Objective To investigate the influence of iodine excess on expression of TRAIl/TRAIL-sR1 in NOD and Balb/c mice and to study the effect of TRAIl/TRAIL-sR1 on the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis(EAT). Methods Both Balb/c and NOD mice were divided randomly into control and iodine excess group by feeding with water containing no NaI or 0.05% Nal. The mice were sacrificed after 8 weeks. TRAIL and TRAIL-sR1 mRNA levels were detected by RT-PCR. The function, morphology and apoptosis of thyroids were also observed by ELISA and Tunnel stain. Results Treated by HI, enlarged follicles and flattened epithelium by accumulation of colloid were found in thyroids of both NOD and Balb/c mice. But significant lymphoid cell infiltration and local fibrosis were only found in thyroids of NOD HI group. The relative weight of thyroids of NOD mice in HI group[(104.8±14.5)mg/kg]was heavier than that of control group [(71.8±20.4)mg/kg]. The level of TT4 declined in HI group[(30.77±3.59)mmol/L]compared with control group[(36.43±2.66)mmol/L], meanwhile, the level of TSH was higher in HI group[(6.98±0.66)μg/L]than that in control group [(5.55±0.56)μg/L]. The difference being statistically significant(t=7.773,-9.526,-4.458, all P < 0.05). The relative weight of thyroids of Balb/c mice of HI group[(155.8±20.8)mg/kg]also heavier than that of control group [(105.1±22.0) mg/kg]. The level of TT4 droped in HI group [(19.75±3.32) mmoL/L]was higher than that in control group[(23.46±6.21)mmoL/L], the level of TSH in HI group[(4.14±1.71)μg/L]was higher than that in control group[(3.55±1.41)μg/L], the difference being statistically significant(t=7.554,-7.239,3.140, all P< 0.05). A great deal of apoptotie ceils observed in NOD (3.97±0.91) and Balb/c mice (1.05±0.45) by Tunnel stain were greater than control groups (0.21±0.15, 0.10±0.03), the difference being statistically significant in beth of the two species(t=-7.167,-17.772, both P < 0.05). The apoptosis index of thyroid follicular epithelium in NOD was obviously higher than Balb/c(t=-7.625, P<0.05). The level of TRAIL mRNA did not remarkably change in Balb/c between control group(0.000 59±0.000 39) and HI group(0.001 24±0.000 46, t=-1.940, P>0.05), but it increased apparently in NOD mice HI group(0.018 88±0.005 77) than that of control group(0.009 61± 0.00591, t=-2.71, P<0.05). The level of the expression of TRAIL-sR1 mRNA increased in HI groups of NOD (0.000 53±0.000 15) and Balb/c mice(0.000 42±0.000 09) than that in control groups of NOD(0.000 28± 0.000 05) and Balb/c mice (0.000 17±0.000 06) and the differences were statistically significant between the two species(t=3.050,3.990, all P<0.05). The differences of the expression of TRAIL and TRAIL-sR1 mRNA between the two species were significant(t=-3.37,-4.76, all P<0.05). Conclusions Iodine excess induces colloid goiter in beth species of mice and thyroiditis in NOD mice. The increase of TRAIL and TRAIL-sR1 influenced by iodine excess is one of the molecular bases of follicular epithelium apoptosis and inflammation in thyroids. Genetic factor is a key factor in the pathogenesis of thyroiditis.

AIMTo establish chromatographic fingerprint of Carthamus tinctorius L. by RP-HPLC in order to control the quality of Carthamus tinctorius L.

METHODSThe gradient elution mode was applied in chromatographic separation, and data were analysed by "Computer Aided Similarity Evaluation" software to compare the quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. samples from different habitats.

RESULTSSamples from different habitats were of high similarity, though a few samples showed evident difference in fingerprint graphics.

CONCLUSIONThe RP-HPLC fingerprint method is repeatable, feasible in analysis of Carthamus tinctorius L. and can be used in quality assessment of Carthamus tinctorius L. Chemical components in Carthamus tinctorius L. samples from various habitats are similar, and their ratios between each other are stable.

Carthamus tinctorius ; chemistry ; Chalcone ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; China ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Ecosystem ; Flowers ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Quinones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

In order to explore the transfection and expression of hRI gene on human umbilical blood stem cells, and observe it's effect on the tumor growth. After enriching human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells with a high-gradient magnetic cell sorting system (MACS), transfected them with supernatant of retrovirus containing human Ribonuclease inhibitor (hRI) cDNA. Hematopoietic progenitor clonogenic assay and PCR were used to evaluate transfection efficiency, and Western-blot and immune fluorescence were used to evaluate the expression quantity of hRI gene after transfection. Observe the effect of RI on the growth of melonoma in B16C57BL mice. The results showed that human umbilical blood CD34+ cells were highly purified by MACS, which made the purity of human umbilical blood CD34+ cells average 96.15%. hRI can be transfected on umbilical blood CD34+ cells, and the transfection efficiency was 35%. The positive expression of hRI gene on transfected CD34+ cells is identified by Western-blot and immune fluorescence assay. Mice injected with transfected CD34+ cells show a significant restraint of the tumor growth, a lower efficiency of tumor formation, a lower weight of the tumor and a longer incubation period of tumor formation with respect to the control groups. The results demonstrated the capacity of RI to inhibited the tumor growth by blocking the vasculature in tumor.
Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Genetic Therapy ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Melanoma ; pathology ; therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

BACKGROUNDBilirubin is the end product of heme catabolism and has strong antioxidant properties. Serum bilirubin levels are reported to be reduced in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO). The pathophysiology of optic neuritis (ON) resembles that of MS; however, the role of endogenous bilirubin in ON is unclear. The aim of this study is to measure serum bilirubin levels in patients with ON, and to investigate the correlation between ON and serum antioxidant status of bilirubin.

METHODSSerum levels of bilirubin were measured in 42 patients with ON, 50 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 48 patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and 48 healthy control subjects.

RESULTSSerum total bilirubin (Tbil), direct bilirubin (Dbil) and indirect bilirubin (Ibil) levels in patients with ON were significantly lower than those in the healthy controls. However, no statistical significance was found between levels in the ON and MS, ON and NMO, and MS and NMO groups. In patients with ON, serum Tbil, Dbil, and Ibil levels were lower in those with recurrence or those with ON for a longer duration (≥ 1 year). Moreover, Tbil, Dbil, and Ibil concentrations were lower in patients with papillitis than in those with retrobulbar type ON, but the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONSLow antioxidant status may exist in patients with ON. But serum levels of Tbil, Dbil, and Ibil did not correlate with clinical presentations, such as recurrence, duration of disease and subtypes of ON. Low antioxidant status already existed in MS or NMO patients before systemic symptoms appeared.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Sclerosis ; blood ; Neuromyelitis Optica ; blood ; Optic Neuritis ; blood ; Young Adult

Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy, Needle ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Severity of Illness Index ; Ultrasonography, Doppler ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the epidemiology,diagnosis and treatment of an imported falciparum malaria patient in Xilin County,Baise City,so as to provide the reference for improving the diagnosis and treatment of falciparum malaria pa-tients in the future. Methods The epidemiological and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results The patient had lived in Africa where the malaria was epidemic. The disease attacked him after his coming back home from abroad. The blood test for Plasmodium falciparum was positive. In Xilin County,no local Plasmodium infection was found from 2004 to 2016,and therefore,we concluded that this case was overseas imported. Conclusion The monitoring of overseas returnees in Xilin Coun-ty should be strengthened to timely diagnose and treat the imported cases of malaria.

Objective To investigate the effect of chewing gum after cesarean section on restoration of gastrointestinal function.Methods 300 patients who had undergone low cesarean section in our hosplta|were randomlv divided into observation group(150 cases)and control group(150 eases).The former received sugarfree chewing gum 4 times per day(2～4 pieces each time)from 2h to 3d after cesarean section and the latter received routine nursing care. Gastrointestinal function of the two groups Was observed.Results Earlier alleviation of abdominal distension.as well as resume of bowelsound，anal exhaust and defecation was found in the observation group compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions Chewing gum can promote restoration of gastrointestinal function and thus benefits rehabilitation of patients after cesarean section.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different treatment methods of "soothing liver， invigorating spleen， soothing liver and invigorating spleen， soothing liver first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen， as well as invigorating spleen first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen" on liver depression combined with liver injury in rats and their action mechanisms. MethodA six-week rat model of liver depression combined with liver injury was established by restraint stress and subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄， 5.89 g·kg^-1， once every three days）. At the same time， the drugs were given by gavage. Forty-eight male SD rats of clean grade were randomly divided into eight groups， namely the normal group， model group， bicyclol （0.2 g·kg^-1） group， Sinisan （4.32 g·kg^-1） group， Liu Junzitang （9.26 g·kg^-1） group， Chaishao Liu Junzitang A （Chai A， soothing liver and invigorating spleen，13.57 g·kg^-1） group， Chaishao Liu Junzitang B （Chai B， soothing liver first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen， 13.57 g·kg^-1） group， and Chaishao Liu Junzitang C （Chai C， invigorating spleen first and then soothing liver and invigorating spleen， 13.57 g·kg^-1） group， with six rats in each group. The pathological changes in liver and colon tissues of each group were observed under light microscope and electron microscope. The serum biochemical indexes of the liver were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The relative mRNA expression levels of Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 （TGR5） and intestinal mucosal zona occluden-1 （ZO-1）， Occludin， and Claudin-1 in the liver and colon were detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The positive expression rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） in the colon was detected by immunohistochemistry. ResultCompared with normal group， the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， total bilirubin （TBIL）， and direct bilirubin （DBIL） （P<0.01）， lowered TGR5 mRNA expression in liver tissue， up-regulated TGR5 mRNA expression in the colon tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and down-regulated ZO-1， Occludin， and tight junction protein-1 (Claudin-1) mRNA expression and PCNA in the colon tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， bicyclol and Chai C remarkably decreased the levels of serum ALP， ALT， AST， TBIL， and DBIL （P<0.05，P<0.01）， while Liu Junzitang， Chai A， Chai B， and Chai C significantly up-regulated the TGR5 mRNA expression in the liver and down-regulated its expression in the colon （P<0.01）. Bicyclol， Chai A， Chai B， and Chai C enhanced the ZO-1 and Claudin-1 mRNA expression in the colon （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Bicyclol， Sinisan， and Chai C increased PCNA expression （P<0.01）. The comparison with the Chai C group showed that the TGR5 mRNA expression in the liver and ZO-1 mRNA expression in the colon of the bicyclol and Sinisan groups were lower， whereas the TGR5 mRNA expression in the colon was higher （P<0.01）. However， the PCNA expression in the colon of the Liu Junzitang and Chai B groups declined significantly （P<0.05）. ConclusionIn the presence of liver injury， invigorating spleen first helps to relieve the liver injury， and the efficacy of "spleen-invigorating" therapy in increasing the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins and improving the gastrointestinal function is related to its activation of TGR5 to improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function， promote the renewal of intestinal stem cells， and drive the regeneration after injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical correlation of expression level changes of miR-181b and miR-194 to the pathogenesis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), and determine plasma miR-181b and miR-194 as the potential biomarkers for aGVHD. METHODS: The plasma samples were collected from 31 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) at before HSCT, 15 days after HSCT and onset of aGVHD. The expression levels of miR-181b and miR-194 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of miRNA biomarkers for the diagnosis of aGVHD. RESULTS: MiR-181b and miR-194 downregulated after treatment were significantly upregulated in the plasma at onset of aGVHD (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in comparison with the level of before HSCT (P>0.05). The expressions of plasma miR-181b and miR-194 collected on day 15 after HSCT were significantly upregulated in the patients with aGVHD in comparison with non-GVHD patients (P<0.05). Moreover, these elevated miRNAs were detected before aGVHD. The AUC of miR-181b predicting aGVHD was 0.91±0.05 (specificity was 0.94, sensitivity was 0.69). The AUC of miR-194 predicting aGVHD was 0.91±0.06 (specificity was 0.94, sensitivity was 0.77). CONCLUSION MiR-181b and miR-194 may serve as early biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of aGVHD.
Acute Disease ; Biomarkers ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; Transplantation, Homologous

Objective To evaluate the effects of antiretroviral therapy(ART)for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT)of acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)on the growth and development of 18-month-old children born by human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-positive pregnant women in Lingshan County,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,and provide scientific evidence for improving the ART medication plan for PMTCT.Methods Lingshan County,ranking the first in the HIV-epidemic counties of Guangxi,was selected as the research site.According to the design of retrospective case-control study,we assigned all the subjects into the case group and the control group:(1)The case group included the HIV-positive pregnant women who had received ART for PMTCT and their HIV-negative infants in Lingshan County from 2010 to 2017.The historical cards and PMTCT data of them were collected from the national PMTCT database.(2)The control group included the healthy pregnant women and their healthy babies born in the Lingshan Maternity and Infant Hospital in 2017,and the children's growth and development data were collected.The stunted growth in children was defined as at least one of the three main indicators of body height,body weight,and head circumference below the normal range.Results The number of HIV-positive mothers and their infants in the case group was 391 and 368,respectively,and 87.21%(341/391)and 95.38%(351/368)of mothers and infants respectively received ART medication.The HIV positive rate,mortality rate,and mother-to-child transmission rate of 18-month-old children were 1.36%(5/368),4.35%(16/368),and 2.01%(5/249),respectively.The incidence of stunted growth of 18-month-old children in the case group and the control group was 42.12%(155/368)and 23.06%(101/438),respectively,with significant difference(
Case-Control Studies ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Growth and Development ; HIV ; HIV Infections/prevention & control* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control* ; Mothers ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies