Objective: To explore the recovery process and the influence factors of post-partum depression (PPD) .Methods:22 women with PPD and 34 women of non-PPD were investigated with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Delivery Woman General Situation Questionnaire (DWGSQ) at 18 months and 30 months after childbirth.Results:The EPDS scores of PPD (11.27?3.49 at 18 months;10.91?4.59 at 30 months) were significantly higher than that of non-PPD (7.59?3.83 at 18months;7.47?4.09 at 30 months) (t 1=3.636, P 1

BACKGROUND: The repair of periodontal tissue is dependent on the number and proliferation and differentiation abilities of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. PDL cells have the potentiality of multi-directional differentiation such as cementoblast,osteoblast and fibroblast to fonn cement, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament and finally achieve periodontal tissue regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Shuanghuangbu extract on the proliferation and differentiation of PDL cells.DESIGN:Observation trail.SETTING:Central Laboratory of Wuxi Third People's Hospital. MATERIALS: Periodontal tissue was provided voluntarily by the healthy young patients with deformity correction, and golden thread,skullcap,and rhizoma drynariae by the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products.METHODS: The experiment was conducted in the Central Laboratory of Wuxi Third People's Hospital from July to October 2003.The crushed golden thread.skullcap,and rhizoma drynariae were mixed with distilled water at ratio of 1:10 (m:V),and refluxed in boiling water for 5 hours.The extract was collected,and after colation,the residue was refluxed in boiling water for another 3 hours. Both extract was blended, rotary evaporated and condensed, finally the liquid extract of 3 kg/L was obtained.There were 8 groups in the study including golden thread group, skullcap group,rhizoma drynariae group,golden thread plus skullcap group,golden thread plus rhizoma drynariae group, skullcap plus rhizoma drynariae group, Shuanghuangbu group and control group. PDL cells were cultured/n vitro assisted with Shuanghuangbu.The proliferation of cells was detected with MTT method and the ratio of collagen content in total protein was evaluated with hydroxyproline (HP).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:A value of proliferated PDL cells and the proportion of collagen protein in total protein.RESULTS:①Proliferation of PDL cells:Except golden thread group,all Chinese medicine promoted the proliferation of PDL cells significantly compared with control group (P＜0.05). The A value of Shuanghuangbu group was significantly increased.A value was increased with time and reached the peak on day 5.There were significant differences among each group at different time (P＜0.05).②Ratio of collagen content in total protein:Except golden thread group,the percentage was significantly increased by other Chinese medicines compared with control group (P＜0.05), especially Shuanghuangbu. The percentage was increased with time and reached the peak on day 5. There were significant differences among each group at different time (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION:The findings suggest that as a traditional Chinese herb,Shuanghuangbu can significantly stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of PDL cells.and increase the proportion of collagen content in total protein.It may act as an ideal Chinese medicine helper factor for the regeneration of PDL cells.

BACKGROUND: Multipotential mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be differentiated into bone, fat, cartilage, muscle and endothelial cell at the specific conditions, so it draws great attentions of the related study.OBJ ECTTVE: To establish the method of in vitro culture and expansion of human umbilical blood-derived MSCs and investigate their influencing factors.DESTGN: Randomized and controlled trials.SETTING: Department of Tissue Engineering and Cell Biology in Wuxi Third People's Hospital.MATERTALS: Seventy cases of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) of healthy neonates (selected from Parturient Room, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, with the informed consents of the puerpera and their relatives), 40 mL each; dulbecco's minimal essential medium (DMEM) of low glucose (LG) at the dose of 50 g/L, fetal bovine serum (FBS), mycillin and trypsin (all were from Gibco), FITC-labeled mice anti-human CD29, CD105 and CD106 (Ancell) monoclonal fluorescent antibody, PE-labeled mice anti-human CD34, CD44, CD45, CD19, HLA-DR (Immunotech)monoclonal fluorescent antibody, Ficoll separation medium (Pharmacia).METHODS: The experiment was carried out in Department of Tissue Engineering and Cell Biology in Wuxi Third neonatal cord blood were anticoagulated by 25 u/mL heparin, and 60 cases of isolated HUCB mononuclear cell were precipitated and suspended by cell culture fluid (50 g/L DMEM-LG + 50 g/L FBS + 10 g/L mycillin), while other 10 cases were purified with DMEM of high glucose (100 g/L) to produce adherent layer. Once the cells reached fluences of FBS coating on adhesive rats of MSCs: Some of the purified HUCB MSCs at logarithmic phase were growth curve of MSCs: The growth of cells were observed by phase contrast microscope (OLYMPUS CK40), and were detected by EPICS-ALTRA flow cytometry.FBS coating and without FBS coating at the different time points, and their adhesive rates.RESULTS: All 70 cases of HUCB MSCs were adopted in this study, however, 10 samples failed to obtain the ideal MSCs cord blood MSCs after culture. During 2 weeks of culture, primary cells began to double for 3-4 days and reached conand CD105, but did not express antigens CD34, CD45, CD106 and HLA-DR, which was identical to surface labeling of those without FBS coating (P＜0.01).CONCLUSrON: MSCs in HUCB can be cultured and expanded in vitro, and are regarded as an alternative source of MSCs for experimental and clinical applications. Moreover, high glucose can depress the growth and proliferation of MSCs in HUCB.

