OBJECTIVETo study the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) on growth, apoptosis and telomerase activity in Hep-2 cells.

METHODSGrowth inhibition effect of SB on Hep-2 cells was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Morphological alterations were observed by electronic microscope. Cell apoptosis was confirmed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling (TUNEL) method, DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry (FCM). Cell cycle was analyzed by FCM. Telomerase activity was examined by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP)-silver staining. The expression status of telomerase subunits was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSA time-and dose-dependent inhibition was detected in cells treated with SB. Typical morphological changes of apoptotic cells were observed under electronic microscopy. The characteristic DNA fragmentation of apoptotic cells was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Apoptosis and the changes of cell cycle were confirmed by TUNEL method and FCM. The apoptosis indexes of the cells before treatment and at 72 h after SB (2.5 mmol/L) treatment were 2.27 +/- 1.18 and 33.50 +/- 2.75 respectively, the apoptosis rates were 2. 86% and 31. 28% respectively, the proportion of the cells at G0/G1 stage were 50.38% and 70.88% respectively, the proportion of the cells at S stage were 27.40% and 8.20% respectively, and the proliferation indexes of the cells were 49.62% and 29.12% respectively. Telomerase activity and expression level of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the key subunit of telomerase, decreased after SB treatment. No significant changes were observed in the expression of human telomerase RNA (hTR) and human telomerase associated protein (hTP1), the other two subunit of telomerase.

CONCLUSIONSB could inhibit growth of Hep-2 cells and induce apoptosis in the cells, and inhibit telomerase activity by decrease expression level of hTERT.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Butyrates ; pharmacology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Sodium ; pharmacology ; Telomerase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effect of astragaloside IV (AS IV) on H2O2 induced human mesangial cells (HMC), and further explore its molecular mechanism.

METHODThe cultured mesangial cells were divided into 5 groups: the normal control group, the H2O2 model group, the AS IV (12.5, 100 nmol x L(-1)) group and the Tempol (1 x 10(5) nmol x L(-1)) group. The MTT method was used to observe cell viability. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to observe the HMC apoptosis and DHE staining was used to detect the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in cell cycle. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Cyclin D1, CyclinA, p38, and T-p38.

RESULTH2O2 (1 x 10(5), 2 x 10(5), 3 x 10(5), and 4 x 10(5) nmol x L(-1)) could induce HMC oxidative stress injury, with significant decrease in the cell survival rate. AS IV (100 nmol x L(-1)) could significantly inhibit HMC oxidative stress injury induced by H2O2 (3 x 10(5) nmol x L(-1)), increase the survival rate of HMC cells, inhibit cell apoptosis, and decrease intracellular ROS production. AS IV could also increase the expression of Cyclin D1, recover normal cell proliferation, and decrease the expression of p38.

CONCLUSIONAS IV can protect H2O2 induced oxidative stress injury in mesangial cells. Its mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the p38/MAPK signaling pathway, increasing the expression of Cyclin D1 and decreasing the intracellular ROS oxidative stress injury.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cyclin A ; metabolism ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Mesangial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Triterpenes ; pharmacology

AIM To study the influence and action mechanism of effective components in compatible solution of Sparganii Rhizoma-Curcumae Rhizoma on pelvic adhesions of model rats with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.METHODS Laboratory rats were randomly assigned into six groups,a sham-operated group,a model group,a positive Fukeqianjin tablets group,compatible solution groups (40 g/kg high-dose group,20 g/kg medi um-dose group,and 10 g/kg low-dose group).Except rats of the sham-operated group,those in the other groups were induced into models of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease by mechanical bacterial strain implantation,after which a 20 d corresponding drug administration by oral gavage for each group was initiated.After completion of the last drug administration,Verco criterion was taken as the reference to evaluate pelvic adhesions,HE staining was performed on uterine tissues for pathological scoring,ELASA method was applied to measuring serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels,and Western blot method was used to detect the expression levels of proteins FGF-2 and IGF-1 in uterine tissues.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose compatible solution group had a much sharper fall in Verco scores (P ＜ 0.05),and remarkably decreased serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels (P ＜ 0.01);both high-dose and medium-dose groups manifested with notably alleviated degenerative necrosis and lowered scores of chronic inflammation infiltration and epithelial hyperproliferation (P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜ 0.05),and a distinct reduction in the expression of proteins FGF-2 and IGF-1 (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).CONCLUSION The significant improvement of the chronic pelvic inflammatory disease in model rats due to the effective components in the compatibile solution of Sparganii Rhizoma-Curcumae Rhizoma may be associated with inhibited release of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and TNF-α,and the reduced expression of proteins FGF-2 and IGF-1 as well.

