AIM:To compare the effects of alcohol and aqueous extracts from Huiyang shengji gao(HYSJG),a Chinese medicine,on proliferation of human fibroblasts derived from normal and ulcer margin skin.METHODS:Using explant culture techniques,we obtained populations of normal human fibroblast(nHFB)and ulcer marginal fibroblast(uHFB).Alarmar blue assay was used for observing cell proliferation,and flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis.RESULTS:After cultured with aqueous extracts and alcohol extracts of HYSJG for 24 hours,the proliferation rates of the two cell lines were both elevated.For alcohol extract,obvious proliferation-promoting concentrations on nHFB and uHFB were 0.027-0.425 mg/L and 0.027-0.213 mg/L,respectively(P

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Huatuo Zaizao extractum (HTZZ) on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) neurogenesis in rats induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and its mechanism.

METHODTotally 55 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the sham operation group, the MCAO model group and HTZZ high, middle and low dose groups (5, 2.5, 1.25 g x kg(-1)), with 11 rats in each group, and orally administered with drugs. The focal cerebral ischemia model was established by performing a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO, 90 min) followed by a seven-day reperfusion (once a day). The neurogenesis and expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were detected by the immunofluorescent staining. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

RESULTMCAO (90 min) followed by a seven-day reperfusion resulted in the significant increase in the number of penumbra cortex newborn neurons (BrdU(+) -NeuN(+)), which was accompanied by the growth of ERK and CREB phosphorylation and VEGF and BDNF levels. HTZZ could promote the generation of newborn neurons (BrdU(+)-NeuN(+)) and the ERK and CREB phosphorylation and increase VEGF and BDNF levels at the ischemic side.

CONCLUSIONHTZZ could promote the neurogenesis, which may be the interventional targets of effective traditional Chinese medicine Huatuo Zaizao extractum in promoting the self-repair function of the cerebral ischemic areas.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Male ; Neurogenesis ; drug effects ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of benazepril (one of angiotesin converting enzymes) on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the change of microvessel density (MVD) in the remnant kidney of rats that undergone 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (STNx). METHODS: The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were performed 5/6 nephrectomy to produce chronic renal failure, and randomly divided into a model group (STNx group), a STNx combined with benazepril group (Benazepril group), and a sham group that served as normal controls. Pathological changes of the remnant kidney were evaluated at the 8th week after gastric gavage. Immunohistochemistry Methods were used to examine the expression of VEGF and MVD in the remnant kidney, and the correlation was determined between VEGF, MVD and glomerulosclerosis index (GSI), tubulointerstitial score (TIS), BUN, and creatinine (Cr). RESULTS: UP, BUN, Cr, GSI, and TIS significantly decreased in the benazepirl group (P<0.05); and the expression of VEGF and MVD significant increased (P<0.05). The expression of VEGF was positively related to MVD (P<0.05), and there was negative correlation between VEGF, MVD and GSI, TIS, BUN, Cr (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The decrease of the expression of VEGF and MVD in the remnant kidney may be involved in the progressive remnant kidney fibrosis and renal function. Benazepril can significantly relieve the remnant kidney fibrosis and protect the renal function by increasing the expression of VEGF and MVD in the remnant kidney.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Benzazepines ; pharmacology ; Capillaries ; drug effects ; Kidney ; blood supply ; Male ; Nephrectomy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Renal Insufficiency ; prevention & control ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis ; genetics

BACKGROUNDThe concept of minimally invasive techniques is to make every effort to reduce tissue damage. Certainly, reducing skin incision is an important part of these techniques. This study aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility of Mast Quadrant-assisted modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with a small single posterior median incision.

METHODSDuring the period of March 2011 to March 2012, 34 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar disease underwent the minimally invasive modified TLIF assisted by Mast Quadrant with a small single posterior median incision (single incision group). The cases in this group were compared to 37 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar disease in the double incision group. The perioperative conditions of patients in these two groups were statistically analyzed and compared. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and sacrospinalis muscle damage evaluation indicators before operation and 3, 12 months postoperation were compared.

