Aim To investigate the effect of liver X receptor (LXR) activation on the proliferation of hippocampal neural stem cells in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) mice,and its mechanisms.Methods A total of 75 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups,namely the sham operation group,the cerebral I/R group and the cerebral I/R with TO901317 treatment (I/R + TO90) group.The I/R mouse model was induced via the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion.HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region.Immunohistochemistry was executed to detect hippocampus DCX + cells.Immunofluorescence of BrdU was implemented to detect the proliferation neural stem cell.Morris water maze test was used to assess spatial learning and memory in mice.Western blot was used to detect the expression of hippocampus LXRα,LXRβ,ABCA1,p-ERK1/2,t-ERK1/2,p-CREB,t-CREB,BDNF.Results LXR activation improved cognitive recovery(P ＜0.01),and induced the proliferation of neural stem cells (P ＜ 0.01) in I/R mice.The expressions of hippocampal ABCA1,p-ERK1/2,p-CREB,BDNF in I/R + TO90 group mice also increased (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions LXR activation can induce the proliferation of hippocampal neural stem cells and facilitate cognitive recovery following global cerebral I/R in mice,which may be related to the activation of hippocampal ERK1/2-CREB-BDNF pathway and then promoting endogenous neurogenesis in the hippocampus DG region of I/R mice.

Disease Management ; Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; surgery

Objective To observe the effects of enhanced exercise and combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation on muscular strength and fracture occurrence in postmenopausal women with a high risk of osteoporosis.Methods Totally 614 postmenopausal women at high risk factors of osteoporosis were enrolled in Dongcheng district of Beijing and randomized into four groups:group A(control group,n=173),group B(regular Tai Chi exercise,n=171),group C(calcium 600 mg/d+VitD800 U/d,n=139),and group D[calcium 600 mg/d+25 hydroxyl vitamin D(25OHD) 0.25 μg/d,n=131].Muscular strength was measured at baseline and one and two years after intervention.Bone turnover markers were measured at baseline and during the two-year follow-up.Falls and fractures were recorded.Results The incidence of 25OHD<50 nmol/L was approximately 92.6%.During the follow-up,the left grip strength decreased significantly two years after intervention(t=-3.252,P=0.001)in group A.Right grip strength decreased significantly in group B(t=2.460,P=0.015)while left grip strength improved significantly in group C(t=-2.051,P=0.043)one year after intervention.In group D,muscular strength in both 12-month and 24-month did not change compared with baseline(both P>0.05).Furthermore,serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide elevated significantly in group A(t=-2.962,P=0.004),group B(t=-2.888,P=0.005),and group C(t=-2.441,P=0.016),whereas β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen decreased significantly in group B(t=2.285,P=0.024)and group D(t=2.596,P=0.011)two years after intervention.Conclusion Enhanced exercise and combined calcium vitamin D supplementation may help sustain muscle strength in postmenopausal women,while calcium and vitamin D supplementation may improve muscular strength within a short period of time.

BACKGROUNDThe relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the association of COPD with CAD, especially with multi-vessel disease (VD).

METHODSThe data of 354 patients who underwent multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for suspected CAD were analyzed. Luminal narrowing was defined as at least one lesion 50% or greater stenosis. The analysis of serum biochemistry profile and spirometry were performed on all eligible patients, and the diagnosis of COPD was defined as the criteria of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.

RESULTSPatients with CAD had a significantly higher complication of COPD than those without CAD (11.8% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.001). Comparing with patients without COPD, those with COPD were more likely to have multi-VD, proportion of smoking and high C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the multi-VD was significantly correlated with COPD (P=0.012) and CRP (P=0.015).

CONCLUSIONSThere was a high complication of COPD in patients with CAD, and COPD may be a critical risk factor for CAD, especially for multi-VD. CAD and COPD were closely associated and the interplay of systemic inflammation might in part explain the relationship between them.

Coronary Artery Disease ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Radiography ; Risk Factors

0.05).Conclusion The distribution of G990R CASR genotype in PHPT patients is different from healthy women,and R allele is higher in PHPT group.Among PHPT patients,A986S and G990R polymorphisms are associated with serum calcium and ICa levels.Patients with S or G allele have lower levels of serum calcium and ICa.A986S genotype is also associated with serum PTH level and patients with S allele have relatively lower level of PTH.

Objective To investigate the Raman spectral characteristics of the pathological lip minor salivary glands affected in primary Sjtǒgren's syndrome.Methods Thirty pathological samples and 30 normal samples were collected in this study.The samples were examined by Raman microscope.Support vector machine (SVM) was employed to analyze the data and establish the classification model.Results The spectra of pathological tissues was different from the controls in proteins,nucleic acids,lipids and glycogen skeleton.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the model established by SVM on the training sets were all 92.0％ (92/100),but the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the model established by SVM on the testing sets were 69.2％ (37/53),100.0％ (37/37) and 82.0％ (73/89) respectively.Conclusions There was significant difference in Raman spectra between the pathological and normal lip salivary glands,and the classification model established by SVM could discriminate the pathological glands from the normal ones.

BACKGROUNDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is usually complicated with mucus overproduction in airway. Recently the increased expression of the human calcium-activated chloride channel 1 (CaCC(1)) was found to play an important role in mucus overproduction in the asthmatic airways. To investigate the relationship of CaCC(1) and mucus overproduction in the airway of Chinese patients with COPD, the expressions of CaCC(1), MUC5AC and mucus in bronchial tissues were examined.

METHODSBronchial tissues were obtained from fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchial biopsy in West China Hospital from April to July in 2004. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed as the patients with COPD overproduction, and other 20 were the control subjects. The expressions of CaCC(1), MUC5AC and mucin in bronchial tissues were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization with digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled RNA probe, immunohistochemical and alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining, respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the stronger expressions of CaCC(1) were further detected throughout the bronchial tissues from patients with COPD (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the stronger expressions of the CaCC(1) mRNA were related to the severity of airflow obstruction. Samples from COPD showed a stronger staining for MUC5AC than those in control subjects (P < 0.01) and AB-PAS staining revealed more mucins in COPD patients' submucosal gland comparing with that in control subjects (P < 0.01). Expression levels of the CaCC(1) mRNA were respectively negatively correlated with the patients' forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) data, FEV(1)% predicted data, V(50)% predicted data, V(25)% predicted data (r = -0.43, r = -0.43, r = -0.35, r = -0.36, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). While the expression levels of the CaCC(1) mRNA were well correlated with the expression levels of the MUC5AC mRNA of airway epithelium and the PAS-AB stained area of submucosal glands (r = 0.39, r = 0.46, P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Expression levels of the MUC5AC mRNA were negatively correlated with the patients' FEV(1)/FVC data (P = 0.01), FEV(1)% pred data (P = 0.01), V(50)% predicted data, V(25)% predicted data (r = -0.53, r = -0.53, r = -0.48, r = -0.43, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01). While the expression levels of the MUC5AC mRNA were well correlated with the positively PAS-AB stained area of submucosal gland (P < 0.05), and the correlation coefficients were 0.43.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that the stronger gene expression of CaCC(1) exists, complicated with mucus overproduction in the airway of Chinese patients with COPD.

Adult ; Aged ; Bronchi ; metabolism ; Chloride Channels ; genetics ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucin 5AC ; Mucins ; genetics ; Mucus ; physiology ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Vital Capacity

BACKGROUNDThe relationship between the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and pulmonary function test in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. We evaluate the correlation of 6MWT and spirometric parameters in stable COPD with different severities. 6MWT data assessed included three variables: the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), 6-minute walk work (6MWORK), and pulse oxygen desaturation rate (SPO(2)%).

METHODS6MWT and pulmonary function test were assessed for 150 stable COPD patients with different severities. Means and standard deviations were calculated for the variables of interest. Analysis of variance was performed to compare means. Correlation coefficients were calculated for 6MWT data with the spirometric parameters and dyspnea Borg scale. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to screen pulmonary function-related predictors of 6MWT data.

RESULTSThe three variables of 6MWT all varied as the severities of the disease. The 6MWD and 6MWORK both correlated with some spirometric parameters (positive or negative correlation; the absolute value of r ranging from 0.34 to 0.67; P < 0.05) in severe and very severe patients, and the SPO2% correlated with the dyspnea Borg scale in four severities (r = -0.33, -0.34, -0.39, -0.53 respectively; P < 0.05). The 6MWD was correlated with the 6MWORK in four severities (r = 0.56, 0.57, 0.72, 0.81 respectively, P < 0.05), and neither of them correlated with the SPO(2)%. The percent of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)% predicted) and residual volume to total lung capacity ratio (RV/TLC) were predictors of the 6MWD, and the maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) was the predictor of the 6MWORK.

CONCLUSIONS6MWT correlated with the spirometric parameters in severe and very severe COPD patients. 6MWT may be used to monitor changes of pulmonary function in these patients.

Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lung ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxygen ; blood ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; physiopathology ; Regression Analysis ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Walking ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo identify the genotype of RET gene in one multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) kindred.

METHODSGenome DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. The DNA sequence of gel-purified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products was determined with the previously reported 6 pairs of primers of PCR amplification of 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 exons of RETgene.

RESULTSNo abnormalities were found in exon 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16. C to G replacement in nucleotide 14 996 of exon 11 was identified in DNA samples obtained from both peripheral blood of 2 affected brothers. This missense point mutation arisen in heterozygosity and caused a substitution of Cys to Trp residue at codon 634 ( Cys 634 Trp) in RET protein.

CONCLUSIONThe genotype of the family is identified as Cys 634 Trp substitution of RET gene.

Adult ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the indications, safety and difficulties of one stage thyroidectomy and bilateral neck lymph node dissection for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

METHODSA retrospective review was carried out in 36 well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients so treated from 1990 to 2004. Various incisions including H, L and modified Kocher types were selected according to the location of primary tumor and status of cervical lymph node metastasis. Either total thyroidectomy or sub-total thyroidectomy combined with bilateral neck lymph node dissection according to the principles of modified radical neck lymph node dissection: preserving the internal jugular vein, spinal accessory nerve and sternocleidomastoid muscles.

RESULTSThere was no operative death in this group. Postoperative complications included: 2 wound bleeding, 3 recurrent laryngeal nerve resection due to tumor involvement, 1 recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, 2 unilateral internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve injury, 9 unilateral external branch of superior laryngeal nerve injury, 3 unilateral accessory nerve injury, 5 unilateral sympathetic nerve injury, 2 unilateral phrenic nerve injury, 6 chylus fistula, 13 temporary hypoparathyroidism, 2 permanent hypoparathyroidism. The dissected lymph nodes were found to be positive from 0 to 21 in each patient with a mean of 8.3. Of the 36 patients: 31 had bilateral positive lymph nodes; 3 unilateral positive; 2 bilateral negative lymph nodes. The follow up period ranged from 1 to 13 years, Three patients died of distant metastasis, 1 died of cerebral vascular accident. 7 patients lost in follow-up. Totally, 25 patients are still alive, 3 patients had local relapse and were surgically treated again.

CONCLUSIONThe procedure of one-stage thyroidectomy and bilateral neck lymph node dissection for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma is safe, as it is mandatory that at least one unilateral internal jugular vein should be preserved; one unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves and accessory nerves should not be injured. Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients whose bilateral cervical lymph nodes are clinically suspected to be positive (obviously enlarged, hard, purplish grapelike lymph node) or are confirmed pathologically to be positive are indications for one-stage thyroidectomy and bilateral neck lymph node dissection. Total or sub-total thyroidectomy should be undertaken with emphasis that at least one parathyroid with blood supply should be preserved. It is of utmost importance that not only the cancer be completely resected but the function of the organs be preserved.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular ; secondary ; surgery ; Adult ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; secondary ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypothyroidism ; etiology ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck Dissection ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Thyroidectomy ; methods