OBJECTIVE Lychee seed, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, recently were reported to improve the learning and memory abilities in mice. However, it is still unclear whether lychee seed saponins (LSS) can improve the cognitive function and associated mechanisms. METHODS In present studies, we established the Alzheimer disease (AD) model by injecting Aβ25-35 into the lateral ventricle of rats. Then the spatial learning and memory abilities of LSS- treated rats were evaluated with the Morris water maze, meanwhile the protein expressions of AKT, GSK3β and Tau in the hippo?campal neuron were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS The results showed LSS can improve the cognitive functions of AD rats through shortening the escape latency, increasing the number across the platform, platform quadrant dwell time and the percentage of the total distance run platform quadrant. The protein expression of AKT was significantly up-regulated and that of GSK3β and Tau were decreased remarkably in the hippocampal CA1 area. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to show that LSS significantly improve the cognitive function and prevent hippocampal neuronal injury of the rats with AD by activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway, suggesting LSS may be developed into the nutrient supplement for the treatment of AD.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of paraoxonase-2 (PON2) gene and the susceptibility to occupational noise-induced deafness among Chinese Han population exposed to high noise levels [>85 dB (A)].

METHODSA case-control study was conducted in Chinese Han population exposed to high noise levels. The subjects were divided into case group (n = 127) and control group (n = 136) according to the Diagnostic criteria of occupational noise-induced deafness (GBZ 49-2007). The case group was composed of 127 workers with a mean binaural high-frequency hearing threshold not less than 40 dB, as measured using an electro-audiometer, while the control group was composed of 136 workers with a mean binaural high-frequency hearing threshold less than 40 dB, as measured using the electro-audiometer, who were on shift in the same position as the cases and matched with them for age, sex, and years of noise exposure. Peripheral venous blood (2 ml) was collected from each subject during physical examination to extract genomic DNA, and genotypes were identified using a TaqMan probe.

RESULTSPON2 genotypes rs7493 CG+GG, rs7785846 CT+TT, rs12026 CG+GG, and rs7786401 GT+TT were the risk factors for occupational noise-induced deafness, and the adjusted odds ratios (95%confidence intervals) were 5.87 (3.11∼11.07), 5.92 (3.10∼11.32), 5.53 (2.93∼10.45), and 5.93 (3.10∼11.34), respectively. In addition, the higher the noise exposure levels, the higher the risk of developing occupational noise-induced deafness among the individuals carrying mutant genotypes.

CONCLUSIONPON2 genotypes rs7493 CG+GG, rs7785846 CT+TT, rs12026 CG+GG, and rs7786401 GT +TT may be associated with the susceptibility to occupational noise-induced deafness among Chinese Han population exposed to high noise levels, and the effects of mutant genotypes and noise exposure levels may be mutually enhanced.

Adult ; Aryldialkylphosphatase ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; etiology ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Noise, Occupational ; adverse effects ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUNDWomen with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at higher risk of future development of diabetes. This study investigated the risk factors associated with early postpartum abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) among Chinese women with a history of GDM.

METHODSA total of 186 women with a history of GDM were screened for early postpartum AGR at 6-8 weeks after delivery. Those with AGR were given lifestyle intervention therapy and reevaluated in 6-12 months. The demographic, anthropometric, prenatal and delivery data were recorded. The plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) and lipid concentration were measured, and insulin secretion were analyzed. Insulinogenic index Deltains30'/DeltaBG30', the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA)-B, and HOMA-IR were calculated. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors.

RESULTSOf the GDM women 28.0% (52/186) had AGR at 6-8 weeks after delivery; 45.2% (17/40) of these AGR women reminded abnormal after 6-12 month lifestyle intervention. Compared to the women who reverted to normal, women with consistent AGR showed significantly lower fasting insulin concentration, lower Deltains30'/DeltaBG30' as well as lower HOMA-B. No significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid level, HsCRP and HOMA-IR were observed between the two groups. Pre-pregnancy BMI = 25 kg/m(2), fasting glucose level = 5.6 mmol/L and/or 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 2 hours glucose level = 11.1 mmol/L during pregnancy were predictors for the AGR at 6-8 weeks after delivery. Deltains30'/DeltaBG30 = 1.05 was a significant risk contributor to the consistent early postpartum AGR.

CONCLUSIONThere is a high incidence of early postpartum AGR among Chinese woman with prior GDM. Beta-cell dysfunction, rather than insulin resistance or inflammation, is the predominant contributor to the early onset and consistent AGR after delivery.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; etiology ; Diabetes, Gestational ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin-Secreting Cells ; physiology ; Pregnancy ; Puerperal Disorders ; etiology ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVEFollowing the former report, we continue to observe the chronic renal tubular-interstitial injury induced by Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract(RAFE) in rats in order to understand whether RAFE in different doses causes the renal tubular-interstitial injury or not.

METHODRAFE at the dose of 25.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 120.0 mg kg(-1) x d(-1) and 200.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and aristolochic acid (AA, 10.0 mg x kg(-1) d(-1)) was interruptedly administrated by gastric tube for 22 w and 4 w durg withdrawal. Blood, urine and kidney were taken out respectively in 17 w, 22 w and 26 w to measure the indexes of renal function. The morphology of kidney was observed, and Masson staining of kidney were made respectively to compare RAFE groups with AA group.

RESULTPathological changes of renal tissue forms were as follows: All RAFE groups and AA group could develop the pathological process of renal tubular injury-chronic renal interstitial fibrosis. The pathologic changes of RAFE were similar with AA.

CONCLUSIONRAFE at all doses administrated interruptedly by gastric tube above 13 w caused chronic renal tubulo-interstitium fibrosis. The renal injury in functions and tissue forms in rats were similar with AA closely. The results showed that AA was the main toxic composition of RAFE.

Animals ; Aristolochia ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Aristolochic Acids ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Female ; Fibrosis ; blood ; chemically induced ; pathology ; Kidney Tubules ; pathology ; Male ; Nephritis, Interstitial ; blood ; chemically induced ; pathology ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Proteinuria ; chemically induced ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of two gastric cancer screening schemes for early detection of gastric cancer in a high-risk population.

METHODSA cluster random sampling method was used to select local residents aged 40-69 years from Linqu County, Shandong Province. "Serum pepsinogen initial screening combined with further endoscopic examination (PG scheme)" and "direct endoscopic examination (endoscopy scheme)" were conducted. The associations between screening schemes and detection rates of gastric cancer, and early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were evaluated by unconditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSOverall, 3654 and 2290 participants completed PG and endoscopy schemes, respectively. A total of 11 (0.30%) cases of gastric cancer and 10 (0.27%) cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were detected by PG scheme, of which 7 (0.19%) cases were early gastric cancer. While, 19 (0.83%) cases of gastric cancer and 10 (0.44%) cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were detected by endoscopy scheme, with 12 (0.52%) cases of early gastric cancer. Compared with the PG scheme, the endoscopy scheme had a significantly higher detection rates of gastric cancer (OR = 2.83, 95%CI 1.34-5.98), and early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.12-4.02).

CONCLUSIONSThe endoscopy scheme is more effective in the detection of gastric cancer in a high-risk population, particularly for early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia than the PG scheme.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; blood ; diagnosis ; Carcinoma in Situ ; blood ; diagnosis ; Early Detection of Cancer ; methods ; Female ; Gastroscopy ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Pepsinogen A ; blood ; Stomach Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of extrahepatic control on blood flow of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava in hepatectomy, and observe its effect on minimizing hemorrhage.

METHODSFrom 2001 to April 2003, 33 patients who had liver tumors involving segment IV, VII, VIII or half liver underwent major hepatectomies that required exposure of the inferior vena cava and main trunks of hepatic veins, during which the major hepatic veins and inferior vena cava were isolated and taped to control blood flow when necessary.

RESULTSIn 33 attempts, 32 were successful and all tumors were resected successfully. The placement of occlusion tape was unsuccessful in 1 case. 7 cases did not need blood transfusion during operation. The amount of blood transfusion for other cases were form 0 to 1 600 ml. there was no operative mortality.

CONCLUSIONSAppropriate control of main truck of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava is effective in reducing blood loss during hepatectomies. It is also very helpful for performing difficult hepatectomies.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Hepatic Duct, Common ; surgery ; Hepatic Veins ; surgery ; Humans ; Liver ; blood supply ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; etiology ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Vena Cava, Inferior ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo observe the acute and chronic renal toxicity induced by Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract (RAFE) in different doses in rats.

METHODThe conventional method of acute toxicity was used. RAFE at the dose of 25.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 120.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 200.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and aristolochic acid (AA, 10.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) were interruptedly administrated to rats for 13 week by gastric tube, and the sample of blood, urine and kidney were collected at 4 week, 8 week and 13 week respectively. The indexes of renal function were measured and the morphology of kidney was observed.

RESULTLD50 of RAFE was 36.8 g x kg(-1) (the crude drug) and the 95% confidence limit was 38.8 - 28.9 g x kg(-1). The changes of renal functions were azotemia, massive proteinuria and the increase of urinary NAGase (beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase) in the earlier period of administration with RAFE in rats. Pathological changes of renal tissue were as follows: acute renal tubular necrosis mainly in the boundary of cortex and medulla was observed in the earlier period, and with the elongation of administration, the pathological process of renal interstitial fibrosis observed in the middle and high groups of RAFE and AA group.

CONCLUSIONRAFE at middle and high doses administrated by interrupted gavage above 13 week can cause the injury of renal tubular functions in rats. NAGase can be used as one of observation targets in the earlier period of renal injury.

Acetylglucosaminidase ; urine ; Animals ; Aristolochia ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Aristolochic Acids ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Female ; Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; Kidney Tubules ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Proteinuria ; chemically induced ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley