Background The pathogenesis of dry eye is complicated,hormone level is thought to be one of impact factors in the development of dry eye.The regulation of the synthesis process of metalloproteinases(MMPs) in tissue has been reported.However,the effects of hormone on expression of MMP-2 in lachrymal gland is not clear.Objective This study was to investigate the effects of estrogen and androgen on the expression of MMP-2 in lachrymal gland in ovariectomized rats,and explore the role of MMP-2 in dry eye.Methods Sixty-four 3-monthold clean female Wistar rats were randomized into control group(8 rats),sham operation group(8 rats)and experiment group(48 rats).Ovariectomy(OVX) was performed on the rats of experiment group,and only fat tissue of abdominal cavity was cut off in the rats of the sham operation group.After 5 months of OVX,the experimental rats were subdivided into model control group,vehicle group,estrogen and androgen systemic or topical utilization groups and 8 rats for each group.Six weeks after administration of the drugs,the lachrymal gland was obtained.The expression of MMP-2 mRNA in the lachrymal gland was detected by reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR),β-actin mRNA was used as an internal control,and the expression of MMP-2 protein was detected by Western blot,GAPDH was used as protein loading control.The use and care of the rats complied with the ARVO Statement.Results The expression of MMP-2 mRNA was strongest in the systemic estrogen group and was weakest in the systemic androgen utilization group.A significant difference in the MMP-2 mRNA expression was found among the 8 groups(F=18.60,P＜0.01),and the MMP-2 mRNA was significantly higher in the model group than that of the normal control group(0.66±0.10vs.0.47±0.10)(q=3.01,P＜0.05).In addition,the MMP-2 mRNA was significantly higher in the systemic estrogen group compared with the model group (0.83 ±0.10 vs.0.66-0.10) (q =2.79,P＜0.05) ; while the expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly declined in the systemic androgen group in comparison with the model group(0.12±0.04 vs.0.66±0.10)(q=11.41,P＜0.01).The MMP-2 protein presented with a strongest expression in the systemic estrogen utilization group and a weakest expression in the systemic androgen utilization groups.The expression level of the MMP-2 protein in the lachrymal gland was significantly different among the 8 groups(F =7.28,P＜0.01).The MMP-2 in the model group was significantly higher than that of the normal group(0.55±0.13 vs.0.38±0.08) (q =2.39,P＜0.05),and that in the systemic estrogen group was increased in comparison with the model group(0.69±0.12 vs.0.55±0.13) (q =1.85,P＜0.05).However,the MMP-2 in the systemic androgen group was significantly lowed in comparison with the model group(0.27±0.07 vs.0.55±0.13) (q =4.32,P＜0.01).Conclusions Estrogen may up-regulate the expression of MMP-2 in lachrymal gland,but the effect of androgen is opposite.Hormone level may play an important role in the regulation of the function of lachrymal gland.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; Emodin ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; pathology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; immunology ; HIV Infections ; immunology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; T-Lymphocytes ; physiology

Background Epidemiological investigation in human has been conclusive. In postmenopausal women,the incidence of cataract is higher than men at the same age. In addition,hormone replacement therapy may protect against the development of cataract. However,this role of androgen is not clear. Objective This study was to explore the effects of estrogen and androgen on anti-oxidative ability of lens after ovariectomy. Methods Fifty-six three-month-old clean female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group,sham operation group, castration group,estrogen eyedrops group;estrogen injection group;androgen eyedrops group;androgen injection group and 8 rats for each. Ovariectomy was performed in the rats of castration group and gonadal hormone application group, and estradiol benzoate solution or testosterone propionate solution were utilized topically or systemly in 5 months after ovariectomy for 6 weeks respectively. Only abdominal cut was curried out in sham operation group. The lenses of rats were examined weekly under the slit lamp. The serum estrogen and androgen levels of rats were detected before,after operation and 6 weeks following the administration of gonadal hormone. The contents of superoxide dismutase( SOD) , glutathione( GSH) ,malondialdehyde( MDA) and water-soluble protein ( WSP) in rat lens homogenate were detected at the end of the experiment. Utilization of animals complied with the Regulation for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission. Results No opacity of lenses was found during the experiment duration in various groups. The serum estradiol levels of rats in sham group were insignificantly different from normal groups in various time points( P>0. 05). The evident decline of serum estradiol was detected in the rats of castration group and gonadal hormone application groups compared with sham group in 5 months after operation( all P<0. 01). However,at the sixth weeks after the system use of estradiol or testosterone,the serum estradiol levels were significantly higher than the castration group and topical application groups of gonadal hormone(P<0. 01). The contents of SOD,GSH and WSP in lenses were considerably increased,but the MDA level in lenses was decreased after system use of estrogen ( P<0. 01). The activity of SOD and GSH were lower after system use of testosterone in comparison with castration rats ( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusion Estrogen can protect lens against oxidation damage. However, androgen, to a certain extent, may contribute to the development of oxidative damage in OVX female rats.

