OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of adrenomedullin (ADM) on the pulmonary vascular collagen metabolism in hypoxic rats in order to study the effect of ADM on chronic hypoxic pulmonary vascular structural remodeling and its possible mechanism.

METHODSNineteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (n=6), hypoxia (n=7) and ADM-treated hypoxia (n=6). ADM was subcutaneously administered into rats of the ADM-treated hypoxia group by mini-osmotic pump (300 ng/h) for two weeks. After two weeks of hypoxic challenge, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was evaluated using a right cardiac catheterization procedure. The ratio of right ventricular mass to left ventricular plus septal mass[RV/ (LV+S)] was measured. The changes of pulmonary vascular microstructure were observed. Meanwhile, the expression levels of collagen I, collagen III and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in pulmonary arteries were detected by immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTSmPAP and RV/(LV+S) increased significantly in the hypoxia group compared with normal controls (P<0.01). The muscularization of small pulmonary vessels and the relative medial thickness of pulmonary arteries increased obviously in the hypoxia group compared with those in the normal control group (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the expression levels of collagen I, collagen III and TGF-β of pulmonary arteries in the hypoxia group increased markedly compared with those in the normal control group. However, mPAP and RV/(LV+S) were significantly reduced in the ADM-treated hypoxia group compared with those in the hypoxia group (P<0.01). ADM ameliorated pulmonary vascular structural remodeling of hypoxic rats, with a decrease in the expression of collagen I, collagen III and TGF-β of pulmonary arteries.

CONCLUSIONSADM might play a regulatory role in the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and hypoxic pulmonary vascular remodeling, through inhibiting the expression of TGF-β and alleviating the collagen accumulation of pulmonary arteries.

Adrenomedullin ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; etiology ; metabolism ; Hypoxia ; complications ; Male ; Pulmonary Artery ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore therapeutic effects of bone setting manipulation for the treatment of over degree II supination-eversion fractures of ankle,and analyze manipulative reduction mechanism.

METHODSFrom 2005 to 2008, 95 patients with over degree II supination-eversion fractures of ankle were treated respectively by manipulation and operation. There were 43 cases [11 males and 32 females with an average age of (44.95 +/- 12.65) years] in manipulation group, and 2 cases were degree II, 11 cases were degree III, and 30 cases were degree IV. There were 52 cases [21 males and 31 females with an average age of (39.96 +/- 13.28) years] in operative group,and 6 cases were degree II, 18 cases were degree III, and 28 cases were degree IV. Bone setting manipulation and hard splint external fixation were applied to manipulative group. Operative reduction internal fixation was performed in operative group. X-ray was used to evaluate reduction of fracture before and after treatment, 2 months after treatment. Ankle joint function was evaluated according to Olerud-Molander scoring system after 6 months treatment.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up with good reduction. Three cases occurred wound complication in operative group, but not in manipulative group. In manipulation group, 19 cases got excellent results, 20 cases good and 4 cases fair; while in operative group, 30 cases got excellent results, 20 cases good and 2 cases poor. There were no significant differences in fracture reduction and ankle joint function recovery between two groups (P > 0.05). Efficacy of operative treatment was better than that of manipulative treatment at degree IV fracture (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBone setting manipulation is a good method for treating supination-eversion ankle joint fractures, which has advantages of simple and safe operation, reliable efficacy. For ankle join fracture at degree IV, manipulative reduction should be adopted earlier, and operative treatment also necessary

Adult ; Ankle Injuries ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Ankle Joint ; physiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fractures, Bone ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; methods ; Supination

OBJECTIVETachycardia induced cardiomyopathy (TIC), secondary to various tachyarrhythmias, is a reversible condition which can lead to cardiac enlargement and heart failure. The impairment of both structure and function of heart can be reverted completely or partially if tachyarrhythmias are ceased without delay. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, therapeutic regimen and outcome of TIC in children.

METHODSClinical data of 12 children with TIC, who came from Peking University First Hospital from Feb. 2003 to Jun. 2009, were retrospectively analyzed and followed up. The echocardiogram data on admission were compared with those from 12 homochronous cases with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy matched with 12 TIC cases in age and gender.

RESULTSAtrial tachycardia is the commonest arrhythmia in 12 TIC cases (75%). Four cases underwent catheterization for radiofrequency ablation and all succeeded. The cardiac rhythm of 6 out of 8 cases treated with drugs became sinus rhythm after 3 days to 2 weeks antiarrhythmic drugs treatment. The remaining 2 cases still retained atrial rhythm, but the ventricular heart rates declined to normal. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions of the 12 cases were decreased compared with those of pretherapy [(37.5 ± 5.3) mm vs. (43.0 ± 5.7) mm, P < 0.01], and the left ventricular ejection fractions were increased [(60.5% ± 5.6%) vs. (33.7% ± 10.3%), P < 0.01], after (3.4 ± 2.3) months. In our (4.3 ± 2.4) year-follow-up, all cases were fine, except in one case the tachyarrhythmia relapsed because of discontinuation of the drug treatment by her parents. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions in 12 TIC cases were smaller than those of the 12 age- and gender-matched idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy [(43.0 ± 5.7) mm vs. (54.8 ± 7.5) mm, t = 7.9, P < 0.01], and the ejection fractions were higher [(33.7% ± 10.3%) vs. (21.8% ± 7.5%), t = 3.7, P < 0.01].