Objective To investigate the impact of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on intestinal mucosa permeability and the protective effect of probiotics in mice with acute liver failure (ALF).Methods Thirty male BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into normal control,ALF and intervention groups (10 for each group).Mice in intervention group were fed with live combined bifidobacterium and lactobacillus (900 mg · kg-1 · d-1) by gavage,while those in normal control and ALF groups were fed with normal saline (9 mL · kg-1 · d-1).After two weeks,mice in ALF and intervention groups were given an intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (3.0 g/kg) to induce liver failure,and all mice were sacrificed 9 h after the injection.Biochemical markers were tested,expressions of TNF-α mRNA in liver tissues and zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) mRNA in ileum tissues were detected by real-time PCR,and the expression of ZO-1 protein in ileum tissues was detected by Western blotting.One-way analysis of variance or Kraskal-Wallis test was performed to explore the differences in biochemical markers,TNF-α mRNA,ZO-1 mRNA and ZO-1 protein expressions among groups,and Pearson test was used to analyze the correlations between the expression of ZO-1 protein in ileum tissues and serum level of TNF-α or plasma levels of endotoxins.Results Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),TNF-α and plasma level of endotoxins in ALF group were significantly higher than those in normal control group (P ＜0.01) ; while compared with ALF group,the above biomarkers were significantly decreased in the intervention group (P ＜ 0.01).The expression of TNF-α mRNA in liver tissues in ALF group was higher than that in the normal control group (Z =4.038,P ＜ 0.01) ; while compared with ALF group,it was decreased in intervention group (Z =3.780,P ＜ 0.01).The expressions of ZO-1 mRNA and ZO-1 protein in ileum tissues in ALF group were lower than those in normal control group (P ＜ 0.01) ; while compared with ALF group,those in intervention group were increased (P ＜ 0.01).Pearson analysis showed that the expression of ZO-1 protein in ileum tissues was negatively correlated with serum level of TNF-α level and plasma level of endotoxin (r =-0.946 and-0.919,both P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions TNF-α may be involved in the increased permeability of intestinal mucosa in mice with ALF.Live combined bifidobacterium and lactobacillus may relieve liver damages through inhibiting endotoxin synthesis and release,and ameliorate the permeability of intestinal mucosa through up-regulating ZO-1 protein expression.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets in acute liver failure (ALF) treatment.Methods Ten mice were injected intraperitoneally with 3.0 g/kg D-galactosamine to establish the model of ALF and treated with live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets.Protein levels of Jagged1,Notch1,Notch intracellular domain (NICD),Hes5 and the mRNA expressions of Jagged1,Notch1,Hes5 were measured via Western blot and real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR),respectively.The protein level of CD68 was detected by immunohistochemical staining method.Meanwhile,serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),interleukin (IL)-10,high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were measured.Moreover,model group and control group were also established with 10 mice each.In vitro,RAW264.7 cells were cultured with normal mice plasma,plasma of ALF mice and plasma of treated mice,respectively.Real time-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the mRNA expressions of Jagged1,Notch1,Hes5 and proteins levels of Jagged1,Notch1,NICD,Hes5.The levels of IL-10,HMGB1 and LPS in the supernatant of RAW264.7 cells were detected as well.The total significant differences among groups were compared by one way ANOVA,and q test was used to evaluate the significance of subgroup differences.Results The levels of serum ALT,AST,HMGB1,IL10,plasma LPS,and the expressions of Jagged1,Notch1,NICD,Hes5,CD68 were higher in ALF model group than control group (all P＜0.01).Compared with the ALF model group,all of these indexes could be improved in mice with live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets (HMGB1:[82.6±9.7] μg/L vs [101.9±12.4] μg/L,q=6.36,P＜0.01; IL-10.:[3 183±769] pg/mL vs [4 628±842] pg/mL,q=6.79,P＜0.01; plasma LPS:[7.40±0.92] EU/mL vs [11.80±0.89] EU/mL,q=18.81,P＜0.01; Jagged1 mRNA:5.55±0.71 vs 7.63±1.41,q=7.22,P＜0.01;Jagged1 protein:0.56±0.07 vs 0.71±0.07,q=7.20,P＜0.01; Notch1 mRNA:3.66±0.67 vs 7.10±0.66,q=20.06,P＜0.01; Notch1 protein:0.38±0.08 vs 0.66±0.11,q=9.57,P＜0.01;NICD protein:0.47±0.05 vs 0.76±0.07,q=12.68,P＜0.01; Hes5 mRNA:3.94±0.68 vs 7.95± 0.71,q=22.40,P＜0.01; Hes5 protein:1.04±0.12 vs 1.20±0.07,q=5.61,P＜0.01; CD68 protein:5 180±610 vs 7 685 ±417,q=16.38,P＜0.01).And the differences were statistically significant.After RAW264.7 cells cultured with the plasma of ALF model mice,the levels of HMGB1,IL-10 and LPS in the supernatant and the expressions of Jagged1,Notch1,NICD and Hes5 in cells were increased,whereas if RAW264.7 cells were cultured with the plasma of treated mice,indexes mentioned above were significantly decreased (all P＜0.01).Conclusions Live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablet could prevent the occurrence and development of ALF by decreasing the plasma level of LPS,inhibiting the activation of Notch signaling pathway in macrophages and reducing the secretion of HMGB1 and IL-10.

Objective To evaluate the bond strength of GuttaFlow sealers to root canal walls after final rinse with two novel fi nal irrigation regimens, QMiX and 17%EDTA+0.2%Cetrimide (CTR). Methods Thirty single-canal teeth were prepared chemomechanically using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as root canal irrigants. The teeth were then randomly distributed into three groups(n=10)according to the final irrigation protocol:QMiX group,17% EDTA followed by CTR group and control group(normal saline,NS).After the filling with GuttaFlow using a lentulo spiral,the roots were transversally sectioned to obtain 2 mm thick dentinal slices.Then a push-out bond strength test was carried out,and failure mode was determined at×24 magnification.Results The push-out bond strength was significantly higher in QMiX group than that of EDTA+CTR group and NS group(P<0.05),and no significant difference was observed between EDTA+CTR and NS groups(P>0.05).The failure patterns were mainly mixed.Conclusion The QMiX,as the final irrigant,can improve the bond strength of silicone-based sealer GuttaFlow.

Objective To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane preconditioning on the left ventricular function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Thirty ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients,aged 42-70 yr,with body height 152-181 cm,weighing 43-78 kg,scheduled for elective CABG under CPB,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n =15 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and sevoflurane preconditioning group (group SP).Group SP inhaled sevoflurane with the end-tidal concentration corresponding to 1 MAC for 30 min after endotracheal intubation.Before sevoflurane preconditioning (T0) and at 60 min after termination of CPB (T1),mean arterial pressure (MAP),stroke volume index (SVI),pulmonary artery obstruction pressure and the TEE variables including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),peak E wave velocity (E),systolic wave velocity (S),and diastolic wave velocity (D),and low propagation velocity (Vp) were recorded.S/D ratio and E/Vp ratio were calculated.Extubation time and duration of ICU stay were also recorded.Results Compared with the baseline value at T0,HR was significantly increased at T1 (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01),and no significant change was found in the other parameters of the left ventricle function in the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the parameters of the left ventricle function,extubation time and duration of ICU stay between SP group and C group (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Preconditioning with inhalation of sevoflurane with the end-tidal concentration corresponding to 1 MAC before CPB does not produce myocardial protection in terms of the left ventricular function or exerts little effect on the short-term outcomes.

Objective:To study the antitumor effect and mechanism of cocultured CIK cells modified with IL-24 gene and autologous DCs on HL-60 cells in vitro.Methods:DCs and CIK cells were prepared routinely from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC).IL-24 gene was transferred into CIK cells via electroporation.The cells obtained were named CIK-IL24.RT-PCR and ELISA were used to evaluate expression of IL-24 gene in transfected CIK cells.The phenotypic changes of CIK cells were identified by flowcytometry analysis.The concentration of IFN-γ and TNF-α in supernatant of CIK was determined by ELISA.FCM was used to determine the cytotoxicity of cocultured CIK cells modified with IL-24 gene and autologous DCs against HL-60 cells.Results:Eukaryotic expressing plasmid pcDNA3.0-IL24 was transferred into CIK cells successfully via electroporation.The expressing rate of CD3~+、CD3~+CD56~+ cells had no significant change in CIK cells.However,the rate of CD4~+CD25~+ cells was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group.Expression of adhesion molecules CD54,CXCR4 were significantly increased on CD3+CD56+ cells.CIK-IL24 cells produced markedly higher levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α as compared with the CIK cells.By comparison with non-transfected CIK cells co-cultured with DCs,transfected CIK cells co-cultured with DCs had a significantly higher lytic activity against HL-60 cells.Conclusion:IL-24 gene modification can enhance the anti-tumoral immunity of CIK cells,the mechanism of which might be related to the increased secretion of IFN-γ,TNF-α,up-regulation of adhesion molecule expression,and reduction of the rate of CD4~+CD25~+ cells in CIK cells.

