Objective: To study the effects of Simvastatin on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Methods: The fourth passage human PDLs were cultured in conditioned mineralization medium with different concentrations of Simvastatin. Proliferation ability was detected by MTT method. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured with 4-nitrophenyl phosphate hexahydrate (PNPP) assay. Results: Proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human PDLs were increased in all treatment groups with different concentrations of Simvastatin(10-9, 10-8, 10-7, 10-6 mol/L). Compared with control group, significant statistical difference was found in 10-8 mol/L, 10-7 mol/L and 10-6 mol/L groups(P<0.05). The maximum effect was observed at the concentration of 10-7 mol/L. Conclusion: Optimal concentration of Simvastatin can improve the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human PDLs.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Calcium dobesilate (calcium dihydroxy-2, 5-benzenesulfonate) has been widely used to treat chronic venous insufficiency and diabetic retinopathy, especialy many clinical studies showed that calcium dobesilate as vasoprotective compound ameliorates renal lesions in diabetic nephropathy. However, there are few literatures reported calcium dobesilate in the treatment of chronic renal alograft dysfunction after renal transplantation. OBJECTIVE:To observe the efficacy and safety of calcium dobesilate on chronic renal dysfunction after renal transplantation. METHODS:A total of 152 patients with chronic renal alograft dysfunction after renal transplantation were enroled from the Military Institute of Organ Transplantation, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA. They were randomly divided into the treatment group (n=78) and the control group (n=74). Patients in the treatment group received 500 mg of calcium dobesilate three times daily for eight weeks. Al patients were treated with calcineurin inhibitor-based triple immunosuppressive protocols and comprehensive therapies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: For patients receiving calcium dobesilate, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid decreased significantly at two weeks after treatment and maintained a stable level (P < 0.05). However, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen returned to the original level soon after drug withdrawal. No significant difference was observed in blood cel count, liver function, blood lipids, electrolytes, blood pressure and 24-hour urine output between the two groups before and after therapy (P > 0.05). Administration of calcium dobesilate did not change the general condition of patients with renal insufficiency, nor did it affect blood concentrations of the immunosuppressive agents. Calcium dobesilate may help to delay the progress of graft injury in patients with chronic renal graft dysfunction by conjugating with creatinine, ameliorating the impaired microcirculation and its antioxidant property. The decline in serum creatinine aleviates patients’ anxiety and concern arising from the elevation of creatinine. However, the negative interference with serum creatinine caused by calcium dobesilate should be cautious in order to avoid misjudgment of patients’ condition.

BACKGROUND:The physicochemical properties and bioactivity of titanium surface will degrade with time because of the aging phenomenon,affecting the efficiency of implant-bone osseointegration.Therefore,the re-activation of the implant surface physicochencical properties and bioactivity is important.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the re-activation effect of ultraviolet rays on aging titanium surface.METHODS:Sand-blasted and acid-etched titanium discs were divided into three groups randomly:Group A was new titanium surface,Group B was stored in a sealed container for 4 weeks,Group C was treated with ultraviolet rays for 15 minutes after stored in the sealed container for 4 weeks.The surface roughness,elemental composition and surface energy of the titanium surface were examined by optical profilometer,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measuring device,respectively.The bioactivity of the titanium surface was examined by cell culture experiments.MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured on the different titanium surfaces.After 30 minutes,1,2,4 hours of incubation,the cells were strained with Hoechst33342 fluorescence,and initial attachment of cells was evaluated by measuring the amount of cells attached to the titanium surface.The proliferation of cells was quantified in terms of cell density at 1 and 3 culture days using tetrazolium salt (MTS)-based colorimetry.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no obvious difference in the surface roughness of the three groups,and ultraviolet treatment did not change the surface morphology of titanium surface.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the C element content of group A and group C was lower than that of group B (P ＜ 0.05),and the content of Ti,O,N elements was significantly higher than that of group B (P ＜ 0.05).No difference in the surface element composition between group A and group C was found.Both of the surface contact angles of group A and group C were Oo,but in group B,the value was 115°.The number of initially attached cells of group A and group C was significantly higher than that of group B after incubated 30 minutes,1,2 and 4 hours (P ＜ 0.05),and no difference between group A and group C was found.The proliferation of cells of group A and group C was significantly higher than that of group B after incubated 1 and 3 days (P ＜ 0.05),but no difference between group A and group C was found.In conclusion,ultraviolet rays show good effects on the re-activation of the aging titanium surface,which can reduce hydrocarbon contamination and recover the high surface energy to increase cell adhesion and proliferation.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of conversion therapy to mizoribine (MZR) for renal transplant patients who suffered MMF or Aza adverse reaction. Methods In 56 patients with adverse reactions at different time points after renal transplantation, there were 23 cases of pulmonary infection, 14 cases of bone marrow depression, 6 cases of hepatic functional lesion and 13 cases of diarrhea. The immunosuppressive protocols of these patients were changed to CNI + MZR + Pre when the adverse reaction occurred. During the follow-up period (11 to 53 months), the effect and adverse events of conversion treatment were observed. Results After conversion treatment, 1 of 23 patients with pulmonary infection was re-infected after 26 months and finally died of heart and lung function failure. In 14 patients with bone marrow depression, blood test returned to normal in 13cases. Six patients with hepatic functional lesion were administered hepatoprotection treatment and their liver function was restored without recurrence of impaired liver function. All 13 patients with diarrhea were relieved without recurrence. The serum creatinine was 123 ± 21.3 μmol/L and 119±18. 2 μmol/L before and after the conversion therapy respectively (P＞0. 05). During the follow-up period, all patients' graft function was good. The incidence of rejection was 1.7 % (1 case). Nine patients (16. 1 %) had a higher level of uric acid after conversion. One patient had finger and toe joint pain. The symptoms were relieved after symptomatic treatment. Conclusion There were high security and good effect of conversion therapy to MZR due to MMF or Aza adverse reaction. Besides, MZR conversion therapy for renal transplantation patients provided a new option for individual immunosuppression.

BACKGROUND:Retinol binding protein-4 is a most sensitive biomarker for loss of function of the human proximal renal tubule, which is applied in the early detection of acute kidney injury. It is speculated that retinol binding protein-4 may be associated with acute rejection and delayed graft function after renal transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of peripheral blood retinol binding protein-4 and renal alograft function in the early stage after renal transplantation. METHODS:The venous blood samples of renal transplantation recipients were continuously colected for detection. As a retrospective nested case-control study, 20 cases of clinical diagnosed acute rejection were selected as acute rejection group. Another 20 cases of delayed graft function and 20 cases with normal graft function were randomly selected according to the ratio of 1:1:1 and taken as delayed graft function group and control group, respectively. Retinol binding protein-4 level was detected by the immune turbidimetric method, and meanwhile, the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were dynamicaly examined by the sarcosine oxidase method. Then, al the data were comparatively analyzed at vertical and horizontal levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group, retinol binding protein-4 and serum creatinine levels in the acute rejection group and the delayed graft function group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Retinol binding protein-4 and serum creatinine levels in the acute rejection group were significantly different between the rejection and non-rejection periods (P < 0.01). Similarly, these two indicators in the delayed graft function group were significantly different between the normal and abnormal renal function periods (P < 0.05). Retinol binding protein-4 levels were positively correlated with serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Both in the acute rejection group and delayed graft function group, retinol binding protein-4 levels changed earlier than the serum creatinine levels. Retinol binding protein-4, an independent biomarker indicator, is positively correlated with serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and has certain time advantage in predicting the change of renal function, which is very conducive to the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of acute rejection and delayed graft function.

BACKGROUND:Fol ow-up researches have shown that there is no statistical y difference in safety between kidney donor and healthy person after kidney transplantation, even the donors wil have better life quality. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the safety of living-related kidney transplantation in living kidney donors. METHODS:Ninety-four cases of kidney donors received 1-10 years fol ow-up through regular clinical fol ow-up, telephone fol ow-up and regular renal patients self-help groups to compare the changes of serum creatinine, hematuria, proteinuria and blood pressure and lipid level in the donors before and after kidney transplantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The serum creatinine was significantly increased after nephrectomy (P<0.01), but al the donors had normal serum creatinine levels and remained stable. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine level between the latest fol ow-up and discharge (P>0.05). After nephrectomy, three cases (3.2%) suffered from hematuria, two cases (2.1%) had proteinuria, and improved after rest;six cases (6.4%) were subject to hypertension and six cases (6.4%) to hyperlipidemia. Al of the donors were alive. The living donor nephrectomy is feasible and safe. Preoperative assessment and long-term postoperative fol ow-up can guarantee the safety of the donors.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of conversion from CCB to ARB in the treatment of hypertension and proteinuria in kidney transplant recipients.Methods 127 long-term recipients who used CCB as their anti-hypertensive drug were enrolled.All recipients had stable renal function and no diabetes.Recipients were randomly assigned to experimental group (65 cases) which received ARB (Losartan,50～ 100 mg/day) instead of CCB,or control group (62 cases) which received routine CCB.All recipients were followed up for 2 years.Blood count,urinalysis,liver and kidney chemistry,blood lipid,serum electrolytes,24-h urine protein,blood concentration of CNI drugs and other biochemical indexes were observed.Results During the 2-year follow-up,the blood pressure of the two groups was maintained within normal level.The 24-h urine protein was decreased in the experimental group ( 176.32 ± 54.54 to 155.69 ± 62.25,P＜0.05),but increased slightly in the control group (P＞0.05).Although the blood lipid of the experimental group was not different before and after the follow-up,the high density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased statistically (2.25 ± 0.26 to 2.46 ±0.31,P＜0.05).The blood count,liver and kidney chemistry,serum potassium,blood concentration of CNI drugs in both groups showed no significant differences.Conclusion Both CCB and ARB could be effectively and safely used for the treatment of hypertension and proteinuria in kidney transplant recipients.ARB would be more effective in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD)rate and decreasing proteinuria.

