BACKGROUNDIt is known that ultraviolet irradiation can affect cellular function through a number of signaling pathways. (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major effective component in green tea and can offer protection from ultraviolet-induced damage. In this study, we investigated the protective mechanism of EGCG on human dermal fibroblasts damaged by ultraviolet A (UVA) in vitro.

METHODSTranscription factor Jun protein levels were measured by Western blot. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in conjunction with computer-assisted image analysis. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 proteins were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSEGCG decreased transcription activity of Jun protein after induction by UVA. Both the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1 were increased by UVA irradiation, while no significant changes were observed in TIMP-1 levels. The ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 showed statistically significant differences compared with the control. EGCG decreased the ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 by inhibiting UVA-induced MMP-1 expression (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEGCG can protect human fibroblasts against UVA damage by downregulating the transcription activity of Jun protein and the expression of MMP-1. The ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1, rather than the levels of MMP-1 or TIMP-1 alone, may play a significant role in human skin photodamage.

Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun ; analysis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Radiation-Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Ultraviolet Rays

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of 1-bromopropane (1-BP) on the functions of learning-memory and the central cholinergic system in rats.

METHODSForty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: low 1-BP group (200 mg/kg), middle 1-BP group (400 mg/kg), high 1-BP group (800 mg/kg) and control group, and the exposure time was 7 days. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was applied to evaluate the learning-memory function in rats. After the MWM test, the rats were sacrificed, the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were quickly dissected and homogenized in ice bath. The activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in supernatant of homogenate were detected.

RESULTSThe latency and swim path-length of rats in middle and high 1-BP groups prolonged significantly in place navigation test and the efficiency of searching strategy obviously decreased, as compared with control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In spatial probe test, the number of crossing platform in three 1-BP groups decreased significantly, as compared with control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The cortical AChE activity of rats in middle and high 1-BP groups was significantly higher than that of control and low 1-BP group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The AChE activity in rat hippocampus of high 1-BP group obviously increased, as compared with control group as compared with control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of cortical ChAT activity between three 1-BP groups and control group (P > 0.05). In the hippocampus, there was no difference of ChAT activity among the groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION1-BP exposure could significantly influence the learning-memory function in rats due to the increase of AChE activity.

Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cerebral Cortex ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Choline O-Acetyltransferase ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Hydrocarbons, Brominated ; toxicity ; Male ; Maze Learning ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of therapeutic ultrasound-induced microbubble destruction on the microcirculation of rat skeletal muscle.

METHODSThirty SD rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=6), namely normal saline, microbubble, ultrasound, high-energy ultrasound microbubble and low-energy ultrasound microbubble groups. Before and after the treatments, the diameter and blood flow velocity in the microvessels in the skeletal muscle were measured, and the structural changes of the injured microvessels observed by electron microscopy.

RESULTSMicrobubble cavitation did not produce significant effect on the mean arterial pressure and diameter of microvessels in rat skeletal muscle (P>0.05), but the blood flow velocity was obviously lowered and blood flow volume reduced in the microvessels. The reduction of the flow velocity and blood flow volume and their subsequent recovery were associated with ultrasound energy, and in the low ultrasound energy group, the flow velocity and blood flow volume in the of venules recovered obviously after about 15 min, which, however, took approximately 1 h for the arterioles. In contrast, recovery of the flow velocity and blood flow volume in the microvessels took more than 2 h in the high ultrasound energy group. Cavitation resulted in endothelium cell rupture, widening of the endothelial interspace and entry of the red blood cells into the extravascular tissues as revealed by electron microscopy, but no rupture of the lining endothelium was observed 2 h after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONSEndothelium cell rupture induced by microbubble cavitation may affect the local microcirculation, and lower ultrasound energy exposure is associated with milder endothelial injury and more rapid recovery.

Animals ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Blood Vessels ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Endothelial Cells ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Male ; Microbubbles ; Microcirculation ; Microscopy, Electron ; Microspheres ; Muscle, Skeletal ; blood supply ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ultrasonics

OBJECTIVETo understand the allele structure and genetic polymorphism at D3S1358, D13S317, D5S818 short tandem repeats (STRs) loci in Nongqu Mongolian of China, and to construct a preliminary database.

METHODSThe allele frequencies of the three STRs loci in 291 unrelated individuals from Nongqu Mongolian were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTSSix, ten, and eight alleles were observed at D3S1358, D13S317, D5S818, respectively, and all 3 loci met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The statistical analysis of 3 STR loci showed the heterozygosity >or=0.7332, the polymorphic information content >or=0.6884; the combined discrimination power and the probabilities of paternity exclusion were 0.9991 and 0.9806 respectively.

CONCLUSIONAll three of the loci in this study were found to have high heterozygosity and polymorphic information content, so they could provide useful markers for genetic purposes. These results could serve as valuable data to enrich the Mongolian genetic database and play an important role in Chinese population genetic application.

Chromosome Mapping ; Humans ; Mongolia ; ethnology ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Tandem Repeat Sequences

Objective To evaluate the effect of personnel activities and air purifiers on airborne microorganisms and particulate matter in bronchoscopy room.Methods According to whether there was personal activity and air purifier in the bronchoscopy room,the experiment was divided into four groups:dynamic non-purification group,dynamic purification group,static non-purification group,and static purification group,indoor air samples were collected and analyzed at five different time points (0,0.5,1,2,4 h),microorganisms in the air were collected by planktonic method,then cultured and counted,concentration of particulate matter was determined by DT-9881M laser dust particle counter,variance analysis of factorial design was used for statistical analysis.Results Colony count/concentration of airborne bacteria,fungi,total microorganisms (bacteria + fungi),PM2.5,and PM2.5-10.0 in dynamic non purification group were (113.53 ± 7.78) CFU/m3,(89.67 ± 7.17) CFU/m3,(203.20 ± 10.92) CFU/m3,(86 557.20 ±4 158.29) counts/m3,and (659.69 ± 38.91) counts/m3 respectively,in static non-purification group were (84.33 ± 3.65) CFU/m3,(65.00 ± 2.65)CFU/m3,(149.33 ± 4.98) CFU/m3,(45 812.64 ±1 279.61) counts/m3,and (189.15 ± 4.64) counts/m3 respectively,in dynamic purification group were (84.80 ±8.08) CFU/m3,(90.40 ± 5.50) CFU/m3,(175.20 ± 9.22) CFU/m3,(49 336.38 ± 2 039.16) counts/m3,and (218.36 ± 7.02) counts/m3 respectively,in static purification group were (67.80 ± 5.63) CFU/m3,(38.27 ± 3.70)CFU/m3,(106.07 ± 6.76) CFU/m3,(29 772.53 ± 2 212.93) counts/m3,and (124.80 ± 7.16) counts/m3 respectively.Colony count/concentration of airborne bacteria,total microorganisms,PM2.5,and PM2.s 10.0 in dynamic group were all higher than those in static group,non-purification group were higher than purification group(both P ＜0.05),colony count of fungi in dynamic non-purification group was higher than static non-purification group,in static purification group was lower than static non-purification group(both P＜0.05),there was no significant difference between dynamic purification group and dynamic non-purification group (P =0.936).Conclusion Personal activities can increase colony count/concentration of microorganisms and particulate matter in bronchoscopy room,air purifier can reduce the bacteria,total microbial count,and particulate matter in the air of bronchoscopy room.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Yishen Qingre Huashi Recipe (YQHR) in treating proteinuria of chronic glomerular disease patients with Pi-Shen deficiency complicated damp-heat syndrome (PSDCDHS).

METHODSTotally 121 stage 1 -2 primary chronic glomerular disease patients with PSDCDHS were randomly assigned to the treated group (85 cases) and the control group (36 cases) according to 2:1. All patients received conventional and symptomatic treatment. Patients in the treated group took YQHR additionally, while those in the control group took Losartan Potassium Tablet (50 mg each time, once per day) additionally. The therapeutic course for all was 6 months. Changes of 24 h urine protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine(SCr), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were observed at different time points. And the difference in therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSCompared with the control group after 6 months of treatment, 24 h urine protein obviously decreased in the treated group (P <0. 05). There was no statistical difference in SCr, BUN, or eGFR between the two groups after 6 months of treatment (P >0. 05). The total effective rate after 2, 4, and 6 months of treatment in the treated group was 77. 6% (66/85 cases), 82. 4% (70/85 cases), and 89. 4% (76/85 cases), respectively. They were 47. 2% (17/36 cases), 55. 6% (20/36 cases), and 61. 1% (22/36 cases) in the control group, respectively. Compared with before treatment in the treated group, the total effective effect after 6 months of treatment was higher than that after 2 months of treatment (χ2=4. 28, P <0. 01). Compared with the control group at the same time points, the total effective rate in the treated group after 2, 4, and 6 months of treatment was higher (χ2=10. 87, 9. 53, 13.16, P <0. 01).

CONCLUSIONYQHR could significantly lower proteinuria in chronic glomerular disease patients with PSDCDHS, improve the clinical effect, thereby providing clinical evidence for treating chronic glomerular disease proteinuria from resolving dampness and clearing heat.

Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; complications ; therapy ; Kidney Glomerulus ; pathology ; Losartan ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phytotherapy ; Proteinuria ; etiology ; therapy ; Syndrome ; Tablets

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of antisense epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) oligodeoxynucleotides on ultraviolet-induced c-jun activity of keratinocytes after EGF-R oligodeoxynucleotides transfect to HaCaT in vitro.

METHODSc-jun DNA binding activity after ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation and EGF-R oligodeoxynucleotides transfection were determined with a highly sensitive and specific colorimetric method. After EGF-R oligodeoxynucleotides transfection, the mRNA level of EGF-R was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTSCompared with control groups, c-jun activity increased significantly in UVB (10, 20, 30 mJ/cm2) irradiation groups (P < 0.05). EGF-R mRNA and c-jun activities induced by UVB were inhibited after the keratinocytes were transfected with EGF-R antisense oligodeoxynucleotides at 2, 4 and 8 microg/ml concentrations (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe ultraviolet-induced c-jun activity of keratinocytes can be mediated by EGF-R and inhibited by EGF-R antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, which is transfected to keratinocytes and mediated by lipofectamine.

Cell Line ; Humans ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Keratinocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection ; Ultraviolet Rays

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of CD138 and heparinase in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relationship with tumor development, progression, metastasis and recurrence.

METHODSTissue microarray and immunohistochemical study (EnVision method) for CD138 and heparinase was performed on tissue microarray which consisted of 197 cases of HCC, including adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissues, and 66 cases of HCC metastases.

RESULTSThe rates of CD138 expression in HCC and adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissues were 48.7% (96/197) and 65.0% (128/197, P < 0.05) respectively. In early-stage and late-stage tumors, the expression rates were 61.7% (29/47) and 44.7% (67/150, P < 0.05) respectively. The rate in patients with metastasis was 33.3% (22/66), as compared with 53.6% (45/84, P < 0.05) in patients without metastasis. In patients with tumor recurrence occurring within or after 1 post-operative year, the expression rates were 23.3% (7/30) and 61.1% (11/18, P < 0.05) respectively. On the other hand, the rates of expression of heparinase in HCC and adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissues were 35.5% (70/197) and 12.7% (25/197, P < 0.05) respectively. In early-stage and late-stage tumors, the expression rates were 29.8% (14/47) and 37.3% (56/150, P > 0.05) respectively. The rate in patients with metastasis was 48.5% (32/66), as compared with 28.6% (24/84, P < 0.05) in patients without metastasis. In patients with tumor recurrence occurring within or after 1 post-operative year, the expression rates were 50.0% (15/30) and 44.4% (8/18, P > 0.05) respectively. In the 66 cases of metastatic HCC studied, the expression rate of CD138 was lower in the heparinase-positive subgroup (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLoss of CD138 expression is related to HCC development, progression, metastasis and recurrence. Overexpression of heparinase, when coupled with loss of CD138 expression, may take part in tumor metastasis of HCC.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; secondary ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heparin Lyase ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver ; metabolism ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating ; metabolism ; Peritoneal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Portal Vein ; Syndecan-1 ; metabolism ; Tissue Array Analysis

OBJECTIVEHelicobacter pylori (Hp) infection presents high prevalence in the world, but there are few pediatric assays evaluating antimicrobial treatment using a short regimen of triple therapy. To evaluate the eradication rate and long term therapeutic effect of a triple therapy consisted of omeperazole, clarithromycin (CLA) and amoxycillin (AMO) on Hp infection, the authors explored the alternative therapeutic programs and their effects after first therapeutic failure.

METHODSA total of 192 children with Hp infection were divided into two groups: 157 children were given the triple therapy for one week (CLA group); 35 children were given another triple therapy composed of omeperazole, metronidazole (MET) and AMO for two weeks (MET group). All of the children were followed up for 1 - 36 months after the therapies ended. Twenty-two children in whom Hp was eradicated with CLA triple therapy were followed up for 3 years. The children of the two groups who had therapeutic failure were given re-treatment as follows. CLA triple therapy was given for one week to the children who had failure after MET triple therapy; increased doses of CLA with longer treatment course was given to the children who had failure after CLA triple therapy. A tetra therapy consisted of omeperazole, colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), furazolidone (FUR) and AMO was given to the children in whom the re-treatment failed.

RESULTSThe Hp eradication and ulcer recovery rate of CLA group was 90.4% (142/157) and 96.9% (32/33), respectively; the Hp eradication rate of MET group was 77% (27/35). There was significant difference between eradication rates of the two groups (chi(2) = 4.69, P < 0.05). The recurrence rate of 22 Hp eradicated children treated with CLA triple therapy was 4.5% (1/22) during the 3-year follow-up. The eradication rate of the three re-treatment programs for 29 children was 75% (6/8), 77% (11/15) and 100% (6/6), respectively.

CONCLUSION(1) Omeperazole, CLA and AMO triple therapy for one week was the best to eradicate Hp infection with high eradication rate, few side effects, short period of treatment, good compliance and low recurrence rate. (2) Proper increase of CLA dose and longer therapeutic course may increase the eradication rate. Omeperazole, CBA, FUR and AMO tetra therapeutic program may be used as an alternative treatment in patients who develop resistance to CLA triple therapy.

Adolescent ; Amoxicillin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Anti-Ulcer Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Clarithromycin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Helicobacter Infections ; drug therapy ; Helicobacter pylori ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Metronidazole ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Omeprazole ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Recurrence ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

Objectives: To observe the effect of activated G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) on Angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and explore related mechanisms. Methods: Primary cardiomyocytes derived from 2-to 3-day-old neonatal rats were cultured in vitro. Tandem mass tags (TMT) protein mass spectrometry was used to examine protein expressions; relevant bioinformatics analysis was performed to screen the possible regulatory mechanisms. Cardiomyocytes were divided into 6 groups: (1)Blank control group, (2) AngII group, (3)AngII+G1 (GPER1 activator) group, (4)AngII+G1+G15 (GPER1 inhibitor) group, (5)AngII+G1+U0126 (extracellular ERK inhibitor) group and (6)AngII+G1+MK2206 (AKT inhibitor) group (n=3 for each group). Cardiomyocytes GPER1 expressions, mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), protein levels of ERK, AKT with their interactions, autophagy-related proteins LC3II and LC3I were compared among different groups;impact of GPER1 on cardiomyocytes apoptosis was detected by flowcytometry. Results: AngII induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and upregulation of ANP and BNP mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). GPER1 expression could be detected on cardiomyocytes by Immunofluorescence technique. qRT-PCR results showed that GPER1 was activated by the specific activator G1 and mRNA expressions of ANP and BNP were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the specific activator G1 (P<0.05); mRNA levels of ANP and BNP were re-elevated in AngII+G1+G15 group (P<0.05). Western blotting results showed that protein expression of p-ERK and p-AKT was significantly higher in AngII group and AngII+G1 group than in blank control group (P<0.05), significantly reduced in AngII+G1+G15 group compared with AngII+G1 group (P<0.05); decreased expressions of p-ERK, p-AKT and mRNA levels of ANP,BNP were also detected in AngII+G1+MK2206 group (P<0.05). G1 induced protein expression was similar between AngII+G1 group and AngII+G1+U0126 group. Flowcytometry results indicated that cardiomyocytes apoptosis was similar between AngII+G1 group and AngII group (P>0.05). Ratio of LC3II/LC3I was significantly higher and autophagy levels were significantly enhanced in AngII group than in blank control group (P<0.01), these changes could be significantly reversed in AngII +G1 group (P<0.01 vs. AngII). Conclusions: Activation of GPER1 could inhibit neonatal cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, this effect might be related to AKT and ERK signaling pathway and cell autophagy.