Objective To study the antitumor effect and mechanism of co-cultured cytokine-induced killer(CIK) cells and autologous DC modified with IL-24 gene on A549 cells in vitro. Methods DC and CIK cells were prepared routinely from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC). Recombinant adenovirus vector pAdEasy-1-pTrack-CMV-IL-24 was extracted from DH5α, it was lineared with Pac I and transfected into A293 cells, and then the IL-24 recombined adenovirus(Ad-IL-24) was obtained. Ad-IL-24 was used to infect DC. The cells obtained were named DC-IL-24. RT-PCR and ELISA were used to evaluate the expression of IL-24 gene in transfected DC. The phenotypes change of DC were identified by flow cytometry analysis, the concen-tration of IL-12 and TNF-α in supernatant of DC were determined by EIJSA. The ability of CIK producing per-forin was measured by homolysis method. FCM was used to determine the cytotoxicity of cocultured CIK cells and autologous DC modified with IL-24 gene to A549 cells. Results We obtained the high titre of Ad-IL-24.IL-24 gene was transfered into DC successfully via Ad-IL-24. The green fluorescence was observed on DC by fluorescence microscope. The expression rate of CD80, CD83, HI.A-DR, CD40, CXCR4 on DC-IL-24 was sig-nificantly increased compared with that of the control group. DC-IL-24 produced markedly higher levels of IL-12 and TNF-α as compared with DC. DC-IL-24 can enhance the ability of CIK cells producing perforin. On com-parison with non-transfected DC co-cultured with CIK cells, transfected DC co-cultured with CIK cells had a sig-nificantly higher lytic activity against A549 cells. Conclusion IL-24 gene modification can enhance the anti-tu-moral immunity of DC. The mechanism of which might be related to the increased secretion of IL-12 and TNF-α, up-regulation expression of co-stimulatory molecules and MHC Ⅱ class molecules on DC, promoting the acti-vation and maturation of DC, and then enhancing CIK cells to generate specific anti-tumoral immunity.

OBJECTIVETo observe anti-atherosclerotic effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Granule (XZU) and Danlou Tablet (DT) on blood lipids, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal pathway in atherosclerosis (AS) model rats, and to explore their potential mechanisms.

METHODSForty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the Atorvastatin group, the DT group, the XZG group, 8 in each group. Rats in the normal control group were fed with basic forage for 12 weeks, while rats in the other four groups were fed with high fat forage plus intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3 to build AS model. Then rats in the model control group, the Atorvastatin group, the DT group, the XZG group were administered with normal saline, Atorvastatin suspension (0.18 mg/mL), DT suspension (45 mg/mL), and XZG (1 g/mL) by gastrogavage for 8 successive weeks, respectively. After intervention serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and PDGF were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in thoracic aorta were observed by HE staining. Protein expression levels of ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 in thoracic aorta were measured by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, serum TC, TG, LDL-C, PDGF levels, and expression levels of ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 significantly increased (P <0. 05) in the model control group. HE staining showed irregular intimal thickness, accumulated endothelial foam cells, lipids deposited, disarranged media VSMCs, forming typical AS plaque. Compared with the model group, TC and PDGF levels decreased in all medicated groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Serum levels of TG and LDL-C significantly decreased in the Atorvastatin group and the DT group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Expressions of ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 significantly decreased in the Atorvastatin group, the DT group, and the XZG group (P < 0.01). HE staining also showed typical AS plaque in three medicated groups, but with reduced pathological degree of endometrial hyperplasia and plaque area.

CONCLUSIONSXZG and DT could reduce the plaque area and attenuate pathological degree of AS in model rats, thereby postponing the progress of AS. Its mechanism might be achieved through reducing serum lipids and release of PDGF, inhibiting ERK signal pathway activation and VSMC proliferation.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; Lipids ; Male ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tablets