Objective:To investigate the association between the C1GALT1 rs1008898,the DEFA rs2738081 polymorphisms and susceptibility to IgA nephropathy in Chinese Han and Hui population in area of Gansu Province and explore molecular markers to predict IgA nephropathy Methods: In this study,there were 146 patients with IgAN and 180 normal controls in Han people and 83 patients with IgAN and 100 normal controls in Hui people.Two SNPs as rs1008898 and rs2738081 were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction-gene sequencing technology.The genotype and allele frequency of rs1008898 and rs2738081 were compared between patients with IgAN and normal controls.Results: Rs1008898 GG genotypes and G allele were over represented in IgAN patients compared with controls.Distribution of rs1008898 polymorphism in patients with IgAN and normal controls showed no difference in Hui people.Neither Han nor Hui population,rs2738081 polymorphism had difference between IgAN patients and normal controls.Conclusion: The G allele of rs1008898 probably has correlation with the genetic susceptibility of IgAN in Gansu Han people.

Objective To explore the relationship between aggressive behavior with thyroid hormone or cortisol and in schizophrenic patients. Methods According to the past violence history and modified overt aggression scale( MOAS) weighted total scores,108 schizophrenic patients were divided into aggressive group ( n=69) and non-aggressive group( n=39) . Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale ( PANSS) total scores, serum thyroid hormone levels and cortisol concentration were compared between the two groups before and af-ter 2,4 weeks treatment. And correlations of PANSS and sub-scales scores,thyroid hormone levels and corti-sol concentration with MOAS weighted total scores and subscales scores were analyzed before these patients receiving treatment. Results Before treatment,total scores of PANSS,positive symptoms and general psy-chopathology scores in aggressive group((94.19±12.71),(23.77±4.94),(52.61±6.45))were higher than that in non-aggressive group ((83.26±11.21),(21.36±7.10),(45.49±6.84)) and these differences were significant(P<0.05). But the difference of PANSS total scores after 2,4 weeks treatment between the two groups was not significant (P>0. 05 ) . Free thyroxine ( FT4 ) level of aggressive group ( ( 14. 41 ± 3. 58 ) pmol/L) was higher than that of non-aggressive group ((12.95±2.66)pmol/L) before treatment and the difference was significant(P<0.05) . Meanwhile,there was no significant differences between the two groups in thyrotropic-stimulating hormone(TSH),free triiodothyronine(FT3),total triiodothyronine(TT3) and total thyroxine( TT4) levels( all P>0.05) . After 2 or 4 weeks treatment,the differences between the two groups in TSH,FT3,FT4,TT3,TT4 levels were not significant(P>0.05). The differences between the two groups of cortisol concentration were not significant before and after 2,4 weeks treatment(P>0.05) . MOAS weighted to-tal scores were positively correlated with PANSS total scores,negative symptoms scores,general psychopathol-ogy scores and level of FT4,and their r values were 0.471,0.204,0.531,0.239(all P<0.05). Verbal aggres-sion was positively correlated with PANSS total scores,positive symptoms scores and general psychopathology scores,and their r values were 0.213,0.215,0.292(P<0.05). Auto-aggression was positively correlated with PANSS total scores and general psychopathology scores,and their r values were 0.278,0.382(P<0.05) . Psy-chical aggression was positively correlated with PANSS total scores,negative symptoms scores,general psy-chopathology scores and level of FT4,and their r values were 0.361,0.193,0.338,0.276(P<0.05). Conclusion The total scores of PANSS,positive symptoms,general psychopathology scores,level of FT4 and their variances can reflect severity of aggression and predict aggressive behavior in schizophrenic patients. Concen-tration of cortisol is not associated with aggressive behavior and can not be used as a predictor of aggressive behavior in schizophrenic patients.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Shenkang Injection (SI) on hypertrophy and expressions of p21 and p27 in glomerular mesangial cells of rats cultured in high glucose fluid.

METHODSCultured rat glomerular mesangial cells were divided into 6 groups: the normal control group, mannitol-treated group, high glucose-treated group, high, middle and low dose SI treated groups. The synthesis of cell protein and DNA were determined with incorporation of 3H-TdR and 3H-Leu. The changes of p21 mRNA and expressions of p21 and p27 protein were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTSHigh glucose caused incorporation of 3H-TdR reduced, incorporation of 3H-Leu increased. SI could decrease incorporation of 3H-Leu, increase incorporation of 3H-TdR. Compared with the high glucose-treated group, SI could inhibit the overexpression of p2l mRNA and protein,p27 protein induced by high glucose.

CONCLUSIONSI could inhibit hypertrophy of glomerular mesangial cells cultured in high glucose partly through inhibiting overexpressions of p2l mRNA, p21 and p27 protein.

Animals ; Cell Enlargement ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Glucose ; pharmacology ; Mesangial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats

Objective To investigate the synergistic effect of 11 β-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase (11 β-HSD1) and S100A16 on the differentiation of3T3-L1 preadipocytes and its mechanism.Methods Lentiviral vectors PLJM1-11β-HSD1 and PLJM1-S100A16-GFP were respectively constructed and co-transfected into 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.The cell strains expressing 11 β-HSD1/S100A16 were screened with 2.5 μg/ml puromycin for two weeks.Western blot was employed to verify the lentiviral carrier transfection effects.The expressions of marker genes related to the adipocyte differentiation were detected by mean of realtime PCR.Oil red O staining was used to observe the lipid droplet accumulation and the content of triglyceride was measured after differentiation of preadipocytes.The effect of 11β-HSD1 and S100A16 on PPARγ promoter activity was detected by luciferase reporter gene.Results Compared with the empty vector group,the expressions of 11β-HSD1 and S100A16 protein in the lentivirus cotransfected 3T3-L1 cell strain were significantly higher.After 3T3-L1 cell strain co-expressing 1 1β-HSD1 and S100A16 was induced to differentiate for 8 days,the lipid droplets accumulation and triglyceride content were siginificantly increased,along with increased expressions of adipocyte differentiation marker genes such as PPARγ,CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α,lipoprotein lipase,fatty acid synthase,and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein,in comparison with 11 β-HSD1 or S100A16 overexpression.The result of reporter gene indicated that 11 β-HSD1/ S100A16 enhanced PPARγ promoter activity.Conclusions 11β-HSD1 and S100A16 may jointly promote the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through a synergistic effect on PPARγexpression and play a critical role in the development of obesity.

Background Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA)function as the critical lipid mediators involved in several biological events in human body and play important role in suppressing the genesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),migration and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells.Many ocular diseases were proved to be associated with neovascularization.Objecfive The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of EPA on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) indueed by VEGF. Methods HUVEC strain was cultured and passaged,and difierent concentrations of EPA were added to the medium with and without VEGF.The cultured cells were identified by antiofactor Ⅷ polyclonal antibody.The suppressing role of different concentrations of EPA on the proliferation of VEGF-induced or-uninduced HUVEC was assessed by MTT method.The influence of difierent concentrations of EPA on the cellular cycle of VEGF-induced HUVEC was assayed using flow eytometry.The expression of Flk-1,a receptor of VEGF,in the HUVEC Was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Cultured HUVEC showed the ftlsiform in shape and presented with the cobblestone-like arrangement with the positive response for Ⅷ factor-related antigen.Various concentrations of EPA showed obviously inhibitory effect on VEGF-induced or-unindueed HUVEC at a dose-dependent manner (F=23.072.P=0.000).The inhibitory ability of EPA on VEGF-induced HUVEC was stronger than VEGF-uninduced HUVEC(F=41.417,P=0.000).In 24,48 and 72 hours,the action of EPA on the proliferation of HUVEC was gradually enhanced with the prolong of time(F=1.495,P=0.236).Cell cycle analysis indicated that EPA arrested VEGF-induced HUVEC in G0/G1 phase.The ratio of HUVEC in G0/G1 phase in EPA group was(75.83±1.56)%,and that in control groups was(68.62±1.44)%,showing a significant difference between them(t=-5.88,P=0.00),and no apoptosis of HUVEC was found in both groups.Flk-1 was strongly expressed in the cellular nucleus and cytoplasm in control group.However,the positive expressing intensity of Flk-1 in the HUVEC weakened,and the positive cell number was evidently less in EPA group. Conclusion EPA can inhibit the proliferation of VEGF induced HUVEC through arresting the synthesis of DNA of HUVEC and downregulate the expression of Flk-1 in HUVEC.These results suggest that EPA might exert an antiangiogenic effect.

Aniline Compounds ; blood ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Humans ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Objective: To observe whether an Xingnaojing 醒脑静 injection could improve the prognosis of patients, by increasing rifampicin penetration through the blood-brain barrier. Methods: Patients with severe tuberculous meningitis were enrolled in this study. The concentrations of Xingnaojing in cerebrospinal fluid and blood in patients treated with Xingnaojing and control were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The changes in cerebrospinal fluid and the improvement of clinical symptoms and signs, were evaluated two weeks after admission. The long-term prognosis of the patients in the two groups were evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results: The concentration of rifampicin in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher in the Xingnaojing group (1.77±0.17 μg/mL), than in the control group (1.27±0.16 μg/mL, p<0.05). The difference in concentration of rifampicin in the blood was not significant (P>0.05). The short-term effective rate of the Xingnaojing group was 92.5% (37/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (80%, 32/40, p<0.05). After 6 months, 75% (30/40) of the Xingnaojing group had good prognosis according to the GOS score, whereas that of the control group was 50% (20/40) showing significantly better long-term treatment effect of the Xingnaojing group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Xingnaojing injection improved rifampicin penetration into the central nervous system. The increase in rifampicin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid improved outcomes in patients with severe tuberculous meningitis.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Bushen Wenyang Huayu Recipe (BSWYHYR) on nerve growth factor (NGF) and transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor I (TRPV1) in experimental endometriosis (EMT), and to explore its mechanism for treating EMT-induced pain.

