Objective To study on Sophora flavescens against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its mechanism.Methods HepG2.2.15 cells were cultured in vitro, respectively with the negative control group without drug intervention, positive control group (5-Fu group) which was given 0.77 mmol/L 5-Fu, Matrine group treated with 0.77 mmol/L Matrine intervention.HBSAg, HBeAg inhibition rate and cell survival rate, apoptosis rate, cell cycle as observation indexes, comprehensive evaluation of matrine effect on anti 2.2.15 cell HBV in vitro.Results The positive control group, matrine group compared with the negative control group, the inhibition rate of HBsAg and HBeAg were statistically difference ( all P<0.05 ) , when positive control group and Oxymatrine group compared, the inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg, the difference were statistically (all P<0.05).Cell survival rate, when the positive control group and the negative control group compared, had no significant difference (P<0.05), when matrine group compared with the negative control group, there were significant differences in the survival rate of the cells (t=4.25, P<0.05).Rate of apoptosis cells in negative control group and positive group had not statistically significant, matrine group apoptosis rate was higher than that of the negative control group and the control group (P<0.05).The cells in G0/G1 phase, had no significant differences of distribution in each group, the cells in G2/M phase, the positive control group and matrine group were lower than those in negative control group (P<0.05), matrine group was lower than that of the positive control group (P<0.05).The S phase cells of positive control group and matrine group were higher than those in negative control group (P<0.05), matrine group was higer than that of the positive control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Matrine has obvious effect of anti HBV, inducing cell apoptosis, cell proliferation arrest in S phase.

Objective To investigate the regulatory T cells (Treg) induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor activator from na?ve T cells, in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse in the correction of rheumatoid arthritis pathological process on Th17/Treg cell imbalance. Methods ① Rat CIA model was established by bovine Ⅱ collagen injection. The rats were divided into 3 groups: the normal group (N), the CIA model group (C), and the TCDD group (T).② The percentage of Th17 and Treg from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed with flow cytometry (FCM). Th17 and Treg cells related cytokine including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ③ The changes of the arthritis parameters, and radiological of T/NT before and after treatment were observed. ④ After two weeks of treatment, the rats were killed. The swollen joints were used for pathological assessment and arthritic pathology injury score was evaluated. ⑤ All data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and t test. Results In group C:When the second immunization was compared with the first, the percentage of Th17 cells was significantly increased [(2.99 ±0.16)%, (4.02 ± 0.33)%, t=-6.82, P<0.01], while Treg cells were significantly reduced [(2.67 ±0.57)%, (1.79 ±0.39)%, t=3.11, P=0.000], Th17/Treg was significantly increased (1.14 ±0.14, 2.27 ±0.39, t=-4.53, P=0.039). In group T, the percentage of Th17 cells were significantly reduced [(2.69±0.24)%, (1.21±0.25)%, t=5.12, P<0.01] before and after treatment, while Treg cells were significantly increased [(2.76 ±0.36)%, (3.78 ±0.22)%, t=-6.24, P<0.01], Th17/Treg was significantly reduced (1.08±0.07, 0.21±0.05, t=-11.92, P=0.027). In group C:When the second immunization was compared with the first, the Th17 cells related cytokines were significantly increased inclu-ding IL-1 [(96±12) pg/ml, (153±18) pg/ml, t=-13.24, P<0.01], IL-6 [(246±14) pg/ml, (295±15) pg/ml, t=-9.41, P=0.000], IL-17 [(76 ±14) pg/ml, (99 ±16) pg/ml, t=-5.78, P<0.01], IL-23 [(85 ±9) pg/ml, (102 ±11 ( pg/ml, t=-11.71, P<0.01], TNF-α [(303 ±12) pg/ml, (345 ±17) pg/ml, t=-15.56, P=0.007], while Treg cells related cytokines TGF-β was significantly reduced [(42 ±7) ng/ml, (35 ±8) ng/ml, t=7.52, P=0.012]. Th17 cells related cytokines were significantly reduced including IL-1 [(93 ±10) pg/ml, (79 ±8) pg/ml, t=10.52, P<0.01], IL-6 [(245 ±11) pg/ml, (151 ±8) pg/ml, t=19.23, P<0.01], IL-17 [(76 ±10) pg/ml, (62 ±9) pg/ml, t=7.37, P=0.005], IL-23 [(84 ±11) pg/ml, (38 ±6) pg/ml, t=14.48, P=0.000], TNF-α [(294 ±8) ng/ml, (195 ±9) ng/ml, t=23.35, P<0.01], while Treg cells related cytokine TGF-β was significantly increased (41 ±8, 61 ±10, t=-10.61, P=0.000. Conclusion TCDD can increase Treg cells, reduce Th17 cells, so the Th17/Treg cell in RA patho-genesis could be re-balanced.

Objective To construct recombinant lentivirus with the gene STAT3 of the Mus musculus,measure the expres-sion of STAT3,and conduct lentivirus packing and identification.Methods The mRNA of mouse myoblast was extracted and transformed into STAT3 cDNA by the special primer.then,STAT3 cDNA was amplified and reclaimed and inseted into pLVX-IRES-ZsGreen1 vector.Cleavage map and sequencing analysis were used for identification of the recombinant lentivirus vector (pLVX-IRES-ZsGreen1-STAT3).293 T cells were transfected with main vector pLVX-IRES-ZsGreen1-STAT3.and 48 h later, Western blott detected the expression of STAT3 protein.Lentiviral vectors were packaged and the titer was determined.Results The lentiviral vector plasmid pLVX-IRES-ZsGreen1-STAT3 was identified correctly by cleavage map and Co-transfection of 293 T cells with 48 h,the expression of STAT3 was significantly enhanced by western blot.And DNA sequencing analysis confirmed that STAT3 gene sequencing was exactly the same with that reported by genbank.Conclusion Lentiviral vector carrying STAT3 was successfnlly constructed and could express STAT3 with high efficiency,and can be used in further study.

As a result of various anthropogenic activities,natural saline environment polluted by contaminants and the environment polluted by both contaminants and salts frequently occur.In these saline environments,non-halophilic microorganisms have ineffective bioremediation,even lose the function of bioremediation.Halophilic microorganisms are able to thrive in high salt conditions.It is obvious that the halophilic degraders are more useful for the bioremediation of contaminated saline environments and may be potentially used in a wide of application.The objective of this review is to summarize the research progresses of halophiles in the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons,aromatic hydrocarbon ramifications,and organophosphorous.

BACKGROUNDThe difference of cardiovascular effects between rosiglitazone and pioglitazone treatment for diabetic patients has not been thoroughly studied. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with rosiglitazone compared to pioglitazone.

METHODSThe Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase were searched to identify retrospective cohort studies assessing cardiovascular outcomes with rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. Meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies was conducted using RevMan 5.0 software to calculate risk ratios.

RESULTSOf the 74 references identified, eight studies involving 945 286 patients fit the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The results of meta-analyses showed that, compared with pioglitazone, rosiglitazone therapy significantly increased the risk of myocardial infarction (risk ratios (RR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 - 1.32; P = 0.01), the risk of heart failure (RR 1.18, 95%CI 1.02 - 1.36; P = 0.03), and total mortality (RR 1.13, 95%CI 1.08 - 1.20; P < 0.000 01).

CONCLUSIONCompared with pioglitazone, rosiglitazone was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and all-cause mortality in diabetic patients.

Cardiovascular Diseases ; epidemiology ; Diabetes Mellitus ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Thiazolidinediones ; therapeutic use

Our previous research indicated that the Streptomyces pactum Act12 (Act12) had a certain promotional effect on tanshinone accumulation and up-regulated the expression of genes 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots. This study focuses on the roles of reactive oxygen species in S. pactum Act12-induced tanshinone production in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. The 4% Act12, 4% Act12 + CAT and 4% Act12 + SOD were added to S. miltiorrhiza hairy root and subcultured for 21 days, the dry weight, contents of reactive oxygen species, contents of tanshinones and expression of HMGR and DXR were determined at different harvest-time. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots was triggered by 4% Act12 treatment. The relative expressions of genes HMGR and DXR in 4% Act12 treatment were 32.4 and 4.8-fold higher than those in the control. And the total tanshinone in the hairy roots was 10.2 times higher than that of the control. The CAT and SOD could significantly inhibit the ROS accumulation and relative expressions of genes HMGR and DXR in 4% Act12 treatment, which induced the total tanshinone content was decreased by 74.6% comparing with the 4% Act12 treatment. ROS mediated Act12-induced tanshinone production. The Act12 may be via the ROS signal channel to activate the tanshinone biosynthesis pathways. Thereby the tanshinon content in hairy roots was increased.
Aldose-Ketose Isomerases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; biosynthesis ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plant Roots ; enzymology ; genetics ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; enzymology ; genetics ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Secondary Metabolism ; Streptomyces ; physiology