RESULTSA total of 31 and 35 cases in the single incision and double incision groups, respectively, completed at least 12 months of systemic follow-up. The differences in perioperative conditions between the two groups were not statistically significant. The incision length of the single incision group was significantly shorter than that of the double incision group (P < 0.01). The ODI and VAS scores of patients in both groups improved significantly at 3 and 12 months postoperation. However, these two indicators at 3 and 12 months postoperation and the sacrospinalis muscle damage evaluation indicators at 3 months postoperation did not differ significantly between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSMast Quadrant-assisted modified TLIF with a small single posterior median incision has excellent clinical feasibility compared to minimally invasive TLIF with a double paramedian incision.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the high-risk behaviors related to acquared immune deficiency syndrome/sexually transmitted disease (AIDS/STDs) infection among fishermen in Lv-si harbor,Jiangsu province.Methods A cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the research participants' demographic characteristics,high-risk behaviors that related to AIDS/STDs.Logistic regression was performed to measure the associations between potential risk factors and reported potential high-risk sexual behavior.Results 817 fishermen participated in the study and casual or commercial sex activities appeared to be the main high-risk behavior for AIDS/STDs infection in the target population.The rates of casual and commercial sex reported were 18.1％ and 28.9％ among fishermen.Risk factors associated with AIDS/STDs related high-risk behaviors among fishermen were high mobility (OR=1.516,P=0.038),higher lifetime sex frequency (OR=1.422,P=0.002)and unmarried status ( OR =7.527,P=0.014).Protective factors against high-risk behaviors were low intake of alcohol (OR=0.803,P=0.053),negative STD history (OR=0.268,P=0.001 ),age of initial sexual intercourse at or older than 22 years (OR =0.440,P=0.000) of age,as well as negative attitude toward multiple sexual parmers (OR=0.662,P=0.023 ) and legitimation for commercial sex (OR=0.612,P=0.007).Conclusion There were risk behaviors of AIDS/STDs in those infected fishmen.Casual and commercial sex were common high-risk behaviors.

The study was purposed to explore the effect and mechanisms of decitabine and/or Trichostatin A (TSA) on SKM-1 cells in vitro. The effect of decitabine and/or TSA on proliferation of SKM-1cells was analyzed with trypan blue exclusion; the differentiation of SKM-1 cells was detected by nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and flow cytometry; the apoptosis of cells was measured by Annexin V-FITC; the mRNA expression of Fas, survivin and P15(INK4B) in cells treated with decitabine and/or TSA was evaluated by RT-PCR. The results showed that decitabine and/or TSA were capable of inhibiting SKM-1 cell growth and promoting cell differentiation; they stimulated the expression of CD14 and CD11b and inhibited HLA-DR expression; meanwhile and decitabine or/and TSA could induce cell apoptosis, up-regulate mRNA expression of Fas and P15(INK4B), and down-regulate survivin mRNA expression. It is concluded that decitabine can induce apoptosis/differentiation of SKM-1 cells, whose mechanisms may related to the expression of Fas, survivin and P15(INK4B). Decitabine has the synergistic effect with TSA.
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Azacitidine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Humans ; Hydroxamic Acids ; pharmacology ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; pathology ; fas Receptor ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone /metformin hydrochloride in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods A randomized, double-blind, metformin and pioglitazone hydrochloride-controlled, and multicenter clinical trial was conducted. A total of 240 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this study, in which 120 patients received pioglitazone/ metformin, and 120 patients received metformin and pioglitazone. Result Comparing to the baseline, the fasting blood glucose ( FBG) , 2 h postprandial blood glucose (P2hBG) and HbAlc levels in tow groups were significantly reduced after 16-week treatment ( P < 0. 01 ) . In pioglitazone/metformin group, the mean reductions of FBG, P2hBG and HbAlc levels were (1. 92 ± 1. 77 ) mmol · L~(-1), ( 2. 49 ± 3. 13 ) mmol · L~(-1), (1. 27 ± 1. 45 ) % respectively. In metformin and pioglitazone group, the mean reductions of FBG, P2hBG and HbAlc levels were (2. 24 ±2. 11) mmol · L~(-1), (2. 89 ± 3. 71) mmol · L~(-1), ( 1. 49 ± 1. 52)% respectively. The differences in reductions of FBG, P2hBG and HbAlc level between the groups were not statistically significant. The incidence of adverse drug reaction in two groups was similar (10% vs 12%). Conclusion This result provides an efficacy and safety of pioglitazone /metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVETo probe into eliminating action of mild moxibustion combined with cupping therapy on athletic fatigue.

METHODSObserve changes of serum creatine kinase activity in gym-athletes with once great intensity training or periodic great intensity training, and the interfering effect of mild moxibustion combined with cupping therapy.

RESULTSThe mild moxibustion combined with cupping therapy has a significant promoting action on recovery of the increased serum creatine kinase activity induced by once great intensity training or periodic great intensity training in gym-athletes.

CONCLUSIONThe method has a better action of eliminating athletic fatigue.

Acupuncture Points ; Adolescent ; Child ; Creatine Kinase ; blood ; Female ; Gymnastics ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Moxibustion

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of ureteral access sheath (UAS) with vacullm suction during flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy in treatment of renal stones. Methods 96 cases of renal stones patients who received flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups:control group with 50 cases and treatment group with 46 cases. The stones free rate, operation time, intrapelvic pressure, renal colic, formation of steinstrasse, SIRS, Calcitonin Zymogen, leukocyte count, hospitalization time, hospitalization costs and treatment efficiency were evaluated after one month. Results The average, maximum and minimum intrapelvic pressure of treatment group was much lower than that of control group (P < 0.05); After one month, the treatment efficiency and stones free rate of control group was 70.0% and 82.0%, lower than that of treatment group (P < 0.05); The operation time of control group and treatment group was(108.6 ± 3.5) min, (86.3 ± 5.2) min (P < 0.05); The cases of renal colic, steinstrasse and SIRS of control group after treatment was 13 cases, 11 cases, 10 cases which was more than that of treatment group with 2 cases respectively (P < 0.05); The hospitalization time, hospitalization costs of control group and treatment group was (8.8 ± 1.1) d, (23 067.5 ± 392.8) RMB and (7.7 ± 1.2) d, (21 957.3 ± 378.6) RMB (P < 0.05); The Calcitonin Zymogen, leukocyte count of control group and treatment group was (1.5 ± 0.3) and (0.3 ± 0.1) ng/ml, (14.6 ± 0.5)×109/L and (6.4 ± 0.6)×109/L (P < 0.05). Conclusion The application of ureteral access sheath with vacullm suction during flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy in treatment of renal stones was simple, safe and effective, and can shorten the operation time, improve the rate of clearing stone and treatment efficiency, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions. The application can be extended.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect and mechanism of Huatuo Zaizao extractum (HTZZ) on focal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) blood-brain barrier injury induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion.

METHODSixty healthy male adult Sprague-Dawley rats was randomly divided into the sham operation group, the MCAO model group, the Tanakan (20 mg x kg(-1)) group, and high, middle and low-dose HTZZ groups (5, 2.5, 1.25 g x kg(-1)), with 10 in each group and single-dose duodenal administration. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was adopted to establish the rat focal I/R model. After ischemia for 90 min and reperfusion for 24 h, the pathological injury at the ischemia side was observed by HE staining. The blood-brain barrier structure was observed under transmission electron microscope. Expressions of G protein-coupled receptor kinases 2 (GRK2), matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were detected by western blotting technique.

RESULTAfter 90 min MCAO/24 h reperfusion, penumbra cerebral cortical micro-vessels showed edema, mitochondrial injury, vacuolation, membrane injury and reduction. Along with the changes, sub-cells of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in cortical penumbra brain tissues transferred from cytoplasm to membrane, with increase in expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9. HTZZ could effectively recover cerebral micro-vascular endothelial edemaand blood-brain barrier ultrastructure injury induced by I/R, reduce expression of functional (membrane coupling) GRK2, and inhibit expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

CONCLUSIONCell membrane coupling GRK2 may be the effective target of Huatuo Zaizao extractum.

Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; physiology ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; drug effects ; injuries ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; drug effects ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; complications ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Microvessels ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; complications ; metabolism ; physiopathology