CONCLUSIONThe diagnosis of TIC should be considered for the children with tachycardia, cardiac enlargement and cardiac insufficiency. The degree of cardiac enlargement and cardiac insufficiency might be of value for the differential diagnosis between TIC and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The rhythm control and ventricular rates control could all result in a favorite therapeutic efficacy.

Cardiomyopathies ; diagnosis ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; diagnosis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Tachycardia ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of magnetic resonance dynamic contrast-enhanced (MR-DCE) and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) in the differentiation of benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

METHODSSixty-three patients with pathologically confirmed musculoskeletal tumors were examined with MR-DCE and MR-DWI. Using single shot spin echo planar imaging sequence and different b values of 400, 600, 800 and 1000 s/mm(2), we obtained the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the lesions. ADC values were measured before and after MR-DCE, with a b value of 600 s/mm(2). The 3D fast acquired multiple phase enhanced fast spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence was obtained for multi-slice of the entire lesion. The time-signal intensity curve (TIC), dynamic contrast-enhanced parameters, maximum slope of increase (MSI), positive enhancement integral, signal enhancement ratio, and time to peak (T(peak)) were also recorded.

RESULTSADC showed no significant difference between benign and malignant tumors when the b value was 400, 600, 800, or 1000 s/mm(2), and it was not significantly different between benign and malignant tumors in both pre-MR-DCE and post-MR-DCE with b value of 600 s/mm(2). TIC were classified into four types type1 showed rapid progression and gradual drainage; type2 showed rapid progression but had no or slight progression; type 3 showed gradual progression; and type 4 had no or slight progression. Most lesions of type1 or type2 were malignant, whereas most lesions of type 3 or type 4 were benign. When using type1 and type 2 as the standards of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 87.23% and 50.00%, respectively. The types of TIC showed significant difference between benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors(χ(2)=17.009,P=0.001). When using MSI 366.62 ± 174.84 as the standard of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 86.78% and 78.67%, respectively. When using T(peak)≤70s as the standard of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 82.89%and 85.78%, respectively. Positive enhancement integral and signal enhancement ratio showed no significant difference between benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

CONCLUSIONSTIC, MSI and T(peak) of MR-DCE are valuable in differentiating benign from malignant musculoskeletal tumors. T(peak) has the highest diagnostic specificity, and TIC has the highest diagnostic sensitivity. The mean ADC value are no significant difference between benign and malignant tumors.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Child ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Young Adult

To establish a fingerprint for Cimicifugae Rhizoma from different producing areas. Column kromasil (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was employed with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), the detection wavelength was 254 nm. Twenty chromatographic peaks were extracted as the common peaks of fingerprint, and 21 batches of samples were compared and classified with such methods as similarity evaluation, cluster analysis and principle component analysis. The results showed 12 common peaks and three categories of samples. The method was so highly reproducible, simple and reliable that it could provide basis for quality control and evaluation of Cimicifugae Rhizoma from different producing areas.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Cimicifuga ; chemistry ; Drug Stability ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Tongsaimai (TSM) tablets in treating foot trauma of diabetic foot (DF) model rats, and discuss its potential mechanism.

METHODMale SD rats were selected to duplicate the diabetic foot ulcer model and randomly divided into the blank control group, the model group, the metformin treatment group, and TSM 12.44, 6.22, 3.11 g x kg(-1) groups (n = 10). The healing of ulcer wounds were observed on day 1, 4, 8, 13 and 18. After 18 days, a histopathologic examination was conducted for ulcer tissues. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by hydroxylamine and TBA methods. The content of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined with the radioimmunoassay. The immunohistochemical method was used to observe the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ulcer tissues and the number of capillary vessels.

RESULTTSM could alleviate the pathological changes of diabetic foot rats, accelerate the ulcer healing on 4, 8, 13, 18 d, reduce MDA, IL-6, TNF-alpha, VEGF content in rat serum at 18 d (after the rehabilitation period), and enhance the SOD content. Specifically, the TSM 12.44 g x kg(-1) group showed significant differences compared with the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). At 18 d after the treatment (the late rehabilitation period), the VEGF expression of TSM 12.44, 6.22 g x kg(-1) groups and the number of blood capillaries of the TSM 12.44 g x kg(-1) group were significantly lower than that of the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONTSM could promote the foot wound healing of DF model rats, reduce MDA, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in serum, increase the SOD content and decrease the VEGF expression and the number of blood capillaries in the late rehabilitation period. Its action mechanism may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress injury and the inflammatory cell infiltration.

Animals ; Diabetic Foot ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tablets ; administration & dosage ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

AIMTo evaluate the Rap1A mRNA expression and its significance in the testes of normal and azoospermic subjects.

METHODSA cDNA microarray that contained Rap1A and some other genes such as RBM, EIF1AY was used to identify the differential gene expression profiles between the normal and azoospermic testes. cDNA probes were prepared by labeling mRNA from azoospermic and normal testicular tissues through reverse transcription with Cy5-dUTP and Cy3-dUTP, respectively. The mixed cDNA probes were then hybridized with cDNA microarray (each containing 4096 unique human cDNA sequences). The fluorescent signals were scanned and the values of Cy5-dUTP and Cy3-dUTP on each spot were analyzed and calculated. In situ hybridization was employed to detect the expression of Rap1A in the testes of 10 fertile and 39 azoospermic subjects.

RESULTSOne hundred and twenty-eight differentially expressed genes were found to be possibly related to azoospermia, of which 56 were up-regulated and 72, down-regulated genes. The mRNA expression of Rap1A in the spermatogenic cells of azoospermic was stronger than that in those of the fertile testes.

CONCLUSIONRap1A may play certain roles in the development of azoospermia.

Adult ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization ; Male ; Oligospermia ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Spermatozoa ; chemistry ; Testis ; chemistry ; rap1 GTP-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; physiology

In the present study, the differences in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and the correlated risk factors between Han and Korean residents were investigated. 1 647 Hans and 876 Koreans from Mudanjiang and Hailin areas of Heilongjiang Province were examined with BIOZ Cardio Dynamics Monitor. A series of factors were determined, including SVR, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), cardiac output index (CI) and heart rate (HR). The data were analyzed with SPSS 15.0 statistic software. When SVR/SVRI were compared between Han and Korean populations by t-test, it was shown that statistic difference existed in the following age and gender groups: (1) For SVR: male 41-50, 51-60, and 61-70 (P<0.001), 31-40 (P<0.01), 19-30 (P<0.05) age groups; female 15-18, 31-40, 51-60 (P<0.001), 41-50 (P<0.01), and 61-70 (P<0.05) age groups; (2) For SVRI, male 41-50, 51-60 (P<0.05) age groups; female 10-14, 51-60 (P<0.001), 15-18, 31-40 (P<0.01), and 41-50 (P<0.05) age groups. Covariance analysis suggests that, excluding the contributions of gender, age and body mass index (BMI), the differences in SVR/SVRI between the two populations are still significant (P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis reveals that SVR difference between Han and Korean populations is attributed to MAP, DBP, CI, SBP, HR; While SVRI difference between two populations is attributed to MAP, DBP, SBP, CI, HR, strongly to weakly, respectively. These results suggest the higher SVR and SVRI are possibly correlated with the relatively higher blood pressure of Korean, compared with that of Han population.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; ethnology ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiac Output ; Child ; China ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vascular Resistance

BACKGROUNDAlveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a disease in human and animals, and the cure rate is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to investigate the curative efficacy of different doses of locally applied radiotherapy on alveolar echinococcosis in rats.

METHODSRats infected with Echinococcus multilocularis were randomly divided into 4 groups of 15 rats each: low-, middle-, and high-irradiation groups and a control group. Rats in the control group underwent no treatment, while rats in the irradiation groups received 6-MeV radiotherapy at 20 Gy/8 f, 40 Gy/8 f, and 60 Gy/8 f respectively, once every 3 days for a total of 8 times. One month after radiotherapy, wet weight and AE vesicle inhibitory rate were detected in rats of each group. Histopathologic and ultrastructural observations of tissues with AE lesions were performed.

RESULTSIn the treatment groups, an obvious inhibitory effect was found in AE rats; the inhibitory rates were 50%, 72%, and 82%, respectively. There were also statistical differences in pathological changes and average wet weight of the lesions compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the treatment groups, injuries of various degrees were found in the ultrastructure of the laminated and germinal layers in the capsular wall of AE, and injury was most severe in the high-dose group.

CONCLUSIONRadiotherapy has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the growth of AE.

Animals ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Echinococcosis, Hepatic ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Female ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo establish a new method for the determination of fangchinoline and tetrandrine in Stephania tetrandra and Fengtongan capsule by noanqueous capillary electrophoresis.

METHODSeparation was carried out in an uncoated fused capillary (50 cm x 75 microm i.d.) with a running buffer containing 50 mmol x L(-1) ammonium acetate, 1.0% acetic acid and 20% acetonitrile in methanol. A separation voltage of 20 kV and a UV detector wavelength at 214 nm were adopted. Sample was introduced from the anode.

RESULTThe calibration ranges were 1.00, 500 mg x L(-1) for both analytes. Under the optimum conditions, the relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 6) for the migration time of each analyte were 0.09%, 1.9% (intra-day) and 0.63%, 1.9% (inter-day); The RSD for the peak area of each analyte were 0.45%, 5.9% (intra-day) and 2.3%, 5.6% (inter-day), respectively. The contents of the analytes were determined easily with average recoveries 102% for fangchinoline and 105% for tetrandrine in S. tetrandra and 94.6% for fangchinoline and 98.7% for tetrandrine in Fengtongan capsules, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe proposed method is simple, rapid, accurate and higher repeatable, and can be used to control of the quality of S. tetrandra and Fengtongan capsules.

Benzylisoquinolines ; analysis ; Calibration ; Capillary Electrochromatography ; methods ; Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; standards ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results ; Stephania tetrandra ; chemistry