Objective To investigate the correlation between urine levels of IP-10,Mig,OPG and the occurrence of renal allograft rejection.Methods As a retrospective nested case-control study,biopsy confirmed acute rejection reaction by 20 cases was rejection group,and recovery of renal function in kidney transplant after the elect good by 20 cases was control group.morning urine was tested of IP-10,Mig and OPG level of the two groups within 30 d after transplantation.The advantage was taken of the Luminex 2000 test platform,through PlexMark triple kidney injury marker kit to detect the daily urine of recipients.Results The rejection group's urinary IP10 wa (394.7 ± 67.3)ng/L,significantly higher than that in the control group of (10.9 ± 3.8) ng/L (P＜0,05).Urine Mig level of rejection group was (443.0 ± 88.9) ng/L,and the control group was only (15.7 ± 6.99)ng/L.Rejection group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P＜0.05).Urine OPG peak levels,the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.Rejection group in the rejection period urinary IP-10 and Mig levels were significantly non-exclusion period,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01) higher than its level at different times with serum creatinine concentration showed obvious correlation,IP-10 with serum creatinine of correlation coefficients (R2)=0.8673,P＜0.01,Mig and serum creatinine R2 =0.7951,P＜0.01,IP-10 and Mig change time earlier than serum creatinine,to the exclusion of the before and after OPG differences no statistically significant.Conclusion The increasing of IP-1O and Mig content in the urine is associated with acute renal allograft rejection,which is an early reflect of subclinical tubular injury.And its changes as early as elevated serum creatinine,is expected to become independent indicators to predict acute rejection reaction occurs.

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on physical and chemical properties of sandblasted and acid-etched (SA) titanium surface and their ability to adsorb human fibronectin (HFn).

METHODSSA and UV-SA surfaces were separately prepared. Surface morphology, roughness, elemental composition, wettability and HFn adsorption assay were performed for comparative analysis of these two surfaces.

RESULTSSA and UV-SA surface had a similar morphology with multi-holes, and average roughness. UV-SA surface had a lower C content (22.83%) and higher O content (51.20%) and presented hydrophilicity, while SA surface showed hydrophobicity. But the quantity of adsorbed HFn on SA surface at 10 min assay point [(0.41 ± 0.07) µg] was statistically higher than that on UV-SA surface [(0.26 ± 0.08) µg](P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONSUV irradiation would not change the morphology and roughness of SA surface. However, it could reduce the hydrocarbon and increase the hydroxyl groups, and the absorption of HFn on UV-SA surface at 10 min assay point was statistically lower than that on SA surface. Therefore, the in-vitro bioactivity of UV-SA surface was not as good as that of SA surface.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Soy isoflavone (SIF) and soy lecithin (SL) have beneficial effects on many chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Regretfully, there is little evidence to show the combined effects of these soy extractives on the impairment of cognition and abnormal cerebral blood flow (CBF). This study examined the optimal combination dose of SIF + SL to provide evidence for improving CBF and protecting cerebrovascular endothelial cells.MATERIALS/METHODS: In vivo study, SIF50 + SL40, SIF50 + SL80 and SIF50 + SL160 groups were obtained. Morris water maze, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and hematoxylineosin staining were used to detect learning and memory impairment, CBF, and damage to the cerebrovascular tissue in rat. The 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were detected. The anti-oxidative damage index of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in the serum of an animal model was also tested. In vitro study, an immortalized mouse brain endothelial cell line (bEND.3 cells) was used to confirm the cerebrovascular endothelial cell protection of SIF + SL. In this study, 50 μM of Gen were used, while the 25, 50, or 100 μM of SL for different incubation times were selected first. The intracellular levels of 8-OHdG, SOD, GSH, and GSSG were also detected in the cells. RESULTS: In vivo study, SIF + SL could increase the target crossing times significantly and shorten the total swimming distance of rats. The CBF in the rats of the SIF50 + SL40 group and SIF50 + SL160 group was enhanced. Pathological changes, such as attenuation of the endothelium in cerebral vessels were much less in the SIF50 + SL40 group and SIF50 + SL160 group. The 8-OHdG was reduced in the SIF50 + SL40 group. The GSSG showed a significant decrease in all SIF + SL pretreatment groups, but the GSH showed an opposite result. SOD was upregulated by SIF + SL pretreatment. Different combinations of Genistein (Gen)+SL, the secondary proof of health benefits found in vivo study, showed they have effective antioxidation and less side reaction on protecting cerebrovascular endothelial cell. SIF50 + SL40 in rats experiment and Gen50 + SL25 in cell test were the optimum joint doses on alleviating cognitive impairment and regulating CBF through protecting cerebrovascular tissue by its antioxidant activity. CONCLUSIONS SIF+SL could significantly prevent cognitive defect induced by β-Amyloid through regulating CBF. This kind of effect might be attributed to its antioxidant activity on protecting cerebral vessels.