Background Recently researches indicated that estrogen plays important role in maintaining the normal metabolism of lens. Objective This study was to investigate the changes of estrogen receptor( ER ) α and β expressions in lens upon estrogen level in castrated female rat. Methods Sixty clean adult female Wistar rats were randomized into castrated group,sham operation group,ovariectomy group,ovariectomy with low-dose estradiol eyedropping group,ovariectomy with high-dose estradiol eyedropping group,ovariectomy with low-dose estradiol injecting group and ovariectomy with high-dose estradiol injecting group,and 10 rats for each.The castrated animal models were established by ovariectomy for 5 months.Then 50％,100％ oestradiol benzoate eyedrops were used 4 times per day respectively and 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg oestradiol benzoate were intramuscularly injected at two-day interval for 6 weeks in corresponding experimental group.Serum estradiol concentration was detected in the rats of various groups at 5 months after ovariectomy and 6 weeks after administration of estradiol benzoate.The animals were sacrificed using the excessive anesthesia method and the lenses were obtained for the assay of ERα and ERβ expressions.The use of the animals complied with the Statement of ARVO. Results No obvious opacification of lenses and the changes of structure and morphology in lens were seen in the rats of various groups under the slit lamp microscope and light microscope during the observing duration after ovariectomy.The significant differences were found in serum estradiol concentrations among the 6 groups ( F=15490.527,P=0.000) or between before and after usage of estradiol benzoate( F=943.236,P =0.001 ).Six weeks after usage of estradiol benzoate,the expressions of ERα and ERβ in the lenses were lower in the castrated group,ovariectomy with high-dose estradiol eyedropping group and ovariectomy with low-dose estradiol injecting group compared with the the sham operative group (P＜0.05),but those in the ovariectomy with low-dose estradiol eyedropping group and ovariectomy with high-dose estradiol injecting group were elevated in comparison with above groups( P＜0.05 ),and expressions of ERα and ERβ in the lenses were similar to the sham operative group ( ERα:28.04±6.80 vs.31.30±7.11 ;ERβ:27.75±7.13 vs.25.38±5.59).Mean A values of ERα and ERβ in the lenses were lower in the castrated group,ovariectomy with high-dose estradiol eyedropping group and ovariectomy with low-dose estradiol injecting group compared with the sham operative group (P＜0.05),but those in the ovariectomy with low-dose estradiol eyedropping group and ovariectomy with high-dose estradiol injecting group were elevated in comparison with above groups ( P＜0.05 ),and mean 4 values of ERα and ERβ in the lenses were similar to the sham operative group (ERα:0.1833 ±0.0087 vs.0.1859 ±0.0067; ERβ:0.1689±0.0059 vs.0.1686±0.0095). Conclusions The expressions of ERα and ERβ in the LECs are associated with the level of serum estradiol.The effects of estrogen on lens were different by different medication way.Low-dose estradiol eyedropping was a more feasible approach to the prevention of cataract.

Objective To investigate the meaning of expression of apoptosis related molecules NFKBp65 and p53 and GPX1-mRNA in patients with Keshan disease(KSD).Methods Sixteen chronic Keshan Disease patients were enrolled in KSD group according to electrocardiogram,chest X ray film and clinical examinations on 15,September in 2009,and 23 healthy people were included in control group from physical examination taken in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University.Fresh blood(5 ml)was collected from antecubital vein of all subjects in the fasting state.Total mRNA and protein of blood sample were isolated using Trizol.GPX Assay Kit was used to detect GPX enzyme activity,and GPX1-mRNA expression was determined by SYBR Real-Time PCR.Meanwhile,expression of apoptosis related molecules NFKBp65 and p53 were determined by Western blot.Results GPX enzyme activity decreased significantly in KSD group[(108.61±14.10)U]compared with control group[(122.78±11.89)U,t=2.874,P<0.05],GPX1-mRNA level of KSD group(0.553±0.299)notably KSD group(0.802±0.057)compared with control group[(1.065±0.355),t=6.829,P<0.01].p53 increased in KSD group(1.604±0.191)compared with control group[(1.137±0.186),t=3.033,P<0.05].Conclusiom Decreased GPX1-mRNA expression may result in lower GPX enzyme activity of patients with KSD.Thus oxidative damage increases and cadioeyte apoptosis is activated by activating apoptosis signal pathway.

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 observe the effect of Qingfei Peiyuan Micro-pill (QPM) on HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of phlegm heat obstructing lung syndrome (PHOLS).

METHODSTotally 141 HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of PHOLS were randomly assigned to the treatment group (94 cases) and the control group (47cases). On the basis of Western medicine, patients in the treatment group took QPM. The therapeutic course for all was 28 days. The improvement of symptoms and signs was observed. The body temperature (BT), chest X ray, and white blood cells (WBCs) were detected.

RESULTSThe Chinese medical syndrome score was lower in the treatment group than in the control group at the 7th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The efficacy was better in the treatment group than in the control group at the 7th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The BT was lower in the treatment group than in the control group on the 7th day. There was no statistical difference in the patient number with normal WBCs on the 7th day (P > 0.05). But there was statistical difference in the patient number with normal WBCs on the 14th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the patient number with normal chest X ray on the 7th and 28th day of treatment (P > 0.05). But there was statistical difference in the patient number with normal chest X ray on the 14th and 21 st day of treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQPM had certain complementary effect on HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of PHOLS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; complications ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; complications ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

coefficient of variation, corneal endothelium hexagonal cell ratio, anterior corneal surface curvature ratio of horizontal(HK) and vertical curvature(VK) were not statistically significant before and after wearing for 6mo, 1, and 2a (P > 0. 05). The uncorrected visual acuity increased significantly, and the diopter decreased significantly after their wearing (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in axial length after wearing OK lens for 6mo,1,and 2a (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The orthokeratology lenses can significantly increase uncorrected visual acuity and improve refractive power for juvenile myopia without severe corneal or conjunctival complications occurred, which has little influence on corneal endothelial cells and corneal thickness with a certain degree of safety.

OBJECTIVETo explore the value of dual-time-point (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose integrated positron emission and computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET-CT) in differentiation of malignant from benign gastrointestinal diseases.

METHODSSixty five patients with suspected gastrointestinal lesions underwent dual-time-point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging. Standardized uptake value (SUV) was calculated for semi-quantitative assessment. The SUV of the two acquisitions were signed SUV(early) and SUV(delayed), respectively. Then the change of SUVmax (ΔSUVmax) was calculated. The ROC curves of the SUV(early), SUV(delayed) and ΔSUV were drawn to find the best cut-off point value for differential diagnosis, and then the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated, respectively.

RESULTSOf the malignant lesions, the SUVmax in delayed imaging were significantly higher than those in early imaging, while there were no significant differences of SUVmax between the two images of the benign lesions. The ΔSUVmax of the malignant lesions were significantly higher than that of the benign ones. Taking the SUVmax higher than 9.2 in early imaging as positive diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity was 72.7%, the specificity was 85.7%, the positive predictive value was 91.4%, the negative predictive value was 60.0%, and the accuracy was 76.9%. Taking the SUVmax higher than 10.9 in delayed imaging as positive diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity was 75.0%, the specificity was 90.5%, the positive predictive value was 94.3%, the negative predictive value was 63.3%, and the accuracy was 80.0%. Taking the ΔSUVmax higher than 5.1% as positive diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity was 95.5%, the specificity was 85.7%, the positive predictive value was 93.3%, the negative predictive value was 90.0%, and the accuracy was 92.3%. The accuracy of dual-time-point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging was significantly higher than that of single-time point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging.

CONCLUSIONDual-time-point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging is a useful method for differentiating malignant from benign gastrointestinal diseases, and it is superior to the single-time point (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging.

Adenocarcinoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Colitis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastritis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Proctitis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Proctocolitis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; ROC Curve ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods