Actins ; metabolism ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; metabolism ; Desmin ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms, Complex and Mixed ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Vimentin ; metabolism

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vivo viability of human platelets cryopreserved at -80 degrees C by using SCID mouse model and flow cytometry. The fresh human platelets were frozen with 5% DMSO at -80 degrees C for 10 days, thawed, and centrifuged for concentration. A 100 ml aliquot of concentrated platelets was injected into the SCID mouse tail vein by using a 1 ml insulin-syringe fitted with a 29-gauge ultra-fine needle. The whole blood was collected into heparinized capillary tube at 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after infusion via a tail vein and was labelled with CD61-PE. Then the human platelets in mouse whole blood were detected by flow cytometry. The 30 minute time point was used as 100% to calculate the survival time of human platelets. The results showed that the survival time of cryopreserved human platelets were more significantly decreased than that of fresh platelets in SCID mice. Survival rates at 4 hours after transfusion of fresh platelets and cryopreserved platelets in SCID mice were 79.5% +/- 9.1% (n = 8) and 40.6% +/- 6.6% (n = 8) respectively, and a T(1/2) estimated were 7 hours for fresh platelets, but 2.5 hours for the cryopreserved. In conclusion, platelets survival time in SCID mice was shortened after frozen with DMSO at -80 degrees C.
Animals ; Blood Platelets ; Blood Preservation ; methods ; Cell Survival ; Cryopreservation ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, SCID ; Models, Biological ; Platelet Count ; Platelet Transfusion

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of suppression of CCL5 ligand gene on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells.

METHODSA lentiviral vector carrying a short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CCL5 was transfected into human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The expression of CCL5 mRNA in the cells was detected by real-time PCR. The proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells was assessed by MTT assay and FACS assay, and the colony formation ability of both cell lines were measured, respectively.

RESULTSReal time PCR showed a good knockdown effect of CCL5 in both cell-lines. Colony-forming assay showed that the ability of colony formation of MCF-7/CCL5-siRNA and MDA-MB-231/CCL5-siRNA was decreased markedly. The colony number of MCF-7/CCL5-siRNA group was (0.34 ± 0.08), significantly lower than 0.81 ± 0.12 in the MCF-7/CCL5-N group and 0.92 ± 0.12 in the MCF-7 group (P < 0.05). The colony number of MDA-MB-231/CCL5-siRNA group was 0.33 ± 0.10, significantly lower than 0.97 ± 0.09 in the MDA-MB-231/CCL5-N group and 1.04 ± 0.07 in the MDA-MB-231 group (P < 0.05). However, MTT assay revealed that the proliferation of MCF-7/CCL5-siRNA cells was not significantly different from that of MCF-7/CCL5-N or MCF-7 cells, respectively (P > 0.05), and the same result was found in MDA-MB-231 cells. FACS assay showed that the proliferation index (PI) of groups MCF-7/CCL5-siRNA, MCF-7/CCL5-N and MCF-7 were 0.48 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.01 and 0.45 ± 0.02. The PI of groups MDA-MB-231/CCL5-siRNA, MDA-MB-231/CCL5-N and MDA-MB-231 cells were 0.48 ± 0.02, 0.44 ± 0.05 and 0.47 ± 0.02. There was no statistical difference among them (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe down-regulation of CCL5 gene in human breast cancer cells may significantly suppress their colony formation ability, rather than affecting their population doubling time to some extent.

Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Chemokine CCL5 ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo analyze the changes of carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity in patients with essential hypertension, and effects of age and levels blood pressure levels on these changes.

METHODSAutomatic pulse wave velocity (PWV) measuring system was applied to examine carotid-femoral PWV (CFPWV) and carotid-radial PWV (CRPWV) as the parameters reflecting central elastic large arterial and peripheral muscular medium-sized arterial elasticity respectively. 517 hypertensive patients aged 17-82 years (272 males and 245 females, mean age 52.0 +/- 13.0 years) and 118 healthy subjects aged 19-82 years (52 males and 66 females, mean age 54.2 +/- 13.8 years) were recruited in the study.

RESULTSCFPWV increased with age in both groups (P < 0.001), whereas CRPWV did not change significantly. CFPWV and CRPWV both increased with blood pressure. A stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that age and systolic blood pressure were positively related to CFPWV independently, while diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with CRPWV.

CONCLUSIONSAge and components of blood pressure exert different effects on elasticity of central elastic large artery and peripheral muscular medium-sized artery. Examining the change of large arterial elasticity has important clinical value in hypertensive patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Blood Pressure ; Carotid Arteries ; physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Elasticity ; Female ; Femoral Artery ; physiopathology ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulse ; Radial Artery ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intrapulmonary regulatory peptides on adhesion of eosinophils (EOS) to bronchial epithelial cells (BECs). METHODS: Two regulatory peptides, namely vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were investigated. VIP and EGF were observed on the secretion of ILs and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). RESULTS: VIP and EGF could decrease ILs secretion and ICAM-1 expression. CONCLUSION VIP and EGF inhibited the adhesion of EOS to BEC in the inflammatory process to lighten the airway inflammation.
Animals ; Bronchi ; cytology ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Eosinophils ; cytology ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; physiology ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; Female ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis ; Interleukin-5 ; biosynthesis ; Male ; Rabbits ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; physiology

OBJECTIVEThrough studying the difference between the hypertensive patients and those with normal blood pressure who all from the same hypertensive pedigree, we tried to find the factors which would decrease the risk of hypertension.

METHODSHypertensive patients, when coming to the cardiovascular clinic of Xuan Wu Hospital from 2003 to 2004, were defined as the members of the hypertensive pedigrees through inquiry. 84 families including 368 persons, with 192 syblings were involved. Metabolic syndrome could be defined by the criterion of adult treatment panel III.

RESULTSWhen compared with normal blood pressure persons, clinical examinations of the hypertensive patients had an higher levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose and body mass index (BMI). The hypertensive group showed higher ratios among male patients, smokers, alcohol drinkers, having irritable personality and high-salt-intake. Through logistic regression, overweight, smoking and irritable temperament showed positive relations with hypertension. The rate of metabolic syndrome was higher in hypertension group.

CONCLUSIONIt is important that either persons with normal blood pressure or hypertension should control their body weights (BMI) since the rate of metabolic syndrome in hypertension group was high.

Adult ; Aged ; Body Mass Index ; China ; epidemiology ; Family Health ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; complications ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of perforator flaps of medial head of gastrocnemius muscle on repairing popliteal fossa scar wounds.

METHODSTen patients with scar in popliteal fossa hospitalized from January 2005 to January 2010 were repaired with perforator flaps of medial head of gastrocnemius muscle. The scar was resulted from burn in 8 patients, and from operation in 2. The duration of the scar was 3 months to 11 years, and area of the scar ranging from 6 cm × 3 cm to 10 cm × 6 cm. Ultrasonic Doppler was used to detect the musculocutaneous perforator vessel of the medial sural artery at the position 10 to 17 cm from the fold of the popliteal fossa and 2 to 5 cm from the posterior midline before surgery. Then flap transplantation surgery was performed. Donor site wounds with width less than 5 cm were sutured directly, and those wider than 5 cm were repaired with skin transplantation.

RESULTSAll the flaps survived. Flap size ranged from 7 cm × 5 cm to 12 cm × 7 cm. All patients were followed up for 3 to 30 months, and the flaps were found to have a good appearance. Patients could walk with heavy load without lameness. The function of knee joint of the affected limb was the same as that of the opposite limb. No obvious depression was observed in donor sites.

CONCLUSIONSThe perforator flaps of medial head of gastrocnemius muscle can be used to repair the popliteal fossa scar wound with satisfactory result.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Cicatrix ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Knee ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; transplantation ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the complications and treatment results of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for esophageal carcinoma.

METHODSSixty patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma underwent esophagectomy through right thoractomy, 30 patients of whom received IORT of 15 - 25 Gy.

RESULTSIn patients who underwent IORT, 2 cases of pneumonitis, 1 case of anastomotic leak and 1 case of incisional wound infection were found. In patients underwent surgery only, 1 case of thoracic empyema and 1 case of anastomotic leak were found. All the complications ultimately healed. There was no operative mortality. During the follow-up of 3 years, in patients who underwent IORT, 2 of 3 died of radiation pneumonitis 24 and 26 months after IORT with one complicated with bronchoesophageal fistula. One of 3 died of multiple lung metastases. The 3-year survival rate was 88.0% (22/25) in IORT group and 76.0% (19/25) in surgery only group.

CONCLUSIONIntraoperative radiotherapy can reduce locoregional recurrence if performed to thoracic esophageal carcinoma patients without surgical contraindication or distant metastasis. Radiation pneumonitis, a common complication difficult to manage, implies a poor prognosis and, consequently, the lung and bronchus should be protected from the radiation.

Adult ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; mortality ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Radiotherapy Dosage

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical and prognostic value of peritoneal lavage cytology (PLC) in detecting free cancer cells (FCC).

METHODSPLC of 66 gastric cancer patients being operated was prospectively analyzed to assess the prognostic significance of positive cytological finding and its relation with serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis and stage classification.

RESULTSThe overall positive rate of cytology was 36.4% (24/66). These was a closely relation between positive cytology results and serosal invasion (P = 0.025), abdominal lymph node involvement (P < 0.005) and stage classification. Peritoneal recurrence in patients with positive cytological findings was significantly higher than that with negative results (P = 0.006 7).

CONCLUSIONMicrometastasis to the abdominal cavity, formed by free cancer cells exfoliated from the tumor, are significantly responsible for peritoneal dissemination. Serosal invasion and metastatic nodes have greater risk for positive cytology and implies poor prognosis. Peritoneal lavage cytology, if practiced in all gastric cancer patients being operated, can predict the operative effect and prognosis, increase the accuracy of clinical stage and provide information for further adjuvant therapy.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Therapeutic Irrigation

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of budesonide on hypoxia inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, angiogenesis and airway remodeling in the chronic asthmatic mouse model.

METHODSThirty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control, asthma model and treatment groups (10 in each group).The asthmatic mouse model was established via OVA challenge test. Mice in the treatment group were administered with aerosol budesonide (100 μg/kg) an hour before the OVA challenge test from the 28th day. Mice in the control group were treated with PBS instead of OVA. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe thickness of the airway wall. Masson staining was used for examing collagen deposition of lung tissues. Angiogenesis and HIF-1α and VEGF expression were measured using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The relationship of airway wall thickness and vessel area to HIF-1α and VEGF expression was investigated.

RESULTSVessel area, collagen deposition of lung tissues and airway wall thickness increased in the asthma model group. Levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were also elevated. Administration of budesonide significantly reduced angiogenesis, collagen deposition of lung tissues and airway wall thickening, as well as expression of HIF-1α and VEGF. The vessel area and airway wall thickness were positively correlated with expression of HIF-1α and VEGF. A positive correlation was also found between the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF.

CONCLUSIONSBudesonide can decease angiogenesis and airway remodeling by inhibiting HIF-1α and VEGF expression in asthmatic mice.

Airway Remodeling ; drug effects ; Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Bronchi ; pathology ; Bronchodilator Agents ; pharmacology ; Budesonide ; pharmacology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; analysis ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis