In this study the chemical constituents of the higher polar sustances from Desmodium caudatum were investigated.The compounds were isolated by using column chromatographies over silicagel, polyamide, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC. The structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of NMR and MS spectra. Thirteen compounds were obtained and their structures were identified as vanillin(1), loliolide(2), indole-3-carboxaldehyde(3), salicylic acid(4), swertisin(5), saccharumoside C(6), isosinensin (7), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8), isovitexin (9), vitexin (10), nothofagin(11), resveratroloside (12), and 2"-α-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-methylvitexin (13). Except for compound 5, the remaining compounds were isolated from D. caudatum for the first time. Compounds 2, 3, 6-8, 11-13 were separated from the genus Desmodium for the first time.
Apigenin ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Fabaceae ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of handportable mobiletelephone microwave radiation on rat central nervous system by setting up rat model.

METHODS80 healthy male SD rats (weighed about 200 g) were divided into 4 groups at random: control, radiation, decranium, decranium + radiation. TUNEL method was adopted used to detect the apoptosis of neurons after irradiation, then immunohistochemistry was used to detect Bcl-2, Bax expression in all brain tissue.

RESULTSTUNEL positive rate, Bax and Bcl-2 positive cell numbers could be found in decranium + radiation group [(26.45 +/- 9.27)%, (23.5 +/- 3.58), (11.1 +/- 2.55) respectively]. There were significant differences among control [(9.59 +/- 2.55)%, 14.2 +/- 2.46, 7.0 +/- 1.14 respectively], decranium group [(9.52 +/- 1.93)%, 15.5 +/- 1.77, 7.4 +/- 1.76], radiation group [(10.04 +/- 3.62)%, 15.9 +/- 2.02, 7.2 +/- 1.07] (P < 0.01). But the difference was not found in the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2.

CONCLUSIONMicrowave radiation did not affect the intact rat, but did promote the occurrence of neuron apoptosis in cranial defect rat. Bax, Bcl-2 gene participated in regulation of apoptosis. The intact cranium may be an important factor to protect the neurons against handportable mobiletelephone microwave radiation to some extent.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; radiation effects ; Brain ; pathology ; radiation effects ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Male ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Neurons ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; analysis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein

In order to separate and purify the PEGylated recombinant human granulocyte stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) at large laboratory-scale level, a two-step ion-exchange chromatographic separation procedure was designed. Cation-exchange chromatography was applied first to separate PEGylated rhG-CSF from un-reacted rhG-CSF, followed by anion-exchange chromatography to dissolve individual PEG-rhG-CSF species (mono-, di- and tri-PEGylated rhG-CSF) and remove the free PEG. The molecular weight of individual PEGylated rhG-CSF was determined by MALDI-TOF and SDS-PAGE. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry revealed that the molecular weights of mono-, di- and tri-PEGylated rhG-CSF are 23.8 kD, 28.6kD and 33.8kD, respectively. Cell proliferation activity was detected by MTT assay using NFS-60 cell. The in vitro residual bioactivity of mono-, di- and tri-PEGylated rhG-CSF were 90%, 75% and 43% respectively, comparing with the un-conjugated rhG-CSF. These results indicated that the un-conjugated rhG-CSF and excess free PEG can be removed completely and the three conjugate species can be purified into homogeneity by the two consecutive ion-exchange chromatographic steps. The purification procedure is easy to scale-up, high in performance and recovery.
Chromatography, Ion Exchange ; methods ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Recombinant Proteins

Objective To explore the development and optimization of scientific research performance evaluation system (SRPES) in affiliated hospitals of university.Methods Take Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital as an example,summarize and conduct statistical analysis of SRPES data in past ten years.Results Along with the development and optimization of SRPES,the hospital makes a breakthrough in personnel training,the development of discipline construction is remarkable,the scientific research output also presents a better development trend.Conclusions Continuing navigation and improvement of SRPES and incentive policies play an important role in guiding the development of scientific research with stated objectives.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of hypertension among residents over 18 years of age in Shigatse, Tibet, and to explore the correlation between different influencing factors and the incidence of hypertension. Methods A questionnaire survey and field blood pressure measurements were used to collect the information of age, education, occupation, smoking, drinking, body mass index (BMI) and salt intake were collected from 391 residents in Shigatse area. Logistic regression analysis of SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results 391 questionnaires showed that the prevalence of hypertension was 38.36%, of which 39.91% was male and 36.52% was female. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with hypertension in Shigatse residents included age, BMI, smoking and drinking, in which age and BMI, smoking were positively correlated with hypertension. Alcohol consumption was negatively correlated with hypertension. Conclusion In Shigatse area, age, BMI and smoking were the risk factors of hypertension, while drinking alcohol was protective factor of hypertension.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of arctiin on advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tubular cells and explore the mechanisms underlying this effect.

METHODSHuman proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells) were treated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or AOPPs in the presence or absence of arctiin. The expressions of E-cadherin, vimentin, and GRP78 at the protein and mRNA levels in the cells were examined using Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by flow cytometry with DCFH-DA as the fluorescent probe.

RESULTSCompared with BSA-treated cells, the cells treated with AOPPs showed decreased expression of epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and overexpression of mesenchymal marker vimentin and endoplasmic reticulum stress marker GRP78 with an increased ROS level. These changes induced by AOPPs were partly inhibited by arctiin.

CONCLUSIONArctiin can ameliorate AOPP-induced EMT in tubular cells by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress response may participate in this process.

Advanced Oxidation Protein Products ; adverse effects ; Cadherins ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Furans ; pharmacology ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules ; cytology ; drug effects ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Vimentin ; metabolism

Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of intratympanic versus systemic steroid therapy in the initial treatment of idiopathic sudden hearing loss.Methods An extensive search of the literature was performed in Pubmed and other available database from January,1980 to November,2011.After filtering by the criteria of Cochrane Collaboration,a meta-analysis was conducted.Results Nine studies met the criteria for meta-analysis,for idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients without diabetes received intratympanic steroid therapy,the improvement rate (RR =1.11,95％ CI =0.96-1.28,P =0.15) did not show any significance when compared with the patients received systemic therapy.While a significant difference of improvement rate occurred between intratympanic and systemic steroid therapy in the idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients with diabetes (RR =1.24,95％ CI =1.02-1.50,P =O.03).Conclusion For the initial therapy of idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients without diabetes,systemic steroid treatment still remains the first choice,but for the idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients with diabetes,intratympanic steroid treatment should be used for the initial treatment.

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway mediates advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tubular cells.

METHODSHuman proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells) exposed to AOPP-bovine serum albumin (BSA) were examined for expressions of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK using Western blotting. Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR were used to examine the protein and mRNA expressions of EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin and endoplasmic reticulum stress marker glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78 in cells treated with SB203580 (an inhibitor of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway) prior to AOPP exposure. The cells treated with AOPPs following pretreatment with salubrinal (an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum stress) were also examined for expressions of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK.

RESULTSAOPP treatment induced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in HK-2 cells. AOPP-induced decrease in E-cadherin expression and overexpression of vimentin and GRP78 were partly inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with SB203580. Salubrina partly suppressed AOPP-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the cells.

CONCLUSIONp38 MAPK signaling pathway, which is regulated by endoplasmic reticulum stress, might mediate AOPP-induced EMT in HK-2 cells.

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of male age on the outcome of conventional IVF-ET.

METHODSBased on male age, 170 couples undergoing conventional IVF-ET were divided into three groups: <35 yr (n = 60), 35 -39 yr (n = 77) and > or = 40 yr (n = 33). We observed the rates of fertilization, cleavage, good quality embryo, implantation, clinical pregnancy and abortion in different groups.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences among the three groups in semen volume ([3.10 +/- 1.22] ml vs [2.84 +/- 1.05] ml vs [2.80 +/- 0.79] ml), sperm concentration ([54.23 +/- 26.07] x 10(6)/ml vs [60.27 +/- 24.80] x 10(6)/ml vs [60.21 +/- 27.42] x 10(6)/ml) and sperm viability ([53.93 +/- 13.25]% vs [56.10 +/- 16.58]% vs [51.82 +/- 15.45]%) (P>0.05). The men of the > or = 40 yr group showed a significantly lower percentage of grade a + b sperm ([40.97 +/- 11.91]%) than those of the <35 and 35 - 39 yr groups ([48.47 +/- 11.78]% and [46.84 +/- 13.51]%) (P<0.05), and morphologically normal sperm ([11.76 +/- 5.97]%) than those of the <35 yr group ([15.25 +/- 6.94]% (P<0.05). The rates of fertilization, cleavage, good quality embryo, implantation, clinical pregnancy were 81.52%, 82.61%, 52.33%, 18.06% and 33.33% in the > or = 40 yr group, with no significant differences from those of the <35 yr group (83.18%, 82.68%, 56.99%, 22.40% and 40.00%) and the 35 - 39 yr group (78.78%, 80.66%, 55.01%, 21.74% and 38.96%) (P>0.05), while the abortion rate was markedly increased in the > or = 40 yr group as compared with the <35 yr group (36.36% vs 8.33%, P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONIncreasing male age is related with decreasing percentages of progressively motile sperm and morphologically normal sperm, but not obviously with the rates of fertilization, good quality embryo, implantation, pregnancy and abortion.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paternal Age ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and mechanism of arsenic trioxide on hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 and observe the effect and best administration method of arsenic trioxide on hepatocellular carcinoma patients who were not suitable for operation.

METHODSThe cell activity and morphologic changes were studied after being treated with arsenic trioxide in different concentrations. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay and DNA fragmentation assay. The caspase-3 level of mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluoro-spectrophotometer. The growth inhibition of implant tumor was observed in nude mice treated with arsenic trioxide in different concentrations. Arsenic trioxide was used in hepatocellular carcinoma patients by intravenous dropping and continuous regional infusion through hepatic artery.

RESULTSThe effect of arsenic trioxide on hepatoma cell lines was dependent on the time and concentration obviously. The decrease in cell number was preceded by morphological changes in the treated BEL-7402 cells that were characteristic of apoptosis, including membrane blebbing, shrunken cytoplasm, nuclear condensation and loss of adhesion. Flow cytometry assay showed an arrestment at G(2)/M phase and sub-G(1) cell peak. DNA fragmentation assay showed a marked DNA ladder. The mRNA level of caspase-3 was no change in RT-PCR whereas the protein of caspase-3 was increased after added As(2)O(3) 1 - 36 h. Caspase-3 activity began to increase after 2 h and reached a maximal level after 12 h in a linear fashion. Then, the level of caspase-3 was decreased, but still in a high level. The growth inhibition of implant tumors was obviously in nude mice. The intravenous usage of arsenic trioxide could improve the quality of life with low toxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma patients not suitable for operation. The tumor size decreased in 30 patients and AFP value decreased in 19 patients by continuous regional infusion through hepatic artery.

CONCLUSIONSArsenic trioxide can obviously inhibit the growth of hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 through inducing hepatoma cell apoptosis. The activation and increase of Caspase-3 is the possible mechanism of apoptosis, and the acting point is in pro-enzyme level. The best result of arsenic trioxide on non-operative patients should be gotten in continuous infusion through hepatic artery.

Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Arsenicals ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Middle Aged ; Oxides ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use