METHODSTotally in-bred line BALB/c 75 female mice were divided into five groups, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the high dose BSWYHYR group, the low dose BSWYHYR group, the gestrinone group, 15 in each group. Writhing response was observed in each group. Serum contents of NGF were detected using ELISA. Expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 in uterus and ectopic foci were detected using immunohistochemical staining SP and Western blot. mRNA expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 in uterus and ectopic foci were detected by Real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe serum NGF content in the model group was higher than that in the sham-operation group (P < 0.01), and there was positive correlation between NGF and the writhing frequency (r = 0.574, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of NGF significantly decreased in the 3 treatment groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, mRNA and protein expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.01). Protein expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 decreased significantly in the 3 treatment groups, when compared with the model group (P < 0.01). mRNA expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 decreased most in the high dose BSWYHYR group (P < 0.01). NGF in uterus and ectopic foci was positively correlated with protein and mRNA expression levels of TRPV1 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSNGF and TRPV1 participated in the occurrence of pain in EMS. BSWYHYR played an important role in inhibiting EMT-induced pain through reducing the up-regulation of NGF on TRPV1.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Endometriosis ; Female ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Nerve Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Pain ; RNA, Messenger ; TRPV Cation Channels ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Uterus

OBJECTIVETo explore the biomarkers and inflammatory characteristics for microcosmic syndrome differentiation of cold-phlegm syndrome (CPS) and heat-phlegm syndrome (HPS) in patients with bronchial asthma.

METHODSPatients with bronchial asthma of chronic persistent condition were distributed into three groups according syndrome differentiation, the CPS group (27 patients), the HPS group (32 patients) and the non-cold/heat-phlegm syndrome group (NP group, 31 patients), besides, a control group was setup with 33 healthy persons. Percentages of neutrophils and eosinophils (NEU, EOS) in sputum sample (collected by induction) and peripheral blood were counted; and levels of interleukin-8, -5, and -4 (IL-8, IL-5 and IL-4), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), leukotriene B4 (LT-B4), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in sputum supernatant and serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSPercentage of NEU in sputum of HPS group was higher than that in the other three groups (P < 0.05); while percentages of EOS in serum and sputum of CPS group were higher than that in the other three groups (all P < 0.01). Level of ECP (a parameter closely associated with EOS) also was high in the CPS group, but IL-8 (a parameter closely associated with NEU) showed no significant difference in various groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, the CPS group showed a higher serum IL-4 (P < 0.05) but a lower IFN-gamma/IL-4 level as compared with those in the NP group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPhlegm, which is considered by Chinese medicine as an inveterate root of asthma, might be closely related with the inflammation in modern medicine. The inflammatory characteristics of asthma in patients with CPS partially present as increase of EOS, possibly show Th2 dominant trend, similar to that presented in eosinophilic asthma. Asthma with HPS embodies increase of NEU in respiratory tract. EOS and ECP might be the important markers for microcosmic syndrome differentiation of CPS, and NEU might be that for HPS.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asthma ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Eosinophil Cationic Protein ; metabolism ; Eosinophils ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Neutrophils ; pathology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND:Establishment of in vitro culture system of human placental microvascular endothelial cel s with high purity is very important. In recent studies, some scholars have successful y obtained a large number of placental microvascular endothelial cel s by three-stepenzyme digestion and magnetic separation method, but the procedures were extremely complex and it had great damage to the cel s. Therefore, how to separate human placental microvascular endothelial cel s easily and obtain high-purified cel s has become a research hotspot.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate an efficient method to isolate and purify human placental microvascular endothelial cel s from early vil us microvessels, observe the cel growth and identify the cel s.
METHODS:The vil i from normal early pregnancies (6-8 weeks) after artificial abortion were col ected aseptical y. Using two-step digestion procedure and discontinuous Percol density gradient centrifugation method, human placental microvascular endothelial cel s were obtained. Then the cel s were identified by trypsin digestion method and repeated adherence method.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Human placental microvascular endothelial cel s were isolated successful y from early vil i. The primary cel s adhered to the wal s after inoculated for 24 hours and entered logarithmic phase at 10 days. 80%of the cel s achieved a confluence at 12-13 days after inoculating. The subculture cel s grew swiftly with the typical cobblestone appearance. Immunofluorescence staining showed that, cultured human placental microvascular endothelial cel s demonstrated a strong positive reaction to von Wil ebrand factor antigen and CD31, accounting for 100%. MTT assay results showed that, human placental microvascular endothelial cel s at passage 5 exhibited an S-shaped growth curve. High-purity human placental microvascular endothelial cel s can be obtained by proteolytic enzymes digestion and discontinuous Percol density gradient centrifugation method, and the purity is detected by trypsin digestion method and repeated adherence method.