed in the rats to analyze the ST-segment deviation and cardiac arrhythmia score. The expression of c-fos protein in FN and LHA was detected by immunohistochemistry method. Results: Compared with the sham operation group, the ST-segment deviation, cardiac arrhythmia score and the expression of c-fos protein in the FN and LHA increased significantly in the model group (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ST-segment deviation, cardiac arrhythmia score and the expression of c-fos protein in FN and LHA decreased significantly in the EA-Heart Meridian group (all P<0.05). Compared with the EA-Heart Meridian group, the ST-segment deviation and cardiac arrhythmia score increased significantly in the EA-Lung Meridian group, LHA+EA-Heart Meridian group and FN+EA-Heart Meridian group (all P<0.05); the expression of c-fos in FN increased significantly in the EA-Lung Meridian group and LHA+EA-Heart Meridian group (both P<0.05); the expression of c-fos in LHA increased significantly in the EA-Lung Meridian group and FN+EA-Heart Meridian group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: FN and LHA are involved in the mechanism of EA at Heart Meridian to improve the acute MIRI reactions, and the cerebellum may participate in the improvement of cardiac function by EA through the cerebellum-hypothalamus projection.

Objective To obtain acquired immunity evidence in hamsters elicited by third stage hookworm larvae of Necator americanas(NaL3).morphology changes of NaL3 and inflammatory responses in the skin and undedying subcutaneous tissue and muscles of hamsters were observed.Methods Hamsters were immunized subcutaneously with one dose of 150 NaL3 at 2 weeks earlier,and then challenged pereutaneously with 900 NaL3.Skins were excised from post-challenge hamsters at 6,24,72 hours and 1,2 weeks,and then examined under light microscopy.Non-immunized hamsters served as negative controls.Results In non-immunized hamsters the number of NaL3 were 15,33,11.0 and 0 at 6,24,72 hours and 1,2 weeks post-infection.No damaged or dead NaL3 section was observed.All NaL3 exhibited no structural damage and infihrating inflammatory cells were absent from the sunDunding tissues.There were no cutaneous changes.In contrast.the total number of Nak sections in the skin of immunized hamsters were 25,53,15,5 and 4 at 6,24,72 hours and 1,2 weeks post-challenge.Among these NaL3 sections,damaged and dead section number were 0,24,6,0,0 and 0,0,7,5,4.At 24 hours post-challenge the Nak exhibited cutieular swelling and damage.By 72 hours post-challenge pyknosis of the somatic cells nuclei and sparseness or loss of definition in the internal structures of NaL3 were seen.One or two weeks after chanenge,the NaL3 showed severe damage or even dead with remnants.Inflammatory responses including macrophages,epithelioid cells and eosinophils infiltrating and granulomata forming were mainly seen around the NaL3 sections in the skin of immunized hamsters.Conclusions Hamsters initially immunized with NaL3 exhibited obvious acquired immunity protection against percutaneously challenged infection as evidenced by vigorous inflammatory responses in the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissue and muscle.

OBJECTIVETo explore morphological character and clinical significance of superior-posterior acetabular wall by anatomically measuring and quantitatively analyzing thickness of posterior acetabular wall, then provide a theoretical reference for clinical treatment of acetabular fracture.

METHODSFifteen adult formalin-preserved cadaveric pelvises (8 males and 7 females) were used for this investigation. Excess soft tissue was removed and the whole acetabular posterior walls were marked with "angle" sector method and the thickness was measured with caliper in different levels of the different split points. The measurement results were validated and analyzed statistically.

RESULTSAt 5 mm away from acetabular rim, the average thickness of superior-posterior acetablar wall fluctuated between (6.47±0.61) mm and (7.43±0.71) mm; the average thickness of inferior-posterior acetabuluar wall fluctuated between (5.62±0.51) mm and (6.33±0.61) mm; the average thickness of acetabular roof fluctuated between (7.71±0.74) mm and (8.27±0.99) mm. There was no statistical difference between average thickness of superior-posterior wall of acetabulum and inferior-posterior wall of acetabulum (P>0.05), but the average thickness of acetabular roof was significantly larger than superior-posterior acetabular wall (P<0.05). At 10 mm away from the acetabular rim, the average thickness of superior-posterior acetabular wall fluctuated between (8.81±0.67) mm and (13.35±0.89)mm; the average thickness of inferior-posterior acetabular wall fluctuated between (7.02±0.63) mm and (7.66±0.69) mm; the average thickness of acetabular roof fluctuated between (14.46±0.97) mm and (17.05±1.35) mm. Comparatively, the average thickness of superior-posterior acetabular wall was significantly larger than inferior-posterior wall of acetabulum (P<0.05), and the average thickness of acetabular roof was significantly larger than superior-posterior acetabular wall (P<0.01). At 15 mm away from the acetabular rim, the average thickness of superior-posterior acetabular wall fluctuated between (12.08±0.78) mm and (19.84±1.03) mm; the average thickness of inferior-posterior acetabular wall fluctuated between (10.17±0.76) mm and (11.12± 0.77) mm; the average thickness of acetabular roof fluctuated between (23.23±1.12) mm and (26.01±1.53) mm. Comparatively, the average thickness of superior-posterior wall of acetabulum was significantly larger than inferior-posterior acetabular wall (P<0.01), and the average thickness of acetabular roof was significantly larger than superior-posterior acetabular wall (P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe thickness of entire acetabular posterior edge revealed an increasing tendency from inferior-posterior wall to the superior-posterior wall to acetabular roof. And this trend became more obvious with increasing distance away from acetabular rim. Therefore, the superior-posterior acetabular wall could not only maintain the stability of hip joint but also bear loading.

Acetabulum ; anatomy & histology ; injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Bushen Wenyang Huayu Recipe (BSWYHYR) on nerve growth factor (NGF) and transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor I (TRPV1) in experimental endometriosis (EMT), and to explore its mechanism for treating EMT-induced pain.

METHODSTotally in-bred line BALB/c 75 female mice were divided into five groups, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the high dose BSWYHYR group, the low dose BSWYHYR group, the gestrinone group, 15 in each group. Writhing response was observed in each group. Serum contents of NGF were detected using ELISA. Expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 in uterus and ectopic foci were detected using immunohistochemical staining SP and Western blot. mRNA expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 in uterus and ectopic foci were detected by Real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe serum NGF content in the model group was higher than that in the sham-operation group (P < 0.01), and there was positive correlation between NGF and the writhing frequency (r = 0.574, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of NGF significantly decreased in the 3 treatment groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, mRNA and protein expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.01). Protein expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 decreased significantly in the 3 treatment groups, when compared with the model group (P < 0.01). mRNA expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 decreased most in the high dose BSWYHYR group (P < 0.01). NGF in uterus and ectopic foci was positively correlated with protein and mRNA expression levels of TRPV1 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSNGF and TRPV1 participated in the occurrence of pain in EMS. BSWYHYR played an important role in inhibiting EMT-induced pain through reducing the up-regulation of NGF on TRPV1.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Endometriosis ; Female ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Nerve Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Pain ; RNA, Messenger ; TRPV Cation Channels ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Uterus

Biliary Atresia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; deficiency ; Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Citrullinemia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Humans ; Infant ; Jaundice ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation ; Organic Anion Transporters ; deficiency

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of ANGPTL4 gene silencing on the migration of human colon cancer cells in vitro.

METHODSThe expression of ANGPTL4 in human colorectal cancer cell lines was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Following stable transfection with a short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting ANGPTL4 gene in HT29 cells, ANGPTL4 mRNA and protein expressions were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and direct ELISA, respectively, and the changes in cell migration ability and cell morphology were observed with transwell and immunofluorescence assays.

RESULTSANGPTL4 was expressed in most of the colorectal cancer cell lines. Compared with the control groups, HT29 cells with shRNA-mediated ANGPTL4 gene silencing showed significantly decreased expression of ANGPTL4 mRNA and protein (P<0.05) and lowered cell migration ability possibly due to decreased pseudopodia formation.

CONCLUSIONANGPTL4 was expressed in most colorectal cancer cell lines. Decreased ANGPTL4 gene expression can inhibit the cell migration and pseudopodia formation in HT29 cells.

Angiopoietin-like 4 Protein ; Angiopoietins ; genetics ; Cell Movement ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Gene Silencing ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics

Cannabinoid receptors are one of the most expressed G protein-coupled receptors in the central nervous system, which are potential drug targets for inflammation, pain and drug abuse. Cannabinoid receptors are composed of type 1 receptor (CB1R), type 2 receptor (CB2R) and other receptors, of which CB1R plays a vital role in regulating central memory, cognition, and motor function. Therefore, screening CB1R agonists has potential value in treating nervous system diseases. In this study, the intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) domain of CB1R was replaced with a circular-permutated enhanced green fluorescent protein (cpEGFP). After infecting HEK 293T cells with lentivirus particles, we obtained a stable cell line that was overexpressed human CB1R-cpEGFP after puromycin selection. The interaction between receptor agonists and CB1R led to the change of receptor conformation, resulting in de-protonation of the EGFP, and enhancing the fluorescence intensity. Therefore, active CB1R compounds could be verified by measuring the fluorescence intensity. Using CB1R agonist arachidonyl-2′-chloroethylamide (ACEA) as a positive control to evaluate the reliability of this model, studies have shown that ACEA could induce receptor activation and increase fluorescence intensity, while antagonist rimonabant inhibited receptor activation with unchanged fluorescence intensity. In conclusion, this study successfully constructed a fluorescent probe screening model for CB1R agonists.