Objective To investigate the roles and significances of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis by repeated renal biopsy.Methods Seventeen patients diagnosed by renal biopsy as WHO typeⅣlupus nephritis were analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining for MMP-2 and MMP-9. Double staining for MMP-2 and MT1-MMP,MMP-9 and CD68 were also performed.Patients had repeated renal biopsy after followed up for 2.5 years.The relationship between expressions of gelatinases and pathological activity index and clinical data were studied.Results MMP-2 immunoreactivity was detected in normal controls and was increased in diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis.MMP-9 staining,which was almost negative in normal giomeruli,was increased much more significantly in diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis. The immunoreactivity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was positive in MT1-MMP staining and CD68-positive macrophages, respectively.The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was reduced by 70% and 62% in 10 patients whose clinical condition was partially alleviated,while the expressions in 7 patients whose clinical condition was not alleviated,were only reduced by 27% and 32%.The staining for MMP-2 and MMP-9 were correlated with activity index of lupus nephritis and proteinuria.Conclusion Up-regulation of gelatinases expression in diffuse proliferate lupus nephritis is correlated to activity index of the disease.

Objective To investigate the role of apelin-13, a vasoactive peptide, in rat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo and explore its signal transduction pathway. Methods Rats were randomly divided into control group (n=10) and Apelin-13 group (n=15), and in vivo models of rat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury were established. Normal saline (control group) or Apelin-13 (Apelin-13 group) was administered intravenously 5 min before reperfusion. TTC and Evan's blue staining were used to determine the infarction size (IS) and area at risk (AAR), apoptotic cells were quantified by TUNEL method, and the expression of ERK1/2 was determined by Western blotting. Results IS/AAR and apoptosis index of Apelin-13 group were significantly lower than those in control group [(38.33±12.95) % vs (52.61±11.00)% and (0.21±0.02) vs (0.31±0.05)](P <0.05). The expression of p-ERK1/2 in Apelin-13 group was significantly increased than that in control group [(1.15±0.16) vs (0.63±0.07)](P < 0.05). Conclusion Apelin-13 may protect rat hearts from in vivo ischemia-reperfusion injury, reduce infarction size and attenuate myocardial apoptosis, which may be mediated by the activation of ERK1/2 MAPK signal transduction pathway.

Objective To improve the knowledge about controlling plague in cadres, masses, and the medical staff in plague affected area in Dinghian county of Shaanxi province and to assess the efforts of health education activities. Methods In 2008, the education activities carded out by the government-related departments were investigated. The awareness of plague control and assessment was obtained through a written survey, questionnaire and interviews on clinic. Results Some education activities were carried out in plague area of Dingbian county, such as training, issuing educational materials, broadcasting plague scientific educational films and arranging knowledge grand prix. The rates of knowing plague clinic, epidemiology, prevention and the "three prohibitions and three alerts to report" were as follows: the cadres were 50.50%(101/200),63.69%(414/650),78.67%(118/150), the masses were 64.71% (66/102),87.91% (269/306),76.47% (78/102) and the medical staff were 64.18% (543/846) ,68.51%(322/470),67.02%(63/94). The passing rates of the cadres, the masses and the medical staff were 70.00% (35/50),92.16% (47/51),74.47% (35/47). Conclusions Health education can strengthen health consciousness of cadres and masses and improve the ability of the medical stalf on controlling sudden epidemic situation. Reinforcing plague control knowledge and training of medical staff are still important for health education in the future.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which consist of two or more fused aromatic rings, are ubiquitous pollutants in the environment, and are of concern because of their toxic and carcinogenic poten- tial. In nature, the aerobic bacterial bio-treatment of contamination with PAHs is of the major route. It is ob- vious that the degraders are more useful for the bioremediation of contaminated environments and may be potentially used in a wide of application. Therefore, many researchers have been focusing on the biodegra- dations of PAHs by various aerobic bacteria. In the last two decades, the mechanism of degradation in bacte- ria capable of aero-biotic utilizing PAHs has been well investigated in genetic studies such as diversities of genes of PAHs metabolism, the genes which participate directly in PAHs metabolism and the genetics me- chanism of bacterial population and so on. In brief, most of PAH-catabolic genes are classed into two groups according to their identity. One group is called "the nah-like genes", the other group, i.e. "the nah-unlike genes" is different from the nah-like genes. The different molecular genetics mechanisms of bacterial popu- lation adapted to PAH compound will be dealt with in three groups: (i) point mutations, (ii) gene transfer, and (iii) DNA rearrangements and absentation. In this review, some genetic knowledge about aerobic bacte- ria with the mechanism for the degradation of PAHs is summarized.